Chapter 33

Filtairn stood looking out a window worrying. He hadn't heard anything in way too long. Did Theanna win? Was Ajax and the other Lycans alive? Where were they? What was happening with Sophia and Avalina? Too many worries and too many thoughts filled his head.

Suddenly, he blinked several times as lightening strikes ripped through the air and a large portal opened in the middle of his clan compound. Just as he was preparing for the worst, he realized it wasn't Titans that were coming through but rather it was Theanna along with her Daemoni and the missing Lycans.

Running from the window, he sent a message to all males to meet him outside. As he ran outside, Alia joined him as she exclaimed in joy, “Oh praise the gods! She did it. She actually did it!”

“Come, love, let's greet our Queen and welcome the missing home!” he smiled. As they approached her, it did his heart good to see several families being reunited with those that were taken. “Oh my Queen! I had fears but no doubt that you'd be successful. Thank you from every member of this clan,” he said as he pulled Theanna into a big hug.

“I fear there were a few that didn't make it but we made sure to bring them home as well so that their families could have a measure of closure. Most are in great need of food, drink and to be seen by a doctor. We made sure not to leave a single Lycan behind. We've defeated Reniac and destroyed his entire army.

“Avalina and Sophia are safe in my palace and we'll be bringing Ajax back with us so that he can be reunited with them. I ask that you and the other clan leaders along with any that you feel should join you, come to my palace in relatively short order as I'd like all to see Reniac's punishment. Also, please have Janik Rollin join you. Ajax's part will be acknowledged by all,” Theanna ordered with a smile.

“Absolutely! I think it's important and wise to have the other clan leaders see what you've done to help those that swear allegiance to you. How do you want us to come to the palace?” Filtairn asked.

“I'll send one of my Royal Guard to escort you,” Thea smiled as she watched one of the mothers run up to her son with tears of joy in her eyes.

“This is why you do what you do, Zoqa,” Damian said to her with a smile as well.

“Indeed it is, Dnirya,” she replied. Smiling at Filtairn, she said to him, “I must return the Dark Realms. They need to see us there to handle things. We'll see you soon! It's going to be quite the fun celebration,” Theanna smiled as she turned and led Ajax and her Daemoni through the portal, this time to home.

As they arrived back at the Dark Realms, several of Theanna's commanders ran up to her and pulled her aside. As Ajax watched he commented, “No wonder she values the little time she has to relax and have fun. It's obvious the Dark Realms keep her extremely busy.”

“Indeed it does. We have to regularly remind her to eat and even rest,” Damian replied. “I'll take you to where Avalina and Sophia are, Thea is more than likely going to be a little while.”

“Before you do, my Prince. Let me remove my possession of Ajax. Then I'll stay with our Queen and keep an eye on things,” Hezin said as he approached Ajax and placing his hands on Ajax's temple he muttered softly under his breath and then removing his hands with a smile he said, “All set. It's been a pleasure to be a part of your mind, my friend.”

Ajax chuckled as he clasped hands with Hezin before he moved to stand near Theanna quietly watching. Turning to Damian he said, “Lead the way, my Prince.”

“I'm sure the ladies will be very glad to see you. I'll also have some proper food brought to you along with some clean clothes so that you can shower and feel like yourself once again. After something like what you went through, it's the little things that help you get back to a semblance of normal.” Damian smiled at Ajax.

“I also want to express my personal thanks for everything that you have done for my Queen, my Zoqa. She has always treasured your friendship, the joy and smiles you've given to her. So, long before this war, I've been remiss in thanking you. My apologies but know that I’m very grateful.”

“Wow! Um, you're welcome but know I don't do it for any thanks. I love Thea as family and family take care of each other,” Ajax smiled at Damian.

“Well that just impresses me even more. Now the ladies are in this suite. I know they'll be ecstatic to see you. I'll see you shortly at our celebration,” Damian said with a smile as he turned to leave.

With an excited smile on his face, Ajax knocked on the door before opening it. He found Avalina and Sophia relaxing on a couch snacking off of a tray of foods. “Hiya, pretty ladies!”

Sophia squealed with joy as she jumped up and down. Avalina stood up slowly, tears filling her eyes, her hands over her mouth as she was completely filled with emotion at seeing Ajax alive and healthy. Sophia ran up to him and grabbed him into a hug before saying, “Oh dude, you stink so bad but I couldn't care less. I'm so happy to see you've returned!”

Ajax laughed as he said, “Time moved a bit faster there. So it's been way too long since I've had a shower and Talos, you never want to go there. The whole place is just foul smelling! I thought Thea was going to be physically ill. I'm sure that smell has seeped into every bit of these clothes. I will gladly submit them for burning.”

Sophia stepped away as Avalina said, “None of that matters!” She opened her arms as she approached Ajax and wrapped not only her arms but her whole body around him, holding him so very tightly as she buried her face into the crook of his neck.

“Hey, beautiful. I'm sorry I couldn't tell you. Thea and Filtairn thought it best if almost no one knew. We didn't want even one slip up of information getting back to Reniac. I just wanted to do something that would ensure you and Sophia were safe. I needed to,” he tried to explain as he held her to him.

“You're forgiven this time, but don't you dare do anything so stupid like that again! My heart couldn't take it.”

“Does this mean I might just have a chance with you, Lina?” Ajax whispered into her ear.

“Possibly. First though you need to kiss me and then shower because you really do stink,” Avalina smiled.

Ajax burst out laughing as he pulled away from her slightly and holding her face tenderly, gave her a soft kiss that promised her everything. Breaking the kiss, before giving her one more quickly, he pulled away and said, “Point me in the direction of the shower, ladies. Damian said to expect a clean pair of clothes in there for me.”

“That door over there in the corner. I think we should change too, Lina... that smell clings,” Sophia giggled.

Ajax suddenly turned back around as he asked, “I nearly forgot. Sophia, how's the weird shifting?”

“Since I've been here I haven't felt it at all. Damian says that once we get past the Red Moon tomorrow I should go right back to being a normal Lycan as if the weird shifting never happened. Thank the gods for that!” Sophia smiled. “I do know what I'm going to get Filtairn for Christmas though... a kitten!”

Ajax laughed deeply as headed towards the bathroom. “I love that! A kitten! That's awesome!”

Getting up and heading towards their rooms, Lina smiled at them as she said to Sophia, “Come on, let's go change into our attire for this evening. I have a feeling it's gonna be interesting.”

“If I know Thea at all, that's pretty much a guarantee!” Ajax called out right before disappearing into the bathroom where a nice long hot shower awaited him.

Once he was out of earshot, Sophia squealed softly and said, “Oh my god! Girl, please tell me that means we're going to stay in Los Angeles. I just adore Alia, she's like a mom.”

“We definitely have big decisions to make and I agree there's nothing left for us in Onai's clan, but let's decide that once we get back to the compound ok? I just want to relax and enjoy this evening.”

“I like that idea. For once I don't have to worry about crazy shifting or Mythics that wish to drain my blood! It's time to CELEBRATE!” Sophia exclaimed.

Avalina giggled at her sister. She couldn't agree more!