The Wolf Within Me
Chapter 25:

In the kitchen 

Maia: “Are they ever gonna shut up?”

Sierra: “It's none of our business. Even though they couldn't shout any louder.”

Maia: “They're driving me insane.”

Tao: “This is comedy gold, guys.”

Aspen: “They've been yelling at each other for exactly 1 hour and 23 minutes.”

Tao: “You know what's gonna happen next, right?”

River: “Why did I let you mark me again?”

Tao: “I'm feeling the love, baby.”

Nova: “Maybe we should go see if they are okay.”

Asher: “Are you mad?”

Nova: “You did not just call me mad. (Asher’s scared and nervous)”

Asher: “You know I didn't mean that, baby.”

Nova: “I'd like to see you carrying our pup.”

Maia: “Are you kidding me? Just what we need. ANOTHER ARGUMENT!”

River: “Let's all just calm down. Emotions are high right now.”

Aspen: “Yeah, traitor high.”

Nova: “That tramp nearly killed Asher and Rocco!”

Tao: “If I ever saw Winter again…”

Maia: “Oh we will. She deserves to die for what she did. We still haven't talked about you lying, Sierra.”

Sierra: “Trust me, I regret it.”

Maia: “Trust around here is becoming a joke.”

River: “We've all made mistakes, Maia. But we need to be United more than ever.”

Nova: “If Kiani and Rocco don't get it together soon I'm going up there and knocking their heads together. Punch Rocco in the face then punch Kiani in the face. Tell them to shut the hell up before I kick them where the sun doesn’t shine. (Sierra laughs then everyone laughs - in the bathroom)”

In Rocco’s head: Dammit, she looks hot as hell.

In Kiani’s head: Yeah, I saw the heat in your eyes.

Kiani: “That wasn't for you, jerk. (in Brooke’s bedroom)”

In Brooke’s head: My parents have been weird since I told them what I saw. Do I ask them? It's like my job is done or something. Why do I care? It was not human but I've been against my parents’ crazy ideas. I don't want to admit I was wrong. I need to know more. (doorbell). Who the hell is she? Some gladiator? Why is she here speaking to my dad? They seem to be in deep conversation. If I can just get closer to the door.

Mr. Hawthorne: “I'm still not sure. What are you? It's against everything I stand for.”

In Mr. Hawthorne’s head: Absolute abomination.

Angelina: “You would be chasing myths if it wasn't for my alpha you little shit. I could kill you without breaking a sweat weakling. But the prototype worked. We believe we can work well together. My alpha sent me to say congratulations. You have yourself a deal, Mr. Hawthorne. No time for backing out now.”

Mr. Hawthorne: “Did it contain your kind?”

Angelina: “Mr. Hawthorne, you still have a lot of work to do.”

Mr. Hawthorne: “When am I going to meet your so-called alpha?”

In Mr. Hawthorne’s head: The snarl, the angry veins around her eyes. This is real. I'm finally the Hawthorne who will not be made out to be insane. These creatures exist.

Angelina: “Never disrespect my alpha again. He will meet you face to face when the time is right. We want more potent weapons that only you can provide. You work with us and we comply with you. My Alpha wants his nephew dead and buried. We'll be in touch. Be careful what you search for, Mr. Hawthorne. Because you've found it and now you're in deep. Not so crazy after all. You're still weak though.”

In Mr. Hawthorne’s head: They may be powerful wolf shifters but they have no idea what I'm capable of either. No idea how long I've waited and planned when I have evidence. (Brooke runs back to her room to change)

Mr. Hawthorne: “You look startled, Brooke.”

Brooke: “You just made me jump. Don't you knock?”

Mr. Hawthorne: “Watch your tongue, young lady. I need to talk to you.”

Brooke: “So talk.”

Mr. Hawthorne: “I want you to stay away from that girl we told you to watch. I also want you to do the same with the Darkwoods.

Brooke: “But you said you wanted me to get more information-”

Mr. Hawthorne: “I know what I said. I know what your mother said is well but you've done enough. It's now out of your hands. Carry on cheerleading or whatever you do.”

Brooke: “That’s it?! But you wanted me in the family business.”

Mr. Hawthorne: “Too late. You're out of your depth, young lady. It's best for you to just get on with your everyday life. I remember those were the words you said to me. You wanted a normal life. Well, I'm letting you have it. (Mr. Hawthorne walks away)”

Brooke: “But dad, I'm invested now. I can't just forget what I saw.”

In Brooke’s head: What are they? (in the living room)

River: “Your bloodline is only getting stronger. I'm happy for you. Does Kylo still hate us after you explained our side?”

Kiani: “Let's just say that he's trying. But he saw what happened that night. He's scared of it. It’ll take him time to come around even though he knows the truth.”

River: “Make sense.”

Kiani: “You don't have to feel bad River.”

River: “I'm just ashamed of who my father was. It's hard to know I'm related to him. It scares me sometimes. I'm sure my brother. Speaking of my brother, you were arguing for ages. Kissed and made up yet?”

Kiani: “I naturally stormed out. So someone is marked as well now, huh?”

River: “Rocco doesn't know yet, but no doubt he will soon.”

Kiani: “You do know I've already left him in a bad mood.”

Rocco: “When were you gonna tell me Tao marked you?!”

River: “You know now.”

Rocco: “You said you weren't ready for a mate.”

River: “Are we ever really ready for a mate?”

Kiani: “That is true.”

Rocco: “You're not helping Kiani.”

River: “Oh hell.”

Kiani: “I'm still waiting for an apology.”

Rocco: “I'm waiting for mine.”

In River’s head: Jesus have mercy. I have a headache. (River tries to sneak away)

Rocco: “STAY THERE! This whole damn pack is going for a run. We’re going bonding.”

River: “Good idea.”

Kiani: “Like hell, I'm going. (Rocco pulls Kiani closer to him). Don't you dare use your sexyness against me. (Rocco kisses Kiani)”

River: “I'll go get ready and get the rest of the pack. While you two make up.”

In River’s head: So he's over me being marked then? (River leaves)

Rocco: “I'm sorry. It must’ve been hard what you went through. I just wish I was there with you. I was worried. I need to know that you're always safe. I love you.”

Kiani: “I guess I could’ve waited.”

Rocco: “Of course I get a lame ass sorry.”

Kiani: “I love you too?!”

Rocco: “I'm surprised your eyes haven't been blowing like crazy.”

Kiani: “My wolf was never angry at you. Never is. Don't get smug, highlander. (Rocco laughs - Kiani bites Rocco’s neck)”

Kiani’s Mindlink: “She wants to mark you all the time. I thought I'd let her.”

In Kiani’s head: The Darkwood pack all shifts as they go hunting together. Rocco felt the bond in their pack had been more than tested. With me becoming the new female alpha soon and my first time being a wolf running with the pack. It's the perfect time to regain their once strong bond. Then deal with the uncertain future. Together as the Darkwood pack. Pack is family. Rocco will fight for it. Rocco and his wolf almost feel at peace. Traitor free. His pack can only get stronger. His pack is even more protective now as Nova is expecting a pup.

In Rocco’s head: I wonder when Kiani will give me pups? I hope she realizes I want about four or five at least. I guess we can wait. We're still young. Right now, threats need to be dealt with. The bullet that brought me down, worries me. Maybe I should arrange a meeting with Kylo’s pack. (somewhere else in the woods)

Lucas: “How deep in these damn words do we have to go?”

Brooke: “Beats going at night as I wanted. But you're a scared ass.”

Lucas: “You're acting crazy. You won't even tell me why we're here.”

Brooke: “Never call me that.”

Lucas: “I should’ve left you to do it.”

Brooke: “Yeah, you're useless.”

Lucas: “I'm done with you, Brooke. (Lucas walks away)”

Brooke: “Are you leaving me out here?”

In Lucas’ head: Now I'm lost. What was that? (Conan claws Lucas - in the living room)

Conan: “I had to replace out from my daughter's mindlink. When were you gonna tell me that Kiani is alive? Where’s the respect gone for your uncle?”

In Kylo’s head: My uncle Conan and I have been through hell together. He lost his eye protecting me. He practically raised me with Billie. I love him and respect him for that. He taught me the way of the wolf. Respectfully stepped aside when I was ready to be alpha and we clashed a whole lot. Always disagree on something. He’ll never replace my dad. I think that was the main issue.

Kylo: “Kiani’s my sister. I was gonna tell you in time. You didn't have to come back.”

Conan: “I might not live here but I'm still a part of this pack. I deserved to know.”

Kylo: “Well now you know.”

Juno: “Kylo, you need to tell him what Kiani told us. Everything.”

Kylo: “There's so much to explain. We'll have to sit down for this. (in the woods)”

Sierra: “I'm sorry, son.”

Rocco: “I know mother. I was too harsh before. I heard you laugh. Out loud. A really belly laugh. (Sierra laughs)”

Sierra: “I have you and Kiani to thank for that.”

In Rocco’s head: It's nice to see my mom happy. We all needed this today.

Kiani: “Stop being a big wuss Tao. Scared you're gonna get your clothes dirty? When I knock your lights out into this River. Oh, you should be. (Kiani laughs)”

Tao: “Oh, you're going down, Kiani. No one makes me dirty. Except River.”

River: “Okay. (Kiani laughs)”

Kiani: “Time to go for a little splash.”

Tao: “Come on, my alpha female. Show me what you've got. (Kiani and Tao fighting)”

Rocco: “My little wolf is gonna kick your ass Tao. (Maia cheering)”

In Sierra’s head: They're all acting like pups right now. (Sierra laughs - somewhere else in the woods at night)

Brooke: “Lucas, this isn't funny.”

In Brooke’s head: This was such a bad idea.

Brooke: “LUCAS! Lucas, please. (Brooke sees a wolf a screams)”