The Alpha's Contract Luna (Alexia) novel Chapter 18

~Kieran~

The king ordered everyone outside the meeting room. He asked his beta to shut the door behind him, and only then did he speak to Kieran.

"What is it about, my king?" Kieran sought, seeing the meaningful look on King Balthasar's face.

"I'm sorry for what Alexia has gone through." King Balthasar urged Kieran to take a seat. Then he also took the chair across from Kieran.

Kieran observed how the king appeared affected by what he had learned. Eventually, King Balthasar revealed, "I had an inkling, but I did not have time to investigate it. I'm sorry, Kieran. I merely relied on the information given by Alpha Roland. Still, I felt I needed to get her out of there. So I hastened my decision to send her to your care as your wife."

"Thank you, Kieran, for taking care of Alexia. I knew you would do right by her," the king added, surprising Kieran altogether.

Noticing the concern on the king's face, Kieran could not help but want to know more. "My king, why did you want me to marry Alexia -"

"Shhh. We talked about this, Kieran. I don't want questions." King Balthasar stood. He walked towards Kieran and placed a hand on his shoulder. He asked, "Promise me you will take care and respect your union -"

"But my king, what if?" Kieran paused. "What if Alexia finds her true mate? What would become of us? What if I find my true mate? I fear investing in this marriage would only come to a tragic ending."

The king stilled. Remaining settled in the chair, Kieran turned to look up at his face and observed. King Balthasar had his eyes shut. His hand stayed on Kieran's shoulder.

The silence stretched for almost a minute until the king finally spoke. "Nowadays, it's difficult to find your true mate. She could be on another continent. She could be a human who does not recognize a mate's bond. Like you, she could already be married - maybe even with children... Or, she could be... Alexia."

With a heavy sigh, King Balthasar suggested, "If you find your true mate, tell me, and I will free you from your marriage. Similarly, come back to me when Alexia comes of age, and you learn that you are not true mates. I will find another alpha to take care of her."

Kieran froze. The thought of Alexia marrying another man suddenly sparked resentment in his heart. He did nothing as the king left the meeting room. He leaned back and sucked in a breath. Barely a whisper, he asked, "Goddess, is my true mate out there?"

He shut his eyes and prayed, "Don't let her find me."

~Alexia~

It had been over two weeks since Kieran left. Alexia had only spoken to Kieran on the phone once. After the first week, Jaxon passed his phone to her. Back then, Kieran asked, "Are you... sleeping on the bed?"

After she confirmed she did, he ended their conversation, saying he was busy.

From what Jaxon reported, Kieran only lingered in Yland for two days. He then left for the southern coast to aid the warriors of Taplean.

Alexia never asked for Kieran's whereabouts, but nearly every day, Jaxon made it a point to update her. Somehow, it made her feel like a real wife.

"Alpha Kieran has left the metropolis."

"Alpha Kieran has arrived on the southern coast."

"Alpha Kieran fought with over thirty Eswen werewolves, and they were no match for him!"

That day, Jaxon went as far as going to Alexia's room and proudly announced, "Alpha Kieran was in the front again. He easily took down the general from Eswen. Our men at the coasts praised Alpha Kieran for being their hero."

He handed Alexia a mobile, saying, "The Alpha's orders. It would be best if you had your own phone. That way, I don't need to relay to you everything that is happening with Alpha Kieran."

Alexia flushed. She accepted the box containing the new cellphone and replied, "Thank you, Beta Jaxo -"

"Alexia. Please. Again, just Jaxon. You are our luna. You should call me Jaxon." The beta bowed his head and left, saying, "Have a good rest."

In the next few minutes, Alexia checked on her new mobile. Jaxon had already charged the phone, and it had a few contacts already saved, including Jaxon's, Rae's, and, of course, Kieran's.