The Alpha's Unwanted Bride novel Chapter 452

Chapter 452: COHORTS

The air inside the healer’s hut was thick with the scent of crushed herbs and old magic. Flickering candlelight danced across the wooden walls, casting soft shadows as Nanny Nia stood over the altar, her fingers tracing the lines of an ancient symbol etched into the wood. Fiona sat nearby, clutching a steaming mug between her palms, her face drawn and tense.

"She’s not safe," Nanny Nia murmured, more to herself than to Fiona. "Not out there. Not with Xaden missing and that wretched Alpha Hunter involved."

Fiona leaned forward. "We have to do something. We can’t just sit here hoping Erik finds her in time."

Nia turned sharply. "I’m not sitting. I’m thinking. There’s more at play than just Jasmine being gone. The energy in the air, the way Anna and her friends were celebrating—as if they knew something."

Fiona nodded grimly. "They’re up to something. Lisa and Lily have been sneaking around, whispering at odd hours. I wouldn’t be surprised if they knew more about what happened to Rudy than they let on."

Nia’s lips tightened. "Then we need to act before they get another chance. Jasmine’s already risked everything to go after Xaden. We must ensure there’s a pack for her to return to."

Fiona stood. "What’s your plan?"

The old woman turned to her, eyes burning with quiet fire. "Expose them. Not just Anna, but all of them. Whatever they’re hiding, we bring it into the light. Anna thinks she’s clever, but she’s reckless. If we press the right places, she’ll unravel."

Fiona stepped closer, her voice low. "I can do it. Get close. Pretend to forgive her. She already let her guard down once."

Nia gave her a sharp look. "You sure about that?"

"I can stomach it if it means protecting Jasmine. She’s my sister in every way that matters."

Nia’s expression softened. "Good. Then we’ll start tonight."

That evening, the pack house buzzed with quiet tension. With Erik gone, the energy had shifted. Damian, now acting Alpha, kept a watchful eye, but whispers flowed like poison through the halls.

Fiona reentered the courtyard where Anna was once again lounging, her glass refilled and her smirk returned. Lisa sat beside her, quieter than usual, while Lily kept glancing over her shoulder.

"Anna," Fiona called smoothly, catching the girl mid-sip.

Anna stiffened, clearly unsure of Fiona’s intentions. "Come to gloat?"

Fiona shook her head, wearing a carefully constructed mask of peace. "No. I came to talk."

Anna narrowed her eyes. "About what? How Erik’s madly in love with you?"

Fiona ignored the jab and stepped closer. "Look. We’ve both said things we regret. I don’t want bad blood between us—especially not now. The pack needs unity."

Lisa and Lily exchanged surprised glances. Anna didn’t respond, her face hard to read.

Fiona pressed on. "We’re stronger together. And honestly, I could use your help."

Anna blinked. "My help?"

"I want to make sure Jasmine doesn’t return and cause more problems. You and I... we both know she’s a threat to the pack."

Nia had taught her well. Learn their language. Feed their delusions.

Anna’s mouth curved. "Now you’re talking sense."

Back in the healer’s den, Nia watched the moon rise through the open shutters. Beside her, she’d arranged several talismans—each one representing a piece of the pack’s spiritual strength.

She whispered a blessing over them, fingers dancing with precision.

"Let the truth surface," she said to the stars, "let the Goddess reveal what shadows hide."

By morning, Fiona had what she needed.

Anna had spoken freely over more wine—careless, overconfident.

"She’s not coming back," she had laughed, swirling her glass. "Even if she does, it won’t matter. Not after what we’ve done."

Fiona had kept her face neutral, heart pounding.

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