Chapter Fifty-Five

Demetria

Demetria stared down at Cynthia's face and the determination that rested in her eyes. Demetria felt the fire behind her promise, and hoped for the same thing. Her hands had been on fire once Ivory branded her.

The smug look on her face while she caused Demetria pain had reminded Demetria of what they were up against. She wondered if every time Ivory saw Demetria, she thought of Sabrina, and how her brother would never love her the way she wanted.

Either way, Demetria planned to take them down.

Cynthia stood up and offered Demetria a hand. The brands were still bright red, but the pain was gone. Demetria regretted ever considering that Cynthia had been evil.

She'd done nothing but save Demetria on multiple occasions, she deserved more credit.

Kerry reached forward and pulled Demetria into a hug. "You're okay?"

She smiled at him, knowing his heart was in the right place by taking her to the field that morning. Being together and resting before the showdown had been a great plan. "I'm fine, but hungry."

"We came home to eat," he said, lacing his fingers with hers. "Come on. I'll fix you a plate. Do y'all want anything?"

"We just ate," Claire said. "I think we're going to head back to the pack house."

Dan cleared his throat. "I want to speak with you outside, Claire."

Claire glanced at Axel, pleading with him to step in, but he shrugged his shoulders. Kerry didn't blame him. Claire needed to get over it.

"Please, Claire," he said nicely.

"Okay," she said under her breath, kicking Axel's shin on her way out of the door.

Axel groaned, but only shot her a dirty look. "I'm going to the pack house. Send Ms. Mood Swing my way when she's finished," he told Cynthia. "See y'all in a while."

Cynthia chuckled. "I'm going to let them talk. I'll check on the bird, see if it's still alive."

Kerry led Demetria into the kitchen, and he warmed up a plate of food for both of them, while she sat at the bar.

The silence nearly deafened her.

That same feeling of being watched washed over the room, making her body tingle. She glanced around for Kitty, but she didn't see him anywhere. "If you're looking for the cat, I saw him walk outside a few minutes ago," Kerry said. "He doesn't like me, remember. Obviously, he has to leave the room when I arrive."

Demetria smiled. "I just feel like I'm being watched. It's creepy."

He placed her plate in front of her. "We probably are, to be honest. She showed up in the mirror. Who is to say she isn't watching us now somehow? I'll give her a show if she wants," he said, wiggling his brows at her.

She chuckled. "I wouldn't give her the honor of seeing either of us naked."

"Everything is going to be okay," he said, taking her free hand and tracing the brand with his fingertip. "Remember what I told you. I'll protect you no matter what?"

Demetria smiled and took a bite. "You need to eat. We don't have long."

Kerry sat down on a stool opposite of her and began to eat his meal. The minutes ticked by, and before she knew it, the sun was growing closer to the hills. He walked hand-in-hand with her toward the pack house.

She wasn't a wolf, but she could feel the tension growing the closer they got. Several wolves sat outside on the porch, chatting, while some tossed a football back and forth to one another. It made Demetria want to vomit. Who could be so nonchalant about a war? She noticed Claire sitting beside Dan on the porch swing. She assumed he'd said something to her that she accepted.

Cynthia stood at the door talking to Grace. Their friendly demeanor really matched one another. As the Alpha promised, she didn't see any pups running around, which made her feel better.

There were several shewolves, but none that she remembered having any children. She didn't blame the others for staying with their children; if she had children she would have stayed with them, too.

Kerry looped his arm around her waist and pulled her close to him. He stopped her several feet from the porch, turning her to face him. His dark eyes were intent on her, his smile honest. "I love you, Demetria. I always will. We're going to be put to the test tonight, and I don't know what to expect. No matter what, I will protect you, okay?"

Demetria nodded. "I know."

He rested his forehead against hers. "Alpha Davers is coming. I can sense him. The sun is going to set any minute, and we're going to send these douchebags back to Hell."

Demetria smiled. "I love you, too, Kerry."

He kissed her swiftly and passionately, until she heard someone cat call in the distance. She pulled away and noticed Claire and Dan smiling ear-to-ear. Kerry grumbled under his breath, and walked with her toward the porch.

The alpha walked out with a few wolves and stood on the front steps. His gaze lifted to the moon making its way into the sky. It was beautiful, vibrant, and haunting. You'd never think that evil was lurking nearby.

Kerry cracked his neck and held Demetria's hand tighter.

Alpha Davers cleared his throat. "Remember what we spoke about this morning," he said. "I've been told they are bringing others with them. They branded Demetria and our prisoner on the hands. They will do anything to get to Demetria. They need her to bring back his lost love. We cannot let that happen tonight. At all costs, if we need to drag this fight on until morning so that they have to go back to their prison, then so be it. Demetria stays with Kerry. Period."

The moon appeared high in the sky. Several clouds blocked the view of it, but Demetria could see the silhouette.

Her stomach tightened as the minutes ticked by.

Maybe they would change their minds. Maybe something, some imaginary force, would stop them.

Wishful thinking.

The portal that Ike used to grab her, and to send the hellhounds, appeared in the same spot. The wind began to grow, and leaves were sucked into the funnel, causing an obstruction of their view.

Until they fell.

Ivory, Dom, and Ike stood in the front yard of the pack house. They weren't alone.