To War

Chapter 2

" Altair how the hell are you a Lowell already. You only got here like a month ago. And why are you here AGAIN ruining my life!?" Rudina spat at Canagan. She had never wanted to hit someone more in her entire life. This arrogant ' Fresh Meat' would have been a legend going to the dance with her. But he had to rather impress this friends. Why did boys have to do that?!

" Hey it was tall, dark and stupid who threw me into that crap. I don't want anything to do with you either sweety! Where was your boyfriend when you needed a date to the dance anyway?"Canagan said as he struggled to get up.

" You made that very clear at school thanks. And it's just like you to know NOTHING about the rules. You can't take someone to the dance if they don't go to our school genius!" Rudina moved closer to make her point clearer. " Besides shut up Artair. I don't need my family knowing that I know you.

Her family and childhood friends stood nearby. They had all witnessed the worst case scenario for a Bonding Assent ever. Their faces filled with pity and horror as they went to Rudina. They all spoke at once not knowing what to do next.

" You all worry and chatter as though there is another choice. It has been decided and we must now move on." An Imperial spoke from behind the crowd. He looked like your average gym member but where he stepped the earth gave way. His voice a booming echo even at a quiet tone. 

" This has never been done before Reinhardt." A female Imperial spoke next to him. "We can't just leave her with this lunatic." There was just as much power behind her kind and coaxing voice. Reinhardt took the women's hand in his and kissed it.

" I'm not saying that we do. We need to think of a better strategy then to stand around talking." Reinhardt replies softly. The women stares at Canagan and Rudina then nods with a smile walked away. They knew that in seconds their Queen had seen their hearts and had decided what to do next. Whatever it was it was NOT going to be good.

+++

Later that night Canagan woke up with a start. He definitely wasn't in his room unless if his room suddenly had no roof. He got up off the ground,dusting his shirt off he looked around. There was a stream to the left that stretched to the right.  The mist rolled over the hills and the wind was warm.As the dam wall came into view he saw someone slip. He ran towards the sound as a scream could be heard.

Rudina hung on trying not to look down. Then suddenly her her hands let go. She swung around wildly hoping to gain grip but it was no use. Closing her eyes she waited for the fall. Then she felt a hand had grabbed her arm. She wasn't surprised to see it was Canagan. He had a way of turning up lately. 

He lifted her easily with one arm and put her down safely and gently. He looked so worried and scared that she couldn't help but cup his face. What was happening and why did it look like Canagan understood her confusion and fear! They looked at each other as though really looking for the first time. Not needing to speak to understand each other.

Rudina felt the magnetic pull of his body as the threads of fate weaved around them. She felt safe and protected in a way she never had before. She knew he would always catch her. Their heads came together as they looked into each others eyes. Her heart never beat this hard against her chest with Hunter. It must just be the adrenaline from the fall.  And the reason she wanted to kiss him was because he had saved her. Just gratitude really.

A branch broke off of a nearby tree reminding them that they were out in the middle of the night, in the middle of nowhere. If they made it out here alive...their parents were going to kill them!

Canagan made sure that Rudina made it home safely. Later lying in bed she couldn't help thinking. Why was I there? How did Canagan find me. Why didn't Hunter find me? It had to be this stupid bond. If she had bonded with Hunter then he would have caught her... wouldn't he?

The Bonding Assent hadn't gone how either of them had wanted. Was it really essential to avoid her like this is all her fault? It had felt really nice for someone to have her back like that, a little too nice. Also what the HELL had happened on the dam wall? 

The next day Rudina was glad it was a Saturday. She could just lay in and relax. She was exhausted when she had gotten home this morning. Sleep hadn't come till the sunrise chased the night away. 

The blue numbers on her bedside clock turned 10 AM. She groaned as she melted out of bed. Her head felt thick and heavy and she needed coffee or juice

" THERE'S A HUNT! THERE'S A HUNT!" Rudina's Father shouted from downstairs. The Orange Juice was going to have to wait. The Hunters also known as The Mortal Pack discussed the threat and their plan and stood ready. They would wait for The Alphas to send signal to meet up with The Bardulf.

The Lyall stood firm behind their shields as The Bardulf stood ready with an oversized axe in each hand. It took alot of energy not transforming when the scent of battle was in the air. Their animal side tempting them with the battle to come. The human side tired of waiting and of fighting instincts.

Once command was given The Lyall would move in first taking Vanguard. The strongest and the bravest they would unleash their fury. Then The Bardulf would move in second with The Hunter and their Bonded Alpha at their side.

Through all the wars and battles it had never been needed to deploy The Imperials. The army in this structure had protected the weak and innocent for centuries.

Some groups stood deathly still while others couldn't stand still. There it was an enemy presence. Time seemed to wait with them as finally the war drums could be heard. Now as they got louder and faster. The troops stood on edge, teeth bared and weapons ready. This is a threat they had never faced before. The nerves made them even more ready...this...is...it!