Chapter 26

Hi,

An update!

I know a long gap.... But I've already explained why I was away.

Thank-you everyone for understanding and being patient. I love you for that :)

Chapter 26 is here and it is dedicated to @lavanyaadurthi :)

Pic above is of our little hero's :)

****

"There's nothing that makes you more

insane than family. Or more happy. Or

more exasperated. Or more... secure."

- Jim Butcher

DARYA P.O.V

It was the Saturday, in which Sel and others were meeting in Elegance. It was also the day, I wanted Grace to meet Cortez. My plan was simple. I am taking Grace with me to Elegance, where I am sure Cortez will also be there to drop Malory and Glory.

The only problem in this plan was how to take Grace there. When I had told Quillon last week that I am taking Grace with me, I had luckily not told him which day I was going. That was a plus on my side.

After Konrad's attack last week, the pack security had increased, but today, it was comparatively better. I was alone in the house now and wondering what to do. Quillon had gone to the town, while Quinn was out with friends. It was nine in the morning and I had to be in Elegance before twelve.

I knew Quillon would be pissed that I am going without telling him. But if I do tell him, then I am sure he wouldn't agree. Things were going fine between us. Since last week, our fights have lessened and I would sleep with my head resting on his arms... but today, when he discovers where I have gone and whom I have taken with me, he is surely going to be pissed.

Sighing, I shook my head and focused on something which was more important now.

Should I directly tell Grace that I am going to Elegance? I am sure she will agree. Yes, that's what I am going to do. Quillon might throttle me, but I can deal with it.

Taking a deep breath, I picked up my bag and strode towards the door.

While I was going to garage, I stopped in my tracks when I saw Bee, "Oh! You are going out?" she said guiltily.

"Yes. Coming?" I asked her.

"Where are you going?"

"I cannot tell you until you agree" I said in a hushed tone and Bee's eyes sparkled.

"You are going without telling Q?" she asked amused and I nodded. "I am coming" she jumped in excitement. "But I am not dressed..."

"You have fifteen minutes. I will bring the car to your place" I said and off she went.

I drove to Quillon's parent's house and sighed when I saw that Scott's car wasn't there, meaning he was out.

"Darya... what a surprise darling" Grace said as soon as I stepped inside the big house. I tensed when I saw that there were two pack wolves, who were working in their house. "You are going somewhere?" she asked the moment she saw my handbag.

"Uh... yes!" Damn! These pack wolves will be able to hear, whatever I say to her in the house.

"Emperor?" she asked and I shook my head.

"Umm... Town. I am going to town... to this particular place.... That I don't know. But I have to go there because I have some work there. But like I said I don't know where the place is." I swear even I could not understand what I just said.

"Ooo-kay" Grace said unsurely, while the other two wolves stared at me like I have lost my head.

"I want you to come with me" I blurted out. "See... I don't know the route... I need you to guide me" I lied.

"Sorry sweetie. I cannot. They are here-" she pointed at the two wolves, "- I have to be here to tell them what not to do" she said remorsefully. "But take Bee with you... It's Saturday and she has holiday today. She knows every place in town" Grace supplied.

"Bee is as busy as a bee" I said quickly and Grace furrowed her brows. "I met her and she told me she is not free today. So can you come? It's very urgent" I gave the best bambi look I could.

"Oh... okay. Alright!" she smiled and I felt terribly guilty of lying to her. "I have to change" she said and I nodded.

While I sat waiting for Grace, another lady came in and I froze when I realized that she was Nevin's mom, who was also Grace's best-friend in the pack. Did Bee tell her we are going out? Oh shit!

"Ah... Cece. Thanks for coming" Grace told her putting on the cardigan. "I am going to town with Darya. Please just stay here until I return, okay?"

"Yes, you don't worry" Cece assured and I heaved a sigh.

Once we got inside the car, Grace turned to look at me, "By the way, where do you want to go in town?" she asked and I inhaled sharply. I started the car, looked around and frowned when I saw some wolves around.

"KFC" that was the first thing that came to my mind. It came to my mind because I felt like a chicken.

"KFC?" Grace repeated incredulously, while I drove to Bee's place. "Darya... you want to go to KFC now? I doubt it will be open" she muttered shaking her head. Grace was confused, maybe even annoyed, but she did not ask me anything else.

However it changed the moment Bee climbed inside the car. Grace looked at me and then at Bee, who sat in the backseat. "Hello Luna" Bee told her with a warm smile while I resumed driving.

"I thought she was as busy as a bee" Grace frowned at me.

"I am sorry I lied Grace. We are not going to town. We are going to your former pack" I said in a barely audible voice.

Grace froze in her seat and whispered, "Elegance."

"We are going to Elegance?" Bee asked at the same time, equally stunned.

"I just want you to meet... I mean, see Elegance, now. But please don't tell Scott or Quillon or others. Especially Quillon because he does not want you to go there" I pleaded.

"Q told you that?" she asked and gulping, I nodded.

"He doesn't want to see you cry"

"I... I am not going to cry" Grace said and wiped her tears, "Not this time" she swore and I let out a breath.

"Yes, let's go to Elegance. I have always wanted to go there" Bee said excitedly.

"You can call your parents to Elegance if you want Bee" I told her and Bee's eyes widened.

"My m-mom is not going to come there" Bee said sadly after few seconds.

"Hold on..." I said and bringing the car to a halt at the side of the road, I called Sabine. "You know Sabine right?" I asked her.

"Vincent's cousin... yes. But she has left the pack now" Bee said while I waited for Sabine to answer the call.

"Well, her aunts are still there... I don't know them, but surely you and your mom must. Try to make a connection" I told Bee handing the phone after Sabine answered the call.

While I drove off, Bee spoke to Sabine in length, then made calls after calls and finally after forty minutes, she said happily, "My parents are coming."

I smiled at her and so did Grace.

__

The Supreme Pack wolves knew me and hence, I had no problem in crossing Serene and entering that pack. I knew Supreme Pack territory very well because I once lived in this pack.

After driving for another two hours, I finally entered the Elegance Pack territory through the mountain roads.

"Grace" I called. "Your home" I told her and she blinked while watching the beautiful scenery around.

After driving for another thirty minutes in the mountain and woods, I drove to the heart of the Elegance, where the pack wolves once lived.

Grace's eyes opened to it's fullest extent when she saw the place. "The land... it was barren" she whispered and I shook my head.

"Not anymore" I told her as we drove on the straight road that had green grasses on either side, along with tall trees. Cortez had organized the damage repair of everything in Elegance Pack and had a huge farm house built here, near the lake. Now there were meadows, parks, arena in the Elegance pack territory.

As I turned right, Grace and Bee gasped as she saw the rows and rows of moonflower plant. It was grown in circular rows around the heart of Elegance.

"For our protection" I pointed out, while I drove through the stony lane.

"There are people gathered here" Grace mumbled watching many cars parked and I smiled as I heard squealing noises of children.

"My family" I told her with a bright smile, super excited to finally have Grace and Cortez meet. Choosing an appropriate place, I parked the car. "We have to walk from here" I said and they nodded.

When I was removing my seatbelt, I heard an engine being started. I looked up and furrowed my brows, but the moment I saw a Black Lamborghini my eyes almost popped out. "No No No. NO. NO" screaming, I kicked open the car door and scrambled out. "No. Cortez. No. Stop" I shouted in anger running after his car.

But he increased the speed of his car and drove off, without a backward glance.

"NO" my voice boomed around the area as I stopped running. "Cortez, you fucking coward" I bellowed like a mad woman and picking a stone, I blindly flung it in the direction his car vanished. "I will kill you" I kicked the ground so violently, that it uprooted the grasses.

That fucking idiot! He knew I would bring Grace with me, that's why he ran... like a chicken.

I stood there, glaring at space and breathing heavily. All those lies... for nothing. Cortez just drove off... I hate him so much right now. How could he do this?

Clenching my fists, I pursed my lips and took deep breaths to calm my rapidly beating heart. I sensed several pairs of eyes on me, but I turned to my right and found two familiar pairs of sky blue eyes staring at me.

Malory shot me a sad smile, while Glory watched me with scared little eyes which were enough to calm me down. "Sorry" Malory said and I shook my head. "I didn't know... or else I would have...." She trailed off but I just gritted my teeth.

"Tell him, I am going to kill him the next time I see him" I breathed out curtly and Malory chuckled. I turned to look at Grace and found her watching at... Brenda.

"Oh My God! Grace" Brenda gasped and then they met like the long-lost friends they were. Bee walked closer to me with a questioningly look in her face, "Why were you running after that car?" she asked.

"Don't ask" I said with a growl and then huffed. Plan flop and now I also have to bear Quillon's anger... Fan-fucking-tastic!

"I will talk to him at home. He shouldn't have done this" Malory said and I looked up to see, she was standing right in front of me, holding Glory, who still was watching me warily.

"Aww.... Baby" I cooed when I saw her frightened little eyes. "I am so sorry for scaring you" I told her and took her from Malory's arms. "So sorry" I said with a pout as she stared.

Three years old Gloriana was a very shy baby. Just like her parents, she rarely speaks but her vivid sky blue eyes conveyed very beautifully.

"Malory... Beatrice. Beta female of Serene Pack. Bee, this is Malory, Luna of Moreland Pack and this cute little doll here is her daughter, Gloriana" I introduced and Bee nodded cheerfully.

"Lory" Brenda called and we saw her and a smiling Grace coming towards us. I passed on Glory to Grace and was surprised as I realized that they had the same dark blonde curls. But then again... Grace and Glory were related.

"Come on, let's go... meet the others" Malory said helping Glory on her feet as we walked towards the park, where others were.

There were guards of the Luna's and I knew them all, by names. As they saw me, they stopped and chatted up with me.

"Daroo" Lorcan screamed rushing to hug me and every single head turned to look at us. I wrapped my arms around his solid little body and looked up to see Raven, Piper, Vanessa, Sel, her mother- Claudia, Tyson's mom- Lily all stood up. And so- the grand reunion began.

"Darya"

"Darya... Oh My God!"

"Look at her... she looks so different. Her mate has a good effect on her"

"Our little girl is a Luna now"

"She is blushing"

The questions were asked, I answered and had to introduce everyone to Grace. Even though they knew Grace was related to Cortez, they all kept quiet about it. For that, I was grateful.

Thirty minutes later, my mouth was dry from talking continuously and I desperately wanted water. After drinking a mouthful of cold water, I looked around for Sabine.

"Raven, Sabine did not come with you?" I asked her.

"No. She and her mom were waiting for her aunt and friends" Raven, Granel's mate answered and I nodded.

I was about to call Sabine and ask where she is when someone bumped against me. "Sorry" Caden said but before he could run away, I enclosed an arm around his chest and placed a kiss on the crown of his head. Tyson's four year old son, was a rowdy child, but also equally adorable.

"Ah... Darya, let go. Bryan will catch me" he groaned and chuckling, I did as told because he was quite busy in his game.

I called Sabine and was relieved to hear that she was on the way along with Bee's parents. Grace, Lily, Brenda and Claudia were sitting in a corner and chatting nineteen to dozen. I was pleased to see Grace smiling brightly and talking to them.

"She is on the way?" Raven asked as I sat down on the rug beside Bee. I nodded as a reply.

"So... how is it in Serene?" Piper, Tyson's mate asked and the others looked at me, while I played with Sam, Raven's son. Fourteen months old, toffee-blonde haired Samuel, had recently learned to stand upright and holding Bee and mine shoulders, he stood up right and flashed us a smile that just melted my heart.

"Good" I answered to Piper's question.

"Just good?" Vanessa, Tyler's mate probed.

"No... It's nice... I have recently moved and I am still adjusting and getting to know others" I said nonchalantly.

"Your mate's mom seemed nice... way better than my mate's mom" Raven said sourly, remembering Isadora Hampton, the wicked woman, who caused the destruction of Elegance.

"Yes. She is really sweet. I like her" I told them.

"And what about your mate, Quillon Sanders?" Piper asked amused and I turned beet red, while everyone chuckled.

"I saw the boy's pic, he is really handsome" Raven remarked helping Samuel sit on her lap.

"He is not a boy" I said with a frown and laughing, they teased me some more.

It stopped only when Severina, came to ask for a glass of water. Rina, as we all called her, was Granel and Raven's six year old daughter. She had her mother's raven color hair and her father's calm personality.

"See, Glory, everyone are playing..." Malory pointed at the kids who were playing some game. "You too go play with them" Malory told Glory, who just shook her head and nestled against her mother's neck.

"Lorcan" Sel called her son, who came near us. "Ask Glory to come play with you." Lorcan asked but Glory did not even look at him.

"So shy" Vanessa sighed, watching Glory.

"Shy is better. Look at mine" Piper grumbled and we all turned to look at Caden, who letting out a war-cry, tackled his cousin Bryan down on the ground and laughed out loudly. "Last week, Caden's teacher had given him a B grade and wrote 'Improve your handwriting' in his note book. He was very angry she wrote that and at home he is telling me, 'I will not go to school until she says sorry to me'" Piper said imitating her son's voice. "And the next day, still angry over that, he went and hit his teacher's bum with his Lunch box" she said chuckling and we all laughed.

"Did she say sorry?" Bee asked her.

"No" Piper gasped. "Tyson had to go to school and say sorry to the teacher."

"Lorcan is equally naughty" Sel pointed out. "He gave all his homework to one of his classmate and ordered him to complete it."

"Oh My" I said shocked.

"Yes. I was asked to come to school the next day after the boy's mom reported it to the principal" Sel said shaking her head.

"It's the alpha Blood" Vanessa mocked. "Born bossy"

"Sel" Claudia called coming towards us along with Grace, Lily and Brenda. "It's already two... let's have our lunch."

"No Ma. Darya's friend Sabine hasn't come yet... we will wait for them."

"But I am hungry" Tyler and Vanessa's elder twin, Bryan, said with a pout while his sister Blodwen, nodded and rubbed her stomach to prove the point.

"Oh... okay! But let us serve the kids first" Brenda said.

We were going to the big farmhouse, when Grace walked beside me and said, "I am so glad you brought me here Darya. I have met my friends after a long, long time" she sighed. "Elegance has changed so much... for good. It feels like home" she added happily. "Thank-you" she said and I shook my head.

"You have to see the farmhouse" I told her and she furrowed her brows.

The farmhouse was built in the same place where once Cortez's house was. It was huge and had around forty rooms. It was well furnished and had a very big dining room, which provided a beautiful view of the lake.

As we entered the living room, I pointed the wall to Grace and she froze in her spot. Slowly, hesitantly, she moved closer to the wall, while Bee and I followed. Grace stood in front of the wall and stared at the mosaic portraits of her brother- Alpha Victor Burke and her two sisters, along with Paulo- the soothsayer and the former Beta- Jeffery, who were all killed in the Elegance attack.

"Who are they?" Bee asked in a hushed tone and I told her.

Grace ran a shaky hand on her brother's portrait that was made using precious gems. "Who did this?" she asked me.

"Cortez" I told her and she furrowed her brows.

"How does he know them?" she asked looking me in the eye and I gulped. What do I tell her?

"Peter had told him everything" Brenda answered before I could and I shot her a relieved look. "Peter had Victor's and others photo. He told our son" Brenda said and Grace nodded.

"Papa used to do mosaic portraits too" Grace said shakily. I already knew that she used to call her brother papa. "Connell... my nephew's photo is not here. He... he was also ki-killed in the attack" she stuttered and I gulped. "A little boy... barely ten years old. They did not even spare him." Grace sniffed and Brenda hugged and soothed her. Brenda signaled Bee and me to leave and we did so.

The kids were already having their food when I reached the dining room. My eyes immediately drifted to the girl sitting at one corner of the dining table, while also being deeply engrossed in her book. Fourteen year old Kasey was Tyler and Tyson's little sister. "Oh my God Kasey, where were you?" I asked walking towards her.

"Hi Darya" she said standing up and hugging me.

"She was sitting in a room and reading her book. She didn't even want to come here" Lily said frowning at her daughter.

"Why not?" I asked her and she just shrugged. "Did you see something?" I queried apprehensively. Kasey, who shifted last year has a acquired a gift, that is best hidden from everyone.... Especially Konrad! Her gift is just developing and since she cannot control it, it is quite disturbing to her because she can see things she doesn't want to. Hence, she engrosses herself in books... so that she can keep her mind occupied.

"No. Darya... I did not see anything" she assured me with a chuckle. "Everything is fine" she said smoothing her straight brown hair. "I did not see anything bad today" she told me with a smile and I nodded.

"If you do, just tell me" I told her already making my way towards the kitchen, while Bee sat next to Kasey.

Malory and Piper were in the kitchen along with the three chefs. "You are going to wait for Sabine right?" Piper asked me.

"I hope she comes soon, I am suddenly feeling very hungry" I chuckled.

"Eat this" Malory threw an apple which I caught.

I had just taken a bite when someone said, "BOO" near my ears. I coughed the apple out and turned look at Sabine, who laughed out loud.

"You crazy female" I said in between coughs.

"That's what you getting for cheating" Sabine grinned while I drank the water. "Darya... I missed you" she squealed later and then hugged me, while I giggled.

"Oh Dear Lord" Grace said in shock and I pulled away from Sabine to look at her, only to find her startled looking face focused on the sixteen-year old brunette beside me. I did not have to look at Sabine to see what had Grace so startled.

"It's her gift" Malory supplied from behind me. "Sabine's skin starts radiating gold when she is happy."

"She is more like a man-magnet" I told Grace and Sabine slightly slammed her shoulders against mine. That's when the bright golden light emitting from her skin ebbed away.

"Oh" Grace said still startled, while Sabine shot me a look that said who-is-she.

"Quillon's mom and Grace, this is my best-friend Sabine" I told her happily, while Sabine smiled happily.

"Oh... From Czar?"

"Used to be from Czar. Now I belong to Supreme Pack" Sabine answered.

"Do you need something Grace?" Piper asked her.

"Yes... No. I... Darya, Scott and Quillon have been calling me from the last hour. I just texted them that I am with you and Bee and that we are safe" Grace told me and I tensed. Oh God! Quillon might have already guessed we are here. I just hope he doesn't come along with an army, when he does come here.

I checked my cell phone and grimaced when I saw that I had fifty plus missed calls from Quillon and Quinn. There were texts too and I opened one-

Quillon: You are going to regret this dollface!

I chuckled as I read the message.

Darya: Ooh... I am so scared!!!

I taunted smugly. Just then my phone ringed and after noticing that it was Quillon's call I ignored it.

"I am very hungry" Sabine was telling to Malory as she dragged me with her to the dining room. I smiled when I saw Bee who was crying and hugging her parents. I sat in between Sabine and Vanessa, who was talking on the phone.

"Thanks for getting Bee's parents here" I told Sabine.

"The credit goes to aunt" Sabine said with a shrug and I inhaled sharply. Vincent's mom was her aunt and I don't know how Quillon will react when he sees that Czar Pack wolves are here.

"So, when did your mate mark you?" Sabine asked uninhibitedly and I froze.

"Lower your voice" I told her.

"Why? No one here knows Alpha Quillon marked you?" she said an octave higher and suddenly many heads turned to look at us. I sank lower in my seat while Sel threw her head back and snickered.

"What?"

"When did this happen?"

"Why weren't we told?"

"Sel, you knew about this?"

I squeaked like a mouse when my hair was pushed from my neck by Aunt Claudia to inspect the mark. "It's on the left side" she mumbled and once again tugged the hair away and jaws dropped and eyebrows rose when everyone saw the prominent mark in my neck.

"Hey, I was waiting if anyone of you would figure it out" Sel retorted.

"Ooh... Cortez is going to flip!" Malory said.

"Please... just please don't tell the Alphas'" I begged.

"Why? It'll cause trouble?" Vanessa asked innocently.

"Trouble? Duncan might go ape on Quillon" Sel said shaking her head.

"Oh! Then we are in trouble" Vanessa said guiltily and my eyes rounded as I saw her keeping her phone on the table. "I already told Tyler."

"WHAT?" I screamed so loudly that it frightened the children and Sam opened his mouth and let out an ear-splitting cry. Vanessa cringed and others flinched, while Raven shot me a murderous look for making her son cry.

"Sorry" Vanessa's voice was barely audible as I lowered my head and held it in my hands. Shoot! Except for Cortez everyone else might be here.

"Well..." Sabine said and I glared at her. "I didn't mean to say it out loud" she said sheepishly and I sighed.

I was shocked. I was angry. I was hungry. In the end hunger one and I silently started eating my food.

It was nearly three when the guards informed us that Serene Pack wolves were spotted near the border of Elegance. By then, our lunch was already over and we were in the living room and just talking about random stuff in the world.

I was sitting with Sabine and Kasey on the bank of the lake and telling them about Konrad. "Alpha Quillon must be really strong then" Sabine said to me. "If you are shocked to this level, then he must be powerful. Is he also gifted?" she inquired.

"No. Nothing like ours. But his parents are Alpha Bloods... that's what he tells me. But-"

"You suspect he is gifted" she broke in and I nodded.

"I... I am not sure he is gifted either... you know... he is normal... except for this super physical strength and the ability to dominate most wolves, he is... normal" I said totally puzzled.

"When people look, Sabine and I seem normal too" Kasey pointed out and I raised my lashes. "My gift is intangible Darya. The images I get in my mind... only I can see it. Maybe Alpha Quillon's gift is also something like that" Kasey said with a shrug and biting my lower lip, I got thinking. Is it?

"You have known him for nearly a month now... you must have noticed some sort of unusual behavior. No matter what, we cannot hide our gifts forever. Our mundane activities also reveal our gifts. Like take yourself for example. The way you are obsessed with plants and trees isn't natural. Everyone waters a plant, but no one talks to them or treats them like a child. You do that, which forces us to think you are something different. There might be some similar sort of unusual behaviors in Alpha Quillon's daily life activities too... try to notice it" Sabine said and I got thinking. Immediately I recalled the unusual thing.

"He had these pictures of Konrad and his allies and behind the pictures he had written various character traits on each photo. Like greed for Rick, lust for Cable. It was right in Rick's case-"

"And it's obviously right in Cable's case too" Sabine pointed out and I nodded.

"Maybe he can guess other wolves' qualities" Kasey stated.

"Maybe he can... but I didn't ponder much over it because we too can sense change in certain emotions in other wolves. We can sense lust, anger..."

"But not greed" Sabine said and I inhaled sharply. "You have to ask him."

"Why won't you ask his mom?" Kasey questioned.

"I am sure she is not going to tell me, until Quillon tells her to. Wish I knew someone who could find others gifts" I sighed.

"There might be someone... we never know" Kasey said with a shrug.

The very moment Bee came rushing towards me, "They are here" she said and I stood up.

Oh! Thank-God! Quillon is here before the Alphas'.

"Okay, we are leaving... now!" I said going to the house to pick my bag. "Grace, Quillon and the others are here" I found her sitting on the porch and laughing at some joke.

"Oh! So soon..." she mumbled sadly and I chuckled but that chuckle faded when I recalled that Quillon is angry with me.

All the Luna's stood up when they heard sounds of growling. With inhumane speed, we went to the park, where we could hear the growls. The five packs guards were growling and blocking Quillon and others from going to the farmhouse.

"Tone it down. They are not our enemies" I told the guards walking ahead along with Sabine. Quillon, Scott, Nevin, Clay, Ram were here along with fifteen fighters. My eyes collided with Quillon and when he looked at me, he glared and I flushed guiltily.

"They threatened to kill us Darya" Alec, Piper's trusted guard told me, without taking his eyes off Alpha Scott.

"Did they?" My back turned poker-straight when I heard Sel's familiar voice. With her head held high, Sel walked until she was standing right next to me. "I want to see them try" Sel taunted with a smirk, her eyes focused on Scott and everyone from Serene growled.

Scott growled loudly. "Where is my mate?" he demanded.

"She is safe. She is inside the house" I told him.

"I did not ask you" Scott snapped at me. Quillon's head whipped towards his father and he growled at him.

"Darya, where is Bee?" Nevin asked me.

"She is saying bye to her parents?" I told him.

"Czar Pack wolves are also here" Scott said in outrage and Sel growled at him.

Sabine held my hand tightly and when I looked, I found her cowering behind me. I wasn't surprised why it was so because all unmated wolves were staring at her. Like I had said before, she is a man-magnet and has the gift to lure men.... Even the one's with mate.

That made me curious and I watched Quillon only to see that he was staring at me.....not my best-friend. My wolf sighed in peace.

"Grace will join us soon. She is saying goodbye to her friends" Raven retorted and I blinked.

"Friends whom you did not let her meet, for a long, long time Scott" that was Aunt Claudia. Scott's eyes flashed in recognition and he frowned.

"Oh Wow! We have guests" Piper said and Serene Pack wolves frowned.

"Human?" Clay said in astonishment.

"Luna of Regal Pack" Piper said sweetly and Clay lowered his eyes.

"Where is Grace, Claudia?" Scott asked Sel's mom.

"I am here" Grace said from behind and Scott and Quillon heaved a sigh when they saw her. With a bright smile in her face, Grace marched ahead, but it got wiped off when she saw the way Serene Pack wolves were standing. They were all ready to fight. "Back off now" Grace shouted glaring at Scott and others. "What the hell do you think you are doing? There are children here" she hissed at Scott, who flushed.

"She took you away" Scott said pointing an accusing finger at me.

"What do you think I am a baby that she can just carry and run? I went with Darya on my own free will" Grace growled.

"So did I" Bee said and Nevin let out a breath. "I wanted to meet my parents" Bee told them and everyone was surprised to see her parents behind her. Nevin blinked and then shot a nervous smile to them.

"This is so embarrassing" Grace said shaking her head in disgust. "I thought you were the smart one Q" Grace said to my mate.

"You were not answering calls and neither were Darya and Bee" Quillon protested. "Then I figured you would be here with Darya. This place is unsafe, mom" he added and I frowned at him.

"Look at this place now... do you still think it is unsafe?" Brenda asked Quillon, cocking an eyebrow. "Nice to see you Scott" she smiled at Quillon's father.

"You too Brenda" he muttered remorsefully.

"Would you like to see the place?" Brenda asked calmly.

"No. Brenda... it's alright" Grace said. "We'll leave now. It might be dark when we reach home." Brenda protested, but Grace just shook her head.

"Alright" Brenda sighed. "I will call you" she added and hugged Grace.

While the Serene Pack wolves went back to their cars, I hugged the others and said my byes. "I promise I will talk to Cortez... okay?" Malory told me and I nodded.

"Your mate is so intimidating" Sabine told me and I chuckled.

"I sense something... I will call you when I completely figure it out" Kasey whispered hastily and I stiffened. When my eyes met her brown ones, I nodded.

Bee was already making her way towards Nevin and as I walked towards Quillon, I found his gaze solely directed at me. Something twisted in my stomach when I saw him and my heart beat increased rapidly. Nervously, I ran my tongue over my lower lip. His eyes drifted there and when he looked up, I had to lower my lashes to evade the heat in his direct gaze.

"Let's go" he said.

"I have my car" I pointed out.

Quillon closed his eyes, took a deep breath and then nodded. "I'm driving" he told me and before I could even protest, he took the keys from my hand. As we were going to my car, I turned to look at my family and found them all smiling appreciatively at me. Blushing, I waved at them and climbed inside the car.

"I told you, if you run or do anything stupid like that, you are going to regret it" Quillon said through gritted teeth, the moment he started driving.

"What are you going to do?" I asked narrowing my eyes.

"I am going to lock you up and throw the key away" he growled furiously while my wolf bristled.

"Just you try" I smirked cruelly and he glared at me. Clenching my fists, I turned to look ahead, "I wanted her to meet.... Her friends. I lied at first. But before crossing the territory, I told her where we are going and she agreed."

"I know" Quillon said and I frowned at him.

"Then what the hell is your problem?" I demanded annoyed.

"I warned you not to go there"

"But it was safe. Didn't you see that?"

"I saw it now. I did not know it before" Quillon shouted and I flinched. "Did you know how difficult it is to push back my wolf? I am unable to mind link with you and to add to that, you weren't receiving my calls either. I didn't know where you were, were you even safe or..." Grunting in frustration, Quillon slammed his hands on the steering wheel.

Oh! So he was worried about me. After hearing his words, my wolf purred softly. She was very pleased to hear his words.

"What the hell are you smiling about?" Quillon snapped in fury.

"Nothing" I said and ducked my head to hide my grin.

"Darya" Quillon growled bringing the car to a halt at a lay-bay. Chuckling, I turned to face him and before he could utter something more, I leaned forward and placed a lingering kiss on his lips.

"I am fine and so is your mom" I whispered after pulling away. Quillon raised his lashes and my eyes widened when I saw that his eyes were charcoal black, which caused my heart to race in my chest.

I squealed, when Quillon reached for me with his strong hands and then wrapping them around my waist, he bodily lifted me out of my seat and set me down on his thighs, where I straddled him.

"Quill-" he silenced me by wiping off my lip-gloss and then kissing me with scorching fervor. His tongue delved deeper into my mouth, touching, tasting....I let out a breathy moan as I felt my body burn in heat. My fingers dug on his shoulders and my toes curled while Quillon trailed hot, wet kisses on my jaws and my neck, until he reached that sensitive region.

I threw my head back and gasped out loud as Quillon's expertise mouth was pressed against the mark in my neck. He licked, sucked and playfully bit the mark, which had my wolf moaning in pleasure as she felt wildly excited.

Unable to take more of his exquisite torment, I pushed him back towards his seat and then pressed mouthful kisses on his jaws, neck and anywhere else I could. His hot all-male scent flared my noses as I breathed heavily. Every cell in my body reacted heatedly and my blood hummed in its own rhythm.

Quillon's burried his hands under my t-shirt and I gripped his shirt tightly to rip it from his body. Right now, I wasn't aware of anything else but the taste of his skin under my mouth, his wonderful scent and desire pooling deep down in my body that tightened my belly.

All I needed, all I wanted was Quillon to touch me.... everywhere!

Quillon was about to help me take my top off, when my cell phone rang. An angry guttural growl erupted from Quillon's throat and his hands which were holding the edge of my top, clenched tightly.

Curse my phone!

My wolf growled, seriously not appreciating the fact that we got disturbed.

Resting my forehead against Quillon's, I tried to breathe like a normal person. I nervously licked my lower lip and Quillon's eyes immediately drifted there. I pulled away the moment he leaned forward.

He growled again and pursing my lips, I turned to look at my bag, where my phone was still ringing. Getting off his lap, I quickly pulled it out and took a deep breath, before answering the call.

"Darya! You got marked? You got marked last week and you did not tell me?" Duncan shouted from the other side and I gasped audibly. "Sel knew it and she too did not tell-"

"Why the fuck did you let him mark you?" That was Tyson and moving the phone away from my ears, I shot a pained smile to Quillon who after letting a loud snarl, held the steering wheel in a tight grip. "He is beside you? Give the phone to him!"

"Did he drug you? Tell us the truth Darya. I don't think he could have marked you without drugging you" Granel said and I pinched my lips. Quillon did drug me with his kisses that night!

"He is lucky he left before we came" Duncan snapped.

"Yes. If I get that bastard then I am going to hang him by his eyeballs" Tyson bellowed and immediately the phone was snatched from my hands and thrown out of the window.

"Fucking interfering Assholes" Quillon hissed and then started driving while I gaped at him with horror.

Oh. My. God!

He just threw my cell phone out. He threw my iPhone out!

"You threw my-"

"I will buy you a better set" Quillon murmured smooth as glass, without letting me complete the sentence and without even looking at me.

__

MALORY P.O.V

"Come on Mumbles" I told my dearest pet and pushed open the door which led to the swimming pool. "Take a dip" I encouraged and he dived into the pool, splashing water near the edge. I wanted him to get as soaked in water as possible.

Connell is so going to regret what he has done today. My heart tightened when I thought of the way Darya was running after his car, asking him to stop. How could he do that to her?

As Mumbles swam in the pool, I went to kitchen to check if the chicken was fried deep enough. Once I was sure it was, I picked two plates and kept a piece in each plate.

"Mama" Glory, my little daughter, called me.

"I'm in the kitchen sweetie" I told her and she padded there.

"Mumbles in pool" she informed, her blue eyes wide.

"I know"

"Daddy does not like it" she added shaking her hand and her head to prove the point. I grinned. That's why Mumbles is in the pool!

"Yes. So you are going to tell daddy the moment he comes home, okay?" I asked and picked her up so that she could sit on the stool beside the counter. I pushed one plate towards her and cut the chicken into tiny little pieces for her to eat. "It's hot... eat slowly okay?" I told her and she nodded.

Picking up another plate, I went back to the pool. "Oi... that's enough. Come out. You have another work to do" I told my dog as he swam in the pool. Clearly, he was enjoying being in the pool after a long, long time. "Mumbles" I snapped, but he ignored me.

Stomping my foot, I went to the kitchen and brought a chicken piece for him. He was out of the water, sooner than I could think. Using that chicken piece as bait, I took him all the way to another place, where he was prohibited by Connell.

When I went back to kitchen, I found Glory's eyes brimming with tears and her face, pink in anguish. "Water" she sniffed.

"Oh... sorry!" I said giving her a glass of water. "Very spicy?" I asked wiping her tears and she nodded.

Just then there was a familiar sound of car horn and I watched in amazement as my daughter's eyes brightened. Wonder if the same thing happens to me too! "Daddy... daddy" she said jumping in her seat, while her plump little legs flayed excitedly.

I lowered her down to the floor and she ran to the living room. Leaning against the door, I watched as Glory tripped on her foot once but stood up before I could help her. The front door was pushed open and shouting in delight, she threw herself at Connell, who quickly caught her in his arms.

He held her up, above his head and the sounds of her chuckles, radiated around the house. Warmth filled over my heart and my wolf sighed in contentment as we watched our mate and daughter... happy. That is what I always wanted.

"You had fun?" I blinked after I heard Connell's question.

Glory nodded happily, "Sam was there" she told him.

"She only played with Sam. The other kids were calling her but she did not join them" I told him with a sigh. Glory was incredibly shy when we go outside. At home, she is quite bossy whenever her daddy is around.

Connell's blue-green eyes met mine and I inhaled sharply as my heart thudded in my chest. Clad in his beige and white formals, he looked smoking hot. Before my thoughts could drift, I quickly shook my head and mopped my face to an angry expression.

One dark brow rose questioningly, but there was also unhidden amusement in his eyes, which just annoyed me because he didn't look slightly bothered that I was angry at him.

"She had her dinner?" Connell asked me.

"She was having" I said as he lowered Glory on the floor. "You are angry with me" he said with a smirk and compressing my lips, I shook my head.

"I am all cool" I said with a shrug and he narrowed his eyes.... Oh! He doesn't know the surprise I have for him.

"Come on Glory, we will finish dinner until daddy takes bath" I told, holding her hand and taking her to the kitchen. "Go take a bath" I told him and turned my head to hide my grin, because Connell was now seriously staring and wondering what I was up to.

He stared for some more time, but I did not once look at him. Instead, I kept biting my bottom lip to hide my grin.

When Connell left, I asked our daughter, "Count the numbers sweetheart"

"One, two, three-"

A murderous growl came from upstairs and "OUT" Connell thundered loudly, to which I started laughing, while Glory stared at me in confusion. The very next second, I heard Mumbles whining and rushing downstairs, to hide from Connell.

"Not funny" Connell gritted standing next to the kitchen door. I ha kept the chicken piece in our room, over Connell's pillow.

I didn't reply him; instead I looked at Glory, "Tell daddy what happened to the swimming pool."

Her eyes widened and she spun her head, "Daddy, mumbles in pool" she told him in a shocked tone.

"Really? I wonder who let him there" Connell hissed and I beamed victoriously while he tried his best not to glare at me.

"You look angry now. Go take a shower... we will talk later" I said sweetly.

"We will" Connell ground out and went upstairs.

By the time he returned downstairs and finished his dinner, I had already put Glory to bed after reading a bed-time story.

I walked to the kitchen and found Connell closing the refrigerator door. "I am sorry" I said guiltily because he was not talking to me. He really didn't like Mumbles in our room. "I did not like the way you ignored Darya. She was asking you to stop" I said and he nodded, without looking at me.

"I met her" I told him, referring to his aunt and he stiffened. Slowly, he turned to look at me and I smiled as I recalled that his aunt too had the same dark blonde shade of hair as his. "She was nice" I told him and he shrugged uninterestedly.

"Connell, she is your aunt" I added and he glared at me.

"She is nothing to me" Connell stated and I gulped. "She never once tried to help and neither did her mate" Connell spat.

"Grace didn't know what happened to Elegance for months. She was pregnant and her mate hid it from her. Anyone in Scott's position would have done the same" I argued.

"What about afterwards? She did not help even after she learnt about what happened to Elegance" Connell growled angrily. "She never cared" he said, curling his lips in disgust.

I sighed and said quietly, "I heard Grace and Brenda talking today." His eyes flickered to me and stayed there. "Grace went into depression" I told him and Connell's eyes rounded. "Immediately after Quillon's birth, she was told the truth and she went into depression for almost a year... She was unstable and she couldn't even take care of her new-born" I whispered and watched as Connell turned pale. "It wasn't easy for her either. By the time she recovered, I suppose it was too late.... The damage to Elegance had already been done!"

Closing his eyes, he put his back to the refrigerator and slid down. My bottom lip trembled as I watched him and I immediately rushed to beside him.

"It's okay" I told him, placing my hand on his. Connell shook his head. "She is fine now... it would make her really happy if you go, talk to her."

"I... It's too late for that" he said remorsefully.

"No. It's not" I told him, in stark refusal. "You can still go and talk to her."

Connell did not answer. He was silent for a very long time. "Connell" I called him.

"I need some time" he whispered, closing his eyes and I nodded, while also trying to provide as much comfort to him as possible.

Now that he knows, the truth of what happened to his aunt, I was positive, it wouldn't be long before Connell goes and talks to her.

****

Hope you liked it :)

Yes, I know lot's of characters. It was confusing to write too.... But other than Sel, Cortez, Malory, Sabine and Kasey.... No one are that important!

Hope the surprise in the end makes up for the long gap.... :)

Loved the make-out scene? Loved what Malory did to Cortez?

Next update either on June 8th or 10th.

Please, please, please vote and comment and share your views on this chapter with me.

Love,

Shruthi.