Chapter 7

ALPHA JAX'S POV

During our drive back to the palace, I couldn't help but think about the events that just happened. I thought about Lina. Deep down, I regretted my actions. I shouldn't have banished her. I let my anger blind me. I should have just sent her back home instead of sending her away from the pack. As an Alpha, my words are final. It's too late to call her back. If I do that, people won't take my word seriously. As an Alpha, you have to do everything you can to make sure you don't lose credibility especially in your words. If not, people will take advantage of you and start to question your judgement.

I thought about Lina's words. She couldn't be my mate. I do admit, I felt connected to her in a way that I've never felt before with any other woman. I dismissed it as just physical attraction. But now that I think of it, what if it could be more than that? My wolf was restless inside me. I felt uneasy. I hadn't felt this bothered in a long time. My wolf told me that something was wrong - that I had made a huge mistake.

I dismissed it. I couldn't be wrong. Trixie is my mate. I'm just feeling bad about Lina, that's all. There's nothing more to it..

Trixie touched my arm "What's wrong, my love? You're not here with me"

I forced a smile "I'm fine"

"You're not worried about Lina, are you?"

"I shouldn't have banished her"

"You did the right thing. If Lina remained in this pack, she would never let us be at peace together. She's always wanted what belongs to me. You always want to make me happy, right?"

"Of course"

"Then be rest assured that this makes me happy, relieved even. We can be at peace now"

I looked outside the window "If you say so"

If we're meant to be at peace now, why do I feel so troubled inside me?

We approached the tall palace gates. The guards saluted us as we drove in. When the car was parked, I got down and helped Trixie down as well. Hand in hand, we entered the palace. I was glad that I finally found my mate.

As soon as we entered, I came face to face with aunt Mallory. Her face was filled with concern. She sighed in relief when she saw me.

"Jax," Mallory said "Where have you been? I've been worried"

I smiled "You shouldn't be. You should really stop treating me like a child"

"You'll always be my little boy. I can't help but worry about you"

"I apologize, Aunt Mallory. I had... matters to attend to."

Before I could speak further, Trixie stepped forward,

"And who might you be?" Trixie asked.

I felt a bit uncomfortable at Trixie's tone. She shouldn't speak to my aunt like that. They haven't even been properly introduced.

Mallory looked at her with a concerned expression "I am Mallory, Alpha Jax's aunt, and lady of this palace" "

Trixie scoffed" Not anymore. I'm here now"

"And who might you be, young lady"

"This is Trixie" I sharply cut in "My mate"

Mallory's eyes widened in surprise "You found here. She's quite... Interesting"

The air was thick with tension I didn't like where this conversation was heading. Trixie stared Mallory down like she was beneath her or something. I had no idea why she acted like that. I caught sight of the butler.

"Gideon" I called out to him.

He walked forward to us and bowed his head "Yes, your highness"

"Prepare a room for Trixie. Assign her a personal maid. Make sure she's comfortable"

"Yes, your highness"

With one last glare, Trixie walked away with Gideon.

Mallory looked at me as if asking for an explanation.

"I apologize on her behalf" I said "I don't like the way she spoke to you either. I'll talk to her"

"Your mate really needs to learn some manners. Are you sure she's the one?"

"Yes. The orb glowed when she touched it"

Mallory eyed me with skepticism. She didn't look too sure of this.

"If you say so" she said "I'm going to bed. Good night, your grace"

She curtsied in front of me before walking away. I let out a deep breath. Everything felt like it was spiraling out of control. Things didn't feel right for some reason and I didn't know why. I thought everything would fall in place when I found my mate.

I guess I'll just have to give it time. I'll talk to Trixie. She'll adjust.

I made my way to my office. I had some things I needed to sort out before bed. As soon as I took a seat, my door burst open. It was Navi.

"Navi" I said "What brings you here?"

"We need to talk"

His expression was a serious one. Navi was usually playful. For him to be this serious, it meant that something was wrong.

"What is it?" I questioned.

"I saw what happened with the other girl, Lina or whatever. Why did you banish her? You didn't even hear what she had to say"

I forgot Navi was there. He came to join me in the camp later in the day. I didn't know he saw the whole thing.

His words struck something in me. I knew I let my anger cloud my judgement. Anyway, it's too late now. She's gone. Nothing can be done.

"I thought I was doing what was best for my mate. I admit, I was a bit harsh and angry but."

"I understand but something tells me that Trixie isn't telling you the truth. I don't trust her. There's something...off about her."

"What do you mean?"

"You need to think about this carefully. Trixie might not be who she says she is. She acts entitled. Look how rude she was to Lady Mallory. What if she isn't your mate?"

"I've tested Trixie. I had her hold the orb, and it reacted to her."

"The orb stone can be deceived. Especially by those with strong powers. There are ways to confuse it, to manipulate it."

Could that be possible? How could Trixie be able to manipulate a mystical object?

I began to feel uncertain about the whole thing.

I began thinking - Did I do the right thing or had I made a huge mistake?