9. Twisting Knives

Hello... Its me.. I've been wondering-

Okay just kidding! Haha

Just wanted to say I love all of your comments on trying to decipher what is going to happen next! Keep them coming! PS: if you have any great song selections for certain chapters feel free to send me them and I'll check them out and send a shout!

Xoxo

Chilee

---------------------------------------------------

The day had gone into evening, time had flown past quickly... The sun setting in the horizon as the lake side reflected that burning sun from behind us.

The flames from the bonfire licked at embers, sending flames into the air.. Crackles from the sound of burning wood.

That was the only sound.

The crowd was hushed as Nic's enraged filled eyes found Zaryns. I just watched as Zaryn dropped his head in shame before meeting Nic's eyes , his chest inflating with a breath of air. He was preparing himself.

Nic stalked towards him with a fury.. Fists clenched at his sides.. Knuckles bone white. Ready to defend me..

"How dare you disrespect my sister!!!" He screamed , veins becoming prominent in his neck and forehead. Zaryn kept his expression neutral but sadness could be seen in his blue eyes. His best friend.. Ready to fight him over my honor. He lost everything with one mistake.. One action.. But at the same time he gained two..

I just watched with wide eyes from the side as Nic rared back and sent a blow to Zaryn's face causing him to stumble backwards. He threw another punch making Zaryn fall to the ground, wiping blood from his nose before spitting blood out of his mouth. Zaryn remained on the ground, head down.

"SHIFT!! Fight me like a man!" Nic growled, his wolf ascending , ready to take over... Snapping of bones had alerted everyone that his wolf was breaking free, bodies shuffling backwards. Nic was a fierce fighter... Both of them were.

Zaryn just shook his head. Sadness .. Emptiness in his eyes. "No. I won't fight you ."

Aduible gasps were heard from the other wolves. An alpha blood never backs down from a fight unless they think they fight is worthless.. It was sort of a snub for him to refuse to fight Nic but it wasn't because he thought Nic to be worthless of his fight. He didn't want to fight him because he knew he was wrong..

He wouldn't fight his best friend.

Nic grabbed Zaryn by the shirt, hauling him up against the brick wall of the pack house, eyes blazing as his human side surged forward, kicking the wolf out.

"Why!? Why not fight me!?" Nic screamed in his face.

The Alpha stood with his arms crossed, just watching. He wouldn't break up the fight unless it got out of hand. Zaryn seemed like he was about to cry but he wouldn't. not in front of others. He was broken.. But not as broke as I.

"I won't fight you because ... I know I'm wrong. I made a mistake. I - I care about Nova. And I can't be with her right now. Its tearing me apart because I am forced to do the right thing.. You're my friend. I won't fight you. I deserve this." Zaryn's voice broke as well as his restraint. The wolves around watching all gazed on with wide eyes..

I gasped, covering my mouth. He said he cared about me.. In front of everyone. He admitted he made a mistake... for my benefit. Now everyone will be talking about Grace instead of me. He helped me out on that one.. Thanks Zaryn.

Nic looked at him with disbelief . "What do you mean you're forced to do the right thing!?"

Zaryn's bloodshot eyes followed a trail up to Nic with sorrow. His lip trembled slightly as he spoke. "I .. I fell weak in the north, her heat had come. Her father the alpha sent her back with me because she became pregnant. He wanted me to mark her and take over both packs one day. When I got here I saw Nova and realized what she is to me. The feelings... Are indescribable. I want her. I want her as my mate so badly but I can't do anything about it right now. There's a chance Grace might not deliver.... Since Nova is so close. I don't expect her to sit by and watch... But I told her that the option stands. I'm sorry Nic. I'm so sorry, I never wanted this to happen. I love your family. I was so happy to see Nova was mine.... Until I remembered what I did and that I couldn't be with her right now. I'm sorry." He looked down, sinking to his knees. An alpha on his knees is only ever seen if he's begging for something of status. An Alpha doesn't beg. Anyone. When it comes to their mate, they will do anything though. Grace has just been publicly shamed by Zaryn's words. There's no coming back from that...

I am not the other woman anymore.

Nic looked over at me, sadness in his eyes over what I'm dealing with. His hand touched Zaryn's head, telling him he doesn't have to beg. The fight won't continue. Nic walked over to me while Zaryn got up, leaning against the wall as everyone watched Nic in awe.

"Nova. Why didn't you tell me?" Nic was toe to toe with me, he was hurt.. Hurt that I didn't tell him. Tears welled up in my eyes, begging him to understand. My heart clenched in my chest, pain radiating outward. The setting sun cast a glow on his face... Hurt and sorrow so full to the brim in him for me.. For my respect and dignity.

My gaze dropped down to his shoes. "I wanted you to enjoy your party before you found out." I sobbed... Broken shards of my heart lodging further into my body.. Wanting to climb out as if they are foreign objects. His arms wrapped around me and mine him. He kissed my hair, a low growl coming from his chest attempting to soothe me.

"What do you want me to do?" He whispered in my hair so no one else would hear.

I turned my face to his neck, inhaling that comforting scent. "Leave it alone. Its not his fault. He didn't know her heat was coming. Couldn't sense it. I don't know what will happen... But don't do anything yet okay?" My voice was weak... I felt weak.. Drained..

"Okay Nova. Just say the words and its over. I'll fight for you " he rasped. It seemed I had two males willing to fight for my honor. Two highly respected males. Any she wolf would feel puffed up over this, I just felt .. Emotional.

A warm hand covered my shoulder and I turned my head , seeing dad's somber face. He glanced over at Nic. "Just let it go Nicolas. I'll talk with you about it later."

Nic nodded, turning to look at Zaryn who just stood there with misery written all over him. His words came out loud enough for the whole pack to hear.

"Zaryn as of right now, I won't fight you. But we aren't friends. Not until this whole mess is over and you do the right thing by my sister." He bellowed.

Zaryn nodded twice before pulling himself off the brick wall and pushing his way through the throng of wolves who made an opening for him to pass. Judgmental eyes assessing him as he moved through them. Their future leader had made a mistake.. A dire one.

Dad snapped his eyes up at Alpha Blake who looked on at us, standing tall, head held high. Dad walked over to him slowly.. Hands clenched in fists by his sides. I could barely hear what he said . "we need to have a talk."

Alpha nodded and turned, walking toward the pack house with dad in tow.

Luna Penelope scanned the crowd before clapping. "Alright show is over. Can we start the celebration now? All of you back to what you were doing. We don't want this food to go to waste!" She gave a tight smile to the wolves, ordering them to enjoy themselves.

Everyone shuffled, moving around and Nic grabbed my hand, sending me a strained smile. His eyes were glassy as if there were tears he wanted to shed for me but couldn't. He didn't want this for me.. To see me in pain. He was my protector. As we walked toward the bonfire, mated females came up to me.. Most older than I. I stared at them with confusion before a cheek was pressed to mine, hands touching my shoulders and arms. As one female left, another would come, mixing their scent with mine in acceptance... They felt awful.

"We are so sorry you are having to go through this Nova. We didn't know what was happening. We didn't know the pain you've been in... I'm sorry ." Another female said to me before pressing her cheek to mine. My throat became thick, a lump forming inside. All the emotions I was feeling right now were undescribable.. I felt accepted.. Understood. As each female came to me, my heart felt a little less painful... Still broken.. But a little less hurt. The support these females were giving me made me feel like I had a chance.. Like I had people on my side.

"Thank you." I whispered to them. As the last female passed me, I was feeling a feeling I've never felt.. Having all those females give their support to me. I choked on the emotions, tears spilling from my eyes. Nic stood by, a smile ghosting over his lips. I walked over to him, grasping his hand in mine once again as I wiped the tears away with the other.

"Thank you Nic." I leaned my head against his arm.

He publicly made Zaryn tell him the truth for my benefit. He knows how cruel wolves can be. Especially females. He ensured I didn't look at fault.. He helped me.. Like he always does.

"Its nothing. Let's go enjoy this party now.. Well try to anyway. I just have one more question... "

I glanced up into his emerald eyes.

"Where is Deacon and how is he handling this?"

I frowned, "actually he was very upset... Zaryn attacked him the other day when he saw me holding his hand.. Deacon fought his brother for me.. Both of them wound up at Doc's with injuries.. I'm forbidden to see Deacon now because its making Zaryn's wolf unstable and it could be harmful to the pack... And Grace." I whispered the last, head going down in shame.

"Alpha Blake ordered you not to have contact with him??" His voice was a little loud and appalled. My eyes skated around the scene to make sure no one was watching, I nodded my head. "Zaryn asked him to."

His jaw clenched, teeth scraping against each other. Fists by his side a low rumble came from his chest, rumbling my insides as well. "I'll handle that. How dare he ban you from seeing your best friend while Zaryn parades his pregnant whore around." He spat.

My eyes grew large as I shook my head. "Please. Just let it be. I'll be fine."

"No!" He snapped at me making me flinch. "Its not okay. He has no rights to you at the moment. Alpha Blake knows that .. I will challenge Zaryn if he doesn't remove that ban." He growled.

I cringed inwardly. "Okay okay but can we just ... Enjoy your party first?" I pleaded up at him with big eyes.. Begging him to let it be for now.

After a moment of studying my face he gave me a short nod, not too happy about it. But at least for now we can pretend like everything is normal.

Nic led me over to the bonfire, unmated females around us sending smiles and posturing themselves to Nic. He didn't even glance at them twice. One female had the courage to come up to us, batting her eyes lashes as her hand rested on Nic's shoulder.

"Hi Nic. Its so good to see you again. Can I talk to you for a moment?" Her voice was sweet . if he left me I would be alone and vulnerable.. But I wanted him to enjoy his party.

"No not at the moment Celeste. I'm with my sister now. Can't you see?" He gave her a look of disgust for not comprehending what had just happened moments before. A little frown formed on her for head beneath the makeup and she removed her hand as if she were shocked. Walking away with a pout, I silently thanked the moon for my brother being a protective one. An un-mated she wolf doesn't think about anything but males.

"Here comes Alpha Blake. We can eat now." Nic gestured to Alpha who had a frown marring his features, muscles in his arms bulging. He didn't look too happy right now. I wonder what my dad said to him?

Making our way over to the tables, wolves were dancing to the music, swaying with beers in their hands while the juveniles were all gathered around the fire, a guitar in one of the males hands. They liked to show off to the opposite sex as most do. Adults were laughing and playing corn hole.. It was as if nothing happened tonight. We were just really good at brushing things off.. Not forgetting but not making a huge deal over it.

I wouldn't be forgotten amongst them.

Nic stopped short and I looked up at him wondering why. I glanced around and saw Zaryn coming out of the trees, new clothes on his form. He must have went for a run and changed... His wolf needed to be set free. His eyes met mine as if he could feel them on me.. I knew he could because i could feel his. It was a calming sensation followed by a hyper sensation, my skin prickling and heart going into overdrive.. Would I ever get used to this?

His eyes left mine and looked behind us up by the opposite side of the woods where the dirt road was. A hardened expression crossed his features and I followed with my eyes..

Grace.

She was walking out of the woods toward the party looking around with curiosity. My heart leaped into my chest , hammering. I felt my wolf stir... Wanting to rip her throat out .. Closing my eyes, I took deep breaths, my hand clenching Nic's harshly.

The wolves looked up, noticing her, giving her a look of disgust. On every face was disgust.. She frowned a little , her eyes finding mine with hatred in them. She is the other woman, not I . she has no claim to him. A fierce growl came from my chest causing eyes to snap my direction. My wolf was trying to surge out...

Another growl emitted from beside me, reigning mine in . I glanced up at Nic whose eyes were narrowed at Grace, lips pulled back revealing canines , growling and snarling. Grace met his eyes, widening them before Nic let go, walking away from me to go to her. God he was about to shame her even further.. I didn't know what he would do but I knew it would be bad. He wouldn't hit her.. He would use his words. Males don't out their hands on females.

Alpha Blake noticed this and followed Nic, along with everyone else who was ready for a show. Glancing at Zaryn, he was curious and eyes met mine as he surged forward, walking toward Grace. We ended up along the gathering of people, Alpha Blake saying something to Grace before she looked up at Nic with fearful eyes. Alpha growled at Nic to stand down but it only spurred Nic on harder.

"She's my mate!" He bellowed.

My stomach fell, acid boiling inside me.. Zaryn looked on with wide eyes as Nic forced his wolf back in, bones breaking and shifting.. He lost control as his jaw broke, elongating before he reigned it back in, he was going crazy with his wolf wanting to come out. All the blood drained from my face ...

Alpha frowned, "What do you mean she is your mate?" The audible gasps and chatter from the crowed picked up once they hears that last bit. Alpha continued, "this is Grace. She's carrying Zaryn's pup." He voice was loud and full of astonishment. Alpha looked back to Grace and then over at Nic with a severe frown.

There's no way she could be his mate...

"She's mine!" Nic snarled, eyes finding Zaryn's, spittle coming from his chin as he snarled his direction. Alpha grabbed Nic, forcing his arms behind his back as my dad ran up to help him. Alpha looked down at Nic.

"That isn't possible. She's an Alpha's daughter. Her mate would be an Alpha." He bellowed.

I felt my legs shake, my knees turning to jello before these days of not eating crept up into me, my legs giving out from under me. I felt sick. I never hit the ground, strong arms underneath me.. I didn't have to look up, I felt the electricity tingle through my body. I knew who it was.

It was as if I was the Moon's own private joke, her knives in my back, twisting them effortlessly with every heart break thrown my way.. She can take everything from me with those twisting knives, she can have it all if she will just take me from this place and let me rest.

The Moon had one hell of a sense of humor.

Grace is Nic's mate....

But he's no Alpha...?

Dun dun dun!!!

Don't forget to VOTE and COMMENT!!!