The Prey (LGBT+)

Chapter 28: Faust's Fantastic Feelings

Parker

Shortly before we were slated to leave for the search, Kohl and Jasar got word that some of the Alphas would be arriving soon. Their opinions on letting me go with Faust were not varied. They were both against it. Neither voiced their concern about my 'baby-thing' in the hope that Faust would not catch on.

Faust, as I know him, is cunning. I have deduced that he must already know. If he had not noticed my stomach, he would definitely sense it. I hope he is being truthful. I still have this sliver of hope for him. I think he can be redeemed.

"So, uh," Faust says as we are moving past identical trees in the forest, "You're still a trusting little git, right to the end."

I stop in my tracks, "To the end?" I ask.

Faust realizes I've stopped following and turns to me, "Expression, mate. I doubt your end is coming soon. Though, the kid might do it."

I take a deep breath, "So, you know."

"Go away a couple of months—"

"Go away? You took my powers, waged war on Gods and snipped my mate's mate bond. You destroyed huge chunks of my life." I say angrily, "You got what you needed, I hope."

"You were collateral damage."

"That's not better." I frown.

"I took your powers and you were able to have a slightly normal life."

"I had to learn to be a person all over again, I watched someone I love lose a part of himself, I did the same and I've been vulnerable since. Do you know what it felt like to have my mate bond cut?" I ask.

"Freeing? Like you weren't torn between two opposing sides?" Faust asks, "Like you deserve."

I tilt my head at him, "You—you think you did good things. You really do think you're doing good things." I frown at him, "You've lived so long and you still can't get shit right."

"Wow. Do all pregnant men get so testy?"

"Just the ones you've crossed."

Faust sighs, "I betrayed your trust, eh? I'm trying to make up for that."

"Or save your own ass." I frown as I cross my arms over my stomach, "What is it, exactly, that you're up to?"

"I let what I wanted overshadow all the things I know. I hurt you in the process. And the wolves."

"That's not what I asked."

"Human beings who have werewolf children rarely make it out alive. It's dangerous—"

"Please stop! Stop pretending you care."

"Bugger off!" Faust shouts, "I care! I do."

"Then tell me why you want to help me."

"Your power will eventually kill me."

"I thought that's what you wanted." I frown, "You want to die."

"It will destroy my soul." Faust says with a noticeable edge, "I am not equipped to be a God. The power will tear me apart."

I stare at him. Faust is scared. He is not afraid of death but he is afraid of being destroyed. I cannot blame him. He hopes to move on to something better but without a soul, he would cease to be. I would not wish that upon him.

But I would wish that upon Mayra.

"You look tired. Maybe we should give it a rest for today." I say with a nod, "I'll see if I can get Kohl to let you out of the holding area."

"Must be nice. Having a mate, I mean. Regular gits don't have tha luxury of having a source of power in others, not to the extent of wolves."

"Maybe they do. And you just never learned."

"A greetings card to the end."

Parker

Faust and I arrive back at the pack house to find multiple cars in our driveway. I make a beeline for Kohl's office. I am not surprised when I hear arguing as I walk down the corridor to the office. I can feel a buzzing in the room ahead. It feels like energy bouncing off the walls.

I knock on the door and Kohl says to come in. I open the door slightly and squeeze in, leaving Faust in the hallway. I do not believe the wolves would react kindly to having Faust in their midst. I would rather avoid bloodshed. I find many familiar faces, such as Rylan, Itui & Nia and Mideon, as well as a few new faces. The wolves seem distressed.

"Did I interrupt something?" I ask.

"Apologies for the short notice, Luna, but we received news." Norse, Alpha of the Cold-Water Pack, says.

"Of an attack." William, Alpha of the Dusk Fall Delta Pack, continues.

Rylan clears his throat, "Many packs that are not apart of the alliance as it stands are planning a coup."

"Oh." I say feeling slightly queasy, "When?"

"It doesn't matter." Kohl says quickly.

"I think it does."

"A matter of days." Rylan says, "We have a day or so."

"Rylan!" Kohl roars.

"Okay. That's—yeah—okay. Trashcan please."