The Alpha's Borrowed Luna (Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 216

Chapter 216

His eyes widened as he took in the scene–Rowan’s body on the floor the blood on Elowen’s gown, the strange tableau we presented.

“Rowan,” Frost breathed, his face paling as he looked from the body to Elowen’s blood–stained face. “She…did this?”

My gaze flickered to Elowen. Her eyes were still clouded, unfocused, possessing a strangé, unsettling innocence despite the blood smattered across her skin a stark reminder of the mind control tha gripped her. A knot tightened in my stomach. She had done it, the evidence stark and undeniable. But looking at Frost’s pale, horrified face, seeing the accusation forming in his eyes… I couldn’t bring myself to label her a ‘murderer‘ aloud, not to him.

“No, she didn’t. We found him in the woods; his body burned, so there was no way to know what exactly killed him,” I replied firmly.

Frost’s eyes narrowed in confusion, but before he could question me Elowen spoke.

“Frost, I was just telling Kaius how I would love to be naked and in the same room with both of you,” she announced, her voice breathy and her expression dreamy.

Frost’s confusion deepened. “Is she alright?”

“Yes, she is actually,” I replied, though guilt twisted in my gut at the lie.

His gaze sharpened, understanding dawning. “You used the Alpha Aura on her?”

“I had to…” The justification sounded weak even to my own ears.

“You think this is some game?” Anger replaced confusion, his ice–blue eyes hardening.

“Clearly, no. She was in pain.” I forced myself to meet his accusatory stare.

“And you… took it away?” The disbelief in his voice cut deep.

“Literally, yes.” There was no point denying what I’d done.

“You are so selfish, Kaius.” The quiet certainty in his voice was worse than if he’d shouted.

“How does this make me selfish?” I demanded, though I already knew the answer.

“There is always something in it for you. What was it this time?” His eyes bored into mine, searching. “That’s what I thought.”

He was right, of course. I couldn’t bear to lose her again. Couldn’t bear to watch her walk away, consumed by guilt over something she couldn’t control. It was selfish, perhaps the most selfish thing I’d ever done.

I turned my attention to more practical matters. “Take the body to the woods; set it on fire.”

And what about her?” Frost glanced at Elowen, who was watching our exchange with the unfocused gaze of someone still under the influence of the Alpha Aura.

“The sorceress will remove the demon, as planned.” At least on that point, Elowen’s wishes and mine aligned. The thing inside her had to go.

Frost moved closer to Elowen, his expression softening. “Elowen dear won’t you like that demon out of you as soon as possible?”

“Yes, that’s what I want,” she replied dreamily, the residual effects of the Aura still evident in her unnaturally compliant tone.

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Chapter 216

“What the hell are you doing? demanded, recognizing his attempt counter my influence.

“I had already started it; I might as well go along with it. She made his decision earlier, when she discovered what she had done to Rowan, but with that incident off her mind, she might still want to keep it.” I couldn’t quite keep the defensiveness from my voice.

“So you are making the decision for her?” Frost’s accusation stung all the more for its truth.

“No, just giving her a reminder of what she wanted.” I ran a hand through my hair, frustration building. “When she is involved, it’s never a game. I know it’s wrong, but how am I expected to watch her die and do nothing?”

Frost’s anger seemed to deflate slightly. “I don’t know if this is the right thing. But she would be pissed if she discovered the truth.”

“She won’t,” I assured him, though the uncertainty gnawed at me. The Alpha Aura wasn’t foolproof, especially on someone as strong–willed as Elowen.

“I’ll call for the sorceress to take that thing out of her and for Rowan’s parents, do something nice for them.” I instructed.

“Like what?” Frost’s skepticism was evident.

“I don’t know, maybe increase their wages; give them whatever they want.” The inadequacy of the gesture wasn’t lost on me.