The Wolf Within Me
Chapter 27:

Kiani: “Okay Rocco, time to breathe.”

Kylo: “What the hell is happening now?”

In Ghost’s head: Rocco’s dominant waves come crashing into me. His wolf must know I want his mate. My wolf comes close to the surface. There is bound to be a fight now and alpha is not gonna end well for me. But I must defend myself.

Rocco’s Wolf: “KIANI’S MINE!”

Kiani: “Rocco, I’m yours!”

Kylo: “Ghost, what did you do?”

Juno: “This is gonna end in blood.”

Kai: “Ghost, you fool.”

Kylo: “I will not step in. It's the way of the wolf. Ghost wants to claim you, Kiani. It’s Rocco’s place to defend that.”

Juno: “Ghost was just acting stupid. We can't let him die. Ghost, you crazy ass wolf.”

Kylo: “He made his choice Juno. He might win.”

Kiani: “Highlander, listen to me. I rejected him. I love you!”

In Kiani’s head: Can you help me out here, wolfie?

Kiani’s Wolf: “Mate has to prove himself. Ghost is bold, he needs to be taught a lesson.”

In Kiani’s head: My wolf pushes through. (Kiani’s wolf talking)

Kiani’s Wolf: “Ghost needs to learn his place. (Rocco attacks)”

Kylo: “So be it. No one defends. Ghost wouldn't want that. It’d make him look weak.”

In Kiani’s head: Every wolf knows that if a wolf goes after a claimed mate. It's their fight to win alone. Rocco pushes Ghost straight into the tree. Breaking the whole tree with it. Ghost’s wolf breaks out of him. Sharp fangs snap as his claws swiped for Rocco. Rocco is quick to shift.

Kylo: “Is Ghost dead?”

Kiani: “Stay there.”

Kylo: “He has a twin, Gia. This would break her. The idiot saved me. That's why he joined my pack. I had a feeling Ghost wanted you but I didn't realize how much. I would’ve told him to back off. They don't understand until they have their mate. I would’ve done the same for Juno. It's only stronger in soulmates. The urge to kill every male wolf shifter who gets too close.”

Kiani: “My wolf wanted this to happen.”

Kylo: “She would, it's natural.”

In Kiani’s head: My human side still battles with my animal side. On one side, I'm proud of how strong my mate is. On the other, I'm a caring oul, always have been.

Kiani: “I'll heal him, Kylo but you need to stand back. I have to calm Rocco first.”

Kylo: “The rumors are true. I see the fights almost feral.”

Kiani: “It's hard for him to change back when his wolf is raging.”

Kylo: “Kiani. Dawn, our mother was a healer.”

In Kiani’s head: Rocco’s wolf snarls, not liking too much of Kylo’s presence.

Kylo: “Whatever you can do for Ghost. I'll take my pack home.”

Kiani: “No harm will come to Ghost. Tell Gia that. He’ll be healed by tomorrow.”

Kylo: “Okay.”

Kiani: “Unless Ghost still hasn't learned his lesson. (Kylo laughs)”

Kylo: “Your wolf is stubborn and feisty.”

Kiani: “Tell me about it.”

Kiani’s Wolf: “Hmph!”

Kiani: “Does our deal still stand?”

Kylo: “Yes sister. I think I want Rocco on my side in future battles. Just make sure he doesn't finish Ghost off.”

Kiani: “Okay, Rocco. Let’s not eat Ghost today. Thank you for proving how jealous you are of me. (Kiani laughs)”

In Kiani’s head: I slightly giggling to myself but I need Rocco to shift back now.

Kiani: “You've proven yourself, my big wolf. Come back to me now.”

Asher: “It's incredible how close Kiani can get to Rocco’s wolf.”

Maia: “I never thought I would see the day.”

Asher: “So that sort of went better than expected. (Rocco shifts back)”

Kiani: “You're one lucky wolf, Ghost. (Kiani heals Ghost - in the guest room)”

Maia’s Wolf: “I'm curious.”

In Maia’s head: I'm not.

In Kiani’s head: Rocco sent Maia to watch Ghost.

Maia’s Wolf: “He's strong.”

In Maia’s head: Rocco nearly killed him.

Maia’s Wolf: “But he's an alpha, he was strong to survive.”

In Maia’s head: He's an idiot for wanting a mated female. Alpha female at that. Oh, are you forgetting that he knocked me out?

Maia’s Wolf: “Go sniff him. SNIFF HIM!”

In Maia’s head: Well this is new. It's the first time my wolf's been interested in a male. Now I'm curious. (Maia sniffs Ghost)

Maia’s Wolf: “Delicious.”

Ghost: “Did you just sniff me?”

Maia: “Why would I sniff an absolute moron?

Ghost: “You sniff out loud. Where am I? I feel like I've been hit by a bus.”

Maia: “More like an alpha bus.”

Ghost: “Very funny.”

Maia: “I'm hilarious.”

Ghost: “I thought I was dead.”

Maia: “Too bad.”

In Ghost’s head: Ahh, the girl I knocked out.

Ghost: “You have nice legs.”

Maia: “You like asking for trouble, don't you?”

In Ghost’s head: My wolf is curious. (in the living room)

Rocco: “I want him dead, Kiani. Not recovering in my guest room. Healers are meant to stay private. Now the whole Bloodstone pack.”

Kiani: “Yeah because killing Ghost will go down so well.”

Rocco: “If he so much as looks at you-”

Kiani: “We've got past the ‘letting him breathe’ stage.”

Rocco’s Wolf: “NOT HAPPY!”

In Rocco’s head: You and me both buddy.

Kiani: “I know you're both sulking like immature beasts. Ghost will only be here for one night. So can you please give it a rest?”

Rocco: “I'd hate to waste your healing powers but he probably won't make the night while I'm around.”

Kiani: “You won't touch him!”

Rocco: “You always forget I'm the alpha here, little wolf.”

Kiani: “Oh, I don't forget. You forget I'm very soon to be a Luna if not already. So I can boss you about all I want. (Rocco pins Kiani to the couch)”

Rocco’s Mindlink: “You love asking for trouble don't you?”

Kiani’s Mindlink: “I love asking for you.”

In Kiani’s head: As my heavy breathing proves it. (Kiani pins Rocco to the couch - the next day in the gym)

River: “Would you get over it already?”

Tao: “It wasn't your shirt that got ruined, was it?”

River: “I'll buy you a new one.”

Tao: “I only lost to Kiani because I didn't want to hurt her.”

River: “But I thought you didn't want to ruin your shirt.”

Tao: “I nearly had her.”

Kiani: “Who's the sore loser, Tao?”

River: “Not working out this morning, Kiani?”

Kiani: “I'm pretty tired this morning.”

River: “I'm going to say ew this time.”

Tao: “I'm surprised you're not tired, River.”

Kiani: “Okay, let's stop this whatever this is right now.”

Aspen: “Yeah, I'm trying to work out here.”

Tao: “You'll get a mate soon, Aspen. I'll keep an eye out.”

Kiani: “It's only because Rocco’s jealous As hell Ghost is here.”

Rocco: “Jealous as hell am I?”

Tao: “I get it.”

In Rocco’s head: I cracked my neck muscles as I say to Tao…

Rocco: “I haven't trained with you in a while. We can talk about you claiming my sister as well. Let's get, boy.”

In Kiani’s head: Wow. (in the backyard)

Maia: “I can't believe I have to babysit you.”

Ghost: “You sound like being with me is a bad thing.”

Maia: “Did I give you the impression that it was a good thing? Let's be clear, I hate it.”

Ghost: “It's a nice set up your pack has here.”

Maia: “Eat your food and then you're going back.”

Ghost: “I'll miss you so much.”

Maia: “You should back off of Kiani. She'll never be yours. Tell your wolf that. You would have died for a wolf who didn't want you. Pointless.”

In Ghost’s head: Brutally blunt, I see.

Ghost’s Wolf: “I like her.”

Ghost: “My wolf wanted her at the time. I can't help that. But some things changed. Also, nearly dying opens your eyes up a bit.”

Maia: “Wide-open No doubt.”

Ghost: “Especially meeting you.”

In Maia’s head: What's happening to me? I guess it doesn't help that he looks like an elf. Like in those fantasy books I read. They're always the hot ones.

Ghost’s Wolf: “Let's mark her. She's the one I want, perfect.”

Ghost: “Why do you wear glasses? Wolf shifters have perfect eyesight.”

Maia: “To hide my scar. I'm used to them now. It can also be too much for humans.”

Ghost: “You look beautiful regardless. I think I made you blush, Maia.”

In Maia’s head: My heart jumps when he says my name. How stupid.

Maia: “I can hear your heart beating fast.”

Ghost: “This didn't happen with Kiani.”

In Kiani’s head: A magical magnet forces full density either. Maia and Ghost both lose control of their wolves. (they kiss)

Kiani: “Ahem.”

In Kiani’s head: Well this is awkward.

Kiani: “Not dead then. Maia helped you recover, did she? Kiss of Life and all that.”

In Maia’s head: Kill me.

Ghost: “Kiani, Thanks for healing me. (Maia runs off). MAIA WAIT!”

In Kiani’s head: I was trying to be light-hearted about the situation.

Kiani: “I'll go see if she's okay. Stay here. (Kiani runs off)”

Asher: “The sooner you leave, the damn better. You're lucky to be alive.”

Ghost: “That's what everyone keeps telling me.”

Asher: “Then you best believe it, Ghost. (in the woods)”

Kiani: “You do know that I'm not judging you, right?”

Maia: “Don't worry, I'm judging myself.”

Kiani: “What happened?”

Maia: “I don't even know. One minute I was being sarcastic like usual and the next we're fucking tongue-tied kissing.”

Kiani: “Literally.”

Maia: “YES, I KNOW!”

Kiani: “Do you think you're-”

Maia: “He thought that with you.”

Kiani: “Yeah, but he didn't go all kissy on me. It could mean something. I mean, your rules come out. I saw the veins.”

Maia: “What the hell would Rocco think? He nearly killed him. I'm an enforcer, I don't have time for this. This is weird. I was drawn to him. It happened quickly, it's insane.”

Kiani: “From what I experienced, it does. I don't know Rocco either. Hell, I didn't know I was a wolf shifter.”

Maia: “Yeah, you've had it rough. I need to shift and clear my head.”

Kiani: “I'll cover for you.”

Maia: “Thanks. I'll be back. I know we need to be careful with shifting these days.”

Kiani: “I'm not worried, you take care of yourself.”

Maia: “Not when Ghost is involved.”

Kiani: “Didn't he knock you out?”

Maia: “Yes, thanks for reminding me. (Kiani laughs - Maia smacks Kiani)”

Kiani: “You did not just knock my cap off. So not cool, Maia. (Maia shifts). Yeah, you best run. Knocking my cap off. The absolute cheek.”

In Kiani’s head: Ghost and Maia. This mate bond is out of hand. (a guy watching)

Kiani’s Wolf: “Threat.”

In Kiani’s head: Strange.

In Mr. Hawthorne’s head: They came.

Mr. Hawthorne: “Please tell me-”

Embry: “No need to worry, Hawthorne.”

Fate: “We blend in when we need to.”

Embry: “So, Meadow Lake has a wolf problem.”

Fate: “I haven't killed wolves in a long time. What a treat.”

Mr. Hawthorne: “Not for long. I'll have them wiped out Meadow Lake with your help.”