Chapter 76 Time Is Running Out
"During our trip to Europe, Martin formed an alliance with Alpha Asher, Mae's brother from the Greenfield Pack. Asher is the 101st Alpha, prepared by Martin for himself after being cured," Lee revealed, his voice a low murmur.
"Martin invited Alpha Asher to Los Angeles for Mae and Alpha Ellis's Luna Ceremony. Now Alpha Asher is likely drugged and unconscious in the medical center already."
Alicia, her heart quickening, absorbed the weight of Lee's revelation. The pieces of the puzzle began to click together. "Why Asher? What does Martin need from him?"
"It is estimated by Arthur that the shift powers from 100 Alphas can cure Martin's tumor. After he had used Tobias’ shifter power, theoretically he still needs 99 alpha's of shapeshifting power."
"But he was no longer satisfied with just curing his tumor. His doctor modified and upgraded Nora's machine to rejuvenate the elders using shifting power. That’s the Martin's plan."
"In fact, I planned to release Alpha Asher secretly. But I’ve decided to save you since I knew Martin planned to extract your shift power," Lee explained, his eyes reflecting the gravity of the situation.
"When is he planning the Luna Ceremony for Ellis and Mae?" Alicia questioned, her mind racing as she digesting Martin’s plan.
"Tonight. This full moon night," Lee responded, the urgency in his voice resonating through the room. "Martin has summoned the rest 48 Alphas under the Golden Moon Pack to the St.Crescent Medical Center. He used the Luna Ceremony between Ellis and Mae as the pretext. They had no doubts and gathered directly in Los Angeles yesterday."
Alicia's heart sank. She never expected Martin would be so evil to use the guise of a joyous celebration to gather those alphas.
"Allie, time is running out, hand over Upper Moon Ring. Martin needs it. You can't fight Martin and save Tobias and Ellis on your own," Lee urged.
"I know I seem insignificant against Martin's strength, but Tobias is my mate, and I trust him. He won’t be defeated by Martin easily. And I have something very important to tell him." Alicia said.
Lee, conflicted, listened as Alicia revealed a crucial piece of information.
"Actually, I may know how to save Martin without sacrificing 100 alphas’ shifting powers," Alicia asserted, her eyes filled with unwavering determination.
Surprise flickered in Lee's eyes. "What do you mean?"
"But Lee, I need your help. Please help me save Tobias, Ellis, and Mae. Help me stop Martin before it's too late."
Alicia revealed, "It was enough to simply transfer my shapeshifting power to Martin. I possess a unique healing ability after my shapeshifting. It removes toxins, viruses and harmful bacteria from the body. That's why the paralyzing agent Martin injected had no effect on me. I believe my healing ability should be effective against cancer cells as well."
In the dimly lit room, Alicia's revelation hung in the air like a delicate thread of hope.
However, Lee firmly refused. "No way. It's a risky suggestion."
"Transferring your powers to Martin would make you vulnerable. You heard what I just said, losing shift power would make you would become weaker than an Omega or even a healthy human. Martin won't hesitate to kill you if your healing powers don't work."
Alicia met Lee's gaze with determination. "I understand the risks, Lee. But I can't stand by while Tobias and my friends are in danger. My healing ability might be the key to saving them all. I believe it can work against Martin's tumor."
"We’re friends, right? Can you trust me?" Alicia asked. There was a sincerity in her eyes that Lee couldn't deny.
Lee paced the room, his mind in turmoil. If he helped Alicia, it would mean he had betrayed Martin once again. But he couldn't bear the thought of Martin continuing to hurt innocent young generations.
He stopped and faced Alicia, "Allie, before I make a decision, I should emphasize again to you, even if your powers work, your life won't be easy. You won't regain your shift power. Your connection to the moon, probably your mate bond with Tobias - they will all be gone."
Alicia sighed, "I'm willing to make that sacrifice. I can't let fear sway my choices when the lives of those I care about are at stake. Besides, I'm still young. I have time to find a way to regain my shifting power."
"Maybe my talented mate and husband can help me create the magic potion that will cure me, right?" Thinking of Tobias brought Alicia's first smile of the night.
She really missed him and she had regretted that she hadn't listened to Tobias' explanation then.tons of words sharing with him.
Lee, though torn, was moved by Alicia's determination and saluted her, "Thank you, Alicia. You are stronger than any warrior I saw in the war years ago."
Alicia nodded gratefully, "Thank you, Lee. But I can't do this alone. I need you to take me to St. Crescent Medical Center. I need to go there and be the first to offer my shifting power to Martin."
Lee hesitated, then nodded in agreement." Okay, Alicia. We'll do as you say. But remember, if you fail, you must be the first to escape. I will help you in any way I can."
Alicia gently stroked her flat stomach.
"I'm sorry, baby!" Alicia apologized silently in her mind.
Even though she feared that her decision might affect her baby's well-being, she had to do it for Tobias' sake, for Mae's sake, and for the sake of those innocent alphas.