Chapter 36: Lycans Blood

CONNOR

“Connor, take it easy!” Yuki’s voice bounced off the walls as I fought the urge to throttle him.

“They’ve got Elaine! They took her!” I roared, my grip on him unyielding.

“And if you don’t let go, I can’t help you!” Yuki shot back, his body half-shifted.

I let go with a grunt, pacing the room like a caged animal. Jyn, Regulus, Blaze, Yuki, and a few of the patrol with my beta watched me, frozen in place as I wrestled with my inner beast, Khan.

“Any news from the teams out there?” I asked, my gaze landing on Blaze.

“Sorin and the others are searching, but it’s like they disappeared. Like they never set foot on our territory. There’s not even a trace of Elaine’s scent,” Blaze reported.

“What about her hair?” Yuki chimed in.

“That’s all we found,” my beta confirmed. “I can’t figure out why they’d cut Elaine’s hair. What’s the point?”

“They’re trying to turn her rogue,” Jyn muttered, and a heavy silence fell over the room.

The tension was palpable. We were all on edge, barely holding it together.

“I’m going back out to scout,” I announced, heading for the door.

“I wouldn’t recommend it,” Jyn said, rising to his feet. “They could be targeting you next.”

“No,” Yuki cut in. “They’re not after Connor.”

“How can you be so sure?” Regulus challenged. There was a pause before Yuki responded.

“Because they wouldn’t go after Connor. Not when the one they really want is her.”

“What are you talking about?” I demanded, spinning to face him.

Yuki scanned the room, his gaze lingering on each face before settling on mine.

“There’s something we need to discuss. Just us,” Yuki sighed. “It’s important.”

I nodded and ordered the others to leave. I gave instructions to my beta before they dispersed to join the search.

Once we were alone, all eyes turned to Yuki, who had taken a seat by the window overlooking the mountain woods.

Snow was beginning to fall, signaling the approach of winter and making the task of tracking the hunters even more challenging.

We had no idea where the hunters were based. We wouldn’t know unless Sorin called on the human who had helped us.

“What do you need to tell us?” Jyn asked, rubbing his face. He looked exhausted. And I had a feeling he was carrying a load of guilt for what was happening, but it wasn’t his fault. It was mine. I was the one who let her go.

“What I’m about to share might change how you see Elaine,” Yuki said, sounding weary. “I never intended to break my promise to her, but right now it’s crucial. Her life is on the line.”

“Then spit it out,” I growled.

Yuki met my gaze, then nodded, leaning forward with his arms resting on his knees.

“A long time ago, Elaine cut ties with the Moon Goddess. She defied her, and chaos ensued. I know it sounds insane, but if you don’t believe me, summon the Goddess from the temple.”

Silence.

“Some of you know that Elaine’s true mate is Sorin, not Connor. But I suspect they’re not true mates, not when it was one of the requests Elaine made when she bargained with the Goddess.”

“Are you certain?” Jyn asked.

“Yes,” Yuki confirmed, his brow furrowed. “Elaine made several bargains that day at the temple. The moment she did, the Goddess promised divine retribution, in her own way.

“I don’t know how it will play out, but with recent events, I suspect the Goddess is as much to blame as anyone.”

“You realize you could be punished too, right?” Blaze pointed out.

Yuki chuckled.

“I’ve already been punished,” he replied. “I was punished the day we found Elaine in the tower.”

“The tower?” Jyn asked, frowning.

“Yes,” Yuki confirmed. “Remember when Elaine came back all bruised and with a broken arm?”

“I remember,” Regulus chimed in. “Our father was livid, but he never told us why. And when we asked Elaine, she never gave us a straight answer.”

“Exactly. Elaine’s time training with the Sakura Pack was for that reason. She was aiming for the temple near the pack. She was determined to carry out her plan.”

Yuki shook his head. “I tried to stop her. I really did.”

“What did she ask for?” I asked, my voice shaky. “What did Elaine ask the Moon Goddess to do?”

Yuki stared at us, the room falling silent. It took him a moment to respond.

“She asked for five things.”

“Five?” I frowned.

“Yes. The first time Elaine summoned the Goddess, she told her what she wanted.

“The Moon Goddess promised suffering, and I think that scared Elaine. She put off her plan for two years, but when she finally went through with it, everything fell apart.”

“Is Elaine the reason we…”

“Don’t have mates?” Yuki finished with a smile. “Yes, Jyn. Elaine’s to blame.”

Regulus moved to steady Jyn, who swayed on his feet. His face was ashen with the news.

“So I might have a true mate?” I asked. “Elaine took away our gift? Our choice?”

“She took more than that!” Blaze snarled. “How dare she?”

“She did it because of you guys!” Yuki snapped. “If you hadn’t let your father treat Elaine the way he did, she wouldn’t have done it!”

“What?” I stammered.

I looked at the brothers, but they all averted their eyes in shame. I didn’t know what Yuki was talking about, but I had a feeling I wasn’t going to like what he said next.

“Yuki, their father—the alpha—murdered their mother when Elaine was born,” Yuki said, his teeth gritted. “And they didn’t lift a finger to stop it, or even to shield Elaine!”

His harsh words made everyone in the room recoil. I was left in shock, hearing this for the first time.

“He killed her?” I asked, stepping closer to the cluster of brothers. “Is what Yuki’s saying true?”

“I… we…”

“Speak up!” I commanded, causing Jyn to shrink back. “I’m ordering you, Alpha!”

“Yes,” Regulus admitted, his head bowed. “Our father…he killed our mother.”

I stared at him, lost for words.

Did they understand the gravity of that? The potential punishment?

“And you did nothing?” I asked, still in shock.

“No, they didn’t, and Elaine has held it against them ever since,” Yuki answered. “Elaine wants revenge, but she can’t get it.”

“Why?” Jyn asked.

“Why what?” Yuki frowned. “Why didn’t she speak up? Or why does she want revenge? Is that what you’re asking?”

“No.” Jyn shook his head, his eyes welling up with tears. “Why did she keep it from us?”

“I don’t know if you’re just dense, Jyn. But seriously, did you guys ever realize your father was abusing Elaine? Punishing her? Hurting her?”

Yuki scoffed. “Do you even know your father used to severely punish Elaine? I saw it myself. I saw your father, my uncle, whip Elaine.

“He would tie her up and gag her so no one could hear her cries for help.”

Yuki was panting. His nails dug into the wooden armrest. Splinters embedded into his skin as he growled.

“You have no idea what your father has done!” he finished.

“I do,” Regulus whispered. Jyn turned to face him.

“What?” Jyn asked. “You knew?”

“I tried to step in once, just once, but I…”

“Did he threaten you?” I asked.

Regulus nodded as he leaned against the wall near the fireplace.

“We should consult the Moon Goddess,” Blaze suggested. “It’s just a thought. She might be able to help us.”

“She won’t.” Yuki leaned back in the chair, his body relaxing. “Not me, or you guys.”

His gaze landed on me.

“She might listen to you, though.”

“Me?” I asked, confused.

“Yes, only a pure lycan can ask the Goddess for help. And only you, who truly love Elaine, can ask for her guidance.” Yuki gave a sad smile. “I know you love her. I’ve seen it.”

My lips moved, but I just lowered my head. A smile tugged at my lips.

***

“Are you sure about this?” Jyn asked for the third time as I adjusted my gear. “Let me come with you.”

“No, I need you here in the castle. Sorin will be back soon,” I mumbled as I heard the approaching footsteps and growls of wolves.

We turned to see the second patrol group shifting back.

“Arye, any news?” Jyn asked as his brother jogged toward us.

“No,” he replied. “No sign of Elaine, but we found a group of hunters near the Sakura Pack.”

“What?” Yuki frowned. His black gear was adorned with heavy daggers made of pure steel. He looked so different from his usual attire that it made him seem like the true alpha he was born to be.

“Why are they even near the pack?”

“We were wondering the same, but so far, we’ve only spotted them near the pack border. They seemed to be moving in a small group of four.”

“Did you see where they were heading?” I asked, strapping my blades to my hips. “Did you at least track them?”

“Sorin and Quillon are following them.”

“Then why are you back?” I asked, turning to my beta.

“The human is heading this way. Sorin summoned him,” Arye answered.

“What?” Jyn said as he quickly pulled out his phone.

“Where are you guys heading?” Arye asked, eyeing the small group.

“The temple,” Yuki replied.

“What, why?” Arye asked, looking at his brothers. “Are you guys going too?”

“No, I’m heading back home to look for some things,” Regulus replied. “Blaze will stay with Jyn.

“I need you to go back to where Connor and the guards last saw Elaine. We need to track the mountain that way.”

“Wait, if they go, then they’re heading into dangerous territory.” Jyn shook his head. “That means stepping out of the pack lands.”

“I need Sorin back,” I ordered.

“No, he’s our best scout out there,” Jyn said, raising his hand. “I know you’re not happy with him right now, but he cares for Elaine, so let’s trust him.”

I growled as Khan forced his way, shifting and snarling at Jyn.

After finding out Elaine and Sorin were true mates, Khan had been anything but happy. We both had been in pain realizing our mate loved someone else.

And learning more about her every time hurt worse than dying.

With a sigh, Khan retreated, allowing me to shift back.

“Fine, but have the human tell us where the hunter’s base is, and get my father here,” I suggested, causing the group to look at me.

“Are you sure about that?” Regulus frowned. “Your father will be furious when he hears about this.”

“I know, but he was king. He knows what to do, and I trust my beta and Sorin to handle the rest. I also trust that you guys will do your part of what we discussed.”

The brothers looked at each other before nodding in my direction.

I gave a firm nod, turned on my heel, and prepared to head to the Sakura Pack. Yuki was ready, too. We both shifted into our wolf forms and darted into the woods.

***

We ran alongside the stream in silence, letting the sound of the water guide us through the dense forest that led to the Goddess’s temple.

It had been so long since I’d been there, I’d almost forgotten it existed.

I’d never been particularly fond of the temple, to be honest. But after my encounter with the Goddess, I’d learned more about her, about her ways.

I just hoped she could help us. For my sake, I hoped she would listen to me and forgive Elaine for what she’d done.

~“Did your uncle hurt Elaine a lot?”~ I mind-linked Yuki.

His white wolf growled in response.

~“I’ve seen it happen so many times, I’ve lost count. But I can tell you this, Connor: Elaine’s only goal is revenge,”~ Yuki replied.

~“How does she plan to get it?”~ I asked, curiosity piqued.

Yuki chuckled in my mind as we leaped over some rocks and splashed into the water.

~“By becoming queen and making my uncle’s life miserable,”~ he answered.

We ran for a few more hours before we reached a waterfall. Half the water was frozen, thanks to the falling snow.

“Welcome to the Moon Goddess temple,” Yuki said, shifting back into his human form. “Before we go in, you need something.”

“What?” I raised an eyebrow.

“Blood,” Yuki grinned. “So give me your arm. To please the Goddess, you need to offer her your lycan blood.”

I stared at Yuki, who only laughed.

“Let’s do it,” he said, leading me across to the other side where the entrance to the cave was.

Suddenly, we heard a few distant howls, causing us both to stop.

“Do you think something happened?” Yuki asked, worry creeping into his voice.

I looked at the morning sun peeking over the mountains, bathing the world in a warm, welcoming light.

“I don’t know,” I whispered, turning away from him.

Yuki led me to the far end of the temple. To our surprise, we found the elder inside. His back was to us as he stood before the magnificent statue of the Goddess.

“Ah, you’re finally here,” he said without turning around. “You better be ready to give everything for her, King.”

I frowned.

Yuki had stayed behind me, giving us some space.

“If you think you can just kneel and ask her for help, you’re mistaken, King Connor,” the elder said, a smile in his voice. “And if you’re wondering why I say that, listen to me, child.

“Your queen, that girl, doesn’t deserve your help.”

My hands clenched into fists as I glared at him.

“Does she even deserve your help? Your love?” he smirked. “Are you sure she’s worth it?”

“Elder,” Yuki growled from behind me, but I raised my hand to silence him.

“I don’t owe you any answers. You’re not the one I came for,” I said, my voice low and dangerous.

The smirk vanished from the elder’s wrinkled face.

Without giving him a chance to say more, I stepped forward, pulled a blade from my belt, and sliced my arm open, letting my blood drip onto the temple floor.

The elder scowled, but I kept moving until I stepped into the circle where he stood. The floor around us glowed a deep red, causing the elder to gasp.

Yuki seemed hesitant to stay inside the circle, so he stepped back until he was almost down the stairs.

“You!” the elder snarled, but before he could say more, a hum filled the cave, causing it to shake violently.

I stood my ground as a loud roar forced us to our knees. With my head bowed, I closed my eyes.

Then I felt it—a warm touch under my chin, gripping me hard and forcing me to look up.

“What are you doing, child?” the Moon Goddess asked, her face twisted in a scowl. “If you came to ask me to save her, you’re wasting your time.”

“You haven’t even heard my request,” I shot back. “So let me tell you why I’m here.”

The Moon Goddess loosened her grip on my chin, allowing me to stand.

Her delicate figure glowed with a light that bathed us in warmth.

She turned away from us but noticed the elder with his head bowed.

“You can leave us,” she commanded. He nodded and walked out through a small passageway that I didn’t know where it led.

“Speak,” she ordered.

“I need to know what Elaine asked of you. Why are you doing this to her? Why not help her?”

“So many questions, child,” she said, her voice laced with irritation. “You really want to know what she asked of me that led to her punishment?”

“Yes,” I replied. “Because you didn’t just punish her.”

The Moon Goddess frowned. Her lip twitched.

“Then tell me, my child, who else did I punish so unjustly?” she asked, her eyes as white as her dress. “Who was the innocent one?”

“Me,” I said, cutting her off. “You punished me along with her. Why?”

Ever since Yuki explained everything to me, I’d been wondering why the Goddess decided to punish me too on the day we were both fighting for the throne.

Why involve me if I was just a pawn in her game? What did I have to do with her plans?

The Goddess remained silent, her lips twitching with anger.

She tried to stay still, but her emotions were clear in her eyes. The Goddess was an open book.

“If I really had nothing to do with your plans, why involve me in the punishment? You didn’t just tie me to Elaine for fun. You had another reason. What was it?”

“I have nothing to say to you,” she snapped.

“Oh yes, you do, because I can see you’re afraid of your own answer, ~mother~. Tell me, what was I supposed to gain from this?” I asked, watching her carefully.

“Was I meant to die? Or worse, lose my alpha status and become the pack’s disgrace after losing to Elaine?” I spat out, my anger flaring. “Or was I supposed to be Elaine’s downfall?”

She didn’t respond, her gaze fixed on my face.

“I’m Elaine’s mate, aren’t I?” I muttered, the truth finally sinking in. “I’m Elaine’s true mate?”

The Moon Goddess growled, transforming into her silver wolf.

I didn’t flinch at the sight of her lycan, which was colossal.

There had never been a lycan like hers, and seeing it from below made me realize she was truly our creator. The size of that lycan towered over me, reaching almost to the waist of the statue.

Its massive paws and mouth made me look like an ant in comparison.

~“Elaine asked for divine punishment, and that’s exactly what she’s getting. You were just a pawn, a piece in my game to teach her a lesson.”~

~“Yes, you are her mate, her real mate. The one who would become her downfall, her test, and her only escape. But she stubbornly keeps rejecting you. That girl’s greed knows no bounds. She’s so lost!”~

“And yet you still keep me bound to her,” I chuckled, shaking my head. “You think I didn’t figure out the secret of the shackles?”

The Goddess stepped back, then shifted back.

“I know the secret.” I lifted my arm, showing her the purple light that wrapped around my wrist like a bracelet. “Love, that’s the secret, isn’t it? Once we accept our hearts, we’ll be free, right?”

She chuckled, then burst into laughter.

“When did you figure it out?” she asked, moving closer to me.

“When I was able to keep my distance from her the first time. It was odd, but then it happened again, and again, and then we were free for a moment.

“Every time Elaine got hurt, every time you punished her, the shackles changed color. They flickered. The magic in them faded.

“They weakened, and since she has accepted me, we’re no longer bound, right? You know it too, don’t you? That Elaine accepted her feelings for me. That she loves me!”

The Moon Goddess’s eyes slowly moved from my wrist to my face. She seemed so human that for a moment I forgot who I was talking to.

“Elaine loves me…,” I choked out with a sad smile. “When she finally accepted my love, you took her from me. Why?”

The Goddess turned, arms behind her back as she walked over to her statue. Her head tilted up to look at the white, pristine figure the size of the cave.

“Why take her from me?” I asked again. “Why punish me like this?”

“She was too late,” she sighed. “All the things Elaine has asked for have been granted, my child. Her stubbornness has led her to this point.”

I swallowed hard, my hands clenched into fists. I shook my head.

“That can’t be!” I shouted.

“Elaine asked for the throne. I took it from her the moment I tied you to her. She asked for a mate. I gave her Sorin, but she never told him, so I gave you to her.

“She asked for a pup, and she got pregnant, but—”

“You took that away from us!” I yelled. “You took my choice away!”

“I didn’t,” she responded calmly. “You did that on your own.”

Eyes wide, I stared at her.

“You did that alone, my child. That was the only thing she did right, and you took it from her.”

“I…” Lowering my head, I closed my eyes.

Remembering that day, I let out a desperate growl from deep within my heart.

“Elaine asked for revenge. I took that away. She asked for strength, and I took her lycan away. Now do you see?

“The only wish she truly fulfilled wasn’t taken by me but by ~you~,” the Goddess hissed. “I’ve given her enough chances to correct her mistakes, but she has ignored all my signs, my child.

“Elaine doesn’t deserve my help, nor yours.”

I kept my head down.

“If you ask me to help, then I won’t,” she sneered. “Someone who is not my child doesn’t deserve mercy or forgiveness from someone like me.”

“Then I don’t want your love,” I muttered, silencing her.

Lifting my head, I stared deep into her eyes.

“If you won’t help me, then I don’t want to be your child either.

“A mother who doesn’t care for her children doesn’t deserve to be called a mother, since she has no heart for those she claims to love,” I spat out with venom.

“And if you think turning Elaine into a human will stop me from loving her, then you’ve misunderstood everything.”

I turned around, heading for the stairs. Stopping at the edge, I looked at her straight in her white eyes.

“I love her, and she loves me. And even though I’ve made mistakes, I know I can make amends. Because until now I’ve forgiven her for not loving me back the way I love her.

“And yes, I might have hated her since we were kids, but how could I not when she’s my mirror, my other half, my soulmate, my one?

“She’s the one I need, Moon Goddess. And no matter where she is, if she needs me, I’ll be there. If anyone hurts her, then I’ll kill them.”

“And since you’re so cowardly, hiding behind your statue, then I should take matters into my own hands and bring her back home to me. Where she belongs.

“And if you dare to banish me from the pack, then do it. I don’t care. From the moment I understood my feelings, I made my decision.

“I love Elaine. I choose my heart over a throne that won’t give me what I truly want: my mate.”