Chapter 7
1028 Words
"You really are quite the fighter" Niko spoke as soon as the front wooden door to her cabin opened. Aerly stood in the doorway freshly showered the grime from the fight now washed away.
"I never said I wasn't" she chuckled at his observation "you're the one who assumed that you should take it easy on me. Guess that was your mistake..." she shook her head the usual golden waves of hair dull from their wet state as it flicked around her face "rule one never underestimate your opponent."
"You're giving me fighting tips now? I am strong enough and well trained I don't need any tips" he scoffed at the idea.
"Like you said you're a Lycan and I am a she-wolf right. Guess you're not as good as you thought" she laughed once again before beginning to walk off.
"I am good. I just happened to underestimate my opponent this time. Though I should have known mates are equally matched after all and Raiden is undefeated he will certainly be interested to hear how strong you are" Niko spoke as he stepped quickly to catch up to her but Aerly fell silent at the mention of her mate "he will be back in probably three days he had to speak to another Alpha nearby either he steps down or Raiden has to challenge him---"
"And what's the point? Why does his father want him to take over the region?" Aerly found herself asking.
"There are some who have listened to his cousins and uncle and believe their ways are right for Lycan's we are pure blood's yes but their behaviour is inexcusable and Apollo doesn't want that kind of savagery spreading so he insisted Raiden take care of it" Niko answered as though it was such a simple explanation.
"I am glad I'm not apart of a pack then" Aerly was almost smug about the statement.
"You will be though you're Raiden's mate after all" Niko casually strolled along beside her.
"That doesn't mean I will be joining your pack, Niko. I have my life here" Aerly stopped suddenly as she turned to face the taller man.
"You can't be serious? Raiden is your mate--"
"Yes I have been constantly reminded of that fact thank you" Aerly snapped at him.
"Do you know how lucky you are? Mates are so rare, Aerly. Only the strongest of us get them and here you are guaranteed someone who would die for you and you can't even consider it" Niko's voice held a serious tone as his dark almost black eyes narrowed.
"Look I.. I didn't even consider that I would have one let alone some Alpha Lycan. How I am, how I feel has nothing to do with Raiden personally" she released a frustrated growl "why am I even talking to you about this."
Niko couldn't help but chuckle "because deep down you already know you can trust me."
"I have to go see my father so how about instead of following me around you make yourself useful and keep watch for any oncoming threat" Aerly practically barked an order at the beta before walking off.
"Spoken like a true Alpha" she heard him say while chuckling as she continued to walk away.
---
William was in his study not to the silver-eyed woman's surprise he had spent most of Aerly's childhood in there. Though she couldn't blame him it was quite a beautiful room. Elegant paintings decorating the walls that weren't covered with dark cherry wood bookshelves frankly she had probably spent as much time in there as her father.
"You agreed to that Alpha's terms then considering his men are still here" Aerly simply stated as she stood on the doorway her slender arms crossed over her torso.
"I discussed it with your brother and we agreed. Seems you do not mind too much since you finally had a decent match in a sparring match" William spoke but not even raising his eyes from the papers in front of him "but you aren't here to discuss that so why don't you just explain what the are doing here."
"Fine..." Aerly spoke as she casually strolled into the room "why didn't you tell me about my mother being a Lycan?"
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you, Aer. After she passed it was just all so difficult but after a while, I figured I would tell you once you were ready to take over as Alpha in your mother's families pack but I couldn't locate them after we moved" William sighed as he turned his gaze to his daughter "I know there is no excuse but half breeds haven't always been looked kindly on I wanted to keep you safe before you took over your Alpha duties."
"I am not some damsel I don't need protection" Aerly let out a growl. She did that a lot in frustration or annoyance but she quickly rubbed at her temple attempting to soothe her mood "do we have anything of mothers? Anything that could possibly lead to her families?"
"We lost almost everything when our pack was attacked but... If there is anything it could be in the attic" William stared at his daughter his eyes full of sympathy. He never meant for things to get here William had always meant to explain things to Aerly but it just never seemed like the time especially with his late wife's pack missing out there somewhere but now he didn't have much on an option but to attempt to explain what he could about the situation but William wasn't a Lycan at the end of the day and couldn't explain the ins and outs.
"Well I guess I will take a look then" Aerly spoke making her way to the door.
"Aer, I'm sorry" William called after her.
"Its alright, father" she replied barely a whisper. Aerly was usually a very direct she-wolf and say what was on her mind but the young woman tended to soften when it came to her family. Even with her weak voice, she attempted to comfort her father's guilt but William knew things were far from alright.
- Writer
