novelxo The Lycan King’s Secret Child: Chapter 5
The glow of the morning sun seeped through the curtains of Xander’s study, casting long shadows across stacks of ancient books and parchment scrolls. Xander sat behind his mahogany desk, fingers steepled beneath his chin, his gaze distant. The weight of recent events pressed heavily upon him.
Marcus entered quietly, closing the door behind him.
Marcus: ‘You wanted to see me?’
Xander: Without looking up ‘Yes. We need to talk.’
Marcus approached, concern etched on his face.
Marcus: ‘Is everything alright?’
Xander: Sighing deeply ‘No. It’s not.’
Marcus: ‘Is this about the Council?’
Xander: ‘Partly. They’ve accepted Amelia as my mate, but the threats haven’t ceased. If anything, they’ve intensified.’
Marcus: ‘You mean the rival factions?’
Xander: ‘Yes. They’re not pleased with the Council’s decision. They see my union with a human as a weakness—a vulnerability they can exploit.’
Marcus: ‘We’ve increased security. The patrols are vigilant.’
Xander: ‘It’s not enough. They’ve already attempted to breach our borders twice this week.’
Marcus frowned, pulling up a chair.
Marcus: ‘What are you suggesting?’
Xander: Finally meeting his gaze ‘I need to distance myself from Amelia.’
Marcus: ‘You can’t be serious. After everything you’ve both been through?’
Xander: ‘It’s the only way to keep her safe. As long as she’s with me, she’s a target.’
Marcus: ‘Have you discussed this with her?’
Xander: ‘Not yet. I wanted to get your perspective first.’
Marcus leaned forward, his voice gentle.
Marcus: ‘Xander, she’s your mate. The bond you share isn’t easily broken.’
Xander: ‘I know. But I can’t bear the thought of her getting hurt because of me.’
Marcus: ‘Do you really think pushing her away will protect her? The enemies we face won’t stop just because she’s no longer by your side.’
Xander: ‘Perhaps not, but at least she won’t be in the direct line of fire.’
Marcus sighed, rubbing his temples.
Marcus: ‘You need to consider how this will affect both of you. The emotional toll could be devastating.’
Xander: ‘It’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make.’
Marcus studied him for a moment.
Marcus: ‘If you’ve made up your mind, then you should speak with her soon.’
Xander: ‘I will. She’s coming by later today.’
—
Later that afternoon, Amelia arrived at the estate, her face lighting up as she saw Xander waiting for her on the front steps.
Amelia: Smiling ‘Hey you. I wasn’t expecting to see you outside.’
Xander: Forcing a smile ‘Thought I’d get some fresh air.’
She reached up to kiss him, but he turned slightly, her lips brushing his cheek instead. A flicker of confusion crossed her face.
Amelia: ‘Is everything okay?’
Xander: ‘We need to talk.’
Her smile faded.
Amelia: ‘That sounds ominous.’
Xander: ‘Let’s go inside.’
They walked into the drawing room, the air thick with unspoken tension. Amelia sat on the sofa, watching him carefully as he paced the room.
Amelia: ‘Xander, you’re worrying me. What’s going on?’
He took a deep breath, steeling himself.
Xander: ‘Amelia, I’ve been thinking… about us.’
Amelia: Heart begins to race ‘Okay…’
Xander: ‘With everything that’s happened—the threats, the attacks—I believe it’s best if we… spend some time apart.’
She blinked, disbelief evident.
Amelia: ‘What? Why?’
Xander: ‘I can’t keep putting you in danger. Being with me paints a target on your back.’
Amelia: ‘We knew there would be risks. We agreed to face them together.’
Xander: ‘It’s more complicated than that. The rival factions are relentless. They’ve made it clear they’ll stop at nothing to get to me, even if it means harming you.’
She stood up, her voice firm.
Amelia: ‘And you think pushing me away will solve that? Xander, we have a bond. We can handle this.’
Xander: ‘I won’t let you become collateral damage.’
Amelia: ‘This isn’t your decision to make unilaterally.’
He turned away, unable to meet her eyes.
Xander: ‘It’s already been decided.’
Amelia: Voice shaking ‘So, that’s it? You’re ending things between us?’
Xander: ‘It’s for the best.’
She felt tears welling up, but anger surged forth.
Amelia: ‘For who? Certainly not for me. You’re not protecting me; you’re hurting me.’
Xander: ‘I’d rather you hurt now than suffer a far worse fate later.’
Amelia: ‘You’re underestimating me. I chose this path knowing the dangers.’
He clenched his fists.
Xander: ‘You don’t understand the full extent of what’s coming.’
Amelia: ‘Then explain it to me! Stop shutting me out.’
He faced her, eyes filled with a mix of pain and resolve.
Xander: ‘Amelia, please. Just accept this.’
Amelia: ‘No. I won’t just accept it. I love you, Xander.’
He closed his eyes briefly, her words piercing through his defenses.
Xander: ‘And I love you. That’s why I’m doing this.’
Amelia: ‘Love doesn’t abandon when things get tough.’
Xander: ‘Sometimes love means making hard choices.’
Amelia: ‘This isn’t love. This is fear.’
He looked away.
Xander: ‘Maybe it is. But it’s the only way I know to keep you safe.’
She stepped closer, reaching out to touch his arm.
Amelia: ‘Let me decide what’s best for me.’
He gently pulled away.
Xander: ‘I’m sorry.’
Silence hung between them, heavy and suffocating.
Amelia: Whispering ‘If you do this, there’s no going back.’
He swallowed hard.
Xander: ‘I know.’
She stared at him, searching for any sign that he might change his mind. Finding none, she nodded slowly.
Amelia: ‘Then I guess there’s nothing more to say.’
She turned and walked toward the door.
Xander: ‘Amelia—’
She paused but didn’t look back.
Amelia: ‘Goodbye, Xander.’
With that, she left, the door closing softly behind her.
—
Xander stood alone in the empty room, the silence echoing loudly. Marcus entered cautiously.
Marcus: ‘How did it go?’
Xander didn’t respond immediately, his gaze fixed on the spot where Amelia had stood.
Xander: ‘It’s done.’
Marcus: ‘I’m sorry.’
Xander: Voice barely above a whisper ‘So am I.’
Marcus approached, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
Marcus: ‘You did what you thought was right.’
Xander: ‘Then why does it feel so wrong?’
Marcus: ‘Because matters of the heart are never easy.’
Xander sighed heavily.
Xander: ‘I need to ensure her safety from a distance. Can you assign someone to watch over her?’
Marcus: ‘Of course. I’ll do our best to keep an eye on her discreetly.’
Xander: ‘Thank you.’
—
Amelia drove away from the estate, tears blurring her vision. She pulled over to the side of the road, taking deep breaths to calm herself. Her phone buzzed with a call from Sophie.
Amelia: Sniffling as she answers ‘Hello?’
Sophie: ‘Hey, where are you? You sound upset.’
Amelia: ‘I… I’m just out for a drive.’
Sophie: ‘Amelia, what’s wrong?’
Amelia hesitated, then decided she needed a friend.
Amelia: ‘Can we meet? I could really use someone to talk to.’
Sophie: ‘Of course. How about the café near your place?’
Amelia: ‘I’ll be there in twenty minutes.’
—
At the café, Amelia sat stirring her coffee absentmindedly when Sophie arrived, her expression filled with concern.
Sophie: ‘Hey, I’m here. What’s going on?’
Amelia looked up, her eyes red.
Amelia: ‘It’s over. Xander ended things.’
Sophie: ‘What? Why?’
Amelia: ‘He said it was to protect me. That being with him puts me in danger.’
Sophie: Frowning ‘Did something happen?’
Amelia: ‘There’s so much I can’t explain. But I thought we were stronger than this.’
Sophie: ‘I’m so sorry. Is there anything I can do?’
Amelia managed a small smile.
Amelia: ‘Just being here helps.’
Sophie: ‘Anytime. You know that.’
They sat in silence for a moment.
Sophie: ‘Maybe it’s for the best. If he’s involved in something dangerous…’
Amelia: ‘I don’t care about the danger. I care about him.’
Sophie: ‘I know. But sometimes, people have reasons we can’t understand.’
Amelia sighed.
Amelia: ‘I just wish he’d trust me enough to face it together.’
Sophie: ‘Give it some time. Maybe he’ll come around.’
Amelia: ‘Maybe.’
—
Over the next few days, Amelia tried to immerse herself in work, but her thoughts constantly drifted back to Xander. Everywhere she went, memories of their time together haunted her.
One evening, as she walked home from the office, she felt as though someone was watching her. She glanced around but saw no one.
Amelia: To herself ‘Get a grip, Amelia.’
She quickened her pace, but the feeling persisted. Suddenly, a figure stepped out of the shadows ahead of her.
Stranger: ‘Miss Hart?’
She stopped, heart pounding.
Amelia: ‘Yes?’
Stranger: ‘I have a message for you.’
He handed her a sealed envelope before disappearing into the night.
Confused and uneasy, she hurried home before opening it. Inside was a single sheet of paper with a typed message:
‘Stay away from Xander Drakov if you value your life.’
Her hands trembled as she read the words. She grabbed her phone and dialed Xander’s number. It went straight to voicemail.
Amelia: ‘Xander, it’s me. I received a threat tonight. I don’t know what’s going on, but I thought you should know.’
She hung up, feeling more isolated than ever.
—
Meanwhile, at the estate, Xander sat alone in his study, staring at his phone. He had listened to Amelia’s message multiple times, guilt gnawing at him.
Marcus entered quietly.
Marcus: ‘We have a situation.’
Xander: Not looking up ‘What now?’
Marcus: ‘Amelia received a threat tonight.’
Xander’s head snapped up.
Xander: ‘What? How?’
Marcus: ‘An anonymous message delivered in person.’
Xander: ‘I thought you had someone watching her.’
Marcus: ‘We did. Whoever delivered the message was skilled—our man lost track of them.’
Xander stood abruptly.
Xander: ‘I need to see her.’
Marcus: ‘Is that wise? You just ended things.’
Xander: ‘I don’t care. She needs protection.’
Marcus nodded.
Marcus: ‘Then we need a plan.’
—
Amelia sat curled up on her couch, clutching a pillow. A knock at her door startled her.
Amelia: ‘Who is it?’
Xander’s Voice: ‘It’s me.’
Her heart leaped. She hesitated before opening the door.
Amelia: ‘What are you doing here?’
Xander: ‘I got your message. I had to make sure you’re okay.’
She stepped aside to let him in.
Amelia: ‘I’m fine. Just shaken.’
He looked around, his gaze protective.
Xander: ‘Did you see who gave you the note?’
Amelia: ‘No. It was dark, and he disappeared quickly.’
He clenched his jaw.
Xander: ‘This is exactly what I was afraid of.’
Amelia: ‘So pushing me away didn’t solve anything.’
Xander: Frustrated ‘I was trying to keep you safe.’
Amelia: ‘Well, it didn’t work. Maybe if we faced this together—’
Xander: ‘It’s too dangerous.’
Amelia: ‘I’m already involved, whether you like it or not.’
He looked at her, conflicted.
Xander: ‘I can’t lose you.’
Amelia: ‘Then stop trying to.’
They stood in tense silence.
Xander: ‘I can have guards posted outside your building.’
Amelia: ‘I don’t want guards. I want the truth.’
Xander: ‘Amelia…’
Amelia: ‘No more half-truths or evasions. What’s really going on?’
He took a deep breath.
Xander: ‘There’s a faction that opposes me. They see our relationship as a threat to their plans. Ending things was supposed to deter them.’
Amelia: ‘But it didn’t.’
Xander: ‘No.’
Amelia: ‘Then we need a new plan.’
He shook his head.
Xander: ‘I can’t ask you to be part of this.’
Amelia: ‘You’re not asking. I’m insisting.’
He searched her eyes.
Xander: ‘You’re stubborn.’
Amelia: Softly ‘You used to like that about me.’
He allowed a small smile.
Xander: ‘I still do.’
She stepped closer.
Amelia: ‘Let me help.’
He hesitated before nodding slightly.
Xander: ‘Alright. But we do this my way.’
Amelia: ‘Deal.’
—
They spent the next few hours discussing the situation. Xander explained the intricacies of the rival faction and their motives.
Amelia: ‘So they’re trying to undermine your position?’
Xander: ‘Yes. By any means necessary.’
Amelia: ‘How can we stop them?’
Xander: ‘We need to find out who’s leading them and cut off their support.’
She nodded thoughtfully.
Amelia: ‘Maybe I can help with that. I have contacts—resources we can use.’
Xander: ‘It’s risky.’
Amelia: ‘I’m willing to take that risk.’
He reached out, taking her hand.
Xander: ‘Thank you.’
She squeezed his hand gently.
Amelia: ‘We’re in this together.’
He looked at her, a mix of admiration and affection.
Xander: ‘I don’t deserve you.’
Amelia: ‘Probably not.’
They both laughed softly, the tension easing slightly.
—
As dawn approached, Xander stood to leave.
Xander: ‘I should go. But I’ll have someone keep watch discreetly.’
Amelia: ‘Be careful.’
He paused at the door.
Xander: ‘You too.’
She watched him leave, a sense of resolve settling within her. No matter what came next, she was determined to face it head-on.
—
The following days were a flurry of activity. Together, they began piecing together information about the rival faction. Amelia used her investigative skills to track down leads, while Xander coordinated with his allies.
One evening, they met at a secluded location to share updates.
Amelia: ‘I found a connection between the faction and a company in the city. They’re using it as a front.’
Xander: ‘Good work. That gives us a starting point.’
He placed a hand on her shoulder.
Xander: ‘I couldn’t have done this without you.’
Amelia: ‘We’re a team.’
Their eyes met, the unspoken feelings between them resurfacing.
Xander: ‘Amelia, about before… I’m sorry for pushing you away.’
Amelia: ‘I understand why you did it. But next time, let’s face things together.’
Xander: ‘Agreed.’
He leaned in slowly, giving her time to pull away. When she didn’t, their lips met in a gentle kiss.
When they parted, she smiled softly.
Amelia: ‘Feels like old times.’
Xander: ‘Better.’
—
Unbeknownst to them, a figure watched from a distance, a sinister smile forming.
Unknown Figure: ‘Enjoy your reunion while it lasts.’
The threat loomed larger than ever, but together, they were ready to confront whatever challenges lay ahead.