The Three Alphas

Chapter 37 - Water

The air feels different, it feels heavier. It's like something is stirring just beneath the surface. After everything that's happened—the nightmares, the warnings, the growing tension—I can sense that something is coming. I just don't know what and it's beginning to weigh heavily on me. I glance over at the clock on my bedside table, and it reads 4.46am. Great.

I get out of bed, carefully slipping from under Henry's arm, which had been draped across me protectively. As I step into the bathroom and splash some water onto my face, the oh so familiar scent of the ocean fills the air. Salt, sea breeze, and something ancient. I freeze, staring at myself in the mirror. It's subtle, but there's no mistaking it. It's there. 

With everything that's happened, I'm beginning to question my sanity. Is this all happening? Or is this just some fucked up nightmare? 

"Inez."

I whip around, my heart pounding in my chest, and there he is. A man standing in the doorway of the bathroom as though he simply appeared out of thin air. He's tall and broad-shouldered, with dark hair streaked with silver and deep blue eyes. I can feel the power and authority rolling off him in waves, and I instinctively take a step back. I shouldn't be intimidated, I'm a fucking werewolf... but I am. 

"Who the hell are you?" I demand, trying to keep my voice steady despite the fact that I'm more than ready to bolt. My fight or flight instincts need to be retrained. 

The stranger is calm, his expression almost amused. "I am Poseidon."

"Poseidon? Like... the god?" I ask incredulously, staring at him as if he's completely lost his mind. "What is this? Some kind of joke? First the Moon Goddess now this? I've definitely lost my mind." I sigh.

He arches an eyebrow. "It is no joke, Inez. I am your father."

I blink, my brain momentarily short-circuiting from tiredness and utter confusion. "My what?"

"Your father," he repeats, his voice resonant with ancient authority. "You are my daughter, Inez. Born of the sea and the moon."

I laugh, though the sound is hollow and tinged with disbelief. "Right, sure. So, you're telling me I'm the daughter of another god now?"

He nods, his expression serious. "Yes, you are. You carry the blood of both the moon and the sea. It is why your power is different from other wolves. You are destined for more than just being Queen."

I shake my head, trying to wrap my mind around his words. "This... this is insane. I don't even know you."

Poseidon steps forward, his eyes softening ever so slightly. "You may not know me, but that doesn't change the truth. I have watched over you, but the time has come for you to understand your true nature. A war is coming, Inez. You and your mates will be at the centre of it."

"A war?" I echo, my mind still reeling. "What war? Is that the 'something big'?"

"A war between witches, vampires, and werewolves is only the beginning," He explains. "There are forces far older and darker than you realize. They wish to tear this world apart, and they will stop at nothing to do so. Which is where you come in."

I can feel my stomach knotting, a cold dread settling over me. The nightmares I've been having suddenly make more sense, but at the same time, they feel just that much more terrifying. "Yes, but what does that have to do with me?"

"You are a key figure in this," Poseidon says, his gaze steady. "Your power is unique, Inez. You are the only one who can unite the different factions—who can tip the balance in our favour. But you must learn to control your abilities, or they will consume you. Gods cannot interfere with mortal affairs. The gods have gifted you with special powers, what you do with those powers... are none of our business." He said, giving me a knowing look.