The Wolf Within Me
Chapter 35:

Winter: “Fang will thank me for this. A dead Kiani means a broken hearted Rocco. A heartbroken Rocco is easier to kill. Don't screw this up, Archie.”

Archie: “I think you need to ask yourself, darling, if you can kill Kiani when the time comes. Did she beat you twice now and let you live?”

Winter: “SHUT YOUR MOUTH! KIANI WILL DIE. Mark my words.”

Archie: “As long as I get what I want. I don't care. But if I get caught you’re dead too.”

Winter: “That's why you're sneaking me in and out. You better hope Rocco doesn’t replace out about you. They say I betrayed his pack for jealousy and power. You're doing the same thing. But your betrayal will have brutal consequences. But we always want what we can't have, huh?”

Archie: “Just be ready, WInter.”

Winter: “Oh I will. (the next day in the nursery everyone’s blushing)”

Rocco: “Welcome to the pack, little ones.”

In Kiani’s head: Alpha Rocco welcomes Nova and Asher’s pups into the Darkwood pack. They'll be raised and trained in the ways of the Wolf.

Nova: “Welcome Ambrose.”

Asher: “Welcome Arlen.”

In Kiani’s head: Ambrose and Arlen will always be protected by the pack. (a few days later - Rocco’s bedroom Kiani wakes up). Rocco continues his soft snores.

Kiani’s Mindlink: “You said you were going to train me today.”

Rocco’s Mindlink: “Did I?”

Kiani’s Mindlink: “Yes. You said, ‘Kiani, I'm going to train you tomorrow’.”

Rocco’s Mindlink: “I don't remember saying that.”

Kiani: “YOU SAID THAT!”

Rocco’s Mindlink: “No need to shout, I'm right here.”

Kiani: “I will bite you and then claw your eyes out.”

Rocco’s Mindlink: “I'm trying to sleep.”

In Kiani’s head: Even my wolf is eager to get training. She's itching to get her claws out. But I know why Rocco’s hesitant. He's not tired. (Kiani gets out of bed)

Rocco: “I don't like the plan, Kiani.”

Kiani: “The plan will work. We've been over this. Now stop being a stubborn jackass and train me. You know I need to learn how to shift quicker than I do. I need to be the one with the advantage.”

Rocco: “I don't want you in danger.”

Kiani: “You don't think I'm strong enough? You don't think your soulmate is strong enough?! (Kiani’s eyes keep glowing)”

In Rocco’s head: I know she has to do this but if anything happens to Kiani there’s no saving me. This will be the death of me if something happens to Kiani.

Kiani: “You and me in the woods in five minutes. Don't you dare take it easy on me.”

In Rocco’s head: Oh, I'm going to train the hell out of you now, little wolf. Dying is not an option for Kiani. I fucking love Kiani. (in the bathroom Kiani’s getting dressed)

In Kiani’s head: We've made a plan to deal with our threats. The first step in the plan is bold. It was my idea. The pack in our alliance has agreed to it. Rocco agreed to it. Now I know he doubts me. He should know I can handle myself. I felt the doubt. I understand he's worried about me. We’re all worry about each other. Our love is strong, deep and unpredictable. But I'm strong. Rocco should never doubt my strength. My Wolf's snarl in agreement. I've never trained with Rocco. This is going to be interesting. I wonder if I can take down my alpha lover. (in the backyard)

River: “Doesn’t uncle Tao look terrified, huh Ambrose?!”

Tao: “I'm not terrified!”

River: “Don't worry, I'll hold Arlen too. Twins should always stay together.”

Tao: “Arlen and I have a bond.”

Kiani: “Tao, you're not holding a grenade. (Kiani laughs)”

River: “Someone looks like they mean business.”

Kiani: “I'm about to train with the highlander.”

Tao: “Someone wants to get their ass kicked.”

Kiani: “Not in front of the babies, Tao.”

Tao: “It's okay, they don't understand. (Kiani rolls her eyes)”

River: “Well, you definitely got a distraction on your side. What's up?”

Kiani: “He doubts me, I felt it.”

River: “I'm sure he's just worried.”

Kiani: “I don't want him to worry that he begins to doubt me.”

River: “You better show him then. (in the woods)”

Kiani: “What are you waiting for?”

Rocco: “Are you sure about this, little wolf?”

Kiani: “Does any part of my face read unsure to you?”

Rocco: “I'm not going to take it easy on you. You can heal, right?”

Kiani: “It's about time you don't take it easy on me. Are your feelings getting in the way, huh? I know you love me but chill out, highlander. I'm a dominant alpha female wolf about to kick your ass. (Rocco laughs)”

Rocco: “You'll never beat me in this form. Even if you're strong your wolf is a different story. (Rocco pushes Kiani). Shift and let your wolf take the brunt of the fall.”

Kiani: “Damn it. I think you've broken a rib or two.”

Rocco: “Too slow. Your wolf could’ve handled that.”

Kiani: “Shut up. I get it, okay. Shift and relax.”

Rocco: “That's the aim, baby. Don't worry, love, I'll kiss it all better.”

Kiani: “I think I'm dying. (Rocco laughs)”

Rocco: “Walk it off.”

In Kiani’s head: I flipped him the middle finger for good measure. (Rocco laughs - in the Hawthrone’s library)

Fate: “What do you want?”

Brooke: “You know what I want. I want in.”

Embry: “You've got to be fucking kidding me. You act like you're two years old. You'd be an embarrassment to the whole organization. (Fate laughs)”

Fate: “Listen, kid-”

Brooke: “I'm not a child. What do I have to do? I'll do anything.”

Fate: “She wants revenge on the one that killed her friend.”

Embry: “Do you even know the wolf shifter that killed him?”

Brooke: “No but-”

Embry: “Then how the hell are you going to get your revenge?”

Brooke: “I know it was a wolf in Kiani’s pack.”

Embry: “Then you've got a lot of work to do.”

In Embry’s head: While I was chained up, I heard something. I'm sure it was Billie Jean's father who killed Lucas. Billie Jean. I hear my inner wolf speak to me. I ignore it.

Fate: “If you replace and kill the wolf shifter that did you wrong I'll consider taking you under my wing.”

Brooke: “But I have no training.”

Embry: “Where do you think we started? They throw you into the deep end. You either swim or you drown. I'll give you a clue. He lost an eye and now wears an eyepatch. But no doubt you'll drown, so you won't waste our time again.”

Fate: “I suggest you borrow some poison bullets your family makes.”

Brooke: “Oh, I will. There will be no drowning or dying. Now I know what to look for. People highly underestimate me. I guess I always use that to My advantage.”

Fate: “Don’t die, Brooke Hawthrone. Remember, aim right between the eyes.”

In Brooke’s head: No way can I face a full grown male wolf shifter head on. Definitely not without Mystic Hunter training. But I aim for a surprise. (back in the woods)

In Kiani’s head: I stared down at my opponent. A deep growl comes from me. My eyes perk up alert. I feel my claws dig into the earth as I'm ready for my attack.

In Rocco’s head: She's ready to attack. Her sharp teeth reveal themselves, and I know she means business. If she can defeat me. Well, at least pin me down. We pounce.

In Kiani’ head: Me and Rocco fight to pin each other down. I'm quick and agile. Rocco is strong and precise. The fast wolf is hard to pin down, Rocco soon realizes.

Rocco: “You're more than ready. If you can hold me down for ten more seconds. (in the garden at Darkwood manor). I don't think I should call you little wolf anymore.”

Kiani: “Are you sure about that?”

Rocco: “You pinned me down, Kiani. You had me. If it was a brutal fight. You could’ve taken the kill by biting my neck in those few seconds you had me. You're very fast. But to kill an alpha, never hesitate. When you get the chance even for a second, you take it. As they will always have strength on their side.”

Kiani: “You sound like you wanted me to kill you.”

Rocco: “If you face any alphas in your future. You always have to be prepared.”

Kiani: “One thing I do know. Winter won't stand a chance. She's dead meat.”

Rocco: “Don't let her live this time, Kiani. She won't let you.”

Kiani: “I know. I know what must be done.”

Rocco: “Now, about kissing you all better.”

Kiani: “I know where you can start.”

Rocco: “You're getting bolder by the day.”

Kiani: “Let's get physical, baby.”

Rocco: “Come here, Kiani.”

In Rocco’s head: I show her my untamed desire in my heated eyes. As my eyes moved to her tempting mouth. I lick my lips. (Kiani blushes)

In Kiani’s head: My cheeks are on fire. Turning burgundy. He can't see this, right?

Rocco: “You'll always be my little wolf. Beautiful and all mine.”

In Kiani’s head: My legs are weak. Talk about leaving me breathless.

Rocco: “Why are you so nervous?”

Kiani: “I can hear your thoughts.”

Rocco: “What are they saying?”

Kiani: “My highlander is about to pounce. (both laugh then they kiss)”

Rocco: “Damn straight. (a night to remember - Archie’s moves through the garden while Rocco was watching - in the woods)”

Archie: “I see your wolf is close.”

Winter: “What can I say? She can't wait for Kiani’s blood.”

Archie: “All will be ready by early morning. Kiani will be yours for the kill. I'll get what I want. Everyone wins. Well, I guess not everyone. But the ones who matter.”

Winter: “And you think you matter?”

Archie: “If it wasn't for me this opportunity wouldn't have occurred. Thanks to me.”

Winter: “You never told me what you would gain from all of this. Wasn’t Rocco a dear friend of yours? I never thought you would betray him.”

Archie: “Who said me and Rocco were ‘dear friends’? You know the saying, keep your friends close and your enemies closer.(Winter laughs).Remember, by dawn everything will be prepared for you to sneak in.”

Winter: “I'm looking forward to digging a grave. (Fang’s office)”

Fang: “Enter. I thought you were dead.”

Angelina: “I was in recovery.”

Fang: “What do you want at this godforsaken hour?”

Angelina: “It’s about Winter, you’re mate. (dawn raining - Winter’s sleeping - Kiani comes and screams)”

In Kiani’s head: I knew this day would come. I knew it deep in my wolf veins. I'm not a killer but I'm about to become one. To save the future of my pack. Pack is life. The way of the wolf is my cold. Winter broke that code. Winter is a threat. This is the new world that I live in. I'm going to thrive in it. Winter will never stop me again.