Chapter Three, Ep. 12 – "Blood Moon"
Author's Note – Important info – so please read!!!
I just wanted to say thanks again for all the nice reviews everyone has posted on my chapters, everyone has been so sweet! And I hope you'll all enjoy the third installment, "Blood Moon."
Please remember to review after finishing it! Those reviews fuel my muse, and gets me to post sooner than I normally would, so keep them coming! (wink) I know most of you have already reviewed the first chapter, but I'd really appreciate if you would review each individual upcoming chapter! My goal is to see this story get over 100 reviews. And I'm more than halfway there, so keep it up! Tell me what your favorite part was, and why. Also, feel free to e-mail me with any questions or comments!
I've had a couple of people point out to me, that after posting a new chapter, they get worried because they don't see a link to that chapter. That's because the chapter was just posted, and although the summery link is saying that there is a new chapter that has been posted, it takes anywhere from 2 to 5 hours before that chapter link is up and running. That isn't something that is just happening with this story, but with all of the new chapters posted all over the site! So don't worry! It'll be there if you just be patient!
Hopefully, everyone thinks I'm still sticking close to the storyline of Wolf Lake, and I'm not getting too out of character with the people in it, while at the same time, giving those characters a chance to sort of evolve and come into their own.
I'm not just trying to create a finale to the series where there is nothing new happening, but I'm actually trying to create several different new plot lines and complications. Which is actually what would be happening if the series had been allowed to continue. Sort of like a Virtual Season… Bringing some new characters in, and creating new complex situations to toss our beloved couples in to. Which is the reason why you see every chapter labeled as such and such episode.
Now, I will warn you, I will be delving deeper into the "relationships" between Luke and Sophia, and John and Ruby. I'll be covering… "aspects" of their relationship in more detail, than the TV series did… Which means there will be an increase in rating during those parts, from the overall PG-13 rating that I set for the story. Now, I will put a notice at the beginning of the chapters that will have a little bit more…interaction… in them, to let people know that the rating has gone up. But that will be the extent of your notice. (As if anybody is going to mind *wicked grin*) I guess that is the primary reason we read these things anyway! LOL
I was originally planning on only doing about three or four chapters, and then bringing the story line down to a wrap… but it appears that my muse wasn't completely honest with me! I've gotten involved with these characters, and I'm now loath to leave them! It appears my Muse is going to take me on a ride through Wolf Lake that I wasn't prepared for, and I don't know yet exactly where I'm going to wind up, but it's looking pretty damn good from here!*grin* So I'll keep going with this story till my Muse abandons me for greener pastures, and I'm forced to bring it to a close. But I've already got plot lines laid for the next three chapters at least, so I should be able to keep everyone entertained for a while! I have to admit, I'm very pleasantly surprised about the success of this story!
So continue to let me know how much you enjoy it through your reviews and e-mails, and I'll try to keep writing for ya! But I do plan on wrapping it up within about two to three months or so. Just so you know I'm not planning on dragging my feet about finishing it. Usually, when I find a story I really like, I tend to get very paranoid about whether or not it will be finished. And unfortunately, that paranoia tends to be well justified, as the stories usually aren't. So, for those who've worried about this one… DON"T! IT WILL BE FINISHED!! *whew! Got that off my chest!* (wiping forehead in relief)
Also, I wanted to mention another series I'm working on for those who are Earth: Final Conflict fans. It's a Howlyn and Renee story. The first one is an alternate ending to the ep. "Death Suite" where Renee doesn't manage to escape from Howlyn quite so easily*evil grin* and is entitled "If Only For One Night." And it is concluding in "Black Fire" which is a somewhat alternate ending to the Series Finale, and continuation of what happens after. Which I'm currently posting chapters on in between working on the Wolf Lake series. I'm not getting as many hits on those two pieces as I would like, so I just wanted to mention it in case one of my Wolf Lake fans out there, just happened to be a fan of EFC, or at least the last season. One who may have given up on the fan fiction based on the series, because there was a serious lack of H/R pieces. Hopefully, I've changed that! (grin)
Also, for those interested, I posted a link in the review pages for Chapter Two, a link to where you guys can get extended plot lines and some scripts of the Wolf Lake series. I've seen some people mention that they only saw one or two eps. And didn't have a way of finding out what happened in all the others…This is an excellent site set up for Wolf Lake, with some really nice pics and info on the series to fill all that in for you, so go check it out! If you have any problems locating it, just e-mail me, and I'll send it to you.
So, Sit back and enjoy! As we continue with Ep. 12 – "Blood Moon"
Welcome To My World……And Watch Your Step……
Brief Summery – Luke sets the tone of their relationship, as Sophia comes to terms with the wolf within. John fights to save himself and the mysterious wounded white wolf that he has become linked to, as the real threat to the Skinwalkers starts to close in…
But will it be enough?
Chapter Three –
Sophia cautiously studied Luke' expression as she wrapped her arms self-consciously across her breasts in the classic female position. Wishing she could have this conversation with Luke, in something other than a towel. Despite her shyness, she felt a trickle of excitement and arousal run down her spine as she watched his eyes flare bright gold for a moment, those flaring eyes had traveled down the length of her like he saw right through that towel… She was having a hard time acknowledging the fact that he had already seen her naked… Had already held her…
"At least one of us is going to get naked."
Sophia remembered the teasing phrase he had spoken to her just a few days ago in the woods, when he had disrobed for the Flip. She closed her eyes tightly for a moment as she remembered the sight of that body… Better yet, the feel of that body against hers in that mind link of theirs…
Sophia yanked herself out of her reverie. Not healthy… Not healthy one bit. Teenage hormones were bad enough without the recent dousing of wolven on top of that. Maybe she should really try to avoid being alone with Luke Cates after this. At least until she could trust herself not to jump his bones.
Although, she wryly admitted to herself, she figured that he wouldn't mind that at all. Not one bit.
"What is it we need to talk about?" Sophia asked coolly. Tilting her head to the side in that classic expression of hers. The way she had always looked at him when she didn't want him to get too close. The one that Luke really wanted to kiss right off her face and straight into oblivion.
Sophia raised an eyebrow at him. The only sign of her nervousness was the reflexive shallow in her throat. Luke smiled. She was good at hiding her emotions from the others, but not from him. He knew her too well.
"Don't look at me like that." Luke cautioned. "You know exactly what we need to talk about."
"No," Sophia ran her hand through her hair. Frustration appearing on her face. "I don't, Luke. I don't know what you want me to say here."
Luke's jaw tightened as he studied Sophia's movements. She was agitated. The most he had seen her before. Maybe this wasn't a good idea, him discussing this with her now. But he had to get this out in the open. He had to let her know that he wasn't going anywhere. He knew what he wanted from her now, and he had been a fool to have not seen it earlier. She was the only one for him. She was his mate. There couldn't be anyone else for him, and he had to let her know that, or risk losing her forever because of his stupidity.
He had been an asshole before, he admitted that. He knew she didn't trust him, and she was right to feel that way. But what they had shared last night had been powerful. No, it had been completely explosive. He couldn't remember a time like that, outside of the Change, where he felt so free. So connected. And it was through her that he found that peace.
He had seen into Sophia's soul, and it was a brilliant place to be.
He would make it up to her. He would make every damn foolish, hurtful thing he had done up to her.
"How are you feeling?"
Sophia was surprised by his question of concern. She rubbed her shoulder self-consciously, before stammering out an answer, not meeting his gaze.
"I'm fine."
"Sophia..?" Luke took a step closer to her. She still wouldn't look up at him. She was trying to shut him out.
"Sophia, look at me." He demanded. He needed her to understand something. Nothing she did or said now would change last night.
Last night, she had Flipped. Granted, she hadn't wanted to, but nevertheless, it had happened. She had to understand… she had to know.. that it was okay. It was okay to be what she was. It wasn't something to be ashamed of, or frightened of. He had seen her, the real her.
And she was stunning.
He wasn't going to stand back and watch her deny her nature once again. She'd been doing it for too long. He knew her. Knew she was strong. Stronger than any of the other females her age. She was like Ruby and his mother. All powerful female Skinwalkers. All trying, despite their personal views, to do what was right for their Pack. Even if the results were painful.
Sophia met Luke's gaze, and started when she saw his eyes were glowing intensely.
"Luke?!" Sophia protested. Backing up. Eyes going wide as he purposely stalked towards her.
Luke's jaw tightened as he saw Sophia's retreat, as he pursued her. This fear of hers had to end now. What she was seeing from him was natural among their kind, a way of expressing the intensity of what he was feeling.
Sophia's barely covered backside encountered the wall behind her, and Luke had her effectively pinned up to it, unable to sidle away from him without touching him. And that was the thing… He was restraining her without touching her. She could feel the heat from his body. Sense the tenseness there. And the desire. But he didn't so much as lift a finger to touch her skin to skin.
"Why did you retreat Sophia?" Luke's tone was soft, non threatening, even though his body was the complete opposite.
"Luke, what are you doing? What game is this?" Sophia asked warily. Trying to reinstate control over the situation.
Luke smiled intently at her. Shaking his head. "This isn't a game, Sophia, and unless you want to make it into one, you'll answer the question. Why did you retreat?"
Sophia's temper flared. She wasn't going to put up with this. She didn't know what Luke was trying to prove, but she wasn't playing by his rules anymore.
"I'm not going to do this with you." She stated firmly, and ducked underneath his arm in agitation. Sidling away from him.
Luke smiled slightly to himself. He had seen the way her eyes had un-wittingly flared gold back at him in anger. Her body was very much that of a Skinwalker, even if her mind wasn't. Yet.
"I'll tell you why." He spoke up. Insolently leaning up against the wall as he watched her stalk across the room, forgetting for the moment that she was wrapped only in a towel. He watched her back stiffen as she paused. Turning back around to face him challengingly as she placed her hands on her hips. Waiting for his answer.
"Because you're afraid. And not because of me, but because of what I am. What I represent to you."
Sophia threw back her head and smirked. Thinking he was referring to something else entirely different.
"And no, I'm not referring to sex." Luke stated. A glint of humor in eyes as he smiled cockily at her. "For once."
He became serious once again.
"No, I'm referring to the fact that you see me as a threat. Not because of me, but because I'm perfectly at ease with my two natures, and it's something that your father has raised you up to consider it abhorrent. But you know what? He's wrong, and so are you."
Luke pulled away from the wall, and stalked slowly towards her. Sophia stood her ground, hating him for his words, but nevertheless, waiting to hear what he would say next.
"I've watched you, Sophia." Luke spoke softly. Almost seductively to her. "I've seen your fire. Your temper, and your dominance." Luke wryly added. Still remembering the way she had thrown him into his car's windshield. The way she had been standing up to Presley's snide remarks the last few weeks. Challenging Presley in more ways than one, and not fully releasing what she was capable of doing. Not really realizing what she was doing. It was only Luke's firm control over the members of the pack his age, that had kept Presley from pulling anything. Presley knew the rules… you didn't physically challenge another member of the Pack, male or female, until they Flipped. Luke had reinforced that rule where Sophia had been concerned.
"This…facade that you put on because it's what everyone expects to see, isn't you. It never was. You're not that person that you've pretended to be with everyone else. Even me. You've tried for so long to fight what was within you, what was your nature, that somewhere along the way, you lost your identity. And now, when it's come back and is staring you right in the face, you're afraid to take hold of it. To fully acknowledge to yourself who and what you really are."
"And who am I, Luke?" Sophia asked coldly. Unable to refrain from the shiver rippling down her body, as he pulled closer to her. Inhaling her scent. Sophia closed her eyes and shuddered when his arm came around her waist, and pulled her against him.
Luke gently rubbed the side of his face against hers, before leaning over to gently nip at her jaw line. Feathering a kiss there…feeling her response to his touch.
Luke held her for a moment. Allowing her senses to fully expand and take him in, before he slowly pulled away. Studying her.
Sophia gazed back at Luke in confusion. This was a different side to him than the ones she had seen before. She had never been too sure about him. About who he truly was. And this situation wasn't helping her come to that conclusion. She didn't know which part of him was the real one. The rough, self-centered bad boy the whole pack knew him as…or…
Sophia suddenly remembered the previous night, and something clicked within her. She gazed back at Luke, this time with a flicker of understanding.
He was revealing himself to her. Layer by layer. Had he ever been comfortable to do that with someone before? Sophia didn't think so. Luke didn't like rejection, even if he was leaving himself completely open to it now.
Luke walked around to Sophia's back, and took hold of her shoulders, turning her towards her mirror. Wanting her to see what he did.
Sophia couldn't suppress the gasp of alarm when she saw her eyes were brilliant gold. Flaming just as much as his were. She would have turned away from the image, if Luke hadn't been holding her firmly in place.
"Sophia, look at yourself!" His tone stood for no argument, as his hand came around, and turned her chin back in the direction of the mirror.
Sophia opened her eyes slowly, painfully, and did what he asked. She watched the reflection of Luke, as his arms came firmly around her waist. Her body pulled into the curvature of his, just like in their mind link. Sophia loved it. It made her feel safe. Treasured. He buried his face gently, primal, into the side of her neck. Sophia saw herself respond to him. Saw the way her lips parted in a sigh, and her flaming eyes glazed over.
"You're beautiful, Sophia. Let go. Let yourself be who you are." He whispered against the curve of her neck, as she tilted her head to the side, unwittingly giving him better access. Sending shivers of delight down her spine. He felt her slowly relax, and become more accepting of herself, as she watched their joined reflection.
Luke was right, Sophia acknowledged. She had been fighting this. And she didn't want to anymore. What was wrong about being who she really was? What she had inwardly always wanted to be? And who she had always wanted to be with?
******
It was dark. Very dark. John couldn't focus on anything around him. Couldn't hardly move his legs or arms. Whatever they had drugged him with had been hard and unforgiving. He felt like a hundred pounds was bearing down on top of him. Holding him in place. His mind was sluggish as he tried to come to terms with what had happened.
He figured out that if he focused hard enough, he could turn his head from side to side. Enough to get a look at the room he was in. It had the appearance of a dark, dank, old cellar. There were no windows, and only one door. He was lying on his back, on the floor, his clothes torn beyond repair, with what appeared to be duct tape wrapped around his wrists and ankles.
John groaned as he tried to sit up. His head swimming, throbbing. He didn't need to be passing out right now. He had to figure out a course of action to get himself out of here.
Somehow, he managed to work himself into a sitting position against the filthy wall. Panting from the exertion of pulling on his bonds. What the hell was going on here?! Who were those men that had drugged him and had carted him to devil knew where. What did they hope to accomplish?
John paused a moment to recognize the irony of the situation. He had been captured and held against his will three times now, in the last week. This must be some new police record he was going for, because he really didn't understand a single thing about all of this, except the fact about how screwed up everything had been for him since coming to Wolf Lake… God help that town if he found out they had had something to do with this. What was the big secret? Why couldn't they just let Ruby go?
John's thoughts of Ruby strangely reminded him of the white wolf, and the strange vision he had had before passing out. Chalk it up to the drugs that had been shot into his system, but once he got out of here, he planned on getting some major down time in to recuperate. He was starting to lose it. But, considering everything that had happened to him since Ruby's disappearance, something told him that he deserved to be a little crazy.
John looked down at himself and saw that most of his clothes were covered in blood. It took him a moment to realize that it wasn't his. They must have put him next to the wounded wolf during the transport, because it was her blood that he figured was all over him.
John felt a moment of concern for the animal. He didn't see her in the room, so he figured they had her somewhere else. Why where his captives so concerned about the shot body of a wolf? Why hadn't they just dumped her in a ditch somewhere? Or better yet, why was he still alive?
John was starting to think that there was something bigger going on here than he had originally realized. He had a sudden moment of clarification that this was bigger than something going on inside Wolf Lake. He didn't know how he knew that, he just did. This had nothing to do with his search of Ruby…
This had to do with that Arthur Van Halen character, and his belief in werewolves…
******
Sophia couldn't believe she had agreed to meet Luke later that night. He had left rather suddenly, having sensed the entrance of Matt bringing back Sophia's breakfast downstairs. Making her promise to be ready after sunset, because he was going to come back for her and pick her up.
Sophia hoped he didn't plan on taking her to another Rave. She had had enough of them for one month. She remembered the last time he had asked her out officially for a date… and he had taken her to the Rave. It had been right after his father's collapse. She remembered how disappointed she had been. But that was nothing compared to getting kidnapped and locked away in someone's closest, and then tied down in a bathtub, having ice poured all over you to keep you cold after getting your throat slit.
That really hadn't been a very pleasant night. And had definitely ranked up there at the top of the worst dates she had ever had.
But.. she hadn't been able to say no to Luke. And what was worse was that he knew it. And Sophia figured it wouldn't have mattered whether she had said yes or not. He would have come for her anyway. Like he always did.
Sophia groaned to herself as she put her breakfast (well, actually, it was now past lunch) plate in the sink and turned the water on. Her dad was still sitting down at the table, trying to work on some papers related to his job.
She wanted to be able to talk to him about what she was going through right now, but was unsure as to how to precede. Every time she had ever brought up the subject of flipping, it had been met by resistance and hostility from her father. But now things were different. The subject had already been decided, and she had done it. Willingly or not.
So, how was he going to be towards it now?
"Dad?"
Matt looked up expectantly at Sophia as she came over the table. Twisting her hands a little nervously before hiding them behind her back. Where she would undoubtedly continue to pull at the fingertips just like her mother had always done.
"I need to know that…well, if, you're okay with me now. After the Change, I mean." Sophia stammered out awkwardly. Afraid he was going to shoot her down verbally right then and there.
Matt sighed as he placed his paperwork back down on the table, forgotten, as he leaned back to watch Sophia's expression. His jaw tightening as he saw the confusion and fear written there on her face.
"Sit down, Sophia." Matt directed gently. Waiting for her to do so, before he continued. "I want you to understand something. I never had anything against the Flip itself. Except that it came at such a high price. Teens either died from it, like Sarah almost did, or they were tied forever to this place. And I didn't want that for you. Nether did your mother."
Sophia looked away form him. Eyes downcast. "Then I failed both of you."
Matt's protest was adamant. "No, baby. You didn't fail anyone. Look at you. You're smart, talented, beautiful. You look so much like your mother that it sometimes surprises even me. She only wanted what she thought was best for you. She wanted you to be free from what my DNA would entitle."
"Well, that doesn't appear to be the case now, now does it? So I guess I've become a disappointment to her." Sophia spat out bitterly. Hating the fact that her own mother hadn't wanted her to be what she was. What she couldn't help being.
"Now, hold on!" Matt protested warningly. Staring intently at Sophia. Making her meet his gaze. "Your mother loved you regardless of what skin you would grow up to be. It never had anything to do with being a Skinwalker! She didn't want to lose you when that time came to Flip for the first time. And she had always been afraid of what would happen to you if that ever came around. Her hope was that you would never have to experience it, because it was her dream that because you were part human, you wouldn't have to go through it. She was afraid, as I was, that the human DNA part of your blood would weaken that of the wolf, and make it difficult, if not deadly, for you to go through the Change."
Matt paused to make sure he still had her attention. "We also realized that the call would still be very strong for you to become a Skinwalker, which is why she begged me before her death, to raise you as human. And to not ever Flip myself, as to do so, would inadvertently push you to do the same."
Matt reached over to grab Sophia's hand in his. Clenching it tightly.
"We also realized, that if you did Flip, willing or not, that you would be tied to this place. To Wolf Lake… We didn't want that for you. We wanted you to be able to see the rest of the world. To go places we never could." Matt now realized why Sophia had given up the opportunity to go to Florence, and study the stars. She had known instinctively that she was close to her time…
"But whether you like it or not, Dad." Sophia broke in. Eyes glittering with tears. "I did Flip. I did Change. It's over and done with now. And I need you to accept that part of me, so that I can accept it too."
Matt nodded resignedly. She was right and he knew it. Sophia's destiny was apparently going to chart a different course than he had originally thought it would, and he had to accept that, and give her the support she would need to set her feet upon it.
"Sophia, you are my daughter no matter what skin you choose to wear."
Sophia felt tears spill over at her father's words of acceptance. She quickly stood from her chair, and threw herself into his arms, hugging him tightly. Matt just smiled and held her closer. Thanking God that she had made it through the previous night.
At that time, Matt had no idea the extent of what her destiny would be. Who could have? Who could have guessed the danger lurking over Wolf Lake. Who could have guessed that in the small, almost seventeen year old body of a female Skinwalker who was also part human, could very well be the key to the survival of the entire Clan?
Except perhaps for two… One who was just starting to realize it, and the other, who had always known…
******
John had been pulling hard on his bonds for what must have been hours now. He had tried looking around the room to see if there were any pieces of glass or nails, or anything he could use to cut into the tape, but considering how dark it was, it hadn't been easy. And he really didn't care for the idea of slithering around on his stomach to try to find something until the drugs wore out of his system. And they were definitely taking their own sweet time.
John could feel frustration building, but didn't give into it. He occasionally heard what sounded like people moving around above him, but the sounds were usually too muted to be sure.
Instead, John turned his frustration into steam. He wanted these restraints off his wrists, and he wanted them off now!
John suddenly gave a hard yank, and he was surprised when the resistance he had been feeling for the last few hours, suddenly gave way to release.
The backs of his hands slammed painfully into the wall behind him. Unable to slow their movement on such quick notice, and John had to bite his tongue to keep from yelping. He hoped he hadn't broken anything.
He cautiously pulled his arms back around front. The muscles down the length of them shrieking and cramping in protest, as he felt the dulled sensation of his arms being asleep after being restrained for so long, give way to the burning pain of the nerves being reawakened.
He kept still for a moment. Feeling the blood pour back into his limbs. He slowly started to rub his wrists. Peeling off the remains of the duct tape. He looked at it in surprise. It was at least ten layers thick. Whoever had fastened it hadn't wanted him to go anywhere. John wasn't too sure how he had managed to get them off. There must have been a stress point in them somewhere.
John quickly leaned forward and began to undue the tape wrapped around ankles.
He had just succeeded in doing so, when he sensed that someone was coming. He didn't know how he knew that. It was instinctual. And one thing he had learned as a cop was to never ignore your instincts.
John quickly hid the tape wrappings behind his back along with his unbound hands. Curving his feet to the side and out of view point, so they wouldn't be noticed right away as being unbound as well. John leaned his head back against the wall, and pretended to be as groggy as he had felt when waking up.
It was funny. Only what seemed like moments ago, he had still been feeling the affects of the drug. Now though, he felt almost back to normal.
The door into the cellar opened slowly, cautiously. A man, a little bit younger than John, tentatively stepped inside. Carrying what looked like a Styrofoam cup with a straw in it. Presumably filled with water.
John squinted his eyes and allowed his head to roll limply to the side. Playing all the classic signs of someone who was drugged beyond belief.
The younger man sighed, and seeming to believe himself in the clear, quickly stepped over to the prisoner. Wanting to get this job done and get out of this room as quickly as possible. He remembered what his boss had done to the last captive in here… He didn't plan to stick around to what was surely going to happen to this poor fellow… after they finished with that mongrel of a wolf.
John waited, completely relaxed, as the younger man grabbed him by the front of his blood-stained shirt, trying to hoist him up a little ways, to position his mouth against the straw. John figured that whatever was in it, would probably drug him even more. Nope… he wasn't interested in another round of whatever that stuff was. Not in the least. In fact, the only thing he really wanted at the moment was to get out of there.
The younger man started with surprise and fear as he was suddenly faced with – instead of a drugged, bloody man – one that locked onto him with eyes that were clear, non dilated, pissed off… and glowing.
The guy never had the chance. His last thought before being knocked unconscious, was that his boss had been too quick to discount this male as not being one of them.
He wasn't going to be too happy.
John looked the still-breathing youngster with barely contained disgust. What a waste. He should have known better than to have come down here by himself. Or better yet, to actually come into the room without some kind of weapon. Or hell…he could have at least locked the door behind him.
But all of these foolish mishaps John was grateful for, as he cautiously but quickly made his way out of that room. Never wanting to see the likes of that place again.
He made his way up the darkened stairwell. Managing to see better in the dark than he had originally would have been able to. He didn't have time to figure out why some of his senses were working in overdrive… he came to the conclusion that whatever remnants of the drug that was in his system, probably was creating dilation of his pupils, which was helping him to see better.
If John had passed a mirror, he would have realized just how way off track he really was. His eyes were still glowing from the fight, and he was exhibiting all the signs of a seriously pissed of Skinwalker male. He just didn't realize it.
When John reached the top of the stairs, he paused. Waiting to see if he heard anything from the inside. Nothing.
He waited a couple of minutes to make sure, before slowly moving in. He hated not having his gun with him. Whoever had kidnapped him had been careful to make sure he wasn't packing.
John's razor sharp senses took in the surrounding room. Again, the lights were dim, and no one was present. It looked like the living room of an old family cabin. But it was in such poor disrepair, he wouldn't have thought anyone would be living there permanently.
Of course, human nature never ceased to surprise him.
John quickly pinpointed the location of the door. He wanted to get out of there as quickly as he could. But something stopped him, and he groaned in frustration. He couldn't leave without finding that wolf. Not if there was a chance that she was still alive… Although after the gunshot wound she had been at the receiving line for, he found it highly unlikely.
But still… he couldn't leave without making sure.
John knew he was acting foolish. Knew that it was just an animal and not worth risking his life over. But he couldn't help it. Something pulled at him to try and save her. The same thing that had pulled him to come to Wolf Lake to try to find Ruby. He couldn't explain it, and he knew it was crazy to attempt, but he couldn't fight it that need to do something about all of this.
What was more, he didn't want to.
John sighed again as he quickly looked around the room. Keeping an ear peeled for any incoming visitors. If he was going to be an idiot about something, he might as well try to find a weapon of some kind.
A quick search around the room revealed to be well worth it. He found his pistol lying on an end table, and shook his head. Whoever these people were, they were either very sloppy, or very arrogant in that they believed that no one would defy them.
If it was the later… well. They were going to be a bunch of very unhappy people when he finished with them.
John cautiously edged towards the hallway. As far as he could tell, the house was only one story, which meant that he didn't have to worry about going through another floor.
If the wolf was here, then she would be in one of the few rooms down this hall.
John cautiously edged towards the door. Praying that he wasn't walking straight into a trap.
******
Sophia quietly exited the back door of her house. Shutting it silently behind her. She had already told her Dad that she was going out tonight. She figured that he had known her reasons for doing so, but hadn't protested.
Sophia sighed as she walked away from the house. The grass crunching beneath her sneakered feet. She looked up at the star filled night and smiled. It didn't matter how many times she looked at them, they still filled her with awe every time.
She idly made a note to herself to remember tomorrow… There was supposed to be a major meteor shower that would be visible around two in the morning. She planned to stay up till then, even though it would be the beginning of the school week. She had been reading about it in the paper for the last week or so. They were predicting that it would be quite brilliant to watch.
Sophia paused and glanced around her. Biting her bottom lip nervously. Luke had said he wanted to pick her up as soon as it was dark, but he hadn't showed yet. She hoped he wasn't planning on disappointing her again.
"Not a chance."
Sophia focused in on him as he melted from the surrounding shadows. Coming from the direction of the woods.
"Luke! I…I didn't see you there."
"Only because you didn't allow yourself to." Luke corrected gently. Steadily walking closer. Sophia swallowed dryly as she watched him approach. The moonlight revealing more and more of his features to her. A smile tilted up the corners of his lips as he studied her expression. As if he knew something she did not. Dark shadows played across his features. Making him look every inch of what he was…a shapeshifter. A wolf in human skin.
It clicked with her suddenly that he had answered her unvoiced question.
"How did you.." Sophia started. Luke watched the baffled expression come across Sophia's face. Chuckling to himself, he cut her off.
"You unconsciously broadcasted that one. You will learn as you become more used to your new senses, how to control them. How to guard your thoughts so no one can hear them unless you want to." Luke didn't mention that she was unwittingly already doing a very good job of it. Better than most recently flipped Skinwalkers.
Sophia nodded warily. This 'broadcasting' thing wasn't going to be very great to have not learned how to control, if she was trying to go on a date. With all the human AND wolven hormones running around in her body… Heaven knew what was going to run around inside her head!
"So, where are we going?" Sophia swore that if he was going to try to take her to another one of those Raves, she was going to swipe that incredible mouth right off his face. Just in case that was what he did have planned, and he somehow or another managed to crack through her defenses yet again, and convince her to go, she was dressed comfortably for the walk back home. She had put on a pair of well-fitting jeans, Keds, and a long sleeved sapphire blue silk top, that was one of her favorites, because it brought out the tone of her skin, and the golden hues in her eyes. Now more vibrant since her Flip.
She had left her hair loose, and had put on one of her favorite ruby-colored lip stains, and had applied eyeliner and smoky shadow to her eyes to make them pop. She could no longer wear her glasses, and discovered that she really didn't need them anymore. Hadn't for quite a while. They had just been a staple of her humanity. Something she had clung to in desperation against her inner struggle. But Luke had pointed something out to her. That struggle wasn't something she had wanted to continue. Her soul had wanted the Flip. Even if she had trained herself to think otherwise. She now realized just how much she wanted to embrace being what she was… a Skinwalker.
She still remembered how much satisfaction she had gotten out of throwing those glasses in the trash.
"For a walk." Luke answered deadpan. Grasping her hand with his and pulling her into the woods.
"A walk?" Sophia asked skeptically as she allowed him to pull her in behind him. Leading the way into the heart of the forest.
"Mmm,Hmm." Luke felt a smile break across his face as he sensed her wariness. He didn't have to hear her thoughts to know what kind she had racing around in that little head of hers.
Luke slowed down, gently guiding her up to his side. Entwining his fingers through hers. He remembered the first time he had done that. Back when his father had still been alive. Right after the incident with the truck driver, and he had gone to Sophia in the middle of the night – breaking into her room – because he hadn't known where else to go.
He remembered watching his parents dance as Miranda sang one of her songs. The whole pack had watched. And he remembered the way Sophia had smiled at him when he had taken her hand in his.
Sophia looked up at him. Remembering that night too.
(Soundtrack Suggestion – Sarah McLachlan "Fear" from the Album "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy". I know I've mentioned this song before, but I'm hopeless! I think it's the perfect song for what Sophia is feeling in this next scene)
Luke brought her into a clearing. Trees and underbrush were thick around them, with only this small opening in the middle. The tree limbs above them created a deep green canopy. The play of moonlight and shadows filtering down through the leaves. Causing an almost magical, prismatic shower of light. Mist carpeted the ground at their feet. Sophia acknowledged that despite how rocky and uneven the forest floor was, her feet still managed to find good purchase upon it. She never once so much as tripped or stumbled.
"What are we doing here, Luke?" Sophia asked softly. Warily watching him as he released her hand and walked away a few steps.
"Luke looked back at her, one eyebrow raised. "Sophia, relax. I didn't bring you out here to jump you. Yet." The last he added as a healthy sexy innuendo. Chuckling to himself when he saw her face turn pink, visible even in the moonlight.
"Do you remember our mind link last night?" He asked her softly, turning back around to face her. His features hidden in the shadows.
Sophia tilted her head as she watched the fractures of light dance across his form as a wind rustled through the trees.
"How could I forget."
She had the impression of him smiling, before he continued. "I distinctly remember having promised to show you the wonders of this forest. Promising to be there with you when you experienced it for the first time."
Sophia's heart picked up it's pace in a combination of nervousness, excitement, and something else… something that bordered on the primal. Instinctive.
"You didn't exactly say it like that." She pointed out. Breath caught in her throat expectantly as she waited to see what he would do. What she herself might do…
"No, I didn't." Luke acknowledged, suddenly reaching up to pull his shirt off. Tossing it over to the side. Sleek, powerful muscles revealed in the flickering light. His eyes suddenly flared in the darkness. Their brightness enough to knock the air from Sophia's lungs. God, he was so beautiful.
"But the last time I checked. There were more than just one way to communicate."
His whisper was seductively as Sophia fought for control. Her lips parted in need, as her own eyes began to flair. But with them, her fear…
Luke was suddenly in front of her. Having moved so quickly Sophia had barely been able to track him. He gently reached up to cup the side of her face with his palm. His other hand coming to rest on her hip. To prevent her from leaving, if necessary.
"I'm here, Sophia." He whispered, sensing her reluctance, her fear of letting go. "I'm not going anywhere. Come with me."
Run with me.
Sophia gasped slightly at the mental call he had just sent her. She looked up at his face. He was waiting for her to make her decision. Want filling his eyes as he watched the fear melt from her face. Replaced by something else.
Sophia slowly stepped away. Keeping her eyes locked on Luke's. If she was going to accept herself for who she was, then that meant accepting everything. Starting with the Change itself.
Sophia began to deftly unbutton her silk shirt. Letting it flow down around her ankles. Luke turned away slowly as he finished undressing himself. Sensing that her reluctance would resurface if he watched. He still found her modesty a novelty among the Skinwalkers.
"Would you like me to go first?" He asked quietly. Still keeping his back turned. He didn't have to turn around to know that she probably had her arms wrapped across her breasts, and was probably hiding behind a bush.
He senses her nod her head in an affirmative. He rolled his shoulders back a little bit to loosen the tension there, and quickly made the change. Knowing that she would be more comfortable with him in wolf form than in human. Although she had a lot to learn about Skinwalkers and their… rather kinky sexual abilities with their mates.
But that he could save for a later time. Right now, he just had to guide her into the decision to finally accept the ability to shift her form.
Sophia watched in awe as Luke's human skin gave way to that of a pelt. His deeply shaded gray fur still breathtaking.
Luke turned back towards her and came over to her. Stopping just a few feet away from her. Waiting.
Sophia forgot her shyness about her body, and allowed her arms to drop to their sides. A moment of panic resurfacing. She wanted to Change. She really did. But she wasn't to sure she knew how too, or once she did, how did she get back? What if she couldn't get back?! What if she got stuck? Granted she could be worse things than becoming a wolf, but she didn't want to spend the rest of her life as one! She didn't think she would be able to explain that one to her teachers.
Suddenly Sophia heard the sound of masculine laughter ring out inside of her head. Her eyes narrowed at Luke.
'Baby, you're broadcasting again! You have nothing to fear. You've already made it through the Flip… if you didn't get stuck then, you won't get stuck now. Your body already knows how to make the Change.'
"Yeah, but I don't remember it!" Sophia shot back. Biting her lip nervously. Here she was, in the middle of nowhere, completely naked, talking to a wolf! The weirdness of this just wasn't going to fade for her anytime soon.
She heard a sigh in her head, as the wolf in front of her shook it's head slowly. The picture of feigned resignation.
'Baby, it doesn't matter. Quite thinking about it happening in your mind, and focus on it happening in your body. You can do it, just try. Trust me.'
Sophia glared rather speculatively at him, before doing what he asked. Taking a deep breath, she cleared her mind, and imagined…no, willed… her body to feel the Change. Imagined her skin giving way to fur. Hands and feet giving way to paws. Human senses giving way completely to the Wolven…
Sophia felt a familiar pressure begin to build in her lower back. This time, minus the pain. It felt strange as it spread throughout her body, tightening and coiling around her torso. She limply allowed herself to collapse onto the earthen floor of the forest, as the tightening pressure built and built, finally giving way to release, as her human body gave way to that of the wolf.
Sophia shot up from were she was lying in surprise. She did it! She hadn't gotten stuck, and now, everything felt completely different. She was on four legs instead of two, and she couldn't help the little prance of delight she did around Luke as he came over and nuzzled her in acknowledgment of her successful Change.
'You see, you didn't get stuck'. Luke pointed out wryly. Amused at her playfulness, as she experienced this new world and new body.
Sophia laughed back at him mentally. A couple of excited whimpers escaped her now-wolf throat. Her advanced and newly acquired senses taking everything in.
'Okay, now this is cool! Absolutely incredible! No wonder you guys are always jumping into wolf form whenever you get a chance!'
'I told you' Luke reminded her. Laughing himself as she danced around the opening. Smelling everything, and not too sure which way she wanted to go first.
Sophia pranced towards the direction going deeper into the woods. This was amazing! She had no way of describing it! There weren't any human words to describe it. It was incredible! It was like she was connected to everything in the forest. Her hearing could pick up the slightest sound. From the night owls prowling the skies, to the nocturnal animals searching for food.
Sophia gave a little yelp in excitement as she waited for Luke to join her. He came over and gently licked her muzzle. Pleased with how she was enjoying herself.
Sophia nuzzled him back, before suddenly darting off into the forest. Luke paused for a second before gathering himself and charging in after her. Pulling abreast of her quickly. Running and tumbling and darting under the moonlight. The sound of their laughter echoing in their heads as they chased one another. The blending of their fur rubbing up against one another. Intertwining her pure white hairs with his mottled gray ones.
Sophia had never felt so free… Luke had never felt at such peace.
******
Sherman Blackstone watched from his window as the sun fully set… Giving birth to the moon. It was the perfect night for the younger ones of the pack to romp and play, and generally make nuisances of themselves. Even the older ones would come out, and shed their human skins for their wolven pelts.
Under most circumstances, he would have gladly gone out to watch them. See what he could stir up. But thoughts of another kind were weighing hard on his mind. He had been studying some documents that had been passed from Keeper to Keeper. It was one of the original documents that had barely managed to survive their migration across Europe…But when they had been discovered and the hunts had begun to wipe the Skinwalkers off the face of the earth… Only a few of the original text had survived.
The Skinwalkers had been hunted almost to extinction, before the newly elected Alpha male, and his rare white mate at his side, realized that if they remained they were surely perish. The Alpha's mate had been carrying a child at the time. Strangely so, because most of their females tended to carry more than one child at a time. And many of the past Keepers believed that that had been the added incentive for the Alpha male to attempt to cross over into a new world.
They had barely managed to make it out of those Dark times. The Skinwalkers had originally consisted of thousands. Comprised of different Packs and Clans all over the Region. But that Dark period in time, had cruelly wiped out all but less than a hundred. The remaining group comprised from all the various destroyed packs. Consisting strongly of the toughest bloodlines. Some would have called them the best of what their species had to offer. Brought together for only one reason…survival of the Pack.
Once they had found the area now known as Wolf Lake, they had never left. The alpha female, one of the few white wolves down through their history, had realized that in Wolf Lake they could have a haven of sorts. A place that they could run and control. A place where there would always be plenty of space to romp and hunt and grow. But most importantly, be safe.
And Sherman knew something else that the other Keepers either hadn't realized, or had ignored on purpose.
The members of the Pack believed that Vivian was the first woman to be in control, but they were wrong. This white wolf had been the actual leader of the Pack. Her mate, the Alpha male, had kept other males from trying to dominate her and take control. While at the same time, letting her rule as the rightful leader of their Pack.
Some would have called it foolish to have allowed a female to rule in the stead of a male during such hard times, but they would have been wrong. She hadn't been just any wolf… her arrival had been prophesized. And the Keeper that they had had at the time, had realized the importance of such…It was only the white female wolf that could lead her Pack out of the dangerous period they had found themselves in, and save their species. Giving them the chance to regroup and grow strong again.
That was the way it had always been. Whenever there had been a threat to their species, a white female would emerge. Almost like a chosen one, to lead them to safety.
Which is why Ruby's destiny was so important, and why the other members of the Pack couldn't let her leave or be with a human male. But they had been wrong too. And soon… very soon… they would realize that.
But this wasn't what was concerning Sherman so much. This was the history he had cut his teeth on. He even believed that the child the white wolven female had borne, had been the start of Sophia's line. He didn't know of any other family line it could be. And even though the Pack didn't realize that, they would soon enough. Especially if he had anything to say about it. Sophia was too important to them all, as he had told Luke. She could very easily possess the key to the survival of them all.
No, what concerned Sherman was an old prophecy that he had overlooked long ago, because nothing in it had matched up to what was happening now. And it concerned him greatly. If the prophecy was correct, then the Pack was heading into it's darkest hour yet since the escape from the sadistic killings in Europe. A dark shadow was starting to spread over Wolf Lake… and he could only pray that it's two resident white females could get their lives together long enough to confront it. It was up to them to succeed and save the Pack… Or fail, and watch it fall into extinction. Once and for all.
******
In the age of the Blood Moon, when its light will glow red from the spilled blood of the Ancestors, and the crimson of their Descendants will flow to stain the forest floor… the form of the white wolf will appear once again… But to battle the oncoming Darkness, it's soul will reside… not in the shell of One… but in that of Two…
TBC
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I know, it's evil for me to leave you guys hanging like that! LOL
Well! I hope you enjoyed Chapter Three, entitled "Blood Moon" I hope I took you on a pleasant ride there, so please review and tell what you think! Chapter Four will be entitled "Stars of Revelation" and will be posted as soon as I get it finished. I managed to complete this chapter quicker than I originally anticipated…Oh well… I don't think anyone will complain! (grin)
Also, I wanted to say something real quick. I'm sure there are a lot of people out there that are interested in purchasing copies of the eps. of Wolf Lake, and I have a friend that I purchased my set from (the quality is excellent and she's really pleasant to deal with!) who is willing to make sets for anyone interested in buying. She charges $50 per set, It also will come with the unaired pilot. A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT VERSION OF THE ORIGINAL ONE!!!! It was scrapped because the producers didn't like the storyline. But I'll tell you one thing… I thought it was excellent. You've still got the whole L/S thing going on. Although Luke isn't the bad boy in this one like he is in the other one. And he's more intense, and I think his acting in this one was incredible! It like he's got the whole world on his shoulders, which isn't too far from the truth, considering he isn't quite so care free like he is in the actual series.. A lot of the opening credit scenes were actually from this pilot. And in this one, Sophia's change is happening a little bit quicker. And there are twists on some of the other characters, which I found very interesting…
So, if anyone is interested in buying a set, send me an e-mail, and I'll send you her e-mail address!
Again! Thanks for reading! I'll be posting soon!
Sapphira
