And here's the next chapter.
Silent Offenderchapter five: The Kiss of a Pale Manby: The Four Minds
The next morning the Pack had an early training session with Logan and Scott. Shadow, Pixie and Morgana had to pick up the slack because both Illya and Gabby were too tired. They had explained they hadn't been sleeping well. Sean had tried to coax Illya to tell him what was wrong, but she only shrugged it off, saying she wished to nap like a normal cat.
After training both stumbled to go back to bed, Shadow disappearing as well. The trio of currently single men, Sean, Dodger and Luke decided to go work on a car that had broken down. Quinn and Morgana opted to take a stroll in the gardens. The others wouldn't need them for a while.
"Do you think Illya's okay?" Quinn asked of Morgana as they padded down the path.
"She has been acting kind of strange lately, but I'm sure she'll be fine, Alex. I take it Sean is worried about her." He nodded slightly, his right arm resting gently around her waist. "Besides, it's not like we lead a stressful life or anything," she teased.
He took both of her hands in his and turned to face her. "And what about you? Is your life stressful?"
"No, not for the moment. Everything seems to stand still when I'm with you, thief."
"Morgana, you know I would stop time itself for you if I could, if that's what you wanted." She just stared up at him, loving this man. "I've been wondering something, Morgana, and I wanted to ask you something."
"Yes?" she asked looking deeper into his green eyes, her body melting against his.
"I wanted to know if you would..."
He was interrupted by the loud whiney of a horse in distress. Morgana instantly turned her attention to the cry. Quinn released a soft, agitated sigh as she dropped his hands.
"What the devil does she think she's doing!" Quinn followed her gaze to see what she was referring to. In the field not far from them, Shadow was hanging onto Morgana's new stallion. The horse, however, was not a fan of his new rider, and was bucking wildly to try and dislodge her. Morgana immediately bolted down the path and after them using her control over the wind to carry her faster than her feet.
"Damn that girl," Quinn muttered under his breathe before taking after Morgana on foot. When he was on the field and in range, he charge a small ball of electricity and flung it at Shadow. The orb nailed Shadow in the shoulder, knocking her off. Morgana went after Ravus, completely ignoring Shadow. Quinn waled over to the younger thief, who had just turned over on the grass with a soft "ouch". She stood and faced Quinn.
"Why did you do that?" she asked holding her abused arm.
"Last I checked, that was not your horse. You have no right to be riding him, unless you have Morgana's permission." Shadow was going to smart back to him, but didn't when she saw how angry he was. He let out another heavy sigh and raced after Morgana. Shadow just stood nursing a sore shoulder and rump.
Morgana had caught up to the horse and noticed a strange man standing near Ravus, stroking his neck gently. He was tall and handsome, though he looked a little pale, but the maroon eyes and dark hair stood out against the pale background. There was a certain air about him that made Morgana think of certain danger, yet drew her to him. Pulling her eyes away from his, she was finally able to speak.
"Step away from my horse," she demanded, walking over to Ravus.
"Sorry, m'lady. He is...such a fine creature," the man commented in a slow drawl.
"Yes. What are you doing here? You do not belong on this land."
"I was just passing through, love, and came upon this beautiful stallion. What be his name?"
"That doesn't matter," she returned coldly, liking this man less as seconds passed.
"No, I guess it doesn't," he said stepping closer to her. He was nearly standing over her now.
"Who are you?" Morgana asked in a softer tone.
"That doesn't matter either, love." He started backing away.
"Where are you going?" she asked as he almost disappeared.
"Don't worry," he replied, "I'm always watching." He was gone. Morgana stared to the spot where he had just been. Her head felt so full she shook it. When she did, she came out of the daze in time to feel Quinn place his hands on her shoulders.
"Are you okay, Morgana, love?"
"Yeah," she answered slowly. "Yeah, I'm fine. Ravus is fine too." Alex was a little stunned but didn't let it show.
"Well, let's get him back to the stables and get him calmed down," he suggested as they walked back, each on opposite sides of the horse.
He watched as the dark skinned girl walked away, leading her magnificent steed. The man beside her seemed wary, even cautious. He never took his eyes off her. Damian could tell this man would fight to keep the woman he obviously loved. If it came to that fight, Damian knew that the green eyed thief would have an advantage. Not only did he not appear to have the leashed power he possessed or the strong and well controlled electric mutant power, he would be fight for love. A much deadlier opponent. But that wouldn't stop Damian Chase. He would get what he wanted. He always did.
That night Morgana was having difficulties sleeping. Her concern for Ravus and the appearance of the pale skinned man only added to the guilt she felt for yelling at Shadow when they had returned, warning her to never got the horse out without permission. She had raised her voice loud enough to cause a commotion. Looking back now, she found no reason why she had lashed out the way she had. She felt horrible. Sitting up, she looked around her room. Her gaze settled on the vanity. She climbed to her feet and padded over. Pictures of happy faces during happy times. She smiled as she looked at them.
Something moved. A shadow, dark against the darkness, passed behind her. She caught the reflection in the mirror, quickly standing she had to be ready to fight, to protect herself and the others. The shadow moved closer.
"No need for that, love," the shadow said.
"Alex?" she asked though she knew it wasn't his voice.
"No. Not Alex. Damian. I've come to rescue you, my princess." As he came closer, Morgana saw that it was the pale man from the woods. She wanted to move, to get away from this...man. She wanted to run to Alex, but she couldn't move. Couldn't feel her legs beneath her. He was moving closer. Now he was standing over her, towering, in fact, over her. His hands were holding her arms at the elbow and her eyes were locked onto his maroon ones. Though he wasn't moving he was still growing nearer. Soon his death pale lips were brushing hers and she was lost in the kiss. When next she opened her eyes, she found herself seated on the edge of her bed, completely alone.
Shadow had decided to sit out on her balcony to get some fresh air that night. She didn't care that Morgana had yelled at her. She'd been yelled at her entire life. She did feel somewhat bad that Morgana felt so miserable. She didn't understand the woman. She had had every right to yell at her. She would have done the same thing if it had been Morgana to take her horse. "I'm getting soft," she whispered, the comment coming from nowhere.
Suddenly she heard a sound coming from her right side. She turned in time to see someone climbing out of Morgana's room window. "Quinn?" she called out and followed him to the ground. "Quinn, what are you doing?" she asked quietly. The body turned around and all Shadow could see was a flash of maroon eyes as the man came towards her. Quickly he pulled her into his embrace, trapping her mouth with his. Shadow started, the settled as the kiss lingered. That would be the last thing she remembered before falling into a deep and dreamless sleep.
End chapter five. Six (Another Challenge) is next, so stay tuned.
