I stared at the man who raised me, who trained me. Made me who I was, I was Raine Valdier. A killer not The kind hearted Kandra who loved a werewolf king. Even now I felt the mate pull towards the red eyed beast. It sickened me to know he was my fated match. Sure it was for that reason Driak even kept me by his side but it didn't mean I had to like it. Driak the man standing before me his power won by my sword. The same power that had brought me back.
Yet something was different, something inside me was not like it was before. A power that coursed through my veins. When I first woke up I was completely under Driaks influence. Now as the seconds passed the power within me fought his control. Fought against being controlled by any one let alone a mere human who's only power was what had been stolen from others.
I watched as he circled me his smug smile making me want to rip his face off just as he had mine.
"Raine Valdier finally I have you back under my control."
I hid my surprise he obviously hadn't noticed his power over me hadn't worked like he wanted. Maybe I could use this to my advantage to find a way out and away from all of this.
Now don't get me wrong I didn't want to escape to run back to my so called mate. No I wanted nothing to do with any of them. I was done being a pawn for others. I was done being a weapon, done with being fated to a mate. Done being apart of someone else's plans. The lot of them can go to hell for all I care.
The problem is with the way I am now injured and weak I had no chance of escape. So for now I'll have to play along. Which worked out well since I knew his plans would lead to my escape any way.
"Are you ready for your last mission as my weapon?"
I nod my emotions in check, my role in Driaks plans clear in my mind. Too bad for him I had no intention of following through with any of it.
"I am ready."
He still had me restrained , my body ached already. However I knew there was still more pain to come. It if was my ticket out then I would endure any pain if it got me what I wanted. He clicked his fingers as two wolves entered. They eyed me like I was evil incarnate, which was rich considering Driak was still in the room . An immortal being that had been driven into madness. At least I still had a soul even if it be a dark one.
I kept my eyes on them as they hesitated to do what had been asked of them. I growled my now one good eye glowing since the other was still swollen shut and getting worse.
"Do your duty to your king!"
Driak smiled wider at my words his ego flying sky high. What a joke, it had been a very long time since he had been king. He was Just a pathetic wretch without any subjects to lead. Which he had only himself to blame since he destroyed everything he once held so dear. Yes I knew his past. I knew it all. His crimes done to my first life. His jealousy and anger over a female that was fated to another. More proof that the fated bond only breeds misery.
I braced for the pain as both wolves raised their fists and for the next half hour I took their beating. It was all apart of Driaks plan and mine. Though our goals were different the result remained the same.
By the time they had finished I could barely move. The agonising pain only made me smile as my eyes began to close. I saw Driaks gold flecked eyes as he gave his orders to the two wolves who'd just used me as a punching bag.
"Take her as close as you can to Vericus's territory then leave her there. Raine will handle the rest."
Raising his hand the green glow back one tentacle detached from his hand and buried itself in my head. I growled at him.
"YOU BUSTARD!"
"Stupid girl I've lived for thousands of years not even you can fool me."
I made to bite him with the last of my will when he knocked me out with one punch.
—————-
Hands grabbed at me I tried to push them off but my body wouldn't listen. All I felt was pain, all I knew was pain.
"Put her in a cage now!"
A voice I didn't know yelled.
"What are you talking about-"
"Do it now!"
Metal scraping made my head pound in my skull. A groan escaping my lips.
"Kandra?"
"Vericus don't bother it's not her."
That voice. my name on those lips called to me.
"Kan! Ver you can't lock her up she needs help!"
Yet another familiar voice. What was going on?
"Right now all of you get out before she wakes up."
"Roake you can't be serious! Owen needs to check her wounds."
"I'll stay, if she kills me so be it."
Gentle hands touched my skin, I wanted more then anything to rip them off me but my body still wouldn't respond. I could feel the tentacle Driak had planted in me as the events of the last few days came back to me.
My eyes snapped open a growl escaping my lips as my body moved once more. On instinct I forced my palm into Owens chest breaking one of his ribs as I flipped away from him. My body screamed in agony as I fell to one knee cradling my own broken ribs.
"KAN!"
My eyes met each face outside the cage I'd been put in. The bars solid steel strong enough that not even I could break out of them. Owen was still on his knees before me struggling for air. Ignoring my own pain I ripped my dress using the strip I had just gained I wrapped the fabric around Owens throat taking position behind him. The whole thing lasting seconds as I applied just enough pressure to let them know I was serious.
"Open the cage and let me go now or the doctor dies."
"Kan! What the hell!"
I growled.
"DO IT!"
It was the wolf I didn't know that answered. He was still in a state of half shift more wolf then human. His eyes yellow told me his was of the lycan pack. Great seems they had back up.
"You know we can't let you leave so you might as well let him go."
I growled my canines showing if they thought I wouldn't do it they were surly mistaken. Just as I was about to kill him right in front of their eyes one voice stopped me.
"Raine?"
My eyes met red, the mate bond pulled at me and I hated it. The tentacle reacted to those red eyes my hands going to my head as pain ripped through my skull. Owen coughed as the fabric around his neck released.
I lay there shaking as the tentacles power died down. Owen stared down at me his shoulders slumped his broken rib making him hunch. A fresh bruise forming around his neck. His eyes showed sympathy and it made me angry to see it.
"What has he done to you?"
I growled but with my strength gone it sounded more like a groan. I didn't want his sympathy and I definitely didn't want his help. My voice barely a whisper I scowled at him.
"Take your victory and leave me be."
He didn't move i could tell he wanted so badly to help me.
"Owen...."
That voice again, it's sound rippling through me wanting me to yield to it.
"Knock her out then see to her wounds."
Vericus passed a syringe through the bars which Owen took. I was powerless as he injected me with wolfsbane the only thing that would put a wolf to sleep. Down side it hurt like hell as the wolfsbane worked it's way through my body not even I could stop the scream that erupted from me. I glared at those red eyes as once again I passed out.
When I woke I had no idea how long I'd been out but judging on how hungry I was I guessed it had been at least a day. Most of my aches and pains had healed. My regenerative capabilities were faster then most. The wound across my face had already closed A fresh scar marring the once flawless skin. My eye no longer swollen shut but still hurt like hell and would take another day to completely heal.
One look around told me I was still in the cage and outside the bars was the last person I wanted to see. Sitting up I leaned against the wall resting my arms on my knees as I faced those red eyes.
"Have you seriously been watching me this whole time? Don't you have something better to do?"
He huffed what might be classed as a chuckle his eyes never leaving mine.
"What could be more important then you?"
I shook my head a bitter laugh escaping my mouth.
"Don't bother trying to flatter me I want none of it. If I were you I'd let me go."
He leaned forward in his chair a stupid move if you ask me. Not that I was complaining only a few more inches and I'd be able to reach him.
"What makes you say that?"
I stood up making my way to the bars, I needed to be ready the second he came within reach. I threaded my arms through leaning on the cross bars of my cage.
"Because if you don't you risk your precious pack you care so much about."
I could tell he was trying to remain emotionless, too bad I had more experience in this game. I could still see the pain in his eyes as he stared at me.
He surprised me however as he stepped closer, this was my moment. Just when I was about to make my move the tentacle in my head stopped me. My body wouldn't respond I gritted my teeth against Driaks power but it was too strong.
I was frozen as Vericus reached out his fingers touching the newly formed scar on my left eye and cheek. His touch sent tingles through my body.
"Raine..."
Against my will I leaned into his touch unable to fight the mate bond. His fingers a feather touch as he cupped my face my eyes closing enjoying the feel of him.
"Mate."
The word woke me up my eyes snapped open my will returning in an instant. I grabbed his hand ready to snap the bone against the bars. At least that's what I'd planned only he was stronger and somehow anticipated my move. His fingers wrapped around my throat forcing my back against the bars. I clawed at his hand as he applied enough pressure so I could still breath but only just. I could feel his chest against my back the bars the only thing that separated us. His lips were at my ear the feel of him so close both calling to me and revolting at the same time.
"You never could match me in strength."
I struggled against him but it was no use, it was true he was far stronger then me. However I was always faster. I elbowed him in the solar flexes making him loose his grip as I spin away from the bars falling to my knees as I fought to get air back into my lungs.
Barely out of breath his recovery far faster then mine he scowled down at me.
"Let me know when your ready to know the truth about who you are Raine Valdier and I'll be more then happy to share it. Maybe once you know you'll stop fighting me."
He started to move away but stopped when he heard my laugh. Turning his eyes narrowed as I stood once more my eyes shooting daggers at him.
"Your pathetic. Do you really think I don't know? That Driak didn't tell me everything? I know everything about him and myself. I probably know more than you do."
There it was that pained expression. He hid it fast but i saw it.
"Poor Vericus cursed to carry the weight of two races on his shoulders. Lost his parents scared to loose his brother scared to loose his pack. Scared to loose himself! Your just a scared little puppy who's desperate for a mate to make everything better."
I could see his anger rising. I was getting to him and I relished in that fact. Let him feel just a fraction of what I felt my entire life.
"Well get used to being alone, to losing everything. That's all this world does to you, it eats you up and spits you out. Strips you down until there's nothing left. You want me to know the real truth about myself? What that I was stolen the day I was born, that my twin was left behind? That Driak realised I was useless because she had stolen my power? Am I getting warmer?"
His eyes watched me as I again approached the bars. My voice getting louder as I went on.
"Or is it when I was forced to kill my entire birth pack so that he could gain back the very twin that stole that power? Maybe it was when he had her prisoner for six whole years never telling me she was even there until she escaped. Maybe what you want to tell me is he ordered me to execute her never telling me who she was until I stabbed her in the back as she ran away?!"
By this time my voice was a growl as I yelled them through the bars.
"Go on Vericus tell me how I was made to be a pawn my entire life forced to kill everything and everyone that made me who I was! Your pissed because you lost loved ones? What a joke. At least you had loved ones. At least they were there for you when you needed them!"
I laughed bitterly enjoying his pain.
"Now when I'm finally free to do as I choose the power I gained back from killing my own sister you want to use me as your pawn? AS YOUR MATE?! Well I say screw that!"
I glared at him as I drove the knife in. He thinks he has all the answers well he was definitely wrong about that.
"Tell me Vericus how's Driaks power these days? Has its pull tainted you yet or are you still fighting it's effects?"
He stood there frozen as my words sank in. The pain in my head from Driaks power getting worse. Whatever the tentacle was it did not like what I was doing. Which only made me glad I'd did it. Let him hurt let him suffer. Let him feel a small fraction of what I'd felt for twenty four years.
I expected him to loose control, to be angry with my words. To lash out anything. Instead he surprised me as he smiled.
"Your just trying to bait me, but it won't work. I'm not letting you out. I want to help you Raine, I'm not Driak I don't want to use you-"
"LIAR!"
I bashed my hand against the cage.
"Your just like Driak! My will is my own and not you or Driak or even the goddess with this stupid mate bond will take that away ever again!"
He stepped closer the power from the force in my head burned. I pulled away from him showing him fear for the first time. Whatever it was Driak had implanted in me something told me I couldn't let it anywhere near Vericus.
Vericus froze in his advance taking in my shaking hand as I tried to force back the thing inside me. He misinterpreted my fear.
"Raine I won't hurt you."
I spoke through gritted teeth raising my hand to stop him from getting closer as the pain in my head increased.
"YOUR ALREADY HURTING ME!"
He didn't get it. Didn't understand that what ever Driak had implanted in me was reacting to Vericus. The closer he got the worse it got. I could feel it calling to the power within him. Feel it trying to reach for Driaks power that was now inside Vericus. My back was against the wall as Vericus took another step. I could feel his power being drawn towards me. I growled at him my eyes glowing.
"STOP!"
The door to the room opened and Slo rushed down the stairs.
"Ver what's going on?!"
I turned to Slo for the first time since I gained back my memories I felt safe. Slo was not my enemy, he had never tried to use me. Even as Raine I knew I could trust him. I clung to that hope my eyes meeting his.
"Slo! Stop him! Don't let him open the door!"
Slo didn't hesitate as he grabbed Vericus's hand just as he was about to open the cage. It was like he was being pulled out of a trance. Stumbling back he looked around like he didn't know where he was. Growling he spun on me furious.
"WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME?!"
I growled my anger rising as well.
"Do you think I want you any where near me?! It's Driak he did something, put something inside me that's drawing you to me."
Vericus started to calm down as he shook his head his eyes glancing between me and Slo.
"What is it?"
I groaned.
"Seriously if I knew that don't you think I would of got the fucking thing out of me?!"
Slo surprising me addressed me like he used to when I was Kandra. The friendship we had formed had still stuck with me.
"Do you know what will happen?"
My answer was instant.
"I'd castrate him."
Slo scowled at me but I saw the hint of a smile at the corner of his lips.
"Be serious Ka-....."
He cut him self off when he was about to use my old name. A frown formed on his lips. I imagined he was thinking about all the things I had done to his family and his pack. The dark shadow in his eyes told me that the friendship we had was gone. I growled at its loss steeling my heart against it. So be it.
"Look just trust me on this if Ver comes anywhere near me we're all fucked."
Vericus flinched at my words the pain in his eyes something he couldn't hide.
"How do we know your telling the truth?"
I faced those red eyes all emotion leaving my face.
"You don't."
His fists clenched his anger rising once more. For a wolf not be able to even be near his mate when she was right in front of him was the worst kind of torture. Even I felt it's effects but my resolve to not give into it was stronger. I sighed leaning my back against the wall my legs crossed at the ankle. Nonchalantly I added.
"Look I don't expect you to believe me but if I was lying I would of let him open the door won't I?"
Neither of them answered I waved off their silence as an agreement.
"I can tell you this when he got closer I felt what ever is inside me pull on the power inside Vericus. My guess is Driak planted a sirens power inside me."
Slo grimaced. Sirens were beings that lured men in so that they could devour them.
"Why would he do that?"
I shrugged.
"He's been around for thousands of years experimented on every sup imaginable. How do you think he got his power? At any rate he knew he couldn't control me after I'd killed Rix so he did the next best thing. He basically amplified the mate bond making me even more irresistible."
Vericus narrowed his eyes still suspicious.
"Why would he did that? How would getting us closer benefit him?"
I shrugged.
"How the hell would I know. Who knows what else he's done to me. He had control of me for twenty years preformed countless experiments. How do you think I become so good at killing? He modified my genetic make up. Made it so I can steal power from others or give them back. I was the one that gave him his power by stealing it from others and giving it to him. I'm the reason he's as powerful at he is. All I know is he can no longer control me. So if I were you I'd let me go so I can get as far away from all of as possible. Considering the circumstances that would be the best option wouldn't you think. I get my freedom you get to keep your precious peace. It's a win, win. Whatcha say?"
Vericus growled at my words not impressed with my plan. Scowling at me he spoke to Slo.
"She goes no where. Have Ty and Hawfalk keep guard if anyone goes near her without your permission knock them out."
"My permission?"
Vericus finally faced Slo though the strain to look away from me took its toll even i could see that.
"Yes I don't know if she lying or not but it's true I can feel my power pulling me towards her. It's stronger than the mate bond. It must be up to you to make sure we figure out what Driak did to her so we can reverse it."
I chuckled.
"Seriously your going to try reverse it? You are an idiot."
He spun on me snarling his eyes glowing.
"Shut up Raine I don't care if you don't except the mate bond and don't care if you never except me but I'll be dammed if I'll let you just walk out of here without at least freeing you from whatever that monster did to you."
I glared at him.
"Gee how noble of you and they say chivalry is dead. Too bad it's too little too late. What part of he modified my genes did you not get? You try to reverse it and you'll end up killing me and I don't know about you but since I finally have my free will back I have no intentions of dying before I finally enjoy the freedom that comes with that."
"Do you really believe you'll ever be free of him? That he'll just let you walk off into the sunset? Even if I just let you go, let you walk right out of here, Driak will never let you go. He will hunt you down until you've given him want he wants."
I pressed my lips together tightly in anger having no answer. He was right Driak wouldn't let me go. He'll do exactly what Vericus said and hunt me down until I've helped him gain his power back but I wasn't about to admit that to him. Vericus turned pulling Slo along with him and together they left the room. I sank to the floor staring around. Looks like I'll have to bide my time until I found my own way out. Even if Driak chased me he'd have a hard time finding me. At least that's what I told myself even though I knew it was a lie it was all I had.