*Alice's POV*My arm throbbed as Simon continued to hold it in the air. One of the swipes that Olivia had landed had grazed this arm and side. I was trying to be strong, but I couldn't help a gasp that escaped.Simon seemed to notice and lowered my arm, looking down at me in concern. I could still hear the crowd murmuring around me. Most of them were in awe. My cheeks flushed at all of the attention."Why did you force me to do this?" I grumbled out as I wobbled slightly. I was pretty sure that I had twisted one of my ankles trying to evade attacks as well.Without answering, he suddenly bent over and grabbed my legs, pulling me up and into his arms. I wrapped my arms around his neck naturally, despite the fact that I was still annoyed with him.I would never tell him, but I was glad he did it. I wasn't sure how much longer I could have stood up."I will take her back to my place to tend to her wounds," Simon announced as he looked toward the Alpha King.

*Alice's POV*The wolf was still bounding at us, when all of a sudden there was a loud whistle that sounded through the entire trees.I clapped my hands over my ears. Even without wolf hearing, that whistle was piercing.Then he came to a stop.Suddenly, without another look towards me or Olivia, he turned and took off. I stared after him in surprise, wondering what on earth could have made them retreat. And so quickly. They had almost gotten us.It had to be Simon. Please, be Simon.Olivia's fist suddenly flew at my face from the side and I didn't have time to react as it made contact with my cheek.My entire body twisted around at the angle and strength of which she hit me."Are you that f*cking dumb?!" I screamed as my already injured head throbbed again. I pulled the rope that tied us together as far apart as possible, so I could keep my distance."That's for what you said about my mom!" Olivia shrieked back, and then she came at me agai

*Simon's POV*There was a light knock on my door, surprising me. I wasn't expecting anyone, and nobody usually dared to visit me except for Alice. But at this point, she usually just walked in, or it sounded like she would break the door down when she knocked.As far as I knew, she had no idea I had spoken to the Alpha King alone, and I planned on keeping it that way in order to protect her. When I saw her standing outside of the Alpha King's door earlier that evening, I knew that she was pissed. Whether it was at me for breaking my promise to take her there myself or with the king was yet to be determined.I just hoped it wasn't the former.Leaving Alice standing there, knowing the king wasn't inside, was challenging. God knew how much I wanted to tell her everything. However, I needed time to organize my thoughts. She was so smart that I couldn't let her find out I was hiding something from her until I figured out how to tell her the truth.I walked to

*Alice's POV*My head felt dizzy as we dropped out of the portal. I probably would have fallen to my knees if it wasn't for Simon's warm arm still wound tightly against me, supporting me.I looked up and blinked my eyes multiple times, trying to get rid of the dizziness. Simon stood still, allowing me time to adjust. I was thankful for that. Not only now, but back in my room also. What I had seen of my mother shook me more than I thought and I needed the distraction.The room came into view and I felt like I was in what I had pictured as the human lab. There were bottles and beakers everywhere, with racks lining the walls filled with all sorts of ingredients. A table sat in the middle of the room, and sitting at it was a woman that looked oddly familiar to me.She was a bit older than me, or even Simon, but she was still beautiful. There was a wildness about her that I could sense and admire. I watched as she stood up and walked confidently towards me."Hello,

*Alice's POV*The next day, I climbed out of bed and threw my long hair up into a ponytail before heading out of my room. I was planning to go to Simon's to see if he would take me back to Sofia's. I really enjoyed my time with her, and she knew a lot about not only magic and potion creation but also Simon. Maybe she could tell me something that I could use to my advantage at some point.However, halfway there, I was surprised to be interrupted by William walking into my path. He purposely cut me off and brought me to a stop."Hey, Alice," he said breathlessly. He must have been running."Hey, William," I countered, trying to sidestep him and continue on my way.He stepped back in front of me."Are you on your way to Mr. Simon's?" he asked. I looked at him for the first time. His eyes were wide and refused to remain steady—as he had just come to a groundbreaking revelation."So what if I am?" I asked as I folded my arms across my chest. What I did cer