Chapter 141: It's time

Maddox’s P.O.V.

Some months ago, listening to Hayden’s name was impossible for me, that sneaky vampire was never in my good books. He was a rogue criminal who always loved to break the rules, making fun of serious issues every time.

Our ways parted when he refused to pledge his loyalty to me after my historical success against the Vampire King, accepting the title of rebel.

And now, he has submitted before Kitten, obeying her as his Queen. It increased my difficulties tenfold to ask for his help.

We were friends again because of Kitten, but Hayden always struck a deal to challenge my laws. Like he asked me to sign flexible rules of hunting in return for assisting in earlier investigation.

The evidence we got from the slaves’ master was indeed his magic, he compelled that wolf as he wasn’t following my commands.

Due to Bastard Prince’s growing influence over the Kingdom, more and more Werewolves considered him their Alpha. So, it was impossible for me to get the desired information using my Royal command.

However, Hayden’s strong compulsion was the dealbreaker, clarifying the issue of Kitten’s mom. He assured me of his help this time as well.

“Don’t worry, Maddox. I will pull some strings for the autopsy reports of Alpha Harrison.”

Sitting in the conference room, my dad, aunt, James, Magnus, and girls’ gang, all were intently hearing Hayden’s perspective, we were gathered for a family meeting.

Based on my experience, Bastard Prince was now using home politics to defeat me, brainwashing my Kitten. It was more dangerous than geopolitical situation as I was zero in this field.

All thanks to my Erasthai, I had a wide circle of trustworthy friends who were ready to put their lives on stake as Moira suggested.

“Shyl is grieving her dad’s death alone. Please allow me to go and see her, Your Majesty. I know how to talk to her when she is sad.”

She then shared her experience when she consoled Kitten after her divorce, trying to make a point. But Beta James openly opposed this plan.

“Prince Edith is a sly fox. He must have set countless traps in his Palace. It’s not safe for an inexperienced girl to go there and endanger her safety.

Worst-case scenario, he can use you as leverage against us.”

My dad agreed to Beta James and said,

“You are quite right, James. Edith is already on the winning side as he has Shyla with him.

We need to bring our Queen back without creating more troubles.”

Onora and Catherine were researching on Kitten’s mom’s bloodline with the help of available resources, they reported.

“Her Highness’s mom was an omega just like her. She died a painful death in the breeder camp.

But her sister …”

Onora glanced at Catherine while saying.

“Prince Edith’s mom, Sophia, is a strange lady. I couldn’t find any trace of her.

It seems she is well-protected by magic. I have sent her information to my coven head for details.”

Why?

I screamed inwardly at this new issue, clenching and unclenching my fists in annoyance. I had hardly closed the case of Kitten’s mom, clearing my name. But her sister came up with a new agenda to give me a hard time.

Ugh!

I thanked our magical partners for this update, going back to the main problem.

“Kitten has accused me of killing her father and swore to avenge his death. What should I do now?”

I looked at my dad for some sort of solution as he was the most experienced old fogey among us. But he rolled his eyes at me.

“What can we say?

Who told you to behave rudely at your in-laws house? Now reap what you sow!”

What?

My eyes widened in disbelief, totally aghast by my dad’s response. Instead of supporting his son, he blamed me like I was an immature teenager, who picked a fight for nothing.

As it was impossible to get any help for him, I consulted my friends. For some background, I narrated the complete story of the party in detail and then requested,

“Anyone with an idea of winning my Erasthai’s trust back?

Please!”

The deafening silence followed my query knotted my stomach, ruining my mood. This silent reply of my family was proof that this was indeed a dead end. My hopes were shattered by Hayden’s silence as he was a master in love games and relationships. We could easily call him ‘A god of Romance’. But he was also clueless in my case.

My head was about to explode with tension when my dad’s wife spoke hesitantly.

“If you don’t mind, then I have a suggestion.”

All eyes fixed on her as she trembled, holding my dad’s hand. I tried to speak in the softest tone to beg for her favor.

“I would definitely appreciate your advice. Please continue!”

Although she was reluctant to proceed, my dad’s assuring nod gave her courage. She said,

“From what I have noticed, Shyla is an exceptionally talented girl.

Despite her young age, she possesses a precious quality, which is ...”

Aunt paused for a second as if I would magically read her mind to complete her statement. I glared at her to get the complete response.

“The ability to judge a person’s true intentions. Her heart is like a mirror where she could see the true face of people around her. It’s the Moon Goddess’s blessing for our Fenrir Alpha King.

I am certain that her revenge spree would be detailed and doubly painful for the real culprit.”

From her statement, I realized that Kitten had effortlessly earned the respect of Werewolves across the Kingdom. Her entire race looked up to her for leadership.

Aunt told us about the incident at the orphanage and Kitten’s first royal decree to advocate for her proposal.

“A group of werewolves was running an illegal slave camp in the name of an orphanage. And Shyla has caught them in the act on her first visit there.

Nothing can escape from the eye of a Fenrir Alpha!

Let her mourn her loss, she will find the truth by herself.”

Aunt’s long speech was impressive, giving me hope and all that. But I couldn’t rely on empty words as a King, I needed productive planning. Eliminating the Bastard Prince’s threatening presence was really complicated.

We then discussed a strategy and finalized our game plan, then Alpha Magnus presented a file to me.

“Going to Alpha Harrison’s Palace was quite useful, brother Maddox.

I met my spy there, he sold me a file regarding the case of artificial intelligence chips inserted in the Werewolves’ brain.

Please check it.”

Finally, a gust of refreshing breeze in suffocation!

I swiftly read the papers and was amazed by the efficiency of that spy. He had stolen the list of the doctors and institutions involved in the research and operations in the entire Kingdom.

This eye-opening information was a turning point in the current circumstances, we finally had the pinpoint of the danger looming over our world.

As Magnus brought this report, he had earned the merit to work on this case. I appointed him as the supervisor of this case’s interrogation.

“Magnus, you will keep an eye on these doctors. Hunt them down, but be discreet.

We can’t alert the Bastard Prince about our master plan.”

…

The dilemma of my professional life aside, I was restless because of my Kitten’s pain, her dad’s death had taken a toll on her. She was crying nonstop, feeling intense agony. The bounty of mate-bond had connected our hearts to make me feel anguished.

It was like a blunt knife, stabbing continuously in my chest, clawing my heart out. I was trapped in the endless loop of misery alone.

With the hope of seeing my Erasthai sooner, I suppressed my emotions and worked hard to prove my innocence. The empty words of apology couldn’t replace the evidence in this critical incident.

But the sudden demise of Alpha Harrison separated me from my Kitten, that wolf had ruined my peace even with his death.

Now, Zeth was also ashamed of his conduct, he spoke like a lost child in the festival, utterly horrified.

“I am sorry, Maddox. I didn’t mean to hurt anyone.”

His teary voice melted my heart into a puddle as he said,

“I just wish to see my Erasthai. Ash is alone and miserable, she was hurt due to living in that Palace.

And because of that Bastard Prince, I can’t even mind-link her!”

His crying and my impatience overpowered the reasonable King in me, and I went to attend Alpha Harrison’s funeral uninvited, taking Moira with me as a shield.

Kitten’s friend got easy access inside the Palace, clearing my way. I followed her inside and silently stood in the main hall to see my Erasthai. This was the least I could do for her.

Dressed in the same white gown, Kitten looked like a terminally ill patient, sitting by Alpha Harrison’s coffin.

She only moved when Moira hugged her.

“Shyl, you aren’t alone!”

As a good buddy, Moira looked after Kitten, calming her down as she was reluctant to bid farewell to her dad. I instructed Mrs. Lockwood to pay full attention to Kitten’s needs to ensure her health.

Only my heart knew how I stayed in the shadows and witnessed the whole ceremony with absolute restraint. This was the cruelest test for me from heaven. My Erasthai was suffering, and I couldn’t do anything except watch her devastation, unable to perform the duty of a mate.

It was worse than being burnt or skinned alive!

Gulping a lump in my throat, I wiped my teary eyes, the storm of strong emotions had shaken me to the core. That was when I caught a whiff of suspicious activity in the Palace. Smiling mysteriously, Bastard Prince appeared chill, neither despondent nor sad on his beloved uncle’s death.

I heard him saying, “This was the last obstacle of my way. It’s time to attack the Lycan Capital, brothers.”