"You forgot to mention the part about war, Luther." I accuse the moment he answers the phone.
"It's pack business, Kali, last we checked you wanted no part of that." Luther retorts.
Anger fills me. Not just because they never mentioned Markus declaring war against Hardin, but because Luther knew that I'd accept the job to find the girls. Which means I'm working for Markus, helping him, and that's not going to go down well with Hardin.
Aiding my mates enemy. If that doesn't scream disaster for our flourishing relationship, I don't know what will.
"I don't, but I figured you of all people would have the decency to warn me." I snap down the phone.
"Watch your tone."
"You can stop this war, all you have to do is use the rogue alliance amongst the packs to-"
"War is war, Katalayha. This is how it has been for hundreds of years, and it is how it will stay." Luthers tone is sharp with irritation.
Does he really think I'm going to back down so easily?
He clearly doesn't know me at all.
"I'm done playing fetch." I declare firmly, instantly feeling the weight lift off my shoulders.
"What?" Luther growls, knowing full well what I'm taking about.
"Did I stutter? I am DONE, hecho, finie, fatta, factum! ¿Consíguelo?" I snap angrily, listing of Spanish, french, Italian and Latin merely to get my point across.
"We have an agreement-"
"You're putting someone I care about at risk, because you don't want to tarnish your reputation. I asked nicely, remember that when the bodies stack up." My tone is vicious.
"Don't do anything stupid." Luther warns me.
"I'm an Alpha, even without my wolf. I am within my rights to challenge Markus, am I not?" I question with a attitude.
Luther is silent for what feels like half a lifetime.
"You are." He finally says, telling me what I already know. Hearing it from him, merely makes it easier to go through with.
"You will not beat Markus, you're strong Katalayha but he has the advantage of the wolf." Luther states, I could hear his scowl.
"I will do whatever must be done." I mutter, ending the call.
"What was that about?" The sound of Jackson's voice takes me slightly by surprise, I suppose that's the biggest downfall to being human, not being able to hear someone approaching.
"Did you know about the war?" I ask bluntly, turning to face him.
Jackson instantly looks taken back, not because I'm asking him, but because I know. Is that why he came back with me? I didn't need Jackson to answer me, his face says it all.
"Hardin just wanted to make sure you were safe, we all did." His voice is soft, guilty as he stares at me.
The entire pack knew about this? I couldn't help but feel disheartened. Mostly because Hardin and his entire pack consider me too weak to be able to handle myself during war. Ensuring that I'm long gone by the time Markus attacks.
"Did he send you?" I ask, my voice giving away my emotions despite my stony expression.
Guilt fills Jackson's eyes. "Kali-"
"He did send you?" I repeat, my glare turning icy.
Jackson never came here to spend time with me, he lied. They all lied to my fucking face. Because I'm human? Because I'm mortal? They don't think I'm strong enough to handle the bad stuff.
"You're not as formidable as you used to be, Kal. I'm sorry, but it's true." Jackson gently tells me, as if to lessen the blow of his words.
I couldn't help but feel hurt, and angry. The anger comes from pain, because the truth is that they all see me as this weak human that lost her biggest weapon.
"Say something." He pleads, taking my hands in his.
I just look up at him, uncertain of how I'm even remaining calm right now. Jackson is the last person I'd lash out on, but my anger is undeniable.
"You avoided me for months..I should have known there was a reason you wanted to be around me again." I whisper, pulling my hands from his.
"No, no it's not like that." Jackson shakes his head, alarm on his face.
"Oh, it is. I know exactly what you all think of me, what you think I am." I scoff.
"Markus will kneel, tell your Alpha I will deliver his head myself." My voice is light as a whisper, so cold that I felt the suns warmth vanish for a moment.
"What does that mean?" Jackson breathes, eyes widening a fraction in worry.
"Kal! What are you going to do?" Jackson rushes to grab my arm as I walk away.
"Slit him belly to brains, then we'll see how weak I am." I spit viciously, yanking my arm away and calmly heading upstairs.
Of all people to have no faith in my strength, Hardin is the voice of doubt? I couldn't understand it, Hardin was always the one to stand in my corner trusting that I can handle it.
Am I no longer capable of handling pack problems? Did losing my wolf also destroy the part of me that could handle almost anything?
I hated the thought, the idea of being not just physically weaker than my younger self, but also mentally. What if I'm not cut out to keep up with the chores of the Alpha title?
I couldn't let myself believe those thoughts, because believing it means accepting that I'm human...and that is not an option.
YOU ARE READING
ENDURING {Sequel to Everlasting} ❗️EDITING ❗️
WerewolfLife after the ceremony was different. Kali was completely alone for the first time in her life, no parents making her obey, no mate to confide in. Still, she found ways to adapt. Five years. Five years since she laid eyes on the man she once ador...
