Elena’s POV.
It’s been a few days since I returned, and there has been no significant progress in my mission. Killian was still alive and well, running the pack activities while my kids still remained with Aragorn.
I’ve avoided Killian like plague since the kiss. I was rather trying to manage my emotions before striking at him again. This time, I was determined to end it all and leave.
Aragorn was right. I was taking an opposite route that was entirely different from what I was here for.
Deciding to take a bold step, I quickly dressed up and headed towards the palace. The poison Helen gifted me was secured in my inner shorts, and if I could find my way into Killian’s room. This mission will be a done deal.
Avoiding him because of my emotions isn’t in any way going to be helpful to me. It was time to set whatever feelings I harbored for him aside and save my kids. If anything happens to them due to my selfishness, I will never forgive myself.
“Have you heard? Alpha Killian is throwing a big ball today? preparations already started.” I suddenly heard a group of ladies discussing as I walked past them.
“I heard also that powerful Kings and Alphas from different kingdoms will be in attendance, I’m definitely dressing my best,” I heard another one of them giggle excitedly.
I halted on my track as an idea suddenly struck me, this could be the perfect opportunity for me. If Killian is murdered on a night like this when different calibers of people are present, no one would ever point towards my direction.
I quickly turned around and headed back home to get fully prepared.
Heading home, I suddenly heard a rustling sound behind me. It drew dangerously nearer as I tried to ignore it and continued walking.
A sharp gasp fled my mouth as I suddenly heard a deep voice breath in heavily beside me. “Woah! Did that scare you? I’m sorry I didn’t mean to.” I quickly turned around with fierce anger visible in my eyes. I quickly recognized him. It was the lead warrior.
Graham. He was among the warriors that threw me out the night of my banishment.
“Yes, that was really scary, you don’t sneak up on people like that!” I snapped at him, trying to catch my breath.
What could be his reason for sneaking up on me that way?
“Accept my apology please, I didn’t mean to scare you.” He flashed me a warm smile, but I could see through his facade. I could tell there was something about him that didn’t seem to sit well with me. The distinct look in his eyes was enough evidence to back up my suspicions.
“It’s okay, uhm… Can I help you with anything? ” I tried to fasten the discussion. I wasn’t comfortable with him around me.
“Not really, just making sure you are safe, it’s my job.” He smiled again.
There was something about the way he looked at me, it was as though he was trying to tear out some sort of information through my eyes. He accessed me carefully, his eyes studying me.
I braced up and stared back into his eyes, not letting myself get intimidated by his fierce gaze. I already let them have their way with me years ago in my weak state. Not anymore.
“I see you are good at your job then.” I decided to engage him a little bit. Maybe I could find out what he truly wanted with me.
“Elena… I want to apologize on behalf of the rest of the warriors, we contributed our share to your banishment and you didn’t deserve any of that, I’m truly sorry.”
I casted him a quick glance as his words of apology filtered into my ears. It was evident in his eyes that his apology was genuine but I could tell there was more to it. His eyes never stopped assessing me for a second.
“It’s been a long time already Graham, I’m over it. I’m just really glad that the truth is out and my name is cleared.” I returned his smile with a more bigger one.
He nodded slightly, but instead of retreating or walking past me, he walked closely beside me, without uttering a word.
The tension in the air as we walked could be sliced with a butter knife. I tried to put myself together and not appear the least suspicious. It was already obvious that he wanted to pick something from me.
After a few seconds, he suddenly spoke up again. “So, Elena… How have you been these past years, everyone believed you were dead.”
I chuckled amusedly. “It was so quick for you all to assume that I was dead… Seems like everyone wanted me dead already.” I was satisfied with the reaction my words yielded on his face.
“Anyway, I’ve been okay… Or do I not look it?” I raised my brows at him.
“You look perfect, Elena.”
“So, where have you been all these years? We searched everywhere for you.” He threw at me.
I swallowed hard, racking through my head for a perfect answer to his question without giving myself away.
“I guess you didn’t search well enough then.” I accompanied my reply with an innocent smile.
Graham didn’t seem satisfied with my reply, but he tried to mask his disappointment.
“You seem different Elena, is everything okay with you? You can talk to me.” His next words got me laughing out loud.
“Really? Would you rather I remain the weak Omega that everyone stepped on?”
“That’s not what I meant.” His voice came out low.
“Why all the questions Graham? Is there something you are trying to get at?” I furrowed my brows at him.
“Because I’m the lead warrior, the safety of this pack is in my hands, I need to know if you are playing some sort of game.”
“If you are, I suggest it comes to an end now.”
I stared at him blankly, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was up. He was hitting at something.
Was he suspicious of me? Has he discussed this with Killian or anyone else?
I needed to be more careful than ever.
“I have no idea what you are talking about. I have to hurry and prepare for the ball,” I quickly blurted and bolted off immediately.