Chapter 9

Dalia’s POV

I heard them down there, discussing everything. Viola didn’t even seem shocked that I wasn’t her real birth mother. I knew her wolf started to break through when she started at the training rooms. I didn’t know if her wolf remembered what had happened, but I had a feeling that she knew something was off.  Sense of smell was a strong memory trigger and if she didn’t remember still then I was probably in the clear.

I couldn’t be too sure though. I still hadn’t heard back from Jake’s boy either it made me paranoid, typically I dealt only with those I knew and trusted. But Jake had been grooming Trenton since he was a boy for things like this.

I knew I was just getting antsy but for good reason. All of the extra time between now and when Viola’s wolf is dealt with is just more time for everything to fall apart. I couldn’t stand Avery’s daughter getting everything after what she did to me.

*****

Thirty Years Ago

“Dalia, I can’t stay when I’ve found my mate.” Avery’s words felt like they had been stabbing me inside and out.

The fire surrounding the village wasn’t even slightly contained, there was screaming everywhere. She coughed after inhaling more smoke. Shadow Pack had raided and burned the village down. Alpha Sigrid’s base by his territory had been taken. A feat most alpha’s wouldn’t dare to deal in.

“So you’ll leave me alone for someone you just met?” I sobbed.

She put her hand on my shoulder. “Come with us Dalia, you’re like a sister to me, we are always family. We’ll be safe there.” Her pleading almost softened me to listen. But I didn’t think anywhere was safe. Not really. Alpha Sigrid wouldn’t ever give up because of mine and Avery’s heritage. She wanted to cling to perceived safety in the Shadow Pack.

“Please I can’t choose anything over my mate. I lost my first mate, you know this. I can’t Dalia.”

I shook my head. “You’re making a mistake Avery. I’ll never forgive you for this.”

Avery stood tall then and recoiled from me. “Then that is your choice Dalia. You are choosing the darkness.”

I stood brokenly and ran from her. I didn’t see her again until just before Viola’s third birthday.

*****

I shook off the memories clinging to me and went out to the balcony. I didn’t know how long they would be down there talking and I had to get in touch with Trenton. Viola would never be able to save or even find Avery if she lost her wolf for good. Currently it was only a matter of time before Avery could feel her again.

After getting outside of the gates I shifted and ran until I got to the nearest town. I found a small diner with a clothes line outside,  frequented by wolves. I then placed a call to Clover Pack. Hopefully Trenton was there or better yet on his way back.

“Alpha Brandon.” He sounded on the line.

“It’s Dalia. Has the elixir been retrieved?”

“He has already been here and left Dalia, it’s been a week. Make sure you get that dealt with or you’ll have me to deal with.” He growled.

Shit. “Thanks.” I hung up the pay-phone and started pacing the streets.

“Where is that asshole?” I grumbled to myself. Moments later I caught his scent, it went to the woods outside of Shadow Pack.

I bolted in his direction, it came to a stop outside of a small cabin in more neutral territory. He was definitely inside. Returning to my human form I threw a dress from a clothesline on.

“What the hell Trenton?” I ask as I get inside the cabin. He is sitting on a wooden chair, as though waiting. “You’ve been back for almost a week and haven’t even gotten in touch.”

He smirked looking completely unphased. “I am not going to help you Dalia.” He stood up and began walking around.

“Where the hell is the elixir? I will absolutely kill you.” I threatened.

He grinned much to my frustration. “Then you’ll never find that elixir.”

I grabbed his hair and yanked his head down to mine. “You are completely out of your depth Trenton.” I snarled at him.

He laughed. “I think you’re out of yours Dalia.” He grabbed my wrist and twisted until I let go. “First of all, the entirety of Trinity Pack would be on your ass at my father’s command if I’m found dead. The heir to one of the largest packs? Not to mention that no less than half of them are assassins. You don’t even stand a chance Dalia. Second, Jake isn’t interested in this vendetta. You fucked up big time Dalia.” He snorts. “The only reason my dad sent me was to help weed you out. Don’t get yourself in a position you’re stuck in.”

I growled. “Where the hell is Jake? What are you trying to weed out exactly? Jake is the one who helped me get Avery out of here. Got me a witch for that spell to deal with Viola.”  I shook my head. “What are you up to Trenton?”

“You mean back when you had dirt on him? Yeah, he told me all about it. The thing is, now we have dirt on you. You shouldn’t play a game you can’t win.”

“And you think I am the only one that wants that girl wolf-less?” I scoffed. “Please, as if I would put my life in jeopardy over a silly vendetta.”

“You mean Alpha Brandon?” Trenton cracked his knuckles.

“No. That guy may be a ruthless killer but he doesn’t care about the girl.” I shook my head. “You’re making a huge mistake Trenton.”

“It doesn’t matter. I’ll use the elixir on you if you so much as breathe a word of this or lay a hand on that girl.” He started to leave the cabin. “Jake plans a visit real soon. I’d get back to Shadow Pack if I were you Dalia. Keep your nose clean.”