Outcast: The Alpha King's Beloved

Chapter 343: Before The War 

Jennifer's POV:

After dinner, Anthony personally arranged Austin and Caroline's accommodations.

When we dropped them off at their residence, Elizabeth, Anthony, and I stood by the door and said goodnight to Austin and Caroline.

"Austin, I will hold a meeting with the elders tomorrow to discuss your expedition.I plan to place the most elite troops under your command.You'll be sent to the border of the Red Sun Pack.They're the pack closest to the vampires’ territory, so they need support the most," Anthony told his brother before leaving.

"Thank you for givingthe chance to redeem myself.Anthony, I won't let you down.I will cback victorious," Austin vowed seriously.

"Thank you, Anthony.Thank you for giving us this opportunity."

Caroline also expressed her gratitude, her eyes red from crying.

As they were talking, Elizabeth took the sleeping Alice from a maid's arms and handed her to Caroline with a soft smile.

"Here.You take care of Alice.I think what she needs most now is maternal love."

Caroline looked into her daughter's eyes lovingly and kissed her on the forehead.

"Thank you so much, Mom.I'll take good care of her, I promise."

"I really don't know how to thank you, Anthony."

Austin scratched his head in embarrassment.

"You're my brother.Of course I'll help you when you need it,"

Anthony smiled gently and shook Austin's hand firmly.

"Thanks again.Good night!"

Austin mumbled hurriedly, his face turning red.Then he pulled Caroline and Alice into the room and closed the door.

Anthony frowned and scratched his head, not unlike the way Austin did just now.

"Did I say something wrong?" I shook my head and chuckled.

"No, I don't think so.Austin's just shy.Maybe he isn't used to the way you're treating him now."

"He'll get used to it one day," Elizabeth said with a knowing smile.

Then, Anthony and I escorted Elizabeth back to her room.

She took Anthony's hand and said carefully, "Anthony, take care of Jennifer, do you understand? She's most likely traumatized from what happened on the island.Even I don't dare to recall what happened when the boat was suddenly overturned.It was all too terrible.Although the doctor said that she's fine, please pay more attention to her.She's pregnant after all."

"I will, Mom," Anthony replied firmly.

"I want her to be safe, more than anyone else."

After Elizabeth closed the door behind her, Anthony and I finally retired to our own room.

But before getting ready for bed, I rifled through the closet to select a suit for Anthony to wear at the elders' meeting tomorrow.

As I was placing a crisp gray suit on the hanger, Anthony huggedfrom behind and said, "Just let the maids do it, honey.Don't move.Lethug you for a while."

Feeling Anthony's breath on my neck, I felt ticklish.I giggled and sighed.

"Anthony, I think Austin's changed completely.He has becbrave and noble."

"Yes, it seems that love and family affection have changed him." Anthony gently nibbled on my ear.

"If Austin can successfully drive the vampires out of our territory, we won't need to send Skylar to negotiate with them.After all, I don't want to disturb Skylar's peaceful life."

"But war is so cruel.I can't help but worry about Austin.If something bad happens to him, Caroline will definitely break down." I sighed.

"She loves him so much now and views him as her whole world."

"Don't worry.I know my brother," Anthony said in a low voice.

"Even back then, he was an excellent soldier.Otherwise, Dad wouldn't have taken him with him to the battlefield."

"I suppose you're right." I nodded and smiled.

"Letcall Jerand inform him about what has happened.” As I spoke, I took out my phone and dialed my brother's number.

Jerome's POV:

I was busy cleaning the house when my phone suddenly rang.It was Jennifer.

"Hey, Jennifer.What's up?"

Despite trying to sound calm, my heart started to beat against my chest.I couldn't help but have a bad feeling about this, especially given our last conversation.

"Hi, Jerome.Are you busy? There's something I need to talk to you about," Jennifer asked.

"What is it?"

I took deep breaths, bracing myself for whatever she had to say.

"The other day, Elizabeth and I went to see Austin and Caroline on that deserted island," Jennifer said.

"We went out to sea for fun, but a storm suddenly hit and the boat turned over."

"What?! The boat turned over?" I gasped in shock.

"Jennifer, are you okay? Are you hurt? What happened?"

"I'm fine," Jennifer said hurriedly, chuckling at my panicked reaction.

"Thanks for the concern.I'm calling you now, right? Doesn't that mean I'm fine? Actually, I almost didn't make it.I have Caroline and Austin to thank.They risked their lives to saveand Elizabeth.

"Austin and Caroline?" I clarified, wondering if I had heard her right.

"Yes.Elizabeth was so moved, that she decided to bring them back to the royal palace.After discussing things with Anthony, we brought them back.But the elders all violently objected."

Hearing this, I sighed heavily.I didn't like Austin, but now that I knew that he had saved my sister's life, my attitude towards him grew complicated.

"I'm not surprised that the elders reacted that way. After all, Austin killed the former king."

"Yeah.Also, during that meeting, Anthony suddenly received emergency news that the vampires were attacking the Red Sun Pack again.To everyone's surprise, Austin volunteered to lead the army there," Jennifer added.

I was more shocked to hear that bit of news.

"What?! Austin?! What did Anthony say?"

I pressed my fingers against my temple and squeezed my eyes shut.

"This is all too sudden!"

Besides, Austin had a history of rebellion.Could Anthony really trust him?

"Caroline promised to sign an agreement that her and her daughter's lives will be ended if Austin betrays the country."

Jennifer delivered shocking pieces of news, one after another.I could barely keep up.

"What?! No way!" I was at a loss for words.

"Jerome, Austin and Caroline have changed a lot.

At the very least, Anthony and I are willing to trust them,"

Jennifer said gently.

"I just called to tell you that, now that Austin has proposed to fight at the front line himself, Skylar might not need to negotiate with the vampire king—at least for the tbeing.Please tell her the news so that she can relax." I sighed.

"I hope you're right, Jennifer."

The vampires were attacking so aggressively, I wasn't sure if Austin could beat them back.

Despite my doubts, this was the only good news we had received in days.

After getting off the phone with Jennifer, I rushed to the bedroom to tell Skylar about everything we discussed.

Skylar, who was lying in bed, sat bolt upright after hearing the news.

"What did you say, Jerome?"

I knew she would react like this, so I sighed and repeated myself.

"It's true, Skylar.Austin will soon lead troops to the front line.Jennifer toldthis because she hoped that you wouldn't worry about vampires for the tbeing.As long as Austin's victorious, you won't have to negotiate with the vampire king."

Skylar reached for my hand and said, "Oh, my God...I really hope Austin will be okay..."

"I hope so," I said with a sigh.

"Jerome, let's get sfresh air." Skylar shook her head.

"Everything you've just told me, it's too shocking. “ I nodded.

"Okay."

I helped Skylar to the balcony to breathe sfresh air.It was late now and the moon was high in the sky.

"I really hope that Austin will defeat vampires and end this war." Skylar nestled up in my arms and sighed.

"The truth is, I don't want my peaceful life to be disturbed.I'm very happy now."

I kissed Skylar's forehead and said gently, "Austin will succeed.We're safe."

As I spoke, I silently prayed deep in my heart that what I said would ctrue.I hoped the future was bright for us werewolves.I hoped Austin could successfully drive the vampires out and return home safely.Only then would all the werewolves accept him.