The Alpha King's Mistress Chapter 68: Calling Percival Part 2

“WHAT THE HECK!” Quin's outburst echoed through the line. “Dad, we need to get her out there!”

“Calm down, Quin,” Percival's voice was firm, holding authority and concern.

I chuckled, “I knew it would blow Quin’s mind.”

“You didn't tell her what you are, aren't you?” Percival’s voice held a hint of concern.

“No,” I admitted. “He only believes the lies I said, that I cannot shift, so he rejected me as his mate but demanded for me to stay.”

“What's your plan? I knew it was not the only reason you called us”

“Nicholas was investigating the incident in the Swiftmane Pack and he already has a lead. She saw Sara going North and was currently salvaging the file that contains the profiles of the members of the Swiftmane Pack” I ran my hands through my hair in sudden frustration, “I should have called sooner”

“I am also expecting it. Nicholas used his best team to investigate the incident, I knew he would find the girl. I am already prepared if he ever called to me”

I sighed with relief, “That's good to hear”

“But that's not your problem, am I right?”

I shake my head even though they cannot see me, “No. Nicholas and the Werewolf Council will be having a meeting two weeks from now here in the Moonstone Pack and I am sure Keith will be here”

“And you are thinking of escaping?”

“I do since a man gave me a map that I can use but….. something was holding me back”

A few seconds of silence stretched on the other line until Percival talked again.

“Matebonds are powerful. It is the strongest drive that fuels every shifter like us. As an Alpha King and rightful Luna Queen, your connections with each other were much stronger than the rest”

I sighed, “I knew that”

“I don't think you knew the full extent of its meaning,”

I frowned, “What do you mean?”

“It only means that if he rejected you, you will die so was he”

My throat went dry for a second, and my heart raced in dread.

“What?....,” I said shakily.

Percival’s voice took on a comforting tone, “Florence, I think it's time you confront your past, including Keith Caldwell.”

“I know. But not here in the Moonstone Pack. I can only take one challenge at a time,” I confessed, my mind weighed down by the dangers lurking in my past.

“Nicholas is your mate, Florence. The safest place for you is with him,”

“He will kill me as well the moment he realizes who I am”

“He won't,” Percival said with so much confidence and conviction. “He won't let someone lay a finger on you either. The mate bond would not allow it. So, stay with him. Use it to your advantage, Florence”

My frown deepened, “Are you saying…… “

Percival’s tone was firm yet soft as he spoke like a father giving advice to his daughter.

“Use your advantage as his mate, kiddo. You have so much influence on him, you just didn't know it yet”

My gaze landed on my phone on the floor. It suddenly turned on since my alarm rang, reminding me of the drama I was watching. I slid up and the screen showed me the picture I had taken of Nicholas when he was painting my bedroom.

He was so handsome as he was so focused on painting.

A smile curled on my lips.

“You really believe that, Percival?” I softly asked.

“I do, child. I believe in mate bonds. I believe in you”

I chuckled even hastily wiping a tear on my eyes at those words, “Then should I burn the map?”

“Are you an idiot?! Keep it woman! If Dad's advice didn't go well, ditch that pack and come back here!” Quin's voice boomed through the phone once again making me laugh.

“You know I love you right, Quin?”

“Yep. I knew that. Unfortunately, I love men as well so you better make your mate fall for you, okay? Don't stay broken because I reject you”

His words brought a grin to my face. I took a deep breath, and said, “I am glad to talk to you guys again. You both are my forever lifesaver”

“We got your back, child,” Percival replied softly.

I smiled. Percival always saw me as a child doing some dangerous things.

“I know. Take care of yourselves and please say my greetings to Sara”

“Be careful there, Flo! And make sure to get the number of beautiful male species there, okay?! I'll see you soon, my honeybee!” Quin exclaimed with his trademark humor.

“Bye, guys,” I finally said, ending the call.

I stood up from sitting on the floor and took the map Jake gave me. My fingers brushed against the paper as I examined the intricate markings.

“I guess I won't need you in the meantime,” I whispered.

I folded the paper carefully and tucked it back into the book.

……..

In the dead of night, a loud racket outside broke the silence. Bleary-eyed and disoriented, I struggled to make sense of the noise, yet the haze of sleep enveloped me, pulling me back into unconsciousness.

The next morning—I peeled my eyes open, greeted by the familiar sight of my room. I put on my robe and went to my kitchen, making myself a steaming cup of coffee. My brow frowned when I remembered that there was a faint noise last night. Clutching my coffee, I went to the door only to stop midstep when I saw a paper just lying on the threshold.

Picking it up, a frown etched deeper lines on my brow as I scanned the message scrawled upon it.

*'Caught the one who left a box of rats on your doorstep. Turns out just a teenager' -Gayle.*

“A teenager?” I mumbled.

It was odd that a teenager would do that when I seldom saw anyone passing by in this area. But then again, maybe some just hate me for them to do that prank.