CHAPTER 3 - Over my dead body.

ZADOK

“It's either you pledge your loyalty to this pack or you face the consequences of entering my territory.” I told her with all seriousness, “and of course, you should know that no witch is permitted to live in my pack.” I reminded her casually.

She didn't utter a word, her tired eyes skimmed through me like I was nothing and her nonchalance got on my nerves.

My wolf urged me to slit off her neck, end things here and go to the dark forest myself. But I knew better.

If she was the chosen one, I'd rather have her do the dirty work and kill her afterwards, than risking failure by embarking on the journey alone.

“I'll take it that you don't have an answer for me. However, I expect an answer soon. Consider it carefully and in a few days, I expect your answer.” I finally said, finding my way back to Azriel who stood at the door, ready to kill if need be.

“I will never be loyal to you.” A small voice filled the air, Ithra’s voice.

Despite its groggy state, I could feel the intensity and determination packed behind it. I turned around, unable to hide my distaste.

“I suggest you seriously consider your choices before making hasty decisions, witch.” I lashed, “You are in a bit of a tight corner right now, and if I were you, I'd apply wisdom to my decisions.”

“I will never pledge my loyalty to you, or to this pack. Let me go!” She gritted, eyes ablaze.

“Over my dead body.” I replied, meaning every word. I could tell she knew it too. “And I'm not dying anytime soon, Ithra.” I added smugly, her name rolled off my tongue like fine silk.

“She will remain under close supervision.” I said through the mind link and Azriel nodded in answer. “Athaliah, she is under your custody, I don't want mistakes.”

I said to Athaliah, and with that, we headed out of the prison, leaving the witch to her devices.

****

While I worked in my office, I couldn't get the picture of Ithra away from my mind. Something about her left me replaying our little interaction over and over again in my mind.

I needed a distraction, something that'll take off the stress from my shoulders, and I knew just the perfect solution. Relaxing on my chair, I sent for Athaliah via mind link.

Within a few minutes, my door opened and she sashayed towards me with a sultry smile. My wolf growled in disapproval but I shut him off with another potion down my throat.

I knew what I was doing was all shades of wrong, but I couldn't help it. Athaliah knew what it was for me, she knew I was still committed to finding my mate, and she also knew I was a man with needs.

Needs that couldn't wait until I figured out how to break the curse. I didn't need to say a word before she captured my lips in a kiss. Athaliah was one hell of a kisser.

My arms groped her and just when I was getting into it, she pulled back. It took a minute for me to get oriented, and I shot up my eyebrow in question.

“We need to talk.” She finally said, sitting on my table and caressing my beard.

I wasn't comfortable with whatever the fuck was going on but I decided to play along.

“What is it this time?” I retorted, praying to the gods above that it was something short of drama. I didn't have the time to play listener, I had a ton of work to attend to.

“I heard that the witch is the neutral one.” She said with a pout.

Her words caught my attention. Just how many people knew I'd secured the neutral one?

“Who told you?” I asked, grabbing her by the arm. My tone was taut and desperate.

“Let me go, that hurts!” She cried and I let go of her arm instinctively.

“I'm sorry.” I apologised, but didn't relent. “How did you know that?”

She huffed, “I am your third in command, Zadok. Do you really think I wouldn't find out the identity of the prisoner kept under my care? Of course I did my research.” she answered with an eye roll.

I let out a sigh of relief. Truly, Athaliah took her job seriously, she always delivered exceptionally and it was no surprise that she wanted to know what she was up against.

“True, and that's why I left her in your custody. Her identity as the Neutral one must be safeguarded at all times.” I said, meaning every word.

Athaliah was not satisfied, “But why?” She asked, “why are you hell bent on breaking the curse and finding your mate? I mean, you're a powerful alpha and you are within your rights to select a mate in the next mating ceremony, why are you so keen on finding your real mate?”

“And what's that supposed to mean?” I asked, putting some space between us. I didn't like how this conversation was going.

“Oh come on, Zadok.” She drew closer to me, “You and I know that you will be fine with or without your mate. I make you happy just fine and I have alpha blood flowing through my veins. What else could you possibly want in a mate?”

She finished up with a pout, batting her eyes as she trailed a finger down my chest. I stopped her hands mid way.

“Let this be the last time you utter such stupidity.” I spoke with a low growl, fighting the urge to push her away. “Because the next time you do, I'll show you your place in the cruellest possible way. Am I clear?”

It seemed like I wasn't clear enough because she continued with her nonsense. “Why are you giving these witches a hedge over you? For all we know, you might not even be cursed! Your wolf acting out might just mean your real mate has been killed. Do you-”

I cut her off by cutting short her breathing. My fists tightened around her neck, leaving her no room to talk as I strangled her till she was red in the face.

“Do not test me, Athaliah. You may be my third in command, but you are very much replaceable.” I let her go and she wheezed in some breaths, panting heavily. “Get out of my office.” I barked, using my Alpha tone.

I was done with her.

“I'm so sorry, Zadok.” She said with a sombre tone, but I knew she was far from sorry.

“It's Alpha to you. Now, get out.”