Hearts On Fire
Chapter 24:

Azrael: “You talking about?!”

Azar: “Dad, calm down!! We'll talk this through.”

Fenrir: “Do you know what they did to us?! What they’ve done to your mother?!”

Azrael: “Fenrir, I know that you're still taunted by it but there's not a solution.”

Fenrir: “There is a solution. We need to end their whole bloodline. They need to die!!”

Azar: “ENOUGH!! I don't care that you're my father. I'm not gonna let you speak about my mate like that and for sure you're not gonna lay a finger on her no matter who she is!! I would die before I would let anything hurt her or anyone. So if you wanna harm her, you have to go through me first.”

Fenrir: “You're turning your back on your own family?!”

Azrael: “Son, please calm down. No one’s gonna hurt Amaya. Same goes for you. Calm the fuck down. It's our son's mate that we’re talking about.”

Fenrir: “Yes, and she's Luca and Maria's daughter. The daughter of the people who hurt us like no one before.”

Azar: “She's not them!! Her mom and brother, tortured her since the day she was born!!”

Fenrir: “How do you know that her story is true?! How do you know you can trust her?! Maybe they made it all up so that you can accept her. Have you ever thought about that?! What if all of this is a lie?!”

Azar: “It's not a lie, I trust her!! I've seen her memory, I felt her pain. I felt the agony they fucking put her through. I've seen all of her scars. Her whole body is covered with them. Her brother tried to rip her heart out!!”

Fenrir: “It could all be a setup!! They managed to trick us into trusting them in the past.”

Azar: “She's not them and she's not like them!!”

Fenrir: “How can you be so sure?! It runs in their blood. Their hate towards us. The desire to take our power. Luca wanted to take you from us. He wanted to raise you and use you as his personal weapon. Him and Nevio were power-hungry monsters. Nevio’s father killed your uncle and grandfather. They tortured your pregnant aunt before they killed her in front of your uncle. Evilness runs through their veins. They’re all rotten to the core and now you're telling me Nevio’s had a son!! A son that was on our territory just a few hours ago and what did he want?! He came for your mate. Did he take her?!”

Azar: “I don't know what he wanted but she was so scared.”

Fenrir: “Maybe because she's hiding something!! I'm telling you we can't trust her!! We need to interrogate her. God knows what she knows what their plans are.”

Azar: “NO!!”

Blaise: “YOU’RE NOT GOING ANYWHERE NEAR MY MATE!! FATHER OR NOT, TRY SOMETHING AND YOU’RE DEAD!!”

Azrael: “Stop this!! Both of you!! I know how much pain they inflicted on us but we can't blame the poor girl. Now everything makes sense. The day I met her she knew I was a hellhound. She knew what happened twenty one years ago. I was wondering why she was curious about it so I told her why we killed those packs. I could see it in her eyes. She had so much pain in them. I know it's hard for you to accept it but if you can't trust her, trust me and your son. That day she told me something that I understand now. She said they were all monsters and that she wishes we killed them all. Remember what my brother told me? That he couldn't do anything before and the things are just like they’re supposed to. Ezekiel knew Maria's daughter was gonna be our son's mate, Fenrir. If we killed Maria, Amaya would’ve never been born and Azar would’ve never had a mate.”

Fenrir: “Why is she human then?”

Azar: “I believe she's not completely human. Her eyes began to change like mom’s when she's angry.”

Azrael: “See? There are so many things we don't know yet.”

Fenrir: “How did Maria survive after Luca’s death? We die along with our mates.”

Azrael: “I think it is simple. They obviously never marked each other. If they did, we would know about it. They plotted revenge. When Maria came and told us she was carrying your child, nobody would believe her if she was marked by someone else. Same goes for Luca. You know how he tried to get close to me.”

Fenrir: “How could I fucking forget that he wanted you for himself?! I could never forget that you kissed him.”

Azrael: “Fenrir, now is not the time to bring it up again.”

Fenrir: “Yes it is.”

Azrael: “Fine. Then I have to remind you how many times you slept with Maria that it was actually possible that she was carrying your pup. You started the argument.”

Azar: “Please don't do this. We have better things to do than for you to be arguing.”

Azrael: “You're right.”

Fenrir: “You said Amaya has a brother…whose child is he?”

Azar: “She says her and her brother are twins.”

Azrael: “That's weird.”

Fenrir: “So you’re telling me that Luca has an heir too?!”

Azar: “Her brother took over The Sacred Wood pack and Nevio’s son is the alpha of The Blood Moon pack but they united years ago, they still are. Along with other allies they made in the past. That's how they managed to survive in hiding all these years.”

Fenrir: “We need to replace out more. She has to tell us everything.”

Azar: “No!!”

Azrael: “I'm afraid your father is right. We have to talk to your mate.”

Azar: “You'll only scare her. Like she wasn't through enough already.”

Azrael: “But we need to know where they are. Don't worry, I'll make sure your father fucking behaves himself.”

Fenrir: “What?”

Azrael: “You’re not allowed to talk to her or yell. We’ll let her tell us her story and nothing more than that. We’ll just listen. That's better. Azar, go home. Tell her we’re coming to talk. I don't want us to frighten her if we show up. I'm sure she's scared of our reaction. So prepare her for our arrival and explain that we mean no harm.”

Fenrir: “But what if she runs away? We've been here in the woods for hours.”

Azar: “I left Thorne in charge of not letting her step foot outside the house.”

Azrael: “Go now. We’ll be right behind you.”

Azar: “Okay.”

Azrael: “I need you to calm down for the sake of our son. See how all of our lives are intertwined. It's fate. Amaya is Azar’s mate for a reason. I know it seems like a mess but I'm sure we’ll figure it all out together. As long as we’re together, we can do anything.”

Fenrir: “I shouldn't have said what I said but you know I can't let go of the past.”

Azrael: “We survived. That's all that matters. I know how protective you are of me after all these years, but think about it. Azar is protective of her. They’re mates like us.”

Fenrir: “I'll apologize to him.”

Azrael: “Don't worry, he understands. Especially after meeting her. He knows well the urge to protect his other half.”

Fenrir: “Thank you for always putting me on the right track. I love you so much.”

Azrael: “I love you more. (Azar’s bedroom)”

In Amaya’s head: Last night I cried for hours until there were no tears left. I. The first time I'm accepted and feel like I belong somewhere, the first time I love and now all of it is ruined because of my parents. The way Azar looked at me with much disappointment, broke my heart. I never wanted to betray or hurt him. I would do anything to keep him safe but now I'm afraid that all of it is lost. How can he love someone like me after he knows who I really am…it's impossible. But I guess I always knew that happiness was never meant for me. Now he doesn't allow me to leave. I'm not scared to die. I've spent years wishing for this day to come but not by his hand. I know he loves me and I know even if he hates me now, it'll hurt him. I'm his mate after all. Even though we’re not marked, he will feel the pain of the loss. I thought maybe I'll eventually fall asleep because I was drained but it never happened. I was restless thinking about him. Where he is…if he's safe. It's morning and he didn't come home yet. Maybe he doesn't wanna see me ever again.

Azar: “Amaya…? I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you.”

Amaya: “It's okay, you came. I'm so sorry, I know that you hate me now.”

Azar: “I don't hate you.”

Amaya: “You don't?”

Azar: “No. Get dressed, my parents are coming to talk.”

Amaya: “Okay, I understand.”

Azar: “No one’s gonna hurt you, no need to worry. I'm here.”

Amaya: “Okay.”

Azar: “I'll meet you downstairs in fifteen minutes.”

In Amaya’s head: He didn't seem angry like last night. But on the other hand he felt cold and distant and that hurt me even more. The way he reassured me by telling me he's here gave me hope. Maybe we’ll be able to fix this somehow. (in the living room)

Azar: “She'll be here any second. Dad, keep your distance.”

Fenrir: “I'm not gonna hurt her, Azar.”

Azar: “Just in case. Stay right there, doll.”

Amaya: “Okay.”

Azrael: “Hello, Amaya, nice to see you again. We're not gonna hurt you, I promise you. We're just here to talk. We need to know details about your childhood and your pack.”

Amaya: “Okay but you need to know that I don't know too much.”

In Amaya’s head: I started talking. It was true. I didn't know much apart from what I've already said to Azar but I tried my best to think of any information that could be useful, starting from my earliest childhood. My brother, mom, Nash, other pack members. How we moved around till we found the most secure hidden place. I didn't know much about pack warriors and their activities as I was never included in any of it. I didn't know if they had any plans or plotted any revenge. All I knew is how much they hated Azar’s family. How they always presented them as villains. Memories were rushing back as I wanted to tell everything. I was doing my best not to burst in tears and completely fall apart but I needed to be strong. The least I can do is tell them all I know. Azar’s dad was listening to me with an angry look on his face and his arms crossed. Azar’s mom was much more gentle. I saw how she was looking at me. There was no resent in her. She was nodding her head slowly every now and then encouraging me to keep on talking. Azar on the other hand was standing right next to me. He had the same attitude as his father but he didn't look at me. He never took his eyes off his parents and the way he was standing, I understood he's actually protecting me. Making a barrier between me and his parents in case something goes wrong. It was clear to me. He would go against his own family just to protect me and I don't deserve that. Still, it gave me comfort and a feeling of security. Not just in a physical way but I could tell that he's willing to give me a chance. Finally, I finished my story about Nash’s visit last night. Again I couldn't tell much as I myself was still confused by it. If you didn't come to take me back, what did he want? But I told them that somehow he knows about Azar and me being mates. Azrael had a worried look on her face and Fenrir looked more angry than before but neither of them said anything. I felt Azar tense more. Like he's ready to attack any second and shield me with his body.

Azar: “Go back in the room, I'll see you later. I need to discuss this with my parents.”

Amaya: “Okay.”

Azar: “Let's continue this conversation outside. (Azar’s room)”

In Amaya’s head: I listened to Azar and went to my room. I took a shower and changed, hoping he'll be done in the meantime but he didn't. Hours passed and still nothing so I decided to go to his room to check if he was there. I thought maybe he came back and I didn't hear from him but the room was empty so I stood there waiting for him to come. I was longing to see him again. I need to know what this will mean for us now. Finally, I hear his steps, he's coming.

Azar: “Doll?”

Amaya: “I hope you don't mind that I came to your room.”

Azar: “Of course not, I knew you were here. I could never miss your scent.”

Amaya: “I always forget about that. I'm so sorry for everything.”

Azar: “Please don't. There's nothing to be sorry for. I'm the one who needs to apologize. I shouldn't have yelled at you like that, I’m sorry. Please forgive me.”

Amaya: “Nothing to forgive. You had every right to act the way you did. I deserved it.”

Azar: “Don't say that. Of course you didn't deserve any of it, I was in shock but you're not your parents. You've been crying.”

Amaya: “It's nothing.”

Azar: “Your eyes are all red and puffy. You can't lie to me, I know you did. I'm sorry.”

Amaya: “Just tell me one thing…what does this mean for us? Will you still be able to love me? Will you still want me?”

Azar: “I think it's better if I show you.”

In Amaya’s head: Azar undressed and pulled me to his chest. I gasped in shock at his sudden movement. I close my eyes in anticipation. His strong hand snaked around my back and rested there. He was tracing small circles with his thumb, comforting me. At that moment I forgot all of my pain. All I could think about was the desire that was burning inside of me. Growing stronger with each second. Azar brushed his lips against mine and I tried to reach out more to him and kiss him but he was holding me in place. His hot breath on my neck sent shivers down my spine.

In Azar’s head: Amaya’s sweet scent consumed me completely. After hours of agony and fear, I finally had her in my arms. I acted like an idiot by yelling at her. All that made my need for her come to the surface. She felt so tiny and fragile and my arms. Her soft lips against mine. Heart beating faster and faster against my chest. I know she wanted me as much as I wanted her. Her delicious aroma was giving her away. It was so hard for me to contain myself. Then I realized that I don't have to anymore. It was time.

Azar: “No matter who you are…who your parents are…you're my mate and that's how it'll stay forever. My heart is beating for you. I live to love you and protect you.”

Amaya: “You're not gonna send me away?”

Azar: “Never. You're mine…no matter what happens. I would burn the whole world to the ground. I would do anything…only to be with you.”

Amaya: “I love you so much. I was so scared. I thought you would hate me forever.”

Azar: “I could never hate you. It's true…I was in shock but I love you more than my own life and nothing and no one can change that.”

Amaya: “Oh Azar, please. I want you.”

Azar: “Patience, little flame. There's no need to hurry. We have all the time in the world and I'm planning to savor every second with you. I wanna love and cherish every single spot of your delicate skin. Don't worry, I'll try to be as gentle as I can.”

Amaya: “No need to hold back. It doesn't matter that I'm human, I was destined for you.”

Azar: “Now that you speak like that, maybe I will hurry.”

Amaya: “Please, I'm ready. I wanna be yours. I need to be yours.”

Azar: “And I'll make you mine.”

In Amaya’s head: This was the beginning of the night filled with love and passion. The night that gave me all the pleasure I never knew existed. Azar really did take his time. Savoring every kiss and touch. This is the night I became his. The night he became mine. The night we became one.