Alethea
I can’t bring myself to accept the so-called “temporary fix” that the elders have chosen. I need to stay out of sight before Xavier notices me.
How the hell did they decide that Xavier, of all people, should be the acting Alpha? He has no real connection to the Redwood Pack, so why him?
My eyes land on Kayla, you can tell that she is worried. I spot Liam too, and I can tell he is burning with fury.
We both know this has to be part of Xavier’s plan and for it to succeed, there must be someone helping him from the inside.
Around us, the pack members are celebrating, cheering as if Xavier being chosen is a good thing. I shake my head slowly.
These ungrateful fools don’t realize what’s coming for them. If Xavier truly takes power, Redwood will fall apart.
Then, amid the crowd, I see Shirley. Something about her makes my instincts flare up.
She’s been missing ever since our encounter at the dining hall-and now, suddenly, she’s here, standing close to Xavier.
I narrow my eyes as I notice the silent exchange between them. A knowing look. A subtle nod. It’s brief but clear. They’re communicating-without saying a single word.
My heart pounds. Shirley is working with Xavier.
I strain my ears with the hope of catching something, but they don’t speak. Still, I know what I saw. And I know I need to act fast before it’s too late.
Right now, I should leave. I should disappear and go stay with Asher because this isn’t good.
As I subtly make my way out of the arena, something catches my eye-Liam standing with one of the elders.
Liam’s body language tells me he is barely holding back his anger.
I stop as I lurk in the shadows, straining my ears to listen closely.
Then, I hear the elder’s voice.
“Alpha is without his family. His father only had him.”
Liam’s jaw clenches. “And how does that connect to Xavier being the temporary Alpha?”
The elder sighs heavily. “Asher and Xavier might not know it, but they are family.”
I gasp, my hand flying to my mouth. What?
How are Asher and Xavier related?
The elder continues. “Xavier’s father, Alpha Collin, was the rightful Alpha of the Redwood Pack. But he was brutally killed in an attack. At the time, Xavier was just a child, and his grandmother, Lisa, couldn’t stand the looming threats over him. So, she took Xavier and fled-the only heir to Alpha Collin’s bloodline.”
I feel lightheaded as I try to process this.
“The pack couldn’t remain without an Alpha,” the elder goes on. “So, Asher’s father, Alpha Nox, stepped in. But Nox never truly wanted the position. It was forced upon him. He ruled for a while, but when the burden became too much, he left. He and Asher’s mother went to Cuba, leaving Asher to take over at just eighteen.”
I barely hear my heartbeat as the elder delivers his final words.
“So, my dear, there is no one better suited for the Alpha position than Xavier. He has every right to it.”
I watch as Liam’s shoulders slump in defeat, his entire body tense with frustration. He knows, just as I do, that there’s no going back now.
Xavier has been power-hungry for so long because he believes the Alpha title was stolen from him. That’s why he planted Maya in the pack. That’s why he’s been working in the shadows.
The elder walks away, leaving Liam standing there, stunned, furious, and broken.
I see his fists clench and his chest rise and fall rapidly. Then, in one swift motion, he runs a hand through his hair and kicks a nearby rock in frustration.
I know Liam. And I know one thing for sure-he will never submit to Xavier.
There is no way he will serve under him as Beta.
And neither will I.
I slowly make my way to Asher’s room, my mind lost in a whirlwind of thoughts. The sound of celebration from the arena echoes in the distance, a harsh reminder of what just happened-Xavier has been chosen as the temporary Alpha.
Suddenly, I collide with something-or rather, someone.
I stumble back slightly as I blink in surprise.
“Ally, hi!” A rushed, nervous voice greets me.
I look up and find Shirley standing before me. But something about her seems… off.
Her usual confident charm is gone, but you can tell that she is uneasy and that makes my skin crawl. She won’t meet my eyes, her head tilted downward as she shuffles to the side, avoiding me completely.
No. This can’t be good.
“Shirley, are you okay?” I ask, stepping closer with concern.
Her entire body stiffens. Then, without warning, she jumps slightly as she glances around as if she’s afraid someone might see us.
“I was never here,” she mutters in a hurry.
Then, before I can say another word, she spins on her heel and rushes off, disappearing.
I stood there, stunned.
“That was… strange,” I whisper to myself. Something is wrong.
But I can’t focus on that now. Asher needs me.
Taking a deep breath, I make my way to his room. The guards stationed at the entrance straighten when they see me, giving me a respectful nod before they step aside.
I push the door open and step inside.
Asher is still lying on the bed, but he doesn’t look any better. If anything… he looks worse.
My heart clenches painfully as I rush to his side.
Placing my hand on his forehead, I gasp softly-his skin is burning with a dangerously high fever.
The bandages wrapped around his wounds are still stained with blood, though not as heavily as before.
But then I notice something that makes fear creep into my bones.
Asher is restless. His body twists slightly, his head turns from side to side as if he’s in pain.
But he was fine when I walked in a moment ago… except for the fever.
Then, suddenly-his hand shoots up, grabbing mine.
His grip is tight. Desperate.
I let out a small gasp as he held on to me, his fingers trembling against my skin.
It feels like he’s fighting something.
Like he doesn’t want to let go.
Tears blur my vision as I hold onto him just as tightly. My heart breaks at the sight of him struggling, so vulnerable, so unlike the strong Alpha I know.
“I’m here, Asher,” I whisper through my tears. “I won’t leave you. Just please… please fight.”
“Selena, please… you have to come. Please, I need you to save my mate.”
I sob silently, my tears fall fast, my chest tight with helplessness.
Asher continues to struggle, his body trembles in pain, and I can do nothing but cling to the tiny hope that a miracle will come.
I look around frantically, searching for anything-something that might help.
Then, something catches my eye.
A small vial bottle lies discarded on the floor, half-hidden beneath the bed. My brows knit together in confusion.
What is that?
I slowly release Asher’s hand and crawl forward, reaching for the vial. As I lift it into the light, I notice a thin layer of liquid inside-but it’s been partially used.
My stomach tightens with unease.
Why is this here?
If it was something the doctor used, it should have been disposed of properly. But for it to roll out from under the bed… something isn’t right.
I tuck the vial into my pocket, a cold chill running down my spine.
I hurry back to Asher’s side. His breathing is shallow, his skin still burning hot, but what terrifies me the most-
His heartbeat.
It’s faint. Too faint.
“No, no, no-Asher, hold on!” My voice shakes as panic grips me.
I have to get to the doctor. Now.
With the vial still hidden in my pocket, I spin on my heel and rush out.
But my mind won’t let go of the uneasy feeling twisting inside me.
Something is off with that vial.
And I intend to find out exactly what it is.