Actaeon Island: Vulcan Clan
Jake stood in the kitchen slaving over a hot stove. Pots and pans littered the sink while the oven was busy baking up a storm. Jake was determined to make the perfect dinner all by himself refusing the help of any of the clan members. Stirring the pasta sauce Jake turned to glance at the oven to the chocolate brownies that seemed almost done. Without even turning Jake felt eyes on him but from the warm tingling pull from the mate bond he knew just who it was. With his back still turned a soft smile grew on his lips.
Emma was outside training with Ethan while Ambrose trained Alice. Ethan assumed a defensive stand while Emma delivered blow after blow. Ethan dodged each one but he was impressed. Emma moved faster than a human, her strength was increasing. Just as Ethan got distracted by Alice falling down, Emma delivered a solid right hook knocking his face smack to the other side shocking everyone as Ethan fell to the ground. Alice froze mid getting up and Ambrose paused from helping her while looking over at Ethan. Slowly he got up and turned back to Emma as his haaand moved away from his mouth in shock to reveal blood. Emma was getting stronger, soon enough she would be her old self again. Stepping forward feeling guilty Emma pulled him down to her level before inspecting the wound. For the first time in her life she was giving it her all using her full strength, soon enough she would have to go back to controlling her power. Alice stepped forward worried.
"Let's go inside. I'll take a look." She spoke softly. She had dealt with many wounds before, this was nothing.
"It's okay." Ethan responded, the wound had already started healing soon it will just be a blood stain.
Ambrose however stared at the back door with a thoughtful look before speaking.
"Let her look at it, Emma can you go get the first aid kit? It's in the kitchen."
With a quick nod Emma went inside only for a heavenly smell to make her freeze in her tracks. Slowly but quietly she sneaked to the wall near the entrance hiding behind it. Carefully peeking out she saw the most adorable sight. Her alpha mate was wearing a flower printed apron with pink ruffles while taking out a tray of chocolate brownies. As he continued to make his way around the kitchen she stayed hidden. Jake seemed to genuinely enjoy cooking. Staring at the chocolate she wondered if there was a way to snag a piece of the brownie while it was still fresh from the oven. Watching him put it on the rack to cool her stomach grumbled reminding her that it was a little past lunchtime.
Studying Jake she saw a small secretive smile grew along his lips before he turned off the stove having finished cooking. Quickly cleaning up he then grabbed a saucer plate before cutting a piece of the brownie dishing it out. Placing it on the counter he quickly turned and left using the other exit. Glancing between the brownie and his disappearing form Emma quickly weighted her options before deciding to just do what Ambrose asked in the first place. Getting the first aid kit she was about to go back outside when the door opened and in stepped all three. Ethan's wound was completely gone while Alice glanced over at the food no doubt hungry and Ambrose eyes zeroed in on the slice of brownie left on the counter.
"Go take a seat at the table, I'll have them serve lunch." Ambrose instructed while his eyes never left the brownie. How long has it been since he was able to eat such heavenly goodness. Ambrose had always loved his sweets but Deacon had banded him since the light witch started aging. However, Deacon wasn't here.
As everyone moved to the dining room Ambrose stepped forward taking the treat before happily whistling to himself. From a hidden corner Jake face palmed before turning and leaving in disappointment. While he was grateful the older light witch was on his side, he was getting in the way. He left it out for his mate not the old man.
. . . .
Ryder pov
The soft wind blew over me as my eyes slowly opened.
What happened? I wondered. My whole body hurts.
Slowly I struggled to sit up. For some reason I was in pain. Not just physical pain but I felt like someone ripped my heart out. I tried to remember what the hell even happened but it came up blank. We were on the roof, together, she was crying I hugged her. What next?
Suddenly it all came back, memory after painful memory flashed before my eyes as the empty feeling intensified. That damn ex-alpha claimed her.
Closing my eyes I focused on my wolf, who was quite calm after something like that. Now it all makes sense normally my wolf would want to be with her but he was too quiet. By claiming her Jake broke my bond, but what was more intriguing is that I'm still alive. I'm almost one hundred percent sure Jake shifted into his Lycan... than how am I still alive?
Maybe Ambrose stopped him... even that doesn't sound plausible. I have dealt with Lycans before. They're mindless beasts with one instinct, their mate. Maybe I remembered wrong because that's impossible.
Knock! Knock!
"Come in." I called.
Ethan stepped in followed by Ambrose, Deacon and Alice. Though I kept looking for a particular tiny woman she never came, however I could barely make out a small presence behind the closed door but I wasn't sure if it was her.
"What happened?" I questioned looking at Ethan as he came forward checking me over. Ambrose gave me a look of sympathy as Ethan spoke.
"The bond's broken."
"I guessed as much but did he shift into his Lycan?" I questioned noticing at my words Ambrose and Deacon shared a look. They knew something.
"Yes but I'm not fully sure how or why but instead of killing you, he claimed her then just left." Ethan spoke confused it was his first time seeing a Lycan with so much control, it was unnatural.
"How is she? Is she okay?" I questioned, as slowly the door opened to reveal a long awaited sight, my solace, Emma.
Quietly walking towards me she gently brushed my bangs away from my eyes to look at me. As her hand was about to leave my face I quickly covered her tiny hand with mine holding hers in place.
"I'm okay." She spoke softly looking at me guilty before continuing.
"I'm sorry you had to go through that."
My heart dropped at her words and my hand fell back to my side as hers to did the same. Despite the second mate bond breaking I still loved her.
"So you have a mate now." I spoke solemnly. I just wanted her to directly say it praying her words could kill my hope.
"Well not exactly." She hesitantly spoke, as my heart skipped a beat looking up at her.
"His Lycan claimed me, not him, so I don't feel a mate bond with him only the wolf. I'm not even sure how something like that could happen."
She tried stepping back from me but I didn't let her. It was too hard to even stand so I grabbed her around the waist hugging her stomach while she stood still. As a child she normally comforted me like this but since I grew taller than her it stopped. I could feel it in her, she was conflicted not sure if she should push me away while everyone just stood still looking on. Then finally her hands slowly lifted to my head as she brushed my hair in a comforting manner. Sighing loudly my arms tightened around her taking in all that was her. I needed this comfort, I can't loss her. Be it to the wolf or the man himself.
Suddenly like a bomb a dangerous amount of dominance radiated in the air. Its aura so deadly I felt like hands were wrapped around my throat strangling me. Unconsciously I gasped for air as the intent to kill grew and the level of power and dominance erupted everywhere.
What was this?
Looking around I realised I was wasn't the only one. Everyone expect Emma looked in pain, even Alice sat down gasping. Such power, who was this. Even with all three council leaders I have never felt this before. Emma just continued to calmly brush my hair not noticing anything.
Did her powers come back? Is that why she can't feel it?
The door knob turned before the door slowly swung open. Jake stood there with an intense look. With eyes completely melted into gold he immediately located Emma who now turned finally noticing something was wrong. Seeing him she gasped loudly trying to get out of my grip but I was frozen still. Pure fear gripped at me, too afraid to even move. This didn't feel like Jake. This was something much more. As he moved towards us his eyes blazed with anger so pure I felt like he was stabbing me over and over, slaughtering me in his head. Too late did I notice something, his right hand had sprouted fur and grew in size. A mid shift.
Was that even possible?
Deathly claws almost the size of my head extended out gleaming in the midday sun. What was the most terrifying thing was how calm he was, the aggression was there just under the surface but he was controlling it.
Was he afraid he would scare her?
One thing was for sure, I only had a few more seconds to live. Nothing can stop his lycan from killing me now. At least I get to die in her arms, was my thought as she started fighting with me to let her go. Watching her struggle against me had Jake growling lowly to reveal two wolf fangs. She was desperate now pulling at my hair punching my back as Jake advanced extending his claws towards me as she tried twisting us to block me with her body but I wouldn't let her.
"Stop!" Emma screamed in fear before pleading.
"Please don't kill him." She looked up at him scared for me. Jake turned to look at her as his eyes glowed even brighter if possible before his claws quickly changed back. Instead he grabbed the back of my shirt the way a mother would grab her misbehaving pup before pulling me back and away from her. Just as quickly he reached down wrapping one arm around her waist to lift her off the ground hold her smack to him as her feet dangled at his knees and her arms went around his shoulders for balance. Snarling at me he then turned and left wrapping both arms around her.
"That's not Jake is it?" Deacon questioned slowly, as Ambrose turned to him with a knowing smirk.
"No its not."
. . . .
The Bermuda Triangle
Alaric sat on the throne overlooking the entire south mermaid kingdom. He had gathered everyone to witness the downfall of their so called king, Zander. Having the powerful being under his complete control pleased Alaric to no end. The darkness within him crawled at his conscience, manipulating and clouding his thinking. For years Alaric hadn't been himself. Cain had slowly but surely corrupted the leader, all for the bigger plans of his true master.
Alaric looked down at what remained of the great king. Zander was now a mindless beast thirsting for his blood. While the crowd looked on devastated Alaric smiled. Just then one of the king's warriors rushed forward in a fit of rage. Alaric didn't even have to move a muscle. Zander reacted instantly, grabbing the poor soul by his throat before sinking his monstrous fangs into him ripping it open spraying blood everywhere. Zander had fully accepted Alaric as his master and therefore it was pure instinct to protect him.
At this the crowd gasped as some broke out in tears, watching their king kill one of his most loyal subject was a true breaking point. There was no hope left.
An aged mermaid stepped forward, head bowed respectfully he dropped to his knees before addressing Alaric.
"My King, if you let us know what you desire we can grant that wish in a more peaceful manner." The older man spoke softly hiding his disgust for Alaric perfectly knowing he had to try his best to save everyone.
"You are the king's adviser I assume?" Alaric questioned, his chest puffed out a bit as one of the most political person so openly acknowledged him as king.
"Yes, my king, Lord Gregory. I am at your disposal." The old man spoke again bowing even lower.
Alaric studied him for a good few minutes before coming to a decision. Leaning forward Alaric spoke with a wicked smirk.
"In that case, I want your king."
At his words loud gasps rang out as confused eyes turned to Zander before going back to Alaric all the while one individual kept a straight face, Gregory. Alaric knew that this aged mermaid knew a lot more than he let on. If he ever hoped to find the right hand, the king's adviser was the answer.
Whispers started as the crowd looked on confused. Slamming his staff down hard a loud echoed metal cling resounded in the air as everyone instantly went quiet some even afraid to breathe. Alaric relished in the way the mermaids were in utter fear of him. Commanding some of the most physically powerful creatures on the earth fed at his ego. Looking at them mockingly he spoke.
"It'd been days now, you didn't wonder why I didn't just open the gates?" He spoke scornfully while using his staff to force Zander to his knees, who immediately obeyed his king upon realizing what he wanted.
"It's because, I can't. This sad excuse was never your king. Even after killing him I have gained nothing except a loyal pet." At this Alaric looked at the obedient kneeling Zander with a twisted smirk.
"Whoever leads me to the real king will get to stand by my side when the Witches finally gain complete control of the earth. Your life and all your loved ones will all be spared." Alaric lied through his teeth, regardless he was going to turn them all into his personal army like Zander.
Lord Gregory looked on trying his best to not show his hate and disgust for Alaric. Finding out that Alaric knew Zander was a fake king changes things. The first priority was their true king and directly to protect the gates of hell. He had no choice now but to use the last resort. A plan that was devised if ever there was a case where someone figured out Zander was a fake king. Gregory kept his head bowed respectfully while thinking of how he could slip out of Alaric's close observation. He needed to contact the north kingdom without Alaric realising it.
. . . .
A/N: Thank for reading everyone :D hope you enjoy :) :) :)