Chapter 33 Reckless and Relentless

Liam's POV

I stood at the edge of the forest that over looked the house that we were about to attack in a few hours.

Siam wanted to take it a bit slow, making the drive to the area a day and a half. When we arrived, everything was prepared in the town nearest to the area of where Tasha was.

We attended every meeting and planning of the attack, everyday a news from our spies would tell us how busy the house was, with people coming in and out. Siam asked to have two people closely guarded- Frank, the head of the hunters and Yuri, the king of the Vampires.

“You really need to calm down.”

I turned around and saw Eric walked up to me.

“Hey…” I grinned and looked back at the house.

“You’ve been here for the last two hours, Siam asked me to come for me to call you.”

I shook my head, “I can’t. Not when we’re so close.”

He chuckled, “You know Serenity was wondering why you were looking for her the moment you woke up.” Eric stood beside me. “She had been going through all the dreams you visited her and well, she came to a conclusion.”

It was my turn to chuckle, “And what is this conclusion of hers?”

He gave me a look and then shook her head. “She’s right.”

I raised a brow, “What?”

“It’s better off a surprise, but I’ m guessing that she’s right.”

“God, you are made for each other.” I whined earning a laugh from him.

“Well, I don’t think that was offending at all, thank you.” He said. Then he looked at the house and his face turned serious. “You think we’ll be able to pull this off?”

I looked back with a frown, “I can’t really say. We know that the hunters have grown powerful since they abducted Serenity, and now with the vampires siding with them, we’re all blinded.”

He gave a nod but remained quiet, so I did the same, running through the plans in my mind. Then he reached for his heart and gave a hiss.

“You ok?” I asked.

He forced a smile, “Yeah, I guess Serenity is really worried.” He said. “That or she’s trying to beat me up for leaving by beating herself up.”

I frowned, “Is she in pain.”

“I don’t think so.” he said. “This is far from what she use to feel when she was in any physical pain.”

“Well, maybe you should call her-“

He shook his head, “She’ll just get more worried.” He did have a point, Serenity would probably deman him to stay on the phone for him to miss the war, “I asked Serenity to marry me.”

I turned to him surprised. “What?”

“I asked her to marry me.” He said again, a grin crept into his face and, seeing that the night was cool, I might have also caught a blush.

“Then what are you doing here?” I asked.

“What?” he asked surprised.

“Eric, do you know how long she waited for this?” I faced him, anger starting up. “Do you know what she had to endure and put up with for this moment?” he just stood there, surprised, mouth slightly open. “You should have never come here.”

“What?” he repeated, bewildered now.

“You- shouldn’t- have- come.” I repeated as if talking to a kid. “She would probably kill herself if worrying, she’d go berserk thinking about all of us and then the baby-“

“She wanted me to be here.” Eric cut me off.

This time, I was the one who asked, “What?”

He grinned, “Do you really think he’d allow that you guys leave without me?”

“What do you mean?”

He shrugged, “I won’t deny it, she is worried and scared. But she said, we’re stronger when we’re together, and she’s right. I can’t just let this responsibility slide just because she demanded me to stay. I would have still tagged along if she agreed or not. It’s not just repaying Tasha and Cole of what they did for us, I also want to be the one to make sure that no harm will haunt Serenity ever again.” He looked back at the house, now with anger. “I will make them pay of what they did to her.”

“I heard the boy went to you-“

“And I promised not to harm him in exchange of the information we needed, but I can’t say the same when I see him tonight.”

“Are you sure that you want that?” I asked. “This is the father of Serenity’s child-“

“No.” Eric shook his head, “I will not let that child know who he is. Not until I need to.”

I stared at him, “Are you sure about this?”

“Yes.” He said firmly. “Serenity is hurting now every time she remembers what he did. She apologizes to me in her sleep, she thinks all of these is her fault. I want her to have the peace of mind that was taken away from her.” He faced me, “There’s no space for mistakes, I can longer take the idea of her being in danger, especially now that she’s with child.”

“Eric…”

“You aren’t the only one with a reason of why we’re fighting Liam,” he smirked, “you don’t even know why you want to save her.”

I rolled my eyes, “Please, as if I didn’t think about it.”

“It’ll come to you, soon…” he says, “Maybe when you find her.”

“Maybe…”

“Just and advise…” he says, I turned to him, hopeful- I don’t even know what I’m hoping for. “Listen to your heart and let your wolf lead the way.”

“Seriously? Let my wolf lead?”

“Yeah, it’ll be interesting.” He says, I was about to argue when his watch beeped. “Let’s go, we’ll be leaving in five minutes.”

I nodded and let him go ahead, I glanced at the house one more time.

“We’re coming…” I whispered, with that I followed Eric to the clearing where we were all to meet up for the attack.

When we arrived, Siam was running over the plans to the others, Jake and Aaron giving out orders to where and who is with who.

“Ready?” Eric asked.

“As we’ll ever be.” Aaron says. “Anything new at the house?”

I shook my head, “No cars left or arrived. I’m pretty sure that Yuri and his posses are meeting with Frank.”

“Good, it would be like hitting two birds with one stone.” Jake says.

“So do you guys have any idea on how you’d find Tasha?” Aaron asked.

“I’ll take care of that.” Cole says, “I’m the one most familiar with her-“

“I’m coming with you.” I said.

“I can manage-“

“The last escape you had here almost cost us Serenity’s life, I’m not putting another girl in the same situation.” I said.

He frowned and glared at me, stepping up. “I said I can manage.”

“And I said I’m coming with you. I obviously have more experience than you do.” I said.

“You two can have each other’s back.” Eric says. “Siam’s giving out the buddy system.”

I frowned, “Siam will-“

“I’ll take over for you.” Eric says, “He says he wants you to get Tasha out without scratch.”

I frowned, not liking the idea that Eric seemed to have taken my place, which Eric must have caught and glanced at the others.

“Well, you can always go with him and I’ll go with Cole-“

“No.” I quickly said, surprising myself. “I’ll back up lover boy here, he’ll need me more than you boys do.”

Cole gave me a glare and shook his head.

“Good, cause if there’s anyone who can track her, that would be you.” We turned around and saw Siam walking toward us. “Serenity did warn me that you’ll be acting up.”

“Am not.” I said.

“For someone who just woke up after a long long long long sleep you sure are cranky.” Aaron teased, “Not a morning person?”

I rolled my eyes again, “If you haven’t noticed, genius, it s night time.”

“And you’re still cranky.” Aaron points out making me frustrated than I already was.

“Calm down, Liam.” Eric says, “We’ll be fine, we’ll get through this.”

“You need to say that,” I snapped, “you need to get home to your fiancé.” He raised a brow.

“What?” the others asked in unison.

“Thanks a lot, Liam.” Eric shrugged, thus, the argument began.

It all started with Eric being sent back, Eric saying Serenity wanted him to be there, Siam saying that Eric is not allowed in the fight, then Eric saying that he promised Serenity to have everyone’s back. Then so on and so fort.

“Could you just shut up?” I turned to the voice and saw the only femme wolf there. “We might as well send a flare and give them our location if you’ll be shouting at each other like this.”

“She’s right.” Uncle Peter says. “Now get in position we’ll attack the moment the clouds covers the moon.”

We all shrugged and walked out of the tent.

“Jean.” I hear Aaron call to the girl.

“I know, I know, stay out of the fighting and stay here like a good femme.”

Aaron chuckled, “Good.”

“At least we know that you are listening to us now.” Jake says.

“Just come back without a scratch, I’m not really sure how to break the news if one of you is injured or dead to your mates, especially Serenity.”

“Don’t worry Jean,” Siam grinned, “we plan on coming home in one piece.”

“You better.” Jean muttered and stuffing her hands in the pocket of her jacket, “Or Anna will have your ass and mine.”

The boys laughed as I just stare at Jean, wondering who she was really. She was far from pure, that’s for sure. But somehow, the boys act like she’s one of the ladies in the court. Well, she might actually be better than those ladies, but still, she was nothing but a rogue until Eric made her join his pack.

“She isn’t the enemy, Liam.” Eric says, “Don’t glare at her.”

“I just don’t like it.” I said walking ahead.

“You’ll get it,” Aaron says, “soon.”

“I’m not really sure I would want to.” I said shrugging off his hand from my shoulder.

“Relax, big boy.” Jean says, “I’m not riding you or any of the boys if that’s what you’re thinking.”

“That’s just gross.” Jake made a face.

“Says the guy who ran away from his mate.” Jean teased. “I mean no harm Liam, I’m just here to help.”

“Just stay out of the way, then we have no problem.” I said.

“Liam, drop it.” Siam says, “She’s cool.”

“Serenity trusted her enough to help her in case something happened to you after you wake up.” Aaron pointed out.

“Serenity trusts everyone.” I pointed out.

“I trust her.” Siam says, “With my life and yours. So just chill.”

I shrugged and turned to her, “I’m sorry, I’m just not use to you.”

She grinned, “You aren’t the first to have that reaction on me.”

“Good to know.” I said and turned to leave.

Seriously, what is your problem with her? Aaron asked while we ran through the forest.

Nothing. I said.

It’s not nothing when you are acting like this. He whined.

If I was in my human form, I’m sure he would have caught me shrug or roll my eyes up. But my wolf was more of a poker face.

Liam-

She’s mated, Aaron. And I’m not really ecstatic that you are so fond of her.

It was true. I easily saw through the cover up Aaron had. He liked her more than he’s supposed to, and with Cole being so near, trying to turn her down?/ let’s just say that it isn’t a nice picture to paint.

That still don’t give you the right to make her feel unwanted. He said, defensive.

It’s just messed up, that’s all.

Just like how it was messed up when you were in love with Serenity.

I glanced at him but he just glared back. I guess I wasn’t so discreet after all.

I knew, no one else does. He reassured me. I thought you would understand-

I do, that’s why I’m acting up.

I hear him snicker, it isn’t like that Liam, I learned from the best… his wolf eased up, you.

I shook my head and pushed myself harder to run ahead of them, hoping no one linked in with the conversation.

Liam, slow down. I hear Siam say.

I’m running ahead to scout the place.

Be careful. I hear Eric says, there has been sighting of traps around the forest.

Got it. I said and ran ahead. I dodged every low branch, rock and bush, staying on the clear path. I finally reached the edge of the forest, surprised that none of the vamps even caught our scent. Or the hunters catching three hundred or so wolves running toward their place.

Grounds and gates are covered with hunters. I said to the others, the back seems to be clear-

There’s a back gate where Serenity and I escaped the last time. Cole says.

We can’t use that. Aaron says, I’m pretty sure they have that sealed.

We can try-

No. I said looking around, we only have one shot at this, there’s no room for error.

Then what do you suggest? Jake asked.

Turn human.

We left the others with Uncle Peter in charge, while we ran to the back of the house.

“What do we do now?” Cole asked.

“We’re going with your suggestion,” I said, “use the back door.”

“What?”

“In human form.” I continued.

“They’ll be too busy taking down the wolves, they wouldn’t think of looking at us twice.”

“This is suicide Liam.” Jake says then grins, “I like it.”’

I grinned, missing Jake’s and Aaron’s need for action.

“Jake, Aaron, take care of the vamps, Eric and Siam-“

“Hunters.” They said in unison. I gave a nod, I was thinking they’d like that.

“We’ll look for Tasha.” I glanced at Tasha.

“Here.” Aaron tossed me a bag that I only noticed he was carrying now. “Jean says she might need the stuff inside.”

“Thanks.” I looked around. “You boys ready?”

“As always.” Jake says. “Just like the old days?”

We exchanged grin, “Just like the old days.” We said in unison.

“Frank’s office is at the second floor.” Eric says, “Serenity said she was kept at the basement-“

“Where I’m guessing Tasha is right now.” Cole nods. “Serenity said that there was a cage made of silver down there.”

“Which wouldn’t a affect a human.” Aaron pointed out, “But do be careful, you wouldn’t be able to use your strength on it.”

“We’ll see about that.”

Then we heard gun shots and growling at the other side of the house, men screaming and chaos.

“That’s our cue.” Aaron says.

“We meet here in half an hour.” Jake says.

“Or less.” I added.

“Keep in contact at all times and don’t let your guard down.” Siam says, “We’re in their territory-“

“I don’t care.” Eric says, “I want Frank’s head in a platter.”

With that said we crept up to the house. As we expected the place was covered with guards. Eric went ahead and grabbed one guard and hit him to unconsciousness.

“What the f*ck man?” Cole hissed.

“We can’t just strut in their bare chest, Cole.” Eric says, pulling off the guy’s shirt and putting it on. Then he grabbed his guns and other weapons. “Grab your costumes boys…”

I grinned and glanced at a guard walking toward us and did the same. Soon, all of us had the hunter’s look, complete with guns and knives.

“Let’s do this.” I said.

We all casually walked out of the forest and joined the other guards who were rushing in and out of the house.

Keep your head low. I hear Siam say.

We all nodded and soon part ways, Cole and I headed to the basement, while the four went upstairs to finish business with the King of vampires and head of the hunters.

We ran around the house, coming across with other hunters, still looking for the door to the basement.

We’d have better luck in breaking the floor. I hear Cole say.

Then we might as well tell these men what we are. I said to him, keeping my patience.

We’ve been walking round here for a good five minutes. He whined.

I shrugged and continued looking around.

“This is stupid Liam.” He snapped, then walks up to a guard and was about to grab him from behind when I pulled him back.

“Don’t.” I sneered.

The guard turned around and faced us.

“What are you doing here?” he snapped, “Aren’t you suppose to be outside?”

“Oh, uhm… We were asked to get ammunisions.”

“’Well, what are you waiting for?” he snapped, “Go get them at the basement!”

“Yes sir!” I said and walked pass them, half jogging, Cole behind us.

“What the hell-“

“Just shut up.” I hissed, “You aren’t just the only one with the life on the line here, ass.”

I turned to a hallway not knowing why, maybe just wanting to get away from Cole. Then I turned to another door.

“Where are you going?” Cole asked.

“I don’t know-“

There was a loud explosion outside, I ran up the window and saw the war still going. Many wolves were lying on the ground, but I can’t say that the hunters were any lucky, if any, I think we were running. I start to run off again.

“We only have ten minutes.” I said, then we heard slamming and growling from upstairs. “I guess they found them.”

“This is crazy.” Cole growled at me.

“Then leave.” I snapped at him and turned to another hallway.

“We’re going in circles and you know it.” he says. “You royalties and pure breeds with your pride—just admit that you aren’t that good or…”

He continues to rant and pissed me off, but slowly his voice faded along with the screaming, growling and explosions as I continue to walk around the house. For some reason it was as if I knew the place. Until I felt my wolf tug within me.

Let your wolf take the lead… I remember Eric say.

And with that thought, I did. I start with a jog, and soon I was frantically running with Cole calling for me, trying to keep up. I stopped in front of a door and slammed it open.

I frowned, it looked like a music room.

“What the f*ck Liam, are you crazy?” Cole asks when he caught up with me, out of breath.

“I might just be.” I mumbled, disappointed. I was so sure that my wolf knew where he was going. I was about to turn to leave when I felt my wolf tug me into the room.

“What? You want to practice your music now?” Cole snapped.

I try to turn, but my wolf wasn’t gonna have any of that. instead he lead me to the fireplace. I ran my hand at the edge of it, until I felt a small lever in the side, I flipped it and we hear machine start. And that was when the floor in front of me popped up and slid open.

A scent of the meadow that was just too familiar to me hit me in an instant, and I began to make my way down the stairs that led us to a very short hallways, that only had one door on the left.

I walked up to the door which was left ajar. I peeked inside, the only light came from the small bulb hanging from the ceiling over a cage.

I stepped inside and saw that the place was cleared, except for the figure that was sitting inside the cage.

“Tasha…” I called.

She looked up at me, and at that moment I was relieved.

“Tasha!” I hear Cole call for her and ran up to the cage.

“Cole!” her face lit up the moment she saw him and that broke my heart for some reason.

I shook my head clear and followed Cole who was jiggling the chains on the cage door.

“Back away.” I said pulling out the gun and shot the lock.

In an instant we have the door unlocked and Tasha in Cole’s arms.

“Are you ok?” he asked her, “Did they hurt you?”

She shook her head, “I’m fine.” She said, then she glanced at me. “Thank you.”

I gave a nod, keeping a poker face, then I opened the bag Jean gave and pulled out a bottle of water, “Drink up, we have a long run to go.”

Cole opened the bottle and helped her drink. “Are you hungry?”

She shook her head, “No time.” She said, “Where’s Serenity?”

“She’s at home, safe and-“

“No!” she hit her fist on her lap, “They’re not done with her, the vampires-“

I didn’t even had to let her finish when I ran out of the room and went back to where the stairs were and ran up to Frank’s office, along the way I came across dozens of dead hunters on the hall way. No wolf’s, that was good.

I ran to Frank’s office and swung the door open. Inside four wolves were surrounded by the vampires and hunters, one woman stood beside the wolves. A woman who I have been dreaming of since I can remember.

“Mom?”

“Liam…” I hear her whisper, then she turned to the hunter nearest her and in an instant she was in front of me, when a gun shot broke the silence I brought.

She fell in my arms and I stared at her.

“Mom…”

“Liam…” she smiled and reached for my face, “I never thought I’d see you again.”

“What- wha-“

“So your Liam.” I looked up and saw a man walk up to me, one with the same skin as my mother had. “My wife’s child, I heard so much about you.”

“Wife?”

“Get away from him Yuri.” My mom glared and faced him, her face not showing any pain.

“I told you, I will kill your husband and son if you don’t stop this.” The man said.

At that moment, everything fell in place. She was one of them, but why was she protecting me? motherly instinct? Guilt?

“You promised not to harm them if I come willingly.” She answers.

“That was until they start popping out like mushrooms-“

“You entwined our paths when you joined the hunters!” she snaps at him. “Now leave him alone.”

“Mom…”

“Liam, I need you and the boys to go back to Sernity, now.” she says.

“A little too late for that.” Yuri says.

“She’s alive.” My mom stressed at him, irking him.

“What’ going on mom?” I asked.

“Just go back and-“

“Shut up!” Yuri screamed and leaped toward us.

And as I remembered how strong she was, she pushed me aside and met the vampire with a counter attack. Then hell broke in that small room.

Siam leaped out of the circle and killed the first hunter he came in counter with. Jake and Aaron attacked the vampires, killing them and turning them to dust. I hear a whine in the corner as I caught Eric deal with three hunters.

With the sight, I morphed and ran to his aid, tackling one hunter from behind and kill him in an instant.

Thanks, but the old man is mine. I hear Eric say.

I looked up and saws him move to the scar faced man in front of him. It was a face that only a mother can love, if I was ask to tell the truth, it was like acid was poured on his face.

He ran up to Eric with a dagger. Eric dodged the attack and leaped nearer to do his own damage.

Another hunter attacks me and that snapped me back to the fight.

Where’s Cole? I hear Aaron ask.

With Tasha. I said, finish this up, we need to get back to Serenity, she’s far from safe.

Eric gave a loud growl and slashed a new set of scar on Frank’s torso making the human scream on the top of his lungs, dropping on his knees, in pain.

“Leave now!” I hear my mother shout, then a groan came from her. I turned and saw her choke with blood, she dropped on the ground, and right behind her was Yuri, in his hand a heart. My mother’s heart.

“Third kill of the day.” He says, proud of himself, “Looks like I’m on a roll.”

I didn’t know what happened next, but all I saw was red as I attack the supposed King of Vampires, the same vampire who was now pleading for me to stop.