Chapter Seven, Ep. 15 – "Trial By Moon"
Author's Note – Hey there! I hope everyone is still enjoying this story, and the way I'm taking everything!
I'm sorry, but it seemed like it took me a little bit longer to get this chapter out than the others before it. That's because this chapter really took a lot out of me. I had to get it just right, or the whole story would flop. I had to break for a week, and work on my EFC story, before I could come back to this one, just so my muse would have a chance to refuel and gear up... I figured that quality was the most important thing right now with this chapter, than 'quantity'…. So, I hope I've gotten this chapter right, and I'm looking forward to your thoughts on it! I've finally figured out where it's all going, and there will be three more chapters after this one. The third being the finale…
Also, for those interested, I posted a somewhat short fic based on the movie, "Tuck Everlasting" (but it's in the book category) It picks up where the movie left off… it's entitled "Wildflowers." Check it out if you're interested!
Anyway, rating is higher in this chapter, due to some… well… you figure it out! (grin)
Summery – All members of the Pack will be called together in a Meeting of the Old Ways, as the Threat reveals itself to Wolf Lake… And in the process, reveals the destinies of the people within it…
Chapter Seven, Ep. 15 – "Trial By Moon"
(Dawn is starting to break.)
When John awoke, his mind felt like it had been wrapped in cotton, and he had to fight his way back to the surface. He wasn't aware of his surroundings, or where he was anymore… The only thing he was aware of, though, was the feeling of the familiar warm body curved and pressed into his side. Her smell filled his senses, and the taste of her still lingered on his tongue.
Oh yeah, he knew that body anywhere.
"How did you sleep?" The soft feminine voice belonging to that exquisite creature spoke up from somewhere nestled in the curve of his neck. Ruby had woken up shortly before he had, but had been too exhausted to do more than just inhale his welcoming scent, and listen to the steady sound of his heartbeat. Reassuring her that they really had survived last night.
John swallowed reflexively and winced as he tried to shift his weight upon the bed. Every muscle in his body screeched at him in protest. Cramping and twisting in retaliation at the forced movements.
Ruby heard his groan and looked up. A small smile of sympathy flittering across her lips. Her silver eyes glittering sleepily at him. "I know. You've got to be sore after your Flip. Don't worry though. Our healing abilities being what they are, you should feel fine in about thirty minutes or so."
John forced himself to relax when it became apparent that he wasn't going anywhere, anytime soon. He let his head fall back onto the pillow and he let out a breath. His arm still wrapped firmly around Ruby's bare shoulders. She snuggled back into his side, and laid her head on his chest. Her warm fingertips tracing intriguing patterns across his skin.
John closed his eyes and relaxed. Knowing that, if only for a short time, they were perfectly safe where they were. His newly strengthened senses were expanding with every passing second. He could hear every car, every deer – even every squirrel if he so choose – for a mile radius. There was definitely something to say for Wolven hearing.
He was surprised at how calm and accepting he was of the while situation. Last night, he'd almost died from becoming a creature that he had never believed existed, and he had expected to be panicking right about now. But he wasn't. It was odd, but he wasn't feeling the emotions he had been thinking he would, the morning after.
If anything, if felt as if… as if he had finally come home. As if he had finally found… himself. A real part of him that he had always sensed existed, but had never really…believed in.
And the feeling was liberating as well as pressured. Because he knew, or at least, thought he knew, what he was going to have to go through in order to keep this new him, and the wild, exquisite woman at his side.
Little did John know, but not even his past experiences in Wolf Lake would be able to prepare him for what was ahead.
*******
Sophia woke up to the vision of Luke leaning over her. His face silhouetted by the surrounding trees. His breath misted gently in the crisp morning air. His eyes intense yet gentle as he met her gaze. His fingertips gently tracing her collarbone. Soothing her into the waking world with the touch.
Sophia smiled up at him. Her hand reaching out to brush away a small bit of green fern from his hair. She kept her hand there against his skin, cradling the side of his face as she studied him. Secretly relieved that he was still with her. That he hadn't left before she had awakened.
Memories of last night came flooding back, and she allowed them to wash over her. Reminding her of the star-kissed passion they had shared. Memories of their bodies entwined around each other. Making love all through the night, before finally dosing off shortly before dawn. Their bodies still connected.
Sophia had expected to feel nervousness… insecurity… uncertainty… the morning after. She was surprised that she didn't. All she did feel was… at ease. Safe. Secure.
Loved.
Luke smiled down at her, as if reading her thoughts. He probably was for all she knew, but she didn't mind. If trusting Luke completely, with both body and soul, was a bad idea, then she had just made the biggest mistake of her life. But you couldn't truthfully love someone if you didn't let them in, and if letting them in meant that you might get hurt, then Sophia knew she had to take that chance. Because she couldn't remember a time in her life where she had felt more complete.
(Soundtrack Suggestion – "6 Underground", by the artist, Sneaker Pimps, on the album "Becoming X" or the Soundtrack "The Saint"
This song is really sensual and very, very sexy! When I decided to use it in this series, I knew it had to be a song for Luke and Sophia as they… hmmm… Is that giving too much away for this next scene? (wink))
"Good morning." Luke whispered softly. His body still covering her. Keeping her warm. His words misted in the chilled morning air, and Sophia was surprised that she wasn't freezing right now. Or that he wasn't freezing. Chalk it up to another interesting facet of being Skinwalker.
"Morning," Sophia replied. Stretching sensually under Luke. Bare skin the texture of silk brushing up against him, and Luke felt his blood start to heat again. He didn't think he would ever get enough of her.
Sophia saw the flash of desire flicker in his eyes, and her smile widened wickedly. Oh yes, she knew exactly what he was thinking.
Luke saw the teasing lift to her mouth, and against his better judgment, his mouth came down over hers. His tongue slipping expertly into the rich, moist cavern of her mouth. Her taste alone was enough to make his body harden with desire. Not to mention the feel of her bare skin sliding and moving underneath him. The feel of her body arching upwards in an attempt to move closer to him.
Luke's hand reached down and stroked her body to life. Starting with her small, perfect breasts, before feathering down over her sides to knead the flesh across her hip.
In response, Sophia's suddenly sharpened nails ran insistently down over his spine, and back up. Clenching at the nape of his neck. Her body starting to tighten with the need to feel him within her. Using her teeth to surround the ridge of his collarbone, she bit down teasingly. Her mouth trailing lower over his chest lick down the center line, and over to his nipple, as Luke curved his back, hunching into her as his other hand threaded its way through her hair. Loving the sensation of her mouth working upon his flesh. Her contact innocent as well as erotic. It was a heady combination.
The hand currently fastened at her waist, ran down and grasped the underside of her bare thigh. Lifting it high, and bringing his body up flush against her core. The feeling of his erection pulsing against her aroused flesh.
Sophia gasped at the contact, her mouth leaving his chest to meet with his. Dueling her tongue with his with a sense of domination. To see just who was really in control of this situation. She heard the rumble of the growls emitting from his throat, and it excited her even further.
Sophia's eyes opened even as they continued to kiss, and her passion filled gaze locked with his. Both pairs of eyes glowing brilliant yellow at each other. Never breaking the kiss, Luke deftly maneuvered the leg he was holding, to rest with the crook of her knee over his shoulder. Once there, she felt his hand release her leg, and it fisted onto the ground at her head. Supporting most of his weight up and off of her.
With their gazes still locked together, Luke swiftly pushed into her heated liquid velvet core. The angle of her leg making the penetration deep and uncompromising. Sophia's mouth left Luke's to let out a heated cry at the sensation of his arousal, heated like silken fire, filling her. Stretching her. Going so deep within her, it felt as if he touched her very soul.
A part of Luke recognized that she might still be too innocent – her body unprepared – for this brand of lovemaking. But he couldn't deny himself the pleasure of being the one to teach it to her.
His thrusts were slow, coaxing, as he felt her body adapting to the depth of his penetration, her small cries of passion fueling his desire. Making his body swell within her even more.
Sophia would never be able to get over the sensation of him buried so deep within her. Her response to him was primal, wolven… almost feral. Her nails clawed at his back. Uncaring of the scratches being left behind. Marking him as assuredly as he was marking her.
The fire-like sensations from him thrusting into her small core were stoking her passion out of control. She could feel her body starting to fragment as his slow thrusts started to speed up. Stretching her further. Pushing deeper.
Sophia brought her other leg up and around his waist bringing him in closer. The other still firmly hooked over his shoulder. Her arms wrapped tightly around his neck as she clung to him, her body starting to shudder with pleasure as she neared the brink of her climax.
Luke felt her body's closeness to completion, and with a final, deep as he could go thrust, he grinded his body into hers, sending them both over the edge into ecstasy…
******
Sophia didn't know how long they had remained in those woods. Slowing down after the wild pace of their lovemaking marathon. But they finally had to acknowledge that, despite how much they would have preferred it to be otherwise, they couldn't remain out here forever.
The amazing night that they had shared had not been wasted. The midnight sky streaked with shooting stars falling all around them as Luke's body buried itself within hers was a memory that she would never forget.
They had dressed slowly. Helping each other with the buttons and zippers (what was left of them, anyway) on their clothes. Not because the other really needed the help, but because Luke had made a point of trying to arouse her body even further by brushing the fingertips of those oh-so-talented hands over the swell of her breasts and the curve of her femininity as he did so. She returned the favor by rubbing her knee up against his crotch as her nails scraped down the centerline of his chest. A sensation that she knew he enjoyed.
They were making fairly good progress, refraining from taking the clothes right back off of each other, until Luke came up with an intriguing way of bringing Sophia into another climax, by simply pressing her back against one of the trees, spreading her thighs still tightly encased in her jeans, and grinding his body up against hers. Simply rocking her into another whirlwind of erotic sensations that did just as much for him as it did to her. The feel of her heated hand slipping down into his jeans to grasp at him and knead until he himself found release, still filled his mind with stunned but pleased surprise. She was a contradiction. And she never ceased to do the unimaginable. Showing him just how little he really knew about her.
And he really was enjoying the show-and-tell.
Sophia stayed put contentedly. Still tightly clasped in Luke's arms, his chin resting on top of her head, as she focused on bringing the rapid pace of her breathing down. Her hands clasped together, encircling his waist.
She was really feeling at peace, until a nagging worry surfaced, and hit her like a ton of bricks. Her throat formed a lump, and her heart began to pound.
Her head shot up from where it had been resting against his shoulder, and her panicked eyes locked onto Luke's confused ones.
"Oh my God," She breathed out. Her mouth dry. "We didn't use any protection."
Sophia watched the confusion melt from Luke's face, and she felt some of the tension leave his body. He laughed softly and quickly pressed a kiss over the frown forming between her brows.
"Don't worry." He soothed, his mouth still pressed up against her forehead. "You're not going to get pregnant right now. Trust me."
Sophia pressed her palms up against Luke's chest, and eased a few inches away, looking at him warily. "What do you mean?"
Luke studied her expression and sighed. "I take it that when your father told you about the birds and the bees, he neglected to inform you about the Skinwalker reproductive system."
Sophia's silence was his answer, and Luke dragged his hand through his hair. For the first time in the last six hours, he was actually rather embarrassed.
"Okay, first off," Luke began. "You are not currently ovulating." He saw the way she started to blush at that, and answered her question before she could ask it. "You're now a Skinwalker, remember? You'll know when you're fertile, and so will every other Skinwalker out there." Luke couldn't help but grin cheekily at her blush suddenly turning beet-red. Her sense of human privacy threatened. "Sorry, babe." He ran his palms down her sides temptingly, chuckling when she swatted them away. "It's the way of the wild. Plus…" He looked at her meaningfully. Making sure he had her full attention. "There are only two ways a female can get pregnant even then. One is during her Flip – but that case very rarely happens due to the lack of Wolven hormones in her system, or when she is actually in wolf form."
"So you're saying that I couldn't even get pregnant, even if I had ovulated… So long as I remained human?"
Luke nodded at her. His arms pulling her back into his embrace.
Sophia was still frowning at this tidbit of information. Damn! It was bad when her mate knew more about her reproductive system then she did!
"I have to be in…" Sophia trailed off, face paling, and eyes widening at that revelation.
Luke grinned back at her. His smile dangerous and reminiscent of the bad-boy that Wolf Lake had him pinned for. "Yep, doll. You gotta be in the "native" way of things around here if you want to get pregnant."
Sophia dropped her head back into the crook of his shoulder. She could feel her face going pink again. She heard Luke chuckle again. The vibrations running through his body. She shook her head.
"But that doesn't mean that the male has to be in wolf form in order to fertilize a female…" Luke pointed out wickedly. Knowing that he was mortifying her, but he could help it.
"Stop! I don't want to hear anymore!" Sophia spoke up. Holding her hands up in defeat. Luke's chuckles turned to outright laughter, and Sophia felt like punching him right there on the spot. Fortunately for Luke, he grasped her upraised hands in his and quickly pressed a kiss into the palm of one. Slowly trailing down to rasp his teeth over the pulse in her wrist. Feeling it jump under his tongue. He smiled devilishly at her. Her lips curving against her heating flesh.
"Come on," He started to tug her away from the clearing. "Let's head on back and get some breakfast."
Sophia smiled back at him teasingly, forgetting her momentary embarrassment over their… conversation. She looped her arm through his and they followed their barely discernable path back the way they had come. She looked over at him as she teasingly informed him, "I don't know about you, but I worked up an appetite."
The sound of their laughter echoed around them in the surrounding trees. Fading away, as a light gray wolf stepped out of the foliage. Her yellow eyes relying her hatred as she watched them leave. The smell of their lovemaking hanging heavy in the surrounding area. It's sensual musk causing the female wolf's eyes to narrow in disgust.
******
(Later that Afternoon.)
John paced quietly around the room. Hips encased once more in jeans. The cabin was confining for him, with it's simplicity and tight space. The only thing that kept him from bolting out the door was the seductive woman curled up on the bed, watching him. Torso wrapped up in his shirt and nothing else. He turned to glance at her. His eyes trailed over the slender cream colored legs and small feet. Her dark hair hanging down around the sides of her face, with the pale skin complexion that came so naturally. So much strength in such a small package, he mused quietly, before turning away. Refraining from looking out the window as much he might like to.
The muscles layered under his bare skin, over his shoulders and back were visible to Ruby, and she could see the tension building there. It wasn't in John to just run and hide from trouble. He had always been the kind to face it head on, and she knew that this was torturing him now. Especially considering all those instincts of a Skinwalker male were coursing through his veins at the moment. Instincts to protect and dominate. Instincts to run freely…
And instincts to hunt down and kill those that would harm her or himself. Or their union.
Ruby bit her bottom lip, knowing that that same instinct would be coursing through Tyler right about now. She hated him. Oh, she hated him so much. He had found her in Seattle, and he hadn't even had the guts to get her himself. Instead, he had sent one of his goons after her.
But she had to admit, that had been a good thing. Tyler wouldn't have been so foolish to have left his own severed hand behind as a clue for John.
She had thought she had loved Tyler once. When mating instincts were running high, and there was no doubt that he was the most sensual male she had ever seen in Wolf Lake. But that was before she had found out who he really was. Before she had seen the corruption behind that sinful face. His hatred and disgust towards humans, and his enjoyment of killing them and feeling their flesh rip beneath his teeth.
And that was why she had run from him. That was why she had escaped from Wolf Lake. It hadn't been easy, and Ruby still wouldn't forget the hell she had went through getting away from here.
But once she had, she had been free. If only for a short time. Free from the restriction and the demands placed on her by the Pack.
And she had been free to love whom she chose. And she had chosen John. And he had taught her what the word 'love' meant.
But now… Now everything was screwed up. She had been forced into a marriage made in hell, and the very idea of Tyler ever touching her repulsed her to her core. She had died on the day of that farce of a wedding, and had never expected to truly live again.
And she had told Tyler from the beginning that nothing he said or did would change things. She would always love John, no matter who's bed she had to sleep in.
But now, she had John back. And she knew she would never be able to give him up. He knew the truth, and what was more… through some twist of fate, he had become what she was. He had defied literally hundreds of years worth of odds and history to be at her side, and they had made it through. They had prevailed. So far.
Now that she had him back, she could never force herself to leave him again. She knew she would rather be dead than go back to Tyler. She knew she would kill or be killed before that would ever occur. And what was more, she knew that John would never let her go. And in that assurance she felt a semblance of peace. Knowing that, whatever it was that was coming, they were going to face it together.
But they still didn't mean they weren't running out of options.
Ruby started to scoot out of the bed, limbs unfolding, when it hit her hard. The primary mental pathway connection running through the entire Pack reverberated with it. It wasn't so much words, as a single emotion. A hard-pressed order delivered by their Leader, Vivian, demanding that all the members of the Pack pay close attention, and do as she commanded, or there would be hell to pay.
As quickly as it had come, it left. Leaving both Ruby and John rather stunned.
"What the hell was that?" John asked. Looking over the Ruby in shock. Rubbing a hand over his forehead in disbelief.
Ruby's lips pressed thinly together in grimness as she swung out of the bed. Doing some pacing of her own. John watched her closely.
"That was summons for a Meeting of the Old Ways." Ruby replied. "Something that hasn't been called in over 20 years."
"What does it mean?"
Ruby ran her hand through her long hair in agitation, shifting her weight from one foot to another. "It means that Sherman has informed Vivian of the threat of the Hunters, and she is gathering all of the Pack together to reveal to them the news."
"How is this any different than other meetings called? You said that this kind hadn't been called in 20 years."
Ruby nodded. "A Meeting of the Old is something that is called when something big as happened or is going to happen. It used to be something that we did all the time. Before the concern of technology, of being discovered, and the necessity to appear as human as possible. But Vivian wants to reveal the threat to all. As she probably realizes that.. this… battle that's coming, will involve every male, female, and cub of the Pack. She's not exactly concerned about exposure, because, well… we've already been exposed."
"Where will it be held?" John asked quietly. Not sure of his ability to comprehend the directions sent to him through the open mind call.
"Deep in the woods. Everyone is to come there by means of their wolven pelts or by foot. No cars or bikes. Once gathered, Vivian will explain the reason for coming."
"Are we supposed to go?"
Ruby shook her head. "I don't know. Technically, we don't need to, seeing as how we probably know more about this threat then Vivian does."
John rubbed his forehead. The force of the summons still ringing in his mind. "It still doesn't mean that it's hard to ignore."
Ruby smiled palely at him as she sat back down once again. Letting out a pent up breath as she did so.
"Tradition states," she mused out loud, "That when a Meeting of the Old is called, it's like meeting on Holy Ground. They couldn't touch us even if they wanted to. It was the main requirement from the beginning, that despite whatever trespasses that had been made against the Pack or singular members, there would be no grief given to that person while at the Meeting. It was set up that way, because the information that was given at the Meetings, was usually critical enough that everyone had to hear it."
"Your point?" John prompted.
Ruby groaned as she fell back on the mattress. A headache starting to form. "I don't know. If I was anyone else, I would say screw it and use the opportunity for us to get the hell out of town. There would be no one to stop us. But…"
"You're the white wolf." John finished. Smiling wryly. "Or at least, one of them."
Ruby nodded. Sitting back up as she looked over at John. Rubbing her pale face tiredly. "I guess the only thing we can do is sit back and wait for Sherman to contact us."
******
School was cancelled due to the Mental Order sent out by Vivian to attend the Meeting. They blamed it on a partial teacher work day that had 'accidentally' been left out of the weekly newsletter, for the benefit of the human teenagers and their parents. The few teachers who were human were slightly confused, but they were instructed to go home and work on their files there. Informed that the real reason school had been cancelled was to install a new security system.
Those who were Skinwalker though, knew better, and the teachers and students alike walked around quietly. Trying to remain calm, but the concern and fear was reflected in their eyes when they looked at one another. It was like a dark cloud hanging over the school, as the students began to file out early. The human ones happy and eager to be on their way. The Others put on an act of doing the same. Some were convincing, others were not. Most grouped together, giving each other support as they tried to figure out what was going on. Knowing that whatever it was, was a threat to their existence.
And most looked to Luke and Sophia for guidance.
They had been sitting together in Sherman's class when the Mental call traveled down the open mind-links running through the entire Pack. No specifics, just orders to attend.
Sophia had met Luke's serious gaze head on, and their fingers had clasped tightly under the table. Luke was smart enough to know that this had been coming. He knew that something big was heading this way into Wolf Lake, and he knew that Sophia was also a very big part of that. He just didn't know yet HOW big that part was going to be.
But Sophia did, and she ached to pull him aside and tell him the truth. Tell him about everything that Sherman had told her. But the look of Sherman's face when she had met his gaze from across the room and spoken clearly.
Not yet. She couldn't reveal what she knew. Not yet.
And like it or not, she had to respect that. Even if it killed her.
Luke had always been the strongest of the youth in the Pack. He had been Willard's son, and he was also Vivian's. The son of two, distinct Leaders of the Wolf Lake Pack. And his leadership as such over his generation had always been unspoken… and unchallenged.
And it was also unspoken, but nonetheless obvious, that he had taken Sophia as his mate.
Bond Mates were not very common at their age, but they did occur. And when they did occur, they were just as strong and holding as any 'marriage' ceremony performed amongst their kind. Which basically was nothing more than a ceremony confirming the existence of a Bond already made. The claim was made and received with one of its own, and the link is irreversible. And unbreakable.
For wolves, regardless of what skin they wore, mated for life.
That was what had made the 'marriage' of Ruby and Tyler so ridiculous. Anyone who was a Skinwalker could smell on John the fact that Ruby had claimed him. That she had chosen him as her mate to create a Bond with. And despite Tyler's attempts to sever it, her disappearance from the so called 'marriage union' was all the proof needed to show that no such bond had been, or ever would be, formed between Tyler and Ruby.
But despite the existence of such a magical link, it didn't mean that others still wouldn't try to sever it.
But despite some of the.. friction… between the mating of Luke and Sophia, and the others beliefs over Luke's choice of a Mate, and whether or not they could still consider him their leader with a half-breed at his side, they really didn't seem to care at the moment.
Sophia had defeated her only other main competition when she had oh-so-casually flung Presley clear across the bathroom, and into the wall. And in doing so, had proven her strength. And that is what they needed at the moment.
As Luke and Sophia walked out of the school and down the steps, he parted from her side to try to calm some of the other bristling males down, while a small group of girls, most in their first year of high school, came over to crowd around Sophia, while she did her best to appear calm and supporting. Sarah came over and joined her, her facial expression serious as threw in her support with Sophia's.
"What's going on?" One of the younger girls asked. Voice trembling. Sophia smiled gently at her. Her name was Skyler and she had just recently turned 16, but she seemed so much more younger than that. So much more innocent. Her hair was long and the color of corn silk, while her eyes were hazel. Currently filled with concern and fear. Sophia shook her head gently. Hating the fact that she had to lie. "I really don't know. We won't know till tonight at the meeting."
Skyler blushed slightly. "I-I didn't know if the Meeting was extended to those who hadn't Flipped yet." She stammered out quietly. The other girls around her thinking similar thoughts.
Sophia nodded her head. "Regardless of whether or not you've Flipped, you're still a member of the Pack, and therefore, you must ALL be there."
Sarah suddenly put a hand on Sophia's shoulders and whispered quietly in her ear. "Incoming."
The only acknowledgment of her words was the slight tensing of Sophia's back muscles as she sensed some of Presley's gang approaching. She didn't even bother turning around.
Sophia remained focused on the younger girl in front of her. It was obvious that Skyler didn't want to be around the older girls, and she couldn't blame her. The other members of her group had already abandoned her at the first scent of approaching group.
Sophia reached a hand out and touched Skyler's shoulder. "If you need me to answer any more questions, you can call me. My number is in the directory."
Skyler nodded, relieved, and quickly walked off to join a young man, also in his first year of high school, who had been waiting for her. Sophia watched as he put his arm around her protectively and walked on down the sidewalk.
Then, and only then, did she turn around and face the girls standing behind her. She was surprised that they hadn't interrupted or had tried to terrorize Skyler. Sophia figured that it was probably because of the rather subtle warning signs she had unconsciously sent them when they had first thought about 'interrupting'.
Sophia's eyes quickly scanned over the girls. Again, mysteriously void of Presley. And also, mysteriously void of their normal smart-ass remarks. Rianna, one of the blondes and second female to Presley, spoke first. She had always been the one to give Sophia a hard time in regards to Flipping. Her snide remarks heavy with sexual innuendo had been enough to make Sophia want to swipe her face off more than once.
"Look, I know we haven't exactly made things very easy for you…" she began. Eyes darting away when she saw Sophia raise an eyebrow at that. "But… I wanted to apologize. We –" she looked over at the two other girls. Brittany at one side, and Diana, the girl with the short black mop of hair. Both of which hung back slightly, eyes downcast. " – Wanted to apologize. And we were hoping that you would accept."
It suddenly clicked with Sophia what was happening. They weren't really sorry. They were just trying to get on her good side after seeing what she had done to Presley. It had nothing to do with feeling bad about what they had done, and everything to do with rank. She had out-ranked them, and she couldn't help but smile to herself when she thought about what they were going to do when they found out exactly what she was to the Pack, and to them. They were standing there is front of her, showing no loyalty what-so-ever towards Presley, all because they were afraid she might mess up their pretty little faces.
Something within Sophia rose to the surface. It was part aggressiveness and part protectiveness. Like she was guarding her territory and she exactly how to go about it. It was part white wolf instincts, and part newly mated female to the future Leader of the Pack, that would have every young female in the Pack and then some panting after him if they thought for one minute that he might be free for the claiming with Presley gone and Sophia the half-breed at his side.
These girls would never be her friends. She would never consider them buddies, so it really didn't matter what they thought of her. The only thing that did matter was that they acknowledged that she wasn't going to play by their rules anymore.
Sophia's eyes flickered slightly with their golden fire, as a humorless laugh exited her mouth. Her expression bordering on threatening.
"The only thing you were hoping for was that I wouldn't make a mess out of you like I almost did to Presley. So let's cut the bull and get right down to it. Don't cross me, and we'll get along just fine. Cross me, and you'll experience first hand what I'm capable of."
With that, Sophia turned her back and walked away, not even bothering to glance back. Sarah kept pace with her. Unable to hide the smirk flickering across her face.
"You realize that with your Flip you've completely rattled our entire generation within the Pack, right?"
Sophia shrugged. "Sometimes a change is exactly what's required. We're supposed to be a Pack, a clan… Not constantly at each other's throats about who's in charge and who's not. Who dominates who, and who can be kicked around. The whole thing is sickening."
Sarah nodded in agreement, and then studied the hard lines of Sophia's face. "You know what the Meeting is about, don't you?" She asked quietly.
Sophia just glanced at Sarah. Not replying. Sarah mulled over her assumption. "Whatever happens," she started, "I've got you back. I want you to know that."
Sophia smiled suddenly. Cracking the hardened expression. "Thanks. I think that's a favor I'll be calling in fairly soon."
Sarah smiled back in response, before breaking off to head towards her car. Sophia watched her go, before heading over to Luke. He was having what seemed to be a very heated discussion with some of the guys, but the conversation ended when she came up and placed her hand at the lower part of his back. Gently rubbing at the tension she felt there. Feeling how clenched and heated with anger his body was. She looked at him in concern. Wondering what was going on.
He turned towards her and wrapped his arm around her back. "Let's go." His command was softly spoken, gentle, but non the less an order. Sophia glanced at the other guys in confusion… Noticing that some of them were eyeing her in way that was rather repulsing. And she knew Luke was aware of it from the sudden flaring of Skinwalker male aggression barely suppressed under the surface of the façade he was putting on for her.
"What was all that about?" Sophia asked quietly while they walked over to his car.
Luke growled in frustration in response. "It's…nothing. They were just being asses, as usual."
Luke opened the passenger door for her, before going around to his side.
"What was it about, Luke?" Sophia's tone broke for no argument, and Luke reluctantly answered.
"They were challenging the authenticity of the Meeting tonight."
Sophia frowned. "What do you mean? What were they saying?"
"A bunch of different things. First off, the right for Vivian to call such a meeting when by doing so is a threat to the Pack's safety."
"What else?"
Luke looked over at her. Eyes and expression intense. "And whether or not I had the right to claim you so soon after your Flip."
Okay. Now that was something she hadn't been expecting today.
"Uh, Wh-what the hell does that have to do with the Meeting tonight?"
Luke's mouth tightened. "The Meeting tonight is for the express purpose of alerting the Pack to the danger ahead. And it is also a Meeting that is…well, suffice to say, no harm can come to anyone at the Meeting. It's considered sacred. It's like a truce is called, strictly for the duration of that night, that despite whatever trespasses or sins committed by one to another member of the Pack, or to the Pack in general, that person is not to be harmed. It's one of the few Skinwalker laws that can never be broken. It would bring swift death upon anyone who tried."
"So…" Sophia prompted quietly.
"But, on the same token, it is the time in which anyone can step forward and make their case against another. State what they believe was done against the will of another." Luke's flaring eyes were visible to Sophia, even though he hadn't turned to look at her.
"That little 'discussion' you saw back there, was them letting me know that they're planning on challenging my relationship with you tonight at the Meeting."
Sophia shook her head. "But why? It's none of their damn business who I'm with."
Luke's hands gripped the steering wheel hard. "It has nothing to do with you." He stated quietly. "It's a challenge that they're directing at me, in an attempt to rattle my cage. In their sights you're still a half-breed, and not worth the effort. I either drop my claim on you, and they back off. Or I fight them and risk the possibility of losing my position within the Pack. And you." Luke had known this day was coming. Had known it from the moment she had Flipped and he had seen what she was. And it was only going to get worse when the Others discovered the little secret of what shade her pelt was.
"I'm not going anywhere." Sophia bit out in denial. She reached out a hand and laid it on Luke's thigh, turning to look out the window at the trees and houses flying by. Not really seeing them as she tried to deal with this startling revelation.
Luke's tension started to fade, and he infolded her hand with his.
"I know. But it's still a trial we're going to have to face tonight at the Meeting."
******
John went to open the door on the cabin when he heard Sherman knocking lightly. He had heard him coming, and it had given Ruby a chance to get a little bit more decent before he let the older man in.
"What's up?" John asked quietly as he shut the door behind him.
"Vivian has called a Meeting of the Old." Sherman stated as he looked over at Ruby.
"We know," John replied before Ruby could. "We heard it."
Sherman's gaze shot to John in surprise, and then a smile spread across his face. Finally noticing the slight but apparent differences in his appearance. And the lack of his shirt.
"Well! That's some of the best news I've had all day! You appear to be no worse for wear."
John just crossed his arms over his chest. His expression sullen.
Sherman's eyes widened slightly and he turned back around to face Ruby. "Okay…" he drawled out. Rubbing his cold hands together in an attempt to warm them up.
"What do we need to do, Sherman?" Ruby asked quietly. Standing up to walk over to John and loop her arms through his.
Sherman became serious. "Now that John had Flipped, and with the approaching danger, you'll need to be there tonight. But…" Sherman held up a finger, "You need to wait for my signal to reveal yourselves. What we do here has to be precise. We don't need them finding out about John till after a few other events take place, or you two will never be safe."
Sherman looked down at his watch. "I can't stay any longer. I've got to get some things together for tonight." He started to walk towards the door, turning around once he had pulled it open. The cold air from the evening flooding into the cabin. "Be there." His order was firm and broke for no argument. With that, he turned and left. Leaving Ruby and John standing there, looking at each other. John leaned closer and pressed a kiss to Ruby's forehead. She leaned in to him and closed her eyes. Her heart fluttering in fear.
******
(Later that night, as the Pack gathers for the Meeting…)
Sophia looked over at Luke as they made their way through the forest towards the chosen meeting grounds. He looked back at her, his gaze hidden under the heavy shadows clinging throughout the forest. His hand tightened reassuringly on hers as they moved closer.
Sophia studied her surroundings carefully. The sight and scent of the Pack members was everywhere. Most were in wolf form, but because of Sophia's modesty and coloring, she had chosen to remain in human form. She had given up her clothes for a dark, emerald green silk robe that Luke had brought for her. Knowing that she was probably going to need to get out of anything she wore very quickly if it came down to it tonight. Luke had also long ago shed his clothing for the easing of any transformation that might have to be made, but had remained in his human skin for her. Her fear was tangible, and it caused Luke to feel rather protective at the moment. His gaze constantly sought out the shadows. Watching cautiously the progression of the various Pack members all converging onto one spot.
Sophia felt a lump form in her throat as they stepped out into the opening. The full moon above them casting it's glow across the open valley nestled up against the hard peaks of the snow capped mountains raising high against the midnight sky. The valley in front of them was beautiful, lush and thick. But it had been made frightening for anyone who wasn't used to the sight of the hundreds of Skinwalkers melting and shifting away from the trees. Wolves darting around the half-transformed man/beasts that where everywhere. Some went back to their human skins, some remained as wolves, and some, just for the fun of it, maintained a half-in, half-out state. Most were naked, and those who hadn't Flipped yet, remained huddled closely together. Eyes wide as they saw so many of their kind shifting and changing in front of them. Their parents pacing around and between them. Pressing their muzzles to their stunned off-spring in reassurance. Sophia felt a momentary flicker of sadness as she watched them. How many of them would die during their Change? How many of those parents that were currently revealing their wolven pelts to their children and teenagers, would be planning funerals instead of graduation parties? It was too disturbing to think about, and Sophia looked away from the various families. Eyes burning.
But for the most part, everyone was silent. They all knew that they had been called here for a reason, and an important one. They knew that whatever was on their Alpha's mind, it was something that held great concern for the Pack, so they knew well enough to be worried.
This valley had seen countless historic nights just like this one. It vibrated with the ancient rituals and meetings conducted by their kind down through the centuries since arriving at Wolf Lake. And Sophia only prayed that it continued to see such nights as this one. For, if it did, then it meant that there was still enough of their kind to come here.
She looked up as she saw her father step out from the tree line and come to stand beside her. Dressed in blue jeans and nothing else. He didn't say anything, but his presence was soothing. His manner protective. Between her father and Luke, Sophia knew she was under the best protection she could ask for.
Sophia couldn't explain to them why she felt so nervous, because to do so would reveal more than Sherman wanted her to at the moment. She knew instinctively that she would have to step forward at tonight's Meeting. At this…trial by moon. She would have to reveal herself as being the second white wolf predicted in the Prophecy, and she didn't know if she could handle that.
Matthew's mouth was hardened, the lines of his body aggressive. He didn't know what the hell was going on here, but he knew it wasn't something any of them were going to like. He remembered very clearly the last time such a Meeting had been called. It had been at the start of a massive civil war between the members of the Pack, and had claimed the life of their Alpha, and many innocents, both Skinwalker and human. Including Marie.
His gaze tracked the movement of Tyler and his gang as they slinked out of the bushes in wolven form. He wasn't going to let the same thing happen again.
Luke picked up the scent of his mother, and watched her melt out from the tree line, shifting back from her pale gray pelt to naked skin. Pacing over to the middle of the valley, Sherman close behind her. Holding in his hands the book that Sophia recognized from earlier. Sherman glanced over and met Sophia's worried expression. Smiling at her in reassurance, before turning back around to answer a hushed question of Vivian.
Luke's gaze drifted over all the surrounding members of the Pack. As far as he could tell, it appeared as if everyone was there. All the adults, teenagers (regardless of current Flipped or un-Flipped status) and children. Parents for the most part kept their sons and daughter close at hand. Varying from wolf or human form. The younger couples clung to each other for moral support at the edge of the tree line… Many a woman had a hand pressed to their pregnant stomachs protectively. Knowing that whatever would be said tonight would have great impact on the lives of those children that they carried.
Luke's gaze left their surroundings to look back at Sophia. Pulling her closer to his side. She snuggled up against his side and waited for whatever would come next…
******
Vivian let out a breath as she looked around her at the entire Wolf Lake Pack. They were at least 600 strong. From the elders, to the adults… to the future generations of the Clan.
And they all had their eyes trained on her.
"Do you have everything?" she asked Sherman quietly. He nodded silently. His grip on the ancient text in his hand tightening.
Vivian rolled her shoulders back a little. Trying to relieve the tension there. She wished Willard was here.
Her gaze drifted over to where she saw her son standing with Sophia in his arms… Her father standing about ten feet away from them. His arms were crossed over his bare chest, and his gaze locked with hers. She felt reassured simply with his presence.
She turned back around to look at the members of the Pack. Her Pack. And she couldn't stop the sudden prayer she sent up for their safety. She began to speak. Her voice strong and determined. Carrying out over the valley as the Pack listened carefully.
"I have called this Meeting with a heavy heart. The future of Wolf Lake and the Pack has been threatened, and the danger presented to us is great." Vivian waited as the sounds of disbelief and fear started to spread across the valley. A child began to cry. She held up a hand in silence, and the sounds faded away. The child soothed by its parent.
"Our ancient enemy was resurfaced again, and the very same group that nearly drove our species into extinction back in the Old World, has come back to try to finish the job. I do not know yet how they are going to attack us, or when. But they will attack nonetheless. I do not know how many there will be, or what technology they will have developed, but the threat to our kind is substantial and real. I am telling you this, because this is a threat not only to our existence in this world, but also to the humans that have taken residence in our town. The Hunters will not stop till they have eliminated everyone, and destroyed our species."
Matt couldn't hide his shock at this turn of events. It had hit him like a punch to the gut. He turned to look at Sophia and Luke, and was further surprised at their lack thereof. If anything they seemed resigned, and Matt's eyes narrowed in speculation before he turned back to look at Vivian. The entire Pack was humming with confusion and fear, and it didn't help when he saw the familiar male wolf step forward, shifting back into his human skin, as he approached Vivian, his words loud enough for all to hear.
"What do you mean that this is the same group from before?" Tyler asked harshly. Eyes flaring with restrained fury as he stopped about thirty feet from Vivian. "What proof do you have that these are the Hunters?"
Vivian sighed. "I think that would be a question better pointed towards Sherman," she beckoned in the direction of the Keeper as he stepped forward, the text in his hands open and pressed up against his chest.
"Various thing have been happening for the last few weeks that have led us to this conclusion." He stated firmly. Voice carrying. "Believe me, this threat is real, and I have no idea as to how it might turn out. The important thing for us to do right now is prepare ourselves for the upcoming battle."
"Prepare ourselves?!" Tyler echoed in disbelief. "If this danger is so real, then I say let's leave out tonight! Head up further into the North and get the hell out of dodge!"
Matt suppressed the growl as he stalked over to stand a few feet away from Vivian's side. Eyes starting to glow threateningly. A murmur running through the crowd at his appearance. All acknowledging the fact that this was the man that should have led them instead of Willard.
"And what about the humans in Wolf Lake, hmm Tyler? Are you going to condemn them to die at the hands of these murderers?" Matthew's voice shook with intensity as it flowed over the valley. Facing Tyler off with an aggressiveness that was shocking to see from the man who had done everything he could to distance himself from that of the Wolven.
"Better them than us!" Tyler's eyes flared bright gold as he snarled back in response.
Matt shook his head in disbelief. "And what about our children, Tyler? Those that haven't made the Change yet? They can't survive a journey like that into the Wilds. You want to condemn them as well?"
Tyler started to move forward, but Vivian stepped forward. Halting his progress with a sharp mental command and a glare that could melt the snow caps on top of those mountains behind them.
"We are not going anywhere!" Her voice shook with conviction. "If we start running now, we'll never stop. It will never stop! We have to make a stand here, in our town! Our home! We can't settle anywhere else without exposure and getting more innocent people killed. All life is precious! Regardless of whether it's human or Skinwalker. We would become the very monsters that they have use penned for if we leave them without any protection or warning!" She turned back towards the rest of the Pack, voice becoming more intense.
"We will not leave Wolf Lake! We will fight to protect our town, and we will fight to keep our families, our young, safe from harm!"
Shouts of agreement lifted all around them as the rest of the Pack acknowledged the truth to her words, and sided with her decision.
Tyler shook his head. Pissed off. He aimed his next question at Sherman. "What 'things' have been happening the last few weeks that have led you to believe that the Hunters have uncovered us?"
Sherman smiled wryly at him, before turning to face the surrounding Pack. "You all know about the legend of the white female wolf. You all know about the mate to the Alpha that brought what was left of your species from the Old World into the New. You all know about Ruby being the only white female born since that time. But what you don't know, is the significance surrounding her birth."
Even Vivian looked at Sherman in confusion. This hadn't been something he had discussed with her, and she had a bad feeling that he was about to reveal a bunch of stuff she didn't know.
'Luke…' Sophia whispered quietly through her private mental link to him. Her hand clenching against his shoulder. Her rubbed her back through the green silk of her robe soothingly.
'It'll be okay, Sophia… It'll be okay.'
Sophia closed her eyes tightly. Knowing what Luke himself didn't know. It wasn't going to be okay.
Sherman pulled the text away from his chest. Cradling the old blood-stained document in his hands carefully. It's authenticity apparent to the Pack as they watched him carefully. Waiting for what he was going to say next.
"I want to read you something. Something that is very important to what has happened here tonight, and what is going to happen over the next few days." He paused long enough to find the familiar passage, and he began to recite.
"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…"
A heavy silence descended upon the valley as they tried to make sense of what he had just read.
"What does it mean?" Vivian asked. Eyes narrowing at this information that, up until just now, had been hidden from her.
Sherman closed his book slowly, looking over at Vivian. "Just what it states. For the first time in history, a second white wolf has been born within the same century as the other… Ruby."
"That's impossible." Vivian replied. Shock written so clearly across her face. "We would know of any other that existed."
Sherman smirked wryly. "Oh really? You don't know about this one, V. Sorry."
"Who is she?" Vivian demanded to know. Slightly irritated.
Sherman glanced away from her to scan the crowd, his eyes briefly pausing on Sophia. The message was clear. He broke off the eye contact and looked down at the ground in front him. Folding his hands in front of him. Waiting.
Sophia's heart was pounding loudly now. She looked up at Luke, his expression unreadable with the moonlight casting shadows across it. He had heard the prophecy. He now knew the truth about who she really was.
'You don't have to do this.' He pointed out through their mind link. Revealing nothing of his personal feelings.
Sophia smiled sadly at him. 'Yes I do.'
With that, she pulled away slowly from the security and warmth of his arms, a chill racing down her back. She took a deep breath and exhaled. Trying to calm herself. As she stepped out from the shadows of the trees that had hidden her from the view of the rest of Pack, she locked her gaze with that of her father's. Watching the stunned disbelief that started to appear there as realization seeped in. Sophia's eyes burned with suppressed emotion as she saw the look in his eyes. Her own stating a simple fact.
I'm sorry.
Sophia pulled her gaze away from her father's and focused on Vivian and Sherman. Ignoring the gasps and murmurs of surprise as she revealed herself to the rest of the Pack. Her, the half-breed that everyone had her pegged for, was the prophesized second white wolf.
"Oh, my God." Vivian murmured under her breath. Watching in disbelief as Sophia came closer. Her eyes never leaving Vivian's. The girl was afraid, there was no doubt about that. But her resolve was strong. Her strength apparent, and it all started making some strange chaotic sense.
"You've got to be joking…" Tyler bit out. "The half-breed? Oh, I don't think so. I don't know what game you think you're playing Blackstone, but I'm not buying this…" he beckoned at Sophia as if she was some kind of mutant on display, and she figured that, in his eyes, that was exactly what she was. She represented everything that he hated.
Sophia's fear suddenly faded away, and was replaced with determination . Her eyes beginning to flare to life. She oh-so-casually began to undue the sash tying her robe in place around her waist. Quickly slipping out the knot. Eyes glowing brightly. Even Tyler took a step back.
She didn't know where it came from, and for once, didn't try to figure it out. She hadn't asked to be what she was, but she knew she couldn't change it. She hadn't wanted to be a part of this oncoming battle, but like it or not, she was. But the one thing she knew she would never be ashamed of again, was what she had always known about herself. Her mother had been an extraordinary human being. And she was proud to be her daughter. Half-breed or not, she would never stand for another member of this Pack that she was supposed to save, aiming such disgust at her again.
Sliding the robe down and off her shoulders, she revealed the smooth expanse of her naked skin to the moonlight. Shadows danced across her flesh.
She didn't allow herself to feel embarrassed. She was never going to be embarrassed about who she was again.
Once the emerald green robe had slipped off of her back to pool around her bare feet cushioned on the thick layer of grass, she started to shift. Her human skin softly flowing and shifting into that of pristine white fur. Her human body collapsed as it folded in on itself. Revealing the white wolf within.
She stood there. Coat the color of moonlight. Golden eyes glittering as she surveyed those surrounding her. Her slender muzzle lifted high as she inhaled the scent that was Skinwalker.
No one dared to even breathe as they witnessed history in the making. Many eyes burned with tears at the beauty and strength of the creature before them. They had ridiculed and teased, discriminated and made fun of, the one female that could very well save their entire species.
Even Tyler didn't speak. He couldn't force himself to meet the gaze of the white female in front of him, and he turned away. For the first time in his life, feeling something akin to shame.
Padding on quiet feet, Sophia went over to her father, eyes downcast. Matt slid to the ground, his hand reaching out to cradle her muzzle and bring her eyes back up to his.
"You're beautiful, Sophia." Matt whispered softly, knowing that she could hear him. He didn't bother trying to hide the moisture in his eyes as he studied his daughter.
"You're beautiful."
A small whimper escaped her wolven throat, as she gently licked his wrist. Leaning the side of her face into his palm.
"So now what?" Vivian asked Sherman. Her question heard by the entire Pack who were all wondering the same thing. She watched the father and daughter moment. "What's going to happen next? Ruby is gone. No one can find her, and she's become an endangerment to the rest of the Pack."
"Oh please, Vivian." A familiar voice spoke up from the tree line. Shocking everyone in the valley as they recognized the woman who stepped out of the forest, naked skin revealed, shimmering white in the moonlight from it's paleness. Black hair cascading down her back as she smiled coldly at Vivian. Red lips and Silver eyes glittering in the dark. "Do you always have to be so dramatic?"
Vivian's eyes narrowed. She saw out of the corner of her eye the sudden alertness on Tyler's part.
"So," she started, "You've finally decided to join us again. Your mate was getting… antsy."
Ruby shook her head, smirking at Vivian. The only female who had ever dared to defy her. "That's where you're wrong, Vivian. I have been with my mate. The whole time."
"What are you talking about, Ruby?" Tyler spoke up. Eyes glittering in suppressed anger towards her. "You were never with me."
Ruby looked at him. Her expression cold. "You are not my mate!" she sneered. Her hatred for him apparent to all in the valley. "I am the one who will choose whom I mate with, and it will never be you!"
"We all know who it is you would take as your mate, Ruby." Vivian broke in. Tone silken even as her eyes started to glow with aggression. Sherman just stood by and watched everything. Making no comment. "But you're a white female, and you can't take an outsider, much less a human, as a mate. The Pack will not allow it, and I will never allow it."
Ruby just cocked her head to the side, as if listening to something they couldn't hear. She started to laugh. The sensual sound flowed over their surroundings like water. She started to shake her head.
"V, V, V. You surprise me, you really do." Ruby stepped away further from the trees as a large black wolf came melting out of the shadows where he had blended in so well. Waiting. He came to stand beside Ruby, her hand resting on his pelt, as the fur beneath her fingertips morphed back to richly tanned skin. The black wolf reverting back to his human form and revealing his identity as he slowly stood up, and encircled Ruby's waist. Leaning over her to press a kiss to her crimson colored lips. Ruby reached up to cup the side of John's jaw, before looking back at Vivian, Tyler, and the rest of the Pack. A grin spreading across her face as she chuckled. John pulled her closer up against his lean, naked body.
"I never said my chosen mate was a human." Ruby finished. Watching Sherman as he began to chuckle, the sound carrying across the valley, as the rest of the Pack looked on in shock. A breeze lifted the hair from the back of her neck, and caused the midnight strands to flutter freely in the air. Brushing up against John's chest, as his glittering gaze swept over the surrounding members of the Pack. Glowing brilliantly in determination and challenge.
****************************************************
To be continued soon, in Chapter Eight, Ep. 16 – "Prism of Fire"
I hope you enjoyed! And don't forget to review!
(Sapphira)
