Chapter 16: Stolen Will

Elizabeth

The air was thick. I sat, parked in my car and took a deep breath. This wasn’t the part of town I wanted to be in right now. I looked at the time—it was getting late, and Nathan would be back from the office anytime soon, so I had to do this fast.

I got out of the car and pulled the hoodie over my head. The energy from this place creeped me out; the air smelled of old secrets.

This was the witch district of New York. It looked like every normal place, only that werewolves weren’t invited—only witches and humans who had no idea of the supernatural world lived here.

The street lamps were dim, and it felt like every shadow I passed was watching me. Goddess, this place gave me the ick.

A few witches hiding in the shadows hissed under their breath as I passed, their eyes glowing faintly in the dark. I felt the tension in the air—centuries of hate between our kind. I quickened my pace. I didn’t want a fight, but I came prepared. I wasn’t here to make friends, and no one was going to stand in my way.

I needed something… something only one particular witch could give me.

A spell strong enough to compel a werewolf Alpha to do something against his will.

It's time to make Nathan mark me.

I stopped in front of an old antique store. The doors had symbols on them—humans would think it was just creative art. The energy coming from it was cold and unsettling. I pushed the door open and stepped in.

The smell of herbs and burning sage filled the air. There were no lights, only candles—lots of them—giving brightness to this creepy place.

The store was quiet, and at the center of the room sat Celeste, an old witch who owed my mother. Now I am here to collect.

“I was wondering when you’d eventually show up,” her voice was low and cold. “Your mother called, the Alpha’s little fiancée.”

I smirked, stepping closer. “Seems you know a lot about me, but I don’t have time for chatter, old witch. Pay your debt, and I’ll be out of here.”

She smiled. “I know everything worth knowing about you, child.” She tilted her head slightly, her voice losing that sweet edge it had. “What do you want?”

“I need a spell,” I said flatly.

She grinned, showing off her yellow, aged teeth. “Of course you do.”

I took a sharp breath, letting my arrogance mask my unease. “A compelling spell that’ll make him mark me—quickly. No questions, no hesitation.”

The witch went silent, watching me like she could see right into my soul. Then she shook her head and laughed softly—the sound horrified me.

“You do realize, little wolf, that what you’re asking for isn’t just magic—it’s forbidden. You’d be binding his free will, and that will cost you.”

“I didn’t ask for a lecture, old hag,” I said, boredom in my voice. “Name your price.”

Her smile faded, replaced by an eerie smirk. “Three drops of your blood, freely given. That’s all.” Her eyes darkened. “When the spell takes hold, you’ll have him bound to you forever—and you to him. Do you understand?”

I thought about it for a moment. I’d come this far; I wasn’t going to stop because of some silly threat. Witches always had a way of trying to terrify someone—but not me.

I pulled out a blade from my pocket and sliced across my palm without flinching. She watched, her face expressionless, as she held out a silver vial. My blood dripped into it, glowing faintly red, and within seconds my palm healed back up.

She began to chant in a language I didn’t understand. The air around us shifted, a couple of candles flickered out—but with a snap of her fingers, they came back to life.

She handed me a small black vial.

“Pour it in his food and make sure he eats it,” she said. “Your wish will be his command. He’ll do your every bidding, and he’ll burn the world for you.”

I couldn’t help but smile darkly.

“But remember,” she added, “magic like this has consequences. One day, you’ll pay with blood.”

I took the vial and slipped it into my hoodie pocket.

“Let me worry about the price,” I said, turning to leave—but her voice stopped me.

“My debt to your mother is paid. Don’t ever come back here.”

I chuckled before walking away.

As I stepped into the cold night, I looked at the time. Nathan would be back home soon. I rushed to my car, but as I drove, I heard the witch’s voice echo in my head again.

“Be careful. The moon never blesses what’s stolen.”

I smirked as I sped down the road. I never wanted the moon’s blessings anyway.

When I got to the pack house, Nathan wasn’t back yet. I quickly rushed into the shower, freshened up, and put on something a little revealing.

The maids brought his dinner to our room. He always liked eating on the balcony, so that was where it was served.

Once the maids were gone, I looked around, making sure no one saw me before adding the elixir to his food.

Within seconds, he strolled in, looking exhausted. I rushed toward him and kissed him passionately.

But he seemed… weird. His hair was a mess, and his eyes were distant—but I was going to fix all that soon.

“How was work today, baby?” I asked sweetly as I walked him to the balcony, not even waiting for him to get changed.

“Work… was fine.” He looked at me curiously. “Are you okay?” he asked, raising a brow.

“Of course I am,” I said with a smile. “I asked the maids to make your favorite. Sit, eat before you go freshen up.”

“What’s the rush? I can freshen up first,” he protested.

“No, just have a bite, please. I see how hard you work, and I just wanted to do something kind for you,” I said, sounding genuine.

There was silence between us for a moment before he finally said, “Thank you,” then took a seat.

I smiled triumphantly as I watched him sit and eat.

One bite led to another… then another… then another.

Yessssssssss!!!