Chapter Four: The Change
Disclaimer: I only own the plot.
A/N: Here is Chapter Four; I hope that you like it. I know long time since my last update, but in my defense I want to say that I was going to post this chapter last week but ff.net was being evil. Question: Does anyone still like this story?
What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night. It is the breath of a buffalo in wintertime. It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the Sunset.
~Crowfoot
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After leaving Ruby back at the cabin by the lake, Cyane returned home. Walking into the foyer, she took off her short coat and walked in the living room. Sitting in her favorite armchair, she revisited today's events; she still couldn't believe that she had found her sisters, her blood--her family. Staring into the lifeless, fireplace she remembered Ruby's joyous face and eyes welcoming her home, perhaps, the happiest event that has occurred to her since she was back.
Extending her hand before her, Cyane turned her thoughts inwardly and felt the warmth radiant from her causing the logs to produce a welcoming fire. Leaning back, she closed her eyes and saw Sophia's face, she is her mother's daughter: beautiful, intelligent, and compassionate, plus a will like no other. She knew that when Sophia changed---it's no longer a matter of "if" but "when," Sophia will be a Wolven-bitch to be reckoned with (perhaps tonight). Sophia, boy was the pack in for a surprise, especially young Mr. Cates. Young Cates is going to have his hands and paws full if he thought that Sophia was to going to bend to his will; knowing Sophia's determination and character, Luke is for a rude awakening, after the girl is a Donner. Smiling ruefully she silently agreed with Sherman---this couple is going to be fun to watch!
With her eyes close Cyane's mind began to wonder through the mental conscious of the Pack. She felt and saw the emotions swirl like a kaleidoscope, the colors of the links were bright and strong with knew links being add for the new members of the pack. Still reveling in the emotions of the pack, slowing her conscious wondered outside the pack's mental conscious. Her psyche traveled through the "mental limbo," the conscious of every Wolven in the world. Seeking that bright links, she fought what she was looking for and psychically connected with the brown thread, astral projecting herself to the outskirts of Colorado.
Behind a 10ft. fence was a pack of Mexican gray wolves. The wolves that were standing guard sensed her presence and acknowledged her presence with a nod of their head. Next to a rock surrounded by the shrubbery laid Sheila and Francisco, the Alpha Male and Female. Kneeling before them, she waited for them to lopped over to her; if anyone had come upon this scene they would have had a heart attack. Reaching towards them, she ran her fingers through their fur and sat on the floor.
"Hello, my friends," she greeted them.
They gave a low growl of welcome.
"Sorry to interrupt your sleep," she said burying her face in Francisco's neck, "but I haven't seen you in awhile."
Sheila, the dusty gray gave a soft whimper and a nip of the fingers, acknowledging her words. While Francisco lay his head on her lap and looked at her with sparkling eyes.
"I know," she gave a heavy sighed, "that I've neglected you, but my pack needs my help. You understand that I need to protect my pack, extending her hand to pet a female beta approaching their group she continued, they are in danger, not only from themselves but also from Lupus. They are dying because our blood has become diluted over the centuries much like our Lupin cousins. But maybe with cultures I can produce a serum that would help my pack survive that change, although some will still not change successfully. Of course, the credit will go to three special people: Richard, Regina, and Marie."
Falling silent, she listened to the night, beside her laid Sheila who watched her with protective eyes. Staring into the night sky, she saw the stars dance and twinkle above. Petting the female wolf next to her she wondered if Sophia was enjoying her night with Luke. As time pasted the calmness of the night became to lull her to sleep; suddenly, the she felt Sheila and the rest of the pack taking defensive stance. From the dark night materialized black, brown, and red wolves from all sides of the compound; looking into the eyes of their leader, she recognized him as the wolf who had attacked Ruby earlier. She sensed the wolf within her rise to the surface and welcome the shift of her body.
Her hackles were raised, as she glared and snarled at the other wolves. Around her chaos ensued; the battle had begun, each member of pack attacked the intruders as they defended themselves and their home. If blood was to be shed, it will be the enemies. The battle grew more intense as the pack counterattack every attack the intruders launched with the rip of their claws and snapping of teeth. Finally, the battle began to dissipate the enemy sustained heavy losses and several pack members were seriously injured. A few of those injuries were beginning to heal quickly the other injuries will take time to heal completely. Sensing her energy beginning to ebb away, she commanded the pack to cease their attack and keep the rest of the intruders at bay. Launching a final attack on their leader, she took the male wolf down hard; backing away from the corpse, she surveyed her surroundings several pack members had intruders pinned down on the belly, while others tended to the wounded.
Shifting to her human form, she began to cleanse the area of the evil around them, when the corpses became dust and the injured banished. For a second she was stunned, but looked the injured and began healing their wounds---wounds that were fatal to them and draw attention. With very little energy she said good-bye to her friends, she astral projected back home. Without noticing the severity of her injuries, Cyane collapsed in front of the fireplace, to weak to summon help from Sherman.
*~*~*~*~*
Sophia walked assuredly into the woods of Wolf Lake; her steps were graceful and confident, where in the past would have been hesitantly, she now reveled in the secrets of the night. Even with the pale moon giving light to the night the canopy of the trees made her path darker. However, her heighten senses gave an advantage that no human possessed. Her skin was sensitive to any touch; her sense of smell inhaled the sweet air; she was able to distinctively hear the creatures of the night; the night was never this magnificently clear to her.
Reaching the same spot where Luke had flipped for her, a picnic blanket, a basket full of food, and a chocolate cake topped with cherries sat on the blanket. Kneeling on the blanket, she took a cherries and moan in pleasure. Reaching into the basket she took out two glasses and a bottle of cider.
"Wow!" She thought. "Luke definitely is going all out tonight."
"Just making up for not giving you a special birthday picnic like the old days," the mental reply floated into her mind.
Looking up she saw a light-gray wolf emerge from the trees. In its mouth were two white lilies; the air around them charge as Luke shifted before her. Before her stood the finest male specimen in the human and Wolven species; he was absolutely beautiful, his eyes stilled flared gold, a grin decorated his face, and his skin was covered in own sensual musk. Breathing in his sensual musk, she continued to stare into his eyes, they were soft and welcoming and promised a night to remember. His eyes drew her into his soul; they showed her pleasure, ecstasy, and the promise of running together underneath the Goddess. Their furs brushing against each other, their scent intermingling as they nuzzled each other.
He was drowning in a pool of warmth and love. Looking into her eyes was pure pleasure; her smile was sweet and sensuous. Without breaking eye contact, he lightly touched her cheek. He heard her soft gasp as her eyes fluttered shut; his thumb traced an intricate pattern from her cheekbones to her lips. His gaze fell to her slightly parted lips, he found them moist and silky and wondered how they would feel under his own. Closing his eyes, he inhaled her sweet scent; it was like nectar. The charged air around hummed with power---power of longing and wanting, but something else, another bond intensified their feelings for each other.
She inhales him and melted into his sweet caress, gentle and patience. She felt his thumb leaving a feathery-light path to her lips; he used the smoothness of his thumb to trace the outline on her lips and her mouth. And then, she felt his lips on her and trailed light, coaxing kisses around her mouth. Slowly he began to increase the pressure on her mouth and engaged her tongue with his. She took his bottom lip and traced it with the tip of her tongue. She felt his arms wraps around her waist and allowed herself to be drawn him. As their mouth fused together, she brought her hands up to his chest and felt him tense at contact. Her hands took on a life of their own; she slowly caressed him, feeling skin and muscles that were silky and toned. His years of running as the Wolf had sculpted a body, which Michelangelo's nudes couldn't challenge. Her hands trailed a pattern around his shoulders and wrapped around his neck as her fingers slipped into his hair.
Luke reveled in her response, natural without any reservations, an exploration of him. When he had pulled her to him, he'd expected her to resist, but she willing leaned into his embrace. He felt her hands leave his hair and begin exploring the contours of his back. Leaving her mouth, rather reluctantly, his lips trailed the side of her neck. He was encouraged more when she allowed him access and gave a moan of pleasure. Trailing his lips down her collarbone, he undid her blouse and slipped it off her shoulders. His hands skimmed her sides, as he nibbled on her ear and groaned in pleasure. Having removed anything that would act as a barrier between them, he returned his attention to her lips. They were supple and sensitive due to his earlier ministrations.
Wrapped in each others arms they continued their exploration of each other, but what started as slow and mindless seduction and longing had now intensified. The wolf in them began to rise to the surface, the restraint the kept the wolf at bay was breaking, forcing itself to the surface to claim each other as mates. Their breathing was rugged and their movements became urgent and aggressive. Luke filling the quick lost of control, pulled away slightly, "Sophia," he breathed her name, "if don't stop there is no turning back."
Looking into his golden eyes, her breath coming out short, she reached forward and drew him to her. A burst of strength had her flipping Luke onto his back and became an intense seduction to drive him over the edge. Sophia felt the wolf within her war for supremacy, to show this male Skinwalker that only she could match him as his mate. The wolf within her called to his, seeking his strength and passion and soul to unite with hers. Luke felt it; he sensed her wolf rise to the surface. He gave a growl of approval, acknowledging her calling and roughly turning her on her back. They moved in synch with each other, their souls calling and craving each other. If either one had wanted to stop the wolf in them had obliterated any human conscious and now reigned. Both felt her change; Luke felt her nail become sharper than before sinking into his back. Her teeth were now elongated and her skin was turning into fur. Sophia felt the pain started from her lower back and move to her legs. Luke continued to push her over the threshold, nuzzling her and cloaking her with his scent. Her vocals were no longer human, the groan of pain turned into a growl of pleasure. She sensed Luke's wolf calling to her, encouraging her to embrace her destiny with him---his mate. Bringing her to the apex of their coupling, Luke saw her features and body shift into a beautiful white wolf.
Before her laid Luke, wide-eyed and stunned, stepping before him, she rubbed her nuzzle under his chin. Nipping his fingers she gave a whimper of attention, looking at him she inclined her head and looked at him with curious and worried eyes.
"Luke," she asked through their link worriedly, "what's wrong?"
Still, he didn't answer, instead he rubbed the scuff of her neck tenderly and buried his face in her pelt. Exhausted from her flip, she shifted back to human form and buried her face in the crook of his neck. Their body produced natural heat to keep them warm, but the heat that they had created still warmed the air. After what seemed like ages, they looked into each other eyes and leaned for a welcoming kiss. Lying back on the blanket, they laid wrapped in each other arms and stared at the stars.
"Luke," asked Sophia, "why didn't you say anything when I called you mentally?"
Looking at her face he knew that he couldn't hide his thoughts from her, the expression of anxiety and worry on her face pained him. After what happened between them tonight, they were connected for life and death. The way of their species was that a female and male once mated, nothing could separate them. Perfect examples are John and Ruby: every pack member knows that they have claimed each other as mates. For now he needed to soften the blow of the news and take her to Sherman, later.
"Luke?" Sophia questioned.
"Sophia," he sighed, "things have changed after tonight. I didn't say anything because, well, it was because you were so beautiful standing in front of me as a Wolven." He knew that she wasn't buying his explanation by the suspicious look on her face.
"When you shifted, I guide you, I linked with you in the must beautiful and special way possible for our species. No, not through sex." He said amused by the speculative expression on her face. He continued, "I linked with you through the connection that we have had it would seem since we were little; a connection that was buried and has lately been calling to each other, our hearts. We have always been connected, the link that I saw is a pink thread glowing from our union."
"A pink thread?" Sophia asked. "I thought pack links where usually silver and a dark silver for couples. At least that's what I've heard pack members say."
"Well each couple is different, but according to some of Sherman's teaching some couples have develop at times two links for them to communicate. Sorry, I usually space out in Bio."
"Only you Luke," Sophia joked. "Luke, what color is pelt? She asked. Something in his eyes told her that she wasn't going to be too happy.
"You are," he exhaled deeply, "Sophia, you are a White Wolven."
"A w-white?" She stuttered. "Like Ruby?!"
"Yes," he said.
"I can't be a white; I'm a half-breed!" She complained.
"That's not true, Sophia. You've always been strong no matter what others have put you through. What I've put you through," he added softly.
"Strong or not, I can't be a white, especially when everyone will be sizing me up not that I've flipped; plus, all the hounds that'll be after me like they are with Ruby!"
"Ruby made a decision that affects the pack as a whole, but you are not Ruby and you'll not put the pack in danger." He told her.
"Yeah, as long as I do what my told and have every decision taken away from. Oh, man my father is going to kill, maybe I could talk to C---," she stopped her rambling before she could say Cyane's name; no one was to do know who she was.
"What were you saying?" Luke asked curiously, noticing her sudden pause.
"Nothing, nothing at all," she said quickly.
Sophia closed her eyes and exhaled deeply, trying to grasp how much her life was changing in more ways than one. However, she didn't know just how radically her change would affect others.
Rubbing her back reassuringly and kissing the nape of her neck, Luke interrupted her thoughts: "Why don't we go for a run, and I'll take you home?" He kissed her tenderly, but the wolf in him was demanding more but it was under a tight leash as to not scare her more. "We can meet tomorrow and have breakfast here, since we were so busy tonight," he said with a sly smile.
"That sounds good," linking her arms around his neck, "but are you sure that we'll eat anything, especially how our picnic was left undisturbed; we'll starve," she teased.
"Okay, after breakfast, I'll pick you up," he conceded. "Come on, I'll take you home. Don't forget to shower, I don't think your dad would like your new scent: Eau de' Luke."
Shifting into the Wolf, they made their way through the trees and foliage of the woods. They ran side-by-side, playing with each other and stopping at times to nuzzle other. Happy to be with each other, they were unaware that the night held secrets and danger for the pack. With their speed and heighten senses, they reached the Donner Residence faster than either would have wanted. Shifting into human form they said goodbye to each other underneath the Moon. Watching Luke disappeared into the woods, Sophia walked into the house and made her way upstairs. In the recess of her unconscious a new link was forming and another link was starting to ebb away. Unbeknownst to her, this two links belong to two people that have slowly become a part of her. Lying down in bed, she fell asleep unaware of tonight's changes.
*~*~*~*~*
Magyar Castle, Romania
Magyar Castle stood in the backwoods of Romania surrounded by 150 acres of land, including woods. Many never dare grace this 16th century castle at night or day. Once it had been the home of the noble family of Treckov, but now it was the inhabitant of the "unnatural," beings that roamed the land with soulless, malevolent eyes; if you came across one of them it is said that they mutilate their victims' body and leave their features hollow. Centuries ago, it was said that this "unnatural" had the ability to shift between the human and animal world. Their numbers were great and extend the vast continent of Europe, but when humans became their migration many of this beings were pushed from their homes. As time progress the old ways became to die, ancient beliefs and unspoken agreements were broken; those would still help these values were persecuted at times they found villages to settle in and established their own community, but fear and ignorance where a powerful tool to use to inspire people to harm others.
The Shuvanis and Lupus had once lived in this parts of Romania, sometimes their lives were peaceful other times not so peaceful. By the late 16th century both Clans were slowly but systematically killing each other. Legend had it that the White Wolven had appeared to the Shuvanis, for their Clan lived in harmony with the land but due to human movement their numbers were dwindling; the Lupus feared the power of the Shuvanis because the Goddess and God had seen it fit to grant the Shuvanis ability like no other Wolven. Their jealousy and greed led to turn against each other and so the pact the between Lupus and Malagraine was made. Malagraine was known as a powerful evil that had been spreading discord throughout the land. The last battle between both Clans led to heavy casualties; the Alpha, White Wolven, and The Three took a final battle stance: through their gifts the White Wolven and The Three summoned the powers of the Goddess to bind Lupus to the this place never to leave its confines.
As the time went by the magic that confined them began to ebb away, but still they couldn't travel further than the continent. However, Malagraine had different idea, he wished to have all Clans under his control, so he used man's arrogance and ignorance to wipe out all of good magic; many resisted his attempts and at times succeeded but innocence always paid the prize. By then the Shuvanis had found a new home, protected by ancient magic that only a few could wield, but Malagraine never stopped; new groups traveled to the new land to escape persecution. In the new land a groups of tribes met these invaders and welcomed them, but were betrayed by this strange visitors. These people believed that Nature was sacred, animals held extraordinary powers that were bestowed on them for their constant protection of Nature. Many were given the abilities of the Wolf; some as time went by gained the ability to change a gift from the Goddess. Overtime some decided to remain Wolf, others humans, and the rest existed between both worlds. But evil always finds a way to manipulate and corrupt others.
*~*~*~*
Inside Magyar Castle, down the main corridor, through the hallway and down the stairs, was a large empty room. An imposing wall covered with a tapestry that depicts a bloody war covered the entrance into a vast, secret room. Before an altar stood a hooded-figure with a dagger around its waist. Behind the figure knelt twenty men and women their bodies covered in blood and dirt; turning from the altar the figure removed its hood and faced the group before him. The man before had a one-inch scar of his left cheek, hollow black eyes, and a sneer on his face.
His eyes glowed amber: "Since you fools are here knelt before him, you clearly couldn't dispose of one simple one!!!" Rage and hatred laced his words as he stood before His pack members.
"Tell me," his voice lined with impatience, "how is it possible that one loathe, she-devil of a witch was able to take a down a first-beta! Clearly, your attack was less than successful. Kiore, how is it that every time I send you lot on one simple mission, you manage to screw up!!" His voice echoed in the room.
"Forgive us," Kiore pleaded, "but Cyane was not alone; she was surrounded by Lupin, Maldicea."
He scoffed, "Lupin!! You were taken down by lesser beings, which long ago chose to remain Wolf! Next thing you'll time me is that an ungulate was able to kick your ass," he sneered.
"Maldicea," came a female voice, "Cyane is a strong bitch, considering who her father was she would be hard to kill."
"Really," Maldicea replied slyly, "so tell me: do you see Graywolf lopping around? I believe we ripped out his throat after we killed his lovely Lycoan wife."
"No, Alpha," conceded Kiore. "Cyane has powerful magic protecting her and with the White Wolven at her side, she is an even bigger adversary. Killing one won't help our cause we have to kill them both."
"Since your attacks were unsuccessful, where you able to at least stop the Baileyi and Nubilus from their rendezvous with Cyane?"
Kiore explained, "We were able to hindered their arrival by attacking their leaders, however, they will be underway in at least two weeks. Their injuries were substantial that another attack will finish them off."
"Excellent, apparently you have managed to do something correctly," Maldicea said pleased.
The air in the room suddenly began stifling; the candles melted from the heat, while the pack felt a wave of ice, cold wind enter the room. Since there are no windows, the chill was the cause of the figure that now stood before them. Lord Malagraine stood imperiously before his followers, the look of disdain and abhorrence was clear in his eyes. His face was gaunt and pale; his mouth was a thin-lined with malice, his body while lanky help power that when in Wolven form his movements were agile and swift.
Surveying his followers Lord Malagraine spoke: "I seen," his voice cold and hard, "that once again you have failed in your task. This gives me great displeasure."
"My Lord," Maldicea replied, his voice fearful, "forgive our gaffes; Cyane is proving to be a most difficult target to eliminate. However, we're able to delay her meeting with the Cordata Order."
"Good, but not good enough," snarled Malagraine. "Tell me what good does delaying the Cordata envoy, if Cyane and that mangy White Wolven have reunited? We needed to neutralize the White Wolven, killing that ungulate that she loves would have made more susceptible to my powers!"
Kiore explained, "My Lord, we had weaken the ungulate, however, we was quickly protect by an unknown source of magic."
"Yes," he snarled, "by a half-breed; Marie's daughter. How was it possible for a weakling child to outsmart and overpower the Lupus' first-lieutenant beta?"
"She was able to produce the Eyes of Albus," continued Kiore. "She---her eyes shot red beams at Drocius when he was to attack the ungulate," he breathed heavily.
"The Eyes of Albus?" Malagraine was stunned, "Only those of powerful bloodlines can produce the Eyes of Albus; only one is known to have had this gift: Astrid. Who is her father?" he demanded.
"Her father is Matthew Donner," replied Ducia, female-beta.
"Matthew Donner," he said suspiciously. "Donner? Donner?" He repeated thoughtfully. "That name isn't from the Shuvanis most powerful lineage."
"No, Lord Malagraine," Maldicea replied. "His family name is Carnovia; his ancestor is Astrid, my lord."
"A Carnovia!" He exclaimed. "One of the most powerful families in the Shuvanis. Astrid's mate was a descent of Katya, beta and Dianic High Priestess? No, impossible!"
"My Lord," spoke Ducia, "we can still kill them. Make it look like an accident. Or perhaps we can infiltrate the Shuvanis, by the time Cyane is able to convince them to mobilize it will be to late."
"Killing them is not a options any more, however, Ducia you have a point: we can divide them. They can't leave without their precious link. But turning them against Cyane is brilliant, she probably hasn't told anyone who she really is; the White Wolven is already on dangerous ground; the whelp, well the only really opposition will be her father. Still there may some in the pack that hold a grudge against Matthew Donner. The Alpha won't have a choice but to order their deaths, and being a woman in the Alpha's position is very dangerous," Malagraine reasoned.
"Maldicea," he snapped, "take your best warriors and prepare to invade Wolf Lake. This time those mettlesome witches won't stop me."
The rest of the group began to mobilize and prepare for the final attack on the Shuvanis. As Malagraine looked on a dark gleam of evil shrouded his eyes, the end of the Three and White Wolven was at hand. This time the Goddess would not be able to protect her children, for her children will fall to themselves first, then to him. Soon he would control of the Wolven, those of pureblood and the Lupin. Yes, things were not starting to go the way he wanted.
Back in Wolf Lake the night held another surprise for the Goddess' children.
*~*~*~*~*
Wolf Lake, WA
John stared out the window of the cabin; the night was airy and tranquil. However, John's mind was a whirlwind of questions and uncertainties; all he wanted was to find Ruby and get out of this town. Walking to the kitchen he poured himself another cup of coffee and leaned against the wall holding the steaming cup. After a few minutes he sat on the bed and began undressing, if he had been thinking logically he would have noticed that his movements were sure and fluid considering that the cabin was dark and the only light was the pale moon. He was tired, and his body ached from last night's attack and the forcing his body to get through the day. Thankfully, Molly had agreed to stay late on patrol; closing his eyes his mind began to wonder, and his breathing began shallow.
The visions that can to be were peaceful and calming. His saw his father coming home from work and running to him holding a football. He saw himself graduating from the Seattle Police Academy; the vision shifted to him meeting Ruby at a bar and buying her a drink. Images came to me easily; he saw his arrival to Wolf Lake and meeting Blackstone, the chase in the woods, and finally the attack on him. The pain in his body intensified once more but this time he used the breathing technique that he had learned as a martial artist.
Again vision bombarded him, this time he saw a white wolf coming out of the woods and approaching him. She circled him and stopped in front him, looking at him with grays eyes that looked deeply into his souls and gave a low growl. He found himself kneeling before the wolf and running his fingers through its fur. The white wolf let out a whimper of pleasure and looked at him, this time it lopped back into the woods and called to him to follow her. Standing up he followed the wolf, until the wolf gave into a run calling him to follow her; he ran through the foliage, his bare feet pounding the ground as he tried to keep up. The next scene before him was infrared, his didn't understand but suddenly he was on all fours running, feeling the wind caress his pelt. The wolf had disappeared, as he sought his way through the woods before him appear Blackstone sitting underneath a tree looking at him with knowing eyes and inclining his head. Suddenly, he heard the wolf and sought her scent; standing in a clearing was the white wolf. He went to her and nudge her nuzzle with his, she gave a moan of pleasure; they rubbed fur with fur and around them the air began to change, it was thick and heavy. He felt a solid form in his arms, giving a final nip in the neck he looked up, his eyes smoky and lazy. Looking at the woman in front him, he was stunned to see familiar features: Ruby!
"Ruby," he said, walking up with a start. Rubbing his eyes he got out bed, man he was loosing it. He was dreaming of wolves and imaging Ruby as the white wolf. Walking back to the kitchen he served himself another cup of coffee, he didn't want to go back to sleep these dreams were starting to drive him crazy. If he had looked in the mirror, John would have noticed that his eyes glowing an unusual color only found on flowers. Walking into the living room, he stared out the window when he felt another wave of pain. Clutching the armrest the couch, he dropped the cup on the flooring, shattering into pieces. He tried to fight the fight the pain, willing it to wash over him like water, but its intensity was too much that he collapsed; his body covered in sweat.
*~*~*~*~*
Ruby ran and ran!! She was so happy; Cyane had returned. After losing her mother and sister, she was alone; being the Alpha's daughter and White Wolven didn't give her any freedom. However, with Cy and Sophia, she could be happy, but a part of her will always be missing: John. She loved him, always, no matter what that she was part of a sham of a marriage. She needed to keep John safe. She had wanted to tell him what she was, but she feared his reaction thinking of her as a monster like that crazed Dr. Van Halen.
Ducking through underbrushes, she wished that she were in John's arms in bed. Watching him sleep and waking him with light kisses on his chest and a searing kiss to begin another round of lovemaking. Suddenly, she felt a searing pain in her chest; she stopped seeking out the source throughout the pack's mental conscious. Strangely enough it wasn't a pack member that was in trouble; she felt another pull, something unexplainable, but something that the heart understood, her heart: John! Running at top speed, her hind legs coming of the ground she made her way to John's cabin. Stopping in front of the cabin door, she sought any unwanted visitors that wanted to harm John. Climbing the stairs she pushed open the door and looked into the darken cabin; she couldn't hear him, walking further into the cabin she rounded the couch and fought John on the floor, his body convulsing and covered in sweat.
She picked him from the floor and laid him on the bed. Rushing to the kitchen she grabbed and towel and ran it under cold water; running to the bedroom she placed on the John's forehead. She didn't understand how could he be sick? Calling to him, "John, please out your eyes. Please!" She was scared as his body convulsed one more time. His thrashed against the sheets, his body was hot to the touch, his face contoured in pain. She needed to call for help she needed Sherman. She pleaded again for John to open his eyes; when he did, they were unfocused and glowing amber. Ruby's reaction was one of shock. John chose that moment to response.
"Ruby?" He voice was laced with pain. "Is that you? I thought that I would never see you again. They told me that you weren't here, but I knew that they were lying," his words were hissed slowly due to the pain.
"John, its me Ruby," she said worriedly. "John, I need to get you into the shower, you are burning up. How long have you been sick?" She asked firmly.
He joked, "Now that depends are we talking physically or mentally? Because let me tell you, it could be both considering the dreams and things that have been happening to me. I think that I'm developing a wolf complex."
She asked curiously, "Wolf complex? What do you mean?"
He groaned the words through clenched teeth, "Wolves, everywhere. The chase in the woods, the attacks, and the dreams, were full of wolves and other occurrences. Then, there's you and the white wolf; I dreamed that you where the white wolf. How crazy is that," he said looking at her, hoping that she would tell him that it was nothing to worry about.
Ruby was speechless; his dreams of wolves were like the warnings that occurred when the body readied itself for the change. Impossible, John was human; even with her blood, a human can't become a Skinwalker. No, she thought, this has to be something else. She needed Sherman, but he was in a meeting and if he came the others will follow. A groan of pain came from John, holding him down she felt his body rack from the pain. Cyane, she thought, she could help.
"Ruby," John's voice was strained, "I love you. You know that, right? I don't understand what's happening, but I wanted you to know that I love."
"John," she exhaled, "I think that my blood is causing your blood cells to mutate. I think you are changing into a Skinwalker."
"Oh, not that again. Blackstone mentioned that after the Lenore's Cabin burned down; the crazy doctor was talking about werewolves. Although, maybe it makes some strange sense."
"John, its not that crazy; John, I'm the white wolf, I've been protecting you sense you came to Wolf Lake," she said. However, her words were drowned by John's cry of pain; she held him as body shot off the mattress. "John!" She exclaimed. She couldn't stand him in so much pain; she watched as the pain became too much for him. Sending Sherman and Cyane a call for help on a private link, she prepared herself to help her man.
*~*~*~*~*~*
John felt his body being racked with pain, but he felt something else, Ruby's body next to his. He forced his body and mind to push the pain to the recess of his unconscious. Looking into the eyes of the woman he loves, he saw the fear and determination, telling him that she was going to fight for him, and he was going to join in that fight. He met her lips and drew her in passionate kiss, telling her how much he missed her. He felt her response conveying his sentiment and much more. His hands came up her side and winded around her waist bring her flush to him. Their kisses were long and passionate, both trying to make up for the time apart.
Oh, she had missed this, the feel of this hands on her skin firming and molding. Followed by his kissed that ignited slow, burning fires. His mouth went to her neck, where kissed and nipped at the tender flesh, moving to her collarbone. There he began a passionate assault on both her breast, causing her to groan in pleasure. She felt him use his tongue to lead a trail to her navel; he place slow and deliberate kisses on her side. His hands came upon her thighs and caressed them leaving liquefied; he reached underneath her left knee and drew her leg around his waist. She complied and wrapped both her legs around his waist, communicating her need for him.
He couldn't get enough of her; he knew that she was ready for him, but he needed to taste her in every way possible. He heard her pleads and reveled in them. His mouth sought her once again; her hands were everywhere, his hair, his back, and he felt her nail sink into his back. He gave growl of approval and deepened their kiss. He felt her skin slowly beginning to change and enjoyed the thought that he, like her was pushing her, her over the edge.
Ruby felt his teeth beginning to elongate that was he wanted, for him to lose himself completely in their lovemaking. For her she wanted him wild, so did the wolf within. She flipped over on his back; she caught him off guard and began her own assault on his senses bringing the wolf to surface. She intensified the pleasure in him, her kisses were heated and impatient wanting him to dominate and match her at every turn. She got her wish; John's skin was turning into fur.
She continued movement that had now become faster and more urgent. John felt his wolf and her wolf call to each other, and as the male he show her wolf who was the dominate. He entered her slowly and began to build the rhythm to their union. She responded by moving her hips in unison with his and gave a cry a pleasure. John felt his body exploded in pleasure and as he builds their passion to their climax, he felt the old pain come back but this time he wasn't going to fight. Ruby felt his pain and called to him, giving her strength and pulling him to her. She sent him images of them running, making love, and just being happy when she sensed his changing. With their link she helped him.
John felt his body give way to the Wolf. His skin was now a black fur, his hands and feet were now paws, and his senses were on full blast that he could taste, feel, and smell their lovemaking. He turned to Ruby and pressed his nose to her neck, he then nipped her neck and tasted her blood. Ruby looked at him with loving eyes and ran her fingers through his fur. Her eyes drank him in; he was perfect a beautiful obsidian black. His eyes were bright and passionate, his nose was warm to the touch, and his tongue was velvety. She welcomed his claimed and shifted and issued a claim of her own. She nipped the scruff of his neck and rubbed her fur against him, welcoming his scent unto hers. As wolves they issued their claimed and received it willing, their mating this time was more primal and more urgent.
Later, they lay in each other's arms, sedated and happy. With the moon peering through the window, they slept. The Goddess, high in the night sky wrapped them in the warmth of her bosom and welcomed her children and blessed. If Ruby had looked closer at John's entire feature, she would have noticed three, inverted crescent moons forming triangle. For now they slept in each other's arm, unaware that tomorrow new events will take place. As for John, the night will reveal more truths than he thought possible.
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A/N: I hope that you guys liked this chapter because it needed a lot work, especially on the Sophia/Luke and John/Ruby scenes. I wanted S/L scene to be special, so sorry about the low rated smuttiness. However, for J/R I thought it spice it up a little; I thought it was pretty hot. Let me know what you thought and if I should continue with this story.
I hope that I introduced the bad guys okay. Some of the words like Nubilus, Lycoan, and Baileyi are actually subspecies of the two major wolves: Gray and Red wolf. Some things like the Cordata Order will be explained how they fit into the plot. A little FYI: Cordata is actually the scientific Phylum of the wolf; you know how animals are place in the natural order. Malagraine and Maldicea name actually mean: bad, evil. Donner's family name in the Old World was Carnovia, a play on the word "carnivore." All other characters belong to me. Chapter 5 is tentatively title: Reunion.
R&R, I always like reading your comments. Let me know what you thought. Enjoy!!
~whitewolf02