16. A Hopeful Suggestion

KIARA

When Dad walked in, the rage on his face was palpable. I knew he was angry at me but I wasn't wrong either.

"Elijah." Mom began.

"Not now Red. This time I'm not going to listen." He said quietly.

"I think we all need to calm down first." Liam said.

Forever the peacemaker in the family, but I was glad he wasn't angry; I will talk to him about Damon later. I owe him that much.

"Don't tell me to calm down." Dad growled.

"Elijah baby, he's right." Mom said as she walked over to him, wrapping her arms around him and burying her head in his neck.

The frown on his face didn't let up but I sensed him calming down, although he was fighting to stay angry at me.

"Let's talk calmly." She whispered into his ear.

Goddess. The magic mom had to tame dad was impressive. But before dad could reply the doorbell rang and I was hoping whoever it was, came with a distraction that would stop this from getting worse. I'd rather talk to dad when he was calmer. The familiar scent made me smile as granddad walked in.

"Do you ever do anything but shout Elijah?"

"Seeing your face isn"t helping." Dad said, although he met his father with a small smile and a hug. Grandad then gave mum a huge bear hug, before meeting Liam.

"Do you kids no longer shower after training? I mean, you two stink." He said, making me feel embarrassed.

"Oh my god is it that bad? What would have-"

I stopped myself thinking, I was about to say Alpha Alejandro… Goddess, I needed to stop thinking about him.

"Yeah, it is awful. Now both of you should go shower, then we can have a drink. Scarlett, any of your bakes available?"

"Doesn"t mama bake anymore for you?" Mom teased as I rushed from the room first, ignoring the pain in my ankle. It was, after all, ever-present.

"Not as much. She says she's retired!" I heard Grandad complain.

I smiled, how I missed them. It was always nice when they visited.

"Kia!" Liam called just as I reached the top step.

I stopped as he climbed the steps 3 at a time before stopping in front of me. I looked up at him and he sighed.

"I"m sorry about flipping earlier… It's still weird for me, but I know you're not a kid anymore."

Wow, was Liam actually apologising? He really was a softy at heart. I felt guilty too, I shook my head.

"No, I'm sorry too. We've called our agreement off. Besides, we're at the age where we need to find our mates… So… Yeah." I shrugged and he looked at me with sadness in his eyes.

"I hope I wasn't the reason for it."

"Not really. But you're right, someone could get hurt."

"There's one more thing." He said hesitantly.

I looked at him curiously, waiting for him to continue.

"I didn't mean to suffocate you. I know you say it a lot but I never realised it was so bad that you want to leave and go elsewhere." He said, trying to hide how my words had affected him. I had hurt him. The very thought made my chest clench painfully. This wasn't my aim. I shook my head and wrapped my arms around his waist.

"I know, but I just want to do stuff without everyone worrying for me. To be more than the Alpha's daughter." I whispered, inhaling his comforting scent. Grandad was right, we did stink.

"I'll support you. When we discuss this with dad, I promise I'll be on your side." He said, kissing the top of my head.

"Thanks."

"Come on, we better get- Whoa, you're still bleeding a little... How hard did he hurt you?!"

"Long story - I pissed the king off." I said. His eyes flashed and he growled.

"He hurt you that badly?"

"Liam! You're doing it again! I did ask for it." I sighed and smacked his arm. "Seriously, it was my fault. Don't get so overprotective. We both know that if he wanted, I'd be dead right now."

"True. Seriously Kia, stop pissing him off. I don't even know how you can handle his presence."

"Hmm, no idea - he's a jerk." I said, although I had to admit that he was a really hot jerk. "Well see you downstairs, I better go shower."

He nodded and I gave him a smile before walking off to my room. I was hoping with Grandad here he may be on my side, because I was serious, I needed a break from this pack. Yes I loved it, but I wanted to be able to live independently, even if it was just for a short time.

-----

It was an hour later and we were all seated with mom"s freshly baked chocolate muffins and tea in front of us. I had just told Grandad that I wanted to move to another pack, as experience to learn more about herbs and to apply my knowledge somewhere.

"It's just I want to do something useful without being treated special. I love our pack, but I just need a break. If I could go for a few weeks or so just to learn something new. There are several packs with the best doctors and if I could spend a little time there, it would be great. Just think, you know I love medicine and herbs. Dad, I wouldn't even get in trouble because I'd be doing something I love." I finished.

"I think it's a fair suggestion." Mom added.

"You will probably leave once you find your mate… Although I'd like it if your mate were here…" Dad said frowning.

"Like who?" Liam asked, drinking his glass of milk.

The baby didn't drink hot drinks, but he had milk in the morning and at night. I smirked slyly as I looked at his milk moustache. Should I sneak a picture? I bit into my muffin just as dad spoke.

"Damon, he would be ideal."

I choked on the big bite I had stuffed in my mouth. It was now Liam's turn to smirk, thumping my back.

"Damon huh?" He asked, his brow furrowed.

"Yeah, he's a good kid." Dad replied.

Dad just wanted me forever close to him. Yeah, I'm sure he wouldn't think that of Damon if he knew he had been between my legs often enough for the last two years… I felt a little guilty thinking of Damon. He hadn"t been on the group chat either. Although we three could mind link, we liked some normality and Raven didn't have the link yet, so it was only fair to use phones. I wonder how he was feeling.

"You"re saying Damon because he's the only decent one around, but the past doesn"t define someone. You should know that." Mom said from where she was sitting in dads lap.

"I won't deny it, but my girl deserves the best."

I rolled my eyes. Typical dad comment.

"Well, it could also be karma, if her mate turns out like you." Grandad added chuckling.

"I think… If Kiara wants to go somewhere for a month, I mean the blood moons in about four weeks. Why not let her?" Liam said hesitantly, trying once more. I take back what I said earlier. He really wasn"t as bad as dad.

I felt a leap of happiness at his words, he really was supporting me. Mum and dad exchanged looks and I wondered what it was about. After a moment, dad sighed deeply.

"I'll think about it. But until I do, I want you on your best behaviour."

What was I? Ten? Dad was so overbearing! I pouted but didn't argue. If I wanted an outlet, then this might be the way. I just had to be a little patient.

"So, I think that's settled." Mom stated, giving me a positive smile.

"I should hope so. You can't be so controlling son." Grandad added but dad didn't speak.

From the slight faraway look in his eyes, I knew he was being mind linked or linking someone. He stood up suddenly, looking at Liam. I could feel his power and the seriousness in his next words, and it made my stomach twist.

"There's been an attack. On pack grounds."

***

17. Helping The Injured

KIARA

Dad's words had shaken me but he had refused to allow me to join him. Dad, Liam and Jackson had gone, I knew even mom was irritated that dad told her to stay put.

"Come on, let's go make sure everyone's accounted for." Mom said frowning.

Was everyone being called back? How bad was it?

"Any updates?" I asked, grabbing my staff as we left our house, rushing towards the packhouse. Mom was frowning and she nodded.

"It was a rogue attack." She replied.

"How did they get past patrol?"

"By killing them."

Her reply shot through me. Someone had died, or more than one. We hadn"t had a loss of a pack member in years…

"Kiara, go to the hospital. Do what you can to help. There are several injured." Mom's voice was filled with urgency and I nodded, changing direction and heading to the hospital. Even if I wanted to go to where the fight was, I knew where I would be of most help at.

I wasn't a professional medic when it came to human terms, but I knew a lot about werewolf healing and herbs that helped with the process.

Grandma Amelia had taught me a lot. I had always been interested and although Grandma Amelia wasn't into it herself, her husband had been and she had kept all his research - something she had gifted to me on my fifteenth birthday. I still treasured them, they contained so much information. With the fear of ruining them, I had written everything out clearly and put his books away for safekeeping.

I now hurried through the small hospital. The magnolia walls and the white marble floors looked warm, a familiar place to me and one that felt like a second home also. Hearing a young woman sobbing, I changed directions until I found her sitting on the floor in the hall, crying.

I frowned in concern. I knew her and it took me a moment to place her name, Barbara. She was a year older than me. I crouched down and placed a hand on her shoulder. She flinched until she realised who I was.

"Are you alright?"

"No, he marked me." She sobbed. Showing me the mark that now stained her neck, almost fully healed.

I didn't know who she meant, watching as she pulled at her hair and showed me her neck.

"That fucking rogue! He got away!" She sobbed in anguish.

I pulled her into my arms, my own heart thudding. The fact that she was marked against her will brought back a memory from a few years ago, when mom had told me what she had been through. Her own father had marked her, I could never imagine having such a horrible father.

Marks were an interesting yet complex matter. Only one wolf can bear the mark of another unless they had multiple destined mates. So, when you mark a second person, the first mark you made is removed automatically. When your mate dies and you decide to take a second mate, your late mates" mark can only be removed by someone bearing your own mark.

It was like my grandparents. When Grandad Jackson marked Grandma Jessica, she was able to mark Grandad in return, removing Dad's mother's mark - only because she had passed away.

It was this very reason why dad had not been able to remove the mark from mom's neck until they found out they were mates, because Zidane had been alive at the time. Only one's true mate could overrule all other marking rules and claim their mate as their own, regardless if their current mark giver was alive or not.

I heard mom"s mark made by Zidane was disgusting and her body had repelled it. He had gone against the very laws of nature by marking his own daughter. I hope Selene gave him a befitting punishment.

Looking at Barbara"s, hers was healing really well. I wished she found her mate soon and he didn't get angry that she was already marked. Marking someone against their will was a disgusting act and was looked down upon greatly.

"Things will be ok. Come on, let's get you cleaned up and get you something to drink." I said softly, helping her stand. I helped her to a chair and made her sit down.

"Kiara, he said he'll come back for me!" She sobbed.

"No one can do anything to you. I promise." I said stubbornly. I would never allow some ratty rogue to touch one of my own pack members. "Not under our watch."

"Kiara!"

I turned and saw one of the pack doctors running past.

"We could use you, there's a lot injured!"

"I'll be fine." Barbara said, giving me a weak smile. I saw her clutch her neck.

"Are you sure you're ok?" I asked. She winced but nodded.

"I'll head home." She stood up.

"Let me at least get you a herbal drink." I said firmly, mind linking one of the nurses. She shook her head.

"I'm fine, just upset. You should get to helping. A lot of people were injured quite bad."

"Ok but just wait, someone"s bringing you the drink."

She nodded hesitantly and I smiled, unable to waste any more time. Ping the nurse bought the drink for her before she left. It would clear any toxins from her body and repel anything the rogue may have been carrying.

I stepped past the first ward and my stomach churned, the strong smell of blood filling my nose - mixed with the smell of fear, anxiety and panic. All six beds held a patient, each one supporting injuries. Someone was assisting each of the injured. Some looked a lot worse and, from what I could make out, some of the worse patients were not even in these wards but were being operated on or being prepared for surgery.

I rushed on to the next ward and saw three beds were not being attended to yet. I walked over, analyzing which one looked worse off. Settling on a young man in his early twenties. He was an omega from what I could tell. He had his arms wrapped around his knees, blood covered his clothes and soaked the sheets he was sitting on. The only thing he was holding was an already blood-soaked towel over his shoulder. His head was also bleeding profusely.

"Hey, mind if I check you over?" I asked gently. He was clearly shaken. Omegas were not fighter wolves. I looked around, realising that the other patients looked like omegas too. Where had the attack come from? At what point did the break-in occur?

"U-um… sure." He whispered, flinching as I tore his shirt off to examine his wounds. I frowned as I observed the injuries. These were no Rogue attacks; these marks were made from a Wendigo. If these were made by a werewolf, they would have been healing slowly by now, but they weren't. Just like my injury, they were working slowly. At this rate, he would bleed out. I looked at him, my face paling.

"Were you attacked by a Rogue or something else?" I asked, wanting to confirm. He shook his head shaken but he didn't miss the tremble in my voice.

"I didn't see." He whispered.

‘Dad, one of the patients was bitten by a Wendigo. There's definitely a Wendigo out there.' I said through the link as I rushed to get something to clean the wounds with.

‘Fuck.' His reply came.

I had sensed his unease before he had blocked his emotions. I wondered what was going on out there, as I quickly tended to this boys injuries. I cleaned the wounds first before I began to stitch him up. He hissed in pain and I gave him an apologetic look, placing a hand on his arm.

"I'm sorry, I'll try to be gentle but we need to stop this blood flow."

He nodded visibly, seeming to calm down.

"Sure." He said, with a nod.

He blushed lightly and I smiled as I continued stitching him up. Once I was done, I wrapped gauze around his shoulder and arm and then cleansed his head wound.

It was then that the hospital lights flickered and I tensed.

"W-what was that?" He said.

"Umm, just a shortage, don't worry." I said smiling, although I felt unease settling into me.

The lights flickered once again and I heard the distant sound of something shattering…

***

18. The Wendigo

KIARA

‘Dad, the hospital just experienced a disturb-‘

The lights suddenly went out and I froze. Luckily it was still light outside but whatever had caused this was nearby.

‘Kiara, Why aren"t you home?' Dad called back.

‘I told her to go to the hospital.' Mum joined in.

‘I'm fine but something isn"t right here.' I replied, hearing the shrill scream of a nurse.

‘Kiara stay put!' Dad growled.

"Ok." Yes I lied.

I couldn"t just do nothing, something was wrong and I was probably one of the strongest ones around with most of the doctors' being omegas and the patients too injured to fight. I grabbed my staff from the hallway, rushing down the hall towards where I heard the scream. The smell of blood grew stronger and I stopped when I saw it. The disgusting creature looked partially wolf and partially human but not like a Lycan. It looked more like a deformed monster with its elongated limbs and the haunting look of hunger that filled its eyes as it ate parts of her body, making my stomach churn.

It was too late for the nurse, whose body had been torn to shreds. I felt sadness washing over me wondering who she was, I knew all the staff here. No one else was going to die, not on my watch. My defiant eyes turned towards the large monster.

"I'd make a nice snack." I suggested. I wasn't sure they could understand or what exactly their capacity of understanding was, but a girl could try right? "I'm sexy right?"

The Wendigo growled at me as it leapt over the shredded woman incredibly fast. I crouched down ready for it, it clawed out at me and I raised my staff aiming for its chest. I growled, knocking it back with all my strength. I had the upper hand with it being a tight place, it couldn"t manoeuvre as good as I could.

I knew one hit and I was dead. Last time I ran but this time I wouldn't, I had no weapon then. This time I did. The problem with Wendigos was, unlike Manangal's, their scent was very faint. Which meant in the dark, I'd be at a disadvantage. Thank Goddess it wasn't dark right now.

It lunged at me, biting onto my staff. I wrenched it to the side, slamming its head into the wall before I brought my claws out and slashed my hand through its side. It howled in agony, hissing as it backed away. I didn't give it a chance to heal as I ran towards it, bracing my weight on my staff I spun over doing a flip in the air. I grabbed one of the ceiling beams and kicked it square in the face. Letting go of the beam I wrapped my legs around its neck, grabbing it by the head and snapping it sideways, sending it careening backwards.

Letting out an unearthly growl that made the hair on the back of my neck stand up as it fell to the ground, but it wasn't dead. I felt its claws dig into my waist and I let out a gasp of pain. Jumping off it I grabbed my staff once more, still clutching my waist. Before I could do anything more, I smelt two very familiar scents - Dad and Alejandro's. They burst through the double doors two seconds later, both taking a second to take in the scene before the Wendigo leapt forward in a flash. Dad growled first, lunging at it and tearing its head off as he shifted in mid-air.

I saw Alejandro frown, his shirtless body making me want to lick my lips. Goddess, how long did it take to carve him to perfection…?

"Didn't I fucking say, we could use it alive." He growled at Dad who was now back in human form. I dared not look towards him, not wanting to be traumatised for life.

"I wasn't going to risk one alive in my pack." Dad said grimly. "Kiara."

"Dad, I'm fine."

"Didn't I say you were to say away?" Dad growled. I rolled my eyes.

"Dad, I was the strongest wolf here. It was my job to protect those who were weaker. Stop being so overprotective!" I snapped, I was frustrated.

"She's right for once. You should be fucking proud that someone stopped that thing or you would have lost a lot more than a couple of pack members." Alejandro said coldly, his dark glare on the Wendigo. He glanced at me and I didn't miss his gaze running over me, making my stomach twist and my heart race. He glanced at my staff before he walked past. His seductive woody scent made me want to inhale deeply but I resisted.

I saw the large gashes running down his back, through the tattoo on his back. How was he still moving with those?

"Kiara, go home."

"There are people who need attending to Dad. I'll go after that." I said quietly.

He sighed and gave a curt nod before he entered a side room, stepping out. I was glad to see he was covered. He motioned me to follow him but I hesitated. I glanced at Alejandro, his bloody back making me falter. Dad followed my line of sight and frowned.

"Behave." He said this warningly. I knew he wanted to assess the damage and was trusting me enough not to mess up. I nodded and he walked off, leaving me alone once again with the Alpha king. I knew I better behave or he would definitely not consider me leaving this pack. After that attack, I hope he doesn"t change his mind about letting me go.

"Not going to run after Daddy?" He mocked me, not even looking my way.

"I don't run after him. I stayed so I could check your wounds." I said, stepping closer to him. He stood up from where he had been crouched and turned towards me. My heart skipped a beat as he walked towards me, his dark eyes glinted but I couldn"t make out his emotions. He towered over me. Each step he took was with power and confidence, his aura oozing dominance and darkness. I didn't look away nor flinch under the power that he was clearly trying to pressure me under. He may be a king but I was the daughter of two Alphas.

"Did I ask for your fucking help?" He asked, backing me against the wall.

"I'm trying to be nice." I said. His lips turned up from one side in a cold, humourless smirk.

"I don't think nice is in your fucking nature."

"Oh yeah? Well, it's definitely not in yours. So, what is in my nature then?" I remarked, trying not to glare at the hunk before me.

"Being fucking reckless." He said, his eyes now flashing red.

I wasn't going to lie, I was confused. Didn't he say to Dad that I did good? He looked down at me as I glared up at him.

"So that's an issue for you now?" I growled, crossing my arms to try to put some space between us. He was close and every sense in my body was going crazy. His husky voice, paired with the words he spoke next, made my core throb and my chest pound wildly.

"No. I kinda fucking like it."