42. Raine

When Malix told me everything I realised that I was stupid to think I could take on Driak alone. Even with Malix beside me we were only two against a whole pack and an immortal. Not good odds at all, not to mention travelling around trying to find someone who knew something. Seriously what was I thinking? It would be like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Especially when the best place to look was the red eye pack records. I had heard of them but since there was no way of getting in there without His highnesses permission I had dismissed it as useless. Now however, would he let me in? Only one way to find out.

Then there was Rix. When Malix said that her soul was still alive inside me...I'll be honest at first I thought it couldn't be true but it all made sense. The feeling I got when I was around Vericus, the same feeling I got with Malix it didn't come from me it came from her. When Driak gave me back my memories, when I relived that day. The day I killed her, it was the lowest moment of my life. I thought I'd become a monster before that but that day confirmed it. It was like I had killed myself, killed the part of me that I hadn't known I'd had til then. Sure I couldn't remember all of what happened that day nor how her soul ended up inside me but it did. This was my one chance at giving back a life. My one chance at saving someone Who's life I had taken.

Plus it's not like I could go on living like this always in pain whenever Malix touch me. I could never truly be with him while she was inside me and I wanted so badly to be with him. The longer he stayed by my side the more I wanted it. I knew it wouldn't be easy working with Vericus but I had definitely been through worse experiences. It not like he wouldn't be just as motivated to free Rix from my mind right? I doubt he'd want to deal with his mate forever being trapped inside the body of someone who'd taken so much from him. I would give him what he wanted that way I could use him and his pack to accomplish everything I wanted.

We had decided to go back in wolf form since it was faster. What would've taken us three days was shortened by half. I had started wearing my mask again which conveniently sat on my head even in wolf form. Malixs face when I took it out was enough to tell me he still had negative feelings about me wearing it but strangely it gave me strength. If I was going into enemy territory I was going as the old Raine. Let them fear me, they were less likely to underestimate me if I remained the Raine they had grown up scared to cross paths with.

When we got close to the pack house we were greeted by Lycans. I could tell by how scruffy their wolf forms were. They took on a more wild look and tended to be a little bigger then normal wolves. Not to mention they were always covered in scars. Plus the dead give away was the warm welcome they gave Malix. Me however they took one look at the mask on my head growled low in their throats while keeping their distance.

They walked with us towards the main house their eyes glancing my way every so often. I could sense their fear which I couldn't blame them for. There had probably been A time when I had killed one of their members. Who knows it's not like I took the names of all that I had taken down.

When the house came into view I shifted back into human form. Malix doing the same soon after, both of us getting dressed. The ones that had brought us here stayed as wolves watching closely as I strapped my weapons back on. One growling at me eyeing the long daggers at my back.

"Will cut it out!"

I chuckled putting a hand on Malixs arm.

"Don't worry about it I would be scared to if I were them."

I turned to the one that had growled. He was the nicest looking of the three. His black and white patterns not as scruffy looking and his scars few. He was young that much was clear.

"Will is it? Didn't your mum ever teach you it's rude to growl at strangers?"

His lips pulled back as he was about to growl again. In seconds I was in front of him grabbing his neck I twisted him to the ground my foot holding him in place. The other two moved but I had my long daggers out aimed for their throats.

"RAINE!"

Malixs voice sounded over the growls of the three wolves.

"Enough please."

I sighed glancing down at the pretty boy.

"Growl at me again boy and I won't stop at knocking you down."

I lifted my foot, the wolf named Will jumped back with the other two as I swung my daggers then sheathed them at my back. Malix grabbed my hand just as the back door opened. Roake rushed over a scowl on his face.

"What the hell is going on out here?"

I shrugged.

"Just teaching one of your wolves some manners."

His yellow eyes so much like Malixs looked me over. He too took in my mask that still sat on my head.

"I see you haven't changed much."

I took in his partially shifted form and smiled.

"Seems neither have you."

He grunted in answer.

"Vericus isn't back yet. He's taken the body you left behind at the cabin to be analysed. Seems Driak has been experimenting again."

I frowned. I knew I wasn't the only one but I hadn't realised he'd been successful with any others. Maybe this truce thing was a good idea, with Vericus's resources we were sure to find an answer to all our problems.

"Malix go greet your pack I'm sure they will have questions for you. I'll see to it that Raine gets settled in."

I was about to protest but surprisingly Malix beat me to it.

"I'm not leaving Raine alone. She will be staying with the lycans while she's here."

Roake seemed furious at this.

"Malix I understand that she's your mate but they will not take kindly to her presence."

I laughed at his words.

"Don't worry old man I can take care of myself."

"It's not you I'm worried about."

I growled at him angry at the implications his words held.

"I have agreed on a truce I will not break it."

His eyes glowed in anger.

"Your truce was with the red eye pack not the lycans. You may be my sons mate but you are also a blood thirsty killer. I will not subject my pack to your sharp temper nor your sharp tongue."

Malix started to retaliate but I put a hand to his chest.

"Malix don't. It's fine I'll sleep somewhere else."

Malix shook his head pulling me close.

"No Raine they have to get used to us at some point I'm still a Lycan after all and next to be alpha. Your my mate they have to except you."

My eyes met Roakes as he eyed us closely. He was ready to pounce at any minute. I could tell he was just waiting for a chance, A reason to tear me out of Malixs life.

"No they don't and I'll not be the reason they turn on you. Don't worry about me it's not like I'm not used to it. I get the same reaction everywhere I go. This won't be the first time I've slept in the woods alone and won't be the last."

He kissed my lips quickly. A sharp pain shot through my head but I ignored it as he scowled one last time at Roake and left towards the trees once more. I faced Raoke glaring at the lycan alpha.

"Howl for me when Vericus returns."

I turned to head towards the trees aswell ignoring the snarl that came from behind me. Well this was turning out to be an awesome idea. I mean it's not like I expected a different welcome but still did they really think I would stay inside the house? I wasn't born yesterday. That was just asking for trouble. I don't do well around others. The encounter with the kid evidence enough. so this was probably best. Better to stay out of everyone's way.

It was already starting to get dark so once I was far enough away from the house I found a tree with the right kind of branches. Using my claws I climbed the wide trunk and settled into a nice grove at its peak. Not exactly comfortable but good enough to sleep without worrying about being snuck up on. Closing my eyes I listened to the sounds around me. I could hear Malixs pack in the distance, I couldn't hear what they were saying but I could hear the sound of instruments. They seemed to be having a celebration. Whether it was to welcome Malix back or if that was just a normal every night thing I wouldn't know.

I did feel his absence though. He hadn't been by my side for long but we had gotten close these past few days. I hated that he had to leave me but I would never admit that to him. It seemed the more time we spent together to more I didn't want to let him go.

"Are you going to hide in the shadows forever or are you going to swallow your fear and come out?"

Opening my eyes I looked to the ground just as red hair blazed in the darkness. Uncrossing my legs I let one hang over the side of the branch I was perched in. The other I rested my arm on.

"It's dangerous out here for someone with no power left."

To my surprise she don't flinch at my words nor look angry with them.

"I came to thank her."

I looked at her sideways confused.

"What are you talking about?"

"Rix..."

My eyes widened. Swinging my leg over I leapt from the tree landing in front of her. This time she did flinch. I scowled at her leaning against the tree my legs crossed at the ankles.

"Go on."

I watched her face as those green eyes took me in. She was scared but she was trying to hide it. I smiled at her effort it took guts to approach me the least I could do was hear her out.

"I know there's a chance she can't hear me but I had to come anyway."

I casually pulled out a knife from my thigh and started cleaning my nails with it.

"What exactly did Rix do to warrant such an honour?"

"She kept some of my power safe from you."

I froze my eyes meeting hers. She was dead serious. Rix had some how stopped me from completely draining her power. I had thought that it was just because Slo had interrupted us but looks like I was wrong. To be honest I was glad considering that Driak had stolen what was left. Not that I'd ever let her know that.

"CORA!"

She jumped at the sound of Slos voice. I had heard them approach right around the time she had first mentioned Rix. Well Vericus had, slo being slower as usual was late to join the party. I felt those red eyes rather then saw them as I watched Slo take Cora's hand and lead her away mumbling useless words about how she shouldn't have approached me alone blah blah blah.

Vericus however didn't move even when I faced him meeting him stare for stare. though he hadn't said a word yet I could sense something different about him. Something less tortured soul. His shoulders were more relaxed, his eyes softer. I felt what I now knew was Rixs pull towards him and fought against it.

"Well I seem popular tonight. I assumed you wouldn't be back til tomorrow."

His lips curved in a smile.

"Disappointed?"

I replaced the throwing knife back and stood straight.

"Not at all the sooner we finish this the sooner I can wipe my hands of all of you."

His red eyes stared me down a mixture of wanton desire and harsh dislike.

"Come on then let's get this over with."

I stretched a hand out in the direction of the house. My voice dripping with sarcasm.

"After you your highness."

He raised an eye brow but said nothing as he started towards the house. There was no way I was letting him walk behind me. I needed to be on my guard at all times. We walked in silence until the house came into view.

"I'm assuming Roake told you a room had been prepared for you?"

I scoffed at him.

"He mentioned it and I refused."

Vericus paused halfway across the yard so suddenly I almost ran into him. Quickly I stepped back narrowly avoiding making contact. He spun around this red eyes ablaze even in the dark of night.

"If this truce is to work your going to have to learn to trust me."

I crossed my arms across my chest scowling at the hulk of a king.

"It's hard to trust someone that caged me the last time I was here."

He stepped closer, I knew he was expecting me to step back but I refuse to back down to him. His face was inches from mine, his voice stern.

"I'm trusting you. the one responsible for more deaths then I can count including her own sister."

I growled at him reaching back to grab one of my long daggers but his hand grabbed my wrists so fast even I couldn't track it. I scowled at him gritting my teeth in anger.

"Let go."

Instead he stepped closer. I Glared at him hating how close he was and the way my body was reacting to that closeness. Suddenly a hand grabbed me pulling me away from Vericus as I was pushed behind a familiar body.

"Vericus, I'm Malix Son of Roake and Raines mate it's nice to finally meet you."

Malix had his hand extended in greeting. I could tell he was trying hard not to challenge Vericus for touching me. One wrong move and this could end in a fight. He had made a point of announcing me as his mate but also showing respect by being formal. I had to hand it to Malix he knew how to handle himself around Vericus. Not that it would matter with his temper.

However I was shocked when Vericus stood straighter gripping Malixs hand.

"Vericus, alpha of the red eye pack. I've heard a lot about you."

What the shit?! He really had changed. I wasn't gone that long was I? How had he changed so much. I stepped around Malix eyeing Vericus like he was a different person. He was so calm it just didn't seem natural. What the hell was going on here?

"Please tell your mate not to draw her weapons or I'll have them taken away."

I scowled at him.

"Ah I am right here this isn't the dark ages Vericus I don't need my mate to speak on my behalf."

He turned to me a smirk on his face.

"I would believe that if you actually listened for once in your life."

I growled at him.

"You provoked me!"

"I spoke the truth how you interpret that is your own doing."

I clenched my fists.

"Your impossible! Fuck this I'm too pissed off to do this tonight. I'll come back in the morning."

I turned and headed back towards the trees.

"Raine!"

I didn't get far before Malix had my hand spinning me back around.

"Raine please if you want this truce to work you have to learn to control your anger."

I sighed. I knew he was right but being here, being around him brought out the worst in me. Every time he came near me I had to fight Rixs urges to be near her mate. It was confusing and irritating. It felt exactly like I was being controlled. Like I had no free will and I hated it.

Malixs eyes went to my mask. Slowly he pulled it down to cover my face. I stared at him confused.

"I know why you keep this, to remind yourself of what Driak did to you right?"

I nodded surprised that he'd figured out my feelings without me having to voice them.

"If using it helps you through this then do it. Put your anger into the mask. Use it as your tool, use it as your reminder that your doing this to gain back your freedom. Whenever you feel yourself loosing control wear it as a catalyst for your anger, your hatred. The mask is your anger your hatred. it's not you, don't let it define you."

His words brought me back, calmed me down. I knew he hated the mask hated who I was with the mask but he was willing to use it as a way to help me. That in itself was one of the reasons I loved him with all my heart.

"Better?"

I nodded slowly lifting the mask to sit back on top of my head.

"Good now come on."

He held my hand and walked beside me as we returned to where Vericus stood. He said nothing as he took both of us in. Just before he turned around I saw the sadness in his eyes telling me he had heard every word.