by J. K. Jones
“Brilliant.” Michael smiles, slapping Micah on the back. Ryu beams at Micah, finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. If they could get the Filthy Claws to retreat and to stop amassing, then it would be easier to talk them out of war and into a better solution.
“That could work…” Randolph says, frowning deeply. “but not for long.”
“What do you mean?” a councilman asks. “It’s a full-proof plan.”
“No, Randolph speaks the truth,” Bruce says. “It would be a temporary solution. We need to attack the head. The Filthy Claws are wolves by nature. If Kenyon is their Alpha and we dismantle the hierarchy they will have no choice but to concede, luckily for us we have a secret weapon.”
“Ryu is mine.” Micah's eyes flash dangerously, all of the wolves shrink back.
“I-I meant no disrespect Alpha,” Bruce backs away. “I—I meant if Kenyon favors him, why not use it to our advantage—”
“If you value your tongue, you will not speak anymore,” Michael cuts in lowly. “We will adjourn for the day.”
-
After the meeting, Ryu hangs back waiting for Micah.
Randolph approaches, eyes tight with worry. “This is extremely troublesome.”
“I know.” Ryu breathes deeply. “I’m sorry I didn’t say anything earlier.”
“Hush,” Randolph says. “I don’t blame you….” His eyes flicker to Michael. “I blame the leadership. I have long since wanted to storm the Filthy Claw Clan…. nobody has heeded my warnings. We should have never interfered in the first place.”
The room goes deadly quiet.
Michael turns to look at Randolph, fury clouding his eyes. When the Silvercrest Clan decided to meddle with the Filthy Claws there were few supporters, most people thought it was best to leave the clans to their affairs. Since the Filthy Claws were in dire need of aid and support Michael took it upon himself to help them. However, it soon backfired with the uprising, the Filthy Claws didn’t want their support anymore. Michael insisted and now they were at war, trying to bring them to heel.
Randolph often voiced his distaste for this idea. Why should the Silvercrest Clan meddle in other clan affairs? What business is it of theirs if the Filthy Claws were starving? They have been for centuries. Long before Michael took the throne and they will long after. Most of the richer clans turned a blind eye, they left the Blackfang Hounds and the Filthy Claws to their own devices, not caring if it destroyed them.
Michael cares. He wants to see the Filthy Claws prosper. Even if that means forcing them into servitude for their good. Michael’s philosophy is that if he could stabilize the Filthy Claws Clan, then the people would be able to work and live on their own.
Ryu always admired him for that. He wants to do better and lead by example. Yet, it seems that it made things worse. The more Michael helps the Filthy Claws, the more the Silvercrest Howlers hate them. And the more the Filthy Claws see how pompous and prosperous the Silvercrest Howlers are, the more they hate them as well.
“Speak freely friend,” Michael says loudly. “There are no secrets here.”
Randolph bows. “I meant no disrespect. However, I will not remain silent any longer. You’ve brought the Silvercrest Howlers to the brink with your ambitions. However noble they may be. We should leave the Filthy Claws to their own devices. It is clear they do not want our assistance.”
“I understand your position brother,” Michael responds calmly. “But I will never turn a blind eye to suffering. Filthy Claws or otherwise.”
“It is because of that we are in this predicament,” Randolph says hotly. “Am I to sacrifice my son? My brother? My friends? For a Filthy Claw that would rather see me dead? Now, they dabble in dark magic to rid us of their lands. What next? We should leave now before we are all cursed by the Gods.”
Michael regards him, his silence weighs heavily.
The rest of the men murmur amongst themselves.
“Doing what’s right,” Michael offers a small smile, “Isn’t always easy. I’ve heard all of your concerns. I would never bring my brothers so low. So, if anyone would like to return to the Silvercrest Howlers they are free to do so. I will not force anyone.”
“We are with you Alpha!” one of the councilmen shouts. “No traitors amongst us!”
The room erupts with cheers and admiration. Although what Michael wants to do is unconventional, it is something that people deeply respect. He isn’t an Alpha who hid behind his castle, he was an Alpha of the people.
“Forgive me Alpha,” Randolph says, however, his jaw is tight—clenched.
“No need.” Michael steps towards him. “Friends must always speak the truth. I fight for a world of equality, of the betterment of each clan, and the unification of all clans. We are all wolves. Thus, we are all one.”
Randolph smiles, it’s strained and doesn’t reach his eyes. “As you say Alpha.”
-
“But—”
“No.”
“Micah,” Ryu whispers, face buried in the crook of his neck. They were in bed again, after copious amounts of lovemaking, Micah was finally sedated. After the meeting, they all went their separate ways. Ryu found himself face down, ass up in their tent, being pounded within an inch of his life. It had been hard, fast, and relentless. Micah nearly going ballistic at the thought of another Alpha trying to stake his claim on him. “Listen to me. I can get close to him in ways nobody else can. If I speak to him—”
“No,” Micah grunts, his hold tightening. “You don’t know what you’re asking. The council will use you. They don’t care as long as the ends justify the means.”
“But it will in the end,” Ryu says strongly. “I know Kenyon. I know what he thinks. I can help end this war with minimal bloodshed. Sensei Musashi said we must always stand up for what is right, even if we stand alone.”
Micah pulls back, eyes blazing. “If you go to Kenyon and pretend to be his Omega, they will see you as a traitor. Regardless, if they suggested it or not. You will never be trustworthy after that. Doubt will always be in the back of their minds. Your reputation will be forever tarnished. This is the way of the clan—the way of the Silvercrest Howlers. You must remain at my side always. Do not disobey me, Ryu. I know the way they think. My father and I are against it, no matter what they say. We will find a different path that doesn’t implicate you.”
Ryu sighs, placing a tiny kiss on his collar bone. “Okay.”
“I won’t force you to go through that.” Micah hugs him closer. “We will find another way.”
-
Only they didn’t find another way.
The wolves that were stunned and captured choose death over servitude. They would rather die than live another day under the Silvercrest Howlers clan.
By then the council has grown restless, an outcry for Michael to storm the capital becomes a daily rendition among the men. Micah orders the council, under pain of death, to never suggest Ryu get close to Kenyon ever again.
Most of them comply, begrudgingly looking for other solutions.
The Filthy Claws change their tactics too.
Instead of charging, they wait for the Silvercrest Howlers to come to them, before rushing at them with full force. The first time it happened it was a bloodbath. Mostly because the Silvercrest Howlers were used to gaining the upper hand with the firing line. Without it, they were prime meat to the wolves that already shifted and the farmers with their rakes and makeshift swords.
Although the Filthy Claws suffer heavy casualties, so do the Silvercrest Howlers. By then, Ryu knows he has to take matters into his own hands. If they continue like this, they would certainly lose and Kenyon is getting stronger and stronger each passing day. His army grew from three thousand to four thousand.
Ryu knows exactly what he needs to do.
Micah spends the day with his generals, going over battle plans and strategies with his men. Trmon and Deryn usually accompany him to these meetings, while Ryu trains with the other soldiers. At nightti
me they would meet in their tent after dinner and make love until they both collapse from exhaustion.
Ryu has a sliver of time during the day he knows he won’t be missed. So, he acts, slipping away from the tent, and heading into the forest. His plan is simple: find Kenyon and talk to him. Ryu knows he wasn’t stupid enough to believe that Ryu left his clan, especially with the scent of the Māku on him. There is no point in lying to Kenyon, Ryu would be straightforward and honest about his intentions, to see if he could get Kenyon to change his mind. If he couldn’t, he would leave and go back to the Silvercrest Howlers. For the sake of their friendship, he would try his best to get Kenyon to see reason.
The minute he passes the borderline he hears a tree branch snap. Ryu whirls around quickly, hand on his gun.
“Looks like my mate has returned,” Kenyon emerges from the trees, clothes tattered, but smiling wildly.
Chapter 41
Ryu smiles. He looks at his friend and finds himself genuinely happy to see him. Kenyon tugs him close, fisting his hair. “You smell amazing.”
Ryu laughs, pulling away.
“Wait,” Kenyon says, holding onto him. “Let’s wait a little while longer. I used to love your scent. It’s so intoxicating.”
Ryu feels mildly alarmed. Although he knows Kenyon won’t hurt him, it isn’t exactly proper for them to be embracing like this. He moves away, uncomfortable with Kenyon’s hands threading through his hair. “Like silk,” he says, mesmerized. “Just like when we were kids.”
Ryu laughs awkwardly and steps back. “What are you doing out here?”
Kenyon looks down at him, mouth hardening at the distance between them. “Waiting for you.”
“Me?”
Kenyon gazes at him. “I knew you would come back. I just didn’t know when. We have so much to catch up on.”
Ryu looks back to the border, mind racing on what to do. If he’s caught with Kenyon, defying Micah’s orders, he would be punished severely. But if he is able to get Kenyon to change his mind and stop these fruitless efforts then he would be regarded as a hero. Ryu knows this journey isn’t going to be easy, and lots of things were at risk if he fails, but he needs to take the chance.
“Come on,” Kenyon takes his hand and Ryu follows him into the Filthy Claw territory. They walk in silence for several moments, Kenyon leading him into the city. The area is bursting with activity, people at the markets selling food and goods, while children run away playing.
It’s not like Ryu thought it would be.
Or how it was during his youth.
The people seemed happy, even with their meager goods and services, the food could barely be called that since it was covered in rot and decay. Yet, still, they were all brimming with life. Several heads turn when he walks by, all of them suspiciously eyeing his Silvercrest Howlers uniform.
The deeper they go, the more impoverished the city gets. Streets riddled with grime; the stench of raw sewage nearly makes him gag. His eyes sting when he sees two young boys, drinking puddle water to quench their thirst.
“This is where I live.” Kenyon brings him to a warehouse. The windows are covered with dusty blankets and the doors are boarded up with wood beams. He brings Ryu over to a small, sad-looking table, and hands him a dirty cup. “Want something to drink? I have alcohol. The good stuff too.” Kenyon winks.
Ryu forces a smile, his heart twisting at the sight. “No thank you. I can’t show up back there drunk.”
“Fair enough,” Kenyon replies easily. “I know it’s not much. I know it’s fuck all compared to your fancy Silver-fuck Alpha…. it’s all I have though….it used to be all we had…”
“Kenyon—”
“When they took you that day, I fought hard to get you back. I worked tirelessly in the mines. I even saved every penny so I could buy your freedom from the Silvercrest Howlers. When they finally let me out, I went to see you, at the Silvercrest Howlers Clan,” Kenyon laughs, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “I knew it was too late. You were already brainwashed by them. I vowed to never let them win and we’ve been fighting to get our clan back ever since.”
Ryu feels tears sting his eyes.
If Kenyon saw him with the Silvercrest Howlers he must have felt so betrayed. In the beginning, it was only them, since they were children. Ryu’s heart twists and takes Kenyon's hand and intertwines it. “I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be.” Kenyon waves his hand dismissively. “As long as you are happy. I can rest knowing that. You deserved so much more than anything I could give you.”
Tears fall from his eyes.
He thinks back on the past, how hard life was living on the streets, but how being with Kenyon made it easier. His friend—his only family. Could Ryu stand by and watch as they killed him? Micah wouldn’t hesitate.
“So fair,” Kenyon mumbles, touching Ryu’s chin. “Eyes like storm clouds and thunder.” He chuckles. “The Goddess is truly cruel….to give me love—life only to tear it away…” he whispers.
That triggers his memory. “Kenyon you must not dabble in dark magic—the Goddess will want repayment for—”
“I know,” Kenyon responds. “It’s too late. I’ve already sold my soul. I won’t take it back, especially now since we’re winning. We will take over the Silvercrest Howlers and crush their clan.”
“You can’t,” Ryu says quickly. “They’re too powerful they’ll kill everyone—"
“I can,” Kenyon says, eyes flashing red. “You think because you’re fucking them, they consider you their equal? Newsflash: they don’t! We are like ants to them—insects on a drawing board! I fight for my people! For the people of the Filthy Claws Clan! Our clan will be restored!”
“You can’t think like that!’ Ryu cries in desperation. He needs to find a way to make Kenyon see reason. “It’s over. They are bringing in reinforcements!”
Ryu gasps, slapping his hand over his mouth.
Fuck. He should not have said that.
Kenyon burst out laughing.
Ryu stares at him, perplexed as he watches his friend nearly keel over. Kenyon clutches his stomach, eyes impossibly wide as his mouth nearly splits his face in two. Ryu jumps back, horror covering his features.
“You came here to fuck me!” Kenyon says wildly, his face transforming, hairs sprout, and nostrils flare. Danger. The word sets off alarm bells everywhere and Ryu stumbles back. “But I am fucking you!” He laughs louder, more maniacal than ever before. “You’ve been away too long! Now those Silver fucks are walking right into my trap! HAHAHAA! I KNEW I COULD COUNT ON YOU!”
Ryu sprints out of the warehouse.
“RUN! RUN WHILE YOU CAN!” Kenyon’s mocking laughter follows him with each step.
He makes a break for the treeline, running as fast as he can to get back to the Silvercrest regiment.
Fuck! He’s so unbelievably stupid! To think after all these years that Kenyon has changed. That he could be reformed. Ryu feels sick. He put the whole pack at risk because of his foolishness. Micah. Oh no. He pushes his legs harder, grunting as his lungs burn with exertion. He needs to get there fast before—he stops dead.
Kenyon stands in front of him.
The manic smile is more vicious than ever before. “What will they say when they see you by my side? After you disobeyed a direct order from your precious Alpha.”
Ryu froze, hurt pumping loudly in his chest. How did he know that? Did he have spies in their camp? “Let me pass.”
“Never.” Kenyon grins. “We haven’t finished our conversation, Ryu.” He steps closer. “Or is Micah the only one who gets to talk to you?”
“Shut up!” Ryu yells. Fuck. Why didn’t he bring any weapons?
Kenyon leaps forward, his hand clasps tightly around his neck. “How long have I dreamed of this day? The fall of the Silvercrest Howlers. I want you to watch it with me. I want you to see them all burn.” His eyes flash red, demonic almost, as he tightens his grip on Ryu’s neck. Ryu struggles, digging his nails into Kenyon’s han
d as he gasps for air.
“Come on.” Kenyon chuckles. “We’re missing the show.”
Ryu blinks and Kenyon fucking teleports.
Chapter 42
A sonic boom erupts from the forest.
Ryu’s gut turns, his head spins and his vision swirls. Shit. Kenyon grips his waist tightly, but he can no longer hold on. Ryu pukes, giant orange and green chunks of his breakfast on the floor. The world is moving so fast, he can barely think, everything blurs and his stomach wrenches again.
“Don’t worry.” Kenyon chuckles, patting his back. “I felt the same way the first time.”
Ryu struggles to stand, his body swaying in dizziness and disbelief. These powers were unnatural, they defied the laws of reason. However, a Bloodhound had no boundaries and once the debt is owed the Goddess must grant them any wish they see fit. After the Bloodhound got what they wanted, the Goddess would come to collect, dragging their soul to hell. Ryu felt sick at the thought. Kenyon must have been in such a deep state of agony to make such a pact.
“S-stop,” Ryu says weakly. No more, please.
“Don’t worry sweetheart.” Kenyon nuzzles against his cheek. “I won’t do it again. We just needed to get here faster. I have a surprise for you.”
Ryu feels dread settle within him.
“Look.” Kenyon gestures beyond the treeline.
His eyes widen, there in the middle of the field the sonic boom bore a hole. It’s enormous, almost like a large crater, however, inside Lycan’s were crawling out by the thousands.
They start screeching, the noise hitting every nerve ending in his body. It’s the sound of nightmares. Ryu clamps his hand over his ears, eyes widen as he takes in the sight. The Silvercrest line is broken—decimated. Men scream in pain as the Lycan tears through them, they clutch their wounds in agony.
Guns are useless against these supernatural creatures. The wolves that shift are tackled by ten Lycans at once, making it even more impossible to fight back.
“Stop!” Ryu cries, grabbing on to Kenyon’s hand. “Stop!”
Kenyon looks down at him. “Never.”
