Chapter XV

ERIK

I ran like crazy, heart pounding in my chest. I tried my best to shut out the terrible headache I felt. It was so intense that a normal human would have probably fainted by now. The family mansion finally came in sight and I stormed through the front doors. The servants jumped out of my way gasping and I heard Alexander calling after me. But I paid no attention. As I was climbing the staircase, a bloodcurdling scream pierced the silence and my terror mounted with every step I took. When I saw the door to the Alpha's study, I simply barged in, almost tearing it to shreds.

My eyes widened in shock at the scene I was witnessing. Zayne was using his magic on Red, his glowing hands stuck in her skull. She was crying out in pain, her head tilted back, while my father was watching the whole thing with no intention of stopping it. Fear and rage washed over me instantly, making my wolf howl in anger.

" Get your fucking hands off her!" I roared, sounding more beast than man. I grabbed Nyx by the arm and threw him forcefully away from Red. He hit the nearby wall and sank to the floor groaning. I wanted to punch him good for daring to hurt my girl, but she needed me more. Red tried to stand, which was impressive after the pain she went through, but quickly lost her footing. I caught her right when she was about to collapse and squeezed her tightly in my arms.

" I got you, flower. I'm here! " I whispered, trying to be careful with her. She was white as a sheet. Sweat covered her small face and a thread of blood ran from her nose. I gently wiped it, my hands trembling from the fury I felt.

" You... came " she mumbled, managing a frail smile. Her eyes slowly closed in the process.

" Of course, love. I'll forever be by your side " I spoke, surprised by the sweetness of my tone. But she didn't hear it, passing out in my embrace. I raised my gaze to the mage and the Alpha, eyes burning with danger. My wolf wanted to kill them both.

" What the fuck did you do to my mate? Do you have a death wish? " I growled menacingly at Zayne.

" Memory extraction " he answered short, getting back on his feet. Some of his hair gems fell on the ground sounding like a rain of crystals. My gaze shifted to my father, who was still standing at his desk impassive. I've never felt so angry and disappointed in him before. He knew better than anyone what it meant for your other half to get hurt and he didn't give a shit about it.

" How could you do this to her? To me? " I snarled at him, my beast raging in the back of my mind, imagining all sorts of ways to rip out his throat. The Alpha frowned and turned to the warlock instead.

" Master Nyx, what did you find out? Is she a hunter? Did she come here with ill intent?" he barked impatiently. My eyes widened and I quickly looked at Zayne meaningful, waiting for his answer. He probably knew everything about Red and what we agreed. If he accuses her what should I do? Escape and run away together? I worked so hard all these years for my role as the future Alpha, yet I was ready to give everything up for her. Will he throw us both in the dungeon? Would he kill her?

"Over my dead body!" I thought squeezing her tighter to my chest. Tension was thick in the air as we waited for Zayne's answer.

" No, my Lord. She has nothing to do with the Lodge " Nyx finally said and I sighed relieved. The Alpha raised from his seat, visibly flaring and doubtful.

" Are you sure about this, mage?" he emphasized dangerously his words.

" Yes, I'm sure. She spoke the truth. About the kidnapping and her training " Zayne crossed his arms with confidence. Max Koning narrowed his eyes and started to pace thoughtfully. It seems his trust in the warlock was bigger than I thought, cause he then looked at me conflicted, probably trying to come up with an apology or explanation.

" Save it " I gritted my teeth and lifted Red in my arms, bridal carrying her towards the door. I had to take her to the physician right away. She was getting paler by the minute and her nose kept on bleeding.

" Erik! " my father spoke using his Alpha voice on me, feeling a powerful vibration in my entire body. This special tone, that only a leader possessed, was a way of getting everyone in his pack under submission. It made me stop, but I clenched my jaw, fighting it. I was an Alpha too, so his voice didn't completely work on me. I turned my head slowly to the side, scowling at him.

" If you ever try to hurt my woman again or summon her without my knowledge, I swear before the Moon Goddess that I will give up my rights to the throne and leave this place for good " I plainly said before leaving the room. My father remained there with a mortified expression.

As I was climbing down the stairs, going towards the main entrance, Nyx followed on my tail in silence. When we were safely out of the Alpha's hearing range, he grabbed my shoulder.

" Get lost " I coldly spat at him, not stopping. The mage placed himself in front of me, blocking the path.

" Is this your way of saying Thank you ?" he lifted his eyebrow ironically.

" For what? For torturing my mate?" I growled, adjusting Red gently in my arms. She was still passed out.

" How about not giving you two away? I saved your asses just now. I couldn't say no to a direct order from the leader, you know that " he frowned, acting all clever. I snorted, but he was right and I hated to admit it just now.

" Why did you cover for us then? " I subtlety evaded thanking him. I was still too angry at him for that.

" Let's call it even, shall we? I tried my best to not make her suffer. Besides, she is innocent. In a way " he smiled friendly, checking his pocket watch.

" Look, I have no time to waste! I need to take Red to the physician's quarters, so..." I quickly ended our conversation wanting to be on my way, but Zayne stopped me again. I sighed annoyed.

" Take her to my tower instead. With some gradual healing spells, she'll be fine " Nyx signaled to follow him.

" Why are you willing to help her?" I narrowed my eyes doubtful. For a moment, regret filled the warlock's face. " It's the least I can do " he whispered, sounding like an apology. I shook my head resigned and decided to accept his help for her sake.

I placed Red carefully on the spare bed. The mage usually treated many courtiers here, being one of his many tasks. I arranged the pillow under her head and took off her boots, trying to make her as comfortable as I could. I sat beside her, slowly removing the sweaty, golden threads of hair from her face. Seeing Red in this state made my blood boil with anger and shame. I failed to protect her. I should have never left her side until my father spoke with her. He was probably shocked by my statement, his expression still stuck in my head. I've never before voiced the idea of leaving the pack. Since she appeared in my life, I've had all these mixed feelings that were driving me insane, making my loyalties shift.

Zayne handed me a bowl with fresh water and a cloth. I dipped it and gently wiped Red's face of sweat and blood. Her beauty made my heart flatter and I knew I was already in love with her. Will she hate me after this mess? She will probably want to leave when she wakes up. I wouldn't blame her. She already got hurt twice because of our bond. I silently swore I won't let it happen ever again, though I had a feeling that this was just the beginning.

" Let's start " Nyx patted me on the shoulder. I rose from the bed reluctantly and moved further away.

" I'm staying " I stated, with no room for discussion. I was not about to leave her out of my sight for some time.

" Figured as much.... just don't interrupt me" Zayne grinned, shaking his hands. He closed his eyes, focusing his energy. Blue lights erupted and lightened the entire room. I watched him murmuring all sorts of enchantments over my mate's body. Her skin glowed, making her look like a fairy.

" What... " I wanted to ask, but the wizard threw me a "Seriously?!" look. I ran my fingers through my hair and leaned by the wall, waiting.

After a couple of hours, Nyx finally finished the healing ritual and turned toward me. He looked tired after using so much of his powers.

" I put her in a deep, spectral sleep. You must not wake her. The spell won't take if she gets up, alright?" He pointed out, feeling like I was being scolded.

" Yeah, alright " I agreed, gazing at Red. She seemed relaxed now, her chest rising and falling slowly. The color in her cheeks returned as well.

" I need a drink... " Zayne spoke with a hoarse voice, reaching for a whiskey bottle on the shelf.

" Thank you. Truly " I smiled gratefully. The warlock snorted amused.

" Don't get sentimental on me, Erik. Here " and he pushed a glass in my hand. " A toast, for you and your lady! May she forever put up with your shit! ". We both knocked them back in one go, the usual burning sensation spreading in my throat.

" Hope she does. She'll probably hate my guts after this " I sighed, putting the glass down. Zayne refilled it.

" Were you serious about giving up your role as an Alpha? " he casually asked, filling his glass as well. I stood silent for a moment. I was asking that myself over and over.

" Yes " I finally answered and knocked back the second drink. Nyx studied me briefly and drank his glass too.

" Seems you already are pussy-whipped. She must be something special " he smirked, making fun of me. I growled annoyed and the mage poured another.

" Just wait until you meet your match. It will be fun to pester you too " I grinned, raising the glass in salute, as a promise. Zayne stared into space, with a hard face, like his mind rewinded something deeply hurtful. We both downed the third glass.

" No, I'm better off " he said with a sour tone. I knew he was hiding something, but I had no reason to pry at the moment. I placed a chair beside the bed and took a seat, watching my mate sleeping soundly.

" Talking about special, I feel like there is something more about Red. I witnessed with my own eyes her strength. She heals very fast too. She might be more than a normal human " I confessed my thoughts.

" Hmm... Interesting. I will run some blood tests. We will know for sure then " the sorcerer said and opened his medical chest. He retrieved a syringe and came to the other side of Red. Attentively, he lifted one of her sleeves and found a visible vein.

" Careful " I rumbled deep, not liking the idea of another man sticking needles in my woman. Zayne rolled his eyes and extracted some of her blood. She winced a bit but didn't wake up.

" There you go. I'll have the results in a couple of days " the mage said, examining the blood sample and properly storing it. I checked her arm and the sting spot already started to disappear. I was content that Red was so resilient and considering her fiery temper, this was a useful trait. Her presence made my powers grow as well. It was a known fact that an Alpha with a faithed mate by his side would turn indomitable. It happened from the first moment we met in the woods. I've never before run so fast than when she rode on my back. My whole muscles filled with energy when she touched me. I felt it now too while caressing gently her hand. Sparks on my skin ignited a blazing fire in my heart, that only she could put out.

" I have an errand to run " Zayne implied while packing magical supplies in his leather satchel. I too had to fulfill my daily tasks as the Alpha's right hand. The Link was buzzing in the back of my head since this morning as a constant warning, but I shut it out. My mate was most important to me now.

" I'm not going anywhere. I'll be here when you return " I crossed my arms, throwing him a scolding glare. I was not ready to give up my resentment easily.

" Ihh... clingy? So be it, My Lord! " Zayne bowed before me, ironic as ever. I snorted annoyed. My gaze shifted back to Red, when she mumbled my name, tossing and turning. My face heated up and I placed my hand on her cheek. The touch seemed to calm her down.

" Don't worry, that's normal. It means the spells are working. Well, I'm off. Maybe I will find the dinner ready when I get back, darling " Zayne tied his coat grinning and headed for the door. As he was about to grab the knob, I remembered something.

" Wait, Nyx! " I quickly said, looking through my pockets and retrieving the drawing I found in the woods. " I've been carrying this around to show it to you" and handed the paper over to the mage. Master Nyx unfolded the sheet. Suddenly, the blood drained from his face and his mouth fell open in surprise.

" Wherever did you get this? " He ogled, holding the paper tight with both hands. It was the first time I'd ever seen the warlock shocked about something. " I found it in the hunter's camp, took it as evidence. One of them must have dropped it. Why? Is it important? " I frowned concerned. It had to be serious if it made Zayne react this way. He probably noticed I was suspecting something because he swiftly regained his usual smug composure.

" I'm not sure, I will look into it " he lied without batting an eye.

" So... " I started, but he quickly disappeared down the stairs, dodging my questions. I sighed for the hundredth time. I was not going to let the wizard escape next time without an answer.

I lay for a long while watching over Red. Night had completely settled in, the light of the stars shining through the window. She twitched from time to time, sometimes calling out for me or her grandma. Every time I heard my name on her lips, I felt a sudden thump in my chest and an urge to hop in bed beside her. I scratched my head frustrated, trying to restrain myself. It was too risky to attempt. She might wake up, because we didn't fit both in that small bed, so I just lowered my head and arms on the mattress. I slowly inhaled her sweet scent and fiddled around with a lock of her beautiful hair. Her hand moved involuntarily closer to my face and I kissed it gently.

" I'm gonna take care of you from now on, I promise " I whispered, squeezing her warm hand on my cheek. The mage didn't return, so I took a moment to shut my eyes. It felt like I could rest only when she was near me. I quickly fell asleep, listening to my girl's rhythmic breathing.