Chapter 0051

Athena

“You… you said you killed them.” I knew I shouldn’t question him. But he clearly let her live. If she was here to kill me, I needed to understand why she was the only survivor.

“I did.”

“But not her?” I frowned, completely lost. He was drawing this out on purpose.

“There was never a reason to kill her. I told you—some brides ran. Others tried digging up information on me. She wasn’t clingy. She didn’t beg for my attention. Though that’s clearly changed now. Genevieve did nothing wrong. In fact, she agreed to the arrangement willingly. I was the one who grew tired of her.”

“She killed her true mate.”

“He wasn’t part of this pack.”

“She betrayed her own family.”

“I see Isabella told you everything she knew.” His eyes pinned me from across the table.

“Yes.”

“Genevieve’s family had an agenda. Just like Dominic, they traded her for the contract. The only difference is, they made it look like a tragedy. All along, they planned to hand her over. They wanted me dead. They needed inside information to pull it off. Genevieve found out. So yes, you could say she betrayed them. But she brought the truth to light. It takes a lot for someone to turn on their own blood.”

“You let her live because she helped you survive.”

“It was the least I could do.”

The ugly jealousy inside me faded as I watched him. He had this dark, mysterious edge, but every now and then, he truly surprised me.

“I’m not saying she’s a great person. Or even a good one.”

He continued, “She’s grown bitter over the years. In some ways, I believe the Moon Goddess is punishing her for killing her true mate. Genevieve knew that once she met him and their bond formed, she wouldn’t be able to go through with anything involving me. Much like you when you were still tied to Marcus. I nearly killed you with one kiss.”

“She loved you,” I whispered.

“More than I could ever return.” He frowned.

“Isabella didn’t know?”

“None of them do. It’s not something I share. As far as they’re concerned, Genevieve angered me.”

“And she left?”

He nodded. “I told her she could go wherever she wanted. That I would never let her struggle financially. She returns every time I take a new bride. She tries to convince me she’s still here. Still available. Part of me thinks she’s sizing up the new bride. But I told her we are mated. I’ve warned her.” His voice deepened, eyes locking on mine. “If she tries anything, she won’t leave this pack alive.”

It was a lot to process. Alpha Alexander sat there, watching me, waiting for a response. But what could I say? I had Dominic and Victoria, who set me up. Someone in the dungeon claiming to be my brother. And now this. A woman desperate to have Alpha Alexander as her mate. How far would she go?

“I…” I didn’t know what to say. My fingers traced the raised mark he’d given me. He had marked me. I was the only one.

“I chose you, Athena. I was meant to find you.” He glanced up at the wall clock. “We need to go. You’re going to be late.”

“Late?”

“I found you a tutor. Like I promised.” He rose from his chair, sounding proud. He held his hand out to me. “Come.”