Numbers that follows

chapter 16

I woke up in the morning slightly sore. Caster had his arm around me keeping me close to his chest. I must have moved because he shifted behind me. His breathing changed and I knew he had woken up.

“Good morning.” he said, sticking his face into my neck. “We have a long day ahead of us.”

I groaned remembering the rest of the world. I never want to leave this bed. I want to stay with him here forever. I turned my face into a pillow. I rolled over and got out of bed. I walked over to my bag of clothes. I pulled out the black dress. I started to change and get ready for the ball.

“Flint is going to the meeting. I need to tell him what happened last night. He missed a lot.” Caster said, coming up from behind me kissing my neck.

“Let’s get dressed and head down, get some breakfast and go from there.” Caster says.

He helped me zip up the dress. I sat down to put on my shoes and he went to his bag and pulled out clothes for himself. He put on a black button down shirt and black pants. He looked really good, all professional.

We left the room and headed to meet Flint in the kitchen. I was kind of freaking out. What if we ran into Arkin? Would having him as an alpha in the room hurt our plan? We get to the door to the dining room and go in. If this room was meant to sit a bunch of Alphas, Lunas and some betas, they were crazy.

“It’s their family dining room, the meeting will be held in another room. This one is private.” Caster answered without me asking.

I shot him a confused look and just when I was about to speak Flint walked into the room with Ellie and Alastair.

“So I just heard a crazy story, Is it true or not?” Flint askes directed to Caster.

“Yeah, Apparently he is here.” Caster said.

He turned very serious, he was still mad at what happened at the dance.

“This is what I get for skipping, I should have been there. I should have done something.” Flint shook his head, then turned to me, “One I am so sorry I was not there. I should have done something.”

“You had no way of knowing I sure didn’t. Besides, I handled myself fine.” I replied.

“It was great you handled yourself so well, and then he pouted like a child when he realized he couldn't take one because she was marked.” Alastair laughed.

“I kind of wish I saw…” Flint paused for a minute, and looked at me, “You marked each other! When did that happen?”

“Like halfway through the ball. We had to do something after she saw him so…” Caster explained.

“Why didn’t you link me? I would have been there in no time at all.” Flint complained.

“Well whatever we could have done, doesn't matter, it's over now.” Alastair interjects.

“We need to discuss what we are going to say in the meeting,the one that is in an hour.” Caster says sitting to eat.

We sat around the table and went over everything. What we were going to do, what we were going to say. We argued a little on if we should tell anyone what me and the others could do. Everyone had a different opinion on whether or not I should say anything or not. It got very heated. We decided not. I however disagree. I think I should be 100% honest.

We finished eating with 12 minutes to spare to get to the conference room. We were maybe the 4 or 5 group to arrive and we took our seats. The room was square with a large round table. Maybe 30 seats in total with chairs for those who wouldn’t be at the table. It was just like what was described to me.

The last to enter the room was Arkin who sat directly across the table from me. He was shooting daggers at me. I smiled sweetly at him. Which made his mood sour even more. He was going down.

“Welcome everyone, we have an unusual start this year. Alpha Caster has a significant issue that needs immediate attention.” Alaster nods to Caster who stood up.

“When I met my mate she was running away. She had no idea she even entered another territory. I think it's best if you hear the problem from her.” Caster held out his hands for me to take.

“My name is One. The man right there,” I pointed directly to Arkin, “held me captive for most of my life. I barely remember my Parents, I was the only one because I was held with 22 others who I grew up with.”

“This is all lies.” Arkin stood up.

“Everyone of the people sitting with me said that I should only say half the truth. It would protect me. But if I only said half the truth when secrets get out it only hurts more. He took all of us because we are different. We are all stronger, faster, and each blessed with different powers that make us unique among ourselves. I ran away the night he was killed by friends. He thought having pure blood would make us better, so he put us all in a room and slit the throats of those that didn’t meet his standards.” I took a deep breath to keep the composer, “I got away but you still have six kids trapped, my friends… my family and I think you should pay. I have been freed for only a few days but I have learned and discovered so much that you took from all of us. I may have run away, but now I fight for my family.

“What incredible lies you have formed. I truly am impressed.” Arkin laughed, “none of that is even slightly true.”

“I can prove it.” I smiled, “Why don’t you take my hand. Unless there is something that you know that no one else does, because you know one more thing I can do, that I kept secret from even those sitting next to me. Don;t you.”

“I don’t have to do anything.” Arkin scoffed.

“Scared?” I replied.

I looked down to see Caster looking at me very confused. I was sorry I didn’t tell them but I needed to keep this power a secret. Not even the other numbers knew I could do this.

“I think you should prove yourself, Arkin.” Liam spoke up, “I was there for your conversation last night and I honestly believe her.”

I walked around the table, I was only like 1 or 2 feet away from him and I held out my hand. Arkin went to grab my hand, then pulled back.

“This is ridiculous. I am not going to stand for this.” he said, turning away from me.

I took my chance and grabbed his hand. There was a flash of light and floating around the room were little orbs. They were memories each one showed everything Arkin had done. Looking around the room they were all stunned,

“You were right, if they won;t believe me maybe they will believe you.” I said,

I held out my hand and one of the orbs floated right into my hand. It became bigger and began to play like a movie.

“I have made a decision. I only want those of you that are purebred. I need the most powerful of you, the others are a disgrace.” Arken finished.

A group of men came into the room and each one stood behind one of us. The exceptions were myself, 5, 9, 14, 17, 18, 22. All at once, the men drew knives and slit the throats of all those Arken deemed unworthy.

The room gasped as they had just seen Arkins first hand account of what happened to the other kids. It hurt to watch, tears streamed down my face.

I let the orb go and held out for another one, this one was of me.

“One, you constantly disobey my direct orders and stand in the way. If this is the only way to get through to you then so be it.” Arken said, grabbing a whip.

I had my hands chained to the ceiling, he walked around to my back and raised his whip, I turned away, I knew what happened I heard the sound of the whip.

I let this orb go to, “Anyone need to see any more or is this good.” I asked.

No one said a thing. The room was silent and I let go of Arken.

“I heard the first hand account of the story from one last night, I thought it was heartbreaking then but to see it like it was happening in front of my eyes was impossible to comprehend.” Abby spoke First.

I felt something behind me, but the touch and smell was Caster. I was still crying, watching everything again was worse than the first time.

“I move that Alpha Arken be stripped of all titles, he needs to be imprisoned.” Liam declares.

“Those in favor raise your hand.” Alastair announces.

Every single person in the room raised their hand. We had won. I let out the breath I hadn't known I was holding.

“YOU CAN’T DO THIS!” Arken yelled, “I HAVE WORKED TO HARD TO GET MY PACK,”

Arken grabbed something from his pocket and slammed it on the floor. He was encased in smoke and when it cleared he was gone.