The Alpha King's Series novel Chapter 37

***********************

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

********************

BRINLEY.

Xander never marked me like I thought he would. I don't know what he is waiting for, but I wish he would claim me like he has claimed my body, heart, and soul. I know Xander will mark me, no doubt, but it will be when he's ready.

We only have a week left until Dominic is born, and the closer that day comes, the more nervous I am. I have no doubt that I'll be a good mom, but Dominic's heart condition scares me, and it's something that will take me time to get used to.

Kelsy called me the other day and said Ryder and Axel are having so much fun together she didn't realize how incomplete they were until she met Axel. I was glad to hear her say that because he deserved a home with parents like her and Ryder.

Delores and Gabriel are getting along great as well. Delores has spoiled her already, Gabriel is excited to start school in a few weeks, and I think Delores is having separation issues already.

"You'll never believe who's coming to adopt one of the kids," Katie says, taking a breath.

"Who?"

Katie wiggles her brow.

"Amanda and Gabriel will call and ask Xander's permission to come to the kingdom. You know, after what Gabriel did to you in all,"

I grimaced at the memory of Kelsy and Ryder's party when Gabriel attacked me.

"How do you know this?"

She narrows her eyes.

"Amanda called me. She hasn't been so good since her miscarriage a month ago," Katie says.

Amanda miscarried? I didn't even know she was pregnant.

Wait...

"Did you say a month ago?"

Katie nods.

"Amanda was pregnant the night Gabriel attacked you," Katie says, pursing her lips.

"Brinley, it's none of my business. But Amanda needs this. Do you think you could talk to Xander?"

I sigh.

"I can try, but I don't know if he will listen,"

Katie purses her lips.

"I know. Thanks for trying to help her," She says.

*****

"Come in," Xander's baritone voice booms from the others side.

"Are you busy?" I ask when I enter his office. Xander shakes his head.

"Not when it's you,"

I smiled at that.

"I came to ask you for a favor," I tell him, sitting in front of the desk.

"What kind of favor?"

I purse my lips.

"One you won't like,"

The wrinkles in his forehead creased.

"What's the favor?"

I shrug my shoulders.

"Nothing serious. Do you remember Amanda, the girl from Kelsy's party, the one that is mated to Gabriel?"

Xander sighs, shaking his head.

"I know what this is about. Gabriel called earlier, asking for permission to adopt,"

"And you said?"

Xander scowls.

"I told him he was lucky to be alive after what he did to my mate. I told him to fuck off,"

I shake my head.

"Xander, Amanda is my friend. She's hurting, and she miscarried her baby."

"The answer is no,"

"You can't mean that," I say, frowning.

Xander nods.

"I do. I don't want Gabriel near this kingdom,"

"What about Amanda? Could she come alone?"

Xander sighs, thinking about my words. He's silent for moments before finally speaking.

"Amanda can come alone,"

I nodded my head.

I understand why Xander doesn't want Gabriel anywhere near the palace. It's because of me that Gabriel attacked me. But, Xander doesn't want to risk trouble while our baby is in distress.

"I'll phone Amanda. Thanks, Xander," I tell him rising from my seat.

"Anytime, little mate,"

******

I messaged Katie and asked her to meet me in the gardens in the backyard. By the time I got there, she had sat at the patio table with Annabella on her lap.

"How'd it go?" She asked as I sat down.

"He said Amanda could come, but not Gabriel. So I need to call Amanda. Can you call her from your phone and let me speak to her?"

Katie nods and pulls out her phone to dial the number. Xander won't be happy about this, but I'm not letting Amanda come and choose a child to raise without her mate. I'm not heartless.

I may not care for Gabriel, but Amanda loves him, and if she is willing to give him a chance to mend their relationship, he needs to be by her side through this process.

"Hello?" Amanda says as she picks up the phone.

"Amanda,"

She's silent for a few moments before she asks.

"Brinley, is that you?"

"Yes. Amanda, I spoke with Xander. He said you could come and choose your child to adopt,"

She sniffles.

"But Gabriel called, and he said no,"

"Yes, he did. But I talked with him and settled things. How long before you get here?"

Amanda squeals.

"Give us a few hours. Thanks, Brinley," She says.

"Anytime," I tell her and end the call. Katie looks at me in disbelief and shakes her head.

"Why didn't you tell her? The king said her mate couldn't come?"

"Because Xander was wrong,"

She purses her lips.

"You know there will be trouble, right?"

I sigh.

"I love Xander, but he can often be a brute."

Katie laughs slightly before she says, "What are you telling Xander?"

I shrug.

"The truth?" I say, but it comes out more of a question than an answer.

Katie sighs.

"I sure hope you know what your doing, Brin,"

I force a smile, "So do I,"

******************

"How can we choose?" Amanda looks up at Gabriel.

He leans into her and wraps his arm around her waist.