Love and Chaos Series
The Alpha King’s Ugly Bride Chapter 36

Xavier had sat at court when the head organisers deliberated on the best location for the feast. After hours, they chose the Citadel to celebrate the ascension of the alpha of alphas and the lunar shift. Robb's position didn't change Xavier's title as Alpha King. The people still needed his opinions and approval on matters.

The citadel had the built that could contain thousands of people and it had in the past. Although the feast was open to all, they didn't expect more than a few hundred. There would be nobles from far and beyond tonight and they'd all come to celebrate with the Wahala kingdom. Since everyone regarded the alpha of alphas as the supreme being and his authority as the highest after the moon goddess, a lot would seek to get on Robb's good side just to get favours and pardon. It was a game of the men and women in power and Xavier had watched that game since he was but a child.

He hated that game.

One thing Xavier learnt to grow up was that most people who wielded power barely had the interest of those they represented. Most only did what was fitting and soothing to themselves, and Xavier knew the Citadel was already crawling with so many of them. "You have a scowl on your face." Mia's voice boomed into his head and drew him out of his thought.

He heaved a deep sigh and banished the scowl. He did not want her to see too much into things, but knew she already might have.

He had taken the restraint ring off a few days ago, which made it two months after having it on. Ever since he took it off, Mia noticed a change in his emotions. They had been more visible, from his disgust to his anger and even sadness, and she could decipher them. He also wasn't as explosive as before and even when he snapped, he recollected himself quickly. Somehow, that made her feel safer around him. He had done a lot of work on himself and she saw that.

He took her hand into his and entwined their fingers. He didn't have to act affectionately when they were alone, but Mia didn't stop him. She wanted to hold on to his hand.

"I just want to get through the night and shift without ripping anyone's beating heart out of their chest."

Sarcasm wasn't Xavier's strongest point, and that's one thing she had learnt so far, and so she knew he wasn't joking when he said these words.

She wouldn't have placed her mind on what he wanted to do. He was the alpha king and could do anything he wanted. Yet, if he lost control and killed anyone at the feast, it would threaten their agreement, and Mia couldn't risk that. "Remember, we doing all this to secure your position in the face of the alpha of alphas. Once he declares you fit for the throne, he won't reverse his words, and then you can do whatever you want."

His long lashes fluttered, resting against the skin of his upper cheek, and Mia couldn't help staring at him. He looked as if amid chaos and still trying to replace peace, but found it difficult, yet he looked so handsome and flawless it hurt.

It was easy to ignore his amazing physical facial qualities when she hated him. Now, with her hatred for him not coming into play every day, she couldn't help being swept in by his charms.

She felt a little ashamed knowing she was lusting after a man who paid her little regard. She had taught herself better and also to know better, but with Xavier, it was rather difficult to. It didn't matter though, she'd never act on how she felt because she didn't hope to embarrass herself.

"You're staring." Xavier hoarse voice dragged the words out, making them almost sound seductive. He had sensed her gaze even without seeing her.

Her cheeks heat and she turned to the window of the carriage to look through and hide her face.

"You don't have to look away. I know you're attracted to me. I see the way you look at me. That's the look a maiden gives when she's smitten by a man."

"I... I'm not... I.. I.. d.. d.. don't," she lied and her voice betrayed her, giving up on her immediately. "I shouldn't."

He chuckled richly, listening to her stutter through her lie. "Most times, what we want are things we shouldn't want, my queen. It's just like me wanting to rip a few nobles hearts out, but I know I shouldn't." "It's not the same thing."

His lashes lift to see her staring through the window. His hand took hold of her chin and slowly turned it over so she could look at him.

Their gaze locked.

Her eyes fought to stay strong, but they grew weak, on seeing the l**t and life in his while they beheld her. "We both want what we shouldn't. We want what's forbidden and bad for us."

His hand slid to the skin of her neck and shivers ran down her spine. He drew faint and fleeting trails there, making her gasp and clamp her legs together.

Her nipples hardened and pressed against the fabric of the cloth, but because of its many layers, it stayed hidden. "You shouldn't touch me that way."

"But you want me to," he straggled his hand down her neck to the exposed part of her chest. Her delicious looking skin responded by tightening and releasing goosebumps all over.

Her lashes almost fluttered as she fought to keep a moan concealed. "You're reading my mind."

"I'm not reading your mind, Mia. I'm reading your body," he replied, taking her name for the very first time. That coupled with his words and the touch of his fingers on her dragged a long moan from her throat. "My king, we are here!" the driver announced, and the carriage stopped moving.

Xavier withdrew his hand from her body and pulled back to adjust himself. He looked less affected by the sudden announcement. He foresaw it, but he made this move, hoping to make her realise she wanted him and that he affected her in ways she'd call forbidden.

Mia turned away to catch her breath and steady herself, but not before catching the smug look that came into his face as he pulled away. This was his plan to mess with her head and make her feel things that she shouldn't.

When his fingertips danced on her skin, she had thought about the probability of him wanting her, desiring her and lusting after her for a moment. How foolish she was.

This was all but a game to him, and he played her well.

The door to her carriage opened, and she bit her lips, dragged a deep breath, and stepped outside. Xavier was already standing before her with his hand stretched out to her. She swallowed shakily and moved closer and he wrapped his arm around her waist and together they proceeded to the Citadel.

Mia did not know how she would survive the night. A lot of things would happen that would be behind her control. One of that was being so close to Xavier. It was easier when only she knew her feelings. Now, he did too, and that meant he could use that weakness against her.

She needed to protect her sanity more than anything.