Page 36 of Protecting His Treasure

“Same thing.”

“No. It’s not. I’m more powerful than your average witch.”

“Yet, you’re still a witch.”

“What if I told you I had a secret. What if I’m much more than just a witch.”

“Keep your secrets. I’m not your confidant.”

“You just won’t give an inch, will you?”

Talking to her was a waste of his time. “If you want someone to tell your secrets to, find your husband. I have an initiation to get ready for.” Kaede turned away from Hanami. As he jogged down the steps of the temple, her soft voice called after him.

“You’re going to regret not choosing me, Kaede Oshiro. I will be the beta of this den. You’ll see.”

He would never marry a woman like her. Therefore, she’d never be the beta of this den. Telling her that was pointless. The woman could not be reasoned with. He’d feel much better once she and Onaku was far away from this place. They didn’t belong there. They were a threat to the den and all their people stood for.

Though it would anger his father, Kaede’s first decree as alpha would be banishing Onaku and his wife from the pack. Hanami held darkness in her heart. And Onaku was someone who could be easily swayed. Kaede knew that neither Onaku nor Hanami were happy with their lot in life.

They wanted to change their destiny. And doing so, would mean harming Kaede and his family. Kaede would never allow that to happen. He headed home to find his parents in the kitchen. His mother smiled when she saw him and pressed a kiss to his cheek.

“I thought you would be longer in the temple,” she told him.

“Something came up.”

“What?”

Kaede sighed. “Hanami was there.”

His mother tisked. “That witch. I do not like the way she looks at you.”

Neither do I, Kaede thought. “I won’t nothing to do with her.”

“But the way she looks at you says that she wants plenty to do with you.”

“Mom!”

“I’m just saying, Kaede, steer clear of that one. I don’t like the vibes I get from her. She doesn’t belong here with us. And it’s not because she’s a witch. It’s because she harbors dark thoughts. And you know your father’s mantra.”

“I do. Dark times don’t break us, dark thoughts do.”

“Yes. Though we’re living in a time of piece, someone would dark thoughts could easily disturb that peace.”

“That’s why I want her out of the den. But dad is against it.” Kaede stared across the room at his father.

His father looked up. “Don’t look at me like that you two. I won’t her gone also. But as alpha, you can’t kick someone out just based off a feeling. You have to have proof. So far, she’d done nothing to warrant being kicked out of the den. Neither had Onaku. Yes, your cousin is jealous. And yes, he has a temper, but you know you’re stronger than him. Stop allowing someone weaker than you to disturb your peace of mind, son. Don’t allow him to corrupt your thoughts and make them dark.”

“But dad…”

“But dad nothing. The first rule of being an alpha is always put your pack first. Onaku is part of your pack. And he’s your blood relative. I know I’ve told you to steer clear of him, but that doesn’t mean you can’t show him mercy. I firmly believe that love changes everyone. One day, he will find his mate. And she will make him a better person. If that happens, your cousin may become an asset to you. He could act as your beta until you meet your mate. And what if your mate doesn’t want to be beta of the pack? Then at least you’d have your cousin as your beta.”

“Father, why are you saying these things? In the past, it was you who told me to stay away from Onaku.”

“I know. But, I’m starting to wonder if that was the problem. Maybe if I had allowed you to befriend him, you could’ve motivated him to be better, do better.”

“Why must I be the one to motivate him. He’s the eldest of us two. He’s the one who should motivate me.”

“Kaede…”