Luna's Howl (boyxboy)

Chapter 7: Aftermath

Alpha Derrick POV

I held him by the shoulders looking straight into his eyes. "Son, I love you so much. I'm sorry I can't explain why or how everything turned out this way." I sighed. "This isn't how your mother planned it to be. Forgive me, son. You remind so much of her." I smiled wearily hugging him tightly while keeping the tears at bay. It is all I could do so as not to show any sign of weakness. An Alpha doesn't show weakness even in front of his family. Somewhere deep down I knew this might be the last time I'll touch him, either forever or for years to come. The war has begun. The very thing I have dreaded for years.

A howl rang loud behind us. My head snapped in its direction knowing instinctively that the fight has started back in the pack house.

Damn you Atridge. I thought. I’d always known it is a matter of time before something or someone nullifies the pack’s treaty.

The Atridge pack has been our greatest rival for generations, never at peace with my pack since Alpha Lionel. I'd always thought the provocation would come from the Atridges because of their carelessness and dumbness, but who would have imagined my own flesh and blood would be the one to break the treaty, even though he had no idea of the tug of power between our packs or the very existence of the treaty.

Jason's safety is top priority. His death would plunge all provinces into darkness and uproar once again which will only worsen the tension going on due to the Alpha king’s tyranny rule. His survival is the only hope of bringing peace to the Were Kingdom once again.

Several howls snapped me back to reality which got me dragging Jason along sprinting far into the forest. Forgive me Brenda. I thought. I have to let him go on his own, alone.

Jason panted behind me. "Alpha, the pack?" Another howl rented the air. I stopped in my track. I wanted so bad to escape with him, to help him to safety but my duty to the pack comes first as hundreds of my pack members would die in my absence; a complete annihilation of the Lockwood pack. I pulled Jason into my arms for the last time, sniffing him deeply to register his scent once more before releasing him into the wild. My heart shattered at the thought.

"You have her eyes Jason. Be strong and trust your wolf." I said kissing his head. "Go south you'd find help there. Don't look back."

"Alpha..." Jason stated with teary eyes.

"Go." I pushed him away averting my eyes from his, fighting the temptation to run with him. It is for the best. I thought.

"Dad...." Jason croaked before hugging me sobbing silently.

"GO NOW!" I yelled in my Alpha voice, my eyes flashed deep amber as waves of power rolling off me.

Jason's eyes widened in respect, he stared for a moment then ran swiftly disappearing behind the tall forest tree. I knew he understood what was at stake.

His life.

He will survive. My wolf growled feeling the pain through our bond. Pack first.

I growled as his scent grew fainter by the second. Take care, pup. The thought of my pack was the only thing stopping me from going after him. My canine elongated, my amber eye deepened, hate and fury surged through my body, filling in me the strength I needed to fight. Atridge will pay in blood.

I took off towards the pack house with unimaginable speed. My anger increased at the sight that welcomed me. Several bodies lay mangled and dead across the yard. Both wolves and humans littered everywhere with incomplete body parts; blood and organs lay in plain sight.

I howled in anger that vibrated throughout the pack land, stopping the fighting wolves as they cower in submission at the intensity of Alpha power I let out.

My wolf surfaced in my semi wolf form. My canines grew longer than usual as my eyes deepened into a fiery red towering over seven feet in height. In few seconds, all of Atridge war wolves in sight laid dead around the yard in bits and pieces courtesy of my fury. There was no hesitation; I gave my wolf full control. With a speed associated only with an Alpha, I ran further to the pack house, backhanding any strange wolf before ripping its head off. The pack house was no better as several wolves lay dead. Pain flooded my being at the sight of my pack members and war wolves lying in their pool of blood.

I growled deeply when I saw my beta duelling two killer wolves at same time. Most of the pack's war wolves were scattered around fighting off wolves while others snarled at any of Atridges that dare to cross the threshold into the pack house where the pack pups and women hid.

I let out a vibrant howl that seem to stop the fight, even the killer wolves fidgeted for a brief moment snarling as their eyes rested on me. My growl forced my own war wolves back into their human form, mind-linking them, they gather around me quickly forming a defence line in front of the pack house.

Where is Jason? My beta mind linked me.

Gone. My wolf snarled ignoring the glare on his face. I knew Philip was hurting. I'd kept such a big secret from him. I'd always wanted to tell him but it was hard.

You let him go alone? Philip huffed.

I snarled at the question. Not now. I commanded. It is for the best. He will survive alone. He needs no one to tag along.

Against Evans? You think he will survive alone? Philip countered.

He will. I growled.

Philip opened his mouth to speak but growled when Lewis Atridge and Evans appeared. Tension increased as several growls and snarls escaped from my war wolves.

"I never expected such a defeat." Evans gestured, smiling at the sight of dead wolves of which most were mine.

"I would say the same." Alpha Lewis agreed. "I thought the Lockwoods were stronger than this." He nodded at the mangled bodies.

"How dare you, Lewis?" Philip growled unnerved by the glare Alpha Lewis had on his face due to the blatant disrespect; addressing an Alpha without his title counts as a direct challenge. "You dare attack our pack?"

"Shut up!" Alpha Lewis bellowed. "It is your pack that broke the treaty not mine. Do you think I would stand down at such dishonour?"

"We all know even without the treaty you’d always wanted to attack." Philip replied.

Alpha Lewis gave a cocky smile. "My pack member was killed by one of yours without reason and you dare blame me for an attack?" He stared at me but I held his gaze with equal power. The eye battle continued as neither of us wanted to submit.

"It is not his fault your pack was attacked. Blame it on your Alpha." Evans broke the eye battle.

"He didn't know." I snarled.

Evans laughed softly. "But he did it anyway." His grin widened at the confusion on the other wolves faces.

I knew my pack wolves had no idea what he was talking about. Of course, only the Alpha of the pack would understand.

"You can't blame me for carrying out the consequences of breaking the treaty." Alpha Lewis said.

"Even if it was too soon?" I growled digging my heels into the ground to prevent my wolf from pouncing on him for that statement.

"I should have sent a letter of invasion first? No, the earlier the better." Alpha Lewis replied.

"Who did it?" I heard Emma behind stepping out of the pack house. Her eyes shone with as much anger as mine. I couldn't help but feel sorry for her. She’d paled within hours.

"Sophie......" Philip's eye softened a bit at the sight of his mate. "You shouldn't be out here."

"Who!?" Emma ignored her mate glaring at Evans who still held a wide grin.

"Your dear son, of course!" Evans taunted. "Your mate's bastard, our True Luna." He said marvelling in the shock that spread across Emma's face as well as the rest of the wolves, only my face remained with a blank emotion.

"You son of a witch!" Emma screamed flinging a ball of energy at Evans. "You lie."

"You know my mum is truly a witch, Sophie." Evans rolled his eyes and waved his hand lazily, dissolving the energy ball into steam. "Ask your Alpha, Sophie. He knows."

All eyes turned to me for confirmation. I stared at Evans in anger. I growled deeply refusing to meet their prying eyes.

"Only a Lockwood can break the treaty and Jason Lockwood did." Alpha Lewis broke the silence.

"Unknowingly." I growled. "He wouldn't have done it if he knew."

"And whose fault is that?" Alpha Lewis snarled. "I am not the one that hid the identity of your son."

I sighed inwardly giving both Alpha Lewis and Evans a death glare. This entire ruckus was all because of him. Only if he hadn't found out Jason was his son. How did he get to know? I thought. I have always been careful when it comes to Jason, paying less attention to him as much as I could. How did Atridge ever get to know too?

"There's no reason for you to fight and keep losing your war wolves and precious pack members." Alpha Lewis said. "If you back down now, I promise your pack a blissful life in my pack."

Those words hit a cord in me. How dare you? I thought,s cowling at him. Though, I knew what the consequence for breaking the treaty was. Any pack that breaks it would surrender to the other but I'd be damned if I let go off my pack easily and submit to him.

"You'd have to kill me first before I allow you lay a finger on my pack." I growled.

"They aren't your pack anymore the very moment your son killed one of my betas." Alpha Lewis bellowed. "You lost that right, Derrick."

"Your beta?" Emma gasped.

"One of my betas." Alpha Lewis repeated. "I never believed it at first but your son killed him. A quick and fatal blow to the spine ended him. So what say you Alpha Derrick?"

We glared daggers at each other growling intensely as waves and waves of anger and Alpha power roll out of us both.

"It is over." Alpha Lewis stated smiling obviously at his victory.

Get Emma out of here and save yourselves. I need five senior war wolves with me, tell the others to leave with the other pack members. Only you know where, so leave with them. I mind linked my beta, Philip.

What!? Philip blurted out.

Do you think Alpha Lewis will let any of us live if I surrender, and that I plan not to do. So do as I say. I commanded, filling my voice with power

As you command Alpha. Philip replied.

I will buy you some time. Get as much people out as you can. I growled. Do everything you can.

I took in the other pack's strength. They outnumbered us but I could take them alone for as long as possible for my pack to escape. I growled softly, my gaze shifted to the killer wolves snarling behind Evans. It would be difficult if they join in the fight. I thought.

"It isn't over as long as I breathe." I growled. Forgive me father, I failed the Lockwood bloodline. Watch over the rest of us and the last of the Lockwood, Jason. I let out a loud howl before charging at Alpha Lewis and his war wolves.

Sophie POV

I watched as Alpha Derrick charged, waves of anger rolled out of him. He moved with the speed that almost made it impossible for anyone to see. I knew without doubt he’d tapped into not only the Alpha power but also that which resides in the Lockwood bloodline. A bloodline that has existed since the dawn of time with the power of several other powerful bloodlines combined due to mating.

"We have to go." Philip tugged at me. "He is buying us time to escape." he pulled me from the scene towards the forest beside.

I scowled. How can he think of escaping instead of fighting alongside his Alpha? Though I had hurt him, he shouldn't abandon his duty to his pack.

"Don't give me that look, Sophie. I just want our pack members safe, that is the utmost priority." he growled. "Alpha's command."

I relaxed a bit. "Alright, what do we do?"

"I have mind-linked some guard wolves to guide the women and pups towards the escape route.”

"Escape route?" I gasped out. "It's suicide Philip. They will catch up with them sooner or later. We won't make it far enough even Alpha can't hold them forever."

"That is the only way out here, Sophie. We are surrounded." He dragged me towards the route’s location; a hidden path only known to the Alpha and beta of the pack and also the pack witch.

"We can't go through there." I insisted. "There has to be another way."

"You are the pack’s witch, do something then!" Philip snapped, his eyes filled with anger. I groaned painfully as his hand tightened against my wrist. Clearly, he was still angry. Who wouldn't be? I betrayed his trust, lied to him for years. I knew deeply I deserved much more treatment.

"You are hurting me." I snatched my hand out of his painful grip. "I am sorry for what I did to you Philip but I did what I had to do because it was important."

"I don't want to talk about this now." He growled. "Let’s go."

"I know it's not the right time but if anything happens to you tonight I don't want you thinking I betrayed you. Your mate betrayed you and cheated with your Alpha." I snapped.

"Sophie, I don--"

"Listen Philip" I cut in. "Jason will always be your son, an Evan as much as Lockwood blood flows in his veins. He's as much your son as the Alpha's. I never cheated with the Alpha, Philip. He never slept with me."

"Then how come you birthed his son, Sophie? You didn't deny it when Evans confronted you. Alpha confirmed it." He ran his hands through his hair. "I want the truth, Sophie." He growled.

A soft whimper escaped my throat at the look he had on. He deserves to know the truth. I thought. He's my mate after all. I can't hide it from him.

"Philip, I....” I started but stopped at the sight of a killer wolf running towards us. My eyes widened in fear at the approaching wolf. I heard Philip growl dangerously when he turned to the wolf.

"Go. Only you can help them now, Sophie. Make sure they escape safely." Philip growled.

"Philip..."

"Go Sophie! I will hold him off." He pushed me forward before shifting. He growled at my hesitation.

"Be safe." I cried, running as fast as my legs could go towards the route leaving behind snarls and growls of two fighting wolves.

What can I do? I thought. I am the pack’s witch. I’m supposed to serve the pack, ensuring their safety and well being. Anger surged through me at the thought of what had transpired in few hours. I had always dreaded this day and never imagined it would start like this; at the cost of our pack. My stomach churned at the image of limp and dead war wolves in mymind. I should have helped them. It is my job after all.

"Mom?" Bella called out. She hugged me tightly, her hair messed up and dirty. "What are you doing here? What's happening? Where's dad?" She cried.

I held her closer trying as much not to break down. I have to be strong for the pack especially my daughter.

"Everything will be fine, Bella. You have to go. It's dangerous to stay here."

"What?" Her eyes widened in fear as she took in what I said.

"You have to be strong Bella. For me, for your brother, and especially the pack. You know I love you." I said as an idea formed in my head.

"Mom...."She cried more.

I gave her one last hug before leaving her. It was painful to watch her go but I had to make sure they are all safe. Our Alpha's command.

I hurried to the opening of the hidden path with the other wolves and pack members trailing behind me. I know what I had to do, though it will be taxing yet it should suffice.

"Hurry!"I shouted knowing time was of the essence.

In few minutes, we reached the opening of the path; a long trail leading further into the forest. A long walk leading down south but I know better that it won't work. A faster way to escape is needed and there's only one way to accomplish it.

A portal.

I stared at the moon taking in deep breaths before summoning powers from the depths of the earth. Every witch has his or her anchor, a source of power. Mine is of the earth, one of the greatest sources. I felt the tingles of raw power fill me as I pull more and more from the ground, wrapping it round my own, I willed it to submission. My eyes shone with energy. With a thought of a safe location, I routed the power surging through me towards the path ahead. It pulled together to forma huge void in front.

"Go through now." I shouted. "It will take you straight to the Forest of Hilder in the south."

I held on the flow of energy watching some guard wolves go in first then the pups followed by the women. Sweat trickled down my face as I kept the portal open at the expense of my own energy. I could feel my body weaken at the amount of energy surging through me. Drawing raw, undiluted power from the earth is the most dangerous and taxing thing any witch of my kind can do and not all can pull off such trick.

"I love you mum." I heard Bella sniffle.

A scream stopped my reply. I turned to see a bloody mess of blood, fur and organs with the face of the very person I had prayed not to encounter. The smiling face of Evans Meloie. His face lit with an evil grin.

I strained to control the flow that wavered at the sight of him. A few more wolves were left to pass through including my daughter. I saw fear fill her eyes, panicking at the sight of him, even witches panic in front of Evans. That stupid son of a witch! I cussed.

"You can't elude me, dear Sophie." He sneered.

"I never planned on escaping, Evans." I replied with equal glare holding down the fatigue that threatened to wash over me.

"You really have improved my dear. It most cost you much, talking and holding that portal." His grin broadened. He walked closer with a killer wolf beside him.

"Don't even think for a minute I will allow you touch any of my pack members." I glared.

"Oh dear." He faked a hurt, placing his hand on his heart. "Looking at you now, all sweaty and shaky, perhaps I should help out but I don't think you can hold on for long with that much raw energy coursing through you. You know the repercussions yet you go through with it."

"You'd be surprised with how much I can handle when it come to my pack’s safety." I countered keeping the flow of energy steady bit with much effort.

He smirked for a few seconds before it turned into an evil sneer. "I hate to tell you my dear Sophie but I can force you to choose." He threw a ball of red fire towards a family of four hurdling together in fear. The flame consumed them before they realised it headed their way burning them to nothingness almost immediately.

My entire body flared with anger. I screamed in anger rerouting part of the energy flow to create a shield dividing Evans and the rest of the pack.

"Go in now!" I screamed panting heavily. My knees gave out under me at the sudden outburst. Fatigue washed over me in waves blurring my sight.

"Mom!" I heard Bella shout somewhere around me.

"Go Isabella. Take care of the pack. Find your brother!" I screamed, my energy fast depleting. I held the shield and portal while Evans bombarded the shield with his own energy balls.

A deep pain tore deep in my heart just as the last wolf disappeared into the void. I screamed in pain halting the flow of energy. The portal closed and shield shattered. The pain increased then seized almost immediately. I whimpered in relief but continued to sob as it dawned on me the meaning of the pain.

My mate is dead. Philip is gone.

I sobbed softly holding my chest in grief at the dead of my mate. He's gone. He is dead. My mate.

"My condolences, dear." Evans knelt done beside my tired and broken body. "I knew he wouldn't last. It's over."

"It's not over, Evans." I croaked in tears.

"Your Alpha is dead too, Sophie. There is no need to fight anymore."

I gasped, shaking my head in disbelief. "No...."

He tucked my wet hair behind my ears gently. His eyes filled with pity and an emotion I never expected. Love. "Sleep now, dear." He whispered with glowing eyes. "I will take care of you like I always do, my distant cousin."

My eyes began to close as his spell took hold. I tried to resist but the fatigue I'd already felt gave me no choice. I sighed deeply as darkness wash over me with the happy thought of my daughter and pack's safety and probably Jason's too.

May the goddess protect you, Jason. I murmured a motherly blessing before welcoming the cold darkness.