The Alpha Can’t Sense His Mate

ZADOK

Weak. Too weak.

I felt my wolf try to support me with strength but that was all it was. Staying inside this circle was cruel. I couldn’t heal myself and I could feel life zap out of me as the minutes passed by.

Shilhi stood in front of me with a smile that made my blood boil. “How does it feel being at the receiving end of the torment you once dished out to me?” She asked, having a field day by her expressions. “I’m sure you regret ever laying your hands on all those clans you brutally murdered with the hope of exterminating the ancient witches.”

I spat out blood. “Never. That remains the best decision I’d ever taken since I walked this earth.”

“I love your consistency.” She tightened her fist and I felt my heart squeeze so painfully I nearly passed out. “You know, your father used to be like you. Consistent and steadfast in his words. Until that bitch came along.”

Shilhi’s tone turned grave. “Everything would have been perfect if she died alone that day. Who knows, I could have been a great mother to you.” she shrugged, “But you chose to walk in and make a mess of an otherwise perfect plan.”

I didn’t answer her. Feeling too weak and in pain to humour her with responses.

“For someone who seemed so protective of your pack, it’s a pity that you haven’t thought of just what mess it is right now.” That perked my attention.

“What did you do?” I growled, feeling a bout of headache.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

“Nothing much.” She opined. “Just killed every wolf and enslaved their wives and children.”

I felt my heart rage with fury, “You didn’t. You are a liar.” I spat, refusing to believe her.

“Well said. Thankfully, I have proof to back up my words.” Shilhi waved her hand to the side and a white fog covered the air. “Watch.”

I raised my head and watched the scene that played before my eyes.

Fire. There were a lot of houses on fire. I watched in horror as my people were slain by rogue wolves. Killing every warrior and leaving behind their scared females and children.

Blood filled the land, and the once glorious Blood Hound pack was reduced to a land of pain and havoc – a shadow of itself. I didn’t know when I got on my feet, ready to kill the woman who brought such calamity upon me.

“Not so fast.” She waved her hand and my heartbeat slowed. She was playing around with my life. “Don’t forget. In this world, I hold your life in my hands.”

I fell on my knees, holding my heart in pain. I felt the silent sobs of Ithra before I heard them. It broke my heart to see her tied up like an animal. My mate. My other half. It was all my fault.

If I had given up on my quest for revenge, maybe this would not have been. Maybe my pack would still be in good condition. But I would not have my mate, another voice whispered and I couldn’t help but agree.

That was the only thing that made this whole suffering worth it. The fact that I got to meet my mate. My Ithra. My amore.

“Get ready.” Shilhi suddenly said. “The two of you. Because by midnight, we will begin the rites for the sacrifice.”

“He is in no shape to carry out any sacrifice,” Ithra said weakly. “He can’t even help himself.”

“Who says I needed him to carry out the sacrifice?” She shook her head, “You see darling, for this sacrifice, I don’t need you to move an inch. You are both in the perfect spot to make it a success. I just need to drain your blood into his circle at midnight, and viola, it is done.”

“Drain my blood?” Ithra asked, the fear in her voice broke my heart. I was supposed to be her mate. Her protector, her helper. But I couldn’t even help myself.

“Yes sweet. I’m afraid, your blood is so precious. The blood of a hybrid. Mix that up with the sacrifice of the alpha that exterminated the witches, and a powerful spell under the moonlight in the heart of the dark forest,” She clasped her hands in excitement, “I could raise an entire army of witches.”

“You will do no such thing,” I muttered, voicing both mine and Kir’s thoughts. “I’ll die before I watch you do that to her.”

“oomph! A challenge!” Shilhi almost ran to Ithra. “Since we are going to kill her anyway, I’m sure you wouldn’t mind an early start.”

I watched in horror as Shilhi conjured a knife, and with small steps got to Ithra. “I’m sorry you have to go through this.” She said, feigning apology. “This is going to hurt a little.”

Nothing prepared me for the scream that left the lips of Ithra when Shilhi stabbed her in the stomach with the knife.

“NO!” I yelled, watching blood pour out from her guts.

Shilhi smiled. I could tell she loved the devastated look on my face because she did it again. Stabbing Ithra several times in different spots, leaving her dripping blood and gasping for breath.

“Please! Enough, no more, please.” I begged, crawling forward with a hand on my chest.

“No more? Why?” Shilhi feigned concern, “But we were only getting started. She wouldn’t die. At least not yet. She’s a hybrid now, remember? So she has super healing abilities. No need to be scared. Okay?”

Before I could speak, Shilhi sliced down the arm of Ithra, causing a painful hiss to leave the lips of Ithra and blood poured out.

“Did I forget to tell you?” She gasped, “This knife is designed to destroy even the most powerful creature on earth. So it should work well against her heightened healing. But not to worry, I’ll make sure that she doesn’t die. At least not yet.”

“Don’t hurt her,” I begged, getting closer to the circle. “I did you wrong. I haunted your kind and exterminated them. If there’s anyone you should focus your anger on, it should be me.” I locked eyes with Shilhi. “Vent your anger on me, Sarai. I am right here.”

Shilhi laughed. It sounded maniacal. Like she had lost her wits and was surviving off her determination for revenge. “Good to know you still recognize me in this body of a loser. Tell me. Why would I do that when there is a better way to get back at you?” She smiled, “I can tell you love her. Even before she became your mate. I can’t wait to see you break when I break her, and make you watch.”