Chapter 390: Creatures Of Myth

"Just got off the call with Irene," Alaric reported as he returned to Asher. "She’s contacting her people and raising awareness."

"We don’t have the time for that," Asher replied, a deep frown etched into his face. "Irene’s far enough as it is. Violet doesn’t have that much time. Perhaps it’s some small comfort that they took Griffin along, but we don’t know the situation at hand, and Griffin can’t fend off everyone unless—"

"Unless what?" Alaric asked, studying his face.

Asher tilted his head, implying the answer without saying it. But Alaric understood.

"The Beast," he whispered.

"With the Beast, they have a better chance of surviving," Asher said, his jaw tight. "But the Beast is unreliable. And as much as I trust Violet’s life with Griffin, the same can’t be said with the Beast. I’ll kill him with my bare hands if he lays a hand on her."

"The Beast and Griffin might be different beings," Adele added, "but they share the same psychology. Somewhere in there, Griffin might be able to reach him, and might be able to stop him from harming her."

"Let’s hope so," Asher said tautly, his mind clearly made up.

"Any progress?" Alaric asked, turning to Roman, who was in his wolf form, spinning in agitated circles at the T-junction a few miles from Asher’s property.

With his deep connection to his animal side, Roman was the best tracker among them all. But right now, something was off. His snout twitched erratically, confused and frustrated.

"I don’t like the look of this," Asher muttered, just as Roman shifted back into his human form.

"They did something to throw off the scent," Roman said, voice taut with frustration. "I can’t track anything beyond this perimeter."

"Wouldn’t surprise me. They managed to kidnap a cardinal alpha, masking their scent wouldn’t be a stretch."

Roman let out a strangled groan. This was his way of helping Violet and yet, now, he was useless.

He stormed off the road, heading toward the closest tree, and then began punching it, throwing all his rage into every blow.

"Oh great," Asher deadpanned. "The team’s officially losing it."

Alaric quickly went after him. "Hey! Stop it!"

"No, leave me! I’m practically useless!"

Alaric grabbed him. "Who said you’re useless?"

"I can’t track her!" Roman snapped. "And that’s the only thing I can do for her! I’m not as smart as you or Asher. I’m not as strong as Griffin. All I’m good at is making stupid, corny jokes that don’t help anyone!" He slammed his fist into the tree again.

Alaric didn’t hesitate, he yanked him into a hug and held the South Alpha tight, refusing to let go. Roman didn’t fight it. He just leaned into him, exhausted.

"You are not useless, Roman," Alaric said, running a hand through his hair in a calming gesture. "We were caught off guard, that’s all. And your jokes? They’re not stupid. They’re... kind of funny. Most times."

Roman lifted his head. "So you like them?"

Alaric immediately saw the trap. This was it. The price of reassurance was now eternal suffering through Roman’s terrible jokes. But still, he nodded. "Yes, they’re funny, Roman."

It happened too fast. Roman smooched him on the lips.

"That seals it, brother! We’re united now! Not just by our bond to Violet, but by DNA!" he declared.

"You fucking bastard!" Alaric yelled in horror, lunging after Roman, who took off with a grin, knowing exactly what he’d done.

"A gentle reminder here," Adele called out dryly, "we still can’t track your girlfriend, Violet!"

"At this point, just hire a fucking witch to do a location spell!" Roman yelled between peals of laughter, still dodging Alaric’s wrath.

"Fuck! He’s right!" Asher spun around, eyes lighting up. "A witch would find her faster. Roman, you genius."

Roman skidded to a stop just in time for Asher to reach him, grab him, and plant a quick kiss on his cheek.

Roman froze, completely blindsided. What the actual fuck just happened?

Did Asher just...?

They were all brothers now, united in DNA!

Even Alaric paused mid-chase, stunned at what he’d just witnessed. What the hell was going on.

Asher had barely unlocked his phone when he heard the distant rumble of an engine.

Roman squinted. "Wait a sec, isn’t that Lila?"

They all looked toward the approaching blur and sure enough, it was her in a hot pink helmet, and black boots.

Asher’s brow furrowed. "How the hell did she find us? Did any of you tell her what’s going on?"

Roman and Alaric shook their heads, obviously confused.

"Wait, hold on." Alaric leaned forward, eyes narrowing. "Is that... is that a sword strapped to her back?"

Roman gawked. "What the actual fuck is she doing with a sword? Is she cosplaying the apocalypse?!"

But Lila wasn’t slowing. In fact, she was speeding up towards them.

"Something’s wrong," Asher muttered, his instincts kicking in as he caught the murderous expression on her face.

"Get off the road! Now!" He barked.

Roman and Alaric dove aside just in time as Lila roared past, her blade whistling through the air, missing them by inches.

Lila let the bike roll into a ditch behind her as she flipped off, landing with grace only years of training could attain. Her sword hovered effortlessly at her side.

"Lila, what the fuck?!" Roman yelled.

Lila turned to him, eyes hardened with no trace of the bubbly girl he once knew. "You don’t get to say my name," she hissed.

And then her sword ignited with a flame that was unnatural in both color and heat.

Roman stood frozen, jaw slack. "Holy shit! How did she do that?! Can someone please tell me what the hell is going on here? Are we acting out a movie script or something? Because honestly, I’m starting to feel like this has all been one big prank on me!"

Roman had to shut it when Lila lunged at him, blade raised, barely reacting to the attack.

A crackle of electricity zipped through the air as Alaric moved faster than he’d ever moved in a fight not meant for blood. A rope of lightning snaked from his fingers, lashing around Lila’s sword and ripping it clean out of her grip.

"What the hell is wrong with you? What do you think you’re doing right now?!" Alaric demanded, shocked and out of breath.

But Lila’s response was another blow. She spun, throwing a kick that caught Alaric in the side, but he blocked the second one with a hard shove that sent her staggering back.

"Why are you attacking us, Lila?!" he shouted again.

Her eyes were wild as she said. "I should be asking you that. What the hell did you do to Violet?!"

"What?! What are you talking about?!" Alaric dodged another jab.

But it was too late, Lila’s fury was unchecked. She lifted one hand and a gust of wind slammed into Alaric, hurling him backward.

Roman stumbled over to check on him, completely floored. "No. Way. How did she do that?!" He asked Asher this time. "Is she a witch?"

But the answer was already unraveling in front of them. There was no need to hide anymore. Not when she planned to kill them all.

The glamour melted away and like a veil being pulled away from a painting, the illusion shattered.

They all watched as Lila’s cheekbones sharpened, her ears elongating to elegant points and her eyes shone like polished moonstone. She was stunningly beautiful.

"Impossible," Adele whispered, stepping forward in disbelief.

"Goddess kiss me." Roman commented.

Alaric, now rising to his feet, blinked at her as realization dawned. "She’s Fae?"

Asher’s voice whispered in disbelief. "Creatures of Myth."

Lila raised her hand again, and the flaming sword shot back into her palm like it had a mind of its own.

Then she declared with a dark voice. "You’re all going to die in my hands today for what you’ve done to Violet."