The Alpha's Curse The Enemy Within

Chapter 36 Thirty Six

Killian's point of view

I felt a warm feeling on my lips as intense sparks kindled within me. Slowly, my eyes pushed open, and the first thing they found was Sheila's face, inches away from mine. Her warm, slender hands were over me.

She pulled her eyes open and they connected with mine.

Her eyes went round, her lips stole a smile. "Killian," she called softly, and I looked around to realize we were in my chamber.

How did I get here?

I couldn't remember anything from the time I was in the cave with Thea.

My eyes broadened, recalling the demon took control over me, but everything after that I couldn't remember.

The door squeaked open, Morgan came in, and beside him was Allen. Thea raced through the door, and in seconds she was in my arms.

"Killian I'm so happy you're fine." Thea's tear-stained face pulled closer to mine, and she kissed me right in front of my mate. From the corner of my eyes, I noticed Sheila become still, before exiting the room.

My eyes drifted to my brother and Allen. From the grim look on their faces, last night went bad for the pack, and even worse, I lost control of the darkness within. I didn't want to spend any second more in my chamber. There was a heap of things to be done. And also, some funeral rites for the wolves who couldn't make it.

Necessary preparations had already been made by Valerie and my mate, Sheila. We buried the wolves at the pack's cemetery. Most of those who lost their lives were the younger wolves, and it was really hurtful. I looked around for Sheila. She was around during the funeral, but I can't seem to find her now. I mind-linked Riannon and I was informed she was back at the castle.

After the funeral, Valerie met with me. Her deep purple eyes, as usual, fell on me sympathetically.

"We need to put an end to this; it's been happening for too long already," I said.

We began walking out of the cemetery.

"I know," she muttered slowly, "last night was out of control."

"Tell me about it." I really didn't remember anything from the moment the demon took control. I had no idea what I had done. Frankly, it terrified me to even find out what my people had to go through because of me.

Valerie was quiet, as she had been for the past few hours. "What is it that bothers you?"

"I know you can't remember anything from last night when the demon took control, but back in the

cave, was anyone else there besides you and Thea?" She asked.

I ran my fingers through my hair, thinking deeply. "It was just Thea and me. No one could get inside because of the spell you placed, right?"

Her eyes pulled away from mine. "That's exactly what bothers me."

The skin on my forehead creased, "What do you mean by that?"

"With the spell I placed, no one could have left the cave, or entered as well, but you did." She stopped walking, concentrating hard on me. "When the demon took over, you left the cave, which means someone had lifted the boundary spell I placed on the cave."

"A witch?" I inquired.

"It can only be," she muttered slowly.

"It could be the same witch that murdered Rowan in the dungeon, but you assured me it wasn't from your coven," I said.

"And it wasn't. Remember, I did a cleansing spell to find out a possible traitor within the coven, but there was none, meaning—"

"It's someone else," I concluded, and she nodded.

My rough hands fell on my face. "Another problem to add to the list."

"The Luna knows everything," Valerie said, drawing my attention back to her. Before I could speak, she said, "I told her. She saw everything that happened last night. There was no point in keeping the secret anymore. She's your mate, and something about her feels completely different."

I stopped listening to Valerie, my heart picked up an insane speed within my chest. Sheila knew everything. I couldn't think straight. "How on earth did she see everything?"

"I have no idea. The warriors and witches tried to find you. By the time we found you, the demon had her. It almost killed her last night. That's all I know." She studied me. "No one knows what happened between you two, but by the time we arrived, the demon was gone, and I felt something. I swear I did," She paused for a moment before returning her gaze to me. "I have a gut feeling there's something we are not doing right, and I'll find out,"

Valerie left for her quarters, and I headed to the castle. To my mate's chamber. Without knocking, I walked in and found her staring into the mirror in a daze. It took a long minute for her to notice my presence, and once she did, she slowly spun around, giving me the opportunity to gaze into her lucid blue eyes.

"Killian," she said, softly. I could not even imagine what would have become of me if I had hurt her last night, or even worse, killed her. There was a stinging pain in my chest; even Ryker felt it too.

She moved a step closer to me, her scent dancing in the air, completely distracting me for a minute.

"How are you doing? I heard you were all injured last night," I voiced.

She didn't reply, instead, she sent me a gaze that held so many questions. Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

"Why didn't you tell me about the curse, Killian? I am your mate," Her voice vibrated. She was in pain. I wanted to run over to her and wrap her in my arms. I wanted to kiss away her pain and sadness.

"There was no reason to," I said, my words hurting her all the more. But I didn't mean it that way. There was no point bothering her with these things. What happened last night made it crystal clear to me how much of a danger I was to Sheila. It also reminded me that not only my life was at stake, but also the lives of every member of my pack. I couldn't be selfish. Thea should be the one by my side. She should be the one I truly love.

"I realize there's no way I can help you and the pack with the curse, but," A tear slipped down her cheek as she struggled for her next words. Something deep within me churned at her teary sight. I hated seeing those sad tears escape her gorgeous eyes.

I couldn't hold back; I had to hold her in my arms, at least once more. Then I would back away, pretend she didn't exist, but just this once was all I needed. Before I knew it, my god-damned legs were on the move, I approached her, but she took a step back.

"Please, just don't move," I said in a soft tone.

To my surprise, she obeyed. I stood before her, leaving no space between us. I cupped her face, and slowly brushed the pad of my thumb on her delicate cheek, staring deep into her eyes.

Sheila leaned into my touch as my thumb traveled to her bottom lip, brushing against it. Sheila released a subtle moan and absent-mindedly opened her lips in invitation.

I found myself leaning into her, aiming for her luscious soft lips. My lips felt her warm ones, and I couldn't help but moan softly at the tingles that erupted throughout my body. Her lips danced beautifully

with mine.

Her soft moans were music to my ears. I loved everything about her. With her sweet honey kisses and tender caresses, Sheila wrapped her hands around my neck, and I wrapped my strong hands around her small waist.

Her pristine body was pinned against mine as if it was in my warm embrace. In a quick motion, I hauled her body against the wooden dresser table and moved my way between her legs, my lips not once disconnecting from hers. I caressed her thighs beneath her dress.

She made short sounds of pleasure and I froze.

She was beautiful, but I couldn't go on. I couldn't lose myself. I pecked her lips one more time before pulling away from her.

Ryker and I died, seeing the hurt in her beautiful, brilliant blue eyes. She looked so fragile and heartbroken.

Her eyes held more questions.

"Please Killian, stop doing this," she spoke. I could see the tiredness in her eyes. "Now I know the reason why Thea is here. She is the only one you love and the one you need. You have no idea how much it's hurt me to know I will never stand a chance against her. It will always be her, and you'll keep choosing her over me. I want this pain I feel to stop. I want to stop hurting, Killian." She said firmly, her words confusing me.

Sheila's eyes closed, leaning into my tingling touch as if wanting it to warm her shattered heart. Then

she pulled her eyes open, her gaze firm as she declared. "I, Sheila Callaso, reject you, Alpha Killian Reid, as my mate."