Chapter 440
Four hundred and forty two
Alexander POV
I sat in the dark corner of solitary, completely unable to tell if it was day or night. Time didn’t exist in this hole. The only thing I knew was that my body was falling apart at a terrifying speed.
One minute, my wolf’s natural strength would surge enough for me to sit up, and the next, a sudden wave of weakness would hit my chest so hard I could barely breathe. My limbs felt cold, like something left too long in a freezer. The only human contact I had was whoever shoved a tray through the slot in the door. Lately, my meals were almost entirely liquids, broths and water. I was getting worse every single hour, and the fear of dying slowly in this dark pit was starting to cloud my head.
The lock clicked, and the door creaked open.
Wilson slipped into the cell, checking over his shoulder to make sure the hall was clear.
“Listen to me carefully,” Wilson whispered. “Don’t touch the dinner tray they’re bringing down next. When they come, tell them you’ve already eaten. And don’t drink a single drop of water from here on out p>
I stared up at him, my brow furrowing as I forced my back against the wall. “Why are you being cryptic p>
“They want to put you in a state of delirium,” Wilson said, his eyes scanning the room nervously. “I don’t know the exact details, but they have plans for you tonight p>
A snort escaped me, and the movement sent another stab of pain through my chest. I winced. I wasn’t even surprised at this point.
“Can you get me out of here? If I stay here, I’m going to die p>
Wilson looked at me as if I’d lost my mind. “I’d be executed before we even made it to the yard.
“Then why come here with warnings if you can’t help me leave?” I snapped, my raw throat burning. “Why not go report this to someone with real authority? Speak up for me p>
“Because I’m trying to save my own neck!” Wilson hissed, stepping back toward the door.
“Then who are you?” I demanded. “What’s in it for you p>
“I’m only doing this because of Kobe,” Wilson muttered, glancing back at the hallway.
Kobe?
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He had someone on the inside looking out for him.
“Is Kobe in danger too?” Lasked quickly, my heart thudding against my ribs.
“Nobody suspects him of anything major yet,” Wilson replied. “But they’re starting to watch him more closely p>
Wilson reached into his vest, pulled out a metallic guard whistle, and shoved it into my trembling palm.
“They changed my patrol perimeter, so I won’t be stationed right outside,” Wilson said. “If they try to force anything on you tonight, blow that whistle with everything you’ve got. I’ll try to lead a response team down here. When the other guards burst in, I’ll pretend I was responding to an official distress call p>
I wrapped my fingers tightly around the metal piece, feeling the cool edges. I reached out with my other hand and gripped his wrist. “Thank you, Wilson p>
Wilson pulled his hand back, his face stiff. “Don’t thank me. Like I said, I’m doing this for Kobe. Good luck. You’re going to need it p>
He slipped back out into the dark hallway.
I leaned my head against the wall, my chest heaving as goosebumps broke out across my arms.
What new way were they planning to kill me now? Poisoning my water? Slow organ failure?
Not long after, the outer bolts slid back. Two giants walked into the cell, one of them carrying a tray with a bowl of soup and a fresh plastic cup of water.
“Time to eat, rogue,” one grunted, setting the tray on the floor.
“I’ve already eaten,” I said flatly, keeping any hint of sarcasm out of my voice. “Take it back p>
The lead guard narrowed his eyes. “Your blood counts are low, you proud bastard. And the heavy antibiotics they put you on are meant to clear up your wounds. You think you can avoid the trial by dying on our watch p>
“I’m not hungry,” I said, staring straight into his eyes. “You can help yourself to it or give it to another prisoner who needs it p>
The two guards exchanged a quick glance. The second guard shifted his weight, his fingers twitching toward his belt as he signaled his partner. They were going to pin me down and force the liquid into my throat.
Before they could take a single step toward me, I shoved the metal whistle between my lips and blew with every last bit of air left in my lungs.
A deafening shriek echoed off the walls.
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The guards recoiled in shock, their faces twisting in fury. “What the hell?!” one guard roared, lunging forward to slam his knee into my chest. “Where did you get that p>
I fought against his weight, but my strength was fading. They grabbed my arms, pressing me down hard onto the floor as they tried to wrench the whistle out of my fingers.
Footsteps thundered down the hallway outside. Flashlight beams cut through the darkness as four guards burst into the cell, led by a senior patrol officer, with Wilson following right behind them to keep up appearances.
“What is going on in here?!” the patrol officer yelled, shining his light straight into the cell. ” Who sounded a guard whistle p>
た
The two guards holding me down froze. “This bastard had a guard whistle!” one of them blurted. “Who gave him a guard whistle p>
“He was trying to attack us!” the second guard lied, pointing at me.
“No!” I yelled, coughing heavily as I tried to sit up on the floor. “They’re trying to kill me! They brought in poisoned liquid and tried to force it down my throat! Check the tray p>
The lead guard jumped up, scoffing loudly as he gestured wildly. “Listen to this lunatic! Why should we even bother trying to poison a rogue murderer? He’s having a psychotic episode p>
The patrol officer who had rushed in frowned, looking down at the tray of untouched liquid, then at the aggressive posture of the two guards standing over me. He stepped closer to them, his voice dropping to a low whisper. “Is that true? Were you guys forcing him p>
“How dare you ask us that?!” the other guard snapped, his voice rising. “We were just delivering his rations p>
“I’m not comfortable with this,” the patrol officer said firmly, shaking his head. “If he’s claiming poisoning and blowing guard whistles, we can’t keep him in solitary tonight. Plus, he’s bleeding. If he dies in this hole before morning, it’s our necks on the line p>
“So where do we put him?” another officer asked. “The holding cells in Block Two p>
“No, take him to the guard room,” the patrol officer instructed. “It’s right near the main station. It’s safe, and there are staff passing by every five minutes p>
A wave of relief washed over me so fast I almost felt lightheaded.
They dragged me up by my arms and marched me down the corridors, away from the isolation block. The head warden met us at the main intake office, his face twisted in irritation as he took in the scene.
“This rogue again?” the warden growled, rubbing his temples. “Lock him in the guard room. Put a monitor on the door. I don’t want another scene tonight p>
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They shoved me into a brightly lit room used for shift transitions and locked the door.
I sank onto the floor, pulling my knees up as the tension drained out of my body. It wasn’t freedom, but it wasn’t a dark hole where men could murder me in silence either.
Through the window, I caught sight of Wilson walking down the hallway with a clipboard in his hand.
He didn’t stop, and he didn’t look directly at me, but as he passed the glass, I gave him a silent
nod.
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Four hundred and forty-two
Emma POV
By 6:15 AM, I was already pacing anxiously around my living room.
We were supposed to leave at six sharp, but Wesley still hadn’t shown up. I called his phone several times, and every single attempt went straight to voicemail. The longer I waited, the more the anxiety in my stomach was turning into genuine rage.
The moment I saw his SUV round the corner into my apartment complex, I bolted out the front door and down the stairs. I didn’t even wait for him to kill the engine before ripping the passenger door open.
“Where on earth have you been?!” I snapped, glaring at him through the open window. “We were supposed to leave twenty minutes ago! Do you sleep like a log or what? I’ve been calling you nonstop p>
Wesley leaned back against his headrest, looking unimpressed as he gestured toward the road.
“Good morning to you too, Emma. A man needs his wife to take care of him in the mornings, you know. Now, get in before I change my mind.” 1
I rolled my eyes and got in.
Wesley threw the car into drive and pulled back out onto the main road, chuckling under his
breath.
“Is it the pregnancy making you scream everyone’s ears off, or have you always been this terrifying before seven in the morning p>
I glared at the dashboard, crossing my arms over my chest.
“I’m not screaming p>
“You’ve been snapping at everyone since yesterday,” he said, turning onto the highway.” What’s with the claws, kitten p>
“Just drive,” I murmured under my breath, and looked out the window as the trees blurred
past.
“Don’t blame me for being a brat. I know what we’re going to see down there isn’t good, Wesley,” I said. “I can feel it in my stomach p>
“What if Alexander is completely fine and just causing trouble like he always does? I wouldn’t put it past him to stir up a fuss just to get attention p>
I stared at him, irritation rising. Wesley had seemed like he was on my side yesterday, but now
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it was clear he wouldn’t go anywhere near a rogue if I weren’t his cousin. He was only doing this to keep me sane.
I reached over and cranked the radio volume up high, drowning out his voice entirely. Wesley let out a loud laugh, shaking his head as he focused back on the road.
About ninety minutes later, the imposing grey stone gates of Iron Wells Prison came into view.
As soon as we pulled into the courtyard, Alpha Zachary stepped out of the main building in a tailored suit, wearing a charming smile as he approached our car.
We stepped out, and he immediately extended a hand to Wesley. “Alpha Wesley. Welcome to Iron Wells p>
He completely ignored me, acting as though I weren’t even there. I remained silent.
Zachary gestured toward the steel doors.
I fell into step beside Wesley, but Zachary stopped and frowned at me. “Miss, guests and non- official personnel aren’t allowed in the secure cell blocks. I’m sure you understand p>
“I’m here with my Alpha,” I said, standing beside Wesley. “Are you going to stop me p>
“Excuse me p>
Wesley rested a hand on my arm. “Sorry, Zachary. We just want to see Alexander. Let’s keep this quick p>
Zachary folded his arms.
“What’s with this sudden interest? What does your family have to do with this rogue, Wesley p>
“Nothing complicated,” Wesley replied smoothly. “Alpha Kieran just wants to put any rumors of mistreatment to rest before the trial p>
Zachary glanced at me, curling his lip. “Don’t tell me she’s his lover or something equally ridiculous p>
“Mate, actually,” I cut in coldly.
Zachary’s mouth gaped open.
Wesley shot me a warning glare that screamed, Why did you tell him that p>
I ignored him and stared Zachary down. “Can I see my mate now p>
Zachary cleared his throat, adjusting his jacket.
“This way p>
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He led us down the corridors. “He’s been in solitary because he’s been combative with my staff,” Zachary explained. “Fighting guards, causing disruptions p>
“Actually, sir,” a guard interrupted, stepping out of a side office with a clipboard. “We had to move him to the guard intake room last night after a scuffle in solitary p>
Zachary’s face paled as he stared at the guard. Then he forced a stiff smile.
“Right. As I was saying, the trial begins in two days. We have to keep him under strict watch to ensure he doesn’t escape justice. The man murdered my father, Wesley. I’m sure you
understand the burden I’m carrying p>
“Of course,” Wesley replied with a nod. “We just want to put my cousin’s mind at ease so justice can take its course p>
I held back a scoff. Wesley was playing both sides, placating Zachary while still pushing forward for me.
The guard unlocked the metal door to the intake room and pulled it open.
The moment the door swung wide, the breath was knocked straight out of my lungs. A scream tore from my throat before I could stop it.
“Alexander p>
Wesley gasped in shock.
Alexander sat against the wall, looking broken. Deep purple bruises covered his arms and neck, his clothes were torn, and his ribs showed through his shirt. He struggled to stand, limping heavily.
He looked completely different from the person I’d seen the last time I was here.
His eyes found mine, sunken and hollow.
A smile crossed his face.
“Emma p>
I rushed across the room, ignoring Zachary and the security protocols, and threw my arms
around him.
He winced, letting out a grunt.
“Oh God, I’m sorry!” I cried, pulling back, my hands hovering over his bruised skin.
I spun around, glaring at Zachary. “What did you do to him p>
Zachary threw up his hands. “I didn’t do anything! He must have fought with the guards
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during his outburst. I assure you, my staff doesn’t engage in senseless violence p>
“Look at him!” I screamed through my tears. “He can barely stand p>
Wesley didn’t take his gaze off Alexander. Then he turned to Zachary,
“Can we step outside and talk p>
Zachary nodded and followed Wesley into the hallway, leaving the door slightly ajar.
I dropped to my knees beside Alexander, tears blurring my vision. My hands moved frantically over his hair, jaw, and chest. I didn’t know whether to kiss him or hold him.
He raised a trembling hand to my face and leaned closer, inhaling near my neck. “Your scent,” he murmured, his voice raspy. “It’s so strong. So intoxicating p>
My stomach flipped. He could smell the pregnancy.
“They tried to kill me, Emma,” he whispered, his eyes locking onto mine. “I feel like life is being drained right out of me p>
“I’m getting you out of here today,” I promised, gripping his hand. “You’re not spending another night in this place. You need medical help p>
Wesley walked back into the room. I grabbed Alexander’s arm, pulling him closer as if I could physically shield him.
“Look at his ribs, Wesley!” I sobbed, looking up at my cousin. “He looks completely broken! How can anyone say these are self-inflicted p>
“How did this happen?” Wesley asked Alexander.
“Their guards came in,” Alexander rasped, staring straight ahead. “They tried to force poisoned liquid down my throat while I was in solitary. I had to defend myself and blow a whistle to summon the other patrol guards p>
The door swung open, and Zachary stormed back in, his face flushed with rage.
“How dare you?! You filthy liar! You’re making up these fantasies to cover your own violent behavior p>
Zachary’s polished mask was cracking, and it made me smile.
“It’s clear there’s enough physical evidence to prove these aren’t self-inflicted wounds, Alpha Zachary,” Wesley said, keeping his voice even.
“Are you telling me how to run my own facility?!” Zachary snapped, his Alpha dominance flaring. “Why on earth would I want him dead before his trial p>
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“To cover your own sins,” Alexander spat from the floor, his voice dropping into a dangerous growl. “You know damn well I didn’t kill our father. You just fell for your evil mother’s lies p>
“Don’t you ever bring my mother into your mouth!” Zachary roared, lunging toward Alexander.
Wesley planted a hand against Zachary’s chest and shoved him back.
“That’s enough p>
“Alpha Zachary. Allow me to take him to a standard medical facility to be treated and tested p>
“That’s impossible. He stays here!” Zachary demanded. “Our on-site medical team can evaluate him just fine p>
“I have a formal mandate from the regional Alpha,” Wesley said, pulling a folded document from his coat pocket and handing it to Zachary. “I’m executing a full medical transfer. Stopping me will have the regional council step in p>
Zachary stared at the paper, fury consuming his face.
Alexander leaned his head close to my ear. “I can’t leave without Kobe,” he whispered.
My gaze stayed fixed on him.
“Do they know about your relationship with him?” I whispered back frantically.
He shook his head.
“That’s good. If you mention his name right now, you’ll give them a reason to get rid of him. He’s been here for fifteen years,” I murmured, clutching his hand. “We will come back for him legally once we get you to a hospital p>
The side door opened, and a woman in a white lab coat walked in, carrying a stainless steel tray with a pre-filled syringe.
Zachary’s new wife.
“Alpha Wesley, what a surprise,” she said pleasantly, setting the tray down. “I brought an antibiotic shot to bring down his fever and treat his wound infection before the transfer p>
She picked up the syringe and flicked the glass cylinder with her fingernail.
Alexander recoiled, pressing his back against my knees. “I’m not taking anything from her p>
Zachary’s wife paused, looking taken aback. “What p>
“If he doesn’t want the shot, he isn’t taking it,” I said, standing to block her path.
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She turned to me, a condescending smile playing on her lips.
“Emma? Really? Aren’t you far too dignified to be running around after a rogue? Someone as beautiful as you, with your Alpha lineage, has so many better choices in life p>
“News travels fast around here, doesn’t it?” I replied coldly.
“I’m just expressing genuine concern,” she said softly, holding up the syringe and smiling at Alexander. “It’s just medicine p>
“I’d like to see you try,” Alexander said dryly.
“I have a schedule to keep,” Wesley cut in, checking his watch. “If he doesn’t want it, we shouldn’t force him p>
Zachary looked ready to burn the building down, but he couldn’t override Wesley’s mandate.
I helped Alexander up from the floor. He groaned, his weight slumping against my shoulder. He limped badly, wincing with every step.
As we reached the concrete stairs leading to the main exit, his weakened leg gave out, and he stumbled forward.
Wesley reacted instantly, grabbing Alexander’s arm before he could hit the steps. His face twisted in disgust at having to touch a rogue, but he didn’t let go. Instead, he helped me support his weight.
I looked at Wesley, gratitude washing over me.
“Hold on to me,” I whispered to Alexander, tightening my arm around his waist as we pushed through the doors into the morning sunlight.
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