Choosing Mr. Destiny - Chapter 37: Chapter 37
You are reading Choosing Mr. Destiny , Chapter 37: Chapter 37. Read more chapters of Choosing Mr. Destiny .
Ashley's POV
Isn't it wonderful being in a state of pure bliss where all you feel is peace and nothing else? Being in a state where you don't have to worry about anything that can harm you and hurt you? I must say, it was paradise.
But, like any other things, it didn't last long.
I was taken away from my haven when consciousness overcame my system and brought me back to the horrible reality I was currently in.
As I slowly opened my eyes, I realized that everything was dark. I blinked and tried to focus my eyesight to the ceiling until a faint light was finally starting to get visible. And as I fully gained control of my sight, I turned to my left and saw the light coming from the moon creeping into the window and into the dark room. When I averted my gaze from the window to the bed placed next to me, I saw that it was empty.
When it dawned on me that it was Winter's bed and saw that he wasn't in there, I was instantly panic stricken.
I immediately sat up in alarm as I looked back left and right inside the room. But as I was about to get out of bed, I saw Winter sitting with his back resting on the wall and with a phone in his hand.
I frowned. "Where did you get that?" I asked making him jump and almost dropping the phone from his grasp.
"Oh my goodness, Ashley." He sighed. "You scared me." He said as he placed a hand on his chest.
"Sorry." I apologized lowly as I turned my attention back to the window. "What time is it?" I asked as I figured it would be late at night seeing the moon was already high up on the horizon.
"11:36 pm." He replied as he made a quick glance on the phone.
I turned my gaze back at him. "Oh. Uhm, so where did you get that phone?"
He went quiet for a second before looking at me in the eyes. "Didn't I tell you earlier after you woke up?"
I shrugged not remembering what he said. I didn't even remember I woke up, what more all those words he told me.
"I don't remember," I stated while rubbing my eyes still feeling a bit tired and sleepy, and at the same time sore.
"Okay then." He mumbled as he locked the phone. "So I got this phone from Jordan." He mumbled again making me ask if I heard him correctly.
"I'm sorry, from who?" I asked for confirmation.
"Jordan." He said as he played with the phone in his hands.
"But he's Azra.....oh." I paused as I processed the thought in my head. "But how?" I questioned in confusion.
"I don't know really." He shook his head a little.
I furrowed my brows in thought. "But how are you so sure it was one hundred percent Jordan and not Azrael pretending as your mate?" I asked getting suspicious all of a sudden.
"I know it was him. The scent, his aura, and his wolf. I can feel his wolf which instantly made me believe it was indeed him." He explained effectively silencing me up.
"Oh." Is all I said.
He smiled as he looked into the wall while recalling earlier's events. "When I was certain it was him, I made sure to cherish every second I spend with him and put it in my memory. Because who knows it might be the last." He paused as he continued staring into the wall.
"I felt complete once again knowing he was back." He said with a smile gazing his face.
"The sparks, the feeling of contentment and happiness immediately ran through my body, which I haven't experienced for what feels like an eternity. And at that very moment, I was utterly grateful that he came back. His touch that I longed for so long, his warmth that I missed so dearly, and just him. I longed for him." He stated as he kept staring into the wall in a trance state.
He then turned his eyes to me and instantly saw tears building up waiting to be shed. "I never thought I'd get to feel those feelings ever again Ash, But I did. And I'm very happy." He said as his voice cracked at the end of his sentence.
Knowing that it would be best to go and sit next to him for comfort, I got out of my bed and sat next to him on the wall as I engulfed him into a hug. He then rested his head into my shoulder as he continued remembering what had happened earlier.
"And do you want to know what he said to me?"
"What?" I mumbled softly.
"He promised me that he's going to come back. That he'll do everything just to be with me again even if it means that he had to fight the devil himself every day. If the prize of winning against the Azrael is to be with me then he'll do it in a heartbeat." He said as warm liquid landed on my shoulder.
After realizing that he's crying, I started rubbing his shoulder comfortingly.
"And I know he will never break that promise." He whispered as another tear dropped into my shoulder.
"I'm glad he came back for you Winter."
"I know. Me too." He said as he pulled away.
He rested his head on the wall as we both remain in silence. He was still sniffing and trying to compose himself back, but I know deep down he's sad he only get to be with his mate for a short amount of time. But I also know that even with that short amount of time, it meant a lot to him.
He then wiped away the tears on his eyes and on his cheeks as he sat up straighter as he turned his attention to me.
"What about you Ash, do you miss your mate?" He asked sending the subject to me.
"I do," I responded with a small smile while looking down on my hands. " But I don't know if he does."
"What are you talking about? Of course, he misses you. You're his mate!" He replied back while sending me a look that tells me what I said was the craziest thing in the world.
"You don't understand Winter," I mumbled lowly.
"Well, explain it to me so I can understand then."
I looked up at him and instantly saw his serious expression.
"I felt dirty," I mumbled again.
Winter sighed audibly. "If this is because of what happened earlier......." He started but I immediately cut him off.
"It is," I said. "No matter how hard I keep telling myself I'll get through it, I always end up lying to myself, Winter. And Jacob? He was the person who took me against my will when I was still in high school. He's the one who took me in the middle of nowhere in which I thought he's going to open up about his problems when in reality, his motives were to rape me. He's the one who ruined my life and now for the second time, he succeeded again. And I don't even know if I'll be able to stand up after this."
Winter sat there unable to utter a word as he stared at me.
"And now I don't know why he's here, why and how he's related to Azrael, and why he came back to my life." I finished as I looked down averting my gaze from him.
He sighed as he scooted closer to me.
"I'm sorry, I'm being very insensitive." Winter apologized as he placed his hand on top of mine. "I didn't know what happened, I'm so sorry Ash."
I nodded, still not meeting his gaze. "It's fine. It's just that, I don't know if Arthur will ever want me again after what happened. I never told anyone about this because I was scared they'll turn their backs on me. I'm dirty and I'm used. I don't deserve to be called his mate."
He sighed once again. "Ash, no matter what happened to you before are all in the past. I know it's never easy to accept that someone took your innocence against your will, but please, never ever give up. Life has so much in store for you, for us, for the good or bad. And whichever we face along the way, I know everything contains a lesson we can apply to ourselves as we go and move forward."
"I know that, but if you experienced what I've been through, I know, and I know for sure that those things you said will be tough to apply."
He nodded. "I'm aware. But at least try, Ash. If you can't find the will to do it for yourself, then find the strength in those who love you."
I looked up and met his gaze as I ponder what he said.
"I may not know what you're going through, but at least try to cope with what happened and try standing back up again. I know this isn't easy for you, but when you have the people you love in your mind, I'm sure you will be able to recover again." Winter stated in a comforting way.
I nodded. "I hope I can."
He smiled with confidence. "I know you can. You're Ash. A person who fell after being ruined once and still managed to stand up. Now for the second time, you will rise back up again and much stronger than before. Besides, you're the son of the Moon Goddess. I bet you can even defeat Azrael in a blink of an eye."
I smiled appreciating his effort in cheering me up and giving me the strength to try and fight for my life. "Thanks, Winter."
He beamed, not giving a care that he had puffy eyes. "You're welcome." He paused. "But kidding aside though, I really do think you have the potential to fight Azrael and defeat him."
I bit my lip in thought. "What made you think that?"
He shrugged. "Well, if the rumors are true that you are the son of a Goddess from a werewolf, then that means you're a hybrid demigod. The possibility of you possessing power from your parents is very likely. Who knows, maybe you're even stronger than the Moon Goddess herself, and maybe you possess the strength from your father."
And that instantly threw me to the dream I had in which I was able to defeat and kill Azrael while saving Jordan's life.
But I also have other thoughts. One of those is the fact that the parents I grew up in aren't my real parents.
"How is that possible?" I asked merely in a whisper.
"The what exactly?" Winter countered.
"If I am, as what you say, the son of the Moon Goddess and a werewolf, then how did I end up with the family I know?" I questioned, causing him to furrow his brows in confusion.
"What do you mean?"
"I grew up in a family that is all human. And as far as I know, my Mom, Cathy, gave birth to me. I saw all the pictures during her labor and when I was finally born." I stated.
"So you're saying you didn't grow up with either your werewolf father or your goddess of a mother?"
I shook my head. "I live a completely normal life when I was a kid. I grew up with my siblings and then finally moved here in the states." I admitted.
"Wait, so you weren't born here in America?" He questioned interestingly.
I shook my head again. "No. I was born back in the Philippines. We just recently moved here after my Mom took me, along with my Dad and sister."
Winter just sat there, not uttering a word.
"If I am what you say I am, then that means my parents have something they're not telling me," I spoke.
Winter sighed. "I'm afraid they do."
And with that, silence engulfed us for a few minutes until I decided to speak once again.
"I had a really weird dream once," I stated, earning Winter's attention.
"Yeah? What was it about?" He questioned tilting his head in curiosity.
I bit my bottom lip as I tried to gather the memory I had about the dream.
"Well, I remember being in a very scary, dark, and endless looking hallway." I started. "Then I remembered looking for a way out. That I was searching the hallway for an exit until I was finally able to find one. I tried to open the door but it won't budge no matter how I turned the knob, kick on the hinges, and slam my shoulders on it. I also remembered being controlled by Azrael, but I fought back and freed myself. And then there was that moment when flames and lightning bolts came out of my hands and fought Azrael with it until I managed to win. I also remembered saving Jordan's life after I defeated Azrael." I stated as I recalled the dream as best as I can.
Winter hummed as he thought deeply about it.
"That doesn't sound like a dream to me, Ash." He said.
I frowned.
"Then what?" I asked as I anticipated to hear an answer.
"It sounded more like a vision being shown in a dream." He said. "A vision that you defeated Azrael."
My eyes slightly widened at that.
"Oh," I responded taken aback of what he said.
"What if you really have powers and you just didn't know it? And what if you having powers isn't just a mere possibility at all?" He stated as he kept his gaze at me.
I wasn't able to say anything due to the fact that I was very overwhelmed.
I've only known the werewolf species for a very short time and I know so little about them. Yet, here I am, being told that I am a son of a Goddess and that, I may have inherited her abilities. Only a few weeks ago I was living a simple life, as a simple human being, with my family and had a happy relationship with my boyfriend. But now, I can't believe or even wrap my head around the fact of how things have turned for me.
"Ash," Winter said bringing my thoughts back to earth,
"What?"
"What if the rumors are true and that you really are a demigod?" He asked and I opened my mouth to give him a reply, but when I figured I have nothing to respond, I shut them back up.
Winter and I were talking about the possibilities of me being a demigod when he suddenly changed the subject.
"Oh Uhm, we were talking about Jordan earlier right?" He asked in which I nodded in reply.
"Yeah, What about it?"
"Well, I kinda forgot to mention that I made a promise that I will get you out of here as soon as possible."
"What?" I asked, obviously surprised.
"We don't know if those rumors circulating around here about Azrael's real intention why he took you captive is true, Ash. But if they are indeed the truth, then you're in grave danger."
"But.'. But how are we gonna get past all the guards?" I glanced out the window.
Winter held my hands and gave me a reassuring smile. "Well, we won't be able to get out if we don't try, will we?"
I looked at him a bit skeptical.
"But it's too risky, Winter."
He shrugged. "I'm willing to take the risk, rather than not trying at all." He said.
I bit my bottom lip. "What if one of us got hurt in the process?" I asked in fear as the possibilities of us getting caught swarmed my brain.
"As I said, if it means we both get out of here, then I'm willing to take the risk. Even if I get hurt in the process, as long as we got out and you're safe, then the bruises, cuts, and wounds would be all worth it." He said as he stared into my eyes.
I sighed as I shook my head at his statement.
"Winter, this escape thing is just too dangerous for both of us," I stated still skeptical about the idea.
Don't get me wrong, I want to get the hell out of this place so bad. But maybe in some other way that won't at least cause the both of us any harm. Or maybe lessen the chances.
"Ash, there is no other way we can escape this place that isn't dangerous. Anywhere we go, every step we make will always be life-threatening. The only thing we can do to make things a little less harmful for both of us is to plan this escape carefully. Every little detail must be polished before we do any action, and every little information must never be left unstudied. That is why I'm doing all of this spying right now. I want to make sure that everything is well planned out." He said.
"This may not be promisingly safe for the two of us, but if the result is escaping this hell hole with little to no cuts, wounds, or scratches then that would be awesome. And all I'm asking from you is your support, that's all." He stated and to be honest, right after he finished, I didn't know what to say as my response.
I looked down into my hands and started playing with them.
"I just don't want you getting hurt because of me," I mumbled near a whisper as I kept playing with my fingers.
"That's inevitable Ash. If ever something happens to me out there during this escape, it's not because you weren't there able to protect me. It is because it's completely out of your control or neither my control. Yes, it may be prevented in some way but if it's destined to happen then there is no way we can stop it from happening." He stated again which caused me to think about the escape plan a lot harder. "And if I did end up getting hurt or dead during our escape, at least I know my life was given to me with a great purpose." He added making me look at him with a frown on my face.
"Don't say that. Nothing is going to happen to both of us, okay." I told him as I give his hand a slight slap as he giggled.
"Like I said, Ash. It is inevitable. If I did end up dead, don't ever think it's your fault because it's me that made the choice of helping you. So don't ever put that kind of thought in your head just in case I did die." He said with a serious look on his face.
"Stop. You're not going to die, Winter. We'll get out of here, both safe and unharmed." I argued which made him giggle again.
"You really are stubborn." He commented with a tilt of his head. "But death is unstoppable, Ash. Death isn't something we can decide on or something we can skip ourselves from. Death itself is time, that once you or I, or even everyone breathing on this earth run out, then clearly, it's your time to go." He argued back which only made me hesitate on agreeing on this escape plan of his.
He didn't even tell me his plan yet. And here we are thinking about the outcome. How amazing.
"Then why is Azrael the Angel of death if death is time itself?" I asked quickly as a thought came into my mind.
"Because the Gods and Goddesses created him after the creation of time along with many other angels in their respective roles." He explained but I was still unable to understand it.
"So are you saying the Gods and Goddesses created death?" I asked as I looked at him with a confused expression.
"Well, as I was taught, they said that death existed after the creation of time and that death was meant as a phase for those souls whose time had ended. It's how the Gods choose whether those souls go to heaven or go to hell. So yeah, the Gods may or may not have created death." He said and I gave him a nod.
"Okay, then why does Azrael have the power of taking someone's life if death itself is time?" I questioned which seemingly caught Winter's curiosity as well.
"That's a good question. Well from what I gathered after I started reading stuff about my kind and also our origins, I stumbled upon Azrael's powers and his abilities. And it said in that book that Azrael do have that power of taking one's life 'ONLY' if it is needed. But as for Azrael's case, he didn't obey God's commands and used this ability to his own advantage."
"Wait, what does that mean?" I asked in bewilderment.
"Well, it means that Azrael turned against the Gods thousands of years ago and defied their ruling and went on his own way. But instead of them straight-out terminating Azrael, they only withdrew his ability to live forever and left him to rot." He explained, and a thought instantly popped into my mind.
"If the Gods took Azrael's immortality, then why is he still alive till now?" I asked as I waited for his reply.
"By killing anyone he desires and consuming their souls. In that way, he can prolong his life." He stated which effectively appalled me to the very core.
"So how did Jordan kept himself from being consumed by Azrael when technically, Azrael owns his physical body?" I questioned with furrowed brows.
He shook his head. "I don't know. But I'm guessing Azrael kept him as his slave. I knew that once the soul leaves or dies, the physical body also dies. So I'm guessing Azrael kept my mate as his slave so he can use Jordan's body."
And when a more unnerving thought appeared on my mind, I can't help but voice it out loud to Winter.
"And I'm guessing the reason why he wanted me to carry his offspring is for him to gain immortality back again?" I breathed out as I stared into Winter's frightened eyes.
He then slowly nodded his head, confirming my thought. "If you're indeed a son of a Goddess, then that makes you carry her purity and immortality, the reason why Azrael is after you."
"But why does he need an heir in order to be immortal?" I questioned again, clearly baffled about the information I found out.
"Once his offspring is old enough, he will transfer himself and his consciousness to his child's body that is more powerful and more destructive and fulfill his desire on being immortal." He stated with fright showing in his eyes.
"Oh my god." I breathed out shakily as all of that information finally sink in.
"And he can fulfill his desires in three days during the full moon if we didn't manage to escape."
I looked into his frightened eyes once again. "What are we going to do?"
He gave me a small smile. "So here's what we're going to do. But before anything else, I wanna ask you something first." He said and I nodded, telling him to continue. "Do you trust me?" He asked staring into my eyes awaiting my response.
"Yes, I trust you, Winter."
He nodded. "That's what I wanted to hear." He sighed.
"Okay, here's my plan. I've been studying their behaviors and routine through CCTV cameras since yesterday, and I found out that at 11:45 in the evening they change guards in every station around the house, including those who are in the forest. And those who are roaming the hallways of this house will also leave to make way for the new guard to take their place. Now, once we make sure that the hallways are clear, we will spray our bodies with this strong perfume I found to confuse whoever catches our scent. And then I will disable the CCTVs for a few seconds to get us out of sight from the operators. Then once we're in the hallway, we'll go to the left, and at the end of the hallway, there will be stairs leading down to the ground floor. But, this will be the time it gets a little tricky. There will still be two guards standing next to the door which leads outside, which leaves us to the only exit we have which is the sewage system. A few doors to the right, there will be another door which leads to the maintenance, there we can find a small entryway into the sewer which leads us out to the river a few meters away from the house. And once we're in the river, I will shift to my wolf and I want you to ride on my back. We will run west and search for a pack that can help us. Then if things go smoothly, we'll go from there and continue." He stopped and I took the moment of silence to absorb all he said.
"Tomorrow at the same time as they change the guards we will sneak out of the house, and we have to be fast since we only have 15 minutes to get out before the new guards go to their stations." He paused and showed me a bunch of keys on his hand as well as the phone. "This phone and keys will be our tool to get out. So, Ash, I'm just going to ask you one thing. Be ready."
With that, I gave him a nod which he replied with a grateful smile and a pat on the shoulder. "We can do this," I stated positively while sending him a determined look.
"We can do this." He repeated, and with that, we prepared ourselves for our escape.
Arthur's POV
After we landed, we didn't waste our precious time and immediately went to Blood Spring's packhouse. Their Alpha who is a good friend of mine and my father agreed to help search for my mate. Since they were stationed farther out of the city, I told my men as well as Lukas who will lead them that they will have to rent a house temporarily until they are done searching the city's perimeter. While as for me and my Gamma, along with my Dad and Ash's Dad, we all went to the packhouse. I left Brandon to take care of the pack while I'm gone. I didn't want to leave the pack vulnerable for anyone to attack, that's why we decided to leave Brandon behind.
"Alpha, when would you like to start the search?" Chandler asked as we all piled into Alpha Reagan's Office.
Dad turned to me and waited for my response. "I would like to start tonight."
Chandler nodded along with the other pack members.
"And what are your instructions?" Connor chimed in.
"We'll divide our group to four and we will search all direction. Chandler, you and your group will search the west. Dad, you and your troupe will begin the search in the south. Connor, I hate you but I need your Beta title now, so don't disappoint me." I paused as Connor nodded his head. "Okay since Reagan's warriors will be with you, I want you and your group to search the east. While as for me, Reagan, and along with Ben, we will search the north. Now, if ever you spotted something unusual, weird or out of the norm, immediately report it to me or Reagan but most importantly to me. I want to know what is happening in this search and I want no casualties or pack members having injuries, Heard?"
"Yes, Alpha." They all replied in chorus.
"Also," Reagan spoke up, gaining their attention. "There are multiple smaller packs scattered around so please be careful not to trespass their territory. If ever, it can't be prevented that some of you needed to go through their land, please do ask their Alpha as politely as you can. We don't want an angry Alpha up our tails when the main reason why we are doing this is to find your missing Luna. So please, be more careful."
I nodded in agreement on Reagan's statement. "You heard Alpha Reagan. This is not our land so be more observant in your surroundings to prevent stepping into a pack's territory without permission. Also, put in mind that we are greatly surrounded by the human population, so be careful not to show yourselves in wolf form when in a neighborhood or just merely a place that is crowded with humans. The objective of this mission is to get my mate; your Luna safely, and we'll travel back to our lands and resume our lives. We don't want people finding out about our kind specially now that technology is very rampant. So be very extra careful and observant of your surroundings. Am I clear?"
"Yes, Alphas." They responded at the same time.
"Good. We want all of you to gather in the yard so we can start dividing you guys into groups. The faster we finish grouping all of you, the faster we can start the search." I stated, and with that, they all stood to their feet and made their way out to the yard.
When the large office was almost empty with only me, Alpha Reagan, my Dad, Ash's Dad, and third in command, as well as Connor, we also stood up from our chairs.
"Have you contacted the northern, southern, and eastern packs yet, Arthur? They can be a big help to this mission if they also participate." Reagan stated, making me turn my gaze to him.
"I have contacted the northern and southern packs but I still haven't with the eastern," I admitted honestly as Reagan nodded his head.
"Crimson Forrest pack is the biggest to reside on the eastern part, maybe it's best if I, myself contact them. You know Smith Walker right?" He asked and I rummaged my brain for that specific name.
"Is he the new Alpha of that pack?" I asked unsure.
"Yeah. He's the second born of Theodore and Teresa Walkers since the firstborn died after a rouge attack." He stated informatively.
I nodded, remembering the news I've heard about the said pack. "Yeah, I remembered. So I heard his also the famous Alpha that had two male mates who happen to be twins?"
Reagan nodded. "Yup. Lucky bastard having two mates that are equally emanating strong feminine auras, which was very weird since they are born humans. But anyway, I will contact them myself if you want." He offered and I didn't decline.
"That would be awesome, thanks, Rey." I smiled as I gave his shoulder a thankful pat.
"No worries, bro."
And with that, we made our way to the yard and started dividing 200 combined pack members of Blood Springs' and Crescent Moon's. It took us a while to divide them since we want to have at least a couple of Reagan's pack member in the group to help them maneuver around, knowing my pack members doesn't know the place. So we decided it would be best to have someone familiar with the place to prevent trespassing and all those unnecessary events from happening.
Finally, by almost 9 pm in the evening, we finished.
"Alright, go prepare because in less than 20 minutes we will leave to our respective stations to start the search," I shouted a command and they immediately went and obeyed.
As I stood there watching the crowd doing their own thing, Reagan approached me.
"So I have contacted the Alpha of the Crimson Forrest pack and he said he's in. He said he will send some of his men to go search his land as well as the other no man's land as their participation."
I nodded with a smile. "That's awesome. Hopefully, this will be enough for us to finally track my mate's location and make the f*cker who took him to pay for what he did.
"Hopefully it is. If not, there are still tons of smaller packs scattered around us in which I am confident enough that they will also join in if we ask them. Also, have you contacted the High Council yet? I heard they took your mate because he's a pureblood?" Reagan asked interestingly.
"That's what our elder told me. That my mate is indeed a pureblood and may be a son of a God or a Goddess." I breathed out as I stared through the crowd.
"Then maybe the High Council have the right to know especially if we are dealing with a more powerful being than anyone of us," Reagan said and I silently thought of it.
"If we seriously need their help then we will contact them. But if not, then we will do this mission ourselves with the help of multiple packs. Just promise me one thing Reagan." I stated, turning my gaze to him once again.
"Keep this bit of information between us. I don't want anyone taking an interest in this because my mate happens to be a demigod."
"You have my word Arthur. I will never spill this to anyone even my mate." He stated and I gave him a grateful smile.
"Thank you."
He patted my back. "No problem."
With that, I turned my attention back to the crowd in front of me.
As I scanned them and observed how they interact with Reagan's pack, a single thought came to my mind.
That hopefully, this help from other packs will be enough to get my mate back.
The moment all the warriors of both packs are done preparing, we all headed out. It was evident that everyone was very eager to go search for Ash even the Blood Spring members. I can see it in their eyes. The look of pure determination and the drive which gave me the assurance that this mission will be successful.
All the divided groups went to their assigned direction as well as my group.
As we jogged into the dark and silent forest, Reagan's wolf Jannix approached next to me. He turned his furry head towards my direction while giving me a look. And knowing we can't communicate using mind link, it was a tough job comprehending what he was trying to tell me.
He then shook his head and suddenly sprinted ahead of me. And once he was a few meters away, he went to a stop.
Me along with the guys behind also halted. I looked at Reagan questioningly which caused him to shift back to his human form.
"I was just trying to warn you that we're about to enter a pack border." He stated.
Realizing that I wasn't able to respond, I shifted to my human form as well. "What pack are we about to enter?"
"Midnight Lake Pack. It's one of those small packs that resides in the forest. But even with their small numbers, we still have to respect their territory; especially if we're both an Alpha, it would be a huge dishonor if we violate the rules ourselves." Reagan said making me thank him silently.
He's right. It would be a huge dishonor if we violate rules created by the high council.
"What are we going to do now? It would be a long way if we go around the pack just for us to continue."
"Let me talk to their Alpha. He's a good friend of our family since this pack has been an alliance for a long time." He offered and I thankfully agreed.
"Well, then I guess we'll wait," I announced.
"No need." An unfamiliar voice suddenly rang into the conversation, causing for both me and Reagan to snap our heads towards the source of the voice. "Reagan, it's nice to see you again my friend, but what brought you here. And with all these men with you?" The guy who I assumed is the Alpha, Reagan talked about earlier.
"Michael, glad you're here. I was just about to call you and ask for permission if we can go through your pack." Reagan said as he stepped forward.
The guy with the name 'Michael' gave him a look of curiosity. "What for? Are you guys in some kind of mission or something?"
"Actually, we are," Reagan replied turning his attention to me. "This is Arthur Trevino, Alpha of the Crescent Moon pack. And he's on a mission of finding his mate who was being kidnapped."
"Are you kidding? Crescent Moon? The famous pack from Northern Arizona?" Michael asked in surprise.
"None other than." Reagan chuckled making me roll my eyes.
We are not that famous. My Dad, as well the former Alphas have made the pack known worldwide for having a very well trained pack members and warriors. They are the ones who raised the pack's name because of the way they run and ruled. While as for me, all I did was continue their legacy.
"It's nice to finally meet you Alpha," Michael said as we shake hands. "Holy sh*t. Man, this is a dream come true." He exclaimed happily. "But anyway, you said you're mate was kidnapped? When did it happen?"
"A few days ago. The last location his phone gave me was in Memphis, Tennessee. That's why we decided to start the search from there and so on." I spoke up making him frown.
"I see. That is indeed a long way from Arizona. But yeah, if it is needed to go through my pack, it is completely fine. Besides, you guys are here for a very important mission and the least I can do is help," Michael said making me send him a thankful smile.
"Thanks Michael. I will see this as a great help." I told him with a grateful nod.
He smiled. "No worries, Alpha. Now go, I know you're mate is waiting for you somewhere. And I wish you all the best. I'll pray to the Gods for your mate's safety and for this mission to be successful."
I gave his shoulder a tap. "Thank you. I really appreciate your help."
"You are welcome."
And with that, Reagan and I shifted to our huge wolf form and continued on with the mission of finding my mate.
I have to get Ash as soon as possible. Especially with this nagging feeling in my stomach that tells me something wrong is going on with him.
I don't know what it is but one thing I'm certain is that this will make things ten times harder for Ash.
"We'll get to our mate in no time Arthur, just trust that we can," Zion said encouragingly inside my head.
"I just can't shake this odd feeling."
"I know, I can feel it too." He admitted which only made me feel anxious even more.
"What do you think is it?" I asked looking for a concrete answer.
"I may be wrong but I'm guessing he's about to go into heat."
Ashley's POV
For the whole day, Winter kept polishing the escape plan he had come up with. He said he wanted to make it as safe for me as possible. As usual, I talked to him about thinking for his safety also but then he will just lecture me about the dangers that might happen to me if he wasn't planning the escape enough. So knowing I don't have any choice anymore, I decided to help him instead.
After meeting Winter for just a few days, I noticed that he can be very stubborn as well, just like me. So I figured not to fight him any further knowing it's completely useless.
"So those guys will be having a little break at lunch?" I asked as I pointed to the screen where two guys are standing on guard.
Winter nodded his head. "Yes, those guys don't stay there for long. They will be replaced at lunchtime and then those who will take their place will also be replaced by almost midnight."
"And that's the time where we have close to 15 minutes to escape right?"
He nodded again. "Correct." He said as he turned his attention back to the phone. "These two scary buff guys, as well as these guys, will leave at 11:45 pm giving us 15 minutes to do the escape plan." He then tapped the screen showing us another part of the area. "Basically almost everyone standing on guard will leave their station giving us the advantage of escaping successfully."
I frowned. "Okay, just a little thought though. Why do they leave their stations unguarded for 15 minutes without anyone replacing them right away? Don't you think it's a silly move for them to leave it open for anyone to come and go?" I asked curiously.
He hummed thinking about the thought I voiced out. "That's a good question and to be very honest, I don't know why they do that."
"How long have you been watching them?"
"Two days ago. And it's been their daily routine since then. Which leads me to build this escape plan." He admitted making me frown again.
"Do you have a backup plan?" I asked feeling a bit antsy all of a sudden.
"Uhm, I don't." He stated honestly.
I nodded. "Don't you think it would be a wise move if we have a back up just in case?"
He nodded his head in thought. "I know. I just can't think or find any way we can make a backup plan. The only escape we have at the moment is the small sewage in this house. If we go other than that, it'll be very dangerous for both of us, especially for you."
I sighed.
"Is there any place in this house that is not being monitored by CCTV's 24/7?" I asked in hopes of coming up with a second plan.
He paused for a second then turned to the phone. "Other than the maintenance area leading to the sewage, I don't see any place that is not being on watch." He said as he scanned his phone with furrowed brows.
I sighed again, disappointed that I wasn't able to come up with anything useful.
"Ash, I know it's frustrating not to find an alternative escape route, but believe me, I've been in this house for over three years and every time they take me out, I use it to my advantage to examine the surroundings. And now that Jordan came to our rescue and gave us tools to escape at least unharmed, I think it's the best way we can go." He admitted making me look up at him with an unsure look.
"I know that Winter. It's just that.... I-I feel like something isn't right."
He frowned as he tilted his head waiting for me to speak up.
"I don't know what it is but it's there."
"Tell me what's in your mind, Ash." He said with a comforting tone in his voice.
"If ever I offend you because of this, then I'm very, very sorry. It's just that, ever since you told me Jordan came back and gave you all these things just to help both of us escape, didn't put my mind at ease."
"Why?" He asked interested to know my answer.
"Well, I just had the feeling that Azrael was once again using him."
"What do you mean?" He paused as he gave me a confused look. "We both know that Ash. That Azrael is using Jordan's physical body."
I shook my head. "No, it's not what I'm trying to say. I am very well aware that Azrael is using Jordan's physical body just so he can get to me, but what I mean with using him is, using Jordan's physical body as well as his soul. Like you said, Jordan sold his soul to Azrael. So that also means he had full control towards Jordan whenever he wishes to."
"So are you saying that the Jordan that came to me that day isn't the real Jordan? Is that it?" He asked with a frown visible on his features.
I simply nodded my head in confirmation.
"Do you have any proof?"
I shook my head. "No, I don't."
"Then how can you be so sure?" He questioned with a bit of anger in his tone.
"I told you, I have this bad feeling. I don't know how to properly explain it in details for you to understand but, my innermost thought told me something is wrong." I blurted out slowly feeling frustrated.
He sighed. "I didn't mean to give that kind of tone to you Ash. I'm just stressed with all this planning thing going on."
"It's fine. It's just, my mind keeps sending me red flags about this. It keeps telling me that Azrael have something planned and that he is just making fun of us." I admitted as I rubbed my face feeling exhausted.
"I understand. You're worried, but so am I. This plan can be a disaster or can be a complete success, and the only way to find if it'll be either of the two is if we try."
"I know. And you're right, I'm just beyond worried that's why I keep thinking all these nonsense things."
"They are not nonsense, Ash. They are things that made total sense. Who knows what Azrael is thinking right now. He's always unpredictable and so are the others. And the only thing we can do is to prepare ourselves for it. If ever he does have a plan of making fun of us then we'll be prepared for it."
I sighed with a single nod. "You're right. What's the purpose of all this planning if we don't even take action."
"Exactly. And like I said, if ever Azrael plans on leading us to a trap, we'll be extra careful and observant." He paused as he looked at me with determination. "Now, shall we continue with the planning?" He asked and I responded to him with a smile.
"Right." I smiled causing him to smile back as well.
"Okay then. Back to where we left off. So as I have said, we have 15 minutes of escape time, which means we have to move fast or we'll get caught. Also, it is worth mentioning that once I disable the cameras in the hallways and around the house, the operators will instantly be on alert and will do anything to get connected again, which also means we have to be very, very careful." Winter instructed and I willingly listened.
"Wait. Hold on." I halted him as I remembered something.
"What is it?"
"Well, I remembered what you said yesterday about some guards standing next to the main door? How are we going to get past through that?" I questioned.
"Yes, There will still be guards there." He then tapped the screen again leading us to the CCTV camera located near the main front door. "These guys will remain in position until the quick meeting is over. Which leaves us to the only route left, the maintenance room leading to where the sewage system is located." He paused again as he showed me the view on the phone. "This door right here is where the maintenance room, and if you notice, when you turn left on that corner, a few doors ahead will be the main door and main entrance to the house, which is where the guards remain on standby."
I nodded as I stared at the screen. "Okay, got it."
"So by then, we don't have any choice but to use the sewage system to get us out. Besides, the sewage is the only thing less dangerous route for us to take. So even if it's dirty and smelly, it is also our way to freedom." He stated.
I smiled. "I don't have a problem with the sewage system being our escape route at all. If it means for the both of us getting the heck out of here alive and unharmed, I'll take it any day."
Winter smiled gratefully. "I know this escape plan terrifies you Ash, but do know that I am here for you no matter what. I made a promise to protect you and I will never, ever break it."
"Thank you Winter. I will forever be grateful to you for doing this." I told as I gave him a smile.
He suddenly bowed his head at me. "It's an honor protecting you, Your Highness."
With that, my eyebrows immediately rose up. "What are you doing?"
"You're a son of a God, Ash. It just fit that I give you all of my respect." He admitted.
"Uh, we're still unsure about that. Until it is confirmed, you can't go and just straight up bow your head at me, because I am still the normal Ash, born mortal, and weird as hell, Okay?" I corrected making him shake his head in disagreement.
"So, is Azrael practically putting his cum inside you and impregnating you so he can have an immortal offspring not enough to confirm that you are indeed a demigod?" He argued and I rolled my eyes.
"I am aware of that Winter. But chances are, he just mistaken me for a pureblood and that, I am not the one he is looking for." I argued back.
"Uhm, I'm sorry to break it up to you Ash, but they are never wrong. Especially if as powerful as Azrael sensed it himself."
"Then maybe his senses just freaking malfunctioned?"
He chuckled. "His senses never malfunctions, Ash. It's just like us werewolves, we have this strong senses that we can always depend on. As well as for Azrael, there may be tons of unimaginable things he can do as well as sense he might acquire, and I bet millions that those senses he got, never makes mistakes. It is pure instincts."
"But then again, what if I am not the one he's looking for? And that his senses just malfunctioned?" I stubbornly argued back.
Winter face-palmed and sighed. "You are impossible, Ash. I swear to the Gods."
I giggled. "That's me alright. I'm stubborn as hell and I am weird since manufactured inside my mother's womb."
He chuckled as he shook his head. "Yeah, I kind of figured that out myself actually."
"The what? Me being stubborn or me being so weird?"
"Both to be honest." He answered with a smile.
"Well then good for you." I responded back making both of us chuckle.
"But anyway, I have to turn this phone off since it only has 45 percent of battery left. And later we will use this to escape."
I nodded my head and went to pick up the bottle of water next to me. The plastic container feels warm in my hand which I bet the water inside it will also be the same.
How I wish it was cold so I can quench my thirst.
As I was about to take a sip, Winter let out a scream startling me in the process.
"Oh my god." He breathed out.
"What?" I asked as I looked at him questioningly.
"Look." He said while pointing to the bottle of water I was currently holding.
I looked at it and was instantly shocked at what I saw.
Like on instinct, I dropped the object to the ground and turned my gaze to Winter and back to the bottled water.
The water inside the bottle that was once in a liquid state just seconds ago, turned to solid ice. And what's odd about it is that I didn't even notice the cold feeling.
"How did you do that?" He asked still looking shocked.
"Do what?"
"That!" He exclaimed motioning on the frozen bottle water on the ground. "How did you turn that liquid water to ice in less than a second?"
I looked at him unsure and back to the bottled water, and back to him again.
"I-I don't know."
He gaped. "I literally saw with my own eyes how you turned the water to ice, Ashley."
I frowned. "Are you sure? What if it was already in a solid-state before you even saw it?"
"No, I am sure I saw the water turned to ice right after you took hold of the bottle." He argued. "And look at that, even your hand, palm, as well as fingertips have ice." He pointed out and I quickly went to take a look.
And there is. Yet, I still don't feel a cold feeling. Normally, if your hands get covered with ice, or when you're holding one, your hands will start to get numb. But for me, it just felt like holding a regular bottle with supposed to be liquid water in it.
"How did you do it, Ash?" Winter asked again.
I looked down at the steaming bottled water on the ground and simply shook my head.
"I don't know," I said lowly.
He sighed shakily. "So are you still going to argue with me about the demigod thing? Because that sh*t just gave me a ton of proof."
I didn't respond to him. Instead, I remained staring at the frozen bottled water sitting only a few inches away from me.
Isn't it wonderful being in a state of pure bliss where all you feel is peace and nothing else? Being in a state where you don't have to worry about anything that can harm you and hurt you? I must say, it was paradise.
But, like any other things, it didn't last long.
I was taken away from my haven when consciousness overcame my system and brought me back to the horrible reality I was currently in.
As I slowly opened my eyes, I realized that everything was dark. I blinked and tried to focus my eyesight to the ceiling until a faint light was finally starting to get visible. And as I fully gained control of my sight, I turned to my left and saw the light coming from the moon creeping into the window and into the dark room. When I averted my gaze from the window to the bed placed next to me, I saw that it was empty.
When it dawned on me that it was Winter's bed and saw that he wasn't in there, I was instantly panic stricken.
I immediately sat up in alarm as I looked back left and right inside the room. But as I was about to get out of bed, I saw Winter sitting with his back resting on the wall and with a phone in his hand.
I frowned. "Where did you get that?" I asked making him jump and almost dropping the phone from his grasp.
"Oh my goodness, Ashley." He sighed. "You scared me." He said as he placed a hand on his chest.
"Sorry." I apologized lowly as I turned my attention back to the window. "What time is it?" I asked as I figured it would be late at night seeing the moon was already high up on the horizon.
"11:36 pm." He replied as he made a quick glance on the phone.
I turned my gaze back at him. "Oh. Uhm, so where did you get that phone?"
He went quiet for a second before looking at me in the eyes. "Didn't I tell you earlier after you woke up?"
I shrugged not remembering what he said. I didn't even remember I woke up, what more all those words he told me.
"I don't remember," I stated while rubbing my eyes still feeling a bit tired and sleepy, and at the same time sore.
"Okay then." He mumbled as he locked the phone. "So I got this phone from Jordan." He mumbled again making me ask if I heard him correctly.
"I'm sorry, from who?" I asked for confirmation.
"Jordan." He said as he played with the phone in his hands.
"But he's Azra.....oh." I paused as I processed the thought in my head. "But how?" I questioned in confusion.
"I don't know really." He shook his head a little.
I furrowed my brows in thought. "But how are you so sure it was one hundred percent Jordan and not Azrael pretending as your mate?" I asked getting suspicious all of a sudden.
"I know it was him. The scent, his aura, and his wolf. I can feel his wolf which instantly made me believe it was indeed him." He explained effectively silencing me up.
"Oh." Is all I said.
He smiled as he looked into the wall while recalling earlier's events. "When I was certain it was him, I made sure to cherish every second I spend with him and put it in my memory. Because who knows it might be the last." He paused as he continued staring into the wall.
"I felt complete once again knowing he was back." He said with a smile gazing his face.
"The sparks, the feeling of contentment and happiness immediately ran through my body, which I haven't experienced for what feels like an eternity. And at that very moment, I was utterly grateful that he came back. His touch that I longed for so long, his warmth that I missed so dearly, and just him. I longed for him." He stated as he kept staring into the wall in a trance state.
He then turned his eyes to me and instantly saw tears building up waiting to be shed. "I never thought I'd get to feel those feelings ever again Ash, But I did. And I'm very happy." He said as his voice cracked at the end of his sentence.
Knowing that it would be best to go and sit next to him for comfort, I got out of my bed and sat next to him on the wall as I engulfed him into a hug. He then rested his head into my shoulder as he continued remembering what had happened earlier.
"And do you want to know what he said to me?"
"What?" I mumbled softly.
"He promised me that he's going to come back. That he'll do everything just to be with me again even if it means that he had to fight the devil himself every day. If the prize of winning against the Azrael is to be with me then he'll do it in a heartbeat." He said as warm liquid landed on my shoulder.
After realizing that he's crying, I started rubbing his shoulder comfortingly.
"And I know he will never break that promise." He whispered as another tear dropped into my shoulder.
"I'm glad he came back for you Winter."
"I know. Me too." He said as he pulled away.
He rested his head on the wall as we both remain in silence. He was still sniffing and trying to compose himself back, but I know deep down he's sad he only get to be with his mate for a short amount of time. But I also know that even with that short amount of time, it meant a lot to him.
He then wiped away the tears on his eyes and on his cheeks as he sat up straighter as he turned his attention to me.
"What about you Ash, do you miss your mate?" He asked sending the subject to me.
"I do," I responded with a small smile while looking down on my hands. " But I don't know if he does."
"What are you talking about? Of course, he misses you. You're his mate!" He replied back while sending me a look that tells me what I said was the craziest thing in the world.
"You don't understand Winter," I mumbled lowly.
"Well, explain it to me so I can understand then."
I looked up at him and instantly saw his serious expression.
"I felt dirty," I mumbled again.
Winter sighed audibly. "If this is because of what happened earlier......." He started but I immediately cut him off.
"It is," I said. "No matter how hard I keep telling myself I'll get through it, I always end up lying to myself, Winter. And Jacob? He was the person who took me against my will when I was still in high school. He's the one who took me in the middle of nowhere in which I thought he's going to open up about his problems when in reality, his motives were to rape me. He's the one who ruined my life and now for the second time, he succeeded again. And I don't even know if I'll be able to stand up after this."
Winter sat there unable to utter a word as he stared at me.
"And now I don't know why he's here, why and how he's related to Azrael, and why he came back to my life." I finished as I looked down averting my gaze from him.
He sighed as he scooted closer to me.
"I'm sorry, I'm being very insensitive." Winter apologized as he placed his hand on top of mine. "I didn't know what happened, I'm so sorry Ash."
I nodded, still not meeting his gaze. "It's fine. It's just that, I don't know if Arthur will ever want me again after what happened. I never told anyone about this because I was scared they'll turn their backs on me. I'm dirty and I'm used. I don't deserve to be called his mate."
He sighed once again. "Ash, no matter what happened to you before are all in the past. I know it's never easy to accept that someone took your innocence against your will, but please, never ever give up. Life has so much in store for you, for us, for the good or bad. And whichever we face along the way, I know everything contains a lesson we can apply to ourselves as we go and move forward."
"I know that, but if you experienced what I've been through, I know, and I know for sure that those things you said will be tough to apply."
He nodded. "I'm aware. But at least try, Ash. If you can't find the will to do it for yourself, then find the strength in those who love you."
I looked up and met his gaze as I ponder what he said.
"I may not know what you're going through, but at least try to cope with what happened and try standing back up again. I know this isn't easy for you, but when you have the people you love in your mind, I'm sure you will be able to recover again." Winter stated in a comforting way.
I nodded. "I hope I can."
He smiled with confidence. "I know you can. You're Ash. A person who fell after being ruined once and still managed to stand up. Now for the second time, you will rise back up again and much stronger than before. Besides, you're the son of the Moon Goddess. I bet you can even defeat Azrael in a blink of an eye."
I smiled appreciating his effort in cheering me up and giving me the strength to try and fight for my life. "Thanks, Winter."
He beamed, not giving a care that he had puffy eyes. "You're welcome." He paused. "But kidding aside though, I really do think you have the potential to fight Azrael and defeat him."
I bit my lip in thought. "What made you think that?"
He shrugged. "Well, if the rumors are true that you are the son of a Goddess from a werewolf, then that means you're a hybrid demigod. The possibility of you possessing power from your parents is very likely. Who knows, maybe you're even stronger than the Moon Goddess herself, and maybe you possess the strength from your father."
And that instantly threw me to the dream I had in which I was able to defeat and kill Azrael while saving Jordan's life.
But I also have other thoughts. One of those is the fact that the parents I grew up in aren't my real parents.
"How is that possible?" I asked merely in a whisper.
"The what exactly?" Winter countered.
"If I am, as what you say, the son of the Moon Goddess and a werewolf, then how did I end up with the family I know?" I questioned, causing him to furrow his brows in confusion.
"What do you mean?"
"I grew up in a family that is all human. And as far as I know, my Mom, Cathy, gave birth to me. I saw all the pictures during her labor and when I was finally born." I stated.
"So you're saying you didn't grow up with either your werewolf father or your goddess of a mother?"
I shook my head. "I live a completely normal life when I was a kid. I grew up with my siblings and then finally moved here in the states." I admitted.
"Wait, so you weren't born here in America?" He questioned interestingly.
I shook my head again. "No. I was born back in the Philippines. We just recently moved here after my Mom took me, along with my Dad and sister."
Winter just sat there, not uttering a word.
"If I am what you say I am, then that means my parents have something they're not telling me," I spoke.
Winter sighed. "I'm afraid they do."
And with that, silence engulfed us for a few minutes until I decided to speak once again.
"I had a really weird dream once," I stated, earning Winter's attention.
"Yeah? What was it about?" He questioned tilting his head in curiosity.
I bit my bottom lip as I tried to gather the memory I had about the dream.
"Well, I remember being in a very scary, dark, and endless looking hallway." I started. "Then I remembered looking for a way out. That I was searching the hallway for an exit until I was finally able to find one. I tried to open the door but it won't budge no matter how I turned the knob, kick on the hinges, and slam my shoulders on it. I also remembered being controlled by Azrael, but I fought back and freed myself. And then there was that moment when flames and lightning bolts came out of my hands and fought Azrael with it until I managed to win. I also remembered saving Jordan's life after I defeated Azrael." I stated as I recalled the dream as best as I can.
Winter hummed as he thought deeply about it.
"That doesn't sound like a dream to me, Ash." He said.
I frowned.
"Then what?" I asked as I anticipated to hear an answer.
"It sounded more like a vision being shown in a dream." He said. "A vision that you defeated Azrael."
My eyes slightly widened at that.
"Oh," I responded taken aback of what he said.
"What if you really have powers and you just didn't know it? And what if you having powers isn't just a mere possibility at all?" He stated as he kept his gaze at me.
I wasn't able to say anything due to the fact that I was very overwhelmed.
I've only known the werewolf species for a very short time and I know so little about them. Yet, here I am, being told that I am a son of a Goddess and that, I may have inherited her abilities. Only a few weeks ago I was living a simple life, as a simple human being, with my family and had a happy relationship with my boyfriend. But now, I can't believe or even wrap my head around the fact of how things have turned for me.
"Ash," Winter said bringing my thoughts back to earth,
"What?"
"What if the rumors are true and that you really are a demigod?" He asked and I opened my mouth to give him a reply, but when I figured I have nothing to respond, I shut them back up.
Winter and I were talking about the possibilities of me being a demigod when he suddenly changed the subject.
"Oh Uhm, we were talking about Jordan earlier right?" He asked in which I nodded in reply.
"Yeah, What about it?"
"Well, I kinda forgot to mention that I made a promise that I will get you out of here as soon as possible."
"What?" I asked, obviously surprised.
"We don't know if those rumors circulating around here about Azrael's real intention why he took you captive is true, Ash. But if they are indeed the truth, then you're in grave danger."
"But.'. But how are we gonna get past all the guards?" I glanced out the window.
Winter held my hands and gave me a reassuring smile. "Well, we won't be able to get out if we don't try, will we?"
I looked at him a bit skeptical.
"But it's too risky, Winter."
He shrugged. "I'm willing to take the risk, rather than not trying at all." He said.
I bit my bottom lip. "What if one of us got hurt in the process?" I asked in fear as the possibilities of us getting caught swarmed my brain.
"As I said, if it means we both get out of here, then I'm willing to take the risk. Even if I get hurt in the process, as long as we got out and you're safe, then the bruises, cuts, and wounds would be all worth it." He said as he stared into my eyes.
I sighed as I shook my head at his statement.
"Winter, this escape thing is just too dangerous for both of us," I stated still skeptical about the idea.
Don't get me wrong, I want to get the hell out of this place so bad. But maybe in some other way that won't at least cause the both of us any harm. Or maybe lessen the chances.
"Ash, there is no other way we can escape this place that isn't dangerous. Anywhere we go, every step we make will always be life-threatening. The only thing we can do to make things a little less harmful for both of us is to plan this escape carefully. Every little detail must be polished before we do any action, and every little information must never be left unstudied. That is why I'm doing all of this spying right now. I want to make sure that everything is well planned out." He said.
"This may not be promisingly safe for the two of us, but if the result is escaping this hell hole with little to no cuts, wounds, or scratches then that would be awesome. And all I'm asking from you is your support, that's all." He stated and to be honest, right after he finished, I didn't know what to say as my response.
I looked down into my hands and started playing with them.
"I just don't want you getting hurt because of me," I mumbled near a whisper as I kept playing with my fingers.
"That's inevitable Ash. If ever something happens to me out there during this escape, it's not because you weren't there able to protect me. It is because it's completely out of your control or neither my control. Yes, it may be prevented in some way but if it's destined to happen then there is no way we can stop it from happening." He stated again which caused me to think about the escape plan a lot harder. "And if I did end up getting hurt or dead during our escape, at least I know my life was given to me with a great purpose." He added making me look at him with a frown on my face.
"Don't say that. Nothing is going to happen to both of us, okay." I told him as I give his hand a slight slap as he giggled.
"Like I said, Ash. It is inevitable. If I did end up dead, don't ever think it's your fault because it's me that made the choice of helping you. So don't ever put that kind of thought in your head just in case I did die." He said with a serious look on his face.
"Stop. You're not going to die, Winter. We'll get out of here, both safe and unharmed." I argued which made him giggle again.
"You really are stubborn." He commented with a tilt of his head. "But death is unstoppable, Ash. Death isn't something we can decide on or something we can skip ourselves from. Death itself is time, that once you or I, or even everyone breathing on this earth run out, then clearly, it's your time to go." He argued back which only made me hesitate on agreeing on this escape plan of his.
He didn't even tell me his plan yet. And here we are thinking about the outcome. How amazing.
"Then why is Azrael the Angel of death if death is time itself?" I asked quickly as a thought came into my mind.
"Because the Gods and Goddesses created him after the creation of time along with many other angels in their respective roles." He explained but I was still unable to understand it.
"So are you saying the Gods and Goddesses created death?" I asked as I looked at him with a confused expression.
"Well, as I was taught, they said that death existed after the creation of time and that death was meant as a phase for those souls whose time had ended. It's how the Gods choose whether those souls go to heaven or go to hell. So yeah, the Gods may or may not have created death." He said and I gave him a nod.
"Okay, then why does Azrael have the power of taking someone's life if death itself is time?" I questioned which seemingly caught Winter's curiosity as well.
"That's a good question. Well from what I gathered after I started reading stuff about my kind and also our origins, I stumbled upon Azrael's powers and his abilities. And it said in that book that Azrael do have that power of taking one's life 'ONLY' if it is needed. But as for Azrael's case, he didn't obey God's commands and used this ability to his own advantage."
"Wait, what does that mean?" I asked in bewilderment.
"Well, it means that Azrael turned against the Gods thousands of years ago and defied their ruling and went on his own way. But instead of them straight-out terminating Azrael, they only withdrew his ability to live forever and left him to rot." He explained, and a thought instantly popped into my mind.
"If the Gods took Azrael's immortality, then why is he still alive till now?" I asked as I waited for his reply.
"By killing anyone he desires and consuming their souls. In that way, he can prolong his life." He stated which effectively appalled me to the very core.
"So how did Jordan kept himself from being consumed by Azrael when technically, Azrael owns his physical body?" I questioned with furrowed brows.
He shook his head. "I don't know. But I'm guessing Azrael kept him as his slave. I knew that once the soul leaves or dies, the physical body also dies. So I'm guessing Azrael kept my mate as his slave so he can use Jordan's body."
And when a more unnerving thought appeared on my mind, I can't help but voice it out loud to Winter.
"And I'm guessing the reason why he wanted me to carry his offspring is for him to gain immortality back again?" I breathed out as I stared into Winter's frightened eyes.
He then slowly nodded his head, confirming my thought. "If you're indeed a son of a Goddess, then that makes you carry her purity and immortality, the reason why Azrael is after you."
"But why does he need an heir in order to be immortal?" I questioned again, clearly baffled about the information I found out.
"Once his offspring is old enough, he will transfer himself and his consciousness to his child's body that is more powerful and more destructive and fulfill his desire on being immortal." He stated with fright showing in his eyes.
"Oh my god." I breathed out shakily as all of that information finally sink in.
"And he can fulfill his desires in three days during the full moon if we didn't manage to escape."
I looked into his frightened eyes once again. "What are we going to do?"
He gave me a small smile. "So here's what we're going to do. But before anything else, I wanna ask you something first." He said and I nodded, telling him to continue. "Do you trust me?" He asked staring into my eyes awaiting my response.
"Yes, I trust you, Winter."
He nodded. "That's what I wanted to hear." He sighed.
"Okay, here's my plan. I've been studying their behaviors and routine through CCTV cameras since yesterday, and I found out that at 11:45 in the evening they change guards in every station around the house, including those who are in the forest. And those who are roaming the hallways of this house will also leave to make way for the new guard to take their place. Now, once we make sure that the hallways are clear, we will spray our bodies with this strong perfume I found to confuse whoever catches our scent. And then I will disable the CCTVs for a few seconds to get us out of sight from the operators. Then once we're in the hallway, we'll go to the left, and at the end of the hallway, there will be stairs leading down to the ground floor. But, this will be the time it gets a little tricky. There will still be two guards standing next to the door which leads outside, which leaves us to the only exit we have which is the sewage system. A few doors to the right, there will be another door which leads to the maintenance, there we can find a small entryway into the sewer which leads us out to the river a few meters away from the house. And once we're in the river, I will shift to my wolf and I want you to ride on my back. We will run west and search for a pack that can help us. Then if things go smoothly, we'll go from there and continue." He stopped and I took the moment of silence to absorb all he said.
"Tomorrow at the same time as they change the guards we will sneak out of the house, and we have to be fast since we only have 15 minutes to get out before the new guards go to their stations." He paused and showed me a bunch of keys on his hand as well as the phone. "This phone and keys will be our tool to get out. So, Ash, I'm just going to ask you one thing. Be ready."
With that, I gave him a nod which he replied with a grateful smile and a pat on the shoulder. "We can do this," I stated positively while sending him a determined look.
"We can do this." He repeated, and with that, we prepared ourselves for our escape.
Arthur's POV
After we landed, we didn't waste our precious time and immediately went to Blood Spring's packhouse. Their Alpha who is a good friend of mine and my father agreed to help search for my mate. Since they were stationed farther out of the city, I told my men as well as Lukas who will lead them that they will have to rent a house temporarily until they are done searching the city's perimeter. While as for me and my Gamma, along with my Dad and Ash's Dad, we all went to the packhouse. I left Brandon to take care of the pack while I'm gone. I didn't want to leave the pack vulnerable for anyone to attack, that's why we decided to leave Brandon behind.
"Alpha, when would you like to start the search?" Chandler asked as we all piled into Alpha Reagan's Office.
Dad turned to me and waited for my response. "I would like to start tonight."
Chandler nodded along with the other pack members.
"And what are your instructions?" Connor chimed in.
"We'll divide our group to four and we will search all direction. Chandler, you and your group will search the west. Dad, you and your troupe will begin the search in the south. Connor, I hate you but I need your Beta title now, so don't disappoint me." I paused as Connor nodded his head. "Okay since Reagan's warriors will be with you, I want you and your group to search the east. While as for me, Reagan, and along with Ben, we will search the north. Now, if ever you spotted something unusual, weird or out of the norm, immediately report it to me or Reagan but most importantly to me. I want to know what is happening in this search and I want no casualties or pack members having injuries, Heard?"
"Yes, Alpha." They all replied in chorus.
"Also," Reagan spoke up, gaining their attention. "There are multiple smaller packs scattered around so please be careful not to trespass their territory. If ever, it can't be prevented that some of you needed to go through their land, please do ask their Alpha as politely as you can. We don't want an angry Alpha up our tails when the main reason why we are doing this is to find your missing Luna. So please, be more careful."
I nodded in agreement on Reagan's statement. "You heard Alpha Reagan. This is not our land so be more observant in your surroundings to prevent stepping into a pack's territory without permission. Also, put in mind that we are greatly surrounded by the human population, so be careful not to show yourselves in wolf form when in a neighborhood or just merely a place that is crowded with humans. The objective of this mission is to get my mate; your Luna safely, and we'll travel back to our lands and resume our lives. We don't want people finding out about our kind specially now that technology is very rampant. So be very extra careful and observant of your surroundings. Am I clear?"
"Yes, Alphas." They responded at the same time.
"Good. We want all of you to gather in the yard so we can start dividing you guys into groups. The faster we finish grouping all of you, the faster we can start the search." I stated, and with that, they all stood to their feet and made their way out to the yard.
When the large office was almost empty with only me, Alpha Reagan, my Dad, Ash's Dad, and third in command, as well as Connor, we also stood up from our chairs.
"Have you contacted the northern, southern, and eastern packs yet, Arthur? They can be a big help to this mission if they also participate." Reagan stated, making me turn my gaze to him.
"I have contacted the northern and southern packs but I still haven't with the eastern," I admitted honestly as Reagan nodded his head.
"Crimson Forrest pack is the biggest to reside on the eastern part, maybe it's best if I, myself contact them. You know Smith Walker right?" He asked and I rummaged my brain for that specific name.
"Is he the new Alpha of that pack?" I asked unsure.
"Yeah. He's the second born of Theodore and Teresa Walkers since the firstborn died after a rouge attack." He stated informatively.
I nodded, remembering the news I've heard about the said pack. "Yeah, I remembered. So I heard his also the famous Alpha that had two male mates who happen to be twins?"
Reagan nodded. "Yup. Lucky bastard having two mates that are equally emanating strong feminine auras, which was very weird since they are born humans. But anyway, I will contact them myself if you want." He offered and I didn't decline.
"That would be awesome, thanks, Rey." I smiled as I gave his shoulder a thankful pat.
"No worries, bro."
And with that, we made our way to the yard and started dividing 200 combined pack members of Blood Springs' and Crescent Moon's. It took us a while to divide them since we want to have at least a couple of Reagan's pack member in the group to help them maneuver around, knowing my pack members doesn't know the place. So we decided it would be best to have someone familiar with the place to prevent trespassing and all those unnecessary events from happening.
Finally, by almost 9 pm in the evening, we finished.
"Alright, go prepare because in less than 20 minutes we will leave to our respective stations to start the search," I shouted a command and they immediately went and obeyed.
As I stood there watching the crowd doing their own thing, Reagan approached me.
"So I have contacted the Alpha of the Crimson Forrest pack and he said he's in. He said he will send some of his men to go search his land as well as the other no man's land as their participation."
I nodded with a smile. "That's awesome. Hopefully, this will be enough for us to finally track my mate's location and make the f*cker who took him to pay for what he did.
"Hopefully it is. If not, there are still tons of smaller packs scattered around us in which I am confident enough that they will also join in if we ask them. Also, have you contacted the High Council yet? I heard they took your mate because he's a pureblood?" Reagan asked interestingly.
"That's what our elder told me. That my mate is indeed a pureblood and may be a son of a God or a Goddess." I breathed out as I stared through the crowd.
"Then maybe the High Council have the right to know especially if we are dealing with a more powerful being than anyone of us," Reagan said and I silently thought of it.
"If we seriously need their help then we will contact them. But if not, then we will do this mission ourselves with the help of multiple packs. Just promise me one thing Reagan." I stated, turning my gaze to him once again.
"Keep this bit of information between us. I don't want anyone taking an interest in this because my mate happens to be a demigod."
"You have my word Arthur. I will never spill this to anyone even my mate." He stated and I gave him a grateful smile.
"Thank you."
He patted my back. "No problem."
With that, I turned my attention back to the crowd in front of me.
As I scanned them and observed how they interact with Reagan's pack, a single thought came to my mind.
That hopefully, this help from other packs will be enough to get my mate back.
The moment all the warriors of both packs are done preparing, we all headed out. It was evident that everyone was very eager to go search for Ash even the Blood Spring members. I can see it in their eyes. The look of pure determination and the drive which gave me the assurance that this mission will be successful.
All the divided groups went to their assigned direction as well as my group.
As we jogged into the dark and silent forest, Reagan's wolf Jannix approached next to me. He turned his furry head towards my direction while giving me a look. And knowing we can't communicate using mind link, it was a tough job comprehending what he was trying to tell me.
He then shook his head and suddenly sprinted ahead of me. And once he was a few meters away, he went to a stop.
Me along with the guys behind also halted. I looked at Reagan questioningly which caused him to shift back to his human form.
"I was just trying to warn you that we're about to enter a pack border." He stated.
Realizing that I wasn't able to respond, I shifted to my human form as well. "What pack are we about to enter?"
"Midnight Lake Pack. It's one of those small packs that resides in the forest. But even with their small numbers, we still have to respect their territory; especially if we're both an Alpha, it would be a huge dishonor if we violate the rules ourselves." Reagan said making me thank him silently.
He's right. It would be a huge dishonor if we violate rules created by the high council.
"What are we going to do now? It would be a long way if we go around the pack just for us to continue."
"Let me talk to their Alpha. He's a good friend of our family since this pack has been an alliance for a long time." He offered and I thankfully agreed.
"Well, then I guess we'll wait," I announced.
"No need." An unfamiliar voice suddenly rang into the conversation, causing for both me and Reagan to snap our heads towards the source of the voice. "Reagan, it's nice to see you again my friend, but what brought you here. And with all these men with you?" The guy who I assumed is the Alpha, Reagan talked about earlier.
"Michael, glad you're here. I was just about to call you and ask for permission if we can go through your pack." Reagan said as he stepped forward.
The guy with the name 'Michael' gave him a look of curiosity. "What for? Are you guys in some kind of mission or something?"
"Actually, we are," Reagan replied turning his attention to me. "This is Arthur Trevino, Alpha of the Crescent Moon pack. And he's on a mission of finding his mate who was being kidnapped."
"Are you kidding? Crescent Moon? The famous pack from Northern Arizona?" Michael asked in surprise.
"None other than." Reagan chuckled making me roll my eyes.
We are not that famous. My Dad, as well the former Alphas have made the pack known worldwide for having a very well trained pack members and warriors. They are the ones who raised the pack's name because of the way they run and ruled. While as for me, all I did was continue their legacy.
"It's nice to finally meet you Alpha," Michael said as we shake hands. "Holy sh*t. Man, this is a dream come true." He exclaimed happily. "But anyway, you said you're mate was kidnapped? When did it happen?"
"A few days ago. The last location his phone gave me was in Memphis, Tennessee. That's why we decided to start the search from there and so on." I spoke up making him frown.
"I see. That is indeed a long way from Arizona. But yeah, if it is needed to go through my pack, it is completely fine. Besides, you guys are here for a very important mission and the least I can do is help," Michael said making me send him a thankful smile.
"Thanks Michael. I will see this as a great help." I told him with a grateful nod.
He smiled. "No worries, Alpha. Now go, I know you're mate is waiting for you somewhere. And I wish you all the best. I'll pray to the Gods for your mate's safety and for this mission to be successful."
I gave his shoulder a tap. "Thank you. I really appreciate your help."
"You are welcome."
And with that, Reagan and I shifted to our huge wolf form and continued on with the mission of finding my mate.
I have to get Ash as soon as possible. Especially with this nagging feeling in my stomach that tells me something wrong is going on with him.
I don't know what it is but one thing I'm certain is that this will make things ten times harder for Ash.
"We'll get to our mate in no time Arthur, just trust that we can," Zion said encouragingly inside my head.
"I just can't shake this odd feeling."
"I know, I can feel it too." He admitted which only made me feel anxious even more.
"What do you think is it?" I asked looking for a concrete answer.
"I may be wrong but I'm guessing he's about to go into heat."
Ashley's POV
For the whole day, Winter kept polishing the escape plan he had come up with. He said he wanted to make it as safe for me as possible. As usual, I talked to him about thinking for his safety also but then he will just lecture me about the dangers that might happen to me if he wasn't planning the escape enough. So knowing I don't have any choice anymore, I decided to help him instead.
After meeting Winter for just a few days, I noticed that he can be very stubborn as well, just like me. So I figured not to fight him any further knowing it's completely useless.
"So those guys will be having a little break at lunch?" I asked as I pointed to the screen where two guys are standing on guard.
Winter nodded his head. "Yes, those guys don't stay there for long. They will be replaced at lunchtime and then those who will take their place will also be replaced by almost midnight."
"And that's the time where we have close to 15 minutes to escape right?"
He nodded again. "Correct." He said as he turned his attention back to the phone. "These two scary buff guys, as well as these guys, will leave at 11:45 pm giving us 15 minutes to do the escape plan." He then tapped the screen showing us another part of the area. "Basically almost everyone standing on guard will leave their station giving us the advantage of escaping successfully."
I frowned. "Okay, just a little thought though. Why do they leave their stations unguarded for 15 minutes without anyone replacing them right away? Don't you think it's a silly move for them to leave it open for anyone to come and go?" I asked curiously.
He hummed thinking about the thought I voiced out. "That's a good question and to be very honest, I don't know why they do that."
"How long have you been watching them?"
"Two days ago. And it's been their daily routine since then. Which leads me to build this escape plan." He admitted making me frown again.
"Do you have a backup plan?" I asked feeling a bit antsy all of a sudden.
"Uhm, I don't." He stated honestly.
I nodded. "Don't you think it would be a wise move if we have a back up just in case?"
He nodded his head in thought. "I know. I just can't think or find any way we can make a backup plan. The only escape we have at the moment is the small sewage in this house. If we go other than that, it'll be very dangerous for both of us, especially for you."
I sighed.
"Is there any place in this house that is not being monitored by CCTV's 24/7?" I asked in hopes of coming up with a second plan.
He paused for a second then turned to the phone. "Other than the maintenance area leading to the sewage, I don't see any place that is not being on watch." He said as he scanned his phone with furrowed brows.
I sighed again, disappointed that I wasn't able to come up with anything useful.
"Ash, I know it's frustrating not to find an alternative escape route, but believe me, I've been in this house for over three years and every time they take me out, I use it to my advantage to examine the surroundings. And now that Jordan came to our rescue and gave us tools to escape at least unharmed, I think it's the best way we can go." He admitted making me look up at him with an unsure look.
"I know that Winter. It's just that.... I-I feel like something isn't right."
He frowned as he tilted his head waiting for me to speak up.
"I don't know what it is but it's there."
"Tell me what's in your mind, Ash." He said with a comforting tone in his voice.
"If ever I offend you because of this, then I'm very, very sorry. It's just that, ever since you told me Jordan came back and gave you all these things just to help both of us escape, didn't put my mind at ease."
"Why?" He asked interested to know my answer.
"Well, I just had the feeling that Azrael was once again using him."
"What do you mean?" He paused as he gave me a confused look. "We both know that Ash. That Azrael is using Jordan's physical body."
I shook my head. "No, it's not what I'm trying to say. I am very well aware that Azrael is using Jordan's physical body just so he can get to me, but what I mean with using him is, using Jordan's physical body as well as his soul. Like you said, Jordan sold his soul to Azrael. So that also means he had full control towards Jordan whenever he wishes to."
"So are you saying that the Jordan that came to me that day isn't the real Jordan? Is that it?" He asked with a frown visible on his features.
I simply nodded my head in confirmation.
"Do you have any proof?"
I shook my head. "No, I don't."
"Then how can you be so sure?" He questioned with a bit of anger in his tone.
"I told you, I have this bad feeling. I don't know how to properly explain it in details for you to understand but, my innermost thought told me something is wrong." I blurted out slowly feeling frustrated.
He sighed. "I didn't mean to give that kind of tone to you Ash. I'm just stressed with all this planning thing going on."
"It's fine. It's just, my mind keeps sending me red flags about this. It keeps telling me that Azrael have something planned and that he is just making fun of us." I admitted as I rubbed my face feeling exhausted.
"I understand. You're worried, but so am I. This plan can be a disaster or can be a complete success, and the only way to find if it'll be either of the two is if we try."
"I know. And you're right, I'm just beyond worried that's why I keep thinking all these nonsense things."
"They are not nonsense, Ash. They are things that made total sense. Who knows what Azrael is thinking right now. He's always unpredictable and so are the others. And the only thing we can do is to prepare ourselves for it. If ever he does have a plan of making fun of us then we'll be prepared for it."
I sighed with a single nod. "You're right. What's the purpose of all this planning if we don't even take action."
"Exactly. And like I said, if ever Azrael plans on leading us to a trap, we'll be extra careful and observant." He paused as he looked at me with determination. "Now, shall we continue with the planning?" He asked and I responded to him with a smile.
"Right." I smiled causing him to smile back as well.
"Okay then. Back to where we left off. So as I have said, we have 15 minutes of escape time, which means we have to move fast or we'll get caught. Also, it is worth mentioning that once I disable the cameras in the hallways and around the house, the operators will instantly be on alert and will do anything to get connected again, which also means we have to be very, very careful." Winter instructed and I willingly listened.
"Wait. Hold on." I halted him as I remembered something.
"What is it?"
"Well, I remembered what you said yesterday about some guards standing next to the main door? How are we going to get past through that?" I questioned.
"Yes, There will still be guards there." He then tapped the screen again leading us to the CCTV camera located near the main front door. "These guys will remain in position until the quick meeting is over. Which leaves us to the only route left, the maintenance room leading to where the sewage system is located." He paused again as he showed me the view on the phone. "This door right here is where the maintenance room, and if you notice, when you turn left on that corner, a few doors ahead will be the main door and main entrance to the house, which is where the guards remain on standby."
I nodded as I stared at the screen. "Okay, got it."
"So by then, we don't have any choice but to use the sewage system to get us out. Besides, the sewage is the only thing less dangerous route for us to take. So even if it's dirty and smelly, it is also our way to freedom." He stated.
I smiled. "I don't have a problem with the sewage system being our escape route at all. If it means for the both of us getting the heck out of here alive and unharmed, I'll take it any day."
Winter smiled gratefully. "I know this escape plan terrifies you Ash, but do know that I am here for you no matter what. I made a promise to protect you and I will never, ever break it."
"Thank you Winter. I will forever be grateful to you for doing this." I told as I gave him a smile.
He suddenly bowed his head at me. "It's an honor protecting you, Your Highness."
With that, my eyebrows immediately rose up. "What are you doing?"
"You're a son of a God, Ash. It just fit that I give you all of my respect." He admitted.
"Uh, we're still unsure about that. Until it is confirmed, you can't go and just straight up bow your head at me, because I am still the normal Ash, born mortal, and weird as hell, Okay?" I corrected making him shake his head in disagreement.
"So, is Azrael practically putting his cum inside you and impregnating you so he can have an immortal offspring not enough to confirm that you are indeed a demigod?" He argued and I rolled my eyes.
"I am aware of that Winter. But chances are, he just mistaken me for a pureblood and that, I am not the one he is looking for." I argued back.
"Uhm, I'm sorry to break it up to you Ash, but they are never wrong. Especially if as powerful as Azrael sensed it himself."
"Then maybe his senses just freaking malfunctioned?"
He chuckled. "His senses never malfunctions, Ash. It's just like us werewolves, we have this strong senses that we can always depend on. As well as for Azrael, there may be tons of unimaginable things he can do as well as sense he might acquire, and I bet millions that those senses he got, never makes mistakes. It is pure instincts."
"But then again, what if I am not the one he's looking for? And that his senses just malfunctioned?" I stubbornly argued back.
Winter face-palmed and sighed. "You are impossible, Ash. I swear to the Gods."
I giggled. "That's me alright. I'm stubborn as hell and I am weird since manufactured inside my mother's womb."
He chuckled as he shook his head. "Yeah, I kind of figured that out myself actually."
"The what? Me being stubborn or me being so weird?"
"Both to be honest." He answered with a smile.
"Well then good for you." I responded back making both of us chuckle.
"But anyway, I have to turn this phone off since it only has 45 percent of battery left. And later we will use this to escape."
I nodded my head and went to pick up the bottle of water next to me. The plastic container feels warm in my hand which I bet the water inside it will also be the same.
How I wish it was cold so I can quench my thirst.
As I was about to take a sip, Winter let out a scream startling me in the process.
"Oh my god." He breathed out.
"What?" I asked as I looked at him questioningly.
"Look." He said while pointing to the bottle of water I was currently holding.
I looked at it and was instantly shocked at what I saw.
Like on instinct, I dropped the object to the ground and turned my gaze to Winter and back to the bottled water.
The water inside the bottle that was once in a liquid state just seconds ago, turned to solid ice. And what's odd about it is that I didn't even notice the cold feeling.
"How did you do that?" He asked still looking shocked.
"Do what?"
"That!" He exclaimed motioning on the frozen bottle water on the ground. "How did you turn that liquid water to ice in less than a second?"
I looked at him unsure and back to the bottled water, and back to him again.
"I-I don't know."
He gaped. "I literally saw with my own eyes how you turned the water to ice, Ashley."
I frowned. "Are you sure? What if it was already in a solid-state before you even saw it?"
"No, I am sure I saw the water turned to ice right after you took hold of the bottle." He argued. "And look at that, even your hand, palm, as well as fingertips have ice." He pointed out and I quickly went to take a look.
And there is. Yet, I still don't feel a cold feeling. Normally, if your hands get covered with ice, or when you're holding one, your hands will start to get numb. But for me, it just felt like holding a regular bottle with supposed to be liquid water in it.
"How did you do it, Ash?" Winter asked again.
I looked down at the steaming bottled water on the ground and simply shook my head.
"I don't know," I said lowly.
He sighed shakily. "So are you still going to argue with me about the demigod thing? Because that sh*t just gave me a ton of proof."
I didn't respond to him. Instead, I remained staring at the frozen bottled water sitting only a few inches away from me.
End of Choosing Mr. Destiny Chapter 37. Continue reading Chapter 38 or return to Choosing Mr. Destiny book page.