My Alpha’s Betrayal: Burning In The Flames Of His Vengeance by Moonlight Muse

25. A Coaward’s Words YILEYNA

His apology had shaken me, but it wasn‘t the words he spoke that had gotten to me, it was the emotion in it, the pain in his eyes and the obvious regret. It gave me some clarity. Even when Ailema had comforted me, I realised Theon was also suffering, far more than he showed. I had wanted to go to him, but my own emotions had overwhelmed me, the pain I felt... how could I still care for him despite what he had done? Even if he regretted it and was misguided, it confused me. There was pain and love within me, paired with the intense desire to pounce upon him.

I needed to control myself. This hunger for his physical touch was beginning to scare me, and although I wondered if another man‘s touch would help, I couldn‘t do it.

He consumed my heart and mind.

The following day, the mention of that apology was not brought up again, but I felt a bit lighter. I just wish I had Mom or Dad‘s view on things, what would they advise me? Deep down I knew the answer to that, my parents had raised me well but I just wish they were here.

We had arrived at Eastcourt, and despite it being a big city, it was not as welcoming or busy as Westerfell. We split from the crew and Theon, and I made our way towards Lochfox.

We had cloaks on and had our hoods up. Thanks to Flynn‘s distraction, we were able to sneak away with the help of heavy fog.

We had travelled by foot, and we were away from the city, I glanced over at Theon frowning. I had suggested shifting twice, but he had refused. “I don‘t think a bright white wolf with a fluffy tail is going to blend in.” He remarked after the third time I suggested it.

“Oh really? Or are you just afraid that I‘ll be faster?” I challenged. “The fog will hide us.”

“We travel by foot.”

I frowned and came to a stop.

“We are wasting time, Theon.”

“Then shall we take horses?” He shot back, his irritation rising.

I was about to argue when I frowned, turning and looking up at him sharply. “Is it because you are unable to shift?” I asked, stopping in my tracks. His heart skipped a beat, it was slight and his face remained almost the same, but I had caught it.

“I just don‘t want to–“.

I cut him off, placing a finger to his lips as my gaze dipped to his chest.

“Theon... how are you not healing?” I asked, frowning as I grabbed his shirt, ready to push it up, only for him to stop me.

His grip on my wrist was tight yet not painful.

“I‘m fine, it‘s just a small injury. We carry on, on foot.” He growled.

“I want to see it. How did it happen?”

Our eyes met and I could see he was mulling it over. “As I said, let it go, we are wasting time.” “No. We are wasting time because you are behaving stubbornly. Stop being so childish, Theon!” I snapped, my frustration growing.

His eyes flashed gold as he glared at me. “Fine. It happened when you rejected me.”

My eyes flew open in shock as I stared at him in sheer surprise. I felt as if someone had just slapped me across the face.

The memory of that moment returned to me, finding out the truth about my parents and then losing it. I had dug my nails into him and ripped through his chest, with the aim to kill... So all this time, he hadn‘t healed?

stomach lurched as I pulled free from his hold, lifting his shirt up to reveal the bandages that were wrapped around his entire torso. The faint pink that was already staining the

thumped as I looked him over. “I’m fine, it‘s healing, just a

heal already?” I muttered, worry and fear filling me. He pulled away forcefully, yanking his top down.

he knew we were wasting time. “A siren‘s touch in rage is.” “Death.” I whispered, my heart

Death.

“I deserved it, now shall we carry on walking?” He asked me pointedly. 1 I frowned, wanting to see the wounds, but I didn‘t push it. “How about I shift, and you can ride on my back?” I suggested. 2 He stared at me as if I had just grown another head. “Not happening.” 2 “What‘s wrong with that?” I

“No.”

and injuries. “What is it?” He asked, noticing the change in

but I could tell something wasn‘t right. Theon was frowning deeply as he looked around at the rundown buildings. Some looked charred by fir,e and others were extremely ill–kept. The further into

times, we once had some of our people here. There was

think they have gone?” I

know, but I intend to find out.” His reply was cold, and I could sense

no one had been here in a while. “I don‘t think

shot out and he grabbed my wrist,

“Careful.” .

his body felt, and looked away as we continued, but his hand didn‘t leave my waist. Theon led the way further in, he clearly had a goal in mind. But with each passing minute, my worry for his sister was growing. I just hoped she

condition than the rest of the town, but the puffs of smoke from the

His smile vanished upon seeing Theon, who pushed his way inside. “May

he turned to the man, I shut the

came here to find my sister, only to find that there‘s no sign of any of the

father not tell you where she is?” He asked keenly, almost curiously. I frowned, as Theon looked at him sharply. “He

does he know you have come here?” The man

tremble

he so

do with anything, Cadoran?”

I promised, giving him a gentle smile.

a small grimace, that I was certain was meant to be a smile. The suspicion didn‘t vanish from his eyes, although he let

all, you are my alpha.” Cadoran bowed to Theon, making me frown. “But I didn‘t

he

as he stared at the man, about to walk over to him when I stepped in front of him, placing a hand on Theon’s chest, shaking my head slightly. Our eyes me and he frowned, despite obeying me and staying in his spot. I didn‘t move away, turning to Cadoran once more. “Will you tell us everything that happened here?” “Wh–who are you, my lady?” He asked, taking out a handkerchief. Fear filled the room as the terrified man looked at me and wiped his forehead. There was nothing to hide. “I am Yileyna De‘Lacor, daughter of this kingdom and the heart of Kaeladia. We have come for answers, Cadoran, to fix the wrongs of the kings before us and we need to know anything you can tell us. It is obvious you are

looking up at the man I loved and thought I hated. Somehow that

wouldn‘t trust him, my queen.” He

attempt

So, if you can tell me what has happened here for the last two years, I would appreciate it.”

sit down; it is a long story.” He said quietly, his eyes shadowed. I looked up at Theon, only to realise I still had my hand on his chest and was right up against him. My heart skipped a beat and I slowly moved away.

like tea?” “No, thank you.” I declined politely, giving him a smile. He took a deep breath, putting distance between himself and Theon as he sat on a stool near

always been a lone wolf living on the edge of the territory, not wanting trouble, you know that Alpha Theon. After all, the pack‘s ways were not for me...” He cast a furtive look at Theon, who remained silent. “After you left... your father‘s ways became more obvious, with you gone there was no front to put up. He pulled back the search parties for that wretched siren who killed our Luna. He said our focus was on getting stronger... Even though we were growing, we weren‘t enough. He wanted an army, one that would be far more powerful than any other,

and sadness filled them, making the man look older

“Them?” Theon asked sharply.

“Our women.” 1

at him stunned, as silence fell in the room, but Theon‘s heart was thundering louder than ever. I took his hand in mine, trying to calm the raging aura that now erupted