I opened my eyes. My vision not so blurred. Trying to adjust to the dark, dark room. I didn't like being surrounded by nothing but darkness. "Jesus I don't feel good." I said to no one. The room wasn't cold, and it wasn't hot. It was groggily comfortable. Which annoyed me. I looked around. I reached up with my hands to try and rub my forehead, but I couldn't move them. I looked at my wrists, nothing there. I sat there for a moment or two. "Paralyzed?" "Nope." I jumped at the voice. My heart leapt in my throat, trying to come out. Why didn't I smell him? Black hair came into view. Oh, great. "Wrong answer puppy." I looked around, if I weren't so freaking blind. I had an idea. I put my head back, growling. My eyes rolling back. My back arched, and my bones started to twist, and crack. Suddenly he was by my side, with a needle. I looked at him, trying to focus my eyes. My vision became blurred, and grey. I growled when he came close. I tried to move my legs and my arms. I tugged and tugged, but they wouldn't move? He finally walked over, slowly. Digging the needle into my neck. I groaned. My body shrank back into human form. Exhausted from the attempt. Leaving me gasping for air. Then another needle. And I was so tired. "Achillies." I whispered. "Isn't coming." He chuckled darkly. "And try that again, my little puppy. I'll give you an O.D.. I don't think it'll kill you. But it'll be entertaining to watch." I laughed, a horrible attempt. It came out sounding struggled and strangled. "He'll come." "But, the question is, will you make it that long." This was right in my ear. I could even feel the breath, that he didn't need to breath. I growled, baring teeth. He patted my head. "Fuck you." He laughed again. Getting up. He turned around, just a blur. Slapping me across the face. Blood spattering across the black soil. I laughed again, sounding bitter. He was by my side again. "I wasn't supposed to harm you, but, I'll have so much fun." He licked my face. Laughing. He smelled of death and decay. "He'll come." "Will he?" I was silent at that. I honestly didn't know. No! Of course he would come for me. Achillies was my savior. He'd be the first one here. "F-fuck you." My first attempt came out strangled, too. I spat the blood at him. Laughing rich and full. Like I were at the playground, watching my baby bounce on the swing, happily. Like I were happy. . .Where was all this coming from? I haven't ever thought of children. Or playgrounds. Not for years. Her blonde pigtails swinging happily. Her little white sandals blowing off in the sand. She's missing a front tooth, wearing the pink Sunday dress her grandmother made her. I closed my eyes. Illusions. Stupid illusions. "What's wrong, puppy? Do you have a headache?" He came close. "Get away." He just came closer. I closed my eyes as tight as I could. No, the little girl didn't have blonde hair, it was black. And the mother laughing was mine. "Stop it." I whispered. She came closer, pulling me off the swing. 'You look so pretty, baby girl.' "So pretty." He cooed. "Stop it." I breathed. The little girl giggled, bouncing to her Mother. She set me down with a sad look in her face. 'Mommy? What's wrong Mommy?' She backed away from me. Looking down at her wrists. There were little scratch marks on them. Then they got deeper, and more red. And swollen. And they slowly started bleeding. Then the woman turned to a man. A man with black hair, one blue eye one green eye. 'Daddy?' The little girl was crying by this time. Then my mother was by his side. Kissing his cheek. 'Goodbye.' Then she looked at me, turning away. And leaving. I was torn between two worlds. 'Daddy?' The little girl's eyes were red, her lower lip quivering. 'Mommy, wh-where are you going?' She writhed her fingers in her hand. Grabbing her Dad. He dropped to the ground, shaking. 'Mommy! Mommy come back! Come back! Something's wrong with Dad-' "Mom, come back, please. Dad, Daddy, get up. Please, get up. Stop it, stop shaking, please. Please I need you." I whispered. My words breathy and lost in the deep dirt of the underground room. "Daddy's gone, and Mommy's gone. And Achillie's is gone, and Nathan's gone. And you my dear, are all alone." I closed my eyes. Shaking. "Why has everyone left me." I whispered, hot tears rolling down my cheeks. "Because they don't care." I shook. "Do you want to die?" Did I want to die? I shook my head. "No? You want to live?" I nodded. He slapped me again. I could feel the bruising begin. "Talk to me when I ask you a question." I didn't say anything. He came behind me, gripping my hair in his hands, yanking at it. I wanted to scream, I wanted to cry. I wanted to die. But I wouldn't give up that easily. Illusions. My mother is dead, and so is my father. Achillie's is with the pack, and he will come to the rescue. And he will save Nathan, and he will save me. He yanked my hair again. "They aren't coming." He was a psychic. I smiled. While he kept pulling my hair. The roots giving way to his constant yanking. "They're coming." I whispered. I just have to hold on till then. I could do that. "Scream." I laughed. Apparently that's not what he wanted to hear. He threw me against the wall. My chest ramming into it. I whimpered, but that wasn't what he wanted to hear. And I sure as hell was not going to give it to him. I looked down. Noticing I had a white t-shirt on. And some black shorts. I laughed out loud. The irony of today was 'killing' me. I heard something uncoil. And my face paled, and my breathing almost stopped. And everything was silent. Except for a whip. It felt like a crack of lightening hit my back. I hit my head against the wall from the impact. "Scream." He said, calmly. I laughed harder. I felt dripping down my neck. That was only the first. He did it about 6 or 7 times without stopped. Three main whips I could feel against my back. But 4 I could feel on my thighs. Ripping the shorts. And everything stopped, I was shaking, but I couldn't feel anything. I had gone to my dark place. I was sitting in the corner of this room. Watching, as if the person getting whipped, wasn't me. Like I were just, watching someone else. I closed my eyes to the torture, and hummed. Hummed Things that go bump in the night. And I went away from this place. I went away from Achillies. I went away from a place with vampires, and werewolves. I went away from the night, and all the things that scared me inside of it, including myself. And I was in a dark room, watching the backs of my arms, pale with white marks. And I looked away from the vampire and myself. The former me. "They aren't coming. No one's coming." I thought about that for a moment. After another crack, and another, and another. "Achillies." I cried out. Then everything stopped. I felt his tongue run up my neck. Licking the splattered blood. "Achillies, please." "Isn't coooming." He taunted. Seeming like a Jester. I closed my eyes, letting a tear run down my splattered cheeks. He clamped on to my neck, biting, hard. Sucking. With the last ounce of power in me, I called out Achillies name. I felt a brush of wind at my back. And the sucking stopped. The two razors at my neck, ripped out two chunks of my neck. But I couldn't feel it. Couldn't feel anything. Then, I felt someone, whispering something. But I didn't hear them. Couldn't hear them, couldn't feel them. I guess I was half dreaming because I called out Achillies name, and someone took me down from the paralyzed wall. I didn't feel the numbness, or the sting from hands on my wounds. All I heard was the splatter of blood as his footsteps went down stairs. And my humming. I started to drift away. To nowhere. But suddenly, I was gently laid in water. Hot water. More leaning towards warm. I was still humming. I didn't open my eyes to look who had rescued me. Because I knew I wasn't rescued. The water went up to my chest. Which, I was short, so that wasn't really that much. I felt jets. I started laughing lazily, like I were drugged. Which I wouldn't doubt at this point. "You have a Jacuzzi?" I whispered, smiling. I felt like I were drunk. I didn't get an answer. I opened my eyes to black. Except I felt water. Then, I was leaned against something. The side of a pool, maybe? Someone was chanting something. I reached out with my hands, miraculously, finding either side of a man's cheeks. The voice was deep, so I knew it was one of the vampire men. The chanting stopped. And he just kneeled before me. My hands rubbing his cheeks. I leaned my forehead on his. He was tall. I started humming. He still didn't move. I closed my eyes. Running one of my hands through his hair. "Achillies, I failed you. I'm sorry. I failed Mom and I failed Dad. And I failed Nathan. And I am going to die. I just-just wanted to let you know, I've always loved you. I will always be here for you. Oh, don't forget to feed my cat, okay?" I felt his chest rumble. I was seriously drugged. And I couldn't help the tears. They fell silently. I leaned on him, and he stopped chuckling. He was stiff and rigid. I cradled in him. Leaning my head on his shoulder. Whispering. "Will you kill me, will you kill me before the bad men get to me first?" I breathed this. If you were standing a foot away, you wouldn't have been able to hear it. Then a rough, deep voice. Empty voice, said, "You aren't going to die." And all was black.
I dreamed I was in a room, getting whipped. And it was all so familiar. Then I bounced to another room, with Achillies, and we were laughing. Then another, and another. Rewinding and fast forwarding. Then I stopped, and there was a woman. And a man. Holding a black headed girl. In a photograph. I cringed at the sight, holding the picture in my hand, so tightly, it broke. The glass shards digging their way into my palms. 'Achillies.' My eyes flew open. And I couldn't see anything. Nothing, everything was black. I shot up, looking from left to right. Apparently I was sitting down, because I pounced up. Falling to the ground. I whimpered. I couldn't see anything! I got to my feet, my legs shaking. Where was I? I fell to my knees again. Someone was moving in this room besides me. I felt my face, my eyes. They were open. My eyes were open and I couldn't see. Was I blind? "You have a gift." This voice was probably two feet away from me. I shot to the other side of the room, getting as far away from the voice as I could. "You can see things, and broadcast them to the wolves you want to allow." I whimpered. I tried to go to my dark place. I didn't know if pain was coming, but I didn't want to wait. I banged on the door to the dark room. And it was locked and held tight. "You have many other gifts too, we had to block." My door was locked and closed, in my very own mind. Oh God. What the fuck was I going to do. I stilled. I rolled my eyes in the back of my head. I arched my back, letting my arms break, and reline themselves. I didn't hear footsteps. But I felt a soft hand, place itself on my shoulder. "No." I whispered. A needle was pushed into my neck. And I couldn't change. I whimpered. He was kneeling beside me. I scooted away, backing myself into a corner, literally. I groped at the walls, feeling. He touched my arms. "No!" I whimpered. Bringing my knees to my chest, putting my head between them. "I am not going to hurt you." I shook my head. Lies. Lies and Illusions. Someone picked me up by my shoulders, bringing me off my feet. Cradling me, forcefully in their hold. Holding me tightly against them. I was laid onto a bed. Held there. I squirmed, trying to get free. "Please, p-lease stop." Silence. Something was attached to my wrists and ankles. Then a hand was placed over my stomach, holding me down. I closed my eyes. The black still remaining. I shook. Whispering Achillies. Being blind scared me. I only liked the dark when I was in my dark room. Besides that, it scared me into a corner. Or in this case, a bed. "What-what do you want?" My voice came out breathy and quiet. Because whatever he did want, he wasn't getting anything. A hand was placed on my cheek, and silence began. I saw white. Not black, but white. I opened my mouth to breath, but no air came. And, I found, I didn't need any. Then the hand was gone. And I saw black again. I just then realized I'd rather have the black, then the white. I stilled, shaking. "Hunter." He said it on his tongue, rolling it around. "I am not the bad man, Hunter. I do not want to hurt you." I recoiled in the chains as much as I could. Scooting away from him, rolling on my side, in a half-like fetal position. The shackles only allowing me so much. He didn't try to stop me, or make me face him. His voice was deep, not the bored tone, but the caring, and careful tone. I whispered, knowing he'd hear me. "What have you done with my Nathan." He paused a moment. Trying to be easy. "Nathan is gone. He has left with your pack master. They didn't know you were here." I didn't pause a moment. "They would have smelled me." I sat up, being pushed back down by the shackles. "D-did he just, not come for me?" I said in a soft voice. There was movement, but I didn't see it. Or care enough. "No, they came for you. Your Achillies was frantic. He practically ripped my guards to pieces. Luckily, they got away. We did not harm them, they, well. . .we got away. We lead a track of your scent, into the woods. Leading nowhere." I was silent. My mind trying to process the information he was throwing at me. "He-he left, me?" "We discovered, when we took Nathan, Achillies would come after him. The nickname was, the White Wolf. So when we saw you, we thought he was you." "Achillies is a black wolf." I said, barely audible. "Exactly." I stilled at this. They were looking for a white wolf. I was the white wolf. They wanted Achillies, as a trap. No, they, wanted . . . me?
Why do you even want a wolf at all? What do we have that youd want? We want you. No wolves, you. Why is the question. My voice was quiet, careful. I half wanted to hear the answer, the other half thought I was a lunatic. But, curiosity got the best of me.
Because, we are
allies. He really wasnt making any sense. This means nothing to me.
If we were allies, we would be at peace right now. Not resorting to
pain, and kidnapping. I bitterly said the last. If we were allies, I
would be able to see you right now. If we were allies, Nathan would
be safely at my home. If we were allies, Charlie would be okay. But
he was in shreds when I found him. We, vampire, are not
allies. I didnt hear any movement. No breathing. Silence. And it was
deafening. I felt a soft hand on my eyes. I fluttered them open and
closed. If I allow you to see, and you broadcast images to your
wolves. And if my brother catches any waves from it, he will try to
harm you severely. I nodded. Just as long as I saw, and had my
feeling back. And your back will hurt like hell. I couldve smiled at
this, but the feeling shot back to me in a white hot stream of heat.
Little pin pricks went throughout my spine, my arms. The backs of my
legs, my thighs. Then numbness. I didnt focus on my back momentarily,
because I saw grey. And a black blurry figure stood over me. I
blinked, trying to get the fuzzy to go away. Can you see? I nodded. A
few moments later, the pin pricking started burning. An annoying
feeling, than anything else. Than a ripping feeling. Making me bow my
back, arching up. He took my hand in his, rubbing the back softly. I
arched it, opening my mouth. Nothing came out, because I refused to
show more weakness than I already had. I groaned, clawing with my
other hand at the sheets on the bed. He turned my hand around and
held it. I dug my nails into his skin, he didnt even flinch, or pull
away. And I was thankful. I whimpered. Oh, god. The pain was
relentless. This will hurt very badly. We put you through a charm,
that took away your gifts, and you pain. Although, only momentarily.
I arched my back again as another shot hit through me. I bit my lip,
till I felt metallic slide down my chin. The pain was paralyzing.
Finally I sat still, the hot heat racking through my body. Making me
sweat and writh. I chewed my lips to shards. And I didnt care. All I
wanted was to go home, to Achillies. I wanted to curl up next to
Nathan and the pack. And fall into a healing sleep. And I wanted to
wake up, piled around the only family Ive ever had to love.
Achillies. I whimpered it under my breath. Id be shocked if he heard
it. I looked up to the ceiling. My vision, not to the fullest, but
back none the less. I looked over at the man whom Id never really
gotten to see. His eyes were looking down at my lips. They were
green, and massive. It made me uneasy to see eyes that big. He had
blonde hair, that looked white. It hung around his shoulders. It
looked like it were floating. It was so straight, I could almost see
his hair forming around his cheekbones. He had a deathly pale
complexion. Not fair, but deathly fair. And he was cold. Very cold. I
shuddered from his hand. Little goose bumps ran up my arm. I stared
at it, trying to focus on how freezing he was making me, something
other than the spine ripping pain. He had high, defined cheek bones.
Long blonde eyelashes. Invisible eyebrows. He had a small upper lip,
but a pouty full bottom lip. He looked to be about 25 or 26, but I
knew he was much older than he appeared. His shoulders were broud and
muscular. Along with his arms. He wore a white loose shirt. And black
dress pants. He must have been the same man as earlier. He was
sitting on the edge of the bed, holding my hand. His hair fell into
his eyes. I saw only one side of his face, and he flashed me a sad
smile. I couldnt really focus on him any longer. I jolted, my back
arching me again. The movement, only causing more pain. I whimpered
as it bowed me. Squeezing his hand. I was breathing heavily, and
every now and then whimpered. When my body finally calmed, he put his
soft freezing hands on my shoulder and under my legs. Lifting me
effortlessly. I shook in his arms. Pushing my head against his chest.
Wetting his shirt with all my sweat. H-hurt. I whimpered out. He
responded by hugging me tighter to his chest. He was going down more
steps. I didnt like the feeling of being so deep underground. I wasnt
claustrophobic or anything, I just really didnt feel comfortable. He
was careful not to touch my wounds, and he didnt. After a few more
moments, I noticed he was rocking me. Very softly and very slowly.
And he was humming. I barely even heard it. He was humming
something I didnt recognize, but it was eerie, and pretty. It soothed
me. I relaxed, or as much as I could. C-can I go h-home? Silence.
Just humming, and rocking, and more steps. He kissed my forehead
slightly. I even felt his very pouty lip. I relaxed more. I looked up
at him, catching his eyes. They bore into mine. They were so soft,
but sharp. He had crease around his eyes, not visible ones. Almost
emotional ones. Like hed been through so many things, it shone on his
eternally youthful features. I knew it was impossible, but I saw them
none the less. I was swimming in his depths. He was so gentle. But I
saw things, things inside of him. Id done this once before on
mistake, with Achillies. And I regretted it. And now the same was
happening. He was a slave. A young boy. Very young. His blonde hair
was long, a lot longer than it is now. It was straight, and to his
knees. Tied in knots to keep out of his way. He was so young, 14?
Maybe? Just a boy. He had those deep green eyes. But they still held
the same sadness. He was sweaty. And bleeding. His back in shreds.
His front was much worse. I couldnt see what had made the wounds, but
I was too focus on the huge amounts of blood on the floor. He was on
a white floor. Where the blood was exaggerated. Sadly, it wasnt, and
that was the reality. He held his hand out. He was crying. His face
was red, his lips were quivering. Brother! He crawled on his knees.
Trying to get to another boy. There were three large men in the room.
All black hoods, covering their faces. Tall, broad, and muscular.
They were standing in the back. One had his back turned completely.
The blonde was still crying. Calling out for his brother, over and
over again. Finally someone came over, with their elbow, beat against
the back of his neck. Knocking him to the ground. Where he laid
silently, shuddering. A nasty crack came with the last blow. A young,
black haired boy crawled over to him. Covering the blondes body with
his own. Leave him alone! He screamed, clutching to the older boy. A
pale man, with a billowing white shirt on, and velvet pants walked
over to the couple. He wrapped his hand in the black haired boys.
Ripping it up. He screamed out. Reaching back for his older brother.
Lemme go! He screamed, trying to reach out to the unconscious boy.
The beautiful man, whod grabbed him. Took him by the chin, ripping up
his throat. He bit viciously into it. Vampires. You are mine. How
many times must I prove that to you? He had a deep accented voice. I
couldnt place it. The men in the room were vampires. How many years
did they go through that torture.
Watch yourself. If you find yourself reading my brothers thoughts, he would surely attempt to kill you. It didnt phase him what Id just seen. Not at all. I shuddered, putting my head against his chest again. The pain in my back numbed out. Not as much as Id liked it to of been, but it wasnt excruciating. Im-Im sorry. I whispered. Closing my eyes. Seriously wishing I could take back what Id just seen. Silence. There was a lot of this around him. C-can I ask you a question? I whispered. A grumble of his chest told me yes. Whats your name? I asked just as quietly. Almost breathing the words. Byron. My name is Byron. He said quietly. Bryon. I sighed. Hmm? Are you ever going to let me go home? I did breath this one. Afraid of the answer. In due time you will go home. In due time my dear. I whimpered. Looking up at him. My bottom lip quivering. B-but, I- I want to . . . My words were lost, I closed my eyes. Feeling the burning in my throat, the pressure in my chest. I didnt want to cry. And I only allowed one fat tear to role down my cheek. I shook in his chest. Suddenly feeling cold. I opened my eyes to a black door. He pushed it open with one of his hands. No doorknob? I glanced inside to see a metal table. With straps. I clung to the side of his shirt. Lemme go. I whispered. He just walked farther into the room. I struggled, trying to swing my legs to the ground. I looked up at him. P-please, let me go. There was something in his eyes, like Id sparked something. He didnt smile, only looked at me. Im not going to harm you. No one is going to harm you any more. All I am going to do is bandage you. You have begun to bleed again. I didnt look, I only stared at the metal table. Then back at Byron. I nodded, slowly, uncertainly. He smiled a reassuring smile. He walked the last distance to the table. Turning me around in his arms, to place me face down on it. He did, slowly. My chest was the first thing to hit the cold surface. I hissed at it. Trying to push back up. But Byron was much stronger than me. And slowly pushed my entire body down onto it. I clawed at the sides. Holding on to something, anything. Relax. His voice was calm and hypnotizing. I turned my head to look at him. His blonde hair was pulled back lightly. And his huge green eyes were boring into mine again. Except, I wasnt allowed images. Which I was grateful for. I only looked into his eyes. Without blinking, he held me. I didnt feel the liquid put onto my back. I felt no stinging when he cleaned the wounds out. I felt nothing. Not even when he taped the bandages to my back. Finally, when he let go of my wounds, I started moving. He helped me sit up. In actuality he did all the work. My long black hair fell in curtains down my face. Lying limply, in swirls on my lap. It was straight, and curved to my face. Little curls were stuck in ringlets on my cheek and forehead, stuck to me from my sweat. I wasnt breathing normally. But not heaving at least. He smiled at me. There. He said softly. His teeth were so white. I have no idea why I noticed this bit of information, but it caught me. I smiled, or as much as I could. But suddenly I was caught of guard by a loud slam. I looked towards the door to see the black haired man. Walking towards us. My eyes got wide. Huge. I stared at him. I found Byrons hand and gripped it as tightly as possible. I closed my eyes, facing towards Byron. Letting my long black curtain shield my face from view. His footsteps were silent. Leave her alone Joshua. Youve done her harm already. He sighed. Come , come now brother. Whats the fun of having a little slave if you cant play with her. Shut up. She is our ally and youve done a wonderful job of proving this. Im sure she trusts us now. He laughed darkly. You say this as though we need her trust. We need none of it. We need all of it. Stop being a fool. Me? The fool? Yes. You the fool. You ripped her wolf to pieces. And left him for dead- Oh pish posh. They were going to find him sooner or later. Get out Joshua. I dont think I will brother. No footsteps. I stiffened feeling a hand on my chin. Shes a lovely thing when you look at her closely, isnt she Byron? I held my eyes closed, not squeezed, but lightly. As if I didnt care. Look at me. No fucking way you sadistic prick. Look at me. He growled, clutching my cheek, pressing his nails to my skin. I inhaled breath quickly, turning my head to face him. My eyes fluttering open. I could feel the sting again. Ah, such lovely eyes. Mesmerizing. I stared into his. They were mesmerizing also. But, literally. I stared into them. This time, not seeing images, but broadcasting my own. My face was blank. But I let him know, what I knew. His eyes were large. And his mouth was open. He was getting all the things that I saw through Byron. He was silent. He turned towards Byron. With the same blank expression. He let go of me, walking to Byron. You let her see that? He asked softly. Byron burned his gaze into him. The air got a chill. I shuddered, glancing back to the open door. I had an idea. I shifted to my feet silently. If I could change, if I could only change. I could probably have a good chance to get out of here alive. I looked towards them. But only saw Joshua covering Byron with his figure. Let them battle it out. I could be just as silent as any vampire could. I crept towards the door. Putting my finger on it, opening it just an inch more. I stepped my first toe out, then my foot. I looked back to still see them talking. Thank god. I edged out of the doorway. My back was now screaming at me, but I didnt care. The second I was out of the doorway, I looked around the black hallway. I rolled my eyes in the back of my head, letting my wolf vision over take my human vision. I looked around and saw grey. I smiled, it was grey, but I saw it bright as day. I ran up the first set of stairs that I saw. Not making even a creek. Piece of cake. I shoved through the only hallway that opened to the stairs, passing doorways, and cells. I shoved open a door. Running through more stairs, and another and another and another. Till I was in the long hallway. Looking out to the spot where I fell, it looked miles away. I hauled ass. Putting in a mad dash down the never ending dirt walls. Till I felt dirt instead of tile. I smiled, almost there. I tried to change but it was too painful. I groaned. Dragging my feet to carry on. I shouldnt have tried. Hunter . . . Someone growled a warning growl under their throat. But it was as clear as day. I looked behind me, whimpering. Jesus Christ, if I get out of here I swear to God . . . I looked behind me to find Joshua not but a few yards behind. I squealed, turning back to the open gaping hole. . . . SWARE TO GOD Ill go to church, Ill give 9, 10 . . . I looked behind me again to find Byron not less than 10 feet away. Holy fuck! JESUS Ill buy a new church! I looked up into the hole, growling as I sprang up at least 12 feet in the air. I gripped the edge of the hole, pulling myself up, and outside. I looked around, to find it night. Gemme a break! If it were day it would have been so much easier. I looked back down, to find Joshua fly out of the hole. I stood for a moment, watching him land silently on the dirt. Fuck. I whispered. Finally, after I discovered I had legs, I ran. I ran for all I was worth. I growled, letting my ears grow to their full length. I felt my teeth come into play. Four K-nines burst from my gums, making me whine. I felt my eyes glaze with grey. But I couldnt change the rest, it would just be too painful. I was afraid Id fall to the ground from the shock of it. And that was more of a risk than just hauling ass in half human half wolf. Id take my chances. I looked behind me finding Joshua at least 3 feet away. And his running was silent. I closed my eyes, and ran. I made myself feel like I were wind. Nothing but molecules in the air. I pretended Joshua and Byron werent behind me. I pretended I was on a hunt, and it was my last. But I was brought out of my thoughts abruptly when something clamped to my petite human ankle. I cried out, falling to the ground. Joshua flew over me, and skid back to where I was huddled on the ground. Well . . . dont you look odd. I growled under my breath. He brought something out and it was slapped against my cheek. I whimpered. Finding another whip in his hands. It was slashed against my cheek again. Then another across my face, landing over my, thankfully, closed eye. He could have taken it out. I cringed at the thought. The pain shot through my face, while I felt a warm liquid run down my eyes, falling across my cheeks, and into my mouth. I cried out when he hit it against my stomach, and then again across my thighs. The beating was relentless. I turned on my back, to shield my front from any more damage. He snapped away at the bandages. Stop! I screamed out. While huddling my head between my knees. The shirt that I did have was completely gone. And shredded. The only thing covering my front were more bandages that survived the beating. The beating stopped. I felt breath on my cheek. Had enough, puppy? I waited a moment to catch my breath from the horrendous abuse. I looked up and smiled. Im not a fucking dog you fuck head. His face cringed up, he looked like he ate something sour. He raised a hand to me, but he was taken aback against a tree. I took in a deep breath. Trying to get my vision to cooperate. Byron had Joshua against a tree in mid-air. Holding his throat. While Joshua clawed at his fingers. That were digging into his neck. Joshua, youre causing me trouble, that isnt needed. Joshua choked against his hold. His black hair falling on either sides of his face, giving him the appearance of a full head of hair. So, STOP HURTING OUR ALLIES! He screamed out. I put my head against the ground, concentrating all my energy. Achillies. Im . . . Im dy-dying. I started choking. It felt like I couldnt breath. Like I were suffocating. I tried to concentrate. Tried to stay awake. But little pin pricks were taking over my vision. I felt my ears grow back to normal. I felt the K-nines shrink away. I felt myself go slack. Everything was very silent for a long time. I opened my eyes to tan. Hot, tan. I wrinkled up my nose. Smelling. I felt a hand on my neck. I opened my eyes wide, squirming. I couldnt feel my back, I couldnt feel my legs, and I couldnt feel my face. Everything was numb. And someone was holding me. I pushed against them as much as I could. My hair was a tangled mess, with clots of blood in it. And dirt mixing with it. I struggled. L-let me go! I spat out. My voice was muffled and dry. Raspy. No one said anything. I hit against the persons chest. Which really, was pathetic. It probably felt like a butterfly landing on their skin. P-put me down! I tried to scream. Finally something was removed over my face, cloth? I looked up to Achillies. T-this is- isnt real. I whispered. Achillies smiled down at me. Stop fighting me, Im taking you home. His hair was flying everywhere, like he were running. I think he was. I couldnt tell because my eyes were, so heavy. Oh so heavy. I closed them to relieve the two ton stress on them. When I opened them again, there were voices, everywhere. And there was a thick, musky, heavy thing over my head. I lifted my arm, it felt like it were a tow truck. I pushed it away. But it wouldnt move. I opened my eyes further, blinking sleep out of them. My mouth opened, and my breath was hot. And my throat was burning. And the thing on my mouth was suffocating. I took in as much breath as I could. And I screamed. I started crying. And until I realized it, I was screaming for Achillies. I couldnt move my body. It was so heavy. I was sobbing so hard, it was racking my chest. And I was crying out for Achillies. Finally, someone picked me up, and I started hitting them. Much to my dismay, because the pain I felt throughout my body, was indescribable. It was so horrible, I began to not feel them, again. Finally I was set down in a room. There were tons of voices, and once the person entered, with the crying, kicking, screaming me. The room went silent. Someone took me softly, opening a peep in the cloth. The light was horrendous and it glared into my eyes. I shielded my face. Someone yelled out. Damnit! Cut the lights! Then the lights were off. I was still crying, and still calling out for Achillies. She wouldnt stop screaming your name. I didnt know what to do. A calm voice said. I sniffled, my eyes were a mess. They were raw, and I just knew they were red. I felt my hair tangled around my waist. And it was matted again, some of it wet, and some of it dry. I-wa-wanna go h-home, N-NOW! I cried out. A-and I want Ach-Achillies! Shh, shh, baby Im here. Youre home, youre home. Im here. He kept saying this over and over again. But I didnt believe it was him. I tried to sit up but he wouldnt let me. There was mumbling in the room. Someone pushed me gently back down. I cried, huddling into a tiny ball, cringing. Joshua l-leave me alone! I screamed out, clawing at my arms. I was so scared. I didnt believe any of this was real. And if I were dreaming, I was going to cry all I wanted. Because I never allowed myself to beg in front of the enemy. So I was going to do it now. I thought I was in that wretched room, with Joshua and Byron. Byron didnt scare me as much as Joshua. Well, not necessarily scare me, just hurt me. Joshua is gone, der wolfet. Its me. Shh, you must stop screaming, Im here. Achillies said in his deep throated accent. He was petting my face, pulling the messy globs away. I opened my eyes, while they fixed to the darkness. I could see a little. I looked around the room. It was full of people. But they were the pack. I found Nathan was holding my hand, Charlie was on my other side, and Achillies was holding me in his lap. I didnt know where we were, and didnt care. I tried to smile, but it wouldnt come. And something was happening to my back, I arched it, cringing. Achillies was looking at Charlie, who was boring down at me. I clawed at Achillies hand. Arching my back. I cried out. Get the doctor! Achillies yelled out, his eyes never leaving mine. He held me in place, trying to get my back to go back to normal. Whats wrong Hunter? I opened my mouth to try to say something, but the words wouldnt come out. All I could do was cry. H-hurt! I whimpered through cries. I shook violently. My back was in spasms. And it hurt like hell. Someone grabbed my ankles, and then the same to my wrists. I screamed, the pain was excruciating. Like someone was digging into my back with a pitchfork. I couldnt stop the spasms. Nor could I stop the screaming. Finally I lay still, drained. My head was held in place by Achillies. The hands slowly let go of my flailing limbs. My chest shook with choked sobs. My lips quivered, my nose flared, my eyes bore into the ceiling. What happened? Her wounds, the muscles were in spasms. The violent beating they took, theyre in shock. You call that shock? Nathan asked angrily. Charlie placed a hand on his shoulder, quieting him. Will . . . that happen again? Honest to God truth, Im not sure son. What do you mean youre not sure? Nathan asked again. Nathan, you have to calm down. Nathan looked down at me. I couldnt reassure him, he was just asking the questions I wanted to ask. I mean, I dont know how her body will react to this beating. Ive seen some nasty things before, but Ive never really . . . I dont know what to tell you. Shell be okay. She desperately needs to heal. I mean, she was dying. I have no idea where she had the energy to even run. It was amazing. I mean, Achillies, she exceeded the human body. I dont care about that shit. I want you to tell me shes going to be okay. He almost hollered the last, hanging his head low. His fingers tracing over my cheek. I cringed from the wounds his finger brushed over. He drew his hand back, looking back at the wrinkly doctor. The old man took his glasses off, rubbing his eyes. His skin looked old, and leathery. Werewolves dont usually last that old. He had old wiry white hair. His face was tired, and sagged. I think so Achillies, I think shell be alright. If not, Im just a few houses down. I could even stay in this house to watch her. I cant give you any other diagnosis than I already have in the past two hours. And you know it. You have to calm down, for her sake. They both looked down at me. And now it seemed the whole room was looking down at me. I closed my eyes, and opened them again. Hoping that everyone would just, go away. But, in actuality, I felt so much better with everyone in the room. The body heat was warming my skin. And the power radiating off everyone was, almost, sinking into me. Like I were healing. Which I knew I was, but still. The feeling was indescribable. I shakily reached for Achillies hand. He took it in his palm, cradling it, rubbing my knuckles with his thumb. He loomed over me. The doctor was talking, and everyone was listening intently. Except for Achillies and I. We were lost in each other. I had stopped crying for a little while. But when all the memories came back to me in a whoosh. I felt a salty tear run down my face. Im pretty sure Achillies would have wiped it away, but it fell into my cheek. I closed my eyes and opened them, and found more coming down. Charlie, do me a favor. I glanced up at Charlie, to find him looking down at me. He nodded. I was thinking the same thing. I flicked my eyes, tiredly, back and fourth. Thinking what? Charlie lightly hovered his hand over my face, looking everywhere. Achillies looked at him. What are you doing? Looking for a place that hasnt been hit. Achillies frowned, turning his face. He squeezed my hand. Nathan, give me her other hand. Nathan looked at me, while I looked at him. I tried for a smile as much as I could. And failed. Nathan reluctantly let go. Charlie took my hand gently. Holding it. Relax. He whispered. I closed my eyes, they were going to look into me. And watch what happened to me. I cringed. My vision went white, and I felt like I was blind again. I panicked. I started moving my arms around. Trying to get up. I opened my mouth, and when no words formed, it really didnt comfort me any. I turned my head trying to see something, but hands held me back down. And in moments, my vision returned. And I was curled into a painful little ball. My head between the knees of Achillies. I was shaking. My God. Charlie whispered. I dont understand, why would we be allies? Achillies was silent. Looking down at me. He held my head in place, taking the hairs out of my face. Everyone was silent. Shes been through enough. Nathan whispered. Achillies took me back my neck and legs. I cried out from the pain, but where else was he supposed to grab? He stood silently, walking just as quietly down a white hallway. He kicked open a door, and led me to a bedroom. He laid me on my side, while I doubled over in pain. Writhing my hands. Little white balls appeared in my vision, and my eyes were heavy again. I was awake enough to feel Achillies lay down beside me. He whispered something in my ear, but I was just too far gone to hear it.
I dreamed I was running, I was running through the woods. And I saw the hole, and I stared into it. But someone pushed me into it. And there stood Joshua, and there was Achillies also. I looked at the both of them. They were both solemn, and silent. I got to my legs, and wobbled over to Achillies. Pulling his hair away, Achillies? W-what are you doing here? He didnt answer. Only stared at the ground. Someone grabbed me by the shoulders, squeezing. I turned to see Joshua. L-leave me alone, J-Joshua! I said with wide eyes. Byron sat and watched us; his hair was down to his knees, not shorter like it was before. I looked at him, trying to figure out why we were even down here. I wouldnt let go of his hand. Achillies! Wake up! Joshua was trying to pull me away. Let me go! I screamed. I turned back to Achillies, crying and frantic. Byron turned his head away. Joshua hit me in the back of the neck. I screamed and fell to the ground. Trembling. Achillies put his hand on my shoulder. Shaking me, trying to get me to look up. And when I did look up, it wasnt Achillies who was trying to get me up. It was Byron.
I opened my eyes to a black room. And Achillies, who was trying to wake me up.
What? I rasped out. My throat felt like a wool coat.
You were crying in your sleep. He said, checking my chest and head.
Whats wrong, what were you dreaming? His eyes were half closed, and he looked dreadfully tired. And I was so glad to see him.
A-Achillies! I whimpered. I lifted my arms and tried to get up. But the pain was far too much. So I lay back down.
I-Im so glad to see you. I felt tears run down my face. His hair was ruffled, and hung to his shoulders in brown and red curls. He looked so tired. His clothes were dirty, and wrinkled. And had the odor of blood. His pants were ripped, and dirty. He still had his shoes on, which bugged me. But not as near as much as it usually did. He leaned down, and took me as gently as possible into his arms. I held back a scream when his hand brushed over a whip. And managed a whimper. He tensed, but still held me. He buried his face into my neck. Holding me tightly.
He was silent for a little while. His chest shook, and he buried his head into my hair deeper. A-Achillies, Im so glad, I-Im so happy you are here . . . with me. I stammered. Trying to get my words out, without choking sobbing noises out, too. I couldnt help it when I started crying again. My whole body shook violently with sobs. I-I dont e-ever wanna go, b back there Achillies. I cried out, trying not to be loud. Shh, I know baby. He whispered into my ear. You are never going to go back to that place, ever again. He pulled my hair around front, cradling my head to his chest. Finally, the painful wracking of my body came to a halt. And I was left gasping for air, and grasping Achillies. Dont leave; please dont leave me, please. I whispered over and over again into his dirty shirt. I will never leave you Hunter; I will never let you out of my site. I will protect you with everything I have. I love you so much, and I am so sorry. He whispered this, but the end sounded strangled and painful. It made me want to cry again. Something stuck to my arm painfully. I looked down to try and pull it away. But only succeeded in crying out, when it wouldnt come off. I whimpered, pulling at the skin ripping bandages. Shh, stop it baby. Youll hurt yourself. I pulled more, trying to get the horrible things to come off my skin. Achillies pulled back from me. He held me with my back just barely off the bed. Holding my head. He looked down at me. My hair was strewn all over the bed. This might hurt your back, okay? He asked quietly, looking intently at me. I nodded. He slowly let me down on my back. My front facing him, and the room. I bit my lip, when my beaten back touched the delicate covers. It hurt alright. I didnt even dare try to move. He looked down at me, Im going to remove your bandages, okay? I nodded, again. He looked around the room. Without even straining he leaned back and opened the door, calling out quietly for Nathan or Charlie, they both came. And quickly I might add. I need scissors. Nathan looked confusedly at him. Charlie didnt question, he just nodded and walked away. Nathan looked at Achillies, who was turned back towards me. He stepped quietly in the room. Looked from Achillies to me. And then back again. W-what are you going to do? He asked shakily. Im going to take away the bandages, theyre hurting her. He said, not even glancing at Nathan. All their eyes were on me. Charlie came silently into the room, handing Achillies the scissors. Charlie went to the other side of the bed. He took my hand, he sat on the mattress, but I never felt his weight dent it. Was he lifting up? Did I really care? No, not really. I gripped his hand in a steel grip. Nathan came over to Charlie, only standing and watching. Achillies leaned over, his hair brushing my face and chest. He kissed my forehead, softer than a butterfly. He leaned back on his heels, straddling my hips. Yet, he never touched me, only stood above me. He leaned over, pulling his hair behind his ears. He picked the first piece, stuck around my throat. He pulled lightly. I closed my eyes, and bit my lips. He pulled it, so slow. He cut away a piece, than another, and then another. They were falling like confetti. The one right under my breast. I had a feeling that one would hurt a bit. He pulled, I whimpered hoarsely. He cut away that one too. Then another, and another. I writhed for a moment, but when that only succeeded in pain. I immediately held still. He had most of all of them torn away, or at least I was hoping. Then the cold steel scissors stopped brushing against my skin. And all was silent. I opened my eyes, looking at Charlie to Nathan to Achillies. W-whats wrong? I whimpered out. Charlie and Nathan exchanged silent glances. But Achillies eyes never left mine, he smiled. It was his dont let them know what Im thinking kind of smile. I hated it. It meant that something was going on, he didnt want to show on his face. I tried to look down at my body, but before I knew it, Achillies had my chin in his hand. Keeping my face looking at him. I gave him a confused frown. He only smiled more. It made me nervous. He pulled on a cloud soft sheet, pulling it easily over my battered front. I started to ask a question, but he only kissed my bottom lip. After a moment of the kiss, I noticed his lips were quivering. That made me nervous. I looked over his cheek to stare at Charlie, who only smiled weakly. Nathan just looked away. Achillies lay on his side effortlessly. I wa-wanna get up. I whispered, still staring at Nathan. Knowing, if any, I could break him. Charlie stared at me dumbfounded. Achillies was silent, and Nathan looked depressed. I closed my eyes. Wanting to get out of this room. I felt Achillies hand rest lightly on my chest, strangely, angling where his arm didnt touch any whip marks. You are not leaving this bed. He said quietly. I looked at him with big eyes. I-I wanna go home. You are home wolfet. I shook my head tired. I finally gave up, trying to hold it up. I lay it back against the down pillow. Tired from being awake. Tired from existing. Tired of all of the above. I felt the bed dent, and opened my eyes enough to see Charlie lay on my left side. Nathan crawled to my feet, and Achillies pulled me closer; to my right. I had all my men and I was safe in bed. Life was a bitch sometimes, but this was a good moment. So, I closed my eyes and enjoyed it.