The Alpha's Exchanged Mate
The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 209

Alexander’s POV…

Woke up to a cold side of the bed. The bags underneath my eyes were enough to act as an airbag during an accident. They were so heavy it felt like my eyes were under pressure.

I had waited up for Edwina to return to the room, but it was obvious that wouldn’t be happening. I was surprised to find out when I drifted off to sleep, though.

My mind wobbled, and all I wanted was to stick to the bed and never have to come out of the room. Different emotions flowed through me. Now that Edwina knows my truth, I feel compelled to let the pack members know too. Truth is, judging by Edwina’s reaction, I’m really scared the pack members, too, would be disappointed.

I g*****d inwardly while pulling at my hair. I can’t believe this shit is happening right now; I thought everything was falling into place, and I would show myself to my woman at the right time. I can tell she hates me now and compares me to that f*****g Ben. Now I have stooped so low to cursing the dead. I might go bonkers at this point.

How did I get so carried away and get distracted for a split second? All of this truth was supposed to be leaked at the due time when I was ready. Edwina is beginning to really fall for me, and it’s the most beautiful feeling ever. Now, I can tell whatever love she had for me had dropped by a max load percentage.

I must have had a sleepless night because my head reeled the moment my legs touched the ground. It’s inappropriate for me to say, but I would really like to hide for as long as I can. There is no way it would be right to shove my apology down Edwina’s throat judging by the gravity of my offence. I don’t need to be told that I would have to work hard towards earning back her trust and love, most importantly.

It’s not probable that I would be able to survive without Edwina present in my life anymore. The mere thought of it seems scary, and I don’t want to think about it. Would be tagged as complete bad luck if my real mate left me again. That would be me having two failed unions and being left to live my almost miserable life alone.

Leaning into the bed frame, I tried to maintain a focus and think of a way out. It’s tiring when one has to deal with so much. There is no need to hide anymore. Half of the warriors know I can walk. The sizzlers pack alpha and his council are also aware. My most trusted men and mate know too. I don’t think I would like to step out of the packhouse still trapped in a wheelchair.

I gulped dryly, it was the weekend, and there was no way I could find a way out of this house unless Caleb was kind enough to get me out of here. Snatching my phone off the bed stand, I dialled his line.

“What? I really don’t want to work today. I would like to go on a month’s leave.” Caleb drawled on the other line.

I checked the phone to be sure I had called the right person. It was just about seven in the morning, and Caleb sounded drunk.

My brain was on high alert now, “where the hell are you, Caleb?”

“My house. Forgotten I have one?”

“Don’t you talk rudely at me! It’s not my fault you sound f****d up, still brooding over Ramona’s spill?”

He hiccuped into the receiver, causing me to pull at my ear. The sound sent a tickling feeling down my eardrum. “If you can get here in a jiffy. I might tell you what happened exactly.”

There was no need to slack; I already got an invite. Hanging up, I stood up and hurriedly got into the bathroom after calling one of the drivers to get a car ready for us to head out. Most of their names had skipped my memory. I had gotten so attached to Caleb even though he wasn’t my chauffeur. It just feels nice driving around with your beta and trusted friend.

My heart sank deeper when I still didn’t get a hold of Edwina. It’s almost like she had gone into hiding. What I was certain of was her still being in the packhouse. Trusting Becca would definitely be with her.

My heart sank deeper when I still didn’t get a hold of Edwina. It’s almost like she had gone into hiding. What I was certain of was her still being in the packhouse. Trusting Becca would definitely be with her.

*

“You should have some.” Caleb stretched a bottle of vodka at me just a few seconds after entering his home.

I slapped his hand away, “do I look crazy like you? It’s unhealthy for me and most especially you to indulge in alcohol so early this morning.”

“Didn’t know you had become a good rating habit right activist.” He taunted, hiccuping again.

I stood from the damned wheelchair, snatched the bottle from his hand and headed to the kitchen. “How long have you been drinking?”

“All night long. Slept for a while and woke up to it again,” Caleb responded, sounding unremorseful.

“Which implies you don’t have a life at the moment. Why do you always have to indulge in alcohol to drown your worries?”

“You are one to talk with those bags under your eyes.” He snorted.

My finger instinctively trailed my eyes. How was he able to point that out while being excessively drunk? All of a sudden, he stood up, heading towards me. Pulling a stool out, he sat on it, his hands resting on the kitchen island.

Ignoring his eyes that kept trailing my movement, I prepared two cups of coffee, keeping it black. If there was a way to make it stronger, I would. Caleb needs some awakening this morning. His own mood had pulled me out of mine. It must be bad for someone like him, who acts responsibly, to be caught drinking alcohol in the early hours of the morning.

Two cups later, Caleb still rested his head on his folded hands, squinting his eyes at me. “So, tell me, why the hell are you here this morning looking sore-eyed?”