by L G Nauck
If there was justice in this world, he would suffer before death claimed him.
After hours of climbing through rough terrain and maneuvering through the city, she felt a rush of relief and excitement overcome her as she finally spotted the orphanage.
She was almost there. She was almost home.
She found herself running, not caring anymore if someone saw her as she rushed towards the familiar house.
The window.
She dashed around the building to the tree she had used countless of times in the past to crawl into her room past curfew. She flung her body onto it, climbing the tree at a record pace. She was desperate to be in the house, to see Kaleck, to get away from here. Her fingers began to bleed as she frantically pulled herself upward, the rough bark cutting into her skin. Her hand finally grabbed the top branch, pulling her body upwards so she could be next to the second-story window. With wide eyes, she looked through the window, feeling frustrated when she couldn’t make out anything clearly.
Alena raised a hand and knocked on the window. When she still saw no movement after a few moments, she impatiently pushed open the glass and propelled herself into the room. Her feet touched the floor roughly, the rest of her body following. Her eyes fell onto Kaleck’s bed but immediately felt a large amount of confusion at the empty bed that appeared not to have been slept in.
Where was he?
It was not like him to stay out all night.
Where could he possibly be this early in the morning? It was probably only about six or seven in the morning, so nothing was open yet. He couldn’t be at work, everything was closed. He wouldn’t be training or in the woods because he hated waking up early…she used to have to drag him out of bed to get him to go with her.
She felt panic begin to set in as she imagined him unconscious somewhere. He hardly ever drank alcohol, but could he have started? Was he looking for her?
Alena sank down onto his bed and clutched her head in her hands, feeling a rush of emotions and thoughts assault her.
What could she do?
She wouldn’t be able to go out and look for him because they would be looking for her soon. She had hoped to be able to talk to Kaleck and see if he would run away with her. But perhaps a note would suffice.
Alena raised her head, her eyes drawn to the notebook in the corner. She hurried to it and began to write a short note telling him that she was safe and would meet him at their special area in the forest as soon as he could. He had to return at some point, right?
She could give Kaleck some time to catch up to her. She could leave by herself, but the thought terrified her. She had never been beyond the forest.
But the thought of what would happen if she stayed was worse.
Her hands began to shake as she finished the letter and moved quickly to her room which was next to his. She quickly grabbed a bag and threw clothing and other supplies into it. She felt as if each minute that passed meant less time she had to get away. The closer the king and the guards got to her location. Would they be looking for her already?
Once she put everything she could think of in her bag, she took a last glance around her room. Her eyes stopped on a bow that was in the corner. Where had that come from?
She moved over to it, picking it up to examine the weapon. The wood looked as if it had been recently smoothed out and it fit perfectly in her hands.
Kaleck.
There was no way anyone else would have put such a dangerous item in here. Or knew exactly what she wanted. He had made her a bow.
Her birthday.
In all the drastic changes to her life, she forgot about her birthday. Had it been two weeks? Three weeks?
She felt tears well up in her eyes as she gazed at the present that had no doubt taken him a large amount of time and effort. What would life have been like if she had never gone to that competition? Would she have celebrated her birthday with Kaleck? Would life had went on as usual? One of her tears fell onto the wood and soaked in.
What a precious gift.
Alena put the bow into her bag as carefully as possible. She didn’t want anyone to see it since carrying a bow would surely draw some attention. Alena sniffled, putting the bag over her shoulder before silently moving out of her room, and down the stairs so she could grab some bread and fill a canteen with water. She didn’t want to take too much food since the house did not have much extra. Plus, she had a weapon. That would allow her to hunt and forage once she was in the forest. She would need something to keep her sustained though until she could recover her strength.
She moved from the kitchen to the back door, pausing to listen for any sounds. If she were in any other situation, this would seem like a normal day. Alena chocked back a sob as she thought about how she would never have a normal day again. She would always be plagued by nightmares. Always feel dirty.
She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself as she cracked the door open to peer outside. The small backyard of the house appeared to be normal with its’ few, almost dead, plants and rusty yard utensils.
Kaleck will find me.
She silently encouraged herself before leaving the safety of the house and moving as quickly as she could toward the city’s border.
Chapter Eleven
The Palace
Tane had been delayed a few more days than he expected. As he rode into the gate that surrounded the palace, he noticed the hoard of guards that were there to greet him. No doubt they heard about the ambush.
After the explosion, him and a few other men were able to pull themselves out of the flames only to be confronted by soldiers from Kathal. However, the traitors had underestimated the power of his men. Especially pissed off Drykens. A deadly error. The ambassador and all his guards had perished.
The fact that some of Tane’s own pack had lost their lives angered him to no end. If the rhino Metician wanted a war, he would have it.
He wouldn’t stop until that entire nation was covered in blood.
Tane would have thought the other ruler would be smarter than this. But apparently, he was as dumb as he looked.
“My king,” the head of the domestic guards approached Tane, bowing as he lowered himself to one knee. Tane pulled his horse to a stop so that he could dismount.
“We are all happy to see you have recovered completely. The entire kingdom has been in a state of suspense. We were all eager for your return.”
Tane nodded at those around him but cocked an eyebrow when he noticed the stern expressions everyone around him shared.
“What is it? I can tell something has occurred.”
“It is your mate, my liege. She has somehow escaped from her room. We searched throughout the palace and have not been able to locate her. More guards have been sent into the surrounding areas and the city. We found an open window, so we are guessing she was able to find a way to jump out when no one was looking. We are unsure how she was able to slip by the guards.”
Tane felt a mix of anger and irritation rouse itself. He had only just gotten back from being roasted by fire and fighting for his life to find his mate had disappeared. The fact that she had been able to sneak around a large group of wolf Meticians was beyond his comprehension.
As if the guard could read his mind, he responded, “We were able to pick up slight traces of her scent in the courtyard. We believe that she may have been able to cover it up somehow. Not only that but we had a slight distraction.”
Tane’s golden eyes pinned the guard in his gaze, his expression revealing the anger that was currently boiling inside him.
“And what was that?”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tane walked into his drawing room with a purposeful gate, heading towards Serena who was currently filing her claws at a chestnut table.
She did not look up from her task as she greeted him, “Glad to see you’re alive, though I would never doubt your perseverance. An arrow through the heart wouldn’t be able to keep your annoying ass down. From the sound of you
r annoyed shuffling I can tell you found out your pet has escaped.”
Tane stopped at the other side of the table, crossing his arms across his chest as a satisfied grin spread across his lips.
“I did indeed but she will not be gone for long.”
Serena raised her other hand, extending her claws with a snap as she started to groom the other hand, her expression remaining bored.
“Oh?”
“I found out we have a very valuable asset that will lead us right to her.”
Serena did look up then, her eyes observing Tane with a curious look.
“I hope you know what you are doing. From what I have seen, the girl has got spunk. The fact that she was able to sneak her way around a bunch of burly, arrogant Meticians shows some cunning and spirit. Do you really want to break that?”
Tane paused, soaking in her words. Where was this coming from? What did it matter if he broke her or not? As he considered it, he found that he had been slightly pleased with the turn of events. Even though he had been through hell to get back, the chase excited him. It made things interesting. Perhaps Serena was right in that a stoic, unresponsive mate and bed partner would become boring over time. The more she fought him, the more he felt excited.
She intrigued him.
But that also did not mean she would not be punished for running away.
She was his and would need to accept it.
“You have nothing to worry about. I am going to retrieve her tonight and then you will be able to be a lovely bridesmaid. Don’t worry I am sure you will find someone special one day too.”
Serena snorted as Tane turned around to walk out of the room and issue the orders he needed for tonight.
He would have his little, fiery pet back very soon.
The Forest of the Mystique
Alena jerked her head up for the fifth time, forcing herself to stay awake. Ever since she had left the city and ventured into the forest, she had been too anxious to sleep. That, plus the forest was filled with danger.
She would sleep when she was far away from here with Kaleck.
And what would happen if he didn’t show up?
Alena squinted up at the forest ceiling, wondering what time it was. From the decrease in light streaming through the leaves, she would guess it was getting later in the afternoon.
She sighed, clenching her eyes shut before forcing them wide open. She didn’t have time to lower her guard. She needed to be fully aware.
Wake up.
There was too much at stake.
She was so close.
Did the guards find out she was gone yet?
Probably.
She clenched her hands into fists against the fallen tree she was currently sitting on. The rough bark scratched her knuckles, causing her hands to ache as the pounding in her chest increased.
Were they searching for her? Would they find her?
No. No. No.
Her ears picked up a faint sound that came from her left. Her head snapped towards the direction, her anxiety peaking. Her eyes searched the foliage, looking for any sign of Kaleck.
Had it just been a passing animal?
She waited, frozen to the tree, feeling a mix of paralysis and a chaotic need to flee.
Alena took in a breath as someone stepped through the trees and into the clearing.
Kaleck.
He was here.
The air escaped her lungs in a rush as she stumbled to get up and run to him.
“Kaleck! I-“
“Alena!” The look in his eyes had her coming to a sudden stop, looking at him in confusion. What was happening? Wasn’t he happy to see her? Was he disappointed in her?
And then his lips silently mouthed, “run.”
With a terrified jolt, Alena turned to run in the opposite direction only to be confronted with an armored chest. Two muscled arms surrounded her and dragged her against his body, effectively trapping her there.
“I missed you, my dear.”
It took everything within her not to break down and cry.
How had he found her?
Kaleck.
How had he found out about Kaleck?
She twisted her head in a desperate attempt to see Kaleck. He was standing where he had been initially, surrounded by guards, his expression pained as he stared towards her.
“I am so glad to have you back! Naughty you, going off for a walk and not telling anyone where you were going. You will really need to be more attentive next time.”
Her heart fell to her stomach, a feeling of despair filling her. She would not get another chance to get away. He would make sure of that. She would be his toy to use for the rest of her life. There was nothing she could do about it. Her body slumped against his and she could practically feel his satisfaction radiating off of him.
“I am sure you are curious how all of this came about. Well you see, my little pet, the night you supposedly snuck through the back door was the night your friend here spent all his hard-earned money to buy some Dryken scent and guard clothes. It was his plan to sneak in disguised as one of my elite guards and find you. Well, obviously, it didn’t work. But unfortunately, it did provide enough distraction for you to make your little escape. But you were easy enough to find when we searched and found that little note you wrote your savior. A good tip? Do not wait for others. It will always slow you down.”
Her mind was moving at an incredible speed, chaos threatening to send her over the edge into hysterics. Kaleck had spent his money to try to save her. He had risked his life. And now he was standing here in a precarious position.
“I really have to thank him for being able to find you even though he was part of the reason you got away. But I can’t have some lover of yours around to possibly try to steal you away from me again. Besides, what kind of image would that be?”
Alena jerked, pushing herself away from the king when she saw him make a motion to his soldiers. Everything seemed to move in slow motion. The king loosened his hold, so she could thankfully step away from him and turn towards Kaleck. Her frenzied gaze focused on the sword being brought up to rest against Kaleck’s neck. His eyes looked to her in fear, his hands clenching as he prepared for his last breath. Her heart squeezed painfully in panic.
“No! Stop!” Alena turned toward the king, irritated to see his smug face. He may be an arrogant bastard, but he was an arrogant bastard that currently had her friend’s life in his hands. And no matter how much she feared him, her love for Kaleck was greater.
“Please don’t. He is a friend, no threat to you. He is my only family in this world. And even though that doesn’t mean much to you, know that I will do anything for you to let him leave safely.”
She begged with everything she had, looking from the king’s face to Kaleck’s. She saw his look of panic and prayed that the king was feeling compassionate. He had no need to make her happy. If anything, he enjoyed her suffering. She choked back a sob, falling to her knees before him.
“Please. Do not punish him for what I did. He was only trying to protect me because we are family. He did not know we are mated.”
The words burned like acid coming out of her mouth.
There was an extended period of silence that made her feel as if she were going to explode from the suspense. Every moment that went by made her feel like the steel was getting closer to his neck.
Would he call out the order in the next minute? Would Kaleck be gone before she could even say a proper goodbye? Would any goodbye be proper when his life was ended in such an awful way? Because of her? She choked on another sob, lowering her head even more.
She saw the king wave his hand in dismissal, “There will be no execution.”
She raised her head, looking to see the sword being lowered from Kaleck’s neck and his look of relief. Alena could barely bring herself to smile at him from the torrent of emotions she was experiencing.
“Maybe I’ll just take a hand.”
Alena snapped her attention back
to the king, a strangled, “No!” coming out of her mouth. He must have enjoyed the look of panic in her expression because he chuckled. As if dismembering was a joke. Something funny.
“Well I am most definitely getting something from you for this display of mercy. However, I also cannot allow someone who had such intentions to remain so close to you. So, your…shall I call him your brother? He will go to the outer lands where he can live out his life as a farmer. Hopefully get himself a wife and have some kids. Far away from here and you.”
Alena found herself in a state of disbelief, relief, and outrage. Being sent to an outer city was better than death. But that had not been what Kaleck dreamed of. He was losing his life because of her. He would be far away from her. She may never get to see him again. She felt anguish consume her and all she wanted to do was break down and cry.
“You promise he will be safe?”
“Of course, I give you my word.” He waved his hand again and the guards began to lead Kaleck away. And Alena just stood there, feeling completely and utterly defeated.
“Besides I can’t have my mate feeling such distress. Especially in your condition.”
Alena glanced up at him weakly, coldness filling her body as her eyes met his.
“Now that you’re pregnant you will have to be careful not to over strain yourself.”
And her entire world collapsed.
Chapter Twelve
“Do I get to say good bye?” She asked numbly, watching the king disrobe with no emotion.
He looked at her with a look of feigned disbelief as he drew the shirt over his head and tossed it aside.
“Why would I ever allow that to happen? I’m showing enough leniency by letting the human live.”
She didn’t answer, only stood there staring blankly at him as her world felt like it was crumbling to pieces. There was no way to get away from him. He would always be watching her, controlling her. The only person she had ever really cared about was being taken away from her. She had no one. And now she was pregnant. She was being forced to bring a child into this shit storm. What would happen to it? She already detested it. No one deserved to be detested before they were born. No one deserved to be born into this life.
