Chapter 62

Ruby

My heart started pounding heavily. I could hear my pulse racing through my ear drums. We were surrounded by rogues. I had a feeling that once this was over rogues would be the least of my worries. This was the beginning, the beginning of something greater. Something much more dangerous. Only my sisters and I knew what that something was. I was adult enough to admit I was afraid of what's to come. I hated the uncertainty that the future held and if I was being completely honest I always tried to put our destiny out of my mind. It was part of the reason I didn't want to find my mate in the first place. It made things all the more real. Now that there was only Diamond and Jewels left the time to face the truth was closer than ever.

The howling in the distance caused the adrenaline coursing through my veins to kick in. The need to fight or take flight evident as I looked at the others around me.

"Secure the borders. Get the women, children, elderly and anyone else who wishes not to fight into the safe houses now," Phoenix screamed. "Ruby I want you in the safe house. I can't risk anything happening to you," he said bringing me out of my trance. I saw the worry and the fierce need to protect as I looked into his eyes. I wouldn't stay locked in the safe house like some coward while innocent others risked their lives. What kind of chosen would I be if I didn't do everything to protect my pack and end this battle with as little blood shed as possible?

"No I will fight. There is nothing you could say or do to keep me out of this battle. I know you're worried, so am I. But I would never forgive myself if something happened to you or the others and I could have prevented it. Please for once don't argue with me on this one and accept my decision." He wanted to argue but something in my tone or expression must have shown him how serious I was. He nodded and kissed me like it was the last time. I had never felt anything like it before, so much need and passion wrapped up in something so simple.

"Just promise me you'll try and stay safe. I need you. I just found you." The desperation for me to reconsider was clear in his voice but it made no difference to me.

"As long as you promise me the same. This is only the beginning for us." With one last kiss he took off to head the battle. I went my own route. I didn't want to distract him nor for him to distract me. The battle had begun and wolves were fighting everywhere in both forms. I shifted and ran as fast as I could, helping those that were struggling and taking out anyone I perceived as a threat. It was a massacre. I hated it but there was nothing I could do to stop it alone. I wouldn't give up though. I was determined to try. Even if I could only save a few lives it would be worth it. The awful taste of blood was in my mouth. Every life I took was one I wished I could have spared. I shook my head to clear my thoughts and focus. All of this would be for the greater good.

"Ruby," someone mind linked. I recognized the voice and I was relieved.

"Jade." I was glad to see her, overjoyed in fact.

"Where are the others?" I asked hoping they weren't far.

"I'm not sure." I was confused.

"What do you mean?"

"I left them and chased Hunter. This is his doing. He's the one who brought the rogues here. He's attacked Phoenix." I couldn't believe. Could this possibly get any worse?

"But why?"

"This is his rightful pack. He wants it back. Phoenix's father attacked it and took over. He thought they all were dead but Hunter survived. Now he wants revenge. I tried everything to stop him but he wouldn't listen. His desire to become the alpha he was meant to be is too strong."

I couldn't believe Phoenix never mentioned any of this. Then again how well did I really know him? How well did any us really know our mates? This is the very reason why I always struggled with the idea of being destined to someone. I have all these feelings for someone I barely even know. I should have had more time to get to know him and let things progress naturally without interference from some unexplained pull.

"What do we do? We can't let them kill each other. Now that Hunter has attacked there is very little chance of peace." As much as I hated to admit it I knew it was the truth. The look on Jade's face let me know she felt the same.

"We have to end this on our terms," she said determined. "If they won't listen we have to make them. Neither of us can lose a mate in this battle. The risk is too high." The information we were given about our fates never explained what would happen if one of us lost a mate. However, it was clear that they would be needed if we were to survive.

"We'll be risking exposure," I said and she nodded understanding.

"Do you know what your power is yet?"

"No."

"Well now is the time to find out. You have find your trigger. If I'm right this will do exactly that."

"What if I can can't control it? What if I hurt someone or worse?" I was nervous. From what I heard from the others our powers were dangerous and very unstable. None of us even knew how to control them. With so many innocents around I wasn't sure if I was ready to discover mine.

"More lives will be lost if we do nothing." Maybe she was right but part of me still felt she could be wrong. I watched as she took off. She was faster than I remembered and much stronger. That had to be the mate bond and her new found power coming into play. I followed her as closely as I could. It was then I noticed where she was going. Her wolf was gray and the one standing next to her was large and powerful with black and gray fur. It had to be Hunter. I watched them interact and it was beautiful. The way he looked at her was something I never imagined I would see. They wrapped each other in an embrace. He followed her as they continued the fight. I trailed behind them wondering what Jade's plan could be. I saw them come face to face with Phoenix. He and Hunter began to growl at one another. Before I knew it Hunter attacked. I began to panic. My heart began to race and I was stuck. They were massive and the fight was becoming brutal. I had to help Phoenix, I needed to stop them. Jade was just standing there. I was confused as why. Didn't she realize what was happening?

Phoenix got the upper hand that's when she made her move. She ran into the mist of the fight. She and Hunter both barred their teeth at Phoenix. He didn't seem afraid. He stood his ground, but I could tell he was both tired and hurt.

"Tell Hunter to stop. Make him back down," I mind linked her frantic. He couldn't take much more. If the Hunter attacked again it would possibly be enough to kill him. Despite everything I couldn't be without him, not yet. Instead of doing what I asked she did the opposite. They both attacked him. I could breathe. I saw red. How could she? Was she trying to kill him? As I ran I felt my body heat up. I could smell smoke around me. I howled and Hunter was yelped as flames hit him. I had discovered my power. It was fire, and anger was the trigger.