Chapter 4. One Small Mistake.

A furious snarl tore from Jackson's throat when he woke to discover his mate was gone and the money in his wallet was missing. No, this was not possible! It can't be possible! He can't get his mate, and he only loses her quickly. 

His beta and second in command, Gideon, must have sensed his distress through the link between them because he rushed into the room the next second with his weapons raised, thinking his alpha was in trouble. But all they met was the sight of his alpha pacing across the room, enraged. 

As soon as he entered, Alpha Jackson's head whipped in Gideon's direction, and he stormed over to him, demanding, “Where is she? Where did she go?”

“Who is she? Who are you talking about, alpha?”

“The female that I was with last night! My mate! Did you see my mate?!”

“Your mate?!” Gideon's eyes widen in shock, unable to believe what he just heard. 

“Stop repeating after me like a fool, Carl, and give me answers!” Alpha King retorted, frustrated. 

Gideon shook his head, saying, “I didn't see her. I thought she was with you.”

“Well, obviously, She isn't here. You let her slip right through your fingers. Now find her!” 

“Yes, alpha!” Gideon bows and wants to leave, only for Alpha Jackson to add, “Get me all the information you can find on Allusion. I want to know who she is and the pack she belongs to. I want to know everything that you can find on her.”

An hour later, Alpha Jackson holds a massive file in front of him, containing all the vital information Carl could have gotten on Allusion quickly. 

“Hear me, Carl, message the midnight pack and tell them I'll visit.”

“As you wish, alpha.” Gideon bows his head and executes his orders. 

Meanwhile, at the midnight pack, Alpha Jackson was in a difficult position, confused and panicked upon hearing of the alpha king's sudden visit. Hosting the alpha king was a huge privilege, and other packs would kill just to be in his position. Hosting the alpha king in their pack would come with financial support, not to mention boosting their relationship. 

Hence, Alpha Jackson was more than eager to get things in order and immediately ordered his pack members to dress impeccably and line up at the entrance to welcome the esteemed Alpha King. 

At once, there was a flurry of activities as everyone rushed to put things in order, but Merlin was the most anxious about the king's visit.

He had just swept through the whole pack house, and Maya was not seen. He knew Alpha King Jackson's notorious reputation; with Maya gone, his next thicket to secure power was Ayra. 

It was no wonder he pulled her aside and whispered his selfish plan into her ears, causing her eyes to widen. Ayra was conflicted and bit down on her lips, unsure, but she had no choice. Merlin was quite convincing. 

Alpha King Jackson arrives in no time, his gaze sweeping over the members of the midnight pack who had come to welcome him with a bored expression. He only came here to take his mate. 

He barely stepped out of the carriage when he caught sight of his mate standing beside Alpha Carl. And he lost control. 

“Where the fuck were you last night? Do you know how much I searched for you?!” He yelled at her face, his hand wrapped around her throat. 

Ayra was so stunned by his reaction that she blurted out, “Nowhere! I was home all night!”

A frown crossed Jackson's face, and he leaned in to inhale her scent, and that was when it dawned on him. This was not his mate. 

“Who the fuck are you?! ” Jackson roared, pushing Ayra away roughly, and she fell to the ground, the wig slipping from her head. 

Jackson's eyes flashed with anger. “Why are you dressed like this?! Where is the owner of this wig.”

Ayra, seeing the death sentence in those eyes, had no choice but to confess. “Forgive me, Your Majesty! I didn't mean to deceive you. My sister was meant to be here, but I had no choice but to take her place. But I don't want to be your lover, please, don't kill me! I'm so sorry.”

What the fuck was she talking about? Alpha Jackson had this ominous feeling in the pit of his belly.

“Alpha Carl,” He called at once, his voice cold and taut. 

“Yes, my majesty.” Alpha Carl was like a little puppy before the Alpha King. 

“Where is your other daughter? To be precise, Maya?”

Alpha Carl gulped, saying, “I'm afraid, Your Majesty, but my daughter has not been seen at home. If I can ask, though, why do you want to see her?”

“She took something that belongs to me. That's all you need to know. “

Seeing the Alpha King's furious face, Alpha Carl doesn't press further, going ahead to explain. “Maya has always been a difficult child. However, after discovering that her lover Merlin is her sister's mate, she left in a fury and has never been since.”

Although the reason sounded convincing, Jackson could see through their pretense. He might have spent a short time with his mate, but her tears showed she had been hurt. They probably betrayed her. 

“My father is right, Your Majesty. My sister is probably doing this out of spite to —”

“Don't talk about her that way!” He roars with such intensity that his wolf makes a brief appearance through the glowing of his eyes, and everyone bows their heads, feeling his authority wash over them. 

With their head still bowed, Jackson walks over to Merlin and scans him from head to toe. He then whispers into his ear, “Thank you for letting go of such a precious gem. I'll ensure you regret this decision for the rest of your life.”

Merlin wasn't even breathing. His plan to use Ayra had backfired, and now he was in a worse situation with the Alpha King. 

Jackson straightened up, announcing to Alpha Carl. “Find Maya, or you can kiss every support and incentive your pack has enjoyed so far goodbye.”

With his threat still hanging in the air, he turns and enters his carriage, fulfilling his purpose. 

“Gideon,” Jackson called. 

“Yes, Alpha.”

“Find my mate.”

“Yes, Alpha.”

The Alpha King leaned into his carriage, finally relaxing for the first time since that night. He didn't trust Alpha Carl would do a good job, but Gideon would do better. 

However, thinking about his mate, a smile brightened on his lips. She was the first woman to have slept with him and stole his money. How interesting. 

He couldn't wait to find his little mate. They would have so much fun together.