Ashes Of Desire

CHAPTER 13

Cara POV

“Where is she?” A voice roared from downstairs, so loud I could hear it in my room. Abby had come to the hotel and brought me to our pack house.

I refused to go with Draven. Tony's words still played in my head and for a while now, I wondered if I made a mistake by marrying Draven.

“Elder Henry, she wants to be left alone. She isn't in the mood to see anyone”. I heard Abby trying to reason with Henry. I knew he would be worried about me.

“You don't tell me when I get to see her. Now move”. I was sure they stood at the door by now. Lifting my body up slowly from the bed,I readied myself for the interruption and never ending questions.

“Cara, what happened to you? What were you doing with Draven and how did Tony get there? What did he say to you? Are you hurt?” Henry rushed the words out of his mouth, immediately he barged in and saw me.

“I will leave you two”. Abby said as she looked at me, our eyes meeting for a brief second before excusing herself.

“What's going on Cara. You don't tell me anything anymore.”

“I am fine, Henry. I was with Draven because he is my husband and mate now. I finally did what you wanted.” His smile dwindled.

“Don't act like I did it for myself. I had your interests at heart when I suggested Draven and now he protected you.” That I could agree on. Sometimes I still felt his hands on me. Caressing my shoulder but I pushed those thoughts away.

“Who were my parents?”

“What?” His face contoured into a confused expression.

“You were close to them before they were murdered, who were they? Did they have a unique bloodline?” I noticed Henry's eyes widened a bit after saying this but it was only for a brief second before he pulled on his usual relaxed expression on.

“Where did you hear that from Cara?” I released a deep breath as Tony's words flashed through my mind.

“Rumors fly around all the time and I have been meaning to ask you but I never found the time too.” I studied his expression but he didn't give anything away.

“Is this what Tony told you?” He asked, shocking me but I maintained my calm expression.

“Tony didn't say anything. He wanted to mark me forcefully, that's why I came back disorganized.” He didn't look convinced. I lied because I didn't want him to discourage me from finding the truth.

“Okay then. Draven called me and asked for a meeting with the elders. I am guessing he wants to announce the marriage.”

“Yes, I was to tell you before this mishap happened”.

“I understand Cara, but I must tell you, this marriage won't be accepted until you do it the werewolf way. We don't accept the human way, especially concerning marriage. It's sacred”. Henry emphasized, holding my hands gently.

“I get your point, but it's not even real. I don't accept it. It's just business so why do it traditionally?” I got slightly upset that Henry would want this marriage done the traditional werewolf way. He knows it's just business.

“Fine then, I will see what I can do to convince the elders to let this go but it will be hard. I can't guarantee anything.” I nodded softly to his words. He was about to leave but he hadn't given me a reply to my question.

“Won't you tell me about my parents?” He kept avoiding the question. His eyes found mine and he smiled softly. Taking a few steps towards me and farther away from the door, he stopped.

“They were good people Cara, the best of the best. They never let the power they had cloud their minds and sense of judgement. And they were good friends too.” He smiled softly, and dabbed his eyes as he spoke of them.

“It's okay Henry. I am sorry for asking. I know it hurts you to speak of them but I really wanted to know about my bloodline. My Dad never said anything.” He shook his head.

“I never knew of any bloodline nor did your father talk about it. Rest well Cara.”

“Okay.” He patted my shoulder before moving out. Before he could be completely gone, Abby came bursting through the door.

“Cara, it's your Aunt. She says she wants to see you and it's urgent.” My Aunt, I thought. Aunt Stella hadn't visited since I claimed my position as Alpha, why now?

“What did she say the matter was?” Henry asked Abby. He wasn't at the door anymore, he was by my side now.

“She wouldn't say. She said it's only for the ears of Cara.”

“Witches. Why must they be so secretive? Cara, I will go with you to see her.” He spoke, his tone insinuating it wasn't up for negotiation but I would have to refuse him. Aunt Stella is very strict with her privacy. She is a witch after all and they aren't very welcome amongst wolves.

“No Henry. She is my aunt so rest assured, no harm will come to me.”

“But she's a witch. You can't tell with witches. Everything they do…all for their benefit.” He said as a matter of fact but I refused to agree.

“Before I came back, she had been with me. And she will continue to. I don't need saving from her.” He nodded at my words.

“Tell me what she says.” He said taking steps towards the door of my bedroom.

“Of course Henry, I will.” He left and I turned my attention to Abby.

“Take me to her.”

“Cara…so good to see you.” Stella responded upon seeing me, giving me a big hug. She was kept in one of the guest rooms in the pack house.

“Good to see you too, Aunt.” She chuckled and I bit my tongue.

“I told you not to call me Aunt. You keep forgetting.” She flickered my head softly and Abby laughed. I gave her a side eye but she only laughed more.

“I'm sorry. You know I can't help it.” My voice was softer than usual as I held her hand kissing it.

“I'll leave you two.” We nodded and watched Abby leave. I turned towards Stella, giving her my utmost attention.

“So why did you come to see me? You haven't come all these while.” She sighed hearing my question. We sat on the sofa in the room, facing each other.

“You know I am not welcome here. They might try to tolerate me because you're their Alpha but I will always be resented. Bad and deceitful in their eyes.” I nodded slightly and held her hands. She had always wanted to be where I was to protect me but it couldn't be possible here.

“Before your mother died, in every sense, she came to me and asked me to protect you. I am here to do just that. You're in danger Cara.” My brows furrowed in confusion. What was she hinting at? If she had said this yesterday then I was sure I could have avoided Tony but now the threat is gone.

“I don't understand, Stella.”

“I saw in my visions that you were wanted dead. All because of your bloodline. Who you are?” I gasped as she said this. It's the same bloodline talk Tony kept blabbering about.

“I already know about the Tony incident. I was shown that too. But what is coming is dangerous Cara. Draven might protect you but the danger will always be lurking. It's impossible to get rid of it as I wasn't shown what the threat is.” She spoke looking at me but her eyes went past me as she kept stroking her jade necklace. The one she and my mother have.

“Stella, don't worry. I'll be careful. Nothing will happen.” I reassured her. If she felt like she can't protect me, it would haunt her. She promised my mother and she has always fulfilled it.

She held my hand in her hands. “ Cara, don't go through with the traditional wedding.” Now I was getting worried.

“Why? I haven't made up my mind yet but why shouldn't I go through with it.” She cupped my face and stared at me.

“ I don't want to lose you. That wedding will be the turning point in your life. It's the key to opening the door of all your problems.”

“Any signs of your wolf yet?” I shook my head.

“Not yet.”

“Good. It's not the right time for it yet. I can't tell you more than I have done. Listen to what I say Cara. I, before anyone else, want nothing but your safety.” She said, embracing me in a tight hug. I hugged back relishing this moment. She was the closest thing I had to a mother.

“I will be careful, Stella and I will try to stop the wedding from happening.” She nodded. Getting up to leave, I stopped her mid way.

“Won't you stay longer? Let's catch up a little.” She gave out a small smile and wiped my cheeks, I hadn't realized I was crying.

“I might not be here Cara but I will always be with you. Always want your safety and well-being.” She responded, giving me a kiss on the cheek.

“One more thing, stick to Draven. He will protect you.” She hugged me and I hugged her tightly before she walked out. I stood there looking at the door, the chair, the room. I missed her already.