I am so sorry for leaving you all hanging! Writer's Block is a total douche! Anyways, it's done.
Now, another question was about this going into Alpha/Omega universe. No, it's not. It's more Supernatural and I do not write about explicit things. I may borderline, but that's it. This story is on its way to its conclusion, so I aim to have it done by early January, if not end of December.
Enjoy the chapter!
"And all the kids cried out:
"Please stop, you're scaring me."
I can't help this awful energy,
God damn right, you should be scared of me,
Who is in control?"
- Halsey; Control
Chapter 7: A Werewolf's Anger
(Lara's POV)
I let another one of the guy's friends charge at me, my knees were bent, getting ready. When the man was close enough, I ducked underneath him, when he tried to grab me. Instead, I grabbed his legs, wrapping my arms around them, spear tackling him. Illegal in rugby, but who says you can't use it in self-defence? I flung him over my shoulder, landing on the floor with a sharp 'thud'. He'll have a wonderful concussion, it doesn't look like he broke his neck. Out of the five eejits that attempted attack me, one was left: the guy that touched Sam. No one makes physical contact with Sam but me, or the exception of some friends that I think are worthy enough.
I walked over to him, he tried to steady himself by clutching the bar counter, he didn't think my fist to have some whack behind it. Once I was near, I caught him by the collar. I drew my back my fist, preparing to knock him out altogether. Glaring at him, right into his eyes, I let a growl emanate from my throat. He gulped in fear.
"Lara! Stop! Enough!" Sam yelled, trying to calm me down, soothe my anger. Before I knew it, two officers walked in.
"Police!" One of them bellowed, "Let him go!" My fist was still drawn, I still have a chance to give him one more blow.
"Do as they say Croft." Blake begged, which is unusual for a gruff man like him. I glanced at Sam, who was giving me pleading eyes.
"Release him miss. We won't press charges." I sighed, so I released him from my grasp. He fell to the wooden floor with a solid 'thud'. Sam winced, probably wasn't as gentle as she expected. "But we are in need of a statement from you." I groaned. Well done Lara. Well fucking done.
Two Hours Later…
23:00…
(Scene: John Adams Hall, University College London, Endsleigh Street, London/Lara's POV)
After I gave my statement, Sam and I decided to leave the bar. Thankfully my little ruckus didn't cost me my job, Blake did notice on the sideline, I was being protective of Sam. He quickly put two and two together. I swear I did hear him mutter under his breath: "Fucking finally!" Seriously, how many people were expecting myself and Sam to come out as a couple? There was a freaking betting pool in Sam's class too! And I wasn't charged for assault, just got a warning for my dangerous behaviour, saves a little hair loss for Roth. By the time they came, Blake explained to them, there was an act of self-defence and borderline sexual harassment upon Sam.
I'm now sitting on the couch, Sam was off getting the First-aid Kit before I could explain to her, the other werewolf abilities I have. To Sam at the moment, she's more worried at the fact I got hit by a bottle in the arm, feeling the sharp pain as some of the shards cut my skin. Yet I shrugged it off like it was nothing because my adrenaline was in overdrive. Soon enough, Sam came strutting in with the kit.
"I'm so thanking you for making me sit through the three-hour First-aid session last month." She told me, as she opened the box. Tell her Lara! Your wounds are gone at this stage!
"Told you it will come in handy." I smirked, but mentally punching myself. Ah sod it! She'll figure it out when she sees it herself.
"Now, where was that wound?" Sam located my 'wounded' arm, only to frown in confusion and curiosity when she expected to see the injury, there was nothing but my fully healed skin. Not a mark, or scratch, even a scab from dried blood. There was no evidence or trace of it. "Lara, what? You were struck on the arm with a glass bottle! How…",
"Accelerated Healing has its perks." I told her too causally. It only got me a whack on the head. "Ow! What was that for!?" I whined, rubbing the side of my head, where Sam struck me.
"For not telling me that!" Sam scolded, like she was giving out to a dog. Wait! I am a dog in one sense! "Do you realise how scared I was! Thinking your wound could've been infected!" I stared at my friend turned lover sheepishly.
"Sorry?" Well that came out as more of a question than an apology. Sam huffed in slight annoyance, but yet, she forgave me for withholding certain werewolf information. Sam put the First-aid Kit back and then threw herself on the couch.
"Lara?",
"Yes Sam?" I looked at her in the eyes,
"Well um… the Student's Union have organised a Christmas Ball for the First Years. I wondering…" Sam trailed off. I know where she's going with this.
"You want me to be your date?" I said to her. All she did was nod. "Sure. I'll just have to check if its not on a night of the Full Moon. What date is it set for?",
"December twenty-second." I took out my phone, opening the application I use for the moon phases. I scrolled through the dates, looking for the twenty-second. If the date falls on the night of a Full Moon, I will feel so bad! She understands though, she knows the monster I become in that form! I then smiled with relief. The Full Moon is on the fourteenth, the twenty-second is a Waning Crest, just moving out of its Last Quarter phase.
"Good news Sam, I'll be able to go with you." Sam fist-pumped the air excitment, "Early warning though, I'll have to disappear on the fourteenth. That's when the Full Moon is set." Sam put a comforting hand on mine,
"Don't worry Lara. We'll sort something out. We have a month to prepare for it." That is comforting I guess. I shifted myself over so I could snuggle into Sam, god she's like a walking cushion! She's so comfortable!
"Hey Lara? Are you ill?",
"What? No? Why?" I ask her, my words coming out very quickly in a panic.
"It's just… your body. It's really warm, you're literally like the sun." Ah, I know where she's coming at and why she thinks I'm suffering from a fever.
"Um… another werewolf thing I didn't tell you. Our body temperature is slightly higher than that of a human's. A normal person's body temperature is like 37°C, mine would be 42°C. Higher then when I turn into either the first or second wolf form.",
"No wonder you're hardly wearing warm winter clothes!" Sam exclaimed, "Seriously Lara, I'm going to make you write a list of all your werewolf traits and abilities so I won't have to worry and yell at you over small things like this!" She's worse than mother! All I could do was laugh at her. What is Sam doing to me? She's helped find a more looser side of me, a side I didn't think I had. "Doesn't matter. At least you can keep me warm for the winter.",
"Excuse me! I'm not a blanket!" I argued,
"You are to me and you love me." She teased playfully,
"I love you too." I advanced forward to her, kissing her on the lips.
Six Days Later…
10:30…
5th December 2010…
(Scene: Centre of London, London/Samantha's POV)
I dragged Lara around London store to store, looking for a dress that would suit her for the ball. Lara was arguing with me that she has a test to study for, which I told her can wait another day because she has that test nailed! Her freaking enhanced intelligence has helped her with that! And! And her photographic memory! I don't see why she's worrying! It's not like she's going to cry over a 99%! I swear if she gave me £1 for every single freaking time she mentions it, I'll be rich as her! I managed to win the argument by bribing her with tea and Jaffa Cakes, like bribing a dog with a treat. I'm an evil girlfriend.
I also felt Lara needed a wardrobe upgrade, all her clothes are for comfort, going out casually. I swear some of those she can wear on a dig! I went through her clothes once and I'm pretty sure I saw a military grade pants in there too! I'm guessing it's from Roth a while back, long before we met. Also, who wears cargo pants to college!? God! I can imagine how hot and sexy Lara would look in a military uniform! No Sam! Draw the line! Focus on the primary mission. I took Lara by the hand, dragging her to the next shop; Top Shop is a chance, only to stop when I heard her stomach growl.
I thought I cooked breakfast for both of us two hours ago! I'm still full from that fry! How is Lara hungry again!? Lara! If there is another werewolf trait you haven't told me about, you're in the dog house! Lara was looking at me shyly. Oh yes, she left out some vital information. You know what, I may as well write a book and call it: A Guide for Caring For Your Werewolf Girlfriend. I turned to Lara and crossed my arms.
"Lara. Care to confess?",
"I ah… need to consume more calories than the average human." She said meekly,
"Oh please don't tell you're like Clark Kent who needs to eat ten thousand calories! You will drain out my bank account!",
"What? No! That's not what I mean. You see, the average calorie intake is two thousand, but because of… you know, I have to eat more. My metabolism is faster than normal." She explained and I seem to get the gist of it. Damn! Who knew she could eat so much! Her body breaks down food fairly fast. I wonder does alcohol have any effect on her at all? Lucky her.
"I'm guessing you need to eat twenty-five hundred calories a day?",
"Roughly twenty-eight hundred. On a night when I'm going to turn into werewolf form, phase two, I need three thousand. Borderline thirty-two hundred if needs be. My first form doesn't use up much energy.",
"I envy you Lara. You need all that and still look like a model.",
"Intensive exercise helps too." All I did was roll my eyes. After all this time, why didn't Lara tell me she has to consume more calories than the average human? I have no problem with her eating a large meal in front of me. Maybe she's self conscious of doing so in public and tries to survive on human sized portions. Mental note: purchase high calorie foods for Lara. I better make sure she takes an energy bar or drink with her next time, if her metabolism acts like an never ending machine breaking down her food.
"Here's the deal sweetie, last shop, then we'll take a lunch break."
Lara pondered a bit. She acts like an annoyed puppy when it comes to shopping! Her idea of shopping is purchasing hobby magazines, buying books, spending money to go to a museum or an Archaeology Conference, even go to the library! But the deal I offered is fair! She can't reject that!
"You're insufferable." She groaned. I bet she was going to whine. I would risk a break up just to throw in a pun! Hm, funny, that's the exact line she said when we first met. Oh well, I win. I grabbed Lara by the collar, dragging her into the shop. "Shit! Fuck! Sam easy! That hurts!" Lara gently placed her hand on my wrist so she has some form of balance, but at the same time, doesn't fracture my wrist. Lara's complaining got some weird stares by the general public. What do you expect from young lovers? It's normal to be weird!
One Hour Later…
11:30…
(Scene: Starbucks, Centre of London, London/Lara's POV)
I happily drank my tea and eating a toasted sandwich, that really eased the growls of my stomach. Sometimes, I hate having a fast metabolism. Perhaps I should tell Sam every single detail of werewolf traits and abilities, I can imagine the number of times I'm going to be yelled at or scolded like a dog for not mentioning things. I may as well make Sam have a heart attack for some fun. Sam was on the phone, guessing she's updating her parents. If I'm right, her father Mr Nishimura is a powerful, wealthy business man and owns a large media company. He's Japanese. Her mother then has to be Portuguese. I hope Sam hasn't mentioned that she's in a relationship. I'm too terrified if they somehow find out I'm a werewolf, they probably won't hold back in putting me down or outing me to the world with the headline:
"The Supernatural Is Closer Than We Think!"
I shook at the thought of being captured and put in a laboratory. That could be another possibility if the world finds out what I am. Scientists can try, but they and the government, hell! Even the military would have to fight through Roth to get to me, even Winston, stubborn old butler, will stand his ground.
"OK dad, mom. I have to go. Bye! And I love you!" Sam finished speaking to her parents and hung up. Her parents may not be as bad as they seem. I guess they're just very busy, but of course, it led to Sam feeling neglected as a child and now, Mr and Mrs Nishimura are trying to make amends with their daughter. It's a shame I couldn't have that sort of time with father. "Sorry about that Lara.",
"It's fine Sam. How are your parents?",
"They're grand. Dad's media business is still going strong. Ah… yes. My… um… parents said they would like to meet you during the Christmas Holidays." I spit out my tea.
"What!?" Sam looked at me sheepishly. "Sam!" I tried not to growl at her.
"Well… I may have slipped my tongue in mentioning that I'm in a relationship.",
"Sam! It's your parents! Your father is a millionaire, running a whole media! And your mother was respected model! Do you know how terrifying that is!" Sam attempted to counter my statement.
"Your parents were well known too! Your family dates back to the old British Landed Gentry!",
"I know how far my family name dates back. In fact, it goes back far as King Arthur's rule." I grumbled, thinking of going off on a genealogy tangent. Never mind, scrap it. "But that's not the point! They were controversial figures in archaeology! My father was ridiculed amongst his peers!",
"Sweetie, they'll like you! Trust me, my mom and dad aren't aren't as scary as they look or sound." Sam said, trying to calm me down. There's nothing more terrifying in life than being introduced to your friend's turned lover's parents. Will they actually approve of this relationship? It won't really matter because I imprinted on Sam, so they can't really separate us. I'll go through hell and high water for Sam. Although, will they like me? They'll wonder how Sam and I befriended each other since we are total polar opposites! Without warning, my phone went off. I fished around my pocket looking for it, once I found it, I answered.
"Hello?",
"Lara! It's Roth." Who else do I know has that think northern accent?
"Hey Roth. What's up?",
"Say, I was thinking of taking you and Samantha out for a small hike around Section Six of Capital Ring.",
"Wimbledon Park on Arthur's Road? Sounds nice. Let me ask Sam, two minutes." I turned to Sam. "Sam!",
"Yes Lara?",
"Are you interested in tagging with myself and Roth for a small hike?",
"Sure. Sounds fun." I turned my attention back to Roth.
"That's a yes Roth.",
"Great! What time will I pick you two lassies up?" I looked at my watch, it's 13:00 now, it will be twenty minutes, half an hour at most to get back to the flat. Sam and I will want to rest then and I can squash in a little study.
"Shall we say three o'clock?",
"Prefect. See you later!",
"Bye Roth." Sam and I got up from our seats. More shopping to suffer through, Sam promised one last store and we can head back to the flat. Please kill me. We headed for the door, at the same time, a man was coming in towards us. I did notice the man in the trench coat walking in the opposite direction towards us, but I failed to realise how close he was and our shoulders bumped. He moved at an angle, looking awkward.
"Sorry miss!" He apologised. I just waved my hand.
"It's OK sir." And we left.
(No POV)
The same man who was spying on Lara for several weeks now, pulled out a cell phone and called his superior.
"Report agent.",
"The target has been tagged." He confirmed,
"We have a clear signal from the tracker. Return to base Agent, good work.",
"Right away sir."
One Hour Later…
14:00…
(Scene: John Adams Hall, University College London, Endsleigh Street, London/Lara's POV)
We finally made it back to the flat. To be honest, I never felt so relieved! Last time I had to suffer shopping was with mother. Then the thought of her made me a bit upset, I try not to think about her with good reason. Roth tells me constantly it's not my fault, I somewhat think it is, and father is to blame too. He should've told me! Her death could've been avoided! I mean, she did marry my father, probably soon learning he was a werewolf. She could've left him, but no, she stood by him, not afraid. Sometimes, I think Sam is like her, she isn't afraid of me, she didn't run.
I decided to take my mind off it by reading one of Dr James Whitman's articles. Sam dumped the bags in her room, we'll sort them out later. Sam on the other hand, was finishing an assignment on her laptop, I think that one is due before the semester ends. She's nearly finished it. Thank god, I hate procrastinating, I'm not a last minute person. I stopped for a minute to take out a Jaffa Cake from my bedside drawer. I chewed mechanically on the biscuit as I read the article.
Fifty Minutes Later…
14:50…
Sam and I were startled at the sound of a car horn, but of course, it's just Roth. He's here early, that's just him though. I closed the article that I borrowed from the college library. I still have a few books to return and the librarian is getting a little bit pissed off with me. Note to self: return the books I'm finished with before I get fined or worse, kicked out altogether, meaning go find another library to use. I got up from my bed, putting on a pair of runners and jacket. Sam did the same and left the flat.
Once we got outside, Sam shouts without warning:
"I call shotgun!" What? Oh now I know. I'll just let her take the front seat, like I care really. Sam can act childish sometimes, but to be fair, she brings out my childish side too. Roth reversed out of his parking space and we headed off into the direction of Capital Ring.
Forty-four Minutes Later…
15:34…
(Scene: Capital Ring - Section 6, Wimbledon Park, London/Lara's POV)
Roth brought his jeep to halt after finding a parking space. I haven't been to Wimbledon Park, but it looks like a really nice place to stroll around for a moments peace and quiet. A river ran through the park as well, there was a soothing sound from it as the river flowed through the land. There was a few people around, joggers, the odd hikers, walkers, dog-walkers, families. I have to thank god this isn't a day for a Full Moon.
"Come on lass. Let's take a stroll." Myself and Sam followed Roth as we begun our stroll around the park.
Five Hours Later…
20:34…
The three of us were deep into the park, I looked at the night sky. It's getting dark already! Guess we were enjoying the walk so much we lost track of time. Happens often though, when Roth and I are hiking, we usually stop to make camp. We were enjoying the view from the Himalayan Mountains, I was fifteen? Roth and I were admiring the stars, so much we forgot to set up the tents and it was dark. Thankfully there was a sheltered ridge along the side of the mountain we were on, so we just made a fire and watched the sky. It was also when Roth taught me the star constellations. I never forgot them. I looked up, hoping to see one, but only the North Star. It's best to wait till eleven or midnight. Most of the stars will be noticeable by then. Roth's voice broke my train of thought.
"It's late. We should get back to the jeep.",
"You're right." I agreed. "Let's head back." As we headed back for the car park, I felt Sam clutching my arm tightly. She's scared of the night, I don't blame her. I think she's a bit frightened after I killed Jake in the middle of the night. Suddenly, I heard a twig snap, also picking up an unfamiliar smell. Roth noticed my muscles tightening and he went on guard too.
"Show yourselves!" He demanded.
The next thing we knew, a group of men burst out for nowhere, brandishing pistols and rifles, any type of firearm. That is really not normal! Who are they!? A gang? A militia? What do they want? We raised our hands. Don't start another ruckus, we're clearly outnumbered. Another man came forward, their leader I'm guessing. They were all wearing a uniform with a strange symbol on their left arm. It's like a shield. What are they? A paramilitary then? A cult?
"What do you want?" Judging by Roth's voice, he's in his tough military persona.
"What we want, is that mutt you've been protecting for so long." He said, pointing his finger at me. Well he's not sugar coating anything. Do they know I'm a werewolf? Where did they… how did they find us!? The leader raised a device, it looked like a tracker or a GPS. All he did was grin. "You were tagged mutt." They placed a tracker somewhere on me! My pocket perhaps? The way he even says it makes me feel like I'm an animal, not human. He must have a deep hatred for werewolves. I didn't hold back in letting out a growl. All of a sudden,
"Let me go!" I turned to see Sam being dragged by one of the soldiers. He laughed.
"Time to have some fun. Shall we pretty lady?" He had her pinned against the tree, his hand moving seductively towards her waist. Last straw, he's asking for a death sentence! And will not feel bad about killing.
"Let her go you bastard!" I leaped,
"Lara no!" Roth yelled, but too late, as I got a butt of a rifle to the side of my head. I fell back, feeling fazed. Ignore the headache, Sam needs you. I can hear her cries for help, that man is touching her. I don't know is it sexual assault or rape, but it's all the same to me. No one touches my mate! My pain was replaced with anger, building up to rage. I pulled myself up onto my knees. I'm going to show them who's really a monster and they should very much consider running for their lives, if they value it. I'm holding no restraint! I will kill them all! Tear their limbs from their bodies!
"You still standing?" The leader chuckled, "Put her down." Let them try. In my rage, my bones were twisting and contorting, my jaw elongating. I'm not going to be put down without a fight. Without warning, I turned, leaping onto the closest unfortunate soldier, my jaw gaping open to latch onto someone's neck. My transformation into my second form was faster than normal. Last thing I heard, was screaming.
(Samantha's POV)
The soldier who was about to rape me turned all of a sudden, firing his rifle wildly, like he can't even aim straight. I could hear screaming, flesh being torn. Roth appeared next to me, knocking out the soldier with a solid fist. He's definitely a military man. Wait, where's Lara? We heard a howl, I saw Lara in her other werewolf form and I dare say, it's terrifying! Lara stood on her hind legs, howling once more, I could see the claws, long and sharp, made for scratching and tearing off flesh. She can easily swipe a fully grown man to the side! Her coat was different too, it was a very dark grey, her eyes were gold, way more intense in comparison to first wolf form. Instead of a full circular or oval pupils, it was nothing more than thick black slit.
So this is the monster she's afraid of becoming on the Full Moon. First time, I actually feel that fear, but wait, how did she turn? It's not a Full Moon tonight! Is it possible for her turn out of anger? Rage? Did I trigger it? Roth grabbed my hand.
"Come on Sam! We need to get out of here!",
"What about Lara!?" I countered,
"Lara is a state of rage! We will be no help to her if she kills us." I looked at him questioningly. He sighed, "I know you're worried, so am I. But if she truly turned out of anger, she won't listen to us! She has no restraint, remorse or humanity. Please Sam, we'll find her again." I turned back to see Lara ripping some man in half, blood covered the ground, torn limbs tossed into the river wherever. Internal guts and organs were scattered. Lara is really behaving like a true monster. I wanted to throw up. This isn't Lara! For a split second, I saw Lara's prized jade necklace on the ground. She'd be broken if it was lost, so I grabbed it, stuffing it into my pocket as Roth and I begun to run, sprinting as fast as we could manage. I'm guessing the soldiers who attempted to kill Lara ran as well.
Myself and Roth ran as fast as we could, we both heard howling. Oh no! Is Lara coming after us!? How can she deal with all those soldiers so quickly? I could hear thumping sounds behind us. It's Lara, gaining ground and fast. We both skidded to halt when she leaped in front of us. Damn it! I can just see the car park. Lara growled threateningly at us, her sharp teeth bared and ears pinned back. Saliva was also dripping from her jaws. She actually snarled at us. So this is what it feels like to be trapped in a monster film. To Lara, she just sees us potential prey, she doesn't recognise me or her father-figure. Roth stood in front of me with a protective arm, he had an army combat knife out, but would he hurt Lara? She's like a daughter to him.
I made Roth lower his arm. This is stupid and suicidal, but maybe Lara is still in there. Maybe she'll listen to me. I carefully stepped forward, keeping my body language non-threatening.
"Sam no!" Roth hissed. I ignored him, Lara is in there! She just needs a little help bringing herself out.
"Lara? Can you hear me?" All she did was growl, preparing to pounce on me. I need to be firmer. "Lara I know you're in there." Her jaws snapped as a warning, a warning I ignored.
"Sam you can't reason with her!" Said Roth, worryingly and who still had his knife drawn. "She won't listen to you in that form!",
"I know you won't hurt me Lara. A part of you is still human, it's what separates you from the beast." The gap was closing. I slowly raised my arm. "I know you still blame yourself for your mother's death, but it's not your fault!" Lara growled, stepping back, but still ready to leap. I got to be careful now, otherwise, she'll kill me without hesitation. Wait! That's it! Lara promised she would never hurt me!
"It's getting dangerous Samantha." Roth warned. I'm not giving up on Lara. I know I can get through to her.
"You're not a monster Lara. A part of you knows that, but you trap yourself in the past. Let it go. Come back to me Lara. You made a promise that you would never hurt me. I love you sweetie." Slow step forward, my hand was in reach of Lara's head. I reached out. "I'm not afraid of you." I rubbed Lara behind the ear, the same way I did it as if she was in her first wolf form. Next thing that happened, I felt a claw on my wrist, which quickly changed back to a hand. Soon enough, I was touching Lara's cheek. She reverted back to her human form! I got through to her!
"Sam." She whispered. Suddenly, Lara collapsed into my arms, clearly exhausted. I caught Lara, holding her tight. Roth took off his jacket, putting it over her, to keep her warm from the cold.
"I… have not seen such a thing since Amelia managed to do that with Richard." I just looked at him, confused at what he meant. I wonder what did happen if a similar situation ocourted during her parents time. Did Lord Croft turn out anger too? Please don't tell me the Crofts have anger issues! "Let's get Lara back to the manor. It's more secure there." Roth picked up Lara, as we ran for the jeep. Hopefully, we won't run into those Werewolf Hunters again for a while, but Lara did do a good job in lowering their numbers, they'll have to regroup. I hope she doesn't feel sorry for killing them, because they deserved it! I finally get to see Croft Manor, I wish I had my camera. Why is it I forget my camera for anything exciting?
Once we got to the jeep, I sat into the back seat, as Roth laid Lara down, so her head was resting on my lap. Roth quickly sat into the driver's seat, putting in his keys, turning on the ignition. He slammed down on the pedal, reversing, then driving off. Thinking about it now, I really got more than I bargained for in Semester One of First Year. I'm definitely leaving all this shit out when I meet my parents.
"Consider yourself lucky Samantha, my shovel talk will have to wait." Is he seriously joking in this situation!? But I guess we could do with lightening the mood after what happened. The fact we were nearly Lara's next meal.
"I look forward to it Roth." I answered gamely. All the Naval veteran did was chuckle.
And that's it! Sam gets to see Croft Manor in the next chapter. I really hope it wasn't cheesy. I'm very sorry if it is.