Page 32 of Bully Alpha's Secret Baby

“Not a ghost,” I cut in. “But yeah, magic’s involved. Whether you like it or not, we’re dealing with something bigger than just shifters.”

Gray swears under his breath, and his eyes flit toward the bloodstained ground. I can see the conflict in his expression—the need to protect his pack, the frustration of not knowing how to fight something he can’t see. But before he can say anything else, a new voice cuts through the tension.

“Well, isn’t this a lovely gathering.”

We all turn to see Patrick Martin, alpha of the East Hills pack, striding toward us with a smug look on his face. His black hair is slicked back, and his eyes glint with something I don’t like—something that feels too much like amusement for the situation at hand.

He glances around the clearing, taking in the blood, the symbols, and, no doubt, the tension between us. “So, what’s the verdict? Are we dealing with a rogue witch, or should I be worried that one of my own shifters is next?”

“We’re still figuring it out,” I admit.

Patrick’s eyes flick to Jade, and his smile tightens. “Of course you are. But from what I hear, it’s either her,” he points a lazy finger at Jade, “or there’s another witch running around causing havoc. Not that I’m saying I buy the gossip.”

Jade bristles beside me, but I step in before she can respond. “She didn’t do this,” I declare, meeting Patrick’s gaze with a warning. “And we don’t have time for any bullshit right now.”

Patrick raises an eyebrow. “I’m not saying she did, Damien. But you can’t deny that wherever she goes, trouble seems to follow.”

Jesus, even Patrick has jumped on the blame-Jade train. I thought he had more sense than that.

“Back off, Patrick,” I growl, stepping closer. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Oh, don’t I?” He looks from me to Gray and then back to Jade. “All I’m saying is, if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck… well, you get the idea.”

My fists clench, and I take a step toward him, but Jade grabs my arm, pulling me back before I can do something stupid.

“Damien, stop. He’s not worth it.”

I know she’s right. Patrick’s just here to stir the pot, to see how far he can push me. And as much as I want to wipe that smug look off his face, now’s not the time.

“Fine,” I mutter, turning back to Gray. “But we need to figure this out. Fast.”

Gray gives me a sharp nod. “Agreed. But if magic’s involved, that makes this a whole different kind of fight.”

“I know,” I say. “But we’ll handle it. At least we know it’s not another pack.”

“I don’t like this,” Gray grumbles. “Magic, rituals… it’s all too much.”

“Welcome to my world,” Jade says dryly. “Trust me, I don’t like it, either.”

Gray’s gaze shifts to her, and for the first time since we arrived, his expression softens—just a little. “I’m starting to believe you didn’t have anything to do with this.”

Jade snorts. “Gee, thanks.”

Before the situation can escalate again, I step in. “Look, we’re not going to solve this right now. We need more information, more time.”

Gray sighs, running a hand through his hair. “You’re right. But if another shifter dies—”

“They won’t,” I cut in. “Not if we can stop it.”

Patrick watches the exchange with mild interest, his eyes glinting like he’s enjoying the show. I can’t stand the smug look on his face, but I know better than to engage him again. Not now, when Jade is barely holding it together.

I glance at her, noting the exhaustion etched on her face. This isn’t just a fight for her; it’s personal. And I need to get her out of here before it breaks her.

“Let’s go,” I tell her, grabbing her hand. “We’re done here for the day.”

She doesn’t argue, just squeezes my hand in silent agreement. I turn to Gray and Patrick. “We’ll regroup later. Right now, I’m taking Jade home.”

I keep my grip on Jade’s hand as we walk, leading her away from the mess of the murder site and all the tension. The woods stretch around us, and the further we go, the quieter it gets. It’s like the world is trying to offer her some kind of peace, but I know she’s too wound up to notice.

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