Chương 8: Chapter VII — Pyrokinesis (Part 1)
After his sister and Bryan had left, Jayden turned to the tensed black witch before him, simultaneously trying to ignore his pack members who were still not-so inconspicuously peeking on the drama that had unfolded.
Jayden decided his first order of things would be to get rid of their unnecessary audience.
He coughed into the awkward silence that was now between them, causing some to look away, and chose to greet her in order to do away with it.
"Hello Cassandra."
"Alpha Jayden." Her greeting was devoid of emotion, making him unable to tell what she was thinking, alas, he decided to carry on.
"Do you have a moment?"
She tilt her head to the side, enquiringly. Jayden took it as a sign to go on.
"Would you like to go for a walk?"
His insides stirred nervously as he watched her eye him cautiously and seem to mull over his offer.
He inwardly breathed a sigh of relief when he received a curt nod from her.
Though, in all honesty, all Cassandra wanted was to return to the guest room to rest for the night, but she knew the conversation they were going to have was unavoidable.
They were silent as he led the way through the crowd of werewolves in the backyard to the forest surrounding the pack house, drawing many curious eyes as they went.
Once they were a significant distance into the dense forest, he stopped and turned to her. The life and noise of the pack gathering now faded into the background.
Jayden took her in and not for the first time, he was at a lost for words. The woman before him had rendered him speechless and dumbstruck countless times since he had met her. He had witnessed her chase down rogues, deceive trained werewolves, interrogate two teen rogues before helping them, engage in a battle with a fellow witch, challenge a Beta's daughter and not only put the latter in her place but also taught her a lesson for her disrespect.
He had always known she was formidable and highly capable from when he met her that night. She carried herself and fought with a confidence and grace that made her undeniably alluring.
Yet, she was a mystery.
The bits and pieces of information he has learnt about her, be it from Rosalieé or others or simply from his own observations, something told him they barely just touched the surface of who she is. He wanted to know more about her but at the same time he was also worried about over stepping his boundaries. It was obvious she was withholding information since the beginning — she had stopped Rosalieé from revealing something vital when they had first met. It was also what was stopping all of them from asking the questions they know she will not answer. Her guard was already high enough as it is.
Not to mention, the blank, emotionless mask she always wore made her unreadable. It was impossible to decipher what she was thinking or feeling most of the time.
She was as mysterious as she was unapproachable. And Jayden had never felt so right and so wrong at the same time when he was with her. It was confusing to him. He just couldn't place his finger on it. The dreams he had that became more and more vivid each time were not helping either. In the span of less than forty-eight hours, she had consumed his every waking thoughts.
Staring at her as she waited patiently for him to start, he blurted, "Is your hair dyed?"
Jayden mentally facepalmed. She shot him a perplexed look, but answered anyways, shaking her head.
"No."
"Oh. Uh forget about that weird question. It came out of nowhere. I was just wondering." Jayden scratched the back of his neck nervously, before clearing his throat. "Actually, the reason I brought you out here you is to apologise for my behaviour last night. I was out of line. I'm sorry for losing control like that. There's a reason for the way I acted but still it was no excuse. I shouldn't have gave in and acted on it, especially since...it has put you in a difficult position." He paused slightly, scrambling for the right words.
As he looked into her violet eyes, that betrayed nothing of how she currently felt, he felt himself break out into a cold sweat.
"But of course, I don't expect you to forgive me. You have every right not to and to be angry with me.-" He began to ramble.
"I will not hold it against you."
At her words, Jayden felt a wave of relief wash over him as a huge weight was lifted off his shoulders.
"But bear in mind that I stand by what I have said previously, that there is never to be a repeat of it."
He flinched at the hard tone in her voice and felt a heavy stone set in his heart.
He shook himself, refusing to allow himself to wallow into self-pity and forced himself to nod slowly.
He opened his mouth and closed it — it tasted like sand — no sound came out as he wanted to ask the one question that's been bothering him for the whole day but not knowing how.
"Rosalieé said- ...Does this have to do-..."
Unfortunately, before he could get it out, he was interrupted by the sound of running footsteps approaching fast. In seconds, a slightly frenzied Rosalieé and a lost Lucas emerged, heading towards them, causing the question to die on the tip of Jayden's tongue.
.........
"Jayden, I'm so sorry for interrupting but High Priestess Cassandra." Rosalieé's apologised profusely before her voice came out in an urgent whisper as she grabbed Cassandra's hand. "Someone's knocking at the barrier."
Cassandra's eyes widened slightly.
They both moved immediately, with Rosalieé leading the way.
"Someone's knocking at the barrier?" Jayden asked, following behind them. He looked to his Gamma for an explanation. The latter looked like he was about to explain but was cut off by his mate.
"Yes, knocking. It's a term we witches use to describe when someone's summoning to meet us at the edge of a protective barrier we cast, usually to seek passage across or request a meeting." Rosalieé explained in a hurry, as she picked up her pace, she continued.
"And most importantly, whoever it is, it's not a witch. Witches have a different way of calling out to a fellow witch who cast the barrier. This is not the work of a witch. But I will say they definitely have had many experiences dealing with one. Not many can detect a protective barrier, even among our own. Not to mention, after mastering the techniques to detect one, there is still the part of utilising the barrier to communicate with its caster. Whoever it is at the barrier, they are not only able to sense the barrier, but also capable of utilising the barrier as a medium of communication to summon the witch. We should thread carefully."
"Wait, if they're at the barrier which is a mile inside the pack territory's boundary, that means..." Lucas muttered, eyes going huge as the realisation hit him.
Jayden seem to have concluded the same thing as well.
As if on cue, his Head Warrior's call came through the mind-link. Jayden and Lucas shared a look, the former nodded and together they opened the mind-link to Eli.
"Alpha! Gamma! There's a trespasser-"
"South-east border. We're already on our way." Jayden cut off Eli, deducing the location based on the direction Rosalieé was leading them through the woods.
"Alpha, there is something you must know."
Jayden felt his brow furrow at Eli's tone.
"This trespasser is a vampire..."
With the flashes of images sent to him by Eli, Jayden tensed and almost screeched to a halt. Lucas's mouth fell open slightly. Both of them shared a look as Eli continued.
"Beta Dylan is...engaging him. We suspect he is a noble vampire — no, it is almost certain he is a high ranking noble of the Clans, Alpha. He has the abilities to control and manipulate fire and he's isolated himself in a ring of it. We have him surrounded but no one can approach him."
Jayden remained silent as he took in this piece of information. His eyes slid to her and he nearly tripped. Her expression was grim but her eyes held a tinge of emotion Jayden never expected to see — apprehension bordering on worry.
"What are his intentions?"
"Unclear, Alpha. Other than the ring of fire, he has made no move to attack. But he is also not answering any questions either. We have gathered he seems to be waiting for something."
Her. He was waiting for her. He just knew it. There was a pause.
"Stand down. Do not attack. Remain vigilant for any sudden hostile movement. I repeat do not attack. We will be there in five minutes until then do not provoke him. But if he shows hostility, do your best to subdue him."
He felt Eli's confusion over the mind-link at his instruction but obeyed nonetheless.
"Yes, Alpha."
"And keep me posted."
"Yes, Alpha."
"The one knocking on your barrier is a vampire. A noble vampire with fire abilities."
Jayden watched her closely as he relayed this piece of information, gauging her reaction to it.
His brows rose when she tensed and let out a string of colourful words. She seemed to speed up as she weaved through the dense forest. Rosalieé, on the other hand, had shot her an alarmed look upon hearing the information before picking up her speed as well, navigating the way. Apparently, the revelation had meant something to the both of them.
"Is it-"
Cassandra gave a grim nod before Rosalieé could even complete her question. She knew what Rosalieé was going to ask.
"Alpha Jayden, I have a request to make. Please ask your men to stand down. He is here for me."
Jayden shared a look with Lucas. Clearly, both witches knew who it was.
"Already did. They will not attack unless he is hostile." He informed.
She nodded at his answer. Jayden hesitated before asking.
"Who is he?"
A beat of silence passed before she answered.
"Claudius von Steins. As the name suggests, he hails from the pureblooded noble family von Steins. His ability is known as pyrokinesis. I would advise — and I am sure many of your men have realised — that it would be unwise to start a battle with him here. The results would be...undesirable."
For the second time that night, Jayden and Lucas nearly tripped despite having suspected it deep down. Nevertheless, the identity of the vampire had their eyes bulging and both had the same thought running through their minds. Who exactly was she to have ties to not just any noble of the aristocratic vampire clans but the direct descendant of one of the nine ruling pureblooded noble families?
It was quiet the rest of the way as the two werewolves digested the information she supplied.
It wasn't long before they broke into the small open space, and heads swivelled to them.
The four of them took in the scene they arrived at. It was dead silent as tension permeated the air.
The eleven pack wolves gathered were on high alert, they were spread out around the perimeter of the circle of flames and stood a distance away from it, careful not to get too close. At the sight of their Alpha, the ten in wolf form bowed their heads slightly, but still remained on guard and ready to pounce.
Dylan was well aware of who had arrived but his eyes and attention never left the vampire that stood in the centre of the ring of fire.
He watched the vampire turn to the new arrivals and smirk, his pointed fangs showing. With a snap of his fingers, the ring of fire vanquished.
And when he moved, every wolf present tensed further and several growls elicited, but he ignored them and walked forward till he reached the ones who had just arrived and gave a flourished mock bow.
"Hello Princess, long time no see! I got your message."
The vampire held a cocky grin as he greeted her. His tone held a European accent.
It earned him a growl which he paid no mind.
"Claudius, did I not..." She began but was cut off.
"You did. But you and I both know I wouldn't have walked into the lion's den if it wasn't urgent."
This time his comment earned him several menacing growls and again, a few of the wolves bared their teeth at him. All of which, Claudius ignored. His main focus was on the black witch.
But it was true, they both knew he was right; if it wasn't urgent, he would not have sought her out.
A pureblood entering werewolf territory, as reckless as he is, it would still have been enough reason to provoke an outright war between the two races, regardless of the reason for trespassing. However, that was under normal circumstances, and currently none of this at present was considered normal. Everyone could see that as the black witch gave the vampire a long hard stare. The two of them seemingly reached a common consensus because the former sighed in what appeared to be defeat and the latter's cocky grin only widened.
In the meantime, Jayden and Lucas took the time to analyse the vampire, taking in his notable aura and strong presence. It was unmistakable that this vampire before them was of noble, pureblood descent that were said to be able to go head to head even with the most seasoned Alphas of their werewolf packs.
Dylan was mind-linking the rest of the scouts and warriors to return to their posts and resume patrol, seeing as the situation was currently under control. Quietly, they bowed their heads and slunk back into the shadows of the forest.
Cassandra turned to Jayden.
"Alpha Jayden, I apologise for the trouble he has caused you and your pack. I am well aware of the hostile relationship between your kind and his. His presence here is unwelcome and an inconvenience to you. I seek your understanding as he would have not sought me out if he did not deem it urgent enough to put his life on the line. Priestess Rosalieé, I am aware that I have agreed to stay a few days. But it seems I will not be able to uphold it. There is something that demands my attention. I am grateful for the hospitality you and the Lilium Pack have shown me and I will cherish the time I have spent here with you."
"It's alright, High Priestess Cassandra, you don't need to mention it. I completely understand."
Rosalieé smiled at her fellow coven sister whom returned in with a nod in thanks.
"We will leave Lilium Pack terri-"
"No! There's no need." Jayden cut in, in a panic. "While the relationship between our species are...far less than favourable, but he has not attacked nor harmed anyone. You are...a guest here, if he is your...acquaintance, I am sure we can work something out and have all of us remain...civil. You do not have to leave immediately. You can set off in the morning tomorrow?-"
Claudius eyebrow rose as he watched the interaction with a piqued curiosity.
Cassandra opened her mouth to decline but was interrupted by Claudius moving forward.
"Actually we'll take you up on that. What? Cut me some slack, Cass." Claudius whined when he caught the look Cassandra sent him. "I have been travelling since I left the mansion. I want a good rest before we take off again. Besides, if we leave now, we'll only reach the city by noon."
The stare-off continued for they both knew it was a lie — a vampire could go days without sleep or rest, some even weeks, provided they consume sufficient blood to sustain them but that wasn't an issue for purebloods like Claudius whom were able to go up to a month if they drank fresh blood. However, this fact was missed and remained unbeknownst to the rest.
Jayden felt himself frown at the nickname the vampire called her in an overly familiar way.
"Alpha Jayden," she faced him, violet eyes piercing into him, "you do fully realise what the possible repercussions of this might lead to, yes? If your pack were to learn of your...invitation of a vampire into pack territory even though it is for a night,...there is no knowing what kind of reaction it will provoke."
Uproar. Disarray. Chaos. All of which were the worst yet very likely outcomes.
Of course, he knew, all whom were present knew, Cassandra had just been the only one to voice it.
Dylan, Lucas and Rosalieé only watched their friend as well as Alpha purse his lips as he met the black witch's drilling gaze head-on. Three of them knew this call could only be his to make and whatever his decision they would trust and support him regardless. They would undoubtedly deal with the result of it together.
A resolute nod followed by a firm reply, "I do." was all he gave.
She continued to stare at him for a moment before relenting and nodding.
"Alright, we will leave for the city in the morning."
"By the city, you don't mean you are heading to Washington D.C., do you?" Dylan cut in, speaking for the first time.
"Yes."
Jayden exchanges a look with Dylan.
"If that's the case, we can give you a ride. I have some business to deal with there too. Dylan and Lucas usually accompanies me. My parents will be back by tomorrow afternoon. They will look after the pack and I will be able to leave. However, Lucas and Rosalieé can leave with you in the morning first. You do not have to go by foot and you will reach there faster by car. Me and Dylan will join up with you guys later in the evening."
At this, Claudius frowned, but remained silent, turning to Cassandra.
Jayden kept his attention on Cassandra whom was still deep in thought over the offer. Her eyes went to his again, staring for a moment and she seemed to have taken something into consideration because she began to nod slowly, conceding to the request, surprising even her vampire companion whom recovered quickly.
"Alright, fantastic! Moving on! Since that's settled-"
Cassandra threw Claudius a glare who returned it with a grin.
"You know, for a vampire, you sound too over-enthusiastic about sharing a vehicle with a bunch of werewolves who hate and are the enemies of your kind." Dylan commented as he watched the odd vampire.
"I could say the same for you — you offered first. But hey, if it means less work for me, and more efficiency to get the job done then whatever floats. You can continue your hate, fine by me." Claudius shrugged, nonchalantly.
"Anyways, Princess, aren't you going to introduce me? After all, it would be rude to not greet this beautiful and fair maiden whom I have summoned through her barrier to meet you." He bowed dramatically and faster than anyone could react, taking Rosalieé's hand and planting a kiss on it.
Lucas growled, moving forward towards the vampire who had the audacity to flirt with his mate. He was stopped by her placing her hand on his chest to calm him.
"Calm down, Lucas. He's joking." Rosalieé shook her head.
"Your lovely mate is right. I was merely paying my compliments to her beauty.-"
Another growl.
"Honestly, what is it with you wolves? You need not be so angered and jealous, I am not here to steal away your mates, it just makes you look like you are insecure about it."
Cassandra cut in before it could escalate.
"Claudius. As you are already aware, you are on Lilium Pack territory. This is Alpha Jayden Blake, his Beta Dylan Fernandes and Gamma Lucas Grey. Rosalieé is a coven sister and Gamma Lucas's mate. She hails from the Carson Family."
"Ah, the youngest sister of the Lady Tessa Carson, no wonder your magic felt familiar. I have only met her five times — practicing with her has always been a pleasure — and each time her beauty sweeps me away. And I definitely see the resemblance now — the signature flaming dark red hair and striking emerald eyes. I should have realised sooner. I must say you are as beautiful as your sister.-"
Jayden and Dylan shared a look. This vampire had a closer relation to witches than they had initially thought.
"Thank you. Likewise, it's a pleasure to finally put a name to a face — I have heard quite a bit about you from Tess." Rosalieé giggles, her cheeks tinged slightly pink, not used to receiving such compliments.
Lucas glared daggers at Claudius, as he failed to fight back a scowl. He let out a tiny triumphant smirk when the latter yelped, suddenly rubbing his arm.
"Ow! Must you zap me, Cass! If you were jealous, you could have just said so! But you don't need to be, princess, you look as ravishing as ever."
Jayden released a growl while Cassandra rolled her eyes at Claudius' antics.
"For god's sake, will you stop growling at me! Him, I understand." Claudius exclaimed, throwing his hands up exaggerated and pointed at Lucas. "But what's it to you, Alpha? I hit on Cass all the time. I can't help she's hot and gorgeous-"
Another growl ripped through only this time louder and more ferocious than the last. Dylan moved, as he held his Alpha back from pouncing on the vampire. Jayden's eyes had dilated and turned pitch black, as his wolf surged to the surface.
If looks could kill, Claudius would have been considerably six feet under.
"What is his problem? He acts as if-" Claudius stopped mid sentence as his eyes shifted from the pissed off Alpha who looked ready to rip him to shreds to the rigid black witch before him, and then back again. Slowly, the pieces fell into place. There could have only been one explanation.
"Holy. Shit. No way- Don't tell me...How?! Is that even possible?! Does our dear P-"
He was silenced by a gag materialising out of nowhere. She glared at him, sending a silent warning and her violet eyes flashed red once again and the gag disappeared.
"Wait so that means they don't know? They haven't figured who you are yet?" Claudius asked incredulously, continuing as if he had not just been interrupted with a gag.
"How has no one figured it out yet? Are you wolves living under a rock? How can you be so ignorant of anything outside of your packs?"
His comments had earned him several scathing glares that could kill and if not for something telling them that the black witch would step in, they would have shredded the vampire already.
"Hey you can glare and glower all you want but you can't refute it, can you? The fact that you still haven't figured who our dear Cass here is yet is proof enough." Claudius shrugged nonchalantly again, throwing a thumb at Cassandra when he mentioned her.
"Claudius." She warned before turning to the rest to address them in a tone that left no room for argument. "I believe it's been a long day for all of us, shall we return to the pack house?"
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