Ch. 461..470
Chapter 461 Hideout (2)
Talia suppressed the tsunami of emotions and turned to look at Meg and Kai. "Now what?"
Kai responded, "One of us will come when it's safe to bring you more food and news but be prepared that it might be days. We can't risk someone suspecting that you are here."
"How many people know about this place?", Talia asked.
"It's me, Meg, Tyler, and Axel. We found this place years ago and would come here occasionally to hang out. It was like our hideout. Meg and I use this place when we want solitude during a run." His eyes shifted to Meg who smiled at him as they remembered some frisky scenes.
Kai cleared his throat and continued talking to Talia, "I never picked up any other scent. But just in case… stay here in the back. Alphas won't alert everyone of your absence, but someone will be searching."
Talia didn't know the details, but she was aware that Meg and Kai were knowingly working against their Alphas, which meant against their pack.
A sliver of doubt shot through her mind. Why were they risking so much for her and Damon? Was it just because she helped Meg once or was there more to it?
In any case… "Thank you.", Talia said to Kai and Meg.
Kai's expression hardened. "Thank us when we get you out of here. Until then, sit tight."
"If we get out of here, then what?", Talia asked dejectedly. Will Alpha Isaac and Alpha Sophia allow them to just be?
"WHEN you get out of here, you will be safe.", Kai said with confidence. "Our primary directive is to conceal our powers. No one will go after you if that means risking exposure. Since both you and Alpha Damon have abilities, you should not use them openly in order to avoid being hunted. There are people who will do anything to get ahold of your powers, use them for their benefit, or maybe dissect you in the hope to replicate them. Alpha Isaac and Alpha Sophia will count on that fear to keep you in check, and they will leave you alone."
"How can you be so sure?", Talia asked.
"I heard rumors about people who left.", Kai said. "We are warned about dangers, and Alphas are controlling who can get in and out of our territory. However, no one went after those few that sneaked out. Both you and Alpha Damon are high-profile individuals. Going against you would attract attention and we don't want that."
Talia knew that Kai was giving her a pep talk. It sounded good, but even though an open confrontation was not an option, secret plots were definitely a possibility.
"Don't lose hope.", Meg said to Talia seriously. "This is temporary. Alphas will be looking at the portal because Tyler left traces in that direction and rubbed your clothes to leave your scent. Alphas will assume that you left. We will find a way to get you out. Until then, try to rest and stay close to Alpha Damon. Your proximity will help him recover."
After saying the last few words of caution and encouragement, Meg and Kai left the cave and Talia found herself in silence that was disturbed by faint trickling sounds she guessed was a small stream of water Kai mentioned.
She released a long breath and looked at Damon who seemed to be in deep peaceful sleep. Medicine was working, and that allowed Talia to relax a bit.
A black rune flashed on his right shoulder, looking like a tattoo, and Talia remembered a hot afternoon on the beach when silly Alpha asked her to draw something on him with a permanent marker. His smile was brighter than the sun while she doodled a bird that turned ugly, yet Damon wanted to make a tattoo out of it because he thought that she likes them.
"Silly man…", Talia said and released a shaky breath while pushing an unruly strand of raven black hair from his forehead. "It's not about the tattoo. It was never about anything other than you."
A tear rolled down her cheek. Kai and Meg didn't tell her, but she knew that Damon might be crippled, they had no idea if he will wake up, he was tortured, and it was all her fault.
The strong, cheeky, caring, and overbearing Alpha was now unconscious, and the only thing she could do was wait and hope for the best.
Her body shook as the anxiety, fear, dejection, and anger rolled through her in waves, threatening to unhinge her.
She suppressed her urge to go back there and crush this whole damned place into smithereens.
Would she have enough power to do that? Will they catch her and put some restrictions on her before she can make real damage? But even if she has an infinite amount of power and no one stops her from wreaking havoc, it won't change the fact that Damon was like that because she marked him and because she made wrong decisions. What kind of Luna puts her mate in danger?
Talia released a slow breath while telling herself that the only thing that matters is Damon, and everything else will need to wait.
She laid next to Damon on the crude bed and snuggled close, hoping that her proximity will help him snap out of it.
The sparks that prickled her skin where they touched told her that Damon was there, alive, and she inhaled his scent that reminded her of her favorite things: forest, dark chocolate, and Damon.
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"Kitten...", a familiar deep voice called and Talia's heart swelled at the sight of icy-blue eyes that looked at her with endless love.
"I really want to kiss you, but I fear that you won't like it. I fear that you will reject me. Tell me, kitten, can I kiss you?"
Her insides melted. He was so gentle and caring and nervous, and she loved him more. How can she deny him the kiss?
Before their lips connected, they were on the bed and he was pressing her hand against his bare chest.
"There. You will get used to touching me in no time."
Talia smiled at the cheeky Alpha. "Why would I get used to it?"
His lopsided smile made her heart flip. "Your memory is flaky, Mrs. Blake. As my wife, I expect you to touch me. Everywhere."
Before she could respond, the scene changed, and she ended up squatting next to the tub and washing Damon who was relaxing in the bubble bath.
"You like this, don't you, kitten?"
"No.", she lied. "Why would I like serving you?"
"Serving me? This is your punishment, not a job. If you see it as a job, I should increase difficulty…"
He yanked her hand and she fell into the tub where he was. Talia's heart rate increased. Not because of the sudden movement and intimacy, but because she knew that after this, he will remove her bra, and they will watch fireworks, and then… then he will carry her to bed and they will make love... for the first time.
Every time with Damon was like the first time.
Talia opened her eyes to find herself in a dark cave. Why was she wet?
It took her a few seconds to realize where she was and why, and that the wet sensation was from Damon who was drenched in sweat.
Talia scrambled to get the medicine. Meg told her that they are already overdosing him, so there was no set time when she should inject him with medicine, but to observe his condition. Damon's body was burning, and he was sweating profusely, so this was definitely the time.
Talia cursed herself. Why did she fall asleep?
With shaky hands, she opened the bottle, filled the syringe, and administered the injection.
After keeping the things aside, she sat next to Damon and stroked his forehead while smiling sadly at the thought of her dream. It was their first kiss, their first intimate moments. He was always caring and intense and he put her first.
Talia pressed her lips into a line and steeled her resolve while wiping the tears with the back of her palms. She wanted to be useful. She wanted to do whatever she could to help him.
Talia tore a corner of the blanket and went to find that stream of water. She will start by washing Damon's body. It might not be much, but it will be something.
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Chapter 462 The silent emergency (1)
"Are you sure you had nothing to do with Alpha Damon's disappearance?", Alpha Isaac asked Axel sternly.
Axel thought it was interesting that his parents were only concerned about Damon. What about Talia? They definitely knew she was also missing. Did they think Talia was not important?
Axel looked to the side to see his mother.
Alpha Sophia was staring out of the window absentmindedly, but the silver light in her eyes was a giveaway of her using the ability to search for Damon and Talia; sweeping through the hallways, rooms, and forest with the goal to spot them.
"I was with mom. And just in case you forgot, you were there also.", Axel gave the same answer for the third time.
Alpha Isaac narrowed his eyes at Axel. "Don't play with me. I didn't ask you if you were with Alpha Damon. I asked you if you had something to do with it. Why were you with Sophia in the middle of the night?"
"I didn't think it was right to use black runes on Alpha Damon. I hoped we can find another solution, and since you told Cassandra to start right away, I didn't think that waiting for the morning was wise. I wanted to talk. I wanted to understand. I wanted…"
"The truth!", Alpha Isaac cut him off angrily.
Axel pressed his lips into a line. "It seems you are determined that I had something to do with it. Did you see me or any of my people on the security feed near that area?"
Alpha Isaac glared at Axel. "Cameras don't show anything, but that's the strange part. How did Talia and Alpha Damon leave without any camera catching them?"
Axel relaxed a bit. Tyler told him that he can alter security videos, and unless someone knows what to look for, the changes won't be detected. Alpha Isaac's displeasure about the lack of evidence confirmed to Axel that the operation was successful. Tyler will be an excellent Gamma.
"If you have no evidence, why are you on my case? I should be the least suspect because my abilities didn't awaken, and I was with mom for nearly two hours before the anomaly was reported." Axel made a thoughtful expression. "Or did Cassandra say something? She was incompetent and she decided to shift the blame on me because she witnessed me challenging your decision to use black runes. Is that the case?"
"She is not saying anything.", Alpha Isaac said and shoved a hand into his hair.
"Then why are you here accusing me? Make her talk."
Alpha Isaac shook his head. "She said it was the Moon Goddess."
Axel blinked, looking genuinely surprised. "The Moon Goddess made them disappear? And you believe that?"
"Of course, not!"
Axel snorted. "Now I see why you are on my case. Cassandra's story doesn't make sense, so you decided that I did something."
Alpha Isaac knew that Axel's argument was valid, but he also had a point. "Only the four of us knew what was about to happen. The timing of Alpha Damon's disappearance is too convenient to be accidental."
Axel frowned at this father. "So, it's not you nor mother. Which leaves me and Cassandra. Considering that you are accusing me instead of her tells me all I need to know about where your trust is. Cassandra didn't accuse me, but you are."
"Listen, Axel. This is important. Did you tell anyone about Cassandra using black runes on Alpha Damon?"
"To whom would I talk about it? After we parted, I went to my room, but my nerves were acting out and I couldn't sleep so I went to seek my mother. I told you that already. Why are we having this conversation? Cassandra was right there when it happened. Force her to tell the truth. Or do you believe it was the Moon Goddess?", Axel said mockingly and when Alpha Isaac's expression didn't change, Axel looked at him in disbelief.
"You actually believe Cassandra's story. But you know that's impossible."
"I know it sounds crazy but…", Alpha Isaac paused.
"But?"
"Alpha Damon and Talia are missing. Nothing is disturbed, it's like they disappeared into thin air. As for Cassandra, she lost her powers."
Axel's expression was a pure shock as he processed this information.
Didn't they agree that Meg will make a mess? The commotion would distract Cassandra long enough for Talia to inject her with the potion that causes short-term memory loss. How did they pull it off without disturbing anything? And there was the point, "Did you say that Cassandra has no powers?"
Alpha Isaac confirmed. "She has no powers. I checked."
They stood in silence for some time and Axel remembered the scene of Talia healing his father's arm. Her healing ability was top-notch, but even with that, he had a feeling that was not the only thing she could do.
Does she have the ability to strip others of their powers? If she can do that, Talia will definitely become a target of the ones with powers, and the ones who seek them, which was nearly everyone.
Talia definitely helped Meg that time in the car. Kai and Meg didn't tell him details, but both of them said how they owe Talia, and considering that Meg was stable during their ride, Axel could conclude with certainty that Talia is the one he should thank for keeping their secrets from outsiders.
He thought how it's ironic that instead of thanking her, his parents are set on catching her, and then… Axel didn't know what the plan was. Did they want to imprison her? Use Alpha Damon as a bargaining chip to force Talia into obedience? And if Axel's hunch that Talia is his sister was correct, this whole thing would become morbidly disturbing because his parents would definitely know who Talia truly is.
"Is Cassandra OK?", Axel asked, hoping to probe for more information.
"How can she be OK? She is praying constantly, saying how her faith in the Moon Goddess was corrupted and that only by praying she can get her powers back."
Axel had no clue what exactly happened, but the fact that his father was grilling him in the study, meant that Talia and Damon were really out, hopefully safe.
Axel thought of reminding his father about one thing everyone conveniently forgot. "You know that this confirms my theory. This is not about Alpha Damon. This is about Talia. She IS the girl from the prophecy."
Alpha Isaac's eyes flashed. Was it anger? Dejection? Axel wasn't sure.
"So now you believe that Moon Goddess came for her?", Alpha Isaac asked.
"Would you rather go with the theory of how I sneaked them out of here while I was with mother?", Axel asked flatly. "Talia is the child blessed by the Moon Goddess. By harming Damon, we would harm Talia, and the Moon Goddess couldn't allow it. That's why they disappeared. It's either that or they didn't leave the center at all. Talia went to the cafeteria several times. Maybe she spotted a storage room or an air vent where they could hide. I assume that you have people looking for them. How can I help?"
"You want to help?", Alpha Isaac asked suspiciously.
Axel nodded seriously. "Regardless of how I feel about the methods used, this concerns the safety of our pack. Once we catch them, we can see to mend our relationship with Talia. If she joins our pack willingly, we can only prosper."
Chapter 463 The silent emergency (2)
Axel saw that his father's expression stiffened at the mention of Talia cooperating. Considering what happened, chances of that were close to nil, but he didn't want to sound like Talia was a danger to their pack.
"I know Talia. She is a kind person, and I'm sure we can come to an agreement. But before that, we need to find them. Do we know if they are still here? Assuming that they managed to sneak out, they will be heading for the portal."
"Unless someone told them about the portal, they wouldn't know where to go. They were both unconscious when we brought them here." Alpha Isaac reminded them.
Axel cringed at his father's words. They said to Talia that she will be only blindfolded, but then they injected her with drugs. It was to conceal the location of the portal, but also to conceal his father's ability because Alpha Isaac can teleport not only himself but anyone else he touches. That's how they found themselves close to the portal within minutes, and then Alpha Isaac and Axel carried Talia and Alpha Damon through it before teleporting to the healing center where Cassandra joined them.
However, Axel truly believed that Talia could find her way if she wanted to.
"Talia is the child from the prophecy. She is under the protection of the Moon Goddess, and the Moon Goddess showed them the way."
"Do you really think that's possible?", Alpha Isaac asked skeptically.
Axel shrugged. "I'm sure that you saw many things you can't explain. Alpha Damon and Talia disappeared. I wouldn't reject the possibility of Talia having a way to conceal their presence and find a way out of here. If you want to find them, you will need as many people as possible without alerting the whole pack that we lost Alpha Damon and his mate. If our people knew this, they will start asking questions."
"There is no need for you to act, Axel. Our best trackers are out there."
Axel didn't like this. "You told our trackers? The news will spread."
"They don't know who they are looking for. I only gave them scents and that they are looking for a male and a female who got lost. Their instructions are to not engage and to notify me immediately when they find them."
Axel nodded in understanding. He really wanted to join the search party. That would give him the opportunity to move with an excuse that he is looking for Talia and Damon, and maybe check on them. But he didn't want to insist because he would normally stay out of such things.
"Alright. I guess we all had a long night. I will grab breakfast and catch up on my sleep. Let me know if I can help."
"Axel", Alpha Isaac called. "Don't talk about this with anyone."
"Of course.", Axel responded, and with that, he left the study.
Alpha Isaac looked at the door and his frown was deepening by the second.
His instincts told him that Axel had something to do with this, but he couldn't do anything without evidence.
Alpha Isaac checked on Tyler and Kai. Based on security feeds, Tyler and Kai stayed in their rooms the whole night.
Was it really the Moon Goddess? He was not sure, but he knew that they let down Talia as a child, and now they did it again. Axel was optimistic in thinking that they can mend their relationship with Talia. Even if she was not aware of what happened two decades ago, she definitely knew that something was off this time. Why else would she go missing?
…
Axel went to the cafeteria to find Tyler, Kai, and Meg at the table. It was time for breakfast.
Tyler was mostly pushing food on his plate, and Kai was feeding Meg and himself.
They all ate in silence while thinking about how to convey the messages without anyone figuring out what they were up to. They were surrounded by people who had excellent hearing. Also, with Alpha Sophia's ability to see things, and Alphas being able to eavesdrop on mind-links, it was difficult to keep anything a secret. Someone was always watching.
"Are you alright?", Tyler asked Axel. "You look like you didn't sleep much."
"Alpha problems.", Axel responded. "There was a commotion last night. My parents are monitoring the situation, but so far there is nothing."
Tyler, Kai, and Meg collectively exhaled in relief at this news.
"If Alpha Isaac and Alpha Sophia say that there is nothing, then there is definitely nothing.", Kai said. "We are in capable hands."
The four people at the table exchanged meaningful glances and they all relaxed as they shared an understanding that things went fine. They accomplished their tasks without getting caught. For now.
Meg looked around. "I overslept this morning and I thought that Talia will come for breakfast. Should I go and check on her?"
Axel stiffened at the mentioning of Talia, but then he understood that it would be unusual if they just ignored her absence. "Talia also had a long night. I'm sure she is resting. I will send food to her room later."
"Poor girl.", Meg said. "I will ask her if she wants to join me for a stroll later. Some change of scenery will do her good."
"We are prohibited from going out for runs until further notice.", Tyler said, getting everyone's attention. "The word is that someone disturbed bears who were getting ready to hibernate, so we need to give them a few days of peace to settle down and nature returns to normal. You didn't know this?"
"Well, we know now.", Kai said. He and Meg closed off their mind-links in order to avoid detection until they returned home, so they missed the announcement.
Axel also missed it because he was being interrogated by his father.
They all knew this was just a coverup for people to stay inside so that scents don't mix, as selected soldiers are outside searching.
Axel rubbed his forehead while thinking that this is not good. The order that restricts movements will last until they find their target or give up, and that can take a while. He felt the urgency to become part of the search teams, but how can he do that without arousing suspicion? He decided to think about it later. A full stomach and rest will allow him to think better. After all, Talia and Damon have provisions for at least a week, so he shouldn't act rashly.
Axel wondered, how many of the previous restricted movement orders were just a coverup for silent emergencies like this one?
This was the first time for them to have visitors like Talia and Damon, but every once in a while, an unmated member would lose patience and make a run for the portal in the hope to find his other half in the outside world. Alphas were very strict on who can go out.
This whole realm was beautiful, and they had everything they would need, but in the end, it was just a jail that kept them from finding their mates.
Axel and Tyler were also getting twitchy. They were both in their twenties, able to identify their mates, as long as they get close to them.
Now that Kai found Meg, they could see what they were missing, and Kai teasing them about how he is the only man among them because he did the deed with Meg (many times), was not helping.
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Chapter 464 Forgotten and abandoned
Talia's eyes snapped open when she felt movement next to her.
Did she fall asleep again? Was this a dream?
She was drifting in and out of restless sleep while looking after Damon, and it took her some time to confirm she was awake.
Talia blinked to see up. It was daylight. She had no idea how much time passed, but she knew that she wiped Damon's body repeatedly and she lost count of how many times she administered the medicine.
A low groan by her side got her attention.
"Damon?", Talia called breathlessly. This groan didn't sound like a pain, but it was what that lazy one Damon makes when he is waking up. Was this really happening?
"Damon?", she called again while getting on her knees next to him so she can see his face better.
His lashes fluttered and she cupped his cheeks. "Damon…", her voice was shaky and overwhelmed with emotions.
His eyes opened slowly, and he looked around in confusion.
She patiently waited for him to focus on her.
Their eyes met, and his brows furrowed.
"What…?" His question was cut short when he coughed.
"It's OK, Damon. Take it slowly.", Talia said with haste, her eyes brimming with tears that threatened to fall. "After marking, you didn't wake up. I panicked when you got a fever and I called Axel. We are in the Midnight Guardians pack but instead of helping you they tried to…"
"Who are you?"
Talia gaped at Damon. His words were like someone poured a bucket of icy water on her. "Are you serious?"
He shook his head while frowning at her palms that were touching him and then he shoved her away.
Talia didn't expect this, and she fell on her butt with a thud.
"Damon?"
He pushed himself into a seated position and observed the cave. "Where is this? Who are you? What did you do to me? Why can't I remember how I got here?" How long was he out? His memories of the last few weeks (or was it months?) were choppy like he was missing something important, and it left him unsettled.
Talia's stomach dropped when she realized that Damon was serious. "I told you. We are in the Midnight Guardians pack. I am Talia. Don't you remember me?"
He stood up and swayed. Talia swiftly got by his side to support him, but before she could reach him, he pushed her back with so much force that she made a few steps before losing her balance.
She landed on her butt again and cried, "Aww!" This one hurt.
"What did you do to me?", Damon asked through his teeth angrily.
Talia's eyes brimmed with tears again, from the pain in her behind and from her aching heart.
Was he joking? It would be a cruel joke. How was it possible that he doesn't remember her?
'His neck!', Liseli spoke in Talia's mind and Talia spotted a black rune on the left side of his neck.
"Damon…", Talia spoke in a shaky voice. "I brought you here to help you, but instead, the oracle cast a spell that made it worse."
Damon sneered. "Oracle? You expect me to believe that?"
"Why would I lie?"
"Maybe because you are one of those leeches who want to be my Luna."
"But…", she wanted to say how she is more than his Luna. They are mates! Can't he feel the bond?
'I think the rune is blocking the bond, Talia. I can feel the bond, but it's weakened, and I have a feeling that Damon doesn't feel it at all. When that is clubbed with him not remembering who you are, it's normal that he doesn't trust you.'
'What about Sapa?'
'It's like he is sealed somewhere, alive, but I can't reach him. I can feel his power in Damon.'
Talia's heart ached like a barbwire tightened around it. "Damon, please…"
"Please, what? Do you expect me to believe you have good intentions when you are keeping me in a place like this? Did you enjoy touching me while I was unconscious? Remember that feeling because it will not happen. You are lucky I won't tear your limbs off but if you try to get close to me again, I might change my mind about it."
Talia clenched her teeth and stumbled to her feet. Her butt really hurt, but she endured because she didn't want to look at him from the ground.
She lifted her hands toward him, gesturing for him to be patient. "Damon, do you really don't remember anything? You found me in the Red Moon pack, and brought me home. We are mates. We…"
Damon snorted. "Mates? You must be joking. If you thought that crazy story will work, think again. Since you are saying nothing by lies, there is no point in me lingering."
Talia gaped at Damon as he turned toward the exit and started walking.
"Wait!", she shouted, but he didn't listen.
Talia tried using her aura to suppress him, but it had no effect. Damn! Mates can't hurt each other!
"You can't go out there!", Talia shouted desperately. "Alpha Isaac and Alpha Sophia are looking for us and they don't have good intentions! Please! Let me explain! ARGH!"
Talia limped after him, with every painful step cursing him and his nasty attitude.
Overbearing! Stupid! Stubborn! Blockhead!
'Stop, Talia.', Liseli spoke in her head. 'Let him go. You can't catch up to him like this and you are making your injury worse. Let me heal you first. Your tail bone is fractured.'
With a frustrated exhale and a few more curses, Talia gave up.
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Talia laid on the bed that Damon vacated and turned to find a comfortable position while Liseli healed her.
Talia took a deep breath, Damon's scent was still fresh and it filled her lungs. Just a minute ago she was hopeful when she realized that he was waking up, and now... there was a lot of uncertainty.
Tears rolled down her cheeks at the flashback of Damon looking at her like she was a stranger, and pushing her away.
How the hell did that happen? What's the point of going after him if he doesn't remember her?
'You are right.', Liseli said. 'There is no point in going after him. The rune did something, and unless we can reverse it, we will only anger him further if we insist.'
'So, what do you suggest?', Talia asked dejectedly, and she choked on her sobs.
'Why are you crying?', Liseli grumbled but she was sad as well.
'Damon said that he will never leave me. He said if we are ever apart, he will turn heaven and earth to find me and he will never give up. He said that only a few days ago, yet he left already. He left on his own, abandoned me. I am dying, Liseli.'
'Don't go there. This is just a spell, every spell has a way to reverse it. We only need to find a way to fix it.'
Talia was clueless about spells and runes and whatever Cassandra did. 'What if we don't find it?'
'Don't give up without trying.'
'I'm not sure how much you witnessed from my past, but I will remind you that Damon is my rock. I can do anything with Damon by my side, and without him, I am just a scared girl who hides in the attic. How can I fix this when even your power doesn't reach him?'
'Listen… We will find a way. There must be a way. My mother didn't send me back only to see Sapa leave me. She wouldn't do that.'
Talia snorted. 'You really have faith in a person who tortured you for centuries by keeping you away from your other half while showing you images of him moving on.'
Liseli whimpered. 'That was then, and this is now. I am not stuck in a different dimension. Sapa is right here, in my reach, and I will be damned if I don't do everything in my power to get him back. There is only one question, Talia. Do you want your mate back?'
'Yes.', Talia responded without missing a beat.
'Then, our path is decided…'
Chapter 465 Meeting with the Alphas of the Midnight Guardians pack
Damon walked out of the cave and found himself in a dense forest.
Trees, plants, scents… everything was unknown. This was not the Dark Howlers' territory.
Damon didn't remember the girl he left behind in the cave, and even though her expression seemed sincere, maybe she was just a good actress. He always hated when women cry, like that will solve anything.
She spoke like they had some history together, but he couldn't remember. And who would believe the nonsense that they are mates? Shouldn't there be attraction and sparks and his wolf should confirm that they are mates? There was none of that.
'Old guy!', Damon called, but he got nothing in response. Useless wolf, showing up only when he feels like it.
Damon frowned at the narrow entrance from where he emerged. He was born for the forest and freedom, but this was not his forest.
Was this really the territory of the Midnight Guardians pack?
He pursed his lips while thinking about his options.
It is known that members of the Midnight Guardians pack are not kind to intruders, and if that girl brought him to the cave, they were definitely not welcome here. Who knows how many people conspired with that girl to keep him stuck in a cave? Why would they do that? Is this some ploy to keep him away from his pack while they attack the Dark Howlers pack?
His skin crawled in need to go home.
Damon remembered the intelligence documents that spoke of a portal that separates the territory of the Midnight Guardians pack from the rest of the world. That portal is the reason why no one knows exactly their location and size. As much as this was a good opportunity to scout and gather information, he had no idea how long that girl held him there, and if he was away for more than a few days, the Dark Howlers pack might be in danger.
But how could he leave? Should he go back and ask that girl for directions?
He rejected the idea. There was no guarantee she would tell him the truth, and he didn't want to deal with a weeping woman.
He thought of something. A portal would cause disturbance in the energies and if Damon taps into his wolf's powers, he might be able to sense the location of the exit.
It took him only a few seconds to look to his right, and then he moved stealthily that way.
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Axel rushed toward his father's study.
Since Talia and Damon escaped, Axel was mostly in his room, listening to various mind-links in the hope to get some information. There was nothing. He also checked on Cassandra, but she was only praying and avoiding all other duties. Her helpers believed that she was on the verge of some epiphany or developing a new way to strengthen one's soul, but Axel knew that this was Cassandra grasping the straws in the hope to regain her powers.
Three days. For three days, there was nothing, and now Axel overheard that a young woman was brought in, wanting to talk to Alphas. Was that Talia? If it was, then, where was Damon? Or did something horrible happen to him and Talia came to seek revenge while disregarding her safety?
His stomach dropped at the sight of two warriors standing at the door. They never guard this place.
"Are my parents inside?", Axel asked warriors.
Both warriors nodded in unison, and one said, "I apologize, future Alpha Axel, but our orders are that no one should disturb them."
Axel lifted his chin proudly. "I am the future Alpha. If they have any problems with me coming, I will handle it. Now move aside."
Axel didn't have his powers, but he had his Alpha aura and a helluva lot of pride.
After a moment of hesitation, two warriors moved to make way, and Axel put his hand on the handle while silently praying that Talia was not inside.
"Talia", Axel called in disbelief when he saw the familiar face. She was sitting on the sofa, with Alpha Sophia and Alpha Isaac facing her from the sofa chairs, their backs facing the door.
Axel moved swiftly to sit by her side. "Are you alright? Where is Damon?"
Talia shook her head. "I don't know where he is. I came here because I want to talk to Cassandra. I need to know about black runes."
"Nothing good comes out of black magic.", Alpha Sophia said, and she groaned when Talia cocked an eyebrow at her.
"They refuse to summon the oracle.", Talia said. "I would rather not harm them, but if they don't cooperate…"
"I will get her.", Axel said with urgency.
He had no idea how Talia can harm two Alphas, but his parents were sitting there and not moving even after Talia's threat. Normally, his parents would blow a fuse at this provocation, but now they just sat there obediently.
At first, Axel thought that their stern expressions were because they were angry, but now he had a feeling that their displeasure is because they can't get up. What exactly are Talia's powers?
Actually, even Talia was not aware of the power boost she got after Damon marked her. Talia was stronger and faster, and her aura became almost tangible.
For this operation, Liseli told Talia to focus on interrogation and that Liseli will make sure those two can't move without breaking any bones unless it was necessary.
"You will do no such thing!", Alpha Isaac squeezed through his teeth at Axel. "She is keeping us hostage! Will you give in?"
Alpha Isaac was furious. Talia just appeared and demanded to talk to Alphas, so warriors brought her there thinking that she is the esteemed guest from outside. They saw her in the cafeteria with Axel, so they didn't suspect anything.
Alpha Isaac and Alpha Sophia didn't alert anyone that Talia is a fugitive, so it backfired on them. They saw Talia as an ignorant girl, and they were confident that they can talk her into giving up on Damon's location. Who would have known that Talia could use her aura to suppress them to the point of their limbs not reacting? Alpha Isaac tried teleporting, but even that didn't work. Did she drug them?
"Father", Axel said sternly. "Don't you want answers? Cassandra has them. You said that she is not willing to talk to us, but maybe she will talk to Talia."
Before Alpha Isaac could object, Axel's eyes lost focus for a moment as he mind-linked Cassandra, 'Come to the main study. Alphas need you.'
'I am praying. Is it urgent?', Cassandra responded.
'This is related to the Moon Goddess.'
'I will be there in a minute.'
Axel's lips lifted into a smile. "She is coming." He turned to Talia. "About Damon…"
Talia shook her head. "I really don't know where he is. He woke up and left."
Axel blinked. "He left you behind?"
Talia's chin shivered. "He doesn't know who I am, Axel. Runes did something to him and he is not himself anymore." And Sapa was not reachable either.
Alpha Sophia bolted to her feet. With Talia (and Liseli) being distracted, she found that she can move.
"SIT!", Talia said through her teeth and Alpha Sophia plopped back into the sofa chair, like someone yanked her there with force.
Chapter 466 Family's secrets (1)
Axel was not sure what to think about Talia's words. "What do you mean, Alpha Damon doesn't know who you are? You are his mate. Even if his head is muddled, the bond should force him to recognize you."
"I don't know, Axel. When he came around, he looked at me like I'm a stranger. I could feel the bond, but it seems he can't. I need to know what those black runes do. I need to fix him."
"I understand.", Axel responded.
"Why are you helping her?", Alpha Isaac asked. "Were you the one hiding them until now?"
Axel ignored the second question. "What do you think I should do? Do you want me to knock her out? Or cripple her? She came to us for help. She trusted us, yet we…"
"Don't you see that she is harming us?", Alpha Sophia asked. "We are your parents!"
Axel hissed at these words. "I see that you are just fine. As for parents…"
Both Alpha Isaac and Alpha Sophia glared at Axel, wondering what he will say next, but then there was a knock on the door and Cassandra appeared.
Cassandra's eyes flashed when she saw Talia and she bowed quickly while moving toward Talia, and then she prostrated herself next to the coffee table.
"Stand up.", Talia said stiffly. This was all too theatrical. "I need you to tell me about the ritual you performed on Damon. Tell me about the black runes. I need to know everything."
"Yes, yes.", Cassandra said. But she didn't get up completely as she remained sitting on her knees. "The black runes are recorded in ancient books that are passed through generations. We use them to restrict magic and to punish prisoners…"
Talia listened to Cassandra's explanation, but it sounded like she was talking about how to use a weapon without understanding how it works.
"The ancient books about black runes. Where are they?", Talia asked.
"I will bring them. If you allow me to."
Talia waved at Cassandra to get going. "Get all of them."
With Cassandra hurrying out of the study, the four people were left in silence.
Axel reached for Talia's hand and gave her a squeeze. He wanted to pull her into a hug and tell her that things will be alright, but he didn't know if she will be fine with hugging, and he definitely didn't know if things will be alright. He felt so helpless, and he hated it.
"Why are you so docile with her? Is that how a future Alpha behaves when his parents are in danger?", Alpha Isaac asked Axel.
"If the two of you ended up like that, what can one small me do? Should I attack her and end up stuck like the two of you? Besides, I told you that I didn't approve of what you were doing. I am determined to make this right. Since when are we harming people who come to us for help? And they are not random wanderers; they have powers, our powers. That makes them our people. It's our duty to take care of them.", Axel was heating up. What his parents did contradicted everything they taught him so far.
"How can you ignore what she is doing to us? We are your parents!", Alpha Sophia hissed.
"Are you?"
Alpha Sophia was shocked. "Are you denouncing us?"
"No. Your blood flows in my veins. My question was, are you ONLY my parents?", Axel asked and looked at Talia.
Talia could see that Axel gave her a meaningful gaze. "Should that mean something to me?"
"Axel! No!", Alpha Isaac shouted.
Talia looked at three people in the room and then focused on Axel. "If there is something you want to say, just say it." She was not in the mood for solving riddles.
Axel released a long breath. "Talia, I believe I am your brother."
Talia gaped at Axel. Did she hear him right?
She looked at Alpha Isaac and Alpha Sophia who both visibly paled.
It can't be true, Talia told herself.
She spent years suffering and wishing for her parents to come for her, wishing that her presence in the Red Moon pack was a big misunderstanding. Someone kidnapped her. Or maybe her parents were poor, and they didn't have the resources to come and get her. Or maybe they were dead. Or maybe… anything other than her parents being Alphas who took away Damon from her, the only man who looked at her like she was important.
Talia refused to accept this. She laughed weakly. "What are you saying, Axel? I appreciate you wanting to lighten up the mood, but this is not the time for jokes."
"I am not joking, Talia. The moment I met you, there was a sense of familiarity. When I realized you have powers, I confirmed that you belong to the Midnight Guardians pack. And then your aura… it's definitely Alpha aura, the strongest one I felt. And eyes… don't you see that we have the same eyes? Based on all that, there are only two Alphas who could be your parents, and they are in this room. So either one of my parents cheated and you are the result of that affair, or we are sitting with both of our parents right now."
Talia didn't dare to turn and look at Alpha Isaac and Alpha Sophia, fearing that she might blow up in rage or maybe dissolve into tears. None was good because this was about Damon, and she needed to keep her head cool.
"Hear me out.", Axel said. "There is a prophecy. The Moon Goddess descended on Earth to bless a newborn with unimaginable powers. The prophecy continues to warn that whoever knows about the child's true nature, will be consumed by greed and bring calamity."
"And you think that's me?", Talia asked.
'It is you, Talia.', Liseli spoke into Talia's head. 'Selena's blessing was making me your wolf.'
'Did you know about this?'
'No. But it makes sense. They probably saw moon rays and interpreted them as Selena descending. But it was me merging with you.'
"I believe it's you.", Axel spoke this time.
Talia now turned to look at two Alphas who stared at her with shock and regret. Did they regret that she grew up away from them, or that she found out about this?
Images of her being neglected and abused flashed in Talia's mind, and she couldn't imagine that any parent would leave their child to such a fate. And these were not just any parents, they were Alphas, in charge of a pack and their actions would impact many. If they would neglect their child like that, how are they taking care of others?
"Assuming you are right. How did I end up in the Red Moon pack?", Talia asked Axel.
"I can't be sure, but my guess is that they believed they are protecting the pack. If your powers will bring calamity, the safest thing would be not to awaken them."
Chapter 467 Family's secrets (2)
Author's note:
Thank you, ErikaJ35, for the Magic Castle gifted on March 29, 2022!
- - -
Note: comments that matter, gifts, and votes are available only on the NovelFire platform , where this novel is published.
Thank you for reading my story from the original source and not supporting people who are publishing my work without permission!
Now back to the novel... :)
- - -
"There is a possibility for you to not awaken your powers?", Talia asked.
Axel licked his lips and shifted in his seat before explaining, "Our powers awaken only after we give ourselves mind and body to our fated mate. If it's anyone else, we will be normal werewolves for the rest of our lives."
Talia's eyes flashed in understanding. "Is that why you practice celibacy?"
"Yes.", Axel confirmed, and his cheeks turned crimson. Somehow, discussing this with Talia made him uncomfortable. Isn't she his sister? That topic was NOT appropriate.
Talia's eyes darted randomly as she tried to connect the pieces, and Axel continued talking.
"In order to avoid the calamity from the prophecy, they wanted to prevent you from awakening your powers. By removing you from the Midnight Guardians pack, you wouldn't know about the importance of saving yourself for your mate, and then you will be harmless."
It was Talia's turn to blush. "But… Damon is my mate."
"Exactly. So, you can say that their plan failed." He turned to look at his parents. "Did I miss anything? Am I right? Is Talia my sister? Say something!", he ended with a shout.
Talia put her hand on Axel's forearm to get his attention. "Don't."
"Don't you want to know what exactly happened?"
"It won't change anything.", Talia said, surprised at how calm she was about this. Maybe because Axel was angry for both of them, or maybe because this thing with Damon drained her emotionally. In any case, Axel's concern was genuine, and it warmed her heart.
"I will rather think that my parents died or that they were incapable of protecting me than to confirm I was unwanted and discarded. If you think of me as your sister, I will think of you as my brother. And that's enough."
Axel's brows came together in a frown as his heart cracked. "I wouldn't be so forgiving if I was you, but… thank you."
And then he moved closer and pulled her into a hug. This time, he had a strong feeling that Talia will need a hug, and he needed one as well.
Axel was aware that he was at the turning point. He openly acted against his parents, and he had no idea how they will retaliate or how this will affect the Midnight Guardians pack, but his heart was beating steadily because he believed this was the right thing to do.
Talia's arms moved gingerly around Axel. It was the first time for her to hug a man other than Damon, but it didn't feel awkward. Maybe Axel was her brother for real.
'Is this true?', Talia asked Liseli. 'Are they my parents?'
'I don't know.', Liseli responded. 'I spent the first few years of your life in hibernation, adjusting to being part of a human, so… I'm sorry, Talia. The first memories of us together I have, are from the Red Moon pack.'
'It's OK. I am glad to have you.'
'Same here, kid.'
Talia allowed herself to rest on Axel. Somehow, his presence made her safe and she needed that strength.
...
The door opened and Cassandra walked in carrying two scrolls and one leather-bound book that was faded.
"This is all of it.", Cassandra said, and Talia beckoned her to come closer and put what she got on the long coffee table.
Talia looked at the scrolls first. Runes, diagrams, and some notes in an ancient language she didn't understand.
"What does this say?", Talia asked.
Cassandra started pointing and explaining, "This one is about the arrangement of runes in order to prevent the power of the Moon from being used…"
They took their time going through each note and picture, but it didn't take long for Talia to realize that this wasn't helpful. It was like a manual on how to use the runes, but it didn't explain their nature, Cassandra didn't know what half of the runes symbolize, and there was definitely no information on how to reverse the negative effects.
Alpha Isaac and Alpha Sophia sat there without moving a muscle, and Axel was not sure if they were ashamed to say anything because he exposed them in front of Talia, or maybe Talia was pinning them down somehow.
"Is there such a thing as white runes to negate these?", Talia asked Cassandra.
Cassandra shook her head. "Black magic doesn't have a failsafe." She thought for a moment before talking again. "Every magic is effective only while cast. These runes work while the person is in the circle."
"But what if it's a curse that sticks to the person?", Talia asked dejectedly.
"Then… there should be a way to revert it, but I don't know how."
Talia pinched the roof of her nose, and she felt Axel's hand squeezing her shoulder.
"Cassandra…", Axel's deep voice broke the intense silence. "It's obvious that you don't know much about black runes. From where are they originating?"
Cassandra blinked. "You mean…?"
"I mean, someone came up with these runes. Didn't your predecessor talk about it?"
Cassandra pressed her lips into a line. "This is ancient, and the origin of black runes is just a legend."
"Don't!", Alpha Sophia hissed.
Talia frowned. "How long are you going to stand in my way?"
Alpha Sophia's face contorted in pain as Talia's aura tightened against her.
Rage rippled through Talia and her eyes flickered in silver light. It was one thing to discard her as a child, but why couldn't they leave her alone? When will it stop?
"You gave up on me twice so far. Once when I was a baby, and the second time when you decided that my mate is less important than you maintaining your power. Is that what you are after? Power? I believe the prophecy is true. You know who I am and what I can do, and you became greedy."
"We don't want your power.", Alpha Isaac said.
"Let's assume that's true. However, you are desperate to keep yourself at the top. Let me fulfill the other part of the prophecy." Talia pointed her finger at Alpha Isaac. "Calamity."
Silvery light flashed from Alpha Isaac's body, and he slumped back in the chair with a groan.
Talia's face was deadly still as she moved to look at Alpha Sophia. Was that her mother? No, it can't be her mother. A mother wouldn't give up on her child because she was afraid. A real mother would protect her child from greedy people and teach her how to use her powers for good.
Talia's expression hardened as she pointed a finger at Alpha Sophia.
"No… No…", Alpha Sophia said weakly. She could feel that Alpha Isaac's power was depleted. "No!", she shrieked when her body flashed in silvery light, and then she slumped listlessly in the sofa chair with her eyes rolled at the back of her head to show white.
Talia exhaled a sharp breath and turned to Cassandra. "Where were we?"
Chapter 468 The legend about witches
Cassandra's insides shook at the scene in front of her.
She recognized the effects and knew what Talia had just done. Taking away Cassandra's powers was one thing, but Alpha Isaac and Alpha Sophia have the strongest spirits, yet Talia sucked them dry like it's a child's play. Scary.
Cassandra took in a breath before explaining, "The legend talks about a coven of witches. A hundred generations ago, one of our predecessors had a mate there, and that caused us to mix more than just bloodlines. We would go there freely, and they would come here. The legend doesn't say why the passage between our worlds was sealed. This was left behind.", she ended by gesturing toward the scrolls and the leather-bound book.
Talia soaked in every word greedily. "Do you know something about the passage between the worlds?"
Cassandra lowered her head. "No. I am sorry."
Talia's stomach dropped.
Is this really a dead end and there is nothing she could do?
Damon won't recognize her? Sure, maybe the rune wears off in time, but every moment of him looking at her like a stranger was killing her on the inside. Was she supposed to go back home and hope for the best?
A sense of crisis gripped her heart when she remembered what awaits them at home. There were greedy Elders, manipulative Alpha Edward, the danger of war, and… Marcy. Marcy believed that Damon will come to her after three days to make her his Luna and if he doesn't remember Talia… she choked on a sob that burst from her chest.
If Damon ends up marking Marcy, what will that do to their bond? Even without marking, if he gets close to Marcy… she didn't want to think about it. Talia already saw Marcy between Damon's legs with his cock in her mouth, and she saw a video of Damon fondling Marcy. Talia told herself that's in the past and she won't think about it, but if Damon touches Marcy again…
"Hey… hey…", Axel's voice reached Talia. Why was he rubbing her cheeks? Was she crying? It seemed so. "Portal…passage… parents…"
"What?", Talia asked while blinking her tears away. She didn't understand what he was saying.
"I said", Axel spoke to her seriously. "Don't give up hope. If anyone knows about passages and portals that lead in and out of our territory, that would be our parents."
Talia cringed at the words "our parents", but she pushed that away as she looked at Alpha Isaac and Alpha Sophia anxiously.
"Is that true? Do you know about other portals?", she asked with urgency. When the duo didn't respond, Talia lost patience, "TELL ME!"
"Yes. We keep it in the secret compartment. The bookshelf behind my desk has a mechanism…", Alpha Isaac responded against his will. He couldn't believe that Talia used her aura to force him to tell the truth, and her aura was pure and so much stronger than his. He felt ashamed. How come they didn't see how much more powerful she was compared to Alpha Damon?
He cursed himself for neglecting the obvious. He doubted that Damon marked Talia because her neck was clean. However, if she marked him, it would confirm that Talia's wolf was stronger than Damon's.
"I know where the secret compartment is…", Axel was quick to move toward the bookshelf. He rotated a wolf figurine that was on the third level, and there was a click before part of the bookshelf swayed open.
Talia moved after Axel to see him rummaging through parchment papers and old books.
Her heart thundered against her chest. Are they really going to find what's needed and be able to help Damon? She didn't want to get her hopes up only to be disappointed again, but the light of favorable possibility was ignited again, and she was unable to ignore it.
This whole thing was a rollercoaster and Talia had a feeling that they were still climbing before the big fall. She hoped that her heart will be able to keep up and she doesn't fall apart before the ride ends.
Talia didn't want to give up. She couldn't give up. Giving up on Damon was giving up on herself. He helped her out of a predicament so many times, and now it was her turn.
- - -
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"I can't believe we have all these portals on our territory…", Axel said under his breath while looking at the map he spread on his father's desk. He pointed at one in the far-right corner. "This one leads to the outside world where humans are. I don't know what others are for."
"The legend says that witches are in the South.", Cassandra chimed in.
Axel's hand moved to point at the portal on the bottom of the map. "Then this one must be it." His eyes widened. "It even has a Wicca symbol next to it. That's the one!"
"How far is that?", Talia asked.
"We are here, and that portal is about… Two days walking. One day in wolf form.", Axel said. "My father could get us there within minutes. He can teleport."
"If he has his powers, is there a way to prevent him from fleeing?", Talia asked.
"No. He can move wherever he wants, as long as he knows where he is going.", Axel explained. "That's how we reached you and Damon in the first place. I used GPS positioning to locate your phone, and my father took us there."
"There is a movement spell.", Cassandra said, making both Axel and Talia look her way. "It will take us there in a blink of an eye."
Axel was skeptical, but Talia didn't want to waste time on travel, and she believed that Cassandra was too desperate to get her powers back, so she won't trick her.
"Alright. Get what you need to make it happen.", Talia said.
Axel was alarmed. "You are going, just like that? That portal is sealed, and we have no idea how to open it, or what's on the other side. What if it's dangerous?"
Talia glanced at Alpha Isaac and Alpha Sophia who listened to all this from the side. "Someone will know how to unseal passages. Your ancestors might be cautious, but they were not stupid."
"Assuming that you can get through, it's still dangerous."
"It's a risk I'm willing to take, Axel.", Talia said with finality.
"I'm not saying that you shouldn't go.", Axel said. "But I will go with you."
"No!", Alpha Sophia exclaimed weakly. "You can't. If they find out who you are…"
"Stop it, mother!", Axel snapped. "Can you stop thinking about what's best for the pack, and just do what's right?"
"We don't know why the portal was sealed, but we know there was a reason for it. What if you end up killed?", Alpha Sophia said and then glanced at Talia. "Both of you."
Talia snorted at Alpha Sophia's fake concern for her wellbeing.
Chapter 469 Taking over as the new Alpha
"Do you really think that the solution to your problems is controlling everything?", Talia sneered at Alpha Sophia. "Axel is a grown man. He can decide for himself. As for me, life without Damon is not a life worth living. You have a mate, what would you do if one day he is taken away from you? What if he is right by your side, but he treats you like a stranger?" She turned to look at Axel. "I am going. I won't force you to join me, but I need your help to get there."
Axel put his hand on Talia's shoulder and gave her a squeeze before looking at his parents. "I will do whatever I can to fix the wrong you did. Because of you, I lost my childhood with a sister, and she lost her whole family. You can help us willingly, or we will make you, but you won't stand in our way."
The weight on Talia's back lightened somewhat like Axel took a part of it away. Was this support of a big brother? She thought how her life would be different if Axel was by her side while she was growing up. He would chase away the bullies, and she wouldn't go hungry.
. . .
Talia used her aura to pressure Alpha Isaac and Alpha Sophia into spilling everything they knew about sealing and unsealing portals and Cassandra took notes fervently.
It was not much, but it gave them something to work with and Talia hoped that Cassandra will prove herself useful.
Cassandra also brought some candles and herbs, and she explained that once she draws the diagram with chalk and places the candles and herbs in the right position, they will be ready to go. She also prepared things for unsealing the portal and herbs that Talia asked her to bring.
Talia selected the herbs she needed and stuffed them into her mouth. Damon said that he loves her scent, but with him not recognizing the bond, it was just a sentiment not worth holding onto. It was safer if she can move without leaving her scent behind.
Axel looked at Talia with a grimace. "I know things are uncertain, but you don't need to poison yourself."
Talia's chewing slowed down and it took her a moment to understand what he was talking about. She swallowed. "This is not poison. It's for concealing one's scent."
Axel moved closer and sniffed the air around Talia.
"Give it a minute to enter my bloodstream.", she said.
A few minutes later, Axel was also chewing on the herbs. "We have no idea if witches have a heightened sense of smell, but if we need to move stealthily, this will help."
Talia thought how that made sense. She separated another batch of herbs and handed it to Cassandra.
Cassandra eyed the plants suspiciously. "Are you expecting me to eat those?"
"You are coming with us.", Talia said to Cassandra. "You will need to tell witches exactly what you did for the ritual." If they don't kill us before that. Talia didn't say this last part aloud because Cassandra was fidgety already.
Cassandra swallowed a mouthful of air and then she put the herbs into her mouth.
Talia prayed that their vague plan will work. They will find witches, get the solution to remove magic from Damon, and return home safely before anything bad happens like Elders running amok or Alpha Edward taking over the Dark Howlers pack in Damon's absence. Was that too much to ask?
"You are leaving us like this?", Alpha Isaac asked Talia in disbelief when he saw that they were about to leave the study.
"Like what?" Talia cocked an eyebrow while wondering what they were up to. "You are not coming with us." She thought for a moment before asking Axel, "Should we imprison them, so they don't cause trouble?"
Axel was not sure how to respond to this. He didn't want to put his parents into a dungeon, but… "Leaving them free is a recipe for disaster. Even without their powers, they have authority over their subordinates, which is pretty much everyone in the pack."
Talia pursed her lips while thinking about how to handle this. "What do you normally do when both Alphas are absent?"
"That doesn't happen, but when one of them is not here, their proxies are in charge."
Talia thought how that made sense. "Betas and Gammas are Kai's and Tyler's parents, right?"
"Right.", Axel confirmed.
"Do you trust them?"
"They are good people but…" Axel shook his head. "They are loyal to our parents."
Talia cringed at the 'OUR parents' part, but she didn't want to correct Axel. It was not important. "What about Kai and Tyler?"
"I trust them with my life."
"Then it's settled.", Talia said with a smile on her face. "You will take over as Alpha and assign Kai and Tyler to take care of the pack until you are back."
"Not possible!", Alpha Isaac hissed. "Axel doesn't have his powers."
Talia realized that the old man has a point. "You need an Alpha with powers. What about Beta or Gamma? Can Tyler be Gamma without powers?"
"Others don't matter, but Alpha must have powers or the pack will be in danger.", Alpha Sophia said with the hope that Talia will give them their powers back.
Talia turned to look at Axel. "Alright. I will be Alpha, and you will be my proxy. How about that?"
"What did you say?", Alpha Sophia asked under her breath.
Talia was losing her patience. She didn't have time to argue. "I am of an Alpha bloodline. You can transfer the position of the Alpha to me, or I will take it myself with an Alpha challenge. You both should know that I can take you down in a duel without lifting a finger. It's your choice if you want to preserve that little dignity you have left. You have one minute to decide."
Talia turned to Axel. "People don't know me, but they see you as their future Alpha. If I name you my proxy, my power will secure the position, and your identity will ensure loyalty. Call Tyler, Kai, and Meg here. We should give them instructions and make all this official before we head out..."
Alpha Isaac and Alpha Sophia nearly passed out from anger. How can Talia talk about it like they were not important?
. . .
"Oh, Talia…", Meg got inside the study and threw herself at Talia to give her a hug. "Why are you here? I was hoping you went home by now."
Alpha Isaac and Alpha Sophia frowned at this. Were these youngsters behind Alpha Damon's escape after all?
"It's a long story, Meg.", Talia said while returning the hug. "I lost Damon."
Meg jerked backward and looked at Talia in horror. "Is he… dead?"
"No. But I am to him."
Tyler and Kai huddled close to Meg (Kai much closer than Tyler who was careful not to get too close to Meg), so now all three of them looked at Talia questionably.
"The ritual caused a memory loss and Damon doesn't feel the mate bond. When he woke up, he had no idea who I was, and he thought I did something to him so..." Talia released a shaky breath while remembering Damon pushing her away ruthlessly. "He left."
Meg's lips curved downward. "I'm so sorry, Talia." If that happened to Kai, Meg would be devastated.
Chapter 470 The new Alpha of the Midnight Guardians pack (1)
Author's note:
Thank you, blackfirerose, for the Magic Castle gifted on March 31, 2022!
- - -
Note: comments that matter, gifts, and votes are available only on the NovelFire platform , where this novel is published.
Thank you for reading my story from the original source and not supporting people who are publishing my work without permission!
Now back to the novel... :)
- - -
"I assume you are here because you have a plan.", Tyler said while his eyes shifted from Talia to Axel.
Talia responded, "As soon as Alpha Sophia and Alpha Isaac sign the document and Cassandra performs the ceremony, I will become the Alpha of the Midnight Guardians pack."
Meg, Kai, and Tyler gaped at Talia while processing this information.
Kai was first to recover. "They agreed to hand over the Alpha position, just like that?"
"It's either that or I issue an Alpha challenge. Do you think they have a chance?"
Tyler, Kai, and Meg turned to see Alpha Isaac and Alpha Sophia sitting on sofa chairs with sour expressions. In the next moment, Talia's Alpha aura enveloped three young people. It was strong, yet gentle like an embrace all over, and they all turned to gawk at Talia who continued talking like she was discussing the weather.
"I will make Axel my proxy, and he will assign you duties. The Midnight Guardians pack will be in your care while we go to the realm where witches are. Based on information Cassandra has, black runes originated from witches, and we will seek their help in reverting Damon's condition." That was the short version.
Tyler, Kai, and Meg looked at Axel questionably who confirmed what Talia said. "We don't have much time. So, let's get started."
Axel delegated duties with ease. Since they were teens, Axel, Tyler, and Kai role-played how things will work when Axel becomes an Alpha. The only difference was that this time, it was real, and Kai got to share his part with Meg.
In the middle of talking, Axel stiffened and turned to look at Talia.
"What?", she asked.
"It's Damon.", Axel said and everyone looked at him with anticipation as he continued, "Our scouts spotted him close to the portal to the outside world."
Talia released a shaky breath. "Tell them to let him go through."
"You are letting him go?", Meg obviously didn't approve. "With his memories tampered, who knows what might happen?"
"What's the point in keeping him here if he doesn't recognize me as his mate? He probably wants to go home. That's what I would do. With him on the other side of the portal, we will get more time to make things right. Also, when he sees my things there, it might jog his memory.", Talia said while fighting the sadness that was overwhelming her.
Meg realized that Talia was right. "It's more than things, Talia. You have friends there."
Talia realized that Meg was right. Maya and Caden were there, and also Dawn, Zina, and Stephanie. They will definitely ask about Talia. She wished to contact Mindy somehow. That spitfire would give Damon a piece of her mind for showing up without Talia.
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The preparations for the ceremony were made on the terrace which opened up to a garden that looked like a meadow with low shrubbery.
Axel told Talia that this was one of the rare dwellings above ground, reserved for the Alpha family. Other than living quarters, it has a study, meeting areas, and rooms that should be for hosting and entertaining guests, but they were not used for ages. "Now that you are going to become the Alpha. This will be your home."
Talia was not sure she wanted to settle in that place, but she didn't have the heart to say that aloud because Axel looked kind of happy. Well, she would be happy to have a brother if she didn't lose her mate on the same day.
Axel used the mind-link to send a summon to all members of the Midnight Guardians pack, without telling them the reason.
Cassandra and her helpers prepared everything in under an hour.
Kai, Meg, and Tyler were busy discussing how things will work going forward with Kai's and Tyler's parents, and Talia used this time to ask Axel about the Midnight Guardians pack.
Axel understood this as Talia's attempt to keep her mind occupied and not think about Damon and the danger that might await them while seeking help from witches.
Cassandra warned them that witches are wicked and that they will try to take advantage of the situation. Talia cringed while thinking about Cassie, Elders, Lisa, Nora, Marcy, Alpha Edward... can people be more wicked than that? She hoped that the answer will be, no.
"We are not many. Under five hundred bodies.", Axel started his talk about the Midnight Guardians pack. "Every mated pack member has some abilities. Some are useful for tracking, some for transportation, and then there are those like an ability to attach and detach limbs at will." Axel stifled a chuckle. "Poor Steve. That's a useless ability, but it would be handy if he ever goes outside for Halloween…" Axel cleared his throat when he saw that Talia was not amused by this, and he continued seriously, "The nature is mostly untouched, the animals are plenty and so is clean water."
"The nature is beautiful here.", Talia said. There was no pollution. "You don't need to worry about humans freaking out if they see you shapeshift or move too fast." Tatiana was talking about this as the biggest challenge while living among humans.
"True, but people still want out.", Axel said.
"Why?"
"Because our mates are not here."
Talia remembered the scenes from the cafeteria where couples sitting together was a rare sight, and she realized how that IS a problem. If no one had a mate, they would probably be fine, but with people like Kai and Meg snuggling, others definitely noticed what they were missing and were eager to go out.
"Are your parents preventing them from going?"
Axel was not sure how to respond to this.
"Not intentionally.", he said. Seeing Talia's confused expression, he clarified, "In the interest of keeping our secret safe, exit is strictly controlled. Unless one has official business outside, exit won't be allowed, and you can imagine that regular pack members don't have a valid reason to step outside. We have people sneaking out occasionally when they become desperate…"
Talia thought about how this was something she can work with. Axel is established as the future Alpha, but she is an unknown variable, an outsider. Other than showing them her powers, Talia will need to assure them that she won't harm them or abuse her newly acquired position, and this might be it.
By the time ceremony was ready, around four hundred people gathered in the garden, standing densely packed and looking toward the terrace to see their leaders, Alpha, Beta, and Gamma family with the oracle and her helpers, and a new face (aka Talia).
Cassandra stood in front of the altar where a fire crackled already, and others stood around her to form a semicircle, Cassandra's helpers were ready with herbs, crystals, and other ingredients that should be passed to the oracle during the ceremony.