Page 39 of The Alpha's Shattered Bonds

“The two females who died were briefly aides in the infirmary,” I explained, my voice steadying as the pieces fell into place. “I’m sure the illness originated there.” My tone turned grim, the dread welling up within me. “When I infected myself, I felt a rush of dark magic, something I recently sensed from Linda.”

I didn’t expound on how I’d sensed that dark magic from her.

Elder Carl’s expression turned more severe. “Elder Darius would not take kindly to accusation against his daughter without substantial proof.”

“Precisely,” I agreed, knowing I needed to tread carefully. “We need to gather evidence before any accusation is made within the Council.”

“And we must avoid arousing her suspicion,” Tara emphasized, her expression serious.

“My thoughts exactly,” I said. “I’ve already informed Linda that more packmates will be assigned to harvesting duty so I can create a reason to visit the storeroom under the radar.”

My resolve hardened, and I added, “Tara, I need you to prioritize protecting Seraphina. Whatever danger is lurking, it must not touch her again.” Saying it pained me, but I also recognized that Logan was Seraphina’s rightful protector, and I added, “Whenever Logan isn’t with her, you’re to be with her.”

Tara straightened. Her warrior spirit ignited as her hazel eyes flared with determination. “I promise she’ll be protected. You have my word. Can I let Seraphina know I’m aware of her parents’ innocence? It might help to give her someone to confide in.”

“Of course,” I replied. “But please refrain from mentioning my suspicions about Healer Linda.” A weight settled upon me. To think that Linda, who had once stood by my side as a potential mate, might now prove to be the source of darkness in our community was a bitter pill to swallow. That she had wrought more pain between Seraphina and me deepened my anger. I was determined to shield Seraphina from further upset.

Elder Carl soon bid me farewell before making his way to the library while Tara prepared to check on Seraphina. As they departed, I wrestled with the image of Seraphina—her arms wrapped around herself, her face a mask of steely resolve.

Determination coursed through my veins. There would be no room for mistakes. I was going to find a way to set things right. I’d fight for Seraphina’s happiness, even if it cost me everything.

Chapter Eighteen

Seraphina

As I awoke, the ache in my chest felt unbearable. I stared up at the ceiling, where shadows danced and played tricks with the dawn. I pushed back the covers, which felt heavier than lead, my emotions dragging me down. I wanted to curl up and hide under my duvet forever. I’d truly believed Tyler felt the same way I did this time. But, three long days had passed since the painful morning he’d made it abundantly clear, for the second time, that he regretted being intimate with me.

The thought stabbed deeper into my heart, twisting painfully. That was why my comings and goings had turned clandestine again. I found myself avoiding him, a skill I had practiced well. I snuck into the bathroom, the cool tiles biting against my bare feet as I quickly showered, the water refreshing but failing to wash away the ache.

I slipped into a pair of navy blue overalls. As I hurried down the staircase, slinging my bag of magic supplies over my shoulder, I took each step two at a time, eager to escape the confines of the house. I couldn’t bear to see Tyler. Each time he looked at me with a flicker of remorse, it cut like a fresh wound.

We had crossed paths in the kitchen after our night together, and any thought of addressing what had happened melted into the air. The weight of his shame hung between us, suffocating and making any discussion feel impossible. So, I resolved toharden my heart. I was done allowing him to dictate the trajectory of my emotions.

From that moment, I hardened my heart. I swore to myself he’d no longer have any influence over me.

This morning, I skirted past the kitchen door, the heart of the house that now felt foreign, filled with memories of passion and tenderness. Where Tyler had once looked at me with ardor, he now saw only regrets. I stepped outside and let the fresh dawn air greet me, the coolness biting against my cheeks as I made my way to Tara’s house.

Her cheerful presence brightened my day despite a violent yawn as she answered the door, wrapped in a fluffy dressing gown. “You should’ve waited for me to pick you up,” she complained.

Tara had confided that she and Elder Carl were now in Tyler’s confidence. They knew a traitor lurked among us and the truth about my parents being framed. Consequently, she had become even more protective lately.

“My magic’s fully recovered now. I can handle a ten-minute walk without a babysitter,” I griped, even as I appreciated her care. Rebuilding my magic with Tara had successfully returned my abilities to full capacity, but I relished having someone else besides Logan to confide in about the ongoing investigation.

“Stay for breakfast?” Neave called from the circular table in the kitchen’s center, her voice inviting.

I had taken to sharing meals with Tara and her family, Ollie and Neave.

Ollie smiled from behind his scruffy beard, his blue overalls stained with the paint the pack had been busy whitewashing the houses with lately.

“Thanks, but I’m not really hungry,” I said. “I’ll see you guys out there.” I waved as I joined Tara’s sleek silver wolf as we wandered toward Logan’s. She left me at Logan’s front door, disappearing into the trees for her patrol.

Just as I was about to knock, Logan stepped out. He handed me a travel mug, one of his almost-smiles on his lips.

My eyebrows shot up as the nutty aroma wafted up to me. “Is that hazelnut?”

Logan nodded, his brown eyes sincere and warm, gazing at me with affection. “Your favorite.”

We had played a game about favorites yesterday, but I hadn’t expected him to immediately use my weaknesses against me. “You didn’t need to do that,” I said, taking a tentative sip, unable to stop the contented sigh escaping me.

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