-Athena-

''Again!!''

''What? Come on we've been at this since 05:00 in the morning, Theo. Look, even the sun has risen, the birds are chirping, even the pack members are beginning to wake up,'' I complain as I get up and rub my bruised behind.

As agreed last night, Theo and I are currently training. More like him training me and me landing on my butt for the most part of it. I did manage to hold my own a few times but he easily overpowered me.

''Again, love. We still have one more hour to train.''

''Ughh, fine,'' I wipe the sweat off my brow, relax my shoulders and focus my gaze on my mate, who is standing on the other end of the field.

''On the count of three, you come at me,'' He shouts.

''Oh you bet I will,'' I smirk as thirsty invades my senses again. Seeing Theo shirtless, his muscles rippling at every step he takes, makes me and my wolf want to jump his bones. ''Arghh, shut up!'' I scold myself and wipe the sweat off my forehead again. Boy, am I sweating today. ''Think of something else, think of Ethan, mom, no Charles. Charles in heels. Yes. In heels and a flashy pink jacket.''

''Athena, I said three! What are you doing? And why is your face scrunched up like that?''

''Huh, oh sorry,'' I blink. ''Sorry. 3...2...1...'' I count and run forward. Theo meets me halfway. I immediately ready a kick but he senses it coming. So I changed it in the last second to a punch and hit him square in the ribs.

''Ufff,'' he clutches his hurt side and staggers backwards. Before he could get his bearings right, I throw in another punch and finish it off with a kick. He falls down to the ground, clutching on to his hurt rib.

''Theo are you okay?'' I hover over his form checking to see if his not badly hurt. Suddenly his arm shoots out and I'm pulled down.

''Ahhh,'' I squeal as I land onto his firm, hard chest. ''Are you crazy?''

''Only for you, love,'' he pushes my hair back. ''That was great, a few more days of training and you'll be back in form.''

''You think?'' I bite my lip nervously.

''I know,'' he rubs his finger on it and sniffs the air.

We stay like that for about ten more minutes, me on top of him, him looking into my eyes, when I feel a stirring sensation in my head. Like someone's trying to speak to me. Theo cocks his head slightly and looks at me. Seems like the same someone is trying to mind link him too.

''Where are you both?'' Charles' voice rings in my head.

''We're down the hill, training.'' I reply.

''Come on up. There is something I need to speak to Theo about.''

''We're on our way.'' Theo replies this time then closes the link.

''Well love, I guess we're done for now.''

''Yeah,'' I push myself off of him. ''He sounded pretty serious, I hope everything's okay.''

''Guess will find out soon. Shift?''

''Yeah, it'll be faster.''

I quickly undress and call my wolf forward. On my right Theo does the same. Picking up the bundle of clothes in our mouths the both of us run up the narrow path to the tree with the hollow. Under any other circumstances we would have played around for a while, but this was not normal. I mean, when is Charles ever serious? Something is wrong. But what did he mean when he said he wants to speak to Theo only? If it concerns the pack, I should be involved too. Anyway, guess we'll know when we get home.

As soon as we get to the tree, the both of us shift back. If it were not for the rush to see Charles, I would have taken my time and ogled Theo shamelessly. Oh well, there is always a next time.

I could sense Charles' presence in the house before we even got to it. Throwing Theo, a worried look, I push open the door to the house and walk in, him following closely.

''What is it Charles?'' He demands.

''We have a problem at the office here in Vancouver.'' He replies solemnly.

Oh, so that's why he asked for Theo specifically, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't stick around to listen. I quietly walk to the kitchen, grab an apple from the bowl and make myself comfortable on one of the stools. My gaze solely focused on the two men, but more on Theo.

His face, his arms, his abs. Oh damn, those abs. How I would like to run my hands on those abs. I take a bite out of my apple and chew slowly, my gaze still lingering on Theo. A few seconds later his eyes snap in my direction and he smirks.

Damn it, he knows.

A pleasurable shiver runs down my spine and suddenly I'm feeling too hot. Shit, I'm sweating like a pig. ''Ahem, I'll um, I'll go shower.'' I slip off the stool and run up the stairs, two steps at a time. I quickly dispose my clothes off and jump in. ''Ahh, this feels so good,'' I sigh as the water hits my back.

Fifteen minutes later, my skin began to prune, and so I had get out of the shower. I put on a pair loose fitting pants and a t-shirt. I was drying my hair when Theo walked in. ''Hey, everything okay?'' I look up from the mirror.

''Not really, love,'' he pinches the bridge of his nose. ''I'm afraid I have to leave for the city.''

''But why? Don't you have someone who can take care of this stuff?''

''I do. Turns out he has been stealing from the company. It's even bigger than I'd expected. I have to be there.''

''I understand.'' I nod slowly. And I really did, if my company was in trouble I would rush too. ''How long will you be gone? I mean, the party-''

''I'll be back before the party, that's for sure. I might not even have to spend the night there. I'll try to be back. If not by tonight, then definitely tomorrow morning.'' He grabs me by the chin and forces me look at him. There were countless emotions swirling in those light brown eyes of his. Before I could utter a single word he plants his lips on mine. ''You have no idea how tempted I was to kick Charles out and join you in the shower,'' he says.

I gulp, not from fear but from the intensity of his stare. Holy moon goddess! There is a thirsty in him too. ''Theo,'' I manage to whisper his name.

He shakes his head and drops his hand. ''I need to pack. I can't lose control now. The car is ready to drive me to the city.'' He walks away from me. ''Breakfast has arrived, you can begin. I'll join you in a few.''

''Mhmm,'' was all I could say. I couldn't trust myself to anything right now. My brain was not functioning correctly. All I could think about was ripping his clothes apart. But no, I had to control myself, he needs to go. I walk out of the room quickly before all common sense escapes me.

I was buttering my toast when he came down, a duffel bag in hand. ''I'm leaving.''

''Okay,'' I force a smile. ''I'll see you soon?''

''Sooner,'' he replies and pulls me in for a hug. ''I love you.''

''I love you too,'' I kiss him on the lips.

He grabs a croissant from the plate and walks out of the house. I follow him out and notice Charles waiting for him at the porch.

''He'll be back before you know it Athena.'' He smiles at me.

''I know. Are you going too?''

''No, I'm not. Theo wants me to be here in case Selene steps out of line.''

Normally I would've have argued over how I can take care of it, and that Charles should also go with Theo, but I was feeling too low right now. ''Okay.'' Giving my mate one last look, I walk back inside the house.

I didn't even feel like eating now. I just wanted to curl up into a ball and sleep. But of course, that was not an option. The sound of my phone ringing filled the otherwise empty house. I let it ring for a while before answering. Truth to be told, I was contemplating on whether to answer or not.

''Yes Nancy?'' I put the phone on speaker mode.

''It's Rebecca. How are you Athena?''

''I've been better. What do you have for me?''

''I just wanted to ask if you've had the time to work on the fall designs?''

Oh Crap! I had completely forgotten about it. I had promised Rebecca I would come up with something. It's been almost a week and I have nothing, crap.

''I had emailed you yesterday as well but, I guess you didn't get a chance to look at it, so I thought I'd call.'' She continues.

''Umm, yeah. Listen, give me until tomorrow, okay? I'll have something ready by then,'' I tell her. My mind already running. Oh goddess, I need to stop fretting over Theo's departure, get a hold of my emotions and start working on those damned designs.

''Okay. And umm, Athena?'' She hesitates at first, ''are you okay, you sound off?''

''What, pfft, no, no, I'm fine,'' I lie skillfully. ''I'll send you the designs, okay?''

''Umm okay, great. Take care,'' she replies and cuts the call.

Going up to my room, I go through my stuff and pull out my color pencils and easel. Taking them to the next room which was a combined study. I saw two identical desks, both across each other. Was this our study? 'cause it sure looks like it. I look at the mahogany furniture and its matching cabinets. Gosh, this is expensive stuff. I put my stuff on one of the desks and prop the easel next to it.

Forty - five minutes later and I was still not able to come up with something. In those forty-five minutes, I spent twenty minutes worrying about Theo. My mind came up with different scenarios of how he could be in trouble. I had to lean on the desk to get my breathing under control. The sweating was also not helping. I had to reduce the AC to the lowest temperature until I felt somewhat okay.

''Come on, come on,'' I tap a pencil against my teeth, ''Come on think!! Argghh!!!'' I throw the pencil across the study. Luckily it didn't break. It just bounced of the wall. Stupid pencil! I glare at it furiously, expecting it to burst into flames.

''Athena? Love, are you okay?''

''Theo?''

''Hey, what's going on? I can sense your anger.'' His voice sounded distant and low but I could still hear it.

''I - umm, I don't know. I just feel so low right now. I'm supposed be working on designs, but I can't seem to think straight.''

''You're having one of those days love. It happens to the best of us. Do this, just close your eyes and listen to my voice okay?''

''Okay,'' I do as he says and focus all my energy on his voice. His calm, soothing voice which even though far away makes me shiver in delight.

''Deep breathes, love. IN......OUT......IN....OUT. Think about happiness, focus your energy on the things you love.'' He begins to explain.

''You.'' I reply.

''Very well,'' he chuckles. ''Now think about those designs that ran through your head while we were in New York.''

''You know about that?'' I open one eye, expecting him to be here, looking at me. But then realize he's in Vancouver and can't be here, of course.

''I saw the way you were looking at some of clothes. I knew it from the gleam in your eyes.''

''Ohh,'' I blushed. He couldn't see it though. Thank the moon goddess.

''You're an amazing designer love. You already have the designs in your head, just think harder.''

''Okay, I will. Thank you.''

''You never have to thank me love, never. Listen, I have to go now, I'm here at the office. I'll see you soon.''

''See you. And Theo, please take care.''

''I always do, love.''

After cutting the link short, I took in one last deep breath and with new found vigor, turned towards the easel. Talking to Theo was therapeutic. I never knew this was one of the advantages of having a mate. Makes me wonder, what else I could do. Before I could let other thoughts consume me, I focused my energy on the white canvas in front of me.

An hour and a half later I managed to come up with two worthy designs. That is, if you don't count the pile of waste papers filling the dustbin. ''Something is better than nothing at least.'' I step away from the canvas and admire my two designs.

The more I look at them, the more the urge to make some changes grows. I was about to pick up the pencil and start tweaking on the designs, when I felt another presence inside the house. Tuning in my senses, I realized it was Mila.

''I'm in here!'' I call out.

Ten seconds later and the door to the study swings open. ''Oh hey, you're working?''

''Oh yeah, just a working on a little something. Is everything okay?''

''Yeah, I just thought I'd stop by. And I'm glad I did. Why is your breakfast untouched?'' she puts her arms on her waist and glares at me like a mother would.

''I didn't feel like it.''

''Feed that bullshit to someone else Athena. You're a wolf, you need to eat.''

''I'm just not hungry Mila, don't you get it?!'' I fiercely snap at her.

Her eyes widen and she takes a few steps back.

''I'm sorry, I- uhh, I don't know what got into me. I shouldn't have snapped at you,'' I apologize as soon as I realized what I did.

''Its fine.'' She smiles softly. ''You seem a bit tense, Athena. Let's go outside.''

''Yeah, let's go,'' I smile at her.

We walk out the door and I'm hit with a nice breeze. I take it in and hum in content. ''Look at that, you're already starting to feel better,'' Mila says from beside me.

''I wouldn't push it though,'' I reply back.

''Oh come on Athena. Don't be so sour, come on, let's go to the training grounds.''

''Fine, I'll try,'' I sigh. ''Let's go.''

The walk to the training area was fairly quiet. I appreciated Mila for giving me my space. However, I still didn't feel as normal. Something was itching inside of me and wanted to get out. I knew it wasn't my wolf, this felt different somehow.

''Athena, are you okay?'' Mila looks at me worriedly. ''Why are your fingers twitching?''

''I don't know, I feel edgy,'' I crack my knuckles. We have almost reached the arena and I could see the warriors getting ready for their training. Some were warming up and some were in wolf form.

''Uh oh,'' Mila remarks, ''I think I know why.''

I follow her gaze and narrow my eyes, noticing a group of girls staring at the half naked guys and giggling. I fight the urge to throw up and scrunch my nose up. These girls could do so much if they put their mind to it, but no, here they are wasting time ogling at boys.

''Who are they?''

''No one important!'' Mila says quickly and grabs my wrist. ''Come on let's go, we should um- we should go for a run. Yes! Let's go for a run. We've never done it together,'' she starts to pull me away.

''Wait, why does that girl look familiar? I feel like I've seen that face before.'' I jerk my wrist away from Mila's hand.

''It could be anyone Athena. It's a big pack, so many pack members, you can't honestly remember them all!'' She tries to pull me away again, ''ooofff, Athena, arghh, you're so strong!'' She tries to pull one last time before giving up. I had my feet planted in the ground so that I wouldn't budge. Hah, it worked.

''I think I met her in New York.'' I mumble.

''No you did not! She's never left pack lands,'' Mila replies in frustration.

My gaze snaps to her, ''How do you know?''

''Hey Elena!! Want to see me kick this guy's ass in combat?'' A guy who looks about 22 years of age asks the brunette.

I couldn't hear her reply, because at that time it all clicked. Elena Cavanaugh! The bitch who wants to take my place. Suddenly, everything else around me became, fuzzy and blurry. My whole attention was on the girl who was a few yards away from me.

I saw red.

My wolf was fighting for control. And I gave her a bit of it. We both agreed on one thing, Elena Cavanaugh was a threat and she needs to be eliminated.

''Athena!!!'' Someone was screaming my name. ''Athena please, calm down!''

I didn't care, I couldn't care. My sole target was Elena.

''Athena, don't do anything please!'' The same voice, now even fainter pleads. ''She is pack, Athena, you can't harm her. Oh goddess, Charles!!!! CHARLES!!!!''

I was walking, no marching. I was marching forward, to where Elena and her friends were laughing like whores. It wasn't until I was three steps away from her did she notice me. The fact that her eyes widened in shock and fear was enough proof for me.

My chest rumbled and a loud growl left my throat. My wolf was ready, ready to take her out. ''You!''

She whimpered and started shaking her head. Her friends had already fled to the other end. I could feel everybody's eyes on me, but I didn't care. My hand shot out and I grab Elena by the throat, lifting her off the ground.

''You think you can take what's mine!!'' I growl out even louder, making sure everyone heard me.

''I-I-I-''she starts but I cut her off by throwing her pathetic self to the ground. She lands smack in the middle of the circle. I start walking towards it, the crowd parted for me to walk through, everyone backing away in fear.

''No, no Athena, please, please. Not a fight,'' she stands up and whimpers.

Bloody bitch. She's all bark and no action. I was still a few yards away from the circle. If I enter it, it means we have to fight. It has been pack tradition for years. If two people are inside a ring, it means they are contestants to a fight. They have to do it, whether they like it or not.

The moment I step foot inside that circle, we will fight. And boy am I ready to take this bitch down.

I could feel the hair on my neck rise from anticipation. I extend my claws, ready to fight when someone blocks my way.

''Athena, no!'' Hazel brown eyes meet mine, begging me to stop. ''Athena, control yourself.'

''Get out of my way Charles!'' I growl out, my eyes still focused on Elena, who is trying to leave the circle.

''Damn it Athena! I can't let you kill a pack member,'' He puts his arm around me and pulls me back.

''Let me go Charles!!!'' I try to shove him off. But his hold on me is tight. I'm close, so close. I could see the line. As soon as I step foot in it, he will have to let me go. A surge of heat passes through me making me angrier than ever.

''Arghhhhh Let. Me. Go!!! I growl again and pry his hands off me.

''Noah, Hazel!!!'' Charles shouts from behind me.

Two more pairs of arms encircle me. ''Athena please, you need to calm down.'' A female voice whispers softly in my ear. ''You'll only make things worse for yourself and easier for her if you do this. Please tell your wolf to back off.''

''Athena, listen. You're an alpha, you can't attack a pack member out of the blue without a valid reason and that too in front of other members,'' Charles reasons with me. My vision begins to clear as I regain control of myself. I relax against Charles' hold and feel the others loosen their grip on me.

''Get me out of here,'' I tell him, my voice raspy and rough.

''Everybody back to their training now!'' Charles commands. ''And you,'' he then points to Elena, ''stay away if you want to live.''

She nods her head fervently, her messy brown curls flying about.

Ten minutes later we are inside Charles and Mila's home, in their living room. I was seated on of the couches, nursing a glass of brandy while the beta couple is on the opposite couch watching me carefully.

''What happened Athena?'' Charles asks me, he almost sounded like a concerned parent.

''I don't know. One moment I was there standing with Mila and the next, I was marching towards Elena, ready to squeeze the life out of her. There was all this anger and aggression, I don't know where it came from. I've never felt that way before.''

''Hmm,'' he taps his fore finger on his chin.

''I agree that I hate her, but I wouldn't want to kill her. I know pack rules, my father taught them to me when I was young. But today, I just wanted to rip her throat out.'' I shake my head. Now that I've calmed down, I felt different, my head was clearer and I could think properly. What had gotten into me?

''Does Theo know?'' I look at the pair.

''He must have felt your anger, but he has contacted me yet. I think he is busy.''

''Ohh, okay,'' I nod. ''I'm really tired, can I just lie down here for a while?''

''Why, yes of course. You don't have to ask.'' Mila says. ''You can use the spare bedroom.''

''No,no. Your couch is comfortable. ''I just need to rest, I'll leave soon. Also, could you leave the windows open, please?''

''Athena, its cold outside. We can't possibly leave the windows open.'' Charles says.

''It's okay, we'll keep the windows open,'' Mila interjects and starts opening the windows.

''Thanks,'' I lay my head on the pillow. I could hear the two of them whispering something.

I think I heard Mila mention Theo and something about ice before I blacked out.

I woke up with a gasp, drenched in sweat. Looking out the window, I realized its past 4:00 in the evening. ''Holy crap, how long was I out?'' I look around the house. It's so quiet. Neither Charles nor Mila are in here.

I step outside and take in my surroundings. Apart from the rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds, preparing to head back to their nests, it's all pretty quiet. I tuned in my hearing, focusing on the other sounds. From where I stood I could see part of Selene's little cabin. She was in there. I could hear faint chanting.

My feet started moving forward on their own accord, towards the small cabin. I make sure not to make any noise as I come to a stop at the front door.

''Come in Athena,'' I hear Selene's soft voice call out from inside.

Twisting the door knob, I slowly walk inside the house. ''How?''

''I sensed you coming,'' she smiles widely. ''You won't understand even if I tried to explain. It's a witch thing,'' she says after seeing my confused expression. Her voice was so calm and serene. The exact opposite of what I was feeling right now.

''Is something wrong with me?'' I ask her. Not knowing why exactly, but I thought maybe she of all people would know.

''You mean aside from the fact that you're the first alpha female to live after 200 years?''

''Could it be because of that? Was the council right?''

''I don't think I can answer that. But I do know, not even the council has the right to take a life of woman simply because she is stronger than most males combined.''

''Yeah, that makes sense.'' I nod apprehensively. ''Why are you looking at me like that?''

''Hmm,'' she smiles again. Does she know something I don't. ''Where is your mate today?''

''He's gone to the city on some business. Why? Do you know something? Is he hurt?''

She chuckles and walks to small cabinet that was placed in one corner of the room. ''I think you would know if he was.'' She removes a small packet from it and hands it to me. ''Take this, you'll need it soon.''

''What is this? and why would I need it?''

''You'll know soon enough. Mix a spoonful of this powder in water and apply the paste when it starts. It'll help.''

''When what starts?''

She looks at the setting sun from her window. ''Soon enough. You'll know, now go, you need to be inside your home and I need to get back to cleansing my aura.''

I look down at the packet in my hands and up at her before she shooed me out of the house. I jog up to mine and Theo's house, by the time I get to front door I'm sweating and panting. I'm about to walk in the house when I feel a presence behind me.

''Jonah? What are you doing here?'' I ask the young warrior. ''Aren't you supposed to be guarding Selene?''

''I-I was alpha, b-b-but your scent, it's so overpowering, I tried alpha, I tried but I could not control it,'' he replies. I could see his body shaking and him trying hard not to look at me.

Wiping the line of sweat off my brow, I take a discreet step backward, trying to enter the house. But he notices this as his head snaps up. His eyes blazing with lust and want.

''Jonah back off!'' I warn him.

''I'm trying alpha Athena, I really am,'' he cries out, like he's in pain. I honestly felt sorry for him. I also knew what was happening, I'm going into heat and Jonah here, is an un-mated male. Luckily the alpha house is far from the other houses, but him being nearby is now becoming a problem for me.

''Jonah!'' I warn him again, using my alpha command this time, ''back off! My eyes flash red.

''I'm trying, but my wolf.......'' he whimpers bowing down. His head maybe filled with lust, but even his wolf can't ignore the authority. ''Its driving him crazy!''

From my peripheral vision I see Mila and Charles running towards us. Oh thank the moon goddess!

But why do I feel normal?

Does it only feel like you're on fire during the first time?

Does it get better with time?

My thoughts get interrupted by loud scream. Guess I was wrong; it doesn't get better. The first flash of heat hits me and I'm knocked off my feet. Before my eyes closed, I saw Jonah completely lose control as he starts making his way up the steps.

No! No! I can't let him touch me. I want Theo!

A pair of hands grab me and pull me inside the house. I struggle to get away from the grip, but I couldn't. My skin is burning like it's been lit on fire. I couldn't bring myself to open my eyes, to see the strange man touching me, no matter how good it felt.

''Athena? Athena open your eyes?'' I soft voice tells me. Wait, that's not Jonah. I open my eyes and see Mila looking at me worriedly.

''I knew this was going to happen. We've called Theo already, he's on his way. Can you hold on?''

''He's coming?'' I ask. A flare of hope lit up in me. ''He's coming.''

''Yes.... but, I'm sorry, you will have to bear it until he's here. Lila is coming to help us.''

''What about Charles?'' I breath out, '' I saw him and, and Jonah? I thought he-'' I cringed, I couldn't even bring myself to say it.

She glances outside the window and breathes a sigh of relief. ''He's gone. Don't worry. Charles is outside with Noah, Hazel and Cathy. They will keep everyone away from here.

''Who?'' I cock an eyebrow. Although I don't think it had the desired effect, seeing that my face and hair was matted in sweat.

''Never mind. Let's get you to the bathroom. Lila's on her way with the ice.'' She pulls me up and wraps one hand around my waist and drags me to the bathroom. ''Shit, Athena you're burning up.''

''You think?'' I try to look at her, but the mere action of twisting my head led to another flash of heat course through me. ''WHERE IS HE?!?!

''Umm, still far I'm afraid,'' she replies.

''Go!'' I snap her at, ''I'll handle this on my own.'' I drop her hand from my waist and with a little difficulty, manage to get inside the bathtub. I sigh in content when the cold porcelain touched my skin, but it was short lived. Turning on the shower head, I let the cold water hit me.

''Ohh, this feels better,'' I sigh. When I open my eyes, I saw Mila still standing there, her arms crossed over her chest, looking at me. ''I can do this, Mila.''

''The hell you can! Don't shit me, Athena!'' She yells.

Anger flared in me, even hotter than the heat flashes. ''Watch it!''

''Or what? Huh, you can't do everything on your own. Let people in, let them help you.''

''But I don't......hmmphh...'' I grit my grit as another flash of heat passes through me, ''......need anyone.''

''You think you don't, but you do,'' she moves closer and crouches low, her eyes meeting mine. ''We all do.''

Droplets of water mixed with sweat roll of my body, into the bathtub. I watch as the rivulets go down the drain. Where is Theo? Why did this have to happen today, of all days? Does everything in my life have to be a mess?

It must have been a good twenty minutes of me sitting under the tap. The sound of running water suddenly stopped, making me look up. I saw Mila standing over me, turning off the taps. ''Lila's here,'' is all she said.

I grab on to the sides of the tub tightly, as another flash of heat passes. I grunt, tightening my grip on the tub. ''Athena!!'' Mila screams. I let go just in time to see cracks forming along the corners of it.

''Get me out of here,'' I growl out, my wolf now agitated, trying to take control. I couldn't give it to her. If I did she would lose it and run wild, mating with the first male she'd come across. I could feel my vision blurring. My eyes flashing red every now and then.

''Oh goddess. How is she doing?'' I hear Lila's motherly voice from behind me.

''It's getting worse. How much ice do you have?'' Mila replies.

''Barely enough,'' I hear Lila's whisper. ''I've called for more.''

I stagger slowly towards the shower, trying my best to keep upright. Once inside, I turn on the tap again. The cold water cascaded down my back, I arched my back in relief from the coolness.

''Athena, honey?'' Lila takes a step towards me, I spot a towel in her hand. ''How are you feeling?''

I chuckle dryly. ''I've been better.''

She approaches me, turns off the tap and starts patting me dry. ''It'll be over soon,'' she whispers before Mila dumps a bucket of ice water on me. The relief that spread through me was un- explainable.

But it didn't last long.

I slid against the bathroom wall, I could feel my body beginning to heat up, the flashes now coming in short intervals.

''Ahhhhhhh!!!'' an involuntary scream escapes me. My skin burning even hotter than before, like someone had lit it on fire. ''Where the hell is he!! I can't take it anymore!!" Hot tears begin to fall out my eyes. I could not bear it any longer. I needed him, I craved his touch.

''He's almost here, honey. Hold on.''

''I can't, I'm so tired, I want to close my....... ahhhhh!!!'' me body jerked upwards as another flash coursed through me. ''i.... i...i'm tired.''

''Athena, stay awake, please, please,'' Mila steps forward and wipes my face with a towel. My vision was so blurry, I could barely make out her face. ''You can't lose conscious.'' Her voice started to become hazy as my eyes begun to flicker shut.

''i...can't.... I'm trying but......'' my head lolled to one side and the last thing I saw was Lila waving someone over.

***

There you have it guys!

What did you think of Athena coming face to face with Elena? Should she have dueled her?

And Athena going into heat! and that too without Theo by her side? How do you think she'll handle that?

Let me know in the comments as usual and please vote.

-Jessica.S