Born of Two

Preparations

Chapter 9

Rosie’s POV

“Rosie… what did you do?” Chase asked, the words dripping in angst.

“I did what the voice told me to do constantly… challenge Lochlyn.”

“Lochlyn can it be taken back? Like an insanity deal or something. She won’t survive the underground and her wolf is still too weak to emerge. Tomorrow is her birthday fully. She can’t do this today, hell her rib is still broken. You’re the Alpha-“

Lochlyn was pacing back and forth. He kept looking at me as if I was this little girl who just decided to spend all her money on a lollipop instead of a toy. I could tell he was thinking deeply about what options we had. “Did you hear the words ‘mate’ in your head when you saw me?”

“No. Should I have?”

“I don’t know but since you didn’t… I am going to grant your request to challenge me in the underground.”

“ARE YOU STUPID?” Jo had just come back into the room. Chase was staring at her then back at Lochlyn in agreement with his wife. “She will die down there.”

“I know. Rosalynn you need to sit down.” Lochlyn said not breaking his stride in his pacing. “I have to grant it just like I would anyone else. However, I can make an exception. Chase, please go to tell Marco and Finn that we are moving up the Underground tournament to tonight. Instead of one for one, we will do teams. She will have to lead, though. No one can be helping her.”

Chase scoffs, knowing that plan was going to go over like ton of bricks. “No one will help you.”

“Excuse me?”

“Lochlyn, you have locked everyone out, and no one has even met her yet! They still can’t meet her because without fully transforming with her wolf she will be considered human. No one here wants to defend the humans except Josephine.”

“I will fight with her,” Jo spoke up for me.

“No, you won’t.” Chase was the one commanding this room, “What is your plan when no one comes to help her?”

“Hazel and Deren will. If Hazel does Halloway will too. That will stack her deck. She will get through it if those three are with her.”

“Wait, Hazel? As in Hazel Halloway? Kal’s mate?”

“Yeah what’s the big deal though, Jo?”

“Hazel just found out this morning that she is pregnant. She was coming to discuss with you taking a break and stepping back from the elite until the baby was born.”

“So that leaves Halloway and Deren. That’s not enough Lochlyn.” Chase was begging him at this point to break the rules. “Lochlyn see reason here.”

I was tired of being left out of the conversation, so I stood up and cleared my throat. “Am I just supposed to sit here a let you guys discuss this without me?”

“Oh tell me, Ros, what was your plan when you challenged him? Do you know what’s in the underground? Do you know the challenge it is for fully matured wolves let alone a human who just got it? What were you thinking?”

“Chase back up I don’t need that tone.”

“Then what Ros? Am I supposed to just be ok with this? You're being selfish!” Chase was inches from my face and fuming at me.

“Then you be on my team!”

“Oh my God. Where is the new off switch for you?”

“Chase honey. That is not a bad plan, you do the underground all the time.”

“One problem… I am not the Beta, I am a nothing. I gave that up when we left for Omaha. I can’t get involved.”

“What about Marco, Lochlyn?” Jo tried to add some reason to this.

“Marco is the son of the current Beta. We could use him. Plus he has seen her already. Chase go get everyone and bring them here before 6. We go into the Underground at 9. She will have three hours to get to the end and win the challenge. Rosie, what do you want if you win?”

“If I win I want to go home. If I lose I will stay here and be whatever you want me to be.”

“So even after all you have been through these last five days… you still want to go home?” Lochlyn looked defeated. Jo took a sharp breath in. “Rosalynn, I give you the chance to reject me now before the underground. Take it while you have it. This will prevent you from having to go through it and you can go home and be whoever you want. Just know none of us can go with you to protect you.”

“I will go with her.” Jo tried to stop Lochlyn.

“No, you won’t. You will be considered a rogue. You will have no family, no help, and be putting Chase in a position he shouldn’t be in. This is Rosalynn’s choice. It can only be her choice.”

Chase, Jo, and Lochlyn were staring at me waiting for an answer. “I don’t know what I want.” With that answer, Chase walked out of the house, angry. I have never seen Chase this mad, even when the Huskers lost he still had some control but right now he just wanted to lose and it was my fault. “Jo, I don’t want to leave you.”

“Then stop this and stay.” Even Jo was mad. Crap, I screwed up. I looked to Lochlyn who was looking at the ground. I could see his fists balled up and he was biting his bottom lip to stop himself from saying something he would regret.

“What do I need to do? I am sorry… I didn’t know. I just did what I was told to by the voice-“

“I don’t need to hear anymore.” Lochlyn was short with me. I reached for his hand and he pulled it away. “You need to fight. Tonight you will need to meet more people. It's 5:00 now, go get some workout clothes and something decent to meet these guys, I need to go meet with my dad.” Without a look back and without even so much as a goodbye, Lochlyn walked out of the house.

“Rosie, what did you do?”

Lochlyn’s POV

I don’t understand what just happened. All of a sudden my dad’s voice in my head breaks up the dialogue and panic I am feeling

-“Son, meet me in the library. We will figure this out. Sebastian is here with me.”

-“I will be there in 5 minutes.”

-“Hurry. We don’t have a lot of time to go over what if’s”

My dad always knew what he was doing and what I was doing when things happened. Sebastian was my father's Beta when he was Alpha and Marco’s dad. When Chase went to Omaha he said he would remain the Beta till Chase returned to take it back. Sebastian wanted to retire and hand the reigns over to spend more time with Marco and his mate Mallory. Mallory was actually his second-chance mate, his first wife died in battle. However, Mallory is one of the nicest people ever. She is always taking care of others and even works part-time in the hospital as a nurse. Before I knew it I was standing and the front door to my parent's house when the door flung open and my mom wrapped me in a hug. “She doesn’t understand love. She will though, just get through tonight and I promise tomorrow will be different.” That was it, I just started crying. I know I am supposed to be this manly, overseeing Alpha but I just wanted this to be different. I wanted to fall in love and be easy. This, this crap was far from easy. My mom lifted my face and looked at me like she did when I was a young pup scared of the thunder. She dried my tears and gave me another. “I thought we were stuffing some emotions down? What have I taught you?

“It’s ok to not be ok. It’s not ok to go through it alone.”

“That’s right. Now get up and go see your dad.”

I took a deep breath and got myself under control before I walked up there. The door was already open because I could hear the stressed-out voice of my father. He was already discussing tonight and what would happen if Rosie were to, by some miracle, win and go back home. There was no interfering in the human world and Sebastian was quick to remind him of that. I knocked at the door and Beta Sebastian stood up and greeted me.

“Alpha Lochlyn, I am sorry to hear about your mate.”

“Excuse me??” Anger filled me. He talk as though she had died. “My mate is not dead. A little stubborn, hell yeah. But you speak of your future Luna as though she has already made her choice.”

“I mean no disrespect to you Alpha Lochlyn, I just know that this hasn’t been an easy road.”

“I appreciate that but next time speak your words more clearly so we don’t have a different kind of misunderstanding.” Just then my dad stood up and his voice was much commanding than I expected.

“Now son, I know you stressed and a little heartbroken but Seb is your Beta right now and a good friend of mine. You need to show a little more respect than that.”

“I apologize, Beta Seb. You have done us a great service. I was not thinking.”

“It’s ok, son. Let’s relax and discuss this. I am fully ready to make an exception and let Chase stand-in.”

“What?”

“To be honest this is in the interest of self-protection. We all remember how many times it took Marco to pass. The poor boy has the worst case of test anxiety. If he also knows the future of leadership rests on this I don’t know if he will be of any actual help. All we want are good things for you and Rosalynn. Myself, Mallory, and Marco stand with you.”

“Marco will oversee the teams then and Seb what will your role be?”

“I will be overseeing the event. I have to make sure that Rosalynn doesn’t receive any help outside of teamwork from Chase, Kal, and Deren.”

“I understand. Dad do you have anything?”

“We will take you to the halfway mark. You have to reach the mile mark to complete the race and win against Rosie. She will have Chase so this will be a tough race. Make sure you keep your head on straight and get the three of those boys across the line as well or no dice.”

“Will do Dad.” I give my dad a hug and turn to shake Sebastian’s hand. “Thank you, Seb. Thank you for allowing Chase.” With that, I part ways from my father.

Rosie’s POV

I stand at the door, waiting for Lochlyn to come back. I need to apologize. I need to say something. I need to take it back. I need. “I am sorry.”

“It’s too late for apologies Ros.”

“Is it too late to take it back?”

“Seriously, Ros. What are you doing? One minute you're stubborn as hell then the next minute you're remorseful. You can’t do anything in this now except go get ready to meet your team. I know you're stubborn I know you have been on your own your entire life. You had to protect yourself and you didn’t have to worry about anyone but you. But now, now you have to stop acting like a victim and grow up. I know your mom and Dad died and I know you don’t think you need a family but you have one. Me, Chase, Heather, Phil, and Loch. We love you and adore you. We paused our own lives to protect you. You may want to apologize to Lochlyn but you have about six people you need to say apologies to if you stay. Let’s go upstairs and get ready. I know your French braids suck so I will do them for you.”

“French braids?”

“Yes. You always say those French braids make you feel powerful and cute. Like hell, if I am going to let my best friend go make an ass of herself and not look fine as hell.” Jojo grabbed my wrist and began pulling me behind her. Maybe she was right. My entire life I was taken care of then I wasn’t. I was on my own for so long. Then Jojo waltzed into my little shop and changed my whole world around. I stop and pull Jojo into a hug.

“I am sorry. I am sorry that I haven’t been more aware of what this was like for you to watch. I don’t know how you expected it to go but I know I haven’t made it easy. I apologize, I am so, so sorry.” Jojo stood and hug me for a moment longer, she took a deep breath and pulled away.

“Honestly, I think my expectations were maybe a smidge high. Just like a smidge.” While she is saying this raises her hand about her head to show how high expectations were and we both just started laughing. “Ok, so how did that apology feel?”

“Like eating a frog, But more so from the laughing made my ribs ache. Why?”

“3..2..1.” Just then Chase walked in the door. I could tell he had been crying and his hands looked a little bloody. I genuinely felt bad when I saw his state. I let go of Rosalynn and made my way over to Chase.

“Chase?” I said c*****g my head to the side trying to feign innocence. “Chasey-wasey. Chasey-poo?”

“Stop, Ros.”

“I am sorry. More than sorry. Your right I was being selfish and Jo made sure I understood that.” Chase looked up at me with red eyes. “I didn’t think about how hard that was for you. Jo pointed out that we are family and you chose to protect me much like Helena. What you had to do earlier had to be so hard, and I am so sorry. Really, truly sorry.”

Just then his big strong arms wrapped around me and lifted me up to the air. I was so happy but so much pain. “I will always protect you. Even tonight.”

Jojo’s jaw dropped out of confusion. “Wait what?”

“Apparently Beta Seb isn’t too thrilled about us putting Marco up for this since it took him so many times to pass when it was his turn.”

“That makes sense. 5 times is a lot to endure in the underground.”

“I don’t stand a chance in this thing do I?”

“Nope. Yet, the more I think about it you will be the first Luna to do the underground. It might a good thing that you are challenging him. Lochlyn needs someone that is equal and not under him. You are good for him Ros.”

“Good thing. We have some new faces to greet.” Just then a knock at the door and Jo's eyes were fogged over.

“Ok guys, am I ever going to be able to do that?”

“Yeah, eventually.”

Jojo went over to the door and I rushed into my room to change out of the sweaty clothes I had been wearing for the last week. I saw the boxes and luggage in my room and started going through them. Box after box things were put in nicely until I finally found the right luggage container with my clothes. I settled on my paint-splattered workout leggings and the matching bra. For the top, I through on a semi-see-through white mesh top and through my hair into in high braided ponytail. I went into the bathroom and finally looked at myself. My color had come back, my eyes had their old sparkle again. My cheeks had their pale and dusty pink color. It was me again. I looked in the mirror again and I noticed my body had changed. I was muscular, stronger. I was always at the gym but this was different. I could physically see the muscles vs when I would have to flex in order to get any definition. My favorite part though was my butt was killer and my boobs were perky… maybe being a werewolf had some perks I started laughing to myself, holding my ribs in pain. Jo popped her head into the room

“Damn girl. Are you checking yourself out?”

“A little bit!” I smile, Jo comes hopping over and pecks my cheek. “JO!!”

“What Lochlyn doesn’t know won’t hurt him.” She says with a wink. “Come on we got guests.” We bound out the bedroom door and all of a sudden a pit formed in my stomach and I stop in the middle of the hallway. “What is it Ros?”

“Are these people going to like me?”

“I don’t know but Hazel and Deren are the nicest people in the world. You will love them. Kal is much quieter and reserved around new people but if you get to know him he is a really cool guy who adores his mate. I think you are overthinking this and they will love you.”

“OK, then let's go.” We finish going down the hallway and when we come to the top of the staircase I can see three people standing in the doorway and they all look like they could kill me. For starters, Kal, the only guy there. He stood 6’6, he had olive skin and dark eyes. His hair was half-shaved but long on the top and fell around his eyes with some curl. Stood with his arms crossed eyeing me, trying to see if I posed a threat to his family. He stood ever so slightly in front of a young woman who I assume is his wife. Kal’s face was structured like a warrior, anyone who posed a threat would know who was coming for them. His cheekbones sat high and his jaw was long and set. His eyes narrowed on me with a message loud and clear, I wasn’t to be trusted.

“Kal, just because you stare at her like she is the enemy doesn’t make her one.” A small voice rang out from behind the giant. “Hi, I am Hazel Halloway and this is my mate Kal. Sorry, he seems soo intimidating.” She said with an eye roll… “He is harmless, really.” The tiny thing stood about 5 feet nothing and walked around Kal as if she walked on air. She had picture-perfect blonde hair and a small part shaved. It only went to her neckline and had a beautiful wave to it. Seeing them together made you want to start trying a whole lot harder. Her frame might have been small but you could tell from the way she carried herself, she had more strength and speed than anyone would expect but her features were soft and angel-like. Her eyes were this gorgeous gray. Like the gray that comes in the winter before a wonderful snowstorm, it’s the color I always imagine when I think of my favorite season. Her face was longer in shape with cherry red lips and a pink hue to her nose and cheeks. “You’re Rosalynn right?”

“Yeah, I am… I am sorry but your like gorgeous.”

“Oh, thanks, hun. Look at yourself though, Loch is going to have a hard time keeping others away from you. Best hold your own when you meet the rest of the warriors.” Hazel was nice, she was welcoming to me. I looked to the next girl, Deren.

“Deren right?”

“Yeah, that is me.”

“Deren, don’t be suspicious, she is fine.” Hazel chimed

Deren was only a little taller than Hazel maybe like 5 foot 2. Again another gorgeous woman, who happened to know how to kill me in a second. Her hair was shorter as well but not edgy like the others, more soft and controlled. It was this beautiful wave of brown into blonde. Her eyes were blue with flecks and tones of green. Her arms and legs were tree trunks of muscle. Like I am 100% convinced she could pick up a car a throw it like some sort of superhero. I immediately noticed she had on scrubs. “A warrior and a nurse?” I thought to myself. Her lips were pursed forward and had a hue of deep red. Her eyes still had make-up on them from the long day. This awesome neutral to gray look with a perfect cate-eye. I am jealous of her makeup skills. Her hair was pulled up into two awesome space-like buns. No lie, this girl looked like she walked out of a Pinterest cover page. She was amazing. “Weird question on my part. All of you have similar marks on your necks like Chase and Jo. What is that.?”

Hazel stared at Jo. “She isn’t mated yet?”

“No…. That what we need to discuss.” Jo responded curtly. “Rosalynn finished her transition and it was rough. Her subconscious fought against her wolf so hard that her wolf became too weak to emerge. In that process, her subconscious took a conversation she overheard and told her to challenge Lochlyn to the underground.”

“So that is why we are here, right?” Kal said blankly.

“Yes, everyone here except Hazel and Jo will be going into the Underground. The goal is without outrightly helping her, we have to get Rosalynn through the underground. One mile that’s it.” Chase stated to Kal as he came out of the kitchen area. “Rosalynn didn’t know what she was doing and this process has been less easy or helpful to her. But if she wins she will get to go home and live her life out there. If she loses she will stay. So maybe don’t help her too much.” Chase finished with a grin on his face.

“Chase, I have a kid on the way, can we trust her? Can we prep for what Red Moon is going to bring?”

“We will have to cross that bridge when we get there. But yes we can trust her. She won’t cause anyone harm, except driving Lochlyn crazy. She is good for him.”

“If she is good for him then she is good for us.” Hazel finished out. “As for your question. These are our Marks. It shows that we are mated to someone. I am Kal’s mate so this is his bite mark and he bears mine. Deren…..”

“This is my mark from my mate who died on a patrol,” Deren said blankly.

“I am sorry I shouldn’t have asked.” I felt horrible, I am trying to make a good impression with this person and here I am bringing up a painful reminder of her past. “Um, do you know you have stickers on your pants?”

“Oh my gosh Vi.” Deren’s guard is put down with that. “I have a four-year-old. Her name is Violet. She insists that she is going to make my clothes better.”

“So you’re a warrior, nurse, and mom.”

“I wear many hats but yes. Your order is wrong though. First and foremost I am a mom.”

“A kick-ass mom at that,” Hazel assures her.

All three of them smile and rest their sights back at me. “Will you help me?”

“Are you asking?” Kal voiced.

“Yes. I made a mistake and I am sorry to drag you into it but can you help me?”

“Sure thing. Hazel sit this out. We got it with Chase.” Kal grinned back. I could tell he wanted the chance to rough up Lochlyn.

“Don’t have to tell me twice, now I get to root you on,” Hazel said wrapping her arms around her husband. We were all on the same page, no one could tell us differently. Before we left, Jo and Deren wrapped and looked at my ribcage. It should be fine, once my wolf kicks in is what Deren said before she left the room. I looked at Jo with one last thing I needed to say to her.

“Jo,” She looked back at me with her big doe-like eyes, “I am not leaving. So let's go show our big bad alpha, who the actual boss is.” Jo grinned from ear to ear and suppressed a squeal, she knew my plan and she was going to support me no matter what. After hearing her tell me that I wasn’t alone anymore it finally clicked in my thick skull. I never wanted to be alone again.