3

Rafe’s POV

Ever since Alexie set foot out of the grand hall, no one has heard from her. I had thought she would return to the mansion to at least pack her belongings, but she didn't.

My action earlier on wasn't intentional and a part of me feels bad for treating Alexie that way. Maybe I shouldn't have spoken those cruel words to her. I could have just pulled her to one side and explained to her what's really happening and what my relationship with Skipper is.

I even sent the bodyguards to turn the pack upside down yet none of them could find her. Worst, Skipper has been in the hospital for hours now, battling for her life, and even in critical condition, she wants to see Alexie—to apologize to her.

“What about the penthouse?”

I asked one of the bodyguards who went out in search of Alexie.

“There is no way she wouldn't be there. Bring her over here as fast as possible!”

After ending the call, I returned to the VIP ward Skipper was admitted to, my heart palpitating in anticipation. But before entering the room, I inhaled and exhaled deeply to control my emotions so Skipper wouldn't have to be worried.

“Have you found her?”

Skipper asked, her voice laced with urgency. She looked so pitiful in the hospital gown, and her skin had turned paler in just a few hours.

I sat across the bed, took her soft delicate hands in mine, and gently tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear.

“Do not worry yourself; the bodyguards are trying their best.”

Tears slowly flowed down her face, and her head dropped.

“This is all my fault.”

She sobbed softly.

“Hey, it’s fine; do not blame yourself.”

I gently wrapped my arms around her shoulders and she pinned her head on my chest.

“If I hadn't gulped down that full cup of wine, we wouldn't have ended up in bed together and Alexie wouldn't have found out I am pregnant.”

She gently pulled away from me, her eyes twice as swollen as they were at the grand hall.

“Please, Rafe, find Alexie and bring her to me. I want to explain the whole thing to her. She shouldn't blame you for this; I am at fault here and I am ready for any punishment she deems fit to instil on me.”

Skipper’s words made sense a lot. But I doubt Alexie would even listen to us. The only thing we should focus on is pleading with her to help save Skipper’s life again.

“I will. Now, get some rest while I go out there to look for her.”

After leaving the hospital, I was stuck in traffic and as I turned to the left side of the road, I caught a glimpse of someone who looked so familiar—someone similar to Alexie, sitting in a taxi, her back resting against the seat.

I didn't waste much time trying to figure out who that was; I tapped the driver and pointed to that car because the traffic light had just turned green.

“Follow that taxi.”

Surprisingly, the taxi’s driver sped up as if he knew we were following him and so did my driver. The more he increased the taxi's speed, the more my driver boosted his speed until we caught up with them and blocked their way.

Quickly, I stepped out of the car and the moment I opened the door, a triumphant smile appeared on my face. For some reason, something snapped in my heart and I found myself sighing in relief just for seeing her.

“You are coming with me.”

I pulled her out of the car but she bit my hand, and yanked herself away from me, cursing.

“What do you want from me, betrayer? Already missed me? Let me guess…”

She folded her arms, then jabbed her jaw with a finger, one brow raised in mockery.

“Your mate has fallen sick and you need me to transfer my essence to her, correct?”

Well, she knows. She always knows that for me to appear in front of her looking that way could only mean that Skipper’s health has deteriorated and her help is needed.

It always pains me whenever I smooth-talk Alexie into donating her life to Skipper but I always have no choice. Whenever a drop of blood left her body, my soul weakens, and I always wish that would be the last donation. But Skipper’s health wouldn't just improve.

“You are right, Skipper is in the hospital and you must…”

“Must?”

She cut me off, scoffing.

“I dare you to take me with you, Rafe!”

Her sudden rage shocked me to the point that I almost thought she might have been possessed by demons. The Alexie I knew wasn't that rough; she was so gentle, calm, and always heeded my words.

“If Skipper needs my blood, marrow, or essence to survive, then this is the day she will stop breathing because I am leaving for good and will never return!”

Alexie cannot leave; I must never allow that to happen.

“Just come home with me and I will explain the whole thing to you… Besides, your life is nothing without me.”

She raised her hand, scoffing.

“Hell no! Your life and Skipper’s life are nothing without me, Rafe. And for your information, I am stepping away forever and when I return, be ready to crawl on your knees, begging for a second chance!”