The Alpha's Curse The Enemy Within

Killian's point of view

Sheila and I walked back to the castle, after finishing up training. I showered and got dressed for the meeting at the Council today. I will be going with Allen and Mason, since Valerie and Lorenzo have not returned since yesterday. They had made a short trip to the south, along with a witch from Leonardo's pack.

Well, since I had learned the truth about Sheila's true identity, I have been trying my hardest not to get in any sort of confrontation with those brothers of hers, and I noticed so have they, at least, Leonardo does try to keep Kaiser in check. We still very much hated each other, but Valerie was right, only Sheila would come out hurt in all of this. I can't imagine how it must make her feel, having a mate who despised her family and a family who despised her mate.

I really can't trust myself to make any promises, but I swear, I would do my hardest to tolerate her brothers, and I know for her, they would do the same and even worse. That's why we've been working together.

Valerie, Lorenzo, and a trusted witch from Leonardo's pack had left to visit an old Elder witch in the south. She was also once an old crystal witch from the Crystal Fortress, and a friend of Fiona, Sheila's mother. It was a discreet meeting, even the Council wasn't aware of this. It was regarding the Dark Circle attacks that have sprung up in the south. We knew they were blood sacrifices, and Leonardo Black seemed to think it somehow had to do with Sheila. But sincerely, I hoped not.

I wished this was all a nightmare. After learning about Sheila's identity, I realized how much danger she was in. She was the child the prophecy spoke about on the crystal stone and was a target of my father and the Dark Circle. They wanted her dead fourteen years ago, and maybe still do. But I swear to the

goddess, I would protect her with my life. This wasn't only because she was my mate, regardless of who Sheila's family was, it was my way of paying for the sins my father had committed against her.

What Nell Reid had done to Sheila and her Pack that night was wrong. I knew that best. They had lost so much that night. That was also the truth. But I couldn't flush this rage and hatred away. What Alpha Logan had done as well was wrong. I could only imagine the pain he must have felt, coming home to meet his wife's lifeless body. Even I would lose it if something happened to Sheila. But Alpha Logan's action that night also ruined our lives and took many lives, not just Karl's but many from both packs.

I sighed, shaking that thought off. I didn't like to remember what could have happened if everything turned out differently that night. Karl would still be alive, and so would everyone who died as a result of the war, including Alpha Logan. And Sheila might have been found. She wouldn't have to grow up with Lucius, living a lie.

However aggravating the situation was, Leonardo was right to keep Sheila's identity a secret. And I just hope the Dark Circle and the Council don't find her.

I was done dressing, I left my chamber and sauntered to Sheila's. She was already dressed by the time I got there and was about to wear her ankle boots.

I went to the bedside where she was seated, and crouched down in front of her, helping her out with her boots. I fastened its leather ropes firmly, helping her up.

"Are you leaving now?" She sauntered to her dressing table, combing her hair.

"In a few minutes," I said, stopping so close behind her that I could feel the softness of her back against my body. "Morgan will be around, if you need anything, just ask him, and please, stay close to him at all

times and don't go anywhere alone."

Sheila stopped combing her hair, her blue eyes pierced mine through the tall mirror, while my hands snaked around her waist.

"Killian, it's really sweet that you are paranoid about my safety, but I can take care of myself," her sweet voice sounded, making me smile as I rested my chin on her shoulder blade.

"Well, I know," I whispered in her ears. I didn't need anyone telling me what Sheila was capable of. I've seen it myself at Lucius's pack, and the night of the blood moon when she saved my people. I turned her around, and her slender hands clutched my neck, awakening a tingling sensation everywhere our bodies made contact. "There's something I have to tell you, Sheila," I said, keeping my voice as neutral as possible, and keeping every emotion from my eyes.

Sheila studied me, and I could see worry cloud her eyes. "Is it about the Council?" She asked, worriedly.

"No," I shook my head. "It's something else," I whispered more to myself, knowing she could hear me. "But seriously, be careful. We still haven't caught Lucius yet. That bastard could attempt to get you again."

Lucius' sudden disappearance worried me greatly. I had warriors placed around his territory and even in the pack, but there hasn't been any sign of him. Kaiser also had the Black Blood warriors around, just for additional eyes, still, there's been nothing.

What had me more worried was that bloody witch that had been after Sheila and me. Sheila had

informed us that she was also working for Lucius and Lucius had sent her into my territory. And even she has been off the raider as of late.

I knew deep down that wherever Lucius was, he was probably with that witch and the other warriors and witches that had fled before the war. That bastard could be planning an ambush since his pack has been defeated.

"There's still no news on Lucius?" Sheila asked, and I shook my head.

"Nothing, so please, be careful love," I said, and she nodded.

"One more thing," I uttered, knowing Sheila would hate what I had to say. "Please, don't throw Thea out yet," I voiced, and immediately, Sheila's mood changed.

She retracted her hands from my neck, but I held her back to me before she angrily walked away.

"Why?" Rage stalked her voice.

"I will explain when I get back tonight," I pleaded.

Sheila pulled her gaze from me, not replying. Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

Goddess, if she was mad now. I could only imagine how she'll feel when I tell her everything tonight.

I got mind-linked by Allen and they were waiting for me outside.

"I have to go," I kissed her, leaving her chamber. I hurried downstairs, and just then, my heart jammed as I saw Thea exiting from her hallway, dressed in a bright yellow dress, and her hair was designed with flowers.

"Killian," she hurried to me, but I didn't stop walking. Thea caught up to me, following the fast pace of my walking.

"Are you leaving for the Council meeting already?" She asked in a soft unusual voice that I could tell was fake.

I didn't respond, not even sparing her a glance.

"Are you now ignoring me, even after knowing the truth?" She spoke again, and I kept ignoring her.

Suddenly, she stopped. "Have you told that whore yet?"

Her words caused me to halt instantly. I felt my blood turn hot, my claws were digging against my palm and my hands were balled.

"Rip her throat out!" This was the first time in days Ryker had spoken since Thea told us the news. And I badly wanted to rip her throat out. I should have done it a long time ago, at least then I wouldn't be in this mess.

My eyes shut. I shouldn't be having these thoughts. Even though I hated Thea now, no one but me should be blamed for this mess. And having these dark thoughts made me feel like I was exactly like the man I despised, my father, who was an absolute monster to his very own children. I had made a

promise to myself that no matter what, I would never be that man.

I turned to find Thea's triumphant smile on her face. She was fucking loving this. She enjoyed watching me suffer like this.

"That doesn't concern you, Thea. This doesn't change anything between us," I said to her, but her smile remained.

"No it doesn't, but it changes everything between you and your supposed mate. And you know, it has everything to do with the pack now," she said, confidently.

And I regret it all. I regret ever meeting Thea Chrysler. I regret ever having anything to do with her. But none of that mattered now. It didn't change the fact that I may never get rid of this vile woman from my life, and this mess may cost me, my mate.