22

XENIA'S POV

The days had been long since we left the pack. Marrylen and I had been on the run, constantly looking over our shoulders, never staying in one place for too long. Octavyous' threats still echoed in my mind, and I knew that he wouldn't rest until he had total control. But we weren't going to make it easy for him.

It was during one of those restless nights that the dream came. Nenyia appeared to me, her presence serene, her voice gentle. She was standing in a clearing, her eyes filled with warmth and kindness. "Xenia," she said, her voice echoing in the quiet of my mind, "You must find Kaleb. He needs you now more than ever."

I reached out to her, my heart pounding. "Where is he?" I asked, my voice trembling. "How can I find him?"

Nenyia smiled, her eyes filled with a sadness that broke my heart. "Follow the bond," she said. "It will lead you to him. You are stronger than you know, Xenia. Trust in yourself, trust in the love you share. It will guide you."

When I woke, my heart was pounding, my body covered in a cold sweat. I turned to Marrylen, her eyes already on me, as if she could sense the urgency. "What happened?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing thoughts. "Nenyia came to me," I said, my voice barely a whisper. "She wants us to find Kaleb. She said he needs us."

Marrylen's eyes widened, her expression filled with a mix of fear and determination. She nodded, her hand reaching out to take mine. "Then let's find him," she said, her voice steady, her eyes locked on mine. "We'll do whatever it takes."

We set out the next morning, the forest thick and unforgiving, but we didn't stop. We moved quickly, our hearts pounding, our minds focused on one thing—finding Kaleb. I could feel the bond between us, a faint pull that seemed to grow stronger with each step we took. It was as if he was calling out to me, his presence growing closer with every passing moment.

Days turned into nights, and still, we kept going, never stopping, never giving up. And then, finally, as the sun began to set on the third day, I felt it—a surge of warmth, of life. It was Kaleb. I could feel him, his presence so close that it made my heart ache.

We moved through the underbrush, my heart pounding in my chest, my eyes scanning the forest. And then, there he was. Kaleb, lying on the ground, his body battered, his breaths coming in shallow gasps. Cainry was by his side, his eyes wide with shock as he looked up at us.

"Kaleb!" I called out, my voice breaking as I rushed forward, my heart clenching at the sight of him. He looked so weak, so fragile, and it tore at my heart to see him like this.

Cainry looked up, his eyes filled with relief as he saw us. "Thank the spirits," he said, his voice trembling. "He's been holding on, but he needs help."

I knelt beside Kaleb, my hands trembling as I reached out to touch him, my heart breaking at the sight of his injuries. "I'm here, Kaleb," I whispered, my voice filled with emotion. "I'm here. We're going to take care of you."

Marrylen knelt beside me, her eyes filled with concern as she looked at Kaleb, her hand resting gently on his arm. "You're safe now," she said, her voice soft, her eyes meeting mine. "We'll get you through this."

Kaleb's eyes fluttered open, his gaze locking onto mine, his lips curling into a faint smile. "Xenia," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "You found me."

Tears filled my eyes, my heart swelling with love, with relief. "I told you I'd always find you," I said, my voice trembling. "No matter what."

Cainry looked at us, his eyes filled with determination. "We need to get him somewhere safe," he said, his voice steady. "Octavyous won't stop, and we need to be ready for whatever comes next."

I nodded, my hand still resting on Kaleb's, my heart filled with a mix of fear and hope. We had found him, but the fight was far from over. Octavyous was still out there, still a threat, and we would need to be strong if we were going to protect the pack, protect each other.

But as I looked down at Kaleb, as I felt the bond between us pulsing with life, I knew that we had something that Octavyous could never take from us. We had love, we had each other, and with that, we could face anything. We would fight, we would survive, and we would win. Together.

KALEB'S POV

The sun was beginning to set as we found a small clearing to set up camp. Cainry had gone to gather some firewood, and I was alone with Marrylen and Xenia for the first time since we had found each other again. The air was thick with tension, the unspoken emotions hanging heavy between us.

I glanced at Marrylen, my heart aching with a mix of guilt and longing. The truth of her identity had been a shock, the revelation that she was my twin, separated from me all those years ago. But even now, knowing the truth, I couldn't deny the bond between us. It was complicated, tangled with feelings that went beyond the familial, beyond what was acceptable.

Marrylen looked at me, her eyes filled with a mix of pain and confusion. "We need to talk," she said, her voice barely a whisper, her gaze shifting to Xenia, who sat between us, her eyes wide with uncertainty.

I nodded, taking a deep breath, my heart pounding. "We do," I agreed, my gaze meeting Xenia's. "We need to understand what this is, why we all feel the way we do."

Xenia looked between the two of us, her eyes filled with uncertainty. "What are you talking about?" she asked, her voice trembling. "What do you mean?"

I turned to Marrylen, my heart heavy with the words I was about to say. "Marrylen," I began, my voice filled with emotion, "there's something you need to know. You and I... we're twins."

Marrylen's eyes widened, her face going pale as she looked at me, her mouth opening and closing as she struggled to find the words. "Twins?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. "How... how is that possible?"

I took a deep breath, my eyes locking onto hers. "We were separated when we were very young," I explained, my voice trembling. "I didn't know until recently. The spirits revealed it to me. That's why we've always felt this connection, this bond. It's not just because of our feelings for Xenia. It's because we're blood."

Marrylen stared at me, her eyes filling with tears, her hands trembling as she reached out to touch my arm. "All this time... I thought it was something else," she said, her voice breaking. "I thought it was just the bond between mates. But it's more than that. It's family."

Xenia's eyes widened, her face flushing as she looked at us, her mouth opening and closing as she struggled to find the words. "But... I've been with both of you," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "Separately, and together. How is this possible?"

I reached out, taking Xenia's hand in mine, my eyes filled with emotion as I looked at her. "I think the bond between us is different, Xenia," I said, my voice soft. "It's not like the usual mating bond. It's something deeper, something more primal."

Marrylen looked at me, her expression filled with confusion. "What do you mean, Kaleb? What's a mating bond? And what do you mean by primal?"

I took a deep breath, my gaze shifting between Marrylen and Xenia. "Marrylen, you haven't been part of the pack, so you wouldn't know. Werewolves like us... we have bonds. They're not like human relationships. The mating bond is sacred—it binds us to our destined mate. It's not just love; it's a connection on a spiritual level. And there's also something called the primal state. It's when a werewolf reaches their true power, when they fully connect with their nature and their mate."

Marrylen's brow furrowed, her eyes widening as she tried to take it all in. "So... you're saying there's a bond between us because we're twins? And there's also this other bond with Xenia?"

I nodded. "Exactly. The bond between you and me is different because we're siblings, but there's also a bond between all three of us. It's why we're so drawn to each other. It's why, even though you're my twin, there's a connection that goes beyond what you'd expect. And Xenia... she's a part of it too."

Marrylen looked overwhelmed, her eyes searching mine for answers. "But I haven't shifted yet," she said, her voice trembling. "Why haven't I reached my primal state?"

I took a deep breath, my heart aching for her. "I think it's because we were separated for so long," I said, my voice gentle. "The bond between twins is powerful, but when we were torn apart, it broke something inside of you. It kept you from fully connecting with your werewolf nature. But now, with both of us here, with all three of us... I believe you can finally reach your primal state."

Xenia's eyes widened, her heart pounding as she looked between us. "Are you saying... this is normal? For werewolves?" she asked, her voice filled with shock. "Isn't this... taboo?"

I let out a deep breath, my eyes filled with a mix of confusion and determination. "For humans, maybe," I said, my voice trembling. "But for werewolves... we're different. The bond between mates is sacred, but it doesn't always follow the rules that humans set. What we feel, the three of us, it's real. And I don't think it's something we should ignore."

Xenia looked at Marrylen, her eyes filled with uncertainty. "This is a lot to take in," she said, her voice soft. "I didn't know any of this. But I know I love you both. And I want to try."

Marrylen nodded, her eyes locking onto mine, her hand reaching out to take Xenia's. "Then let's do it," she said, her voice filled with determination. "Let's be together. All three of us. No more fear, no more hesitation."

As we sat there, our hands intertwined, I felt a sense of peace wash over me, a sense of rightness that I hadn't felt in a long time. The bond between us was real, and it was powerful. And no matter what challenges lay ahead, I knew that we could face them. Together.

The night was dark, the forest quiet, but as we sat there, the three of us, I knew that we had found something worth fighting for. Something worth protecting. And no matter what came next, we would face it. Together.

XENIA'S POV

The days that followed were a blur of attempts to help Marrylen reach her primal state. It wasn't just about Marrylen anymore; it felt like a mission for all of us. We needed her to be whole, to feel the strength and power that came from fully embracing her werewolf nature. And I knew that if we could do this, we would be even stronger as a unit.

We tried everything. Spiritual meditation with Nenyia's guidance, who had left behind her teachings, was our first approach. We would sit together, holding hands in a circle, breathing in sync, trying to tap into that spiritual energy that was supposed to connect us all. Kaleb would lead us, his voice soft and calming, guiding us through each breath, each visualization. He tried to help Marrylen tap into that part of herself that had been dormant for so long, that piece of her that had been lost when they were separated.

But despite the hours of focus, of feeling the energy pulse between us, nothing happened. Marrylen's eyes would open, disappointment clouding them, her hands trembling as she let go of ours.

"I'm sorry," she'd say, her voice filled with frustration. "I just... I can't feel it."

Kaleb would reach for her, his hand on her shoulder, his eyes filled with understanding. "It's okay, Marrylen. We'll keep trying. It's there, I know it is. You just need time."

Next came the physical training. Kaleb believed that perhaps Marrylen needed to feel her body, to feel the strength and agility that came with being a werewolf. We trained together in the forest, running, climbing, sparring. Kaleb would push her, but not too hard, always aware of her limits, always there to catch her if she stumbled.

And then, when it was just the three of us, we'd train together, our bodies moving in sync, the tension between us growing as we pushed each other, as we fought and grappled, as we tried to draw out that primal instinct within Marrylen.

But again, it wasn't enough. Marrylen's frustration grew, her confidence wavering as each attempt ended in failure. She'd look at me, her eyes filled with doubt, and I could feel her slipping further away from that part of herself she so desperately wanted to embrace.

One night, after another long day of training, we lay together by the fire. The air was thick with tension, with the unsaid words that hung between us. I could feel Marrylen's exhaustion, her disappointment, and I knew that she needed something more, something different.

I turned to her, my heart pounding as I reached for her hand. "Marrylen," I whispered, my voice trembling. "Maybe we need to try something else. Something more... intimate."

Her eyes met mine, wide with surprise, and I saw the flicker of something there—hope, curiosity. I looked over at Kaleb, his eyes already on me, his expression filled with understanding.

"Are you sure?" Marrylen asked, her voice barely audible, her gaze flickering between Kaleb and me.

I nodded, my hand moving to her cheek, my thumb brushing against her skin. "I think it might help," I said, my voice soft. "If we connect in a different way, maybe it'll help you find that part of yourself you've been searching for."

Kaleb moved closer, his hand resting on Marrylen's shoulder, his eyes locked on hers. "We're here for you, Marrylen," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "Whatever you need. We'll do this together."

Marrylen hesitated, her eyes flickering between us, her breath coming in shallow gasps. And then, slowly, she nodded, her eyes closing as she leaned into my touch.

I kissed her softly, my heart pounding as I felt her respond, her body relaxing against mine. I could feel Kaleb beside us, his presence comforting, his energy adding to the connection between us. Slowly, we moved together, our hands exploring, our bodies pressing against each other, the bond between us growing stronger with each touch, each kiss.

Kaleb joined us, his lips brushing against Marrylen's neck, his hands moving over her skin, his touch gentle yet firm. The three of us moved together, our bodies entwined, our breaths mingling, the firelight casting shadows across the clearing.

It was intimate, raw, and powerful. I could feel the love between us, the connection that went beyond words, beyond anything I'd ever experienced. And for a moment, I thought it was working. I thought I could feel Marrylen's energy shifting, her body tensing as if she was on the verge of something monumental.

But then, just as quickly as it began, it faded. Marrylen pulled away, her eyes filling with tears, her body trembling as she shook her head. "No," she whispered, her voice breaking. "It's not working. I can't... I can't do it."

I reached for her, my heart aching as I pulled her into my arms, her body shaking with sobs. "It's okay," I whispered, my voice filled with emotion. "It's okay, Marrylen. We'll figure this out. You're not alone."

Kaleb moved closer, his arms wrapping around both of us, his eyes filled with determination. "We're not giving up," he said, his voice steady. "We'll keep trying, Marrylen. We'll find a way."

But as we lay there, holding each other, I couldn't help but feel the weight of our failure. We'd tried everything—meditation, training, intimacy—and still, Marrylen hadn't reached her primal state. I knew we couldn't give up, but I also knew that we were running out of options.

The night was quiet, the forest dark around us, and as I held Marrylen, I felt the uncertainty settle deep within me. We had come so far, and yet we were still so far from what we needed. I didn't know what else we could do, but I knew one thing for certain: I wasn't going to let Marrylen face this alone. No matter how long it took, no matter what it cost, we would find a way. Together.

KALEB'S POV

Marrylen and I had decided to try something different—something that might help her reach her primal state without Xenia present. We both knew how important this was, not only for Marrylen but for all of us. We needed her to be whole, to feel the strength and power that had been buried inside her for so long. And maybe, just maybe, if it was just the two of us, something would shift.

We found a secluded spot in the forest, away from the rest of the pack. The air was cool, the sound of the wind rustling through the leaves creating a soothing backdrop as we settled down. I could see the uncertainty in Marrylen's eyes, but I could also see the determination. She wanted this, and I would do whatever it took to help her find it.

Slowly, I reached for her, my hands moving to her waist, pulling her close. I kissed her softly, my heart pounding as I felt her respond, her body relaxing against mine. She closed her eyes, her breath coming in soft gasps as my hands moved over her skin, exploring, coaxing her to let go, to embrace what she had been holding back for so long.

Marrylen's eyes fluttered open, her gaze meeting mine, filled with a mixture of desire and hope. I could feel her body responding, her energy shifting, her breath hitching as I continued to kiss her, my hands guiding her, my heart aching for her to find that release, that power within.

She was so close. I could feel it, the primal energy building, her body tensing, her eyes flashing with something raw and powerful. Just as she was about to let go, just as she was on the verge of reaching that place we'd been searching for—

A sudden noise shattered the moment. The air was filled with the sound of footsteps, branches breaking, and then they were there—the stray members, bursting into our secluded spot, their eyes filled with malice.

I pulled away from Marrylen instantly, my body moving to shield her as I growled, my eyes flashing with anger. "Get back!" I shouted, my voice filled with authority.

Marrylen scrambled to her feet, her face flushed, her eyes wide with fear and frustration. We barely had time to dress, grabbing our clothes and pulling them on quickly as the strays moved closer, their eyes locked on us, their intentions clear.

There were five of them—more than we had faced before. I could feel the tension in the air, the danger, the threat. My muscles tensed, my senses sharpening as I prepared for the fight. Marrylen, her fear turning into anger, reached for the small blade she kept at her side—silver, the only weapon that could truly harm the strays.

They lunged at us, and the fight began. My body moved instinctively, my fists connecting with the nearest stray, the force of the blow sending him stumbling back. Marrylen was beside me, her blade flashing as she slashed at one of the others, her movements swift and precise. But they were strong—stronger than we had anticipated, and there were so many of them.

I could feel the strain, my body tiring as the fight dragged on. Marrylen was holding her own, her blade cutting through the air, but we were outnumbered, and it was beginning to show. One of the strays managed to grab me from behind, his arm wrapping around my throat, cutting off my air. I struggled, my vision blurring as I fought to break free.

And then, just when it seemed like the strays were gaining the upper hand, I heard it—a roar, powerful and fierce. Xenia.

She and Cainry burst into the clearing, their eyes filled with determination, their bodies moving with a fluid grace as they joined the fight. Xenia's presence filled me with a renewed sense of strength, her energy igniting something within me as she lunged at the stray holding me, her fist connecting with his jaw, sending him sprawling to the ground.

Cainry was beside Marrylen in an instant, his body moving in sync with hers as they fought off the remaining strays. The clearing was filled with the sounds of the struggle, the grunts and growls of the strays, the sharp clang of metal against flesh. But with Xenia and Cainry by our side, the tide of the battle began to turn.

One by one, the strays fell, their bodies hitting the ground, their snarls turning into whimpers as they realized they were losing. The fight was brutal, raw, and intense, but we were winning. The bond between us, the connection, was stronger than anything they could throw at us.

The remaining strays, seeing their comrades defeated, turned and fled, their forms disappearing into the forest, their howls echoing through the trees as they retreated. The clearing fell silent, the only sound the heavy breathing of the four of us as we stood there, bloodied and bruised but victorious.

I turned to Marrylen, my heart aching at the sight of her, her face flushed, her eyes wide with emotion. She looked at me, her gaze filled with a mixture of relief and frustration. "I was so close," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I could feel it, Kaleb. I was so close."

I reached for her, pulling her into my arms, my heart aching for her. "I know," I whispered, my voice filled with emotion. "But we'll get there, Marrylen. We'll find a way. This isn't over."

Xenia moved closer, her eyes filled with concern as she looked at Marrylen, her hand resting on her shoulder. "We're in this together," she said, her voice soft. "No matter what. We'll keep trying."

Cainry nodded, his eyes meeting mine, a determined look on his face. "We'll protect each other," he said, his voice steady. "No matter what comes next. We'll be ready."

As we stood there, the four of us, I knew that this fight was far from over. The strays would be back, and we would need to be stronger, more united than ever before. But as I looked at Marrylen, at Xenia, at Cainry, I knew that we had something worth fighting for. And no matter what it took, we would find a way to make Marrylen whole. Together.