Midnight Howl
Chapter 11: A Drop In The Ocean
Diana's POV
Something wasn't right. Leah and I sat in the Rogues studies with him and Tate arguing about their location being discover. Turns out some hound marshals were spotted at the Canadian border. And these were not just any hound Marshals, but my pack and another person. Sandalius practically acted between nervous and amused when word came of Drest Lyall making a presence. To hear my grandfather being here to rescue was a bit astonishing. The last time I ever met him in person was when I was a toddler, the rest was a letter on my birthday.
"Michael must've been captured," Tate announced.
"It appears so," Sandalius agreed. "And I had so little fate in him."
"Why are you afraid of my grandfather?" I asked.
Sandalius stopped his pacing and looked at me with a deviant smile, "I`ll get straight to the point, love. People have been after me for a thousand year and I`m always one step ahead, so whatever it is you`re trying. Go for it; give it your best shot. You won`t succeed."
"I'm just curious," I defended. "Why does Drest involved in your master scheme?"
"He's not involved, he's a catalyst. You see Diana, your grandfather is not who you think he is. Not an honest man, nor a man of his word. Actually having you part of my pack probably aggravates him so dearly. That is something I would like to see, but not today. Tate get the car ready, we're leaving in the hour."
"Understood," Tate said bowing his head before leaving the studies.
Sandalius sighed, "Five years and now I get his attention."
"Wait, so you've killed people for Drest's attention?" Leah asked.
"Most likely," he said.
Leah growl shaking to a point you can't see her form, but she couldn't phase. Sandalius smirked enjoying the torment Leah was going through. Growling she got up and went to the bar to pour herself a drink. There was nothing Leah could do until the jinxed bracelet is off her wrist so she could phase and contact the others. I remain in my seat fiddling my pendent and father ring. It's a habit I gotten since the elders gave me the trinket to help my nerves. Also it lets me know Jacob won't give up on finding me.
"Thinking about your pet?" Sandalius asked. "What was his name again, Jack, Jason….."
"Jacob," I corrected him. "And he's not a pet. He's my boyfriend."
"I don't see what you see in him, dear? True an Alpha gives qualities on being his Bitch, but I don't see him as your type."
"You don't know him like I do."
"Oh," Sandalius took this as a challenged sitting down next to me with an arm over my shoulder. "I know you love to ski, does Jacob know that?" I didn't answer which he continued. "I know you favor country music, how you would travel with a country station instead of a local station when alone or with your father. I find intriguing the website you write your fan-crazed literature called Fanfiction, stories about the chronicles of Narnia, Doctor who, and other series. Though you need to work on your grammar, but the plots interesting. Does Jacob know about your writing or the deviant art account where you post your art work?"
"How do you know all this?" I gulped hard.
"The internet," Sandalius grinned as if trying to suppress a laugh. "Diana Helen Swan, age eighteen born on November Seventh in New Hampshire. One of the top soapbox racers in New England, though runner-up for Akron. Found military interesting that you joined JROTC instead of girl's scouts, probably because you quit girl's scouts, for there was no motivation after your mothers decease…."
"Shut up," Leah growled.
"Ah, and the pen-pal relationship you two had since what…..twelve years? I know you Diana from the back of my hand."
"No you don't," I whispered standing up to join Leah.
"Really," Sandalius cooed remaining in his seat. "Then enlighten me in what I missed?"
"Do you know my favorite color? Or flower, song, movie, drink, food, gem, or the locations I so deeply favor?"
Sandalius sat there in deep thought, but couldn't answer. "Your's Topaz?"
I smirked, "Topaz maybe my birthstone doesn't conclude it's my favorite stone, nor Chrysanthemum as my flower. What you can find out on the internet or a document about me doesn't mean you know me personally. Jacob knows who I am emotionally, he may be a bit stubborn and arrogant at times, but that's who he is on the outside. Inside he's somebody different. Generally, he's very friendly, playful, carefree and caring towards the people around him. He would go to any extent to protect those he loves most."
"Imprinting most definitely clouds your judgment."
Leah growled slamming her glass on the counter. "Listen bub, Imprinting isn't about romances, it's something more. It's about the connection of a friend that the imprintee wanted them to be. A choice is made and a bond is nurture."
'Imprinting on someone is like... Like when you see her... Everything changes. All of a sudden, it's not gravity holding you to the planet. It's her... Nothing else matters. You would do anything... be anything for her.' Jacob told Bella was the basic description towards the word. But what he told me was completely different. 'It's like gravity. Your whole center shifts. Suddenly it's not the earth holds you here. You would do anything, be anything she needs. A friend, a brother. A protector."
And that was who Jacob was to me. He was my brother and my friend if not my personal protector against those who wanted to hurt me or myself. Jacob was all three and we were growing from the third stage to final last stage of our bond. The Postpone bind was a long process compared to imprinting. It shows signs and gives the individuals a chance to see nurture in a relationship to the point a decision must be made. I was Jacob soul mate and he was a part of my soul. He is my rock and light and guardian wolf. Through darkest time and roughest moments in our relationship, we ended up forgiving each other, for we are both to blame.
Thinking of Jacob caused an ache in my chest to grow again. Longer we are about the physical changes that become. We discovered this difficult during the weekend in not seeing each other, the results were inconclusive or difficult to explain. For the separation I became either physically weak in feeling my chest hurt on neglect, or Jacob becomes sullen, agitated, and desperate. Two days was a limit without seeing each other but at least communicate. More and separation feels like a glass wall suffocates you in a cage. Reason why I'm still standing without breaking because I hold hope and faith in Jacob and our friends.
"As the saying goes, love grows. Not Shakespeare romance. Truly I would never consider finding love by a kiss, but that of trust, friendship, and commitment." Grandma Helen would say.
Tate entered the room, "The Royce is ready."
.o0o.
To ride in something classic, advance, and downright sheik as a Rolls Royce was something I never expected to be riding in my entire life. I've seen these extravagant vehicles in films, car shows, and down the streets of lavish capital cities and countries. Never thought I be riding in one, however the magic in my inner car geek was sustained do to the fact the owner of the vehicle belongs to Sandalius who sat in the passenger seat with Tate in the driver while Leah and I in the back. The interior hardly hold interest, only the view down the mountain path caught full attention.
Where we are going I don't know. If Sandalius prefers expensive treats then I bet he was taking us somewhere that is primarily capitalism, fashion, and style. No one would suspect to find a bunch of werewolves in a city. As I looked out the window to see Vancouver as snow fall down. My chest ache for each mile passed by farther away from Olympic Peninsula towards east of Alberta. Leah felt the distance drastically between her and Orion. I wonder how Jacob is doing.
"What the….."
Tate hit the brakes causing everyone to impact into the car interior hard. Up ahead about fifty feet of the narrow roads of the mountains, blocking the street were three cars: a Camaro, SUV, and Hummer. I knew those cars that I couldn't help but smile in seeing Orion, Hunter, Jacob, and everyone I known the past year. Leah sighed in relief too.
"Terrific," Sandalius muttered.
"Want me to reverse?" Tate asked.
"No, it'll lead to a chase and I'm not in a pleasant mood for a chase."
"What now?"
"A negotiation. Why do you think I capture two instead of the main prize?"
Tate snorted removing the keys from ignition and suddenly both doors open and Leah and I were in front of the car. Sandalius had a firm grip on my shoulder impossible to escape in the iron grip. I winced not looking him in the eyes and focused on my family, focusing on Jacob. Jacob stood next to some gentlemen in black shaking violently. I could barely identify the stranger out of the pack against the blizzard.
"It has been a long time, old friend." Sandalius announced. "Almost a decade I presumed."
"I believe so Sandalius," the man said. "However, I believe you've taken the consideration for my attention drastically."
"You know I like to make an impression, including what's rightfully mine."
"Diana and Leah have never been yours to begin with. I told you countless time to leave my family alone. You pasted the line when attacking my granddaughter and son-in-law!"
I gasped realizing who this man was, he was my grandfather.
Sandalius smirked in hearing me gasped, "If you're really her grandfather, I pity for her. Having to be blooded with a notorious ass who can't hold the decency to call her."
"This is not an intervention, Sandalius." Drest growled. "I've come to make a negotiation with you and you alone. We have one of your followers, Michael in our custody. We'll exchange him for the girls and arrange some sort of conferences between you and me. Are we at an agreement?"
"Ah, the old an eye for an eye deal! Really Drest, you are very traditional after two thousand years. The deal seems tempting; however counting on trade the contract seems a bit unbalance. One for a price of two lovelies hardly a bargain, so you must choose between the two and I like to know if Michael is here."
Drest nodded and looked at Adolph and Hunter to fetch Michael. Only one of us could be trade in this exchange. Now I understand why he kidnapped Leah, not just her species blocking Alice's vision, but for this. We were both important figures two both alpha's as their mates. If Leah is traded Orion is appeased then Jacob would be furious. But if I was traded then the conflict is a fork in the road. The two Lycans came back dragging a beaten Michael cover in blood and tatter clothing. Sandalius nodded in approval.
"Good, however you have to choose one of the ladies for the trade. But chose wisely, only one of the women is at interest. Pick one and the other might die." Sandalius warned.
"What do you mean?" Jacob demanded.
Sandalius looked at Tate who held Leah tightly arms behind her back in one hand while the other around her waist. Suddenly there was a snap between Leah and I that my right shoulder was dislocated and Leah collapsed on the ground, except Tate held her.
"Paralyzed from the waist down," Tate said.
"And a dislocated shoulder on the dominate arm," Sandalius added. "It's a good thing Shifters heal faster, depends on properly the spinal cord heals though."
Orion snarled which Drest raised his hand to a halt. Leah whimpered panting heavily while her body shook to a point that I can't see her outer figure. She attempted to phase, except the charmed jewelry prevented it. Drest looked between the two, deciding who is valuable to be spared and who might die in Sandalius captivity. We all knew the answers so simply on who is valuable. I stared at my grandfather's eyes begging him to take Leah afterwards looked at Jacob apologetically. We promise not to hurt each other in many form, but it had to be done. Jacob saw this and literally his face dropped.
"Very well, we'll trade Michael in exchange for Leah. Do we have a deal?" Drest replied.
"Deal," Sandalius agreed shoving my right arm up relocating the joints back into the socket.
Tate picked up Leah and carried her to the halfway point where Adolph dragged Michael over. Tate gingerly handed Leah into Adolph's arms then grabbed Michael by the shoulder and roughly brought him to Sandalius. Sandalius handed me to Tate glaring at Michael through his rage state.
"Master I….." Michael couldn't find the right words.
Sandalius shook his head, "Rise Michael, you have done what you can to full potential."
Michael sighed; standing up on his legs until everything stopped. A gasped followed by the scent of blood riled every lycan. I chocked on a scream in seeing what just happen. Sandalius puncture his talon claws through Michael's chest. The alpha smirked patting his follower on the shoulder before yanking his heart out. Michael's corpse stood for a moment until collapsing on the concrete, coating the freshly covered snow in blood, turning white to red. and finally black. Sandalius lifted his hand exposing the still pumping heart, licking the blood, Afterwards tossed it over the road down the mountain cliffs.
"What a disappointment." Sandalius sighed not looking at the hound marshals. "Why Diana, you must be freezing." He removes his peacoat and wrapped it over my shoulders. He looked calmed tucking a strand of hair off my face with his clean hand. "We must be off. So much to do and a whole lot of time on our hands. Pleasure doing business with you Drest."
"I call upon the Claiming!"
Sandalius calmed posture stiffened along with Tate. Claiming? What is a claiming? Hunter walked center of the border line furious yet neutral. "I call upon the Claiming in which I, Hunter Faolan Lyall challenge you and those who are interested in the challenge your claimant on Diana Helen Swan. Winner claims her as the victors mate."
"The Claiming has been diminished since Women's Right." Sandalius sneered.
"Yet accustomed to certain cultures and packs. The Lyall clan participate the Claiming ritual even to this day. Since she is of Lyall blood, the ordeal is established with the permission of not just you, but every dominate relative." Hunter explained looking at Orion and Drest to agree on this challenge.
"You have my consent." Drest said.
"As of mine," Orion agreed holing Leah tightly in his arms.
"Two of the three over rule, which the Claiming has been consent. Are there any challengers?"
"I do," Adolph joined in standing next to Hunter.
Orion murmured something to Jacob who was confused until nodding as he joined Hunter and Adolph. Sandalius growled furiously of the challenged. From what I could comprehend was the claiming were the guys fighting for my hand in marriage. The idea is ridiculous to which I have no say in this establishment. Then again, I have no say at all. Tate nodded saying he'll participate and Sandalius heaved a deep breath through gritted teeth.
"Very well, the Claiming shall be commenced." Sandalius forcefully said. "On the Night of the Worm moon. I shall notify you on the location. Until then, Diana Swan remains under my derestriction. Any of you attempt to rescue her and there shall be consequences."
"Understood," Drest obliged.
Tate readjusted his grip and forced me back to the car. I struggled against his hold and manage to escape running towards Jacob, calling out his name. I can't do this; I needed to be close to him. Jacob instantly started running towards me and embraced me tightly. Everything about him absorbed into me, his warmth, scent, and atmosphere consumed me. I couldn't help but sobbed while he growled not wanting to let go.
"Diana! Come back here this instant!" Sandalius order.
Immediately my body stiffen that I have no choice but follow his command. Jacob gripped tighten not wanting to let go. "I love you Diana. Hold onto that. Never let that go. I will fight for you until my heart stops beating."
Jacob kissed my forehead and let me go. My body stepped backwards back to Sandalius and Tate while I faced Jacob and my family. Tears ran down my face for I won't see them again until the claiming or the later future. Once I stood next to Sandalius, he didn't hit me like I anticipated, instead he sighed opening the backdoor seat. Having no control, I nodded entering the back seat and buckle up. Tate returned back to the driver seat and Sandalius in the passenger. A click was heard signaling the doors lock and secure for any chances of escape. The Roy Royce drove in reveres taking the exit towards Vancouver. As the vehicle turned, I looked out the window one more time to see Jacob phased.
"Where to?" Tate asked.
"Edmonton," Sandalius replied looking over his shoulder to see me lost in my thought. He sighed and tossed something at me. It hit directly in my chest, looking down to see my I-pod. "Keep you occupied."
I nodded putting on the headphones and lay down on the couch staring at the crème leather interior. I click play on the shuffler expecting to hear Skillet, Paramore, or some rock alternative music. Instead, I hear a soft distant melody of a piano. A sob almost escape in how this song felt between Jacob and me right now.
"A drop in the ocean, I don't wanna waste the weekend, Still I can't let you be, Just a drop in the ocean, Misplaced trust and old friends, Still I can't let you be, Just a drop in the ocean, Heaven doesn't seem far away anymore no, no No A drop in the ocean,
A change in the weather,
I was praying that you and me might end up together.
It's like wishing for rain as I stand in the desert,
But I'm holding you closer than most,
'Cause you are my heaven.
If you don't love me, pretend
A few more hours, then it's time to go.
And as my train rolls down the East coast,
I wonder how you keep warm.
It's too late to cry, too broken to move on.
Most nights I hardly sleep.
Don't see what you don't need, from me.
A change in the weather,
I was praying that you and me might end up together.
It's like wishing for rain as I stand in the desert,
But I'm holding you closer than most,
'Cause you are my heaven.
Never counting the regrets,
By the grace of God, I do not rest at all.
And New England as the leaves change;
The last excuse that I'll claim,
I was a boy who loved a woman like a little girl.
Most nights I hardly sleep,
Don't see what you don't need, from me.
A change in the weather,
I was praying that you and me might end up together.
It's like wishing for rain as I stand in the desert,
But I'm holding you closer than most,
'Cause you are my
Heaven doesn't seem far away.
Heaven doesn't seem far away anymore no, no
Heaven doesn't seem far away.
No
A change in the weather,
I was praying that you and me might end up together.
It's like wishing for rain as I stand in the desert,
But I'm holding you closer than most,
'Cause you are my heaven.
You are my heaven…"
.o0o.
No body spoke a word after the Roy Royce disappeared down the mountains path towards the city. Once out of sight, Jacob phased mot able to control his emotion. He almost had her, had her in his arms where she rightfully belong, not in Sandalius arms. When he hugged her, he could smell that devils scent masking Diana's. Not able to take it anymore, he decided to run back to Forks in order to clear his thoughts. As he ran he slammed into trees, pounding branches down, thrashing about to release the anger while running.
Twenty-five more days, Jacob thought counting the days till the claiming.
He had to win this Ordeal in order to have Diana back. Hunter and Adolph participating the challenge to eliminate possible contestant. Sandalius and Tate wouldn't give up Diana and if Adolph and Hunter distract them, he could find Diana and claim her. His inner wolf growl in approval while his human mind thought it was fucked up. But both agreed they'll do what's necessary in getting Diana back.
When he got home during the middle of the night sliding through the window to his room, he changed into a pair of sweat. As he changes he caught sight of an old T-shirt of Diana's on the bottom of the closet. There were some clothes she left in case she spend the night or something to change to after cliff diving. Picking it up and bringing it to his nose to smell her scent. It was faint but still there. This calmed his nerves while lying down on the small bed, struggling to go to sleep with the shirt in his arm.
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A Drop in the Ocean is by Ron Pope