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Rafe’s POV

Ever since Alexie stepped 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.

I was even ready to punish her for humiliating me in public whenever I set eyes on her, but she chose to stay far away from me and the mansion.

Well, that wasn't the case. What bothers me the most is the fact that Skipper has been so sick and only Alexie’s blood matches hers.

I have sent the bodyguards to turn the pack upside down yet none of them could find her. 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 palpating in rage. But before entering the room, I inhaled and exhaled deeply to control my anger 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, Babe, the bodyguards are trying their best.”

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

“This is all my fault.”

She sobbed softly, making my heart ache. The more tears left her eyes, the more the hatred I had for Alexie multiplied.

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

I gently wrapped my arms around her shoulders and 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.”

Not on my watch! And even if Alexie were brought before her, it would be to kneel and apologize to Skipper then donate another blood for her, or transfer the whole portion of her life essence to Skipper, or her bone marrow, if that will extinguish her from the earth.

But for Skipper to apologise to Alexie? That is impossible. Skipper is the daughter of the Alpha’s Beta, not an omega like Alexie.

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

But deep down in my heart, I wouldn't stoop so low in front of Alexie let alone allow Skipper to.

After leaving the hospital, I was hooked 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 speed my driver boosted 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. It was indeed Alexie, the insect we'd turned the whole pack searching for.

“You are coming with me, little rascal!”

I hurled her out of the car but she bit my hand, and pulled 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?”

The fact that she was acting like she was the only hope we've got for Skipper made my heart burn in turmoil. And knowing fully well that she was the only hope made me want to take her life. However, if I make that mistake, then I will be at a loss.

“From now on, you are done playing hide and seek. 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 heed to 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!”

Wishing Skipper death caused my heart to race so fast as if it would explode out of my chest.

“How dare you!”

She caught my hand before it could land on her face, glaring with her huge red eyeballs.

“Lay a finger on me, Rafe, and you will regret the day that you met me!”

The way she hurled my hand made me nearly believe that she was indeed possessed because the gravity was too strong.

“Your life is nothing without me!”

“Hell no, your life is 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!”