Chapter 30

***Knox POV***

Closing the door behind the retreating backs of my sisters, I took a moment to gather my thoughts. Sighing, I faced Sam. My stomach tightened into a knot of desire as I looked at her beautiful face. The need I had for her was starting to overshadow everything in my life. I couldn’t have that. I had a pack to run. I had a family to look after. I couldn’t screw it all up now just so my dick would feel better. I heard Andras growl at me, and I could feel tension knot my shoulders. That made me more annoyed by the situation I found myself in.

I wanted her so much it had become a burning need. I had never been one to sleep around with the she-wolves under my care. I pride myself on that. I did have the occasional tryst. I was a hot-blooded male for goddess’s sake, but it was always with someone from another pack.

Snapping my mind from the dangerous thoughts I now had running through my head, I tried to smile and gestured for Sam to join me as I sat on one of the comfy chairs in the bedroom.

Sam just glared at me and remained standing by the window. Sighing again, I walked over to her, so I could stand next to her.

That was mistake number one.

Standing this close meant her intoxicating scent flowed around me like a breeze. Swallowing hard and closing my eyes, I tried to get my mind back on track. That was mistake number two.

Thinking about why I had come to this room now, had me thinking about coming to this room last night.

Mistake number three was looking into Sam’s eyes and seeing the hurt and mistrust there. My heart yearned for her, but I had to try and block the feelings. I couldn’t let them rule me.

Especially now. It would ruin everything I had built here. But, there she was. Standing close and looking the way she did. I almost let myself lean toward her. Jumping back as if I had been burnt, I took a step back from her. Looking at me with puzzlement on her face, I decided to just say what I had to say.

That way, when she learned the truth about who she was, there would be no chance for us anyway, and that would force us apart. And I would once again be on my own, the way it was meant to be. I made that choice a long time ago. I wouldn't go back on my vow.

***Sam POV***

Alpha Knox seemed very agitated. Could it be down to the fact I said I was leaving?

Would the news that he was about to lose his fated-mate forever force him to accept the mate bond that was so strong between us?

My heart started pounding, and I knew, with his wolf hearing, he could easily hear it. However, this just seemed to make him more anxious. At one point, I thought that Knox was leaning in to kiss me. Before that could happen, he jumped back from me like I had electrocuted him.

I looked into his eyes. She watched him swallow. I could see the battle going on behind his eyes. It was almost mesmerizing, watching his eyes flicker between the man and the wolf. The tension was unbearable, so, looking straight at him, I decided to just come out and say ‘I need to leave!'.

'Look, I need you to stay!' The words were spoken at the same time.

Shocked, I felt my chin drop and watched as Alpha Knox put his mouth into a fine line of tension.

Once again, we attempted to talk and, once again, the words were spoken at the same time.

Smiling a little at this, I said ‘You are the Alpha of this pack, please go first’. Bowing my head slightly, I cast my eyes at the floor and waited for him to speak. What I heard next changed my life completely.

Knox POV

‘Thank you. You are not who you think you are! You were raised to believe a lie, and it is my duty to inform you that I believe you are a member of the royal family.'

Sam blinked at me. Surprised? Confused?

I hurriedly continued.

'As you know, you were accompanied by three Luna’s and their bodyguards. To get you out of your pack, and into this country, a fixer was used.

This man's name was Fraus Baxter. He is known to many Alphas. And we thought he could be trusted. It turns out we were wrong. He used the information Luna May gave him to his own advantage and, in doing so, we believe that it was him or at least one of his henchmen that poisoned the pilot.'

I held up my hand, silently asking Sam to hold on. I was doing a piss poor job of explaining. I just needed her to understand.

'When Luna May met you. From the outset, she knew you were not a wolf. Luna May spoke with her companions and knew the right thing to do would be to get you away from not only your pack. But your country. She contacted her people and Mr Baxter was recruited. My Beta was contacted by him, and a plane was arranged to bring you to this country. Do you understand what I'm telling you?'

I couldn't disguise the plea in my tone as I asked her this. She must understand. 'Sam? Please say something'.

My eyes were drawn to her full lips as I watched the tip of her tongue moisten them. I could feel myself go hard. "Fuck" I thought in disgust. I was acting like a Pup.

'So' Sam finally replied. 'You are saying that I am not who I think I am. I have been living a lie all my life. And the Luna's who came to visit, realized this. And brought me home with them? Do i have that right? I suppose you're going to tell me next that you know exactly who I am.'

The tart reply was accompanied by a look of disbelief and anger.

'I do know who you are. Yes.' I could see my reply shocked her. Sam's body was so rigid with tension now, I feared she would become unwell.

‘Please, sit down.' I asked again. I made a concerted effort to soften my tone.

'This is not going to be easy for you to hear. But hear it you must. Not only for your sake, but also for the safety of my Pack’.

My words stopped the nervous pacing. Turning to face me, I watched her hesitate. Sam was breathing hard, and her heart rate had shot up again.

'Are you telling me that I have put your pack in danger’?

Not waiting for me to answer, Sami just plowed on.

'Can I just remind you that I never expected or wanted to stay here! It was your decision to send Katie and the others away before I even woke up in the hospital. You are the one keeping me here! You are the one that has made up all the rules. The only reason I’m still here is that I’m in a different country and I don’t know anyone here!'

I suddenly felt like a complete dick. Everything Sam had said was true. I was keeping her here. I let out a resigned sigh, knowing that I had been an ass to her. But I had to get her to understand the gravity of the situation we all found ourselves in.

‘Did Luna May ever tell you why they had agreed to help you?' I asked in a quiet voice. Sami raised her eyebrows at this question, but didn't respond.

'Don’t you think it strange that three powerful Luna’s, from America, would agree to smuggle you out of your old pack. Risking their lives in the process. I mean, its not like they knew you, right? They didn’t have to bother themselves with any of your troubles. As you may be aware, most packs keep to themselves and never interfere with the running of another pack. So why do you suppose they would risk themselves, to arrange transport and safe passage for you?'

I heard the petulant mumble of 'It wasn't that safe.' I nodded my head as I had to agree with her that the whole thing had been a complete shambles.

'It seems that almost from the start of the plan to help you escape, there was a mole. We know that Baxter was the main contact. We also know that a lot of sensitive information was being sent to him. What we don't know yet, is who he was giving this information to.'

‘What type of information? About Katie and me? I'm sorry, I don't understand. I'm so confused. Why would anyone be interested in my life? What is so important about me, that would warrant any kind of illicit communication? Answer me!'

The demand for answers was overwhelming her. I could see it. Sam was heading into a tail spin. I needed to stop it from happening. How I was meant to do that, I had no clue.