The Forbidden Alpha

Adea

Even though we’d shared happiness for the future just moments before we were now on our way to Odis and Olivia. We were reminded of everything we had a few hours to escape.

Our steps were heavy as we walked to the dungeons. My hands trembled and my throat felt like it had dried up. I wasn’t ready for what was about to happen but I held my head high as I clutched onto Ethan’s hand for dear life.

When we reached the dungeon doors he squeezed my hand.

“Just in case… it’s too much for you. Squeeze my hand 4 times,” he whispered.

I shook my head. “I don’t care and I don’t want to hear that. I will NOT leave you. She was my friend too and I will stand by your side through the whole thing.”

“Are you sure? Death is hard to watch and the death of a friend is unbearable,” he whispered.

“I’m sure,” I say firmly. “Is Gabe going to see this?”

Ethan shook his head. I don’t know why he’s not here but I’m thankful he doesn’t have to watch. I expect him to say something but he doesn’t. I let out a small breath of relief knowing that my best friend won’t have to watch his mate die. My shoulders drop only a fraction of an inch. It’s good news to me and with all that has been happening, I will appreciate any hint of good even when everything going on screams destruction and pain.

“Are you able to do this?” I ask before he has the chance to reach for the door. I’m struggling and I’m only going to be watching. I don’t know what he’s going through and I can’t imagine what’s going through his mind or what he’s feeling. He’s going to be the one… I can’t even think it.

Ethan chuckled sadly. “I have no choice in what I can and cannot do my love. It is something I must do.” He pulls my hand to his lips and brushes a kiss on it. “But having you here…,” he nods before turning back to the door. “It means everything to me my little one,” he says as he pushes open the door.

My eyes need a second to adjust before I can see clearly. My eyes land on Olivia and Odis stood in the middle of the room. This time there were no tables just the two of them and it was damp and cold. There were at least a dozen guards scattered around the room. I’m sure they were there to ensure she doesn’t try to escape or fight back. I have a feeling they were there to keep an eye on Odis too. I’m not going to lie, the idea of him fighting against them and helping her escape flashed through my mind.

I closed the door and hesitated a moment before Ethan pulled me along. We strode in until we came to a stop a few feet away. Eyes watched us and no one didn’t say anything as we walked in.

Odis remained by her side and didn’t bat an eye. He wore the same thing as earlier but his face looked haunted and haggard as if he were in here for days. His shoulders were slumped in defeat and I knew he had stopped fighting what was going to happen here today.

I took a hesitant step forward. “Olivia?”

Her eyes were vacant as she stared at me. I reached forward and wrapped her in a hug. Her body was cold and she remained still against me. She’d done some unforgivable things but I didn’t want her to have any regrets in death. I didn’t want her to think I hated her. I knew the friend I’d made here had to be in there somewhere.

By the time I’d managed to pull away from her, the tears had boiled to the brim. I blinked them away, they escaped and ran down my cheeks. Olivia watched me with detached eyes and there was a wariness in her expression like she’d been working tirelessly for days without sleep.

I grabbed her wrist lightly and squeezed. There was an emptiness I saw and there was nothing I could do to snap her out of it. There was nothing I could say to make this situation easier for her. I prayed to the Goddess that she at least knew she wasn’t alone.

“I don’t hate you,” I said firmly. I don’t bother looking to the guys because I know they don’t hate her either. “No one here does. We love you.” I meant every word and I hope the Olivia I knew heard me. She surprised me by giving me a small hint of a smile.

Knowing there was nothing else I could say. I let her hand go and took a hesitant step back, putting me by Ethan’s side. Taking a deep breath, Ethan nods to Odis, and muscles tick in his jaw.

I watch as Odis understands and turns to look at Olivia. The expression in his eyes was painful to watch. He pulls her into his arms for a back-breaking hug. She looks tiny in his arms and his hand slides up to cup her head as he squeezes her.

When he opens his eyes everything seems to move in slow motion. He releases her and steps away. Odis moves until he stands directly behind Olivia. His eyes are pained as he reaches forward and grabs her hands. He puts them behind her back and holds them together with one hand. The other hand reaches up and grips her shoulder.

I grip Ethan’s hand hard and he squeezed back before letting go of my hand. The world tilted and the room grew cold as he took a step forward.

“I’ll make this quick,” Ethan choked out. Olivia stared at the man who was like a brother to her. She stared at the man she had once served. She stared at death.

It was then that everything sped up and it felt like time was trying to catch up with us. Ethan practically flew forward with his hand cocked back. I watched in horror as his hand shot forward and his claws pierced her chest. I’ll never forget the sound as he sliced through her skin and gripped her heart.. He hesitated only a second before ripping her heart out.