Avenge

I woke to the pinkish gold of a new sunrise, its warming touches caressing my cheeks and shoulders as the cool air of morning brushed past me. I opened my eyes, squinting at the shapes that floated across the sky. As if summoned by my presence, a large silver wolf appeared before me.

The wolf's eyes were electric amber, sending a pulse of warmth throughout my body as we locked eyes. Aella was in awe. She felt her mate's breath in her veins, the power of his presence palpable and overwhelming in its intensity. King Zion’s wolf had come for her.

He was magnificent - an absolute vision of power and grace, from his broad shoulders to his sharp eyes. His fur was a shimmering silver, highlights of gold cascading over his form, and his powerful jaw seemed to carry a daring that made Aella’s mind race faster.

I took a step forward, my feet feeling as though they belonged to someone else. Aella was no longer afraid - instead, she was connected to something larger than herself. She was here, with her mate, and at this moment, she felt invincible.

King Zion’s wolf moved forward; eyes still locked with mine. He reached out and touched my cheek with a soft paw, the slightest of movements. I decided to give this moment to his wolf and mine.

Birds twittered, and the breeze rustled the trees. A single ray of sunlight beamed through the clouds, and with a soft sigh, King Zion’s wolf turned away, disappearing into the trees.

But I was not alone. I could feel his presence, and it lingered with me in the cool morning air.

‘Aella, are you okay?’ I ask her.

‘I do not know Ciana.’ She responded.

‘It is okay Aella.’ I tell her.

‘No, it isn’t. Our last mate betrayed us. Destroyed us. I will never forget what Ethan did. How can I ever fall for another mate?’ She asks.

‘I feel the same way. No matter what we have each other. No matter what happens we will work it out together. Deal?’ I ask her.

‘Always Ciana. Thank you for being my human.’ She says to me.

‘Thank you for being my wolf.’ I say back.

‘We better go Ciana. They are getting ready for the first meeting between our packs.’ She tells me.

‘Well, no skipping out on this.’ I tell her sarcastically.

I make my way to the packhouse the King has so graciously lent my pack while we are on his land.

Guards were lined outside which let me know the King and others were already inside, waiting. I make my way in following the other's scent to lead me where I need to go.

I open the large double mahogany oak doors leading to the meeting room. On one side was the Royal pack Beta, Delta, and head warrior. On the other was mine. King Zion was at the head of the table and my seat was next to him.

I internally rolled my eyes and took my seat. I was not liking this closeness but I had no other option. Hopefully, we can get this meeting done and over with quickly.

“Now this is the Stone Heart Pack. They will be here for as long as they want to be. They will be treated as members of our own pack. Is that understood?” Zion spoke with deep authority in his voice.

“Yes, your majesty.” His side spoke in unison.

“Now, the first order of business. Delta Stephen any other news on our enemies?” Zion asks the blonde-haired man sitting across from my Delta Josie.

“Same, still unable to find their exact location. As far as we know they have the Dark Moon Pack and the Silver crest Pack on their side.” The man spoke.

“How did they get two of our trusted allies to switch sides?” Zion asks angrily.

“We are unaware of that information Alpha.” The man spoke again.

“Fear,” Josie spoke up.

“How would you know their tactics?” The Delta asks sarcastically.

Josie looked to me to continue and I just nodded. I knew she wouldn’t reveal everything, just the important things.

“For one because I have been on the other side of those tactics. Our pack is made up of everyone who has dealt with those heartless bastards. The ones who were brave enough to escape and make it out alive found refuge in the Stone Heart Pack. The coward of an Alpha Ethan weasels his way in under false pretenses and attacks. Murdering, raping, and doing anything to strike fear into the hearts of the entire pack. You haven’t been on the other end so you would not know. But I have.” She speaks with so much anger and rage from what they have done to us in the past.

“I apologize.” The Delta said with regret lacing his words.

The entire another side of the table showed sympathy in his eyes. Including King Zion whose eyes are now on me. Knowing we are all somehow victims of the bastard of an Alpha Ethan. Except he doesn’t know how bad my betrayal is.

‘Ciana, you have to tell them who you are.’ Aella says in our mind.

‘What?’ I question.

‘Not about me but who our father is. I can sense that warrior down there. He's young. He knows something that is familiar with us. It is better coming from you.’ Aella says to me.

“My Delta is correct; fear is how those allies switch so easily. He will go in with the idea of peace treaties, alliances, things in that nature.” I speak.

“How do you know what he uses?” King Zion asks.

“Because it is what he did with my original pack. My father was the Alpha of the Primrose Pack.” I say with a heavy heart.

“Alpha Anderson. The Primrose Pack was the first to be attacked by Ethan.” Zion states.

It was true. Primrose was the first pack attacked by the maniac. They didn’t need to know the rest. It is better this way. For everyone.

“Your Ciana Anderson.” The warrior spoke up.

“Yes.” That is all I say.

“I knew your father. He was a good friend of my father. I am sorry for your loss.” The warrior states to me.

“Thank you,” I say.

“So your Highness, what is the game plan?” The same warrior asks Zion.

“With our allies turning sides I am afraid there is only one plan,” Zion states.

“What is that your Royal Greatness,” I state emphasizing the last word.

“The Blood Wolf.” He states sending a chill through me knowing he was never going to stop until he spoke with her.

“Why that route?” I ask.

“That is the only thing that we know scares Ethan.” He says.

“Why does she scare him?” I ask again.

“From the stories that are told she is the only wolf he cannot trick, payoff, or scare. The only one who has nothing to lose.” Zion states and he didn’t know how wrong he was.

“How do you know that it is a she?” The Delta asks.

“Long story. I know her though.” I state ending that conversation quickly.

“Everyone meeting adjourned.” King Zion states.

“Please, somehow convince her to join our cause,” Zion states grabbing my hand gently.

Sparks shoot up my arm relaxing me more than I wish. Aella was warming to the King but I couldn’t chance being hurt or even worse my pack.

I jerk my hand back and simply nod at the King and make my exit. Jackson was on my heels.

“Ciana.” I hear him shout causing me to stop and turn.

“You are going to have to tell them exactly how you know the Blood Wolf, and exactly who you are to Ethan,” Jackson states.

“I can’t.” That is all I managed to say to my best friend.

“You cannot let fear keep controlling you. If you do it will kill you slowly. You are my best friend, my sister, and my Alpha. I cannot stand seeing you like this. There is more to the world than in the past. I just wish you could see it.” He says to me and then leaves.

I take off walking back into the forest to figure this shit out. If my life was a television show it would be called The Shit Show.

‘Ciana, I think Jackson has a point.’ Aella chimes in.

‘But.’ I try to say.

‘No more but in any conversations with me.’ She interrupts.

‘Okay. Tell me your point.’ I tell her.

‘His wolf calls out to me. Talks to me. He seems good. He has good intentions. All I say to him is give me time he will understand.’ Aella says gently.

‘Let me guess he is being overly possessive and wants to know why we are not accepting them and what our problem is.’ I say back to her.

‘No. He said he will wait until the day he dies if that is what it takes.’ Aella tells me.

‘What? He is not pressuring you?’ I ask in shock.

‘No Ciana. He is patient. I don’t want to miss out on anymore of this life. I am tired of hiding, tired of the pain. I want to be free from the guilt and the past. Maybe we stop with the what if’s and start with trying to move forward.’ Aella gives her point.

‘What about Ethan? We just forget everything he has done.’ I say angrily.

‘No. We use what we are to our advantage. We end this once and for all. Free ourselves. Live our life. Be happy.’ Aella states.

‘I will try but I know how to use this to our advantage.’ I tell her.

I do not know if I can truly ever be happy but my wolf deserves a chance. First and foremost I deal with that bastard of an ex-mate first. Then I will try to move forward.

‘Jackson. Get another meeting started I have something to say.’ I linked him and then put my block back up so he knew I meant now.

I rushed back to the packhouse. I knew they would all be there before me. They were right next door.

I busted through the doors on a mission. All eyes were on me as I approached the long table.

“The Blood Wolf will join your side on three conditions,” I state staring into the eyes of Zion.

“What are those?” He asks.

“One, no one outside this room is to know she is on our side. Element of surprise.” I state waiting for a reply.

“Done.” Zion answers.

“Two, you all stop calling her the Blood Wolf. She will be an ally.” I state hating the name Blood Wolf.

“Done, lastly,” Zion answers again.

“Thirdly, She is the one to fight Ethan, no one else,” I state. This was my main goal.

I felt my side having their eyes glued on me since they knew it was me I was referring to.

“A King likes to be the one to kill those who threaten him or any of the packs aligned with his but,” Zion states, and I figured he would not go for this.

“It is a Deal. Ethan will be all hers. I Promise.” He states leaving me in absolute shock.