Chapter 8: Unwelcome voices

Elyse's POV

I felt a little better this morning, though the ache still persisted.

For the first time in my life, I had been shot, and not with just any bullet—a silver bullet. If it had pierced any of my bones, I would not be sitting here today. Silver in a vital organ was instant death for a werewolf the second it came into contact with it.

Luckily, it had gone through muscle only.I was lying there, half asleep still, when I felt someone probing my wound.

I thought maybe it was the doctor examining my healing, but something felt wrong. My wolf senses detected a creepy energy—this person had bloodlust.

This was not a social call.

Stephen's voice snapped me out of my thoughts before I could dive deeper.

"Hey, Elyse.".I watched him enter the clinic, relief etched in his features.

"Hello, Stephen," I said to him weakly.

He regarded me for a second, taking note that I sat up and looked far better compared to earlier on.

"You heal faster than a normal beta," he said, his voice half surprised, half query.

I smiled back weakly.

"Where I came from, we learn how to survive against all odds."

But as I looked at him, I saw something—something in his eyes.

Something was wrong.

"What is wrong?" I asked. "Hope your men are ready for a rescue mission I added."

Stephen's face darkened, and he shook his head.

I raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean, no?"

He ran a hand through his hair and let out a sigh.

"Jane," he said point-blank."

What about her?"

"She told me that Peter will not kill Kael."

I stared at him in disbelief.

"And you believed her?"

Stephen didn't say anything immediately, which continued to infuriate me.

"You're going to just sit here and wait?

"How in the world is he going to get out on his own?"

He was silent.

I clenched my fists harder, the annoyance growing inside me.

"We cannot rely on just one vision. You can wait if you want, but I don't think I have that patience."

Stephen's eyes narrowed. "Elyse, don't be ridiculous—"

"I don't have time to wait around in the hopes that Kael finds his way back,"

I interrupted him.

My clan's survival rests on him."Stephen's jaw clenched, but he didn't stop me."

I don't care what Jane says," I went on, my voice resolute. "I'm going after him.

Even if it means I have to lay down my life, I will.

As long as he's safe, it'll be worth it.

"Stephen looked conflicted, but by then I had stopped caring.

Kael would not abandon my people. Nor would I abandon Kael.

"Your people, huh?"

My sentence was cut short by a fast, mocking voice that I did not have to turn to know who it was—Selena. From the way she spoke, it was clear she had been listening to our conversation from outside the clinic.

"Selena,"

Stephen's voice was firm as he faced her. "What are you doing here again?"

She flicked her hand dismissively.

"The sooner you get it through that rigid head of yours that I'm your future Luna, the better. Don't ask me any useless questions."

I had met her before, and Isabella had already warned me against her.

But now, face-to-face, I could see the anger in her eyes.

She continued, her voice rising as she took another step closer.

"I've been asking around. Who are you? Nobody seems to know who you are or where you're from. Kael brought you here, so now you think that makes you invincible?"

I shook my head quickly.

"I'm sorry, ma'am. I don't mean to make you uneasy.

I'm just here because Alpha Kael wishes me to be here.

"But inside my head, I was thinking differently. Why am I lowering myself to her level? She is not even the luna, and yet everyone keeps saying she's Kael's betrothed mate. I have never seen him mark her or even claim their bond. But I already messed up at the warehouse—I do not need another drama that will get Kael angry or disappointed in me.

Selena's scoff snapped me out of my thoughts.

"Shut your dirty mouth," she snapped. "I didn't say, 'Who wants you here?' I asked, 'Who are you?'

"I swallowed my irritation and replied calmly, "I'm sorry, but that's not for me to answer. Only Alpha Kael can."

A scowl darkened her features, and I knew a storm had brewed in her eyes.

Stephen cut her off before she could say anything more.

"Selena, knock it off," he said firmly but calmly. "We have bigger issues right now.

Elyse is in Alpha Kael's care; her being here isn't your issue."

Selena rolled her eyes, folding her arms. "Oh, I remember now. You are the kid who did that little trick during training just for attention, aren't you?" She eyed me up and down disdainfully.

"Well, don't worry—I'm not interested in you… yet.

"Then she turned to Stephen again."

I'm actually here to see the seer.

I need to talk to her. Privately.

Stephen's face was set in determination.

"I'm sorry, but I can't let you do that.

"Selena visibly bristled. "Why not?

"Giving no inch, " he repeated, "She's not around."

Her face widened in absolute surprise.

"What?! What exactly do you mean she's not here?"

Her voice snapped. "Where is she?"

Glaring between him and me in irritation, anger creased between her eyebrows.

"She is not allowed off this mansion! Not until Kael returns."

Stephen did not flinch at her tirade. "She is not a prisoner, Selena," he said gruffly.

"She belongs to no world of ours, and we have no right to detain her against her will."

Selena tightened her teeth. "She is much more important than this brat here.

She might get killed.

"Then it will be on Kael," Stephen cut in.

"Not you.

He promised to keep her safe, and unless you wish to incur his wrath, I suggest you stop acting like you own the place.

"With an angry hiss, Selena dug her fingernails into her palms.

She spun on her heels, a slicing glance thrown around the room, before stalking out of the clinic, her heels loud on the floor.

The moment she was gone, I let out a heavy sigh of relief.

The tension in the room then dissipated, and I looked at Stephen.

"Has Kael claimed her as his mate yet?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me. Stephen shook his head.

"No. And to be honest, I hope he doesn't."I frowned.

"Why? Isn't she supposed to be his fated mate?"He let out a tired sigh.

"She was raised to be cutthroat, and she has a manipulative streak that really doesn't mesh with Kael's personality.

In my opinion, they are total opposites."

"So, why are they engaged?"

I pressed on.Stephen's expression clouded a little. "It was an arrangement by Kael's father, before his death. Her clan possesses resources we need, and Kael stands to lose their support if he says no."

"So, he's caught up in some political mess?Stephen nodded. "More or less."

I moved on. "Where's Jane?"

"Stephen eased a tad. 'She went home. She was anxious about her brother, and no matter how many times I told her he was okay, she wouldn't budge. Kael already sent out some of our men to quietly watch over him in case Peter tries anything.'"

I bit my lip. "And you believe her visions regarding Kael?"

Stephen met my gaze defiantly. "Yes. I know you're doubting, but hear me out—Peter isn't going to kill him. Kael's too strong. He could take down twenty trained werewolves by himself if he needed to."

I inhaled deeply, still apprehensive. "Even so, we can't just do nothing."

"Stephen placed a hand on my shoulder. 'I know how you feel, but Jane told me Kael will be okay. Right now, your safety is the most important thing. We can't do anything until you're back to full strength. Peter knows Kael has connections to several werewolf packs, and if they all united to help him, Peter wouldn't stand a chance. That's why he'll be watchful. We must be smart about this.'"

I nodded, understanding his reasoning. "So we wait."

"Yes," Stephen said. "We wait until you're fully recovered. Then we act."