Helpless. The feeling of misery overpowering. Growling, she turned round and round, trying to face each and every one of the menacing spears. Spears that were growing closer, taunting her to come near. Spears that were forming a wall. A wall that behind it stood her family. Her son, her daughter and her mate. They were all behind it, so near yet so far away from her reach.
She needed to get to them. They were in danger. They needed her. Her eyes widened as behind the spears, flames suddenly exploded, licking at the edge of the circle.
"Noooo!"
Sophia screamed as she jolted up in the lounge chair. Drops of sweat glided down her forehead and chest. Wiping them off with one hand, she quickly searched for the Ava's palm. It was still warm. Sophia could feel the soft heartbeat of her daughter. Thank god!
At the window, the first ray of sunlight was streaking the sky. Sophia slowly rose and made her way to the window. Just when she thought that there were no more tears left inside her, she felt her cheeks getting wet. She knew that time and hope was all that stood between her daughter and death.
Luke watched as Sophia stood staring out of the window, the tears flowing down her cheeks. He wanted to be close to her at that moment, to let her know that he was there for her. For his family. That he would protect them to the last breathe he had. He walked towards her, and encircled his arms around her waist. He breathed a sigh of relief when she didn't push him away like she usually did. Instead, she leaned back and rested her head on his chest.
"Luke, she's going to be alright right?"
"Sophia, you know she is."
"Then why do I feel like she's slipping away?"
"Shh... just clear your mind okay. Ava will be fine."
Silently, Luke said a prayer of his own. He hadn't believed in a God all these years. But now he found himself praying almost every hour. First it was in thanks for being able to meet his children. And now it was that nothing take those children or Sophia away from him ever again.
A knock at the door made them both turn. It was John Kanin. He didn't look too happy.
"Luke, Sophia, could you step out for a moment?"
The both of them got a surprise when they found at least 10 people waiting outside for them. In the front stood John with Ruby by his side.
"We come as representatives of the pack. Lucas Cates, a matter has been brought to the council's attention that you wish to use the sacred grounds tomorrow night." John>
"Yes, Ava's flip is expected then. We know the grounds are the best place to help her through it. John, you know this." Luke>
"A complaint has been lodged to the council on that matter and until it is settled, I'm afraid you cannot use the grounds." John>
"What? But our daughter's life is at stake here! What exactly is the complaint against us? I demand some answers now." Sophia>
"Ms Donner calm down. It has been brought to the council's attention that as the grounds are sacred, it is governed by pack rules. Pack rules clearly state that the use of the grounds are for those officially in the pack. I'm afraid that means Ava doesn't qualify as she is not part of the pack until her heritage can be proven." John>
"Just what exactly do you mean? I am part of the pack and so is Sophia. Our daughter's heritage is proven of pack." Luke>
"That girl is a bastard. And the pack has no place for bastards." Tyler Creed>
"Why you! Ava is my daughter and I challenge whoever to deny it." Luke>
"Seeing as how important the outcome of this situation is, the council has decided to call an emergency pack meeting tonight. Both you and Sophia are required to attend and a decision will be reached tonight. But until then, we ask that you stay calm." John>
----
Later, Luke and Sophia try to discuss the situation with Sherman and Matt Donner.
"I wouldn't worry too much about it Sophia, Creed's just trying to create a scene with this. I'm sure given the circumstances the council will rule fairly." Matt>
"Don't try to kid me dad. The council has never ruled based on fairness before. The pack sticks to the rule books like super glue. The fact that Ava was born outside the sanctity of pack union will be tipping the scales." Sophia>
"Sophia, you're forgetting that the pack is not what it used to be. John's the Alpha and Luke is the brewery chairman. I think that Ava is my granddaughter will not hurt as well. Just calm down. We will just have to wait until tonight to settle this matter." Matt>
"That's what I'm worried about. Ava doesn't have that much time left." Sophia>
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