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A Tale of Two Lives (BurningWillows & Rskde)

Ivory has a short conversation with Flynn, thanking him before finding Hayley. The girls talk for a few minutes about the whole ordeal, then Ivory leaves to find her mate.

"Christian?" She peeks into their room, hoping he'd be there. She doesn't see him but she knows he'll find her. Slipping into the bathroom Ivory showers quickly before piling her hair in a curly messy bun on top of her head, making her look gorgeous. She only had one dress that would fit over her growing stomach and it was a light gold, perfect with her light brown hair. By the time she was ready she heard the bedroom door creak open.

"Christian, my soul? Is that you?" She stepped out of the bathroom in all her glory, looking for her lover.
 
Christian had walked into their room and looked around before hearing Ivory, he watches her step out completely naked and he gives her a smile.

"Hello, how're you feeling?" He asks while walking over to her, placing his hands on her shoulders and giving her a kiss on her cheek. He rests his head against hers. "Were you looking for me?" He asks with the raise of his eyebrows.
 
She smiles, "of course I'm looking for you. I wanted to make sure you had time to get dressed."

Moving around him she opens the wooden wardrobe and hands him her favourite outfit, a pair of black pants, leather boots, and a white long sleeved shirt with a black vest embroidered with his coat of arms. She'd sewn the entire outfit herself, making it her favourite. Normally she paired it with his fur cloak but that would be too much.

"My little Hayley has chosen a mate, and there is a ceremony tonight. I'm the bridesmaid, which means your my date."

She found her golden dress they had imported, and she slipped it on. Half the clothin worn in the clan was hand made with imported material, the rest was imported in its complete form. The clan had a few merchants that had gained their trust and had trails leading into the territory by the River pack. The river wolves did all the bartering, then shipped individual purchases out by their scouts. Ivory has bought this dress for Katerinas ceremony after finding out she was pregnant. Now it had two uses.

"Do you think Gernesh will make a scene?"
 
Christian smiles as he watches her pull out the outfit, while putting it on he raises his eyebrows at her. "Date? I dunno, some of these Northern Wolves might ask me to the wedding." He teases, knowing how overprotective and jealous she could be.

He gets dressed completely and laughs. "I thought Hayley's mate was chosen for her." He says with a chuckle, remembering that Bear was killed so easily by the wounded Flynn.

"I don't think he will, but there's a possibility.." He admits. "You're completely stunningly beautiful.." He says while walking over to her, resting his forehead against hers again, pecking her on her lips.
 
"If I see so much as a hand on you I'll start snapping necks," she warned, biting her words, "Your mine."

She only relaxed once he was touching her, his touch able to melt her rage, "I'm sorry, these hormones are making me extra protective of what is mine. You are just as handsome my dear."

She kissed him, longing for more but they couldn't be late. Taking his hand she motioned him to lead the way to the mess hall, where the ceremony would be starting in fifteen.
 
Christian chuckles when she shows her protectivness, glad to see that his touch was able to calm her down so well.

He kisses her back when she kisses him, feeling that longing within her but he knows that they wouldn't have time. He walks with her to the mess hall where the ceremonies are to begin momentarily.
 
The mess hall had been cleared of tables except two that held refreshments and sweets. The rest of the hall was taken up by a large red carpet and rows of chairs leading up to a large circle of flower petals where the couple would stand the announce thier vows to each other. The walls had been decorated subtly, giving the large cavern they'd turned into a mess hall a little more of a festive feel. Ivory and Christian found spots at the very front, so that Ivory could stand at the edge of the circle when it was time.

"Who do you think Flynn chose as his best man?" Ivory asked as wolves trickled in, most of them being northerners just interested in a wedding. The few that were involved with the couple were late. Kayden -or Katerina as she was in public - rushed in last minute and crashed beside Ivory.

"Sorry," she breathed, "I fell asleep after that tactics meeting."

Issac was fashionably right on the dime, taking a seat beside his daughter in one of those rare times he wasn't the center of attention. The clan had their own version of a priest, an Elder adversed in the scripts of marriage, who enjoyed marryin couples amongst his other peaceful studies. Unfortunately he had grown quite sick after the grey wolf attack, and was unable to preform the rites. This came as a blessing to Ven, when Kayden offered the idea to have Ven memorize the rites and preform him, giving him meaning to the clan again.
 
Flynn stands at the front, trying not to look out at the audience that had assembled, he can see plenty of angry blazing red heads among the crowd, all of them probably hot for revenge.

He takes a shaky breath, being quite nervous for this, as he could be jumped by these wolves easily, though some would jump up and defend him.

Ven stands at the alter with his hands behind his back, wearing ceremonial robes that had been provided to him in order to perform the ritual, he feels a lot better having purpose within the clan.

He looks around the crowd for Brea, hoping to see her, as he hadn't spoken to her since the night before. He had left Otis in his quarters, trusting the little guy to wander.
 
Brea was amongst the watchers, along with her mother and father, the three of them like many others just there to join the joyous occasion. She spotted Ven at the front and waved enthusiastically until she got glared at by the red head beside her.

"Friends with the kid witch?" He sneered.

"Why yes I am," she stuck her chin up, "He is indeed a kid, and he's so good at Magic Ossac made him the court wizard. What were you at his age?"

The fire wolf nostrils flared and he got up, looking moody as he found another seat. As he sat down Gernesh strolled in, lookin none to happy. Brea recognized him from the party the night before and his scene with The man getting we'd, Flynn. Brea leaned into her mother as other wolves sat further into their seats, no one wanting to get in his path. The only defiant one was a light brown haired wolf dressed in gold, who stood when Gernesh got close enough to Flynn. Brea could see now she was pregnant.

"She must be brave," Brea whispered to her mother, pointing out the girl, "she's carrying mum and she's standing up to The fire Beta."

Her mother smiled, "My dear that is Ivory, Beta of the eastern pack. Nothing scares them. And that man there is her mate. If Gernesh tried to hurt her you can bet that man there will protect her and his pups."

~

"No drama Gernesh," Ivory was standing in his way, one hand blocking him from Flynn, the other on her swollen belly, "Please."

Gernesh took a step towards her and she tended, ready to protect her pups and let Christian do the fighting. It looked like the man was going to take a shot but then he sighed and sat down prompting Ivory to sit down too, apologizing for possibly worrying Christian.

"Hayley should be here any second. I'm sorry Christian, I didn't want her to walk in to a fight."
 
Ven gives her a little wave back, he watches a brief exchange between Brea and one of the Southern Pack with his fiery hair, wondering what the words were that were exchanged.

Flynn watches Garnesh, perfectly ready to perform the same thing he did to Bear on Garnesh if it came down to it, though it would be last resort as he knows how Hayley would react to her last real fsmily dying off.
 
Before any fights could even began a loud chime rang through a room, one of the wolves outside ringing it to announce Hayley. A white haired werewolf sat in the corner, ready with her harp and began to play as Hayley stepped in, looking stunning with her messy curls all up and styled on the top of her head, little diamond studs sprinkled through out. One strand of hair stuck out and silhouetted the side of her face, and obvious touch of the rebellious girl. Her dress looked stunning on her, her lips red as roses and her eyes tinted dark around the edges with gold patted around them, her lashes long and dark.

"She looks beautiful," Layden breathed, as the entire audience watched her slowly walk up the aisle, her eyes only on Flynn.

'Be honest Flynn. How silly do I look right now?' she asked him through thier connection, feeling conscious with everyone staring and her in an outfit the sassy princess would never normally wear.
 
Flynn can't help but stare at the beautiful wolf, how amazing she looked would be unable to be put into the words of a poet, everything about her is flawless and beyond comprehension.

You look gorgeios, astounding, amazing, and godesslike all at the same time. He admits, his gaze dropping to the floor. He feels all eyes shift to him as the escort to the alter begins.
 
Hayley blushes, making her freckles stand out even more as she slowly walks up the aisle to the altar where Ven, the court wizard awaits.

'Are you ready for this? I mean...I guess it's a little too late to ask,' she jokes, trying to ease their nerves.

"Place my hand between yours," she whispered, lifting her palm so it lay flat as she slid it over his one hand and asked him to place his other hand over hers. When he would she could place her left hand over his and Ven could start the rites.
 
Ven watches the two work out what to do before he nods to them, holding both of their wrists.

He looks up at the audience before speaking loudly and clearly. "Today is considered the most important day of a wolfs life.. When that wolf decides consensually that they will no longer stand as an individual but as a pair, unbreakable in all aspects and inseparable no matter the temptation or circumstance."

He looks to Flynn and Haley, asking them both if they would like to be wedded, which of course both of them say yes.

He takes a small knife from his side, rolling up both of their sleeves before looking to the audience again. "A marriage is not only a mental bond, but a blood bond, and so we celebrate the strength of blood." He cuts a little bit of their wrists each before filling two cups with their blood.

"And now they will have their first taste of each others blood, to seal the bond of matrimony for life." He announces.
 
Hayley took her cup, looking up at her lover with a glint in her eye, This is our first time tasting each other's blood, right Flynn? Our first...'. She was getting the hang of talking to him and he could hear her laughing internally at the fact this was indeed not thier first. Still she held her tongue and lifted the cup to her mouth.

"Hayley," her father all but whispered her name, trying to break her resolve.

She ignored him and ripped the cup back, draining the blood in one long gulp. When she finished she handed the cup back to Ven, her eyes never leaving Flynns.

Your keeping me strong Flynn.
 
Flynn chuckles before drinking his cup as well, both of the cups are handed back to Ven.

"The marriage ritual is completed, you may kiss the bride." And Flynn does so. You're keeping me sane..

He breaks the kiss after a moment, knowing the real kissing would happen later tonight.
 
She stood on her tip toes to kiss him, feeling his arms wrap around and lift her higher to make it easier. The room erupted into applause, and she was so caught up with Flynn she didn't even think to check and see if her father was clapping or scowling.

"Thank you Ven," she nodded to the court mage as her hands wove with Flynn's and she addressed the crowd, "Now to celebrate!"

The harp player had been exchanged for a live band and the music kicked up, people pushing their chairs to the walls to create a dance floor as Hayley dragged Flynn into the middle of the room, "Just one dance baby. It's like your sword practise, it's all in the footwork."

~

As the commotion to move chairs and create a dance floor began Kayden slipped out, having been present long enough for no one to question her disappearance. As much as she didn't know what was going to happen, she was resigned to go to that meeting and find out what they wanted to speak to her about. Fortunately she'd missed Lukai at the ceremony, although she had seen him, and Dominik hadn't found her yet so she slipped out easily, making her way into the trees. It was hard to run or even jog in her baby blue dress so she simply walked all the way, getting down to the lake with just minutes to spare as she walked across the bridge. Something was nagging at her, some instinct saying there was something off tonight, but she couldn't put her finger on it.
 
Flynn laughs when she pulls him out to the dance floor, he dances with her in fron of everybody, not caring who saw, though the people on the outside saw two innocents, they are actually two mates, only making their bond stronger.

I love you.. He continued dancing with her until the song ended, which he then takes his seat afterwards. He drinks a glass of red wine while watching the festivities, also on guard for any of the South Pack.
 
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'I love you too.'

While Flynn goes and sits down Hayley stays on the dance floor as the few friends she does have who support her come to dance, including Ivory. For once Hayley doesn't want to leave the party early, instead she drinks wine to her heart's content, getting more used to the flavor, and dancing with everyone including her mate, making sure he was never far from her sight.

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Kayden was kneeling in front of the Oak Tree, paying homage to its great roots when it hit her what was wrong with the scenario.

"No guards she breathed, spinning her head back to look at the bridge where sure enough no one was guarding. Whoever had wrote that letter obviously wanted utter privacy, but what worried her more was the fact they were gone, meaning this person held power too.

"Who is this wolf?" she breathed, standing and staring out at the bridge.

"It's me," the last voice she thought she'd ever hear spoke from behind her and she whirled around, stunned at the sight before her.

"K-K...Katerina?"

"I've missed you Kayden."
 
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Flynn always keeps her in sight, watching her from afar while also looking around him for any sort of trouble, not wanting any at his own wedding.

He takes another sip of wine before joining his mate out on the dance floor, a smile touching his face as they come in contact.
 
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Hayley is happy as he sweeps her up to dance, giggling a storm as she presses her lips to his, uncaring who saw. She was his and he was hers now.

"My pack is behaving so far," Hayley smiled, "Are you enjoying yourself?"

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"How?" Kayden asked when her voice came back, her eyes wide as everything fell out of place, her brain a mess of questions and concerns, "How are you alive?"

"When I fell in the ravine I was lucky enough not to hit my head. I washed up in the lake and the river pack nursed me to health without realizing who I was. By the time the Beta returned from the first set of Trials, I was awake."

Kayden had tears glinting in her eyes, "And you didn't come home?"

"Oh Kay," Nina sighed, pulling her twin into a hug, "It's me dear. Really me. And I couldn't go home. Not with Issac there."

"Father?" Kayden pulled back, "What's he got to do with it?"

An anger she'd never seen before lit in her eyes, her skin turning colder than normal, "Our father was the wolf who tried to murder me."

"Murder...what?"

"They told you it was an accident I'm sure. Christian and I were on a hunt that morning and I stepped close to the ravine. A wolf came out of no where and tackled me over the edge, and I fell before I could see him."

"So how does that key in with father?"

"The line, 'You're father says goodbye' before being pushed down into the ravine helped," Nina snapped, angry not at Kayden but their father, "Oh it's so good to see you. I've been waiting till you were alone to deliver my message. I'm so glad you came."

"I am too," Kayden slid down, sitting in the grass as her sister joined them, "I can't believe he did that. We have a lot of catching up to do."

"I know," Nina smiled, "You first..."

They sat leaning on each other for what felt like hours, each of them explaining the whirlwind weeks they'd been having. Katerina knew all about the Trials and her father's deceit with Kayden, but she didn't know any of the behind the scenes. When Dominik got brought up Kayden admitted to already knowing he was a demon.

"And he's still in the Trials?"

"Well..."

"You like him," Katerina stated matter-of-factly, "Oh my sweet sister."

"I didn't mean to-"

"It's fine."

Kayden looked at her in surprise.

"A lot will change when I become Alpha. That's why father tried to dispose of me Kay. I didn't want to rule with blood and fear. I want to be fair, to show mercy where it is needed, and only spill blood when the law absolutely calls for it. It's why I always kept Ven around, not just as entertainment with his magic but because he was a friend. A loyal one too. He knew I wanted to change some of the laws when I came into power."

"He never told me."

"He never told anyone. That boy is more loyal than our own father. As is Christian. Our older brother would side with us in a heartbeat against Issac. And we may need him too. The clan is already becoming divided. The river pack has ears in the Western Pack, and since Stephen's death there has been talk of aligning with the Grey Wolves. And the Eastern Wolves are unsettled too, with their Beta being pregnant and in the line of fire. Issac has already hurt Ivory once, from what I've been told, and her pack can feel her fear, and Christian's rage. And after finding out the deceit of my father, the river pack is refusing all alliances with the Alpha now, which is why the Beta hasn't travelled for the Trials since her return."

"But the south is still with us?"

"For now. I heard my dear Flynn found himself a new mate, one miss Hayley, princess to the Fire Pack. I can't say he could do any better, from what I've heard she's perfect for him. And I'm so glad to hear he is happy. But Gernesh wants blood, and Flynn is part of the Northern Pack with Eastern roots. The alliance there won't hold long."

"What will happen?"

Katerina looked up at the stars, a worried look in her face, "War. The Grey's and the West will fight against everyone, they seem to only want chaos now. The East will fight only for their Beta's, the South against all. The River Pack wants to fight too, but I know they aren't warriors. I've been wanting to get in touch with our brother, trying and form an alliance. The River Pack's supplies with the Eastern's warriors would be a formidable team."

Kayden gulped loudly, "Must it come to war? The whole clan will break apart. Can't we stop it?"

"No," she shook her head, "Father has burnt too many bridges. Even tonight it may not be safe to be outside. The Grey's have been fighting hard to attack again, the warriors are just holding them back. That's why I needed to speak to you Kay. We can stop this. If we overthrow father, I can bring order to this chaos. I can't promise lives will be spilt but I can unite at least four of the packs, even Gernesh would listen to my reason if I got the chance. The West and the Mountains...I can't be sure they'd stop, but I could try. Father cannot."

"So..."

"I need you to help us get in. The river pack and me. They don't want a fight, its simply a fear tactic to show our numbers outweigh theirs. We go in, overthrow Issac, and bring peace to the clan."

Kayden nodded, jumping up, "Then let's go."

Katerina smiled, following suit, "My have you become brave. I'm so proud of you Kayden."

"I'm not brave. I just...I need to help the clan."

"And in that statement there is bravery. Being me for a few weeks has done you good. You aren't the wallflower you once were. More like a blooming lily, full of life and beauty."

Kayden blushed, "Thank you sister. Shall we go?"

"Let's."
 
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Flynn grins to Hayley before kissing her back, he couldn't be happier right now, she just has a way of bringing that happiness straight out of him.

"This couldn't be better." He mutters while his head is against hers.
 
"I'm glad," Hayley purrs, "for once a night without any-"

A rippling scream cut her off, the haunted sound echoing from the hall into the mess hall. The music stopped, everyone's eyes turning to the archway as Hayley stepped closer into Flynns arms, seeking protection from whatever was about to happen. For a few seconds silence ensued, and then a white haired wolf staggered in, blood running from her neck, her chest and arms coated in it.

"G-grey w-wolves," she uttered, before crumpling to the floor dead.

As her body hit the floor the entire cave system shook with howls as screams started picking up, people fleeing for thier lives in the hallways, no one warned they were about to be attacked. Inside the mess hall panic surged and chaos erupted, people running in all directions, many trying to flee the room. But the grey wolves were already there, killing those in the hall to get in. Hayley let out a loud whimper, terrified for her life as grey wolves surged, and new amongst them brown headed wolves.

"It's the west," Ivory stated, suddenly at thier side with Christian, "we are going to be trapped here. Flynn, is there any other doors out of here? Please!"

She was thinking of her unborn pups, Hayley could tell. Gernesh appeared too, making sure his daughter was alright.

"Don't let her out of your sight," he ordered Flynn, "Protect my baby girl."

He let out a war cry and the other fire wolves still alive joined him, racing into the fight.

"Daddy!" Hayley screamed, but she was being held back from running to him, Flynns arms restraining her.

~

Katerinas forces were already gathered at the edge of the lake and they started north, the River Beta keeping pace with Nina and Kayden. It took them over an hour to reach the North caves and when they did, what they found was horrid. The guards at the entrance were slaughtered, blood painted on the walls. The smell of death was everywhere and Kayden could hear the screams of her people inside.

"We need to go!" Kayden yelled, looking at Nina, "we have to help them."

"The river pack isn't equipped to fight," The beta looked torn, "I can't send them in."

"None of these wolves are equipped either and everyone is dying!" Kayden took another step towards the entrance, set t go in.

"Kayden its suicide, you don't know how to fight!" Nina warned stepping towards her.

"I may not be as good as you or Flynn, but I'm not letting them die while I stand idle!" Kayden snapped, turning and running in.

"Stay out here, help people who get out," Katerina ordered the river pack before following her twin in. The girls ran through blood soaked halls, having to dodge bodies as they followed the sounds. The mess hall was the first room they found, and inside was utter chaos, blood and wolves everywhere. From across the room Kayden spotted Flynn and Hayley, the little red head screaming for her father. Ivory was there too, but there was no sign of Issac.

"Cmon," Kayden yelled, racing in and dodging wolves, snapping one mans neck to get to thier friends.
 
He spots the entrance, the fighting is between them and the exit to this hell. He rips his tuxedo open before charging forward, slashing and spinning, cutting and ripping, killing every gray wolf in his path while also keeping an eye on Hayley and Ivory. He carves a path and shoves the two through it, protecting them with his own body as he charges them to the exit.

"Go!" He yells before turning and jumping straight back into the fray, seemingly a killing machine as at one point there is a circle around him, the enemy too stunned to attack the blood covered man. "Come on then!" He yells, one charges from behind but Flynn whips around, slashing the wolf's face open from jawline to jawline. He then turns again, stabbing another, with each death the enemy seems to back away.

Then a war cry sounds, up the hallway is a sea of brown wolves, all charging into the battle, Christian being one of them. They smash into the crowd, and it seems that the Gray wolves in this area lose all of their fight as they run to escape, but are cut down by the Clan's allies. Flynn points up the hall. "Find the rest!" He yells before charging that way.

Up the hall is a tooth to nail fight to the death, Dominik's skin has started to turn red from his body heat and his hands are literally on fire as he and Lukai fight back to back, both of them already had acknowledged that he is a demon but neither of them care at this moment. Whimpers and howls of pain occur whenever Dominik's fiery hands find their mark, he wishes he had a sword or something of the sort. Then of course the Eastern warriors join into the fray, helping the two candidates smash through the enemy lines and continue up the hall, where Isaac is fighting.
 
As Flynn runs in Christian disappears, trying to rally some of the wolves together for an attack. Ivory is left with Hayley until their is an opening to run. Just like that they see Kayden...wait no. Ivorys heart stops as she sees not one but both twins, looking ready for a fight. Kayden rushes to them, Nina hot on her heels as they kill any wolf in thier path.

"Let's get you out!" Kayden yells.

"I'll stay and fight," Katerina yells back, rushing away. Kayden leads the girls through the small opening, but once they are in the hall more chaos breaks out and Kayden gets trapped fighting off two wolves.

"Just run!" She yells, watching Ivory and Hayley slip away. The girls try to stay together but as they near the entrance more wolves come down thier throats. Ivory pushes Hayley to the side, commanding her to stay put as the pregnant wolf snarls and attacks. Even heavier than usual her training keeps her nimble and she fights off five wolves, fear pushing her hard. What she misses is the other six coming up from behind. Four attack Hayley, picking her up as she screams and writhes, and Ivory turns in time to scream her name, seeing her dragged back into the labyrinth of halls. The others join the fight, and suddenly she is overwhelmed. She's just at the entrance, near what she can see is the river pack, but they can't come to her aid, trapped in thier own battle as grey and brown wolves alike had poured out and took up fighting them. The only thing Ivory can do is dodge one of their swipes, ducking under thier arm and freeing herself from their circle, before racing into the trees, running for her life.

They give chase, but fall behind until Ivory is lost and alone, too far to feel Christian. Ripping her dress off she Changes, knowing she and her pups would be safer in wolf form.

~

FLYNN! her thoughts scream for him as the four men drag her to god knows where, the halls they are in quiet and dead now, blood and bodies soaking the floor.

"Help!" She screams uselessly, her dress making it impossible to fight them, "Help!"

~

Lukai could deal with the fact Dominiks a demon later. The fact he was was a shock, but the battle ensuing was a more pressing issue. Working together they kept the wolves at bay, trying their damnest to get to the mess hall and find Katerina who they thought would be there. But the wolves kept piling up, until Christian suddenly appeared out of nowhere, attacking with a group of wolves and sending the wolves either fleeing or dead.

"Thanks," Luke breathed, "Is everyone still trapped, or did they get out?"
 
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