Chapter 6

"Megan is human," Serena said, breaking the silence between them. She leaned her head against the seat eyes closed. "She doesn't know anything about our world. I would like to keep it that way please."

"Aha," Rooka replied. He cast a quick look at her before asking, "You two been friends long?"

"Yeah, since we were in grade school. It was when I came back from the trip in your country..."

"My father told me that you died."

That made her open her eyes and look at him. "Why would they do that?" Confusion was evident in her voice. "I have been living in the Philippines since I turned eight, why would they say that I died?"

"I do not know, baby. All I know is that you were sick and being as you are, the virus was too powerful, and it ended your life." Pain can be heard in his voice. It was apparent that he never got over her death. And that confused her.

She touched his thigh, he looked at her hand then at her. "Whatever they told you, it was a lie. I am here, and well." She gave a small smile before closing her eyes again.

Rooka breathed thru his mouth. She left her hand on his leg and it is taking all of his self-control not to hold her hand. "Baby, have you eaten?" he asked.

"Not hungry, Rooka," she replied.

"I can hear your stomach."

"I will eat at Meg's. She has my favorite food -"

"Chocolate mint brownie or cookies," he said softly. He reached for her hand and entwined their hands. "It was one of those things that I remembered from that time." He felt her squeeze his hand, a simple reminder that both of them will get to the bottom of the deception. "Your father left a letter. I will give it to you later when you are in your room. Yes, you will be having your room." He felt her squeeze his hand in acknowledgment.

~~~~

It didn't take them a long time to reach Megan's property. A ten-foot wall was covered in Bougainvillea, making it impossible to see the bricks that were used to make it. The gate had a lovely drape of vines from the same plant.

"This it?" Rooka asked. Trying to sense if there is any danger nearby.

Serena nodded. She opened her window and pushed the code to open the gates. It had an ominous sound as it slowly opened, once the three cars were inside, it closed on its own. The inside of the place was breathtaking.

It was an explosion of colors and plants. The driveway was clear of any plant life, except for the columns that serve as a guide to the main house. There were flowers everywhere. Butterflies and birds native to the place can be seen in almost every corner of the pathway.

When they reached the house, it looked like a postcard was brought to life. In the middle of a clearing was a Spanish-style house that was popular during the 1500s in the Philippines. The upper part of the house was coated with an ecru paint, while the windows were light brown. The roof was set in modern times so that it can withstand the rainy weather. A small Bahay Kubo, was at the side of the house, beyond it was a vast forest, completing its postcard quality.

They got out of the car, and a ball of energy came running at Serena. Rooka quickly stood behind her to catch her upon impact. She gave a whoop, before hugging their host.

He looked at both of them. Roughly the same height, same curvy body, but that is where the difference ends.

Megan's hair was waist length, and there were blonde highlights in her black hair. She has a slightly angular face that is softened by thin red lips, a cute nose, and chubby cheeks. Her almond-shaped eyes were alive and sparking.

Serena on the other hand has shoulder-length black hair that, upon further inspection had some kind of blue color when it was hit by the ray of the sun.

Megan was so happy that she didn't notice the sadness surrounding Serena. She, on her part, closed her eyes and pushed the hurt, and did her best to look happy.

Rooka saw the change, felt the sudden transformation. His heart ached. For his mate to hide her pain, this person must be so important to her. He can hear the other woman, saying something but he ignored the conversation. The view of the place was amazing. I have to tell this to mom and dad, he thought.

"Rooka?" Serena looked at up him. "This is Megan. Megan, this is Rooka, my friend." She introduced.

A devilish glint entered her eyes, Rooka also gave her a knowing grin. "Friend," she started, "yeah okay. Although it doesn't look like it." She glanced down using her lips as a pointer, indicating Rooka's hand on her waist. He was absently rubbing his thumb on the side of her hip. She stepped away from him, and immediately felt the loss.

"These are his companions, Wayne, Kaz, and the twins, Layla and Nuru." She pointed to each one after saying their names. She notice the puzzled look on Meg's face when she looked at Wayne. It's probably because of the scar, she thought. She was engulfed in another hug before another question was asked.

"Where are your mom and dad? Are they going to stay here too?" It was such an innocent question, yet it made her facade drop a little. And being as close as a sister as anyone can be, she saw it. "What happened, Serena?"

Serena took a deep breath, trying her best not to cry. But a lone tear escaped her eyes, "They are gone, bhe." She said in a whisper. "They are gone," a gasp broke from Megan, and she pulled her into a tight hug. She can feel her tears, and it made her heart die a little more. She felt him. He was behind her, hand on her back, slowly rubbing it, like he was offering her his strength. She looked up and gave Rooka a sweet sad smile.

Once Megan's tears stopped, Rena just hugged her. With an arm in each other's waist, they walked towards the house.

Rooka and his pack watched the two women. Kaz broke the silence. "I smell something bad is going to happen," he quietly said.

Wayne nodded and added, "I will take the first watch, I don't - "

"No," Rooka cut in, he looked at his Beta. "The twins will have the first watch. They seem to be enjoying the Sparks with us." When he looked at them, they were talking to Mac and Beth, who were sitting on each twin's shoulder. "For now, all of us must rest. If what you said is true, we need to be ready." As if sensing his distress, Rena looked at him, he just smiled and started walking towards her while saying, "even my wolf feels uneasy."

Kaz and Wayne watched as their Alpha joined his mate. Once inside the house, Wayne called the twins and relayed the request. Kaz looked at the sky. Something ominous was about to happen. And the center of it all was the woman who is to be their queen.