Chapter 94 94

Chapter 94 94
Kylie's pov

There was only one thing I hated more than getting married to an Alpha. And that was acting like his fucking cheerleader. The worst was, however, when someone interrupted my chill time.

Howard and I occupied the soft cushion couch in my bedroom when the intruders decided to show up at my door.

I drew my weapon and aimed it at his head. Let’s be honest, with all the killing that's been going around (just Chloe's), I decided to arm myself. And besides, a bullet would only do the face of any intruder good.

“That’s a weird way of saying hello.” Rayes flashed me a friendly smile.

A sigh escaped me. “You should've knocked.” 

“I did. You didn't answer.” He glanced down at Howard who was still engrossed in the show he was watching.

I put the gun away and gave his shoulder a light pat. “Go watch it inside.”

“Okay, mommy.” He nodded, then took the iPad inside.

I turned to Rayes and Enzo. “This better be important or you'll give me my fucking time back. So… what brings you down to my humble kingdom?” I asked.

“Maybe we just missed you.” Enzo tossed his knife in the air with a shrug, catching it by the hilt.

I cataloged the jokester. Enzo was Xavier's infamous Delta and a crazy warrior wolf. Instead of his regular war uniform, he was sporting a preppy black peacoat with a black hoodie combo, slim fit chinos, and an ugly haircut. He looked about as scary as a moldy piece of marshmallow.

“Yeah, right.” I jerked my chin towards Rayes.

“Seriously?” He scoffed.

I rolled my eyes. “Don't blame me. Blame Jason for reigniting my trust issues. Search each other for weapons.”

Rayes muttered a curse before stomping over to Enzo who didn't mind getting patted down. When he was done searching Enzo, Rayes raised his arms sideways with a disgruntled look and let Enzo search him. Astonishingly, they were both unarmed.

“What do you want?” I grumbled.

“Come with us, and we’ll tell you.” Enzo tilted his head to the ceiling.

“Tell me here.” I demanded. I wondered why they wanted to. Has Xavier finally run mad and wants to get rid of everybody? That's what the previous Alpha did when his mate died and I'll be damned if I'll allow myself become a victim of genocide. 

“It's Xavier,” Rayes acknowledged with a sigh. “Again.”

My fingers itched to punch the skin between my eyes. I was done with that asshole’s whining and crying. But I had to pretend as if I care or they'll suspect I have another agenda. I do.

My brows pinched in fake concern. “What's wrong? Is he drinking again?”

The soldiers exchanged looks. Rayes jerked his head in a nod.

Fuck me!

They led me upstairs to Xavier's bedroom, glancing at me every now and then as though they were worried for me. It made me wonder if Xavier had turned violent because whatever they needed from me, they were desperate enough to ask for it nicely.

We left my secluded mansion and made our way to the main Pack Mansion. We piled into the foyer. Two curved, grand staircases stared back at me. Intricate columns in ivory and gold. Vaulted high ceilings, rich Persian carpets, baroque paintings, and so much gold my healthy eye nearly bled itself into blindness. The design was a mix of expensive, tacky, and over-the-top.

Servants rushed to take my coat and offer me refreshments. I refused them and gestured to Rayes to lead the way. 

I ascended the curved stairway. Enzo and Rayes trailed behind. I considered all options during the ride here and still hadn’t figured out the angle I'd use to placate whatever emotion Xavier's feeling.

We marched through the corridor and into the first set of double doors leading to Xavier’s office. 

Rayes opened the doors, and I entered, slamming the door shut behind me.

Sitting behind his desk was Xavier himself, wearing a paisley cravat and a three-piece with a bottle of vodka in hand. Despite being handsome, he looked pale in that suit.

The rumors were true, then. He was trying to kill himself.

He was bawling her eyes out into what, at some point, was a tissue while he took each sip and I stared at him, pissed to the fucking grits. It was 1 pm and here he was, drinking himself to death. I didn’t take it personally though. Part of that was what he did for a living.

The vast room was paneled with mahogany and filled with pictures of Chloe — at an award ceremony, in the pack's garden, at a cousin's wedding. There was an elaborate, gold-gilded picture on the desk in front of him. It was a picture of Chloe lying on his lap. My irritation turned to apprehension. How long was he going to mourn? It's been a month already.

I sauntered painfully slowly just to piss him off before sprawling on the recliner opposite him.

“What the hell are you doing here?!” He seethed.

“What the hell is happening to you?” I countered with a hiss.

“Nothing.”

Of course.

After trying to talk sense into him, which was successful in the meantime, I stretched my hand towards him.

“Why?” He asked, limping to his feet.

My left eye twitched. He's asking why I helped him? I wasn't helping this dumbass. I was doing it for myself. If I wanted to insert myself back into his life, I need to pretend I care about him. Besides, our joint account needed his signature if I wanted to access the money so I had to make him feel loved and enjoy it.

“Because I care.” I nearly choked on my lie. 

“Really?” 

“Yeah.” 

“Thank you.” He smiled.

I gnawed at my lower lip, wondering how much this conversation would linger. 

“Where are we going?” 

If there was a place I needed to cheer Xavier up was the BlackRock Garden.

The drive to the garden was short, and when I headed up, the host led me inside to an empty room.

I wore a simple lavender blouse and black jeans, whereas Xavier's button-down and dress pants screamed try-hard. It’s been a few months since I’ve been on a date, but surely, I’m not that much out of practice. 

When he finally saw me, he beamed, a soft, light smile that told me he was getting better now. 

He scanned the restaurant and the view of the city below us but I can’t tell if he’s impressed.

Do I want him to be impressed? To my dismay, hell yeah.

“You okay?” I came up behind him.

“Yeah…” he nodded.

Then he whipped around to look at me. The corner of his lips were already lifting up into a smile before they dipped.

My brows furrowed. “Xavier, are you okay?”

Xavier stared unblinkingly behind me and I was forced to look at what he was staring at.

My eyes locked onto the stranger that just walked in and I choked on air.

“M - Maisie?”