Chapter 53

~Alexander~

She… she was gone.

Grace left, and I didn’t stop her.

I should have told her the truth, but I just couldn’t do it. It was too sore of a memory… and to tell her in front of all these people? I just couldn’t.

But I should have told her before the wedding.

I took a long, shaky breath. I was still standing at the altar, staring off into the forest’s edge where Grace had disappeared.

The crowd had erupted into an uncontrollable chaos, werewolves and Lycans shouting at each other. Things were getting physical. I watched a werewolf woman spit in the face of a Lycan woman, who shoved her back in response.

Luckily, their respective partners held them back from fighting anymore, but it was only a matter of time before things got worse.

Claims were being thrown around everywhere, but they had no idea what they were really talking about. Most of them were not there. On that night.

Closing my eyes, I clenched my hand into a tight fist, and began to tremble.

How could I let it get to this?

“Are you just going to stand there?” Thor, my wolf, spoke up, in a deep growl. I could tell he was agitated.

Great. I really didn’t need this right now. I couldn’t think of what to do as it was, I didn’t need someone chastising me about it.

“You let her go,” he continued, tail swishing agitatedly. “She was the one.”

“I know,” I snapped back, my breathing getting faster. I was losing my temper quickly.

I had to go after her. That was the only choice.

It would be hard explaining everything to her, but it was worth it over the pain of losing her forever.

“What are you waiting for?” Thor hissed, and I could see the impatience in his eyes.

What was I waiting for?

I shook my head, and unclenched my hand, feeling warmth spread back into my body. I had been standing stiffly for so long that my muscles felt like stone.

Taking a step forward, I turned out into the chaotic crowd.

I took a deep breath.

I still had to be a leader, even now, when the world felt like it was ending.

“Quiet!” I shouted, my voice booming over the noise. As predicted, everyone froze. I had a way of scaring people into submission, and I would use it to my advantage.

“The wedding is postponed until further notice. The allegations about me are a private matter and not up for personal introspection.”

Murmurs moved through the crowd. Agitation was still high. People were only listening to me because they were afraid of me, not because they respected or believed in me.

I could see the hatred in their eyes. The fear, the resentment.

No one really believed in me.

A growl rose from deep within me.

I suppose it was my own fault, for building my reputation on intimidation and punishments. I must really look like a killer.

“What are you, animals? Seriously, have you all lost your dignity and manners just because of the claim of an untrustworthy man? Get a hold of yourselves. There’s no need to be at each other’s throats.”

From the front row, I saw Enzo give me a supportive nod. I sighed. At least I could always count on him.

Everyone else in the crowd lowered their eyes. It seemed like they were actually listening to me, now.

Of course, I had to cut through their pride in order to get them to listen to me.

I slowly stepped down the steps, walking into the aisle. People were silent, now. Christopher, that fool, was struggling against the grip of my warriors.

He knew I could end his life right now, by the snap of my fingers.

It would be like cutting into butter.

I would love nothing more than to make him an example for everyone here who thought about passing around false allegations against me.

He deserved it.

I stood face to face with Christopher, who was panting, sweating from pulling against my warriors. He really was weak. Pathetic he even calls himself King.

I loomed over him, standing a good head over him. He looked scrawny and sickly. I doubt he had much resources as a Rogue.

But there was a hatred and jealousy in his eyes that lit up his whole demeanor.

Ah, so that was the motivation. That was what the repeated attacks against my kingdom was about, what kidnapping Grace, and ruining my wedding was all for.

He was jealous of me.

I scoffed and spit on his shoe.

Why shouldn’t he be?

I was everything a king should be. And he was just some fool playing pretend.

My lip curled, and I took his face in my hand. He struggled harder, and now the fear flashed in his eyes. He looked like a rabbit, cornered, in the grasp of a wolf.

It delighted me.

I could see it now. Giving the order, seeing his blood paint the pristine, white floor of the aisle. He deserved it. Hell, I deserved it.

But, I just… couldn’t.

I could hear Grace’s voice in Christopher’s base, begging me to spare his life. She had always had more kindness than I ever had. I never knew where it came from.

But if she found out I killed him…

I sighed.

She’d hate me even more than she does right now.

I let go of Christopher’s face, leaving red marks where my claws dug into his skin. One bled, the drop oozing out of the thin cut.

“Grace is the only reason you’re still alive right now. You better run, because the next time I see you, I might forget her plea for mercy,” I growled.

He took sharp, shuddering breaths, backing away from me the best he could.

I waved my hand, signalling my warriors to let him go. They did, and he took off, like a rabbit, pale hair falling out of place as he ran off into the forest.

What an idiot. Now look at this mess I have to clean up.

I looked around. Everyone had been staring at me.

“Did you not hear me? The wedding is postponed. Go home,” I snapped, and people began picking up their belongings and moving out.

Good.

I ran my hand through my hair, pulling my bangs out of the perfectly set style and onto my forehead.

Now, to get Grace.

I took a step forward, when suddenly, I saw an old figure block my path.

Blinking in surprise, I stared at him.

The Elder Lycan…? What did he want right now?

I tapped my foot impatiently. I really didn’t have time for his lectures right now. Every second I waited, the longer Grace suffered in pain.

I tried to step around him, but he moved his cane in front of my legs, stopping me.

I hissed, not hiding my annoyance, and gave him a sharp look, waiting for him to explain himself.

“You have forgotten your duty to this clan for too long, Alexander. Do not run off and cast this clan into further darkness and dishonor,” he spoke with a croaky voice.

I did not have time for this.