Our Other Mate: Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Ella's POV

This morning has been wonderful! Merrick has been taking me around to all of the historical sites in Rhodes. So many beautiful buildings and architecture from different cultures it really feels like a melting pot. From the Monolithos Castle and the Palace of the Grand Master, it was so beautiful.

Merrick was very knowledgeable about the history and all of the little hidden gems in the city. After a short trip to the Village of Lindos we stopped and had some lunch. I was starving and was glad to rest for a while. Merrick and I spent all of the lunch getting to know each other and shopping. Phillip stayed back for most of the day which felt odd, normally he was right at the duke's side. After lunch, we headed back to our hotel. When we reached the front door an odd feeling washed over all three of us but Phillip looked the most disturbed. I could see panic strike his face when I heard someone from behind us call out to Merrick.

"Your Grace! What a pleasant surprise to see you back in Rhodes, it's been a while and with a new bride no less." the unfamiliar voice called out. After turning around I see a large man with a slender blonde and 3 children of various ages.

I could feel the dagger Phillip was shooting at the couple but Merrick was oblivious. The man bows to show his neck to Merrick and me and when he lifts his head the gives Phillip a light nod. The air is uncomfortable and I have the feeling Merrick has no idea who this is, but Phillip certainly does. Without looking up Phillip whispers the name of the man in his ear.

"Ah, I am sorry Alpha Luca Baros. I am not familiar with all of the Alphas in this part of the world, but I am glad to make your acquaintance." When Merrick goes to shake his hand a small growl leaves Phillip to everyone's shock but Luca, almost as if he expected it. "I'm sorry your grace, please excuse me" Phillip muttered before stepping away.

"Alpha Luca, please excuse my guard he has had a long day. I have been showing the Duchess around the island and doing some light shopping." He remarks.

"No worries, we all have those days your grace. Please allow me the honor of inviting you to our private residence while you enjoy your stay here. My wife would love to have you over for a meal." she gestures to the slender blonder next to him. "This is my mate, Ivy, and our children Nico, Delia, and Tobias." They all bow except the youngest Tobias who is curious about what his siblings are doing until a soft hand from his father pats the back of his head.

"Please say you will come for an evening." he extends his hand and passes Merrick a business card. "That has my number, just give me a call and I can have my driver pick you up." We say our goodbyes and head up to our suite. Phillip all the while pacing behind us until we lock the door behind us.

"What was that, Phillip?" Merrick says sternly looking at his guard.

"I don't trust him!" Phillips says trying to defend his actions. "You don't even know him! What has gotten into you?" Merrick shouts.

I can see Phillip shift uncomfortably in his seat, "I'm sorry your grace" he says with a sigh. Something about this wasn't right and I wondered what exactly was the reason he didn't trust him.

Merrick stomped off to his room to I snuck my way to Phillip's room. Before I could knock, I hear him throwing things around the room. After a few knocks, he comes to the door red-faced and his eyes bloodshot.

"Oh my goddess, Phillip, what's wrong? I'm sure Merrick didn't mean to yell at you..." I place my hand on his shoulder to comfort him. " Do you know him?" I ask. He shakes his head as if to say no.

"I know of him, I have met him once. He is a predominant member of the Greek clans and the Alpha of a small village on the mainland. His pack has been known to have shady dealing and runs the black market for the kingdom."

"Black Market? I have never heard of a black market and I have been in the kingdom my whole life" I state. "I was a princess and my family was royalty, surely if there had been misdealing's I would have known." I look over to see a smile crawl its way across Phillips's face.

"Your Grace, I wouldn't peg you for the type to look for the things that the black market offers. So it's no surprise you have never heard of them," he says smugly. "Unless your into drugs, exotic remedies, or vamp sex" I can feel my cheeks blush at the mention of sex with vampires. It had been outlawed after the kingdom had witnessed its first hybrid hundreds of years ago.

The King was terrified at the outcome that had produced a hybrid that was stronger, faster, and almost unkillable. Out of nowhere, there is a knock at the front door and Phillip rushes to answer it. When he pulls the door closed to he is caring a large gift basket with a note written to the Duke and Duchess of Dashpointe. Merrick joins us in the sitting room looking very handsome. He is in a beautiful Versace suit that is trimmed in dark blue that matches the ocean outside.

Phillip puts down the basket that was filled with local fruits and cheese, wine, and a breathtaking chiffon evening dress. The dress was lavender and had long flowing sleeves. He presents the note to Merrick and goes to make himself a drink.

"It was my pleasure to meet with your grace and the Duchess today. Please accept these gifts as a token of our pack's gratitude for all that do for our kingdom. Your obedient servant, Alpha Luca Baros." Merrick read the card and looks at all of the items in the basket. Grabbing the bottle of wine he looks for an opener. Phillip offers to open the bottle and Merrick hands it to him. Pouring three glasses, Phillip sits the other two in from of me and Merrick. There was no way I would be drinking, no more wine for me. I think Merrick has the same thought as me because he just leaves his glass in front of him as we watch Phillip drink two glasses back to back.

"We should really get going Phillip, we have reservations and that little place on Tsambika Beach." Merrick stands offers me his hand and pulls me up. I tell him I need to change and I slip on the beautiful dress that was in the basket. It fits me like a glove. hugging my curves and showing off my pale skin. I sweep my hair into a low bun and we are off to have dinner. Phillip seems distracted and somewhat nervous as we take our seats at the little ocean-front restaurant.