I do not own Nightshade! This is purely a fanfic!
~Chapter Two: A New Face~
~Ren~
Calla had gone home shortly after we left the Keepers. She said that she needed time to think, some air. I hadn't stopped her even though my hand longed to be in hers, my eyes watching her body move on the dance floor. Instead I saw people I didn't know, people I had no desire to be with.
Her pack all followed except for Mason who was still lost somewhere in the crowd of crushing bodies on the dance floor with Neville. It somewhat bothered me that he spent so much time with the Mason boy. And now they were dancing together at Eden. If Efron or Emile got the wrong idea then they would both be punished or worse: dead.
Sabine appeared at my side. Her pretty face shone up at me with overwhelming confidence. But I knew it was all a show. A wonderful mask of deception. Her fingers trailed along my neck and collar bone as I kept on my way towards our booth at the back. She suddenly tugged on my wrist pulling me to a sudden halt.
She frowned, "What's your problem? You were all eager to play earlier…"
"I just need some space right now, Sabine," I breathed.
"What, now you're all mopey because Calla ditched you?" She crossed her arms over her chest and rolled her eyes, "It isn't like you like her anyways."
I snapped. "Dammit, Sabine, can you just stop being an ass for one minute and let me think?"
She watched me in shock, her mouth an "o" and her eyes icy cold.
I wrenched my wrist from her grip and stormed past the table and outside through a side door. It led into an alley that was lit by a lone streetlamp and littered with trash and a few puddles from last night's rain. I kicked a can and it ricocheted off of the overflowing dumpster. "Fuck," I murmured running my hands through my hair. "What are they thinking? I can't marry her-"
"I assure you, you can," a silky voice snickered from the shadows. I stared at the figure until they came into view. It was a man who stood slightly taller than me. He had blonde hair that tipped his luminous eyes and sometimes his nose. He was lean but looked strong even under the jacket he wore. A mocking grin toyed at his lips. "I knew I would meet my alpha sooner or later but never like this."
"Logan," I breathed.
He nodded extending his hand to me. When I didn't take it he retracted it to cross over his broad chest. He sighed, "I take it you just got the news. Exciting, isn't it? I'm sure we'll be a fine team, Renier. You should be pleased. Getting your own pack at such a young age." His eyes narrowed, "Everyone suspects we will fail, be weak. But you aren't weak, are you, Renier? No, you're a fighter. A very strong wolf, courageous, brave, passionate. I have no doubt that you will exceed their expectations. My expectations, however, are much higher. I intend to be the best Keeper there is and my pack will be the same."
"You are not the pack's alpha," I replied in an even tone. If this boy was to be my Keeper I didn't need him on my bad side.
"No, but I am the alpha's Keeper. Your Keeper, Renier. You must do as I command-"
I whirled on him showing my sharpened canines, "I have to do no such thing! You become my Keeper after the Union, not before, not now. As of now I belong to Efron and follow the orders of my father, Emile. Not you, Logan. Not yet."
He grinned, "Very well. I will hold a meeting soon and expect both packs to be in attendance. It will regard new rules, territory, who plays what roles, and living quarters. You are an alpha now, Renier, and should be treated as such by the young wolves. I understand some of the members are quite young and…certain bonds are being made between certain pack members. I also understand that some of these bonds may not be up to regulations. So, Renier, if you wish to protect your pack mates I would begin enforcing your authority as alpha and putting it to a firm stop." He stepped closer, "How would Calla think of you if you let her poor Mason be put to death?"
"Stop," I said. "Enough. I'll speak with them."
"Excellent. And, Renier, I understand you wish to please people and make everyone happy. I don't need an alpha who can't say no. I need an alpha that isn't afraid to use and enforce their authority. Not everyone can be pleased, Renier. Sometimes you will have to say no and people won't agree. And sometimes," he smirked, "You just have to take what you want."
I shook my head, "I don't understand."
"Calla is a very beautiful young woman, Renier. And soon she will be yours. I know you two have been rather antagonistic towards each other but after the Union she will have to obey you."
"I'm not going to make her do anything she doesn't want to," I scowled. "Calla is a strong warrior. I respect that."
He nodded, "As do I. But when the pack forms it won't be her that the pack takes orders from. It will be you, Renier. Remember that."
At home that night when I finally sauntered through the door about three hours after midnight I found Emile waiting for me at the dinner table. He sipped at his liquor and avoided my eye contact.
"You're late," he stated.
I lowered my gaze to the floor. "I know. I'm sorry. I was speaking with Logan-"
He stood suddenly, the chair falling back and clattering to the floor, "Logan? Efron's son? Why?"
"Yes. He's to be the new alpha of the Haldis pack. My pack…You haven't heard?" I stepped back only to run into the wall. He looked furious, his eyes not capable of hiding his rage. "I just found out myself tonight."
He spoke slowly, "A new pack…"
"Yes," I nodded. "I'm betrothed to Calla Tor. We are to marry at the Union and the packs are to combine into one. Logan is going to be the Haldis Keeper. A gift for his eighteenth birthday to celebrate his coming of age, Efron said."
"Ha!" he laughed. "It won't last but a year. You have nothing to fret about, Renier. You'll be back as a Bane, as you should be, soon enough."
I swallowed, "I'm actually looking forward to being the alpha of Haldis…"
"What," he sneered. His canines were sharpened and his eyes ablaze, "You mean to tell me that you are looking forward to leaving the Bane pack? To opposing your own father?"
"No, I just—It'll be—I didn't mean-"
The sharp crack of his hand connecting with my cheek sent me staggering back into the wall. My hand gingerly went to my now reddening cheek as I gaped at my father. He threw his glass to the floor and it shattered into a million pieces at my feet making me cringe.
"Enough. You'll learn soon enough that I am a much better ally than enemy, boy." He turned to leave the room but paused in the doorway, his hand on the light switch. "I look forward to watching you fall in battle, Renier."
He flicked off the light leaving me in the darkness. It felt as though he was a million miles away right then. Only his voice carrying through the hall saying clean it up reminded me that he wasn't far away enough.
Author's Note: I hoped you enjoyed this little detour into Ren's life. Let me know what you think of Ren's point of view compared to Calla's in your reviews! Also, check out my other story Oblivion too please! It would be greatly appreciated! Review and let me know what you think! The more reviews the faster I work ;)!
