37. Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter Thirty-Six

Emm

A s I forced my eyes open, the blinding lightning seared through my vision, intensifying the throbbing pain. Lost in the abyss, I struggled to distinguish whether I was sprawled in the gritty dirt, hunched on all fours, or cradled within the embrace of unknown arms.

I told Locke to go. I told him to take care of everyone else. And I'm glad he did, I am. But now I'm breaking, not in the emotional sense, but my whole damn body.

"You are not going to give up now, are you?" I could see bright green eyes glowing in the dark recess of my mind. Fangs came from within the depths, and enormous paws smeared with blood pounded toward me. " You're just getting started."

As my body contorted, I could feel my spine stretching, causing me to involuntarily let out a sharp cry. The pain was unbearable, shooting through every fiber of my being. I clenched my fists, determined not to cause a scene, but the agony was too intense. I couldn't help but curse under my breath, vowing to break every one of Locke's bones for not warning me how bad this truly was.

"Fight."

Fenrir circled me in the darkness. I watched the paw I had just recently gained morph into something terrifying. Long-boned fingers, with razor sharp nails to complete the transformation. Blood dripped from cuticles where it cut through the skin.

I let out another cry while I lay in my darkness.

Fenrir stood over me, I felt his fur against my back. " You have this. You are the luna, the leader of this pack."

I let out a snarl, continuing to keep my eyes squeezed shut.

The deafening thunder reverberated around me, accompanied by the piercing sound of gunshots whizzing past. The air was filled with screams, roars and haunting howls, creating a cacophony of terror. My heightened hearing detected every sound with precision, while my senses seemed to amplify, allowing me to feel the scorching heat of burning embers that singed my nostrils.

A surge of raw, pulsating power invaded my body, infusing each and every breath with a newfound strength. It was as if I could feel the energy coursing through my veins, electrifying me from within. The pain that had once consumed me was now gone, replaced by a sense of invincibility. But there was no time to revel in this newfound bliss. The urgency of the situation demanded my attention, and I pushed on with renewed determination.

The fight was just beginning.

"That's it, good girl. " I felt Fenrir's body hover over mine, his breath tickling my pointed ears, and his nose nuzzling into my neck. "You've done well, but it isn't over yet. Open your eyes and let them see what you have become."

I threw open my eyes and the darkness that covered me was filled with light. The moon glowed in the sky; the clouds parted just enough for it to shine down.

The bullets that continued to pop off in the distance sounded closer than they were. Yells and screams of pain perked my ears up, and I slowly stood on just two feet. I had easily grown a foot and a half and stood over Delilah, who was shaking beside me.

Delilah held onto her pup, who was buried deep in her chest. She wasn't even looking at me, but what was behind me.

As I turned, Tajah was still chanting, her hair flying in all directions. When she opened her eyes, they glowed a bright yellow and she drew a pattern in the air with a candle. Bram stood before her, his hands out in front of him. A weak sliver of a barrier confined us all. I jerked my head to where Bram and Delilah were staring, and I saw the fae that Locke had talked about.

Duke Idris, the dark fae that ha taken it upon himself to learn dark magic and necromancy, and take over the humans of Earth.

I tilted my head as he came closer, watching him in slow motion.

Why did he give humans powers? Why is he genetically mutating them? Doesn't he want them weak?

With a sharp blast of power from the enemy, the warlock beside him broke through Bram's shield, causing Bram to stumble backward and fall into Tajah. Tajah's body lit up with a fierce purple aura, protecting her from the attack. But another warlock quickly followed suit, unleashing an electrical charge aimed at Tajah. Yet, she glowed brighter still, as if the hit had never even fazed her. The air crackled and sparks flew as the two powerful forces collided in a dazzling display of magic and strength. Bram could only watch in awe as Tajah stood her ground, unfaltering and confident in her abilities.

With a mighty roar, Beretta burst forth from the flames as a strong and sleek black panther. Her movements were graceful yet powerful, her sharp claws leaving deep gashes on the two warlocks who stood before Idris. But, before she could make another move, Idris' face twisted into a wicked grin. His pale skin seemed to glow in the firelight, as his pointed features and the shimmering white, silver and black glitter on his cheeks gave him a menacing appearance. With a flick of his finger, he sent Beretta flying, slamming her against a nearby tree with a loud thud.

"Get out of here," I spoke out loud to Delilah, my eyes not leaving Idris. "Delilah, run!" My voice was deep and slurred with my longer tongue, but I was pleased I could still speak. "Now!"

Delilah shook herself from her stupor and bolted.

"Hello, there, Emm. What a pleasant surprise," Idris purred. His voice was sickly sweet, and condescending.

This wasn't a pleasant surprise.

I could still hear Tajah. She was still chanting away. How much longer does it need to take?

"I'll make this quick." He opened his large cloak that was covering something or someone, and revealed a body.

Abuela!

Her hands were tied, a cloth around her mouth and eyes filled with anger.

Oh my gods! She's pissed.

"Stop the ceremony and she lives." Idris' eyes narrow at me, and then to Tajah.

Tajah kept chanting. Her vision flickered to me and back to the book.

I gritted my teeth, letting off a low growl. "How do I know you won't just kill her, anyway," I snarled, and saliva dripped from my teeth.

Idris chuckled darkly. "You do not have the upper hand, darling, your bond, your tiny pack and the rest of your pathetic little rogues are dying. You are only delaying the inevitable."

I balled my hands into fists.

"You know, if any of these animals had half of a brain, they would have taken up some necromancy. Figure out how to live without half their soul." He wrapped a finger around Abuela's hair. "Sure, it makes you a little manic, but you know what that's like. Being mated to Locke, leader of this monstrosity." His lip curled. "If I hadn't lost my memory in that damned fire, I would have come back a lot sooner, but that is where you came in."

I tilted my head, stepping forward, slowly while he villain monologued.

"Yes, yes, you were the one that responded to that bounty ad. Took some time to crack through your computer and that stupid firewall. But, with a little magic, and a little this a little that," he giggled, "we found you. You led us right here." He waved his hand around us like it was a magical trick.

My breath caught in my throat. I led them here?

Idris wagged his finger at me. "I knew Locke would meet his mate soon, but wasn't sure how you both would meet. You know, magic can be limited." He petted his hand until he pricked it with his sharp nail. He watched the blood run until it dropped onto the ground. "It's rather poetic, I think. To think you could have captured him and brought him right to me?" He clapped his hands. "Gods, that would have been delightful! I should have just had you murder him, though."

I snarled, my fur rising on my back.

"But you fell for it. You fell for that bond. It's sickening, isn't it?" His voice rose. "You still had a choice. I'm disappointed you didn't choose your family, no, instead you chose THEM!" He roared and grabbed my abuela by her hair.

His eyes grew manic, his cool tones in his voice had long vanished. The air crackled around him with anger. He gripped her hair and his teeth bared at her with contempt. "You just couldn't help it. You had to fall for your soul mate. You chose him and he trusted you so willingly. So fucking sickening. All of you!"

I held out my arm, and I lunged forward to reach her. Idris already had his long sharp nail across her neck, ready to swipe.

Using my enhanced vision, I watched in slow motion as Abuela's eyes softened. Her eyes closed and opened again, and tried my best to stare into her soul, to know what she wanted to say. But I didn't know, not truly. She was standing here, staring at me. Did she really know it was me? I looked like a monster.

My heart thumped, one, two and before the third thump—

Idris' razor-sharp nail, gleaming in the dim light, glided effortlessly across Abuela's delicate throat, leaving a faint trail of crimson.

I could smell her scent entrapped into the blood as it dripped slowly. Then, like a roaring waterfall spilled down her neck.

I felt a surge of emotions coursing through my veins, causing a physical reaction that was impossible to ignore. My heart, once beating steadily, now seemed to pause, as if captivated by the sight of her. It was as if the world around me had frozen in time, the chaos and noise fading into the background.

Every hair on my body stood on end, as if reaching out to connect with the overwhelming love and gratitude I felt towards her. Goosebumps formed on my arms, a tangible testament to the depth of my emotions. It was a powerful reminder of the impact she had on my life, the indelible mark she left upon my very soul.

As my gaze locked onto her, all other distractions vanished. The worries and anxieties that often plagued me were momentarily silenced. In that instant, I saw her not just as the woman who took me in, but as a pillar of strength, a guardian angel who had selflessly dedicated herself to my well-being.

I couldn't help but be overwhelmed by a flood of memories, each one etched vividly in my mind. I saw her wiping away my tears when I stumbled and fell as a child, her comforting words acting as a balm to my pain. She was there through the ups and downs of my teenage years, providing a safe haven when my heart felt broken and lost.

She had given me everything she had, pouring her love, time and energy into helping make me the person I had become. Her unwavering protection had shielded me from the harsh realities of the world, allowing me to grow and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment.

In that moment, I realized how truly blessed I was to have her in my life. She was not just a caretaker, but a mother figure who had selflessly stepped into the void left by my own parents. Her presence filled my heart with a profound sense of gratitude and admiration.

With her, I had found a sense of belonging; a home where I felt loved and cherished. She had become the embodiment of unconditional love, a beacon of hope in times of darkness. As I stood there, my heart paused, my fur standing on end, I realized I hadn't protected her like I promised.

Abuela's eyes rolled into the back of her head and Idris let go of her hair, as she promptly fell to the forest floor like she was nothing but a speck.

The. Bastard.

Without uttering a single cry of pain, I found myself consumed by an overwhelming sense of rage. The world around me transformed into a fiery crimson haze. In the depths of my mind, a faint tickle sent shivers down my spine, while a pair of piercing scarlet eyes locked onto mine. Slowly, two paws emerged from the darkness, accompanied by the ominous descent of gleaming ivory fangs.

My wolf.

I launched forward, not caring for the consequences. Abuela's heart was no longer beating, her body turning colder by the second. Idris' smile was still on my grandmother, and I watched as he slowly came to face me.

His hand raised, most likely to press his power into me, and a snap echoed inside my head. Dozens of voices reverberated inside. It was overpowering with the echoes, but not enough to deter me from what I was about to do.

The surrounding air crackled with a powerful energy, like blue lightning running through my fur. I could see the electrical charge jumping from me and spreading the area in my peripheral.

But I wasn't stopping.

Idris' hand swirled a grey light and pushed it out of his hand. Without any movement of his arm, the light propelled toward me, landing me straight into the chest. I waited for the impact, but my body absorbed the shock.

"You mother-fucking bastard!" I roared and slung my claws right across his chest.

Idris' tall, muscular form stumbled backward, his hair falling messily across his face. His dark, slicked-back locks were now ruffled and wild, pushed out of place by the force of the attack. His jaw clenched as he bared his sharp, white teeth in a ferocious snarl. Drops of blood trickled down from the deep claw marks on his chest, staining his pristine white shirt. The veins in his arms bulged as he struggled to stay upright, still reeling from the impact. His eyes flashed with anger and pain as he prepared to retaliate.

I didn't wait for him to be ready. I didn't even take a second look at Abuela's body on the ground. I no longer could hear her heartbeat, or her breathing. I sucked in every bit of emotion I could. That had to wait, I couldn't fall apart now.

This prick was going to pay.

"Behind you!" I heard Beretta's voice echo in my head.

A warlock that had been knocked off their feet by Beretta slung a bolt of electricity toward me. I dodged it easily, but it gave Idris ample opportunity to get up.

He stared at me and then to Tajah, who was no longer chanting. She closed the book with a loud thud and smiled. "Too late, it's done, but you already knew that, didn't you?"

Idris' face, which was already contorted to anger, turned to a bitter understanding.

The battle would shift.

The trees rustled and shook as a massive grizzly bear emerged from the cover of the forest. Its thick, brown fur glistened in the sunlight, and its sharp claws extended as it swiped at the men with ease. Behind it, a smaller but equally vicious bear followed suit, its teeth bared and eyes full of fury. Despite its size, it took down men with incredible strength and agility, tearing at their throats with its powerful jaws.

"We are kick-ass, right?" I heard Nadia inside my mind.

The link— it was complete. We could hear each other, talk to each other in our animal forms.

"Pay attention; reinforcements are coming, " Bear grumbled. "Hawke to the west, and the fae are approaching."

The mysterious figures emerged from the shadows, their silhouettes illuminated by the blazing fire nearby. Piercing gazes swept across the battlefield taking in the bloodied sight. Arrows, swords and vines? Vines came from the trees and snatched up men and wrapped them tightly, choking them.

I darted my attention back to Idris, who was backing away into the woods. The coward wasn't even going to help his men. I steadied myself and bolted toward him as he ducked into the darkness of the forest.

The rustling of the leaves above me seemed to echo my own footsteps, as I felt the pain of Abuela fade into the background. My focus was set on Idris, and nothing would stop me from avenging her death. My eyes glowed with an intensity that reflected the fiery passion burning within me.

The forest seemed to bend and twist around me as if it was molding itself to my every movement. It was as though the very fabric of nature was conspiring to help me bring justice to this treacherous man. As I pushed deeper into the shadows, the sounds of the battle faded behind me, replaced by the silent whispers of the trees and the howling of wolves in the distance.

I would not stop, I wouldn't give up. I would destroy him and take away everything he has taken from Locke, and from me.

We reached a clearing, where we stopped at the lake that was all too familiar. Idris turned, his chest already healed and only blood stained his dark clothes.

"I have to say, I did not expect this." He pulled on the collar of this cloak. It fluttered to the ground. "That the daughter of a drunk gambler would become what she is today."

I stomped toward him and gripped my giant hand around his neck. I squeezed, and he sputtered, but he didn't fight me. One squeeze and I would have him, he would be dead, lying in the dirt like Abuela. I could let the buzzards eat out his eyes, let the worms feast on his flesh.

"The cartel will be upset to know that you are unavailable, but at least your sister can take your spot."

My eyes widened, and I let off a warning growl. "You know nothing." I let the hot spit dribble from my maw.

Idris chuckled. "But I do, darling. And I know where your sister is. Why do you think I had dear old grandma, hmm?" He stared at me knowingly. "I don't go into battle without a back-up plan. It's just, not wise."

I set him back down in the dirt and he tugged on his clothes that were not yet ripped. "Now, if you want nothing to happen to your sister, Elena, and her son, who was it, Luis?-"

I stared at him, breathing hard.

"- then, you will do as I say, little pup. Otherwise, you will never know their location."