The Alpha's Saviour

Chapter 60 - Crumble From Within

Viren's POV:

Prior to leaving the quite forest, I decided to return the favour and catch two pigs for Nala. It was the least I could do after she helped us out with breakfast. My mother also insisted on giving me a haircut before loading up the car. Apparently I had neglected my appearance for long enough and the comb and sizers were one of many items she had stashed in her bag. Vials of potions and odd ingredients, stones and jewels filled the rest.

My mind went to Jaycee and I wondered if she'd notice and like it? Would she take a second glance after the hell I put her through the last time we met? I know it sounds petty, but I was nervous about her rejecting our half bond that she thinks has formed due tot he illusion. In actual fact we never did anything, so she would easily be able to break our bond.

Taking a deep breath I push open the dinning rooms large double doors. My eyes are drawn on Jaycee's light blue orbs, before quickly assessing her for wounds. She looks worse for wear. Dirt sticks to her face and neck, and dried blood ran down her arms. My worry at this moment was stronger than my bodies need to feed. I had to bite my tongue to stop my beast and I from lashing out. As I approached the table, we noticed her limbs shake. Goosebumps littered her skin like a basket ball making me want to wrap her in my arms and protect her from the world. Sadly that was something I couldn't do.

Her stomach growled out at least three times before I had even crossed the dinning room, making my beast and I restless. The need to feed her was intense to say the least.
"Feed Mate." My beast demanded not leaving any room for debate. It was obvious she had missed a few meals.
Before sitting down I noticed the anger in her eyes. A part of me had hoped she wouldn't hate me, though I understood her feelings entirely. What I did in her mind was not forgivable. Looking down at my plate, a disgusted scowl slid purposefully on my face. Only once Jeff noticed it, did I proceed to scape all my overcooked food onto Jaycee's plate. I had to make it believable. He had to think it was a form of punishment or I knew Jeff would catch onto something.
Having to look at my angelic mate as though I hated her, was almost impossible, but the thought of breaking her out of this prison tonight, was the only thing that kept my resolve strong. I have fought and hidden my entire life, a few more hours was manageable.
To my surprise she inhaled half her plate within a few large bites. I silently stood making my way to the buffet table. A large bowl of strawberries sat untouched, most likely kept aside for the Alpha. I grabbed a plateful and cut them in half before proceeding to add whipped cream. I took a step however before I could turn away, my beast reached out and grabbed a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. Hiding my smirk at how whipped he was, I walk back towards the table and await Jeff's onslaught.
"You're just as whipped as I am." My beast grumbles picking up on my thoughts. He isn't wrong.

"Here Blue, you look to have enjoyed the meal far too much, thought you needed something to fill the gaps." Jaycee's beautiful blue eyes widened at the small plate of strawberries and cream. I could see Jeff's pulse bounce around with all the rage consuming him, making my beast salivate at the thought of sinking our fangs into his throat. It has been far too long since I last tasted the metallic substance, or felt the familiar thrum of power I deprive myself of.
Jaycee turned towards Jeff recoiling back at the unrestrained rage shinning in his eyes, even though they were latched and directed towards me.
"I.. I am quite full." She stutters out "Honestly I ate quickly only to force it all down. If I eat anymore I might throw it up." Jaycee's pulse lost its rhythm for a seconds telling me she just lied. Did she lie to save us from Jeffs wrath? My heart skipped a beat at her wanting to protect us. Maybe there was hope after all.

I wasnt sure if it was her shaky voice or pale face, but Jeff's rage diminished instantly. "Blue, you are to follow orders and not speak unless instructed to." Jeff's says before turning to eat.
She turned back and it was only then I realised I was still holding her juice like an idiot. My attention had been everywhere else that I hadn't realised. With shaky hands she reach out ensuring to avoid contact. My beast however wanted it desperately making sure to slide a finger against hers, before letting the glass go. A blissful and addictive warmth zapped us as we touched, evaporating all the rage and annoyance we felt earlier into smoke. My heart beat quickened and I wondered how I hadn't paid much attention to the bond before. How could I have been so blind?

"Still.. bonded." My beast whispers out in awe, feeling happier than ever at the news. Her chills seemed to also vanish upon our brief touch and I wondered if I brought her the same comfort she brought me.

She quickly downed half the juice before picking at the strawberries. At one point her eyelids fluttered shut before she stared up at me. I was relieved Jeff was whispering to Stuart, not paying us any attention. Amusement filled me when I realised she too found it hard to look away from me. Before I could bask in her beauty, her dreamy gaze turned hard before looking away. Anger replaced whatever she felt before making my hopeful thoughts sputter out like a flame doused in water.
"Let's get this over with." I growl out unable to suppress my frustration, taking a stand.
"Alpha Jeff has informed me today that there will be a trial. I wish only to remind everyone they are to speak the truth, and only when spoken to."

"No worries there Viren." Jeff stands and walks towards me. "An Alpha command will make short work of this." He says making me smirk.

"Here I thought you wanted to be a little creative, make things more exciting?" I say clicking my fingers. A large rectangular glass tank filled with purple smoke appeared. It swirled and danced wishing to be set free. Fear was the best motivator, even more so than pain.

Anyone as strong as, or stronger than Jeff would easily be able to avoid a Alpha command.
"What is it?" Jeff asks taking a few steps forward. He gasps in shock before terror replaces his features. I catch a glimpse of Margo and I wilding deadly magic towards him. awe were surrounded by a hybrid arms all out for hun head. Jumping back, the image disappeared and turns back into its smoke form. Jeff took a few deep calming breaths before composing himself.

"This is a form of illusion magic but more complex, and powerful. It works on anyone who stands too close and is found lying. It reveals their worsts fears and is so believable, it makes the mind believe what is happening. So if you think you are on fire, we will not see the flames but your skin will burn and melt before our eyes. The physical wounds will match what the person sees."

Collective gasps sound from around me and I don't fail to notice Jaycee's slight tilt to her head. She must have been the only person in this room to not look fazed by it.
"She is immune." My beast states after analysing her.
"No. If she was, she would have seen right through the illusion powder we used in her. The one that convinced her, we were raping her. This form is also more powerful than the powder." I reply to him matter of factly.

"New power?" He suggests peeking my curiosity. I'm drawn out of our monologue as Jeff's speaks.
"So can everyone see the fear the person sees?" I can see the worry in his eyes. He doesn't want everyone seeing his weakness. He fears his demise by witches and hybrids more than anything else.
"No.." I say as he lets out a breath he was holding. "Only the person the fear relates to will see what is happening, and the owner of the box." I say watching Jeff pale. I try to hold in my smirk, the effort proving more difficult than I expected. He knows that I know but hesitantly turns towards the gathered crowed.
"Rachel and Fin, please step forward." Jeff's Alpha aura flecks making all the guards bare their necks. The feeling of insects crawling on my skin does nothing more than annoy me. Was this his way of calming his beast? Flexing his power to make him feel more confident and powerful that he really is?
My beats snorts out a laugh, as I try and fail to suppress it making all eyes turn to me.
"Something funny Viren?" Jeff asks looking quite annoyed.
"Just the look on Rachel and Fin's face." I say smoothly redirecting everyone's attention onto the two fearful and confused looking guards.
Jeff grins like a fool, enjoying the fear radiating off them.
"Let's get started shall we?" Jeff steps forward towards the two guards. The other guards and maids crowed around, creating a large circle. The only break was the Alphas table where Stuart and Jaycee sat behind us. I could see the way Jaycee avoided my gaze at any cost, looking everywhere but my direction. Stuart's gaze however didn't waver off Rachel. A look of both agitation and regret. It was only now I truly wondered what exactly happened whil I had been gone.
"Rachel my darling." Alpha Jeff begins, his voice full of false adoration as he approaches the cautious she wolf.
Y..yes Alpha." She stutters nervously as he brushes a fallen strand of hair from her pale face, tucking it behind her ear.

"It has come to my attention your bond with your mate has been broken, is that correct?"

Her eyes widen in shock before moving towards Stuart who sat a few metres behind their Alpha.
"Yes sir." Her wolf whispers brokenly, her gold orbs flashing through Rachel's dark brown eyes.
"I have heard whispers though none from you. Do you know why Stuart went to such great lengths to break your bond?"

"No sir." She whispers voice broken.

"It might be easier to show you." Jeff muses tapping his chin.