So I'm switching things up and putting my authors note at the top. I have come to the realization that being an adult sucks and it's really hard to find the time and motivation to write fanfiction. However seeing as how I'm dog sitting this weekend and have absolutely nothing else to do I figured I'd "man up" if you will and write at least one new chapter. Thank you for being patient and putting up with my laziness!
To Shaggz: I've been waiting for that ah-ha moment for a very long time. Thanks for reviewing and I hope you enjoy this next chapter.
To BrySt1: Don't worry the apology is coming and it's gonna be awesome! Thanks for reviewing!
To Aya-Fay: I'm glad that you were able to find it again and enjoyed the new chapter so much! Thanks for reviewing and I hope you enjoy this one too.
To ZabuzasGirl: Don't worry I'm going to write a chapter for Eye of the Storm next. Also thanks for the great ideas.
And now without further ado, Moonlit Madness chapter 11…
Annuska was still unconscious when Lucian left to meet up with Kraven. Part of him didn't want to leave her while she was in such a vulnerable state but the more logical part of him rationalized that she was surrounded by other lycan who were ready to protect her and besides, she had managed to survive this long without his help; she probably didn't even need him. As his car pulled into the ally way where his unlikely ally was waiting he forced himself to push all thoughts of Annuska from his mind. He was about to do business and couldn't afford to be distracted. It was obvious Kraven wasn't happy as he stalked over, not even waiting until he was fully in the car to begin his rant.
"Engaging Death Dealers in public and chasing after some human was not what I had in mind. You were told to set up shop and lay low!"
His tone of voice instantly ignited Lucian's rage; he hated being told what to do. The fact the person giving him orders was a vampire made it worse; he had vowed that he would never again be subservient to a vampire and thus never take orders from them.
"Cal yourself, Kraven." His hand wrapped around the other man's throat immediately reminding him who was more powerful. He found his hand tensing instinctively and had to mentally remind himself that as annoying as Kraven was Lucian needed him for the time being.
"The human doesn't concern you. And besides I've laid low for quite long enough."
Lucian waited a moment longer before releasing Kraven and moving back to his own seat. As much as he despised the coward, he was useful and until Lucian's plan was finished he was unfortunately necessary.
"Just keep your men at bay, Lucian, at least for the time being. Don't force me to regret our arrangement."
"You just concentrate on your part. Remember, I've bled for you once already. Without me you'd have nothing. You'd be nothing."
He couldn't help but smirk as Kraven huffily left the car. He knew it drove the vampire insane that he owed his position of power to Lucian; then again it drove Lucian mad that he had to work with the coward in the first place. He placed a hand over the place where he had cut Viktor's brand from his arm. In all actuality he had been glad to rid himself of the mark; it meant that he was no longer the vampires slave but his own free man. It was just a bonus that by doing so he insured the vampires believed him to be dead. Then as they were driving back a thought dawned on him, he didn't know if Annuska still bore her brand or not. He remembered they had placed the mark on her left shoulder blade because her arm was too thin to fit the entire symbol but he didn't know what became of the mark after that. While it was true that her time there wasn't as grueling simply because she was not being forced to do extreme manual labor every day his recent revelation had lead him to conclude her time as a servant might have been as pleasant as he had originally believed.
The first thing he did when he arrived back at the hide out was dispatch two of his men to retrieve Michael. Over the years they had become experts at blending in with the human populace collecting a plethora of different costumes and uniforms that would give them the power to control events from the shadows. They would use this advantage to keep track of the vampire's locations and numbers and when they could, cause trouble for the blood suckers. This time he decided pretending to be cops would be the best way to go. Michael was probably scared and confused meaning that no one would question if the cops showed up and wanted to take him in for "questioning". Not to mention cops had the authority to get information that average citizens weren't privy to and would thus have an easier time tracking the man down.
After he was sure they had left he returned to the room where Annuska lay prone. He was glad to see that she had regained some of her color and seemed to be actually sleeping instead of unconscious. Before he even knew what he was doing he had reached out and brushed a few strands of hair from her face. Again he was struck with how delicate she was in comparison to the others of their kind.
"She never spoke a single bad word about you ya know." Lucian started at the sudden voice. He would never admit it but he had forgotten that someone else was in the room with him and Annuska. He looked over at Tomi and tilted his head slightly in a questioning manner.
"That's right you wouldn't know. See while I was growing up I remember her always tell me and the other kids stories from before the war, back when lycans were still servants of the vampires. She used to speak of your compassion and bravery, how you stood up for your brothers and protected them to the best of your ability. She even told us about how you and Sonja fell in love, she would say 'see even back then vampires and lycan could get along if they tried'. I used to think you were the most amazing person; I wanted to be just like you. It wasn't until I was older and just about to leave to join you that I found out about how you had treated her. Andris, her child in all but blood was the son of one of the vampire nobles. He was only a young boy when you revolted but he remembers clearly the fear he felt as his perfect world came crumbling down around him. Annuska saved him and took him under her wing. They built a safe haven for vampires and lycan alike together. He said her grief when she learned you were dead still haunts him but that he couldn't help but feel glad that you were gone. She had told him about how you treated her and felt that you didn't deserve her love. He hated that she always tried to defend you and your actions. I was shocked when he first told me what you were really like back then. Yes you protected your brothers, but you completely ignored Mother and left her to the mercy of the vampires while the rest of you escaped. You let her take your punishment and never once stopped to look for her during the battle. Her life meant nothing to you even though she had sacrificed so much. I was crushed, I almost stayed at the castle, in fact the only reason I still joined you was for mother. She always talked about how she couldn't wait for the day when all people lycan and vampire alike would be free. I figured joining you was the best way for me to make sure her dream came true."
Lucian sat in shock when Tomi finished his story. He couldn't believe that Annuska had failed to say even one bad thing about him in all the years they had been apart. Anyone else would have hated him if he had treated them that way and certainly would have slandered his name any chance they got. Then again, that's what made Annuska so special. She wasn't like everyone else. She was quick to forget any slight against her and always willing to give someone another chance. The fact that he had wronged her weighed heavily on his chest, there was nothing he could do to change the past. His cruelty towards her would always haunt him but he promised himself that he would do his best to make her forget those times. He would shower her with affection so that she would never feel that kind of pain and loneliness again.
Just as he finished making his new promise Annuska began to stir. At once he was by her side grabbing the hand closest to him while Tomi took hold of the other. He waited patiently while Annuska got her bearings and smiled gently at her when she turned her head to look at him.
"Annuska, I'm glad to see you're awake. I've had a lot of time to think while you were, asleep, and I've come to realize that I was wrong in treating you like a traitor all those years ago. I know I can never make up for what I did but I want you to know that I am deeply sor-"
"Don't worry," she cut him off suddenly, "I've already forgiven you…"
And there you have it folks, chapter 11 is officially done. I hope you enjoyed it, please leave me a review to let me know what you thought. I know I'm awful at updating quickly but your reviews motivate me to do it sooner! Thanks again for reading this story, ya'll rock!
-Ambercat999
