The Alpha's Curse The Enemy Within

“And Vladimir?" Zena asked abruptly as we continued strategizing on our plan. “What do we do about him?" Zena's question sent me deep into my thoughts. That question had always lingered in my thoughts, and until now, | had no answer for it.

“We end him along with this fucking place,” Kaiser replied almost joyously, but | remained silent, feeling Killian's eyes on me.

1 tilted my head to meet his penetrating gaze, before glancing over at Kaiser and Zena.

“We can't” I said, as calmly as | could.

“Why?" Kaiser spoke quickly.

“Because aside from the insane fact that Nikolai did something and magic doesn't have any sort of effect on him, Vladimir cannot be killed,” I stated flatly.

"What?" The first day | woke up in this cursed place. | had used my magic on him and it didn't work. Nothing | did seemed to work on him.

“If that bastard cannot be killed, what then are we going to do about him?" Zena asked.

“I don't know,” I was honest. "Hopefully, the Council will be able to figure something out.”

We went over the plan again as | helped Zena lift the pyramids magic limiting her magic. I also took a look at Kaiser's condition. His wolf wasn't dead, he was still inside somewhere. | used my magic to try to get to him, but | had no idea if it worked. If only it was a full moon, we would have our answers, but regardless, the Blood moon was as powerful for wolves as it was for witches. Hopefully, Kaiser would be able to shift during the Blood moon.

1 got up from my chair. As much as | preferred to remain here instead of returning to the lonesome fortitude of Vladimir's fortress, I knew it was wise to head back now. "I've been out of the Fortress for a long time. | have to get back before someone notices my absence.” I sauntered to the door, after embracing Kaiser and Zena. | knew | just met her, but she was beyond lovely. And | was truly happy for Kai. He deserved it, they both did.

I stepped into the unfeeling darkness that still lingered with Killian behind me, shutting the door.

We moved slowly into the woods, in complete silence. | glanced over at Killian; his face was expressionless and his gaze was distant. | knew ever since he woke up, he had a lot on his mind. | didn't ike the heartbreaking pain and rage that swirled within his amber gaze. He was holding so much back. I knew things with Killian, Vladimir, and | were complicated, but | felt uneasy inside and I hated it.

“Killian,” I called his name, as | continued walking. Please, just get it off your chest. It kills me to see that look in your eyes.” Killian groaned in frustration but kept on walking. "Believe me, | am fine.” I stopped in my tracks. My instant pause caused Killian to stop walking as well. "No, you are not. Theres something you want to say, please, just say it,” My blue eyes pierced right through the fog of pain, rage, and frustration that clouded his gaze. And for a heartbreaking, painful second, we stared at each other.

“I am sorry, alright? | am so sorry, Sheila,” Killian's words cut deep into my soul, making Adie howl at the back of my mind.

“Killian, what are you—" “No,” he shook his head, pulling away a litle. "All | feel is pain, rage, and frustration deep within. This is all my fault, if only | had been by your side, you wouldn't be forced to remain at the side of that bastard. It kills me more than anything to see you by his side. You are mine, Sheila. You are my life and the reason for my existence.” I couldn't fight the tears that welled up in my eyes, rushing down my cheeks.

“You shouldn't blame yourself, Killian. Vladimir had always been after me, and his obsession only increased when he realized | was his mate.” Killian's face crippled into a frown, "What?"

“Yes. Vladimir is also my mate,” | told him, honestly.

“No, that cannot be possible,” “Yes, | know. | don't know how this is possible, or why the goddess had to punish me like this, but it's true. | found out he is also my mate, but that doesn't change anything, Killian. You are the one that has always been etched in my destiny,” | uttered, unable to stop the tears that kept rolling down my cheeks, carelessly.

In a split second, Killian invaded the space between us, his huge frame caged mine as his lips took mine in a deep, hungry kiss.

I was forced to back away against a tree, as he pressed himself against me, sending indescribable pleasure through my body at the contact.

He pulled away abruptly, his head was still bent to the right with his face inches away from mine and he looked crazed with need. My heart flipped at the sparks that shot through my body from where

Killian's large hands were holding tightly to my waist.

“I love you, and | swear, there's no fucking way in hell, I'd ever stop loving you,” he pressed his body deeper to mine, whispering.

Just at his words, | felt my core burn with desire. | wanted nothing at this moment but to have Killian's body against mine while he pleasured me in the best possible ways. The pull was irresistible.

A shallow growl vibrated from his chest as he could no doubt smell my arousal. Killian's eyes turned a few shades darker, as he was struggling to control himself. We both were. My heart felt like it was going to explode at any moment in my chest from its fast beating.

Only the goddess knew how much I missed this feeling. Only Killian could make me feel these things.

His dark amber eyes bored down at me intensely, roaming my body once more, possessively with need and desire.

“Fuck this," he roared, and in one swift motion he picked me up by my thighs, slamming me against the tree, and his lips were on mine.

The intensity of the current that charged through my body had me completely under Killian's spell. An overwhelming, beautiful sensation blossomed inside me and had all my thoughts, fears, and worries melt away. His kiss was dominating and fierce, as | wrapped my legs around his waist. One of his hands reached behind my head, tangling in my brown hair as he deepened the kiss.

The world faded away as the raw intensity of the kiss consumed us both. | moaned desperately against his perfectly soft lips, as he licked the center of my mouth, gaining more access to my lips and | parted them dutifully for him, kissing him back fiercely. He tasted divine and just couldn't get enough of him.

I ran my hands down his neck, his broad shoulders, and muscular back. Killian pressed into me harder, and | was loving the fireworks

that exploded within me as our tongues danced together and Killian's hands caressed me gently. | never wanted this to end.

Tonight was the best moment | have had in weeks. | didn't care about anything else. Not the problems of my life, nor the fucking war, nor the greatest darkness meant to destroy us all, not even Vladimir.

My eyes widened as | froze in Killian's arms. Immediately, | jerked away from him, panting. "No," “What happened?” Killian questioned, alarmed.

“I can't, Killian," | rushed, running my fingers through my hair.

The skin on Killian's forehead creased in confusion. Before he asked, | shook my head, “Vladimir,” | muttered. | completely forgot about him and got carried away by my emotions. | had spelled the connection we shared through the mate bond and blocked him out, but | wasn't completely sure whether or not he could feel the pain from being

with Killian right now. “I have to go now," | said, even though it broke Adie and me to leave. We had to.

1 left Killian and used the path | had taken to the cabin back to the Fortress, perfectly covering my tracks from the warriors that were on patrol. As soon as | sneaked back into the Fortress, | hurried back to my chamber, moving with haste into my chamber. I had locked the door close when | felt the murdering coldness that circled me.

1 held my breath, swerving around to meet the bright golden irises of Vladimir staring at me from across the chamber. He was leaning against the wall nearest to the window.

“Vladimir,” | called, keeping my voice as neutral and stable as | could.

“Took you long enough, darling," he spoke in an oddly calm manner, his eyes holding something I couldn't fathom as | waited for the words that were eager to abscond his red lips. "Where have you been?"

I held his gaze as a small air rushed out of my lungs.