Page 2 of Betrayed Alpha Mate

If I have magic at all, if my suspicions are right, that is.

Names hold power, enough to cast a spell, but that’s not why I’m fascinated by Donna’s grandmother’s book.

I’m interested in finding some way to unearth my magic, and that’s why I gravitate toward the book, lifting it and pretending to be interested in the pages about Merlin Grimes, but instead, flipping through until I find what I’m looking for.

I don’t believe in coincidences, and that’s why, when I stumble on a particular ritual, I commit it to memory, step by careful step. If I’m going to tell my friends that I’m the fifth witch they need to defeat the dark lord, then I need to have concrete proof of my gifts. This ritual right here is the key to that, and I genuinely can’t wait, excitement bubbling in my chest.

“Em.” A familiar, yet unwanted voice breaks through my enchantment about the prospects of my near future, like a thorn in my side. Groaning internally, I replace the leather-bound book on the table, turning slowly, filling with deep resentment, my spine turning rigid.

“Yes, Sean?” I ask with mock politeness for the sake of our friends spread out through the room. The last thing I need is to explain the hostility between us, especially since he and I are from the same pack.

I’ve done well these past four years in masking how I really feel by saving it for when we’re in Stowe. But out here, I have to don this mask I’ve worn for years, my bitterness confined to the depths of my heart where my resentment has festered well enough to turn his scent into something putrid and sour.

Sean’s eyes soften with sadness and a glint of curiosity, as if he’s reading me, suspecting that I’m up to something.

I shiver the thought away, because maybe I’m just seeing things that aren’t there, hiding a secret from everyone, and feeling skittish because of it.

“I think we should get going,” he says, clearing his throat as his eyes follow Nicholas’s movement as he stands up and walks past us. “I wanna see how far I can trace this name, Merlin Grimes.”

“Okay,” I say bluntly, wearing a forced smile for the sake of appearances, but Sean doesn’t seem to buy my cordiality and frowns.

“Are you good, Em? You don’t seem like—”

“I’m fine, Sean,” I grumble under my breath, cutting him off while mentally hoping, praying that he doesn’t probe.

His frown deepens as he stares at me, but then he finally nods briskly. “Okay,” he echoes my curtness from just now. “Let’s go.”

That tone is stern, final, echoing his rank in the Silverfang Pack as our alpha. It’s a command, not a request, but Sean barely uses that tone around me unless he means business.

It’s better that way. I prefer that he keeps things strictly professional, because there’s only one thing that can bring me down, and I won’t let him.

I won’t give him that much power.

Chapter 1 - Sean

Present

Curling and uncurling my fists as I cross the border into Silverfang territory, I can hardly take a breath of relief when I don’t feel like myself.

Not even as I head home into the pack territory where I rule as the alpha.

Something feels off, and it’s not just because my friends and I are facing the greatest danger we’ve ever dealt with.

It’s something else, and perhaps it’s because I find myself heading back home alone.

Emily isn’t here.

It’s a sentiment I’ve been mulling over mentally since I left for Wells this morning, throughout the meeting, and now, as I head home in the evening. Not having her with me today feels strange, like a part of me is missing.

“It’s because she’s an integral part of the squad,” I mutter under my breath as consolation, as if it’s the reminder I need to detach from how I feel personally.

I shouldn’t have any personal feelings, but my inner wolf doesn’t waste the chance to remind me that I do, in fact, have them.

“She’s an integral part of your life…” it purrs, much to my dismay. I curl my fists tighter, and by the time I’m out of the Smuggler’s Notch State Park, ambling toward the massive house on the south perimeter of Stowe, I’m losing my patience.

I can’t tell if it’s because my inner wolf won’t stop chiding me about Emily, or because I’m just irritated that she made some pathetic excuse about not being able to accompany me to today’s meeting.

A meeting with our friends—allies turned friends because of the close bonds we made during our time in black ops.