The Alpha’s Contract novel Chapter 178

He shakes his head in denial.

“Roughly the same amount of time before a bitten Lycan turns fully Rogue if they don’t control themselves.”

“She wasn’t bitten. And you still turned.”

“Then maybe it’s something to do with her being bound. I don’t have everything figured out. All I see is that she is walking the same path as I did. Anger and hate fuels her.” I turn around, resting my hands against the stone wall and hanging my head low. This was not a problem that I thought we would run into.

We were supposed to be starting afresh, not running into past problems

“She is your mate Dane. I can see that you love her. We can all see that, there is no question about it. But if we don’t get ahead of this, Salem will be the least of your problems.” I turn around to see his frown.

“It’s Neah.” He mumbles. I knew my words were hitting home by the way he spoke with his jaw clenched.

“In theory, due to her being bound, I have been a Lycan for longer than she has. And trust me, I know what I see. Mallory brought me back from that, long after I had let myself go.”

Dane snorts. “When we first learned what she was, do you know what she was afraid of?”

I shake my head.

“Becoming a monster. Ironic don’t you think.” He folds his arms across his chest. “Seeing as you came back from being a Rogue, can you help her?”

“I can try, but in truth, Mallory is probably the best one to help her. She was the one who helped me.”

“Neah doesn’t trust Mallory and that isn’t going to change anytime soon.”

“Then I suggest we find a way for Neah to accept Mallory.”

He glances back at Roan's slumped body. “Do you really believe I’m losing her?”

I nod. “The thing is, she won’t even realise it herself until it’s too late.”

****

Raven is sitting in the kitchen with Mallory by the time we head back to the house. Given the circumstances, they were both giggling and stuffing themselves with ice cream.

“Where’s Neah?” Dane asks

“How?” Raven’s dark eyes rise to mine. “How is it different?”

“Because that life was something she never wanted. This is something she is slowly choosing. She just doesn’t know it yet.”

“Why?” Raven mutters with a whisper

“It makes her feel strong and powerful. It gives her the feeling of satisfaction.”

“The sad thing is, if she had been raised a Lycan, she would never have this need inside her.” Mallory gives Raven a sad smile.

“We both know that is hearsay. Neither of us knows what her life could have been.” I snap

“I can’t lose her too, Damien.” Raven pleads with me. “I can’t, it will break me.”

As she stared at me, I felt it. Every little glimmer of emotion that she was trying so hard to keep bottled up inside.

Mallory reaches a hand across the table to her. “Neah will need to want the help. It’s the only way it will work.”