94. The Forest

KIARA

We had been walking for a while, and with each step, the ominous feeling had only grown. The forest was approaching and the darkness that I felt from it made me sick to my stomach.

"You ok?" Alejandro asked.

"There's darkness here Al… A lot of it…"

We shouldn't have come here, not alone… Something was at work here and it wasn't good.

"I can sense that much. Is it magic?"

"Magic that has already embedded deep in this forest…I can't see any visible remaining magic from here anyway." I said as he took my hand, intertwining his fingers with mine as we continued. The closer we got to the forest, the worse the feeling got. Things were not going to go well; I knew deep down that whatever we found would be something neither of us was prepared for. I just wish I knew more.

"Alejandro…"

"Kiara… Do you want to go back? I can get you to safety first." He said, looking at me with a deep frown on his face and concern in his eyes.

There was no way I was going back! I needed to stay with him. I shook my head, I wasn't scared, I just knew something bad was ahead.

We walked through the dense forest, over thick tree roots and I had to ignore the pain that shot up my ankle. I knew my aura did help me with that pain, but I couldn"t use it here and risk the chance of getting caught. I think I needed to get my training regime back in place when we got back, and I needed to learn to channel this power without the chance of attracting a swarm of Wendigo's.

"Alright, get on my back, I"m going to run." He said, his eyes glowing red.

"What is it?" I whispered, as he turned and crouched, allowing me to grab onto his back. I wrapped my legs around his waist, inhaling his intoxicating scent.

"Wolves." He replied, making my heart thud as he broke into a run that took my breath away.

He was fast. His speed was quicker than even what we could do in wolf form… Maybe I was worrying for no reason. I closed my eyes, seeing if I could pick up anything past the rush of wind in my ears. But there was nothing that I could hear.

He stopped suddenly, crouching down. I tried to listen but heard nothing.

"We've found something." He whispered slowly, lowering his voice to barely a whisper.

It was then I heard paws padding along, the crunch of leaves or gravel under their feet. Then came the faint smell of rogues and the putrid rotting smell of a Manangal.

"Make sure it"s tied!" Someone barked.

Alejandro placed a finger to his lips, telling me to remain calm.

There was the sound of scuffling, thudding and some roars along with growls before I heard the chilling shriek of the beast.

"Careful!" The same man growled.

I guess they didn't have a mind link between them, considering they were all rogues. That would be one advantage for us later… But then again, right now, neither did we… I looked at Alejandro, who was observing them, before he motioned me to follow. We crept closer, remaining out of sight, soon the sounds and footsteps were all fading away.

"There's a cavern entrance ahead. It"s barely noticeable and pretty narrow. Let's follow." He said. Opening the bag he was carrying, he took out two large vials.

"What are those?"

"Sleeping gas, works perfectly on werewolves. If I use these, I need you to cover your nose and hold your breath for 30 seconds." He said, shoving them into his pockets.

I nodded slowly. I knew Alejandro had weapons crafted to kill the beasts and many other things, but looking at him like this reminded me of Hunters. They were practically non-existent here in the United Kingdom, but from stories I"ve heard, there were places where hunters were a lot stronger, who hunted our kind relentlessly and they used weapons similar to what Alejandro was holding.

"That's… a good idea…" I said. He gave me a cold smirk.

"I have fought alone for most of my life. I used to help Raf at times if the job looked good, but as a Lycan, werewolves can't really keep up. Weapons and devices like these against those fuckers are the best shit to help get the job done faster." He said, now standing up.

"I see…" I said, ready to do this.

He looked down at me, now cupping my neck with one hand, sending a shiver of pleasure through me.

"Remember what I said. If I say run, fucking run." He said huskily.

"Ok."

If I felt staying was better, I would stay. I reached up and locked my arms around his neck, pulling him closer. He let go of my neck, snaking his arm around my waist instead and pulling me into him. Our bodies crushed together as our lips met in a passionate, deep kiss. My eyelids fluttered shut as I melted into him. I would never be able to get enough of this. I felt him throb against my stomach and I moved back slightly breathless.

"Getting turned on?" I teased.

"Can't fucking blame me, I live on sex. When you're teasing me by just being in the same fucking space, what did you think would happen?" He said, his eyes trailing over my body.

"Well enjoy, because you're the one who refused me." I said smugly, licking my lips slowly.

The next thing I knew, I was being pushed against the tree, with Alejandro kissing me roughly. I couldn"t even breathe at the speed of his assault on my mouth and lips. I gripped his shoulders, trying to ignore his hard shaft pressing against me. I moaned softly, doing my best to keep my voice low, despite the dizzying effect of the delicious sparks that rushed through me. My core throbbed and I knew he'd smell my arousal. I wanted him. So badly…

"Fuck love, do you want me to fuck your brains out right here." He growled, squeezing my throat.

I moaned, the move only added to how turned on I was feeling.

"I wouldn't mind that…" I said breathlessly.

Oh goddess, he was messing with my head. I just wanted him. Was this crazy? I mean, we were at the enemies doorstep and all I wanted was to feel him between my legs…

"I assure you, the moment I decide to ravage you… I will not stop, not even when you scream for mercy… I told you I"m a monster… and I meant it. I"ll be fucking you like a beast…" His free hand massaged me between my legs and I felt my cheeks burn as a sigh escaped my lips. I already knew he was a beast when it came to sex and his words were only making me throb.

"I can't wait." I said breathlessly, watching his eyes flicker from red to black.

He gave me a sexy arrogant smirk.

"You were made for me. You're a fucking Nympho, Amore Mio." He kissed my lips sensually before forcing himself back.

I smiled, hearing those words from his lips just made me feel so special. I took a deep breath to clear my head, the sexual tension that had seemed to overcome us now dissipating as we both focused on exactly where we were.

"Right, let"s get this shit done." He said, glancing through the trees as the setting sun cast shadows through the forest. He held his hand out to me and I took it with a smile as he picked up his backpack and we snuck towards the entrance. I wonder what we'd find inside…

***

95. The Dark Witch

ALEJANDRO

We moved silently. The darkness within the cavern surrounded every corner, and more than that, I could feel the evil that lingered. I kept a tight hold on her hand, my eyes, ears and nose keeping an sense out for the smallest sound. There were several tunnels branching off and even some doors. The further down we went, the more the place seemed to get deeper. It was a fucking maze in here. The only problem was if Kiara had to escape… I tried not to think of that, but this place was fucking confusing.

"The magic is getting stronger." She whispered to me.

I could sense the chilling darkness that was growing with every step, and it sure as fuck wasn't due to the cold air that surrounded us. The sounds of growls and shrieks soon caught my ears, I slowed down as the noise only got louder. Slowing down further when the smell of Manangal's and Wendigo's filled my nose, we were getting closer to them… We turned a corner and I stopped as I looked at the lines of cages that were built into the stone. Each one held a Wendigo or Manangal. There were loads, I could see how the halls branched off in several places, and each one led to more cages.

Fucking hell, if these were ever released at once… I didn't even want to think of that shit… I frowned at the very thought. Kiara leaned closer, her lips brushing my ear, sending a shiver of pleasure through me.

"Shall I heal them?" She whispered.

"No… We can't risk your powers being sensed." I murmured back.

For all I knew, they already knew we were here. Although I was reigning in all my aura, there was still a chance… The biggest was the fact we were able to walk in so easily. We continued silently until I saw the faint glow of light from somewhere far ahead and stopped. The very faint murmur of voices made me strain my ear, I needed to get slightly closer. I inched closer until the sounds began to make sense. I knew Kiara wouldn't be able to hear but I couldn"t risk those talking, hearing us either.

"….long!" A voice that I recognised spoke. I frowned. What the hell was happening? How…

"Calm down. We had a deal!" A deeper voice growled. I could sense the power from him and I wondered if this was the Rogue King.

"A deal that cost me greatly! You promised me revenge! But all I got was the loss of my beloved!" The man sobbed.

"You will get the revenge you seek. Be patient." The deeper voice came.

"When? Who more can I lose?"

I clenched my jaw, anger filling me, and it took my all not to snap. I felt Kiara's hand soothingly caress mine. I knew she sensed my anger, although she had no idea what was being said.

"There is a lot you can lose Alpha. This is all for the greater cause. Do you really think the Lycan will allow you to live and rule your pack? He doesn"t care who dies. He doesn"t care for any of us."

"I know… I want to make another deal with you."

A deep guttural growl echoed around us and I knew Kiara probably heard that.

"Making deals with me?! Know your place." He hissed. "You weren't even able to do as I asked!"

"That's not true, I have done it! Despite everything, I still did my part! The pack is completely destroyed! The news will reach the Lycan King very soon."

What pack? This didn't make sense. What was their plan?

"Good! Do not address him as a king, he is just a mutation! A defect! I am the true king!" The man growled.

So, my fucking assumption was correct. This man was definitely the rogue fucking king. I was the one fucking king, not because I was a Lycan, but because I enacted a fucking law and established order. Since my reign, pack fights and deaths have been fewer… I"ve even offered rogues a pack to join…

"Y-yes of course… Please, I have a deal I want to put forth…." The Alpha pleaded.

My anger was only growing. How many fucking snitches did I have around me? What the fuck did the rogue-fucking-king offer that was better than what he already had? I had treated him well despite his fucked up family"s past.

"What do you want?" The would-be king spat.

At least we had that in common, no fucking patience for fuckers.

"The blessed wolf… May I take her as my mate?"

My eyes flashed and I would have fucking gone and tore them to fucking shreds if Kiara's arms didn't wrap around my waist. I knew she was only acting on my emotions. How dare they even think that Kiara would be theirs?! She was mine, only fucking mine. If anyone thought that she'd be with someone else, then they were in for a fucking disappointment.

A raucous laugh echoed down the halls.

"You? A pathetic, useless Alpha. Why do you think you deserve her? Selene's blessing will be mine! With her by my side, I'll be recognised as the true king. If you want to even be recognised as an Alpha, then you better obey me!"

"But…"

A menacing growl rumbled off the walls, and the Alpha went silent. I frowned. How much power did he have that he could make an Alpha submit?

"Is she ready to do her part?" The king hissed.

"She is, she won't fail us." The Alpha said, sounding broken and defeated. But I didn't have one fucking ounce of remorse for the fucker. When I got my hands on him… I was going to destroy him completely and disband his fucking pack.

The son of a fucking coward, seemed to clearly be a fucking coward too…

And who the fuck did they mean by ‘she?' I doubted it was the witch… It was at that moment that Kiara tugged me.

Her eyes were wide and her heart was racing. I got so distracted I didn't even realise.

"The witch is near." She whispered.

I knew a witch would sense us, regardless of how much our scent was disguised. Witches didn't need noses to catch something... my gaze flickered to the metal chain tucked into Kiara's top. A sliver of concern for my pup filled me. I pulled her close, placing my hand on her stomach fleetingly. I didn"t want her to know... I was worried about them both. Fuck this feeling was foreign... My heart thudded as I wrapped my arms around her tightly. Inhaling her intoxicating hazelnut scent before I moved back.

"Time to get this shit done." I murmured, wrapping my arm around Kiara's waist. I lifted her off the ground, startling her as I broke into a run, heading straight towards the voices. In a flash, I was there, dropping Kiara to her feet. Immediately she had her staff in hand, pressing the button to expand it, readying herself.

I stared at the two men before me. One I had never seen before, but he was strong. The aura of an Alpha surrounded him, despite the distinct scent of a Rogue, and what fucked me up the most was that he looked familiar… Too fucking familiar for comfort. But first… I snapped my gaze towards the other werewolf.

"Alpha fucking Jake." I spat venomously as Kiara gasped, looking at the man who had been cowering on the fucking floor. In panic or on instinct, who fucking knows, Jake lunged at us. Kiara's aura wrapped around her but I didn't want to deflect the fucker. There was only one thing he deserved. Death.

I ripped his neck clean off his body and tossed him aside like he was nothing, before he even had a chance to realise what had happened. He was dead. My eyes now returned to the man before me.

The King's shock vanished, his dark eyes flashing a brilliant gold as he growled.

"Well, looks like the fake King has made his appearance." He hissed resentfully.

"I"m the one and only fucking King. Remember that." I growled back.

"One who cares for no one but himself."

I could sense the sinister darkness approaching. I needed to do this fast before she came. If the other witch's assumption was correct, Endora could be manipulating the Rogue King.

"Look…I know we've never fucking met, but I"m here to help. We came to help cure the Wendigo's willingly. We don"t need to fight." I said urgently. This wasn't my fucking style, but as a king, I knew what came first.

"You don't want to help, I know how you work." He said coldly.

My eyes flashed.

"You don"t know us. I never knew I could reverse the process, but when we realised I could, we came here." Kiara added, sincerity clear in her eyes.

It seemed she knew how to play along well. But I also knew she wanted to help.

"Does it look like she's fucking lying?" I asked coldly.

The sound of heels against the stone floor made me tense. She was here… I saw Kiara's colour drain, I knew it was the effect of the magic. Magic that even I could feel so strongly now. It was pure darkness... Even the darkest of beasts never carried so much evil... My blood ran cold as the scent of the witch hit my nose.

The smell of a witch… but mixed with that, was a scent I knew… I turned slowly, my heart slamming against my ribs as the woman finally entered the cavern.

Her long black hair was woven into a braid over her left shoulder, her tanned skin contained several rune marks covering her left cheek, neck and hands. Her dark chocolate-coloured eyes glittered as they met mine. I stepped back as a storm of emotions crashed down on me.

Shock, confusion and disbelief mixed with so many more I couldn"t make out. I felt fucking suffocated. How was this fucking possible?

"It's been a long time." Her strong, warm voice echoed off the walls.

I ran a hand through my hair, trying to fucking make sense of this shit. I couldn"t form a sentence and it wasn't because of the darkness she had brought with her. I managed one word, my voice coming out hoarse and thick, laced with utter disbelief.

"Mom?"

***

96. Lies

ALEJANDRO

I didn't even register Kiara's gasp as I placed my arm around her waist, holding her close. I stepped back, placing distance between the Rogue King and I as I stared at the woman before me. It was her… yet it wasn't… I didn't know what to think.

That day, coming to and seeing those body pieces spread across the floor. Her hand… Her ring… The guilt that I had killed her… I didn't want to believe it… The woman I remembered as my mother was nothing like the woman before me. She was… kind… sweet… loving… Rafael reminded me of her… a lot. Not only did I feel like my whole fucking life was a lie… But it meant that even before her ‘death'… She couldn't have love me… or she wouldn't have made me go through that shit…

Through the pain and shock, I was feeling the stark truth that she had faked her death, and it hit me like a fucking hard slap across the face. She had let me live with the guilt that I had murdered her. Because of that, I was afraid to be around those I cared for. I told myself I didn't care... Shut everyone off...

My heart was pounding and if it wasn't for Kiara's presence, I don't know what I would have done.

All I know is if she hadn"t done that… I wouldn't have become so fucking closed off… I had still killed the man who angered me but not the mother I loved. Or should I say the mother I thought I loved, it seems I didn't even know her…

"Alejandro…" She spoke, a smile on her face.

It made me sick. Despite her scent being familiar, I realised that I couldn"t smell her wolf. Did she sacrifice it for power? Just the way she had done for the women at Zidane"s pack?

"Don't stand there and fucking call my name as if nothing happened." I spat coldly, my aura fully unleashed as it filled the room like a blanket. I saw the flash on the rogue fucker's face at the level of my power. Yeah, he may be strong, but I was fucking stronger.

"It was all for a cause, Alejandro… You have become the man I wanted you to become." She said stepping closer. I saw Kiara's aura flare around her.

"Stay away." She growled. The power emanating from her was fucking strong. It was blazing around her, but unlike last time when I couldn"t even get close, it wasn"t affecting me. Sure, I felt the pressure, but it wasn't fighting against me.

I watched the witch, not sure if I should call her Endora or Mathilde because I sure as fuck would never address her as Mom again… She lost that right the moment she played dead. I guess I'll go by her real fucking name… She paused, and I didn't miss her tense at Kiara's power.

"I am talking to my son, a son whose mate turned out to be most ideal…" She said, her eyes travelling over Kiara.

"If you even for one fucking moment think that I'd ever side you, then you are fucking delusional." I spat. "All these fucking years you've been alive…"

She smiled slightly.

"I had to do what was needed." She said, her eyes glinting.

The story the witch had told us about her past flashed through my mind. She had always been a hybrid… but she kept it hidden. How? Concealment spell? Probably…

"What the fuck is your plan?" I growled.

"To restore the correct king." The rogue fucker spoke.

I looked at him, feeling my stomach fucking twist. I knew where this shit was going…

"Alejandro... Meet your brother, Marcel."

Kiara gasped as I looked at him. Yeah, I was kind of expecting that… He looked a lot like Dad… and Rafael. I don't even know what to make of this shit…

"I don't get what"s going on." The Rogue, or should I say, Marcel said.

Endora smirked slightly. Her eyes glowed and I felt the darkness growing.

"You need not think." She whispered, her voice seeming to come from every corner of the room. Kiara tensed as I watched Marcel's eyes glaze over. So, he was partially under her fucking control.

"So, this is what you've done to your own fucking son? Made him into a fucking puppet?"

"I"ve waited for far too long to let anything stand in my way. Alejandro... Together we can rule more than just this country." She said.

Fucking psychotic bitch. Yeah, I knew once I was alone I"d feel this fucking betrayal, but right now… I was fucking pissed.

"Oh yeah? What's your fucking plan then?" I asked venomously.

-----

KIARA

I was shocked when Alejandro said ‘Mom.' The woman he had been beating himself up about killing was still alive, and worse, she was the one who was behind it all. I could sense his emotions. He was in turmoil, despite how his facial expression seemed just pissed off, I could sense the storm brewing within him. I held on to him, hoping that it helped somehow. Now looking at Marcel, I could see how much he looked like Rafael. They looked around the same age as well.

"My plan? If it"s appealing, will you side me?" Endora asked, her eyes glimmering red as she looked at Alejandro. I could feel her magic seeping closer. It seemed she didn't know the extent to my ability. Even I didn't, but I would just watch for now…

"Depends." Alejandro said. I knew he was smooth enough, but I saw from the small hint of a smirk on Endora's lips she wasn't stupid.

"You have turned into a fine man, Alejandro." She said, now playing with an amulet around her neck.

Was that the one Janaina wanted? I wonder what it does…

"Yeah, depends on what angle you look at that shit." He growled. "What about Dad? Is he dead or is the fucker alive?"

"You killed your father, Alejandro. My mate…" Her eyes glimmered with tears that were utterly fake.

I could feel her aura, sense her emotions and my annoyance was growing.

"Don't really care. He was a fucker." Alejandro said.

"Yes, of course." Endora agreed.

No… he wasn't. I looked at her sharply. She had made him that way… I was sure of it. It was one of those things I could just sense… Alejandro frowned.

"Fine. So, what's your fucking plan and who the fuck is he? Like, how did you have another son no one knew of…?"

"Rafael"s younger twin. I was told by a seer witch that my second born would be a power that could rival anything. A child who would be powerful beyond measure, a king of our kind, one who would create his own kingdom and rule us all. I misunderstood it and thought it meant Marcel. She meant my second pregnancy, not my second child. Sadly, he was just an average Alpha." I didn't miss the bitterness in her voice.

"So, you fucking raised him to be a fucked up wannabe king?" He spat.

"Your father thought he died in childbirth and that was the plan, then when you were born. I didn't think much of it, waiting for Marcel to become what prophecy foretold. A king that I trained him to be."

"Wouldn't Dad have sensed the bond of a second son?"

"I"m a witch Alejandro, a hybrid. It isn"t hard to cut a pack link and your father simply thought his son died…" Her tiny smile faded. "But then you were such a strong pup and I realised that the prophecy was meant for you. I couldn"t take you away from the pack as your birth had drained me of most my magic. I was weak for years after, only hoping that I could keep my witch side a secret. I needed to leave to grow and regain my powers, by certain means…"

I knew that she probably meant dark magic. The world had a balance. Her birthing Alejandro and her powers diminishing were probably meant to be, but she was working against the very rules and law of nature.

"So that's why no one knew… and Dad never realised your truth?" Alejandro asked coldly.

"No." She said.

Lie. I knew that one was a lie… She had probably bewitched him too. A sudden thought came to me and I frowned… Did she instigate her mate against Alejandro, so he would begin to feel hatred towards his own son? To make Alejandro become hateful? Even though it was just an assumption, I was sure I could be right. It would fit right in…

"So, why the fuck did you fake your death?" Alejandro spat icily.

"Like I said, a cause. To make you stronger, to show you who you are. So, when the time was right, I would return and show you where you truly belong. We can rule together. Over all races. The wolves, the witches and the vampires. With you, a Lycan leading us, the use of a blessed one and I, one of the strongest witches in the world, we can become a force beyond reckoning!"