Choosing Mr. Destiny - Chapter 48: Chapter 48

**Ashley's POV**
"Hi, my little pup." She breathed out gently with a small chuckle like she was talking to a baby.
I was once again lost of words. I couldn't believe I'm actually talking to a Goddess. And what's even more mind-boggling is that she happens to be my real, real mother. My blood is her blood, and my flesh is her flesh. And since my father's a werewolf, obviously, I got that from him. Though I haven't seen his facial features since his back was facing me during the time he tried to talk the traitors into changing their minds. But surely, my Dad must've been good looking. Probably where I got some of my good looks from, not that I'm blowing my own horn or anything. And the same goes to my Mom. Even though I haven't seen here with my very own eyes, I'm very sure she's as gorgeous as the word Goddess does, which fits her perfectly.
Looking around the ongoing battle, I frowned in astonishment as everyone seems to be moving in slow motion. Could this be my mother's doing? Or is this a trick in the eyes?
"How... Why... I mean..." I stated stuttering with a sigh as I tried to come up with words in my mind but failed miserably.
The Moon Goddess... I mean Mom, let out a soft chuckle at my struggling little self.
"It's okay, love. I know you're not expecting me making my presence known to you, so I understand why you're quite speechless. And I understand if you're upset with me. I just want you to know that I want to make everything right. I made a horrible mistake by giving you away while you were still unborn like you weren't my very own offspring. Just know that there's not a day that I don't regret every single wrong deed that I've done. You're my son and I should have protected you myself from all the threats that tried to get to you. You're my responsibility. And even after you grew up to the amazing, beautiful and kind being that you are right now, I still know that you're my responsibility. You will always be." She spoke just how a loving mother would to their child.
I was awestruck with what she was telling me that I was even more speechless than I already am. And tears slowly build up in my eyes, waiting for me to shed them.
"I've always looked after you as you grew. But I was too afraid that I might lead Azrael to you that's why I kept my distance and left you under the Valdez's care. I've always been with you even when you couldn't feel nor see me. I wanted to be a part of you as you went through different stages of your life, but couldn't find the strength to actually be there for you. I'm a Goddess, yet, I didn't have the courage to face my own mistakes, making me unfit for such tittle. I was too afraid, selfish as well as prideful to correct my wrongdoings. But now, I want everything to change. I'll make sure to be there for you this time. And this time, I'll make damn sure that I make it clear to Azrael to never, ever lay a finger on my son while I'm around." She said, now sounding all determined, causing my heart to beat rapidly inside my chest.
Now that I think of it, both my Mom and Dad decided to do what was right. And now they're both here for me, which makes everything a lot better and a lot more bearable for me.
I couldn't ask for anything else at the moment. And even with my current situation, I couldn't help myself from feeling all sorts of joy. I was just happy.
I looked up into the night sky.
"I...I don't know what to say." I admitted.
"You don't have to." She said just as softly as earlier. "As I said, I'll be there for you at the right time you exactly need me." She added, causing me to frown a little.
But I need you right now. I thought. I can't do this by myself because I don't know how. These people came here to fight with their lives just to rescue me. I feel honored, I really do. But if these people end up losing their life, I feel like it's all my fault. I'm the reason why they're here. The reason why they're fighting. So I don't see why this isn't the perfect time that she comes to our aid. I need her now because I don't know if all these men that stood by me will make it through. And I feel like I couldn't handle seeing another life being lost right before my very own eyes. I just want everything to stop. For them to stop fighting. But I felt powerless and helpless in how I'm going to do it.
"You still don't fully embrace who you are, love. That's why you're scared. You don't trust yourself with what you're capable of, that's why you're tightly holding yourself back." She said with the gentlest tone a mother could ever possess. "I know there's a lot of things bothering your mind with what exactly are you, and I completely understand that. But you won't find answers if you don't let yourself be free. It's a part of self-discovery, my love. And after self-discovery comes the answers, and when you get the answers you've been looking for, come the lessons. And those lessons will help you be the better version of yourself. I know it's hard, but there's nothing wrong with trying." She advised wisely.
"I've seen what I'm capable of and it almost got the people that are dear to me in pain. I... I can't risk it again. Not again." I said after recalling earlier's events where Ariah lost control of himself and went completely rabid.
"I understand." She breathed out. "But remember what I told you, okay. You're the only one who had the power to find the answers you've been searching for. And you're the only one who can free yourself. It's just a matter of courage, my dear love." She added before vanishing into thin air and everything went back to normal. Well, nothing's normal right now, everything's just chaos.
I reminisced what she said and I sighed with a shake of my head.
I can't risk hurting more people than I already have. I'm sure I'll find another way on how to end this nightmare.
"Ash. Let's go." Connor yelled through the link, snapping me out of my thoughts. "You're father's distracting them. Come on, while there's still time." He said frantically.
With a shaky breath, I ran towards him before I swung my leg onto his back and held onto his fur as tight as I could. Looking back to my father who was fighting three wolves at the same time.
"Please be careful, Dad," I called through our link.
"I will, pup. Now go." He said as he ushered us to start running.
And with that, Connor started running through the woods. Jumping from the river, he bolted into the thick vegetation of the forest. I buried my face into his fur as he sped through like the devil's on his heels.
"I'm sure your Dad's going to be fine," Connor said comfortingly.
"I know," I replied even when my heart was hammering like mad in my chest at the thought of Dad getting badly hurt. "Where are we heading, Connor?" I asked to distract myself from worrying thoughts after opening my eyes back. Seeing the trees zoom as we pass by at an incredible speed.
"We're going to Linux's pack." He said, causing me to frown.
Why would we go to a pack when we're probably being followed by those rogues? We'll just them into the pack and cause even more damage. Who knows if there are children and pregnant women in there. And considering Linux probably brought half of his warrior to battle, that left his pack partially unguarded.
"I don't think it's best to go to his pack," I told him with obvious worry in my voice.
"That's where I'm ordered to go by Linux and your mate, Ash. So that's where we're going." He said a bit breathless.
"But what if we lead rogues straight to their pack? That's just going to be another blood bath." I stated in slight panic.
We need to change the destination as soon as possible.
Connor let out a frustrated growl but not directed to me.
"F*ck, you're right." He admitted, still not slowing down one bit. "They've better thought about this." He sighed angrily.
"Pup, you better be as far away from here by now," Dad spoke to me this time.
"Why, what's wrong?" I asked in distress. The way he said those somehow gave me an idea that whatever he's going to tell me isn't good news.
"Rogues went to follow you." He said, causing me to go pale. "I've sent help your way but I don't know how far the rogues are trailing behind you. Tell me pup, do you know where you are?" He asked sounding frantic and panic-stricken.
"I...I don't know. We're still heavily covered by trees." I told him in which he cursed lowly.
"You're still not far enough." He said with fear obvious in his voice. "Do you see anything behind you?" He added.
I quickly went to check on our tail to see if rogues are trailing close but saw none.
"No, I don't see anything... wait..." I told him but suddenly saw something further away from us. I squinted my eyes to see if I wasn't mistaken.
"What is it, son?" He asked obviously worried.
When I saw the red eyes, I knew at that moment we need to change directions or else we'll lead them straight to Linux's pack.
"Connor, rogues are behind us." I alerted him, which had him running even faster if that was even possible.
"They're behind us, Dad," I told my father, causing him to growl angrily.
"Just tell Connor to keep running, okay. I'll try and catch up to you as fast as I can. I promise, pup. Just... Just hold on." He said in worry.
With that, our link closed, and I immediately went to tell Connor to change direction.
"What direction are we heading right now?" I asked.
"West." Was all he said as he zoomed through the woods with the rogues trailing behind us.
"Go North," I told him, causing him to huff.
"Your mate told me to go straight into the pack." He said causing me to scowl.
"Why would he say that? It's too risky. More people could get hurt if we lead these rogues to them." I stated incredulously.
"He told me help is waiting for us in there. So that's what I'm following." He said hardheadedly.
"Connor, I'm telling you, it's too risky. Children might get hurt. Please, go North." I pleaded but he ignored me.
"We have a better chance of safety if we go to the pack. Linux and your mate's warriors standing as a backup are all waiting for us." He argued, but the strong feeling inside me kept telling me to go North.
"Please, just trust me on this." I pleaded to him once again.
Connor didn't answer as he probably went on a mini-battle with his own thoughts. Weighing the possibilities that might happen if he doesn't go to what was originally planned.
After a few short moments, he let out a huff.
"Fine." Was what he said before slowing turning on his right to change direction.
But before he could fully turn north, Azrael suddenly appeared in front of us, causing Connor to let out a startled curse.
"Ah f*ck." He cursed.
He tried to change direction again to dodge Azrael but was too late. We were both thrown towards a large tree by Azrael using his own telekinetic ability.
Considering I was riding on Connor's back, I was also thrown off towards the same tree. Hitting my left shoulder with a loud crunch, making me scream in pain.
**Arthur's POV**
I had this strong feeling at the pits of my stomach and it's telling me obnoxiously that something is wrong. It's been persistent in making me distracted and now I feel like I can't have my mind at rest if I didn't find out what it is that's bugging me. And what's making this strange feeling in my stomach a lot worse is that most of these rogues went into the forest, which immediately sends me a red light. Those remained on the battlefield were a good amount that can be easily handled by my men along with Linux.
Looking into the woods where the rogues went to, I turned to Delsiah with a huff as I was still in my wolf form.
"Warriors went to aid Connor, right?" I asked Delsiah while sounding a bit breathless and tired.
"Yeah. Twenty of our men and eight from Linux went to follow the rogues that escaped into the woods." He stated, making me turn my gaze back to where the rogues went.
"Something isn't right. I tried to mind link Connor but he's not responding. He's closed off." I told him which Delsiah immediately sent his gaze towards the rooftop of the mansion before turning to face the woods.
He frowned before his features began morphing into what looked like fear and anger.
"Son of a b*tch. You might be right." He said with his eyes glazed over, telling me he's using some of his abilities to find out what's happening.
"What? What is it?" I asked eagerly as I went to stand next to him.
"Azrael followed them." Was all he said before a very angry growl vibrated from my mouth. "Connor's unconscious and Azrael have your mate." He said as he turned to look at me.
And it was at that moment that Azrael managed to pick on my last straw. I was beyond livid that all I could see was red. The urge to taste blood was even stronger as I ran into the woods where Connor went with my mate. All I could think about as I ran was to have my mate back to me. The thought of him hurting once again was obnoxiously running in my head which only fueled my already rabid state. I'm not going to be able to hold myself this time, and I'm pretty sure by the time my eyes lands on the f*cking bastard, I will no longer think of sparing Winter's mate's life.
I'm sure he's already aware of the possibility of his mate ending up dead anyway. It was his mate's fault why Azrael decided to use him as a puppet in the first place. If it weren't for his utter stupidity he could have been with Winter right now, protecting him and keeping him safe just as what a mate would do. But he let his sorrow and anger to completely consume him, which ultimately led him to forget his own f*cking mate and then, later on, do the stupidest thing.
Before, I thought I'd be able to forgive Jordan for his mistakes, but now, at this very moment, that thought flew right out of the window. So if I did end up killing Jordan in the process of exterminating Azrael, all I'll be able to say to Winter is my deep condolences. No regrets and not even a single ounce of guilt will ever consume me, what so ever.
Jordan made his choice, and so I will make mine.
I huffed before I pushed myself to run faster. Adrenaline once again took over me as the thought of my mate in the hands of Azrael invaded my mind, causing my blood to boil to a certain extent that killing and tasting the blood of the f*cker responsible was all I ever wanted. Both my wolf and I were on the same page as we zoomed through the woods.
"Be careful, Arthur," Delsiah said worriedly as both Zion and I pushed ourselves to run faster than we already are.
"I trust you all to finish exterminating those pests, while I'll finish what f*cking Azrael started and get your Luna back safely." I seethed through the pack link, letting everyone know what I was about to do.
All I got as a response was a chorus of 'Yes, Alpha', accompanied by a 'Be careful', telling me that they are worried about my well being as well as their Luna's.
"Help them finish the job for me, Delsiah," I stated, talking to my pack's most trusted elder.
"Consider it done, Alpha." He said confidently with a mental nod at me. And I know, without a doubt, that he'll never fail me.
"It's time to end this sh*t," I said in obvious anger.
And with that, I was off to go get my mate back. More determined than ever.
Soon enough, a large group of wolves fighting rogues came into view, telling me that Azrael's getting close. With a growl, I leaped towards an unsuspecting target. And before it could even react to retaliate, I landed on its right side and immediately sank my razor-sharp teeth into its neck. Shaking my head viciously, I was rewarded with a satisfied snap. Dropping the lifeless body on the ground, I went to take down two more before once again sprinting towards my mate.
And not long after, my gaze finally caught on to Azrael's form, who was currently holding my mate in the neck, choking him in the process. Deciding it's wise to keep myself concealed since I'm still a good distance away from him, I held myself from letting an angry growl. I quickly thought of a way to make him release my mate from his death hold. And after coming up with a solid tactic in my head, I didn't waste a precious second and immediately put it to action.
I thought since Azrael hasn't caught sight of me yet, I realized I should use it to my advantage. And that's what I did. I changed my direction instead of heading straight towards him where he'll easily see me, I thought I should give him the element of surprise by attacking him from his blind spot.
And because I have my strength, agility, and speed as an advantage, I was confident I'll be able to pull it off.
Going around to where I won't be in range of his peripheral vision, I made sure to stealthily sprint towards him. And when he's finally at a good distance, that's when I lept off the ground, retracted my claws, and prepared myself for another bloody fight.
Slamming myself onto his right side, I instantly locked my jaw around his shoulder while he was caught off guard, effectively releasing my mate from his hold. Once Azrael landed on to the ground with me on top of him, I didn't waste a second before I started shaking my head violently, thinking of causing enough damage to slightly paralyzing him.
After he got hold of himself, he decided to retaliate by grabbing my scruff and pulling me forcefully to get me off of him. Ripping a large amount of flesh from his shoulder considering my jaw was tightly locked on to it. After he sent me flying into the air, causing me to collide on to a large tree with such impact, I dropped on to the ground feeling like I was being run over by a f*cking truck. But like always, I shrugged the pain off and stood back on all four. Stalking back towards him, I made sure to stand in front of my mate in an attempt to block Azrael from targeting him.
Growling menacingly, I stood on an aggressive stance as I watched Azrael with a heavily bleeding shoulder. But by the looks of it, he wasn't even bothered by how much blood he was losing. If anything, he looked like he was even amazed by what I just pulled off. My anger rose to extreme heights after he let out a smirk.
"Did you really think that by hurting me physically that you'll win?" He said with the same evil smirk plastered on his annoyingly sick face. "You must've forgotten that this isn't my body, Arthur. It's just one of my many, many puppets." He added as he paced in front of me.
He smiled in amusement as he went to look at his injured shoulder. He then placed his left hand on top of the large wound and just inspected how the blood gushes out like a stream. Pulling his hand back that was now covered in a crimson-colored substance which was his blood, he then went to lick each of his fingers clean, all the while having his eyes trained on me.
"Isn't it interesting that this red liquid keeps everyone, even yourself alive? That without it, you'll  all be nothing but a piece of... well, nothing." He said with a small chuckle as he finished cleaning the blood off of his hand. "Which is why your precious little mate is so important." He added as he glanced at my mate's shaking form behind me. "In just over an hour, your mate will be the center of tonight's ritual. The moment I'll regain my immortality. And this time, the Gods won't be able to stop me nor take it away from me." He said with the most evil look on his face as he smiled down at me menacingly.
I growled as I stood with my hackles on end. My instincts telling me to keep my mate as safe as possible. I felt his hold on my back, which immediately sent me all sorts of what he was feeling by just a single touch, especially the all too familiar sparks and tingles. I missed it so much. I missed him more than I could ever put to words. And I'd be damned if I'll ever let Azrael take him away from me again.
As an aggressive growl rumbled in my chest at the thought, I bared my teeth as a warning. But instead of him getting intimidated by it, Azrael only let out a smug smirk, fueling my already boiling rage.
"Alpha," Connor spoke, letting me know he's back on his feet.
I huffed as I kept my eyes on Azrael. Cautious of what he might do so I made sure to keep my guard up at all times.
"Take my mate and run. That's an order." I commanded to him sternly.
The man hesitated for a bit as he walked towards us, catching Azrael's attention, causing the devil's smirk to go even bigger.
"Alpha, I don't mean to disrespect but I do think it's going to be a futile attempt to face him alone," Connor said as he stood next to me, covering Ash as well.
"I appreciate the concern, but we have to think about our main priority here, and that is my mate, who's also the one you're destined to protect. Now, I'm telling to you take my mate and run, and that's an order," I commanded fiercer this time, causing him to bow his head at me.
With that, he turned to my mate who instantly frowned at him.
Suddenly, we heard Azrael let out an amused chuckle, causing both Connor and me to snarl at him.
"Seriously, even if you run and hide I'll still find you. No one and I mean no one can stop me from getting what I want." The devil said with the same evil glint in his eyes.
He laughed aloud, which made my mate whimper in fear behind me.
"This is entertaining and all, but the time's almost here. So I'm just gonna steal your mate for a bit. I promise to return him to you unscathed when I'm done." He said teasingly with a wicked smile on his face. "Or not. If he's still alive, that is." He said as he let out another malicious laugh before vanishing to thin air, leaving black smoke in his wake.
A vicious growl rumbled loud in my chest as I looked around, both Connor and I are on high guard as Azrael decided to hide. The same menacing laugh echoed all throughout the forest as if he's everywhere, making it harder for us to pinpoint where he really is.
He's doing this on purpose. He's trying to confuse us until he finds the perfect opportunity to strike first.
Whatever game he's playing clearly spells danger for my mate, which doesn't put me at ease at all.