CHAPTER 4

Nivaan’s POV

I let out a defeated sigh as he wore the clothes given to me by Marx. I didn’t care how I looked but I had to make sure that I was let inside. A delay in meeting would mean a longer stay in Auroville. Why Marx had arranged for a meeting with Alpha Gerard at such a bustling party was beyond me?

My wolf started getting antsy the moment I got out of the cab. I shook off the feeling and walked towards the entrance. While walking past the guards, I was assaulted by a familiar scent, the scent of pine and lemon.

Great! This was exactly what I needed. My fingers clenched into a tight ball. Of all the places in the world did she have to be here?

I was tempted to leave but that would mean that I had accepted defeat. No! I wasn’t going to let Destiny win over my love. I didn’t care if I had a mate. It didn’t lessen the love I had for Valence in any way.

My wolf shifted restlessly. He didn’t like my thoughts. He wanted to claim his mate and mark her. Clenching my jaws clenched, I forced myself to walk through the hall.

I let out a sigh of relief when Marx approach me. I just wanted to get over with this and get the hell out of here.

Marx grasped my hand and led me through the stony path, “Alpha Gerard is waiting for you in the backyard.”

I trotted along, too glad to stay out of this messy party. In the quiet of the backyard, I heard the erratic beating of Gerard’s heart. His breathing was heavy and labored. He was definitely hiding a huge secret.

I signaled Marx to leave with the wave of his hand and walked closer to him, halting only a few steps away from him. “Alpha Gerard! Marx told me about your uncanny demand. I was hoping that you could throw more light on the matter.”

There was a long pause, a snort, and then his conceited voice sounded, “I don’t think you are in a position to ask me questions alpha.”

I shook my head incredulously. Why did everyone underestimate me just because I was blind? I walked around him in a circle, slowly enunciating every word, “You really think I am here because my pack can’t take you in a fight….”

My voice turned colder than frost as I continued, “I can turn your pack to dust with a flick of my hand. I am here because I am curious about your request. Why in the world would you want the antidote when all the poisoned wolves have been either killed or cured.”

I couldn’t help but notice the quickening of his heartbeat when he uttered the words ‘antidote.’

Gerard grabbed my throat and spat, “I don’t think a blind man has the authority to question me!”

The movement was sudden and I couldn’t respond on time causing me to stagger. My eyebrows furrowed and the veins on my forehead throbbed. A sudden surge of power sent a guttural growl through my lips. My wolf was totally pissed at his obstinance and wanted me to rip off his throat.

Gerard’s hands automatically slipped off my shoulders and his knees buckled, submitting reflexively to my authority. He dropped to the ground and sat there with his head bowed.

When Marx heard my furious growl he came rushing. Sensing his presence, I commanded, “I don’t think Alpha Gerard wants to talk to us. You must go and prepare for the...”

“I need your help, Alpha. I need the antidote.” his pleading voice sounded even before I could complete the sentence.

My wolf growled inwardly. He didn’t want to forgive him after his show of defiance. Exhaling forcefully, I said, “You have two minutes to explain your case. I want to get out of here as soon as possible.”

My wolf was getting more and more restless by the minute. He wanted to go near our mate. I didn’t think I could control my wolf for long.

“I wanted to become more powerful than my brother. So, I…,” he exhaled forcefully before continuing, “I took help from a witch and created a few poisoned wolves. But, when they got out of control, she refused to help me.” Gerard spoke in a voice that was barely a whisper.

Damn that b****d! How could he do something like this? I grabbed his throat and lifted him right off his feet as my furious voice echoed, “Do you have any idea what you have done? How can you be so stupid.” My grip around Gerard’s throat tightened as I questioned, “What in the hell did you forsake?”

“W…what do you mean?” Gerard stuttered, gasping for air.

This infuriated me further. I was trying my best not to rip his throat off. Clenching my teeth, I gritted out, “Don’t try my patience, Gerard! I am very close to losing it.”

He gulped and said in a shaking voice, “I promised to give her eleven babies born under the Lupus Constellation.”

Deep lines formed on my forehead, “Why would any witch want babies born under the Lupus constellation?”

I released Gerard causing him to fall to the ground with a thud.

“I don’t know, Alpha. I have never heard anything about the significance of this constellation,” Marx’s thoughtful voice sounded.

I could sense Gerard’s fear. He was probably regretting his decision. When I was busy talking to Marx, he sneaked into the hall.

Marx made a move to go after him but I stopped him, “Let him go. We shouldn’t ruin Alpha Ryanwood’s party. Attack Gerard’s back tomorrow and make it ours. I don’t want to risk the lives of innocent babies.” I commanded as I turned around to leave. However, my steps faltered when I reached the entrance to the hall.

“Keep Gerard alive. He is the only one who can identify the witch,” I called over my shoulders as I walked into the mansion again.

My head throbbed as the loud music rang in his ears. I had forgotten all about my mate but now that I was inside the pull stronger than ever. It was as if I were a kite and she was pulling his string. I walked in the direction of the bar as if he was under some spell.

My wolf swooned as the scent of pine and lemons grew stronger. I had to use every ounce of his willpower to keep my wolf under control.

My teeth clenched and his hands balled into tight fists. I was about to leave when Emilia’s laughter rang in the room. I couldn’t help but move forward to find out what they were discussing…