Chapter 36

Chapter 36

“After a while, we didn’t need to keep pushing Jonas and Shamira in the direction we wanted. They were on that path without our prompting. We knew they would start a war at some point and we were just going to guide the destruction of the werewolf species in the background when they did.” Layana continued telling them of their involvement.

Timber could feel Johnathon’s anger start to boil over at her confession. Wanting to get even on a single person was one thing, but to erase an entire species over a heartbreak? That was something entirely different.

Andrew was hurt that his own mate would want to destroy his very existence. Even if she didn’t know who he was yet. His pain must have been felt by her, because Layana looked over at him with sorrow filled eyes. Although she didn’t really know why.

“If everything was going according to your ‘plan’.” Johnathon spat out before continuing. “Then why are you here, soliciting ‘our’ help? '' The women could sense his anger and distaste for their involvement in taking out his species.

They hung their heads apologetically finally realizing the effects of their actions. Remorse and guilt ate at them and it showed all over their faces. Layana couldn’t bear to look at Andrew now realizing everything she knew about mates was a lie, and she openly tried to eradicate her mate’s species over her mother being scorned by someone who wasn’t really hers to begin with.

“We fully understand your willingness to assist us. Especially after we are the main reason this war was initiated in the first place.” Mother Lina said. She looked over to Layana who after taking a deep breath, let out an audible sigh.

“We. I…” Layana paused to gain the courage to finish her statement. “...made a mistake. I have come to realize I was lied to about your species my whole life. Not that this is an excuse for what has been done. But, you have to understand that my mother raised me to loathe the wolf species and despise everything about destined mates. My mother was the Head Mistress at the time and one of the most powerful witches, she had great influence over all of the other covens. When she spoke, people listened and obeyed.” Layana confessed.

“Head Mistress Lucia was highly regarded and respected in our community. No one went against her, even if they thought or knew she was wrong about something. Many covens didn’t believe in her cause to annihilate your species, but we also did nothing to stop her from trying. Which was our mistake. Or to go against the way she raised you, Layana.” Mother Cora finally spoke up, saying the last part directly to Layana, sorrow filled her eyes for the child. Layana nodded her head a couple times giving a small lined smile.

“We all make mistakes, Layana. Understanding yours and being willing to do something to fix it, is all that matters now. What can the Graves Pack do to assist?” Timber said. Her motherly Luna side washed over Layana as she spoke causing Layana to look up at her providing a genuine small smile in gratitude. Although Johnathon squeezed her side in surprise for the comment.

“Shamira has gotten out of control. We do not know what happened in recent months to cause the shift but, she has…” looking over to the other coven Mothers for words.

“Shamira has become diabolically contemptuous in her plot to rule.” Mother Cora interjected. Her words came out very matter-of-factly.

“Not just for your species either. She has been building an army, and it is multiplying as we speak, made up of rogues from all species in the supernatural area.” Mother Evelyn added.

“She invaded our smaller, less powerful covens a few weeks ago, taking some of our youngest prisoner. That is when we realized she is taking her position too far, and doing anything she can to destroy everything, to be the ruler over not just the wolves, but all supernaturals.” Mother Lina finished.

Johnathon and Timber looked at each other in complete shock before looking over at Andrew who was just as confused. ‘If she gets enough supernaturals on her side that could be devastating for everyone.’ Timber opened a mind-link to Johnathon and Andrew for private conversation to discuss the new development.

‘That could be why we have seen an increase in rogue attacks. Especially since rogues know better than to trespass here.’ Andrew chimed in.

‘I agree with you both. I also think that is what Elder Selene was trying to tell us. We need to contact the other supernatural community Leaders to form a contact plan. But first… Timber, you will go see Elder Selene, she may have already started this if she knew this would happen. Andrew, when we are done here I want you to increase patrols around all the borders. Nothing gets near without being detected and reported. I don’t care if it’s just a mouse, I want to know.’ Johnathon said.

‘Yes Alpha.’ Andrew said.

‘I will go to the Southern border to get any and all new warriors that are available to assist. We are not going to let this happen unannounced. Now that we have the witches on our side we won’t be taken off guard.’ Johnathon spoke clearly and with authority.

All three were in agreement of their action steps waiting for Shamira to bring the war to full force. The witches just sat there a little confused as to why the three of them were just standing there, eyes glossed over not saying anything.

Then, it hit Layana. They’re mind-linking. Clearing her voice, Andrew acknowledged her first, then Timber and Johnathon.

“Our apologies, we were having a… brief conversation.” Johnathon finally said.

“Something pack members and… mates can do.” Andrew said, directed to Layana causing a slight blush to show on her face.

“We cannot allow her to take over all supernaturals. So, if we are going to do this, then we must be able to trust each other and work together.” Johnathon said to the ladies sitting in front of him. They looked at each other and nodded in their unspoken agreement.

Johnathon looked over towards Andrew and nodded before standing with Timber next to him. Grabbing her hand he pulled it to his lips and placed a loving kiss on the back of it. Turning back to the women, he said, “Do we have an understanding?” making direct eye contact with Layana.

“Yes. We do. Please Alpha Johnathon, we hope you accept our apologies for the mess my mother started and we continued in our ignorance.” Layana spoke.

“All is forgiven as long as you do not cross us again. We are a forgiving people, but we will not be made fools of.” He said, staring at her intensely. She only nodded her understanding without saying a word.

The ladies stood, starting their way towards the door as Andrew opened it allowing them to exit it. Layana was the last to reach him. He grabbed her by the wrist gently holding her still looking down at her intensely. She looked at his hold on her wrist, then up into his eyes. He gave her a smile hoping for one in return.

Layana, seeing the hopefulness in his eyes, gave him a small smile back. “You don’t need to hide from me, my beautiful mate.”

“I’m not hiding from you..” she started before he interrupted her without words. Andrew raised an eyebrow at her, causing her to stop speaking and hang her head shaking it slightly before meeting his eyes again.

“You are mine and I am yours, Layana. All you need to do is accept me. Accept us. I will love you until my last breath.” Andrew spoke sweetly as he pulled her closer to him holding her by her waist. She placed a hand on his perfectly sculptured chest looking into his eyes.

Her breath hitched at the movement but didn’t pull away from him. Andrew took that as a good sign. Leaning down, he closed the gap between them so their lips barely touched as he brushed his against hers closing his eyes, before pulling back slowly.

Layana sighed into him, closing her own eyes at the gesture. Her heart started racing at their closeness and a warmth spread through her urgently. When he stepped back from her, taking his warmth with him, she shivered slightly involuntarily. Causing a slight chuckle to leave Andrew’s lips as he smirked knowing a part of her liked being that close to him.

Hearing a throat clear beside him, Andrew let go of her. Layana, shocked at her body's betrayal at his touch, stared at him for what felt like forever before leaving through the same door her friends walked through waiting on the other side.

With Timber close to his side, Johnathon snickered at his friend and Beta, causing him to turn and look at him. “What?” Andrew replied to his laughing smirking himself.

“Nothing. Absolutely nothing.” Johnathon said back kissing Timber’s temple before walking past Andrew smacking him in the chest as he did with the back of his hand. Timber could only snicker, smiling grandly knowing the mate bond was starting to get Layana to trust him.

“Come on loverboy, let’s go get something to eat.” Johnathon chuckled over his shoulder as they walked out of the office towards the kitchen.

“Do you think we can trust them?” Timber inquired as they reached the kitchen and sat down at the table while Magda heated them up some food.

“I honestly do not know. Witches are known to be trustworthy overall, but I am just not sure.” Timber replied back. Resting her head on her hand thinking about it for a moment as everyone was quietly waiting and thinking. “Well, she did confess her part in starting the war? Then, she asked for our help?” Timber highlighting part of their conversation.

“Layana does seem different. At least from a mate point of view.” Andrew chimed in wanting to give her all the trust in the world being her mate and longing for her to want him back, just as much as he does her. A huge smile plastered on his face thinking about the encounter they had as she left.

“Yeah, a mate point of view doesn’t count here, because you’re only thinking with your little head, not the one above your shoulders.” Johnathon teased pointing from his crotch to his actual head laughing during the comment. Making Andrew blush slightly before saying, “Hey! That’s not entirely true!” he said laughing.

~~~~~~

“Do you think we can trust them? I mean they are werewolves?” Mother Lina asked as they appeared back in witch territory. The three of them walked to the main house hands held together inside the other behind their backs.

“I don’t think they trust us, and that’s something we are needing right now.” Layana said.

“Do you blame them, Head Mistress? After you basically just told them your family pretty much was responsible for their Luna’s family being killed, her being taken by Kronin and then aiding Shamira and Jonas to move this impending war forward? I wouldn’t doubt it if they are concocting a way to stop the war and us right now as we speak.” Mother Evelyn voiced.

Layana, although head held high as they walked, felt great remorse for her actions in this impending war against the werewolves. She was severely misguided by her mother and those before her that she never once questioned if what she was doing was right or not.

“The Beta, what was his name? Oh yes! Andrew, he seems to trust you. Why don’t you try that avenue to persuade them to trust us? We need them as much as they need us, if things are going to get turned around here.” Mother Lina said.

Even though her words were true, Layana didn't want to use Andrew in that way. Her own wolf cries out and longs for him causing her head and body to go against each other. Her wolf constantly tells her to trust and go to him, because he is their mate and mates love each other. But then her head tells her, mates destroy everything.

“Maybe I will Lina. Maybe I will.” was all Layana could say as they entered the house and closed the door behind them.