Sold as the Alpha King’s Breeder

Chapter 24: It's Here

*Xander*

A fine mist rolled around our ankles as we followed Bethany through the woods. She'd been rambling, trying in vain to make sense of what she'd seen. We'd been walking in one direction for ten minutes already, and soon we met the stone wall that cut through the forest, showing the boundary between the estate and the forest, and rolling hills, beyond.

I hated this place. I constantly felt like I was being watched. I was walking behind Lena and Bethany, my eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of movement, or any flash of eyes... but there was nothing.

I also had a sneaking suspicion about Bethany.

I hadn't told Lena what I thought about the situation. She was right about Morhan being involved in some way, that was obvious. Why they would send students back to this place was the real mystery.

Unless, that is, were we some kind of sacrifice to whatever-whoever-was roaming these hills.

"It came this way, I'm sure. There's a break in the wall, just there," Bethany said hurriedly.

Lena looked back at me, a glimmer of apprehension in her eyes. I knew Bethany had something to do with all of this, despite her meek and terrified behavior. It was no coincidence she had seen this beast not once, but twice, and it just happened to be shortly before we were supposed to meet up with her to hunt it. I didn't think she was the creature, no. But I knew she was attempting to lead us into a trap.

I also knew she was an unwilling cog in the wheel. She didn't want to do this. I didn't want to have to kill her, but I would, if it meant saving my life, and Lena's.

I had it all planned out. Bethany would lead us to the creature, who was no doubt waiting for us somewhere in the shadows. I'd kill it, then Bethany if I had to. We wouldn't return to the farm. I'd already packed our things, and hidden what files and samples of the blood root I'd taken away where no one could find them other than myself. Lena had been so caught up in the fact that we were going to chase this thing that she didn't notice that her duffle bag was now stuffed with all of her belongings.

I'd take Lena to the Alpha of Breles, not the Alpha of Crimson Creek, who was most likely involved in all of this in some way. Then, well, if the Alpha of Breles refused to act, I'd be forced to subject Lena to the truth she was hiding from-a truth I'd known from the very, very beginning.

"We need to cross the wall," Bethany stammered.

"No, we don't. You said it came this way, and we'll wait here for it. It'll come back. It hunts at night, right?" I replied, giving Bethany a sharp look.

She looked scared out of her mind, but she nodded nonetheless. Lena shifted her weight in front of me, giving me a cold look for my sharp tone toward Bethany.

"We'll hide in this thicket near the wall. We won't be seen. We wait until sunrise. If we don't see it again, we'll try again tomorrow night," I lied. I meant to incapacitate Bethany before the sun began to come up and drag Lena to the train station by force.

But there was a crunching sound in the woods to our left, then something running through the trees. I narrowed my eyes, catching a glimpse of two yellow eyes in the darkness.

It was only a rabbit.

Bethany, however, looked as though she was about to faint. Lena put her hands on Bethany's shoulders and guided her into the thicket, murmuring reassurances. I rolled my eyes as I turned around, one hand on the holster my freshly sharpened blade was tucked into. Lena was letting me lead, at least.

Several hours passed. Lena fell asleep, which I was thankful for, her head lolling as she fought the fatigue that was setting into her bones. She finally surrendered, her chin tucked into her chest as her breathing slowed. I glanced over at Bethany, who was sitting wide eyed, her back against the wall.

her head to me, eyeing me with fear linging behind her gaze.

Lena as she made her way toward me. I motioned for her to sit on the other side of me, so I was still close enough to Lena I could reach out and grab her in an instant if I

know what you're thinking," Bethany whispered, her voice barely audible.

know exactly what's happened at the farm, don't you? You've known

to end,"

need to tell me the truth. All of it. Don't think I won't use

swallowed hard, gathering her thoughts. "Maxwell isn't who he says he is. You've never been to the manor, but I have. Multiple times. He... he trusts me. He trusts me because it's obvious I'm scared of him, Xander. His house is... the people that live there; his servants and maids... they're old, but still young. No one has ever lived in that house

three hundred years old, if I'm correct

corrected. "He's two hundred

"That's impossible-"

I thought too. But he drinks it... the blood root.

to say about Maxwell. I didn't like the way he'd been looking at Lena, or how he had invited her

"I don't remember-"

you mean you

to her chest, her fingers digging into her jeans until her knuckles turned white. "None of this is real,

"No-"

f*cking loop. This town... nothing ever changes. There are no children, right? Not that I've ever seen. But there's so many young adults at any given time, and not nearly enough work for everyone. I can't remember my life before three years ago. I just... I look back, and my farthest memory is working in the

the hell are you

doesn't exist," she whispered, closing her

for a moment, watching the pained expression dance across

nonsense. Lena and I both arrived here, by the train. Lena went

"The train... that's how-"

grimaced, my eyes watering as I blinked through the moisture and peered through the thicket at the woods, seeing and hearing nothing but

side are you on?"

"Yours-" Bethany shakily replied.

know who Lena is, do

a nearly inaudible sob. "That's why she's here. You have to understand, Xander. I'm not-I'm not drawing you

"How do you know?"

to look at me, her eyes glistening with tears. She didn't have a chance to respond, however. I felt an overwhelming sensation that we were being watched, and

this thing, Bethany?" I asked, not bothering

to be like us," she cried,

wide, staring at Bethany and I with a shocked expression. "You let me fall asleep?"

your voice

but I couldn't leave Lena behind. She was too young to know her wolf. I