FIVE

Alexander POV....

While standing in front of the mirror in a fit of anger, Laim stood behind me and said, "Your mate is in this pack; what are you talking about?"

My frustration grew as I replied, "I couldn't protect her, Laim. She was disrespected and mistreated right before my eyes, and I did nothing. I watched as my own mate faced humiliation like a coward."

Laim tried to console me by placing his hand on my shoulder and reassuringly saying, "Alex, it's not your fault. Your wolf is enraged at you; don't blame yourself."

"I felt her pain, Laim. The way she is being treated is incredibly cruel. My friend is all alone, locked in that basement. Her face keeps haunting my thoughts, and I couldn't do a thing to help her."

Curious about her identity, Laim inquired, "Who is she? I mean, who is your mate?"

I gazed out the window, where the moonlight danced, before responding, "I don't know for sure, but judging from her attire, she might be a servant in this palace. Laim, I need to gather all the information about her. Who is she? What has she done to deserve such mistreatment? I must rescue her from this hell. Finally, I have found my mate, and now I must bring her with me. Please, my friend, assist me in this endeavor."

I looked at him with hope in my eyes, and he smiled. "You are not only my friend but also my brother. Our bond is of utmost importance, and as your beta guard, it is my duty to follow your commands. Rest assured, I will gather all the necessary information and ensure Luna's escape," he assured me while squeezing my shoulder. His words brought me solace.

With Laim by my side, who was willing to do anything for me, I nodded and prepared to leave. "Now, get some sleep. Please call Haethon Kingdom and inform them that we'll be extending our stay in Mariana Pack for a few more days."

Laim nodded in understanding. After conveying this message, I left his room and made my way to mine. Throughout the journey, thoughts of my mate consumed me. As I entered my room, closing the door behind me, I headed towards the bed.

"Tiger!" I called out to my wolf, but he remained silent. Frustrated, I observed my empty hands.

"You still refuse to speak to me."

Silence greeted me from the other side. "I am talking to you." I laid myself on the bed and continued, "Our mate is extraordinarily beautiful. Did you see her blue eyes? She exudes innocence, and her scent is like a calming blend of jasmine and honey.

I closed my eyes, and her tear-stained face appeared before me. "However, our mate is enduring cruelty. I don't understand why Luna Katrina treats her in such a manner, but regardless of the reason, it is unjust for anyone to be so cruel to an omega."

I'm looking at the ceiling. "From here, I will escort her to our Haethon kingdom, where she will reside as a princess." And later on, I dozed off while conversing with my wolf.

Laim's POV...

After Alexander's departure, I positioned myself on the couch and reflected on him. My acquaintance with Alexander dates back to our childhood; our families were close friends. We attended school together, and upon his return from London, his father appointed me as Alexander's personal beta guard.

Since then, we have been inseparable. Together, we embarked on a quest to find Alexander's mate, but our efforts proved futile. There was a period when Alexander would frequently speak about his destined partner. However, after our search concluded in disappointment, he commanded me to refrain from mentioning his mate any further, and I abided by his wish.

But today, at the age of 33, he unexpectedly found his mate. The gleam in his eyes returned, as did the smile that had vanished. I will not allow my friend to endure sadness again. I intend to gather information about his mate. I will make a decision and confer with the household staff.

Morning would be the opportune time, when only the servants would be present in the hall. Therefore, I remained in wait, anticipating the rising sun.

*

Several hours later, Descending the staircase, I overheard the voices of women, prompting me to halt in my tracks. "I feel immense sympathy for her. How much longer must she endure these tribulations?"

Stealthily, I eavesdropped on their conversation. "Do not place your trust in her. Luna is exacting punishment upon her for her own misdeeds," one of the women commented while heading towards the kitchen, carrying plates.

"Lower your voices. If Sophia catches wind of this, doomsday shall befall us," the other servant warned, following closely behind.

"Speaking of whom, where might Sophia be? She must have learned of the news by now."

"Where could she be? Likely beseeching her mother to release Veronica from the basement, claiming she is no ordinary girl and whatnot."

'Veronica, the name of the girl confined to the basement, is Alexander's mate. However, why do these women assert that she is not an ordinary girl? Who is this, Veronica?'

"Enough chatter; get back to work in the kitchen. Since Veronica is absent today, our workload will be doubled." The two servants hurried off towards the kitchen.

Observing the girl arranging the dishes on the table, I descended the stairs and approached her. She glanced at me and remarked, "You're in need of something? Breakfast will take some time."

I cleared my throat and responded, "Are you familiar with Sophia?"

Surprised, she stared at me and inquired, "I am Sophia, indeed."

Nodding, I glanced around and whispered, "I have something to divulge to you regarding Veronica, if you can spare a moment of your valuable time."

With a shocked expression, her eyes were fixed on me. "Fear not, for I am Laim Beta, the special guard of Alpha Alexander. He has sent me to gather information from you. Kindly grant me some time."

Casting a wary glance around, she spoke in a trembling voice, "Come to the kitchen in the afternoon. That's where I'll be." And without wasting a moment, she swiftly made her way towards the kitchen. I smiled and turned my gaze back to the room.

*

Sophia stood before me, her voice filled with anticipation. "What is it that you wish to learn from me?"

"I seek information about Veronica."

Upon hearing my question, her eyes immediately began scanning the surroundings. "Why are you so interested in Veronica? If you have any ulterior motives, I implore you not to meddle with her. She is my friend, and she is not the type of person to satisfy your desires."

Surprised by her words, I exclaimed, "No, no, you misunderstand. I am not that kind of person. I already have a mate, as you can see from the mark on my neck."

I showed her the visible mark, and she shook her head. "If that's the case, then why are you interested in Veronica?"

She sat down on the floor.

"She happens to be my alpha's mate." "What?" Sophia rushed towards me, tears welling up in her eyes.

"What are you saying?"

"Mate. Alpha Alexander is the fated mate of Omega Veronica."

She collapsed onto the floor, sobbing inconsolably. Unsure of how to console her, I simply observed her silently. After some time, amidst her teary smiles, she spoke.

"I always told Veronica that one day her mate would come and take her away from here. She never believed me, but today my words have come true."

She wiped her tears and looked at me.

"I will tell you everything you desire to know about Veronica, and I will answer all of your questions."

I smiled. "Well then, my first question is: who is Veronica?"

She took a deep breath and gazed up at the sky. "Veronica Jeon." Then her eyes met mine. "She is the daughter of the late Alpha Jeon and Beta Jia, who were the leaders of this pack." She smiled, sensing my curiosity. "Veronica is a descendant of the late Alpha Jeon from the Mariana Pack, who happened to be the older brother of Thomas Jefferson. She is not a slave, but rather a descendant of the original pack owner."

My eyes widened. And so Sophie proceeded to recount the entire painful story of Veronica. As she continued to share, anger welled up inside me while she cried and revealed every detail. It took all of my patience to remain composed.

*