The Wolf Within Me
Chapter 23:

A day later in Rocco’s office

Kiani: “I'm gonna be blunt. I need to go before Rocco wakes up.”

Asher: “Yeah, because he would never let you go.”

Kiani: “He's my brother Asher. I need to go and I said that I would. You need to stay here and figure out how the hell Winter got those poison bullets.”

Asher: “We haven't had the soulmates ceremony. Acting like you own the place.”

Kiani: “Another ceremony, dear me.”

Asher: “That's the thing, Kiani. It's your natural role.”

Kiani: “Thanks, Asher. I also think we should call in Sun and Archie. While Rocco is recovering but I’ve given Rocco a healing boost. He's just knocked out from it.”

Asher: “I heard what you did, amazing.”

Kiani: “He wouldn't let me take his pain though.”

Asher: “You wouldn't be able to survive the poison. Winter shot him twice. Those bullets were crafted, handmade. Someone made them especially to take down a wolf shifter. Rocco saved my life. Winter can only be running back to Fang. If Maia haven't already killed her but she should be back now.”

Kiani: “Yeah, Maia trained me. I know she can handle herself. She'll be back.”

Asher: “I sent Asher and Tao out searching but you need to take someone. When you go and meet Kylo. We don't know what he's capable of.”

Kiani: “Kylo’s not gonna hurt me if I'm not alone. You have to trust me. My wolf will take care of me. You’ve seen what she can do already.”

Asher: “Rocco’s gonna kill me. (Kiani laughs)”

Kiani: “Tell him, I'll keep in mindlink contact. If he follows me, stop him.”

Asher: “Yeah, because I can stop him. The only thing that can are those poison bullets. That didn't even kill him. You won't be around to heal me either.”

Kiani: “You'll be okay, he must like you. He saved you.”

Asher: “I just survive just to die. Great. I hope you know what you're doing, Kiani.”

In Kiani’s head: You and me both. (outside the gate)”

Aspen: “I knew you would still go. The best time when your mate’s knocked out. I was out looking for Maia. Her scent left the territory.”

Kiani: “You should keep looking for her.”

Aspen: “I'm coming with you.”

Kiani: “I don't think so.”

Aspen: “Then I'll walk with you until you meet. Let me look out for you. Maia would’ve naturally come with you. Just in case things go to hell. I'm saying it probably will.”

Kiani: “How positive of you. Ash and River put you up to this, didn't they?”

Aspen: “Time to go meet your brother.”

Kiani: “I guess so. Keep walking, I'm sure he'll replace us. (Rocco’s bedroom - Rocco wakes up - in the woods). You probably scared him off. (Aspen laughs)”

Aspen: “You give me jokes, man.”

Kiani: “You should think highly of yourself.”

Aspen: “I think I have common sense. Kylo stormed our gates with his pack. I don't think he'll be scared of two wolves.”

Kiani: “Well, he wanted to meet me alone for a reason.”

Aspen: “Did you even arrange a meeting location?”

Kiani: “I'm sure he'll replace- (Kylo snaps Aspen’s neck)”

Kylo: “I said. Come alone.”

Kiani: “You didn't have to break his neck just so you can prove some damn point. Now I know it wasn't wise to come alone.”

Kylo: “He’ll heal. I could’ve killed him. I’m surprised Rocco’s not here himself.”

Kiani: “I'm here to see my brother that I didn't know I had. Not to see you and Rocco kill each other. Maybe I'm stupid to come alone. At the end of the day, I didn't know you and you don't know me. We never had the chance. You must have this perception of me. Understandably why I'm with the Darkwood pack but that's why I'm here. We owe it to our parents, to ourselves, don't you think? D-do you wanna get to know me or are you too pent-up on revenge to even care?”

Kylo: “I see we grew up different. We lived different lives. Revenge is all I have. How I survived. I witnessed what happened that night. I was young, I saw what happened to our pack. Bloody. You could never understand unless you were there. I grew up with that. What the Darkwood pack…(flashback to that night in the woods)”

Zion: “Kylo, son. You have to be a big wolf now. I need you to go with Conan. I want you to do everything he tells you, okay? He's your guardian now. I'll come and get you-”

Young Kylo: “What about Ki Ki?!”

Zion: “Your sister is safe, I promise.”

Young Kylo: “I want Ki Ki with me! I'm her big wolf brother!”

Zion: “Your mother has Kiani. We’ll all meet again. But right now, I need you to do what I say. Can you do that for me, Kylo?”

Young Kylo: “Yes daddy.”

Zion: “Do you promise?”

Young Kylo: “Mom says never break promises. (Zion laughs)”

Zion: “Do you see this Bloodstone daddy wears? I want you to wear this until I come back. I need you to keep it safe for me. Can you do that?”

Young Kylo: “Yes daddy.”

Zion: “It's been in our family for many generations. It should always be with a Stone. The Bloodstone pack will live on through you. I love you, Kylo.”

Young Kylo: “I love you, giant wolf daddy. (Zion laughs)”

Zion: “CONAN! Time to go, take Kylo and hide him!”

Young Kylo: “NO DADDY!”

Zion: “Be strong son. (present time)”

Kylo: “I never knew what happened to you. I thought you were dead. I thought they destroyed everything. That's the pain I had to live with. My reality. Then to hear that my sister is alive with…the enemy.”

In Kiani’s head: The pain I feel just from his voice. It hurts me. He thought I was dead all along with our pack. All he knows is that the Darkwood pack took everything from him. How can he not want revenge? But that was the old Darkwood pack.

Kylo: “Come with me. You can mindlink to someone to come pick up your friend. Tell your pack you're safe with me.”

In Kiani’s head: Sorry Aspen. Sorry about the next situation.

Kiani’s Minlink: “Ash, Aspen needs time to heal. A misunderstanding, but he'll be fine. Come get him. I feel safe with Kylo. (The Bloodstone pack house outside)”

Kylo: “Down Meiko! Down, Mei Mei! (Kylo rolls his eyes - the dog runs to Kiani)”

Kiani: “Aww, who are you? Oohhh, you want some belly rubs, huh?”

Juno: “Did she come alone?”

Kylo: “Not exactly.”

Juno: “Rocco…?”

Kylo: “She didn't bring him. I'd never let you go alone into unknown territory.”

Juno: “I'd kick his ass if I wanted to go, and you didn't let me for some alpha reason.”

Kylo: “I need to talk to her in private before the pack becomes involved.”

Juno: “What about-”

Kylo: “Not yet. Kiani.”

Juno: “Meiko girl! Still sour with me? It was the only way to stop you at the time.”

Kiani: “It was rather rude.”

Juno: “It was necessary,”

Kiani: “You were stalking me.”

Juno: “You smelt like Kylo. I was curious. I'm glad I did. Kylo thought he lost everyone. He was a mess when I first met him. I had to make sure you didn't follow me. I had to be sure. I'm happy you found each other. Don't get me wrong, I still don't know what your intentions are. Risky coming to our territory alone. But I hope I'm right about you. For Kylo’s sake. (in the living room)”

In Kiani’s head: I don't know how to be. My wolf is wary but she knows he’s blood related. I think she’s calmer then she would typically be in a strange territory.

In Kylo’s head: I used to call her Ki Ki. Last time I saw her, she was a tiny baby pup. Now look at her. All grown up. She looks like mom. Even me. My wolf knows her. Protective instincts are again kicking in for my sister. I still can't believe she's alive.

Kylo: “Meiko likes you. My dog. She normally hates strangers but she never listens to me. (Kiani laughs)”

Kiani: “I probably have more authority than you.”

Kylo: “You gave her a damn belly rub. That's ass brownie points there. (Kylo laughs)”

Kiani: “She's gorgeous.”

Kylo: “Mei mei is my baby. (Kiani laughs). I'm being serious.”

Kiani: “I wouldn't want to get in the way bro. (Kylo laughs)”

In Kiani’s head: It just came out naturally.

Kylo: “I wanna know why you're with Rocco Darkwood. I need to know. I don't know if you're on my side. If you wanna betray me or what. I don’t get it. That night when everything happened I wanted to take you with me but dad said you were with mom.”

Kiani: “That's why I'm here. Without Rocco. To tell you my truth. My story. I want a relationship with you but I know that can't happen until I explain.”

Kylo: “I don't know about you, but I could do with a drink before this conversation.”

Kiani: “Yeah, a strong one will be good.”

In Kylo’s head: I heard rumors. Like hell I believe them. Kiani says Rocco killed his dad for what he forced his pack to do. Kiani didn't know she was a wolf shifter who was raised by my aunt Nia. I've heard of her, never met her. Apparently she rejected her inner wolf. All of my rage and anger have been targeted at one guy. Rocco Darkwood. To be told, he's nothing like his dad that murdered mine. After all of these years even so. How can I just let all that go just like that? It was still his pack. Still his blood. Who the bloody hell else can I blame when Hunter Darkwood is dead?! Just let it go?

Kylo: “Do you love him?”

Kiani: “You said Juno was your soulmate. Rocco’s mine. If you talked to Rocco. He’s lost a lot too. You guys would have a lot in common. I know you have anger and hurt but it's directed at the wrong person. I want you to see what I see. I know I can't live without Rocco with everything I have. My wolf wouldn't allow it either.”

Kylo: “I understand that he's your mate, like Juno is mine. It's not as simple. When I was a pup, I would’ve done anything for you. I loved you. Too much time has gone by to just trust everything you say and live happily ever after. It's just not like that at all.”

Kiani: “I told you my truth! I believe we can work this out but I won’t allow you to attack my mate! I’ll defend him!”

Kylo: “Is that a threat?!”

Kiani: “Yes.”

Kylo: “You haven't controlled your eye glow.”

Kiani: “I don't wanna control it.”

Kylo: “Dominant like mom, I see. Figures.”

Rocco’s Mindlink: “KIANI WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?! (Kiani’s shocked)”

Kiani’s Mindlink: “Ahh, you’re awake.”

Rocco’s Mindlink: “YOU BETTER NOT BE WHERE I THINK YOU ARE. ”

Kiani’s Mindlink: “If I am?”

Rocco’s Mindlink: “KIANI!!”

Kiani: “Oh my gosh.”

Kylo: “Ahh. Rocco doesn't even know you're here. Now, this makes sense. Make sure he doesn't do anything stupid.”

Kiani: “He can be an ass but he's sure as hell not stupid.”

Kiani’s Mindlink: “I'm happy you've recovered highlander, but shut up. Don't you dare come after me. I’M FINE. You'll know if I'm in trouble, grumpy.”

Rocco’s Mindlink: “KIANI GET YOUR BUTT BACK HERE!! (Kiani rolls her eyes)”

Ghost: “Nice to see you again, Kiani.”

Kiani’s Mindlink: “Ghost.”

Kylo: “Did you just wink at my sister?”

Rocco’s Mindlink: “DID YOU JUST SAY ANOTHER GUYS NAME?!”

In Kiani’s head: Oh shit.

Gia: “Urgh, HELLO! Aww hello my baby Meiko! I missed you. Oh yes, I did. Little Miss Scarface is kicking up a fuss.”

Kiani: “There’s two of you?! Wait a second. WHY DO YOU HAVE MAIA?!”

Gia: “Damn, she's got mega fierce eyes going on. Did I say that?”

Kiani: “KYLO!!”

Rocco’s Mindlink: “KIANI! (Fangs conference room)”

Fang: “So the poison pellets work? Now I can tell my dear new friends how well we can work together. (Fang laughs). Who needs wolf packs?”