#theunmatedalpha

[onlygirlfeels]

Chapter Twenty Eight

Mabel wasn’t what I imagined her. She looked young. A woman in her late thirties. She was the strongest mage, even stronger than her father. How could she have surpassed her mentor? But then again, alpha sons are supposed to be stronger than their parents.

“Are you ready Vivian?” Asked Fred.

I nodded. I squeezed Leith’s hand to reassure him. “It’s going to be fine.” I said. “I think you’d want your mate to be alone in this body before we mate.” I chuckled.

He smiled, pulling me in his arms. He buried his face between my hair and neck. I love it when he inhales my scent.

“Anytime now…” Fred snapped his fingers.

We both pulled away. I looked at Fred. “Okay, I’m ready.”

“Will it hurt?” Leith asked.

“Honestly,” said Fred. “I’m not sure.” And with that, he started chanting, his hands hovering over me and Mabel’s body.

I started to feel lightheaded, like I’m going to puke. There was a pounding in my head, and then my chest. My eyes were starting to blur. Leith was getting worried, and Fred was sweating profusely, his nose starting to bleed.

‘Mabel.’ I thought. ‘What’s happening? Is it supposed to be like this?’

‘You’re also transitioning to your wolf.’ She answered. ‘Once I’m back in my body, Frederick’s spell will be gone. You’ll be a wolf.’

As I felt her leave my body, I broke into a sweat. My bones start to crack. I screamed in agony as Mabel took her first breath back in her body. Her color is returning, and I’m starting to grow fur.

“Vivian.” Said Leith, gently pulling me away from them into an open space in the middle of the crypt. “My love, you need to breathe.”

So I did. I tried to scream again but a howl came out. I was on all fours. From what I can see, I had brown fur like my father’s wolf, Kota. I spread my toes on the ground, feeling the Earth beneath me. I looked up at Leith, who was also looking at me.

“You look magnificent.” He said, mesmerized. He was touching my fur. My head turned closer to his hand.

‘I like him.’ A sultry voice in my head spoke. ‘He’s our mate.’ She was rubbing, or I was rubbing my head all over his torso.

“Her name’s Kaya.” I don’t even know how I knew that.

Leith laughed. “Roan wants to play.”

“We’ve no time for that alpha.” We both turned to look at the voice we heard for the first time. Mabel was already standing in her robes, beside Fred, like she hadn’t been slumbering for the last hundred years.

Kaya growled at them in anger, pushing aside Leith, ready to attack. She was angry, having been suppressed for a long time.

“I’m sorry, wolf.” Said Mabel, without an ounce of disrespect. She had that tone in her voice and look in her eyes that showed she had no ill intentions. “But I need your human back. We’re going to need you for later.”

It was less painful to turn back into human, but not completely painless. After transitioning, I was on the ground, panting. Leith was about to remove his shirt to cover me when Mabel spoke. “No need for that, Alpha.” She waved a hand and I was fully clothed, though the dress was not my style, and most definitely not of this time. Its length went up to my ankles, had puffy shortsleeves, and I had low boots. I looked like I was from the early 1900s.

Leith helped me to my feet. “Thanks.” I said.

“You alright, Fred?” He asked. That’s when I saw him. He looked pale. He had already wiped the blood from his nose but he still looked like life drained from him.

He shrugged. “It’s part of the job.”

Mabel walked past us and before we could even take a step to follow her, we were at the covenstead. Leith’s eyes widened in surprise or amazement, or maybe both. In the middle of the covenstead, where Lycaon was supposed to be, there was a burnt circle on the carpet. It was where the aura shield was before. I think now it’s completely gone.

“What do we need to look for mistress?’ Fred asked.

“You were right that Lycaon is an Omicron wolf.” Said Mabel. She had jet black hair, not at all similar to mine. I think if it wasn’t tied in a bun, its length would extend to her lower back. “Vivian has found that Primordial wolves could defeat them.”

“But aren’t they extinct?” Leith asked.

“That’s where you come in alpha.” Said Mabel. “We’ve collected blood from the last primordial wolf in 1657. Start looking.”

I looked around, everything was a mess. It wasn’t like this the first time I was here. It was messy then but now it’s like something exploded, and it became even disorganized.

“You’d think after all this time, this place would’ve been organized.” Said Mabel, studying the place.

“I believe they call it organized chaos.” Said Fred, rummaging through vials in a cabinet drawer. “Besides, everything is where you left it.”

I start to search a nearby table. Leith started looking around as well but stopped. “Excuse me, uh, Mage?” He asked. “What do you mean by that’s where I come in?”

“We’re turning you into a primordial wolf.” Said Fred, as if he’s stating the obvious.

“What?” He almost shouted. “I mean, if you could do that, why not do it to everyone? The more primordial wolves, the more chance we have at defeating Lycaon.”

“It’s because we only have one vial.” Said Fred, holding up a small glass bottle. Inside was indeed blood, but with silvery hues. “One chance.” He said, looking at us.

[onlygirlfeels]

Chapter Twenty Seven

Roan was silent. He didn’t react when Vivian continued to embrace Fred, which was odd. Has he grown fond of the apprentice that he didn’t growl or make a sound?

But then she pulled back, her eyes grey. “I’m sorry.” She said. That explains it. It’s Mabel. “We can make this right.” She held both his arms. “But we have to act fast.”

The moment she faced me, her eyes turned back to their usual brown. She must be getting used to it because she didn’t lose consciousness nor did she felt dizzy. I held her close. “Are you alright?” I asked, to which she nodded.

“Vivian,” said Fred, looking a bit hopeful and afraid at the same time. I think we all were.

All of a sudden Elliot cleared his throat. “Alpha,” he said, putting his phone back to his pocket, which only meant he’s about to say something serious. “The scouts… they’re all dead. Ambushed.”

Vivian gasped.

“That may have answered one of our questions. Lycaon’s sons are there.” Said Fred.

“And we may be expecting the other alphas to call or come back.” I said.

Vivian looked at me. “You’re going to have to deal with that, aren’t you?”

I nodded. “I’m afraid so.”

“Mabel said to act fast.” Said Elliot. “Maybe she knows we’re running out of time.”

“We need to get Lycaon out of there.” Vivian told Fred. “After that, everything has to be done swiftly.”

“We need all the help we can get.” Said Fred, looking at me. “Ask your parents to deal with the alphas and get ready for an attack. It could be any day now.” He snapped his fingers; he was in his robes. “I’ll be right back.”

Vivian nodded, then he disappeared.

“They might try to rescue the prisoners, or not. But we have to be prepared.” I nodded to Elliot. “Relay the message to my parents, and double, no- triple the warriors in the dungeons.”

“Yes, Alpha.” And with that, he left the room.

I looked at Vivian. “What do we do now?”

“We have to wait for Fred.” said Vivian, like they’ve already discussed what needed to be done. Then she started going through some books again.

“What are you looking for?” I asked, wanting to help.

“I feel like we’re missing something.” She said, clearly frustrated that she can’t find whatever it is she’s looking for. She kept glancing at titles, scanning pages, and simply coming out empty handed. “Something about Lycaon and his sons.”

I tried scanning some of the books as well. “I don’t think we have anymore books about him and his sons. Just his origin and punishment. We don’t even have names of his sons. They’re not really taught because they’re… well, they’re irrelevant.”

She sighed, “Well, they’re not so irrelevant now, are they?”

And I’m afraid she’s right.

“We have to unlink them now.” I almost jumped when Fred came out of nowhere. He was sweating, his breath a bit ragged, like he just ran a marathon.

As Vivian and I stood up, Fred swiped his fingers to the left and instantly we were in a different place. A dark place, which was evidently full of dust, like no one’s been here for ages. Is this where they’ve been going everytime they vanish into thin air? I was expecting to see a library of some sort.

“What is this place?” Vivian asked.

“So you haven’t been here before?” I asked.

She was already looking around. “No.” She whispered. “Is this…” She was touching a statue of a man in robes. All around us, there were stone statues of people in robes. Everything was covered in dust and cobwebs.

Fred walked along the hallway with a purpose, his robe brushing the dusty floor. We followed quickly. “Where are we?” I asked.

“We’re in a crypt.” He answered. “This is where I buried all of them. You will see fourteen statues in robes, their names carved on the bottom.” As we continued to walk, I looked at the statues, behind each was a some sort of stone bed, probably where the body was placed.

“Where are we headed?” I feel like a boy asking so many questions on a roadtrip.

Suddenly, Fred stopped. “To my mistress.”

We stopped at an empty stonebed, no statue. Vivian and I exchanged looks.

Fred had his eyes closed, murmuring words I couldn’t decipher. Then with a brush of his hands, slowly, right in front of our eyes, a carved statue of a woman lying down appeared in front of us.

“Mabel.” Vivian whispered as if it was obvious that this was Fred’s mistress. She walked toward it like it was the most natural thing to do. She touched the statue’s feet, then her robe until she stopped to hold her hand. She looked at me, teary eyed. “She’s here.”

Fred motioned his right hand above it, the statued moved sideways. It was a lid of some sort. I helped Vivian push it back. I was expecting a foul smell, insects, or anything creepy. But nothing. As soon as the lid was placed on the ground, for the first time, I actually saw her.

Fred sucked in a breath, nervous perhaps. Vivian’s shaking hands wanted to touch her face. Mabel was completely grey, as if her body started decaying and just stopped. She didn’t look like Vivian at all. I don’t even know why I thought she would.

[onlygirlfeels]

Chapter Twenty Six

No one could deny Fred’s irritation everytime I mentioned Mabel. It feels like he’s angry that he’s not getting answers from his mistress. After a century of tremendous sacrifice, he’s being left out.

It wasn’t my intention to make him feel that way, but I know Mabel is already using too much magic when surfacing. She does this dreamwalking thing, which scares the crap out of me. I can’t remember how many times I’ve been to that creepy stonehouse.

Which reminds me… I grabbed the other book Leith and I were checking from before, about the Mages Guild. I’ve read that they keep things. Perhaps there’s something in that stonehouse that Mabel wants us to find. Maybe that’s why we keep going back there. Maybe she wants to tell us that something is there that could aid us.

I looked up at the three men, “I think I know why Mabel wants Lycaon out of that stone house.”

“It’s a covenstead.” Said Fred, rolling his eyes. It’s quite a habit of his when he’s around us.

They all looked at me expecting a definite answer. But all I had was a hunch. “Remember when we read that The Mages Guild collects things?” I asked Leith.

He nodded.

“What if- and it’s just a big what if.” I said, giving a disclaimer. “What if there’s something, anything in that stone… covenstead that could help us.”

Fred raised a brow. “If there’s anything there, don’t you think we wouldn’t have used it a hundred years ago?”

“Well, yeah.” I murmured, a little disheartened.

“But what if it hadn’t occurred to you back then?” Elliot asked. “I mean, you were attacked.”

Leith chimed in. “Yeah, you can’t think of everything in an instant especially when you’re under attack.”

Fred looked down like he was deep in thought. Then he sighed and looked at me. “The wolves were dying. Lycaon and his sons went through all of them like they were paper. That’s when we intervened. We had to.”

“I thought you said, he attacked your guild?” Leith asked.

Fred shook his head. “We really had no reason to interact with one another. When Lycaon was King, he loved to entertain. We stirred clear of him and his… games.”

I was sensing a deeper reason as to why he’s sharing these. So I asked. “How did you kill some of Lycaon’s sons? How much magic did it take that it killed most of the guild?”

His eyes started welling up. His voice shook at first. “It was the only thing they could think of at the moment.”

“They, meaning…?” Asked Elliot.

“The mages.” I answered.

Fred nodded. “I’m just an apprentice. I had no say in it. I followed their orders. Take this, do that, mix those, kill us. Those were my orders. And I had to follow.” He was spiraling. It hurt to see just how much he’s been through and still going through. Lycaon really derailed his life.

I sucked in a breath.

Leith asked when Fred didn’t continue. “What happened exactly?”

“The mages killed some of Lycaon’s sons. Fourteen of them to be exact.”

The same number of dead guild members, I thought to myself. Or maybe that was Mabel’s memory.

“There were sixteen of you in the guild.” Said Leith, most likely thinking the same thing as me.

“Whatever you’re thinking, you got it right.” Said Fred.

“But the other apprentice died, and not Mabel?” I asked.

“One mage must stay just in case things go wrong. Mage Mabel was the strongest of them. And I was her apprentice so I had to stay behind as well.” He said. “They used dark magic. There was no other choice. Nothing else that could stop them.” He paused.

Suddenly I knew that dark magic was taboo. It seems Mabel’s memories were seeping through my mind. Whether it was intentional or not, I didn’t know.

Fred continued. “By using dark magic, they corrupted themselves and even if they survived they wouldn’t be welcomed to the guild anymore. We managed to immobilize all of them, including Lycaon, even for a brief moment. Using dark magic, they performed a spell that could eliminate them. That was the plan anyway. But they were all too powerful, one mage equalled the life of one of his sons. Fourteen mages, fourteen sons.”

I felt Leith squeeze my hand. It’s like we were listening to a scary story, and he was comforting me.

“One of the mages, Mage Luther, thought he could kill Lycaon. When the spell failed, he took a son instead. It devastated my mistress. He was, after all, her father.”

I gasped. Fred looked into my eyes. A gesture I came to know as his way of speaking to Mabel. “Maybe you weren’t thinking clearly at the time. We had no time to think, your father just died, and maybe you thought you could just follow him.”

“That’s when she thought of binding Lycaon to her.” I finished for him.

“Which failed and now she’s you.” Said Elliot.

Unknowingly, I freed my hand from Leith’s and I gathered a seemingly broken Fred into my arms. It was Mabel’s doing. She felt pity for him. She must think he’s right. She acted irrationally when things went down and now we’re reaping the consequences.

[onlygirlfeels]

Chapter Twenty Five

“I think she wanted us to know what we’re up against.” I said, trying to ease Fred’s burden.

“I’m hoping we’ll get more details from the scouts sent to Blue Ridge” said Elliot. “Give it a day or two.”

“What are we going to do if they are there?” Vivian asked. “Like Fred said, they’re not your average wolves.”

“What does that mean?” Elliot asked.

“They can only turn into wolves on a full moon, the same as Lycaon.” Said Fred. “But even so, their human strength is unmatched. They’re from an ancient bloodline, almost as old as the gods. And being cursed turned them immortal.”

“Immortal, meaning they can’t be killed?” Elliot reiterated.

Fred looked down. “We had to perform some spells in order to kill some of them during the battle a hundred years ago.”

“So we can do it again?” Elliot asked. “I mean you, you can do it again.”

He shook his head. “I can’t do it alone. That many and a powerful spell caused the lives of many mages.”

“Does killing Lycaon end them all?” I asked.

Fred laughed half-heartedly. “If only he could be killed.” He looked at Vivian, who in turn looked serious.

She grabbed something from her bag. “What kind of wolf is he?” She asked, going through pages of an old book.

Fred looked confused. “A cursed wolf?” He said, so unsure.

“No, I meant what does his wolf look like. “ she said. “Maybe we could determine what kind of wolf he is. This book tells about all the kinds of wolves.” She showed it to Fred.

His eyes widened. “Is that from our collection at the guild?”

Vivian looked guilty. “Mabel made me take it when you weren’t looking. She said you hated reading.”

Fred scoffed.

“Have you seen Lycaon in his wolf form?” I asked.

“Why don’t you ask her?” He said, looking at Vivian. “She can’t even be bothered to have a proper word with me and she’s using you to do her bidding.”

“Well, she comes and goes.” Vivian said calmly. “She can’t stay too long and you know why.”

Fred sighed. “Give me that.” We all wait for him as he scans the book. “There.” He put it down on the table in front of us. We all look at the page with a drawing of a monstrous black wolf with bloodied wide eyes and rabid mouth. Looking at it, it looked like its transformation was extremely painful.

“An Omicron Werewolf.” Vivian murmured.

I haven’t heard of other kinds of werewolves because they’re obsolete. All I know are pack wolves, from an alpha to omega ranks. But Lycaon is from a different time, long before formal packs.

“There’s just one other wolf kind that has a chance of overpowering an Omicron.” Said Vivian turning more pages in the book. “See this, primordial wolves.”

There’s not even a drawing on its page. It could be extinct or non-existent altogether.

“Viv,” I said softly. “This is a very old book of wolves. Some no longer exist because we’ve outgrown their need. We’re all just packs now with alphas, betas, gammas.”

She looked at us. “I think I know why Mabel wants Lycaon out of that stone house.”

[onlygirlfeels]

Chapter Twenty Four

I was at my parents’ house, keeping my distance from Leith when his father called. Inviting us to come to the packhouse, offering safe haven in case of more rogue attacks. My dad couldn’t pass up the opportunity after what had happened to me.

Upon arrival, I noticed a lot of cars and people around.

“Glen, Val.” Leith’s father was the first to greet us. Then Leith’s mother, giving my mother a hug before turning to me.

“I wanted us to meet under better circumstances.” She gave me a hug as well. “Nice to meet you, Vivian.”

“You, too.” I replied, smiling. But deep down I’m nervous about all these. Why are there so many people?

The former alpha smiled at me then turned to my father. “Come, the meeting already started.”

It felt like I was being dragged through the motions. Like I had no say in my life. I can’t be with my mate. I can’t stay in my apartment. I don’t even have my own body all to myself. Now I’m in this meeting, where Leith just introduced me as his mate without first asking me if it was okay with me.

‘This alpha.’ Said a voice in my head while a stern looking guy with brown hair started to talk. He was suspicious about the recent attacks. ‘Vivian, may I?’ Mabel was asking permission to take over my body. Maybe she heard what I was thinking and was being respectful about boundaries. Though I was still at odds about this whole situation, it felt nice so I let her.

I was in the back seat again, back seat of my mind. “How many of Lycaon’s sons are you harboring?”

I don’t even know how she knew that. But the next second I was sat on a chair. The commotion suddenly muted as I closed my eyes.

When I opened them, I was face to face with Lycaon in that same stone house. “Back again, mage?” He was smirking. His body nearly fully recovered. But he was still inside the aura shield. I can see it again.

“Mistress!” Fred shouted making us turn. “Why did you use your magic again?” He seemed to be toning down his irritation. If it was just me or Leith, he’d be making our ears bleed. “You need to stop dreamwalking.”

“Come to me when I wake.” Then I was back in the large room, sitting on a chair in Leith’s packhouse.

“Sweetheart, why didn’t you tell me?” My dad was holding my cheek, kneeling down. I looked at Leith wondering what he told my father.

“About what?” I asked. Then Fred appeared behind them.

On instinct, all three of them threatened to turn into their wolves thinking a threat was nearby. Leith calmed down first.

“You have to stop doing that.” He said, exhaling.

My dad and the older Mr. Wallace were still in defensive positions. “It’s okay dad. He’s an ally.” I said.

“If you can call him that.” Leith murmured.

“I don’t like being here more than you like having me around.” Said Fred.

“Who are you?” Leith’s father asked.

“He’s a friend.” I said.

At the same time Leith said, “He’s an acquaintance.”

The two older gentlemen relaxed a little. Fred raised an eyebrow at me. What did he expect me to do ask the former alpha and beta duo to leave the room?

‘Let him speak with the detained alpha.’ Said Mabel inside my head.

I cleared my throat. “We need to speak with Alpha Samuel.” I looked at Leith, pleading.

“He and his beta are in the dungeons.” He said. “I’ll take you to them.”

“I don’t know what’s going on but I assume this is important.” My dad said, exchanging looks between Fred, Leith, and me. “You need to talk your mother and me after.” He said then left the room.

“I’m also hoping I’d be getting an explanation.” Said Mr. Wallace, looking at Leith. He glanced at Fred once more before following my father.

“I hate dealing with your kind.” Whispered Fred.

I rolled my eyes. Leith lead us to the dungeons, where we were met by Elliot. He wasn’t that much surprised to see Fred.

“What are we doing here?” Fred asked.

“Mabel wants you to speak to the alpha of Blue Ridge.” I replied. I noticed he tensed up when I mentioned Mabel. He looked puzzled so I added, “he may be hiding some of Lycaon’s sons.”

He stared at the cell door. “He has 50 sons.” He said in a low voice. “We only managed to kill half of them. As Lycaon regains his strength, they may be growing in power too. They could even have children of their own.”

“They weren’t asleep like their father?” Elliot asked.

“They weren’t linked to her.” Fred replied. He looked at me. “I suppose you’re going in there with me?”

I nodded before Leith could even oppose the idea. Fred looked pissed. “Just go in there too.” He rolled his eyes.

As soon as we entered the alpha’s cell, he had a smug look on his face. “I get visitors so soon? This pack is quite hospitable.” He chuckled. He could still joke around even in chains. He was slumped to the ground. I expected him to look worse but I guess they didn’t bother beating him up.

Suddenly, he was lifted from the ground. Fred didn’t want to literally stoop down to his level. Samuel was quick to recover from his shock. “My father told me about you. You’re the apprentice.”

“And you’re either a grandson or a very loyal lapdog.” Said Fred. “I know all of Lycaon’s sons. And you’re not one of them.”

Samuel looked hurt. “He will rise and our pack will be the only one left.” Then he turned to look at Leith. “You’re on the wrong side of things. But I guess we should thank you. I know you won’t let your mate die. Sooner or later, she’d be pouring out magic like a faucet.” He laughed like a crazed man, which seemed out of character.

Once we were outside, Fred grabbed both my arms. “Is that what you wanted to hear? That he has a growing army?”

“Hey.” Said Elliot.

“Whoa there, Fred.” Said Leith, trying to calm him and let me go.

“He isn’t talking to me.” I said. I can sense his desperation. “I don’t think she’s coming out, Fred.”

He dropped his hands, sighing. “He’s testing my patience. He keeps saying things to me. He won’t stop taunting. His body is fully healed and you keep using your powers but you’re not giving us anything that could help.”

I pitied him. He’s probably thinking we’re useless against the enemy. And he’s right. Mabel keeps showing up but isn’t privy to any of her thoughts. I can’t access my wolf. Leith can’t even fight off Fred’s magic. What good are we against Lycaon and his army?

[onlygirlfeels]

Chapter Twenty Three

We held a meeting with the alphas of nearby packs. All eight came along with their betas, some with warriors. We were all seated at a long table in our largest meeting room. I informed them about an impending threat. They all believed me knowing that there were recent attacks on Maxwell , one killed and injured many, the other was the attack on my mate.

“Your mate?” Said one alpha. “You found your mate. Where is the lucky gal?” He’s an older alpha from Shadow River, having found his mate in his late thirties. His eldest child is only five years old.

I nodded. “She lived with humans. I met her about a month ago.”

As if on cue, my parents came into the room, together with Vivian and her father. Some of the people in attendance were shocked to see Glen. Some even stood to shake his hand.

“Beta Glen, it’s an honor.” Said a younger alpha, newly appointed at twenty years old from White Mountain. “I’ve heard so much about you.”

“Glen!” The older alpha said, like greeting an old friend. He patted his back after a quick hug. Then he looked at my father. “I actually offered for him and his family to stay in our pack. But he declined.”

My father laughed. “I couldn’t even beg him to stay.”

Glen laughed along with them. Vivian looked out of place. But she didn’t have to be. I grabbed her hand and pulled her to my side.

“Gentlemen, thank you all for coming.” I said, and gestured for everyone to seat. “I’d like all of you to meet, Vivian Whitman.” A round of murmurs and gasps started. I continued, “my mate.”

A few began to clap until it turned into an applause from everybody in the room. I smiled, happy with the recognition of my mate. Until I turned to Elliot and Vivian, who looked horrified. I cleared my throat, coming back to my senses. “As I have mentioned earlier. Rogue attacks have escalated.”

“Why did the rogues attack your mate?” One asked. He’s the Blue Ridge alpha, farthest of all the packs. He’s known to be skeptical. A few years older than me, probably around 32 or 34. He has a mate and two kids under ten. “And from what I hear, it was her students who were killed.”

I hear Vivian suck in a breath. The loss was still hard for her and to be reminded of it so nonchalantly infuriates me. I was about to answer when Glen spoke.

“Why do rogues attack?” He asked, which quieted the room.

“I don’t mean to offend.” He replied.

“It wasn’t rhetorical. My daughter grew up as a human, please enlighten her. Why do rogues attack?” He asked again, looking at Blue Ridge’s alpha. I know his name to be Samuel.

Vivian visibly relaxed. She may have grown up as a human but she told me Glen not only introduced her to wolves and our history but more. She has knowledge maybe I don’t know or have forgotten.

“Rogue attacks are often random.” He finally answered. “Often but not all the time.” He leaned back on his chair, taunting. He looked at my mate. “I hear you’re a professor of Literature and Mythology. What do you teach your students?”

That earned him a growl from not only me, but from her father as well. Samuel raised his hands in false surrender. But with a smirk, he added. “Do you tell them to provoke werewolves on site, same as you did when you were attacked?”

“Alpha!” Some of the other alphas were appalled by his behavior.

“She would never.” Glen almost yelled.

Vivian straightened. “Tell me, Alpha Samuel.” I looked at her, feeling that something was off. She had grey eyes and a solemn look on her face. “How many of Lycaon’s sons are you harboring?”

Glen and Elliot have noticed it too. This wasn’t Vivian. She was far from the woman I love. Samuel’s face turned white. He stood from his seat. I held Vivian’s hand, stopping her from doing something we might all regret.

“Alpha, my mate asked you a question.” I said firmly.

“I- I don’t know what you’re talking about.” he stuttered. “I don’t know anything about Lycaon.”

Elliot blocked the door sensing that this asshole might escape. His beta seemed to know about it too. The other alphas, understanding the situation, held the two of them by their arms.

“What’s the meaning of this?” Samuel shouted. “I am an alpha!”

My father smirked. “Seems to me you’re an alpha keeping secrets from this alliance.” He stood up. “Are you planning a coup?”

The room was filled with curses and accusations. They weren’t wrong. Samuel might as well be planning a coup, on behalf of Lycaon.

“Have warriors sent to Blue Ridge.” I declared. “We need to capture Lycaon’s sons.”

“I’ll have warriors sent there as well.”

“Some of mine too.” A few more alphas offered. It was a unanimous decision to have Alpha Samuel and his beta detained at the moment.

After all the chaos, most have left the room. Only my father, Glen, Vivian and I remained.

“Who are you?” Glen asked, looking at his daughter. Vivian was seating on a chair, eyes closed. He looked at me when she didn’t answer. “That is not my daughter. Who is that?”

“And who’s Lycaon?” My father asked. “He sounds familiar yet I know I’ve never met anyone with that name.”

I sighed. Vivian must be out like a light. “Long story short, Lycaon has been an ongoing threat to the world for over a century. And he’s bound to someone whose reincarnated through Vivian. Lately, she’s been appearing through her.”

I don’t know what they were expecting, but it’s likely not that. “Vivian has a wolf.” I added. “It’s suppressed because her wolf is directly linked to magic that could awaken Lycaon.”

“Your daughter’s not human?” My father asked looking at Glen.

“This is the first I’m hearing of it.” He replied, shaking his head. “How do you know all this?” He walked to his daughter. “What does this even mean for her?”

I wasn’t sure if I should tell him. I didn’t know what to do at this point. And I’m glad to see Vivian stir. “Viv.” I rushed to her side.

She opened her eyes then sat up. “Where is he? Mabel said she-.” She stopped when she realized we were not alone. “Dad!”

Glen hugged his daughter. “You scared me, sweetheart. Why didn’t you tell me?”

She looked at me, I shook my head intending for her not to worry. I really wish I could just mindlink her. But alas, Fred said no mating.

[onlygirlfeels]

Chapter Twenty Two

It was 2024, I was in Europe, on a date with Emma, when I felt the same nudging feeling when I first realized my mistress had reincarnated. Emma knew I had to leave at some point, I may or may not come back to her. I made that clear. Still, she stayed with me. We’ve been happily together for four years, no label, no commitments. Until that unfateful day, I had to go back to Maxwell, a human town, where I had left my mistresses’s latest reincarnation.

It must have been my time with Emma, which made me soft. I have always been soft, that’s why I couldn’t be a mage even after hundreds of years. I couldn’t do half the things my mistress could. I would never have thought of killing my own mistress, let alone hundreds of innocent babies and children. It’s like I’m doing Lycaon’s bidding, one at a time.

I went back to the guild that same day. The aura shield still as strong. He was still dead to the world. And I wished he would just stay that way.

I don’t know why but I decided to observe her first. Waiting to see of she shows signs of magic. Maybe I don’t have to kill her yet. I walked around her office, then her apartment.

Vivian Whitman, 28 years old, not married, no kids. I didn’t think I’d ever see the day that she’d reach this age. Makes me feel proud that I’ve done this. I thought of this. But that moment quickly faded, I could hear a sudden noise outside her apartment door. And magic. My face dimmed. They’re together. I swung the door open from the kitchen, intending for them to see me.

It worked because she was shaken. But not so well because she had to stay in his packhouse. I didn’t leave them alone though. I was always around.

When I heard the news of the death of four humans, I was livid. “Even in your deep slumber you still create chaos.” I shouted at an unknowing Lycaon. I tried shooting literal daggers at him. They would scratch him but did no more damage. I tried burning him before but my mistress’s body also became burned. That’s when I found out that her body never rot.

I buried all the other mages and apprentice together in the crypts under the guild. When I burned Lycaon, the crypts were aflame. I put out the fire and saw her. Mage Mabel, my mistress, was just as grey as her personality. Dead but not quite gone. Just like Lycaon. I decided to keep her body there under a spell, so no one could find her.

The next time I see Vivian, she was under attack by rogues. I watched as they clawed at her and bite her. I waited for them to kill her but then her eyes glowed yellow. I thought she was going to turn into her wolf. I stepped out from behind the trees and killed all the rogues at once before putting her to sleep. I was still contemplating whether to kill her or wait.

I went back to Emma, she was in our apartment, sleeping. I held her hand, pushed back strands of her hair, and kissed her forehead. “I don’t know what to do.” I whispered.

She stretched, exposing her growing belly. “Fred?”

I left, immediately. I don’t like it and I’m still not 100% sure but I know what I have to do. I came to see Vivian in her hospital room with poison in hand. “Thank you.” She said, after deliberately pulling down my mask. I was taken aback. She thought I saved her. She thanked me for doing what I needed to do. It softened my heart for her.

But still, I couldn’t let this go on. I have a future to think about. A future with Emma and our unborn child.

Werewolves are stubborn. I have tried explaining to the two lovers that they are not allowed to mate and yet they’re together again. Not only that but Vivian showed up at the guild twice now. I’m not sure if she did this accidentally or if my mistress is trying to tell me something. Or she’s only checking me and why I’m not doing my job.

But when she showed herself, I was both terrified and elated. After a century, I am able to talk to her again. I had a lot to say and ask. Our time was cut short. I know how much she was holding back. She needed to control herself so as not to empower Lycaon. I wonder what her plan is.

If she intends for me to unlink her from Vivian, does she mean to go back to her body? Does she want Leith and Vivian to be together then? But what would this mean? Lycaon will rise and end all of us. What of my newfound love and family?

[onlygirlfeels]

Chapter Twenty One

I was dumbfounded. Learning that I have died numerous times and that I was bound to a powerful psychopath serial killer. It was too much to take in. I took a deep breath and before I could speak, Leith spoke. “I’m not gonna let you kill my mate.” He held my hand tightly, shielding me from Fred.

“This is the first time in a hundred years that my mistress showed herself. I think she has a new plan. I just don’t know yet.” Said Fred.

Thinking about everything, I could let him kill me, then I’d be reincarnated and he keeps killing me for another hundred years or maybe more. “I don’t know what your mistress is planning. But I’d like a chance to say goodbye before you kill me.”

Leith looked at me, shocked. “What? No!”

Fred crossed his legs, thinking.

“You have to reject me.” I told Leith. “Find another mate. You have a real chance.”

“No!” He shouted. “You are not giving us a chance.” He stood up and faced Fred. “If you must kill ker, kill me first.”

“Leith,” I sighed.

“I’m serious. I don’t want to see her die. I don’t want to live in a world where I know a part of her is somewhere out there in a different body waiting to be mercilessly killed.”

“Technically, if her body dies, that’s it. My mistress is reincarnated but not her.” Said Fred, which made things feel even heavier.

I can sense Leith’s frustration.

“My mistress did say to unlink you from her when the time comes.” Fred continued, deep in thought. “It may not be time to kill you yet.” He stood up. “Give me time to think. But please, stay away from each other. At least no mating or marking. Lycaon may be awake, but the more your magic awakens, the stronger he gets. And I think my mistress needs more time.”

The door suddenly opened, Elliot came in panting. His eyes widened when he saw Fred. With that, Fred turned and vanished.

Leith pulled me into a hug, taking a deep breath in. “I don’t think we should be hugging.” I said, wrapping my arms around him.

“What’s happening?” Asked Elliot. “Who was that?”

We explained everything to his beta. I don’t think he’d believe us if he didn’t see Fred vanish right before his eyes.

“So what do we do?” He asked.

“Fred said Lycaon can control rogues. They’re trying to bring out Vivian’s wolf. We need warriors patrolling.” said Leith. “Maybe we can inform other packs if it gets too much, they can give us a hand. But we can’t tell them about Vivian’s connection.”

“Definitely,” said Elliot. “They might just kill her and get this over with.”

Leith clenched his jaw. “Vivian needs to be kept safe.”

‘I understand that.” I said. “But maybe we can help in other ways. Fred also seems to dread the idea of killing his mistress again and again.”

“Why can’t he just unlink you now?” Asked Elliot.

I thought about it. “Maybe we’ll get answers when Mabel comes back.”

“She’s coming back?” He asked. “I thought she’s not supposed to use her magic.”

“I felt her, she’s here.” I said. “She has little magic right now. Maybe she gains more when my wolf comes out just like Lycaon. We don’t know what happens when the Mage is out of my body. Where would she even go?” I looked at Leith. “I have more questions the more Fred tells us things.”

“Yeah, I get what you’re saying.” Said Leith. “Does this mean mages and their apprentices are immortal? I mean, this started a century ago. And the book is 500 years old. How old are they?”

“I can’t believe he’s been doing this alone for a hundred years.” Elliot murmured. “That really sucks.” He cleared his throat. “I’ll contact the other packs.”

Leith nodded. “Set up a meeting. Let them know we were threatened. We’ll think of another way to explain things.”

Elliot started making phone calls.

“I’ll look into it more.” I said gathering the books related to Lycaon and the guild.

Leith held my hand, stopping me. “We don’t have to avoid each other.” He said.

“I know that.” I replied. “But this might do more harm than good.” I pulled my hand back. I forced a smile and left.

He might have mindlinked someone because when I got out of the packhouse, a car was waiting. I looked up at his office window. I didn’t see him but I felt a pang in my heart as we drove away.