Fight for Me

5 Months later

The berserk attacks over the past few months have been recurring and growing more vicious. Word has spread that these berserk attacks have been happening within shifter packs, vampire clans and even witch covens. -Supernaturals going wild, and attacking anyone they see with only the intent to kill.

With the rarity of the witches who possess potent magic, the witch council had retreated from any talks of a war against the humans again. Not willing to risk the lives of their own for a war which may just result in their extinction. Most of the witches had thus already gone into hiding.

These toxins have proven to spread like a disease, not knowing where the spread is coming from or how. Distrust has continued to grow between the supernaturals and the humans. Especially since word got out that the hunters and human laboratories were behind the manufacturing of these toxins.

However, even for those affected by the toxins who don’t meet an untimely death through an attack, still eventually die from internal bleeding and asphyxiation. None of the captured berserkers have lived past three days after being captured. So far there seems to be no cure for it once infected.

But the problems between humans and supernaturals have deepened beyond than just distrust. With the increase in berserk attacks, the majority of fatalities occurred among the humans. Not to mention, there was further destruction of laboratories which sponsor and support their hospitals. The humans’ medical facilities are slowly becoming inefficient and hunters are growing furious for the deaths of their people.

Hostility has grown. Especially since no one knows who to blame for these uncalled-for deaths. The berserkers who purposely seek to slaughter humans? Or the humans whose labs created these deadly toxins? But many have started questioning the rumours of a Michaelson heir responsible for continuing their parents’ destructive work.

There is even a bounty on finding whoever this progeny may be, with both supernaturals and hunters looking for them. What they actually intend to do with this person should they find them, whether it is to use or kill them, only they would know.

But it has finally come to everyone’s attention the seriousness of these random and vicious occurrences that realization of an impending war has unfolded.

Currently, Nicholas is attending an alpha meeting with all other alphas in the country, hosted by the wolf council. They intend to discuss and disclose the current matters which directly affect their packs and species as werewolves, such as the recent assassination of one of their council members.

Among everything that is already happening, there is also the sudden appearance of an unknown and mysterious assassin thought to be behind the recent killings of council members from the witch covens, the vampire clans, and now also from wolf packs. Though, all of this is nothing but speculation as the so called assassin has never actually been witnessed nor had left any trace behind. Giving justice to their name as the ‘Killing Ghost’ as many have come to name him.

It is for this very reason that this alpha meeting was arranged in secrecy and is held in one the council’s safe houses, - an underground lair. It was much contended on whether their mates were allowed to attend as well. But with their possessive tendencies, too many alphas argued on the matter.

Nick stands in the far corner with a full glass of champagne and in his full black suit, almost invisible with the dark walls of the cave. He sighs for the third time tonight, annoyed at everyone’s chipper attitude in making small talk before this meeting officially starts. He yet again looks at his watch.

He turns his head slightly and talks to Micah approaching him.

“Any news on the trail?”

“No. Still nothing to report, Alpha.”

Nick releases a relieved breath but quickly hides it as he takes a sip from the bitter drink, which he realizes is unnecessarily too expensive.

However, getting a quick glimpse of another pair of hazel eyes, he quickly sets his glass down on the trays of one of the passing waiters. Giving Micah a quick nod, who takes the order and leaves in the opposite direction, Nick walks over to his brother.

Walking closer, Nick doesn’t bother stopping his brother from embracing him into his massive hugs.

“Nicholas.” He says with excitement. “It’s good to see you brother.”

“And you too.” Nick finally returns the hug as he pats him on the back. “Anthony.”

“How have you been?” He asks in almost a guilty whisper.

But Nick just softly shakes his head as he watches his brother held by his mate, Jason, next to him. It’s obvious that even they are aware of the stares they’re receiving from everyone present. The idea of a homosexual mating bond is still unheard of, the fact that a Zokolov brother is part of one will surely spread more outrageous rumours after tonight.

Before Anthony could even ask another question, they were interrupted.

“Mind if I cut in?”

The three of them look at an older version of themselves, but who surprisingly has a bigger smile on his face than they’re used to.

“And here I thought pooped diapers and late nights were going to get you drained, if not miserable.” Anthony says as he rushes for a hug.

“Hey. Watch what you say about your nephew.” Abby intervenes as she gives Anthony a hug too, sure to greet Jason as well.

“When will you bring him so I can get a look at him? I’m dying to see if baby-Elijah got his looks from his strong mother or his hairy father.”

Abby giggles as she slips her arm in Maxim’s, sure to keep him from falling from Anthony’s teasing.

That’s when their crowd grows with an added couple.

“Are we missing out on something?” Tristan asks with an expressionless Melinda next to him.

“Oh no. I was just telling them a bit about Elijah. He’s already learned how to crawl. It’s becoming difficult keeping an eye on him.” Everyone share smiles with the new parents, though, Melinda’s smile isn’t reaching her eyes.

Getting a glimpse of his mate, Tristan quickly goes in to greet his brothers and their mates, with Melinda following suit.

“If you don’t mind, I’m off to find where the ladies’ room is around here.” Melinda says already halfway turning away from the group.

“Oh, let me-“

“No.” She instantly interrupts Tristan while just as quickly avoiding his hand touching her lower back. She quickly walks away, avoiding the growing silence.

With the awkward stares, Tristan just sighs deeply as he grabs one of the passing waiters by the shoulders, stopping them.

“Can I get a whiskey? Double. Straight.”

The waiter nods and rushes off.

“So are we doing this or not?” Tristan says in a deep and annoyed voice as he looks at everyone.

“O-k-ay.” Abby breaks the silence. Meanwhile, one of the waiters quickly brings Tristan his drink. Abby steps into the circle and gestures to Jason. “Jason. How about I get you acquainted with the other Lunas here. I’m sure you can do a better job at creating and maintaining alliances for your pack than Anthony does.”

“Ha-ha. Very funny.” Anthony sarcastically says as he unloops his arm from Jason’s, but not before Jason gives him a quick peck on his cheek.

The sudden action in front of his brothers has him blushing red and struggling to avoid eye contact from all corners.

With another growing silence, Nick speaks up.

“Follow me.”

The four brothers walk past countless rustic wooden doors down one of the many hallways. Nick opens one of the doors and walks in, followed by the other three.

“So?” Nick turns to his brothers, each of which suddenly have a serious expression on their faces. The four of them standing around a large round wooden table in the middle of the room. Each looking dashing in their dark suits, yet dangerously grim.

With the time for a serious discussion upon them, they finally have the privacy for it in one of the sound proof rooms.

Maxim speaks up. “I’ve done the digging. And the evidence shows that the wolf council could be involved. But nothing is certain yet.”

“Maybe they’re just good at hiding their tracks.” Anthony interrupts, aware of Maxim’s annoyance. “Look at everyone that’s actually involved.” He says in a heavy breath. “No one would necessarily suspect them either.”

Maxim bangs his hand on the table, releasing a deep echo into the room.

“If they are involved in this, then who do we trust in keeping our packs safe?”

“What made you think they could ever be trusted?” Nick asks softly, but loud enough for his brothers to hear.

“So, what?” Maxim says in a shaky voice. “You expect me to just accept that everything we’ve ever been fighting for, that we believed in, was all just based on lies? I have a pack to protect, a mate, a son. I won’t sacrifice them to play some part in a ploy for,……….whatever the fuck all of this is.”

Tristan sighs deeply. “Just because they may not be trustworthy doesn’t mean no one is. That’s why we’re here. Many of the alphas here will stand with us and against them, -whoever is behind this, once they realize what this war would cost them.”

Maxim exhales a shaky breath as he nods gently, slowly getting his composure back.

“Besides,” Tristan speaks again after downing his drink and placing the empty glass on the table, “we have a problem with the witch council as well. The council had already retreated into hiding. And they’ve instructed many of their potent witches to do the same, including Melinda.” They can all see him clenching his jaws and his fists from whatever anger he is feeling. “They’ve already lost too many witches. But,……..there are many witches who have gone AWOL. Many who clearly want to play a part in this war. And we don’t know who or for what they want to fight for.”

“Knowing witches, they’ll most likely side with whichever side they think will win. Some might just side with the hunters.” Anthony comments.

Gggrrrhhh!

Tristan’s growl silences the room briefly. “Don’t talk like you know about witches.”

“I’m just saying-“

“Well, don’t!”

“It’s not like I’m criticizing Melinda for being a witch. Besides, I’m sure you’ll keep her safe during this war.”

But with Tristan’s heavy breathing as a response, they’re not sure what exactly it is that’s bothering him.

“Fuck!.............She doesn’t want t-,….Melinda wants to fight.” He finally looks up at his brothers. “I already said no. That it would be too dangerous. But,…..she already made up her fucking mind………And no. She has no part to play in any of this shit.” He ends off practically out of breath.

“No one said she did.” Anthony says with sympathy.

“And what have you found?” Nick looks at Anthony, eager to get this meeting back on track.

Anthony furrows his brows giving Nick a scolding look for his rude interruption, which Nick just ignores with another eye roll.

Anthony scoffs. “Well, you might just be right Nicholas. One of the captains of the hunters’ guilds, Graden or something like that, has been seen meeting up with wolves. Alphas maybe. Nothing is certain yet.”

“So they’re all in cahoots?” Tristan hisses.

“The wolves really are at the centre of all of this.” Nick says with a heavy breath.

“That’s not all.” They all look at Maxim. “A lion protector reached out to me, asking specifically if we,” he gestures to the four of them in the room, “would be joining in on this war against the humans.”

Nick can’t help but wonder why a lion protector would ask specifically about them. A lion protector of a pride is equivalent to an alpha of a pack. And the number of lion prides out there is far less but far bigger than wolf packs. Having one as an ally or an enemy can either be resourceful or threatening. All of the other shifters have shown to be hesitant in participating in this war. With all the hostility, each group is focused on protecting themselves right now.

So why? Why would a lion protector ask specifically if we would partake in this war? Is it to align with us, or to scope out who their enemies will be?

“Name?” Nick looks at Maxim questioningly.

“Didn’t give one.”

“And what did you say.”

Maxim huffs out a breath. “That we’ll avoid war for as long as we can.”

Nick nods his head in understanding and in agreement.

Nick scoffs at how everything just gets more and more complicated with every bit of information they get. However, if anything, he is relieved his brothers are with him on this, even if it means they’ll have to go against their father. He just hopes it doesn’t result in their deaths as his father had warned him.

“Soooooo.” Anthony breaks the silence with that mischievous smile of his. “How is life with you guys?”

“Really Anthony?” Tristan says annoyed.

“What? I’m just trying to find out more about what’s going on in my brothers’ lives.” He innocently shrugs his shoulders.

Tristan huffs out annoyed, and Nick just rolls his eyes again.

Though, Maxim is happy to answer his brother. “Well, Elijah is really growing up, but too quickly. Or time just flies. I pray to the goddess every night that he’ll live to see a future without any of this retched war. And yes,” he looks at Anthony with a bright smile, “he’ll grow to be strong like his mother and hairy like his father. When all of this is over, you all should come over and meet him. Maybe another weekend with the family.” He raises his brows suggestively, getting Anthony and Tristan to laugh. Though, Nick doesn’t find it funny at all. For his family, a weekend is never just a weekend.

“I’m happy for you bro.” Anthony says as he leans back against the rocky wall behind him. “Jason and I are good together.” He peeks up at his brothers wondering what they might say.

Even though they showed Anthony no problem with him being bisexual, they still have the tendency to act awkwardly around him, especially Maxim.

Which isn’t their fault. They just don’t know how to act around me in certain cases. The only one that hasn’t changed is Nick, unsurprisingly.

“You look good together.” Tristan finally says something. “And cheers to you for introducing your mate to the world without giving a fuck about what any of those ogling assholes out there have to say about it.”

They share a smile before Anthony gives Maxim an expectant look.

Maxim pinches the bridge of his nose as he feels all eyes on him. “So,……like,……how does it work?”

“Really Maxim?” Tristan interrupts.

“W-h-a-t?” Maxim raises his shoulders. “I’m just asking a question. Like,……..is Jason his Luna now?”

Anthony laughs, getting Maxim and Tristan’s attention. “Well, yeah.” He raises his hand, suddenly feeling the urge to caress his neck, where Jason marked him. “I’m an alpha, and as my mate, he is also my Luna.” He says with a slight blush on his cheek as he feels a reciprocating heat tingling his mark.

“You already know what you want, and what you’re going to do.” Nick says as he looks at his brother with a gentle and almost envious smile.

“Yes.” Anthony responds, understanding what his brother means.

Anthony publicly announced his mate. So it’s only a matter of time before their father finds out, if he hasn’t yet. Whatever happens, even with his father’s traditional ideology, he will never give up on Jason.

“And what about you, Tristan?” Maxim asks, as he takes a seat on one the chairs by the table.

But he just grunts out as if stressed. “Nothing.” He practically whispers.

“Dude, what’s up?” Anthony asks worryingly.

Tristan leans on the table with his hands, staring at his empty glass, and wishing he had another full one right now. “Life just hasn’t been all happy-go-lucky for me as it has been for you guys.”

“And who said any of it was easy?” Anthony asks shocked.

“Yeah.” Maxim joins in. “Do you know what it’s like to wake up with shit on your face?”

Anthony and Tristan can’t help but laugh at their brother.

“It’s just, that Melinda,………-where do I even start?” He sighs, preferring to focus on the patterned lines on the wooden table. “She,…hasn’t gotten pregnant yet. She thinks it’s because she’s not a wolf….. And I wasn’t in any rush. Neither of us were. But.” He looks up wondering if his brothers were still paying attention. Though, he was filled with a mixture of regret and relief when he noticed they were giving him their undivided attention. He slowly exhales a shaky breath. “I fucked up big time.”

With a brief silence in the room, Maxim asks as he sits up straight. “What did you do?”

He scrunches his eyes shut. “A few weeks ago, a pregnant she-wolf showed up, claiming I’m the father of her pup.”

“Wait. Dude? You didn’t cheat on her, right?” Anthony asks cautiously.

“Fuck no. I would never do that to Melinda.”

“Then?”

“It was before I met Melinda. I know the she-wolf, and to be honest, I’m not even sure if she’s telling the truth. Besides I always wore protection to avoid something like this. But apparently these things can still happen.” He stares at the tips of his sleeve-tattoo peeking out from his suit’s sleeves and crawling onto his hands.

“So what are you going to do about this?” Maxim asks.

“Of course I’ll take responsibility for any child I may have fathered. And I don’t want to sound like an asshole, but this is just ruining everything.” He bangs his hand on the table. “You guys were right. My past finally came back and it is outright fucking me in the ass………………Melinda is pulling away. She doesn’t talk to me, she doesn’t even let me touch her, let alone be near her.” His brothers can hear his voice quivering. “What if she regrets being with me? What if she’s unhappy? What if she one day just decides to leave?” He can’t stop the tear from finally falling. Tears he has held back for far too long.

He had already shed his tears and begged Melinda to forgive him, but she didn’t react. She just walked away like nothing he said or did mattered to her anymore. The only thing keeping them together right now is his mark on her. And there is nothing stopping her from burning it off, should she choose to do so. And as a powerful witch, she can make it a quick and easy process for herself.

“I don’t know what to do.” Tristan says as his voice quavers.

“It’s not over yet, right?” Anthony gets his attention. “You guys can work through this. Just,…….just-“

“There’s nothing to do, is there?” Tristan asks with a sarcastic chuckle.

“Well the ball is in her court.” Maxim says regretfully.

“So I just have to wait until she decides what she wants to do? Great.” He shakes his head in disbelief. “FUCK!!” He shouts as he bangs his hand on the table again, this time giving it a long crack, almost right through the middle.

“If I were you, I wouldn’t wait.” Tristan looks at Nick standing with folded arms and who’s finally giving his opinion on the matter. The one person he probably shouldn’t be taking relationship advice from. But the one person who seems to be giving advice different from what his other brothers suggested. Tristan looks at Nick curiously, waiting for him to continue, which he surprisingly does. “She’s your mate. She comes before everything else, -obligations, responsibilities. Show her.”

“Mmmhh? Since when have you become the relationship expert?” Anthony smilingly asks, but quickly gets rid of it as he realizes the implications of his words. He looks at Nick’s serious expression with guilt. “Have you found her yet?”

“No.” Nick answers instantly, but with what seems like relief.

“You don’t seem worried though. Are you even? I thought you were going to fight for her this time.”

Nick looks annoyingly at Maxim. “I am.”

Maxim looks at him confused with the answer he gave. “Worried? Or fighting for her?”

“Yes.”

Maxim looks at his other two brothers for a better translation of what Nick might be saying, but they both just shrug their shoulders.

But Nick gets back their attention. “No news means she’s still out there.” It means she’s still safe. “And with the help of you guys having kept your mouths shut about her, she won’t become directly involved in any of this shit fest.”

“So that’s why you were in such a rush to burn down all the BioCorp labs? You were trying to get rid of anyone who might have info on her. Anyone who might go after her.” Maxim smiles at his brother, quite impressed.

“What if she never comes back?” Tristan asks.

“She’ll still be safe.” Nick answers instantly.

“Really? You’ll be fine with that?” Tristan looks at him disbelieving.

“No. But,…..she’ll be safe.”

The room goes quiet, for what seems like a minute too long.

But the sudden sound of chimes gets their attention that the meeting is starting.

Wasting no time, Nick makes his way to the door, and his brothers just follow behind him in silence.

They always enjoy catching up, but their departures always prove to be gloomy.