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~ ENRIQUE ~“Was it comfortable?”“It’s great. You’re incredibly smart, for someone of your age to accomplish something like this… and I’m certain it must have cost far too much as well.”“There’s no price too high for something like this,” she says, blushing at the compliment. “And I got help. It wasn’t all me.”“But it was your vision, and you made it happen,” I say quietly. The atmosphere around us changing.Our eyes meet, and the urge to grab her and kiss her fights against me. So instead, I look away and sit down on the ground, my arms resting on my knees as I look at the twinkling star or two that peek out from behind the clouds.She sits down beside me, her legs tucked under her, her long hair cascading over her shoulder.I look down at the hand and begin to remove it when she reaches out. “Stop. What are you doing?”“I told you, I’m not accepting this.”“Enrique… why not?” The light in her eyes that was there when she talked about it, diminishing. “Please accept it. I’ve put ev
~ KATALEYA ~ The walls he built are crumbling. Somehow, I am forcing my way through the crack, but he’s fighting it with everything he has. It hurts to see him like this, so conflicted, so torn. Realising that his father had found out he helped me escape has shaken me. Silent tears stream down my cheeks, and I close my eyes. Doesn’t he realise all this does is strengthen my resolve to break those walls completely? Doesn’t he realise that there is nothing he does that can make me change how I feel? I told him my stupidest fear, the doubt that always niggled in my mind. I know my dad, and I know he loves me unconditionally, but there were times that question would come to the tip of my tongue. But if I voiced it, it would only hurt them more, so I didn’t. They have done everything for me, Dad, Mama, Dante, and Skyla. I saw how Skyla always put me first. Even when she was hurt, or had something troubling her, she would play it off. She stepped back as if blaming herself for me being
~ ENRIQUE ~“Master Enrique, it truly has been a while. Please come in.” He steps aside and I have half a mind to turn and leave, but then again, maybe he might have answers that I need.Did Carlos ask him to be here? Carlos is a pendejo, stupid cabrón! I will visit his madre and tell her everything.“And why are you here?” I ask emotionlessly, stepping inside and heading to the lounge.“I felt something earlier and when I learned you were leaving the packhouse, I enquired with Delta Carlos and he asked if I would serve you here, which I accepted willingly.“I’m sure you fucking did.” That hijo de puta… I swear I’m going to go see his madre. Stupid idiot man.“Alpha… Tell me I am wrong… but I feel I felt the awakening of El Rey Carmesí… how did I not see it? You accepted your birthright… My King…”I glance at him but do not reply. How much does he know?He bows down, touching his forehead to the ground, and my eyes flash.“Don’t do that again.” I growl.“Yes, My King… Would you like fo
~ ENRIQUE ~ When I remain silent, he speaks again. “The spirit wolves who will always be at your beck and call. But as your forefathers before you, you must find the Ash Stone that will give you supreme power over them; but you will not be able to summon them without the stone.” “I said something, and I felt…” He looks concerned, and I don’t like the concern on his face. “There is a special incantation, but it must not be spoken without the Ash Stone. I doubt you have spoken-” “By the fiery embrace of the sun, the powerful shroud of the moon, the celestial light of the stars and the heart of the earth; I, Enrique Ignacio Escarra, the last of my bloodline, summon forth the power bestowed upon me as the rightful heir of the sacred title. Let these bindings be shattered, the shackles sundered, and the unleashed energies come forth? … I said all that,” I say, masking my unease. I watch him carefully, not missing the way he swallows before he lifts his head up. “It doesn’t matter. We w
~ ENRIQUE ~ I frown, so our ancestor was a demi-goddess… one who came from the goddess of witchcraft… “The first El Rey Carmesí, Alpha Neron Escarra, was their son and powerful he was. Not only did he possess a powerful wolf, but within his veins ran the magic of Hecate’s blood. Roja warned her son not to play with such powers. After all, where there is power, there is great risk and consequence.” A moment’s silence falls amongst us as I ponder over what he’s said. Why was such history buried? The problem is everyone hides their secrets, hides the truth from others, but in the end what if those very key facts are lost? “So, he disobeyed his mother…” I say. “Indeed, because what man would not be tempted to use such power that they are blessed with? So he began experimenting and the power he played with attracted enemies. It was at one of these instances that he made a dangerous decision.” I listen quietly, more intrigued than I want to admit. “To protect Alpha Neron, his beta gav
~ KATALEYA ~ I place my spoon down, having enjoyed the delicious meal. I had returned to the new place an hour ago, showered, and gotten dressed before eating. Originally, Jose told me Enrique was on his way to fetch me, but he had changed his mind, making the hope I had felt come crashing down. So Jose had brought me back to the home where we would be staying. I had placed the prosthetic aside, feeling like a failure. “Thank you for the meal, Hugo,” I say politely to the old Escarra butler. “Not at all, it is an honour to serve you,” he says. I look up at him. Dad had mentioned him to me. They had stayed in touch for several years, but then he stopped responding and told Dad to back off. I glance around. Enrique isn’t around but… he somehow can sneak up on me too, but according to Jose, he had a lot to do. I talked to Valentina early this morning, and I have organised a group call in about half an hour with those back home. I can’t delay this any longer. I have to tell them of m
~ KATALEYA ~ “My work isn’t done here,” I reply softly, hoping he understands. But this time Mama doesn’t seem so sure. “Kat darling, your father is right, I know you have things to do but if the crawlers managed to surround you-” “Mama, she’s not a baby.” Skyla cuts in defensively. “But if it’s about protection, maybe one of us can go to her?” “I’m fine, really,” I promise, knowing everyone has things to do and with the summit, Royce can’t leave Alaska and it would be unfair on them if Sky came here. “Besides, I’m coming for the summit. I’m just concerned if I am the Asheton Queen… does that mean that the other two will be revealed soon? How close are we to that time?” I whisper, suddenly feel cold. “That’s inevitable. The time is approaching regardless. We can’t delay it.” Leo says. “We’ve just got to be prepared.” “Yeah, take your own fucking advice,” Dad remarks, making Leo frown at him. “Still waiting for you to stop hiding in the shadows.” “We ain't doing that shit now.”
~ ENRIQUE ~ I had been on my way to get Kataleya when I had felt the snapping of a pack-link, signalling someone had either died or left the pack and I had alerted and commanded every pack member be accounted for, child, adult, and those not on the island. When one of your pack members dies, it takes a part of you too. I feel as if I failed them, that I was not able to protect them. When that had come up, I told Jose to take Kataleya to the house until I returned. “Alpha, until we get some answers, would you like to stop at my place? Madre has made some Arozz Con Dulce. Let’s wait there for a while, it’s close to the waters, anyway.” Hmm, he really is a fool… he has done nothing but piss me off lately, and he’s taking me to see his madre? “Yes, let’s go. I wouldn’t mind seeing Tía Maribella. It’s been a while.” “She will be happy to see you, too,” he answers as I change direction and head towards his home. Fool, you are done for now, and I will enjoy this. Once we park up, he g