The Beast's Possession

**Killian

pov**

Could I kill my future in-laws and get away with it? Could I skin them alive or perhaps spare them the pain and simply hang them without any consequences. Would my little bride have a mental breakdown if she learned that I killed her family? Nah, I didn't think so. Clearly, she didn't have a breakdown when she thought that fucker Bane had killed them. But wait... Did she know they were still alive? If she didn't, I could get rid of them without raising any suspicions. And after I would get my bride back, I could simply stick to the scenario of Bane being the cause of all her hurt and misfortunes. Even if he told her otherwise, I was sure she would believe me more than someone who had slaughtered her entire pack and blew up her childhood home.

"Killian? Are you in there?" Salem waved her hand in front of my face as if I was some stupid statue for her to make fun of.

I caught her wrist and squeezed it until she hissed in pain. "What have I told you about getting in my fucking personal space, witch?" I forced the words through gritted teeth.

This magic bitch was seriously thinking that I needed her, but I wouldn't move a muscle if she were to die. If anyone set the woman on fire, I wouldn't piss on her to take the fire out, let alone spit on her.

Honestly, I hated witches, I hated them all with passion, even more after I learned that they sent a runt of a cat pack to Bane's territory, not someone who had experience with magic. Just to make the matters worse, the runt hadn't returned, which had to mean that she was imprisoned there.

"Okay, I'm sorry, just let go of me before your claws add more damage. There's no need to be this damn emotional about everything. I just tried to get your attention so you would listen to what I was saying. Keep in mind that my sisters and I are helping you, not the other way around."

The anger in her voice amused me. So much so that I wrapped my arm around her waist and pulled her body flush against mine. Then, I leaned down and stole a quick, but passionate kiss, leaving the witch breathless.

"I would be careful, if I were you. Especially about how you are talking to me, darling. Remember that only one wolf has the knowledge about where your little illegal Coven is located and your fate is in my hands. Fuck this up and see what I can do," I grinned and released her.

Salem backed away until her back hit the wall. She refused to look at me, the same as she had done many times before, showing off how temperamental and proud the witch was.

"We need to get the runt out," she whispered.

"I couldn't give two fucks about the runt. What makes you think that I would help you?" I couldn't help but laugh at her boldness.

The witches had a habit of assuming that I would care. Which, by the way, was as far from the truth as possible. I only cared if the matters concerned myself or my bride. That woman was the key for my future, for the power and wealth I could gain if only I got my hands on her. It was safe to say I cared about her. But only about her.

"Killian, I care about her. Kala won't be able to survive or find her way back home. You don't understand, she's a special kitty, she's mine and I love her." Salem kept pressing the issue.

I still couldn't understand why she was so attached to that damaged thing. The other witches in her Coven were smart women, they were the same as me and didn't care about what could be happening to the little cat, but Salem was different. Honestly, she had always been different. Too kind and compassionate for a true witch. She took in that runt a year ago, I still could remember how she ran to me for help in return for future favor.

Well, because of that one time she asked for help, Salem was now stuck with me and had to serve my needs until I agreed she had done enough.

"Favor for favor, Salem. Are you ready to go down that road all over again, even though you haven't repaid the previous debt yet?" I raised an eyebrow and crossed my arms in front of my chest, expecting a 'no' I was sure would come. "Yes. Kala is special. I told you, she won't be able to find her way home and there is no way she would survive out in the wild. I believe in her abilities, she will get out of that pack of horrors, but once she steps over that border, she's on her own. The kitty doesn't have claws, that's why she was banished from her pack, Killian. They took her claws and threw her out like trash, I won't do the same!" Salem kept arguing, finally turning her head and meeting my gaze.

Salem was one foolish woman. Stupid even. But despite that, I had to admit that I admired her fighting spirit and how far she was willing to go for those she truly loved or cared for. "Okay," I sighed. "Let's assume I'm willing to help. In that imaginary scenario, what would you want me to do?"

Salem's eyes widened as she stared at me in disbelief. "I can't believe someone as smart as you can't put two and two together, Killian. I want you to get her out of there, obviously."

Her words and tone sent me over the edge, so I started laughing. Loud. It took me quite a while to catch my breath and get rid of the need to laugh even more. "I can't believe someone as smart as you can be this stupid, Salem," I mocked her. She seemed deep in thoughts for a few seconds and then, her eyes turned completely white. One of the witches was communicating with her, and I instantly knew what to do.

Taking two, long steps, I reached Salem and wrapped my arms around her waist, holding her body against mine while hers slowly went limp and the convulsions started. Over time, I had learned this was a side effect to communication some witches had with one another, mainly those outside Coven's. If two women didn't belong to one Coven, the stupid communication thing was awfully painful.

As I held her body as steady as I could, a loud, ear-piercing scream left Salem's lips and her eyes closed. Her body instantly went completely limp in my arms, so I just stood there and waited until she would come to her senses. Usually, it didn't take longer than a minute, but since Salem wasn't waking up and it felt like her body was still slightly trembling, I knew that whoever contacted her had to be from somewhere far, far away.

When she did open her eyes, all anger left me and I smiled at the weakened witch. "Welcome back, darling. Should I get you something?"

Salem's eyes widened and she shook her head. I frowned. Oftentimes, after experiences like this one, she wanted a glass of water or some chocolate, so the instant refusal was pretty unusual.

But when her lips parted and no sound left them, I grew a little worried. It took me a moment to realize that she was whispering, her voice was there, but barely, repeating something. I leaned closer and forced my ear close to her mouth to hear her whisper, "the King. He's coming. He's getting closer!"