The Prophecy Of The Wolves I - The Beginning
~ Chapter Thirteen ~

Cayden was speaking with Roman when he heard a sudden thud behind him. He quickly turned around and saw Liliana on the ground. Cayden rushed to her and moved her hair out of her face. “Little dove,” he whispered as he tried to wake her.

Cayden frowned when he heard a muffled voice. “Liliana, are you still there?” Kaine demanded in concern.

Cayden found her phone and held it to his ear. “Kaine?” He questioned.

“Yes. I’m assuming this is Cayden,” Kaine said through the phone.

“Yes. Something’s happened to Liliana,” Cayden said as he held her in his arms.

“She was saying that you guys needed help,” Kaine said in confusion.

“She was going to ask if you could teleport us home. We have Anna with us, but we also have five hellhounds. There’s not enough room in the SUV for all of us and the hounds,” Cayden explained. “But she fainted. I don’t know what happened.”

“Alright. Send me your coordinates, and I’ll be right there,” Kaine said.

“Okay,” Cayden hung up and quickly sent Kaine their coordinates. Cayden stuffed her phone in his pocket and held Liliana close to his chest.

Within two minutes, Kaine appeared in front of them. First, he looked down with a frown. Then, Kaine knelt next to Cayden. “I’m just going to check on her,” he explained, knowing how mates could be with each other when one was injured. “I’m not going to hurt her. I want to make sure that nothing serious is wrong.”

Cayden gave him a single nod but refused to let her go. Kaine closed his eyes and hovered his hand overhead. He slowly trailed his hand over her entire being from head to toe before pulling away. “She’s okay,” Kaine said in relief. He meant what he had said when he told her that she was family because of Jacques. “She’s just severely exhausted. What the hell happened?” He demanded as he stood up.

Cayden sighed as he felt his shoulders sag in relief. He stood up with Liliana firmly held against his chest. He laid her down in the SUV before turning back to Kaine. “Artemis gave her the gift of shifting into any creature that’s ever existed. She shifted into a pegasus and flew me above Chimera and a witch controlling six hellhounds so I could take them out. We would have never gotten past them unless she did so.”

Kaine nodded. “I’ve heard of this gift. As much as it is a true gift, it takes a lot of energy. Of course, the more you use it, the longer you can withstand the exhaustion, but it’ll catch up to you eventually. The bigger the creature, the quicker the exhaustion hits. Be thankful she didn’t faint until you guys returned to the car.”

Cayden nodded in understanding. “Alright. How do you want to do this?” He asked as he looked around. “I want to get her home as soon as possible.”

Kaine looked at the hounds and the people that were with them. “Get the hounds to touch the SUV. They can lean against it. As long as they’re touching it, they’ll teleport with us. Then we can all climb into the SUV and be at your packhouse in no time.”

Cayden nodded and quickly did as Kaine instructed. Once all the hounds were in place against the SUV, Cayden got into the SUV and held Liliana close. “We’re all set,” Cayden said.

Kaine gave him a nod and closed his eyes. Within the blink of an eye, they were in Cayden’s garage. Cayden climbed out of the SUV and pulled Liliana into his arms. He looked at James and Marcus. “Bring them and the hounds into the house and relax for a minute. I’m going to put Liliana into bed.”

James and Marcus gave him a nod.

Cayden went inside and carried Liliana up to their room. He took off her clothes and shoes, leaving her in her bra and panties. Cayden pulled the blanket over her body and pressed a kiss to her forehead. He sighed heavily as he gently moved her hair out of her face. Before returning downstairs, he lightly trailed a finger down her face in a caress.

Cayden stood in the living room in front of their guests. “Okay. Seeing as this is my home, I don’t have enough rooms for everyone,” he sighed. “Let’s go to the packhouse, and we’ll introduce you guys to the others and get you set up in rooms,” he shook his head. “Feel free to explore where you’d like,” he looked at Daedalus. “I’m not sure when you wanted to get started on the security and traps, but whenever you’re ready, replace my beta, Sebastian. I’ll inform him that he’ll show you the territories you’ll be setting up security for.”

Daedalus raised an eyebrow. “Territories?” He questioned.

Cayden rubbed a hand over his forehead. “Yeah. Ours and Ryan’s. Right now, he’s our only close ally. He’s right next door. His territory borders ours. That’s how I met Liliana. I’ll inform him that you are willing to take care of the security and traps for us and that Sebastian will bring you over whenever you’re ready.”

Daedalus let out a heavy sigh. “I might as well get started as soon as possible. We never know what Atlas has planned.”

Cayden nodded. “Okay. Let’s get to the pack house, and I’ll get you guys set up. Then we’ll talk to Sebastian and have him take you around the border.”

Everyone followed Cayden outside. “Hold on,” he said. He turned towards the forest and let out a low whistle.

Orthrus came running toward him with both tongues hanging out of their mouths. “Holy hell,” Prometheus said in shock. “I see this is where Orthrus disappeared to.”

Cayden chuckled. “Jacques had him, but as soon he met Liliana, he’s been staying close to her,” he shrugged. “Plus, Jacques is off to recruit the vampires right now,” Cayden turned to Orthrus with a smile. “Hey there, buddy,” he said as he rubbed the two heads affectionately. Cayden turned to face the hounds and only found four. “Where’s the fifth hound?” He questioned in confusion.

Roman shrugged. “Refused to leave your house. I guess he wants to stay as close to Liliana as possible.”

Cayden let out a heavy breath. “Okay. Fine,” he looked at Orthrus. “These four hounds are a part of our family now. I was hoping you could take them into the forest with you. Show them where to get their food and how to hide and whatnot. Can you do that, buddy?”

At first, Orthrus just stared at him as if he were insane. “Liliana would want you to do it,” he said as he tried to get Orthrus to accept the responsibility. “If you do this, I’m sure Liliana will bring you two big juicy raw steaks when she wakes up,” he bribed.

Orthrus let out a bark before turning to the hounds. They seemed to communicate somehow because the hounds joined Orthrus as he disappeared into the forest.

Cayden sighed as he shook his head. “I swear that two-headed dog will do anything for Liliana and steak,” he muttered as he started walking towards the packhouse.

It only took them five minutes to get there. They walked inside, and Cayden cleared his mind to send out a pack-wide announcement. ‘I want everyone to know that we have some guests staying with us for a while. Prometheus, Lucas, Anna, Kaine, Roman, and Daedalus. Do not attack them or harm them in any way. If you do, you will have to speak with me directly,’ he turned to the small group behind him. “Okay. Follow me. We’ll get you guys set up in your rooms,” he scoffed as he walked upstairs. “There are plenty of them in the pack house.”

Once he was sure that everyone had their room, he grabbed Daedalus. “Come on. Sebastian is in his office.”

They walked to Sebastian’s office and walked right in without knocking. “Hey, Seb,” he said as he sat down in a chair across from him.

Sebastian raised an eyebrow. “When did you get back?” he asked as he leaned back in his chair.

Cayden chuckled. “About five minutes ago. It turns out that Liliana had a warlock uncle that she didn’t know about,” he shrugged.

Sebastian looked at him with questioning eyes. “Kaine is an old friend of Jacques and considers him family. Since Jacques is like a father to Liliana, Kaine is her uncle.” Cayden explained as he crossed his arms over his chest.

Sebastian chuckled. “Sounds like a complicated relationship.”

Cayden shrugged. “Anyway. Meet Daedalus,” he said, gesturing to Daedalus, standing by the door. “I need you to take him around our border so that he can figure out security and traps. Then once you’ve finished with that, take him to Ryan so that Ryan can have someone do the same. We want to get a headstart on this before Atlas figures out what we’re doing. He tried to have Liliana kidnapped while we were on our way to Adrestia.”

“That’s quite a bit of new information, but alright. I’ll take Daedalus around the territory and take him to Ryan’s.” Sebastian said as he stood up.

“Thanks, Seb. I’ll take over the rest of the work for the pack,” he sighed. “Is everything on your desk?” He asked as he gestured to Sebastian’s messy desk.

Sebastian chuckled but nodded. “Yeah. Everything on my desk needs to be signed by you. Everything else has been sent to your email already.”

Cayden nodded and started gathering the paperwork scattered all over Sebastian’s desk. He made sure that he had everything before he left the packhouse. Then, he returned to his house and went to his room to check on his beloved mate.

“How could you have failed?!” Atlas roared as he threw a chair at the wall, causing it to shatter.

Martin gulped down the lump of fear that had formed in his throat. “I’m truly sorry, sir. A son of Hades was there to help her. He appeared out of nowhere,” he explained in a trembling voice.

Atlas let out a roar of anger as he threw one of his many statues at the wall. “Fucking Hades must be watching over her,” he scoffed. “That isn’t at all surprising. Quite a few gods and goddesses are most likely watching out for her. She doesn’t know it,” he growled out.

Martin swallowed down the lump of fear that had formed in his throat. “What do you want us to do, sir?” He questioned with his hands knotted behind his back.

Atlas let out a long, heavy sigh. “I’ll have to think about it. But, for now, ensure we have eyes on her at all times. I want to know every single thing she does,” he ordered as he sat down and stared out the window that overlooked the backyard.

Martin took that as a sign of dismissal and quickly left the office.

Atlas glared at everything outside as he tried to think of a plan to get to Liliana.

Jacques let out a rough exhale as he looked at the mansion. He never thought he’d ever walk back into that mansion after what had happened to his wife and daughter. But, as much as Jacques didn’t want to return to the estate, he knew he had to do it. He had to do it for Liliana. So he took a calming breath and walked to the front entrance.

Jacques let out a slow exhale before making his face expressionless and throwing the doors open so harshly that they thumped against the wall. He knew everyone was staring at him in shock as he strolled through the mansion to the office, where Jacques knew he’d replace his brother, Michael. He didn’t even stop to knock on the door first. Instead, Jacques barged into Michael’s office and slammed the door behind him. He stood in front of Michael’s desk with his arms crossed over his chest.

Michael, being his brother, knew how he could be and laughed. “Well, well,” Michael said with a wide smirk as he leaned back in his chair. “Isn’t this an intriguing surprise?” He questioned rhetorically with that same smirk.

Jacques rolled his eyes as he sat in a seat across from Michael. “Why are you so dramatic, Michael?” He demanded as he rested his chin on his folded knuckles.

Michael chuckled as he relaxed in his seat. “I enjoy being dramatic on occasion,” he said as he leaned forward with his forearms resting on the front desk. “However,” he said as he raised an eyebrow and stared Jacques down. “I never thought I would see the day you walked back into this mansion. Not after what happened to your wife and Ana,” he said softly.

Jacques swallowed the lump of emotion that suddenly formed in his throat. “Ana didn’t die here, but yes, the memories remain,” he sighed heavily. “Believe me. I wouldn’t be here unless it were necessary.”

Michael frowned. “What’s going on, brother?” He asked in confusion.

Jacques exhaled. “It’s the prophecy. It’s happening right now,” he explained in a harsh voice.

Michael’s eyes went wide. “Are you serious?” he demanded.

Jacques nodded. “Yes, it is time.”

“How do you know this?” Michael questioned.

Jacques took a calming breath before responding. “The runt wolf that the prophecy says will save us,” he started but was interrupted by Michael.

“What about her?” Michael questioned.

Jacques rolled his eyes. “If you’ll let me finish,” he muttered.

Michael gestured with his hand for him to continue.

Jacques shook his head. “Liliana is like a daughter to me,” he said softly. “She has been ever since she was fourteen years old.”

Michael raised an eyebrow. “How did you meet her?” He questioned in curiosity.

Jacques chuckled softly. “Believe it or not, it was pure coincidence that I met her,” he cleared his throat. “Believe it or not, she was being chased by a group of hellhounds when I met her.”

Michael stared at him with shocked eyes. “Why were hellhounds chasing down a fourteen-year-old girl?” He asked in horror.

Jacques scoffed. “Atlas must have had men looking for the runt wolf, and when they found her, they had tried to do everything they could to kill her before the prophecy could happen,” he sighed. “Anyway. I was relaxing in a tree when I saw them cornering her. One of the hounds had caught her calf quite viciously. I could smell the blood,” he stood up and started pacing as he continued. “She would have died that day had I not been there. She was all alone in the forest,” he ran a hand roughly through his hair. “I didn’t hesitate. When I saw her, all I could see was Ana. I jumped down and quickly sent those hounds back to hell,” he took a deep breath. “I knew that she wasn’t Ana. I knew that she wasn’t my daughter, but I couldn’t help but feel protective over her,” he chuckled as he stood in front of the windows that overlooked the garden. “After I spoke with her a bit and got to know her, I knew she would always be in my life. She told me her story, and I told her mine. She was excited to learn history, as she always is, but she knew it was my life story. By the time I was done telling her my story, she was in tears. She’s such a sweetheart; half the time, she doesn’t even realize that the things she says affect those around her positively.”

Michael nodded along as he knew what had happened. “She became your second daughter that day,” he said softly.

Jacques nodded. “Yes. I will do anything for her. Anything to keep her safe and help her,” he said.

“And that’s why you’re here,” Michael stated as he leaned back in his chair again.

Jacques gave him a single nod. “With the prophecy here, she needs allies. She needs an army.”

“And you thought to come to me,” Michael said with a smile.

Jacques chuckled. “Well, you are my brother, and I know you have plenty of allies and connections in every single corner of the world.”

Michael shrugged. “You’re not wrong.”

Jacques chuckled. “So when should I tell Liliana to expect you, brother?” He asked as he stood in front of Michael’s desk.

Michael threw his head back and laughed. “You know me so well.”

Jacques shook his head with a fond smile on his face. “You’re my little brother. I may have been gone for quite some time, but I could never forget things like that.”

Michael smiled at him. “Well, I can call my allies and whatnot, but I’m not sure who will be willing to fight against Atlas.”

Jacques thought for a minute before grabbing a pen and pad of paper off of Michael’s desk. He quickly wrote down Liliana’s phone number. “If you have problems convincing any of your allies, have them call Liliana. She will personally talk to them and do what she can to talk them into joining us.”

Michael let out a chuckle. “You think Liliana can convince these vampires to join her army against Atlas when we couldn’t?” He questioned with a raised eyebrow. Jacques let out a loud laugh. “Liliana can be quite persuasive when she wants to be,” he sighed. “It isn’t just that, though. She’s sweet, compassionate, and kind. She understands the risks that they would be taking. She understands how difficult it would be for them to leave their families unprotected and how much they’d be putting on the line. She may not have to leave her family, but she’s putting just as much on the line,” he shook his head. “Knowing her, she will not stand in the back while others fight for her. Instead, she will train and do everything to prepare us for the day we fight Atlas. She will be right by their sides as they rush into battle against Atlas and his army,” he sighed as he sat down across from Michael again. “When she makes a promise, she does everything to keep that promise. She has the purest heart I have ever seen,” he chuckled with a shake of his head. “Not to mention that she has the most powerful alpha to back her up.”

Michael smiled. “Okay then. She has my vote. My clan will be with you guys. I’ll start making some calls right now,” he picked up his office phone and started dialing. “After all, we don’t have that much time.”

Jacques nodded as he stood up once again. “I’m going to call Liliana and give her an update.”

Michael gave him a nod as he left the office.