Page 51 of Winning the Wolf

"What happened?" Caleb frowned when he looked at me.

Dinky was supporting me under one arm, but I could feel some of my energy returning. Maybe the spell wouldn't kill me as quickly as we'd first thought.

"He fucked with us, that's what happened," Killick ground through his teeth as he strode towards me. "And once we've figured out what to do..." Reaching us, he thanked Dinky as he swept me up into his arms and started to leave. "...we'll kill him and his bitch witch."

Chapter Fourteen

"I'm going to kill him," Killick told the pack, projecting his voice so the whole council could hear.

We were gathered in the great hall and had been debating what to do for the last ten minutes. The main council were insisting that Killick stay away from Jeremy, forcing him to come to us. The only issue with that plan was my untimely death. Dinky had explained that the spell would drain the weaker wolf. We all knew who that was and according to several members of the pack, Killick's alpha-ship was more important than my life.

"What would Robert say?" one of older members called.

A sting bit into my chest. My father, Robert, had been Phileas' best friend for a long time. His untimely disappearance had thrown a question mark over everything. Where had my father been exactly? I'd been meaning to talk to Killick about him but the distractions had taken over.

What would my father had said? He hadn't exactly been a fan of Killick since he accused him of not rescuing my brother. He would have something to say about my fated mate, no doubt. If he even cared.

"It doesn't matter what anyone says," Caleb shouted, "except our alpha. You may be here to advise him, but..." He raised his hand, the movement making his shoulder-length brown hair bounce. "...which one of you would let your fated mate die to keep the alpha-ship?"

It fell silent and everyone stared, unable to answer. Yeah, the bastards wouldn't know what to do in our position. Maybe they shouldn't be questioning the alpha on this one.

"How will you kill him?" Orson said, putting a hand on the gun he had under his denim jacket.

"How about I do it?" a feminine voice shouted. "I owe it to our pack."

My insides ran cold, making me shiver. Nyla had just offered to what, now?

"You couldn't handle him before," Caleb said, glancing at a pensive looking Killick. "What makes you think you'll do better this time around?"

Nyla slunk through the crowd and came to a stop in front of Killick. I studied her healed face from my vantage point just behind the alpha. I could see what my twin was trying to do, and yet, fear gripped every one of my muscles, freezing me to the buffed marble floor.

Bending her head, she sighed before looking up, flicking her long brown hair. "He wants me dead for turning against him. My escape would've enraged him enough to make him come up with this plan. I think he wanted me to rule alongside him, in a weird twist of fate kinda way." Her words projected well, forcing everyone to listen. "If I persuade him to meet me today, we can hatch a plan."

"What type of plan?" a council member asked, looking at the younger generation now ruling the pack and shaking his head. "The man is clearly clever enough to outwit our alpha pup."

The crowd grumbled, some humming an affirmative, and others growling in defence of their alpha.

"Wait," I called, not daring to move from where I stood beside Killick. "This is not a time for fighting amongst ourselves." Looking into the eyes of those nearest me, I dug deep for a strength I hadn't felt since Chris had died. "Mistakes have been made over the last few days, mainly because of or by me. However, forgetting our predicament, Jeremy killed our alpha and his wife. We cannot let him get away with that."

"Killing him isn't the answer." An older lady waved a finger in the air. "It goes against our ancient laws."

The voices grew in agreement, even some of the younger generation joined in.

Glancing at me, Killick took my hand. "You're right," he said, his words so full of conviction, he commanded the room. "I'm letting my emotions affect the decisions I make and that's how we've ended up in this predicament."

The people stayed silent, clearly appreciating him taking responsibility. It was the right thing to do, considering we'd put the pack at risk. Well, I'd started it and he'd followed.

My gaze slipped to him, my chest blossoming with a feeling I hadn't felt before. The warm fuzziness burned nicely, appreciating my mate, seeing him with eyes that had never seen him before. Shit, I had totally given in to the mating bond, and for the first time, I could see Killick for who he was. A brave alpha who was prepared to do anything for me... and no doubt, for his pack.

"We'll capture Jeremy and hold him to trial, just as the ancient laws command."

The hum of affirmation resounded around the room. The pack were happy with his choice. The poor alpha had been thrust into a role he hadn't been expecting. He was having to deal with his grief at the same time as sorting out the mess Jeremy had created. No alpha should have to go through such hardships. The rule of succession was usually smooth, passed down when the alpha died of old age.

"Will you let me draw him out?" Nyla asked Killick, her fingers entwined in a praying stance.

His jaw clenched as he glanced at Caleb. The second in command inclined his head, letting his leader know that he supported whatever decision was made.

"Jeremy is clearly a dangerous man," he said to Nyla, "so I wouldn't let you risk your life for me. You've been through enough."

---