Chapter 36:
Nikolaos: “And it was the last consignment. It was good doing business with you guys.”
Kage: “So you’re going back to New York?”
Nikolaos: “Yes, I have a lot of money to make and it’s all possible because of Damon.”
Brandt: “That dragon. Did you know what creature he and his sister were?”
Nikolaos: “No, he always acted like a human no one could tell he wasn’t. But Amara...when Damon brought her home I knew she wasn’t normal.”
Brandt: “You were his partner for twelve years and yet you betrayed him.”
Nikolaos: “I’m a businessman. I’ll always choose money and power over everything and who wouldn’t like to become a solo owner of such a successful business. As you know money is the greatest weapon. He didn’t even want to make those weapons because of his morals, but I’m not tired of such shitty concepts. When I got my hands on those formulas for weapons which could kill vampires and werewolves, I decided to use them to make more money. His sudden death served me really well.”
Kage: “I like him.”
Axton: “We’ll meet soon, Nikolaos.”
Nikolaos: “We sure will. (in the car)”
In Ryan’s head: Does she look like someone who just bombed a whole building down?
Ryan: “Thank you for coming to the rescue, love.”
In Ryan’s head: I wasn’t expecting her to answer me and then she turned to me. As swiftly as a wolf attacks their prey she grabbed my collar and pulled me to her face.
Amara: “If you ever pull something like this again I’ll kill you myself.”
Ryan: “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Amara: “You want me to believe that the most powerful alpha from the most powerful pack just got kidnapped by a dozen vampires? Do you think I’m a fool, Diavolo?”
In Amara’s head: He did not just laugh.
Amara: “Do you think it’s funny? You’re bleeding to death and you’re laughing? Why the hell did you do it anyway?”
Ryan: “To see you again. I’ll do it again. I’ll gladly bleed to death if it means I’ll get to see you one more time. You told me to not come after you so I made you come after me.”
Amara: “You know what, get out of the car.”
Ryan: “What? How would I get home then?”
Amara: “You have four legs and you’re faster than this car. You’ll reach home just fine.”
In Ryan’s head: Four legs?
Ryan: “I’m not leaving this car.”
Amara: “Fine, then I’m leaving.”
Ryan: “Wait!! (outside the car). Love...wait!! AMARA!!”
Amara: “What?”
Ryan: “Will you stop running away from me?”
Amara: “No.”
Ryan: “Wait!!”
Amara: “Why?”
Ryan: “Because I love you!! I love you so damn much. I’m tired of this pain that I feel every second of my miserable existence. I’m tired of opening my eyes in the morning and not finding you beside me. I’m tired of not hearing your beautiful voice, your laugh. I’m so fucking tired of this life where you no longer exist. You’re the most beautiful thing about my miserable life and the only thing worth living for. I’m exhausted, Amara. I’m exhausted and lost without you. Please stop running away from me. If you don’t wanna come home then take me with you. Wherever you’re going just take me with you. And if you can’t even do that…then get your knife out and drive it right through my heart.”
In Amara’s head: He loves me? No. It’s not love. It’s just the mate bond or whatever it is.
Amara: “You’re saying all of this because of the mate bond. I don’t believe it’s-”
Ryan: “Don’t you dare tell me what I feel for you is some forced shit or because it’s of the mate bond. I’ve loved you even before I knew you were my mate. I fell in love with you believing that a creature like me could never have a mate. I didn’t even wanna find my mate because I wanted you. I fell in love with you and I would’ve rejected my mate for you. Yes, I’m that selfish when it comes to you because I don't want anyone else. I wanted you the moment I saw you in your maroon gown on the night of the gala and I fell for you the moment you showed up in my mansion beating the shit out of my men and standing in front of me with no fear in your eyes, threatening me and I kept falling without even expecting you to feel the same.”
Amara: “Why? Why would you love someone like me?”
Ryan: “Are you serious? What’s there not to love? You’re brave, fearless, cunning and completely insane, you went outside to face a dozen vampires equipped with lethal weapons without thinking twice. You jumped in front of bullets for a kid you had known for a few days. You’re the strongest person I know. You don’t give a shit what people think about you. You make your own rules and morals. You say you’re heartless but I’ve never seen someone who cares and loves as deeply as you. Since the moment I started getting to know you my feelings just kept getting more intense.”
Amara: “You forget the most important thing. I’m broken. I’m damaged.”
Ryan “Oh no. Damaged yes…but not broken. You’re unbreakable. A magnificent creature like you can never break, you would never give someone or something that much power over you. If you truly believe that...I’ll make sure to change that misconception of yours with every fiber of my power. You weren’t born a princess. Life was always a battleground for you. You were born a warrior queen who always had a battle to fight and all you long for it is peace in between those battles. Let me be your peace.”
Amara: “If you truly love me, does that mean your wolf does too?”
Ryan: “Yes.”
In Ryan’s head: I don’t like where this is going.”
Amara: “Prove it. Show me.”
Ryan: “Oh hell no.”
In Ryan’s head: She’s crazy.
Amara: “Why not? I wanna see your wolf.”
Ryan: “No, Amara, you really don’t know what you’re asking for. Anything but that.”
Amara: “I know what I’m asking for. If you love me with every part of yours…then show me. Your wolf is your other half, is he not? Or are you afraid that he’ll hurt me and you both don’t share the same feelings?”
Ryan: “It’s not that and it’s not something we should rush. I’ll show you my wolf but it’s gonna take time. When I’m sure it’s safe for you.”
Ryan’s Wolf: “What the hell are you talking about? Do you think I’m gonna hurt her?”
In Ryan’s head: I can’t trust you, I’m not gonna risk her safety.
Ryan’s Wolf: “That’s what you’ve always done, you never trusted or accepted me. Let me tell you, if you won’t show her what she wants then I’m gonna take control and show her myself. You’re heavily mistaken if you think I’m gonna ever hurt her, she’s the reason I’m here in the first place.”
Amara: “You’re talking to him. What’s the answer? Why are you taking your clothes off?”
Ryan: “Because love…I don’t have anything else to wear and if I didn’t take it off then I’ll have to go back to the house naked. But if you don’t mind that, then say it.”
Amara: “Take it off. (ten minutes later in the car)”
In Amara’s head: I decided to go home with him. Home. Such a strange and a beautiful word. Azrael…I never thought I’d be so mesmerized by such a deadly creature. This past few months I’ve seen so many wolves but they were nothing like Azrael. His size, his eyes, his color are nothing like a normal wolf. His black coat shines like stars in the midnight sky, like someone put hundreds of lethal black uncut diamonds on his coat and his eyes…those ruby red eyes, I didn’t witness bloodlust or any predatorial for me in those eyes. When I started taking steps towards him, he didn’t snarl, he didn’t move. There was no doubt in his eyes, the light in his eyes was looking for a request. As if he was requesting me to believe that he wouldn’t harm me. There was unspoken trust between us. I caught a glimpse of curiosity and hope in those eyes, he wanted to know if I was scared of him. I could tell he didn’t find any fear radiating off of me because I wasn’t afraid, I was mesmerized by that giant deadly creature in front of me. I restrained myself from touching him. At the end, he lowered his head in respect, I did the same. The past two months I’ve done some self-reflection and it made me realize a lot of things. Like it wasn’t Diavolo’s fault whatever happened, I can’t blame him at all for it. Love makes people do stupid things and he just wanted to protect me. How long have I been angry about that? My rational mind won’t allow it. The only person there to blame is me, I was being ignorant. I had all the resources and technology to know everything that lurks in the darkness of this world but all I cared about is finding my identity, my biological parents. Never had occurred in my mind that maybe if I see past the veil it might lead me to the path I was destined for. And I’m no fool, I know going back to Ryan’s mansion risking all the lives that reside in his territory.
Amara: “You didn’t have to get to the door…you’re injured.”
Ryan: “I’m pretty much healed now. Shall we? (in the living room)”
Aria: “Oh shit, are you okay? Where were you dammit? That scent…Amara?!”
Ryan: “She’s the one who saved me.”
In Amara’s head: Liar.
Aria: “You came. Thank you for answering.”
Amara: “You know I shouldn’t be here. My presence is threatening to all your lives.”
Luca: “We’ve been threatened all our lives. We don’t give a shit, you’re not leaving. We’ll face this threat together.”
Amara: “Very well. I want you guys to make some phone calls.”
Ryan: “Hmm. (Amara’s room)”
In Amara’s head: It's exactly how I left it. Except for that scent…his scent. He’s been sleeping in my room. (in the bathroom)
Amara: “I didn’t expect you here.”
In Ryan’s head: How do I face her? She’ll notice these rejection scars.
Ryan: “Yeah, I’ve been using this room for a while now.”
Amara: “I can see that.”
Ryan: “Yeah.”
Amara: “What are you doing? Why aren’t you facing me?”
In Ryan’s head: Fuck.
Ryan: “Could you give me a minute?”
Amara: “Why are you hiding your face? What’s wrong?”
Ryan: “I-”
Amara: “Show me. If you try to hide anything again then I don’t need to remind you what I’ll do. Show me whatever it is, tell me.”
Ryan: “I don’t think you should see this.”
Amara: “I’m the one who will decide and I said show me. Did they do this to you?!”
Ryan: “I know they look hideous and no they didn’t do anything.”
Amara: “I didn’t say they look hideous but what are they? Why didn’t they heal yet?”
Ryan: “These are rejection scars. When your mate rejects you this is what happens.”
Amara: “What does that even mean?”
Ryan: “Every werewolf and vampire are given a choice. They can either accept their mate or they can reject them. When you say it, you’re rejecting your mate and the bond breaks and it’s really painful. And this is how these rejections mark occur.”
Amara: “But I never said that.”
Ryan: “Not verbally but that’s how it works. You have to voice those words until you. When you came back from New York that night when you saw me with Silvia…I think that’s when you rejected me even if you didn’t verbally say it. I don’t know how your power works but you’re too powerful. You didn’t need to say it. Your heart and your mind rejected me but that was enough to shatter the bond from your side.”
Amara: “And it's still hurting? There's no way for you to make it stop?”
Ryan: “I didn’t wanna get rid of this pain. It’s just a reminder of my stupidity.”
Amara: “How would it go away now?”
Ryan: “Maybe when your heart will forgive me. It’ll take time I know. I don’t have an issue with waiting. Don’t worry about it.”
Amara: “I’m so-”
Vasileios: “Amara.”
Amara: “What are you doing here? How did you find me?”
Vasileios: “The pond. You vanished without telling me. I was worried. (Ryan growls)”
In Amara’s head: Uh oh.
Amara: “We’ll talk in the morning, Vasileios. Haily will show you to the guest room.”
Vasileios: “Okay, I’ll see you later then. I’m glad that you’re okay.”
Amara: “Will you stop staring at nothing? He’s gone.”
In Amara’s head: I didn’t realize until his gaze fell on me that I noticed his eyes got darker. He clenched his jaw in a painful way.
Amara: “What?”
In Amara’s head: But then his face relaxed and I know it isn’t a good sign. It’s a way to fool yourself and the people that you’re calm but on the inside you’re a raging volcano and the animalistic way he tilted his head, I know what’s going on in his head.
Ryan: “You two seem close.”
Amara: “Yeah?”
Ryan: “Way too close for my liking.”
Amara: “Is it?”
Ryan: “So is there something going on between you two?”
Amara: “What if there is?”
Ryan: “Did you let him touch you?”
Amara: “What if I say yes?”
Ryan: “Then I’ll go and rip him to shreds. He needs a reminder of what happens when someone tries to touch what’s mine.”
Amara: “What if I stop you? What if I like him? Since when did I become yours?”
Ryan: “You've always mine, Amara. You’re just having a hard time realizing it. And if you really like him then you better find a way to kill an immortal hybrid first. I’d like to die before I see you with someone else.”
Amra: “What did you just say? Hybrid?”
Ryan: “You didn’t know? I’m a hybrid. An abomination…a monster. Go ahead, add another reason to your list of why you should run away again. But know this…I’ll always find you. And if I refuse to stay away from you and if someone dares to come between us I’ll gladly show them what kind of monster I am.”
Amara: “I don’t like him. Nothing happened between us. He wasn’t that stupid to touch me without my permission. And I don’t know why I’m telling you this because you’re in no position to question me because the last time I checked, you were the one who was found naked with Silvia while being in a relationship with me. I guess you have a habit of accusing me of cheating when in fact you should take a look in the mirror. What? Wasn’t expecting me to bring that up? You thought because I agreed to come with you all is forgiven and forgotten? I don’t forgive and I never forget, Diavolo.”
Ryan: “I wouldn’t expect anything less from you, love. And tell me, how do I make you believe how sorry I am? You want me on my knees? Or do you wanna stab me because that’ll be more like you? I’d do anything for your forgiveness and I’ll continue to do so as long as I live. Take your time, after all we have all the time in the world.”
Amara: “How about I make a promise to you. Next time you let anyone touch me, I’ll kill you. And since I’m not a hypocrite you’re also allowed to do the same.”
Ryan: “And I promise you, love if you’ll let any other man touch you…I’ll kill him. So bold of you to think you’ll get rid of me. I told you, there’s nothing you can do to make me stay away from you. We can play this cat and mouse game as long as you want.”
Amara: “And you’re so sure that you’ll be the cat in this?”
Aria: “Amara?”
In Ryan’s head: Fuck it. (Ryan runs to the beach house with Amara)
Ryan: “Sorry, this was too fast. Are you okay? I didn’t wanna let anyone disturb us.”
Amara: “Do I not look okay? And it wasn’t that fast, I saw everything. I mean the routes. I didn’t know you had another house here.”
Ryan: “Yeah, we usually use it for meetings and no one will disturb us here.”
Amara: “Why did you bring me here?”
Ryan: “I told you, to have a little privacy. But the main reason is, I want you to talk. Tell me, love. Tell me everything. You don’t have to hide behind a veil in my presence.”
In Amara’s head: I don’t know what happened at that moment. If it was the comfort I feel with this man or if it’s our bond. Or if it’s his eyes and the way he was looking at me but my eyes started burning and it slowed down my cheek. He instantly closed the distance between us and held me before my knees hit the ground and I cried. He just sat there in silence holding me tightly. I’ve never shown anyone my tears. I refuse to be this vulnerable in front of anyone. But with him I let it all out. I’m in so much pain and it’s unbearable now. So I cried and with every tear I shed I made a promise. Promise to make the people pay, the reason who have caused these tears. I’ll make them all pay.
In Ryan’s head: I know no word can comfort her at this moment. But I want her to know that I’m here and I’m not going anywhere. My heart broke when I saw the tear slide down her cheek. It broke me to see a woman who’s so strong crumble with pain but it isn’t time for me to show anger for those who have caused it. I meant it when I said I wanna be her peace. I’ll always be here for her. No one can stop me from beheading all those people who have caused her pain. Who's taken her brother away from her. I know he was a part of her and she’ll never forgive herself for what happened. No matter what I do, that hole in her heart will never heal but I’ll try. I’ll try to ease her pain even if I spend my whole life doing that. It’ll be worth it. I love her more than I thought anyone is capable of loving. She’s mine and her pain, her tears, her suffering, they are mine. I swear I’ll enjoy killing the people who have caused it. I’ll cross any line of insanity if it means I’ll see her smile again. I’ll gladly be the monster everyone thinks I am to make sure she gets what she wants. If she wants revenge, then she’ll get revenge. I have no issue letting this whole world burn to ashes, if that makes her happy, I’ll gladly hand her the lighter. It doesn’t matter how many times she runs away from me, I’ll always follow her and if she prevents me from following her then I’ll make her come to me, I’ll force her if I have to. I don’t care what kind of person that makes me but I refuse to let her go. She’s mine in this life and all the lives after this I’m hers. (the next morning in the garden)
In Amara’s head: I don’t remember when I fell asleep but when I woke up I found myself in bed with him. I don’t think he slept last night and I didn’t have it in me to ask him the reason. He asked me to follow him as he wanted to show me a place. It wouldn’t be wrong if I said now that this is one of my favorite places. It was a garden of black roses. It was beautiful that I was speechless. He told me he figured out what my favorite flower is and wanted to build a place only for me. He took care of it by himself. Where does he get the time to take care of it? I assisted on hiring a gardener because there’s no way we’ll have time to take care of it anytime soon. A meeting is being held in ten minutes, every minute is critical for us now. I know they’ll go to war if their alpha asks them to but I wanna give them a chance to choose to live, we’ll proceed according to my plan. (in the living room). Hmm. Last night I didn’t detect a new scent in here. (Ryan’s office)
Lucia: “It’s good to see you back, Amara. I don’t think you guys have been introduced. Meet Morana, she’s a priestess. We always call her whenever we are about to make any big decisions. We respect her and seek her blessings.”
In Amara’s head: What is it with this family and their obsessions with serpents? I got rid of one and they brought another one. And it sounds more like you’re the one who called her Lucia and no one else seems to enjoy her rotting presence.
Priestess: “Lucia…you didn’t tell me she’s mute.”
In Ryan’s head: This bitch.
Amara: “You…OUT!”
Priestess: “You’re right, Lucia. She’s just a child with anger issues. I see it now. Do you even know how old I am?”
Amara: “Five hundred and seventeen years old. Your old as fuck. You killed your sister at the age of twenty three and fucked her husband and all his brothers. You let a kid die when you could have saved him. You pry on men who have power and influence. You’re no priestess. You’re rotten inside and out. Just like your history. I would’ve told your whole history but then I would have had to wash my mouth with bleach. So I’m not gonna do that.”
Priestess: “So you’re a liar as well?”
In Ryan’s head: She hasn’t done her homework. She doesn’t know Amara doesn’t lie.
Ryan’s Wolf: “What are we waiting for? Let’s kill this bitch.”
In Ryan’s head: Amara won’t like it if we spoil her fun.
Priestess: “Listen child. If you wanna come out of this war alive and victorious you’re gonna need my blessing and strategy. I’m an immortal and the God I serve, trust me you’ll need all the luck and blessings he has to offer.”
Amara: “The blood of one of the ancient gods is running through my veins. What does that make me? Exactly. I’d like to see when I rip your heart out how much of an immortal you are. I’m giving you a chance to walk out of this house alive. Considerate mercy.”
Priestess: “Diavolo.”
In Walter’s head: I never liked this woman and Amara revealed why. I’m surprised why Diavolo hasn’t ripped her throat out yet but I could feel the atmosphere changing with every word that was coming out of her mouth. Something ancient and powerful is lurking around us but it’s under control right now but then the Priestess tried to grip Diavolo’s arm and it snapped. I think we all felt it when the power lurking behind us ran past us and attacked the Priestess. She just froze in her place and started choking as if someone was trying to pull her organs out of her stomach from her mouth. I witnessed so many scary and weird shit my whole life but nothing like this.
Amara: “I warned you but you were too busy playing your manipulation games. What? Something got your tongue? Not feeling immortal anymore, are we? But you know I’m feeling generous today so I won’t kill you. But you just have a few seconds to leave.”
In the Priestess’ head: You’ll pay for this.
In Amara’s head: You better not act on that.
Amara: “Now that she’s gone we can discuss what we're here for.”
Ryan: “Yes but first let me introduce you to our guest. The alpha of The Redstone Pack, Ronald and his son Liam.”
Liam: “I’m here to say thank you for saving my ass.”
Amara: “You’re the one I saved the other day in the forest.”
Ronald: “Thank you for saving my son and I would help you in any way I can.”
Ryan: “What am I missing?”
Amara: “Humans are capturing werewolves. I was able to save a few of them.”
Ryan: “Yeah, I heard about their disappearances, I thought Craven was behind it. Why the hell are humans kidnapping us?”
Amara: “We’ll look into that matter later but for now let’s focus on Craven. I’d like to make something clear first. You all don’t owe me anything and I’m not gonna force any of you to fight this battle with me. It’s my war and I’m capable of fighting it alone and I’m also ready to die doing it but I can’t expect you to do the same because let’s be honest, people are gonna die. We’re against something very powerful and ancient and we still don’t know a lot about our enemy. You have the time to back out.”
Luca: “I appreciate your offer but let me tell you something, they have my mate. Whenever I visited their castle I could hear her screams, her fear, her pain but our hands were tied and we couldn’t do anything at that time. Because of you I can do something and I’m gonna free her even if it’s the last thing I do, it’ll be worth it. Trust me, we all have our reasons to fight alongside you. It’s not only your battle…it’s also ours.”
Walter: “We’ll gladly embrace death if that means the future will be better and there wouldn’t be a person who would fear The Legion.”
Amara: “So tell me, did you make the phone calls I asked you to?”
Walter: “Yes, there are thirty eight packs who are ready to come for aid.”
Amara: “I don’t want their whole pack, I just want the alphas and their best men. I’ve heard the alphas are the most powerful amongst their pack?”
Ryan: “It’s true, love. We're against thousands, we don’t know their exact numbers. Hence we’ll need all the help we can get.”
Amara: “We don’t need numbers. If we involve their whole pack members it’ll just leave us with more dead bodies to bury. We don’t want that and we don’t have time to gather an army. I think we just have today, Craven will soon hear about my arrival and I have a plan.I’m waiting for someone. She’ll be here any minute.”
Ryan: “Who?”
Amara: “Circe.”