STARLETTE
“How did you know about all these?” Maximus asked, narrowing his eyes.
“I read a lot. I read it in a book a long time ago.” I told him.
He folded his arms across his chest. “What book? Tell me more.”
“I can’t recall the exact book. And I’m afraid that’s all I know.”
“I’m also afraid you’ll have to think hard to remember where you read that from. We need more information.” That sounded more like a threat than a request.
“I didn’t pay much attention while reading it. It was a very old book. A witch grimore.” I answered truthfully.
The frown on his face deepened. “You really can’t remember anything else? How do I get to the witch? Where are the so-called invisibles located?”
I shook my head. “It wasn’t stated in the book.”
“No hint at all?”
“I think we already have the information we need. Hopefully, if the salt trick works, we’d be able to capture and question them directly.” Tom chimed in.
The Alpha King sighed. “I wonder if the witches are trying to start a war or if one of them is only helping those rogues. It’s hard to tell.”
“I guess we’ll find out once we capture at least one of them.” Tom said.
“Prepare bags of salt while we await their attacks tonight.” He instructed.
He cast his gaze at me. “What are you still doing here? You can leave.”
“You wouldn’t even thank her? This is the most helpful information we’ve gotten.” Tom said, puzzled.
Maximus twisted his face in a deeper frown. “You can thank her if you want.” He shrugged. “By the way, I can see that you two have gotten quite close.”
Tom snorted. “Jealous?”
In a split second, Maximus was already in front of Tom, jerking him up by his collar and gripping tightly.
“You might be my gamma, but I’m still your alpha. You don’t get to speak to me that way.” He growled.
The tight grip on Tom’s neck caused him to choke and be desperately tapped out. Maximus released his grip and pushed him away.
“Easy, Alpha. I was just joking.” Tom said as he coughed in rapid succession.
“Keep those jokes to yourself.” He retorted before snapping his gaze at me.
“I don’t see you leaving.”
I didn’t intend to stand here and witness any more of his aggression anyway. So, blowing out a sharp breath, I walked out of that office.
What a mate I have.
Thoughts of Bella crossed my mind, and I wondered where she was. I hadn’t seen her since yesterday, and she was supposed to be by my side at all times.
Worried, I decided to go check up on her at the maid’s chamber.
Upon entering the chamber, I froze, and my eyes widened in sheer horror at the sight before me. I blinked for a few seconds, wondering why Bella was tied to a pole, looking like someone who was about to give up the ghost at any minute.
“Bella.” I called and rushed towards her.
My eyes roamed her body, and my already broken heart broke even further. She had bruises all over her body-bruises that didn’t seem to be healing.
“Starlette.” She called faintly.
“What is this? What happened? And why aren’t you healing?” My confusion was palpable in my voice.
“Wolfsbane.” She said weakly.
“Why? What happened?” My concern was over the roof.
“I was accused of stealing.” Tears welled up in her eyes and streamed down her cheeks as she denied the accusation. “I swear I didn’t do it. I didn’t do it.”
I might not have known Bella for long, but from what I had gathered so far, she had a pure and innocent heart, so I believed her.
“I didn’t do it.” She said again.
“I believe you, Bella; I believe.” I assured.
She opened her mouth to continue, but another voice suddenly interrupted her.
“Hey! What are you doing there? I thought I warned everyone not to go near that theif.”
“Who is that?” I asked Bella without bothering to look at the source of the voice.
“The head maid. Grace.” Bella replied.
I finally turned to look at Grace, who was now standing next to me with a frown on her face.
“Grace. Did you make any investigation before tying her here unjustly?” I asked.
“Who are you to question me?” She snapped. “Are you a maid here or what? I had never seen you before.”
“Untie her. Now.” I demanded.
“You filthy thing,” she said, raising her hand and trying to slap me, but I gripped it mid-air.
“I wouldn’t dare if I were you.” My voice was dark.
“Who do you think you are?” She yelled.
“The breeder.” Bella said weakly. “The Alpha King’s breeder.”
Her eyes widened in realisation, and she quickly stepped back.
“Oh, my God. I’m sorry. I’m terribly sorry.” She said, bowing.
“Mama, you don’t have to be.” A girl’s voice suddenly said.
I cast my gaze to the side to see a young girl with straight brown hair approaching us.
“From what I heard, the Alpha King hates her. So even if you flog her, he won’t do anything to you. There’s a high chance he would praise you instead.” The girl continued.
“Is that so?” Grace’s face immediately contorted into a frown. “I would teach her a lesson for daring me, then.”
“That’s not true.” Bella quickly said, “I was there when the Alpha promised to deal with anyone who dared to touch the mother of his unborn kids. He said, Nothing must happen to her.”
“Are you sure? Or are you just saying that to protect her?” Grace asked with annoyance.
“I am sure.” Bella breathed.
Maximus never said such. My heart swelled at Bella’s attempt to protect me. I had to protect her too.
“The Alpha also gave me the authority to do whatever I wanted in this pack. And I guess that includes the right to set Bella free.” I said.
“Rogues! Rogues! Rogues!” Loud screams suddenly erupted, and everyone scampered around.
Wait, what?
My heart dropped to my stomach. A rogue attack during the day?