The White Wolf Chapter 144: The Drive Back

Undamaged vehicles were found to escort the queen. The females piled into an SUV with a guard driving, one in the trunk, and Enzo in the front seat. 

The smell of smoke lingered in the air as it was all over their clothes and hair. Their hands were covered in soot. They rode in silence as none could think of a word of comfort. 

The gloomy sky was a mirror of the mood. The vehicles did not drive slow, the engines roared as they quickly took turns and straightaways. Police cars and ambulances were a constant sight on the drive. 

Marissa put on a brave front but one look at her and Alexia could tell she was scared. Cynthia was similar but did not bother with a brave facade and instead wrapped her arms around herself. 

More SUVs appeared blocking off roads till the motorcade passed. As they over closer to the palace, the reality and severity of the situation seemed to reveal itself. Alexia contemplated, her mind fighting to comprehend what had happened. It was hard to follow one train of thought as several flashed through her mind. 

Soon she became overwhelmed and put her head in her hands. Her thoughts went to the children then the other citizens in the kingdom. She was failing them. 

Enzo was on the phone communicating with security trying to make sure their route was safe. Every so often he would look to the passengers in the back. Alexia noticed how his eyes lingered on one of them. The others were too frazzled to notice. 

The palace was surrounded by guards, forming an impenetrable wall. Their gaze was devoid of emotion and their stance ready for battle was an imposing sight. 

They drove through the palace gates at full speed. Driving to the side entrance the brakes screeched to a halt. Waiting for the vehicles were the King and Beta with stoic expressions. 

Caspian stood outside reaching for the door before the tires even stopped moving. He flung open the door revealing Alexia and scooped her up in his arms before quickly going back inside. They passed guard after guard as the palace had been put into lockdown mode. 

None of the guests or inhabitants were seen. She wondered where her family was. Were they all together? What about Abi? Was she alright? She wanted to ask but knew now was not the time. 

Looking over her shoulder, she caught a glimpse of Gabe looking over Marissa with worried eyes while quietly speaking with Enzo. Cynthia hovered around them instead of rejoining her court members. 

That made Alexia think of Princess Dristan. Where was he? What if he was involved in the attack? There were too many unknowns that threatened to send her into a spiral. 

She became nervous as the reality of her actions set in. Caspian would certainly not be pleased with her running into a burning building. The smart thing would have been for her to turn and run away immediately. 

A normal wolf would go ballistic if their mate was in danger. An alpha let alone a king would be earth-shattering. 

His face was stern causing Alexia to stay silent as he walked her through the halls and into their chambers. Gently he sat her on the couch. “Are you hurt?” He asked looking her over. 

For the first time, she looked at herself. The dirt, grime, and blood. Blood? Where had that come from? “I am alright.” She said as she started to get up. 

Putting up a hand to stop her, Caspian said “Don’t move, the doctor will be here soon.” 

She wanted to protest that it was unnecessary that her healing abilities were fine but decided not to if it would help calm his worries. 

A knock came at the door. Caspian ordered them to enter but did not take his eyes off his mate. The doctor scurried into the room carrying a bag. “I am here to examine the queen.”

“Get to it,” Caspian growled crossing his arms and prompting the doctor to go to the queens. Before he touched her, he looked to her for permission causing her to give him a nod of approval. He opened his bag and took out his stethoscope. 

Quickly he took her vitals and checked her for injuries. Once he was finished he turned to the king. “I can find no injuries or ill health Your Majesty.”

Alexia wanted to ask about her sister-in-law and the status of her unborn child but held her tongue. Caspian was not in a mood to chat with company and she feared what would happen if he reached his limit. His restraint was impressive as it was but she did not wish to push it. 

“Good, now leave,” Caspian told him unapologetically causing him to quickly gather his things and leave. 

“How are you?” Caspian’s voice softened slightly as he looked down at her. 

“Confused. What’s happening?” The words tumbled out as she leaned forward. 

He held up his hand.” why don’t you go shower and change and then after we will discuss?”

A knock sounded at the door but Caspian ignored it. Finally, Alexia nodded rising and walking to the bathroom. 

As she shut the bathroom door, she heard the door open followed by Gabe’s voice but could not make out what he was saying. 

She stripped off her torn clothes knowing the chance of saving them was none. The water fell over her as it turned dark hitting the floor. Scrubbing she did her best to remove the rest of the grim that clung to her skin. 

Unable to focus she dressed in the first clothes her hands touched. Her wet hair was pulled back and her face was left bare as she emerged to find her mate. 

Gabe was gone and Caspian stood alone. Waiting. His instincts had taken over making him almost feral. His only thought was to protect his mate. 

He took her hand in his pulling its lips for a kiss before enveloping her into his arms. His nose inhaled her scent with deep breaths. “I was so worried.” He whispered. He stroked her hair. 

They took a moment to enjoy each other’s presence, giving them a brief moment of peace. But reality would not wait it was their royal duty to put their kingdom first before their wants and desires. 

“How did this happen?” She asked her brain settling from the chaos. 

“More details are coming in, we need to discuss before we release any information. Gabe and Enzo are waiting in my study.” He told her before stepping back. His eyes had settled from the wild look that had been there into determined anger. 

“Let’s go then.” She said prompting him to lead her out of their chambers and into the hall. His head seemed to be on a swivel as he looked around for any potential threat.