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"Excellent! I've finally found myself a father!" Leo exclaimed with an intoxicating blend of excitement and anticipation. She eagerly embraced Bella, showering him with affectionate kisses. As Alpha Zachary observed Leo's contagious joy, a proud smile adorned his face. Breanna, caught up in the moment, couldn't help but mirror their expressions. "Tomorrow, you shall bear witness to the sacred mating bond. Our esteemed grandmother will waste no time in arranging a magnificent wedding ceremony for you. I vow to bestow upon you a grand celebration!"

"Grandmother, there's really no need," Bella replied, feeling slightly embarrassed.

"Nonsense! As the youthful Alpha of the esteemed Zachary bloodline, it is imperative that my union is met with great fanfare! I shall invite all the illustrious celebrities!" Breanna sneered in response to Madam Zachary's words. With a swift motion, she raised her glass and exclaimed, "Congratulations, Bella! Congratulations, ! May your mating bond be filled with eternal happiness!"

Bella was taken aback by Breanna's sudden change in demeanor. Wasn't she resentful of Bella's connection to Alpha Zachary? Pondering this, Bella lifted her own glass and accepted Breanna's congratulatory toast alongside Alpha Zachary.

"Mom, can I be the flower boy at your wedding?" Leo enthusiastically interjected.

"Very well then, let Leo be our flower boy!" Alpha Zachary responded, a tender gaze fixed upon Bella.

Meanwhile, Alpha Xavier stood at the doorway, his mind lost in a daze as he observed the scene unfolding before him. The collective well wishes directed at Bella and Alpha Zachary left him feeling crestfallen and powerless. Though Bella and Leo embraced Alpha Zachary as family, he remained an outsider. No matter what he did, he couldn't alter Bella's perception of him. Realizing he couldn't prolong his stay any further, he gently placed the toy in his hand onto the ground and solemnly made his exit from the Zachary household.

His destination unknown, Alpha Xavier aimlessly wandered the deserted streets. Exhaustion eventually overcame him, and he sought solace at the side of the road. A couple passed by, their smiles radiating a beauty and sweetness he once cherished. How did he let that slip away?

A seductive voice echoed through his mind. "Alpha Xavier, my love for you will never waver!" The promise still echoed, yet everything had changed. Alpha Xavier remained perched on the unfamiliar streets, neon lights illuminating his woeful countenance. He desperately fought back the tears pooling in his eyes, but his efforts proved futile. The formidable business tycoon, unable to control his own emotions, was reduced to tears on a foreign street.

Following Alpha Xavier's instructions, Mark swiftly arranged for a private jet to retrieve Elinor, growing increasingly concerned for her safety. However, upon arriving in the U. S., he found no trace of Alpha Xavier. No one answered their calls. Mark's anxiety mounted. Could something have happened to Alpha Xavier?

With nowhere else to turn, he made his way to the Zachary household. Leo's birthday festivities had come to a close, and Bella had taken Leo upstairs to rest. The servants were tidying up when they noticed the remote control aircraft carrier at the doorstep, intended as a gift for Leo. Leo's eyes lit up with delight as he exclaimed, "What a splendid remote control aircraft carrier! Who gifted it to me?"

Bella couldn't believe her eyes. On that day, Alpha Xavier had mentioned wanting to gift Leo an aircraft carrier. Could he be the anonymous benefactor? But why hadn't he come inside? Did he overhear Bella and Alpha Zachary's impending nuptials?

Unaware of Bella's internal musings, Leo gleefully clutched the aircraft carrier. "Uncle Alpha Xavier said he wanted to get me this aircraft carrier, but he never showed up today." A tinge of disappointment laced Leo's tone.

Bella, coming back to her senses, gently touched Leo's head. "This is the gift from Uncle Alpha Xavier."

"Where is he? Why didn't he come and say hello to me? I haven't thanked him yet," Leo pouted, his fondness for Alpha Xavier still intact.

"He shall be thanked in due time," Bella reassured Leo, tenderly stroking his head. Just then, Alpha Zachary entered the room. "Earlier, Alpha Xavier's aide, Mark, came in search of him. He spoke of Alpha Xavier's sudden disappearance, unable to locate him anywhere. All attempts to reach him have proven fruitless. I shall accompany Mark in the search."

Bella paused for a moment, gathering her resolve. "A person of such stature cannot simply vanish without a trace. There's no need to worry about him."

"This territory is far from accustomed to our pack. It's fraught with unrest. Alpha Xavier is unfamiliar with this place. If something were to go awry, it's best that I join the search," Alpha Zachary countered, harboring his own unspoken trepidation. "Go ahead. Inform me immediately of any developments," Bella instructed, though internally, she was fraught with unease. Alpha Zachary had agreed to leave, but Bella couldn't shake her uneasiness. As Leo fell asleep, she anxiously stood at the gate of the Zachary family, constantly checking her phone. Why hadn't Alpha Zachary called her? Was something wrong with Alpha Xavier?

Finally, the phone rang, and Bella picked it up. "Alpha Zachary, have you found him?" she asked, hoping for some good news.

"I'm not Alpha Zachary!" came a deep voice on the other end. It was Alpha Xavier.

"Oh, it's you. Where are you? Your special assistant, Mark, is looking for you everywhere..." Bella said, her worry evident in her tone.

"Bella, I have something to tell you," Alpha Xavier interrupted her. "Can you not marry Alpha Zachary?"

Bella hesitated for a moment before firmly answering, "No!"

"Am I really so guilty that I can't be forgiven? Can't you forgive me once?" Alpha Xavier pleaded.

Bella remained silent, contemplating whether Alpha Xavier truly deserved forgiveness. She had once hated him, but now that she knew the truth, her feelings had changed. She had even considered reuniting with him for the sake of their child. However, with Elinor in the picture, she couldn't envision a future with Alpha Xavier. She held herself back and coldly replied, "You clearly know it's a fire pit, but you still jump into it. Are you not a fool?"

"Foolish indeed! Hahaha!" Alpha Xavier laughed bitterly. "Bella, I've never forgotten my promise to you. I've never forgotten. Do you know?"

"So what? They can't go back!" Bella's voice turned colder, and she wiped her face, trying to maintain her composure. "Alpha Xavier, I'm about to turn 30. I'm no longer the naive and dreamy girl you once knew. Everything you said has long disappeared from my memory. I don't remember it!"

Her words stung Alpha Xavier's heart. "Bella, I really want to pretend to be magnanimous and wish you happiness, but I can't. I know I'm already extremely shameless in your eyes, so one more thing won't matter. I hope you and Alpha Zachary won't be happy, because only I can give you true happiness!"

Bella remained calm and unaffected by his words. "Alpha Xavier, I don't need your blessing for my happiness. You should go back to the hotel immediately. Your special assistant is looking for you, and he's very anxious. Call him back or tell me where you are so I can send him to find you."

Alpha Xavier felt a sense of despair as he heard her indifferent tone. She truly didn't care about him anymore. He wiped away his tears and said, "I'll go back right away!"

The call suddenly ended, leaving Bella standing in the living room in a daze. Reflecting on the past, she remembered how Alpha Xavier had once told her that she would marry him and only then find happiness. Now, he claimed that he didn't want her to be happy, as only he could provide it. How ironic! Bella realized that her happiness would not be controlled by Alpha Xavier. She was determined to prove him wrong. Without him, she would still find happiness.

Not long after, Alpha Zachary returned, informing Bella that Alpha Xavier had gone back to the hotel. Bella felt relieved, and they continued through the night.

The next morning, Bella and Alpha Zachary drove to the wedding ceremony. Due to their status, they didn't need to make an appointment like ordinary people. They simply had to wait for the notice.

The staff informed them that all the procedures could be handled immediately. They were given a form, the mating bond permit, which acted as a marriage certificate for werewolves in the United States. The staff noticed that they didn't have any witnesses and reminded Alpha Zachary to find one. He quickly called the old lady.

After filling out the form, they proceeded to obtain the actual mating bond certificate. Unlike for humans, werewolves had to hold a ceremony in the United States. The couple would make their vows in front of a host, exchange rings, and have witnesses sign the mating bond certificate.

Bella and Alpha Zachary were led to a small room for the ceremony. The staff asked if Bella spoke English, offering to find a priest who spoke their native language if needed. Bella assured them that she understood, and the staff began the ceremony. They repeated the vows spoken by Bella and Alpha Zachary, slightly modified to fit the werewolf tradition.

Halfway through the ceremony, the butler interrupted. "Young Alpha, bad news. Leo is missing!"

With their hearts racing, Bella and Alpha Zachary couldn't care less about the ceremony. They apologized to the host and hurriedly left, making their way to the Alpha Zachary Residence. The anxious housekeeper awaited them at the door. "What's going on?"

"Young Alpha, I'm sorry! It's my fault. I don't know what happened. I left Leo alone in the room for a moment to make tea and when I came back, he was gone. I searched everywhere, but couldn't find him, so I immediately called you."

"Quick, check the surveillance video!" Alpha Zachary ordered, desperate for any clue. The housekeeper rushed to review the footage, discovering that when he had stepped away to make tea, Leo had answered a phone call in the living room. After the call, he had left the Alpha Zachary Mansion with a stranger, who quickly whisked him away in a car.

"Who is he? Why did he take Leo away?" Alpha Zachary and Bella exchanged wary glances before growling, "Alpha Xavier? It must be him! Go and find him right now!"

Alpha Zachary hurriedly led Bella to the decrepit hotel where Alpha Xavier resided. The receptionist informed them that he was in his room. Ignoring the stench of alcohol wafting through the corridor, they made their way to his door. They pressed the doorbell repeatedly, the sound echoing through the dimly lit hallway. Finally, the door creaked open, revealing a disheveled and intoxicated Alpha Xavier.

Without bothered to lift his gaze, Alpha Xavier slurred, "What are you doing here?"

Bella's brows furrowed in anger. "Alpha Xavier, where's my son?"

Alpha Xavier squinted, his gaze unfocused. "It's you? Am I dreaming?"

His gaze shifted to Bella standing behind her, and he chuckled. "I told you I wouldn't bless you. What brings you here?"

"Xavier, did you send someone to take my son away?" Bella seethed.

"Isn't your son my son?" Alpha Xavier mocked. "Why would I take away my own flesh and blood?"

"Alpha Xavier, don't play dumb. Hand over my son, or face the consequences!" Bella's voice dripped with venom.

"You're already being rude to me!" Alpha Xavier slurred, reaching out to grab Bella's shoulder. "Bella, you're thrusting a knife into me. Can't you see? I'm living a life worse than death!"

"Get away from me!" Bella shoved him, causing Alpha Xavier to lose his balance and crash to the ground. His forehead collided with the floor, blood staining his skin. However, he remained unfazed, staring blankly at Bella. His eyes held a multitude of emotions-misery, bitterness, and a sense of injustice. Bella's heart skipped a beat, words caught in her throat.

Alpha Zachary, who had been observing from behind, interjected with a cold tone, "Alpha Xavier, don't involve the child in adult affairs. Leo is unwell. If anything happens to him, you'll regret it."

"Alpha Zachary, I have no idea what you're talking about. I don't want to see you here either. Leave!" Alpha Xavier snapped, his animosity directed at Alpha Zachary. It was this man who stole his Mate from him, ruining any chance of a happy life for his family.

Upon hearing this, Alpha Zachary's demeanor turned ice-cold, and he retorted, "Alpha Xavier, if you were a real man, you wouldn't bring the child into this."

"What is happening?" Mark returned from outside, witnessing the scene of Alpha Xavier sprawled on the ground. "Explain yourselves!"

Mark reached out to help Alpha Xavier up, glaring at Bella and Alpha Zachary with hostility. "What do you think you're doing, President Alpha Zachary? Have you gone too far?"

Bella seethed, "Sir Moonshadow, Alpha Xavier took my son away. I'm here to take him back."

"Miss Moonshadow, are you mistaken? Xavier hasn't left the hotel since his return last night. How could he have taken your son?" Mark countered, disbelieving her claims.

"If it's not him, then it must be his mother," Bella insisted.

"Impossible! I just sent my wife back to the pack and didn't see her take the child," Mark realized, his face contorting with realisation. "Could it be?"

Today was the day Mark had sent Elinor away. He had worried she wouldn't comply and return home obediently. Although Alpha Xavier had given him strict orders to ensure Elinor's departure, she was still his mother. If she had orchestrated this, it would only deepen the divide between mother and son.

After Alpha Xavier had returned the previous night and tasked Mark with escorting his mother home, he had remained locked in his room, distancing himself from the world. When Mark bid farewell to Elinor in the morning, Alpha Xavier refused to acknowledge him. Mark knew of Bella and Alpha Zachary's upcoming nuptials and harbored resentment, so he chose not to disturb him and went straight to Elinor's room.

Anxious that Elinor might resist leaving, Mark was surprised when she agreed without resistance. She made it clear she wanted to go home, but she mentioned bringing her friends along.

Mark consented, accompanying Elinor to where the private jet was stationed. Her friends hadn't arrived yet when a car pulled up, two unfamiliar men emerging from it, cradling a sleeping child in their arms. The child, hidden under a coat, slumbered peacefully.

Elinor greeted the strangers warmly and instructed them to board the plane without delay. Mark was taken aback. How could he, having spent so much time with Alpha Xavier, not recognize his mother's acquaintances?

However, Mark had little time to contemplate. As long as Elinor agreed to return home, his duty was fulfilled. After the two men boarded the plane with the child, Elinor hurriedly joined them, urging Mark to board as well.

Mark had considered joining them but hesitated, concerned for Alpha Xavier's well-being. Now, Bella's words resonated, and he recalled the child in the strangers' arms. Was it Leo?

Lost in thought, Mark was interrupted by Breanna's sudden arrival. "Alpha Zachary, I just received a call from Mrs. Xavier. She informed me that she's brought Leo back to our pack!"

"What did you say?" Alpha Zachary's voice boomed, anger coloring his features. "When did this happen?"

"Just moments ago. I rushed here as soon as I received her call. I thought she was joking," Breanna shared, her voice filled with disbelief.

Breanna's eyes swept over the unfriendly crowd before continuing, "She said she arrived on a private jet with a doctor. She told me to tell you not to worry..."

"Damn it! How can I not worry?" Alpha Zachary cursed, his rage tangible. He turned to Alpha Xavier, accusing him, "Xavier, you know just how to manipulate, don't you?"

Bella stared at Alpha Xavier, her heart no longer softening for the wounded Alpha. It had hardened like steel. "Book a ticket immediately. If they think they can tear my son away from me, they're mistaken. No one can separate us!"