The Elemental Huntress

Chapter 14 - Truth, Lies & Butterflies

WILLA POV

Fifteen minutes later, I was heading to Alpha Killian’s office, ready to meet with him and Elira. Rhydian and Sloane would also be joining us. I felt hesitant, not sure if I was ready for the truth to be revealed. My instincts were telling me that something serious was going on and I wasn’t sure how much more bullshit Elira could handle. I also wasn’t sure how much more I could handle either.

I get to Alpha Killian’s office and knock on the door, not expecting Sloane to be the one to answer. I feel the heat rise in my face and recognise that I am blushing as memories of what he had just done to me appear in my mind. “Thank you for meeting me Willa. Elira and Rhydian shouldn’t be far behind you.” The Alpha addressed me politely, he carried himself well. I could tell that he was a true leader, he stood with a natural dominance which I could feel emanating from him. Being a werewolf myself, I was deeply aware of that authoritative feeling he gave off. “Thank you, Alpha, it is nice to finally meet you, even under such interesting circumstances.” I replied. The Alpha grinned the most stunning smile I had ever seen before responding “The pleasure is all mine Willa, please take a seat.” He pointed towards a comfy couch, and I didn’t hesitate to sit down.

I had thought Sloane a god, a masterpiece, which no doubt he was, but this Killian was on another level. He was just a little taller than Sloane, clearly also a descendent of the Alpha Centauri. Muscles upon muscles could be seen beneath the plain black shirt he wore, he had hazel eyes that spoke of stories none of us knew about. As I admired the Alpha, I began to wonder where his Luna was or if he didn’t yet have one. It struck me as odd that this magnificent beast of a man hadn’t yet found his mate. He was older than me, just like Sloane, possibly in his late twenties.

A knock sounded at the door and my spirits lifted, hoping it was Elira. Sloane opened the door to a fresh-looking Rhydian. I smiled at him, and he stepped into the room, greeting the Alpha as I had. I could tell that he too was feeling the same power from the Alpha as I was. Such a strange and new feeling for both of us.

Another knock at the door came and this time I knew it was Elira, I was so keen to wrap my arms around her. It had been four days since I had seen her and so much had changed since then. It felt like months had passed between us. I couldn’t wait to get her alone so that we could play catch up on what was happening in our lives. As she entered the room, I could tell right away that something was different about her. There was an energy coming off her that hadn’t been there before. It was almost matching to that of the Alpha, but it was much more powerful. I wondered if anyone else could feel it too. Elira greeted both Sloane and the Alpha and I could see a familiarity between the three of them. Now I knew we had things to catch up on. Elira hugged Rhydian and they held each other for a little while, then it was my turn. “I missed you girl, don’t ever do that to me again you hear!” I told her with a smile on my face. “I love you Willa, you have no idea how glad I am to see a familiar face.” Elira sounded both happy and sad. We held each other a moment longer before the Alpha began to speak.

“OK, now that everyone is here, I would first like to discuss the information which we already know. Some of you may be shocked at what you hear, but please refrain from arguing until we get to the bottom of what is going on with you three.” Alpha Killian meant every word and all of us bowed our heads in agreement. We all wanted the same thing here. “First things first; Elira and I are true mates.” The Alpha paused a moment to let his statement sink in before continuing, “The doctors have said our meeting the other night is what kick started Elira’s wolf and why she fainted.” I was shocked, my eyes went big and so did Rhydian’s. We both look over at Elira, wanting to see her own reaction to the news being shared aloud with us. She kept her face normal and didn’t give either of us any eye contact. She spoke volumes by not reacting at all. We both knew her very well. Rhydian and I gave each other a quick glance as the Alpha continued. Neither of us dared to interrupt him with the shock we were both feeling at the news Elira was to become a Luna. “From what the doctors also say, Elira is more than an ordinary werewolf, she’s not a Lycan, but she’s not just a werewolf either. We are yet to discover the missing link to what exactly Elira is at this stage. All we know is that she is powerful, possibly more powerful than any of us. The doctor also explained that dark magic was used to hide Elira’s wolf deep inside of her so that she may never know who and what she truly is. Discovering our mate bond seemed to have broken that magic somehow. At the doctor’s request, Elira has shifted once since she woke up in order to strengthen the bond with her wolf, who goes by the name of Artemis. Elira and I have not sealed our mate bond yet as it is up to her when she is ready. When she decides she is ready for us to be together, it will bring an even bigger change to her life. It will mean she is the new Luna of Blue Midnight, and she will carry that responsibility with her for the rest of her life. As her mate and an Alpha, better yet a Lycan Alpha who descends from the Alpha Centauri, I have the means to force her if I wish. Let it be known that I am not that kind of Alpha. I do not need to force her to do anything, I believe in the Moon Goddess whole heartedly and if she chose Elira for me and I for her, then it was for a reason. All that is meant to be will be in good time.” The Alpha and Elira were staring into each other’s eyes as he spoke about their mate bond. You could almost see the power in their bond flowing around them like purple fire. This was like nothing I had ever heard of or seen before.

The Alpha paused a moment before continuing, pulling his eyes away from Elira to look at Sloane before continuing. I shuffled in my chair a little, bracing myself for what was coming. “I now feel it important to address the situation with both Willa and Rhydian.” Elira frowned and looked at both of us. Confusion all over her face. I knew this was going to make her feel even more betrayed. “Willa is also a werewolf; the same dark magic was used on her that was used on Elira. It is also important to point out that Willa is the true mate of my Beta, Sloane. I think it safe to say that they have almost completed their mating ritual. Which means we will have a ceremony soon, announcing that I now have both of my true betas at my side to aid in my rule.” Now all three of us were looking at Alpha Killian in shock. I had not thought about any of this. Is this even what I really want to do? I am a werewolf hunter not a werewolf sidekick. f**k!

“I know that this new reality is going to take some major getting used to on all sides. I promise that you won’t be disappointed and may even relish in your true and natural calling.” I looked at both of my friends, hoping to see in their eyes what I knew they could see in mine, shock and fear. Elira was looking down into her lap and Rhydian was looking away. I felt alone at this moment and decided to look up at Sloane. He was already looking at me with concern and sending me comforting waves to make me feel better. It helped. He could obviously feel my emotions, our bond increasing the closer we became, emotionally, not just physically. It was clear to me I felt love towards this man, and he felt the same towards me.

“This last puzzle piece is a little more confusing and I am hoping Rhydian can shed some light on it for us. Rhydian is also a Werewolf; the catch is that he has always known he was a werewolf.” Before Alpha Killian could continue, weheard Elira shout, it was the exact reaction I was expecting. “WHAT?” She was on her feet now and trying to get to Rhydian, but Sloane wouldn’t let her. Alpha Killian then came around from his desk and held her. Neither of them spoke, he waited for her breathing to steady before leaving her and walking back towards his desk. “I understand this news is disturbing. Which is why I think it important that Rhydian has the chance to explain it to us. I am aware that Willa has already been told and showed her own level of concern and disappointment, but I know the rest of us also need to hear it. Please go ahead and explain to us, Rhydian, how this is possible.” I now understood why Rhydian had looked uncomfortable. He took a deep breath before speaking. “Moonlight Tech rescued me when I was five years old. My pack was attacking a small town, killing innocent humans. Moonlight Tech came in to stop them and I was the remaining survivor. They decided to take me in and train me as one of their own. I hated what I was and asked them to make it go away. They used dark magic to make that happen. I am assuming it was the same kind of magic used on both girls. I always felt like an outsider at Moonlight Tech and kept to myself, reading my books, and learning all about the rest of the supernatural world. It wasn’t until the girls came along that I felt connected to anyone. They are my family and without them I’m not sure I’d still be here. I was a coward, too afraid to tell them the truth about who and what I was. I also swore an oath to Moonlight Tech that I would never tell anyone about my true heritage. So, I didn’t until now.” Rhydian was looking at Elira, hoping she would give him something, a nod, or a sympathetic smile, but she gave him nothing. She stared straight ahead and didn’t move a muscle. Rhydian bowed his head in defeat. Alpha Killian began to speak again. “Beta Sloane is a truth seeker; he can smell a lie on anyone. It was he who made you confess to Willa, is that correct?” Rhydian nodded his head in agreement.

“Now that all the information is out in the open, I think it best we move on to why we’re all really here. Willa, could you please do us the honour of sharing what you and Rhydian have been up to the last two days?” I nodded and took a deep breath before standing up. I held the files in my hand that Rhydian and I had taken from headquarters. I was hesitant but also knew it was now or never.

“Before I continue, I just want to say what I think most of us are thinking; our lives are about to drastically change, no matter what happens. We are a team us three. We stick together no matter what. Do you understand?” I was talking to Elira and Rhydian; they both gave me a nod and then I continued. “Rhydian found out that there was a dark witch in Canada who had crossed paths with Moonlight Tech agents in the past. It was our only lead, so we followed through and went to see her. She told us that the Werewolves taken by Moonlight Tech were victims of the great attack that happened 18 years ago. She also told us that she had never worked with Moonlight directly, but she knew the witch who had. She told us the Witch's name was Griselda and that she is very powerful, currently residing somewhere in Las Vegas.” I paused a moment, waiting to see if this information sparked anything further from the Alpha or Sloane.

“The attack from 18 years ago, wasn’t that the Spirit Moon Pack?” Sloane was talking to the Alpha. He looked deep in thought, and I wondered if he knew something. “Yes, it was. They were our allies and were the only pack directly linked to us from the beginning of our existence. Spirit Moon were the direct descendants of the first She-Wolf. Who was made by the Moon Goddess herself. They were a peaceful pack; it was rumoured that they carried the blood of the Elementals!” The room was dead silent at the Alphas' words. I decided to continue with the debrief. “Rhydian decided it would be best to head straight to headquarters on our way home and investigate Angie and Richards' offices. We found a file in Angie’s office. I then figured it would be best to dig into the archives while we had the chance. We now have files on all three of us, and I believe these files will tell us almost everything.” I placed the files onto the Alphas desk. “I think you and Sloane should read them first. The three of us can wait a moment longer to have our lives thrown even more upside down.” Rhydian and Elira mumbled in agreement. Killian and Sloane picked up the files and started reading them. “We will take a break and be back in an hour.” Alpha Killian nodded in agreement as we all stood up and walked out of his office.

We all headed outside of the packhouse unsure of where we were going. “I know of some cute hangout spots not far from here. Let’s go there and we can all catch up.” Elira said. Rhydian and I began to follow her, neither of us sure how this was going to go now that everything we knew so far was out in the open. Elira took us to a nice cosy spot with couches around a table with pillows on the floor, also used for sitting. There wasn’t anyone else around which was comforting. “So, who wants to go first? I am sure you both have something you’d like to say?” Elira said as she sat down. “Ok I’ll start.” I replied to her. “How did you find out about the Alpha? Are you going to complete the mate bond and become Luna? I ask because I have no idea if I want to be Beta. I mean, if you are going to accept your rightful position, it would mean I would be your beta Elira. It wouldn't be so different now.” I smiled in her direction. She stays quiet for a moment before responding. “I honestly have no clue about anything right now, I feel lost. I’ve been spending some time with Elaine and I’m really enjoying it. There is a spark between us that I can’t stay away from. It’s no mate bond but it’s something. I don’t feel the pressure when I’m with her. I keep learning new things about my life, about our lives, and I am not sure how much more I can handle. I’m not ready for all this responsibility. What I would give to just go back to slaying and hunting the supernatural. That was so much easier to handle.” Rhydian and I both chuckled at that. “I understand you, Elira, I’ve been feeling overwhelmed the last few days. So much has changed already.” We hugged and stayed like that for a little while. Then Rhydian spoke, “I’m sorry Elira, everything I said back there is the truth. I was a coward, and I should have been honest years ago. Please forgive me.” Rhydian looked sad as he spoke to Elira. “There is no need for forgiveness here Rhydian, the more I learn, the more I realise that the ones who should be sorry will never be sorry at all. You were scared, you were manipulated. I am not sure if everything we know right now is the truth. My instincts are telling me there is a whole lot more we are about to find out and it's going to be very ugly. My anger is not aimed at you, it is aimed at the corporation who are responsible for what has happened to us.”

Rhydian lifted Elira up in his arms and hugged her tightly. She reciprocated by wrapping her legs around him and embracing him in return. I was in awe of her and all that she had said. “I admire you, Elira. It would have been understandable if your anger had been misplaced, it takes a strong person to see clearly like that, it takes a strong leader and I have to say, you are most certainly a leader in every aspect of the word.” Elira hopped down from Rhydian’s hug and gave me one in return for my honesty. She didn’t speak but I knew what she was thinking because I knew her that well. We all sat in silence for a little while, enjoying the peace outdoors, when suddenly, a butterfly landed on Elira's hand. She gently began moving her hand to get a good look at it, it then flew onto the tip of her nose. It was as if the Butterfly was looking right into Elira's eyes. They stayed like that for a minute before the butterfly flew away. Elira was smiling and proceeded to tell us that she could hear the creatures’ thoughts communicating to her. None of us knew what to say, but we knew it had to be real. We headed back inside about an hour after we had left the Alphas office. The three of us braced ourselves for what was to come.