Page 41 of The Wolf and His Forbidden Witch
Why have you betrayed your pack?Rafe demanded.
I didn’t,Victoria denied.It was the witch. She and Grayson have been sleeping together. I found them. They must be conspiring to overthrow you so they can take over the pack together.
She was accusing them? What a pathetic attempt to save herself.
And now you lie to me? To your alpha.Rafe sniffed her.You were over there. I smell their stench all over you.
Victoria whimpered.It’s because of her! Because of Grayson. How could he do this to me?She released a pitiful wail.
Grayson growled.First, you attempt to blame us for your betrayal. And then you play the victim?
I’ll deal with this,Rafe snapped.
Grayson glanced over at Aurora. She had backed away from them, watching the wolves with wary curiosity.
You have no claims on Grayson,Rafe declared.You’ve let your jealousy corrupt you.
She sniffled.Why are you taking his side over mine?
Grayson has been loyal, always putting pack first, while you…Rafe released a growl so loud that it echoed through the forest.You’ve endangered us all, leading us closer to war.
Guilt swelled in Grayson’s chest. He couldn’t help but feel sorry for Victoria and somewhat responsible for her act of desperation.
Then again, she’d attempted to kill both him and Aurora—as well as endangering the pack. She was on her own.
You are banished from the Franconia Pack, Rafe told Victoria.Never show your flesh or fur on our lands again.He removed his paw from her neck.Leave now.
Victoria whimpered as she rose and then cast a hateful glance at Grayson and Aurora.I don’t want to remain here and see him carrying on with that filthy witch, anyway.
Grayson growled at the insult to his mate and stepped closer. Rafe raised a paw, stopping him.
Victoria turned and ran through the snow, heading back toward the Sacco lands.
Once her silvery form disappeared in the distance, Grayson turned to Rafe and bowed his head.I apologize. I feel responsible for what happened here today.
You’re not to blame for her actions.
That was true.
Are you hurt?Rafe asked.
I’ll heal soon.Grayson swallowed. The sting from the slashes from Victoria’s teeth and claws was nothing compared to the pain of almost losing Aurora.What do we do now?
Rafe replied with a low, vibrating growl.I need to sleep on it before I react.
By the fury pulsing from his alpha, Grayson had to agree that was a smarter choice.That’s a good call.
I’m beginning to believe what Damon believed is true.
What’s that?Grayson asked.
Rafe groaned.Mates are nothing but trouble.He turned and prowled up the mountain.
Maybe so, but Grayson wouldn’t change a thing now that he found Aurora. He shifted to human form and ran on bare feet in the snow toward her. “Aurora, are you okay?”
Her eyes were wide with distress. “Oh, Grayson, you’re covered in blood!” She fretted. “How can I help you?”
The warmth from his mate’s concern softened the sharpest of stings. He brushed the back of his fingers along her cheek. “Come home with me.”
