Okay, this is probably the longest chapter of this story so far. I had fun writing it. Let me know what you think. Btw, I would like to thank everyone who reviewed, favourited, story alerted, etc. You all rock! 33 reviews for 3 chapters. That's great! A lot more than I expected. Please keep reviewing! If you do, Derek will thank you personally….
Disclaimer: I do not own the Darkest Powers series. I swear. Kelley Armstrong does. Go harass her.
Enjoy the chapter.
CPOV
I was in my room. Waiting. Everyone else was long in bed. However, I was not. I could not sleep, no matter how hard I tried. Derek had told me to go to bed, that he would come and get me when the Change began, but I didn't believe him. If I were to fall asleep, it would be extremely simple for him to 'forget' his promise and go into the woods to face his pain alone. Good lord, he was stubborn. So here I was, pacing, waiting for any sounds of movement in the silent house. I didn't doubt that he would try to sneak out. Even though he knew I was awake.
Just then, I heard something fall and a muttered curse. I raced out of my room and down the stairs. I put my hands on my hips and glared at Derek.
''Going somewhere, are we Derek?'' I tsked.
''Go back to bed, Chloe.'' He grunted. Thought it sounded forced. I could tell that he was in severe pain
''Shut up and let me help you.'' I said as forcefully as I could.
''Fine.'' He sighed resignedly and walked out the door. I walked behind im and struggled to keep up with his long strides.
He walked deep into the surrounding forest and then began to stumble. When he could no longer move from the agony, he fell to ground. His entire form began to wrack violently. His face showed a mixture of fear and agony. His eyes rolled around, panicked. They seemed to be searching for something. Me? I grabbed his hand and began to stroke it softly. This seemed to calm him somewhat. The wracking became worse. He began to wretch and heave, food and stomach acid spewing over the surrounding shrubbery. A sickening crunch signalled that his bones were beginning to reshape themselves into canine form. I gulped. I had to be strong. But looking at him, in such agony, so vulnerable. It made me feel like crying. I could sit here and stroke his shoulders, his back, his hand, his cheek, whatever was available. I could say that everything would be okay. That this was normal. That the pain would subside. I could do this. What I couldn't do was make it true. I couldn't really do anything. Here he was, shaking in front of me. Moaning, groaning, in complete agony. And what was I doing? Whispering in his ear that everything would be okay, that's what. I couldn't promise that. I didn't know that. But it was all I could do. So I did it.
I sat there, all through his Change. I watched as his human body transformed. As his spine ripped from its rightful place and twisted and turned. As fur began to sprout beneath my fingers. As his teeth and fingers elongated into fangs and claws. As his tortured cries and shouts turned into growls and howls. As he made the transformation from man to wolf.
By the time the transformation was finished, my face was soaked by the tears that had fallen without my knowledge. He had been in so much pain. It wasn't fair. Looking back at me now was the most beautiful wolf I had ever seen. I noticed that he still had his eyes. His piercing green eyes that were currently looking at my tear sodden face with concern. And, if I wasn't mistaken, shame. He thought that it was his fault! That I was scared. Ridiculous. I threw my arms around him and wagged his tail in contentment. I giggled. This was a different side to Derek. A side that needed to show itself a lot more often. He ran around in a little circle and then curled into a tight ball on the ground. He then made a sound that resembled a yawn. He wanted to sleep out here? It was freezing! I couldn't leave him alone though. I couldn't blame him for wanting to sleep, he must be exhausted. So I lay down beside him, promising myself that it would only be for a little while. That we would then go inside. But I hadn't realised just how warm Derek would be. I was so comfortable. I snuggled into him and the warmth and soon drifted off to calming sound of his heartbeat.
When I awoke, it was bright outside. I was surprised to note that I'd had no nightmares. Not one. Actually, it was one of the best night's sleep I had ever had. I then recalled the night's event. Derek. Change. Completed. Derek had completed the change. And then. And then we had fallen asleep outside. I could hear the steady breathing of someone beneath me. Beneath me? I opened my eyes and looked down to see Derek with a smile on his face. I had fallen asleep on his chest. Which was...bare? I felt the heat rise in my cheeks. Of course, it made sense. His clothes had been torn to shreds during the Change. Then it dawned on me, if his shirt had been torn, then his trousers would have been too. And his, I gulped, boxers. I had slept and was currently lying on a completely naked boy.
My cheeks turned crimson. I tried to push myself from him without allowing my gaze to travel south. However, Derek was having none of it. He clutched me to him tightly and mumbled something incoherent. He was still asleep and I really didn't want to wake him. The situation was awkward enough as it was. I looked around us and saw the torn shreds of his once clothes. There was nothing left intact. Nothing that would allow Derek any privacy when he did wake up.
After a substantial amount of time, I was finally able to free myself from Derek's grip. When I did so he groaned and rolled over. I held my breath, thinking he would wake up, but then he began to snore loudly once again. What now? He would wake up soon. There were no clothes for him. Just the thought made my blush deepen. I needed to cover him before I did or said something stupid. Bad Chloe, I berated myself. Bad thoughts.
So I took off my jumper, the only available piece of clothing I could part with, and carefully draped it over him. I did my best not to look at him as I did so, afraid it would push me over the edge. When his, ahem, lower body was covered, I breathed a sigh of relief. The jumper didn't cover much, but enough. I thought then that it was safe to look at him. However, when I did so, I found myself transfixed by his chest. He looked perfect. And happy. It was nice. The worry lines that seemed to be ever present on his face had smoothed themselves out over the night. I placed my hand on his forehead. Even his temperature had gone down. He seemed to be infinitely better. I sat back and allowed him to sleep.
It seemed like no time later that he did wake up. However, I knew that it had been hours. The sun was beginning to set. He hadn't slept in so long and last night must have absolutely exhausted him. The air had turned cold and I was beginning to shiver. He furrowed his brows at me and asked me why I had let him sleep so long. He then noticed his almost naked state and my jumper spread across his thighs. He seemed sheepish at first but then began to chuckle.
''Innocent, little Chloe.''
I glowered at him. He then noticed my shaking form.
''You're cold.'' He stated.
''I-I'm f-ff-fine.'' I said, unfortunately the chattering of my teeth said otherwise. He raised an eyebrow at me.
''Come over here.'' He said. 'I'll warm you up.''
I was a tad reluctant, due to his state of undress. He noticed this and reached out for me. He took me by the waist and lay me down beside him.
''Don't worry.'' He chuckled. ''I don't bite.''
I felt his arm curl around me and once again drifted off into unconsciousness in his warm embrace.
Well? What do you think? Tell me and review! A kiss can't be far off. A profession of love? Whatever will happen next? The only way to find out is to click the little green button and REVIEW! *rant over*
Hope you enjoyed the chapter.
Thanks,
Kate.