Chapter 85

A Run In

ZAIA. I spin around, there’s no one in sight, but I can smell them. It smells like… ash and metal? It’s a

strange combination, and it’s getting stronger.

My own senses are heightened, and I let out a deadly growl, warning them that I’m not afraid of them.

The sound that leaves me shocks even myself, but it gives me the confidence to raise my head and

snarl once more.

One… two… three growls follow, and I realise there’s more than one rogue out there. Well, worst-case

scenario, I will have to run, but that is if things get worse and there’s no option.

I watch as they slink out of the shadows, ready to attack. All three have dark fur, but I can’t be sure as

they are rather dirty. Their eyes are glowing menacingly, but looking at them properly, I realise they

aren’t much bigger than I can take them if I need to!

I almost chuckle at that. When did I ever think I’d be so confident in a wolf fight? We stare at one

another. What do I do? Do I shift? No… If they attack me at that time, I’ll be dead…

Suddenly the middle one leaps at me, and I jump to the side, sending him flying over to where I had

been standing moments earlier, but it doesn’t stop him from trying again. He growls viciously, turning as

the other two lunge at me.

I snarl, feeling my aura surge forward and it’s like second nature. I bite into one of their necks, throwing

them to the ground as I barrel into the second.

I growl at them, swiping the first one to the ground, shocked when my claws rip through flesh, drawing

blood and he’s thrown to the ground. I must be dreaming, yes that must be it.

I dreamt I shifted and now I have turned into the Scarlett Beast. This can’t be happening! The stench of

blood hits my nose, making it all the more real.

The three re-group, snarling at me, and I’m brought out of my thoughts, no matter how surreal this

feels. I am in danger.

I gasp when pain rushes through my side as one of them manages to cut into me, but it only fuels me

to fight back harder.

I let out a menacing growl as I counter with a bite of my own, sending him flying. They aren’t that strong

nor as fast as I am!

This time I attack first. I just need to weaken them a little. To give me enough time to get some words

in. I’m not a pro at this, but it’s as if my instincts are taking over, guiding me to act as I am. When I

slash through one of their faces, they seem to be considering backing off.

Backing up and hesitating as they begin circling me tentatively. This is my chance. I force myself to

shift.

I’m not sure how it’ll go. Last time I couldn’t even hold my wolf form for long, this time turning to a wolf

was easy, but would turning back be as simple? I feel the tug inside before I begin shifting, and soon,

I’m in human form on all fours.

The wolves seem to exchange looks as I draw myself up, feeling extremely bare. I am naked, after all.

I thank the goddess for my long hair and move. it over my breasts, surprised to see the cuff marks and

the bite marks from Sebastian and my lovemaking earlier have disappeared.

But now is not the time to wonder about that. Something similar happened to Sebastian after he shifted

too, healing him faster.

“Shift, I demand to speak to you,” I say, firmly drawing myself to my full height and crossing my legs

slightly as I turn sideways wishing I had something to wear.

One of them growls and I realise it’s the one that attacked first. Is he the leader? My eyes blaze as I

summon my aura.

“I said, shift!” I growl, my voice rumbling through my chest. The moonlight seeps through the trees and

two of the wolves back away whilst the middle one crouches down, and I see him shift back to human

form whilst the other two remain in wolf form.

I’m on edge just in case any of them do decide to attack. I know I should have been more careful, and it

would have been better if I had someone with me. On the other hand, I think they are more prone to not

attack if I’m alone or I hope, anyway.

I keep my gaze on his face as he stands there fully naked, his muscular body is riddled with scars and

his hair looks like it’s been through a lot, styled back in messy braids. “Who are you?” he asks sharply,

his eyes glowing. “And why is that important?” I counter.

“You are powerful, she-wolf, and one with your wolf, yet you are not a rogue. How can you be so in

touch with your wolf if you aren’t one of us?” he murmurs as he motions with a flick and oneof the

wolves runs off.

I cast a furtive glance towards the trees, hoping he isn’t coming back with backup.

“I am Alpha Zaia Toussaint, heir to the Crystal Shadow Pack and Alpha of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack,”

I say clearly as the wolf returns and places a piece of clothing before me.

I look at it in surprise, quickly picking it up. Thank you,” I add, quickly slipping on the slightly mud-

covered shirt.

“The Black Beast is the Alpha of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, isn’t he?” the man says keenly as he too

pulls on some trousers that the wolf places before him.

“My husband was, but he currently handed me the title, as I am Blood Born…” I’m not sure if that was

smart, but they clearly are more in tune with their wolves… would they know about the Blood Born?

A flicker of surprise crosses his face and I turn sideways, lifting my shirt and showing them the symbol

on the side of my breast before I pull it down again. “No wonder you are so strong.”

“I… can we talk?” I ask.

“Isn’t that what we are doing?” “I mean somewhere proper. There are questions. I have, things I need

to learn and would like to learn from you. I have been under the impression that rogues are evil killers

and are dangerous, but I don’t think that narrative is correct-”

“It is. We are killers.”

“But I don’t think you are evil,” I say firmly.

He’s analysing me, his eyes looking over me slowly but it’s not in a lewd way but more as if he’s trying

to assess me or what I’m saying. “Why do you wish to talk to us?” he asks. “Because I want to unite our

kind, those who-”

“Our kind? You mean those who consider themselves werewolves, but are pretty much measly

humans?” He scoffs. “We want nothing to do with the likes of them. They may think that they are

superior and call us rogues. But we are the true packs, we are the true alphas! In what way are your

so-called ways even right?”

He has a point… “I know… and it’s why I want them to realise that being in touch with our wolf side is a

blessing, to call them back to the path of our goddess. But I want your help to show them what they are

missing.”

He throws back his head and laughs. “What they are missing? To them, we are treated like dogs!

Driven to the edge of the city, chased away from shops and schools. Why should we help those

entitled, blinded humans? Yeah, right, why would we do that?”

“Because I can offer you something in return,” I say quietly. His eyes darken as he closes the gap

between us, balling his fists. “The only reason I am tolerating you is because you are a shifter, at true

one, but don’t think I can be bribed or brought.” He snarls venomously. I can sense his aura and I smile

slightly. He’s a leader…

I stand my ground. “I don’t want to buy you, but one Alpha to another, I know how important. the care of

those under us is. I can offer you land, your own pack territory, and recognition.” He opens his mouth to

speak, but I raise a finger before continuing.

“Let me finish first, please. These are not things I will give you, but something that is your right. All I will

be doing is offering you land in exchange for your help. You are helping me too. This is not buying you

just a fair trade and, hopefully, an alliance.” He’s calmed a little, and I cross my arms. “So, what do you

say… Alpha… I didn’t get your name.”

“Olivan. Alpha Olivan.”

“Nice to meet you, Alpha Olivan. So, do we have a deal?” I ask. He tilts his head, clenching his jaw,

struggling hesitantly. “Very well, let’s discuss details first. and if I’m on board with it all, then you have

yourself a deal.”

“Excellent, I am honoured,” I say, offering myhand. He raises an eyebrow. “Hmm, you are an excellent

businesswoman, Alpha Zaia, but don’t get too confident yet.”

“Thank you.,” I say, although I know he didn’t really mean it as a compliment. “Then I hope this deal

between us proves profitable.”

“Amen to that. The goddess is our witness.”

“That she is,” he says, finally accepting my hand. His grip is strong, as if testing my strength and I grip it

back with strength, giving it a crushing shake and he smiles in satisfaction.

“Three nights from now. Be here at this time and we will take you somewhere to talk.”

“Perfect,” I say.

He nods as we let go and I give the other two wolves a nod. “I apologise for the injuries,” I add, making

one of them growl – although it sounds almost like a grumble – before I turn, willing myself to shift.

I’m confident in it this time and soon the same painless feeling washes over me and I’m back in wolf

form. I nod at Olivan before I run back home…

Time is short and the Sublime Triquetra needs. to make the people realise that this is our true calling.

This IS our truth and heritage.

Atticus said the Sable Triquetra- I suddenly come to an abrupt stop, my heart thumping at the memory

of his words. The Sable Triquetra will be completed…

Can it be possible for another Blood Born to appear? The mark on Sebatian’s neck…

Fear envelops me as I race back towards the territory, my heart clamouring violently.

By any chance, does this mean Sebastian is the final piece of the Sable Triquetra? Please, Goddess,

tell me that I am wrong!

But no matter how much I shake it off, the thought is clawing its way deeper and deeper into me and

with it, the terrifying truth that maybe something could happen to Sebastian, consumes me. Please

don’t put us through more, Goddess, please…

I need to speak to Atticus. Now.