The Alpha's Fated Outcast Rise Of The Moonsinger novel Chapter 271

Ramsey

The air suddenly got heavier flapping through my clothes with such intensity that might even sweep me away if care is not taken.

A chill wind swept through me, but I didn't shiver either. I was used to the cold. The kind that cut through bone. The kind that made you or sharpened you. I fought the urge to open my eyes until the snap of a twig pulled me from my thoughts.

I turned my muscles already tensing, ready for an attack – It was an enemy per se – the infamous Dark One, the scourge of packs and the one who was also laying claims on Lyla. Yet here he was, dressed like a wanderer, a wry, twisted smile on his lips.

"What an unexpected surprise," I said mimicking the way his lips were curled in distaste. "Come to offer your surrender?" I sneered, folding my arms across my chest as I gave him my back, still alert. "If that is not the case, then do what do I owe the pleasure of your dark company?"

I threw it over my shoulders again.

His lips quirked into that infuriating half-smile of his. He walked with a casual grace that did nothing to describe the danger he represented. "I thought it was time we had a chat physically you know. Outside the dream world, Alpha Ramsey."

"You want to join my pack?"

He chuckled softly again. "Not quite. I've come to offer a proposition."

"A proposition?" I echoed, narrowing my gaze. "From you?"

"Yes, from me," he replied, unbothered. He straightened and slipped his hands behind his back. "We need to have a chat first about mutual interests and mutual enemies."

"I wasn't aware we had any mutual interests," I replied coldly. "And as for enemies – I make my own decisions about who stands against me and people whom I want as enemies."

He chuckled and moved to stand beside me. Both of us now were facing the running stream. "Nathan is our mutual enemy," he said simply. "And I thought you'd like to know that I'm willing to help you defeat him. Consider it as offering my help."

I laughed. If I wasn't so bothered about a thousand things at once, I would have laughed harder than I did. "Help me? Why would I need help from my enemy? And what would that entail? More of your mind games and manipulations?"

"Information," he replied smoothly. "And strategy. You see, Nathan currently has an advantage that you don't – he has Lyla at his side. Her powers are fully manifested as a Moonsinger. That means Lyla can meet me on a battlefield and defeat me."

The mention of Lyla's name sent a jolt through my chest. I tried to mask my expression and remain impassive. "Lyla? What does she have to do with this? Shouldn't you be worried that now that she has regained her abilities, she would come after you?"

His smile widened, revealing perfect white teeth. "Everything. She's performed the blood oath with Nathan. Finally succumbed to his… charms, shall we say? The oath gives him complete control over her. Whatever he wants, she'll do. Whatever he commands, she'll obey."

"And?" I challenged, fighting so hard to keep my expression neutral, but inside, Lax was howling in rage and pain. That would explain her odd behaviour to me earlier.

Lyla, under Nathan's control? The thought was almost too much to bear. But I wouldn't give Xander the satisfaction of seeing my distress.

"You're bluffing," I said finally. "Lyla wouldn't…"

"Wouldn't what?" his voice was as smooth as silk. "Wouldn't do it willingly? You're right. She wouldn't. But fate rarely cares about willingness."

I hated him for that. For the truth woven into his smirking words.

"And why would you tell me this?" I asked. "Are you jealous that Nathan is going to take your place and all the focus would now be on him?"

As soon as I said that, he shifted slightly and that was when it dawned on me that I was right. He wanted to keep the focus on him and it seemed Nathan was trying to take his crown away from being the Dark One he so wanted to be.

"Listen, if you have problems with Nathan… go, settle it with him. I still have problems with you trying to rule my world but you don't see me going around trying to sell you off to another person as enemy."

He stared at the flowing stream for a few seconds and then turned to face me. "Ramsey, I have my grievances with Nathan. And I also know how to help you defeat him, even with Lyla by his side."

It was a tempting offer and I hated myself for taking the bait. I couldn't help but ask. "Even if this is true, what do you want from me? That I trust you?"