The Alpha King's Witch Bride
Chapter 245: _The Beta’s Mark

Chapter 245: _The Beta’s Mark

Marcellus’ POV

*****

While Kaelos and Odessa were having a battle for the ages, back in the Blood Oak pack, Marcellus was reeling.

He had killed Elder Davina the previous night... But at a cost he didn’t realise was great until he got back to his residence.

"What do you mean she branded my soul?" Marcellus growled at Cullen, buttoning his shirt back up. "Are you sure you even used any magic in inspecting me or were you too busy staring at my abs?"

Cullen rolled his eyes, stepping back from Marcellus and shrugging. "Take it or leave it then. But I’m telling you... That moonstone explosion left traces of its energy on you. I’m not sure what it is but it’s etched into your being like a leech."

Marcellus’ forehead dripped with cold sweat as he leaned back against his sofa in the living room where he and Cullen were having the session.

He rubbed his hand down his forehead, letting out a scoff.

That old bitch!

She was still haunting him even after her death. What could she have possibly left behind in his soul?

"On a side note, I’m actually surprised you still have a soul," Cullen remarked, chuckling to himself as he turned his back on Marcellus, grabbing his drink from the center table. "I got to Elder Davina’s residence when Layla and the military advisor were sealing the place away from the public. I snuck in, saw her body... And DAMN."

He let out another chuckle, turning around and staring at Marcellus who ground his jaw, staring coldly at the lad.

He wasn’t offended by his words. He couldn’t care less if people thought he didn’t have a soul once he showed his true colours.

His own mother had called him a monster as a child... Right before he killed her.

What was getting on his nerves was the thought that Elder Davina had actually left something behind. But what was it?

A piece of her essence? A clue to everyone else around the pack that he was bad news?

"The moon sees all, Beta... And so will she."

Elder Davina’s last words echoed in his mind. He should’ve gotten the hag to explain what that vague prophecy meant before killing her.

"Marcellus?" Cullen called all of a sudden, causing Marcellus to blink once before he raised his head and stared at the lad. "You... Don’t tell me you’re actually letting fear creep in because of this? Relax. I’m sure if you tell the lord of the North, he—"

Suddenly, Marcellus rose from the sofa and bolted to Cullen, seizing his throat. The latter gasped, his eyes widening as Marcellus slowly brought his mouth to his ears.

"No one must know about this branding. Do you understand?"

He may have been weakened by the battle against Elder Davina and the poison she left in his tea, but he still had fight in him. Cullen knew it.

After all... He taught the lad knew most of what he knew.

"I... I understand..." Cullen nodded slowly, prompting Marcellus to smirk slyly.

"Good. Now—"

"B–But... But the Lord of the North can access our thoughts if he wants. Don’t you think he’ll find out eventually if you hide it from him?"

Marcellus paused, biting his bottom lip.

The reason he didn’t want to involve the Lord of the North was simple.

He had given him instructions through Regina to weaken the pack more.

What would Lord Ryker think of him if he found out that not only did he struggle to take down an aging spiritual leader, but he also got branded with some weird spiritual energy at the end of it?

He’ll be considered weak. Defective.

And even though he was the most powerful of Lord Ryker’s artificial hybrids, he knew damn well what happened to those the Lord deems as "defective". _{f\r(e)ewe.b no\vel.com}

"Which is why you need to keep it to yourself." Marcellus finally responded to Cullen’s last statement. "I’ll handle it myself. Whatever it may be. For now, you—"

Before he could finish speaking, his doorbell rang once, and then the door swung open, causing him to swerve his head to it with a frown.

He still had his right hand coiled slightly around Cullen’s neck, and both of them were inches away from each other.

So, when the person who stepped in saw the scene between the two of them... She froze with surprise.

And the person in question?

Layla.

"Oh..." She blinked awkwardly, scanning her gaze around before pointing backwards. "I’m so sorry for coming in abruptly. I could come back later if you’re... Busy."

Marcellus clicked his tongue silently, glancing at Cullen who had a smug smirk on his face.

’She probably thinks we were about to have a steamy session. If you know what I—’ Cullen tried playing around through a telepathic link but Marcellus interrupted.

’Shut up.’

If he had a dollar for every time rumours of him being gay or dating his assistant spread around the pack, he would be richer than he already was.

He spun to face Layla fully, a smile curling up his lips as he withdrew his hand from Cullen’s neck.

"Layla, dear. Cullen and I were just... Talking," He glanced at the lad, who nodded in agreement.

Layla nodded slowly as Cullen bowed slightly, playing the part of a normal assistant.

"I’ll take my leave now, sir."

He turned around and headed for the stairs, glancing briefly at Marcellus who walked toward Layla.

Layla’s calm and collected expression soon fell as a deep sadness bloomed in her eyes, her head lowering.

"I... I’ve been so overwhelmed since we discovered Elder Davina’s body last night. I’m trying to keep calm. I’m the Alpha King’s assistant so I MUST be calm."

Marcellus nodded, pretending to give a shit.

If only she knew Elder Davina’s killer was standing in front of her.

"First the riots, and now THIS?" Layla continued, her chest heaving heavily with frustration and panic.

"The pack is falling apart. I can’t even call the Alpha King to tell him about Elder Davina’s death because... Because he’s busy with his mission in Mexico and I know how much she meant to him. How much she meant... To me. To all of us."

Yeah... Right.

Marcellus let out a small sigh before he stepped closer and spread out his arms, pulling her into a soft hug.

She stiffened at first, obviously taken by surprise. But then she eventually gave in and embraced him too.

A grin settled on his lips when he felt that.

The emotionally vulnerable ones were the easiest to manipulate.