Brewing Vengeance

Brewing Vengeance

\-Blake-

My heart jolted, strength surging from nowhere as Matilda's body hit the floor, her collapse shaking me to my core.

Why did she risk so much? I leapt from the bed, my legs unsteady but driven, my voice raw as I shouted.

"Matilda, stay with me!" My arms scooped her up, her weight light against my chest, my steps quick as I laid her on the bed, my hands trembling.

The doctor rushed in, his movements swift, checking her pulse, his eyes focused. My breath held, fear gripping me, the coincidence of her saving me only to fall feeling like a cruel twist of fate.

The doctor turned, his voice calm. "She's exhausted but will recover with rest." Relief flooded me, my shoulders easing, but his gaze shifted, curiosity sparking.

"Alpha, how did you wake? The elders were here, but…" I cut him off, my tone firm, my finger pointing to Matilda.

"She saved me. Ensure she's cared for." My Alpha presence commanded respect, and everyone, Jaxon, Sofia, the elders, bowed, their heads low.

My heart swelled, gratitude mixing with resolve. "Thank you all for your support," I said, my voice steady, my eyes meeting Jaxon's in a silent nod of trust.

Why does Sofia look so guarded? I approached her, my steps deliberate, my face composed as I hugged her, my voice a low whisper.

"Thanks for everything, even what's hidden. I see your impact." My words were sharp, laced with suspicion, my certainty of her role in the attack burning.

She smiled, masking her unease, her voice soft. "I'm just glad you're back." I pulled away, my gaze cold, knowing she understood my warning.

Elder Zach spoke, his tone cautious, bowing slightly. "We're relieved you're well, Alpha, but we must discuss her." His eyes flicked to Matilda, and I nodded, my smile brief.

"When I'm fully recovered." My tone was final, my authority clear. I turned to Aunt Helen, standing alone, her presence steady.

"Thank you for guiding her and saving me," I said, sincerity in my eyes, my voice warm.

She smiled, her tone gentle. "All thanks to Matilda. She risked her life for you." Her words hit deep, my heart stirring, a smile spreading.

She doesn't see me as a monster anymore. Sofia's irritated glance caught my eye, her jealousy evident, my satisfaction growing.

The elders left, their steps quiet, and Sofia spoke, her voice overly sweet. "You need a home-cooked meal. I'll prepare something." Her words were a claim, a jab at aunty Helen, but my anger flared, my patience gone.

"No need, Sofia. I'm not hungry," I said, my tone firm, emotionless, dismissing her. She forced a smile, her voice tight.

"I'll check on you later." She left, her steps quick, and I turned to Jaxon, my voice low.

"Watch Sofia closely. Report her every move." He nodded, exiting swiftly, leaving me with Helen and Matilda, still unconscious.

My heart ached, concern rising. "Is she truly okay?" I asked Helen, my eyes searching hers. She stepped closer, her voice soft.

"She used nearly all her strength to heal you, a risky love spell."

My brow furrowed, curiosity spiking. "Love spell?"

She nodded, her tone grave. "It works only if both hearts are in love. She gambled, unsure of your feelings." My heart raced, realization dawning.

She loves me? Her scent, her pull, it all makes sense. I turned to Matilda, my gaze softening, my feelings clear.

Helen's voice broke through, cautious. "May I speak freely, Alpha?"

I nodded, my tone open. "Of course." Her eyes sharpened, her question direct.

"You're betrothed to another. What of Matilda?" My breath caught, the question unexpected, my mind unprepared.

Choosing her means war, but I can't lose her. "I'll figure it out and protect her," I said, my voice reassuring, my resolve firm.

Helen's gaze hardened, her tone urgent. "Whatever you decide, keep her safe." I nodded, understanding the weight of her words, the war choosing Matilda would bring, a fate facing me.

★★★

\-Sofia-

Fury coursing through me as I stormed out of the hospital, my heels clicking sharply on the pavement, my hands clenching tightly as I reached the car park.

Blake's blatant affection for Matilda burned in my mind, his whispered accusation and dismissal a slap to my pride.

How dare he flaunt her in front of me? The insult stung, not just to me but to my father's legacy and our pack's honor.

My ambition to be Luna, to stand beside Blake, felt threatened, the revelation of Matilda's hunter powers twisting my plans into knots.

She's no ordinary rival, she's dangerous. The coincidence of her strength emerging now, when I thought I'd won, felt like a cruel trick of fate, pushing me to act swiftly.

I need a new plan, and fast. My fingers fumbled for my phone, my pulse racing, but a sudden chill stopped me, my senses prickling.

Someone's watching. I spun around, my eyes scanning the lot, searching for any sign of prying eyes, but found only silence, the air still.

My breath steadied, my paranoia easing, and I slid into my car, my hands gripping the wheel as I dialed a number, my voice urgent when the call connected.

"Dad, I'm coming home tomorrow," I said, my tone sharp, leaving no room for questions.

His voice came, calm but probing. "Slow down, Sofia. What's happening?"

My anger flared, my words biting. "Blake's acting strange because of a girl."

My father's tone hardened, his disappointment clear. "My daughter can't handle one human girl?"

I gritted my teeth, my voice low. "I tried, but she's not human. She's a hunter, a powerful one." Silence followed, heavy, my heart pounding as I waited.

"Dad, are you there?" I asked, worry creeping in, my fingers tightening on the phone.

His voice returned, firm, decisive. "Don't come home. I'll be there tomorrow morning. I need to see this hunter." The call ended abruptly, his resolve fueling mine, my determination surging.

He'll handle her. I leaned back, my eyes narrowing, my heart set on victory.

"Matilda, I'll never lose Blake to you or anyone. Whoever stands in my way, I'll crush to dust," I whispered angrily to myself.