Chapter 24 An irresistible proposition
Madison Smith - POV
“What the fuck do you want from me?” I growled in a low tone when I saw a ghost of a smile on her face.
“Don't you want to reclaim your place, Madison?” the woman asked me.
“I do rather live a peaceful life than get in between the crossfire." I spat out as I drank my beer in one go and got up from my place, ready to leave when the woman blocked my way.
“You are the rightful Luna of the white moon pack, and I expected someone braver.” The woman mocked me when my hands curled into fists while my mind flashed everything that I went through a few hours ago.
“You have no idea what I have been through.” I gritted my teeth when she let out a sarcastic laugh.
“I know you were captured and tortured by Ralph.” The woman paused, waiting for her words to sink in before she continued. “I can help you become the luna of the white moon pack again.”
“I don't think that would happen.” I told her in a dejected tone. I know I should leave this bar, but there was something stopping me.
“You don't need an alpha to rule a pack, Madison.”
“What do you mean?” I asked her with a frown.
“Alpha Elijah is hiding something from the world that might destroy him if it gets out. If you want to be the Luna of the white moon pack, find out the secret he is hiding, and you can use that to keep him wrapped around your finger.” Her idea sounded tempting, and strangely, it did make sense.
“But how am I going to find that? Elijah thinks that I am dead, and I don't think I can get closer to that pack.” I told her when she took a sip from her drink and finally got up from her place and pulled the hoodie further to cover her face.
“It is risky, and I cannot promise that you would come out of this alive. But if you still want to do this, come back to this bar in five days, same time," she said, and she turned around to leave when I spoke to her.
“What is your name?” I asked her, but she didn't even turn around as she answered.
“You will know who I am very soon. Goodbye, Madison," she said as she walked out of there, leaving me confused.
Antonella Erickson—POV
I kept pacing back and forth in my room when I heard a persistent knock on the front door. I quickly walked over to the window and peered out when I saw Maximus’s car parked in the driveway.
I closed the curtains and rushed downstairs and pulled the door open, letting him in. “Did you get the potion?” I asked him as I closed the door.
“Here. This would last for a week," he told me as he handed over a bag.
“Thank you.” I told him as I took the bag from his hand. “Did Wilma find a way to break this bond between us?” I asked him when he shook his head while his expression looked strained. "What's wrong?”
“Wilma was attacked by a rogue," he said in a calm tone when I felt my blood run cold.
“Why would a rogue target a witch?” I asked him when he rubbed his temple and began walking towards the kitchen while I followed him.
“It was one of Elijah’s men.” Maximus told me as he grabbed the bottle of ice water from the fridge and paced it on the island while my heart skipped a beat.
“So Elijah knows about where I am?” I asked him when he shook his head.
“Wilma risked her life to keep your location a secret, and now she is in a coma, but I have a feeling that Elijah wouldn't let this go easily. He already has a clue about your whereabouts, and I have a feeling that it wouldn't be long before he finds out where you are.” Maximus causally told me while I was having a panic attack inside.
“If he finds out, he would drag me back to the White Moon pack.” I mumbled while I began hallucinating everything that could happen. I know he doesn't love me, and this time he wouldn't hesitate to parade with Madison, leaving me on the sidelines.
I felt a warm hand cup my cheeks when I looked up as my eyes locked with a pair of electric blue eyes that had so many emotions running through them. “I will not let him take you back to the white moon pack, Antonella.” Maximus whispered while my eyes clouded with tears.
“You can never go against our laws, Maximus. Legally, I am still his mate, and he would do anything to take me back.”
“Your bond with him is broken, Antonella.” Maximus reminded me when a bittersweet smile appeared on my face.
“Yes, but I cannot ruin your life, Maximus. If I didn't come here, you would have married Rachel by now. She is a good woman and everyday I feel this sense of guilt for breaking your engagement with her.”
“She said she didn't mind.” Maximus argues when a better smile appeared on my face.
“That’s because she believed that I am your fated mate. If she finds out how we became mates, I don't think she would be eager to let you go, Maximus.” I paused as I slowly stepped back, moving away from his touch. “I saw it in her eyes. She loves you more than herself.”
“Antonella, I…” Maximus paused when we heard the doorbell. “Go and get ready, I think the guests have started arrivng.” he told me when I nodded my head. I didn't know what he was going to say, but I was afraid to ask him, fearing that it would change the way I see him.
I walked up to my room, and just as I closed the door, I heard Arthur’s voice inquiring about my health and informing Maximus that the council elders had just arrived.