WITCHE'S BEAST *(needs editing )

chapter 5

Evelina

Kalinda-the most powerful Oracle of our time-once foretold a prophecy. A werewolf would be born, not just any wolf, but a true Alpha King. His mate would be a witch, and together they were destined to restore balance, to undo the curse our ancestors had bound us to.

I had always thought it nothing more than a story. But my grandmother... she believed. She told me again and again that blood carried history, that destiny whispered through us if only we listened. I never cared to listen. Perhaps she knew the truth-that I might be the witch from the prophecy.

But truth or not, such a fate was dangerous. Every day I lived was borrowed time, and I was thankful for it.

My mother had never spoken of my father. I stopped asking after the pain it carved across her face. Then, ten years ago, she disappeared, leaving me in the care of Arieyanda-my grandmother, my anchor.

I sat by the window, the moonlight spilling silver across the floor. Closing it, I turned just as the door creaked open. Aaron filled the frame, his shoulders tense, as though he warred with himself about stepping inside.

"A knock would've been more appropriate," I said softly, though my pulse jumped. "But... come in."

He crossed the room, every movement deliberate, his eyes fixed on me with a storm of emotions.

"How have you been, Evelina?" His voice was gentler than I expected. We hadn't seen each other all day. My chest ached with a longing I didn't understand. This bond-this curse of the Goddess-made me want him, crave him, even though I barely knew him.

"I'm okay," I whispered, though we both knew it wasn't true. The bond weighed heavily on him too.

"I need you to accept me as your mate," he said at last, taking my hands into his. His warmth spread into me, stirring things I didn't want stirred. "Let me protect you."

The plea in his voice unraveled something in me. Yet the memory of past betrayals clawed at my chest.

"I don't do this, Aaron. I didn't choose this bond. I've been hurt before-by people who swore they loved me, swore I could trust them. Words aren't enough."

He nodded slowly, pain flashing across his features. "I understand. Just... don't run. Not yet. Give me the chance to prove myself. Get to know me."

The way he looked at me-like I was already his world-terrified me more than any threat. Pretty men like him broke hearts. This one could break my soul.

Before I could respond, his voice dropped. "A couple of witches were spotted at the borders. They were testing the barrier that seals magic."

Cold fear surged through me. I shot to my feet, pacing. "That's my coven. They've traced me here. If they learn I'm your mate, they'll kill me."

A low growl rumbled from him. In one swift motion, he pulled me against him. "They would never dare while you are with me." His hand framed my face before I could argue. His mouth crashed onto mine, hungry and desperate.

I should've resisted. Instead, I melted. His strength pressed against me, his hands roaming, claiming. Sparks ignited where he touched, flames licking at the edges of my restraint. My shirt tore under his grip, his lips tracing fire down my skin. A moan escaped me-raw, unbidden-and he lifted me onto the vanity, his eyes burning into mine.

"You're beautiful, Evelina," he whispered, voice rough with need.

Heat coiled through me, every nerve alive. "I... I don't know what I want. The bond clouds my thoughts, blurs my heart. And it scares me."

For a moment, I saw his wolf in his eyes-feral, primal. But instead of fear, I felt wonder. He was beautiful, too.

"Your eyes, Eve!" His shock made me glance at the mirror. My irises glowed-embers laced with gold. Fire danced within them, alive. Something inside me had awakened, and the pull between us deepened, raw and undeniable.

The door burst open. Eric strode in, jaw tight. "We have the witches. The Alpha wants to see you both. Now."

Aaron shifted instantly, covering me with his body. My cheeks burned-Eric could smell what lingered between us.

"For fuck's sake, Eric," Aaron snapped, "what are doors for?"

Eric scowled, storming out and slamming the door.

I laughed softly, tugging one of Aaron's shirts over my bare skin. "He still wants my head."

"He'll come around," Aaron said, pulling me against him once more. "They'll all have to. This isn't their choice."

I rose on my toes to kiss him lightly. He deepened it, biting my lip just enough to send shivers down my spine.

"We should go," he murmured against my mouth. "But Eve... the sooner we seal this bond, the easier it will be. I can't think straight around you."

My heart clenched. I wanted him. Goddess help me, I did. But... "Then give me time. Let me know you before I give you all of me. Still... if there's one thing I believe now, it's that the Goddess doesn't make mistakes. We are together for a reason."

His answering smile was so full of joy it made my chest ache. He laced his fingers through mine as we headed for the door.

Yet fear still gnawed at me. My coven would never accept this. Many witches despised the prophecy. They would kill to prevent it-even if it meant killing one of their own.

If I was to survive, I needed to embrace what was awakening inside me.
I needed magic. Fast.