Hey everyone sorry that this took so long to post but hey I don't think that you will be disappointed with these two chapters. I wont bore you with the usual Disclaimer as I'm sure I've already covered with my other postings. I like to send my thanks to all of those who had sent me their reviews. It is much appreciated and makes me a very happy writer. Happy writer equals more stories. Anyway here for your reading enjoyment I give you ch.14-15 of The Hunger.
The Hunger
Chapter 14
Watching the sky as it turned a pleasant shade of orange and blue Genard stood at the window with sword at his side tucked within its sheath. The sun was setting and soon the full moon would be high over the Underground. It was only a matter of time before the Wolfen would make their move for the girl. He could not allow them to have her, he needed someway to gain her trust. That was the first of his priorities, to gain her trust and to use her to destroy her own kind. After she would help him in his task he would then take her life, wiping out their kind forever.
Appearing within his throne room Jareth observed the silent Genard as he seemed captivated by the view that often helped him to clear his mind. Jareth eyed the old Fae a brow rising as he saw the sword tucked in its sheath strapped to Genard's side. It seemed that Genard had taken his offer to make himself comfortable, "I see that you've made yourself at home here."
Genard turned looking boredly to the Goblin King, "You did say to make myself comfortable" he stated mater of factly.
"That I did. Your weapon of choice?" Jareth drawled as he made himself comfortable in his throne.
A grin edged its way to his lips as he rested his hand on the hilt of the sword, "The only way to kill a Wolfen is to take its head. Making the sword the perfect weapon for protection from their kind. I would advise that you arm yourself with one as well. No offense but your power will only help you to an extent."
"You expect an attack from them so soon then?" he asked though already knowing Genard's answer.
"When the full moon is at its highest they will be at their strongest. The moon is already making its rise within the sky, it will only be a matter of time." Genard smirked at the King before him not at all fazed by the show of power he was sensing from the King.
Jareth coolly returned Genard's gaze knowing that the old Fae could sense his power. Rising from the throne he looked down on Genard, "You think that they would be foolish enough to attack my castle. Are they that unintelligent?"
"No I would say quite the opposite! They are quite cunning and fierce especially when it comes to their own kind. A possessive race who wont stop until they take what they consider theirs. I would keep an extra watch out tonight if I were you especially of Sarah."
Fist clenched as his jaw tightened, he knew of the danger but was not fond of Genard's tone of voice towards him, as if he were some child being told something that should be obvious. Genard acted as if he were superior to the King, which angered Jareth more than anything. If anyone were to display power and superiority it would be him. Eyes narrowed he made his way down the steps towards Genard, "Take care Genard. I am not some commoner that you can talk down to." Face mere inches from Genard's he continued, "Do I make myself clear?"
Genard wanted to lash out at the Fae before him, he was around long before Jareth was ever conceived and would be long after. Meeting Jareth's gaze he strained a smile as he bowed his head, "Forgive me. I have been living in seclusion for so long that I sometimes forget my station." Genard felt as if he had dragged those words out of himself as he felt sickened at having to apologize for his actions but he needed the King's help if his plans were to succeed.
Jareth's brow rose at his words, not sure of the Fae's sincerity, as he backed away, "I will be generous then and forget the matter. There are more important matters to attend to as you said we must be ready for whatever they have planned for us."
Leaning against the railing of the balcony Sarah looked to the rising moon with increasing dread. She could feel the wolf within herself stirring, she felt restless wanting to run out into the night and lose herself. Eyes clinched shut as she pushed the overwhelming feelings aside.
"Don't fight what is in your nature," the words hissed into her mind.
Brow furrowing she clamped her hands over her ears as she summoned all the mental strength that she had to push their intrusion's away. It was hard enough fighting Damien but she knew that the pack was behind these intrusions. Shakily she grasped the railing, she did not know how much longer she could block them out.
"Sarah?" a familiar and welcomed voice called with concern from the balcony door.
Turning she smiled relieved to see Hoggle standing there, "Hoggle about earlier today… I'm sorry."
Moving away from the door he smiled warmly to Sarah, she looked so much better than she did in the last few days that he had seen her. He was glad that he had told Jareth about Genard, "It's okay, you weren't yourself."
Relief swept through her being as she saw that he no longer looked fearfully towards her like he had done the last few times she had seen him. "No I wasn't…" looking away from Hoggle she mumbled to herself, "I feel so lost now, alone."
Hoggle frowned as he heard her mumbled words his hand lying gently upon her hand that rested on the railing, "You're not alone."
Tears bordered her eyes as she looked to her friend, "No I'm not, am I?" Blinking back her tears she smiled warmly, "Come on let's go back inside. I am in definite need of distraction and standing around brooding is not going to help."
Following her back inside he was relieved to see her smiling once again. Guilt flooded his being as he remembered all of those times that she had called for him but could not come. The magic that allowed him and the others to visit faded the older that she became preventing them from coming when she had called.
Sitting on one of the chairs that sat in front of the roaring fire within the room Sarah watched the flames as they danced. She felt herself calm as she stared at the flames slightly aware of Hoggle standing beside her. Hands pulling at the soft fabric of her blue dress she looked away from the flames towards Hoggle. "Promise me something?"
"Yeah, " he answered perplexed by the intensity within the statement.
"Stop blaming yourself for not answering my calls."
Hoggle blinked taken back by her request, "How…err, don't know what you mean…" he trailed off not knowing what to say. How did she know?
Sarah smiled at the way his face flushed, "Just don't okay. Promise me this."
"I…I promise," he answered at last still slightly bewildered by her request. How did she know?
Standing from the chair she started towards the door, "I'm going to go and find Jareth. Want to come?"
Hoggle shook his head, "No thank you! I think I've had enough of his royal smugness to last me a lifetime."
Sarah grinned, "Suit yourself!" With that said she was off towards the throne room where she assumed he would be. She felt so much safer and in control of her wolfs self when she was around Jareth. There was something about his presence and his touch that would sooth her inner struggles, confusion and fears.
Slowing her pace she smiled at the thought of Jareth. So much had happened between them in the past few days, not only was he her love but now they were lovers. Sarah blushed as her mind ventured to when she was last with him; she couldn't believe what she did, she was always so shy. Sarah guessed that the wolf part of her self gave her more confidence in her sexuality than she used to have. Not only that but she felt stronger more alert, alive. The only down side to her being Wolfen was the hunt and of course, Damien.
Swiftly he hid within the shadows of the large wall as the patrol of goblins marched past. He inwardly laughed at the small creatures that had no idea that he was so near. They would be easy pray but that was not his purpose. The pack would soon bring about their power upon the castle cloaking him from the Goblin Kings perspective and soon Sarah would be his.
Sarah reached for the wall at her side as she leaned against it, the pack was trying to reach her yet again and it was taking a lot of her strength to fight against their calls. Closing her eyes she pinched the bridge of her nose as she took long deep breaths to calm the racing headache that was starting to rise. Leaning back against the wall she clinched her eyes tighter as it felt as if she were having a mental battle with a wall of fire. It felt so painful. Words broke her inner struggle as she looked up to who it was that addressed her. Sarah stiffened at the man standing before her.
Damien smiled to her warmly as if he were a saint coming to her rescue, which she knew all to well was not the case. He stepped closer to her shortening the distance between them, "Sarah, you can't fight us forever. You put yourself and our pack in danger by staying here."
Sarah tried to push back further but the wall was preventing her from doing so. Her fist clinched tightly at her sides, as she wanted desperately for him to stop his approach, to stay away and leave her be.
He could feel her weakening from the mental battle that was being raged from within as he stepped closer, smelling her fear and tiredness. Gently touching her cheek with the back of his hand his gray eyes bore into her icy blue ones, she was so beautiful. "I know that you think that you love the Goblin King and that he returns that love but you're wrong to think that it could work between you two. He is Fae and you are Wolfen our kind does not mix."
Sarah could feel her heart racing in her ears, she felt so tired and vulnerable. He was so close she could feel his breath stirring against her hair, "You're wrong. It can and it will work between Jareth and me. You just want to use me for your own purpose to get back into power like the Wolfen used to be before the Fae took over." She felt his hands harshly grasp her arms pinning her against the wall and himself her breath rushed out in surprise.
"How do you know these things? What lies has Genard been filling your head with?" he wanted an answer as to how she knew so much. There was no way in which she should know any of the information that she had just spoken about. It was impossible.
Sarah's words came out as a whisper, weak and afraid of what he would do to her as she saw the anger and rage within his eyes. "He told me none of this. I just know, please don't do this, there are other ways for our kind to flourish again. More peaceful ways, it does not have to be attained in hate and bloodshed. Surely…"
Damien shook her harshly against the wall, "You know nothing of what it has been like, to hide from the rest of the world in fear that they would destroy you because of what you are, what you represent. You have only been Wolfen for a few days you know nothing of our hardships or our past. We have kept hidden for generations so that we might one day take back what is so rightfully ours."
She felt weak, unable to push him off of her, her head throbbing with each shove that he forced upon her. Tears bordered her eyes as she closed them against the sudden exhaustion. It was as if all of her energy had suddenly been drained from her; her legs started to buckle making her have to lean against him for support.
Damien smiled in satisfaction as he sensed the pack's power bringing her to the point of exhaustion. Supporting her weight he glanced around making sure that no one was within the halls. He could easily smell or hear anyone approach but with the Goblin King's power he was not about to take any chances. He would have to hurry if he wanted to get her away from the castle and to his pack before the pack's mental intrusions ceased because as soon as their intrusions stop she was not gong to be as helpless as she was currently.
His pace quickened as he heard faint footsteps approaching, swiftly dodging into the adjoining hall he slowed his breathing and closed his eyes as his senses went on complete alert. He was barely able to hold back a growl as he recognized the scent as Fae, not the Goblin King but someone else and the only other Fae occupant within the castle were Genard.
Genard stopped as something tingled in the back of his mind; there was a presence near. Hand slowly moving to the hilt of his sword he cautiously stepped forwards slowly and silently drawing out his sword. His intuition telling him that danger was just around the corner.
She could feel his arms around her waist as he held her to his chest her mind reeling from the contact. She needed to get away but her head hurt so much. Sarah had heard about migraines but never imagined that she would ever have one. Straining her eyes open she groaned against the agony that the torchlight brought to her oversensitive eyes.
Damien quickly covered Sarah's mouth with his hand as he heard her moan cursing to himself for not doing it sooner. Genard was a skilled and renowned Hunter, he would have definitely heard her moan. Gently setting her down on the hard stone floor Damien hunched down low making ready for Genard's approach.
Genard eyed the corner of the hall with unease there was a presence waiting for him on the other side. Smirking in anticipation he was all to ready for a confrontation especially after having to put up with the Goblin King's company. He had some issues that he was all too willing to take out on someone.
Damien could hear the faintest sound of metal slicing through air, so Genard was armed with a sword. Though unarmed being Wolfen had its advantages.
A blur of solid black filled his vision as he raised his sword to strike against his attacker. Sword hit stone floor, as he was kicked forward face slamming harshly against the wall. Turning he was met with blazing yellow eyes as the male Wolfen hit him with the back of his hand. Genard could feel the blood seeping from his now open wound on his cheek.
The scent of blood was invigorating as he licked his blood soaked fingers the claws of his partially transformed hand stained red. Damien smirked at the Hunter, he thought that he would be a challenge. My how disappointing. The sound of Sarah's moan reminded him that he had little time to enjoy his kill.
He could feel the trickle of blood as it ran down his cheek, the open wound stinging against the cool crisp air. Seeing the Wolfen's distraction he swept his sword forward.
The sound of metal slicing through air alerted his senses as his hands shot up caching the blade within his hand. Damien snarled as his other hand knocked the old Fae to the ground. Stepping forward he cursed as he could sense her starting to break away from the packs power. Getting her to his lair being his main concern he left Genard to moan in agony as he swept Sarah within his arms and fled.
Chapter 15
The pain that shot through his cheek was enough to bring him out of the darkness of unconsciousness as he slowly agonizingly pulled himself up from lying on the floor. Genard inwardly cursed at his inability to put down that Wolfen who had attacked him. From what he had heard about the one that made Sarah he knew without a doubt that it was the very one, Damien. Wincing in pain as his face involuntarily twitched the dried blood that caked the side of his face pulled reopening the wound that had been afflicted only moments ago, well he hoped it had only been that long.
Genard also knew without a doubt that Sarah was no longer within the confines of the castle. There was only one reason why his own life had been spared and that was the fact that Damien must have had to get her away from the Goblin King and back to the pack. With her power their power would be increased if they were to go forward with what he knew that they most probably would go forward with. A ritual that would bound her to their pack permanently and insures her to bear the next generation of Wolfen.
Standing on wavering legs he stumbled back towards the throne room in a desperate attempt to inform the Goblin King before it would be too late. He just hoped that the Goblin King would not lash out at him for failing to stop Damien from taking her in the first place.
Jareth sat on his throne in contemplation, a lot had happened within the last few days. Finally after so long of heartache and the lonely cold nights where he knew for certain that love was a fool's quest he had been proven wrong. Sarah was more than he had ever hoped for, being Wolfen, mortal, or anything else would never change the way that he felt towards her. She had indeed turned his world upside down but her world had been just recently done the same.
The court of the other kingdoms would most probably frown at the pairing but Jareth cared nothing for their foolish praise or politics. Which was most probably why he was not the most popular within the court but when nasty things would rear its ugly head, guess who would be the first that they would contact for assistance. Jareth scoffed at the thought of the courts, why bother with thinking about their unimportant opinions. He sometimes took amusement in ticking them off whenever necessary, they would always have to hold their tongue for they needed his kingdom in order to sustain the balance within the Underground.
He remembered when he first fell in love with the young girl that was now a woman and his lover. She had an unrecognized power, that was what had pulled him towards her in the first place but then after he watched her practice her lines, immerse herself in her fantasies he had fallen helplessly in love with her. Her calling on the Goblins to take her baby brother was just the opening he needed to finally have her. So sure of his own victory he was shocked and taken back when she had found herself to the castle.
They say overconfidence is often what brings about a fall and did he fall. Pleaded he had, spilled out his heart and yet she was so captivated in her role to save her brother that she did not see, did not return his love. He remembered watching her through her window as she rejoiced with those that she had met through her journey through his kingdom, how he yearned to be there with her. But alas, she had bound him making him unable to persue her any further until she had finally called him.
Jareth shook his head; at what price did they have to suffer? Now a strange and unknown supposedly forgotten race called Wolfen stood in their way of blissful happiness. What in life did not have its obstacles? Oh, if only there were really such a thing as a happily ever after.
Not only were they trying to break apart his pairing with Sarah they were after the rule of the Underground. After tonight he knew that he would have to go to the court to inform them of their plight. Jareth was not looking forward to the task; he despised socializing with the court. They were nothing but spineless cowards who were to busy pleasing themselves and making fools of themselves trying to show how much better they were than those around them. It was quite tiresome having to deal with them, he was indeed not looking forward to the experience.
The sound of a thud meeting his ears Jareth looked up to see an injured Genard leaning against the doorway. Instantly Jareth was on his feet at Genard's side, "What happened?" Not waiting for a reply crystal formed in hand as he looked for the very person that meant everything to him. Crystal shattered as his grasp crushed it in anger; he could not see her within his crystal. Someone was blocking his magic.
"Damien, he has taken her. We must find them soon before they can add her blood to theirs."
Mismatched eyes regarded coal ones with anger and frustration, "They are blocking my magic. Do you have any idea where they would take her?"
Genard shook his head with disgust, he had no idea where they would have gone. The Glendalian forest was huge, they could be anywhere, "Besides somewhere within the Glendalian forest, I have no idea."
Sarah stirred her mind feeling as if someone had placed a heavy blanket over it. She knew that she was not within the castle grounds that she lay on something hard. They were there surrounding her she could feel their presence it sent a wave of dread throughout her being.
The blanket that had covered her mind was slowly starting to rise, her senses all to aware that she was within the very place this whole ordeal had begun. The scent of trees, damp grass, and flames from the torches that surrounded them were immediately recognized.
Eyes blinking open she found herself staring at the star filled sky the moon shining down on her like a beacon in the night. Trying to rise the fear rose within her as she found that she could not move. An invisible force was holding her down but she would not give without a struggle. A low growl escaped her lips as she sensed Damien near.
A face almost identical to Damien, except that he looked older and his hair was gray to match his eyes, appeared over her looking down on her through ancient eyes. "Do not fight us Sarah. We are your family now and your blood will return us to our rightful place within the Underground."
Sarah seethed, "You are not my family. You're wrong if you think this will help your pack. It will just endanger it further."
"Silence," he ordered her and she then found that she no longer could speak making her eyes widen in horror. "Damien, the right will begin after you have claimed her and bound her to you as your mate."
Dread reared up through her very soul as she found herself powerless to free herself and unable to fight back. She struggled yet more as she tried to see what was going on around her. There was a circle of Wolfen standing in robes of black their hoods pulled over their head to hide their faces from her view. Eyes flashing she growled yet again as Damien came into view.
He was amused at her as she continued to fight, once he had her bound completely to him she would indeed be an excellent addition to his pack. She looked devastatingly beautiful, as she was lightly dress in a dark red robe with nothing underneath. He hated to take her against her will but she gave him little choice. Besides, after a few manipulations in the right places she would melt within his grasp.
Sarah's heart pounded within her ears as he came closer, she couldn't believe this they were going to rape her. Take her into their pack without her consent and force her to be theirs. Her lips trembled at the horrifying knowledge of what they were about to do and here she was unable to stop it. Desperately she reached out for the wolf part of herself and the power within herself that she knew was there, yet nothing.
Her eyes clinched shut as she felt his body press against hers, his lips on her skin. Sarah wanted to scream out, to kill this man that was touching her making her feel things she only wanted Jareth to make her feel. Her mind went to when she and Jareth made love how right it felt and now her very being was being threatened. Her mind reached out trying to call out to him any way that she could.
Jareth straightened as he heard something within his mind. At first it was a whimper but then grew into a desperate plea. Sarah was reaching out to him mentally.
Genard regarded the King, who suddenly stopped in mid conversation over how to find Sarah, "What is it?"
"Sarah, she's reaching out to me," he answered as he stood. Crystal forming in hand he knew how to find her and knew that he had better hurry. Looking to Genard he warned, "Ready yourself, we're about to have a confrontation with the Wolfen pack."
Damien covered her mouth with his as he pulled the dagger that was placed by her side. Raising himself from her he smiled down to her stroking her cheek to comfort her already fearful body. His mind reached out to hers, "As I join with you physically my blood shall be mingled with yours binding you to me for the rest of our long lives. Do not worry, you'll enjoy the experience."
Her mind screamed back, "NO! I belong with Jareth not you! Don't please."
"Sarah," he warned, "this can be an enjoyable moment don't force it to be otherwise." With that said he sliced at his arm with the blade his eyes flashing yellow from the metal's sting. Lowering the knife he bent down kissing her passionately on the lips before he brought the blade to her skin. About to make the cut and mingle their blood Damien was thrown from Sarah as he felt the sting of power striking against his flesh.
The pack was on full alert as their hoods fell from their heads, eye's of yellow glaring at their surrounding in search for the one that had interfered with the ritual. Their attention was immediately drawn to Sarah as the Goblin King and Genard the Hunter appeared by her side.
Genard was on the ready as he stood with sword drawn, the Wolfen were closing in on them ready to pounce. He grinned maliciously in return as he swept his eyes on his soon to be attackers. One in particular caught his attention, "Emian, I see that your still alive. I guess I'll just have to remedy that."
Emian's demeanor looked unshaken by Genard's words, "Too bad you'll have to be disappointed."
Genard about to lunge forward was suddenly held back by Jareth's hand, "This is a rescue, not a time for vengeance or what ever is between the two of you."
Genard remained though he wanted so much to lung for the bastard that had destroyed the one that he loved. He wanted to rip Emian limb from limb and watch him die a slow agonizing death.
Sarah looked relieved to see Jareth standing over her and was looking at him with question, as he did not reach out to grab her. She could feel Jareth's power surrounding him surging towards her. Her wonder at his inaction ceased as she realized that he was trying to break the spell that bound her down to the slab of rock she was pinned down on.
Jareth cursed inwardly, whoever had done this spell was powerful, it was taking a lot more effort than he thought it would to free her. He was conscious of the rapidly shrinking amount of time he had left to free her and transport Sarah, Genard, and himself safely to the castle.
The circle closed inwards towards the two Fae who dared interfere with what they had worked so hard to attain. They would die for this atrocity. The ritual in which they had disrupted was sacred among their pack.
The magical confines broken, Jareth swiftly reached down sweeping her up within his arms. Magic surrounded them as they vanished from the forest leaving behind a lot of very angry Wolfen.
