Master Wade’s growl resonated through the room. “I’ve heard enough of this!” He stood from where he sat. “The truth of the matter is, Nurse Betty, I have full entail on what happened that night, and so does Alpha Barbosa. Valene saved his life and she diligently looked after him until he awakened. You, however, as well as the staff, were given a direct order to leave my vassal be and you did the exact opposite. By rights, you should be the one under judgment.” “But, Alpha! I-” “I’ve heard enough from you, Betty Honer.” He said. “Take her.” As soon as Master Wade made the command, his pack members grabbed her. “But-but-I’m an Inhuman! Like you! That-that gopher is a filthy human! How could you-” Before she could finish her sentence, Master Wade whipped past me, and suddenly Nurse Betty’s choking sounds filled the meeting room. “Do you really think that our shared species exempts you from being judged for your wrongdoing?” “Bu-but-” “Let me be clear!” His voice boomed, suddenly
Master Wade finally intervened and I was so glad for it. Fighting when I had to was something I had come to terms with. Doing it for entertainment was something that I didn't like. I didn't like it at all. “Alright, that’s enough.” He said. I stepped back, thankful that he had stopped this further. Whether she wanted me dead or not, I still wanted no part in executing her judgment. “I’m sure you see now, she-wolf, why my vassal is useful to me.” Shakily, she attempted to stand as her arms and fingers began to heal themselves. Her glossed-over glare was cornered on me as tears fell from her eyes. She was embarrassed and enraged. “I…will…kill you
Valene: Since I was tasked to report to Harlyn after the meeting immediately, I took it as an opportunity to make it a stress-relieving moment. I ran the ten-plus miles to the spare pack cabin that neighbored the temporary residence of the Silver Moon Pack. I was clad in black, a simple turtleneck long-sleeved top, and black bottoms with combat boots. Was this appropriate for a run? Probably not, but it wasn’t like I was supposed to have a choice in clothing when on a run, let alone having a run at all. I was pacing down the street when I saw Harlyn’s BMW hatchback-red parked between the space of her party cabin and the Blood Moon Pack’s cabin. As the view of Master Barbosa’s packhouse came into view, I could not help but recall how he was staring at me during the meeting. It wasn’t the how that really drew my curiosity, but the fact that he was staring at all. Why? That question kept playing back and forth in my mind, and the more I thought about it, the more unsettled I became. Or
“You coming?” the beta asked when he noticed my hesitation. “I am not sure that I should, Master Almeida.” He chuckled. “Relax, little vassal, I would be a fool to harm you. It seems someone outside of your Master has found interest in your existence.” “Interest in…what do you mean, sir?” I asked. He didn’t answer my question but he did respond to it. “Come.” Master Almeida replied and headed into the packhouse. Taking a deep breath, I hesitantly took continuous steps forward until I stood anxiously at the entrance. I took an uneasy look behind me. “I will not bite, vassal,” he said to me. “How may I be of assistance?” I quickly retorted following his comment. Sure, he said he wouldn’t bite, but I did not want to stand around long enough to find out whether it was true or not. “Your Mistress…quite…audacious,” “Is she?” “Your sarcasm says everything I need to know about how you feel about her.” “With all due respect, Master Almeida, I doubt your assumption is correct.” Be
I took a deep breath and then reluctantly spoke the truth that the Beta of the Blood Moon pack requested of me. “I do not think so much of myself to assume that I could take you down, Master Almeida.” I clarified. “Mistress Bet was one of the easier inhumans I’ve had to put down.”“Ah, so-”“That is not to say that you would not catch hell trying to do the same to me,” I interrupted him. Since he wanted me to speak candidly, I would. “One thing that I’ve learned in my seven years of vassal-hood is that there is more than one way to skin a cat…a dog, vampire, wolf….or lycan.” I looked into his eyes. “It may be a small percent chance, but I assure you that there is always...a chance of me putting you down.” 
Valene: Even with a full day left to prepare, it seemed like mere hours. Before I could blink, it was suddenly the night of Harlyn’s gathering, and it seemed that the whole borough of Shadow Veil seemed to be abuzz about it. Although it took no small effort on everyone’s part, we managed to finish decorating right in the nick of time. Never mind the fact that the forecast called for chilly weather that day, though nothing too ruinous. While everyone was getting ready, I was tasked to head to Bone’s to make sure that everything was well-placed and ready to go. Master Wade insisted that I take a vehicle instead of a cab, and since we were so strapped for time, I did. I pulled up outside of the bar and looked at the door. I hardly stepped foot in the place since the incident that night with the intruders, and when I did, hardly a word was spoken between myself and the staff, Herry included. It was as if they all were afraid of me now, and to be honest…I couldn’t blame them. Plac
"What I'm about to tell you is not a simple truth, if I'm being honest," I remarked to my friend and former boss. “It’s…complicated, Herry-my involvement in all this. Just know that…while I am a vassal, I assure you that my Master does take good care of me and-”“Taking good care of you? Valene, I watched you slaughter a group of inhumans like-like it was nothing! Is that taking good care of you? I-I know that it is not my place to question this. I’m sorry Valene, I-I just-”“Have you ever heard of a gold blood, Herry?” I asked.“A…a what?” “Gold blood,” I stood from where I sat. When he shook his head, I smiled and nodded, figuring as much. “How could you?” I muttered to myself more than him. “Gold blood shouldn’t mean a thing to a human.” “What is it?” he asked, his interest seemingly piqued by this.“It’s a human with a rare blood type. Not O negative or AB or anything like that. It’s…it’s a blood type that cannot be identified, but is…special in some way.” I scoffed. “At least sp
Valene:When I returned to the Wade estate, Harlyn’s car was already outside. With only two hours before everyone had to head to Bone’s, I was honestly surprised that she didn’t call me. During this time, she was usually frantic about getting ready. I was always tasked to be her calm and support. Maybe Penelope was that source tonight.I went into the house and quickly rushed up the stairs and to her door. “Mistress?” I started to knock when her door swung open.“Where the bloody hell have you been?” Harlyn’s eyes were bewildered and frantic. I tipped my head to the side and looked past her, and sure as I was standing there, Penelope was sitting on the bed looking entirely defeated.“Apologies, Mistress,” I quickl
VALE:The first rays of dawn painted the sky in hues of orange and pink as Valene and Harlyn stood on the outskirts of Shadow Veil, their backs turned to the familiar pack. The weight of exile hung heavy in the air, a bittersweet reminder of the decisions they had made.“This is a big step to make, Vale,” said Tobias as we stood at the city line of Shadow Veil. “It is,” I said. I couldn’t bloody well deny his truth. Harlyn and I’s relationship was still on the mend. There were definitely some kinks that needed to be worked out, but I felt an obligation to her. Not only to her but to Shadow Veil as well. I refused to make it easier for Dronnigan to find me. “But you remember what my mother said, Tobi. Even if Harly wasn’t leaving, I’m not sure that I’d have a choice. Not until I find a way to get rid of him for good.” I said. “Yeah, that’s true. I’ll be shoving off soon too.”“Your dad can’t be happy about that.” Tobias glanced back at the beta and his son. “Not really, but both he
VALE:“Harlyn Caris Wade. You almost took the life of your best friend. Your actions of attempted murder have cast an even bigger shadow on the pack. It’s not just because of what you did, Harlyn but who you are to the people surrounding you.”Harlyn’s gaze fell to the ground. There was visible shame in her eyes as these words were said. She knew that all of it was true, and so she kept silent.“You were acting in a rash state of anger and a thirst for revenge, and because of this, you’ve committed crimes of a reprehensible nature.” She looked up at him, and took a deep breath, but still, she did not say a word. It was clear that she was anxious though.“What do you have to say for yourself?” Silence enveloped the great hall, everyone silently and apprehensively waiting for her to speak. Until she finally did. “I…I’ve never been a really good friend…a good master…and especially a good sister. Her eyes wandered the room, but not for long as she finally found the gaze that she was
Alastair:The tension was palpable as the pack and clan leaders stood in the great hall for the judgment that would have to be carried out.As I sat in the Alpha’s chair, looking over the crowd, I could see that every face was etched with tension and sorrow. I couldn’t blame them; this was a big night, and one that I was not looking forward to.My stomach turned constant flips, a clear reaction to my anxiety as this day approached. I was dreading every second up until this very moment, and I could sense that I was not the only one.Agnes and Penny stood there, hands and feet bound as they waited for the room to gather its awaiting crowd for my judgment. They stood before me, Toran on my right and John…struggling internally, but nevertheless on my left. Both Agnes and Penny’s heads were bowed before me as they waited for me to proceed with the grave charges pinned against them. When the sound of the meeting hall’s large double doors could be heard closing, I knew that it was time to
The room was dimly lit. It was clear that she was in a cell of some sort. “Hello, my love.” Her voice was calm and soothing, and yet filled with sorrow. Though she wasn’t facing me in real time, I could sense the shame in her demeanor as she could not even look into Tobias’s eyes while relaying her message.“You know that before you were born…your father and I had an affair.” she chuckled bitterly. “Of course…I didn’t know that he was married or mated or whatever the hell they call it!” She snapped and then took a deep breath to seemingly calm down. “But that is neither here nor there. I did end it, baby, I truly did…once I found out that-what…kind of situation I was placed in. That…that wasn’t good enough for her though…so…that’s basically how my life ended that night.”There was so much pain in her voice as she said this. I couldn’t imagine how much it pained her to relive that evening. But she had to. She needed to confess her truth.“When I was brought back…all of my emotions we
VALEAfter Damian plied me with a few more drinks, I stumbled home to the inn and got me a room to stay at. Since everything that went on with Harlyn, I had been saying with dad, knowing that while he wouldn’t express it aloud, he needed the support. On this night, however, and maybe even the days to come, I’d probably be staying put here. There was far too much on my mind to be placed in the same vicinity of someone who was going through as much as I was.I knew that dad was hurting, and I also knew that if I saw that, if I had to witness it, I’d try and do everything within my power to heal him of that hurt instead of focusing on not going insane due to my own. I stumbled into the bathroom, and started the shower. Then I sat there on the side of the tub, leaned my head against the cold ceramic. It felt good against my flushed drunken skin.Suddenly, I didn’t think that I had the energy to take a shower. Maybe I should just stay here and close my eyes.“I see you have had an…intoxi
VALE:There was a look on his face, one that spoke so many volumes to me and still I could not accept it. I recalled watching as Ares pulled away from Tobias’s thoughts and memories. He was slow facing me, very reluctant.“Is it true?” I had asked him. Somehow, some part of me knew that answer but I needed Ares to confirm.It wasn’t like I thought the worst of Tobias-even in spite of his new lifestyle; not like he necessarily chose the lifestyle that was thrust upon him. I could never say that Tobias was a dishonest person. That’s why…I already knew. Still, there was something about my connection with Ares that would solidify this for me. “Tell me, Ares!” I approached him, desperate for him to answer. “Is it?”When he nodded sullenly, I backed away from him, and sorrow immediately enveloped me. My heart ached.“So…it was a lie?” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing even though I knew that it was true. My dad tried to approach me. I could tell that he was as distraught as I was abo
Vale“That…no…no, that’s…impossible.”Tobias shook his head. “No, Vale. It’s not.”I couldn’t absorb what he was saying to me. It was surreal. “Who on earth would the goddess deem worthy enough to procreate with?”“The old man was never clear on that,” said Tobias. “But he’s certain that you are. Apparently he has proof of it.” “And you didn’t think to bring it here?”Dad clearly was as flustered as I was, finding out this incredulous bit of news. Tobias looked at the alpha with a sarcastic expression. “All due respect, alpha…you’ve not met my father if you think that it would be so easy to get away, let alone gather information on him-”“Wait, what?!” Talon exclaimed. Apparently, I wasn’t the only one who caught that. I just…I wasn’t sure that I heard correctly. Tobias paused, his eyes falling to the floor with clear indignation. He wasn’t happy about this bit of news either, but it was clear that there was merit to it. “What did you say?” With a resigned exhale, Tobias nodded.
Vale:I stood there, bewildered as our eyes met. Part of me, a less…conflicted part of me was elated to see him standing there. With my father…his father, and his brother.Tobias.I cared about Tobias. Far more than I ever realized. It took him dying and then coming back to see that. But regardless, of how I came to this realization, those feelings were there. And that would never change. I was so glad to seem him alive and relatively well considering the circumstances surrounding…well…us and our current lifestyles.Despite that less conflicted side of me, there was bigger part of me…a blaringly alarmed and untrusting, and even angry…part of me that could only think about one thing; where was my mother?The fact that she was nowhere to be found-even now. It didn’t make sense maybe, but…in my potentially irrational mind, I couldn’t think of a reality where Tobias would even be here and mum not. I just couldn’t shake that feeling….that gnawing feeling in the pit of my stomach, as I wat
VALEThe meeting hall wasn’t too far away from where I was, so I didn’t use a quick means of transportation. “Vale,” I heard someone call after me. When I turned around, Talon was on approach. “Good evening, Talon,” I greeted.I guess any other sister would have given the Beta a cold shoulder because of what he had done to Harlyn.To be honest, as far as I was concerned, Harlyn got what Harlyn deserved. She never treated the guy with the proper respect.Still, I could tell that he was nervous about approaching me. Oh, Talon. I am on your side on this one.“How are you, this evening?” he asked me.“I’m…fine,” I shrugged. “I guess.”“Fine?” His steps slowed when he got closer. “Yeah, just fine. Could be better. Then again, I could be worse.” “Ah,” he shiftily looked around before his eyes landed on me again. He had question that he wanted to ask and I already knew who the question was concerning.“Just…ask the question, Talon,” I rolled my eyes.He took a deep breath, and then said,