CHAPTER TWO
I awoke sharply with a groan. At first I was disorientated but quickly all traces of sleep fled my mind. My body was still slightly fatigued but with an advantage of being a Wolf my senses came awake immediately as I did.
Yawning I stretched effortlessly-tight muscles expanding and relaxing with ease and it suddenly occurred to me that I was still fully dressed. The tight black top and leather moulded to my body like a second skin.
It was also at that moment that I realised two other things. One: it was dark inside as well as out and Two: that I could still hear my parents talking downstairs.
Blankly I stared up at the plain white ceiling as the moon cast its eerie glow through the large window at my right. Taking a deep breath I sighed and glanced at the clock, the bright green digital numbers alerted me that it was 11.25pm. Frowning I strained my ears to try and make sense of the words that my parents were speaking. Every now and again I picked up a word but the distance between us was too far and the barriers too thick. I silently wondered what they were talking about and if it were the same thing that they were that morning.
Sighing I concentrated harder, some of the mumbled words made sense and I frowned again.
Lord Thierry . . .
Daybrakers . . .
Promise Ceremony . . .
Climbing of my bed I didn't bother to get changed or washed. I was too intrigued. Everyone in the Night World now knew that Lord Thierry was in charge of Circle Daybreak and if it was anything to do with the Millennium battle I wanted to know. There was no way that I was going to miss out on a fight, especially a fight this big. Not that I was a violent person but a man did have to have a spot of violence to make them feel more manly, and in the Night World fighting was a way to gain respect. The harder you were, and the more leaders you defeated, the more status you had. And for a werewolf such as myself, respect was extremely hard to find.
As I made my way down the marble steps I began to make out more words. The first being:
The Draches
Which was shortly followed by my name. I clenched my jaw as I reached the bottom step and quietly made my way towards my fathers' study. A knot of apprehension began to form inside my stomach and dread began to fill my entire being. Suddenly I became afraid of what I was hearing.
Kismet Alia Drache . . .
A good girl . . .
A pretty girl . . .
So good for our Lupercus . . .
Perfect solution . . .
Such an honour . . .
My heart began to beat faster in my chest and my eyes widened in shock. They were planning on marrying me off!
With a Daybreaker! How dare they, my mind screamed. What right have they got! I don't want to be tied to any tree hugger; I'm a Wolf goddammit! They can't make me!
Anger soon began to replace the dread and shock. I barely managed to contain the growl of anger that tried to force its way out of my throat. I clenched my jaw so hard that my teeth began to hurt. I started to breathe faster in an effort to contain my anger, but then I realised why bother.
I was angry and I had every right to be.
Rounding the corner I stepped over the threshold and let the growl out.
My parents having been surprised by my intrusion glanced up quickly, but I didn't care.
Pure rage vibrated around my entire body and my mind was clouded with fury. I knew my eyes were flashing dangerously but I didn't care, I was angry at them and I wanted them to know.
At least my parents had the decency to look scared.
Scowling I glared at them both before muttering one word.
One word filled with all the anger that I could muster.
One word filled with malice and disrespect.
One word revealing all my disobedience.
"Never"
I knew my parents sensed that I was angry. Whether it was the pure fury flowing off my body in waves, my amber eyes flashing dangerously or the tone of my voice, I didn't know, all I do know was that they were indeed frightened and they had every right to be. Whether they were frightened by my anger, disobedience and the disrespect for my elders or the fact that my reaction was going to spoil their 'perfect solution' which just happened to be a 'good honour'.
Scowling I stared my father in the eye and almost smiled when I saw him flinch back. His fearless and normally calm appearance cracked slightly and I couldn't stop the wave of satisfaction that I felt from his reaction.
As usual my mother remained quiet. Her face was pale, her mouth slightly parted and eyes open in shock. Nervously she twisted the large gold rings on her fingers, while still remaining to keep her elegant posture. I knew immediately that she would leave all decision making and arguing to my father. Her quiet and gentle nature made it impossible for her to contribute equally to an argument and she always tended to shy away from confrontations.
"Haw dare you!" My father boomed braking the thick silence that had descended upon the room. "How dare you!" He repeated before continuing, "Talk to us with such disrespect"
I turned to him and laughed. His whole body was now shaking with anger and his face was flushed. I saw him curl his hands into fists before taking two steps towards me in an attempt to intimidate me.
I couldn't help it, I laughed again and shook my head in disbelieve before speaking. "No, the question is Dear Father . . . How dare you?" I mocked as I raised one eyebrow sarcastically. My voice was deadly calm but still had a steal edge to it. I didn't bother to wait for him to answer, I still had plenty more to say. "How dare you do this to me? Me your only son . . .your own flesh and blood! How dare you shove me off on some damn Daybreaker! " Raising my hands over my head I gestured wildly. "Like you don't even care . . .like I mean nothing to you! How dare you!"
My father snapped then and I knew I had gone too far, but at that moment I didn't care. The fear that I should have felt was overpowered with anger, and when he shouted his first words I knew I was going to get the whole speech. "Lupercus Daren Wolf how dare you speak to your mother and I like that?"
When the only answer he received from me was an angry scowl, he wisely decided to continue his speech. "After everything we have done for you! we've raised you accordingly, give you everything you have ever wanted . . . clothes, cars, motorbikes, the finest teachers and physical trainers anyone could ever ask for! We've given you love, security and most of all Respect! But this is how you thank us . . . .with . . .with damn disrespect and defiance. After all we've done you still act like a spoiled brat!" He was shaking his head from side to side now and I could see the large vein pulsing in his forehead. I was willing to put my money on it that it would pop any second and I wanted it too.
How dare he? What right does he have? I couldn't hold my silence any longer. Staring directly at my father I took another step towards him. "How dare I?" I ask, my voice was cool and snapping. "All my life I have done everything you have ever asked of me. I have been the perfect heir . . . the perfect son. I have looked up to you and treated you with respect that you did not earn . . ."
I could see that he was going to interrupt me so I silenced him with a gesture of my hand before continuing again. "I have studied subjects and languages that you wanted me too. Subjects and languages that I have hated with a passion but yet I have done for you. I have stood up for you and fought fights to defend your honour, when all I really wanted too was to walk away." Taking a deep breath I continued "You told me to hate humans, to call them vermin . . .so I did! You told me and taught me to be viscose and ruthless and to never show fear. You've told me to eliminate a target and I have so with no objection. God, father . . . I have killed for you! So don't you dare tell me that I treat you with disrespect!" My body trembled with anger but even more with sorrow. "I have done everything for you . . . without question. I have gone against my own beliefs for you! can't you see that? I have done anything you have ever asked" I shook my head, and pleaded trying to make him understand. "But this? Marrying a Daybreaker . . . I won't do it. You can't make me!"
I took a deep breath and tried to control my emotions. I never meant to say all that, but my mouth has a habit of never shutting up when I'm emotional. I studied my father silently and was surprised to see his face ashen and a look of sadness in his amber eyes. During my speech he had decided to sit down next to my mother and I almost felt sorry for him. He looked as though he didn't know what to do with himself. And for a moment I though that maybe I had won. When he began to talk I thought he were understanding, but I should have known. "I never knew you felt that way, son" He spoke softly. "But you have to understand, the promise ceremony is already arraigned"
"Then cancel it!" I demanded.
"We cannot. Listen, son, the Millennium Battle is approaching and the Night World is going to win . . .vampires will be in charge, they will rule and you know how they treat us. It would be Hell!" He looked sad and deflated.
"Then when the time comes we'll fight them, we'll show them that we are not lower than them . . . we'll prove that we can be equals" I stated, fully believing what I was saying.
But my father just sighed. "I don't want that kind of life for you Lupercus, you deserve better. Circle Daybreak will give you that life. . ."
"No! There going to loose, you and I both know that . . . the whole Night World knows that!" I tried to make him see my point but he wasn't listening. When my father set his mind on something it was hard to change it.
"With our help, they could win"
"But could is not a definite yes. If we side with them and they loose . . . they'll kill us all!" my anger was being replaced with desperation and I knew that I was loosing this battle.
"It's just a chance we'll have to take. Any life with Circle Daybreak will be a better life than the alternative." He let out a deep breath before continuing "The promise ceremony will go a head as planned. In three days you will be wed." He firmly stated and I felt my heart sink.
In total desperation I turned to my mother, seeking for her help. She only gave me a sad smile as the tears continued to fall down her pale cheeks. Standing she walked slowly towards me and took my larger hand in her own. I saw the sadness in her eyes and I heard the emotion in her voice. "Your father and I are not going to be around forever, someday you are going to be in charge of this whole place." She spoke gesturing around the room. "And when that day comes, we want the best or you. This is the only way" her voice was soft and gentle and I couldn't help but listen. "As your father was born into this family, he too had certain obligations . . .just like you. No matter how much we fight it, or deny it . . .we can never escape it. It comes with the territory" her right hand gently stroked my cheek and wiped away the tear that escaped my eye. "It will all work out my boy . . . I promise . . . you see!"
For a moment I almost believed her and accepted my fate . . . but then I remembered my anger and my beliefs. I would not back down this time, they couldn't make me. Suddenly I stepped back from my mother, anger flashing in my amber orbs and by the look on her beautiful face, I knew . . . I knew she understood my decision. Backing away some more steps, I shook my head before muttering one word. "No!" I whispered before running out of the room and quickly out of our house.
If I couldn't make my parents stop this stupidity . . .then I'd just have to make the Draches.
I awoke sharply with a groan. At first I was disorientated but quickly all traces of sleep fled my mind. My body was still slightly fatigued but with an advantage of being a Wolf my senses came awake immediately as I did.
Yawning I stretched effortlessly-tight muscles expanding and relaxing with ease and it suddenly occurred to me that I was still fully dressed. The tight black top and leather moulded to my body like a second skin.
It was also at that moment that I realised two other things. One: it was dark inside as well as out and Two: that I could still hear my parents talking downstairs.
Blankly I stared up at the plain white ceiling as the moon cast its eerie glow through the large window at my right. Taking a deep breath I sighed and glanced at the clock, the bright green digital numbers alerted me that it was 11.25pm. Frowning I strained my ears to try and make sense of the words that my parents were speaking. Every now and again I picked up a word but the distance between us was too far and the barriers too thick. I silently wondered what they were talking about and if it were the same thing that they were that morning.
Sighing I concentrated harder, some of the mumbled words made sense and I frowned again.
Lord Thierry . . .
Daybrakers . . .
Promise Ceremony . . .
Climbing of my bed I didn't bother to get changed or washed. I was too intrigued. Everyone in the Night World now knew that Lord Thierry was in charge of Circle Daybreak and if it was anything to do with the Millennium battle I wanted to know. There was no way that I was going to miss out on a fight, especially a fight this big. Not that I was a violent person but a man did have to have a spot of violence to make them feel more manly, and in the Night World fighting was a way to gain respect. The harder you were, and the more leaders you defeated, the more status you had. And for a werewolf such as myself, respect was extremely hard to find.
As I made my way down the marble steps I began to make out more words. The first being:
The Draches
Which was shortly followed by my name. I clenched my jaw as I reached the bottom step and quietly made my way towards my fathers' study. A knot of apprehension began to form inside my stomach and dread began to fill my entire being. Suddenly I became afraid of what I was hearing.
Kismet Alia Drache . . .
A good girl . . .
A pretty girl . . .
So good for our Lupercus . . .
Perfect solution . . .
Such an honour . . .
My heart began to beat faster in my chest and my eyes widened in shock. They were planning on marrying me off!
With a Daybreaker! How dare they, my mind screamed. What right have they got! I don't want to be tied to any tree hugger; I'm a Wolf goddammit! They can't make me!
Anger soon began to replace the dread and shock. I barely managed to contain the growl of anger that tried to force its way out of my throat. I clenched my jaw so hard that my teeth began to hurt. I started to breathe faster in an effort to contain my anger, but then I realised why bother.
I was angry and I had every right to be.
Rounding the corner I stepped over the threshold and let the growl out.
My parents having been surprised by my intrusion glanced up quickly, but I didn't care.
Pure rage vibrated around my entire body and my mind was clouded with fury. I knew my eyes were flashing dangerously but I didn't care, I was angry at them and I wanted them to know.
At least my parents had the decency to look scared.
Scowling I glared at them both before muttering one word.
One word filled with all the anger that I could muster.
One word filled with malice and disrespect.
One word revealing all my disobedience.
"Never"
I knew my parents sensed that I was angry. Whether it was the pure fury flowing off my body in waves, my amber eyes flashing dangerously or the tone of my voice, I didn't know, all I do know was that they were indeed frightened and they had every right to be. Whether they were frightened by my anger, disobedience and the disrespect for my elders or the fact that my reaction was going to spoil their 'perfect solution' which just happened to be a 'good honour'.
Scowling I stared my father in the eye and almost smiled when I saw him flinch back. His fearless and normally calm appearance cracked slightly and I couldn't stop the wave of satisfaction that I felt from his reaction.
As usual my mother remained quiet. Her face was pale, her mouth slightly parted and eyes open in shock. Nervously she twisted the large gold rings on her fingers, while still remaining to keep her elegant posture. I knew immediately that she would leave all decision making and arguing to my father. Her quiet and gentle nature made it impossible for her to contribute equally to an argument and she always tended to shy away from confrontations.
"Haw dare you!" My father boomed braking the thick silence that had descended upon the room. "How dare you!" He repeated before continuing, "Talk to us with such disrespect"
I turned to him and laughed. His whole body was now shaking with anger and his face was flushed. I saw him curl his hands into fists before taking two steps towards me in an attempt to intimidate me.
I couldn't help it, I laughed again and shook my head in disbelieve before speaking. "No, the question is Dear Father . . . How dare you?" I mocked as I raised one eyebrow sarcastically. My voice was deadly calm but still had a steal edge to it. I didn't bother to wait for him to answer, I still had plenty more to say. "How dare you do this to me? Me your only son . . .your own flesh and blood! How dare you shove me off on some damn Daybreaker! " Raising my hands over my head I gestured wildly. "Like you don't even care . . .like I mean nothing to you! How dare you!"
My father snapped then and I knew I had gone too far, but at that moment I didn't care. The fear that I should have felt was overpowered with anger, and when he shouted his first words I knew I was going to get the whole speech. "Lupercus Daren Wolf how dare you speak to your mother and I like that?"
When the only answer he received from me was an angry scowl, he wisely decided to continue his speech. "After everything we have done for you! we've raised you accordingly, give you everything you have ever wanted . . . clothes, cars, motorbikes, the finest teachers and physical trainers anyone could ever ask for! We've given you love, security and most of all Respect! But this is how you thank us . . . .with . . .with damn disrespect and defiance. After all we've done you still act like a spoiled brat!" He was shaking his head from side to side now and I could see the large vein pulsing in his forehead. I was willing to put my money on it that it would pop any second and I wanted it too.
How dare he? What right does he have? I couldn't hold my silence any longer. Staring directly at my father I took another step towards him. "How dare I?" I ask, my voice was cool and snapping. "All my life I have done everything you have ever asked of me. I have been the perfect heir . . . the perfect son. I have looked up to you and treated you with respect that you did not earn . . ."
I could see that he was going to interrupt me so I silenced him with a gesture of my hand before continuing again. "I have studied subjects and languages that you wanted me too. Subjects and languages that I have hated with a passion but yet I have done for you. I have stood up for you and fought fights to defend your honour, when all I really wanted too was to walk away." Taking a deep breath I continued "You told me to hate humans, to call them vermin . . .so I did! You told me and taught me to be viscose and ruthless and to never show fear. You've told me to eliminate a target and I have so with no objection. God, father . . . I have killed for you! So don't you dare tell me that I treat you with disrespect!" My body trembled with anger but even more with sorrow. "I have done everything for you . . . without question. I have gone against my own beliefs for you! can't you see that? I have done anything you have ever asked" I shook my head, and pleaded trying to make him understand. "But this? Marrying a Daybreaker . . . I won't do it. You can't make me!"
I took a deep breath and tried to control my emotions. I never meant to say all that, but my mouth has a habit of never shutting up when I'm emotional. I studied my father silently and was surprised to see his face ashen and a look of sadness in his amber eyes. During my speech he had decided to sit down next to my mother and I almost felt sorry for him. He looked as though he didn't know what to do with himself. And for a moment I though that maybe I had won. When he began to talk I thought he were understanding, but I should have known. "I never knew you felt that way, son" He spoke softly. "But you have to understand, the promise ceremony is already arraigned"
"Then cancel it!" I demanded.
"We cannot. Listen, son, the Millennium Battle is approaching and the Night World is going to win . . .vampires will be in charge, they will rule and you know how they treat us. It would be Hell!" He looked sad and deflated.
"Then when the time comes we'll fight them, we'll show them that we are not lower than them . . . we'll prove that we can be equals" I stated, fully believing what I was saying.
But my father just sighed. "I don't want that kind of life for you Lupercus, you deserve better. Circle Daybreak will give you that life. . ."
"No! There going to loose, you and I both know that . . . the whole Night World knows that!" I tried to make him see my point but he wasn't listening. When my father set his mind on something it was hard to change it.
"With our help, they could win"
"But could is not a definite yes. If we side with them and they loose . . . they'll kill us all!" my anger was being replaced with desperation and I knew that I was loosing this battle.
"It's just a chance we'll have to take. Any life with Circle Daybreak will be a better life than the alternative." He let out a deep breath before continuing "The promise ceremony will go a head as planned. In three days you will be wed." He firmly stated and I felt my heart sink.
In total desperation I turned to my mother, seeking for her help. She only gave me a sad smile as the tears continued to fall down her pale cheeks. Standing she walked slowly towards me and took my larger hand in her own. I saw the sadness in her eyes and I heard the emotion in her voice. "Your father and I are not going to be around forever, someday you are going to be in charge of this whole place." She spoke gesturing around the room. "And when that day comes, we want the best or you. This is the only way" her voice was soft and gentle and I couldn't help but listen. "As your father was born into this family, he too had certain obligations . . .just like you. No matter how much we fight it, or deny it . . .we can never escape it. It comes with the territory" her right hand gently stroked my cheek and wiped away the tear that escaped my eye. "It will all work out my boy . . . I promise . . . you see!"
For a moment I almost believed her and accepted my fate . . . but then I remembered my anger and my beliefs. I would not back down this time, they couldn't make me. Suddenly I stepped back from my mother, anger flashing in my amber orbs and by the look on her beautiful face, I knew . . . I knew she understood my decision. Backing away some more steps, I shook my head before muttering one word. "No!" I whispered before running out of the room and quickly out of our house.
If I couldn't make my parents stop this stupidity . . .then I'd just have to make the Draches.