Hey Guys,

Here is another chapter 15 which is dedicated to @CatalinaJeoboam :)

Pic on the side is of>>>

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“If there's one thing I've discovered, it's that stifling yourself will only lead to more misery. [...] I polluted all other happiness because I was afraid to let myself create and change. You have to have courage. Real courage to explore, to fail, and to pick yourself back up again.”
― Siobhan Vivian, Same Difference

EVERETT P.O.V 

As soon as Templar stepped into our room, she turned and closed the door shut. Just when I thought things were getting back to normal, something like this happens.

She was fine today morning. I don't think she even remembered the small fight we had last night. I was pleased to see it but then the crazy guard....

My wolf snarled ferociously as Edward's face popped in my head. How dare that wolf accuse Templar of burning and writing such a threatening message on the board? Even if Goddess tells me I wouldn't believe it. Templar isn't capable of doing something so malicious. This must have been done by some rogue who had managed to get into my pack territory. But the main question is how did this rogue manage to get so far into the territory?

I shook my head and tried to concentrate on the important issue here, which is Templar. I wanted to take her somewhere away but when the temple is being attacked, I no longer think it's a good idea. It gives rogues an impression of come on. The pack might get attacked too and most importantly, I know Templar wouldn't agree to come with me. The pack has always been her first concern.

However, I didn't like watching her being sad and if we stay in the pack, she is going to be sad. Suddenly, an idea popped into my head. I knew what or in this case who could help Templar when she was dull like this.

I immediately connected with January through our mind link. “What?” the spitfire snapped and I growled threateningly.

“Can you come to the house to talk to Templar?”  I requested.

“Uh.... I'm in city” January replied quietly.

“When did you leave?” I asked furrowing my brows in confusion. No wonder she wasn’t there today morning.

“I left last night; I will return today evening. There was this important outdoor assignment and my ass-boss threatened to sack me if I missed.” I winced as I heard it because for a moment, I almost forgot January had a job.

“Is Terence with you?”                                           

“No. He returned after dropping me. He should be at home” She added quietly. “Why? What happened?” She asked fearfully. “Is Tem alright?”

“Chill. Templar is fine and she is... Taking rest” I hesitated to find the right word.

“Then?” Sighing, I narrated everything to her. “Has Edward gone insane? He had seen Templar fighting for the temple, for the pack and still... Something doesn't feel right” She added feebly.

“I think so too” I said quietly.

“I cannot believe Edward would intentionally blame Templar. What was he... Drunk?”

“I am sure he was” I muttered dully.

“Where is he now?”

“Prison”

“Good. I hope he comes to his senses soon.”

“Hmm”

“Also, I'm sure Ophelia didn't intentionally hurt Tem.”

“I know that too” I said rolling my eyes heavenwards. Ophelia would never say such things intentionally. She would never hurt anyone, especially Templar. But still, the moment Ophelia said those words; I saw how pale Templar turned. Her eyes which were bright with happiness, soon turned dull and lifeless.

“Whatever. Just take care of Tem. I'll be there as soon as I return. Also, when Terence wakes up, tell him to call me” January blocked me after giving me all the above instructions.

Letting out a frustrated growl, I went to kitchen to make breakfast.

Surprisingly, Templar came downstairs for breakfast. She even prepared breakfast for us but once we were done eating, she quietly returned to her room. She tried her best to behave everything was okay, however I knew nothing was okay. Nothing has been okay ever since Teresa's death.

Sighing, I decided to work.

An hour later, when I checked on Templar, I found her cleaning the closet. All our clothes were lying in reckless heaps.

“You don't have to do that” I said calmly.

“No... It's alright. I am free and this is better than sleeping the whole day” She said arranging her clothes in a row.

“We can watch a movie” I suggested. “Your Hugh Jackman movie” I added painfully through gritted teeth.

Templar smiled cutely and shook her head. “Since when did you become a Hugh Jackman fan?” she questioned narrowing her eyes.

“I am not his fan and I will never be any stupid actors fan” I retorted sharply and Templar shook her head.

“I'm not in the mood. Besides, you have work to do” she pointed out and I sighed.

“I can help” I said picking a t-shirt and folding it. Unfortunately for me, I couldn't do it neatly. Templar chuckled, took the shirt from me and folded it correctly. “I can learn” I said defensively when she threw me a pointed look.

“Not in this life” she muttered under her breath and I scowled at her. “No” Templar shouted when I was about to pick another shirt. “You want to help? You stay away from the closet” she said literally shoving me out. When she noticed that I was about to protest, she slid the closet door shut on my face.

I smiled and shook my head.

Typical Templar!

“What should I order for lunch?” I asked her from the other side.

“Nothing. I'll cook after I'm done with this” she replied from the other side.

“Okie” I said and went downstairs to my office with a smile on my face.

My wolf sighed peacefully when he saw that his mate wasn't tensed about what happened this morning.

Around eleven in the morning, I was sketching an interior of a theatre for my client. Since, I completed my course, I got my licence and now I had my own office in the city. Terence and Egan basically manage the Green's business, while I am happy working on a job I love.

While I was sketching a door opening of one floor, my cellphone started ringing. Without checking the caller name, I answered.

“Rett” Egan said gravely and I stiffened fully aware that I was about to receive some bad news.

“Yes”

“Teresa's death.... It wasn't an accident. The car break was failed… more like someone intentionally cut it” I closed my eyes and pinched the bridge of my nose.  “Rett?” Egan called worriedly.

“I'm here. Just don't know how to break the news to Templar” I said honestly.

“They even missed the funeral” Egan pointed out and I flinched because I didn't tell them about Allan's death. Especially, that I killed him.

“I'll tell them, but not now. The time is… just not right” I said miserably.

“I can understand that” Egan whispered and I let out a breath, but my wolf started pacing wondering how Templar will react to the news. “You had to stop Allan and that was the only way. I'm sure Terence and his sisters will understand that. The pack already lost two she-wolves because of him” Egan said and I furrowed my brows.

“Two she-wolves?” I questioned in shock.

“Yes. Nikki passed away last week” he replied sadly.

Bad news after bad news. I wondered why this is happening to us. Holy goddess, give us enough strength and courage to overcome this grief, I prayed quietly in my mind.

“How is her family coping?”

“They are inconsolable” Egan answered truthfully.

Clearing my throat, I asked him to call for any help. I was about to cut the call when Egan called me.

“There's just one more thing I have to tell you” he said hastily.

“Go on” I encouraged and braced myself for the next bad news.

“Actually two more thing. One- I am going to send the footage of Teresa’s car parked in front of the market. Tell me if you can recognize the guy who cut the breaks. Two- Nicolaides confessed” He said and I let out a threatening growl. “His family was kidnapped by someone named Klaus. I already asked Sam to find out who he is. Have you heard about this guy?”

“He is a rogue” I hissed. “Probably dead by now” I added breaking the pencil I was holding into two.

“I'll find out whether he is dead or not” Egan said and I muttered a thanks. After that Egan cut the call and I called Keith and Cam through the link and asked them to summon to my office ASAP.

Five minutes later, both were sitting in the chair opposite my desk. I quickly updated them with the new found information. Both growled and muttered few threats, at the rogues after they heard everything.

“I suppose I already told you that it wasn't Glen's father, but his uncle who is dead” Keith said and I nodded with a growl.

“Their names” I demanded.

“Simon Ryker and Drew Ryker.”

“I don't know if this news will be helpful or not... But Drew died in the same week during which Templar left the pack” Cam said and I furrowed my brows. I honestly didn't know if the news is important or not.

“How did he die?” I asked Keith.

“Not exactly sure... but there are rumors that it's a suicide” Keith replied and I inhaled sharply.

“Where was he living?”

“With Simon Ryker ”

“There must be some connection with his death and Templar leaving the pack” Cam said, out loud, exactly what I was thinking.

I drummed my fingers on the table wondering what the connection is. I just couldn't understand what it was. Maybe he committed suicide because of some personal problems or maybe... Maybe someone forced him to kill himself.

“What is it?” Keith demanded when he saw my frown.

“Nothing” I muttered shaking my head. “Anyone else?” I probed. I wanted to kill everyone who were associated with them.

“Another uncle from mother's side of family. Name- Randall J Hecker.”

“This uncle isn't cursed right?” Cam asked Keith.

“No. He isn't. He is not a Ryker.”

“Where is he living?”

“He lives on the outskirts of BlackRaven.”

“We didn't pass through their territory but still call, and ask Grant to find if Randall still lives there or not.”

“You think he is involved?” Cam queried cocking an eyebrow.

“Right now, I am not prepared to give anyone the benefit of doubt” I stated honestly. “Do you have a picture of all these people?”

“Not yet” Keith replied and I bobbed my head.

“Anything else?”

They replied with a negative and took their leave.

An hour later, when the aroma of chicken hit my nose, I stopped sketching and went to kitchen. There, Templar was making chicken noodle soup. My wolf stuck his tongue because the smell of hot, boiled chicken was very strong here.

“Smells good...” I commented and Templar squeaked.

“You scared me” she said placing a hand on her heart.

Raising my hands, I took a step back and looked at Templar who turned off the heat.

“Why were Cam and Keith here?” She questioned as she transferred the chicken to a plate.

“They had some information about a group of rogues” I answered carefully. I didn't want to tell Templar about the surviving Ryker clan... Yet. I will not tell her at least until I'm sure she is mentally prepared to hear these news, which includes the truth about her foster parents death.

“Which group?” She questioned and smacked my hand will the hot slotted spoon when I was about to take a bite of chicken. “Oh my God!” Templar squeaked again, “I'm so sorry” she whimpered and catching my other hand she dragged me towards the sink.

“Baby it's alright” I told her as the cold water from the tap eased the pain.

“I didn't mean to... Atleast not with a hot spoon” she mumbled guiltily. “I'm really sorry” she said pinching her lips together.

Leaning forward, I pecked her puckered lips. Templar blinked startled, leant backwards and flashing me a bright grin, she crashed her lips against mine. Wrapping an arm around her waist, I hauled her closer and eagerly kissed her back.

I missed this.

My tongue stroked against hers and my wolf growled in satisfaction as Templar moaned into my mouth. Lifting her, I placed her on the counter and slid my fingers under her top while Templar griped a fistful of my hair. My wolf raised his horny head as I traced my fingers on her soft, creamy skin.

As we pulled apart to breathe normally, I rested my forehead against Templar's. “We can?” I asked breathing heavily. Templar shook her head as a reply and I groaned loudly, to which she started giggling. The sound made me happy and I smiled tracing my thumb on her cheek. “We should stop now” I said helping Templar settle on her feet.

Guess tonight she will not ask me to sleep in a different room.

Planting a brief kiss on my cheek, Templar went back to chopping the chicken into small cubes.

“Need some help?” I asked her.

“You want to help?” Templar queried without looking at me.

“Yes”

“Then go and sit there” she said pointing her knife at a stool beside the counter.

After playfully squeezing her waist, I marched towards my office.

That evening, I went to talk to Terence about Teresa’s death. I couldn’t keep it with myself anymore. Not telling the truth to Templar was torturous and I knew she would be livid when she comes to know that I lied. However I didn’t want Terence joining her too.

Keeping the truth from my friend seemed like I am not just digging a grave for myself but also filling it with snakes.

Taking a deep breath, I used the knocker. I was glad that the spitfire wasn’t home because I really didn’t want her commenting in the background.

“What’s up?” Terence asked when he saw me.

“Enough” I growled murderously and Terence stepped back. He had already punched me twice but I am not going to take anymore. My wolf seriously didn’t appreciate it.

“I can’t believe you lied. I was trying to contact Allan all these days and… and that fucker Sam told me he was hospitalized when in reality, YOU killed him” Terence snarled glaring at me.

“I had to do it alright” I shouted furiously. “Because of Allan two innocent girls are dead. He lost control and attacked others and two of them are dead” I said and Terence blinked.

 “Who?” he asked in a whisper. “Who were they?”

“Rose and Nikki” Terence gulped and closed his eyes. He slumped on the couch and caught his head with his hands. Sitting opposite him, I told him what exactly happened. “I am sorry… but I had no choice. He wasn’t surrendering” I said guiltily.

“I guess I can understand that….” Terence gulped, “But… but he was still a father figure” Terence mumbled still staring at the floor.

Standing up, I took a deep breath and said, “Your sisters don’t know.” Terence looked up and nodded. “I am sorry” I said honestly before marching towards the door.

“Wait” Terence called and I turned to face him. “Give this to Templar” he said handing two magazines. “Few pictures clicked by January are printed in there” he said when he saw my confused look.

Templar likes appreciating her best-friends work.

“Also, don’t blame yourself” Terence whispered and I nodded with a small smile.

The sun was already set when I was driving home and the sky was a shade of purple. The stars illuminated in the sky and the moon… the waning moon outshone itself in the sky. Yet, the bright moon didn’t provide enough light in this darkness.

It somewhat represented everything that was happening in and around the pack. Why? Why so much darkness? Why all this misery around? Why are innocents suffering?

Why Templar? Why the pack? Why Nikki and Rose’s family? Why Terence? Why me?

Who was feeding on this misery?

As I drove past the pack Temple, I noticed that not only the temple door was clean, but also the security was pretty tight.

When I didn’t find Templar at home, my first thought was that she had gone to beach. I smiled in relief because whenever Templar goes for a swim she will be in a better mood. The ocean water just triggers something powerful inside her that makes her a positive vibe of energy.

It will be helpful not only to her but also to the whole pack.

Since Templar was gray in the past few days, the mood was reflected in the pack too. However, when she will be happy… the pack will be jubilant.

When I went to the shore, I did find Templar but I was knocked for six, when I saw where she was and what she was doing.

My Templar was standing on the shore with her arms spread wide on her either side. She had her eyes closed and she was raising the waves higher and higher. There was a group of young pack wolves, who I assume had come for a swim, but were now drowning because they couldn’t bear the current of the water.

They were screaming for help and also begging Templar to stop but she couldn’t hear it.

“Templar” I roared and rushed towards her with inhumane speed.

With all my might, I collided against her and she fell on the ground on her side with me upon her.  Quickly rolling on my side, I looked at the boys and sighed in relief when I saw that they were okay. Suddenly some wolves, who I suppose the boys called, rushed to their rescue.

I turned to face Templar who was staring at the young boys in horror… anger?

“Are you alright?” I asked cupping her face with my hands.

She gulped and nodded. “I didn’t know… I didn’t know they were there. I… I never know who will be around me.”

“Shush” I placed my index finger on her lips to silence her. “It’s okay… they are alright” I said and then looked at the boys. Getting up, I marched towards a boy who was sitting on the shore and breathing heavily.

“Are you alright?” I questioned and he nodded. “Are all your friends here?” I asked in a whisper and heaved a sigh when he nodded once again. Suddenly a woman rushed towards the boy and engulfed him in a tight hug. “Oh my baby” she sobbed hugging him.

I turned to look at three other boys who were all hugging their family. When I looked at Templar, I found her glaring at the beach and clutching a fistful of sand. She seemed angry… at whom, I didn’t know.

“What happened?” one lady asked her son.

“We were swimming and the Alpha… the Luna came and…” he stopped talking and looked at someone behind my shoulder. When I followed his gaze, I found him staring at Templar who was still directing her glare towards the ocean. The boy gulped and lowered his head, “The Luna… she came and… she d-didn’t see us. She was controlling the water and we… we screamed for her to stop… but she” he gulped once again and then stuttered, “but she… cou-couldn’t see or… or hear u-us” in a low voice.

“Thank Goddess you are safe” a girl cried hugging her brother.

“Go home. Take rest” I told the boys after some time. They nodded and walked towards their home along with their family.

Scratching my forehead, I walked back to Templar who looked shaken. “Are all safe?” she asked through gritted teeth without looking at me.

“Yes”

She closed her eyes and swallowed audibly.

“What were you doing?” I demanded.

“I just… I wanted to connect with the… the goddess and I didn’t… I didn’t know… those little wolves were swimming in the ocean. I… I didn’t see them, I will not be aware of my surroundings… urgh” she screamed and ran a finger on her hair. “I want to go home… away from this… this ocean” she spat standing up.

“Templar” I called her name but she shook her head.

“I… I cannot help my own pack… I feel useless” she said. “I just… I just wanted my… my mother” she said in a low voice. Enclosing my fingers around her arm, I pulled her towards me such that her cheek was pressed against my chest.

“Home” she whispered quickly pulling away and I nodded with furrowed brows.

I am sure Templar wanted help from her mother for everything going on around here. But I think since her wolf isn’t responsive, it must have been difficult for her to connect with the goddess.

Just one more week and then Templar will be able to shift into her wolf. Jonathan had said so.

I just hoped we could survive this one week peacefully.

@)%!#!^!!* P.O.V

Guards huh?

So they kept guards to protect their precious temple?

Hmm… let it be so after all, this arrangement will not last long. Just nine more days.

Each day feels like a year to me but like Randall said, I have to be patient.

I have to take each step very carefully because I didn’t want the white wolf waking up… ever. Her slumber is precious to my subsistence. I smirked as I thought about the white wolf. She is already losing it and she is not even aware of the truth.

Let her keep on waiting for her wolf to arrive but her wolf will never arrive. In fact each passing day, her wolf is dying slowly and the best part…. She isn’t aware of this.

Standing very far away from the temple, I watched the guards. Rage filled inside me as I saw how vigilant they were. It isn’t possible to fool so many wolves.

Last night, it was quite easy but tonight, I need some new plan. I closed my eyes and grinned merrily as I thought about last night.

Stupid mutt!

Did he really think anyone would believe him when he blames the white wolf? Did he really think his pack members are going to fall for that?

The guard blindly followed my instructions and it made everyone in the pack lose trust on him. That is what I wanted. That is what Randall wants.

After last night, my confidence has increased and I knew I could easily face these pack wolves.

The guard was keen to impress his pack members instead; he ended up in the prison cell.

That is where he deserves to be. In fact that is where this entire back deserves to be. They should rot in dungeon. Suffer there until they learn to survive in the darkness.

Learn what darkness teaches us. It teaches us to fight our fear, it teaches us to be brave, it teaches us to trust our own instinct, and it makes us independent.

We no longer have to follow a leader. No bloody Alpha.

When my cellphone vibrated in my chest, I answered the call.

“Did you do the work?” Randall demanded to know and I stiffened.

“There are many guards here”

“And that’s a problem for you?” he asked through gritted teeth.

“No” I whispered painfully staring at the guards. They are not a problem for today’s work.

“You had a year’s training and yet you behave like a coward every time” Randall growled from the other side and I winced. “I should have selected someone better for the job” he spat.

“It is difficult fooling all these mutts” I said through gritted teeth.

“Shut up” Randall snarled. “How dare you raise your voice against me? Never forget that I can book your ticket to hell any moment.”

But you will not. At least not until the eclipse and after eclipse… I will not let you harm me. I will make you suffer Randall Hecker.

I kept my mouth shut because arguing with that cunning wolf right now would be a waste of time.

“Now do as you are told” he snapped and cut the call. I glared at the phone and resisted the urge to throw it away.

I am sure after the eclipse Randall would try to be our leader but I will not let him. I will not let him be our leader. He might be shrewd but he is pretty useless when it comes to a physical fight. If he bullies me after the fight, then I am going to challenge him for a fight. During that fight, I am going to separate his head from his body.

The first thing I did was drop the so called proof of who could be a possible suspect for tomorrow. When these mutts go searching for any clue, this will help them and soon they will suspect the person, I want them to suspect.

Then I picked up my bow and arrow.

After settling the arrow on the bow string, I closed my eyes. Taking a deep breath, I opened my eyes and looked at the Goddess’s statue.

The temple door was wide open and that was a positive sign. This idea was planned because I couldn’t enter the temple.

I was standing at least two hundred yards away from the temple, yet I knew my arrow would hit its target. Blinking once, I released the arrow from the string. I was pretty sure it hit the target because I was accurate. Quickly packing my stuff, I ran away from there.

“What the hell was that?” I heard a wolf screaming before I was out of hearing range.

These wolves will keep wondering what is happening to their precious pack and why the white wolf isn’t protecting them but they don’t know that the white wolf herself needs protection from… me.

As for Randall, I will take care of that dog after I am done with the other mutts. Until then, I need him just as much as he needs me.

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I hope you all liked it :)

The mystery person will be revealed before chapter 18.

ALSO, THE PROLOGUE OF THE SHREWD WOLVES WILL BE OUT ON NOVEMBER 3RD :D woohoo!

Show some love by voting and commenting :) Next update on Nov 4th

Thanks :D