Numbers that follows

chapter 18

We open the door to Casters office. All around the room everyone was standing. Caster walked in first and I followed and Flint closed the door behind. Caster sat in his chair, I was standing to the side of him when he grabbed me and sat me on his lap. It took me by surprise a little but I ignored it and just sat contently.

“Is that what we are here for?” I hear Arrah yip

She was pointing to my neck and she was talking about Caster marking me. I looked at Caster. I wanted him to take the lead.

“No, and yes.” Caster answered “We accomplished what we went to the summit for but unfortunately the after effects are coming for us.”

“What do you mean?” Armin asked.

“Well the guy turned out to be Arkin, an Alpha at the summit and we saw him before he saw us and that is why Izzy is marked.” Caster answered.

“Okay new question.” Arrah said, “Who is Izzy?”

“Me, I am Izzy. When I proved to the whole room of alphas what Arkin was doing, Apparently It gave my real identity away to an alpha and Luna who knew my parents. Turns out they are my aunt and uncle.”

“Oh. You found out who you are?” Armin asks.

“Yeah.” I nod my head, “I gained more family then what I want though because I gained a great aunt and uncle on my mothers side but Arkin is my uncle as well.” I explained further.

“The man that kept you prisoner and killed your parents is also your uncle?” Arrah clarified.

“Yes, and when he was outed at the summit he disappeared and we all think he is getting his army to start a war. The only way to stop him is for me to challenge him.” I explained.

“ Izzy being the rightful alpha, and how strong she is . she will have no problem beating him.” Caster boasts.

“Izzy, do you know how a challenge works?” Armin asks.

“Not a clue.” I admitted, “there wouldn’t be a book by chance?”

“ It has to be a formal challenge. Your wording must include your full name, rank or ranks, you pack and your intent to challenge and why. So as you could say, ‘I Izobel luna of valley green and rightful alpha of crimson powers challenge you Arkin, for you title of alpha, I issue this because of the theft of title, the murder of children, and the countless other immoral infractions that have brought us here.’ Has to be formal and respectful.” Armin explained.

“Can I just say that technically.?” I asked.

“Yes, but feel free to add anything you want to it just follow procedure.” Armin said.

“When they show up to fight we have to get Izzy to him. She can do the rest.” Caster explained. “Arrah we are sorry but we need to postpone your birthday party at least.”

“I totally understand. It’s fine.” Arrah replied.

“We will make it up to you, we promise.” I assured her.

After reading the books I understood now how important a wolf's 18th birthday truly is. Once they turn 18 they can finally find their mate and instead of focusing on that she may be helping out in a war. They also can shift for the first time. It is one of the most important birthdays a wolf, especially a young female wolf has.

“So all the young and anyone who can’t fight will hide out in the rooms under the cells. We need to stock the room with water and food. Arrah you and Armin will be up in the cells.”

“Why?” Arrah asked

“You need your dad for the first shift, and I don't want you in the war bunker until after you have shifted back for the first time. The cells will give you privacy and safety.” Armin answered.

“Okay.” Arrah shook her head.

“We will split into 5 groups, each group will cover a certain area. James, Beric, Thraxal, Zion, and Ramos will head each group. I will stay with Izzy along with a select few that will help get Izzy to Arkin.” Caster explained.

“Once the challenge is given all of Arkin’s pack will feel the challenge. At the same moment a border will trap you in a circle with Arkin it will be you and him. The fight won’t be over till either surrender or death.” Armin added.

“It’s fitting he trained me to kill for years and now I know how to kill him, ironic I think.” I said

“More like justice.” Arrah laughed.

“I am going to send out scouts to patrol the borders. We have the mountain to shield us but the crescent mountain is open to the west. That would be where I would come from. So we should expect an attack from there.” Caster nodded. “Everyone else gets sleep, especially Arrah and Izzy. you both have big days tomorrow.”

We all stood up and headed to bed. I was lost in my own thoughts when Casters voice pulled me from the world in my mind. We were at the bedroom door.

“Let’s get to bed.” Caster said, pulling me to the soft sheets.

I wish tomorrow would never come. I want to stay in this bed forever. I was in sweats and a t-shirt for the ride home so I was not changing, but Caster was across the room taking his shirt and pants off. Grabbing a pair of his own sweets he put them on and came to bed. He jumped into bed and wrapped me up in his arms. His touch still made my skin tingle.

I had so many thoughts going through my head, but I was thinking about Arkins memories. I can’t tell Caster but I saw him kill my parents. In one of the other orbs I saw it. I saw other memories and I flipped through them like a book in his mind to find the right ones. Some of his other memories made no sense like they were out of order. I saw people who shouldn't have been in his recent memories.

Finally my thought had tired me out and I fell softly asleep.

“Arkin, what do you want?” I saw my dad ask. Opening the door.

“I just want to talk, possibly apologize,” Arkins voice rang.

“Come in and make it good” Dad says.

Arkin walks to a couch and sits down. My mother walks into the room with water and cups.

“Arkin, you have been given so many chances and every time you make the wrong choice, you are putting the safety of this pack in danger.” my dad says, he leans on his knees. “I just don’t know what to do.”

“I know but I am just jealous of you, never has someone in our blood line not been born with the gifts. I was the first, I felt powerless and couldn’t find my place. But don’t worry I have found a solution that won’t get me banished and get me what I want.” Arkin spoke.

“Arkin, dear, you don’t need a solution, we just need you to be cooperative, and listen.” My mother stood behind my father.

A shadowed figure came up behind my parents and stabbed both in the back. He walked over their bodies on the floor and looked down at them.

“If I am alpha then I won’t get banished and I get power. Not the power I want but more than you now. And don’t worry Izzy my beautiful niece will forget all about you and be under my control. I will take good care of her and all the other special children I collect.” Arkin whispered, walking out.

I sat up awake.

“IZZY!” Caster said, concerned.

“I..” I was interrupted.

Flint barged into the room. “In the west field they are here.”

Caster shot out of bed and we both ran down stairs. Everyone was running around. Vincent ran past us and Caster grabbed his arm.

“You are with me. I need help getting her to Arkin.” Caster asked

“Yes, alpha,” Vincent said.

We headed out to the front and I followed caster as he took off toward the west. We got to the battle in a few seconds and as I feared Arkin brought the extent of his army. I saw dragons flying in the skies. Then I saw him off to the side just watching.

“there !” I said pointing out Arkin.

“We can Fight better as wolves.” Flint said to Vincent

The two of them shifted and stood behind us and Caster grabbed my hand.

“Be careful we have your back.” Caster said cupping my face.

“I will,” I replied.

I turned and ran right at Arkin. I was jumping and dodging everything that tried to attack me and I was closing in on Arkin.

Finally I was a few feet away and I stopped.

“All you have to do to stop this is give up and abandon this mate of yours and come back. One I am your family I raised you. Sure I raised you with a firm hand but you needed it.” Arkin spoke.

“Why would I take you up on that offer?” I asked.

“It’s the only option you have if you want to see any of your fellow numbers. I couldn't risk bringing them considering their bond with you is so strong they would abandon me and try and fight for you.” Arkin laughed, “I also have your dead friends. I had some witches heal them. I only did that to show you what I was capable of.”

“What?” I gasped that they were alive.

“Make your choice, I have all the cards.” Arkin said smugly

“Do you?” I asked “ because I Izobel luna of valley green and rightful alpha of crimson powers challenge you Arkin, for you title of alpha, I issue this because of the theft of title, the attempted murder of children, the murder of my parents, and the countless other immoral infractions that have brought us here.”

All of a sudden a large white circle surrounded both me and Arkin. The battle outside completely stilled. Both sides froze to see what was happening.