Page 45 of Fated Alpha Protector

I near the Rocheport border before the crack of midnight. I’d taken my time making the journey there, treading slowly on my wolf paws. It’s not like my return is eagerly anticipated.

It’s probably the only thing I’m not looking forward to.

When I cross the border – an invisible line that’s been drawn out by our senses – I’m immediately stopped by a group of wolves. I recognize each one as the group that had chased me the first night I received my wolf.

I gulp hard as I stare into their menacing faces. Darren and Vanessa exchange glances as if they’re frowning.

I know they’re communicating telepathically, but it’s something I can’t hear. I’m startled when Vanessa attacks me, lunging at me and pinning my arms to the ground.

I’m not here to fight, that’s why I surrender. The group remains in wolf form, so I do the same. But I’m not afraid of them anymore.

My time in Overton had grown my courage. And as I’m dragged away into Rocheport, I keep my head above water with silent prayers to the Moon Goddess.

I’m finally dragged all the way to the pack den. When we’re outside the bunker, the group of werewolves shift to human form.

That’s when I do the same.

Their disgruntled breaths and looks of contempt don’t seem to faze me. It’s Darren who stands towering in front of me like a menacing force.

“Alpha Cyrus wants you in the dungeon,” he informs me with iciness on his tongue.

“Okay,” I agree, much to his surprise.

As I follow the Beta into the den, I drown out the crude remarks from the rest of the pack. Darren throws a cloak at my face, taking one for himself. I place it on me as I follow him down the dreary stairs down into the den.

Once I’m behind the locked bars of the prison cell, I breathe a sigh of relief. At least they didn’t kill me on sight. I’m safe behind these bars.

For now.

The menacing footsteps that begin at the top of the staircase alert me that Cyrus is on his way down. When he emerges from behind the wall, his eyes become narrowed at me.

“Mia Alvarez…” he taunts sadistically, his voice drumming with terror. “You’re back.”

“I am, Alpha Cyrus,” I concede with my chin held high. I don’t feel the need to be bashful or afraid. Even if he’s a tyrant of a leader, there’s nothing he can do to fill me with fear.

I’ve learned how to be brave because of my fated mate. And with his spirit burning inside me, I won’t be afraid now.

Cyrus appears surprised as he nears the cell. But as he comes closer, he seems bemused by my lack of fear as a sadistic smirk curls his lips.

“It’s time, Ms. Alvarez,” he announces to my surprise. He reaches between the metal bars of the cell and grabs my necklace. A firm yank and the chain snaps in half.

And as soon as it comes off, I’m flooded by the truth of who I am.

Chapter 16

THEO

Mia’s parting kiss lingers on my lips as I make my way back home. Dragging my feet across the stone path, I feel my sister’s presence outside.

Absentmindedly stroking my bottom lip, I’m about to head inside when Anastasia’s gentle hand settles on my shoulder. Looking up without much interest, I say, “Not now, Ana.”

“Theo…” she tries to cajole me, but I shake my head.

She wears a look of deep concern on her face, her brows knitted with worry.

“I can see that Mia’s leaving has affected you,” she calls after me as I proceed inside.

I pause between the doorway, my head hanging with all the sadness filling my chest.

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