13

Akira pack, that was all that was running through Kiara’s head as she laid on her bed. When you think of the werewolf community, the Akira Pack would be the first pack to come to mind. They were not particularly the biggest in population, but they had the biggest landmass acquired from years of getting into wars and winning. They had the biggest database, so much so they could overthrow the leading council and be on top; funnily enough, it was an unspoken reality of things, they also possessed the strongest soldiers, and according to rumors, most of the pack members have abilities that are alien to the rest of the werewolves, giving them an edge over everyone else.

Suddenly Devon’s arrogance and the vastness of the pack made sense.

Sitting up from her bed, Kiara began pacing around the room as thoughts and realizations flooded her mind. In a pack like this, getting her wolf back wouldn’t be a big deal, they will surely know what to do. And Kristen? Exerting her revenge on him suddenly seemed easy, only if she were to accept to be Devon’s mate or at least strike a deal with him.

Her face slowly turned red and hot, and she wrapped her arms protectively around herself as she recalled her past conversations with Devon. It would take a lot now to convince him to strike a deal with her – she still wanted to avoid finalizing the mating bond as much as she could – he would probably ask for her head first before he’ll agree to a deal.

Her door creaking open forced her out of her thoughts and she picked up her lamp again, ready to strike, but yet again she dropped it when she saw that it was her stationed soldier. Seeing him whenever her door opened made her warm up to him a little, but her hand was still tightly wrapped around the lamp, just in case.

“Is everything okay?” she asked when she noticed him fidgeting, and he shook his head causing Kiara to narrow her eyes suspiciously.

“There is an attack on the pack, the border soldiers are handling it. The beta sent me in here to make sure you are safe, but I think it is best if we take cover in the secret camp for times like this. The alpha isn’t yet back, and if they get wind of you, you’ll be their next target.”

Kiara’s jaw stiffened and her eyes darted to her window. She could make out people running. She slowly turned back to the soldier and then weighed the options in her head; her wolf was gone, which has made her the weakest target and given her position as the alpha’s mate – which she hopes is still a secret – she might just become the most sought out target. Running out was just as risky as staying in.

“What did Luka say?” Devon had told her that he was the one in charge, and right now, she can only count on his instructions.

“He said that you should….” A boom went off so close to them, and in a flash, Kiara found herself on the floor covered by the soldier, who was looking around frantically. “They might have found this place, I think it’s best if we leave.” 

She didn’t get a chance to protest before he grabbed her hand and ran out of the room. She expected them to run in the direction everyone was running to, but he took a different turn. At first, she went with it, but when the pack began disappearing behind them and they seemed to be going deeper into what seemed to be a forest, she dragged her hand out of his hold and paused.

Panting, her eyes searched through her location for anyone else running, but it seemed to be just the both of them. Instantly, she grabbed a stick and pointed it at him, her chest falling and rising rapidly. “Where are you taking me?”

“To the safehouse” 

“There is nobody else running in this direction but us.”

The soldier threw his head back and released an exasperated sigh. “This is why I hate taking this type of job.” He cracked his neck, and his knuckles, then a huge sinister smile that made his eyes disappear appeared on his face, and Kiara’s heart dropped to her stomach. “You are wolf-less, there is absolutely nothing you can do. So, you can either come with me quietly or I will carry you out here half-dead.”

Swallowing, she planted her legs firmly on the ground. she might not have her wolf, but she was trained to lead her pack, and she was certain she could put up a fight. At least long enough for Luka to notice she’s missing and come find her.

“Bring it on,” she threw away the stick and balled her hands into fists, she could still feel the wolfsbane in her blood, but she was not going down without a fight. 

“I’ve never had to fight a woman, this is…” before he could finish his sentence blood came flying out his mouth from the kick Kiara landed on the right side of his face.

The first rule of fighting she learnt was to take any opportunity available, you lose if you give your enemy the chance to catch you unawares.

“Well too bad,” she proceeded to kick him again on his face, and without giving him a chance to recover, she went for his balls. It sent him straight to the ground, groaning in pain. “You fucking bastard!” she cursed, stomping on his chest and his legs interchangeably with all her strength. She had to make sure he wouldn’t be able to come after her for a while.

When he was finally battered in blood and unable to even groan in pain, she dragged a deep breath in and staggered upright. “I wish I could have killed you.” Taking one last look at him, she then turned to run away only to come face to face with 10 strange faces all smiling at her.

“That was a very beautiful show,” a new voice said from the middle of the crowd, and they all instantly parted to make way for him. 

A man that looked just like Devon made his way out and Kiara’s brows furrowed, the only thing that set the man apart from Devon was the large scar that ran from the left side of his forehead to the bridge of his nose. “Hello beautiful one, I am Marcos. Devon’s half-brother.”