176 And more truths…
Ramsey D
My hands went limp as I stared at my grandfather.
“Werewolves are ingrates. A defective werewolf is even worse, my grandfather continued. “They never remember anything. Once something is wrong with them, they can cause more harm than the worst of evil.
“But…” I opened my mouth to speak, but no words would come out of it. I heard my whole life that a rogue attack killed my parents while traveling to the Annual Moon Goddess worship ceremony. No one said anything about it happening in the pack house.”
“So, if you think I would ever accept you and your defective mate just because she’s a Moonsinger…. then you may as well have me killed. I’ve been patient with you for 21 years, Ramsey. I’ve turned a blind eye to everything. Allowed you to do what you want and yet you will never take my advice. Your father….”
“My father is dead!” 1 growled, hating the way my hands were shaking. “And I can’t replace him, no matter what. And you knew… all this while?”
“I know everything, Ramsey. I know how you’ve been squandering pack resources looking for your half–baked mate. I know you housed her in this pack, all your little trips when she was ill. I know everything you have been doing, but I thought you’d come to your senses. That your sense of duty would prevail and you’ll do the right thing for the first time without being forced.”
He took a deep breath, his eyes flashing with annoyance.
“Let’s take care of this minor hitch tonight. Get through this festival and you’ll get married to Cassidy Thorne immediately. You will no longer delay or else. I will see that you’re stripped of your title as the Lycan Leader. I’m sure they’re plenty of young men who will do as they’re told.”
“You’re threatening me?” I scoffed.
“I’ll do more than that. You’ve had your fun, Ramsey, he snapped, “But enough is enough. The thing with Lyla ends now. You will marry Cassidy as soon as the Harvest Moon is over. It’s what’s best for the pack?
I smirked. “What’s best for the pack? Or what’s best for you, Grandfather?”
He slammed his hand on the table in my room, the force rattling the objects on it. “Do not test The Do you think your behavior belts an Alpha? I turned a blind eye to your brief fling…”
Heat rose in my chest. “It was not a fling…”
it?
“I don’t want to hear it be cut through my protest.
3 love her, Pop I continued, ignoring his protest to stop. “I love her so much. For each day I see hex, 1 dali in love again with her and Fm tired of pretending that I want Cassidy.”
He matched up to me again and wanted to hit me for the third time, but Lenny held his hand.
- And more truths.
He was vibrating with anger.
“You know what!” he said. “I am to blame. I spoiled you, but choose now. Between her and Cassidy. In fact…” he paced, then stopped again. “No need to choose. I’ll choose for you. You will marry Cassidy. That is my final decision.”
“Decided by who?” my voice rose to match his. “This is my life; my future and I’ve changed
mind.
my
“Your future is the pack’s future. Cassidy is from a strong bloodline. Her family is the financial pillar of this pack. Do you know how much we owe them in debt?”
“I’ll work hard and pay them everything. Allow me to be with Lyla. Please.”
He stared at me for a few seconds, then his gaze softened. “Cassidy is you future, and
honor that.”
you
will
I met his glare, refusing to back down. “And what if I don’t want that future? What if Cassidy
isn’t…”
“Enough” his voice boomed, cutting him off. “This is not about your wants or hers. It’s about duty, legacy and survival of our pack. You will do what’s expected of you. End of discussion.
The tension between us heated the room. He stared at me for a moment longer, his expression hard with disappointment, before turning on his heel and storming out, slamming the door in his wake.
I exhaled sharply, running a hand through my hair. I was shaking with angry.
“If your grandfather is right about that werewolf, we need to act now,” Lenny said quietly. He had retreated to a corner when the exchange between my grandfather and me became heated.
“You saw it that day, Lenny. It helped us and we cannot stereotype especially now. We don’t have a lot of options, and finding someone who can help us with the Ferals is all we need.
“Still, think about the people…”
My mind raced. The festival was full of families, elders, and children. If this wolf made it to the grounds… but again, it didn’t seem like it would attack without provocation.
“You must stop it; Lenny came closer, speaking calmly, but his voice was firm. “If this wolf is heading there, it’s not by chance. Something–someone–sent it.”
“It’s not dangerous, Lenny” I sparked. “You saw it that day…”
“Just because it killed a few Ferals…”
“A few Ferald? Really? I scoffed. “I can’t even begin with you?
As I turned to head to the door, it burst open and Seth rushed in. His usually bored expression was pair with urgency.
“Alpha Seth said, his voice breathless. “They’ve spotted the two–tailed werewolf!”
i immediately straightened. “Where?
- And more truths.
Seth swallowed; his eyes wide. “The East Wing of the pack house, housing the priestesses. It’s fighting a small group of Trinax and Ferals.”
I didn’t waste a second. I shot past Seth, my feet carrying me through the corridors. Commotion filled the halls as warriors and pack members hurried in every direction. The air was thick with the scent of fear and adrenaline. The scent of blood grew stronger as I reached the priestesses‘
room.
A small crowd of Alphas gathered outside the room, including Nathan, their faces mirroring awe. 1 shouldered my way through until I reached the front.
What greeted me was chaos. All around the room were splashes of blood and the lifeless bodies of Ferals and Trinax. The two–tailed wolf, for the first time, had her fur soiled. Her twin tails were whipping through the air like living weapons as she attacked both a Feral and Trinax simultaneously.
The priestesses huddled in a corner of the room, with Miriam standing protectively before them. I strained my neck, searching for Lyla. Hoping I would see her, but she was nowhere to be found. Trying to shrug off the fear that crept up my spine, I turned my gaze to the fighting scene. I had seen the two–tailed fighting through the cam, but watching her in real life left me star struck. She moved with an impossible grace. Each strike was precise and devasting. She finally defeated the Trinax before facing the Ferals, which proved no match either. Finished, she turned, heaving with exertion as she scanned the room.
I moved towards her, taking a cautious step forward. She snarled, backing away, its golden eyes holding a warning I couldn’t read.
“Easy…I’m not here to hurt you.”
