SUSPECTS ALDRIC I stare into the panicked eyes of this Alpha Ive never particrly liked her , but her brother is a valuable member of the Guardians , and now , who can read those Altars .


    the only one Why were you carrying Valeria as if you were running away ? I know you heard my lycans roar why the hell didnt you wait for me and instead put her in danger again ? I tighten my grip around her throat , anger boiling inside me as the memory shes back seeing them being dragged by the current when I reached the drainage outlet .


    I hadnt even thought before jumping in after my mate .


    S Sir … I I was injured from the fight … I was scared more of those dark holes in the walls would open again … that more enemies woulde and kill us before you arrived ….


    acted on impulse … I panicked and jumped without thinking … Her voice stammers , and I lean in closer , watching her trembling , erratic eyes .


    When I arrived , I clearly saw the shadow of a man escaping through that same wall opening she mentioned .


    So , her words made e some sense .


    She reeks of dark energy , my wolf growls under his breath .


    With him fully awake , my senses sharpen things I couldnt smell before are painfully obvious now .


    Lowering my gaze , I examine the ugly wound across her stomach , tainted with dark magic .


    It looks like it was inflicted by an enchanted weapon , which would also exin the strange scent .


    What happened to the bodies ? How did you discover the Altar and involve Valeria ? What were you doing there with her in the first ce ? She remains silent for a few seconds , and the longer she hesitates , the more convinced I am that shes hiding something Answer me right now , Celine ! Dont make memand you ! The bodies … I … The boy was bewitched .


    He tricked your maiden .


    I- Enough .


    Aldric … The soft , weak voice of Valeria suddenly draws my full attention .


    I turn instantly , releasing Celine , and rush to Valerias side as she struggles to sit up from the ground .


    Easy , baby .


    Easy Dont strain yourself .


    Does it hurt anywhere ? Nift her gently , pressing her cold , fragile body against my bare chest .


    She feels so delicate in my arms it makes my heart clench .


    She helped me … leave her alone … she did nothing wrong .


    It was those damned vampires ….


    they used the pup … they bewitched him … and he died …  70 SUSPECTS Her broken voice cracks as her teary blue eyes lower .


    Its okay , baby … Shh , dont think about it .


    Dont remember that awful moment .


    Please , Valeria … dont cry , little one , dont cry … Shes sobbing quietly now , her tears soaking my skin as she clings to me .


    I know she had grown attached to that pup he seems to be the key to all of this .


    His was the only body left untouched A sudden growl makes me look toward the forest , just as Quinn appears in his lycan form .


    His fur is dark brown , much smaller than my beast but still powerful .


    He shifts back , moving toward his sister , who is still slumped against the tree .


    Celine ! Are you okay ?! He inspects her , and she nods weakly.


    Your Majesty , is Miss Valeria alright ? Shes fine .


    And put some damn clothes on , Quinn ! One of us walking around with our dick out is enough ! I growl, pressing Valerias head further into my chest and tuming my back to him .


    Thear him fumbling through the bushes for clothes while 1 kiss Valerias damp hair .


    Shes still shivering .


    I need to get her out of here quickly before she gets sick .


    Quinn , Im taking Valeria back .


    Heal Celine and let her rest .


    I need you to inspect the basement thoroughly .


    I dont understand why there were two Altars down there … and those portals Ive never seen anything like them .


    Something isnt right .


    My mind races with countless questions and rising fury that such a direct attack happened right under nose .


    my The Vampire King and I have a fragile peace pact , hanging by a thread .


    If hes behind this , another war will begin .


    The body of … Edward … Valeria suddenly whispers , grasping my hand .


    Ill bring the boy back , Miss Valeria .


    Dont worry , Quinn replies , ying the good soldier .


    If I had reached the Altar before the enemy , my mate would never have faced such danger .


    I grunt and leave , carrying my woman stark naked through the woods .


    Ill cover myselfter right now , I need to keep her safe .


    Thank you for saving Valeria , Celine .


    I owe you .


    You may make any request , and I will grant it .


    But you will also give me a full report of what happened and why you were conveniently at that location .


    For your sake , I hope your story holds up .


    I warn her through the mind link .


    Shes strong but strong enough to take down multiple vampires ? Did she panic so much that she simply threw herself into the waterfall ? The bodies had been reduced to ashes scattered across the floor .


    Someone went through a lot of trouble to erase the evidence … but why ? And for what purpose ? QUINN ΓΕ 70 SUSPECTS  Celine , damn it , stop acting tough drink my blood , now , I hold her close , almost limp in my arms as she hovers on the verge of copse .


    Shes trembling .


    I cant tell if its from pain due to that nasty wound or from fear of Aldric .


    What do you mean the bodies disappeared ? Why does the Kings aura feel stronger ? She clings to me tighter , finally drinking , regaining some color as the wound begins to heal .


    I had already told her about the vanished bodies through our private sibling bond .


    I exin what I saw in the basement during my rushed inspection while running through the chaos .


    And it seems like His Majestys wolf has fully awakened .


    Thats why his power feels even more overwhelming now … if thats even possible .


    I frown , helping her back onto her feet .


    Of course , he came back and challenged me , making it crystal clear to my inner wolf that Valeria belongs to him .


    As if the scent of wild sex and the evidence deliberately left at that Altar werent already a brutal p to my face .


    He marked her too it seems temporary , but Valerias body still emits a raw warning to any male who dares approach her .


    I think the enemy erased the bodies to cover up the real killer .


    Aldric would immediately know I wasnt the one who killed them ….


    He might suspect Valeria .


    Someone survived and knows her secret her importance .


    Damn it ! he suddenly growls , his eyes flickering with anxiety .


    I have a lot to tell you .


    I know what the Altar says and the mystery behind the Kings maiden .


    Quinn , we need to protect her .


    Shes different … she might even help me with may problem .


    His Majesty is in love with Valeria but how long will this obsessionst ? And what if he finds out the truth ? Shes in danger at his side … Wait , wait , Celine ! I dont understand slow down ! Oh no ! she suddenly exims , clutching her mouth in horror .


    I put the silver relic inside the pockets of Valerias dress !