Chapter Eight, Ep. 16 – "Prism of Fire"

Author's Note- This series wouldn't have gone on as long as it did if it wasn't for all of you! Again, thanks for all the reviews and e-mails! I really appreciate it!

After this, there will be two more chapters, and maybe, just maybe, a third, 'shorter' epilogue chapter.

The whole series has been leading up to these last few episodes, and I hope I can write them as well as they deserved to be written.

For fans of my E:FC story… hang in there, I'll try to do some posting there soon. No promises though. Most of my time is going to be taken up with this story. But I've got some more plot lines laid out for Howlyn and Renee, so don't worry! Their story will be completed sometime in the next three or four months.

Also, I wanted to mention again the short story I did on the movie, "Tuck, Everlasting", as sort of a conclusion to the film's ending (I seem to have a thing for conclusions. *rolling eyes *) so check it out if you're interested. It's actually posted in the Book category, because ff.net wouldn't list a second category for the movie by the same title. (go figure) It's entitled "Wildflowers" and I'd really like some more reviews on it! (darn it if those things aren't addicting!!) I think I did a very good job on that fic, so it's very dear to my heart!

One more thing I wanted to point out, and I probably should have done so in the last chapter. I do not consider Vivian to be a bad character. In fact, I consider her to be a very strong natured, and very protective female. It is only due to her protectiveness towards her Pack, that she doesn't want Ruby running around, because she doesn't know what Ruby's capable of. And she doesn't want her with John, simply because mating with an outside human (especially one that is a cop) is very high-risk for Wolf Lake. Which is understandable if you take a step back and realize what this species has been through… So I want everyone to take a step back and see it the way I do. Hell, if I was in her position, I would have done the same thing. She has been fighting to prevent everything that, despite her efforts, has finally come about. So cut her some slack. I believe her to be a wonderful character in the Wolf Lake saga, and I'm not going to make her into a bad character, because she really isn't. (And she IS Luke's mother…)

Okay, enough babbling, and on with the chapter! Try to keep up!!! : )

P.S. BlueAngel, I hope you're feeling better, doll! I'm glad you think the story is improving, I do my best! And yeah, Luke's mind needs to be washed out with soap! (laughing) I know I accomplished my goal if I got even you to blush! ; ) I look forward to your reviews, as always! Especially with the next few chapters…

Also, rating is up in this chapter as well… Consider yourselves warned! (wicked grin)

Chapter Eight, Ep. 16 – "Prism of Fire"

Summery – The Pack tries to deal with the revelations of the last chapter, while one of Sophia's 'hidden' abilities as the second white wolf will be revealed…And John and Luke will fight to hold on to their prophesized mates…

(This picks up right where we left off)

Everything in the valley was silent. Still. The entire Pack was holding their breath collectively. Wondering what would happen next. How could any of this be? How could a born half-bred be a white female? And how could a human male become a Skinwalker?

Everyone turned to watch the expressions of Vivian and Tyler, and waited to see what they would do.

"What have you done now, Ruby?" Vivian breathed out slowly. One of the few times in her life where she could remember having been truly stunned by anything.

Ruby's eyes glittered dangerously as she stared back at her step-mother. John's arms were still wrapped snugly around her naked waist. His chin resting on top of her head, but nonetheless keeping his gaze locked on Tyler. His possessiveness spoke loud and clear. And it dared Tyler to do something about it.

"Why do you automatically assume it was something that I did, Vivian?" Ruby mused quietly.

Before Vivian could answer that, Sherman broke in. "I hate to interrupt this little family reunion, but I think some things need to be made clear. First off, Ruby didn't do anything that brought this about. That transfusion of Ruby's blood John had against his will a few days back did the trick."

"A human can't become a shapeshifter. Regardless of how much blood was given." Tyler snapped. Eyes glowing feral. He could smell Ruby's and John's intermingled mating musk and it was infuriating him. He wanted to attack his rival with every fiber of his being.

It was only the promise of most assuredly death that kept him from doing so. No blood would be spilled tonight, but soon, he vowed. Soon.

Sherman didn't seem to be the least bit bothered by Tyler's tone. In fact, he seemed amused.

"Quite right. But John wasn't completely human to begin with. I'm surprised no one here put two plus two together. He is a descendent of an older family line of Wolf Lake. Far enough removed to not show any symptoms of wolven behavior, but not far enough removed for Ruby's blood to have not had a rather… intriguing effect."

Vivian turned towards Sherman in shock. "That can't be possible."

"Oh, I assure you, it is. You've just seen the proof yourself. John is a part of this Pack, regardless of whether or not you like it. And," Sherman beckoned over to the couple, "It's also quite obvious that Ruby has chosen him to be her real mate. Not Tyler."

"It doesn't matter." Tyler spoke up harshly. "Ruby is mine. We were married in the way of our Pack."

"Oh really?" Sherman asked. "Correct me if I'm mistaken, but it doesn't appear that Ruby has mated willingly with you. Have you slept in her bed? Has your seed planted itself within her body? No? Well then, by the laws of the Skinwalker. She is not rightfully your mate. Especially if she's made it clear she wants nothing to do with you, or your bed, and another male has laid claim to her. And, as you can see, she's accepted that claim."

The anger that had been building within Tyler snapped, and he let out a sudden growl. His position within the Pack had been threatened, and he started to make a lunge towards Sherman, but was cut off when Matthew suddenly appeared in front of him, grasping him by the neck, and tossing him back about 15 feet.

Tyler landed hard, but on his feet. The bones in his back already starting to crack and pop as he prepared himself to shift. Matthew's eyes glared bright gold, and the growl that came from his throat was heard all over the valley, and was enough to send chills down the backs of most.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you." He hissed out. "You won't live long enough to enjoy yourself."

Tyler was smart enough to back down. Recognizing the truth in the promise of swift death burning bright in Matt's eyes. He couldn't push Matt's buttons anymore, since his… daughter had flipped, and he had returned to his wolven pelt.

Vivian hadn't even bothered to watch this entire display. Her eyes remained locked with Ruby's while the two women evaluated each other and their options.

"Be that as it may," Vivian started, "It still doesn't mean that John is a part of this Pack. He has been raised human, in another world, far from this one. How do I know I can trust him to keep this secret?"

"Well, Vivian. You don't." Ruby shot back. Eyes narrowing. "And it isn't your call to make. I have chosen John, and he will be the one that I will have sire my young. So you better just get used to it."

Sherman shook his head. Damn it of Ruby didn't need to learn a little bit of finesse. She was outright challenging Vivian and her command in front of the entire Pack. That could get you dead real quick. Even if you were a white wolf.

John sensed that Ruby was treading on very thin ice, and judging by Vivian's expression, that ice was about to break right out from underneath them. His arms released their hold on Ruby's waist, and he stepped forward. Stopping about 20 feet from Vivian.

Vivian coolly appraised his approach. He wasn't afraid, she acknowledged to herself. And she sensed the wolf within him was strong. Very strong. He would make a good addition to the Pack. But it was up to her to decide whether or not he was too big a threat to allow.

"I may have been raised elsewhere, but I have no intention of betraying you." John's words were spoken quietly, as if just for Vivian's ears. He didn't spare anyone else a glance, but kept his gaze aimed straight at the woman in front of him. "I know about the threat that is coming. Ruby and I just barely managed to escape from them a couple of nights ago. And I think that the only way we can fight this is if we all work together, and try to come up with a solution here. If we don't, it's not really going to matter who was right and who was wrong, because if we can't come up with a way to defeat these Hunters, then a lot of people are going to die. Both human and Skinwalker. So might say, I have a double interest in this. I don't want to see anyone get hurt, and I'll do what I have to, to ensure that." Ruby came up a place her hand on John's shoulder. "And no, I'm not going anywhere." John finished, glancing over at Ruby. Black eyes warming subtly.

Vivian's anger had died away with John's words, and she slowly studied the man in front of her. Yes, she thought. He'd make a great addition to their Pack. She glanced over at the scowling Tyler in after thought. Assuming he managed to make it through the next few days alive, that was.

But that would be a fight between Tyler and John. She had no right to interfere. If John wanted to keep Ruby so badly, he'd have to learn how to fight for her in the ways of the their kind.

"You do have a point, John Kanin." Vivian acknowledged. Still not ready yet to admit defeat, even though she knew she'd be seeing a lot more of John and Ruby together in Wolf Lake. They had a bond that would not be broken. The same kind of bond that was currently forming between her son and the second white wolf, Sophia. "But you can see the predicament at hand."

Ruby became exasperated. "No, we don't. As far as you're concerned, I, technically, have the last word. Last time I checked, your pelt wasn't white. And I'll take on anyone who thinks otherwise."

"She has a point." Sherman spoke up, amused at Ruby audacity. "As a white female, she, technically outranks you."

Vivian turned her heated gaze towards Sherman. Anger, once again, rising to the surface. "No one outranks the Alpha." She pointed out quietly. "Not even a white female."

"You're right. In part. If you were a male Alpha, then she wouldn't. But you're still a female. And the females of the Pack by large are dominated by the white wolf." Sherman quickly back-pedaled when he saw the flames leap within Vivian's eyes. "Of course, you are the Alpha, regardless of sex, so she doesn't dominate you…necessarily. You're still the boss. I'm just saying that, in this case, you've got to admit. You need her. We all do. And let's face it, you'd have to kill her before she'd ever let you harm John."

Vivian smiled coldly at Sherman. Jaw tightening in anger at his words. Regardless of how true they might have been. She thought she saw Matthew smile suddenly out of the corner of her eye, but she chose to ignore it.

"I'm sure that, seeing as how we now seem to have more than one white female, we wouldn't miss the first one." Vivian's threat was chiseled out of ice, but nonetheless empty. Inwardly she was…proud… of Ruby's willfulness and courage to stand up for the one she loved. It was that kind of attitude that would make her a great leader. If it came down to that.

"Then I speak for John as well." Sophia suddenly spoke up. Having already changed back from her wolf pelt.

Everyone turned to look at her as she casually pulled her emerald silk robe back on and belted it. Slowly walking over towards John and Ruby. Her eyes swung steadily over the crowd, before landing upon Vivian. The firmness of her expression visible to everyone.

"No one will question his right to be here. No one."

Vivian folded her arms to look at the younger girl. Silently pleased with Luke's choice. She had the fire and spirit that had been her mother's. And the backbone and courage that was her father's.

Vivian turned back to look at John. Knowing that the two young women had outwitted her on this one. Not that she was complaining.

"Welcome to the family." She drawled out, almost sarcastically. Before turning her back and walking over to Sophia. She stopped just

a few inches away from her.

To the girl's credit, her stance never wavered, and she never looked down. Instead, meeting her Alpha and the mother of her mate's gaze straight on. Nether challenging, nor submitting. Just… watching.

Vivian could sense the stillness that was her son and Matt as they watched the two women that they cared for more than anyone else in the world face each other off.

And she knew who's side they would take if it came down to it, and strangely, she didn't care. Sophia was going to need all the

support she could get. Both of the white females were. Vivian didn't know what the future had in store for the two women, but if tonight had been any example, then the next few were going to be one hell of a ride.

Vivian suddenly smiled softly, reaching a hand up to clasp Sophia's shoulder. "You'll do just fine." She whispered quietly. So quietly, that Sophia wasn't sure if it had been spoken vocally, or through a mind link. She felt her body relax, and allowed herself to smile in response. Watching as Vivian's hand dropped away, and the older woman stepped back. Calling an end to tonight's meeting.

Had she known? Sophia wondered. Had she sensed my insecurity about being a white female? She didn't know what was the truth anymore. She just wanted to go home.

Sophia's eyes flickered over Ruby and John. Reading their thanks for her jumping in and stating that she was on their side. No one was going to question two white females, and they all realized that that was what Sherman had planned from the beginning. And the timing for everything had been perfect, and had kept anyone from being killed. Yet.

Sophia smiled back at them, nodding her head slightly in acknowledgment, but she turned back around to look for Luke.

Her gaze sought out Luke's as he came towards her. Eyes welcoming. Sophia breathed a sigh of relief as his arms infolded her. She nestled her head into his shoulder, and her eyes closing gratefully as his warmth seeped into her.

'No one questioned our relationship.' Sophia pointed out through their private mind link. Knowing that, currently, the night had a million ears.

'They were rather surprised at… other events. It still doesn't mean that it won't happen.'

Sophia opened her eyes at the truth of his words, before closing them again, as she felt his hand cup the back of her head.

******

"You sure know how to pop out the surprises." Vivian muttered wryly under her breath as Sherman and her made their way through the forest. Sherman chuckled

"Yes, well. I'm glad to know I haven't lost my edge."

"You realize that John is going to be in a hell of a lot more danger now than he was before. Tyler won't just let Ruby go without a fight. He fancies himself in love with her."

"He's in love with her power, and what she represents. Not her." Sherman corrected, expression darkening. "Besides, I wouldn't worry about it too much. I believe that John is more than capable of taking him on."

Vivian looked at him. "I hope you're right. Because if you're not, it'll be me that'll have to pick up the pieces."

"If I'm wrong, V." Sherman muttered. A frown shadowing his face. "Then there will be more than just the body parts of one to pick up."

******

Sophia and Luke were making their way through the forest. Matthew had disappeared. They figured it was to make sure that Vivian and Sherman got home safely. But it bothered Sophia nonetheless, not knowing where he was.

"What are you thinking?" Luke asked quietly. Looking over at her in the darkness of the forest. Limbs blocking most of the light, but still unable to hide her facial expressions from his wolven senses.

Sophia shook her head. "I'm just wondering what's going to happen over the next few days. How is this all going to end, Luke?"

Luke heard the small element of fear trembling in her voice, and he pulled her closer to his side. Rubbing her back reassuringly. "I don't know, babe. But we're all going to find out together."

They traveled a little ways in silence. Listening to the other Skinwalkers' public mental pathways, and physical sounds of them moving silently through the trees. Heading home in the hopes of seeking the sleep that would not come.

Sophia smiled to herself sadly. Many of the younger ones weren't going home though. She wondered how many couples would find solace in each other's arms tonight. She wondered how many of their kind would Flip for the first time, and prayed for those who might not make it.

That line of thought broke off, as she turned to watch the passage of one light colored wolf beside her in the tree line. And she knew without a doubt who it was.

Sophia pulled to a stop. Grasping Luke's shoulder to gain his attention. "Luke? Why don't you go on ahead for a moment?"

Luke looked over at Sophia in confusion, and then looked towards the light gray wolf. Eyes narrowing slightly as he recognized who it was.

"Are you sure?" He looked back at Sophia. Not liking the idea of leaving her in the forest like this.

Sophia nodded reassuringly. There was no trace of fear within her. She didn't need Luke to protect her from everything.

Luke still paused before walking away. It was only the look in Sophia's eyes that broke for no argument, that made him leave.

Sophia didn't spare him a glance. She kept her eyes on the wolf in front of her, as it began to shift back into human form. She crossed her  arms casually in front of her as she observed the newly reformed girl stand up. Blond curly hair framing her strangely hued skin. Eyes still glowing from the suppressed wolf within.

Sophia's lips twisted humorlessly, as she cocked her head to the side. "Hello, Presley."

******

"I hope we did the right thing." John mentioned for the third time in the last hour. Ruby and him had already made it back to the cabin, and although they knew they were safe there for the remainder of that night, Ruby knew they were going to have to leave early in the morning, and head back to Sherman's. There was no doubt in her mind that either Tyler himself, or one of his loonies had tracked them back to the cabin. It was no longer safe.

"Sherman believes we did." She pointed out as she stood up from where she had been throwing another log on the fire. She walked over to where John was standing by the window. The curtains were drawn tightly, and the only light from within the room was from the fire. Nether one of them had bothered redressing. The firelight chased the chill from the room, and heated their skins, regardless of the fact that the cold didn't seem to bother John anymore. Ruby had told him it was a benefit of being a Skinwalker. Things like temperature didn't faze their kind.

He was still having trouble believing that this was all true. But it was hard to ignore the facts when they had been staring at you right in the face all night.

John closed his eyes tightly as he felt Ruby's arms slip around his waist. Rubbing her slender body suggestively against his back.

"Come to bed." Ruby's soft whisper was spoken against the flesh of his shoulder, and John turned to look at her. Watching her silver eyes warm at his gaze, and her hand come up to trace his brow.

"I still can't believe I got you back."

Ruby smiled almost shyly at his whispered sentence. Her eyes starting to glimmer with suppressed emotion.

"Nether can I." She replied. Leaning in closer to him as his lips came down on hers. She didn't care what happened tomorrow. For now, they were safe. For now, no one could touch them.

For now, they were alone.

Ruby slowly pulled away, eyes heating as she saw the desire in John's face as well as body. She pulled him with her away from the heavily shielded window, and towards the bed. Her body tightening with desire as she felt the mattress hit the back of her knees. She pulled John down with her, as her back made contact with the surface of the mattress. The weight, feel, and heat from his body covering hers was an exquisite sensation. One that she would never tire from. It was the only time she had ever felt truly free. Or truly ever loved.

******

A thin trail of smoke wafted up from where Tyler stood. Watching the cabin. The glow from his cigarette almost invisible in darkness at present. The moon having already set, and dawn approaching in just a few more hours. His eyes glowed brightly as he barely managed to suppress the growl erupting from his throat, as he saw the silhouette of Ruby and John holding one another in front of the window. The flickering fire from within making their forms visible even through the curtain.

He watched as Ruby's shadow pulled John's away from the window and out of sight. The image of that emblazoned  in his mind, as he suddenly clenched the cigarette tightly in his fist. Seeming unaware of it's lit end burning harshly into his flesh. The sizzling sound and the smell of charred flesh didn't register, as Tyler forced himself to walk away. Eyes flaming bright gold in the darkness.

John Kanin was a dead man. One way or another.

******

Sophia's gaze was chilled as she waited to see what first move Presley was going to make. If she was going to try and continue what had happened a couple nights ago at the Diner, then Sophia was only too prepared to oblige her .

Presley was watching Sophia cautiously, her expression stating just how clearly she despised Sophia. Sophia couldn't help but smirk at the obvious play of emotions crossing the blonde girl's face. Enjoying the fact that she was squirming.

"What do you want now, Presley?" Sophia's question came out harder than she intended, and she let out a sigh. Turning her eyes heavenward, before returning to look at Presley.

Presley cleared her throat. "I just.." Sophia watched her grit her teeth in anger, and acknowledged that she was having a hard time spitting out whatever she had come to say.

"I just wanted to let you know that you can keep him." She finally managed to bite out. Eyes flickering with suppressed coldness.

Sophia started to laugh. The tone of it ringing clearly through the frost covered trees around them. She shook her head, looking back at Presley in disbelief.

"I'm glad to know that I have your permission, Presley." Sophia replied, still chuckling. The tip of her tongue caught between her teeth. She took a step closer to Presley. "Tell me something, Pres. Are you saying you don't think Luke's worth fighting for?" The question sounded almost teasing, and the chill in Sophia's expression demanded an answer. She wanted a final answer to where Presley stood on this matter. She didn't want to have to watch her back any more than she had to over the next few weeks.

Presley's tilted her head back to look at Sophia. "He was never mine to begin with. You where the one he pursued. I was just that piece of ass he couldn't resist." She started to laugh dryly. "Besides, I'm not one to take up seconds."

Sophia raised her brow at Presley. Scanning the girl for the truth of her words. Finally, she nodded, and began to walk away from her.

"One other thing," Sophia spoke up quietly. Not even bothering to turn around as she slipped deeper in the woods. The emerald coloring of her robe almost black in the shadows.

"Don't ever spy on Luke and me again."

(Soundtrack Suggestion – Michelle Branch, "Goodbye To You", on the album "The Spirit Room"  Even though this upcoming scene is short, I think that this song is really good for it. )

Presley swallowed as she watched Sophia disappear. The knowledge of just how much had changed tonight hitting her again with Sophia's statement that she had known that Presley had seen her and Luke together early that morning. And that it had been her jealousy that had reverberated in the forest at the smell of Sophia and Luke's union.

Presley looked down to the ground as she watched it suddenly rush closer to her face as her body shifted back to that of the wolf within. She stood there for a moment, before turning around and taking off deeper in the forest. Her heart aching.

She had loved Luke, even though he had never loved her. And she would have continued the challenge towards Sophia, if it hadn't been for the sake of her being a white female. Who would have ever thought that the town's half-breed would have a place in their history? That was, if there was enough of them left when it was all over to still have a history.

Whatever else Presley might be, there was one thing that would never change. She was loyal to the Pack. And if it was Sophia's destiny to be a part of whatever team that would save them, then so be it. She would support her. Even if she'd go to her grave despising her for mating with the one that she herself had wanted from the beginning. Even if her heart broke every time she saw them together. Because, now, she had no one.

She didn't know how long she had been running. She really didn't even care which way she was going. She was just running for the sake of it. It helped her block out everything that she was feeling at the moment. It helped her forget everything else but the here and now. Her paws hitting the dirt, and her puffs of breath misting in the cold night air.

She looked up at the night sky, and acknowledged to herself that it was almost dawn, when she suddenly felt something bite hard and low in her back flank. Letting out a cry, her muzzle turned and snapped at whatever it was that had attacked her. But she never made it that far. Her wolven vision blurred and went dark as she dropped the ground. Her last sight, that of the tranquilizer dart sticking out from her leg.

She didn't even have a chance to call out to the others before the sedative took her down into oblivion. She didn't get a chance to see the dark-skinned man dressed in black come out from the bushes. Holding the rifle that the dart had come from as he came over to look at her. The hatred for her written so clearly across his features, as he reached a hand down and grasped her harshly by the scruff of her neck, and slinging her unceremoniously over his shoulder, before stalking away. The hunter and his prize. Leaving nothing behind to show that they had ever even been there.

******

(Soundtrack Suggestion – Niki Haris, "The One", on the soundtrack "Dark Angel"  I'm telling you right now, people, that if you don't have this album, you really need to get it! This song is stunning. Just stunning, and I knew that when I heard it, I had to use it as John and Ruby's love theme. It fits them right to a T. The song has this slow R&B groove to it, and I can just see John and Ruby together with this song playing. Add this to your list of CDs you want for Christmas. I'm going to lace the lyrics throughout the next scene. Sort of like a song fic.)

Calling out to you… I dreamed of your face…Calling out to you, I'll see you, tonight… Tonight…

Sheets from the bed wrapped themselves sinuously around their entwined bodies, as they slid across them. Ruby's arms were wrapped securely around John's back. Nails clenching at his nape, as his palm side slowly over her side, down to her hip, and down further to grasp her thigh. Tugging it outwards around his waist. Ruby complied , by bringing it higher, pulling him closer to her.

Even if I ran to you… your touch would be elusive…

John brought his mouth down on hers. Her lips parting to welcome him inside. Tasting him. Drinking of him. She pulled away from those lips to arch her body into his, seeking relief from the desire clenching so hotly within her. But John was going to take his time. Inwardly knowing that this might be the last time they'd be together.

Even if I surrender… the war would not be over…

John felt her body writhing slowly beneath him, urging him on, he responded by slowly lowering his head into the curve of her neck, gently scraping his teeth over the tender, silken skin.

Ruby's sigh echoed in his ears, as she rocked her body into his. Wanting to feel him inside her. Wanting them to be joined. She felt his mouth trail down lower over her collar bone, and lower still to one of her breasts. Grasping the hardened dusky nipple firmly between his lips and pulling hard.

Even if I bled for you… my heart would go on beating…

Her cry was hoarse, heavy, laden with the passion that these exquisite sensations were creating within her body, as she cradled his head against her chest, his mouth still working at her tender flesh. Arousing her further. Making her body burn. Her body was restless against him. Feeling his heated skin brushing against hers, feeling the weight of his own arousal between her thighs, feeling the sheets beneath her back, and the flickering shadows cast from the firelight dancing upon their skin, and reflecting in their eyes.

If I hide my face from you… this love would feel no shame…

John's encircled Ruby's arched back, and pulling her up with him, sat up on the mattress. Legs still folded underneath him, with her centered on his lap. The weight from her body, leaning into his. Her black mahogany colored hair fanning out over his shoulder, as she tucked her face into his shoulder. Panting slightly from her need to be joined with him. Arms looped loosely around his neck.

…'Cause I know, there's a place for me, where you and I can dance…

John's hands ran slowly down and her back. Kneading at the highly toned flesh. The slightly abrasive feel of his calloused palms against her smooth skin sent fine shudders down her body. Ruby's arms loosened from their hold on his neck, to grasp at his shoulders. She brought her face up at looked at him. Slowly, softly, rubbing her lips against his. The tip of her tongue gently touching his bottom lip. Tasting him. She could feel the heated moisture admitting from her core, strategically placed up against his arousal. And knew he could feel it as well.

…And I know… there's a place for me. You will be there. Take me there…!

John let out a groan as he felt her grind her body closer to his. His control starting to snap.

You are the one… it's your love, pulling me back… calling me back… I'll run to you, baby…

"John…" Ruby urged softly. Her whisper brushing up against the side of his jaw. John grasped her thigh more firmly, and his other arm, still wrapped securely around her waist, pulled her further up onto his body. Her arms tightened once more around his neck, as she held him close.

…You are the one… it's your love, it keeps on pulling me back… calling me back… I'll run to you baby… I'll run…

Ruby felt her body being balanced right above John's, and let out a cry, as she felt him finally slide all the way into her. One deep, solid thrust. She took him as far into her body as he could go. Feeling how hot his was. Feeling him stretching and sliding further into her. The weight from her body helping to push her down tightly onto him. Encasing him.

We could turn and walk away…Pretend that we are dreaming… Confess that we are satisfied. Ain't all what we are seeing…

Tears burned under Ruby's lids as her entire body trembled from their joining. Oh, how she had missed this! She didn't know how she had managed for so long, without John at her side. Loving her… so preciously… as he was right now.

We can take a chance right now… and lean into the morning…

John reached to pull Ruby's arms down from around his neck, and pulled them behind her back. His hands fisting tightly with hers, still pressing into the small of her back to keep her tight up against him, as he started to move from within her. Rocking upward into her core.

We could hold each other's hands… together face the fight…

Ruby pulled unsuccessfully at her arms, wanting him to release them, but knowing he wouldn't. She heard the slight rumblings in John's throat, as he leaned his head over her, still moving firmly from within, and latched on hard to her offered breast. The feeling of his mouth on her, and his body moving from within her, started to send fireworks off in Ruby's body. The erotic, almost dominant nature of her position inflaming her. He held her securely, tightly, arms still twisted behind her back, leaving her completely open to him. The feeling of his thrusts sending them both over the edge was almost too much to bear.

And I know, there's a place, where everyone will dance… Yes, I know, there's a place for me. And you will be there. Please, take me there!

John abandoned her breast to trail his mouth up to her shoulder. Glistening in the flickering light from the fire. He pressed a kiss there, his tongue tasting the salt. Ruby moaned at the loving contact, and moved with him. Urging him to move faster. Harder.

You are the one, it's you love, pulling me back… calling me back. And I'll run to you, baby. You are the one, it your love. It keeps on just pulling me back, calling me back. It's your love…

John pushed in deeper. Striving to touch her very soul. And to Ruby, he felt like he was doing just that. She couldn't halt the sudden tear that tracked it's way down her check. She loved him so… And the idea that this might be the last time they…

As if sensing her thoughts, John feathered a kiss over her cheek. His lips catching the tear, as he soothed her. Loved her. His thrusts urging her into the climax that she longed for, but at the same time was reluctant to experience, because then all of this would be over.

Come on! Lean into me, baby. Breathe into me. You can lean on me. Just lean on me, baby! You know…

Ruby felt her body start to tighten, as she tossed her head back, feeling John's lips and tongue trail over the curve of her exposed throat. Felt her pleasure starting to hit. The cries escaping from her lips were like an aphrodisiac to John. The sound echoing through to his soul, as his hoarse cry joined hers.

                               

…We will dance together… We will love each other…

Ruby felt herself spiraling out of control. Felt John release her arms as he joined her. She wrapped her arms back around his shoulders, and brought her mouth crashing down on his. Feeling her body fragment and shatter. Felt the intense pleasure that she only achieved in John's arms. And she never wanted it to end. If she could hold on to this moment forever, then she would know she was truly in heaven.

We will touch each other… We will dream together…

John held her close as the after shocks of their lovemaking hit them both. His body slowing down the pace, but still moving within her, reluctant to stop. His hands came up to cradle the sides of face, turning it upwards to meet his gaze. Prisms of the firelight were reflected there, as her silver colored eyes looked back at him. All of her fears and concerns were reflected there, and he wished that he could remove them. Wished that he could suddenly make everything okay. But right now, that wasn't possible, and who knew what was going to happen over the next few days or weeks. He couldn't control that anymore than he could control the weather, and he realized just how powerless he was.

So he did the only thing he could. Slowly taking Ruby back down onto the mattress, he started all over again. Just…loving her.

You are the one… it's your love… pulling me back… calling me back… and I'll run to you, baby…

******

Sophia yawned as she slowly woke up. Pushing through the layers of fog so heavily coating her mind. Glancing over at the clock on her nightstand with blurry eyes, it told her that in was nine in the morning. She had only been asleep for five hours.

Looking over at the movements of the one who had woken her up, she met Luke's gaze. He was standing at the foot of her bed, buttoning up the fly on his jeans. Beautifully sculpted chest still visible.

"Did I wake you?" he asked, watching her.

Sophia nodded slowly, stifling another yawn, before pushing the heavy fall of her hair back from her face. When they had made it back to her place, they both had crashed. Barely able to make it to the bed before falling asleep. It had been a long day for both of them.

Luke smiled at her sleepy eyed expression. "Sorry."

"It's okay." Sophia murmured, getting up enough energy to push the coverlet back, and swing her legs out from underneath it. Pushing herself up into a standing position.

Luke's gaze wandered casually over her body still encased in the emerald green silk robe, as she slaughtered over to him. He reached his arm out to her, and pulled her close.

"Hey," he whispered, kissing her briefly.

"Hey," Sophia smiled back at him, before pulling away to go downstairs and see if she could dig up some coffee, while Luke finished dressing.

Sophia made her way into the kitchen, stopping once to look in the living room, to where her father had barely managed to sprawl out on before finding sleep himself. She tip-toed past, even though, Skinwalker senses being what they were, meant that he'd be awake fairly soon anyway.

She had just put the coffee on, when she heard a very light rap on the back door. Turning around, she looked over to see Sherman standing there.

A frown traced its way across her forehead, as she silently opened the door, and closed it behind her. Trying not to wake her father.

"What are you doing here? My father's sleeping, but if you needed to talk to him…?" Sophia studied the older man in front of her. Unlike some of the other people in this town presently, he seemed as wide awake and cheerful as always. Not the least bit sleep deprived.

Sherman shook his head. "No, I didn't come to talk to him." Sherman reached his hand into his pocket "Actually, I came to give you something. Something that belonged to the last white female… one of your ancestors."

Sherman handed her a gray suede pouch with a pull string. Sophia took it hesitantly, feeling the buttery softness of the fabric beneath her fingers.

"What is it?" she asked.

"Why don't you open it and find out?" Sherman prodded. Waiting while she did so.

Sophia tilted the contents of the purse out onto her hand, and was rather stunned by what she saw. It was a crystal pendant. But unlike any that she'd ever seen before.

"I replaced cord it had been on with the silver chain, but the pendant was worn by the white female that saved your people."

Sophia looked back up at him in shock. "Why are you giving this to me?"

"Because I think that would be what she would have wanted."

"She?"

"Rianna. The white wolf."

Sophia studied the pendant carefully. "Is it…? Does it…?"

"Is it magical?" Sherman finished for her, chuckling. "It's only as magical as you want it to be. From what I understand, Rianna never took it off. And it was believed that it was owned by the white wolf before her, and the one before her, but it was never documented or proven. Here, let me help you put it on." Beckoning for Sophia to turn around, he took the pendant from her hand, and clasped it around her neck. The weight from the single crystal settled between Sophia's breasts, and she looked down at it. Picking it up with her fingertips to turn it every which way. Looking at the stunning natural facets.

"What is it made out of?" Sophia asked quietly. Having never seen anything like it.

Sherman shrugged his shoulders. Who knows? Some of the past Keepers thought it might have been forged out of a volcano. Others thought it might have come from a meteor, while others thought it was created by supernatural forces. That knowledge was lost a long time ago. And maybe it's better that way. The important thing is that you realize just how precious that rock is, Sophia. Don't ever take it off. For any reason."

"I can't leave it on when I Change, Sherman. It would get lost."

Sherman shook his head. "Whatever that rock is made out of, it's the only substance known that will convert with you. It will simply become a part of you, so when you Flip, it will simply… disappear. And reappear when you change back."

Sophia swallowed. Mouth dry. "I'm still not sure if I'm the right one to have this. Wouldn't Ruby be more capable to-"

Sherman cut her off. Becoming serious. "It is not part of Ruby's destiny to wear that pendant, Sophia. It's yours. It's a very important part of who you are, and your family line."

Sophia didn't argue. Knowing that she wouldn't win. "Thank you." She stated simply, before turning around to go back inside.

Sherman nodded, smiling at her, before returning to his car, and driving of.

Sophia watched him leave from the window in the kitchen, before she turned around and walked over to the mirror in the hallway. Studying the crystal.

It was only about an inch and a half in length. Not too big, but definitely eye-catching. Where it was connected at it's base was thin, only about three or four centimeters in width. It flared out in a large tear drop. Naturally Six sided faceted. But that was only part of it's beauty.

The closest thing Sophia could compare it to being, was a frozen prism of fire. The brightness of the piece made it look like it was really burning bright. The base had thin trails of blue, the color of the blue core found only in a flame, and from there is blazed a mixture of glowing yellow, bright orange, and rich-ruby colored red. Unbelievable in it's intensity. No other mineral she had ever seen could compare to it. It attracted the light like crazy, and reflected it across her skin. Causing tiny little light shows against whatever it touched.

Sophia fingered it carefully. Realizing just who had worn it, and she drew in a shuddering breath.

She heard Luke coming down from upstairs, and her father starting to wake up from the smell of coffee filling the house with it's aroma, and she quickly tucked the necklace underneath her robe, and out of sight. Imagining she could almost feel the heat from the fossilized flame glowing against her heart, as she headed back into the kitchen to get breakfast ready.

******

The day spent in school seemed to fly by, and pretty soon, the final bell was toning out. Sophia slammed her locker shut for the final time that day, and headed for the exit. Wondering just where Luke had disappeared to. Strange that he hadn't been waiting for her at her locker.

Sophia shook off her concern and looked around her at the various humans and Skinwalkers crowding each other, trying to get outside. She waited for them to all pass by. Studying those of the Pack as they stepped past her. They all gave her wide berth. Some looking over at her and nodding. Acknowledging her newly discovered position.  Others whispering to others on private mental pathways that they thought she couldn't hear. Strange, but it seemed that one of her gifts would be the ability to hear all various mental pathways. It would come in handy, she supposed. But it presented an awkward situation sometimes, when she was over hearing the private mental pathways between lovers and friends.

There were some things you just really didn't want to hear.

She also picked up the various scents of some of the teenagers from the Pack, that had just Flipped last night. Brought on by the announcement made at the Meeting. Sophia smiled to herself. Skinwalkers and humans weren't that different. When faced with the possibility of death or the destruction of everything and everyone that they knew, the first thing they did was jump someone's bones.

She guessed there were worse ways to go.

Sophia had just made it outside, when she sensed more than saw her father rushing towards her. His expression hard and his eyes filled with worry.

Sophia felt her heart sink in her chest, as dread started to fill her. Oh, God, what now?

******

(Soundtrack Suggestion – Filter, "Hey Man, Nice Shot" on the album Short Bus.  I really don't care that much for Filter's music. I like the sound, but not the lyrics as most tend to be too crude. But I do like this song, and I think it fits Luke like a glove. A good kick-ass song, as most would say. And there is just something about it that is very reminiscent of that bad-boy intensity that we see in Luke. Very fitting, and very, very Wolf Lake.)

At that same time, Luke currently had his hands full. Both literally and figuratively. He had gone back to the men's locker room to pick up some of his stuff that he had left behind, when confronted with several of his Pack mates.

His eyes coolly observed the three Skinwalkers in front of him. Reading the challenge presented in the way they were standing. The one running the show was Alex. Luke and him hadn't exactly always gotten along, but for the most part, they had always stayed out of each other's way. Till Alex had decided that the best way to defeat Luke was to go after his claim of Sophia.

Luke took a step to the side and dropped everything that was in his hands on the floor. Eyes starting to glow as his eyes never left Alex. Knowing that he was the main threat, not the other two. Alex was about the same height and build as Luke. Black hair, and black eyes. He already had one scar running down the side of his neck, where Luke had messed him up a few years ago over a disagreement.

"You've got to be kidding." Luke spat out. "Either you brought them for decorations, or you're in the need of someone to fight your battles, Alex." Luke's words struck home, and he saw the way Alex's eyes narrowed at the insult, that he couldn't handle Luke on his own. Tilting his head, he told the other two to leave, and they were only too glad to do so.

"Where's your half-breed female, Cates? Don't you need her to win your battles?"

Luke smiled coldly. "I think I can do that well enough without her this time. Of course, I would appreciate it if you would tell me just why you think you're here."

Alex laughed coldly. "I'm just sick and tired of watching you strut around the town, think you're the top wolf in the place. Just because your father was the Alpha, and now your mother. But now that it seems you've secured yourself a white female… Well, Cates. I'd say your luck is about to run out."

Luke just smiled. Rolling his shoulders a little to loosen up the muscles there. Muscles and bones already popping and twisting in his back. Preparing for the fight. "So you think you're going to finally beat me, is that it?"

Alex shook his head, lips twisting. "No, Luke. I plan to break you, and take that little bitch of yours as the prize."

With those words, Luke saw red, and something within him snapped. His union with Sophia, and his position within the Pack threatened. Alex was going to find out just why his family line had always been the top wolves in the Pack. And it wasn't because of their charm, intellect, or money.

It was, because when it came right down to it, no other line could be quite so brutal, quite so deadly, or quite so vicious as the Cates when provoked.

******

"Dad, what is going on?" Sophia asked as Matt drove out of the parking lot like a mad man. Tires squealing in protest.

"Did you notice that Sherman wasn't teaching one of his classes today?"

Sophia nodded silently. "What's wrong? What's happened?"

"One of the teenagers got stuck last night in the middle of her Flip. He's been with her all day, trying to help her, but he doesn't think she's going to make it."

Sophia frowned. "What does this have to do with me?"

"Sherman told me to come get you. He thinks you'll be able to help her pull out of it."

"What? How does he think I'll be able to do that?"

"He said he would explain it to you when you arrived. It has something to do with your ability as a white female."

"Oh, no." Sophia whispered. Face going pale as she leaned her face into her hand. She didn't know if she could do this.

'Luke! I need you! Meet me at the hospital. The Underground facility.'

The answer from him was quick to come, but brief. Sophia sensed that he had cut himself off from her, and that made her heart start to pound in alarm. What was happening to him that he didn't want her to sense?

'I'll be there soon, baby.'

And just as quickly as that, the connection was severed. And Sophia couldn't help but feel a cold knot starting to form down low in her stomach. What was happening in Wolf Lake? She leaned her head against the side of the window, and closed her eyes. Just trying to focus on breathing slowly.

******

John sighed as he stepped out onto the porch of the cabin. Sipping a cup of coffee cradled in his palms. He leaned his shoulder against one of the support columns, listening to the sounds of the birds in the forest surrounding him, as well as the sounds of Ruby taking a shower inside the cabin.

He smiled to himself, remembering the night/morning they had spent. Taking another sip of the hot brew. They had slept for a good portion of the day, and as soon as she finished with her bath, they were going to head on out, and stay over at Sherman's, till they figured out what to do next.

He took a step down off the porch, looking up at the sky to ascertain what kind of weather they were in for. The once blue sky was starting to darken subtly with cloud cover, and he figured that they would be in for a nasty storm that night. Just then, a rumble of thunder way off in the distance clarified that, and John knew that they needed to leave soon if they wanted to make it back to Sherman's before the storm hit.

The sound of a twig snapping about 20 feet behind him was the only warning he had. Dropping his coffee mug, John quickly turned and managed to brace himself as he met, head on, the tearing jaws of a highly enraged male wolf. Muzzle snarling, shining with saliva, and eyes glowing with bloodlust as he and John went tumbling to the ground from the force of the attack. The male wolf driving forward with victory reflected in his eyes, growling and hissing with intensity, his muzzle seeking purchase to bury itself deep within it's enemy's throat…

******

Luke stood quietly in the Locker room. Naked underneath the cold spray from the shower pouring down on him. Rinsing his body clean of the blood that had stained it. Both his and Alex's. Shallow cuts all over his skin were already in the process of sealing up and disappearing. The deeper ones across his chest, side, and shoulder still oozing blood. He stepped away from the downpour. Casually turning off the showerhead. Rivulets coursing down his flesh.

Coming out and into the hallway, he scooped up his clothing, which was now tattered and soaked with so much blood they were beyond repair. He quickly shoved them into his locker. Not even bothering to put on any more clothes. Sophia had called to him a few minutes ago, her worry and fear heavy within his heart, and he planned to get over there to the hospital and find out just what the hell was going on.

Before he left the locker room though, he stopped in front of Alex. Looking down at him coldly. Not the least bit disturbed at the mess in front of him. The locker room wasn't in that great a shape either, but that was not Luke's concern at the moment.

He squatted down beside him. Tilting his head to the side to observe that he was still breathing. Judging by what the rest of him looked like, that was a miracle in and of itself.

More than one bone had been broken, and his body was a mess of teeth marks, slashes, and bruises. Luke could have killed him. Knowing that it would have been well within his right to do so, by the Pack's laws. But the last thing that needed to be happening right now, was the Pack turning on each other. Killing one another.

And he knew that if he had killed Alex, Sophia would never forgive him.

"Listen to me, and listen carefully." Luke spoke firmly. His words chiseled out of ice, as he met the pain-wracked gaze of the barely recognizable Skinwalker male in front of him.

"If you ever try to threaten me, or my position within the Pack… If I ever so much as catch you looking at Sophia in a way I don't like, I will rip you apart piece by piece till there is nothing left."

With that, Luke stood back up, turned his back, and exited the locker room through one of the back exits. Doing a quick scan of the area to make sure no one was present, before allowing the wolf to take control. Shifting back into his pelt. Once the Change was complete, he set off for the hospital at a break-neck pace. Sensing Sophia's fear, and leaving the memories of what he had just done far behind him.

He may be a Cates, and he may be the mate of a white female. And he may be the future ruler of the Pack. But it didn't mean that he had enjoyed what he had just done. But he knew that there had been no way around it. He was who he was, and sometimes, it was your fellow Skinwalker that was your greatest enemy, than any outside threat that would ever come upon you. And it required you to become something you normally wouldn't allow yourself. Something that was a true reflection of what their species were. A reflection of thousands of years ago when they ruled with the sharpness of their teeth, and the slash of their claws. When they had been revered as Gods by the humans, and as such, had lost their souls.

And Luke knew that it wouldn't take much for their species to fall back to the old ways. Maybe that was why he hadn't killed Alex. Maybe that was why his species tried to be as much like humans as possible. Because they didn't want to remember what it had been like when they had had all the power, and the human race was easily crushed beneath their rule.

And if they weren't careful with handling the threat posed at Wolf Lake, then history was going to repeat itself.

*************************************************************

TBC Soon in Chapter Nine, Ep. 17 – "The White Wolves"