The Delta's Daughter Chapter 365

LAMIA

A roar so loud and so enraged shook our room as Arcas, Mathias's beast voiced his pure outrage and wrath at what Travis just said. His possessive and protective side causes him to rumble and shake with the knowledge.

I hung up stunned into silence. Or so angry that I couldn't even comprehend my emotions or form a single thought about what Travis just told me.

"Lamia." Mathias tries to get my attention, his voice harsh and grating as he desperately tries to control his own anger.

I heard him but I was struck dazed. I can feel my heart thumping harder, gradually building up to a panicked pace. My breathing becomes heavier. I'm lost for words.

I pinch my arm to make sure I'm awake and not imagining the phone call I just received. That this isn't a dream.

I want to think this is a joke, but I know Travis would never joke about Oliver. There was nothing remotely funny in relation to that mutt and what he did to us. What he let happen to us.

"Lamia?" I tilted my head towards my king, the only indication I gave, to let him know I heard him.

Strong arms wrap around me, pulling me back until I'm nestled against Mathias's strong chest. I let him comfort me, lend me his strength so I don't break apart and shatter. Because with everything I have been through and everything going on this could be my undoing. The one thing that will bring me to my knees.

I had thought that part of my life was far behind me. That there was no one left who could make me feel so insignificant again. I thought nothing could instill fear in me ever again the way Silas and Oliver did.

And here Travis is telling me Oliver isn't dead. And mine and Zane's child by some twisted shit of fate is alive.

It was too much.

"Why?" I said barely above a whisper. Not so much to Mathias, but to the universe, and open-ended question to the goddess, thrown out there in the realm. A question desperately needing an answer. "Why is he alive?"

"I don't know little wolf, but we sure as fuck are going to find out." The tightness in Mathias' voice didn't escape me. He too wanted answers and was mad enough for the both of us, and if Oliver is alive then I can assure you if he didn't die by my hands then it would be Kings.

I opened up a mind link to my parents, forcing the connection as they were probably asleep too. As soon as I had relayed to them what Travis told me, it was only a matter of minutes before they were standing outside mine and King's room.

I didn't even think about packing a bag. I dressed, putting on my pants and vest, a uniform I hadn't worn in what seemed like such a long time. I went to the triplet's room, gave them all a kiss, and told them Mommy would be back as soon as I could. I didn't even think about taking a vehicle. Inanna and I were more concerned about getting to MacTire and seeing for ourselves if Oliver was truly alive.

I didn't even listen to the voices around me. My mother is telling me to sit and think instead of rushing off. Asking questions, I didn't have the answer to. My father, always the Delta, implored me to not rush off in haste and to formulate a plan. Did they think I was going to go back to MacTire and start a war with Travis?

Mathias was quiet and as we reached the main gates to Riocht's palace, right when I was ready to shift and let Inanna take over, Mathias gently grabbed me by the elbow. Spinning me around, he pinched my chin between his fingers, making me look up at him.

"Little wolf," He looked at me gently with swirling silver eyes that told me everything I needed to know. I wasn't alone, he was in this with me. "Let me drive." I nodded, letting him lead me to the car, noticing the overnight bag he carried. Not even realizing when he had packed a bag or even gotten dressed himself.

I was still in a daze and even though I now sat in a car on my way back to MacTire to face my past and to once and for all rid my life of the disgusting mutt, Oliver, I still needed some way to release the energy that was festering inside me.

I couldn't even put into words everything that I was feeling at this moment. Angry, frustrated, shocked, unbelieving, and numb, resolved to rip Oliver's head clean off. Answers? Why?

So many questions that I shouldn't need to think about. Why was Oliver alive, why did Travis lie to me? Why wasn't his body dismembered and burned as it should have been when Kellen brought him back from Bhakhil?

"Hunji and Morgan are due to arrive in MacTire tomorrow. I told him we were on our way. I also told him Oliver is alive. Morgan didn't seem surprised." Mathias keeps his eyes on the road, and I slowly turn my head to look at my mate.

"She knew or she suspected?" I question him.

"I don't think she knew Lamia." He sighed, hands gripping the steering wheel tightly, "At least I hope she didn't."

I hoped she didn't either. I don't like secrets and even if Morgan's gift of sight is not 100% as she claims, she should have told me if she suspected anything. Lies are what led to this very situation we have found ourselves in now.

Travis' lie, whether intentional or manipulative, for whatever reason would seriously cast a shadow against our friendship and the future of MacTire.

*****

Hunji and Morgan waited for us on the edge of MacTire. After Mathias explained to Hunji what Travis disclosed, I guess he didn't trust himself enough, or how he would react to Travis.

This was not good. One little lie and it was already breaking down relationships and friendships.

Hunji Travis and I built MacTire. Restored it. We poured our hearts and souls into not only the castle, returning it to better than its former glory, but also the community and pack we had built. The rogues who pledged the warriors who moved there. MacTire was the embodiment of this continent. There were shifter races from all over that co-mingled.

It was the beginning of what we envisioned for the whole realm. For Travis and me it was a brighter future to take a place that plagued us with nightmares and rebuilt from the ground upwards, creating something to be proud of, to celebrate.

We healed together and overcame our demons together. We built our future and a future for rogues under the control of Silas. All right there inside the walls of MacTire. It was all built on trust, faith, love, hard work, and determination.

We had businesses together. We built an empire. A thriving and lucrative empire.

And this is why I'm finding it so hard that he would have kept something like this from me. Lying by omission.

I felt betrayed. Betrayed by a werewolf I held so near and dear to my heart. I just didn't know how to handle it, or what to think. I didn't know how I should be feeling. And truth be told, I didn't want to feel anything right now. Not until I found out the truth. Heard from his own mouth. An explanation at least.

Only then would I make a decision on how to move forward from here on out.

Arriving at MacTire, I stepped out of the car. Not waiting for Mathias or Hunji and Morgan who pulled up behind us. Josiah, a bear shifter and Travis' beta was waiting outside. I could smell the nervousness in him as I approached the landing to the main door of the castle.

"I swear your majesty..." He stammers, eyes not daring to look up and meet my eyes.

I breeze past him, holding up a palm, "Save it." I say, not caring if he knew or not. I had a one-track mind at this point.

Walking into the familiar castle, I don't bother to see if any changes have been made since my last visit. I don't really give a flying fuck.

I lift my nose and let Inanna scent Travis. My boots thud and echo on the hardwood floors as I thread my way through the castle, his scent leads me to my old room.

Mathias is hot my heels but once I reach the door, I stop and turn to my mate, "Will you let me talk to him alone?" I usually don't feel the need to ask Mathias for permission for anything but given mine and Travis's history, I understand if he didn't want me alone in a room with a man who I had slept with. Especially my old chambers.

Except this was between Travis and me. I needed a private face-to-face conversation with him. Surely Mathias would understand that.

I knew the only reason Travis was standing and waiting in this particular room was because he knew, without a doubt, he had failed me. Maybe he was hoping old memories would soften me up, soften the blow he was about to receive.

Mathias gives me a curt nod, his eyes sharp and dark. He didn't look happy - with stiff shoulders and a puffed-out chest, hands clenching and unclenching - Not one little bit and I didn't blame him. "I will be waiting right outside."

I reach up placing my palm on his face and dropping a kiss on the other cheek. "Thank you." And I am. So very thankful for a mate who is understanding and trusts me.

As barbaric and possessive as an Alpha King is, It shows our bond is unbreakable and unwavering. He trusts me to handle myself and the situation even though I know all he would like to do is go in there and start beating the shit out of my old friend.

I open the door to find Travis standing by the window, his back to me. Glass in one hand and the other tucked behind his back.

I closed the door and stood there taking him in. I hadn't thought about what I would say to him. I played scenarios over and over in my mind on the long drive here. But never actually figured out what I would say to him.

The moonlight shines through the open window, casting a glow around his shadowed form. His physic is broader, bigger, and more muscular. He seemed taller than the last time I was around him. Even from across the room, I noticed the subtle differences in his stance. The way he carried himself.

This was Travis for fucks sake! Even easier going than Kellen or Mike. What had changed? What had prompted him to keep this from me?

"Why?" I finally ask, scrunching my nose and wincing at the fact I even have to ask him.

His shoulders stiffen and his back straightens. He slowly lifts the glass and takes a sip. I hear him gulp then for a few moments, nothing. Until… "I didn't fall in love with you. But I have missed you every single day since that night you left to rescue your father."

I sigh. This was not what I was expecting.

"At first, I had full intentions of executing him. Once he was here, all I could think about was making him hurt more than he hurt me. More than he hurt you. I wanted him to suffer for his crimes." He takes another sip, still with his back to me and I don't move either. "The voice in my head told me killing him would be too easy. That I should make him suffer like he had made so many. I knew I should have told you. I wanted to but then…" He trails off and his head hangs.

"Then life happens, and a day leads to a week. A week leads to a month and a month leads to eight." I was giving him an out, or maybe I was giving myself excuses on his behalf.

"No, he shakes his head. "I wish it was that reason."

I wait for Travis to elaborate and when doesn't, I finally find the courage to cross the room and face him to look him in the eye.

I grabbed his arm and swung him around, our eyes finally meeting. "Tell me Oliver dead." I so desperately want him to say yes but the look in his eyes has my heart plummeting.

My hands ball into fists and without thinking, using all my might I channel my anger and disappointment into that one punch. Cracking him right in the nose. He stumbles back, the glass falling to the floor and shattering. blood sprays out and down his face.

I give him credit for taking the hit and staying on his feet, but the bitch side of me is oddly satisfied at seeing him injured, He deserves much more than a fury-fueled single punch.

Soft brown eyes look at me with regret, holding a plea in them. I snarl my displeasure letting Inanna show through my eyes, so he knows she isn't happy either. It seems that action bothers him more than taking a punch from me.

I balk when his eyes begin to brighten and flecks of gold swirl to the surface until they are almost golden. It's then I notice the lines and peaks of an intricate design of tattoos peeking out from under the collar of his blue button-down. "Travis, what's happening to you?"

Soundlessly he flashes his wolf's canine and has me by my neck. His large hands wrapped around the base and applied pressure. I'm too stunned to fight him off. And not so concerned, knowing I could take him down in seconds.

He nuzzles next to my face, sniffing my hair, and letting out a satisfied sigh mixed with a snarl. "Every day since you gave me your blood, I have been craving just one more taste. It was different. Maybe because you bit me. Brought me back to the land of the living."

His hand loosens around my neck, and he raises the other tracing the contour of my face with the back of his fingers but never actually touching me. "When you brought me back - Something came back with me. The voice, it's dark and sinister, they confuse me."

"They?" Now my thoughts and emotions are confused. What Travis is saying doesn't make sense and I doubt he knows; he too looks at me, looks to me for answers.

"They. Janus and the other voice, the parasite that's there." He drops his hands and steps back hitting his head with a bunched-up fist. "They confuse me. Tell me to do things. Blurring the line between right and wrong. I didn't mean to lie to you, Lamia. I didn't mean to keep it a secret. I don't know why I kept him alive."

Travis steps up to me again, and I feel nothing but pity for him as I watch the war within himself.

"I promise you this much, my Queen. He has suffered at my hands."

Tears fill Travis' golden eyes before they lose their luster and fade back to the soft brown I know. "Goddess Travis, what did I do to you?"

I walked into this room expecting to hash it out, to fight and exchange harsh words. I came here to make sure Oliver stayed dead, with my own hands this time.

Now though, as I stand here looking at my friend, looking as broken as the day we left Golden Circle for MacTire, I can't help but want to help him again.

To make him better, to bring him back to the old Travis that we all know and love. His eyes were filled with so much pressure and it's only now that I'm noticing the weight and burden he carries on his shoulders. Finally seeing the effects of what he carries and all he has endured.

"Where do we go from here Lamia? Because right now the voice, the one that came back with me, he's whispering."

"He? What does he say to you, Travis?"

He shakes his head averting his eyes, rubs an inked hand around his neck, up and over his hair. "He wants me to…" His throat bobs as he gulps. "He wants me to take you."

I almost laugh but stifle it back when I see the seriousness in him which leads me to frown. "Your serious?"

"It's your scent. It's alluring every male can smell you. So divine." His bloodied nose lifts and his nostrils flare. "What keeps other Alphas away is your mate. But not him, not the parasite."

"You keep calling him a parasite." I'm trying to decipher what he is saying from what is actually going on. "When Janus is in control is he still there?"

"Yes," He nods, sure. "Always there."

My eyes drop from his. I could never hate Travis and now I know something else is going on with him. We talk a little more about this extra voice in his head and how it plagues him and makes him do things he can't remember. How he blacks out and wakes up with strangers in his bed or somewhere else. Eventually leading us to the subject of Oliver.

I was worried for Travis. It wasn't healthy the way he kept Oliver hidden from everyone. Torturing him day after day. Or night after night for months on end. It was time it came to an end, maybe then his mind would find some peace because I was quite sure Travis keeping Oliver captive was messing with his mental health way more than he realized.

"He says he knows things about this Senko. Says he's willing to talk, but only to you." Travis tells me what Oliver said to him.

"What is asking for in return?" Because if the mutt thinks he is going to be pardoned, he has another thing coming. That will not be happening this time.

"He asked for a quick death."

I frown, crossing my arms and stepping back to sit on the windowsill. "That's it?" Travis nods.

To me that was odd. Oliver was a rogue. Rogues would do anything for survival including lie, cheat, and make a pact. Oliver was no different, always trying to work some kind of angle, anything that he would benefit from.

I stand slapping my thighs and sighing with exasperation, "I guess it's time I faced Oliver. Get this over and done with for both of our sakes.