20. My Dreadful Past
AURELIA
After four days of wins and losses for every pack that attended the Pack Games, it was time to announce the result and know the packs that would be going head to head in the semi-finals. The celebration has been going on for four days and while some packs already know they wouldn't qualify for the next rounds, some of us were simply dreading what the next rounds would bring into our lives.Property © NôvelDrama.Org.
I mean, Black Fur would qualify as we were one of the best and I would be foolish to think that Dark Moon Pack wouldn't qualify. That saddened me because even though I had found a way to put distance between Alpha Raiden and me these past few days, I wanted nothing more than to see him leave the pack with his men... and never run into him. Ever again.
That would keep my kids safe and I would be less worried about breaking before him.
But of course, the universe ignored my desires and cry for help.
"Black Fur Pack, Crescent Glow Pack, Dark Moon Pack, Moon Stone, and Howling Wolves Pack." Beta Louis, Alpha Tristan's righthand man, read out the names of the packs from a scroll and he continued, addressing everyone in the arena, "These packs have qualified for the next rounds."
The cheer in the arena sent vibrations through the floor and I smiled despite the mixed feelings gnawing deeply within my stomach. The other warriors from Black fur jubilated and I joined them, happiness flowing through my being.
However, that soon ended when Beta Louis announced with a stiff voice that had me frozen for what seemed like forever. "The semi-finals and finals of this year's Pack Games will be held in Dark Moon Pack so each qualified pack will have to choose their representatives who would...."
I completely zoned out, my sight blurring momentarily as old wounds scratched open.
I can't go back there. Returning to Dark Moon Pack would most likely kill me and reveal the truth I have hidden from everyone I have come to love. I weighed my options quickly and soon realized that the only thing I could do was hope that I wouldn't be one of Black Furs representatives for the next rounds of games.
That would be my way out.
"You can talk to Alpha Tristan. Tell him you don't want to go." Inara suggested, hating the possibility of us returning to Dark Moon Pack even if it was just for the games.
There was nothing for me in Dark Moon Pack. Although I missed Dakota and wished she could see who I have become, meet my kids, and get to know them, I would rather not return to the past.
Without hesitating, I went in search of Alpha Tristan after the games came to an end. I saw the other packs that didn't qualify packing up to return to their packs while the qualified five prepared to move to Dark Moon Pack for the next rounds as I walked towards Alpha Tristan who just happened to be standing with my ex-mate and his Beta.
"Shit!" I muttered under my breath, changing course hastily before any of them could see me.
However, Alpha Tristan's voice stopped me dead in my tracks, "There you are, Lia. Alpha Raiden was just talking about your skills on the field."
Inhaling deeply, I let the side of my cheeks stretch into a fake smile and faced Alpha Tristan, avoiding eye contact with Alpha Raiden whose eyes were now on me. I walked closer to the small group, mouthing, "I was trained by the best."
I boasted before I could sense the trap Alpha Raiden was laying before me.
"But you clearly aren't the best, Warrior Lia. I can already tell that you won't be one of the skilled and trusted representatives that would be traveling down to my pack for the next rounds." Alpha Raiden said to me. This was the first time he was speaking to me directly since his arrival and he chose to look down on me like always.
I scowled, meeting and holding his gaze. "You're still a heartless asshole." Of course, I didn't say those words out loud but god did I want to kick him where the sun doesn't shine.
"I don't see any reason for her not to represent my pack in the next rounds, Alpha Raiden unless you're scared she would take the trophy right under your nose." Alpha Tristan stood up for me, his chest puffing with pride as he spoke.
"It's a trap. He's playing games with your minds." Inara warned just as I caught the smirk plastered on Alpha Raiden's face but it was too late to fall back.
My stomach tightened and I sent Alpha Raiden a glare, ready to tell everyone that I wouldn't be going even if it meant bruising Alpha Tristan's ego after he vouched for me. I would do anything to keep my babies and me out of Alpha- "Why call him Alpha? He's a prick. Pricks do not deserve respect!" Inara snarled at me.
"Old habits." I thought back to my irritated wolf.
"Trash that habit, girl," Inara stated and I couldn't agree more.
Raiden beat me to speak, his eyes glinting with the same mischief I see in Katie's eyes every day. "I said she was a skilled fighter, not the best one, Tristan. I have warriors that will have her on her back in a second and I can't wait to witness her-" "Get ready to be wrong, Raiden." Alpha Tristan cut in rudely. The tension between both men was glaring.
Raiden blurted, "Oh, I have never been wrong."
I'd have argued that he had never been right about me but I was more concerned about the fate before me.
I'd be going back to my dreadful past.
As horrifying as that was, a part of me began to look forward to seeing Dakota again, introducing the kids to her, and showing everyone in my past who I had become despite the way they treated me. But again, the unexpected happened in Dark Moon Pack.