The Wolf Within Me
Chapter 21:

Rocco: “Kiani Stone. Related to Kylo Stone. Your brother. Alpha of the Bloodstone pack. My father Hunter Darkwood killed your parents in cold blood. (Kiani screams). I knew he killed someone that night. I knew it was the Bloodstone pack. I thought he killed the whole bloodline. I didn't know about you, little wolf.”

Kiani: “DON’T CALL ME THAT!!”

Rocco: “I didn't know until today. I-”

Kiani: “PROMISE ME YOU DIDN’T KNOW! I can't take any more lies. Not from you.”

Rocco: “I killed my father for it! I had suffered for it ever since. But then I found you! You took me back to a place when I wasn't so broken. You pulled me back out of that dark place. I fucking love you, Kiani. I would NEVER HURT YOU!”

Kiani’s Wolf: “He loves us.”

Kiani: “W-Why did he d-do it?! Why did he have to kill my parents? Rocco…why did no one tell me? (Kiani cries)”

In Kiani’s head: Rocco hugs me as I cry my heart out in his warm arms.

Rocco: “I'm sorry. You're not gonna leave me are you? I don't wanna fight your brother. Not if it’ll break you. I’ll try to make peace. I would do anything for you.”

Kiani: “I'm sorry you had to kill your dad. I wish it was me who killed him.”

In Rocco’s head: She whispers into my chest.

In Kiani’s head: I love him, but I wanna wait to tell him. Not in the rain while my emotions run high. So I know I'll mean it. (Brooke runs in the house to her room)

In Brooke’s head: Damn it. I'm freezing and drenched thanks to following Kiani all day. I've become a stalker, but there's no denying what I saw at her door. She ran off so quickly she was almost a blur. I couldn't keep up, damn vampire something. Does that mean Kiani is some sort of magical being? My mind is playing tricks on me or are my crazy parents right all alone?

Mrs. Hawthorne: “You got back relatively late.”

Brooke: “Do you knock?”

Mrs. Hawthorne: “I'm your mother, I don't need to knock.”

Brooke: “You could’ve fooled me.”

Mrs. Hawthorne: “Being rude is ugly trait. Were you with that handsome boyfriend of yours? What's his name? Lucas is it?”

In Brooke’s head: Where is this going?

Mrs. Hawthorne: “He's really out of your league, darling. But I'm impressed.”

In Brooke’s head: And there it is.

Brooke: “He isn't my boyfriend. Secondly, I see no point in this conversation. So would you go? I'm tired. I'm sure you know where the door is.”

Mrs. Hawthorne: “You spoiled brat!”

Brooke: “I wonder where I learned that from. (Mrs. Hawthorne laughs)”

Mrs. Hawthorne: “You amuse me. I do hope you wake up with a better attitude.”

Brooke: “I need to tell you something. Something I saw. (a week later Kiani’s room)”

In Kiani’s head: I read my mother's letter a week ago. I read it every morning. I feel close to her when I read it. I wish I had something of my dad. My mother wrote that she hoped our family birthright in the form of a bloodstone necklace is still with Kylo. She left it around his neck the last time she saw him. Before…(Kiani laughs)

Rocco: “You know, that laugh cracks me up. I hate to see you so sad. It pains me. How can I make you feel better?”

Kiani: “You are, just by being here. I wish we could just stay in our love bubble.”

Rocco: “Love bubble? You still haven't said it back yet.”

Kiani: “I- (Rocco kisses Kiani)”

Rocco: “Only when you mean it.”

Kiani: “Why aren't you panicking? I haven't said it back.”

Rocco: “Are you serious? I know you feel it as well. I'm just waiting. By the way, there’s no right moment for it.”

Kiani: “Maybe you just said it in the heat of emotions and dramatics.”

Rocco: “I love you, Kiani.”

In Kiani’s head: My heart has never pounded so hard. My wolf loves every minute of it. Desperate to mark him again.

Rocco: “You have me hooked. Now you're all I want.”

In Kiani’s head: My butterflies are flying like crazy right now.

Rocco: “You don't have to say it right now. But kiss me as if you mean it. Because I know that you do. (they kiss)”

Kiani: “My aunt Nia will hear us again.”

Rocco: “Best be quiet then. But that's gonna be hard for you, little wolf.”

Kiani: “I need to do my art project, though.”

Rocco: “Stop talking.”

Kiani: “Boy, you're needy.”

Rocco: “Blame my wolf.”

Kiani: “No, he's a good boy.”

In Kiani’s head: I feel Rocco’s smirk against my lips. (in the living room)

In Nia’s head: Just when I was gonna invite them down for morning coffee. Those two have been here for a week. I feel like I need to wash my ears out. Kiani needed me and Rocco this week. A way to process everything. I was happy she forgave me. That she generally understood, I was stupidly trying to protect her. I know a wolf shifter’s life is dangerous, I rejected my wolf because of it. Ialways wanted my niece to be safe. I love her and my sister. No one knows how she takes the fact that she has a brother. We're gonna have to talk about it soon. Rocco left his pack for a week just for Kiani. Rocco surprises me. One minute his cold glares could kill and the next he can be calm and respectful. When Kiani and Rocco are together, he looks serene. At peace. They’re true mates. Kylo could ruin everything. (in the bathroom Kiani and Rocco getting dressed)

In Kiani’s head: Damn it. I had all week to lose our project. I've got an empty canvas. I have to start somewhere. (in the art studio)

In Rocco’s head: Kiani has avoided talking about Kylo. I thought I'd give her time to grieve properly for her parents but we don't have time. I left my pack for my beta Asher to run while I'm gone. He was angry with me. To be honest, I can't stand the idea of a traitor in my pack. I left only to be with Kiani but I also needed to cool down my rage. I treat my pack like family. So a possible betrayal is so much worse. I know who it is, and Maia is on the watch. But I need to return, with Kiani, my mate by my side. That means talking about her brother.

Rocco: “I didn't know you had a whole studio.”

Kiani: “Cute, isn't it? I should’ve used it this week. Someone kept me very distracted.”

Rocco: “Don't blame me for your lack of self-control. (Kiani laughs). It also doesn't help when you look so damn sexy all the time.”

Kiani: “What about in the mornings?”

Rocco: “I just sucking when I kiss you. Save me from your bad breath.”

Kiani: “No, you didn't. (Kiani laughs). I can fall for a guy who makes me laugh.”

Rocco: “I think you've already fallen.”

Kiani: “Maybe I have. Come with me, highlander. (in the woods)”

Rocco: “Do you remember this place?”

Kiani: “It's where we first met.

Rocco: “I scented you before you scented me. You smelled delicious.

Kiani: “I thought, who the hell let out this highlander looking all moody. I didn't understand then. It feels like such a long time ago. I thought you didn't like me.”

Rocco: “I tried.”

Kiani: “But now you love me.”

Rocco: “Now I love you.”

Kiani: “What are we gonna do about Kylo? I can't blame him for wanting revenge. But he wants revenge on the wrong alpha. I wonder if he wants to meet me. Will we even have a connection now? Will I make him understand?”

Rocco: “When we meet Kylo. No doubt we will soon. We'll do it your way. I'll protect you no matter what. Even though you haven't said I lo-”

Kiani: “I love you, highlander. I still love you even when I thought you lied to me. I think I did before you loved me.”

Rocco: “Impossible. I love you too. So you were just being stubborn, then?”

Kiani: “Urm, excuse yo- (Rocco kisses Kiani). I don't want any secrets between us.”

Rocco: “I promise. Then you’ll move back into the pack house with me”

Kiani: “How can I refuse you? By the way, I love that you called me your little wolf.”

Rocco: “I knew it.”

Kiani’s Mindlink: “I love you.”

Rocco’s Mindlink: “I love you.”

In Kiani’s head: An electric shock shoots through both of us. Then just as quickly, a warm sensation travels through Rocco and I’s body. Suddenly with no control, both inner wolves push to the surface. Both wolf’s start the imprinting bond. (at the gate)

Asher: “At least the gates were fixed, thanks to Aspen. Nothing from Fang and Kylo.”

Maia: “Or our alpha, who's been gone for a week now.”

Asher: “Do we blame him though? A traitor in our pack and then Kiani. The pack’s not right without Rocco. Or even Kiani now.”

Maia: “I still can't believe I was right all along about Kiani Stone. The pack is shaken. Sierra blatantly lied to my face.”

Asher: “Sierra should’ve told us straight away.”

Maia: “Exactly. But she was playing tactics. It paid off, as their mates now. But what if they weren't? Played a risky game there. Another thing for Rocco to be furious about. I just hope Rocco doesn't give up on us.”

In Asher’s head: I wonder if Kiani and Rocco are still mates after what I saw. Rocco holds the pack together. It seems like Kiani holds Rocco together. I know what that feels like, it's like me with Nova.

Asher: “Found anything on Winter? Rocco wants an update.”

Maia: “At least Rocco’s still in contact. I know Winter loves Rocco. Why would she do this? She's been loyal to the pack.”

Asher: “Until Kiani showed up, there was no doubt that her loyalties had changed.”

Maia: “Yeah, all WInter talked about is becoming an alpha female. I've been watching her. She's not herself. Nothing suspicious. I feel bad not telling the rest of the pack.”

Asher: “We have to replace the traitor fast or the pack will be ruined. I'm not having my pup growing up with a traitor.”

Maia: “Once I replace out who it is, trust me. The threat will be over. (in the kitchen)”

Nova: “I'm going to be humongous. I just know it. I eat like a pig already. My little pup will be a boy, I just know it. Although a girl can eat for days as well. “

River: “It's going to be the cutest little pup ever. Do you think Kiani will hate us now?”

Winter: “What do you expect? Our pack murdered hers. I bet Kiani did know who she was. She's probably been spying on us the whole time. Reporting back to her brother. Rocco should’ve stayed here and let Kiani leave. Not go and abandon us.”

River: “Tell us how you really feel. You know as well as I that we were forced to. I bet you're loving this. Do you think Rocco is gonna come back running to you? I know she didn't know who she was. I was there. I'm hoping Kiani will understand our side.”

Winter: “How naive can you be?”

River: “WATCH WHO YOU’RE CALLING NAIVE!”

Winter: “I'M JUST WATCHING OUT FOR THE PACK!

River: “You have a funny way of showing it. Chasing a guy that doesn't want you.”

Kiani: “Yes, you do, Winter.”

River: “You came back. I'm sorry for what my-”

Kiani: “The only one I’m mad at is Hunter Darkwood. I'm glad I'm no longer in the dark. Of course I'm back. I'm part of this pack, aren't I?”

River: “Forget Rocco, I love you. (both laugh and they hug)”

Kiani: “I love you too. I heard you're pregnant.”

Nova: “Yes, I've only gone and put a little pup in here.”

Winter: “Are we all gonna ignore that her brother wants revenge. She probably secretly wants to kill us all. (Kiani runs to choke Winter)”

Kiani: “That thin rope you’re on, I'm about to cut it. (in Rocco’s office)”

Rocco: “I don't want to focus on anything else until I know who the damn traitor is.”

Asher: “Maia still needs to get proof it's her.”

Rocco: “Maia should have proof by now. Let's face it, it's her. Do you think differently?”

Asher: “Out of everyone, yes. (Kiani walks in)”

Kiani: “It’s Winter. Maybe Fang promised her to be the alpha female for his pack. It's what she always wanted. I thought she loved you, Rocco but I believe she loves the idea of becoming a Luna more. So why not be Fang’s alpha female? Oh, and the fact that she hates me. I saw it in her eyes just now. Winter wants me dead.”

Rocco: “Need any more proof, Asher?”

Asher: “No. I don't.”

Rocco: “Then it's done. You can pick your jaw up off the ground, Archie.”

Archie: “I'm blown away by pure beauty and brains, the whole package, to be honest.”

Rocco: “I’ll kill you, Archie.”

Archie: “No claim. I'm just admiring your mate.”

Kiani: “Thanks. You can admire all you want. I'm very much claimed by my Rocco.”

Kiani’s Wolf: “Mine.”

Rocco: “Damn straight.”

Kiani’s Wolf: “Bloodline near. (Kiani runs)”

Rocco: “KIANI WAIT! (at the gate)”

Kylo’s Wolf: “Bloodline here. (Rocco and Kylo scream)”

In Kiani’s head: My brother.