Page 24 of The Alpha's Fated Bond

“Do you blame me for that?”

Patrick laughs shortly. “Why would I blame you, Sophia? You are doing us a huge favor. Despite how we treated you initially, you’ve chosen to trust us. It’s been a hell of a journey for all of us, but I think Alex is right. There’s no need to traumatize you by putting you through the kind of war that will have too many casualties for you to bear.”

I let out a long breath, feeling partially relieved and a little guilty.

“However, that is not what’s important at the moment.” Patrick runs a hand through his hair. “You and Alex are a unit. I know it’s hard for you, but you have to trust him, Sophia. He is loyal and faithful to you. That’s not going to change, no matter what.”

He sounds so sure of what he’s saying. But then, he is Alex’s closest friend.

“I know you’re angry, and I know you’re upset. But if you let doubts seep into your relationship, it’s going to fall apart before it even takes shape. I can understand that it’s easier to close yourself off, but when you are with somebody, communication is important. You and Alex need to talk. What he did wasn’t right. But he needs to know that. Lashing out at him or telling him that you don’t trust him anymore isn’t the way to go. He was willing to leave this pack for you, Sophia. Don’t take that lightly. After everything we have been through together as a pack, saying that he’s going to walk away from us is a very difficult decision for him. He has put you above his own people.”

Everything that Patrick is saying sounds so reasonable that I feel like a child who has thrown a fit over nothing.

He gets to his feet. “Alex is going to come and try to talk to you again. This time, listen to what he has to say. Be angry if you want; it’s your right. He shouldn’t have been an idiot, but you need to hear him out.”

When Patrick leaves, I move to the bed and sink into it.

Was I in the wrong this whole time?

Rolling over, I flex my fingers and stare at my hand.

I overreacted. That seems to be the essence of it. Everybody has the same opinion.

I still feel that my anger was justified, but maybe Patrick is right. I’m so accustomed to clamping shut when hurt that I did the same thing with Alex. The things I told him were borderline cruel. If he said them to me, I would be devastated.

I drop the back of my hand across my eyes and sigh.

It sucks being wrong.

***

It’s early afternoon when there’s a knock on the door. Lily and I have been lounging in my room all morning, working on my magic every hour. I’ve seen a few people trying to peer through the windows, which has been awkward. Almost like we are a spectacle to be gawked at.

When I open the door, Nathan walks in. He’s carrying a young child who cannot be more than six months old.

Behind him is Alex. He doesn’t meet my gaze but says stiffly, “This is one of the newborns who has been linked to the nannies and the soldiers. Do you want to see if you are able to break the link?”

“Now?” I blink, feeling anxious.

“You have to start somewhere,” Alex replies. “At least this way you’ll know what you’re working with.”

Nathan puts the child in my lap, and Lily sits across from me, studying what is probably a little girl, if the pink bow on her headis any indication. Her brows knit together after a few minutes of silence.

“It’s a strong enchantment. Life for a life. Death for a death. Dark magic. It’s not going to be easy to break. I don’t think Sophia is at that level yet.”

“Alex is right, though.” I look down at the child. “I have to know what I’m working with. Why don’t you guide me?”

Lily makes a face. “We can try. It’s not going to be easy, though.” She takes my hand and places it on the child’s stomach. “Every living being has a core. Witches, shifters, humans, animals, all of us. When a spell is cast on someone, it’s around their core, which is located here. You have to seek the core of this child, and sense the magic.”

“How do I do that?” I feel like I’m being tasked with the impossible.

“You’ve already learned how to access your core. Now you have to feel for hers. Calm your mind. It will come to you very naturally.”

I follow her instructions, and as I do, I begin to feel a strange sensation. It feels dirty and tainted, and my skin shudders in revulsion.

I can sense the dark magic around this child.

In the background, I hear somebody close the curtains.

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