The Alpha’s not-so Human Mate

23. Into Medina’s Cottage

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We arrived in front of Medina’s cottage the next morning. Ross killed the engine and we got out of the truck. I braced myself as we walked towards the cottage. The atmosphere was gloomy, sending chills down my spine—a strange sort of fear overwhelmed me.

The smell of rotten reptiles and rodents loomed in the air, this was a common scent for witches. Tai groaned uncomfortably in my chest, I could feel his restlessness and disgust.

Esnie, Ross, and I stood side by side as we faced the crumbling cottage. The sky above it was grey; without the sun to brighten it up, nor a single cloud. My heart raced with anticipation and uneasiness. The unpleasant memories I had experienced in this very place a few weeks ago, replayed in my mind.

My hand brushed against Esnie's, sending a spark of comfort and love through me. She looked into my eyes and smiled. “Everything is gonna be okay, baby.” Her voice warmed the innermost parts of me. Then, she intertwined her fingers with mine which comforted me beyond what words could express. I thought I could do this on my own, but I'm grateful that she is here with me, for I couldn't imagine facing this without her.

"Stay sharp, guys," Ross whispered, checking his pistol. I nodded, my own gun and flashlight at the ready. Although we were ready to transform at any time, when it came to witches, hexing was a norm. Werewolves have been known to lose their abilities in the presence of witches. Hence, holding a gun for insurance was considered a smart and safe choice. So far, we had been lucky enough to not be attacked by any of them.

As we entered the cottage, a cold air swept over us. For a second, I froze as chills rushed down my spine. I shook it off and continued to walk slowly into the darkness. The flashlight in my hand was our only source of illumination as I took the lead.

A horrendous smell lingered in the air, but knowing where we were, I was not fazed. The stench got worse with every step I took into the cottage. It was becoming hard to breathe because of how bad it was. Who knows what potion Medina is concocting in there? I braced myself for the worst of the worst.

We reached a closed door, the stench seemed to be stronger there. With a little more courage, I pushed the door open and was met with a sight that will forever haunt my dreams...

Medina lay lifeless on the floor, her body mutilated beyond recognition. The sound of flies buzzing over her corpse filled the air. Her eyes remained wide open as she stared eternally into empty space.

Esnie gasped behind me. "Who would do such a thing?"

Ross and I sniffed the air. The scent was confusing: A mixture of death and a familiar scent... a werewolf's scent. I tried to detect who this werewolf was—but the scent I got was unclear.

Ross breathed out in frustration. "Now what? We can't lift the curse without her."

Esnie's hand found mine, squeezing it tight. "We'll find another way, baby," she affirmed. "I won't stop until we get back what is yours.”

Her words soothed my misery, but it did not end my frustration. For as long as I was trapped in Kaiah’s body, she would never truly be mine. "Thank you," I whispered.

After checking the entire cottage, we concluded that there was nothing worth keeping us here. I wanted to at least bury Medina’s corpse, or inform a loved one about her murder... But Ross suggested against it as that could backfire real fast, and ‘we do not want to get on witches’ radar.’

With long strides, we walked out to the gloomy exterior and headed for the truck parked in front.

Something caught my attention and I stopped abruptly in my tracks. Esnie and Ross stopped as well.

I sniffed the air and caught the same scent as before. Realization hit me; I know who it is... “I can smell you, come out now!”

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows. A silhouette of a man in a suit. He walked out from behind the dying trees and into the open. Under the grey sky, his face became visible."It seems I cannot get past you, Alpha Jace."

"Masquerading as me to murder Medina is the lowest thing you could have done, Kaiah!” I pointed my gun at him, despite knowing how futile of an act that was.

He grimaced, "I don't know why you're so shocked by this. Why would I go through the trouble of getting this body--only to allow you to take it back just like that?”

His eyes darted to Esnie. "My darling mate, did you think I would not find out what you've been up to?"

Esnie stepped forward, her eyes glaring at Kaiah. "I am not your mate, you pig! Killing Medina is not only costing Jace his body, it also costing you yours!”

Kaiah scoffed. "In just a few seconds, you will understand why I did what I did." His words confused me, but I refused to give in to curiosity.

Ross grew impatient. "Let's just finish this bastard."

"Wait." I warned him, but he transformed into his wolf and charged at Kaiah.

I tried to transform too, but I felt a sharp pain in my chest that brought me to my knees. Esnie grabbed me just in time before I fell. Her scent calmed my racing heart, and slowly, the pain subsided.

Just then, we heard two gunshots echo through the air. I looked up and saw Ross's wolf fall to the ground in blood. In Kaiah’s hand was a smoking gun. He blew the smoke off the gun’s mouth. “Phew! You never know when you'll need a silver bullet, or two."

"No!" I ran over to Ross’s dying wolf, and dug my claws into his chest. I pulled out the first bullet stuck in his lung. I screamed as the silver burned my fingers while I pulled it out. I took out the second bullet as well, and his wounds started to heal immediately.

The sharp pain returned, sending waves of pain throughout my chest; the ripples were the deadliest, creating burning sensations as they spread to other parts of my body. I grabbed my chest; loud cries left my lips as the pain worsened.

Esnie wrapped her hands around me while I cried out in pain in her arms. I placed my head on her lap, taking in her scent.

Her voice broke as she pleaded with him. “Please Kaiah, give him back his body, of what use is it to you anyway."

He shrugged, spreading both hands in the air. "Why would I want to inhabit a dying body?"

"What do you mean by that?" I asked, my words coming out in gasps.

His expression turned serious. “I have a heart condition, and have only a few days left to live, but thanks to you and Medina, I have a healthy new body. Now, unfortunately for you, my friend, it is you who will die in a few days-in my place...”