The Unwanted: Embracing Fate

Chapter 2

They were more like warriors fitted in armour as though they had walked out of medieval times, it was very clear why everyone preferred to keep the peace. Gavril and Danya were two imposing figures but it was Cassian, Gavril’s bastard son who was the most unsettling, cold and calculated with eyes of molten lava and the scar travelling from nostril to chin which left a gaping hole through his lip leaving his fang on display. Kaia attempted to remain tall ignore their presence and seek out her cousin who should be with him. Jaxon and Gatlin had remained quiet but seemed to sink back in the presence of the Skoda, while the Alpha stood upfront, Acteon wavered off to the side but still seemed to try and hold composure. As the three-edged closer Kaia felt a small sense of hope as Valen was quick to step in, he stood by his uncle but at the same time partially in front of her.

“We are here as our agreement remember?” Gavril chuckled clearly amused at all their tense behaviour. They certainly seemed to enjoy the uncomfortable situation.

“Of course Alpha Gavril” Damone greeted respectfully. He didn't budge and held his head high it was an admirable quality in a strong leader.

“Bring him in!” Gavril boomed, his voice was deep and enough to send someone cowering in the corner. A few minutes later two warriors entered with a very thin Luca, he looked as though life had been sucked right out of him, usually, such vibrant eyes were seemingly dull.

“What did you do to him?” Kaia couldn’t contain herself as she spat out in an accusatory manner.

“What happens to everyone when they are held, prisoner. It’s the price paid for a crime” he explained callously. There was simply no care in the world on the matter to Gavril that was clear.

“A crime” Kaia scoffed “what he did was within our laws.”

“If it wasn’t he would have been killed girl, so watch your tongue” Garvil sneered his sinister eyes watching her closely.

“Alpha Garvil this is our future Luna please let’s keep it respectful” Alpha Damone seemed to warn. Valen edged closer however his large body straightening up taller as he stood at her guard. Kaia deep down appreciated the gesture however she didn’t want a guard from him despite their differences she wanted her mate.

“Yes, yes of course” Garvil waved it off “we should get going anyway. We have business to attend to Danye is picking up our newest guest” the way he spoke was unsettling enough to send shivers up your spine.

“Of course, thank you for coming Alpha” Damone nodded respectfully. Kaia wanted to continue especially with the state her cousin was in however she knew it wouldn’t be the correct move she was the future Luna here and upsetting the balance with the Skodati is a death wish and would cause an absolute upset so she attempted to remain composed as the men seemingly dumped Luca on the floor of the large hall another sneer from the man before they left and Kaia was quick to rush to her cousin.

“Luca” she put her arm around his shoulders. Peter and Gatlin weren’t far behind her.

“I’m okay” he barely was able to speak his voice so gravelly it was basically croaking as he spoke.

“You’re not okay,” Peter said as he began helping Luca to properly stand on his feet.

“I always heard they were a vicious bunch” Kaia sighed shaking her head at the sight.

“Kaia, dear feel free to take her cousin to one of the guest rooms to recuperate” Damone explained as he watched on.

“Thank you Alpha” Kaia appreciated but her eyes drifted to Valen as soon as she tore her gaze from Luca. Valen remained at his uncle's side, however.

“This will be your home soon Kaia no need to thank me” he insisted before calling on one of the servants an older woman with greyed frizzy hair to escort them upstairs.

:::

Luca wasn’t in much condition to do much except drink practically a whole pitcher of water before falling asleep. Peter remained at his side while Kaia had to step out for a moment seeing her cousin in such awful condition was hard to bear. Kaia leaned back on the wall just outside the bedroom. Pictures lined the walls down to the large window decorated in transparent curtains as she made her way over to the window the view was even better looking out over a garden despite the lovely view however Kaia was left in a pit of despair within her mind she wasn’t sure what she had been expecting and felt a little naive that her cousin would return all good and well she considered it lucky to have Peter and Gatlin in this situation.

“Kaia” the sound of her name made her jump in surprise a part of her was hoping it would be Valen sensing her inner turmoil however Acteon stood before her a curious look on his face seeming to analyse her. He let out a breath approaching closely to her side by the window his hands held behind his back despite the non-authoritative demeanour he was obviously raised proper in how he composed himself.

“How may I help you?” she attempted to keep herself formal but it was a struggle since they were supposed to be mates yet standing side by side they both were very well aware of the reality of the situation.

Acteon let out a sigh “it appears we need to talk....”