Chapter 179
179 Earlier … Nathan I stormed out of the pack house , my frustration bubbling to the surface .
Immediately , I shifted .
Ragnar emerged with practised ease , his dark fur rippling in the moonlight as I caught Lylas scent in the wind .
The trails were fresh , tinged with blood from all the Ferals and Trinax she fought .
I followed her scent through the maze of mingling scents surrounding the White Moon Pack .
My paws pounded against the earth , as I pushed forward .
I tracked her through the territory , following a path that took me toward the White Moon Packs borders .
Almost at the borders , it veered off to the edge of the dense forest surrounding the packs territory .
As I approached the tree line , my hackles rose , indicating that someone was watching me .
I stopped for a moment ; my ears perked as I surveyed the area .
There was nothing … no one except me .
But something felt … off .
Shrugging it off , I prepared to enter the forest , since her scent was stronger in that direction .
Just then , a chilling sensation washed over me .
I wasnt alone .
Ragnar let out a low growl , as he whirled , muscled bunched ready for an attack only to find myself face to face with a familiar figure .
Standing a few yards away was it the same being that had been haunting me for a few months .
now .
Since that incident with Lyla at the White Lake pack .
Not only had I had several encounters with it , but It was also in my head .
Always suggesting devious motives .
All attempts to fight it with resources I know about and heard have proved abortive .
Hissing , I shifted back to my human form , ready for a fight as my expression hardened immediately .
What do you want ? I demanded , glaring at the being .
My voice was laced with irritation .
The being cocked its head , studying me with an unsettling calmness .
Then he approached me , taking measured steps .
I also noticed it had a thoughtful expression on its face .
How long have you known about Lylas wolf ? it asked .
I hissed , stepping around him as I moved toward the forest .
I had no time for games , not with Lylas scent growing fainter by the second plus the Harvest Moon would reach its peak any moment now , I had to reach Lyla first before anything .
As I moved , the being followed after me , clearly unperturbed by my silence .
I didnt know anything about that , it continued , its volce carrying an edge of curiosity .
But your calmness … you knew , didnt you ? I stopped abruptly , spinning to face it .
Why do you care ? It smiled faintly as if it was amused by my hostility .
Because I have Lylas interests at heart , a 179 Earlier … today .
I had instructed them not to harm the priestesses , but merely delay them .
I wasnt expecting a two tailed wolf to tear through them like they were nothing Thats life , I said flatly , as I shrugged and tried to move past it again .
It blocked my path again , forcing me to stop .
Have you made your decision yet ? I let out a frustrated sigh , running a hand through my hair .
Youre Xander , right ? Or is it the Dark One ? I said mockingly .
Listen carefully Im not going to do what you want .
You can ask me a thousand times , but my answer will always be No.
Im not joining your revenge scheme or whatever it is youre doing Xanders lips curled into a grin , his teeth gleaming in the moonlight .
You say that now , he said lightly .
But sooner or later , youll come looking for me .
Not on my life .
Not in this lifetime , I shot back .
His grin widened .
Fine , he shrugged .
You can tell yourself that but when it happens , remember I already told you .
Also , because of how much we share in common , let me tell you something .
His tone shifted to a conspirational glee .
Tonight , Ramsey will make a bold stance .
Hes going to announce to the world that he loves Lyla .
I scoffed .
Ramsey ? He wont .
Please , hes too self conscious to do something like that .
Want to bet ? Xanders smile widened , his eyes glinting with mischief .
I glared at his outstretched him , gritting my teeth in annoyance .
Xander continued .
No matter how hard you try to take Lyla for yourself or claim her , shell never be yours , Nathan .
You will never have her .
But if you join me … he leaned in closer , spreading his hands in magnanimous gesture .
… I would be kind enough to give her to you .
You mean join the suicide pogrom you have going on .
Do you want me to help you steal the power of the White Moon Throne ? You want me to assist you to rule my world and that Ill be under you ? You must be really insane .
If it worked in the past , it wont now … because your ideas are as stupid as you are .
He didnt say anything , he watched me for a minute before sighing .
Nathan , I never said anything about ruling you .
I just want to create a world where everyone is equal .
That is not possible , I said in a steely tone .
Nothing can be equal .
Besides , this clickbait you have going on is really lame .
I thought you had your act together .
I cant wait for Lyla to get back her powers and end you ? I intend not to be ended this time around , he said in a smug tone .
The last time I was ended , I had to wait for 10,000 s .
I cant again .
Anyways , you cannot marry , Lyla .
Your father is against it .
Luna Vanessa is against it .
She clearly suggested you marry her daughter Clarissa .
You will not tell me who to marry , Xander , I continued moving , stopping to sniff the air .
In my human form , I was slower .
179 Earlier … When Lyla finds out you lied to her ? What are you going to do about that ? That day in the room , you lied to her , to cover up the truth … how long … STAY AWAY FROM ME ! I turned to him , shouting .
Leave me alone .
Stop following me around like some deranged gods .
Are you truly the Dark ONE ? Because I can smell your desperation .
from a mile afar .
He paused , staring at me pointedly .
After a few seconds , he disappeared back into the shadows , leaving me alone .
I took a deep breath , shaking off the lingering unease before shifting back to Ragnar , letting hist senses guide me through the forest .
Lylas trail grew stronger , leading me to deeper into the forest .
Eventually , I found her .
She lay at the base of a massive oak tree , still in her wolf form which was sprawled out in exhaustion .
Her chest rose and fell with laboured breath and her white fur was matted with dirt and traces of blood .
Her twin tails were curled around her like a shield .
As I approached her , her ears twitched and she lifted her head weakly to look at me .
I changed back to my human form ; I didnt want to startle her .
Her eyes flashed with recognition when she saw it was me and laid back down .
I knelt beside her , reaching out to stroke her fur gently .
Its okay I murmured , with a low soothing voice .
There were several cuts and bruises all over her body and she seemed to be nursing her hind legs .
In this state , she wont be able to heal , unless she changes back into her human form .
She nuzzled my hand with her nose at some point , staring at me with soulful eyes .
As her breathing slowed , my free hand fished out the vial Nanny had given me .
Carefully , I uncorked it , the sharp scent of herbs wafting into the air .
Carefully , I held it to her mouth .
Drink , I urged softly .
The wolf hesitated , her eyes flicking between the vial and my face .
Then as if understanding my intent , she lapped at the poiton .
I glanced up at the sky , my heart pounding as I watched the moon inch closer to its fullest state .
Please I whispered , Please let it work .
Moments later , the transformation began .
Fur receded , and bones shifted until Lyla lay unconscious in my arms .
When the transformation was complete , I quickly shrugged off my jacket , draping it over her to shield her from the nights chill .
I cradled her carefully , one hand supporting her head as her eyes fluttered open .
For a moment , she gazed up at me with such tenderness that my heart clenched .
After a while , a faint smile appeared on her lips .
Ramsey she whispered .
Thank you .
170 Earlier Before closing her eyes again .
I stared down at her , as a storm of emotions swirled Within me .
[ pulled her closer , trying to ignore the way my chest ached .
Xanders words echoed in my mind .
No matter how much you try to claim Lyla for yourself , youll never truly have her .
But as I held her , I made a silent vow .
I didnt need Xander or his twisted bargains .
Whatever was in front , I would protect Lyla even if it meant knowing she would never choose me .
I would let my heart break into a thousand pieces before I let Ramsey have her .
66 Please , the update will be three chapters from tomorrow , Ive already stockpiled .
So it updates automatically See you all in a week .