Chapter 73 73
Maisie's Pov
I balled my right hand into a fist as Xavier led me away.
I hated the fact that he'd taken me away from Roman and the fact that I let him. I barely saw Roman or even talked to him. I couldn't do that both, physically or online, without anyone watching. I hated the distance between us and how we'd have to suffer for it. And most of all, I hated Xavier.
“Darling?” He gave my hand a light squeeze. “What's wrong?”
“Nothing.” I kept walking, refusing to meet his gaze.
He pulled back my arm and I yelped, falling straight to his chest.
My chest heaved as I caught my breath, staring up at him.
“What was that for? I almost fell.” I scoffed.
“I caught you, didn't I?” he grinned. When he noticed I didn't return his mirth as he expected, he tucked me to his side. “Darling, what's wrong? You look upset. Did that bastard tell you anything?”
The bastard he referred to was Roman. If only Xavier knew the actual bastard in this case was himself.
I fought back a nasty retort and shook my head. “No, he didn't say anything. I was just thinking about what Hannah said earlier.”
Xavier planted a soft kiss on my forehead. “Don't worry about what she said. Hannah is long gone by now.”
“Gone?” My brows furrowed. Don't tell me he actually had her killed?
“Yes. She deserved to die for touching you, Chloe.” His grip around me turned possessive. “No one is allowed to touch you except me.”
In that moment, I knew I'd fucked up. I hadn't just deceived Xavier but I had created a monster in him. One that will never let me go. Ever.
“Shall we?” He smiled.
I nodded quietly and let it lead me towards the garden.
My thoughts ran wild. Hannah had come here to seek justice for her husband. But it's been a long time since he died so why did she come now and not after he died? Did he even die at all? I didn't see his body.
We walked into the garden hand in hand.
Xavier sat on the white bench and pulled me into his lap. I sat silently as he cradled me in his arms.
“Ah, the weather is good today, isn't it?” He mumbled into my hair.
“It is.” I said quietly.
My mind raced. I had to find out if Beta Gavin is still alive or not. If he is, I'd have to get rid of him permanently. I wouldn't want him to interrupt my plans.
A few hours later, I woke up in bed.
I rubbed my eyes and stifled a yawn. I must've fallen asleep on Xavier's lap.
When I turned, the side next to me was cold and empty. Xavier didn't stay. That's a first. Usually, he'd cling to me and never let me go.
I pushed back the bedcovers and reached for my slippers. Then I walked towards the door. The guards on standby bowed in command when they saw me.
“Good evening, madam,” one of them greeted respectfully.
“Good evening,” I said. “Where is Alpha Xavier?”
“He's in the drawing room upstairs with some foreigners.”
My brows dipped. “Foreigners?”
“Yes, ma'am. The Healer's Wristband is really popular these days.” The man explained.
Xavier is talking to potential investors behind my back? I gripped my fist. That bastard!
I whirled around, only to bump into the man I'd thought about killing 6 times in my head.
“Darling,” Xavier smiled. “I was just thinking about you.”
Ugh!
“I didn't want to wake up but I'm glad you're here. Some foreigners from the East wanted to speak to the brains behind the Healer's wristband. I was on my way to you.”
I blinked. He told them I was the brain behind the Healer Project?
“Darling, are you alright?” He cupped my cheek.
“Yeah.” I said, surprised. “I'm fine.”
“Great. Let's go meet them.” He took my hand in his. “Do you want to meet them now? I can postpone the meeting to a later date if you'd like that.”
I shook my head. “No. Now is better.”
“That's my girl.” He placed a kiss on my forehead and we marched down the stairs.
The Drawing Room was my least favourite room. It had been top of my list when Aria was still alive. Back then, we'd spend hours playing the piano or sharing cookies we'd baked overnight. We'd talk about her favourite cartoons and laugh all night long. Now, there was no one to share those moments with. If only Aria were still alive. If only I could've saved my baby.
My hand unconsciously stroked my stomach and I sighed.
‘Don’t get your hopes up, Maisie.’
The foreigners Xavier mentioned were indeed foreign. Their skin was as dark as bronze and their eyes the colour of winter. The eldest of the three, bowed softly, his hand clutching a wrapped turban. The other two did the same before standing up straight and wearing it back.
A flicker of recognition crossed their eyes and they all smiled.
“Greetings, Your Highness,” the eldest began. “My name is Alpha Shakan and these are my brothers, Beta Ramal and Gamma Teshan.”
“Nice to meet you all.” I smiled. It was them, the MiddleEastern Wolves, one of the greatest warriors wolfkind has ever seen. They thrived in war and weaponry. I was surprised to see them here. That was a lie. I wasn't. Somehow, I knew they'd visit. I just didn't know when.
I offered them a seat and deliberations began. They wanted to purchase over one million boxes of the healer's wristband. My jaws nearly dropped to the floor. That was the largest amount we'd ever sold out.
Xavier's eyes brightened at the number. He knew the numbers we'd make from this would be insane.
“That's amazing. Thank you.” he beamed, carried away as usual.
I sat up and leaned in. “One million is not half of your army and certainly not your entire population. What's the actual reason for purchasing this, Alpha Shakan?”
Teshan, the youngest, seemed taken aback by my question because he leaned in to whisper to his brother, Ramal. Shakan held up when Ramal tried to whisper to him.
“You are a clever one. I knew you'd find this suspicious.” Shakan smirked.
“That's my woman.” Xavier chuckled as he pulled me close.
Shakan must've noticed how uncomfortable I was because he cleared his throat and said. “I wish to speak to her Highness alone.”
Xavier's smile faltered. “But why? I'm here.”
“It's okay, darling.” I nearly choke on the word ‘darling’. “I'll talk to him.”
Xavier gave Shakan and his brothers a wry look before facing me. “Okay. He is safe.” Then he whispered. “You still have your dagger with you?”
I was surprised by his question but I whispered a yes to him. After Xavier announced our engagement, he gave me a silver-crested dagger and told me to eat on me at all times. Right now, the dagger was stuck to my thigh.
“Good. Call me if you need me.” He kissed me. Like actually kissed me on the lips and left. That slimy asshole.
Beta Ramal and Gamma Teshan with Xavier left the room. Now, it was just me and Alpha Shakan.
He rose to his feet and I joined him.
When he stopped right in front of me, I opened my arms and he walked right into it.
“Maisie!” He patted my back softly and pulled back. “It's been a while. You are radiant.”
“As are you.” I smiled.
“Nonsense. I'm just a shabby old man.” Shakan smirked, then nodded at the door. “That man? Really?”
“I know.” I winced. “It tasted terrible, didn't it?”
“You did.” He took a seat while I stood. “So what's the plan?”
“The same.” I nodded.
“The same huh.”
“Yup.”
He smacked his lips. “Okay but my offer for the wristbands still stands. The RedHowl is spreading in my pack and I desperately need a cure.”
I tried not to remember Aria as I spoke. “You will have it.”
“Thank you.” He smiled and rose to his feet. “It was a pleasure doing business with you, Maisie.”
“Likewise, Shakan.” I shook his outstretched hand. “And one more thing…”
“Yes?”
“I need you to find someone for me.”
“Who's that?”
“A dead man by the name Gavin Glory.”