Chapter 10 – Revenge
JPOV
Bella slept peacefully in my arms. Her arm was still over my chest, not wanting to let me leave. It was an attempt to keep me with her. Seeing my angel crying tore into me, but I still had to go. If I could, I would've kissed each tear away. If those assassins came near here, or her, God have mercy on them, because I will not. Brother, we're readying to leave. Watching her, I knew Bella loved me, but she wouldn't say it until my return; a strong incentive. Slipping it onto her third finger, I placed my ring there, then got out of bed. I hope she liked emeralds.
Bella's hand drifted off me and fell onto the soft padding. Her left hand moved underneath her pillow. I do wish I could be here to see the look on her face when she first sees her symbolic ring. To see the smile it would bring and the light it would bring to her eyes. I placed a gentle kiss to her hair, I love you and I will return to you. I promise. The words drifted into her dreams, making her smile a bit in her sleep.
The sun was setting in the sky. Mikhail planned to move earlier, hoping to catch the humans off guard. Jacques, good to have you back. Where is your woman? Vlad asked, watching me with his wolf eyes. Still asleep. What of Eleanor and the boys?
Same. She is resting with them now.
And Raven? I asked.
Mikhail paced over to me, Sleeping as well. It was best to leave before any of them woke. My body relaxed as my mind envisioned my wolf form. Doubling over, my extremities changed to that of a wolf. Black fur grew throughout my body and the bones shifted and changed to its new form. The five of us moved out to the bright forest. The sunlight stung my eyes, but I endured it. There were worse things to deal with than some sunlight. Our wolves offered to run with us, ready for their hunt and Mikhail obliged them.
Running as a pack, the cabin where the butchers were came into sight. The pungent odor of death lingered on the place. Seeing it in the sunlight, a memory struck me. The cabin set into the trees, with the thick canopy above covering the small structure. They brought me to this place. I was kept in the basement, before they moved me to the tower. The memories flooded my mind. I remember being dragging into the basement by my arms. This was the place where I was stabbed, burned and cut with knives, all while they laughed. They cut at me again and again, taking much of my blood with the blade. I remember hearing their concerns about being found, "Please, they won't find us. Let's just get this done with this one." That's when they put me in a coffin. So close to the healing soil, but so far. Then I woke up in the tower.
Byron's muzzle drew back, They will pay. Byron was as close to me as Mikhail was. We saw each other as brothers. The wolves lingered in the trees, hoping for their prey this evening. Inside, a group of men spoke. "Darren and Bill were reckless. The one that got away must have gone back to his coven. We have to find their lair tomorrow."
Gregori slunk underneath the window. The great wolf he was blended in with the dull gray stones of the cabin. His form shifted to fog, covering the land and sliding in under the door. The rest of us remained in the trees. "What about the chick they found? Do you think she was his slave?" Anger tore into my better judgment. The first man spoke again, "Maybe. He called me when he made sure she wouldn't go anywhere. Darren told me the thing was too protective of her. Perhaps that was his mate or dinner. Don't worry about that little bitch, she's as good as dead anyway. I'll see to that."
My wolf form sprinted from the trees, lunging through the window. My eyes locked with the one who threatened my woman. His thoughts were panicked as he saw the wolf before him. Jacques, don't change back. There are video cameras inside. Gregori was back in his wolf form, following me through the window. The one who insulted my beloved pointed a gun at me, "Get back!" Byron interceded, leaping between us, catching the gun in his muzzle. His head jerked and the pistol broke against the wall. His teeth cut into the man's skin and the smell of his blood filled the room. The terrified man pulled out a knife, but my teeth caught his wrist. The taste of his blood fueled the animal within and I let it take over. The pained scream only made this more enjoyable. There was one less man to threaten Bella's life. Extending my body, putting my front paws on the wall, the camera mounted in the high corner was taken down. My teeth had done enough damage, so it wasn't functional. Gregori shifted back to fog, climbing through every corner of the house. Moving over more electronics, his fist destroyed them and their evidence of our existence. My brother, Gregori, Vlad and Byron put the end to the other fanaticals. Each of them drank the blood of their prey, taking in their memories.
In the basement, Byron and Vlad searched the place, looking for anyone of our kind there. There were two humans, a couple. We were too late to help them. Byron shook his head, They were in the wrong place at the wrong time. These innocent people were killed by the butchers.
Once everything was over, leaving the place heavy in the scent of death, Gregori and Vlad pushed in the walls, then set the place on fire. I will send a rainstorm over the mountains to put out the fire.
I watched the place burn, with the knowledge that the bodies of the murderers were inside. "Should we destroy the tower as well? It was where they tortured our people." I let them see my memories of the room, 'Where is the rest of your coven?' I refused to answer them. The one named Bill opened the shutter, letting the afternoon sunlight in. The room was filled with the horrid smell of my burning flesh. They inflicted so much pain, but I never betrayed my family. Vlad turned toward me, "Perhaps we should." Mikhail paced over to the burning cabin, "Not tonight, but we should survey it. There could be more convened there."
The wolves were disappointed with this night, so Mikhail let them hunt on their own. They were then to return to the castle to guard it. If the wolves sang, there was danger nearby. Our joined safeguards were around the castle; the wolves were just an extra precaution.
Taking the form of owls, we took off into the air. For the first time in a very long time, I appreciated the beauty of my home. The look of the mountains in the setting sun was marvelous. The canopy was thick with green plant life. If only Byron and Gregori could share this sight in all its glory. Reaching out, I touched Bella's mind. She was still in bed, her eyes barely opening, Angel?
Hmmm. She inhaled slowly, Jacques. Are you home?
Not yet.
Oh, her disappointment hurt me, are you alright? Did anyone get hurt?
No, I was just making sure you were well. Go to Eleanor and Benjamin. They're anxious to meet you.
Sure. I'd like to meet them too. Maybe Eleanor could tell me more about you, her words were like a kiss.
The horrid tower came into sight. It stood there, dark and dangerous. This was once a place of beauty. The tower was part of a manor, where our friends once lived. Like Mikhail's home, it was burned down by those who claimed to be the hunters of our people. We lost many that night. Mikhail's wing spanned over me, That's what makes this so much worse. We almost lost you in the same place we lost them. Mikhail's feathers bristled over me, Knock it off, brother. Worry about your woman, not me.
Vlad and Byron landed on the roof, Let's investigate more. We didn't have much time when we found Jacques here. Our forms changed to a thick fog, drifting into the high room. Mikhail stuck close to me, concerned that this was too much for me to handle. There on the floor were the dried remains of Bella's blood. It stained the shackles that held her wrists. Discarded on the floor was the sweater she took off to treat my wounds. It was on the floor next to the chair that was my prison. The chair stood in the center of the room, reminding me of what transpired here.
Jacques, Bella's frightened thoughts echoed through me.
What is it? Nothing got through the safeguard and the wolves never sang. She was looking at the emerald ring on her finger.
What is this? Bella began to pull it off her finger.
Don't you dare! She stopped, waiting for me to explain. My sweet, it is your ring. A symbol of my undying love and commitment to you. Bella, keep the ring on and I will explain later.
Jacques. My mind caressed hers, letting her feel the motion of my lips on hers, I will be home soon. Do as I ask and go meet Eleanor and her son. My mind shut off from hers, getting back to the task at hand.
The decaying bodies of my captors were still here. Like vultures, I poked at their remains looking for anything to lead us to more of them, maybe to the society that hunted us. We were once a proud race, protectors of our lands. There were those who changed to the undead and terrified the humans; they fell at our hands. In their fear, humans created their society to study and destroy us. Mercifully, they didn't know of our troubles. Without our women and dying children, our race was on the brink of extinction.
There was no information to be found here. I waved my hand and the hideous bodies floated at my will and then laid on the grass outside the door. After covering them with dry branches, lightning struck the dry branches, sparking a strong fire. The smell of burning rotting flesh was sickening. Mikhail grew frustrated from finding nothing, "Another dead end. I don't know how much more I can deal with this. I cannot let Raven live with a shadow of danger over her." "Bella cannot live like that either. For now, we maintain over vigilant watch over our homeland. That is all we can do for now." A breeze blew through the open field, washing away the putrid smell.
My mind was still merged with Bella as she introduced herself to Eleanor. Mikhail's hand rested on my shoulder, You bounded her to you? My head dipped once, Yes, Bella is mine, Mikhail. No one must touch her. Bella is under my protection.
And mine, as my sister
I think you're happier about this than I am.
I might be, he teased. I thought I lost my brother, but we found him and his woman. How many times has she taken blood?
Twice. I know she can handle the conversion. She is strong, much like Raven.
The sun was lower in the sky, darkening the land. Byron came over to myself and my brother, Well, congratulations. It will be a wonder to see who is next.
Byron drifted past us and headed into the trees. I watched after him, She will provide us children, maybe even your woman.
"Gregori believes I will father his lifemate," Mikhail watched the trees dance in the wind. "We can always hope." Mikhail and I strode away from the tower, away from the sound of bricks crumbling and falling. Vlad walked across the field, brushing his hands from dust and debris, "Make it seem like it collapsed on its own. That's innocent enough. This place couldn't remain. Forgive me, Mikhail." Mikhail focused his gaze on the principal bricks, making them fade, "This tower is centuries old. It's served its purpose. Let us leave." Gregori finished his task, Vlad, you almost sound disappointed about how this night turned out. None of us were injured.
Vlad looked up, It was all too easy. Something else is coming, that I can feel. Mikhail turned, "Maybe so, but for tonight, let us return to our women. Their concern for us grows with every passing hour." Gregori patted Mikhail's shoulder, "You three go. Byron and I need to feed. We will continue to search the mountains. If Vlad is right, we must know who and where they are. I grow tired of their antics."
Taking our leave, three great owls flew through the air. Vlad, why do you feel such unease? Mikhail asked.
I don't know. Maybe it could be years of battles taking its toll. Or the fact that my family is near all this danger. When I'm with them, I always scan as far as I can for their safety. Either way, I feel this isn't over.
It's never been over, I added. As long as humans have their legends about us, there will be those who seek to destroy us.
Vlad nodded once, Yes, and now that you have your woman, you can understand better about why I feel this way.
Perhaps, only time will tell. For tonight, let us take refuge with the ones we love.
Our forms changed as we walked up the steps of our home. For the first time in years, the sounds of a baby laughing were present in our home. Vlad smiled at the sound of his son. The women were together, leaning over the two boys in Raven's study. She wanted somewhere for herself. Raven felt she was invading Mikhail's space by always being in his study. My brother gave into her request, though she spent most of her time in his study with him. She escaped to her own when she wanted to be alone.
Eleanor and Raven were close friends. It was Raven who saved a pregnant Eleanor from being murdered, by distracting the fanaticals long enough for us to get to them. Thanks to Raven's bravery, both women and Benjamin were alive and well. But, it was on that day, we almost lost Raven. She was brutally stabbed by one of the murderers. Vlad owed much to Raven, the same as I did. If she hadn't felt Bella's mind, we wouldn't be here today. Bella was my angel, but Raven was an angel in her own right.
It was Raven again, who soothed Bella when her mind was frantic and urged her to remain here. "He is so adorable," the voice of an angel called to me. Three dark haired women sat on the floor, among scattered pillows and blankets. In the center of the women were Benjamin, who was now ten years old and his adopted brother, Josef. Josef's mother died giving birth to him and he was given to Eleanor and Vlad to raise as their own. Benjamin held his brother in his lap. Vlad! Eleanor was on her feet and went to embrace him. Benjamin carried his brother and the family was reunited. Bella's eyes glistened with tears as she looked at me. She crossed the room and was back in my arms, Don't leave me like that again. I was so worried about you.
My arms tightened around her, My angel, I missed you this night.
Her laugh was in my thoughts, And I love my ring. I won't ever take it off. Her left hand was in mine. The dark gem adorned her finger, I'm glad for that. She brushed her lips on my cheek, So, when are you going to explain to me about what you said last night and this ring? I looked at her. Her brown eyes were waiting for me to answer, You know what I said to you? She nodded, I felt differently when I woke up. I knew you weren't there, but to see you gone, it was difficult. I felt like I needed you, to feel your thoughts with mine. I kissed her hair, My sweet, I will explain everything, after you hold up to your agreement.
Her head fell back, her gaze meeting mine. Recognition lit her eyes, Oh, right. I almost forgot. Her voice was playful. I took her hand and guided out of the room. We climbed up the stairs to the higher part of the castle she hadn't yet seen. "Where are we going?" I stopped, turning towards her, "You'll see. I just want us to be alone." She held my hand as we went through the door of the highest room; our family's library. The room was rounded, sitting at the top of turret. She gasped, taking in all the books. Our family's written history was stored in this room.
Bella walked over to one of the wall of books, "I wish we came here sooner. I love reading." She was looking over the books, anxious to begin reading. I watched her as she smiled to herself and pulled one of the books from the shelf. "I didn't bring you up here to show you books." "Oh," she asked, not looking at me, "Then why are we here?" I walked behind her, but she stepped away, still looking over the book in her hands. "Since when do you play coy?" She turned her head, billowing her hair in the motion, "I'm not. I was just asking a question. Why are we up here?" I rolled my eyes, "Woman." "Man," she scoffed.
Angel. Bella looked back at me, her dark eyes smoldering, "I am home, safe and sound, as you wanted me." A smile tugged at the corner of her lips, "I know." She leaned against the bookshelves, after placing the book down on the small table next to her, "You were gone and I hated it. I was so worried about you." Bella's smiled grew from a memory, "Then I saw the ring. Shallow as it may sound, it made me feel better. I even dreamed that you promised you would come back." Her eyes drifted along the rows of books and bit down on her full lip.
She sighed deeply, her mind processing through what she wanted to say. I could feel that this was difficult for her. Something she honestly didn't believe that she would say again. The words she thought would shatter her heart once more. Tears formed, but she didn't let them fall. Her eyes turned up to me, "Jacques, and I cannot believe I'm saying this, I do love you. I know it's there in my heart. Looking past the fact that we barely know each other and that you are still a stranger, I love you. This doesn't come from us having sex last night or sleeping together. I have a bad habit of falling fast and hard, but this time, I'm not so worried about the outcome. I love you." Her words ran through me, straight into my soul.
This woman was the one for me. She was the one I've waited centuries for. I crossed the space between us, pressing my lips to my loving Bella. She combed her fingers through my hair. Each touch sent fire through me, "I love you, Bella."