Everlasting

Chapter 18

It had been a two days since Hardin interrogated Jack, nothing had changed since then. Hardin chooses his pack, he agrees with them and he always will, it's understandable. He's Alpha, and to him their opinions matter, it's what he has to do.

But this is what I have to do. I thought, not a flicker of regret hitting me as I open the huge front doors to the uninvited guests.

Elder Luka struggles to properly grip the male that fights against him, that is until the person hears the doors open and finally stills.

"Kalli?" He whispers, eyes wide with surprise. His familiar voice warms me.

I didn't flinch, I couldn't. My brother isn't on my side anymore, showing him weakness will only serve to make this harder.

"Sebastian." I greet with a blank face, even if it pains my heart to be cold, this is what I have to do.

"What the fuck is going on?" Seb growls, immediately assuming I've brought him here with the worst intentions.

"Why am I here?" He snaps, glaring at me with burning red eyes.

Moving closer, I gently brush his hair from his eyes, examining his unchanging features. All my life this is the face I trusted most, the smile, the kindness, I'm trusting him now more than ever.

"I need you to do something for me, Seb." I admit softly.

His eyes soften slightly, never one to remain angry with someone he loves. It makes me happy, knowing he does still love me, he's going to need to for what I'm about to ask.

"You couldn't have done this another way? Does your mate even know there's another Alpha on his land?" Seb sighs, his anger vanishing even though he's still irritated.

I give a small smile. "Elder Luka has given me permission, I don't care for Hardins anger."

"Unwise, even for you." The darkness that threatens me in his voice almost makes me flinch. Despite knowing he'd be furious with me, it's still not exactly comforting.

Turning to Hardin, I keep my back close to my brother, knowing my mate won't think twice about ripping Sebastians throat out. Even though Elder Luka is here as witness, Hardin won't care.

"I'll admit, I expected some kind of retaliation after my refusal to help, but not this." Hardins false chuckle has me on edge.

Even when he's angry, he's calm. Not today, no, he's absolutely livid. Don't flinch, Kalli. I soothe myself, forcing my body to remain stiff. A huge part of me wants to go to him and beg him for his forgiveness, but I couldn't do it. My friend is being tortured, I have to do something.

"You made your decision, for the welfare of you and your pack, I understand." I say, pausing.

"...I made a decision of my own, not for me, but for the people that I love." I state firmly, my voice sharp with finality. I won't let him change my mind, or deny me this, he cannot.

Grey eyes darken, glowering at me with utter fury. Not because of my sudden choice to step up, but because I've gone behind his back, bargained with an Elder, he's feeling more than a tad betrayed.

"Your brother isn't welcome on my land." Hardin sharply declares.

"Our." I correct.

The tension in the air is heavy, Hardin doesn't appreciate my attitude, or the fact that I'm standing against him instead of beside him.

"She is of Alpha blood, and she is your chosen mate, therefore Katalayha has just as much authority as you." Elder Luka informs Hardin.

Nothing he doesn't know, Hardin simply loathes that I went behind his back. He refused to help me, what did he really expect?