The Wolf Within Me
Chapter 17:

Winter: “I see you've mastered the trick of the eye glow. Starting to produce dominant waves now, huh? Welcome to my territory. Look, I can't help that my wolf is dominant like you can't help yours.”

Kiani: “ROCCO’S MINE!”

In Kiani’s head: My wolf jumped straight to the point. I'm more understanding but my wolf, not so much.

Winter: “You act more wolf everyday.”

Kiani: “Stop patronizing me! You may’ve been in this pack longer, known you were a wolf shifter all of your life. But one thing I know is that I’m more dominant than you are. I can feel it, I showed it, and my wolf knows it. SO BACK OFF!!”

Winter: “Then why did you let me live?”

Kiani: “I know how much the pack loves and respects you. You tried to kill me but that's not how I was raised. That's why I stopped my wolf. I don't want her to rule me. I like me. I want her with me, not to replace me.”

Winter: “I admit I've never witnessed such control with they're inner wolf. Especially when I was trying to kill you. I'm sorry about that. (Winter laughs)”

Kiani: “Was that a genuine smile coming my way?”

Winter: “Are you mad? (Kiani laughs)”

Kiani: “I prefer lovable, forgiving, honest, understanding.”

Winter: “How about annoying?”

Kiani: “I don't see it. (Kiani laughs)”

Winter: “My wolf is still not a fan.”

Kiani: “Neither is mine.”

Winter: “But my wolf admires your strength. Welcome to the pack, brat.”

Kiani: “I'll take it. (Winter starts to walk away). Winter, if we weren't into the same guy, would we get along?”

Winter: “He was clearly never mine. Trust in your wolf Kiani. She's got your back. In this life, you're gonna need her more than ever. A wolf’s life is full of danger. At least you do with one threat. If I sense any weakness from you, you know I’ll pounce.”

Kiani’s Wolf: “So will I.”

In Kiani’s head: That went well. I guess. (Rocco’s bedroom balcony)

In Rocco’s head: My mother has been through hell and back. Left everything survived. It made her wolf almost dormant. Her wolf doesn't protect her as she used to, instead looking to me for protection. I'll always protect my mother. She saved River and me from Hunter Darkwood. He's not worthy of the father title. But is my mother keeping secrets from me? My mom is known for her cunning.

Rocco: “Did you know about the Bloodstone pack?”

Sierra: “All I know is Kylo Stone is alive. I initially thought he was killed, as we were told years ago. I only found out recently.”

Rocco: “Why didn't you tell me straight away?”

Sierra: “I was going to tell you.”

Rocco: “Then why wait, mother? You know Kylo will no doubt want revenge. Hunter killed both of his parents, for fucks sake. We need to be prepared. He'll be making alliances as we speak.”

Sierra: “We’ll be prepared, Rocco. You're a powerful alpha with a strong pack. Alliances will be easy to obtain.”

Rocco: “You knew Dawn Stone. After all, you warned their pack. Trying to save their pups because you're a mom yourself. Is Kylo the only one?”

In Sierra’s head: I need more time. Kiani and Rocco need more time. It's too soon to reveal Kiani Stone.

Sierra: “All I know is that Dawn Stone and Zion Stone had one pup. Kylo.”

Rocco: “I talked to Kiani’s aunt. She told me her parents were murdered by a shifter.”

Sierra: “Many packs have been murdered, Rocco. Trust me. I love you and River. That's the only reason I'm still here. Your father killed me long ago.”

In Rocco’s head: Kiani Green…or Kiani Stone? My talk with Nia comes to mind. I have no reason to doubt my mother. But a little voice inside me feels like she's lying to me. I try to block out my doubts. It would be too messed up. Kiani could try and leave me if it was true. Kiani leaving me does not sit well with me at all. I feel my gut wrench.

Rocco’s Wolf: “KIANI’S MINE!! (in the office)”

In Rocco’s head: My head is spinning. So many thoughts crossed my already crowded mine. (Rocco answers his phone)

Rocco: “Who the hell is this?!”

In Rocco’s head: The unknown number has missed called me twice.

Fang: “Rocco, you're a very hard man to contact. It's been far too long.”

In Kiani’s head: The Nightwalker pack, alpha.

Rocco: “How the hell did you get my number Fang?!”

Fang: “I have my ways. What happened to Uncle Fang?”

Rocco: “If you were here, I'd rip your throat out. Don't wanna risk your own death?”

Fang: “Now now, my nephew, wasn't killing my brother Hunter enough for you? You do have a murderous streak. You get it from my side of the family. (Fang laughs)”

Rocco: “I don't talk to my pack like they’re beneath me. I'll leave you to ruin yours.”

Fang: “Do you wanna know why I called after all of these years? Hunter lied to us. He said he killed the Bloodstone bloodline. Kylo Stone is still alive. You and my pack need to join now. I've heard rumors of his alpha power. (Rocco laughs)”

Rocco: “Ahh, I see. How the so-called ‘mighty’ have fallen. New alpha on the scene no doubt wanting revenge on Darkwood’s, and you need me to defend your scared ass? It's an insult to think I would give a damn.”

In Kiani’s head: I felt his anger.

Rocco: “I promised you if I ever saw you or heard from you again that I’d kill you. Don't make me fulfill that promise.”

In Kiani’s head: He doesn’t notice I'm here. His rage is busy boiling over. It's weird.

Kiani: “So, who did you promise to kill?”

In Rocco’s head: I didn’t even sense Kiani. I was too caught up in fueling my anger.

Kiani: “Who’s Fang?!”

Rocco: “My uncle. He's bad news. Just like my dead father.”

In Kiani’s head: Can they be that bad?

Kiani: “Why do you have such hate for your uncle and dad?”

Rocco: “If you're going to be a part of this pack it's about time you learned our history. Hunter Darkwood used to be the alpha of this pack. My so-called dad was on the edge of turning feral. He let his beast control and encouraged him to feel very powerful and feared. He ruled with an iron fist. Every pack feared us because of our insane evil alpha. Hunter would rather kill a whole pack than make alliances.”

In Kiani’s head: I couldn't imagine having such an evil dad. Rocco’s nothing like him.

Rocco: “One night he nearly killed my mother. I stopped him. I killed him, Kiani. When he challenged me when I was just a pup.”

In Kiani’s head: He killed his dad?

Rocco: “Fang, my uncle, Hunter’s brother wanted to become alpha but the pack was split. Most of the pack believed I should become alpha. Fang didn't wanna challenge me because he knew he’d lose. He snuck out like a coward and started his own pack with those loyal to him. Fang is as bad as Hunter. The difference is Fang is more sly and not insane. Fang thinks he has a right to my pack. He argues that I killed my blood. I don't regret killing Hunter. The only thing Hunter left me with is this scar.”

In Rocco’s head: Kiani needed to know the truth. Her face looked terrified. She didn’t run. Don't run. My head stare soon turns to desperation where Kiani is concerned.

In Kiani’s head: All these emotions flooded me. Hearing Rocco’s tragic story. How he was a pup when he had to kill his dad, preventing him from doing even more horrific things. How can Hunter even think of killing his mate? River and Rocco’s mother. My heart aches. Rocco could’ve died in that challenge. He was too young to have won. I can't even dare to think of Rocco being dead. My parents are enough. My wolf whines as if she's crying. I wish I knew how to comfort him. But I will try because I'm falling deeply. (Kiani touches Rocco’s face)

Kiani: “I'm really sorry, Rocco.”

Rocco: “Kiani, you need to replace out what happened to your parents.”

In Rocco’s head: I hope the Darkwood’s have nothing to do with it truly. Can I be so damn lucky? Because it would break my heart if the Darkwoods were a part of it.

In Kiani’s head: Did I wanna replace out what happened to my parents?

Kiani: “Maybe I would be happier not knowing? Is that selfish of me? All I know is, I need you. (they kiss)”

Rocco: “You have me. (Fang’s conference office)”

Fangs: “That boy!!”

Angelina: “That boy who's the most powerful alpha.”

Fang: “WHAT DID YOU SAY?!”

Angelina: “We need the full force of the Darkwood pack, Fang.”

Fang: “Don't you think I know that Annie? Know your damn place.”

Angelina: “It's Angelina.”

Fang: “ARRANGE A FUCKING MEETING WITH MY NEPHEW OR GET OUT OF MY DAMN PACK ANGELINA! (Fang walks off - the next day Rocco’s bed)”

Rocco’s Mindlink: “You know staring starts to get creepy little wolf.”

Kiani: “I have no idea what you're talking about.”

Rocco’s Mindlink: “Uh-huh.”

Kiani: “I know you're purring, really.”

Rocco’s Mindlink: “I don't purr. (Kiani laughs)”

Kiani: “You're not a morning person, are you?”

Rocco’s Mindlink: “How can you tell? (Kiani rolls her eyes)”

Kiani’s Mindlink: “Talking through the mindlink instead of moving your lips.”

In Kiani’s head: I kissed a scar on his face. I feel my heart melt. It's like I have the sweetest hangover. If there is a cure for this, I don't want it.

Kiani: “I love that I'm the only one who sees you like this. Big mighty highlander wolfman, practically purring for me. (Kiani laughs)”

Rocco’s Mindlink: “I'm trying to get my wolf to shut up. (Kiani laughs)”

Rocco’s Wolf: “My mate deserves my attention, but I'm not a cat.”

In Rocco’s head: Tell Kiani that!

Rocco’s Wolf: “No, I don't wanna upset her!”

In Rocco’s head: Coward.

Rocco’s Wolf: “Idiot.”

Kiani: “Well, I still need to train, so I'm getting up.”

Rocco’s Wolf: “I think we should have her one more time before she leaves us.”

In Rocco’s head: I smile. Knowing it was all we were doing last night. (they kiss)

Rocco: “You're not going anywhere.”

Kiani: “Now look who's awake. (in the home gym - everyone’s training)”

Aspen: “Do you want abs like me or what?”

Tao: “Okay.”

Maia: “Good. You're getting good, Green. (Maia tries to punch Kiani but Kiani runs behind Maia and punches her from behind)”

Kiani: “Take that, baby. Look who's on the ground people. Eating a face full of floor.”

Nova: “Another wolf bites the dust.”

Maia: “Nice one, Kiani.”

Aspen: “Come on now, break it up.”

Winter: “How about I break you?”

Kiani: “Winter and I have an understanding.”

Tao: “Yikes.”

Winter: “I love to understand. I'll behave ‘penny bear’.”

Kiani: “Really ‘penny bear’?!”

Nova: “So who's looking forward to the Moonlight ceremony tonight?”

Winter: “Urgh, it’s tonight.”

Aspen: “What are you wearing, Winter?”

Kiani: “Do we dress up?”

Maia: “Yeah, it's a big deal.”

River: “It's an old tradition when someone new joins the back.”

Nova: “It's a tradition that we need to scrape. It's so overrated.”

Winter: “Any excuse to dress up sexy? Not that I have anyone to impress anymore.”

Tao: “This kind of ceremony always ends well for me. Isn't that right, River?”

Nova: “You all know we do it so we can mindlink with-(Nova coughs and runs out)”

Aspen: “Did Nova just nearly throw up?”

Kiani: “I'll clean up blood but being sick is where I draw the line. What? (Rocco’s room)”

Rocco: “You clean up, good Asher.”

Asher: “I can't wait to see your smug jaw hit the floor when you see Kiani tonight.”

Rocco’s Wolf: “Go replace her, now!”

Asher: “Did I wake the beast? (Rocco laughs)”

Rocco: “You'll be following Nova around like a damn lost puppy. (Asher laughs)”

Asher: “I'm not going to deny it, mate. What is it?”

Rocco: “We need to talk about Kylo Stone. Also, Fang called.”

Asher: “Fang called…he must have a death wish.”

Rocco: “Kylo has yet to make his move. Already Fang is begging for an alliance. Apparently, Kylo’s a strong alpha.”

Asher: “I've yet to meet him, for who could take you on.”

In Rocco’s head: It helps that my wolf nearly turns feral in fights. The true power is to rein him back in.

Asher: “Do you think Kylo will act in revenge?”

Rocco: “I know he would. All he knows is that my pack destroyed his years ago. Killed his parents. Revenge is all the pack he can take. It's in our nature. We must be ready.”

Asher: “Tomorrow.”

Rocco: “Yes, tomorrow. We’ll tell the whole pack. Tonight we welcome my mate into the pack. (in the closet)”

Kiani: “You look flawless.”

River: “Sexy is the word you're looking for, babe. (Kiani laughs)”

Kiani: “The dresses are beautiful.”

River: “Wait until you see yours.”

Kiani: “Aunt Nia just texted me saying she's coming. Under your pack’s protection.”

River: “Our pack Kiani.”

Kiani: “My aunt said she would tell me about my parents once I shifted. I know she'll probably wait until after but it's on my mind. I'm curious if I want to know. How bad is it? For so long, I've wanted to know. But now I-”

River: “You could finally be at peace with it all if you knew. Come on, it's your big night. Why don't you try these dresses on. They're easy to rip off. To shift, obviously.”

Kiani: “Yeah, obviously. (Kiani laughs - Kylo’s living room)”

Juno: “What happens now?”

Kylo: “We make alliances.”

Juno: “What about your sister?”

Kai: “Kylo, she's your blood.”

Gia: “Hey, guess what? Nobody gives a flying fuck. Okay, buddy?”

Kai: “I see your brother has forgotten to babysit you.”

Gia: “There's only one problem here, dude…your face. I can still see it.”

Kai: “Stop it. You might hurt my feelings.”

Gia: “Like I was saying. Your sister is alive and thriving. And in what pack, hmm?”

In Kylo’s head: I’m coming for you, Rocco.