6 comments/ 69933 views/ 40 favorites Crossing Moon Ch. 01 By: Jayleen88 *** Hi! This is the FIRST installment of CROSSING MOON -- the sequel to Just Being Wolfy series ... This is for you: IZABELLA, thank you for everything! *** I have to point out that there is a probability of grammar mistakes here and there since English is my second language (but I did reread and recheck, so does that count lol?) -- I didn't have this series checked by my editor due to a couple of reasons but hopefully that won't detract your votes! LOL And I know that I've said this billion of times but please: "Don't forget to VOTE and COMMENT!!" With love, Jayleen *** From Aveline Erickana Ruben's diary: 12th September 2008, 12.00 AM, my bedroom. Currently listening to: "Like Whoa -- Aly and Aj" HAPPY SWEET 18th BIRTHDAY AVELINE!! I guess I should be happy. I mean, I'm finally eighteen years old and to top it off, Alven and I have received our OFFICIAL enrolment letter from Aliaxia Magdana School just two weeks ago. Dad actually isn't thrilled with the idea of us going to a human school especially one that's abroad but hey, what's life without taking risks? "It's dangerous! You could be seen!" oh, c'mon Dad! I love you and everything but please! Don't worry about us too much! We're not little cubs anymore! I could still remember Dad's little -- oh did I say little?? It's like the longest speech I've ever heard in my entire life. Somehow Alven enjoyed the speech more than I do. I suppose he's being the 'perfect' son and the future alpha and all. A complete show-off, that's what he is. Oh, c'mon. Can't a girl have some fun here? Mummy on the other hand is absolutely ecstatic with our going to a human school. She's all set on boarding the plane with us, you know, just to see the school and the area but Dad totally put a kibosh on it. "Love, we're supposed to go to the Alpha Dinner that weekend, remember? Do you really want me to go there alone?" ugh, I could still hear Dad's love-y romantic voice whenever he talked to Mummy but at least, they're happily in love and everything. I mean, I'm grateful that my parents loved each other to bits and sometimes it's positively irking but hey, being in love is better than being sad right? Anyway, we're going to board a plan to Lexton in two more weeks and it has been positively hectic in Ruben Estate. Dad didn't want us to live in the school's dorms (pointing out that we might be given HUMAN roommates) so he had gone and bought a land in Lexton a week ago after Mummy had convinced him that it would be a good idea to let the children -- *clears throat* that would be us - experience what they didn't have the chance to do. Dad finally caved in with his own terms and conditions...Ugh... TERMS and CONDITIONS!!! UGH!! Unbelievable!! 1.No phasing in front of humans (DUH Dad, we're not that dense) 2.No hunting human either for food or play (Oh c'mon!! When did we ever eat human flesh before?? Disgusting much) 3.No socializing with the humans more than what is required (Okaaay, this is just too much -- I want to find more variety in friends...Dad you're such a worry rat!) 4.Phasing and hunting can only be done in Rubenston (Remember the new land which Dad had bought and baptized it as Rubenston??) 5.No humans are allowed in Rubenston (Dad, seriously, this is the same like no: 3) 6.For Aveline: No dating human boys! (Ugh, Dad! They're like soooo HUMAN!!) 7.For Alven: Stop teasing human girls (Ok, Alven totally loves this one. He finds it amusing to see the human girls try to approach and flirt with him whenever we went to Star Hill Town) 8.For Carinelle: Watch these two mischievous wolves! (Seriously??) 9.Expect sudden unannounced visits from your parents (Oh c'mon!!) 10.Keep the Ruben Pack and other wolf-related matters a secret (Seriously, Dad, we're not that daft!!) Oh wait, did I mention that Carinelle's coming with us? It's also partly the reason why Dad had finally caved in. Carinelle's father, Uncle Jerry's actually the one who encouraged his reluctant daughter to enrol to the same school with us. Carinelle is such a goody two shoes that when Uncle Jerry mentioned about his daughter's enrolment letter, he finally let us go, provided if we follow the stupid conditions. OK, I know it's not fair to vent out my frustration on Carinelle. I mean, she's very sweet and all but ugh... I can't believe that Dad actually put up this rules! And yet, Alven finds all of the terms funny. Good Lord! No wonder I'm the black sheep in the family! Love, Avvie From Carinelle Hynes Thorn's Diary: 12th September 2008, 2.30 AM, my bedroom's veranda. Gee, I'm actually going to be eighteen tomorrow at dawn. Am I supposed to be thrilled about this? I don't see why I should get all hyped up just because I'm getting older. Aveline's probably still up partying about in her home with Alven and their pack members. She's so excited about turning eighteen. God knows, she's probably too eager to go and get hitched! I don't want to turn eighteen. Getting my birthday today meant that another day had gone by and the day of my flight to the stupid human school is getting closer and closer! I can't even escape it! I fail to see why Aveline and Alven are so excited about going to a human school. Ok, it might be one of the best schools in Europe but still, why can't we just have home-schooled like we used to? Dad's so eager for me to feel the experience he had felt for a few years in his teens that he totally went along with Uncle James's idea of Aveline, Alven and I staying together in Rubenston. Seriously, can't they see that I don't want to go?? Ok, it's not that I'm afraid that I might turn cuckoo and hunt all those fragile humans...it's the girls, I'm worried about... Yes, I admit! I have a humungous crush to Alven!! But HE can be so clueless sometimes! IT'S SO ANNOYING!! I would have told Aveline but seriously, won't it be weird to tell my best friend that I have a crush on her big brother?? I guess I'm just scared to see him finally dating a human girl or worse a wolf. Here's the copy of Uncle James's rules, I find it rather true and silly at the same time: 1.No phasing in front of humans (Seriously, Uncle James, we're not that brainless) 2.No hunting human either for food or play (We're not human-eaters! But...they do serve as good pets ha-ha JUST KIDDING) 3.No socializing with the humans more than what is required (I hope Alven will follow this!) 4.Phasing and hunting can only be done in Rubenston (Seriously, how big is the place??) 5.No humans are allowed in Rubenston (Again, I hope Alven will follow this!) 6.For Aveline: No dating human boys! (Seriously, Aveline would rather hurl and die than kiss any of them) 7.For Alven: Stop teasing human girls (Uncle James! You're my hero!!) 8.For Carinelle: Watch these two mischievous wolves! (I will definitely keep an eye on Alven!) 9.Expect sudden unannounced visits from your parents (Seriously...) 10.Keep the Ruben Pack and other wolf-related matters a secret (Honestly, Uncle James, we're not that dense) Thank God, we would only be there for two or is it three years? I have to go and check the stupid brochure again. I wonder where I kept it. Oh yes, the bin. With love, Carrie *** She stood behind him, smiling lovingly at him as her hands traced on his broad shoulders. She bent down her head, grinning to herself mischievously and then she started to trail soft kisses on the nape of his neck. He closed his eyes and moaned pleasurably. "Don't tease me, love," James whispered hoarsely, his hands seemed to have a life of its own as they roamed on his mate's body when she shifted and went to sit down on his lap. "They're coming down any minute now," his voice lingered with intense longing to drag her back into their bedchamber. "Teasing is my sole purpose of living," she chuckled as she ran her hands down on his buttoned shirt. "Besides...when can I ever tease you again after the kids are gone?" she started to kiss him on his lips. He chuckled, having a bit of difficulty to concentrate on talking while she was toying with his lips. "Ah, you sneaky little wolfy vixen!" he tightened his grip on her waist, bringing her closer to him and to his clothed hard-on. "The whole letting the children experience what we didn't get to do is just a ruse eh?" he smiled as he gave kisses on her neck. "I'm a genius, aren't I?" she joked and then giving him one final big passionate kiss on his lips before wrenching herself from his lap and straightened her dress. He groaned. "You'll pay for this, love," he chuckled, a hint of seduction in his voice as he stood up and hurried out from the kitchen to their bedchamber before their children came in. She smiled widely as she turned around and started to pour fresh orange juice into tall clear glasses. A few minutes later, Aveline strolled into the family kitchen with a weird look on her beautiful face. "Mummy," she started, looking blank as she sat down and accepted the glass full of orange juice from her mother. "Why's Dad in such a hurry?" Gracielle grinned further, "Do you honestly want to know, Avvie sweetie?" Realization dawned upon her beautiful face. "Ugh Mum! Seriously! Must you guys do it here??" "Breakfast, dear?" Gracielle asked her, ignoring her daughter's outburst. "Sunny-side up egg? Scrambled eggs? Or do you want last night's Mountain Lion steak with black pepper?" "Mum!" Aveline was aghast. How could her mother talked about food at this moment? Gracielle smiled widely, revealing a row of white perfect teeth. "When you find your true mate, you'll see why your father and I are inseparable," she started to put butter on a piece of toast. "Mum! I've just turned eighteen!" Aveline was shocked with her mother's words. It was indeed true and sweet that her mother had mated with her father when she was nineteen but that wasn't the kind of life that she wanted for herself. She had plans in her mind already. She envisioned herself as a college student and then possibly either a gap year of doing something worthwhile or just go straight into university. Alven didn't have any problem of thinking about the future since he was going to replace their father as the next Ruben Alpha. She knew that her future -- or any of their pack members' were set from financial view and everything but she wanted something more than just a pack life. Humans intrigued her curiousity and despite of their fragility and mortality, their lives had a purpose -- they had their goals in life. Saying so, it didn't mean that she didn't like being born a wolf of privilege. She enjoyed her daily run in her wolf form. She loved her snowy white coat. Bless the holy moon for the wonderful gift! It was just that she wanted more than what was designated in her life. Perhaps she was selfish but was it wrong for her to want more than a life planned out for her? Alven had his purpose in life already ever since he was born, he was going to be the future Alpha of their pack but her? Where was her purpose in life other than roam the estate literally and burn off money on excessive shopping? She didn't like the idea of being an Alpha Princess since it sounded so medieval but she had to admit, being the daughter of an Alpha did have its own benefits. She was certain that in the next Pack Ceremony, she would be the eye of attention for the eligible wolves among the four packs. She shared the same view with her mother about their dislike on mating in front of hundreds of wolves watchful eyes. Oh c'mon, her first time of having sex and doing so and ended up being watched? Where was the romance in that?! She cringed when she realized that her parents would be without a doubt, be present at her mating ceremony. Ugh, the horror! Her mother was so fortunate to have mated with her father secretly. She kind of hoped that hers would be similar but minus with the whole drama -- she knew the story about Uncle Jerry's temporary insanity spree and furtively thought it as romantic in a weird way. But the most important thing was that she didn't have the desire to be mated at the moment. She liked the idea of her being alone and enjoying her youth. She wanted to explore the world and she was certain that humans would provide an outlet to her desire to explore the unknown. That didn't mean that she would even consider dating one, ugh, the blasphemy of such thing! Humans were -- in her opinion -- a design of both fragility and uniqueness. Oh, the wolves could die also despite of their immortality. There were ONLY one sure-way of ending a wolf's life and the last war was an example to that. Oh, no such thing as silver bullets and stuff, those were funny methods that humans thought for their movies. It was hilarious to think that silver could harm them, oh yes, it could injure them but it won't be fatal. The only sure way to end a life was by a wolf's bite. Wasn't that funny? Since a wolf's bite was required in a mating process. There were two different kinds of bites to be exact. The fatal one would be a bite so tight that veins would pop out and blood would gush out like a broken dam. It was a complex matter and words couldn't describe it with justice. There would be venom involved and comically, it was the same type of venom that binds a mate. Bless the holy moon for such a complicated matter to ponder on! "Dear?" Gracielle snapped her fingers at her daughter. "What's wrong with you today?" Aveline sighed. She took a sip on her orange juice, "Mum, am I just an Alpha Princess?" "There's more to you than just being the daughter of an Alpha, Avvie, you know that already," Gracielle said gently as Alven pulled up a seat and sat next to their mother. "Even Carinelle's not thinking much of her being one also..." "Morning, Mum!" eighteen-year-old Alven said brightly and then he tousled his sister's perfectly smooth hair. Aveline groaned. "Mum!!!" Gracielle laughed. "Seriously, is this how you guys are going to act at Rubenston?" "Don't make me change my mind about Aliaxia, kids," James joked with a laugh as he sauntered into the kitchen and then planted a kiss on his mate's forehead. He sat down next to her and started to pour a cup of coffee. "Aw, Dad, It's not funny! I'm really looking forward for this school," Aveline stated. Alven laughed and then he looked at their father, "Dad," he called, "So, about this rules you wrote..." "What about them, Alven?" James asked his son as Gracielle propped her elbows on the table and looked at their children with amusement. "Are you really serious?" Alven laughed, "I can understand the whole keeping secret thing but why can't we go and have dates with the humans, it's not like we're going to phase right in front of them." He said, trying to reason with his father. "Alven, are you planning to study or socialize with the opposite sex?" Gracielle asked her son with a smile. "Studying the opposite sex!" Alven replied back jokingly, grinning wolfishly. "If he can date human girls, then I should be able to date human boys too!" Aveline interjected but she wasn't serious about it. "I pity the humans when they lay their eyes on you," James shook his head, "Do whatever you want but keep in mind that werewolves are non-existent to the humans." Aveline smirked victoriously as she took long sips from her orange juice and then started to eat her breakfast. Alven could hardly believe that their father was being so lenient, he had just meant the dating humans as a joke and besides, the idea of dating humans were quite repulsive to him. Just like Aveline, he agreed that humans were just too fragile to love. How would a life of immortality be spent with a human whose soul was mortal and fragile? He couldn't see himself living that life even for a short while. He wasn't the type of man...well, a wolf, that treats love as something so replaceable. A mate, in his opinion, was someone who he could spend his immortality with, someone who would always be there by his side and never changing, never aging...someone whom he truly loves. He hadn't found that particular person yet, heck, he had just turned eighteen! His mind was in a sense the same with his sister's view of enjoying life to the fullest before tying down that little knot of commitment. He wanted a life of fulfillment -- he craved for a little adventure that Carinelle's father had talked about almost endlessly. He didn't ask much, he just wanted to feel a life outside the pack before taking over his father's lead. The torch will be handed down once he has found a mate but the likeliness of him mating in the near future was like nil so there was no worry there, for him anyway. Then, again, even if he has found a mate, he didn't want to replace his father for the time being. His father had understood his decision and for all it was worth, his father was such an amazing Alpha that leading was like second-nature to him. He had watched him lead the pack ever since he was a little wolf and he knew that he could lead if he wanted but he was content on being the Alpha Prince and besides he was going to try his hands on school. That ought to suffice his thirst on adventure. He knew that his sister thought that it was so lucky for him to have his future set stoned in the pack, oh, how his sister had grumbled on and on endlessly on how her life had no purpose in the pack but to just burn the money off by shopping endlessly. A privilege that she seemed to be taken into loving with Carinelle, ah, he broke into a little smile when he remembered how Carinelle amused him with her too-goody-two-shoes image. But she wasn't aware of how fortunate she was. Her path was wide open and free. She could choose anything she could want, well, she would of course need their father's consent but still, she could choose and that was something that Alven would love to have. He wanted to be a doctor but he couldn't possibly be one since he would have to spend a lot of years in medical school. This was something that the pack wouldn't allow. He could try his hands on the family's business, after all, he would have to lead it anyway. "Alven?" Gracielle broke her son's train of thoughts, somehow sensing the storm raging in her son's mind. "Are you all right, dear?" He smiled at her, "I'm all right Mum," he said, "I'm just thinking about the new school." Well, that was close enough to the truth! "He's probably thinking on how many girls he'll get swooning over him," Aveline smirked as she took another spoonful on her plate. She turned to her brother, "Careful brother, you might get yourself mated!" "Hah! There are no other wolves in Rubenston, silly cub," he stated. Aveline stuck her tongue out at him in a childish manner. He grinned victoriously. James pulled his mate's right hand to his, grasping it lovingly. Love, look at them, such mischievous wolves... he thought to Gracielle as their children continued to bicker with one another, on and on, relentless and never wanting to surrender in defeat. It's going to be really quiet without Alven and Avvie, Gracielle mused back to her beloved mate, her thoughts was a little sad. Baby love, he chuckled in his thoughts, I'll make sure that you won't even get the chance to miss them. He sent naughty little thoughts, flashes of how he will make her writhe under him, oh how he will tease her. She bit her lips, trying hard to not blush. She stood up abruptly, wrenching her hand free from him, you're nasty my love, she thought back, pretending to occupy herself with a tray of freshly baked cookies on the kitchen counter. She popped a piece into her mouth and then she put them carefully inside a cookie jar. James laughed, making Alven and Aveline paused in their bickering. They looked at their parents, confused at first before realization crept upon them. Crossing Moon Ch. 01 "Ugh, Dad, Mum, please! You're going to make me turn into a nun!" Aveline groused. "Aw, Avvie, I'm sure that you'll be twice as horrible as Mum and Dad are," Alven chuckled, "Or worse." Aveline scoffed. "You're a moron, Alven, do you know that?" "Well, at least I'm not the one crying over Mexican soap operas," he replied back with a hah!-try-to-beat-that-sis tone. Aveline looked like she was about to explode but then, their mother slammed her hand on the table. Gracielle rolled her eyes, "Seriously, Aveline, behave," and then with a raised left eyebrow, she looked at her son, "Stop agitating your sister, Alven," she looked at both of her silent children who were still spouting daggers with one another, "Now, let's try to eat breakfast without killing one another all right?" Her tone softened as she sat down on her chair. James grinned. Baby, I just loved it when you go Alpha Female mode on our children... I'll whip you up real good James Ruben, Gracielle thought back, half teasingly. Ooh, bring it on, my love... He said, sending her another image of them making love under the moonlight by the lake, he took another sip from his drink. "Sorry Mum," Alven said, indirectly breaking the teasing romantic thoughts coursing between their parents' mind. Gracielle smiled at her son, "Just try to not strangle one another when you guys are in Lexton." Aveline gave a little pout, "But Mummy, he can be such a moron sometimes." She stuck her tongue out at her brother. Gracielle shook her head in amusement, sighing, "Promise that you guys come back home in one piece." James grasped his mate's hand lovingly. "Carinelle's going to keep a watchful eye on these two mischievous wolves, love," he grinned as their children groaned together, "I hope Aliaxia will make you two grow up, especially you, Aveline..." *** Gracielle placed the last washed and dried plate into the cupboard. Her eyes then fell through the window, watching the beautiful view of the lake. Her hands rested on the counter and she started to hum a little tune. She wasn't aware until the last moment when a pair of warm loving hands started to creep and enveloped her waist. She gave a little giggle as James rested his head on the nape of her neck. He started to rock her slowly, swaying according to her little tune. She held her hands and caressed her mate's arms that enveloped lovingly and yet possessively on her waist. He blew warm air on her left ear lobe before trailing tingling sensual soft kisses on her neck. Her humming stopped, interrupted with such sensual pleasure that he was giving at her. She lifted her right hand and tousled her mate's hair, pulling it in such a sensuous seductive way that he groaned and turned her to face him. "I haven't cleaned the table," she whispered at him, reminding the forgotten glasses and a plate of moist cookies. "Forget the damn table," he growled possessively, his eyes burnt with thirst. He wanted her. He ran his hands down the sides of her body, his eyes never leaving hers. "The kids?" her voice gave a weak unconvincing protest as he lifted her to sit on the counter. "They're not here," he said, brushing it away. "But..." he silenced her with a deep kiss. She crossed her legs behind his strong waist, bringing them closer. Her hands held him tightly to her, refusing to let go as their tongue made a seductive dance to one another. "You teased me today, baby," he growled, his eyes still have that burn. She grinned at him, pulling his collar to her. She looked at him, still having that seductive naughty smile plastered on her beautiful face. "Do you want me?" she breathed out. "More than my own life, my love," he whispered back hoarsely. He tore the hem of her dress, giving him more access to pleasure her. "Ah, James, I love this dress!" even at the time of such a hot foreplay, she managed to complain at him for ruining her dress! He rolled his eyes at her, growling with displeasure, "Baby, I'll buy you a lot of dress after this." She pouted at him but he cupped her chin and then, he kissed her full lips, melting her anger away. Her hands snaked down on his pants and started to unbuckle the belt. Her eyes burnt with the desire to be one with him, oh, her one and true love. He took over and threw his pants off him while she ripped his shirt open. She grinned at him, "Revenge is sweet darling, you should try it someday," she brought him to her, kissing his broad chest. He gave a loud moan as she latched on a nipple and started to tug at it softly. She switched to another nipple but this time, she bit it, drawing a little blood, making him groan in unexpected pleasure. She ran her hands down to his swollen member as she kissed him full on the lips. She pushed him back, he staggered dizzily on his feet. She gave a wolfish grin and then launched herself from the counter to him, making him toppled over and fell down on the floor. She straddled him, "Do you like the cold floor, my love?" He answered by ripping open the remaining of her dress. He loved the fact that she didn't wear a bra today, just a little skimpy panty that soon received the same fate like her dress. Her hair curtained the right side of her face as she bent down and started to trail kisses from his lips down to the nape of his neck and then trailing down the smooth broad chest to dipping her tongue inside his belly button. He pulled her to him, tugging her. She could feel herself getting warmer and boy, she wanted him now. She straddled him again, positioning herself onto his wonderful cock but just as she was about to sink herself into the heavenly heaven. He grabbed her, making her shriek in surprise as he went on top of her. His hard-on poking on her belly, he looked at her, smiling widely. "Patience, my love," he whispered, caressing her face. She groaned at him, "Now, baby, I want you now!" she said, raising her hips to him. "Patience, my darling," he whispered gently as he crawled down her belly, his lips making a little sensual trail down to her pussy lips. His hands caressed her thighs as he breathed in the sweet intoxicating scent that made him shivered. She closed her eyes, she bit her lips, her hands trashed by her side, wanting to bury her fingers in his hair but the pleasure that he was giving her was just too much to bear. His tongue made a little dance, a tango of lust and love, to that sweet intoxicating source. She opened her eyes and looked down to him, growling impatiently. He chuckled as he went up and kissed her on the lips, she could taste herself on the tip of his tongue. Her eyes burnt with intense, "Please..." she whispered, pulling him close to her, her sharp perfectly manicured nails buried deep onto his back. The pain was invisible to him. He chuckled as he positioned himself on top of her, his hard-on was just merely touching her entrance, she groaned and moaned. "Revenge really is sweet, my love," he chuckled, still teasing her. He bent his head down and licked her neck, phasing his tongue into the sand-papery wolf form. She sighed as she could feel more intricate details of his tongue on her neck, she closed her eyes, still raising her hips to him, wanting that damn teasing cock inside her. She wrapped her arms around him, holding him closer to her. She enjoyed the feel of his warm strong body over her. She felt safe and protected and highly aroused at the same time. She gave a little moan of pleading at him, seductive and alluring. She tugged at his hair, wanting more than what he had given her for now. He groaned as he obliged, burying himself inside her. She gave a little yelp of surprise at his intrusion but then she moaned in pleasure, rocking her hips at him as he danced his way inside her. He pulled her on top of him after a while, her hair swayed to her left, her hands rested on his broad chest while his cock still buried deep within her. She clenched her entrance muscle, making him groan in return. She laid her head on to his neck, her arms tangled with his as her hips rose up and down onto his member. He tensed and groaned as he released himself within her, washing her womb with his seeds. She panted in orgasmic pleasure as she cuddled close to him, warming her body, his cock still deep within her. She closed her eyes and started to drift into a peaceful orgasmic nap. He smiled, caressing her skin softly, "I love you, Gracie baby," he whispered as he rolled her over on the floor and carefully lifted her to his arms. A difficult feat to do since his knot was still buried deep within her. She locked her legs around his waist and her arms on his neck, his arms on her hips as he walked to their bedroom quickly before their children bumped with them. "I love you too, James darling..." she whispered back, a little hoarse as she continued to clench her muscle, teasing the knot within her that seemed to swell with each clench. She grinned, her eyes still wide closed, enjoying the groans James made as he kicked open their bedroom door and shut it tight. "Round two, baby?" she murmured as he threw them both on their bed. He grinned at her. The day had just begun... *** To be continued... Don't forget to VOTE and COMMENT!! -- thanks! *** Crossing Moon Ch. 02 *** Hi! Welcome to the SECOND installment of CROSSING MOON Don't forget to VOTE and COMMENT!! Jayleen *** From Aveline Erickana Ruben's diary: 25th September 2008, 8.30 PM, somewhere in the sky. Currently listening to: "Here With Me - Dido" (through the airplane's headphone) I wish Alven would just move his big butt and let me have the stupid window seat! Ugh! Can't he understand how I loved to see the sunrise? I bet the view would be really awesome from above the sky. I have to make sure that I have my camera ready. Eh, where the heck did I put that stinking camera? Oh gosh! No! Wait, breathe in, breathe out, Avvie! Calm down! The camera must be in my small backpack. No!! It's not in the bag! And the stinking stupid human stewardess doesn't even want to take my suitcase from the baggage area! It's just a camera for crying out loud! Can't you just go in there for a second and get the damned camera for me? You worked for me!! Oh all right, technically, the stewardesses worked for the pack and yes, they all think that we're just plain old humans who happened to stumble across the lucky genetic jackpot of being born with a silver spoon in our mouths. "I'm sorry, Miss, but we can't just go into the baggage area and get the camera for you, you'll just have to wait when we land," she gave me this big bright smile. I feel like clawing her fake smiley face off! How dare she stood between me and my camera!! "Aveline, I have my camera with me," Carinelle piped in suddenly. I remembered whirling at her and growled. "Gee, nice of you to offer it earlier," I said sarcastically to her but I took her camera anyway and I sat down on my seat sulkily. I heard Carinelle apologized to the stewardess on my behalf. Oh, behalf my butt! I turned to her and asked her why on Earth she would apologize to an insensitive uncooperative sad excuse of a stewardess! "She's just doing her job, Aveline," Carinelle smiled at me and then she looked out through her window seat. YES!! Carinelle got her own window seat!! I tried to change seats with her but for some reason her cheeks turned red and she shook her head quickly. Seriously, she definitely needs some growing up to do and my parents said I'm the ONE who needs to grow up! Bah!! After a few minutes, my anger faded away and then I turned at her, noticing that she wasn't like her perky self. I mean, yeah, she cried at the airport but people crying is normal, isn't it so? Ah, I wonder how Mum and Dad are doing. Ugh, GOD! I regret writing that...my mind had suddenly wandered off thinking that they're probably rutting all over the house now that we're gone. I wish I hadn't stumbled upon their shredded clothes on the kitchen floor that fateful day after my birthday. Ugh! I had this permanent image of my parents torn clothes on the floor! It's a miracle that I grew up to be a sane and bubbly girl. Alven had laughed when he saw the look on my face but he laughed even more when I told him about our parents' remaining shreds of clothes on the floor. "You're being silly, Avvie," I remembered him telling me that. "They're in love," he laughed at me, "Let our parents be," which reminds me exactly why I am the family's black sheep. OK, I'm not going to spend the entire page writing about how open my parents are about displaying their affections to one another. I mean, it's not like I have anything against them being in love. It's just... ugh! WHY CAN'T THEY JUST KEEP THE ROMANCES, FOREPLAYS AND EVIDENCES OF LOVE MAKING TO THEMSELVES?? Where's the discretion here??? Oh wait, yeah, what the hell I'm talking about? We're wolves for crying out loud! We have mating sex in front of hundreds of watchful horny eyes! Yeah, who I am to complain about privacy?? Did I happen to mention about the other wolves coming with us? Yeah, they're in this plane and guess what? They have their own stupid window seats!!! This is OUTRAGEOUS!! There's got to be something good happening in Lexton!! And gosh! Why is Carinelle still staring out the damned window?? Love, Avvie From Carinelle Hynes Thorn's Diary: 25th September 2008, 9.00 PM, on the way to Lexton. Lexton SUCKS. Ditto With love, Carrie *** From Alven Erickana Ruben's Twitter... Alven: "Remind me again why I shouldn't kick Avvie's butt to Pluto?" -- posted 25th September 2008, 9.03 PM From Aveline Erickana Ruben's Twitter... Baby Avvie: "Had a heel battle with Alven," -- posted 25th September 2008, 9.04 PM From Alven Erickana Ruben's Twitter... Alven: "Seriously, if she doesn't quit stomping her heel on my foot, I swear there's going to be one gravely injured Ms. Nag!" -- posted 25th September 2008, 9.15 PM From Aveline Erickana Ruben's Twitter... Baby Avvie: "I see I bruised a toe there haha, TAKE THAT loser!" -- posted 25th September 2008, 9.16 PM From Alven Erickana Ruben's Twitter... Alven: "Malcolm, let's switch places" -- posted 25th September 2008, 9.25 PM From Aveline Erickana Ruben's Twitter... Baby Avvie: "Alven is a BIG loser!!" posted 25th September 2008, 9.26 PM From Alven Erickana Ruben's Twitter... Alven: "Hah! Alven -- score 1, Avvie -- score 0, thanks Carrie babe!" -- posted 25th September 2008, 9.30 PM From Aveline Erickana Ruben's Twitter... Baby Avvie: "You may have won the war but YOU will lose the battle, loser and Ms. two-shoes!!" -- posted 25th September 2008, 9.31 PM From Alven Erickana Ruben's Twitter... Alven: "Lexton RULES!!" -- posted 26th September 2008, 10.15 AM From Aveline Erickana Ruben's Twitter... Baby Avvie: "You got that right, loser!! LEXTON RULES!!!" -- posted 26th September 2008, 10.22 AM From Carinelle Hynes Thorn's Twitter... Carrie: "Lexton SUCKS!!!" -- posted 26th September 2008, 10.23 AM *** "I'm tired," Aveline couldn't help but complain to Malcolm who jingled a set of keys in his left hand. "Open the door." She told him crabbily. She looked up at the modern double-storey high house and instantly approved of the tall glass panelling and windows. The house looked spacious and homey and she was desperate to lie her head on a pillow. "Patience, young one," Malcolm said to her, "We should wait for the others." Aveline wanted to say more but she knew better than to agitate him, the fierce Malcolm was kind and gentle but when he's angry, the wolf inside of him would burst and make the others felt obedient so she just settled on pouting and starred crisply at the rest of the pack members going out from the four limousines with the suitcases packed in a glossy black van. Alven, on the other hand, was probably miles away into the deep forest right now. He had ripped his clothes off the minute he stepped out from the sleek limo, not even bothering to take it off and making Carinelle blushed madly in the process. Aveline had laughed at Ms. Two Shoes' expression and added jokingly, "Carrie, are you a wolf or a wimp?" A moment later, Malcolm inserted a master key into the keyhole and turned it to the left, he looked behind and saw all of the twenty pack members were there standing behind him and a crabby looking Aveline and a still blushing Carinelle. He took no notice of the fact that Alven wasn't there to look into their new home since he was well aware of Crown Prince's love for nature. He pushed open the thick glass-paned double-door and then turned to face, Aveline, Carinelle and twenty Ruben Pack wolves, his handsome face broke into a smile, "Welcome to Rubenston," he said, his arms went wide in a welcoming gesture, "This is our home for now..." Aveline, naturally, had picked the best room in the house. Well, she had her eye set upon the big room high above in the tower, overlooking the private lake ever since she heard her father talking about it with her mother. She heard that she could see the sunrise and sunset perfectly from her bedroom window. Her room was circular but large -- it was large enough to have her own bathroom and a medium-sized walk-in closet with a built-in dresser. She didn't get a four-poster bed like Carinelle did but she was satisfied enough with a plain wooden queen-sized bed with purple flowery comforter. There was a built-in study table complete with book shelves and a plasma screen complete with its media gadgets. She loved the window seat the most though despite the luxurious comforts in her new room, the lake overlooking from her bedroom was perfect -- a beautiful Eden of life, there was a small wooden bridge where a few white boats were tied on. There was even a door which opened up to a few small steps of stairs down to Carinelle's bedroom. Did she mention about her curved balcony? The balcony had a comfortable plush seat with a small circular coffee table and a furry snowy white faux carpet. Carinelle's bedroom had a balcony also but it was certainly bigger than hers and the view was astonishing as well. Carinelle's bedroom was circular but there was a sufficient part of her room that was rectangular in shape. Her beautiful pink four-poster bed filled the rectangular area perfectly well, it was as if the bed was there to mesh with the room. Just like Aveline's bedroom, there was also a built-in study table, media gadgets, a walk-in closet and most importantly for a girl, her own bathroom suite. Aveline had taken a peek into Alven's bedroom and she was certain that she was the first person to enter the room since her brother was still roaming all over the new territory. She would join him later but now, her priority is the house! His bedroom was spacious and it had a larger bathroom complete with a nice Jacuzzi. The bed had a metallic blue coloured comforter. The wall was painted creamy white and had a wooden border on the floor. The room also had a built-in study with shelves and media gadgets. Every inch and corner of Rubenston was luxurious and had a feeling of home. It was just how their mother had furnished it to be. Alven's bedroom didn't have a balcony like she and Carinelle did but instead there was a connected room that had a medium-sized basketball court with crystal clear walls and a mini-indoor swimming pool as well as a set of modern sofas with a big plasma screen and sound system with a mini bar. Aveline was certain that Alven would fall in love with his new bedroom than the nature itself. She had half of mind to switch rooms but then again, she remembered how beautiful the view of the lake was from her balcony that she changed her mind. She would love to travel all over the world and captured each moment of sunrise and sunset in every country that she flew into. Won't it be such an amazing collection? She could grouped them together and make a big picture of sunrises and sunsets all over the world. Ah, perhaps she was born to be a photographer? She chuckled at that thought, a wolf -- and not just a mere wolf to state it by, she was an Alpha Princess and she was certain that princesses don't go running around the globe with their camera lens but then again, Aveline wasn't like any ordinary princess. She was born to revolutionised -- well at least, her life anyway. Carinelle loved the soft comforts of her new bed. She had lain there for a moment, staring up the ceiling and wondered if time would pass along quickly. Two and a half years in Rubenston? That seemed ages. Yes, sure, they would probably return back home during the holidays but it didn't feel the same. She liked the safety and comforts of her home. Rubenston was strange and unknown. Even the scents around her were new and her wolf was desperate to roam free but she held on. She refused to submit to her wolfy instincts. Aveline had came to her room earlier, suggesting that perhaps they might take a run in the new territory but Carinelle was still feeling a bit sulky from being forced to come here without her will and the memory of seeing Alven ripped his clothes off was still fresh in her mind. She blushed again at the thought and cringed. Aveline had said that she was weird -- a strange little wolf to be embarrassed to see another naked wolf in the phase of transformation. She was fine with the nudity and the fact that the wolves were a very comfortable pack with sex and nudity display, it was just that seeing Alven in his godly beauty was intoxicating. Oh, his body wasn't built like those yucky over-muscled gooses but it was just nice and sculpted perfectly. It was as if he was literally sculpted by the hands of a highly talented artist. "Hey, Carrie! Oii!!" Aveline snapped her fingers in front of Carinelle's face. She blinked abruptly and saw Aveline's beautiful porcelain face hovering above her. "What are you dreaming about? Some hunky guy I don't know about?" she grinned mischievously. Carinelle shook her head quickly, "Don't be sappy, Avvie," she replied, sitting up straight on her bed. "What do you want?" she looked at her. Aveline then, jumped out from the bed and grabbed her hand, pulling her to stand up with her. "Hey!" she said, almost losing her balance. "C'mon Carrie," Aveline said, "Let's go and check the town! Malcolm said that we could go but only until dinner!" "Oh Avvie, gosh, I don't want to go!" Carinelle said with annoyance. "I thought YOU want to go and roam the forest!" "Ah, the forest can wait!" Aveline snapped impatiently, still tugging Carinelle's hand, "Shopping complexes and cafes await!!" and then she added surreptitiously, "And hunky human boys for us to pick and play hahaha!" Carinelle knew that Aveline was joking about the human boys but she still gasped and said, "We promised your Dad that we wouldn't!" "You're such a goody two shoes, Carrie, do you know that?" Aveline pointed out to her, "For your information, Ms. Two Shoes, Alven and I are allowed to date the humans. Well, we started it out as a joke but Dad got tired of us so, he relented." Carinelle pulled her hand back, shocked with Aveline's announcement, she cried "Are you for real, Avvie? Humans??" "Aww, c'mon! Chill!! Relax!! You're really 18 going 100, do you know that? So stop being such a perfect boring Ms. Goody Two Shoes and ENJOY the freaking life!!" Aveline said with sheer annoyance. She didn't even bother to hear Carinelle's pointless protests as she continued to pull her out from the bedroom and practically dragged her out from Rubenston in Malcolm's jeep. *** Lexton felt just like home, to say the least, it had the familiar scent of green leafy trees and the freshly mawned grass. The road was narrow and the houses had their own large garden. Carinelle quickly had the feeling of being in a Stepford-ly neighbourhood but minus the freaky wives and husbands. Trees were practically everywhere -- she had to admit that despite Aveline and Alven's maddening obsession with all things human-related experiences, they did make a great choice in school. Ah well, true that initially she had thought that Lexton was a big letdown but then again, she decided that a rash judgement was unjust. She'd give Lexton a chance to prove herself worthy in her eyes. She could care less about experiencing the things that her father had experienced during his early years in school -- she had no qualms on being just an Alpha Princess and she being just the only child to her parents, her future was set-stoned and secured. She would have the highest rank in her pack, after the Alpha of course so she couldn't understand Aveline's strange desires to be more than that. What was so exciting about humans anyway? Yeah well, humans were unique -- she had to admit that. They were truly fragile and yet, strong enough to survive their daily tasks. Instantly, she was reminded with a memory of human girls swooning over Alven when they went to Star Hill Town, she frowned, biting her lips at the foul memory. It was as if she could taste the bitterness on the tip of her tongue. Damn those girls, she thought and then she felt guilty with herself. She was so afraid of his reaction if she ever decided to tell him on how she truly felt that she didn't dare or even bother to think the what-ifs. Alven was confident and had that aura of leadership surrounding him. His wolf practically burst from every inch of his body and yet, his face was youthful and kind. He had that smile that could melt every young girl's heart and sweep every soul in the sea. Ah, well, then again, that was just her opinion. She might sound like a sappy girl in love but that was how Alven made her felt. He turned her world upside down. "Hey, Carrie! What is wrong with you?" Aveline snapped out of the blue, her fingers snapping in front of Carinelle's face. She shook her head in surprise, shaking her head, "I'm all right." She insisted but Aveline wasn't convinced. "Your thoughts went wild, Carrie, I couldn't hear you well," Aveline said as she made a turn to the right, nearly hitting a mailbox at a curve. "I was just thinking," Carinelle replied back, shrugging both of her shoulders. "You're so weird lately, Carrie," Aveline said as she parked Malcolm's jeep swiftly into a parking lot. "But I'm going to just ignore it and pretend that you're having those weird Carrie days unless if you do have something to tell me." "I'm perfectly fine, Avvie," Carinelle forced a laugh, "Maybe I'm just not used with being in Lexton yet, you know how I felt about this whole stupid trip." Aveline killed the engine, swiftly taking the keys from the jeep, "Hey, it isn't stupid," she pointed out quickly, "We're here for the school." "Yeah right, and you haven't thought about the possibility of making those pathetic human boys swoon over you..." Carinelle laughed and then she realized on where Aveline had brought them. Her eyes quickly darted to the cafe's sign and instantly fought a smile. "Wolvern Cafe? Seriously?" "Yeah, Malcolm told me about this little place," Aveline said, smiling, "He found it humorous but he did say the coffee is the best in town and besides, he told me to get a cup when we go back home." She hopped out from the jeep and went to the glass door. "What? We're going home after this?" Carinelle piped back, curious. "We just went all the way from Rubenston to the town just because Malcolm had the urge to drink coffee?" she found it highly unbelievable. "Oh c'mon Carrie, this is Malcolm we're talking about!" she grinned, pushing open the door and then turned to look at Carinelle, "And besides, how can I test our swooning-seduction without the humans to be seduced?" she winked, a joke, just to annoy Carinelle. "Eww, you're so disgusting Avvie," Carinelle stuck her tongue out. "Learn to love it, Carrie babe." She replied back, swishing her hair. *** What was it with Lexton and the obsession of making it felt like home? Carinelle felt really drawn with this funnily named cafe. The small cafe wasn't decorated lavishly like what she was used to back home but the scent and aroma of the place reminded her of Thorn Estate. There were circular little coffee tables made entirely out of sturdy wood and comfortable armchairs of every sort of size and type but despite the mismatched design, the tables, armchairs and the little things she always would find in an ordinary cafe made the place meshed up well together. The smell! Oh, did she mention about the intoxicating smell? Even Aveline noticed the woody aromatic scent. The smell of fallen yellow leaves and that wonderful after-the-rain freshly mawned grass. They felt like never wanting to leave the place and just hug the invisible wonderful scent. Home, oh they had never really noticed before on how much they missed home. Aveline noticed the scent on the first instance when she pushed open the door. Cool air-conditioned rushing to her face with a little hint of sweet lemon and lavender. A strange thought of wolfy instincts crept into the back of her mind but she pushed it away. She still remembered her father's stupid terms and conditions and still thought that it was silly but it didn't mean that she wouldn't follow at least some of it. She swallowed and breathed another supply of that intoxicating smell before going to the counter to make Malcolm's order and she had thought that maybe she'd order one for her as well. The counter was empty. She looked around the little area for anyone to take her order. Crossing Moon Ch. 02 "Try the bell, Avvie," Carinelle suggested, pointing to a small cute press-me-for-service bell. Aveline giggled but didn't say anything as she pushed the bell once. She looked around the cafe and despite of the homey feeling that the cafe had offered, there weren't many customers like she would have expected. The cafe was quiet, well, too quiet than the ordinary cafe that she was used to going back home. The only sound was a nice soft piano playing in the background. Comfortable and strangely homey, this was what Wolvern Cafe had offered and yet the people of Lexton didn't seem to mesh up with this uniqueness. "Welcome to Wolfy! How can I help you?" a voice suddenly popped in cheerfully. Aveline and Carinelle looked back to the counter and smiled. "Wolfy?" Carinelle asked, her left eyebrow rose high in amusement. The man was tall and built. He wasn't young but he wasn't too old either, the girls guessed that he must be in his late thirties and probably in the same age group as their parents. He exuded that certain charm and his face, oh, the girls were amazed with his boyish youth. Carinelle had wanted to say 'beautiful' but found it rather girlish to call a man like that. The man seemed taken aback with them especially when he landed his beautiful eyes on Carinelle. His forehead creased and there was a hint of dislike and a sudden wash of pain but he was such a good actor that he had hidden those strange things away, either that, or the girls must have imagined too much. "Yes, it's the cafe's nickname." The man said shortly, avoiding his gaze from her and entirely fixed his attention on Aveline. "Um, oh, all right," Carinelle felt peeved. Somehow, she could sense that the man -- this strange unknown man didn't like her. "So, how can I help you girls today?" the man said, a little gentle than he was earlier before. "If you'd like, I'd suggest our famous Vanilla Mocha Larvinge." " Larvinge?" Aveline asked sceptically. "Yes, it's very delicious. A mix of mocha, vanilla and old Grandma Adams' secret recipe." The man smiled faintly. "Um, all right then. One cup of that and a cup of Origa Coffee," and then Aveline turned to Carinelle, "Hey Carrie, do you want anything?" "Um, yeah, the one you ordered for you earlier, Avvie." Carinelle replied back, her eyes locked to the man who refused to meet gaze with her. She frowned. What was up with this old man? She wondered. "Anything else?" He asked, jotting down the order on a small blank notepad. Then he put back the pencil on the curve of his ear. Aveline shook her head, "That's all." "That'd be $13.50 and your order will be done in a few minutes, so please take a seat." He smiled again. Aveline gave him $14.00, "Keep the change, Mr...?" "Adrian, just call me Adrian." He said, and then just before he turned to make the order, he gave Carinelle a quick look, one that was so fast that the girls hadn't noticed it. *** The girl brought him pain, one that he had thought that he had forgotten and hidden away in the folds of his memory. How would he know that the sight of a familiar face would make his heart bleed? Those human girls drew his attention but the one who had asked about "Wolfy" intrigued him the most. She strongly reminded him of Fiorelle, his beautiful Alpha Female. The one who made his heart danced to the beat. He thought that he had long forgotten the pain but he was proven wrong. And yet at the same time, his heart bloomed with happiness when he saw that familiar face. That human girl didn't look exactly like Fiorelle but she had the same beautiful eyes and those wonderful smiles that melted his heart at the very moment when he came out to the counter and greeted them. What was her name? Oh yes, Carrie and the other pretty one was Avvie. He wondered how Fiorelle was doing after all of these years. Was she happy? Was she still in love with the Alpha? He gave a little smile to himself as he put the dried cups back to a rack on the wall. "Adrian, are you all right? You're so quiet today," Yvainne Wilkinson piped in as she put a new blank notepad into her left pocket and a pencil into her right pocket. She gave her apron pockets a little tap and then poured a freshly brewed coffee into a cup and then a plate of fresh warm biscotti. She put in a few packets of milk, sugar and butter. "I'm just tired," Adrian answered, shrugging his shoulders. He leaned his weight on the counter, his arms folded on the surface. "Now, how about you, Yvainne dear?" "Me? What about me?" she asked back, turning down to the oven and took out a freshly baked cupcakes. He looked at her, "Well, how's school?" "School's great," she said shortly, "New semester's going to start in a week and I can hardly wait!" "Study hard Yvainne, scholarships doesn't come by easy," Adrian added with a smile. "Yeah, I mean, I'm thankful that you gave me a part-time job and all but without my scholarship, I don't think I could afford a school like Aliaxia." "I wish Maxwell is as studious as you are, dear," he chuckled, "God knows, he hardly opens any books!" "Aww, c'mon Dad! I'm not that lazy," Maxwell Jay Adams said suddenly as he poured himself a cup of coffee. Yvainne laughed, "Well, Max, Adrian, I have to take this order to the customer," she said pointing to the tray. "But please, carry on." The father and son watched her carried the tray to the customer sitting by the large glass-paned window. Maxwell broke the cupcake into two and dipped one half into his warm cup of coffee and ate it. Adrian's thoughts then went back to the beautiful young Carrie, the human who reminded him of his painful past. He shouldn't feel drawn to the girl. She was a human and very young. She was probably the same age as his son! And besides, didn't he have learnt his lesson regarding human-wolf relationship? He should have known better than to tempt fate. He shouldn't have dared to test his own wolfy instincts that he, himself, knew full well that he couldn't control sometimes. Maxwell looked at his father carefully, sensing the disturbance in his father's thoughts. He touched his father's left shoulder, looking at him, "Are you all right, Dad?" "Yes son," Adrian said, lying perfectly well, "I'm all right." But even then, Maxwell knew he was hiding something. *** Looking back, The ghost of a memory, Clinging ever so tightly, Refusing to let go, Not letting me breathe, And not letting me forget... *** To Be Continued... *** Crossing Moon Ch. 03 From Aveline Erickana Ruben's diary: 28th September 2008, 10.45 PM, my bedroom window seat. Currently listening to: "Even More Human than Human – Rob Zombie" (IPod) It's official. Malcolm is in love with coffee. It's funny really. The moment Malcolm took the first sip on his coffee, his eyes went all glassy and he moaned this little satisfied sound which was strange to hear from a guy like him. Carrie and I had giggled of course and he went all official with us and told us to get ready for dinner. I thought that his reaction to such a simple thing as coffee was ludicrous; it wasn't until I took a little sip from mine that I understood why the strong and intimidating Malcolm went all gooey over a cup of coffee! Oh the taste was heaven. It wasn't anything that I had tasted before back at Star Hill Town. The taste, well, it had this strange little feeling that made me think of the pack. Carrie, on the other hand, didn't share the same feelings like I did. She was all like, it was good but not my taste. Hello? Hello? Are you serious Ms Goody Two Shoes?? Anyway, Alven had come back from his woodsy adventure and he was all hyped up with the new territory. He even had brought back a dead deer for fun. "We'll have deer meat tonight, sis!" he said to me proudly and then smearing his blood-stained hands on my new Chanel sundress!! How dare he?! I growled and snarled and I shrilled, "ALVEN YOU BIG MORON! STUPID IDIOTIC MUTT!!" He laughed hysterically of course! That stupid brother of mine! Needless to say, what I did to him after that made me feel a whole lot better. And Carrie was all like, "OH MY GOD, ALVEN!!!" and then rushed to his side like he was going to die. Seriously, I'm beginning to suspect something here... And I don't like it! Whatever, Avvie From Carinelle Hynes Thorn's Diary: 25th September 2008, 11.00 PM, bedroom. I should be asleep right now or maybe I should just go out alone and roam the stupid Rubenston forest! I don't like it here and the only reason that's keeping me rooted here is Alven! Oh my Moon! Did I mention about Alven and Aveline? Ugh, don't let me start on what had happened before dinner the last few nights ago. I really do not understand why these two acted like such little immature children. Oh c'mon people! Grow up please! Alven was all being so proud for having caught the big deer he had caught and naturally, being the big brother and having that opportunity to annoy his little sister, he purposely smeared his deer-blood-stained hand onto Avvie's newly bought Chanel dress. And can you guess what had happened? Hell broke loose in Rubenston... that's what it was! Aveline stood there, frozen on the floor, gaping on her dress. The stain on her dress seemed to be taunting her. She looked up to glare at him and as if it was in a slow motion scene; she gave this big shrill of utter anger, and then leaped up into the air, and her stained dress ripped open when she phased into her wolf form. Alven, taken aback with her phasing into a wolf, took a step back and before he could even do anything, Aveline landed with her claws open onto him. There was this ugly mean growling sound booming from the snowy white wolf clawing at Alven's human body. He was shirtless of course and that godly beauty chest was bloodied and clawed. Fresh blood flowing from his perfect chest that I think would feel warm and cosy – OH MY GOD! WHY AM I DESCRIBING HIS PERFECT CHEST AT THE TIMES LIKE THIS?? Anyway...Malcolm had come out from his office when he heard the noise. He yelled out at the two rascals in this strong voice but Aveline refused to stop. She was beyond furious. I guess a dress matters the most to a silly girly rich girly girl. Seriously, Avvie needs to grow up from this immaturity It's just a stupid dress for crying out loud!! Alven had to phase into his wolf form, or else, Aveline would have probably ripped his head off. He growled and he leapt up to his sister. Alven, being bigger and stronger than her, naturally had overtaken her in mere seconds. She phased back into her human form, lying there on the floor, naked, with Alven's wolf form hovering above her. Seriously, the scene looked kind of sick to me for a minute there when Alven phased back to his naked human form too. "I hate you, Alven," she told him, not looking at her brother who was still on top of her. He got up in an instant of course; some of the wolf members quickly gave them robes. "Avvie, it's just a dress," he said. But she wouldn't talk more to him as she ran up to the stairs, probably back to her room. "Oh my God Alven!" I cried to him, running up to him and touching his bloodied cheek which was starting to heal already. "I'm all right Carrie," he said, and then he looked at the stairway. "I really did make her mad, didn't I?" "Ah, ignore her Alven, she'll be fine" I said to him. "Is this how the future Alpha behaves?" Malcolm boomed again, obviously crossed with him. "All childish and immature?" "I was just teasing her, Malcolm," Alven admitted weakly, "Which I probably shouldn't have done." "You owe your sister an apology, Alpha Prince!" Malcolm said sternly. "I will, and I'll buy her a new one, I promise," Alven said again as he tightened the ropes on his robe. Oh my Moon! His chest is just so beautiful... I could just see it from that little gap on his robe. Oh dear. I have it real bad! With love, Carrie. *** "Where are the boys?" Fiorelle asked Gracielle as she sat down on her chair. She looked around, trying to see where her mate was. "Oh well, you know how James and Jerry are with their cars," Gracielle smiled, as she poured a cup of tea for each of them. The air in the Ruben Garden was fresh and scented with flowers. Fiorelle smiled, "You know, I've been thinking about having another baby but somehow, it doesn't seem to be the right decision for now." Gracielle furrowed her eyebrows, "You know that it's rare for us to have more than 1 child," "But you did. You have two! Do you know how lonely Carrie was when she had to come back home after playing with your children?" Fiorelle stated, taking a sip from her tea. "I'm a different case, Fiorelle," Gracielle chuckled, "I had twins remember?" "Oh yeah, right, I forgot," Fiorelle replied back sheepishly, "Anyway, the Elders said that it's probably because of our Heat Cycle which can take up to years to restart the whole thing." "Then just wait for the cycle," Gracielle laughed. "We literally have all the time in the world." "Yeah I know but I feel kind of weird, to have another baby when my own daughter's already at the ripe age of mating." Fiorelle said again. "Oh, I have a daughter too, remember? With Aveline, it feels like I have hundreds of daughters on my shoulders." Gracielle pointed out, laughing. She wondered what it would feel again like to have James's seed growing inside her but then she shook the thoughts away. She would know when her Heat Cycle starts and by then, they'll decide on whether to have another baby or just let the cycle pass by. Fiorelle bit her lips, "Well, I think my cycle is getting near." She admitted. "Oh, it's great then," Gracielle said sincerely, "So, there's going to be baby number 2?" "That's the thing, well, Jerry isn't sure about having another one. He's already busy with Alpha work and you know how the alphas have to go back and forth to different countries in such a short period of time and he's worried that he would miss the baby's development and he doesn't want that to happen," Fiorelle sighed, pausing, as she stretched her fingers, "He said that we'll decide when things have settled down a bit." "But you guys managed fine with Carrie." Gracielle pointed out. "Yeah but then, that was before he got the load on Alpha work. There have been rumours about another wolf pack forming in the South so the Elders have been pushing him to go and investigate." Fiorelle said, her heart heavy with disappointment. "Yeah well, James is not really concerned about the rumours but he's coming with Jerry anyway with the other two alphas," Gracielle said. "It's funny, you know, about the rumours. A new wolf pack! Hah! Imagine that!" Fiorelle shook her head in amusement. "Maybe it's Adrian's." Gracielle stated suddenly. Fiorelle's eyes went wide, "Adrian?" her voice rose, shocked with her best friend's theory. "Why are you surprised Fiorelle?" Gracielle said, leaning back to her chair, her arms folded, "He did betray your pack." "He didn't betray us!" Fiorelle stated exasperatedly, "I made him do that! My selfishness made him lose his home and family! I'm the one to blame, Gracie! Not him!" "But still, the idea of that new wolf pack is still relevant." Gracielle replied back. "He can't lead a new pack, he's not an Alpha, Gracie!" Fiorelle told her, "and besides, where can he find new wolves to lead anyway? There is NO other pack than those that we already know of, Gracie! The new pack is just damn rumours!" "There are hybrids, Fiorelle, don't forget that," Gracielle stated, "Yes, true, that we've never formed such ritual on a human but it is still possible." Fiorelle bit her lips hard; she could feel blood in her mouth. "Adrian isn't going to attack us." Gracielle's left eyebrow went high, "You said it, not me," she paused, "I didn't say that he was going to lead his new pack and attack us but then again, even if he is, I'm certain that he'll lose anyway. Those hybrids are nothing compared to us." Fiorelle closed her eyes for a moment. She laid her head on to the table with both her arms folded as pillows, "Can we just talk about something else?" Gracielle sighed, "Fiorelle, honey, we can't run away from our problems, we may hide but it will come back and haunt us," her words went deep into Fiorelle's heart and soul, stinging it like a hot iron rod, "and sometimes, it might even be worse." *** "Don't be such a baby, Avvie," Carrie said to her as Aveline killed the engine and slammed the jeep's door. "He already apologized and gave you a new Chanel catalogue to choose from." "Alven is a moron," Aveline stated as she pushed open the cafe's door, "And morons don't get forgiven easily." Carinelle sighed as she followed Aveline into Wolvern Cafe, "Must we really make a pit stop here?" "Oh c'mon Carrie, we made a deal with Malcolm remember? One Origa Coffee for every trip on his jeep." Aveline said, reminding her. They went to the counter and once again, the counter was empty. "This place gives me the creeps Avvie." Carinelle said. "This place or is it that old man?" Aveline pointed out. "Both." Carinelle replied. "Well Carrie, it's just too bad. You just have to learn to endure. Do that or ignore it." Aveline was about to press the bell but then before she could even do that. A blonde waitress came up to the counter and flashed them this cheery cheerful smile that Aveline was instantly reminded about the stupid stewardess in their aeroplane but regardless the annoying fact, Aveline smiled back anyway. "Hi! I'm Yvainne and welcome to Wolfy Cafe!" Yvainne piped in, sincerely cheery. She had her blonde hair tight into a ponytail. Ugh, wolfy! Lame much! Aveline thought to Carinelle who stomped her foot, forgetting for a minute that the human couldn't hear their thoughts. Yvainne looked at them curiously but still had that smile on her face. "So, what will you have for today?" "Just one Origa Coffee, Yvainne." Aveline said while Carinelle looked around the cafe. There wasn't a lot of customer here, which was odd, because Carinelle would have thought that this place would be buzzing with customers with their coffee drinks that Malcolm seemed to be addicted into. Carinelle couldn't help but to wonder where that old man was. Okay, if she was being honest with herself, he wasn't that old to be qualified to call as 'old man' but he was old enough to be around her parents' age but still he had that strange little charm that seemed to drawn her into. It was like he was hiding something. Wasn't it weird? She knew that Aveline had felt the same way. It was as if this man exuded this aura of being at lost or perhaps, correctly described as being in a crossroads of choices. It was weird to sense such things with a complete stranger, much less a human for that matter. The bell made that little dinging sound on the entrance door. Aveline's head automatically turned behind and bit her lips for a moment. She shifted back her attention to the waitress who was at the counter on the other side of the wall, making their order. "Yvainne, babe, where's Dad?" Maxwell asked, going pass Aveline, not noticing her as he pulled a stool and sat down a few feet away from her. "He's out," the waitress called Yvainne said again, still occupied with the order, "Something about picking up stuff for the cafe." "Oh, stuff huh?" Maxwell snorted as if he knew something else. Aveline looked up at him, sensing that he didn't like that discovery. She raised her left eyebrow and thought, what was so wrong about buying groceries? Maxwell felt like he was being watched so he looked up from his mobile phone and met gaze with Aveline. "Yes? How can I help you?" his tone was snooty and Aveline instantly hated this guy. "Max, be nice," Yvainne said, chuckling, trying to lighten up the situation as if sensing that it could turn ugly. But Maxwell seemed to not wanting to play nice at all. He jumped out from the stool and went forward to the cashier counter; he pulled another stool and decided to sit down since he was a lot taller from her compared to her. He rested his chin on his left hand and then he went on saying, "You're new here, girl?" The way he asked it. Well, Aveline thought that it wasn't like a question. It was more like an accusing statement. Hah! So what if she was new in town? What's the big stuck-up brat's big problem with it? "And why do you want to know, Max?" She said testily. His eyes went wide for a moment but then his handsome face broke into an amused smile, "So, you know my name huh? What? Are you stalking me or something here?" Aveline felt hugely annoyed and disgusted. Her?! Aveline Erickana Ruben stalking a useless piece of an excuse of human? AS IF! She folded her hands to her chest, "Is this how you talked to all of your customers?" she asked him, "It's a wonder this place hasn't been declared bankrupt yet." Maxwell scoffed. "Hey, don't you go attacking on my parents' cafe," he said, "that's really childish." "Avvie, c'mon, let it go," Carinelle said to Aveline, not wanting Aveline to lose control with her temper and went all wolfy over the human. "Our order is done." She pointed out again as Yvainne placed the order in front of them. "Childish huh?" Aveline laughed tauntingly at him, "And what do you call yourself as, huh?" "Ok, let's break this all up," Yvainne said, waving her arms between the two faces. She gave the order to Carinelle – well, more like, shoved the order to her. "The coffee's on the house, really, and sorry, Max's a bit of a cuckoo bird." Carinelle pulled Aveline to her side, this time hard. "C'mon Avvie, Malcolm won't like it if he finds out that you had a brawl." She added in her thoughts, with a human! Do you really want to be sent back home before school even starts? Huh, Avvie? That snapped Aveline right up all right. She glared at Max regardless though. "Gee, it's no wonder, you're a psycho freak." She did that flip on her hair, as if saying, 'whatever loser!' and went out with a relieved Carinelle back to the jeep. Maxwell snorted at the departing figure of the beautiful girl. He couldn't understand why he had snapped so easily. It was as if the sight of her brought this – this ah! He couldn't describe what he was feeling but one thing for certain, he didn't want to see that new girl ever again. Strange, it was as if there was this unknown string pulling them together and that same string was giving him this bizarre desire to dominate. Yvainne gave a big punch on his right shoulder. "Oww, Vannie! What the hell did you do that for?" he asked. "Moron! Why did you go attacking the girl?" she snapped at him. "Would you believe it if I say that I don't even have a clue why?" he asked her, grinning sheepishly. "If you do that again, I'll give you a big whack on your big thick head, you hear that Maxwell?" she said sternly, shaking her head, "You can't just go mental on people like that especially the customers!" she looked at him, "Seriously Max, sometimes, I just don't know why you have all these mood swings." He just smiled at her. "Look, it won't happen again, Vannie." "Well, all right but you owe that girl an apology." Yvainne said to him. "W – what? I don't owe her anything!" He pointed out to her. Yvainne rolled her head, "You and your male ego." she said, shaking her head in disbelieve. She gave a little scoff and then carried a tray filled with cups. "What? Hey, what?" He asked her back, confused but she just ignored him and went to the kitchen. He shook his head, and then took a piece of croissant from the glass showcase. "Girls are just so weird," he said to himself. Hah! Him? Maxwell Adams owed that ditz an apology? Hah, there was no way in the world that he was going to do so and besides, he didn't do anything wrong! Why would he give an apology to a rude silly proud girl like her? Hah! She didn't even know the fact that he could have squished her into a pulp if he had wanted so. He shook those thoughts away. He didn't like to remember the fact that he wasn't normal. He was a freak by nature, born into this naive world. He felt disgusted with the idea of being a part of a fantasy that others would have probably thought it as cool but not him. No, not even close. He hated that half part of him. It wasn't normal. It wasn't real. Heck. Wasn't it supposed to stay and remained a part of fiction? That thing inside of him rebelled sometimes but his human side, oh his wonderful human self, was too strong and that anchored the monster within. His thoughts went back to his father and he gave this seemingly hopeless sigh. Dad, I just hope you know what you're dealing with here, he thought to himself. *** Adrian drove to a stop, looking around the area around him. Odd, he thought, did he copy the correct address? He killed the engine and then bent down to the compartment and fished out a piece of crumpled paper. He smoothened it out and reread it, "Yup, Masen Street all right, corner 5 and 6...yup, then, why..." his voice trailed out to a silence when somehow he saw a glimpse of something black running past him, there, hidden in the safety of the woods. He swallowed a bit; he couldn't help but to shudder in response. Was he going to regret the decision of coming here? His hand went to the key ignition, opting for a second whether to back out and just followed what his son had told him before. His forehead creased down and he gave a final look around the deserted street. There were rows of houses but those houses were long forgotten and abandoned after time. Grey dry paint peeling and none of the windows had their glass fixed. It was quiet. Too quiet for comfort to be exact, he had rolled his window down and he couldn't even hear a single chirp of a bird. His foot on the peddle and then, at the same instance when his mind had made up to drive away and rolled his window up, a hand suddenly shot out and held it on place. He looked up, shocked. "Don't go yet, Adrian Rolf." A voice chuckled. The man removed his hand and then bent his head down to look at him. "Ray, was that you earlier?" Adrian's voice cracked a little. Ray chuckled, sensing Adrian's discomfort. "Yes, that was me. I had to take precautions you see...I need to make sure that -," Crossing Moon Ch. 03 Adrian cut his words off, "I did not bring anyone, Ray, you should have known better than that by now." "I trust you Rolf but you see," he chuckled again as he pulled open the car door, signalling Adrian to get out, "I had my orders to filter out the possibilities." Adrian scoffed but he didn't say anything, he got out the car and then jiggled his car keys into his left pocket, "I can't stay long, Ray." "Ah, so, the son disapproves us?" Ray asked with no interest as they walked pass the row of forgotten houses and then went into the dense forest. Inside the forest, Adrian was amazed to find a narrow pathway that seemed to stretch forever into the distance. "He doesn't trust rogues." "And yet, we're the only ally you have, didn't you tell him that? The whole story of your pack's betrayal on you?" Ray replied back. "It's a miracle that the Elders haven't found out about your survival," Adrian said, ignoring Ray's disturbing question. "Well, we lived because of our ability to survive, Adrian," Ray grinned and then a thought crossed his mind, "Ah hah, so you haven't told your son the truth?" Adrian, regardless, continued to ignore him. "My pack did not betray me." He stated simply as that. "But isn't the Alpha's mate -," but before Ray could even finish his words, Adrian growled and pulled him by his ragged collar and slammed his body to the tree. "For once, in your pitiful life, Ray, will you please shut up?" Adrian demanded at him. His breath came out raggedly. Ray growled a bit but chose to not bring it any further, he nodded. "Great," he paused, releasing Ray. He fell down on his knees on the ground, Ray scoffed but he stood up anyway, "Shall we continue our journey?" Adrian asked him. Ray rolled his eyes and then he ripped his ragged clothes and before Adrian could even utter a word, he phased into this big black furry wolf. His sharp teeth bore at him, his head signalled to the left, telling Adrian to followed suit. Adrian sighed, "I don't want to phase, Ray." But Ray ignored him anyway. He looked at him for another second before flitting into the dense forest, the narrow pathway forgotten and Adrian knew that the what way Ray wanted him to follow was perhaps the fastest and safest way, either that, or he had led him to a trap. Adrian sighed. How many years had it been since he last phased? He hadn't done so for reasons that he considered as frivolous. He didn't need to phase to see the moon, he didn't need to change to leap and roam the forest. The only time when he had phased outside the pack was when his son had showed signs of phasing when he was nine. He was shocked to learn that his wolf genes had indeed coursed within his son's veins just like he had feared. The moon had wanted him to teach his only son the way of the wolf and certainly he had done so but he hadn't told him the whole truth. He had never phased to his wolf form purely for his own desires. He had long squished the need to roam free within the woods and feel the Earth moved on his paws. He had wanted to feel what it like was to be a part of a normal human being. His son had shared the same view with him, ever since – well, ever since he had first phased. He was sorry that his son had hated that half part of him and he was even more sorry to know that his son had taken quite a long while to forgiven himself – his poor son, alone, blaming himself for what he hadn't intentionally done. If he could turn back time, he would have found a way to stop his son from feeling guilty and drowning with regret. He looked at the departed Ray who must have been miles away already into the woods but it would still be easy for him to find Ray if he had phased. He sighed. He unbuttoned his shirt and then took his jeans off, he learned that ripping clothes off the body was a waste and made a complete unnecessary burn on his wallet. He folded his clothes neatly and then spotted a low tree bark and hung it there. He walked nakedly to where Ray had flown through; he closed his eyes and felt his rebellious wolf fighting to rise up above, wanting to be in control after so many years of losing the battle inside his soul. The wolf ached to be free and for once stretch those rusty muscles. He took a deep breath and let his wolf coursed within him. He just had to let it all go... *** And so, The wolf roams free, Up and about, The wind flew by, And the moon rose... *** To be continued... Don't forget to VOTE and please COMMENT! Thanks!! *** Crossing Moon Ch. 04 *** Hi there! It's been a REALLY long while and I'm sorry for that. I've been so busy with a lot of university assignments and tests that I barely had time to breathe, let alone write this series that I had wanted to finish for so long! LOL *** From Aveline Erickana Ruben's diary: 6th October 2008, 12.40 AM, my bed. I hate it here. When's the next plane back HOME? Not loving it, Avvie From Carinelle Hynes Thorn's diary: 6th October 2008, 1.30 AM, my study table. I have a lot of assignments to do and yet very little time to complete them. Malcolm had insisted that we still phase to our wolf form and satisfy its natural cravings like hunting and roaming the perimeter for example. He believed that deprivation of such things will make the wolf inside us rebel and the probability of us being tempted to run and play with the humans will be irresistible. "They are delicious little lambs," he joked to us. But he had a point there. Aveline had looked like she was about to rip that annoying human piece by piece, limb by limb and meat from bones. She'd probably break the bones and grind them to dust with her bare hands too. I just couldn't understand why she can't just ignore his provoked attacks on her. She should have a more sensible mind than this. Isn't she an Alpha Princess? Princesses don't let their calm demeanour down no matter what. If Malcolm finds out about this, he'd probably go and pack Aveline up back home which is probably not a bad thing since she profusely stated how she hated being here but I told her that she's the one who was so eager to come to Lexton and the fact that she had promised to Uncle James that she'd behave and oh, a lot of money had been spent for the sake of her whim. "Gee, thanks for reminding me," she said to me testily before slamming her bedroom door to my face. Oh well. She's already in a bad mood. I can't exactly blame her. Anyway, she'd cool down tomorrow. I guess, anyone would be furious, when one is attacked -- um, all right, perhaps the word 'attack' sounded just too exaggerating. The human...wait, what was his name again? Anyway, that does not matter. Whoever his name is, I chose to remain not knowing. He is not imperative. He is insignificant. And I refuse to let a puny human ruin my experience in Lexton. With love, Carrie. *** The morning came fast; it was as if the sun was too eager for its turn to shine upon the world. Aveline's mood did not improve like what Carrie had predicted, despite the fact that the day was certainly lovely and warm. Aveline scowled when her brother playfully pointed out what a beautiful day it was to go to the school. He was fully aware of her irritation to the human although he didn't know the complete details yet. He was, in truth, amazed with the human's ability to provoke his sister and still lived to tell the tale. "What exactly did the human did to annoy you, sister?" he asked, he couldn't help but smile teasingly at her. She scowled once again, refusing to tell the whole story. Carinelle sighed. "It was silly," she said, stating quickly, "At first, she -- well, we met this human at his parents' cafe since we owed Malcolm a cup of coffee and then, don't you ask me why Alven, things just escalated to a potential world war three at that time," she paused, noticing the grim annoyed look on Aveline's face. "And then, last time, it was at the school." "School?" Alven asked, genuinely curious. Avvie continued heatedly, "Yeah, I bumped with the big stupid idiotic insignificant insolent moron -," He cut her words, "That is a lot of big I-words." He said with amusement. She growled, "Alven, you idiot, do you want to hear the story or not?" she snapped, she didn't care how rude she sounded. She wasn't looking forward to go to school anyway. She bit her lips and then relaxed a bit when her brother let her continue her story, "Well, I bumped into him. I didn't see him. I didn't mean to bump to him -," "And threw your books at his head wasn't an accident?" Carrie asked, cutting her words. Avvie stomped her foot childishly. "Stop interrupting me!" she growled, "And it was an ACCIDENT! You know how clumsy I'd get sometimes! How was I to know that I would lose hold of my books when I bumped to him?" "So you bumped to him and hit his head with your books..." Alven prompted, wanting to know more. "And that moron went on and on about me stalking him! The whole school probably heard what he said! They laughed! They seriously really truly laughed at me!! I've never felt so humiliated in my life! I was so tempted to break his neck and grind it to dust! I would have done it if it weren't for Ms. Goody-Two-Shoes here!" Alven chuckled, "What did you do, Carrie?" "I dragged her." She answered. "And she screamed, demanding me to let her go. Of course that only served more fuel in making the other humans laughed even more. Some of the teachers came out too." Avvie groaned. "I want to go home." "Oh no you don't!" Alven snapped. "You're the one who was so eager to come here in the first place, sister. Malcolm and Dad won't like it. They'd say that you're unfit to carry the name Ruben and you do know that -," Avvie sighed, cutting her brother's words, "That a Ruben does not quit no matter what." She looked out to the car window and sighed once again. The limo was fast ahead to their destination and the closer they'd get to the school, the tighter her tummy felt. "That human's destroying my supposed-to-be-wonderful experience in a human school, Alven." She complained. "He is just a human," Alven said, "He's powerless." "Yeah," Carrie agreed, as if she realized the truth in Alven's words. Avvie was lost. "What do you mean?" "He's just a mere human, you, I, we... all of us here are wolves... We are a pack. Don't let this human be your inferior." He paused, "And besides, we will only be here on a temporary basis, we WILL go home and that human will be left here alone." "Are you trying to tell me that I ought to ignore this moronic human?" Avvie asked. "Yes, that's exactly right, although I must confess sister," he paused, smiling, Aveline looked at him with confusion, "I salute him. He is by far, the only creature able to truly annoy you." "You annoy me all the time, Alven!" Aveline pointed out with disgust. "I'm different." He said, "We're biologically programmed to annoy one another." He laughed. She snorted. "Biological my ass." She snapped. "For now, I think, it's best to keep your annoyance to that particular human a secret. Malcolm cannot find out about your potential crisis." Alven said. "It's not a crisis." Avvie stated. "It would and it had the potential to be." He stated strongly. "Remember, we're still under father's terms. We must keep our wolf heritage a secret." "Let's just hope the idiotic human knows the limit of a wolf's patience." Avvie said. Carinelle sighed. "Why do I have this feeling that this isn't over yet?" The limo halted to a gentle stop. Carinelle, Aveline and Alven looked up and noticed that they had arrived at their new school. Aveline sighed. "I promise that I'll try to keep my temper in check, Alven." She said to her brother as he pushed open the door and went out. "But I don't promise if that human will survive my outburst." She said with irritation still lingering in her tone. Alven sighed. "Just don't permanently break the human to pieces." *** Sure enough, the day wouldn't be complete without a confrontation, even if that argument was just a small one that could be regarded as insignificant. Aveline had survived the first three classes with ease. The subjects taught were simply a breeze and she was certain that she'll get an A for each of them. The best thing was that she hadn't met or bumped with that moronic human, yet anyway. That annoying Max, she thought testily in her heart. It was cruel enough for her to not have the same classes with either Carinelle or Alven. She felt as if she was vulnerable to the open world. There wasn't a string for her to hold on. Her classes were of course made up entirely humans who despite their fragile nature seemed tough and unwelcome. Well, to her anyway. The humans seemed to repel wherever she go. Was she that threatening? Did she look in some way scary and monstrous? Malcolm had a theory, once, a long time ago, when she had asked him on why they had to be home-schooled. Malcolm's answer had been short but precise, "We are wolves." Wolves, he claimed, were powerful creatures of the moon and yet, in some point unstable. The animal inside them roared and struggled to be free. Free, he stated, in a sense that the human side of them, the conscience that ruled their souls. The one that helped differentiate and sensed what was bad and what was right. The moral of their soul was at stake. "We would be mere animals if it weren't for our human conscience." Malcolm said intelligently. Her father, the Alpha, had also said the same thing. Being born into a world of wolves was certainly a blessing but everything comes with a price. And theirs include anonymity from the human world. The humans could not learn of their co-existing with creatures of the night. Aveline could not really understand on why secrecy was a big thing. This was the modern world for crying out loud, everything was supposed to be taken with an open mind. "That does not include tales of the supernatural, child." Malcolm had replied back. Her parents had agreed with Malcolm on that one. The wolves had long lived a peaceful life just by being secretive. Human-wolf interactions were seldom, it was only done when there was an imperative need but even then, the line was still drawn and by the power of the moon, the humans seemed to be biologically implanted with the need to stay away from the wolves without even realizing it. But Aveline had wanted more. Perhaps she was selfish. Perhaps she was just a stubborn little wolf that would only listen when she had paid an ultimate price. She had thought that humans would be a wonderful addition in her life. Not as pets, she reminded herself constantly, and not as food but as friends. But now, she had second thoughts on having humans as mutual friends ever since she had the misfortune to meet the annoying idiotic Max. She went to her locker -- yes, she finally found her locker and managed to remember her lock combination -- and took out two new textbooks which she had gotten from the library. She wanted to do some revision, perhaps, Carinelle's bookworm-y was rubbing off her. She went across the hall and headed to her next class when she saw how warm the day outside was through the big glass-paned window. She paused and stared at the view, her hand touched the pane, feeling the warmth that radiated from within. Perhaps it was just her body warmth in contact with the cool glass window but the view outside was still alluring nevertheless. She hadn't allowed herself to phase for some time, all because of her irritation to the human had occupied her mind. She had steadfastly refused and sulked in her room when Carinelle and Alven asked her if she'd wanted to roam the forest with them. Her wolf inside growled and she could feel the pull of the nature. She wanted to run. But it was still daylight and school time. She pressed her palm to the window longingly. How she wished that she had followed her brother and Carinelle last night. She took a deep breath, her eyes closed for a moment, telling herself to keep it all together. She had to endure just a few more hours of school and then... perhaps, she could phase. She swallowed an empty invisible lump and walked forward to her class. Nature seemed to call her name, pulling her with invisible threads that refused to let her be. Her wolf roared, feeling trapped and deep bloody rage was forming within its core. The lure of feeling the warm green grass under her paws felt seductive enough to break her will but she continued to walk and refused to acknowledge her repressed wolf some liberty. Her eyes then caught glance of the seductive view outside from another huge glass-paned window and she froze. Absent-mindedly, she went to the window, her books dropped to the floor. Both of her palms pressed to the glass pane. There was only the window and the cement gate blocking her. She could easily go pass the silly obstacle. Her eyes glazed. Her wolf broke free. She turned and ran. She had barely enough sense to not jump through the window itself. She sprinted. Her wolf roared within her with exultation. Finally, the wolf felt free. Her human half was slipping but it was still there, reigning and still holding the control over her. She was out of the main door and ran toward the gate when somebody jumped over her. She screamed in shock. They rolled on the cemented ground. Her human side returned full blast, waking her from her trance. "Don't you know better than to escape on your first week of school, midget?" Max said with amusement. He was on top of her so it was easy for her to punch him on his face. "Get off me, you moron!" she snapped as he rolled off her, cursing in pain. "What the hell did you jump at me?" "Are you really a girl, midget?" he asked her, the pain had receded to a numb feeling. "You punched like a guy." She rolled her eyes at him, "Is that supposed to be a compliment?" "No," he said, "And I did not jump at you. You almost ran at me. Were you blind?" She looked at him with confusion. "I did not almost run at you!" "Oh yes, you did, midget," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice, "That's why I had to tackle you. I'm a guy, I should be able to stop you." "You're simply a hypocrite, are you aware of that? And stop calling me MIDGET!" she demanded at him, brushing dirt from her clothes. She realized that it was her fault but she won't admit it to his face! Her wolf had blinded her. She couldn't see or even think what was going to happen. She was so focused on her wolf instincts that she forgot about potential witnesses namely this egoistic dim-witted human. "Why were you running?" he asked her. Strange, she thought, he didn't try to provoke her, yet. "I -- um," for once, Aveline was speechless. Her tongue felt tied. How could she explain her erratic behaviour? "Like I said, you shouldn't try to escape, especially by running straight to the main gate. Did you forget the security guards?" he asked her. Her wolf roared, wanting to roam free but she had been able to immerse that desire far beneath her at the moment. She had no choice but to remain strong. "I wasn't trying to escape." She said. "Then?" his left eyebrow rose. She bit her lips, uncertain on what to say. She could hear the bell rung, indicating that class would start in five minutes. "The bell." She reminded him, "Won't you be late for class?" "I have a free session now," he told her, "Are you having yours now?" In truth, she did not know what he meant by 'free session'. She hadn't exactly look through her class schedule but for the sake of wanting to escape from this human, she nodded rather too quickly that Max could sense that she was lying. There was something that Aveline was hiding and he was curious about it. She took a step back to the school, she'd figured that she just had to find another entrance to make her escape. Screw her other classes, she didn't care anymore. Her wolf was almost bursting through her defence. "I think I'll just go to the library." She told him, not realizing on why she had to make up such excuse. He took a step forward to her. "Look, I really have to go." She said feeling desperate. Her wolf was struggling for liberation. Max felt amused. "I think I'll go to the library too since I don't have anyone to burn my one hour free period." "No," she shook her head. "Go somewhere else, all right? Why are you bothering me?" "Am I bothering you?" he asked her, almost teasingly. She growled instinctively without thinking. His eyes went wide for a moment. She gasped. She bit her lips. "Look, I'm having a bad day." She said, she could feel fresh sweat rolling on her forehead. She didn't know how long she could hold the pretense anymore before she'd bolted to the main gate and ripped her clothes off and just phased to her wolf form. "I shouldn't have yelled at you at the cafe," he said, taking another step forward. "It was rude and inappropriate and definitely silly." She felt like snapping the human's head half, "Are you trying to apologize?" she asked him in a demanding desperate tone. "Isn't that what an apology sounded like?" he asked her, really amused with her. She breathed out, she felt dizzy. Her wolf was rebellious and was at the brink of breaking free once again. "Apology accepted." She said before turning and sprinting as fast as she could back to the school. She never even bothered to look back and if she had, she would have seen the look on his face. *** Her wolf reaches out, The warmth of the light, Her soul alight, Liberated... *** To be continued... Don't forget to VOTE and COMMENT... *** Crossing Moon Ch. 05 *** From Aveline Erickana Ruben's diary: 8th October 2008, 8.00 AM, my bed. I skipped school. Avvie From Carinelle Hynes Thorn's diary: 8th October 2008, 9.30 PM, the living room. Why did I let Avvie skipped school? With regret, Carrie. From Aveline Erickana Ruben's diary: 8th October 2008, 8.20 AM, sprawled on the bedroom floor. I couldn't take it any longer. I have to write this down. I can't just keep this inside me and expect that I could foolishly bottle up this -- this thing. Thankfully Malcolm is back at home for a couple of days because Dad wanted him to come for the annual wolves packs meeting. Malcolm wouldn't know that I had purposely missed school. Sigh. I wished that I had taken better control of my wolfy instincts. He was right, ugh, of course Malcolm is ALWAYS right. He is just like, my Dad -- always and constantly correct and never seemed to have a wrong judgement. Perfect wolves, they are! I guess I had broken one of Dad's terms. Perhaps Max wouldn't be so perceptive and notice the change in me. My eyes at that time, would have looked wild and dangerous. I had taken my entire remaining strength to focus on my human conscience. Max is just a human. I need to remind myself that. I have nothing to be worried about, then, why am I avoiding him? Isn't this the reason why I had skipped school? This was the reason why I had profusely refused to go to school, stubbornly on hold, even when Alven had threatened to snitch about me to Malcolm and Dad. Even if the world is ending, I WILL not budge. I refuse to go! Sigh. I am a coward. I know I am. Ugh. I have this mix feelings scrambling and boiling inside me and sometimes, it just feels too much. I guess the irritation and annoyance I've felt towards that human -- well, Max. (I really ought to learn to phrase him as 'MAX' and not the usual 'idiotic-insolent-human', oh well, c'mon, he was nice enough to apologize even if my mind wasn't really there to process it) I know that I can't avoid him forever but today, I just don't feel that I have the strength to face him -- my former enemy. It's funny, I mean, I swore on hating his guts but now, ugh, maybe I'm just like any typical girls in this world, all soften up when a guy apologizes... My wolf did BREAK free that time with a no-point-of-return. It was just fortunate that I was already in a safe distance from any potential witnesses although I had to exclude Max as I may or may not have showed the change raging inside me. And yes, my wolf had ripped my clothes into shreds and I had to go back home to Rubenston in my wolf form but at least, my rebellious wolf was really satisfied. I had phased into my wolf form far longer than I would have allowed myself in Lexton. And I guess I have to pay the library for the books that I had lost in the school and oh, yeah, I have to go and get myself a new backpack along with new stationeries since everything went missing, the day my wolf went cuckoo on me. I suppose I ought to enjoy my day off since everything is pretty quiet here. Yeah, sure, there are still a few wolves left here to take care of the house and watch over for security but they won't dare to cross over an Alpha Princess even if that particular princess is supposed to be in school. Avvie *** Max realized something was wrong the moment he stepped into the house and saw his father with a man waiting for him. "What does HE want?" he asked grimly, strong loathing vibrated within his voice. "It's not what I want, boy," Ray chuckled. "This is for our own good, if you must know," he smiled. Max couldn't see whether that smile was truly genuine or fake. Ray was good in hiding things. "I do not want to be involved in this crap," Max spat out, "Whatever it is that you or your delinquent cult is cooking about, LEAVE me and my DAD alone!" "Max, listen, please, just listen," Adrian sighed, pleading at his son. He really did not want to resort on telling the whole story to his son. The whole humiliating story -- ugh, he knew that he couldn't bear on doing that. "We are not a cult," Ray corrected him, "You know what we are and you know on WHAT you truly are," he paused, smiling, "You are the one who should start embracing your roots! Can't you feel the wolf inside you? I bet the wolf is longing to roam free. Can you not see, boy?! This is your destiny! You will be the one to lead us to victory." "I REFUSE TO TAKE PART IN YOUR CRAPPY WAR!" Max retorted. "THIS IS STUPID. I AM A HUMAN! DO YOU HEAR THAT BASTARD?" Adrian sighed. He really did not want to do this but it seemed like he had no choice. Ray seemed to sense the defeat in Adrian's aura. "I was betrayed, son." Adrian admitted painfully to his son and finally to himself. Ray smiled slyly. Max's eyes popped wide open. "Betrayed?" he looked confused. "I -- I was never a lone wolf, my boy," Adrian started, "I was in a pack. I was born and raised in the pack but I wasn't anybody important. I was just a low rank wolf." "Dad?" Max wanted to know more. Oh, this -- this scandalous secret! "There was... um, it wasn't entirely correct to call it a war..." he looked at Ray. Ray sighed, "Let's just call it as a fight, then." Adrian took another breath. He felt like he was slicing his heart open with every word relating to his past exposed. "My Alpha was in love with one of the in-commands' daughter but such union was forbidden so, um, he was set to mate with an Alpha Princess from another pack. The new Alpha Queen wasn't happy. Her mate wasn't in love with her. So, um, it's a long story... I -- I don't -," Ray cut him off, "Just say the whole damn story, Adrian, we have all the time in the world at the moment." Adrian cleared his throat, clearly uncomfortable with this situation but he was desperate to make his son understand, "A lot of things happened. My Alpha made a war -- um, a fight with another Alpha who had mated with the in-command's daughter. Everyone was miserable and uh, well, at some stage, I became close to my new Alpha Queen." Ray took a chair and sat down, humming to himself, clearly, he was enjoying this. "A lot of things happened after that," Adrian quickly summarized the history, "I fell in love with the Alpha Queen and I had thought that maybe -- well maybe, she had felt the same but I was wrong... more things happened after that. A lot of complicated things that revolved around my Alpha Queen and her mate and the in-command's daughter," he fidgeted and felt as if the walls had fallen down onto him. "But in the end, the fight finished off. I gave my Alpha Queen an ultimatum, me or the mate but she chose him instead. I've never felt so betrayed before in my life so I left the pack and never looked back." "Dad, I never knew that you could be such a Romeo." Max quipped. Adrian turned red. "I -- I want you to know that I did love your mother." Max sighed. "Why do you have to bring her into this topic?" he asked, hurt rang in his voice. "I just... I just want you to know that -," Max cut him off, "I get it Dad! OK! You really did love Mom, ok, END OF STORY! Let's just leave that!" "The point here is that, the pack betrayed your father," Ray concluded, "The Alphas have treated my family almost to the brink of extinction and it would have been like that if it weren't for our fast thinking of survival." "What do you want, Ray?" Max demanded, "All you guys told me is that my Dad got dumped. So what? Is that a big deal? It's not!" he looked at his father, "Dad, you're old enough to see that all this dumping thingy is immature and you ought to know better than to hold grudges!" "I must admit that I do feel hurt when my Alpha Queen rejected me," Adrian confessed, "But the thing here is that, I owed Ray my life." "You owed this scumbag your life??" Max asked with disbelieve. "My story wasn't finish," Adrian told him, "I was a broken wolf... man... whatever it is that you want to say. I was perhaps insane and almost on the brink of attacking the humans just because to vent out my frustration and confusion. Ray had saved me -- he had saved my soul. He found me alone at night, shivering, I would have died if it weren't for him. I was wild at that time but he was patient enough with my whims and wild instincts." Max looked at his father, "Dad..." "He aided me and brought me back to my strength and sanity and -- and he is also the one who had helped me to have a new life," Adrian paused, sighing, "I met your mother a few months after my recovery and she was truly an amazing woman and... I know that you don't like to talk about this son but, she knew on what I am and what you are and believe me that she would not blame you. She loves you -- you know -," "Dad, shut up." Max snapped, almost a growl. "I told you, ENOUGH with bringing Mom in this topic! Don't you dare manipulate me by using MOM!" he turned and ran out from the house. "MAX!" Adrian called back but it was too late. His son was long gone. "Well, that went quite tame, I suppose." Ray said nonchalantly. "I hope you are satisfied, Ray." Adrian told him bitterly. "Think about it this way, Rolf!" Ray told him, "Now your son knows the truth and it will be a whole lot easier on convincing him to help us on giving the Ruben Pack and Thorn Pack, a taste of their own medicine!" "The other packs?" Adrian asked dejectedly. "They are not leaders, they are just followers," Ray said confidently, "In the end, they will follow the strongest one and that would be us." Adrian sighed. *** Max ran. His legs felt strong as he sliced through the cool air. He didn't want to listen anymore. Heck! He didn't even want to think about it. He didn't know how long he had run or even how far he had gone to. He was focused on trying to dim the fire that had raged his soul and heart. Running helped him calm and yet despite his constant denial of the other part of him, he knew that his wolf craved for that feeling of cool air and that burning desire of liberation. But he knew how to control himself. He had years and years of self-practice. His motivation on suppressing his wolf side was just too strong and it was enough to immerse the wolf within him. And he intended to keep that wolf suppressed deep beneath for a very long time no matter how much the wolf howled for liberation. How dare his father tried to manipulate him by using his mother! How could he! He knew full well how much the thought about his mother affected him -- a lot. There was probably no other way that he could redeem himself. There was no way out for him. He will -- and always be forever -- feel guilty for the rest of his eternal existence. No matter how much his father insisted that she would understand. He stopped running but continued to walk. The sky was turning orange and he knew night will follow soon enough but he wasn't afraid of the night. He didn't exactly know where he had ran to but he vaguely remembered the road junction to his left. He knew that if he walked straight, he would be in a big area of green trees and plants. The thought was highly alluring despite his constant denial of his heritage. He couldn't forgive himself -- well, he couldn't forgive his wolf-self to be exact but that didn't mean he couldn't just walk to the forest and just feel the nature and side of him that he had left forgotten years back. *** It was silly to run and then walked many miles away from home but at least his anger had dimmed to a tiny ember that could be left forgotten and insignificant. By now, the sky had turned black but there were stars and ironically a full moon that shone. His eyesight was excellent so he could see quite well -- and the fact that he was a half wolf also helped his eyesight. Strange, he thought to himself as he saw a long brick wall obstructing his way to the forest. I don't remember a gate being here before, he added quietly as he looked left and right and then easily jumped up the gate. There were just some things about his other side that he couldn't really hide. His excellent superior eyesight for instance and then his inhuman strength that he had to admit had given him an advantage. Like in this situation for instance. Perhaps he was just a hypocrite, denying most of what his birthright had been given to him and yet he had used some of it. The forest had a new scent -- well, scents to be exact. He froze for a moment, wondering on what he ought to do. He was curious. His wolf was the cause of his curiousity. He couldn't stop himself from feeling that way. He was still in his human form and he had sworn that he would be. He couldn't do it. Phasing, to be exact, he couldn't phase and become one with what had killed his mother. He just couldn't look at himself if he did that. So he continued to walk through the dense forest and a few moments later (coupled with a few scratches here and there on his arm), he found a new trail that had never been there before. He was certain about it but he did not complain on finding that trail though. It was then he heard voices. Male voices. His first instinct quickly empowered him as he jumped into the bush and crouched low. The voices walked past him and then, he heard ripping noises. His forehead creased, he braved himself and took a peek from the thick bushes and his eyes went wide as he saw the naked backside of four strapping tall males. His thoughts went wild, wondering why the heck did they rip their clothes off??? In the middle of the forest for that matter! He cowered back into the bush when he found out why four men went stark naked. He closed his eyes, refusing to believe or even acknowledged what he had witnessed. A few seconds later, he could hear the wolves howl. *** He had to lay still. Very, very still. He could not move. Not even a muscle. These were four breathing wolves he was talking about! He might have denied himself his heritage but he knew well enough that he was in a pack's territory and if he was found, he was as good as dead. Well, the wolves might not harm a human. But, he was still a half wolf. They might sense his wolf especially when he was starting to feel threatened. His wolf was already howling inside him, wanting to be let free to roam and protect himself. The wolves howled and howled. He could hear the wolves sprinted and then froze just a few metres away from him. He could hear them sniffing and testing the air and Max was certain that he was chow food. But then, to his utter amazement, the wolves sprinted past him, ignoring him. He was so astounded that he stood up from his hiding place, he could see the wolves sprinting far into the distance, howling and yipping. His legs seemed to thaw and then he ran to the other direction, never wanting to risk another lucky chance to escape. He ran and ran into the forest blindly at first; his mind was filled with questions and confusion. He ran and ran and then suddenly, he was thrown on his back to the ground. A wolf loomed above him, growling. He froze for a moment, shock coursed inside his head and then, he noticed what a beautiful wolf it was. The wolf was snowy white with hints of brown on its fur. Its tail was long and it swished behind it. The wolf snapped its jaw at him, growling and then, their eyes met. The wolf stopped. It jumped off him and then sprinted away, howling. "Wait!" Max cried, standing up but it was too late. The beautiful wolf was long gone. He could find it easily as a matter of fact, he just needed to phase. Surely the wolf's scent would still linger. But then, he stopped himself, he couldn't do this. He couldn't let his own selfish desires overruled his mind. He looked around, finally noticing the silence of the night. He knew then that he had to get out from the forest. He had escaped near death experiences twice in a row and honestly speaking, it wasn't really by luck. Max looked once again to the path where the beautiful snowy wolf had sprinted off. "Are you a wolf?" he whispered to the long gone wolf, "Or are you a human like me?" he sighed. He couldn't understand this sudden need to find that wolf, wasn't he, the one who despised it within the core of his being? Heck. Wasn't it the reason why Ray and Adrian wanted him to join their crappy plan? Regardless of any reasons, Max quickly took off, running back to the gate and out from the forest before any other wolves would find him and decided that he was delicious enough to be called dessert. *** And so, At a crossroad, He'd be, Standing, alone, He'd choose... *** To be continued... Don't forget to VOTE and COMMENT! *** Crossing Moon Ch. 06 *** All thanks goes to IZABELLA for helping me edit this chapter! And, like always, don't forget to VOTE and COMMENT! Thanks! *** From Aveline Erickana Ruben's diary: 9th October 2008, 11.00 PM, my bedroom balcony. I was hungry. I had to admit that. How could I know that that thing -- well, a person, come to think of it, - was HIM? How could I not be able to differentiate the alluring scent that seemed to pull me on to him? How could I not be able to distinguish which scent was food and the other scent was -- was... what was it actually? I certainly do not know what had come up into my mind. All I know is at that time, was the scent was simply irresistible. Funny, I've never noticed that scent when I was at school. Thank goodness that I still had enough human constraint inside my mind, or else, Max was dinner. He's just lucky that I don't hate him anymore. Otherwise, that particular idea would be really tempting. And WHAT was he doing here anyway?? Why was he trespassing in Rubenston in the first place?! I was yakking and complaining about this to Carrie when she, like always, calmly told me that the forest is probably his usual pit stop with his friends. Which makes sense since, well, we had just came to Lexton and he had lived here for like, ages. Avvie From Carinelle Hynes Thorn's diary: 9th October 2008, 11.45 PM, my bed. I'm worried. I think... I think -- oh God, I really do not want to think about it. Carrie. *** He smiled at her. Warm and inviting, her heart seemed to lurch forward when she smiled back at him. "Here's your Origa Coffee," she said to him. "What's your name?" he asked her, his voice sounded so seductive to her ears. Why was he affecting her so? This -- this beautiful man, it didn't seem right to call him handsome as he looked so much perfect than that. Like a perfect sculpture from a highly talented sculptor, like, how beautiful the sun looked during sunset view. He was perfect. It was as if God had hand-picked the most perfect body parts to complete him. And then, there was just something about him that seemed unnatural to her. Perhaps it was just her imagining too much but she could have sworn that there was something in his eyes: dominant -- simply as that. "Vannie." She answered, blushing a bit. He looked at her with a smile. Her legs felt like jelly. "Vannie..." oh, even her name sounded like gold from his mouth. "I saw you at school." he told her. "I -- I saw you too," she grinned, almost idiotically. She felt like kicking herself. Why was she embarrassing herself? But the god-like perfection didn't seem to think that way. He was certainly amused with her that was for sure. "And yet, you didn't say anything to me." he smiled back. "I..." she was lost for words. "Should I?" She felt a bit of irritation boiling at the tip of her soul. She was infatuated with him, but that didn't mean that the guy had any right to sound cocky. "You're mad at me." he said, stating an obvious fact and yet he still smiled at her. His smile melted her core like lava flowing down the Earth's core. He took a sip from his cup of coffee and instantly knew why Malcolm was addicted to this brew. She bit her lips, tucking her napkin into her apron. There wasn't a lot of customers today, - no big shock there! -- so she figured she could spare some time. She pulled a chair and sat down next to him. "Are you always this confident?" she asked him. He smiled. "Is that wrong?" he touched her loose strand of hair and then he tucked it to the back of her ear. This simple act of affection made her lose her footing, not to mention, her heart that seemed to accelerate with a start! "Now, why are you angry with me, Vannie?" "I'm not angry," she corrected him, "I'm irritated with you." He smiled at her again and her insides melted right away. "You haven't answered my question yet, dear Vannie." 'Dear'? She looked at him. "You're not from Lexton." she concluded for him, noticing his accent. "That's right," he said. "Is that a problem?" "No," she shook her head. He noticed the time on his watch. He stood up. She looked at him questioningly. "I have to go now, Vannie," he said, "But let me make amends with your irritation towards me which you will have to tell me what it is about." he smiled. "What do you mean?" her insides felt wobbly. "Come, have dinner with me tonight," he invited her, "Can you ask your boss to let you go from work tonight?" She looked at him, blinking. What was he doing? He smiled at her, and then, took her right hand and gave it a little kiss. "I'll come around 8, if you don't mind..." he told her, winking and then, taking his cup of coffee. The god-like perfection went out from the cafe, leaving Vannie with utter amazement. It was moments later when she realized that, she didn't even know his name. *** Carrie knew that something was up. She knew it at the very moment when Alven stepped into her bedroom and cheerfully took her Algebra book which she had been using as a reference for her assignment. He flipped open her book aimlessly, not even taking care on what page he was flipping through. He looked at her, smiling that little smile that never failed to melt her inner core despite of his being oblivious to that fact. "I...." he paused, wondering on how to continue. She closed her book and looked at him. She felt queasy as many thoughts ran wild in her mind. "What is it, Alven?" She said calmly, despite of her inner core thundering with anxiety. "Come on now... spit it out. I have to do a report later." Alven smiled. "You know me well," he put Carrie's book back on to the table and sat on her bed. "I might be calling for trouble but I have to confess, it is.... how should I put this? Hmm," he paused for a while, "It's simply to say complicated. I have this... strange feeling when I see..." Carrie stood up. "What are you trying to say here, Alven?" she demanded, a bit shrill on her tone as she could figure out on what he was trying to say. Was it true? Did her Alven have found find a mate? How could it be? It wasn't possible. There were no other wolves in Lexton, were there? Uncle James would have told them if there are were other wolves coming from the other packs. "I met this girl at school." he told her quickly. "A GIRL?" she folded her hands to her chest. "A HUMAN girl?" "What's wrong with humans?" he laughed lamely, trying to lighten up the mood that he had realized turned bitter. "Are you insane?" she shrieked at him, she knew that he didn't deserve her overreaction but her heart felt like it had been sliced into two. "L -- Look Carrie, I told you about this because I thought you would understand. I need your opinion on this matter." She smacked her hand on his chest. He, not expecting this kind of blow, staggered a bit and then, held both of her hands. "I always knew that you always true to followed the wolf rules and traditions but I never thought that you'd be the one who refused to accept a possible change." She wrenched both of her hands off him. "What good can come from exposing our secrets to a mere human, Alven?" she looked at him, anger and hurt ran wild in her eyes, "To a human! Ugh! A human that you happen to be infatuated with lust now!" "Hey, who said that I'm going to expose us?" Alven demanded, getting angrier with passing moment. "And I am not a pervert with lust!" She turned and pushed open the balcony door and gripped hard on the balcony rail with both of her hands. Her knuckles turned deadly white. "What's wrong?" he asked her. She didn't reply. "Carrie..." his voice turned softer. By moon, she groaned in her heart, why must he affect me so? "You're my best friend, I need you. You can't bail on me like this," when he said those words. The words 'You're my best friend', her heart stung like it was set on fire. She could feel her tears rolling down her cheeks. She bit her lips, trying to hold on. She couldn't let him know the truth on why she was being so irrationally sensitive. She wouldn't allow it! "Carrie, please, would you say something?" he said, again with that beautiful voice of his. She closed her eyes. She felt trapped. She couldn't bring her hands to her face and wipe her tears away. He would know for sure. So, she had no choice but to remain quiet and looked forward, waiting for her tears to dry away. She tried to calm herself down though. She already had a feeling that something like this was bound to happen. She took a deep breath and turned to face him but her eyes still closed. She bent her head for a moment and blinked a few times and then surreptitiously wiped her nearly dried eyes with both of her hands, making a fake but believable sigh. "I'm sorry," she told him after a while. She looked at him, keeping a brave face. He remained oblivious to her shattered heart and hopes. He smiled, giving her a big warm hug. "I was being silly." She faked a laugh but he was too happy to realize that. He let her go and then took her to sit down on the fluffy chairs. "I'm sorry too." "So, tell me, what it is about this human girl?" she said, faking the cheeriness. He paused for a moment, "I met her in school and I..." he laughed, feeling quite uncomfortable. "Is she the one?" He noticed the broken tone in her voice. He looked up. "The one?" "Your soul mate," she prompted. Her eyes seemed to glaze with hints of tears. He saw that. "Alven?" she wanted to know. She needed to know now, whether her heart survived or not, it was a completely different matter. He was about to say something, anything to comfort her. He didn't like to see those hints of tears forming on her beautiful face. She was being strong, he could see that but the thing that he couldn't understand was why. "There you are!" Aveline chirped suddenly, bursting into the door and grabbing Carrie's hand. She blinked at her. Alven didn't say a word. "I need to talk to you." she finally noticed that her brother was there in the room with them. "Alven, please, I need a girl talk here." Alven smiled. He stood up. "Take all the time you need, Avvie," then, he looked at Carrie who was still emotionless but those little hints of tears was still there, haunting him. "Don't think much Carrie," She looked away, not saying a word for her heart had broke. *** Adrian looked at Ray, feeling queasy. "I don't think I can do that." Two burly muscular men looked at Ray. One of them, a man with spiky red hair with tattoos all over his left arm, spoke, "I believe that it is not an option you can take, Rolf." The other one sat lazily on Adrian's favourite armchair. He flicked his fingers and then grinned at both Adrian and Ray. He ran his hands through his thick and short silvery blond hair. He got a tattoo of a menacing bloody wolf on his right shoulder. "Hush, Raga, be patient," his calculative voice smiled, "Let's give dear Adrian Rolf a few minutes to think about our.... idea." "It has been years," Adrian said, shaking his head, "I am an outsider now, I can never return back." "The pack still considers you family nevertheless. I am certain the Alpha Thorn would be more than glad to receive news that his missing wolf member has come home with.... a new blood," Ray told Adrian. "They'll be suspicious. I have not sent words of my news for many years." Adrian shook his head. He didn't like the idea of going back to Thorn Pack. Or perhaps the reality of seeing the Alpha Queen again discouraged him. He wasn't in love with her. No. He was certain of it. He had moved on from that love as he knew that it was futile to let it grow. He loved Max's mother but he knew that he couldn't really love her as fully as he had loved his Alpha. It wasn't fair. He knew about that but he was powerless in the matter of the heart. But the thought of seeing Fiorelle again made this little burn in his heart and yet, the idea of seeing his adoptive parents again burnt high in his soul. He missed them. He wondered how they were doing all this years. Were they well? Do they think of him as much as he had thought of them? Elizabeth and Alexander Trina Thorn... The thought of seeing them again overwhelmed his fear of seeing Fiorelle again. He missed the people who loved him unconditionally and true. "What's in it for you, Vex?" Adrian asked. "Hey, what's going on here?" Max said as he closed the front door. "Why are the craps here?" he said with distaste. "Learn your manners, boy," Raga snapped, "You're just lucky that I'm in a rather good mood today." "Or what, huh?" Max retorted, "You're goanna kick my ass?" Raga growled warningly. The tension was building in the Rolf's living room. Vex calmly went to Raga and lightly tapped on the back of his neck. "Behave." Vex said as Raga fell limped on the floor unconscious. He looked at the startled Max and smiled widely. "He's alive," he paused, "It is of none of my benefit if he kills your son, Adrian," he smiled at Max and added, "Consider it as a compliment. It's a rarity for me to save an idiotic fool under line of Raga's rage." Max scoffed. "I can save myself, mutt." "Proud and stupid," Vex said, still smiling widely, "Let me assure you, pup, you will certainly fit in perfectly with your new home." "New home?" Max was confused. "Dad, what's this piece of trash talking about?" Vex growled suddenly and then, with a flash, had Max held by the scruff of his shirt on the wall. "Do not temp me boy," he said quietly, "I am not the enemy and it's wise of you to learn my name." He held Max's neck tighter, making him hard to breathe. "Let me go." Max sputtered, trying to breathe and sound strong. Vex laughed, letting him go. Max fell limped on the floor, gagging. "You have a strong boy, Adrian, I have to give you credit for that." Vex said, walking pass the unconscious Raga and then sat down on Adrian's favourite chair. "Now, be a good father and tell dear Max about our agreement." he said half sarcastically. "Dad?" Max asked. "We're going back home." Adrian said quietly. "Home?" Max was flabbergasted. "This is home. We are home! What are you talking about Dad?" Adrian sighed. He looked at his son and said, "The Pack," Vex grinned when he said that, "My old world." Max couldn't help but notice the hint of his father missing that life. How did it feel to live a life with wolves? On another note, his brain registered the real depth of his father's words. 'We're going back home'. The sentence burned deep in his mind. His father must be joking -- he had to! His life had just started to be great; he couldn't just let it go like that. An image of Aveline smiling suddenly floated into his berserk mind. His heart warmed for her. He realized that now. "Wolf pack," he said slowly, the realization sunk into his brain, "I refuse to phase." he snapped angrily, taking a step back. "You cannot make me!" "It's a part of you," Adrian sighed, "It's in your blood, you need to accept that, your mother would -," Max slammed his fist to the wall, cracking it, the lines dispersed like roots. "Don't bring Mum into this topic!" he growled. "Son, Max," Adrian said exasperatedly, "I'm sorry but you have to understand that it is never your fault to begin with. You were young! You didn't know what was going on so please, please by the love of God, please stop blaming yourself." Max closed his eyes, trying to calm himself down. The wolf inside of him growled, wanting to be freed after so long of forced containment. The poor suffering wolf longed to be free and to have a well-deserved chance to stretch those unused muscles. The wolf literally howled to Max -- begging and pleading to be free. The wolf shot a memory of the beautiful snowy wolf which they had encountered in the forest. He longed to be as free as the snowy wolf. Max's legs crumpled beneath him. His wolf was desperate to win this battle. The pain started to ripple all over his body. He was fighting with his wolf, wanting to gain control. Max screamed in pain, writhing on the floor, his fingers scraped on the cold tile. "What the hell?" for once, Vex's calm demeanour shattered into pieces. "Don't fight it, son, let it be," Adrian begged, kneeling down to his son. "N-No!" Max rasped, writhing, his eyes closed. "You will not win!" he said to his wolf. He pushed his wolf down -- back into the lonely cage inside his core. The wolf howled as it admitted defeat. Max's hatred of the wolf inside of him was too strong to beat. He lay on the floor, panting as fresh sweat rolled down his face. He won the battle but he knew that he hadn't won the war yet. "I didn't know that you're a sadistic fool to yourself," Vex said sarcastically. "How could you refuse the gift of the Moon?" Max panted, lifting himself up the floor. "Buzz of, Vex!" he growled. "Vex, really," Adrian shook his head, "Why can't you guys get along?" "That is a very interesting question." Vex grinned. Max scoffed. "Tell me that you are joking about this move, Dad," Adrian looked at his son, "We are going back to the Pack," he told his son, "I'm sure you'll find life as a pack will help ease the pain you have on being a wolf." "But why are we moving? I hardly think that all of this hasty decision is purely based on my goodwill." Max demanded. "Let's just say that it's a win/win situation for all of us." Vex offered just as Raga groaned, waking up from his 'nap'. He looked at him and then at Max, "I'd suggest it's better if you go upstairs before Raga fully awakes." Max scoffed. *** He still went to see her. After all, a promise was still a promise. Vannie smiled when the godly perfection went through the cafe's door. "You're here," she enthused happily as she untied her apron and quickly took it off. She looked at the clock on the wall and noted that he was five minutes early. "Just... sit first and let me go and get my coat and stuff." Alven didn't say anything. He just smiled. He watched the retreating figure of the beautiful human girl into the kitchen area. Then he looked around the quiet cafe and found a nice corner seat, facing the huge glass-paned window. The night was cool. He flexed his fingers and sighed as he stared at his reflection on the window. The meeting with Carinelle didn't go quite as well as he had thought it would be. There was something bothering her and he couldn't figure out what. He remembered how her face crumpled into this mix of emotions and a wash of... hurt? Was she hurt? Did he say something wrong to her? The things that she might have misconstrued about and somehow, the thought of him hurting her, even unintentionally sent a stab in his soul. "Hey, let's go," Vannie's chirpy voice broke his thoughts away. He looked up and smiled at her, feeling the familiar thunder clapping in his heart and then, all at the same time, an image of Carrie's smiling face came into his mind. He blinked at her, somehow frozen in his seat. She shrugged her shoulders at him, "Are you all right?" He stood up. He still wanted to see her and yet, somehow, in some weird unfathomable way, he wanted to see whether Carrie was all right, his poor best friend who worried too much about wolf protocols. "Yeah, I was just thinking." He told her as they went out from the cafe. "About what?" she asked, realizing that utter silence had coated them for a while after they had went out from the cafe. They had been walking straight down the pavement. "Some random stuff." he said and she could tell from his tone that he didn't want to talk more about it in detail and then, she heard him sigh. She looked at him, somehow expecting that he would say something. "Look, I'm really sorry Vannie. I'm just -," She cut his words out, "Shh," she smiled, "It's all right. You don't have to explain," she hugged her folded coat tightly to her chest, feeling the cool air. "Let's just go and have a wonderful dinner." Crossing Moon Ch. 06 He smiled. "Are you cold?" He asked, noticing her shivering. "A bit," she chuckled and then she smiled widely when he put his arm around her, keeping her warm. She wrapped her right arm to his waist, somehow knowing that tonight would be a very wonderful night. He laughed again, holding her close as all thoughts on Carrie faded away. "Now, let's go and get ourselves something to eat." she grinned, holding him close. She'd never let him go... *** And the wolf inside yearns, To feel the ground beneath, Its paws, Sad, forlorn and trapped, The wolf howls, Begging for the holy moon, To set it free... *** TO BE CONTINUED... *** Crossing Moon Ch. 07 *** All thanks goes to IZABELLA and ANGELIKA for editing this chapter! Once again, don't forget to VOTE and COMMENT! Thanks!! *** From Aveline Erickana Ruben's diary: 20th October 2008, 10.30 PM, my bedroom. I should be studying. I have a test tomorrow but I can't concentrate. Not fully anyway. I couldn't even shake this feeling even after a satisfying round of sprinting in my wolf form with Carrie. We even caught a deer or two. I wanted to run more but Carrie had enough. She was all sullen and disheartened. She refused to tell me more when I asked her. I should be bothered with that. She's like a sister to me. I should care but my emotional state isn't stable right now and honestly, I don't think I can handle a melodramatic wolf at this moment. Sigh. I don't know what else to think about. I used to think that by coming to Lexton, I could prove to the others, particularly my father and Alven, that I am more than just a wolf who loves to shop. I'm not just an Alpha Princess waiting to be mated and bear puppies. In truth, it wasn't because of that -- not entirely. Perhaps I was suffering from this self-obsession with vanity. I was proud. I wanted this self-satisfaction of being able to say, "I did that." I wanted to go to the further lengths none of which the others have taken. I was -- AM, pardon me -- envious of Carinelle. She's probably going to be the Alpha of her pack if she had wanted it. She, being the only child of Uncle Jerry and Aunt Fiorelle, had the choice on whether to be the Alpha or not. It depended on whether she had mated or not but it all weighed more on her wanting to be the Alpha. If, in any case, that she mated, her mate would automatically be the Alpha and she'd be the Alpha Queen. I, on the other hand, probably am stuck with the image of the princess-y wolf who loved to shop and create havoc. Did I mention that I think I like Max? Yeah, the idiotic human who turned out to be not so bad after all and I just... -- well, it's kind of hard for me to explain in words but I am worried. What if I fall in love with him? A human, nonetheless! This is a blasphemy waiting to happen. I think it's best of me to keep my distance from him and yet, his scent.... Sigh. He's got this pull on me, I have to admit that. Ever since I found him wandering alone in the forest, he's got this.... this power of pulling me in. This feeling of wanting to get to know him closer and closer but I must fight this feeling. The Four Council will not let me be with a human even if that human happened to be deliciously scented. It wasn't food, I was sure of that... It was something else. And Dad would probably get a coronary if he knew about this. Avvie From Carinelle Hynes Thorn's diary: 21th October 2008, 12.00 AM, my bed. I don't think I can handle another day in Lexton. Really! I can't sleep well! I can't even focus! My heart and soul felt like it had been wrenched out callously! What was I thinking? I can't keep on being in denial that the past twelve days have been nothing but torture to me. How could he be so blind? How could he not see that I am the one for him? Why must he go over the taboo and stick to that useless piece of meat? I guess it's my fault too, in some remote way. I should have told him how I really felt but how could I do that when he looked so happy? He told me right after their DINNER DATE was over, that it was blissfully fun. He had gotten to know more about this -- this YVAINNE WILKINSON! My ears felt like they were being poured with acid just by hearing him talk about her. He said that he wasn't in love but I knew that he was lying. How could he not be in love with a girl like that?! She's perfect! For a human anyway! But still! Ugh! He even had the nerve to drag me down to the stupid Wolfy Cafe and introduced me -- HIS BEST FRIEND -- to her and the worse thing was that she was PERFECTLY beautiful, nice and warm! I couldn't even have the heart to HATE her for that! And what's even worse, that stupid freaky -- OK, Adrian didn't deserve my outburst here -- Adrian was there. He didn't talk much to me but what was up with that look of pain in his eyes?! I cannot stand it anymore! You know what, dear diary?? I am going to march straight up to Malcolm when he comes back from meeting Dad and Uncle James tomorrow afternoon. GOOD-BYE LEXTON!!!! I don't give a damn care on what Aveline or even Alven going to say about my leaving this stupid idiotic human school! I don't care anymore! Why should I care when my own heart bled like it's going to kill me at this very moment?? Sign me up for the next plane back home!! Carrie. *** Aveline bit her lips. What was she doing here? She felt like kicking herself. This wasn't entirely included as a way to avoid falling in love with Maxwell Jay Adams. He had been a pain in the neck in school, well; he didn't really do anything to annoy her. It was the opposite thing. He had been trying all day to talk to her but she wouldn't let him. She was anxious that every second spent with him might accumulate into what she had feared the most. And now, why had she dragged herself to the front door of his house? She peered through the window and saw the house was empty. She should feel relieved but funnily, she felt utterly disappointed. She missed him, in some weird way. It was hard for her to explain and she'd wanted to ask Carinelle about it but Carinelle had been so sensitive nowadays that she found it rather discouraging to go to her. Her brother? Well, she could have gone and asked Alven on what he thought about this weird feeling in her but he's rarely ever home nowadays. The only time she ever saw him was in school and ALWAYS that human girl was with him, clinging to him like he was something precious to let go. Her wolf on the other hand, felt angry with her. Why are you so mad with me? She thought to her wolf and it howled and howled like she had wanted something but refused to. She stood there for a few more minutes and finally feeling silly for standing there with no productive reason. She turned around and held her breath automatically when she saw him running towards her. It all took a split second for her wolf to decide to run. She ran and jumped up the porch rail, and landed perfectly on her two feet. She risked a glance back and saw him calling her name and still running towards her. She yelped and started to run full speed ahead, knowing that she had perfect chance of outrunning him if she reached the forest which was only a good 30 metres away. She ran, flinging her book bag out of the way, regretting in her heart to throw such a perfectly good bag and her books. Guess I have to buy a new one later, she thought remorsefully, and beg Carinelle to lend me her notes. She was a good runner but Max was faster and within minutes, he tackled her, just a few feet away from the safety of the forest. She shrieked in surprise as they rolled on the ground and then halted to a stop with him being on top of her. She blinked at him, pure shock filled her face. "How did you outrun me?" she whispered but he didn't even say anything as he bent down and kissed her furiously on her lips. Stunned, she froze in his kiss for a moment before melting in his arms. Her hands crawled up to his broad back and pulled him to her, becoming one with the kiss. Once the anger seemed to vanish in him, he stopped, trailing kisses on the bridge of her nose and then softly on her lips. He trailed soft seductive kisses on her neck, his strong arms held her tight to him. She blinked, looking up to the blue sky above, realizing that this was something that she had entirely wanted to avoid. He ran his hand down the curves of her waist and before he could even do more, she pushed him off her with all her strength. Tears was pooling in her eyes. He looked at her, feeling confused, "Aveline?" But she shook her head, scrambling up to her feet and leaving the stunned Maxwell. She ran into the safety of the forest, running and running as fast as she could, ripping her clothes into useless unrecognizable pieces as she ran deeper into the forest and phased into her beautiful snowy form. Max bolted up after her, a few minutes later but she was nowhere to be seen. It was like she had vanished into thin air. "AVVIE!" he called out, his wolf had, for a moment there, felt peace when he was kissing her ever so thoroughly and he wanted to know why it was so. Why was she affecting his wolf so much? It was like, she had the power to subdue his rebellious tortured wolf. He went further into the forest, scrambling, trying to find any hint of her going there but there was none. He turned and walked back to his house, not noticing the beautiful snowy wolf watching him, perched on the small hill, behind a wall of green lush trees. *** Adrian was waiting for him when he came back. "I've contacted my old Pack," he told him quietly. Max just looked at his father. His insides were torn apart when he said that. "I am not in the mood for this, Dad." Max admitted. Adrian pretended to not hear any of that as he kept on going, "They're going to send Malcolm of Ruben Pack tomorrow." "That's it?" Max scoffed. "You rang them up and they just accepted you happily like nothing happen?" "It's not that easy, Max, for me to do this," Adrian reminded his son, trying to hold his anger. "It would be a whole lot easier if you'd just say no to that piece of useless crap." Max retorted. "Someday, you will understand that sometimes it is best to just accept who you are and not who you try to be," Adrian replied softly, "I might be hurting myself for coming back but there are more reasons than just to pay my deeds to Ray." Max shut his eyes. He could feel the stress building up. His wolf rebelled inside him, waiting for the snap to let him free. He breathed out, trying to even his unstable emotions. "So, tomorrow night's the last day I'll ever be Max Adams, is it?" "You're never an Adams. It's understandable of you hating my name and choosing your mother's, but yes, by tomorrow, you'll be Maxwell Rolf Thorn. This is something that you ought to have accepted a long time ago. You and I, my son, we are wolves," he paused, looking at his son, "And we can never escape from being who we truly are." "I hate you Dad." "You don't hate me," Adrian smiled grimly, "You hate what is half of you." "This is it then?! I don't have a choice on who I want to be?!" "You always have a choice, son but not in this matter. It's my fault for not explaining to you on how packs live together but where you and I will go, we are the low ranks." "THE LOW RANKS?" "A pack has an Alpha, the Alpha Queen, followed with their offspring... obviously we referred to them as Alpha Prince or Princess and then the in-commands followed with us, commoners. A wolf pack is similar to a human kingdom, Max, we're commoners, here and there in the pack as well. There's not much of a difference." Max groaned, "I have to bow and show my belly in submission, is that it??" "This is how packs are," Adrian told him, "With time, you'll see and who knows, things might be a little bit different for us and perhaps for the better." "You do realize that you are helping some craps on stupid ideas of revenge," he told his father heatedly, "what if they find out about this, eh? What'll happen then?" And for once, Adrian did not have an answer for his son. *** Max couldn't stand being in the house any longer. He went through dinner but that was his limit. He couldn't pretend like his father that nothing significant was going on. He stood up from his seat. Adrian looked up but didn't say anything for he understood the rumble in his son's heart. "I'm going out," Max told his father quickly. He pushed open the front door, walking down the pavement and then midway, broke into a run into the forest where, strangely, he had started to feel safe in the place he had hated the most. He ran and ran, leaping up small fallen logs and snapping thin branches under his shoes. He halted to a stop, panting for air, as he rested his back against a tall tree. He stared at the calm flow of the stream, feeling quite at peace as he stared the reflection of the moon on the stream. The wolf inside him pleaded to be free, howling and yelping at him. He sighed to himself pitifully. What was it like to fully embrace on what he was? The other side of him of which he had denied for so many years and somehow, he knew that his father was right. Mum wouldn't want me to blame myself, he thought to himself, his thoughts scattered between his guilt, his wolf's desires and of how his ever growing feelings for Aveline. Why did she run away from him? Was she angry at him for kissing her without her will? He sighed again as he slid down the tree and sat on the ground, not caring the fact that he had dirtied his pants. "Maybe I shouldn't have done that." He thought bitterly to himself but he couldn't help but do what he had -- well, his wolf had wanted to do it. It was confusing for him for he had never experienced such powerful pull before or even the sense of peace that she had brought upon him. "Maxwell Rolf Thorn..." he whispered his name. "Is that who I am? A common wolf?" And then, his wolf interrupted, correcting him, 'a common wolf in love with a human girl'. He smiled to himself. Perhaps this was just like how his parents had been before. His mother was human but she was too fragile. He would know since he was the one who caused her death. He could still remember it clearly in his mind although he was such a young boy that time. He hadn't known what was really going on with him. His mother had taken him out in the forest for their daily walk. He remembered that his mother loved the forest. "Because it's the forest that brought your father to me," she had told him a long time ago when he was a child. He had felt stabbing pain in his body, slowly and gradually dispersing all over him. He had ignored the ache, he didn't even tell his mother about it. And then, in all split second, the pain was too much to bear. His mother yelled at him, trying to calm him down, screamed for his father when she realized that she couldn't control what she thought her son had become. And then, it was too late. Max groaned, not wanting to remember the pain or even the memory of the disastrous day. His clothes torn with his phasing to his wolf form and his mind was clouded. He couldn't think straight and he panicked even more when he saw how detailed and crystal clear everything had become. He could even see the speck of dew on the leaves. His mother had been too close. His phase had injured his mother. She was laying face-front on the ground, bleeding on her abdomen from the slash of his paws. He didn't mean to hurt her. She was just too close. He panicked even more when he realized that he was standing on four paws. He could hear his father running to them. And he panicked so he sprinted to the other side, worrying of a childish worry that his father might smack him. He should have stayed there. At least, he could have been with his mother on her last few minutes before leaving them forever. He couldn't understand. His young mind was confused at that time. He continued to run mindlessly all night long till his father had tracked him down in his wolf form in the early dawn. Although, his father did not blame him for what had happened. Maxwell blamed himself. So, he should be wise enough to realize that he and Aveline were not meant to be, for he was a wolf and she was human. She deserved something much better than a broken wolf which refused to embrace on who it was. But, sadly, his wolf wouldn't want to let go. *** Aveline phased back to her naked human form and walked weakly a few feet more before crumpling and she curled herself in a fetal position in Rubenston forest ground. She had perhaps sprinted as fast and as long as she had never done before in her entire life. She closed her eyes, wanting to calm down the fire inside of her. The kiss was strong and passionate. She almost gave in to her instincts but her conscience mind woke her up from such a beautiful slumber. She felt she was right there, perfectly at home with Max. Strange feeling of wanting to be one with him was still burning within her. She wouldn't be mated with Max if she had decided to sleep with him. First of all, Max was a human, so it wouldn't count as mating unless she had bit him. But who ever heard of a human-wolf mating anyway? There would be absolutely no harm if she had chose to continue with kissing him and with how they had kissed. Their heat together would have lead to utter sex in open view. She shuddered at the thought of losing her purity in such an open place where people could have seen them! Ironically, the scenario of people -- or rather wolves -- seeing her mating for the first time would definitely happen as that was how protocol dictated. Unless she had a choice like her parents had. She smiled wanly at that thought. Her wolf howled within her, wanting to see Maxwell again and in truth, she wanted to see him too. It was weird because Maxwell was a human, so she knew that it wasn't her wolf recognizing him as a potential mate. Perhaps, her wolf was just feeling super naughty tonight. She stood up, not caring the fact that she was naked from head to toe. She brushed the dirt away from her curvaceous body and started to walk to the house where one of the low ranks had hurried to her side and offered her a silk robe. *** Max stared at the moon. "Forgive me, dear Moon," he whispered, "I have forgotten you for so long." He stood up, a sigh emitted from him. He slowly unbuttoned his shirt and folded it neatly on the tree branch near him. His chest was beautiful. He took off his pants and folded it neatly on top of his shirt. He felt strangely weird and satisfied to stand there naked. His wolf howled happily inside him. He closed his eyes and for a moment there, he didn't know what to do. How was he to phase again for he had forgotten the way? Follow your instinct, Max, he thought silently in his soul. There was a crumbling wall inside him, containing the tortured wolf for so many years. The wolf scratched its claw on the wall just as Max closed his eyes and let the other side of him merge together into one willingly. The wolf inside howled happily as the wall crumbled down, it sprinted and leaped inside him and he phased willingly for the first time in his chocolate brown wolf form. He blinked his eyes. His vision was confusing at first for everything was crystal clear and high in definition. He started to run up the hill and then leaping above some huge boulders just to stretch those rusty muscles. And for once, he felt complete. His wolf then wanted to find the beautiful snowy wolf. He wanted to do that also, so he sprinted and leaped. Air swished past him as he went towards the forest where he had first seen the wolf. And with his luck, the wolf was probably just a regular wolf. *** She tied the silk robe to her body. She looked behind her and stared at the forest. The low rank waited for its Alpha Princess. "Are you hungry, milady?" the low rank asked politely. She shook her head slowly and somehow in daze. She walked mindlessly a few steps to the forest. "Milady?" The low rank broke her trance. She smiled at him, "I'm all right." "Malcolm had called in earlier," he told her, "He has very good news when he comes back tomorrow evening." "That's good." She replied back, not really registering what the low rank had said. She took another step forward and then suddenly, broke into a run to the forest. Crossing Moon Ch. 07 *** He didn't know that he could run a whole lot faster than his human form had allowed him to. Within a few minutes, he was already entering the forest where he had first seen the male turning into wolves. He forgot to ask about that to his father and he made a mental note to ask his father about it tomorrow morning. He realized that he was trespassing into another pack's territory but somehow he didn't care. His wolf had overpowered his common senses and thoughts. It was then he heard the snap of some leaves. His wolf vision caught the sight of the back of a human girl wearing a silk robe. He gasped, just as he realized on who the human girl was. "No, don't be afraid," he thought to himself, desperately wishing that she could understand. She took a step back. The wolf inside him somehow wanted to dominate her, making her as his forever but his human side now took control and both froze at their places. "Oh, a wolf." she muttered to herself. She did not recognize this wolf but somehow she knew that he wouldn't harm her. Perhaps he recognized that she was the Alpha Princess of Ruben Pack and before she could even utter a word so that the wolf could understand her or even took her robe off and phase, the wolf turned and sprinted deeper into the forest. "Hey wait!" she called out, sighing, but knew that the wolf was long gone. She felt confused. She was so drawn to come here. It was as if there was this extremely strong irresistible force that pulled her to come to this spot. Tears then followed by, she wanted to see Max again. Her heart longed to see that human and for once, she didn't care of the consequences. *** TO BE CONTINUED... *** Crossing Moon Ch. 08 From Aveline Erickana Ruben's diary: 23rd October 2008, 10.30 PM, my bedroom. Oh my Moon. Malcolm had found out of my skipping school today! How could I not skip when Max had thoroughly kissed me? I had to keep my distance from him. It wasn't safe -- for my heart anyway. Why can't I just keep on hating him? Why must he turn out to be so..... Sigh. But at least Malcolm wasn't so beastly about it and he didn't punish me or anything because, as he had put out, "I have to go and escort our new wolves go back home later." and then he added, "Why did you skip school?" I couldn't just go and tell him that I was avoiding a human! The blasphemy of telling MALCOLM that I have high risk of falling in love with the human! He'd EAT me alive and grind my bones to dust! What can I do or even say to him? I just grinned and muttered something gibberish relating to my being lazy to come to school. Malcolm looked like he wanted to say something but then, he didn't get the chance (YIPEEEEE) as Alven had called him, saying that our father was on the phone. Alven looked at me with a smile as Malcolm hurried to the study. "Are you OK?" I bit my lips, looking left and right for any signs of Malcolm returning from the study room. "Follow me." I said to him, pulling him by his arm and practically dragging him into the living room. I closed the door and then looked at him. "What's the matter?" I sighed. "Do you know why I skipped school today?" "Because you're lazy?" I growled at him. "Be serious!" "How would I know? I'm not you!" I walked to the tall glass window and touched the cool pane. "I'm avoiding someone." "Someone?" "A human." I said exasperatedly. "A human?" He repeated. I turned to him, "I'm falling in love to the human!" And Alven just stared at me. Avvie From Carinelle Hynes Thorn's diary: 23rd October 2008, 11.45 PM, my bed. I have nothing to say. It's enough to say that I'm hoping for a better life after this. Carrie. *** Max closed his suitcase with a sigh. He looked around his bedroom and realized that this was perhaps the last time he'd ever be in the house he'd call home. He wanted to say good bye to her but she wasn't in school. If only he knew where she lives, perhaps then, he might gather up the courage and see her. The wolf inside him reminded that he saw her last night, and wearing a silk robe nonetheless! He pondered on that thought for a while, it was certainly odd for a girl to be walking in a forest in the middle of the night and wearing a robe! She might live nearby, he thought with realization. He looked at his watch and saw that he had a few hours left before this Malcolm comes to escort his father and him back to hell. OK, he might be judgemental but who wouldn't? He was practically ripped out of the life he had known and was comfortable with. He sighed, remembering Yvainne, his sweet best friend,the always-calm-and-collected Vannie. His father had told her that they were leaving for quite a long time and for that, he had given her the job of looking after the family business. Vannie was surprised, that was certain. "When will you be back?" she asked. "Soon," his Dad promised but he knew that it was a lie for he had no idea when he could come back. She looked at Max, her eyes started to glaze with tears. "Don't forget me, Max, you're my best friend, don't you ever forget me." "I wouldn't and couldn't forget you. Promise!" He said to her quickly. Vannie had sighed, "Why are you guys leaving? Where?" He looked at his Dad, expecting him to provide an answer for her but go figure, he wouldn't! His father had gone to the kitchen, scurrying to safety. Vannie turned and waited for him to give her a satisfactory answer. "It's complicated," He had told her. "And?" She prompted. He sighed. "It's... well, we have to go back to our old family home. We have some family matters to settle about." At least, he told to himself, it was close to the truth. "Oh." She pulled out a stool and sat on it. "But you'll be back?" He had to nod. She smiled. "So, you're with that Alven fella?" He asked her, out of curiousity. "Yeah, I guess but... I'm not his girlfriend. Not yet anyway," She had blushed! "He's Aveline's brother right?" "Yeah, why?" "Do you know where they live?" And now, Max sighed, feeling quite peeved when Vannie herself admitted that she did not know where Aveline lived. He really wanted to see her again but it was really frustrating to realize that he had no clue on where she lived or even where to find her. He could risk going to the forest again but his father had told him to wait for Malcolm while he went out to sort things with Ray and those craps -- Vega and Rex. If he had the choice, he would stay here and be with Aveline, regardless of his wolfy nature. *** Carrie peered from the door, looking at Malcolm who was busy writing something on the mahogany desk. She pondered for a while, if it was wise of her to continue with her request. "Carinelle, come in," Malcolm said without looking up, "Don't hide there like you did something criminally wrong." Carrie blushed. She quickly went into Malcolm's office and closed the door. Malcolm, noticing this, looked up from his paper. "What's wrong?" Carrie turned crimson. "Why must you think that there's something wrong?" "Because you are standing here alone." Carrie sighed. "You know me well, Malcolm." "I lived long enough to notice such things." "I'm not happy here." "And why is it so?" Carrie felt desperate. How could she say without revealing the truth? Much as her heart broke, she could not betray Alven. "You already know that I wasn't a happy camper to come here. If it weren't for my Dad forcing me, I wouldn't be here," she paused, her heart thumping unevenly inside her, "I heard that you're going back to Thorn Estate tonight with the new wolves, please, let me come," she pleaded him, "I really miss home." Malcolm was quiet for a moment, perhaps he was thinking about the Thorn Alpha Princess's ridiculous request or maybe he had an idea on why she was acting so weird. "Carinelle, this is wolf business," he told her, indirectly refusing her wish. "But I won't be a hassle," she insisted. Malcolm sighed. "It is not you that I am worried about being a hassle, it is the new wolves that I do not have trust upon." "Excuse me?" "I told you, my dear Alpha Princess, this is wolf matters." "Who are these new wolves?" "There are two of them. A father and a son actually. The father used to be in Thorn Pack but then he chose to be a lone wolf, until now apparently." She could detect a hint of detest in his voice, "And you don't like them?" Malcolm scoffed. "This is not the matter of importance on whether I like them or not, it is the trust that is hard to build," "If they are new wolves," she paused, making up conclusion, "surely, it is unwise for you to judge them so prematurely." "Perhaps I am being unfair to the son," he said, making an exception, "But that Rolf does not deserve a second chance after such betrayal, it is a wonder on why your father accepts him back into the Thorn Pack." "Betrayal?" "Perhaps you do not know the story," Malcolm said indignantly, "I have said enough, now, run along and go to your room." "What about me?" Malcolm's eyes shot up, "We'll deal with this matter after I've done with my task, Carinelle, and for now, please, have some patience." "His name is Rolf?" still, Carrie wouldn't let go the topic. She was far too interested and curious to even risk Malcolm's wrath. He sighed. "I have to safely assume that you will not rest this topic until I've told you the task?" "Naturally," She smiled at him, taking some pillows on the couch and then tucked them on her chair in front of the desk. "Your father had received a call from this wolf -," She cut him off, "Rolf," she offered, "Let's give the poor chap his name, shall we?" "Poor chap?! There's nothing to sympathise about this fool -," Once again, Carinelle lifted both her hands and said, "C'mon Malcolm, give it a rest." She grinned at him. "If Dad wants to accept Rolf and his son, then he has his own reasons." At that statement, Malcolm heaved a sigh, "Perhaps you are right, young one." "Of course!" She grinned, forgetting her pain as she was immersed with her curiousity. "Now, please continue." "Rolf told the Alpha Thorn that he feels that it is time for him and his son to come back home and be a part of pack life for he misses the family." Malcolm told her, somehow not believing his own words. "You have doubts?" She looked at him. "Who wouldn't? That wolf -," Malcolm sighed exasperatedly when Carinelle gave him the evil eye, "All right already," he muttered, "That ROLF did not have any contact with the pack for YEARS, this is something worth to be deem as suspicious." "Did he say why he didn't contact the pack?" she said calmly, somehow amused with Malcolm's outburst. He looked like he wanted to puke, "He said it was because he did not have the courage to call, damn it, that's the stupidest wackiest far-fetched reason I've ever heard about!" "Now, c'mon Malcolm, not everyone can be as bold as you." Malcolm scoffed. He stood up, noticing the time, "All right then Carinelle," he looked at her, "We'll discuss more about your request later, I have to go and escort that wolf -- um, Rolf and his son back to Thorn Estate." Carinelle smiled. "Be nice." He harrumphed. *** A sleek Hummer parked right in front of their front yard. Adrian nodded at Malcolm, acknowledging him. Malcolm, however, just went towards him and said, "Shall we go, Adrian? The ride home is quite long, we need to catch the plane." Adrian looked at the house where he had spent quite a portion of his life there. He noted that his son looked sullen and unwilling to go. "Come on, son, let's go." he said to Max. Max didn't even bother to say anything. Heck, he didn't even know what to say. He looked at Malcolm carefully, noticing the confidence and power surging within him. He knew at the instance that Malcolm was one of the in-commands and he was just a lowly pack member -- a commoner. The next few hours were blissfully quiet. There was no conversation made in the car as it sped fast to the airport. Malcolm and Adrian were clearly not friends. The check-in the airport when well with no disturbance whatsoever, there wasn't even a delay in his flight. It was as if the fate itself agreed that he and Aveline weren't meant to be. The distance between them was inevitable and a must. "How are you, boy?" Malcolm asked, at least he was trying to give the boy a chance. Max looked at him, shocked that he was speaking to him, "Um, I'm still in a shock, I guess," he admitted. "Shock?" Malcolm prompted, wanting him to continue after they had handed in their tickets and went to their seats. As usual, like wolves, they loved luxurious things and first class seats were not an exception. "I guess you are aware that I am a half human," "Yes, your father had explained this matter to the Alpha Thorn," he paused, "Human-wolf mating are not encouraged, in fact, it is a taboo but perhaps, the Alpha Thorn let this thing be as there are no reasons to do any prosecutions in his eyes." "Is he always that tolerant?" "Depending on the situation," he told him, "In your father case, however, the Alpha Thorn has wanted him to come home for so long but he hasn't been able to track your father down." "Yes, he told me about the whole Alpha Thorn, Alpha Queen and him being in this mess-up love triangle." "Indeed and that is something that all of us should forget and not repeat," Malcolm added. "How is life in a pack?" Max decided to change the topic before it could get any serious than he had intended. "Pack life is fulfilling." he answered briefly and then, he looked at his watch, "I think you'll find it a lot more enjoyable than life as a lone wolf." And Max sincerely doubted that especially when he knew full well that Aveline wasn't there with him. *** Aveline sprinted across the stream, leaping from each tall boulder with ease. Her wolf form was beautiful, sleek and supernaturally fast. Carrie was behind her, calling her name in her thoughts. Avvie! Slow down! Carrie begged in her head, feeling the ache in her paws. But Aveline chose to ignore her as she continued to sprint faster and faster. Perhaps she was testing her wolf limits to the maximum. She needed the distraction. Alven was surprisingly calm when she had told him that she might be in love with a human. It was her who burst out with flames when Alven had replied that he was with a human girl too but at the moment, it wasn't anything serious. "Everything," he had told her, "Needs to fall on its own." "Are you serious with this girl?" Aveline couldn't help but to ask. "I just met her," he had told his sister, "She intrigues me, that is true, but I don't want to rush into things. You should do the same. We are wolves, and they -," Aveline sighed, cutting her brother's words, "And they are humans..." "Are you in love with him?" "Max?" Alven gave a little smile, "So, his name is Max, huh?" She sighed in her mind as Carrie ran past her, alerting her wolf senses. Things had gotten a bit patchy between her brother and Carrie. She noticed that even if Carrie didn't tell her about it. Sometimes, Carrie preferred to keep things to herself. Carrie, wait up! Aveline called out to her. Hurry up, slowpoke! Carrie replied back, a hint of triumph in her thoughts. The two wolves finally caught up with each other, sprinting and leaping across more boulders and then halted to a leisure pace as the two wolves went through a clear pathway. Carinelle wondered to herself for a moment. Perhaps it was time for her to tell Aveline about her desires to go home but she was unsure on how Aveline would react. She'd definitely demand for an answer -- a very satisfying and convincing answer. How could she tell her that she was trying to save her heart from breaking even more? But Malcolm would be back soon and he'd deal with her; and knowing Malcolm, she knew full well that he would ask Aveline and Alven for their opinions. She halted to a stop, giving a little howl to Aveline. She rested on her paws on the warm soil and looked at Aveline wolf form. Carrie? Aveline thought to her. I need to tell you something, Carinelle thought back, something important, she added silently. Look, is this about Max? Aveline asked her heatedly. No, it's not, Carrie stood on her four paws, shaking her head. Now, could you please listen to me? And please, don't interrupt! Aveline scowled in her thoughts. Malcolm's goanna tell you sooner or later anyway and I think it's best if you heard it directly from me, Carinelle started in her thoughts. What's going on, Carrie? Aveline asked. Carinelle looked at her for a moment and said, I'm going home soon. *** Aveline wouldn't let go of the topic even after trying to demand an answer from Carinelle from the forest and to the house. "What do you mean that you're going home?" Aveline hissed, "Weren't you the one who said that we have to stay here until we finished school?" Carinelle sighed, "You were the one who was so eager to be here," she told her, "I wasn't! I never did want to come to this stupid place." "Alven wouldn't like this -," Carinelle cut her words off, eyes blaring, "WHY WOULD I GIVE A DAMN CARE ABOUT WHAT HE LIKES??" Aveline, stunned, froze on her steps. Carinelle continued walking, tightening her silver robes. "Carrie..." she called her but Carinelle ignored her. She needed to start packing. *** Oh God, this is stupid, Max thought to himself as he heard cheers of joy from the people. Why are they cheering in the first place? Adrian was quiet. He didn't even say a word the minute they had went off from the airport and rode the car to Thorn Estate. Not even when the Alpha Thorn welcomed the father and son with open arms. Fiorelle -- the Alpha Queen -- was stunning, just like he had remembered her. She was perfect and flawless and most importantly, happy. Indeed, Fiorelle Thorn was perfectly happy. "Adrian," Fiorelle hugged him, "We missed you so much." The hug -- the touch was innocent. He expected that he would feel some sort of spark but he only felt the shock. Perhaps, her touch was too surreal for him to accept that she was really and truly standing in front of him. She let him go and then hooked her arm to Jerry's right arm. Jerry kissed her forehead affectionately. "And is this dear Maxwell Rolf Thorn?" Jerry asked, smiling to Max. Max's eyes went bright. Why was he so FRIENDLY to him? Jerry smiled once again, "Max, how could I not be friendly? You are family." Max gasped. "H -- how.... you..." he sputtered. Adrian grinned, "Son, the moment we agreed to come back home, the bond has been resealed." "Um, does that mean you heard what I thought about earlier?" "Do not worry," Fiorelle said, "With time, you'll learn to control on who can hear your thoughts. It's simple really, it's just like talking but with the Alpha, he can hear whatever is in your head, regardless." "How was your journey, Malcolm?" Jerry asked. "Enticingly fun, really," Malcolm replied. Jerry smiled, "I understand, you have other duties to attend to." "I have four young wolves under my care and it's rather upheaval really." "Indeed, they can be a bit mischievous, sometimes." Malcolm smiled, "Ah, young blood," he looked at Max, and gave a light pat on his shoulder, "Perhaps you have met them, Max." "Them?" Max looked baffled. "My daughter and her friends," Jerry said, "They went to Aliaxia." "Oh," Max said, shaking his head, "I don't know, I don't think so." "Come now," Fiorelle said, amidst the cheers of the wolves, "Let's have dinner." Adrian brightened up at the sound of food, he was hungry but then, he remembered something else, "Alexander? Elizabeth?" he asked Jerry. But before Jerry could even replied, two familiar and dearly missed faces suddenly emerged from the pack of cheering wolves. "Adrian, son..." And no other sound in the world could beat that.... *** Max was alone in his new room. He was surrounded with new and luxurious things. He didn't know that a low rank wolf could have access to such things. The bed was huge and heavenly comfortable. He lay on the bed and stared on the ceiling and wondered for a moment about his new life. His Dad was with Elizabeth and Alexander and been there, even after they had finished dinner three hours ago. His thoughts wandered back to Aveline, no matter how much he tried to block her from going into his mind. Dear Moon, help me, make me forget her, he thought wanly. *** TO BE CONTINUED... *** Crossing Moon Ch. 09 *** All thanks goes to Izabella for editing the series! Don't forget: VOTE and COMMENT! hahaha... thanks! *** From Aveline Erickana Ruben's diary: 24th October 2008, 11.45 PM, my bedroom. He wasn't in school. Avvie _ _ _ _ 25th October 2008, 8.30 PM, my bedroom. No Max. Avvie _ _ _ _ 26th October 2008, 9.45 PM, my bedroom. No Max again. Avvie _ _ _ _ 27th October 2008, 11.15 PM, my bedroom. Where are you, Max? Avvie _ _ _ _ 28th October 2008, 8.05 PM, my bedroom. He's gone. He didn't even say good-bye... How could he? Avvie _ _ _ _ 29th October 2008, 10.45 PM, my bedroom. He really is gone. Avvie _ _ _ _ 30th October 2008, 6.20 PM, my bedroom. Not even a single good-bye... Avvie _ _ _ _ 31st October 2008, 11.50 PM, my bedroom. How could he leave me hanging like this?? Avvie From Carinelle Hynes Thorn's diary: 31st October 2008, 9.15 PM, my bed. I know that I've been neglecting my journal for the past few days but really, what was there to say? My heart broke. I'm sick and tired of trying to pretend that I am OK with Alven being with HER. Anyway, I don't want to speak more about it. That's something really rotten that I don't want to deal with. At least, I have good news though. Malcolm said I can go home for the school break and from there, if I still feel like staying, I could leave Lexton forever. It's nice of Malcolm to be considerate and all but I don't need second thoughts. I'm burning here already. And Aveline's been moping around the past few days. She didn't even want to run with me. And I thought I have problems... Carrie. *** School seemed meaningless now but Aveline knew that she had to keep her priorities straight. She didn't come to Aliaxia to find boys; she was here to achieve more than just being an Alpha Princess. She wanted to taste a life outside the pack and she was on her way on doing that. But she couldn't help but to feel an emptiness gnawing within her. Like, something was missing. It was strange to feel this way, she had to admit that but she must ignore this. She knew that she had started feeling this emptiness the moment she realized that Max was gone. She didn't even know where he had gone to. She had been to Wolfy Cafe earlier, right after she had finished school. Somehow she already knew that she wouldn't see Max in school that day or even any days after that. She was furious with him, that was true but she wanted to know where he had gone to or at least, an answer to why he had left so suddenly. Alven's human girlfriend was there at a counter, wiping the counter with a cloth. Yvainne looked up, smiling at Aveline. "Hi there, Aveline," she said to her with a big smile, "Origa Coffee, today?" Avvie wasn't in the mood for any coffee but she nodded anyway -- she needed the props to be there, she sat down on the stool and watched her making her order. She looked around; there were more customers than she had usually seen in the cafe. "Busy day, huh?" she asked her as she whipped up extra cream on her coffee. Vannie smiled. "Yeah, ever since I ran the business, people keep on coming." "Run the business?" Yvainne smiled wanly, "Yeah, Adrian asked me to run the family business." "Hmm." Aveline took a sip on her coffee. "Anyway," Yvainne started, Aveline looked up at her, "I've been thinking about your brother and me." "What about it?" seriously, she didn't feel like wanting to be involved with Alven's love affair. "I really love him," "You just met him," Aveline said testily, "Don't be so melodramatic." Yvainne looked hurt and Aveline wasn't sorry at all. "I DO love him but sometimes, I feel that there's this distance between us," she ignored Aveline's remark and went on, "Like, he wouldn't let me come close." "Are you trying to be clingy?" Yvainne blushed. "No, I didn't mean it that way..." "Vannie, can you tell me something?" "What?" Aveline sighed, "Where's Max?" She shrugged, "I don't know," she admitted, "They left so suddenly you know, it's like, the only thing that Max told me is they've got some family matters to solve." "When will they come back?" "They didn't say," she said, and then paused as she went to greet another customer. Aveline took the time to think and digest what she had told her. So far, the only thing that made sense to her was the Adams had left to solve some family matters. "Are they coming back?" Aveline asked once Vannie returned to her. "Of course, I'm just running the business here on a temporary basis," she smiled. "Really?" "Yes!" Yvainne laughed, "Really, Avvie, you sound like your life depends on it." "I don't think they're really coming back, Yvainne." She didn't feel like calling her by her nickname. "How would you know that? You don't even know where they've gone to!" She snapped at her. "Then, why did the school registrar said that Maxwell Jay Adams had transferred school?" Aveline told her with sheer annoyance. "You're lying! You bitch, don't you dare to make up stories!" Yvainne shook her head, "They won't do this to me." Aveline stood up and fished out some money from her bag. "You know what, Yvainne? You might be dating my brother, but you're starting to get on my nerves." She turned and started to leave. Yvainne sighed, looking at the money on the counter, "Aveline, wait!" Aveline stopped, and looked at her sharply. Yvainne paused for a moment, "Look, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be so rude -," "And potty mouth, don't forget that." Aveline added. Yvainne managed to smile, "Yes, I was being irrational." Aveline sighed and then went back to sit on the stool, "Do you know how to contact them?" Yvainne shook her head, "I wish I had, I really do, Avvie." "So, what are we going to do now?" Aveline asked her. "They'll come back," Yvainne said reassuringly, "They promised." And Aveline just stirred her cup of coffee silently, somehow doubting it. *** Life in Thorn Estate was definitely new and in some way, fulfilling. Malcolm wasn't kidding when he said the life in a pack was gratifying. It turned out that since Alexander had considered Adrian as a part of his family, both he and Max could stay in Alexander's home quarter, even if the two of them were still low ranks. Their status in the wolf hierarchy did not change much. They were still low ranks by name but were excluded from low ranks work and instead, now, Max and Adrian had got to do tasks similar to what the in-commands offspring had done. His father's room was a few doors down the corridor of the quarter. Elizabeth had told Max that the room next to his room was their daughter's old room -- the Alpha Queen of Ruben Pack. "I'll take you there," Elizabeth had said happily, "Gracie would love to see you." "Oh, there... as in to Ruben Pack?" Elizabeth laughed, "Yes, and maybe you'll get to meet my grandchildren!" "Grandchildren?" "Yes, my dear precious Ave-," But Elizabeth didn't manage to say her words as Alexander popped his head into the room, smiling, "Max, you have a visitor." "A visitor?" The visitor turned out to be Michael, the third-in-command of Thorn Pack and now, he was giving Max a little brief on what he has got to do in the pack. Michael was bossy and proud and it was irritating to walk with him along the long corridor of the Thorn Estate but he knew that it wasn't wise of him to pick fights. He was a newbie here, an outsider to the pack system even if the Alpha Thorn had acknowledged him and his father. "Now, you should know that Stevenson's father had retired last summer and had given the in-command torch to him so it's just you and Haylie left," Michael told him. "And so?" Max still didn't get why he couldn't just get to the point. "Well, Haylie is the Alpha Queen's beta so she's kind of excluded from the in-command thing." Michael continued. "Basically, what are you trying to say here, Michael?" Max asked impatiently. "Well, I've asked the Alpha about this matter and your task in the pack will be given later," Michael paused, "So, for now, I think it's best you try to familiarize yourself with the Estate's surrounding." "How about school? Don't I have to go and find one?" Michael looked at him as if he was crazy. "We don't go to regular schools." "What?!" Michael laughed, "Seriously, man, I know that you lived your life as a human but still, we as wolves, we have our own world." "But the Alpha's children..." Michael cut his words, "The Alpha Princess is an exception," he paused, "And the Alpha only has one daughter, get your facts straight, Maxwell." "I lived among the humans all my life, Michael," Max said to him, irritation building inside him. He was so tempted to hurl that posh and proud wolf into the bin, "I can blend in well." "If you're so eager to mingle among the lower race, then be my guest!" Michael growled, "Go! Ask the Alpha! See if he'll let you do this idiotic thing! I should have known! A half blood such as you is no worthier than a piece of rock. Mingling with hum-" He never did manage to say what his words as Max snapped, growling, he hurled Michael on the hem of his expensive collar shirt and smashed him to the wall. "First of all, the humans are not lower race, you psychopath," he said to him sternly, "And I am proud of my heritage, at least, I am not a discriminating moron like you." Michael growled, "Take your filthy hands off me, you insipid mutt! I am your in-command!" he pushed his hands off him. "You're only the THIRD in-command! Don't get your head too big about it!" Max hissed. "And you are just a filthy half blood who's more suited for a life as a meaningless low rank!! It is beyond me why Alexander chose to consider your traitorous father like family!" Max's eyes went wide. "Don't you dare call my father that way!" and he lunged for Michael's throat, phasing into his wolf form without his realizing it. Michael and Max rolled across the marble floor. Max, already in his wolf form, did not give Michael the chance to phase into his wolf form. He took a healthy bite on Michael's biceps, making him scream in pain. Rage filled his veins as he continuously attacked Michael. Michael gave a good attack, hitting Max on the head with his strong arm and then kicking him under the belly but regardless, Max was full of anger and irritation. He forgot where he was at the moment, not caring on what he did. Ever since, he gave in to his wolf instincts, he never really got a good grip on handling his temper. He needed to learn on controlling his wolf side. Michael managed to get his hand on a fallen vase and smashed it directly onto Max's head. Disorientated, Max released his iron grip bite off Michael's bleeding neck. There was one thing to admit submission to a wolf in a battle, but it was entirely a different thing to admit defeat to a half blood! Michael took the chance and phased into his wolf form, leaping onto Max and both wolves rolled and hit their backs to the wall. The other low ranks heard the commotion and were now witnessing the fight. It won't be long till the in-commands or worse, the Alpha gets here. Michael might be proud but he was an extremely good fighter and the fact that he had embraced his wolf side ever since he was born certainly added to his advantage and within minutes, he had Max pinned on the floor with his teeth sunk deep into Max's neck, demanding him to submit defeat. Max felt pain surging in him but he didn't want to back down. Michael increased the pressure on the neck, growling, demanding him to admit defeat. It was better for him to admit defeat than wait the arrival of the other in-commands or the Alpha. The pain was just too much. His inexperience of controlling his wolf side made him admit defeat. He stopped moving and a minute later, Michael released his grip on Max's neck. He phased back into his bleeding naked human form and said, "Do not mess with me, half blood," as one of the low rank scurried to his side and gave him a silk robe. Max phased to his human form, bleeding profusely, he knew that he might need some stitches. "You're a jerk." Max panted as he sat up and thanked the low rank who gave him a silk robe. He put it on and put pressure on his neck to stop the bleeding. "This is how the pack works," Michael scoffed at him, "If you can't deal with it, you might as well just go away." Sure enough, Alexander and Stevenson arrived. Alexander, seeing Max bleeding on the floor, looked at Michael and chastised him, "Michael, there is no need for violence here; you know full well that Maxwell is new with the wolf world. Give him a little time to adjust life in Thorn Pack." Michael scoffed, "Alexander, I respect and look up to you, but I do not let anybody pushed me around." "He was being exceptionally rude about my heritage." Max growled as he stood up, tightening the silk robe to his body. Alexander shook his head, "And yet, it still does not justify for violence here." "I'll let this whole thing off, Alexander," Michael said, "Besides, I won the fight." Max growled but seeing Alexander shot a disapproving look at him, made him docile. Michael smiled, "Honestly Max, do not worry, it is certainly fun to flex my wolf muscles," he grinned, "I think we'll be good friends." Friends, my ass! Max thought to himself and this time, he could control his thoughts. "Now, I think it's best for the area to be cleaned up," Alexander signalled a few of the low ranks to start cleaning the 'battle field'. He went to Max and then examined his wounds. Michael was already long gone into his home quarter at this time. "Stop it, Alexander." Max sighed, "You don't have to fuss about this." "You might not be of my blood but we are still family regardless," Alexander told him. "Come now, let's go and take you to the Pack Doctor, I think you need some stitches." What could Max do but just nod in agreement? *** Aveline was depressed. Malcolm noticed that. It was pretty difficult to keep a smiley face when one's heart felt like it was being torn and trampled. "Is there something bothering you, Alpha Princess?" he asked her, one evening during dinner. Alven, as usual, was already on his second plate. Carinelle, on the other hand, looked equally morbid like Aveline herself. It was like somebody died here. Alven seemed to be the only one who was content, although deep inside, he was actually troubled to see that his best friend and sister were unhappy. Aveline barely touched her plate but she took a sip from her orange juice. "I'm all right." She whispered, a little hoarse. "You don't sound so convincing, Aveline, and this applies to you too, Carinelle," Malcolm said steadfastly, "Is it this place that's bothering you two? Do you miss home?" Carinelle nodded her head eagerly, "Yes, Malcolm," she said, "You already know full well that I want to go home," Malcolm pondered for a moment, "When will the semester ends, Alpha Prince?" "Two weeks from now, I suppose, we already did some of our tests," Alven replied. "I guess we can go home earlier than the schedule permits," Malcolm said. Carinelle brightened, "Honestly? You are not joking, are you Malcolm?" "Dear Carinelle, have you ever seen me joke?" Good point, Carinelle thought with amusement. Aveline stood up, "Excuse me, but I feel rather full." "Sit down, Aveline," Alven snapped, "You barely touched anything on your plate!" Aveline scowled but she obeyed her brother anyway and picked up her spoon and scowled again to her food. "Eat," Malcolm ordered, "Or I'll change my mind about us going home early." That made Aveline and Carinelle snapped their senses and start eating. Alven shook his head. Whatever was going on with these two wolves? He thought. Malcolm seemed to think about the same thing too. Perhaps the idea of experiencing life in the human world was a big mistake -- something that both Aveline and Carinelle seemed to agree upon. Except for Alven though, he had a blast. *** Max winced as the Pack Doctor applied some alcohol on his wound. It was starting to heal but having stitches would help the wound heal even faster. "So, Maxwell, am I correct?" the Pack Doctor asked. "Yes, and you are, Doc?" He grinned as he threw the piece of cotton into a bin next to him and then examined the stitches he had done earlier, "Daniel Roshern Thorn," he told him. "Doc Danny?" Max was amused. "Yes, you could say that." "How is it that you become a doctor?" "Simple," Daniel said as he put the bandage on top of his wound, "I went to medical school." "That moron said -- and I quote, "We don't go to regular schools" and only "The Alpha Princess is an exception" -- God! Where's the fairness?!" Max demanded, wincing again as he accidentally made his stitches moved. "Ah, Michael can be a bit of himself sometimes," Daniel agreed, "But he's a good fellow." "He is still a moron to me." "A moron perhaps but he is of your senior rank, have some respect, Maxwell," Daniel said wisely, "You are no longer living in a human world, this is the Pack, learn to live by the rules. Know your place in the system and you'll be fine." "It's still not fair," Max groused, "I was raised in a world where I can speak and do with my own free will." "The same goes here, Maxwell but I have to admit, there are still some parts in the Pack System that you need to obey and follow without any question." Daniel paused, "All right, it's done, just make sure that you get enough sleep tonight and by tomorrow, your wounds will heal perfectly." Max stood up. "Thanks, Doc." He was about to leave the clinic when Daniel stopped him, Max turned and looked at him expectantly ;Daniel smiled and said, "Welcome back home, Maxwell." Home? Is this really my home? Max thought secretively to himself but he smiled again anyway, appreciating the fact that at least someone did care of his existence here in Thorn Pack. He only wished he could see Aveline once again, to have her in his arms. He sighed. He knew it was impossible. *** TO BE CONTINUED... *** Crossing Moon Ch. 10 *** All thanks goes to Izabella and Angie for helping to edit this story :D *** From Aveline Erickana Ruben's diary: 7th November 2008, 10.30 PM, HOME!!! I'm home!! I am REALLY at home! It was kind of hard for me to swallow that fact or even really digest the reality that I really am at home! My dearly beloved Ruben Estate! It was so GOOD to see Mum and Dad again! Really! I don't even care if I accidentally see them smooching in the kitchen!! Dad was all like, "how are you, kiddo?" But I didn't say anything. I just jumped and hugged him tightly. I missed my Dad a lot! I didn't realize that until I saw his face today! My heart might be broken but nothing beats seeing my family back after so long! Avvie From Carinelle Hynes Thorn's diary: 7th November 2008, 10.45 PM, my REAL bed. Once again, I have neglected you, oh dear journal, forgive me but I simply do not have anything to say. I'm back at home, here, at Thorn Estate. Finally! I've made a little speech in my head on our way back here -- you know, things that I ought to say to convince my father that my place is not in Aliaxia, and I think, he will buy it. It was certainly a relief to be back here. No Alven. No stupid-perfect-human-girlfriend. Nothing! But I do admit that I should have said good-bye to Alven before we parted ways to our respective homes. I just couldn't make myself say it. Alven seemed to notice my hostility but chose to ignore it. Sigh. I guess he's too busy telling his GIRLFRIEND that he got to go home for the holiday. CAN YOU BELIEVE THE NERVE OF THAT SKANK? SHE ACTUALLY ASKED HIM IF SHE COULD FOLLOW HIM HOME FOR THE HOLIDAY!! UGH!! REALLY!!! THEY HAVE JUST MET FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!! WHY IS SHE BEING SOOOOO CLINGY???? HOW COULD SHE EVEN FIT WITH WOLVES?? SHE'S A FREAKING HUMAN FOR CRYING OUT LOUD! Alven on the other hand, seemed to find the whole situation amusing! Really! So he likes girls to fall head over heels to him? AVELINE DIDN'T EVEN BOTHER WITH IT, SAYING THAT I SHOULD DO THE SAME. "It's their problem, let them handle it," she had told me. I really wanted to ask Alven if he is serious with Yvainne Wilkinson aka Vannie aka the PERFECT HUMAN GIRLFRIEND but how could I ask when I've given him the cold shoulder? Sigh. Carrie. *** Vex smiled slyly and Raga folded his muscular arms to his chest. Ray, on the other hand, pulled a chair and sat down, looking anxiously to his rogue brothers. "Adrian have gone back to Thorn Estate," he informed the tall, broad-shoulder, silver haired twenty-eight years old reigning Alpha of Nyca Pack. Samuel Charleston Nyca grinned. "Wonderful," he said, "Good job!" "May I ask something, Alpha?" Ray whispered uncertainly. "Certainly," Samuel smiled but Ray knew better than to trust that smile. He had to be cautious. Ray pondered for a while, "What are you going to do next, Alpha?" he paused, "What if Jackson finds out about this... he -- he wouldn't like this." "Relax, Ray," Samuel smiled again, "My father will not find out about this, at least, not until it's too late." "The other Alpha's children have returned back home also," Vex offered, "Are you still going to mate with one of them?" "I know that there are two of them. They're eighteen, am I right?" "Yes, Samuel," Vex nodded, "I must say, I think Aveline Ruben is a very suitable candidate." "I think I've met Aveline Ruben a few months back and I must say, although she's a beauty, she's not my type." "Is she too young for you, Samuel?" Vex asked. "It's not a question of her being too young for me," Samuel smiled, "Mating is not something that I'm going to take lightly." "But the prophecy?" Raga asked. "The prophecy is just words of a crackpot on drugs," Samuel told them, "But do not worry for we will find that Key." "I want the world to change, my Alpha," Raga said insisting, "I want the humans to beg!" "We have limited time before the next eclipse of the full moon," Samuel paused, "I suggest the three of you to go and find that Key." "Rumours has it that the Key is with the Ruben Pack," Ray said, "They do not know about it but I think I've heard their Councilman spoke about it a few years back to the Andashman Councilman." "Then, go and interrogate the fool but do not make it obvious. Make Marcus think that you guys are just plain curious and nothing else." Samuel said. "Oh, my dear Alpha, I can almost imagine it," Vex said, almost dreamily, "With that Key, we can open up a new dimension where humans are nothing but slaves and we, the wolves, rule the Earth." "Yes, indeed." Samuel smiled. "So, who will you choose to mate?" Vex asked, genuinely curious. "The one who will help strengthen our power in the Four Pack!" Samuel looked out the window and said, "Carinelle Hynes Thorn have always intrigued me, she might be the one." "Shall I inform the others about this progress?" Ray asked them. "The Black Wolves?" Samuel asked again, "How are they now?" "Ever since James and the other pack did that counter-attack, our number have reduced significantly but thankfully, although we had defeat, there were still a few of us remaining, surviving all this years, hidden from the other packs, breeding and waiting for the time -- THIS time has come." Ray said passionately, "I will not let my father's death go to waste, I will make his wish come true and with your help, oh, wise Nyca Alpha, both of our dreams will come true." "I want to be in power! I will not be the bottom of the Four Council Hierarchy anymore." Samuel said, clenching his fist, "My father might not like what I am doing but he will understand -- he will know that I am doing this for the sake of Nyca Pack!" Vex Gray Nyca and Raga Lee Nyca nodded. "Perhaps you should go to your pack and inform them," Vex said to Ray, "Tell them that we are going to find the Key." "What is the Key?" Ray asked again, "We've been talking all about it but we don't know how it looks like. How would we know what to find?" "The ancient scroll has said that the Key is in the form of a crystal, we will know once we see it face to face." Samuel told him patiently. "And for now, what will you do while we find the Key?" Ray asked. "It's by moon's blessing perhaps, a sign of our winning," Samuel smiled, "Jerry happened to invite the other Alphas for dinner for welcoming his daughter home from the human world." "Woo her, my Alpha," Vex said eagerly, "Make her writhe for you." And Samuel just smiled wolfishly. *** A week had gone and past by since Aveline's return to Ruben Estate. She had filled those days by spending quality time with her parents. Alven, on the other hand, although had joined them on various occasion, had taken today off and roamed the forest instead. "My wolf wants to run," he had said to her when she protested at him. Aveline just shook her head but let her brother go anyway. Gracielle looked at her daughter, her head laid comfortable on James's lap. He brushed her hair with his hand softly, sending her sweet thoughts of how much he loved her. She smiled, snuggling close to her mate but her attention was instantly diverted to their daughter. Aveline was lying on her stomach, reading a book but somehow, Gracielle knew that something was bothering her. Call it Mother's intuition or something -- she just couldn't bear to see her daughter unhappy. "Avvie baby, are you still upset with Alven?" Gracielle asked. James stopped stroking her hair and then trailed his hand on her arm. "He's the future Alpha, it's natural for him to want to roam." Aveline closed her book and sighed, "No Mum, I'm not upset." "But you looked troubled..." She sat up straight. James looked at their daughter and waited for her answer. "Really, I'm not," Aveline insisted, and then looked at her father, "Dad, what time are we leaving to Carrie's?" "We can go there early," James said, "I need to talk with Jerry also." "Great!" Aveline said brightly, "I missed Carrie so much!" Gracielle laughed, "No wonder you're so sullen!" And Aveline just smiled for her mother had thought so wrongly. She wasn't upset because of Carrie. She was entirely troubled with a whole different thing. She had lost her heart. *** If Aveline had the power to make time go faster, she would make it a whole lot FASTER like lightning. The day seemed to past so slow as if time itself was taunting and teasing her, testing her very patience and sanity. She could always call Carrie but there was still a risk that someone might overhear their conversation. She had tried to deny for the past week, ever since she left Lexton. Her heart yearned to see that face again -- that human -- sigh, Max. It was true. She was in love with him, the human, oh the scandal. Whatever will her father say or worse do? Her father might be the most reasonable wolf she'd ever seen but when it comes to things such as potential scandal-love-affair, the chances of her father erupting was more likely to happen. Alven on the other hand, was just taking things as slow as ever. He had said, "Avvie, sis, c'mon, they are just humans, they don't mean anything." And ah, from there, she knew that Yvainne Wilkinson was just a toy. But she wanted to pester him anyway, saying, "How about your precious Vannie?" Alven had the decency to blush but he recovered anyway and stated confidently, "We are just two people who like to spend time together." "She says she's in love with you, Alven," Aveline snapped, out of irritation. She wasn't mad for Vannie's sake though, she was angry because Alven wasn't serious with the whole mate and love thing. "She's not," Alven replied, again with the Alpha-y confidence, "Even if she says that she does, in truth, she does not." "You're high, Alven," Aveline said. "Honestly, do you really think that I would let the Four Council and our father down?" Alven asked, "Even if, I do have some feelings for her, it would be wise of me to learn to block those feelings out. You should do the same, Aveline, you never know, what if Dad receives a mating proposal for you?" Aveline's eyes went wide and she did the first thing that came into her mind. Her body and soul worked on a different level. She had slapped him. Hard. And now, Aveline looked out the car window, trees blurred in green motion past her. Her brother didn't say anything to her though, which was worse because she'd rather have him kick her ass than giving her the silent treatment. She looked at her brother and at the same instant, their gaze met but no words were spoken. Gracielle and James were oblivious as they were perfectly content in each other's arms. It was normal for wolves to be lost in their own world when they were with their mates. Jerry welcomed them when they got out from the limousine. He gave a big friendly hug to James and then a little kiss on Gracielle's cheek. Fiorelle was there too and then, within minutes of their arrival, she took Gracielle off. James smiled, "Where are they going now?" "To the 'Mall', perhaps," Jerry offered, smiling. The 'Mall' was just a nickname which Jerry had christened to Fiorelle's vast room collection of clothes, shoes and other stuff in the Manor. "Welcome back, Aveline, Alven! What do you guys think of Lexton?" Aveline smiled wanly, "Can't wait to go back there!" Alven just nodded. Jerry grinned, "Stupendous! If only Carinelle shared the same view." "Carrie doesn't like Lexton?" James asked as they all walked through the hallway. "Well, she hasn't talk to me yet but I assume, she will," Jerry said, "Malcolm had told me that she didn't enjoy her stay there." "Oh well," James said, "Let's talk more in your office, shall we?" Jerry nodded, "Yes, we should." And both Aveline and Alven failed to notice the anxious tension that seemed to build in their tone. *** It was almost dinner time. Aveline and Carinelle had been sprinting in their wolf forms all over the Thorn Estate. Carinelle needed the release to channel her frustration over Alven. And Aveline? Well, she just needed to run. Her head and heart seemed to be working in a different repelling atmosphere. Her head was all telling her to move on and forget the human crap named Max and that she was a wolf and Max would never accept that part of her. And yet, her heart battled, countering that Max didn't know that part of her -- not yet anyway. Her heart was in league with her soul and both seemed to agree that she needed to book a plane ticket and go find MAX. Regardless of the consequences -- she would ignore and choose not to think whether the Four Council and HER father and mother would accept her choice of mate. Wait. Did she say 'mate'? She had sighed regrettably when common sense finally sunk in and overthrow her silly mission. Max was a human. There was just no chance of her being with him, especially when she was the Alpha Princess of Ruben Pack. With her bad luck in love, Alven's words might just come true and she'd be mated to a total freak stranger. "Avvie?" Carrie called, breaking Aveline's train of thoughts of the events earlier. "You OK?" she asked as she applied a final touch up on her lips. She put her lip gloss back into her crystal bowl and then admired her reflection for a while. Aveline was lying on her stomach with her arms folded in front of her like pillows. "My heart's broken." she whispered. "Oh, don't be daft, Avvie," Carrie said, "Cheer up, it's my party -," Aveline sighed, cutting her off, "It's just a dinner with the Four Alphas..." she drawled. "So what?" Carrie asked her, turning from her reflection and looking directly to the sullen Aveline Ruben. "That does not mean that you are permitted to look so sulky and destroy the cheery mood I am in right now." she went to her and then pulled her up to her feet, "Come on now, Avvie, lighten up!" Aveline sighed again, "All right, I will. Can you please stop trying to break my arm off?" Carinelle grinned as she let Aveline's hand go, "Now, that's the spirit, let's go, it's almost time for dinner." Aveline looked at her reflection and groaned. "Oh my god, I looked like a nightmare." Carinelle giggled, handing Aveline a brush. She took it and quickly brushed her hair. "Carrie, why don't you go down first? I look silly." Aveline suggested. "You sure?" "Positive!" Aveline nodded, as she went into the bathroom to wash her face and Carinelle just smiled. *** Oh gosh, I'm so late! Dad's goanna eat me alive! Carinelle thought to herself as she ran down the long corridor and then made a blind turn to the left, almost colliding with a few of the low ranks. "Sorry!" she called out to them, still running down the corridor. She sprinted down the grand staircase and then blindly run to the left, not really looking her left side or even right side. Suddenly, she bumped with someone, "Oof," she groaned, staggering by the impact. "Hey, are you all right?" a male's voice asked softly, almost with care and concern. She looked up. Boy, he was really tall; he was even taller than Alven by about 2 inches. "Yeah, sorry, I -- I didn't see you," she smiled. "Carinelle Thorn?" he asked her again, and this time, offering his hand to her. She looked at him curiously, and at the same time, she was touched with his warm kindness, "Yes, and how do you know my name?" He smiled. "I suppose you are running late to dinner with the others," ignoring her question. "Oh my! I am late!" she started to walk past him but he stopped her. "Hey, don't run now, you little cuddly lamb," he said, grinning. "Cuddly?" her eyes went big, "LAMB?" she felt so ironic to be compared to a wolf's natural prey. "Don't worry, you're not late," he assured her. "How can you be so sure?" she snapped, almost to the point of irritation but she couldn't help but feel awe with his confidence. "Because I'm not there yet," he grinned. "Ah, so you're the VIP of the night?" she said sarcastically. "Well, yes," he agreed, playing along with her as they both walked towards the dinner area. "And you happened to be?" she asked He stopped, and then took her right hand and then said, "Ah, how rude of me," he smiled, and then, bent down and kissed her hand. She looked at him with surprise and then he, looked up, grinned and said, "I'm Sam". *** "Come now, it's pretty easy," Doc Danny said as he folded his clothes and handed it to one of the low ranks. Max hesitated for a while, and then he took his clothes off too. He felt weird standing in the wide open stark naked with another man and three other low ranks. But nakedness seemed to be an inevitable part of wolf nature. He was just not used to it yet. The others thought of being naked was just as normal as breathing. There was nothing lustful in it. It was just how the wolf pack worked. "I've never hunted before." Max said as he gave his clothes to the other low rank. "I told you Max," Doc Danny said, "It's all instinctual, you'll get the hang of it soon!" and then he phased into his wolf form. Max hesitated, the other low ranks smiled at him as if they too were encouraging the new half blood. It was certainly a relief to do something useful other than moping around in his room; Danny's invitation to roam the new territory was perhaps the highlight of his day. It seemed like he was the only one who truly welcomed him home, well, excluding Elizabeth, Alexander, Jerry and Fiorelle. Max closed his eyes and then, within seconds, he could feel himself transforming into the wolf which he had refused to acknowledge for so long. The two wolves sprinted into the forest. The Thorn Alpha had actually invited him and his father to attend the dinner held tonight but Adrian wasn't too keen on attending, he'd rather spend the day with Elizabeth, catching up old news and stuff. Alexander, had of course, attended the dinner. And Max, well, he wasn't going to attend a function without his father around, especially one that involved meeting a bunch of stuck-up alpha prince and princesses. It seemed odd that he had never seen them in Aliaxia before. He smiled in his thoughts, and how could he not? He was busy trying to find ways to annoy the vivacious Avvie! OK, he might be unjustified and biased on calling them stuck-ups but still, he'd rather be out here and run with the Doc than spending a few hours with strangers. There! Doc Danny said in his thoughts as the two of them went into stealth mode. Do you see? That's one delicious deer! And sure enough, there were about three deer by the stream. Max hesitated but he watched Doc Danny. He was stealth and crouched low, waiting for the right moment to leap up and bury those sharp teeth into the deer's neck. Max swallowed in his throat. He crouched low too, imitating what Doc Danny was doing but just as he did that. A wave of pure wolf instincts washed over him. Suddenly, he was alert of his entire surrounding, even the soft land of a fallen dead leaf. The deer tensed up. As if sensing danger but they were oblivious on where the two hunting wolves were and then, suddenly, the two of them leaped! Running full speed to the unsuspected deer and then they clamped their strong jaws on a deer each. Max groaned heavenly in his thoughts as he could feel the warm blood trickling from the deer's neck wound. The deer tried to kick, oh, his prey was a fighter even near death but that only made the wolf in him clamped even tighter on the neck, growling victoriously and within seconds, the deer was dead. Doc Danny let go of his prey and looked at Max, as if he was saying, 'I'm so proud of you!' *** Oh Moon! Carinelle groused in her thoughts as she sat down on her seat. The other alphas, including her father and Uncle James were engrossed with each other's conversation. The same went with the Alpha Queens of the four packs. Crossing Moon Ch. 10 All of them were totally unaware that Sam was the only one there who weren't talking to the others but had fixed his gaze on her. And Carinelle noticed it. He smiled -- a friendly one in fact, but it made her squirmed on her seat nonetheless. Why is he staring at me? Carinelle wondered as she tried to distract herself by eating her appetiser. Then, she looked at Aveline who, for once, seemed to enjoy the dinner party. She was talking and laughing with the other Alpha Female. She risked a glance and noted that Sam was still smiling at her and then he lifted his champagne-filled glass and offered a toast at her. She just looked at him, speechless and somewhat felt embarrassed with his attention. And then, he looked away when the low ranks started to serve them the main course and for once, Carinelle felt a mix of both relief and disappointment in her soul. *** They were having desserts now but Samuel didn't feel like having one. He looked at the blushing Carinelle and felt a stir of amusement pooling inside him. He stood up, and she, naturally, noticed it and looked at him. He smiled at her and then gestured for her to follow him. He didn't even wait to see for her response, he just turned and went out from the Dinner Hall. Carinelle bit her lips, looking doubtful for a moment there. She was still sitting in her seat, her eyes followed his every move till he went out the door. He wanted me to come, she realized. Should I go? She looked at Alven, oh, the love of her life -- well, her unrequited love to be exact. He didn't even notice her tonight, well, perhaps the fact that she had given him the cold shoulder didn't really help to warm him up towards her. She stood up slowly, everyone in the room didn't even seem to notice her -- or well, perhaps she wasn't worth noticing but before she could even walk a few more steps towards the door. Fiorelle stopped her, "Carrie, dear, where are you going? You haven't even touched your dessert." Carinelle panicked for a moment but composed herself, "I'm full, Mum," she said, "Can I be excused? I feel so tired," Fiorelle stared at her for a while, and then looked at her mate, Jerry was busy discussing pack matters with James; she looked at her daughter and smiled, "All right, good night, sweetie," Carinelle smiled widely and despite for her claim of being tired, she hurried out to the door. The long corridor ahead of her was empty. She looked left and right but 'Sam' wasn't there. "Sam?" She called, almost a whisper as she feared the closed dinner hall door behind her wasn't enough to block her calling this intriguing man. She walked another few steps and then, just as she passed a big floor-length window, she caught glance of him standing by the lake outside. She went to the window and her hands pressed on the cool glass pane and whispered, "Sam?" He heard her and looked up. He waved at her, gesturing her to come out to him. She smiled, and then said, "All right..." *** She didn't know why but she ran. She didn't have to run, she knew that but somehow, she wanted to run. The long corridor down the hall was tedious and annoyed her for the distance felt too much for her. Yes, Alven might break her heart but it didn't mean that she could not survive. And this Sam; well, this guy intrigued her. In some way that she, herself, could not explain in a comprehensible way. She ran down the grand staircase and for a moment, felt silly, like she was playing a role in an old fairy tale. She pushed open the door and there he was a few metres away. He stood there, confident and suave. The moonlight above made him looked even more beautiful -- more magical! She ran to him and then stopped, panting for her breath. "Why you run, little sheep?" "Sheep?" she rolled her eyes, "First, I'm a cuddly lamb and now, a sheep?" He grinned. "Well, you're still cuddly and cute." "You sly wolf," she laughed, "You and your sweet talking." "Ah, the sheep thinks I'm kidding," he offered her his hand. She looked at it and then at him, "How come I've never seen you before?" she asked suddenly. "Well, I'm not much of a social butterfly," he admitted truthfully, "I don't really leave home." She accepted his hand and he grasped it. She felt warm and in some weird way, a tingle of calmness swept within her. "Why now?" she asked as he brought her closer to him. "Because my role in my pack," he said, trailing his fingers on her bare arm. "Your role?" She was mesmerized with him. It was odd, to be -- well, to feel like that. She had just met him for crying out loud! And did she not claimed to be in love with Alven? He touched her face with his free hand, caressing her softly, as if she was a delicate being and said, "Your father invited the alphas to come for dinner tonight, remember?" He grinned. She looked at him, "Alpha?" But he didn't say more as he bent his head down and kissed her fully on her lips. *** TO BE CONTINUED... *** Crossing Moon Ch. 11 *** All thanks goes to Izabella and Angie for editing this chapter... *** From Aveline Erickana Ruben's diary: 30th November 2008, 10.30 PM, my bed It has been ages since I last updated this pathetic journal. Seriously, I don't even know why I still bothered doing this. I just – well, perhaps, I don't have any other outlet to vent out my feelings. I still miss Max. Really, I truly do but maybe he didn't feel the same way as I felt for him. Otherwise, he would have contacted me. But then, Carrie went on, cheerfully, that I was SILLY. Ugh, seriously man, what's up with her? She has been so exuberantly CHEERFUL ever since the dinner a few weeks ago. "He doesn't even have your number, let alone your email, how the heck do you expect him to contact you?" she said in a happy unbiased way, "Maybe you should try to go back to Lexton and check with Yvainne?" Hmm, she got a point there but still, what's up with the EXTRA cheeriness?? Avvie From Carinelle Hynes Thorn's diary: 30th November 2008, 9.30 PM, balcony. I'm sorry diary. I've neglected you for so long. I just, well, I couldn't help it. I've been so distracted the past few weeks. But I'm so happy. You know, it was weird. I didn't know that I could feel this happy after Alven. Well, I still love Alven and everything but the pain was numbed although I could feel it trying to surface back. Sam made me happy. Sammie, haha, oh my goodness, he really hates it when I called him 'Sammie'. He was all like, "that's a girl's name! Sam! Call me Sam or even Samuel," it was really adorable. It only fuelled me more to annoy him. Well, he kissed me that night during the Alpha Dinner. I didn't know why but the kiss felt so good and so satisfying. I feel like I wanted to jump all over him and just surrender myself into the kiss. We are not a couple. I have to be straight with you diary. We're not. We're just good friends who happened to like to make out on some MANY occasions – and passionately, if I must add. He had taken me out for some outing and then dinners. It was nice. I didn't tell my parents about him taking me out, I mean, what's the point? He says he's goanna take me some where special tomorrow. Haha! I can hardly wait! Carrie. *** "Alven, hey, are you busy?" Aveline asked, peering into Alven's bedroom. It was dark but she could still see him lying on his bed. She went inside and continued, "Hey, are you asleep?" She sat on the edge of his bed and then tapped him on the shoulder lightly. He growled, "Go away Aveline, I'm sleeping here." he groused, swatting her away. "Come on, Alven, please, just a few minutes!" she said, still tugging at him. He groaned and sat upright, his back to the bed headboard. "All right, but after that, get out." Aveline ignored his rude remark. She knew full well that Alven was crabby if he was disturbed when he was sleeping. She ought to wait in the morning but she couldn't bear to wait anymore. "Let's go back to Lexton, just for a day or two, please Alven," she said, almost pleading. That woke Alven completely. "Lexton? Seriously?" "Yes! Say you agree, Alven," she said. "But why?" "I just want to see whether or not Max contacts your girlfriend," she said, he groaned, "Besides, I think you owe Yvainne at least some closure." "I don't remember you being so thoughtful for her sake," Alven remarked, "Are you sure you don't have any selfish reasons behind all this?" "Seriously, Alven, ugh, you still have time to joke," she growled. He chuckled, "And why are you here? And not asking Carinelle?" She scoffed, "How would you know that I haven't asked her?" "Well, I'm the least likely candidate for you to consider, that's pretty much seemed obvious." He said, "It's either you haven't ask Carrie or you did, but she refused," She glowered, "Fine, I admit it! I did NOT ask her! Are you happy now?" "But why?" he asked. She sighed, "She's – well, it's just so hard to see her nowadays," she paused, "When I called her, the low rank said that she's out with a friend." "A friend?" Alven asked, a hint of little jealousy formed in his tone. She looked at him, ignoring her brother's tone, "Yes, a friend, now can we go back to business here?" He sighed this time, "Sure, all right, whatever," "Thanks!" she beamed at him, "I owe you big time!" He smiled, "When do you want to go?" "Tomorrow," she said, "I've booked the tickets and everything," He rolled his eyes at her. *** "You're early!" Carinelle exclaimed happily the next day, flinging both of her arms to him. He laughed, stroking her hair softly. "I just went to see your father that's all," he said after she released him. She looked at him curtly, "Whatever for?" "Alpha matters," he said shortly, and then he pulled her to him and kissed her softly on her lips but then she pushed him away. "Aww, come on Sammie, not here," she said testily, "We might be seen." Samuel raised his eyebrow, "Let them see," he said, "And it's Sam, how many times must I need to remind you?" Carinelle grinned, "Sammie Sam Sam, we wouldn't want the others to think that there is something going on between us, now would we?" Samuel growled disapprovingly, "And what if I want something to be between us?" She laughed, pulling him closer to her and kissed his cheek, "You're so funny," she said, "Now, where are you planning to take me out today?" He sighed, "The car's waiting outside," he told her. "Great!" she enthused happily, "Let's go." Her eagerness made him smile. "We will, in a minute," he said. She pouted, "What are we waiting for?" "Don't I deserve a hug?" She rolled her eyes at him but she flung her arms at him anyway and hugged him tightly, feeling his warmth enveloping her and for a split second there, she felt at peace and cuddly. It was as if his arms were meant to be around her. It was hard for her to comprehend these feelings but at the moment, she didn't care. Samuel closed his eyes, his feelings wavered the minute she was in his arms. The wolf in him stirred and somehow his lust for power and mate seemed to be torn at two roads. She released him quickly when she realized where they were. She scowled at him, "Really, Sam, do you want the others to think wrong about us?" "You'll grow old fast if you keep on scowling," he grinned. She stuck her tongue out at him and walked ahead to the door. He laughed, gaining up to her. "Aww, don't be mad, Carrie, I was just kidding," he smiled. She stopped, turned to him and said cheekily, "You're lucky you're so adorable, or else, I'd kick your alpha ass off," He grinned, "So, I'm adorable?" She gave him a light punch on his shoulder, "Come on, let's go," Samuel smiled and nodded, both of them went out to the main door, unaware that Jerry was standing at a corner. *** Carinelle laughed, "What are you doing?" she asked when Sam closed her eyes with his hands, the minute they went out from the car. "It wouldn't be a surprise if you see it," he told her. "It's just a forest, for crying out loud," she said, giggling. "Ah well, you haven't seen anything yet," he told her, guiding her carefully into the forest and then, after a few minutes walking into the forest, he gave up and lifted her up in his arms. She shrieked in surprise, her hands clung to his neck. She looked at him, "Close your eyes!" he warned her. She giggled but obeyed him anyway so she closed her eyes shut. He carried her through the forest; she could hear splashes of water a few metres away. "Are we going for a swim?" she asked, her eyes still closed. "No," he replied, with amusement. "C'mon let me down, Sam, I feel silly," she said, trying to free herself from his arms. He chuckled, still holding a firm grasp on her, "It's just you and me here, nobody will see and," he paused, grinning, "Nobody will think that you're silly," She sighed, "You really make me happy Sam," she said suddenly, almost a whisper but still audible to him. He beamed at her, not saying anything. A few minutes later, he gently let her down on her feet, saying, "Keep your eyes close, Carrie," She chuckled and then panicked for a moment when he let her go completely. Her arms flailed, trying to reach out to him but she couldn't find him. She was tempted to open her eyes but then, she changed her mind. "Sam?" she called out. "A few seconds more," he said, sounding excited for some reason. Carinelle curt her forehead and bit her lips but she kept her eyes closed anyway. She could hear the rustle of some leaves near her and the sound of a soft opening of a box of some sort. "Carrie, my sweet?" he called out, "Open your eyes..." And she did. The first thing that she noticed was how beautiful the area was. Tall lush trees surrounding them, with a calm flowing stream of a lake just a few feet away, and oh, the sun, did she mention of how beautiful the sun was? It was almost setting. And then a split second later, she looked at him and gasped. *** "We're finally here," Aveline exclaimed as she went out from the cab. Their parents weren't entirely thrilled with the idea of them going back to Lexton on a school's holiday. Gracielle had went on asking, "Why the rush on going back?" James, on the other hand, just waited for their children to answer. Alven was tempted to say that it was all Aveline's idea but then, he changed his mind. "We just need a day or two there," Alven had told them, "We won't be long." It took them some time but their parents finally relented and since it wasn't pack business or anything. Alven and Aveline had to do all the things themselves, such as, transportation. Malcolm had wanted to arrange some low ranks to come with them so that they would be served in Rubenston Manor but Aveline had said that they didn't need it. "We'll just rent a hotel there," Aveline told him reassuringly, "Don't worry, Malcolm." And now, they stood in front of Wolfy Cafe, and for once, unsure on what to do next. "Look, she's there," Aveline told her brother, and sure enough, Yvainne was there, standing on the counter, making up more fresh batches of coffee. There were certainly a whole lot of people coming to the cafe. Alven sighed, "All right then, let's get this over with." Aveline raised her eyebrow at him, "C'mon Alven, at least, you could take her out for dinner or something," she said, "You owed it to her, be nice." "She said she loved me, is it?" Alven asked suddenly, just as Aveline pushed open the door and Yvainne automatically looked up. She brightened up when she saw Alven and Aveline. She dropped her order, not even caring the fact that it spilled on the floor. She ran towards them and hugged Alven tightly. I hope that answers your question, Aveline thought to her brother. Alven staggered for a minute, shocked with Vannie's reaction. She kissed him on his neck and then up to his cheeks. She looked at him, beaming, "I thought you guys wouldn't be back until the holiday's over," "Yeah, we're just here for a couple of days," Aveline said. Yvainne released him from her embrace. He smiled at her wanly, "Yeah, just a couple of days." he agreed. "Oh, and then, you guys are going to go back home?" Yvainne asked. "Obviously," Aveline said, "Can we sit first? I have some things to talk with you." "Oh, yes, sorry." Yvainne said, as she took them to an empty booth, a bit far from the other customers. "There are a lot of people today, huh?" Alven asked, trying to open up a conversation. She smiled, "Yeah, I even managed to hire two waitresses," she paused, "Adrian will be so happy." "Yeah, well, speaking of which," Aveline cut off, not wanting to waste any time with the pretense, "Have they contacted you?" Somehow, Aveline kind of expected the answer -, "No, they haven't." Yvainne sighed with disappointment. Aveline stood up, her heart broken even more, "Avvie?" she asked curiously but it seemed like Aveline was in a different world. She walked out from the booth, straight to the main door. Alven sighed, "Let her be," "Did I say something wrong?" Yvainne asked, genuinely confused. "No," Yvainne felt the seriousness in his voice. She bit her lips. "Look, my lunch break is in 20 minutes," she told him, trying to ignore his tone, "Let's have lunch together, I haven't seen you in the longest time ever." *** Aveline broke into a run. She couldn't help it. Her worst fear was confirmed, forever. The love of her life was gone. It felt so horrible – like, half of her was sliced open and crushed into smithereens. Was this how it felt like? The pain of losing a soul mate? She couldn't deny the fact, the irony of such twist that fate has bestowed upon her – her mate was a human. Let the pack roared with anger, let her father be disappointed of her – she couldn't care less, not anymore, not when her heart had shattered like this. She didn't want to feel such pain anymore. Was there a way? Any way for her to escape such torturous pain, anything was better than this. She ran into the forest, ripping her clothes at the same time, knowing that she was deep enough in the forest to not be seen. She closed her eyes, leaped up and sprinted in her wolf form. *** He knelt in front of her, his hand stretched out, holding a small beautiful round-shaped box. There was a bracelet inside. It was enchantingly beautiful – the bracelet was platinum white gold with diamonds placed in one perfect line. She swallowed, somehow knowing what he was going to do. He smiled at her, "Carinelle, you've been the sunlight of my life," he said lovingly, "And you know full well, on how much I adore you and although we have just met..." he paused, taking her right hand, she looked at him, speechless, "It doesn't mean that we can't be together." "Samuel?" for once, Carrie used his full name. "I – I -," she sputtered. But Samuel ignored it and continued, "Carrie, my dear, would you do me the honour of becoming my mate?" The sun was set, casting gorgeous fiery orange and red all over by the lake... She looked at him, her heart swelled with happiness but then, she bit her lips. Alven... she thought to herself. She knelt down to him, he looked at her questioningly. She smiled at him, taking the box and placed it on the grass near them. She touched his face with her hands and then kissed his forehead. His hands crawled to her back and held her close. He kissed her neck, giving some playful bites. She gently pushed him away, "I'm... I'm flattered and honoured, Sam, really I am..." "But?" Samuel asked, knowing that there was always a 'but'. She bit her lips again, her hands tangled to his, "I need time to think," she told him diplomatically, "I'm eighteen, I'm still in school and – and mating is just something of a huge step for me." "Your mother mated at eighteen too, am I right?" Samuel asked. She smiled at him, "I suppose so but you see, I'm different," she told him. "I thought we're ready," he said, not bothering to hide his disappointment. She hugged him tightly, "The moon knows how much you made me happy and safe, Sam, but give me time," He sighed, nuzzling on the base of her skin, smelling her intoxicating scent. "Don't take so much time, Carrie, love." She chuckled, "Thank you for giving such a memorable romantic setting..." she whispered. "Well, in my mind, you agreed to be my mate..." he replied back, almost a chuckle. She kissed his cheek again and stared into his green eyes and then before she could utter a reply, he said, "I love you..." *** "Where's everyone?" Yvainne asked, Alven held her hand through hallway of Ruben Manor. "Everyone?" he asked. "Yeah, it's so quiet here." she said. Alven didn't reply for a moment, "Everyone's back at home." he told her. "Really? All of you? Even the butler and maids?" Alven almost blurted out that they did not have butler and maids, they only have low ranks but then he bit his tongue, sighing, he didn't answer her, instead, he pulled her gently to sit down on one of the plush seats in the living room. "What's wrong?" she asked again, as if she sensed the doubt in him. He looked at her. She felt this pang of awe when she stared at his perfection. He was all hers, right? "Vannie, you know that I'm from a different place, far from Lexton," he told her. She nodded, "Yes, I know that." "When I went back home, I realized that it's not fair for you. I mean, I can't do this to you anymore, Aveline was right, I can't hurt you more," he paused, "You have a bright future ahead and I just don't think that -," She blinked at him, shocked, she stood up, "What do you mean?!" she asked, "Are – are you breaking up with me?" He stood up too, "We are never a couple to begin with," he told her, "I was attracted to you and you returned those feelings but there is just a part of me that is not good for you." "I can't believe this," she said, folding her hands to her chest, "Then why on Earth did you bring me here?" "Because I feel that you need a respectable closure," he said, "I don't want to do all this thing at a restaurant where people would -," She cut his words, "Where people would see me CRYING, is that it?" she asked angrily. "I don't need your sympathy, Alven." "I'm sorry," he said sincerely, "I do love you, but there's just a part of me that cannot be with you." She refused to look at him. He sighed. "If it's any consolation," he paused again, "I won't return back to Lexton after the holiday," he added, knowing after what had happened today, Aveline would never want to set foot in this place ever. Carinelle, on the other hand, had been begging to Malcolm to let her go back home. He guessed that their adventure in the human world was good as over. She turned to him, panicked, her heart pounded, "W – what?" "We're not coming back for the next semester," he repeated, "I'm sorry Vannie, for all the pain -," She cut him off, flinging herself into his arms. He staggered backward, shocked with this. He tried to release her grip off him but she held on strong. He would be able to break free if he used more force but then, he risked on breaking her fragile human bones instead. So he let her hugged him, and she started to cry. "I love you," she said passionately, "Let it be that you don't want me but come back here," she knew that she wasn't making sense but she wanted to see him. He was like the oxygen of her existence. "It's not fair for you, Vannie," he said but then she cut his words off by kissing him straight on the lips. For a moment there, he kissed back, enjoying the intensity. She clung him closer, all those days of not seeing him and not being able to touch him, she poured everything into that kiss. He forgot what was right and what he should have done. The lines seemed to blur as she deepened the kiss and took control on what she wanted and needed. She pushed him. He fell to the floor and she went on top of him. He looked at her, stunned with her ferocity and her desire of wanting to dominate him. This was new, for him, for he was always the one who dominates the others. He was after all, the Alpha Prince... She straddled him, her hands on his sides. She looked at him, breathing hard and then she bent down and kissed him furiously on the lips. She devoured him like he was the last piece of her favourite caramel pie. "I love you," she said through her kisses. "Make me yours Alven," she pleaded, "Even if for this day only..." He stared at her, his wolf inside him growled, the challenge of dominating her coursed within his wolf. For a split second there, Yvainne saw the darken change in his eyes but then she bent down and kissed him again. He growled instinctively. Crossing Moon Ch. 11 He flipped her over and now, he was straddling her. Pure wolf instinct washed inside him, she had challenged the wolf inside him unintentionally and now... The wolf wanted her. He ran his hand down her body, unbuttoning each button seductively and teasingly for her. She tugged at his shirt and he took control by ripping his clothes open. She giggled as he nuzzled on her neck, his wolf smelled her scent, memorizing it. She took off her jeans and he found it irritatingly slow, so he ripped her pink cotton panties off. She was stark naked beneath him. He looked at her, memorizing every lines of her curve. She tugged at his pants. "Alven..." she whispered and this time, he let her take his pants off. He kissed her passionately, his wolf growled with triumph as he licked her nipples and then suckled on each nipple, fondling them gently and seductively. She pulled at him, wanting to be one with him. He stood up, "Alven..." she moaned disapprovingly but he scooped her up into his arms and then ran so fast to his bedroom. He laid her on his bed gently and then kissing her again, worshipping every inch of her. He ran his hand down to the soft curls between her thighs and smiled when he felt on how wet she was. He inserted a finger inside her, she writhed and groaned. Her hands grasped Alven's quilt, feeling the orgasmic pleasure building within her as he pumped his finger inside out with various speed, alternating from fast and slow. He inserted another finger, making her squirm even more. She looked at him, "Please Alven, please, don't tease me..." she begged. He continued to tease her, toying with the button that seemed intent on torturing her with pleasure. She gave a satisfying scream of sheer pleasure when she felt the pleasure flowing all over her like a broken dam. He licked his finger and then offered some to her. She suckled like it was the best thing she had ever tasted. She grabbed him, pushing him to lie down on the bed, straddling him, pure desire and longing coursed inside her as she aligned herself to his aroused member. She slid down and cooed happily, feeling full with him inside her. He growled, flipping her, making her lie on the bed, his member still inside her. He pushed in a few inches more and she sighed, clawing at him, wanting more and more, "I love you," she whispered. The wolf inside him howled with more triumph for he had dominated her. He started to pump inside her, in and out, with increasing speed and then, somehow, with realization slowly sinking inside him, he slowed down, halting to a stop. He was still inside her, staring at her for a moment. She looked at him, her legs locked to his. "Alven?" she breathed out, "Don't stop..." she sighed, tugging him closer to him. "I – I..." he sputtered, almost a whisper. His wolf inside him rebelled, wanting to dominate the human beneath him again and again, writhing for him and the other half of him wanted to stop all of this madness – this sheer pleasurable pleasure. "Shh..." she said, pushing him back on the bed, he was still inside her. She ran her hands down his strong chest seductively. She bent down and started kissing the nape of his neck, cooing and giving playful bites and then, she started moving up and down him in a rhythm that he soon followed. His wolf won the battle inside him, he pushed her down and pounded inside her quickly, hitting those perfect pleasurable spots. Pure wolf instincts coursed inside him – the desire of dominating her. She felt dizzy. So dizzy. She closed her eyes as his warm seed coursed within her, she sighed happily and the darkness started to overwhelm her. Alven breathed out, he cuddled her close to him; his member still inside her. He looked at his sleeping girlfriend for a while before drowsiness started to overcome him too. And for once, he forgot all about the pack, the honour and him being a wolf. Or even the consequences that he – they must face soon... *** Carinelle stared at the beautiful bracelet in the box. She held it on her right palm. Samuel had also prepared a picnic-like dinner for the proposal and he said that they ought to eat it even if she hadn't given him a straight answer. She sighed. Sam had been nothing but sweet to me, she thought, but I'm still so young. I still have so many things that I want to do. She laid on her stomach on her bed; she set the box on the bed and she took the bracelet out. She hadn't told her parents yet about the proposal, she just didn't know how. Heck, she didn't even know if she wanted this to happen but – she sighed – she felt this strange calmness and love whenever she was with him. She rolled to the left and grabbed her mobile phone and flicked the lid open, she dialled Aveline's number, hoping that this time, she would answer it. She had been trying to call her for two hours but to no avail. "Carrie?" Aveline answered, her voice hoarse. "Avvie, are you all right? I've been calling for hours!" she said. "I'm so mad right now," Aveline stated. Carinelle sighed, "What's the matter? Do you want me to come and see you?" Aveline growled, "I'm not in Ruben Estate." "Where are you, Avvie?" Carinelle asked, genuinely concerned. "Lexton," she paused, "I'm so angry! How could he be so stupid?" "Max?" Carinelle offered. "No." she hissed back. "Look, I wanted to tell you something – it's good news," Carinelle paused, "And I hope that you would give me your opinion -," Aveline cut her words off, "Carrie, do you hear me? I am so damn pissed off right now," "Avvie?" Aveline took a huge breath and said, "Alven had slept with HER!" Carrie's phone dropped to the floor. *** TO BE CONTINUED... *** Crossing Moon Ch. 12 *** All thanks goes to Izabella and Angelika for helping in editing the series... Don't forget to VOTE and COMMENT! *** From Aveline Erickana Ruben's diary: 1st December 2008, 11.45 PM, my bed Hypocrite! That's what Alven is! He is nothing but a selfish, idiotic, egoistic and did I mention a HYPOCRITE?? There I was, all heartbroken. You would think that the brother of the heartbroken girl would be more compassionate! I ran in my wolf form practically all the way from that STUPID Wolfy Cafe to Ruben Manor and CAN YOU GUESS WHAT I HAD FOUND?? I called his name! There I was, all going, "Alven! Alven! Where are you? Let's go back home..." and all I found was shredded pieces of clothing strewn across the living room floor! My suspicion was confirmed when I ran up the stairs to that psychotic hypocritical idiotic man's room! He was NAKED with that clingy idiotic HUMAN girlfriend of his! How dare he?! All preaching to me about how he wouldn't let our father and the Four Council down -- that I should learn to block my feelings out like him! The perfect wolf! HAH! Perfect wolf, my ASS! I went to him! I didn't care anymore! I kicked him hard on his gut! That woke him up all right but it took him a few seconds later, for it to register that I was THERE, seeing him in all of his nakedness -- not to mention that idiotic CLINGY girlfriend who was STILL fast asleep! Damn him! Damn Yvainne Wilkinson!! "Avvie!" he exclaimed, quickly covering himself with a robe, which he found in his bathroom. He went to me, all regretful (IT'S A LITTLE TOO LATE TO BE REGRETFUL, DUDE!!!) I didn't say a word to him -- NOT EVEN A SINGLE FREAKING WORD!! I just growled at him, and then leaped up and gave him a kick right on his chest! "I -- I didn't mate with her," he gasped out for breath. I glared at him. "You have just made things a whole lot worse Alven!" He looked at me regretfully, not being able to say anything. I looked at the sleeping Yvainne and bit my lips. "Avvie..." he called out to me weakly. "I'm going home!" I spat out to him, stomping angrily on my heels. I was so mega furious with him! I needed to vent out my anger! That's actually why I called Carinelle but it turned out that she was not much of a help either! The minute I told her about Alven, she went perfectly silent. MY GOD! WHAT WAS GOING ON HERE???? Avvie From Carinelle Hynes Thorn's diary: 2nd December 2008, 3.30 AM, bedroom. I said 'YES'. Carrie. *** Samuel grasped her hand tightly. She looked at him, feeling nervous all over again. It looked like all her speech practice in front of the mirror, telling her parents about the news -- was going into the drain. "I'm scared," she admitted to him. He grinned, "You have nothing to be afraid of," he said smiling, and then kissed her cheek, "I'm the one who have to face Jerry and then the Four Council members." She was about to push open her father's office door when he suddenly pulled her to him and started kissing her. Her back was on the wall and her lips pressed onto his. He made her feel special and loved, far from what Alven had. True, that Alven had no idea whatsoever on her loving him but now, well, in addition to what Aveline had told her about him sleeping with that human girlfriend; it only added to the reality that he was just not her soul mate. Breathless, she kissed Samuel's neck, and then pushed him away gently. She looked at him, and wondered that perhaps... Well, perhaps, Samuel Charleston Nyca was her true soul mate. Even if she wasn't entirely in love with him; it was indeed true that she loved being in his arms and feeling his warmth all around her. It was lust, but at least, she was happy. Samuel took her hand and then pushed open Jerry's door. Jerry was sitting on his chair, his hands on his laptop. He looked up, somehow knowing what was going on. "I see that you've asked my daughter," he said. Carinelle blinked at him, "Dad?" she said bewildered, "You knew?" She looked at Samuel instantly and he grinned. "Well, remember last time, when I said it was 'Alpha matters'?" he asked her. "Y -- yes but -," Jerry cut his daughter's words off, he stood up and went to the couple and said, "He came to me for your hand, Carrie dear," he smiled, and then he looked at Samuel, "You already know my answer." "Yes, and I thank you for that, Jerry," Samuel replied, "And the Four Council?" "I will inform them tonight," Jerry told them. Jerry went to his daughter, smiling and feeling very proud at her, "My Carinelle, you really are a big girl now," he said, almost a sniffle, "My little girl's about to start a whole new life." Carinelle blushed. "Dad, you're embarrassing me," Samuel kissed her cheek. "I'm sorry love," he said, "I just wanted to surprise you." Suddenly, his mobile phone rang, he took it out and saw who it was. He smiled to her, "I have to answer the call, it's from my pack," he said. Jerry nodded. *** Carinelle looked at her father who was now sitting down on his chair. He bent down to find something in his drawer. "Dad?" she called him. "Yeah?" he said, still bending. "Do you agree of my um... mat -- uh, being with Sam?" "Well, he is your choice," Jerry said, finally sitting up straight. He placed a small box on the table, "And I think he is a very good choice; he's an alpha so that's a plus, he will help you lead this pack in the future." "Yes, it's very prudent of me," Carinelle said, almost a sigh. Jerry looked at his daughter, "I always thought that maybe you'd be with Alven." he said suddenly. Carinelle's eyes went wide, stammering, "D -- dad, h -- how, what are you saying?" Jerry opened the box and then took her hand, Sam's bracelet tinkled. He smiled at her as he placed a silver necklace with a crystal pendant. "James had given this necklace to your mother for our first year anniversary and your mother had told me that she'd wanted to give this necklace to you when you have found your mate." he told her, ignoring his daughter's question. Carinelle grasped the necklace tightly in her hand, feeling so sad suddenly, "Why do you think that I'd be with Alven? He... he just thinks of me as a family," her voice broke at the end. "I suppose so," Jerry nodded, "The most important thing here is that you're happy," he looked at her again, "Are you happy with Samuel?" "Dad, what kind of a question is that?" she faked a laugh, "Of course I'm happy," and then she added in her thoughts, I guess. He smiled at her, "For all its worth, I do think that Samuel is a good kid," he said. Carinelle smiled wanly, and then she put the necklace on. Her heart felt heavy. "Yes, he is and he loves me," she whispered. *** A week has passed since Alven slept with her. Yvainne sighed and scrubbed the counter as harsh as she could. She felt so frustrated -- well, cheated was the perfect word. "Alven?" she remembered calling his name, just a few seconds after she had woken up. She was in his bed. Oh, she could still smell his scent on it. She took a deep breath, memorizing it. She opened her eyes when Alven did not answer her. "Alven?" she had called again, panic started to rise within her when she saw him sitting on the cold floor...his back to the wall. He had looked so perfect -- even in his naked glory. She swallowed, resisting the urge of wanting him inside her again -- oh how she remembered it! They moved together -- in a perfect rhythm. They had connected to a level that she couldn't explain in just mere words. Or maybe, she was just imagining it. "I'm sorry," he had said to her. She stood up, and walked to him, ignoring the fact that she was stark naked. She sat next to him and put her head on his shoulder, "Why are you sorry?" she had asked him. He sighed. "Cover yourself up, please, Vannie," he said, standing up abruptly and then pulled a t-shirt and a pair of jeans from his wardrobe. He looked at her for a second, and then looked into his wardrobe and finally found another shirt which was big enough for her to wear as a knee-length dress. She blinked at him when he gave the shirt to her. "I -- I don't understand," she had stated to him in a weak voice. "We -- we shouldn't have done this," he told her quietly, "I should have learnt to control myself." She stood up and quickly embraced him, "It wasn't your fault," she told him, "I had wanted this, I told you, even if it was for this one day, I wanted you to make me yours." "You do not want it that way, Yvainne," he had replied to her, "You deserve a man who'll always be there for you. I am not that man. I can never be that man," Tears started to pool in her eyes, "I - I thought you loved me." "I'm not sure what I am thinking anymore," he admitted to her, he looked at her and tightened his arms on her, feeling her warmth, "My sister saw us together." he said softly. She gasped, "Oh god," she had blushed! "She wasn't happy," he continued, "And I realized that she was absolutely right." She looked at him, shocked ran across her face, "Alven?" "I'm not coming back," he told her softly, "You know that." "There's always a long distance relationship thingy," she pleaded, "We can still try to work it out." He shook his head, "You don't get it," he said, "You don't understand the gravity of the situation I am in now. It is my mistake -- entirely my fault, I shouldn't have come to you and messed all the things between us." He kissed her forehead and then let her go gently. "I love you," he said to her truthfully, "But we are not meant to be." She slapped him. "You don't say that you love someone and then say that it's not meant to be!" She bit her lips, feeling so cheated. "You don't understand," he said, sighing. "Then make me understand!" she screeched. "I can't," he said. She looked at him, glaring, realization dawned upon her features, "It's that bitch Carrie, right?" This time, it was Alven who was shocked. "Carinelle has nothing to do with this," he said. "I knew it!" she continued to screech, "I saw how she looked at you! I always had this nagging feeling about her!" "You're delusional, Vannie," he replied back calmly. "Carrie has nothing to do about this." But she continued to rant on. How she had always knew -- well, had a sense that the reason Aveline had been less friendly to her was the fact that she was an outsider. And as for Carinelle, even if she had never crossed paths with Carinelle, she had this instinct that she had stolen Alven away. Alven had enough of all this nonsense. As much as he did care for her, he knew that he couldn't let those feelings stop him and break the wolf system. He was the future alpha and like any other alpha, he had done the most sensible thing in such a similar situation. He had left her alone. Remembering all those events -- it kept on playing in her mind. Yvainne felt like screaming. Her heart had broken and all this time, pining over this perfect godly creation was wasted! She kept on scrubbing the counter as hard as she could and then gasped in a mix of pain and shock when she broke her fingernail. She cursed. She closed her eyes, trying to even her breath. Come now Vannie, he's not worth it, she told herself and even then, she couldn't believe it. She loved him so much and despite the fact that he had hurt her, she still had some hope left. And why was he being so melodramatic? What was it that he could not tell her? Yvainne felt so frustrated. Yes, sure, she had jumped his bones but she loved him and she wanted to feel him inside her. Yes, he did say that he couldn't be with her -- that there was just something that he couldn't break through and somehow, she knew that it was all crap. Even if he was telling her the truth -- the honest truth was that he loved her; his love was not deep enough to overcome his so-called barrier and she knew that Carinelle was a part of that reason. *** Aveline sat cross-legged on her bed. Alven looked out to the floor-length window and watched while the low ranks did their daily activities. Some had phased into their wolf forms and sprinted all over the land happily, a few were scouting the area -- watching for intruders (which the chances of that were zero but still) and the other half were just doing their tasks in their human forms. "You're ignoring me." she said, almost a hiss. "I'm not," he replied softly. "Then why aren't you telling me more?" "I told you, Avvie," he turned to her and looked at her exasperatedly, "I promise you, to the moon and to Mom and Dad, that I did not mate with her. I did not bite her. It was just -," She cut his words off, "Just sex?" He nodded shamefully, "And I broke a very good girl's heart." Aveline heard the remorse in his voice. She sighed, "You really do care for her, don't you?" "I do," he admitted. "Do you love her?" she paused, "Like a mate?" He looked at her, "What do you mean?" "I love him," she said, "My Max," she sighed, "But he doesn't know how I feel, nor even the fact that -," This time, he was the one who cut her words, "That we are wolves?" he offered. She sighed, "I love him so much that it hurts to know that we are not meant to be." "So you agree with me that it's the best to forget all those feelings and not to let down of our father and the Four Council?" he went to her and sat down on the bed. She sighed but nodded, "And that's why I said it that way," she paused, "So, you really do love her?" He smiled wanly at her, "It's not like that," he told her, "I care for her but she's not my mate." "And who do you suppose your mate is?" He shrugged, "Time will tell, I suppose." "I don't think Yvainne would take the news lightly," she said, "She loved you so much." "It's not love," he protested softly, "I might sound unfair but what we had was indeed special, but we were driven with the excitement, the danger and lust." "How does it feel like?" she asked suddenly a few minutes later. "Feel what?" he laid on his back and stared at the ceiling. "Sex," she whispered meekly. He turned to his side, facing her, "It was..." he paused, "A very satisfying and unique feeling," he smiled at her when her cheeks turned red, "Don't worry sis, you'll find out exactly what I meant when you mate." She groaned at him, throwing a pillow at his face, "Now you're being terribly disgusting!" Alven laughed, dodging the pillow swiftly; she growled at him, and then stuck her tongue out in a childish way that she smiled afterwards, feeling silly but quite happy. She had been so depressed and sensitive lately that even Alven's silly joking remark made her smile in a release tension. She was about to say something witty and sarcastic but then, just as she opened her mouth to speak -- her door was knocked twice. She closed her mouth, and then, said, "Yeah?" Carrie's head popped in, she was smiling but then, she bit her lips when she saw Alven there. She went in and the two Ruben heirs instantly saw the creamy white coloured card that Carinelle was holding to her chest, like something precious -- or even sacred. "What's that?" Aveline asked. Alven, remembering how hostile Carinelle was, decided to stand up. "Alven? Where are you going?" she asked. Carinelle bit her lips, and pondered for a second, "Uh, just stay for a minute Alven," she said, "It's good that you're here." "Why is that?" Alven asked bitterly. He couldn't help but to feel that way. He felt that he didn't deserve the cold treatment that Miss Carinelle Thorn had given him. She turned red, "Look, I'm sorry," she started, "I didn't mean to be so..." He cut her words, "Hostile?" he offered. She sighed, "It's complicated really but I didn't mean to hurt you, I'm sorry." Alven looked at her, his hands folded to his chest. He waited for a few seconds but then, when she wouldn't say anything. He went, "Oh, just forget it." and was about to leave the room when she went to him, flinging both her hands to his neck, wanting him to stop. Alven was stunned. This was the first time she had ever shown any sign of close intimate contact. "Don't go yet," she said, "Please don't make this any harder than it is." He sighed and then gently took her hands off him, "Why were you so mad at me?" Aveline just looked at them, knowing that it wasn't her place to interfere. Carinelle bit her lips, "I -- I wasn't mad..." she said. "You WERE mad, I can see that," he insisted. "I wasn't...." her words trailed off. "Avvie?" she looked at her, desperate. "Maybe it's the fact that you're with that clingy human," Aveline said, sighing, "We've never talked about this but that doesn't mean that we like it." Ah, well that was close enough to what is the truth, Carinelle thought secretively to herself. "Was that all?" Alven asked. "Yes," Carrie agreed. "Now, what's that?" Aveline asked, going up to her and then before Carrie could even stop her from taking the card. Aveline swiftly took it and then opened it. Carrie sighed. Aveline's eyes went wide in pure shock. Alven was anxious -- it only made him even more anxious when he saw his sister like that. "Avvie?" Alven asked but Aveline just thrust the card to his chest and he quickly looked at the card. "What's the meaning of this?" Aveline asked brokenly, "I thought we agreed that we would accomplish our dreams..." Alven just closed the invitation card and then ripped it half. Carrie, feeling shock, went to him and quickly gathered up the pieces into her hands. "Why did you have to rip it Alven?!" she cried. "How could you?" Aveline went on, "We're just eighteen for crying out loud!! How could you decide on this?" "You don't have the right to be mad at me!" Carrie spat out, and then glaring at Alven, "Especially you, Alven! You don't have the right to rip my mating invitation card!" "This is absurd! You are still too young to be mated! A child!" Alven retorted. Aveline screeched, "I thought you are the wise one among us three! Boy! You prove me wrong!" Carinelle slammed her fist to the wall, it cracked. "None of you have the right to judge me! This is my life! It's my choice whether or not I want to be mated or not!" "We promised...." but Carinelle wouldn't let Aveline finish her words. Carinelle glared, cutting in, "I have never wanted to go to explore the human world! It was not my dream to begin with! You cannot accuse me of betraying the promise!" she was so angry that she forgot the thin line between her judgement and her secret, "And you, Alven! You are not the perfect wolf! You SLEPT with a human! You don't have the right to be mad at me! I'm the one who should be ripping you into pieces!" "Me?" Alven scoffed, "Why would you rip me?" "Because you broke my heart, you dumbass wolf!" Carinelle screeched, "I loved you," the words came out without her thinking and then she regretted saying it but the damage was done. "I loved you all this time, secretly, wishing that you'd be mine! How did you think I'd feel when you went on and dated that bitch and ended up sleeping with her?" She glared at Aveline, "And you! You can't just say that I betrayed you! I deserve to be happy! Samuel loves me and that's all what I needed and maybe you ought to do the same thing! Just move on and forget Max! He's a freaking human and humans won't give you eternal happiness!" Alven just stared at her. Aveline was crying now. "This wasn't how I pictured it," Carinelle continued, tears rolling down her face, "I thought that you guys would be supportive of my decision, especially you Alven." and then without another word, she turned and left the room. *** Alven gathered up the card pieces into his hand. Carinelle had dropped it to the floor when she left them. He was shocked to hear her confession and somehow, deep inside, he had seen the little signs but he didn't want to think about it. Much less, consider it. Crossing Moon Ch. 12 Carrie. Sweet little Carrie. She was always a sister to him. But not always a sister, a little voice inside him objected. He shook his head, Carrie was and always will be his little sister. Yes, he might have been attracted to her a long time ago but that was the past. He had grown up and -- and... "Carrie's getting mated," Aveline finished her brother's word without realizing it. "Yeah," he agreed softly. "She said she loved you," she said again. Great, stab the knife deeper, would you, Avvie? Alven growled in his thoughts to her. She sighed, "How come she never told me about this? Especially of her loving you," "Beats me," he replied. "Oh screw you, Alven! Why are you being so cold?!" Aveline hissed. "Ah, don't you try and make me feel like I'm the cause of all this!" Alven growled back. "You're selfish!" she accused him. "Yeah, and what? Huh? You're a saint? Is that it?" he retorted sarcastically. Aveline was crying now, "Why are we fighting, Alven?" she asked sadly. He instantly softened up when he saw those tears. He didn't like to make her cry. She was his sister. He sighed, "I'm sorry," he said, "I didn't mean to hurt you, or even Carrie." "She had been acting weird lately, especially when you started dating that bitch," she said. "Don't call her that," Alven chastised her. "She doesn't know." "You left a big mess behind in Lexton bro," she said, "How are you going to solve this? And Carrie... What are we going to do?" He sighed again, sitting down on the chair and then looked at the card pieces in his hands, "I guess, we just have to wait and see how it all turns out." "When's the mating again?" she asked weakly. "This Sunday..." "How about Yvainne?" He looked at her, "What do you mean?" "You slept with her," "I did." Aveline sighed, "Aren't you going to do something about it?" "Like what? Be responsible toward her? Mate with her? Is that what you mean?" Alven asked exasperatedly. Aveline shook her head, "No, I don't mean it that way," she sighed. "Then?" "I don't know!" she cried, "I don't know everything all right!" "Ah hah, so you finally admit that you don't always know everything." "God, Alven, you still have the time to joke!" Alven sighed, "It was my mistake to lead her on," he said, "But I'm the future Alpha, I can't just go and mate with anybody I want..." She cut him off, "Humans..." "Yes, you got that right, Avvie," he sighed. "But do you love her?" "I care for her," he admitted forlornly, "But I don't love her." She sighed. She hugged him, wanting to make him feel less guilty. "I'm a mean person..." he whispered. "You're not!" she replied back, "You just made a mistake, we're not perfect, Alven, we're just..." Alven smiled wanly, "Wolves?" She smiled back, "Yes." *** Carrie was angry. No, that was an understatement. She was furious. She looked out at the car window, trees blurring past. "I'll show them," she said heatedly, "I can make my own decisions!" That was why within ten minutes later, she found herself walking beside Samuel in his territory land. He was so shocked but equally pleased to see her when she showed up in his office. She looked flushed but that only made her looked more irresistible. "Show me around, Sam," she had told him, pulling him up from his chair. He hadn't even gotten the chance to ask her on why she was here. Not that he didn't like it. He just didn't like to be caught off guard. What if she had bumped into the Black Wolves? The whole plan might be ruined. And, not to mention, his heart. Yes, true that he had approached her purely because of his desire of wanting to be at the top of the chain but he was firm on his beliefs of mating. He would only mate to the one he had felt. So, let's say if he hadn't felt something special to Carrie, he wouldn't have agreed to the plan of mating her. Just like he had refused the idea of mating with the beautiful Aveline Ruben. He was taking her around the area now -- the trees were green and prosperous. Showing his future mate the place where he had grown up. "Sam?" she said suddenly. But before he could even say anything, she pressed herself to him, throwing him off balance. Both fell on the ground. "Carrie love?" He asked, blinking. She straddled him. She looked at him, smiling. But it was a different smile and Samuel noticed it. She didn't even let him say anything or even a chance to protest (Not that he would -- or maybe he would), she kissed him on his lips. Strong and demanding. Her lips went down, trailing the nape of his neck. She unbuttoned his shirt as seductively and as teasingly as she could. "Carrie!" he breathed out. "What are you doing?" he managed to say before desires overwhelmed him. He was shirtless now. Thanks to her. She had lost patience in his shirt and ripped it open, just like that. He had never seen this dominant side of her before. And he loved it. This new side of her. His hands trailed on her body. She teasingly pressed herself to him, feeling his hardness beneath her. She grinned, her hands on his bare chest. She rocked on top of him. He groaned. She quickly took her sundress off, leaving her naked with her black lingerie. She didn't care whether or not anyone would see them -- much less the consequences that would definitely arise after this. She was fuelled with anger and anger was definitely a passion. He growled. The wolf inside him awoke. He pulled her to him, kissing her deeply. Their tongues waltzed their own rhythm. A melody which they only knew together. She pulled his pants off him, anger and hurt still coursed within her. He growled at her, wanting to be the dominant one, this time at least. He pushed her but gentle enough not to startle her. He was on top of her now, kissing and nibbling on her smooth silky neck. His hands ran down her bra-covered breasts. She sighed. "Take it off," he growled. She smiled. "Do it yourself..." she purred, taunting him. He grinned. His teeth went down on her bra strap and with one smooth move. He ripped it open. Her panties received the same fate. She felt an instant rush of heat. He chuckled and then, kissing her clit. She shivered beneath him. He phased his tongue into its wolf form and continued to tease her. His rough sand-paper like tongue gave her more sensual pleasure. Her hands grasped at him, pulling him closer. He continued to taunt her, licking and kissing her lips down there. Her eyes stared up to the sky and then, she realized something. She shouldn't do this. Not like this anyway. But the pleasure he was giving her was tempting him. He went up to her, now kissing her. She could taste herself in him. She could hear him unbuckling his pants, knowing that she had within minutes to decide on what to do. She closed her eyes, "Sam, stop." He looked at her, still wanting -- well, having that strong desire of having sex. "Carrie?" he confused. She sighed, "Stop please. I -- I don't want this. Not like this." she said, pushing him off her but to no avail. He was a lot heavier for her to push. She sighed. "Let me up..." He looked at her curtly. "But..." he bent down and continued to kiss her neck but she gently pushed his hands away. "I don't want this..." she said. He sighed. His wolf growled inside him, wanting him to take her now! But he let her go anyway. "Why?" he asked, his breath still heavy with desires. "I just don't want to mate illegally," she said, well, that was almost close to the truth. He chuckled. "Here." he handed her dress. She put it on, "Sorry Sam..." she hugged him. "Ah, it would be wise if you don't hug or touch me right now," he smiled, "My wolf isn't happy. It took me a whole lot of self constraint, just to let you go." She smiled wanly. "Sorry, I guess I should go?" It was more like a question for him. He shook his head, "Let's just go back to the manor and have dinner," and they walked together but there was a little distance, just to be safe. *** TO BE CONTINUED... *** Crossing Moon Ch. 13 *** Hi there! All thanks goes to Izabella and Angelika for editing the series! *** From Aveline Erickana Ruben's diary: 6th December 2008, 10.45 PM, Carrie's bed Sigh. It has been a while. I have to admit that I've been neglectful towards you, dear diary but I couldn't help it. I've been so busy lately. I guess, for starters, I have to say that Carrie looked happy. I've met Samuel a few days ago at the Thorn Manor for dinner. He seemed like a very charming wolf and he really does care for her (that's a plus!) - so I have to give Carrie some credit for that. Alven seemed to think the same way too but he hadn't spoken with Carrie ever since she blew up at him. I just – well, as a friend, I have to be supportive of her. She's right though, I can't judge her when my own life is in the ruins – literally. I have to move on. Carrie is right – duh (when was she ever wrong? like really?). Max is just a human and I can't afford to fall in love or even stay in love with a human. She's nervous. I mean, I would be too, if my mating ceremony is exactly tomorrow. She showed me some of her new lingerie collection which she had discreetly bought via express online. They were hot and sexy. Of course and I find it rather bold of her to want to wear such skimpy things. "It's for him," she said, almost blushing. Well, each to her own, that's what I can say. She even told me on how they had made out so passionately last time that if she hadn't stop, she'd be a mated wolf right now. "Just like Aunt Gracie," she grinned. I, however, found the extra piece of information as disturbing. I really did not need to know that she had almost lost her virginity that time. Well, truth to be told, I had always thought that I'd be the first one – not her. Carrie's always this shy and unsure girl that I was amazed to realize that she's actually going to get mated first. And not me – the bold, bubbly and definitely not shy girl – oh well, I guess it all boils down to fate. Speaking of which, I really need to find a new boarding school. I really don't want to go back to Aliaxia. Alven agreed with me on this and together, we have decided to go to the States. Maybe we'd go to New York. Or even maybe some random Asian countries like Japan, but then, I can't really speak the language so that's going to be quite difficult. However, I've always wanted to go to Italy.... Oh well, Alven and I will decide more after the whole mating ceremony's done. I really can't see myself in Carrie's shoes. I mean, I can't see myself tied to a man – well, a wolf, for that matter, for an eternity at such a young age. Oh poo, sure, my Mum lived happily and in love with Dad but they are a whole different thing. Like a different time and generation. I value my freedom and honestly, I really want to explore the world. But then, I remember how that one time, my priority seemed to waver when I met Max. Sigh. Seriously! I really need to get over him! Maybe I'd be lucky and meet the perfect wolf tomorrow! Avvie From Carinelle Hynes Thorn's diary: 7th December 2008, 4.30 AM, my bathtub I'm nervous. Really and truly am terrified. I really don't know what to expect later. Oh my Moon! I'm going to be mated soon! In just a few hours really!! I hope it won't hurt. I mean, I've seen a few mating ceremony and they all seemed to enjoy it especially the girl even if... well, even if her face had this scrunched pain look at the first moment when the guy mounted her. Oh GOD! I'm just eighteen!! But... but... Samuel... well, that time, when we almost mated. He had awoken this unknown side of me. Aveline called me a tease for making him all hard up and then, deciding to not continue. Samuel had just called me earlier. He said he loved me and he's so eager for the mating ceremony to happen. "We'll be together forever," he had told me, well, almost a whisper – a seductive whisper, "I'll show you how I can make you writhe and moan in pleasure..." Ok, I blushed when he said that. He's really old (well, not that old, he's only in his twenties but he definitely had gotten a fair share of experiences and I don't even have any reliable ones!) How am I going to know what I'm doing is right or not? I really don't want to humiliate myself! Sigh. Mom's goanna come later around 7 am with the other low ranks, they're goanna prep me up for the mating ceremony. My mating ceremony... sigh... it sounded weird and surreal but it really is happening. I won't be Carinelle Hynes Thorn anymore after lunch, I'd be Carinelle Hynes Thorn-Nyca. Come to think of it, I've just realized that Nyca and Thorn Pack will be merged together indirectly. Whoa... Carrie. *** Thorn Estate was crowded. Wolves were roaming here and there, scurrying around the area. The low ranks were busy preparing for the mating ceremony with the Betas and the In-Commands. Aveline watched them wordlessly as she walked around and then she found the round circular altar which was put in the middle of the huge hall. It was the altar where Carrie will mate with Samuel. The altar was beautiful. The edge was lined with satin ribbon and dotted with jewels. She knelt down and picked up the basket of roses and then started scattering them around the edge. That was the least she could do for Carrie. It wasn't until she bent down to scatter the roses a bit that at the corner of her eye, she thought she saw something. A familiar face walking past but it was too fast. She whipped up, her forehead curt. "It's impossible," she laughed to herself, dismissing her thoughts as she went down on her knees and arranged the roses neatly. I must be crazy, she thought to herself. "Yes, crazy in love," she admitted quietly. She really needed to move on from the whole Max thing. Desperately! If she wasn't sane, she'd be going and believing that she had just saw Max walking by, carrying boxes. She was totally screwed. *** Max put the boxes on the counter. "What else?" he asked the good doctor. Danny grinned at him, he shoved his hands into his jeans pockets, "Well, our job's done actually," he told him, "I have to go back to the clinic in an hour." "When's the ceremony again?" Max asked curiously. "The Alpha Princess's going to be mated exactly at noon, right after the clock strike twelve," Danny answered back as the two wolves walked down the corridor to the hall where the ceremony will be held. "So, who's the lucky guy?" Max asked, just to keep the conversation flowing. "He's the Alpha of Nyca Pack," Danny told him, "Samuelson Charleston Nyca." "Go figures," Max scoffed. "Excuse me?" Danny asked back. "It's just so typical of a princess mating with a prince. It's all the same with the humans. I just didn't expect that it would be the same around here." Max admitted. "Well, we're just like humans you know, in a way, but we are wolves," Danny said, "You ought to have realized that by now." "I've left some things behind in my old home," Max admitted suddenly after a few minutes of silence. The two wolves were now walking past the circular altar. "You can always buy new ones," Danny offered, not realizing what Max had really meant. Max smiled, "What I've lost," he said, "I cannot find a replacement. It's not sold in the shops," "Really?" Danny asked sceptically. "Yes," Max chuckled, "I've left the girl I loved and I didn't tell her how I feel," "Why didn't you do it before you left?" Danny asked with confusion, "Surely you had time..." Max nodded, "I can't drag her into the wolf world, Danny, I don't want her to end up like my Mom." "Your mother?" "Yes, my mother," Max sighed, "I was a late bloomer when I was a kid and when I had first phased... well, you know..." Danny was silent for a moment, pondering, and then he said, "Then you would know by now that it was just an accident, Maxwell," Max sighed, "Can you please stop doing that? You and the rest of the world that seemed intent on making me feel better," he paused, his hands clenched into a fist, "If I hadn't phased, my mother would have still been alive..." "You have to face the facts, Max, it is not your fault," Danny replied, "You were just a kid back then, you did not know your own strengths. My Moon! You didn't even know how to control your wolf!" Max sighed. "Regardless, I am still the one to blame," he said, "You can't change the fact." "Indeed and you should know that blaming yourself won't give you inner peace either," Danny told him, "You need to move on, Max, can't you give that chance to yourself?" "I don't know," Max admitted woefully. Danny sighed, "Perhaps time will let you see." Max smiled wanly. *** The mating hour seemed to come close – closer and closer, she was nervous but she really wanted to get through today's event as soon as possible. The Thorn Manor was packed with wolves. Carrie stared at her reflection on the mirror, sighing. She was alone now. Her mother and the other low ranks had left her a few minutes ago. "We'll call you when the time comes, ok, honey?" her mother had said happily, she bent down and kissed her daughter's forehead, "you looked beautiful, Carrie." And Carinelle could only smile when her mother had said that. Indeed she looked lovely. She wore this white creamy robe and her hair was long and curly at the end, lying softly on her shoulders. A crown made of white roses held neatly on her hair. This wasn't how she dreamed it to be; if she was truly honest to herself, she'd want Alven to be the one who she spent her life with. She still loved him despite everything but she cared for Samuel. Samuel loved her, and personally, she believed in the concept of being with a guy who loved her more than she can ever love him. She wouldn't get hurt. At least, that was what she believed in anyway. It would be heaven to be with the guy she'd wanted to be but she had to face reality, Alven would probably never see her as more than just his sister's friend. She just needed to move on just like how she had spat out to Avvie. She brushed her hair gently, as if the act could reduce her anxiety and doubt. Mating was truly a big step for her and one that she had never thought would happen as she was still young. "Carrie?" her mother called out suddenly, her head popped into the door. Carinelle looked at her, her heart thumped faster knowing the inevitable had come. "Mom?" she squeaked. "It's time." Carrie turned back to her reflection, giving one final look to who she was now and who she will be. Her eyes glazed and tears were threatening to give her emotions away. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. "Carrie?" Fiorelle called again. "Are you sure?" This time, she went into the room and touched her daughter's shoulders; both mother and daughter stared into their reflections on the mirror. Carrie's tears flow down, rolling like pearls. Call it a mother's instinct. Fiorelle could see what was going on in her daughter's distraught mind. She quickly took a tissue and lightly dab her daughter's eyes. Carrie gave a fake laugh and took the tissue from her mother's hand. She stood up and dabbed the tissue all over her eyes gently. "Tears of happiness, Mom," she said. "Carrie..." her mother said disapprovingly. She shook her head, "No Mom, don't say a word," she said, "I don't want to hear it." "If you are not sure, honey, you can just say it, no harm will come." Fiorelle said to her reassuringly, "I can call your father -," "Mom! Please! I know... I know you meant well but -," "Why are you doing this?" Fiorelle asked. "Mom..." "What are you trying to prove?" But before Carrie could even utter a reply – an excuse of some sort to justify her actions and at least to let her mother's heart at ease, somebody knocked on the door. "My Alpha Queen, it's getting late." the low rank said. Fiorelle looked at her daughter, "Mating is a very serious matter, Carrie," Carrie's tears rolled down again, she sighed, "I love you Mom," she stood up, she took a deep breath and hurried out. Her groom was waiting for her. "Carrie!" Fiorelle called out but she was long gone. *** Jerry smiled at her, "You're going to go to a new life, Carrie," he said as he held his hand out and then she smiled at him. "I love you Dad," Carrie said as she accepted his hand and then he tucked it to his elbow just like how the human fathers send their daughters down the aisle. Fiorelle looked at her, obviously wanting to say something but Carrie shook her head and said, "I'll be OK, Mom, I'm just having the bride's jitters." "Oh love, relax," Jerry said happily. Carrie looked up ahead; the aisle was long and decorated with beautiful flowers. The aisle expanded into the round circular altar. And Samuel was waiting there for her in a white robe. He smiled at her, his eyes glinting with anticipation and lust. She swallowed, her thoughts started to scramble inside her mind. Her doubt and her anxiety started to overwhelm her but she braced herself and let her father walk her down the aisle. Time felt so slow and tormenting her. She wanted to finish all of this and get on with her life. She closed her eyes when she saw Alven and Aveline's face with the other Alphas. Stay focus! Carrie scolded herself as tears started to well up in her eyes. She had this strong urge to turn into the other direction and run but she glued her feet on her destination. "She's making a big mistake," Alven whispered suddenly, Aveline looked up, unsure if her brother was talking to her or talking to himself. "Alven?" she asked. He looked at her, "What?" "What are you saying?" He bit his lips, "You heard me?" "Crystal clear," He pulled his sister's hand and together they walked through the sea of wolves, closer to the altar. "She's crying," Aveline said in a whisper. "Or rather, she's trying hard not to." "Carrie..." Alven whispered back, everything inside him started to rock and rebel. This insane desire of pulling her out from the altar was overwhelmingly strong. *** She put a final step to the altar and suddenly, the desire of running away was growing stronger and stronger. She hung on to her last safe support, her father, but then, even he released her. "Dad!" her voice rose, panicked. Her Dad smiled, thinking that she was just nervous. "Just breathe and relax, honey," he kissed her cheeks, "It'll be all right." "Dad..." she whispered, her voice croaked. Samuel smiled at her. Her eyes glazed but she looked down and closed her eyes, feeling so alone. She could hear her father saying the same old stuff of the mating rites and then Samuel's confident reply. Abruptly, she heard the wolves around her howled, signalling the anticipation of mating was here. She felt somebody gave her an abrupt push forward. She opened her eyes and her Dad was already down the altar with her mother who was crying in his arms. She was alone on the altar with Samuel. Fear started to grip on her soul. She took a step back. The wolves howled and howled, eager to witness such erotic ritual. "My Princess," a low rank bowed at her, his hands held up, wanting the robe. She looked up and noticed that Samuel had taken his robe off and was now standing in his glorious nakedness. He was beautiful. She had to admit that. His chest was strong and perfectly sculpted. She quickly closed her eyes when she noticed the partial hard-on. She slowly untied her robe's ribbon and then, slowly started to take it off. Samuel gave an impatient growl, his wolf inside him unable to hold on anymore. He went to her and ripped her robe off, leaving her naked. She blushed as he pulled her to his arms and started kissing her neck. *** "Stop the mating ceremony," Fiorelle cried softly in her mate's arms. Jerry smiled, "Let it be Fiorelle, love, she's all grown up now." "But..." "Shh," Jerry said, "Don't spoil the moment for her." *** The wolves howled and howled. Alven felt this strong urge to pull Samuel off her. "Alven, don't!" Aveline cried to him, hugging him, wanting to stop Alven from climbing up the altar and kick the hell out of Samuelson. "Avvie!" Alven growled. "Stop all of this nonsense, Alven!" Avvie screeched, it was a miracle that he could even hear her above all of the howling. "This is her choice! Why are you against it?" That stopped him completely. He closed his eyes, unable to witness the altar. Why was he so compelled to protect her? To whisk Carrie off the altar and – and... Surprisingly, he noticed, into his arms? He growled, pushing Aveline off him. He ripped his clothes off and turned to the other direction and phased. "Alven!" she shouted. She sighed, tears formed in her eyes. Carrie, what have you done? *** Samuel growled, his desire was building high within him. He sensed the hesitation and reluctance in her but he just ignored it, taking it all as Carrie's first-time experience. Oh, he'll change all that. He'll make her writhe and moan. He'll make her his. His tongue probed opened her lips, wanting to dominate her. His hands ran down her back. Carrie closed her eyes, her hands held on to him, dead. "Relax," he whispered to her, "I won't hurt you, much," he laughed, trailing kisses down her neck. He nibbled lightly on her neck, focusing more on the area where he would make the final bite. In her mind, she focused on the sound surrounding them – she could hear wolves howling and then the sound of their clothes ripping. She tuned out the fact that Samuel was ravishing her body as he pleased. She could feel him pushing her down the altar floor but he was gentle enough to not startle her. He pushed her legs open and she automatically wanted to close it back. He chuckled, pushing her legs wider and then dipped his head down. She could feel his sand-papery wolf tongue on her. She tensed, refusing to acknowledge the pleasure he was giving her. His hands on her thighs, he pulled her closer to him, breathing in her scent. Her hands clawed on the floor, too stubborn to follow in her instinct, much less her building desires. He kept on licking her, toying with her little button. He growled, not wanting to wait anymore. She was too stubborn. Or rather, too shy in his mind, perhaps the knowledge of hundreds of wolves watching them mate was making her edgy. He pulled her, she gasped, and her eyes popped wide open. He grinned at her and then he saw the tears on her face but he was in too much lust and need that he couldn't think why she was crying. Fear, he thought to himself in that split second, she's just a virgin. He kissed her neck as he pushed her back on the floor, her legs spread wide open. She could feel his hardness on her, slowly wanting to push in. She tensed, but he pushed in gently and then he stopped when he felt a barrier within her. He was inside of her now, he licked her neck, bracing himself. He pulled out of her and then, he speared inside her. She moaned in pain but he clamped her mouth shut with his kisses. The wolves howled happily and then they could hear the sound of the other wolves rutting. She panted, she was quite wet but she wasn't wet enough to ease the pain of his entry. He trailed kisses down her throat, letting her to adjust to his size and then slowly pumping in and out of her. All she could ever focus on was closing her eyes and feeling the pleasure that was starting to course within her. As he went in and out of her, she could feel him grow inside of her, thicker at the base. The time was coming close; the point of where she could never return to was getting nearer and nearer. He gained speed, the pleasure coursing between them accelerated. She clung on to him, forgetting the hundreds of wolves surrounding them. Samuelson roared, he phased into his wolf form. She winced, feeling the weight on top of her. She cried in fear when he trailed his sharp teeth on her neck, he continued to pump inside her. He growled at her, telling her to phase, wanting to get the mating done but she stayed put. Frozen under him, he snapped his jaws at her, a harmless growl, telling her to phase again but she continued to be stubborn. Crossing Moon Ch. 13 In fact, she started to push him off her. "Get off me!" she screamed, crying now. She could hear her mother screaming at her father, "Stop this! Stop this quick!" but Samuel was at the point of no return. His wolf wanted to dominate her. There was no turning back. He growled at her, she kept on hitting him on his chest but he took both of her hands up on top of her head with his paw and then the other one on her neck. He bit on her neck, tight and he could feel her blood flowing into his mouth. He clamped his jaws on her neck, sealing the eternal bond between them. She weakened under him, her eyes rolled back onto her head, finally surrendering to her fate. *** Aveline cried; she could barely hear Carinelle's screams despite all the howls of the wolves. She covered her face with her hands and then, she turned, wanting to leave the ceremony as fast as possible. She started to rip her clothes, wanting to join her brother wherever he was now. She was ripping her clothes off when she froze. Her eyes focused on to the person standing just a few metres away from her. The person did not notice her, much less felt the building anger and hurt boiling inside her. She didn't want to believe it at first. Perhaps her mind was playing tricks with her. But if it was just her imagination... Why would her imagination be talking with Danny the Pack Doc? Her hands let go her half torn dress and then slowly walked to her imagination – at least that was what she was trying to convince herself. All this time, of her pining and feeling so lost over such a love she thought was impossible and her status and fate as the Alpha Princess hung in the balance as well as her duty to her pack all felt nothing now. It wasn't significant. "Is it always this noisy?" she could hear him, perfectly crystal clear, talking to Danny above all the howling. It might be noisy here but it felt so deathly quiet to her. It was like she was transformed to another world – a quieter world with him oblivious to her existence. She took a step closer and closer. Danny noticed her and took a bow. "My Alpha Princess," he said, and then tugging at Max to follow suit. He did not see her face, he quickly looked down and bowed his head. "Alpha Princess," Max said, greeting her. Oh her heart felt so happy to see him again but her anger overwhelmed that happiness. She felt cheated and confused. Why was he here? What was the meaning all of this? She had never felt this so much anger before. She closed her eyes, just as Danny looked up and then just as Max followed suit. Aveline phased into her wolf form and lunge her jaws at his throat. It happened in such a lightning speed. One minute they were all standing and the next second, Max was screaming in shock, he toppled over and fell on the floor. The rest of the wolves were oblivious to the scene as they were entirely too focused on the mating ritual at the altar. Danny's eyes went wide, "My Alpha Princess!" he cried, trying to pull her off him. Big mistake there. She swiped her sharp paws at him, slicing a cut on his chest. Danny staggered and knew automatically to let the Alpha Princess be. If he interfered any further, he might be slaughtered by her. Max tried to push the mad wolf of him but she was just too strong. Why was she attacking him? He wondered quickly and then he felt the slice of pain on his abdomen and on his arms. He closed his eyes, knowing that he had to act fast. His wolf instincts coursed inside him and then he howled, phasing into his wolf form. He snapped his jaws at her. Aveline yelped; too shocked to see the revelation. The shock gave him an upper hand in the fight, he quickly turned her over and overpowered her. He snapped his jaws at her and then locked it tight on her neck. She struggled. Stay, he thought at her, forgetting for a moment there that he was actually dominating the Alpha Princess. The wolf growled at him and snapped its jaw at him. He kept on his hold on her, he could taste the fine metallic taste in his mouth but he held on. Then she stopped struggling, she gave a little sad howl. He quickly let her go and then finally looked at her completely. He remembered her. Hey, aren't you the wolf in the forest? He thought at her, and then realization dawned upon him, oh my god, Jerry did say about sending his daughter and some Alpha Prince and Princess there... oh wow, was that you? I'm so sorry, Alpha Princess. But... why are you attacking me? She looked at him, quiet, hurt filled her eyes and he didn't know why. He could see blood trickling down her neck and then he phased back to his naked human form. "I'm so sorry about the um – cut," he said regretfully and then he went towards the wolf and tried to pet her but she snapped her jaws at him, warning him to keep his distance. Danny pulled him abruptly, "Max, you moron, why the hell did you bite her?" then, he quickly went to the wolf and examined her wound. It was starting to heal but it was still bleeding nonetheless. Aveline touched Danny's cheek with her snout, telling him that she was sorry for her behaviour earlier at him. Danny smiled at her. "It's all right..." he told her reassuringly. "Danny?" Max called, unsure and confused now. What had he done? "Can you try to phase back, Aveline?" Danny asked to the wolf. "Max," he looked at him, "I'm so sorry man, but this has to be reported back to the Alpha." Max's eyes shot wide open. Did he heard right? He took a step forward but the wolf snapped her jaws at him. Danny sighed, "Apparently, the Alpha Princess doesn't like you to come close, Max, please, keep your distance," he looked at her again, "Now, my Alpha Princess, can you phase back? I need to see the wound." "Aveline?" he felt in dazed. No, it can't be. It must be another Aveline. There's probably thousands of Aveline around. The name was probably too common. But he was proven wrong as the wolf phased back into her human form. She was beautiful, just like he had remembered but he couldn't bear to look. He quickly looked down to the floor. "Come my Alpha Princess, let me put some medicine to that wound," Danny said, offering his hand at her. Aveline was quiet but she accepted his hand anyway and then, just as they walked past Max. She stopped for a second there; she wanted to say something but she couldn't find the right words for it. She just looked at him, tears welling up in her eyes and Max just stared back, unsure on what to do. He winced when he felt the sliced pain stabbing at him. He had bit her. And he didn't know what that meant. Especially when Danny had said that this was needed to be reported to the Alpha... *** TO BE CONTINUED... *** Crossing Moon Ch. 14 *** From Aveline Erickana Ruben's diary: 11th December 2008, 9.40 PM, my bed. I have nothing to say. The anger speaks it out on its own. Avvie. 12th December 2008, 11.45 PM, my bed. Sigh... Avvie. 13th December 2008, 8.45 PM, my bed. Dad was angry when he saw the bite mark on my neck but I assured him that I wasn't mated or anything. I wasn't! There was no mating involved! But Dad kept on saying gibberish, even my Mom who was always this calm person, went berserk when she saw the bite on my neck. "WHO THE HELL HAD THE NERVE TO BITE YOU, AVELINE ERICKANA RUBEN?" Dad yelled at me. Boy, he was definitely angry. He only used my full name when he's mad and he's definitely at the point of MADNESS! "It's nothing Dad! It was silly. I saw an old friend -," I grimaced, feeling the familiar pang of hurt washed over me. "And I was so mad! So I phased -," "YOU PHASED?" Mom screeched. "Mom! Please, just relax and let me finish my story," I said, almost rolling my eyes. "Well? Go on!" Dad demanded. "Right," I paused, "So, I had phased and jumped at him. I was so mad. I think I sliced him here and there and then he phased to his wolf form. I was so shock and he took advantage of that and over turned me -," This time Dad cut in, "A FULL GROWN WOLF PHASED AND OVER POWERED YOU?" "Yes, Dad, jeez, what's the big deal? It's just a bite. It'll heal," I said with annoyance. Dad shook his head, breathing in and out, trying to calm himself, "the problem with this situation, Aveline, is the fact that a male wolf had dominated you and bit you," "So what?" I asked back, "If you're worried about my being mated then, don't worry OK? We DID NOT have SEX!" "He marked you," Mom told me suddenly. "What?" I looked at her confused. "It's a very old ancient practice in our wolf system," Dad started to explain to me, "we do not do this type of practice anymore, much less consider it, we have evolved to a point where mating should be between two wolves who agreed to be together, and not when a wolf forces one to be bonded." "I don't.... understand," I said. "Of course you don't, Aveline dear," Dad said again, "The wolf did not know the consequences of what he had done when he dominated you in the fight and bit you in the process, he wouldn't know. I am certain of that because he's just a new blood into the Thorn Pack family." "What are you trying to say here, Dad?" Mom sighed, "Honey," she looked at me, "Maxwell Thorn had bit you," "And?" I was still lost here. Can't they just go straight to the point? "He bit you and indirectly, he had marked you as his," Dad answered. That was when I flinched and shook my head, "No! Dad! You can't be serious!" But Dad wasn't smiling. There was no hint of teasing in his eyes. He was dead serious. "The scandal!" Dad groaned, "A low pack had overpowered my own daughter! The Alpha Princess of Ruben Pack!" "Dad!" I snapped at him. "Are you trying to say that I'm his mate?" "No, you're not – not yet but he marked you and no other wolves will dare to break that unless they fight for it," Dad said. "Then they can just fight..." I told them. Mom shook her head, "It's not that simple, Avvie dear, the wolves will have to fight to death." "Then whoever wants me would definitely be willing to do that, right?" I asked them. "I don't want to be a spinster, OK?" Mom looked at me, "He marked you, Avvie." Dad stood up and then looked at Mom, "Tell her the rest, love, I don't think I can handle this," he kissed her lips and then he went to me and kissed my forehead. I looked at Mom, waiting for her to continue but she just looked at the door where Dad had left. She was probably itching to run and follow him probably! "Mom," I called out to her, "He marked me. OK, I get that! And what's the problem?" "Well, he marked you dear, and both of you will be drawn to uh – complete the bond," Mom said. I gasped. "Oh God! Mom! That's just so disgusting! I hate that jerk!" It was then when Mom asked me, "Why do you hate him? You just met him!" I sighed. Great. I had just added another pound on my pile of problems. Awesome. Just awesome... Avvie From Carinelle Hynes Thorn's diary: 13h December 2008, 2.30 AM, balcony. Samuel's asleep now. I guess he's still mad at me but at least I finally have a time alone for myself. Ugh, I feel so sore. It felt like my whole body was breaking into pieces and the joints were stuck. The whole mating experience was... to say the least, wasn't what I had expected or even wanted for that matter. I was reckless and stupid and definitely too young to make such decision. I feel really bad. I mean, I shouldn't have agreed to all of this mating arrangement in the first place. Samuel deserves someone better; someone who would want to complete the mating ritual. Yes, I'm his mate but I haven't bitten him back. I guess I should have feel more relieved when I had passed out during the mating ceremony that had given me an indirect escape from completing the ritual. But I couldn't escape when he took me back home to his pack. We made love, of course, but then, when the moment came for me to bite him. I just couldn't do it. It was like, biting him, means the end of... Sigh. What am I talking about? The blasphemy of such thoughts; I'm practically a married woman for crying out loud. I shouldn't have harboured this futile hope of Alven loving me, for I am the one who had decided to mate with Samuel in the first place. Yes, it's my fault; me and my immature self. Samuel... Forgive me. Carrie. *** "Don't you think you're being a bit harsh, love?" Gracielle asked, almost a whisper, as she snuggled close to her mate, feeling the warmth of their naked skins touching. He caressed the small of her back and shook his head. "She doesn't know..." "I cannot bear the thought of her being overpowered by a low rank!" She turned her head and looked at him, bending down and then trailed soft kisses on his sculpted chest. She went on top of him, her legs on his side. Her hair gently cascaded down her shoulder. "Is it your pride?" she asked him, staring at him. "My pride?" he asked, pulling her down to him, kissing her lips. Their tongues danced for a while, and then she gently pushed him down to the bed. "Yes, my love, your pride of being the Alpha," "Can we not talk about this now?" he asked, pulling her to him, and then went on top of her. He caressed the slope of her nose, breathing in her sweet flowery scent. "I love you, my Gracie..." he whispered, trailing kisses on the nape of her neck. His hands roamed all over her body, doing all the stuff that made her skin tingled. She panted when his fingers reached down her sweet spot. The button that made her went wild all over. She growled. "We must... ah, talk, about this...Aveline and Maxwell..." she panted but he wouldn't let her talk more as he kissed her deeply. "I promise you," he said, whispering, "We'll talk about this with Jerry as soon as possible," then he licked her neck, giving her playful little bites that made her go wild with lust. She tugged at him, pulling him closer to her and they continued blissfully into the night, dancing with their own little love rhythm. *** Aveline stared at the reflection of the healed bite mark on her neck. She touched it gingerly and winced. Max had bitten her, a little too deep than what was necessary. Alven was standing near the floor-length window, watching the other wolves roaming the area bathed with moonlight. "Are you OK?" Alven asked, still watching the wolves. "Apart from knowing that I'm goanna have a huge sex drive in my future, I'm perfectly all right," there was a hint of sarcasm on her voice. That made him looked at her. "What are you talking about?" Alven asked seriously. "Dad had gone ballistic today, didn't you know?" Aveline asked back. "I was out the entire week." he replied, "As if you don't know." Aveline sighed. She stood up and then walked to him. She pulled her collar down and showed him the healed bite mark. He growled, "You're mated?!" "Damn it Alven! I am most certainly not mated!" "Then what the hell is that bite mark doing on your neck?!" His fists clenched tight. "Who is the moron?" "Funny you should say that," Aveline said, "Bastard would have been the perfect word." She yanked her collar up, straightened her hair and then pushed open the balcony door. Cool air quickly filled the entire room. She breathed in the air, feeling the need to calm herself. "Max...the human I met did this..." she said. "A human?" "He's not... entirely a human apparently, that jerk, he's a wolf but raised in the human world by his father. You remember Adrian? The story that Aunt Fiorelle had told us when we were kids?" Alven shook his head, "Are you telling me that Adrian's son mated with you?" "No, my god, Alven! Are you dense? Did you not hear what I've just said? I'm not mated!" "Then why would he bite you?" he demanded. "I attacked him in my wolf form and he didn't know any better. He's new in the wolf world I suppose, Dad didn't say much in details. He yelled at me most of the time, so.... basically, what Dad said was that Max had unknowingly marked me as his and no other wolves would dare to try to mate with me." She had this disgusted look on her face. "Mark?" "Yes, I've been marked!" She said heatedly, "And I bet no other wolves would even want to risk their lives for me!" "I thought... you like this Max fellow..." "That was before I knew what a lying scumbag he is!" she said angrily. Alven sighed, he sat down on the plush armchair, "My head is already spinning with this whole Carrie problem and now..." Aveline felt sorry to him, "I'm sorry, brother," she said, sitting down on the floor. "Don't worry much about me, I'll be OK, I promise you, I will not give in to my sex drive!" "You sure?" Alven asked, "Marking can pull even the most stubborn wolf on his knees..." Aveline smiled grimly, "Well, you can always knock me out unconscious..." Alven scoffed, "That's something worth waiting for." She hit him playfully. "I guess we shouldn't have gone to the human world in the first place..." Alven looked at her, "What's life if we don't make mistakes?" "A very boring one?" she smiled at him. He stood up, "Come on, let's go out, I'll treat you doughnuts..." She grinned, "What? Doughnuts can make us forget our problems?" "Well, I love doughnuts..." Alven smiled back. "Do we need a reason to enjoy doughnuts?" "No," Aveline smiled, she gingerly touched the healed scar on her neck. She sighed a bit but followed her brother out. *** Jerry leaned back on his chair, sighing. Max looked straight to the alpha. Adrian was standing by the floor-length window, his arms folded. His head rested to the glass pane. "Forgive me Jerry, I should have taught him about the rules," Adrian said regretfully. Max turned his head and looked at his father, confusion washed over his face. He hadn't been gotten straight answers ever since Aveline had attacked him. It was only today that he was called into a meeting with the alpha. His father and the alpha had been discussing about this matter for more than a week already. It was far too long for him to bear. "It is not your fault, I suppose," Jerry replied, "Aveline should have controlled her temper." He looked at Max, "Now, tell me, young one, why the Alpha Princess of Ruben Pack is so angry with you?" "I've meet the Alpha Princess before," Adrian said, telling the Alpha, "She bought a cup of coffee, Origa Coffee, I think, if I remember correctly... she was with another girl...." "That would be Carinelle, my daughter." Jerry said dryly. Adrian smiled weakly, "Yes, I can see Fiorelle in her." Jerry's eyes went wide, "She is our daughter," he repeated. "It is no surprise if she looks like her mother." "Yes, indeed, my Alpha." Adrian replied, nodding his head. He could see that the alpha didn't like to talk more about his daughter. "Sir? Alpha?" Maxwell called to the alpha. Jerry turned his attention to Adrian's son, "Ah yes, Maxwell Thorn, do you have any idea of what you have done to the Alpha Princess Aveline?" "I just.... it was self defence," Max said quietly, "I didn't know it was her... My wolf took control over me... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt her... Is she all right?" Jerry smirked, "This is not the question of whether she is all right or not," Jerry said, pausing, "She heals faster than you can even blink." But before Maxwell could even breathe with relief, Adrian added, "What does the Ruben Alpha say about this matter?" "Ah, we have talked about this," Jerry said, looking at Adrian and then back to Max, who shivered abruptly; Jerry smiled wanly, "I heard that you and the Alpha Princess are very close." Max blushed, "We're just.... friends," "Ah yes, good friends..." Jerry said with sarcasm in his voice, he looked at Adrian, "My friend, Adrian, shall I tell your son the news or do you rather to be the one to tell him?" "W – what news?" Max looked at his father, "Dad, what's going on?" Adrian sat down to a chair next to his son, and then, he said, "There are two important factors in this – um, case, Max, son, I suppose I should be the one to blame for I didn't expose the world of the wolves to you as much as I should have done," he paused, patting on his son's shoulder, "There's an ancient rule in the wolf system. It's something that we have never practiced in so many centuries, but the rule still applies and bonding..." "Dad, can you please go straight to the point?" Max asked exasperatedly. "When Aveline attacked you, she was in her wolf form and then yes, you did fight back in self defence but your wolf subconsciously aware that Aveline is a female wolf. That triggers a primal instinct inside you to dominate and subdue the wolf on her paws..." Max cut his father's words, "And... when I bit her..." he couldn't bring himself to continue. Jerry nodded, "Yes, when you overpowered and bit her, you consequently marked her as yours." "Marked?" Max echoed. "Yes, marked." Adrian nodded. "Aveline's.... my mate?" Jerry shook his head, "No, but she has been marked as yours, there's a difference in that," he paused, "The two of you will be drawn to complete the bond itself, no matter how much you resist." "Avvie knows about this?" he asked, using her nickname. Jerry frowned, clearly not approving this friendly approach, "She didn't know until her parents told her about this, but the most important thing here is that the Alpha Ruben did not like the fact that his only daughter had foolishly followed her temper and as a result of that, got marked by a low rank." "The Alpha is ashamed of me?" Max asked, his voice filled with hurt. Adrian sighed, "It is not a matter of shame..." he said, "It's how his daughter got marked was what irked him the most. Yes, we are low ranks and the alpha would have preferred an equal match but he knows about love. He knows that his daughter has some feelings towards you..." "I have to mate with her?" "Well, that is what the plan supposed to be, the marking will in the end be too much to bear, you'll be drawn to mate," Jerry said, "But Aveline remained stubborn on the matter, no matter what." "She's angry with me..." Max whispered. "Why is she so upset with you in the first place?" Jerry asked, wanting to know. "Because... I left her with no words on where I was going." Max replied regretfully, "I suppose when she saw me, she felt betrayed..." Jerry looked at him, not a word was spoken but he nodded, "If you do love my dear Aveline, then I suggest you to go and win her heart back. Yes, I know that in the end, you will be mated because of the marking but I would very much prefer that you two are mated on the basis of love." "How long do I have?" "As long as you can withstand the desire to mate with her..." Jerry answered grimly. Max understood now. True, that he might not be the perfect potential mate for Aveline but, he did love her and, despite of everything that seemed to have gone wrong between them. He hoped that he could win her heart back... *** The sound of the wolves howling woke Samuel up. He blinked, adjusting his eyes to the dark surrounding. He looked to the left and saw the Carrie wasn't by his side. He frowned, clearly not liking this situation at all. "Carinelle?" he called out but just as he had expected, there was no reply. He cursed and then he could hear the sound of water splashing from the bathroom. He stood up, not even bothering to put on the robe which Carrie must have prepared for him. He went to the door, tested the doorknob and found that it was locked. He growled again, becoming more frustrated with how his mate was behaving. No. Not mate. She wasn't completely his. He couldn't understand why she wouldn't complete the ritual and just bite him but he couldn't afford to waste more time on dealing about her behaviour. He's got an Alpha to overthrown. And then, just as he turned to put on the robe, he heard her crying. It was faint but he could still hear her. What now? He thought grumpily but he was concerned at the same time. He turned the doorknob, forgetting that she had locked it from the inside. He focused his energy and then, broke open the doorknob. He knew that he had to replace the door later but that was not the main priority here. He pushed open the door carefully, he could hear the sound of the shower louder and also, Carinelle's crying. He saw her silhouette from the shower curtain and felt aroused immediately. Her beautiful curvy outline seemed to tease him, calling him to close the gap and touch her. He swallowed. His throat felt stuck. "Carrie?" He whispered but she didn't seem to hear him, "Carrie... love?" He walked closer and closer to the shower and then pulled the curtain open gently. She gasped, tears were flowing down her face and her naked form was even more beautiful and tempting up close. He was in trance. It was as if he was under a spell. He went into the shower with her, despite of her feeble protests. His hands held hers, and his lips found purchase on the outline of her neck. He released his hold on her, as his hands ran down her back. Her arms fell numbly on her sides, frozen. He held her chin gingerly, and then kissing her lips deeply but she didn't kiss him back. It was as if she was cold and frozen. He would have thought that she had passed out if it weren't for her sobbing. His hard-on poked on her flat belly and she took a step back. He pulled her back to him, now becoming angrier with her rejection. His wolf growled, telling her that he was the one in charge here. Not her! He pushed her to the shower wall, she gasped. His hands held her hands firmly above her head. He growled at her, wanting her to subdue to him. He stared at the healed bite mark on her neck and then bending down, licking the scar seductively. "Bite me, my love, why wouldn't you bite me?" he asked quietly, teasing her by kissing her neck. She moaned, unable to hold her own building desires despite of her sadness. "Please... Sam... Please stop," she pleaded, her head turned to the left and he kept on kissing her. His kissed then, trailed down to the valley of her breasts. He suckled one nipple, rolling it with his tongue, tugging, making her quiver under his ministrations. He let go of her hands, he knelt down and started kissing her abdomen, trailing down to her warm sweet smelling centre. She gasped; her hands went down, entangled with his wet hair. The warm shower made the whole experience more surreal and pleasurable. He ran his hands down her thighs, and then he looked up at her. She looked at him, tears seemed to mix with the water shower. She looked so beautiful, he stood up. Their gaze never broke. Crossing Moon Ch. 14 Her desires seemed to match with his now. He took another step closer to her but this time; she didn't take a step back. He held her hands, and then brought one up to his lips. His gaze still locked to hers. He lifted her up with one smooth move, he kissed her lips as he carried her out from the shower stall and then gingerly place her on their unmade bed. He quickly went on top of her. He ran his hand down her wet hair. She touched his cheek gently. He bent his head down and kissed her thoroughly. She tugged at him, her own desires overwhelmed to what she needed to do. She shouldn't let him do this but he felt so good. She growled seductively, pushing him, rolling him on his back. She went on top of him; their naked skin touched one another. She grinded her body on his hard-on, teasing him; it was like her wolf had gained control over her senses. Her wet hair falling behind her, making her looked even more seductive. She kissed him. His hard-on pressed against her, she positioned herself, making sure that his hard-on was aligned to her sweet centre. She sank down, feeling his shaft going into her, slowly, inch by inch. Sensuous pleasure started to fill her as she rode him. Her breasts bounced, he had his hands on her hips, pulling her closer and closer and then, when he couldn't take it any longer. The wolf inside him howled, wanting to be in control. He flipped her and then started pounding into her from behind. It felt erotic. Carinelle held on the bedding covers, feeling the pleasure building higher and higher inside her and then just as she was about to burst into millions of pieces, he pulled out from her. "No...." she whimpered, looking at him but before she could even do anything. He rolled her over and then, positioned himself, aligning his hard-on on her love centre. He went inside her easily, pounding with a rhythm that only they knew how to dance. She stretched herself automatically, and he bent down and clamped his sharp teeth on her bite mark, just as he released himself inside her. It felt warm and she felt herself burst into pleasurable climax. She moaned, nibbling on his neck as he held on to her. His hard-on still deep within her; he licked her neck as she kept on nibbling, giving him playful bites. He was still hard inside her, even though he had that satisfying release, so he continued to slowly and teasingly pump in and out of her. Kissing her gingerly on the nape of her neck and then, he stopped, somehow knowing the hesitation inside her. He stopped, sighing, and then pulled out of her. He sat up straight and then had his back to the headboard. "You won't bite me, won't you?" he asked. Carinelle stared to the dark ceiling and then pulled the satin covers to her naked body. She looked up at him, knowing that he was trying to calm himself. She sat up and then found her robe by the chair. She stood up and put it on her sore naked form. "Isn't sex just enough?" she asked him. He growled. She quickly went to the vanity table and started to brush her hair until it became smooth and shinny. "Is that what you think I want?" He growled, standing up, "SEX?" She quickly stood up. Her hand grasped her brush tightly, "I thought you love me..." "No Carinelle, I THOUGHT you LOVE me!" he growled angrily, "Why the hell did you agreed to mate with me in the first place if you don't intend to be my mate forever?" She bit her lips. "Give me time, please, that's all I ask..." "TIME?" he demanded, "HOW MUCH LONGER?" This time, she couldn't answer him. "Just..." He cut her words, "If I don't know any better, I'd say that you're in love with somebody else!" Carinelle quickly looked down to her feet, "That's stupid..." she murmured. Samuel scoffed, "That's really it, isn't it?" He asked, "You ARE in love with someone else, well tough luck, my dear Carrie! You are stuck with me! I'm the one you mated with! You carry my bite mark! And I'm the one who took YOUR virginity away!" He started to pull a shirt and a pair of jeans from the wardrobe. Carinelle blinked with tears, "W – where are you going?" "You said you want time, I'm giving it to you NOW," he growled, fastening his jeans button, "I'm going out to cool myself or somebody's goanna end up real hurt and I don't mean just emotionally!" Carinelle slid down on the floor, tears flowing down her face as she watched her mate slammed the door, leaving her alone in her sadness and misery. Forgive me, Sammie... She thought regretfully. *** "The doughnut was good," Aveline told her brother, licking the remaining sugar off her fingers and then she wiped her fingers clean by using a clean wet tissue. "Avvie, can I ask you something?" Alven asked suddenly, as the two siblings sat by the lake. His car parked just a few metres from them. Aveline tucked a loose strand of her hair back to her ear, she looked at him, "About Max again?" she asked, feeling bored. "You know that you can't just forget about the seriousness of this matter, Avvie," Alven said to her carefully and then touched the healed mark on her neck, "I wish things can go back as before..." She sighed, "It used to be simpler," she agreed, "But not anymore..." "I wish I could beat Max into a bloody pulp," Alven growled, clenching his fist. "Aww, Alven, that's so sweet of you to protect me but don't worry, I can take care of myself," Aveline smiled at him. "But you loved him..." Alven said, "And yet..." She cut her brother's words off, "Yes, and yet, I remained a stubborn wolf," she grinned, "I love him but it doesn't mean that I'm just going to throw myself at him. He lied to me, no matter how justified he thinks his reasons was." "But the marking..." Alven said, pausing, "You wouldn't be able to stop yourself from completing the bond." "Well, my stubbornness will make the mating game much more exciting, don't you think so Alven?" she asked him, "But enough about me, what about you Alven? We must focus on you, for once..." "Me?" "Yes, you, dear brother," Aveline said, "Why you said that Carrie was making a big mistake?" Alven bit his lips and then he looked away, focusing on the ripples of the water on the lake, he picked up a pebble near him and then threw it to the lake, admiring the way of the new ripples forming on the surface of the water. "Alven?" She called him, giving him a light push on his shoulder. He looked at her, "I don't know," he said hesitantly, "I just... – Look, Avvie, this might sound weird but... I was compelled to protect her. I wanted to take her into my arms..." He sighed, pausing, "It's stupid, I know, I mean, Carrie is happily mated and in love, I should be happy for her." Aveline sighed, "I guess all of us are just being too protective over her," she amended her thoughts. "Yeah, I suppose so," he nodded his head, "But I really care for her, I really do, I've never realized it before..." "It's always like that," she murmured, "We always realize who we love when it's just too late to turn back..." "Love?" His eyes went wide. She looked at him, "We care for her, don't we?" But he could see that she didn't really mean that way. She was talking about something else; something that could mean entirely different. She gave him a little smile and then, she offered him the box of doughnuts, it was as if she was telling him that everything will be all right – everything will be OK... *** TO BE CONTINUED... *** Crossing Moon Ch. 15 *** All thanks goes to Izabella for editing this series! *** 20th December 2008, 9.30 PM, living room. I must be strong. I must not give in to this whole crap thing called MARKING. I've... well, I have to admit that I've gotten dreams of us becoming one and each time, the dreams become much more addictive and seductive. My wolf was in pure agony. I could feel it. Burning right into my deepest core but I'm sorry, wolf, I will not give in my remaining free will. I will not surrender. Whenever the call become close for me to lose it, I broke into a run and phase into my wolf form. I sprinted as far as I can go. I filled my mind with a lot of unrelated things like how I'm going to catch that bird flying above the sky or even how I'm going to leap from one boulder to another. All those random thoughts. Alven helped me by running by my side. He needed the run as well. He was confused with himself already. He had this fear that he might have lost what was there waiting for him all along and he was afraid to admit or even find out what he had lost. Which I must say, make sense, in a weird way. Because, if the situation was reversed, I'd want to save myself the regret of losing something that was important to me but I had failed to see it in the first place. So, I totally understood why Alven was behaving like this. Mom and Dad are a bit upset with me, I suppose. They didn't like my being too stubborn. "You brought this problem to yourself," Dad had told me earlier, Mom just looked at me, knowing that Dad will surely bring whatever things she'd wanted to say in full blast, "When that boy come for dinner tomorrow night, you will come and join us." THAT BOY! Ugh, so Dad's goanna try and play matchmaker is it? Well, two can play the same game! I don't want to stand so close to Maxwell! I'm afraid that I might lose it. I mean, what if I can't hold my desires when he's standing so seductively close?? Sigh. I'm such a coward. I keep on using the MARKING excuse to get away from him. I just... Sigh, what if seeing him again will make me fall in love with him all over again and at the same time, my heart would break? I just don't know how I'm going to do this. I guess, running is probably the safest and most coward choice ever. Mom and Dad can force me as much as they want and I'll play along but when that DINNER come and THAT BOY is here, I'll go out from the back door and RUN! Who says I should play fair? Avvie From Carinelle Hynes Thorn's diary: 20th December 2008, 11.30 PM, balcony. I haven't seen Samuel for five days now. Sigh. How am I going to make up for this? Is there any other way than to surrender and bite him? Is that my only choice? Give in and bite? Sigh. I know that I'm being stupid, reckless and selfish. The only victim here is just Samuel. I'm the one who dragged him into this mess in the first place. It's kind of sad really. I mean, the situation I am in now. I feel so lonely and alone. The other wolves that have mated didn't have this kind of problem. They are so in love and peaceful with one another that it made my heart bled to think that I won't probably ever going to have a chance of ever feeling that. Mom and Dad, for example, they've gone through such a huge obstacle and tests in their lives but at least they have each other. The love they felt for one another was enough to last them. I want a love like that. I want to wake up every morning and stare into the eyes of the man I love. Sigh. Sadly that can never happen now. It was entirely my fault. I was just too rash in making the decision of agreeing to mate with Samuel in the first place. I was hurt. I was lost. And oh, I really should stop making excuses for myself. Bottom line is that, this was my fault to begin with and so, I shall suffer for life but that doesn't mean that I'd want Samuel to suffer with me... Forgive me... Forgive me, my dear mate, for breaking your heart. I promise you, I will love you. I will learn. I will complete the ritual... Just bear with me. Give me time. Forgive me... Carrie. *** Gracielle looked at her daughter, she patted her shoulder and gave a little smile, "You do know that your father and I love you very much..." she paused, "If there is any other way, we wouldn't have agreed to this dinner." Aveline sighed, "I know, Mom," she paused, "There IS another way..." "Is that so?" Gracielle's forehead creased. "I'm sure I can have a few wolves lined up and ready to fight for me..." she said solemnly. Gracielle shook her head, "Don't be silly," she chastised her daughter, "You love that boy." Aveline pouted, "Mom, I won't give in that easily..." "Shh," Gracielle shushed her, "Your dad's coming with Malcolm, Adrian and THAT BOY..." "Mom, please.... stop calling him that way..." Aveline sighed. "You said you hate the boy and yet you want me to address him by his name," Gracielle grinned, feeling amused with the whole situation abruptly. "Well, Jerry said that Maxwell is a good boy. Quiet but he certainly has a good heart..." But before Aveline could even utter a single reply; the majestic double door pulled open and then, her father, along with Malcolm, Adrian and – her heart stabbed at the sight – Maxwell. Aveline bit her lips and her hands felt so empty all of the sudden. She clenched it tight on her sides and just looked at them – trying hard to not to divert her attention to Maxwell. Her wolf rebelled inside her, recognizing the delicious seductive aura that was wafting out from Maxwell. It took all of her strength to not burst and leaped into his arms. Maxwell seemed to feel the pull too as he quickly bent his head down and focused his gaze on his steps. Damn the Marking! Aveline cursed in her mind. The next following event felt like a blur to Aveline. Gracielle sauntered gracefully to her mate's side and had her arm linked to his. James continued to talk about random stuff but clearly was important as it was relating to the pack's development. Honestly, Aveline didn't really give any attention to what her father was saying. Her feet felt frozen on the floor and it wasn't until Malcolm gave her an evil eye that she broke out from her trance but she kept a good distance from walking next to Maxwell. She walked by Adrian's side instead, but it felt so awkward but she thought that it was better than walking side by side to a wolf whose pull was simply irresistible. "How are you, my Alpha Princess?" Adrian asked as the group walked down the hall and then turned to the private dining area. "I'm good," Aveline replied quickly. She didn't trust herself to be strong enough to overcome the pull. She needed to calm herself first so she kept quiet and she was thankful that Adrian didn't have the urgent need to be so friendly. Once again, it felt like time had flew past her. Except her and her attention to the annoying pull that was getting really hard to contain. Was this what her parents and Uncle Jerry had schemed about? Put her and Maxwell in one room and expect them to blow up? She didn't like that thought one bit! So she let herself be carried with the flow of the situation. When one of the low pack members pulled a dining chair for her in respect, she sat down and murmured her thank-you; and when they started to serve appetizers, she just took her spoon and numbly ate her portion. She didn't know what she was eating but it tasted good – in a numb way, she could still register the fact that she was eating something sweet and tangy. She could hear the others talking, trying to liven up the situation and perhaps they really were enjoying their time. But honestly, she knew that both Maxwell and she were probably the only ones who felt like they were undergoing some kind of sadistic punishment. It felt like punishment because her wolf was howling inside her, begging her, pleading her to give in and feel the pleasure that was sure to be hers for the taking. It was then she looked up from her plate, as one of the low ranks took her plate and prepared to serve their dinner. What a big mistake it was! The moment she lifted her eyes, she noticed that Maxwell hadn't touched his appetiser at all! And all this time, he was staring at her. His eyes filled with – she was thrilled to see and yet annoyed at the same time – love and longing. She bit her lips, she was so tempted to look away but she was the Alpha Princess here! She was supposed to be more DOMINANT than him! So she kept her gaze and looked at him, challenging him but her pride gave her a bit of a problem. Her longing felt too much for her to bear, all of the sudden, it felt like everything had vanished and only the two of them were left in her own eyes. She could numbly hear what the others were saying – they were talking about all kind of stuff, like how the packs' economy status was improved over the years. She closed her eyes, sighing a heavy breath. She stood up, her hands slammed on the table and everything went silent. She opened her eyes and saw all eyes were on to her. Tears flow down her eyes, "I'm sorry," she mumbled, taking a step back from her seat, "This dinner is a mistake!" and then she ran out from the room. James cursed. Jerry shook his head. Gracielle looked at Fiorelle with her sad eyes. Adrian looked at the door where Aveline had run, "Go to her, son," he whispered. "I – I don't think that would be a good idea, Dad..." Max said reluctantly, "The – um, the pull was so strong. I – I don't think I can stop myself from -," James's eyes flared up angrily, "For once, you got that right, boy!" he said angrily, he stood up, "I don't even know why I agreed to have this dinner set up in the first place!" Jerry stood up, "It was our idea, remember, James?" Jerry said, trying to calm his friend down, "Aveline will be fine, she just needs some time alone to cool down." "Yes my love," Gracielle nodded, "Aveline needs to forgive and accept the inevitable," she paused, "we all know that the Marking will be too much for them to bear, sooner or later, they will have to complete the bond. We had this dinner in hopes that Aveline will at least be friendly to that idea, remember?" James growled and then plopped back down on his seat, "All of this can be easily prevented if..." Fiorelle cut his words and gently said, "If only Aveline had learnt to control her temper... Her wolf is just too rebellious to be contained yet... Let her be, James, she needs this to happen, all of this things happened for one good reason. One that we might not see now but I am certain that Aveline will grow up and gain something good from all of this..." Max looked at the door; he could only hope that she would accept him – he didn't want her to mate with him because of the pull which had felt so strong earlier, but he wanted her to accept him because they loved each other... Oh wow, he sounded like a hopeless romantic person. He sighed. He knew that they would mate sooner or later and he was running against the time itself but he didn't want to use the Marking as an excuse to bind her to him forever. No. He was not that type of man who would cowardly use that excuse to have the girl who he loved truly. No. He was the man who would woo her and make her legs fall limp under him. *** Aveline ran through the corridor, running past the low ranks that all seemed like a blur to her. The pull was just too much! She needed to get away before her wolf rebelled through and gained control of her body and – she feared – her heart. Running made her feel good. It felt like she was releasing a whole lot of burden off her shoulders. She guessed that it was probably a good idea that Alven was out hunting tonight, maybe she'd bump into him once she ripped her clothes off and phase. She wanted to run under the moonlight! She pushed open the main door, ran down the steps and then, just a few metres away from her haven. She froze. What was she doing? Why was she running out from her own HOUSE? She took a deep breath. "I'm stronger than this. No freaky wolf ties are going to bring me down!" she vowed, her eyes closed, and then she opened her eyes. She looked up to the dark sky above and then whispered to the half-hidden moon, "I'm stronger..." her tone challenged the moon. She looked back to her home and then walked slowly back inside. She gained speed gradually and then broke into a run. She ran up the grand staircase and then sprinted straight to her bedroom. She locked the door and then slammed open her balcony door. She had her hands on the rail and then took a deep breath. She felt strangely at peace, so she took a step back and then slumped down on her beanie chair. She yanked her collar down and traced her finger gingerly on the bite mark and sighed, "I love you Max but I don't want to be with you..." And her wolf howled, protesting inside her, wanting her to let her pride wash away and surrender to her desires... But Aveline was one stubborn girl and she won't give in that easily. *** "You're home..." Carinelle said, trying to sound cheerful to her mate. Samuel scowled at her. She bit her lips but she smiled at him anyway, knowing full well that it was her fault to begin with. Samuel walked past her and then placed his coat in their closet. He unbuttoned his shirt and shrugged it out. He put it into the laundry basket next to the closet. She sighed but she kept on a happy face. Samuel turned his back at her as he looked out through the floor-length window. She bit her lips again; she wanted to make amends with her mate – her husband, so she knew what she needed to do. What she should have done ages ago... She pulled her spaghetti strap top off and then, took her lacy black bra off. She let her clothes pooled on the floor. She knew that Samuel heard what she was doing but he didn't look at her. She swallowed as she took a step forward and then another towards him. She leaned her head on his warm back and then wrapped her arms around his strong waist. He tensed but he didn't push her away, so she took that as a good sign. She started to kiss his back tentatively, making an invisible line with her soft seductive kisses. She released her hold on him and then softly caressed the top of his shoulders and then down on his arms. She entwined her hands to his and he let her do whatever she wanted. "What do you want Carinelle?" he asked softly, his voice filled with desires - desires which he was trying to deny. She smiled, she knew his desires all too well, "Why the formality, my dear?" she asked in a hushed seductive whisper. Then, she pressed herself on his back, feeling his warmth enveloping hers. Her breasts flattened against his back. He growled, "What are you playing at?" "Nothing but to make you feel pleasure..." she whispered back, running her hand on his body. "Pleasure?" he growled, "I'll show you pleasure!" with that, he whipped her up into his arms and then threw her into their bed. He then quickly went on top of her and he held both of her arms high above her. He stared at her, anger coursed in his soul. He didn't quite forgive her with her behaviour last time. She smiled under him. "Will you kiss me?" she asked him playfully. He scowled at her, "Why are you teasing me?" "Why, I thought you're going to show me pleasure..." she smiled as she lifted her head and then kissed his lips gently but that simple gesture was enough to break his wall against her. She lay back on the bed and smiled at him. He quickly released her hands and then he traced the planes of her face with his fingers. He kissed the tip of her nose and then down to meet her full lips. She responded with such passion that he pulled her closer to him, wanting her to be one with him. She pulled away from him for a moment, trying to catch her breath. She smiled at him, and then pushed him on his back. She straddled him, and caressed his chest with her hands. She bent down and kissed him again. His hands tugged at the button of her jeans and she helped him taking off her jeans and her panties along the way. She was naked and then she pouted at him, "You're half dressed..." she complained. He smiled at her, "You noticed..." he teased her. She gave a little impatient growl and then bent down to his pants. She used her teeth to pull open the button of his pants off and then she pulled his pants swiftly off him. His hard-on stood proudly and all for her. She quickly gave his hardness a little kiss on the head. She cooed and then started to give his hard-on an appreciative kiss. Then, she gave it a little lick, "Tasty..." she whispered. He gave a little chuckle as she started to envelop his hardness like a big delicious lollipop. He moaned in ecstasy as she increased her speed and then just as he was about to burst out in pleasure, she stopped. "No..." he groaned, protesting. His wife had become such a tease! She chuckled as she climbed on top of him and then positioned herself on him. She sank down slowly, feeling him inside her – so warm and so full. She gave a little coo of appreciation, and she just looked at him, not moving. She wanted to feel him fully inside her. He touched her face gently, her hair falling behind her. She looked so beautiful to him. "Kiss me..." he whispered to her, still caressing her cheeks. She put his hand to her lips and then bent down to kiss the tip of his nose. He groaned but she chuckled again and this time, she kissed his lips. Desires overwhelmed him; his wolf wanted to be the one dominating her, so he flipped her onto her back and nibbled at her neck. Her hands caressed his back and then she held on as he pushed in deeper inside her and then pulled out, giving her alternating strokes of sensual speed. His wolf howled inside him, as he gained on more speed. He could hear her moan under him, writhing under sweet pleasure. He felt an instantaneous pride as he was the one making her moan. He bit her neck, the same spot where his bite mark scar was. Somehow, he expected her to not bite back, as it was her norm to do so but he was so surprised when she bit him back even if he could sense her hesitation. Oh the sweet pain. Her bite made his wolf gained control, and pure wolf instincts overwhelmed him. He tightened his bite on her, and so does she, as he continued to pound into her, faster and then, she felt very warm as he filled her with his seed. Carinelle felt sleepy abruptly and drained. She released her bite on him, tasting his blood in her mouth. Regret and a whole lot of mixed emotions were fighting inside her as her eyes rolled back as she slowly fell asleep. He was still deep inside her, so he gathered her to him, holding her close. He smiled, just as he started to fall asleep too, his original plan was back in motion... *** When Carinelle opened her eyes, it took her a full minute to realize that she was staring to the ceiling. Her heart felt empty as she slowly pushed Samuel's hand off her waist. He grumbled a bit in his sleep but he didn't wake up. Good, she thought to herself as she carefully got out from the bed and then she stretched a bit, feeling the soreness all over her body. She went to the bathroom, wanting to lock the door but then, she remembered that Samuel had broken the lock off. She closed the door and then rested her back on the door, sighing. She looked up, straight into her reflection and saw a very sad looking girl staring back at her. Tears were pooling in her eyes. "Oh, don't cry..." she whispered to her reflection. "Don't cry..." she paused as she went forward to the bathroom counter and touched her reflection on the vanity mirror. "I did what I should have done ages ago...This is my responsibility." her eyes trailed to the healed bite mark reflection. There were traces of blood on her neck, she bit her lips, as she turned on the tap and quickly splashed water on to it but the dried blood won't come off. Crossing Moon Ch. 15 She quickly became frustrated, splashing more and more water to the bite mark as if that action alone could erase what she had done. What she had regretted the most... She had mated, not because of love... but because... Sigh. Still, Samuel did not deserve this, however justified she might have thought her reasons were, so she promised to herself to be a better mate from now on. Tears were rolling down her cheeks now, threatening herself to lose control and break into fits of sobs. She quickly splashed water to her face. "Stop it!" she chastised herself, "You wanted this! So don't cry!!" It would do her no good if Samuel wakes up and hear her cries. Not when he's in such a good mood. Oh, she could feel it. Their bonded souls connected to a level where she could feel how ecstatic he was but she wasn't feeling the same way so she worked hard to feel happy. She didn't want him to feel upset or worse, sad with her. No. Samuel was far too kind and too loving to her to be crushed. She needed to grow up now and most importantly, she needed to fall out of love from Alven. She owed that to him – her mate, Samuel. *** Samuel could feel his mate snuggling close to him. His eyes were closed shut but he was wide awake. "Carrie..." he whispered. "Hmm..." she asked back. "You bit me..." he said, she could hear the satisfaction in his voice. She snuggled close to his chest, her lips twitched to a wan smile, "I'm feeling a bit cold," she said, gathering the duvet closer to her. He held her closer to him, hugging her tightly, giving her his warmth. "Toasty warm?" he asked. "Yes, thanks..." she murmured. She closed her eyes and tried to fall back to sleep. "Carrie..." he called her softly, gently caressing her skin with his free hand. "Hmm..." she said, her eyes still closed shut. "Why did you do it?" he asked her. "I'm sorry for hurting you," she said, snuggling close to him, "I promise I will learn to love you, more than ever..." more than ever, she repeated in her mind, her tone became sadder, more than I've ever loved you, Alven... He didn't say anything to her but he just held her close. He knew that what he had planned and what had been set in motion would probably hurt her more but in time, she'd see. She'd know that changes were crucial in a wolf's survival... She'd understand. She had to. *** How many days had it been? Alven wondered to himself idly, half aware that his sister was restless. She seemed to be unable to sit at one place for quite a long time. She had sat at an armchair at the living room corner and then moved to stare at the floor-length window, just watching the other low ranks prowling and doing their daily activities. Then, she walked around the room, sending out signals of her being so restless. "This is stupid!" she cried out, panting, and then slid down on the floor, "the marking is trying to overcome me!" "Perhaps..." Alven said, "But have you ever wondered that maybe you secretly wanted this? That might helped fuelled your desires..." Aveline frowned, "You. Are. Insane," she stated word by word, clearly not amused with his revelation. "It is still possible," Alven said dryly. Aveline held her tongue; she felt it was simply pointless to argue more with her brother, so instead, she sat down on an armchair just a few steps away to him. The two siblings remained coated in silence for a few moment, both lost with words. Alven was about to say something, a line of apology but his sister looked up to him and said, "I wanted to experience life outside the pack..." her voice sounded so sad, "that was why we decided to go to the school in the first place." "I'm sorry, Avvie." he said regretfully. "There's nothing to be sorry about," she paused, "everything happens for a good reason, I suppose, aren't they all are?" she tried to sound positive but she was sad with how things had revolved. "First, Carrie had to go and decide to mate and then, this. I had been forced into a Marking which I hadn't even wanted in the first place... I'm still too young to mate..." "We can always pack our bags and leave..." Alven suggested. "That does sound tempting, Alven but I can't just run from my problems," she said, shaking her head, "I need to face them." "Facing them means you'd have to complete the bond with the guy." Alven paused, "Are you aware of that, Avvie?" Aveline nodded, "I always know all along that I need to face my own problems, it's just that, sometimes, there's still a part of me that doesn't want to face it," she turned to him, "oh, Alven, maybe...maybe I am a coward." "We all are, in face of something that's new and uncertain but we also have courage, we need to remember that." Alven replied, hoping that his words would soothe the storm in his sister's heart. Aveline sighed. "I just can't look at him in the eyes..." Alven was tempted to ask her why but he didn't ponder on, instead he stood up and said brightly, "Let's just phase and run..." She smiled faintly, "now?" but she stood up anyway, her gaze fell to the window. She could see the sun. It looked so warm. So safe And definitely, free. So she gave a little chuckle, "I guess I can face Max later." Alven felt sad abruptly, despite of the cheery facade that his sister was wearing on her beautiful face, "I know you love him and yet, you chose to stand on your own values and beliefs..." he paused, "I think it's really mature of you, Avvie." Aveline smiled widely – to be called and recognized mature by Alven was something that she rarely ever heard or even think that she'd live the day to even see the potential of him saying that, she hugged him tightly, "Thank you, Alven..." her eyes closed tight and for once, she felt calm. *** A beautiful black wolf rested on its paw. Its back was streaked with silvery lines, with a hint of red in it. Vex approached the wolf in his dark brown form but then he phased into his human form and then knelt down near to the wolf. He patted the wolf gently on its paw. The wolf looked at him. "My Queen..." Vex started but the wolf abruptly slashed its paw on his face, fresh red blood flow down on his cheeks and even then, the cut started to heal. Vex realized his mistake and quickly took a step back. The wolf then phased to its human form. "Do not ever address me as Queen, Vex," she said bitterly, "I am no longer the Alpha Queen of the Black Wolves..." her voice was sour and full of anger. "Forgive me, Merdienne..." Vex said. "I am just Merdienne and nothing more, I have nothing in this world that's worth keeping," she said, pausing, "My mate and my children are all dead under the hands of Jerry Thorn!" "And James Ruben, Merdienne?" Vex offered. Her eyes blazed, "Indeed!" she said angrily, her voice was filled with sadness and yet it was full of rage. "Samuel will have their heads on a silver plate for you, Merdienne," he told her. "I do not trust him," Merdienne said, she looked at him, "I only have you, Raga and a few number of us but we are strong..." "Samuel only wants to be the top of the pack, Merdienne," Vex said again, "He is a good ally for us..." "He can have what he wants," Merdienne told him, her beautiful red curly hair flow down on her shoulders, covering her naked breasts, "I only want what is rightfully mine..." "Blood?" "Yes, Vex," Merdienne looked up at the moon, "We are stranded now but with the moon's blessing, we will triumph, and I will be satisfied when I see their offspring's blood on my hands." "And you shall, Merdienne, and our pack will once again be valued and flourish..." Vex said eagerly. "Where is Raga? I have sent word for him to meet me." Merdienne asked him. "He is on his way, Merdienne," Vex paused, "The Alpha Thorn's offspring mated with Samuel, is she still -," Merdienne cut his words off mid-sentence, "I do not care, as long as they are the descendants of the Ruben and Thorn pack, I will have my retribution..." "And what about Samuel? Forgive me, for asking this Merdienne, but that girl is, without a doubt, his mate." "He does not love her," Merdienne told him, "He has assured me of his plan a long time ago, and even if he does ever fall in love for her, I will not have mercy for their fathers did not have mercy on mine..." Merdienne then phased back to her wolf form and then sprinted away, and Vex knew right away that the meeting was over. He needed to go back and inform the rest of his pack soon enough and then he'd go and tell Samuel but he'll leave out the part where Merdienne Angela Blackesta would kill and have her revenge no matter what. He'd edit and clean up some words for sure and besides, his Queen had stated that Samuel was not to be trusted and how could she? Jerry Thorn had gained their trust but he betrayed them by leading them to the pack's deaths and all those promises were just nothing but lies to gain their attention. They might think that they've destroyed the Black Wolves, oh yes, they were on the brink of extinction but their Queen had saved a number of them. Those whom she could manage to save and protect in such a short scarce time. He was in debt with her. He was still alive because of her and for that, he will work hard to appease her. Oh, his Queen shall have her vengeance with blood. And now, he had to meet someone in his mind: Adrian Thorn and his rebellious son, Max. *** TO BE CONTINUED... ***