Chapter 69

Chapter 69
Silas PoV

Talia is half hidden behind me, and I can feel her trembling, her entire body shaking. I’m surprised she’s even holding herself up at this point, but I’m so proud that she is. She’s frightened of the man who’s supposed to be her father, and I know exactly what that fear feels like. My father was also a piece of work. A cruel one. It’s why I left when I was young and never turned back.

The difference is, my father never searched for me, he didn’t care. Alpha Winters is different, he cares that she left, but only because he lost control over her. He clearly can’t handle not being able to control what he deems is his.

But Talia doesn’t belong to him anymore, she belongs with me, and I won’t let him hurt her. Even if I have to take on his entire army to keep her safe.

“Stay behind me.” I tell her, keeping my voice low.

She nods, her eyes half closed.

She’s trying not to openly have a panic attack, but she’s close to one. I want to hold her close and tell her it’ll all be ok in the end. But the truth is, I don’t know that it will. There are a lot of men around us, and I can’t take them all down whilst she’s clinging to me the way that she is.

I want to tell her to let go and be strong, but I’m not sure she can right now. Not until she pulls herself out of her fear. If she can even do that.

“Talia.” Alpha winters says slowly, “where is that sister of yours? This would have been so much easier if you were both together.”

“She’s no where near you, and that’s enough.” Talia snaps, a growl breaking out of her. “You’ll never find her.”

The growl was so fierce that I couldn’t help but smile, that’s my girl. Fierce and strong, and so incredibly beautiful. All the things that make her mine.

Maybe she isn’t completely lost in her fear, not as badly as I first thought. Which means she may be able to fight. I need  her to, but I won’t force her.

I won’t ask her either, it has to be her choice to stand up to him. I won’t push her, she may not even be ready. Opening her mouth to argue is one thing, but fighting the man who conditioned her to bow and be meek isn’t something that can come easily. Not even to me.

It took me years to see that what my father was doing was messed up, and I took half of the pack with me when I left. Not because I forced them to come, but because they chose me. Just like I chose her.

“Don’t be so sure about that, girl.” He says coldly, voice like steel. “I already have men out there searching.” He fakes a sigh, “but if you tell me where she is, we can all go home together.”

“I am not going anywhere with you, and neither is Aria.” Talia snaps, lifting her chin and straightening her spine. “We left for a reason.”

I see the moment he realises she’s no longer under his control, and it’s absolutely priceless. I wish I could have seen my own fathers face when I disappeared in the night, but this is enough.

“Don’t you dare to speak to me like that girl.” He snarls, taking a step forward, his men following him closely. “You do not get to choose, I am your father.”

“She told you already, she isn’t going anywhere with you, now fuck off.” I say, taking her hand in mine. “My claim on her is from the moon goddess, it is greater than any blood tie.”

Alpha winters looks down at our entwined hands and his eyes darken several shades, his wolf clearly coming towards the surface.

“I have not given you permission to mate with her.” He says, like his argument actually means something to me. “I do not recognise your bond, Talia come here.”

“No.” She shakes her head, showing her neck. “And he already marked me, our bond is sealed.”

This makes the Alpha furious, and he punches a nearby tree. “Do you have any idea what you have done?! I already promise you to another wolf, an ally.”

He actually thinks punching a tree makes him look tough? He’s like a child throwing a tantrum.

“I will never be with someone you pick for me.” She says, her own voice as cold as ice.

I’ve never been prouder of anyone in my life, she’s doing amazing, and I doubt she even realises it. Facing your deepest fears is something not even the strongest of people can do, but Talia can. She’s built different.

“I’ve given you a chance to come home, and to come to your damn senses, but clearly you need more lessons in how to behave.” He says, nodding to one of the men beside him. “Bring her to me.”

I step toward him, “I don’t think so, no one is taking her from me.”

Alpha winters growls. “And kill the mutt.”

Talia gasps, and then laughs, “you have no idea who you just called a mutt. You’ll be lucky if he lets you leave here alive.”

She’s right, but I don’t say it out loud.

He isn’t leaving here alive, I don’t want to give him the chance to come back with more men. He needs to die today, and I’ll happily be the one to kill him.

I’ll happily rid Talia of the man haunting her nightmares.

And I would also do it for the little girl with big eyes, Aria, she deserves to grow up without fear, and if I can give her that. Then I will.

“Come and get me.” I smile sickly sweet, shifting into my wolf.

Talia gasps behind me, she’s never seen my wolf. I’m large, larger than most alphas with better bloodlines than mine. I’m also black and red, a rare colour amongst alphas.

It means I’m blessed by the moon goddess herself, and by the look of Alpha winters face. He realises exactly that much, but far too late to change the outcome.

I turn to Talia for permission and she nods, her eyes wide with shock and a little bit of awe.

“Get him!” Alpha winters shouts, panic clear in his voice.

Good. Let him be the one who panics for once.

I want him to know fear right before I sink my teeth into his neck.