OMG IT'S AN UPDATE!

#NOTABANDONED!

I am sorry for the wait but everything is explained in my Bio! SO if you want to know why the long wait for an update go read my bio profile. This chapter took 2 years to post but it's 14,870 words long. Hope that's somewhat appeasing.

To Everyone still supporting this story thank youxx

I'll blab a little more at the end.

Enjoy your read x


Benjamin Delco was no longer present, no longer aware of time, space or surrounding. No, the cruel alpha was lost. His mind distracted by the phantom taunts of his past. Adventures he'd not thought back to since he had been a blind little boy. Enamored and snared by fairy tale whispers of truth and fact. So simple minded and stupid.

Benjamin Delco was lost to the days he remembered falling in love.


"Benjie wait for me!" she cried out, afraid he would leave her behind.

Young Benjamin Delco turned back with a boyish grin and howled to the sky. Eager for his companion to keep up. To follow his lead to the ends of the world and onwards.

"Hurry up Eliza!" He beckoned never slowing, always trusting she would follow him always.


He remembered her hair first. How fascinated he always became when it would billow in the wind. Next he could recall how she always scrunched her nose in distaste. Her smile that was always warm, her cheeky remarks and her stubborn nature. Above all else, Benjamin Delco remembered her eyes.

Ever changing hues of blue depending on her mood.

Cold ice chips that frosted over whenever she was angered. Alluring sea pools that sparkled like the ocean when in joy. Endless like the blue sky on a clear day dreamingly drifting by. Oh, how Benjamin Delco loved her eyes. From birth they had always been destined. She was his mate, everyone new. He loved her and she was his. There was never a doubt or a question.

A rueful smile graced the corrupted Alpha's lips as he thought back to memories he'd buried.

Elizabeth…..His Elizabeth… Oh how he loved her.

"One day….. The two friends met a boy" Talia narrated.

Her voice carried through the silent night. Her audience so focused on the tale she spun and the performance before them. Still, Talia kept her eyes trained on the monstrous Alpha seated in his throne.

Benjamin Delco's eyes were sharp, piercingly intense as he watched the spawn of the Pack whore, make his way onto the stage. The filth marched its way towards the other two acting pups, eyes wide and sparkling. Benjamin Delco's lips curled up in disgust.

'Weak' the corrupted Alpha inwardly spat.

"Hi!" Michael grinned tapping Valerie on the shoulder, smile never faltering.

A well-practiced gasp escaped Valerie's lips and she scuttled back in acted shock and surprise.

"Who are you!?" Valerie questioned acting fearful yet curious.

"You can call me Sam" Michael chirped reaching a hand out for a shake.


"My name is Samson" The boy had eyes of green. The exact shade of the forest leaves around them, his hair black, much like the night sky. A hand reached out in greeting, awaiting a shake, a smile equally friendly.

"You're not part of our pack!" Young Benjamin curiously voiced, sniffing the boy and recognising the scent of wolf.

"Course not. I'm a Hale!" Samson grinned pride in his voice.

"What's a Hale doing here?" A hesitant voice questioned. Elizabeth moved closer sniffing at the air and staring at the boy before them. Young Benjamin moved with her, keeping the newly met boy in his sights just in case.

"My Dad and I are on a trip! We're just passing through"

Young Benjamin stares at this new wolf. Fascinated in a way, having never met many other pups who weren't part of their pack. The Delco pack were not very open to others. Something the young Benjamin wished to change. It was naivety and innocence that had Young Benjamin reaching a hand out in greeting. Firmly grasping the other wolf's in his own.

"I'm Benjamin. My dad's the Alpha of our pack."

Catching Samson looking to Elizabeth with curiosity of his own, Young Benjamin puffed out his chest proudly and introduced her to the newly acquainted wolf.

"She's MY Eliza but you can call her Elizabeth"

Elizabeth said nothing only waving in agreement to the introduction. Samson smiled a goofy little smile on his lips as he looked between the two new wolves he'd met. Ridiculously waving a hand again in excitement.

"HI!"


The images that invaded his mind from his childhood overwhelmed him. Flash by flash he remembered the three of them playing together. The adventures and laughter on their faces as they fought against imaginary foes and promised a friendship that would last forever.

The shadows lurked in the darkest of corners, the howls of the pack echoed in the night. The wolves patrolling the perimeter shifted their attentions due to the howls of their pack mates. A costly mistake. 3 figures with the aid of the shadows swiftly eliminated their targets. Discarding the still forms and continuing their hunt under their moonlight guide.

All around Benjamin Delco, howls lifted into the sky. However he himself made no movement to do the same. If one looked closely, they would see the glazed haze in his crimson gaze. They would notice the claws of his hands digging into the arms of his throne. They would feel their fight or flight instincts urge them to run.

But only one did.

"Benjie, Eliza and Sam made a pact that day, and as the years passed, their friendship deepened into something more."

Talia's voice sounded haunting following the silence after all the howling wolves. The three pups on stage arranged themselves for the next scene and Emmet trudged onto stage. His face was scrunched up, uncomfortable with all eyes on him. He hadn't wanted to perform but they each needed to contribute. To make him feel better, Talia simply gave him the least lines to say.

"Benjie, I'm old. You must now lead the pack. Be strong and choose a mate to help you"

It was slightly comical how flat and robotic, Emmet had spoken. The fact that his face was incredibly stiff and expressionless only added to the amusement of the crowd. Few could stop their laughter when Valerie stomped on Emmet's foot out anger for his lacklustre performance.


"Benjamin! The Delco pack must always be seen as strong. The strength of the Alpha proves the strength of the pack" Benjamin's father sternly spoke. He was eighteen now, deemed ready to take over the responsibilities of an Alpha.

"Yes Father." He respectfully bowed.

"Any choices you make must now be for the pack. Which includes your choice in a mate. Be sure you choose wisely for she must be strong enough to be your equal."

Benjamin smirked and saw his father mirror the same expression. It was no secret of who Benjamin Delco would be picking as his mate. Clapping a hand on his shoulder, Benjamin's father grinned widely.

"Best be making haste now, most specially with that Hale friend of yours visiting. Who knows what trouble she's getting the boy into? She's a wild one, that Elizabeth of yours."

Benjamin only laughed with a besotted grin on his lips.

"She's perfect" he boasted before hurrying to find his friends.

Find them he did, the two were climbing the biggest tree on the west boarder. Benjamin could see Samson calling up to the top of the tree where Elizabeth was laughing loudly. The years had been kind to the three and they wore maturity on their faces with grace. None more so than Elizabeth whose beauty compared to goddesses in Benjamin's eyes. The pride in his chest grew because she was his. She was always to be his. She was his gift and he loved her fully for her perfection.

"Why is it, I am always second to know of your arrival?" Benjamin announced causing Samson to turn to him with a jesting grin.

"Perhaps you are just too slow"

The two shook hands and welcomed each other with friendly shoves and pestering. Upon a branch where she perched herself, Elizabeth giggled catching their attention. Looking up at her, the two males boyishly smirked at her, as she shook her head with fondness.

"Are boys always so ridiculous?" She teased

"Only when it comes to you love" Benjamin easily remarked


Talia took note of the rising red on Benjamin Delco's face, glimpsing how his eyes glowed where he sat. She could see the wolves nearest to him, shifting away and giving the corrupted Alpha wide berth. The most climatic part of the play was now being performed, and Talia was watching to see the effect it would have.

"Benjie knew exactly who he would choose to be his mate. After talking with his father, he rushed to find Eliza. When he found her however she was not alone. Sam was with her and the two were alone within the woods, talking about Sam's pack and how he too needed to soon settle with a mate."

Jared creeped onto stage and watched as Michael and Valerie performed their lines. Talia hadn't given much instruction on how to act out this scene, simply told Valerie and Jared to do as they felt was right. Valerie hadn't been happy and it showed in how she unsurely spoke her lines.

"A-are you looking forward to being Alpha?" Valerie hesitantly asked Michael.

"Dad says I'm ready." Michael smiled


Elizabeth was upset. Benjamin chased after her, confused as to why she would run after his announcement. The pack had always known it would be her, He had always told her she was his Eliza. He was confused as to why she looked so upset and had run from him the minute she could. He had thought he had lost her, only to see she had finally stopped. However she was not alone.

Benjamin moved to join Samson and her but stopped when his hearing caught their conversation.

Elizabeth was crying.

"He told them all I was to be his mate!"

Benjamin watched as Samson pulled her hands away from her face. He noted the gentle handling he treated her with and felt his throat grow dry. Elizabeth wiped at her face and stared at Samson with eyes of sadness.

"He loves you. He always has."

Benjamin watched as his Eliza seemed to lean closer to Samson. The two seemed to be sharing a conversation between each other that needed no words. Benjamin felt his stomach churn and bile formed in his mouth at the picture they made. His wolf began to hurt and he knew what he was about to witness.

"Wait." Samson whispered, pulling back from Elizabeth with torment written on his face.

Benjamin watched intently with the tiniest bit of surprise. Elizabeth looked shattered at Samson's moving away. Samson stared at Elizabeth and swallowed before he next spoke.

"Benjamin loves you and he has named you his mate. I'm not that type of man or wolf"

There is resignation, pain but stubborn will on Samson's face, and Benjamin chokes back the cry of relived sorrow. He knew that if the situation were switched he would not have pulled away like Samson had done. It is that which cements his choice.

Elizabeth is embarrassed and heartbroken but most of all angry. Her eyes flash a cold icy chipped blue, the colour of frozen lakes in winter. They glow dangerously and Benjamin can't help but think she is gorgeous. His heart swells with love for her but it does not stop him from stepping out and letting his presence be known.

They both startle and he can see the guilt on Samson face clear as anything whilst Elizabeth does not even bother to meet his gaze.

"You should have told me." Benjamin jokes with a weak warbled laugh that sounds like it's killing him to do so.

"Benjamin I-"

He stops her before she can speak anymore. He looks at them, his Eliza and Samson the boy he called friend for so many years. He looks at them until it makes him feel numb and broken on the inside, so much so his wolf will not stop howling in his mind. There are tears in his eyes, in her eyes and shame and guilt in Samson's.

"Go."

It is weakly spoken, as it is also a silent plea for them not to listen.

"What?" her sweet voice whispers and Benjamin knows he will not be able to let her go if she doesn't leave now.

"Leave. Go with him. Join his pack- marry him and become his mate, whatever will make you happy!"

"Benjamin you can't-"

"What about the pack? What will you tell them?"

Samson watches them talk and they chose to ignore him. There is a spark of something in Elizabeth's eyes and Benjamin knows that she will not let him take back his words. Not now.

"I'll explain it all."

"Benjamin" Samson exclaims but he glares at him and feels his wolf leak through.

"TAKE HER AND GO! HALE."

It breaks him to see Elizabeth grab Samson's hand to stop him for saying anymore. Burns him to see her usher Samson to leave ahead. When she lingers, Benjamin drinks in the last of her image.

His Eliza….. The love of his life… no longer to be his.

"I'm sorry."

Benjamin choses to ignore the blip of her heart and instead reaches for her face once more. He intended to simply savour the last touch he'd have of her skin. Only to be surprised when she reaches for his and pulls him into a kiss. It should be heaven for him, should feel like the bursting of love and exhilaration but Benjamin can only liken it to the taste of poison. The kiss they share feels too much like the kiss of death.

When she pulls away, Samson is watching them with visible pain and confliction. Benjamin's last thought of Samson Hale is that he is a good man and a better wolf than himself. For this is the only pure action of selflessness Benjamin has ever committed in his life.

"Elizabeth! We can't just- WAIT!"

Samson stares at them as if he has never seen either of them before in his life. Benjamin can't help but think it funny, how little Samson Hale has changed since that first day they met. He thinks maybe it is that, which causes him to speak out before Samson can say anymore.

"Samson."

The call of his name stops him from whatever else he might've said.

"You take care of her. Promise me, you'll keep her safe. Promise me she'll be happy"

There is a moment between them were neither speaks, before it's broken by heavily weighted words.

"I promise."

HE LIED


On stage, oblivious to the mad Alpha's thoughts, the three pups stood in a semi-circle facing the crowd. Valerie stood in the middle whilst Jared and Michael flanked her sides. The three pups were beaming at each other whilst Talia spoke.

"That day a friendship was born and a promise was made"

Jared grinned and he spoke his lines loud and proud, making sure to address the crowd as well.

"My father is the Alpha and one day it'll be my job. I'll protect the pack and be the greatest Alpha ever. No one in my pack will starve or hurt under my care."

The crowd of wolves sat straighter awed and warmed at the mere presence Jared held on stage. Those of the Delco pack knew that the little boy was saying more than his lines. They could all hear the promise in his words for it wasn't entirely an act. The parents in the crowd looked to their children and felt eased at knowing this little boy would be the Alpha for their pups.

Jared didn't know, but this was the night he had first been recognized as a worthy leader to his pack.

Continuing his act, Jared turned to Valerie and Michael who stared at him as solemnly as children could look. Valerie didn't need to act out the awe in her eyes. The pride in her wolf pup had her straightening and placing her hand in the centre.

"And I'll follow you as long as you do." She recited carefully. Talia had been very stern on this line, making sure Valerie did not forget the end words of the sentence. The smile Jared gave her had Valerie blushing lightly, before he placed his hand on top of hers.

Jared and Valerie had almost forgotten that Michael was on stage with them. That they were performing a play and he too had a line to say. They were reminded when he let out a happy laugh that startled them. Grinning widely, Michael ruffled his hair and stared only at Jared.

"I believe you."

Jared felt weird as Michael played his part. The way Michael stared at him made him feel like he was facing his father. It reminded him of the times his father warned him not to cause trouble or else he would be punished.

"Keep that promise and I know…. You'll become one of the strongest Alpha's the Delco pack has ever seen" Michael smiled.

It wasn't his usual beaming grin or bright smile. It was soft and sincere, a smile filled with pure faith that Jared actually forgot himself for a bit. Jared forgot that he was in a play before an audience. He forgot that he was reciting lines, because they were no longer just lines to the little Alpha-to-be. Nervously, very much like the child he truly was, Jared spoke his next words.

"You really think so?" Jared softly intoned.

Michael placed his hand on top of the pile and confidently made his declaration of reassurance.

"Of course I do. You got us"

Perhaps it was silly, how attentive the audience was during this scene. The immense pride that filled the entire Delco pack that watched. Maybe it was ridiculous that the declaration performed by three pups resounded and seared itself into the memories of all those watching. But something about the scene seemed almost magical. In sync, heads lifted to the sky and howled to the night and the moon that watched.

Jared felt something in his chest lift and with one more shared grin with Michael, he lifted his head to the moon and howled.

This was a moment of significance for those of the Delco pack. Jared just didn't know how significant it would be.

Talia never once let her gaze leave the Monstrous Alpha. There was a glint in her warrior gaze and it shone with satisfaction. She waited for the howling wolves to settle and let the sound fade into the night. Partly for theatrical reasons, partly for silence.

She could see it in the mad Alpha's eyes. He was lost to memories of a different time. She could see he was ensnared and overwhelmed with the ghosts of his past and now was her moment to strike. The silence that had fallen over them seemed fragile in the night, similar to frost flakes on leaves. Talia was sure she could hear the low rumbling growl of the Mad Alpha from where she stood.

"Benjie, Sam and Eliza never once forgot their promises to each other. It was a promise they shared and kept until the day came where they could no longer be with each other."

Michael and Valerie stood side by side before Jared. The two looking solemn but happy. Jared offered his hand and smiled back at them with good wishes.

"You take care of her. Promise you'll keep her safe. Promise she'll be happy." Jared asked

Valerie smiled brightly at Jared but took hold of Michael's hand instead. Talia watched as the Mad Alpha's gaze glared at the two's conjoined hands with red eyes of hatred. Michael smiled and shook Jared's hand with a wide grin.

"I promise."

The crowd began to awe some sighing and cooing. It was a sweet scene, but Talia was quick to speak before the crowd grew too loud.

"Sam kept his promise and Eliza was happy and safe. She started a family and lived happily ever after."

No one cheered for the ending of the play.

Some even dared not to breathe as Benjamin Delco could no longer stay silent.

He stood from his seat and roared with rage and anger, his shout so loud several wolves whimpered and cowered into submission.

"LIES! LIES! ALL LIES! YOU!" he roared as he stormed to the stage.

Valerie screamed in fear and fell back with Jared and Michael as the mad Alpha shoved them aside.

"Talia!" Michael and Jared cried out in worry and fear

Benjamin Delco glared murderously at the child in his hold. Talia squirmed in attempt to breathe, her feet dangled and kicked uselessly. The collar of her shirt dug painfully into her neck because of the lifted hold the alpha had on her.

"Where did you hear such lies!? Tell me who told you such filth! SPEAK OR I SHALL BREAK YOU LIKE I DID YOUR SLUT MOTHER!"

"GRANDFATHER PLEASE!" Jared cried desperately

Michael ran, claws out and eyes glowing and launched to attack the Mad Alpha. His attempt only got him back handed and thrown into a wall. Valerie had screamed and several other wolf pups watching had begun to cry. Only the adults watched with fear and silence, none moving to help the children. It's when Michael didn't get back up, seeing him lying still, it's only then that Talia managed to free herself a little.

She used that inch of freedom to bite at the hand that held her. Her sharp teeth tearing into the mad Alpha's flesh and ripping a chunk away. He released her with a shocked yelp and cursed at her viciously, having almost lost his thumb to her bite.

Talia fell to the ground and spat out the flesh in her mouth. Her teeth stained red with blood and her eyes blazing beta gold. Everyone was shocked that the omega spawn had managed to make the Mad Alpha bleed and they stared at her with eyes wide.

"You dare to attack your Alpha!" Benjamin Delco hissed with barely contained fury

Talia glares at him and her lips curl into a snarl.

"You were never MY ALPHA!"

It's too familiar a scene for Benjamin Delco. His mind, still lost to the haunts of his past replaces the image before him. He does not see a raven haired child, instead he see's Mallory. The defiant goddaughter he raised and loved as if she were his own child. He is lost to the day she betrayed him, ran from his side in search of freedom. He is remembering the day Mallory chose to abandon him much like Elizabeth did.

Benjamin Delco hates them for leaving him and again he will have to punish her.

"Perhaps not. I suppose I will have to change that" He says

The Mad Alpha shifts and allows his wolf to take charge. He embraces the rage, hurt and abandonment he feels and lunges at the child. He needs to teach her, he needs to show her the truth of what awaits those who seek freedom.

Freedom only brings pain and death, and he will gift this child either one.


"GRANDFATHER STOP!" Jared screams but he is thrown out of the way.

He thinks he is about to witness Talia be murdered by his own Grandfather. He chokes back a cry but is relieved to see she has dodged. He's screaming at the other wolves- the other adults. Begging and pleading for someone to step in but none of them move. Instead they simply watch with terror on their faces and do not move. Not even to comfort the crying children who shake and scream in fear. He seeks out Valerie and Emmet and finds them near Michael's unconscious body.

For a second he thinks Bloom is dead, it's the most silent he's ever seen him. Yet he can hear Emmet screaming at Valerie to help him move Michael to some place safer. Jared then turns his attention back to where Talia is facing the Mad Alpha. She's barely managing to avoid the heavy blows aimed at her small form. So far she's only been hit a few times but it's enough to have broken her arm and sliced at her cheek.

Jared realizes with horror that his Grandfather is trying to kill her.

Suddenly Jared is hit with the realization that he is weak. He is useless and pathetically powerless and due to that he can only watch as Talia is soon to be killed. He can do nothing because he is just a pathetic scared little boy and he is weak.

"Jared what do we do!?" Emmet cries

He's afraid and shaking- terrified beyond compare. Still he's managed to shift Michael and has left him with Valerie. Emmet is looking to him for a solution- because Jared is going to be their Alpha. Jared is supposed to lead them, they've been training for situations like this. Emmet is trembling but he's still done as he was taught so why is Jared frozen and unable to move.

"JARED WHAT DO WE DO!" Emmet screams crying fat droplets

Then there is a loud scream and Jared feels his heart sink because he knows its Talia.

"L-Lia!" Michael whimpers as he slowly begins to wake

Talia had not been quick enough to dodge and she's in a choke hold. Benjamin Delco's eyes glow bloody red and he lifts her before the crowd watching.

"DO YOU SEE!? SEE WHAT FREEDOM BRINGS! IT BIRTHS PAIN! IT BIRTHS DEATH AND REBELLION!"

Talia looks like she is turning blue from the lack of air. She's clawing at the hand that holds her and the more she cries the more Michael begins to whimper and whine. Their pack bond so strong it's causing them to feel each other's pain. No one notices as they're too distracted by the horror before them.

"I AM YOUR ALPHA! I PROTECT YOU ALL AND MAKE YOU STRONGER."

There is a whistling sound and Talia is released whilst the mad Alpha yelps out in pain. From the shadows emerges another and he looks to be filled with rage. He is not an alpha but that does not stop his presence from forcing those around him to wish to submit.

"You….." Benjamin Delco growls with shock but also pure hatred.

Samson crouches and his claws gleam in the moon light.

"Hello Benjamin."

It is the beginning of a new battle, one that has been brewing for years.


Emissary Marcus shivers at the power that radiates between the two elder wolves. The tension thick and suffocating. Both he and Teacher Jones were doing their best to ignore the situation. Stubbornly fighting to focus on herding the children to safety, away from what is soon to be a battle. In his haste, some adults managed to snap out of their fear and help- most of them women.

Not many helped, but Emissary Marcus did not blame them. The fear and brutal punishing they'd experienced under Benjamin Delco was too deeply ingrained. Though mad, Benjamin Delco had been a very impressionable tyrant of an Alpha. He'd taught all those in his pack to OBEY or DIE.

Joshua rushed to Emissary Marcus, scanning the faces of each child he passed. Panic, worry and fear evident in his eyes as he searched.

"Where is Jared?" He demanded from them

"He's over there by the stage." Teacher Jones whispers.

"Why haven't you gotten him!?" Joshua snaps scared for his son

Emissary Marcus is the one to answer, they try to keep their voices low in case they bring attention to their spot. They can't risk letting Alpha Delco spot them, he's too mad- too feral and they fear it may push him to slaughter mindlessly. Though only slight, the Mad Alpha is still sane enough for them to carefully work around.

"He's too close to Alpha Delco's line of sight. We can't distract him from Samson."

"What about Thomas's girl or Blooms boy!?" Joshua shakily asks

Emissary Marcus doesn't need to explain, simply shake his head solemnly and motion to where the two children lay. Talia is crawling away from where the Mad Alpha looms, she's silent and struggling. Anyone who watches her can tell she is in pain but it does not stop her from moving silently. Where Jared and the others stand, he can see Michael waking slowly and trying to move closer to Talia. Marcus marvels at how deeply tied the two pups are and how strongly their pack bond resonates whilst they are so young.

"We can do nothing for them now." Marcus sadly whispers

Joshua steps forward anyway, wanting to run to where the 5 children are but is pushed back by the druid. He snarls and glares at the man but is silenced by the stern words of the emissary.

"Stick to the plan, you must or else we will lose this fight."

Joshua stares at the man with wide eyes in disbelief.

"They are children!" he hisses

"There is no other way."

He is an Emissary, and sometimes sacrifices are necessary. Tonight, whether it will be the Hale's or Benjamin Delco who emerge victorious- He does not know. He knows who he wishes to win, but in the end it is up to fate to decide. He can do nothing but hope.


*Talia's Pov*

It hurts.

It hurts so badly.

Every inch I crawl jerks my broken limb and my entire body aches. I want to scream, I want to cry out with each move I make. I can't though, he'd remember me. So quiet I stay, biting my tongue till it bleeds and the rustic taste fills my mouth. There's little I can do about the tears I shed.

"Lia…." Michael whimpers

I can feel his hurt through the pack bond. It's only logical that he can feel my own. Desperately I try to seal away the pain I feel. Channeling every bit of training I can remember my mother instructing me in. I don't want Michael to know how badly I hurt- he's just a child.

'But so are you….' My thoughts remind me.

The wolf pup within me is howling in pain and whining for our father. I want my daddy, but I can't cry for him. It would kill him- the Alpha monster would kill him. So I stay quiet- stay quiet.

"L-Lia….."

Exhaustion overwhelms me and I'm forced to take a break. It's pathetic, how weak and useless I am in this moment. Now more than ever I am reminded just how vulnerable I am in this new life. I am a child- small fragile and helpless. I am a child again and despite my attempts I'm still weak.

"Samson Hale…. So you return!" Benjamin Delco laughs with cruelty in his eyes.

"What happened to you friend?" Samson sadly speaks

Squinting to where the two old men stand, I can only just make out the regret and pity in Samson's eyes. He'd told me his version of events, the story of how he met my grandmother. He'd been trying to explain why Benjamin Delco would enslave my father- why the mad alpha tortured my father every day. I could understand heartbreak- I know how it feels to lose someone you love. Heartbreak is heartbreak, it's painful and long lasting.

Though Samson told his story with anger, it didn't hide the slither of regret and pain. The man had smelt of guilt for a few seconds.

Everything about the truth behind my father's torture pissed me off!

These two bastard old men and their mistakes- led to my Father being punished.

So as they roared and yelled at one another about matters concerning the past, I prayed. I prayed for them both to suffer and maybe even die attempting to kill the other.

My father paid the price for their heartache- for my GRANDMOTHER'S selfishness.

The anger in me dulled the pain of my injuries, and slowly I was able to ignore it. So I focused on my rage, my fury towards my grandmother who broke Benjamin Delco's heart. The woman whose death ignited the madness in Benjamin Delco and the guilt in Samson Hale. I hated them for what they put my dad through.

"Emotions are a weakness but they can also be your greatest source of power and strength"

My mother's words repeatedly echo in my head and I cling to them. I hold tightly to the desperation, the fury and rage. Most of all I clutch to the hatred that burns inside me until it is all my heart can possibly be filled with.

"…..the heart once broken is forever shattered."

But what becomes of a heart that is filled with hatred and rage….. A heart that seeks vengeance and blood?


Thomas straightens and his gut clenches- he knows that something is wrong. He sees Isabella look at him with wild eyes and bloodlust. They've yet to find Mallory but Thomas is sure his mate can rescue herself. As such his focus is on his daughter- his pup. Where is she? Is she safe? Does she know he is coming for her?

"HALE! I can't fucking have you spacing out on me!" Isabella snarls with barred fangs

She's even more of a bloody mess than when he'd freed her from her cage. She still limps and is injured- probably more so with all her reckless fighting. Despite the lives she's already taken, he can tell the bloodthirst still clouds her. He can smell it in her scent and the temptation to join her is there.

He can't however, he has to stay somewhat level headed or else.

He doesn't want to risk his pup seeing him so bloodthirsty and drunk on bloodlust.

Thomas counts slowly in his mind, conjuring images of his sweet little girl to anchor his wolf.

"Do it for her, you're doing this for her. She needs you. You cannot fail her."

Isabella says nothing at his muttering mantra. She doubts he is aware that he has been muttering the same thing all night with every life he takes. Somehow Thomas has still managed to be relatively clean- unlike her who looks as if she'd just been born anew with her bloody visage. It speaks of his skills, how cleanly he manages to keep himself. One would never suspect he'd be capable of the cruel decapitation she'd watch him perform. He'd been precise, swift but most of all silent and unforgiving with each life he took.

Had Isabella cared, perhaps she would have attempted the same. Except the she-wolf very much enjoyed bathing in the blood and bodily entrails of her fallen victims. Some may say it was barbaric, but Isabella liked to think it was more therapeutic.

"How many more will you kill?" a slow dying Delco pack member croaked

He had at most seconds left to live.

Thomas looked at the wolf at his feet, blood pooling round him and staining the ground. The wolf stared up at the man they'd all called Omega. The werewolf they'd helped torture, imprison and abuse. Thomas Hale had been broken and remade, they'd done everything they all creatively could think of to torture the man. They had succeeded- they'd seen the once Hale alpha heir turn meek and weak. They had won- so why…..Why is he to die tonight by this omega's hands?

They must have created a monster.

Isabella lets out a hysterical laugh and the dying wolf knows he'd spoken that last bit out loud. The she-wolf laughs until she cries and can barely breathe. Then she is smiling at him savagely with malice in her eyes and mockery in her tone.

"You fuckers didn't turn Hale into squat shit."

Thomas lets his eyes shift back into his normal forest green shade. He looks especially human and simply looks down at the dying wolf with a sympathetic smile. Before the dying wolf could question anything else, Thomas ends his life. This time he does not do it quickly or even kindly. This time Thomas lets his human fingers dig into the dying wolfs eyes. He pushes until the squishy substance of his eye bursts much like jelly.

The wolf is choking on his cries and his earlier wounds. He is not able to see anymore but his other senses are perfectly aware. He hears the skinning of his flesh, smells the copper scent of his blood as well as other fluids that escape him.

Worst of all is he feels every sensation.

Before Death finally takes him, he hears Isabella's cackling laughter and final taunt.

"Can't turn a monster into something he already was."

Thomas sighs when the corpse is finally still and no longer gushing blood. He then turns a glare at Isabella who is still snickering over her comment. She grins at him and giggles a little more at his grumpy expression.

"Oh come on, that was fucking funny."

Thomas rolls his eyes, no longer wanting to delay. He opens his mouth to say just that when they both feel it. The stabbing tug at the pack bond that links them back to their children. They don't hesitate they both sprint off to where the link leads. They hear the roars of a battle and smell fear when they burst out of the shadows.

Thomas doesn't think, he reacts with little thought.

All he initially saw was two fighting males and a small group of children huddled together with a fearful audience. His wolf dictates his actions before he can probably think anything through.

With little fanfare, Thomas attacks BOTH of the fighting males.


*Talia Pov*

I sensed him before I saw him. The oncoming sensation of his presence dulling my rage and focusing my wolf pup easily. When he bursts upon the scene, my wolf pup howls with savage joy. He looks wild, dangerous- a predator in every sense and the pride I feel is overwhelming. I do little to damper the emotion.

When he fights the two elderly men, I barely keep from howling my pride.

Hell fucking yeah that's my Dad.

My wolf pup wants to call out to him, yearns to have him come and comfort us. Though I want the same, I know better than to distract him, so I keep us quiet.

"Mikey! Lia!" I hear Michael's mom call

Michael doesn't hesitate he rushes to her side and clings to her. I simply continue to crawl until I'm close enough for her to snatch. I bite my tongue in effort to stop from screaming as my broken limbs jostle again. She notices and it's weirdly fascinating to watch her expression change from a relieved smile to malicious anger. Or perhaps what's even weirder is how much Mikey really looks like her with that expression.

"Shit, Hale is going to lose his head once he sees you." She mutters and I can't help but snort.

'No shit Sherlock. You think it's easy keeping my mouth close? I should be screaming my fucking head off.'

Isabella laughs and I must be more delirious than I thought having accidentally said all that out loud.

"Hope you don't talk like that in front of Hale or he'd hunt me down for the corruption of his little girl." Isabella laughs

Then I register the smell of copper and the red that paints her. She smells putrid like rotting flesh, and I see globs of something unrecognizable on her shirt.

Is she- Oh my god! Gross! She's hugging me with clumps of human stuck to her skin.

I hear Valerie let out a cry of disgusted shock and sigh. Damnit said that out loud too.

"You always have a funny side kid or is this just due to the pain?"

I can't help the deranged laugh I bark out.

"This sucks!" I whine with a giggle

Michael and His mom both laugh with me and it's nice. Crazy- completely insane and the worst possible time to be having a laugh, but it's nice.

"WE'RE ALL GOING TO DIE!" Valerie cries out in complete hysteria.

"Keep your voice down kid!" Isabella snaps harshly, scaring Valerie into silence.

I take that moment to peer over to where the fight is happening. I see my father, he's fast with his attacks. Barely giving either old man a moment to retaliate. I can hear Samson crying out for my dad to stop but his cries are ignored. Michael questions why he fights both elderly men when clearly Samson is his dad.

I don't bother to listen.

Instead I feel vicious satisfaction course through me. I don't care about Samson even if he's my grandfather, both of the old farts can die for all I care. I watch and cheer for my father, I pray for his victory and my wolf pup howls in agreement.

"JARED! Stop!" Emmet cries out

I turn just in time to see Michael and Emmet struggling to hold a squirming Jared put. Jared has not once looked away from the fighting wolves. His face is wet with tears and his eyes are wide with horror.

"He'll listen if I ask! He will! I know he will! GRANDFATHER PLEASE!" Jared cries stubbornly, the side of his face is purple from earlier when Benjamin Delco had pushed him aside.

I get distracted watching him, my focus tunneling as I watch him. Jared is screaming, his face is wet with tears and bruised an ugly purple. Unlike me, he was lucky not to break any bones- but still, that bruise should be painful. In fact, how sure are we that the kid didn't have a concussion? He fights Emmet- who is completely full of fear but still stubbornly holding back his friend. He fights Michael- who is struggling as Jared is bigger than him, but determinedly holding on. He fights and he fights and its just- It's just sad.

"Ah shit" Michael's mom curses effectively snapping my attention to her.

She looks contemplative, calculating even and I wonder what she's thinking. Then I see her eyes dart between Jared and the fighting wolves, causing the frown on her face to deepen. Somehow- I feel like something is happening. I feel like a plan or scheme is in the midst. My mind races to try and figure it all out- anything to focus on besides the pain of my broken limb and the fighting of my father. Until finally a question comes to mind.

"My mother!" I breathe in sudden realization

Michael's mom looks at me and I can't help the slight panic in my voice.

"Where's my Mother? I haven't seen her. Where is she?"

Subconsciously, my adult mind has given way to the child.

I can hear the actual fear and panic in my words. I feel it in my chest- the aching pain of the night's events- the exhaustion. The child in me wants so badly to mimic Jared and scream for the wolves to stop fighting. The child in me wants to cry out for her daddy to hold her and her mother to kiss her sweetly. The child in me is scared that tonight everyone she loves will die.

I make a choice.

I choose to silence the child. I smother her to the deepest darkest depths of my mind and lock her away. I ignore how she screams and sobs for me to let her stop it all. Between us is my wolf-pup self, who simply watches without understanding. I look to the pup and plaster the fakest smile I know.

"Stay." I command and she sits.

I notice her attention shift to the screaming child I'd locked away.

"Protect." I say sternly, pointing to where the child is screaming.

The wolf-pup stares at me for a few more seconds before, it bows its head and watches the screaming child.

"Your Mother is made of tough shit, kid. Don't freak out." Michael's mom assures.

I relax into her arms, not because of her words but because my child self is not in control to disagree.

"GRANDFATHER PLEASE JUST STOP!" Jared screams

I open my mouth, wanting to snap at the child. Tell him stop and that he's looking like a fool with all his screaming. I want to tell him to think about his friends- think about Emmet and Valerie who need to see him standing strong. However- I don't' have the chance. Over where the wolves are fighting, one falls to the ground with a roaring scream. I feel my heart stop, and my mouth opens without my permission.

"DAAAAAAADDDDDDDDDDYYYYY!" I scream but it's no use.

I watch in horror as my father falls to his knees.


Samson wishes to cover his ears at the agonizing scream of his son.

His precious boy is in pain and he can do nothing but watch in frozen Horror. He doesn't know what dark magic this is, but it's horrible. Thomas had not stopped screaming as he claws at his head, as if trying to tear something from his head. Above the tortured man- Benjamin Delco is grinning widely.

"DO YOU SEE SAMSON!? SEE HOW YOUR SON KNEELS TO ME!" Benjamin shouts with mad insanity.

"Benjamin…..please…. "Samson begs through the blur of his welling tears.

The events before him is the elderly Hale's worst nightmares come to life. He breaks as he can no longer deny the truth. This mad Alpha is not his friend from his younger years. The Benjamin Delco he knew would never do such horrid things to his son. Especially not to a child of Elizabeth's. Samson can only wonder….

"Why….. why would you do this?"

The mad Alpha looks at his once upon a friend. The insanity in his eyes clear and the clarity that shines through makes Samson's heart sink.

"You let her die Samson."

"There was nothing I could do. I tried to keep safe! I swear-"

"SHE DIED IN YOUR CARE! I TRUSTED YOU!"

Thomas had calmed down with his screaming but that only allowed everyone to hear Talia screaming for her father. The two elderly men looked at the child. Samson felt shame and pain at knowing his young granddaughter is suffering. It is cruel for the young child to have to watch her father be tortured before her and unable to help. Benjamin however did not see Talia- instead the child's image flickered and he saw her mother in her place. The reminder of his disobedient god-daughter increased his malicious glee.

"Tell me friend, would you like to see the Bitch that made this all possible."

Benjamin ordered one of the trembling werewolves to bring her. He relished in the tension- the fear of all those around him. He could see the Bloom whore near the brats and his grandson. Benjamin looked at the boy and suddenly felt a well of disgust at seeing the tears in Jared's eyes.

"Wipe your face boy and pay attention. This! This is how you become a true Alpha. Watch and learn the ways of keeping a pack obedient!" Benjamin snapped at Jared, before ordering him to come to his side.

Jared trembled- he didn't want to listen but-but this was his grandfather. He wouldn't hurt him- never. Grandfather loved him. This was all just a mis-misunderstanding. It had to be. So Jared took a shaky step forward. He shook with immense fear but he loved his grandfather a-and his grandfather would never hurt him.

"Jared- no!" Emmet croaked- uselessly reaching to pull Jared back.

"Let me go Emmet." Jared ordered and Emmet reluctantly did- but Jared could see how much his friend hated to do so.

"I'll be fine." Jared shakily assured but he knew he didn't really believe his own words.

"Y-you don't even know f-for sure!" Valerie whimpered through her tears.

"Of course I do."

Only Talia, Michael and Isabella would have heard the very blatant lie. However, they were distracted with looking at Talia's dad. Emmet and Valerie were too scared to hear him lie. So they relaxed just a little and let him go- Jared told himself that he wasn't scared. But before he was completely out of reach, he felt someone grip his wrist. Immediately his young mind had hoped it was Talia- he hoped it was her trying to offer him comfort.

Only it wasn't.

Instead it was Michael keeping him in place by the wrist. The two boys stared at each other. Jared found himself thinking back a few hours ago when he and Michael had been performing their play. He wondered just what Michael was thinking. Jared knew now that there was more to Michael than he ever thought. So he's curious and just a tad desperate to believe that Michael is going to stop him. He is hoping that Michael is going to tell him everything is going to be okay- like he did in the play.

Michael does something better.

"I believe in you. You got us."

They were stupid lines from their silly play- but still, Jared felt a little more assured. Behind Michael, Emmet and Valerie are nodding in agreement. Their only six but they weren't children. Not really. They were friends but most of all they were pack. Jared was going to be Alpha one day- this was his moment to prove he could protect them all. So despite his fear, Jared stood tall and tried to be the strongest he could be. He wasn't doing this for his grandfather or himself anymore…..he was doing this for his pack.

And it was okay to be a little afraid about it.

It didn't mean he stopped shaking as he walked to his grandfather's side. It didn't mean that suddenly Jared stopped being scared and was more confident. It just meant that no matter what happened. No matter what was lost or gained tonight… Jared wouldn't be alone. At the end of it all….. Jared would have his friends- his PACK on his side.


Isabella tried not to curse as she watched Joshua's boy walk to the Insane Alpha. There was nothing she could do about it. It was better for Jared to obey than risk any more insanity. Isabella looked at Thomas's fallen form and cursed in her head. At the same time she tightened her hold around Talia's squirming form. This was so not going to plan- but of course what did she expect? Nothing ever goes to plan when you got fucking Hales involved.

When she looked for her own pup, she tried to stifle her urge to howl with pride. She'd never been so proud of her baby boy before. Which was an honest lie as Isabella Bloom found pride in everything her baby boy did- simply breathing was a reason to be proud. She wasn't sure what her baby boy had said to Joshua's brat, but she saw the difference. As far as Isabella knew, neither Michael nor Talia were keen on the three little shits.

If that were true, Michael wouldn't have gone out of his way to assure the little bratling. He also wouldn't be somewhat protecting the other two little shits. Kid's these days don't' make a lick of sense most of the time, if you ask her. Speaking of kids….. Isabella looked down at the child in her hold.

Talia was suspiciously quiet and no longer squirming.

Well… this was not looking to be fucking good.

"Kid? You still with us?" Isabella cautiously questioned.

Isabella thought it once- and she will think it again. There was something odd about Hale and Mal's kid. The brat was too many things- way smart, too mature, fucking creepy with control. She could understand some of it, Thomas Hale and Mal were powerhouses before they were chained down. She could excuse some of the behavior. After all the abuse Mal and Hale suffered was no joke- it was obvious. It couldn't however explain everything.

No little girl should be so creepily efficient in handling that amount of pain. Especially if they were caused by a fucking Alpha. Sure, Mallory was a hard ass when it came to training- but she wouldn't dare physically hurt her own kid. Thomas Hale was a slave to his daughter- he wouldn't even dare pull a single hair off her head. So how the fuck did this kid still manage to move about with a BROKEN arm!

"BEHOLD! THE BITCH WHO STOLE YOUR PRECIOUS BOY! I don't believe the two of you have ever been introduced?" Benjamin Delco madly introduced

"Oh Mal…." Isabella couldn't help but gape while the children cried out in horror.

They dragged in Mallory's chained form like she was filth. She looked dead- not moving as she was lugged across the ground, leaving a trail of blood. There were gashes all along her exposed skin- clothes barely allowing her any modesty. What was truly the most horrific part of it all, was the burn scars. The blistered raw skin that covered more than half of her right side.

Isabella knew Mallory could take a lot of shit- more than even she could handle.

Yet what she saw was nightmare inducing. Isabella never thought she'd see the day someone broke Mallory. She never wanted to see it, and yet here she stood witness.

"Come now Mallory! Don't be shy!" Benjamin Delco laughed.

He reached for Mallory's bloodied locks and lifted her head. She moved with the motion like a rag doll.

"Show your father in law that pretty face of yours. Show him how happy you are to finally meet him." Benjamin Delco cooed into Mallory's ears.

Samson stared at the girl who had lured his son away. A few years ago- he hated this woman. He had blamed her and wished she'd be dragged to purgatory and tortured for eons for stealing his son. He'd only ceased wishing such things when he confirmed she'd birthed him a granddaughter. Yet here she was- looking more dead than alive. A picture perfect example of what the devil's punching bag probably looked like. Samson could only feel great horror and nothing else at seeing the woman.

Mallory could barely open her eyes- she was wheezing not breathing. Everything hurt and she had no idea where she was. Had it been days? Years? Months? Where was Thomas? She hoped and prayed he was okay- still alive. She- her thoughts were disrupted as the mad Alpha dragged her to her feet by her hair. Fuck it hurt- it hurt so much.

"I SAID SHOW HIM!" Benjamin roared

Mallory painfully tilted her head, allowing her face to show.

Samson gasped.

"W-welcome" Mallory weakly choked out.

When they had tortured her- when they had tied her and strung her over those flames. They had been careful- so careful. Despite all her screaming and roars of agony- they'd ensured one thing. They protected her face. Her body- mind and perhaps maybe soul had been scarred- torn and broken. All of that…. But not her face. No, not her face. The mad Alpha had wanted her to keep her pretty face. It was to be a reminder he said. A reminder that it was her pretty face that brought him victory. If she wasn't so pretty…Thomas Hale would never had wanted her. He never would have chosen her as a mate. Above all else….. He would not have followed her home.

This was her fault.

All her fault for being such a pretty little thing.


The mad Alpha could barely believe how glorious he felt. This victorious feeling- this maddening sensation of glory was addictive. He wished to shout to the heavens and the hell's that here is his proof. This here is his moment of proof- HE IS THE STRONGEST! THE GREATEST ALPHA TO EVER REIGN! HE IS WHAT A TRUE ALPHA SHOULD BE!

"Y-you have become a monster." Samson solemnly declared

"A monster? No friend, I have become SUPREME! I AM THE STRONGEST ALPHA!"

With that stated, Benjamin Delco tilted his head and roared out his victory. After basking in his glory he looked at every single werewolf watching him in fear. He smiled widely- letting his fangs gleam in the night.

"Now kneel before you're Alpha!"

While the mad Alpha was focused on the other wolves- Jared slowly inched closer to where Talia's parents were abandoned. Neither of them seemed to be breathing and Jared was scared to wonder if they were dead. Then he heard Talia's dad groan weakly.

"Mr…..Mr T-Thomas? A-are y-you…." he whispered, afraid to bring about his grandfather's attention.

"T-Talia…..M-my….s-she"

"She's okay sir. She's with Michael's mom. She's safe" Jared quickly assured.

"G-good…..Mal-…..wh-where…."

"Mrs Mal is next to you she-"

Jared swallowed as he looked at Talia's mom. She looked dead but he couldn't tell Talia's dad that. So he lied.

"She's fine- I think. She's still alive."

Despite his current state- Thomas still heard the skipping beat in the little boy's chest. He still heard the lie, so he forces himself to open his eyes and look for his wife. He forces himself to see what has been done this time.

He knows why the kid lied.

If it weren't for the fact he could still feel her weak pulse through their mate bond- he too would have thought the same. He'd always known Mallory to be so strong. She was a survivor, a hardened women whilst he was a soft hearted fool. She'd always been sure to call him such things. She was tough and full of rage. She could be a cold-hearted woman, selfish and incredibly stubborn. However the one thing Thomas loved the most about her- was that she never faltered. She never broke and would always find a way to win- no matter the cost. He respected and loved that about her.

The woman that lay battered and broken could not possibly be his Mallory.

Yet the bond told him otherwise.

It was a struggle, but Thomas managed. He crawled as best he could to where she lay. He ignored the kid trying to get him to stay still. He ignored the fact that a few paces away was his father. He assured himself that Talia was safe with Isabella- safe and out of the way. This was their moment, their time. After so many years, they couldn't let things end this way.

Thomas had to remind Mallory what they were fighting for.

He had to remind her who they were trying to save.

He knew she wasn't shattered completely yet.

They will defeat Benjamin Delco- no matter the cost. They swore to do it. They had to.

For their future.

For their baby girl.

For Talia.

"Mal…..M-Mal….D-don't g-give u-up on us now…" he croaked


Mallory barely heard his plea. She barely felt and heard anything around her. If not for the persistent thrum of their mate bond- she would have ignored it. Continued to wallow in her head away from the pain and the torture. Away from the failure.

She listened to her mates labored breathing- focused her attention on the bond between them.

Don't give up on us.

She wasn't giving up. Not really, she was just resting. YES. Just resting. She was Mallory Hale now. She is Mallory Hale mate, and wife to Thomas Hale. She never gave up- not ever. This was nothing- this had to be nothing to her. She has too much- too much- TOO MUCH ON THE LINE. She will not give in. She will not lose.

SHE WILL NEVER LOSE!

With that thought- the fire in her eyes- her determination flared to life. As it burned, it morphed into something dark, something cruel and unrelenting. Mallory had been broken- Benjamin Delco had seen to it. He had killed and tortured what had been left of Mallory Delco. The girl he had raised and declared goddaughter. Mallory Delco died- turned to ash as they had roasted her alive like a pig on a spit.

In return something other took her place.

Mallory Hale was nothing like Mallory Delco.

She was worse- more dangerous than anyone could possibly understand. For now, Mallory only had two things keeping her anchored to reality. A mate bond and her need for vengeance. She was controlled insanity…..and no-one would ever know of the change that took place- not until it was too late.


No one expected it- no one thought it possible for the two to still be able to fight. So all were surprised at seeing Thomas and Mallory push beyond their limits and attack. Samson didn't stew in his shock for long- he attacked as well.

And so another fight broke out.

Jared fell on his back as the 4 wolves fought above him. He ducked and screamed in fear as they attempted to kill his grandfather. He thought he heard his name being screamed by Valerie and Emmet. He thought he heard his dad. He thought he was going to die.

On the side lines, Isabella was really struggling now. She was distracted by the fight but most of all she was struggling to contain the violently viscous 6 year old girl in her hold. Of fucking course it was too much to expect Thomas and Mallory's brat to be still in the fight. Talia was fighting to be free- she was clawing at Isabella's arms in a wild frenzy.

"BRAT-"

"LET GO OF ME!" Talia shouted angrily

"And let you get torn to shit- no fucking way."

"THEIR MY PARENTS!"

"AND YOU'RE JUST A FUCKING KID!"

Talia finally stopped moving and Isabella took that time to make her point. Gripping the kid by the chin tightly- Isabella forced her to pay attention and listen.

"What the fuck is a little shit like you going to do? Look at your mom! LOOK AT HER! This is not something you were ever trained to handle. I don't fucking care about the training you've done. You will not get in the middle of that shit! Am I fucking clear!?"

Apparently not.

Talia took advantage of Isabella's loosened grip and surged forward to the heat of battle.

"Ah shit! Fucking Hales!" Isabella cursed

In that moment Benjamin Delco had secured a moment of reprieve from the non-stop attacks. He turned his maddening glare to the fearful wolves watching and bellowed at them angrily.

"DON'T JUST STAND THERE! KILL THEM!"

The wolves were afraid. Too scared of what their fates would be. Collectively they hoped the Hales would win. They wished and prayed that tonight Benjamin Delco will die. However they feared the consequences if he should live and they did not listen. So none moved- too frozen in fear. They stood on the sides and watched as Thomas Hale and Mallory pushed themselves to fight. They watched the great Samson Hale fight the mad Alpha. They watched Jared nearly be trampled and Talia run to join the scrummage.

They simply watched.

"COWARDS! ALL OF YOU! I'LL KILL YOU ALL! I AM THE ALPHA! YOU WILL ALL LISTEN TO ME!"

The roared order caused all the wolves to whimper and howl in submission. It stopped Mallory and Thomas in their tracks and forced them to the ground in screaming agony. The bind he'd curse them with forcing them to listen to his orders and obey. Whether they liked it or not. Samson immediately turned to his son, hoping to somehow offer comfort or stop the pain he felt. Not that it worked. As such Benjamin Delco was not expecting the sudden attack from such a small form.

Talia leaped at the mad Alpha, eyes glowing fiercely and fangs barred in the moonlight. She didn't feel the pain of her broken limb. Not when she was so full of rage and hatred. Not when her parents were being tortured and she could do nothing to stop it. None of it mattered to the girl. The mad Alpha yelled out in surprised pain at the sudden attack. Doing his best to kick the little thing off his person.

Talia tore into the mad alpha's flesh in a desperate frenzy. Jared was crying out her name and once again begging for his grandfather to stop. The little boy tried to step forward and intervene but he found himself pulled away from the fight by his father. Joshua ignored his son's cries and pushed him over to where Isabella was standing guard over the other brats. The she-wolf easily clamped her hand over Jared's arm and with the help of Emmet and Valerie, kept him in place.

"LIA!"

"MICHAEL DON'T!"

It was too late, Michael had already run to where Talia and the mad alpha were engaged in combat. Although is it really combat if one was a child? It didn't matter anyway as with both Talia and Michael attacking- Benjamin found himself overwhelmed. The two children were fast- swift with their attacks and unrelenting. They were also small enough; he struggled to aim at them easily. He was becoming littered in slashes from the small claws and rather deep rips.

"ENOUGH!"

It was a lucky opening, but Michael paid dearly for it. Everyone heard the yelping scream of pain as they watched the little boy get snagged by the neck. Isabella roared but Joshua kept her in place. Michael squirmed and Talia crouched on all four- tense with wide eyes on her pack mate. Michael didn't stop fighting- he wiggled and clawed at the hand that held him. The movement desperate but above all fearful.

"That wasn't very nice Talia." Benjamin cruelly crooned

Talia only growled in response. She noted her parents were finally getting reprieve from the torture of the cursed binding on them. She also spotted Samson slowly making movement to sneak behind the mad Alpha. She quickly understood that she needed to be a distraction. She turned her gaze to where Michael was fighting for his life. She could only cling tightly to the pack bond they shared and beg him to hold on.

"You've been a naughty little girl lately. So disobedient."

Talia slowly began to circle the Mad Alpha, never letting his eyes leave hers. Benjamin loosened his grip on the child in his hold and watched the little girl. She was beautiful- she looked so much like her mother in this moment. Young, fierce and ready to be molded in to the perfect little weapon. He grinned maliciously with greed at what glory he could gain through Talia.

"If you surrender to me- SUBMIT to me Talia. Together we will be great- GLORIOUS! Submit to my rule and accept me as you're Alpha and this can all be over. I will forget all of this nonsense and no harm will come to your loved ones."

"Why? Why would you want me?" Talia snarled heatedly with hatred.

Samson was now behind the mad Alpha and was readying to attack. Michael had stopped squirming and was now just choking and gasping for air. The entirety of his face changing from red to purple.

"Don't you love your grandfather? With you and Jared- Together the three of us can make the Delco pack the strongest wolf pack! People will fear our name. Submit to me and name your Alpha and the power and fame could be ours. Become the legend that your parents failed to become! Accept your destiny with me!" Benjamin passionately declared with bright crimson red eyes.

Everyone watched in silence at the scene. They wondered what Talia would say to such an offer. Jared looked at Talia- briefly halting in his fight for freedom. He looked to where Michael had stopped moving and his eyes slowly began to flutter close. Finally he looked at his grandfather and it finally sunk in.

His Grandfather was truly a monster.

Talia snarled before she roared out her reply. She glared at the mad alpha with hatred in her beta gold eyes. The sharp points of her teeth glinting threateningly.

"YOU WILL NEVER BE MY ALPHA!"

The fury Benjamin felt was so great he threw Michael carelessly and moved to leap at Talia's defiant form. Then Samson grappled and captured Benjamin from behind. Below him, Thomas and Mallory had crawled close enough to dig their claws into his knee caps and keep him in place. Benjamin barely had a second to register the sudden entrapment as Joshua was suddenly in front of him.

The scream of a child pierced the night and faded into a haunting taunt.

Benjamin was confused- unsure of what had happened. He assumed nothing and opened his mouth to laugh. Instead blood spluttered out and the sudden choking sensation registered. Oh. Above him, Joshua remained posed with claws a bloody red and eyes wide with panic. Benjamin found his body felt heavy and he toppled backwards with a loud thud. The blood spurting from the wound of his throat was warm- which was funny because he didn't feel cold in the slightest. He darted his gaze everywhere, frantically capturing the last moments of his life.

The insanity inducing power haze faded and with it went the madness. Benjamin had never felt more himself than in his final moments. He looked to where his old friend Samson watched him slowly fade. Benjamin tried to apologize- felt the need to explain but it was hard to accomplish such a thing when one is choking on their own blood. He thought Samson understood but could not forgive all he had done. That was okay, as Benjamin didn't want or deserve his friend's forgiveness. Not after all he'd done to Thomas. Not after all he had done to Elizabeth's son.

There was a scrambling presence by his side and Benjamin found himself looking up at Jared's wet face. The boy was crying something and clutching tightly at Benjamin's wound- almost as if he was trying to stop the bleeding. Benjamin marveled at that fact and lifted his hand to the child's face. He'd never had kids of his own- Mallory was the closest thing and she'd never been too affectionate as a child. Jared was not in any way his, but he had been the best comparison Benjamin could ever get. He didn't deserve the child's love or tears, still it was nice to know someone would cry for him in his last moments.

He had so many regrets but his greatest would have to be the scars he would leave the boy above him. Jared will grow strong, will become great but Benjamin would never see it. The boy would be haunted by this night- many children will, and it will shape the future. For greater or worse, that was something Benjamin would know.

Hell is what he deserved for destroying a child so pure like Jared.

Finally his vision began to blur and his heart slowed. Before the darkness took him entirely- Benjamin caught sight of one last person. Talia watched him and he marveled at how cold she appeared. She truly was her mother's daughter- Beautiful like a vengeful warrior goddess. The hatred in her eyes- the detachment and satisfaction was awing.

Then she smiled and Benjamin felt his heart stop.

'Elizabeth…she smiles like Eliza….my…Eliza,' and with that last fading thought.

Benjamin Delco was no more.


*Talia's Pov*

It was over.

He was dead.

We killed him.

The shock of it all had yet to fade. No one dared to speak once the beating of his heart was silenced. All that could be heard was Jared's wet sobbing and the ominous quiet. When Jared's dad moved to comfort him, Jared pulled away. The heartbreak on the man's face was pitiful but what did he expect. Jared had just watched him kill the man he loved and called grandfather. Jared is only a child and such a thing is hard to witness.

"Why!? W-why d-did you…..Why did you have to kill him?" Jared sobbed looking at his father.

Joshua Quinn could only stare at is son in silence. No words seemed to flit through the man's mind, not even when he stared at the blood on his claws with Alpha red eyes. It was obvious the man had no answer. It was so obvious the man had no idea what to say or do to assure his heart broken son.

"The man was a fucking monster!" Isabella snarled as she clutched Michael closer to her chest.

She was doing her best to share her son's pain. I stepped forward worried for the boy who had followed me into battle. Only a step, as Isabella let out a low growl of warning stopping me from moving closer. I froze and instantly cowered under her wild glowing blue glare.

"Not yet kid. Don't come close yet." She managed to instruct through gritted teeth.

It took me a few seconds to understand why. When I did, the guilt hurt worse than my earlier broken limb. Of course she would be territorial. Not only was Michael her son, he was also her anchor. She lived and breathed for Michael…..and because of me he almost died. I didn't deserve to call myself his friend and pack mate.

"Oi! Stop with that shit! Tch. What the hell is up with all you fucking Hale's and your tendencies to brood!?" Isabella snapped with a grumble.

"I-I'm sorry" I whispered

"Tch. Nothing to apologise for brat. Can't blame my boy for being just like his Mama. I would've done the same shit for Mal if I had the chance."

The mention of my parents had me looking for them instantly. How could I forget them- even if it was for a brief moment!? I spot them easily. Their sprawled forms not hard to miss. My mother is curled and clutching my father- the both of them seeking each other. Samson is watching them not too far away, he looks torn between wanting to greet his son and mourn for the death of his old corrupted friend.

I don't care about Samson- so I ignore his pitiful state and edge closer to where my parents lay. The closer I get the more I feel the child in me surface. When my dad lifts his head, having heard my approach, I don't bother trying to cage my wolf pup and inner child. I let myself cry and run the rest of the way until I dive into their waiting arms. Then I am sobbing just like Jared…..except it is not out of grief and mourning.

I sob and cry with relief and exhilarated happiness because finally we are free. There will be no more copper Fridays, and fear of whether my father will return or not. No more oppression or taunts of our family being omegas and weak. No more hiding and pretending to be less than we truly were. My family, my pack. We were finally free!

"Sh! Sh! Hey….it's okay sweetie. I-I'm okay…..everything is going to be okay. So you stop crying alright" My dad soothingly assured.

I only sobbed harder but this time with a smile. He laughed because we both knew he was being silly with his words. The tears in his own eyes- the sheer relief in his scent, all of it told me the truth of what he really thought. We must have looked ridiculous, laughing and crying together in a messy heap on the ground. A light caress of my cheek pulled my attention elsewhere and I looked at my mother. I should be repulsed and horrified at seeing the obvious torture she'd been through. I'm not, though. Not at all because my mother will always be beautiful to me- even if she's scarred and broken.

"You two can be such babies." She teased

She wasn't crying- not like my dad and I were. The only sign of her emotional state being relieved, is the teary shine in her eyes. My dad laughs and he surges forward and kisses her. It's intimate and filled with so much affection, I force myself to look away.

"Ugh…. Gross daddy!" I mumble into his shirt

My parents laugh and I find myself treasuring the moment. Since my rebirth and adjustment to this new life…I finally found my most memorable and favoured moment to recall. This is no doubt the happiest I've ever felt as Talia and most certainly Emily.

"Princess….. I'd like you to properly meet someone." My dad whispered

I nodded and reluctantly pulled away from his embrace. Samson watched the three of us with such nervous yearning it was kind of sad. I felt my mother kiss my head lightly and whisper for me not to be afraid. The entire introduction was a farce as I already knew who Samson was. Yet for my father- and the obvious wistful and disbelieving pounding of his heart. I pretended for his sake.

"Talia, I'd like you to meet your grandfather. This is Samson Hale, Alpha of the Hale Pack and my father."

I took a deep breath and clutched at my dad's hand tightly. The nervous energy both men were exuding was contagious and I felt it threatening to consume me too. I managed to keep it under lock and I offered out my hand and beamed my sweetest smile to where Samson Hale stood.

"Hello. It's nice to meet you grandfather. My name is Talia Evangeline Hale."

Hale.

Not Delco.

Because that is who I am.

I hear the way both Hale men choke and gasp in shock while their scents expose their pride. I hear the proud purring of my mother from behind me and feel the tightening of my father's grip. Samson cries then and he doesn't greet me back. Instead he wraps his elderly arms around my little family and squeezes us tightly. The two grown men are crying brazenly now and my mother is doing her best to comfort my father. In the middle of it all, I simply let my father tightly squeeze me close.

"Well done son. She's beautiful! I missed you so much. You've done me proud my boy!"

It's probably 20 minutes or so later, when I'm easily allowed to move. My mother ushers me to seek Michael and allow the Hale men to reacquaint themselves. As I search for the Bloom's I take note of what remains of the Delco pack. Families are huddled together, faces filled with shock and relief while some children are still crying at what they witnessed. Emissary Marcus and Teacher Jones look to be hard at work. They are tending to the trauma children and a few wounded wolves who were trampled during the scuffle.

I see Jared's dad standing off on his own. He is staring off into the distance with glazed eyes. Though what catches my attention is the red of his claws. He has yet to sheathe or clean them of Benjamin Delco's blood. The Delco pack is no more, and I wonder if they will automatically rename the entirety of the pack.

I personally think the Quinn pack isn't so bad a name.

He looks over at me probably due to my blatant staring. He visibly grimaces and looks elsewhere only to stiffen. I follow his line of sight and see Jared; he hasn't moved an inch. Benjamin Delco's corpse is most likely cold by now, but Jared still clings and sobs into it as if hoping for movement. A certain distance away I see Emmet and Valerie, both are crying and yelling at their parents. They want to go to Jared's side but their parents seem to be keeping them in place. I look back to where Joshua Quinn stands and can read the plea in his eyes.

My parents won't mind and the Blooms probably still need space.

So I approach the weeping boy with awkward reluctance.

Once there, I realise a very concerning problem.

I have no idea what to say.

"He…. He didn't need to die! My dad….. He killed him…. Why would he-…."

Rationally, I know the kid is grieving. I know he's hurting and is just a child. Despite knowing all that, his words bother me. The kid doesn't get it- so hopeful and sure that a happy ending could have been given to even the mad Alpha.

"Your dad did what he had to."

"Grandfather would have stopped. He would've-"

"He wouldn't. He would not have stopped at anything. He almost killed Michael!"

"But he didn't" Jared desperately rebutted turning to me with eyes.

I'm arguing with a child- I know better than to let it get to me. Yet the fact he is trying to defend the monster at our feet- Maybe if Benjamin Delco had not hurt and broken MY loved ones, I would have been persuaded. However that's exactly what he did. Jared doesn't know the depths of the monsters evil. He doesn't understand the years of abuse and torture our parents suffered- the lies and pain. Benjamin Delco ensured Jared only ever knew him as one thing. A loving grandfather and Alpha.

"He didn't deserve to be killed like that!" Jared whispered

His words infuriate me and I lose control of my own hatred and anger. My mouth opens and I reveal all the ways Benjamin Delco was a monster. Jared tries to cut in and deny it all- distantly I note that our confrontation is gaining attention. Though no one stops me from yelling at the naïve little boy. It's cruel and perhaps heartless of me to say such things. He's only a child- a boy who knows no better. I've made him cry again and it should be enough to stop me.

But I can't stop- I just can't.

The worst part is I don't know why.

It's not till Jared's dad finally intervenes that I stop. Jared looks up at me and for the first time ever- there is no want to talk. After all those years of wanting the boy to leave me alone- finally I'll get my wish. Jared looks at me with anger and I'm not surprised at what he next says.

"Talia….go away. Please just….. Leave me alone."

He's finally stopped crying and the desperation in his eyes is no longer present. Joshua Quinn approaches his son and this time Jared doesn't pull away. The two look at me and the new Alpha gives me an apologetic yet somewhat grateful smile. I ignore it, too busy pondering on if what I'd done was the right thing or not. I wonder if I had pushed too far and if waking Jared to the truth was a good move. Above all else I miss Michael more than ever because if he were here he would tell me if I did right or wrong.

"I think you've done enough Talia." Joshua Quinn solemnly says.

Jared doesn't look at me when I turn to leave. It bothers me slightly and I find myself speaking once more.

"Jared…. I'm sorry you lost your grandpa. But I'm not sorry he's dead."

Jared doesn't say anything and I have nothing else to say. As I leave, Valerie and Emmet surge forward to go to him. I don't look back and I don't feel guilty. It still doesn't stop the confliction I feel over how I dealt with the situation. I can only hope I did the right thing.

The days that follow pass with little fanfare. I don't notice anything other than the joy my loved ones dwell in. I haven't seen Jared, Valerie and Emmet or even Joshua Quinn since that night. I don't worry about it either- more interested in helping Michael heal faster and playing with my father. Emissary Marcus visits occasionally with news of how things in the pack is going. I don't care too much about it in all honesty.

Three days after the death of Benjamin Delco, our small home gets new visitors.

"Corey!?" My dad croaks in shock

I eye the woman and crinkle my nose at her scent. She smells of power and something spicy. She looks familiar and it's only after Samson joins us that I realise why. I let myself be pulled to my mother's side as the new arrivals approach my father. It's strange for me to think of these new wolves as family. They are strangers, people I'm supposed to consider family but know nothing about.

The reunion goes as expected, there are tears, hugs and shouting. Nothing of true interest until my supposed Uncles James and Arthur angrily demand Samson to explain why he kept his mission a secret. Samson doesn't say anything just smiles a soft but mischievous smile and says he will show them.

I don't get it and am as confused as my uncles and aunt. Only clicking when my mother nudges me forward with assurance and my father beams at me encouragingly. Again I am nervous, but still I do as expected. I step out from my mother's side and walk to where my grandfather motions.

"Talia I'd like you to meet your Aunt Cordelia and Uncles James and Arthur."

I do my best imitation of Michael and beam at them.

"Hello. My name is Talia Evangeline Hale."

There's an uncomfortable silence that lingers until my new uncles burst with excited cries of laughter. They ambush my dad and heartily praise my mother and I. Throughout it all I can't help but notice how my Aunt's lips twist sourly and she glares at where my mother stands. When she looks at me and meets my watchful gaze, I see her falter. It doesn't last long as she then relaxes her face into a cold mask and turns from where I stand.

"Corey?" My dad softly calls

"We need to talk. I'll wait for you inside."

I watch as my Aunt walks away from my dad's out reached hand. She moves past us all and disappears into the house. Instantly my Uncles are doing their best to distract and cheer my dad up. They offer excuses for my aunt that sound hollow to my ears. My mother's smile dies swiftly and her gaze turns hard. All the while Samson simply looks sad.

"Your sister probably tired Thomas. It's been hard for her since you've been gone." Samson excuses

My dad smiles and accepts the excuse but it doesn't hide the hurt in his eyes. Somehow the entire interaction feels as if it is only the beginning. One thing is certain though… I don't like my aunt and something tells me the fight for my packs happiness is not over yet.


...And that is all she wrote... Tune in next time.

This chapter probably felt rushed (which What! took 2 years and you give us this rushed mess!) I'm sorry about that but getting into the mindset of Talia/Emily was very difficult. It's just been a real long time and I fell out of love with TEEN WOLF after s5&6 which killed any muse i had for this story and KK. I'm getting back into it though but the waiting for chapters is real.

I feel bad for what Jared went through in this chap, and the way Talia/Emily spoke to him after. For future plot reasons it had to happen.

Upcoming Chapters will have a lot of time skips and will focus alot on the Hales. We're going to be skipping through the kids ages pretty fast- I don't want to linger too much on their adolescent years cause I want to get to Peter's birth.

I am looking for a Beta for this story and it's probably going to get a re-write in the future once it's complete.

Please Review because every critical review both good and bad help motivate me to improve and update this story.

Also I really do want to know what you all think of the plot and characters so far.

What did you all think of Michael and Jared's performance? What about what went down with Thomas, Mal and Isabella? What Joshua Quinn is now Alpha!?

Honest opinion about your understanding of ELizabeth- did you like her/hate her/blame her for all the shit?

UH oh... Cordelia sounds like trouble.

Please review and share your thoughts.

Thank you all for the support xxx