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~ ENRIQUE ~The sound of the wind rustling in the trees and the occasional insect or bird fills the night. I am lounging on the roof, having drinks with Jose and Carlos. It is almost midnight and tomorrow the Blood Moon will be upon us.Just the thought sends a chill down my spine. It’s my nerves mixed with a deep sense of foreboding. Things are in place for whatever may happen tomorrow, but why do I feel that we aren’t as prepared as we think we are?What hold does he have on me? And will Azarakh somehow be able to use me? Why and how? I am El Rey Carmesí, so why is he able to do so?And then the nerve-racking moment to see if Kataleya is my fated or not.“You know it’s going to be ok, right? I know it will be,” Jose remarks as he drinks his alcoholic beverage.“Do you? How?” Carlos asks him sceptically; the tension has settled over everyone. I can’t blame him for feeling on edge.“Because we won’t give up. We are all prepared. Everyone who needs protection is in an area bathed with l
~ ENRIQUE ~I look down at the letter again as I continue reading.‘Now, there is so much I want to say, but I am going to start with the most important. Are you remembering to take care of yourself? To spend time resetting? Not overworking? Remember, you need to take care of yourself because otherwise how will you take care of your mate and pack? Don’t overwork because the workload will just continue to grow, so no need to work too hard. Make sure to eat well, and eat plenty. You are a busy man and need to keep your body nourished. Drink a lot of water, mijo, remember, especially when it’s hot.I am not there to welcome my new daughter or pass on the Luna title officially, but I hope you made her welcome extravagant, lavish and breathtaking. Remember, she is the blessing of your home and our pack. Treat her as you would the most delicate of sculptures, with care and love. Because she then, in turn, can be strong and care for your pack and children.Love isn’t always easy, but patience
~ KATALEYA ~I stare out at the sunrise, once again my mind flitting to Enrique’s Mama’s letter. I look down at the bracelet and smile at the engravings. One side depicted two birds, which stood for love, and on the other side, the symbol of fertility. I blush as I smile fondly at it, my mind returning to last night…(FLASHBACK )I break the seal gently on the letter, not wanting to ruin the wax seal. A bracelet almost slips out, but I catch it, looking at it with a small smile, before placing it on my thigh.Enrique’s mom had left me a letter. I feel so blessed, never thinking I’d ever get anything like this from her. I slowly begin reading it, trying to calm my racing heart.‘To my new daughter,Mija, you may or may not know, but my name is Esmerelda. I am Enrique’s Madre; I don’t know if he talks about me or not, but he’s a loving boy. I hope he makes you as happy as I know you make him.I wish I was there, to meet you, meet my new family, and to welcome you. To help you fit in as l
~ ENRIQUE ~“Dante!” Kataleya exclaims as she flings her arms around her brother’s neck and he hugs her, lifting her right off the ground, but he is a fucking giant.“Nice place you got here,” Alejandro remarks, his eyes assessing the packhouse before he gives me a strong handshake.“Of course.”It was late last night when I got the call from Alejandro…(FLASHBACK)“Hey, fucker.”“Hello, cabrón,” I reply before I look down at the beauty in my arms, not wanting to disturb her.He scoffs. “What do you want? Your call will disturb my woman. She’s sleeping.” I smirk as a low growl rumbles in his throat.“You really are a bastard,” he growls. “I called for a reason.”“Yeah, I figured. What do you want?” I answer coldly.“With the Blood Moon tomorrow, I want to be there for my daughter, and I don’t fucking need permission for that, but I thought I’ll let you know.” He’s clearly annoyed with my previous remark about Kataleya.I cock a brow. “Ah, so you’re asking permission then?”“No, I fuck
~ ENRIQUE ~It’s a while later and we are all in the dining hall. Jose and Carlos are not here since Dante Rossi’s aura is far too intense for them to tolerate for anything more than a few minutes.He’s now sitting beside Kataleya who sits to my left, Skyla, Royce and Ahren also sit on their side. With Elijah sitting at the other end of the long table. The Lycan is sitting on my right, next to him are Kiara, Liam, Rayhan, Delsanra and then Raihana.Sofia’s done a good job and did not hold back in any area, there’s plenty of dishes to choose from and they all seem to have found something they enjoy. Although I won’t admit it, they are Kataleya’s family, and even if a certain smug lycan’s face fucking annoys me, I will never make her feel as if they are not welcome here. This is now her home just as much as it is mine, and as long as they are here, they will be treated well.She’s smiling at her brother, her plump lips looking so fucking kissable as she talks to him, her boobs moving wit
~ KATALEYA ~“Kat…” Mama says, I shake my head.“No, he shouldn’t come here and disrespect Enrique. We wouldn’t like it or tolerate it if someone did that in our home,” I say softly whilst Skyla nods.“She’s right.”“And I agree too,” Raihana murmurs as Rayhan nods.Grandad sighs as Uncle Liam sits back. “They both have strong personalities. I’m sure they’ll talk it out.”“I’m sure they will. Have your breakfast, Kat,” Royce says warmly.I shake my head. I’m not hungry anymore.“But you know, you all need to stop agreeing with everything Dante says, he's got a big fucking ego,” Skyla adds as she gets up and wraps her arms around me. “Now don’t be sad, they’ll be fine. Dante just needs a good spanking.”Mama sighs, “I’m sorry, Kat, on his behalf, he just-”“Has a lot going on?” I finish. “I’m sure a lot of us do, Mama. Excuse me.” I tug free from Skyla’s hold and rush out of the room.“Kat!” Mama calls.“Even I fucking know limits.” I hear Dad growl.I’m about to go outside where I can
~ KATALEYA ~He gives me a beautiful smile that makes me all lightheaded as he caresses my cheek.“Is the cabrón not going to be here?” Enrique asks, a slight frown on his face as he glances at Dad.“I’ve mind-linked him. Continue, he’ll be here for his sister.” Dad’s voice is grim, and I know his annoyance is directed at Dante.Once again, I fall a little harder for Enrique. After what Dante did, he’s still thinking about me. He really is considerate of me. He now turns to me, and I’m graced with that charming gaze as he takes my hand, kissing my palm softly.How can you not love a man like him?I take a deep breath, exhaling slowly.This is it, time to sever my link with my pack for good and join my forever pack. I look over at them all, my eyes lingering on Mama and Dad.‘We’re going to miss mind-linking with you, honey.’ Mama’s voice comes into my mind as she smiles at me.I nod, as Dad simply gives me a small crooked smile, his eyes glittering red. I take a deep, shaky breath, but
~ KATALEYA ~“A concept that was inspired by your armour, Sky, and Enrique’s hand, something that we can wear and shift in, countless times.” I breathe in awe before looking at Leo. “How did you complete it?”“Your notes were pretty detailed. There were only a few concepts that needed work. There’s room for improvement, but I think we’ve made a good start. And I think it’s the breakthrough needed going forward, but it’s only fair the first suit is created for you,” Leo replies.“Oh hot damn,” Azura says. “Now some of your questions make sense. My sexy man is amazing.”Leo wraps his hand around her throat, kissing her. I smile at them before looking at my suit.“I’m going to go try it on,” I say, unable to suppress my excitement, taking the full box with me to the bathroom.I press the centre of the belt, and white lines run through it. It’s not so easy as that. There’s programming that only the one integrated into the system can activate the suit and its perks.I remove my clothes, tak
~ KATALEYA ~I wake with a gasp, my lungs clawing for air, it feels like I’m drowning. I suck in a breath, clutching my throat. My heart is thudding but it’s as if the sound of it is coming from all around me, reverberating through the chilling darkness. It’s too silent.This place… it’s similar to Azarakh’s crypt, but not quite.It holds the same evil. Feeling something move, I look down and realise something cold and slimy is clinging to my legs, black tendrils - slithering as though alive.I gasp as I scramble to my feet or try to. The stench of rotting meat and damp earth so thick it feels like it’s inside of my mouth. Shuddering, I try to get up quickly, flinching as pain rushes up my waist and I touch it; there’s no wound, but the pain remains.How did I even get here?I frown slightly, trying to remember what happened.That woman! Her face was so warm and innocent. Was she a part of this? I touch my head. It hurts too.Dragging myself to my feet from the tar-like slime that cove
~ SKYLA ~Rayhan…I won’t forget this moment, and it won’t be one of those good, happy memories. This one is devastating. The heartbroken Delsanra who has always rushed to help others despite the risk to her own life. Ray…. Ri…Despite everything, they always were there for us, but in their time of need, where the fuck were we?Fuck! Why them?Raihana now wraps her arms around Delsanra as both women kneel on the ground, their grief so strong, their pain so sharp it could carve away flesh from bone.There has to be something we can do!Enrique is examining the symbols, his power swirling around him subtly.I look up at Royce, “Let’s try to open the portal, maybe he’s ok. Royce, Dante, you both saw the symbols-”“It’s too late for that. Kiara said Ahren felt the shift in power. He is now the Alpha of the Black Storm Pack,” Dad says brokenly.“How can he be Alpha?! He doesn’t even have his wolf!” I shout. This can’t be happening!“Love…” Royce wraps his arms around me tightly.“We have to
~ DELSANRA ~“Rayhan…”Something isn’t right, I know it.I know I shouldn’t leave my spot, but the worst is sorted. I warn a few of the warriors I’m moving, and I rush to the crack where Rayhan and the others disappeared. I jump in, creating a barrier around me to protect myself from the crawlers that are still trickling out from the ground.They’re coming in smaller doses now, but they are still resilient.“Does anyone know if they managed to find the opening?” I ask worriedly.“No, not yet. We lost contact ” Liam replies, worry clear in his voice.He’s currently manning the break in the packhouse wall, making sure no crawlers get inside to the people.“We need to get down there!” I hear Sky shout from somewhere above.“What happened?” I ask.“I don’t know. Royce called for help!”My heart thuds as I keep going, moving as fast as possible.I can sense both her and Raihana not far behind me, the urgency and fear within me growing. I suddenly stop as a powerful pulsating that comes from
~ ROYCE ~We kept going down, and the deeper we go, the more I feel a power that is fucking immense and there’s only one other aura I’ve felt with this much power and that was Apophis’.“Do you guys feel it?” I ask, my voice low, but even then, it feels too loud in this darkness. Occasionally, a crawler or two will hiss and claw at us as they come from somewhere beneath us. A confirmation that we are headed in the right direction.“The aura?” Dante mutters. “Yeah, and I have no idea who it belongs to.”His unease is obvious, and I remain on alert. My royal mark is glowing, and I am not the one who is summoning it forth. Almost as if it too is warning me of the dangers ahead.“Don’t worry I won’t let anything happen to you both.” Rayhan jokes, although we’re both stronger than him.“Don’t fuck around,” Dante’s harsh reply comes.Rayhan turns to him, a flicker of concern on his face. “Dante, do you want to turn back?” he asks.“All three of us?” Dante replies.“I speak for myself. You tw
~ ENRIQUE ~Magic fills the air, strong and powerful and I know it’s Raihana’s. I can feel Delsanra’s reinforcing the barriers, her magic feels different, and there are parts that are not like ours – not from Hecate.Raihana is working on blocking out the moonlight, in a huge attempt to completely stop the crawlers from coming out of whatever shithole they are coming from. Jose quickly filled me in, and I sent more power to both witches, giving them the strength to continue.They are two witches alone and they are doing a lot. Royce, Rayhan and Dante have gone down to find the exact location. ‘Send some warriors to handle the crawlers so they are not burdened.’ I command Jose.It doesn’t even make sense that so many crawlers are able to get in. It’s not a fissure in the veil, but that’s something that’s been obvious from the start. The crawlers have appeared everywhere at any time, not from one point like the chupacabras. They had a different way to get through. Another means that we n
~ KATALEYA ~My eyes widen as I turn sharply and stare into Enrique’s molten gold eyes.“Enrique!”‘No!’ Azarakh shrieks, the earsplitting sound hammering into my head causing me to flinch.“I’m sorry it took a while,” Enrique murmurs in his deep, beautiful voice that makes my stomach flutter. I shake my head before looking back towards the spot where Dad had fallen. I can’t see him! I can’t sense a heartbeat amongst the storm of crawlers.“How did you break free?” I ask softly, torn between running to Dad and keeping my hold on Azarakh.I know Enrique is in control for now. I can sense his presence, his aura strong and free from darkness.“You needed me,” he answers softly as he stands tall. “You’re my strength, Mi Amor.” My heart surges with so much emotion as we gaze into one another’s eyes, pink and gold, perfectly complimenting each other.Azarakh’s form has solidified as he fights to keep a grasp on Enrique, but he’s failing.His unearthly shrieks are all that he has left as Enr
~ KATALEYA ~Azarakh’s mouth twists into a snarl as he lifts his claws, aiming for my heart. I can see the glint of triumph as he lunges at me, but I hold my ground, letting him think he’s got me. But the moment his claws dig into my waist, slicing through fabric and skin, the smell of the hot rush of blood, and the sharp sting of agony makes me cry out. I suck in a gasp, gritting my teeth as I clamp my hand around his wrist, ignoring the searing pain at the contact.In a single motion, I call forth every ounce of power I have, letting it surge forward in a blinding wave. A scream leaves me as I put everything into it. My blinding pink aura swirls around him in a flash, engulfing him completely. Azarakh recoils, his shrieks cutting through the night like metal scraping against metal. He claws at his prison of light, his form writhing, his shadowy form twisting in agony as he tries to escape and get away from my aura.But not this time. My aura is like an iron cage holding firm, shackli
~ KATALEYA ~‘We can share! I told you together we could have had it all. Yet you declined!’ Azarakh hisses, but he’s still only clinging to Enrique. The shadow form still surrounds him, but he hasn’t possessed him yet. Or perhaps he can’t.I fuel my power forward, trying to reach through our half-formed bond.“I would never choose you,” I say, my voice quiet yet firm. “Never.”‘You served your purpose, and you will continue to do so. That is why you were chosen, whether you wished for it or not.’ He chuckles darkly.What does he mean?“How do you have a hold on, Enrique? He is not evil,” I ask as our powers continue to slam against one another, attacking, hammering against one another. Light against dark.‘We were created from the blood of the same goddess. One could say we are brethren.’ I shudder at the very thought as his evil eyes now burn into me. His sharp teeth stained with blood. ‘The Goddess Hecate created us for another goddess, yet she betrayed my goddess by creating someon
~ RAYHAN ~“Alright, let’s do this,” I say, looking at Royce and Dante the moment the three of us are within reach of one another.“We’ll have your back and cover you from behind,” Royce says.“I’m assuming you can’t mask the moon, Magic Fingers?”“I wish I could, but with that tornado thing going on, it would need a lot of power without being sure of the results.”“And you would call every single crawler to you,” Dante adds.“Not necessarily a bad thing, really. I could be the decoy,” Royce answers as they both cut through the crawlers and I asses the area.“I don’t think so,” Skyla says through the earpiece.“Don’t worry, Love, I’ll return to you in one piece. But call me back if you need my help, Raihana, I’ll be there.”“Thanks, I’ll let you know,” she replies.“It’s intriguing how our auras attract the crawlers but somehow Kataleya’s is the only one who isn’t attracting crawlers with her aura. Instead, hers is deflecting them,” I murmur as I look through the storm of crawlers, aur