by Apollo Surge
Chapter Thirteen
“You have made a wise choice,” Todd said. Tyler didn't feel it in his heart. He regretted deeply letting Johnny go. Tyler knew Johnny must be in a lot of pain, but Todd was offering him a chance to learn about himself in a way that nobody else ever had, not even his father. For all his vaunted knowledge and vast collection of books, Christopher had never been able to unlock the secrets of Tyler's people. There had only been a blank canvas where his cultural heritage should have been, and the chance to learn about his people was irresistible. He just hoped that Johnny would understand when the time came for him to explain.
“We'll see about that. What are we? Who am I? Why are we like this? Are there more of us?” Tyler asked.
Todd chuckled softly. “So many questions. Still, I shouldn't be surprised from one so young. Come, let us sit inside,” Todd said, leading him into the manor house. Tyler followed dutifully, hating that he had to play by Todd's rules. The bitter taste of Todd's kiss lingered on his lips, and he found it utterly repulsive. As soon as he could he grabbed a drink so that he could wash away the taste.
They moved to one of the lounges on the bottom floor. Todd sat himself down in a chair and folded his legs, while Tyler perched himself on a couch.
“Are you going to answer my questions?” Tyler challenged.
“My, oh my, you are a fiery one,” Todd said.
“You said that I'm so young, aren't we the same age?” Tyler asked.
“Clever,” Todd said. “Actually I'm a few centuries old, 300, give or a take a decade.”
“But you look-”
“I know, there are many secrets you're not privy to yet my young pup. But I can teach you all about them in time.”
“Does Mel know?”
Todd furrowed his brow for an instant, as though he was trying to recall who Mel actually was.
“Oh her, no, of course not. She's merely a...distraction.”
“Wait a minute. You're 300 years old and you're spending your time hanging out in a high school. Don't you have anything better to do with your time?”
“When you reach my age you'll find amusement wherever it resides. I have my reasons, none of which you need to know you. Besides, I came here to talk about you, not me.”
“Then talk. Who are we?”
“We're werewolves, a very special people.”
“So there are more of us?”
“Oh yes, many more, although most of us hide in plain sight,” he almost spat these words out.
“How many of us are there?” Tyler asked, his eyes widening despite Todd's demeanor.
“I don't have an exact count, but there are enough.” Tyler didn't ask enough for what. “And there are many abilities that you probably haven't developed yet. Usually you would have been trained as a child, but evidently that wasn't the case here. I will have my work cut out if you are to be trained. Have you experienced the dreams yet?”
“The dreams?” Tyler asked, his breath catching in his throat. His reaction had evidently given away the fact that he had. Todd smiled.
“Yes, the dreams. They're a hub for us wolves to communicate. What happens in your dreams at the moment?” Todd looked insistently at Tyler, who remained silent. The dreams were so personal and intimate that it felt wrong to share them with this man.
Todd sighed. “If you don't want to learn what it means to be a wolf then I cannot help you. Perhaps it's best that I leave,” he said, and motioned to rise from his chair.
“I'm in the forest alone,” Tyler blurted out, not wanting Todd to leave. “There are wolves all around me. They stare at me and they howl, but when I howl back I cannot make a sound. Eventually they turn their backs on me and they walk away, leaving me alone.”
Todd pressed his palms together. “Indeed, the wolves are seeking you out, but because you have not fully accepted your birthright you are unable to call after them. You are still being held back by the form you take now. It is a shame that it has taken you so long to be able to walk in the dreamworld, but it is an easy thing to fix.”
“What do I have to do?”
“Simply accept that you are a wolf. When you dream you must inhabit the wolf, you must become him. When you accept your own soul it will shine to the others, and you can enjoy the communion. With it, you may even be able to seek out others.”
“Is that how you knew to find me?”
“Oh no, that was because of the necklace.”
“What of the necklace?” Tyler said, his hand shooting defensively around the crescent moon.
“There is an ancient prophecy among our people. A time when the moon shall shine and the strongest shall rise. That necklace you wear was forged from a powerful element, one that can only be found in the darkest caves in the deepest parts of the earth. It has been passed down from generation to generation, through the bloodline that is said will bear the Wolf King.”
Tyler's eyes went wide at this, and a knot began to form in his stomach.
“Of course, like all prophecies, they're prone to misinterpretation,” Todd said, waving his hand idly. “A lot of people think it means the actual moon, and that something will happen to the world, but I believe that it has something do with this necklace, and I wasn't the only one.”
“My parents,” Tyler said, following Todd's meaning.
“Indeed.”
“You knew them?”
Todd flashed a quick grin, showing of his gleaming white teeth. “I did. It was a shame that they were hunted for what they believed.”
“What do you mean? They were killed by their own?”
“Not every wolf wants to be subject to a Wolf King, and some think they can take the title for themselves. The bloodline of your parents was a special one, and there were those who wanted to see it come to an end.”
“If they ended the bloodline, then the chance of the Wolf King being born would have been ended too,” Tyler finished the thought for Todd.
“And then others would have been able to take the title for themselves, and their reign would never have been challenged.”
“So what happened? Has anyone taken control?”
“Some have. There has been much upheaval, although I must admit that I haven't been privy to much of it. After your parents were killed I went into exile, but when I saw you, well, you are a spitting image of your father, and the necklace confirmed that somehow they had kept you safe. It was ingenious to hide you here,” Todd said, looking around.
“So what happens now?” Tyler asked.
“Well, you have a choice my young pup. You could stay here and ignore your birthright, or you could embrace the wolf fully and get revenge on those who killed your parents.”
Anger flared inside Tyler's heart. The thought that other wolves killed his parents because of him brought forth many intense feelings, but the biggest one was revenge. His parents had given their lives to keep him safe, and now it was important for him to pay them back by getting justice for them. The crime against his family had to be punished.
“Just out of curiosity, has the necklace begun to shine?”
“Not that I know of,” Tyler replied. “But I know what I want to do. I need to find the wolves who killed my parents.”
“I was hoping you would say that. I can take you right to them, but first you must rest. Spend some time in slumber and try to meditate on your instincts as a wolf. Become one with the soul inside and you shall unlock the solutions to the mysteries you seek,” Todd said. “I shall return tomorrow, and we shall begin your training properly.”
“Before you leave I have one more question for you,” Tyler said. Todd arched an eyebrow, and inclined his head. “Why did you kiss me?”
“Just curiosity,” Todd replied.
Tyler sat there dumbfounded as Todd left the manor house. Tyler looked out of the window as Todd transformed into a wolf again and sprinted back toward the city. He sank back on the couch, knowing that he had a purpose in life now. He wasn't sure yet if he was this pro
phesied Wolf King, but he was going to punish those who had killed his parents. He would be the strongest there is if that's what it took to get justice for them.
All his life he had wondered who he was, and now he was finally getting some answers. This was only the beginning though. There was much more for him to learn.
Chapter Fourteen
Johnny had barely slept, wrestling with his soul all night. He wanted to believe that Todd was the one causing Mel and Tyler to change, but there was no evidence for it and he didn't know how he was going to stop him. He also wondered if he was just seeing things he wanted to see. It was easy to blame Todd for this when it could have easily been something else. Maybe this was just part of life, learning that you couldn't rely on people, even the ones you trusted more than anything.
The following morning Johnny skipped study period at school to go and see Tyler. Graduation was imminent so his obligations to school were becoming fewer, and his timetable was filled with free periods that he was supposed to be using to study and prepare himself for life at college.
Right now, this was more important to him.
The pain in his side had diminished overnight, and with the help of painkillers Johnny was able to block out the pain completely. On the way to Tyler's house he passed a point where a cliff dropped down by the road. The barrier preventing cars from sliding down had been broken, as though someone had driven through it willfully.
Johnny moved past that, shuddering at the thought of careening down the ravine. He reached the manor house with the letter tucked into his back pocket. If this was the last time he was going to see Tyler then he thought it best to lay it all out for him.
Johnny rapped his knuckles on the door and waited for Tyler to come and answer. After what had happened, it didn't feel right that he should just walk in. As he waited nerves trembled in the pit of his stomach and he thought about turning away. Then the door opened and Tyler was standing there. Johnny hadn't been sure how he would react when he saw Tyler. He was still so hot and handsome, but something had changed. Johnny wasn't repulsed by him, but he was disappointed.
“I'm glad you're here,” Tyler said. Johnny wasn't sure if he believed him. Tyler stepped out of the house and sat on the front step. Johnny remained standing. “I'm so sorry about last night. I don't know what happened, it's crazy. Todd appeared out of nowhere. I'm not entirely sure why he did what he did, but it didn't mean anything, not to me at least. I pushed him away as soon as it happened. I didn't want it. I didn't like it. I only want you.”
“That's not what it looked like from where I was standing,” Johnny said bitterly.
“You have to believe me Johnny. Please, I would never do that to you. I love you.”
“So why did you stay with him?” Johnny asked. He wanted to believe Tyler, but some things just didn't add up. Tyler took in a deep breath and looked straight ahead.
“He's a wolf Johnny. He revealed himself to me and told me that he could teach me about everything. I wanted to go after you, but I couldn't. Not when he promised me that.”
Johnny exhaled slowly and sat down beside Tyler.
“What did he say?” Johnny asked. Tyler recounted everything that Todd had told him, and Johnny burned with envy. Todd and Tyler shared something that he never would. “I still don't trust him,” Johnny added. “Mel is acting strangely and I don't know why.”
“I don't trust him completely either. There was something that happened when he kissed me. Like something inside me was almost compelled to like want to be near him, but somehow I was able to resist. He did say that there's a lot I need to learn. Perhaps this is just one of his powers. He said he's 300 years old. He has learned a lot over his lifetime.”
“I can't let him take advantage of Mel,” Johnny said.
“I know. But I can't pass up this opportunity to learn about my past either. For better or worse he's the only person I know who can actually teach me about myself. I can't turn that away.”
“I guess I can understand that. There's something I need to talk to you about as well. I found this the other day. I was just looking through Uncle Christopher's things to see if there was a letter left for Mom, and I came across this. The envelope wasn't sealed and I read it. I don't know what came over me. I shouldn't have invaded your privacy like this, and I'm sorry for that. I should have shown you, but I guess I wanted to protect you. I thought that if you didn't read the letter you'd be safer and you'd be able to live a regular life. I know that I've broken your trust, and I hope that you can forgive me, but if you can't I understand.”
With that, Johnny handed Tyler the letter and stepped away. Johnny didn't want to see shame in Tyler's eyes. Tyler read the letter, and then folded it up.
“How could you keep this from me?” Tyler asked.
“I made a mistake. I accept that. I shouldn't have. That's why I'm here now. I wanted to make it right,” Johnny said. Tyler's eyes glistened with tears.
“How can you expect me to trust you again? You know how important this was to me. You knew all this time and you hid it from me.”
“No, I just...Tyler, please, I thought I was protecting you, but I see now that I was wrong. Please let us just talk about it.”
Before Tyler could reply there was a rustling as a wolf emerged. It was bigger and stronger than Tyler had been, and Johnny moved away from its snarling jaws. It didn't attack though, but it did transform into a human, and soon enough Todd's grinning face was staring at him.
“Well, isn't this a pleasant surprise,” Todd said. Johnny glared at him. “You know Tyler, you should be more careful with whom you share your secrets. We have to protect our own. Are you sure you can trust him?”
Johnny glanced back at Tyler.
“With this, yes,” Tyler said through gritted teeth.
“So be it. Johnny, please leave us, Tyler and I have much work to do,” Todd said dismissively.
“I'm not leaving. Tyler and I still have things to sort out as well, and I want to have words with you. What are you doing to Mel? She's not the same as I'm used to.”
“Perhaps she's just matured. People change Johnny. You should get used to it. Now leave us,” Todd said.
“Not until you tell me what you've done to Mel,” Johnny said, clenching his jaw. He'd see what Todd had looked like in his other form. Johnny knew that he wouldn't stand a chance if Todd decided to transform, but he wasn't about to let his friend go undefended.
Todd's neck snapped around and he glared at Johnny. “You are beginning to test me. I don't have the patience for this. I have waited too long!” he said, and moved threateningly toward Johnny.
Johnny backed away, raising his fists, ready to defend himself against whatever was coming toward him, but he felt as though he was woefully under-prepared. His only hope, if Todd did turn into a wolf, was that Tyler would come to his defense. Right now, that wasn't guaranteed.
To his surprise, Todd didn't turn into a wolf, but remained as a human. He was quick, and managed to thrust his hand through Johnny's defenses, placing his fingers over Johnny's face. Johnny tried to struggle, but Todd's words were enchanting and Johnny felt the strength seep out of his body. He wanted to resist, but there was something compelling him to trust Todd. It felt as though his mind was unfolding and Todd was becoming the most important thing to him.
Chapter Fifteen
Tyler was filled with mixed emotions. The betrayal of Johnny had stung, but had he not done something similar when he had refused to chase Johnny down the previous night? The sight of Todd moving toward Johnny filled Tyler with fear, but when Todd reached out and placed his hand on Johnny's face, Tyler noticed something. The ring on Todd's hand glowed faintly, and there was a look on Johnny's face that reminded Tyler of how he had felt when Todd had had him in a similar position.
Tyler remembered the feeling of being compelled. It had taken all his strength to force Todd away, and suddenly Tyler understood what Todd was doing. Somehow he was using the ring to tempt people and coer
ce them into doing what he wanted. That's what he had tried to do to Tyler, but it had failed. That's what he had done to Mel, and what he was doing to Johnny at this very moment.
Tyler couldn't allow it to continue. Todd would take Johnny's love away from him and force Johnny to love Todd. Tyler roared loudly and transformed into a wolf as he ran toward Todd. His movement was so swift that Todd was taken aback. He barreled into Todd, ripping him away from Johnny. Johnny gasped in pain, and Tyler snarled. Todd smelled evil and bitter.
Todd glared at Tyler.
“You're a fool. What did you do that for?” he asked, but clearly didn't expect an answer to his question as he shifted into a wolf, towering over Tyler. Tyler felt a lump form in his throat. Never before had he been truly tested in combat. Todd was older and more experienced than him, but Tyler was fighting for Johnny. He knew that if he failed it was likely that Johnny would be killed. Todd was remorseless, and even though he was the only key Tyler had to his past, he couldn't be allowed to harm those that Tyler loved.
And despite Johnny having kept the letter from him, Tyler still loved Johnny.
The wolves growled at each other, circled around to gain the measure of each other, and then leaped at each other. Tyler snapped his jaws and swiped his paws. Todd wasn't as agile as Tyler, and sought to use his brute strength against the younger wolf. He brought his paw around, slamming it in Tyler's jaws, then followed up by headbutting Tyler in the stomach, sending him sliding across the ground.
Tyler shook of the dazed feeling and got back to his feet. Todd prowled before him, looking arrogant and supreme. Tyler braced himself, and then leaped forward again. Todd dodged the blow and then craned his neck back, sinking his teeth into Tyler's body. Tyler yelped in pain as he felt Todd's fangs dig into his skin, drawing warm blood. Tyler managed to wrestle free of Todd's grip. His blood dripped from Todd's teeth, and it was clear that Todd was toying with the younger wolf.
