Chapter 558 Twist Of Fate


    "I haven''t had the pleasure of meeting your newly wedded wife," Alexander remarked, his tone taking on a slightly usatory edge. Zephyr paused from his work, setting down his quill pen to meet his stepbrother''s gaze.


    "And why exactly do you wish to meet my wife?" Zephyr raised an eyebrow, curious about Alexander''s sudden interest.


    Alexander held Zephyr''s stare for a prolonged moment, trying to decipher any underlying intentions in his stepbrother''s expression. "Why keep her hidden?" Alexander''s frown deepened.


    "Alexander!" Zephyr huffed, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features. "Are the females I provided for you to entertain you in your bed not sufficient that you now seek to meet my beloved wife?" He scoffed.


    "What fack did you just say?" Alexander growled, his irritation ring. "I was merely speaking of a formal introduction as family, and you misconstrued my intentions." His status as the Alpha King demanded respect, and he wouldn''t tolerate any form of disrespect, especially not from the King of the realm.


    "My wife isn''t particrly keen on meeting you," Zephyr lied, his gaze drifting away from Alexander, pretending to immerse himself in his work once more, a deliberate attempt to avoid further discussion.


    "Why? What the fuck have you said to her about me that she refuses to meet your own stepbrother?" Alexander snapped, his patience waning.


    "Listen, brother," Zephyr sighed, setting down his quill pen for the second time and lifting his head to meet Alexander''s gaze. "My wife has heard certain things about you, and she''s not exactlyfortable with the idea of meeting you," he exined, a casual shrug entuating his words. "I won''t push her to do something she''s not inclined to do."


    Alexander remained unconvinced, sensing that Zephyr was concealing something. There was an air of secrecy that only fueled his curiosity further.


    "By the way, when do you n on returning to your pack?" Zephyr inquired with a hint of desperation evident in his voice that betrayed his eagerness to have Alexander depart.


    Alexander was well aware of Zephyr''s aversion toward him, but the directness of the question was striking.


    "I''ll be here until the preparations for the annual meet areplete, and then I''ll depart," he replied firmly, not intending to prolong his stay any longer than necessary in a ce where he felt unwee. Zephyr nodded, emitting a heavy sigh that drew a scowl from Alexander.


    "If my presence here troubles you in any way, I''ll relocate to the guest house," Alexander dered in his icy tone.


    "No, Alexander, you''re not causing any inconvenience, and you are wee here to stay with us," Zephyr replied, though internally conflicted about insisting otherwise.


    "Are you certain? I don''t mind staying in the guest house," Alexander reiterated.


    "No, that''s fine. You can stay in the pce as long as you wish," Zephyr affirmed, attempting to diffuse the situation.


    "Alright, if that''s your decision," Alexander said absentmindedly, his mind preupied with other thoughts.


    Tensions were running high in the


    air, the weight of responsibility heavy on both of them. They knew they had no choice but to work alongside each other for the sake of maintaining peace among theirmunities. After all, Alexander''s mother was married to Zephyr''s father, intertwining their destinies in a way that demanded cooperation, regardless of personal feelings or conflicts.


    Despite Alexander''s concerted efforts to focus solely on his work, he couldn''t shake the memory of his encounter with his stepbrother''s wife in the library. Her voice lingered in his mind, and her alluring scent continued to stir restlessness within his wolf. Zephyr, on the other hand, was adamant about ensuring that Alexander and Arabe didn''te face to face. His insecurities regarding his Alpha stepbrother prompted him to take extra precautions.


    The anticipated gathering finally


    arrived-the day when all the alphas, vampire lords, and leaders of various shifter territories convened


    iel


    in the capital for the annual meet Discussions ensued, and new amendments were sessfully added to thews governing their realms. The proceedings unfolded smoothly, achieving the desired oues.


    As evening descended, a charity g was scheduled, a grand event requiring the attendance of every territorial leader. Zephyr, as the king of the realm, found himself in the position of hosting the g


    royal dinner alongside his


    He


    couldn''t hide his wife any longer. The duties of their positions demanded their public appearance together.


    "Finally, it''s a pleasure to meet you, my Queen," Edward, the vampire lord, greeted the Queen as Zephyr shot him a re.


    "It''s a pleasure to meet you too, Lord Edward," Arabe responded politely.


    "You''re exceptionally beautiful, Queen Arabe," Edward uttered in awe. "Now I understand why King Zephyr kept you hidden from everyone."


    Zephyr scowled fiercely at Edward, his gaze piercing and filled with a threatening intensity that made Edward swallow hard, realizing his mistake instantly. Zephyr was exceedingly possessive of his wife, and suchments didn''t sit well with him.


    "By the way, where is Alpha Alexander? He seems to be absent," Edward inquired, attempting to mask his unease behind a nervous chuckle. "Is he running fashionablyte as always?"


    "He''s fashionablyte as usual," Zephyr remarked mockingly about Alexander''s habitual tardiness.


    "Late but present," a deep voice reverberated through the room, causing Arabe''s heart to skip a beat.


    "Alpha Alexander!" Edward greeted him warmly.


    "Lord Edward," Alexander nodded in acknowledgment before his attention was inexplicably drawn to an alluring silhouette. A captivating scent filled the air, causing his heart to quicken its pace. Restlessness overcame him as he longed toy eyes upon the enchantress responsible for the captivating aroma.


    "Arabe,e with me," Zephyr urged, taking her hand and hastening their departure. Alexander furrowed, looking frustrated. He felt like if he let this opportunity go he couldn''t see her again.


    "Wait!" His voice carried amanding tone, his aura growing more intense,pelling Arabe to obey as she abruptly turned back.


    The moment their eyes met, everything around them seemed to dissolve, leaving only the two of them locked in an intense gaze, oblivious to the rest of the world.


    A low growl emanated from Alexander, stirring a shocked reaction from everyone at the g.


    "Mate!!!"