I knew this time would come, the boys of age. Finally, the pact is broken —time to sell a story that paints me as a hero. And finish off the Crimson Shadowś for good. Fenis and Fleki can never learn the truth about the extent of my betrayal and the despicable acts I performed to get us here.
"Twenty years ago, there was no Greysteel Pack. We all belonged to the Crimson Shadow pack".
I could see the blood run out of the twin's faces at this revelation. The room was dead silent, awaiting the story to unfold. Others were intrigued by what spin Darius would put on the truth to appeased his boys.
There were two types of people in the room, those as evil as Darius Grey and others blackmailed pawns in his vicious game.
"I was 25 years old and had been the packs beta for five years. Tobias Keneally, the alpha of the Crimsons, was my best friend."
¨ Born within days off each other, we were inseparable, with a bond we thought could never be broken".
"There are many a thing in this world that can destroy a brotherhood of men, but the most dangerous of all is a woman."
"The lust for a woman can drive a man insane, turn brother against brother, pack member against pack member."
Fenis looked at Fleki in disbelief. What woman could their father be talking about? For their mother and father had been married 20 years. So is it their mother he is talking about?
I looked at Fenis and then directed my attention to Fleki. Even though becoming the alpha is Fenis's birthright. The darkness that flows through my veins also flows through the veins of my second-born son. So it will be Fleki that will do my bidding when the time comes. If I have to turn brother against brother to preserve Ironside, I will.
"The girl was Lillyarna Ulfred, and her mother was our packs Carmentis". "They had come to Crimsons scared and alone".
"Her father was the alpha, and he bore no sons. Sensing he was vulnerable, his beta challenged him for leadership. He lost and was swiftly killed. The beta wanted to make Lillyarna his wife, But instead, they fled".
Jackson looked down at the table, sad and ashamed. He had made a grave mistake in his youth. Falling in love with Bonnie Grey, Darius's sister would seal his destiny. He knew that his actions would tarnish his reputation and bring his family name to disrepute.
But, unfortunately, the urge was too strong. Bonnie was fated to Tobias Keneally, the alpha.
If he caught them, Tobias would challenge Jackson to fight to the death.
Jackson knew in his heart he was no match for the skill and strength of Tobias. Bonnie would be banished, left packless. There is no telling what hardships would come her way. It sickened him to think what she would have to do to survive.
They decided to end it before they got caught, sharing one last goodbye kiss. Darius walked in and saw them. Terrified of her brother and his cruel ways, Bonnie took off crying. But, Darius seized the moment.
He had Jackson exactly where he needed him, in his debt.
He laid out his plans, and Darius and Jackson formed an allegiance.
Jackson would get the girl, but he would lose himself by betraying his alpha and swearing loyalty to a man he did not respect and had come to despise.
"Tobias seen Lilly first, he raced to my house to tell me about the beautiful new pack member he encountered at the edge of the river"." I was wild with rage.
I snapped, furious about the shame he would bring on my sister.
"And when he smirked and turned to walk away, I tackled him to the ground, fists flying". "I was blind with rage and would have fought him to the death".
"When other members of the pack pulled us apart"." I swore to Tobias that I would never follow an alpha with no honour or loyalty"." And that he would have to choose between Lillyarna or me".
"How dare he talk about a woman he had just met like that". "He was fated to my sister Bonnie, and only should only have eyes for her".
"Bonnie was madly in love with Thomas, and I feared this would break her heart".
Fenis looked over at his Uncle Jackson as Jackson placed his head into his hands, the pain etched on his face. What the hell is going on? he pondered. Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Jackson had always seemed to be happy and very in love.
They had a gentle love, affectionate and sweet. Bonnie and Jackson raised their son Johnra in a house of love. So many times as a small child, Fenis had wished on the wishing star that he could trade places with Johnra and feel the gentle love from a father.
"Lilly was the talk of all the boys in the village, who told tales of her long golden hair that cascaded in waves down her back. Her skin was a pale milky white pure as a snowflake. A smattering of freckles danced across her nose and cheeks, eyes as blue as a summer sky."
"She was smart and sassy, kind and strong with a wicked sense of humour".
"But even worst than that, she has no idea how beautiful she was, and that made her irresistible".
"Even though we were all fated to another, we all tried hard to woo Lillyarna Ulfred, to my shame myself included".
Fleki glared at his father. How dare he disrespect his mother this way. To him, Charlotte Grey was the most beautiful, kind woman in this world.
She was too kind for the cruel, despicable man she would marry and borne three sons too.
She did her absolute best to shelter her boys from the tyrant Darius Grey and took many a beating for her efforts.
It was only now the boys were old enough to fight back that the beatings diminished. And more importantly, Atticus would never wear the scars of his father's abuse.
"You were all under the spell of that temptress", William spat vehemently, shaking his fist in rage.
"Nothing but trouble, her and her damn grandmother, I rue the day the Keneallyś allowed rogue wolves into the pack".
" They brought everything they received unto themselves"." That is what happens when a boy is an alpha before he has become a man".
"Let it be a lesson to you two", he hissed as he glared at the boys.
"Men think with their heads"... "Boys with their pricks".
Darius looked at his father. William was a cold, mean old bastard he'd learnt from the best.
"As the days went on, Tobias and Lilly became inseparable, and they would spend all their hours together". "Tobias seemed oblivious to the damage it was causing all around him".
"Bonnie was heartbroken, and in her moments of despair, she sought comfort in Jackson", I lied, staring directly into Jackson's eyes, challenging him to say otherwise, testing his loyalty.
Jackson raised his head slowly, pain and worry etched on his face.
"I fell in love with your Aunt Bonnie, boys," he said as he looked upon the faces of his nephews.
"It would come at a cost, but it will always be a price I would pay".
"We cannot help who we fall in love with, but we can make sure we keep our honour in the way we handle it".
I glared at Jackson if he wasn't cautious about how he proceeded. Then, of course, all hell would break loose, and he may have an accident on his way home.
"The pack started to splinter, many members disgusted in their blatant disregard for tradition". "I soon saw the divide that it was causing".
"I did my duty and married Charlotte, ashamed that my lustful ways nearly made me break a vow".
"Damn right you did ", William shouted. "Charlotte is a fine wife and mother". "Unlike that little harlot that had Tobias in her spell".
"See how honourable your father is, boys", James interjected. "Itś one of the reasons I would follow him to hell and back, And why many of the Crimsons decided he should be our alpha".
I looked at the face of my friend, nodding my head and smiled. James is fiercely loyal and unbelievably evil. The perfect right-hand man. He has been instrumental in the carnage that followed. There is no end to his depravity.
As I looked out the window, I realised night had fallen upon Ironside. The streets were dark and quiet. I was drained and needed to let off some steam. You cannot outrun the past no matter how hard you try. So I thought as I looked at the tired faces around me.
"That is enough for one night, boys". "Let us continue tomorrow, as I have other business to attend to".
Little did they know there was a blonde-haired woman that I was dying to see.
I yawned and rubbed my tired eyes as the sunlight beamed through the gaps in the curtains.Sleep did not come easily as Fenis Grey crept into my dreams. I could not get the image of him out of my head.Stretching, the dull ache from my ankle starting radiating up into my calf.“Good morning Miss Kodessa” Elsie, our maid, exclaimed as she entered the room, promptly throwing open the curtains. Daylight flooded the room.“Morning, Elsie”, I replied, smiling at the woman that had nurtured me for the last sixteen years.Elsie was the only mother Gwen, and I have known, well, her and Grandma Ulfred.Ever since
We finished our breakfast in relative silence after Gwen’s outburst and subsequent departure.I could see the hurt and confusion on my fatherś face, doubt and guilt creeping in.“Itś not you, father “. I placed my hand on his trying my best to reassure him.“You have been an amazing father to Gwen and me, and there is something else going on”.“Thank you, Dessa” he gave me a half-smile, and he slowly stood up, looking tired and defeated.“You try and rest that ankle for the dance tonight”. “I know how much you have been looking forward to it”.&nb
As we opened the doors, the cool night air hit me in the face, and my stomach rumbled.“I’m starving. Let’s go home, Leki.”“What did you think of Father’s story, Fenis?” Fleki asked, looking at his brother. The whole thing did not any sense at all. Perhaps when his father finished, the pieces would fit together.“I don’t know what to think, but we all know father. He will not tell us the whole story”.“Especially anything that paints him in a bad light”.“Uncle Jackson looked defeated. There is more to that part of it”.
Morning came quickly, and I felt like my head only just hit the pillow as my eyes opened to the morning light. My head was still spinning after yesterdays events. Between meeting Kodessa and then the revelations, I didn't know what to think. My gut instinct was telling me that there was more to the story. Questioning my father was not an option. Instead, I must visit my Uncle. Maybe he could help unravel the pieces.I quickly dressed and headed down the stairs bumping into Fleki on the way down."Move out of the way, Brother."He gave me a hard shove in the ribs as he bustled past, laughing."OUCH"A sharp pain shot up my ribcage from where Lekiś elbow had connected. He is becoming quite the pain, I thought to myself. Luckily for him, he is at the bottom of my list with everything else I have going on.The kitchen was bustling as everyone sat down for the morning meal. I was shocked
I felt a weight had lifted off my shoulders. Finally, tonight was the night Lucian and I would declare our love for each other to the rest of the pack. I was apprehensive and nervous at how the pack would receive the news. I know that Kodessa will be upset and feel betrayed. And my father will be furious, and he would be even more enraged if he found out that we had been intimate.And I cannot wait until we are married and have children together. But, if we have to leave the pack, so be it ...Pulling my dress out of the wardrobe, I heard a knock on the door."Come in". Kodessa sheepishly entered the room."Hi Gwen, thatś a pretty dress" "Is that what you are wearing tonight?"My dress was a light blue that brought out the blue in my eyes. It had delicate white lace fringing on the collar and sleeves. It corseted tightly across the back and accentuated my waist and breasts.I decided to cut Kodessa some slack, and
There was excitement in the air as we walked to the town square. The roadway was alight with hundreds of lanterns, and the flames danced in the night air. And people filled the street. Mouthwatering aromas tantalised as the food carts served up bowls of rich, hearty meals. My stomach rumbled as the scent hit my nostrils. Since I could not dance ... I might as well eat."Is anyone else hungry?"I could eat¨ my father replied."I'm not, father.""Nor am I, thanks for asking Kodessa".My Grandmother put her arms around Gwen's shoulder, "Come on, Gwen, let us have a look at the dancefloor"."Gwen seems in a better mood tonight, father"."Yes, But for how long"? He let out a loud laugh.I smiled and spooned another mouthful of lamb stew, and the meat was tender. Potatoes and vegetables floated around in the rich gravy. And it was the comfort food I needed to get through the evening
Chapter Eleven Fenis POVAs we walked into the kitchen, I saw my mother sitting at the table, her eyes red and puffy from the tears she had shed. She had a significant red mark on her cheek courtesy of my father and his never-ending savagery. On the other hand, Atticus was perched on her lap, his chubby hands holding half a scone each. Dripping with butter and strawberry jam, he took turns raising them to his mouth and licking the tops. The jam smeared across his mouth and nose in a sticky mess. He was oblivious to the sadness around him.Uncle Jackson stood up and gave us a weary smile."Come and see me out the back, boys". "After you have had a chat with your mother".I gave him a no
My head was reeling, and I felt the rage building up inside me. It was getting almost impossible to push it back down. I feared any day now, and I would reach my boiling point. Spending time with Martha would only add to that. I found her an obnoxious brat, and being in her service today will be a nightmare. I pity my brother doomed to spend a lifetime with such a hideous girl.When we arrived home, our housekeeper had prepared a feast for the picnic. Bertha placed fresh bread with ham, cheese and mothers homemade relish, cheese and crackers, fresh fruit, and two bottles of lemonade inside the wicker basket, a red and white checkered blanket sat on top.Atticus was sleeping soundly on the chair next to our mother. She was sitting in her armchair sewing buttons on one of fathers shirts. There was a sadness