7 comments/ 12545 views/ 12 favorites The Benandanti By: Thistlethorn Edited by Penn Lady This is a copyrighted work of fiction. All rights reserved. This is a contest piece, please vote. * We are the Benandanti. In the earliest days, the moon sang to us our purpose. Protect. Protect our brothers and sisters, the tribe, the village, the township. However large or small the protectorate was, our sacred duty was to guard it. We guarded from witches who had given themselves over to the darkness, from the creatures of shadows who preyed upon the light, and even against our own brethren who were not of one skin. Regardless of what their shifted shape might be. Any who decided the path of malevolence was preferable were our sworn enemies. We were children of the moon, the good walkers, and in the time of the one God, the hounds of God. It mattered not to us. We knew our duty and kept to it. Then the followers of the carpenter's son turned on us. After centuries of faithful service, we were condemned with our enemies and set to the lash, the torture, the gallows, and the pyre. Despite our powers, despite running on either two legs or four, we were mortal. Our flesh and fur burned to sate the need of the Holy Church to be the sole power. But the moon protected us, and the old powers nurtured us, and even the carpenter's son, horrified by the deeds of his followers, helped to hide us. Now fewer in number but more dedicated for it, we still keep the sacred trust. Never let the betrayal be on our heads! Violet closed the ancient leather tome she'd been reading. She could feel the moon watching, waiting to see what her daughter would do. She could feel her body prepare for the change to wolf. She knew her pack was waiting. For tonight was Halloween and there was work waiting to be finished. She shuddered as her mind wound back to Halloween a year ago. ********************************** "Flank it! Flank it!" Ballard yelled. The werewolves of the pack responded. Marcus, a black-furred, heavily-muscled mass, wove between the trees and slammed the creature hard. Tobias, smaller and lighter, brown and gray in color, came at it through a clearing in the trees from the other side. Though not as massive as the black wolf, he latched onto the creature with equal ferocity. Violet barred its path forward, covered by Ballard, intent on keeping it in the forest and close to the gateway. She forced herself not to watch as a small female pulled a broken wolf from the field of battle. Their efforts hardly seemed to faze the horror they faced. Tall the thing was, and terrible to behold. It towered over the werewolves, who themselves ranged between six and seven feet tall when standing on their hind quarters. It was roughly human shaped, and looked male, but with long ape-like arms that hung nearly to the ground. One arm gripped a twisted club so tightly that the creature's own dark blood ran down the weapon. Its head appeared too large for the neck, and lolled from side to side. Its mouth hung partially ajar, and the jaw jutted out past the upper lip with drool escaping down its chin. The eyes burned red and flame-like, with hatred that seemed to seep up from its very core. It stood on two legs, but they were bent backward, like a horse's, and ended in broad hooves. There was not a single hair on it. But that was a small thing compared to its missing skin. It was comprised of raw flesh with no covering; dark blood coursed through yellowed veins, thick muscles rippled and writhed across the body. Beneath those an organ could be glimpsed here and there through the pulsating mass. The creature had a foul scent; it reeked of pestilence, rot, and death. The werewolves had no name for this creature, and but one duty: its destruction. Violet bared her fangs, a snarl building deep in her chest, rising along with the bile this thing called up in her. She could not back down, could not give this thing way. She leaped for the torso, landing square on the chest and sinking her teeth into tis neck. She nearly retched from taste of its rancid flesh. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the giant swing the club at her. She dropped off a split second before the thing slammed itself in the chest. Part roar, part scream, the agonized, furious sound that escaped the giant resounded through the woods. It glared down to where Violet stood on the ground howling her challenge. The creature tried to raise a hoof to attack the defiant she-wolf, but found the movement harried by the attackers at its flanks. It swung the club high into the air and brought it down in a vicious arc. So much force was in the strike that the club splintered when it struck the ground where Violet had been moments before. It stared at the broken weapon for a moment, then screamed out again in fury. With a savage kick to either side it dislodged the clinging wolves and focused its attention on one particular female. Violet backed away as the giant reached for her. Big it might be, but it was also slow. She darted out of the way as the hand reached her level, then pounced back on it. She bit deep and dug in. Ballard leaped over both of them and landed on the thing's back. He rent the back open, spilling blood and sending muscle tissue flying. With a shriek the creature stood upright, attempting to throw off the attacking werewolves. The flesh of the hand came away in Violet's jaws and she spat it to the ground. The thing twisted and bent and weaved in frantic motion, desperate to dislodge the attackers. It slammed back into a tree, dislodging Ballard who fell to the ground, stunned. The two wolves that had been on the legs loped over to Violet. "Now what?" Marcus asked. Violet didn't take her eyes off their adversary. "We can't let it out of these woods. We have to drive it back through the veil before dawn." Tobias looked towards the east. The sky was graying; there wasn't much time left. "As you say." As Marcus and Tobias prepared again to attack, the small female rejoined them from the fallen wolf's side. She could not bring herself to look up at any of them, but kept her head down and awaited direction. They all understood what had happened. With an enraged snarl, Marcus dashed at the their foe, savaging anything he could get his teeth or claws on. Tobias, no less angry but more patient then his pack mate, sidled along the creature's blind side and waited for his opportunity. The moment presented itself when the creature turned to deal with Marcus. Tobias lunged for the open side and bore down for all he was worth. Violet sent Socorro to check Ballard, the pack's beta and Socorro's mate. Violet sparred a moment for a brief prayer that Socorro would find her mate well, then went back to the matter at hand. She watched as the two males harried the thing. Hatred seethed in her heart. She squatted down low to the ground, backed up a few paces, then hurled herself towards the thing. She struck it square in the chest and proceeded to rend it open in the front. Violet's sudden attack sent the creature teetering backwards. Its exaggerated arms windmilled in an attempt to remain upright and it stumbled as two male wolves snapped at its legs. Once it had regained its balance, it reached for the female on its chest and managed to pull her off. It regarded her with open hostility, and seemed to be considering what it might do next. It never got a chance to make its decision. Marcus moved in; he grasped the thin calf, between the hoof and the first bend of the leg in his mouth and bit down hard. The bones snapped and the creature fell backwards. It fell through several trees, opening the wounds on its back even further. The lolling head struck the ground and bounced up once before striking again. Violet worked her way out of the weakening grasp and got to the ground. She rose up in her bipedal stance and gestured to the other two. "Come on, while its down, we drag it back." Violet wrapped both her arms around one of the creature's. Tobias came in on her side and grabbed the same arm. Marcus grabbed the other and they dragged the thing down a hill and to a faint distortion in the air. It shimmered, a bit like heat haze, and caused the wolves' fur to stand up on end. They pulled the giant to it. "Tobias, open the veil farther if you can," Violet directed over her shoulder. Tobias nodded and released his grip. He moved off to one side, crouched low to the ground and started a chant, low and guttural. The haziness flickered, then solidified. A rent opened and glimpses of another world could be seen. Marcus looked over to Violet. "Push?" he asked. "Push," she confirmed with a nod. The two of them then pushed the foul monstrosity through the gate. It took what was left of their strength, but the thing was sent back. Tobias stopped his first chant, and began a second one. This chant was high pitched and piercing, and the rent again became insubstantial, then disappeared as the sun rose up. "Do you think it will have the decency to die of the wounds?" Marcus asked. Violet shrugged, bone tired. "I don't know." She glanced over to Tobias, who was standing up. "Maybe Tobias can check with the auguries on it." Tobias nodded his head. "I can do so." Both Tobias and Marcus looked to Violet. She knew she had to go back to Socorro and Ballard. And Aidan. She felt a lump rise up in her throat. She turned, still in the bipedal wolf form, and made her way back to the partial clearing. Socorro was waiting. Ballard lived. He was awake and resting, his eyes bright with unshed tears. Socorro looked down, as if the grief weighed down her neck and shoulders. Violet could sense more than see Marcus and Tobias take up positions to either side of her. Violet walked slowly over to where the body of the broken wolf had been, now laying as a human. She knelt down beside him as the wolf form sloughed off her. Violet traced the line of his jaw, remembering his many kisses and kind words. She ran her hands along his chest, remembering many embraces. She ran her hands through his dark hair, then closed his staring eyes knowing she would never again look into them. She threw back her head and released a keening wail into the air for her beloved mate as the rest of her pack joined her in mourning their beloved alpha. *************** Violet stood, distant, amid a sea of bodies, her head tall but her spirit bent under the mournful weight of her widow's weeds. Her dark brown hair was covered by a shawl, her blood shot blue eyes hidden by a veil. The lithe lines of her body were still discernible under her black dress, but barely. Word had spread amongst all the packs of the Benandanti that the leader of the Oak's Oath pack had been slain in battle. They gathered together to mourn the great loss and offer condolences to his widowed mate. Violet acknowledged their sympathy and moved on. Socorro cleaved to Violet, a hazel eyed shadow prepared to chase off anybody who overstated their sympathy. Though Socorro was small, just an inch over five feet, she could be fierce. Next to her stood a willowy Asian woman, her long black hair spilling out under the covering, her dark lashes accentuating her cobalt blue eyes. A child of mixed race, she got her complexion, the cast of her face, and her long black hair from her Japanese mother. From her Slavic father came her height, her striking blue eyes, and her wolf. Her name was Philadelphia and she had come late to her nature. She was still learning the ways of the wolf and so was not on the hunt that claimed her leader's life. She had shed her tears privately, and now stood tall beside her grieving friend, though she was just as happy to let Socorro handle the crowd. Ballard stood in a corner as he took a temporary reprieve form the crush of people. Where his mate Socorro was small but fierce, Ballard was burly and tall but placid. Still waters that ran very deep. His hair was graying, even in the wolf, but only the foolish would assume he was past his prime. He watched the room and mulled over the mixture of mourners at the gathering. Tobias worked his way over to Ballard. His long blond hair was thick and somewhat shaggy even as a human. He had tamed it into a pony tail that ran down his back, but it looked like it might escape at any minute. His green eyes were distant and as always, his thoughts appeared to be elsewhere. He was the pack's lore keeper and as such, he was always at least somewhat concerned with the spirits. At the moment, though, he was more concerned with the gathering at hand. "Is it just me," he asked Ballard while scanning the room, "or do there seem to be a surprising number of unattached males attending tonight?" Ballard's jaw clenched and he frowned. "I was thinking the same thing. Some can't wait for the body to be cold." "She won't like it, if she even realizes what's happening." "That's what Socorro and Philly are busy with, keeping the dogs from sniffing too close." "What the hell is this?" Marcus demanded as he joined the little group. "A wake or a stag party? Moon's doom! You'd think this was singles night!" He snarled deep in his throat. Marcus was an athletic, muscular built man, with black hair and pale blue eyes. He wasn't as big as Ballard, but more than able to hold his own. As a wolf he was big, black as sin and one of the most frightening Benandanti in recent memory. In contrast to his appearance, he was quick to laugh and find amusement in most situations. The absence of his good humor was worrisome to Ballard. Marcus tended to feel everything strongly and could be bull-headed enough to start something. Ballard laid his hand on Marcus' shoulder. "Yes, I know. It's an insult, certainly, but it will pass. The important thing is that we attend to the mourning and to Violet." At the mention of her name, Marcus tensed up. "I think that can be handled by running off the vultures, don't you?" Ballard tightened his grip on Marcus. "These 'vultures' are not of our pack. You are. I expect your behavior to reflect that. We do not brawl at our own alpha's wake. What would Aidan have thought?" Marcus sighed and his expression became even more glum. "Had to go bring that up, did you?" "If that's what it takes to maintain some semblance of decorum, I'm not above guilt." Tobias understood Marcus' anger; he felt some of it himself. However it didn't change the situation. "Sooner or later, it will be expected of her to choose a new mate." He paused. "Like it or not." Tobias' tone was measured, but it was clear he fell on the side of "not". Ballard nodded, his amber eyes showing sadness. "Too true. An alpha female of her position isn't likely to be left alone for long. Though I suspect she'll put if off for as long as possible." "Then what will happen to the pack?" asked a new voice to the conversation. All three looked over to the newcomer. He was younger than the others, just out of his teen years, rangy and a little awkward around so many unknown Benandanti. He was a lost pup, rescued by Marcus from a corrupt pack and integrated into his current one. He was shy and uncertain, and tended to cling to Marcus for security. After coming from abuse, the thought that something might happen to his haven terrified him. Ballard looked Wyatt in the eye. As much as he wanted too, he knew it wasn't wise to try to sugar-coat what might be coming. "We will either get a new alpha male, or Violet will go to another pack. It depends on whether the new male has a pack and where the two of them are relative to any existing hierarchy." Wyatt looked confused. "If the male is not in a pack or is...marrying up, shall we say, he will join this pack. If they are of equal standing, the needs of both packs will be assessed for a decision. If the pack is small enough, they could be merged. If the male is higher ranking, she will join his pack." "That sucks," Wyatt observed. "Can't she just stay single?" Ballard shook his head. "She's too highly ranked. There are fewer and fewer Benandanti as the years pass. Losing any is bad, but an alpha is worse. The elders are not going to stand by and let her step down. There is going to be a lot of pressure on her and, sad to say, I believe it's going to start soon." ************************** "Nuckelavee," Tobias said as he entered Violet's study, consulting a book. "Beg pardon?" she responded. It had about a week since the wake and Tobias had spent this time buried in his books. "Nuckelavee. That appears to be the creature we faced on Halloween." He sat next to her balancing the book between them. "According to the lore, it originated in the Orkney Islands and was deeply malignant. Most references consider it male, and state he caused crop failure, blights, droughts, and epidemics that sickened people and livestock. The only discrepancy between the creature we fought and the description is that what he saw had only the back legs of a horse where traditionally it was a human torso fused onto an entire horses body." "Like a centaur?" "No. The horse body still had a head. It's of Fae stock, so shape shifting can't be ruled out to explain the discrepancies. The primary details that make me think we have the correct one are skinless and malevolent." "We're in America, nowhere near the Orkney Islands. Why was it breaking the veil here?" Tobias shrugged. "Hard to say. But it would hardly be the first transplanted European magical creature we've encountered. The melting pot metaphor would seem to apply to more than just the human population." Violet reached over and took the book, then studied the text in front of her. "What does it take to destroy the thing?" she asked without looking up. "The sources state fresh or running water." "Depending on the on the lay of the land, that may not be all that exploitable. Were you able to determine anything about its fate?" Tobias shifted in his seat and the silence stretched out to the point of awkward. Violet looked up from her book and crosswise over to him. "What aren't you telling me?" "Well, the nature of augury is unpredictable. The future isn't written in stone and things do change." "Caveat duly noted. Future is subject to change without notice. Now, what did you find?" "It is not dead, and it will try to return next Halloween." The pained look that crossed Violet's face grieved Tobias and he wished he hadn't had to cause it. However, at this point, she was their leader and had to be told. "Fine. Convene the others in the library. I will be there momentarily." The Benandanti lines were ancient, branching back far into history. After the disastrous witch hunts, inquisitions, and other various hunts, their lines were decimated. It was decided to pool the resources of those families that were left and create a central exchange that would manage those resources. With luck and shrewd acumen those resources were expanded upon until in the present day, every pack was granted land, housing, and a stipend in exchange for doing the work of the Benandanti. The Oak's Oath pack had been extremely successful in their work and so had been rewarded with a nice home and generous stipend. The house was a rambling three floor manor house. The attic was split into two suites, with Violet and Aidan sharing a master suite, while Ballard and Socorro shared a smaller suite. The rest of the rooms on the second floor were split amongst the rest of the pack, with Tobias and Philadelphia having their own rooms and Marcus having an adjoining room with Wyatt. On the first floor there was a living room, dining room, kitchen and library. When Violet gathered herself together and went there, the pack was already waiting. "Has Tobias filled you all in on what he's found?" she asked. The Benandanti There was a general chorus of assent. Violet nodded. "Good. That gives us a year to prepare to destroy the thing once and for all." Marcus shifted in his seat, then cleared his throat. "Do we actually have a plan for destroying this thing?" Not yet," Violet said. Her voice was steel and there was the look of death in her eyes. "But mark me, we will find one. Even if it's ripping the cursed thing from limb-from-limb." ******************** Not a week later, the elders came. Two of them, their intent obvious. Decorum and custom demanded they be seen and attended too. A sumptuous dinner was prepared, and afterward they retreated to the library with Violet, Ballard, and Socorro. Everyone was seated and Ballard served them brandy. The first elder, a Benandanti of many years and greatly respected throughout the packs, began to speak. "First of all, Violet, let me tell you how terribly sorry I am for the loss. Not only to you, though your and your pack bear the greatest brunt of it, but to all the Benandanti as well." Violet nodded her head in gracious acceptance. "Thank you for your condolences. Aidan is greatly missed." She waited to see if this was sincere, or just the formalities before the demands. "Of course. But we trust you realize that given your rank and position, another mate must be found for you. I know you must feel as though you've scarcely mourned Aidan, but the needs of the pack must take precedence." Violet kept herself from smiling. Demands, yes, but with one serious misstep that would play well to her advantage. The second elder spoke up as soon as the first stopped speaking. "Understanding that considerations for a new mate must be the farthest thing from your mind, we've assembled a list we think you should look over. The males listed are amongst the best of the Benandanti available at this time." Violet took the proffered list and set it aside without looking at it. "Gentleman, I'm glad you're so concerned with the needs of the pack. That is my concern as well. For you are correct, I haven't been considering a new mate. I've been considering the monstrosity that killed my former mate. As you and all the other elders have been told, the creature was not killed. In fact, according to my lore keeper there is every possibility, if not probability, it will come back next Halloween. So you see, this hunt is not over, only postponed. And introducing a new alpha male at such a time will pull necessary attention and resources from finishing this hunt." The elders looked to each other, then to Ballard. "Surely, you must understand the importance of this," the second elder said. Ballard cocked his head. "The importance of destroying a dangerous creature that seeks death and destruction as its meat and milk? Certainly, I understand the importance of that. It's what the Benandanti exist for." The second elder began to protest, but the first silenced him. "Very well," he said. "You have your year. Use it wisely, for at the end life will continue regardless of whether the creature is destroyed or not. You will be expected to take a new mate at that time." He smiled at Violet as he rose. It was a surprisingly warm smile. "Hopefully, the creature's death can be the first celebration of your new mating." *************************** "Does anybody else find this whole list thing skeazy?" Marcus grumbled, his arms crossed. "Is 'skeazy' even a word?" Socorro asked with a laugh. "Sure it is," Marcus confirmed. "I said it, it's a word. That's why it's called 'the spoken word.' If it were some other type of communication it would be called something else." "The telepathic word?" Tobias ventured. "The word's origin notwithstanding, the situation is skeazy," Ballard said. "It's also the way of things. The best thing to do is focus on the matter at hand." So began the training. Violet drove them hard, morning to evening and well into the night. She was determined to not lose any more of her pack to the Nuckelavee. Autumn finished its turn to winter. One night, long after the rest of the pack had retired, Violet lay awake in her room. She was buried in her blankets. The bedding had been washed, but Aidan's scent still lingered. She buried her head amongst the pillows and inhaled deeply, pulling in as much of what remained of her beloved mate as she could. She immersed herself in her memories. Aidan had been a handsome man, and wolf. He had a quick wit and loved to tease. Never too far though, and his wit could turn sweetly depreciating. He had a solid build and was a powerful fighter. He knew how to be soft, and when he caressed her, Violet would melt. He would rub her shoulders, then work his way down her back until all the tension was gone. Of course, it didn't take long for him to bring a new tension to her body. Violet felt a growing need as her body responded to her memories. She felt empty. She knew what she required, what the wolf required. She reached her hand down and cupped her needy pussy. She worked her fingers up. As she began to see her to body's hunger, an image of Aidan lying broken his eye staring into the mystery of whatever came next exploded into her mind. The wracking sobs shook her body long into the night. ************************** Late in January Violet met with Tobias. "Have you determined anything further on the Nuckelavee?" Tobias looked up from his book. He was concerned by the haggard, worn look that hung on Violet like a premature shroud. "I'm afraid not much. There ware several sources that repeat in various ways what I've already found. There are references to the 'Sea Mither' who appears to be some form of local Goddess to the Orkney Islands who seemed to keep it in check but I am uncertain how useful that might be to us. It would appear to have been that the best method of dealing with it was avoidance, so it was avoided." Violet dropped herself in the seat next to Tobias. "I wish that was an option for us." Tobias regarded her drawn features and haunted eyes and felt a pang of sorrow. "So do I." Violet leaned over and looked at his book. "'Sea Mither', eh? See what you can find out about her. Perhaps she's an avatar or deity form we can call on." "I will do so," he said. ************************ On a balmy April night, Ballard found Violet sitting in the library going over the list. "Any names stand out?" he asked. She tossed aside in disgust. "No. Aidan's scent is still in my bed and I'm supposed to just take someone else there. It's awful." Ballard sat down and nodded in sympathy. "I know and I'm sorry." He laid his hand on hers. "I wish it could be different." She looked up and the grief in her eyes was unbearable to Ballard. "You know what I wish? I wish I could just leave you and Socorro in charge. I wish I could just go away and live out my life alone with my memories." "That's not the way it works." His voice was soft. "Don't I know it? The damned elders won't leave me in peace, I'm certain." "It's not just that. In time the wolf will want a new mate." "I thought wolves mated for life." Violet looked away. "Now, you know that's a misconception. Wolves are monogamous, yes. But if, or more correctly when, one mate dies the remaining one can, and usually does, take on another." Violet closed her eyes as tears began to well. She knew the truth of what Ballard was saying. In fact, she had already begun to feel stirrings she couldn't bring herself to address. Every time she tried, the image of Aidan's battered body rose up in her mind and she broke down crying. Just as she was starting to now. "I've got to go." Violet rose up from the table and ran out of the library. She dashed through the house and to the outside. The night was cool, but the warmth of spring was in the air. Violet tore off her clothes and summoned the wolf. She launched herself headlong into her run, kicking up last year's fallen leaves along with some sod. She ran heedlessly into the night, the cool air not felt for her fur. The forest the house was situated near rose up around her almost as if by its own separate will. She gave an occasional glance at the stars and the low-riding moon when she could glimpse them through the trees. The eternal night sky. She felt a lump rise in her throat. Eternal. She wished things were eternal. She skidded to a stop as an anguished howl was torn by grief from her throat. She ran on. Soon she came to a spot where three pine trees grew together. This early in the spring they were the only trees with coverage. Life amongst the not quite alive of early spring. She curled up in the shelter of the trees and tried to will her heart to stop aching. Soon, she heard another draw near her hiding spot. She could hear the crunch of pads in the decomposing leaves and the soft snuffling of a wolf snout following a scent. Her scent. She looked out. An enormous black wolf stood there. Marcus. He had followed her. She whimpered. He looked up and spotted her. He trotted over and touched his nose to hers, ears sideways with a soft whine. Are you all right? Violet nuzzled back, a lick on the snout, a nip on the ear. Fine. He was very handsome, part of her thought. As Marcus turned away, Violet shook her head to dislodge the thought, but it was pernicious. Very well, then. Give onto the wolf what it wants, but in her own way. Marcus turned to leave. He stopped when a human voice asked him to. Marcus looked over to see Violet, now very much human, laying on the ground amidst the pines. He cocked his head. "Please, stay. I'm...lonely. I think I would like some company." Marcus inhaled the scent that was coming off of her. He knew what it meant and every sense went into overload. He shifted, meeting her in the form she'd set. "Are you sure?" he asked. In response she leaned over, enveloped his head in her arms and kissed him deeply on the lips. All thought then left Marcus' mind. He kissed her back, hard. His tongue probed her mouth, his hands roved over her body. She met him kiss for kiss and touch for touch. She pushed him down and straddled him. Her hands slammed into his shoulders, pinning him. He looked up at her, marking every line of her graceful form. She sought out his mouth again and nipped his lip before kissing him. Marcus felt himself grow hard. Bent over him, Violet's breasts were so close that Marcus could grab them even with his shoulders pinned. He began to massage them and felt her nipples grow stiff in his hands. Violet arched her back up, pulling her breasts from his grasp but releasing his shoulders in the process. Marcus rocked his torso upright, seizing Violet around the waist. He laid back down, pulling her down on top of him. He reveled in the feeling of her body pressed against his. He almost rolled over on top of her but instinct warned him not to. So instead he laid himself out below her, surrendering himself to her. Violet took him. She guided his shaft into her waiting pussy and rode him hard. She commanded his body as boldly in sex as she did in the pack, and he willingly, hungrily, submitted to it. But underneath was a desperation, a deep and yawning terror of loss, she was fucking him as though it were her last. He came, his orgasm shuddering through them both as Violet's came with a cry. For a brief and shining moment, the burning demands of her loneliness and cravings were met just as bittersweet longings Marcus had never dared to voice were sated. Spent, both of them laid against each other and fell into sleep, the lingering heat of their joining and warmth of their bodies keeping away the spring chill. ***************************** It was to a chill that Marcus awoke. Dawn was just beginning to color the sky and he was alone. He rolled up to a sitting position and wondered at the events of the previous evening. As often as he tried to hide the fact from himself, deep down he knew he loved Violet. Much more than he wanted too. When he came to pack she was mated, and he liked and respected Aidan as a pack leader, a Benandanti, and a person. While he had become infatuated with Violet, her amiableness, her strength, her grace were as attractive to him as her aching and haunting beauty, he had known it was useless. She was an alpha female, and as deft a warrior and strong a hunter as he was, he was no alpha. He would watch her from a distance and if his love was unrequited, it was also contained. But now... He curled into a ball. Now that he'd tasted her, held her, loved her, his desire burst forth within him until it threatened to burn him away from inside. He had recognized her need, and gladly filled it. Even at the time he was aware it was simply a need. In the aftermath, he longed for her again. He wanted her scent on his body, her taste on his lips, her needs to be answered always and only by him. Hot tears pushed out from his closed eyes, for he was still not an alpha, and she would still take another mate. The howl tore from his throat before he even realized it. ******************************* Spring slipped into summer. Tobias researched what he could on the Nuckelavee and the Sea Mither. Violet continued to drive him and the rest of the pack hard. During the mock battles, she found herself watching Marcus far more often then she intended. The line of his body, both as a human and a wolf, sparked a heat in her she hadn't known for him before. She had always liked Marcus, he was brash without being arrogant, light-hearted while knowing when to be serious, and confident in a way that took nothing away from the people around him. He was a strong fighter, keen hunter, and an asset to the pack. Violet loved him in the same way she loved all members of her pack, as a family with bonds forged in battle. She saw something more. She saw something special, and more, she saw something she wanted. "Ballard?" she asked, one night in the late summer when they were alone in the library. "Yes?" "Do you suppose they'll allow me to chose a mate that is off their list?" She tried to keep her tone airy, just a curiosity, but Ballard caught the tension underneath. He had also noticed how often she was watching Marcus. They all had. It seemed only Violet and Marcus were unaware. "Hard to say. I would imagine as long as you take a mate of some form, they will be happy." "I see," was all she said as she walked out the door, so distracted by her thoughts that she didn't see Ballard smiling at her back. ******************************* The day had come. Violet closed the book as prepared to join her pack. She thought they were prepared, or as prepared as they could be. Halloween morning broke bright, the sun burning through the morning haze by mid-morning. She saw to one detail their lives may yet depend on. She drew Tobias aside. "Do you have something prepared?" "I have worked out what I could. The thing to remember is that the autumn is traditionally her time of ebb, and she is an ocean goddess being called far from the ocean. But I will do what I can." "Do you know where he is coming?" "Everything indicates the same place as last year." "Does he know we'll be there?" "It's entirely possible." Violet went to Aidan's grave. The Benandanti were buried on the land of the pack they belonged, for even dead they were a member of the pack. If an entire pack were to die, the graves would be left as a reminder for the next pack to hold the land, and would become honorary members. She didn't have much time, but wanted to say something, anything, to him before going. "Aidan, beloved," she started, then faltered. She wanted to say something important, profound, and meaningful. She wanted to talk about her conflicted feelings, her torn longings. But the words fled from her tongue before she could say them. At the last, she could only water the grave with more of her tears, then rejoin her pack. The pack she was leading into a dangerous, and possibly fatal, battle. Dusk was settling as the pack waited for their foe. Philadelphia joined them, but Wyatt had been left behind. Too young, it had been pronounced. Though he trained hard and did well, he was still too raw for this kind of battle. She said nothing, but Violet had wanted at least one member of the pack who would be guaranteed to go on. As the dusk faded into full night, clothes were stripped off and set aside. The pack could feel the moon rising, waxing gibbous but not yet full. Human bodies transfigured into bipedal wolfen shapes. When the change was complete, Violet threw back her head and howled a challenge, and declaration, to the sky. The rest of the pack took up the call until the little glen rang with the sounds. Then, ever so faintly, a distortion began in the air and the wolves fur stood up on end. "It's coming," Tobias confirmed. Then the distortion was ripped open. An indistinct landscape could be glimpsed on the other side as the Nuckelavee barged through. The creature was as horrible as it had been the first time. The pack fanned out and prepared for the attack. Tobias moved to the back, a leather bound book in his paws. Now that the monster's arrival confirmed his auguries, Tobias set out to summon the Sea Mither. The Nuckelavee blinked at them for a few moments, then screamed out a challenge as it strode into their world. The creature had replaced its club and swung it in a slow but forceful arc towards Violet. She dodged, then tried to double back for the hand. She almost had her teeth in it when the Nuckelavee jerked the hand away and back handed her with it. Violet tumbled over end and for a brief moment saw stars. As the stars cleared, she saw the creature's hand reaching towards her. She got her legs underneath her and lunged for it, burying her fangs deep in the flesh ignoring the foul taste. With an enraged roar, the Nuckelavee shook its hand to dislodge her. Ballard and Marcus seized on the distraction and jumped on the creature. Marcus aimed for the throat, but the aimless movements of head and neck were not as erratic as they appeared. The head twisted out of his way and he got a mouth full of shoulder instead. Marcus clamped down and nearly gagged, but he kept his jaws locked. Ballard slammed into the midsection and focused his strength on toppling the creature over. Socorro and Philadelphia held back, protecting Tobias during his spell. They stood side by side, a black wolf and a gray with hackles up and fangs bared, determined to keep their lore keeper safe. The Nuckelavee pulled its hand from Violet's jaws, leaving no small amount of flesh behind. She spat the revolting mass on the ground and prepared to go for the arm again. Then she felt the magic begin to gather. Amongst the varied smells of an autumn forest, the distinct smell of spring air wafted through, underscored by the smell of sea water. The Nuckelavee noticed it too. Its entire body tensed for a moment, then it grabbed Marcus and pulled with all its strength until his jaws were torn from the Nuckelavee, again with its flesh still clamped in Marcus jaws. The Nuckelavee threw Marcus hard against the trees, forcing his breath from his body. He dropped to the ground and didn't move. Next, the Nuckelavee turned its attention to Ballard who was still wrapped around its torso in an unyielding bear hug. He was pushing against the Nuckelavee, trying to topple the nightmare. The Nuckelavee raised both of its knotted, over-sized arms above its head, the muscles twitching and gleaming wetly in the moon light, and brought them down directly onto Ballards shoulders. The first blow he withstood, the second drove him down to his knees, the third laid him out on the ground. Violet barely had time to react, the Nuckelavee had struck so quickly. Her heart hammered in her chest from the adrenalin of the hunt and battle, from the horror of the Nuckelavee, and from the rage of seeing her pack broken around her. She couldn't bring herself to look where Marcus had fallen and she realized it was because she couldn't bear to see another lover fallen. A slip of dread ran through her, but she shook it off. There was work to be done and she couldn't abandon it now. The Benandanti Violet again gathered her legs under her and leaped for the creature, aiming for the throat. Instead of using her jaws, she wrapped her arm around the neck and maneuvered her self behind the thing. She tensed her arm around the neck and used the rest of her body as a dead weight hanging behind it. The Nuckelavee gagged and choked as the arm cut of its oxygen supply. Stepping over Ballard, it moved toward the females protecting the mage. In the dark maelstrom of its mind, the Nuckelavee was aware of what the mage wolf was calling and what that meant for it. The female clinging to its back could be dealt with after the summoning was squelched. For if the summoning was successful, then it didn't matter what the bitch wolf did. Nothing at all would mater any longer for the Nuckelavee. With a barely audible grunt, its air supply already diminished, the Nuckelavee pressed forward. When it was within striking range, Socorro plunged into battle. Dodging in under the creature's reach, she observed it wasn't only man-like; it was male. She clamped her jaws between the creature's legs. The body-rocking shudder and screams that followed almost dislodged Violet. She maintained her grip, but it was loosened. She scrabbled for purchase on the back to reposition and tighten her grip. The Nuckelavee grabbed Socorro, then paused. It was not stupid, it had noticed every time it removed one of the wolves, it paid for the relief with removed flesh. The Nuckelavee wasn't the least bit certain it was an even exchange this time. Philadelphia took advantage of the moment's uncertainty to bite the wrist of the hand holding Socorro. The Nuckelavee screeched out against yet another assault. The ground and trees reverberated with the strength of the yell. The Nuckelavee swung the arm wide, attempting to strike Philadelphia into a tree. She released her hold, and, upon landing, skidded backwards through the fallen leaves. Once she got traction, she bolted forward to return to her position between the Nuckelavee and Tobias. She arrived just as the Nuckelavee was making a grab for Tobias. But Tobias had finished his summoning. A shaft of energy shot up from the ground in front of Tobias. The Nuckelavee took a step backwards, fear and rage playing across the ruins of its skinless face. The shaft took on the semblance of brightly lit water and rose to height a bit taller than the Nuckelavee. The smell of spring and sea water intensified. Then the pillar of water and light resolved into a matronly but still beautiful woman. The Sea Mither. She wore a long dress, in shades of blue and green. They wound around her in layers and a veil covered her hair. She smiled at the wolves, a look of all sweet accord, then glared at the Nuckelavee with a scowl made from the fiercest sea storm. It continued to back away, in spite of Socorro's and Violet's efforts. The Sea Mither closed the distance with but a step and seized the Nuckelavee by its rolling head. Violet released her grip and fell to the ground, as did Socorro. The Nuckelavee screamed out in pain as water from the Sea Mither's hand washed over it. The echoing cries again shook the trees and ground. The Nuckelavee began to melt. As the water ran down the Nuckelavee's body, the muscles and veins, then the organs and at last the bones dissolved. This too melted away, like dew in the sunlight, until there was nothing left of the monster. The Sea Mither regarded the wolves. Tobias was exhausted, but unhurt. Socorro and Philadelphia were likewise uninjured. Violet had some blows from the fight, but was relatively unharmed. The Sea Mither then turned to Ballard and Marcus. She crouched low to the ground and gently stroked Ballard. In less then a minute, he stirred, and raised himself upright. He gazed for a moment at the Sea Mither. His face took on an aspect of utter peace and he smiled up at her. She returned his smile and shifted to Marcus. He lay where he fell, up against the tree. She tenderly took him into her arms and stroked his fur. Soon, he stirred and she set him back on the ground. He shook his head and gathered his wits. "What happened?" he started to say, but stopped when he saw the Sea Mither, captivated by her beauty. She rose to her full height and smiled down at the gathered pack as they drew together. No words were spoken, but in the communion the wolves came to understand the Sea Mither, mother of the sea, was sister to their own mother, the moon. She was proud of the bravery of her nieces and nephews, and heartsick at the pain that had come onto them from the Nuckelavee. If ever they had any need of her in the future, they were to call. She left, fading away amidst the bright smell of spring air and the sea. The wolves stood shell-shocked for a moment before Violet tipped back her head and howled their victory to the sky, the moon, the woods, and any others who would hear it. The rest of her pack joined in and the woodlands rang with their celebration. When the cries had stopped, Ballard looked to Violet with a knowing smile. "Well, the hunt is over. Have you chosen your new mate?" Violet recognized the look and guessed at its meaning. She headed over to Marcus and shifted back as she wrapped her arm around him. "I suppose I have." Marcus looked around at the pack, dumbfounded. Ballard laughed at his expense, then gathered the rest of the pack around Violet and her new mate. As they again howled with joy, this time for the new mating, Marcus began to suspect what was meant. Hoped he did, at any rate. He looked at Violet with some confusion and she smiled up at him and nodded her head. This was all the confirmation he needed. The wolf form fell away from him and he gathered Violet in a deep embrace and kissed her passionately as his pack howled on.