33.

Emma stood looking at the beaten and bruised body of her best friend as he laid on the ground a mere eight feet away from her. Her surroundings were miles away as she witnessed how hurt he was. His breathing was shallow, cuts all over his arms and face which stopped healing. His eye was bruised, cuts on his lips, and his hair was caked with blood.

Guilty thoughts ran through her mind, with every thought tears fell from her eyes. "Aiden," she called out making a step towards him. This was all her fault. All because they wanted her, this just to show that the people around her weren't safe.

"No, no, little princess. Not a step further" Malcolm said in taunting tone. He found it amusing to see his niece freaked out. She looked so much like his mother, he thought.

Michael pulled his mate back keeping his eyes on the trio in front of him. Emma struggled to get loose from her mate's hold but Michael held her tighter. "I'm truly hurt. My own great-niece hasn't acknowledged me first but she did to her lover. How sweet," Malcolm said. He was taking his taunting up a notch. To him, all of this was his entertainment.

He looked between Michael and Emma then subtly sniffed the air. He let out a dry laugh.

"I'm sorry. It's awfully funny. Caleb, you will find this rather funny" he said laughing and nudging his son.

"In front of us are the future king and queen of our kingdom and next to us is the dear little princess' lover. It's like a love triangle but I know who struck out" he said pulling up Aiden to his knees, holding his head up by his hair. Aiden cried out in pain, Caleb laughed at his reaction.

"Stop you're hurting him. Please. What do you want?" Emma cried out struggling to get free. His bloodied body and his cries of pain were etched in her mind. She had to get him away from that man. She won't allow them to take him away, just like they did her mother. Michael knew of Aiden and Emma's relationship. He couldn't help but feel that she still loved him even if she marked and pledge her love to him. It was hurting to know that she was willing to put herself in harm's way for her ex-lover.

"Oh, nothing much. Just wanting you dead and maybe something else," He answered. His sources mentioned she was a white wolf and having her blood will be essential to him. Faster healing and added years to his life, a perfect addition to his plans. Maybe I won't kill her just yet he thought as he watched how desperate she wanted the pathetic alpha's son. The scene behind the couple was so delightful to Malcolm. Trained warriors of the throne against his trained purebred wolves. Both were trained under the royal army commander which would make an exceptional fight.

" Your life for his" Caleb said. The arrogance was heard in his voice. You can tell he was used to being obeyed and getting what he wanted.

"Emma, don't even think about it." They heard Jonah shouted from the back. The rogue wolves stood at their positions waiting for an order by their 'alpha' they didn't let up on their snarling, their canines on display as their beady eyes watched every warrior's movement.

"Quiet pup," Malcolm shouted.

Emma looked at Aiden then Malcolm and back again. "Emmy," Aiden called out hoarsely. Her eyes instantly went to his, "Its gonna be alright. I promise. I'm so sorry" she cried. A weak smile crawled upon his dry, bruised lips, "Don't worry.... about... Me" he managed to force out.

"How touching. Come on, make up your mind" Malcolm yelled.

Her mind was in a whirlpool, this man had her best friend, her first love and she just wanted him back in her arms. She can handle herself with this mad man. Once Aiden was safe then she can find a way to free the others. He was after her for reason, he wouldn't kill her right away. She looked at Aiden's dull grey eyes, he was on the brink of dying. He endured so much for her it was only right to save him.

'No Emma. We have to find another way' Alia pleaded with her.

Stubbornly she blocked the link from Alia, she looked at Michael. "Emma. Please, don't do it. It's not worth it." He said. His eyes were filled with hurt and tears. His mate would give her life for her friend, her first love. She preferred his life over her own mate's life. Didn't she know he would die without her by his side?

"Emma, think about this" he shouted at her. Roughly he turned her to him, tears filled her guilt-ridden eyes. "You cannot do this. What about your parents. Your brothers. Us. We can find another way to get Aiden." He said holding her face in his hands.

"It doesn't have another way. I need to get him now. He's dying. He needs me, Michael" she cried.

"And I need you," he said for only her ears.

"Damn it. Michael this is bigger than both of us. This is the only chance I got to save him. He's mine to protect. He's in that state because of me." she shouted in anger. Michael's eyes widen at her statement. Pain flashed across his face as Emma turned to Aiden.

Malcolm and Caleb shared a look of triumph. They knew she won't give up on the pup. Mason heard her every word and was pleased she chose her friends over her love for her mate but pissed at her decision. Giving up her life couldn't be the only way.

Noah and Jonah turned to her and was about to move but a rogue stepped in their way. Not wanting to spill any blood they stood looking at their sister trying to link her but she was blocking them. Their wolves were fighting for control angry at the fact she was actually accepting Malcolm's offer. How could she?

"Michael please let me go" she pleaded with him "No!! What you're doing is stupid!" He growled at her. Zane was in control now. "You're my mate. I'm not letting you go." His words held double meaning and she heard them both.

"Time's a wasting princess" Caleb called out to her. She looked at him then Malcolm, a smile was on his lips his green eyes were cold. Emma knew to herself it was dangerous but she couldn't let Aiden suffer. He meant so much to her.

"I'm sorry Michael. I do love you with all my heart but I can't let him die when I can save him," she said to her mate touching his cheek.

His grip tightens on her arm. With a twist of her arm and a push using her gifted power, Emma pushed her mate a few feet away from them.

Malcolm's eyes widen at what he saw. She inherited his power that's the reason why he got weak. Emma ran to Aiden pushing Caleb and Malcolm away from him. They fell a few feet away but the power which she used wasn't strong enough to knock them out.

The rogues saw this. One made an attempt to go after her but Avery shifted in time to stop him.

A ripple effect began.

Rogue versus royal warriors on the secluded road.

Emma held Aiden in her arms. The touch of his skin against hers caused her pain but she bit back her scream and cradled his head against her chest.

"I'm here now. I'm sorry Aiden I'm so sorry. " she cried into his hair.

Michael got up and watched from the distance the scene between Aiden and Emma. They looked like the perfect couple, she was holding him with the utmost love any man could ever want. His insecurities took over, all he can see before him was an image that will never include him. He knew he wasn't worthy of Emma, he was paying the price of his past mistakes.

"Caleb get her now!!!" He heard Malcolm shout from a distance. Caleb was closer to her in range so was Michael.

'Mate in danger' Zane shouted at Michael but he was frozen on spot looking at Emma and Aiden. "She's still in love with him" he whispered dejectedly. Anger. Betrayal. Hurt. All coursed through his body.

'But she's still our mate' Zane reminded him.

"Michael, what are you doing? Get Emma and Aiden away from here" Mason shouted. He was fighting in human form with a small wolf.

At the corner of his eye he saw Caleb running towards Emma, Michael ran forward also with his anger fueling him. His hands burning all the way up to his elbow. He paid it no mind as he got closer to his mate.

Caleb shifted and was about to lunge towards the two, Michael shot forth his arm on instinct to stop him but what happened surprised everyone whose attention was focused on them. Fire shot forth from Michael's hands, hitting Caleb's front paw. The wolf fell to the ground howling at the burn he received from Michael.

"What the hell?" Michael looked at his arms, the fire covered it presently, the heat did nothing to him nor was his hand charred as it should be. The flames lowered to his wrists fitting like a glove.
'You got your gift' he heard Emma said to him. He turned to her, he stepped back seeing how close she held Aiden, who was holding her hand with as much strength he can muster up.

"Yeah... I guess," he said looking back at the flames on his hand. He only did so to avoid looking at his mate holding another man.

Emma watched her mate as wonder and confusion made their way to his eyes. He looked back at her and made a step towards her. Before he reached her he flew backward into the windshield of a van. Emma screamed out for her mate, the force he fell into the glass shattered around his body. Noah and Jonah heard her screams and bolted towards her seeing Malcolm approaching her from behind.

A rogue made an attempt to block their path. Noah lunged at him, snapping onto the wolf's leg, with the force he attacked the wolf, the rogue fell to the ground. Jonah held him down with his front paws, the wolf struggled under the twin's weight and pain. His jugular was ripped out with no hesitation. Blood soaked his snout, he huffed in disgust and put his focus back to Emma.

Noah was at Michael's side trying to wake him, Jonah sprinted to Emma, Malcolm was in too much in close proximity to her. Emma was too focused on both Aiden and Michael to notice Malcolm advancing on her.

"I'm afraid he can't hear you, my dear," Malcolm said to her. Before she can turn around to him, Jonah was racing towards her, jumping over her to reach her tormentor but he was flung aside in mid-air by Malcolm.

Jonah crashed into the tree with a resounding crack, he fell to the ground shifting back into human- form, he broke his ribs on impact. He called out to his brother and sister before the pain took over fully. Noah and Emma heard his call. She was closer and tried to push Malcolm away from her but he only stumbled back. She tried again but nothing. It was like he was absorbing her power. She was confused as to why her powers affected him so little.

"Haven't figured out huh, sweet" he taunted her.

He glanced behind her and flicked his wrist dismissively as he was simply brushing away dust. Another crash was heard but this time into a van.

"Look. I just want us to bond. A little one on one time with my niece without all of this" he said standing over her gesturing to the fight behind her.

It was evenly matched as rogue and warrior made advances to each other. The pure grey wolves with a black mark on their body were holding their own, she knew these were the warriors. She saw Mason in his wolf form slashing the face of another wolf who was about to pounce on him. Her brothers were out cold, Michael still wasn't moving, in her arms Aiden was unconscious, she didn't know what to do.

Malcolm stepped back grinning " Coming with me I will ensure your friends' safety. After all, you're all I wanted. You made me go through all that damage to your pack and the others just to find you. Do you know how many people were killed at your expense? Now your family is going to pay for keeping you safe. How can you be so heartless? Your father won't like this one bit," he taunted Emma.

Tears rushed down her cheek as his words rang true in her mind. His guilt trip was getting to her, she laid down Aiden on the road and kissed his cheek. Emma looked back at the people that were putting her life before theirs.

"Come now, it's a no brainer," he said coldly.

'Don't listen to him, Emma. They are fighting for peace that you will bring to the kingdom. You have to be strong. Don't let him break you. Be strong for them. Please, Emma, you can do this' Alia pleaded with her.

'But to die for me? I can't allow that' Emma said looking back at the scene. Guilt and remorse took over her fragile mind.

Most of the rogues were dead. Their bodies were mangled bite marks over their body more visible as they were back in human form.

'They were bred for this. They would do this to keep their dream alive. Their dream of peace among all species.' Alia said.

Emma stood up turning over every word Alia said. She had to be strong. Show her kingdom that she won't break easily by a madman's speech.

"Enough of your internal monologue" Malcolm snapped. He grabbed her arm and roughly pulled her forward.

"Stop it" Emma shouted. A wounded wolf came limping next to Malcolm which she deducted was Caleb. She struggled for him to let go as they pulled her into the forest. Her physical weakness made it relatively easy for him to get her to move with him.

"Princess" someone shouted. Malcolm easily disposed of who was running behind them.

"I said to stop" she shouted again. The clouds got darker as her eyes did also. "I should of never let your words get to me," she said manipulating the winds around her.

"What the -" he said dropping her hand and backing away. Caleb whimpered and ran away as fast as he can.

Malcolm narrowed his eyes at her. "You're weak, you can never kill me. Not until you have your family back" he said smugly.

She knew it was the truth. No one knows the location he kept his prisoners nor of his accomplices. Even if they held him he won't say a word. This angered her. With as much force she could muster up she attacked with a gust of wind, sending him crashing into the trees away from her.

"He's gonna be a pain in my ass very soon," she said dropping to her knees.

Her body was weak from using her powers and her heat but she was able to crawl back to the road.

She looked over to Michael who was being helped of the van, two men rushed towards her as others took care of her brothers and Aiden "Where is he?" "Are you alright?" They asked at once.

"He's gone," she said weakly before fainting in one of their arms.

"Do you have her?" Avery asked running up to them.

"Yes sir but she's out cold. I think she drained herself," one answered.

"A cleanup crew is coming by chopper. We are to leave the area now with the prince and princess along with their family. Remaining wolves are to start the cleanup" he ordered looking down at Emma. Her skin was pale dark circles were below her eyes, she was so fragile. Avery knew Malcolm got to her but she made it. He used the boy against her which was a cheap move.

Michael was a bit livid but kept asking for his mate when he saw her a look of relief washed over his face as he stumbled over to her.

"Emma baby," he whispered stroking her cheek. She may have hurt him by her actions and words but she was still his mate. "Let's get you two in a van," Avery said. Michael took her in his arms and followed Avery. He was led to a van with an unconscious Noah at the back with Jonah looking over his twin.

"How is she?" He asked moving to see her he winced in pain by the effort.

"She's out for the while," Michael said softly cradling his mate. The van was being maneuvered through the carnage before speeding along the road.

"They are in love each other, aren't they?" Michael asked out loud. Jonah stayed quiet choosing his words carefully. "I can't say but what I do know, the way she's with you is completely different how she was with Aiden. She's more free with you," He finally said.

The affection Emma showed Aiden and what she said to him burned in his memory. How do you deal with that? Your mate loving another man.

Zane growled causing Michael's grip on her to tighten.

"You're mine and only mine. No one is gonna take you away from me. I love you too much but it hurts, baby. It hurts so fucking much," he said in her hair.

"Emma won't hurt you Michael and that's a fact," Jonah said laying down next to his brother. She already did, Michael said to himself.

They drove for another two hours with another van behind stopping at a secluded meadow.

"We are coming in with the princess and her mate" Avery said into his phone. Michael was the only one fully awake taking in his surroundings.

"A chopper will be taking us back straight to the palace. It would be safer in the air at least. Malcolm has proven his point. He can find us anywhere," Avery said letting out a frustrated sigh when they neared the awaiting helicopter.

"This trip wasn't exactly how it was planned huh?" Michael asked.

"Nope. That ambush was planned meaning we have a traitor among us. Not many knew of the princess coming home." He replied getting out to wake the boys.

"Most likely" Michael agreed, securing Emma before he got out.

Jonah sleepily stumbled beside Avery who was holding Noah in a fireman's hold.

It was a task securing getting both Emma and Noah in the cabin of the helicopter. The pilot bowed before Michael and Emma before taking his place behind the controls. Avery stood watch on the ground as the chopper left the field towards the palace.

A lot would have to be done. A mole to be caught. Finding Malcolm's hideout and knowing who are his allies. They knew Malcolm wants to take over the crown but they are also others who want the werewolf royals to fall. The vampire kingdom is dormant and allowed the werewolves to be dominant since they provided security to them at daylight hours. The humans could care less as they say werewolves and vampires as mere myths but the hunters want them extinct. So that left wolves within the kingdom as part of Malcolm's army.

"Let's pray we all make it through this. The princess has so much to learn" Avery muttered to himself.