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.

buy

it makes me happy. I've always been afraid that she'd be too focused, too determined for her own good. Afraid she'd reject her mate, or worse, never find

and we know that you can reject your mate. It's not accepted, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't

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

supposed to meet them at twenty-one, but sometimes it feels so far away. I just

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

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

can even think of having children. Even if you find your mate right at twenty-one and tie the

The kingdom. Right.

but the kingdom is the last thing on

that's why the kingdom has you, Xena." I take

in shock. "But... you're meant to be

head slowly. "We both 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 yourself like it. You were

She blinks, stunned.

supposed to have you as my second-in-command," I continue, "but I knew from the start that I'd abdicate. You're

After

worked for... I trust no