Page 123 of The Alpha King's Curse: Part Two

The same way she had appeared to Layla. And the way the witch had appeared to the Alphas she had tried to control.

‘They don’t know what the end game was, but Zach threatened them when they tried to back out. They said they only wanted justice for their families; they never intended for things to go that far.’

They should have thought of the consequences. He had no sympathy for them anymore.

Only a few moments later, he sensed the other group finally crossing the barrier. His pack started to shuffle and whisper, unsure if they could shift in front of Layla. One of the older men came forward with his head lowered.

“Alpha, I don’t mean to sound disrespectful, but why is the human here? It was her fault the Hunters came to this town the first time, and now they will easily track her here.”

“And how was it her fault?” he growled.

If anything, it was his. If he hadn’t left Costas alive when he’d kidnapped Layla, there would never have been any whispers.

“She has been in the middle of everything, Alpha. I’ve stayed quiet before, but if she leaves as much as a footprint, then we’re all dead. I have children to protect.”

“So do I,” he growled.

The man’s displeasure rose. He wasn’t one of Zach’s people, but he had obviously been listening to the lies about Layla.

“I think she should go back,” someone else said. “She’s human; she can take her chances.”

“She’s staying with me,” he stated.

“You’re still putting her above your pack?” the man asked.

“She is part of this pack.”

The final group walked into the clearing and stood behind him, showing their loyalty. They were the warriors who had been with him at the hideout and the ones who had been guarding Layla’s sister. Every wolf had to get to safety in such a situation.

“We can’t have a human in the pack, Alpha,” another member said. “I agree. If she starts to head back now, she will be far from us if they see her.”

His anger started to rise. His fists balled up as Cain became more alert. They had been singing her praises and talking about how she had fought like the warriors. And now they wanted her to take her chances with Hunters?

“She can’t go anywhere.”

At the sound of the frail voice, everyone turned. The crowd parted, and Diedre came forward, holding on to a warrior’s arm.

His anger dissipated. He hadn’t been gone that long but Dee... She looked like she wouldn’t make it through the night. Her hair was completely white, and her cheeks and eyes had hollowed and darkened. And her skin had wrinkled as if she was closer to one hundred. She hunched over as she walked, every step looking like it hurt her.

“Dee!” he said as he rushed to her side and picked her up. Her bones stuck into him.

She wasn’t supposed to be on her feet like that. What if she got knocked over?

“Put me down, Jackson. If you want to carry anyone, go and carry your baby,” Diedre said with a frown.

“What did you do?” he whispered.

“Our home will be safe. You won’t have to uproot your family. Isn’t that what you wanted?” Her voice was so weak.

“Oh, Dee,” he sighed, putting his forehead against hers. “I told you to stop.”

“But I can’t. It’s my job,” Dee said before she looked at the pack again.

“Layla isn’t leaving because what your Alpha said is true. She’s part of the pack. She’s your Luna.”

Chapter 61

The collective gasps echoed through the forest.

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