Thread: Girl in the Fire, Boy in the Storm (Absinth and Enigma)

The last seventeen years had been hell. Kiera Lockeheart had only been a teenager when the times fell hard but she remembered it well, all too well. Her life was turned upside-down no longer could she play in the forest with her friends or go hunting at night to train her senses. Her father, the Alpha of the Lockeheart pack had seen to it that every member of his large pack was safe much to his daughters dismay. Kiera had learned from a young age that any other person than her pack could be trouble, nothing was safe nothing was certain. It was a lesson that no young girl should have to learn. Finally, her time was coming. After the vicious attacks on her pack, Kiera was more than ready to take the lead. Shed been training for this, hungering for it. She was the only child of the Alpha, which meant it was her job to carry on leading. Shed been bred for it, raised for it. And of course, she was more than willing to take the job. Her father, on the other hand, was not so keen. He had watched Kiera grow from a joyful little girl into a strong, stubborn woman. There was a rage within her that threatened what hed worked so hard for peace. It was safe to say that over the years that Kiera had learned the structure of their world and whose job it had been to prevent such acts of violence. This person was supposed to keep their world in balance Kiera didnt understand why but thats how their world was. It quickly became known to her that the very man who had held the head of the Carver family, the ones responsible for this so called peace, had disappeared off in their time of need. This wasnt a secret, everyone knew of it and spoke of it from time to time, mainly using profanity. That morning began as every other. Quick to wake, run, and then gather the pack to practice their skills. If any more attacks were to come, Kiera wanted to be ready. She wanted to turn the tables on these assholes that dared threaten her home or her people. For that to happen, they all had to be ready. It seemed by the time she arrived back from her run that a few pack members were missing. Kiera remained in the back yard of the pack home until they returned. Hope glistened in their eyes. Whatever they were coming back with, it seemed to be good news. Theyre back! One woman called to the rest of the pack who had remained seated until their kin rushed toward them. The Carvers are back. Wait, before you judge Theyre going to help us. And about time too. The lady. Well, she requests that her brother marry. The pack who had remained behind gawked, Kiera simply clenched her jaw. She had a feeling she knew what was coming. By telling us this, I assume theres a part we have to play? the woman nodded slowly. He wants the unwed wolves. I guess anyone without a mate. They need to present themselves to him, at his home, in a week. The pack fell silent. Is he fucking joking? Kiera spat, How dare he assume he has the pick of our women with no thought as to our arrangement. Father, he didnt even consult you, surely you cant approve? Her father, Viktor, remained quiet for a moment. We need their help. Granted, we have suffered by their hands indirectly but you must understand Kiera sometimes we have to make hard choices so that we dont suffer further. Kieras lip tightened slightly. You cant be agreeing with this. We are strong. She argued, her expression turning dark. He wasnt going to budge on his choice, she knew that. Once her father had spoken, that was that. The week had passed swiftly, much to Kieras dismay. The unmated wolves of her pack were a mix of emotions. Some were keen, clearly knowing far too many stories about Daniel Carver. Some were angry, just as she was. Then there were the mean women, who seemed more afraid than anything. The young heir was incredibly furious at the idea of having to turn up at this mans house to present herself as a possible wife. Who did he think he was? It was his fault that they were struggling. Their loss was on his hands, yet her pack seemed to forget that fact. Many of the women were almost joyful at picking out various gowns, trying to pin the best way to show their bodies off. Clearly the tales of his strength were surpassing that of his neglected responsibility. Fools. The evening came by rather swiftly. As the pack slowly made their way into their home Kiera felt a strong grasp on her shoulder. Kiera, love, His tone was soft, Viktor. If he does choose you, nothing will change. You will live with him but you will still be their Alpha. Kieras lip twitched slightly, rage filling her gaze. You know, dad, I thought you were a respectable Alpha. I thought you led with power and respect. You know what Ive learned? You dont deserve to be an Alpha. Youre offering up women of your pack for a job that these people should have been doing in the first place. Her gaze locked with his. You dont deserve the pack. With that, she turned and strode in, not once looking back. The garden was beautiful as much as Kiera didnt wish to enjoy it, she admired the place. Fresh flowers bloomed, it scented the garden with a fresh, floral scent. By the time Kiera found the rest of the women she noticed a man standing before them. Daniel Carver, no doubt. He was barely dressed, his shirt wide open to display his wounds. Kiera couldnt help but snicker. If he thought those scars were going to get him anywhere, he had another thing coming. Sadly, some of the women were already gazing toward him with lustful eyes. Fools. The rest of the women were dressed in dresses of some sort, some were bigger than others clearly trying to gain his attention. Kiera on the other hand, wore a pair of dark jeans, a tank top and knee length boots. Her usual clothing. There was no need to make this a bigger deal than it already was, not in her eyes at least. The female watched him with amber tinted hues. Her natural colour was green, yet the beast within her managed to rise at the mere sight of him, turning her eyes to that of the animal within her. It was clear she was the Alphas daughter. She was the only woman that stood before him with deep auburn curls. Unlike her kin, her skin was fairly light. She lived outside, yet her skin remained somewhat pale which only starkly contrast her dark red curls. She certainly wasnt the standard Werewolf, nor did she pretend to be. Not that she was cocky, but she knew where she stood in this world. She was confident in it. As she heard his comment a snarl almost escaped this. He was treating this like a game? He was about to ruin someones life. He was going to take her away from her true mate, he was going to tear her from her pack life. How dare he find joy in that! Suddenly, Kiera could feel the change in the air. As she glanced down toward the women she could sense they felt it too. Some fell to their knees, some gasped for air, some even retreated. A low, vicious growl began to rumble from within Kiera. Her women were stronger than this. They had to realize that. Not even a being such as Daniel Carver should shake them. Not to mention, this was an event with the whole pack if something were to happen they would all be there to strike. Kieras gaze flashed to his sister, who seemed to know all too well what he was doing. That only enraged her further. Her first thought was to shift, allow the she wolf to come and attempt to rip his throat out for such a display. Until she realized how many women were cowering. It was a test. With a muffled oath she immediately stormed through the group of women, attempting to pull up the women that knelt, much to her dismay they gave up under his power. Kiera would be damned if she even considered giving in. Kiera couldnt hold her tongue any longer. These women had to know they were powerful enough to reject his influence. Without hesitation she stormed toward him, her step graceful as she appeared before him, her gaze firm. How dare you treat them with a display of such arrogance. These women are here to save their pack and you wish to treat them as if they are worthless? In an instant she pulled her palm back, colliding it firmly into his cheek with as much force as she could muster. Youre a piece of shit. You alone caused fifty of our pack to die. FIFTY. Do you know how much blood that is? She hissed coldly, Youre robbing these women of their true mates. Its practically a sin to mate with anyone but your true mate. Surely you know that. She glanced toward his sister, a snarl rippling from within her. And you Kiera, A stern voice called from behind the women. Her father slowly approached the scene ordering his daughter back. The female took one last glance toward Daniel, her lip curled slightly in disdain. She couldnt believe he was defending this asshole. Im saying what everyone else seems to be afraid to say, She snapped, Its his fault and were here offering him a bride? What the fuck have you all taken? A low growl rumbled from her father the very atmosphere turning dark as his power radiated. With a soft huff Kiera stood back, taking her place in the line of wavering women.