A U T H O R' S   N O T E

Hey everyone! What's up? I apologize for not updating as fast as I could. My busy life gets in the way. I'm pretty sure you guys can understand so, please don't hate me. I hope you guys enjoy this chapter though.

Note: Please don't give up on this book. I swear, you must stick to it because it will be worth it in the end. Plus, I might make a few changes so bye.

Like for example, Nolan and Avalynn's story isn't over! I plan to make this story awesome with of course unexpectedly expected twists. *Evil laugh*

Don't forget to check out my other stories and books.

xoxo
-Hannah

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❝Sometimes you need to sacrifice something that matters to you to offer something that matters more to someone else.❞
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Chapter 20
Avalynn Johnson

     I gasped as my legs weakened from using my energy. It was the last bit of power I had for running away but as I fell down, I realized that I was getting closer to the territory. How? I could smell Nolan, Mason, my father, and my brother's scent. They were so near me already. Yet, I knew there was still distance.

'We are almost there. Let's push through this.' I told my wolf. So close, yet still far anyway. With that, she and I pushed a little harder till I was back on my feet running again.

From a distance, I see the area. There were rogues trying to fight against our men. I try to spot Nolan to see that he was in front of a man. It was probably Benjamin. I couldn't see them that much though, because Benjamin was facing the other direction.

The two looked to be in a heated conversation but as I approached a bit, I could see Nolan's expression change. What's going on with them? I was really confused.

As much as I wanted to hear their conversation, I can't, even with werewolf hearing because they were still too far from me. Plus, the sounds of growls and flesh tearing was heard and popular right now. Nolan's expression changed from determination to anger. It looked like he was out for blood.

Benjamin's blood to be precise.

I watch as Nolan shifted and attacked Benjamin. Striking him head first with his claws. He looks like a fallen angel waiting to serve and save us all. Though, with Nolan taking the lead, Benjamin also strikes back with a fierce paw, not forgetting to make himself more powerful.

The two men brawled and fought like warriors, generals leading an army.

I then heard a growling sound behind me.

'Oh no.' I thought.

I spun around to face a giant rabid enemy. He was twice the size of the wolves that fought me a while ago. Must be the Beta of the enemy pack. Growling, he circled me in wolf form. Information noted- he has spotted me. Now, I know why there is no place for a girl in the warzone.

I tried to shift, forcing my body to morph into my wild animal, but I can't. I tried but nothing happened.

'Please help me shift, we might die if we don't.' I begged my wolf.

'I'm sorry. I'm too tired, and I can't shift because of the silver in my system. Just know that I won't leave you. I promise.' She reassured me. I guess I'm on my own. Turning to the wolf, I raised my hand, motioning to come at me. The beast growls, and like a bull, he runs to me- full speed.

My eyes widened at how savage it was looking, but I can't be affraid now. Not when everybody is at the midst of this horrid war. I narrowed my eyes and leaped through the air. As I matched his spring in the air, my boots collided with his face. I heard a cracking sound and it gave me shivers.

The wolf, feeling the impact, whimpered much louder but then snarled as if offended. Then I realized, the action must have angered him more. He comes at me again, preparing for another strike, while I climb onto a tree hoping it would give me safety. But I was wrong. With it's size, it was determined to knock me down. When he hit the tree with full force, the tree fell on the soil with a loud 'tud' whilst I was thrown in the other direction.

As I landed, the impact actually hurt me, but still, here I am breathing. It took me a few breaths to recover myself from the dizziness, but now, I was cornered. The ugly wolf, approached me looking like the terror himself.

Think, Ava, think!

Beside me, I saw a medium-sized branch that fell from the tree. I grabbed it and scrambled my way unto my feet again. For the last time, it leaped at me again and I, with all my might, jumped (with the help of my wolf), and sat on his back. The rogue moved and moved like a bull going psycho. And I, doing my part, I gripped the branch to choke him. Pulling much tighter, I watch as he struggles to breathe.

When the rogue weakened, I pulled the branch tigher than the first and heard as his neck snapped.

I sighed in relief.

'Thanks for the help, wolfy' I told my wolf.

Then, I looked back at the two most powerful men present, they were still fighting agressively. Though, Benjamin made a good comeback from Nolan's claws by biting his side. I watch as Nolan howled in pain. I can't take it anymore. I needed to get to them.

As much as I would like to see Nolan kill him, I needed to see if he was okay.

I ran to them as quickly as I could.

They looked like they're about to kill each other brutally. Yet, when I approached, the two seemed to tense. I guess they smelt my scent. But the question was, why was Nolan even surprised? They both turned to me with shocked features. This was the first time I saw Benjamin Holloway.

I perceived as both men shifted to their human forms. I didn't care about their nudity anymore, it wasn't an issue, especially when Nolan approached me.

Though, behind Nolan, was a furious and murderous looking, Benjamin. It was the first time that I could properly observe him. He looked like he was angry at the world before him. Seething, he looked like a troubled person with a dark past.

I'd be lying if I said that he was ugly too. He was way too handsome for his own good. Devilish features and great charm. Too bad he was a villain or else he would have had lots of girls before him. Including me.

'Stop it!' my wolf snarls at me.

I cursed myself. She's right. I should have known that villains always come in pretty faces. If their charm matched their looks, they're not only dangerous but irresistable.

'How-" Benjamin stutters, but Nolan was reacted.

"Avalynn!" A naked Nolan ran to me. I tried not to let my eyes wander. "What are you doing here? It's too dangerous!" He exclaims all at once.

I looked at Nolan saying, "I am fine, don't act like you care." I hissed at him. He sounded concerened but I can't give in and fall for that because he'll just reject and push me away. His face fell but I continued, "Anyway, the pack is fine." I told him nonchalantly. No more questions asked.

I fixated my eyes at Banjamin and caught his gaze. Narrowing my eyes, I spoke, "And you," I then smirked, "Looks like your plan failed, you stupid mutt." I guess my words made him livid.

"I mean come on, there were two packs that went hand-in-hand to defeat your ass!" His rogues were weakened further by the time I went here.

He glared and then snarled at me. "You think you've won, huh?" He takes a few steps closer to me whilst Nolan stood in front of me, growling, in a protective stance.

'Wow, he is protecting us?' I said to my wolf in disbelief. She on the other hand, felt really giddy inside. I couldn't help the bubbling feeling as well. I curse my wolf for it isn't the appropriate time to feel this kind of excitement.

Back to reality, Benjamin looked to be more livid and his body seemed to shake, "You're wrong!" He bursted in anger. "Bring out the child!"

Once he released those words, Nolan tensed visibly in front of me. Easton.

Giving us a smuggish smirk of his own, he spoke, "I guess this is the start of hell for you, old friend."

He steps back to approach a scared little Easton. Grabbing his chin, he says, "Look at those adorable eyes. I remember my younger brother, Matthew, he was always my closest bud," His grip on Easton's jaw, tighthened. "Until he betrayed me after I had informed him of my plans. He told the council after all."

I watch as the little boy winced and struggled to get out of his grip. People were gathering us by now.

"Family does have the greatest impact on you. They can be the ones to mend you or break you the most." He says looking at a distance. He looked to be in a gloomy moment. Then he fixated his gaze on Easton's blue eyes. "The saddest thing about betrayal is that they never come from your enemies. Truly, nothing hurts than being disappointed at the people you thought you could count the most." He whispers and says more to himself than out loud.

Snapping himself back to reality, he spoke. "But I don't give a damn anymore. I'm over it now."

He then steps back to approach us. "So, let's make a little trade, okay? Who's it going to be? Your mate or your brother? Choose now or I will kill both of them. I promise, I would make it ten times more painful than what I had in mind." Benjamin says in a threatening, yet mocking manner.

I watch as the man holding Easton, gripped him much tighter causing him to struggle. Poor kid.

Nolan on the other hand seemed to be stressed out. He looked physically drained and exhausted. I guess this happens when there are a lot of shit happening around.

"I- I can't!" Nolan exclaims exasperatedly. He looked like he was to break down in front. This must be a painful experience for him. I know his wolf cares for us as a pack member and wolf yet he cares for his baby brother too so as expected, Nolan is having a hard time choosing.

Benjamin then booms out a laugh. "This is what I had expected from you. It's pleasing to see one of the world's fearless Alphas, here, broken, and struggling to make a choice."

Everybody was looking at us by now, including Benjamin's men.

"You call yourself an Alpha? You are pathetic. A disgrace to your position."

"Again, who's it going to be? Her blood or the child's?" Benjamin bellowed. Nolan looked extremely exhausted. But me, I am so tired of this shit. I have had enough. I did something I never thought I'd do.

I pushed Nolan out of my way and exclaimed, "Please, stop this. Take me! Take me in exchange for Easton's place!" I turned to Nolan who was now looking at me with surprised eyes. "No!" I heard my brother scream but I ignored it. This is not about him.

"I made a promise, right? I intend to keep it." I smiled sheepishly at Nolan. Plus, I'm a big girl already. This might be the last time I'd do that.

This time, I walked over to Benjamin, his men made way for me. I turned to face him with determined features, "Please, let go of the kid. He did nothing wrong to you. Just take me instead."

He then gave me a sadistic smile. "I like the sound of that." Nodding his head, he turned to his men, "Release the child now!"

With his order, the man who held Easton released and pushed him to the pack warriors. Falling, he was caught by our pack members.

Once he was secure and safe, Benjamin pulled me to him. My back collided with his chest as he held me in place. He then brought his mouth beside my ear. "How does it feel like to be replaced, huh? Does it hurt you that your mate didn't even try to fight for you?"

My wolf whimpered

"Ex-mate goddamn it!" I said bitterly. Why does everyone get it wrong? He said nothing but pull my hair.

"Whatever, at least you now know how I felt when my mate decided to leave me for your pathetic "ex"- mate."

What? With the given information, what I found out was devastating to my wolf. Even if we weren't mates anymore, it did hurt a lot. What happened to them?

"At least, I had a mate who didn't play me like she did to you." I struggled to breathe out as he held me tight by my throat.

He then growls beside my ear, "Don't worry that pretty head of yours, I'm going to mark you and make you mine. As my mate. You are going to be a loyal bitch to me or I will kill everyone you love."

Way to be blunt asshole.

"Do not touch her!" Nolan exclaimed angrily.

"Why not? As far as I'm concerned, she is unmated and the fact that you never even acknowledge her until now gives you no right to tell me what to do." I knew Benjamin was trying to provoke Nolan's wolf when he said, "Plus, with this slender neck and beautiful body offered, how could I not? You are one lucky bastard though. Too bad you never had the chance to tap this beauty."

I cringed at his choice of words. Honestly, my skin crawled at the sight of this guy. Much less be near him, feeling his touch.

Nolan growled at his words and it looked as if his wolf was taking over. I was flattered that he was concerned for me but it was probably his wolf that forced him to do this. I felt Benjamin's canines extended. I felt them graze my neck.

'No, please no.' I chanted in my head. I was anticipating the piercing of my flesh but someone interrupted.

"Wait!" A new voice was heard. "Don't do this, Benj." Benjamin spun around holding me to see who it was. We all turned our heads to the direction of the mysterious voice.

There stood Alpha Holloway.

His brother of course.

"Matthew? What are you doing here?" Benjamin says in disbelief. His grip seemed to lessen so I could now breathe normally. He was cutting my air pipe a while ago.

Alpha Holloway looked really miserable and melancholic. "Please, brother. If you give this fight up, we can go home. I promise to help you recover and get back to your feet." He stated with a voice filled with conviction. It sounded promising to my ears.

"There's nothing wrong with me! And Home?" He whispers the last part.

"Yes, Benj. Home. Like the old times man." I could tell that they were both reminiscing their a while back.

"I-I, no! I will not. I have no home now and no place for that in my heart." Benjamin tries to sound angry but you can tell for a fact that he was missing it.

"Leave now, Matthew. This is not your fight." He looks at Matthew heatedly. "My battle is with them, not you."

"Yes, but you're my brother. Do you really wish to go against me?" Matthew asks in disbelief.

"No, now leave!" He bellowed.

"Never! I will stand by them, brother. Can't you see that what you are doing is wrong? Your actions will cause nothing but problems!"

"Maybe that's what I want! If you are on their side then so be it. I'm done with you, Matthew. You are not my brother anymore." Matthew looked pained to hear those words. "So do you, brother. You've changed as well. If a fight is what you want, a fight is what you get." He whispers.

Benjamin ignored him and then looked at me. "Now where are we? Ah, yes- it's time to mark you."

I looked away from Nolan and Benjamin, this is just hard on me. Did I make the right decision to sacrifice myself? I curse for I should have not thought of that. If only I could shift to my wolf, I would have ripped his head off. I then fixated my gaze on the blue sky, hoping the moon goddess would hear me and end this all.

Godess, help me please.

Benjamin then grabbed my chin and made me face Nolan.

"Don't look away from him, I want him to watch you as the sparkling light leaves your eyes." Nolan looked pained. I guess he does care for me as a pack member. I could feel his canines graze my neck again. But this time, he put more pressure and it was now much more felt, defined.

I felt tears run down my face but still, I will be strong and face this. I do hope Nolan's proud of me. As we locked eyes, he gave me a sad smile. And I did to him as well. At least the last image I will have before I get taken away is Nolan's smile. We are not mates anymore but I really do feel something for him. I guess, what I am trying to say is that he got under my skin. I will miss his arrogant little self.

'This is it, Avalynn, we're going to be marked by someone else. But if I don't survive the marking, please take care.' My inner wolf whimpered in sadness. She achieved in making me cry right now.

No! This can't end like this.

There must be a way!

Think, Ava, think!

Suddenly, I remembered something.

The bloody knife!

It was my only hope. I need to reach it!

As he was about to bite, I stretched out my arm to grasp the blade from my boots. Once I got it, I knew he felt my movement so I immediately struck the silver dagger down his left side. Though, It was too late. It was at the same moment where his teeth pierced through my neck.

We both attacked each other at the same fucking time.

"No! Avalynn!" I heard someone shout.

Benjamin and I screamed in agony as our painful experiences were tearing us apart. I pushed down the blade harder which made us break free from each other's hold.

I felt myself weaken as I hit the floor. I am tired and exhausted, and the impact added the effect to make my vision blurry. I groaned, as someone approached me, shaking me.

Though, there is one thing that I felt, pain. The burning agony enforced on my neck was too much. My body was trying to reject the mark but it was weakening me further. Plus, it didn't help that I was stabbed with silver earlier.

I don't think I can make it anymore. I knew if you were marked by another wolf who isn't your mate, you can die on the spot. It's up to you if you wish to accept or reject it. But as we all know, my body was rejecting it, so I guess it's going to kill me.

I felt someone was beside me, comforting me, yet I can't tell who it was anymore for I can't see nor hear; the darkness was clouding my mind and the black spots appeared. It was unstoppable.

Moon goddess please, save me. I need you right now.

I can't take it anymore. I felt numb, soon, I felt myself falling into a black hole. It was a slow motion feeling that I never wanted to experience. I then heard, "Avalynn! Don't close your eyes on me!" But who was that? Before I could process it, I felt all the energy I have, leave my body.

I'm drained; physically, mentally, emotionally. No strength, no power, the weakness to my endurance.

My eye lids were l droopy and simple breathing was now a difficult challenge for me. I knew that my mind was half gone but I felt it. I felt someone pick me up in their strong arms. The warm, soothing scent of this person wraps around me like a blanket. With one last thought, I took a deep breath and finally closed my eyes.

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L.E. 3.8.16 • 9:28 pm