Scarlet Rogue (Book One)

Chapter Forty-Five: Delayed Reaction

Kaelynn

Cackles and whispers resonate to my ears as the silken sheets wrap around me. My heavy lids and throbbing head tell me to ignore the noise and return to rest. Usually, the half-empty bed would do nothing to tempt me but the marking has taken a toll on my body. I should have known the euphoric feelings would come with side effects.

The gentle voices increase in volume and blocking the sounds out no longer becomes possible. My eyes gently half-open to make out my mate and a blurred figure just outside the door.

"We can't reschedule again."

Kurt, that's who is out there. His distinctive sharp voice, used exclusively for defying Ayden, which is all too often, echoes into the room.

"Kaelynn should be at the meeting," Ayden argues back.

"You should have thought about that before you marked her at the worst moment."

"It's done now, bringing it up won't change anything." Ayden's voice turning aggressive.

"What if she betrays us after this, you won't cope and the whole pack will fall apart. Have you thought about that?"

"She made her choice the minute she was marked."

Kurt sighs, "Let's hope so."

Kurt is wrong, isn't he? I would never betray Ayden and the pack, not after everything that has happened but if there was a chance to save Mother, no matter how small then I would take it, I know I would. Whether that's betrayal or love is open to interpretation and I bet my answer would be different to Ayden's on that.

The creek of the door has me shutting my eyes again, facing Ayden with my conflicting thoughts is out of the question. The door shuts shortly and Ayden's faint scent tells me I'm alone. My eyes open wide and I call for the one person who always has the answers somehow.

Avery, can you hear me?

O-M-G, Kaelynn? Is that really you?

Yes, it is.

I can't believe it! We're actually mind-linking finally.

Avery, focus! I need your help.

Sorry, I'm just a bit excited! What do you need?

I got marked.

I know! Everyone knows!

I think it was a mistake.

Stop, I'm coming over right now.

Of course, everyone knows, why did I think the marking would need to eb announced. I make my way to the bathroom, knowing morning breath aggravates Avery's morning sickness. Her screeching voice calls for me seconds later whilst brushing my teeth. She peers through the slightly ajar oak-door.

"I'll be two minutes," I say finishing up.

When I re-enter the room, Avery is lain across the bed speaking to the TV. Pregnancy has fried her brain; she's now talking to inanimate objects.

"Kaelynn!"

The imaginary voice catches me off-guard, has Avery's pregnancy fried my brain too? I turn to my right at the TV where the voice originates to see Hannah and Mavis on the screen. Smiling, I take a deep breath out, thanking the Moon Goddess for preserving our sanities for now.

Moving to the bed, I sit next to Avery listening to how they've settled in. Hannah's eyebags and red-shot eyes going noticed, despite her best efforts to remain upbeat.