Born To Rule
Chapter 14:

In Accalia’s head: I knew it. I fucking knew it. I could never have a real family to call my own. Why did it have to be him? I felt like such an idiot. I have to get away from here. It was now clear what I needed to do. It was time to stop relying on others and start relying solely on myself. I let everyone constantly have the power over me. They decided when and if they wanted to throw me away. That stops now. It was time to be independent. Time to go out into the world and make a name for myself. I didn't need a pack. I didn't need my wolf. I just needed my own being. I was enough. (Aston Lake Town). I decided to take a leaf out of Luna Rose’s book and look for a job. if I earned my own money then it would give me a chance so desperately needed to start a new life. However, getting a job turned out to be a lot tougher than I originally thought. Nowhere seemed to be hiring.

Emily: “Look, daddy. I can fly…weeee!!”

Trey: “Take her to the Sweet shop, her mother said…it'll be fun, her mother said. Yeah right.”

Emily: “Daddy, I feel kind of sick.”

Trey: “Quickly, let's get you outside before you…”

Emily: “I feel much better now. Thanks, daddy.”

In Trey’s head: These were my brand new sneakers.

Stuart: “That's the fourth time this week. I'm so fed up with cleaning vomit but at least now I have you to do it for me.”

Accalia: “Yeah…no thanks.”

Stuart: “Forever alone.”

In Accalia’s head: Well that was a disaster. At this rate, I won't be going anywhere. Wait…what is that up ahead?

Accalia: “Um, excuse me?”

Jasmine: “What can I get you?”

Accalia: “I actually wanted to ask if you had any jobs available.”

Jasmine: “Do you have a resume?”

In Accalia’s head: Resume?

Accalia: “No.”

Jasmine: “Any experience?”

Accalia: “No.”

Jasmine: “Great, you got the job.”

In Accalia’s head: That was easy.

Accalia: “Really?!”

Jasmine: “Our last girl just left and I could use the help and you seem like a good fit.”

Accalia: “When do I start?”

Jasmine: “Now. (Duskfall Packhouse)”

Malik: “We can't ignore what is going on with her any longer. Something needs to be done.”

Amara: “What do you suggest we do? We've all seen it, we all know she needs help. I mean, her eyes change color…”

Malik: “I know. I know she's hiding something from me, I can feel it. It hurts me so much to know that she can't trust me. We’re mates.”

Rose: “Look, son. I know you're hurting, we all are. But try to be a bit more understanding. Accalia lost her parents at a very young age and the only family she did have banished her. She's very reserved and timid. What I'm trying to say is, give Accalia a chance. You know we all care deeply for her.”

In Malik’s head: I'm more than just ‘care’ for her. Where are you, Accalia?

Rose: “We'll give you some time.

Kai: “Meet you outside?”

Amara: “Sure, Kai.”

Malik: “When are you gonna accept what the both of you have?”

Amara: “Let's face it Malik. Wolves like us don't have fairy tail endings like all the rest. We're either runaways or banished. We're damaged.”

Malik: “Maybe it's time to open your heart to something new. I have. (Amara’s flashback)”

Young Amara: “Father!! Look what I made for you.”

Grayson: “Give me one second. I thought I made myself perfectly clear when I told you not to disturb me when I'm in my study.”

Young Amara: I’m sorry. I just wanted to give you this drawing.”

Grayson: “Well I don't want it. Now leave!!”

Charlotte: “What is wrong with you?! She's your daughter!! Can't you at least try and make an effort with her?!”

Grayson: “If you had given me a son like I wanted then maybe I wouldn't be acting this way. A respectable pack needs a male heir.”

Charlotte: “Amara is perfect just the way she is.”

Grayson: “I never wanted a daughter!!”

In Young Amara’s head: I'm sorry, mother. (present time at the cafe)

Jasmine: “So, what do you think?”

Accalia: “I think it fits okay.”

Jasmine: “Awesome. Next step is training. We have a lot to cover in a short space of time so pay close attention. And that pretty much covers everything. any questions?”

Accalia: “No. I think I'll be okay.”

Jasmine: “Great. I'm going for a break.”

Accalia: “You can't just leave me here. What if I mess up?!”

Jasmine: “I believe in you.”

In Accalia’s head: Ugh, what did I get myself into?! Okay, it's been a few minutes and I'm still alive. Nothing bad has happened. I still haven't been approached, I'm gonna survive this.

Accalia: “Ah, shit. People!!”

In Aiden’s head: Does she know I can hear her, right?

In Accalia’s head: You can do this.

Accalia: “Sorry, sir. What can I get for you?”

Aiden: “One hot chocolate to take away, please.”

Accalia: “Here you are, sir.”

Aiden: “I haven't seen you around here before. Are you new?”

Accalia: “First day on the job.”

Aiden: “Going well?”

Accalia: “I'm surviving.”

Aiden: “I’m Aiden.”

Accalia: “Accalia.”

Jasmine: “Hey, Accalia. How are you getting o…who is he and where can I get one?”

Accalia: “Uh, this is Aiden.”

In Jasmine’s head: Well hello, Aiden.

In Aiden’s head: Send help.

Jasmine: “Sorry to interrupt but I wanted to let you know that you can take a quick break.”

Accalia: “Thanks.”

Jasmine: “Alone at last. (Aiden runs)”

In Jasmine’s head: He'll be back.

Aiden: “Accalia, wait. Wait up!!”

Accalia: “What's up?”

Aiden: “I thought you could use some company.”

In Accalia’s head: Is he hitting on me?

Accalia: “Look, Aiden…you seem nice but I already have…had, someone else.”

In Accalia’s head: It was all kind of a blur. Aiden pulled me into his embrace. Suddenly….urgently. This was the closest I've ever been to a human. His expensive cologne enlightened my senses. I could feel his toned body through his sweater. His breathing was rapid. Was I making him nervous? I realized that Malik held me the exact same way. Suddenly, my head started to throb. Like a force was pounding on the back of my head.

Accalia’s Wolf: “THIS IS NOT OUR MATE!!”

Aiden: “What is it?!”

Accalia: “Stay away from me!!”

Aiden: “Wait, I’m sorry!! (later that night Duskfall Packhouse)”

In Accalia’s head: I managed to sneak in unnoticed. I've been frozen in the same spot since. Reflecting on today's events. I felt ashamed. Why didn't I push him away? Aiden was a complete stranger and yet I let him close. Malik was the only being I craved. His gaze ignited a fire within my heart. It was time to be honest. I needed to tell Malik the truth.

Accalia: “Malik?”

Malik: “Accalia.”

Accalia: “Is everything okay?”

Malik: “Okay? You told me you were going for a quick walk. I heard you sneak in. I always replace myself waiting around for you. Where have you been?!”

Accalia: “Malik, please calm down. I can explain everything. What is it?!”

Malik: “I CAN SMELL ANOTHER MAN’S SCENT ON YOU!! TELL ME WHO HE IS NOW!! NO ONE TOUCHES WHAT’S MINE!!”

Accalia: “Malik, please.”

Malik: “I’M GONNA KILL HIM!!”

Accalia: “NO YOU’RE NOT!! He didn't do anything wrong.”

Malik: “So now you're defending him?!”

Accalia: “Malik, nothing happened. I thought you were done killing innocent humans? Please give me a chance to explain.”

Malik: “NO!! I'm gonna show him what happens when he touches what's mine.”

Malik’s Wolf: “I’M GONNA RIP HIM APART!!”

Accalia: “Leave him alone, Malik.”

Malik: “Get out of my way, Accalia.”

Accalia: “I said…LEAVE HIM ALONE!! (Accalia pushes Malik). MALIK?!”

In Accalia’s head: What the fuck have I done?! I didn't know what else to do. As soon as I saw the blood, I panicked. I helped Malik to his feet and instinctively lead him towards the shower. We stood there in silence. He won't look at me. I did the unthinkable. I hurt my mate. I don't think he'll ever forgive me.

Accalia: “Malik? Can you please turn around so I can locate with the blood is coming from? I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Malik.”

Malik: “It'll heal.”

Accalia: “What?”

Malik: “Wounds heal.”

Accalia: “That's not the point.”

Malik: “Accalia, do me a favor?”

Accalia: “Anything.”

Malik: “Let me borrow your chest.”

In Accalia’s head: The strong and powerful alpha broke down, before me. He was a shell of his former self. Tired and broken. bruised and defeated. Malik clung on to me like I was his lifeline. Even though the shower was running, I could still see his tears straining his beautiful face. My heart sank like a stone. I wrapped my arms around his neck and held him close. I placed a gentle kiss on his forehead. I wanted to reassure him that he was safe. Safe with me. Nothing else mattered. Malik Is my everything. He's my mate.

In Malik’s head: Why did I let my anger consume me? The thought of someone else touching her bare skin made me see red. I just lost it. Me and Noctis wanted to rip his face off. We scared our mate. The fact she pushed me didn't matter. I’m an Amarok Wolf, I was born to fight and kill. But Accalia was a battle that I could never win. My soul belonged to her. She was my reason for living. I was tired of fighting.

Malik: “I'm sorry.”

Accalia: “Please, don't be. It's not your fault.”

Malik: “Things shouldn't be this complicated between us. We’re mates. We found each other.”

Accalia: “I'm making you a promise that things will be different from now on. No more fighting. No more running away. We're a team. We can face this world and anything the moon goddess throws our way. Together.”

Malik: “Together.”