Chapter 3

It was an annoying buzz that broke the moment. His head snapped, body tense, his eyes scanning the area looking for any anomaly. A low growl reverberated from his chest. His wolf, suddenly aware that something was not right with their surrounding. 

In their mind link, Rooka broadcasted, "Fan out, there is something in the air that is making -" he stopped mid command, the woman in his arms was trying hard to hold back the chuckle inside. He looked at her, waiting for an explanation of her bizarre behavior. "Care to explain what is going on, my minx?" He felt her take a deep breath before lifting her head against his neck.

Even when her eyes are puffy from crying, she looked beautiful. Her coffee-colored eyes shone with sorrow, a deep sense of loss, and intelligence. The sad smile she gave him broke his heart. Softly she said, "Lem, stop it." 

The buzzing stopped instantly. Rooka raised his eyebrow, for an explanation. She sighed, not looking forward to explaining her mom's sparks. She changed her position on his lap, putting her back against his chest. His arms automatically went around her waist. Anchoring her to his lap. The other people in the yard, also made their presence known.

There were three gorgeous men and a woman who would fit perfectly for a VS model, who stepped into her line of vision. All of them wearing black, with some minor differences. Blinking she can see the power emanating from them, and their souls that have some kind of taint on them.

The man, who has the same clothes as Rooka has a soul that has a taint of darkness. It was just a taint, but souls shouldn't have that color. The other whose hair was tied behind his back had a grayish one, the other two, who she guessed were twins has the same yellowish color, but the woman has some green mixed with it. Glancing behind her, the man holding her has a mixture of black and red. 

Something inside her turned cold. Why am I seeing their souls? she thought. "LEM!", she shouted, panic evident from her voice. A spark appeared before her, taking everyone by surprise. "What's happening to me? Why am I seeing their souls?", she asked.

Lem landed on Serene's leg, he glanced at the Alpha behind her and bowed, as a sign of respect. Rooka,  with a confused, looked on his face, returned the gesture. Three more sparks arrived. Each of them bowing their heads to him. He tightened his arm around her. 

"I'm sorry, princess. But since your mother and the alpha is gone, the seal to your power was broken," Lem said, his voice clear with a hint of sadness mixed with it. "You see, we were entrusted with your safety. It's our duty as your guardians to make sure that you can control all the powers that were transferred to you."

"Powers? What do you mean? I'm a latent wolf. I can't have any. The only thing that I can do is have the normal strength of a were," she said back. "And how can they even see you guys? I thought it was forbidden for your race to be seen other than your Master or whatever you call them - "

"Keepers," all of the sparks said. 

" - yes thank you. But here you are in board daylight, bowing to Rooka..." Her voice faded and things were starting to clear up. "What are you even doing here?" She asked, looking at the man that she hasn't seen for more than 30 years.

"The council wants you to be at their stronghold," he replied. "My pack is to escort you there." His voice was devoid of emotion, but when she looked at his eyes there was plenty of emotion there. From wonder, confusion, sadness, and need. Wait, what? Need? She thought. 

"As much as I want to know why I can see some sparking things floating around us, we have to rest," the man with long hair said. "Alpha, my name is Kazemde. Everyone calls me Kaz, the twins are Layla and Nuru." He tilted his head to indicate the twins who are looking at Mac and Beth. 

"And him?" Asking about the man who wears the same clothes as Rooka. 

"He is my Beta, my minx. Wayne," Rooka whispered. A shiver traveled down her spine. It was impossible for him not to feel it. She was still sitting on his lap. 

"I'm not your minx," she replied. 

"You are. And you will always be, my minx". He stood up with ease. Still holding her. The sparks floated. Hovering near the dead alphas. "Kaz is right. We need to find a place to rest." With Serena still in arms he started walking to the cars. 

"Wait, what about my mom and dad, we can't just leave them here!"

Lem flew to her side. "We will take care of it, princess. No one will see anything. You need to rest. Beth and Mac will be with you. Lina and I can take care of this."

"How will you know where we are?"

"We are connected, princess." With that, he started flying around the property. Another spark joined him. 

When they reached the cars, Serena pointed to her car. Without breaking his stride, Rooka went to the car and opened the passenger door, he gently settled her on the seat before clipping the safety belt. Once that was done, he went around the driver's seat. When the door closed, he looked at her.

"Do you have any idea where we can all rest? " He asked. Absently, she reached out to touch his face, gently caressing his rough beard, as if she was in a trance. "Baby?" That snapped her out. She quickly withdrew her hand and searched her phone. 

It was on the driver's side, and he gave it to her. Their fingers brushed, and it felt like a small jolt of electricity passed between them. He closed his eyes, while she started looking at her phone.

"Megan? Do you have some free rooms at the inn?" He heard her asking. Trying not to listen to the whole conversation. "Something happened. And I need," she looked at him and asked, "how many rooms?" 

"Three."

A sudden, "kyahhhhh" made her wince and pulled the phone away from her ear. 

"Omg, Rena, who is that hunky voice?!"

"Hunky? He sounds like a dry wood being varnished by sandpaper."

"Is he your boyfriend?!" Megan asked in a high-pitched voice. "Omg, girl! You have a boyfriend?! Whoot!!!" 

"He is not my boyfriend!" Rena was already shouting to be heard because her friend was too busy singing a happy tune. When the man beside her began to chuckle, she groaned. "Don't, Roo, just don't," she pleaded. Which made him laugh harder. 

Wayne, looked at his alpha and Serena, from the way he was laughing, it seems like he was enjoying her embarrassment. Weres do have sharp hearing, and all of them heard what was going on. A small smile broke his face. He is going to be fine, he thought. He jogged towards the couple and knocked on the window, and said, "where to?".

"Omg, Rena! You have two men?! You go, girl!"

The two men just laughed. Rooka took the phone, and started talking, "I am Rooka, her friend," stressing the word 'friend' which only cause a happy screech from the woman at the end of the line. "Can you tell us how to get there?"

"I get to see the man behind the voice? OMG. OMG. Rena has  A LOT of explaining to do." Happiness can be heard in her voice. "Open your GPS and type "Megan's Retreat". Rena knows the passcode of the gate. I will just get your rooms ready. Can you put the phone on speaker?" He pushed the button and held the phone between him and Rena, "Rena, are you going to be sharing a room with hunky voice?".

"Yes."

"Noooo."

"Okay. Bye. See you in a bit." The line went dead. 

"So," Wayne said, "We get to have rooms, and the two of you will be sharing one?" 

Rooka just smiled, a glint of playfulness in his eyes. Serena just groaned and snatched her phone.

His heartfelt light, even with the death of two of the most powerful beings in the world. For the first time since he becomes the alpha, there is something more to him than keeping his people safe. His mate, the other part of his soul is alive. The burning question was, how can she be alive when she was supposed to be dead 30 years ago?

~~~~

"Megan is human," Serena said, breaking the silence between them. She leaned her head against the seat eyes closed. "She doesn't know anything about our world. I would like to keep it that way please."

"Aha," Rooka replied. He cast a quick look at her before asking, "You two been friends long?"

"Yeah, since we were in grade school. It was when I came back from the trip in your country..."

"My father told me that you died."

That made her open her eyes and looked at him. "Why would they do that?" Confusion was evident from her voice. "I have been living in the Philippines since I turned eight, why would they say that I die?"

"I do not know, baby. All I know is that you were sick and being as you are, the virus was too powerful, and it ended your life." Pain can be heard from his voice. It was apparent that he never got over her death. And that confused her. 

She touched his thigh, making him looked at her hand then at her. "Whatever they told you, it was a lie. I am here, and well." She gave a small smile before closing her eyes again. 

Rooka breathed thru his mouth. She left her hand on his leg and it is taking all of his self-control not to hold her hand. "Baby, have you eaten?" he asked.

"Not hungry, Roo," she replied.

"I can hear your stomach."

"I will eat at Meg's. She has my favorite food -"

"Chocolate mint brownie or cookies," he said softly. He reached for her hand and entwined their hands. "It was one of those things that I remembered from that time." He felt her squeeze his hand, a simple reminder that both of them will get to the bottom of the deception. "Your father left a letter. I will give it to you later when you are in your room. Yes, you will be having your room." He felt her squeeze his hand in acknowledgment.

~~~~

It didn't take them a long time to reach Megan's property. A ten-foot wall was covered in Bougainvillea, making it impossible to see the bricks that were used to make it. The gate had a lovely drape of vines from the same plant. 

"This it?", Rooka asked. Trying to sense if there is any danger nearby. 

Serena nodded. She opened her window and pushed the code to open the gates. It had an ominous sound as it slowly opened, once the three cars were inside, it closed on its own. The inside of the place was breathtaking.

It was an explosion of colors and plants. The driveway was clear of any plant life, except for the columns that serve as a guide to the main house. There were flowers everywhere. Butterflies and birds native to the place can be seen in almost every corner of the pathway. 

When they reached the house, it looked like a postcard was brought to life. In the middle of a clearing was a Spanish-style house that was popular during the 1500s in the Philippines. The upper part of the house was coated with an ecru paint, while the windows were light brown. The roof was set in modern times so that it can withstand the rainy weather. A small Bahay Kubo, was at the side of the house, beyond it was a vast forest, completing its postcard quality. 

They got out of the car, and a ball of energy came running at Serena. Rooka quickly stood behind her to catch her upon impact. She gave a whoop, before hugging their host. 

He looked at both of them. Roughly the same height, same curvy body, but that is where the difference ends.

Megan's hair was waist length, and there were blonde highlights in her black hair. She has a slightly angular face that is softened by thin red lips, a cute nose, and chubby cheeks. Her almond-shaped eyes were alive and sparking. 

Serena on the other hand has shoulder-length black hair that, upon further inspection had some kind of blue color when it was hit by the ray of the sun. 

Megan was so happy that she didn't notice the sadness surrounding Serena. She, on her part, closed her eyes and pushed the hurt, and did her best to look happy.

Rooka saw the change, felt the sudden transformation. His heart ached. For his mate to hide her pain, this person must be so important to her. He can hear the other woman, saying something but he ignored the conversation. The view of the place was amazing. I have to tell this to mom and dad, he thought. 

"Rooka?" Serena looked at up him. "This is Megan. Megan, this is Rooka, my friend." She introduced. 

A devilish glint entered her eyes, Rooka also gave her a knowing grin. "Friend," she started, "yeah okay. Although it doesn't look like it." She glanced down using her lips as a pointer, indicating Rooka's hand on her waist. He was absently rubbing his thumb on the side of her hip. She stepped away from him, and immediately felt the loss.

"These are his companions, Wayne, Kaz, and the twins, Layla and Nuru." She pointed to each one after saying their names. She notice the puzzled look on Meg's face when she looked at Wayne. It's probably because of the scar, she thought. She was engulfed in another hug before another question was asked.

"Where are your mom and dad? Are they going to stay here too?" It was such an innocent question, yet it made her facade drop a little. And being as close as sister as anyone can be, she saw it. "What happened, Serena?"

Serena took a deep breath, trying her best not to cry. But a lone tear escaped her eyes. "They are gone, bhe." She said in a whisper. "They are gone." A gasp broke from Megan, and she pulled her to a  tight hug. She can feel her tears, and it made her heart die a little more. She felt him. He was behind her, hand on her back, slowly rubbing it, like he was offering her his strength. She looked up and gave Rooka a sweet sad smile. 

Once Megan's tears stopped, Rena just hugged her. With an arm in each other's waist, they walked towards the house. 

Rooka and his pack watched the two women. Kaz broke the silence. "I smell something bad is going to happen," he quietly said.

Wayne nodded and added, "I will take the first watch, I don't - " 

"No," Rooka cut in, he looked at his Beta. "The twins will have the first watch. They seem to be enjoying the Sparks with us." When he looked at them, they were talking to Mac and Beth, who were sitting on each twin's shoulder. "For now, all of us must rest. If what you said is true, we need to be ready." As if sensing his distress, Rena looked at him, he just smiled and started walking towards her while saying, "even my wolf feels uneasy." 

Kaz and Wayne watches as their Alpha joined his mate. Once inside the house, Wayne called the twins and relayed the request. Kaz was looked at the sky. Something ominous was about to happen. And the center of it all was the woman who is to be their queen.

~~~~

The inside of the house was very simple compared to the beauty of the courtyard and the driveway. The simple furnishing gave the whole house a welcoming feel. Rena and Layla shared a room while the three men were given another. It didn’t take a long time for them to settle and pick a bed that they want. Once it was done, they all meet in the kitchen for some late breakfast.

There was plenty of food but with the somber atmosphere, Rena was having a hard time eating properly. Situated beside her was Rooka, who was on his fifth plate of food. Then she remembered, they are werewolves and could eat a whole horse given the circumstances. If Meg was puzzled by her guests’ eating habits she was not saying anything.

She was looking at her waffle when a fork appeared in front of her with some sliced waffles. Startled, she looked at cutlery unconsciously opened her mouth to eat the offered food. She looked at Rooka, who was busy talking and eating. Without pausing on whatever they were discussing, he took her still full plate and transferred its content to his plate. Fascinated, she watched as he cut the food into bite-size pieces and drizzled it with some maple syrup. When he was happy with his work, he carefully pierced some, thinking that he will be eating, she wasn’t expecting him to look at her and gave started to feed her.

“I can eat, Rooka,”

“Aha, I know, but that food has been sitting on that plate. You are not eating it”, he said giving the cutlery a little wave. “Are you going to eat this or should I drag you onto my lap so I can feed you properly?”

The table was suddenly quiet, all eyes were on the pair. Glaring at him, she opened her mouth and let him feed her. “Good girl.”

“I am not a good girl,” she said between chewing the food. He just nodded and continued to feed her. It wasn't long before the plate was empty, and he was absently giver her his mug of coffee. She grimaced, his coffee was sugarless and it was so bitter to her taste buds. She was reaching for a glass of water when Megan set a glass of ice coffee in front of her. "Oh, thanks, bhe."

Rooka raised his eyebrow, as he watched Rena enjoy the cold drink. There was a happy glow each time she drank the cold brew. 

Take a picture, Rooka, it will last, Wayne said on their private mind link. 

I will keep that in mind next time, he said. Have you talked to Wena? 

Your sister is hard to contact. You know that better than anyone else. 

Yes, but she did leave you her number, so I guess it means you get to call her anytime. 

She did, but I'm not rude, he paused and followed Megan as he started collecting the empty plates. You can just tell mom that you have her, why go on the roundabout way?

Alpha Mackenzie made a lot of effort to hide Serena from me, and I want to know why. 

The letter might have the answer, aren't you going to give it to her?

He was already reaching for his back pocket when he nodded. "Serena," he called her. " Your father left a letter. My father has been holding on to it. Before you ask, I do not know."

She accepted the letter and looked at it with such pain and tenderness. Serena closed her eyes and took a deep breath, and said, "thank you." 

"We better get some sleep," Kaz said. "There are still some things that we need to do. And we haven't slept ever since we left Egypt." The twins nodded in agreement. They stood up and began gathering helping Meg, but she waved them off. Saying it her job as the innkeeper to take care of the guest. 

One by one, Rooka's pack members went to their respective rooms, leaving Meg, him, and Rena. He was weary. Between the news and the travel, he felt like he can sleep the whole day, but somehow a part of him is reluctant to leave Serena alone. He can feel her every emotion, and all he wants is to hold her close and share her pain. But he can't. Not yet.

"I'm going to sleep, " he finally said. "Aren't you coming?" He asked Rena. 

"Later. I'm not sleepy yet. I think the cold brew woke me up." She was running her thumb on the opening of the envelope. And there was a slight hitched to her voice too. "I won't be alone, Rooka, they are with me. I will just be at the nipa hut outside." They meaning the Sparks. 

He reluctantly nodded and went to the room he shared with Kaz and Wayne. Both men were sleeping. A trait he never could have. He laid down on the bed and closed his eyes. His mind was filled with questions. One thing was certain though, the Were nation was hiding something, and it involves around her, Serena. I won't lose you again my minx, it was his final thought as he slowly drifted to sleep.

~~~~~~

"You should sleep, princess," Beth, one of the sparks said. She was laying on top of her head, while, Mac was sitting on her shoulder. The three of them were inside the small nipa hut that was beside the house. Whenever she wants to think or conceptualize, this hut was her place.

"I know, Beth"', she just replied. She looked at the envelope and tried not to cry. Her dad would be laughing at her if he was still alive. The thought itself made tears gather faster in her eyes. Taking a deep breath, she slowly opened the envelope and read the letter inside.

My dear Ri,

If you are reading this, it means that I and your mom are already in the afterlife. I am sorry, my darling daughter for leaving you all alone. Your mother has foreseen the events even before you were born and it was the only way to keep you safe. 

"Mom," she whispered, as she bit her lip, trying her best not to cry out. 

I would love to teach you as the only Alter Dire of our heritage, but Fate has other ideas. And all I can do is watch over you from above. Your mom's sparks will help you. They will be guiding you to the world of the Alter. You just need to have full trust in them... And the man who delivered the letter to you too. 

I know my child, you are confused, asking why will I trust a man I have seen only once. 

She laughed. It was exactly what was happening. She shook her head and continued reading. 

Rooka is a fine young man. He is an alpha and will do everything for his people. He was the man who gave you a plater of your favorite brownies when we went to their country. You were so happy, my Ri. And that act of selflessness made him the perfect man to accompany you back to the WereWolves Stronghold in Scotland. 

It is time for you to be part of the Council. It is your right as the only living Alter Dire wolf. And your right, because, it is our seat. Not my brother but yours. He will guide you. With the in and outs of the political world. So don't fear. You are a born leader. 

"I can't be a leader dad. I just can't." 

Don't sell yourself short, my daughter. You have that fire in you, you just need to trust yourself. 

Listen, I want you to burn the house where we live in. Burn everything. I know it will be painful, but it must be done. There are five small vials that you need to put some of the leftover ash. Fill them, and scatter them to the places where we have visited. Yes, I know, your mom made me do it. Don't ask me why. 

She laughed, seeing his dad roll his eyes in frustration.

Lem will help you, there are people who you should have met, but we decided it was not time yet. Now, you have to do it without us. 

You are our light, Serena. When we thought we will not be blessed again, you came. Our little ray of light. Do not lose that shine. Be strong, be brave, you can be whoever you want to be. But never suppress yourself. Be you. 

If you feel like everything is going downhill, turn to Rooka. Don't question the need. Because I know you will. When that doubt comes, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and search for a red string in your consciousness. Trust it... Don't hide your feelings, my child. It will take time, just keep that door open.

Khalid will have another letter. This time it will be from your mom. His wife is the same as your mom, she will help you too. 

I wish I get to hold you one last time. I wish to see you smile, grow...but it is not meant to be. We have avoided our deaths as long as we can. I am sorry..so sorry.

I love you, Serena. 

Dad

The pain was too much. It was like opening the wound and pouring alcohol on it. She leaned her head on the wall of the hut. Trying so hard to stop the tears. But some still escaped. She took several deep breaths. I cannot cry, I have to be strong. I need to be strong, she thought. 

Mac and Beth watched helplessly as their princess cry. All they can do is leaned their tiny heads on her and let the waves of sadness flow through her. 

Megan stood outside the hut. She knows her friend needed to be alone and it hurts her more that she is unable to do anything. "Rena," she called out. "Dad was able to buy the beach near the house. You should see it... I know it's not much, but I remember how Uncle Mac liked that beach. I had to persuade dad and it's a good thing he did. I'm here, bhe." After that, she walked away leaving Serena with her thoughts. 

~~~~

It took almost the whole afternoon for her to have the courage to walk to the forest behind the house and get to the beach. As soon as she stepped on the warm sand, she lifted her face and welcomed the incoming night breeze. When she was little, she always wondered why her parents like the twilight. As she grew older, she began to see why. 

 The transition from light to darkness was amazing. As the sun sets and stars started to appear in the sky. It was breathtakingly beautiful.     

I wish he was here to see this, she thought. Then she frowned, realizing she was thinking of a man she barely know. As if summoned by her thoughts, he stepped out from the dense forest and scanned the shoreline. As if he was trying to find signs of danger. 

 It was the first time she gave in to the temptation and studied him. He was taller than her, his hair cut short. His jaw was covered with a beard but it looked more like a few days' growths of facial hair. Not enough to be called a full beard. He had this bad boy/good boy look on him that was impossible to ignore. His eyes would twinkle whenever he smiles. From his angular face to the strong column of his neck, the width of his powerful shoulder, and his muscled thighs. Her eyes traced his body underneath his black muscle tee and dark jeans. He was powerful in the true male form. 

His gaze landed on her. There was heat in his eyes. The kind that she only read in books. He slowly walked towards her. Goosebumps appeared on her skin. She took a step back, thinking he will stop, but he didn't. All she did was close her eyes.

She felt him stop in front of her. She can feel his power as an Alpha. Serena felt his breath on her ear, then he whispered, "Open your eyes, Serena." 

She wanted to refuse, but a part of her slowly open her eyes and locked her gazed on his. She can feel it. His other half. The wolf was sharing his body. She licked her dry lips, causing him to follow its movement. 

"What are you doing here?" 

"I'm not sure," he replied. Reaching out to touch the vein on her neck that was beating fast because of him. His thumb absently caressing the spot. " One minute I was sleeping, the next a force was pulling me here. I could smell the sea and your scent. So I followed it."  

His head started to decent, with their lips mere inches apart, Serena asked, "what are you going to do?"

"Something I badly wanted to do, the moment I heard your heartbeat."

"What?"

"This,"  

He kissed her.