Chapter 0063

"What sort of book are you searching for?" I ask, hoping he might describe the cover so I could assist.

Silence answers me.

I turn around.

He's gone.

My heart stutters.

"Theodore?"

Still nothing.

I rush between the shelves, calling his name.

No response.

The library feels empty. Abandoned.

"Theodore?" My voice trembles.

Panic sets in. My pulse races. Breath catches.

I turn the final corner.

And freeze.

Victoria stands perfectly still.

A smug smile twists her lips.

Arms crossed beneath her chest. She grins at me.

"The little rat found her voice."

Behind her, a boot lies visible.

Large. Worn. Theodore's boot.

The metallic scent of blood slowly taints the air.

"Did... did you kill him?"

She turns and kicks the motionless form.

No sound.

"The Alpha released you." Her eyes fix on my neck mark.

"I'm not... not alone." I stammer.

"Oh, I know. But they aren't here now, are they? It's just us." She runs fingers through her long blonde hair. "Where is the mighty Alpha Alexander? If you're his contract bride, I'm shocked he let you wander with these fools."

"Where's... where's Dominic?"

"That is Alpha Dominic to you!" She spits. "None of your concern."

"This is neutral ground. They won't tolerate you here." I glance at Theodore's foot. It twitches. "They have rules."

"You think I care? You killed my brother!"

"You killed my parents!" The words burst out, shocking us both.

Victoria's eyes narrow.

Theodore rolls onto his back. Relief floods me. He's alive.

"Why are you here?" I demand, forcing strength into my voice.

"Dominic wants to see you."

"Why?"

She smirks. "He wants to remind you."

Theodore rises silently behind her.

His hands clamp around her throat. "Remind her of what?"

Before she answers, Beta Sebastian charges in.

He grabs me, pulling me behind him.

"Answer!" Theodore demands.

Victoria struggles.

Her manicured nails dig deep into his wrists.

Theodore doesn't flinch.

Blood trickles down his skin.

Dripping onto the floor.

"Release her, Theodore," Sebastian orders.

"She tried to kill me."

Tried. The word echoes. She only ever tries. Others do her dirty work.

Theodore smiles coldly. "Alexander will have a field day when I drag you to our dungeons. What will he remove first? A finger? A toe? Perhaps your tongue."

"As much as you want her dead, Theodore," Sebastian says calmly. "Alexander will handle it. She targeted his mate."

"Bride," Victoria scoffs.

She saw my mark. Does she doubt it?

"Mate," Sebastian corrects. "You've crossed into forbidden territory, Victoria. You didn't just play with fire. You signed your death warrant."

"Dominic will come for you!" Victoria screeches.

I cover my ears.

"I don't doubt it. I look forward to it." Sebastian glances at Theodore. "My van is out back. Take her. Lock her inside."

"Go to hell, you stupid Wolves!" Theodore snarls.

"Go on then. Shift." Sebastian challenges. "I dare you."