Page 20 of Red and the Alpha
“I just know.” He was unable to stay away from her. His wolf was pushing for him to bring her in close. This mating madness was growing the longer he was in her presence. He grabbed her arm and drew her close to him. “Kamila, you are more powerful than your grandmother. The witches will respect you—”
“They will demand that I keep them safe. My coven is of the utmost importance right now.” She pulled away from him. “No matter what fate decided and what you say, I have to think of them.”
She spun around, her scarlet cape flowing in the air. She sped up to a jog, putting distance between them.
“Red,” he called out.
Kamila froze in place. She slowly turned, her wide eyes locked on him. “What did you just call me?”
His feet carried him to her.
“You heard me, Red.” He wasn’t above fighting dirty. His wolf growled, determined to win her over. As much as she would fight it, fate wouldn’t let her forget that he was her soul mate. He had been waiting for years for the moment he would be able to claim her.
Kamila Stone would be his.
He stalked toward her. She was more beautiful than anyone he’d ever seen. Her light, creamy skin was highlighted by her long dark hair flowing around her shoulders.
“Only people close to me call me by my nickname.” She snorted.
Maxius released a cynical laugh, stopping before her. He reached up and pushed her thick strands behind her ear.
This witch had no idea how stubborn he was.
“We are going to be getting really close, mate.” He growled.
Seizing her by the neck, he slammed his lips onto hers. His tongue swept into her mouth in a deep, passionate kiss. Kamila leaned into him, a moan escaping her.
Kamila’s hands were crushed between them. Maxius tilted his head to the side to deepen the kiss.
Kamila tore her lips from Maxius’s and pushed with all her might, but he didn’t budge one inch.
“You have got to stop doing that.” She gasped and took a step away from him, her gaze dropping down to his very painful erection.
He took a step toward her, and she held her hands up in the air and met his gaze.
“We are done here.” She spun around and took off running through the woods.
Maxius grinned.
He loved a good chase, but he would let her go.
In due time, she would be his.
Chapter 6
Nighttime had fallen, and the members of Eternal Flame were present. Kamila stood on the temple’s veranda. The thick woods that surrounded the building had a trail leading to where the funeral ritual would be performed. The pathway was awash with soft lights gently showcasing the members walking the trail to where they would all say goodbye to Hazel.
Kamila sensed them all, their powers swirling around. The moon was high, and the crisp air was chilling, but soon there would be a giant flame providing heat.
“Are you ready?” Kadir asked.
She peeked over at her cousin who stood by her side and gave a nod.
This was what she had been prepping for her entire life, but she never would have figured Hazel wouldn’t be here to share in her ascending.
“As ready as I ever will be.” She blew out a deep breath and walked toward the stairs. Reaching the last step, she froze in place. A gentle brushing on her psyche sent a shiver down her spine. She gathered her cloak closer to her and looked around.
“What is it?” Kadir asked, coming to stand by her.
