Chapter 51
Braxton
We’ve taken down two locations Fenrir’s people tried to commandeer but we’re about to face our truest challenge. No doubt the ones that are fighting our fathers are his most lethal soldiers. The four of us are going to seriously watch each other’s backs. These people fight dirty and don’t care about harming innocents. That shit infuriates me which is why I didn’t stop Nyah from killing that asshole. He deserved that and so much more.
Luckily, instead of us running through the thicket of forest trees and foliage, Nyah guided us to a cleared path that led to Alpha Lightfeather’s cabin. We stopped at the opening to see our fathers, Levi, James, Kenia, and the Alpha of the Bear Pack whose name I can’t remember. Men, women, wolves, and bears are positioned behind them as they face off to Fenrir’s people, ready for a showdown. A large man with scars on his face is standing in front of Fenrir’s small army. I wonder how it is that he has scars. We as shifters typically heal quickly, never leaving any trace of a wound.
Ballian nudges me, once again hearing my thoughts. “The asshole in front is Ezeikel. If Fenrir had a right-hand man, he’d be the one. The scars are from being cut with silver knives. You’ll have one too. I was trying to go after him when I was ambushed. That shit won’t happen this time.”
I look down at my arm that should be on the mend but is still a gaping wound.
I nod, knowing Ezeikel would be the first one I help Ballian kill. He’s the next best thing to chop off the head of the snake.
“It won’t be that easy,” Ballian interrupts my thoughts. “Just like your fathers have special abilities, Ezeikel was gifted with some by Fenrir. We have knowledge of some, but he still has some that we have yet to discover. You’re probably going to need these.”
Pain runs through my hands. Bringing them up to my face, I watch my fingernails transform into large claws. Not only did I have Ballian’s strength, but he has gifted me with deadly appendages.
Ballian sneers, “If you die, I die, so try to stay alive.”
I chuckled. “I plan on it.”
Ballian bowed his head in respect. “The Gods have blessed you with other gifts, but they will manifest themselves when the time is needed.”
Elder Nelah appears out of nowhere with two women behind her. “Dip those claws in this vat of silver.” The women move closer, carrying an old cast iron pot filled with silver.
I shake my head from side to side, not wanting any part of that shit. If my wound wasn’t healing from the silver bladed knife, then what the Hell is this shit going to do to my hands.
Elder Nelah lets out an exasperated sigh. “Braxton, just dip your claws in the silver. Just like humans with fingernails, our claws are basically somewhat formed from dead cells. As long as you don’t let the silver touch your skin, you will be fine. Now, hurry up. We need to get back to the other women and children.”
I look to Ballian for confirmation. As he thought over her words, Nyah placed her claws in the silver.
“We’re going to need every advantage,” she said, removing her silver covered claws from the vat. She shows off her shiny claws to Skia.
I blankly stare at Ballian. “Do it,” he says in a commanding voice.
Tossing my fears to the side, I put my claws in the silver concoction. I waited for the excruciating pain to hit me, but it didn’t. Elder Nelah and the women disappear back into the woods.
My focus goes back to Ezeikel as he speaks. “It doesn't have to come to this, Noah. All you have to do is pledge your allegiance to Fenrir and no one else has to die.”
Nyah huffs as she shakes her head while rolling her eyes.
Alpha Lightfeather takes a step forward. “We didn’t do it the last time and we won’t do it now. Everyone you see around me is willing to give up their lives to fight for what’s right. I’m only going to give you this warning once; get the fuck off my land with your lives intact or die because you chose the wrong side.”
Ezeikel laughs, glancing back at his members who thought found amusement in Alpha Lightfeather’s words.
He looks at Alpha Lightfeather saying, “We didn’t choose the wrong side, you and your people did.” His soldiers pull out silver laced knives, machetes, and chains. “I gave you a chance and now everyone of you will have to pay the price with your lives.”
I don’t know if it had something to do with our bond, but Nyah, Skia, Ballian, and I race towards our fathers, then leap over them as if they were three feet tall. It’s some shit you would see in the movies.
Ezeikel stumbles back once he sees Ballian’s large body in front of him. “Ballian,” he murmurs. “We killed you!”
“Did you?” Ballian growls.
Ezeikel looks surprised to hear Ballian speak. He howls, withdrawing his sword. “Attack,” he commands his people. The battle has begun.
Ezeikel lets his soldiers move ahead of him. The first man to approach me screams for his life as I plunge my claws into his chest and rip out his heart. His body drops like a ton of bricks as I toss his heart to the side and move on to my next victim or should I say victims because two men circle me wielding machetes. The first one twirls his machete around before charging towards me. I duck as he wildly swings it at me, pivoting to catch him with an elbow under the chin. The second one comes to aid, but as he brings his machete down, I lock my arm around the first one’s neck and quickly turn him. The machete opens up his chest cavity as if it were slicing through butter. Noticing that he just killed his pack member, the second man screeches.
“Brother,” he cries.
With his attention on his brother, I take the machete from the dead man’s hand and utilize it to sever the hand from the second man. He brings his handless wrist to his face. Shock overtakes him as his mouth opens with a silent scream. Dropping the machete and the lifeless body, I grasp the man’s head. He wails as my silver covered claws puncture his skin. His failed attempts to punch my torso feel like butterfly kisses. It’s obvious that I took away his good hand. Dragging him close to me, I say, “You shouldn’t be worried about your brother dying because you’re about to join him.” Lifting him off his feet, I dig my claws in deeper, breaking through his skull before piercing his eyes with my thumb claws. His head caves in under the pressure I’m applying.