Alison’s POV
The stench of blood lingered in the crisp evening air, heavy and suffocating. My breaths came in shallow gasps as I leaned against the car, my stomach still churning from what I’d just witnessed. Priya’s mangled, lifeless body was a sight I couldn’t erase, no matter how hard I tried. My fingers trembled as they clutched the edge of the car door, grounding myself against the tidal wave of nausea threatening to overwhelm me again.
“Alison?”
Xander’s voice snapped me out of my daze. I turned to see him striding toward me, his face lined with concern. His clothes were fresh, a stark contrast to the bloodstained ones he had worn during the fight. Yet, the raw ferocity of his wolf still lingered in his eyes.
“Are you okay?” he asked, his voice softer now as he stopped inches away. His gaze searched mine, desperate for an answer.
I nodded, though I wasn’t sure if I was lying to him or myself. “I’m fine,” I whispered, my voice hoarse.
He frowned, not convinced. “Alison, I… ” He hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck, his usual confidence replaced by something vulnerable. “I’m sorry you had to see that. My wolf… he couldn’t stand seeing you in danger. I lost control.”
I reached for his hand, the warmth of his touch grounding me. “It’s okay,” I murmured, squeezing gently. “You did what you had to do. You protected me and I’m grateful.”
His shoulders sagged slightly, as though my words eased some of the guilt weighing him down. He pulled me into his arms, and I let myself sink into his embrace. For a moment, the chaos of the world faded, leaving just the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against mine.
Around us, the scene unfolded like a macabre play. Guards emerged from the hall, carrying Priya’s lifeless body on a stretcher. The scent of death clung to the air, mingling with the whispers of the Alpha council members who filed out one by one.
“Miss Alison,” one of the older Alphas said, his voice deep and laced with concern. He stopped near us, his sharp eyes scanning me. “Are you all right? That was quite a gruesome attack, had Alpha Kane not intervened quickly who knows what she would have dond.”
“I’m fine,” I replied, forcing a polite smile.
His gaze lingered on me, then dropped to my bandaged arm. His brows furrowed. “Your wounds…” he muttered, stepping closer. “They’re gone.”
I followed his gaze, confusion rippling through me. Slowly, I unwrapped the bandages from my arm, revealing smooth, unblemished skin where deep scratches had once been. Gasps rippled through the Alphas nearby, their reactions a mix of awe and confusion.
“Remarkable,” another Alpha murmured. “Completely healed.”
Xander stepped closer, shielding me slightly from their scrutinizing gazes. “How is this possible?” he asked, his voice low as he leaned in. “You were injured less than an hour ago.”
“I don’t know,” I admitted, my mind racing. “But I’ll ask Simone. She might have answers.”
Xander’s jaw tightened, his expression darkening. “Simone seems to know a lot about these strange things happening to you.”
I hesitated, sensing the undercurrent of suspicion in his tone. He deserved to know the truth, but how would he react? Taking a deep breath, I decided it was time to tell him.
“There’s something I think you should know Xander.,” I began, my voice trembling slightly. “Simone isn’t just my friend and a sister. She’s a witch. A powerful one at that”
His eyes widened, surprise flashing across his face. “A witch?”
“Yes,” I said, nodding. “She’s the one who told me about the prophecy… the one that seems to be tied to me. She’s been helping me understand everything… my abilities, my connection to the Moon Goddess, all of it.”
He opened his mouth to respond, but a cough interrupted us. Turning, we saw Kendrick standing a few feet away, his hands clasped tightly in front of him.
Xander’s wolf stirred instantly, and I felt the tension ripple through his body. His gaze hardened, his protective instincts kicking in.
“Xander,” I murmured, placing a hand on his chest. “Calm down.”
Reluctantly, he nodded, but his eyes never left Kendrick.
Kendrick took a cautious step closer, his expression heavy with regret. “Alison,” he began, his voice low and hesitant. “I wanted to speak to you.”
I straightened, my heart pounding. “What is it?”
He hesitated, as if weighing his words carefully. “I… I owe you an apology,” he said finally. “If I could turn back time, I would’ve made different choices. I let the pressures of being an Alpha cloud my judgment. I chose Priya over you and I let my ambition blind me to the truth. For that, I’m deeply sorry.”
His voice cracked, and I felt a pang of something I couldn’t quite name… sympathy, perhaps.
He glanced at the ground, his shoulders slumping. “If I’d known what she was capable of, I would have at least tried to stop her. But instead, I failed you. I failed everyone.”
The sincerity in his voice was undeniable, but I needed more than words. I closed my eyes, tuning into his thoughts. They echoed his regret, his self-loathing. There was no deceit, no hidden agenda.
When I opened my eyes, I nodded. “I believe you,” I said softly. “And I forgive you.”
Kendrick’s eyes widened in surprise, gratitude washing over his features. “Thank you so much, I wish you and Xander a better life together, don’t hesitate to call me when you need me,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.
As he turned to leave, Xander’s gaze softened, though his protective stance remained firm. He waited until Kendrick was out of earshot before turning to me.
“You’re too kind,” he said, his voice filled with admiration.
I smiled faintly, though my mind was still heavy with unanswered questions.
Xander stepped closer, his hands gently cradling my face. “Alison,” he whispered, his eyes locking onto mine. “You’re incredible. Strong, forgiving, brave. I don’t know how I got so lucky to have you as my soon-to-be Luna.”
His words took my breath away, the weight of his sincerity hitting me like a tidal wave. Before I could respond, he leaned in, his lips capturing mine in a kiss that was both tender and fierce.
For a moment, the world around us disappeared, leaving only the two of us and the unspoken promises in that kiss.