'Christopher! My love! Stay with me!' she said, smiling encouragingly, though her heart was aching terribly. 'What have I done?' were the words that kept screaming in her head.

Christopher looked at her and nodded. 'My Luna!' he breathed, lifting his hand to touch her cheek.

Millicent sniffed back the tears that seem to be choking her. All the same, a single one still escaped and slipped down her cheek into Christopher's hand where it still rested on her cheek and he wiped it from her cheek tenderly. 'I knew you would come back to me!'

'Of course, why wouldn't I? Nothing could keep me away from you!' she choked, sniffed and added, 'Why did you have to allow yourself get injured?'

'My brother would have suffered the hit if I had not saved him. It was my duty as the elder twin to protect him!'

Millicent nodded. Christopher was so honourable but she wished he had not been hit. She looked at the spear protruding from his side and reached a decision. 'This is going to hurt but it is better out than in you, my love', she said, breaking the sharp, pointed edge of the spear and pulling at it, wishing there was a way it would not hurt him but knowing there wasn't.

Samuel, Alpha Christopher's Beta cut down the warriors he had been fighting with and kept on cutting down others as he ran to his Alpha when he saw him fall. He got there just as Millicent pulled the spear away from inside Christopher.

'My Alpha', Samuel said. 'I am here. You'll be okay'.

Millicent tore a part of her cloth and pressed it to his wound, trying to stay the blood flow. 'Take him inside and stay with him. Call the doctor to attend swiftly to his wounds!' Millicent ordered, trying not to break down. She could not afford to. Not now, she still had something to do.

Blake was caught of guard by the turn of events. He had aimed for Sylvester but had ended up stabbing Christopher. He recovered quickly. 'One gone, the other left to go!', he thought. He was going to kill them both and take over the Moon Ville Pack. Luckily, both Alphas had no heir. If they had, he would have killed the heirs as well.

He raised the spear again to drive into Sylvester who was lying shocked where he had landed when his brother pushed him away from the danger his spear posed while taking the hit for him, but Sylvester recovered but was not fast enough as the spear intended for him grazed his side but found its way into Cathania who had come to push Sylvester away from the raised spear.

Cathania fell. And Alpha Sylvester regained his balance and looked regretfully at Cathania, pain in his heart and the loss he was encountering in this battle. Though bleeding profusely, Sylvester got up, his eyes red as he advanced menacingly towards Alpha Blake who started moving backwards, staring at Alpha Sylvester with dread. This attack hadn't gone as well as he would have wished. All he wanted to do now was to escape with his life, if he could, then he could assemble a greater army of warriors and attack Sylvester. As soon as he thought that, he turned, his back to Sylvester and ran, Sylvester ran after him but was overtaken by Millicent who had left as soon as Samuel carried Alpha Christopher away from the battle ground into an inner room. She had grabbed a sword from a dead warrior as she ran after Blake whom she had seen running.'Coward!' she thought bitterly as she drew close to him.

As soon as she was a short distance from him, she threw the spear at him, aiming directly for his chest and it hit the target, stopping him in his tracks and piercing his heart. He stood for a while, staring at his chest, his knee trembling, buckling under him, then he crumbled to the floor.

'We had an agreement!' Millicent howled at him.

'No, we didn't! Blake said weakly, blood pouring from his mouth.

Alpha Sylvester had got to where they were.

'His father took the love of my life away', he growled, pointing at Sylvester. 'I saw her first but she went after him. He knew of my feelings for Magdalene but he made her his Luna and I had to make do with a second best after years of suffering heartbreak. I pined for my love but had no choice but to agonize over her loss. Know -ing she was ha-ppy with another nearly des-troyed me', he said haltingly caught in a fit of coughing, spurting blood, his words becoming slurred.

'I stayed like that, alone for ma-ny years, an Alpha without a Luna, be-cause no other woman would do and I couldn't very well go and reveal my feelings to her, she was already living her life with Merryweather, blissfully unaware of what she was doing to me', he paused, then said solemnly, 'I ended up marrying Selina - who I didn't even care for - to serve as my breeder. I got tired of pretending to be happy for them, when I was not. At long last, my patience paid off. The opportunity I had been waiting for presented itself and I used it to my advantage. I didn't ask Sylvester, foolish and impulsive Sylvester to assume unreasonably that your father - great and honourable Harry O'Hara who could never betray a friend - that such a man was responsible, and hence made him take the fall for me. I regret his death but it helped me keep my secret safe, at least until now', he paused as a fit of coughing ceased him yet again, causing him to spurt blood and bloody tissue. The region around his chest where the spear had pierced through was soaked with blood. His blood had pooled around him, and was increasing by the second. The sight was nauseating and Millicent thought disinterestedly and impersonally that it was a miracle that he was still alive but he seemed determined to continue talking despite the his obvious discomfort and pain. 'The satisfaction I felt when I killed both betrayers, Merryweather and Magdalene can better be felt than imagined!' he laughed harshly, spurting more bloody tissue but it was as though, having kept these things in his heart for so long, he wanted to unburden himself of them before dying. ' I can go in peace now, having avenged the wrong done me years ago! I had wanted to kill both you and your brother and take over the pack. It was part of my vengeance plan but it didn't work out that way. That's my only regret!' he concluded and started breathing with difficulty, his breathing sounding raspy, then he was gasping for breath,

Sylvester drove the spear that was sticking out of Blake, the one Millicent had thrown at him, deeper into him, and twisted it at an angle, and then drawing it down, causing it to cut him horizontally, almost into two, cutting off his breath completely.

Millicent's POV

I did not wait to hear or see more. I had heard enough, and I was not shocked nor shaken that I had a taken a life. It was my first and I knew it should have a significant impact on me but I just felt numb. It was another life that set my heart thumping and I knew I had to get to him, to my love - Christopher. So I ran like I had never done before. I needed to be with Christopher. Oh Christopher my love! I felt fear clutch my heart like a merciless hand, squeezing and nearly choking me.

Now that I had killed Blake, the snake who caused all this misunderstandings in the first place and who had used me to injure Christopher by reason of my involvement in this senseless battle, the fight went out of me and I felt drained, but the thought of Christopher's condition, and the terrible fear in my heart for his life, gave me the needed strength as I ran.

I started praying as I ran, 'Oh, Moon Goddess, do not allow Christopher to die'. Then unbidden the words the elders said came to me, ringing in my mind.

'One will have to die for the other!' they had predicted, as how such situations always ends.

'No!' I screamed in my mind. 'None shall die! Christopher shall not die, did you hear me, Moon Goddess? He must not die or I shall lose my faith in you!' My wolf was agitated, wriggling in pain and I suddenly felt very anxious, wondering why the distance back to the mansion was being too long.

I got there and ran into the room where Christopher was. The doctor was already attending to him.

'He is going to be all right, right doctor?' I asked as I rushed to his side, kneeling beside his bed.

'He lost a lot of blood and the spear punctured a vital organ. I do not want to raise any hopes but his survival is next to nill!'

'We are fated mates, so, maybe, I can heal him. I shall nurse him back to health'. I said, hopefully.

'If you can, please do. I shall welcome all the help that I can get', Dr. James said. 'The situation doesn't look good at all!'

'My Luna!' Christopher called.

'Yes, my love?' I answered, sniffing and wiping the tears from my eyes, drawing even closer to him. 'For you to make me your Luna, you will have to recover and stay strong as my Alpha!' I said tremulously.

'You came back. Missed you so much!' he said, haltingly, heaving painfully.

'You will have to allow him rest for now!' the doctor said.

'No!' Christopher said, his voice, very strong,surprising everyone.'My Luna stays and I could have wept for pain. This was the result of vengeance. I regretted taking this route. Maybe if I had been a little bit more patient, I would have realised the pain that drove Sylvester to killing my parents since all the evidence pointed his way. 'Oh Goddess!' I said torturously.

'I want to be alone with my Luna, everybody else, exit the room! Alpha Christopher ordered and was obeyed.

'I am not going to make it', Christopher began as soon as they were alone.

'No! I screamed in denial. 'You will make it - we will make it through this together!' The tears was pouring down uncontrollably now.

'Sh, sh,sh', Christopher hushed her. 'Don't cry. I am very lucky to have met you. Probably, the Moon Goddess kept me alive just so I could meet you and experience true love and now that I have fulfilled that fate, it's time to go'. I sobbed harder, understanding what he meant about true love. I'd had love and happiness in my grasp but I had chosen vengeance and now, I was about to lose the most precious person in my entire life!

'I understand how you felt you had to avenge your parents but I had thought that what we had would have caused you to forget about vengeance for it never does anyone any good', he said, squeezing my hand and I could not stop sobbing. 'I am not blaming you for the course you took but to point out that sometimes, it's better to let go certain things. You made the same mistake Sylvester made when he killed your parents to avenge ours', he paused, his breathing laboured but I knew it was no use trying to stop him from talking. 'I don't want you to blame yourself for what happened here today because, even if you hadn't joined forces with Blake, he would still have attacked the Pack sooner or later. And now, having said that, I'll like you to become Sylvester's Luna when I am gone!'

I jerked my head up and stared at him with my tear - stained face.'I chose you Christopher. You're my chosen - fated mate. We are meant to be together and I will keep choosing you in all our lifetime! How can you ask this of me?'

'Promise me, Millicent that you will become Sylvester's Luna after my death!' he said as though I had not spoken.

'Christopher, you will live, we shall have many more years to live together. Stop talking of death, you scare me!' I said, heart pounding.

'Sylvester is also your mate and now that all the differences and misunderstandings have been resolved, I believe you will feel the mate bond with him. Treat him like you would have treated me', he continued.

I wanted to say something but he raised his hand, forestalling any speak I might have made.

' Let me talk, there's little time', he said and I didn't want to believe what I felt he was implying.. 'I wish we had made a baby, a little male that looks like me or a female that is as beautiful as you. I have often fantasized about that since I met you', he continued and I felt a stab of pain and regret. 'It would have gladdened my heart but since we didn't and it's too late to start now, you can make pups with Sylvester and they shall be as good as mine!' he added and I whimpered louder.

'Kiss me now!' he requested as though hurried.

'Are you sure?' I asked, not wanting to make his injuries worse, but wanting to do anything that would make him happy.

'Kiss me!' he ordered.

I stood and bending over him, I gently touched my lips to his, fearing to exert pressure on his injury, but he caught my lips in his in a fierce kiss and in spite of myself, I felt a rush of desire.

Sylvester came in then but Christopher kept kissing me. 'You've made me the happiest man on earth!' He said and then pulled away and I felt bereft.

He beckoned on his brother to join us on the bed. Sylvester came hesitantly and Christopher stretched his right hand towards him, palms up. Sylvester placed his hand into Christopher's. Christopher then proceeded to place Sylvester's hand into mine, clasping both our hands together. 'Sylvester', he called, 'take care of Millicent for me!' Then smiling, his hand slipped from ours and his head rolled to the side.

At first, I thought he had tired himself out and had fallen asleep abruptly because of the weakness caused by his injuries and the effect of the drugs he had been given, but I felt something leave me and it was as though I had become empty. My wolf was jumping restlessly, then collapsed within me. I had a bad feeling, a nagging premonition of loss. I gently placed my ear to his chest, afraid that my suspicions would be confirmed. I heard no heartbeat.

'No!' I screamed again in denial. 'Christopher, you cannot leave me like this. Not now! What would I be without you? You are my chosen - fated mate!'

Sylvester rushed to his side and felt his pulse and when he found none, he shouted for the doctor who came and also checked his vitals before confirming him dead.

Sylvester slumped on the floor, staring into space. I could not take it any longer, I howled in anguish. I kept howling like never before. Alot of people came to find out the reason for such an anguished cry, only to join in when they heard of the death of one of their Alphas. And I was responsible!

Sylvester's POV

After listening to Blake as he confessed to his sins, I felt a heavy burden settle in my heart. I twisted the spear which Millicent had used to end his life and brought it down, cutting him sideways almost in two.

It did not relieve my pain but I felt a bit calmer. I looked around for Millicent but she had disappeared like the wind and I knew she was running to be with Christopher.

I came at a more leisurely pace, so I could give them time to be with each other. I wanted to know how he was faring. I hoped that the spear did not damage any internal organs.

Christopher's act of love had really done something to me. I didn't know if I would have done what he did but I sure as hell was not going to allow that sacrifice go to waste.

I got to where the battle took place and realised that our attackers had carried off their dead. And my warriors were carrying those still alive into a place where the doctor could attend to them, while covering with sacs, those who had died while fighting. I looked around at the waste and realised for the first time the futility of war. It was just a waste of time and resources.

As I looked round at the waste, I saw Cathania was still lying there - where she had fallen while trying to save me. No one had thought to take her to the doctor to be treated, or probably, they had not got to her yet and she was miraculously still alive, thank goodness. I swiftly went to her.

'You are still here?' I asked.

'Where else would I be but where my heart is - close to the live of my life?' she replied with what I felt was a smile that didn't come off very well. I felt a stab of pain and regret. This was not supposed to have happened.

'Stay put, let me get the doctor!' I said, now in a hurry to get her attended to. I had been in wars and I knew her case was hopeless but I was just hoping against hope.

'There's no need', she replied, smiling or trying to do that but it came off as a grimace of pain. 'It is too late. I have been waiting for you. I wanted to see and touch you one last time before I go'.

'Cathania, I cannot tell you, how sorry I am about this. But you are a foolish little girl did you know that?' I said, pained to see her in such a state. 'Why did you do that? You needn't have done it!'

'You mean bring a war to your doorstep?' she asked and I knew she was deliberately misunderstanding me. How could she even try to joke in this condition? She was in a pool of her own blood for goodness sake!

'You know what I mean, Cathania, as for the other, I understand and can relate with your grievance'. I said holding both her hands.

'How can you even ask why I did it? I did it because I love you. I never stopped loving you', she whispered. 'I am sorry, I brought Blake here. I couldn't bear to see you with any other female but it's okay now, if it will make you happy. I shan't be around for much longer in any case!' she said, her voice growing weaker. 'The fates have taken someone special from you and given you someone your heart desires', she said and I thought she was referring to herself.

'Christopher was killed due to our foolishness but at least that has made way for you... and.. y..you can be with... Mi- Millicent!'

What was she even saying. Christopher could not have died, if he had, I would have been hearing mourning cries and howls announcing the demise of a great Alpha.

'Hold me, Sylvester', she asked.

I obliged her, crying silently, remembering the times we had spent as mates, as lovers and then the times we had spent plotting against Millicent and I felt a stab of regret as grief washed over me in waves.

All of a sudden, Cathania felt heavier than earlier and I looked down to assure myself that she was still with me but I knew before I even saw her sightless eyes gazing unseeing at the clouds that she was dead. I lay her down on the ground and with my palm, I gently covered her eyes, telling her I was sorry for all the pain I had caused her.

There was a burden in my heart. I wish I had been a better male to her but Blake had probably been right when he said I was not male enough for my women. I felt a sense of urgency to see my dear brother. He must survive his injuries. I no longer minded if Millicent chooses him over me. He can have her, just let him live, oh Moon Goddess. He just must live. Cathania must have been rambling. Her words were just the ramblings of a dying female, I thought to console myself as I hurried into the mansion.

'Daniel, see to it that Cathania is well taken care of and send word to her father, so he can take her body back to their pack to be given a burial befitting a princess'.

'Yes, my Alpha', Daniel, my Beta said.

'Where's Christopher?' I asked.

'He's in the bay, receiving treatment', Samuel said, looking very sad. 'the doctor said his condition is critical and that he may not make it out alive!'

I did not wait to heart the rest but burst into the room and found him kissing Millicent.

I didn't think I could say this but I felt relieved that he was well enough to engage in such with our mate - his love. The fears of his Beta were unfounded and the doctor had not judged the case accurately, I thought as relief coaxed through me.

I was going to ask how he was when he stopped kissing Millicent, pulled away from her and beckoned on me.

I went and he stretched his hand forth towards me, palms up, indicating that he wanted my hands. I placed it in his and he placed my hand into Millicent's and looking me straight in the eye, said, 'Take care of Millicent for me!' Then with a smile on his lips, his hands fell from ours and his head rolled to the side.

Millicent placed her head on his chest, I realised she was trying to hear his heart beat but she raised her head screaming 'No! You cannot do this to me Christopher. You cannot leave me like this. Not now!' and some other things about him, being her chosen - fated mate but I was no longer paying attention.

I drew close and checked for a pulse but found none and then I knew, Christopher, my brother was gone. But I remained in self denial. It was not possible, was he not the one who was kissing his mate just now?

I called for the doctor to come quick and when he got here, he checked his pulse and pronounced him dead, confirming my suspicions and I felt overcame as I slumped, looking into space, wondering where I had gone wrong. I hadn't even thanked him for saving my life, though I knew what he would have said, 'What are brothers for, huh? You'll do the same for me if our positions were switched'. I smiled, tears flowing from my cheek. I felt so alone. I had never really valued him when he was alive. I had taken it for granted that he was going to be with me for a very long time to come but he left me just like our parents did and I am alive to bear the pain, the anguish.

I heard howling from left, right and centre but they sounded far away...