Alaina sat on the edge of her bed, her nose scrunched up and irritation filling her expression. Things weren’t going her way, despite her plans, and it had everything to do with the woman on the second floor.

The ceremony was finally over, the priestess had been sent on her way, and the guests dispersed. Alaina had been informed about the wedding, but she had thought it was a hoax to prevent the High Alpha from taking his daughter away. The last thing she had expected was a real wedding.

Despite the timing and how Maya was presented, the binding was true, and unless both parties agreed, it couldn’t be dissolved. Alaina’s jaw tightened. She couldn’t see Maya doing that.

She didn’t know exactly what Keenan’s plan was. She assumed it was to humiliate and torture Maya as her family had done to them, but he didn’t have to marry her for that.

The Alpha King’s orders were enough, and everyone in the kingdom was quite aware of the High Alpha’s cruelty. Alpha Keenan had the sympathy of both the king and the people.

However, it would seem that was not enough for Keenan. She had planned every step of the wedding even though she hated it. Unfortunately, at the time, she didn’t realize it was a true wedding. Her only consolation was the way Maya looked when she stepped through the door.

Alaina grinned to herself, but her smile was immediately snuffed out as she remembered what had happened after the High Priestess joined them. Alpha Keenan had brought Maya to his room. She hit her fists against the bed, shaking the frame.

Suddenly, a loud knock echoed in her room, and she jerked her head toward the door. "What?" she yelled.

Bess cautiously opened the door and stepped into the room. She closed the door behind her and bowed to Alaina. The room was a sizable room in the mansion, and Alaina had picked it for its proximity to Alpha Keenan.

"What do you want? I told you not to interrupt me except if the Alpha is back. Is he back?"

Alpha Keenan had gone to the orphanage with Beta Asher, and she had been ordered not to go with them. Alaina didn’t like that, because the last time they had a conversation without her, Keenan decided he was going to marry the High Alpha’s daughter.

"No, Lady Alaina. I apologize for intruding, but I bring news from her." Bess’s expression held disgust as she said the last word with unnecessary gusto.

Alaina’s eyes narrowed. "What is it?"

Alaina had requested that Bess bring Maya lunch; the last thing she wanted was another fainting spell. She would not give Maya the opportunity again.

"She demanded clothes," Bess reported.

"What?" Alaina blinked.

Her expression eased as Bess confirmed that Alaina was equally displeased with the request. She raised her head, and her eyes roamed the room, resting on the shelf that held books Alaina couldn’t read.

"She asked that I bring her clean clothes and underwear," Bess added.

Alaina scoffed, then placed her palm over her forehead as she laughed. "Does she think this is the High Alpha’s residence? Does she think she is in any position to make demands?"

"Exactly! The first words she spoke to me were orders," Bess replied, sharing Alaina’s irritation.

Suddenly, Alaina stopped laughing, and she pulled her hand from her face. She frowned slightly as she slipped into deep thought. Then her face brightened, and the most devious smile appeared.

"A change of clothes, eh?" She laughed at her question. "She will get it."

Bess was smiling back; she knew her mistress. If she had a plan, it wouldn’t be good for Maya. "Is there anything you’d like me to do?"

"Yes, of course. You’re the only one who can do this, Bess. You know those clothes."

"Those clothes?" Bess asked with a frown as she thought seriously. She didn’t want to disappoint Alaina.

"The ones you were supposed to get rid of. Don’t tell me you have gotten rid of them?"

Bess’s eyes widened ever so slightly, but then the corners of her eyes softened and her face broke into a smile. She shook her head. "Not yet. I was going to turn them into dirt rags to salvage some of the fabric."

"Well, we have a better use for them," Alaina smirked.

"I will get them to her right away."

"Wonderful," Alaina said and watched Bess bow and exit the room.

"High Alpha’s daughter," Alaina laughed as she sat alone in her room. "What a joke!"

She threw herself on the bed and let out a big sigh. She couldn’t get exactly what she wanted but she could make sure it was the same thing for Maya.

Alaina’s eyes were still closed when the sound of the door opening reached her ears. She opened her eyes to a blond figure walking into the room.

"I thought I might find you here."

Alaina sat upright and let a small smile slip from her lips as she rose from the bed. She walked to where he stood by the door. Standing in front of him, she lifted her head and kissed him square on the lips. Alaina pulled away before the kiss could deepen. He blushed lightly and smiled sheepishly at her.

"Is Alpha Keenan back?"

"No, I didn’t leave with them."

"I see," Alaina replied as her expression fell.

"But he should be back soon," he replied with eagerness, trying to lighten the mood. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

"I am sure," she said and stepped away from him.

"Do you know why they went to the orphanage, Theo?" Alaina asked with her back to him.

"I am not sure, but I think Alpha Keenan went to her grave."

Alaina stopped in her tracks and jerked her head toward Theo. "Are you sure?" There was only one grave to visit.

"No, but that is usually the only reason he goes to the orphanage. I think it might be for the same reason this time."

"Thank you, Theo," Alaina said with a stiff smile. "Could you leave me alone for the moment? I am exhausted after all the activities today. I would like to rest."

"Of course. I will let you know when Alpha Keenan arrives."

"I would like that," Alaina said with a soft smile that disappeared as soon as the door shut behind his back.

Everyone knew they were mates but she was simply using him for information and to make Keenan jealous.