WITCHE'S BEAST *(needs editing )

chapter 7

Evelina

In darkness, I could still see the monster I had run from-the horror of that day lingered like a shadow I couldn't shake. My life hadn't been sprinkled with magic dust at all. I existed somewhere between death and misery, always running, always hiding. And I had made the choice to run from him-the man who wanted nothing but my death. Roger. Once a lover, once a friend, now my enemy.

Roger killed for sport, forcing us to weave black magic with innocent people as the fuel. Pure evil wearing the face of an angel. Since word got out about me being mated to a wolf, I knew he was coming for me. His obsession had twisted from love into something dangerous, and I longed for it all to end.

A cold wind swept across my skin, crawling up my spine, as I stood by the window lost in thought. Roger haunted my mind for days, leaving my heart bitter and bruised. He had been a warlock of the Nemis Coven, and the familiar he had bound to me-a black snake-kept tabs on my every move.

"Lina, are you okay?" Lyra's voice snapped me from my thoughts. I turned to face her.

"Yeah... I'm okay." Of course, she didn't believe me. Who was I fooling?

"Still worried he might find you?" she pressed. Was I that easy to read, or did she simply understand?

"He has. I can feel him," I admitted quietly. "He's bound me to his familiar... I can sense him anytime he wishes."

"Did you tell Aaron?" Of course not. How could I? How could I explain that a murderous ex was hunting me, while I was just beginning to understand my bond with Aaron? "No. And I don't want him to find out-about this or my past."

"You speak as though you have a choice." Lyra sat down, her eyes weighing me.

"I don't. But I can't let him ruin my life, not yet. I barely know Aaron, and I'm not ready to risk his judgment or my safety."

"Who would've thought, Lina?" Lyra smiled, and I frowned, confused.

"What?"

"That you're the chosen one."

I laughed bitterly. "I can hardly believe it myself. The prophecy has already claimed many witches to pass through it."

"Yeah, right. I don't believe it either," Daniel said as he walked in. "Aaron has been challenged to fight Alpha Zion of the Denis Pack, and he's asked me to escort you to safety."

I needed to be with my mate, to support him on the battlefield. Many Alphas would challenge his rank as Alpha King, and I couldn't sit idly by.

"I will not leave. I have to be with him." My words were firm, though Daniel's gaze lingered on Lyra, perhaps questioning my judgment.

"That is an order," he said. Daniel had never been one to bend rules, and I rarely did either.

Lyra interrupted, her voice steady. "We can protect ourselves. You've seen our powers-or at least, we can hold our own. Just in case."

"There are barriers sealing magic here," Daniel pressed. "Follow me to safety. Your power will be of no use here."

All I wanted was to be near my mate, to support him. The mate bond twisted me, showing possible futures and every scenario that could unfold on the battlefield. Was Aaron strong enough to fight and win?

"Lina, don't overthink this. Let's get you to safety. That beast might tear my head off if provoked," Lyra said, smirking at the tension between Daniel and me.

"Lead the way, Daniel," I said, and he turned toward the door. Lyra grabbed my hand, a subtle reminder that I wasn't alone.

The strange warmth in my chest persisted, nerves and fear swirling together. I still didn't know Aaron well, except that he had a temper-like all werewolves.

"Evelina." I didn't need to turn to know it was him. My body warmed with every step he took toward me. I looked back, and his hand replaced Lyra's, gently cupping my chin and pressing a kiss to my lips. A spark of heat jolted through me, and my eyes met his, holding the depth of his emotions.

"What have you done to me?" I whispered, brushing my hand across his.

"Don't accept this challenge," he said, his voice low and intense.

"They would serve as weakness, and he'd start challenging my father to get to me," I murmured.

"I understand. I'll come back to you. I have to see this through," he replied. "But my father and uncle have much work protecting our borders."

"Aaron, I know. We must remain alert at all times," I said. He took both my hands and kissed them, my heart heavy with worry.

"I will come back to you, Evelina. Don't carry that face-it breaks me," he said, brushing my hair aside and lightly grazing my neck, sending shivers down my spine. I almost moaned, and Daniel cleared his throat, discomfort evident.

Whenever we were together, it was as if the world disappeared-just us.

"I promise," I said, leaning against the wall for support, "I'll come back to you and let you place your mark."

He touched the sensitive spot again, sending another shiver through me, then stepped back, his gaze shifting to Daniel.

"Protect her with your life, Daniel."

"I will, brother."

Lyra led me down a dark hallway, Daniel's eyes lighting the path. My hand remained in hers, but my thoughts were with Aaron-my mate, my protector, the one my heart had already chosen.