![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
FIC: Aloha: Lei of the Wolf, 7/10 fandoms: Lotrips/CW rps (Colin/Orlando, multiple pairings, NC-17)
Masterpost
Previous ch
Elijah watched in stunned silence as his stomach clenched due to Dom’s rejection then twisted again by the obvious show of love he revealed for a man that was still a stranger. His head pounded harder when he caught Jeremy turn his way. Though his eyes were closed, Elijah could hear the man’s voice telepathically, whispering a simple ‘Thank you!’ for following through on his promise.
Elijah’s stomach rolled, again, by the reminder of the promise that was extracted from him telepathically just before Jeremy shifted and rushed into the fray of battle and then again when he used his magic to hold Dom back. He may not like the man, but Elijah knew Jeremy’s concern for Dom was real. It didn’t matter that he had seen Jeremy’s death and knew it’d happen if his Sire didn’t arrive. Promise or not he’d do whatever it took to keep Dom safe. The fact he accepted the promise was nothing more than granting Jeremy’s dying wish – one he had intended to keep regardless. He just had no idea he’d end up causing Dom that much pain and in return receive Dom’s hatred.
Gulping, Elijah’s sight clouded in tears before he wiped them away using the crook of his arm. As painful as it was Elijah knew he’d do it again, he loved Dom too much- even if it was at a cost of losing him.
Viggo was still at his back offering his support, but Elijah couldn’t face his friend to add a visual picture to his heartbreak that he was sure was clearly reflected over his face – not when Viggo already knew and felt everything he couldn’t shield from his empathic friend. Instead Elijah turned his focus and energy on the alpha he had called for help, Jeff.
The man was a walking cliché of tall, dark and handsome. He had stopped to talk to a few of the men -werewolves- that he had arrived with. A couple of faces stood out where Elijah recognized them as fellow actors. Nobody he had worked with, but he was sure he had seen them on screen, though on what show or movie he couldn’t recall.
Not that it matter in the face of everything, Elijah watched as they each took Jeff’s direction to secure the area. Jeff turned his attention to the few remaining werewolves from the attacking pack. Now in human form they huddled together hunched over in a low prostrating position.
Standing over them Jeff bellowed out loud enough that everyone could hear him. “Your alpha – your Ali‘i is dead.”
Silence followed the declaration.
“He died days ago before your prince was killed. We believe it was an insidious plot to take over your pack.
Heads turned as a low murmur rose amongst the pack. Long moments passed before one edged forward and whimpered.
Jeff ordered, “Stand, you have permission to speak. What’s your name?”
Standing the werewolf faced Jeff. He inclined his head, but didn’t bother to hide his emotions as he spoke. “Alpha, my name is Kei. With all due respect, you are a stranger to the islands. You don’t know our pack or our ways…”
“True I am from the main land, but tell me, do the packs of the Hawaiian Islands deny fundamental lycan law?”
Breaking his submissive stance Kei growled out an answer, “We followed the laws! Our prince Haoa was killed by a lycan. It was our right to collect retribution. We only wanted the lycan that killed our prince not the humans he hid behind.”
“But it didn’t start with him, did it? It was your prince that initiated the attack when he defied lycan law and attacked a human unprovoked? Do you have any idea why? Did you investigate? No, you didn’t. But I did. If you had you would have discovered what I did that you and your prince had been betrayed by your own.”
Coming up the road behind Jeff a group of men came forward. In the lead was a man. To Elijah he appeared ordinary. Middle aged, slightly taller than him, posed in a stately manner. Apparently the other pack knew the man by sight as Kei and the others in his pack responded their astonishment and gasped in awe. Then Kei quickly dropped to his knees along with the others as they bowed their heads in respect as if they were facing royalty.
Jeff moved forward and clasped the man’s arm in greeting, “Aloha Ali‘i Nikolao.”
“Aloha Jeff.” Nikolao greeted, who affectionately returned the gesture. “I see you have things under control.”
Elijah watched out of curiosity as Jeff gave a curt nod even though he stared heatedly at the man that was being held prisoner tied and flanked by two men.
The man Jeff called Ali‘i Nikolao stepped forward. “Who among you will speak for your pack?”
Kei spoke out but did not rise. “I do Ali‘i, I am Kei, and will speak for those left in our pack.”
“Good. Now stand and face your traitor.” Kei stood as ordered. Nikolao walked past Karl to the bodies that littered the ground, and sniffed. “I smell life, there are several wounded among the dead. Paulie, tend to them.” Nikolao returned his attention to Kei, “Do you know how many of your brothers have died?”
Kei lowered his head in shame. “No Ali‘i, but we had to retaliate after their rogue werewolf killed our prince.”
“No, Kei that is where you are wrong- you were tricked. He did not kill Haoa your prince, your brother Kekoa did.”
Elijah could tell Kei wanted to protest, but Nikolao held up his hand to stall him. “For months we have heard rumors throughout the islands of your packs unrest. Heard the gossip that many suspected Lahela had used deceitful means to bed Haoa, and afterwards there were whispered questions of the pup’s true bloodline even from your prince. Though Haoa did nothing to fully accept or deny the pup’s lineage. That is when we suspect she schemed with her twin Kekoa to take over the pack by eliminating both, Pono your Ali‘i and his only heir and son, your prince Haoa. In the eyes of our laws since Haoa didn’t challenge the paternity it’d leave Lahela’s pup as the only legitimate heir – leaving her and this one to run the pack until the pup was old enough.” Nikolao forcibly pushed Kekoa forward and he awkwardly fell.
“He has ingested scopolamine. It stops him from shifting and encourages the truth. Ask your questions.”
Kei glanced from the fallen bodies of his friends then back to the man he had called brother. “Kekoa tell me, that Ali‘i is confused that you and your sister Lahela would not betray or condemn your brothers, our pack.”
Kekoa laughed and looked up, “No, I would not betray my brothers, but in truth you are not my brothers are you Kei. Lahela is my queen and I follow her orders.”
At Kekoa’s defiant declaration Kei gasped. “What did you do?”
“I was protecting our line, my son’s right to be the pack’s next Ali‘i. Pono was an old fool not worthy of Ali‘i then disgraced the pack further by refusing to pass on the reigns to his son Haoa. In the end it was easy to lure him away in order to kill him. Haoa on the other hand wasn’t to die, not initially. He was to be disgraced and made unworthy by breaking lycan law in killing a defenseless human. There was no plan for what human he’d go after, just a spell that would push his beast to come forth and play, leaving the human dead. Afterward we knew Haoa would turn to Lahela for her protection. Then she would have forced his hand to claim her and our pup. We did not know the human Haoa found would be marked.”
“Your pup?”
“Yes, my son. It was our lineage eons ago that led the pack, as it should be now. We were always meant to rule.”
The low murmurs rose from Kei’s pack before Kei spoke again, addressing Nikolao. “Ali‘i, our eyes are open to the grand deception Kekoa and Lahela perpetrated against us.” Dropping to his knees, Kei’s voice trembled with emotional pain. “We can only beg your forgiveness for our hand in their plot.”
Solemnly Nikolao answered, “Kei it is not my forgiveness you and your people need, but it is the forgiveness of the alphas and their pack that your pack has inflected the most pain on.”
Turning Kei addressed Jeff and then most reverently he bowed to Karl lowering his head until he touched the ground and turned his head offering his neck in submission. “Ali‘i is correct - we do beg for your forgiveness.”
It was Kekoa who yelled cursing calling Kei and the others names, stating they were nothing but maggot dogs - cowards for showing their bellies… Before he could utter another word Karl was there cutting him off, a hand gripped around Kekoa’s neck pulling him up until he was staring Karl in the face.
Though Karl stood in human form and was naked, by that alone one would think he’d be vulnerable, but Karl’s aura was anything but defenseless. Karl exuded power beyond his human form and Elijah could easily see why Karl was an Alpha. Even though Elijah wasn’t the one facing Karl’s scrutiny still he shuddered at the raw intensity of Karl’s stare.
For all of his bluster Kekoa wasn’t unaffected and minutes later cowered showing his true fear as they all smelled the evidence, the reek of urine. Karl growled and dropped the man in disgust. His nostrils flared as if he was warring with himself against the urge to take the man’s life. “You can only have my forgiveness once you have purged the sickness from your pack- permanently.”
Kei whimpered, but offered his acceptance. “Thank you Alpha.”
Though Kei didn’t move he waited like everyone else did for Jeff’s assent. Only Jeff didn’t speak but met Karl’s gaze lost in thought. Then slowly he nodded accepting Karl’s judgment.
Elijah wasn’t sure why Jeff had hesitated, and he wasn’t going to be given a chance when Karl snarled, “Get him out of here. Show him the same mercy he bestowed on his brothers.”
Kei didn’t move until Nikoloa spoke. “Go, carry out your pledge. Between my people and your beta’s we will care for the ill and honor the dead.”
Kei quickly stood with a nod to Nikoloa before he turned a heated gaze on Kekoa. He sniffed and sneered at the obvious soiled stain that ran down his legs; slowly he rocked and started to shift.
Elijah inhaled out of fear then leaned back comforted by Viggo’s presence.
Once Kei had fully shifted he pawed at Kekoa’s body. In response Kekoa whimpered and fought to get away from Kei’s attack. Elijah wondered why he didn’t shift then remembered Kekoa had been given a truth serum that also prevented him from shifting.
Suddenly Kekoa screamed and Elijah saw blood at the man’s foot. Then Nikoloa said, “Go Kekoa, run while you can.”
Cursing under his breath Kekoa didn’t hesitate and tried to run. His injury prevented him from breaking out into a full run instead he hobbled past the driveway before he veered off and disappeared behind dense foliage.
It was Dom that exclaimed, “What the hell? The crazy fuck admitted to starting all this and you’re just going to let him go?”
Nikoloa answered his voice gentle and kindhearted belying his authority. “He has nowhere to go young cub. He’ll be subjected to the same mercy he gave his brothers.”
Confused Elijah watched as Jeremy softly spoke to Dom. Whatever Jeremy said seem to ease Dom’s mind as he nodded.
All around them those in Kei’s pack started to shift. Once each pack member that was capable of shifting howled out and then one by one they took off after Kekoa. That’s when Elijah understood Kekoa had been condemned to death, unable to shift or even hide. In their werewolf form Kekoa’s scent and blood would call out to them. Nikoloa was right Kekoa had nowhere to run.
Unexpectedly just minutes after the area cleared from the pack, two vans pulled up the drive. Nikola greeted and spoke to the drivers as his people burst into action. The van doors opened, and they worked quickly to fill the first van with the injured. One of Nikola’s men approached Jeff leaving him with what appeared to be a first-aid kit. Moments later the first van took off. They continued working on collecting the bodies of the dead and placing them inside the second van before Nikola and his people climbed in and the van took off down the drive, following the first van.
Elijah watched until he couldn’t see the tail lights anymore before breaking the silence. “I get that they were part of the cavalry and I’m grateful, but who the hell were they?”
Jeff said, “Nikoloa is Ali‘i, the alpha to the packs on the Big Island. He doesn’t go anywhere without an entourage of body guards. When Jeremy left his message I called a few friends.” Jeff nodded to the werewolves that had arrived with him circling the perimeter. “Then I called Nikoloa and requested he meets us. I have no authority here, but Nikoloa, is Ali’i, his word and authority is respected throughout the islands.”
Sean cautiously asked, “So what, that’s it then, it’s over?”
“What did you expect?” Karl answered as he made his way over to Sean and hovered close as if he was inspecting every inch of the man not just his injuries.
Sean tried halfheartedly to wave Karl off as he answered Karl’s question. “Something – instead it feels more like I fell down the fucking rabbit hole into middle-earth.” Karl ignored Sean’s gesture to leave him be and instead took hold of Sean’s hand pulling him closer to nuzzle his neck.
Jeff smirked, “Good analogy.”
“Aye, so is that a first-aid kit that we can put to use?” Billy pointed at the kit beside Jeff.
Jeff nodded and picked up the kit as he walked over to Billy. “Here, though if you or the others will let me, I can help heal you?”
Billy stared at the kit then at Jeff as if he was a strange aberration, and echoed Elijah’s jumbled thoughts. “How is it possible you have magic, you’re a werewolf.”
Dom quickly reprimanded, “Bills, don’t be rude he saved Jeremy and Colin’s life.” Even as Dom said it his eyes traveled across the yard to where Colin lay unconscious. Elijah watched as Dom’s eyes flitted over the area in confusion. Elijah followed his eyes scanning the area realizing the same thing, Colin wasn’t there. Though Dom’s voice was low Elijah felt as if he had shouted out Colin’s name.
Unable to leave Jeremy’s side, Dom looked over to Jeff for some kind of explanation who in turn looked as baffled as Dom was. Then Dom locked eyes with him where they both came to same conclusion – Orli. Somehow Colin went after Orli.
Jeff understood. He had somehow picked up their silent communication. Immediately on alert he was about to shift when Karl walked over to him, and Elijah could see Karl was about to demand to know what Jeff knew. Jeff growled. Karl ignored the warning.
Jeff moved until he was in Karl’s face, ordering him to stand down. The two stood eye to eye neither willing to back down. Then Jeff spoke through gritted teeth, “You claimed my cub as your own.” Without missing a beat Karl heatedly responded, “I honored his alpha.”
Abruptly Jeff’s face lit up in a smile, and challenged. “Your right you did.”
Elijah didn’t get it, but it didn’t matter Karl did and lowered his gaze. Jeff reached out and clapped Karl’s shoulder. “You’ll be more effective protecting the cubs.”
Leaving Karl, Jeff stalked over to where he had left Colin then called out, “Nick you and the others stand as sentinels - protect the perimeter, the pack.” Not waiting for a reply Jeff started to shift he called out once more this time it was just a single name, “Jason…” then in his beast form Jeff sniffed the ground and took off running. They didn’t have to wonder who Jason was as he shifted and immediately rushed after Jeff.
Confused Elijah blinked and looked around realizing he and the others were suddenly clustered closer together. He was sitting beside Jeremy with Dom directly across from him - yet he didn’t remember moving. He wasn’t the only one as Karl, Sean and Viggo were standing just behind him and Billy and Hannah were sitting by Jeremy’s feet. While Jeff’s men stood a distance away, each stood facing a different cardinal point. As if they’d have an answer Elijah posed his concern to the others who could wield magic, “Billy, Hannah, Viggo?”
Billy shook his head, answering. “Don’t know Elijah. He didn’t actually transport us; it was more like he pushed a suggestion for us to move and be quick about it, to stay together. But I don’t think he intended to frighten us.”
Karl answered a bit tersely, “He didn’t, but the bastard’s a domineering prick with magic.”
Someone burst out laughing, and Elijah turned to see it was Jeremy and watched as Dom clenched Jeremy’s hand tighter when he continued laughing. Elijah saw the corners of Dom’s lips twitched in amusement then he rolled his eyes and stated in a droll tone. “I see we’re going to have to introduce Karl to pot and kettle black, yeah?”
Elijah caught Dom’s gaze and held his breath. He had expected Dom to glare daggers at him or to turn away; instead Dom’s eyes sparkled with affection. It took his breath away, it was a look Elijah hadn’t seen Dom direct his way in a long time and Elijah smiled. Loosing himself in the moment, he basked in the light of Dom’s happiness.
Next~
Previous ch
Elijah watched in stunned silence as his stomach clenched due to Dom’s rejection then twisted again by the obvious show of love he revealed for a man that was still a stranger. His head pounded harder when he caught Jeremy turn his way. Though his eyes were closed, Elijah could hear the man’s voice telepathically, whispering a simple ‘Thank you!’ for following through on his promise.
Elijah’s stomach rolled, again, by the reminder of the promise that was extracted from him telepathically just before Jeremy shifted and rushed into the fray of battle and then again when he used his magic to hold Dom back. He may not like the man, but Elijah knew Jeremy’s concern for Dom was real. It didn’t matter that he had seen Jeremy’s death and knew it’d happen if his Sire didn’t arrive. Promise or not he’d do whatever it took to keep Dom safe. The fact he accepted the promise was nothing more than granting Jeremy’s dying wish – one he had intended to keep regardless. He just had no idea he’d end up causing Dom that much pain and in return receive Dom’s hatred.
Gulping, Elijah’s sight clouded in tears before he wiped them away using the crook of his arm. As painful as it was Elijah knew he’d do it again, he loved Dom too much- even if it was at a cost of losing him.
Viggo was still at his back offering his support, but Elijah couldn’t face his friend to add a visual picture to his heartbreak that he was sure was clearly reflected over his face – not when Viggo already knew and felt everything he couldn’t shield from his empathic friend. Instead Elijah turned his focus and energy on the alpha he had called for help, Jeff.
The man was a walking cliché of tall, dark and handsome. He had stopped to talk to a few of the men -werewolves- that he had arrived with. A couple of faces stood out where Elijah recognized them as fellow actors. Nobody he had worked with, but he was sure he had seen them on screen, though on what show or movie he couldn’t recall.
Not that it matter in the face of everything, Elijah watched as they each took Jeff’s direction to secure the area. Jeff turned his attention to the few remaining werewolves from the attacking pack. Now in human form they huddled together hunched over in a low prostrating position.
Standing over them Jeff bellowed out loud enough that everyone could hear him. “Your alpha – your Ali‘i is dead.”
Silence followed the declaration.
“He died days ago before your prince was killed. We believe it was an insidious plot to take over your pack.
Heads turned as a low murmur rose amongst the pack. Long moments passed before one edged forward and whimpered.
Jeff ordered, “Stand, you have permission to speak. What’s your name?”
Standing the werewolf faced Jeff. He inclined his head, but didn’t bother to hide his emotions as he spoke. “Alpha, my name is Kei. With all due respect, you are a stranger to the islands. You don’t know our pack or our ways…”
“True I am from the main land, but tell me, do the packs of the Hawaiian Islands deny fundamental lycan law?”
Breaking his submissive stance Kei growled out an answer, “We followed the laws! Our prince Haoa was killed by a lycan. It was our right to collect retribution. We only wanted the lycan that killed our prince not the humans he hid behind.”
“But it didn’t start with him, did it? It was your prince that initiated the attack when he defied lycan law and attacked a human unprovoked? Do you have any idea why? Did you investigate? No, you didn’t. But I did. If you had you would have discovered what I did that you and your prince had been betrayed by your own.”
Coming up the road behind Jeff a group of men came forward. In the lead was a man. To Elijah he appeared ordinary. Middle aged, slightly taller than him, posed in a stately manner. Apparently the other pack knew the man by sight as Kei and the others in his pack responded their astonishment and gasped in awe. Then Kei quickly dropped to his knees along with the others as they bowed their heads in respect as if they were facing royalty.
Jeff moved forward and clasped the man’s arm in greeting, “Aloha Ali‘i Nikolao.”
“Aloha Jeff.” Nikolao greeted, who affectionately returned the gesture. “I see you have things under control.”
Elijah watched out of curiosity as Jeff gave a curt nod even though he stared heatedly at the man that was being held prisoner tied and flanked by two men.
The man Jeff called Ali‘i Nikolao stepped forward. “Who among you will speak for your pack?”
Kei spoke out but did not rise. “I do Ali‘i, I am Kei, and will speak for those left in our pack.”
“Good. Now stand and face your traitor.” Kei stood as ordered. Nikolao walked past Karl to the bodies that littered the ground, and sniffed. “I smell life, there are several wounded among the dead. Paulie, tend to them.” Nikolao returned his attention to Kei, “Do you know how many of your brothers have died?”
Kei lowered his head in shame. “No Ali‘i, but we had to retaliate after their rogue werewolf killed our prince.”
“No, Kei that is where you are wrong- you were tricked. He did not kill Haoa your prince, your brother Kekoa did.”
Elijah could tell Kei wanted to protest, but Nikolao held up his hand to stall him. “For months we have heard rumors throughout the islands of your packs unrest. Heard the gossip that many suspected Lahela had used deceitful means to bed Haoa, and afterwards there were whispered questions of the pup’s true bloodline even from your prince. Though Haoa did nothing to fully accept or deny the pup’s lineage. That is when we suspect she schemed with her twin Kekoa to take over the pack by eliminating both, Pono your Ali‘i and his only heir and son, your prince Haoa. In the eyes of our laws since Haoa didn’t challenge the paternity it’d leave Lahela’s pup as the only legitimate heir – leaving her and this one to run the pack until the pup was old enough.” Nikolao forcibly pushed Kekoa forward and he awkwardly fell.
“He has ingested scopolamine. It stops him from shifting and encourages the truth. Ask your questions.”
Kei glanced from the fallen bodies of his friends then back to the man he had called brother. “Kekoa tell me, that Ali‘i is confused that you and your sister Lahela would not betray or condemn your brothers, our pack.”
Kekoa laughed and looked up, “No, I would not betray my brothers, but in truth you are not my brothers are you Kei. Lahela is my queen and I follow her orders.”
At Kekoa’s defiant declaration Kei gasped. “What did you do?”
“I was protecting our line, my son’s right to be the pack’s next Ali‘i. Pono was an old fool not worthy of Ali‘i then disgraced the pack further by refusing to pass on the reigns to his son Haoa. In the end it was easy to lure him away in order to kill him. Haoa on the other hand wasn’t to die, not initially. He was to be disgraced and made unworthy by breaking lycan law in killing a defenseless human. There was no plan for what human he’d go after, just a spell that would push his beast to come forth and play, leaving the human dead. Afterward we knew Haoa would turn to Lahela for her protection. Then she would have forced his hand to claim her and our pup. We did not know the human Haoa found would be marked.”
“Your pup?”
“Yes, my son. It was our lineage eons ago that led the pack, as it should be now. We were always meant to rule.”
The low murmurs rose from Kei’s pack before Kei spoke again, addressing Nikolao. “Ali‘i, our eyes are open to the grand deception Kekoa and Lahela perpetrated against us.” Dropping to his knees, Kei’s voice trembled with emotional pain. “We can only beg your forgiveness for our hand in their plot.”
Solemnly Nikolao answered, “Kei it is not my forgiveness you and your people need, but it is the forgiveness of the alphas and their pack that your pack has inflected the most pain on.”
Turning Kei addressed Jeff and then most reverently he bowed to Karl lowering his head until he touched the ground and turned his head offering his neck in submission. “Ali‘i is correct - we do beg for your forgiveness.”
It was Kekoa who yelled cursing calling Kei and the others names, stating they were nothing but maggot dogs - cowards for showing their bellies… Before he could utter another word Karl was there cutting him off, a hand gripped around Kekoa’s neck pulling him up until he was staring Karl in the face.
Though Karl stood in human form and was naked, by that alone one would think he’d be vulnerable, but Karl’s aura was anything but defenseless. Karl exuded power beyond his human form and Elijah could easily see why Karl was an Alpha. Even though Elijah wasn’t the one facing Karl’s scrutiny still he shuddered at the raw intensity of Karl’s stare.
For all of his bluster Kekoa wasn’t unaffected and minutes later cowered showing his true fear as they all smelled the evidence, the reek of urine. Karl growled and dropped the man in disgust. His nostrils flared as if he was warring with himself against the urge to take the man’s life. “You can only have my forgiveness once you have purged the sickness from your pack- permanently.”
Kei whimpered, but offered his acceptance. “Thank you Alpha.”
Though Kei didn’t move he waited like everyone else did for Jeff’s assent. Only Jeff didn’t speak but met Karl’s gaze lost in thought. Then slowly he nodded accepting Karl’s judgment.
Elijah wasn’t sure why Jeff had hesitated, and he wasn’t going to be given a chance when Karl snarled, “Get him out of here. Show him the same mercy he bestowed on his brothers.”
Kei didn’t move until Nikoloa spoke. “Go, carry out your pledge. Between my people and your beta’s we will care for the ill and honor the dead.”
Kei quickly stood with a nod to Nikoloa before he turned a heated gaze on Kekoa. He sniffed and sneered at the obvious soiled stain that ran down his legs; slowly he rocked and started to shift.
Elijah inhaled out of fear then leaned back comforted by Viggo’s presence.
Once Kei had fully shifted he pawed at Kekoa’s body. In response Kekoa whimpered and fought to get away from Kei’s attack. Elijah wondered why he didn’t shift then remembered Kekoa had been given a truth serum that also prevented him from shifting.
Suddenly Kekoa screamed and Elijah saw blood at the man’s foot. Then Nikoloa said, “Go Kekoa, run while you can.”
Cursing under his breath Kekoa didn’t hesitate and tried to run. His injury prevented him from breaking out into a full run instead he hobbled past the driveway before he veered off and disappeared behind dense foliage.
It was Dom that exclaimed, “What the hell? The crazy fuck admitted to starting all this and you’re just going to let him go?”
Nikoloa answered his voice gentle and kindhearted belying his authority. “He has nowhere to go young cub. He’ll be subjected to the same mercy he gave his brothers.”
Confused Elijah watched as Jeremy softly spoke to Dom. Whatever Jeremy said seem to ease Dom’s mind as he nodded.
All around them those in Kei’s pack started to shift. Once each pack member that was capable of shifting howled out and then one by one they took off after Kekoa. That’s when Elijah understood Kekoa had been condemned to death, unable to shift or even hide. In their werewolf form Kekoa’s scent and blood would call out to them. Nikoloa was right Kekoa had nowhere to run.
Unexpectedly just minutes after the area cleared from the pack, two vans pulled up the drive. Nikola greeted and spoke to the drivers as his people burst into action. The van doors opened, and they worked quickly to fill the first van with the injured. One of Nikola’s men approached Jeff leaving him with what appeared to be a first-aid kit. Moments later the first van took off. They continued working on collecting the bodies of the dead and placing them inside the second van before Nikola and his people climbed in and the van took off down the drive, following the first van.
Elijah watched until he couldn’t see the tail lights anymore before breaking the silence. “I get that they were part of the cavalry and I’m grateful, but who the hell were they?”
Jeff said, “Nikoloa is Ali‘i, the alpha to the packs on the Big Island. He doesn’t go anywhere without an entourage of body guards. When Jeremy left his message I called a few friends.” Jeff nodded to the werewolves that had arrived with him circling the perimeter. “Then I called Nikoloa and requested he meets us. I have no authority here, but Nikoloa, is Ali’i, his word and authority is respected throughout the islands.”
Sean cautiously asked, “So what, that’s it then, it’s over?”
“What did you expect?” Karl answered as he made his way over to Sean and hovered close as if he was inspecting every inch of the man not just his injuries.
Sean tried halfheartedly to wave Karl off as he answered Karl’s question. “Something – instead it feels more like I fell down the fucking rabbit hole into middle-earth.” Karl ignored Sean’s gesture to leave him be and instead took hold of Sean’s hand pulling him closer to nuzzle his neck.
Jeff smirked, “Good analogy.”
“Aye, so is that a first-aid kit that we can put to use?” Billy pointed at the kit beside Jeff.
Jeff nodded and picked up the kit as he walked over to Billy. “Here, though if you or the others will let me, I can help heal you?”
Billy stared at the kit then at Jeff as if he was a strange aberration, and echoed Elijah’s jumbled thoughts. “How is it possible you have magic, you’re a werewolf.”
Dom quickly reprimanded, “Bills, don’t be rude he saved Jeremy and Colin’s life.” Even as Dom said it his eyes traveled across the yard to where Colin lay unconscious. Elijah watched as Dom’s eyes flitted over the area in confusion. Elijah followed his eyes scanning the area realizing the same thing, Colin wasn’t there. Though Dom’s voice was low Elijah felt as if he had shouted out Colin’s name.
Unable to leave Jeremy’s side, Dom looked over to Jeff for some kind of explanation who in turn looked as baffled as Dom was. Then Dom locked eyes with him where they both came to same conclusion – Orli. Somehow Colin went after Orli.
Jeff understood. He had somehow picked up their silent communication. Immediately on alert he was about to shift when Karl walked over to him, and Elijah could see Karl was about to demand to know what Jeff knew. Jeff growled. Karl ignored the warning.
Jeff moved until he was in Karl’s face, ordering him to stand down. The two stood eye to eye neither willing to back down. Then Jeff spoke through gritted teeth, “You claimed my cub as your own.” Without missing a beat Karl heatedly responded, “I honored his alpha.”
Abruptly Jeff’s face lit up in a smile, and challenged. “Your right you did.”
Elijah didn’t get it, but it didn’t matter Karl did and lowered his gaze. Jeff reached out and clapped Karl’s shoulder. “You’ll be more effective protecting the cubs.”
Leaving Karl, Jeff stalked over to where he had left Colin then called out, “Nick you and the others stand as sentinels - protect the perimeter, the pack.” Not waiting for a reply Jeff started to shift he called out once more this time it was just a single name, “Jason…” then in his beast form Jeff sniffed the ground and took off running. They didn’t have to wonder who Jason was as he shifted and immediately rushed after Jeff.
Confused Elijah blinked and looked around realizing he and the others were suddenly clustered closer together. He was sitting beside Jeremy with Dom directly across from him - yet he didn’t remember moving. He wasn’t the only one as Karl, Sean and Viggo were standing just behind him and Billy and Hannah were sitting by Jeremy’s feet. While Jeff’s men stood a distance away, each stood facing a different cardinal point. As if they’d have an answer Elijah posed his concern to the others who could wield magic, “Billy, Hannah, Viggo?”
Billy shook his head, answering. “Don’t know Elijah. He didn’t actually transport us; it was more like he pushed a suggestion for us to move and be quick about it, to stay together. But I don’t think he intended to frighten us.”
Karl answered a bit tersely, “He didn’t, but the bastard’s a domineering prick with magic.”
Someone burst out laughing, and Elijah turned to see it was Jeremy and watched as Dom clenched Jeremy’s hand tighter when he continued laughing. Elijah saw the corners of Dom’s lips twitched in amusement then he rolled his eyes and stated in a droll tone. “I see we’re going to have to introduce Karl to pot and kettle black, yeah?”
Elijah caught Dom’s gaze and held his breath. He had expected Dom to glare daggers at him or to turn away; instead Dom’s eyes sparkled with affection. It took his breath away, it was a look Elijah hadn’t seen Dom direct his way in a long time and Elijah smiled. Loosing himself in the moment, he basked in the light of Dom’s happiness.
Next~