Chapter 4

JAX:

“Ryleigh was acting weird earlier, or was it just me?” Alizac asked me.

She went on this tangent about some vision and freaked out when I joked about it. But dealing with someone so naive and young you never know how they will react. A rose with thorns. Bloody disaster.

“I don’t know what happened when she came back, but something has switched in her. It’s new. She told me some strange story that she was going to go to turn herself in but was given a vision of everything that would have happened if she did turn herself to the humans. She even claimed that Alpha Anthony was her second mate. I think she’s on some drugs or some sort,” I continued, which resulted in us laughing at the insinuation.

But the knot in my stomach caused anxiety, not wanting to believe that. I was so mad after what she has done, and she has proven to be so immature to the point I don’t know if she is making excuses or is really crazy. I know she is my mate, and, in my eyes, she’s supposed to be the perfect woman for me. But my mind is saying otherwise. She’s too young and naive to have a relationship.

“I’ve known her to be dramatic and sometimes secretive. But Ryleigh isn’t a liar. She has always told the truth eventually or even if it hurts someone. Didn’t she get mad when you dismissed her last time?”

Who would’ve thought that Alizac would be the reasonable one out of us? I mean he was right. She has never lied but kept the fact Alizac and I were brothers. He was my little brother, which is strange to think about.

“I guess you're right. But also, she hates your ass more than me, so I guess that’s a plus,” I joked.

But Alizac wasn’t so happy with that. I knew it was going to be a non-stop battle because he was going to fight for her forgiveness.

“Guess we aren’t the only ones who will be fighting for her affection if he really is her mate. I guess we will see but I am not giving up on her.”

He was delusional if he thought she’d ever take him back after he blatantly cheated on her and she caught him. But he was the Alpha King, and no one has ever told him no. So, his stubborn ass would keep beating a dead horse to prove he can.

“Yeah, good luck with that. I am going to try to drag her from her room.”

I made an exit for the door but the closer I got to her room I realized she wasn’t there. Her scent was strong, but she wasn’t in here as she breathed hard. I traced her scent to the outside of a place I hadn’t been in a while. What is going on in that mind of hers at this point? I was naturally worried. But more worried that if what she said was right, I’d have to fight for her. But my ears picked up crying which made my legs move faster and there she was bawling her eyes out like years of pain just coming out. But what made things worse was that she was in the arms of Alpha Anthony.

“What is going on here? Why is she crying?” I demanded.

Yet it only caught the attention of Anthony. I rushed over and pulled her to me as the thought of him touching my mate angered the wolf in me. He stood in a defensive stance as he glared at me.

“What did you do to her?” I yelled.

But that only resulted in him standing inches from me with no words to say. What if she was telling the truth and this is why he was acting this way towards a royal. Mates were reckless towards theirs.

“I would think long and hard about your next action. This is my mate and I’d advise not to touch her again.”

It was this overbearing possessiveness I had never felt before. But I guess that’s what the mate bond does.

“Anthony, what is happening?” A voice appeared.

I look over to see this woman and a group of people staring at us. It seems it is his pack and standing down would be best since I am outnumbered. I looked down at Ryleigh who had her mouth locked while she shot daggers at the woman. This was starting to feel like she was telling the truth.

“Let’s not keep the King waiting.”

I reached over to pick her up and wrap my arms around her. She had instantly relaxed in my arms while she deeply inhaled. But I can understand why she suddenly went pissed knowing the female had his scent all over him which could only mean that they were together or seeing each other.

“Do you believe me now?” Ryleigh whispered.

She stepped away from my hold and picked her shirt from the ground just noticing she was only in a sports bra.

“I said let's not keep the king waiting. Now go!” I yelled.

Everyone started scattering but the one person who kept eye contact and that was Anthony. But just for a moment before he interlaced his fingers with the woman’s and walked away. I held my arm out knowing she was about to attack her if I didn’t stop her. Great another goddamn man to worry about. The only good thing about this was he had another he had fallen for.

“Do you want to skip dinner?” I asked.

She had her hands running through her head like she was trying to calm her nerves. She shook her head and walked towards the palace with her head down like it’s more stress she needed. If I was her in this situation, I’d burn this entire place down knowing how much she overreacts. I followed her into her room where she hopped in the shower and forgotten that I was there. Why did it feel like I’m fighting once again? It’s an ongoing battle.