Alpha King and I

Chapter 39: Fighting Fair

I jested back, "You could let me go." He laughed. Of course he had no intention of such. So he just continued to let the soft sound leave his lips. With a murky gaze and a dry chuckle directed straight at me. Just as charming as when I first laid eyes on him, the day of the meeting. Repeatedly in my head, the thought screamed at me of how I should have not gone that day. Yet, as Alpha Everett drew closer another knife in his hand, I knew that regret was fruitless.

This was a man determined to do harm.

I could see it in the way he tilted his face down just enough to allow his pupils to comfortably enlarge in anger. The way his hands swung back and forth far to loosely for one holding a weapon. How his steps were firm, slow, and loud. Like a drum hitting against the floor.

But as his arms folded into each other, and his gaze softened, I knew as well that there may be hope. This was not a man of pure evil. There was something there. No matter how deep he buried it. It showed, just barely overshadowed by his pain.

He played with the blade. Tapping it on his shoulder in a light quick motion. I watched with hidden anticipation on what his next move would be. He bowed down before me, our eyes now matched in height. The blade went from his shoulder to pressing onto my cheek.

As it started to break the skin, I tested the waters with a quick quip.

My words came out only slightly shaky, "Y-you are not safe just because my life is on the line, Alpha Everett. What will you do if... the King, sneaks in using the same magic you used to get into the castle?" I hadn't pressed too hard on the thought, but I was quite sure he had used some type of magic to get as far in as he did. During the festivities, everyone was supposed to be outside the castle except for a few people, Alpha Everett was not one of those few. Security was high as well. So he couldn't have just waltzed in.

I'm sure he used the same magic he did to get out of the library before.

Unfazed, Alpha Everett answered, "He won't last long. I've got a magical barrier here that's strong enough to kill a werewolf a day, just to keep it up. If he sneaks in using any magic to hide himself, he will surely die a slow and painful death before he ever manages to get to you. Either by the barrier or my hand. He'll be far too weak to fight me." I guess that barrier conversation wasn't just for politics. Though what can I do? That means it'll be too hard to come here, maybe if I can do something to make it easier Cadeth will be able to get here?

I try to analyze the now present smile curving up his lips. Trying to see what it could reveal about this barrier or even my own constraints. There's got to be something I can do to make it easier for Cadeth to save me. A tinge of fear shoots through me, just thinking of being stuck here any longer. I tried to control it, but it must have shown on my aura.

Alpha Everett's blade presses further in, I hold in a gasp. The stinging sensation like tiny lightning bolts, pressuring the already damaged skin. The look in his eyes change, to more of a glimmer. Lava reflecting the sun. Sharp and warm.

He starts speaking again.

"Plus, if he comes for you. I shall kill you. If he stays still, you shall live. He knows this as well." I could feel my stomach drop. The pain I was in became almost nothing as I accepted the realization of the situation and all the feelings that came with it.

Cadeth would not come for me. There's no way he could hide his presence. And to risk such and fail so obviously would make the whole attempt pointless. No matter how he feels of me, trying to save me would be a waste. I bit my tongue for just a second. Then as he started slicing across my face with the knife I spat out the only question I could ask without screaming.

"Why do this?!" For a split second, another glare crossed his face. His hand moved swiftly to my left, blade no longer cutting my cheek. Blood slowly pouring. I swallowed my tears.

He stabbed my left hand. I bit down on the sides of the inside of my mouth, to hold in a yelp. I did this with all the strength I could muster. Alpha Everett's aura flashed red.

He spat back. Words filled to the brim with a type of bitterness I could never relate to.

"Why??!! Vengence of course!" The fear left me. Determination washed over me with as much rage as Alpha Everett emanated. Hope be damned. I was sure of only one thing now.

I will have to escape myself.