Page 85 of The Alpha King's Curse: Part Two

“Dee—”

“I told you before. She’s the key. She’s the only one who can carry your child, the only one who could help you heal the first time you were infected, and I’d bet my last breath that she helped you heal this time, too.”

Diedre’s hope choked him up.

“Don’t bet things like that, Diedre. You have another child to raise.”

“I don’t know why you won’t listen to me,” Diedre said. Her voice was shaky and weak, but it was full of her determination. “You truly don’t understand the gift the Goddess gave you. How many people do you know who’ve found their mates? The bond between you surpasses everything else. If you accept her, you two can conquer anything. She’s your strength, Jax. She’s the better half of you.”

“She probably is. But how could I risk her life, Dee? That’s asking for the impossible. The very nature of the bond means I can never do anything that may hurt her.”

“But she’s different!” Diedre whispered.

He tensed. Had his little witch been doing some research?

“There’s something about her that feels so different to everyone else,” Diedre continued. “The first time I met her, I knew immediately that she was destined to be here at this precise time. I’ve lost my power, yet people are still healing, and the wards are still active. It's her. It’s got to be her.”

He sighed and took Diedre’s cold hands into his.

“The wards are holding because you made sure they would. You’re the strongest witch in the world.”

Diedre snorted and looked away, making him want to kill the witch attacking him even more. Dee had lost confidence in herself.

“You are. You need to start believing that again so you can get your strength back,” he said firmly. “And people are healing because your healing potions still work. Please, let us just enjoy the time we have left. You have a baby to prepare for.”

Diedre had tears in her eyes when she looked back at him.

“Mark her,” she hissed. “She’s the answer.”

“No, Diedre. I’m going to die. You’ve tried everything, and you have my eternal gratitude and respect. But it’s time you accepted—”

The door opened with so much force that it slammed against the wall.

And the last person he had wanted to listen in on that conversation walked in.

“What do you mean you’re going to die?” Dylan growled.

Chapter 43

Jackson stood and looked at the man who used to be his best friend. He wasn’t ready, but he couldn’t avoid the conversation anymore.

“You shouldn’t eavesdrop.”

“What do you mean you’re going to die?” Dylan repeated.

He should have known better than to have this conversation with Diedre in his office, especially when he knew he had traitors in his pack.

He looked back at Diedre and saw she had huddled into the blanket, and relief emanated from her. Maybe she had spoken like that in his office on purpose because she knew if Dylan overheard, she would no longer be alone in this fight. He wanted to be upset with her, but Diedre looked too frail, and her intentions were always pure.

“Go and rest, Diedre. I’ll speak to you later.”

Diedre slowly got to her feet. He sensed Dylan’s shock as they watched her start making her way out of the room.

“Dee... What have you done to yourself?” Dylan whispered.

“I’ll be okay if you talk some sense into him,” the witch said before she walked out of the office.

Then it was just the two of them. Dylan didn’t mask anything as their gazes clashed.

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