All Chapters of The Alphas Second Chance Mate : Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Elaris’s POVAveric pushed into the room and closed the thick door behind him.It locked from within.Neither of us moved for several seconds.Moonlight filtered through the curtains, illuminating the silver edges of his shoulders and making the exhaustion in his face hard to ignore.He looked tired enough that he hadn’t slept in several days.But he was here anyway.By himself.We were very close to each other.We were just a few steps apart, but after being accused in front of everyone in Maevra’s chamber, it seemed like a lifetime separated us.I couldn’t stop thinking about how he’d commanded the guards to imprison me.I couldn’t shake off the look of suspicion on his face.And I couldn’t overlook the small vial that he had found under my bed.Averic was the first one to break the silence.“Why didn’t you tell me?”His voice was hoarse with exhaustion.“What should I have told you?”"That you were researching my mother’s medicine."I couldn’t look at him anymore."I did.""You bro

Elaris’s POVWithout delay, Doctor Harwin picked up the medicine vials off Maevra’s nightstand, nervously arranging them on the table.Averic was standing just behind him, perfectly still; but the rage he was exuding permeated the entire room.Guards were stationed against the walls, awaiting further instructions while Doctor Harwin checked every bottle for liquid, markings, and residues.“Be careful, Doctor.” Averic’s voice was like ice. “Should you fail, I shall know.”Harwin swallowed and nodded.“I understand, Alpha.”I stayed next to Maevra’s bed, clinging to her hand as the life started draining out of her.She was dead.I was the one on trial, standing next to her body.Virelle easily approached, her face twisted into sorrow as she pointed at my apron and tunic.“See.” She whispered. “The smell.”Doctor Harwin shot a glance at me.But Virelle kept on talking before he even had a chance to reply.“The altered aconite came from her. It can be smelled on her clothes. Her hands hav

Elaris’s POVAnd I found myself frozen on the edge of the cot, my hand automatically going to cover my stomach as the loud knock echoed through the tiny cottage.I started to breathe in short gasps.Nobody knew where Neryss had taken me.At least, nobody who should.Yet another knock sounded against the door.This time, the knock was even louder.I looked towards the window.Darkness seemed to have engulfed most of the forest past the glass. Raindrops fell in crooked lines down the glass, causing the pine trees to appear like they were moving.I clutched the blanket tighter in my hands.Baby moved slightly under my hand."It's alright," I said quietly. "Mama is here."The knocking stopped.For a few seconds, all there was was the sound of rain.But then the same voice spoke from behind the wooden door."Elaris, open the door, it's me."Averic.My whole body reacted before my mind did.Relief washed over me.Anger immediately followed and washed over that.I remembered his palace hall.

Elaris’s POVSmoke billowed into the small cottage quickly and darkly, searing my throat with each gasping inhalation.Flames shot up from the wooden beams overhead, casting a fiery glow on the wall as burning debris fell all around us.I held one hand over my mouth and the other against my belly, fearing that the smoke would get to my unborn child before we got out of there.“Now is the time to flee!” shouted the shadowy guard, placing his heavy cloak over my shoulders and pushing me towards the back of the cottage. “Stay close behind me. Do not stop for anything.”“My proof—”“Your life is more important!”A wooden beam cracked overhead.The guard took hold of my arm and pushed me through the smoke while hot coals fell all around us. Smoke stung at my eyes as my back seared, but I moved on, unable to let my fear paralyze my legs.My fingers wrapped themselves around the silver coin purse clutched in my palm.I could feel the cold metal in my palm.That coin purse contained more than

Elaris’s POVGasp after gasp was heard as Virelle held up the parchment, its red seal illuminated by the torchlight.There was an unnatural silence in the yard.Even the warriors did not know whether to pull out their weapons or bow to the decree.I watched from the balcony as the elders leaned towards each other with worried expressions.Averic was standing in the center of the square.The purse of coins was sitting on the altar in between the regent and the council.Next to it was now the parchment which allegedly contained the last wish of Maevra.Two pieces of proof.Both were showing up at the perfect time.Perfectly too.My stomach clenched.This was no spur of the moment challenge.It was a well thought out coup.“Luna Maevra signed this before her tragic death!” Virelle shouted.Her voice echoed throughout the whole yard.“She appointed Caedmon the regent until my child is born.”Murmuring erupted among the people.Caedmon lifted his chin.Immediately several elders turned tow