THE AWAKENING OF THE CHOSEN

Later Haters

Zion was in disbelief one moment his mate was beside him and the next she was reaching for his mother's cat. He yelled because that damn cat bit him once.

Then his love picked her up and their eyes locked. A light went from the cat's eyes to Kaleigha's. Her hair began to radiate, blowing as if there was a strong wind in the room. She began to rub the cat and her brittle body began to pop, and it resembled the sound a wolf made when shifting, and slowly her dull yellow fur began to brighten. She grew smaller and smaller until she was just a small kitten. Suddenly a small bubble came from the cat. You could feel the power source, the life emanating from this thing. Kaleigha began following it and he followed her. It then burst into thin air.

Now she stood awkwardly as they all stared at her.

"What did the cat say to you?" Janora was asking.

"Can you give me my youth back?" His father asked.

"Can you talk to all animals, Kali Kool Kat?" His Beta asked while his Gamma just stared at her in awe.

"Too many question people. Please let her breathe!" Zion yelled, Kaleigha gave him a grateful look. He put a supportive arm around her waist pulling her closer.

"I... well uh that was unexpected." She said blushing. He could tell she wasn't used to this much attention. She seemed to shrink with all the attention focused on her.

"It's okay Kitten." He whispered into her ear. He was surprised when she looked at him and said, "I can live with that. My mother used to call me Cat." She said only for his ears but obviously, everyone else heard.

"Kaleigha, you remembered that?" He asked her and she shook her head.

"No, Lanunda showed me," Kaleigha explained.

"Lanunda?" Zion repeated the name.

"Yes, my keeper." She said to him,

"Your keeper." His mother pointed out.

"Oh no, I mean… I don’t know what I mean." Kaleigha looked away nervously before saying "I'm starving."

"Oh yes shall we." Alpha Lucas said, waving towards the dining table. His father could not take his eyes off his mate. As they sat around the table, he asked the most questions. His mother winked at him as she noticed the sparkle in his father's eyes.

"Kaleigha, do you have any other special abilities?" Janora asked and he watched his mate pause with her fork midair as if she was thinking it over.

"I don't think it's special. I think all of the women are healers maybe." She looked at Janora for confirmation.

"Yes, most of the women are born healers or they have the ability of premonition," Janora confirmed.

"You see the future?" His father asked Janora in awe.

"Well not necessarily the future more or less the ability of just knowing something is so. I can't tell you when you shall die but I can tell that when I heard of Kaleigha's name I knew that the rogue who spoke it should not have been aware of her existence. I felt like he was the beginning of something awful to come. I also knew that she was a part of my pack."

"Only from a name? That's spectacular! Kaleigha, do you have this ability?” Lucas was completely intrigued with Kaleigha at this point.

"No." She quickly responded, "in the past, I might have but now I feel as if it is not a skill I possess." His father looked so disappointed when Kaleigha said this. As they began to eat, Kaleigha seemed to have lots of questions for Luna Janora.

"Tell me about the pack that you are from. Is it possible that I belonged to this pack as a child?"

Janora now looked sad. "I'm not sure it's possible. Most of the Silver Crescent Moon pack dwelled deep, deep within the mountains. There were three main packs and smaller ones were scattered here and there in the northern region. Once we were whole but we became targets for Rogues as our natural abilities became known. Most of the smaller packs dispersed as the Rogue population grew, or they joined other packs. My pack was attacked by Rogues at least this is how it was written but I fear it was deeper. I think it was the council, my whole pack was killed. There were no survivors.” Her mate grabbed her hand and they exchanged words through a mind link. Kaleigha knew he was telling her it was not safe to say things like that in front of mixed company. He was afraid of the council. Kaleigha also knew Janora trusted her; she felt they were family because she knew they were from the same pack. Why did she not say this to me when I asked her, she wondered? The woman was keeping secrets and she wanted to know why.

“I had searched for years trying to find the remaining Pack, but it seems there are none left." A tear ran down her cheek. "It is hard knowing you may be the last of your people." Her Mate reached over and held her hand. "Kaleigha, I offer my services to you and Zion in any way I can. I know you must prepare for his return." Kaleigha gave her a confused look. As did Zion.

"Oh no, you don't know?" She looked at her mate.

"Kaleigha, Zion legend has it that when the Chosen one rises darkness shall also awaken. A beast of mighty strength and many heads will rise from the pits of hell. He will seek you out to destroy you for his own gain. You are the only one that can defeat the beast. The legend says you will have an army of your own. Made of beings like yourself. If the beast is not defeated darkness shall fall across the land. And our kind will perish." He felt his mate shiver.

"Kaleigha," Janora said looking at his Kaleigha. It was clear she wanted to say something but was hesitant.

"Yes." Kaleigha said.

"Have no fear." She simply said then dropped her eyes and began to eat. Kaleigha cut her eyes at Zion, and he knew that she felt there was more the Luna wanted to say.

“Janora, Kaleigha is quite special, but I think you misunderstand. I am not the Chosen.”

“You are and I know you have not spoken about this matter outside of your pack because you are concerned of the repercussion. Still, I know it is so. It is time for you to stand up and rise. You can continue to hide but I assure you he will not.” Janora said flatly and continued to eat.

Silence fell across the room and finally Alpha Xander said. “I apologize for my wife' candor. Sometimes she has trouble holding her tongue. Please forgive us if she offended you in any way. If Zion says he is not the Chosen I am sure you are mistaken dear. However, I would like to offer the assistance of the Dark Moon Pack if ever needed.”

“I appreciate that Xander. I think my mate would like this as well.” Zion said, touching Kaleigha’s hand and she smiled in response, nodding her head.

His father would not let up with the questions and the last thing he said as the night ended was. "Kaleigha I can't wait to see how you do in training tomorrow. Also, it's time you became an official member of the pack. The ceremony will be done immediately. Rochelle, you make the plans." With that the Alpha that was once feared by all made a kissing noise with his mouth and immediately Nyla the kitten leaped into his lap and climbed his chest and rested on his shoulder. Zion still could not believe the old cat was now a youthful Kitten, He said his goodbyes and left. His mother led our guests to the south wing and showed them their room. Zion's mind linked his Beta telling him to beef up security. He was nervous about Kaleigha's safety. She was quiet for the rest of the evening until they finally reached the packhouse and entered her room.

"You did well with your heat Kat," Zion said and in return, she smiled at me adoringly.

"I like that Zion."

He patted the bed beside him, but she instead sat in his lap. "Zion, I don't feel important, special. If everything is true and there is something lurking in the shadow-." He growled at the thought as he placed a finger over her lips to silence her.

"If anyone tries to hurt my mate they will die by my hands." He spoke, She placed a hand on his chest. He relaxed as she kissed his nose. He slid back on the bed, and she curled up beside him.

"You remembered your mother?" He asked.

"Lanunda showed her to me. She was beautiful and she used to do things I remembered!" She was excited now at the memory.

"What was it?" He asked. She gave him an unsure look and then it happened. Her silver hair began to show black streaks.

"Wow, how did you do that?"

She laughed "it worked," she asked sliding off the bed she ran to the mirror?

"My mother had Auburn hair and she would change the colors with her mood." She giggled with excitement. Her excitement was infectious. He laughed along with her running his fingers through her hair as the color changed before him.

"You are just full of surprises." He said pulling her to him.

"I'm nervous about tomorrow." She said leaning into his chest. "I think everyone is expecting me to be great and I still have no wolf." She laughed nervously.

"It will all be fine. Just be yourself." He kissed her forehead.

That night they fell asleep in each other's arms after talking so long neither could keep their eyes open.

Zion woke early, sensing Kaleigha was not close to him. Then he heard her in the bathroom and his heart ached because he knew she was talking to her wolf.

"Azira, I'm sorry"

Sigh

Silence

"Fine, I guess it's my turn to be locked away from you. I know you will show yourself when you are ready to forgive."

He closed his eyes and pretended to sleep. He felt her put a blanket over him than kiss his nose. She snuggled beside him, and he could tell by her breathing she had fallen back to sleep.

Moon Goddess had chosen well. Something about this girl made him crazy. He had to be near her, touching her. 'Our Kitten is sad' Czar said.

'Yes, she misses her other half.'

'Maybe I should try talking with her.' Czar suggested.

'Maybe we will discuss it later today.'

'You seem restless today.' Czar pointed out.

'No, I could just sense my mate's discomfort today.'

'I understood that feeling because I too could feel it.' Czar firmly spoke.

'We will protect her.'

'With our lives.' With that, declaration he could feel Czar drifting away and made a note to take him for a run later today.

He closed his eyes to sleep a little longer. Kevin linked him saying the council had requested him to do some training with a few neighboring packs with the rise in recent rogue attacks. This would mean that he’d have to be away from Kaleigha for a few hours each day. He gave permission for River to visit with Kaleigha today after they prepared lunch.

He knew his love would be a great Luna one day. He still had to make time to call a town meeting and let every member know that if they wanted to remain, they better show some respect to his mate and their future Luna.

He knew his powers would come soon so he was not as concerned with a member blabbing their mouth if they left. Once his powers were at full force, he could eliminate any threat that came so he had no fear. He thought of Janora’s words and that of the rogue. He would not allow Kaleigha to come to any harm.

He wanted to make sure all his preparations were made before joining Kat at the gym. He smacked her bottom before he left, and she screamed and nearly rolled out the bed tangled in the cover.

She glared at him, and he smiled because clearly, she was not a morning person. Her hair was in total disarray. She rubbed her eyes and moaned "Why am I awake?"

"Training. Now get your sexy ass up and get ready. I will meet you there later."

"Sure." She said as he walked out. He knew she laid right back down so he waited just long enough for her to get cozy then he snatched the door open "UP UP SHOWER CLOTHES HAIR!" This time he heard a thump, and he knew she'd hit the floor.

"You son of a-" was all he heard as he used his wolf's speed to flee before she gave chase.

Kaleigha POV

Tabatha was knocking as soon as she jumped out of the shower. She quickly slid on sweats and a tank top and pulled her black hair with its familiar silver streak into a ponytail. She was ready. "Hey, Tabatha." She said, grabbing the apple from her hand.

"Hey, Kali." She said back but she could tell by her tone something was wrong.

"What's up kiddo you seem a little down." She looked at her and spoke

"Oh, nothing" Tabatha moaned which of course she knew was a lie.

“Did Luna rip you a new one because of the kitchen disaster?” Kaleigha asked knowing she was distracted because she hadn't noticed her hair had changed colors twice since she entered the room.

“No, actually she was pretty cool. She just warned me to not get in any more trouble and to make better choices.”

Clearly, something was eating her but Kaleigha decided not to pry for now, but She knew she’d be revisiting the subject later if her mood had not changed.

"This way to the gym." Tabatha led the way. The packhouse was huge with very high ceilings. Tabatha pointed things out as they walked. "There is the pool, and here is the theater room, the game room is two doors down, that door leads outside to the garden." "How many people stay in the packhouse?" Kaleigha asked as she looked around at the places Tabatha pointed out.

"It varies. Usually, once we are mated, we move out into one of the cottages."

"Oh okay." Makes sense Kaleigha thought.

"Unless you're an Alpha's son like Zion. He has a huge property on the south end of our territory." Zion had a house, say what and he never told me she thought, is this where he went when he was not with her?

Why had he not mentioned that to her? As they were about to enter the gym someone called Tabatha's name. The sadness she sensed from Tabatha earlier came back very strong.

"What are you doing here?" Tabatha asked, walking up to a very distraught woman.

"I think you are wrong. I felt a flutter. I think maybe this time you were wrong." Tabatha looked at the woman sadly.

"There is nothing more I can do. Maybe you should consult with the witches." That didn't sound good. Of course, Kaleigha still thought of witches as bad, being that she got most of her information from the movies and books. The woman nodded in defeat. Her shoulders dropped and slumped as she turned to go, letting her tears fall freely.

"She has tried having pups but her body just won't work. I have tried everything, but I just can't help."

"Do you have healing abilities?" Kaleigha realized she knew very little about her new friend.

"They are not strong as you can see. My mom was good at it, but she died in a rogue attack. Since then, the pack has looked to me," Tabatha explained.

"I'm sure it was a lot of pressure," Kaleigha said.

"We should go in," Tabatha said brushing her words off and pulling at her arm. She couldn't move though she started walking in the direction the woman had gone.

"Wait oh s**t Kali the Luna will have my neck if som-"

"There she is Tab! Come on!" Kaleigha grabbed her arm and practically dragged her along.

"Lana!" Tabatha called and the woman turned to face them. They were now standing in front of the packhouse.

"Hi," Kaleigha said awkwardly, now what she thought. "I'm Kali," she said. Lana said nothing, just looked at her with puffy red-rimmed eyes.

"Lana, she is our future Luna." The woman even though she sensed her sadness still smiled at her and bowed her head in respect.

"Lana, I know we just met but may I... may I try and...." how the hell do you explain something you don't understand yourself. Kaleigha just shrugged and knelt down. Placing her ear to her tummy She could hear the weak heartbeat of her pup. She began to rub her belly, and nothing happened at first. All at once, she felt something inside her growing. Just a feeling, a warmth. She closed her eyes to focus on that feeling and continued to rub. She could feel the heartbeat getting stronger. Her belly began to swell in her hand.

A tear slid from Kaleigha’s eye. "Do you sing to him?" She asked as she hummed the tune. She looked up at Lana. She was in awe as she looked at her now swollen belly. "I see his future Lana; you will have a healthy boy and another child will grow in your womb. I see her too. She has blond hair like her mama." Lana grabbed Kaleigha and hugged her.

"Luna!" Lana cried embracing her.

"Oh, not yet just Kali."

"Thank you so much." Out of nowhere Fat f**k (Lewis) came to stand beside her.

"Look what a gift our future Luna has given us!" Wow, Kaleigha did not see that coming. So, this was the nagging wife. Well, she was just sad she thought.

Fat f**k looked at her and said "YOU! I knew you were all right." He grabbed her in a big bear hug.

"I'm forever in your debt." He then picked his wife up and carried her off toward the home they shared.

"Three cheers for our future Luna! Hooray!" Someone yelled which made her notice the crowd that had gathered. She hated this type of attention. They cheered and shouted, and she just nodded all awkwardly mumbling thanks as she began to back away.

"All right, let's not crowd her!" She looked over to see River and started beaming Buddy. She would never stop getting excited to see this kid.

"Hi River," Tabatha said, batting her pretty eyes.

"Hi, Tabatha." River said, showing his adorable dimples.

"He knows my name." She giggled.

"Why would I not know your name? You totally helped us take down Lewis. I, you, and Kali are the three amigos now." Kaleigha hugged him and ruffled his cute curls. All the while Tabatha stood next to them blushing.

"I get to help you with lunch,'' Kaleigha said, taking the steps two at a time. “Late for training though, I'll catch you later."

"Kick some butt, Kali." River said as Tabatha and Kaleigha raced to the gym.

"Kali, that was awesome, can you teach me?" Tabatha pleaded.

"Sure, once I figure out what I'm doing." She laughed and Tabatha gave her a quick hug as Kaleigha nervously shifted back and forth.

“You're nervous?” Tabatha looked her up and down.

“As hell!” She was so wishing Zion was there.

Tabatha took her by the shoulders and gave her the most serious look she could muster, “Cymba it is time you must take your place in the circle of life.” They both started laughing. Afterward, Tabatha looked at her “better?”

“Yes.” She giggled.

“Good because that's all I got for you now, get in there and kick ass!” She said turning her around, she gave her a playful shove “Go get em tiger!”

Kaleigha walked over to the guy that seemed to be in charge quickly recognizing him from last night.

"Michael, right?"

"Kali Kool Kat." He blurted out and she blushed. As people looked at her.

"Kali or Kat is fine," she said awkwardly.

He nodded.

"So, I'm going to start you off rather easily since you're weak." Ouch! she felt like he slapped her.

"I mean since you have no wolf." He nodded but she was thinking f**k you jerk.

"Who wants to go around with the future Luna?" Her senses may have been in overdrive, but he sounded a little sarcastic.

The fact that several girls walked over and Emoni was with them let her know what she was in for.

"I can help you out Michael. " Emoni practically purred.

"You are not a member of this pack. Why are you here again?" Tabatha asked as she cut her eyes at Emoni.

Okay, Sis! At least I have one friend, Kaleigha thought.

"Awe come on, let's make it interesting," Michael said and Kaleigha just got this feeling in her core but again she thought she could be tripping. She sensed he did not like her.

"Nice clean fight ladies." She heard someone call from the back. She had already begun sizing Emoni up.

This b***h can get it Kaleigha thought. They circled each other as the group surrounding them backed up.

Emoni wasted no time. She came at Kaleigha hard with punches and kicks. She landed quite a few. Kaleigha was more on defense than anything. She needed to know where she was. She hated to admit it, but she was pretty good. She made one mistake; she underestimated her opponent. Her Mom made sure if she could do nothing, she could fight. Right when she started laughing with her friends, she kicked her in the face and followed with two punches. She got so much pleasure watching the look on her face as her foot connected with it. She was pissed now. Kaleigha smiled now, who is laughing b***h! She thought.

"You're dead now," Emoni growled.

"Bring it b***h!" Kaleigha growled back at her. Emoni ran toward her, but Kaleigha blocked her every move. She kept coming then out of nowhere one of her friends came and kicked Kaleigha in the chest knocking her off her feet. "That hurt." Kaleigha coughed but quickly rose. So, we are playing dirty now! She thought to herself she felt an aching in her heart. As she thought of the many fights she’d got into when Azira first came. Azira was everything Kaleigha wasn't and with her, she felt no fear. Now she was gone, and she had to deal with these bitches alone. She focused on her anger and fought, first two then three. f**k they just kept coming! Why wasn't Michael stopping this? She was getting tired, but she refused to quit. She felt her mate before he said anything. "WHAT THE f**k!" Zion had Michael by the throat. "I TOLD YOU TO TAKE IT EASY ON HER AND YOU HAVE HER AGAINST SIX!" Michael calmly looked at him and said, "Zion look at them and look at her." This is when Kaleigha saw herself that they were completely out of breath, and she was great! She walked over to Zion and kissed his soft lips. "That was fun baby. I still have a lot of buildup energy. How about we go have some fun?" He gave her that crooked smile that she was growing to love. He dropped Michael and she wrapped her arm through his.

"Later Haters!" She heard Tabatha say as she followed behind them.

"Oh, baby can we go for a ride or something, please!" Kaleigha begged him. He looked at her and laughed.

"How can I say no to my Kat." Zion kissed her head.

Tabatha and Kaleigha both squealed as the three of them hopped in Zion’s jeep. Kaleigha wondered how many vehicles he had. Kevin was standing outside, and he waved him over. He hopped in "Kali Kool Kat you kicked some serious ass today. I'll be honest I did not see that coming." Kevin high-fived Kaleigha.

"Thanks, Kevin." She said shyly but she was looking around at a sad-faced Buddy, River. She hated seeing him that way and it was all her fault.

"Come on River I'll never have any peace if I leave you behind." Zion moaned and Kaleigha leaned in and kissed his cheek.

"Yay!" She yelled as River hopped in the back. They drove about three miles and she loved the whole ride, the wind blowing in her hair. River and Tabatha held their heads out the window howling.

"Jees can't take these guys anywhere," Kevin whined.

"So, Kevin you and Zion have known each other since you were kids," Kaleigha asked, trying to get to know his Beta and best friend?

"Yeah, I had to keep him out of trouble. That dude was constantly into something." Kevin said laughing.

"Wait a minute I remember keeping you out of trouble. In fact, most of the bad ideas were yours." Zion said then the stories began. Tabatha and Kaleigha laughed until their faces hurt from smiling, and her side ached from laughing. River shifted and started chasing a rabbit once they pulled over.

Then the guys started bragging about how strong they were and what great fighters they were. And before you knew it they were racing. Tabatha and Kaleigha decided to hang back. "Do you smell that?" Kaleigha asked as a scent hit her nose.

"Oh s**t. Get in the car, Kali! Now lock the doors. I mind linking Zion." How come she can mind link my mate and I can't? Kaleigha thought as she hurried in the jeep.

It was not much protection since there are no windows.

"He wants us to drive back without him."

"Why what's out there?" Kaleigha began to frown as the scent got stronger. She remembered the smell now.

"Rogues." Tabatha started the jeep but suddenly out of nowhere one was on top of the car. Kaleigha screamed and Tabatha swerved the jeep, and it went head-on into a tree.

Kaleigha hit her head hard and She felt like she was going to pass out. She looked over at Tabatha. No no no f**k. Half of her body was hanging out the front window. She reached over and touched her leg. Focusing on the warmth flowing through her body she tried healing her. She heard her cough and she exhaled. Then an arm wrapped around her and pulled her from the jeep. Her head was pounding.

"Hello, beautiful you smell wonderful." She tried moving back but she was caught between the jeep and him. He was grotesque, and Goddess his smell. She felt her stomach turn. His eyes turned black with lust and his incisors elongated. She stood there frozen when before her a wolf with yellow eyes snapped his head right off. Oh, s**t did that just happen. She thought, wiping his blood from her face. The beast grabbed her hair and whispered "Mine." Then he grabbed her and dragged her away.