A U T H O R' S N O T E

Hey mates! Okay, so I guess you guys are happy now because I updated three chapters today. I only did it because I might not be able to update in a whole week. I am super busy. Well, at least I did make an update. I just really wish I have time to update more of my other stories.

Anyway, did I tell you guys that your comments here, give me life? I see the same people who comment on my book each time I update a chapter. This is why I love you guys!

You guys are so supportive and I am thankful.

Back to this story, I really hope you like this because this is one of my favourite chapters to write.

Warning: You might be surprised by the end of the chapter so I suggest you start enjoying the first parts of the chapter.

Please don't kill me lol...

Take delight in this chapter homies.

Don't forget to
Vote, Comment, Share, & Follow
Enjoy reading homies!

➸ ➸ ➸

❝Small flames ignite and illuminate our faces and chests, revealing expressions that are part wonder, part fear, and part feeling stupid.❞

➸ ➸ ➸

Chapter 15
Avalynn Johnson

      After the odd and dreadful flames of dark magic, it took us awhile to settle, repair, and bring back the serenity of the pack and its members. In addition, all and sundry decided to take a break.

I'm pretty sure that the adults, children, and even elders were tired. Of course, they were given time that they needed to take a breather.

To say, what happened awhile back was just a glimpse of what's to come on later.

As awful as it sounds, there were a lot of people who passed out and were injured not from the fire, but from the explosion of it. Also, because of the non stop flames that releases the horrid gases. Hopefully, their wolves themselves, will help those pack members that were injured. Nevertheless, I decided to help patch up the wounds of the others.

It would take less time if I helped and volunteered with the pack doctor. If a lot of people were to aid and cooperate, then who's to say that this would not get done soon? Certainly, this would make things easier.

I grabbed the cool cloth that was given by the pack doctor and placed it to the burn areas of the younger boys that I was treating. It's a pity how they were affected by the minor explosion.

Wiping some wounds, this little boy in front, looks up to me and says, "Hey, you're really good at this!"

This little boy I'm aiding is just, too adorable I swear.

"Thank you." I smiled. I wasn't a clinician or a doctor but I know how to treat burns, thanks to the first aid classes I took way back in 9th grade.

"Miss, I don't know if it's just me but, I think you would make a great Luna someday. I feel it."

My mouth dropped open. I was taken aback from his words. Looking at him, I was too shocked to say anything.

How can the boy think like that? He said that he even feels it!

The little kid just giggled at my expression.

I snapped out of it, shook my head and gave a small snort.

I am not a Luna. I don't have the bond with my Alpha mate. I am just an ordinary pack member.

Compared to Nolan, at least the kid can make decent comments about me being a Luna. He sees me as a Luna potential mate better than my jerk of a soulmate.

'We were destined to be a Luna after all. The only conflict in our way is that our idiotic mate doesn't want to accept us.' My wolf spoke.

I agreed with her because it was true. But even then, I still can't do anything about it. He didn't want my wolf and I back then, so obviously he doesn't want us now. We should just respect his wishes.

Turning back to the small boy,

"Okay, it's all done. I'll just go get some more cool cloth and burn ointments for the folks, okay?" I patted his back and stood up to get some of those inside the pack's clinic. Once I spotted it, I grabbed a lot from the pack doctor's first aid kit and went back to the people.

Damn, we really need to restock more medicinal supplies.

Walking down the hallway, I passed Nolan's office and I heard the raising of voices, shouting in a very angry manner.

"What do you mean? He was kidnapped?"

I froze.

Who was kidnapped? Being the nosey little wolf I am, I neared his door and decided to listen to their conversation.

Yeah, I'm really nosey. I knew it was impolite and it's not common for people to do, but it's just something I do. Plus, there's someone who was taken. We are talking about a kidnapped victim. I needed to know more.

'Sir, we double checked and head counted a while ago. I'm sorry to say but he just was not there!'

"He's the only one who wasn't there?" I heard a deadly voice. "You all are foolish and incompetent to let him out of your side! What kind of warriors are you if you cannot even detect the rogues!"

Then I heard a lot of noises like the sounds of vases were being smashed and the chairs being thrown to the wall.

Is that Nolan? Is he having one of those temper tantrums again?

"How could you let something like this happen, huh? It's your job to protect the people! Much more, the children and the elderly!"

Oh goddess, he was definitely upset about this matter.

Then, there was a deadly pause. A cold silence that even I got affected, sending chills down my spine.

"I want all of you except Beta Mason and Gamma Pearson out of here now!" My ex-mate roared really irritably.

I then step aside of the door, and was searching for a place to hide; just so the combatants don't see and report me to Nolan. With luck, I found another room.

Please don't be locked. I chanted in my head.

As I opened the door, thank the goddess, it wasn't locked. Even with the small space here, I hid in the small cleaning closet that I just recently discovered.

Peeking out of the small door lock, I saw a lot of pack warriors coming outside of his office, exiting in the direction of the north part of the hallway. I was not seen obviously, because currently, I was hiding in the south direction. Once that the sound of footsteps faded, I took a deep breath and went outside of the small closet. I made sure no one was there when I went out.

Seeing as no one was there, I neared his door again.

"They're so idiotic! I can't believe one of the kids got kidnapped! I'll never forgive myself if anything happens to him. Anyone but him."

I never thought I'd hear Nolan sound so unhappy.

You think I would get used to it by now, but honestly it's a no.

"You are not accountable to what had happened today. It's not you. It was the rogues that took him. Don't worry, Alpha, we will make sure to find him." I then heard Mason's encouraging voice.

That's right; comfort him more since he needs you.

"If anything happens to him, I swear to the goddess that I will kill all the pack warriors myself, using my bear hands." He was again, too hostile and angry at the situation itself.

"Or maybe strip them from their titles?" I heard Mason trying to light things up. But I guess it backfired when we heard a growl.

"Whatever. Look, we will try our best to find him. But first, we must strengthen, and tighten the security of the pack to avoid these things from happening again." Gamma Pearson's voice was cold and harsh but inwardly, I could not help but agree with him.

I sighed.

"Damn, he's always so heated." I mumbled under my breath. But then I covered my mouth when I realized what had just occurred.

Stupid Avalynn! You are stupid!

I am pretty sure they heard me and all but the only think I could think of was digging a 10 foot deep hole and bury myself in it.

I am fucked. The office seemed to grow silent for a few moments, confirming I was there listening to them, before I heard a chorus of footsteps coming my way.

The door opened in a harsh way and I see Nolan, giving me the cruelest glare there is.

I gulped.

It was not my plan to get caught prying.

"Haven't I told you before to stop eavesdropping on other people's conversations?" He seethes. I couldn't help but feel like there was a ball inside my mouth and that it gets complicated to talk every time.

"I apologize, Alpha. I can't help but be troubled because aren't we talking about the pack's welfare? Is everything alright?" I tried to sound natural and calm. But I did in fact; spoke the truth when I told him that I felt concerned about his and my pack's wellbeing.

I can't help it! I have always been like this!

"No. Everything is not fucking all right." Nolan said in a sarcastic, mocking way.

What's his problem?

"Stop acting like you care for my pack, okay? Stop even trying! You don't belong to this pack and you never will. You are not the Luna of it." He glowered at me one last time before sprinting out to the forest.

In shock, I just came to stare at the direction he went. I didn't think he would react like that. Nolan's outburst hurt me. As always. I know that I will never be the Luna of his pack but he should stop rubbing it in my face. I just wanted to help him.

Way to add salt to the wounds.

I sighed, tired of his ways. I just wanted to be there for him, even as a friend, but he just does not like me.

Mason suddenly stepped outside of his office, staring at the direction where Nolan went too.

"Mason, what is happening? I know it will sound dreadful but I need you to tell me what happened. Please." I besought, still muddled by what happened.

"I don't know if I should tell you this. Alpha Blackwell would kill me If I do so." He said guiltily, rubbing the base of his neck.

"Are you serious right now? I need to know what's happening! My wolf can't help but be unease and worried when it comes to this pack."

Damn it, I am acting like a Luna, even if I don't have the right to.

Mason just stayed quiet and looked at me weirdly. Frankly, I got tired of waiting for him to utter the answers so my wolf took over and threatened him.

"You better tell me what is happening or I'll cut your dick off with my claws." My wolf stated menacingly. She took quick control of my body and gave it back once he saw fear inside the Beta's eyes.

He gulped.

Gotcha. I knew it would work.

"Okay, okay! I will tell you!"

Mason started to look anxious, wiping the sweat of his palms away to his jeans.

"It's just in that one of the smaller kids was kidnapped. Do you know that little kid, Easton? Well, it was that child who was taken from the pack."

My eyes widened at his words.

Easton got kidnaped. The kid who I played with, the kid with no parents! What could they possibly want from a defenceless orphan?

I looked at him doubtingly.

"You can be scary you know?" He mumbled.

"I know." I said, not giving a crap about it. I gave Mason the medicine items that I was holding since earlier. Damn, I forgot all about that.

"Give this to, Emma, the pack doctor and help out, okay? We need your help there." He sighed and nodded.

I started walking away.

"Where are you going?" Mason called out.

I didn't look back at him and just replied with, "Doesn't matter. I have some important things to do. I'll talk to you later, Mase."

Afterwards, I immediately went and followed Nolan's woody scent. I knew that he could explain further more. Plus, I needed to see him since that Alpha just screams trouble. I'm trying to help him avoid trouble itself.

Tracking the sweet scent, the trail led me to one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.

I just couldn't believe my eyes! In this perplexing location, held tranquil and serene waterfalls. I never knew a beauty like this was hidden here in the middle of the forest! How come I've never seen this before? It was naturally beautiful and peaceful in its own way.

Then my eyes fixated to a moving thing. There, I saw a shirtless Nolan sitting on the earthy ground as he watched the crystal blue waters. His back was turned on me, as he was watching the beauty of nature around him. Nolan looked peaceful as the moon light shone upon him.

I know that he knows I'm here.

He caught the scent of mine the minute I set foot on this ground.

However, I did not even care about that. I do not give a damn if he does not want me here because all I could focus on is the things on his back.

Fuck it; I'd be lying if I said that I was not bothered.

There were massive scars behind his back; from short to long, from thin to thick and skin deep. The marks on his skin were numerous.

Who the hell did this to him?

I snapped out of it when I heard his voice.

"Get the fuck out of here." He hissed, not looking at me.

So he's back again with that sour attitude. His defiance and insolence was really getting under my skin.

"No." I stated stubbornly, striding against the soft soil just to get close to him. I felt like he needed someone right now. Just someone to talk to and someone to comfort him in time of need.

I heard him sigh sorrowfully.

"I heard that Easton got kidnapped." I start off, but was immediately cut off by his roaring.

"It's none of your business!" He scowled angrily.

I was taken aback from his loud outburst. He should really stop trying to convince himself that I don't care for his pack because we all know, in reality, I do! I do give a shit about him and his pack!

"It is! It is my goddamned business because he is my friend!" I started to get much more heated and irritated. I kept on telling him but he just does not listen to me!

Does he think that I do not care for the small kid that captured my heart? I like Easton a lot! He was like the little brother I never had.

"You are nothing to him. You hear me? Nothing..." He seethes, glaring at me with dagger eyes.

Then I fumed. "What the fuck is your problem, huh? What is your problem with me?"

I was raging and infuriated by his behaviour. Why can't he drop the cold act once and tell me what's going on? Well, now, I don't care; I was maddened with rage and frankly, I was in a roll right now.

So, I went on about it...

"Why are you acting like this? Why do you care so much for that boy? Tell me! Why are you so angry about that, when in fact, you are the most heartless person I know? You don't give a shit about anyone else so why does it matter when the little kid was taken?" I shouted indignantly at him.

In a snap, I could see that he was furious than ever. This moment was a sight to behold.

"You want to know why?" He strode closer to me.

"You want to?" He asks loudly, harshly seizing my shoulders to look at him.

I replied back with the yelling of words, "Of course I do! That's the whole damn point why we are arguing asshole!" I furiously exclaimed. Very stubborn, might I add.

I looked at him with angry, yet expectant eyes.

"Damn it, Easton is my fucking brother. That's why!"

What?

"There! Are you fucking happy now?"

My jaw had dropped open from his words. It took me a while to process his announcement. I was just too shocked to recover.

I never knew Nolan had a brother! Much less, it was the bubbly, jolly kid that I came to adore. I can't believe it! It is not impossible of course but I just cannot believe it! They have two different personalities! I don't know how Easton can be so cheerful and happy when Nolan himself was a sourpuss.

"Little b-brother?" I whispered, saying it more to myself so I could process and confirm it.

He sighed once more, slightly calming down, like fire turning to smoke.

"Yes. I do have a little brother. That is the reason why I am in a terrible mood right now. I am so angry because it was my fault why he had been kidnapped by the enemy."

He continued,

"And the reason why he is taken is because Benjamin detests me and desires a rotten revenge on my pack." He told me, sounding really heated and vindictive.

What did Benjamin ever do to him?

"I just don't want my little brother to suffer and go through all the pain that I went through when I was in the hands of the cruel monsters you call rogues."

I never thought I'd see the day where he would talk to me this much. He's admitting things to me already as of this very moment.

He looked slightly vulnerable and susceptible as he was trying hard not to break down. I regret calling him 'heartless' too since all he wanted to do was to protect his little brother from Benjamin. I just stood quiet trying to course what he confessed.

After a few moments of silence, he cleared his throat and straightened his back. I knew he was still unstable and was trying hard to act tough.

But then I remembered something. Wait a minute- the pain that he suffered from the hands of the enemy? He was kidnapped before too?

"I understand but, the scars on your back," my words came into a whisper.

"You were hurt by someone before." I concluded going behind him to trace his scars.

I see Nolan visibly flinch from my touch. "I know what you are going to say. You think it's sickening or repulsive, huh? Doesn't it make you fucking pity me?" Nolan spoke harshly, turning away from me.

"No, no! I don't think it's anything like that! I just think you are a strong person for enduring that kind of agony." I commented nonchalantly. Even with scars on his back, I still think he's wonderful and beautiful.

I actually like flaws. They make things much more interesting.

I went in front and move closer to him. Touching his face I said, "You are a strong, powerful Alpha. Despite hating you, I believe and have faith in you just so you know."

In reality, I do. He was very brave enduring that kind of sordid suffering.

Next thing that happened shocked me.

Nolan moved closer to me and I closed my eyes at the sensation. For the first time in my life, I get the chance to really feel him. I get the chance to be able to comfort and hearten him. It somehow makes me proud of myself that I was able to raise his spirits. I guess I finally did something right.

Somehow, he managed to get really close now.

Indeed, I could feel his minty breath fanning my face, whispering, "You are so beautiful."

My eyes opened widely when he said those words. It surprises me how Nolan thinks that I am beautiful.

Wow, now that's a first.

I could smell his calming scent protecting me.

Now, the next thing that happened was the most unpredicted part ever.

Nolan continued to gaze at my eyes then and I to his, when out of the blue, he unexpectedly crashed his lips onto mine.

It astounded me for he was the one to made the first move. I never expected this from him. All in all, my feelings were mixing and exploding; I felt very confused, dazed, and stunned.

As I recovered from my shock, I finally responded to the kiss with the same fervour and feeling. The passion and thirst that I felt was undeniably real. I had opened my mouth for entry so that he could slip his tongue and explore it. I just needed to get a better taste of him. More of him.

He pulled me even closer so that my body was pressed and melted onto his; excitement, it brought chills on my back. Somehow, despite all the shit happening right now, I felt very comfortable and relaxed with his body, like it was made for me.

I know, stupid me for thinking that. We are not meant for-

I suddenly made a yelping sound when he lifted me from the ground and moaned when he pinned me against the tree trunk; as a result, he was pressed up against me, besides, the action made me wrap my legs around him.

Damn it, I'd be lying if I said that I did not enjoy our kiss.

He was somewhat communicating with me through our kiss. He poured all of his emotions in it; the anger, the hurt, and frustration that he had bottled up in his system. I can tell how much hurt and agony he's going through right now.

With that said, I tried to comfort him through the kiss.

I swear to the moon that all can be felt during the intimate contact.

He opened up to me during that kiss and I felt it. I decided to give him everything I've got as well.

To say, this wasn't your soft, fairy tale kisses with light contact. This right here was rough, harsh, and dominating. Let's not forget the hot passion that sizzled in our veins. Despite the roughness of it, this was something I valued and liked a lot.

Our emotions clashed together like the sun meets the moon, and to say, I have never felt this way with anyone else before.

When he deepened the kiss, I moaned his name lightly.

He broke away, seemingly out of breath, and quickly moved on to my neck. He was kissing his way from the lobe of my ear to the base of my nape with his hot tongue. I gripped his hair tightly in my fists, tugging from our contact, and then suddenly, he stopped and gazed at me.

What the hell? I didn't want it to end.

As we made eye contact, I could see his striking eyes were glassy and were looking at me with so much intent. Emotion flashed through his eyes and it was something I could not comprehend. Both of us were panting and our breathing was certainly shallow. That kiss truly knocked the air out of us.

But I knew better than to look and assumed what this kiss meant.

I wanted it all but I don't think he could ever return it. He may have initiated the kiss but I could feel that he was hesitant about it and its effect. I knew that he feels guilty, kissing me and all.

"I'm sorry I did that. I got caught up in the moment I guess." He whispered against my lips. I don't know what to say for I was also caught up in the moment, basically with him as my main focus.

We weren't mates anymore, he made sure of that.

But there's something else between us.

Does he feel something for me? I am starting to question that... We can't feel each other like mates would but somehow, there's still some part of me that wants him.

Maybe I am unwise for thinking that he wants me. Maybe I am senseless for giving into that kiss. Though it filled me with wonder, I fear that no one will ever want me again.

A part of me remains and cares for him despite what he has done. No mate bond to prove it.

"I'm sorry too." I said as I detached my legs around him. I tried to stand but it had almost made me wobble. It's a good thing that he was there to support me. I felt embarrassed for he was the only one who could make me this weak.

I need to forget about this. Because it is never about us, Nolan and I. Our main priority is to bring back the young boy, Easton.

Yet, how?

How can I forget this when he just gave me the best kiss of my life?

I'll think of that later because as of now, we need to find Easton and get him to safety.

I spun around to face Nolan. He was just as quiet as before. Somehow, I felt that this will turn out awkward. I don't want to forget that kiss. I never want to, but as of now, I need to do so, until our problems are resolved. Maybe one day, we will talk about us privately. I might just ask him what is happening and where we stand.

Back to the situation, I fixated my gaze at him.

"I promise you that nothing will ever happen to Easton." I whispered to him. I was firm, determined to save him.

"How do you know that?" He asked. "For all we know, he could be tormented as of this very moment."

I sighed. Damn Nolan, way to look at the bright side. Note the sarcasm. He shouldn't be saying those things.

"I just know." I spoke. I won't let anything happen to him. Even my wolf agrees with me.

"I swear to the moon, I am going to protect and rescue him, or die trying."

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃
Don't forget to
Vote, Comment, and Share

L.E. 1.31.16 • 8:52 am