Chapter 9: Chapter Nine

Alpha Xander's POV

I stared at the disappearing backs, my fists still clenched. She was only here to read with Leo.

I grunt and run my hands through my hair.

"Fuck!" I slam my fist against the wall, angry at myself.

Leo had stopped going to read and it was because of me. Something he loved so much and I failed to realize I was responsible for it.

Work had become so hectic and pack affairs choked me so much that I stopped going to read with him and now the rogue... 'Anna' my wolf corrects me.

She was only trying to help my son but I accused her. I feel guilt creeping into my heart but I squash it instantly.

She was a rogue. The very thing I hated and it unnerved me to see her in my personal space.

Somewhere that even people in the pack didn't have access to. Seeing her staring intently at those pictures as if there was something interesting she was trying to discover.

A part of me was still convinced that she had something to do with the rogues who had taken Leo but I was yet to prove it. It's so much of a coincidence that a rogue saved him from other rogues.

Rogues had no morality or decency. No conscience.

They only knew how to destroy and kill. Nothing good ever came out of having rogues close by. I was a testimony and I made myself a vow to destroy anyone who associated with them... until now.

This Anna whom Leo had taken a liking to completely changed all my declarations on rogues for now.

I walk out of the hallway, closing the door gently and heading to my office. I had barely shut the door when Gabriel came barreling in.

"What the fuck?" I growled at him, my anger returning tenfold.

"Sorry to barge in"

"Damn right. Have you lost your fucking manners? Barging into my office in that manner."

"Pardon me."

"What do you want? No! What did you tell Anna to do?"

"That is why I'm here. I'm sorry for not informing you prior to the visit or mentioning the restriction to her. I was only concerned about Leo and she was doing something to help the situation."

"I should have been informed."

"Pardon me Alpha. It won't happen again."

"It had better not repeat itself. I paid guards to watch her movements because I don't trust her. Her closeness with Leo won't change the situation. Understood?"

"Yes, Alpha."

"Where is Hayden?"

"Outside patrol"

"Any news on the rogues that had taken Leo?"

"No. We tracked their movements down to the creek and the trail ended there."

"Surrounding areas?" He shakes his head

"And Anna?"

"We didn't find her dwelling... or any trail of her."

"How convenient that she has no trail just like the same people that abducted Leo."

"She was ready to fight us when we came for Leo that day."

"A plot?"

"You're aware that can happen?"

"I don't think she can pretend for so long and they would consider the risk of being too close to you and what do they stand to gain?"

"A lot. Killing Leo, attacking the pack"

"That would be certain death for her. They won't risk it."

"Never say never. There is an endgame and I'm determined to find out what it is before they strike.

"She could also be innocent and oblivious to pack plans."

"Let's see but I will be watching closely." I was hardly ever wrong.

"Did you at least find out where she is coming from? The previous pack? What was she doing in the forest at that time?"

"We haven't gotten into that just yet but earlier when she was asked about her belongings she mentioned she had none but what she had on her at the moment."

As expected, Rogues didn't move around with their belongings. They had a base where it stayed.

"Keep an eye on her and I expect news about the rogues soon."

"Understood Alpha"

I waved him off dismissively and turned to the work spread on my table. My eyes shifted to the picture of Evelyn and I panicked.

For the first time since her death, the thought of her had not plagued me all day. Instead, my mind was occupied with something different... or someone.

Gabriel spoke of second mates. I still couldn't believe that I would be a rare case and get a second mate and even if that were true how could I take another and not betray Evelyn?

No matter what, it was just wrong for me to do that.

"Do you then reject the goddess's blessings?"

I turn sharply at the intruder and see Bailey the witch right in the middle of my office.

"I didn't invite you"

She rolled her eyes.

"Since when have I been summoned by a mere mortal?"

I growled at her but she laughed

"Forgive me for classifying you with the rest of them."

"I couldn't care less what you think. Why are you here?"

"My fondness for you brought me here."

I keep scowling at her.

"Oh! I came to see your new visitor."

"Not a visitor."

"She stays in your home, in your wing and your son calls her mother."

"If you know all of these, why are you here asking me?"

"I want to know what you plan to do about the new mate given your stance on rogues."

"She is not my mate," I said harshly but Bailey didn't flinch

"You're fond of lying to yourself Alpha Xander."

"And you are fond of getting on my nerves. I don't like having you around, Bailey. You only bring bad news."

She held her chest with an exaggerated gasp like she was hurt by what I had said but it was only an act.

"You may not like the news I bring but it's only for your own good. If you heed me..."

"I don't care about what you have to say or the consequences. I don't want you here."

"I don't care what you want. I am a messenger."

"Who never gives the whole message. Why don't you tell me why you are really here?"

"Your son has discovered a rare gem and it is stationed in your home. Do not lose it."

"So you are calling the rogue a rare gem now?"

She locked her head to the side.

"You'll fail to see it but if you don't handle it with care, you'll lose it and it will be far more painful than the last one you lost."

"Don't you dare" I growled at her but she didn’t flinch

"She is tied to your past."

That made me pause and I became

interested in her words.

"My past?"

She nodded once but offered no other words.

"Is that all you're going to say?" I prodded

"Leave a half-baked message again with no real interpretation?"

"My words are as clear as day. There is nothing further that can be said. You know how it works."

"Fuck the laws that do nothing to prevent death and pain." My voice was thick with emotion.

"Everything is not always as it seems. For a new flower to bloom, the old must die."

"Lies!" I spat at her in anger

"She didn't have to die for a woman I don't even want"

She sighed and I saw pity in her gaze.

"What if everything you believed was false?" I scoffed but she continued

"What if the flower you took care of in your garden wasn't yours to begin with?"

"You speak in riddles Bailey"

"Go back to where it all started and you shall get your answers."

"Where it all started?" I questioned but Bailey vanished just as she had come, leaving me confused but questioning everything I have known till now and pondering on her words.

"Where it all began?"