The Wolf Within Me
Chapter 28:

In Rocco’s bedroom Kiani getting dressed

In Kiani’s head: Where’s Rocco?! (in the kitchen)

Nova: “Rocco, I need meat.”

Rocco: “Where’s Ash?!”

Sierra: “Rocco!”

Rocco: “Shall I make you another panini sandwich?”

Nova: “Make that three. I love you so much. You're the best alpha I could ever ask for. I love you more than pickles, you know what they mean to me right now.”

Sierra: “Would you like a hot drink to Nova?”

Nova: “I'd love one. But the herbal tea I like has run out, I can't drink any other.”

Sierra: “Oh no love. Rocco will go and get you some more. Won’t you, Rocco?!”

Rocco’s Mindlink: “Help me. (Kiani laughs)”

Nova: “You're blessed to have a mate like Rocco. He's going to get my favorite herbal tea. I'm sure your big meeting with Kylo can wait. He'll understand, won't he, Kiani?”

Kiani: “I feel like the correct answer is yes.”

In Rocco’s head: We'll just stop for some herbal tea. On the way to Kylo’s. Fucking hell.

Kiani: “Where’s Asher?”

Nova: “I don't know why everyone wants to know where Asher is. He's on patrol.”

Kiani: “Ahh, I see.”

Rocco: “I swear I never sent him on patrol.”

Sierra: “Kiani, can I talk to you before you go?”

Rocco: “I'll bring the car around. I'll throw Ghost in the car boot. If his throat isn't-”

Kiani: “Rocco. (outside on the backyard)”

Sierra: “I feel like I owe you an apology. I want you to know that my intentions were genuine. But I must admit. At first, I did think about most of the benefits of you being with my son. But then I saw how happy he is with you. From the start, I should’ve told you who you were when I had my suspicions.”

Kiani: “I think you've done more than enough. You help me save me as a pup after all. You warned my mother. Knowing you were risking your life as well.”

Sierra: “Your mother, Dawn, was a strong woman. Your parents never deserved what happened to them. I wish I could’ve done more. But H-Hunter broke me.”

In Kiani’s head: When I first met Sierra, I thought she had no emotions. Now I know she's full of hurt. She was trying to protect Rocco and River. Having Hunter Darkwood for a mate while raising her children. She must have been strong. (Kiani hugs Sierra)

Sierra: “Kiani, I'm not a hugger.”

Kiani: “Just embrace it.”

Sierra: “Listen, I-”

Kiani: “EMBRACE IT! I say respectfully. (Sierra laughs and hugs Kiani back)”

In River’s head: I don't remember the last time my mom hugged me. I can’t help but feel a little jealous. I have to be close to my mother again. (Kylo’s living room)

Maia: “Don't worry, he's still in one piece.”

Gia: “You think I'm crazy, Ghost? I didn't go up against an alpha with his reputation. All for Kiani too. At least aim for someone on your level.”

In Maia’s head: Perfect.

Ghost: “Urgh, thanks.”

Gia: “Just be honest. I heard she's a healer. Instantly went up a level in my books.”

Maia: “Do you even know what a book is?”

Gia: “Oh, thrilled to see you again.”

Kylo: “Still alive then, Ghost?”

Gia: “By the skin of his teeth.”

Ghost: “No thanks to you.”

Kylo: “You deserved it. My sister. That's low. I already have to put up with Rocco.”

Ghost: “Trust me, my wolf is done with Kiani. Especially Maia-(Maia punches Ghost). Don't be like that, sweetie. (in the other living room)”

Kiani: “We're going to discuss this alliance like rational people.”

Rocco: “What? I'm calm. What you're wearing today is doing something for me.”

Kiani: “Not here. Are you mad?”

Rocco: “What are you suggesting?”

Kiani: “NOTHING!”

Rocco: “Dirty mind.”

Kiani: “Nothing okay, mate. Why aren't you in an angry mood?”

Rocco: “Can't I be in a good mood?”

Kiani: “Even when we had to stop to get herbal tea for Nova.”

Rocco: “Why do you prefer me in a bad mood?”

Kiani: “You're acting weird. You generally have a scowl on your face. (Rocco laughs)”

Rocco: “You must bring out the best in me. Little wolf.”

In Kiani’s head: What is he up to?

Kylo: “I guess I should thank you for not killing Ghost.”

Rocco: “You should thank Kiani. He’d be dead if it was to me.”

Kylo: “Yeah, of course you would. I forgot who I was talking to.”

Rocco: “What's that supposed to mean, Kylo?”

Conan: “That the Darkwoods are cold-blooded killers.”

Rocco: “Ahh, you must be the uncle. Cold blooded killers. I think you can relate to it. Knowing that you left a dead body in my territory.”

In Kiani’s head: That's my uncle?!

Kiani: “You killed Lucas!”

Conan: “Did you know him?”

Kiani: “I did. He was innocent. You didn't have to kill him. What harm would he do?”

Rocco: “Reckless. Now the police will be involved.”

Conan: “He shouldn't have been in the woods. They’re our woods. I was hunting. Unfortunately, Lucas became my prey.”

Kiani: “Then hunt and kill humans on your territory. Not ours. Better yet, hunt deers.”

Kylo: “It won't happen again. We don't kill humans. Right uncle? Let's get down to why you're here. For the sake of Kiani and wanting the death of Fang Darkwood. We accept an alliance with your pack.”

Rocco: “We accept. (night time both packs in the basement at Kylo’s)”

Kylo: “How did you get that scar?”

Rocco: “Thank God for this drink. Killing my father. It was his final gift for me. It never heals. What about yours? Since we're telling scar stories now.”

Kylo: “That night. Fang slashed my uncle Conan’s eye out. He got a swing at me as well. At least that's what Conan told me. I've always had this scar since I was young.”

Rocco: “Some scars never heal.”

Kylo: “You're telling me.”

Rocco: “Damn. Don't we both have a dark past? Are you sure you don't want another drink? (Kylo laughs)”

Kylo: “I don't even know why I'm laughing. No way in hell would I think I’d be having a drink with Rocco Darkwood. (Rocco laughs)”

Rocco: “Well, I thought you were dead. (Kylo laughs - Kiani’s surprised)”

In Kiani’s head: Are they bonding over their tragic past?

Billie Jean: “Do you always look confused?”

Kiani: “I'm never confused, thank you very much. (Billie Jean laughs). Rocco and Kylo are bonding. I knew they would get along.”

Billie Jean: “So you met my dad.”

Kiani: “Why did he have to kill a human? I was like, ‘hi Uncle, nice to meet you but you're a human killer’.”

Billie Jean: “He was hunting. His wolf thought the human was prey. It happens.”

Kiani: “But he was no threat. He could’ve hunted for something else.”

Billie Jean: “My father can't always control his urges. He was in a bad mood, he needed to kill. Unfortunately that boy was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Kiani: “I’m sure uncle Conan and I will speak soon. How the hell did you win at pool?”

Juno: “The reason that you suck at it.”

Kylo: “You're so bad at it.”

Rocco: “Give her a break. Not everyone can lose that badly at pool.”

Kiani: “JERK FACE! (Kylo and Juno laugh)”

Kylo: “I think it's time to let the men play.”

Juno: “Yeah, the men will show us how it's done.”

Kylo: “Excuse you. (Kiani laughs)”

Juno: “Well, maybe show Kiani.”

Kiani: “You've let down the whole woman race.”

Rocco: “Juno or you? (outside)”

Maia: “You're missing the party.”

Ghost: “I'm staying out of Rocco’s way.”

Maia: “I bet that's one of the most innovative things you’ve ever said.”

Ghost: “What are you doing out here? I thought you were still running away from me. You didn't feel bad for me, did you?”

Maia: “I just needed air, and here you are.”

Ghost: “Right.”

Maia: “Right. (they kiss Hawthorne’s study room)”

Embry: “You're telling me you made a deal with a wolf shifter pack?”

Mr. Hawthorne: “You Mystic Hunters have been very quiet. I needed a strong ally. I'm surprised your kind still exists.”

Embry: “Good for you, we can use them. The Darkwood pack is powerful. I'm sure he would have strong allies as well.”

Mr. Hawthorne: “I thought there would be more of you.”

Fate: “They sent us for a reason. Do you know what that reason is, Mr. Hawthorne? I'll tell you why. Embry and I are the best. We get the job done. Without fail.”

Mr. Hawthorne: “This used to be a human only organization. Oh how the times have changed. I thought they would send the human elite.”

Embry: “We work for humans. Swore to always protect humans from magical beings. The powers given to us are for that purpose only.”

Fate: “We're at your service. We'll do it your way until your way doesn't work.”

Mrs. Hawthorne: “Fang Darkwood’s mate has arrived.”

Fate: “I can't wait to say hello.”

Embry: “The sooner we clear Meadow Lake, the better. Even if that means working with their kind.”

Fate: “How many of those bullets have you got for us? We're going to need it.”

Mr. Hawthorne: “If you would all follow me. (in the library)”

Winter: “What the hell are the Mystic Hunters?”

Fang: “Swore to protect humans from magical beings. Humans were always scared of the unknown. So they created the Mystic Hunters as their defense. To be honest, I'm shocked you're not a myth.”

Winter: “You're telling me that one of them can kill me? (Winter laughs). That’s laughable. Do they even talk? What do you mean by creating?”

Fate: “I can show you.”

Embry: “Humans enslaved witches. Witches created to serve the human organization. They called us the Mystic Hunters.”

Fate: “Kind of ironic, right? As we’re magical beings but we kill magical beings.”

Winter: “In what powers do you possess to take down a wolf shifter?”

Fate: “Mr. Hawthorne, with your permission.”

Mr. Hawthorne: “You really do obey humans. You have my permission.”

Embry: “We obey the humans we've been assigned to. Mr. Hawthorne finally had proof that wolf shifters reside in these parts. The proof is standing right before us.”

Fang: “Well, remember we're all working together here. You need us.”

Winter: “Please, we have yet to see what they can do. If they can do anything.”

Fang: “Winter?! (Fang laughs). If that can't beat them, join me.”

Embry: “I'm not sure we even need your help.”

Fate: “As you said Embry, it’ll be quicker. From what I've heard, the Darkwood pack is very strong. I'd like to be efficient. Then on to our next job.”

Fang: “What did you do to her?”

Fate: “I might’ve exploded some brain cells.”

Embry: “She'll live. For now.”

Fate: “How does it feel to meet your kind?”