Three

Xavier's Pov

I stood at the edge of the crowded room, my eyes scanning the sea of faces with a mixture of disdain and boredom. I didn't want to be here, but the party was a mandatory affair, a rule set by my father, the former king. As the present king, I had to make an appearance, no matter how much I loathed it.

I took a long sip of my drink, ignoring the idle gossip around me and the long lustful and thirsty stares the women cast at me. 

Yet no one dared approach me, which was mostly likely because of my infamous reputation and the Dark King. The one killed his mates without batting an eyelash. 

"I'm surprised you showed up, Xavier," a voice said from behind me. I turned to see Dane, a sly grin spreading across his face. 

"I wasn't aware I had a choice," I replied dryly.

Dane chuckled. "Of course you do, my friend. But let's not talk about that now. Let's talk about something more...interesting." He glanced over at his mate, who was standing across the room, looking uncomfortable. 

I took another long sip of my wine. I didn't have anything interesting to discuss with him.

“Wait, I need to introduce you to someone important,” he said and walked away from me. I was relieved to see him gone. I wasn't one who enjoyed conversations. I liked my quiet. 

And I couldn't get over the little stunt he pulled earlier. Rejecting his mate and calling her names before everyone? All to prove what?

If even one of my mates survived, I wouldn't mind worshipping the very ground she walks on if that would make her happy. Goddess knows there is nothing I won't do for her. 

Yet here was another man, carelessly disrespecting and throwing away his treasure while my mates were wiped out tirelessly by a curse my father brought on me.

I watched all seven mates of mine bleeding to death in my arms after our first night together. No matter how much I tried to prevent it, it always led to one fate. Death. Once the full moon was out, there was no stopping me. 

My thoughts were interrupted when he returned with the blonde he engaged. My eyes scanned her in distaste. 

“Alpha Xavier, this is Elle, my fiance,” he introduced. She stretched her hand and I glanced at it. 

“Okay,” I nodded and sipped my drunk, hoping they would take the hint and leave me the fuck alone.

She dropped her hand in embarrassment.  

“Don't think about it too much,’’ Dane assured her, rubbing her shoulders gently. “He is like that to everyone.” 

It was quite bold of him to assume he could just say that about me like we were friends. I didn't want any kind of physical contact or words with her, it was that simple. 

“Oh, that explains it,” she snorted, glancing at me. My brows furrowed as her lips dropped into a seductive smile. She even winked at me. 

I felt uncomfortable and disgusted. Wasn't this the woman that just got engaged? Why was she throwing flirty glances at me?

To make it worse, he didn't even seem to notice..

“If you'd excuse me,” I said politely, eager to go to the room they prepared for me and forget all about this boring night. 

“Have a drink with us. A toast,” Dane urged. 

“My drink is finished,” I said, grateful I chunked the last of the liquid into my mouth before trying to leave. 

Dane didn't waste time in signalling the waiter to come over. The man headed to us with only one glass in his tray. Dane picked it up and handed it to me. 

“To the future,” he said, and I was almost tempted to ask what future we were toasting to. That of our packs or his life with his future Luna. 

Refusing would only lead to an argument, and I didn't want that, so I took the drink from him and drank it so he would stop bugging me. 

“All done,” I dryly said and dropped the glass, ready to leave the party. I told myself that if they tried to stop me again, I would snap at them. 

I was halfway down the hallway when something strange hit me. A sharp, hot feeling rushed through my body, and I could feel my wolf stirring inside me. It was out of control, pushing against my thoughts, wanting to break free.

I stopped, leaning against the wall, trying to steady my breath. My head felt foggy like I couldn’t think straight. This wasn’t right. The moon wasn’t even full tonight—there was no reason my wolf should be acting like this.

I took all my medicines and the necessary precautions. This was not supposed to happen. My mind began spiralling with thoughts to pinpoint what exactly led to this. 

Then it hit me.

The drink! That had to be it. I was fine throughout the evening until Dane gave me that drink. 

I clenched my jaw, realizing what had happened. Dane. He’d handed me that glass with that damn smirk on his face. Whatever was happening to me, it started with him.

But why would he even want to drug me? Was there some sort of sinister plan here?

I gritted my teeth and kept moving, the weight in my chest growing heavier with every step. My wolf was pulling at me, angry and desperate. I had to get to my room fast. If I lost control here, I’d end up tearing the whole place apart.

That would put way too much blood on my hands, and I didn't want that. I haven't even forgiven myself for the few that died in my arms. 

My legs felt like lead, dragging me forward. My senses went wild—the smallest sounds were loud, and the scent of the air felt overpowering.

Finally, I reached my room. My hand gripped the door handle tightly, and I pushed it open without hesitation.

The sight before me made me freeze. Was this some sort of joke?

There, on my bed, was a girl. Her arms and legs were tied to the bedposts. She was barely dressed. Barely was probably an overstatement before this girl before me was naked. Her skin was pale, and her hair was falling over, concealing her face. 

Who the hell was she supposed to be?