Chapter One - Tell Mason I'm sorry

Mason Hart

I stared into my cousin's soulless eyes, and wondered how we'd gotten to this point. When I finally found my Fianna I thought my life would be complete. Years of searching for her, I had built up a fantasy in my mind and this definitely isn't it. Don't get me wrong I love Freya more than words could describe, but nothing could've prepared me for the loss and heartbreak that she has brought along with her. I know that it isn't her fault, but I don't understand how one sweet and perfect girl can have so much tragedy and pain following her around.

Watching my cousin trying to fight his new natural instincts, that are screaming at him to rip me apart, and bleed me dry, makes me wonder if my happiness is really all that worth it? All I ever wanted growing up, was to find my Fianna, start a family and live happily ever after. Cliché I know, but when I found Freya, she was beyond what I'd hoped for.

A lot of hunters sadly get humans as their chosen mates and then have to panic about leaving them if they ever bore hunter children. It is a very cruel fate to be given your soul mate, only to have to leave them one day. I am one of the lucky ones and Freya is a hunter just like me. Our future together was going to be a long and happy one. Well, at least that's what I'd thought. Now I'm not so sure. Our faction has suffered so much since I brought her home. We have lost our Fionn, some hunters have lost their mates, friends and family, this can't go on! I need to put the faction first; we can't lose any more people just so that I can be happy. I have two choices, leave Freya and break both of our hearts, or leave the faction with her. If we go on the run, hopefully, the council will leave the faction alone, and follow us instead.

“You look, troubled dear cousin. How about I silence them thoughts for you!” Evan hissed at me, instantly snapping me out of my thoughts.

He lunged toward me with his arms stretched out, ready to grab me. I dodged to the side just in time, and he fell onto the ground. He let out an agitated huff, then slammed his fists into the floor and pushed himself up. I backed up against the wall not really knowing what to do, I was chained up for Christ sake, this wasn't a fair fight. The chains! I suddenly thought as an idea popped into my head. I grabbed the chains that were secured to my arms and as Evan lunged at me again, I managed to spin him around then quickly wrapped the chains around his neck. The talons he now had as fingernails, sliced through my arms as he fought hard to try and free the chains from around his neck. A tear rolled down my cheek as I tightened the chains even more. His efforts became weaker, and as they did, I closed my eyes tight and prepared myself to say goodbye to my best friend. Tears now freely streamed down my face as I said to him softly, 

“Goodbye Evan, I am so sorry.”

“No! Put him down!” A woman's voice screamed out at me.

Before I had a chance to open my eyes and see who it was, I felt a hand grab me around my throat then effortlessly lift me up into the air. As I choked and gasped for air I let go of the chains, instantly releasing Evan. I heard him hit the floor then cough as he tried to get his breath back. In one way I was glad I hadn't killed him, but in another way, I wasn't. He was now a monstrosity and a danger to all hunters.

“I would love nothing more than to choke the life out of you right now, but Freya would never forgive me. So if I let you down will you behave yourself?” The woman's voice asked me.

I nodded my head the best I could, then instantly plummeted to the floor. I sat there curled up for a bit just coughing and choking, trying to catch my breath. Once I could breathe again, I looked up to see who had attacked me and saved Evan. I watched as the white-haired woman held Evan's face between her evil hands, and I was surprised to see that there was actual concern and worry on her face. Selene had feelings for my cousin, it was hard to believe that this cold and demonic woman could even must up normal feelings, but it was clear to see that she cared for Evan. He looked weak and held his head down low as she stroked his cheek with her thumb.

“He's not a monster Mason. He is still your cousin and he is still the amazing and funny Evan that he was before,” she said in a low voice as she sat down in front of him.

She pulled him into her embrace, I watched in disgust as she brought her wrist up to her mouth and then tore open her vein. Blood immediately began to run down her arm, and I quickly turned my head away as she put her wrist to my cousin's lips. I could hear him moan weakly as he began to drink the crimson liquid.

“It's just the blood lust that's sending him crazy, he will be fine once he's fed. I promise you, you will have your cousin back,” she said sincerely.

I couldn't believe what she was saying though, how could I have my cousin back? This blood-sucking fiend could never be my cousin. I mean look at Kali. From what Damien and my father had told me, she never used to be so twisted and evil. They said once she was turned, that's when she changed into the monster she is today. How could Selene know that Evan wouldn't change into an evil, and sadistic monster?

“There, my king. Is that better?” Selene asked Evan as he finished up drinking her blood.

He sat back and wiped his mouth with his sleeve. Then to my shock, he quickly crawled away from Selene, then while still on all fours, threw up all over the floor. He began to freak out and started screaming, 

“What did she do to me? That fucking bitch turned me! No, no, NO! I can't be a vampire! Please no.” 

Selene crawled over to Evan and pulled him into her chest. He sobbed as she stroked his hair and tried her best to comfort him. I couldn't believe how different she was from the first time I'd seen her. She was loving and dare I say it, 'normal'. I decided to try and comfort my cousin, but as I crawled forward my chains clicked and pulled against my arms. Selene turned and looked at the chains that shackled me to the wall. She held one of her hands up and the chains began to shake and crack. With a loud pop, they shattered and fell to the floor. I glanced up at Selene and mouthed the words 'thank you' as I rubbed my wrists to try and soothe them.

“It will all be ok my king. Kali will pay for what she's done to you. I will make her pay for what she's done to all of you!” She said to him as she embraced him tightly.

She then stood up and walked towards the door. I scrambled over to Evan and cautiously put my arms around him, he quickly pulled me close and sobbed into my chest. Selene smiled softly at me then said, 

“Freya's on her way, I'll tell her to go and meet us at the safe house.”

Without giving me a chance to reply she vanished. Evan had begun to calm down by now, so I pulled away from him slightly. He lifted his head, and his eyes were bloodshot from all of the crying. The man looked completely broken beyond repair, and my heart went out to him. I could see his eyes scanning around the room looking at all of our tortured and mutilated friends and family. As his head turned in the direction of his father, I quickly grabbed it and pulled it towards mine. I rested my forehead onto his, and said softly, 

“Evan, you don't need to see that. Let's take you to the office while we wait for Selene to get back.”

He shook his head against mine and simply uttered, 

“Stevie.”

I suddenly remembered that Kali had also killed Stevie and another hunter, she must have done that in the office. I sighed then asked, 

“Is the dining room ok?” 

He nodded his head in reply. I helped him up and told him to keep his eyes closed while I guided him through the slaughterhouse that was our living room. I managed to get us to the dining room and helped Evan sit down on one of the chairs. I went over to the cupboard and got out two glasses and a bottle of whisky. I think we could do with this right now, I thought to myself.

Freya Rose

I'd been flying for about an hour, and Sam had been constantly blowing up my phone. I should have turned the damn thing off, but I didn't want to miss a call from Mason. My phone rang again so I slowed down and found a secluded place to descend. I took out my phone and looked at the display. My heart jumped for joy when I saw who it was. It wasn't Mason but it was the next best thing, it was Evan. I quickly hit the answer button then said excitedly, 

“Hello? Evan?” 

“Freya, where are you?” A woman's voice asked, dragging the words out in a creepy kinda way.

I frowned and stayed silent for a minute, trying to work out who it could be. I didn't recognize the voice at all, but she did sound a little like my aunt Hannah. Oh my God, 

“Kali?”

“The one and only! Well, I was, but it seems that you like to follow in your dear old aunt's footsteps, now doesn't it!?” She said sarcastically.

“I am nothing like you, Kali! From what I've heard, you're an evil and sadistic monster!” I spat back at her.

Knowing she was away from the cabin gave me some added confidence. I heard her burst into laughter on the other end of the phone and I rolled my eyes.

“That's what you've heard have you? How is my beloved Samael? You screwed him yet?” She asked venomously.

She tried to sound like she didn't care, but I could hear the jealousy dripping off of her tongue like rattlesnake venom.

“What? Of course not! We're just friends,” I told her honestly then continued when I heard her scoff, 

“Not that it's got anything to do with you who he sleeps with. And I'm with Mason or did you forget?”

“You're right Freya, it is none of my business, but to be honest, who could blame you if you did sleep with him? I mean just look at the damn guy, he's stunning! I couldn't blame him for wanting to sleep with you either, from the pictures I've seen on Evan's phone, you look exactly like me,” she said with a chuckle and a weird sense of pride.

“Look, Kali. As nice as this bonding moment is, I'm busy, so do you want to get to the point?” I snapped at her.

I needed to get flying again, or I wouldn't reach the cabin until dark. I knew pissing her off wasn't the greatest idea I'd had today, but I wasn't in the mood to play games, or to catch up with crazy-ass family members that were hunting me down.

“Ooo! Feisty, I like it. Ok, straight to the point it is. You need to give yourself up and come back to the council with me,” She said bluntly.

“Fat chance!” I scoffed down the phone.

I quickly held the phone away from my ear as she screeched down it, I guess she didn't like my answer. I heard her scream a few swear words, then heard the van screech to a halt. Then the sound of a door opening, then another. I pressed my ear up to the phone to try and listen better, then snatched it away again as I heard a high-pitched yelp.

Mina immediately began howling inside my head, 

“Finnley!” She screamed at me.

“Freya! Don't do what she wants, RUN!” Finn screamed down the phone.

Mina whimpered when we heard him yelp as Kali hit him, then shouted, 

“Shut your mouth, you stupid mutt!”

The line went quiet for a second then she spoke again, 

“Ahem, sorry about that. Please ignore my pet, he doesn't yet know his place,” she said through gritted teeth then hit him again making him whimper. She then continued, 

“But with a little time and retraining at the council, he'll be a perfect little puppy. Won't you? Yes, you will!” She said in baby talk.

Mina and I listened while Kali spoke to Finnley, It turned my stomach when she said, 

“Mmm, who's a cute little puppy, huh? You're so scrumptious, I could just eat you all up, yes I could,” She said in baby talk again.

“Grrr!” I growled over the phone as my body began to shift.

I couldn't keep Mina under control anymore, she wanted to protect her son, and I couldn't blame her. I spoke to her softly in my head, 

“Mina, please, let me handle this. I promise you will get your chance to rip her apart!”

She backed away with a huff and gave me back control.

“Your wolf getting all momma bear on ya, is she? That is adorable,” Kali mocked.

“Enough Kali! Let him go!” I snapped at her down the phone.

“Fat chance!” She replied.

Oh for Christ sake, what is wrong with this woman? She's a spoilt brat, that has the maturity of a 3-year-old, I thought to myself as I rolled my eyes yet again.

I stood there for a minute contemplating my options, then I realized I didn't have any. I already knew that Mina wanted our son back, and it's not like I could just stroll up and steal him. I had to hand myself in, I could not let anyone be enslaved, tortured or God forbid die for me. The faction had already lost my dad and Ellie because of me, I won't let them lose Finnley too.

“Ok, you win. Do you know Redwood Meadows?” I asked her.

“Yes,” she replied abruptly.

“I'll be there in about ninety minutes,” I snapped at her, then hung up the phone before she had a chance to gloat. I shoved my phone back into my pocket, then ascended and took off into the air.

I'd been flying for over an hour, and I'd had a lot to think about. Like, Why didn't Mason tell me that it was Kali that the council had sent to the cabin? What were the council going to do with me? Was there any way I could save Finnley and make a run for it? Were Mason and Evan ok? Would I ever see Mason again? 

I had to stop thinking about it all, because I was driving myself insane and becoming emotional, and if I broke down right now, I'd be no use to anyone. Thankfully just twenty minutes outside of Redwood I got a mind link from Selene. I quickly descended, and as I did she then rang my phone,

“Selene?” I answered.

“Freya! Thank God, I've been trying to contact you for hours, where are you?” She asked in a panic.

“I can't tell you Selene, but just know that I'm ok, and I'm going to fix it all. How are Mason and Evan?” I asked her in a concerned voice.

“Why can't you tell me? What do you mean you're going to fix it? Urgh!” She huffed then continued, 

“It doesn't matter, we can discuss it later at the safe house, I'll get Samael to text you the address. And Freya, don't bother to argue with me. Mason and Evan, hell, all of us, need you right now!” She demanded.

“Selene, is there something wrong with Mason and Evan?” I asked in a panic.

“Evan's been turned,” she said with sadness in her voice.

I'd never heard her like that before and it was strange and unsettling. I'd gotten used to her being crazy, demented and over the top. This new Selene worried me.

“Werewolf?” I questioned.

“Vampire,” she replied softly.

“Kali? Turned him?” I asked through gritted teeth as my blood began to boil.

“She did more than that Freya. She tortured and mutilated around a dozen hunters right in front of him, while trying to get him to give up your location,” she paused as I gasped down the phone. 

“She then chained their corpses to the walls of the living room, and showed them off to Mason, like it was a damn trophy room. Then she tied him to the wall and left Evan in there with him while he transitioned,” she paused again to let it all sink in.

I stood silent for a moment while I processed it all. I tried my best to keep myself calm, flying into a rage right now wouldn't help at all. Once I calmed myself enough I said, 

“Is that everything?”

“No, I just got there in time to stop Mason from killing Evan. Freya, Evan is really broken, he's not coping at all. The bitch even killed his dad!” She snapped down the phone.

I knew her anger wasn't aimed at me, so I thought nothing of her snapping. Although to be honest, I was quite surprised that she wasn't admiring Kali's work. Something had changed her, but now wasn’t the time to find out what. I knew that she wasn't going to take no for an answer, and she didn't need me to tell her where I was either. She could find me anywhere, she could find any of her werewolf or vampire children, so I needed to lie to her. I spoke as convincingly as I could, 

“Ok, get Sam to text me the address of the safe house, I'll get there as soon as I can. And Selene?” 

“Yes?” She asked.

“Please keep them safe, and tell Mason, I'm sorry! And, that he's always in my heart,” I said as a single tear rolled down my cheek.

“Ok, I'll tell him,” she replied then the line went silent.

I wiped the tear from my cheek then straightened up. I can't let anyone else die because of me. I will go to the council, then Kali will have no use for the faction, Evan, or Mason. I will be able to keep Finnley safe, then try to figure out a way to either escape, or bring Kali and the council down. Either way, I need to keep the people I had left safe, and I am willing to do anything necessary. I wonder if I will ever see Selene, Sam, Evan, Mason, or my siblings again. The thought terrifies me, but I need to be strong.

 I took in a deep breath then screeched into the air, my wings ripped through my skin and fanned out showing off all of their magnificence. Once fully ascended I took off into the sky with Mina howling a war cry in my head. We were both more than ready to face our fate. I screamed up into the sky, 

“I Love you, Mason!”