Page 44

Elijah

I watch proudly as she interacts with her people, more of them stepping forward to ask questions about our pack. Fuck, I love her, and it’s not only because she’s hot as hell but because she is strong, selfless, brave and fucking incredible.

My fiery kitten.

My smile fades as last night returns to my mind.

I gaze out of the bedroom window, knowing exactly where she has gone. I felt her raise the block on her emotions, strong and powerful, but even then, trickles are still seeping through. I can sense her anxiety, moments of sadness, pain, and anger.

I see the glow of fire to the side of the house and know it is her doing. Sure enough, I spot her coming from the direction of the fire and heading towards the mansion. A few moments later the bedroom door opens and I turn, walking over to her and pull her into my arms. She wraps her arm around my waist, holding me tightly.

“He’s gone. All of this shit is over,” I whisper into her ear. Her scent is soothing, and I inhale deeply, caressing her hair. “You’re safe.”

Her heart thuds and she lets go of the mask she had put on, taking in a shuddering breath as her emotions flood me. Her pain, fear, sadness, regret, relief, and guilt. I hold her tightly and slowly lead her to the bed. Sitting down, I lift her onto my lap. “It’s going to be okay, Kitten. From here on, it’s going to be ok,” I say quietly.

She looks up into my eyes, now wrapping her arm around my shoulders, the other cupping my neck as she pulls me down, kissing me passionately. I kiss her back with equal passion, my tongue slipping into her mouth, making her moan. Pleasure courses through me as her hands travel down my chest.

“Red…” I murmur, gazing into those stunning, sage green eyes.

“I want you,” she whispers, turning in my lap to straddle me. I search her eyes, seeing she wants a distraction from the pain she feels. I tug her close by the back of her hair, kissing her harder.

If this is what she wants and gives her a reprieve from her emotions, then I am willing to give it to her.

She moans against my lips. Our kisses become hotter, more desperate. Our hands roaming each other’s body, the feeling of each other’s skin and heat helping ease the pain that goes through us, and above all, the relief that we are here together and safe.

It is much later, and Scarlett and I are ready to leave tonight. We’re leaving Michael and Aaron in charge, as we need to head back. After all, there are a few things to handle back home, but before we go, there is one thing left to do here.

Most of the pack members are happy to come to our pack, but there are a few bitter ones who had family members who sided with Zidane. The option to join another pack is open for them. However, Scarlett made it clear the current land will be sold off, but everyone will be given a lump sum to start afresh. They are welcome to do whatever they want.

The overall move will take time and we both know someone needs to come back and handle everything until everyone has moved over.

I don’t want Scarlett staying here and handling it, knowing the effect this place has on her, and I’ve decided to talk to Dad when I get back. We can’t leave Aaron here long-term either. Monica is pregnant. I have an idea, and I hope Dad agrees.

In the meantime, there is a lot of work that needs to be done at the Blood Moon Pack, building homes and making space for all the new pack members – at least seven hundred people are coming. About fifty will be heading back in the next two days, but housing them won’t be easy. I’ll put the plans into motion the moment I get back.

Dad also rang, telling us that Alpha Daniel was the one to rat us out to Zidane, as he was in dire need of some money. Although Scarlett seems to accept it, something niggles in my mind.

It can’t only be Daniel. Sure, he knew the date and plan, but to know what car Scarlett had gotten into, it had to be a pack member. I had said nothing, thinking I would get to the bottom of it myself when we return home.

We are now at the pack hospital to see Candice before leaving. The nurse let us in instantly, knowing exactly who we are. The smell of disinfectant and sterilised rooms fills our noses.

“Scarlett, Alpha Elijah,” Candice greets us as she struggles to sit up. Scarlett looks at her, and I can see the emotions in her eyes as she looks at her grandmother before she hurries over and helps adjust her bed.

I had told Scarlett that Candice was her grandmother and it had shocked her.

“Candice…” she trails off, as if unsure how to address her. The elder woman smiles gently.

“You would have made your grandfather proud.” Her words make Scarlett’s eyes widen slightly and I decide to give them a moment. I’m about to leave the room when Scarlett looks at me.

“Stay,” she says softly.

“Sure.” I turn back and walk over to her, standing next to where she sits. I place my hands on her shoulders as Candice looks between us.

“You were mates then?” she asks, smiling.

“Obviously,” I say, as if I never ever had a doubt. The older woman chuckles weakly.

“Why didn’t you tell me who you were?” Scarlett asks quietly.

“Because Zidane didn’t like to be associated with me. Most of the pack members who knew who I was were long dead, others were forced into silence. I couldn’t stay around the pack and do my best without keeping my identity a secret. Ever since your mother left and Zidane dragged me out of that dungeon to hold the pack together, I knew I had to keep doing what a Luna does. Even if it was just trying to keep them safe, keep them alive,” she explains gravely.

Scarlett’s thoughts are in my mind. Like me, she thinks she’s brave, and suffered so much; to go from Luna to omega for her people, yet not let it get to her. No matter how rough things were, she kept fighting for her pack.

I have respect for the older woman. If it wasn’t for her help, a lot more people would have died in the battle.

“You are the finest Luna I have ever met. You were there for these people even when things were horrible. Thank you,” Scarlett says quietly. Candice smiles softly.

“No need to thank me. That is what we do. We are strong women. We keep fighting.”

Scarlett nods as Candice takes her hand and gives it a gentle squeeze. “My grandfather would have been so proud of you too,” Scarlett whispers.

“Indeed,” she says.

“Did I ever see him?” I ask.

Her eyes sadden as she shakes her head. “No, Zidane killed him before he even found his mate. Speaking of Jessica, how is she?”

“She’s good. Married and in love.” Scarlett’s words are tense. “She never mentioned you.”

Candice sighs and shakes her head “How would she have? We never met. I was locked away the moment your grandfather was murdered. I was only told Zidane’s mate and children left and died when they tried to escape,” she admits, adjusting herself on her cushions, masking her wince before she pats her bedsheet.

I can tell she’s still in a lot of pain. According to the reports I had checked this morning, she will never completely heal, even when she leaves the hospital. Some injuries never heal and there’s nothing that can be done about them.

Scarlett remains quiet; it is a vicious cycle. Zidane hadn’t even spared the woman who gave birth to him.

“Will you come home with us?” Scarlett asks now, her words hesitant, as if preparing for her refusal.

Candice is one of the members who said nothing. She smiles sadly and takes Scarlett’s hand in her own.

“I would love to, but I can’t. This pack… this land meant so much to your grandfather. I understand why you are doing what you are, and I think it’s a good idea. The horrors that occurred here… no one wants to remember. But there was a time before the witch, before Zidane, that this place was full of love and happiness. You two are mates. Combining your packs is the best thing to do.”

“I… understand.” Scarlett nods.

Candice smiles sadly at Scarlett before she looks at me, then back at her granddaughter. “Thank you for understanding, dear. I do have a request if you are alright with it. I would like if you could leave me a small square of land. There’s a small cottage your grandfather built years ago, before he was alpha, on the edge of the territory. It does need a bit of fixing, but I would love to make it my home and remain here,” she says quietly.

The two women lock eyes, and I can sense Scarlett’s sadness, but there’s also acceptance as she nods. “Pick wherever you want. Whatever you want, it’s yours. I would love to visit and learn more about my grandfather, about his family before him. Your family too.”

“Thank you for understanding, dear. But I will join your pack though because I will not become a rogue, but I will remain a lone wolf,” Candice says. “For as long as I have left, anyway.”

“I understand, but it could be dangerous out here alone,” I say. The woman waves her hand weakly.

“It doesn’t matter. If I’m meant to die, then I will.” Scarlett and I exchange looks. Although her choice isn’t the most ideal, I can’t force her and we will respect her wishes. Scarlett has, and so will I. “So, the first Alpha Female we have heard of has now taken her place. How does it feel?”

Candice’s change of topic is clear.

“I don’t really know; they say I’m special or a blessing with my fast healing and the ability to mortally wound others… but what’s the point of these powers when I couldn’t even save my friend from dying in my arms?” Scarlett voices quietly, her tone is full of pain and bitterness. I can feel her pain, and it mixes with my own. Candice looks at her sympathetically.

“You are not Selene – you cannot grant life, child. Each wolf is given healing beyond a human’s capability, but we are not immortal. You survived your father only because of your healing, and because of that, you have saved so many lives from Zidane.”

She’s right. Although Scarlett’s gift may not be what she would have preferred, it saved her life, and I will forever be grateful for it.

Liam’s death is not on you, I say through the mind-link.

He died to protect me, she answers softly.

“You are special. The Goddess bestowed this gift upon you. Accept it, appreciate it, and don’t question it,” Candice says. Scarlett simply nods as I caress her arms. Candice gives her a final encouraging smile. “Now, let’s leave all this and tell me what you plan to do next?”

We begin telling her what we have planned, and the older woman listens, a small smile on her face, her hand never once letting go of Scarlett’s.

We live on for those who are still here and we don’t forget those we have lost…

Liam… thanks.