Page 99 of The Alpha's Bullied Rejected Mate

The secrecy raised Athena’s suspicions, and her curiosity, combined with the lingering ache of missing Marcus, clawed at her.

She needed to see for herself.

Athena slipped away and tried to track Marcus. It was easy for her since she was familiar with him, and luckily, he hadn’t masked his scent.

After all, he had been the one to tell her that all magic leaves a trail if you’re quiet enough to listen.

The trail led her past the outer tents, around the infirmary, to a storage area.

She slipped past the outer perimeter quietly, sticking close to the shadows. Athena approached cautiously, drawing closer to the canvas wall. The sound of voices reached her before she reached a large wooden door.

“She’s strong,” A voice boomed. “But it’s not just that. I think we’re missing something bigger in the picture.

“Xavier Storm may be dead, but the rot in the organization didn’t die with him.”

“Are you saying we’ve been infiltrated?” a voice questioned low and sharp.

Marcus.

“We believe so. Not everyone. But some… some might have been compromised.”

“How so?” Marcus questioned.

“They’ve been acting out of protocol.”

“Have there been any unusual directives from the council?” A voice she recognized as Kieran’s sprang up.

“Nothing we’ve noticed.”

“But if there are hunters that are under the dark influence…”

“Then there must be someone giving them the orders in the organisation,” Marcus concluded.

Athena’s ear sprang up.

Infiltration within the organisation?

Behind the doors, a pause stretched.

“She is powerful enough to be a key. With her magic, we should be able to—” another voice added.

“But can we trust her?” The discussion spiraled among the group.

“She is with us now. She doesn’t have much of a choice.”

“I don’t trust easily either,” Marcus added. “But we will keep her close.”

She heard a rustle of movement inside. Athena leaned in slightly, and suddenly the voices were muffled. She took a breath and began to retreat. She spun around and nearly crashed into a body.

The witch.

She froze.

Aubrey.

She looked nothing like what Athena had expected. Tall and poised, yes—but not threatening. Not in the way demons or even corrupted witches had looked.

Her skin was pale, with long, midnight-colored hair braided neatly down her back, and a face too calm. Too clean. Like she hadn’t just been hunted down by elite hunters.