Chapter 10: Man vs Wolf
04.09.2021
Rhydian dragged his fish smelling sleeve across his face knowing the slimy, stink of fish wouldn't completely be eradicated until he showered later that afternoon. The slippery, flat, same-sided fish blinked as it made one last attempt to escape from the conveyor belt where it would end its journey. "Damn it!"
"Ah, relax, lad," came the gruff voice of his boss and captain of the Little Marie.
Rhydian held back the urge to protest like a spoiled child. He detested working at the docks, but without any additional education after Bradlington High, he was limited on career choices. He braced himself on the frame of the machine and tried to calm himself.
Duncan, the captain's son and part of the three men crew, guffawed so loudly, a flock of greedy gulls fled, leaving droppings to rain about them. Rhydian growled, ready to punch the nimrod, when a crumpled, ten pound note was shoved in his face. "Tak' it, mate," the captain commanded more than offered. "Ge' yourself somet'in', 'kay?"
Rhydian had overslept, his phone's battery dying during the night. In such a rush to not miss "last call" to set sail for that days' catch, he forewent breakfast. His stomach rumbling at the mere idea of eating, Rhydian accepted the offered money.
"Oh! How 'bout me, Pops?" whined Duncan.
"Finish loadin' me catch, boy," snapped the captain, hobbling back on the small fishing boat into his quarters.
Rhydian smirked, taking some minuscule pleasure at Duncan's ostentatious pouting. Rhydian strolled down the pier and toward the entrance of the docks where a small kiosk had popped up a few weeks earlier. A middle-aged Asian woman, named Kim, had been permitted to setup shop and sold coffee (a given for any fisherman) and some pastries, bagels, and such. It wasn't anything glamorous but it did the trick.
Choosing a scone and a black coffee, Rhydian plopped next to the nearby picnic table and took a large bite, savoring the pockets of blueberry that exploded as he bit into it, he looked about. Box trucks clamored in and out of the dock. Gruff, fatigued-looking sailors milled about, grunting occasionally like cave-men to each other.
"This place is unpleasant . . . horrid, even."
Rhydian spun in his seat, his eyes growing in surprise, "Bryn? What are you doing here?" Looking around, waiting for Segolia agents to swoop in and seize them both, he quickly rose to his feet, forgetting his much anticipated breakfast.
Recognization hit the svelte, dark-haired Wolfblood, "Ah, Jana took care of it. She even scheduled my travel."
Rhydian's fear morphed to elation until hearing the last part in which it dropped into a frown. Returning to his meal, he took another bite, his cheeks puffed out as he pushed the last bit into his mouth. Taking sips of his coffee to help force it down without choking, he watched Bryn seat himself across from him. Sniffing, he snorted at the strong coffee, "It looks like the stuff they pave the Natural's roadways with."
"Bryn," Rhydian warned. "Why are you here?"
Shrugging his shoulders in innocence, "I thought I would explore. See where my brother spends his time. Do you not miss me?" Cocking his head to one side, a playful smile tugging at his lips.
Suddenly missing the dunce's company, Rhydian rose and discarded the remaining half of his beverage into the bin. "I need to get back. Tell Jana I say 'ello."
"Uh, wait!" Bryn awkwardly pulled himself from the bench seat and scrambled to cut off Rhydian's exit, nearly colliding with him instead.
"Seriously, I have work." The eldest Morris brother moved to side step him, but Bryn blocked him. Flashing his eyes, Bryn bared his teeth and for a tense few seconds, each male postured until reality set in as to where they were. Relaxing, Rhydian watched his younger brother do the same.
"I came to see how you were doing," Bryn said sincerely. "I heard you found her."
"Who told you that?" he asked, arching his eyebrow knowingly.
"Mum," Bryn answered flatly. Rhydian eyed his brother. "I think Jana told her."
That sounded about right.
"And now she wants you to convince me to join the group, right?"
Bryn shook his head. "She is worried about you."
Rhydian picked up on what was being unsaid and soured. He could take care of himself. "I'm fine. I found her. That was my promise. I kept it."
Holding his hands up, Bryn acquiesced. "Good. Tonight is a full moon, let's do like we did back in the wild and go for a good hunt and run."
Rhydian swallowed and fixed his face to neutral. Rhydian had never caught on to hunting and killing animals like a Wild Wolfblood, but he sensed his brother's attempt to bond and endeared by it, reluctantly agreed. "Sounds good. Now leave," he instructed, laughing at the end to let Bryn know he was asking in kind.
Rhydian latched the wooden barn doors close. Turning around, his gaze falls on the fields, warming in the bright sun. The tall grass, swaying lazily in the gentle breeze. Crossing through the small side yard toward the back, he lets the gate swing close, banging against the unforgiving latch. Resting his hands on his hips, a content smile plastered to his sweaty face, smudged with soot from working on the tractor.
"Got her going did ya?" Daniel Smith asks, his tight, auburn curls, greying at the edges.
"Yeah, though, I don't think I bought us all that much time."
Dan is filling a fourth glass of lemonade, looking out into the wide expanse. He sets it down on the table, near the corner setting.
"Oh good, you're finished!" Emma exclaims, settling a plate of sandwiches on the picnic table that is centered on the pavers outside the newly finished addition. Rhydian smiles, suddenly recognizing how hungry he is.
There's a pitter-patter as pebbles are kicked by a collie loping up the hillside. Rhydian eyes the canine, unable to recall a dog living on the Smith Farm before. The collie dropped his parcel: a long, half-chewed tug-toy at Rhydian's feet, its tongue hanging languidly out the side of its mouth.
"Now, now Cash. . ." Emma half-heartedly chides, "Settle, you." She places a bowl of cool water under the overhang, where the dog sauntered, hastily emptying half the bowl in mere seconds.
There's slow plodding of a person coming up the the small pathway, silhouetted by the glow of dusk. Wasn't it just afternoon, Rhydian questions for a beat before his eyes register the person coming closer.
"Wore me out," she laughs, sighing at the end of her words, a wane smile spreading on her plump feature.
"Having trouble there, hun?" Emma asked, already knowing the answer. Dan dropped a large handful of crisps on her plate, pulling her seat out for her.
"Yeah," she exhaled, "I'll say," Maddy lamented, placing her hand on her rounding stomach.
Rhydian perked up, crossing the small distance, he didn't pause - didn't slow - as he kissed her. Hard, unrelenting, and desperate.
"Hey now," chuckled Dan, "let's keep it appropriate there, son. I know how she got pregnant, don't need a demonstration," he chortled.
Emma snapped her dish towel at her husband playfully. "I can't wait for the baby to get here," she exclaimed, placing her hand of her chest. "Now, sit, you should rest. No need to overwork yourself now."
"Come on," Maddy ushered, grasping his hand and leading the way to the picnic table.
Gathered together, and Rhydian sat mystified as he listened to his family - his pack - recount their day; neglected sat the sandwich and crisps. Rhydian studied Maddy's face, taking in every detail and committing it to memory. Stretching out his hand, he couldn't reign in his desire to touch her stomach, growing within their child.
It was everything he wanted.
Then . . . .
Rhydian finally pulled his eyes away to take a bite of his sandwich to find it disappeared. Quizzical at what happened to his lunch, he cocked his head to one side. If only the elusive meal was his only problem. A shrill cry cut through him like a knife. The sound of the bench seat he was sharing with his wife toppled over, and Rhydian along with it.
Sprawled on his back he looked back to the picnic table. In front of him, Dan and Emma were pulling Maddy away. Rhydian watched her struggle against their hold, her body suddenly as slender as he remembered at the studio.
In one deft movement, he was back on his feet. "Wha-what is happening?" he asked the once heavily pregnant Maddy, her stomach showing no sign of harboring any life within. Rhydian reached out but immediately backpedaled as he glimpsed his surrogate parents' gleam red. Emma seemed to grow another five inches, as Mr. Smith's face erupted in dark fur. In a mix of horror and confusion, he watched as they transformed into werewolves.
Gaining his wits, he growled, evaluating a way to pull Maddy away to safety, he followed them as they retreated into the cave behind them. Rhydian was beside himself how they had arrived inside the mouth of a cave when he could have sworn they were just at the farmhouse seconds ago. The cave walls pushing in on him, he was forced onto his hands and knees."Maddy!" he called out.
"Help, Rhydian!"
"I'm comin'! Just hold on!" he ordered, grunting as the space was so small, he was reduced to crawling on his stomach.
Is that a promise?
Rhydian froze, a voice - not his own - seemed to have surrounded the small space. It was guttural, male, and predatory.
Unable to locate the source he continued his crawling, a faint stream of light shining through.
"Maddy!"
"Rhydian!" Her voice was growing faint and he could hear his heartbeat in his ears.
"I'll save you."
Save her?
Rhydian tried to turn and see behind him, but was met with a hard, jagged cave wall.
"Just hold on. I'll -"
Find her?
Hurdling over his initial fear, Rhydian threatened the disembodied voice with another growl.
Hurry now. I mean, it took you so long last time . . . Don't you love her?
Rhydian paused, succumbing to his frustration. "Where are you?! Come out!" he demanded.
Silence, just the dissipating wails of Maddy's cries.
Rhydian squeezed through the hole. The sunlight blinding him, he gingerly inched forward, blinking rapidly. Something thick, congealed, and sticky seeped through his jeans and clung to his palms.
Turning over his hands, he reasoned the deep ruby coloring was blood. The sun scurrying behind the tree line, Rhydian recognized the woods that bordered the moors.
Leaves kicked up and danced about in the wind. Between him and the cold earth were two dead, disemboweled werewolves. Rhydian looked away, the sight of the the long lacerations from a brutal animal attack just too much. Rushing to his feet and nearly slipping on the pool of blood, he located Maddy on the other side of small clearing of fresh, turned up earth. Seemingly unconscious, she lay vulnerable.
"Maddy!"
Rhydian raced toward her, his arm stretched out painfully to get to her - to touch her. Just a couple of meters away, he was halted in his steps as a familiar collie materialized between he and Maddy. Its eyes the color of the moon on a cloudless night, he showed its teeth as if . . . . laughing.
"Move Cash!" He ordered. "I need to get to Maddy!"
You are no longer needed . . . or wanted.
While he never saw the dog's mouth move, he knew without a doubt, it was the dog talking. Rhydian blinked as the animal appeared to blur out of focus. But it wasn't his vision, the dog was sharp shifting into a large, tri-colored wolf, one he knew better than any other.
His.
Rhydian watched perplexed as it seemed to rise above him, towering over him. Yet the wolf wasn't moving, Rhydian was. He was sinking. The soft upturned earth was quicksand! Rhydian wriggled this way and that, but couldn't break free. His legs already engulfed, he called out, "Help me!"
You are unable to be trusted. Unable to protect our legacy. . . our pack, OUR mate.
"I need to . . . help . . . Maddy," he insisted between clenched teeth. Clawing at the soft earth, he continued to sink.
You failed. You. Are Weak.
Rhydian could only see the darkening violet of the sky, and the ominous form of his wolf looming over him. The sand covering his lips, he took a breath . . . darkness.
Rhydian could hear his name being called, distressed, panicked, but certainly not his or Maddy's . . . or anything else's. With more effort than ever needed before, he forced his eyes open, to find himself face to face with a security guard. The balding man with a think mustache had his large, pudgy fingers wrapped around Rhydian's, trying in a futile effort to dislodge the Wolfblood's grip on his - now - wrinkled uniform top, the other curled around his own face in defense.
Another holler of his name, and Rhydian could see someone clinching their arms around his, trying to prevent him from apparently striking the guard. Sharpened nails, and teeth overlapping like that of a canine, Rhydian felt as if he had been just dropped into the middle of a fight without an inkling of how he got there.
"Let . . . go . . . son," grunted Mr. Jeffries. Rhydian released the guard, relaxing his hand that was drawn back to claw at the guard. He stepped a few feet away, both men breathing heavily.
Hands trembling, the guard reached for some handcuffs.
"That's unnecessary, Bob." The guard focused on the young blonde man, the coloring drained from the Wolfblood's face as he took in his surroundings. The red light catching the dilated pupils of the security officer. "Really, he's - um," Tim Jeffries, swallowed, "was a student."
"It - it's procedure, sir. Trespassin' on school property." Bob had the one cuff unclasped and ready, the chain of the restraint rattling as his hand shuddered.
Rhydian watched as Mr. Jeffries disappeared into the darkness and reappeared, handing the guard his flashlight.
Rhydian caught a flicker of movement and he jumped, colliding into his teacher. A ballast light from the dark room had shorted, while another ceiling lamp had been dislodged, limply swinging by one overworked cable.
Rhydian noticed a wire rack tipped over, prints and cameras strewn about; the sole working light flickered to life a moving-picture scene of primal carnage. The strong astringent smell of developer fluid coated the floor.
Pointing to the soaked prints that were surely ruined and the small string of negatives that were skimming the puddle of stop fluid, the security guard sputtered, "M-M-Mr. Jeffries . . . Th-th-the Head-eadmaster will want to be made aware, I sh-should call the po-lice."
"Understood, and I think your bravery should be recognized, but . . ." Looking back at Rhydian, he guided Bob from the small room (home of the Bradlington High Photography Club), to continue their talk.
Rhydian found solace on the worn couch they used to stretch out on and hang out, doing typical teenage things.
Rhydian wasn't sure how long he had been sitting there, but at some point Mr. Jeffries had persuaded Bob not to call authorities or press charges.
"Well, that was fun," his former teacher greeted, holding out a mug of coffee. Rhydian accepted it. "Let's sit somewhere with less . . . nauseating chemical smell." Rhydian bobbed his head, completely numb, and followed the man in the sports coat out of the room. Rhydian walked through the all too familiar hallways until he was at Mr. Jeffries' office.
Seated once more, he sipped at the piping hot beverage. It was quiet, the sun bleeding through the windows. He had nearly emptied half the mug when Mr. Jeffries cleared his throat. "You never were the talkative type."
At this Rhydian eased into a careful smile. "A little hard when you are trying to keep secret that you are part of a rare species of humans that can shape-shift into wolves," he responded dryly.
Mr. Jeffries's shoulders jumped as he quietly laughed.
"You . . ." he pointed to a small picture behind the large desk Mr. Jeffries sat behind.
"Ah, yes," said the man with the with salt n' pepper hair, plucking it from the shelf and admiring it solemnly. It was a picture of the quartet, taken for the yearbook. "I like to hang all the club pictures."
Rhydian looked to the adjacent wall and saw rows of club photos, but noticed a stark difference. All of them on the wall were from the current year, yet theirs was the only alumni picture to be out for display.
"And you didn't want a photography club, looks like it's one of the more popular groups?" He chortled, pointing to the picture in the center of the series.
"I always encourage student involvement in school extra circulars, especially the arts - have you seen my new book?" Rhydian blinked, unsure how to respond without insulting him. "Well, anyway . . . I was not surprised she finagled a way to keep the photography club going." He returned the framed picture to its rightful spot. "Very clever . . . what was it you called it?" he tapped his scruffily chin, "um, very . . . alpha. That was it!"
Rhydian looked into the tar-colored liquid, remembering a similar conversation with Alric one rainy afternoon after Maddy had outwitted the elder Wolfblood.
"Yeah . . ." It had crossed Rhydian's mind to keep in touch, Mr. Jeffries was one of the few Naturals to know his secret, but he never acted on. He had come close once, after a night out drinking with Tom, picked up the phone and even dialed his number, but hung up when he heard him answer. Rhydian wondered if Mr. Jeffries ever figured it out.
"So, you don't have to tell me . . . but it certainly would make me feel like putting my neck out there with the guard was for not."
Mr. Jeffries eased himself onto the forest green bench outside and rubbed his face, "Ugh."
Rhydian sat next to him and leaned back, resting his forearms on the table, he looked out to the soccer fields that cushioned the school from woods.
"I asked, didn't I?"
Rhydian snorted. "Uh, Mr. Jeffries -"
"Tim, please Rhydian. I'm no longer your teacher." He clasped his hand on his pupil's shoulder.
"Right, um, Tim . . . What would you do?"
The tenured teacher jumped, startled by the question. He had never been sought out before for advice with such sincerity. Funnily enough, his own brain was trying to process it all.
"Never mind." Rhydian suddenly stood, "Thanks for the coffee."
"No, wait! Sit, please." Rising, to sit on the table, to rest his feet on the bench seat, he patted the space next to him. "Come on, Rhydian. Humor an old man."
Rhydian quirked his eyebrow, the man couldn't be older than his late forties. With a resigned sigh, he stepped on the bench and sat down beside his former teacher. The morning was unnaturally quiet, even for a Saturday.
"I'm not the best," Tim chortled, "Not even close . . . when it comes to matters of the heart, I'm no brighter than you young lads walking about," he added, gesturing with his hands to the empty grounds of the school. "Yet . . . I know that it is not without give and take . . ."
Rhydian opened his mouth but promptly closed it. He was beside himself as to how to respond, mostly because he had no clue as to what Mr. Jeffries was talking about.
Seeing Rhydian move through the different levels of confusion, Tim shifted to face him. "Looking back, I understand that much of the lying and peculiar behavior you lot showed was impart because of," he looked about the barren school yard, then leaned in, "you know."
Rhydian stifled his laughter and continued to listen.
"She did what she thought was right, believe in, and that meant supporting those she believed in. . . even when I suspect she knew very little - not enough - to earn it."
Rhydian blushed, knowing that he as referring to when he had first arrived. Their first interaction wasn't smooth, in the least. But, shortly after -sooner than he expected - she had become his closest confidant, his family before he really knew what that all meant . . . his mate. And before that - his protector. She stoped him from being outed and outing their kind on his first day, did so even at the expense of her friendship with Tom and Shannon. She had put him before them and even her parents' wishes, to be with him. Had she known then what he only seem to discover as she walked over that hillside that fateful day, nearly ten years ago?
"She has no memory," he said matter-of-factly.
"Yes, you had mentioned," he sighed.
"She has no idea who I am . . . what we are," he continued, more for himself than the man beside him.
"I'm not sure how it works . . ." he began trying to convey the unspoken with his eyes, "But when we . . . non-Wolfbloods find our soulmates, we do for better or worse." Tim took a breath and looked up into the blue sky, the white puffy clouds slowly meandering by. "She may not remember you, Rhydian. But you remember her, what you two had. Don't you owe it to her to at least make her aware of it? You be the alpha this time."
"Uh . . ." That's not how it worked. Not really.
"You get what I'm sayin'," he smiled, his eyes sunken in by purple half-moons, fatigue starting to set in.
"What if she . . . " Rhydian trailed off, the words dying in his throat.
"Take it one step at a time . . . I've never known you to be the plan ahead type . . . why start now?" He patted his knee and stood. "Now I must be off. I'm late for my Writer's Group." He smiled, doing his traditional snap into pointing his fingers at him.
Rhydian's mouth quirked into a small smile as he also stood. "Thanks for comin' for me."
"Not much choice. I'm the one on-call should security need to reach out for emergencies." He held his hand out. "It was good seein' ya, Rhydian."
Rhydian studied the hand, feeling an unusual surge of camaraderie for the man, he gave him a hug instead. "Thank you, Mr. Jeffries. I should have said that earlier."
As he separated, Rhydian could have sworn the man's eyes were watery. Feeling uncomfortable again, he turned and made the long walk home.
Rhydian couldn't take the chest-tightening sobs of his mother's that crept from the kitchen and slithered into the den. Recounting the night before had been ten times worse than when he had told it to Mr. Jeffries. Lying on the floor, drumming his fingers against his stomach, staring up at the ceiling, he had nothing else to do but listen as her cries reverberated in the small hideaway. Another wail from his mother barreled into him, bring him to his feet.
Unable to listen to it further, he covered his ears, pacing the length of the dimly lit room. Rhydian wished he could comfort her and tell her not to worry, but he couldn't.
Would he lose his mind to the wolf?
Why couldn't he control it?
What will the wolf do once it has control again?
Each question of hers only frayed his already frazzled nerves. He had feigned being sick with the flu to postpone going to work. He had forced himself to remain within the confines of the property. He made sure the den was secured at all times. It should make him feel more at ease; yet, it just didn't feel enough.
Rhydian moved to the doorway, his hands curling around the bars, just as he opened his mouth to call out to be freed, he quickly clamped it shut. No! It's better - safer, he reminded himself. As if hearing his plea within, Rhydian covered his eyes as the sliding, heavy barn door opened. Blinding light from the kitchen flooded the room. "I want to talk."
Rhydian blinked, not from the blazing light but in astonishment. Bryn was not a social butterfly. He wouldn't even be considered a social caterpillar.
Acquiescing, Rhydian stepped back, the light from within the home barely illuminating him. Bryn pulled the keys from the rung and unlocked the cell-like door, stepping purposefully inside.
"You should lock - "
"I'm not scared of you . . . I'm scared for you, Rhydian. Locking yourself up like the Naturals do wild animals at their - their animal parks -"
"Zoos?" Rhydian interjected, trying to play down the smile creeping on his face. "Doesn't matter, lock it anyway," he instructed, his eyes shifting from the door to the nesting areas then the aging high-back chair.
Bryn leered at him, but said nothing for a spell. "You need -"
"I know what I need," the eldest of the Morris boys interrupted. "I need for my wolf to stay inside!"
"What you need is to resolve this Maddy-problem."
"She's not the problem - I mean, she kind of is - I . . ."
"You are having issues just thinking straight."
"I'm tired Bryn, cut me some slack, won't you?"
"Because you're not sleeping. You're not eating. You haven't left since the . . ."
"Since IT took over. I almost . . ."
"Attacked someone . . . we know," the ire in his brother's voice dying. "Mum is worried. She is planning a brief trip to see some Elders. Maybe they can help."
Looking past Rhydian, his eyes sweeping the "Den" as the Smiths often referred to it: the cozy furniture, dimly lit room, the books passed on from generation to generation smooshed together on the small bookcase . . . and the smell. Rhydian was reluctant to return to this place, purposely avoiding it for years, but it had been the only place he could be assured he wouldn't hurt anyone. The door could be locked from outside and the small entrance leading away to the Hunter Farm had been bordered and padlocked, the key safe somewhere in the house. He had been caught off guard by how settling and comforting to have the smells of his surrogate family ease the restless spirit within.
"It's . . . home-y." Rhydian knew Bryn's knee jerk reaction was to call it something else, unnatural, maybe. It wasn't normal for a Wolfblood to lock themselves up on a full moon and hid themselves away in some form of shame and self-hatred - at least, that's what Bryn and most Wild Wolfbloods felt.
But, now more than ever, Rhydian understood what Daniel and Emma Smith were trying to do, more than protect themselves, they needed to protect those that didn't understand or know the full capabilities of a Wolfblood - the thing that laid within just waiting for an opportunity to take over. Rhydian shook his head at how stubborn and naive he had been in his youth, how he had recklessly rebuke their offer of safety and more so, convincing Maddy his beliefs were right.
"We need to . . . to do something."
Sighing loudly, he looked askance at his brother, taking a seat in the worn recliner and rocking back and forth. "I'm not sure what there is to do. IT has determined that I'm not doing enough to keep Maddy safe or . . . . I don't know."
Dragging his finger along the spines of the aged and dusty texts on the bookshelf across the room, Bryn declared, "Then do something to make her safe."
Rhydian was about to snap. Had his brother honestly thought that he wasn't constantly racking his brain for ways to appease his inner wolf. But he couldn't cure amnesia. He couldn't fix her. Plus, as far as safety - she was being protected by Segolia. What could be safer?
Me.
It was a deep, melodic voice, full of confidence and determination. Rhydian could feel a cold chill sweep over him as he confirm to himself what he already knew . . . Bryn never headed his instruction to lock the door.
Rhydian gripped the armrest with every bit of strength he could muster. His teeth clenched, he whimpered. "Bryn, the door . . ."
Bryn might not have been scared of Rhydian's wolf but he shouldn't have underestimated its strength.
Rhydian felt himself collide into something sturdy and and unforgiving. A piercing hum erupted as his head hit the ground. Instantaneously, Rhydian hissed in pain, his hand reach up to feel the back of his head that it wasn't bleeding. His vision still obscured by his wrestling for control both internally and externally, the eldest Morris brother, felt all the air leave him as a heavy weight landed on his chest and someone - a woman - could be heard screaming in the background. Was it Maddy? Was he dreaming again?
A second weight dropped on his legs, capturing them tightly, so they were bound and unable to move. Rhydian dug his long finger nails into his assailant's back, dragging each sharpened nail across and into their fleshy side. A long howl emanated from his captor as Rhydian continue to thrash around. Rhydian huffed and tried to bite down on the hand that found his mouth and held fast to stop his breathing.
Finally, as if emerging from a tunnel, his vision returned and he flexed his fingers. Coming to his sense, in pain and afraid of losing consciousness and control if he continue to fight back, he relaxed.
"Okay, son, relax. Bryn, let go of Rhydian," Gerwyn's head popped up, behind his brother's body that lay strewn across Rhydian. Bryn craned his neck to look Rhydian in the eyes. His younger brother was sweating and panting heavily, a few tears falling from his eyes.
"Son . . . you . . . all right?" Gerwyn gasped.
The sensation in his legs was gone, and he curled his toes trying to get the feeling back. Rhydian felt a jabbing pain in his right forearm as he watched Bryn grunt, shifting his weight to continue pinning him down.
"Yes, please. . . you're hurting me," plead, his voice gurgled as he half-inhaled, half-coughed.
"Let him up, Bryn!" commanded Ceri, who stood just a little ways away.
"Mum?" Rhydian croaked, feeling very exposed suddenly.
Gerwyn was the first to relinquish his hold, coming to stand beside Ceri. Rhydian watched his father brush dirt from his well-worn pants and jacket as he worked to settle his shaking hands and panicked-looking face. Handing her husband something like a small knife and a vial, Ceri coaxed her youngest offspring to follow suit. As Bryn eased himself to his feet, he hobbled to stand beside his mum. He too, accepted the same items that had been given to his father.
"This is a silver dagger," she shook the knife for emphasis at Rhydian, who was still laying flat on his back, "and liquid silver," she shook the bottle, carefully enunciating each word. "You are aware how poisonous these are to a Wolfblood, even fatal in their Wolfblood form.
Rhydian nodded, disoriented from the lack of oxygen. Propping himself onto his elbow, he eyed them each. The last he remembered was being in the Den. It was becoming clearer with each passing second that IT had engaged in an all-out brawl with his brother. The two Morris boys had apparently broken the exterior kitchen door from the kitchen to that led to the yard as it hung limply by one hinge. They must have then twisted into the broken wash line with once-clean wash scattered about, only to finally stop when Bryn tackled him through the split-rail fence.
Putting up his hands in surrender, he sat up, then carefully rose to one knee, keeping his eye on his family like that of prey to its predator. Finally, he wobbled to both feet.
"It's me - me." As dumb as the words sounded, how else was he to explain it? "Told you to lock the . . ." The urge to place blame on Bryn died in his mouth took in the sight of Bryn and the aftermath fighting with him had done.
Rhydian watched as Bryn's frayed flannel shirt billowed in the gentle breeze, giving a glimpse at the large scratch marks wrapping around his younger brother. Bryn grimaced as blood crept from his waist band and seeped into the denim of his legs. Rhydian dropped his gaze, the guilt pressing on him as he took in all the damage to their home and more importantly, his little brother. Bryn was adorning some bruises to his face, a busted lip, and small knick on the nose.
"Get in the house, Bryn. I'll be there shortly. Go," she instructed, giving him no room for protest. "Rhydian, you go, after he gets inside."
Rhydian tried to suppress the limp, certain his ankle was twisted from their fight. With each step of his awkward strut, his lower back pulsated sending a shooting pain in opposing directions. As much as he wanted to let out a whimper, he denied himself that right. He watched Bryn struggle to take the smallest step inside, nearly losing his footing. Rhydian stopped, his fist balled so tightly, he was shaking.
"It'll be all right. I'll fix'm up then you," Ceri consoled, passing Rhydian to help Bryn steady himself.
A tentative hand laid on his shoulder. Rhydian chanced a glance at its owner, to see Gerwyn silently nudge his eldest son forward.
Returning to the Den, Rhydian tried to calm himself, but was finding it harder as the long, pained howl of his brother played over and over in his head.
It wasn't but a few minutes later, much sooner than he would have imagined that the large wooden door slid open, and the light from the kitchen once more chased away the darkness. Gerwyn was carrying something lumpy in his arms, slamming the cell door shut with more force than needed, making it clear if not for him, but Rhydian that it was shut and with a small mummer, the interior mechanism sprang to life, locking the door behind the eldest Morris man.
Holding out the lumpy bag of frozen lima beans, "For your eye." Rhydian accepted the frozen vegetable and rather than put it over his swelling eye, he cushioned the back of his head with it. "No one eats those." Gerwyn walked over to the elevated nesting area that Rhydian remembered relaxing on as a wolf, the feel of the hay and earth insulating him as he pressed himself to Maddy close before finally falling asleep. It would never have been permitted to share a nest or "bed" with their daughter in human form, but Mr. and Mrs. Smith never said a single word about his nuzzling next to their daughter on full moons. Knocking a sole knuckle on the wood frame, Gerwyn picked at a few pieces of straw, half-heartedly dropping them to the floor.
"How'd it feel?"
"I should be askin' you that," his father chortled.
"No," Rhydian corrected, pulling the softening bag from his head and letting it plop on the small side table. Seeing the bag coated in red, he turned his hand over to find one of his nails missing and a lone scratch that was oozing blood. "How . . . how did you . . ." He grimaced, why was this so hard, he wondered. "How did you handle it when we were" gesturing between them.
His eyebrows rising in understanding, his father smiled dejectedly. "How was it when I came back and you was all grown?"
Rhydian nodded slightly, the movement causing waves of pain to break against his eyes.
"Well, it was bittersweet, I guess is a good way to put it," he said with unsure laugh. "I left to keep you both safe and so when I returned - in spite of the reception - you were both safe. My plan had worked . . ."
"Yeah, but we didn't need you to come back." Seeing the look on his father's face, Rhydian felt he had just sucker punched him. "I didn't mean it like that."
"Perhaps, but you're right," he agreed, pulling his bowler hat off and rotating it in his hands. "But, I need to ensure you were okay. That's why I had left in the first place, to keep you safe. It's what brought me back."
Both men grew silent. Gerwyn replaced his cap on his head and shoved his hands in his pockets.
"Instinct, huh?" Rhydian looked at his father, searching for an answer somewhere hidden in the fine wrinkles spreading from the corners of his eyes, or the small greying stubble.
"Yes, instinct . . . a voice from my inner wolf."
Rhydian looked up to see his father staring at him.
"I fought it. Thinking you lot were better off, but the wolf was right. My pack needed me and I needed them. Stronger as a pack, son. Stronger when you work together."
Rhydian furrowed his eyebrows, he opened his mouth to speak, but like it fall shut again.
Was he speaking about he and Maddy?
Or he and his friends?
Or he and his inner wolf?
Mulling over his father's words, he heard, somewhere in the background, the heavy metal door shut, and his father's wishes he get some rest.
Rhydian only knew it was morning by the pull of the moon fading. Had he really been up thinking all night? In spite of his own beliefs it was becoming clear the business of his helping Maddy wasn't finished. Perhaps if his wolf saw again her mental health, IT would stop - stop trying to take over and ruin his life. But as it dawned on him he would need to leave the property, his heart sank. No one - not even his family - would permit him to journey unsupervised, and surely if Jana caught wind he was going to speak with Maddy, she'd also stop him.
Pacing back and forth, he remembered the infamous mine shaft, the one they had boarded up years ago.
Rhydian pushed away the armchair he had been thinking in earlier to discover the tunnel entrance boarded up. Rhydian looked back to the cellar door, expecting it to slide open and Segolia barge through; yet, all was quiet.
Planting one foot on the wall he pulled, trying to slowly pop free each nail, the wood reverberating with a hollow heartbeat. As the last few nails came free, he turned back and checked again to see the coast was clear.
He clambered through the narrow shaft, finally emerging miles away on the Hunter farm. As he heaved himself up, he was met with two scuffed trainers. His eyes lifting to finally meeting the face that belonged to the them, he caught Bryn's smirk.
"How?"
Rhydian twisted, following his brother's gaze to see it land on their mother, a small cloth sack in her hand.
Rhydian eyed the bag, leery of what was contained inside. Nothing sharp protruded, but still . . .
"It was me, son," Gerwyn emerged trotting to a stop.
"But . . . ." At this point, Rhydian was still only halfway out the hole, feeling extremely vulnerable. Bryn's hand extended to help him out. Reluctantly, he accepted and patted his knees to removed the dry earth stains.
"You're talkin' about someone who was on the run from Wolfbloods for more than a decade."
Fair enough, thought Rhydian. "I need -"
"We know," Ceri cut in, and for a split second Rhydian expected her to start crying again. "Here," she handed the bag to him. "It has some vials to help keep your inner wolf at bay."
"But not stop him, huh? I mean, IT can still . . ."
She nodded, her lower lip quivering. "Yes, it will only really delay the break out . . . hopefully long enough for Bryn to get you somewhere safe . . . subdue you, if necessary."
Rhydian swallowed at the last part, feeling uncertain of his decision but knowing he didn't really have a choice. He turned to his brother, also realizing that he wasn't actually traveling alone like he had planned.
"You don't think you were going by yourself," he confirmed, with a cheeky grin.
"It will be good for you, to have someone else," Ceri soothed.
"Just in case?" Rhydian retorted.
"Exactly," his father agreed, pointing at him and winking.
"The meeting . . . with the Elders . . ."
Ceri closed the distance and kissed him on each cheek, "Do what you must to find peace . . . for both of you."
Rhydian grimaced, understanding that she didn't find a fix for his problem, then cocking his head to one side he narrowed his eyes on her. Both of you, he thought back. Did she mean he and his inner wolf or he and Maddy? As if reading his mind like most mothers could, "You'll figure it out. I have faith in you."
Rhydian plucked the cork topper from the vial and took a tentative whiff. He reared his head back, "This smells worse that trash and rotten eggs on a hot day."
"Yes, well it will help," she reassured, trying not to laugh at the disgusted face of her husband and youngest offspring.
Bryn began coughing from the putrid smell of the concoction. "Bottle that, will ya?"
"I don't know, maybe it best you stay here," Rhydian offered, raising the vial toward his little brother.
"Just give me some warning if you are going to take a swig of that vile stuff," he muffled from behind his hands that were shielding his nose and mouth.
Rhydian wanted to argue but he was also touched by Bryn's insistence to come along. He and his brother hadn't been very close in their youth due to events outside their control. They had only recently made any real efforts at having a some semblance of a relationship, so how could he, as the older brother, turn his little brother's offer down?
He couldn't.
Bryn lagged behind, slowing Rhydian down as he tried to make haste inside. Never having been to Segolia, Bryn was in awe of the behemoth of a building that housed both humans and Wolfbloods, working collaboratively for a common good. Rhydian was starting to grow impatient, as he held the elevator door open for his brother to join. Chewing his bottom lip , he watch as Bryn pressed his face to the glass, watching them rise higher and higher. "Have you never been on an elevator?"
Bryn huffed and rolled his eyes, "Not one like this."
As Rhydian watched the floor numbers tick up, he peered over shoulder, half expecting his brother to be causing some type of trouble.
The lift chimed for the eleventh floor and Bryn burst through, as if on the attack, though he had not a clue where he was. Rhydian roughly grabbed the back of his denim jacket and tugged him in the direction of the hall on the left.
"Right in front of the Naturals and everything . . ." Bryn chortled, earning hims a swat on the arm by his brother.
"Stop it," he ordered. "Don't use the word Naturals and all that. Not everyone knows they are working for a company run by a hybrid human species," he hissed.
"Okay, okay," Bryn assured, but the over-confidence he exuded did the exact opposite to assuage Rhydian's worries. Rhydian wished he had an ant-acid or something, his stomach felt sour, like he was about to vomit.
They walked to the very end, where solid walnut double doors barricaded them from continuing. On the side was a placard that read 'Critical Management of Independent Systems'. Rhydian listened to the hum of a security camera swiveling to see them both. Its lens rotating back and forth as its controller examined the newcomers.
"State your business," said a monotone, deep voice from the speaker box below the placard.
"Bryn," he gestured to his wild-eyed brother, who was trying to place the voice in an empty hallway, "and Rhydian Morris. We're here to see Jana."
There was a long pause and Rhydian was beginning to wonder if he had been heard at all.
Multiple clangs and bangs could be heard as the doors mechanically unlocked from within. Each door automatically pulled open revealing a large desk with a dark-skinned, stern looking man sitting behind it.
The man looked them in the eyes, as if determined to see their inner most thoughts, it was uncomfortable the amount of ferocity they held. Gesturing with his hand in a practiced motion, he relayed, "Please be seated, Special Agent Vilkas will be here shortly."
Rhydian and Bryn carefully selected seats and waited. Luckily it wasn't long before she appeared from around a corner, her features moved into one of happy confusion.
"Rhydian? Bryn?" She looked back at the agent seated who paid no mind to any of them. "Come on back," she instructed with a wave of her hand.
Rhydian passed several offices, each one with their doors closed, frosted glass giving way only to shadows. They turned down a corridor on the right and then made another right. It felt like they were about to go in a circle, when she came to a halt at the opened a door on her left. "Inside," she instructed, stepping aside so they could enter.
"Can I get you anything?"
"Like what?"
Jana was taken aback by Bryn's energy, "Um, like tea, coffee . . . water."
"Oh," Bryn said dejectedly, shaking his head.
Rhydian shook his head, taking a seat in the padded tan chair. Jana moved deftly around the large mahogany, corner desk and took a seat in the cream-colored, high back desk chair.
"Things have certainly gotten better for you, huh?"
Jana bristled, picking up on the note of vexation toward her elevated status. "So, what brings you here?" she asked cheerily, sorting some vanilla folders into neat piles.
Rhydian watched her continue to stack some folders on top of one differently colored one that seemed thicker than the rest. He arched an eyebrow, feeling he was being setup. "Really? I texted you we were coming?"
"Yes, but you declined to say when and why," she countered innocently.
"As if you don't know."
Shrugging her shoulders, "Well, I don't. Perhaps you're here to see lil' ol' me," she offered, batting her eyes at him.
He glanced down at the growing stack of files, his eyes fixed where the larger file was now hidden.
Rhydian's knee bounced in sync with the wrapping of Jana's fingers against her desk. Rhydian locked eyes with her, challenging the Wild Wolfblood to break eye contact.
"Look," she sighed, exasperated, "I think . . . it would be best to review our current action items with Dacia - she's leading it, you know? - and then we can determine how to best utilize your skills to help with the investigation."
Rhydian's eyebrows shot up, as if just struck in the face. "Action Items? 'Best utilize your skills'?"
"Rhydian, you're not being fair . . . as usual. You didn't want to be a part of this. Now, you want to . . . I'm not saying no -"
"Then why don't you clear it up for me," he said, his voice growing, he leaned forward, closing the distance. The sound of someone shifting their weight on some warped floorboards behind him could be heard.
Jana flared her nostrils and barred her teeth. "Fine," she ground out, leaning forward to close the gap even more. "I can't afford you to lose control. Period." Her eyes darted to the door, but nothing happened and she sank back in her seat.
The air that rushed from his lungs and seemed to take residence as a heavy silence in the small office. Rhydian whipped back around to see Bryn jump to his feet in anticipation of an altercation.
"You told her?!" he finally forced out.
"Keep your voice down," she warned. "And he did the right thing," Jana defended.
Rhydian pressed his lips closed so tightly they turned white. He grabbed at the vial tucked in his pocket, and considered partaking in some of its aide. But, if he couldn't control himself in front of Jana, how could he ever in front of Maddy? Releasing his grip, he clasped his hands together and leaned his chin on them, a pensive look on his face.
"We can't have you jeopardizing anything . . . not to mention hurting anyone, including yourself."
Rhydian nodded numbly, his eyes finding solace at the bottom of the one stack of files.
"Yes, Bryn called me last night," she said confidently.
Not turning to face his younger brother, he laughed bitterly. "Finally learned to use a cellphone, did ya?"
"Rhydian," Jana called gently, "it's good he told me."
"Did you tell anyone?"
"No."
"If anyone else knew . . . I don't . . ."
"They wouldn't let me help."
"They wouldn't let you out," Jana corrected, her eyes catching Bryn's behind him. "I'm not going to let that happen."
Rhydian swallowed, his throat tightening. "Maybe . . . I'd like that, um, tea, Jana," he informed, feelingly suddenly like a dog with its tail between his legs. Bryn found his seat again at a small loveseat that was pushed against the wall.
Bobbing her head, "Sure. Bryn?"
He waved her off, combing his hands through his hair.
As she closed the door, Bryn immediately blurt out, "She needed to know. I'm not sorry I told her."
He wanted to be mad at him, shake him, but he was right. His eyes falling back on the folders, "Fine, but watch the door, will ya?"
Bryn looked puzzled but followed his brother's request.
Rhydian rushed around the desk, and quickly moved all but the last file away. A sea-blue file with crinkled edges seemed to shimmer under the light coming from the window behind him. Opening the file, was an old picture of the Smith family. Rhydian dragged his finger along the edge of Maddy's face. "I will find out who did this," he growled.
"What?"
Rhydian ignored him and opened the file.
"What is that? What are you doing?" Bryn asked him in a harsh whisper, the door cracked open to keep an eye and ear out for their friend's return.
"Shhhh."
Rhydian flipped through page after page, picture after picture of evidence. Some of the pages were worn and had evidently been handled many times. Finding what he wanted, he smiled, peering up to confirm Bryn was still holding his post.
"77 . . . 77 . . . "
"Rhydian, she's heading back," Bryn whispered.
"Morovian Place. . . 77 Morovian Place. . ."
"Finish whatever you are doing, she is just about . . ." Huffing, Bryn exited the room.
Rhydian's heart quickened as he worried what Bryn was doing. "Uh, I need to you the bathroom, Jana. Where . . ."
"Oh, um, let me put this tray inside and -"
"No!" Bryn cut off.
Rhydian was sure he was going to throw up as he listened to the conversation just outside her office.
"I really, really need to use the loo," Bryn strained. "Can you just . . . "
"Uh, yes, of course. Follow me."
Rhydian could hear their footsteps falling away, a grin spreading across his face. "I owe you one," he said of his brother to the empty room.
"Toresholme . . . Torresholme . . . 77 Morovian Place, Torresholme. . ."
A picture of a large estate was paper-clipped to the corner of the page. Rhydian scanned it, but couldn't absorb much of the details as the door was nudged open.
Rhydian closed the folder and covered it the stack of miscellaneous files. Turning to the window, he feigned interest in the cityscape below.
Jana emerged carrying a tray with tea, water, and some biscuits. She stopped, seeing Rhydian having vacated his seat in favor of a spot unnaturally close to sensitive case files. Dropping the tray on the side table next to the loveseat, she hastily rounded the desk to confront him. "Rhydian," she said between gritted teeth, arms folded akimbo.
"I was just looking outside," he said, shrugging his shoulders. "You have such a nice view . . . much better than the place they had you working from."
"Uh-huh . . ."
Upon Bryn's return, he looked nervously between his brother and his former Alpha.
"Look Bryn, biscuits," Rhydian pointed out, taking the small plate and offering his younger brother one, like nothing was wrong in the least. Bryn hesitantly took one, smiling when he caught the small wink from Rhydian that Jana missed.
Jana closed the distance, her eyes pleading, "Please, don't do anything stupid."
Placing a hand on Jana's shoulder, "I'm not going to do anything stupid. Promise."
"That's it. Turn your pockets out," she commanded, hands on her hips. Bryn who took a rather exaggerated sip of his tea, drew their attention. "You too!" She snapped.
"That was my tea, Bryn," Rhydian half-heartedly reprimanded.
"Don't change the subject, Rhydian. Both of you. Now," she said, her voice sounding slightly panicked.
"Jana," Rhydian groaned.
"If you weren't hiding somethin' you wouldn't be stallin', eh?"
Rhydian huffed, but complied, turning out his pockets. Bryn took another loud slurp and then placed the tea back and followed his brother's lead.
Seeing only lint and a few candies fall (from Bryn), she relented, "Okay." She let her hands fall to her side and returned to her seat. "Listen, give me some time to talk to everyone and we'll see how we can involve you but keep everyone safe, okay?" Rhydian opened his mouth, but she continued, "I'm not going to tell anyone." Her eyes fell and for a split second, Rhydian wondered if she had noticed the piles and been shuffled. "I'm worried - seriously worried, Rhydian." She was rubbing her hands together, clearly distraught. Feeling a sharp pain of guilt at having rifled through her things, he looked down at his feet. "If your wolf is that strong . . . that determined . . ."
Rhydian looked up quickly, taking a step toward her, "I know. But mum gave me some stuff to help . . . and Bryn! I got -" he gestured to his brother, who had one biscuit in his mouth and several in his hands. Seeing the Wild Wolfblood caught stuffing his face, they all broke out into a much need laugh.
"Thanks, Jana. It'll be okay." He knocked on the desk to grab her attention.
"Promise?" she asked softly.
Rhydian felt his throat tighten as if someone were choking him. Nodding, he forced a smile.
"Well," he began with a cough. "Let me know, ya?"
She nodded. "Come on, Bryn. Let's go before," he said, ushering his brother, who had by now cleared the plate of all the cookies.
Rhydian and Bryan reached Piccalilli Square. Searching for line they need to take to return home, Rhydian felt overcome by a heavy sensation. Looking down at his hands, his veins darkened.
Stop!
We are not leaving without her.
Not here! Rhydian looked about at the crowded station, Bryn distracted by the smell coming from a stand selling pastries.
Rhydian uncapped the vial and took a long swig of it. Rhydian felt a tingling sensation flood his system pushing away the anxiousness and fervor of his inner wolf. Looking down, nearly a third of the remedy was gone. This isn't going to last long, Rhydian worried.
Tucking it back in his pocket, he found the line they needed to take and called Bryn to follow, ignoring his protest to stop for a bite. Seated in the train, he waited for other passengers to board.
"What's up with you?" Bryn asked, taking in Rhydian's nervous demeanor. "You look pale." It took several long seconds before Bryn caught up with the situation Rhydian was internally battling. Panic-stricken, he begged, "Not here. Take some of that remedy mum gave you."
"I have," Rhydian confirmed, hugging himself tightly as if he could keep IT inside by force.
I will not be stopped!
Rhydian shot to his feet in one deft motion, catching the younger Morris off-guard. "Rhydian!" Bryn hollered. Rising to follow Rhydian he was met with an unforgiving elbow the solar plex. Doubled over and gasping for breath, Bryn watched as Rhydian escaped; the automated doors creating an invincible barrier between them.
Rhydian paused at the top of the steps to watch the train pull away with his brother inside.
We need to hurry. We won't have much time, he said to his inner wolf that paced in anticipation.
A/N: Thank you for taking time to read the next installment. I wound up re-writing several of the sections from scratch. Feedback is appreciated. Please remember to click the story alert button if you are interested in being notified of the next update. Until next time, stay safe and well.