by Karen Ruth
Focusing my gaze back on the werewolf who I was attacking, he threw a swift paw towards my face causing me to jump back. “Reed, are you sure you can fight with the injury you had just a little bit ago?” I questioned him keeping my eyes on the enemy.
“Of course I can Nina, I’m not hurt that bad.”
Suddenly Lucas’s voice broke our conversation. “No offense but would you two shut up. It’s a little distracting.”
“Sorry,” I mumbled back.
I watched every move the enemy was doing. Everything he flew at me I dodged expertly. In a flash of a moment, he jumped up in the air trying to throw his entire weight on me to cause me to fall. Instead, I jumped sideways causing him to stumble almost losing his own footing. Quickly, I pounced into his side throwing my body weight forward making him lose his balance, hitting the ground hard. With a loud crunch, his head hit rock oozing dark red blood from the injury site. Worry filled me and my eyes grew wide in shock.
“I didn’t kill him did I?” I thought.
Reeds' voice broke my thoughts “No Nina, you didn’t kill him. He’s just unconscious.”
I looked to the right of me and Reed was standing there watching me. His enemy knocked out as well. In fact, everyone’s was. I must have been the last to finish, but it didn’t bother me. “
Is everyone ok?” Lucas asked us. We all responded that we were.
“Reed?” I asked him. “
What?” he responded? “Are you honestly ok?” worry oozing from the tone in my shaky voice.
“Yes, just a little tired. Nothing some rest will cure. But thank you for the concern.” I bowed my head at him. “You’re welcome” I answered him.
“I’m sorry that I ruined your night guys,” I said ashamed for everything that happened.
“Nonsense,” Lucas answered. “It is I who should apologize. I never thought anyone would attack you, especially from our own pack. I promise you they will go through severe punishment, especially after my father finds out. If I knew you were in any danger, I wouldn’t have left you alone tonight. I am very disappointed in myself.”
“Don’t be, you never knew that anything would have happened tonight.” I looked at all of them, shame occupied their eyes. “Trust me guys, I’m grateful for the help tonight. Without you, I probably would have been killed tonight. Actually, I WOULD have been killed tonight. I know that for a fact. For that, I am internally grateful.” Reeds voice broke out next. “Without us, you wouldn’t have been in any danger Nina,” “You never know that. But how about we just forget about what happened tonight. No hard feelings from anyone.” I flashed them a smile causing them all to give me a small one back.
Chapter 6
We had to run back to the castle as fast as we could before Augustus and the others woke. Nobody said a word on the entire way back, not even Reed. Everyone just kept their head down, not making any eye contact. It was dead silent, the kind you only get after a dramatic event that happens. The kind where everyone is afraid to break that shallow ice that exists amongst all of you.
Once we arrived at the castle, Lucas told us to stay at the gate while he went inside. Still, nobody made a word while he was gone. A few minutes later a group of approximately twenty werewolves emerged from the castle followed by Lucas. The others ran into the woods in the direction of Augustus and his pack. Some had water hoses in their hands, others had water buckets. Lucas walked towards us very slowly, especially for the speed in which he can achieve.
“The others went after them; you guys can go rest.” He nodded his head at the others who nodded it back saying their goodbyes entering the castle. “You are more than welcome to stay here if you want Nina,” Lucas told me.
“No, thank you, I have to go back to my house to make sure my family is ok.”
“Very well, I will accompany you on your journey back.”
“You don’t have to do that, I know my way back on my own.” I protested not wanting to be any more of a bother. He turned to face me, his golden eyes glowing in sadness.
“Please Nina, at least let me do this little thing for you. I feel terrible about what happened tonight. I have to make sure that no more harm comes to you.”
“Ok, thank you,” I responded.
“You’re welcome, now come on.”
Once we arrived back at the location where I left my clothes, Lucas let me change back in private. Once I was fully clothed, he walked me to the doorsteps still in his wolf form.
“I’m so sorry about tonight Nina, I truly am. If I would have known any of this would have happened I would have never taken you tonight.”
“Shh Lucas, it’s all ok. It wasn’t your fault, don’t beat yourself up about it. How about we just forget what happened?”
“I’ll try,” he responded.
“Promise?” I asked him.
“I promise,” he responded earning me a small smile.
“Now goodnight Nina, you’ve had a rough day. Sweet dreams.”
“Goodnight,” I responded back to him. “Thank you for telling me everything about wolves.”
“You’re welcome,” he answered as he was beginning to turn away.
He started walking back towards the woods as I opened the door. A voice echoed in my head, the voice of Lucas.
“Oh and Nina?” He asked me. “
Yes?” I questioned back.
“You really are beautiful, not just in your wolf form but also in your human. Don’t let anyone ever tell you differently.”
I was baffled by what he said my cheeks turning red. Thankfully he couldn’t see them.
“Thank you, Lucas,” I answered.
“You’re welcome, now rest my dear sweet Nina. I will be waiting until we meet again. Don’t forget if you need anything just call. And this time if it’s important I won’t mind if you yell.”
This caused me to give off a small smile of happiness as I walked into my house and crawled into bed. Hearing the variety of night noises bringing me into a deep slumber.
Chapter 7
The next morning, I awoke to the sound of my mom’s voice coming from downstairs. She was singing a happy tune that brought a smile to my face. She sounded like she was in such peace and happiness. Not something that I see in her much anymore. I got dressed in a pair of old clothes realizing that I left the leather outfit from the castle out by the barn. I would have to have Lucas bring me there one day so I can properly return it. Well, that is if the raging fire didn’t destroy it. Such a beautiful outfit doesn’t deserve to get ruined by nature in that way.
Walking down the stairs from the attic is when I spotted my mom and my sister dancing. I leaned up against the counter and just watched the beautiful scene. It brought a smile to my face and made me forget about all the bad things that happened yesterday.
“Come join us, Nina!” Cath called out.
“Yes, come join us, my lovely daughter,” my mom joined her.
Smiling, I walked over to them and began to dance alongside them. We were having a blast as my mom sang a song that I didn’t know but we were enjoying ourselves beside the point. Unfortunately, my phone began to ring interrupting us.
“I’m sorry guys, I’ll be back in one minute, I have to take this.”
They just continued to dance together not looking too disappointed. Walking up the stairs is when I pulled out the phone. I had one missed call from no other than Seth himself. Dread filled my body, I really didn’t want to talk to him. I knew I couldn’t ignore him forever so I decided to call him back. He picked up on the first ring. “
Why didn’t you answer me?” was his first response as he talked into the phone.
“Well hello to you too,” is all I said back to him.
“Come meet me in the woods towards the North only two miles in. You have ten minutes. I have something to ask of you.”
That was all he said before he hung up not even letting me answer. I couldn’t just leave my family like this. It was such a precious moment going on right no
w I didn’t want to miss it. Especially to go see Seth but what choice did I have? If I didn’t show up he would just come here and pretty much drag me out. Not caring if my family saw or not. At least this way they don’t really know that I’m going to see him. If they did, they would be very disappointed in me.
Putting my cellphone back into my pocket I began my descent down the stairs. I quietly watched my sister and mother’s expressions of happiness as I opened the door careful not to make any noise. Oh, how I wish I could be normal. I wouldn’t miss moments such as this over things that I couldn’t control. I miss the times when everything was great and I could live my life carefree. When my sister and I would run around and play in the woods, hide and seek to be the game of choice. I never thought I wouldn’t share a moment with them like that ever again. I wish I didn’t take those events for granted.
As I entered the outdoors, I began to make my way into the woods. Being a werewolf does have some of its rewards. One thing that I have benefitted from is the sense of direction. Before my first shift, I never knew which direction to go. If someone told me north I would be like, where is that? But now I can tell direction without even having to think about it. I began to head North making my way to where Seth said to meet.
“What could he possibly want to ask me?” I thought to myself.
Lost in thought I stumbled over some brambles almost losing my footing. This caused the bottom of my pants to rip.
“Good thing these are already old,” I said to myself.
My mom would be so mad at me if they were a new pair. I can’t believe I am so clumsy. You would think with the powers I possess now I could manage to walk right on my own two feet. Too bad I was blessed with this whole two-left-feet scenario.
Arriving at the location in which I was supposed to meet Seth, I noticed him just standing there looking lost in thought.
“Hey what’s up?” I asked him.
“Nina, how many times do I have to tell you that you have to respect me? It’s getting really old, really fast.” I frowned getting annoyed and pissed off with this whole thing. What in the world is so bad with what I said? I hate that he treats me like complete garbage.
“Yes sir,” I bowed my head showing him fake respect.
“Now I called you here because Rafiq told me about what they told you. Why weren’t you honest with me Nina?” His face showing anger.
“Because my head was spinning and I didn’t know what to think nor do I still know. Can I please just go back to my family? We were in a very private moment something that doesn’t happen very often.”
“Honestly Nina, you got to forget about them. They're too weak and fragile for you. I’m sick of hearing things about them.”
“Well can I please just tell them about us?”
“Enough!” Seth boomed. “I’m sick of you asking that. You will never be able to tell them. What don’t you understand? I know you’re not smart but you’re not this dumb either. Get over it, it’s not happening.”
I frowned, sadness washing over me. I wanted to cry but I held it in and kept my head straight up. I wouldn’t let him get to me, not anymore. He just gets enjoyment out of it and I’m sick of feeding him happiness.
“Is this all you had to ask me?” I questioned him really just wanting to leave and get as far away from him as possible.
“No,” he responded. “I have something really important to ask you.”
“Yes?” I questioned.
“Marry me,” he said flat out without anything else to go along with it.
I just looked at him like he was crazy. I searched his face waiting for him to laugh, but there wasn’t anything there but a deadpan straight face. I couldn’t help it and I began to laugh.
“Are you serious? We haven’t even gone out or anything. You can’t just expect a girl to say yes just like that. Besides you don’t even like me, that’s completely evident.”
“It is your duty to marry me. You don’t have a choice.”
I gave him a look of disapproval and turned away from him saying, “you’re crazy, leave me alone.”
I tried to walk away but then he grabbed my arm spinning me around with such force to draw blood from my arm.
“Ow, Jesus Seth, what is the matter with you?!” I exclaimed as I grabbed my arm instinctively checking to see how much blood he drew.
“I won’t tell you again Nina, it is your duty.”
“The heck it is,” I said. “Screw you and leave me alone!” I yelled back at him.
This caused him to hit me across the face with so much force making me fall to the ground. He had his claws expanded which drew a long streak across my face causing blood to splash out. My cut from yesterday healed immediately. This one on the other hand I doubted would be healed soon. It would at least take a few hours. How was I supposed to go home like this? My mom would freak out.
“If you do not marry me, Nina, I swear I will make your life miserable. Starting with that dear old family of yours. Hmm, should I start with helpless old momma, or how about that sister of yours? What’s her name again? Hmmm, ahh, Catherine is it? Quiet a pretty young thing isn’t she. I’m sure she would be a fun toy. If not that, I’m sure they will make a fantastic feast.”
“Leave them alone,” I responded a low growl rising in my throat.
“Hmm, Nah, I don’t think I will.” “You better hurry or they will be dead by the time that you arrive.”
I took off running into the woods as fast as I could. My heartbeat racing faster than it ever has before. My face was stinging with the breeze brushing up against it but I couldn’t let that bother me. My worst fears were going to come true if I didn’t hurry.
“Lucas?” I called out wondering if he would be awake at this time for the fact that we were out all night last night.
“Yes dear Nina?” he responded within seconds.
“I really need your help. It’s Seth, he asked me to marry him and I told him he was crazy. He said he was going to kill my family since I refused him. I really can’t have that happening. I need your help, I have no one to turn to. Please help me, I don’t know what to do.”
Panic began to fill me as my eyes shed tears. Lucas responded “meet me at the circle like yesterday with your family. I’ll make arrangements at the castle for your family. I’m so sorry Nina, I will try my best to help your family. I swear it to you.”
I quickly ran to the house and slammed the door open not caring what they thought. They were still dancing and as soon as they heard the door fly open they jumped apart spooked. My mom’s voice coming to an abrupt stop.
“Jesus Nina!” My mom exclaimed. “Must you just barge in like that?” As soon as she saw my face she began to go quiet in astonishment. “Oh my god, Nina are you alright?” She ran towards me grabbing a towel to wash the blood off.
“What happened?” Cath asked me her eyes wide.
“No time to explain you guys are in danger please come with me,” I said grabbing my sister’s hand still in the panicking mode I was in earlier.
“Wait what?” My sister said as I took her hand and dragged her making her trip with the force.
“No time to explain! Mom come now! We don’t have time, just please, I beg of you, come with me, we are in severe danger. This is not a joke!”
They looked me straight in my face before they realized I was completely serious.
“Come on!” I yelled once more, and my mom dropped the rag she was going to clean my face off with and began to run out the door with me and my sister.
They ran as fast as they could, unfortunately for them, they couldn’t run anywhere near as fast as the werewolves could. I smelled the air to check to make sure everything was ok. I couldn’t smell anyone approaching, I just hoped they weren’t coming. With how fast they could run I would have to transform in front of them and just defend them from the others. It would be five against one and I didn’t like my odds. There would be no way I could win a fight like that. Even if I was this whole legend
ary white wolf female thing. Next thing I knew my sister tripped over a fallen tree.
“Cath, are you ok?” I asked running to her checking to make sure she was ok.
“I’m ok Nina, I’m nowhere near as hurt as you are.” She said as she pushed herself forward and began running.
I was amazed by her dedication. My sister really wasn’t that weak after all. Too bad you never realize these types of things unless something terrible happens.
Finally, we made it to the circle with the sight of nobody in the woods. A smell triggered my nose into overdrive. Panic struck me until I realized the scent was Lucas and I began to relax. He ran straight towards me and my family.
“Nina, your face. Are you ok?” Lucas asked as he ran his hand over where I was bleeding. “Did he do this to you?” He asked me.
I just simply nodded my head and said, “Come on guys you can trust him.” As I said this I pushed my sister and mother towards him.
“Come on!” he yelled as we began to run towards the castle.
All of a sudden, a smell arose to my senses. It was the smell of my old group members.
“Lucas?” I said in my head “They’re here.”
He smelled the air realizing that they were in fact there.
“Keep running if you stop it will just worry your family more. I have the others here in the woods. They won’t let them get any closer to your family. I promise. Try to remain calm the more stress you feel the more it radiates on to them. We don’t want them to make any bad decisions, it will just make it all worse.”
“Thank you, Lucas,” I said relieved that he planned this all through.
From behind, I heard some growling escaping from the woods.
“What was that?!” Cath called out frightened.
“Don’t worry about it just keep moving, faster if you possibly can?”
Then my mom said something that I was never expecting. “Nina is that what I think it is? Please tell me you aren’t involved in this? Please tell me you don’t have it?” I gave her a puzzling look. Did she know about werewolves or was she just going through her craziness right now?
