Chapter Sixty: The Dark Side of the Fangs

Hudson:

Her mood swings had been terrible, the heat of her temper rising by the day. The volcano has exploded, Raven getting burned in the warpath. Something was eating at her, her mood having darkened since she had to kill her parents. Leaning on my knees, her eyes fluttered open as we pulled up in front of Theros' home. Pushing the door open, she dodged his hug. Leaping over his gate, her boots pounded deeper into the woods. Confusion dawned on our faces, Evie leaping back over with a friend in tow. A starving vampire protested behind her, his matted hair dragged along the ground. Slamming him into the ground in front of her, she dug her heel into his chest. Massaging my forehead, today was not going as planned.

"You are going to tell me where your friends are right now or will stomp your head into a puddle of blood and bone." She threatened icily, hovering a golden ball over his face. "I am not about to let a bunch of bloody fangs harm my little brother." Theros popped up to his feet, his shaking hands dusting off his designer suit.

"Why would I talk to you, you pregnant mutt!" He snarled with a disgusted death glare, Evie sniffing the air. "We will t-" Stomping on his head, horror rounded our eyes. Inky blood covered her boots, her shaking fingers ripping off her dagger. Her scythe unfolded in her eager palms, ice creeping out from underneath her boots. Her hair floated up in the air, storm clouds brewing overhead. Banging the end of her scythe on the ice, a spike of ice shot her up into the air. Landing on the wall, a blizzard howled to life. Grappy attempted to land next to her, a blast of wind knocking him back. Raven stepped out cautiously, her palm catching a pile of snowflakes. Concern replaced the fear in her eyes, Evie disappearing into the night. Daryll peeled off his clothes, shifting into a white wolf. Unsure of what to do, his white tail was the last thing I saw. Raven shoved my blade into my palm, assuring me that she would watch Flynn. Evie tended to be reckless but not this reckless. Locking the back door behind her, a shaky thumbs up from the other side did little to ease my nerves. Lightning crackled around my hand, my reaper's eye going insane. Bouncing around wildly, the damn thing settled down in a matter of seconds. Running up the wall, frigid gusts lashed my cheeks. Theros landed next to me, even the damn vampire was shivering from the cold. The visibility was shit, the two of us using our noses to sniff them out. Crunching through the fresh snow, we skidded to a stop at ice meeting bloody fangs. Daryll growled behind her, his paw thumping against the ground three times. Nodding in his direction, a swift swing beheaded the first row of rogue vampires. Decaying to ash in an instant, three attacked from behind, Daryll whining. Enveloping his body, the rotting vampires bit every inch of her back. Charging in, the numbers were overwhelming. Cutting them back, a grateful Evie gazed up at me. My breath hitched at her raw beauty, her eyes quivering in Theros' direction. Cutting his palms, inky blood pooled around his feet. An inky blackness darkened his eyes, his hair floating. Chanting a spell, Evie begged for him to stop. Yanking me down, a dome of ice covered us. Blood and guts painted the dome, the fear in her eyes alarming. The disgustingly wet sounding rain stopped, the dome melting into water. Soaking us, she struggled to her feet. A deranged Theros twitched inches from us, his claws sliding through her chest. Shock rounded her eyes, his other hand heading for her bump. Blocking it with her hand, his claws ripped apart her hand. Tendons dangled out of the burgeoning holes, her own blood pooling at her feet.

"You need to wake up, Theros!" She wheezed through a wall of tears, ruby pouring from the corner of her lips. "Think about Ruby!" Bearing down on his attack, a wall kept Daryll and me from getting to her. Silent tears streamed down her cheeks, heartbreak mixed with the terror in her eyes. Her pleas fell on deaf ears, ruby painting his face the moment he ripped his claws out. Hot vomit flew up my throat at her bloody hand dangling lifelessly, his claws meeting the blade of her scythe. Each dodge did little to ease my worry, her moves growing sloppier. Gripping her by the throat, a rag doll was the only way to describe her. Pinning her to the tree, each breath grew shorter. A flash of ivory waves caught my eyes, Diamond smashing into him. Holding his wrists to the ground, teardrops soaked his face.

"You need to stop! You are about to kill your best friend. Theros! Wake the fuck up." She begged desperately, Daryll poking a gravely injured Evie with his snout. "I love you but you really shouldn't have shifted into this. It takes so much for you to come back from it." Kissing his lips feverishly, his claws shrank back. Returning back to normal, panic gripped his face at the sight of Evie.

"No! No! No!" He cried out, throwing Diamond off of him. "I am sorry! I am so fucking sorry! You, wolf boy. Can you carry her to my house? We only have a couple of hours to save her. Hudson, regret runs like a river in my veins. I promise to do everything to save her." The barrier fell, Daryll picking up her dagger. Clicking it back onto her choker, he slid her onto his back. Crunching through the snow, we couldn't get back fast enough. Leaping over the wall, his big paws pounded into his home. Setting a bloody Evie on the floor, her arms still protected her bump. Not one mark got anywhere near it, a sigh of relief escaping my lips. Diamond shoved everyone out of the way, her ruby eyes snapping in our direction.

"Get out all of you. I need an empty room of silence to heal her." She barked urgently, a filthy Theros guiding us out. "Come back in a couple of hours." Taking me up to his room, he had me wait in his bedroom as he took a quick shower. Raven came in with a cooing Flynn, his tiny hands reaching for me. Taking him in my arms, her head bowed in shame. Why the hell was she ashamed? There was absolutely no reason. She was my hero for watching my son, her quick action saving us all.

"I was out of line earlier, Alpha. I apologize with every ounce of sincerity." She choked out oddly, her hands trembling. "I really didn't mean to l-" Putting my hand in the air, a stunned silence overtook her. Raven was never in the wrong, my wife was. Evie knew that and she would have to make it up to Raven.

"You did nothing wrong. Evie made the mistake. When we get back home, she is going to make it up to you." I asserted firmly, her head shaking. "That is an alpha's order. Trust me, if we know her she is going to perform a big gesture to make it up to you." Plopping down on the bed next to me, Evie had been gravely out of line. The alpha in me was pissed beyond belief with her. Raven played with the hem of her skirt, her lips parting to speak. A depression clouded her aura, a gentle smile coming to my lips.

"I think you are braver than you think. I also think you are far smarter than you seem to think of yourself." I expressed with a crooked grin, watching her bury her head into her palms. "You have the best grades and I believe you are set to graduate this year if you keep it up. Have you thought about what to do next in your life? Please tell me something so I have a distraction." Peeking through her fingers, her hands fell to her bump.

"I never thought of that. What can I offer to the world anyway? I am a pregnant teenager who happens to be lucky enough to have a tutor." She shot me down with a brisk tone, her expression reminding me of Evie. "I don't even know how to cook. I want to learn so I can cook for my family." Snapping my fingers, an idea popped into my head.

"How about I have Evie teach you how to cook? We could use all the help we can get after all when she gives birth." I suggested with my real smile, excitement glimmered in her anxious eyes. "You have plenty of time to decide what you want to do. You have our support. You are a part of my family after all. If it means anything, I wouldn't mind you as my secretary until you figure it out. It comes with a decent salary." Crimson colored her cheeks, her wet eyes meeting mine.

"Why are you being so nice to me? The previous alpha would have punished me severely." She mumbled her breath, her hands clenched into fists. "I don't deserve anything decent coming my way." An exhausted Evie stumbled in, shaking off the last of the magic. Faint scars covered her skin, her hands cupping Raven's. Getting on her knees, her body trembled from moving too early. Here was the big gesture.

"I came up here to apologize properly." Evie stuttered brokenly, struggling to stay sitting up. "I will do anything to make it up to you. I was in the wrong for yelling at you earlier. What is it you desire?" Crawling onto the bed, her fingers twitched. Raven moved closer to her, the poor teenager checking her pulse.

"Teach me how to cook." Raven blurted out oddly, Evie shooting her a shaky thumbs up. "Can I get you anything?" Rolling onto her back, Raven laid down next to her. Smiling softly to myself, the relationship had been mended. A bout of nausea wracked her, Evie crawling over to the nearest trash can. Emptying her stomach, the chunks landed in the bottom.

"This magic shit sucks." She bitched audibly, throwing up again. "Healing magic is the worst. The very basic result is always expelling any vampire venom. Theros really loaded it up. Is he okay?" A fully dressed Theros stepped out of the bathroom, his eyes lighting up at a healed Evie. Rushing over to see her, he fretted over her the only way a brother could. Noting the simple black t-shirt and ripped jeans combo, his trembling hands held her hair back. Watching them together warmed my heart, her real smile flashing on her face.

"Thank goodness, you are okay!" He yelled jovially, pulling her limp body into a tight embrace. "How many times did I tell you to stay out of the way when I shift? You know that I don't have any control. You should have just k-" Clearing her throat, daggers could have shot from her eyes. Hitting his chest weakly, tears welled up in his eyes.

"No fucking way." She whispered adorably, her arms dropping to her side. "I can't leave my family behind. No matter what happens to me, I can't leave you behind. We have been through too much, you dummy." Emptying out her stomach once more, this cycle repeated itself several times. Wiping the corner of her lips, the bed groaned as she sat up. Resting her wrists on her knees, the darkness around her aura faded away. Flashing everyone a bright smile, her face fell at her destroyed dress.

"Do you have some buttery popcorn and pickles? I am having a really bad hankering for them." She requested politely, Theros having to think about if he actually had the items. "Maybe a bit of ice cream. You know what, no never mind. I can cook my own f-" Swinging her feet over the edge of the bed, a soft thud announced her crash to the floor. Using the bed to rise to her feet, her legs trembled. Giving up, she slid down to the floor. Staying in her spot, Daryll rushed into the room.

"I have a snack prepared for you with the help of Calvin." He announced proudly, holding out a tray of saltine and iced ginger tea. "This was all we could find and Diamond said the tea would help. She sent some of the half vampires out to get food. She said something about making a thank you dinner for what you did." Her lips parted to speak, Theros shook her head. Sally and Susie crashed in, the two women pulling her into a warm embrace. Their hair reminded me of two onyx waterfalls cascading down their back, their eyes glittering with tears of joy. Fussing over her, her genuine smile lit up her face. Sally adjusted her navy t-shirt, Evie's eyes falling on her bump. Turning her attention to Susie, the tight sweater dress showed off her bump. A bag of salty popcorn rested under her arm, a long sigh pouring from Evie's lips. Sitting down across from her, everyone else surrounded her. Watching her chat with them pleasantly, the stress melted away with each passing second. A tender blush rose to my cheeks, the moonlight bathing her delicate features just right. Tucking a piece of hair behind her ears, Flynn reached for her. Plopping down next to her, her smile never left her face as she scooped him up. Rocking him back and forth, Flynn stealing their hearts right away.

"Have any room for me?" An exhausted Diamond inquired, Theros rushing to her side. Spinning her around, the love oozing from his eyes. Motioning for her to sit down, Ruby cooed at the sight of Flynn. Taking their place next to Evie, Ruby reached for Flynn. Laying them down on their belly, Ruby's black lace dress matched her mother's. The shorter Victorian style dress emphasized their style, the kids playing together. Settling into a pleasant evening, Evie hadn't felt so free in a long while. Seeing her ease around Theros and Diamond relaxed the others, Raven laying her head on Stephan's lap. He must have entered when I wasn't paying attention, his fingers playing with her hair.

"Thanks for today, Theros." Evie chirped cheerfully, embracing in one of their typically tight hugs. "You really took off the edge that I have been feeling. Take care. How about you come to my house next week and we can have a hell of a time. One more thing. I love you like a little brother. Don't you ever forget that." Winking in his direction, she sauntered out with the hearse. Hopping into the back, Flynn cooed in her arms. Placing him in his car seat, her slender fingers struggled with the harness. Reaching from behind, her loving gaze met mine as I clipped everything into place. Spinning around to face me, her lips pressed against mine hungrily. My heart skipped a beat, her hands rubbing against my firm chest.

"I am sorry for snapping at Raven earlier. I will accept any punishment you wish to give me." She apologized profusely, seeking an answer in my eyes. "I am so fucking sorry." Clutching her close to my chest, every pent up emotion soaking up my shoulder. Rubbing her back, the others climbed in. Taking their seats with quiet concern, everyone's auras feeling a bit lighter. Sitting down, she lay her head on my lap. Snores echoed in my ears, Evie slumbered in my lap.

"Is she going to be okay?" Calvin stammered nervously, Grappy leaning back. "I didn't mean to be a burden this morning." Shaking my head, he needed to know that he wasn't such a thing. Grappy dusted off his all black outfit, a yawn pouring from his lips. Folding his arms across his chest, Calvin's eyes refused to leave the blue carpet underneath his feet.

"You aren't a burden. You are a part of our pack." I assured him, his shame filled eyes meeting mine. "I am proud of your grades. Your future is just as bright as anyone else in my house." Sinking back into a painful silence, the ride was too long. Squealing to a halt, the door opened. Taking Flynn out of his car seat, I tossed Evie over my shoulder. Carrying her to the bed, her body looking limp on the bed. Tucking her in, her hand grabbed my wrists.

"Please get into bed with me. I need you to hold me." She begged adorably, reaching for our son. Giving him to her, she rolled onto her side. Ripping off my shirt, it fluttered to the ground. Climbing in on the other side, Flynn's tiny hands reached for me. Curling his fingers around my thumb, his smile reminded me of Evie's. Leaning on her arm, her hand rubbed my arm in a soothing manner.

"Can you believe everything we have?" She gushed lovingly, kissing the top of his head. "We have more pups coming our way. I love you, Hudsy." Scarlet painted my cheeks, her hands guiding my hand to her bump. Pride swelled in my eyes, her hand cupping mine. This was the Evie I fell in love with, every day with her was getting better.

"I am so happy to be by your side as your wife. I wanted you to know it." She continued warmly, playing with my hair. "You are the glue holding my messy mind together. I am sorry that I died. I didn't mean to. I would lay down my life to protect anyone in our clan and most importantly you." Understanding the promise of her words, they were as good as gold. Kissing her passionately, her body arched towards me. Sliding my hand to her hip, our tongues danced in our mouths. The moment ended with Flynn's laughter twinkling in the air, his hands reaching for her. Clutching her close to him close to her chest, the resemblance melted my heart.

"Can I say something?" I interrupted serenely, pulling them into a warm hug. "My life would be nothing without you. You are the glue holding me together. I fell apart when you died and I couldn't eat or sleep. The moment I heard your voice on the other end of the phone, I could have died and gone to Heaven." Pressing her forehead against mine, her genuine smile brightened her features. Latia skidded into our room, her chest huffing up and down.

"You have guests. They aren't bad but you have guests." Swinging our feet over the edge of the bed, Latia held Flynn while we pulled on fresh clothes. Smoothing out her silky emerald rockabilly dress, Evie ran down the stairs. Following her down the stairs, the other alphas hugged her tightly while congratulating her. Paying her respect, they began setting up the feast they brought. Thanking my lucky stars, she looked in her element. Let's pray the peace stays for a good bit.