Page 57 of The Alpha King's Curse: Part Two

He didn’t need his senses to tell him that Chase and all the warriors around them didn’t like that idea.

“I need to ask for a favour,” he explained.

Chase looked back at his gates, probably communicating with his warriors or advisors. His desire to have nothing to do with him was no longer subtle.

“I know that as my ally, you have to give me aid when we require it, but I’m absolving you of that duty as of today. Whatever move the Circle or any other enemy makes against me is mine alone to deal with until the day I die,” he swore.

Chase looked back at him with wide eyes.

“But I will still aid you should you need it,” he added.

“Until the day you die? After what you did, that may not be too far away,” Chase snorted.

He hadn’t seen the arrogant side of the Alpha since the day he killed Kendrick.

“That’s true,” he admitted. “So you can see why I’m eager to get my affairs in order.”

Chase lifted his gaze to look him directly in the eyes, also something he hadn’t done since the Kendrick affair. And then he started to take his clothes off.

“I’ve never run with a King before,” Chase said once he stood naked in front of him.

“First and last time. Treasure the memory,” he said, turning into a trail next to the gates. “We need privacy.”

He shifted quickly and started to run, keeping his pace slow so Chase could keep up. He was surprised that Cain didn’t try to challenge the Alpha. But then again, he knew Cain would bear anything for Layla.

Deep in the forest, he came to a watering hole. The animals drinking there had already scurried away when they sensed his presence. He shifted and sat on a grassy patch in front of it, keeping his senses alert for intruders. They were far enough away for their conversation to remain private but he had to be extra sure.

Chase’s large brown wolf walked up to have a drink before he shifted and sat, too. Chase had put some distance between them as if that would stop Cain if anything happened. But he let the Alpha do whatever he needed to feel safe.

“I hear congratulations are in order,” Chase started.

“Yes. Thank you.”

“I suppose that's why you’ve been so protective of the human,” he continued, playing with a blade of grass.

“I was protective of her even before she got pregnant. I won’t take up too much of your time because I need to get back to her.”

“Okay. So how can I help?”

“First, you won’t tell a soul what I’m about to tell you.”

Cain made that order. His voice echoed through the little clearing, making Chase frown as it bound him. Alphas were supposed to be at the top of the food chain, so they never took well to being ordered.

“I’m sorry. I just need to make sure you keep it to yourself. The decision to accept or decline my offer will be yours alone. And if you accept, I will need you to make a blood oath.”

“Hey, wait a minute—”

“Please hear me out.”

A blood oath was a dangerous thing. If Chase ever broke his promise, his death would be quick and painful.

“Okay, fine. What do you need?”

“I need you to watch over Layla and my child. With everything that’s going on in my pack, I don’t think they will be safe there without you. My Beta can do the job, but he’s not as strong as you. I need you to protect them as if they are part of your pack, including my witch, Beta, and Gamma.”

“Why are you speaking as if certain things won’t end well for you.”

“Because I am certain. I was cursed to die on my next birthday.”

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