Chapter 5

Mile after mile Avalina and Sophia followed Bleiz's crimson colored sedan, the drive being longer than they expected. Looking at Sophia she asked, “How’re you doing over there?”

“I'm good. Starving though,” she grinned just as her stomach growled for emphasis.

“Yeah, we never did get those sandwiches? Hopefully, we can get something once we reach Filtairn's place.”

“The idea of meeting him makes me nervous, Lina. He's the oldest, most powerful clan leader of the Lycans. What if he wants to execute me like those women did in the Eastern Clans?” Sophia asked, her fear so palpable Lina could smell it.

“He's wiser than those superstitious fools. He'll help us or know who can. After all, he's friends with High Queen Theanna.”

“You're right. I just wish I knew what was going on with me. I have no control of it. It just randomly happens and it's embarrassing and terrifying,” Sophia sniffed as she fought back tears.

“Hey, hey, stop that. There's no need for tears. We're strong Lyell Lycans. We can figure this out!” Lina said as she took her hand and gently squeezed it. “I think we might be arriving. We're turning onto a private road.”

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Sophia said, “Ok, let's do this, and if they try to burn me, I'll eat them while beating them with my bunny ears.”

Lina busted out laughing at the image that popped in her head of a she-wolf with bunny ears. “I love it! Let's do this!”

A couple of miles down the road they came upon a log cabin that was so large it almost appeared palatial, if rather rustic-looking. As Bleiz's car parked in front of it, Lina parked their truck next to his car. Getting out, Lina waited for Sophia before taking her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze and then leading her over to Bleiz and Ajax.

“Don't be scared,” Bleiz smiled at them. “Filtairn is never unkind to she-wolves, unless they deserve it.”

Lina smiled at him before looking over at Ajax, who smiled kindly at her.

“Filtairn is a tough old wolf, but he's a good leader. He admires strong females and doesn't mind looking up to them. He was the first non-Daemoni to appear before Theanna on bended knee and swear his allegiance. Besides, I have your back,” Ajax charmed with a wink.

Lina stifled a giggle as she shook her head at him. She just knew he could be deadly to the females with his good looks and sweet-talking tongue. Still she found his words kind and that more than anything touched her heart.

Walking up the steps, towards the large wooden door, Lina and Sophia gasped in surprise when it suddenly flung open and several boys ran past, changing into their wolves as they headed towards the trees. “ONE HOUR! BE BACK IN ONE HOUR!” a loud, deep voice boomed after them.

Once they heard answering howls, the large man appeared in the doorway. He was easily close to seven feet tall and gave off a handsome yet scruffy caveman feel. His dark brown hair was dusted with gray that matched his gray eyes. “Bleiz, glad to see you made it ok. I'll take that package from Darius, you head home to that wife. If I keep you away from her for much longer I think she'll be set to skin my hide!”

Bleiz chuckled at him. “You're probably right. Here you go,” he stated as he handed a large, thick envelope to Filtairn, “and Ajax will introduce you to the ladies and tell you what's going on. Call me if you need me, hopefully in the morning.”

Filtairn chuckled as he patted him on the back and watched him go back to his car. “Ajax. Good to see you, come in, I'm sure you ladies are tired and hungry. I'm Filtairn Marrok. Those crazy cubs you saw running past are my grandsons. Wild beasts, the lot of them!”

Lina smiled at him. “I'm Avalina Lyell and this is my sister Sophia. We came to see you on the advice of our clan leader, Onai Randolph.”

“Onai... Northern Canada? You came a long way indeed. Onai is a different sort of leader than I am. If he sent you my way, though, it was for good reason,” Filtairn smiled at them.

“Love, can't you see these two sweet girls are hungry and exhausted? Bring them into the living room where they can be comfortable. I hope you both like beef sandwiches, I was just making a batch for when those little heathens return. They'll be starving, again!” a beautiful woman with curly dark hair pulled up into a messy bun and very kind eyes said in a rush.

“This is my beautiful mate, Alia Marrok. She’s my rock and the reason I haven't gone crazy and vanished into the woods for good,” Filtairn introduced.

“Oh shush, you. You make it sound like we're surrounded by crazed animals... never mind, we are,” she giggled. “Come, sit, sit. Oh Ajax, how are you? Still charming the ladies?”

“Yes ma'am, every chance I get. By the way, those ideas really helped. Thank you,” Ajax said as he planted a kiss on Alia's cheek.

Filtairn growled at him lightly. “Boy, you better not be trying to charm my mate.”

“Would never dare to,” Ajax smirked as they all entered a large great room and sat down.

At one end of the room, there was an enormous stone fireplace. At the other end was a huge television. It was obvious that this room was used for clan gatherings. All of the chairs and couches were in varied rustic tones and colors and arranged so that there were several sitting areas all over the room.

“I'll be right back with food and drink,” Alia stated as she kissed her mate softly before disappearing into another part of the house.

“Let's get business out of the way so we can relax and eat when she returns. Now, Ajax, I thought you were working tonight. What's going on?”

“I was. Thea's guards arrived in full battle gear and informed her that the Titans were attacking the Dark Realms. She instructed me to bring these ladies to you and let you know what was happening. If the Titans mean to bring war to the Dark Realms, it won't be long until they manage to find a way here,” Ajax told him in all seriousness.

Filtairn sighed deeply. “I was afraid of this. The shadows have been rumbling about the Titans lately. It's why I wanted to talk to Thea, to see if she'd heard anything from her spies. I'm just honestly surprised they would try to take on Thea's legions. The unity in the Dark Realms is stronger than it’s ever been and to attack them is foolhardy. Theanna and Damian are not rulers to mess with.”

“Sam was telling me about Thea's badass Daemoness. He said that she may appear tiny in comparison to their warriors but she regularly trains with them and there isn't a single Daemoni that can beat her. He also told me that every story about Tiamat is true,” Ajax stated with admiration.

“I don't know if you know this but, she sparred with me recently. She can beat me in her sleep!” Filtairn admitted.

“Wait, didn't you literally tear a wolf in half after he tried to challenge you and threatened Alia?” Sophia asked. “Sorry it was just something Onai told us.”

Filtairn chuckled. “That was a while ago but yes, I did. Our Queen is not someone to mess with but she isn't quick to anger either. I'll have to talk with Darius tomorrow and see if he has any idea what they’re up to.” Turning towards Lina and Sophia, he asked, “So, what brings you two so far south?”

The nervousness became too much for Sophia when suddenly she fully changed into a dark reddish brown chicken and started running around the room clucking. Filtairn and Ajax stared at her in dumbfounded shock as Lina sighed deeply. Standing up, she calmly walked up to her sister-chicken and picked her up. Returning back to her seat, she sat down as she held Sophia on her lap and calmly stroked her back. Looking up at Filtairn, who was still speechless, she said, “This is.”