Callista.
Morning comes. Pale sun rays stream into the cells through small windows that are too high to reach and too small to crawl through. I didn’t sleep last night, how could I? The ground is uncomfortable, and my head even more. My eyes are heavy, my throat raw. I comb my fingers through my hair, trying to feel a little bit sane.
My mind feels blank. I feel like I'd exerted all my available brain cells trying to process everything happening last night. It's all still so bizarre. How can a life change so quickly? This has to be some big misunderstanding, I'm certain of it. I could not be a creature of legend, at least, not such a lousy one.
Of all the things to be, a stealer?
“You’re awake,” Farris’s voice comes, making me jump a bit. Bitterness floods my heart immediately.
His mahogany brown hair catches the light, highlighting the red in it. His handsome face is a mask of indifference, his blue-green eyes staring at me. He is dressed in formal wear, his white shirt tucked into dress pants.
I stare, waiting for him to continue.
“I brought you some food,” He gestures at the floor where I see a tray with a cup and a bowl. I’m so hungry, I haven’t had any dinner last night. The delicious smell of coffee reaches my nose. Yet, I remain where I am, wary. He looks at me expectantly.
“Thank you,” I reply after a beat. I approach the food.
“The elders and I have determined what to do with you,” He begins as I take a big gulp of the coffee, my stomach paining as it welcomes the sustenance. “Given your situation, we can’t allow you to lead your life as before, there needs to be some changes.”
I take the bowl, peering into it to see scrambled eggs. I hate scrambled eggs. But beggars cannot be choosers.
“Look at me, Callista,” Commands the alpha, and I follow his order, “Your true mate is not within this pack, yesterday showed that. Everyone our age found their mates yesterday. Even the men that thirsted after you.”
"If I am a stealer," I state, trying to keep my voice neutral, "and every unmated wolf thirsts after me, why are you there, unaffected? Or did you find your mate too?"
"I am not unaffected," Farris replies smoothly. "I simply have more self-control than most. I certainly will never let myself be bonded to a stealer of all people like that, no matter how alluring the scent is."
Right. Of course. I nod. I feel numb to everything, detached. It doesn’t feel like I’m myself anymore.
But I won’t be myself if I don’t protest.
“Farris, can’t you realize how absurd all of this sounds? The reason you’re feeling allured to me is because I’m your mate, not because I’m a stealer.”
Farris looks at me in surprise like he has not seen me before. And then, his expression morphs into one of disgust.
I feel my heart drop to my stomach.
“And so it’s already starting.” He declares. “You’re true nature is starting to show.”
“What true nature? I’m just trying to make you see sense. The only reason fora wolf to feel allured is because the person doing the alluring is their mate, we have learned this when we were little!”
“You’re trying to trick me into believing that you are my mate so I’d keep you here and let your wile stealer self be forever bonded to me. I’ve heard all the stories, Callista, so that won’t work for me. On a lesser man, it would’ve, but I’m an Alpha. Don’t try that with me,”
I can’t help but throw my hands in the air.
“I’m not trying to trick anyone, Farris-“
“Silence!” Farris thunders, and I hate myself for following his command. But there’s nothing I can do, he is my Alpha. When he commands me like that, I have to follow, no matter how reluctant I feel.
I purse my mouth and glare at him. For a moment, we stare at each other. I desperately wish we could go back to yesterday when things at least made sense.
“Now, as I was saying,” Farris’s voice returns to its normal timbre, but his expression is stony as ever, “we have yet to find your true mate, this leaves us with the second option. Lucky for you, I’ve found a way for you to be freed from this cell and make yourself useful.”
Was this the same man who had kissed me with such passion? Was this the same man who’d professed his love to me under the Moon goddess? How strange people were, how fast they changed, how deceiving.
“What is it?” I question, too tired to think. "Are you still going to marry me off to someone, so you can wash your hands off me?"
“Yes." Farris nods shamelessly. I squeeze my eyes shut. This cannot be happening. "You’re being sent to the Rexellen Pack.”
Suddenly, I’m not tired. I stand, abandoning my food.
“What?!” I ask.
"You heard me."
"Farris, that's the Royal pack," I reply, rushing to the bars Farris takes a step back, grimacing. Is my scent that strong?
That doesn’t matter. What the heck was he doing, trying to pawn me off into the royal pack? Is he insane? Why is he bothering the frickin king with this nonsense?
"I'm well aware."
For all I loved Farris, I never did like the condescension he’s capable of when he’s spurred. Especially not when it's aimed at me.
"What on earth does the king's pack want from me?" My mind is reeling too fast for me to think straight. This is absurd. This is huge.
Goddess, were my parents aware of this? The rest of the pack? Do they actually permit this to happen? Not that the Alpha needs their permission, technically. If Farris claims I’m a stealer, that means I am a danger to the pack. And as such, he gets the right to get rid of the danger in whatever way is fit.
When those rules were written, though, I do not believe anyone had forcible marriage in their thoughts. No Alpha had the right to forcibly marry anyone.
“You forget that I am considered wolf nobility. Just because I don't flaunt it like others, doesn't make the title any less worthy. His Majesty himself graciously accepted to recruit you to his pack as his recently widowed brother’s mate.”
For a beat, there is only silence.
And then, “Do you really think I’m thick enough to believe that bullshit?”
Callista.Farris says, trying to appear sincere. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Callista, especially for a stealer. If these were the old times, you would already be dead! I could barely believe that the King was willing to do it, you should consider yourself really lucky that he has a feral brother. Think about it, you will be the Alpha King's sister-in-law! The second most powerful female after the Luna. A coveted position that will guarantee you a very comfortable life, filled with titles, and wealth, all for the small price of marrying a Prince.”Farris walks closer, a greedy light in his eyes. "You will be Princess, Callista. Can't you see how generous I am, gifting you this? You ought to be grateful to me for this." "Grateful," I repeat. Who is this man, this Alpha, standing in front of me? I thought Farris was a good man, an honourable one who would never stoop into underhanded tactics like this. I wonder if this whole tale is even true. It seems too much like a de
Farris.Oh, Callista.Callista Milicent Leander, adopted daughter of Lenore and Allen Leander, sister to one Ruelle Leander. She was a werewolf girl like any other, except she shone. I leave the cells because I know I’ll fight more with her. She’s always been stubborn - it’s how she gets by with that family of hers. Once upon a time, I thought it was attractive, that fire in her eyes when she gets properly riled up. Before, it was hard to see that glint, though, because Callista's self-control was legendary. She was polite when needed to be, well-mannered, and of course, her looks were her crowning glory, not to mention the keen mind that people often underestimated because of her looks.But it seems now that after finding her true nature, she'd decided that all her finer qualities were not of use anymore. She’s only thinking of herself right now, the selfish girl. She should be grateful for what I’m doing for her. The audacity she has to tell me to my face that I'm lying to her. I
Callista.The guard escorts me to the bathroom. I think about making a run for it, fleeing the cells, fleeing the pack even.But that would be the stupidest thing to do. I didn't even have my wolf form yet. I will have no hopes of outrunning Farris' men pursuing me.There is a plain shower and a bar of soap. The water stings at the scratches on my skin, and I lather the fragrance-less soap into my hair, washing away the grime. At least the water is hot.By the Goddess, I am angry. Hurt too, but more angry. Never have I been demeaned like this before. I’m not some helpless damsel who couldn’t fend off a bunch of widowers off her. I could control my scent, with practice, I could protect myself. I wasn’t as much of a weakling as Farris suggested. I'm a werewolf regardless of any abnormality I might have and werewolves are strong. I will be able to overcome this if only I am given a chance. There had to be a way for me to remain in the pack.Who was I kidding? No one wanted me here now.
Theon.Stepping outside the boundaries of my pack is always risky. I feel the danger raise the hairs of my neck every time. I have as many enemies as those who respect me, and the price that rests on my head is frankly unbelievable.Foreboding is not a stranger. But this time, I feel it more keenly than ever before. The fact that I do not trust Alpha Farris Leighwen only adds to it. As the Wolf King of this land, it was my responsibility to inspect every pack in my territory at least once a year. There are 70 wolf packs in the USA, and I have to vet through all of them. I have a duty to help each and every wolf in my Kingdom, the Lycan Kingdom of North America, and I took those duties seriously I probably should.In order to do that, I visit as often as I can, discretely, of course. Knowing that the King was visiting would create quite a commotion, and I hate crowds. Going undercover in packs often gave me the results I wanted, let me see what kind of a man or woman the Alpha was an
Theon.“Huh?” Ruelle questions. I realize I have said that out loud.“Alpha Rexellen, what’s the matter?” Farris asks, his brows drawn tight.“Nothing, I just need a moment.” I glare at him, and he takes a few steps back.“Y-yes, of course, your majesty. I mean, Alpha.”I look at the stunned girl in front of me. As much as I love to take her somewhere private and ask her all sorts of questions (she’s my mate, oh, Goddess, I’ve finally found my mate!), I have a duty first. I cannot help but be annoyed with the whole situation, but if not for this, I would not have met Ruelle. Suddenly, that time I felt something different when I came to this pack undercover makes sense. I surely must’ve been sensing Ruelle.“I need to speak with you after this,” I say, my hands itching to hold her in an embrace.“Yes, yes, of course, Your Majesty, anything you want. But I have to ask…You called me ‘mate’.” She asks tentatively, “Is it true?”I’m puzzled by her reply, “Don’t you feel it? I’m barely rest
Theon.For a moment there’s only silence. “Wolfsbane?!” I growl, wondering what the hell this man was thinking. “You know very well that it’s illegal to use that drug on a werewolf! That drug is dangerous, it has killed werewolves with one milligram of an overdose! Are you as stupid as you are incompetent?”From the corner of my eyes, I notice the entirety of Ruelle’s family moving back with fear in their expressions. For now, I ignore it.“I didn’t have a choice, Alpha, she would have murdered the whole pack if I hadn’t!” Leighwen tries to excuse himself.The stealer whimpers pathetically as if she is trying to defend herself. Yet, the story is exactly in character with what a stealer might do. They weren’t called villains for nothing.“While the excuse sounds fair enough, I am still going to punish this breach of law. You will be getting three hectares less than the landmass promised. I will not tolerate my own subjects blatantly ignoring wolf law to fit their circumstance. Destroy
Theon.“Yes, she did,” Ruelle chimes in, “I talked with her before. She doesn’t want to remain in this pack.”Callista whines this time. I pretend not to pay her any mind, but I think it’s interesting that her whine felt like a protest.That’s confusing. What is she protesting against? Was she having second thoughts about leaving this pack?“The stealer is a taboo, yes,” Farris raises his voice, “But she can also mimic the scent of a lost mate. Before, I thought it was only legend, but on the day of Callista’s coming of age ceremony, we saw many widowed wolves fighting for her to be their mate. I don’t know the exact mechanism of it, but her mimicking capabilities are phenomenal.”“And?”He hesitates just a bit. “Well, we have learned that your widowed brother is going manic without his mate.”As soon as my brother is mentioned, my walls go up.“Done your research already, haven’t you?” I growl at him, “Do you think that my brother will mate with her? He’s ten years her senior.”Even
Chapter 13. Callista-Before the arrival of His Majesty Alpha King Theon Valenti Rexellen, first of his name.Wolfsbane was one of the most potent drugs known to were-kind, able to knock off a full-grown wolf for days if administered in the right amount. I knew Farris had only given me a little, as I had woken up in less than four hours. But the after-effects were the same. As I sit in the living room, waiting for my fate to arrive, I can’t move my body or talk. My head hurt like I had been beaten senseless, and my whole body felt as if someone had tied me to a boulder and kicked it underwater. Gravity is dragging my body under, and I'm trying my hardest to fight.It is a battle to keep my eyes open, but I have to. I can’t let them trade me off unconscious.I need to see the man who even Farris feared, regardless of his former posturing. This King who is in charge of my future, whose brother I was going to be mated to whether I liked it or not. I felt used, and abused, but still, the
CallistaTen years later.I stand in front of Lily Lane Pup Daycare after ending my workday at Rexellen University, holding a stack of books in my arms trying to shove them into the backpack I’ve taken with me.It’s three in the evening, and the kids should be out in a few minutes.It’s summer again, the weather is pleasantly warm, and everything brims with life. There are bees flying everywhere, suckling nectar out of the numerous fully blossomed Leanderrs.The Rexellen pack town is as busy as ever, with people bustling around after clocking off from work, going on their errands, and their outings.Everyone seems happy, and they’re open and very friendly.Upon noticing me, everyone who passes greets me with a simple.“Good evening, Luna!”“Good evening to you too!” I always greet back.Some parents stop by near the daycare to collect their children, and we start pleasantly conversing with each other.I’ve been the Luna Queen of the Rexellen pack for ten years now, and honestly, those
CallistaFour weeks later.I walk down the shoveled path with a single lily flower in my hand, a smile on my lips, and my heart overflowing with joy.I’m dressed in an ankle-length, heavy-set gown that accentuates my form as if it had been sewn with me in my mind.It’s a silverish white in color in accordance with tradition, and a million tiny rhinestones create spiraling patterns all over the skirt. The long sleeves and the woolen cloak that accompany them give me warmth on the cold winter night.On my neck, there is a white gold necklace with a diamond as the pendant, the only piece of jewelry I wear, which is a gift from the witches who'd arrived a day before to celebrate the ceremony.The mating ceremony for Theon and me.In the background, a string quartet, comprised of two maids of the Rexellen pack castle and two guards, plays a tune that I can't quite name but can’t help but think is so apt for the situation.On either side of me, my closest friends whom I consider my family s
CallistaA week later.Valencia Everhart was sentenced to life in prison by the Supernatural Council for assisting the devil in his criminal endeavors such as kidnapping and harboring a werewolf, orchestrating a pack takeover on the orders of the devil, attempted killing of two pack members of the Rexellen pack and the biggest crime of them all, assisting the devil in massacring the entire Galdine pack.I thought the last one was a bit harsh because Valencia never really did know about that charge, but as Valencia had confessed in the court, she’d given the devil the location and information regarding her pack.She had been under the impression the devil was going to protect the Galdine pack from Theon’s retaliation against the pack takeover, but she’d been lied to.We attended the court on the same day as Valencia did, and I’m sure that the cries that ravaged her as she learned the horrible fate that befell her pack would never stop haunting my nightmares.I felt sorry for her, and a
CallistaQaetanya and Xaveraq reached the afterlife together.One was willing, the other was not. One sacrificed herself, while the other, well, I had to kill the other.Xaveraq’s soulless body lays in the circular chamber, and I don’t look at it again as we exit the room, both of us still in wolf forms.I feel numb as we stumble out of the temple as soon as possible after I release the devil’s and the deviless’s souls into the gateway.None of us speak, although I could feel everyone except Theon patiently waiting for the right moment. They look stunned as we walk through the doorway. For a moment I’d been afraid the doorway wouldn’t be present because of it being only shown with the blessing of a devil and all, but fortunately, it stands.As soon as we all exit the temple doorway, it starts to shudder. And then the most bizarre thing happens.Numerous high-pitched screams ring through the air, and greyish white mist starts to shoot from all directions towards the doorway, getting su
TheonI can’t process half the things that are happening as I stand outside the little circular room, trying and failing to get in.One moment, Callista is being choked by the devil, and the next moment, in the place of Callista, stands a majestic white wolf! The wolf shimmers as if she were the Moon Goddess herself in wolf form, stepping down from the moon to aid us in our time of need.But when the wolf looks at me for the briefest moment and howls in ecstasy, I realize that this wolf is no Goddess.That’s my mate!After months, no, years, of agonizing, Callista has finally found her wolf.But then she turns towards Xaveraq and leaps towards him with no hesitation.My scream deafens my own ears, wondering what the hell she was doing. I witness the whole scene as if it’s unfolding in slow motion.As Callista nears the devil, whose shadows are closing in on her to consume her, a flash of blinding white light erupts from her, filling the room with a glow akin to the sun.I shield my e
QaetanyaHer wolf is beautiful, reminiscent of the first wolfwoman I met in the forests of Gaul all those years ago.She is larger than most wolves, were-creature or otherwise, and when she stands, she cuts a majestic figure, even in the confines of the squat, circular room. Her coat is a silverish white, and it glistens as if it was created by moonlight, as if the Goddess molded the wolf herself.Her emerald eyes shine as she stares at Xaveraq in confusion, and amazement, stunned to her very core.She can’t still process that after years of hope and dream, she’d finally transformed into her secondary form.I had watched her wolf grow from a pup to an adult within her as I was trapped in her mind ever since she was born. Throughout the three thousand years I’ve been with Callista’s bloodline, I’ve witnessed hundreds of pups being born within the babies, but never have I seen a wolf as beautiful as this one.Even I was in awe when she first appeared, sleeping soundly, growing along wit
CallistaThe very first time I witnessed a werewolf’s first shift I was just five years old.It was at a birthday party, and of course, it was for Ruelle.Naturally, almost everyone from my adoptive parents’ families was invited. I liked my relatives because they didn’t favor Ruelle over me to the extent my parents did. At this time, all I had were Ruelle’s hand-me-downs. Her clothes, her toys, her books…The only thing I had for myself was a pair of shoes because Ruelle’s feet had always been smaller than mine, and there was no way my feet could fit in her shoes.I loved those shoes so much.That didn’t mean I never got gifts. My parents’ relatives would always give me presents of my own when they came to visit. It didn’t matter if it was Ruelle’s birthday or mine.It didn’t matter if it was a special day, a holiday, or even a plain, random visit to see how we were doing: clothes, shoes, toys, and new books; everything a little girl could want.Granted these things would be taken awa
Callista“My, my, Qaetanya, you’re actually stronger than I thought. Here I thought that you wasted it all by giving that werewolf a special scent,” the devil taunts the deviless as he circles us, his eyes set on us as if he’s a predator.“I was blessed by the Goddess,” arrogantly, Qaetanya declares, flexing her digits so the electric sparks flicker around them. “Such a power cannot be hindered by anything, least of all you!”“All except the summer solstice,” Xaveraq grins before hurtling another wave of shadows towards her.Qaetanya ducks them swiftly, and the shadows hit the wall behind us, getting absorbed into the stone. Using her momentum, Qaetanya attacks Xaveraq with a light wave of her own, which Xaveraq detracts by a shield of shadows.“I told you that information because I trusted you,” Qaetanya replies to the jab. “Because I believed the man I loved wouldn’t even think of hurting me with that information. But you did exactly that. You might preach about me manipulating you
TheonA pillar monster falls right in front of me, nearly crushing me, but I jump away just in time. The sheer force of the fall breaks its stone arm in two, and the eerie silverish glow in its eyes subsides. The pillar monster stops moving.“I think he died,” I tell Haden, who is panting on the other side of the fallen monster.This is the only one that we managed to fall, and by the looks of it, kill.“Holy shit, did that actually work?” Kiran screeches.He was the propellent of bringing the monster down. Now, he jumps back to the ground from the shield he’s been standing on and jogs closer to the pillar monster.Tentatively, he reaches out and touches its cracked shoulder, where some of the previously seen symbols are visible. I remember them running all around the pillars before the monsters came into being, glowing.I look at him and nod, trying to confer my thoughts via body movements.Yes, I think it actually worked.“Guys, we managed to bring a monster down!” Kiran yells back