Page 54

Elijah

A few months later…

“ O h, come on, Elijah! You have to wear it!” Rafael protests, holding up the shiny, pink unicorn party hat. I glare at my friend.

“I wouldn’t be caught dead in that,” I declare.

“It’s Raihana’s birthday. Come on, she’s going to cry if you don’t.” I raise an eyebrow.

“She’s two. I don’t think she’ll even care.” My gaze goes to my woman, who is on the opposite side of the garden, exchanging looks with Maria.

“Them two argue too much…” I hear Maria say as she arranges the sandwich platter and sets it down.

“Bromance at its finest!” Indigo calls as she walks out from the villa. Sometimes I forget she’s not just that kid who loves her older brother, but a grown woman, and I don’t like it.

Today is Rafael’s second child’s birthday, and he rented a villa for some of our friends to get together and celebrate this occasion with his little princess.

“Look, she’s not wearing one…” I say, giving Rafael a look as I point at Indigo.

“Okay, fine. You and Alejandro are such party poopers,” he grumbles, glancing at his brother, who I’m certain he was shocked even showed up for the party. The rest came the day before, but Alejandro only turned up ten minutes ago.

The twenty-year-old sits on the ground away from the area that we have lit up with solar-powered lanterns and fairy lights, busy scrolling through his phone. Rafael’s smile vanishes as he watches him, concerned. There’s something more in his eyes, something that has grown over the years. I’ve been in contact with Rafael and although he never tells me what is going on when it comes to his brother, I know the bastard has placed a lot of stress and burden on his brother and his mate.

I glance at the woman who has an incredible mask on, but I don’t miss the way her eyes are constantly on Alejandro since he’s arrived, as if fearing he might do something.

It makes me wonder, why does she react like that?

The younger man now looks up, his cold, dark eyes meeting his brother’s warm ones, but before either can say anything, the sound of children’s laughter and excitement fills the air. The doors open and out pour the gang of children, drawing all our attention to them.

At the front are Liam and Rayhan, both boys racing dangerously fast towards us.

“I won!” Liam says, grabbing my leg.

“No, I did!” Rayhan retorts. Rafael sighs.

“I think it was a draw. Don’t you agree, Elijah?”

“Yeah, maybe,” I grin, sensing Scarlett’s displeasure and I glance at her as she frowns at me.

Don’t make the kids compete.

Friendly alpha competition, no harm done. I wink at her and she rolls her eyes, looking away. Rayhan is only a week younger than our twins, who are four. Monica and Aaron’s son, Damon, who turned five a month ago, strolls out lazily, staring at the moon that has just peeked out from behind the trees. Rafael’s Beta’s family is also here. The boys run off, joining the rest, whilst one child stands on the steps, not moving. Her soft, sandy blonde hair frames her face as she looks out into the brightly lit garden.

My smile fades as I walk over to my daughter, Kiara, with concern clear on my face. Unlike her headstrong brother, she is the opposite. I crouch down, looking into her eyes and cup her face, and she gives me the purest smile I have ever seen.

“What’s wrong, cutie patootie?” I ask softly. “Can you see alright?” She nods.

“I can see all this, Daddy,” she says, pointing to the brightly lit area. I smile, kissing her forehead.

“That’s good.” My heart aches a little. I scoop her up in my arms, kissing her cheeks. I’ll always be there to take care of her.

“Look my dress.” I look down at the demanding voice of the two-year-old Rossi Princess. She looks the part with a crown on top of her glossy curls and a pretty, pink dress that I’m sure all little girls would love.

“Oh hey there, wow look at you. Happy birthday, princess.” She smiles proudly at my words as I crouch down and does a twirl for me, making Kiara smile.

“You look beautiful, Raihana, I love your dress.”

“Thank you,” she replies, satisfied before she toddles off in search of more compliments. And Raf is quick to hurry over to her, picking her up and spinning her in his arms as he showers her with affection.

He deserves all the happiness he can get. He’s had a shit life and the tattooed punk over there still makes it hard for him. He senses me watching and his eyes snap to mine, cold and callous before they flick to Kiara for a second. And then he scoffs, looking away, and I find myself shielding her from his gaze.

“Daddy?”

“Yes?” I answer Kiara.

“Can I go play?”

I blink and put her down, nodding. “Of course.”

I hear the women laugh softly but ignore it, watching her as she goes over to the boys, where Raihana has disturbed their game and is demanding compliments over her dress.

Rayhan looks bored. “I told you, Ri, it’s wow.”

“You look so pretty,” Liam, ever the people pleaser, says with patience his alpha friend does not have as he smiles at the toddler. She giggles in response.

“You look like a fairy, a beautiful fairy princess,” Damon adds, making her blush even happier now. Unlike Kiara, who likes to hide away from being the centre of attention, Raf’s little one loves it.

“I do.” Raihana nods, twirling around again.

I snicker as Rayhan exhales, his eyes expressing all the emotions he refuses to speak.

Pups.

A short while later, the party is in full swing. Music plays loudly and the children are having a blast. I pull Scarlett onto the dance floor.

“Come on, Kitten. One dance,” I say, gripping her hips and pressing her firmly against me. My lips meet hers in a passionate kiss before she can protest. But it only takes one kiss to get her to melt into my touch and she wraps her arms around my neck, pulling me closer.

It’s been five years since we fell in love. We got married just over three years ago. Each passing day feels like we love each other a little more, even when I would think that couldn’t be possible.

She hasn’t changed much; her hair is still the same, but it is slightly longer now. Since having the kids, the only difference is her slightly wider hips and I fucking love them.

“Have I told you that I love you today?” I ask her.

“About two times, yeah,” she replies teasingly. “But I’ll never tire of it. I love you too, handsome.”

“I know you do,” I reply cockily.

That’s another thing that hasn’t changed. My cockiness, and we can all agree it’s one of my charms. She laughs before claiming my lips with hers.

Alejandro

Too much fucking mushy shit going around here for my liking…

I watch Elijah being the cocky fucker he always is, Raf, Maria and then the other couples who I don’t even care who the fuck they are. Elijah’s sister is immersed in her phone and the kids are playing happily.

Raihana is dancing with an energy that is fucking impressive. The pup has moves, and she’s partying like she knows this is her birthday, and I’m sure pups at that age fucking don’t.

All the kids are dancing, save one. She’s sitting on a chair at one of the tables eating a cake pop. Distracted by something on the ground. She climbs off the chair, far too fascinated with what I’m sure is a bug and I return to my phone, glancing up when I notice she’s heading into the forest.

I’m about to turn away when I notice she’s limping slightly. It’s almost as if she’s dragging her foot at times.

I raise an eyebrow, taking in her sandy blond hair. Elijah’s kid? Probably…

I go back to my phone after a glance at her parents, both literally making out on the dance floor. I shake my head. Why have kids if you can’t manage them? Their loss . I came here for a reason and unless that reason shows up, I have to just wait. This is boring…

And what else is boring is having to hear all the whispered flirting between these fuckers.

“Behave…” I hear Scarlett whisper teasingly before her heart begins racing and I fucking hope they aren’t going the next step in front of us. “Kiara… where’s Kiara?” All eyes turn to them as everyone begins looking around. Elijah scans the trees, sniffing as if trying to catch her scent.

“The defected pup?” I ask, my rugged voice emotionless and cold. Elijah’s eyes flash at the insult.

“Where is she?” he hisses.

“She went into the forest not long ago…”

“Fuck, Alejandro! Couldn’t you have stopped her?” Rafael asks as Elijah rushes into the forest, closely followed by his Beta, his sister and Scarlett.

“It’s just the forest, not like there’s anything out there that’s big, bad, and scary,” I taunt my brother. Rafael’s eyes flash as he walks over to me.

“Alejandro, she can’t see in the dark! She has night blindness, for fuck’s sake! Can you for once get off your fucking throne and think that we’re talking about an innocent child?” he shouts, motioning for his Beta to follow him. It’s not often Rafael loses his cool with me, not that I’m going to complain. I like getting a reaction out of him.

It is at that moment my ears pick up the low hissing of what I came here for in the first place. My eyes widen slightly, turning towards the forest, my stomach twisting.

Shit.

“Get the kids inside,” I order. “Now.” Rafael, who was about to rush into the forest, hesitates.

“Are you sure you’ll be able to manage it?” he asks.

“Yes, so trust me on this one. Get the fuck inside so I don’t have to take care of all of you,” I growl. He nods, his face paling. I run into the forest as fast as I can as they usher the other children inside.

If anything happens to the pup… that will be on me.

Fuck.

Elijah

Scarlett, Indigo, Aaron and I follow Kiara’s scent, the reminder of the rogue attack from two years ago at the forefront of my mind. I try to squash the thought, focusing on finding Kiara. Something feels off, and I’m not about to ignore that.

We go deeper and deeper into the forest, shifting at some point as panic swirls around us when suddenly I hear her soft voice.

“Mama, is that you?” We slow down, relief flooding me as I scan the surroundings, trying to find her. That’s when the putrid smell of decay, rotten eggs, and infected blood fills my nose, and then the ominous feeling of another presence ahead.

What is that?

“You won’t get near that thing,” Alejandro says quietly. I growl quietly as he blocks my path and I look ahead at the darkness behind him. “I’ll bring her back. Stay here or she might just die.”

I’m about to argue when he shifts.

My blood runs cold as I stare at what he has become. He didn’t shift into a normal wolf, but a beast, towering far above us. Black fur covers his muscled body, and he stands on two legs. He’s a mix of a wolf and a man. Claws, red eyes and teeth that are far too dangerous. His face looks like one of a werewolf from a horror movie.

He looks at us for a second, his red eyes glowing before he runs off into the darkness.

Fuck… what the hell is he? Indigo questions weakly. No one speaks. Only one word describes the thing that he has shifted to.

A Lycan. My voice sounds shocked, riddled with disbelief. I don’t move. It all makes sense. The killings back in the forest all those years ago when we attacked Zidane’s pack. Was he behind Daniel’s murder too, like Scarlett thought? The speed and strength he always had as a boy. It all makes sense now.

The four of us exchange looks. I know he’s capable of saving Kiara from whatever is out there, but this revelation has shaken me.

An Alpha of Alpha’s? Indigo asks through the mind-link, her voice shaking.

There hasn’t been one in existence since the Lycan King three hundred years ago, Aaron says through the link. No one speaks.

Should we go after him!? Kiara! Scarlett asks after a moment, her heart racing in fear for our child’s life.

I think he’s far more capable , I say. My tone clipped and cold, knowing I am just standing here, not knowing what is happening with my child, but not wanting to jeopardize Alejandro either.

I don’t like nor trust him, but he is stronger, and he is her best shot. I don’t know what’s out there, but I think he does.

I tense, hearing her faint laugh, followed by the sound of her soft voice. “Mama? Daddy?”

Scarlett brushes against me and I rub her neck, knowing it is just as hard for her to just stand here doing nothing as it is for me.

I can’t just stand here!

I know, Kitten. But look at him, he’s something far stronger than us and whatever is out there, something tells me he’ll be better at dealing with it than us. Even if that is the hardest thing to do. To stand by and do nothing.

Alejandro

I move as fast as possible. Ever since the odd deaths of pups and pregnant women that have been put down to rogue attacks, I have been searching for this thing. However, when the body remains showed that they have been eaten, I realised it can’t be rogues.

Lately, it’s been in these areas, so when I knew Rafael was going to come here, it’s the reason I came. Not for the party, but in case I was needed.

If I go by old lore, it is a vampire-like creature that only comes out at night and feasts on children and foetuses. Nothing of the sort has been heard of for hundreds of years. But I exist. What’s saying there aren’t other monsters out there?

I see the little doll-like child holding her hands out, remembering what Rafael said about her not being able to see. Fuck, she doesn’t know how much danger she’s in right now. She giggles, sensing the creature moving closer to her but clearly not realising what it is.

“Mama? Daddy?” I frown. I have one chance to get this right or she is dead.

Alright…

I rush out just as the creature lurches forward, hissing loudly, its long tongue extended. Kiara screams in terror, realising it is not her parents. Just as I slam it across the forest, it slams into a tree, cracking it, and I scoop Kiara into my arms, growling dangerously at the creature who hisses and launches itself at me.

I snarl, the sound ringing off the trees and the child in my arms whimpers. I have no time to waste, unleashing the rage that is always festering within me and tear the monster to shreds. Decayed flesh, acidic blood and stench fill the air before I step away from the disgusting mess.

Finally . I got you in the end.

I exhale and she clings to my neck, her body shaking in fear, tightening her hold on me, her lips quivering. I turn and head back towards where her parents are waiting.

“I’m scared. I want Mama,” she sobs. I don’t say anything, I don’t fucking speak to pups, and I don’t comfort anyone. If I speak, guaranteed I’ll make her cry even more.

Just then Scarlett and Elijah burst from the trees, most likely having realised the monster was dead. I can see the relief in their eyes when they see their daughter.

Scarlett shifts back, not bothered about being naked, causing a growl to rumble in Elijah’s throat as he swings his head towards his Beta and me, daring us to look.

I scoff internally, mentally rolling my eyes. This man is way too fucking possessive.

Scarlett takes Kiara into her arms and soothes the terrified pup.

“I got you. I got you, Kia. It’s alright, my darling.”

I walk off ahead. I know Rafael won’t stop harassing me to know what it was, and I don’t know what to say yet. I don’t have answers for half of what I find myself in. Since these four have also seen me, it is best I have a word with them before I leave. I don’t give a shit about anyone’s questioning, but right now I need my identity to be kept secret. I have plans, but they will take time.

Elijah

We are back at the villa and the rest of the children have been put to bed. The adults have gotten dressed and Scarlett has given Kiara a bath before settling her down with a cup of hot milk on the kitchen stool.

Rafael looks at us. He has just finished telling us how Alejandro shifted at the age of thirteen. First, they thought the premature shift was the reason for his odd form, but realised it just became more and more beast-like. The man is about six and a half feet tall, but his Lycan form is near eight. He is faster, stronger, and has a sharper sense of smell than an alpha werewolf. This comment makes me cast the man a frown.

“So in other words, he’s a freak of nature,” I remark.

“Freak of nature? Isn’t that what your pup is?” Alejandro replies, taking out a cigarette and lighting it.

“Not in front of the kids, Alejandro,” Rafael warns, his words falling on deaf ears. I growl at Alejandro, daring him to insult Kiara again.

“It’s the truth. A wolf who can’t walk properly, doubt she’ll ever be able to, and a pup who can’t see in the dark? A fucking invalid. Surprising, considering she has two alphas for parents.” Two growls tear through the room and I lunge at Alejandro, my fist raised. But the younger man grips my fist, not caring that my claws dig into his hands. “I’m just stating facts, dickhead,” Alejandro snarls, his eyes flashing as he stares into my darkened ones. “Back. Off.” His command rolls off him and I feel my wolf fight me. I grit my teeth, wrenching my hand free. “At least she has the two of you to take care of her, because life’s going to be fucking shit for her. Get used to it.”

What the fuck was that command?

“Scarlett. Take Kiara to bed. Now,” I say. I don’t want her to hear this shit. Scarlett glares coldly at Alejandro before she lifts Kiara, who is staring wide-eyed, her young mind uncertain of exactly what is happening.

“If you hadn’t just saved her… I’d fucking kill you.”

“And die in the process,” Alejandro replies coldly, smoking his cigarette.

“I’m sorry on his behalf, Elijah. What was that thing out there?” Rafael asks, trying to diffuse the situation.

“Something that feeds on children and foetuses of werewolves. I had a feeling for a while it wasn’t rogues behind the brutal murders,” Alejandro explains as if he’s bored, but it’s the guilt in Rafael’s eyes as he looks away that makes me wonder what’s going through his mind.

But the scoff from Alejandro as he looks at his brother makes understanding hit. Rafael thought it was him? Whoa… how fucked up is their relationship?

“Well, I’ll be out of here before morning. Just need my phone charged.” Alejandro stands up, his eyes cold as he casts one last glance at his brother before he leaves the room.

I enter the kids’ room , and see Scarlett caressing Kiara’s hair. Liam is asleep on the other side of the bed.

“Is she asleep?” I ask softly as I walk over, pulling Scarlett up and into my arms.

“Yeah... Alejandro isn’t wrong, Elijah. She will be bullied and probably looked down on,” Scarlett whispers, sadness filling her eyes.

The guilt has never left me; it was my job to protect her, no matter what, but I failed her just like I failed Scarlett.

“I’ll make sure no one insults her; I’ll shield her from that,” I promise, my eyes flashing as my hold on Scarlett tightens. She cups my face and kisses me softly.

“I know you want to be the perfect dad, and you are, but protecting her from everything will only hurt her in the long run. She will have to face the world and all the shit it’s going to bring her way. What we need to do is make sure she’s ready for it.” We both look at her and I sigh.

“You’re right, Red.”

“Let’s get to bed.” She pulls away and gives both our pups a soft kiss. I do the same before we both take our leave and return to our own room.

Alejandro

Hours later, I’m sitting on the front doorstep, smoking my fourth cigarette, lost in thought about the creature. Is it just a lone attack or are there more? Where did it come from? Something bigger is at work here, I can feel it.

I hear quiet footsteps and turn, seeing Kiara walking down the steps. My gaze flickers to her feet, noticing how she keeps using her left foot to step down, then lifting her right and placing it beside the left.

I frown as she looks up at me and walks a little faster down the stairs, stumbling on the bottom one. I shake my head, looking away. Don’t the idiots know how to look after one kid? Or is she just a disobedient brat?

“Thank you for saving me from the monster,” she says, stepping out of the house to stand in front of me. I look down at her, paying attention to her large eyes for the first time. It is ironic that they look so unique but are pretty useless. I look out into the darkness. The child is still staring at me. “Are you deaf?” I glance at her sharply, not expecting that, and glare at her.

“I’m not a loser like you. Now get lost,” I say coldly, my eyes flashing red. She only smiles and steps closer.

“When it was dark, I could see your eyes glowing,” she explains, as if it was the most amazing thing ever. I toss the cigarette to the floor. Can the pup not take a hint?

“Good for you. Now get the hell back to bed.”

“I wanted to give you this.” She now holds out a red rose with a crumpled stem. I raise my eyebrow when she bravely takes my hand and places the flower into it, smiling happily. I frown. Even my niece and nephew stay metres away from me whenever I see them, which is rather rare.

“Go away.” She ignores me, now placing her index fingers at the corner of my lips and pushing my face. I glare at her. “What are you doing?” I ask, pushing her hands away. Stupid kid.

“I’m teaching you to smile,” she explains, giving me a huge one of her own. I smirk coldly in return.

“Life’s a fucking nightmare, kid. The earlier you learn that, the better.” I stand up. I don’t have the time or patience to waste with a pathetic, weak pup. I grab my phone from the hallway charger and step outside. The little girl steps inside. She looks a little upset at my words but still stands there silently. I glare at her, tossing the flower she gave me onto the ground. Her eyes widen as she looks at it, her eyes stinging with tears of hurt. I step on it, crushing it beneath my boot, causing her tears to spill down her cheeks.

I glance back at her from the door. If something so small has hurt her, then she isn’t going to survive this world. Maybe I should have let her die. It would save her from a lot of pain that she will inevitably have to face. Turning away, I pull the door closed behind me. I don’t really fucking care, anyway. I probably will never see her again.

Or so I thought. If only I knew how very wrong I was…

THE END