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Chapter 1: King is Back (Olivia's POV) My mate Alexander, Alpha King of Southern Territory, had raised me since I was five years old after rescuing me from a rogue wolf attack. I had a crush on my "Uncle Alexander" since I was pup. So I was overwhelmed by joy when we recognized as mate after my first shift. When he handed me a mating contract, asking me to help him produce an heir, I accepted without hesitation. But when I became pregnant and wanted to surprise him, his ex-girlfriend returned. The Alpha King who spoiled me before disappeared. Alexander said coldly, "Liv, let’s sever our mate bond. I promised Victoria that I would make her my Queen. I owe her that." Even when I was kidnapped and nearly lost my pup, he stayed by that she-wolf's side. I finally gave up and called Marcus, the Alpha King heir of Northern Territory: "Come pick me up in three days." But when I left, the powerful Alpha King went crazy, begging me back. …… "Queen, King is back." I was just stepping through the front door of the Royal Palace after a long day at the pack healer university when our house keeper Martha's excited voice reached my ears. My mate Alexander was the Alpha King who ruled over hundreds of packs across the Southern Territory. He was constantly traveling to maintain order and settle disputes between the various Alphas under his command. My heart skipped a beat. Alexander was back! I hadn't seen him in two weeks. "Really?" I couldn't hide the excitement in my voice. Martha nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, His Majesty King Alexander is in the study upstairs with Beta James and Royal Gamma Marcus. They've just returned from the border war with the Northern packs." She lowered her voice conspiratorially. "He even brought you a gift. Go quickly." I beamed at her, my face flushing with happiness. Alexander always brought me little gifts when he returned from his royal duties. "Thank you, Martha!" I quickly kicked off my shoes and replaced them with house slippers. The pregnancy test report in my hand suddenly felt heavy. I'd just picked up the results from the pack clinic on my way home. Positive. I was carrying Alexander's child. I hurried to my room first, my heart pounding in my chest. This wasn't something I wanted to blurt out in the middle of the hallway or with Beta James present. I carefully tucked the report into the back of my closet. At eighteen, I was young to be pregnant, even by werewolf standards. I'd only experienced my first shift a few months ago, and that's when my wolf, Cora, had recognized Alexander as our mate. It had been shocking to both of us. Alexander had raised me since I was five years old after rescuing me from a rogue wolf attack that killed my parents. He was 13 years older than me. He'd always been "Uncle Alexander" to me, until suddenly, he wasn't. The Moon Goddess had chosen him as my mate, turning my childhood crush into something far more significant. The excitement bubbled up in me again. I couldn't wait to surprise him with the news, but not yet. The pregnancy was too early for him to detect by scent. I wanted to choose the perfect moment to tell him. I quickly changed out of my university clothes, pulling on one of Alexander's favorite henley shirts. It swamped my petite frame, falling to mid-thigh, but I knew he loved seeing me in his clothes. It made his wolf feel possessive in the best way. I checked my reflection in the mirror, fluffing my long brown hair and pinching my cheeks for color. Perfect. I hurried through the palace corridors toward his royal study, too excited to even knock. I simply pushed the door open. "Alexander, I heard you brought me a gift?" The words tumbled from my lips before I fully took in the scene before me. The royal study was a testament to Alexander's power - floor-to-ceiling bookshelves filled with ancient texts and modern military strategies, maps of the entire Southern Territory covering one wall, and a massive mahogany desk that had belonged to Alpha Kings for generations. Beta James stood near the window, his posture rigid with military discipline. But it was Alexander who truly held my attention. My breath caught in my throat as I took him in. Six-foot-four of royal dominance. His broad shoulders filled out his tailored military jacket perfectly, emphasizing his powerful physique. The jacket bore the golden insignia of the Southern Territory - a symbol that commanded instant obedience from every Alpha across hundreds of packs. His dark hair was slightly disheveled from battle, and a five o'clock shadow accentuated his sharp jawline. Even seated behind his massive desk, his presence commanded the room. But my wolf bristled instantly, sensing a threat when I saw a stunning blonde woman perched on Alexander's desk. She had positioned herself so close to Alexander that her face was mere inches from his, her long legs dangling provocatively as she swung her expensive high heels back and forth. My heart stopped when I saw her bare foot sliding along Alexander's thigh, the pointed tip of her shoe trailing dangerously close to his lap. "What are you doing?" The words exploded from my lips before I could stop them, my voice shaking with fury. Both Alexander and the woman looked up, startled by my sudden entrance. "Olivia," he said, clearing his throat and subtly shifting away from the woman. "I didn't expect you home so early." I stood frozen in the doorway, my smile fading. "Classes ended early," I managed to say, my eyes still fixed on the strange woman. Who was she? Why was she in our den? Alexander cleared his throat. "This is Victoria Blackwood, an old friend" he said, gesturing to the beautiful stranger. "Victoria, this is Olivia Stone, my..." He hesitated, and my heart sank. "My Queen." "So this is the famous little Queen," she drawled, her voice dripping with condescension. "She really is as young as you said, Alexander. How... sweet." The emphasis on 'young' stung like a slap. I was well aware of the thirteen-year age gap between Alexander and me. At thirty-one, he had already been Alpha King for ten years when I came into his life. Victoria slid gracefully from the desk, but as her feet touched the floor, she suddenly stumbled, letting out a small gasp of pain. Without thinking, Alexander immediately moved to steady her, his strong arms wrapping around her waist to keep her upright. Victoria leaned heavily into him, her body pressed against his chest, her face tilted up toward his. For one horrifying moment, I thought she was going to kiss him. Her lips parted slightly, her eyes fluttering closed as she swayed closer to Alexander's mouth. From an angle Alexander couldn't see, she looked at me provocatively, a scornful smile curling her lips as she silently mouthed, "Contract Queen?" My blood went cold. Who was she? Did Alexander even tell her about our contract? My wolf roared to the surface, demanding action. "Get your hands off him!" I snarled, lunging forward. I reached for Alexander's arm, trying to pull him away from her, my other hand raised to slap the smug expression right off Victoria's perfect face. How dare she? In my own den, with my own mate? But before my palm could connect with her cheek, Alexander's hand shot out, catching my wrist in an iron grip. "Enough!" he commanded, his Alpha voice booming through the room. I stared at him in shock. "Go back to your room, Olivia," he said, his golden eyes hard as stone. "I am discussing important matters with Victoria." "But Alexander—" I began. "Now, Olivia," Alexander's voice carried the unmistakable edge of an Alpha command, making me flinch. The dismissal hit me like a physical blow. In front of this woman who had been practically seducing him, he was sending me away like a misbehaving child. Victoria smiled triumphantly from within the circle of Alexander's arms, her earlier 'injury' seemingly forgotten as she stood perfectly steady. Heat rushed to my cheeks, a mixture of humiliation and rage. Without another word, I turned and fled from the room, my heart breaking with every step. Back in my room, I paced furiously, my wolf clawing at me from within. Who was that woman? And why had Alexander brought her to our den? Our safe space, our sanctuary? I changed out of Alexander's henley shirt, suddenly feeling exposed and vulnerable in it. It was as if Victoria's calculating eyes could still see me, judging me for wearing my mate's clothes like a child playing dress-up. I had just pulled on one of my own sweaters when I heard the heavy footsteps approaching my door. The door opened without a knock. Alexander strode in, his presence immediately filling the room. Despite my anger, my heart stuttered at the sight of him. He was so handsome it was almost painful to look at him. "This is for you," he said, extending a small gift box toward me. I took it, my fingers brushing against his. Even that slight contact sent electricity through my body. Six months of being marked as his mate, and I still reacted like a lovesick teenager around him. Which, technically, I was. "Who was that woman?" I asked, not opening the gift. "Why did you bring her here?" Alexander's jaw tightened. "I told you. She's just a friend." "Friend?" I repeated incredulously, my wolf bristling. "I've known you for so long, and I've never seen you have such a friend." I placed the gift on my nightstand unopened. "And if she's just a friend, why bring her to our den?" Our den was sacred space in werewolf culture. You didn't bring outsiders in unless they were family or extremely close. Alexander's expression remained unreadable. We might be mated, but it was not based on love. It was just a contract based on the Moon Goddess’s choice. "You're overreacting, Olivia," he said, moving closer to me. Before I could back away, he grabbed my hands, raising them above my head and pinning me against the wall. My breath caught in my throat. "Are you jealous, little one?" His voice dropped to a dangerous growl that made my knees weak. "Let me go," I demanded, trying to free myself from his grasp. I twisted my body, fighting against his hold, but only succeeded in causing my sweater to shift, exposing half of my left breast. Alexander's eyes instantly darkened, turning from golden to a deep crimson red—the mark of an Alpha in the grip of desire. I remembered suddenly that he'd been gone for two weeks, fighting at the border. Two weeks without touching me. "We have two hours before dinner," he murmured, glancing at his watch. His free hand traced the exposed curve of my breast, making me shiver. "More than enough time." Before I could protest, he had lifted me effortlessly into his arms. Despite my irritation at being manhandled, my body responded to his touch, betraying me as it always did. He carried me to our bathroom, kicking the door closed behind us. Even after six months of being intimate with Alexander, I still felt shy around him. He placed me on the bathroom counter, the cool marble a stark contrast to my heated skin. I tried to close my legs, but Alexander moved between them, forcing them apart with his powerful thighs. One of his large, rough hands gripped my bottom, while the other kneaded my breast through my sweater. His touch was possessive, demanding, igniting a fire within me that quickly consumed any remaining anger. "Alexander," I breathed, unable to form a more coherent thought. I could feel him hard against me, pressing insistently at the junction of my thighs. In one swift movement, he tore my panties away, the fabric giving way as easily as tissue paper. Chapter 2: Sever Our Mate Bond (Olivia’s POV) His fingers found my most sensitive spot, stroking and rubbing until I was gasping. I closed my eyes tightly, too embarrassed to watch what he was doing to me. The bathroom mirror would reflect everything. "Look at me," Alexander demanded, his Alpha voice impossible to resist. I opened my eyes to find his gaze locked on mine, his pupils blown wide with desire. The scent of my arousal seemed to drive him wild, his movements becoming more urgent. His hardness pressed more insistently against me, and I knew he was close to taking me right there on the counter. Suddenly, I remembered the pregnancy test hidden in my closet. My hand flew to his chest, pushing against the solid wall of muscle. "Alexander, we... we should get ready for dinner," I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper. Alexander's expression changed instantly at my refusal. The warmth in his eyes vanished, replaced by a cold gaze that sent shivers down my spine. I fidgeted under his scrutiny, my back pressed against the cold bathroom counter. Part of me wanted to explain, to tell him about our baby growing inside me, but the thought of that woman in our den held me back. Who was she to him? Why was he acting so differently? Without a word, Alexander released his grip on me and stepped back. The sudden absence of his heat left me feeling vulnerable and small. "Tidy up and come downstairs for dinner," he said, his voice flat and emotionless. He turned away, not waiting for my response. The bathroom door closed behind him with a soft click that somehow felt more final than a slam. I slid to the floor, wrapping my arms around my knees. Tears threatened to spill, but I blinked them back furiously. Alexander had never spoken to me like that before. Even when I had made mistakes or annoyed him, he had always treated me with affection and patience. What had changed? The thought of going downstairs and possibly seeing that woman—Victoria—sitting at our dining table made my stomach turn. I couldn't do it. I wouldn't do it. Instead, I retreated to our bed, curling into a tight ball on Alexander's side, inhaling his scent from the pillows. The familiar smell of pine and spice that usually comforted me now only intensified my distress. I don't know how long I lay there, lost in my thoughts and fears. Time seemed to stretch and blur until a soft knock at the door pulled me back to reality. "Queen?" Martha's gentle voice called from the hallway. "King Alexander is waiting for you at dinner." I didn't answer, hoping she would go away. The door opened slowly, and Martha peeked in. Her kind face was etched with concern when she saw me lying on the bed. "Queen, you must come down," she urged, her voice barely above a whisper. "The King is growing impatient. He says if you don't come, you'll go without dinner." I scoffed, sitting up abruptly. "I should be the one who's angry, not him! How dare he bring another she-wolf to our den? And then expect me to sit and have dinner like everything's normal?" Martha approached cautiously, sitting at the edge of the bed. "Queen, please," she pleaded. "You know how the King gets when he's angry. I worry for you." "Who is she, Martha?" I demanded, leaning forward. "Who is this Victoria, and why did Alexander bring her here? Tell me the truth." Martha's eyes darted away from mine. "I don't know much, Queen. She arrived shortly before you returned from university." "I don't believe Alexander would do anything to hurt you, Queen," Martha added, her voice sincere. "I've known him for decades, since he was just a prince. He's always been honorable." "Then why won't he tell me who she is?" I challenged, my voice cracking slightly. "Perhaps you should ask him directly," Martha suggested, standing up. "But you can't do that if you're hiding up here." She was right. Hiding wouldn't solve anything. If I wanted answers, I needed to face Alexander—and possibly this Victoria woman—head-on. "Fine," I said, sliding off the bed. "I'll go down." I quickly checked my appearance in the mirror, wiping away any trace of tears. I wouldn't give either of them the satisfaction of seeing me upset. I followed Martha downstairs. To my relief, the dining room contained only Alexander, sitting regally at the head of the long table. No Victoria in sight. He looked up as I entered, his face impassive. The table was set for two, with steaming plates of venison and roasted vegetables waiting. I took my seat to his right, avoiding his gaze. The silence between us was deafening, broken only by the soft clink of silverware against china. Taking my frustration out on my food, I stabbed at the venison with unnecessary force, imagining it was Victoria's perfect face. "Are you trying to murder your dinner?" Alexander asked, his voice surprisingly playful. I glanced up to find a hint of amusement in his eyes. His sudden shift in mood caught me off guard. "Eat properly, little one," he admonished gently, reaching over to pinch my cheek like he used to when I was younger. I swatted his hand away, irritated by his condescension. "Don't treat me like a child," I snapped. "One minute you're cold as ice, the next you're pinching my cheeks. What's going on with you, Alexander? You're not acting like yourself." His smile faltered, a fleeting shadow crossing his face. For a moment, he looked almost... sad? But the expression was gone so quickly I wondered if I'd imagined it. "Just eat your dinner, Olivia," he said, dodging my question. "The venison is from a stag I hunted myself before the border conflict." I wanted to press him further, but something in his tone made me hesitate. Instead, I took a small bite of the meat. It was delicious, of course. Alexander had always been an excellent hunter. "Do you like it?" he asked, watching me intently. I nodded, despite myself. "It's good." A genuine smile spread across his face, warming his golden eyes. Without warning, he reached across the table and added more vegetables to my plate. "You need to eat more greens," he said, his voice tender. "You're too thin. Have you been eating properly while I was away?" The concern in his voice melted some of my anger. This was the Alexander I knew, the one who always cared for me, sometimes to the point of overprotectiveness. "I can serve myself," I protested weakly. "I know," he said, still smiling. "But I like taking care of you. Slow down when you eat, or you'll choke." My wolf, Cora, practically purred at his attention. She had missed our mate terribly while he was away fighting, and despite my human concerns, she was simply happy to have him close again. The rest of dinner passed in a strange mix of tension and tenderness. Alexander continued to fuss over my eating habits, making sure I took small bites and didn't rush. By the time we finished our meal, my earlier anger had mostly dissipated, replaced by confusion. How could he be so sweet and attentive if he was hiding something from me? After dinner, I followed Alexander to the living room, where he pulled me onto his lap as we sat on the couch. His arms encircled me protectively, and I leaned my head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. Maybe I had overreacted. Maybe Victoria really was just a friend or a political ally. Maybe everything was fine. With that thought, I remembered my pregnancy. Now might be the perfect time to tell him. We were alone, reconciled, and calm. Surely he would be happy about our baby? "Alexander, I need to tell you something," I began, sitting up to look at him. Before I could continue, Martha appeared in the doorway, looking apologetic for interrupting our moment. "Excuse me, King Alexander," she said with a small bow. "You left your phone on the dining table." She approached us, holding out Alexander's sleek black phone. As she handed it to me, it began to ring. I glanced at the screen and felt my blood turn to ice. Victoria. Her name flashed on the display, the letters seeming to mock me. I stared at the phone, my hand trembling slightly. At that moment, Alexander emerged from the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist. Water droplets still clung to his chest, highlighting the defined muscles and battle scars. The phone rang again, insistent. Without thinking, I held it out to him. Alexander took it without hesitation, his face betraying no emotion as he answered the call. "Victoria." I moved closer, straining to hear the woman's voice on the other end of the line. Her tone was soft, sweet, and undeniably intimate. "Alex, can you come over? I was scratched by a silver dagger, it hurts, I'm afraid of silver poisoning." Alex? Nobody called Alexander "Alex." Not even me. The familiarity of the nickname was like a knife to my heart. But what truly devastated me was Alexander's immediate response: "Okay, I'll be right there." He ended the call and turned to me, his face a mask of indifference. "Go to sleep early; I'm heading out." The world seemed to tilt beneath my feet. He was leaving me, at night, to rush to another woman's side? After we'd just spent two weeks apart? "Why?" I demanded, my voice rising with incredulity. "It's a she-wolf, and it’s late night, and you're really going?" Alexander didn't answer. He simply walked to the closet and began pulling out fresh clothes. I followed him, my whole body shaking with anger and hurt. "Who is she, Alexander? Tell me the truth! What is she to you? Why are you running to her in the middle of the night?" He pulled on a pair of jeans, then a black t-shirt, still not acknowledging my questions. His silence was more painful than any words could have been. "Alexander!" I grabbed his arm, forcing him to look at me. "Talk to me!" He stared down at me, his golden eyes unreadable. Then, with a gentleness that somehow made it worse, he patted my shoulder condescendingly. "There are matters you wouldn't understand," he said quietly, the implication of my youth and inexperience cutting through me like glass. I moved to block his path to the door, desperation making me bold. "You can't just leave like this! Not without an explanation! I'm your mate, Alexander. Your Queen. If you're hiding something from me, I deserve to know what it is!" For a long moment, he simply looked at me, his expression softening slightly. Something like regret flickered in his eyes. "Prepare yourself," he said finally, his voice carrying the weight of his years of command, "because we will be severing our mate bond soon." Chapter 3: More and More Childish (Olivia's POV) The words echoed in my mind like a death sentence. "Severing our mate bond soon." I stood frozen in our bedroom doorway, watching Alexander disappear down the hallway. His footsteps faded until only silence remained. The emptiness felt suffocating. My legs gave out beneath me. I collapsed onto the cold marble floor, my body shaking uncontrollably. "No," I whispered, then louder, "No!" My wolf Cora whined pitifully inside my mind. She could sense the threat to our mate connection, and her anguish mixed with my own until I thought I might drown in the pain. The sobs tore through my chest. I curled into a ball on the floor, my whole body wracked with grief. The pregnancy hormones made everything feel amplified. Hours seemed to pass. My tears finally slowed, leaving me hollow and exhausted. Then I remembered the tiny life growing inside me. I couldn't fall apart like this. My baby needed me to be strong. I struggled to my feet, wiping my swollen eyes. "I won't let this happen," I whispered fiercely. Cora stirred within me, her spirit rallying. "I'm going to tear that she-wolf apart!" she growled. I wouldn't let Alexander sever our mate bond. Whatever hold Victoria had over him, I would break it. The next morning, I dragged myself downstairs. My eyes were still puffy from crying, and I felt like I'd been hit by a truck. The dining room was empty. Alexander's chair sat vacant at the head of the table. Martha appeared with a plate of eggs and toast. Her kind face creased with worry when she saw me. "Queen, you look terrible. Are you feeling alright?" "Did Alexander come home last night?" I asked, my voice hoarse. Martha's expression grew troubled. "No, Your Majesty. His Majesty didn't return." The words hit me like a physical blow. He'd really stayed out all night. With her. I forced myself to eat a few bites of toast, though everything tasted like ash. My stomach churned, whether from morning sickness or heartbreak, I couldn't tell. I needed to get to class. Even with my world falling apart, I couldn't neglect my studies. Education was one of the few things that had always belonged to me alone. The pack healer university felt like a sanctuary. Here, I was just another student, not the Queen dealing with a crumbling marriage. I threw myself into my coursework, desperate for the distraction. Ancient healing techniques, pack law, territorial management - anything to keep my mind off Alexander and Victoria. But as the day wore on, I found myself checking my phone constantly. No messages. No calls. Nothing from Alexander. "Olivia!" My best friend Rachel's cheerful voice broke through my misery. "Want to grab dinner in the cafeteria?" I was about to decline when another female student approached us. "Olivia Stone? There's a beautiful she-wolf looking for you at the main gate." Curiosity and hope warred in my chest. I excused myself from Rachel and hurried toward the university entrance. A middle-aged beta wolf in an expensive suit stood by the gate. When he saw me approaching, he bowed slightly. "Miss Stone? This way, please." He led me to a sleek black car parked at the curb. My stomach dropped as he opened the rear door. Victoria sat inside, looking perfectly composed. Her blonde hair was styled immaculately, and she wore a designer dress that probably cost more than most people's monthly salary. An inexplicable sense of crisis washed over me. Cora growled protectively inside my mind, sensing danger. "Get in the car," Victoria said with a sweet smile that didn't reach her eyes. I remained frozen. "We need to talk," she continued, as if I hadn't already met her. "I assume you know that Alexander was with me last night?" Her words sent ice through my veins. she did this on purpose! Sudden animosity flooded through me. "What do you want from me?" Victoria's smile turned predatory. She looked me up and down with obvious disdain. "I just wanted to chat about Alexander. Why, are you that afraid of me?" The condescension in her voice made my blood boil. I met her gaze defiantly. "I'm not afraid of you. You're nothing but a shameless mate-stealer." Victoria's composed facade cracked. Her eyes flashed with fury as she stepped out of the car. She towered over me. At 5'10", she made me feel like a child in comparison. "Mate-stealer?" her voice dripped with venom. "You little orphan. You should be grateful Alexander rescued you from the gutter and gave you an education. Most stray wolves never get such opportunities." She circled me like a predator. "Tell me, how did Alexander's pack even agree to let him mark a nobody like you? Did you beg? Did you cry pretty tears until he took pity on you?" My hands clenched into fists. "Alexander marked me because he wanted to. That proves how he feels about me." I lifted my chin, refusing to be cowed. "What right do you have to question Alexander's choices? Or his pack's decisions?" Despite feeling small next to her statuesque frame, I knew I could match her in looks. And I had something she didn't - youth and Alexander's mark on my neck. Victoria's laugh was sharp and bitter. "If I hadn't left before, would you even have had a chance with Alexander?" "Auntie," I said sweetly, enjoying how her face darkened at the term. "The problem is you already lost him. You're his past. I'm his Queen now, and he marked me. You should have known better than to disturb him." Victoria's composure finally shattered completely. Her face turned red with rage at being called 'Auntie.' "You think you're his Queen? Then you should ask him why he really marked you." She stepped closer, her breath hot against my face. "Even if I was away for ten, twenty years, he would still choose me when I came back. You? You're just a tool he uses to satisfy his wolf’s sexual needs." The words cut deep, but I gritted my teeth and refused to show weakness. "A stray wolf like you will never truly belong to the royal pack," Victoria continued viciously. "You can play dress-up all you want, but you'll never be anything more than Alexander's charity case." She raised her hand to slap me, her face twisted with hatred. That was the final straw. My own hand shot out faster than lightning, connecting with her cheek in a resounding slap that echoed through the street. Victoria stumbled backward, her hand pressed to her reddened face. Shock and fury warred in her expression. The beta driver moved toward me, clearly intending to defend his employer. "Don't even think about it," I warned coldly. "I'm Queen of the Southern Territory. Touch me, and you'll answer to Alexander." The man hesitated, recognizing the truth in my words. No matter what else was happening between Alexander and me, I still held that title and the protection it afforded. Victoria glared at me with pure hatred, her perfectly styled hair now disheveled. "You'll regret this, you little bitch," she hissed. "When Alexander chooses me over you, remember this moment." She climbed back into her car with as much dignity as she could muster. "Drive," she snapped at her beta. The car sped away, leaving me standing alone on the sidewalk. My bravado crumbled the moment they were out of sight. I stumbled to a nearby bench and collapsed onto it, my whole body shaking. The confrontation had taken everything out of me. The pregnancy hormones, the stress, the fear - it all crashed over me at once. Cora stirred in my mind, offering what comfort she could. "Don't worry," she said softly. "I can feel that we are Alexander's only true mates. He will never abandon us for that woman." Her certainty helped steady me. My wolf's instincts were usually right about these things. I placed a protective hand over my still-flat stomach. "Even for the sake of our child, I won't let her succeed." I was preparing to head back to the university when my phone rang. Alexander's name flashed on the screen. After a moment's hesitation, I accepted the call. Alexander's voice came through immediately, filled with disappointment and resignation that made my chest ache. "Olivia, when are you going to stop making trouble? This is between the two of us. Why did you go to Victoria? You even hit her. You really are becoming more and more childish." The hurt in my chest felt like a physical wound. "Childish." That's what he called me. Not his mate. Not his Queen. Just a childish girl causing trouble. I pressed the phone harder against my ear, wanting desperately to defend myself. To tell him how Victoria had ambushed me, how she'd insulted me first. But Alexander's stern voice cut through my thoughts before I could speak. "Listen to me carefully, Olivia. You will not trouble Victoria again. Do you understand me?" His Alpha command pressed down on me, making my wolf whimper in submission. But my human heart rebelled against the unfairness. "Alexander, you don't understand what happened—" "I understand perfectly," he interrupted coldly. "Victoria is under my protection. You will be obedient and stop making things difficult for me." The line went dead. He'd hung up on me without giving me a chance to explain. I stared at my phone in disbelief. The man who marked me had just chosen another woman's word over mine. I wanted to scream. I wanted to throw my phone against the wall. Instead, I sat on that bench and let the tears fall. Two days passed without a word from Alexander. I threw myself into my studies, attending every class, staying late in the library. Alexander didn't call. He didn't text. He didn't even reach out through our mate bond, which hurt more than I expected. Friday morning brought excitement to the entire campus. Students buzzed with anticipation as they hurried between classes. "Can you believe it?" Rachel squealed, digging through her desk drawer frantically. "The Alpha King is actually coming here!" She was searching for her phone, clearly planning to take photos during Alexander's visit. I sat at my desk, pretending to read my textbook while my heart hammered against my ribs. Alexander was coming here. To my school. "Where's my phone?" Rachel muttered, tossing books aside. "I need to record everything!" She finally found it and turned to me with bright eyes. "Olivia, aren't you excited? You're always so interested in Alpha King news. This is our chance to see him in person!" I forced a weak smile. "I'm not feeling well today. I think I'll skip it." Rachel's mouth fell open in shock. "Skip it? But it's the Alpha King! You've been following his campaigns and policies for months!" That was true. Before I became his Queen, I'd been fascinated by Alexander's political reforms and military strategies. I'd attended his previous lectures, sitting in the back row and dreaming of somehow meeting him. "I really don't feel up to it," I insisted, looking down at my textbook. Rachel frowned with concern. "Are you sure you're okay? You've seemed off these past few days." Before I could answer, our other roommates burst through the door, chattering excitedly about the upcoming speech. "Come on, Rachel!" Samantha called. "It's starting in ten minutes!" Rachel grabbed her bag and paused at the door. "Last chance, Olivia. You'll regret missing this." I waved them off. "Go ahead. I'll catch up on some reading." The door slammed behind them, leaving me alone in the sudden silence. I set down my textbook and buried my face in my hands. Of course I wanted to attend Alexander's lecture. I wanted to see him command the room with his presence, watch him captivate the audience with his intelligence and charisma. I remembered his previous visit to our university six months ago. He'd stood on that stage like a king among mortals, his deep voice carrying across the packed auditorium. Every girl in the room had hung on his every word. I'd been one of them, dreaming impossible dreams about somehow catching his attention. Back then, he was just the powerful Alpha King I admired from afar. Now he was my mate. My husband. The father of my unborn child. And he was slipping away from me, choosing another woman over the family we could have together. I pressed my hands against my flat stomach. Even if Alexander wanted to give my position to Victoria, I wouldn't let go easily. Our mate bond could only be severed with my consent, and I wouldn't give it. I lay my head down on my desk, exhaustion weighing on my shoulders. Maybe if I slept, I could escape this mess for a while. Voices in the hallway woke me sometime later. My roommates were back, and they sounded absolutely giddy. "He's even more handsome in person!" Rachel gushed as she burst through the door. "Did you see the way he commanded that stage?" "And his voice!" Samantha sighed dreamily. "So deep and authoritative. I could listen to him read the phone book." I sat up slowly, rubbing my eyes. "How was the speech?" "Incredible!" Rachel practically bounced with excitement. "He talked about pack unity and territorial cooperation. So intelligent and well-spoken." She pulled out her phone and started swiping through photos. "Look at these shots I got! He's absolutely perfect." My heart clenched as she showed me image after image of Alexander. Even in the grainy phone photos, his presence was undeniable. Tall and commanding in his dark suit, golden eyes serious as he addressed the crowd. "I'm going to marry him someday," Samantha declared with a giggle. "Just wait and see." "You and every other she-wolf in the territory," Rachel laughed. "But hey, you never know. Maybe he'll notice one of us." Another roommate, Jessica, suddenly looked thoughtful. "Hey Olivia, isn't it weird that you have the same last name as his royal pack? Stone?" Samantha waved dismissively. "Lots of people have the surname Stone. It's just a coincidence." "Still," Jessica pressed, "it's kind of funny. Maybe you're secretly related to royalty, Olivia." They all laughed at the joke, having no idea how close to the truth they were. "Look at this one!" Rachel thrust her phone in my face. "Isn't he your type? Tall, dark, and incredibly powerful?" I couldn't take any more of this. I stood up abruptly, grabbing my bag. "I'm going to the library," I announced, heading for the door. "But we're still talking about the Alpha King!" Samantha protested. "I need to study," I said, not looking back. My phone rang just as I reached the exit. The caller ID made me freeze. Daniel Clark - Alexander's Royal Beta. I'd met Daniel several times at the palace. He was Alexander's right-hand man. I answered on the third ring. "Hello?" "Miss Stone," Daniel's professional voice came through clearly. "I need you to pack your things and wait in the parking lot. I'll be there to pick you up in fifteen minutes." My grip tightened on the phone. I thought about the past two days of silence. The way Alexander had dismissed my feelings and chosen Victoria's word over mine. "I want to stay at school to study," I said firmly. "Tell Alexander I'm not coming." Another pause, longer this time. I could hear muffled voices in the background. "One moment, Miss Stone." Then Alexander's voice came through the phone, and my heart jumped despite everything. "Olivia." His tone was gentler than it had been during our last conversation. "Come home. We need to talk." "I said I'm staying here," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "I have important studying to do." The threat in his voice was subtle but unmistakable. "If you don't come willingly, I'll fetch you from your dormitory myself. In front of all your roommates." Chapter 4: You're Not Allowed to Hit Her (Olivia’s POV) "You wouldn't," I whispered. "Try me," he said quietly. "Daniel will be there in ten minutes. Be waiting." The line went dead. I stared at my phone, fury and frustration warring in my chest. Reluctantly, I trudged back to my dormitory. My roommates looked up in surprise when I entered. "That was quick," Rachel commented. "Find what you needed at the library?" "Actually, my family called," I lied smoothly, pulling out my overnight bag. "They want me home for the weekend." "Lucky!" Samantha said enviously. "I wish my family would rescue me from weekend studying." I packed quickly, throwing clothes and textbooks into my bag. My roommates watched with curious eyes. Rachel grinned. "Well, if you ever want to invite us over, we'd love to see your place! We could have a girls' weekend." "Okay, if I have the opportunity, I will definitely invite you to my house," I said with a forced smile. "Then I'll leave first." These girls were my friends, but I could never bring them to Alexander's palace. They could never know the truth about my secret marriage. Especially not now, when that marriage was hanging by a thread. I spotted the most luxurious black SUV parked in the distance as I approached the university parking lot. My heart hammered against my ribs, knowing Alexander was waiting inside. Daniel saw me from afar and hurried out of the car to open the door for me. His respectful bow reminded me of my status, even though I felt anything but royal right now. "Queen," he said politely, holding the door wide. As I slid into the car, I saw Alexander in the back seat, dressed in an impeccably tailored black suit. Even angry with him, I couldn't deny how devastatingly handsome he looked. The mature, masculine charm he exuded was irresistibly alluring, his wolf's power evident even when contained beneath that polished exterior. I forced myself to look away, pretending not to notice him as I settled into the seat beside him. My wolf Cora stirred restlessly, drawn to our mate despite my human anger. Alexander studied me with those piercing golden eyes, seemingly forgetting our previous unpleasantness. His expression softened as he took in my appearance. He frowned slightly, his voice unexpectedly gentle. "Didn't you go to the lecture? I didn't catch your scent in the school auditorium today." The admission that he'd been looking for me sent a traitorous flutter through my chest. But I steeled myself against his charm, turning to stare out the window instead. "I didn't go," I replied curtly, deliberately avoiding his gaze. "Why didn't you go?" Alexander pressed, genuine curiosity in his tone. The question sparked fresh anger in my chest. How could he ask me that after everything he'd said? "The Alpha who wants to sever our mate bond definitely doesn't want to see me," I retorted, unable to keep the bitterness from my voice. Cora whimpered inside my mind at the painful reminder of his threat. The thought of losing our mate made her incredibly distressed. Alexander frowned, and I caught a glimpse of something that looked almost like amusement in his expression. How dare he find my pain funny? He reached out to pull me closer, but I coldly brushed his hand away as if his touch burned me. "Alpha Stone, please respect yourself," I said icily, using his formal title to put distance between us. Alexander looked taken aback by my prickly demeanor. Before I could react, he forcefully turned my body toward him, his hands firm on my shoulders. "Don't be angry," he coaxed, his voice gentling again. "Didn't I come to school to pick you up?" But I wasn't falling for his sweet words. Not again. I stubbornly shook off his hands and turned my back to him once more. "Are you here to pick me up?" I challenged. "You're here to give your lecture." The distinction mattered to me. He hadn't come for me specifically - I was just convenient. "Then do you know why I came to give a lecture?" he questioned, his tone taking on an edge. I shrugged dismissively, my wolf huffing in irritation at his persistence. "Who knows?" That seemed to be the last straw for Alexander's patience. His voice took on the unmistakable authority of an Alpha command. "If you don't know, don't talk nonsense. Don't keep a straight face with me; turn around and look at me." The Alpha voice hit me like a physical force, making my wolf instinctively want to submit even as my human side rebelled. The internal war was torture, my body trembling with the effort to resist. Feeling resentful but also somewhat helpless against the overbearing Alpha, I reluctantly turned to face him. I couldn't meet his eyes, so I lowered my head, tears threatening to spill over. Alexander's expression immediately softened at my pitiful appearance. His hands were gentle as he pulled me into his arms. "Alright, what happened before is over. Don't be sad, Olivia," he murmured, his voice warm against my ear. But it wasn't that simple. "Can it be over? You've already made up your mind." The reference to our mate bond hung heavy between us. Why was he being so gentle after declaring we would sever the bond that tied us together? "You say you don't want to leave, but we're not severing our bond now," Alexander said carefully, lifting me onto his lap and patting my back in soothing circles. "I didn't say we have to do it now." His words felt like a temporary reprieve rather than real reassurance. I stubbornly tried to get off his lap, not wanting to be comforted by false promises. Alexander's expression darkened as he held me firmly in place. "Be good, don't make me angry." His eyes flashed amber briefly, his wolf asserting dominance over mine. The display of power made me freeze, not daring to argue further. I resigned myself to resting against his chest, trying to ignore how Cora found comfort in his familiar scent. Maybe I could explain what really happened with Victoria. Make him understand that I wasn't the aggressor. "The other day, I didn't go to cause trouble for that she-wolf; she came to—" "What's in the past is in the past, don't mention it," Alexander interrupted, clearly wanting to avoid the topic. But I needed him to know the truth. "Victoria came to the university and confronted me. She—" "Olivia Stone, I said don't mention it again!" Alexander's voice turned cold, taking on a dangerous edge that made me flinch. I straightened my back and stared at him in shock. My wolf cowered slightly at his harsh tone, confused by our mate's rejection. Alexander's next words felt like daggers to my heart. "In the future, you're not allowed to look for her, and you're not allowed to hit her. Severing our mate bond has nothing to do with her. If you're unhappy, you can be angry with me." The sharp pain in my chest was almost unbearable. Even now, even after everything, he still cared more about protecting Victoria than listening to me. My wolf whined miserably at the realization. I angrily left Alexander's embrace and moved to sit by the window, my heart breaking all over again. For the rest of the ride home, I remained silent, staring out at the passing landscape through unshed tears. When we arrived at the palace, I found myself unwilling to get out of the car. My cheeks puffed up with childish anger as I sat there stubbornly. Alexander tried to pull me toward him, but I pushed his hand away in a fit of temper and stormed into the house alone. I could hear his heavy sigh behind me, but I didn't care. Dinner was torture. We sat across from each other at the long table, but I didn't utter a single word. I focused entirely on cutting my venison steak into precise pieces, using the task to avoid looking at him. Alexander tried several times to start a conversation, but I ignored him completely. As soon as I finished eating, I retreated to our bedroom and grabbed a book on pack history, pretending to be engrossed in reading. Alexander left me alone, presumably going to his study to work. I was grateful for the space, but also hurt that he didn't try harder to fix things between us. Around ten o'clock, I heard his footsteps approaching the bedroom. My pulse quickened despite my anger, my traitorous body still responding to his presence. After his shower, he emerged with only a towel wrapped around his waist. Water droplets still clung to his muscled chest, and I had to force myself to keep looking at my book. But Alexander had other plans. He reached out and took the book away from me, setting it aside with deliberate intent. I looked up at him with tearful eyes, my heart breaking all over again. "What do you take me for? A tool to satisfy Logan’s sexual needs?" Cora growled defensively within me, sharing my pain and frustration. My question seemed to douse whatever passion he'd felt. His jaw tightened with frustration. "Olivia Stone, when are you going to stop making a scene?" His stern tone only made me feel more aggrieved. The tears I'd been holding back finally spilled over. "I just want to ask you what you take me for. Your Luna? If I am your Luna, then why do you want to sever our mate bond and mark someone else?" My voice broke on the words, the pain of voicing my fears almost too much to bear. "I don't want to make a scene with you, but I'm just feeling down," I continued, my voice barely above a whisper. "It makes me extremely miserable." My wolf whimpered at the thought of losing our mate, her distress amplifying my own until I thought I might drown in it. Seeing me on the verge of tears again, Alexander's expression softened completely. He reached out and pulled me into his arms, his voice filled with regret. "I'm sorry, it's my fault." But I didn't want empty apologies. I wanted promises. I wanted him to choose me. "I don't want your apology," I pleaded, finally letting out all the pent-up frustration of the past few days. "I just want you to stay away from other she-wolves, don't sever our bond. Can't we just stay together?" Cora howled within me, desperate to keep our mate. The sound of my own desperation frightened me, but I couldn't stop the words from pouring out. Hearing me cry seemed to affect Alexander deeply. I felt a sharp pang of emotion through our bond as he held me tighter. "Alright," he said, his voice soft with promise. "We won't sever our mate bond." I looked up at him in surprise, hardly daring to believe what I'd heard. My eyes were still wet with tears as I searched his face for any sign of deception. "Really?" "Yeah," Alexander affirmed, hugging me close against his chest. I felt his wolf Logan rumble contentedly at my nearness, and some of the tension finally left my body. Maybe we could work through this. Maybe everything would be okay. Just then, Martha's voice came from outside our door, shattering the peaceful moment. "Alpha, are you asleep?" Alexander's arms tightened around me slightly. "What is it?" The words that followed made my blood turn to ice. "King, Miss Victoria is here. She's downstairs and says she needs to see you." The moment Martha's words registered, I felt Alexander's body tense against mine. Alexander frowned, his golden eyes darkening with what looked like concern. "Why is Victoria here at this hour?" My heart sank as he began to pull away from me. The promise he'd just made about not severing our mate bond felt hollow now, meaningless in the face of Victoria's sudden appearance. "What are you going to do with her?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper as I watched him get up from the bed. "I'll go downstairs and take a look," Alexander replied, his movements deliberate as he reached for his clothes. "You stay here and sleep." Sleep? How could he expect me to sleep when that woman was downstairs, calling for him in the middle of the night? My wolf Cora's hackles rose inside me, her protective instincts flaring to life. She paced restlessly in my mind, urging me to action. "Follow him," Cora growled in my thoughts. "We need to see what that shameless she-wolf wants." I wanted to see too. I needed to know how Alexander would respond t...