Page 11 of Alpha's Runaway Mate

“What part of ‘being here is dangerous for everyone’ don’t you understand?”

“The part where you haven’t explained how your presence here is a danger to everyone.” I heard him sigh. “Do you even know where you’re going, Lyra?”

“Yes. To the witch. Salome, right?”

“Well, you’re going the wrong way.”

I stopped in my tracks, trying to steady my rapid breathing from the growing frustration I was feeling. Then I turned around and began to walk back as if it had all been part of a plan. “I knew that.”

Kaine smirked. “Sure, you did.”

After about fifteen minutes of silent walking, we reached a secluded area, dotted with just a couple of weathered, rundown houses.

“Why do witches always have to be so creepy?” I muttered under my breath as Kaine led us toward a house with its door hanging slightly open.

The floorboards creaked beneath our steps as we entered. The air was heavy with the mingling scents of herbs, incense, and a faint layer of dust. The house felt eerily cold, its sparsefurnishings—a single chair and a battered table—barely filling the emptiness of the living room. If not for the smoldering incense, I’d have thought the place was abandoned.

Out of nowhere, a cat darted from under the chair, leaping straight at my face.

“Damn it!” I hissed, catching the cat by the tail and tossing it gently to the chair. “Stupid cat.”

“Careful with your words. Animals have feelings, too,” a voice croaked from behind me. I turned, startled, to see an old woman with dreads that looked like they’d seen better days. She eyed me with suspicion before shifting her gaze to Kaine.

“To what do I owe the pleasure of the Alpha’s visit?”

Kaine stepped forward, offering his hand, which she accepted. “We need your help, Salome.”

She smiled at him, but when her eyes landed on me, her expression hardened.

I grimaced.What’s her deal?

“My…friendhere needs a cloaking spell.”

“Friend?” She asked, her gaze narrowing as she sized me up.

“Her name is Lyra,” Kaine added.

“Lyra Winters. The Rejected Mate.”

My fists clenched beside me. Of course, I already had a title. The entire pack had witnessed my humiliation firsthand.

“Why does she need a cloaking spell? What is she hiding from?”

Kaine turned to me, his gaze searching for answers he didn’t yet have.

I let out a frustrated breath. “I crossed into Blackwood territory, and now they’re after me.”

Salome didn’t look like she believed a word that flew out of my mouth. But thankfully, she didn’t ask any more questions.

“I haven’t done a cloaking spell in years,” she revealed, walking further into the house. “I’m going to need some time to do this.”

“I don’t have that kind of time.”

“Well, darling, do you know another witch?” Her tone was sharp, and I sank back.

“Why don’t you both make yourselves comfortable while I get started?” She gestured to the chair, and I began to walk over, but then I noticed Kaine wasn’t following.

“Are you coming or what?”

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