Chapter 8

Xavier's POV

“Capture all rogues, especially my red price, Talia Lockwood."

Hearing his words, my heart sank as I looked at him, “huh?"

“Yes. I want my red price back."

“But sire, she's dead."

“Dead?" Logan asked surprised.

“Yes, sire."

Clicking his tongue, Logan grabbed a glass of wine of the side. Gulping it down hungrily. He turned to me, his eyes dark as he asked, “Dead?" Disbelief evident in his tone.

“Yes, sire."

“Lying, are we?"

A cold sweat broke from my forehead as I heard his question. Digging my teeth into my lower lip, I delved deep into my thoughts as I tried hard to remember if anyone was around when I murdered all those guards so Talia could escape untouched. No one rang a bell. Besides, it was dark, right? Or was it?

“I don't understand, sire…”

“Of course you don't, you're an idiot. When the guard reported the deaths caused by Xander's attack, he said he saw you watch her escape into the woods. And want to know the most exciting thing he said? He said he watched you snap the head off a guard."

My pulse raced at my fingertips as I tried finding an explanation which could cover up my crimes. How could I be so careless?

“Don't worry, Xavier. I'm sure you had your reasons. I saw you the way you looked at the pretty rogue during the hunting game," Logan said, walking toward me, “You've been a loyal servant to me, a fearless warrior. My secret weapon. I don't mind you wanting to keep that filth as your pleasure thing, just don't murder my guards. Even if you want to murder them, do it discreetly and make it fun. Murder is for fun. Besides, I've got inside information from Xander's pack, that rogue Talia is a special rogue. She should be with us, rather than Xander. Don't you agree, hmm?”

“Mhmm," I nodded in response. As crazy as he is, this is the only way I could keep Talia close to me. At least, this way, I could protect her more closely.

“Thank you, Alpha. I will remember this kindness for all eternity," I stated.

“Off you go, Melinda should go with you. Have fun with them both," he said, patting my shoulder.

Bowing, I turned, swiftly departing from Logan. Talia, I'm coming for you.

"Xavier?” Melinda called out to me.

"Yes?”

"Are we going now?”

We? Although Logan said I could take her with me, I had an awfully bad feeling about Melinda's company. I couldn't risk her knowing about my relationship with Talia, but then, I can't go against Logan. Aish! Rubbing my temples, I forced a smile, "Sure, let's leave at midnight.”

As I walked to my room, I remained lost in thoughts. I yearned to see my mate, to feel her. She may hate me, but I couldn't care less. What matters is her safety. I need her.

"Mate…" Wolfie bellowed.

“Yes Wolfie, soon. We'll be with her soon."

My mind drifted off to the night of the hunting, her black hair wet, cascading over her body, her plum pink lips inviting, and those emerald green eyes, staring back at me. Her perfect figure displayed through her wet clothes. She was the moon's perfection. I couldn't wait to get to know her.

I could only protect her from the shadows, to avoid Logan's suspicion. I had no other choice than to prove her guilty, if I hadn't, Logan would have had his way with her.

Pacing around my room, I rubbed my hands impatiently as I bit my lower lip. Why was time so slow?

“Xavier, it's time," Melinda called out to me.

Thrilled, I turned, a broad smile on my face, “Finally." I could see Talia again.

“You seem excited," she said, eating the distance between us, “What's the occasion?" She asked, wrapping her arms round my neck, “Maybe we could celebrate together be…”

"We have work, Warrior,” I reminded her coldly, taking steps backwards.

"Why do you always reject me?” She asked, her eyes widened.

"I don't know what you're talking about.”

"You d*mn well know. Why?! Is there another woman?” She asked, cocking her arched brow toward me.

"Let's go,” I growled, walking past her.

Melinda was the chief warrior of the omegas. She's had a huge crush on me ever since. I only considered her a friend and work colleague. Besides, I never told her I liked her, but she just wouldn't stop. And now? I have Talia. I can't let anyone know about her. It could be detrimental.

As we rode our horses into the night, I remained on high alert. My eyes peering through the darkness in search of her figure. I inhaled the forest air deeply, searching for her scent.

After a tiring search, we came to a halt close to a river. Melinda offered to search for food as I watched over the horses. Taking in deep breaths, my nose twisted as my senses stood on edge. That scent. Talia. She's close by.

“Place your hands above your head rogue!" Melinda yelled in the distance.

"Talia,” I muttered.