by Black, C. E.
A plan began to form and when Stephen, Rachel and three other wolves showed up, I told them what we would do. Stephen cursed and pleaded with me to change my mind, but it was made up.
'Hold on Rebecca, I'm coming for you.'
~~*~~
"All right Rebecca, let's get this over with," Dawson said towering over me.
I was tied to a chair in the middle of small windowless room. We were in the basement of the pack's house. The walls and floor were concrete blocks panted black making the shadows in the room more pronounced. There was a single light on above me, but it did not provide much light. I twisted my wrists again. The handcuffs were on too tight as were the ones around my ankles.
I had hoped the twins would have fixed it so I could get out easily, but my hopes plummeted when Dawson took over the process of locking me to the chair. He took great pleasure in making sure they were so tight I whimpered. I thought about changing into my wolf, but with the tight restraints as well as my clothes it would have just tripped me up. However, I kept the thought in the back of my mind as a last resort.
Dawson kept talking, but I wasn't paying much attention until he finally flat out asked, "Do you know who killed Logan?"
I looked at him in the eye trying to school my features. I could not lie to him, but I certainly did not want to show him how afraid I was.
"Yes," I said without breaking eye contact.
His gray eyes sparkled with triumph.
"Tell me who did it Rebecca?" He smiled knowingly.
"Why do you care so much Dawson? Logan was an asshole."
It was the first time I had ever cursed, but it was an apt description of the man. Evil would have been even better. I wanted to keep Dawson talking. Not only to give Drake more time to find me, but also because I wanted to know what Dawson's problem was.
I immediately knew my curse was a mistake when Dawson grey eyes smoldered. So fast, it was a blur, the back of his hand connected with my cheek. My head whipped to the left and I felt wetness at the corner of my mouth. I licked the blood away as the wound began to heal.
"Watch your mouth pup." Dawson seethed. "Now, tell me who killed him."
I turned my head making eye contact again, not hiding my disgust for him any longer. He growled, but I didn't back down.
"Me," I spit. "I killed him." I was sick and tired of this bull.
Dawson smiled showing off his sharp white teeth. "I had an idea that you were the one, but I wanted to hear you say it. You will be punished by pack law. The sentence for murdering our Master vampire is death. As for your question, I care about making the person who murdered my best friend pay. He was a great man with great vision."
My mouth gaped open. "A great man? He was a monster!" I yelled.
I was slapped again for my sharp tongue. I saw it coming and kept my neck stiff as his hand made contact with my cheek. I smiled at his look of shock. The Enduring Kiss had made me strong and with enough focus, my head had not even budged. I licked the blood off my lip again keeping my smile.
"Don't fuck with me Rebecca. I know you've performed the Kiss, but it won't save you when I rip off your head."
I tried to hide my fear at his words, but failed. He sniffed the air and sighed.
"I can smell your fear and taste it on my tongue." He licked his lips and grinned. "Now tell me who helped you. I know you couldn't have killed Logan without a few guards to help time it perfectly."
I tried blanking my features. I remembered what Nathaniel told me. My face was an open book most of the time, but I refused to give him the names and I sure as heck wasn't going to show him my fear again. Giving him blank dead eyes, I stared at him without a word.
He lifted his hand to slap me again, but thought better of it and balled his fist for a punch instead. He didn't get the chance. Just as his arm reared back, a crash sounded behind him as Drake burst through the door. Dawson turned toward Drake, his roar of anger echoed throughout the small room.
"Touch her Dawson and I will kill you." Drake raged.
His body shook with fury. With his eyes so bright, if I had not known better I would have thought he was about to shift.
"You have no business here Evans. She has admitted to Logan's murder and she will be punished by pack law."
I looked behind the men and saw the hall filled with guards. They were looking at me, but their faces were unreadable.
"Rebecca is now my One and according to both of our laws, you can't touch her without my permission."
Drake didn't get to finish if he had more to say. Dawson lunged for him, grabbing hold of Drake's shirt. He twisted around and slammed Drake against the wall. Drake kicked him in the stomach sending him flying across the room.
Dawson crashed into the wall. Concrete chunks fell on top of him, but he got back up charging at Drake again.
Drake stepped one foot forward and just as Dawson reached him, Drake punched him in the nose. Blood spurted across the room. I turned my face away as some of it reached me.
When I turned back, Dawson was flat on his back while Drake had his booted foot against his neck holding him down. Drake was breathing hard his fists at his sides trembling. I could tell he was only a breath away from killing Dawson.
"Drake," I called out softly.
He turned and I gasped at the hatred in his eyes. At the sight of my fear, his face calmed and his eyes soften.
"Are you alright?" He asked.
I nodded and smiled gently glad that I could calm him a little. Stephen pushed his way in the room. He went straight toward the werewolf lying bloodied on the floor. He searched Dawson's pockets until he found the keys to the handcuffs. Stephen hurried over and unlocked me. I winced and rubbed at my sore wrists. Drake growled and pressed his boot down harder enlisting a choking sound from Dawson.
"I'm fine," I quickly said trying to sooth him.
Stephen patted my shoulder and moved to the two werewolves. He looked down at Dawson.
"Challenge." He spoke loud and clear, so all could hear.
There were a few gasped, but no one spoke. Dawson, still positioned on the floor growled, but did not speak either.
Drake flicked his wrist and four guards came in, including the twins. Once Drake moved away, the guards grabbed Dawson and led him from the room.
Immediately strong arms surrounded me and lifted me from the chair. I snuggled into Drake's chest and breathed in his scent. I had known he would send someone for me or have to wait until night fall, but I was surprised he was there himself so soon.
I lifted my face from his chest to look up into those beautiful baby blues.
"How are you here?"
His concerned gaze softened at my question. "The Kiss gave me more than just extra strength to stay awake during daylight hours. I can walk in the sun without much problem at all. I could feel a small drain, but not enough to keep me from you."
I was stunned and he chuckled at my expression.
I leaned up and wiped the smile off his face with a passionate kiss. He groaned as I plunged my tongue into his mouth. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I pushed my body against his, rubbing the hard bulge I felt against my stomach.
Drake's hands gripped my butt, pulling me tighter and grinding himself against me. I could feel myself getting wet as tingles shot down my spine. My nipples hardened to tight peaks against his chest. I moaned and sucked on his tongue seeking more.
A throat clearing had me pulling back gasping for breath. We both turned and saw Rachel smiling at us.
"We have to go now if you want to watch the challenge."
Neither of us wanted to miss the challenge. We hurried off with Rachel. Before we walked outside, I turned to Drake.
"Are you sure about going outside in the sunlight?"
"Yes, it'll be alright. It's late afternoon and coming here earlier was a breeze."
I nodded and we went out. I noticed Drake hesitate, but he kept walking, his eyes squinting in the afternoon sun. He pulled out a pair of dark sunglasse
s and put them on. Grinning he looked over at me.
"See, I'm fine."
I smiled back at him grabbing his hand and lacing my fingers with his. I was ecstatic that we would be able share the extra time together, but I sobered thinking of the upcoming challenge. I hoped Stephen would win.
The pack gathered at the edge of the woods and we made our way to the front of the group. Stephen and Dawson had already changed into wolf form. It was amazing how closely they resembled each other. Although Dawson had been sporting a bleached blond look in human form, his wolf was his natural color, a deep brown.
Stephen also had a brown coat. The only difference was that Stephen had a more red tone. He was also a little smaller which made me uneasy.
If it went badly and Dawson won, I knew Drake would be inconsolable and that would be bad for Dawson. As much as I hated the act of violence and death, I knew it was necessary. Just like when I had to end Logan's life.
Someone had to die in the challenge; those were the rules. I hoped Stephen would be one that walked out of those woods in the end.
Rachel stood on the other side of me and grabbed my hand. I did not look at her, but I squeezed her hand tightly. One of the guards stood between Dawson and Stephen. He raised his hand to silence everyone and I noticed he was one of the twins. Adam, I thought.
"We all know the rules, but I have to say them out loud," Adam began. "Pack Master Greg Dawson has been challenge by Master Evan's head guard Stephen Hayes. They have already shifted into their wolf form and when I give the signal they will run through these woods.”
“I will sound the horn at three minutes and their challenge will begin. There are guards stationed throughout these woods. Each guard is marked with red ties and will see that no one helps or interferes. The wolf that walks out will be the winner and our Pack Master. The loser will be no more."
Adam held up one of the red ties. The two wolves watched him ready to sprint. As soon as the piece of fabric left Adam's fingers, they were off. I noticed Stephen didn't take off as fast as Dawson and I turned to ask Drake.
"He's conserving his energy for the fight. The run isn't as important."
I nodded. That made since.
It was not long before Adam blew the horn. We could not see the wolves anymore, but we could hear them when they came together.
The growls and snarls seemed much closer than they actually were. I squeezed Rachel and Drake's fingers hard at every whimper. The only sound to come from the pack was our heartbeats.
I wondered which ones were Dawson's supporters. Were they going to be a problem if Stephen won? There hadn't been that many challenges in the past, but usually there was a good reason and the pack had stuck together. I hoped that was the case again.
My attention focused back on the woods as more and more whimpers of pain pierced the coming night. The sun was setting as one last howl went out. Then silence.
We all waited holding our breath. It seemed like time slowed, but finally there was movement at the entrance to trees. A brown wolf was moving slowly forward. I could tell he was hurt. He had a pronounced limp on his right side, and as he got closer, I could see his hair matted with blood. The blood kept us from seeing who he was.
When the wolf finally emerged from the tree line, he knelt down and shifted to his human form. Howls filled the night air in respect for our new Pack Master.
Pack Master Stephen Hayes.
Chapter 11
"Alright Ms. Barns, your interview has been scheduled for tomorrow at ten o'clock pm. Don't forget about what I told you. Fill your savings account. Try to put at least twenty five percent in there every pay check."
"Thank you so much Rebecca. And please, it's Mary." The beautiful dark haired vampire said smiling.
"Thank you Mary and don't forget, try not to show your fangs too much at the interview."
Mary blushed and gave a closed lip smile. "Sorry."
"No, it's okay with me, but sometimes humans get scared easily. They know about you, but there's no sense in throwing it in their faces.”
“Let me know how it goes," I said standing up. Mary shook my hand enthusiastically and left my office. She was going to do just fine, I thought.
"Becky! What are you still doing in here? We have to get you ready."
I looked up at Susan's voice and smiled.
"I'm coming Sukey. I just finished my last client," I said stacking a few folders and putting them away.
Susan growled at the new nickname. "Well hurry up. We've got a mating ceremony to get to."
Susan walked over and grabbed my arm and pulling me out the door. I laughed and followed her up stairs and into my old room. I had only stayed in the room one night, but it was a memorable time.
"Okay girls, she's finally here. Let's get her ready!" Susan exclaimed.
Rachel and Jessica squealed. I loved them to death, but really, did they have to be so giddy? I rolled my eyes. I could understand, though. Thinking of mating with Drake was making me feel little giddy myself.
After peeling of my clothes, I put on the fluffy robe they had waiting for me and sat down at the vanity. The girls chatted as they brushed through my long hair, and I thought about how everything had worked out so well.
Stephen had settled into his new position with no worries about any rebellion. Everyone was happy to be rid of the egotistical Dawson.
I had also settled into my new position with Drake's job agency. After finishing my classes here in Columbia, I graduated with an accounting degree. I immediately started helping Drake's clients by giving them interview and financial advice. I loved my job, helping those people see how easily they could change their lives.
When the girls became quiet, I looked into the mirror. They had left my hair natural, letting it fall down past my shoulders in light waves. I was thankful they decided to keep my make-up natural as well. Only a light touch of brown eye shadow and a pink blush on my cheeks then finished with a light pink gloss on my lips.
I smiled into the mirror. It was perfect.
"Thanks girls," I said sniffing.
"Hey now, no crying or it won't look as pretty." Rachel admonished.
I smiled and took a deep breath. I nodded when I felt more put together and stood to get my ceremonial dress on. Just as I was about to untie my robe there was a knock on the door. All four of us turned and sniff the air then giggled at the sight we probably made.
"Sean," Jessica said giving me a worried look.
"It's alright," I said and went to get the door.
I was nervous, but knew everything would be alright. Sean was a good guy and he would never ruin my day.
"Hi," I said
"Hi, you look beautiful." Sean replied showing off his trademark dimples.
I smiled. He was so handsome. I wished I could say I wanted things to be different, but I couldn't. I loved Drake and there was no other person I would rather be with. I only hoped Sean found what I had soon. He deserved to be loved as much as I was.
"I just wanted to come by and say congratulations. I know you'll be so happy, but I also couldn't help but show you what you'd be missing," he said wagging his eyebrows.
I laughed knowing it was exactly what he wanted.
"Thanks Sean. I am happy and I hope you will be too."
"Hey don't worry about me. I got the ladies lining up."
His eyes twinkled, but I could see the underlying pain. I swallowed hard and wrapped my arms around his waist. He hesitated only a second before crushing me to him. After a moment, I stepped back and smiled at him, my eyes bright with tears.
"I'm going down now. I'll see you out there."
He kissed me on my cheek, lingering only for a second and left quickly. I turned back to my friends and they immediately surrounded me with reassuring hugs.
"Okay, that's enough of that," I said after a few minutes. "Let's get me dressed."
I dropped my robe as Rachel came forward with the dress. After smoothing it down, I walked to the full-length
mirror. The dress was ivory with gold thread weaved through giving it a glow. The length was long reaching my ankles and the sleeves hung loose at my wrists.
It had an empire waist and square neckline. My cheeks heated when I saw my rosy nipples through the sheer fabric, but this was how the ceremony went. I would strip completely later in front of everyone so who cared about a little sheer fabric.
"I'm ready," I said.
"You look beautiful Rebecca," Jessica said smiling.
I smiled back as she handed me my bouquet of red roses. I put them to my nose and drew in their sweet smell. I loved roses, especially red.
We went through the almost empty house. Only a couple of guards were waiting for us. As I stepped through the back door, I took a deep breath then focused forward.
My friends went to sit down and I locked eyes with Drake. He looked hot in his sheer shift. I could see his desire for me in more than just his eyes and I giggled.
I walked forward meeting him in front of our pack, our clan and our friends, and I didn't notice a single one of them. I did not notice the pink rose petals lining the walkway leading me to the white arbor where Drake stood. I did not notice the green ivy weaved through the arbor, or how the moonlight made every movement feel like a dream. I didn't notice the gentle breeze that blew through my loose hair.
I only saw him.
Drake smiled, taking my breath away, and kissed me tenderly when I stepped in front of him.
He held my free hand in both of his, rubbing his thumbs across my knuckles as he recited his vows.
"Rebecca, we have known each other most of our lives. We have also known we were mates from the very beginning all those years ago. I felt lucky and blessed back then with the knowledge of having you at my side, but now I feel so much more. I cannot live without you. You are my other half, the other half of my body, my soul, and my love. I have loved you forever and I will love you for eternity."
