Chapter 12

XAVIE 

Despite my heart thumping nervously against my chest, my chin was high up as I cling on tightly to Kian’s arm. The party had already begun judging by the number of people lining up towards the entrance. 

I hardly paid any attention when the host announced our presence, as my eyes were glued on Alec approaching us from across the room. Being in the same space as him made me nervous, it brought back memories my brain hasn’t recovered from. Taking a deep breath, I clenched harder unto Kian’s arm. 

“You made it.” Alec chuckled, his eyes fixated on me even though he was addressing Kian. “I assumed you were not going to make it when I didn’t get a response.” 

“We wouldn’t miss it for the world, with him being busy with Alpha duties, I wanted us out of the palace tonight, right sweetheart?” I cringe inwardly when I call him sweetheart, it didn’t sound right. 

His eyes met mine, nodding briefly in confirmation to my words before refocusing his attention back on Alec.

“Ha, I know how that goes, being one myself, Annika complains I work too much.” He finally looked away from me, causing me to feel like I could breathe again.

“Annika?” I feign confusion. 

“My mate, you met her previously. Once again, I want to apologize for how things went down between you two the other day. You look very similar to her sister who died of cancer recently, she hasn’t been the same since her death…I’m certain your mate understands that better than anyone.” 

Feeling Kian tensed up beside me, had me glancing at him with concern. His fingers crawled into a fist while the look on his face remained neutral. Without thinking too much on what I was about to do next, I untangled my arm from his and ran my hand down his arms, a subtle attempt to calm him down.  

I console myself that way so hopefully it works for him. “Oh? That’s terribly sad.” I managed to squeeze out. 

Is that what they went with? That I died of cancer? Did he tell Kian the same thing after murdering his sister? The fact that he stood there, all smiley while he threw his grief back in our face! 

“She died long ago, and even though we aren’t in-laws anymore, we are still allies and I hold him dear to my heart.” There was a pause as he turned away, leading the way to our table. “This way please…” 

Once we settled down in our seats, Alec left us alone to attend to other guests. Wanting to check up on Kian, I turned, stopping when I saw he was busy signing something to Tint, who by the way I misgendered because of the tomboyish way she dressed. It’s one of these moments I wished I could understand what he was saying, especially with the way Tint was nodding thoughtfully along. 

Once I sight  Alec, my eyes followed him across the room, watching him work his charms on his guests. The same way he had charmed me, I half mindedly reached for the bottle of champagne, only looking away to pour myself a glass. 

Annika's entrance into the room made me pause, she smiled and waved prettily at the guests. The more I watched her, the more my throat closed up with emotions, a part of me still couldn’t believe she had taken the knife and repeatedly stabbed me until I was passed out in the pool of my own blood. How could they stand there and act like nothing happened after all they’ve done to me…to Kian? 

Her steps flattered when she noticed me staring at her, for a split moment I could see a trace of fear in her eyes and wanting to add fuel to the fire, I waved at her. I watched as her throat worked up nervously before she stumbled across the room towards her mate.

She said something to him, something that made him roll his eyes at her and pulled her away from their guests. I couldn’t hear a word they were saying, I didn’t need to. I knew they were arguing about me and for the moment, it was enough. Taking a sip of wine while turning to Kian with the intention of telling him about my little victory.

However, I was met face to face with Tint sitting beside me. Leaning forward, I checked the other seats occupied by people that didn’t look anything remotely to him. Forcing a smile to my face, I gently tapped her on the shoulder, motioning for her to come with me. 

“And where are you going? The party is just getting started.” Annika asked, appearing out of nowhere and cutting in front of me. 

“Now you’re policing your guests' movements? I’m sorry, I didn’t realize we weren’t allowed to use the restroom.” I responded sarcastically, a little proud of myself for keeping it together despite my current mood. 

“You know that’s not what I meant.” 

I chuckled, invading her personal space by stepping closer. “You sure do a lot of things you don’t mean… am I right Annika?” 

Her eyes went wide on her face as she took several steps away from me, as if I’m about to attack her or something.  “The rest room is that way.” With that, she picked up her overflowing dress and half-ran across the room to get away from me. 

“Luna, you have to be more subtle or else she’s going to get more suspicious.” Tint cautioned, once Annika was out of earshot. 

I glared at her. “I don’t recall asking for your opinion Tint, but since you’re so generous with sharing it anyway…then tell me where Kian is.” 

“What?” Now, she’s the one getting nervous. 

“Did I stutter? I’m asking you where your Alpha went and the best you could come up with is “what?” I’m not going to ask again…” 

“I’m sorry Luna but Alpha made me promise not to say anything to you—” she cut herself off when I glared harder at her. “He’s in Alpha Alec study, his plan was to go through his things in hopes of finding some evidence against him.” 

What? I shrunk back in shock, instincts made me look up in time to see Alec making his way up the stairs, the same floor Kian happens to be!