I scanned the area. Nothing was dangerous. I could feel her wolf was strong. My wolf wanted to claim her, his other half. Her scent was attractive, teasing my nostrils. She was walking along with me. Her sight caught my breath. There were a lot of things to tell her. But she had to wait. That night was coming. I had sent an invitation to her family and Max and other packs' alphas and some important dark creatures. I had invited my mother also. If she got my message. I placed my hand on her lower back and tugged her to my side. Her skin was cold. She easily felt cold. My wolf wanted to howl in happiness as she leaned closer, pressing her body with mine. We walked toward the cave. She didn't know the path. I kept her behind the door. I had enemies in my pack. Their names were underlined with red but there was still a lack of proof. I caught one. Soon, we'd catch all. They considered her my weak point. She was. But she would also bring out the beast in me

The awkward silence was maddening me. I glanced at him. He was sitting behind the stack of papers. Why did he need to do all this? "Why did you appoint a new guard?" I asked him. Now as the Ariadne' topic was over. I could trust him. He would have let her go. I didn't know if she had a family or any siblings. I never tried to know. "You don't like Alyn," He said without lifting his gaze. "You mean... I don't trust her," I thinned my lips. There was a huge difference between what he was saying and what I was assuming, "Yes, shouldn't you send her away too?" I asked him, suppressing my irritation. His jaw tensed, "Have you sworn to question my decision?" He asked, a little roughly. "Yes, if you're not gonna discuss it with me," I said. "There's nothing to discuss, Kimberlie," He said using my name in a serious tone. "Why?" I demanded, pulling in a deep breath. "I know what's better for you," He retorted.

I hated this fear that crept up on me. Only I knew she was fated-mate. No one was aware, not even she. I cradled the back of her head in my hand. Her eyes were weepy, she was breathing hard. I could smell poison as she coughed. I scooped her up. They were in the hall. 'Fetch healer,' I told Ray, 'Capture Alyn in her chamber. Don't leave her side,' I told Elaine through our mind link. They answered but I couldn't pay attention. My mind was reeling, for anything that could help her. Brayden stormed in, "What happened, Troy?" He asked, looking bewildered. "She's poisoned. Don't know, how? Alyn has something to do with it, " I shook my head furiously and rushed to the closet. I opened the cupboard and groped for the box. I scattered her dresses, some fell on the floor. I let out a long sigh when I got it. I grabbed it and quickened my strides back to the room. I stormed to her side on the mattress and opened it quickly. I grabbed some dried le

I reached further and placed a soft kiss on her lips. She didn't stir. Her face looked pale, it would take her some time to gain her full strength and colors back. The poison had damaged her strength. She was on the verge of.... Exasperated sighs left my body, my hands clenched in anger. My wolf clawed me. He wanted to dig everyone's grave who was involved in it. He wanted to be free. The thing was, I still hadn't a clue about it. I had a lead now, Alyn... she could be helpful but she needed to speak the truth first. Her over cleverness couldn't hide her lies from me. A crease marred my brow as I pushed myself to my feet and walked over to the door. My gaze turned to the window. It was locked. But it was the easiest way for our attackers. I had to shift to another chamber, more secure, with only one way out or in. My guts twisted at the thought of her being in trouble, anyone ambushing her when I wouldn't be around her, infuriated me. I twisted the

She hated it but I had no choice. She heard me last night. I was aware of her nature. She hated to be watched over. I needed to clear the territory from evil so my mate and everyone could run freely. We were patrolling deep into the woods. They must have used this route to escape. Ray chuckled next to me, "She will get mad at you. That's it," He said. I shook my head with a smile. We had faced death more than once. We were the beast. Whatever game was Ezekiel playing. He wasn't going to be successful. Every wolf in my pack was well trained. "She would never stop Overthinking. She's not weak. She wouldn't accept it." I muttered. "I would not either. She married you. She's your mate. She's not weak." Ray whispered. The corners of my lips curled up. I put my hand on his shoulder and squeezed it. "Troy," Brayden's voice was alarming. "You need to see this," I smelled fear in his voice. Ray and I quickened our steps toward the direction of him.