The Siren's Voice Calls

Chapter 18

-Lydia's POV-

Sitting in the living room of Marco's home, I felt nervous, like all eyes were on me. Everyone kept thanking me and stating how amazing and unbelievable my accomplishments were. (Was killing someone really a good thing?) I knew they were bad men, evil really, but it didn't feel satisfying like everyone was describing it as. Peter noticed my anxiety rising and immediately took my hand in his. I grinned at him and squeezed his hand. The look in his eyes portrayed the words 'You're welcome' after I gave him my sincerest thankful expression. Honestly, I was ready to go home, but everyone else seemed to want to continue celebrating.

All the men gave their accounts of what they witnessed that night in the mountains. Marco was the last to speak, recounting his perspective of the night's events to everyone present. We each held our glasses up as he gave a toast to all who were involved in the rescue. "To my family and friends, who make our pack strong. Tonight, you men continued to show that we are not to be trifled with." We all took a sip and then he continued with another toast. "To the Bartholys and Miss Canteles, who without their help, Ludovica would not be standing here today. Thank you all, we are indebted to you." Many cheered their agreement to his proclamation.

Everyone followed suit in taking another sip before Marco gave his final toast for the evening. "And lastly, to my beautiful wife, Ludovica. You are so strong, brave, and simply, just an amazing woman! I don't know what I would do without you. Life wouldn't be the same because you are the best mate a man could ever ask for. I couldn't be more thankful that you are home safe tonight." Everyone who was part of the pack grunted out loud their agreement and we all took our final sip of our drinks. With a smile on her face and tears in her eyes, she hugged Marco and kissed him.

The festivities lasted longer than my body or mind could handle. I leaned over and whispered to Peter that I was stepping out for some fresh air before I got up from the couch. He acknowledged me and then continued his conversation with his brothers and some of Marco's men. Grabbing my jacket, I put it on as I walked out the door. The snowing stopped and I could see the moon and stars peeking through the clouds with a beautiful light shining down upon the earth. Feeling a moment of tranquility, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, sighing out loud as I exhaled. I opened my eyes again when I heard the door open and close.

Knowing who had come out to join me on the porch because of the sudden heat emanating near me, I turned my head to see Sebastian. He leaned his elbows on the railing a couple feet away to my right and looked up to the sky just as I had done so. "Are you all right?" he asked, breaking the silence between us. "I am, yes, since I came outside." He turned his head my way to read the look in my eyes. I grinned to reassure him that I was, indeed, okay. "I just needed some air. I can't explain it, but seeing the stars and feeling the breeze renewed my strength a bit." "Good to hear, though, I sense there is something that troubles you still. Don't deny it either because I can see it in your eyes." "You're right. Tonight was the first time I have ever taken a life, let alone multiple lives..."

His lips stretched to form a sympathetic grin as he looked upon me. Sebastian turned his body sideways to face me and spoke the words, "I understand what you're going through. It was much the same for me, my first time. I have dealt with members of the Descendants of the Templar Knights before. You'd be surprised how large of a group they really are." Seeing the puzzled look on my face, he continued, "This fanatical cult did not originate here in the states." Now that he had mentioned it out loud, I believed I already had suspected as much, knowing the origin of the Templars. "Let me guess, Europe, where Catholicism began." "Yes, but unfortunately, these men had fallen from the church, taking matters into their own hands and claiming to do right by mankind. They care not for true morality. In their eyes, we are all evil and must be eradicated by any means necessary."