Chapter 14 - A Selfish Plan Against the Alpha

Eloise’s POV



It was the night of Belinda's birthday party and the entire town of Noah was decorated to commemorate the occasion. A gala dinner was arranged and the entire Leonard family was expected to make their appearances, too.



I stood in front of the body-length mirror as Nora helped me zip up the golden dress that Xavier sent for me to wear. Tonight was going to be my first presence as his wife in front of the whole family. Nervousness crept up on me slowly.



“You'll be the twinkle in everyone's eyes tonight, my Lady. You look absolutely beautiful.” Nora smiled as she began to braid my hair.



I smiled and took a deep breath. You've been doing okay so far but tonight's the night to make a good first impression with the rest of the Leonards.



Once I was ready, I exited the room to see Xavier standing against a wall. His suit was black aside from the matching gold tie that hung from his collar. He extended his arm towards me.



He looked like a completely different person. The appearance of a prince suited him much better.



“Thank you for the dress. It's gorgeous.” I walked up to him and smiled.



Xavier raised his eyebrows. “Just trying to make sure you look worthy of standing beside me at the banquet.”



Despite his words, a look of appreciation lit up his face.



Before I could ask him any more questions, he slid his hand to my waist and began guiding me to the banquet hall. “Come. Let’s not keep the guests waiting.”



We followed the sounds of orchestra music that led to the fancy banquet. When we entered the hall, everyone’s eyes snapped to us.



Now, we were the center of attention.



Many of the Leonards came to greet Xavier while most of the others watched from afar, never taking their eyes off of us.



I became nervous with all of the eyes that were cast on me. My body became stiff as I held in my breath.



Xavier gave a light squeeze at my waist and whispered in my ear. "You’re a woman, not a tree. Relax and smile."



His warm breath in my ear eased my tensions. I loosened my posture and began to greet everyone who walked up to me. Many of them were nice and they even commented on my beauty.



At least now, the night was going by more smoothly.



"Xavier! It's so good to see you," a familiar brown-haired man approached Xavier and gave him a warm hug.



He's the guy from the market! Why is he here?



"It has been far too long, Liam." Xavier greeted him back.



The man looked over at me as his eyes widened. He let out a heavy sigh but couldn't bring himself to say anything to me.



Xavier noticed his weird expression. “This is my cousin, Liam. It appears you two have met before?”



I looked up at Xavier with a small smile. "Yes, we have met, though only briefly. This gentleman helped me at the central market when a carriage lost its bearings and came racing down the market streets towards me."



I turned to Liam and bowed my head. "Nice to meet you, Liam. Again, thank you so much for your help yesterday. I would've been gravely hurt had it not been for you."



"You're welcome," Liam's tone was cheery but something was off about his smile. Almost like it had gone… sour? I wasn’t sure.



Regardless, he left after that. I didn’t see him for the rest of the night.



But everything else went on without a problem. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the food and drinks, and people were lining up to give Belinda their presents. It was an exquisite time filled with laughter and smiles.



Even the rest of the Leonards seemed to be okay with me so far, too.



————



Xavier’s POV



Halfway through the banquet, I was approached by an old acquaintance of mine. To call him a friend would’ve been an overstatement.



“It’s been far too long, my Lord.” The man bowed at me.



“Vick. Good to see you.” I smiled at him.



Vick served as the current president of the family’s Presbyterian Church. He was extremely loyal to the Leonards and had been so for a few decades.



Not like he had a choice but to be loyal to me. I did beat him for the title.



“My lord, May I have a word with you, alone? It's important.” Vick asked.



I looked over at Eloise as she sat quietly next to her maid, Nora. It looked like she was fascinated by whatever Nora had to say, so maybe she wasn't going to notice if I slipped out for a little bit.



“Sure.” I turned to Vick and nodded.



We walked out of the banquet hall and down the corridor in silence. Everyone was still enjoying the party, so we knew we weren’t going to be bothered.



Vick cleared his throat. “Your marriage seemed to have been rushed, my Lord. It was interesting that even the Presbyterian Church had no idea about who your bride was going to be until after you married me."



“Remind me again of when it's the Presbyterian church's time to rule? As Alpha of the Leonards, I saw it necessary to make this decision on my own." I hissed.



"Of course, my Lord. It is true that you are the Alpha and have the last say. I don't think it hurts to be reminded that your marriage is in the interest of the whole family, however." Vick added.



"I have my own reasonings. I don't need to be reminded." I replied coldly. Irritation began to stir inside of me.



"But your wife… she is the daughter of the Wisdoms. Have you forgotten about their hand in the outcome of Lord Eric?"



"Are you questioning my judgment?" I bit off the last of the word. I turned to Vick and glared at him.



"Excuse me, My Lord… my apologies. I didn’t mean to offend you." Vick bowed his head.



"Where are you taking me?" I asked impatiently, wanting to change the subject..



"Just to a room down the hall, my Lord. I want to introduce you to someone who specifically requested a private audience with you."



The room we entered was dimly lit and perfumed with incense. I took my seat at a table that was in the middle of the room and waited impatiently.



After some time, I started to feel uncomfortable when I felt a certain heat begin to grow from my lower abdomen. Something isn’t right…



Just as I got up to leave, a woman came into the room. I recognized that dark hair anywhere.



"Stella? What are you doing here?" I watched as Vick's daughter entered the room.



We had attended the same Royal Academy when we were younger but ever since my father died, I didn't bother to keep up with my former friends. They were reminders of a past I no longer wanted to associate myself with.



“Long time no see, Lord Xavier." Stella strode to the seat I sat in and rested my hands on the arms of the chair. Her body leaned in close to me.



I noticed how Stella wore a light, dainty dress. The fabric clung to her body and was short enough to where it ended right above her thigh.



I furrowed my eyebrows. She's dressed so provocatively… Something’s definitely wrong here…



"What exactly did you bring me here for?" I frowned and moved back in my chair away from her.



"I have come here to serve you, my Lord." Stella began to unfasten the buttons at the collar of her dress. Her hand slowly reached out for mine.



I grabbed her neck. "Serve? You?"



The heat in my body continued to rise to the point where it became unbearable. My mind became foggy and it was then I realized what Vick and Stella had planned for me.



"You!" I growled as I grip around her neck tightened. "Drugs have been mixed with this damned incense!"



"Please… my Lord," Stella pleaded in between coughs. "I truly do love you… just… let me…" She lifted her hand to caress my face.



The drugs that violated my body were causing me to go into heat. I knocked over the table that held the incense burner in frustration. The thin amount of patience I did have completely ran out, and I threw Stella to the ground as I fled the room.



Desire and lust gnawed from inside like a poisonous snake. I needed to go find my mate.



I need Eloise!