Chapter Sixteen : A Deadly Alliance NICOLE I couldnt breathe . Gerald was supposed to be dead . I had mourned him . I had stood over his grave , letting my tears fall into the earth that covered his coffin . He had been my anchor , my guide , my second in command . And now , here he was , alive , standing next to Nadia with a smug , cruel smirk twisting his familiar face . How ? Why ? My voice cracked , the words barely audible . I felt like I was drowning , my chest tight with disbelief . The shackles biting into my wrists and the cold ground beneath me reminded me where I was far from Nathan s territory , far from any hope of immediate rescue . I could shift . I could fight because Daniels name burned in my mind like a 50 % 11:40 1/6 Chapter Sixteen : A Deadly Alliance brand . I didnt know where he was or what they had done to him . I couldnt risk it . My thoughts spiraled as memories of Gerald flickered . I saw him at my side , steadfast through every trial . I heard his voice , promising loyalty . And all of it had been a lie . Geralds grin widened as if my torment was a source of joy for him . How am I alive ? Why am I doing this ? he echoed mockingly . You know what ? We still have a little time . He turned to Nadia , who was leaning against the doorway with a smile as sharp as the silver blade strapped to her thigh . You make sure everything s set ? Of course , she replied , her tone dripping with satisfaction . I want to see the disbelief on her face . Its not a good look on her . Her words stung , but I blinked past the 50 % 11:40 2/6 11:41 Chapter Sixteen : A Deadly Alliance rage and focused on Gerald . How long had they been working together ? As if reading my mind , he answered , I Nadia reached out to me a year ago . Her goals aligned with mine because , well , was already planning to take over my pack . Your pack ? The words tumbled out , disbelieving . Geralds face twisted with resentment , his voice snapping like a whip . Yes , my pack ! I was the one who held it together while your good for nothing father rotted away on his deathbed . After he was gone , it was finally my time to claim what was mine . Then you came back , sweeping in like it was your birthright . I stared at him , dumbfounded . Was he serious ? It was my birthright , I said , anger rising in my chest . I was the heir . And it was my sacrifice marrying Nathan -that kept the pack alive ! 50 % 11:40 3/6 Chapter Sixteen : A Deadly Alliance He threw his head back , laughing hollowly . Your sacrifice ? he mocked . You sacrificed nothing , Nicole . You should have stayed where you were , out of my way . Instead , you came back , forcing me to answer to you while I held the pack together and you paraded as its leader . So , when Nadia approached me , I told her about Daniel , and we set the plan in motion . The killings ? They were just the start a perfect distraction to kidnap him , force you back to Nathan , and wipe both of you out in one move . Then , finally , I 11 claim what should ve been mine all along . I could barely hear him over the roar in my head . He had been planning this from the start . He had wanted me gone . And yet another thought clawed its way forward , cold and unrelenting . Thats why you asked if I was going to merge . There were no whispers . Because if I d , it would ve disrupted your plans with her . Geralds smile faltered for a second 50 % 11:41 4/6 11:41 Chapter Sixteen : A Deadly Alliance before Nadias laughter filled the room , sharp and biting . Dont flatter yourself , she said , her voice dripping with contempt . The only plan was eliminating you and Nathan . Nathan for what his family did to me , and you because , well … I just never liked you . Once this is over , Ill take over the Kaldor faction , and hell take Hastings . Together , well wipe out every alpha and every other faction until were the only ones left with power . Her words were madness , but the conviction in her tone made my blood run cold . My wolf snarled in my mind , furious and restless , but I forced myself to stay calm . Ive cooperated , I said , keeping my voice steady . I need reassurance that my son is fine . Nadia exchanged a look with Gerald , her smile widening into something almost feral . Oh , hes fine , she said sweetly . 50 % 11:41 5/6 Chapter Sixteen : A Deadly Alliance In fact , you II see him soon . Relief flickered in my chest for a moment until Geralds voice cut through it like a knife . But you are going to regret asking for him . , he said , stepping closer , his eyes dark with malice . Then he crouched down , his face inches from mine , Because he is going to watch you die first . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!