The Alpha's Exchanged Mate
The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 202

Alexander’s POV…

My entire mood felt giddy; I had woken up to see Carlos and Jason in the office waiting for our arrival. We had been quite late, too many reasons that involved certain people being ridden into oblivion.

He has been in denial mode all morning, and I haven’t decided how to deal with him yet. But seeing Carlos and Jason, I knew just what to do to him.

“It’s been almost like forever since I last saw you both.” I grinned at them

“Have you been missing me when I’m only one call away,” Carlos muttered in his usual cheerful state.

“Shut the hell up!” Mused Caleb, all of them settling into the chairs.

“I really haven’t had the opportunity to thank you all for your hard work and dedication to the protection and safety of the pack,” I said.

“Which is why we need to go to a nice place and have a good time out,” Jason stated. He sounded quite chatty, which was unlike him. It’s more of Carlos’s thing.

“You sound elated, Jason,” Caleb spoke my mind.

Carlos shared a look with Caleb and me, mouthing. “he is in love.”

“I would have you mind your business for real this time Carlos.” Said Jason, throwing daggers at his friend.

Shrugging, Carlos looked unbothered. “You do know the truth would be out eventually. It would be nice if you just give us a full update now. To avoid taking any of us by surprise.”

Jason slapped his forehead, “you should keep that energy the same when I dig for information as regards you and Bella.”

That got Carlos quiet as he popped up a middle finger at Jason. A loud laugh spread through the room as we all threw our heads to the back.

It felt good having a time out with them again and not necessarily having to discuss issues as regards war and surviving.

“I just booked a table of four at a classy restaurant,” Caleb informed us

Rubbing his palms together, Carlos licked his lips. “That’s sweet.”

“Before we get far into this merriments. I would like us to look into the case of Athena Aloha.” Said Caleb.

My head went blank at the mention of Athena. I tried to remember where I had heard the name before. When it eventually clicked, I raised a brow at Caleb. She was clearly an aider and abetter of crime. Nothing I could be told would make me believe she didn’t know about John intending to kill Sonia from the very beginning.

She does look like a mere child, but that doesn’t imply she couldn’t delve into something as crude as murder.

“I know what you are thinking, alpha. But there is an actual need to reconsider this and punish her accordingly. Having her still locked up doesn’t look good on our legacy.” Caleb pushed further.

“Did Becca and Edwina put you up to this?” I inquired. As I remember, he and the ladies were having some sort of secret discussion while I got settled in the car.

“Hmmn! Did you spend the night with Becca?” Carlos teased, resulting in him getting elbowed by Jason, who was trying to hold back a chuckle too.

Caleb turned a shade of red, “can you not try to meddle in my private life? I’m actually not a fan.”

“Doesn’t seem like it to me. You can’t glow so much with a not-so-hideous smile on your face.” I added, trying to pull it longer than the intended stretch.

He glared at me, squinting his eyes, “back off, Xander.”

Carlos snorted, “he is so smitten.”

That got me reeling with laughter. “stop teasing your beta, Carlos.”

Raising his hand in surrender, Carlos wiggled his brow at Caleb, causing him to get hit by a ball pen the latter had picked from my table.

“Back to the matter on hand, alpha. Please, let’s try to find a way to work something out for the sake of her sick mother. Athena admitted to being guilty of allowing him in, considering the compromising situations they are both in. It’s no surprise she indulged in such a thing without thinking twice.” Caleb explained.

“I guess he is right, alpha. You can’t keep her unattended to.” Added Jason.

“Have you decided what you would do to those in the dungeon that had been Ben’s allies,” Carlos questioned, unbuttoning his suit.

I thought about what they were saying. Eventually, there would be a need to do the needful with the offenders.

“I agree with what you all are saying. Caleb, I will leave it up to you to sort Athena’s trial. And as for those kept in the dungeon, let them stay for a while. Appears quite convenient. Also, Carlos, I hope there is a measure put in place to avoid what occurred yesterday?”

Carlos cleared his throat, sitting up. “Yesterday just happened to be unfortunate. John had himself killed with the cloth he had on himself.”

“Serves him right. I really don’t feel bad for him. How is the Luna holding up?” Asked Jason.

I shrugged, “better than I expected.”

“Let’s head out now since we practically have nothing much to do,” Caleb told us.

As we all strolled out, I noticed Ramona had a very hard look on her face. She hadn’t been cheerful since her fallout with Caleb. But it had seemed different for a few days now. I noticed Caleb avoided her eyes and moved a bit too fast towards the elevator.

*

The restaurant was just as classy as Caleb had described. He had booked a private booth for us, and the food platter looked like a whole feast.

“The moment I am done here, I am going back home to gloat to Bella about how good it is to live life.” Carlos chewed on a chicken wing, grinning a bit too widely.

I laughed along with Jason, keeping a curious eye on Caleb, who seemed distant. His phone kept beeping, and all he did was ignore it. Five minutes hadn’t passed by when he glared at his phone, his eyes darting back and forth.

I could tell it was a message. Caleb stood up hurriedly, trying to blank out the emotions rushing to his face.

“Carlos, please ensure the alpha gets back safely to the office. Pardon me, alpha, we will meet at the office.”

He didn’t let me respond before storming out. We all shared a confused look before returning our attention to the food. I don’t support any form of waste; remember, food gives life.