Born of Two

The Underground

Chapter 10

The Underground

We walked out of the house, all six of us looking like we are ready for war. If this was a movie, this is where the slow-motion walk would come into play. All six of us; myself, Jo, Hazel, Chase, Kal, and Deren, looked like the most badass group of people walking through the street. All of us were in some variation of black, all girls had our hair up and the boys were slicked back. We weren’t talking to each other for a while but we were all doing something to mentally prepare ourselves. As we walked I looked around the place. I couldn’t see much due to the sun setting so early here but through the street lights I can make out what looks like very simple homes, almost like a farming community. Very small and very low-key. The world would never know that massive hoard of animals that I used to think didn’t exist lived here. “Ros heads up we are almost to Town Center. We will go into the Town Hall and then we will make our way back to the entrance.” Chase spoke up next to me.

              “Anything else I need to know?”

              “Yeah, you are going to meet a few more people when we get there. Philemon will be there and then a gentleman named Sebastian. He is the current Beta. He is a really good guy, you will love his wife Mallory though. They will announce you and then we will head into the underground. It’s like going into an underground cellar, then you have to find your way out.”

              “Ok, first, who else am I going to meet outside of Sebastian and Mallory? Second, can you break down the tunnels and give me some prep?”

              “Oh little Ros, are you second-guessing your decisions?”

              “Ummm. Yup…. Like a lot.”

              “Next time don’t listen to the voice in your head if it’s not your wolf.”

              “Hey, 5 days ago I was a human…. This is a different ball game we are playing. I think I have done pretty well for myself.”

              “Sure, keep telling yourself that nugget. You will be meeting Jarid, Ray, and Quinn. Loch isn’t going to like what you wore.”

              “What do you mean?”

              “He is already having to fight the wolf inside to take you as his mate…. This is essentially a giant tease for him.”

              “Tease…. Me? Never.” I said flipping my hair over my shoulder. I may have never planned to be a tease in this but I will use it to my advantage to get what I want.

              “You going to make the right choice at the end?”

              “I am going to make the choice I need to that is best for me. Whatever that is, Chase. It will be my choice, not some Moon Goddess’s.”

Chase wrapped his giant arms around me as we walked towards a big white and red brick building. “That is the Rosalynn I know.” Chase sounded pleased but looked somber. I would have to do this on my own but also let Deren and Kal finish and accomplish what they needed to pass. I was unaware of the situation I was in, the leader I needed to be in this. I wanted to talk to Lochlyn. I wanted his arms around me. I wanted to say I am sorry for all of this chaos. I wanted to go back to my little apartment and lived out our days together. But I can’t have both, I can’t have Lochlyn and Omaha. One dream would have to be buried so the other could thrive. As much as I know at this moment I want both but I know which one I was going to choose. I looked up the stairs at the doors of the building and Lochlyn was standing leaning against the pillars. He looked distraught and upset.

              “Lochlyn where are the 3 idiots?” Kal hollered out and Lochlyn ran his hand through his hair like he was putting a mask on. He smiled back at Kal and nodded his head back towards the doors to let us know they were inside.

We made our way to the top of the marble stairs outside the town center building. Lochlyn eyed me over and looked pained at the sight of my skin covered in a fine layer of mesh, my cleavage peeking out of the top of my sports bra. I noticed the black in his eyes, the way he eye my butt in my paint-splattered leggings. This was a giant tease for him, as his eyes glazed over.

              “They are ready to start in a few minutes better get inside.” He spoke up weak and defeated.

              “Umm, can I talk to you?” Lochlyn looked at me shocked that I wanted to be alone with him outside the building. “Please. I need to talk to you.”

              “OK. Everyone else can you give us a minute. Let Dad know I will be in.” Everyone nodded and Jo squeezed my arm as she walked back and smile with reserved thought. Then we were the only ones outside in the night air.

              “Lochlyn…”

              “What Rosalynn? Why do you want to talk to me? Why do you want anything to do with me and this? I gave you the chance to reject me and you didn’t. Now you can actually win and then leave. I can’t do this to myself.”

He turned to walk inside and I reached for his hand when a wave of electricity ran through me and purple sparks flickered and started a wildfire in my mind, amongst other places. I let go of his had gasped to get air. I felt the oxygen was being pulled out of my body. I steadied myself against the pillar and felt Lochlyn’s arms around me.

“Hey, are you ok?”

              “What was that?”

              “What was what? What happened?”

              “I reached for you and when my fingers brushed your hand it was like a purple electrical current erupted inside. It made me dizzy and took all the oxygen away from my lungs. I just need to sit down,” Lochlyn helped me to the floor, he looked more pained than ever. Something was happening to me and it affected him but I didn’t know what it was and he did. “Please hear me out. I have never been the person to be dictated or told what to do. Once there was this boy in middle school who told me ‘Girls can’t talk about Husker football.’ I went home told my dad and watched all Husker Games we had recorded on VHS. I came to school after the weekend and all I did was talk about Coach Osbourne’s techniques, coaching, and Scott Frost. The kid was pissed but let me.”

              “As much as that makes sense with you. Why are you telling me about that?”

              “If I stay it will be my own choice. Not some stupid, crazy s*x-rage hormone. If I stay, I am staying for what I want, nothing else.”

A smile spread across his face. It was the first time I saw him smile since he helped me with my elbow. “I was hoping you said that.”

              “Why?”

              “Because I really, really want you to stay.” He placed his hand in my hands and the sparks ignited like flint in a striker. He placed his forehead against mine, his lips mere centimeters from mine. I could feel the hot breath leave him and it melted me. I sunk into him and he wrapped his arms around me. For a second the world was normal, then a voice from behind us broke the silence.

Lochlyn’s Pov

I had her. I had her in my arms, inches from my lips, I could feel the bond awaking in her. The smell of her, the look of her body. I wanted to make a move but this needed to be on her terms. It was quiet with her pressed up against my side. I took a deep breath and was bracing to kiss the top of her head when Chase came around the corner from the door.

              “Eh… it’s a quarter to nine Loch. We need both of you.”

I wanted to cancel the whole thing. I wanted her, nothing else. Her sweet smile, her deep eyes filling with contentment, she was the most beautiful thing in the world.

“Ok. Let’s hopefully continue this later.” I said down to her and she nodded.

We walked into the room with only maybe a foot between us but after being that close to her before it felt a mountain range was there instead and that mountain range was the underground. Seb and my dad were at the table the front of the room with Marcus behind them up against the wall. My mom was in the chair she wanted next to my dad and Jarid, Ray and Quinn were staring at me a few feet from the door on the east side of the room. This long rectangle room had so many doors and exits to different things. The stairs to my right went up to the top floors where single people stayed and the warriors could find respite. Behind my dad was the door to the packhouse cafeteria and kitchens. The door to the left of me was the main office but we rarely used it. There were a few suites on the main floor for guests. The room had 8 pillars for the 8 original families that started the pack.  They were a deep green emerald color with black streaking down them. The Granite pillars were a part of our history and therefore a point of pride. The floor was simple white marble with a large rug running down the center of the room. So much of the room had purpose and planning. It was a lovely room. Jo and Hazel were seated on the stairs, and Kal and Deren were posted up against the handrail. Chase was closing the main doors behind us after he would make his way over to Kal. Seb looked at me with unknowing eyes and I nodded to him to begin. He cleared his throat.

              “We are here because Rosalynn Moore has challenged Alpha Lochlyn to the Underground. This will be a teams match. Will the captains step forward?”

I looked at Rosie, I could see the determination go from her eye to her foot as she took her step forward. She looked unphased, not even afraid. Who was this girl?

              “Ok, The captains have agreed to the match and been determined. There is no going back. Ms. Moore will you say your team.”

Rosie nodded. “Kal, Deren, and Chase.”

              “Alpha Lochlyn?”

I looked over at the boys who were jumping up and down on the balls of their feet with anticipation. “Jarid, Ray, and Quinn.”

              “That is decided.” Seb paused knowing he needed to choose his next words carefully. “The 8 of you will enter into the Underground on opposite sides. This is the halfway mark, you will have 3 hours to complete the tunnel and whatever tasks are involved. As always, tasks are given based on the weakness of the players involved. You must know yourself before going into this or you will fail. As an agreement was reached earlier. Marcus is going to be in charge of those tasks and I will be overseeing the race. Ms. Moore, you will be disqualified and the race will be void if anyone from your team oversteps you and you don’t maintain control of your team. However, you will need to let them help you and complete the tasks intended for them. If there is any tampering with the tasks outside of this then it is an immediate disqualification. Rosie the deal is if you win then you will get to go back to Omaha-“

              “Can I amend that?” Rosie spoke up. Seb looked taken back but allowed it. “I never wanted to be rude. My whole world and life I lived before are gone. I know that. I ask for a choice. I want to choose where my new life will take me. Not have it be determined by people I don’t know, nor some force I don’t understand. Can that be accepted as a new condition?”

              “Lochlyn do you accept the change?”

              “I accept it.” I wanted to hug her, she was softening up to me and I was elated but I have to look serious right now.

              “Ok let’s continue. Ms. Moore if you lose you are bound to stay inside the pack lands at Alpha’s request. Should you run you will be brought back here. Does anyone at this point want to make changes?” Seb looked to me to see if I wanted to amend this statement. I wanted to, I know that she wants a choice. I can feel my wolf pacing around in my head trying to help me make a decision.

              “Yes. She has to stay if she loses but if she runs away, I will not chase her. I will not hunt for her except once in order to reject her.” My face was stone. I wouldn’t keep my mate as a captive to my needs and insecurities as an alpha but I won’t keep my heart captive to a woman who does not want me either. Rosie looked at me confused, hurt, and dejected. I wouldn’t give her a choice unless she was desperate but I wouldn’t stop her either. She looked forward towards Seb and wouldn’t meet my gaze.

              “Alright as Beta I commence this race. Alpha Lochlyn and Ms. Moore shake hands and each of you will lead your team through the doors.” Rosie turned on her heel to face me. She had to tilt her head up ever so slightly to look at me. Her blue eyes could cut through glass. They were deep and full of a steel resolve, she wasn’t backing down and she was ready to fight for her choice. We shook hands and the intensity melted for a second when we made contact. She was changing, bending to the will of her wolf. I needed to let this play out and play it cool. Chase had her and will take good care of her and watch out. I squeezed her hand a let small grin creep from my face. I dropped and turned away to face the three boys who were smacking each other, in order to pump each other up. We entered through doors in silence, ready to face the Underground.

Rosalynn’s POV

Chase put his hand on the small of my back and led me to the doors where Jojo and Hazel were waiting with Kal and Deren. Hazel was saying goodbye to Kal. Even for three hours, you could tell these two never wanted to part, but Hazel out of all of us knew what Kal wanted. This gave them a future in the packs, for their unborn child. Deren stood by herself fiddling with a small pendant that hung from her neck. I nodded at Chase to say goodbye to Jo and made my way over to Deren.

              “Pardon me, I know you don’t know me from adam but you ok?”

              “Yeah, just remembering,” She said with a long sigh. “You should know this about me. It’s my weakness. I became a warrior because my mate was. I never wanted this life of training and fighting. Blood and war. I wanted to be a nurse and help people deliver their babies. The day my husband came to the hospital he wasn’t that wounded. He wanted to go home. Fortunately, he had someone that was smarter than him. I made him stay at the hospital overnight. I was already working overnight, I didn’t have any babies on the docket, so I could be there with him. I assumed his wolf healing would take care of the worst parts. All of a sudden the warriors who fought that night started dropping like flies. 4 died within a minute of each other. You just heard their wives screaming. This green-like liquid started to ooze from his bandage and his eyes glazed back and he was gone.”

              “Deren I am so sorry.”

              “Venom.”

              “Venom?”

              “It was a kind of venom that killed 14 warriors that night. Exterpole. The venom of the dark one.”

              “What happened after that?”

              “We don’t know. Some say that the dark one was trapped and captive and they used so much of his venom he died. Other say he is a spirit and appears to the most evil to share his venom for a price. We just don’t know. But it took my Anthony. Violets dad. My love. I will fight for you because Anthony would have but I remember the torture the underground is and if you think your ready. You are not.” Deren looked forward towards the doors. We heard Lochlyn's group go first. “You need to be ready for anything Luna.”

              “Thank you so sharing something so deeply personal. I am not ready for this. But I will trust you and Kal.”         

              “Not Chase?” She said with a half-smile.

              “No, he sides with Lochlyn. He might love me but his allegiance is to his Alphas happiness and he thinks my stubbornness is going to harm that.”

              “Fair. Let’s go.”

Kal and Chase appeared next to us. I walked forward and opened the door just as Chase instructed. It was cold in this next room. I could see my breath and feel the chill on my skin. My ribs ached as I drew deeper breaths to warm my body up. We walked down the gray concrete steps in front of us, the lights were dimmed but when we stepped off of the final step and rows of lights clicked on. It was blinding and disorientating. I looked down the hallway and could see the boys and Lochlyn gearing up. I took a step forward when Chase grabbed my arm. “Not yet, Ros.”

Just then the lights went dark and we felt the platform we were standing on start to shift and move. I couldn’t see where it was going or where we were anymore. It was terrifying, I tried to gain any sense of direction, any sense of placement. Deren was right, I wasn’t ready. Just as quickly as before the lights came back on. I looked to my left where Lochlyn once stood. Now there was a wall, a giant concrete wall covered in razor-sharp chicken wire. “Kal and Deren you know the rules she has to lead.”

              “OK Ummm did we just get moved?”

              “No, we are roughly the exact spot where we started.”

              “No, we aren’t.”

              “We didn’t move, Luna. The maze did. Marco is having fun with us.” Kal smiled.

              “Yes, he is,” Chase shouted upward. “K, Ros where do we go?”

              “Nowhere,” I responded.

              “We have to finish this.”

              “We aren’t going anywhere until everyone tells me their weakness. The more information I know the better we can prepare before we move out. I know Lochlyn’s type well enough that he will be quick on toes but not planned out.” I met the 3 pairs of eyes staring at me in disbelief. “Start talking and make it quick, we do only have three hours.”

              “Okay,” Kal started. “Obviously Hazel. I want her happiness and safety above all else. She is the world to me. I hate the fact that she is a warrior. It terrifies me that I will lose her.”

              “Chase, can they use that against us?”

              “No. They won’t use real people in the underground, except those trying to go through it.”

              “Try again Kal.”

              “I am terrified of small spaces and being buried alive. It is too much for me to even think about without having a full-blown panic attack.”

              “That is what they will use.”

              “Ok, so we watch for any tripwires and/or mechanism that could show up and move us again. Chase, you're up.”

              “Snakes. I am…uh… terrified of snakes. And any winged insect.”

              “OK keep an eye out for that. Let’s go.”

              “What about Deren?”

              “She already told me.”

              “Ok, what is it?”

              “Her lost love,” Deren looked at me in shock that in only a few minutes of talking I knew what her fear was. “Does anyone have anything round on them? Something that can roll?”

              “I have my ring.” Kal offered up. As he slid it off his hand and handed it to me, he looked at me like he was handing over the most special thing to him.

“I am just going to roll it in see if there is an incline. I will give it back.” I said taking it carefully from him. I set the ring down and rolled in front of us. I took a deep breath that it rolled slightly before coming to a stop. I handed it back to Kal. “Ok we follow the incline and see what happens.”