Chapter 164

Ayla and I ran through most of the details regarding our situation with the Waar Pak.

Maggie took in all the information intently. She asked questions. She expressed her own concerns. All in all, I was still confident that she was the best choice.

But I also wasn’t taking any chances.

“There’s one more thing I have to ask of you, Maggie,” I said gravely. “I don’t think I need to tell you how important my mate’s safety is to me. I accept that some risks are unavoidable, but I won’t take any that I don’t have to.”

“Of course, Alpha,” Maggie agreed.

“I also want you to know that this isn’t a decision I make lightly,” I insisted. “But there is a way for Ayla to command you that would prevent you from being questioned. By anyone.”

“Theo, no,” Ayla whispered.

I looked back at her, squeezing her leg.

“You can do this, babe,” I told her. “I’ll be right here to help you.” I turned back to Maggie. “It’s stronger than an Alpha’s command. I can’t even break it unless Ayla allows me to.”

“But I’ve never done it before,” Ayla told her adamantly. “I’m not even sure I can do it, and we think there can be... risks if I do it wrong.”

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10:39 D “What kind of risks?” Maggie asked.

“We’re not sure,” I admitted. “But we strongly believe her commanding you directly is much safer than the alternative.”

“There’s an alternative?”

“There is a ritual,” I confirmed. “From what we know, it isn’t pleasant. But that’s why we’re not proposing that. I want Ayla to command you. But it has to be your choice, Maggie. I will not command loyalty from my members. Neither will Ayla. This will act as a safeguard for the loyalty you already have to us.”

“You can think about it, Maggie,” Ayla interjected. “You don’t have to decide now.

Maggie shrugged. “There’s not much to think about. You have my loyalty, so that’s no question. And if this helps you both, then let’s do it.”

I could feel Ayla’s relief and anxiety coming through our connection. I repositioned on the couch to face her.

“We’ve got to try it, babe,” I said gently. “This is something you need to learn to control regardless. And I need assurance that you are safe.”

She chewed on her lip for a second. “Okay,” she conceded.

I cupped her cheek and kissed her. “Thank you. You still have the command Randy gave you, right?”

She nodded, standing up to go and grab the paper he gave her. When she came back, I had her sit in front of me between my legs and had Maggie sit on the coffee table before her. Contact wasn’t usually necessary for a command, only a pack connection, but I believed it would help in this situation.

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10:39 D “Okay, babe,” I said next to her ear, my hands resting on her thighs. “Take Maggie’s hand. Remember to concentrate on the intention you want to achieve. Search for her consciousness. After your Luna ceremony, you’ll be able to feel her tether, tying her to you and me as her pack leaders. Once you find her, say the words. But you have to mean them. You have to have the intention behind them.”

Ayla nodded her understanding. She took a few deep breaths. I could feel the energy build in her. It was the second time since we had marked each other. This time, I was able to appreciate how powerful it was.

“You. Maggie Walton, will not reveal the secrets of the Dominis bloodline to their enemies. You will not give any information that will lead those who wish to harm the Domins bloodline to me. You will...” Ayla paused, her resolve faltering.

“I “You have to finish it, Ayla,” I encouraged.

“You will protect the knowledge of the Dominis bloodline with your life.”

I wasn’t expecting those last words, but I supposed I should have. Ayla‘ s energy dissipated and she released Maggie’s hand. I looked at the woman in front of us. She smiled at Ayla reassuringly.

“That wasn’t so bad,” Maggie teased.

“Did it feel stronger than a regular command?” I asked.

Her brow furrowed. “I’m not sure. But I wasn’t going to fight it, and I -don’t have any intention of betraying you.”

I nodded. “That’s not surprising, I guess. You would need to be asked or commanded a question about Ayla.”

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10:39 “You can test it out,” Maggie said.

“Won’t work for me,” I said.

“He connected to me,” Ayla said. “I trust him with my life. He’s not an enemy.

“Gotcha.”

“I’ll see what I can do to test it,” I said. “For now, we’ll just have to hope that it worked. But I think that’s enough for tonight. Thank you, Maggie.”

We all stood and walked Maggie to the door.

“I’ll let you know what our next move will be soon,” I told her. “In the meantime, get situated in your new apartment. And if you have any more questions, you are welcome to reach out to either of us.”

We said our goodbyes and I locked the door behind her when she left. I could sense something was off with Ayla. When I turned back, she was sitting on the couch with her hands in her lap. I knelt before her.

“I didn’t like that,” she said. “I don’t want to command someone to die for me. I’m not doing that again, Theo.”

I sighed. “I get it, babe,” I said. “I do. If I’m being honest, it’s suspicious that these commands exist in a ritual. A good Alpha would never command loyalty from his pack like that. So, I know that didn’t feel right. But we gave her the choice, Ayla. I promise you didn’t command her to do anything she wouldn’t already do. You just made it so no one could force her to go against those desires.”

“I know,” she replied. “But I still don’t like it.”

I raised up to meet her level, kissing her lips firmly.

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10:39 D “I would be concerned if you did.”

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