Return to Wisteria (Book Three of the Wisteria Chronicles)

CHAPTER 21~Revelations~

Lazarus

  I tore my bedroom apart, unable to contain my wrath. Pregnant? How could she be pregnant?! Liatris should’ve been my mate! I ripped my bedding, cotton and fabric flew around. My brother, Lucian, pushed his way inside. “Laz, what the f**k were you thinking?” he shouted, stepping over my broken furniture.

    “How could Liatris carry that bastard’s child? She was supposed to be mine!” I howled. Lucian threw up his hands, “What did you expect? She has a mate and she’s an Alpha. It's her responsibility to make an heir for the continuation of the pack.” I began to pace, I had to stop this. I thought I had more time! 

   I joined the Council because I was promised a chance with Liatris. How could they let things escalate so far? “Why can’t you move on, Laz? Just apologize to Gwen and be happy.” Luc pleaded. I grabbed a jar and threw it out the window, shattering it. Just hearing her name made my traitor heart flutter.

   I didn’t want Gwen! I’ve loved Liatris since I was seven. How could I let her go as if I didn’t devote my entire life to her? I need to speak to him again. “Where are you going?” Luc shouted from behind me. I stormed out of the dorms to go to our meeting spot in the archives. That slimy bastard was already waiting for me, a look of glee on his face.

    “What the f**k happened?!” I screamed as I got in his face. He looked unimpressed, pushing me back. “So, you’ve heard the news?” his expression was bored. “How could you let her get pregnant?!” I yelled. My companion sighed, “Trust me, as soon as she started to suspect her pregnancy we tried to rid her of the child. We slipped her pills, potions and poisons. But the child grows every day. Do you know what this means?”   

   I started to pace again, unsure of what he was trying to get at. “She’s carrying a girl, the future Alpha.” he stated bluntly. I fell down to my knees, “No.” “Yes. Your chance of claiming the pack is gone.” he sneered. “Why? I did everything you asked!” I cried. He tsked and wagged his finger, “Not everything.”

   The tears that rolled down my face were hot. “You wanted me to kill Morgan. He’s my brother! I hate that he’s mated to her but I don’t want him dead!” I cried harder. He tsked again, “If you killed him like we had planned, Liatris wouldn’t be carrying his mutt.” My chest was heavy, my emotions clouded.

     “What do we do?” I hopelessly asked. I felt his arm snake around my shoulders, his breath heavy. “There’s someone I want you to meet.” he whispered into my ear. I nodded my agreement, earning a genuine smile and a pat on the back. “Alright, you can come in.” he called out. A hooded figure descended the stairs, their presence made the air feel colder.

      “Lazarus, I’d like you to meet Madam Laverna.” he introduced us. Madam Laverna threw back her hood and gave me a wide smile. “My lord will be to help you claim what is yours. Are you prepared to follow us?” she asked, her hand reaching out to me. “What will you do?” I asked cautiously. “Revenge. For every pain they caused you, we will give it back.” 

   I closed my eyes, Goddess that sounded amazing. I was the only one in pain while they moved on with their lives. They deserved to feel my agony and shed the tears I’ve cried. They deserved it. I opened my eyes and grabbed Laverna’s hand. She smiled sweetly, “Welcome to the army.”

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    I signed away my life that night. I followed Laverna and carried out Lord Merdok’s deeds. My love for Liatris had turned into hate. She had lived a peaceful twelve years with her pitiful family. Twelve years of denying me my rights as the Alpha male. Tonight they would pay.

    I’ve done everything the Fallen has asked of me. I’ve killed countless people and recruited hundreds of soldiers for his army. The winter air was crisp with small snowflakes falling down, covering the earth in a thick blanket. My revenge will be sweet, just like Laverna promised.

    I lifted my hand, giving the signal to attack. My army of two hundred rushed forward, their paws shaking the earth. I stood at a distance, watching them break through the territory line. The alarm sounded off, the shrill ringing made my stomach flutter with excitement. I watched Morgan’s wolf lead out his warriors. 

   They put up a good fight but they were vastly outnumbered. My soldiers were slipping through our enemy’s ranks, running towards the housing. Soon the screams of Liatris’s people rose to a crescendo. Small plumes of smoke spread throughout the territory, the screams intensifying. I could see the tall historic buildings of our people begin to crumble, sending goosebumps up my arms.

     I focused on the battlefield where the enemy’s warriors were being cut down. I searched the massive grounds for the beautiful black wolf I once loved. I growled in frustration, where was she? My chuckle was lifeless, she’s probably with her children. Liatris was an Alpha who loved to fight. Now she stayed behind to cower with her mangy mutts. 

    My friend stood next to me, his smile proud. “Go finish this.” he said, his eyes gleaming with evil delight. I shifted into my wolf and we raced down to the battlefield. My soldiers cleared the way as I entered the fight. I found my target taking on three of my men. I shifted back to face him, motioning for my allies to back away. 

   Morgan shifted back, his eyes wild. “Laz, what the f**k are you doing?!” he shouted. “I told you I would come back.” I replied calmly. Morgan was bloody, his steps wavering. “Why are you attacking your own people?” he demanded. “These are no longer my people.” I hissed. “You’ve betrayed all of us.” Morgan wailed. “No! You betrayed me! All of this should’ve been mine!” I roared, gesturing to the burning surroundings. 

     “You were our brother. She loved you more than anyone. You could’ve had a wonderful life. You don’t have to do this. Call off your army, these people are innocent.” Morgan pleaded. Angry tears fell from my eyes, “I won’t be swayed by your words, Morgan. This is the end.” Morgan shifted back, letting out a loud sorrowful howl. 

   I followed suit and shifted, attacking him. My soldiers joined in, helping me tear him apart. I tilted my head back and howled, my time was almost here. The army made quick work of the remaining Wisteria warriors. I led the charge into the inner territory, taking out everything in sight.

   My wolf carried us up the stairs of the smoldering pack house. I shifted back to watch the chaos ensue. A massive explosion erupted at a distance. “What the hell is going on?” I demanded. The lieutenant next to me answered anxiously, “There’s a witch taking on our warriors. She’s been fighting since the attack started.” What was Gwen doing here?

   “Bring her here.” I commanded. “Yes, sir. We also located the Alpha. A group is bringing her here as well.” he replied. I clapped my hands, this was perfect! A few minutes later two of my underlings brought back a struggling Gwen. Her silver blonde hair was covered in blood, her body battered. My anger rose at her beauty.

   “You monster! How could you do this?!” she screamed. My laugh was sinister, “This is what happens when I don’t get what I want.” Gwen spit in my face, “You’re disgusting.” I backhanded her, knocking her down to the floor. “Boss, the Alpha is here.” the lieutenant said from behind me. I turned to watch the soldiers drag Liatris’s amputated form.

    A proud soldier dropped her torn leg in front of me. Gwen’s blood curdling screams made my ears ring. She scrambled onto her feet and rushed towards her friend. “Liatris! Liatris!” she wailed, reaching out to her. Liatris gave her a weak smile. “G-Gwen.” she wheezed, clutching on to her hand. Gwen sobbed, “I’m sorry I came too late.”  

   Liatris’s lips were blue and cracked. “No, you came just in time. The girls are safe.” she said softly. Gwen cried and shook her head. I spun around and screamed at the soldier who was in charge of the girls, “Where are her pups?!” The soldier paled, “She wasn’t with them. We couldn’t pick up their scents either.” I grabbed his head and twisted it quickly. 

    “Go find the pups now!” I ordered, dropping his lifeless body. The soldiers scattered in different directions, disappearing into the smoke. Gwen began to laugh, “You’ll never find them.” I glared at her, trying to hide my panic. How could they f**k this up? They had one job! The Fallen specifically ordered their deaths. 

    “They will never be yours.” Liatris mumbled, she was barely keeping her eyes open. Goddess, she was losing a lot of blood. “I always get what I want.” I reminded her with a cold tone. “Not everything.” she stated. I stared at her, trying to harden my heart. “No, not everything. Kill her.” I ordered. “NO! NO!” Gwen screamed, trying to pull Liatris closer. The guards pulled the two apart, each woman desperately trying to hang on. 

    Gwen was hysterical and fought against her guards as the soldiers positioned themselves for a royal execution. “It’s... ok, G-Gwen. Please w-watch over my children.” Liatris whispered, her eyes slowly closing. I nodded my head; the men pulled Liatris apart. They dropped her limbs with soft thuds. Gwen’s shrill screams were deafening. My eyes watered, my heart officially ice. 

      “You’re a f*****g coward! You couldn’t even kill her with your own hands!” Gwen shrieked, her beautiful features twisted. The search teams returned breathless, “Sir, we’ve looked everywhere. The Alpha’s children aren’t here.” “NO!” I roared. How did they find the time to escape?! Gwen’s shouting turned into hysterical laughter.

     “You should see your face right now. You look so defeated, so pitiful.” she laughed. “Boss, our scouts have spotted reinforcements from the Council.” my lieutenant said. What the f**k was happening? I planned everything perfectly, how were reinforcements already here? I snapped my head to Gwen, “You! You brought them here!” She continued to laugh at me. “They’re coming for you, Laz. A traitor’s execution is your future.” she giggled, then used the last of her magic to warp away.

    Everything was ruined! My friend and Laverna appeared with hopeful smiles. “Is everything complete? The Council is closing in and we need to get you out of here soon.” he said cheerfully. “I-I failed.” I answered numbly. “What do you mean?” he asked with a scrunched face. “I was unable to kill the children.” I admitted. 

     “Pathetic. You promised Lord Merdok the lives of those children but you lied. You failed to capture the Summons woman, so the powerful heir you promised was another empty lie. You no longer have a place within his army or his protection.” Laverna announced coldly. “No! No! I can still kill them,” I dropped down to my knees and begged, “Please don’t abandon me.” Laverna looked down on me, her eyes full of disgust. 

    “If you fulfill your end of the bargain, with either the deaths or the heir, Lord Merdok will welcome you back with open arms. Until then, you are on your own.” she hissed and warped away. “The Council is here. Be a good boy and let them capture you. We don’t want them suspecting our lord’s involvement. When your brother returns, we will break you out. I will try to help you as much as I can.” my friend said with a disappointed voice.    

   “Thank you.” I whimpered. He nodded his head then disappeared into the heavy smoke. The Council forces stormed in quickly to put out the fires. I remained silent as they took me into custody, my focus clear. I need to find those girls and give lord Merdok an heir. My place in his new world depended on it.

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August

    Aiden stopped reading and slammed the journal shut. I was at a loss for words. Everything leads back to the Fallen. Laverna and her spy played Lazarus like a fiddle. Aiden pushed the journal into my hands. “My father was worse than I expected. This is why I could never be with Summer.” he confessed in a low voice.  “What?” I asked, there was too much to process.

   “I’m leaving.” he said then warped away. I was left alone in this room of hideous secrets. I steeled myself and continued my investigation. I found more journals and read Lazarus’s last entry. This room’s revelations shook me to the core. I texted Summer and told her to return home immediately. I knew exactly who the mole was and their secrets were about to change all of our lives.