"Come on say it, no need to be shy. We've gotten to know each other very well!"

"Ngh! Theo you're - you're, I'll kill you with my bare hands!"

"I don't think that's what we practiced my dear Luna!"

A crash resounded. Theo had tossed the raven-haired woman across the room. She landed hard, decimating the bookcase she picked out herself, not too long ago. A strangled cry rattled from her. Glass from the picture frames embedded in her skin.

Theo sneered at her. Her pale skin, a beautiful canvas for her wounds. It surprised him how weak his opposition had been. Three to one odds in his condition. Statistically, he should have lost. When the moment of decapitation came for the Alpha, he celebrated in the victory.

The Beta gave up soon after, a pathetic excuse for a right-hand. As victor, he gets the pack, and all assets it holds. Unfortunately, it held only fifteen members. Not a tyrant, he gave them the option to leave or fight for his title.

Conversely, that was after he strung the headless carcass up in their community hall. They decided to stay. His dutiful underlings. He took up residence in the Alpha's mansion, with his temporary Luna. Adding her to the list.

"Let's try again! What's so damn hard at saying Theo you're better than my Fated ever imagined! He won't mind, he can't hear you." He snickered while her eyes widened.

"Ah, I get it. You need another round to judge. I'm starting to think you like my dick inside you."

He flinched when she screamed, and his heart raced at the adrenaline starting to surge. Scrambling to her feet, she put her arms up defensively. The fire in her eye made his beast growl. It had to be snuffed.

"Ready again my Luna?"

Quickly he jumped off the bed he idled on. Taking a step he craned his neck when pounding sounded on the heavy doors. Flashing her a wicked grin, he held a finger up.

"Enter."

Slowly, the huge doors creaked open. A short scrawny man bumbled in, righting the glasses on his face. He kept his eyes down, showing off his shiny dome. A spineless lamb, who better have a reason to interrupt.

"A-alpha...we, we-"

"Look up Beta."

The man did so, fearful to invoke his wrath. He trembled slightly at his imposing power, keeping his gaze on the right ride of his face. The act made Theo growl as he thought of the brown wolf.

When I catch her...

Theo's disfigured face made his own skin crawl. Especially the cavernous hole in where his eye should be. The scar tissue inside throbbed with the flow of blood. Random zings of pain lit up his cheeks, the bite wounds still festering.

"Beta Tomas."

The weak whisper came from behind him. Theo stepped aside, observing Tomas as he took in the frail-bodied Luna. Naked, bloody, and bruised. She pleaded with him, through terrified eyes.

"...Do you want to save her?"

The question caught Tomas off guard as he jumped. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he looked between the two. One, he's know his lifetime, the other, a devil who strolled in town. The tension made him look back down.

"N...no my Alpha."

"Look at her. I don't think my Luna heard you."

Theo cackled when he started shaking, turning into belly laughter. When he saw tears hit the marble floor.

"My God, this is cheering me up!"

Tomas bit his lip, staying quiet. Meeting his Luna's gaze he tried to form words.

"It's fine Beta Tomas. I forgive you always."

"I'm- No, I don't want to save her my Alpha."

"Good! Now tell me why you interrupted our honeymoon?" Theo stalked towards the man who backed away rapidly.

"Ah, well Alpha we went to the address you provided of your Fated. It-it looks like she moved. The place was empty an-"

The rest never came. Striking out, he scooped the worm up by his throat before slamming him into the floor. A small crater formed under him and Tomas gasped, squirming to release his grip.

"What do you mean moved!"

"Ack! Alp...Alpha please. We- we did find her!"

He let go. Tomas hacked, bloody spittle flying everywhere. Rolling over he massaged his throat.

"Say that next time you gutless fucking pest. Where is she!"

On que, two other pack members knocked on the doorframe. Keeping their heads down they dragged a limp body inside. A black sack was placed over her head.

"Put her on the bed."

Nodding, they did as told, ignoring their Luna in the process. Carefully they laid her down then scurried out the room. Theo eyed the woman on his bed, a look of pure hate clouding his vision. Scrunching his nose, he cast Tomas a fatal glare. There was no scent of Jasmine, only cinnamon.

"Beta Tomas...do you remember what I said she looked like."

"Y-yes Alpha, she was the one who entered the house. She put up a good fight."

"A fighter? Lia isn't a fighter, but..."

Grabbing the bag, Theo ripped it from the woman's head, taking strands of hair with him. Once he saw her, smiled broadly.

"Oh ho, good job Beta Tomas! Lia would be better but this one, we have unfinished business."

Bringing his hand down Theo dragged it down the side of Elaina's face. Under the cinnamon the smell of wolfsbane singed his nose. He dragged his hand over her busted lips, bruised jaw, and down to her collarbone. He caressed the distinct bone, then pushed down. Not stopping till he heard a satisfying crack. The scream that departed her lips caused them all to flinch.

*~*~*

Elaina roused, delirious and in pain. Clutching her chest, she looked at the amused man hovering over her. Color drained from her face meeting the hollow stare. She didn't realize how badly she got him. He looked horrendous.

"Admiring your handiwork? I do think I'm going to need compensation for this. An eye for an eye, so to speak."

Turning away briefly, Theo smiled at a woman holding herself up against the wall. Elaina winced when she fell back to her knees. A cry filled the room as she tried brushing out the glass.

"I haven't forgotten you hon. I'm sorry, but I think it's time we annulled our play. The night we had together...I've had better."

Moving from the bed Theo's bones cracked in his arm. Claws extended from his nails, and he stalked forward. The woman glanced between him and the open door.

"Tsk, make your choice love."

Taking a step to the doors, she hesitated, a draft from the right catching her attention. Elaina saw the twinkle in her eye, the resolution in her body as she jumped from the floor, slamming into the ornate window beside her. The force splintered it into an web. Theo halted momentarily stunned. Falling back, she got up again and ran.

Gritting his teeth, he leapt, burying his claws into her backside. As he went to hook her Elaina rolled off the bed. Jumping up she rammed into his backside.

"Go! Go! Now!"

Elaina wailed, pressing her body into his. The poison made her limbs wobble like noodles. Even so, she can't let him kill another. Using the last of her energy she sprinted over to the battered woman, who limped to the window. Without hesitation Elaina shoulder checked her. The window shattered to pieces; a dreadful scream rang out before distorting into a howl.

Wincing Elaina pulled her arm off the jagged glass. Blood warmed her chest as it gushed profusely and she collapsed, light head.

"You fucking despicable wench of a bitch!"

Theo yanked at her loose ponytail, wrapping it around his fist. Forcing her up, he slammed her against the wall. She whimpered, shielding her arm.

"Go after her now! I will not lose another hunt!"

Tomas let out a squeak, then ran out the room. Elaina grunted as he slammed her head two more times against the wall. Each time white flashed in her vision and the ability to breath waned.

"Now, who's coming to save you?"

*~*~*

"Damn it!"

Milo slammed his fist on the steering wheel. Clamping his eyes shut, he rocked back and forth, a feeble attempt at easing the pain. It coursed throughout his entire body, leaving him no way to pinpoint its exact location.

"She said it would be adverse but what the hell!"

Rapidly tapping the unlock button on his truck, he threw the door open and heaved. The wet smack of his bile on the pavement made him retch harder. A lone trucker in the rest stop gave him curious looks from afar. Debating on if Milo was worth leaving his truck for.

Giving one last spit, he composed himself enough to start his truck. The case in his backseat clattered loudly as he sped onto the interstate. Everything that would fit from his gun locker shoved into the black box. A gnawing in his mind fueled his impulsivities. Something felt wrong, extremely wrong. A sharp pang exploded in his right eye causing him swerve wildly. It dulled before reigniting in his groin.

"You better be okay Elaina."

*~*~*

"Khalia Schaffer! You check every box as to why Kirmas are reprehensible. Wasting Cruel-Mane's resources and time! Death will come for you!"

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

"Beta Chase! Sit your dramatic ass down."

"Respect your elders Gian! If your father was-"

"When my Enthronement Ceremony takes place, your Dismissal Ceremony begins."

Rubbing her face, Khalia covered her nose, a sulfuric sour odor raiding her nostrils. The stench wafted in waves from where Gian and Chase sat side by side. Throwing a glance at Diem across from her he gave a half grin.

Just an hour ago he had shaken her awake and drove them down to the Main House. All night she thrashed around as the distressing heat returned with a vengeance. Her yelling startled Diem so bad, he decimated the bedroom door getting to her. Hesitantly he informed her what was happening, of Theo's doings. Parasita fainted.

"That's hate, smells delicious."

His voice filled her mind. Unlike when Parasita does it, it was soothing. Unconsciously the corners of her lips upturned. A feigned cough interrupted her and she found herself staring at Nyla. Who wore a smile on her own face as she looked between the two.

"Let's begin."

"About time, Alpha Gian, your Beta is a spell away from become bone dust." A woman spoke boredly.

She sat further down, away from everyone else at the long table. Dark green hair contrasted delectably with her cool umber skin tone. Her lips plump, and jaw was chiseled. Androgynous in appearance, Khalia couldn't take her eyes off her. A playfulness was about her, one that struck her curiosity. The woman giggled, resting her chin in her hands. She returned Khalia's ogling with a stare of her own. A sly grin took her face.

"Is someone getting a crush on me?"

Her voice light, as if she was humming a soft tune. Khalia's mouth fell and her cheeks grew hot. She smiled awkwardly, shaking her head and apologizing. Gian sighed, "Mavi, we didn't call you here to seduce her."

"I know, I know. She's an adorable little thang however. Don't you agree...Diem?" Mavi grinned widely at him, ignoring his curled lip and stiff glare.

"Leave me out your games damn witch."

"Awe, still sore about losing that bet! How was I supposed to know she preferred eating pu-"

"Enough." This time Nyla sighed, rubbing her temples.

"Gian honey, please begin."

Gian smiled at his love, and Khalia noticed the pride he observed her with.

"Right. Khalia you committed an unauthorized shift in Cruel-Mane lands. Deemed unauthorized due to your status being a non-resident in our territory. Add assaulting my General, and your initial hunting, the punishment is...death."

"Whoa! What!" Hoping out her chair, it clattered to the floor. Turning her head she gawked at Diem. It was his turn to smile and shrug.

"I told you they were severe."

"I'm leaving out the 80 lashings. Don't worry, we did take into consideration your predicament, and the fact that you slid us some groceries." Gian paused to cackle at his own joke, leaving his partner to roll her eyes.

"Due to this, I won't kill you. Instead, we'll contract something after we fix your mating issues. To do that, this is Mavi. She's a Kirma as well. A witch and succubus. Not the craziest mix but she's interesting. Her knowledge will be useful to you."

Hearing that news Khalia jerked her head to Mavi. A strange breeze rustled across the table, lifting the papers that were settled atop it. Her cheeks flushed once more and a heat formed in the depths of her groin, building up in her clit. Breathlessly she moaned at the sensation that brought a slight arch to her back. Grabbing the table she held herself up.

Diem growled in Mavi's direction.

No growl at me.

He froze when she climbed atop the table. A hint of admiralty crossed his features at her quickness, and she winked. A burst of energy flowed in her and she melted in the feeling of its power. It caressed her erogenous zones, toying with her in places she didn't think arousal possible.

"Mavi. It's not the time for this! We didn't call you here to play matchmaker."

"Nyla sweetheart, I'm a Succubus. It's who I am. I can't help who falls privy to my aura. Plus, it appears she has a healthy dose of sexual tension for ol' Diem here. Are you both free after this?"

Khalia watched Diem glare daggers at Mavi, exposing his neck. A thin sheen of sweat made it sparkle like diamonds. Looking at his pulse beat steadily against the skin; she wanted nothing more than to taste his life essence. Wincing as nails stretched to claws, she was inches from his face when her tongue slipped past her lips.

Leisurely she dragged it across his neck, ending behind his ear where she gave his lobe a flick. Diem tensed and he sucked air between his teeth. Raising his hands he gave her a light shove, but she was too buried in the trenches of lust. Climbing into his lap Khalia felt her mouth move but it wasn't words that left. Smiling into his neck drank in his scent.

"L-luna Nyla." Diem's voice faltered, to the delight of Khalia. Glancing briefly in his honied eyes, the dilation made her beam.

"You four continue without us. We'll be outside. Wrap this up please." Sighing, Nyla stood.

Khalia sighed at the lack of another's body, feeling herself be lifted from his grasp. She giggled when his hands squeezed ass and she was gearing to grind against him. Before Nyla took her completely away, she leaned next to his ear. The words put a scarlet tint on Nyla's cheeks.

"Luna Nyla, I don't think-"

Not waiting for Chase to finish Nyla shuffled them out the room. She guided Khalia a few doors down before stopping at two sliding French doors. The haze she found herself in lifted the further they moved. Groaning she stretched, feeling oddly rejuvenated. Soon, the events in the conference room replayed, and she turned to Nyla. Nyla gave her a sympathetic smile and slide the doors open.

Equipped with lounging chairs and glass tables, a large balcony greeted them. The view faced the mountains and the ski resort. On the drive here, Khalia was surprised to see that they didn't all live up the mountain.

In fact, Diem drove them a good 30 minutes away, at the base. Saying it's easier to shift, seeing as Cruel-Mane owned vast amount of acreage. Leaning against the railing, Khalia buried her face in her hands and whined.

"...Fuck...I told him to eat me out from the back like a midnight snack."

"That you very well did." Nyla's face contorted trying to find the right emotion. Eventually settling on laughter.

"If it makes you feel any better when I first met Mavi our experiences were similar. A wonderful being, truly she is. Don't take what she did to heart. Normally she affects men, but women pique her interest occasionally."

Scoffing, Khalia took in the bustling movement below. Observing a diversity of people who walked with a dutiful purpose. From a building not far, she could make out children running around in the front yard. Squinting, she was positive it was Caleesi who's chasing them around.

Buildings and houses were a good distance apart. They circled around the Main House, which was built in the center of the community. She could see farms in the distance, their leafy greens a vibrant beacon. Various shops dotted around. From coffee to instrument repair, it held a touch of everything.

"I've lived here my entire life. Why haven't I seen this place? Do you and Gian run this?"

Khalia turned to Nyla who was waving at five gigantic wolves who passed below the balcony.

"You have. Its about perception. As far as most are concerned, we're one in sea of tourist towns. Those are our elders. Once we've reached their age, we're given a choice. A lot choose the latter."

The wolves below eyed Khalia. Giving head tilts and tentative sniffs, some emitted growls, and yips. Eventually, they found her uninteresting, bounding off down the paved walkway. Khalia picture old women with canes and stylish fascinators. Excited to gossip about the next juicy drama piece that happened in their neighborhood.

"You know, if you wanted, you could stay here in Cruel-Mane. Remain as you are. Given the circumstances, I know it's not ideal. It is an option nonetheless. We're not all gore and bloodshed."

"That's not an option for me. Are you always this approachable? Or is this some type of Luna thing? That isn't very safe. Extending help to strangers."

The giggle that escaped the prominent woman made Khalia arch a brow in her direction.

"Don't get anything twisted. I handle myself damn well. If need be, that is."

"Hm, do you get along with your other half?"

"Lyla, yes. She's me, I she, we are one."

"Okay Descartes." Khalia rolled her eyes, landing on Caleesi as she gathered the children in the quaint facility.

"I take it your beast isn't fond of you."

"Correction, I fucking hate her. Fond my ass."

Nyla frowned while she flinched from Parasita's growls.

"May I ask why? Some in your situation would see this as a gift. All the films humans create. Aren't you slightly curious about what's out there? What's here?"

"Nah, not me. You can miss me with that. I'm no hero. I agreed to get fucked senseless in the woods. Not have people I love brutally gutted and murdered. Origin story sounds great but can confirm, its trash."

A snort escaped through Nyla's hands. Giving Khalia a passive wave she settled herself. Even resting, Khalia noticed her grace.

"They are almost done in there. If the options your given aren't what you can handle, how will you proceed?"

"I don't know. Theo he's...dangerous. If people end up hurt, I'll run again. And again. Hit all 50 states if I have too"

"Diem and Caleesi, although Omegas, are gifted fighters. They can teach you a few techniques. It wouldn't hurt."

"Diem's an Omega?"

Khalia bit her lip causing Nyla to grin.

"Of his choosing. They arrived here together ten years ago. Caleesi was only seven at the time. She grew up in a vicious dominion. Her pack long massacred when he found her. Ironically, his mistake in saving Gian's father is why he stays here."

The two moved to sit on lounge chairs.

"I see. Did he ever speak of his past? Does he have family? A pack?"

"No. He only stated at the time that he's been on the move for a while. That is what I heard from Gian. I arrived in Cruel-Mane quite later."

"Our Fated, I smell him!" Khalia sprang up, fueled by Parasita's words.

Frantically she searched over the buildings until screaming drew her to the end of the main road. Nyla reacted suddenly, running towards the railing, and throwing herself over the edge.

"We have to see what's going on! Follow her!"

Shockingly, she listened to Parasita. Running, she threw the French doors apart. The noise of them clattering vibrated loudly. Khalia stepped back from the figure who stood there.

"Diem!"

Raising her arms to push past him he took her hands and dragged her to the railing.

"No time for doors. Lesson one: take the closest exit."

He didn't give her a chance to blink before they were airborne. Hitting the ground, he landed on his feet, while she tucked into a roll.

"Don't ever do that again!"

Anxiously she scolded him while they ran to the gathering crowd. By now, it had grown to concert size. With some gathering on nearby balconies and rooftops to get better views. Gian made an appearance, and only then did they part a path.

His composure slipped when he laid eyes on the woman. Blood leaked from her body like a broken faucet, creating tiny puddles around her. Her skin was a lifeless pale from the many lacerations. Khalia's heart dropped and she looked in the crowd.

Is he here?

"Yvette, Yvette what happened? Where is Micheal?" Nyla kneeled in front of the woman and cupped her cheeks with a delicate hand.

Gian came up next to her. Confusion settled on his face. Whispers sounded like a nit of crows. Khalia watched Gian narrow his gaze and look at the crowd. A pressure fell on her shoulders and her knees cracked as silence took over. Grunting she gripped onto Diems arm for support and he wrapped his arm securely around her waist. She sighed at the instant relief to her legs.

"Yvette? What happened?"

Hearing his voice must have ignited a nerve. Her face twisted, and tears surged from her eyes, running over Nyla's hands. Then, she screamed. Piercing and savage in cadence, it shook those in its vicinity.

"He's dead! He killed my Micheal! Gian! Gian he took him and-"

More pitiful sobs rang out as Nyla motioned to two guards nearby.

"Take her to the clinic. Mavi can we use your assistance a bit longer?"

"Of course, Luna Nyla."

Carefully they picked up Yvette, apologizing when their fingers sunk into her grotesque wounds. Khalia quickly looked to the ground. The fear began to spread. Like a thick dewy mist, it enclosed around the community.

"Is Whistling in danger?"

"Did you see her wounds? Who could have done that?"

"Serves them right! They chose to renounce Cruel-Mane, this is what happens when you leave your pack!"

The voices grew, a low thundering rumble as they bounced theories off each other.

"Aye! That's enough!"

Gian's voice resonated. Immediately everyone hushed.

"Everyone returns to your duties! We'll gather tomorrow evening in the Main House! By then we should have answers. Also, have empathy. Regardless of what transpired in the past, the Whistling Pack has remained nonviolent towards us. Being former pack members, we will be courteous. Beta Chase, with me."

Wrapping up his speech Gian held out his hand to Nyla, helping her from the ground. Quickly the three went after the guards. Khalia watched as the crowd diffused, some with anxious expressions. A head of green hair caught her attention as they rushed over.

"I better go with them! Diem, take this. Remember what I said. It must be her. If not, you know the rest. Pleasant meeting you Khalia. Hopefully we meet again, I hate that we were cut short."

Mavi handed Diem a dagger and winked at Khalia before leaving. She studied the gnarly looking weapon he held, taking in the elaborate designs that were etching into the case. The hilt, bound in a worn dull leather, appeared to be made of bone with odd symbols.

"I am here. I'm here...yet he takes these woman... The fucking Jaundice Goblin wants me for fucks sake. Am I not enough?"

Parasita startled Khalia into stillness. Diem tensed next to her, and she found his eyes on hers. He bore into them with an indifferent expression, looking through her, searching. When his hand came up and cupped her chin, Khalia relaxed into the feeling, becoming fond of his gentle touches.

"Parasita...your Fated is a monster. A beast without a heart, he betrayed himself and his kind long ago. He doesn't love you. He won't mate with you. You're a game gone to far. One he's desperate to win. I know the bond makes it difficult but as your Beta, I implore you, resist the influence."

Her mind hummed and she felt Parasita stir, scrutinizing his words.

"Come on. I'm assume you want to stay at my place again?"

Khalia nodded, watching a breeze tousle hair in his face. Raising her hand, she brushed the silky strands back atop his head. He smiled at her gesture, and she marveled as his glistening canines.

"Touch me again and I'll take you to bed ."

"Don't make empty promises." She laughed and headed to where his truck was parked.

"Okay, I promise..."

Khalia abruptly stopped, feeling resistance on her braids. Heat traveled along her backside as he pressed against her. Warm breath tickled the nape of her neck, caressing her ear.

"To eat it from the back like a midnight snack. Then the front, upside down, side to side. We can even-"

"Okay Sir! Back up the fuck up, I was under the influence!" Choking on spit, Khalia shook from his grasp and picked up stride. Her cheeks flushed when he appeared next to her.

"Were you? She said healthy dose of sexual tension. That's a lot in Lycan terms. We can take care of it right now."

Plugging her ears she sprinted to the truck, cringing at the raucous laughter behind her.

"Fucking embarrassing."