by Karen Ruth
Laughter erupted from her, shaking her slender body. “You’re just trying to back Nina up. I should have known you wouldn’t be fair to me when she is around. Little old Nina, gets everything she wants. She is just like the little princess in the group, isn’t she? You know what? I’m just going to go.” She went to the door and pulled it open with her right hand.
“CATH!” I called after her, but she paid no attention to me as if she didn’t even hear it. That or she just flatly ignored me. She went through the door and was gone, the door slamming behind her.
I shook my head but said nothing.
“Well, that just happened,” Reed muttered.
“I’m sorry,” Lucas said to me. “I was too hard on her.”
I looked into his golden eyes and said “no, it wasn’t that. I have no idea what has gotten into her lately. She isn’t herself anymore. Whatever it is, I don’t like it.” I said to him and headed off into the dressing room.
I was so lost in my own thought about everything that has been going on that I didn’t even smell or hear anyone behind me. I felt long arms wrap around my waist from behind. I tensed up frightened by who it was. I recognized the feeling of the arms and instantly relaxed into the warm body.
“It’ll be ok dear sweet Nina,” Lucas said, his warm breath tickling my ear.
I turned around to face him, pressing my head against his chest.
“I know, thank you. There has just been so much going on recently that I can’t keep anything straight anymore.”
“I know shhh.” He said as he pressed his soft warm lips against my forehead.
I closed my eyes as he did so.
“Why don’t we bring you back to your room and you go rest?” He said to me.
“What about training?” I questioned him tilting my head to the door.
“You have done enough for one day. We can always do more tomorrow. I don’t like seeing you so stressed out.” He said to me sweetly.
“Are you sure?” I questioned him once more.
“Of course.” He answered me. “Now come on, let’s go get you into bed.”
“What about Reed?” I asked.
Lucas chuckled, “relax Nina, I already said that he could go. You worry too much about others.”
“Maybe.” I simply said and followed him into the hall and towards my room.
Lucas walked me to my door before letting go of my hand. Suddenly, I remembered why I was avoiding this room. My heart rate began to rise as I was nervous. I wasn’t ready to face my mother.
“Relax and listen.” Lucas simply said to me.
I followed what he said. No sounds were coming from the house, which meant that it was probably empty. I let out a huge breath in relief. I didn’t even know that I was holding my breath but evidently, I was.
“Do you want to come in?” I asked him as I opened the door.
“No, it’s alright.” He responded. “You go in and go to bed.” “I’ve got some business I have to take care of anyway.”
“Oooh is it prince business?” I teased him flashing him a smile.
He simply flashed me a brilliant white smile back that made my heart do a little dance. God, I loved it when he smiled like that.
“Sleep well dear sweet Nina.” He kissed me ever so softly on the head before walking away leaving me to stare after him. I leaned up against the wall and exhaled loudly. The things that he could do to my heart I would never understand. No matter how bad of a mood I was in, he could always lift it. After a few quick moments, I opened the door and went straight into my room, and tucked myself under my blankets. I closed my eyes and I sank into the dark abyss within moments.
Chapter 15
Once again, I found myself running away from an unknown terror in the woods in the middle of the night. The only light apparent was from the moonlight casting its luscious beams to guide my way. Something was chasing me causing me to run faster and faster until I could not force my legs to keep going. I stopped and turned around to face what was coming. The first wolf appeared to my left. His bright eyes looking straight at me as he snickered.
“Rafiq.” I spit out with hatred.
I turned to my right as another approached. His black coat glistened from the moonlight hitting his fur.
“Seth.” I spit with even more hatred that I didn’t even know I contained.
Everything went silent, it was then that I noticed that a third wolf was coming directly in front of me. I turned my head to watch in that direction, but careful to still pay attention to the other two.
“Nina, Nina, Nina,” the familiar voice said.
My heart plummeted to the ground. It couldn’t be true; it couldn’t be who I thought it was. She appeared from the woods, her grey coat full of red blood. Even more frightening than that, her eyes glittered a bloody red color as well.
“Cath!” I yelled.
Suddenly, she jumped straight towards my neck with her long white fangs extended.
I immediately shot out of bed, my hair drenched in a cold sweat. My heart was pounding a million miles an hour. It pounded so hard, it hurt my chest. Instinctively, I put my hand to my heart and tried to calm myself.
“It was just a dream,” I told myself trying to calm down. “Relax Nina.”
My attempts were in vain because nothing I said could calm me down. I knew in my heart that the only thing that could make me relax would be to physically see Catherine. I went out of my room not even caring what I looked like, which I could only imagine was a hot mess. As soon as I go out of my room, I headed down the hallway towards my sister’s room.
“Cath!” I yelled.
No response.
“Catherine!” I yelled again, which resulted in the same response as last.
I made it to her room and opened the door hitting it against the wall. I was too worried to even care, only jumping because of the loud noise.
“Cath!” I yelled opening the door to her bathroom.
No response.
She was no-where to be found. I stormed out of her room and ran into the living room. Still came up empty-handed. I went to the kitchen. Nope. Finally, I went to my mother’s room and grabbed the door handle. I hesitated and removed my hand and settled for a knock on the door. When nobody responded, I opened the door and found nobody in there.
I ran out of our “house,” and went outside to the garden. I thought that that would be a good location to find my sister. It was something that reminded me of her. She always admired flowers and the smell that they brought. When I arrived at the garden the only person who I saw was my mom. Being that I doubted she even knew where Cath was I didn’t ask her. Plus, the last thing I needed was another scream fest.
“Guys!” I yelled inside my head trying to get someone’s attention.
“What’s up? And no offense darling but you may have broken my eardrum.” I heard Caleb’s voice answer me.
“Sorry,” I quickly responded. “Have you seen Cath?” I asked him.
“No, why?” “I just want to make sure she is ok,” I responded not wanting to go into details.
“I’m sure she is fine.” He answered me back.
“Did the rest of you guys see her at all today?” I asked everyone else waiting for a response.
One by one they all gave me their answers.
Jerimiah, “Nope.”
Dante, “Nope.”
Eli, “Nope.”
Reed responded to my answer with a little more concern. “No, I’m sorry Nina. I am sure she is ok. She probably just went on a walk after the incident that happened earlier. She couldn’t have gotten far. If you would like I could help you look for her.” Reed suggested.
“Thank you, Reed. That would mean a lot to me if you would help.”
“No problem babe.” He replied back. “Where would you like to meet?” He asked me.
“I’m over by the garden if you would like to come over here?” I suggested.
“Sounds great! Give me a few minutes.” He rep
lied.
I redirected my attention back to the others. “Lucas?” I asked him.
There was no response.
“Lucas?” I asked again.
A few minutes later he responded. “Sorry Nina, I was busy. What’s up?” He asked me, his voice full of concern.
“Have you seen Cath?” I asked him my voice full of worry.
“No, I haven’t seen her since earlier. Why?” He asked me.
I haven’t seen her since earlier as well and I would really like to know where she went.”
“Did something happen?” He asked me.
I stuttered for a little bit before huffing and telling him and the others the truth. That is if the others were still listening.
“I know it sounds kind of dumb, but I had a dream and I really need to make sure that everything is still ok.”
“Would you like help finding her?” Lucas asked me. “I could meet up with you within a few minutes.”
“Reed is coming to help but if you would like, you could come too. The more help that I have the better I will feel.” I admitted to Lucas.
“Alright then, how about everyone comes to help.” I immediately declined.
“That would be nice, but I don’t want to intrude on the other's life. I’m sure everyone is equally as busy right now, and have their own problems to deal with.”
“Nonsense,” Caleb replied immediately. “If you need help, it’s our job and duty to come help you.”
The others chimed in with their responses. They all answered at the same time, “yes.”
They weren’t the most talkative group but they brought tears to my eyes. For the first time in what appeared to be years, I felt like I belonged and was loved.
“Thank you, guys,” I said to all of them.
Somebody said, “of course.” I thought it was Eli, but I was not quite sure.
Caleb continued to talk some more. “In theory, you are one of our alphas. If you need help, we will always be there to help you.”
I gave out a small laugh. “Nah alpha is Lucas’s job.” I quickly dismissed it.
“So be it, but it won’t be for long. One day you guys will have to share the responsibility of alpha.”
“Trust me, you guys don’t want me leading anything.” I tried to convince them.
“Dear sweet Nina, one day you will learn how much potential you really possess.”
I had nothing to say to what he just said to me. Could I really be as good as everyone made me? Was everyone putting all their faith in me and would I condemn them to danger? Nobody said a word and I could feel everyone one by one disconnecting. I sat on the white bench and waited for everyone to show up.
Caleb showed up within a minute. It felt like I just sat down before I had to stand. Well at least tried to stand up. I was in the position of getting up when Caleb extended his hand in a stop position.
“No need to get up. We gotta wait for the rest anyway. May I join you?” He asked me as he came closer to me.
“Sure, go for it,” I said waving my hand to the empty seat next to me.
“Thank you,” he said as he sat down on the white bench.
He smelt like the forest of which he must have just been previously. My wolf really enjoyed the smell which arose from him.
“How did you get here so fast?” I looked to my right at which he was sitting.
“I just came from over there.” He pointed in the direction of the woods. “That’s why when you called for us you hurt my ears. I was pretty close in proximity to you.”
“I’m really sorry about that.” I apologized to him, my face turning a vibrant red hue.”
He laughed at me. “Chill Nina, it’s fine. You know you blush way too easily.”
At that, I blushed even harder and looked towards the ground. It fueled Caleb to laugh even harder. He patted me on the back but said nothing. Within a few minutes, Reed arrived.
“Aww, Caleb dude! You’re stealing my babe. First Lucas and now you.” He whined deafeningly.
He gave Caleb a fake hurt expression and poked his large bottom lip out in a pouting gesture. Caleb simply rolled his eyes and said, “dude you couldn’t have her if you wanted it. You don’t even stand a chance.”
“Hey what do you mean I don’t stand a chance!”
“Well look at her, she is totally out of your league dude.” Reed put his hands on his hips in disbelief.
“Hey you guys, I’m right here,” I said while waving my hands in the air.
“I would stand a chance with you right Nina?” Reed questioned me.
“Umm well if I was into you I don’t see why not.” I flatly said while embarrassment overcame me.
“Ahh, dude now look you made the girl blush.” Caleb waved his hand over towards me laughing again.
“I’m glad you two get enjoyment out of it,” I muttered hiding my face.
Lucas came over towards us and stopped. He must have seen the redness on my face as he retorted, “guys you’re making her blush.”
Reed slapped him on the back and laughed.
“Caleb said that I wouldn’t stand a chance with Nina, can you believe that?” Reed joked.
“He must be crazy am I right.”
“Nope, not at all. You really wouldn’t stand a chance. I can’t believe she even gave me a chance. Sorry dude it’s the truth.”
Lucas said and shrugged his broad shoulders. Reed dropped his wide jaw. I simply stood up and walked over towards Lucas. He extended his arms and I walked straight into them. He gave me a long hug and I returned the favor. I closed my eyes and forgot about the world. Even with how worried I was about Kitty, I could always become calmed by just being with Lucas. I smelt his exquisite scent as the wind rustled around us. I opened my eyes and I noticed that it was beginning to become a dark grey color.
“Do you think it’s going to storm?” I asked Lucas as I looked into his golden eyes.
“Very possible, we should get moving soon.” He said to me. “We have to find her before the storm strikes.”
“We have to wait for the others,” I told him.
“What others?” Lucas questioned me with a puzzled look on his face.
“Jeremiah, Eli, Dante, Liam, and Darius?” I answered him confused by what he meant.
“Umm, we are over here.” I heard Dante’s voice.
I whipped around to see them standing behind us.
“Oh, oops didn’t notice you guys there,” I said sheepishly.
Reed busted out laughing and said, “that’s because the only thing you can possibly notice when Lucas is here is he himself. Other than that, you become oblivious to the world.” My jaw dropped.
“That isn’t true,” I said to him.
“Uh-huh.” The others answered at the same time.
Once more my cheeks turned red.
“Come on guys leave her alone,” Lucas said to them.
They all went quiet and there was a dead silence that followed.
“Are you ready to go look for Cath love?” Lucas asked me taking my hand in his. I simply shook my head up and down and took off walking towards the woods. I was met with resistance so I looked back confused. Lucas didn’t move an inch.
“One second Nina, we have to discuss a plan. We have to pair everyone up. Reed, you go with Caleb. Eli, you go with Jerimiah. Dante, you go with Liam and Darius. Nina, you can come with me.” He flashed me a smile and I returned it.
“What?! Nina is going with Lucas?! Big shocker! It’s the end of the world!” Reed joked and lifted his arms in the air and shook them wildly.
I laughed at his ridiculousness and shook my head. Everyone else did the same as well including Lucas.
“Nina and I will make our way to the circle. Reed and Caleb, you two head towards the shed where the fire was started. Eli and Jerimiah, I would prefer for you two to keep an eye on the castle and around Nina’s room. Liam, Dante, and Darius, you three search the far back perimeter of the forest. Does anyone have any questions?” Lucas
asked everyone changing his gaze on each and every single one of us.
I shook my head while the others said nothing.
“Ok good. Don’t forget that if anything happens or you find her, make sure to tell the rest of us.”
“Got it.” We all chimed in unison.
“Ok, let’s go!” Lucas ordered and we all took off on the path that was set out for us.
I tugged on Lucas’s hand as we went into the forest. I was walking pretty fast to try and find my sister.
“Shh relax dear sweet Nina, we will find her.” Lucas cooed to me.
I exhaled loudly and looked over at him. “You’re right, I’m sorry.”
I looked towards the ground. He walked over towards me and lifted my head by the chin.
“Don’t apologize. You have every right to be worried. I know how much your family means to you.”
“Thank you,” I said to him and gave him a weak smile.
“You’re welcome.” He responded.
“Oh, and one second, you have a twig in your hair.” He gave out a small laugh and lifted his hand from mine.
I took a step back so it would be easier for him to get towards the twig in my hair, but instead, my feet had other ideas. I slipped on a stick behind me and began to fall backwards toward a tree. Thankfully, Lucas was there to catch me before I fell and hit my head. I blushed, embarrassed. Lucas flashed me a smile trying not to laugh. As I was half bent over backward, Lucas came towards me. Ever so slowly he pressed his lips against mine. My heart began to flutter a million miles an hour as I kissed him back. Our lips doing their own little dance. One of his hands slid up to entwine into my hair as both my hands rested on his hard, muscular chest. Before I came back to my senses the kiss was over. Smiling, he had the twig that must have been in my hair in his large hands.
“How did you do that?” I questioned him.
“What?” He smiled back at me.
“Get the twig without me even realizing.”
“Ahh that. That will be my little secret.” He said to me mysteriously.
He looked up towards the sky and helped me to stand completely up straight.
“Come on we better get moving before it begins to rain.” “
