C5 A Misconception

Ace heaved a sigh, rubbing the side of his chin. 'It was all a misconception. They thought we had her'.

Xavier shook his head stubbornly, leaning more into his chair. 'They know we Don't have her, Ace. We've never had her. They used us to divert whatever misfortune was going to befall them and I'm sure they'd do it again if they're opportuned to. Besides, the last trace of her was found in the small, private path way leading to the Crescent Pack. I believe they're keeping her from everyone else. They definitely plan to use her as a bait when the time comes. What they Don't know is that the Wolftheon pack is always one step ahead. Soon, they'd cause more war, rip every wolf apart till they confess where they hide the Wolftheon most treasured, royal wolf spring'.

Ace palmed his face.. 'It's going to be real scary, brother'.

'Enough of that. It's my restaurant opening today. I Don't want bad omen lurking around because you discussed the Wolftheon Pack'. Chef Eric mentioned, while serving them the last course meal.

Ace laughed it off. 'Come on, Uncle. The Wolftheon Pack isn't a bad omen. Being the most powerful pack in the Riverside doesn't make them one'.

'How about the dinner with your parents. Aren't you going for that today?'.

The atmosphere went from Charged to sullen.

'We sure will be there. I'm not sure why they called for a family dinner out of the blues. I have a feeling it's not going to end up good' Xavier mentioned nonchalantly.

~~

The atmosphere grew tense each passing moment and just as Xavier predicted, it came out to be one boring, unenjoyable dinner. He felt his father's gaze on him at intervals and he confirmed surely that he had something he wanted to say. Xavier took the initiative to break the heavy silence.

'Why did you suddenly call for a family meeting out of the blues?'.

'To talk about you, Xavier' his father, the ex Alpha of the pack, Scott, responded immediately. It was as if he was waiting to be asked before speaking.

Xavier carefully took a sip of his water, already disliking that he's gonna be the subject at the family's dinner.

'What about me?'

'Find your mate if you still want to remain in that title!' Luna Melanie blurted out, vexation evident in her tone.

Xavier threw her a murderous glare in response. He never liked her. She never liked him too. Too bad they had to push their hatred for each other aside because they're families.

'Keep your nosy self away from my business. I wasn't asking you a question, I was asking my father'

She scoffed. 'You really are doing nothing to hide your disrespect for me!! Even when the maids are around and watching,?' she lamented.

Xavier looked just in time to catch one of the maids staring at them.

'Like I care..'

'Xavier!' His father called out cautiously.

He snickered and concentrated back on his father.

'Xavier, you are the Alpha of this pack. And you have so many responsibilities to meet. Amongst them is finding your Luna. Once you do, it'll earn you more respect from the people too.'

Xavier balled his hands into fists. 'I've tried father, I'm still yet to find her'

Luna Melanie exhaled sharply. 'Lies again.'.

Xavier decided to ignore her this time.

'We know you've found her, Xavier. You should mark her immediately'.

His mind reeled and many thoughts settled in all at once. Is this some kinda trap? How did they find out he already found his mate?! Is this Diane's hand work? Did she come this far just so he can claim her as his mate?!.

'How can you prove your statement, father? Who's telling you lies about the whole situation.'.

'It's Lucius...'

Xavier's eyes doubled its size and he abruptly stood from his chair.

'Lucius?? Where is he? Where did you see him? Is he around now?' he asked, his eyes darting around in search of his rebellious beta. One who chose to be adamant. Who prefers to be adamant to the Alpha when infact, he should be the most loyal subject

'He's no longer here. He left already!'.

Xavier slammed his fists on the table. 'Why didn't you have the guards inform me when he came around?! You know how it's supposed to be. My beta should be by my side most of the time. I should be able to protect him and him to protect me. If anything happens to that little, mischievous wolf, I'n half gone!'

His father heaved a sigh, not bothered one bit. 'Lucius is powerful enough to take care of himself, Xavier. You need not worry about him. And about your Luna, he told me that you found her in the Crescent Pack. The very day you formed a truce with their Alpha. He was there that day and he heard you brutally reject your mate!'.

Annoyance welled up in Xavier. 'Why do you keep minding my business? Can I not have a privacy of my own?!'.

'You need to announce your mate as your Luna as soon as possible and we

've made it easier for you.'.

Xavier turned to face his father, his brows cocked and head tilted to the side. 'How do you mean by that?!'

~~~~

Xavier turned to face his father, his brows cocked and head tilted to the side. 'How do you mean by that?!'

The loud decorum that followed after Xavier's question did nothing to help the situation.

'What help did you render so as to make things easier for me?' Xavier asked again.

Scott rose to his feet too, swallowing the whole of Xavier's 6ft height with his.. 'What I mean son, is that your mate will infact, be moving into the Stealth Pack today. The ceremony for you both will take place in two days.'. He responded

Xavier felt astonishment flow through him like a thunderbolt. What wolf have they brought to him? Diane Stanfield, his original Luna was already in the Stealth pack, serving as a maid.

'What wolf have you brought for me?'.

Scott skidded his chair to the back, walked away from behind the table, stopped in front of his son and stared at him head on.

'Fortunately, on that day, Lucius did a good thing by trailing down the Luna you rejected, found out about her home and who exactly she is. The only daughter of the Crooks family. Isn't it?'

Xavier dismissively waved his hands in the air, chucking lightly. 'Is this some sort of joke? My mate' is no daughter of the Crooks family. You've gotten this all wrong.'

Luna Melanie's cutlery clanked on the table as she dropped her cutlery without warning.

'We've had enough of your bullshit excuses, Xavier. There's absolutely no lies you'll tell that'll stop the ceremony from holding. Claim your Luna even if you hate her. I'm sure y'all will figure out something once you get together. If you Don't want to, then drop the title and leave it to someone who well deserves it!' she blurted..

Xavier spun around, annoyed again that she interfered in their discussion. 'Tell me, Luna Melanie. By someone who best deserves it. You mean your son, right?'

'He's a full blooded wolf not an half!' she snapped.

'Mother!' Ace called from where he sat quietly the whole time.. 'Please, stop doing this'.

'Enough!' Scott growled. 'The ceremony is in two days, Xavier. You mustn't threaten her or make her leave this pack. I'll have them announce to all the pack members this evening such great news that has befall the pack'.

A muscle ticked in Xavier's jaw. 'I'm telling you father, you've got the wrong person. My mate is no Crooks child!'.

'I shall hear no complain or rantings from you anymore. All I need from you is to get prepared for the ceremony.'.

Xavier frantically stomped out of the dining hall, the urge to punch something or someone in the face momentarily overwhelming him.. From the quick footsteps he heard behind, he knew Ace was behind him.

'I knew the family gathering wouldn't end up well!'

'Why didn't you tell me about what happened,? Why did you reject your Luna in the first place too? Was she that bad?!'.

'I've gone through enough, Ace. I'm not willing to talk about it for now!'

'Well, I do not Care, brother!' Ace shot back.. 'You owe me an explanation! I thought we were close enough to share everything and anything together.'.

'Spare me those talks for now, brother! I'd explain everything to you when the time comes!' Xavier snarled.

A little creak noise was heard as they passed through the largest front room in the mansion. Xavier paused in his tracks, visually searching for where the noise must have come from. The intoxicating scent of a sweet, flower smell reached his nostrils. His heart started to beat erratically against his chest once he found out it was her.

'Show yourself!' he ordered.

She soon came out from behind the door, already relaying her apologies. 'I'm sorry. I didn't mean to..'

'Little sneaky wolf! Are you stalking me, now?!'

Diane rubbed her palms apprehensively. 'I'd never do that to the Alpha!'

'Rather than questioning an innocent mansion maid, I think you should spend time preparing yourself to meet your Luna and get mentally prepared for your ceremony, brother!'

Diane caught interest in the conversation and even though she knew it'd be wrong to ask, she still did. 'What ceremony? What Luna?' Her pulse quickened in anticipation. Is he ready to announce to the pack that she is his, finally claim her, maybe? All hopes dashed when she caught the wicked grin on the Alpha's face. 'Hailey Crooks, My Luna will be coming in today from the Crescent Pack. I want you to help her settle down, prepare her for the ceremony where I get to announce her as my Luna. You must treat her with as much respect as you treat me, Understood?!'

~~