Page 26 of The Alpha's Fated Destiny

Isn't it?

Chapter 6

Alex

“I'm really fine. You don’t need to baby me!”

I ignore Sophia’s complaints as I run alongside the other wolves. Of course she’d say that. She has no self-preservation skills whatsoever. However, even as I think that, Elsa’s words are still bothering me. She said that Sophia was becoming weaker by the day.

Why didn't I notice that? I knew she was physically weaker than any other shifter around here. But I had attributed that to her being the Silver Wolf.

It’s not like I have a yardstick to measure her against.

And as long as I could protect her, what was the harm?

But now, I have my reservations.

I’ve seen Sophia use magic. When she entered my village, I had seen her begin to grow into her abilities. Her stamina had increased tenfold by the time I sent her away from the village during the attack. Even during the scene at the banquet, she was incredible. But three days ago, when she had faced those dark witches, I had seen the way she had emptied out faster than sheusually did. She had strained herself to the very end, and even though I had tried to stop her, she had almost been too far gone.

She says she’s all right but she doesn’t realize that when she walks, there’s a wobble in her gait.

I feel guilty.

With the mating bond in place, both of us should be seeing an increase in our strengths and abilities. So why is it that I am the only one experiencing that?

I glance over at where Brian WolfFang is running a few steps behind me. Sophia’s mother is strapped to his back. He’s the only other wolf Sophia was willing to trust with her mother. Elsa is riding on the back of one of my soldiers.

I haven't spoken to Elsa yet. But I know she has her suspicions and I know that her suspicions revolve around Sophia’s and my bond. I haven’t had the time to actually discuss anything with her. Ever since the attack on us, we have been taking very infrequent breaks.

Nobody had expected that we would be attacked by dark witches. We had been anticipating an attack from Karina's soldiers. But considering how the witch covens within the North have been disappearing or swearing allegiance to Karina, there is no doubt in my mind that it was Karina behind this attack.

It was a clever scheme.

If the attack failed, she could pretend not to be aware of anything. And if it had succeeded, she would have killed me and captured Sophia. Our bond is still new enough that my deathwould not have shattered my mate's mind, as the death of a fated mate usually does.

My eyes darken as I look ahead.

Most of the witches' attention had been on me. I had realized it, and so had Sophia.

I doubt that Karina will stop here. We have to reach the border as fast as we can. We cannot risk another attack of that nature.

By now, Elsa has checked the stream and verified that something had been mixed in the water. Whatever it was had drugged them all. It was Sophia's healing magic that brought everyone out of their stupor. Nobody knows how she cast her magic on the unconscious members of our party. But it was fortunate for us that she did, and that they came to our rescue.

Although we got rid of most of the dark witches, Sophia nearly died. I can't shake off the memory of seeing her so pale, slumped in my arms lifelessly. I don't think I can ever forget that sight.

Nobody wants to take a risk with her life again, which is why there is such urgency to reach our destination.

When we finally stop to take an hour's rest, Brian approaches me. "We're a day's journey away from the border. Have you and Sophia decided where you will be going?”

I glance toward my mate, who is resting against one of the trees. Elsa is feeding her one of those herbal tonics. I study Sophia, and my heart feels uneasy at how wan her face is. It shouldn’t be taking her this much time to recover.

"Not yet. But I'll talk to her."

"Word of Sophia's change in status has already reached the South," Brian informs me. "If she decides to go to the Red Rock Wolf Pack territory, they will not stop her. Rumors have begun spreading that if Noah remains in control of the pack, the pack will be punished for the crimes of both him and his father. I believe the Red Rock Wolf Pack will welcome Sophia with open arms."

"Rumors?"

Brian shrugs. "If Sophia wants to make them pay, she can. It's well within her rights. I doubt she will, but from what I know, they were cruel to her, and they will be fearful of the fate that awaits them. She can either destroy the pack and create a new one…"

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