Alpha Alec's Redemption by Kathy M

Chapter 289

I still struggle with my training, I'm not gonna lie, but then again, I'm not an overachiever or a perfectionist like Xena is. I'm more down to earth and prefer things flowing as they should without trying to force things. If I don't get a certain technique in the first trial like Xena, I no longer let it bother me.

We sit in silence for a moment before I pull her into a hug. I really missed her. And holding her like this... it melts away a lot of the tension I've carried lately.

"So," I ask once we pull apart, "any cute boys on the horizon?"

Technically speaking, we aren't allowed to date. We are supposed to wait for our mates, but that doesn't stop a girl from having a few crushes here and there. It's normal and I would never judge.

She blushes.

I blink. Did Xena just blush? My sister, the intimidating perfectionist?

"That blush says otherwise," I grin.

She shakes her head quickly. “It's nothing. I'm too busy for that.”

Sure, Xena. Sure.

don't buy it," I

afraid that she'd be too focused, too determined for her own good. Afraid she'd reject her mate, or worse, never

about mates, and we know that you can reject your

asks, changing the subject. "You always talked about meeting your mate. Anyone you feel

one. I know we're supposed to meet them at twenty-one, but sometimes it feels

"You're sixteen, Nyx. Most girls our age are thinking about dresses

I don't really understand it either. I've just... always wanted

the kingdom? There's so much to do before you can even think of having children. Even if you find your mate right at twenty-one and tie the knot, you'd have to

The kingdom. Right.

it sounds selfish, but the kingdom is

the kingdom has you, Xena." I take

"But... you're meant

know I've never wanted the crown. I'm the eldest by seventeen minutes, but let's be honest-everyone thinks you're the firstborn. You carry

She blinks, stunned.

my second-in-command," I continue, "but I knew from

this. After everything

I