New Beginning

Chapter Thirty-three

"We really need you to listen, Elara. Things have changed, and we need you. You made promises to us both, and now is the time to make good on them, little Alpha," Mason said.

His grip tightened, and the chain protested, groaning dangerously. I firmly planted my feet on the porch and scooted forward, placing my hand a few inches below his. He called me Alpha. I had expected as much after his former pack had pledged their loyalty to me, but without the Lockwoods confirming it, I had still been unsure. Yet, as his pleading eyes looked down at me, I felt that same heady protective instinct snap into place, like a puzzle piece finally finding its home. They were my responsibility now.

"I intend to keep every promise, Mason. Just tell me exactly what happened, and I'll handle it," I said without wavering.

Mason smirked bitterly, his gaze flickering over my steadfast face. He took a deep gulp of breath as he released the swing and stepped back. He straightened his posture, lowering his gaze and sucking on his teeth, bitter smirk still in place. "I don't think you'll be able to handle things so easily this time."

I squeaked indignantly, my nose wrinkling in distaste. I was about to remind them just why underestimating me was such a bad idea when Mason threw back his head, raising a calming hand. "That's not what I mean, Elara. Tyler and I both know what you're capable of, but under these circumstances, I think your past will end up being more of a hindrance than a help. At least for a while. In the end, as you said, I think it'll all turn out okay." Running his hand down his lined face, he sighed. "At least I hope so," he wearily finished.

My protests caught in my throat, and it felt like I could no longer contain oxygen. My body was rejecting what my mind had been quick to figure out. My hands began to tremble, my vision flickering in and out. I reached out to grasp hold of something steady, hoping it would calm me and felt a warm and slightly sweaty hand take hold of mine. I could hear panicked voices but couldn't make out their words. Everything was jumbled; my mind could only focus on what Mason had said. There was only one reason my past would become a hindrance. Niklaus was here.

Sucking in a jagged breath, I intertwined my fingers with the person I had become attached to, urgently pulling them forward. With widened eyes, I stared at Tyler, cupping his face with my other hand. "Who is at your house, Tyler. Who!" I said, the volume of my voice rising.

Tyler removed my palm from his face, with a sad sort of smile, one full of pity. In a moment of shocking anger, I wanted to claw the expression from his face. Still, the moment was fleeting as he brought my knuckles to his lips, kissing them — his warm breath tickling my skin.

"You know who, Ellie bean. He has taken the master bedroom, and my mother has moved all her things into the guest. He must have compelled her. She won't hear a word against him," he looked up at me, gauging my reaction, but I held my breath — unable to move, let alone breathe. "I know you said he was a dick, but I kinda thought you were over-exaggerating. He took my parent's room. He controls the house like it's his. I mean, what an asshole," Tyler said, his eyes narrowing.

I released a rush of breath, snorting, and fell into a giggle. I sucked in my bottom lip, trying to stop the hysterical laughter that wanted to bloom at the Lockwoods' affronted expressions. Tyler released me, standing up and joining Mason. I covered my mouth and shook my head in amusement.

"I'm sorry, really, but you thought I over-exaggerated when I told you the thousand-year-old Original Hybrid was a dick? Oh, Tyler, you have no clue how big of an asshole he can be. Taking over your house is such a small thing. I know it blows, but he likes the very best, and I guess he thought Lockwood manor would give him what he needed while he's here," I said, smiling despite trying not to.