Page 22 of His Sold Fated Mate

“I don’t know, but I know witches.”

I watched as Elize tilted her head, her hand dropping now. She looked confused while we sat in the car.

Aubrey frowned. “I think you’re letting your judgment cloud the whole picture here, Klaus. She seems nice, and you know the Alphas. What exactly are you thinking is going to happen?”

I didn’t know. The witches were said not to be trusted. I know that part of that was based on their past. But they were also the reason we were in this situation to begin with. I didn’t know who I could trust. I just knew that I had to keep her safe.

“I think you need to leave an open mind.” She pushed her door open and slipped out. I ground my teeth together, knowing she had a point. We needed answers, and that meant getting along with everyone.

I opened my door and got out. Elize smiled once more as she started down the steps. “I’m glad you decided to come join us today.”

“Well, Aubrey wanted to come and learn about what you were able to do to heal your pack.”

Elize raised an eyebrow and teased. “Just her, Klaus? You weren’t at all curious yourself?”

I grunted, and Elize turned to Aubrey. “I am happy you decided to come. I’ve been eager to meet you.” Elize reached out and took Aubrey’s hand, squeezing it.

Aubrey looked surprised by this. But Elize let go just as quickly. “Troy is in the big meeting room. We figured it was best to have this conversation in private. Some things aren’t for everyone’s ears.”

We headed up the stairs and inside the building. I always found Troy’s City Hall to be a little more welcoming than Riley’s. Troy’s pack was more welcoming in general. Aubrey looked around, taking in the high ceilings.

“This place is beautiful.”

Elize smiled. “Thank you. Troy takes great pride in the upkeep of buildings.”

We went down the hallway until Elize paused at a door. She pushed it open, and inside was a large round table where Troy was sitting, flipping through some papers. But he pulled his gaze up as we entered.

He offered a smile. “Hey, Klaus. It’s been a while. And you must be Aubrey. It’s lovely to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.”

Aubrey’s eyes widened. “Me? What have you heard?”

Troy smiled. “All good things. Mostly about how someone might finally soften Klaus up.”

I scowled. “You’re funny, Troy, and then you wonder why I don’t join the Alpha meetings as much.” His smile remained.

Aubrey and I took a step across from him. Elize walked over, placing her hands on Troy’s shoulders. “Be nice, honey.” She kissed the top of Troy’s head before sitting down next to him.

“So, what brings you here? Seeing you’re the one who called for this meeting.”

“We came because we are trying to find the answers on how you were able to heal your pack.”

Troy frowned. “So, it’s true that your pack is starting to have issues?”

I didn’t like to admit it, but it seemed the council was right. Over the past couple of weeks, I’d noticed a change. We had a couple of guys who were suddenly acting in strange manners. I knew it was just the start. I nodded. “Yes.”

Troy shook his head and pinched at his eyes. “God damn, will this ever end?”

Elize reached over, placing her hand on his. She gave him a soft smile. “We are safe, dear.”

“How so?” Aubrey asked. “Why are you safe exactly?”

They both shook their heads. “We don’t know why. It seems once you’ve cleansed your land, it stays. I worry that it will only last so long before the darkness starts to seep in again. There is so much about this curse and dark magic that we don’t know.”

I tapped my finger on the table. “What do you know?”

“That you need strength to survive this. Don’t let the dark magic pull you in. The cauldron seems like it’s just like any other, but it’s not. It uses you and slowly makes you think it’s normal, like it’s a waste of time. But it’s the source of the darkness. It clings onto you once you let your guard down enough and take control.”

“Control how?” I asked.