10 comments/ 1810 views/ 9 favorites Simply His Ch. 35-38 By: CalyPy Chapter 35 "The Alliance - Part 1" Another dead body hits the ground as he growls and hits the already damaged wall; several other hits around the same spot reveal the long term violent relationship. He takes a deep breath and looks around his office, four almost-betas dead in what had been the longest three days of his life, dead by his own hands. He sits behind his desk and closes his eyes as he tries to think on his next moves. Who would have thought the presence of her would make such a huge difference amongst the pack members; the same ones who are now restless. "That bitch... I have to get her back, one way or another..." He whispers to himself then he starts chuckling. "If they don't give my Luna back, I will just have to take theirs..." He finished with a grin. --***-- *Meadow* I stand beside Caleb as he holds my hand firmly; he is tense, and I know why. The presence of the vampires in our land makes the pack tense. I look down to his hand in mine and sigh blushing as I stare at my ring, I still can't believe he proposed. I mean, I daydreamed about it, what woman doesnt? But I was content with knowing I had a mate for life; this was my cherry on top. His cellphone rings and it breaks my bubble as I see him pull it to his ear. "Craig... yes, all is in order, they should be crossing the first line soon, we will have the information when they do. Where did you last see them?" I wondered how Craig was doing with Bella, I felt a little curious but asking about it now was out of order, we were about to welcome the vampires. "That's fine, just make sure no others are coming behind. I will see how we can manage the proper changes. Thanks." Caleb cut the call and took a deep breath. "Are you ok?" I asked, he looked at me and smiled, caressing my cheek softly and I blushed. Oh I will never stop reacting like this to his touch, no matter how simple it was. "Craig escorted them to the beginning of our territory lines, Isilwen was the first one to welcome them, Alex is already there with Cara, they are escorting them here." He revealed and I nodded, he was specific about what was happening and would be happening but avoided to answer my question, I wasn't going to let that go. 'Are you ok...?' I pushed more in our intimate network, he closed his eyes and nodded. 'I am ok, it is just the first time we will have an encounter with so many races that does not involve a war. At least, not yet. We will be fighting a strong pack, a demon, something tells me Aeneas did not share all he knew about him either.' He finally revealed to me and I caressed his face softly. 'You are doing the right thing, you are a great leader Caleb, you had always been, before you even met me... your people know this, people from far lands know this, that is why they came to you. Now have a little more confidence on you, like we do.' I told him and he opened his eyes and smiled at me, caressing my face. Then we both felt it, Alex and Cara were approaching and something else was coming with them. I closed my eyes to focus on what I was feeling, sensing. It was raw, pure, strong. I felt goosebumps as if I was coming closer to an energy source, kind of like those Tesla coils I used to play with inside the bubble lamp at the electronic stores. They were powerful, there was no questions about it. I felt Caleb shaking me and I opened my eyes to meet his ones with worry. 'Dont scare me like that... I might loose it if they affect you in some way.' He whispered into my mind and I nodded, unable to word out how I felt. At the distance I saw them walk towards us; Queen Isilwen was glowing radiant, four drows guarding her at each side, and Alex was not far with Cara at his side. I saw Aeneas walk proudly smiling as his eyes met mine, it made me shiver slightly, his cockyness was something I would have to deal often. Behind, there were seven others who walked not far from him, but who reflected almost pain into each step they took. It was obvious to me they were not comfortable into this territory. There was an escort of five of Caleb's trusted warriors around them at a safe distance. Our pack was gathered behind us, they were tense yet behaving wonderfully, I was so proud. "Wolf King, we meet again... and the beautiful, gorgeous Luna... Meadow, you look stunning." His words took me by surprise, making me blush and hesitate for a moment. Caleb growled lowly and I was forced to overcome the uncomfortable sensation fast. "Aeneas, smooth as always. Welcome to our land, our pack welcomes you and your kind to our home. We trust you will all be at your best behaviour, as you already promised us." I managed to say and as soon as I did, he blinked in surprise. Caleb instantly relaxing and starting to laugh. Queen Isilwen walked by pass them and reached our side, I smiled at her and she returned the smile, then gestured her wisps to fly up and away; the view was enchanting. "Luna..." She acknowledged me then focused her eyes into our guests. "Welcome Aeneas, and those who accompany you." Caleb started, then paused to make sure he had all of their attentions focused. The vampires made a half circle behind Aeneas. "While you are here in our land, you will be treated as equals, respected and protected..." One of the female vampires snorted almost mocking which caused our pack to growl in sync, this scared all of them, and I smiled inside. Our pack was a force on its own. Aeneas exchanged a dangerous look at the female then returned his attention to us. "You see... that demon is not the only thing dangerous in these lands." Caleb continued, looking directly at the female, and I tried hard not to laugh. If Aeneas was cocky, he was at least playful and modest when serious times came, his traveling companions were more than annoyed, as if they were forced to be here on the first place. Something tells me they are not fully aware of what we are fighting against. "I will make things simple, very simple. Any vampire who makes a move against a wolf or any creature of any race in our territory will be hunted and killed. Trust me when I tell you we know what to do and how to do it to make your death long and painful." Caleb stated and this made them all tense, earning more than one disdain look from them. "The same way I make this warning clear to all wolves; anyone who makes a move against one of our guests, any race they might be, will deal with deadly consequences. I am proud of my pack, if one disappoints me he or she will earn the mark from the pack." This time I shivered, I remember Cara told me that when a wolf breaks direct orders from the Alpha and acts against another living creature, they earn something called a *mark* and this meant they were humiliated and locked in a cell until it was decided what to do with them, and that meant either death or being an omega, the lowest rank, worse than rogues. Silence took over and everyone was clear what Caleb's warnings meant, these were troubled times and even though we were forced to share territory for the upcoming battle, we had a common enemy to focus on defeating. I looked up at Caleb and admired his courage and strength, he was someone who no one tried to mess with, his presence and his demeanor made his point clear. I started to get an idea of what Cara mean once when she told me he was a feared and ferocious legend. "Enough of threats, you know why we are here, those around you are not the enemy, and that should be all that matters. Let's get our guests comfortable." He finished and a few of our pack members came offering our guests drinks, they looked with wide eyes at the large glasses of fresh blood and quickly started drinking it. Aeneas chuckling and shaking his head. He walked to us and offered his hand to Caleb, who didn't hesitate and shook it; as leaders they needed to show they were working together, and it made me proud of them both. "Rowen, do you have a place to gather and talk? we have to start talking about what will happen next. I have a bad hunch on his next moves." Aeneas began and Caleb nodded. "Let's go to the command center, your people can stay here if they wish to, no one will harm them and they will be treated as family." Caleb said as he pulled me gently into his arms and we started heading to the center. "I will only bring Camilla with me, the rest will stay and get drunk with blood. I suspect you had something to do with the elixir, Queen Drow." He said without looking at her, Queen Isilwen's soft giggle made Aeneas stop walking and look at her. "I heard you creatures of the night enjoy the taste of our blood... a little bit has been harvested as a treat." Her soft melodic voice almost whispered, but I sensed something else behind her words. I perked a brow at her and she was grinning. Caleb shook his head and pulled me tight to him as we entered the building. Aeneas closed his eyes and the tall, slender female behind him shivered. "Gross..." she whispered and he chuckled. "I can feel you are making her happy, but there is a strong aura around her, whatever he did to her still affects her." Aeneas said and he opened his eyes. "What exactly happened? If it is not too much to ask." He asked with a hint of anger, I didn't understood why he would be angry, we were actually helping Agape. "She is beginning to collaborate, she wasn't at first but we managed to slowly make her more comfortable with us. Most of this thanks to Meadow, she only talks to her." Caleb informed him, and he just nodded. "There is also her mother, who ran away and made it to our lands, she shared with us a very interesting story..." I added, Aeneas' eyes focusing on me this time. "Care to share what she told you?" He asked this time with less anger, but he was still a little annoyed. I was frustrated trying to understand why. "Aeneas, what's wrong? why are you so irritated?" I finally asked; he looked at me then at Caleb. "I don't like to be kept in that kind of dark, we were supposed to be allies." "We are working against the clock, we are on the same side, and she is the mate of one of our pack's members. Climb down the ego hill and focus for fucks sake! We are sharing you what we know at our first chance." Caleb snapped at him and I gasped, his short temper was going to be a little issue to approach some time soon when we were alone. Camilla, the female behind Aeneas hissed, and I instantly growled at her. I didn't meant to, I really didn't even think about it, it was a natural reaction to me. It was Queen Isilwen the one who interrupted us, she stepped in between and looked at us all. "If you can't control yourselves in this room alone, how do you pretend to control in front of your people outside?" She left the question reach us, and we were caught in the truth of her words. I admired her for her courage. "She is right..." I said. "Lets focus on working together and respect our differences. For a start, we will show you a tape of what Daphne told us, Agape's mother. After that, you might see her yourself if she feels comfortable with it. I already told her the possibility of breaking her bond with Cornelius, she thought I was crazy but only for the difficulty of the idea, she doesn't like him, but she feels the pull with him. You might be our answer to that." Aeneas nodded. "Ok, lets begin... if what you all are claiming is true, and she does want to break the fake pull, we might have a chance to end it, and this will become our greatest weapon against him. --***-- Chapter 36 "The Alliance - Part 2" Breaking through the line of wolves, he moves to his target. He pushes bodies left to right and aims specifically to the one he faced many times before. He doesn't have much time, it has to be perfect, he has no other choice; failure is not an option. He howls and more of his wolves run behind him, a deadly wreck ball pushing thru the lines of the enemy. He finally finds his target and crashes against him with all his force. The young wolf whimpers and loses consciousness as his head hits the pavement. He smirks and sinks his teeth in his neck, breaking the furred skin a little; then he quickly releases him and bites his paw and lets some of his blood slip in before the skin regenerates. It was done, he made it. A new pawn in his bloodline now ready to be used. He hears the howls and feels the earth shake, the sign they need to leave now. He drops the body on the floor and orders the retreat. He needed to move fast, they cant suspect anything. --***-- *Caleb* We reach the borderlines in order to see only a few remaining wolves still fighting; they are strong, still clawing and chewing the enemy. I find Demark snapping the neck of one of them and I run to him. This is not good, they came, attacked, and left. I am glad I didn't let Meadow come, this not something for her to see. They managed to hurt many and kill a few, they came without warning, and just at our territory limits; we weren't expecting this. This is pissing me off and I am close to lose it in front of my people, in a way it will blow up my biggest secret. I can't lose it now, I need to go back to Meadow and let her scent and touch sooth me... I can't break out now and lose the only advantage we have in against Cornelius, my only advantage. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*- *Meadow* I can feel his anger and pain together. I feel agitated and restless as I want to go to him and aid in any way I can. Queen Isilwen has her eyes closed and she is focusing on something, she hasn't shared much. Cara is pacing back and forth and I am starting at the screen watching Agape cry and pull from her hair as if she has gone mad. "His closeness pulls on their bond and she feels how her body wants to run to him. But she doesn't want to give in. She is brave, I admire that." Aeneas broke the silence and I nodded; he was right, she has been different ever since we talked and she heard the story of her mother. She cried but of love when we let them both reunite, and her first words to me were *Please... do whatever you can to break it.* I knew what she meant, I knew well. "Aeneas... what can we do? How can we break their connection?" I asked and shuddered, Gideon caressing the picture of Agape through the screen. I felt so sorry for him, he was tense, sad, angry. Nothing was being easy for him. "I don't think there is much I can do without doing something you might not like it... and that is, I need to taste her blood..." He said and Gideon moved his head away from the screen for the first time to look at him. I on the other hand, was trying hard to believe he was asking this because, well, he is a vampire, and they work on blood as well. I really hope I am not mistaken in this. "And if you taste her blood, you will... what exactly?" I asked, wanting some confirmation. He chuckled and smiled at me. "Smart Luna; we make our bonds in the same way, through bloodlines. We create deeper ones though, but they work in more subtil ways than the ones of this demon. If I have a taste of her blood, I will know more about the bond and understand how he is working on a deeper level." He answered and that gave me hope. "Why don't you just bite her and create a new bond?" Asked Gideon. "I rather have her bonded with someone on the good side who is not driving her insane." He whispered as he stared back at her on the screen. "Vampire's blood cannot be mixed easily with werewolves, there has to be consent in the first place, and werewolves can't be charmed like humans." Said Camilla, the female vampire. She was quiet most of the time and now was the first time she talked longer than 3 words. I tensed, Caleb was closer and he was not calm, I felt like I was about to cry with the way his emotions conflicted inside of him, and thanks to our connection, also conflicted inside of me. I looked at Cara and she looked back at me. "Something is not right, they are coming back... something went wrong." I said and Cara nodded. Aeneas frowned and looked at me, I felt the pain in my chest grow and I started running to the door, slamming it open and going outside. 'Meadow...' I heard him whisper. I searched him in the sea of wolves, cars and wounded wolves. I saw my big gray wolf coming through the middle and I ran to him. His huge size was a giveaway. I hugged him by his neck and he breathed on my shoulder, taking deep sound breaths as I buried my face on his fur. 'I am here...' I caressed him and felt his heart run wild. He shifted and I felt his arms around me, crushing me to his chest. 'Love, I am here... relax... talk to me...' I sent to him and he pulled back briefly only to crush his lips on mine, kissing me with a need I haven't felt in a long time. Every fiber of my body was lit with a fire that consumed every thought I had. I moaned against his lips and felt his arousal grow. As his hardness pressed against my thighs, I recovered some sanity and pushed him slightly away; he pressed his forehead against mine and focused on regaining breath. 'I am sorry... I needed you to calm me down, but kissing you took it to another level... I must behave.' I heard him whisper to me and I smiled. I waited for him to calm down a little more before I pulled him back slightly and took a look at the scene. Several trashed cars arrived, many being attended by our pack members as we saw many injured ones. "What happened?" I asked and Caleb sighed, turning around to see what I was. The last thing that happened before he and Alex left was confusing; we were talking with Aeneas at the command center when the alarm sounded at the exact time Caleb got a cellphone call from Demark, the other alpha who was coming and whom I haven't yet met. They were under attack and it was very close to our border. This made Caleb growl in rage. He begged me to stay and asked Aeneas to be on guard for all of us, as he ran out with Alex and more of our warriors to aid. Aeneas contacted the rest of his people and spread them one each with two wolves on different guard posts in our town's security barrier. After that we tried to stay focused on what we could do to help Agape since we couldn't help the ones fighting afar. Now I see the result of their ambush and it gives me chills, if Cornelius could hit like this to such a large number, we had a strong and difficult fight ahead. Demark and Smithson's pack were on its own a large group, probably over 300 together, and they almost all looked affected. "And he just did a hit and run?" Aeneas snorted, Caleb frowned as he looked at him. "I don't like it either, but it is what we found when we got there." He replied. From a side I saw a tall, muscled man giving orders and talking to nurses, he was redheaded and reminded me of vikings. A viking King. He sighed as he looked around and then headed towards us, his eyes on Caleb as he walked up the stairs towards the command center's entrance. "Most of my pack came unharmed, Smithson's people got hit a bit harder, and he blacked out for a bit but is ok now, he is on his way at the last cars. And wow there..." He finished as he stopped dead on his tracks and looked at me, I blushed immediately but didn't move. "You must be Meadow." I nodded and Caleb chuckled, shaking his head. If he was not worried, it meant he was mated and with pups already. "My Luna... Meadow, this is Demark. Demark, this is My Luna, so watch your comments." Caleb joked and I smiled, extending my hand to shake his, but he took it and kissed it softly. "Watch my comments? no fun in that... nice meeting you Luna, the one who tamed the beast known as Rowen." He mocked and Caleb laughed. Suddenly he turned his head and attention to where Demark came from; I followed his gaze and found a younger man, tall and handsome, looking straight at me. His nose flaring, his body tense. He started walking as if he was targeting me and chills ran through my body. Simply His Ch. 35-38 "What the hell...?" I heard Demark say just as the man jumped and shifted, running towards me as a wolf. I heard him loud and clear. 'MATE!' he screamed in a way it froze my breath and body. Caleb shifted as well and intercepted him mid way the stairs, both bodies rolling down on the ground. Cara ran towards me and several other pack members did as well, they spread in two groups, some trying to help Caleb, some forming a barrier in front of me as protection. I was still rooted to my spot, unable to move, and I didn't understand why. I was being claimed as mate of another alpha? And my body felt the confusion just as my mind did. This was insane. Aeneas rushed to my front and grunted, a chilling grunt that made my gaze finally break from Caleb to him. Only then I noticed I was crying. "This is demon's play, it must be." He said in a way both to convince me and the others of what was happening. I swallowed hard and felt a soft hand on my shoulder. I turned my head and felt Queen Isilwen whisper into my ears. "The vampire is right... I can sense the dirty connection, the sour taste in the air, the corrupted aura... try to convince your mate King not to kill the young one." She finished and my attention shot back at Caleb, his jaw tight on the wolf's neck. "Caleb stop!" I shouted, he looked up at me without letting his head go. 'Not letting another wolf claim on my Luna.' I heard his wolf clear; I shivered and tried to move closer, but my feet would not react. I panicked as I looked down at my own feet. "Something is wrong... why... why I can't move?" I gasped and felt my body quiver, there was a hiss and a growl coming from someone close but I had my vision blurred with tears and I felt my body lose strength. Everything happened so fast, my body was weak and I started to fall when I felt a cold hand below my left arm and the warmth of Caleb's body on my right offering me support. I looked up and saw a blurred figure drying my tears; it was Queen Isilwen who was gently pressing a part of her dress on my cheeks. Aeneas's hand was below my arm and he held me as Caleb shifted and finally took me in his arms. His worried eyes bored in me. "Wolf King, take her away... there is demon's foul play in that Alpha and he is not aware of it. Let me and the vampire see what can we find out. Take your Luna away, the false claim is affecting her." Queen Isilwen spoke and Caleb simply nodded, taking me with him towards our house. I felt as if something was being pulled away from me, something invisible yet important. I saw the unconscious body of the one who tried to claim me and started to cry again, whimpering in pain. This is wrong, so wrong. I can only begin to imagine what Agape feels like. I feel Caleb's arms tense but offering me only comfort and warmth, I can't meet his eyes, feeling guilty of this fake claim. I close my eyes and cry, wishing this day had never happen. --***-- Chapter 37 "The Power of the Mating Bond" He took a deep breath and pushed the button that allowed his voice to reach the locked area, he instinctively touched the screen as if he could touch her. "Hi..." was all he was able to murmur and he saw Agape's head snap towards the camera. "Hi again..." her raspy voice echoed through the intercom. Her mouth was dry after so many tears, she was still stuck in bed. Her eyes red from the tears, he sucked a deep breath before he could talk again. "I know it is maybe too soon... but... I want to come in, if you are ok with it." He said and she shivered with just the thought. Her eyes grew wide, there was a mix of emotions growing inside her, she already had felt his closeness more than once, his scent and his voice did things on her body and mind that had her confused. When he started talking to her through the intercom it surprised her, but now after a few times, the thought of facing him was a little scary. "Come..." she finally whispered, biting her lips as she tried hard not to panic. Gideon rushed towards the door and once in front of it he knocked twice and waited. The seconds felt like eternity as he waited for her signal. After almost half a minute she finally spoke. "You can pass..." the same raspy and dry voice whispered. As soon as he opened the door, the smell of her scent filled his nostrils; he closed his eyes swallowed hard and his throat burned him. The sound of her whimper made him open his eyes and rush to her room, which was located at the end of the left wing. He pushed the door open slowly and saw her shivering and looking at him with wide eyes. "I really hate this... I am sorry... I don't understand what is happening to me..." she half cried her words. He walked slowly towards her, his hands sweating as his legs hesitated after each step. She looked up at him once more and saw him stand next to her bed, he was tall and his scent felt intoxicating. He looked down at her and felt his own heart aching for her; she was so delicate and fragile, yet strong and fierce; he could only admire her. She shuddered and buried her head in her hands, sobbing in pain. He did the only thing he could do, he slid in bed next to her and put his arms around her body. She moaned half in pain, half in sorrow, and he tightened his arms around her, she cried on his chest and he caressed her hair slowly, both in silence. It had the intended effect, she calmed down and breathed slowly, and after some minutes, she felt asleep in his embrace. He kissed the top of her head and closed his eyes, letting the sound of her peaceful breathing calm his own pain as well. --***-- *Caleb* "Do something, please... anything!" I could break anyone and everyone's head if that would bring my Meadow's peace back. I was hurt beyond words and I knew that was not even close to how much pain she was going through. "The blood connection is strong, we are talking of a millennial old demon here, Rowen... he has mastered the art of blood manipulation. Let me investigate the alpha and run some tests, remember he is also a victim..." Aeneas spoke but I growled and he gave a step back. "Victim? he was born a wolf, he was born an alpha, he was born to fight... he might be young but he is not a victim... we come to this world ready to fight our way out of our mother's womb if we have to..." I had to control my anger, I was barely on the edges of losing it and that was no good. Aeneas frowned but didn't push me. I was glad he didn't, as I was probably going to tear him apart if he had let his ego talk for him. But that also helped me realized how close I was to make a fool of myself, I knew Meadow wasn't going to be happy about it either. I shook my head and tried to calm down; I still felt Meadow's sadness and pain from the other room. "Go do what ever you must with Smithson, I need to calm down before I break someone's neck..." I admitted as I walked towards the door. "I would really appreciate it if you hurry, Vampyr." I finished and left the room. As I walked in, the sight broke my heart again; Meadow was shivering and sobbing, she was clinging to the sheets and trying to cover herself up above her head. I approached her slowly, Gideon advised me something he did with Agape and at this point, I was ready to try anything. I sat carefully next to her and she moved slightly away. I pushed the sheet away from her tear covered face and her frightened eyes bored my soul. Cornelius was going to pay for what he did to her. "Princess... it's ok, I am here..." I whispered to her and she closed her eyes, taking deep breaths. I laid down next to her and gently slid my arm around, she quivered but soon, she relaxed a little and reacted by wrapping her arms desperately around me. "Why does it hurt so much?" she whispered and I squeezed her tight to me. Her body was under some physical pain and my body could feel it as well. "Cornelius is controlling Smithson and made a fake bond with him towards you. His corrupted claim over you works as if you are being pulled away from your mate... But your body is confused, it recognizes me at the same time it wants to respond to him. Aeneas is trying to see if he can break the fake bond." I kissed her forehead and felt her relax slowly, Gideon was actually right, I will have to remember to thank him after. Well, to be fair, I remember things like that, I am just too proud to admit I needed help in the first place. The things I have changed for my Princess. "I am sorry..." she whispered to me and I froze, her tone scared me. "Why?" it was all I managed to say. "I am sorry I am putting you through this..." She whispered and I crushed my lips onto hers, kissing with desperation. She moaned and I felt her arms locking around me. When we finally pulled back we were both breathing heavily. "Don't you dare saying that... do you hear me? I love you forever, and nothing will change that... I don't care what hell I need to go down to if it means keeping you safe and happy... I will fight for you Meadow, so don't you ever give up on me..." I was surprised on my own words, they rushed out without deep thinking, but everything was true. She smiled softly, a small blush on her pale cheeks, and I was struck by the beauty of her existence. "I love you too..." She whispered, and I smiled at her. "You do? how much do you love me?" I asked, wanting to tease her and cheer her up. She closed her eyes and giggled, that sweet sound that made my heart pace faster. "I love you big bunches of much..." She said and I laughed. "That sounds so silly but cute." I cheered. "That is because there is no real definition of how much I love you, and so I am making a new one, my own one..." She opened her eyes and looked at me. "How much do you love me?" "I love you madly, dangerously..." I admitted, the seriousness of my words sank into her; she nodded and closed her eyes again, this time she rested her head on my chest and finally faded to sleep. --***-- *Meadow* I don't remember how much I slept, but I was so tired. I was tired of crying, of everything in my body hurting, of my wolf in pain. This only made me realize how powerful our enemy was, how evil and heartless. Caleb is still asleep, holding me to him. The only moments I have of peace is when he is next to me, when he leaves my side is like my body is torn in two and each part wants to break free towards a different man. I can't believe a stupid claim can break such a strong bond like mine and Caleb's. This is not fair, not right, so wrong. I sigh and snuggle in his arms, he is tense even while he sleeps, he has always been on the edge and I ache to calm him and sooth him. I close my eyes and see the pained image of the young alpha with wide eyes looking at me and claiming me. I shiver and Caleb's arms lock around me. 'My Princess... I promise to make him pay for this...' His painful voice echoed in my mind. I sighed, he was always so protective, sometimes too much, but I always felt safe... thanks to that. Even now while I am being bound to someone I've never met, he was being understanding and loving. 'I love you so much Caleb... thank you... for everything...' I whispered back, he kissed the top of my head and I smiled. I knew everything would be fine, I had him at my side. --***-- Chapter 38 "Fantastic Creatures" *Meadow* I take a deep breath and then close my eyes, Aeneas is too eager to try this experiment on me, and even tho Agape offered to be the first, I stood firm on my decision. If there was any way I could ease the immense pain she already went through, I would. I had been blessed to find Caleb and become a wolf, to find a family in my pack; I wanted her to have one worry less on her shoulders. And yes, I also wanted to get rid of the crazy cravings I had been having for the man I never met. I feel the slight pinch on my arm and work my best not to tense and let the yellow liquid slide slowly into my system. I feel a small involuntary shiver take over my body briefly and then my vision gets filled with red. I already had my eyes closed, but I could still see red all around. "What... what is happening?" I asked with hesitation. I felt Caleb's arms around me a second after. "Let the blood rush and take over, it will do a cleanse of anything in you while we are administering the same serum to the young Alpha." Aeneas spoke with security and determination; I felt that I could trust him, more than that, I needed to trust him, he was my last resource. "How much will it take?" Caleb asked as he held me, I kept shivering and feeling cold as my vision blurred red. It was as if part of my blood was ice cold, and as it moved inside my body, it chilled me and left me unbalanced, the pain of the cold was biting me inside out. If Caleb was not holding me, I was probably going to be on the floor by now. 'Take deep breaths my love, it will soon be over. Be strong...' I heard Caleb whisper but it felt faint and far, the cold was taking over and numbing me. "Now, Rowen... her mark... claim her again...!" I heard Aeneas scream and my body felt as if it was floating in a sea of liquid ice. I was no longer shivering or shaking, I was almost gone. Then there was fire. It started at my neck, scorching, blazing fire that expanded over my body in a way I couldn't understand. I felt the fire consume the cold, I could move, I could feel my body react to my thoughts, I was in control again. I opened my eyes and saw Caleb's head on my shoulder, I felt him right then, his fangs were deep in my skin, he was doing what I heard Aeneas say, he was claiming me again. I felt his tight grip around me and I moaned as my body arched in flames. When I looked around the room I realized we were left alone again and Caleb was licking the sweet spot of my mark. I was breathing heavy and fast, my body hypersensitive and my mouth dry. "Ca... Caleb..." I whispered and he held me still, his gaze meeting mine with hunger and lust, his eyes flickering between voids of darkness and silver sparks. I could feel his cravings yet he was holding himself back, and it moved me how much this man's love and devotion focused on me. After I had a minute or two to recover, he was letting me rest on a chair and knelt next to me. "How do you feel?" he whispered as he held my hand and kissed my knuckles. "When I am with you, I am always well... the biggest challenge will be when you walk away... and I am scared to try it." I admitted, my fear was for that body and soul pain to return. He squeezed my hand then sat on the floor, I sobbed and he pulled me to him. I easily landed on his lap and he cradled me softly. He held me there rocking back and forth, I closed my eyes and allowed his scent and warmth be the one to embrace me. "Take all the time you want, my Princess... I won't let you go..." I sighed and moved my hand up to his face, cupping his chin as I opened my eyes to look at him. "Caleb, I hope you understand how much you mean to me, you are more than my world, you are my life line, my balance. I love you so much, that what hurt me most of this fake claim was the pain I was causing you..." my words were cut when his lips crushed on mine, a deep passionate kiss that burned every part of me. His hands moved from my arms to my waist and pulled me to him tightly. I moaned with his kiss, my fingers digging on his back and my own lust took over as I pulled his shirt up and started kissing and licking his neck and shoulder. I felt his low growl as his fingers tore my clothes apart, leaving me almost naked in the blink of an eye. One second we were devouring each other's mouths, the next he pushed me on the floor and taking off his pants as I moaned feeling him push my legs open wider with his knee. I was feeling the need of him inside me and it was an urge I wanted to satisfy soon. His body weighed on me yet it felt like nothing could stop either of us to feel each other. I felt his hands on mine, he entwined his fingers with mine as we kissed passionately and I felt him grind against me, my body aching for him. His lips brushed over my neck and his tongue flicked over my sensitive marked neck, the place where he marked me twice. I groaned and arched my body again, I could feel a million tingles over my body and I wrapped my legs around his waist, wanting him more than ever. Then I felt his hand lower to pinch my nipple, I yelped and he kissed me hard, just at the same time as I felt him slip inside me; I moaned in his lips and kissed him with heated passion, he grunted as he tried to sink inside me slowly, but I nibbled his lower lip and digged my nails on his back drawing him in. He growled possessively, thrusting deep into my core, and I gasped without breath. I rocked my hips with him as our intimate dance began, and he locked his lips on mine as we both recovered the lost connection. I was immersed in a sea of passion and need for that bond, so unique and particular, that destiny made for us. I felt his lips brush my earlobe while we were catching breath and he whispered softly. 'Mark me...' At first I felt a little shaken by his words, but as he thrusted harder inside me and we were both edging our limits, I realized what he wanted. He tilted his head offering me his neck and I moaned as I felt my fangs grow. I was afraid of what would happen if I marked him, what would be involved in that single act, but his passion and my need made the questions fade just as fast as they approached my mind. I sank my fangs in his neck and I tasted the small drops of his blood, making my body combust in pure ecstasy. Oh the intensity of this simple act was something I would have never expected. I was thrown back and upside down twice mentally; I was completely shaken and openly sensitive to anything that touched. But most importantly, I was aware of every single act Caleb's body was doing, I could feel his breathing accelerate and even the ghost of a male member aroused and excited between my thighs. I was completely surprised by the level of intimacy we had reached now, making our previous connection a mere child's play. I felt everything. And that everything came at the right time; he came with a loud howl and his seed was an energy source on its own, giving me a strange mix of sensations that together with our new, stronger bond, made me cum in an earth shattering orgasm. I don't know how long was I out, when I moved I realized I was no longer on the floor but on a very comfortable bed. I kept my eyes closed but I moved slowly, trying to make my body react and wake up like my mind did. Then I felt his body move as well, he shifted and stood close to me, he was smiling. How did I know this when I had my eyes closed? When he wasn't next to me? My eyes shot open and I saw him standing a few steps away from the bed. "Morning my Princess..." He said with a very confident smile. I sat on the bed still a little confused and he walked the small distance between us and sat right next to me, cupping my chin up and kissing me softly. I felt everything ten times more than before. "You will get used to this too, and learn to tone it down as well..." "How... how do you know what is happening to me? when not even I can't understand it?" I realized my tone was serious and hard. I didn't want him to believe I was upset, but I was confused and a little irritated, and I didn't even understood why. He caressed my hand and I sighed, I felt his skin and it calmed me down. I looked around and understood where we were, back home. "I have to apologize... I am guilty of something I tried my best never do to you, and that is, holding secrets... After I gave you all the werewolf world information, I made it look like that was all. But truth is it wasn't, I still held some deeper and more personal secrets, that I was afraid to share. But now, I need to explain to you in order for you to understand what is going on..." He said holding my hand and again I felt rage surging from me, he held secrets from me? we are going to marry and he dared to still keep secrets from me? He squeezed my hand and I felt my love for him grow in conflict with my rage, I couldn't understand what was going on inside me. Simply His Ch. 35-38 "Explain..." I managed to say between gritted teeth. Woah, when was I this upset? and with Caleb? This was very new to me and I didn't like it. He sighed and closed his eyes, the sadness in him made me change again and try to soften up, I swallowed hard and tried again, this time a bit calmer. "Please, tell me what is going on inside me?" He opened his eyes and a small smile made me relax and lay against the pillows. "There is a lot involved, so I will try to explain the best I can... Aeneas did something that broke Cornelius' fake bond between you and Young Smithson, he introduced a serum he created over the years but perfected only recently... he tried to make a new blood bond, between you and him, but when the time came, he made me do it. Alphas usually do this, not always, but they do it with their Lunas... I didn't, because I was holding a secret I needed time to explain before I could reveal it to you..." He sighed and slid his fingers between his hair, looking through the window briefly before looking back at me. "All these emotions you feel inside you are a real connection between us, a connection made when a blood exchange is made... the negative feelings, the anger, they are all from me... that is how I felt always, all the time, until I met you... and after our blood exchange, it passed on to you... My father was not a real werewolf... he was a shapeshifter... I haven't told you much about them but they basically can shift into some animals of their choice, never more than five in total... a shape shifter is versatile but has limitations, their nature and elements rule over their animals, and they can't be shifted for long, however, there was a legendary race, the original full blood shifters, who could remain in their animals indefinitely... my father was one of them, and his animals were fantastic ones..." I was mind blown by what he was sharing with me, and although I felt some anger inside me, I still was more shocked and amazed than anything by what he was telling me, again more of this new world that opened to me. "The pure shifters were feared and hated, and for a time hunted down. Only five of them remained alive and hidden. My father was one of them, his three animals were a manticore, a snake and a wolf. He chose to keep his wolf primary in order to be recognized as alpha and take the pack under his rule... Meadow, I am a shifter too... my anger, my volatile temperament, they come from one of my animals and it has been hidden for so long, it only wants to break lose and tear everything apart... I fear so much for your safety, for my sanity... I didn't want to hide this from you but I can't hide it anymore, the mutual blood bond, our mutual mark, made the strongest of bonds, the connection so strong, our own feelings entwine. Please forgive me Princess... please believe me I didn't want to make you any harm..." I was beyond shock, taken by his words and the truth of his emotions at the same time... I knew he was telling the truth, I felt it so well on my skin. I looked at him for several minutes, his gaze never breaking mine. We made it this far, through so much together. Was I going to let this break us? After about ten minutes, I closed my eyes and took several deep breaths. I felt him agitated and anxious. I understood why he did it, I was upset and didn't like it, but I understood the simple reason why he didn't let me know about the mutual mark, about the new deeper level of bonding. Perhaps it was for the better, as everything else proved to be with each careful slow step we made into our relationship. Or maybe he was treating me like a delicate flower who could lose all her petals under any small wind, and I was not that weak. I felt my conflicts rise again and shook my head pushing them away. I opened my eyes and I stared at him. "What are your animals... I've met your wolf, what else are you?" I asked, needing to hear him talk to focus on the calm that his voice brought to me. He took a deep breath and nodded. "My father had three, I have two. My wolf is the protective, fierce warrior, the partner and companion... my other animal is a fantastic one... one that lives mostly in legends and tales... a dragon..." Everything felt right, the knowledge of this simply made sense. The wild outbursts of anger, the feeling of intense heat from his mate mark, the uncontrollable power, it was all him. Now, under his pleading eyes, this magnificent creature I came to know and love, probably the most dangerous and deadly creature now walking on this earth, surrendered to me and wanted nothing more than my forgiveness. How was I going to deny that all that he have told me did nothing to change the immense love I had for him? "One promise... the last one I will ever ask of you..." I said. He nodded, both of his hands now taking mine into his. "Anything..." "This is the last secret you ever hold on me, the last one, of no matter what nature... if I ever find out you held something else from me, I mean it Caleb... any secret at all... I will..." I didn't had time to finish, he smiled and crushed his lips on mine and we kissed deeply and passionately, our love stronger and deeper than ever. --***-- I hope you enjoyed these last 4 chapters, right now I am writing chapter 39 so please be patient with me, I work 10 hours a day so the little bit of energy I have left daily I try to write here. C.