Returning to the house, Thomas was the only one that was waiting for us. The grim look on his face told us of the worry that went on inside his mind. He looked at us and poured himself another drink.
“Your mother is upstairs lying down. She took a sedative. This is too much for her to handle. Jason and Heather went out on a run together.” He sipped his drink and motioned for us to sit down.
The feeling in the pit of my stomach told me that the next conversation was one that I didn't want to be in the room for. I sat closer to Daniel as I watched his father sit down in the chair.
Taking another sip of his drink, he began. “You know Charlotte and I have been together for thirty years. That is around two years before you were born.” He motioned toward Daniel with his drink. “I believe if I remember correctly, I dated her a year before we were married. She is as beautiful today as she was when I first laid eyes on her. Our parents brought us up in a strict environment.” He paused gathering his thoughts.
“Not one time did Charlotte and I break any of those laws. We met with the Lycan counsel before our marriage. The head of the counsel performed the rite. I must admit, it was the most terrifying and painful experience I have ever had to endure.” He took another sip and turned his eyes to us. “We knew what would happen to us if we crossed those lines before the rite had been performed.”
My heart thrummed loudly. I felt Daniel’s pulse racing when he reached for my hand and held it tight.
“It is not a normal occurrence that two Lycans can break one of the laws and actually live through it without the rite.” He looked from Daniel to me. “I think you know what I am talking about.”
“Dad, I love Julie.”
Thomas frowned slightly and shook his head. “Son, I loved your mother. Did you not think we would not notice the difference in you both when you walked into the room?
You both smell the same. I guess what I am trying to ask you is, how did you do it?”
My mouth opened wide in shock. Daniel squeezed my hand to let me know it was not the kind of question his father was asking.
“I’m not sure. Julie and I were in a lot of pain from our accident the other morning. I understand we both knew how the attraction could turn into a rage. This was different.
There was so much pain in our hearts; we were ready to sacrifice ourselves for our love. I would’ve truly died for her last night if that was what it took to take the pain away from her.” Daniel said straight forward watching Thomas as he carefully listened.
“Amazing. Truly amazing.” His face did not show disapproval but surprise. “Fate must have shined on the both of you last night. I am truly amazed. What you both endured last night was The Rite. The Rite to be joined together as one. The Rite is a self-sacrificing union. You are tested beyond your imagination. I cannot believe this.” He shook his head again. “There is definitely a purpose for the both of you. One which fate has already given to you. I expect to see something wonderful come from the union of the both of you. I truly do. There is something powerful that is going to happen because of the love you both carry inside.”
I sat in awe, breathless as I listened to his words. Daniel and I managed to complete The Rite on our own last night without the Lycan Counsel. According to Thomas, we have a fate. Satisfied I squeezed his hand and laid my head against his arm.
“Well, I must tell you what I told Jason and Heather earlier while you two were having your spat. Daniel, your mother is in no condition for this little escapade tonight. I am not sure she could change if she wanted to, and I am not going to take a chance on that. I cannot leave her alone. Son, please forgive me. I love my wife as much as I love you and Casey. My child is out there. Please bring her home to me safely. It will just be the four of you going tonight. Charlotte and I will stay at Julie’s house and wait for all of you to return. At least we will be a little closer. I will be listening carefully.” Concern filled his voice.
“Dad, I think we can manage. Just take care of Mom. I believe that Julie can handle this. She’s a lot tougher than I imagined.” He said thinking back to a few moments ago when I snapped at him. “Jason and Heather, well they’re not to be underestimated. I have never seen anything move as fast as she can. She locks onto a target and does not back down.
It’s incredible.” I was impressed when Daniel bragged on his friends.
Thomas crooked his head to the side. “Do you realize, Son, that for the first time in your life you are using contractions?” Daniel smiled, and squeezed my hand. “I so wished I could have been there the other night,” Thomas continued, smiling as well. “I would have loved to see that tiny little woman take you down.” He chuckled.
“Hey, I heard that!” Heather said as she and Jason returned.
“She’s one of a kind.” Jason said kissing her on the cheek.
The next few minutes Jason explained they found a few scents of the werewolves. It appeared they were running a total of six now in their pack. Heather noted there was another scent around the house. A scent she had never come across before. She was not sure what it was. It was neither a werewolf nor a Lycan. She explained the scent had a certain smell like a lily or carnation. She said it reminded her of the flowers in a funeral home. The scents of the werewolves were a strong foul odor. It was the stench of rotten flesh. The scent I remembered all too well. In comparing the new found scent to that of a Lycan, each of our scents are different, but they are all pretty much the same. The scents ranged from a light spiciness to sometimes a fresh spice. Still there is that hint of spice in our scent that sets us apart.
Daniel looked at me as I was thinking I would keep the scent of the lily and carnations in my mind. He knew that the scent was probably Nathaniel. He had been to this house with Casey. Daniel’s eyebrows rose as his attention turned to me.
“There is something different about him.” Daniel thought. I nodded and left it alone.
Jason discussed tactics and our plans. Since we were going to be outnumbered we were going to have to be fast as we worked together. Jason suggested the best offense would be the best defense. Just as Heather baited Daniel last night, that is how I should move. Work on killing the creatures one at a time. Confuse them. Go for the hindquarters.
In order to slow them down, we would have to injure as many as we could.
Daniel and I listened carefully as Jason explained that the werewolves were not as slow as what we thought. They were very fast. The only clear shot we have will be for the throat. Our teeth were sharp enough to tear out their throats and snap their hind legs in two. If we had to, we could take them apart limb by limb until we brought the whole pack down. The strongest points of the werewolves were their enormous mouths and teeth. He explained if by chance they were able to grab our throats, it would be the end. We would have to avoid the attacks to our necks at all costs. If we were bitten or scratched, we would heal almost immediately.
One of their plans, Jason suggested, would be to gather us inside the barn. This would be our biggest weakness. We can’t fight as we needed to in a closed in area. It was too dangerous. We needed to draw them into an open area where we had room to move.
My suggestion was to lure them into the meadow. They agreed with me. The question remained as to how we were going to do this. The werewolves have Casey, what we want. We didn’t have anything to offer them as bait. There had to be some way we could lure them.
The thought of a piece of my flesh being ripped from my body made me uneasy. Daniel squeezed my hand and gave me a soft look. I would be brave tonight. I could handle this. A proud smile crossed his lips. Daniel and I would fight as one tonight. It wouldn't be as hard as I thought.
Jason suggested that he and Heather would go ahead, take a few gallons of gasoline, and hide them in the woods not far from the barn. Once we have killed all of the werewolves, we were going to have to burn the bodies. He suggested covering the trail we used with a light dusting of a chemical that would hide our scent. In case the police came by the bu
rning barn and decided to use the dogs, it wouldn't trace the scent back to my house. I totally agreed with that plan. I was tired of seeing the local authorities around my house.
Daniel suggested that if we could lure them to the meadow, we needed to collect enough wood and have a place ready to burn the bodies. If our plan worked. He suggested this was on my property and the police will not think anything of it if we have a bonfire. Jason threw in the option of bringing a cooler of beer for the party. We all laughed over his suggestion, and then agreed it would probably work. Just in case.
With our plan somewhat together, I let Jason and Heather take my car and run to the local convenience store to buy the beer and gasoline. They dropped Daniel and me off at my house so we could prepare the wood for the bonfire.
Daniel and I headed around the back of the house and through the woods. I tried to maintain my thoughts and it was hard. Daniel was concerned for me. His thoughts ran back to Casey and Nathaniel. Then he focused on Nathaniel, wondering what he was.
“Julie?” He began. I knew what he was going to ask me before it came out of his mouth.
“Daniel, I don’t know what Nathaniel is.” I said flatly.
“Do me a favor?” I heard him stop behind me.
“What?” I turned around to face him.
“Don’t you ever do that again?” He frowned. “It’s rude.”
I raised my eyebrows as in questioning “What?”
“Answering my question before I ask it. I do not like that.”
“I’m sorry.” I realized that it was a bit rude of me. “You’re right.”
“I was just wondering, if Nathaniel is not a werewolf or Lycan what could he be? You knew he had been to the house, and apparently the new scent Heather came across was his. So apparently he’s not human.”
“So, have you ever come across anything that smelled like that before?”
“No.”
“Well, I guess we’re going to have to wait until tonight to see what he is.”
“Tonight?” Daniel’s voice ran a pitch higher.
“Yes. He and his brothers are coming over.”
“Oh great! That is all we need. We can’t afford to baby sit whatever these things are.”
“Things?” I stopped and turned around to look at him. “Daniel! Nathaniel is not a thing. You don’t know what he is. Why can’t you just let this go?”
“Why would Casey involve herself with someone out of her line?” The words shot home.
“Does love have to be so stringent?” I kept walking.
“It does for us. She knows better than this.” He shot to me. The words stung.
“Like my father?” I retorted. Apparently he forgot I was the product of a non-Lycan love. He remained silent.
We walked down through the meadow to the other side, looking for any dead trees and tree limbs we could find. I heard a crunching noise and I saw Daniel carrying a dead tree to begin the pile. My eyebrows rose. Looking around I saw a smaller dead tree. It had fallen over on another tree. Walking toward it, I grabbed it with both hands.
Apparently, I had put more force on it than needed, the tree snapped from the ground like a toothpick. It should’ve been heavier, but it was very light weight. I pulled it away and walked toward the pile Daniel had started. He looked surprised as I tossed the tree on the pile. I smiled and went back to my search.
Within a few minutes, Daniel and I managed to compile enough dead wood for a huge bonfire. Jason and Heather returned with the gasoline and then headed off down the trail. Daniel and I worked the flammable fluid in the center of the pile and around the edges. Our job was complete. We headed back to the house. Daniel stopped in front of me.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“Take a deep breath,” he commanded.
I inhaled deeply. I smelled his warm spicy scent, the trees, the grass, and a light fragrance. “What is that? A light fragrance.”
“It’s your scent. The one I took from you last night. You carry my scent now.” He sounded so sad.
“Daniel?” I walked toward him. “This is the spot we were given by fate. The spot that I swore my love and my life to you.” I said and then lovingly wrapped my arms around his waist.
“I know, but … I kind of miss that scent.”
“You know, I just had an idea. Now that I have your scent I think that is part of the reason we don’t have that animal instinct anymore.”
“I think you’re right,” he agreed casually.
“So, does that mean you aren’t attracted to me like that anymore?” I teased.
Daniel looked at his watch. “I’ll answer that question when we make it to the house,” he purred.
“I like the way you think,” I purred back.
Daniel and I raced back to the house. Silly as it was, we wanted to test our theory. We were after all scientists and this would be another one of our science experiments.
Daniel took my hand and pulled me into the bedroom. Grabbing me in his arms, he gently kissed me. His lips ran across mine, teasing me. My heart raced and my blood boiled. Slowly he ran his lips from mine down my neck to the sweet spot. Running his tongue over it lightly, teasing me until a moan escaped my mouth. I didn't have the same urges as before. A sense of desire welled within me, but not the flaming fire down my skin. His hands ran up my back to the base of my skull pulling my head to his. His kiss was deep and passionate. I felt the moan rumble in his chest. Again, the excitement ran shivers through my body. My hands traveled across his body and underneath his shirt.
My fingernails gently glided across his chest. His hands moved to the sides of my face holding me away from him. Looking deep into his eyes, they were a soft brown again. I smiled.
“Okay?” he asked
“Okay.” I replied.
I leaned forward, pressing myself into a kiss. Moving from his mouth, I found the sweet spot on his neck. Tasting it again, I realized my theory was right. I didn't have the desire to tear into him as I did before. Instead, all I wanted to do was soothe him and satisfy his needs. Caress him and love him. Yes, whatever happened last night we left in the meadow. I tested one more time, as I gently pressed my lips to the soft spot. To my surprise, he moaned again. The vibrations excited me. I liked this feeling. I backed away from him and looked into his eyes. They were still a soft brown.
“Okay?” I asked breathless.
“Okay. I think we are all right. Your theory was right. It was the combination of our scents together that was driving us mad,” he said smiling.
“Mating scent. That is what Charlotte called it.” I smiled. “But, I um, still have a little issue right now.”
His eyebrow rose slightly over his left eye. He knew exactly what I meant. “Let me see what I can do about that. ” He purred in my ear softly.
Apparently, we were both right. We were fine. We were rid of our curse and could love each other, as we needed to. The desire for love was as strong as the fire’s desire was. I thought it funny as the old saying goes, you play with fire you get burned. This was a true statement for us. Our love was strong enough to quench the dangerous rage that burned within us. We could enjoy each other the way love was meant to be.
FIFTEEN
Darkness battled within the light in the sky as I sat on the patio in my robe watching the sunset with Daniel. We held hand in silence while we gazed into the brilliant colors of the sky. The red embers glowed as they warmed the sky like a painting. I felt the coolness of the night when the darkness took over the day. The time had come.
The sliding glass door opened as Jason and Heather walked out to join us. I could tell by the strong spicy scent that they had an evening like Daniel and me. Jason to my surprise walked out in an Irish kilt. Daniel’s face brightened while he fought back a laugh.
“Jason? I’m so afraid to ask you this question. But why are you wearing a kilt?” Daniel held onto the laugh.
“Well, I come from a long line of Irishmen. I’d say it’s a wee bit of a family
tradition. We McLaughlin Clan have always gone into a battle wearing a kilt,” he announced proudly donned in his Irish accent.
“Jason, please tell me I’m not going to have to watch you sacrifice a poor animal and drink its blood before the battle tonight.” Daniel barked out a laugh.
Jason steadied himself squarely on his feet and adjusted his kilt. Looking at Daniel, he smiled. “No, but ‘ya might see me dance ‘round the fire naked tonight.” Jason winked.
The roar of laughter continued. Yes, tonight would be interesting to say the least.
I looked up in the sky and saw the full moon. I knew this night was going to be the beginning of something. Of what, I didn't know? My only hope would be that I carried the same sword with me as the night before. Daniel squeezed my hand when he stood and helped me to my feet. We all headed off the patio and through the back yard to the wooded area. Walking silently through the woods I tried to keep my focus. Ignoring Daniel’s thoughts I had to keep mine contained. I didn't want to have a panic attack worrying about Casey again. I managed to push all the horrific thoughts far away from my mind.
Reaching the edge of the meadow Jason and Heather stopped suddenly, and then turned toward Daniel and me. Heather’s face was different. There was something disturbing her. The frown on her face was evident as she sniffed the air, indicating something was wrong. I sniffed the air. A hint of fear shot through me. The scent was strong. It tickled my nose when I inhaled. I turned toward Daniel. He knew exactly what thought. Lilly and carnations like Heather said. Nathaniel.
We moved slowly, Jason and Daniel guarded Heather and me. Neither of us knew what to expect. I listened intently when we entered into the meadow. There in the distance I saw four figures walking through the woods to the center of the meadow. Daniel’s body stiffened in front of mine. I wanted to have a better look, so I moved over slightly to look around him. He pushed me back again with his arm. Frustration consumed me. The quick glimpse I had wasn’t enough to satisfy me. I touched his back slightly; he then released his arm to let me pass. His body remained tense when his hand drew to my arm ready to shove me behind him again.
Dark of kNight Page 23
