Chapter 36

ALEXIA

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I felt a hand caressing my head and rubbing my hair softly at the same time. I moan softly and blink my eyes slowly to open them and take in my surroundings.

I cannot believe that I fell asleep after taking those herbs. How on earth did I sleep so long.

"You seem fine" Fred's voice startles me and I open my eyes widely.

I stretch myself and sit up fully on the bed.

"How long was I out?" I ask trying to balance myself on my bed.

"The entire day" he replies calmly.

My eyes almost pops out of their sockets and I stare at my window across the bedroom. It's almost sunset.

"I can't believe I slept to that extent"

"You were tired and you needed it. How are you feeling now?" He asked. His voice laced with concern.

"I am feeling better now thank you. How was the meeting?" I asked and his face tightens at my question. It was almost like I've said something abominable.

"It was alright. You don't have to bother yourself with anything like that"

"Something happened right?" I pressed "That's why you're hiding it and refusing to tell me anything"

He nods "Yes." He proclaims. "Something did happen but sadly I cannot share it with you. It is too sensitive of a topic and besides whatever happens in the council, stays in the council"

I touch his hand "Whatever has you this worried, I'm pretty sure you'll figure it out so don't stress yourself about it. Alright?"

"Thank you Alexia. I'm glad that you're here" he smiled at me. His words always have a way of getting to me and it always makes me feel different. It is no doubt that I'm drawn to Fred.

"Now" he stands up from the bed and looks down at me. "Why don't you get dressed so that we can go on a walk together"

"And Asher?" I ask fearfully. I don't want him coming down on us. After what happened between us, I'm still trying my very best to stay clear and not be seen with one of them when I'm with the other.

"In his study. Why?"

"No reason. I'll just take a quick shower and join you outside."

"Very well then" his hands are tied together behind his back as he walks outside my chambers.

What could be the problem that has Fred so walked up? He doesn't want to tell me but the creased line on his forehead and the pain in his voice as he spoke to me wasn't unnoticed. Something was definitely up and I'll figure it out somehow.

I enter the bathroom and take a quick shower then change into something simple.

I am about to leave my bedroom when Sally rushes In almost immediately.

"Where are you off to?" She asked as she did a sweep from my head to toe. "And looking so pretty too"

I felt my cheeks turn ruby "I'm going on a walk" I casually tell her.

"A walk? With who?"

"Um..." I trailed off "Just around the garden. By myself"

"Dressed like that?" She pointed at my outfit and I almost squirm. I can't tell her that it's with Fred. Our relationship is a secret and I don't want her knowing the entire details. It was bad enough that she saw me on his bed. I don't want her getting the wrong ideas before I start getting bad news about myself.

"I've been sick all day Sally" I touch her arm "I just wanted to get out and stretch myself a little. Nothing more."

"But you aren't feeling too well. You should rest" she insists.

"But that's exactly what I've been doing all day. I just want to take a walk. I promise I'll join you with your evening chores later. Bye" I dashed out of the bedroom and after making absolutely certain that I wasn't being followed, I took another route to the garden to meet Fred.

I spot him standing straight. His hands behind his back with his eyes closed. He looks so handsome, just standing there.

"Are you just going to stand there?" He asked startling me from having the best view of him from out here.

"Sorry my Lord, but you're no fun"

He chuckles "What is your definition of fun? Undressing people with your eyes?"

I gulped and that stupid action earned me a low laugh from him.

"I don't do that!" I protest as I tried to defend myself.

"Of course you don't."

"The sun looks so beautiful from here" I complement. He stares at me and back to the sun.

"It sure does" he replies back.

"I never do this at home" I blurt out suddenly.

"Home?" He inquired with arched brows as he turned to look at me "You mean your pack?" He asked before turning to face the direction of the already setting sun.

I nod "Yes."

"What was home like?"

I turned to look at him, surprised that he had asked me such question.

"Home was brutal my Lord" I tell him after finding my voice. "My pack wasn't home for me"

"Do you regret it?" He looked at me again "Do you get angry and regret that you were brought here?"

I shook my head "No!"

"At home it was nothing but costant insults and abuses. They called me cursed and mateless because I didn't have a mate" a lump formed in my throat "I was supposed to be sold to another pack the night that Asher attacked our pack. Your arrival was a blessing to me"

"I am glad that you feel that way my Lady." A small smile feathered on his lips.

"There was nothing for me there. My mother even left me to die. I didn't even know if they survived or died cause that was the last day I saw them" the tears stinged my eyes and I blinked to keep them at bay.

"You are here now, and that's what matters Alexia."

"I know. Thank you My lord" we watched the sun set together. I closed my eyes and drowned myself in his scent. I could get used to this.

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