by Karen Ruth
“Nina. Amelia and Devlon are not really even meant to be together. They just learned to love each other over time. Devlon had his mate but rejected her in order to be with Amelia. He thought she was better for the pack.” Reed explained.
“Wow.” Was all that I could say.
“Yep.” Reed responded.
“What do we do?” I prompted Reed.
“Not really much we can do.” Reed muttered. “We can’t tell Lucas. He will just freak out right now, which isn’t something that we want. You already spoke to the one person who can ultimately fix this. I guess we try not to die?” Reed said with a half-smile trying to be funny.
“If you die on me, I’m finding a way to bring you back. Then I will kill you again for revenge.” I said to him smiling.
“Hey babe. I’m not that easy to kill. Now that I have some sort of warning, I can defend myself. Someone about to catch these claws.” Reed said jokingly once more.
I let out a sigh. “God I really hope so,” I muttered while shaking my head.
Chapter 17
Catherine and I walked hand in hand down the long crimson aisle, trying to find our spot amongst the front row, our dresses blowing in the light breeze. White chairs with crimson bows were scattered across the green grass, in a straight path, leading to the gazebo. The sun cast an illuminous beam right at the gazebo, just like it did with my premonition. The white gazebo looked extravagant. The anchors are lined with red flowers and green leaves in a circular motion, wrapping themselves up all the way to the top.
Catherine was wearing a charming strapless red short dress that showed off her curves wonderfully. It had ruffles that caused the seam to end few inches above her knees. I on the other-hand elected to wear a dark blue dress that wrapped around my neck and showed off the color of my eyes. It was a simple dress, with no ruffles or sparkles about it. Although it did have pockets which I was exceptionally happy about. I was torn on wearing a dress, not really excited to wear one as I loathed dresses. It made me feel exposed and vulnerable, but I knew that I had to act like nothing was going on. I couldn’t let Adenlina or her pack know that I knew something was up. At least if it came to a fight, I wouldn’t feel as bad ripping it to shreds while transitioning into my wolf. I just prayed that when I do, my ribs will be able to handle the damages and not pass out immediately.
Dozens and dozens of werewolves sat in the white chairs with a crimson bow attached, none of them were Devlon or Amelia. As we were walking down the aisle, whispers broke out amongst the attendees. Most were from Adelina’s pack. “Is that Nina?” I heard one of them say. “I think so,” Someone responded while staring straight at me. Embarrassed, I blushed. I tugged on Cath's hand wanting to walk faster to our spot. As I was speed walking down the aisle, I realized we had assigned seating. There wasn’t any way I could get out of sitting in the same spot as my premonition. My heart dropped to the pit of my stomach. Catherine gave me a worried look as she came to the grasp of this as well. I squeezed her hand to try to comfort her.
After I parted ways with Reed from the storage room, I immediately went to Catherine to warn her. She needed to know so she could be prepared to fight along with us if a war was to break out. I knew that she wasn’t ready, but at least if she had some sort of warning, she could run before the man could shoot at us. I instructed her that if something were to break out, she needed to run as fast as she could, and not look back. I couldn’t focus on protecting her and Reed at the same time. Reed needed me. I felt guilty about this, but if I didn’t do anything, Reed will die. I already saw it once, I didn’t need to witness it again.
Catherine and I reached our spot in the front row, on the right-hand side, all the way to the right side away from the aisle. A man, who I could only assume was the one who had the gun, sat directly behind me. His eyes and face showed no emotion.
“Hello,” I said to him, smiling, trying to be friendly.
No response. Not even an eye twitch.
Great, I thought to myself. This looked like great news. We were so screwed if Devlon doesn’t do anything. As I was lost in thought, the music began to play, the start of the wedding imminent. I snapped my attention behind me where I witnessed Lucas walking who I could only assume was Adelina’s mother. She had a tiara above her head that made her look like royalty. I didn’t pay too much attention to her as my eyes were focused on Lucas. He was dressed in a black suit with a crimson blazer. His crimson bow tie wrapped around his neck.
My heart jumped at the sight of him, I couldn’t pry my eyes away. His golden eyes reached mine and I couldn’t move any fiber from my body. The world disappeared around us and the only sound I could hear was the pounding of my beating chest. His eyes held a deep sadness that ached my heart. I wish I could comfort him. I had to refrain myself from walking towards him, for reaching out and hugging him.
Catherine elbowed me causing me to snap my attention from Lucas and unto her.
“Everyone’s watching you, Nina. Be careful.” She warned me very quietly.
I sighed audibly. “You are right,” I said as I hung my head.
Lucas walked Adelina’s mother to the front row on the left-hand side. He bowed his head to her and she seated herself. As she seated herself, Lucas walked back to the start, taking Amelia’s hand. He whispered something to her, and her face faltered. She quickly removed it and smiled brilliantly once again. It was so quick that if I wasn’t so sure of myself, I wouldn’t have doubted it even happened.
Lucas sat Amelia next to my sister and myself. I tried my hardest to not look at Lucas, because I know if I did, I wouldn’t be able to contain myself from reaching out to him. Instead, I stared at the green forest flooring. I felt someone nudge my other arm, my attention snapping up and looking at Amelia.
“Nina…..” Amelia started but faltered.
“Yes?” I questioned her back.
“I’m sorry.” She responded with a sad face.
“Where is Devlon. Was he able to do anything?” I questioned her hopeful for one last chance for redemption.
“I’m sorry Nina. I don’t think he can do anything about this. Lucas must get married to her. There isn’t any other way.” She retorted her face snapping from mine, looking forward once again.
I didn’t respond to this. There wasn’t anything I could really say that would make anything better. I fought the tears that were trying to escape my eyes. This was not the time to be upset, I needed to be strong and focused in order to fight along-side my pack if things are going to occur as they did with my dream. I couldn’t let everyone die the way that they did. No more blood needed to be spilled by this.
One by one the members of my pack walked the women down the aisle. Everyone looking straight ahead, not making any eye contact. All the women looked beautiful. Dressed in expensive-looking crimson-colored diamond encrusted diamonds. I couldn’t even imagine how much they cost.
The sky began to take a darker shade as the clouds began to roll over. My gut telling me that this was a sign of bad news. Worried faces broke out amongst the attendees, wondering if it was going to rain or not. I couldn’t help but to think that maybe Adelina would freak out over it and call the wedding off. One could really hope, couldn’t they? Catherine's eyes found mine and I noticed she was shaking.
“Everything will be alright. It has to be.” I said to her as I squeezed her delicate hand.
“I hope so.” She said in a defeated tone.
I flashed her the best smile I could before tearing my attention away from her once again.
A deep voice boomed across the clearing.
“Please arise for our bride Adelina!” A man who officiated the wedding announced.
I stood up as well as the entire crowd. Once again, I looked behind me. Adelina was beginning to walk along with what I assume was her father. He was a strong-looking man. His muscles rippled under his suit. His alpha aura following him around as he walked. I noticed some cringe as his presence caused their wolf to shudder in fear.
I did not react to this, but I could see Catherine having an internal battle within herself. She was trying awfully hard not to shudder.
Adelina looked beautiful, her face smiling from ear to ear. Her white diamond encrusted dress clung to her gorgeous body. I couldn’t help but to be jealous of the situation. A low growl escaped my mouth without even realizing it. Catherine quickly jabbed my ribs, shutting me up as a cringed in pain.
“Shut up.” She warned through her teeth as she was faking a big smile.
“Sorry.” I said as my attention snapped to Lucas.
Instead of watching her like I thought he was going to be, his attention was directed towards me. His head was cocked to the side as he was watching me.
“Nina.” I heard him warn in my head. “Be careful.”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to.” I said still watching him.
He tore his eyes from mine and watched Adelina. Although he was holding a smile, I could tell from his golden eyes he was sad and hurting. He was doing a great job faking it, but everyone who truly knew him as I did, knew that it was all act.
“It’s ok. If the roles were reversed, I don’t think the man that would be walking down that aisle would still be standing.” Lucas retorted threateningly.
“Lucas….” I started but was cut off by Adelina whispering something to him.
My heart dropped again my dream flashed through my head. I tried my best to listen to what they were saying. I couldn’t hear anything, their voices too low for me to hear at this range of distance. I glanced behind me to see what the man with the gun was doing. His eyes fixated ahead, watching Adelina’s every move. I attempted to listen to Lucas’s thoughts, but I heard nothing. He was too experienced at blocking people for me to break through and listen to him. I tried to listen to Adelina but heard the same silence.
“What’s happening?” I asked Reed who was the closest to Lucas.
“Nina…” Reed started but was broke out with the sound of thunder erupting from the sky.
This caused me to jump up and look at the sky. A black cloud covered the area, the lights of the wedding the only source of light. Worried faces sprung from the pack members once more and everyone began to wiggle in their seats. My attention snapped at Lucas once more. His eyes focused on mine but held a possessiveness stance to them. My heart began to beat faster and I grabbed onto Catherine knowing what was going to happen.
“Catherine, remember what I told you. Run when I say ok?” I instructed her, not taking my eyes off Lucas and Adelina.
“Nina. Let me help.” Catherine protested back at me.
“No, Cath. Listen to me. We don’t have time for this.” I sputtered out.
Lucas's face distorted into disgust and hatred as he looked back at Adelina. His body shook violently as he filled with anger.
“RUN!” I yelled at Catherine who took off as fast as she could.
Thunder sounded from the dark sky as lighting illuminated the clearing. Heavy down-pour soaked the guests as tension began to arise.
“WATCH…” I heard Lucas yell as thunder struck once more and I ducked to the floor bringing Amelia down with me.
Chapter 18
“STOP!!!” A voice boomed causing everyone to freeze in their tracks.
Shocked, I looked over towards Adelina and Lucas while still on the safety of the ground. Their faces were stone cold as they glared at each other not moving a muscle. I slowly grabbed Amelia’s hand and stood up. We looked in the direction of the deep commanding voice. Sure enough, Devlon was there with a group of elderly werewolves. Their lips curled downward in disapproval and their eyebrows furrowed in anger.
“Adelina, just what do you think you are doing?” Devlon questioned.
“What do you mean sir? I’m just getting ready to be married to Lucas.” She answered.
“Do you play us as a fool?” Devlon growled. “Tell me, what are your intentions here?”
“I already told you.” Amelia answered squinting her eyes.
“ENOUGH!” Devlon snarled back at her.
This caused Amelia’s pack to snarl in anger at talking to their princess like that. The thunder clasped once again. My dress clung stiffly to my body as the rain soaked through me. The rain was such a heavy downpour that it was hard to even make out what was going on.
An elderly man put his hand on Devlon’s shoulder trying to calm him. We all had to be careful in this situation. One wrong move could result in an immediate all-out war.
“Our ancestors are clearly against this wedding happening today. We need no more signs to show us that this is a bad idea. Adelina, darling, you are free to leave.” The elderly man said.
“WHAT?” Adelina beamed as the crowd gasped in shock.
“Please gather your belongings and leave at once.” The elderly man said once more.
“You are a fool if you think I am just going to walk down this aisle like nothing happened,” Adelina said while glaring at the old man.
“A fool I am not. Although, you are a fool if you think that you will fight us today.” The elderly man said glaring back at Adelina.
“ATTACK!” Adelina yelled commanding her Britain pack to transform.
I prepared to changed into my wolf once more. My eyes began to sparkle as the danger was imminent.
“ENOUGH!” The elderly man yelled once more.
Suddenly, all of the Britain pack fell to their knees. Unable to move. Sounds of pain echoed the clearing as they struggled against an unknown force. A smell arose from the air that smelled like electricity. Not the smell of lightning though, this smelled quite different.
“What the??” I asked confused.
Amelia put her gentle hand on my shoulder. I looked over at her and she had a smile that etched her beautiful face.
“He is a wizard Nina.” She answered me.
“Wow.” That was all I could say as I cocked my head to the side in curiosity.
The wizard glared at Adelina once more.
“You will leave this place immediately. No fight will take place today. Do you understand me?”
Adelina growled in protest.
“Do you understand me?!” He boomed once more.
The electric smell hit my nose once more as Adelina whined in pain.
“I do not want to hurt you, princess.”
“I will kill you.” Adelina growled through gritted teeth.
“Very well.” The wizard said. “I see I don’t have much choice here.”
Adelina's screams of pain echoed through the clearing causing me to flinch. Even though I despised her, this was a sound of torture. I couldn’t imagine the level of pain that she was going through.
“STOP!” A female voice broke out.
The smell of electricity and Adelina’s screams ceased at once.
“Yes?” The wizard questioned while cocking his head to the right.
“We will leave at once. Please, do not hurt her any further.” The female voice muttered.
The voice was coming from Adelina’s mother. A pained and worried expression etched her face. Tears fell from her beautiful eyes.
“Please, do not hurt her. You have our word. We will leave this place with no bloodshed today.” She begged.
The wizard looked over towards Devlon. Devlon simply shook his head and placed a hand on the old wizard’s shoulder. His wizard stepped back as Devlon stepped forward.
“Very well. Go before we change our minds.”
Adelina glared at Devlon. Hatred dripping from every word that she spoke.
“Mark my words Devlon. This is not the last time you will see me. I will bring my people back and we will destroy you and everyone in your precious little pack. Especially Lucas and Nina.” She said as her words were laced with venom.
Adelina’s shining eyes found mine. She glared at me with every ounce of hatred that she could. I was not afraid though. She didn’t scare me in the slightest. I held my head high and looked right at her.
A gun clicked from behind me. M
y head snapped to the sound of the gun. My instincts running on high alert.
Quickly, without thinking, I grabbed the gun with one hand and elbowed the man in the face as hard as he could. I tipped the chair behind me over as the man grabbed his head to his face that was now squirting blood all over from his broken nose. My knee rose at full might into his crotch. He doubled over in pain, dropping the gun from his hand.
I quickly turned the gun towards his face instead.
“Nice try.” I smirked at him.
“How did you know?” He questioned me.
“My little secret.” I retorted while flashing him another smile.
“Nina, are you ok?” I heard Lucas ask in my head.
“I’m alright.” I responded to him, not taking my eyes off the man who tried to shoot me.
A heard an audible sigh come from Lucas’s mouth. I couldn’t look towards him though as the biggest threat was right in front of me. Even though I had the gun in my hand, I didn’t trust this man.
“Did you really try to shoot Nina?” Devlon’s voice dripped with anger.
“Yes.” Adelina muttered.
“LEAVE! NOW!” Devlon roared.
Adelina took a step forward, her head drooped in defeat. I watched as a single tear fell to the floor in front of her. She knew that she was defeated and there wasn’t anything left that she could do.
“WAIT!” A male voice roared.
I couldn’t help but to tear my eyes from the man in front of me to the sound of this male voice. Although I did remember to unload the gun in place it in the pocket of my dress. I knew that pockets would come in handy at some point.
The sound was coming from no other than Adelina’s father. His face was full of anger as he spitted out his next sentence.
“If Lucas doesn’t get married today, that means that he can no longer become King by default. So, if I challenge you for the crown and I destroy you, nobody will be able to stop me. Lucas has no right to the thrown.”
My head snapped in the direction of Lucas. His head cocked to the side as he searched my eyes as well. I tried to break his barriers once again, but he wouldn’t let me in.
