Chapter 27 Chapter 0027
•NADIA•
The pack was all over the place after we received a call from a scout that we were under attack.
Mason left with the best warriors in our pack and went to control the rogues before they could get inside the territory.
I was waiting for them to return when I went to the library. It was the safest place during the rogue attacks.
I was startled when I heard the door open, and when my father walked inside, I stood up, placing the book I was reading on the table counter.
I was a bit confused because I thought he was fighting beside Mason.
“It’s time, Nadia,” he said as he walked toward me. “We have to kill Mason while we have the time and the opportunity. The pack will believe it was stress. The trade cancellations, the border threats, and the endless meetings. No one will question a heart attack under that kind of pressure. It will look natural.”
"You want us to kill him during the rogue attack?" I asked as my heart raced.
It was risky and dangerous when all the warriors were by his side, prioritizing his life more than anything.
"No, of course not," my father answered, keeping his voice low. "They are clearing the border now, which is why I came here as soon as I could. He shouldn't be alive by morning."
"Father," I gasped. "How do you expect me to kill my husband tonight? You know how stressed he's been about the trade cancellation. He might not come to our bed, especially after the attack. So, how am I going to kill him when he is in his guard?"
"I have already arranged for a potion from a witch in the northern hills. It stops the heart cleanly—no trace in the blood, no signs of poison. The medics will call it natural causes," he answered as he slipped out a small bottle from his coat.
"Are you sure, Father?" I asked as I took the bottle and felt my heart beating fast.
This was it. This was the time I did what was necessary to get back everything that Mason's father took from us, but I didn't understand why it suddenly made me hesitate.
"Nothing will trace back to us, Nadia," he answered. "This is our only chance. He must tonight, or we won't have another chance like this. Just one drop in his drink, and he will be out."
“I will take care of it tonight,” I replied. “By morning, he will be gone, and the pack will look to us for guidance.”
He placed a hand on my shoulder. “You have always been the strong one. When it is done, we will move quickly. The council will name you regent until Rowan comes of age, but he will be dead as well before that happens."
I met his gaze. “Mason's son won't lead this pack. And heir will come from me."
"That's my good girl," he answered before he turned to the door and left. I stayed behind for a few minutes, staring into the dying fire.
The flames flickered low, but the heat still warmed my skin. I felt no guilt, only certainty. Mason had served his purpose. Now he was in the way.
I walked through the pack house corridors toward the kitchen. The halls were quiet at night, even though the attack was over.
I was on guard as I prepared a cup of coffee. Mason preferred it strong and black, just the way I knew he liked it.
I measured the grounds carefully, added the potion from the small vial hidden in my pocket, and stirred until it dissolved completely.
The coffee looked unchanged—dark, steaming, and inviting.
I poured two cups, one for him and one for me. I carried the poisoned cup on a little tray.
I walked to his office and knocked lightly before entering.
Mason sat behind his desk, staring at a map of the borders. His shoulders were tense, and lines of exhaustion marked his face. He looked up when I entered.
“I brought you coffee,” I said, setting the tray on the desk. “The attack might have exhausted you, so you need a little break."
He rubbed his temples. “Thank you, Nadia. I am just grateful that the attack was spotted earlier. Only the moon knows what could've happened to us if we were attacked unaware."
I sat on the edge of the desk and handed him his cup. “This pack is in safe hands with you. You did a great job and ensured no one got hurt."
He took the cup and drank. The hot liquid went down in several long swallows. I watched with quiet satisfaction as he finished half of it in one go.
“Everything feels like it is slipping away,” he said. “The farm investment, the borders, the council. I am trying to hold it together, but it is not enough.”
I slid off the desk and moved behind his chair. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and rested my chin on his head. “You don't have to hold it alone. I am right here. I will never leave your side. We will get through this together.”
He reached up and squeezed my hand. “I don’t know what I would do without you.”
I smiled against his hair. “You will never have to find out.”
The potion would work quickly. Within the next hour, his heart would slow, then stop.
The medics would find no poison, no struggle—just a tired Alpha who had pushed himself too far. The pack would mourn, and I would step into his place.
I held him a moment longer, feeling his breathing steady against me. Soon it would stop. Soon everything would be mine.
"Let me go tuck Rowan into bed," I whispered as I kissed his neck. "He was frightened when you left for the rogue attack. So, I want to tell him that his father returned without a scratch."
"Thank you, baby. I'm still trying to find another alternative to fortify our borders," he replied as I leaned back from him. "I'll join you in bed once I'm done."
"That's okay, big daddy," I winked at him before I turned to the door and left.