Author's Note – Here it is! 11,000 words of yet another chapter to one of my masterpieces! (thank you, thank you! *imaginary bowing to imaginary crowd*)
Yeah, I know. I took my own sweet time getting this "masterpiece" out. My Muse and I had a crisis together. I had written the first six pages of this chapter, like, the day after I posted "The White Wolves", but then I hadn't been able to write since then, till the last few days when my Muse finally returned from its hiatus, so that's why it took so long. I think it's a good thing that I've only got a couple more eps. to go after this, because, despite how much I've enjoyed this story, and how successful it has become, my muse wants to move on to greener pastures. I wouldn't have been able to have gone as long as I have if it wasn't for the constant support through e-mails and reviews. Again, a big thank you to all that have enjoyed this ride right along with me.
Before I start up with chapter ten, there is one story I wanted to mention, that has really no relation at all to WL.
I'm aware that a decent handful of my fans for this series are also fans of the movie Labyrinth. In that case, I wanted to let you guys know about a story I recently uncovered.
I've been a laby fan fic fan for over four years now. I've read quite a few of them… many of which can't be found on the Net anymore… and there have been many that I've enjoyed. Some that I've downright loved. But I've never really, in all honesty, found that one story that, in my mind, was IT.
What do I mean by IT? I mean that it is THE sequel to the Labyrinth. Catching perfectly the chemistry between Sarah and Jareth, but never at any time getting out of character. Jareth is even more frightening, and Sarah just as passionate. I can't begin to describe to you how amazing this author's talent is for writing this story. Or how incredibly REAL this story has become to me. It's like I can actually see it playing out like it was on the movie screen. I urge any Laby fans to read this story.
It is listed here at ff.net, and is entitled "A Forfeit Of Dreams" by K L Morgan. Please read it if you haven't already! You won't be disappointed.
Also, I'd like to offer a couple of documents that I have in relation to Labyrinth.
I have the Early Movie Script for the film. What the original concept for the story was, before it became the movie we all know and love. It's… definitely an interesting piece. It has a take on the "Dance Scene" and the ending that will make you think. Worth viewing if you're a J/S shipper (and I think we all are!)
Also, I have a document of the original Novel. And I'm not referring to the children's book either, but the actual novel based on the movie (or movie based on the book… I'm not sure which is which.) The book that has been out of print for a long time, and you can't get for less than $40.00 at the places I checked.
There aren't any pictures, but all the original text is there. I've had these for several years now. I just stumbled into some hole on the Internet and picked them up. I'm not really sure HOW that happened, but heck… don't look a gift horse in the mouth, right?
I was planning on posting them at ff.net, but I was worried that it might threaten my membership here at ff.net, seeing as how I'm sure there are copyright laws involved somewhere. Both documents are free to anyone who has an e-mail address that I can send them to. If you're interested, send me your e-mail either through a review, or through an e-mail. Whichever you prefer.
Enjoy!
Chapter Ten, Ep. 18 – "Crimson Night"
2nd A/N – Rating goes up YET again! (grin)
Summery – The threat to Wolf Lake begins to tighten its grip on the small town, as the Pack begins to fear a repeat of what their ancestors experienced, lines will be drawn, and Vivian's leadership challenged, as they all fight to discover what the future will hold in store for them… Or if there will even be a future at all.
***When Sophia groggily began to awake, it was to the lulling sound of rain pouring steadily upon the roof of the house she was currently residing in. Groaning, she pressed her cheek more firmly into the familiar chest that it had made a pillow of, her arms tightening around Luke's waist, as she attempted to go back to sleep. Snuggling in for the long haul.
"Come on, baby. It's time to get up." Luke whispered softly in her ear, amused at her sleepiness. Course, they were all tired after this week. He himself had only awakened a short while ago. Content to lie there with her in his arms. Watching and listening as she had reluctantly stirred.
Sophia let out another groan, and buried her face deeper into the curve of his neck. Huddling close, seeking his warmth. She had no intention of leaving anytime soon.
"Baby, it's almost ten. You can't go back to sleep.
Sophia's response was a light growl. Eyes still tightly closed. Rainy days always made her sleepy. She didn't care what time it was, she wasn't getting up.
Course, she hadn't counted on Luke not taking no for an answer.
Luke let out a sigh of bemusement as he ran his suddenly heated palms down her sides to her lean hips. Feeling the curvature of her form. Sophia let out a small whimper of delight as he began to massage her waist. His hands moving tenderly over her body as he circled round to knead at her back and thighs. His movements designed to soothe, but also awaken.
But Sophia still hadn't shown any signs of opening those eyes of hers anytime soon, so his creative hands changed course.
Sophia's eyelids cracked open slightly as she felt that talented pair slide around her back to dip lower. Gathering her backside neatly into both palms. Kneading firmly.
Sophia picked her head up to look at Luke, slightly stunned at his contact. He just looked back down at her. His gaze far too innocent for his own good.
"What do you think you're doing?" Sophia asked quietly. Her voice husky as she looked up at him with those slumberous dark eyes of hers. Bedroom eyes. Luke felt himself become hard in reaction to that gaze, as his heart swelled to a point where he thought he would burst. Both literally and figuratively. He would never get tired of waking up beside her. Never. A lifetime with her would never be enough.
He smiled down at her slightly puzzled expression as he continued to gently massage.
"I would call this your wake up call, babe." Luke teased. Watching her eyes glower at him before dropping her head back into his shoulder.
"Who said I was getting up?" Sophia grumbled. She didn't care how creative he was getting with her backside, she wasn't going anywhe–
In response to her pointed question, Luke shifted his weight. Bringing her in closer as one of his oh-so-talented hands left that tantalizing rear to slide down further… further… until…
Sophia's eyes shot open as she felt Luke cup her feminine core right through the fabric of her jeans. The heat from his fingers scorching her.
That got her up!
Sophia never moved so fast.
Once she was a safe distance from Luke, she turned back and glowered at him. Her body coming alive from his ministrations, but considering that they weren't the only ones in the house, it wasn't exactly the best timing.
And damn it if he didn't know what he was doing!
The grin on his face was confirmation enough of that.
"My father is in the next room!" Sophia hissed unbecomingly at him. Hands placed on her hips, and chest heaving slightly from her flustered state.
If possible, Luke's grin became even bigger. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he observed her. His heated gaze flickering over her attractive form. Causing Sophia to blush from his perusal.
His teasing gaze met hers again as he leaned back against the couch, the corners of his mouth twitching in an attempt to restrain from laughing at her.
"Then I guess next time you'll get up when I tell you to, hmm?"
Sophia's jaw dropped at his outrageous suggestion, and she stormed out of the living room. Stalking down the hallway, she grabbed a towel out of the hamper and made her way to the bathroom.
Luke's eyes glittered wickedly as he sent her a suggestion through their mental link.
'I'm guessing there's not any room in that shower for two, is there?'The sound of the door slamming firmly shut and the lock sliding in place was Luke's answer.
His answering laughter echoed both throughout the house and on their mental path.
******
Ruby's body was throbbing when she came to. But with two very different reasons.
One was that she had a still-mending hole punched through her thigh. The other was because of the contact of her mate's body curled protectively around hers in his sleep.
Ruby craned her neck up to look at his face, the tips of her fingers coming up to brush gently over his cheek. She still couldn't believe, that after all this time, and all the dangers they had faced, both separately and together, that they were still here, sleeping side by side as they were meant to be.
She thought back on the fight between John and Tyler, and her gaze strayed to John's shoulder. She lifted her head to get a better view of the angry looking wound.
Bleeding had stopped, and the gaping entrance had sealed over, but it was still going to be a while before it was fully healed, and that bothered Ruby immensely. Nether one of them was at full strength. They would have to rely on the protection of others till they were.
John, sensing Ruby's movement, stirred awake. Opening his eyes to greet the welcoming sight of her face. She was still pale, her normally red colored lips were a pale shade of pink, and dark shadows lay under her eyes. But she was alive. They both were.
And after all they had been through, she was still the most beautiful creature in the world to him.
"Good morning." Ruby's smile was still all it took for John to feel at peace. The concerns of the present momentarily forgotten in her eyes.
"Hmm," John stretched lazily. Wincing at the sudden sharp twinge in his shoulder. "Morning. How're you feeling?"
Ruby looked at him wryly. "How am I feeling? Well, let's see," she mockingly tapped her finger against her chin. "I feel like I got shish-ka-bobed through the thigh with a very large, nasty spike." She looked back over at John teasingly. "How about you?"
John chuckled dryly. "Like I had my shoulder nearly ripped out of my body by an extremely pissed off wolf."
Ruby sighed as she ran her hand through her long dark mane. Pushing it away from her tightly drawn face.
Giving up on the possibility of getting up anytime soon, she turned her body closer to John's, and snuggled into his side. Tucking her head underneath his chin, where she'd be able to hear the steady sound of his heartbeat against her ear. The sound was soothing after everything else they had had to go through. The rain pouring outside and the occasional roll of thunder complimenting the moment.
John kept his good arm wrapped around her shoulders, and buried his hand into the mass of silk on top of her head. Breathing her smell down deep into his body.
******
"What's going to happen now, Sherman?" Vivian asked tiredly as she raised the cup of coffee to her lips. She could hear the sounds of Sophia finishing her shower in the bathroom, as well as Luke trying to track down a shirt in the free-for-all bin that Sherman kept for the Skinwalkers that found themselves needing clothing. Ruby and John had yet to come out of the bedroom, but that was to be expected. At least, judging by the sound of soft murmuring behind that closed door, she knew that Ruby had made it through the night.
Vivian knew she was going to have to ask them, word for word, what happened to them last night, but for right now, her mind was on other things. She'd just received word that Presley was missing, and no one had seen her since that night of the Meeting. Vivian cast a speculative glance at the bathroom door. No one, except for Sophia.
Not that she thought that the young girl was responsible. She knew Sophia wasn't a killer. But she knew it wasn't going to stop other members of the Pack from thinking she had something to do with the girl's disappearance. She hoped that Sophia would be able to handle the speculation and gossip that would be sure to follow.
But it didn't matter what they all thought, because V, Sherman and Matt knew the truth. Presley had been captured by the Hunters. Whether the others wanted to admit it or not.
Sherman sighed. "I don't know, V." We're just going to have to prepare ourselves and see which way this thing goes. That's all we can do."
"Isn't there some way to track them? Some way to find out where they're holed up at?" Matt asked quietly. Looking up from where he was leaning his forearms on the breakfast nook. His eyes hard and calculating as he sought a way to figure this threat out. There had to be some way…
Sherman leaned his head into his hands and groaned. He hadn't gotten any sleep last night. Having stayed up researching old documents in the hopes of uncovering anything that might be useful. So far, he hadn't been successful.
"Records on the Hunters are vague at best. I'm trying to find something, anything, on them… but so far, I haven't been able to do so." Sherman looked up from his hands to glance dryly over at Vivian.
"You know, it might just come down to evacuating Wolf Lake."
Vivian's gaze sharpened. "And then what, Sherman? Where are we going to go? Where the hell can we go that we'd be safe? The twenty-first century is not like the age when we left the Old World for the New. This is an age of technology and intelligence. We can't move into another town and take over. If we left Wolf Lake, we would lose everything that we have fought to achieve."
Sherman ran his hand through his hair. "But at least you'd still be alive."
Vivian gazed at him in disbelief. "I thought that you were on my side, Sherman. I thought you agreed with me that we shouldn't leave Wolf Lake."
"I do, Vivian. If it's possible for us to do so. But right now, I'm starting to wonder if it is."
Vivian scoffed at him and started to turn away, not wanting to hear anymore. Sherman reached out a restraining hand and grasped her by the forearm, turning her back to look at him.
"Listen to me, V. What's worse? Risking the lives of every member of the Pack, possible exposure to the outside world, and complete genocide of your species, or facing the unknown of leaving Wolf Lake and trying to start somewhere else?"
Vivian shook her head. Hardly believing what he was saying. "You can't be serious. If we leave this town, we'll never stop running. The Hunters will follow, and it'll never stop." Vivian looked away. The glitter of tears in her hardened eyes. "When are we going to be safe from the dangers of our ancestors? From the dangers brought on by us simply being as we were created to be? How can we fight off an enemy we can't even see as they strike at us in the dark?"
Sherman didn't answer, he just studied her. Sadness reflected in his eyes. Matt observing this exchange with a growing sense of dread.
Was leaving Wolf Lake slowly becoming their only available option?
******
School was cancelled in Wolf Lake. Lies were created for the human attendants, but those of the Skinwalker species knew better.
Young children stayed home with their parents. Older members of the younger generation gathered around each other and loved ones. All tense and waiting for what the shifts in the undercurrents of the hatred of their species would blow their way. They looked upon anyone that they didn't recognize as a threat. Wondering constantly what was going to happen tomorrow, or the day after that… or the day after that.
Or, for them and Wolf Lake, if tomorrow would even come.
It didn't take too long for word to get out about the miracle that Sophia had performed. The gift that she had been granted due to her white wolf heritage. The concept filled them with both awe and fear. For if she possessed that kind of gift, what else might she possess? And what of Ruby? What gifts would the rebellious young woman carry within her body?
Part of their fear was stemmed from the fact they didn't want to hope. They didn't want to place complete trust in the two rare females in the hopes that they would save their species. How could they, despite their coloring, go up against their ancient enemies? How could a half-breed and a traitor ever possibly save them?
Rumors flew, and where they flew, paranoia followed. Not the overwhelming kind that humans tended to experience, but the cold, calculating, dangerous kind.
The kind that could bring on a blood bath, dragging at its heels.
And on the wings of that paranoia, lines were being drawn.
There were those that believed they should leave Wolf Lake and never look back. Those that believed they should scatter, and those that believed they should stay together.
There were those that thought they should remain and fight. Protect the humans of the town… And those that superior attitude was damn all the ungulates to hell. As it was humans that were their greatest threat, after all.
There were those that were happy to follow Vivian. And those that believed she wasn't worthy to lead in a crisis like this. Some wanted a male to take her Alpha status away, and those that believed the white females were destined to lead.
And among all of these lines, all of the various opinions as to what was better for the safety of their race, was a steady core of violence and turmoil starting to boil. Animal instincts of self-preservation that would begin to push the members of their species – so different from that of humans – into a bloody civil war.
It was events like these that would make or break a Pack. Create their history, or their Armageddon. Forge a dynasty, or bring the old one to its knees…
Because when wolves were threatened, there were always those members that would begin to turn on each other in misplaced retaliation.
******
"I hate this!" Sophia snarled as she paced around Luke and Vivian's living room for the hundredth time. Matt, Sherman, and Vivian had gone off somewhere. John and Ruby had remained at Sherman's house. Still recuperating from the injuries they had sustained the night before. Sherman had thought it was best not to have Ruby and Sophia in the same place at the same time, thus her removal to the Cates' Mansion.
Rain was still pouring steadily outside; she turned head and allowed her eyes to flicker over the drops cascading down off the roof through one of the windows. The sight did little to relieve her tension, and she began to pace again.
Luke looked up from where he was crouched in front of the fireplace. The pieces of wood he had just placed in the open, darkened mouth, crackled to life as the small flame from his match set it aflame. The light reflecting off of Luke's visage as he slowly stood. Amusement flickering in his eyes.
Sophia couldn't help but admire the display of muscles and tendons playing underneath his clothes, as a reminder to just how graceful and silent he could move. Not even his clothing rustled. Although the sight of those recently acquired jeans clinging and tightening over his thighs as he came to his feet had Sophia's mouth momentarily going dry.
Luke's smile widened as if he knew what she was thinking. No… correction… like she was broadcasting again. Sophia's face momentarily tint a rather interesting shade of pink as she turned her back to him and began to pace yet again. She either didn't realize or didn't acknowledge the way Luke's gaze trailed over her back. Watching the play of tension in her shoulders, the irritated but oh-so-desirable swish of her slender hips, and the muscles in her legs twisting with the suppressed desire to let out her pent-up emotions.
"I hate this." Sophia repeated darkly. Raking her fingers through her hair. "I hate not knowing what's going on. Why my father left so suddenly with Sherman and Vivian. They're out there, getting involved in who-knows-what, while I'm tucked away in here!"
"Be assured that you are not doing this alone." Luke muttered grimly. Not really any more pleased with this situation either. He walked over and intercepted Sophia's erratic pacing by pulling her into his embrace, her back up against his chest. He nuzzled the side of her cheek, the warmth of his breath brushing against the tiny shell of her ear. Raising a chill upon her flesh. She let out a sigh and relaxed into his grip. Her head falling back on his chest.
"Sherman thinks it is best if we just try to lay low for right now. Ruby has been attacked more than once lately, and until we have a better idea about what the Hunters are up to, you and her both need to be kept safe."
Sophia rolled her eyes and yanked away, Still frustrated at being confined. Luke's fingers wrapped around her wrist in a gentle shackle. Only letting her go as far as the length of her arm would allow. Sophia glared back at him indignantly as she tried to pull away, but his grip was firm.
Luke fought to hide his amusement at the way her eyes flickered yellow fire at him briefly. He did understand how she felt though. It wasn't easy for any dominant Skinwalker, male or female, to be restricted to safety while others were in danger. And so far, those three hadn't even bothered to let them know what they were up to. Luke just had to trust that if they got into trouble, they would call out across the public mental path.
"Sophia, babe, listen to me. If there's any trouble, I'm sure they'll let us know."
Sophia gritted her teeth silently. Not trying to pull her wrist free anymore. She glanced down at the sight of his lean fingers wrapped around the pale slenderness of her wrist. Her skin sensitive to the slight raspiness of the pads of his fingertips. That was all it took for her body to suddenly come alive. Awareness of him tingling through her body. Awakening nerve endings and leaving a trail of fire in its wake.
"Sophia…" Luke whispered hoarsely, encouraging her to look at him. Sophia complied, but then realized her mistake when she saw the same feelings she was experiencing reflected brazenly in his eyes.
Sophia suddenly had another flashback to the dream she had had shortly before her Flip. When her body had been warning her about the oncoming Change. The one she had woken up from with glowing yellow eyes, and a heady desire that had burned its way through her body like a wildfire for the man standing in front of her. The man that a week ago she never would have trusted with her body. Much less her heart. It was amazing how much had changed.
The vision of them together in that dream was a memory forever emblazoned upon her mind. The way he had looked at her then, was the way he was looking at her now. All cockiness and the adolescent arrogance set aside. Intensity and desire present. But it wasn't so much their presence that caused Sophia's breath to catch in her throat, as the way he had looked at her then, and the way he was looking at her now. Like she was his world. His heart. His soul. Like there was no one else in the world that he wanted to be with. Sophia had never thought he would look at her that way in real life. And even though she had already admitted to loving him, had already given her body to him, there was still a part of her that was reluctant to trust him. That… little part that just wouldn't give it up. Call it self-preservation. Call it fear. But whatever it was, it was still a barrier between them. Not as much as it was in the beginning of their relationship, but…still present.
Luke reached out a hand and cupped his palm gently across her cheek. Feeling the silken skin under his fingers.
Sophia leaned into his hand and closed her eyes. Letting out a pent-up breath and with it all the tension she had been experiencing.
As thunder rolled outside and the rain continued to pour down – the sound reverberating throughout the old house – Sophia suddenly realized that they were – indeed – alone in his home. A home that had seen the change of the times since the Pack had settled in Wolf Lake, and with it, the change of the leadership of them all. She suddenly wondered if this is where her ancestor and the last white wolf, Rianna, had lived with her mate. Lived… and loved.
Sophia yanked herself back to the present. This was the first time her and Luke had been alone together since that incredible morning they had spent together. And despite the strain they had experienced for the last week, despite the threats to their species and to themselves, that desire – that need – was still present, and currently flaring out of control.
Luke watched carefully as he saw the emotions dancing across Sophia's easily read face. Saw the love, fear, doubt, confusion; but most of all… desire.
Later, Sophia would wonder who initiated the kiss. Whether she had moved into him first. Fists clenching in his shirt. Or if he had been the one; sweeping her into the curve of his body, fingers burying into her mass of hair, the other hand leaving a trail of flames licking across her skin as he traced it over her body. The lightest of caresses giving way to the headiest, most aching desire.
Sophia unsuccessfully tried to suppress a moan, as Luke's lips came over hers. Talented lips and tongue sweeping her away into an awakening world of erotic pleasure. Any hesitation she might have had about making love in his house was quickly swept away as he casually picked her up and carried her upstairs. His lips never leaving hers.
******
"What is it that you wanted to show us, Sherman?" Vivian asked for the third time in the last 20 minutes. She glared at the eclectic human sitting beside her in his ratty old vehicle. Matt was sprawled casually in the back seat. His posture insinuating a relaxation he wasn't feeling. He too, was wondering what this was about.
Sherman just sat there, pondering whatever it was that had caught his interest. Vivian's eyes narrowed as she prepared to launch another verbal attack. The Keeper's attitude was really starting to get on her nerves.
Matt didn't even try to suppress his grin over the frustration that was evident on Vivian's face. It wasn't often that he saw her riled up. It made him recall days long gone, when they were younger. Days spent in the shadows of the nights. Before Marie had stepped into his life, and he had stepped out of V's.
Days he was starting to wish were in his possession again.
Before Vivian could open her mouth, Sherman suddenly tensed and beckoned towards the abandoned warehouse that they were parked away from by about 500 yards. Skinwalker vision being what it was, it wasn't difficult for them to recognize the small group that stepped out of the building. All were members of the Pack. All potential threats to Vivian's stability as the Alpha.
Vivian's body stilled as her gaze narrowed. Watching some of the members slink off into the bushes, while others went to cars they had parked a little distance away.
Matt slowly uncoiled himself from the back seat, as he sat up. Forearms resting tensely on his thighs as he too, watched the males leaving from their obviously pre-destined meeting house. His eyes shifted over towards Sherman. Mouth tightening into a firm line. He, above all others, knew what this meeting had been about, and he could feel the inner wolf rising close to the surface, demanding to be released in order to protect the woman that wasn't his mate, but was much more than just a friend of the past.
Sherman looked from him to Vivian, who hadn't taken her gaze off what would most definitely be her challengers.
When her gaze finally shifted back to Sherman, her expression was calm. Almost serene, as she commented on the obvious. The words made into a statement, not a question.
"They're planning to kill me."
******
(Soundtrack Suggestion – "I Shall Believe", by Sheryl Crow On the albums, "Roswell TV Series Soundtrack", and "Tuesday Night Music Club". I finally gave in and used this song, simply because it is one of the most beautiful love songs that I've ever had the pleasure of listening to. I still think it is one of THE love themes for Roswell, but I'm willing to borrow it for the next scene. And yes, the lyrics will be used throughout like a song fic thing.)
Sophia hadn't even realized that they had made it to Luke's room, till she felt the mattress covered in the sheets scented with his musk being pressed into her back as he carefully deposited her there. His body coming down aggressively on top of hers. At first she thought that that was going to be what would set the tone for their passion, but he surprised her when his hands suddenly gentled, and his kisses slowed. His fingers stroking and dipping into the curves of her body. Awakening her body with a burning intensity to be joined forever with him.
//Come to me now. And lay your hands over me. Even if it's a lie, say it will be alright, and I shall believe…//
His lips trailed down over her jaw line. Lower to pulse beating so rapidly beneath her skin. Sophia felt the heat from his mouth burning her like a brand, and she moved restlessly against him. Her body seeking out relief from the exquisite pressure building within. She had no idea that it was this possible to feel so strongly tuned into another person. Never thought she would want someone so desperately, that her mind could forget everything. No wonder John had never given up on finding Ruby. No wonder he was so willing to fight by her side.
//I'm broken in two. And I know you're on to me. That I only come home, when I'm so alone, but I do believe…//
The sharpness of her nails bit into Luke's back as his mouth trailed even lower still. Gently clasping over the small nipple already hard and waiting for his attention. Sophia's back arched under the onslaught, and all she could think was that she never wanted this to stop.
//…That not everything is gonna be the way you think it ought to be…//
Luke took the opportunity to slide his hand under the small of her back, helping her shed the unwanted article of clothing. Sophia responded in kind. Deftly urging his shirt up and off his sculpted frame. Muscles clenched and released in the pale light of his room. The sound of the rain pouring down outside almost deafening in the upstairs room.
//…It seems like every time I try to make it right it all comes down on me…//
Sophia took her time admiring the view. The tips of her fingers gently stroked over his skin. Feeling the smooth hard expanse of the portion of his body revealed to her. He knelt there, legs tucked underneath him with her legs wrapped loosely around his waist. Sophia smiled at the pleasure she saw reflected in his eyes as her hands explored the beauty of his body. He tossed back his head – the corded column of his throat revealed to her gaze.
//…Please say honestly you won't give up on me… And I shall believe…//
Sophia's fingers trailed down the centerline of his chest, till they met at his abdomen. She felt the way his body flinched at the innocent contact, and his head came back down to look at her. His normally pale green eyes were flaming golden fire, and the sight sent darts of that same fire flickering through her body in response to his hunger.
//Open the door, and show me your face tonight…//Sophia's hands came back up to clench firmly into his shoulders, guiding him down to her. He went willingly, his hands pushing away the fabric of her bra. Fingers deftly releasing the clasp. He briefly acknowledged the view of her crystal pendant up against the valley between her breasts. The sight of the fossilized bit of fire glowing there against her pale, delicate skin was erotic in its own right.
//I know it's true; no one heals me like you… And you hold the key...//
Sophia let out a hoarse cry as she felt her flesh come into contact with the heated skin of his chest. The sensation releasing one ache, while igniting another. Luke growled lightly in response, and his palms slide down her naked sides while his lips and silken tongue rasped over the sensitive skin of her breast. Pulling the aching tip deep into his mouth. The burning heat of that mouth sending shudders of pleasure through her that bordered on agony. She curved her face into his shoulder, where her lips mindlessly caressed the slightly salty taste of him.
//Never again, would I turn away from you. I'm so happy tonight, but your love is alright, and I do believe…//
Luke's hands encountered the waistband of her jeans, and slowly worked themselves around to the front. Sophia's body jerked slightly as she felt his hands brush over her aroused feminine core. Even through the clothing. Liquid heat erupted within her, her wild scent calling to him.
//…That not everything is gonna be the way you think it ought to be…//
The sound of her zipper sliding down was well heard to them both, as his hands slide the cloth from her limbs. Taking along with it the scrap of lace that was considered to be underwear. Most would have found the sight of that black lace covering her most hidden part a turn on, but he was more interested in what was beneath that lace to give it a second thought.
Taking that moment to shed his own jeans, Sophia couldn't help but tremble at the sight of his arousal. He hadn't been wearing anything under those jeans, so there was nothing to hide his state from her.
//…It seems like every time I try to make it right it all comes down on me...//
Luke's body came back over hers as he pressed more of his weight down into her. Her legs automatically sliding up and around his hips. Bringing him flush up against her. His lips met hers, gently urging her to open her mouth to him once more, and as she did so, she felt the hard thickness of him slide in deep. The burning heat from the joining raising a cry of ecstasy to her lips. At the same time, his tongue plunged into her mouth, mimicking the movements of his body deep within her as he drank of her.
//Please say… honestly you won't give up on me... And I shall believe…//Sophia pushed up against him as his body buried itself again and again within hers. Her thighs tightening their grip on his waist as he plunged deeper. His lips wreaking havoc upon her flushed skin. She could hear the thunder rolling outside, the increase in the rain pouring down upon the roof. She could feel her body tightening. Felt the waves of desire coming to sweep her away on their tide. Feeling his body pushing in deeper and deeper into hers, causing her body to flame and burst out of control. The full hit of her climax struck her hard, causing her to call out his name is such a way, that, if his own pleasure hadn't been brought on by the tightening of her sheath around him, the sound of his name on those lips in the midst of her earth shattering release, would have.
//That not everything is gonna be the way you think it ought to be… It seems like every time I try to make it right, it all comes down on me…//
Luke's hands stroked down to grasp the fullness of her thighs, pulling her up into him and her lower half off the bed as he buried himself deep within her again. The angle sending her reeling into another orgasm as he found his own. She watched through eyes clouded with passion as he shuddered within her. His head tossed back in complete abandonment as the sensations washed over him. His body upright but still buried deep within hers.
It was a sight that Sophia would keep as a treasured memory for the rest of her life. It was a moment meant to be. A time when they came together in full awareness of each other, eternally bound by their love and passion… like the stars in the heavens, the fish in the sea, unable to exist long without the other. She was his; he was hers. As it had been meant to be since the beginning of their existence.
Their very world could fall apart, and they'd still be one. Forever joined. Forever connected. Forever loved.
Forever safe.
//Please say… honestly you won't give up on me… and I shall believe… I shall believe… I shall believe… I shall believe… I shall believe…//
******
"How did you know?" Vivian asked quietly as the silent Keeper drove off from the warehouse. Having not been detected by Vivian's enemies.
Sherman shook his head gently. "How do I know anything that goes on within the Pack and Wolf Lake? It's my job Vivian. Besides, regardless of the threat the Hunters bring, this has been coming for a long time. You knew they weren't going to put up with having a female as an Alpha for long." Sherman glanced rather pointedly at V before turning back to look at the road. The windshield wipers making a squeaking sound as the fought against the steady down pour of rain. "Not even for you."
Vivian leaned her forehead into her hand. Rubbing it tiredly. Her elbow rested on the doorframe as she watched the trees whirring past through the glass. Beads of moisture dancing across the surface in front of her eyes like tears.
"So what else, Sherman?" She spoke up. Her voice sounding dead even to her own ears. "What else are we going to have to deal with?"
Sherman looked back over at her in sympathy. "That, I can honestly say, I do not have the answer to."
It was quiet for a little while as they made their way back to Sherman's house. It was already mid-afternoon, and because of the cloud cover, getting darker prematurely. The plan was for Sherman to go back to his house to continue his research and help keep watch over John and Ruby as their bodies finished mending. Matt and Vivian would continue searching for clues as to what the Hunters next move would be. They hated having to sit around, waiting for them to make the first move. The inactivity would grate on even the most level-headed Skinwalker.
A frown suddenly formed upon Matt's brow as he sat forward. Remembering the lack of a certain face at that meeting.
"Why wasn't Tyler there?" Matt asked suspiciously. Looking first at Vivian, and then over at Sherman.
Sherman met his gaze through the rear-view mirror. "Who knows? Maybe the arrogant pup has finally decided to keep his tail between his legs while he licks his wounds from last night."
"Maybe," Matt mused. Not liking the fact that he didn't know what Tyler was up to. "But doubtful."
******
(Soundtrack Suggestion – "Out Of My Mind" by Duran Duran on the album "The Saint Soundtrack". I've always really loved this song, and I think that it does a very good job of describing what Matt is feeling towards Vivian, as well as his desire to be with her, but he's still fighting within himself. It's a very powerful song. I'm going to try to use it in the following scene as a song fic. Let me know what you think!)
After dropping Sherman off at his home, Vivian and Matt had ditched his offer to continuing using his car, and entered the surrounding forests of Wolf Lake on all fours, with thick luxurious pelts covering their backs.
//Light a candle… lay flowers at the door, for those you left behind and the ones who've gone before…//
They kept to the shadows. Their fur quickly soaked, but still providing a warm barrier against the chill of the late afternoon. They had spent the whole day fumbling in the darkness of having no knowledge to light their way. Having no idea where to start, where to go. Sherman had recommended that they look for any surveillance equipment placed in the forest. Any more traps carefully laid for unsuspecting members of their species.
They searched for several hours, having found no suggestion to either devices. Dusk was starting to fall, and with it, their spirits. They were doing nothing but going around in circles, and like a dog chasing its tail, they were slowly going mad.
//Here it comes now, sure as silence follows rain…//Matt was the first to shudder out of his pelt. He watched passively as Vivian did the same, flinging her hair back as the raindrops cascaded down her body. Matt had to force himself to look away from the path being taken by one wayward bead of moisture, as it made its way down the centerline of her chest, over her stomach, and lower still…
//…the taste of you upon my lips, the fingers in my brain...//
Vivian watched him carefully from the corner of her eye. Knowing full well the effect she still had over him. Even after all these years.
//Ever gentle, as it kills me where I lay. Who am I to resist, who are you to fail?//"We're wasting our time." Matt growled out to make a point. Running his hands through his soaked hair in exasperation. Turning to observe the surrounding forest. His eyes cautiously searching out the shadows.
"Well, then what are we supposed to do? Wait around at home till the Hunters start knocking on our front doors?" Vivian's snippy remark gave away more of her own frustration than she would have liked, and she looked away from his bemused glance. Her eyes restless as they searched the forest. Something just didn't seem right. At first, she had thought it was her imagination. But whatever it was, was becoming a small discordant note from within the hidden underbrush of the wilderness surrounding them. Some small foretelling that something bad was about to happen. Her eyes danced back over to Matt, and she could tell he felt it too. It was setting the both of them on edge. But again, they had no way of knowing what it was. And the fact that they were lacking that knowledge was disconcerting.
Matt met her gaze and held it. Frustration evident. Frustration that he couldn't do anything more to help defend the Pack against their age-old enemy. Frustration because he couldn't protect her or his daughter the way that they needed to be protected… and something else... Frustration with himself. His desires.
//Got to get you out of my mind, but I can't escape from the feeling…//Later Vivian would think back on this moment and realize what a strange effect anxiety can have on a person, Skinwalker or not. Anxiety can make you forget everything but the moment at hand. Anxiety can make you set aside everything that you thought was important, and grasp up what you considered to be beyond your reach.
Anxiety can help you remember how to live. And help you realize what you'd been missing out on.
And lately, Matthew Donner had been noticing that he was missing out on a lot.
//…As I try to leave the memory behind, without you what's left to believe in…?//
Vivian's breath caught as she witnessed an expression in Matt that she had never before seen, but had dreamt about seeing for years. When confronted with the real thing, she could feel her body start to tremble in response, and her eyes begin to glitter.
//It could be so sorry for the way it had to go, but now I feel your presence in a way I could not know…//
She held very still and waited. Waited for him to admit his feelings for her.
//And I wonder, do you ever feel the same? In whispering darkness do you ever hear my name?//
Matt stood there like some Greek statue. But instead of being made from stone or marble, he was a living, breathing specimen of beautiful Skinwalker male. Even though he was in his forties, his body was still smoothly muscled; his stomach flat and toned, his shoulders strong and his stance tall. Water running in rivulets down his body. This was the man that had been meant to rule the Skinwalkers. Who should be living in the Alpha's mansion. And yes… who should have been in her bed from the start.
//Got to get you out of my mind, but I can't escape from the feeling…//But that had all been a dream from such a long time ago, V tried to reason with herself. Trying to slow her erratic heartbeat.
Of course, Vivian had forgotten that there wouldn't be a point to dreams, if occasionally one didn't come true.
//As I try to leave the memory behind…without you what's left to believe in?//Matt clenched his hands at his sides as he continued to study Vivian. He had fought his attraction to her for so long now. Trying to hide from the rest of the Pack that although he had chosen to live as a human man, with a human wife, and half-human daughter; the heart that beat within his chest was that of a full-blooded Skinwalker male. A shapeshifter. A changeler. A hunter.
A Wolf.
//…Here in the back of your mind, here in the back of your mind…//
After Marie had died, he had tried to be as normal as possible for his daughter. His promise to Marie to refrain from Changing, was what had made it necessary for him to distance himself as far away from Vivian as possible. Because she had always seen right through him. She had always known how he had longed to run in the forest as a wolf every night before going to his human bed in his human life. She had always known. And therein had lain the danger.
//And how could you dare to become so close so real, when you're just a ghost to me…?//She had tested him as no other Skinwalker ever had. Had challenged him on so many levels. And had rattled his resolve more than once to keep up his façade till Sophia's destiny had been revealed.
And once it had, there had been no need for him to continue with the restrictions he had applied to himself.
Returning to his wolf form had been the most exquisite feeling in his life. It had been like he'd been blind and given the gift of sight. Like he'd been away from home for so many years, and had finally returned. His heart beating in tune with the pounding of his paws.
But on the same token, he also realized that there was no need to continue his struggle against what he was feeling towards Vivian.
//And I've got to get you out of my mind, But I can't escape from the feeling…//He had loved Vivian when he was younger. Before Marie had walked into his life. Wolves mated for life, and he had chosen Marie to be his life partner. He hadn't been wrong in that choice. She had been his heart, his soul… the very air he had breathed.
But despite their love for each other and for the beautiful daughter, sometimes forever just wasn't in the cards.
He remembered what it had felt like to hold his dying mate in his arms. As her soul slipped free from its body, and she had been gone from him forever. Their connection severed. Bleeding and raw. He had never felt such grief. As such an advanced species in regards to senses, they were condemned to feel emotions ten times stronger than that of a human. It was a gift, as well as a curse.
He had raged for days and nights. Unable to cope with the loss. He had never thought the pain would end.
And although it never completely did; for the ache in his heart when he thought of his fragile but strong human wife was still very much present, that pain had eased. The agony slipping away like a thief in the night. As silent as when it had winged it's way in without any warning.
//…As I try to leave the memory behind…//
He couldn't bring Marie back. But he knew that if she could, she would tell him to be happy once more. She would have told him to stop torturing himself and get on with his life. He knew that, because Sophia was the same way. She had inherited from her mother her beauty, grace, femininity, courage, and purity of a selfless soul.
And it was time for him to stop hating himself for something that had been beyond his control from day one, and finally be content with what was here… Now. In this place, and this time.
To be free.
//…Without you what's left to believe in…?//
Vivian saw the play of emotions cross his face as her heart thudded in her chest. She still waited. Her eyes cautious as her body held perfectly still as she waited for him to admit that he wanted her. Needed her. Would have her.
After a few minutes, Vivian blinked, her eyes glimmering with moisture as she took a hesitant step to the side. Not wanting to go closer to him in fear that he would reject her once again.
//Here in the back of your mind, deep in the back of your mind…//"Matt…" Vivian tone was slightly breathless. Slightly pleading. Emotions high and exposed raw in her expression.
Matt let out a pent up breath, and, still not saying anything, reached out a hand to her in the rain. Palm outstretched.
Vivian looked at it for a moment, before hesitantly placing hers in his. Watching his sculpted fingers wrap themselves around her slender hand. The warmth from them striking through her. She looked back up into his eyes, and upon seeing the openness in his eyes, filled with need – need for her – she smiled. The relief present in the sudden relaxation of her body, and the single tear that tracked its way down her cheek. How long had she waited for him to do this? How long had she wanted – no, needed – him to accept what she had offered him?
How long had she waited to see that acceptance in his eyes?
//Here in the back of your mind, deep in the back of your mind…//Matt pulled her closer her closer to thumb away for tear. Taking the moment to stroke the soft, suppleness of her skin. She looked up at him, eyes bright, and he realized that there was still plenty more to be said. But for right now, he was content with this beginning. For it was a beginning. A beginning of a new life with the two of them side by side.
Sometimes change was good. Other times… it was a miracle.
//Without you what's left to believe in…?//******
After a few moments of catching their breath, and getting their cloths back on, Sophia and Luke had made their way back down from the upstairs to the living room. Laughing and teasing each other the whole way. The rest of the world had fallen away, if only for an hour, as they gave in to the temptation to be in each other's arms as much as possible. This decision leading to more than one interesting debate on the luxuriously carpeted stairs. As well as on the couch… and quickly moved to the rug in front of the fireplace.
Who ever said that debates were usually worthless?
******
Vivian had started to say something, when the sharp, jarring smell of smoke hit their nostrils. They both turned their heads in the direction it was coming. Senses alert as they realized something was wrong. It wasn't uncommon to smell smoke, especially during the winter, as people had fireplaces and bonfires going most of the time. But this smoke… this was what had been rubbing them the wrong way before they had gotten wrapped up in their feelings for each other. What had had them pacing back in forth in the rain in agitation. The one little thing that they hadn't quite been able to put their finger on.
Matt's jaw tightened as he knew, knew, that something was wrong. Quickly changing back into wolf form, he took off in the direction of the smell with Vivian quick on his heels. They made their way quickly through the forest, in a familiar direction that suddenly sent a sinking feeling into Matt's gut. The sight of smoke rising ahead of them didn't help matters any as he realized where it was coming from.
His and Sophia's house.
Both he and Vivian pulled to a stop at the edge of the tree line. Remaining hidden in the underbrush as they observed the scene. It was a good thing that Matt was in his wolf form, but, even so, he found it hard to suppress his boiling emotions.
Firemen were already trying desperately to put an end to the flames that engulfed the house. The house that he had raised Sophia in. The house that he and Marie had loved in. All those memories were currently going up in smoke as the fire greedily ate up the interior. Leaving nothing behind.
The fire reflected in both V and Matt's wolven eyes as they watched in stunned silence. The heat from the fire burning them from even across the street. That was one aspect of a fire that most people didn't realize. Unless confronted with the actual sight of a house going up in flames, you had no idea what the sound it made was like, or the feel of its heat radiating out from it as it tried to destroy your life. Your history. The vacuum it became as it sucked up the surrounding air, or the yawning emptiness it left behind.
As they watched from the trees, Matt was hit with the certainty that this fire was no accident. This had been set by either a traitor or a Hunter. And it had been done with the purpose of, not so much getting to him, but as a distraction to keep him out of the way.
Out of their way when they hit their next target.
Even in wolf form, Matt could feel the blood pour from his face as he turned to look at Vivian. The shock in his eyes visible despite the skin he was wearing. Vivian looked back at him with dawning comprehension. They both took off at a breakneck speed as fast as their lithe bodies would carry them. Powerful limbs pumping as they shot through the forests. Using paths that only they knew of in a race to make it back to the Mansion.
Knowing that, even before Matt and Vivian could get out a warning call across the public mental path, that they were already too late.
******
Sophia didn't know how their attackers had managed to be upon them before they even had a chance to sense them. One minute they were wrestling seductively in front of the fireplace, hands stroking, and lips pressing into heated flesh. The next they were confronted with the sound of the front door being smashed inward. Shattering in its frame, ancient wood splintering apart. The glass in two of the large windows close to the door were smashed in as well. Pieces of glass tinkling against each other as they came crashing down in waves onto the hard-wood floor.
Sophia let out a cry as they both jumped to their feet. Luke going into a crouch in front of her. His body automatically shielding hers. Eyes flared in aggression as his body was flooded with adrenaline. Preparing to Change.
Dark clothed figures came through. Spilling into the entryway of the mansion. Bringing in the cold air and rain that sucked the warmth from the house as the sight of their weapons sent a chill into Sophia's heart.
Her hand reached out to grasp Luke's bare shoulder automatically as she shrank back. Her eyes swinging from one dark-clothed enemy to the next. Her senses opening up in an attempt to ascertain whether or not their attackers were human or Skinwalker. Underneath her fingers she could feel Luke's muscles tightening as his body prepared to shift.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you." A familiar voice spoke up coolly from the shadows of the mangled door as the person in possession of that voice stepped forward. Water trickling down his face, his clothes wet from the still-steadily falling rain. Thunder rolled darkly from the skies. The sound shockingly loud now that the house was open to the echoes.
Sophia and Luke both felt as if they'd been doused with freezing water as they recognized the voice.
Tyler was smiling wickedly as he came forward into the light where they could see him. His unearthly good looks repugnant to Sophia as she shook her head slowly in denial. Not able to grasp the concept that one of their own had turned against them. For turned he had, as all his companions were human.
His comment had been pointed at Luke, having sensed the younger man was about to Change. As he beckoned towards Luke, one of the human attackers raised up his weapon and pulled the trigger. The sound explosive as Luke's body was flung backwards. Sophia heard screaming echoing in the living room, and realized dimly that it was her own.
Her mind and body going into shock, she could do nothing but stare at Luke as he fell back onto his side, his head hitting a corner of the fireplace. a large red stain of blood beginning to spread over the floor from the entry wound from the bullet.
Bullet. Not a tranquilizer dart.
Sophia looked back up at Tyler, tears burning in her eyes as he cocked his head to the side, studying the fallen form of his Alpha's and former lover's son.
"No need to mess the place up anymore than it has to be." He looked around at his surroundings. His gaze thoughtful. "Although, granted, I was planning on redecorating it as soon as I had moved in. But now," he looked back over at Sophia, who was standing helplessly by the unconscious body of her mate. Her body aching to flip and then attack their attackers, but the sight of that gun pointed at her kept her from giving into that desire. Knowing she couldn't do anything to save Luke if she was dead.
"Now, I don't think I'll be sticking around in Wolf Lake much longer. As you know, the whole town is going to hell." Tyler chuckled as his eyes glanced back to Luke's half-nude form, and his eyes swung back up to travel up Sophia's body. Taking note that her blouse was only partially buttoned. Revealing the valley between her breasts, and an odd colored crystal point dangling against her pale skin. Water had begun pouring into the house through the open windows and gaping door, and the puddle expanded to where she stood. Mingling with the pool of blood on the hard wood surface, and surrounding her bare feet.
Sophia felt her stomach recoil from the crude expression on Tyler's face, and she tilted her head up, daring him to turn away from her frigid gaze. Her hands clenched, unnoticed at her sides. Nails burying into her palms. Breaking the skin, and sending blood oozing out between her white fingers. Lightening struck close outside. The sound shocking, but she never once flinched.
Tyler tilted his head to the side once again. Amused at the defiance he saw in the young woman's tightly restrained body. He took in the appearance of the blood splatter on her cloths from the pup at her feet, his body becoming soaked with a mixture of crimson and water, and the cruel laughter in his voice was apparent as he taunted her. Thunder rolling in the distance. Echoing his words.
"I didn't interrupt something, did I?"
******
Sherman groaned as he sat up in his chair. Running his fingers tiredly through his hair as he surveyed the documents in front of him. It was nothing but a jumbled mess of papers and useless scrolls. He had been unable to find anything that might help in their fight against the Hunters. He had no idea where to even begin looking.
Sighing, he rose from his chair and made his way into the kitchen, pouring himself something to drink. Listening to the soothing sound of the rain falling outside, unaccompanied by thunder. It didn't help matters that he hadn't had any sleep last night, and very little the following nights before then. He would have to get some major shut-eye tonight, if he expected to continue helping the Pack tomorrow.
As he made his way to the hall closet to pull out an extra blanket and pillow, he smiled as he heard the sound of soft feminine laughter coming from the bedroom, followed by the sound of low male chuckles from John.
Sherman shook his head wryly as he made his way back into the living room, tossing the pillow and blanket in the general direction of the couch. At least those two had been one thing he'd done right. They'd been destined to be mates from the time they had been borne, but had required a little bit of help getting to that point. He couldn't suppress his feeling of pride as he acknowledged how well everything had fallen into place with those two. And he knew that now that they were together, it was going to take a hell of a lot more than any threat of the extinction of their species to separate them. The bond they shared was rare. But it was everlasting.
It was also a bond shared by the younger white wolf and her chosen mate.
Now, those two had had a rough road, and the one stretching out in front of them wasn't going to all that smooth either. He hadn't assisted with their relationship like he had with John and Ruby, simply because they had needed to figure it out on their own. As it was, it wasn't like one of those two hadn't been aware of Wolf Lake's secrets, or had been separated from the other. They had grown up together in this small little town. Born for each other, but fighting it every step of the way.
It had amused him to watch those two. Knowing that bad-boy Luke would one day have to admit how he felt for the good-girl half-breed. It had been an interesting show. And it had all turned out well in the end. Although he still wasn't sure if Matt still didn't plan on beating the bloody pulp out of the boy to relieve his tension in regards to their relationship at some later future.
Sherman chuckled again. Luke had chosen one hell of a father-in-law, so to speak. And one who was probably going to soon be his step-father if the Pack managed to survive that long.
And he prayed that they would, simply because that would be too much fun to miss.
He finished his drink, and then went to make up his temporary bed on the couch. Content to remain there tonight, while Ruby and John made use of their privacy in the bedroom. Both of their wounds were healing wonderfully. And in a couple more days, they'd be almost as good as new.
As Sherman got ready to go to bed, he noticed that something had changed. Something wasn't right.
It took him a moment to realize what it was that was bothering him. After having rained all day, the suddenness of its passing had startled him. It seemed like the rain had finally stopped.
Shaking his head at his own paranoia, Sherman stifled a yawn as he turned out the remaining lights in the hallway, kitchen, and living room. Plunging the house into darkness.
He settled himself in on the couch and let out a pent-up breath. Closing his eyes wearily as his exhausted body started to fall asleep.
Suddenly, Sherman's eyes jerked back open, and he shot up in the bed. A gut-wrenching suspicion hitting him low and hard.
Jumping off the couch, uncaring as to how he had knocked his blanket and pillow off the cushions to land on the floor, he padded over slowly to his front door. His hand hesitantly going to the knob.
Leaning his forehead against the hard wood, he tried to collect himself. Finally bringing himself to unlock it, he turned the knob, opened the door, and stepped out onto the porch. Uncaring as his bare feet made light splashing sounds in the poured concrete as he made his way to the edge.
Not even glancing up, he started down the brick steps, and stepped out onto the grass of his front lawn. His feet slapping in the soaked grass and mud.
As he came to a stop, he took in a deep breath, looked up at the sky… and waited. Already knowing in his heart the sight that would await him.
The rain clouds were slowly but surely dissipating. Leaving behind small glimpses of stars glowing overhead. But that wasn't what Sherman was staring at. He was staring at the moon as it appeared to slowly slink out from behind the remaining cloud cover. Shining down at him. Sherman felt a chill trace its way down his spine, and he shuddered, pulling his gaze away from it, to look down at the ground. But even there he couldn't escape the sight, as the puddle at his bare feet reflected the sight of the full moon above. Finally revealed in the dark, after the sky had been thick with rain clouds all day. Glowing obscenely.
Obscene, because it didn't glow it's normal pure white light of magic and mystery, cast upon the surrounding forests of Wolf Lake. Lighting up the trees and chasing the shadows across the open fields. Dancing in the surface of the lake, as it glittered like a diamond.
No. Tonight it wasn't that moon…it wasn't even pale… but one of crimson. Flooding Sherman's surroundings and Wolf Lake in its fearful light.
It made the forests look like hell, and the trees its demons.
It turned the open fields that were once a place of beauty, into yawning empty spaces of terror and fear.
And it made the once sparkling diamond waters of Wolf Lake, look like a lake running thick with crimson blood.
Sherman had to force himself to look away from the puddle at his feet, for, the reflection was making it look like one of blood. He tilted his head up to look at the evil proof of the terrors now facing the Pack, and the single tear that rolled down his weathered cheek was the first time that he could ever recall having cried.
It glistened red on his skin as it trailed down lower, finally sliding off his face, to splash into that crimson reflection of a moon at his feet.
******
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, its soul will reside… not in the shell of One… but in that of Two…
**********************************************
TBC Soon in Chapter Eleven, Ep. 19 – "The Prophecy"
I'm evil, I know. (rolling eyes and pointing to my Muse – *blame him, he's the one who did it! Not me!*) (And yes, I'm beginning to think mine is male. Go figure.) Don't forget to review! Please? Pretty Please?! Pretty Please, with sugar on top?!!!
If nothing else, you can bash my male Muse! I may even join you! (laughing)
