Page 16 of The Alpha's Cursed Queen

Mary stares at me. “You don’t like shopping.”

“I hate it. I like spending time with you, but I truly hate shopping.”

“But we have to get—”

“Why don’t you choose the purse?” I suggest. “I trust your judgment. You found me such a beautiful dress and such lovely shoes, how can I not?”

Mary flushes, pleased. “I get it. Besides, you’re on your feet all day for your job anyway. You probably want to rest on your day off. Let’s meet up this evening. I want to take you out to dinner.”

“No.” I shake my head. “I’m taking you to dinner. I saved up for it and already made reservations. It’s a really nice Italian place, downtown. You’ll love it.”

“But it’s your birthday!” Mary protests.

“And you’re my friend.” I shut her down. “You’ve done a lot for me today. Let me do this for you, Mary. Please.”

She sighs heavily. “Alright. You win. Text me the details, and I’ll meet you there. I have to go see my parents in an hour, as well.”

We part ways, and I head toward the woods.

As I reach the lake and sit on the bank, lowering my legs into the water, I wonder what it is that I’m doing. This is stupidity personified, but the curiosity within me is growing by the second. Just last night, I had found the idea of dead witch bodies in the lake disturbing. Today, I want to jump in and swim to the bottom looking for them.

I seem to have no sense of self-preservation at the moment.

“This is not a good idea,” I say out loud. “You could drown. And for what? To confirm something that has nothing to do with you?”

If I thought saying the words aloud would change my mind, I was wrong. It does nothing.

I pull off my shirt and roll my shoulders. “Who cares if I drown? It’s not like anybody will look for me. It’s the first time I’m doing something so reckless. I should enjoy it.”

The pep talk does nothing, either.

Taking a deep breath, I jump into the lake.

I only ever come here in the evenings. In the daytime, the lake is crystal clear. However, the bottom of the lake is so deep that I can’t see it.

Since nobody pulled me in this time, I’m not panicking. I’m able to control my movements. Determination fuels me, and I swim even deeper. Wolf shifters can hold their breath for long periods of time. At least, longer than a human can.

At first, I see no sign of the bottom, and disappointment starts to creep in. Then, I start making out shapes. As I swim closer, my vision grows clearer. My heart begins to beat loudly in my chest. It’s true! The dark witches are buried here in the lake!

I should feel fear, but I don’t.

I shouldn’t stay down here. I should go back up to the surface.

However, I’m suddenly overcome with a sense of urgency, and I swim even closer to the bodies lying on the lake bottom. They look like they’re sleeping. Even the wildlife has not touched them.

I reach out with my hand.

What are you doing?The voice in my head is screaming at me, but I can’t stop myself.

Then, out of nowhere, the dead woman closest to me seizes my wrist. Her eyes fly open. They’re white.

I open my mouth to scream, and water rushes in.

Her grip is so tight that I can’t pull free.

Panic fills me as I see her lips moving.

And then, the whole world goes dark.

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