Chapter 8
Tonight
(Lex POV)
I tried following Rosy, when she left, but man, that girl just got plain lost. I really hope she makes it back home. As I walk back to the apartment though, making my way through the town, I pause, squinting in the dark. I could swear I see… something, shimmering on the rooftop. It looks like a figure, crouched, but it's completely transparent, with a faint, watery outline.
I blink, and it's gone.
Just a little creeped out, I hurry back to the apartment. When Rosy gets back, I'm grilling her. I now KNOW she has a boyfriend. Cause, growing up, she never acted this mysterious unless she had a boyfriend.
8~8~8~8~8~8
(R'ka POV)
I found the first sign of my quarry. In fact, I'm fairly certain he is close.
Very close.
As I found his claw marks, dug into a tree, I know the direction they were dug in for. He was climbing the tree and watching a battle. I know this, because the remains are still there. The Llonng Sain'ja was here. And he killed an uncertain number of oomans, and then left them here.
Something must have happened, for Llonng are not characteristically violent. They kill for a cause, whether it is hunger, vengeance, or honor. But not needlessly.
I pause, reflecting as I scent the air. It is heavily clouded, by death and by the scent of dragon… but something else looms ominously in the air. The scent of an ooman female. It is very, very faint, but it is there.
This brings me more questions than answers, however. For there is not the corpse of a female among the fallen.
My hunt grows stranger and stranger.
8~8~8~8~8
(Malachi POV)
I woke that morning with her soft body in my arms, my wings wrapped loosely around the both of us, and my tail lazily curled around her feet. I felt so warm, so full of…such a sweet, sweet peace. She stirred slightly, as I watched her, and she opened her eyes, murmuring. "Malachi?"
"Good morning, love," I murmured, bending to kiss her.
She stretched lazily, muttering, "Lex is going to kill me."
"She'll have to go through me first." I chuckled.
Rosy grinned, "Nice to know SOMEONE'S one my side for once."
"After last night, how could I not?" I grinned in reply.
"Malachi!"
I chuckled as I saw her blush and I bent to kiss her.
She moaned and caressed me in return, but then, she pulled back, "Crap, I'm late for work!"
I groan, "You must leave now?"
"I…" She pauses and looks at me. "…what time is it?"
"About 7:30 am."
I kissed her cheek before standing, reaching for her clothes, I hand them to her. I know it's important for her to get to work. But I hope she'll be willing to come here to live. I have enough to care for her for the rest of her life. And besides, I am a hunter. She'll never lack for food.
"You may want to put this all on." I give her the remainder of her clothing… or what's left of it.
"It's mostly ripped and shredded!" she scolds, though she sounds impressed.
"It's still dark out. I can take you home and you can change before anyone sees you."
"Malachi, you're a doll."
"I know." I smirked.
She growled playfully as she smacked my shoulder, "Bastard."
"Not true; my parents were married when they had me!"
"Technicalities!" She retorted.
I chuckle darkly, "Details are important!"
"To whom?"
"Depends on who's being insulted, I guess." I concede.
"Exactly." She responds with a chuckle.
I can't imagine feeling the same way about anyone else like I feel for her.
I smirked as I asked," Are you going to get dressed or not? I mean, I love that look on you, but-"
"Patience! And stop making me blush!" she scolds, as she quickly yanks her clothes on, suddenly embarrassed. Why, I haven't the faintest idea, she's the most beautiful human I've ever met.
"Baby, I can't help it. You're so… blushable."
"That's not even a word." She retorts.
"Details." I respond with a chuckle, "And that's no insult."
She blushes even brighter red as she finishes sliding her clothes on. I then leap, knocking her off the bed; I spiral downward, gently cradling her in my arms before catching a draft upward, back to the upper level of my cave.
She murmurs, "You're going to have to show me this place soon. Give me the tour and all…"
"I will. You will be given the complete tour." I growled seductively into her ear, feeling her shiver.
"Damn, are you always like this?" she whispers.
"You tell me." I respond, smirking. "You've known me long enough."
"Damn."
I chuckle lightly. "Baby, I love you."
"I love you too." She responds after a moment, hugging me tighter. I really do love her. And I can't wait for tonight.
8~8~8~8~8~8
(Rosy POV)
Last night… was incredible. Malachi had the patience to wait until we had exchanged vows. After that…
He's my first. My last. My only one.
I never imagined I could be this happy. And as he drops me off at my apartment, I walked in quietly, and slipped into my work clothes. Thank God, Lex is still asleep. I throw out my ripped clothes, shaking my head. Good thing those clothes held no sentimental value for me, cause I am never wearing them again.
I contemplate quietly, wondering what Alexa would say. Wondering if she would approve.
Most likely not.
I laugh to myself. Since when have I needed her approval for anything? Never, that's when.
As I head to work, I sing quietly, as I get into my car and drive.
Closed off from love, I didn't need the pain
Once or twice was enough and it was all in vain
Time starts to pass, before you know it you're frozen
Ooooh,
But something happened for the very first time with you
My heart melted to the ground, found something true
And everyone's looking round thinking I'm going crazy…
I giggled quietly to myself. All this time, I never knew what it was like to be in love with someone who loved you back. It's the most amazing thing in the world.
"Malachi, I'll be thinking about you all day today."
I hummed quietly to myself as I punched in my card and then prepped for flight. Already, I couldn't wait to get home.
8~8~8~8~8~8
(Malachi POV)
I already miss her, and it's only been 10 seconds. As I fly cautiously through the lightening sky, I take in a deep breath.
And it's then, that my spine stiffens, throwing me off course momentarily.
It's the scent of an Unknown. And it's here. In my territory.
Bastard. You should know better.
I growl slightly as I dive, following the scent. It's very faint. The Unknown is male, that much is certain. If I let him alone, he's going to either hunt me down, or he's going to hunt down any worthy human opponents living here. More than likely, he's here because of me.
I mean, I know humans can be tough… but I'm a fucking dragon. Humans don't breathe fire, or spit ice and venom. Humans also can't fly, not on their own. And besides all this, I know there are not any human killers in the area. Hunters, yes, but killers…
Then again, there were those bastards that targeted Rosy.
And with that, comes a disturbing thought.
I just married Rosy. Will this Unknown target her?
If he does, not even God in heaven will save him. Because I will drag him to hell myself.
I bank hard and land heavily on the ground, snorting as I take another breath of air. He was here… about three hours ago. I growl as I examine my surroundings. This is where Rosy was nearly raped last night.
And speaking of which…
I've never enjoyed eating a cold corpse. But watching them burn is pretty fun.
I burn the corpses, growling as I watch their remains smolder. I WOULD have eaten them, but human blood, which really isn't that great, tastes better when it's fresh, much like any other animal. These bastards are going to have to settle for being completely disintegrated.
As their ashes scatter in the wind, I turn around and cautiously, I begin to track. Sniffing, trying to find a trace. I discover something very disturbing.
There's claw marks in this tree… something was watching us last night. Looking harder, I find more old claw marks. As well as the residue of drool. Funny, I can't scent the marks themselves. THIS Unknown disguised his scent. Which means only one thing…
There's two of them. One whom I can scent. The other… his scent is hidden.
Damn it.
Worry flares my senses. What if they followed me to Rosy's apartment? What if she's in danger?
I have to track these bastards down before they find Rosy and hurt her!
With this in my head, I set off quickly, flapping heavily as I rush through the trees, sometimes, running, sometimes gliding, but always taking deep breaths, looking for a sign, a flicker of movement. I know they can cloak themselves, from my experience with the first hunter.
All at once, I smell a human. Skidding to a stop, I growl. I cannot camouflage myself, but I CAN hear. Nothing that lives breathes, and there is no tell-tale thumping of the blood of a human heart.
I crouch low, as I sniff the air. The Unknown's scent is weak. But the smell of a human is strong. It grows even stronger, as I approach. Almost… like it's raw.
Dear God in Heaven, no...
They killed a human. A female human. And strung up her corpse.
Why? Dear God why?
I throw back my head and roar. It echoes through the forest.
You bastards. You fucked around in the wrong territory.
With a rolling growl, I leap into the air, cutting the body down, I lay it on the forest floor.
Without another thought, I shift into my full quadrupedal form and dig a 6-ft hole in the ground.
This woman's family, if she has one, will never know what became of her. And it will be better that way. They wouldn't even recognize her.
After I am done burying the corpse, I turn and begin my search again. This time, I realize something. The scent of the Unknown, the one I CAN identify and track, was not near the corpse.
I know there's two.
One of them strung the corpse up. But the scent, though faint, is recent. As though… the two are not together.
Is the scented one trailing the unscented?
I'm puzzled. And pissed off.
Careful Malachi. Easy boy. Don't lose your head.
8~8~8~8~8~8
(Lex POV)
My flight home is in three hours. Rosy got off work early. She's giddy about something. I can see a difference in the way she's acting. Light-hearted, humming, singing… I KNOW she has a boyfriend! And she probably either got kissed or laid last night. I JUST KNOW IT.
But she won't say a word. Not a single word. I want to be angry, but I don't have the heart, so I don't bother. I just hope he's a good guy.
When the time comes, Rosy gives me a hug and tells me to take care. And despite the fact that she's insanely happy over something else entirely, I know she means every word.
"Take care yourself, Rose. And be careful!" I scold.
She grins at me.
"Ey, Lexy, it's me!"
"Exactly."
"I'm not the one who climbed a mountain that was fixing to have an avalanche."
"… Not going to let that one go, are you?"
She grins at me and I sigh," Just be careful anyways!"
"Alright Lex."
I leave. And somehow, I've got this feeling… something tragic is going to happen. I don't know why, but I almost stay.
Almost.
"Flight 369 is leaving in 10 minutes."
Gotta go.
8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8
(R'ka's POV)
Zabin killed an ooman child maker and strung it's corpse up. I grimly passed by its corpse. Anger coursed through me.
That Pauk-de bastard! I can't believe I share blood with the half bred murderer.
Obviously, this kill was a message, to the Llonng. The fact that Zabin still remains undetectable by scent troubles me. For I have not even found how to master such a skill except to remain downwind, which is the traditional way.
Were Zabin hunting honorably, he would not have disguised his scent.
Why should I be surprised? He is making a name for himself as a Bad Blood.
But then, as I think my situation through, I realize something. And it chills my blood.
The Llonng can probably scent me.
I have to find Zabin and stop him fast.
8~8~8~8~8~8~8
(Rosy POV)
I feel like I'm walking on air. And at the same time, I feel like I'm suffocating. I've got to see Malachi again FAST. I want him. SO. BAD.
My hands fumble with my cell phone as I quickly dial his number.
It rings, and then, his voice speaks to me.
"Hello Love."
"Malachi? What's wrong?"
I can tell something's the matter. His tone is tired and strangely tensed. I've rarely heard him when he's in a funk, but it's easy to tell.
"… Rosy, something's come up. DO NOT go into the woods, or try to look for me. I'll come to you. PLEASE love… do not go into the woods, or even wander around town alone."
"Malachi, what is it?" I've never heard him this way.
"Darling… There's something out there. The town is in danger until I can take care of… this problem."
"WHAT PROBLEM?"
WHAT THE HELL IS UP WITH THE SECRECY?
"… Rosy, I'll have to explain later. I have to go-"
"HELL NO! Malachi, don't DO this to me, damnit!"
"Do you trust me?"
Those words seem to shatter all my anger. I bite my lip as tears leak out. Damn it, NO, NO, NO! NO tears!
"You know I do, Malachi. Otherwise, you never would have even made it out of the woods the first day we met… not without missing some valuable piece of your physique." I grin weakly, mostly to stiffen my spine and slap some courage into my senses.
"That's my girl. I love you Rosy. I'll see you as soon as I can. Oh, and Rosy? Carry your pistol, if you go out walking. Things are not what they seem."
He hangs up and I want to scream. I settle for throwing the phone, which, oddly enough, lands on the couch. I pace. This is maddening. Why is he being so secretive?
My mind works furiously.
Is he… being hunted? But by who? The government?
I don't know why, but this seems to make the most sense. Perhaps he was afraid of being heard and didn't want to give himself away… or me. After all, I can't tell what I don't know.
"Yeah, Rosy, genius deducting right there."
Shut up, Little-Voice -In My-Head, I don't NEED your input, damnit!
I sit down on the bed and slowly, I close my eyes.
Malachi, I don't know what's going on… but I trust you. And I love you. Be careful, baby. Cause I need you in my life. More then you know.
8~8~8~8~8~8
(R'ka POV)
Ah, my half brother has slipped. I have found his pattern of movement. I will be waiting for him, no matter how long it takes. I have the downwind, the upper hand. He does not know where I am… but I now know where he will be.
8~8~8~8~8
(Rosy POV)
It's getting late. I haven't heard from Malachi all day. I'm so sick and worried, but I try to stay strong, for his sake.
"Hello, baby."
"GAH!"
I spin around. It's him. My anger is shattered by my relief, as I throw myself into his arms.
"Shh, shh, it's ok, love. It's ok."
"Malachi, what is going on?"
He's quiet before he picks me up and carries me to my room. He climbs carefully onto the bed, which amazingly, holds his weight. Malachi cradles me before murmuring, "Rosy, I'm being hunted."
"By WHAT?"
"I don't know what they are. But they're not from around here."
"What do you mean?"
"I think they're aliens."
At first, I feel relief. So, it's just a big joke, huh?
Ah, ha, ha. Good one.
But as he sighs, weary and worried, I realize.
It's no joke. Not a trick.
Damn it!
"What are you going to do?"
"I'm going to hunt them down and kill them. But I… I had to make sure… I had to make sure that you were safe. I couldn't stop thinking about you." His voice is so sad. So worried and emotional. I don't think I've ever heard him like this.
I will be strong for him.
"Malachi, I'll be fine. You won't lose me. These ET faggots won't get the drop on me."
He smiles, cradling me gently.
"I guess I shouldn't be worried for you. You're stronger then you know. But… I can't help it. You're the most important piece of my life now."
"You WON'T lose me." I growl. And I shift around, to straddle his waist.
I've been listening to a lot of love songs. And I quietly murmur the lyrics to one that's been on my mind.
"Please excuse me, I don't mean to be rude…"
"But tonight I'm loving you." He growls, finishing the lyrics for me, and I grin as I wrap my arms around his neck, greeting his searching lips with mine.
8~8~8~8~8
(Malachi POV)
She's sleeping now. Rosalie looks so peaceful.
Turmoil hurts my heart. I feel so scared.
Rosy is so strong, I almost feel unworthy of her. The way she remains calm, despite my unbelievable news. She actually took it in, and then continued as though things were just fine.
If something DOES happen… I want to remember this night forever. She's in my arms, peaceful, warm, and holding her, I know she feels safe and secure. It fills me with pride. I make her feel safe. She trusts me.
Slowly, I feel a scowl scrunch down my features. I'll die before the Unknown takes her. This I swear.
But for now, I stand watch, making sure she's safe. My ears strain, for the rattling breath of a hunter, the slow, measured beats of an eager heart.
If you dare cross this bedroom's threshold, you're going to be facing more fiery wrath then hell itself can unleash.
Nearly the end of this story. Am very glad I went ahead and wrote it all down instead of updating as I wrote. Less pressure.
Nearly forgot about the song lyrics in this chapter. The song's "Bleeding Love" by leona Lewis/. I do not own it.
