WITCHE'S BEAST *(needs editing )

Chapter 15

Aaron

Today was Evelina's big day. She was both excited and nervous as she prepared for the ceremony. Lyra's ceremony would take place at the same time, so the two ladies had plenty to keep them busy. Sia and Clara had decorated the place with flowers, their joy and laughter filling the air.

My mark on Evelina had healed, and she made sure it was visible. She wore it with pride, and that alone filled me with satisfaction.

My father had informed me that Alpha Zion was coming to meet with us. He claimed it was an urgent matter. I disliked the idea of him entering our pack so suddenly, but if it was as important as he said, I had no choice.

"I can't believe this is actually happening," my mother murmured as she stood beside me on the balcony, watching the preparations.

"Yes, it's happening," I replied firmly. "And if you don't approve, then don't come. No one here is forced to attend this sacred ceremony."

Her lips parted in surprise. "Son, that's not what I meant."

I looked at her curiously, but she only shook her head. "Oh, forget it. And I am attending, Aaron."

I smiled, pulling her into a hug. My mother had always been good at listening and understanding. She wasn't fond of my mate yet, but I knew in time she would learn to love Evelina-if only for my sake.

"Did I miss something here?" Daniel's voice broke through, making us laugh as he joined us.

"What, Mom?" he teased, and she pulled him into her arms as well.

"My pups are all grown," she whispered, her eyes soft. "I can't believe you've both found your mates." Happiness and worry mingled in her tone.

Just then, a familiar scent drifted toward me-Alpha Zion. He had arrived. Following it, I found him speaking with Evelina. Unease stirred within me, but I forced it down. He was accompanied by his beta and his Luna.

"Alpha Zion," I greeted, bowing my head.

"Alpha King," he replied with equal formality.

The title made me bristle. I still wasn't comfortable being addressed that way. "I prefer Aaron."

He nodded in agreement, and together we headed toward my father's office. Evelina slipped her hand into mine, walking proudly by my side.

"I hear you're hosting a matrimonial Duvet ceremony," Zion said, his tone curious.

"Yes, we are," Evelina answered brightly, looking up at me with a smile.

"I would love to stay and watch-with your permission, of course," he added.

Every instinct in me wanted him gone, but my mate's happiness mattered. "You're welcome to stay," I allowed. Evelina beamed beside me.

Inside, my father welcomed Zion and his entourage. Larissa spoke briefly with Zion's Luna before returning to her seat beside Father. Agatha, the Oracle, entered and sat beside Lyra. Evelina stiffened at her presence, her gaze locked on the Oracle. Fear trickled through our bond-she was hiding something from me. My wolf growled at the unease.

"Alpha Zion has something to share with us all," my father Gideon said gravely. His expression told me he already knew what was coming.

"There's a man," Zion began, his tone grim. "He's been traveling from pack to pack, killing our kind. He has already struck four. Each time, he leaves behind a message."

The words chilled the air. This was new to me, but Father's calm reaction revealed that he had already heard the news.

"What message?" Daniel snapped, his anger simmering.

Zion's eyes darkened. "He seeks Evelina of Starrock. Your mate."

Rage tore through me. This man had signed his death warrant. My beast howled for his blood.

"Why would he be after my mate?" I demanded, turning to Evelina. Her breath hitched, her fists clenched, and her heart hammered. She was hiding something.

"Are you alright?" I whispered, but she only gave a weak nod. I knew she wasn't.

"That's a question you should be asking Evelina," Eric said flatly. His expression was unreadable, but his words cut sharp.

All eyes turned to her. Evelina rose to her feet, fear and fury written across her face.

"Rodger Celius," she said, her voice trembling with both hatred and pain. "That's his name. The man I've been running from. He's a dangerous, powerful warlock."

Her words struck like lightning. Pain and hatred coursed through her, and I knew this man had done more than simply chase her-he had scarred her.

"You're telling us this only now?" Eric demanded, anger flaring.

"That doesn't matter," I snapped back. "What matters is stopping him before he causes more harm."

"Yes, it matters," Evelina cried out, tears brimming in her eyes. "I hid it because I was terrified of him. Before I found all of you, I spent years running from Rodger. He manipulated me, twisted my power, and forced me to kill my own kind. Innocent people died by my magic-because he bound me to him."

The room fell into stunned silence. Evelina's voice broke, but anger still blazed within her.

"I can't use my magic anymore-but Rodger still can. Through me, he slaughtered so many, and he can track me wherever I go. I wanted to protect you from this truth, but I can't hide it anymore."

Her tears slid down her cheeks. Guilt weighed heavily on her, but I knew none of it was her fault. He had been the monster, not her.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" I asked quietly. It wasn't the time or place for this question, but it slipped out anyway. She only shook her head, unable to answer.

Zion cleared his throat. "This Rodger is sending a message with these killings-he wants us afraid."

"Then I'll send a message of my own," I growled. "I'll have his head." Taking Evelina's hand, I looked into her eyes. "He will not harm you anymore. You are mine now, and your magic is part of me. It can't be used against you again."

My father stood, his voice resolute. "Zion, return to the four packs that were attacked. Rally them to our side. Together, we will avenge their fallen brothers and sisters."

Zion agreed, his expression grim. Werewolves despised the slaughter of innocents, and Rodger had chosen the weakest packs to terrorize. A coward's tactic.

But his time was running out.