The Beast's Possession

**Bane

pov**

The king's words lingered in the air, a bizarre mix of mockery and genuine surprise. I couldn't quite understand why he found my situation amusing. It was as if he rejoiced in the idea that I, Alpha Bane, the fearless leader, was fighting with matters of the heart.. "Love is a powerful force, my friend," he continued, finally tearing his gaze away from the wall to meet my eyes. "It turns even the mightiest warriors into bumbling fools. But it seems you're not just in love.. You're also terrified of losing her." I scowled, my frustration bubbling to the surface. "Terrified? I'm not terrified. I'm just... concerned. Yes, concerned, that's exactly what I am. Aife deserves the best, and I've let her down. Mind you, more than just once."

He leaned back, studying me with nothing but seriousness. "You're not just concerned. You're scared fucking shitless. Scared of losing her to a fate you can't control. Scared that someone else might be what she needs. Terrified that someone else could become the very thing she desires. Anyone but you."

I gritted my teeth, unwilling to admit the truth in his words. "I'm not scared of anything."

He chuckled, the sound echoing against the walls of the room. "Bane, denial doesn't suit you. Neither does green. You may be an Alpha to the outside world, but deep down, you're just a man. A man in love, and a man who's afraid of not being enough.

My fists clenched involuntarily. The king had a way of prying into the depths of one's thoughts, exposing vulnerabilities that were better left hidden from the outside world. But perhaps, in his own twisted way, he was trying to offer some support and understanding.

"What's your point?" I growled, my impatience and anger getting the better of me.

He sighed, amusement instantly fading from his expression. "My point is, you have seven days to make things right. Seven days to show Aife that you care, that you're not the oblivious fool you've portrayed yourself to be. If her birthday is truly a significant event, then make it memorable. Prove to her that you can be the man she needs."

I opened my mouth, about to snap back at him, but he just grinned and raised his hand. "That is, if you can prove to me that you have healed enough to leave this place. Remember that I'm watching you."

Seven days. Time was slipping through my fingers, and the asshole still found a way to mock me. I battled a sense of urgency, yet he just laughed to my face and relished in my misery.

The king's eyes bore into mine, a silent challenge that I couldn't ignore. "You can't stay trapped in this palace forever, it's not what I expect of you. However, I want you to take your health seriously and more importantly," he continued, his tone more serious than ever. "I want you to realize that you have to take him seriously. He isn't one to joke around, you know that. Just because you have chosen to ignore his presence over the years doesn't mean he's harmless. He isn't."

A strange mixture of determination and stress settled within me, setting my insides ablaze. The prospect of escaping this place, returning to Aife, and making amends fueled a newfound sense of purpose. The king may be a major asshole oftentimes, but in this instance, his words made more sense than I was willing to admit aloud.

I nodded, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. "You're right. I wish I could keep denying it, but you're absolutely right. I need to heal, deal with the asshole and then, I will return home. I want to make her birthday unforgettable." He smirked, a hint of approval in his gaze. "That's the spirit, oh all-mightly Alpha. Now, let's discuss if you have any ideas of how you could take full control over the anger gremlin that lives inside you. And I'm not talking about your wolf." For some reason, I laughed. His words seemed innocent and funny, but deep down, both of us knew how serious this situation actually was. Lately, I had been losing control, especially while I was out, so the prospect of Aife, getting hurt while I was asleep, truly terrified me.

The king had many great ideas and suggestions, but none seemed like a long-term answer to my problems.

For now, I was trying to win some time. For now, I knew Zion would take care of her and ensure Aife was safe, but I couldn't tell for how long that would work.

For as long as I wasn't in my territory, the pack was an easy target. And honestly, if shit went as Killian wanted it to go, I was sure that asshat had already spread the news about my absence. He wasn't the only enemy I had, and definitely not the strongest of them all.

The king and I hatched a plan. It was risky and rather daring, but for the time being, it could work as a good way to force down the fucker that was trying to make my life more miserable than it should have been. In time, we could try to seek out healers and possibly find a way to break the curse in another way, not the one that had been described in those old books.

As we finalized the details, I couldn't shake the feeling that this journey wasn't just about ridding myself of someone I viewed as nothing but a leech. It was an attempt to turn a new page in my life. By doing this, I would be trying to prove to Aife that I truly had feelings for her.

"Okay, if, and only if, you manage to hold him down tonight while you sleep, I'll give you the green light to leave. How does that sound?" The king offered.

I instantly perked up, ready to leave right this instant. "I'm sure I can prove my ability to hold him down. Put a little bit of trust in me." I grinned.

He looked away and let out a heavy sigh. "Still can't believe this. Of all the people, Bane, of all the fucking people, he's the fucker who's in love. Mad, mad world we live in," he whispered under his breath.

I pretended I didn't hear his words. Instead, I grinned like a lunatic and started counting seconds, wishing they would pass faster and I could get back to her sooner. Hold on, baby, I'm coming home.