Chapter 41

HAPPY NAVARATRI :D

Yay! Update a bit sooner!

Chapter 41 is here and it is dedicated to @readingaddiction :D

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"Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen."

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

―

QUILLON P.O.V

The following morning, I was sitting in the living room of my parent's house with a bored expression on my face. Quinn, who was sitting on another couch, yawned.

He was not going to school. No children from the pack were going to school today because they still needed to cope with what happened yesterday. I think now, everyone from my pack understood how deadly destruction is. We couldn't bear it for fifteen minutes, yet Elegance Pack had borne it for hours until it was completely wiped out.

Goosebumps appeared all over my skin as I tried to imagine how the Elegance pack wolves must have felt at that moment.

Darya had burnt down the west side of the pack territory in fifteen minutes. No greenery was visible there now.

I ran a hand through my hair as I recalled the previous night and just like that I winced and my wolf started whining inside me. Quickly, I blocked the pain and tried to wipe it from my head. However, to no avail.

After mom calmed me down, I ran away and spent the next the rest of the night hunting. Mom told me that she had exclaimed everything that had happened to the five Alphas' before they left. I don't know if they still blamed me or not, but I definitely knew no one could do anything until Darya comes back.

I had called Duncan in the morning. He told me Darya wasn't there and asked me to inform him if she comes here. After that, he cut the call.

I did not know where she was now. But I knew, wherever she was, she was safe. She was with her mother. The other Alphas' too didn't know where she was.

Granel had calmed down, and he didn't seem to think I was that bad of a person. He told me they had asked Vincent to find some clue but Vincent was unable to see anything.

Nobody could because Goddess had taken her. Turns out, I was the only one who was blessed enough to see the Goddess yesterday. The pack wolves just remember the fire dying down. They believe it was Goddess answering their prayers and they were kind of right!

"They are here" mom chimed and opening my eyes; I stood and marched towards the gate with Quinn following me. My friends were already there and when they saw me, they smiled sadly.

A Black Lamborghini came to halt near the gate and I frowned when I noticed that it was the same model that I owned. The only difference was that mine was silver in color.

Cortez Moreland stepped out from the driver's side and smiled at mom who beamed at him. I was very happy to see her happy. She finally had someone from her brother's side.

Personally, I still find it hard to believe that Cortez was related to me. Since I didn't know him well, I could only be cordial with him for mom's sake and for Darya's.

Cortez then moved to the passenger side to open the door. Bending down, he hoisted a little girl into his arms. His mate, stepped out of the car with a smile and all the unmated male wolves around me, breathed in deep when they saw her.

'My God! She is so beautiful' Quinn mumbled in a daze and I rolled my eyes.

'Gorgeous' Clay stated. 'What's her name?'

"Malory" mom said with a small smile and hugged the brunette. "And I have already met this lovely little angel" mom grinned at their daughter who looked at mom from the crook of her father's neck. Mom extended her hand but the little girl looked away refusing to part with her dad.

"She is shy" the Luna supplied with a smile.

"That's fine" mom sighed. "You have already met Quillon and that's my younger son Quinton" mom said pointing Quinn to the Luna.

"You can call me Quinn" With a flirtatious smile, Quinn extended his hand. While the Luna blushed, I huffed and Cortez glared at Quinn.

'She is a model?' Ram asked curiously.

'Doctor. Her gift is healing' Quinn replied as the Luna shook his hand.

"Hi" the Luna said nervously and I stiffened as I sensed a strange aura coming from her.

Mom cleared her throat and Quinn let go of the Luna's hand, "Let's go inside" she said and I followed. Dad had made some excuse and had gone out to work. Mom clearly didn't want him near her when Cortez Moreland visited.

I was here only because I wanted to know everything!

I figured out some parts of what had happened last night, while I was hunting. I figured out who O is. But I did not know why only Orseline Rhoades name was known when the other four were also involved. I understood why Peter Moreland was killed. I knew the four Alphas' got involved after their brothers, who had gifts just like Darya, were all killed. I knew they were a team yet I didn't know how they became one.

__

Fifteen minutes later, mom, Quinn, the Luna and I were sitting in the patio where Cortez Moreland was telling us about what happened after the destruction of Elegance Pack. What he had witnessed and how he was saved.

"Peter and Brenda took me in after I escaped. My name was changed for my protection. Alpha Peter... he brought me up as his own, trained me along with his children Raven and Remy. I wanted my revenge and Alpha Peter promised to train me for it. My sole aim in life was to take revenge on the rogues who called themselves Executioners. When Remy turned eleven, he shifted into his wolf and eventually, we learnt that he could control water. That year, Alpha Peter had admitted Raven and Remy to boarding school because he believed it would provide them best education. If he had known what exactly used to happen within that school compound, he would have never sent them there. Within a month, Remy was kidnapped and killed brutally. Alpha Peter attacked the rogues and he came to know, that the rogues were working for an Alpha" Cortez said through gritted teeth.

"Abraham Rhoades" mom said with a growl of her own.

"No. He... he was just a pawn in the big game like many others" Cortez said and I furrowed my brows in confusion.

"Alpha Peter tried to find out who had ordered the rogues to destroy Elegance but his search was always vain until he kidnapped a rogue who used with the Executioner's group. That rogue was a former member of Elegance Pack" Cortez said looking at mom in the eye.

"Who?" mom asked in a shaken tone.

"Paulo's son" he said and I watched the color drain from her face.

"John... he... he let the rogues attack his o-own pack?" mom stuttered and Cortez nodded painfully. The Luna, who was sitting next to Cortez, placed her hands on his clenched fists.

"Hence they knew everything about the Elegance Pack. I killed John. But before his death, he told us whatever he knew. The rogues were ordered to wipe out the Elegance Pack. They were also told to kill the kids by certain people, who paid them money for it. The kids were killed because the soothsayer had predicted that those kids would otherwise kill those involved in the destruction of Elegance Pack. "

I grasped what Darya had said that day.

"John gave us the first name: Alpha Herrick" Cortez declared and mom breathed in audibly. "A team was formed with the five of us. Tyler was part of the group then. We also came to know the Alphas' who were involved used elements as their code names. But by then Tito and Orion were also killed."

"Tito?" mom asked.

"Twins brother" the Luna replied.

"We wanted to save Austin. His gift was the element sky so we decided to kill Herrick first. Granel, Tyler and I were supposed to attack and kill him. However, Tyler met his mate that day and since she was injured he went with her. That's when Sel came in. We all attacked but it was Sel who killed Herrick. He had written her name on the floor. Hence-"

"O" I concluded and Cortez nodded.

"Oh God!" mom whispered and Quinn gaped at Cortez.

'O is a she?' he asked me.

'Close your mouth' I told him and he did just that.

"She wasn't even supposed to be there but still she came and only her name was known" Cortez said guiltily. "After Herrick's death we thought Austin would be safe, but no... the rogues immediately had him killed. We were unsuccessful in saving him. Four kids died and we could do nothing. By then, all of us, except for the twins had become the Alphas' of our pack. Raven had met Granel and moved to Supreme and Remy was killed. So, Alpha Peter asked me to become the Alpha. I wasn't ready. The pack wasn't mine but I could not bear to watch Moreland fall apart either. That's why I accepted to be the Alpha of Moreland Pack" Cortez exclaimed earnestly.

"I understand Connell. You did the right thing" mom told him as he stared at the floor.

"Then, the most unexpected thing happened" Cortez said with a humorless chuckle and I frowned. "We were waiting for the last kid, another Alphas' child to shift. Instead, a third-in-command's daughter shifted at the age of eleven" Cortez stated and I stiffened. "It was only then everyone became aware of the truth about Darya's adoption. Until then, no one had a clue she was an Alphas' daughter. While we were waiting for her to get her gift, we got another Alphas' name. Grier. Another pawn" Cortez said and I growled.

Him too? Why?

"Everyone? Every one of them? Why? What did papa do to them?" mom said in a whisper as tears rolled down her cheeks.

"Grier helped the rogues in killing his own son and so, his remaining two sons helped us in killing him" Cortez finished harshly.

"Meanwhile Darya accidently learned from her school bullies that she was adopted. It had an effect on her... a bad effect" Cortez said and I growled lowly. "She got horribly bullied in school and Sel told Alpha Peter about it. It was then I met her for the first time. In some ways, I could connect to her. I could understand that she was feeling lonely. I spoke to her then. Told her about my problems and she agreed to share her with me. She told me that the first twelve years of her life felt a sham to her. She loved the people who adopted her, but she also thought they were the ones who separated her from her family. I told her that whatever the case, her identity had to be kept a secret for her protection. She needed to be safe because she was the only gifted child alive."

I now understood why the five Alphas' were so protective of Darya. I would forever be grateful to them for always putting her first.

"For a change of environment Darya and Sel moved to Supreme Pack. Darya joined the school as student and Sel as teacher. There, Darya became mingled with Emperor Pack wolves and from them she collected more information about Abraham Rhoades and eventually, contacted him."

I growled murderously the moment I heard that name and Cortez looked at me. "You know what he said to her?" he asked me and I nodded. She had told me that he blamed her for her mother's death.

"It was horrible. I was ready to spare him. Everyone was ready to spare him for Darya's sake but he made a move to attack her and Tyson killed him then and there."

"My father was killed right in front of me Alpha" Darya had said last night!

"After that incident... Darya changed. She grew up that day all at once. Learnt how low people are ready to sink. Learnt trust has to be earned. Learnt to be cautious" he said shaking his head and I swallowed hard while my wolf rested his head on his paws. I could never understand how bad it was for Darya but I knew she had suffered a lot in her life. "Then Duncan came to Supreme to kill O" Cortez chuckled. "He learnt the truth, took Darya with him and gave her the name and respect she deserved. But by then, rogues had created another monster."

"Konrad" Quinn said.

"He killed Alpha Peter" Cortez face tightened as he said that to gritted teeth.

"Sshhh... Connell" the Luna whispered, leaning closer and comforting him while resting her chin on his arms. I was surprised to hear her call him that and so was mom.

"You call him Connell?" mom asked the Luna with a smile and the Luna turned beet red before nodding shyly.

"Konrad... he took another father away from me. Not satisfied with it, he also started attacking my mate" Cortez growled harshly. "But we were successful in saving Malory. That was the day Konrad first saw Darya and from then, he was determined to make her life hell. He killed her mother in front of her. Often he would come and attack her" he spat and my body started trembling in rage as I clenched my fists.

"Even though I find it hard to believe, I am glad he is dead. Darya had suffered a lot because of him. She lost her teenage years because of him. While the girls of her age were flirting and having sleep-over, Darya had to train to fight and always watch her own back. She didn't have a single friend in school. Never let people come close to her until you." Blue-green eyes settled on me in accusation as Cortez growled.

I glared at him, while the Luna gently rubbed her hands on his arms. I could tell that they were talking through the link because Cortez gave me another dark glare before looking away, while the Luna smiled sadly at me.

"Three Alphas' were killed by each one of us and people started fearing O more and more. I couldn't control myself after what happened to Alpha Peter. So, I attacked the rogues with my pack wolves. The rest brought their pack wolves too and together we killed them all. Wiped the rogues from Elegance! We kept the rogue leader Leo for last because I wanted to know who the mastermind behind the attack was. He then told me. Do you want to know who it was?" Cortez asked mom, whose eyes darkened as she nodded firmly. "Isadora Hampton."

I have never met that woman in my life but I knew mom did not like her. Isadora Hampton had been to our pack once and I had seen mom giving her the cold shoulder.

After hearing what Cortez said, mom compressed her lips and then blinked repeatedly. "That bitch" she spat after some time. "Joanna used to call her a deadly shark and that's what she was" mom hissed as she recalled what her sister used to say. "Isadora was a vindictive bitch who was obsessed with papa. He had ended things with her the moment he realized her plans of becoming the pack Luna but that cold shark couldn't handle rejection... she kept coming back until finally, she met another prey. She married an older man just to become the Luna" mom growled.

"Isadora... she... she was the one who told me what happened to Elegance Pack" mom stated and I tensed. After hearing that Cortez growled loudly. "She had the audacity to come here after what she did to Elegance. A week after I gave birth to Quillon, she came to the pack as a 'well-wisher'. Said I was a strong woman and she was proud of me that I had a normal delivery in such circumstances. I didn't even know what she was talking about until suddenly she started sobbing and narrating in detail what happened to Elegance. Only now I know those were fake tears. That shark always liked to go for the kill. Not satisfied after destroying papa's pack, she wanted to hurt me too and she became successful" mom cried and covered her face with her hands.

"I killed her" Cortez proclaimed.

"Good!" Mom said wiping her tears. "That shark had to die. I am not even surprised to know she was the mastermind" mom said shaking her head.

"Why did you not tell me about yourself Connell? All these years... why did you stay away from me?" mom asked when her tears had dried down.

Cortez was silent for a few seconds before answering, "I... I was angry at you" he said and mom winced, shaken by that admission. Quinn rushed to sit next to her. "Because you didn't come to help Elegance when you were most needed"

"I didn't-"

"I know" Cortez said cutting mom off. "I recently came to know and I understand" he said and mom swallowed audibly.

While they talked, I walked back into the house recalling everything Cortez told just now. Darya had been through so much and I... I closed my eyes and punched the wall. I grimaced and held my hand as I felt the pain.

Once the pain was bearable, I decided to go for a run or even better look for Darya.

__

As I was walking towards the main door, I stopped on my tracks when I noticed the little girl sitting in the elongated couch, looking adorable because her feet weren't touching the floor.

Gloriana. I think that's what her name is but the Luna was calling her Glory.

The Luna had left her here to watch some cartoon while we talked outside but the toddler wasn't watching T.V. Standing in one corner of the living room, I watched Glory as she strained a hand to pick up the remote from the coffee table, which without doubt was quite far from her reach.

Since the little girl was extremely shy, I did not make a move to help her because I knew she would either run away from me or wail loudly and I really didn't want Cortez to think I even made his daughter cry.

Leaning forward, Glory stretched and strained a short arm to get hold of the remote. When she reached the edge of the sofa seat, she lost balance, slipped and then fell face first on the floor.

"Holy crap!" I said and moved towards her because I was sure she was hurt.

Glory quickly picked herself up and stood straight.

"Are you okay?" I asked crouching in front of her. I swear, the look she shot me, it could have melted a stone. I gulped audibly when I saw that.

I have seen lots of kids, but this little moppet, without doubt was the cutest one of all, with her dark blonde curly hair, pink chubby cheeks and deep blue eyes that was currently giving me those sad puppy look.

I fell in love with her at that moment.

Her cheeks were puffed and her lips were quivering. It was like she was waiting for me to laugh at her so that she could let out the tears flooding her eyes. I wanted to smile but I didn't want to make her cry either.

"You want the remote?" I asked gently and picking up, I extended it to her. She stared at me with those same sad eyes for a whole minute before slowly taking it from me.

"Thank-you" she said shyly and the corners of my lips tilted upwards.

"What's your name?" I questioned just to make a conversation.

"Glory" she answered in a soft voice and then turned to climb the couch, which wasn't an easy task because she was really very short. Smiling, I picked her up and sat her on the couch. She leaned back in her seat and stared at me. I realized then that this little moppet doesn't smile at all... or is it just with me?

"Do you want anything?" I asked softly.

"Mama" the little moppet said after few seconds and I nodded.

"Your mama is out... but she will-"

"I'm here." I turned to look at the Luna, who was standing exactly where I was standing a minute ago. "Did she need something?" the Luna, Malory, asked approaching us.

"Water" Glory told her and the Luna looked at me.

"I will get it" I said and then brought a glass of water. "Luna" I called her before handing the glass.

"Call me Malory" she said and I nodded.

"Your mom told us what happened" Malory said as she helped Glory drink the water. I stared at her and she sighed. "I am sure Darya will understand" she assured.

"Do you know where Darya is?" I asked her.

"No" Malory replied and was quite for a few second before settling mischievous blue eyes on me. "Can I get your number?" Malory requested in a whisper and then looked behind me to make sure Cortez hadn't heard it.

A slow sly smirk appeared on my face and I pulled out my phone from the pocket, "Why don't you give me yours?" I said instead and Malory smiled. I quickly saved her number and gave a missed call to her phone. I knew she would inform me as soon as she comes to know where Darya is.

"Can I get your number too?" The smirk got wiped from my face and I gave a blank look to Quinn who was wiggling his eyebrows at Malory.

She ducked her head to hide her smile. "You remind me of someone?" she told him as he sat beside her.

'She's so beautiful' he told for the nth time through the link.

'And she has a mate whose gift you told is extreme physical strength' I reminded Quinn but he didn't pay any attention.

Silly Bugger! He has been shamelessly flirting with Malory since the moment he saw her.

"Really? Who?" he asked interestedly.

"My friend Ruben. He is uh..." Malory hesitated and then looked at me, "He is K-Konrad's brother" she finished and I tensed. "But Ruben is not like Konrad. He is really good. In fact, he hates Konrad. Ruben has even helped Cortez in finding him. Darya knows about Ruben too. He is an innocent."

Malory let out a breath when she finished rambling.

I knew about this Ruben guy but I also knew that Cortez Moreland had accepted to his pack.

"Where is he now?" I asked as she stared at me with troubled blue eyes.

"South Africa. He is good person. Cortez knows it too" Malory added.

"Okay" I said and she sighed in relief. Ruben must be a good guy if Cortez had spared him because I knew for sure, Cortez wouldn't have spared any rogue that had lived in Elegance.

"What's he doing in South Africa?" Quinn asked curiously.

"He has gone for his job purpose. It was a contract of two years. He will be returning in December" she said with a smile but it quickly faded away. "Ruben doesn't know Konrad is dead. I didn't tell him because Cortez asked me not to tell him. He is always busy there and so, we decided not to worry or upset him with this news."

"You told he hates Konrad" I reminded.

"Yes. But in a way Ruben cared for him too... after all they are brothers" Malory said keeping the now empty glass on the coffee table.

"You can tell him when he returns in December" Quinn suggested.

"That's the plan" she sighed and standing up, she bent down to pick her daughter.

"You shouldn't be lifting her in your condition" I told her frankly.

"My condition?" Malory asked turning to face me.

"You are pregnant" I stated flatly and her eyes widened as her mouth dropped open. The moment she climbed out of the car, I sensed another life growing inside her.

"Pr-pr-pregnant" Malory stuttered. "Someone say the four-letter-word"

"Duck!"

"Fuck!"

Glory and Quinn said at the same time.

However, before anyone could react, Malory's skin lost all color as she fainted and dropped down the couch.

"Mama" Glory cried.

"Shit!" Quinn said as I stared at her in disbelief.

"Mom" I hailed wondering what went wrong with the Luna.

Cortez and mom rushed inside the room. Cortez growled loudly and then held his unconscious mate in his arms. "Malory" he called, patting her cheeks. "What did you do?" he glared at me when she didn't respond. Soon Glory burst into tears.

"Nothing. Q just told her she is pregnant"

"What?" mom and Cortez said at the same time!

"Q?" mom snapped and I scowled at her. "This is the fifth time. I have told you not to do this. Let the couple figure out on their own" mom hissed and I shrugged.

"She is not pregnant. How do you know-"

"I am sure she is, Connell. Let's get her tested" mom advised softly and began soothing Glory.

__

It was seven in the evening now and I was driving around in my car. After Cortez left I began looking for Darya in the pack territory but she was nowhere. My instinct was telling me, she was not in the pack territory.

The Goddess had taken her, but she has promised that Darya will return to me too. It was already twenty two hours and I was losing my patience. I wanted to talk to Darya. Apologize to her but where is she?

After Malory fainted, the doctor tested her and confirmed to Cortez what I already knew. She was expecting their second child. A week later, her scent would have started changing and everyone would have figured out she was pregnant.

Soon after, the happy couple left to their pack. Before going Malory had said she would inform me if she comes to know about Darya. She didn't yet which means, the Alphas' too don't know where Darya is.

I parked my car in front of the house and leaned back against the seat.

As I closed my eyes, I recalled Darya sobbing uncontrollably when she was lying in the burnt ground. When I felt a pain in my heart, I quickly blocked it out. I wouldn't waste my time wallowing like last night.

I grimaced the minute last night flashed in my head. I had not reacted at all. I had been like a stone last night. I didn't outright state my refusal to dad and neither did I explain to Darya what had really happened. I didn't shut my dad's mouth and neither did I calm Darya down. I had been in a state of shock and it cost me dearly.

Maybe that's why the Goddess did this. I had always refused to accept who I am and last night, she forced me to accept it... to face the truth.

But, why?

For what purpose am I so different from the others? So powerful from the others?!

When I had first got my gifts, I thought it was because I am an Alpha. However, eventually I realized I was stronger than an Alpha too. When I came to know about Konrad, I thought I was given those gifts to kill Konrad. But now, even he is dead. Then what purpose am I given all these gifts?

Gifts that lets me see what is unseen!

However, I don't think it was because of my gift that I could see the Goddess-who was unseen to others- last night. I am certain the Goddess wanted me to see and hear her. Certain, there is a reason why I was forced to accept that I am an Apex Predator. And most importantly, I am certain something bad is going to happen soon.

I couldn't imagine anything worse than what happened last night.

My cell phone beeped and I immediately checked it, only to see that it was a message regarding a sale of shares.

__

I could see them.

They were all around me now.

I could see Zia, sitting in the front row and writing everything Mrs. Bailey was telling. I could see what she was writing too. Nevin, who was sitting beside me, was sound asleep. Clay, who was seated behind me, was effortlessly sketching a woodpecker.

My eyes were closed, yet I could see them... clearly.

I could even see what the teacher in the next room was writing on the board. I could see what the students of that class were doing.

"Quillon" I heard a voice calling me.

I opened my eyes to see my history teacher approaching me. Leaning back, I took in a hard, long breath as she approached me. She was pregnant and I could actually see the baby in her womb. I could make out a tiny face, a hand, a leg.

I was thirteen and that sight scared me. I was sweating as I saw the baby move in her stomach. Muttering an apology, I picked my bag and ran out of the classroom while Mrs. Bailey kept calling my name.

As I was running in the empty hallways, I could see what was happening in each class even when the doors to the classrooms where closed. I could hear what the teachers were saying. What the students were saying.

I was already making my way towards the entrance, when a hand got wrapped around my arm. Mom turned me and forced me to look at her. She compressed her lips when I growled at her.

This is not the first time I am running out of a classroom and this is not the first time she is stopping me either. For my sake, she quit her job and joined as a part-time English teacher in my school.

Without saying another word, she held my hand and dragged me towards her car. We drove in silence until she stopped in an empty road.

"Bad?"

"Very bad" I grumbled.

"It is going to get good soon" she said soothingly.

"When?" I wanted to know the answer to that.

"When you learn to block it. Now you can hear and see it because you are welcoming it. Soon, you will learn to close the doors to it. Just give yourself sometime" mom said and I nodded hesitantly.

"I could see Mrs. Bailey's baby. It has face and fingers now" I murmured after few minutes of terse silence and mom smiled softly. The last time I had seen it, it had no fingers.

"That's how babies grow inside mother's womb" she said gently. "When I was pregnant with you, I would sometimes touch my belly and once I would press a little harder, I could actually hold your chubby arms" she remembered fondly and I grimaced. Mom laughed when she saw my grimace.

"It will all be alright. One day you will learn to block it out. That is all I can say" mom said softly as I stared at the road ahead of us. "Is anything else bothering you?" she asked breaking another silence.

"What can be worse than this? I can see what others cannot see. Hear what others cannot hear. What next? Taste without eating?" I said harshly.

"If it happens... you have to accept it Q" mom told me.

"I don't want it. I don't want any of it" I snapped.

"But you are blessed with these gifts and you must learn to accept it."

"It hate it. I will never accept it" I protested heatedly.

"No. Q. Do not think that way. There must be a reason, why you are gifted and eventually you will find it out. But you don't know when. So, in the meantime, learn to accept these gifts. It will make everything easier for you" mom said placing her hand upon mine clenched fists.

"How do I block it out mom?" I asked closing my eyes in pain.

"Focus on one thing at a time and give it your complete attention like you are doing now" mom said and I opened my eyes to look at her. "Can you hear anything else now?" she inquired and I shook my head. "That's because you are paying complete attention to me. Try doing the same when you are in a crowd" mom said. "Will you be able to do it?" she asked me.

"I will try"

"Ah" she warned.

"I will do it" I said and she smiled.

"That's my son" she said ruffling my hair and I grumbled something unintelligible.

"Do you want to shift now?" mom asked and I nodded. "Okay, shift only after you are completely undressed" she said and I rolled my eyes while climbing out of the car. "You have two hours. I will come to pick you at lunch" she shouted from behind while I ran to the woods.

__

My eyes flew open all of a sudden and I found myself staring at my garage door. As I blinked, I realized that I had slept inside the car. Groaning, I climbed out of the car and walked to my room while also massaging my neck.

I didn't sleep one bit last night and so my head was aching badly.

It was one in the afternoon when I woke up again. I had caught up with all the lack of sleep I had the night before.

The first thing I did was check my phone and frowned when I saw that I didn't have a single missed call or message from Duncan or Malory or Granel. Throwing back the covers, I got up and went to take a shower.

After shower I called Nevin because I had many missed calls from him. He told me that the pack wolves had traced all over the territory and still there was no sign of Darya.

"We will go for another round after lunch" he told me.

"No need. I don't think Darya will come back here" I said.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes" I said and he sighed. "Go home and have lunch" with that said, I cut the call.

I then called Malory who picked up only when I called for the third time. She too told me that no one had found Darya yet. She also added that their pack wolves were even going to look for Darya in Elegance. I ended the call after asking her to tell me if she got any news.

Mom came home for lunch and she brought sandwich. "I want the mayo" I told her the moment she entered the house. "You eat the burritos" I added and she rolled her eyes.

"You and your extraordinary senses" mom said keeping the package on the table.

"Any news on Darya?" I asked her as she opened the fridge to drink ice-cold water.

"No. I called Connell today morning and he doesn't know anything either" mom said and I lowered my head. "She will be back" mom stated sitting opposite me.

"What about dad? When will his 'business trip' be over?"

"I don't know. I just asked him to stay out of my sight for sometime" mom mumbled setting the plates.

"He calls you?"

"He does. But I don't answer them"

"You won't forgive him?"

"I know I will eventually, but right now I cannot. At least not until everything is fine between you and Darya."

"Not everything is his fault" I reminded.

"It is his fault. He shouldn't have made such a plan. It was wrong. When Duncan agreed to send his sister here, he made it with good faith and the least your father could have done was honor it" mom said and I compressed my lips because when she uses the term 'your father' it says she is angry with her mate. "You agreed without even knowing what you were agreeing to. I don't blame you because I know how you block everything out. I had told you to do that. To focus on one thing at a time" mom said placing the sandwich on my plate and at that very moment, I got the taste of the mayonnaise.

"Where did you get this from? This mayo is too sweet for my liking" I said even before putting it into my mouth.

"Shut up and eat it" mom snapped at me as I made a face at the sandwich. "Add some pepper if you want" mom passed the pepper to me. "It's a good thing Darya doesn't know cooking or else you would have complained about everything that is missing" mom said as I ate the sandwich. It was still not up to my liking but better than earlier.

I like my food to be appetizing.

I have always been fuzzy about what I eat and since I can taste food without even putting it into my mouth, I am all the more picky. I don't usually like eating outside food. I only eat food cooked by me or by mom and Quinn because they know how to make the food up to my liking. When I am out, I chose the best hotels with splendid tasty food.

"She cooked once for me" I said and mom stared at me with wide eyes.

"Bad?" she asked hesitantly and I nodded. "Tell me you didn't tell her that."

"I didn't. I told her I didn't eat it after Quinn puked it out" I said and mom sighed. The truth was I had tasted that horrendous chicken soup without even drinking it and it was so bad that I kept stalling drinking it until Darya herself drank it.

"She really loves you" mom said fondly and a faint color marred my cheekbones. "Promise me you will set everything right?" she asked me.

"I will try"

"Ah" she said sharply.

"I will do it" I said with a smile.

At that moment, I had decided that I am going to bring Darya back to Serene. Once, I decided, I knew there was no one in the world to stop me.

She might refuse at first, I knew for sure but I will be patient. I will not give up!

I will do whatever it takes to bring Darya back to me, to Serene.

__

Around six in the afternoon, I went for a drive in the territory. Even though, I knew Darya wouldn't be here, I was still hoping for some miracle.

And the miracle happened thirty minutes later, when I got a call from Malory. Immediately, I brought my car to a halt and answered the call.

"They found her" Malory was panting as she said it.

Leaning back in my seat, I heaved a sigh. "Where?"

"In Emperor! In the middle of the woods. Sel said Darya is unconscious but the doctor who checked her said she will be fine soon."

"I am going to Emperor now." My wolf stood up totally revitalized.

"Okay. I will call you later. I am needed in ICU" she breathed out before disconnecting.

When I brought the engine back to life, I got another call.

"I know" I told Duncan the moment I picked up.

"Look, Quil-"

"I am coming to Emperor now" I said before ending the call.

While I was driving to Emperor, Granel called me and a few minutes later, mom called me too.

__

It was close to eight in the evening when I reached Emperor. I brought my car to a halt when I noticed Duncan and a few Emperor Pack wolves blocking my way.

"How is she?" I demanded climbing out of the car.

"She is fine. She woke up a few minutes ago but she looks tired. You cannot meet her now."

In a flash, I was standing right in front of Duncan and growling viciously. How dare he stop me from meeting my mate? Does he not know who I am?

Duncan stood his ground and kept eye contact with me. "She needs rest" he stressed out carefully and my wolf hesitated a bit. "She hasn't even eaten anything for hours and she is emotionally hurt. Let her be for now" Duncan added and slowly, my wolf stepped back.

"I know you guys want to talk, buy not now. Come tomorrow noon. Talk and celebrate your birthday together too" Duncan suggested wryly and I glared at him. "Be grateful I am letting you inside my territory Sanders when all I want to do is kick you to the kingdom come" he said flatly while my wolf bristled.

"Darya might just do that" Duncan's beta chuckled from behind and I clenched my fists.

I wanted to show him his place, but prevented myself because I did not want any more feuds between Serene and Emperor.

"Mind that tongue of yours before I cease all its movements" I said looking him in the eye and he quickly lowered his head.

"I will be coming tomorrow" I proclaimed with determination, looking at Duncan. "Don't even think about coming in my way because if you do then I will be forced to show you... all of you your places" I growled the last words as my wolf stood tall and proud.

The Emperor Pack wolves lowered their head, while Duncan inhaled sharply. I was sure, my power affected him too.

Nodding once at Duncan, I turned and got inside my car.

I couldn't wait for tomorrow to come!

I will do whatever it takes to convince Darya to give me another chance.

*****

I know this was filler but I hope you like it.

Pic above is how Glory looked when Q said he fell in love with her. I don't know who that precious little angel is but I fell in love with her after watching that pic too!

Next update in Darya's p.o.v and it is going to be posted on 23rd!

Please vote, comment and follow.

Thanks,

Shruthi.