The Beast Within Us

Chapter 17: His Undoing

We linger for a moment...

When I realize what just happened, I pull away instantly. My breath is labored. Yet, I just stand there, frozen in place. I brake from my trance and rub my temples as my mind runs wild. Thought my head swells with many emotions, my heart still feels very empty...

"What... just happened?" I ask quietly.

"You tell me..." Jason responded.

I look up at him to see him frowning, but not out of anger. He was just as lost as I am, and if I am not mistaken, just as empty. Sadness was clearly seen in his eyes. I sigh and looked away. We both wanted that kiss to mean something.

But it meant nothing...

I nervously clasp my hands together, "Jason, I--"

Before I could say anything a guard bursts into the room making us snap out attention towards him. He was breathing hard and had a frightful look on his face. I narrow my eyes at him as he struggles to calm himself down.

"What is going on?" Jason questions.

"Alex... He- I--" The guard stammers.

Jason pushes past him and rushes out of the room. I follow after him. The scent of blood invades my nose as we rush into the Alpha's bedroom. I freeze at the sight in front of me.

Alex is kneeling on the floor, tightly holding one of Alice's dresses, her body nowhere to be seen. The dress is torn and covered in her blood. The very one she was wearing when she fought me...

I felt my body go numb as I recall the event that transpired earlier today. With all that had just happened, I have forgotten my fight with Alice, how she had found out my secret and challenged me.

I forced an Alpha out of their pack...

If anyone was to find out, I would no doubt be killed. What have I done?

I felt a strong hand grip my shoulder. I look up to see Jason staring at me with worried eyes. I want to just tell him everything. I want to tell him who I really am, why I am here, what I have done... But I couldn't... I have gone too far down this road to turn back, to expose everything...

I have to keep up this façade.

Our eyes snap towards Alex as he stood up, still clinging onto Alice's tattered dress. He turns to face us, his eyes burn with anger. I no longer saw the cheer and happiness on his face that I first saw when I came here. All I could see was the cold rage.

"Alpha Alexander--" A guard started.

"Bring me my best warriors." Alex interrupted, his voice was deep and dark. "I need to find her."

He pushes past us and exits the room. I look back at Jason. He was looking to where Alex had just exited. He was concerned and he had every right to be. An Alpha had just lost his mate.

A storm was heading our way...

__________________

The sun was warm this afternoon. Its rays are enough to bring a joy to anyone, except to the heart of this broken Alpha. He stood with his back facing us, barking orders to where his men will search for Alice in the forest.