Chapter Forty One

CHRIS

"You cannot escape your destiny!"

Those words hunted me day and night. Those were the same words that being had said in my dream, it haunted me every time I tried to get my mind off it. Most times, the being appeared in my sleep, but this time it wasn't trying to attack me. It just stood there, repeating those words until I jolted myself awake in fright.

I got out of bed wearing a frown, I had had the same dream again and it was beginning to weigh me down. I thought of meeting the mage but I was too busy with the summit preparation to go see him. I hurried my way into the bathroom after my maidservant had prepared my bath.

As the water dripped down my skin, my mind drifted to the good times I spent with Lucy. She was the only one that kept me sane, she listened to all of my complaints and was ready to give me a few pieces of advice. She was like my dear mother and I knew she would make a fine Luna when the time was right.

"My lord!" a guard called, drifting my thoughts away. "You are being summoned by the elders."

Immediately, my smile turned into a big frown. I stepped out of the bathroom with my towel tied around my waist. "What did you say the problem is?" I asked.

"The elders have summoned you for an emergency gathering, they say that you must come at once," the guard said, bowing his head.

I scoffed. "Who do they think they are to summon their Alpha? I see that they're beginning to bite more than they can chew."

I got dressed and made my way to the great hall for this meeting. Lothar was waiting at the courtyard to join me and I could see desperation in his look.

"Are you aware of this meeting?" I asked.

He shook his head. "I was only informed this morning, I thought you knew about it as well," he said.

We arrived at the hall where all were seated. My mother too was there and she had a troubled look on her face. "What is this nonsense about?" I asked.

"Chris," Orvyn said in a stern tone, "time is running out. You made a commitment to us and yet there is no sign of a mate."

I met his gaze without flinching. "Rest assured, Orvyn. I will introduce my mate to you all before the year ends."

"We've granted you enough time, Chris. But tradition cannot be ignored," Kazmir snarled.

"Watch your tone, you swine!" my mother sneered. "I'm not going to sit here and watch you disrespect my son. He said he will introduce one to you soon so why the pressure."

"Lady Maeve, you know the traditions that govern us. You know the importance of this matter, an Alpha's rule must be secured and he needs his mate to do that," Kazmir explained.

My eyes narrowed, a hint of defiance in my voice. "You all need to know your place in this pack. Remember, I am the Alpha of this pack. I have the authority to remove anyone of you as an elder in this council if you dare challenge me."

The elders exchanged glances and murmured amongst themselves, my words sinking in. "Very well then, let's see who truly has the authority here. We give you till the end of this year and if you don't produce your mate to us, we will not only strip you of your throne but we will reduce you to a commoner. Mark my words, Chris!" Orvyn yelled, grimacing at me.

I laughed their comments off and walked out of there before I lost my temper. I retreated to my chambers, the conversation replaying in my head. I needed to act fast, I had to carry out my plan and clear Lucy of any charge before I could announce her as my mate. I was running out of options.

I paced around, trying to think of my next line of action. Suddenly, flashes of my recurring dream assaulted my thoughts once more, the vivid image threatened to overpower me. I clutched my head in agony, my eyes began to burn. I struggled to gain balance but soon I fell to the ground as I cried out in pain. No one came to my help as I screamed though I had guards at my doorpost at all times. It was either they couldn't hear me or they had left their post.

I struggled to gain control of myself, I was gradually shifting form. My claws extended involuntarily, and my fangs threatened to reveal themselves. It was like I was shifting form for the first time and it was more painful than the first time. My eyes were burning red and I felt every bone in my body break as I continuously transformed.

Just then, the door creaked open and my mother entered, her gaze falling upon my disheveled form.

"Chris, are you alright?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

Forced to mask my internal struggle, I rose from the floor and managed a shaky smile, beads of sweat forming on my forehead.

"I'm fine, mother. Just lost in thought," I lied.

"You don't look fine to me, Chris. You are shifting form, what is going on?" she asked. I ignored her question and tucked myself in the bed.

She sat beside me, my expression files with worry and concern. "Chris, talk to me, what's going on?" she asked. "You're burning up and you look weak."

I sighed. I began to explain the dream I had to her and how it had continued to haunt me for days. I made sure I explained everything in detail not leaving anything apart. Her eyes widened in shock, he mouth wide open as she fought the right words to come out of them.

"We need to see the mage as soon as possible. Your father had a similar dream as this before he was killed," she said.

Immediately, she ordered the guards to get the mage, and in no time, the mage appeared. He smiled as he entered my chambers.

"Thank goodness you are here," my mother said. "It's happening again. My son is having the same dream his father had before he was killed."

"History is about to repeat itself again, young Alpha," the Mage said.

I was stunned. I had no idea of what he was talking about. "What do you mean? What is this dream about?" I asked, my heart pounding in my chest.

"Your death is near!"