Chapter 44
Chapter 44
AUTHOR'S POV
All of Kaida's senses were on high alert. Every once in a while, a rogue wolf would make a swipe at her, in an attempt to taunt and scare her. Fortunately for Kaida, her rage fueled her and made her brave even in the face of danger.
“What's wrong, Kaida?” Elara asked in a mocking voice. “Where did all of that bravado go?” She let out a tut. “You should always prepare for things to not go according to plan. Remember that for next time.” She paused. “Oh, wait. There won't be a next time. Since you'll be dying here.” She added with a dark laugh.
“Kaida!” Kaida heard a voice yell. Suddenly, a furious Thoran tore through a wave of rogues to get through to Kaida. The remaining rogues became a little more apprehensive at the number of deaths he left in his wake.
“Thoran!” Kaida breathed. The mates embraced briefly before facing Elara once more.
A voice scoffed amidst the rogues. Yvonne's voice spoke up. “What did I say Elara? Get Kaida, and Thoran shows up. Like a moth to a flame. But one, get one free.” She said mockingly, causing Elara to snicker at her words.
Thoran and Kaida looked on in shock as Yvonne stepped out from among the rogues and came to stand beside Yvonne. The former third-in-command feigned a gasp, covering her mouth briefly before chuckling. “You should see your faces. You both look like you've seen a ghost.” She mocked. Abruptly her eyes flashed in anger. “I suppose that is true. Considering you tossed me out and left me to die in the forest.” Her expression soon changed from anger to one of satisfaction. “But all is well that ends well. I found a better pack to take me in. One that accepts me for who I am, and sees a potential in me.”
Through out her speech, Kaida and Thoran were quiet. Thoran was battling with mixed emotions. Yvonne was his childhood friend and third-in-command for many years. They had eaten from the same plate, and washed in the same pond. They had grown up together. He had hoped that the next time he saw Yvonne that she would have gone through a period of reflection and repented of her ways.
Watching her now, it was as clear as day that the opposite had happened. Here was his old friend, standing on the side of his enemy and the vilest being to ever exist. Thoran couldn't believe his eyes. How had things gotten this far? When did it all go wrong for them?
Kaida's heart broke for her mate. She couldn't imagine what he was going through, though his thoughts gave her an inkling and she could feel strong emotions of hurt and disbelief through the bond. He watched Yvonne intently. “You're working for her? Yvonne, her?”
Yvonne blinked, momentarily caught off guard. “I do not work for her. I work with her, we are partners.” Thoran watched her quietly. “There you go again, looking at me like I'm stupid or not good at making the right decisions.”
Thoran spared Elara a brief glance. “Judging by the company you are keeping, I don't think you know what right is, Yvonne.”
Yvonne scowled. “Shut up! Shut up, Thoran! This is all because of her!” She cried, jabbing a finger towards Kaida. “Ever since you took her in, you've been acting different towards me.” She stated angrily.
Thoran growled. “So, what? You teamed up with an enemy?” It was a rhetorical question.
“I had no other choice, don't you see. You forced my hand.” Yvonne retorted. Kaida thought she looked insane. Her eyes were wild, and they followed every of Thoran's movements.
Elara gave a sinister laugh. “You know what they saw about having no fury like a woman scorned.” She taunted. Thoran said nothing to her, but that did not stop the woman from talking. “You should be more careful with how you treat your packmates, Alpha Thoran.” Teh mockery in her voice was undeniable. “A few people were displeased by Yvonne's impeachment, and they were more than ready to provide any and every information that she needed concerning the pack. She has been informing me of every single thing that has transpired in the pack.”
Yvonne nodded. “Indeed, I have. Including your appointment of Zeph Seleneas as the new Third-in-command of the pack.” She said in disdain. “Of course, that stupid wench would betray me.” Thoran and Kaida said nothing. They watched their opponents silently. Allowing them to rant as much as they wanted while they came up with strategies that could be used in that situation.
Elara continued without pause, pacing back and forth. “How else do you think I found out about your planned sneak attack? It must suck to be found out so easily. Did you place all your eggs in one basket? Did you really rely on this single plan? Against me! Have I really become that little of a threat to the packs?” Her cries caused the surround light bulbs to explode and shatter into pieces. She exhaled. “No matter, everyone we get what is due to them with time.” She stated.
The whole time, Thoran's eyes were on Yvonne. “This is the woman that you want to follow?” He asked,. gesturing towards Elara. “This maniac. Open your eyes, Yvonne. This woman will toss you aside the moment you're not longer useful to her. It will happen sooner or later.” Thoran warned.
Yvonne scoffed at him. “You mean the same thing that you did to me?”
Thoran took a threatening step towards her. Yvonne stepped back in fear, even as the rogues stood protectively in front of her, standing in between her and Thoran. “Your actions brought instability to the pack. Your banishment was the consequences of your own decisions. No one else is to blame for your misfortunes except you, Yvonne.” He said firmly. “I had hoped that the period spent without a pack would remind you of the importance of being a part of a stable and unified pack.” His gaze flitted briefly to Elara before returning to Yvonne. “Seems I was sorely mistaken.”
Meanwhile, Kaida's gaze had never left Elara. As she pondered the witch's words and actions, it soon occurred to the Luna of Stormhowl pack that Elara was not all knowing.