The One

Code Red Ethelwulf!

 Months flew by like leaves caught in a swift wind, and soon the twins were celebrating their first birthday—a significant occasion in their lives. Christian had formally introduced Karol as his mate and their Queen, proudly acknowledging Luka as his successor, the future King Alpha.

The festivities were vibrant and celebratory; laughter echoed throughout the hall as guests gathered, some shooting envious glances at their King Alpha, others casting admiring looks towards the Queen Luna, and yet more casting their gaze upon the future King. But the unity of their pack prevailed, accepting the fate of their leaders, knowing they were a fated pair.

As the merriment eventually settled into a comfortable hum, life resumed its familiar rhythm for Christian and Karol, now joined by their twins. The pack business flourished under Karol's guidance, her keen intellect and leadership an invaluable asset.

"Christian," she called, breaking the comfortable silence that had descended upon them.

"Yes, love?" he replied, turning his full attention to her.

"I need to go to the neighbouring city again to address their ongoing, childish bickering between their Alphas. I won't bring the kids, as it's too far, and I know you can handle them just fine. I've pumped milk and stored it in the mini-fridge; if they're fussy, just heat that up for them, okay?" Her gaze was steady, filled with trust.

"Understood. What time will you be back?" he asked, sensing her intent.

"Before 4 pm. Don't fret, Christian. I know tonight is the night for the hunt," she added casually, her confidence radiating as she exited the room.

'Yes! *whistle* Our mate is the best! I can't wait to hunt down some deer for her!' Arlo exclaimed gleefully within their mind link, his enthusiasm bubbling over, though Karol overheard the playful exchange.

Over the years, a remarkable bond had formed. Karol developed a unique ability to connect her conscious mind with the werewolf lineage, a skill she had first unintentionally given to their son Luka. This extraordinary talent, however, had its boundaries; it manifested only with those she loved deeply, her connection to her family growing stronger by the day.

Back in the present, she raced towards the neighbouring city, intent on resolving a slight diplomatic dispute, unwittingly stepping into a maelstrom of chaos. As she arrived at her destination, she deftly orchestrated an alliance between the factions, urging them to cast aside their bitter history and embrace a future untouched by vengeance—though she hinted ominously at the wrath of Queen Luna that would descend upon them should they fail to comply. They agreed swiftly, signing their fates with trembling hands.

Yet, as she hurried back, a creeping dread coiled in her stomach, sending her heart into a frenzy. She pressed her foot down hard on the accelerator, desperately attempting to reach her mate, but each call went unanswered, the line surrendering only to the cold embrace of voicemail.

"FUCK!" Karol shouted, panic igniting her voice as she barreled towards the mansion, trying to mind-link her son in a frantic frenzy.

'Luka, baby, can you hear Mummy?'

Silence danced dangerously.

'Luka? LUKA!'

Finally, Luka's breathless voice pierced through the static, dripping with urgency. "Mummy! We are under attack. Don't come home!"

"Is everyone safe, baby? Where are the twins? Where's Daddy?" A flurry of questions tumbled from her lips, each one propelled by mounting fear.

"Daddy's outside fighting! I'm with Bleyine, and Rawlins is with Rose. She's helping us; we're running into the woods!"

"Baby! No! Don't go into the woods!" she screamed, reaching the porch just in time to hear Luka's frantic shout, "Rose, bad lady! Mummy, help! Sh—"

The connection snapped.

A primal scream of rage erupted from Karol as she charged into the woods, a tempest unleashed. Shadows flickered among the trees, and the anguished cries of her babies echoed in her mind, fuelling her resolve. She didn't feel like herself; she felt like a wild beast, a force of nature as her feet pounded the ground, pushing her beyond any limit.

Spying a figure clutching her unconscious son, she lunged at the woman with the ferocity of a wounded lioness. She unleashed a rain of punches, relentless and vicious, until the woman crumpled beneath her fury, blood painting the ground like a morbid canvas.

Then she was off again, fury leading her chase until she caught sight of another figure, warped by the chaos, flinging one of her twins away like an offering. "No!" she bellowed, catching the fleeing woman in her grasp, intent on meting out justice with her fists, her heart pounding as if it could burst free at any moment.

Luka, finally regaining consciousness, seized his crying sister, Bleyine, and sprinted toward her, heart in his throat. "Mummy, you okay?" he gasped, desperately searching her face for answers.

But their reunion was cut short by the sharp sound of clapping, a mocking applause that sent chills racing down her spine. Like a shadow, the stranger emerged from the darkness, his pack encircling them like wolves ready to feast on their prey. "Well, well, look who we have here. A fine lady indeed."

"What do you want?" Karol glared, backing away instinctively, her body a shield for Luka and their baby brother Rawlins, whom she cradled protectively.

"I am your nightmare from the past, Miss Randale. Or perhaps Queen Luna, Mdm Ethelwulf," he chuckled, every word laced with malice.

"What past?" she retorted, desperately plotting their escape as she sought to buy time for her children.

The stranger leaned closer, a wicked grin plastered on his face. "I remember everything you did twelve years ago. Clue: Conry."

"Oh, you're the clever child who left me that love letter while wrecking my office," she scoffed, trying to mask her growing trepidation even as Ulfred and his warriors bounded into the clearing, forming a protective ring around them.

As Ulfred dashed forward, she handed Rawlins to him, whispering urgently, "Get them to safety," shoving him off as fear and adrenaline surged through her.

Turning back to her antagonist, she managed a smirk, raising an eyebrow. "You see, twelve years ago, you should have learned to forgive and forget, kiddo. Now run along and play with your toys, you dullard."

"By sending your sons away, do you really think they will be safe?" he sneered, relishing the moment before barking orders to his men. "Kill them, but the slut is mine."

"Cover me! Buy me some time!" Karol roared, channelling her fury as she sprinted towards the mansion, an unyielding force of nature rushing into the fray, desperate to save her legacy from the jaws of darkness.

As Karol reached her car, a tempest of rage and determination surged through her. Mind linked with Luka for a status check and dialling for help, she whipped out her automatic weapons, laced with wolfsbane, and charged forward with a blood-curdling scream:

"CODE RED ETHELWULF!"