Blood And Chaos
Aurora's pov
Another roar echoed and this time it sounded really close. I panicked, grabbing Roman's hand.
"What was that?" I asked, my voice shaky.
His jaw clenched. "They're here," he murmured.
"Who?" I asked, looking up at him confused.
"The rogues," he replied, taking my hand in his huge ones. "I need you to be calm and stay in this car no matter what happens don't come out, understand?"
I swallowed, nodding my head.
"Good," he said, reaching for the door handle. "I'll be back soon, I promise," he stepped outside and closed the door.
My breathing quickened watching Roman transforming into his Lycan form. His enormous Lycan form towered over everyone, dark fur covering his body while his golden eyes locked onto the approaching rogues.
The rogues stormed through the gates like monsters unleashed from hell.
The ground trembled as Roman lunged forward with a furious roar.
The battle exploded instantly.
My eyes widened in horror as I watched Roman's warriors collided with rogues in brutal combat.
Blood sprayed across the dirt and claws tore through flesh.
I saw a rogue leap toward a wounded Lycan that was on the ground.
Roman intercepted him midair.
His massive claws ripped straight through the rogue's chest.
Blood splattered across the ground.
The rogue collapsed lifelessly.
My stomach twisted violently watching them.
Another rogue charged Roman from behind.
Roman spun instantly, grabbing the rogue by the throat before slamming him into the ground with terrifying force.
The violence was horrifying. Yet I couldn't stop watching him. Roman fought like death itself.
A savage roar ripped from Roman it was raw with rage and bloodlust. He stood over the rogues body decapitating it's head.
Every Lycan on the battlefield froze for a second and watched their king.
Roman stood on the courtyard surrounded by several dead rogues, blood covering his claws and fur while his glowing amber eyes landed on me.
And only then did I realize even in the middle of a war Roman's first instinct was still to make sure I was safe.
___________________________________________________
The battle was over for now. The
smell of blood still lingered heavily in the air.
Smoke drifted through the late afternoon sky while wounded warriors were carried toward the pack infirmary.
My hands trembled. I was still inside the car, frozen in shock. I was too afraid to step outside.
Never in my life had I seen so much violence.
The car door suddenly opened and
I flinched instinctively.
But when I realized it was Roman I let out a deep breath.
He was back in his human form now, clad in a black pair of shorts, his body was covered in bruises.
He crouched slightly beside the car and reached for me.
"Are you okay?" he asked, concern etched his voice.
I nodded, smiling faintly at him.
He exhaled, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "I'm sorry you had to see that."
I shrugged. "It's apart of my life now. I'll have to get used to the violence around me."
"This isn't the life I want for you little one. I want to keep you safe and away from the darkness of my world."
I cupped his face, staring into his gold orbs. "It's too late for that, don't you think so?"
"I think bringing you here was a mistake," he said, turning his gaze to the injured warriors.
I frowned, pulling my hand away. "Why?"
"It's not safe here for you."
"I'm human but I'm not defenseless," I muttered.
He smiled but it didn't reach his eyes.
"I know but there's still a lot you need to learn about my world."
"Alpha?" Rynn called.
"Yeah?" Roman answered, his gaze still on me.
"Alpha Henry wishes to speak with you."
"Tell him I'll be there in a minute."
Rynn nodded and walked away into the pack house.
"Come let's go inside," Roman said, stretching out his hand for me to take.
___________________________________________________
Inside the pack house, the atmosphere was warm.
The entrance hall was enormous with high ceilings supported by thick wooden beams. Chandeliers hung above, their dim golden light reflecting against polished dark floors. The scent of cedar wood, smoke, leather, and faint traces of pine lingered in the air.
Large portraits of former Alpha's decorated the walls.
"This must be the future queen," a woman said as she approached us.
The woman looked to be in her late forties, carrying herself with quiet elegance and confidence.
She was short with smooth olive-toned skin.
Her face was refined, with high cheekbones.
Her dark hair, streaked lightly with silver, fell in soft waves around her shoulders, giving her a graceful and mature beauty.
"Aurora meet Olivia, she's Henry's mate and Luna," Roman said.
I smiled at the woman."it's nice to meet you luna."
She waved a dismissive hand. "Please call me Olivia and it's a pleasure meeting you my queen," she smiled, slightly bowing.
"Please no, you don't have to do that," I said. "I'm not yet queen."
"You will be soon," Roman said softly.
"Olivia would mind keeping Aurora company until I get back?"
"I'd love to."
"I'll be back soon," Roman murmured, pressing a kiss to my forehead.
I nodded, watching him leave and then turned to Olivia.
Her expression tightened with worry as her brows pulled together and her lips pressed into a thin line.
"Is everything okay?" I asked.
She looked at me with tearful eyes.
"Nothing is ever going to be okay," she whispered shakily.
"My son is at the infirmary, a few days ago he was attacked by rogues while going for a run."
"I'm so sorry to hear that. But I'm sure he'd be fine," I said, my voice gentle and reassuring.
__________________________________________________
The morning air at Stoneridge Pack felt cooler.
Fresh dew clung to the grass while the scent of pine drifted through the air. Birds chirped softly from the trees surrounding the pack house, creating a peaceful atmosphere that almost made it easy to forget the danger lurking beyond the borders.
I sat at a small garden table beside Olivia, a warm cup of tea resting in my hands.
Olivia smiled gently at me from across the table.
"So how are things between you and the king?" She asked, setting her cup down.
I took a sip of my tea, my gaze flickering to the woods.
It was difficult to answer her. For now everything seemed fine between Roman and I but when we return home and when he meets his son I'm not sure how things are going to be between us although he made it pretty clear that I'm the only woman he wants.
"It's okay."
She raised a brow. "Okay?"
I exhaled, placing my empty cup on the table. "Do you know about Roman's ex Scarlett?"
Olivia wrinkled her nose. "Who doesn't," she muttered.
"Scarlett is known by everyone."
"She is?" I asked, surprise lacing my tone.
Olivia nodded. "Yes she is. A long time ago when the previous king, Roman’s father hosted a mating ball. Romanthen introduced Scarlett as his chosen mate. He even proposed to her infront of every Lycan."
Why didn't Roman tell me about this? Why did he keep this from me.
"But his father was against it. He refused to accept Scarlett as the future queen."
"But then he broke the engagement off," I added.
"Because his father forced him to do so. If he didn't he'd lose the throne," Olivia further added.