by Karen Ruth
I heard a rustle in the woods next to me. Adelina approached from the woods, still in her wolf form, and walked into the building. I expected Lucas to emerge next but came up surprised. He was nowhere to be seen. I smelt the air but didn’t recognize his scent anywhere either. I shrugged my shoulders assuming he was most likely with Devlon. The thought of Devlon made my skin scrawl. I remembered that I still owed him a punishment. I was not looking forward to whatever that was.
My wolf was itching to be released yet again, but I wouldn’t let her. Instead, to try to satisfy us both, I started through the woods. I had nothing better to do anyway. Without realizing where I was heading, I came to a stop at my old house. The pigs were still happy and healthy like always. Someone was doing a great job taking care of them while we were away. I smiled down at them and began to pet them.
“Someone has been taking very good care of you guys, huh?”
They snorted at me and I laughed.
I heard the snap of a twig behind me. Quickly, I spun my head around and noticed Lucas walking up to me in his human form. I rolled my eyes at him and directed my attention back to the pigs.
“What are you doing?” I grumbled at him.
He ignored my question.
“How are they doing?” He asked while coming to stand next to me on the fence.
“Why do you care?” I questioned him.
“Who do you think has been taking care of them this whole time?” He said to me his golden eyes finding my own.
“You?” I questioned him.
“Of course.”
“Why would you do that?” I asked.
“Because Nina, I told you I would take care of them and I did.”
“I assumed you would find someone to take care of them for you,” I answered honestly.
“Not when it comes to you,” Lucas responded.
I couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle while rolling my eyes.
“Nina….” Lucas started to say.
I cut him off by asking, “Shouldn’t you be with Adelina?”
He let out a long sigh. “Honestly, I can’t stand being around her right now. She thinks I’m back in my room, but I haven’t left the forest since earlier.”
I climbed off the fence and sat on the green grass.
“If that’s true than how did you change back into clothes?” I curled up my eyebrows not believing him.
“Because I have other buildings filled with clothes out here for instances like this.”
“Why haven’t I seen them?” I questioned.
“Because I don’t let many people in there. It’s like my personal escape route. I go there to destress and just be me. I was going to bring you in there, but everything started going south.” He said as he sat on the grass next to me.
I let out a loud sigh. His eyes directed themselves to the bandage on my face. He started to reach his hand out and I scooted away placing the palm of my hand over the wound.
“Nina please,” Lucas begged.
I closed my eyes and waited for his large hand to touch my smooth face. Ever so gently, he removed the sticky material. Fire shot through my body making it shake with intensity. I felt his body tense against me. I peeked my eye open to see what was going on. He had his eyes closed shut with a pained expression on his face.
“Lucas?” I gently asked.
He opened his eyes to look at me. “Nina, I’m so sorry.”
“Forget about it.” I said to him looking away.
“No Nina. I can’t and will not just forget about this. I can’t believe I did this to you.”
“Lucas, it wasn’t your fault. You didn’t have a choice.”
“Of course I had a choice Nina! How don’t you see it? Nobody was forcing me to do that, I chose to do it on my own.”
“Lucas, you had to for Adelina.”
He huffed and closed his eyes for a brief moment. His hands went to his temples as he rubbed them. After a moment of dead silence, he opened his golden eyes. They had a tinge of pain encircling them.
“Nina, I love you. I have loved you from the moment I saw you. You cause my body to react in ways I never thought possible. How could I do this to someone I love? How could I hurt you of all people? What is wrong with me?” Lucas asked me while his soul began to fall apart.
It was the only time I really saw Lucas this vulnerable. I didn’t know what to say. Both of our eyes sparkled with sadness.
Instead of talking, I crawled over to him and gave him a hug. He hugged me back harder than I was expecting. He pulled back and once again we were staring into each other’s eyes. My heart beat loudly against him. I knew that he could hear it just as loudly as I could. No matter how mad I got at Lucas before, it was all gone. He had that way with him that I could never stay mad at him for long. Before I knew what was happening our faces came inches apart. I could feel his breath against my lips as they were so close I could taste them. I closed my eyes ready for the luscious impact. A loud yell caused me to jump back falling on my butt while making Lucas cringe.
“Lucas, I need you!” Adelina screamed.
My face turned a bright red.
“I’m so sorry Lucas! I have to go!” I ran away as fast as I could, not waiting for a reply.
I ran through the woods as fast I could in my human form. I had to get away from Lucas. I couldn’t control myself around him. What was wrong with me? He was engaged to be married soon. To Adelina no less. If she figured out what just happened, I would be dead for sure. After a while of running, I looked behind me to see if he followed me. My eyes didn’t see anything. I smelt the air wanting to trust my sense of smell over my vision. There was no sign of Lucas anywhere. I huffed and plopped to the green grass, bringing my neck up to gaze at the shining stars. I pictured my mother up there watching over me. I pictured her smiling her white smile. Her blue eyes shining with glee.
“Oh mother, what have I done?” I couldn’t help but call out to her.
I felt the wind whirl around me and my hair rise. I could smell her presence on me, comforting me. I closed my eyes to take it all in. Oh, how I missed her so much.
A sound erupted from behind me. I bounced up and whirled behind me. A dark figure was leaning against a large maple tree.
“Hello daughter,” the dark figure spoke to me.
“Who are you?” I questioned him.
“tisk tisk Nina, that is no way to speak to your father.”
I gave out a small chuckle. “My father died when I was very young, you are nothing to me.”
“Now Nina, you know that’s not true. I know you’ve had a dream about me, and I know for a fact that I am your father.”
I was shocked. I got into a defense position.
“How do you know about that?” I questioned him confused.
“Uh uh uh, that is only for me to know.” He responded moving his finger covered in a black glove back and forth in a no position.
“What’s your name?” I questioned him again.
“You will learn in due time. Oh, and you may want to get back to the castle.” He informed me as he started turning away.
“Why?” I bristled.
“Your pack is in trouble.” He muttered as he walked away from me.
My heart stumbled at his words. The world spun around me. I heard a woman scream at the top of her lungs. It was Cath. I transformed into my wolf and took off running with all my might.
I arrived at the scene. Terrified people were running all over the field. Children were being hurdled inside. Adults were tripping and falling to the floor. It was complete chaos. My head flashed back and forth, trying to find my sister. I spotted a sight that made my heart skip a beat. People in uniforms, just like my so-called father’s, were shooting cross-bows at the nearby werewolves. Some laid on the ground bleeding, still in their human form. They must have been the first victims. I scanned the bodies for my sister. She wasn’t anywhere to be found. I ran to the nearest attacker and knocked it over. I ripped the mask off th
e face with my teeth to get a better view. A middle-aged female with dark black hair peaked from the mask.
“You monster!” She screamed at me while trying to kick me off. I jumped off of her, letting her stand up. I backed away from her, trying to let her leave as I didn’t want to kill her. Unfortunately, she didn’t get the hint. She started to pick the cross-bow back up again. This time I pounced with enough strength to cause her to hit the ground hard, her head smashing the floor. Her eyes closed shut in an unconscious state.
“Nina!” I heard a voice scream out in my head. It was a tenor-type voice, one that I knew of well.
“Reed! Where is Cath?!” I exclaimed trying to find them within the crowd.
“She is fine. I brought her inside with the children.”
“Thank God! What is going on?!” I screamed.
“The werewolf hunter society showed up and started attacking us without any notice. People are dying Nina. We have to hurry.”
I heard a loud screech of pain to my right. My head shot in the direction, trying to spot the location. My eyes widened with horror. Devlon was sprung on the ground on his left side. A large arrow was embedded in his front right shoulder. A man walked up to him, crossbow pointed right after him. My body went into overdrive. My mind didn’t have time to process what was happening. I leapt forward, my muscles twitching, right in between the flying arrow and Devlon. Red hot liquid bubbled up from my right side over my ribs causing excruciating pain. I fell hard to the ground. My vision began to blur instantaneously. Through the haze I saw a pitch-black werewolf jump on the attacker and snap its neck causing a crack to echo around me.
“Nina! NO!” Was the last thing I heard before everything died away.
Chapter 7
I opened my eyes to a bright blue sky surrounded by clouds. I looked to my feet and sure enough, I was even walking on them.
“Huh, is this what heaven looks like?” I questioned aloud.
A small chuckle bubbled from behind me. A sound that caused my heart to swell in happiness. I turned around slowly, not wanting to be disappointed if I was wrong. I saw my mother’s beautiful golden glowing face and slender body.
“Mother?” I asked not wanting to believe it.
“Yes, my dear. I have missed you.”
I couldn’t help it. I ran to her as fast as I could with my arms stretched out.
“Oh mother, I have missed you too! So so much!”
Wet salty clear liquid exploded from my eyes.
“Shh, it’s ok my baby.” She responded brushing my hair back.
She seemed like she was in peace. Her craziness from her past years is all gone.
“Mother, I have failed you.”
“Nonsense my love. You did nothing wrong. You are my brave strong warrior. I will love you no matter what.”
“But mother, I did fail. Nobody will be there to take care of Cath.” I responded.
Thinking of my sister made my heart drop. Oh, poor Cath. How would she deal with the death of her mother as well as her sister in only a few days?
“She has someone to take care of her. The best person I could ever trust my daughter with.” She replied to me holding me at arm’s length giving me a glistening smile.
“Who?” I questioned her confused.
“You love.” My mom responded.
“How am I supposed to keep her safe if I’m dead?” I asked my mother even more confused than I was prior.
“Oh, Nina. You’re not dead sweetheart.”
“I’m not?” I probed.
“Of course not. My little girl doesn’t go out that easily. I taught her better than that.”
“Then, where are we?” I turned around to take in the scenery.
“This is only a dream my Nina baby.”
In the distance, I heard someone screaming my name.
“Nina! Nina!” It cried out to me.
“Go, baby, your friends need you.” My vision went black once again.
Chapter 8
I opened my eyes to a pitch white blinding ceiling. The smell smelt all too familiar. I was once again in the recovery room of the hospital. I let out a large breath but winced. I sat up very slowly and pulled up my shirt to look at the damage to my right side. Sure enough, white tape covered not just my right side but encircled my entire body.
“Nina!” I heard the cry again.
I turned my head to my side and saw my darling older sister.
“Hey Cath,” I muttered.
My voice came out hoarse. I really needed some water. Next to my sister sat another figure. He had his hand to his mouth in a praying gesture. His head was bowed, but as soon as I spoke his head whipped up. His face was pure white, obvious stress and worry etched his handsome face. His golden eyes shimmered showing he was doing his best to remain in control.
“Oh, Nina! What did you do! How could you have done that! You almost died!” Tears exploded from her young face. “Don’t you ever do that to me again do you hear me!” She yelled at me.
I simply ducked my head at her once.
“How is Devlon?” I tilted my head to look at Lucas. He slowly walked over to me and grabbed my left hand.
“Don’t worry about him. How are you?” He asked me with true concern in his voice.
“Fine, but really, how is he doing?” I asked him again.
“He suffered way less than you. He is fine thanks to you. He just has a broken right arm and a bruised side.”
I exhaled in relief and winced as pain shot through my body again.
“Lay back down Nina, you’re still too weak to sit up.”
“Weak? I’m not weak?” I said trying to cross my arms in protest.
“Nina!” My sister scolded me. “Do as you’re told!” She yelled as she tried to gently force me back down.
Reluctantly, I obeyed.
“So, who wants to tell me the damage?” I asked them, looking back between the two.
Catherine avoided eye contact with me. Lucas stood up to the plate.
“The arrow embedded itself in your right rib. Thankfully, it didn’t pierce any organs. On the contrary, though, you do have some broken ribs that are fairly bruised as well. You are going to have to rest for a while even with your healing. That includes not transforming into your wolf.”
“Great, I hate bed rest. I guess it could be worse. Did they put me on any medications for the pain?” I winced not wanting to deal with this constant stabbing anymore.
“Unfortunately, since our metabolism is so fast, they can’t give you any. You would just burn right through them.”
“Great,” I grumbled. “Someone help me up,” I instructed.
Catherine and Lucas both looked at each other with concern.
“Oh, come on! You guys didn’t expect me to just lay here did you?” I scolded them.
Due to the expression on their faces, I assume that is what they exactly thought.
“Either you help me up, or I’m getting up myself. Your choices.” I grumbled.
Lucas reached forward and helped me up very gently. Stabbing pain entered my body once more, but I wouldn’t let it keep me down. Once I stood up, I signaled to him that he could drop my hand.
“Where are you going?” He asked me when I opened the door.
“To see how Devlon is doing?” I said defiantly.
“Nina….” He started.
“Don’t even try to convince me not to go.” I retorted as I walked out the door.
I jumped in surprise as soon as I exited the room, which obviously caused me more pain. I grabbed my side to try and reduce it. The entire pack was waiting outside the door. They must have had their ears pressed against the wall to eavesdrop on our conversation.
“Nina! How are you doing?” Caleb asked me with concern.
“I’m good. What are you guys doing here?” I questioned them.
“We wanted to come check up on you. You are one of us after all. We can’t stand seeing you hurt. I mean you even saved Devlon’s life.” Ree
d chimed in holding what appeared to be a bouquet of flowers.
“I’m sure he would have been fine without me,” I muttered not wanting all the compliments.
“We all know that’s not true Nina. Here, take these.” He said handing the flowers over to me. “We all got you these.”
I smiled at them gratefully. “Thanks, guys. You didn’t have to.” I replied.
“Probably not, but we wanted to.” Eli piped in.
I smiled at all of them once again. “Well thanks again.”
Dante most likely sensed my uneasiness about holding the flowers and offered to bring them to my room. I immediately accepted not wanting to hold them any longer. He left right after.
“Well guys, I have to go check on Devlon,” I said to them.
“I will see you around,” I muttered.
“Nonsense,” Reed replied, “I’m coming with you.”
“You really don’t have to,” I said to him trying to convince him to change his mind.
“Babe, I’m going with you rather you want me to or not.” I rolled my eyes at him and continued down the hallway not waiting for him to catch up.
Unfortunately, I could hear him following me all the way down the long hallway.
As I arrived outside of Devlon’s door, a guard placed his gun in front of me. I gave him a questioning look, but obviously, he said nothing. I pushed forward a little more and he grabbed me and lifted me in the air. This caused a red-hot fire to burn on my side. I couldn’t help but to let out a small squeak of pain.
“Stop!” Reed yelled. “You’re hurting her.” The guard placed me back on my feet. I let out a loud huff in relief.
“Thanks, Reed.” I flashed him a smile.
“Let’s just go back. Obviously, they are being pretty serious on the whole protecting the room thing.”
I glanced back at the door and reluctantly agreed. As we started to make our way down the hallway again, I heard the door quietly open.
“What is going on out here?” A familiar calm voice asked.
I whipped my head back to look at her.
