Against the Odds

*** Important***
This is not the last chapter. Originally it was but I have changed my mind. Please read my author's note for more information

A/N very long chapter ahead. Thank you so much for all the love and support you've given this story. This is my first book ever and I didn't even think 2 people would read it, let alone 1.4k! I love you all! <3 -Tris

"I swear to the moon goddess above every time I see you, Diana, you bring another witch onto my territory!" Xavier growled out in mock frustration.

"Ha. Ha. Very funny Xavier. I wonder why you don't have a career in comedy." Diana tilted her head and crossed her arms sassily to emphasize her words.

"Get to the point." Xavier requested. He had become very agitated and short with people as of late, which is understandable due to the overwhelming circumstances the alpha must face.

"In order to take down Cordelia and get Lyla back we need all the help we can get. I told you what happened to Malakai when she sought after him! This witch is far stronger than we thought. That being said, Malakai's father," She gestured to the stone-faced man who stood uncomfortably among the wolves, "has agreed to help us. He's an older more experienced witch who can help us." Diana pleaded with her eyes in hopes that Xavier would agree and be cordial.

Xavier stepped out from behind his desk then stood in front of Silas. The tension in the room increased tenfold; Diana was expecting her alpha to dismiss him immediately especially after kicking Kai out of the house. However, something totally unexpected happened. Xavier offered his hand to shake.

Silas quickly took the werewolf's hand and shook it while making eye contact. Mutual respect among the two species who once hated each other had blossomed.

Silas was still on edge as well as Xavier but they both are making sacrifices for the other. Silas is putting himself in danger for Xavier's pack and his mate. Xavier is putting himself in danger to ensure Silas' son is safe.

"Alright let's get to work with a plan. We only have 3 days." Diana interrupted the moment but there is a time crunch, there's no time for lovey-dovey stuff!

&

Three days later

It was the day of the dreaded battle. Diana had never felt crippling anxiety before this. Neither her or Kai slept a wink last night, they just cuddled each other and stared into the darkness. It was as if they were preparing to face an eternal darkness like the one they might be subjected to the very next day. However, Diana found herself content with her position in the darkness so long as Kai was right there with her.

Snow had blanketed the forest that was once covered in autumn leaves. Winter had unexpectedly arrived overnight. The alpha had a feeling of déjà vu as he entered the clearing where he lost his mate many years ago.

Diana held Kai's hand in an effort to stay grounded. The battle they were about to face had brought up an abundance of fear and anxiety. She kept reminding herself that Kai was with her and he loved her just like she loved him. They were in this together.

Across the field, they saw her. Cordelia. Xavier caught the scent of his mate before he saw her. She smelled just like he remembered: strawberries and vanilla.

The opponents had finally met in the middle of the clearing, standing face to face. On one side there was Xavier, Diana, Kai, and Silas stood in front of the pack warriors. On the other side, Cordelia stood confidently with a vice grip on Lyla.

Xavier's heart broke at the sight of his mate. The Lyla that stood before him was not the same Lyla he had lost. Her features had matured and were more defined. Her body looked sickly and frail, so much so that Xavier thought a gust of wind might carry her away. There were dark circles under her eyes, her skin was almost as pale as the snow, and her hair was long but thin. Despite her differences, Xavier could recognize her eyes anywhere. The golden-brown color that reflected the sun like nothing he'd ever seen before.