billion book
56
He was here. He has already arrived at Shadowvale.
Naya stood nervously by the door as her hands shook, the same man that had her whole pack killed and murdered her parents had come.
Magnus had arrived.
She still couldn’t fathom why Rhys allowed him to come.
She prayed silently she was not going to get busted. And her sister was not yet back from whatever trip she had with Vlad.
“What are you Naya, you should welcome my guest” Rhys suddenly appeared from behind her as he held a smug look on his face.
Naya stiffened as Rhys’ cold voice cut through the air like a knife.
Her heart pounded like a drum against her chest, and she forced herself to smile, plastering a fake grin on her face.
She turned to face Magnus, her hands shaking as she tried to hide the terror coursing through her veins.
“Welcome to Shadowvale, Alpha Magnus,” she said, her voice quavering despite her best efforts to remain calm. “I hope your journey was pleasant.”
Magnus surveyed her with narrowed eyes, his face an unreadable mask.
“Yes, it was. Ms….” He drew out trying to get her name.
“Claire” she chimed in as Rhys gave her a sharp glare. Why was she lying about her name?
“Nice to meet you, Ms Claire.” He extended his hand for a handshake which Naya politely refused.
He was a murderer and she could see herself exchanging handshakes with him.
“Nice to meet you too, Alpha Magnus,” Naya said, her voice laced with feigned politeness.
As she refused his handshake, Magnus’ eyes flickered with surprise and annoyance.
“Oh, I see,” he said, his tone measured and icy. “I suppose my reputation precedes me.”
Naya swallowed hard, her gaze darting to Rhys who remained silent, his expression unreadable.
“Have we by chance ever met?” He asked curiously as Naya’s heart jumped.
Naya’s mind raced as Magnus’ question hung in the air like a loaded gun.
Her pulse quickened, her heart thumping against her ribcage like a caged bird desperate for freedom.
“I don’t believe so, Alpha Magnus,” she replied, her voice steady despite the fear churning in her stomach.
“I would certainly remember if we had met.”
Magnus’ eyes narrowed as if he could sense the deception in her words. “Hmm,” he said, his lips curling into a tight smile.
“Perhaps I’m mistaken. Though you do remind me of someone.
“I will ask one of my men to show you around. We can discuss why you’re here for later” Rhys finally said as Naya sighed out in relief.
Naya watched as Rhys stepped forward, his presence dominating the room like a malevolent shadow.
“Lead the way..” Rhys said to Magnus who flashed a grin at him.
Naya was about to walk away when Rhys grabbed her by her wrist.
“What are you hiding from me??” He asked, his voice now cold.
“What are you saying?” Naya stuttered in fear.
“I know you know Magnus. Tell me the truth Naya. Why were you found injured the day you were brought here?” He asked. He always knew she was hiding something, but he never wanted to pry too much.
Naya’s eyes widened in panic as Rhys tightened his grip on her wrist, his piercing gaze boring into her soul.
Her mind raced for an excuse, a plausible lie that would satisfy Rhys’ suspicion. But the truth was a sharp blade, ready to slice through her carefully constructed web of deceit.
“I-I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she stammered, her voice trembling.
“I was injured by a pack of rogues. They attacked me while I was traveling. I-I don’t know Alpha Magnus.”
“Lies. Tell. Me everything.” Rhys demanded, something dangerous flashing through his eyes and Naya knew better than to lie.
“All right then. He massacred my pack!!” She suddenly blurted out.
Naya’s confession hung in the air like a toxic cloud, poisoning the already tense atmosphere. Rhys’ eyes hardened, his jaw clenched as he released her wrist.Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.
“What did you say?” he growled, his voice low and menacing.
Naya didn’t flinch, her eyes blazing with anger as she met Rhys’ gaze head-on.
“Magnus, he killed my pack. He slaughtered them like animals. My parents, my friends, everyone I loved. My sister and I were the only ones who escaped, barely alive.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” He asked, his voice low.
“How was I supposed to tell you? You’re a vampire and you hate werewolves. If I had said something you could have killed me” she muttered in a low voice.
“You think I would kill you for something that isn’t your fault?” Rhys snapped, his temper flaring.
“You think I’m some heartless monster who would punish you for being a victim of a monster like Magnus?”
Naya’s chest heaved, her breath quick and shallow as she tried to find the right words.
“I-I’m sorry,” she stammered. “I didn’t know what you would do. I didn’t want to risk it.”
Rhys shook his head, his eyes flashing with disappointment.
“You should have trusted me” his voice was low.
“I…I..” Naya stammered, suddenly at a loss for words.
“Magnus is not a good man. He only needs your alliance to destroy more innocent packs”
“I never liked him seriously,” Rhys sighed, shaking his head meaningfully.
“I knew it! You’re Naya. That Alpha’s daughter. I knew you were lying about your identity. So this is where you’ve been hiding all this while” Magnus suddenly appeared out of nowhere as Rhys rolled his eyes.
He was going to kill the fucker.
“Well, well, well, look what we have here,” he sneered, his eyes shifting from Naya to Rhys.
“The little werewolf princess all grown up, hiding under the nose of a bloodsucker.”
Naya’s breath caught in her throat, her eyes darting between Rhys and Magnus, fear mingling with defiance in her soul.
“Shut up. Fucker!” Rhys glared at him as a punch landed on Magnus’ face.