The Rise of Venus

Let's Fight

Song: Will and Elizabeth Theme Extended by Northern Lad Productions

"I know you're full," Pride said. "But drink this before you go and see him."

I eyed the silver flask wearily. The fruity scent wafting from the open bottle reminded me of the wine Pride made us after our victory. The only difference was that whatever this was, it had a lighter feeling to it.

This definitely wasn't alcohol.

"What is it?"

"Precaution." Shoving his hands into his pockets, Pride returned my apprehensive stare with a smile. Now that he was freshly bathed and wearing cleaner clothes, he looked more radiant and full of life. The only heart clenching things left were the claw marks on his face and his guilty conscience.

I could handle his emotions another time. Remind him how much he meant to me, let him know things really weren't his fault. All that good stuff.

But right now?

Right now all I wanted to do was satisfy my rage regarding his injuries by finding my damn Mate.

Pride never responded but it didn't matter. I almost didn't need him to at this point. Pride had my trust no matter what. I knew he'd never purposely do anything to harm me so I drank the apple infused drink in one go.

A wave of serenity washed over me, dulling the swift rising of my temper. It was an odd, loving feeling that enveloped me from head to toe before settling in my full stomach.

"Good." Pride took the flask back, nodding at the front door with worry in his bewitching green eyes. "Mind link me if you need help."

"Don't worry. I've got this," I replied. The smile I wore was fake as fuck but the little confidence boost I possessed wasn't.

I was well rested, I was fed, and I wasn't dying from dehydration anymore. My cousin's Alpha scent made me feel even safer. Wearing his dark shirt and sweatpants reminded me of all the times I used to steal Father's clothes for lazy days.

My back still hurt and I was certain that I heard Rowena's sick laugh every few seconds. But other than that, I was ready to see Leo. I was ready to see my Mate.

Breathing in the scent of mangoes clinging to Alpha Draco's shirt, I stood tall and left the Pack house behind.

The front yard was stained red with blood from both Alpha's. My nose twitched at the light smell of iron lingering in the moonlight atmosphere. The stains were both old and new, a telling of how long their battle progressed.

I cringed at the matted fur pressed beneath my feet. Clumps of black peppered the dying lawn. It was an unflattering scene to have to endure so soon after what Flora and I went through. And if I was being honest, the bloody carnage was making me a little sick.

A wet nose pressed against my palm as Alpha Draco leaned down to nose at me. His black wolf was beaten and battered, clawed in every which way. Even so, there were no signs of aggression remaining within his powerful aura. If anything, the Alpha looked at me with eyes of blue that knew much more than I probably did.

"Thank you," I whispered. Scratching the area behind his right ear, I laughed a little at the heavy thumping of his tail. "Thank you for everything."

An appreciative whine escaped the Alpha's open mouth. He nosed at my hand once more before padding away. The sounds of cracking bones filled the air as I looked towards the movement behind a far away tree.

"His aggression has been taken care of," his heavy voice rumbled. "Whatever bloodlust he's been harboring for the last few days is gone now. He should be fine. But if he isn't, I'll be in the Pack house if you need me."