Chapter ten

The dreams haunted her.

Always the same dream. She would be lost; thick fog swirling round her. She was running barefoot, stones digging into her feet, desperate to escape from what, she knows not. Something was chasing her. Something huge and feral and dangerous and she ran and ran, stumbling and falling in that fog.

Beca.

She could hear his voice calling out to her. Soft, insidous, persistent. She could not see him but she knew he was looking for her. And waiting. Always waiting, even after all this time and guilt weighed heavily on her chest.

Beca, I'm here.

"Luke" Beca whispered, shifting restlessly in her sleep.

Hurry, Beca. I'm waiting

I don't like this, Jesse. I don't like this one bit.

Jesse did not need to turn his head to know the expression on Stacie's face. Her brow would be wrinkled in an uneasy scowl as she rode her horse and Jesse knew why Stacie was scowling like that. Both of them had been twitchy since they set foot on the High Road. This stretch would be the most dangerous part of their journey. The lands belonged to a known leech sympathiser and wolves like Stacie and Jesse were not welcomed. It was only the treaty that was keeping them from being attacked and whilst they were safe as long as they stay on the road, Jesse did not miss the hostile looks their party were attracting from the locals.

He stared moodily ahead, thinking about their journey. Perhaps going by the High Road was not his wisest decision. They would have been safer staying within the forest but that would mean coming out at the foot of the mountain range and going through the pass. That would take far too long and with the changeable weather, the trek would be far too dangerous.

Are you listening to me? Stacie's voice echoed in his mind.

Yes. We'll just have to move fast and with as little attention as possible. - Jesse replied - Once we clear off the High Road -

You don't know what I am talking about - Stacie interrupted. - Have you seen how pale Beca is?

Jesse's gaze immediately went to Beca's back. She was riding ahead, her sable cloak wrapped tightly around her even though the weather had been hot and muggy. He did not have many chances to talk to Beca lately. She had very much kept to herself these few days and she always looked tired. Despite his misgivings, Jesse had thought perhaps that was why she had been particularly prickly and quiet. She must be tired.

She's always pale - Jesse said carefully.

No. Look at her! Use your eyes. And your nose, you fool.

They have just stopped for the night at a small inn and were alighting from their horses. Jesse swiftly moved over to Blaze's side and despite Beca glowering down with hostility at him, he had firmly lifted her off her horse and set her down on her feet.

"I didn't need your help," Beca muttered halfheartedly.

"Of course you don't, mi'lady," Jesse answered softly, eyes searching her face.

She was about to answer back defiantly when a spasm went through her and she swayed on her feet. His hand shot out to steady her but after a quick moment, she shrugged his help off, passing a shaky pale hand over her white face. And without another word, Lady Beca Mitchell stalked off into the inn.

Stacie walked over to Jesse's side. - Did you see it?

She's not well - Jesse replied. Her face was not just pale; it was ashen, almost bleached of any colour. Her lips which had always been a sweet pink, looked chaffed and bitten and her eyes, with those grey circles underneath them, looked huge in her pale, pinched face. When she passed her hand over her face...

A deep growl erupted from his throat.

Jesse! Stay!

Stacie's voice rang like a warning in his mind and Jesse immediately stilled himself. He was about to lose control. He could feel it. That ring on Beca's hand. How could he have missed it? He should have picked up the slight stench clinging to it. She must have had it for some time for him not to notice it.

The ring she's wearing. It belonged to the O'Cullenains. I could smell it.

I thought as much - Stacie replied.

Was she ever out of your sight? - Jesse questioned.

No. - Stacie answered - But her sleep had been very restless.

We've got to get rid of that ring.

Jesse made a move towards the door but Stacie laid a heavy hand on his forearm, stopping him. He turned towards her and found Stacie staring hard at him.

We have to talk. There is something else that Bumper wanted me to convey to you.

Her head felt so heavy and woolly. Beca rubbed her eyes tiredly before leaning into the roughly hewn table and resting her clammy forehead on her arm. How many days had they been on the road? How many more? It seemed like forever. Each day was melting into one another. Another inn, another itchy bed. She had not been sleeping well for the past few nights, haunted by her dreams and all the hard riding was not helping.

Where was she riding to? What was she supposed to do when she get there?

Beca screwed her eyes shut. All the questions swirling round her head hurt and she felt a little better just closing her eyes and resting her head like this. Except the visions will come. River dryads with gills pulling her into watery depths. Golden fairies so small that they fitted in her palm. Sharp claws digging into her flesh. Snarls. Low, gritty snarls. Teeth. Huge beasts stalking in the shadows.

And Luke always out of reach, calling out to her.

Beca, I'm waiting.

Luke.

She could see him. He was holding out his hand and his fingers brushed against her cheek. Icy. So icy cold.

Hurry, Beca. We need to hurry.

I...I can't find you.

Say yes and you'll know where to find me.

Sweat was pouring off her brow. Her throat felt dry. Constricted. She was finding it hard to speak. Luke was gazing at her with his green eyes. She forgot how green and mesmerising his eyes were. They were hynoptising. Beca reached out, hoping to touch him, the garnet on her ring flashing bright and for a moment, the red was reflected in his eyes.

Say yes, Beca. - his voice insisted.

Yes - she breathed out shakily - Wait for me, please.

"Wake up, Beca! It's dinner time." Amy's voice rang loud and clear. Beca woke up, startled, jumping a little in her seat. She looked round, confused and unsure where she was. They were in their bedroom. She was still in her riding clothes, siting at the table, head heavy with sleep. She must have accidentally dozed off just now.

Amy was bustling over, looking quite gleeful. "Look what they sent up," she crowed, placing the wooden tray on the table and whipping the chequered cloth cover away. "Look! Roast chicken, boiled new potatoes. A nice berry and apple pie and wine."

Beca looked at the feast a little suspiciously. "Did we order them?"

"Compliments from the innkeeper. Seeing that we are important guests," Amy said, already sitting down and tucking into some chicken and potatoes.

"Shouldn't we wait for the others?" Beca said, noticing both Jesse and Stacie were not in the room.

"Oh, they went out," Amy replied, mouth full of chicken. She poured a good slug of wine and offered the bottle to Beca who shook her head in refusal. "Stacie mentioned something about checking the horses. I just think they needed some.. you know, private time."

Beca reached for the potatoes, eyes downcast.

"Yes. Yes, of course," she mumbled, biting into a bit of potato. It tasted like sawdust in her mouth.

I have to do what?

Jesse did not bother to lower down his voice in her head. Stacie bore the shout well and kept quiet. She knew Jesse would have some difficulty with what she had just conveyed to him. They had walked round the grounds, some way from the inn, communicating in wolf. He was now pacing, agigated and restless. Stacie hung back, giving him as much space as possible. He needed to think through very carefully what she had just told him.

Jesse stopped in his tracks, turning towards her.

I don't think I can do it, Stacie. - his eyes were filled with so much despair - How can I do it?

Why do you think Bumper sent me? - Stacie replied - He had an inkling it will be difficult for you.

He sent you to do it if I fail?

Yes.

You know I will fight you to death if you were to try?

Stacie's sigh was tinged with regret. Yes, I know. I won't expect any less from you.

Jesse dropped his head and Stacie knew if he was in his wolf form, he would have howled out his anger and frustration. In all honesty, this was the cruellest thing that anyone could ask of him. It will go against all his code of behaviour, all his feelings, all his natural instincts. But they were not dealing with any ordinary situation.

Does Lady Beale know? - Jesse asked.

Stacie nodded her head again.

We are faced with a tough choice, Jesse. Lady Beale knows this - Stacie answered - The O'Cullenains wanted Beca very badly. You know what she is. You can feel her power. They will be invincible if she does fall in their hands. Can you imagine if those leeches managed to get their hands on her? We cannot let that happen.

But I can't...

If it comes to it, Jesse. - Stacie said firmly - If she is compromised, we'll have to sacrifice her for the greater good. If they were get to her, we will have no other choice. We will have to kill her.

Stacie thought she could feel that howl of anguish within him.

There must be another way.

He was clutching at straws.

There is. - Stacie said slowly. - But you are not going to like it either.

It was strange how the thud of a dead body sounds suspiciously like a sack of potatoes.

Beca stood with her feet planted squarely on the floor, gazing numbly at Amy's inert body lying on the floor. Her fingers slowly released the heavy, wooden candlestick she was holding and it fell beside Amy, making a dull thump against the wooden floor. The sound seemed to shake her and Beca took in a ragged breath, suddenly realising what she had done.

Amy. I've killed Amy. - She was about to fall on her knees when that persistent voice drilled into her mind, taking up her every thought. Some part of Beca was fighting against the invasion in her mind - What did you made me do? I've killed her! I've killed my best friend!

You didn't kill her. She's not dead.

Are... are you sure?

Yes. Now come to me.

Beca stepped back, her eyes falling on the scene before her. The half eaten dinner on the table and the wine jug nearly empty. Amy had taken far too much to drink and would have passed out anywya but that voice had insisted. Insisted that Amy would have stopped her. Insisted that Beca took that candlestick and swung it hard against her best friend.

Beca. You'll have to hurry.

The stone on her ring glowed bright and Beca jerked her head unconsciously. The voice was commanding her and she was powerless to resist.

Come to me, Beca.

She stared into the darkness ahead, unseeing, her hands fumbling for her cloak in the dark - As you wish.

The walk back to the inn was solemn; both of them still side by side, each with their own thoughts. Stacie stole a glance at Jesse. Besides the grim look on his face, he looked remarkably calm but she was not fooled. He would be wrestling with the enormity of what was asked of him. It was far too cruel. Asking him to kill Beca was unnatural. A heartless, ruthless, brutish act that will tear him apart. He was her knight protector, her mate. He would have sworn to safeguard her; to protect her. He would have fought to death to keep her safe.

A lesser man than him would have buckled - Stacie thought to herself. Bumper had commanded that she stepped in if he could not do it. She sighed heavily thinking of what she would have to do.

The inn loomed dark and quiet before them. Too quiet. Stacie pricked her ears, her hand falling immediately on the pommel of her sword.

Jesse - she growled in warning.

Yes. I feel it. - he instantly replied.

Go and get the horses - Stacie commanded, striding ahead towards the entrance of the inn. I'll go and get them both.

Stacie was already at the door and disappeared into the inn. The horses were tied to one side of the building and it was mere moments before Jesse reached them. Their instincts were right. Something was wrong. Even the horses were restless. Shadow was pawing the ground impatiently and Jesse had to lay a hand on the stallion to keep him calm. He had untied all of their horses and was about to lead them towards the front yard when Stacie's voice rang in his head.

Jesse! She's gone!

He didn't need to ask whom. He knew it a heartbeat before. Beca was gone. The reins fell from his hands and he whirled around, instantly seeking her scent.

Jesse, did you hear me? - Stacie yelled.

Yes. - he replied impatiently, trying to concentrate in locating Beca. - Her scent was still strong. She must have not gone far.

Jesse swiftly ran towards the back where it was the strongest. Then his ears picked up the sound of ringing steel. Yells. Shouts. Painful grunts. And his nose picked up the metallic whiff of blood.

Stacie!

I'm fine. - she grunted back - Just one or two peasants. Amy's out cold. Just go!

Something was chasing her. She could feel it. It was a huge beast, snarling, feral and wild and it was chasing her. She had to escape. The beast was going to kill her. He was just right behind her and Beca thought she could feel its warm, fetid breath, its fangs and claws just behind her. The branches were scratching her face and arms but she had to carry on. There was danger behind her and her only salvation was running to Luke. He was waiting for her, calling out to her. He will keep her safe.

Beca burst through the thicket into a clearing and fell on her knees.

"Beca!"

Hands were helping her up.

"Oh god, Beca! Thank god you are safe."

Tears were threatening to spill from her eyes and when she looked up, she couldn't stopped them. Beca let out a sob and let her saviour lift her to her feet and wrapped his arms around her tightly.

"Luke."

She was crying. She didn't know why.

"Shh. You are safe."

"Something is chasing me," she sobbed out against his chest. He was so cold. So very cold. His arms around her felt like ice.

"You are with me now."

"Amy -" Beca whimpered.

"She will be fine." Luke interrupted quickly. He gently pushed her away from his chest and lifted her chin. "Let me look at you."

Her tears were still falling . It was difficult to see him properly with tears in her eyes. He looked so pale; so pale and wan. Almost translucent in this moonlight. He was gazing down at her with his green eyes and Beca gulped at how piercing his stare was. His fingers were gently stroking her neck, his thumb gliding along her throat. So cold. His fingers were so, so cold.

"You are more beautiful than I remembered," Luke murmured thickly. "So beautiful."

Beca placed her hands on his chest, trying to make some sense of what was happening. She should feel safe now. Luke was here to rescue her. That was what he promised. He will bring her away to somewhere safe. She will not have to marry Lord de Lessops. She will not have to stay another moment with Amy and Stacie and.. Jesse.

"Kiss me, my sweet," Luke was saying now, his lips skimming her cheek, seeking her mouth. "I've missed the taste of your lips."

Beca instinctively moved her mouth to meet his and kissed him back. It was strange. She only felt hollow and nothingness. Luke was about to deepen the kiss, his hands already sliding from her waist up to her back, pulling her closer when Beca drew back.

"Did you kill those men?"

"Which one, sweeting?" Luke mumbled, seeking her lips again.

"My father's men," Beca insisted. "I heard the camp was attacked enroute and two of my father's men killed."

Luke straightened up, mouth twisted impatiently.

"Yes, yes, I did," he admitted, gazing down at her irritably now. "You were supposed to be there. That was our plan. I lost two men as well, Beca. If you were there, this wouldn't have to happen."

"I didn't mean to. They hatched another plan and took me away."

"Yes, your Commander was a wily old wolf. Good thing you had the ring with you or I will not be able to find you." Luke grumbled. Beca was looking at the ring on her finger and Luke quickly changed his expression to something more placating, more conciliatory. "But it's fine. You are here with me now. We can go and meet my father and all will be well."

"You are taking me to the O'Cullenain's stronghold?"

"Yes, of course. Father has plans for us."

He was so cold. Why was he so cold?

"Your father has plans for us?" Beca said, feeling a trickle of dread running down her chest.

"Yes." Luke answered. His eyes were shining now, both his hands running up to cradle her face. "You are going to be so beautiful, so strong. We are going to be invincible, my sweet. And you will be my queen."

"I...I never ask for all that, Luke." Beca replied. The trickle of dread was now a gush, a waterfall.

"Shhh," Luke said softly, his tone wheedling and placating yet again. "Don't worry about that now. "Don't you want to be with me?"

"I.."

She couldn't quite answer him. This was what she wanted, wasn't it? Luke didn't seem to want an answer to his question because he was busy kissing her face. His mouth traced down the side of her neck and a strangled groan came out of him.

"So warm. So alive," Luke slurred against her neck.

She should be able to feel his warm breath against her skin but all she felt was his frigid lips. His coldness was seeping into her bones. She tried pushing him away but her arms felt weak and clumsy. Dizziness took over. She wanted to speak out but all that came out of her mouth was agonised moans.

"I can't wait any longer." Luke was moaning against her neck, a greedy moan full of want. His mouth was against her throat and then she felt it. Sharp pinpricks against her skin. It grazed once, twice and then she felt the sharpness deepen, breaking her skin.