CHAPTER 004
ALPHA ALAN'S POV
“What the hell came over you?” Jeffrey, my red-haired beta slammed his fist on my dresser. His face burned crimson. “She's been nothing but loyal, submissive and goddamn it! she is your fated mate, Alan!”
"Don't!" I barked. The word came out sharp.
Jeffery flashed a false smile. "Don't? No Alan. I will ring this bell over and over until you realize what you're doing. Keisha might be a low born, but she's got more spine than most Luna's you and I have seen!" Jeffery leaned closer to my face so I could feel the heat of his words. "She's got brains too and you need that to...."
“I said, stop!" I whirled on him, ,my chest heaving. Don't make me feel like the fucking devil. Aurora is not a bad choice either. She's got a Master degree in management and she'd damn well run my companies well too, unlike Keisha,” I sighed, pressing my forehead against my dressing mirror with my eyes closed. A playback of Keisha's face that night flashed in my mind, haunting me again.
“Urgh!” I stepped backwards, grunted in frustration. “You know my hands are tied Jeffery,” my face pleaded for him to see reasons with my actions.
"Your hands or your ambition?" Jeffery words struck my heart.
"I need an heir!" I forced the words through clenched teeth. "Yes I liked her but legacies don't run on butterflies and fate. I'm sure she'll be fine after a couple of weeks.”
Jeffery's brows furrowed. "If I hadn't known you, I'd say you're some cold-hearted…” he paused, clawing his hands in front of me. “You know what? It's your choice,” he said, holding his hands up above him.
I chuckled at his expression. “I know you're looking out for me and I appreciate it. But, I've got this,” I assured him, tapping on his shoulder.
“Get your hands off me man," Jeffery shrugged with a smile as he moved towards the door. "Ceremony starts in twenty. Try to to destroy what's left of your soul before then," he scoffed, shutting the door behind him.
I grabbed my hair brush, styling my hair when the door was pushed open. Aurora stumbled in, looking like horror. Clutching her belly in an obvious agony, tears streaked her face, smearing her makeup.
“My goodness! What happened to you?” I hurried over, grabbing her before she collapsed into arms, crying.
I slid her arm across my neck, and gradually led into a seat. “What happened to you?” I asked again, my forehead furrowed.
She handed a white stick with two pink lines. I stared at it, clueless as to what it was. “What is this?” I asked, confused.
“It's a pregnancy test stick, Alan. I'm pregnant for you,” she said.
The shock made me fall back. My brows arched as my jaw slacked. Words failed me.
“I…I found out I was pregnant and I was on my way to tell you when…” she coughed, wincing as she clutched her side in pain.
“Sorry..sorry” I panicked. “Should I get the doctor to check you out?”
“No..No, I'm fine!” She forced a faint smile. “So, I was on my way to give you the good news when Keisha attacked me. She punched me so hard in my belly. If Emilia and Aria hadn't pulled her off...," Fresh tears spilled. "She wanted to kill our baby."
I took a look at the test stick again and it was true— Aurora was carrying my child. The steaming larva in my chest rose. " Where the hell is she?" my chest heaved.
Aurora pointed towards the door. “She’s outside."
"With me, now!" I barked the order at my guards who stood by the door with their arms crossed, tracing Keisha's scent.
“Hold on! I'd love to come with you,” Aurora insisted, limping towards me.
I found her crouched on the floor, gathering her belongings. Emilia held Aria, putting together her torn dress. Aurora was right, that witch really attacked them! My chest pumped with rage.
“Keisha!” I barked, startling her. She trembled, scurrying to her feet. Her gaze lowered.
“How dare you lay your hands on Aurora,” I growled. My palm collided with her cheek before I could think. “Answer me! How dare you?” My eyes burned with fury as I yelled into her ears. “Was your intent to kill my unborn child?” my voice cracked. Huh!”
“I…I didn't do anything, Alpha Alan. I didn't touch her!” Keisha pleaded, falling to her knees but I wasn't having her excuses.
I grabbed a handful of her hair, lifting her face to meet mine. “Are you trying to call her a liar?” she winced under my grasp.
“Guards!” I realized my grip, watching her crumble. “Seize her!” I ordered. “Take her up to the podium and keep her backstage until I call for her."
“Yes Alpha!” They chorused, dragging her carcass out of my sight.
I shifted my gaze to Emilia and Aria, who stood mortified. “I'm sorry about that. Tell the maids to get Aria into something more fitting.”
They both left, leaving Aurora and I behind. I turned to her, pulling her close, pressing my lips to her forehead "I'll protect you both. I swear it." I nearly broke into tears. "Now go. Dress like the Luna you are about to become.
“Yes your Highness,” she chuckled, bowing curtly.
The crowd's howls of joy filled the night air. Newly mated pairs cling to each other, eager to escape and complete their bonds. But I raised my hand and there was silence.
“Its been a memorable day for everyone and congratulations to everyone who found a mate tonight. Please I'd urge you all not to tear your buildings apart while mating,” I teased. The crowd broke into a loud laugh while some gave a round of applause.
“With that being said, I have some important announcements to make,” I snapped my finger, the crowd went quiet.
The guard shoved Keisha onto the stage. A loud gasp echoed. Whispers exploded like wild fire. I held my hand up and there was silence again.
"I know some of you are confused." I let my voice carry, cold and clear." My gaze shifted to Keisha. “This woman,” I pointed at her. “Intended to murder the future heir of Nightbane—an innocent life growing in my chosen mate." I pulled Aurora to my side. The crowd roared in shock.
“Witch! Kill her! We should stone her! Murderer!”
Those words echoed from the crowd, tightening my chest. My eyes narrowed as I stared down at her. I don't know why I was doing this but I couldn't resist the urge to.
“You can't do this Alpha Alan,” Jeffery whispered into my ears. “Please! Think this through,” he pleaded.
"Watch me!" I shook his hand off me as my throat tightened I kept my expression stiff.
“Please Alpha Alan! I'm innocent! I didn't hurt her!” Keisha wailed, crawling to my foot.
“Silence!” The words boomed across the clearing. I turned to Jeffery. “Say one more word, and you'll join her in exile.” I snarled.
He stood in my face for a while, his face twisted in a scowl but he wouldn't dare flaunt my order. He retreated.
I looked down at Keisha. My Fated mate. The bond still thrummed weakly between us, a dying heartbeat.
"Your crime demands death." My voice stiffened. Keisha gasped in shock, gripping my feet tighter.
"Please, don't do this Alan," She pleaded. A cord in my heart pulled so intense, my heart ached from what I was about to say.
"The moon goddess chose you as mine and I wouldn't want to incur her wrath, so I'd let you leave. But, you and your father are hereby banished from Nightbane. Forever. If you return, you die."
Shock rippled through the crowd. Everyone went silent—faces dashed with astonishment. No one spoke, not even Keisha. Her hands trembled as she released her grip on my foot.
“On your feet!"
The guards dragged her up to her feet. I hesitated, drawing in a deep breath before continuing my verdict.
“I, Alpha Alan Walker of Nightbane, reject you, Keisha Rollins, as my fated mate," The words tasted like poison. " I hereby declare Aurora Brooklyn as my chosen mate.”
Crimson light swirled around our wrist biting into my skin.. Her body slumped as if the rejection physically struck her. While my chest tightened from the severing of our bonds, I clenched my fist, biting hard on my teeth.
Amidst the pain, Keisha rose to her feet, grunting through the pain. In her eyes were flames of rage from betrayal. Clutching her belly, she responded.
“I…I Keisha Rollins accept your rejection!”
The thread snapped.
