13. Aurora

CHAPTER 13

Aurora

Camping in the desert isn't as fun as I thought it would be. We can see the ruins from where we have set up camp. At one point, there is a single spot of light that flickers for a moment on the cliff face. I watch the area for a while before I finish my hunt and return to camp with the pronghorn I killed for dinner. My Lycan is getting restless. There's a strange energy I'm feeling; it's making my blood hum. I can't explain it, but I feel like a part of me that has been missing is so close that I can almost grab it. I walk the outskirts of the camp for most of the night before Sebastian makes me follow him back and go to bed.

We're on the move again early this morning, the adrenaline pumping through my veins in anticipation of what's to come. We could be walking into a trap. Then again, a trap could be fun at this point. It's been five days since I killed the last Alpha, I'm about due for some carnage. The boys go over the hypothetical plan while I stand over here like, let's do this.

After a short drive, we arrive at the ground below the ruins. There are plaques and various other tourist crap for those that will never see the ruins up close. While the boys chat, I move to the rear of the truck and grab my go-bag for the ascent. I double check the contents while Andre flies around, assessing the ruins. Sebastian moves up alongside me and rests a hand on my lower back.

"Ready, love?" He's got one of those megawatt smiles that usually melts my insides, but today his smile seems forced. Those eyes of his are as blue as the bluest sky; I can get lost just staring up at him. I can tell he's worried about this being a setup. I'm ninety percent sure that this whole thing is a setup. Something is off. I mean, there's no security, no sentries; at this point, I'm not feeling super safe.

I just smile and nod, looking at him. "Let's go. The cliff won't climb itself." I shrug out of the summer dress and shove it in my pack. The shift comes easier than usual; my blood is singing to me. I swear I feel like my strength has been amplified. Half of me wants to ask Sebastian if he feels it also, but I don't think he does. He's not acting any differently than usual; it's just me. I feel like I chugged a half dozen energy drinks and some espresso.

Once Sebastian's Lycan is beside mine, Dimitri helps us strap on our go bags for the climb. My usually growly bear looks nervous about us going without him. I lightly nuzzle his cheek, and he smiles at me.

"Be safe, princess. Not all wolves favor the ruling family." He sighs before looking up. "If I'm correct, this alpha was the son of the current alpha before the attack. Their pack was almost wiped out because of the Strigoi." He raises an eyebrow at me. "So, don't expect a warm welcome." Sebastian and I nod our heads then look up at the vertical climb before us.

Andre approaches from behind. "I didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. Though one building looks like it's got fancy double doors recessed out of the line of sight." Slowly, Sebastian and I nod, then leap for the wall. Our sharp talons sink into the stone as we make our climb. Thankfully it doesn't take us long to make it to the ledge of the ruins.

Sebastian is the first to scout the area as I shift back and get dressed. He returns to me and shifts back too. "There seems to be an entrance in the far-back, right corner. I think we should start there." My eyes follow the path that he points out and we start walking in that direction. As I approach the door, the humming in my blood seems to increase. I carefully reach out to grip the handle on the wooden door, and frost begins to spread across the wood.

Sebastian and I both stare at the frost and the door. We are both puzzled as all fucking hell as to what's going on now. "Maybe it's because of who my father is? I mean, you did say my Lycan has gained white scales on my muzzle." I shrug my shoulders, confused. "I also noticed I have dragon scale gauntlets that go all the way to my talons. I wonder if I can blow ice fire. I mean, is it frost flames?" I raise an eyebrow curiously. "Okay, whatever it is, an Ice Dragon freezes things with."

Ugh, it's so frustrating not knowing what the hell I am becoming and not knowing what kind of gifts—besides scales and frost touch—I've gotten from my father. Sebastian's shoulder delivers a light hit to the door, and it splinters and falls to the ground in a wintry mess. We glance at each other and enter the hallway. Sebastian takes the lead, and I follow behind him, just in case. Besides, he would never let me go first. He is dead set on protecting me. We make it to a foyer, and several males are standing about, looking right at us.

Sebastian speaks first. "The alpha is expecting us. Elena sent word a week ago to him." Two of the guys disappear down the hallway before returning with a man in a suit. He isn't muscular in the least, and he looks to be in his decline.

"Ah, welcome, esteemed guests! Come this way so we can speak." He turns and heads back down the hallway. The question is, do we follow? Yeah, why the hell not? I move forward, and Sebastian is close on my heels. We enter a room with a one- way mirror and a balcony overlooking the gladiator pit. I move towards the mirror and stare at it.

My Lycan surges forth, her liquid mercury eyes studying the glass. I can see heat signatures behind the mirror. Two appear to be the same height; one is built heavier than the other, one tall and thin, and the last tall and muscular. The two males of the same height move closer to the glass; I can almost feel them. I cant my head to the side then straight again.

"What do you want, Lucian? You have your sons behind the mirror watching us. To what end? I'm not exactly sure. My gut tells me you're going to add conditions to meet your sons. So? What are they?" I cross my arms over my chest as I watch the myriad of emotions flicker over the alpha's face. Apparently, I've read him too well, and he's not used to it.

"You're very wise, princess. I do want something, and I do have conditions." He moves to lean his back against the mirror. "I'll give you two options. The first is that you forget my sons and accept me. Your other option is to fight in the pit, and if you live, you get to meet my sons." He smiles in a way that would make the Cheshire cat jealous. He is definitely off his rocker if he thinks he would ever get his grubby paws on me.

I walk over and lean my back against Sebastian's chest. Immediately his arm wraps around my shoulder. "I'll take option B. I'll fight in your pit." I start to laugh. "I have to battle before I meet your sons… the dick better be worth it!" Sebastian laughs behind me as he tightens his grip.

"Say the word, my love, and we leave." His head lowers as he moves my sundress to the side to show his mating mark upon my shoulder. His mouth comes to grip the same place, making me squirm slightly.

"I came to fight, my love. Apparently, Lucian wants to see if I'm worthy of his sons." I look up into Sebastian's eyes before kissing him chastely. I turn back to look at the alpha. "At least let me see who I'm fighting for. After all, if by some fluke I die in the ring, I want to see the four males that had the chance to see me." I move forward, slowly placing my palms flat on the table, staring at the glass. What I didn't expect was for the frost to spread from my hands across the table.

"As you wish, princess. Though I do have to warn you, I have one dud of a son. One who can't make up his mind what team he's on, one that's betrothed, and the last one that is in love only with his armory. So, good luck." He flicks the switch, and the reflection disappears from the mirror. I can see the twins and the other two males clearly.

It is the twins who catch my attention through the glass. I watch as the males regard me. The two older ones don't even appear to be interested at all. The twins, though, their wolves are making themselves known. Dire's know their mate on sight, Lycan's need to see and scent their mate. I would definitely have something else to fight for. I need to win. I need to kill all my opponents and then the alpha to free my mates from under his rule. But my question is, will the other sons side with daddy dearest or their brothers?

"Gentlemen, let the games begin, shall we? Give me my first opponent, and I'll give you their head." The twins begin to hit the glass trying to break through; their drive to protect is admirable. I return to Sebastian. "Protect the twins."

My eyes lock with his, and he gives me a quick nod. That's all I need to be able to enter the ring. As I'm led out of the room, I get close to the glass. The twins are still pounding on it, trying to break free. I press a kiss to the glass, leaving blood-red lipstick behind. The lighter built twin is beside himself, and the stocky twin looks pissed. Good, one has a temper—they'll be just fine. I follow the alpha down a series of hallways that lead down deeper into the den. I scent so many bodies and species down here that my senses are on overload. Then there's that hum that's getting stronger.

Daughter?

I hear the words in my head. Cautiously, I look around to see if anyone else heard the voice. I listen to it several more times before I think of a response.

Dad?

I mean, I never met the man, and as far as I knew, he was over two hundred years dead. I feel a wave of relief wash over me. Wait, dragons can communicate telepathically?

Nicodeamus? My mother's dragon mate?

Part of me wants to cry. I still have family left. I not entirely without my bloodline. Tears threaten to break free. I have to make myself mad to not alert the alpha to what was going on.

Yes, little one. We don't have much time. Lucian plans to kill you in the ring. Use my gifts, my strength. When we come face to face, we will burn this place to the ground.

His voice holds such confidence and authority, I can't help but smile. Now I know where I get my don't fuck with me attitude from. I walk with more confidence and bounce in my step.

In my mind's eye, my father shares years of information: our history, our family, and the night of the attack. The alpha is the one that helped the Strigoi breach the castle's defenses. For that, he will pay dearly.

"Are you ready, princess?" The sarcasm is strong with this one. I give him two thumbs up and turn my back to him.

"Yup, let's get it done." I crack my knuckles and my neck, getting my limbs loose. I'm as ready as I'm going to be. The great doors open, and I hear the roar of the crowd. Closing my eyes, I start hearing the Megadeth song "Crush ‘em" in my head. The opening line fits so well, and I start singing the first lines out loud.

Poor Sebastian must think I've lost my mind, entering the ring singing. I need to focus, and one of my favorite training songs makes me feel like my mentor is right beside me. Opening my eyes, scanning the arena, they fall on Sebastian and the twins. This is the first time they will see me shift. It should be worth seeing the look on their faces. Especially now that my father taught me how to use the frost in the shift; it should add a whole new element to my theatrics.

I breathe in deeply and let out the deepest, most haunting howl I can muster as the shift takes me. Frost seeps from my every pore as my body takes on its new shape. I embrace my father's magic and let it bond with my Lycan. By the time I am done, the arena is dead silent. Not a single sound besides my breathing can be heard.

"Hell yeah, babe!" I hear Sebastian shout. He knew through the bond about the influx of power I have gained. My mercury eyes seek out the twins. Their eyes glow golden like their wolves'. Yes, we are one . Bring on my opponent!

The door across from me slams open, and a rather large Dire Wolf comes charging out and skids to a stop. I don't think this poor bastard was expecting me. I roar at him, my voice a mix of wolf and dragon. His scent screams he's frightened; that's good. Two more Dire's come out behind him; this is about to get interesting. I raise my right arm before twitching my finger at them, signaling for them to attack. All at once, they charge.

Now the fun really begins.