The Alpha's Curse The Enemy Within

Chapter 28 Twenty Eigh

Killian's point of view

Valerie and I just crossed into your territory, along with Adam, Jax, and a few warriors that accompanied us to the Council's meeting. I headed straight to the castle. I jumped off my horse, which was being led away by a warrior. I was on my way inside when Mason called out to me, speedily catching up to me.

"How did the meeting go?" He spoke as we started for the castle's doors.

"Bad" was all I could say. And that was the truth. The fact that the Dark Circle has reappeared in North Central was bad enough, and now, only the goddess knows what they are cooking up now, going after the Phoenix stones. And that was another problem in itself. Even if my father hadn't given the stone to the Dark Circle, I had no idea where it could possibly be. The best option we've got is the witches. Hopefully, Valerie and the coven could do some kind of spell to find it, while we prepare the pack for another attack from the Dark Circle.

Somehow, that worries me more. Last time they sent a bunch of rogues to find the stone, this time I'm having a really bad feeling for some reason.

I stopped in my tracks, turning to Mason. "We need to prepare, just in case there's another attack. Get the bunkers ready, and, please, see to it that the younger wolves triple their training."

Mason's wide eyes narrowed. "Is it that bad?"

I nodded.

"And why will the Dark Circle attack again?" He asked.

"I'll explain it better during tonight's meeting," I said to him. It was just then that my eyes caught the metal chains that stood in his hands.

My eyes shot up to meet his.

"It's the night after tomorrow. You didn't forget, right? " He questioned

Bloody fuck! I did. I did forget. I pulled my rough palms to my face, rubbing it tightly.

"I actually forgot," I said, pinching the skin on my brow and scanning my surroundings. Everyone was moving about; they had begun preparations already.

"Well, I can't blame you. A lot has been happening recently. But I think you should be with Thea. It'll help." Mason said.

I nodded. I watched him leave. I also made my way to my chamber. I abandoned my clothes, taking a quick shower, after which I wore a fresh set of clothes.

The door pushed open instantly, and Morgan walked in, leaning against the wall. "How did it go?" He asked.

I sighed, repeating everything I had told Mason and what happened at the supreme court.

"Why will the Dark Circle be after the stones?" He asked, curiously.

I shrugged. "Who knows?"

"I need you to take charge of patrolling and the pack's defenses. We need to be on high alert in case we are attacked."

Morgan nodded in agreement.

"I'll speak to the witches to have a barrier spell placed around the territory," I said, again, moving past Morgan when I got a whiff of a familiar scent on him.

My eyes flashed rage, growling. "Why is Sheila's scent all over you?"

Morgan held a smirk. "Maybe because I've been training her."

"What training?"

"You really don't pay any attention to her, do you?" He moved from the wall, stalking closer. "Well, since you wouldn't want her to train with the warriors, she asked me to train her instead. And you know me, brother, I don't turn down requests, especially when it's from a beautiful lady."

His words provoked Ryker and me. Before I knew it, my hands were over his neck, and Morgan was against the wall, smiling carelessly.

A sudden knock interrupted us; the door was pushed open in haste. Allen's horror-filled gaze traveled from Morgan to me. He seemed like he had something urgent to say.

"What is it, Allen?" I released my hold on Morgan.

"It's Rowan," My blood turned awfully cold.

"What happened to Rowan?" Morgan spoke first, his voice hard and sharp.

"He's dead," Allen said again. "He was murdered."

"What?" Immediately, I aimed for the door, heading down to the castle dungeon. Mason was there, along with some warriors.

My eyes landed on Rowan's still and cold body inside the cell. He hadn't been moved nor touched yet.

"What happened to him?" I turned to the warriors with anger in my voice. "What happened to him?" I yelled this time when no one seemed to have an answer for me.

They all shuddered, before one voiced out. "We do not know,"

Morgan went inside the cell, his hands inspecting Rowan's dead body.

"Very cold, Killian. There's no sign of any physical injury," Morgan said.

"Who was in charge of the dungeon last night?"

Few of the warriors indicated.

"We were right in front of it, Alpha. No one walked through that door."

I went to the entrance doors of the dungeon, and my fingers brushed on the humid floor. There were traces of the melted lock.

I ran furious fingers through the thick forest of my blonde hair. "Someone was definitely here."

"That's really impossible, Alpha. I swear, we were right outside the entrance. No one came in." One of the warriors spoke again, sounding certain of his words.

"When was the last time you checked on him while he was still alive?" Morgan stepped out of the cell.

"Right before sunset."

When I went back to the cell, the shackles laced with wolfsbane that bound him to the wall were off him. "He couldn't possibly have set himself free. Someone helped him."

"And then he was murdered," Mason said.

I forced my eyes closed, balling my fists. Rowan was murdered right before we had the chance to question him. Now we will never know who sent him to murder me, or whether Thea and I were the real targets, or maybe Sheila may have been the target instead.

I groaned internally. That sounded insane, but I just couldn't shake the feeling in my gut. It wouldn't surprise me if Sheila was the main target of Rowan. Rowan was also a member of my pack, and thus,

he was also affected by the curse on both myself and the pack. I can't think of any other reason why he would want to endanger his own life when his life and that of every member bound to the pack are linked to mine. Whatever happens to me, they will suffer as well. For this reason, I don't think he was after Thea or me.

I had so many enemies who would not hesitate to retaliate against me, using Sheila, my mate. This was precisely what I feared. I didn't want her to come into harm's way.

"Brother," Morgan called out to me. I turned to him, giving him my full attention. "This looks more like the work of a witch."

I creased my brows. That's even worse. "Send the body to the witches' quarters. Maybe Valerie can get something from it." I ordered the warriors.

Immediately, I left the dungeon, moving as fast as I could. My legs aimed speedily for Sheila's chamber. I felt a pointed pain in my chest that could only be healed upon seeing her, upon having her in my arms.

Fuck! I've never felt the crazed feeling before, and even if I did, I could always fight against it. But this time was different. Ryker and I felt like we could both die if we didn't see her. I hated this feeling more than anything, but I couldn't control this urge buried within me. I fucking needed her.

I pushed the door to her chamber open. My eyes scanned the large room before falling on the surprised stare of Ria. but no sight of Sheila.

The fear within me formed a pointed-edged sword, puncturing deep into my soul. Now, just the utter realization that Sheila could have indeed lost her life at my hands for the stupid crime of attempting toContentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

murder me sent a jolt of unfamiliar pain down my spine. "Where is she?" The urge to see her intensifies.

"S-she's in your office," Ria mumbled finally.

I stormed out and hastened to my office, which now seemed like an endless, godforsaken distance away.

I reached for the knob, pulling the door open. Instantly, the mouthwatering scent of my mate hit me harder than ever. I walked in, and my eyes fell on the perfectly flawless figure curled up on the wooden long chair, with several books scattered around her. She was asleep.

I moved closer, as silently as possible, trying my hardest not to stir her up.

God! She was beautiful. The most beautiful creature ever. Her long brown hair fell messily on her face, flowing down to her body, her perfect long lashes imprisoning those enchanting blue depths of hers that were capable of making a man fall deeper and harder. Her full, luscious lips pressed softly against one another, demanding my attention and my kisses.

I crouched down beside her, watching her sleeping figure. It was a beautiful sight. My hands pulled up to her face, gently brushing the locks of her hair that covered her heart-shaped face. The tip of my finger grazed her skin, igniting sparks and tingles. She gasped softly in her sleep. She could feel the sparks as much as I could. I wanted her.

Ryker had begun to incite my thoughts, demanding I pull her into my arms and make love to her right here, and have her bear my mark. Oh, I wish I could. The thought was thrilling. But marking her would only make her bound to the pack and make her a part of the curse. I couldn't do that to her. I never

want to cause her any pain.

I moved closer to her, my lips grazing her cheeks when her eyes unexpectedly opened, and I fell into her gaze, which was sucking me in.

Just then, I knew I was about to make a terrible mistake.