Chapter 75

[Third-Person’s POV]

Michael was seething.

He was certain that fate was nothing but a cruel, cold bitch with a dark sense of humor.

He knew rushing out of the dining room in such a brutish manner was not the best look for him. But as his patience and self-restraint were slipping away quicker by the second, he had to make a hasty retreat. He didn’t want Evelyn to see that particular side of him.

At least, not yet.

Michael wasn’t entirely sure what state he’d find his Stepbrother, Alexander, in when he arrived at the manor. He truly hoped to uncover a once great, strong man reduced to practically nothing because of the tragedy that had befallen him months ago.

He wanted to find the proud, overzealous Alpha withered to a hollow shell of his former self. When word got out about Rena leaving Alexander for the Alpha Prince, Michael felt as though he was on cloud nine. Oh, how he wished he could have seen the look of torn pain on Alexander’s face.

Serves him right for always thinking that he’s better than everyone else.

And then there was the news about the car accident...Michael had thought the results would have been just a tad bit more severe. But, nonetheless, he knew that Alexander’s life would no longer be as it was.

Being permanently bound to a wheelchair and having his face disfigured was enough to ensure that any future he hoped to have had was now gone.

Michael wanted to witness his Stepbrother at his worst. However, when he’d been greeted into the manor he was astonished to find the place in tip-top shape. When his eyes fell on his older brother speaking to one of his many soldiers, he was utterly taken aback by the way the interaction had proceeded.

Alexander had the soldier's complete and undivided attention. He spoke clearly and strictly, never tumbling over his words. The soldier stood straight and gave an unwavering response when given a direct order.

Once the soldier had left, a pair of maids approached with a respected bow, informing him that the dining room was prepped and ready for use.

This made Michael’s jaw clench. It was clear that even in his given state, Alexander still held the esteem and admiration of his own people.

Surely, his wife could not feel the same, he’d thought.

He knew that prior to this unexpected marriage, Alexander had purposely turned away multiple other suitors. They’d all run screaming for their lives, beginning to not be shackled to such a monstrous man. Michael was as surprised as anyone else to hear that his dear brother had somehow tied the knot.

He’d been eager to meet the woman who was daring enough to accept the bastard’s offer of marriage.

However...There was nothing—truly nothing that could have prepared Micahel for the truth he’d unknowingly uncovered.

After exchanging weak greetings with his brother, the two were led to the dining room by the housekeeper. Alexander was good enough to inquire how his studies were going and, as usual, Michael kept his answers vague.

He had little to no desire to be there as it were. To think he needed to exchange meaningless pleasantries with the one person who was the bane of his existence was simply unnecessary. But the moment that his wife had stepped into the room to join them, it was like the very air had shifted around them.

He couldn’t believe what his eyes were showing him.

Evelyn.

She was dressed far nicer from when the two of them had met at the open market. Just that little brush of makeup made her eyes pop and the dress she’s worn pressed to her body in all the right places. She was beautiful...And, apparently, the newest member of the Kingston Family.

Whatever had been left from Michael’s light bubbling thoughts about having a future with Evelyn had crumbled to nothing. He really thought that if he had come up with the right plan, he would have been successful in snatching her away from whatever marriage she’d been locked into.

But, of course, the man she had to be married to just so happened to be his Stepbrother. Once again, Alexander had found a way to take yet another good thing away from Michael.

As fate would have it, Alexander was still the highly respected Alpha and he now possessed one of the brightest and resourceful Luna’s in the region.

It just wasn’t fair.

Him?! Why did it have to be him?!

He’s always been at war with his brother and now was no different.

The reality of it all had set in, causing Michael to feel a rush of determination. His feelings and interest toward Evelyn grew deeper. In the back of his mind, there was still a chance that he could make her see why staying with Alexander would be nothing but a waste on her end.

He knew that he understood Evelyn on a deeper level when it came to her personal cares and interests. Knowing Alexander, the guy probably spared her what little time that he could. The man was known to be a workaholic.

Evelyn had been nothing but kind to Michael during the whole tense ordeal, but he noticed the way she kept glancing over at Alexander. Her expression was filled with honest reassurance. It bothered him to no end, seeing the two of them together.

Honestly, what the hell did she even see in Alexander?

Surely, it wasn’t a happy marriage. Perhaps, what he saw was all a front to cover up the real issues that were going on. Everyone knew that Alexander always remained hung up on his ex. The chances of him extending those exact feelings again were slim to none.

But even if none of it was true, he wasn’t happy seeing them together.

While he cared for Evelyn, Michael was prepared to do what was necessary in order to drive her and Alexander apart.

He wasn't sure exactly how, but he would find a way. He knew from that one dinner, that Evelyn was the key to everything.

It didn’t take much for Michael to read between the lines of what Alexander said to him. His Stepbrother wanted no part of him being around his home. His pack. And most certainly his wife.

The corner of Michael’s mouth curved into a knowing smirk.

It was no mystery that Alexander was giving love another possible chance. And when it came to sharing it with someone like Evelyn, who could blame him?

However, whether the Alpha knew it or not, that left him exposed to some degree. Alexander had always been the cold-hearted, ruthless warlord with not a single weakness in sight.

Until Evelyn. He’d been jealous which meant that he finally had a weakness.

Michael’s mind became clear. If he wanted to get to Alexander, then he was going to have to get to Evelyn first.

When Michael arrived home, he’d passed his mother in the main hall who appeared frantic.

“Where have you been? I told Alexander that I had set up an important meeting for you—”

Michael turned on his heel and stared Caroline down. “Mother, I will say this once and only once,” he started. “I have no desire to marry some brainless bimbo you think would make a good match for me. I’ve already found the woman I want and I will not settle for anything less.”