An Enemy Called Mate

XANDER

The moment the clock struck the given hour, I grabbed my brown jacket and wore it, striding towards my car. I had already informed Lance about my departure, but I didn’t mention where I was going.

To be precise, the location Ziva sent was the Del Tree. Del Tree was a mysterious tree outside the Granelma Pack. It is known for its mysterious ability to dry up and grow colorful flowers during different seasons.

The moonlight shone brightly on my car as I drove out of the Pack, heading to the Del Tree.

As soon as I reached there, I stepped out of my car. There was no sign of Ziva or even her scent.

A few seconds passed, and I became worried. The breeze alone could freeze someone to death. I rubbed my bare hands and hugged my jacket. Why is it so cold here anyway?

Then, I saw a thin body slowly moving towards my side… Ziva!

I took a step, intending to approach her, but a thought struck my mind. Won’t I seem too clingy or affectionate?

I took a step back and patiently waited for her, without looking anxious or impatient. I should look tough and annoyed too.

Ziva let out a few heavy, panting breaths as she reached my side.

I took a bottle of water from the car and handed it over to her. And I definitely won’t talk about the bread and juice I brought in case she was starving. I scolded myself inwardly. Why will she be starving? She is Darwin’s daughter!

“No…” She shook her head, and spoke amidst panting, “There is no need for that.”

I shouldn’t have. Now, she might think I care, or something like that…

“Why did you call and… I don’t see the Crystal Moon?” I asked, darting my eyes around her to check for any bag.

She managed to speak properly, “First, I don’t have it with me.”

“Tsk, then why did you plan this meeting?” I glanced sideways, hoping that no one was around.

I turned to her and squinted my eyes, searching for any sign of suspicion in her hazel eyes.

“Is this some kind of alpha-napping plan? If it is, it won’t work,” I spoke to her plainly.

“No,” She replied, “Just like you will never cheat on your mate, I will never alpha-nap you.”

“Are you trying to be sarcastic?” I asked, raising my brows. Then, I let out an exhale and spoke clearly, “What happened the other night was a mistake. I will never cheat-”

“I know!” She exclaimed, not giving me space to continue my statement. “I planned this meeting to talk about something important. Yes, I stole the Crystal Moon, just like I was directed by Alpha Darwin, but I had my reasons.”

I scoffed, stuffing my cold hands into my pockets, “Let me guess… He promised to get you a car and a big apartment.”

“I don’t want to talk about that, but I had a very good reason.”

I narrowed my eyes, “Yeah, a very good reason to almost destroy my pack.”

“I found the Crystal Moon Guardian,” As soon as I heard Ziva speak, I turned to her, my brows lifted in surprise.

She nodded, “I’m telling the truth, and Alpha Darwin had this plan all along. Obviously, he did it to have the Crystal Moon and it’s Guardian. Now, he has those two, he is powerful.”

I ran my hand through my dark hair, feeling frustrated by what she said.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

“If Darwin has those two, he can get united with more packs, destroying my pack with little or zero effort,” I muttered, thinking about what she said. Things will be worse than I expected.

“So, I need your help. Have the Crystal Moon and do whatever you want with it.”

“Doing that will only assist me, but what about you? What benefits will you get?”

“I have my own plans,” She uttered, looking away from me.

I could tell she was trying to avoid my gaze, and I knew I had to get her to face me.

I reached out and grabbed her arm, gently but firmly turning her to look at me. I expected her to be angry, but instead, she just looked confused and a little scared.

“What plans? Are you hiding something from me?” I questioned, staring directly into her eyes.

Her gaze softened as she looked at me. Different thoughts hit my mind, and one disturbed me.

I inquired quickly, “Are you planning to divorce me again?”

She stared at me like a mute, innocent cat and she didn’t respond. Her silence made me more disturbed as it seemed like my thoughts were true.

I tightened my grip on her arm and asked with a firm tone, “You aren’t, right?”

She stayed mute, causing me to snap out in anger, “Answer me!”

“What’s the use? It’s not even a marriage. You have a mate-”

I interrupted, “We will not be divorced.”

“What’s your problem?” She sighed deeply and continued, “You can have the Crystal Moon and continue to be Alpha Darwin’s enemy, but I’m leaving this all behind me. I don’t want to be a part of this feud anymore.”

“Leaving?” My eyes widened. She was planning to be a rogue, but why? Why is she sabotaging her father and leaving her luxurious life?

She pushed my hand away from her arm and spoke confidently, “I know you are holding onto this so-called marriage because I am Alpha Darwin’s daughter and you plan to ruin Alpha Darwin by having me. But that won’t work. I am not Alpha Darwin’s biological daughter.”

Her statement caught me off guard.

“What are you talking about?” I questioned, creasing my brows.

“I and Alpha Darwin are not related biologically. I’m just his useless fake daughter who was forced to get married to you…” Ziva glanced up at me and continued, “After everything is settled, we are getting a divorce. Then, I will stop bothering you.”

I was stunned. The truth is finally before me and my plans to ruin Granelma Pack fell apart. She isn’t his daughter, and she is not valuable to him.

No wonder, Alpha Darwin will never allow his daughter to marry me when he knows about my capabilities.

“Save the phone number I used. I will be handling it for now. So, if you have any message or call about how we take the Crystal Moon, I can always assist,” Ziva uttered, before turning around and walking away quickly.

She had taken a lot of steps away from me like she was so eager to leave this place and I made her uncomfortable.

Meanwhile, I felt guilty. During our marriage, I mistreated her and hurt her, both physically and emotionally.

From the cold shoulders I gave her, never listening to her when she needed help, throwing her out of the mansion.

I am the real sly witch/asshole here…