Chapter 38

Happy Ganesh Chaturthi :D

This is the reason why I had to update today! Anyway, here is chapter 38 and it is dedicated to @krystalpreet :D

Cover above was done by me :P

ALSO, BASED ON THE SCENE AT THE END OF THE CHAPTER... I PLANNED THE WHOLE STORY ;)

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"I want to say somewhere: I've tried to be forgiving. And yet. There were times in my life, whole years, when anger got the better of me. Ugliness turned me inside out. There was a certain satisfaction in bitterness. I courted it. It was standing outside, and I invited it in."

_Nicole Krauss, The History of Love

ONE WEEK LATER....

DARYA P.O.V

The music was soft and slow, just the way I wanted it at the moment. Raising my right hand above my head, I grabbed the pole and walked in a circle around it before hooking my left leg round the pole. When I got a good grip, I arched my body backwards and swung around the pole.

As I kept swinging, I stretched my leg straight and danced in accord with the music holding the pole. Closing my eyes, I recalled the event that had happened since Nick's death.

His funeral was held early next morning. The whole pack mourned his death. Nick's parents were inconsolable. I could still remember the way his mom had rested her head on his chest when the pallbearers had come close. I remembered everything about that day.

Duncan had told me that Konrad's body was buried in the same spot that he was killed. It was in the outskirts of the territory and no one bothered to go there often.

I had stayed in Emperor the next two days. All the neighboring packs celebrated Konrad's death but there was only gloom in Emperor. I couldn't bring myself to celebrate Konrad's death. I could only remember that he killed Nick, who was more of a friend than bodyguard. I loved him... maybe not the same way as he did.

The third day, Sel and Raven asked me to return to Serene. I agreed because staying in Emperor made it harder for me to forget what happened to Nick. Quillon came that evening to take me there. When I reached here, everyone hailed me for killing the monster.

The fourth day, I attended college. It felt normal until I saw Mikhail, Shane and Fox standing near the entrance after my classes were over. It was too much to bear and I begged Duncan that afternoon to discharge them from their duties. I did not want a guard anymore.

For years, it had been the same cycle. I become friendly with them and when they die protecting me, it would hurt me terribly.

It was only after I broke down that Duncan agreed to remove them.

At home, I even told Quillon to not keep any guards for me. He said he had already removed them because he thought I would become a lazy lump if I have them protecting me.

Asshole!

After hearing that, I cracked a smile for the first time after days. As Quillon hugged me close that night, I was pathetically grateful he was there with me when I needed him the most.

The following three days, everything felt normal. Like always, I learned to move on with my life. It wasn't as easy as I say but I had a lot of good memories with Nick and I would always cherish them.

At that time, I had also signed the documents completely transferring the land rights of my farm to the government and thus making it a government holding. That evening all my coworkers celebrated because we were all now government employees. I still find it hard to believe.

Finally, today morning, Grace had come home and told us that since we had already completed the mating, it was time I get accepted as the Luna of Serene Pack.

My wolf had agreed almost immediately to the suggestion, but I had a lot to think about. Quillon had just shrugged and walked away, leaving me baffled.

Luna of Serene Pack!

I had never given a thought about it. That's why, I told Grace I need some time to think and she reluctantly agreed to it.

That is what I was supposed to do now... think about it.

I had asked the Alphas'. Duncan told me to accept it because he knew I was in love with Quillon. Sel told me that whatever my decision, she would support me. Cortez told me to accept the decision only if I felt I was ready to take that kind of responsibility. Granel told me to accept because he thought I would be a good Luna. Tyson told me to find out if everyone in Serene had accepted me and if they did, then he told me to accept it.

In the end, I decided to accept the title only after talking to Quillon.

I was leaning upside down on the pole, when the music stopped. Slowly, I straightened myself and when my feet touched the floor, I found Quillon watching me.

He had been punching the boxing bag when I had entered the gym. That's why without disturbing him, I put on my music and exercised on the pole. Now, wearing a black wife-beater and track pants, he was straddling a backside front chair, with his chin resting on his crossed arms. Watching his intent gaze on me made my skin feel hot all of a sudden. It brought memories of our mating.

"Are you done?" I asked referring to his exercise. He shook his head as a reply. "Then?" I was confused, wondering why he was sitting.

"I couldn't focus" Quillon said standing up, to reveal his well-toned arms.

"Why?"

"You were very... distracting" he chose his word very carefully and I felt my cheeks flaming.

"I was?" I asked unthinkingly and then shook my head. "Sorry... I will just-" Quillon silenced me with his mouth.

It felt really good to kiss him after a long week gap. My wolf rested her head on her paws with a sigh. I closed my eyes as his tongue slid between my parted lips. As he started trailing kisses down my salty skin, I recalled how good I felt that day, in his arms. I pressed my body closer to Quillon's as his hands slid under my tank top.

This felt right. With him, everything feels right. That is why I think I can be the Luna of this pack.

My eyes flew open and slowly, hesitantly, I started to pull away from our embrace.

"What?" Quillon growled.

"Uh... I need to talk to you" I said placing a hand on his chest to push him away. Even though he was a step away from me, I wasn't able to remove my hands from his chest.

"Later" Quillon argued closing the distance between us.

"No. Now" I reasoned pushing him back. This time not only did I drop my hands, but I too stepped back. "And I need distance to focus" I added shaking my head. "So, go... sit there" I said pointing at the chair. Quillon cocked a questioning brow and I just indicated the chair. Sighing, he went back to his earlier seat.

"Your mom said something early morning today" I reminded standing in front of him, with a respectable distance between us.

"She said a lot of things" Quillon said with a shrug, which caused my teeth to grind against each other.

"Well, one amongst those things was for me to accept the title of Luna" I said sweetly and Quillon nodded. "So..?"

"So what?"

"What do you think I should do?"

"It is your choice. Choose whatever you want" Quillon retorted and I gaped at him.

"Choose whatever I want?" I parroted in disbelief. "Your opinion matters, that's why I am asking you" I snapped and Quillon narrowed his eyes.

"It isn't the priority though. Your choice is and what is it?" I really hated it when he flipped a question back at me with a blank look in his face. It always had me puzzled. Now, I couldn't understand if he wanted me to stay or leave.

Leave... Thinking about it hurt. My wolf whined softly, refusing to leave. She has grown attached to Serene because of Quillon and now, she didn't want to leave.

However, I wouldn't tell Quillon that. I wanted to know what is going on in his mind; hence I flipped the question back. "I asked first"

"And I answered already. Now, I am waiting for your answer" he said with a slight smirk. Come to think about it... yes, he was right. He had answered.

Damn him! For always making me crush my own pride!

Since our sixty days agreement was already in the dustbin, I decided to give him an honest answer. Gulping, I looked at his dark brown eyes and said, "I accept."

Quillon let out a breath, which caused my wolf to straighten her ears in interest. I wasn't even aware he was holding his breath.

"To be the Luna that is" I said shifting from one foot to another. "Only if you want" I added quickly.

"Why do you think I wouldn't want it?" Quillon asked.

"One question at a time Quillon" I reminded cheekily and the corner of his mouth tilted upwards, which made my heart thump against my ribcage.

"Stay" he said and after hearing that one word, my wolf jumped in joy. I had to bit my bottom lip to hide my smile. However, I could already feel the blush spreading as far down my chest.

Nodding once, I lowered my head. "Why did you think I wouldn't want it?" His question made me raise my head, to look at him.

"Given your lack of response earlier, I thought..." I trailed off.

"I wanted you to join the pack, the first time you came here. It was you who rebuffed it" Quillon pointed out. He was right again. At that time I refused, simply because I did not know where I stood with him. However, after hearing his one word reply, I knew that somehow I managed to make a small place for myself in his heart. My wolf howled in delight and I resisted the urge to jump and dance.

Quillon cared about me and I wished one day he would love me too.

"Well, at that time I was trying to play safe. I didn't know you well and I didn't trust you either. I didn't know or like your pack wolves either. However, it's all changed now"

"What caused the change?" Quillon asked curiously.

I wanted to answer his question... however, I didn't.

"I thought it was one question at a time Quillon" I said with a fake gasp, "Since I don't have a question to ask you right now, I will not answer your question either" I said snootily and then flashing a- what I thought was cute- smile, I walked out of the gym room leaving an amused Quillon behind.

Once out, I slowly shut the gym door. Then, with cheerful energy, I jumped pumping my hands into fists and repeatedly breathing, "Yes... yes... yes!"

"What are you doing?"

Appalled, I screamed and jumped back a few steps, when I saw Quinn in the corridor who was staring at me with a weird look.

Suddenly, the gym door was swung open by Quillon. "What happened?" he asked me in concern.

So stunned was I that I couldn't form a coherent word as a reply; which is why, I shook my head. Quillon's eyes then flickered to Quinn, whose eyes had widened in horror after hearing my scream.

"I didn't do anything" Quinn said defensively and I snapped out of my frozen state. "She was jump-"

"AAA... Quinn" I called shrilly, purposely cutting off what he had to say. I did not want Quillon knowing I was jumping in joy. "I brought my Hard Disk like you asked me to" I said walking towards him.

"I did?"

"Yes you did... when you told me you are going to give me this new game about-"

"I didn't"

"-a.... uh... gang who are invading... um....some kingdom to loot" I continued as if he hadn't spoken.

"There is no such game" I wanted to kick him.

"Yes. There is. You told me..." Holding Quinn's arm, I began dragging him upstairs babbling gibberish stuff about this fictional game.

__

The day had come.

Today, I was going to be accepted as the Luna of Serene Pack first and then officially belong to Serene Pack.

Yesterday morning, I announced my decision to Grace and squealing, she said she would make the necessary arrangements. She wanted the meeting to be held last night, but after I told her I want Duncan and Sel to come too, she agreed to make it today.

It was eight in the evening. The pack meeting would commence in about thirty minutes. Standing in front of the mirror, I was staring at my own reflection. For today's occasion, I had worn blue skinny jeans, white silk top and a black blazer over it. I applied light make-up too because for a change, I wanted to look pretty.

I picked up my bracelet and smiled when I saw the charms.

All my life I had been trying to hide my gifts but every single time it would come out in open. People would either be in awe of my gift or would run hundred miles away from me. There are only a very few who considered me as normal and Quillon was one of them.

His pack however, was in awe of my gifts. They call me life even when I don't think I am apt of that title. Since his pack, especially Scott, has accepted me... I was absolutely fine with being the Luna of this pack.

I was nervous too and hoped I would be a good Luna like Sel, Malory and others. The pack loves them and I wanted the same kind of acceptance from Serene.

Sighing, I looked up and my eyes met Quillon's reflection in the mirror. He looked absolutely gorgeous in black trousers, a slim fit black shirt-the top two buttons of which were undone- and black lapel blazers. As far as accessories were concerned, he was only wearing his silver watch.

"Hey" I said turning to face him with a soft smile as his eyes scanned me.

"You are nervous" he stated and I gulped. "Why?" he asked taking a step to stand right in front of me.

"I... This whole thing is new to me. I never gave being Luna much a thought... you know" I was nervous and so, I kept babbling, "Even when I came here, to work this thing out for two months, it was more to be your mate than the Luna. So, when Grace asked me to accept the title... I was taken aback because with everything that had happened, I completely forgot about it. Now, that I accepted the title... I am nervous because it is a huge responsibility. My wolf is excited but I am scared. I don't want to let your pack down. I don't want to let you down. Or Grace. Or Scott. I want to be worthy of the title."

In the end, I let out a breath and lowering my head, I covered my face with my hands.

Quillon held my wrists and tugging them, he drew me to him. My forehead rested against his shoulder as he hugged me.

"You don't have to be nervous. You just have to be yourself" he murmured near my ear. His words were all the encouragement I needed at that moment. Gradually, all my worries laid themselves to rest as my nerves settled down.

I nestled my against his shirt-front, inhaling his cologne. My wolf sighed softly because it felt good to be this close to him.

"I love you" I whispered and felt every muscle in his body tense. I said it to him because I couldn't keep it within me any longer and also because it felt right at that moment.

Pulling away, I stared at his dark brown eyes which were staring at me in unconcealed astonishment. Seemed like I have really knocked him for six!

"That's what caused the change" I added, answering to his previous day's question. My wolf slowly wagged her tail, waiting for a response.

I tried to smile but Quillon was staring at me with wide eyes, at a loss of words. I gulped because his blank expression was unexpected. Well... I don't know what reaction I expected either.

"You don't have to say it back or something like that. I said it because I thought you should know" I muttered with a shrug. Is he in shock of some sort? Because he wasn't reacting much!

He was staring at me... more like searching for my face while also, trying to figure me out. But there was nothing left to figure out. I was out in the open... vulnerable!

However, even at that time I was confident because I knew that Quillon would never hurt me. That's why I bared my heart and soul to him.

"Q... mom said to be there in fifteen minutes" Quinn said from the doorway and both our heads turned to look at him. He just waved and turned to leave. But, stopped and added, "Oh! Mom also said to keep your mind link open" before sprinting off.

He was a much welcome distraction at the moment. Quillon nodded and then when his eyes had a distant look, I knew he was talking through the link.

"Dad wants to talk to me" Quillon said after clearing his throat. "He is coming down" he added.

"Okay. I have to make a call and then I will join you" I said and Quillon nodded.

Once Quillon left the room, I closed my eyes and grimaced. I should have kept my mouth shut. Now, I made everything awkward between us. Dammit! Someone blast my big mouth!

I flinched when I recalled his blank expression. How could you be so stupid Darya?

I don't know how long I stood there but then snapping out, I went back to the room and sitting on the edge of the bed, put on my strappy heels. Later, I began searching for my cell-phone.

For the next five minutes, I was searching for it everywhere in the room. I don't even remember where I had kept it.

Scratching my head, I stepped out of the room and called Quillon. When there was no response, I went downstairs and stopped in my tracks when I saw Scott. I smiled at him and he returned the smile, which pleased my wolf.

"Look, she is ready. Let's go" he told Quillon, who had his back to me.

Scott turned to leave, but Quillon made no move.

I walked up to Quillon and noticed that he had turned an ashen shade below his golden peach skin. "What's wrong?" I demanded softly, noticing the faraway look in his eyes.

Quillon looked at me with anguished brown eyes and my wolf stood up, wondering what was wrong.

"Quillon?" I called his name in a whisper. "What happened? Is everything-"

"Why are you still waiting here? Let's go" Scott said frowning at us. He had gone out, but when he noticed we weren't with him, he returned. "The meeting won't start without you" he added.

"We will be there" I retorted with a small smile and then looked at Quillon.

Quillon cleared his throat and then smiled at me, "let's go" he said tersely and started walking towards the door.

I stared at his retreating figure in bewilderment; nonetheless followed after him.

__

"Darya" Grace beamed when she saw me. "You look very pretty today" she added hugging me and I returned it with love.

"Darya" Bee squealed and while she hugged me sideward, Grace laughed and looked at Quillon, who was still lost in his thoughts. He had been the same during the twenty minutes ride from his house to the clearing.

I asked him a few times what was wrong but he just shook his head and gave me a tentative smile. Since Scott was in the car with us, I couldn't probe much either.

"Did you call your family dear?" Grace asked me and I bit my tongue when I realized that I had totally forgot to make the call.

"I didn't. But I am pretty sure they are on the way" I replied. Sel had told me they would leave from there at seven which means they would be here by nine.

It was already eight-thirty now.

__

"I think we better start" I told Grace solemnly. I had asked her to wait and already forty minutes had passed, still there was no sign of Sel and Duncan. My phone was also in the house and I couldn't call Sel and ask why they were late. Quillon didn't have his phone with him either. Plus, the guards didn't notice them yet, which means they were still in Emperor. It would take them another hour to reach here.

"Are you sure?" Grace asked me and I nodded with a genuine smile. Everyone from Serene Pack was here and making them wait for another hour seemed pointless.

"Okay. Q" she called and then asked him to begin the ceremony. "Do you want your dad to announce?"

"No. I will do it" Quillon retorted curtly and I blinked. He seemed pissed off. Did it have something to do with what I said?

Maybe it is... he had been fine before that.

Dammit! I really, really shouldn't have said it.

He turned to look at me and holding my hand, he literally dragged me towards the platform. His grip on my hand was tight and even though it was hurting me, I didn't complain.

My wolf whimpered softly with pain and I felt bad for her.

Since I was standing on the platform, many eyes were on me and so, I forced a smile even though inside my heart hurt horribly.

Once they saw Quillon, everyone stopped murmuring and gave him their full attention. Quillon took that opportunity and started talking, "Good evening" he said and the audience replied.

"As you are all aware, I met my mate a month ago but today, I would like you all to formally meet my mate Darya Kenrick, Luna of Serene Pack" Quillon announced and the crowd cheered.

"She is a Rhoades" An unfamiliar voice spat and my wolf growled, not appreciating that remark.

"Repeat that Maxwell" Quillon dared in a voice so feral, that it sent shivers down my spine. Maxwell gritted his teeth and lowered his head.

"Her name is Darya Helen Kenrick and she was the only daughter of Late Mr. and Mrs. Kenrick" Quillon stated, glaring at the audience. Without doubt, Quillon was irked. "She is my mate and from today, the highest ranking she-wolf of our pack which is why, I will not tolerate any sort of disrespect towards her. Maligning her or her family will be a punishable offence" Quillon growled out and I inhaled sharply. "If anyone has a problem with this, you come and tell me first" he added and then stepped back.

At that time, Scott stepped forward and addressed the crowd, "If any she-wolf wishes to challenge Darya to claim her position, this is the time to do it."

My wolf stood up aggressively after hearing his words.

"DAD" Quillon called through gritted teeth, his body trembling in rage. I winced as his hold on my hand became unbearable. Quillon noticed it and immediately let go off my hand which had turned pink all over. He looked at me guiltily and I smiled sadly.

"It's customary" Scott said calmly. "Your mom faced it and so will Darya" Scott said looking at me and I nodded. It is customary in most of the packs. Raven and Malory had faced and won the challenge.

I was prepared for it. I had no fear.

"I am ready" I told Scott and Quillon's whirled his head towards me. I gave him an encouraging smile and sighing, he nodded.

"So... is there any she-wolf who wants to challenge Darya for a fight?" Scott asked and Maxwell raised his hand. I knew very well who is going to challenge me.

"Leah wants to challenge Darya" Maxwell stated proudly and my wolf growled in a hostile way.

"Leah?" Scott called.

"I am here" Leah said solemnly and only then did I see her. She was standing at the end of the crowd, with her little group.

"You want to challenge Darya?" Scott demanded.

Leah gritted her teeth, looked at her father and then looked back at Scott and nodded. Her eyes once again flickered to Maxwell, whose face was turned away from me. I was sure they were talking through the link because Leah paled, gulped and nodding once, lowered her head.

I frowned when I saw that. Was Leah being forced to fight with me? Quillon had already told me that her parents used to pressurize her. Was Maxwell still doing the same?

If so, then what can I do? I wanted Maxwell to feel sorry but it wasn't him that I would fight against. It was Leah.

Even for her, I could not lose the fight. It wasn't for the title; it was because I loved Quillon and I wanted to be by his side as his mate. The only thing I could do now was make it quick without fracturing or bruising her.

"Alright then, let's get started with the fight soon" Scott said enthusiastically, which I clearly failed to see.

I couldn't refuse the challenge either and I couldn't even ask Leah to confess her unwillingness because I was pretty sure she wouldn't listen to me.

"Good luck, even though I am pretty sure you won't need it" Quillon mumbled near my ear and I smiled. His words were like energy booster and my wolf wagged her tail happily. I was glad I had his support. It also made me realize that he wasn't as angry with me as I thought he would be.

A circle was already formed and I walked towards it while Leah stood at the other end of it. Grace, Bee, all wished me luck and I smiled at them. After passing my blazer to Bee, I removed my heels and entered the circle.

Leah too entered the circle from the opposite side. When she looked at me, her hazel eyes turned dark the moment she saw me and she growled loudly.

Okay, maybe she really wants to fight me.

"Anyone ready to bet on Darya?" Quinn asked with interest and my eyes rounded in disbelief.

"You started again" Grace rebuked and through the corner of my eyes, I watched her pinching his ears and taking him away.

"Ready?" Nevin, who was like the referee, asked us and we nodded. "Attack" he shouted.

Leah bared her fangs and rushed to attack me. However, before she could hit me, I ducked and in one swift motion, moved to the other end of the circle. Furious, the brunette spun to face me with a deadly glare.

I just smirked and with my hand, gestured for her to come closer.

It irked her even more because she screamed in fury and ran towards me, while I stood calmly waiting for her. While she raised a fist, I blocked it with my hand. As she raised another, I blocked that one too and forced her to drop it. I slammed my elbows on her thighs when she attempted to knee me. Then swinging my right hand, I thumped a nerve on her neck and pressed and twisted two sharp fingers, on that same weak spot.

I watched as Leah's eyes lolled backwards and then placing a gentle hand on her cheek, I moved her sideward, until she unconsciously slumped on the ground.

The crowd gasped out loud while I stood as victorious in the circle. They were astonished because it took me only a minute to put Leah down. My eyes drifted towards Quillon who nodded at me. I could tell that he was really proud of me and that made me ecstatic.

I turned to step out when I heard a murderous growl. "You bitch" Maxwell snarled and I saw his furious form running towards me.

My wolf was already pissed off at him and when I saw him, I reacted on impulse alone. Gritting my teeth, I held his neck and in one blur movement I moved towards a nearest tree and slammed his head against the trunk. He dropped down with a groan.

The whole place grew silent because everyone was shocked by my reaction.

"Learn your place Beta" I hissed curtly, "Learn your place!" I spat glaring at him in disgust. He was the one who had been forcing Leah all along. What kind of a father was he? Risking his only child's life! If I hadn't seen Leah's fear, I would have killed her for challenging me because she was trying not only to take my mate from me, but also my title!

"You learn your place first Darya"

Every nerve in my body tensed and with an incredulous look, I spun to face Scott who said that to me. His hands were clenched to tight fists on his sides and his face had unconcealed hatred aimed solely at me.

This was the look I had always expected to see in him and now that I was actually seeing it, I was still shocked to the core. He hated me that much? And here I thought he was learning to accept me!

"Maxwell is the Beta of this pack and my friend. You will respect him because not only is he elder to you, but also because he has been in this pack for a longer time than you" Scott snapped at me and I flinched.

"Dad" Quillon thundered.

"No Quillon" I protested and when he looked at me, I shook my head. "Your dad is right" I said lowering my gaze. Maxwell was elder than me and I had to respect him.

"My apologies" I said looking at Maxwell through my shoulders. "It was wrong of me to attack you like that." My wolf did not like that we were apologizing, but she did not make a fuss either.

"You don't have to apologize to him" Quillon snapped at me. "He attacked you first."

"Maxwell attacked her because she knocked Leah out. It was just in anger. He didn't mean to hurt her" Scott reprimanded.

"You and I both know that is not true" Quillon glared at his father when he spat that.

"He attacked Darya because he hates her simply because she belongs to Emperor" It was Quinn who growled that bit out. "It was personal and he had no right to bring-"

"Enough" Scott snapped at Quinn, making him flinch. "Darya no longer belongs to Emperor. She will officially join our pack today and then break all her ties with that pack. That's why I did not let Duncan and his mate to enter the territory."

I felt the ground collapse under my feet as I heard that. Break all her ties... with Emperor. My pack. My family.

My eyes widened to its fullest extent as I stared at him in disbelief. Surely, I have heard it wrong!

"Come again" I whispered as my wolf stood on her fours and bristled.

"She is not going to break her ties with her pack, Scott" Grace growled at him.

"She will" The confidence in his tone made my wolf snarl. "She will... for Quillon" he continued, "For him, she is ready to join this pack and leave Emperor."

The fact that it was all truth hurt me even more. I lowered my head trying to hide my tears.

"That was our plan, all along" Scott boasted proudly and I raised my head in shock, after hearing his words.

Plan?

Our plan? Who is included in this 'our'?

"Plan?" Grace asked with a frown.

"Yes. She is a powerful wolf" Scott began and I clenched my fists. "And so is Q" he added looking at Quillon. However, my gaze was fixed on Scott. I wanted to hear all about this plan and know what they want to achieve through it. "Together they are undefeatable. So, no one will dare to stop them when they expand our pack."

Suddenly, I started feeling sick because I knew where this was going.

"What the hell are you talking about Scott?" Grace shrieked in frustration.

"I am saying that they will get back what was once taken from us. They will conquer Emperor" he said and I closed my eyes in pain.

"Conquer?" someone said.

"Destroy Emperor" Scott hissed through gritted teeth. Hearing him say that word so casually made Goosebumps appear all over my body and I clenched my fists. Furious, my wolf arched her back, dropped her jaws and bared all her fangs.

"Surely Grace, you didn't think I would forgive and forget what that pack has done to ours for years?" Scott asked Grace in incredulity. "Her grandfather, made my father an orphan" Scott spat, pointing an accusing finger at me. "Her grandfather humiliated my uncle so much that he was forced to leave his own pack. My father never forgot that and always wanted to avenge it. Now, we have got the perfect ammo to take our revenge. Duncan's own sister is going to throw him out of his pack" Scott said grinning at me and my claws came out as my whole body started trembling in rage. "Together, Q and Darya will destroy Emperor until there is nothing left of it."

"Watch that tone Alpha" I snarled in fury and every head turned to look at me. "I have far more respect for you. Not because you are my mate's father, but because you are a good Alpha to your pack. However, I will not tolerate a single word against my pack."

"You belong to Serene now" Scott growled out.

"I still belong to Emperor and before you continue talking about destroying Emperor, remember that I can turn your whole pack into dust right this second" I threatened with a snap of my finger.

What I said scared everyone because they stared at me with fear in their eyes.

Everyone except for two and one of them was Scott.

"But you will not" Scott derided and then smirked slightly. I was taken aback by his confidence. "You will not because you love Quillon." The words were said in a mocking way and hearing that, I felt like I had been slapped and stripped naked in public.

My wolf flinched in hurt and I shivered.

"That's enough dad!" Quillon growled harshly. "You have spoken a lot today."

"I am only trying to make Darya understand where her loyalties should be" Scott said to Quillon with an irritated growl. "I know you love Quillon. That is what we wanted from the start to happen. It is obvious your wolf will choose Quillon, then why bother defending Emperor? That pack has to suffer for what they did to ours. It has to be destroyed" Scott snarled in rage.

"You disgust me" Quinn spat and Scott turned to stare at him, in shock.

"Why? What's wrong in what I said?" Scott said in outrage and my wolf scratched inside me.

"What's wrong-?" Grace couldn't even finish her sentence.

"There is nothing wrong" Scott raked.

"Stop it dad" Quillon's words were for deaf ears.

"This is our revenge for what they did to us" Scott finished.

"It's only your revenge" Grace shouted at him.

"No. It's our! Quillon agreed to help me. He was in the plan from the start."

The whole world seemed to stop moving for a moment. Everything turned silent. My wolf stopped growling and just froze inside me. In a blink, my emotions changed from sheer rage to dire pain. I felt like I had been punched and then stabbed in the gut. As if not satisfied with it, the knife was also being twisted so that I collapse in pain.

It cannot be true... No! Quillon wouldn't do that to me.

He wouldn't hurt me like that. He... he doesn't love me... but he would not agree to something as cruel as this. Quillon isn't like that. He isn't like Scott!

I felt the color draining from my face as my skin turned cold... numb!

An Acidic tasting bile formed inside my throat and I refused to swallow it. My stomach lurched violently and fell somewhere near my toes as Scott's words sank in. Through eyes that stung painfully, I watched Quillon who was staring at me. But I couldn't read his expression because my own eyes were swimming with unshed tears.

There was a ghastly silence around for no one dared to utter a word. Who would after knowing Quillon too was in this?

He is not in this. My wolf argued, desperately wanting it to be true. He wouldn't murder my trust like that. He wouldn't use me like that.

My wolf tried to reason, but at that moment, standing alone in front of the whole pack, I felt insecure. I was scared and I desperately wanted Quillon to assure me that it isn't true. Only then, I would feel confident to answer Scott.

With herculean effort, I swallowed the acidic tasting bile and then blinked to let the tears drop on my cheeks. I shivered vigorously as my eyes met Quillon's dark brown ones. He was still and painstakingly quiet which did nothing to soothe my fears.

"Is it true?" I asked Quillon, without taking my eyes off his. My lips trembled as I spoke the words and my temples throbbed in pain. But I had to know the answer.

His answer would decide my future with this pack.

"Darya-"

I held up a hand in front of my face, gesturing Grace to stop talking. My attention was solely focused on Quillon and I watched something parallel to dread flash in his eyes. I trusted him but looking at his pained expression made me seriously question my trust on him.

Quillon did not reply and the lingering silence distressed me. The whole clearing had gone quiet and the darkness convulsed everywhere. The world around me had stopped spinning. Time seemed to be frozen as along with me, everyone in the pack was waiting for his answer.

"Did you agree to your father's plan?" I questioned sickly. It hurt me to even ask him that but I knew I couldn't live without knowing the answer to it.

As I looked at him, I was literally begging him with my eyes to say no and add that Scott was lying.

Quillon swallowed audibly and then gave me my reply with a firm nod.

My knees threatened to fold and breathing in audibly, I took a staggering step back as shock coursed through every bone in my body. I sensed my wolf stumbling and then dropping down into a trembling heap.

"DARYA" many people screamed my name at once, when they saw my reaction. I raised my hand again, gesturing them to stop and not come close to me.

My legs felt wobbly and it was a challenge to stand upright when I was crumpling inside.

He did it.

Quillon broke my safe cocoon, entered it, rattled everything and then walked away after tattering it. I thought I was strong, but right this moment I felt as weak as a frail branch on the end of the tree, which could only hold one dried leaf.

Everything was closing in on me, choking me and I felt nauseous as the world now spun too fast around me.

I had bared my body and soul for him, completely trusting him and he... he murdered my trust. My wolf craned her neck and gave the most painful howl ever, as my heart ached in pain. A hollow feeling engulfed me as I felt my insides tearing apart.

Pain... there was so much brutal pain that I could die just by the weight of it.

Why me? I wanted to ask. What did I do to you to get so much hate?

My lashes lowered on their own accord as I thought about all the time I spent with Quillon. Was it all a big nothing to him? Was I just a means to achieve his personal goal?

No one has hurt me like this before because I had been holding myself in check for so long. I never gave anyone a chance to come this closer to me and now, after I finally did and saw the result, I doubted my own ability to trust. My wolf shrank inside me, curling herself and wanting to just die in pain.

What can I do? Where can I go now? I couldn't even seek comfort from my own mate for this pain.

The Alphas' had warned me to be careful, but I didn't pay any heed to their advice. I let this happen to me. I let him use me.

I wanted to go to the Alphas'. Hide behind them like always but that wouldn't less the pain. Nothing would. Dark clouds blanketed the stars in the sky. That is how I felt.

Finally I understood his stock-still reaction after I said I love him. It's a wonder he didn't laugh at my face! I felt so stupid to think that I meant something to Quillon on a personal level.

Unable to bear the pain within me, I tried to block it out. Turned my bleeding heart into a stone, I morphed all my emotions. I will not show them how much they have hurt me because I was not done with them. The anguish in me turned to soul deep anger at that moment.

No. It was not over yet.

I might feel as weak as a frail branch at the moment, but I could still hold on one dead leaf. And I will hold on to it like a lifeline.

I had been a fool to love him.

Mistake done. Lesson learnt. I would not repeat this mistake again. I will not let Quillon or anyone hurt me or my pack.

As I blocked my emotions, the pain in me evaporated for which I was really glad. I think I had my fill of pain. My wolf too growled lowly, refusing to let this get to her anymore. When she was in sync with me, I felt like I would deal with anything life throws at me.

Like the pain, I was trying to suppress my anger too because it would be wasted on them. But Scott didn't allow me. He started talking again.

"I told you. Do you really think this would have happened without Quillon's help?" Scott derided and my claws dug crescents on the fragile skin of my palm.

An uncontrollable rage started as a slow flaming sensation in my heart. Simultaneously, lightning bolts split through the air as cold gust of wind blew in the area.

"He understands me. He knows what Emperor Pack did to us is unforgivable" Scott's words were like fuels which nurtured my anger, causing it to bubble upward and spread all around my body. My wolf started clawing in my chest, demanding to be let out so that she can cause them some real pain.

"He will make Darya understand it too and then there will be no stopping from the destruction of the Emperor Pack" Scott fiercely spelled out and an earth-shattering growl emerged from my throat.

The fury within me erupted like a volcano which would only cause chaos.

I could feel my lungs tearing apart as I screamed in uncontrollable rage and raising a hand; I caught a lightning bolt and turning sideward, I violently threw it to a nearby tree, immediately setting it on fire.

The sound of my scream would have shamed a banshee. My surroundings had gotten dreadfully dangerous while responding to the powerful emotions radiating from me. The blue lightning bolt which had split the sky into two, streaked from the cloud to ground. Since I was fuming in rage, I held that bolt and threw it, to show everyone present how deadly I can get if someone gets on my bad side.

An ominous silence spread around the atmosphere. Everything, everyone was deathly quiet until a loud, sharp and piercing crack of thunder broke it.

Through cold eyes, I watched the tree burn to its death.

My hair swayed round my shoulders as I whipped my head to look at Alpha Scott Sanders, whose eyes now displayed unconcealed fear.

"DESTRUCTION OF A PACK? DESTRUCTION OF A PACK?" I demanded with venom that was created by the pain of their betrayal.

"I WILL SHOW YOU WHAT DESTRUCTION OF A PACK LOOKS LIKE" I bellowed pointing a finger directly at Alpha Scott Sanders.

Wolves gasped, sobbed and fell on their knees begging forgiveness. However, I did not forgive them because I was feeling very savage at that moment.

My wolf inhaled deeply, liking the scent of that fear radiating from everyone.

I wanted the Alpha to feel the pain. He talked about destruction as if it was nothing! I wanted to show him how painful and frightening scar destruction really is.

"I will bring so much darkness to your pack, that you will forget what sunlight looked like" I swore maliciously as wolves huddled together to save themselves from my wrath.

I spread my left hand to that burning tree and keeping eye contact with the- now pale as milk- Alpha, I pulled the fire towards me until it compiled itself into a small ball of flame in my hand.

I looked at the flame ball in my hand, smirked and showed that same sadistic smirk to the Serene Pack wolves.

"You called me LIFE" I mocked at them.

I watched their eyes which had dread in them. They were all on one side, while I the other, facing them. That is how I felt. That together, they all betrayed me. Murdered my trust!

"But you forgot that if I am life, then, I am also... DEATH" I snarled and flung the ball of fire in their direction.

****

Ooh... I so loved writing this chapter :D

Darya kicked Leah's ass like you always wanted it. Enjoyed?

Quillon agreed to help Scott in destroying Emperor! When did you think it happened? Are you as angry with Quillon as Darya is? What do you want to happen next?

Share your views of this chapter to me!

I am super excited for the next chapter and it will be posted on 27th. If and only if it is how I want it to be then, I will post it sooner :)

Love you all,

God Bless!