Continuation from His Dark Obsession by Moonlight Muse to
His Fated Obsession (Book 2) Chapter 61. Traitors & Discussions
EVANGELINE.
I watch Lucia for a moment, drawing the curtain partially around her to give her some privacy. The doctor had reassured me that the baby was fine. I’m glad… but I’m also confused. She still carries Chasyn’s scent, which means the child is his… but did she not say since Maryka, he has not been intimate with her?
So, did something end up happening between them? I remember the way she had been behaving the last few times I had seen her. Was it because of her pregnancy?
It could have been, it’s clear she’s still in the early months of her pregnancy. I glance at Chasyn, before looking back at her face. Placing a hand on her stomach. I pour a little healing into her, satisfied when the swelling on her face eases up a little.
But I’m careful not to use much. I can’t.
The moment I feel the slight shift in the atmosphere, I stop.
I glance over at Kash, who is watching us. He can’t see her, but he can see me from this angle.
‘You saved her.’
‘I would have done the same for anyone.’ He replies as I walk over to him.
‘Like a true Beta.’ I reply.
He shakes his head at me apologetically. He’s in much better shape than Alcazer, though, and I realise he’s no longer a werewolf but a hybrid…
“I’m sorry I failed you.” He says, lowering his head to me. I shake my head,
“No, you did not…” I say, thinking his scent reminded me a little of Ziahra….
Our eyes meet and my heart skips a beat. ‘They are totally banging.’ Evelyn tells me, giggling. ‘Told you.’
‘We’re mates.’ He answers my unasked question.
I can’t help but smile. His words don’t surprise me. ‘Congratulations. I wonder what Zedkiel will think when he realises his best friend is mated to his sister.’ I reply, making him smirk slightly.
‘Oh, Zedkiel will chop his wobbly willy off.’ Evelyn cackles. I suppress a chuckle as Chasyn, who is now awake, mutters something.
“I failed… I’m sorry.” He says quietly
“No one failed We hit a bump in the road, but it is not the end. We will head to battle and fix it all. The Night Shade Pack crossed a line they never should have.” I say, frowning.
“We should have been more vigilant.” Beta Lane says gravely.
A tense silence falls across the ward. The only sound is the doctors and nurses attending to those in here and I sigh. “We all didn’t realise what was going on” I say just as we hear footsteps approaching.
We turn to the door that opens and Sinclair is standing there. He’s shirtless, and covered in sweat, clearly having run from wherever he came.
His eyes meet mine before he lowers his head. “I ask for forgiveness for everything I have done… I promise to serve you from this day forward.” He says, going down on one knee.
‘Now he bends the knee. I honestly don’t know what you saw in him.’ Evelyn adds. Not very helpful, Eve.
‘I know… I was foolish… but this isn’t personal.’ I remain emotionless before I nod.
“As future Alpha of the Silver Mountain Pack, I hope you can live up to the expectations one will expect from you. Let the past be bygones.” I say.
“Thank you.” He says quietly. Our eyes meet, and it feels like years since I was that young girl rushing after him. It was indeed in the past…
I don’t recognise him and it’s clear he doesn’t recognise me either… I turn away.
“Where is Grandmother Philomena? I heard her on the phone before something happened. Has anyone located her?” I ask him.
He frowns but doesn’t reply, and I glance around the room. They all know something…
My stomach plummets and I glance back at Sinclair. “What is it?” I ask sharply.
“I am sorry, but Luna Philomena did not survive the attack from the Night Shade Wolves… she was killed for resisting.” Amora says quietly.
‘She was way past her expiry date, anyway.’ Evelyn says, as my heart thuds.
I glance back at Sinclair as if wanting him to tell me that is not true, but his heart is racing. His face is pale, and he doesn’t speak.
I’m unable to process it. For a moment I simply feel numb. “How easily were they able to get in?” I ask, trying to hide the pain from my voice.
Was that it? I’ll never hear from her again? Despite how she was… I still considered her family…. We didn’t really talk things out- but it was too late now… It doesn’t feel real, almost as if I’m watching everything unfold from outside a glass window.
I know it’s going to hit when all of this is over, but for now, there are too many things to take in.
I have an army to lead. I need to remain focused. “Very easily, when there are so many traitors from within, half the council sided with the queen and the Night Shade Pack.” Kash growls.
“And they had it all planned.” Gamma Wallace adds. “And which Alphas betrayed us?” I ask. I think I know the answer to this one, or at least I’m able to assume.
It would be wishful to hope that none of the allied packs turned on us.
“The Wolf Arrow Pack and The Moonshine Pack.” Beta Jason says as Gamma Wallace sighs. He’s sitting beside his wife in clear distress at her state.
“Those loyal to us will be rewarded for their loyalty; in hardship, we see who truly cares for us.”
“But you can’t really blame the Huntington’s, can you?” Alcazer says icily.
I turn sharply to him, “They are siding with the enemy, that makes nothing right. Yes, they lost a daughter, but it does not justify them allowing those who have done nothing to them to suffer and they will be held accountable.” I say quietly, looking him dead in the eyes before I turn to Ragnar. “Ragnar, shall we prepare?”
He’s leaning against the wall beside the bed that Kayla is sitting on. A bandage is around her wrist, but she’s unharmed otherwise. “Sure.”
“I’m ready.” Kash says getting off the bed.
“Me too.” Giordano, Kash’s youngest brother, says coldly. His eyes blazing with an anger that only the blood of war could satiate. “We have lost far too many already.”
“I will come too.” Chasyn says as he struggles to sit up.
“No. You are in no shape.- besides… Lucia needs you.” I say quietly “Maryka has injured her quite badly…” Guilt fills his eyes before he looks away and nods, clearly ashamed.
As for her pregnancy, it was obvious she had been keeping it hidden and after this, whatever Lucia wishes for, I will make sure they are respected.
He nods reluctantly as Ragnar, Kash, Giordano, Beta Jason and Sinclair all follow me to the door.
“Let’s do this. I’m ready to end this once and for all.” Beta Jason says.
“I think we all are,” Kayla says firmly as she stands up to. “I shall come too”
“Are you sure?” Ragnar asks, and she nods. “I won’t be joining,” Alcazer says and we all turn to him.
‘Like he’d be of any use. He can’t even walk,’ Evelyn scoffs.
“You what?” Ragnar asks sharply.
“I will not ride out to battle. I may not support this betrayal, but Zedkiel killed my Luna. That is not something I will ever forgive.” He says coldly. “And you are his Luna. Although you are our queen, I can’t forget that I lost my woman because of you.”
‘Because of snot-face Celia!’ Evelyn growls.’
‘There’s no point in saying anything. His mind is made up already.’ I say softly.
I walk over to him as silence falls in the room. “You are not going to go to battle because you are unfit to do so. I can’t risk your life like that… however… it is what is inside of Zedkiel that we need to destroy. I am certain he is the one responsible for your Luna’s death.” I voice, my chest squeezing.
All eyes of those awake are on me, the curtain is drawn between him and Lucia, but I can see him glancing towards it.
“What do you mean?” Alcazer asks.
“Your Luna, the women who died by Zed’s hand and even my mother… They were all killed by the same. Zerachiel, Zedkiel’s Lycan, not Zedkiel himself.”
“What the f*uc*k?” Kash says.
I look down, hating that I am saying this, but it’s inevitable. I need my people to understand to an extent what is going on, especially those who are loyal to Zedkiel, too.
“Yes, but for now, I want the Night Shade Pack members who are currently under my command locked away, and then we need to make haste. Godric Astorath is with our army and Jeremiah Vilkas is dead.”
The princes tense and Chasyn pales. “With Godric?” Kash’s eyes flash. “The traitors?”
I shake my head. “I don’t know the full story, but there is definitely something amiss here. I know Godric was not a part of this takeover. I did not sense that he was lying, and he certainly didn’t kill Jeremiah to silence him. The pack elders were mentioned, and this may just be that-. We have no time to waste.” I cast a final glance at Lucia, or what I can see of her from here before we leave the hospital wing.
“I will be leading the battle. Zedkiel is mine. I am the only one who can kill his Lycan.” I say quietly as we walk down the hall towards the courtyard where many had assembled at Ragnar’s command.
“Are you sure it’s safe?” Kash asks “I knew there was something wrong with Zerachiel… I didn’t think he was a traitor or evil, but he was a little off.”
“Even I was shocked, but Evelyn helped. I know what I need to do, the vampires will unite under him… he’s played a clever game and from what I felt before I escaped, Zerachiel is in charge of his body and mind which means the Vampires will have no choice but to obey him.” I explain as we step out into the cold.
“There’ll be bloodshed.” Kash frowns and he looks concerned.
“There will be. but I have a plan. We remain on defense. The goal is to get through the defenses to Zedkiel. Kash, I want you to try to get in contact with Ziahra… I’m sure you will find a way.”
I glance at him, and he knows I mean the mind link. “Got it… so we have her try to pull the vampires back?”
“Yes, or enough to leave Zedkiel open.” I say, brushing my hair back as I now glance at my men as the cold wind hits my face.
“Announcing Alpha Queen Evangeline Vilkas!” Beta Jason thunders, making silence fall from the men. “The new Alpha of the Moonstone Pack! Give her your full attention!”
“Thank you, Beta.” I say quietly as I scan the men.
“We set off in half an hour in wolf form. Battle plans and formation shall be given to everyone. I expect everyone to be prepared. We ride to right the wrongs of the past, not to kill… I know it’s difficult to understand, but justice shall be ours. Not everything is as it seems, and I will need you all to trust me.” I say, my voice ringing through the night sky.
I can see the confusion in some of their eyes, but there’s also determination…
I send a wave of calmness across the gathering, giving them silent strength to face this.
“The vampires are not our enemies, but are those who will be by our sides as we fight the darkness. Trust in me and we shall prevail…”
“Always.” A voice from behind says.
I turn to see Alpha Aeron standing there. He’s changed, and he’s holding a sword.
He’s ready for battle. My heart clenches as I stare at him. He isn’t a hundred percent well, yet he still wishes to go to battle… “Alpha Aeron you cannot-”
“Please, Alpha Evangeline… I need this. There were times I should have stood by your side but was told to trust in fate and to remain silent… but this time, allow me to fight by your side. To make up for leaving you to your destiny.” I can see the guilt and sadness in his eyes.
I shake my head; I don’t think he realises just how much he has done for me… including saving me all those years ago… I want to refuse him, but I know if I want to thank him, then it is by allowing him to take part.
“Very well.” I say, turning back to my people and deep down I realise that some of these men and women shall not make it back here…
Yet despite knowing that, they still stand bravely, ready to risk it all…