Finally! Chapter 25! It's been a while since I've updated this story, but I've been busy with life. I just recently graduated high school and I'm working on classes for college. Now I'm searching for a job. It's not like I was doing this on purpose. There is a reason behind my lack of updating. Trust me, I've been working on this chapter as much as I can and I only just recently finished it. Now I'm posting it. I don't know how long it will take me to get the next chapter up, but I swear it will be sooner than it took this one. Anyway, enjoy the story and please review!
Preparing for a war can take its toll on anyway and that includes Clary. Being all alone in a new world has finally caught up with Clary and she is missing her friends dearly. There is only one way to get back home and that is through the war. Can Clary make it through to the end? Will her new powers make things harder or easier? How will Clary survive the quickly approaching demon war? Read on to find out...
Chapter 25
Things have really started getting busy. I always knew what it took to prepare for war, but I was never the one to do all the planning. I was the one behind the scenes. I was the one people called to do the dirty work no one wanted to do or see.
It's al starting to get on my nerves. Everyone in the village has some kind of expectation of me. Even Jacinda and Troy. I don't have anyone to just talk to. Whenever I talk to someone it's always about the war. It's only been a couple of days, but it's really starting to get to me.
After those two days I finally manage to find some time for myself. I somehow found a little lake a ways off from Jacinda's house. It's surrounded by trees so there's n way for someone to see me out here. It gives me a sense of privacy.
I sit against a tree, staring at the lake. It's a beautiful night tonight. I pull out the guide and open it to the page I left it on. I sigh and continue reading. My power is of angels. Angels have a sacred sort of power. It's meant to be pure. To use this power I need to think or feel something pure. My mind goes straight to Jace.
My body starts feeling warm and tingly. I close my eyes and think about Jace some more. He always has that sarcastic smirk on his face. The bastard always thinks he's so perfect, but then there are those moments when his act falls and he lets me see the real Jace. Those are the moments I cherish the most. I love all of him. No matter what.
A smile spreads across my face. I open my eyes and see a golden light. I open my eyes a bit wider and try to find the source. The light's not going away either. I look down at the guide again to try to find something on this. That's when I see my hands.
I drop the guide and stare. My entire body is glowing. When I move my arm I feel so light. I grab the guide and keep reading. Apparently it takes years before finding a pure enough feeling to activate my powers. I guess I really am in love with Jace.
Just thinking about it makes me smile a little bit more. The golden glow gets even stronger. Then I feel the strange urge to place my hand over my heart. That's when I feel a sharp tug. It's not painful though. I gasp and let my eyes flutter shut.
There's this strong and steady beating not so far away. Almost like a heartbeat. A familiar one. My breathing intensifies when I see a mass of golden light appear in front of me. It slowly takes on the form of a person. More specifically a man. My heart skips a beat.
The man walks toward me and stops a few feet away. He lifts his hand and lightly strokes my cheek. I feel a jolt throughout my body. I sigh and step closer. Out bodies are touching now. It's like we're melting into each other.
When I look up I notice the man has no face or defining features, but he does have his hair that looks long and wavy. Like it hasn't been cut lately. I gasp when I realize who it is. I throw my arms around him and hold on for dear life.
It takes a moment for him to respond, but when he does it's very passionate. I try to get as close as possible. Hugging isn't enough, but it will have to do until I can do something about it.
Unfortunately the embrace has to end. We both pull back hesitantly. I reach up to touch his cheek. He leans into my touch. I sigh when I feel his hands on my hips. Then I feel myself being pulled away. I use my last seconds to whisper into his ear.
Then I'm being thrown into my body. I gasp and sit up straight. I look around and stare into the concerned eyes or a familiar werewolf. I groan and sit back against the tree. "What are you doing here?"
David frowns and crosses his arms. "I could ask you the same question."
"Seeing that you're here, it must be because you were searching for me and had something important to tell me," I rub my hands over my face then turn back to David. "So, what do you want?"
David sits there in silence for a few seconds before speaking. "I want you to come meet the other werewolves."
"Why?" I yawn widely.
"Because you're part werewolf and when I told my dad he told me to come get you," David huffs as if the memory is getting on his nerves.
I run my hand through my hair and shrug. Luke is one and so am I. Or I'm part werewolf. I still don't really see how it works, but whatever. I'll do this while I figure out what just happened to me and why. Not that I'm complaining or anything. I get to my feet and grab the guide then stick it into the back of my pants.
"Lead the way," I motion for David to go on before me. It's not like I know the way.
David walks slowly and keeps glancing back at me. Finally I get fed up with it. "Is there a reason you keep looking at me?"
"I just don't understand how there can be a werewolf like you," David shakes his head.
"Me either," I mutter.
We keep walking until we reach a street. It's pretty dark out at this point so there aren't many people wandering about. That's a good thing too. Otherwise I would be swarmed by all the people asking me about what's going to happen with the war.
Finally, we reach an area of the village that I've never been to before. Mostly because I've only been here a few days and I've been stuck with the chief discussing the war and dealing with my own crap.
David leads me through the unfamiliar street toward a really nice looking house. I check for all my weapons just in case I need them. It's not that I don't trust werewolves. It's that I would rather have them and not need them than not have them and need them.
When David opens the door to the fancy house he steps in and holds the door open for me. "Come on in."
I step through the threshold and take a look around. It's not overly decorated and I like that. It's not all that impressive to have a bunch of stuff in a house when it's not necessary. It's annoying.
David motions for me to follow him. "This way."
I'm lead down a long hall then into a large living room. We walk through it into another hall. The farther along we go the more prominent the sound of children squealing and laughter is. I tilt my head when I hear this. How many children live here?
David gets to a door then turns to me with a serious expression on his face. "Prepare yourself because it can get pretty intense in here."
I'm honestly just confused so I nod. David pulls the door open and a wall of sound hits me. It leaves me stunned for a moment before David snaps his fingers in front of my face. I shake myself out of my shock and glare at David. "Don't do that."
"I told you to prepare yourself," David frowns slightly then walks into the room.
"Whatever," I roll my eyes.
David takes me to the far side of the room where there are three adults and four older looking people. Not quite adults, but still older than most of the children in this room. I'm guessing these are the people David wanted me to meet.
One of the adults, man, looks up when he notices us approaching. He sees David then his eyes shift over to me. He arches an eyebrow at David. "Is this the girl you were talking about?"
David nods. "Yeah. This is her. This is Clary."
The man turns to me and nods. "I'm Ed. This is my wife and mate Lucy and her sister, Rebecca."
Ed has short brown hair and kind grey eyes. He looks absolutely huge and has to be made out of muscle. He has a kind, but commanding presence about him. This must be the pack leader. The Alpha. Just like Luke.
Lucy has long blond hair that falls to her waist and striking blue eyes. Her looks like it's used to laughing a lot and there's a wicked sort of gleam in her eyes. She's a very dainty looking woman, but not short like me. That's annoying. I'm still the shortest.
Rebecca looks similar to Lucy only she has a darker shade of blond hair and her eyes are hazel. She also seems to be a light sort of character. I wonder if all werewolves are so lighthearted and easygoing in this world. With the exception of David. He seems to be the one to have the sourest attitude.
Ed clears his throat. "Sorry for my children. They tend to get out of control sometimes."
I look around and my eyes widen in shock. "These are all your children?"
Lucy chuckles. "Of course not. If they were I probably wouldn't be able to walk at this point. Only eleven of them are mine. The other seven are my sister's."
"Only eleven?" I frown slightly.
"Yeah, it is still amazing how many I've had, but I do love children," Lucy grins.
Ed wraps his arm around Lucy. "We've only had so many because werewolves do tend to be born in litters. It's rare that they're born as a single child."
So does that mean that I'll have more than one child if I ever decide to have kids one day. Hmm… I think these people are the right people to ask about those sorts of things. I may not take after Luke much, but that doesn't mean I still don't have his blood in me. I'm going to take after him in some way. I just don't know how. Better safe than sorry.
I step forward. "I have a few questions I want to ask you."
"What kind of questions?" Ed retorts.
I lick my lips. "I may not really take after my werewolf blood, but I still have it and it's going to have an affect on my body. I just want to know the basics."
Ed rubs his chin then nods slowly. "Okay. I'll tell you as long as you let me ask you some questions in return."
"It's a deal," I sit with my legs crossed in front of Ed. "Can you just start with what I should basically know because I haven't known about this for very long."
Ed taps his finger on his knee. "First tell me which of your parents is the werewolf."
"My dad," I respond.
Ed nods then continues. "That's to be expected. Most werewolves are male, but there is a small percentage that is female. David told me that you don't change so I guess that takes at least a few hours off of what you need to know. You do need to know that your instincts should come to the forefront no matter how diluted your bloodline is."
"That makes sense," I nod.
I nod at Ed to continue. "What that also means is that you will eventually come into something known as Heat. It's something that happens usually around spring, but it really depends on your body. It only starts when you find your mate. I don't know if that's happened for you or not, but it's a natural part of yourself if you start lusting over your partner. Do you have any questions so far?"
I swear my face is turning a light shade of red. I lean forward and let my hair cover my face. "How do I know if someone is my mate?"
Ed grins. "You'll feel the overwhelming urge to protect and possess. Especially when your mate is threatened. It could be in a life or death situation or it could be because of another possible suitor trying to take your mate."
My eye twitches. "Damn it."
"What is it?" Lucy inquires.
I sigh and lean my cheek on my hand. "I've already found someone. He is my mate. He's is absolutely the most gorgeous person I have ever met, even if I won't admit it to his sarcastic, egotistical face. He has more than a few other girls falling over him all the time."
Lucy gives me a sympathetic look. "Don't worry. I'm sure if he truly loves you then he will not betray your trust."
"I know he won't," because if he does I swear I'll castrate him.
I see the males stiffen suddenly. Ed rubs his arm. "Whoa. What was that? I just felt a sudden chill. It felt like someone's manhood was just threatened. That's the only way I can describe this malice."
"Shall we continue," I speak up.
They all look at me then Ed breaks out in a grin. He then turns to Lucy. "It looks like we have another strong and independent woman who isn't afraid to explode with rage and, if necessary, cut off a few balls."
Lucy giggles at Ed's crude words then turns to me. "I used to have some issues when I was younger when it came to controlling my anger so I know exactly what you're thinking. Ed here was quite the lady killer as well. Trust me, you're going to want your man to keep his… parts, for the future. I'm just saying."
My face gets a little redder. "Um, okay."
Rebecca giggles at my reaction. "Stop talking like that, Lucy. Look at her. You're embarrassing her."
I clear my throat. "You said you had questions for me?"
Ed chuckles. "Right. Sorry about that. First, I want to know why your blood is so diluted. Why don't you change?"
I sigh and let my shoulders drop. "It's a long story that started before I was even born. There's experimentation, conspiracy, uprisings and so much more. I've only learned about these things just recently, but it's been a pretty rough few weeks."
Ed's face suddenly gets serious. "How exactly did you get here? I've heard that you're not from this world."
My mind goes back to that first day after school when I get home and didn't find Luke there. "It all started when my dad was kidnapped by demons. I was out that day and by the time I got back he was gone. I tried to find out on my own what happened, but it just made things more and more confusing. The web just got complicated."
Lucy's face drops a little. "I'm sorry. Have you found out what happened to him?"
I shake my head. "He was the pack alpha back home. And I know for sure that the most significant figures in the city were disappearing. Downworlders and shadow hunters alike."
"What are Downworlders and shadow hunters?" Ed inquires.
I shift where I'm sitting. "Downworlders are the werewolves, vampires, faeries, etc. Shadow hunters are a race of humans with angel blood that fight demons."
Ed and Lucy share a look. Lucy scoots closer to me. "There is an entire race of humans that fight the demons? How did that come to be? This world could definitely use those."
I shake my head. "They were created many years ago. Near the very beginning. They are the offspring of an angel that fell. I'm one of these. My mother was a shadow hunter. My mate is a shadow hunter along with his step siblings."
Rebecca clenches her fists. "You mean there are actually people out there that could help us with our demon problem and none of them have ever thought to come and help us."
"They have enough to deal with back in my world and I only got here with the special help of someone," I interlace my fingers on my lap.
Ed pats Rebecca on the shoulder. "It's okay, Rebecca. She's right. Besides, she's here now to help us. Though, no one really knows how she got here and why she's really here. Clary, do you mind elaborating?"
I narrow my eyes. "Sorry, but no. I can't tell you."
Just thinking about what they might do if they know a demon helped me get here. I know I'm supposed to be here for training. I don't need drama to go along with it. I'm sure Nordic would take great pleasure in watching me struggle with this though.
Then I feel a hand clamp onto my shoulder. I look over into David's eyes. "What?"
"You never told us why you don't transform?" he responds.
I sigh and move his hand from my shoulder. "I'm an angel hybrid. Before I was even born my mother was experimented on and I was injected with angel's blood. My werewolf blood balances it out so it doesn't overpower me and possible destroy me."
"You're an angel?" Ed inquires.
"Yeah," I nod.
"So… if someone were to mate with you then that would be creating a shadow hunter?" Rebecca inquires.
My senses go on alert and my eyes narrow. "Yes. My lineage would be passed down that way, but I don't plan on having kids anytime soon. I'm still dealing with all this demon crap and I don't want to be put in charge of another life so soon. Besides, I need to talk to my mate about that."
Rebecca watches me closely before turning to Ed. "I propose we get this girl to mate with one of our own. It would start the shadow hunter race here in our world and we would gain a great asset. She is an angel after all."
I frown. "I don't think so."
Ed shakes his head and gives Rebecca a hard look. "We can't do that to her. She is a person after all and she is helping the village with the upcoming war with the demons. We're not going to make her do anything of the sort if she doesn't want to and she doesn't want to."
Rebecca stands suddenly then turns a hard glare on me. "This way we can put up a defense against the demons."
Then she lunges at me. I grip my knees and lean back. Rebecca flies over me as she transforms into a wolf. I pull myself up straight and look over my shoulder. "The war will start very soon and it's not enough time for any child to be born in such a short time span. Your logic is wrong."
Rebecca charges at me in her light brown form. I spin out of the way just in time. I rise to my feet and stare down the wolf growling at me. "I've faced way scarier things. Demons tend to top most things."
Once again Rebecca jumps at me. I pull my arm back then shoot it forward as she approaches. My open hand connects with her stomach. A sudden jolt hits me. I can feel a little pulse under my hand. Actually, it feels like multiples. I pull my hand back and guide Rebecca around so she lands on the floor.
Lucy goes over to Rebecca's side. "Rebecca! Are you okay?"
"She's pregnant," I mutter.
Lucy turns to stare at me with wide eyes. "She's pregnant? Are the pups okay?"
I nod. "Yeah. I pulled back my hand before I hit too hard. They should be fine, but I think you should get it checked out to be sure. I'm still getting used to my own powers."
Ed turns to David. "You can take her out now, David. And it was a pleasure to meet you, Clary. I hope we can speak again under better conditions."
David walks to the door and waits for me. I look at Rebecca one more time before getting up and walking out. We walk in silence for a few minutes before David breaks it. "Sorry about Rebecca. She's really had it with the demons. They killed her older brother."
I nod in understanding. "I get it. Demons are the reason my life has fallen apart."
David sticks his hands in his pockets. "Sorry about what Rebecca said earlier as well. I'm not going to try to mate with you. Not after what happened when I first met you. I know you're more than capable of taking away my manhood and I do plan on having a family one day."
I shake my head and look up at the sky. "It's really nothing to apologize about. I'm more worried about her children. I don't want to be the one responsible for killing people who haven't even been born yet. That's where I draw the line."
"What do you mean?" David asks.
I look down at the ground as I kick a rock. "I'm an assassin. Or I was one. I retired a while ago. The point is that I used to kill people for a living. Sometimes I would kill for people at war with each other. That's how I know so much about the subject."
David looks at me with incredulous eyes. "That's intense. I didn't know your life was so complicated."
"It was my way of self destructing after my mother died," I sigh at the memory.
David squeezes my shoulder affectionately. "I'm sorry about your mother… and I'm sorry about before. I didn't mean to steal and attack you. It's just my way of acting out and getting attention I suppose."
I give David a look. "If you want people to pay attention to you then do it in a way that will have a positive effect. Don't go around getting into trouble. Ed seems like a really good person. Why don't you try better for him?"
"It's not as easy as you think," David runs his hands through his hair roughly.
"You'd be surprised at what you could do if you put a little effort into it," I pat David's shoulder.
Then we get to Jacinda's home. I stop and look over my shoulder at David. I give him a once over before entering. The lights are all out which means Jacinda is already asleep. I guess that's to be expected. It is really late. I sigh and walk to my room.
I take off my coat and set my weapons on the side table. I drop onto my bed and bury my face into the pillow. I'm so tired all of a sudden. I close my eyes and let my muscles relax.
My mind flashes back to what happened at the lake before David showed up. It was one of the strangest things I've ever experienced. It's a different kind of strangest. A good kind of strange. It was a good experience for me. It gave me the smallest inkling of hope…
