Chapter Four - Is he playing me?

Freya Rose

I stood there in complete silence, just staring at Samael with my brows furrowed together. What the hell is he doing here? Why is Kali all over him? Has he been in on this all along? Was he playing me this whole time? Those were just some of the thoughts that were racing around in my mind. I found it hard to fully concentrate on any of the questions that I was asking myself, because Mina was going absolutely berserk, she was growling and snarling. She was itching to be let out so that she could rip all of them apart.

“Mina, please calm down, I need to think this through,” I asked her calmly in my mind.

“No! Enough with your thinking, it's time for action. Let's rip these things apart, get Finnley, and make a run for it,” she snapped at me. 

I wanted nothing more than to let her take over control, I could then slip away into the back of my mind and hide away. It would be so easy to do that, but, I wouldn't be able to get away from myself, and all my incessant questions and thoughts. So, what would be the point? I wouldn't get any peace anyway.

“Mina, please. That wouldn't work. I know that you are strong, but think about it logically. Kali is a hybrid, Sam is a vampire Sire, and Jeremy is an Alpha. Even if we could beat them all, look who's behind us. Two huge vampire hunter hybrids, two hunters by the gates, and Samael's twin brothers. There is no way we can take them all,”  I said softly to her.

She snarled in response and then let out a low huff. I knew that she didn't like giving up, but she knew I was right, and gradually backed away, and into the depths of my mind. With Mina now quiet, I could think a little more clearly. I decided to stop asking myself questions, that I clearly wouldn't know the answers to.

“Aww, bless her. Look, Sam, she's all confused. You did a good job, she really thought you was her friend,” Kali cackled while she stood next to Samael, with one arm around his back, and the other resting on her hip.

I scowled at her; I was trying my best not to just burst into tears. Not because Sam had betrayed me, or because I thought he was my friend. No, actually that did bother me, but just not as much as the realization of the dire situation that I was now in. I had come here thinking that I could somehow bring down Kali and the council. But, how can I do that if they have the vampires on their side? Oh, and werewolves too, well, at least one werewolf pack. I needed to compose myself and come up with another plan. It needed to be a foolproof plan, I would only get one shot at escape, so it needed proper planning. It could take me some time, but for now what I needed to do, was play along with Kali's stupid games. I needed her on my side, I needed to show her that I was not competition, not a threat, I was her young and naive niece, and she could trust me. I took in a deep breath, and prepared to do the best acting of my life.

I doubled over laughing, I mean, I actually bent over and laughed towards the floor, while I gripped my tummy. I heard Kali gasp at my theatrics. I then gradually pulled myself together, and pretended to wipe away my non-existent laughter tears. I then stood up straight and strolled confidently towards the three of them. Kali still had her mouth wide open, and Sam furrowed his brow at me in confusion. Alpha Quinn, seemed to get what I was doing right away and had a cheeky smile, and an impressed look on his face. When I got up the steps and onto the porch, I said with a chuckle, 

“Oh my God, you guys are a hoot. I can't believe you went through months of planning. You could have just asked me nicely, and told me about this place, damn, I would have bitten your hand off.”

I then surged enough angel electricity through me, to make sure when I hit Samael's arm, he'd be able to feel it.

“You pair of jokers,” I said as I punched Sam in the arm, and I damn well knew that he felt it, as I heard a pop noise when my knuckles hit him, and my hand was left throbbing afterwards.

I think I may have even broken a knuckle, but Sam was good, he kept his stern face on and didn't move a muscle. Well, he almost didn't, I heard him gulp, and then I heard his heart speed up. The first thought that went through my mind was, oh, ok, vampires do have hearts, that's good to know.

“Alpha Quinn, would you do me the honors of escorting me to my room please?” I asked as I approached him.

“Of course, I am at your service,” he replied with a wink, to accompany that cheeky grin he was still wearing.

He held his arm out for me to link, so I placed my hand through his arm, and he patted my hand, and then began to walk me into the mansion.

“Are you two love birds coming, or what?” I shouted back towards Kali and Sam.

I am going to play the snakes at their own game. If they can pretend to be people that they're not, then so can I. Watch out, because here comes twisted bitch Freya Y'all!

Mason Hart

Everyone worked really hard over the last few days, to clean up the cabin and get things looking like normal again. It was weird walking through the halls, knowing that a few days ago our friend's blood decorated the walls. I couldn't believe how the place looked now, some cleaning and a fresh lick of paint, and it's as if the massacre never even happened. I sat down on the dining room chair and held my hands over my face. I felt so emotionally drained. I knew that I had to be strong for Amelia and the faction, but if I could run away right now, I would. The sound of light footsteps distracted me from my thoughts.

“I'm doing myself a coffee. Do you want one?” Hannah asked politely.

I sighed deeply into my hands and then slid them down my face, I then placed them onto the table, and slumped back into my chair.

“Yeah, why not. Thanx,” I replied casually.

Hannah made the coffees and made her way over to me. She placed my coffee cup on the dining table in front of me, and then asked softly, 

“Do you mind if I join you?” 

I shook my head and held my hand out towards the empty chair next to me. She smiled softly, then sat down. She let out a low sigh, then inhaled again.

“Mason, I really am sorry for contacting the council. I never thought that they would send Kali. I just wanted Freya away from our faction,” she said quietly, she looked over at me for a response, but I had no words for her, I just reached over and took my coffee cup off of the table.

She continued to talk, 

“I know it’s no excuse, but I was grieving for my brother. You have seen what Kali is capable of, and I was worried that Freya would be the same. I see now that I was wrong, Freya can control her wolf, and so can Finnley. I thought I was protecting us. See, what Kali did here, isn't the first time she has brought death and destruction to our faction.”

I raised my head to look at Hannah, she now had my full attention. I watched as she held her cup in both hands and took a slow sip.

“What do you mean? Has Kali done this before?” I asked, eager to hear the rest of her story.

She let out a loud sigh, then placed her coffee onto the table. She turned to face me, then with a sorrowful face replied, 

“Yes. See, I know that you think your father died, along with many more hunters, in an epic battle with the Canadian brood of vampires,” she paused as I nodded in agreement.

“Well, that is sort of the case. Your father, my parents and many others lost their lives to Kali and her hybrids,” she spoke barely above a whisper as tears began to slide down her cheeks.

She went on to tell me that, after Kali was turned, her parents tried to keep it quiet and locked her up in the cells, much the same as I did with Finn. After a few months, Kali had managed to convince Hannah that she was safe, and Hannah made the terrible decision to trust Kali. She let her out of her cell, and Kali ran off into the woods. No one heard from Kali for almost three years. Then one fateful night, she returned with ten other hybrids. 

“They attacked us while we slept. My mother stood no chance, Kali ripped her throat out before she even had a chance to scream. My father fought as hard as he could, but Kali had her hybrids feeding on every artery that they could find,” she managed to choke out the story between sobs. I felt helpless as I watched her grief consume her.

She then went on to tell me that my father had managed to call for reinforcements, and luckily back then we had a lot more hunters living within the town. They fought all night, and the hunters successfully killed half of the hybrids.

“Kali, had already accomplished what she had set out to do, which was to kill our parents. See, Kali always despised our father, he was strict with us girls. I knew that it was because he wanted to keep us safe, but Kali thought he was controlling and wanted to stop her from living her life. Either way, she wanted him dead,” she spoke louder than before, clearly getting pissed off while remembering her sister.

I let her continue, I knew that it must have been hard for her to talk about, so I didn't want to interrupt.

“I never really knew why she wanted to kill our mom, our mom was the kindest person you could ever meet, and the best mom to us all. Maybe she was jealous of mine and my mom’s relationship, or something? I don't know, the girl got super twisted once she was turned,” she said as she reached over and picked up her coffee. She then turned towards me and shook her head.

“I'm sorry, I'm blabbering. Anyway, when I found out about Freya being a hybrid, I panicked. I blamed her for my brother’s death and for what happened to Finn. I was wrong, I shouldn't have judged her by my sisters actions. She just looks so damn much like Kali. I will never go against you, Freya, or this faction again. Please forgive me,” she said sincerely.

I sighed heavily, I still hated the fact that she told the council about Freya, and caused all this in the first place, but I can understand her reasons why. Freya does look just like Kali, and in the midst of grief, I think I would have done exactly the same thing.

“I forgive you, Hannah, I can see that you thought that you were doing what was best for this faction. After seeing firsthand what Kali is capable of, I think I would have done the same,” I said with a soft smile.

“Thank you, Mason. I'll let you have some peace and quiet before the girls wake up,” she smiled and placed her hand on mine, she gave it a little squeeze, then she stood up and left the dining room.

I sat there in peaceful silence, with only my thoughts to keep me company. My heart ached for Freya, I missed her so much, but my mind was fighting against my heart. My mind was telling me that I needed to let her go, I needed to put this faction first. Here I could make a difference, here I could help my people, here I could be useful.  If I was to choose Freya, what would our life be? We would have to go on the run, the council wouldn't stop until they found her, they would kill and torture everyone I love, just to get to her. How many hunters or humans would have to die, just so that we could stay together? That isn't an option, and I know that Freya would agree with me. 

No, right now I needed to focus on healing the faction and making them strong again, I needed to support and train Amelia, and make her into the best damn Fionn that she could be. Freya is safe in the moon realm with Selene, I just hope that she knows how much I love her, and that she will be forever in my heart.

Freya Rose

Alpha Quinn guided me into the mansion, and I gasped deeply as I took in the absolute beauty of my surroundings. We stood in the middle of a huge and impressive entrance hall, it was so bright and clean. The floor was shiny, and an off white in colour, and it had duck egg blue diamond shapes all over it. There were two sets of elegant stairs that curled around the edge of the room, and led up to an enormous landing that circled around above us. The banisters were made of navy-blue painted iron swirls, and the handrails were stunning gold. Right in front of us in between the stairs, sat a circular duck egg blue couch and a couple of ornate off-white colored armchairs, that also had gold arms. At the back of the entrance hall was an archway framed by giant pillars, and in that archway was a beautiful full-length glass window. 

As I looked up at a stunning crystal chandelier, I saw a gorgeous domed ceiling. Painted within the dome were clouds and angels. It was delicately painted in off whites, pinks and blues, then surrounded by a thick gold border. I'd never seen anything like it in my life, it was like something out of a fairytale. I stood there in silence taking in every inch of beautiful design and architecture. I finally looked over to Jeremy and he was grinning at me like a Cheshire cat.

“What?” I asked him abruptly.

“Oh, ahem. Nothing, I just wondered what I looked like, the first time I saw this place. And seeing your face, I guess I know now. It's spectacular isn't it?” He asked me as he gazed around the room.

“Yes, it's breathtaking,” I replied softly.

The peace and amazement that I was feeling, quickly diminished as Kali and Samael loudly entered the hall. 

Kali was giggling, way louder than she needed to, I think she was trying to make me jealous or some shit, but I didn't care. Sure I liked Sam, and yeah I couldn't lie, the guy was damn sex on legs, but she was welcome to him. He was a sleazy lying snake and I was glad that I found it out sooner rather than later. Kali was hanging all over Sam as they strolled through the hall, she shot me a sideways glare, I guess she was warning me to stay away from her man. So, to make sure she knew that I wasn't interested, I smiled back at her, then pulled myself up onto my tiptoes and kissed Jeremy on the cheek. I lingered there for a bit, and even rested my hand on his chest, just so that there was a little more physical contact than was actually needed.

Jeremy placed his arm gently around my waist, and I heard Kali scoff, as she and Sam made their way up the luxury duck egg blue carpet that covered the stairs. I lowered myself back down just as they reached the top. Jeremy looked down at me with a confused expression on his face, and I raised my eyes towards the stairs. He followed my gaze, then nodded his head slightly, indicating he knew what I was up to. Jeremy decided to play along with my game and pulled me in for a hug, he buried his head in my neck and then whispered in my ear,

“I know that you're not happy to be here Freya. I want you to know that whatever you decide to do, I will always have your back. Whatever you need, you can count on me.”

I smiled and hugged him tighter, I still didn't know if I could trust the guy, but he had always been so nice to me. Of course, that could have been because he was playing me, like Sam did, but apart from Finn, Jeremy was the only ally I had right now. With Finn, I didn't even know if I'd be allowed to see him, so having Jeremy around could really help me out. I know I'll still have to keep an eye on him, just in case he is playing me, but for now, I welcomed a friendly face. I went to release from the hug, but Jeremy held onto my shoulders so that I couldn't move. I furrowed my brow and looked up into his bright blue eyes. I searched his eyes for answers, was this part of the game? I thought to myself. He looked sad, or, guilty almost. I tilted my head at him slightly, and as I did his gaze left mine, he looked up the stairs and my eyes followed his. 

Kali and Samael were standing on the landing above us. Kali had a sadistic smile spread across her creepy doppelganger face, but when I looked at Sam, his expression didn't match hers. He glared at Jeremy, almost like a jealous lover. I shot him a questioning look and his gaze met mine, his face instantly softened into one of sorrow. I slowly turned back around to Jeremy, utterly confused with what was going on. 

'I'm sorry,' Jeremy mouthed to me, and before I had a chance to react, he extended his canines and lunged at me. Mina quickly reacted and began our shift, but she wasn't quick enough, and before I knew it, Jeremy had sunk his canines into the space between my neck and my shoulder. Pain and a burning sensation entered into my body, and I howled into the air. The sound of my bones breaking echoed through the hall as my shift came thick and fast.

I was so angry and upset at Jeremy, what the hell did he mark me for? We're not mates, what could he possibly gain from biting me? My thoughts raced as I tried to slow the shift down. Fur had already sprouted from my skin, and my hands were now elongated and transforming into paws. My back suddenly cracked, instantly jolting me forwards. I was frantically trying to calm Mina down, she wanted nothing more than to take over and rip these bastards apart. Kali cackled and clapped her hands with glee, and hearing her was all I needed to focus. I wasn’t going to let that bitch control anything from now on, she was going to learn how fucking powerful Freya Rose truly is. I am not some toy for her to play with, and this mansion has a new fucking Queen. 

I pushed through the searing pain and snapped my back as I stood up straight. I turned around and stared Kali down as I ceased shifting, and gradually returned to my human form. Kali's mouth dropped open as she watched me take control of my shift. Samael was stood there watching me in awe. When I had returned to normal, I stretched and then shook out my hair. Jeremy went to speak, but while still staring down Kali, I quickly put my finger up to his lips to stop him. I then took my finger away and pointed it at his face, I then ignited my hand in electrical flames and illuminated my eyes, as I said in a calm and deep voice, 

“You ever touch me again, and it will be the last thing you ever fucking do as a living being, do you understand me?”

“Yes,” he said shakily as he tried to back away from my flaming hand. 

“Get down on your knees and say, yes my Queen,”  I demanded.

I knew it was a little dramatic, but I knew I had to outplay Kali, and I knew one person who could do that hands down, Selene. While staying with her in the moon realm, I had learned a thing or two, and had actually come to like some of the over the top behavior. Kali's face dropped as she watched Alpha Quinn drop to his knees and bow down to me. I gradually extinguished the flames around my hand and held it out for him to take. He took my hand and kissed it, he then said in a firm and respectful voice, 

“I am at your mercy, please forgive me, my Queen.”

I stroked the side of his face, then slid my hand under his chin and gently pulled it up for him to stand. He stood up and showed his neck to me in complete submission. I smiled as I watched Kali stomp her foot onto the floor, then turn on her heel and storm off. I heard her screaming down the hallway like a stroppy teenager, and with my wolf hearing I could hear her cursing and shouting, 

“How the fuck did she stop that shift? And why did nobody tell me that she’s a fucking Phoenix? Urgh!”

I chuckled and then turned my attention to Sam. He had a soft smile on his face, and I furrowed my brow as my thoughts raced again, why did he seem happy that I'd got one over on Kali? He looked like he was proud of me or something, I didn't understand. Kali screamed out his name and he rolled his eyes in response, he then put his arm across his belly, and bowed to me. He then lifted his head up and flashed me his gorgeous smile, and my heart fluttered a little when he cheekily winked at me. As he stood back up and strolled away, I suddenly found myself thinking, is he actually playing me, or, is he playing Kali?