THE AWAKENING OF THE CHOSEN

One with the earth

Kaleigha woke the next morning beyond pissed. She thought for sure Zion would come to her last night, but he didn’t, and she was extremely annoyed. Not to mention, she had very little sleep. She had learned to tune out the conversations of the other pack members, but she felt like someone else was calling her, pulling at her and they could not connect.

She was missing Azira like crazy. She remembered when her mom had been murdered. She had trouble sleeping for so long after that because she once again was a lone wolf. That was the only thing she could think to compare to what she was feeling now. She still had to tell Zion; she also didn’t know how to tell him she was found unworthy of him as a mate. She forced herself to shower and was just getting out when she heard the knock on her door. Vanessa came strutting in doing the walk of shame. "Hey honey I need a change of clothes." She said plopping down on Kaleigha’s bed. She could smell a scent on her.

"You need a shower you smell like, man!" She said sniffing the air.

Vanessa stood up and started pumping the air “that’s because I tamed that beast grrrr” she growled as she made a pumping motion all the way to the bathroom. She forgot how corny Vanessa could be and fun when there was no one around she was trying to impress. Zion said he hadn't made love to her because I didn't have, she didn’t have a wolf.

Vanessa came out about fifteen minutes later and went straight for her closet. She slid on some of her sweats and a tea shirt.

"So what happened last night?" Kaleigha asked her.

"Not much," Vanessa said, pulling her hair up in a ponytail. That's when Kaleigha noticed the mark on her neck.

"What is that?"

"What?"

"On your f*****g neck Vanessa. Did you get marked?"

"What no! Kade and I hooked up and he is sort of kinky like he bit me when he came is all." Kaleigha stared at her in disbelief.

"Vanessa, clearly you don't get how this s**t works. Werewolves mate for life Dear! Once they mark you, honey, you're theirs. Kade claimed you!" She was waiting for it to click in and her to get mad or something, but Vanessa just looked at her and spoke.

"I hope he does it again tonight!" She made another air pump and Kaleigha just stared at her throwing up her hands. This was going to need fixing Vanessa was nowhere near ready to settle down.

“Let's talk about how you went all beast mode on that b***h Amber last night!” Vanessa punched the palm of her hand. “I was ready for someone to jump in like I don’t think I could beat a wolf, but I was all prepared to bite the s**t out of one of those bitches and somebody was losing some hair.”

“Oh my God Nessa shut up.” She tossed a pillow at her and fell over laughing. Vanessa was never a fighter. She would always say she was a lover not a fighter and besides she had Kaleigha, and she knew she would never let anyone hurt her. Vanessa looked over and Kaleigha and her expression changed. Kaleigha bit her lip and set up to look at her “What’s wrong Nessa?”

“Thanks for inviting me to hang out with you Kali. I know I sort of suck as a friend. I can be better though. I think I kind of took you for granted and I’m sorry I did that to you.”

Wow did this girl just own up to her bullshit? Kaleigha loved Vanessa but she was a horrible friend. She could forgive her, but she would not forget how small she made her feel. Still, it was a new day. “Let’s just move forward.”

Vanessa hugged her and kissed her cheek “So who the f**k is Janette?”

“Janette?”

“Yeah, Zion and Kevin were all huddled up when I was coming from Kades, and I heard Kevin ask Zion if he had mentioned Janette to you. She returned today and I got the impression that she and Zion may have been close.”

“How close?”

Vanessa started pretending she was sucking an imaginary p***s, then she went back to pumping the air. Finally, she threw her hands up “hell I don’t know Kali it could be his granny, but I get the feeling it isn’t his cousin.”

Kaleigha rolled her eyes “back to that again!”

“How did you f*****g do that Kali that was crazy?”

“I don’t even know. I thought my powers were gone. I hate feeling like I don’t know who I am.”

“Hmmmm”

“What? Vanessa, what is it, tell me?”

“Nothing really, it's just that Blaine has been blowing up my phone like nonstop every day. Keeps saying he needs to talk to you. He knows who you are. Stalker vibes all day!”

“Oh, s**t he may know something!”

“How the hell would Blaine know something. Stupid jock! Hot though but a very terrible lay.”

Kaleigha frowned; she did not want to think about the two of them doing whatever they did. It made her. Uncomfortable.

"I will be back. I need to talk to Zion like now." Kaleigha left her sitting on her bed to walk a few doors down to Zion rooms. His door opened and he looked exhausted. Now she was concerned it seemed as if he had not slept all night.

"Zion, what's up with you? You look exhausted." He nodded and said nothing. He just walked over to his bed and plopped down seconds later she could tell by his breathing he was asleep.

She stood there awkwardly for a moment looking around. She had never been invited into this space. Zion had a glass door that opened to a balcony, and she could see so far from that spot. She took a deep breath and a scent hit my nostrils that made the hair on my neck stand. "What is that?" She said to no one in particular.

She sniffed the room and realized it was Amber, his cousin but there was another lingering scent as well. She walked over to his closet and the smell was stronger. All of his clothes seemed to carry the scent of another female. Who did his laundry and why had she not noticed this before? Why did it disturb her so much?

“River who washes Zion's clothes?’

‘Good morning to you too Kali.’ he responded in a very sarcastic tone.

‘Sorry Buddy, that was rude of me.’

‘The omega's do the laundry for the entire pack.’

‘Then how come my clothes don’t smell like his?’

There was a temporary silence and then he said, ‘oh Janette takes care of Zion’s clothes. She likes them pressed a certain way when he goes to his Alpha’s meetings’

`Yeah, she probably was more hated by Emoni than you. Because she took care of Luna's duties since Zion had not found you.’

Kaleigha felt her blood begin to boil. She took a few deep breaths she would not jump to conclusions besides this is how she ended up nearly killing his cousin after all. She needed a run and time to think. She still felt like something was calling her. She left Zion's room and headed downstairs. She took off into a slow run.

“Kali!”

She turned to see Michael and Kade standing near the packhouse waving her over.

“Later guys I really need a run.” She called over her shoulder and she barely blinked, and Michael was next to her.

“Really Michael?”

“Like seriously don’t go far there has been a lot going on in your absence and Zion will lose it if something happens to you.”

“I don’t need a babysitter. I'm not going far, I promise. I just need to clear my head.”

“Okay but if you're not back in thirty I’m coming to look for you.”

“Do you feel that?” She stopped to look around.

“What?” Michael asked.

She shook her head “nothing” she paused as she felt something in her core. How do you explain to someone that you feel change is coming?

“Later!” She took off into a full sprint loving the feel of the wind between her hair. When she came to a stop she was standing in a clearing. She fell to her knees. She needs to feel the earth. She ran her fingers through the brittle grass. Sliding her shoes and socks off she rubbed her feet in the dirt. She lay down in the grass rolling around. What the hell is wrong with me? She wanted to be naked at this moment. She stood and started to strip naked she lay down and the feeling of the grass between her thighs, the wind hitting her n*****s, the dirt between her toes was doing something to her. “Oh oh my Goddess.” The orgasm ripped through her body like an electric wave.

When it was over, she sat up looking around. She was embarrassed. As she frantically tried to dress before someone came along. f**k the world had a whole to new meaning to her now.

Zion awoke in a cold sweat. He felt Kaleigha’s relief and needed to be near her. ‘Alpha your mate went on a run and has yet to return. Should I go find her?’

Zion snatched the covers he had wrapped around him off. Where the hell was, she to be feeling that way if not in her room.

‘Alpha never mind I see her in the distance.’

Zion huffed he took a quick shower and went in search of his mate.

As Kaleigha approached she noticed a small crowd gathered in the center of the packhouse yard.

"What's going on?"

"These people just walked into our territory as if they had some right!" One woman yelled.

"Lying! They claim to have had permission from some great white wolf. Simply nonsense!" Another woman yelled.

Kaleigha stepped in front of them. "Is this how we treat women and children? Did Alpha Lucas not say we would offer refuge to our neighbors?"

"But Luna! -"

"I am not your Luna Rochelle is your Luna! I would never lead people as selfish as you. Do you not see the child in her arms?"

A hand touched her shoulder, and she felt the familiar sparks, so she knew it was Zion.

"Take them to the west side of our territory. It has been set up for refugees. I have tried to be as fair and just with all of you, but this situation causes tough love. Therefore, you and you pack your belongings. I banish you from Mystic territory for one week. Maybe you will be more caring if you have to walk in the shoes of someone else." The gasp was heard circulating among the people.

"But Zion we have been members our entire lives. Please don't cast us out." The woman pleaded. She was old and would not make it on her own.

"My decision is final." He turned and walked away. She was not sure whether she should confront him about it or not. "My Alpha duties are piling up. I have work to do." He had stopped walking and turned to face her. This is when she noticed the dark circles around his eyes. "Zion, maybe you should get a little more rest. You look tired."

"I have work to do that no one else can do. I can't just go run off when I please or choose not to lead." He snapped. She was embarrassed because he heard what she said to the pack, and she had hurt him again.

"Can I come with you?" She asked gently.

"Catori, go find your friends and play, you will be bored." He turned and strolled off but not before saying “Besides I think you have come enough.” She was embarrassed because she knew what he meant. He felt her when she had her alone time a short while ago. She hated when he closed her.

Swallowing her pride, she made her way to his office. She was pacing outside back and forth when Rochelle came along. "Kaleigha oh Catori."

"Hi Luna”

"Why are you pacing instead of being inside with Zion?"

"I think I upset him." she frowned

"How so?

"I got upset with some pack members and he stepped in." She looked away because she didn't want to face Rochelle’s judgment.

"As a Luna, you will be faced with a lot of difficult choices and decisions. A true queen will rise to every occasion. As an alpha, Zion will always be troubled at times. It's up to you to bring him peace. Tell me Catori, how many lives has your mate taken?"

"I...I don't know."

"Do you know that he has not slept a good night in over 3 weeks? I know you were angry that he was deceived by your sister. Zion is strong though even as a boy he was independent. Once I told him Zion you have no use for me. He was about eight and he took my hand and said mother you bring me peace. Can you imagine a child saying that?" She didn't expect an answer because she didn't give her a chance to reply. "I thought that over for some time and I realized then that this is the type of mate I hoped he would have. Then you came and he had that peace. I sided with you dear because I saw a fire in you. Now we are in trying times. A lot of our pack members got up and ran. Every time a member leaves the odds of the council discovering Zion’s true identity becomes higher and higher. Your mate should find comfort in your warmth. I know you are trying to find yourself but don't lose something wonderful in the process." She didn't wait for a response. She went inside Kaleigha, watched as Alpha Lucas began going back and forth with his Beta. He looked upset until Rochelle touched his arm and he sighed heavily but he relaxed. She wanted to be that for Zion, but she didn't know how. "Kali Kool Kat what's up." It was Kevin and he appeared to be glowing.

"Hi Kevin"

"Are you coming in?" He smiled at her as he held the door open. She stepped inside and everyone turned to look at her which made her feel even more awkward. "Catori glad you could fit us into your busy schedule." Alpha Lucas said before turning the focus back to the issue at hand.

Kevin took the last open seat. Great not only had Alpha Lucas take a jab at her, She felt everyone had mixed feelings about her. Which is odd because she was feeling pretty sure about herself. Maybe not so much at this moment. she eased her way into a back corner and just listened for a while. No wonder her mate was in such a mood. He had a lot of pressure on him. Apparently three neighboring packs had been attacked and alphas everywhere were coming up dead or missing. "I have taken it upon myself to go the length of our territory each night. I don't know what it is, but something seems to be calling me it's almost hypnotic. I feel like I have to do it. I would have thought nothing of it at first but-"

"But then we realized I too had the same feeling." Alpha Lucas said.

"So, we did a little research and what we discovered was kind of a sequence of events. We confirmed that two of the Alpha that went missing were doing the same thing right before the attack took place. I think whatever this urgency is was specifically designed to tire us out. Not to mention the rogue attacks are so frequent around the borders that our warriors are exhausted." She noticed how everyone clung to Zion's every word. He had an authoritative way about himself.

"What do you suggest we do?" Kevin asked.

"I think the answer is expanding the territory." Zion said

"But that would mean even more ground to cover." Michael said wearily.

"It would but there is a reason we have not been attacked yet. People fear Mystic Moon; they know we are great warriors. " Zion said.

"You think if we claim the territory, they will be less likely to attack." David which was Alpha Lucas beta.

"I do."

The room fell quiet as everyone was lost in thought.

"Who has the power to even pull off something of this magnitude. Rogues have never worked together this way. They are organized." Kevin pointed out.

"Catori you were held captive for three weeks by the King of the rogues. Is there anything you can add." She hated when all the attention was on her.

"Not really I was sleeping most of the time. I think Chastity or Chenoa could answer you better than I." She felt the eyes of Godfrey on her, and she tried ignoring him, but she could almost feel the contempt he had for her.

She turned around to glare at him. She could damn near hear the words he was thinking though he didn't speak.

"On top of that situation the Vampires are stirring up again." Beta David said.

"Why don't I talk to them?" She blurted out.

"ABSOLUTELY NOT!" Zion yelled, letting his thunderous voices echo from the walls.

"All this began when I arrived. If they see that I am no threat the threat will die" she said tossing her hands up.

"What if they decide to kill you?" Zion snapped "things are not as simple as they seem. Maybe you should sit down and just observe Kat." Ouch that hurt.

"I'm going to the Vampires with or without you." She said glaring at Zion.

"Would you like a little assistance with your pet." Godfrey asked, "A simple flick of the wrist and she will be quiet for the duration."

"Try it d**k!" She snapped and he went to flick his wrist. Her anger had taken over and like a reflex she grabbed a paper weight from Zion’s desk and nailed him dead center on his forehead. She felt his energy racing toward her dodged it, charging him, she knocked him backwards and through the wall.

At this point she had in the air, and nobody existed but him and this loser.

"Release me!" He said "or I will make you"

"f**k you!" He began to whisper an incantation. Then his eyes bulged Kaleigha felt an energy surge through her like he was reading her.

“I see you; I know what you are. Abomination!”

She tightened her grip around his neck.

"RELEASE HIM!" Zion's words made her turn to look at him, but she continued to squeeze.

“Catori Knight release him!” He was seething and she looked around seeing all the destruction they caused in just a matter of minutes.

"I'm sorry Zion." She said reaching for him. He stepped back, shifted into his wolf and ran off into the woods.

"Dad dad are you okay?" River ran to his father. Oh, s**t River.

"What did you do Kali?" He glared at her.

"River, I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking." she pleaded.

"You almost killed him!" River yelled at her

"Let me help, I can heal him." She was reaching out to him, but River shoved her away.

"No Tabatha is a healer, she can help you stay away!" He walked away from Kaleigha and her heart broke.

Alpha Lucas came up behind her. "Catori"

"Yes."

"We will leave in three days to meet with Vladimir. I think that one day you will be a great leader Catori um hmm, but you have to learn to control your temper." With that, he walked away.

Rochelle put her arm through his and followed. She turned to face the rest of the people who were in attendance.

"I'm sorry about the interruption during today's meeting. I will work on becoming a better Luna." She wanted to cry but refused to.

"Kali Kat remind me to never to piss you off," Kevin smirked, patting her shoulder before he walked away.

"Yeah okay." She mumbled as she watched Michael walk toward the dungeons. She walked towards the woods first in the direction in which Zion had gone but then she decided to go my own way.

"Kat! Kat!" She turned to see Chastity coming toward her.

"Hey Chastity."

"Hey are you okay. I saw what happened back there. I have something that may make you feel better. Did you know I'm not the first witch to live among your pack?"

"No."

"I'm not there was a witch Ella that lived among the people about 200 years ago and they kept her things when she died."

"Oh, okay that's weird."

"I have her spell book Catori. I may be able to help you with something."

"Like what?"

"Chenoa." Kaleigha’s eyes lit up as she started to explain.

"The binding spell can't be reversed not by me anyway; we may be able to do something else."

"Like what?"

"Kill her!"

“What? You want to kill my sister?”

“I know it sounds insane but hear me out.”

“I can’t do this right now. Chastity my head is pounding. Let me take a nap first and we can talk later.” She walked away deciding to wait for Zion in his room. Once she entered, she lay on the bed but then she could not resist. She decided to do a little snooping.