10: Long shot

Adonis’s POV

If Vee had any connection with Vico or any information on Vico’s whereabouts, I will pry the information out of her.

But that will wait until after breakfast. If I missed breakfast with my gang, it was sure to heighten their suspicion.

I took a big bite of my stake and I could not help but notice the eyes boring holes into my face.

I know what they wanted to know, but right now I could not tell them anything, not until my cure is ready and Vee tells me where Vico was hiding.

Although she was really good at lying. Even after been caught with my pearl in her house she still denies having taking it.

I will have to find a way to get the information out of her. As long as none of them are bold enough to ask me about the half breed, then there is no need to bring it up myself.

“Sir?” Ezra’s unsure voice called.

I glanced up from my plate and he immediately bowed his head. His frizzled red hair, fell over his face, protecting his chubby face from my glare.

“I.... We were wondering about the half breed. Would she be staying with…?”

Just great. I had to shut this down now.

“Your job is not to be wondering about my decisions. Your job is to teach the young warriors. Understood?”

He bobbed his head severally. “Of course sir. Sorry sir.”

I sighed. “She is still here because she has valuable information that I need and once I get it, we will execute her.” This explanation would be enough to quench their curiosity. For now. But the earlier I get rid of the half breed, the better for everyone.

I felt Fang’s judgy eyes on me, but I did not bother looking in his direction.

After breakfast, I checked in at the training ground. There was nothing like having enough army. With all the looming danger and ever growing threats to my kingdom, the bigger and stronger my men, the better.

Kene, my war strategist and head trainer, a tall muscular man with deep brown eyes, and his black dreaded hair packed in a bun, waved before heading towards me. He was highly feared, even by my men. Kene was the result of an affair between a wolf and a witch, a relationship that was an abomination in the twelve kingdoms.

But he was my friend and against all advice, I made him head trainer and war strategist. A decision that Kene has proven to everyone to be the right one.

“How is it going?” I asked leaning against the rails that kept onlookers away from the training ground.

He shrugged. “This new batch are completely useless. Two weeks and they still haven’t mastered the basis of sword fight,” he grunted.

I chuckled.

He leaned against the rails, eyeing me from the corner of his eyes. “I hear you have a half breed in your possession.”

“Now where did you here that?” I asked, trying very hard to conceal my surprise.

“That is not a denial.”

“She stole from me and I had fang track her down.”

“Wouldn’t the dungeon be a more fitting place for a thief?”

I glared at him and he lifted his hands in surrender.

“Vico’s men got into my lands, do you know how that happened?” His men were supposed to be guarding the boundaries 24/7.

He frowned. “I heard and I take full responsibility for my men’s incompetence. I have already doubled security at every corner.”

I sighed. “Alright then.”

Kene returned to the trainees, I watched them for a couple of minutes and then walked away.

Kene was right, they were useless.

***

Vee was brushing her wet hair in front of the mirror when I entered the room. She glanced at me through the corner of her eyes and said nothing.

She looked better now that she had showered and smelled sweetly of soap, except for her puffy red eyes. Nate growled in my head. He certainly would not like what I planned to do.

“Who sent you to steal from me?” I asked.

She put the comb down but said nothing.

“I’m talking to you,” I growled as anger bubbled in my chest. No one dared to ignore me!

She remained quiet.

I grabbed her by the shoulder and spun her around, she had a blank look in her eyes. “How do you know Vico?”

“I don’t know Vico. Or you or where the fuck I am!” she shrieked and I let go of her shoulder. She was going to make getting the truth difficult. I had to find another way to get the truth out of her.

I took a few steps back and my eyes dropped to her chest, inadvertently. I noticed two buttons were undone, making the sides of her firm breasts visible and her nipples pressed against the fabric of her shirt.

Something rumbled inside me. Something I haven’t felt in years. Something that should not be aroused by a half breed.

I turned away. Raking my fingers through my hair in agitation. I am certain this was Nate’s doing. It had to be.

When I returned my gaze on her, her buttons were all done up and her arms wrapped protectively over her chest.

“I am going to ask you this one more time,” I balled my fist, shoving the unsolicited feelings away. “How. Do. You. Know. Vico?”

Tears welled up in her eyes. Crocodile tears, I’m sure. But tears don’t work on me. It never has and it never will.

“I don’t know who you are talking about,” she muttered, wiping her eyes with the back of her palm.

I nodded. “Maybe a night in the dungeon will jug your memory.”

Her eyes widened. “Wait, what? I don’t know Vico, I swear it!”

I marched outside. “Jumbo! Razzi!”

Two guards jogged towards me. “Throw this woman into the dungeon,” I ordered and started walking away without sparing her another glance.

Her screams filled the air, and Nate fought to take control, to punish the men that dared lay hands on his mate.

I walked faster, suppressing him even more.

I went straight to Helga. The potion should be ready by now. Once I take the cure, I will have Vee executed tonight! Nate would be furious but he would forgive me and everything can finally return to normal.

Helga sat under the shade in front of her tent, sprinkling god knows what into a small fire in front of her, and mumbling chants under her breath.

She stopped as soon as soon as she noticed my presence, flashing a calm smile at me. She motioned for me to seat on a small stool.

I complied. “Is it ready?” I asked, feeling nervous for the first time. I have never been this close to a cure in five years.

“It didn’t work,” she said simply.

I felt my whole world evaporate. “What did you say?”

“I’m sorry but it didn’t work. She is not a full wolf, if she were, her blood would be activated and so would the healing properties. I’m sorry.”

I stood to my feet. Only one thought echoed in my head, I’m going to die.

Zaphri won.

“It’s over then,” I muttered.

She sighed. “There is another way to activate the healing properties in her blood. But it is a long shot.”

“What is it?”