Sorry for the short chapter!Gabriel’s words rang through my head. Let’s hope not, yet I knew the answer to it. They had to have something to do with the man I had been seeing in my dreams. Why else would they suddenly be showing up around here? Regardless of this notion, I knew I would need to demand answers the next time I saw the man. If he could speak to me in my dreams, surely, I could communicate with him… but at what cost?Pressing my hands tighter to my flat stomach I wondered if I'd ever be safe enough to have a child. Yes, I was young but the urge to start a family was starting to pound within me. It was as if an unknown source within my soul was driving me.“What’s the matter?” Came Gabriel’s concerned voice.Glancing up at him, I tried to choose my words carefully. I still was unsure of Gabriel’s views on children, and the last thing I wanted to do was scare him with my urging thoughts. “I was just pondering over something,” I stated.Taking my hand, Gabriel led me towards
Ever since I was a little girl, I’d watched those of age walk off into the woods. Each one of them wore the finest silks, adorned with jewels hoping to please the moon god. Why, you may be asking. That’s all because of our tribe’s tradition.Many years ago two girls ventured off into the woods after hearing about a god-like man that lived out there. Hoping to find this man, they dressed nicely hoping to temp the male. Little did they know, the said man was a werewolf.One of the girls had seen the man from across the river but as she got closer the man turned into a werewolf. Frightened she and her friend ran, only to be stopped by more wolves. Scared the girls clung to each other but the male that transformed in front of the girl's eyes gave them a chance. He wished for the one with fair skin and long brown hair, claiming she was the most beautiful woman he had seen.Confused by her emotions towards the stranger, the brown haired girl agreed to the terms leaving her blonde-haired fri
The sound of church bells sung through the air waking people from their deep sleep. It was only dawn but at this time, most of the villagers were awake. Many of them were going about their daily jobs, with the farming market bustling with those yelling prices and trying to hassle people for money. Making my way through the centre of town, I held the fabric of my skirt up slightly in the hope no mud would damage the light grey fabric. If I entered Father's shop with the bottom end damaged or dirty, I'm sure he would surely have a fit. Father had spent a lot of time working on the chief's weapons to obtain this dress. Father had always worked hard to give me the best silks, even when I never wanted them. If I had my way I'd be running around with Matthew and the other boys. Speaking of the young man, loud cheers and laughter sounded to my left and as I turned to see what was happening, I spotted Matthew with his friends. Each one of them was carrying a vast range of dead animals. Matth
Hitting the scolding metal of the blade with his hammer, I watched as sparks flew around at the contact. Father had been in the shop for the past four hours rambling about someone asking for a sword that had to be unique. I had never seen my father complain about making a weapon, and with each bang of the hammer, I wondered if he was unwilling to craft the blade, to begin with.Confused, I sat in the corner of the shop as I watched sweat bead down his face. Father looked tired as if he hadn't slept in days. Standing from my seated position across the room, I grabbed the pitcher of water. Father hadn't taken a break in the past hour, and I could only assume he would be thirsty.Stepping just behind Father, a small smile filled my lips. How many hours had I spent watching this man work? How many long nights had I heard the sound of the hammer hitting the hot steel of the blades? Sighing at the thought of his hard work, I gently grasped his arm.Jumping slightly, Father turned to me with
Gazing at the male who had spoken, I watched as nearly everyone around the stall seemed to back away as the intruder approached us. Moving my gaze back to the intruder, I now could understand why the others moved. The intruder was tall with muscles poking through his white button-up shirt.Stepping away from Father I moved closer to the edge of the stalls table. Father seemed thrilled about finally selling his weapon, as father hurriedly rushed to prepare the sword. Father seemed almost giddy as he handed the sword over to the intruding male. Observing his movements, I couldn't help but notice how different he looked.His long black hair was tied at the back of his head, his silver eyes scanning the blade sparkled as if stars were shining within them. His skin looked to be kissed by the sun, with small little freckles just barely visible to the naked eye. His eyes held something familiar to them and the more I stared at him, the more I felt at home. The cut on my finger began to throb
I felt warmer than usual. It was as if someone had wrapped me in a thick winter blanket, and if I focused hard enough, I could have sworn I felt hands caressing my arms. As the hands ran down the length of my arms, the warmth grew as small tiny little tingles were left in its wake. The small tingles filled my body with a nerve's warmth, something I hadn't felt before, and just as I began to welcome more of it, the hands left.The sound of a persistent knock had me stirring from my slumber. As my eyes focused on the wood ceiling of our hut, I swear I could still feel the ghost-like touches on my arms. Sighing, I moved towards the door. Opening my bedroom door, I was shocked to see father standing on the other side with a wide grin on his face. Honestly, the look he was giving me screamed fake.Gazing behind Father, I spotted the town's Chief and a lady holding a white dress. With a frown, I spoke, "Can I help you?"Chuckling rather loudly, Father pushed his way into my room causing me
As I made my way towards the centre of town, many of the town children began to rush towards the forest's tree line. Most of the children seemed excited about the festivities that would be taking place tonight. If only they understood what it meant to be chosen. Nearing the forest, I was shocked to see everyone had already begun to celebrate. People in wolf skin paraded around a large bonfire in the centre of the field, while others drank and spoke loudly. Everyone looked to be having a good time.As I allowed myself to watch the people around me, I noticed a group of people sitting off to the side with frowns on their faces. Matthew and his friends looked on in disapproval of tonight's event, as a few of the young men in the group held their bows. Moving my gaze to Matthew, I couldn't help but notice the angry look on his face, and as I slowly approached him, I watched the features change to one of love. With a small wave, I moved closer.Bowing to the other men, I smiled. "Are you j
As I opened my eyes I found bright silver eyes gazing down at me. The man in front of me was so close, and I feared if I moved our lips would touch. Carefully taking in a breath, I couldn't help but notice how nice he smelt. He smelt of vanilla and rain. Gazing over his facial features I took in how sharp his jaw was, and how his skin seemed to be cleared of any blemishes apart from a small scar near his lips. Continuing my observation, recognition hit me like a sharp blade to the chest. Eyes wide, I took a small step back from him. As if he could read my thoughts, the man in front of me smirked. Not only was he the same man who purchased Father's sword a few days ago, but standing in front of me was the one person I had longed to see for so many years. "My precious little Anna." He whispered."My precious Anna." A sixteen-year-old Gabriel whispered."Gabriel?" I whispered. Although standing in front of me in the flesh, I didn't want to believe it was him. The Gabriel I knew left wi
Sorry for the short chapter!Gabriel’s words rang through my head. Let’s hope not, yet I knew the answer to it. They had to have something to do with the man I had been seeing in my dreams. Why else would they suddenly be showing up around here? Regardless of this notion, I knew I would need to demand answers the next time I saw the man. If he could speak to me in my dreams, surely, I could communicate with him… but at what cost?Pressing my hands tighter to my flat stomach I wondered if I'd ever be safe enough to have a child. Yes, I was young but the urge to start a family was starting to pound within me. It was as if an unknown source within my soul was driving me.“What’s the matter?” Came Gabriel’s concerned voice.Glancing up at him, I tried to choose my words carefully. I still was unsure of Gabriel’s views on children, and the last thing I wanted to do was scare him with my urging thoughts. “I was just pondering over something,” I stated.Taking my hand, Gabriel led me towards
It had been a few days since Ailee left, and everything around the pack seemed to be going smoothly. The members were starting to go outdoors more as a harvest was soon to take place, and the preparations for the Luna announcement were well underway. Walking through the valley towards the market stalls, people seemed to be in high spirits, although, I couldn't help but notice some of the members refused to look my way. had I done something to upset them? or was it because they still didn't trust me after everything that had happened? I could understand their anger with our choices but, I only hoped that they would soon begin to see the reasoning behind them. "Excuse me miss." Came a soft voice. Turning my attention to where the voice came from, I noticed a small girl standing before me. Wearing a soft yellow dress that fell to her knees, a small smile graced my lips at her cute little freckles. "Hello there." I softly said. Bending to her height, I made a mental note of all the peo
“Annabelle is my chosen.” Growled Gabriel, “So I suggest you treat her with the respect she deserves.”Scoffing, the council member took a small step back. “With all respect, Alpha, she is yet to be crowned as Luna for our people.”“Is that so?” Growling, Gabriel’s eyes began to glow. If someone didn’t step in soon, I knew things were going to escalate to a place we wouldn’t be able to control. Clearing my throat I took Gabriel’s hand in mine. Feeling the tingles run up my arm and his hand relax within my grasp; I knew my plan had worked.“you're right, councilor.” I said, “I agree that I am yet to be crowned, but as Gabriel’s chosen mate I do expect respect from every one of you.” Releasing Gabriel’s hand, I took a step closer to the man in front of me. “Unless you wish to make an enemy of me, Councilor Grover.” I knew using his name would get my message across. After all, I assumed these men thought I had no clue who they were.Frowning, Grover took a step back with a small bow of h
Frowning at Gabriel I couldn’t help but notice his eyes were trained behind me. Glancing over my shoulder I spotted one of Gabriel’s warriors standing there with his head down. His stance was stiff as if he was waiting for an attack at any minute, and the longer I gazed at him the more I noticed something familiar with him. Turning my attention to Gabriel I narrowed my eyes at him. “I don’t need to be watched.” Gabriel sighed as he moved towards me. “I need to know you’ll be safe, Annabelle.” “I am safe.” I insisted but I knew he could see right through me. Of course, he could, how couldn’t he? Since mating with him everything I felt he could too, and that meant he knew that I was hiding something from him. As if sensing my realisation, Gabriel nodded at the young warrior before the sound of the door closing filled my ears. We were alone and I knew exactly what was coming. “Tell me what happened last night.” There was, a question I didn’t want to answer. I wasn’t sure exactly what
Listening to his heartbeat calmed my racing mind. Who was the man in my dreams, and why was he calling out to me? There seemed to be this strange pull, and if I was being honest with myself, it scared me. The only person I felt this way with was Gabriel. Closing my eyes I thought back to the man I had seen. He seemed so familiar to me yet he seemed to have some sort of danger about him. “Come to me, my red rose.” Whispered a voice. Startled by the sudden voice, I gazed around the room as if the young man would appear from within the darkness. “What has you so distracted, my love?” Came Gabriel’s husky voice. Glancing up at him, I couldn’t help but become in awe of him. Even with his sleep-tousled hair, he was handsome. Smiling, I shook my head. “Just a bad dream,” I whispered, loud enough for him to hear. Wrapping an arm around my waist, Gabriel tugged me closer. “If it helps, you can talk about it?” Rubbing my back, Gabriel moved closer till there was no space left between us. Coul
Staring at Gabriel in shock, I couldn’t help but wonder if he had lost his mind. I understood we had to do something about Ailee, but to banish her was not something I thought he would do. To banish his blood and watch her walk off into the forest, would be sentencing her to death regardless. Taking a deep breath, I mulled over his words. “If you do this Gabriel, there’s no turning back. The council members won’t allow you to bring her back.” Nodding Gabriel walked towards me. “I have no other choice, Annabelle.” As if someone had set off a fire within me, a small idea popped into my head. “Maybe we do have another, choice,” I whispered. Frowning, Gabriel gazed down at me. “What do you mean?” “What if we say we’re banishing her, but find somewhere safe for her to live? Have her set up in an area where no council member would look for her. If we don’t, she will die out there and I don’t want you to have that on your shoulders.” I said. As if understanding the pain he would go throu
The lights from the candles flickered off the temple walls, casting shadows along the dented coble stone. It was as if the shadows were dancing a dance for the devil, calling to him in song. As humming began to fill the hall, a strong smell of blood filled the air almost causing the shadows to dance faster. On their hands and knees, men in red hooded robes lined the aisle that led to a coffin. Each one of the men was slowly bobbing their heads up and down, as the chanting became louder. Laid carefully down the aisle, sat a blood-red carpet with gold trimmings, and as the light hit it at the right angle it looked as if it was flowing. Walking into the large hall, a smirk graced the older male's face. With each step he took down the aisle, the men who knelt along its edges trembled. They feared him. They feared the power he possessed and the reputation he held. His was Satan himself, powerful and full of evil. His blood-red eyes were solely fixated on the coffin at the end of the aisl
Days had passed since my father's death. Each day, I found the anger building and the want for revenge seeped deeper into my veins. I found myself lashing out at the servants, and the lack of having Gabriel around only seemed to heighten my anger.I missed him and yearned to be near him, to touch him, but as quick as the thoughts broke in my mind, anger took over its place almost instantly.Standing in front of the large floor-to-ceiling windows in Gabriel's room, I watched the sun break over the horizon. Its soft pinks and yellows almost thawed out my frozen veins, as a rare small smile graced my lips. Opening the window, the soft breeze gently brushed against the silk of the silver dress I was wearing.I had found it on the bed this morning, a small note in its place. The dress was picked by Gabriel. Why he couldn't give it to me in person, had my veins filling with anger once more. Shaking the thoughts from my mind, I decided to leave the room for the first time since my father's d
The further I walked into the forest, the more I noticed a foul smell emitting from the trees and the soil the roots connected to. Every tree I passed smelt of rotting flesh and mould. It was a smell I had only ever smelt once in Matthew's father's shop and when my mother had shown up in front of me. It was as if the area was filled with dead animals, the bodies waiting to decompose back into the earth. With each step I took, I felt bile rise into my throat, as swallowing slowly became harder."You've made it easy for me, Anna." Came Ailee's comment. "I thought I'd have to kidnap you..." She said. Her voice was low, as her head moved from side to side as if her eyes were watching the forest around us. "The cursed ones were willing to crash your little ceremony to take you away... so thank you for making it easier for us."Glaring at the back of her head, I wanted nothing more than to hit her. The urge to cause her harm outweighed the want to run back to Gabriel. Lifting my head higher