You Rejected A Silver Wolf
Under The Sun

Chapter Eighteen - Under the Sun Chris's POV

So this was what a day under the sun felt like. I felt my insides frying as I stood waiting for Jaden to finish picking which hairpin to buy.

Did he have a mate? Why did he even need a hairpin? We hadn't really gotten into personal talks as he always found a way to excuse himself. I moved closer to him and the seller. "The pink one is pretty, get that one." I didn't care if it was; I just needed to get out of the sun.

He picked it and smiled at me. "You have the best taste, Alpha King."

I smiled smugly. He had a way with words that impressed me, but it also creeped me out to some level. It had been three hours away from my palace. He returned to me, dangling three hairpins. "Pretty? I bought this one for your mate. I hadn't brought a gift when I came. Do you think she'd like it?"

I gazed at the pin sternly, reaching out to it slowly. He let it go, but not before hesitating. This can't be given to my mate-she was dead. For the last three years, I had seen the difference between Sasha and Rih, in terms of beauty, character, and our flow with each other. Sasha's blonde hair was the only ethereal thing about her, but Rih had grace, even in suffering. As I grew older, the contrast became clearer. Also, Rih would have given me a child by now. Sasha had many curses that made her miscarry every time.

"Alpha King? Do you think your mate will like it?" Jaden asked again.

A frown crossed my face. Doesn't he know my mate was dead? Why's he pushing my buttons?

"Rih would have, but she's not here! If you're getting a gift for my Luna, then get whatever you want for her; she'll have to accept it!"

I noticed the hidden smirk on his face as I retorted. He had purposely asked that, hadn't he? I decided to linger on the topic.

"So, tell me about your mate?" I asked smugly, "Have you met your mate?"

"Not yet," he sighed. "I feel cursed sometimes and heavily envy those who find theirs."

Was he backfiring and making me feel guilt for losing mine? I huffed and climbed atop my horse. We needed to head back to the palace. "You'll find yours. Be lucky you didn't need a Luna to be Alpha." I began riding toward the palace.

He ascended his own horse and started riding behind me. "I did."

I turned to him. "You had an arranged Luna then?"

"Contracted. I told her after three months, she could leave. She did. She's my Beta's sister."

I looked down. It would have been beneficial if I had thought of that, but it'd be different for me. I couldn't change Lunas at will.

And what if I didn't get a second mate after I let go of the Luna? A sigh left my lips, and I sped up my horse.

As we got closer, I saw Vanessa and Sasha yelling at the maids of the palace. Sasha raised her hand to slap a maid, and I rushed to stop her.

I attempted to push her back, but seeing Jaden there, I stopped my horse, even though I sensed he knew I regretted our union.

The maids thanked me and ran away. With the way Vanessa glared at them, I knew they'd be handled later.

"What are you doing with the maids when you should be preparing for Jaden's stay here? Weren't you informed?" I tried not to raise my voice. Vanessa peeked at the man behind me and faced me. "Who is the guest? We heard nothing. Something happened in your study room, so..." "I am Alpha Jaden of Black Rose Pack," Jaden said, walking to the ladies. I moved aside for him to bow to them as a courtesy.

He didn't and only offered his hand for a handshake. They both accepted, smiling like idiots.

And what had Vanessa wanted to say had happened in my study room?

"I heard that stubborn Jake Justin was soon to be Alpha. I never knew he had such a handsome elder brother," Vanessa cooed, nudging Sasha. Sasha kept a straight face, glancing at me. She only made a small nod when I gave no reaction.

Whether she admitted Jaden was handsome or not was of no importance to me.

"Nice to meet you. And since preparations for my stay aren't ready, I won't waste your time any further and will return to my pack." "What?" Vanessa and I yelled at the same time.

I cleared my throat. Perhaps she was looking for more avenues to flirt with him. I was stunned that he wanted to leave so suddenly.

He made me stand for hours under the sun, moving from one stall to another, only to leave because he couldn't stay here?

"I could rent a motel for you, very comfortable. Forgive the irresponsible women of my home." I seethed at Vanessa and Sasha. Jaden hesitated. "Don't be like that, Alpha King. I bet they tried their best, but I'd be very uncomfortable at a motel. I'll just return."

Vanessa's face fell, and she looked away. "I hope you visit next time, Alpha."

"I hope so too, Princess," he smiled at her.

Sasha hurried away with Vanessa so I wouldn't scold her. There were times when her being my Luna sickened me, and this was one of them.

Other times, she was just my Luna, and I was either fairly pleased or simply displeased. At least she was good in bed.

"You don't need to escort me, Alpha King. I'll find my way," Jaden called, snapping me from my thoughts.

I turned to him, attempting to escort him to the main gate, but decided against it. I'd been under the sun for far too long.

"Very well, safe trip."

He bowed to me and left shortly.

Strolling into my study room, I remembered Vanessa mentioned something had happened there. I mind-linked her from where I stood. "Did something happen in my study room?"

She scoffed. "A guard said a book was stolen. Like a record book, but I doubt it's important. Maybe the thief thought it was."

As she spoke, I searched the tables, looking for the record book. It was indeed gone. It wasn't useless-just not an official book.

It had all the plans and rewards of all the packs. No one should have it, but if they did, it'd be useless to them. "Jake!" I snapped my fingers. Hadn't I seen him holding it? But he left for his pack a long time ago before that. What was going on?