Choosing Mr. Destiny - Chapter 43: Chapter 43
You are reading Choosing Mr. Destiny , Chapter 43: Chapter 43. Read more chapters of Choosing Mr. Destiny .
Arthur's POV
At exactly seven o'clock in the evening, we finally moved out towards our target. We crept into the woods professionally as to not give away our positions. Everyone was pumped up and was slowly driven by adrenaline. I, on the other hand, was nervous. Not because I'm not confident enough of our plan, but because I fear for my mate's well being. I know he's terrified, I can feel it as we got closer to the place Azrael held him captive. And I know he's even more scared because of the fact that he's carrying our pup. Our unborn little angel.
Just thinking that I'm going to be a father soon makes my happiness skyrockets to the moon, even with our current situation. I couldn't explain the exact feeling but I know it's something I'll never forget. But I also couldn't shrug the fact that they're in grave danger. And if I don't move fast and according to plan, I could end up losing both of them, and I can't let that happen.
I'd rather die than have my mate and my pup killed.
I shook the thought out of my head and forced myself to focus on the task.
"Connor, what's your position?" I asked through the mind link.
"We're almost there, Alpha. Just a couple meters more and we'll be by the river just as planned." He replied, making me mentally hum.
"Good. Be sure to stick to the plan, okay? And be careful."
He chuckled. "Are you finally softening up on me, Arthur?" He teased, going out of subject, causing me to roll my eyes.
I scoffed. "Not even close, a*shat. And don't get any ideas. I'm only keeping you under my pack because I know you're important to Ash."
"That still means you care." He responded back, making me try to suppress a groan.
"I could care less if you die, Connor," I told him flatly.
He laughed at that. "Don't worry, Buddy. I'll try not to die."
"There's not much space in the cemetery for you, that's why," I told him. "Now stay focused if you don't want to end up dead before even entering the mansion," I said using my Alpha voice.
"Yes, sir." He said playfully, causing me to growl at him.
I'll make a mental note to beat the sh*t out of that little f*cker once we're back at the pack.
After that, I turned to the men who joined me on this mission and thanked the Goddess for their help. I know I won't be able to accomplish anything without my pack alliances' helping hand.
"On my signal," I spoke just above a whisper.
They all nodded and prepared themselves.
I quickly shifted to my wolf and shook my fur, feeling the night's cool breeze. My ears perked up at the slightest noise, making me look up at the soft rustle of the leaves on the trees. I took a glimpse at the moon that was almost sitting high up in the night sky.
>We have to get this thing over with or else we'll lose our mate and our pup.< Zion stated as he also grew restless to get our hands on our beloved other half.
>I know, Zion.<
He huffed inside my head as our gaze locked in front of us and towards the clearing where the mansion stood.
>I'm worried, Arthur.< He stated with a small whine.
>Me too. But let's just hope nothing bad happens to our mate.<
He mentally nodded at me.
>Yeah. Let's just hope that is the case.<
With a sigh that came out as a soft huff in my wolf form, I looked around the now resting forest surrounding me and my troupes. Soon enough, these trees will be covered in blood. I just hope I won't have that many casualties by the end of this nightmare. But I have faith that we'll make it through this.
I huffed once again before I slowly stalked forward. I stopped just behind a large tree, hidden from the camera's view. My fur effectively concealing me from being seen.
"Let me know once it's clear," I told Connor through the mind link, feeling him mentally give me a nod.
"Three." He said, which I immediately understood that he's counting down.
I mentally sighed once more, not looking forward to this future blood bath. But this had to be done, so I guess all I can do is suck it up and get it over with.
"Two."
I just hope after this night, all our lives will go back to what it was. With me having the best life I could ever ask for with my mate.
Now that I know Ash is carrying our pup, it just gives me the more reason to fight harder. To try even harder to get them back.
"One."
Just hang in there my love, I promise all of this will be over soon.
"The cameras are disabled, Alpha." He confirmed.
For both of them, I'd face death itself just to have them back in my arms. And even if I have to die trying, I will never give up. Not when I know I have more reason to try.
Growling in pure rage and in utter blood lust, I burst out from the safety of the woods and into an unsuspecting rogue standing guard on his station. While the rogue was caught off-guard, I took it as an advantage and lounged at it. And then quickly, I locked my jaws around its windpipe and snapping it in one swift move. Dropping the now lifeless body of the rogue, my rage-induced self immediately went to take down another one. And just like that, my troupes emerged from the trees and began the attack.
After the others were alerted about the commotion, many more started to trickle out of the mansion and into battle.
Some of my men stayed in their human form so they can use firearms and help us fight better. I also have snipers stationed up in the trees.
Linux also stayed in human form as he speedily kills every rogue and hunter he sees using his guns. And I must admit, he's really good at handling it.
"Alpha. Three o'clock, more incoming." Chandler warned through the mind link.
Snapping towards the direction, I growled menacingly at the amount of rogues and hunters that came to join the fight.
Too bad I'm not letting even a single one of them live and tell the tale of this very night.
I'll crush them without a second thought.
Especially Azrael.
His physical form may be Winter's mate but I will still give him a piece of my mind. No one gets away from me unharmed if they're the ones responsible for hurting my mate. I'll probably won't kill him since that would also affect Winter. So I guess breaking a couple of bones won't be too drastic. And besides, he has 206 of them. I'm sure breaking the 200 and leaving 6 unscathed won't hurt.
After my sixth kill, a figure at the rooftop of the mansion caught my eyes. He had this irritatingly smug grin plastered on his face, which made me want to just slap it off for good.
I growled at him, baring my impressive teeth for him to see.
Take a look at it, you little b*tch, and better start running. I thought.
Growling at him once again, I sent my focus back on the battle in front of me. Taking down every rogue and hunter that gets in the way as I make a move towards the mansion.
"Alpha, we're inside. Now we just have to find out where they're hiding Luna." Connor said through our mind link as I once again ripped a hunter's throat out.
"Just stick to the plan, Connor. We'll keep these f*ckers distracted." I commanded, earning a mental nod from him.
"Will do. Be careful, Alpha." He said before closing the link.
After that, Chandler emerged next to me as he takes down another rogue.
"There's too many of them, Alpha. I think we must have miscalculated their numbers during our planning." He said angrily.
"Keep focused, Chand. We will manage." Zion and I encouraged, in which Chandler nodded.
He placed another magazine of ammo into his gun and continued firing towards the enemy. While I, on the other hand, was in even more rage than I was earlier, causing my body and my wolf to fight and push harder.
I was trying to make my way towards the mansion, but with every attempt I do, I was always confronted by more rogues.
It was a tough task considering I also have to dodge bullets and poisoned arrows from hunters while also managing to kill rogues in the process. But thanks to our snipers, the hunters are taken down one by one.
>Where the heck are these f*ckers coming from? Their number doesn't seem to grow small even after all the kills we made.< Zion said in obvious frustration.
>I don't know, Zion. I'm not the one who runs this place.< I said as I clawed at a rogues snout before capturing its neck into my mouth and snapping its throat out.
>We're getting outnumbered, Arthur. What do we do?< He questioned, starting to feel worried about our troupes.
>Well, I guess we just have to work double-time.< I replied, after ripping a hunter's leg off before I went for the head and killing the f*cker for good.
>We are.< He said, matter-of-factly.
>Then triple it.<
He didn't utter a reply after that as more and more of these rogues and hunters trickle out of the mansion.
>The next time you come up with a plan, make sure you also have the numbers right.< Zion snapped at me sassily.
Out of all the times, he had to choose now to be the f*cking sassy diva that he is.
>This would have been avoided if you actually helped. All you did was sleep.< I retorted back as two large rogues charged towards my way.
As both equally large rogues lounged towards me, I prepared myself to take them out. But was surprised to see them fall to the blood-covered ground lifeless.
"The next time you argue with your own wolf, be sure it's during world war three. Since, you know, you two seemed to do that a lot at the worst of times." Delsiah commented as he appeared next to me.
"Delsiah. What the heck are you doing here?" I questioned while breathing heavily.
"Having a f*cking tea party with a bunch of rogues." He said with the straightest face. "Of course I'm here to help. What do you think it looks like?" He snapped while taking down three rogue wolves all at once using his bare hands.
"I told you to stay in the pack," I told him.
"I got bored." Was all he said before he took down a hunter while dodging an arrow laced with poison. "Just be grateful I'm here, would you. And besides, Brandon had everything under control in there."
"You're so stubborn," I told him with an annoyed huff.
He scoffed. "When was I never?"
With that, I went back to taking down more rogues. Managing to move an inch closer towards the mansion in the process.
"Oh, uhm, those guys aren't dead yet," Delsiah said as he pointed towards the hunters and rogues he has taken down.
"What?"
"I just paralyzed them." He admitted with a shrug. "So, you know, you might wanna 'snap them necks'." He said with a smile, making me shake my head before I went back to killing more pests.
"Oh, and by the way, Matthias will be here soon." He casually said after I took down two smaller rogues.
I turned to the elder with confusion visible on my face.
"Who?"
"Matthias." He said as he started playing with his fingers.
"Matthias?" I asked, clearly don't know who he's talking about.
"Yeah, Matthias."
I fought the urge to roll my eyes at him.
Not ten minutes ago he made a comment of me and my wolf arguing at the worst time, when here he is acting like a damn toddler in the middle of a battle.
"And?" I asked, now annoyed.
"Ash's real father. He'll aide us." He said nonchalantly.
"Oh okay." Was what I said before turning back towards the battle. But then...
"What???"
Ashley's POV
Oh my God, it's getting even worse out there. The gunshots and the pained cries of those who are wounded keeps getting louder by the minute. I wonder what's going on. Are we under attack? And if we are, by who?
>It's probably our mate.< Ariah said, scaring me once again.
I will never get used to him suddenly talking inside my head.
"You... You think so?" I asked as I played with my fingers nervously.
Ariah has been actively talking to me for the past thirty minutes now. He said he's trying to make up for the lost years. And as much as I appreciate his effort, whenever he just appears out of nowhere, he'd scare the living cells and atoms out of me.
>Well, I can feel him.< He commented. >Don't you?<
I shrugged casually. "I feel a lot of things right now, mainly fear. So, I don't know which one you're referring to."
>The pull. Don't you feel it?< He asked.
I didn't respond.
>Try to calm down.< He said. >And then try to focus your senses on your surroundings. There you'll feel something. And that something is the mate bond.<
It was tough to calm myself down, especially with my current situation. But surprisingly, after a little inhale-exhale, I managed. I closed my eyes and tried to block out the unnecessary noise coming from the outside. And then I focused on that specific tug which I couldn't really explain. And there I realized it was, in fact, the pull I feel whenever Arthur is around. That giddy but beautiful feeling you get where you somehow feel butterflies swarming your stomach.
>Do you feel it? Because I sure am.< Ariah said. >And I'm pretty sure the pup feels their father is close too.<
I closed my eyes again, and suddenly, Arthur's face flashed before my very sight, which effectively caught me off-guard.
I gasped out loud, making me stumble back a little. I quickly took hold of the sink for support to regain back my balance.
"Was that?..." I trailed off.
>Yes, that was our mate.< He spoke. >I saw him too.<
"How... How am I able to see him?"
>You're slowly discovering your gifts, Ash.< Was what Ariah said, which made me feel even more shocked.
>Soon enough, you'll be able to control every single one of them.< He added. >But for now, you don't have to worry about that. We'll figure everything together soon.<
I nodded at what he said.
"He's outside," I spoke. "He's surrounded by rogues and those hunters. He's in danger." I said in fear before I made my way towards the door of the bathroom.
>Calm down. I'm sure he's alright. He's an Alpha. He's much stronger than you think.<
"But you saw what I saw, Ariah. He was clearly outnumbered." I told him, feeling panic-stricken.
>I know. But he's not alone. Delsiah is with him.< He assured.
"I just don't want him to get hurt," I admitted as I slid down the door.
>I know, Ash. I don't want him to get hurt too. But you have to trust him. Have faith in him that he'll do just fine out there.< He told me in a soothing manner.
All I did was nod. And at that moment, I knew I should believe that my mate will be fine.
>So, since I'm your wolf, you do realize you can shift, right?< Ariah asked. Shifting the subject to something different.
"Well, now that you pointed it out, yes," I answered.
>And you also realize you can talk to me using your mind, right?<
I frowned at that.
"I can?" I asked back, feeling interested to know more.
Ariah mentally chuckled at that.
>Yes, you can. Every werewolf has that ability, Ash.< He stated. >Why don't you try?< He said encouragingly.
I know he's doing this to distract me from my worried thoughts. And to be honest, I'm glad. It's actually really nice to have someone to talk to other than 'myself'. If that makes sense. If you manage to go past the state of shock then you'll be able to feel the enjoyment of having a wolf.
"How do I do it?" I asked after biting my bottom lip.
>Use your mind. You have to think that you're talking to me without actually using your voice.< He instructed.
"Okay. I'll try." I said lowly as I cleared my throat.
Think about talking to him without using my voice.
>Hi.< I thought, and my voice echoed inside my mind.
I gasped before I let out a giggle.
That was pretty cool.
Ariah giggled along. >There you go. Now, all you have to do is to keep practicing. Soon, you'll get used to using your mental voice as you talk to me.<
I smiled wide at his praise.
I feel like a little kid, feeling proud that I finally did something right for once.
>So, uhm, how do we shift?< I asked using my newly found mental voice.
It still feels weird to call it that.
>Well, since you haven't shifted yet, it's going to be painful for the first time. Especially now that both you and I are grown.< He said, making me nod mentally at what he said.
>If you can consider my current height as grown, then okay, I guess.< I said, which made Ariah laugh.
>Well, I'm not the biggest wolf out there either, so...< He trailed off, making me smile.
>So how do we do it?< I asked with a small chuckle.
>It's not really that hard, I think.< He said sounding a bit unsure. >You'll need to concentrate in order for our minds to mend together in perfect unison. But to some first-time shifters, they find it hard to concentrate especially if they're very distracted.<
>Okay, so I need to concentrate. What's next?< I questioned interestingly.
>Just think of giving some control of your body to me and then the shifting process should begin.< He said.
>It's that easy?< I asked feeling a boost of confidence surge through me.
>It sounds like it is, but the catch for first-time shifters is the searing pain. It's almost going to be unbearable.<
>Will the baby be okay if I shift?<
>Yes, the process won't harm the pup.< He said, which earned him a mental sigh from me.
>That's good to know.< I stated. >So, uhm, should we... should we try it?<
>I mean I could use a little stretching after being asleep for that long, but it's all up to you.< He said lightheartedly.
I paused for a bit and thought it through.
>But jokes aside, it would be best in our current situation for you to let me take over. That way, I can protect you and the pup.< He said, now being serious.
I nodded in understanding. I mean, it's only fitting that I let him take over since I don't have any idea how everything works while in wolf form. And besides, I don't know how to fight if things eventually got worse.
>Okay.< I sighed. >Let's do this.<
And with that, I closed my eyes.
I cleared my head of any thoughts that could distract me. I breathed in and out, trying to keep my heartbeat at a steady pace even with the growing commotion happening outside.
And slowly, I could feel Ariah pushing forward. There I could feel something changing within me. But to my surprise, I didn't feel any pain like what Ariah told me. Not even the slightest bit of it.
As my bones continued to rearrange, I started to hear small heartbeats on top of my own. It was faint, but it was there. And as I continued to listen to it, I was slowly being lulled to a complete relaxed state. It was really soothing. Then I realized who it belonged to and I almost cried. The heartbeat was from my baby.
I couldn't help but smile.
Despite the situation we are currently in, I was relieved to know that our unborn child is growing healthily inside me. I just hope this night ends soon.
>Ash?< Ariah called, snapping me out of my trance.
>Yeah?<
>You can open your eyes now.< He said, in which I immediately frowned.
>What?< I asked confused. >I thought I gave you control?<
He chuckled lightly. >You did.<
>So did we shift successfully?< I asked again.
>See for yourself.< He told me in a gentle manner.
And with that, I slowly open my eyelids.
I frowned again after I saw I went a bit shorter. Not drastic kind of short, but just a tiny bit.
>Go see yourself in the mirror.< Ariah said, and I complied.
I walked towards the sink and turned to face the mirror. And to my utter shock, it wasn't my face that was showing as my reflection. But of a wolf. A pure white wolf with very deep, and piercing blue eyes. It was very captivating.
>Is this you in wolf form?< I asked in astonishment.
OMG, he has very fluffy ears.
>Us.< He corrected. >This is us in wolf form. I can also take control even when in human form, Ash. You and I are one, so we share the same forms as well as memories.<
>Woah.< Was all I said.
Ariah chuckled lightly. >Woah is right indeed.<
>But why didn't I feel the pain like you said?< I asked.
>I don't know, Ash. I couldn't explain why, either.< He said with a mental shrug. >But I think it's because of our demigod blood that caused you to not feel any pain from the shifting process.<
>Well, I guess I have to thank our Goddess of a mother for that then.< I stated playfully.
Ariah was about to respond when a loud banging outside interrupted him. My head instantly snapped towards the door.
>The banging came from outside the room.< Ariah said.
I whined as I backed up in fear.
>What do we do?< I asked, feeling myself tremble.
>Let me take over.< He said. >I can protect you and the pup better if I'm in control since you don't have any fighting experience yet.<
>Well, so do you.< I told him hastily. >You've been asleep for over twenty years remember?<
>I know.< He said. >But it's instincts, Ash. It's always in my nature to know how to protect myself and the ones I care for.< He explained.
I sighed, completely understanding what he's trying to point out. And finally, without wasting a second, I pulled back. Giving Ariah control.
I don't even know how I do it. It just happens naturally. Like I know what I was doing.
Once Ariah's in complete control, I settled at the background of his consciousness. I could still see through our eyes but the control over my body was in Ariah's hands.
Ariah then stood on a defensive stance as he kept his gaze on the bathroom door.
>Why don't we try the ventilation system like what I've planned earlier? Maybe we'll be able to find a way out.< I suggested to a tense Ariah.
He huffed. >It's very unlikely that we'll find an exit, Ash. And with a building this size, it's going to be a maze up there.<
He does have a point.
>So what are we gonna do?<
A low growl rumbled inside his chest.
>I'm going to fight our way out of here.< Was what he said before another series of loud banging sounded from outside the bathroom door.
And right then and there, I knew there was no turning back. As if we have any other choice anyway.
I just hope this goes well.
>Do you trust me?< Ariah asked with his voice waiting for confirmation.
With a sigh, I answered, >I do.<
And that's when the bathroom door flung open, prompting Ariah to strike first.
At exactly seven o'clock in the evening, we finally moved out towards our target. We crept into the woods professionally as to not give away our positions. Everyone was pumped up and was slowly driven by adrenaline. I, on the other hand, was nervous. Not because I'm not confident enough of our plan, but because I fear for my mate's well being. I know he's terrified, I can feel it as we got closer to the place Azrael held him captive. And I know he's even more scared because of the fact that he's carrying our pup. Our unborn little angel.
Just thinking that I'm going to be a father soon makes my happiness skyrockets to the moon, even with our current situation. I couldn't explain the exact feeling but I know it's something I'll never forget. But I also couldn't shrug the fact that they're in grave danger. And if I don't move fast and according to plan, I could end up losing both of them, and I can't let that happen.
I'd rather die than have my mate and my pup killed.
I shook the thought out of my head and forced myself to focus on the task.
"Connor, what's your position?" I asked through the mind link.
"We're almost there, Alpha. Just a couple meters more and we'll be by the river just as planned." He replied, making me mentally hum.
"Good. Be sure to stick to the plan, okay? And be careful."
He chuckled. "Are you finally softening up on me, Arthur?" He teased, going out of subject, causing me to roll my eyes.
I scoffed. "Not even close, a*shat. And don't get any ideas. I'm only keeping you under my pack because I know you're important to Ash."
"That still means you care." He responded back, making me try to suppress a groan.
"I could care less if you die, Connor," I told him flatly.
He laughed at that. "Don't worry, Buddy. I'll try not to die."
"There's not much space in the cemetery for you, that's why," I told him. "Now stay focused if you don't want to end up dead before even entering the mansion," I said using my Alpha voice.
"Yes, sir." He said playfully, causing me to growl at him.
I'll make a mental note to beat the sh*t out of that little f*cker once we're back at the pack.
After that, I turned to the men who joined me on this mission and thanked the Goddess for their help. I know I won't be able to accomplish anything without my pack alliances' helping hand.
"On my signal," I spoke just above a whisper.
They all nodded and prepared themselves.
I quickly shifted to my wolf and shook my fur, feeling the night's cool breeze. My ears perked up at the slightest noise, making me look up at the soft rustle of the leaves on the trees. I took a glimpse at the moon that was almost sitting high up in the night sky.
>We have to get this thing over with or else we'll lose our mate and our pup.< Zion stated as he also grew restless to get our hands on our beloved other half.
>I know, Zion.<
He huffed inside my head as our gaze locked in front of us and towards the clearing where the mansion stood.
>I'm worried, Arthur.< He stated with a small whine.
>Me too. But let's just hope nothing bad happens to our mate.<
He mentally nodded at me.
>Yeah. Let's just hope that is the case.<
With a sigh that came out as a soft huff in my wolf form, I looked around the now resting forest surrounding me and my troupes. Soon enough, these trees will be covered in blood. I just hope I won't have that many casualties by the end of this nightmare. But I have faith that we'll make it through this.
I huffed once again before I slowly stalked forward. I stopped just behind a large tree, hidden from the camera's view. My fur effectively concealing me from being seen.
"Let me know once it's clear," I told Connor through the mind link, feeling him mentally give me a nod.
"Three." He said, which I immediately understood that he's counting down.
I mentally sighed once more, not looking forward to this future blood bath. But this had to be done, so I guess all I can do is suck it up and get it over with.
"Two."
I just hope after this night, all our lives will go back to what it was. With me having the best life I could ever ask for with my mate.
Now that I know Ash is carrying our pup, it just gives me the more reason to fight harder. To try even harder to get them back.
"One."
Just hang in there my love, I promise all of this will be over soon.
"The cameras are disabled, Alpha." He confirmed.
For both of them, I'd face death itself just to have them back in my arms. And even if I have to die trying, I will never give up. Not when I know I have more reason to try.
Growling in pure rage and in utter blood lust, I burst out from the safety of the woods and into an unsuspecting rogue standing guard on his station. While the rogue was caught off-guard, I took it as an advantage and lounged at it. And then quickly, I locked my jaws around its windpipe and snapping it in one swift move. Dropping the now lifeless body of the rogue, my rage-induced self immediately went to take down another one. And just like that, my troupes emerged from the trees and began the attack.
After the others were alerted about the commotion, many more started to trickle out of the mansion and into battle.
Some of my men stayed in their human form so they can use firearms and help us fight better. I also have snipers stationed up in the trees.
Linux also stayed in human form as he speedily kills every rogue and hunter he sees using his guns. And I must admit, he's really good at handling it.
"Alpha. Three o'clock, more incoming." Chandler warned through the mind link.
Snapping towards the direction, I growled menacingly at the amount of rogues and hunters that came to join the fight.
Too bad I'm not letting even a single one of them live and tell the tale of this very night.
I'll crush them without a second thought.
Especially Azrael.
His physical form may be Winter's mate but I will still give him a piece of my mind. No one gets away from me unharmed if they're the ones responsible for hurting my mate. I'll probably won't kill him since that would also affect Winter. So I guess breaking a couple of bones won't be too drastic. And besides, he has 206 of them. I'm sure breaking the 200 and leaving 6 unscathed won't hurt.
After my sixth kill, a figure at the rooftop of the mansion caught my eyes. He had this irritatingly smug grin plastered on his face, which made me want to just slap it off for good.
I growled at him, baring my impressive teeth for him to see.
Take a look at it, you little b*tch, and better start running. I thought.
Growling at him once again, I sent my focus back on the battle in front of me. Taking down every rogue and hunter that gets in the way as I make a move towards the mansion.
"Alpha, we're inside. Now we just have to find out where they're hiding Luna." Connor said through our mind link as I once again ripped a hunter's throat out.
"Just stick to the plan, Connor. We'll keep these f*ckers distracted." I commanded, earning a mental nod from him.
"Will do. Be careful, Alpha." He said before closing the link.
After that, Chandler emerged next to me as he takes down another rogue.
"There's too many of them, Alpha. I think we must have miscalculated their numbers during our planning." He said angrily.
"Keep focused, Chand. We will manage." Zion and I encouraged, in which Chandler nodded.
He placed another magazine of ammo into his gun and continued firing towards the enemy. While I, on the other hand, was in even more rage than I was earlier, causing my body and my wolf to fight and push harder.
I was trying to make my way towards the mansion, but with every attempt I do, I was always confronted by more rogues.
It was a tough task considering I also have to dodge bullets and poisoned arrows from hunters while also managing to kill rogues in the process. But thanks to our snipers, the hunters are taken down one by one.
>Where the heck are these f*ckers coming from? Their number doesn't seem to grow small even after all the kills we made.< Zion said in obvious frustration.
>I don't know, Zion. I'm not the one who runs this place.< I said as I clawed at a rogues snout before capturing its neck into my mouth and snapping its throat out.
>We're getting outnumbered, Arthur. What do we do?< He questioned, starting to feel worried about our troupes.
>Well, I guess we just have to work double-time.< I replied, after ripping a hunter's leg off before I went for the head and killing the f*cker for good.
>We are.< He said, matter-of-factly.
>Then triple it.<
He didn't utter a reply after that as more and more of these rogues and hunters trickle out of the mansion.
>The next time you come up with a plan, make sure you also have the numbers right.< Zion snapped at me sassily.
Out of all the times, he had to choose now to be the f*cking sassy diva that he is.
>This would have been avoided if you actually helped. All you did was sleep.< I retorted back as two large rogues charged towards my way.
As both equally large rogues lounged towards me, I prepared myself to take them out. But was surprised to see them fall to the blood-covered ground lifeless.
"The next time you argue with your own wolf, be sure it's during world war three. Since, you know, you two seemed to do that a lot at the worst of times." Delsiah commented as he appeared next to me.
"Delsiah. What the heck are you doing here?" I questioned while breathing heavily.
"Having a f*cking tea party with a bunch of rogues." He said with the straightest face. "Of course I'm here to help. What do you think it looks like?" He snapped while taking down three rogue wolves all at once using his bare hands.
"I told you to stay in the pack," I told him.
"I got bored." Was all he said before he took down a hunter while dodging an arrow laced with poison. "Just be grateful I'm here, would you. And besides, Brandon had everything under control in there."
"You're so stubborn," I told him with an annoyed huff.
He scoffed. "When was I never?"
With that, I went back to taking down more rogues. Managing to move an inch closer towards the mansion in the process.
"Oh, uhm, those guys aren't dead yet," Delsiah said as he pointed towards the hunters and rogues he has taken down.
"What?"
"I just paralyzed them." He admitted with a shrug. "So, you know, you might wanna 'snap them necks'." He said with a smile, making me shake my head before I went back to killing more pests.
"Oh, and by the way, Matthias will be here soon." He casually said after I took down two smaller rogues.
I turned to the elder with confusion visible on my face.
"Who?"
"Matthias." He said as he started playing with his fingers.
"Matthias?" I asked, clearly don't know who he's talking about.
"Yeah, Matthias."
I fought the urge to roll my eyes at him.
Not ten minutes ago he made a comment of me and my wolf arguing at the worst time, when here he is acting like a damn toddler in the middle of a battle.
"And?" I asked, now annoyed.
"Ash's real father. He'll aide us." He said nonchalantly.
"Oh okay." Was what I said before turning back towards the battle. But then...
"What???"
Ashley's POV
Oh my God, it's getting even worse out there. The gunshots and the pained cries of those who are wounded keeps getting louder by the minute. I wonder what's going on. Are we under attack? And if we are, by who?
>It's probably our mate.< Ariah said, scaring me once again.
I will never get used to him suddenly talking inside my head.
"You... You think so?" I asked as I played with my fingers nervously.
Ariah has been actively talking to me for the past thirty minutes now. He said he's trying to make up for the lost years. And as much as I appreciate his effort, whenever he just appears out of nowhere, he'd scare the living cells and atoms out of me.
>Well, I can feel him.< He commented. >Don't you?<
I shrugged casually. "I feel a lot of things right now, mainly fear. So, I don't know which one you're referring to."
>The pull. Don't you feel it?< He asked.
I didn't respond.
>Try to calm down.< He said. >And then try to focus your senses on your surroundings. There you'll feel something. And that something is the mate bond.<
It was tough to calm myself down, especially with my current situation. But surprisingly, after a little inhale-exhale, I managed. I closed my eyes and tried to block out the unnecessary noise coming from the outside. And then I focused on that specific tug which I couldn't really explain. And there I realized it was, in fact, the pull I feel whenever Arthur is around. That giddy but beautiful feeling you get where you somehow feel butterflies swarming your stomach.
>Do you feel it? Because I sure am.< Ariah said. >And I'm pretty sure the pup feels their father is close too.<
I closed my eyes again, and suddenly, Arthur's face flashed before my very sight, which effectively caught me off-guard.
I gasped out loud, making me stumble back a little. I quickly took hold of the sink for support to regain back my balance.
"Was that?..." I trailed off.
>Yes, that was our mate.< He spoke. >I saw him too.<
"How... How am I able to see him?"
>You're slowly discovering your gifts, Ash.< Was what Ariah said, which made me feel even more shocked.
>Soon enough, you'll be able to control every single one of them.< He added. >But for now, you don't have to worry about that. We'll figure everything together soon.<
I nodded at what he said.
"He's outside," I spoke. "He's surrounded by rogues and those hunters. He's in danger." I said in fear before I made my way towards the door of the bathroom.
>Calm down. I'm sure he's alright. He's an Alpha. He's much stronger than you think.<
"But you saw what I saw, Ariah. He was clearly outnumbered." I told him, feeling panic-stricken.
>I know. But he's not alone. Delsiah is with him.< He assured.
"I just don't want him to get hurt," I admitted as I slid down the door.
>I know, Ash. I don't want him to get hurt too. But you have to trust him. Have faith in him that he'll do just fine out there.< He told me in a soothing manner.
All I did was nod. And at that moment, I knew I should believe that my mate will be fine.
>So, since I'm your wolf, you do realize you can shift, right?< Ariah asked. Shifting the subject to something different.
"Well, now that you pointed it out, yes," I answered.
>And you also realize you can talk to me using your mind, right?<
I frowned at that.
"I can?" I asked back, feeling interested to know more.
Ariah mentally chuckled at that.
>Yes, you can. Every werewolf has that ability, Ash.< He stated. >Why don't you try?< He said encouragingly.
I know he's doing this to distract me from my worried thoughts. And to be honest, I'm glad. It's actually really nice to have someone to talk to other than 'myself'. If that makes sense. If you manage to go past the state of shock then you'll be able to feel the enjoyment of having a wolf.
"How do I do it?" I asked after biting my bottom lip.
>Use your mind. You have to think that you're talking to me without actually using your voice.< He instructed.
"Okay. I'll try." I said lowly as I cleared my throat.
Think about talking to him without using my voice.
>Hi.< I thought, and my voice echoed inside my mind.
I gasped before I let out a giggle.
That was pretty cool.
Ariah giggled along. >There you go. Now, all you have to do is to keep practicing. Soon, you'll get used to using your mental voice as you talk to me.<
I smiled wide at his praise.
I feel like a little kid, feeling proud that I finally did something right for once.
>So, uhm, how do we shift?< I asked using my newly found mental voice.
It still feels weird to call it that.
>Well, since you haven't shifted yet, it's going to be painful for the first time. Especially now that both you and I are grown.< He said, making me nod mentally at what he said.
>If you can consider my current height as grown, then okay, I guess.< I said, which made Ariah laugh.
>Well, I'm not the biggest wolf out there either, so...< He trailed off, making me smile.
>So how do we do it?< I asked with a small chuckle.
>It's not really that hard, I think.< He said sounding a bit unsure. >You'll need to concentrate in order for our minds to mend together in perfect unison. But to some first-time shifters, they find it hard to concentrate especially if they're very distracted.<
>Okay, so I need to concentrate. What's next?< I questioned interestingly.
>Just think of giving some control of your body to me and then the shifting process should begin.< He said.
>It's that easy?< I asked feeling a boost of confidence surge through me.
>It sounds like it is, but the catch for first-time shifters is the searing pain. It's almost going to be unbearable.<
>Will the baby be okay if I shift?<
>Yes, the process won't harm the pup.< He said, which earned him a mental sigh from me.
>That's good to know.< I stated. >So, uhm, should we... should we try it?<
>I mean I could use a little stretching after being asleep for that long, but it's all up to you.< He said lightheartedly.
I paused for a bit and thought it through.
>But jokes aside, it would be best in our current situation for you to let me take over. That way, I can protect you and the pup.< He said, now being serious.
I nodded in understanding. I mean, it's only fitting that I let him take over since I don't have any idea how everything works while in wolf form. And besides, I don't know how to fight if things eventually got worse.
>Okay.< I sighed. >Let's do this.<
And with that, I closed my eyes.
I cleared my head of any thoughts that could distract me. I breathed in and out, trying to keep my heartbeat at a steady pace even with the growing commotion happening outside.
And slowly, I could feel Ariah pushing forward. There I could feel something changing within me. But to my surprise, I didn't feel any pain like what Ariah told me. Not even the slightest bit of it.
As my bones continued to rearrange, I started to hear small heartbeats on top of my own. It was faint, but it was there. And as I continued to listen to it, I was slowly being lulled to a complete relaxed state. It was really soothing. Then I realized who it belonged to and I almost cried. The heartbeat was from my baby.
I couldn't help but smile.
Despite the situation we are currently in, I was relieved to know that our unborn child is growing healthily inside me. I just hope this night ends soon.
>Ash?< Ariah called, snapping me out of my trance.
>Yeah?<
>You can open your eyes now.< He said, in which I immediately frowned.
>What?< I asked confused. >I thought I gave you control?<
He chuckled lightly. >You did.<
>So did we shift successfully?< I asked again.
>See for yourself.< He told me in a gentle manner.
And with that, I slowly open my eyelids.
I frowned again after I saw I went a bit shorter. Not drastic kind of short, but just a tiny bit.
>Go see yourself in the mirror.< Ariah said, and I complied.
I walked towards the sink and turned to face the mirror. And to my utter shock, it wasn't my face that was showing as my reflection. But of a wolf. A pure white wolf with very deep, and piercing blue eyes. It was very captivating.
>Is this you in wolf form?< I asked in astonishment.
OMG, he has very fluffy ears.
>Us.< He corrected. >This is us in wolf form. I can also take control even when in human form, Ash. You and I are one, so we share the same forms as well as memories.<
>Woah.< Was all I said.
Ariah chuckled lightly. >Woah is right indeed.<
>But why didn't I feel the pain like you said?< I asked.
>I don't know, Ash. I couldn't explain why, either.< He said with a mental shrug. >But I think it's because of our demigod blood that caused you to not feel any pain from the shifting process.<
>Well, I guess I have to thank our Goddess of a mother for that then.< I stated playfully.
Ariah was about to respond when a loud banging outside interrupted him. My head instantly snapped towards the door.
>The banging came from outside the room.< Ariah said.
I whined as I backed up in fear.
>What do we do?< I asked, feeling myself tremble.
>Let me take over.< He said. >I can protect you and the pup better if I'm in control since you don't have any fighting experience yet.<
>Well, so do you.< I told him hastily. >You've been asleep for over twenty years remember?<
>I know.< He said. >But it's instincts, Ash. It's always in my nature to know how to protect myself and the ones I care for.< He explained.
I sighed, completely understanding what he's trying to point out. And finally, without wasting a second, I pulled back. Giving Ariah control.
I don't even know how I do it. It just happens naturally. Like I know what I was doing.
Once Ariah's in complete control, I settled at the background of his consciousness. I could still see through our eyes but the control over my body was in Ariah's hands.
Ariah then stood on a defensive stance as he kept his gaze on the bathroom door.
>Why don't we try the ventilation system like what I've planned earlier? Maybe we'll be able to find a way out.< I suggested to a tense Ariah.
He huffed. >It's very unlikely that we'll find an exit, Ash. And with a building this size, it's going to be a maze up there.<
He does have a point.
>So what are we gonna do?<
A low growl rumbled inside his chest.
>I'm going to fight our way out of here.< Was what he said before another series of loud banging sounded from outside the bathroom door.
And right then and there, I knew there was no turning back. As if we have any other choice anyway.
I just hope this goes well.
>Do you trust me?< Ariah asked with his voice waiting for confirmation.
With a sigh, I answered, >I do.<
And that's when the bathroom door flung open, prompting Ariah to strike first.
End of Choosing Mr. Destiny Chapter 43. Continue reading Chapter 44 or return to Choosing Mr. Destiny book page.