Page 35 of Her Destined Alpha (Alpha #3)

Rayhan

R aihana truly was smart; she had found two spells to help me.

First, she had been able to conceal me completely.

The spell would keep me hidden unless I wanted someone to see me.

My heartbeat, my scent, and my presence were all masked.

However, we all knew that if there were detection spells, there was a chance I could be discovered, but it was a risk I was going to take.

The spells would last around twenty-four hours. I needed to get to Delsanra before then, and I would. There was no way I was going to fail her. I just hoped she was okay.

The trees cleared up, and there it was, the large castle of the Coven elders.

That was her second spell, a locator on Delsanra.

Luckily, we had been able to find a hair of hers from her hairbrush, and that was what she had used in the spell.

Luckily, again, Delsanra had had the crystals we needed for the spell.

Raihana and Chris still had tension between them, but I didn’t miss how Raihana was quieter.

I hoped she took my words into account. I didn’t get to talk to Chris properly, but I thanked them both and told them to head home before anyone found out they were missing.

I had brought one of the grimoires with me, one that Raihana said seemed to have the most useful spells that could help us, that I would give to Delsanra.

I was going to find her and get her out of there.

I’m coming, my fiery snowflake... hold out for me…

The tracking spell had led me straight to a mansion that sat amongst the trees, and to my relief, her scent lingered.

I was following it along the side of the house silently when the sound of voices had made me stop dead in my tracks, hoping no one heard or sensed me already.

Night had fallen, and it was past midnight. When did these people sleep?

“…is smart to decide that,” a man was saying.

“But to bring her here? Samson, how do you think I feel with that scum living here?” A woman’s voice riddled with jealousy could be heard. They were talking quietly; no human or witch would have been able to hear it.

“Reginald has a plan. We just need to win her over. Elinai, she is just a pawn in this. Don’t push her too far; we need her,” a man’s cold voice came.

“Fine, but I don’t want her here for long,” the woman complained before I heard footsteps and a door banging.

I frowned as I carried on, following the faint scent that was growing stronger.

My heart was thudding, and my wolf was going crazy.

She was close! I saw an open window and made my way towards it quietly.

The wind was blowing viciously, and although we didn’t feel the cold much, it was below zero degrees.

The windows were icy, and my breath appeared in puffs of white clouds in the air.

I slipped inside, staying as silent as ever, putting my backpack back on as I slowly walked through the room. I opened the door quietly, pausing to listen or see if I could sense anyone nearby. The coast was clear, so I crept out of the room, closing the door behind me.

“I hate her.”

The same woman I had heard moments earlier was speaking to someone, making me stop. Although no one could see me, I could see myself, it felt odd and was unnerving knowing others wouldn’t be able to. Her next words made my anger flare.

“I just wish she’d die... it seems someone above just wants to trouble me by sending that bitch back here.”

“Yes, Mom, I know, but relax. We might be lucky, and she’ll die from pneumonia. There’s no heating on the second floor anyway.” I recognised that voice; it belonged to her so-called sister…

My anger was raging, and the urge to rip them apart threatened to overcome me, but I fought to keep my aura subdued.

Even if I was under a cloaking spell, I had to be careful.

I would get revenge on all those who have hurt her, but for the moment, I needed to reach her.

The second floor… which meant she was at least given a bedroom, even if it was without heating.

I had been worried she was in a prison cell or something.

I silently made my way upstairs, making sure the floor didn’t creak under my feet, and followed her scent. It was clear no one else stayed on that floor; the hall was cast in darkness, and it was indeed colder compared to the lower sections of the house.

The entire house was morbid and dark. Despite the size, it was nothing like the luxurious mansion I had grown up in.

The walls were stone with a few tapestries upon them.

The lower ground floor was paved with stone, yet the stairs were carpeted, and the upstairs halls were wood.

The doors to the rooms were thick, solid oak, and I didn’t miss the many runes carved into the walls.

I wondered for a moment what their uses were, but I guessed that in the same way werewolves have their own lifestyle, magic was a part of a witch’s daily life too.

I could smell them. There were seven other scents in the house besides my kitten’s, but I was only able to focus on hers. My heart raced with every step I took.

I didn’t care what we had to face, I was not leaving here without her.

Delsanra

“So… here you go,” the young man said hesitantly.

Ames… my half-brother. He was fifteen. He had grown a lot and towered above me. He didn’t know how to react upon seeing me, and I wondered if he hated me just as much as the rest of this family did.

“Thank you, Ames,” I said quietly.

I had been bandaged up and sent to Samson’s house. I didn’t consider him family… and I didn’t trust him, but something told me he would obey the Council… or I hoped so at least. But Amoria was there too, and probably Dawson. Just the thought of those two made my stomach churn.

Ames gave a small nod as he looked down at me.

“I’m glad you came home… I wish you had never run away. All this could have been avoided,” he whispered. My heart skipped a beat. What did he mean? He had been there... he saw what had happened. I suddenly felt cold, So they had spelled him too…

“I didn’t run,” I said quietly, but the truth was so far away in my head that I was beginning to forget what actually happened. The false memory that had been placed at the forefront of my mind was taking over, and it almost felt real. Almost.

He ignored my remark, jerking his head towards the room.

“Mother made sure you have clothes and essentials,” he said, opening the door to the bedroom that was supposedly meant to be mine.

It was weird to be given a room when I used to sleep on the floor in the bathroom at the end of the house before I was sold.

What was the purpose of these fake acts of kindness?

I remembered going to that bathroom after a long day.

Sometimes it would stink of urine, and I would find my thin blanket soiled.

Courtesy of Amoria, who used to make the dog piss on my blanket.

On days like those, I had to wash it, leaving me with nothing to protect myself from the bitter cold.

The suffocating feeling of being trapped consumed me.

I just wanted to leave this place. I wanted Rayhan…

his gorgeous grey eyes… the way he looked at me.

I sighed softly. At least he was safe, wherever he was. I wondered how soon he’d forget me. I had been a bitch to him, but what was the point of regretting that now? If I had been kinder, perhaps he’d have gotten more attached. It was better this way. Hopefully, he returned home and was safe.

“Thank you,” I said quietly to the boy I no longer recognised.

He nodded before I closed the door and looked at the room before me. I didn’t trust this or them… Could I perhaps request the Council to move me to a new location? I wasn’t sure, but I could try. I placed the bag they had given me with some bandages and ointment in it down on the bed.

The room itself was simple. A double bed stood against the wall in the centre of the room. A pair of large windows looked out onto the vast forest spread behind the mansion. I walked over to it and looked out. There was no way I’d be able to escape from there. We were on the second floor as well.

There was a wardrobe, a chest of drawers and a small table by the bed.

That was the only furniture in the room.

The single bulb that hung in the centre of the ceiling was bare of any light shade, and the curtains in the window were plain and dark.

A second door led off to the bathroom. I knew the room as I had cleaned the entire house as a child.

A house big enough to house many, yet it had never had any place for me…

and no matter what they gave to me or tried to give, I would never accept this place as my home.

I walked to the wardrobe, pulled it open, and looked at the clothes.

I could tell they were old clothes of Amoria’s; her style hadn’t changed much.

They smelt musty, and I wondered where they had been stored.

I supposed I’d need to wash them first. I looked down at the simple black dress that was given to me at the castle, but my bandages had leaked through.

Apparently, I wasn’t allowed to be healed by a healer witch as my redemption for my crimes.

I scoffed. Fuck you all. I hated how everyone treated me like a pawn in their games. I wasn’t stupid. The Coven surely had a purpose for me; I just didn’t know what it was yet. I took a deep breath, I won’t break . I have fought all my life… and I’d still keep my head high.

I guessed I’d better air something before I wore it.

I took a few items out, shaking them slowly, and winced at the pain that jarred through my back.

My stomach sank as I looked at the items. Everything was rather revealing, and several were backless.

On top of that, they were all summer clothing.

There was nothing for the weather. They had chosen these on purpose, it was no coincidence…

which meant the mother-daughter duo would find some sad amusement in seeing my scars.

Probably to laugh at how ugly I was. Petty little bitches.

“ You are not ugly. Scars do not make you ugly… You’re still the most beautiful woman I have ever seen…”

Rayhan’s words floated into my head, and I smiled slightly.

He really was delusional, sweet and perfect, but still fucking crazy to consider me beautiful.

There was nothing I could have ever given him.

I had nothing; I was nothing. He was an alpha, a strong one at that, and a prince in his own right, someone who deserved every happiness in this world.

He had a heart of gold and deserved the best in all aspects of life.

I pushed the thoughts that threatened to cripple me away. I needed to stay strong.

I looked through the dresser and took out a linen shirt and matching trousers to wear. It was going to be a cold night. There was nothing in here that was suitable for the temperature, but beggars can’t be choosers.

I had just finished patting my back dry after showering.

I needed to apply some ointment, but I felt too weak.

I gingerly slipped the linen cami on, about to sit down on the bed, when the door opened to reveal Elinai.

She stood there looking at me with utter resentment in her eyes.

She hadn’t changed much over the years; she had gained a little weight and had a few more grey hairs than before.

“Well, you’re back. Don’t think that just because we have given you a room that you will be treated like a queen.

Today is your only day of rest. I want you up at dawn.

The High Elder and his family are coming for dinner tomorrow, and there are things that need to be done.

You will cook, and you will clean. You need to earn your keep and pay for everything you have done, along with the stress and trauma you have inflicted upon this family! ” she spat.

“Okay.”

I knew things wouldn’t change. Samson had power now, and with Amoria and Elinai by his side, both of whom were far stronger than I was, if they wanted to treat me like dirt and keep my mouth sealed, they had the power to do so.

“Remember that!” she hissed. I looked at her sharply but said nothing. I hadn’t forgotten the oath I had made to myself when I left this place. I would never forget what this family put me through.

I wasn’t the thirteen-year-old girl who had left this place.

I was a woman who had been through enough crap, an entire lifetime’s worth, and survived it.

I was not going to sit back and take bullshit from anyone.

What was the worst that could happen? I could be killed, but I wasn’t afraid of death. In fact, I’d embrace it with happiness.

“You are useless, worse than trash… I don’t understand why you aren’t dead already,” she hissed, glaring at me.

Her eyes burned into mine, but I refused to look away.

I was still tired and weak from the beating yesterday, but I wouldn’t show it.

Our eyes locked for a good minute. Her powers surged, but I held her gaze until she cursed under her breath and slammed the door shut.

I sighed, tired, gritting my teeth as I dropped onto the bed. It was late afternoon, and I hadn’t eaten anything since before we went to the diner yesterday. I guess I won’t be getting anything tonight either. This place was not home; it never was, and it never will be. Home was…

My heart skipped a beat as I realised what had come to mind. Home is where you were. I understand what you meant that night… I wish I could tell you that.

I never thought I’d ever feel this… but… I miss you.