Chapter 2 Blood Ties and Bone Secrets

A weighty, aged feeling filled the space and it was hard to breathe. The pack members moved away instinctively as the dark figure finalH With every inch black, eyes like fire and a face of outrage, he struck me as something from a bad dream, not a real person.

The chills she felt were most intense because of his voice.

"Elena," he said again, making sure to enjoy her name. I've been looking forward to this for a really long time.

Kael walked forward and stood between Elena and the man. I am keeping her safe. Identify yourself-now."

The man smiled at me and cocked his head as though he knew exactly where I was going. He seems so ready to protect us at this point. That's sweet." He looked at Elena once more. Don't you recognize me at all?

She gave a slight shake of her head and her heart started to tighten.

"I'm Lucien. Your uncle."

It was as if the ground itself was moving.

"What?" Elena began to cry as her mind got confused. I haven't got an uncle. My mother was gone by the time I was a baby and my father never talked about her loss-

Lucien put up his hand to signal their exchange should stop. Because your father isn't Liam. He did indeed raise you. But what makes you different is your bloodline... it's much older. More powerful. Just because we share a magical connection doesn't mean everyone feels this way. Only First Mother's descendants were allowed."

Kael stared at her and gave a final startled expression. Is the First Mother? That idea is not true."

Lucien gave a cold smile. That's what they are hoping you will believe. With Elena, it's evident that the line has not been broken.

She whispered "No," and started to pull away from him. "You're lying."

Lucien said, almost sadly, "I wish I were." However, you are the only one to be born under the Moon. And I am here to inherit what is rightfully ours.

He growled softly. You won't convince her to go anywhere with you.

Or, Lucien added, "I would be very surprised if she arrived of her own free will." However, it will happen soon. After you begin to have dreams. When what she endures becomes overwhelming for someone raised by humans."

Elena pressed her hand to her head again when a clear whisper echoed in her mind once more.

He is truthful. Beware of what he really wants from you."

Kael grabbed her arm to balance her as she rocked.

Lucien said, "You'll end up regretting your actions." She comes from the Shadowclans. To us. If you get in our path, Alpha... you're coming down with the rest.

Suddenly, he was a giant, black-and-red wolf and was gone among the trees.

Hush came over the gathering once more. Although it was quiet, I could feel nothing was quiet around me.

She could no longer stand and slowly fell to the floor. "What... What is this about me?"

He knelt down and gently touched her, something that surprised her. You're not just a friend. You're part of a legacy. A target. Now it is your turn for me to keep safe.

"I don't want to be called special," she managed to say, with her eyes starting to fill with tears. I only wanted to fit in. Now I find myself in the middle of a fight I don't comprehend.

He leaned in and gently cradled her face, his tone clear. You are meant to live a life that exceeds just getting by. You were meant to lead. I am here to support you, help you through any situation.

She looked into his eyes, feeling a strange mix of fear and desire in her heart.

Suddenly, she had an icy, real thought.

"My father... Liam. If he gave me a different identity without telling me... What else have they hidden from us about him?

His jaw tightened. That's when we should seek answers.

Once he brought her to her feet, the moon looked down on them, one leader, one descendant of an old dynasty destined to be together and pursued by evil.

Nobody saw the eyes watching from above in the trees.

The sound of their voices that sometimes breezed up to us:

She should not remember... what she has done.