Page 42 of The Aurora Marelup Complete Saga Omnibus

I began to pace as I notice Sebastian grab the notepad on the island and draw a mini version of the large map we have upstairs. Aurora looks as well, making small adjustments to his drawing. “Her plan is solid, Dom. The only problem I see is that the Polar Bears and Ice Dragons are also white. It will be tough for us to spot them in time.”

“Gee, ya think?”I say under my breath. Captain Obvious strikes again. I roll my eyes. Seriously, does Sebastian think we’re stupid? With the way he speaks to everyone, he must think we are at times. Aurora spots the faces I’m making while Sebastian is busy. Aurora rolls her eyes at me, then slides off Sebastian’s lap. He’s so engrossed in what he’s doing, it barely registers that she moved. Aurora goes behind Sebastian and starts making some of the silliest faces I’ve ever seen her make.

Sebastian must sense something is up because he turns to catch Aurora sticking her tongue out at him. He quickly grabs her tongue between his index and middle finger and growls at her. Aurora simply smirks at him. I look down to see she has shifted her hand, and her talons are millimeters away from his cock and balls. Realizing his family jewels are endangered, he quickly releases her tongue and backs away. Aurora clicks her talons together and looks them over before shifting her hand back to normal.

“Just remember, love, you may be my first mate, but I am still alpha.” She pats his cheek and smiles at him. Aurora winks at me, then grabs her empty bowl and dumps it in the sink. I could tell she has a lot on her mind by the way she stared at Sebastian’s drawing. Just about any way we slice this mission, there’s going to be a high body count.

“Sebastian, I want to go swimming at the lake. Mind taking me?” Aurora smiles when Sebastian agrees. Slowly, she stands before me and gives me a soft kiss—one that could set your loins ablaze.

Gently, she rests her forehead against mine and says softly through our bond,Don’t fear, my love. Call your brother. Make the arrangements. All will work out.”Her terse sentences don’t fill me with comfort. They do, however, give me something to do while they are off swimming.

CHAPTER 34

Elena

Jayce isthe one who comes to gather up Dimitri and Nico. I give Jayce a questioning look and he only laughs. “Aurora had a mini-meltdown, and Sebastian volunteered to remain at ground zero if she loses her temper.” He shrugs and goes back to loading the luggage into the car’s trunk. “Come to think of it, Elena, he’s been pissing her off more often than not lately. Do you know why he’s pushing her buttons?”

It’s times like this when I wish the boys thought more with their heads than with their hearts. I know Jayce means well, but if looks could kill, Sebastian would be dead. To be honest, I’m not sure which of her two father figures would do it first.

“I believe, Jayce, it’s because he’s afraid of losing Aurora, be it in the war or because of this new male. His dad wasn’t exactly the best example of how to be a good mate and father.” I lower my head for a moment and give it a brief shake. Nico is by my side in a second, lending me his strength. His arm bands around me, tightly holding me to him. I smile up at him to let him know I’m ok.

“Let’s just say I wasn’t sad when he lost the alpha fight to Angus. Sebastian believes it’s his birthright to be alpha. My son isn’t alpha material. He doesn’t have the same commandingpresence that Aurora has. In a sense, I believe he’s jealous of his mate. Correct me if I’m wrong, Nico, but First Mate’s title is just that: a title. He may think it gives him dominion over the others. Aurora would be wise to set him in his place,” I say as Jayce nods slowly, taking in all that I’ve told him.

“Aurora has put Sebastian in his place many times. If he keeps his nonsense up, I fear for his safety that she may tear him apart one of these days. He likes trying to keep her for himself, and it’s not right,” Jayce says, looking down sadly. You can tell he’s trying to keep his emotions under control. I fear the damage my son is doing to his bond mates, especially this gentle one. I wiggle out of Nico’s grip and go to embrace Jayce. He snuggles into me tightly, needing the emotional security. I run my fingers through his hair in an attempt to soothe him. The guys continue loading the car while I take care of Jayce.

“Son, don’t worry about Sebastian. It may do him some good if Aurora kicks his ass and makes him submit. He might actually get the silly notion he’s an alpha out of his head.” I smile at him as he stares at me in disbelief. I kiss his temple before patting his bottom in a motherly move, sending him on his way.

“You need to get going. You don’t want to miss your flight. May the Goddess watch over you and keep you safe.” I hug Dimitri next and thank him for what he’s doing. My heart breaks for Aurora every time I look at Dimitri and Andre. Time is catching up to them far too fast for my liking. Nico steps up to me next and kisses me passionately. He stirs the fire deep within me, making me wish he wasn’t leaving. Reluctantly, I pull back and look up at him.

“Elena, I will make sure the forces are prepared properly. We have too much at stake to accept anything less than perfection. Only the strongest will run beside our children. We shall not fail you.” The strength of conviction in Nico’s voice soothes my nerves. I stand on my tippy toes and kiss him once more. Iback away, watching the guys get into the car. I trust in Nico’s judgment completely, but as a mother, I still worry.

I approach the training ring in measured steps, where Dominik is sparring with the other pack members, honing their skills for the battle ahead. However, something makes me stop and start looking around. Something isn’t right. My eyes scan the area quickly, trying to find what’s causing this uneasy feeling.

“Dominik, get Aurora and Sebastian back here! Wolves, prepare for battle! Something’s coming!” It’s been ages since I last shifted and even longer since I actually had to fight as my wolf. The familiar snapping and cracking of bones is almost music to my ears. My body slowly shifts forms as my bones, muscles, and sinew shift alignment and grow in size. It’s been years since the pack has seen me like this. I tilt my head back and howl, calling all the wolves that can hear me. Dominik’s dire joins in, our blended tones carrying far and wide. In the distance, I hear Aurora’s bone-chilling howl soon joined by Sebastian’s. I know whatever is coming doesn’t stand a chance. I raise my eyes skyward to find Andre circling, calling out, and flying toward whatever he sees. Now that we know the direction of the attack, we adjust accordingly.

The first Strigoi breaks through the trees, followed closely by a Black Bear. Damn, now the local bear dens are involved in this mess. Strigoi and bears clash with our wolves. The once white gravel of our town center is painted crimson and black in a matter of moments.

One of the bears comes straight for me. I quickly dodge to the left and sink my claws into his side, rending flesh from bone. He turns, now favoring that side, and charges again. I never repeat a move, so instead, I leap up and land on his back. My canines sink deeply into the back of his neck as my claws rip out his throat.

Aurora bursts through the tree line, leaving a trail of frost in her wake. The air around her is supercharged with her rage. I’ve never seen her Lycan look this angry and aggressive. She charges into the fray, swiping left and right, ripping throats out, and severing heads as she goes. Her growl is so deep, almost demonic , you can feel it as if she’s standing right next to you.

Sebastian finally makes it to the party and stops next to me. We watch in wonder as she goes on a rampage. Sebastian leaves my side to assist Dominik, who happens to be surrounded by five bears. He makes quick work of the first bear by ripping his head clean off. The rest of the pack is doing quite well holding their own against the Strigoi and bears. I’m watching them work as a well-oiled machine. Everyone is looking out for each other, making sure to fight in pairs like we trained.

Suddenly, Aurora leaps up on top of a building and closes her eyes. She shakes her head several times before jumping back into the fight. I wonder what that was all about? She looks a little shaken by what happened. Her rage lessens as she finishes off the last few Strigoi.

One large Black Bear moves toward me and shifts back to his human form; it’s the leader of the bear’s den. He drops to his knees before me and says, “Please, stop the slaughter. Tomas lied to us, told us that we had to kill you to save ourselves. Please, call them off. Bears! Stop! Submit and live!” the leader yells, and all the bears immediately obey him.

Aurora stops and shifts back to her human form. Dominik and Sebastian flank her side. Anna runs out of the Alpha House with Aurora’s robe and quickly assists her with putting it on, then scurries off. Aurora raises a single hand and, through the pack bond, she sends everyone home. Her eyes fade to that of her human.

“You beg for mercy after attacking my people because a leach said so?” She tilts her head to the side, assessing the leader ofthe bears. He’s not that big of a man, but he’s slightly bigger than your average human male. Aurora’s fingers run through Dominik’s thick, coarse, black fur. Her eyes dart to Sebastian, and he moves back toward the Alpha House. Slowly, Aurora reverts her attention back to the scared man before her.

“They took my daughter. If we didn’t attack, they would kill her.” His head hangs low as he begins to cry. I watch emotions flicker across Aurora’s face, then vanish almost as quickly as they came. Her eyes narrow on the man before her as she turns her right forearm out to face him. Once he sees her family brand, his eyes widen. As soon as recognition hits him, Aurora turns and heads back to the Alpha House.

“Follow me,” she says without turning around.

Inside the house, Sebastian helps her get cleaned up and dressed in her blood-red, floor-length gown. By the time the leader of the bears and I enter the house, she is perched on her Throne of Skulls. In her left hand is a glass of red wine, Dominik’s wolf sits at her right side, and Sebastian—dressed—stands to her left. Aurora looks majestic as she sits there, and quite frightening, to be honest.

The bear leader drops to his knees before Aurora, and Dominik growls in warning, not liking how close the man is. Aurora’s right-hand goes to rest on his head to calm him. “How long ago did the Strigoi kidnap your daughter?” Slowly, Aurora raises the glass to her lips and takes a sip of her wine.

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