Thrown to the Wolves

Waiting

Chapter 4 

     ***Hazel's POV*** 

       Kyton slammed his fists into the wall in rage, pinning Hazel against the bricks behind them. She'd never seen her brother so upset, what had brought this about? His eyes weren’t normal; they were animalistic as they searched her features for an answer to a question he’d yet to voice. Her chest heaved in minor fear as she wasn’t sure what his next move might be. His left hand dropped to point directly in her face, his finger inches from her nose as he spat out the words. 

     "Where did you get this, Haze?" She tried to avert her gaze when he ripped the ever-familiar blade from his belt. So that’s where he’d been at dinner, in her room. 

      "I....I-It's from Nite," she tragically stuttered, wishing she could've snatched the words back as quickly as she'd let them escape. A deep rumble echoed from deep within Kyton’s sternum as his growl rippled through the walls of the main house. His posture straightened and she could see him fighting for control through hooded eyes. She watched in horror as he clenched his teeth and tilted his head to let a loud crack be heard. He deeply inhaled and slammed his fist back into the wall, causing her to not only flinch and yelp but allowed a rather nice sized hole in the bricks. 

       His eyes flew open again and this time she knew it wasn't Kyton. With a small whimper, she slid down the wall; things never ended in her favor when Axel was in command. Axel was way too possessive compared to Kyton, and obviously had more control over their body than her brother. His enraged gray eyes became clouded with hate as he yanked Hazel back off the floor and against the wall, a low growl building deep in his chest. 

      "I told you, you're not allowed around that THING!" he spat the last word as if it'd been a cockroach needing to be disposed of. His eyes clouded over as if deep in thought when suddenly his bones cracked in his chest, expanding and contorting. Hazel began to internally panic as she realized he was trying to transform. He looked back at her, his expression now menacing and cold as he hissed. 

     "I'll make sure you listen this time, Zel. That sorry excuse for a soul won't be returning to our grounds again. I will make sure of that too." Axel gripped her hair and forced Hazel to walk with him out of the corridor.  

     Several of the maids looked at her sympathetically; they'd all been victim to Kyton's wolf as well. Axel was not a happy wolf; he never had been. She panicked internally as she was rushed down the halls towards the front doors. A loud snarl stopped Axel in his tracks as he slowly turned, yanking Hazel in the same direction and coaxing a loud yelp from her. Stomping towards them was their father's beta, Bane, with a severe look of anger at the scene ahead of him. 

     "What are you doing, Kyton! Let her go now or your father will hear of this.” When Axel turned around to leave with her instead of letting Hazel go, Bane cracked his neck, straightened, and growled so deeply the nearest windows shook and she was almost certain her Uncle was now aware it was not Kyton. 

     “Axel, I said LET HER GO." 

       Axel practically threw her to the ground and stormed off, leaving Bane to pick up the mess again. Hazel looked up at her Uncle, but swiftly looked away when she saw his pity filled eyes. He sighed and picked her up, not letting her walk herself to her room after this event.  

     Walking past the small indoor garden, he snatched a Snapdragon from the soil and put it in her hair, just like he’d done when she was little. She watched his eyes cloud over in thought for just a moment before he looked down and smiled. 

     “How about we check on Roza?” and her face lit up for the first time today. They made their way through the maze of flowers and potted plants to the very center, to Hazel’s pride and joy; Roza, her rose. She gently picked up the white watering can and sprinkled the water all over the soil. She sang gently as she did and Bane sang as well, adding the deep tune he usually added to her melodies. Hazel enjoyed this time with her Uncle despite knowing he had more important things he could be doing. No doubt in her mind he was also saddened at his brother’s decision regarding his only niece. 

     "You look just like your mom when you smile like that, Bean." 

      She couldn't help but laugh a little as he used the nickname her mother gave her before she'd left them for another pack. Their father hadn't been the same until he met his second chance mate. Their new Luna was amazing as well, but the heartache remained. No one expected her to up and leave the way she had. Hazel shook her mind clear as she reached down and gently stroked the soft petals of Roza, named after her mother, but when she leaned down to take in its usual scent, something faint lingered. Someone else had touched her precious flower, but who? She shrugged it off as one of their maids checking on her flower. They headed back out of the greenhouse and made their way to Hazel’s room. Bane opened the door for her and closed it behind, reminding her to lock the door in case Kyton or Axel returned. 

     She quickly undressed and walked to the bathroom, staring at herself in the mirror. Kyton left another bruise, she'd thought to herself and winced as she brushed her palm over it. Stepping into the shower, she stood there for a moment before bursting into tears. She just wanted to talk to Nite, but he had rushed off before they had time to speak undisturbed. Part of her sensed he didn’t want to be alone with her, but she wasn’t sure why she had those thoughts. He’d approached her himself and even given her the- oh no, the dagger. Kyton still had it...  

***Nite’s POV*** 

   He buttoned his shirt and stared out the window, deep in thought. He couldn’t stay here long, this much he knew. The pull to be near Hazel had grown stronger the more he’d passed her and smelled her relaxing scent, peppermint and citrus, Volkov threw in. He forced his wolf to the back of his mind to keep him from joining his thoughts as he made his way to the door. 

    The smell of chicken and potatoes wafted through the halls as he neared the dining room doors. Her scent was prominent even over the smell of a feast and he wasn’t prepared for the way it hit him when he finally pushed open the door. The drips from his hair kept him snapped out of the daze her mesmerizing eyes would’ve sent him into as he reached the table. He made quick eye contact with Val and a nod so unnoticeable that only Val had caught it and knew what it meant. Val quirked a brow and he nodded openly this time. 

     “Val’kyana, this is the girl we came to purchase. Get used to her, Val.” The sudden sound of Thade clearing his throat caused Nite to chuckle internally. Ah, a chord was struck with that and he was going to take it further as he stretched back into his chair in a lazy position, “Sorry, this is the WOMAN I purchased. Better?”  

      He threw Hazel’s father a challenging glare, fire dancing in his eyes. He could see Thade’s wolf trying to crawl forward as his eyes turned an amber gold, but quickly reverted back to brown as Thade inhaled and spoke. 

     “So, when will you be leaving, Nite?” 

      Volkov was growing increasingly angry with Nite as he glanced at Hazel, hating the way her eyes made him want to embrace her. He had to leave, the sooner the better. The next words practically fell from his mouth carelessly. 

     “Right now.”  

      He stood and Val followed, pushing the door open for their Alpha as Nite walked through it. The second the door was firmly shut again; they turned to face him and tilted their head. 

      “Mates?”  

      A slight hint of hope lining their tone, but Nite’s expression remained empty as he delivered a warning to their face using only the back of his hand, causing Val’s eyes to flicker to their wolf for a split second, but they lowered their head in submission just as quickly. 

      “Deepest apologies, Alpha, I retract my question. I’ll be waiting in the car for your return.” 

     With a bow, Val walked away and left Nite to grab his luggage. His temper rose again, how dare his beta forget their place. He didn’t need a mate and he was livid that Val brought this up. This event would be one for the books. 

     Driving away had never been so difficult. It’d been hours now and his mind started to unravel. The farther he was, the more Volkov acted like he wanted to break free and run back to Hazel. His wolf had become almost enslaved by that woman and he hated it. Hated how she made him feel, hated how she made his wolf go crazy. Hated being away from her, hated not having her scent surrounding him, hated not having her beneath him...NO! He slammed his fist against the window, shattering it instantly, but not leaving any marks upon his skin. One of the perks of being a wolf was tougher skin. Val, who was driving, didn’t even blink as they'd grown accustomed to their Alpha’s outbursts. His anger rose as he focused on their destination, just wanting this over with. Any minute now, they’d have reached the drop-off in hybrid territory.  

     Nite shoved the truck’s door open and forced it shut again, a loud slam echoing through the area. He inhaled a stressed breath and picked up his small bag of supplies, not looking back at Val’kyana as he spat. 

    “Go back to Hazel. I need her brother watched,” He stopped without turning around and warned, “And Val, she better be here when I return.” He didn’t wait for Val’s reply as he stormed off down the dirt road, following the lining of the trees as he heard the truck starting again and leaving. He would kill all of them if he came back and Hazel wasn’t safe. 

***Kyton’s POV*** 

    He’d crouched down behind the stairs near Hazel’s room, watching silently as she stepped from them and headed towards the dining room. Her innocent form seemed withdrawn, almost hugging herself as she made her way. Kyton could read her like a book and Axel purred, wanting nothing more than his twin to be this way forever...but it wouldn’t happen as long as she was promised to Nite’s pack. As she entered the dining room, he made his move and weaseled sneakily through her bedroom door. 

    Kyton clenched his fingers into his palms almost hard enough to bleed as he immediately sensed and smelled Nite. Not strong enough to know he’d been in the room, no, but his scent was here. It drove his wolf to madness as Axel tried to f***e his way into control. Holding in Axel, he sniffed around and let his nose do the searching. It didn’t take long before he found himself making his way to Hazel’s bed. Kyton’s face twisted in quiet rage as he stared down at her pillow. For a minute, he thought maybe Nite HAD been in his sister’s room. His body trembled angrily as he ripped apart the pillow with a snarl and a low roar, only stopping when he saw the glint of silver.  

     He bent down slowly, shock replacing his expression where anger had just sat. He carefully bent down to examine it. Gold reflected beautifully from the sheath; its sides help perfectly cut sapphires in a small diamond shape. To say it was magnificent was an understatement. It had to cost thousands of dollars, which he knew his sister had none of. Rage engulfed him again, Axel urged him to snatch it. Kyton wrapped his palm around it and held it closer to himself. He could smell the beast on it still, but only when it was closer. So, this was Nite’s. Had he given it to Hazel or did she steal it?  

     Kyton turned and rushed from the room, his face blank. Axel was not happy and he needed to find Hazel. After a few minutes, he found himself by the door of the dining hall. He reached for the handle, but heard a familiar deep voice. 

    “Right now.” and a few chairs scratched the wooden floor below. He swiftly ducked around the corner and his behind a tall plant, not even his breath could be heard as he waited to see who it was. He knew he wouldn’t be able to hold himself back if he’d bumped into Nite. Sure enough, almost the moment he was hidden, the door opened and out ventured the monster. 

     The person who followed was confusing to look at. They had neither female nor male features, no gender seemed to be present in this being and they were almost refreshing to see. This person tilted their head almost in question or interest and spoke. 

    “Mates?” 

       Instantly, Nite swung at them, contacting the back of his palm with his pack member’s cheek. Kyton stared at the pair in anger. This is the man Hazel was given to. They didn’t even flinch away as their head angled down to submit and she spoke a quick apology before departing and leaving Nite standing there. It was only seconds before Nite headed in the same direction as the other. Now, he needed to release some stress before he found Hazel. He knew Axel was becoming more restless and practically chasing thoughts in his head.  

     How could she take the blade from him; HIM? His mind raced with images of his sister being in Nite’s arms, clinging onto the Alpha. A cold smirk flashed across Nite’s face in Kyton’s vision as he held tightly onto his twin in a very possessive manner, taunting him. The vision flashed away when he’d blinked. Axel was now deadly silent, but Kyton could feel his wolf pulling for control without any words and Kyton wasn’t sure how long before he’d lose it.  

    He didn’t wait long before he could hear the clattering of dishes as he knew Lyn and Hazel were gathering them for washing. Hazel would never let her friend do anything alone and only for a small second, he internally smiled at her pureness. The dining room door opened and he watched as his sister made her way past him, never once noticing his presence. He glanced at her face just before he exited his hiding spot and the blush crossing her cheeks and nose drove him to madness. 

    He leapt from the plant’s shadow and grabbed Hazel, knocking her backwards into the wall and her eyes closed in sudden pain as she tried to inhale the air Kyton had just forced from her. His fist connected with the wall behind her and he could feel Axel slowly creeping into control, sending him reeling. He could barely control himself as he asked, “Where did you get this, Haze?” with a finger just inches from her face. 

     Kyton almost ripped the belt of his jeans as he tore the dagger from them and held it up, watching as she quickly darted her eyes around at anything to look at except the blade. 

    "I....I-It's from Nite,” her words were almost a whisper as she spoke with her whole body seemed to tremble. The moment those words fell from her mouth, Axel was in control. A very deep growl escaped from within him and the next thing he knew, Kyton was forced to the back of his own body as Axel lurched forward into control. Axel launched his fist back against the wall, hard enough to shatter the heavy bricks as the dust seeped to the ground. Axel’s eyes flew open, his senses were much more heightened now. He watched as Hazel let herself lower down the wall, a small sound of fear making its way passed her lips.  

     Axel stared at her, the anger in him brewing quickly as his thoughts consumed him. She would NOT be with Nite. He would make sure of it now. He swiftly yanked her off the floor and slammed her against the wall again in hatred, spitting his words down at her. 

     "I told you, you're not allowed around that THING!" Kyton began trying to force himself back into control, sensing Axel was going too far again. Axel tried to mentally block Kyton out, but instead it resulted in more anger as his body started to react to the wolf’s tension. Axel forced himself to ignore the pain of his bones rearranging and contorting as he stared down Hazel.  

    "I'll make sure you listen this time, Zel. That sorry excuse for a soul won't be returning to our grounds again. I will make sure of that too." As soon as he spoke, he gripped Hazel’s hair so quickly she didn't see it coming as he tore her in the direction of the front doors. He glanced back to see her bent forward in attempt to ease the pain of his fingers pulling her by the hair. His goal was to show her what a monster could do. If she wanted to go with Nite, he was damn well making sure she was prepared for the damage to her that beast would deliver. If he could scare her, maybe she’d stay...Kyton was now thrashing around, internally screaming at Axel, trying desperately to gain control again. 

    A loud, demanding growl echoed through the halls just before he reached the exit. Kyton sighed in relief and Axel growled at him for it. Their Uncle always got in the way when Axel was around. He turned around, in one motion, and caused Hazel to be launched forward a few feet painfully. Bane took one look and his eyes narrowed. 

    "What are you doing, Kyton! Let her go now or your father will hear of this.” Axel turned back around to continue through the doors and smiled in his head; he knew better than to smile in front of their father’s beta over such a situation. He toyed with the idea of growling back when once again, Bane spoke angrily. 

    “Axel, I said LET HER GO." Releasing a shockwave of a growl and sent Axel spiraling into submission as he practically threw Hazel to the ground in defiance. He didn’t even wait to see Bane’s reaction, if he had, Axel would be the next one damaged. Storming out of the main house, he snarled to himself; Axel hated submitting.  It was only a matter of time before he took over as Alpha and Bane would soon be submitting. He clenched his fists so tightly that his nails nearly made his palms bleed.  

      Axel stared at the dagger again, angrily twirling it between fingers, wanting nothing more than to destroy it here and now. He looked up to see Lyn walking towards him and he growled in warning, to be left alone. She turned immediately and walked away; must not have been important. All he could think as he laid down was how this wasn’t over. He closed his eyes and let Kyton have control again, knowing Kyton felt the same way about Nite. They would be rid of him one way or another, that, was certain.