Satisfied that I ended the threat I leap down and the villagers drop to one knee before me. All except the Alpha, that dumb ass decides to walk up to me. "How dare you bring this threat to my people! Many have died because of you! I hope they rend the flesh from your bones and drink your blood like wine." He just stands there all cocky thinking his title would protect him. Over his shoulder I see Sebastian, Dimitri and Elena. I didn’t want to do this, but I cannot let him poison my people anymore.
I shift back and stand before him my eyes that of my wolf. "It’s amazing how you have short periods of time that you have balls. No brains but balls. I’d almost respect that if I didn’t scent the terror on you. Not one of the Strigoi fell by your claws. No, you hid in your cellar, waiting for the sun to come up so you could claim the glory to the survivors." I shook my head and circled around him. "You forget your place in the hierarchy. You forget that Alphas have no power while a Royal still lives. You are a leader in a handed down title from a weak bloodline. My mate’s bloodline is older than yours, from the old country where our kind comes from. You, you’re a thin blooded American lycan, no history no lineage. I’m ending your rule today. Step down and submit... or die. Your choice." I gave him my back and closed my eyes. Sebastian felt what I was doing, and he locked onto watching the Alpha. I saw every move without having to turn.
"Like my daughter said she’s not pure lycan, she’s part dragon and unfit to rule!" He charged at me, and just before impact I regained my wolfs form and sank my talons into his chest straight to his spine. I held him there feeling his heart beating against my forearm. His blood pulsed out and around the hole in his chest and down to my elbow. He’s in such a state of shock that he’s just staring into my mercury orbs. One quick flick of the wrist and I ended him, ripping out his spine in one fluid move.
I shifted back, his spine still in my hand. My arm bloody to my elbow, as I turned to face the gathered crowd. "You are my pack, my people. I will fight for you and protect you. All I ask is that you train hard in the old ways." I raise my clean hand and wave at Elena to come forward. "Elena and her family have faithfully served my family for countless generations. I ask her to serve me now. Watch over our people guide them in the old ways. Her word is my law. Those that stand against her will die by my talons." I address the survivors, all nod and bow their heads. I’ve gained their respect and loyalty. I turn to Elena, "Train them well in the battle skills. War is coming and I’ll need every strong Lycan at my side for the final battle. Gather the rogues and the ones the old Alpha exiled, bring them back into the pack and give them purpose." I kiss the top of Elena's head before moving towards my shocked mate. I offer him the spine of the old Alpha. "For you my love. Do with it what you will." I walk off towards his hut listening to his mother speak to and comfort the survivors. I’ve chosen well, she knows these people and she'll do right by them. In the meantime, I need to clean up and pack we have a road trip ahead of us.
I sit on the porch of Sebastian’s house. I had dragged out the amp and guitar I found in his room and tune it. Usually I like playing a little Ax7 but today is a little different. I start playing Megadeth’s “She-wolf” letting the notes carry though the compound. My head is down and I’m lost to the music. In my head I’m singing the song. but somewhere around the first chorus I hear several voices join in singing the lyrics.
I smile as I look up to see it's Sebastian and several other young males. One joins in with his guitar, playing the backup rhythms for the song. We jam out and I bask in the glory of how my mate and his wolf are staring at me while he sings. I get up and start walking around playing the song, it’s turned into a full out performance for the pack. The young male that’s playing back up approaches as we bounce back and forth toward the end of the song taking turns playing the lead rhythm. It’s a thing of beauty when you can be in sync with another. I see Elena approaching and she just smirks at me. I look to my new buddy and change it up. I hit the opening riff of, “Of Wolf and Man” from Metallica.Peter, I find out his name, is grinning from ear to ear as the pack sings the lyrics, as we play.
Elena is just enjoying the flow of the pack, they are alive and acting as one, like a pack should. I breathed new life into them. I move slowly toward Elena still playing along with Peter. "Can I help you pack master?" I just smile at her as I thrash though the cords, the pack begins to howl along with the part of the song.
"Princess you have performed many miracles for your people. You freed them and gave them purpose. We are blessed to have you." She smiled and patted my shoulder as I handed the guitar off to my mate, who started up an early 90's tune. "I stuck a new authors book in your bag. The female main character reminds me of you." Ok that got my attention.
"Oh, is she a wolven badass like me?" I smile like the Cheshire cat... or is it the cat that swallowed the canary. Either way it wasn’t an innocent look.
"Definitely not. It’s a mob book. She shoots this girl.. just wait till you read it. With the way you handled the last two threats, she's right up your alley." Elena had that innocent as fuck look going on, so I know she’s up to something. Now I really need to read that book.
I shelved that thought at the moment and looked at my people. My people, I never thought I’d be saying that. I was kept separate, raised off grid for over two hundred years all because of my bloodline. Now I have a pack, a mate and other mates I must still find. I feel like I’m playing an advanced game of manhunt, well a literal manhunt. I sit here watching everything unfold and ponder what my parents would think of me at the moment. Am I too brutal? I mean my death toll is rising and I haven’t traveled more than four hundred miles in the last week. I’m mildly concerned as to how high it will reach before the final battle. I’ve killed a slut, an Alpha's daughter and the Alpha. So only three in the last week... not horrible, maybe. Dimitri once told me I was going to need an army to take back the castle. A packs loyalty is to its Alpha. So, unless I’m sure of the Alphas fealty, he cannot live. I must ascend to take over the pack. So many cogs in the machine, so many pieces to the puzzle but I understand clearly how they fit together.
Then it dawns on me. Sebastian’s gift is battle strategy. I never had the ability to plan things out to this level previously. This is freaking amazing. Speaking of that hunk of wolf he’s walking straight to me. "You look deep in thought love. Everything ok?" He smiles and sits next to me taking my hand in his.
"Just a lot to process. I've done so much, yet it’s just the tip of the iceberg." I rest my head on his broad shoulder and take comfort in his presence. "Oh, and I figured out that I gained your gift of battle strategy. That is a most excellent gift to receive." I smiled and he just started laughing.
"Great I made the perfect weapon even more dangerous!" He was still laughing and smiling so I know he’s just teasing me. "But on a serious note, good decision on killing the Alpha. He would have promised backup for the war then left us to drown. He’s always been a self-serving asshole" Fan-fucking-tastic I didn’t read him wrong I’m not sure if I’m more happy or relieved at this point.
"That’s exactly what I was pondering. You know I’m going to have to challenge and kill the Dire Alpha to secure his pack for the war." My face is dead serious not even a slight joking tone to my words. Sebastian's face drops the joking smile he had moments ago.
"I know love. If I could bear the weight of all this death for you, I would." He kissed my cheek and hugged me. Giving me the love and support I needed. It’s not his fault he hasn’t yet realized I’m not some Disney Princess that needs saving. I’m like Selene from Underworld... but a wolf instead of a leach. I’m a trained killer, it’s all I've learned since I could walk.
"Killing doesn’t bother me love. I know in a sense it should, but it doesn’t. It’s a means to an end. I don’t know how many, if any of our people are still enslaved by the Strigoi. I fully intend to do everything within my power to free our people and take back my mother’s castle. If I have to slaughter every alpha between here and there to
get the army I need... then so be it. They are either on my side or in my way." The last line was accented by my wolf making her presence known.
Dimitri and Elena had walked up halfway through my little tirade. Elena looks concerned and Dimitri looks smug. "Now there’s that fire I’ve been waiting for! You are ready Princess; you are ready to become a mother fucking Queen. That fire will spread in the hearts of your packmates, our strength will become theirs. Your will, will become theirs. It’s a blessing and a curse how a pack works. One strong alpha can influence the whole pack either to greatness or to ruin. I know little one you will inspire greatness, just like your mother did with the entire nation." Dimitri cupped my cheek and smiled. "If any of the old timers live, they will see your mother in you and follow you without question." He bowed lightly and backed away. "Say your goodbyes it’s time to go. We have a long trip to our next destination. Only 1200 miles to go." He smirked and walked off heading to the truck where Andre was throwing what looked like mine and Sebastian’s bags under the cover in the bed of the truck.
I look back at Sebastian and he looks like he’s in a bit of a shock. "Are you ok love?"
He just double blinked and then locked eyes with me. "Most of your plan is dead solid. But are you sure killing off Alphas and dominating packs is the way to win the war? I mean the Dire pack alone is like four to five hundred strong. If they revolt, we have one hell of a battle ahead of us." He was kind of making sense.
"I look at it this way. The Dire Alpha has like four sons. Odds are at least one will be the one. Worst case I take two of them as mine. They will stand with their mate thus it’s in their father’s best interest to either play nice or he dies. It’s really pretty black and white..." Aurora just starts cracking up because of the unintentional fur color reference. Thankfully Sebastian gets it and starts laughing.
"Please try not to kill everyone off hmm?" Sebastian’s request is filed in the maybe pile.
I’ll divert him with boobies later since they seem to distract him. My plans are solid, well for the most part... then again, I like flying by the seat of my pants. I like to change it up on the fly so my enemies have no clue what the fuck hit them. I wink at Sebastian and take off running towards the truck. "SHOTGUN!!!" I was so excited about the gifts that Elena had given me. There were several books in the bag all of them some form of reverse harem romance. She chose mostly new authors because she liked giving people a chance. She had strongly suggested that I read Darcy Ray’s book first. Elena said her main character was like me, a badass bitch that took no shit. I’ve got to respect that.
Elena said the books would also give me a good idea on how to handle multiple mates and what may happen once I find them all. It’s kind of starting to feel like a really bad episode of Pokémon… Gotta catch’em all. Gotta hunt them all down? I mean really. What happened to the days of the males pursuing females? Wait I know what happened I’m supposed to be fucking dead or not even exist. But those mother fucking Strigoi found me. Do I have some fucked up magical lo-jack on my ass or something? I start reading the first few pages of the book and damn this is going to get good I can just tell.
I can't believe she just yelled shotgun and took off like that. She's taking this hunting for her mates’ thing better than the rest of us. Mostly I’m concerned for her safety, especially after the first attack of the Strigoi. Mother has trained me well for the last two hundred years to be ready for what was ahead of us. I know Aurora’s guardians have trained her well because she's fucking lethal. Like scary lethal, like I'm concerned for the rest of the world lethal. So far, I've witnessed her kill my suitor and the Alpha without breaking a sweat. Not to mention the one-night-stand Dimitri had that she killed. Yup... better make sure I keep my mate super happy, so she doesn't go all homicidal on us.
My mother stops me halfway to the truck. "My boy here's all the information I have on the pack you're looking for." She hands me a thick envelope. Inside it has a map, a family tree, and a breakdown of all the key players in the pack. Apparently the alpha has four sons, three mates and a love of barbaric gladiator games. Mother grabs my jaw to make me face her. "Don't let the bear and bird enter the den. They don't trust anyone other than other wolves. There's a rumor the alpha may have Aurora's father and a Wendigo. The Wendigo will lose its magic if its antlers are broken off. Remember what I tell you." She gripped my jaw tighter to make sure her point was heard.
I nod slowly. “I hear you mother. I will tell Aurora about the Wendigo but I'm not sure saying anything about her dad possibly being there will help keep the peace." Mother releases me and kissed my cheek... "I will see you soon my boy. By the time Aurora summons us, the pack will be whole again and the exiled returned." Mother smiles at me and walks back to the village.
She's up to something I can feel it. Question is what did she do? Aurora apparently is playing DJ for this road trip because I can hear the music from here. What does she have in her hand? It looks like books. Oh, shit what did mother give her? I can make out a skull and guns and she seems the most excited about that one. Just the cover art has me concerned. Just what Aurora needs is more inspiration to rip people's heads off. I climb into the back seat and get comfortable. "What are you reading Aurora?" My interest was piqued. She was so engrossed in the book it took her several moments before she answered.
"Mafia's Kiss, according to the back is full of sex, blood, hot guys, and a mob war. Sounds right up my alley. I'm at war, I have a hot mate about to collect others. So far there's been plenty of bloodshed with more to come. I wonder if she rips someone's heart out like I did." Aurora just smiles sweetly at me and grips my hand. "I love you Bash. And I'll kill anyone who stands against you." As comforting as her declaration is it's just as scary. She’s looking at me so innocently. Deep down I know she’s dead fucking serious when she said she would kill for me. She’s already done it twice. I can feel though the mate bond she’s calm and at peace, so her words are from the heart.
I give her hand a squeeze back and smile at her. Ever so slowly I raise her hand to my lips and kiss her knuckles gently. “I would burn the world to ash for you. I love you so fucking much.” My words please her I can tell. Slowly she nods her head and lays her head against the headrest to watch me. At the moment I have her full and undivided attention, her book temporarily forgotten.
“Mother gave me directions to the Dire’s lair and instructions as to how to gain passage.” Both Guardians have entered the truck and made themselves comfortable. Dimitri gives me a nod, so I proceed.
“Andre the ascent is vertical, so Aurora and I need you to scout it out before we start our climb. Once you determine its safe, we’ll shift and use our talons to make the climb. Dimitri you need to make sure we have our packs secure and keep the getaway vehicle ready to go.” This is the exact moment his bear makes itself known and a soft rumble escapes his lips.
“I’m going with you I’m her Guardian! No pup will keep me from my duty.” He was serious but the growl coming from Aurora because he raised his voice silenced the entire truck. Her liquid mercury eyes were locked on him, he was now the target of her budding rage. “Aurora you must understand, It’s dangerous. You are like the daughter I never had. Heh you're mine and Andre’s baby. Our pup. It would kill me if anything happened to you on our watch.” I looked between Dimitri and Andre; the poor bird had tears in his eyes. Dimitri’s words struck a chord with him and Aurora.
Aurora took a deep breath and her beast retreated. Her eyes moved between Dimitri and Andre trying to gauge their emotional state. “I love you both. You are the parents I never got to have, the only ones I’ve ever known. We are preparing to enter a den of wolves that with one bite can be lethal. There’s a very good chance that Bash and I are immune because of our bloodlines. There is little to no chance that you and Andre are immune, Dimitri. I couldn't live with myself if you two died, because I couldn’t protect you. I’m treating this like we’re walking into an ambush. I’d rather be over prepared than not prepared at all.�
� Aurora spoke with a wisdom far beyond her years. None of us could argue with her logic, it was solid.
“I have intel on the den and the ruling family. Apparently, there’s four heirs involved. Two single births and a set of twins.” Aurora’s eyebrows shot up at the mention of the twins. Oh, dear Gods what did my mother tell my mate. If she was shifted, her freaking tail would be wagging right now, I know that look. Mental note give her plenty of dick before we storm the castle. “Ok so back to the important stuff. The Alpha apparently holds gladiator type fights between prisoners. It wouldn’t shock me that one of us will have to battle to prove our intentions to him.” That thought made the boys feel uneasy. Aurora looks bored; I know she loves to battle so the thought of a fight is like second nature to her.
“Ok let’s get this show on the road. There’s blood to spill and naughty books to read!” Aurora just ended the meeting quickly. “Come on D fire up that diesel and let’s get rolling. Twelve hundred miles isn’t getting any shorter just sitting here.”
Hide Little Wolf: The Aurora Marelup Series Page 6