Chapter Two

Kiera tried her best to block out all the carnage that surrounded her as she made her way through what once was her home. She couldn't find her father anywhere and that gave her hope he had survived. There weren't many places to hide or lay low. She knew he wouldn't run away from a fight even when the red moon had rendered them helpless. Her father, alpha of the Panthera's was a true warrior and he would stand with his fighters to protect his family.

She made her way to her house, the front door was off its hinges lying on the floor inside. The windows were blown out in pieces. The air was light and she could see the pale pink curtains swaying back and forth.

She was born in that house, grew up in there. Many memories were made; every Halloween her parents gave them the house to decorate and throw a costume party. It was the only time of year outsiders from the neighboring towns were welcome. It was easy to blend in. Or the Sunday dinners her mother and some of the elder females made for the family. All problems and concerns were put to the side during the meals, than after her father and the male elders would go to the smoke house for their nightly business to discuss any lingering issues that needed to be taken care of. The many sleep overs she had with her friends, staying up all night talking about what most teenage girls did: boys or hearing that one of them has found their soul mate from the previous red moon dance.

Now it's all gone.

She took the first steps up onto the porch, the steps beneath her feet creaking echoing through the still night.. She froze in mid step, panic rose in her body. She waited for an attack, surely they were still here lurking in the shadows.

But when nothing happened she sighed a heavy relief and walked inside the house. She quickly searched the house but she was unable to find her father. It was empty.

Kiera made her way back outside and started for the smoke house. She only made it a few feet when the sound of a tree branch breaking rang in her ears. She snapped her head to the left, eyes narrowing trying to push her panthera's eyes through the trees but with the red moon over her, it blocked her ability to see far.

She looked to the ground for any sort of weapon she could use, if it was the beasts that killed her family coming for her she will fight them. She spotted a dagger inches from her and quickly went to grab it and held it tightly in her hand. She pointed the tip of the blade in the direction she heard the noise. "Who's there?" She called out taking a step forward. "Come out and maybe I'll let you live."

"Kie...ra..." His voice was strained and barely audible stumbling out from behind the tree. "Kiera..."

She gasped loudly running to him as he collapsed to the ground. "Daddy..." She dropped to her knees at his side. His blood filled her sense of smell tightening the knots in her stomach. He was covered in blood and dirt. Claw marks covered his chest and stomach. There was a chunk missing from the side of his neck. She tried to apply pressure to his wounds but there were so many of them.

"Kiera..." He was so happy to see her, tears forming in his eyes. "You're okay."

"Mom. Sarah." She shook her head, her own tears falling. "They're..."

"I know...sweetheart." He reached for her hand and squeezed it weakly. "I tried..."

"Daddy..."

"Sshh, it'll be okay." He groaned, inhaling a deep breath. He coughed once, blood sputtered from his mouth. "Everyone is...You must...leave here..."

She shook her head violently, there was no way she was leaving him. "No. I will not leave you. You're all I have left."

"Kiera..." He paused, letting the pain take its course. His body began to go numb, shock was starting to set in. He was tired. "You have too."

"No."

"Kiera please. They're watching..." He looked up at his baby girl. It sadden him so he wasn't going to be around to see her become the woman he knew she was going to be.

"I don't care, let them come. I'm not leaving you." She allowed herself to look up and scan the area as far as her eyes would let her. She saw nothing. No one. There was no sound or smell she could pick up.

"Kiera, you can't stay here. It's too late for me, but it's not for you. You can save us...our species by leaving here. You must protect yourself."

She knew her father was right. She knew she had to save herself. But how can she just run away and leave her father? How can she just leave them?

"Kiera please. He's coming for you. You must leave now. Go. Run! Run to Stonehaven, Kiera." Her father's words choked out as more blood sputtered from his mouth. "Run as fast as you can and don't look back."

"Daddy..." Her tears spilling down her cheeks. She could see, feel the light fading from her father. "Daddy..."

"Now!" The looming thunder in his voice rocked her to the core. She shivered through her bones as it was an order; no longer a plea to save his only child; the last surviving member of his family...his race.

She didn't hesitate, scrambling to her feet and took off running. She forced herself to run, ignoring her heart's plea to turn back and be with her father. All she had to do was keep him alive through the day and when the full moon is high in the night's sky, their panthera would return and he would be able to change, giving what his body deserved...to heal.

But he ordered her to leave. Even if she wanted to ignore it, fight his demand and protest she couldn't. He was the alpha and she must obey.

...

He watched them from the shadows, such a shame it all came down to this. This wasnt his intentions to end things so brutally but the foolish alpha wouldn't give him what he desired.

Her.

It was a simple request: "Have your daughter commit to me and together we will rule this land. We will become just as great as you and Madame Melinda have become."

"You know I can't do that. It is up to Keira to choose you as her mate."

"Collin, sir forgive me if I am out of place. I love your daughter. We are destined to be together."

"I wish I could help you but you know I can't force the women to choose their mates. I know she feels strongly for you, give her time to realize she belongs with you. Have patience my boy. Everything you hope and desire for will be yours. You will take your place as the alpha of the Pantheras some day. That is my desire. You must let my daughter come to you first, she will see in no time."

But she never did. She never came and claimed him as her forever mate. She ripped his heart out instead. Despite the bond they have, she told him they weren't soul mates. She could not give him her all, only her true mate will have her soul.

Blinded by rage and heartache, it sent him into a frenzy.

"She's running." Yelled out one of the men. He stood a few feet from Tyson.

His thoughts were broken away from his memories. Looking through the trees as his love ran. He couldn't let her escape, not when he is so close to finally having her.

It was all part of his plan. Be the last one standing. Surely she will see then. Together they can bring back their fallen race from extinction. No longer would the rule, the female panthera's find their true mates when love can now over come that bond. No more disappointment when their soul mates is someone they don't know. They can be with anyone they chose.

It was the perfect plan.

He turned to the beasts. "Stop her. Do not let her leave this compound." He ordered. "Bring her to me."

The wolf to his left growled, the thick red fur standing on end. His eyes black and filled with anger. The beast was tempted to challenge this man, he didn't like taking orders from this...human.

"Carlos, stand down." The man who was next to Tyson stepped forward. "Bring the girl back here. Gabe, go with him. Track her down and trap her. She must not leave the grounds."

The wolf whose fur was black as midnight lowered his head with acceptance. He growled once at Carlos and the two beasts went after the girl.

"You'll have to forgive my comrade, Carlos doesn't take orders from humans very well."

"He's lucky I have tolerance for disobeying orders." He took a step towards him, a lingering wicked smile touched his eyes. "You better hope he doesn't harm a hair on her body."

"Are you making assumption Tyson Grey? Remember you came to us for our help."

"No Viktor I'm not but I've heard a lot about strays. I will kill him if he hurts her."

"Have faith. Carlos will do as he's told."

"Good. Than we won't have a problem and you will get what is coming to you when this is all over."

...

Story Info To Know:

A group of leopards are called a leap or a prowl, though in this case like wolf packs, the Panthera will be called Packs. This consists of groups of families living in the same compound. A compound is where they live, mostly in an open area surrounded by trees: like a small town or village.