GALATIA
I didn't know how to feel hearing his voice...
Shouldn't I be rejoicing that he found me? Running into his arms? Every fibre of my being told me not to.
This isn't right...
He's my mate but my instincts were screaming.
Vonn's lean, muscular form was shrouded, but I felt his familiar presence. His scent... It all gave me the chills. That night flashed before my eyes...
My fear almost took a crippling hold me. I tried hiding it, so he couldn't see...but we both knew he could.
Facing him fully now, slightly hunched over, with Lily on my back.
Where are you going? He spoke sweetly as he came out of the shadows. I frowned taking in his appearance.
???
That is NOT our pack uniform! Dark brown with red, white and orange highlights. There was something familiar about it... It's just like- My eyes widened. Icky's last words to Rachael sang through my mind.
It must be frustrating not knowing...whether or not I knew he would betray me?
N-no... My eyes welled up with tears for the umpteenth time tonight. The last nail in the coffin. My heart was nothing but dust now. All that remained was the spot where it was supposed to be.
My grip on Lily loosened again... My Goddess no, PLEASE NO! but I knew better. It was written all over his face. The feeling of loss and hopelessness settled in. The knot that had taken residence in my stomach was almost my undoing, as it tightened and twisted with a vengeance.
I had to know... I wanted to hear him say it.
S-so, it was you... Chocking out the pitiful acknowledgement. I wanted so desperately not to believe he could do this, despite the blaring evidence in-front of me. He frowned at my accusatory tone. As if I had just offended his good nature and grace. I continued to examine him, agonizingly, waiting for a reply.
Before me, stood a completely different person with the same handsome face I loved. He's not even wearing his glasses?! He wore them all the time, even when fighting. Whether on his face, head, dangling somewhere, they were always there. His shoulder length black hair was now short. Dark brown eyes holing a glint I didn't like in them.
Everything about him had me completely unnerved.
Finally losing patience with his ridiculous silence, I snapped. ANSWER ME! H-HOW COULD YOU! You...you, fucking piece of shit! I growled angrily at him. That seemed to move him, unsurprising. I had a more... docile personality at home, well rather in front of him and father. What a joke!
That wasn't nice sweets, I will have to punish you for that. His eyes glistened with anger and... lust. Disgust crawled over my skin. Like I would let him near me again! Releasing a vicious growl at him.
Go to hell! I sneered through gritted teeth.
His frown deepened, snarling a little at me. Now is not the time to be frightened by him, despite the feeling clawing away at me. We stared each-other down until, he unceremoniously closed his eyes; grabbing the bridge of his nose.
This is so frustrating, I had planned everything perfectly... I thought you were in Zambia... He let out a chuckle, like this was such a funny inconvenience to him. I widened my eyes.
Calming down momentarily forgotten. I let out a humourless laugh. Wow...couldn't even get my final destination right! My laughter got louder, echoing through the cave.
What's so funny hun? His tender smile was repulsive now...
The laughter died on my lips. My face, drained of emotion. That look dropped as soon as he took in my sudden change in attitude.
A step closer, triggered a ferocious growl from me.
Ceasing abruptly, he placed his hands up in mock surrender. Good. He needs to keep his distance, while I think of a way out of this mess. I was in no shape to fight him. I had to be smart. I had to think like...my brother.
First, calm down...Ha! Easier said than done. The sounds of the falls behind us, a constant reminder of my inadequacies.
Sunshine, come away from there. We both know that you can't make that jump.
I scoffed at the sheer audacity of this traitor. Acting concerned for my wellbeing, with the blood of our people on his sword... THE SWORD I MADE FOR HIM! I looked at it bitterly. He used THAT sword for his evil schemes. A sickening feeling crept up, like I had a hand in my people's demise.
Everyone assumed I had the sword specially commissioned for him but actually, I had spent a few months in secret crafting it for him myself. My hands took weeks to recover. At the time, it had been worth it...I made something for my mate after all. Sadness gripped me recalling the moment I had gifted it to him. Stupidly, thinking it had displeased him. So blind to his true nature all along.
Come on my love, no-one is going to hurt you I promise. You're safe, I'm here. Just come away from the ledge and we can talk inside okay.
His cajoling and soft words, made me sick. The blood on him so pungent, it made my nose burn. Cursing my heightened senses in that moment. I smelt something else on him... It was not a good plan to go down that road. It would just make me even angrier.
No. Steady in my resolve.
WHO in their right mind, would go anywhere with him?!
My wolf groaned in my head. Wanting desperately to run to our mate but at the same knowing she couldn't. This is TORTURE for my insides. It was then, light stirring came from my back. A sliver of hope formed in the pit that was my heart. Sadly, before I could even think, his voice brought me back to hell.
Why not? He asked incredulously.
This dog is crazy for real! WHY HE ASKS! Yangita snarled in my head. The shame and sorrow slowly turning into rage.
You are SERIOUSLY asking me why I don't want to go anywhere with the man who betrayed me, his family, his friends, HIS PACK? Uyahlanya (you are crazy) Vonn.
I AM YOUR MATE! You should listen to what I tell you! I nearly burst out laughing again.
IS THIS what he sees ME as? A lap dog following him anywhere and everywhere without question BECAUSE OF THE MATE BOND?!
The horror of realisation was reeling. He expected me to not only take his lies, neglect and broken promises but now this gruesome betrayal and evil too?! Unbe-FUCKING-lievable.
NO, my refusal powered by anger and bitterness.
He ignored me...
I DID THIS FOR US! Me and you. We can usher in a new age of unity. I got rid of all the hindrances to our glory. Don't you see that this is only the beginning? He spoke so passionately and with hopeful abandon. The same way he used to inspire our soldiers. The same way he used to give me pep talks when I was working late at night. I could almost melt, but frowned instead. Come now sunshine. I know you can't carry her much longer. You must be so tired of running. Let me take care of you...
Yangi, fought me ferociously for control. Wanting to give him a piece of her mind. My eyes must have been speckled gold by now. Ready to hurl a string of vulgar profanities at him, I scented the other wolves he brought with him... Mxm! Safe my foot.
Their rumbles sounding off in the darkness. Vonn, twitched angrily. A fearsome growl, silencing the group...As the reluctant lowly grumbles droned on... another scent presented itself. Reminding me once again of the odour that clung to him, when he showed up.
His body visibly reacted. Turning to me with a pained, regretful look. Slowly morphing into an annoyance, then finally, settling into cold stone.
Vonn Baby, there you are!
My head snapped to the entrance of the cave. The immediacy of recognition made my head spin. Fighting the urge to scream out loud in frustration at my own pathetic, foolish self. All the bits of information working themselves perfectly into a nice clear picture. Everything fitting together like a puzzle. I felt homicidal in that second. Wanting nothing more than to put my sister down...draw my swords...and go on a rampage.
Rachael! Her name like acid on my tongue.
The scowl thrown at him was nasty. So THIS was the mate she didn't want to be late to meet. S-so...He really did- I stopped myself from going any further. There was no time to deal. It would have to happen later. I NEED TO GET US THE HELL OUT OF HERE... Meeting his penetrating stare, I poured my disgust into it. The fleeting look of hurt was not even remotely satisfying.
It was then that her full form appeared before me again. FILTHY, TWO-FACED, MURDERING, MATE STEALING BITCH! It was already hard keeping her under control, now...it was damn near excruciating. Rachael was still in her slutty battle suit. Ugh. She approached and gave MY MATE a sloppy wet kiss on the lips. The heaving had my stomach in knots. Luckily I had already thrown up everything.
KILL HER! She is touching our- She stopped herself. Anger dissipating painfully into sadness, betrayal and humiliation all over again. She was a strong wolf, but even for her, this was too much. Vonn, had not taken his eyes off me, as he sucked the face off his co-conspirator.
I let the tears fall this time, not really caring what it looked like. When they finally pulled apart, there was a thin trail of spittle. Oh that's just gross man...Stifling down my gag reflex again. It was agony inside of me right now, but I kept my face, fixed with revulsion and anger.
Oooh, so you're a cheating, fucking piece of shit then. My tone snide. Vonn's jaw tightened, eyes darkening in rage. Guess he doesn't like being called a cheater neh.
Oh, Ruru, I didn't see you there. You know how it is when you're with your mate...Oh wait! She snickered at me. I didn't answer. She can go fuck herself. Baby, hurry up and reject her so we can kill them already...
This was unreal, but then... He flinched, ever so slightly. That surprised me, then...OHO, she doesn't know he is just as two faced as she is. Shaking my head a few times... I was officially done with this shit show. My eyes darted around. Trying desperately to find an exit, that didn't consist of a watery, spirally death.
I was just about to my love... It was hard not to bristle at that. My grudge for them growing by the second. The group of wolves in the darkness advanced, as I backed up. Lily's feet were right at the edge now. SHIT! Gazing at Vonn again. He looked so conflicted but it soon disappeared. Steeling into resolve. Then, the words I never thought would come from him, echoed throughout the cave.
I, Vonn Hendriksen, reject you Garuna Radebe as my mate. The proverbial glass shattered all around me. Searing, ripping pain gripped my hollow chest. Not being able to stand it anymore, I dropped to one knee. My vision clouded, as the angry tears streamed down my face. Lily's knees poked my back painfully. Agh...I tried my best not to cry out, hissing instead. FUCK THIS!
I decided, right then and there, to jump or fall off this damn cliff. Phobia be damned. EVERYTHING be damned. Still kneeling, I tried to catch my breath. Grasp a handle on how I was going to make this monstrous leap into the falls...an involuntary shiver rushed up my back at the thought.
THWACK!
The sound confused me. WHAT. WAS. THAT?
Then...pain. Excruciating pain...My skin was on fire. My sights fixed to my left shoulder in horror. A black arrow sticking out of it, the wound was spreading.
THAT CUNT SHOT ME WITH SILVER!
It was useless to try stop the spread of the wound. The silver was burning me from the inside. I looked up painfully and saw Rachael standing with the offending bow in her hand with a fake dismayed expression.
Aww damn, I missed... Vonn looked panicked but he remained rooted to his spot. Doing nothing but stare. My focus was waning... I was starting to black out. FUCK.
Frustration, defeat, anguish began guiding me to the haze of unconsciousness. With the fading faces of those vile betrayers as my last view. I cursed myself. Furious with my weakness.
Then suddenly my system was flooded with relief...
L-Lily-pad...thank you...I'm so glad you're finally awake.
Her gentle healing flow through me, pushing the silver out of my body. My wound steadily dripping silver tainted blood. My vision began to clear, but still... losing blood.
Gala, what is –I cut her off.
We need to jump, I can't do it, you will have to. Don't move too much, I'm going to adjust so you can push us off okay. My thoughts rolled out quickly...Repositioning her onto the balls of her feet. I was busy getting ready when lowly, her voice sounded...
A-are you...okay Gee? Lying was useless honestly.
No... but we must get out of here first...On my signal jump okay. I fixed my tired gaze on the pair of traitors. My gaze on him, searching his eyes for any trace of the man I loved...
There was nothing but cold determination there. So be it then...Mustering up my courage, doubling up on the rage, I began standing...trying my best to give Lily a better stance. Then with the tattered remnants of authority left in me,
I accept... your rejection. I spat and pulled out the arrow, letting it drop to the ground with a clank. The blood trailing down my arm, as I gripped my shoulder. A feeble attempt at stopping the ooze, but it was still bleeding out silver, I could feel it. With a deep groan, Vonn fell to his knees, gripping his chest. A deep, almost sadistic, sense of gratification washed over me... even through the pain. Rachael immediately embraced him. How precious...
You, STUPID BITCH, you hurt him! Shoot them now!
Dear heavenly mother, please protect us.
NOW LILY! My sister's movements were swift as she launched us into the watery abyss. Angry growls, arrows and curses flung at us wildly as we made our descent into the falls.
Hopefully with this, it will be enough...
_____________________________________________________________________
VONN
SCREECH
The wailing in my ears paralysed me for a moment. The light rushing of the waterfalls in front gave the feeling a painful melody. The sound of my heart-breaking was almost deafening. I watched them jump off, all the while pain ripped through me.
AHHHH!
My heart ripping into a million pieces. I couldn't even focus on my breathing. Her words of acceptance rang and rattled around on my conscience. How could she just accept it like that? She knows I love her so, so much. I was only going to "capture", not kill her. The look of complete disgust on her face flashed before me.
It make sense...no matter how much it stung to admit.
Her eyes, once chestnut swirled amber. She had been restraining herself fiercely. That ridiculous parasite! That stupid meddling...I was furious, my plan had fallen apart at the end. All those years of hard work only to end up losing one of my most important pieces, Dammit!
MATE! NO! Feron, went off wildly in my head. His agony matching my own. This path required so many, tough choices. I underestimated it. Sighing deeply, it hit me then. I miss her already.
When the arrow pierced her skin, it felt like my soul was on fire. My poor sunshine. She looked so hurt. I couldn't even imagine the pain she was going through. All my efforts to shield her from the worst of it went to shit...
Trying to steady my breathing, I felt Rachael's hand on my face. Baby, are you okay? Suppressing the urge to swat it away, I held it tightly. Her gaze softened. It was hard not to roll my eyes. Give me strength...
I'm fine sweetheart, Let's get back to our pack alright. Shaking off the pain and bottling it up for other time. I got up and made my way back through the cave. The shrew hot on my tail.
The wolves waiting in the cave centre, followed our lead out. This mistake, will be a minor bump in the road. I will get her back. A simple rejection wasn't enough to break our bond. I won't let it.
One of my men came running up to me as we exited the cave. My mood was dark enough...Bad news was going to shatter my already depleted control.
Sire, the elites have been secured in the dungeons. The Captain had to be subdued with wolf's bane, he was very... difficult. The wolf's bane part was troublesome. We needed all of them unharmed. Despite being my mate and sister's personal guards, they were also a very important corner stone of the kingdom. It would be foolish to hurt or kill them... The people will not yield to me. Damian, especially, was an extremely problematic man, loyal to a fault. This needs to be handled carefully.
Very well, let's head back to the palace. We walked over to the cars. Rachael all over me once again. This was not the way I was hoping my night would end. My mind wondering back... the image of her staring at me in anguish and fury, would be haunting my dreams for a long time.
I HAVE TO GET HER BACK.
_____________________________________________________________________