11 comments/ 30736 views/ 37 favorites The Destruction of the Vlkolak By: lilgirlsix This story is a prequel to the "Wolf's Pet" series. It could stand alone, but I think it would be better to read after "Wolf's Pet." Although the characters are not speaking English, all dialog will be translated for your reading ease, except for an occasional word or phrase. I would like to send a huge "thank you" to my new editor, Archangel_M. I hadn't had one previously, but it has been fun working with him, and I hope I don't make him too crazy. ---------------------------------------------- Germany - 1858 Guillame Bertrand opened the door to the building the Council was using as their headquarters. Now that Rudolf Metzger was the head of the Werewolf Council they had moved near his home on Feldberg Mountain in the Black Forest of Germany. The building had been abandoned and boarded up until the Council had taken it over. As the newest member of the Council, Guillame had felt compelled to follow Rudolf's orders to appear before the Council for an important assignment. Guillame snorted to himself. Important, hmmph. Just an excuse to keep him out of the way. He had the distinct feeling that Metzger had not wanted him as a part of the werewolf governing body. He had only accepted the appointment this past week. No announcement to the packs had even been made yet. As much as he'd thought it would be exciting to be chosen to join the Council, he now thought that maybe he should have refused. He hadn't been alpha of his pack for long, but when the offer was made his father had counseled him to accept. He had a twin brother who could take over the pack. This was a great honor for the entire pack and for his family - at least that was how his father saw it. Guillame, however, had a feeling it had more to do with politics and bringing the northern Europeans into the fold. There hadn't been a Council member from the north for some time, and there had been grumbling from the packs about forming their own Council if they were to be left out much longer. He saw the many females splayed over every sofa in the great room as he made his way to the Council Chambers. It reminded him of a human bordello. He didn't think they were anyone's mates, just playthings for the Council and their lackeys. Guillame did his best to ignore the hungry stares from the females. He and his wolf had no interest in playing. He wanted to find out what his task was to be, get it done, and return home to Belgium. He quickly strode through the room, one purpose on his mind. The females watched while the tall northerner moved towards the Council chambers. He didn't look their way at all. A few licked their lips in anticipation, hoping to catch his eye and his attention. His wavy brown hair was shiny, his eyes the most wondrous blue they had ever seen, and his clothed body was broad and muscular. Maybe he would show interest in one of them on his way out. They knew the new Council member wasn't mated. His wolf should be interested. Guillame stood before the giant, ornate doors that led into the chambers. Metzger certainly loved his opulence. He took a deep breath and pushed open the doors. He scanned the room and found their esteemed leader fast asleep in his chair as the others wandered aimlessly around the room. Guillame stood in the center of the room and cleared his throat as loudly as possible. It echoed in the enormous room. He looked up at the dome of what was once a great church and wondered what it had been like filled with humans praying to their God. They would have prayed for His help if they had known what creatures lurked outside their town. And now the creatures had moved into their God's house. Guillame watched as Metzger awoke and waited an appropriate time before speaking. Although fluent in Metzger's native German. he chose to speak his own tongue until requested to do otherwise. He wasn't sure if Metzger even spoke French, but he would find out now. "What is this assignment you have for me Rudolf? And why did you choose to send a message only hours after I had left our last meeting? It caught up to me the day I returned to my pack. You had no idea while I was still here?" Metzger could see and hear Guillame's annoyance. He smiled to himself. Good, exactly as he had hoped. He took note of the younger male's slight of using French instead of German, and answered in his own native tongue. "Why my dear Guillame, I only learned of the situation needing your attention at that time. I'm sorry it was not to your liking to return so quickly, but there is no one else I can send. This needs to be someone who is not known in the area, and someone unmated. It may be a years-long task, and a mate would be a terrible thing to leave behind for such a long time. I trust you understand this?" He did his best to act sincere while inside he reveled in the Belgian were's unhappiness. If he had to accept him onto the Council, then he would make his tenure as unpleasant as possible. "Yes, I understand." Guillame answered in German and almost felt guilty about his tirade. Almost. But he had a suspicion that Metzger had done it on purpose just the same. "What is it you need me to do?" At this point he was actually curious. What could it be that would necessitate a Council member to leave for several years? "Have you heard of the Vlkolak who live in the Tatra Mountains in the Carpathians?" Rudolf waited for Guillame's nod. "There have been reports of strange things happening there, bizarre rituals, even horrors such as human sacrifice. I don't like humans either, but I would never kill one just for the sake of killing. Now whether or not this is true, we don't know. If it is, the Council must act, quickly and decisively. Obviously we cannot just ask the Alpha or any of his pack if this is true. We must have someone on the inside, to watch, listen, and report back. And that is where you come in." Rudolf forced a smile. Guillame felt his hackles rising. Human sacrifice? Why would a werewolf ever sacrifice a human? It made no sense. "Where did you hear these things? From whom? The whole thing sounds absurd." He looked around at the other Council members, who seemed uneasy about the whole discussion. "I don't feel it is in anyone's interest to reveal my source for now. It should be sufficient to know that he is very reliable and came by this knowledge by accident. He came to me to ask for guidance. I feel it is the Council's right to investigate. If the Vlkolak's actions bring human scrutiny down upon us, we must intervene before the damage is irreversible." Guillame watched the nods from the others. Even he had to admit that Rudolf was right. It was up to them to protect their race, from the humans, or in this case, from themselves. "How would I be able to find anything out? They won't just open up to me because I'm new to the Council." Rudolf sighed loudly, showing his exasperation with his new associate. "Of course not, Guillame. You will have to ingratiate yourself to the Alpha and allow yourself to become one of his pack. You will do this by following my instructions to the letter, do you understand?" Rudolf glowered at the younger male. Council Member or not, Rudolf would give the orders - and Guillame would obey. The Belgian were watched the older male carefully. There was something he was not saying. "Then give me my instructions so I may be on my way. This all sounds very distasteful, Rudolf, spying on our own kind." "It is necessary for the safety of all the packs. You will leave tonight. It is eleven hundred kilometers, and you shall travel at night so as not to be seen by any humans. You should look relatively disheveled by the time you arrive. You are not to bring any personal possessions. You will be a fugitive from your pack, driven out by a vengeful brother who did not want you to threaten his position as alpha." Rudolf seemed proud of his plan and at a glance could see Guillame did not look pleased at the deception. "You will leave reports in a preordained location that will be retrieved at set intervals by my omegas." "And how will you guarantee the Alpha will take me into his pack and not kill me on the spot?" Guillame had a sinking feeling that that was the plan, to have an unsuspecting Alpha carry out Rudolf Metzger's plans to kill him. "Trust me Guillame, he will not kill you; he will welcome you with open arms. When the time comes, you will understand." And with that, the leader of the European Werewolf Council stood and left the room, smiling at the females waiting outside. The other Council members seemed a bit confused as to what to do now. They looked at each other, and a few of them looked sadly at Guillame. Did they know something he did not? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Rudolf made his way to his rooms at the top of the tower. He hoped to leave soon; being this close to humans made him uneasy. At least his pack was close, just a few kilometers from here. He needed a good run, maybe a little plaything to keep his mind sharp. He smiled evilly as he thought of the newly arrived little bitch from one of the Italian packs. Her alpha had sent her as tribute to the Council. He so liked this arrangement he'd made with the alphas. They would send him blond-haired, blue-eyed virgins for his use in exchange for certain favors. Since he didn't have a mate of his own, he was free to take advantage of their lovely bodies. Of course once he'd taken their virginity they were of no use to him, but so much more valuable to their next lover. He took great pride in the education he provided to these fresh young she-wolves. And the Council made a wonderful profit when they sold them to the packs in Asia. They so loved light-colored fur and eyes. As he threw his cape over a chair he heard a sound behind him and slowly turned to face the source. "Oh, you've arrived. I didn't notice you there. I wish you would make your presence known instead of hiding in the shadows." He heard his visitor's sound of annoyance. "I hardly think you want anyone to know we are meeting. Unless ,of course, you would like me to announce myself when I enter the building." The shrouded figure splayed his arms open, as if making a grand entrance. "Yes, yes, you are right of course. Secrecy is of the utmost importance. My spy will be leaving this very night. We should have more information soon. I will keep you apprised." "Then I look forward to your reports. You know how to reach me." The dark figure exited through the window quietly. The werewolf found himself relaxing as soon as his visitor had gone. His presence always put Rudolf on edge. He'd be glad when his business with him was done. Just how long did his indebtedness last? And why was he so interested in this particular pack? Rudolf was also looking forward to the information his emissary would be sending. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Guillame stood in the room that had been assigned to him and neatly stored his clothing and possessions. He apparently would not have need for them where he was going. He guessed that if his story was that he was on the run he would not need his luxuries in the wild. He stood gazing at himself in the mirror. What was he doing? What was the real purpose behind this charade? And would he live to find the answers? He pushed his hair out of his eyes, let out a long sigh, and shifted. His wolf would be glad to go for a nice long run. He hated traveling with humans anyway. The last several days taking the train to and from Brussels had been stressful. His wolf looked at himself in the mirror, moving closer to sniff the glass and the figure that also moved closer. Guillame laughed and tried to explain it was just a reflection. His wolf scoffed at him. Of course he knew that already. How silly. It was time to leave. The brown wolf padded his way down the stairs, past the admiring eyes of the females, and out the door into the night. He had a long journey ahead of him. He thought it would take him at least two weeks. ```````````````````````````` The red she-wolf watched as the cubs rolled in the grass. She loved to watch them play, loved every minute of being with the cubs. She couldn't wait to have one of her own. Of course, she already knew she was destined to have only one cub. But her daughter would always know she was loved, and would have everything that Orsolya could possibly give her. There were good and bad things about knowing one's own future. Her grandmother told her she had a great gift: to only know the good things that were to come to pass. She was so unlike her sister, Zsálya, who knew only the terrors and tragedies in their futures. They were twins, but could not have been more different. While Orsolya loved to be in the sunshine, Zsálya hid in the shadows. Orsolya wanted to laugh and play, Zsálya wanted only to be left alone to her thoughts. She never shared them with anyone. It was a tortured existence. Their grandmother had known from the moment of their birth; Orsolya was always happy, Zsálya always sullen. There were only a few who knew Zsálya's pain, but they knew what her future would be. None with her so-called gift could withstand it for long. As she watched the cubs tumble and growl at each other, Orsolya wondered when her mate would find her. She knew it would be soon. It had to be; they were meant to mate at the next full moon, what they called the Ice Moon. She'd heard the American packs called it the Wolf Moon. She liked that name much better. No female from her family line had mated during the Ice Moon in the last century. And it would be tomorrow night. He didn't have much longer. All she knew of him was that he was as large as her father, with brown fur and shockingly blue eyes. She couldn't wait to meet him. She'd dreamt of him on her eighteenth birthday. Her happy memory was saddened by her knowledge that her sister had no such dream. Her mate was not waiting to find her. Orsolya did not understand why the females of her family had the dreams. She knew the females of other packs did not dream the way they did. They could not see their futures, could not see their mates. Her parents had warned her to never mention it to anyone from another pack. If they met at a gathering, she should never say a word about her visions. She would nod her head and keep quiet. But always in the back of her mind she wondered: why were they so different? Of course, there were other things they were also forbidden to mention. But she imagined someday she would understand why. The red wolf was so involved in her thoughts of finding her mate she didn't notice the blond male cub wander away from the group. She didn't notice until she heard his painful yelping in the distance. She jumped to her feet and stood still, trying to figure out where the sound was coming from. It seemed to echo all around her. She frantically moved her ears, trying to pinpoint his location. The other cubs began wailing, drawing the attention of the entire pack, who came running from all directions. Orsolya ran at full speed towards the missing cub, hearing his plaintive shrieks. She reached the edge of the meadow and to her horror saw the cub in the mouth of a giant brown bear on the other side of the river. She didn't know if she could reach him in time. The rest of the pack was still too far away. It was then she saw a streak of brown fur and a large wolf hurtling towards the bear. He hit it full force squarely in the chest, bowling the bear over and dislodging the cub from its mouth. The cub tumbled across the ground, his blond fur streaked with red blood. His piteous cries could be heard all around the meadow. The bear was stunned for just a moment but shook its head, stood on its hind legs, and roared at the wolf who had interrupted its meal. At its full height it towered over the wolf, as well as outweighing him by ten times. But the wolf never relented. He situated himself between the cub and his attacker, ready to forfeit his own life for the cub if need be. He snarled, saliva dripping from the sharp teeth that filled his mouth. The bear lunged forward, only to feel those same teeth ripping through the skin of its belly. The other cubs huddled together in fear and were soon surrounded by the pack's females, hackles up and ready to protect their young from whatever it was out there that had threatened them. The males rushed towards the sounds. They didn't recognize the snarling wolf in a standoff with the hulking bear. But they did know the red wolf who snuck up from behind and snatched the injured cub by the scruff of his neck, running back across the river to safety. She passed the cub off to one of her father's betas and was about to return to help the stranger when her father stopped her. "He has it well under control, Orsolya. Let him finish it." The Alpha watched closely as the brown wolf attacked again and again, heedless of the large claws digging into his flesh, driving the bear towards the ravine and away from the other wolves. The bear finally gave up and ran back to its den to nurse its wounds. It would think twice about venturing out of its hibernation to hunt wolves. Ártur noticed that Orsolya never let her eyes leave the stranger. "Is he the one, daughter?" He could feel her elation through their bond. He didn't need her answer. The brown wolf gasped for breath as he watched the retreating bear. He felt the approach of the wolves from the other side of the river. Had Metzger done this somehow? But how could he have? And would he really have put a cub in danger just to solidify his spy's standing in the pack? He watched carefully as the group came closer. He could see the huge black Alpha leading, his betas at his side and a female close behind. As soon as he saw the female heGuillame couldn't take his eyes away. She was amazing. She moved with a grace he'd never seen. She was obviously young but her confidence exuded from her in the way she walked with the group of betas. He thought he caught a whiff of something in the air. He quickly looked around him and saw no lilacs, no birch trees. It was her. The scent became stronger as she closed the distance. It made its way into his brain, and he knew he would never lose it now. For whatever reason, this loathsome task had led him to his mate. And he would be forever grateful. As the stranger on their lands, Guillame shifted first. His muscular chest heaved as he still tried to catch his breath. The deep gashes over his ribs and back were healing quickly. However, the ones across his chest and belly were deep, and had torn through most of the layers of muscle. They would take time. Orsolya could just barely see from behind the betas. The brown wolf was a magnificent male in both forms. Her wolf longed to run to him now, shift, and let him take her in his arms. But she knew the betas would never allow her to make it that far. For now they would have to wait. He stood motionless as the group stopped in front of him. His fists opened and closed as he attempted to control his wolf. He wanted to touch her, sniff her, run away from these males with her and mate right now. His jaw clenched with the effort of holding his other half back. He tried to make him understand. But after some three hundred years his wolf didn't want to listen. He had waited patiently to find their mate, and now that he had he did not feel the need to be patient any longer. The Alpha stood for a moment, watching the male in his human form. He was obviously an alpha. What was he doing here? Orsolya, do not shift and stay where you are. As he gave her the command through their bond, he turned his large head and reinforced it with a stern fatherly look. He waited for her to drop her eyes as a sign of submission. He snorted to himself; one of the few times in her life she had submitted to him at all. He shifted and moved forward until he was close enough to touch the stranger. The Destruction of the Vlkolak Ch. 02 Once again, this story is a prequel to the "Wolf's Pet" series. It could stand alone, but I think it would be better to read after "Wolf's Pet." Although the characters are not speaking English, all dialog will be translated for your reading ease, except for an occasional word or phrase. Another a huge "thank you" to my new editor, Archangel_M. He is making the writing of this story much more enjoyable for me, and hopefully, for you. ----------------------------------------------- "Please, Guillame, we must go to meet my sister and grandmother. They are waiting for us." Orsolya pushed herself away from Guillame's tempting embrace, took his hand, and pulled him through the doorway. "There is much to teach you in a short period of time. We must go now." Guillame noticed the males and females lining their way through the courtyard towards the biggest dwelling in the compound. He could hear muted conversations and laughter. He felt he was the butt of some joke but could not decide if he should be angered, embarrassed, or just laugh along with them. "Do not mind them, my big brown wolf. They are just jealous. The females all wish you were their mate. And the males wish they were in your place. Now please, do not fight with me. You can walk much faster than that, I am sure." They were a sight, the petite redhead, who barely reached her male's chest, pulling him along like a cub. She had a set look to her face that made Guillame want to stop just to see her reaction. But he decided he did not want to anger her, and they were surrounded by her pack. They might not take kindly to him making a fool of her. In that moment, he knew he would do nothing to make her look foolish, ever. From now on, she was his life. But in the back of his mind he remembered that he was here to spy on them. As soon as they mated, she would know. She would hate him. What was he to do? He didn't have time to figure it out as they reached the home of Orsolya's grandmother. They stopped at the door as he looked up at a magnificent facade with hand-carved lintels and perfectly formed stone walls. "It looks like a miniature castle." Orsolya looked at him with a mischievous grin and giggled. "I will ask grandmother to lower the drawbridge." Just then, the door opened, although she had not yet knocked. Guillame stared open-mouthed at his little red wolf's doppelganger, the only differences being her jet-black hair and somber expression. He remembered to close his mouth but continued to stare. Orsolya leapt forward and wrapped her arms around her sister, squeezing her tightly. "Zsálya, this is my mate, Guillame." She pulled away, still holding her twin's hand. "Guillame, this is my dear sister, Zsálya." Guillame did his best to smile, but there was something disconcerting about seeing a dour version of his ebullient mate. "It is a pleasure to meet you Zsálya." He gently reached for her hand and brought it up to his lips in the European fashion. He could see her slight blush and gave her a warm look. "I will be very happy to have a sister. My father sired only males." He could see a hint of a smile and decided it would be his own game to see how much he could make her relax around him. Orsolya was thrilled to see how Guillame approached her sister. Many of the pack did all they could to avoid her. She had a feeling her big brown wolf would be a positive influence on her precious sister. Their own brothers, being much older and having their own mates and cubs, ignored her completely. Other than her twin, Zsálya spent most of her time with her father and grandmother. Zsálya spoke so quietly that a human would never have heard her. "It is very nice to meet you Guillame. My sister has been waiting for you for two years. Where have you been?" She looked up shyly. "Not here I'm afraid, little sister. But I promise, now that I am, I will never leave." He turned his head towards Orsolya and inhaled deeply, her scent making its way to his heart and holding it tightly. All those years alone, and now, he could not imagine a day without her. He pulled her close and bent down to kiss the top of her head. This was where he belonged. He came to a decision. He would send word to the Council that he would not be returning. A lilting voice carried through to the doorway. "Orsolya, do bring your mate to meet me." Orsolya clasped Guillame's hand in hers, smiled, and walked with him into the great room where her grandmother sat with a small blond-haired boy in her lap. Guillame let out an audible gasp when he saw the female sitting in her chair. There was something about her other than her obvious beauty. The simple chair she sat in could just as easily have been a throne. There was an aura of command about her. Her raven black hair fell in waves over her shoulders, and her smile lit up her face. She leaned down and whispered in the cub's ear. Guillame saw him look up and grin. He jumped off the elder female's lap and strode over to the tall stranger, sticking out his hand in greeting. "My name is Szebasztián. Thank you for saving me from the bear. I should never have run after the butterflies. It was wrong of me. But I learned my lesson and will never do it again, I promise." He tried to hold tight to Guillame's much larger hand. Guillame smiled down at the brave cub. He could see the healing bite marks on the little male's neck. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Szebasztián. I am glad I could render assistance, although I think, in a few more minutes, you would have bested it." The cub puffed up his chest. "Yes, I think I would have. Next time. In a few years." He smiled up at the tall were. "I have errands for my mother. I will see you soon?" "I believe so, Szebasztián. I think you will be seeing much of me." He returned the smile and watched as the cub hugged each of the females before leaving the room. The regal female arose effortlessly. "Well, I believe you have made quite a good impression on him, Guillame. I am Leona, Orsolya's grandmother." She lifted her hand and waited for Guillame to kiss it as he had Zsálya's. He smiled and grasped it lightly, bending formally at the waist, kissing the back of her hand before releasing her and standing tall. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Grandmother. Or should I call you Leona?" "Grandmother, please. I trust Orsolya has explained everything to you?" She lifted an eyebrow when she saw Guillame's confused expression. She turned to her granddaughter. "Orsolya, you did not tell him?" "I thought it best if you were present, Grandmother. I was not sure how to explain." Orsolya blushed as her grandmother laughed. "It is alright, my dear. Please, Guillame, sit down, there is much to say. Before you join this pack, you should know what is in store for both of you." She sat gracefully, arranging her skirts around her. "Now, where to begin." Guillame found a seat across the room from Leona. Zsálya sat on the floor to her grandmother's right. Orsolya looked at her normal place to the left of her grandmother but quickly felt Guillame's hand on her wrist. She turned, saw his invitation, and happily found her way into his lap. He held her tightly to his chest. This was where she belonged from now on. He liked the way she felt as she snuggled into position. His arms closed around her protectively. Nothing her grandmother could say would make him relinquish his hold on her. "I came here eight hundred years ago from my home in Sardinia." She closed her eyes and a wistful smile crossed her beautiful face as she sighed. "Even after all these years, I miss it. The mountains overlooked the sea. It was magnificent." She stopped for a moment and looked at Guillame. "It is hard to be so far from home. You understand." She smiled in a knowing way. Guillame tilted his head. Did she just guess about how much he had always hated to leave his home? Weres were notoriously territory-bound. Maybe it was just an assumption. "For millennia there were no humans on the island. Game was plentiful, and the only wars were an occasional territorial dispute between packs. They were usually resolved quickly, and life went back to normal. And then the humans came, and everything changed. They hunted us for trophies and our numbers dwindled. But when they realized what we really were, that is when disaster struck." She stopped for a moment and stroked Zsálya's hair, as black as her own. The younger female clung to her grandmother's legs. She obviously had heard the story before and knew what was to come. Orsolya held tighter to Guillame. She hated seeing her grandmother sad. She had seen so much pain and suffering in her life, and she wished her only joy for the remainder. She could feel Guillame's arms tighten protectively. Even though they had not bonded yet, he could feel her sadness. He wanted to protect her from everything bad. He would learn soon enough that was impossible. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Rudolf smiled at the report from his omega. He turned to the other members of the Council. "Guillame has been welcomed into the pack. Now we wait to hear what he finds there." He arose with a flourish. "Our business for now is complete. I will let you know when we will meet again." He had another meeting to attend, and he could not be late. The scent of humans assaulted his senses as he made his way through the streets of the city. He wrinkled his nose in disgust. It was bad enough when he was inside the walls of the old church and could smell what remained of the former residents. It was another to be walking among them. He made every attempt to make as little physical contact as possible, but that was difficult in this crowded alleyway. He felt something brush against his leg and recoiled in disgust. He gazed down at the small child who looked up at him with awe. How a human could let such a little thing out alone to fend for itself was beyond him. They were true barbarians. "I've come to take you to my Master, Sir." The quiet voice would not have been overheard by a human. He had been instructed well how to speak in a crowd. Rudolf was motionless for a moment, but then let the boy lead him through the maze of crowded, narrow streets. They stopped in front of an abandoned building. It didn't look like anyone had been here in years. The boy expertly picked the lock and allowed the were to enter before closing the door. Now Rudolf was left alone in the darkened room. There was enough moonlight coming through the windows that Rudolf could see to make his way through the discarded tables and chairs. It looked like this had once been a brauhaus. He could smell his associate nearby. He followed the scent up the winding stairs to a candlelit room. "All this secrecy. You were able to find your way into my rooms so easily. Why make me come here?" "Ah, Rudolf. It is always important to keep a reluctant ally just a little off balance. Don't you agree?" He stayed in the shadows, his face just out of Rudolf's sight. "Do you have news for me?" "My spy is in place. But if you would only tell me what specific information you need, it might make this much more expeditious." What could he possibly need to know about a werewolf pack that wasn't readily available? The thin, pale figure watched the were closely. "All in good time, Rudolf. You will know when I tell you. Do not press me again." His voice was cold. "Is there anything else?" He despised Rudolf, but he needed facts. And Rudolf was the only way he would be able to gather them in a timely fashion. "That is all for now. How shall I contact you when I have further?" "Send for the boy, and he will bring you to me. Now go." The dark figure turned his back on his visitor and acted as if he was already gone. Rudolf stood staring at the figure's back before realizing he'd been dismissed. He spun on his heel and quickly retraced his steps to the ground floor. The open door awaited him. Hadn't the door been closed when he went upstairs? He closed his cape around his body before entering the streets full of humans. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Grandmother, why did you have to leave Sardinia? Did your family come here with you?" Guillame was fascinated by Leona. He had never heard of a were living so long. He felt Orsolya's hand squeeze his. He softly kissed her cheek to let her know he understood her signal. He would let Grandmother continue. Again, Orsolya's scent enveloped him, and he swore to himself he would contact the Council as soon as possible to resign his position. "My species was known for our visions of the future. It cannot be changed, but there are always unknowns that can be exploited to an advantage." She could see Guillame's confusion and smiled. "The future is never fully known. A vision can only show one part of it. It is up to those interpreting it to seize upon any possibilities. My father ordered the young to be dispersed throughout the world in the hopes that at least one would survive the massacre. I am not aware of any of my siblings or cousins that survived. But then, they may have been as well hidden as I." "Excuse me Grandmother, but I've never heard of a werewolf with that ability." He felt Orsolya stiffen. Leona's soft laughter filled the room. "That is true, Guillame, they do not have that ability. But I am not a werewolf." She saw his shocked expression and laughed again. "I am a werepanther." "But, Orsolya is a wolf. How can that be?" What did this mean for them? Would they be able to have cubs? What would they be? "A werepanther and werewolf can have cubs, Guillame. And many of my granddaughters have had the gift of seeing visions. Some more so than others." Again, she stroked Zsálya's hair and looked sadly down at her. "I came here, and Orsolya's grandfather found me, sheltered me, and loved me." Her face softened and again, looked sad. "We had many cubs and lived a wonderful life together, but he was taken from me too soon by a hunter. My oldest daughter mated with Ártur, and they gave me many more grandchildren." She smiled softly at the two girls. "Both of my sweet girls see visions. Orsolya's are of the good things that will happen in our futures." She put a hand under Zsálya's chin and turned it to face her. "And my dear, dear Zsálya sees the horrors." Guillame could now understand why Zsálya seemed so sad. And why she was so close to her grandmother. He could see Orsolya ready to cry and held her tenderly. "All of my granddaughters, even those without visions, dream of things that come to pass. On their eighteenth birthday they dream of their mates if there is one to come. And that is how we knew you would be here now. Orsolya saw you and her mating under the Ice Moon, tomorrow night. And so it shall be. And you and Orsolya will save our pack." "What? Save your pack? How would the two of us do that? And save them from what?" Guillame's confusion was back. Orsolya looked like she had heard all of this before. "We will be attacked. And we will lose the fight. Ártur and I have discussed this and the possibilities for the future. You are that possibility. You will save our young the same way my father saved me." "Can't we stop the attack from happening? Attack them first?" Guillame had to find a way to change this. He had just found his future, and it was being taken from him in the same day. "If we stop it, it will just happen on a different day, in a different way. Our time will be better spent planning the future. You are a member of the Council. You will be capable of helping the cubs escape, helping Orsolya to escape. She is meant to live, Guillame. But you will have to send her away to let it come to pass. If you stay with her you will both die." Guillame stared at his beautiful little red wolf. How could he possibly send her away? And to where? Alone? "When does this happen?" "In two years. That is how long you will have together. I am sorry, my dears, but it will have to last you both a lifetime." Guillame was shocked and didn't know what to say. He clung to Orsolya. Two years. Suddenly he realized something. "How did you know I was a Council member?" Leona smiled sweetly. "I know many things about you, Guillame. And do not worry. You are not the spy. Your Council leader just wanted you to think that. He has another follower here more than happy to send him information. You are here as a distraction. In fact, he hopes you will be caught and throw off any further suspicion. We allow his spy to remain because he is a blithering idiot. The next one may be more cunning. But the only information he will get is what we want him to know. You must remain on the Council, Guillame. You will be able to hide the flight of the cubs. Without you our plan can never succeed." Orsolya turned in his lap to face him. "Guillame, will you help us?" "I will do anything for you, Orsolya, anything." He meant it as much as it broke his heart to say. He would send her away as they had prophesied. And love her until the end of his days. "If we are both to live, will we ever be together again?" He clutched her tightly to him, afraid to let her loose for a moment. "That is something of which I have no knowledge, my dear. I am truly sorry." She suddenly rose and waited for Orsolya and Guillame to do the same. "I think that is enough for one day. The two of you do not have much time to learn more about each other before the Ice Moon. I will let you go." She smiled at each of them and gave them a motherly embrace, then held her hand out for Zsálya. The two raven-haired females walked out the door together. When they were some distance from the new mates Zsálya turned to her grandmother. "You are not going to tell them?" "Why have them worry their lives away? It is better this way. What will happen will happen. And they will be able to live their lives without constant wondering. Come, we need to find your father." Guillame had been so happy before meeting Leona. And now this dread came down upon him. Upon them. He looked sadly at his little red wolf. "And you knew all of this the whole time?" She slowly nodded her head, tears forming in the corners of her eyes. He couldn't stand it. He pulled her close and crushed her to his chest. "I will do what I must to save you, Orsolya. Whatever I must. I promise." He tilted her face up and looked into her pale green eyes. He would love her always, at whatever distance. He bent down and touched his lips to hers for the first time. The shock they both felt was immediate. There was a fire that burned inside him and he needed her to quench it. His lips moved all over her face, kissing every bit of skin he could find. His hands traveled her body, learning her curves. By tomorrow at the full moon they would be mated. No matter the consequences. The Destruction of the Vlkolak Ch. 03 Ártur found Orsolya and Guillame sitting by the river where they had first met. He sighed as he watched them from afar. His heart broke for them. He knew he and Leona were asking them each to sacrifice much for the good of the pack. And he knew they would comply. Ártur knew what it was to lose a mate. But at least he had almost two hundred years together with his before she was killed. He hated to come between them right now, but his duty as Orsolya's father dictated that he must. Guillame wanted every moment possible to be with his little red wolf before they had to rejoin the pack. Just laying here together and talking took a little of the sting out of their earlier conversation with her grandmother. He liked watching how Orsolya's brow wrinkled when he tickled her just a little too much. Or how her mouth looked after he'd kissed it tenderly. If they had only two years, then he would use their every moment to memorize every little thing about her. He wanted to be able to close his eyes and see her just as she was today. He heard her soft giggle as he took a leaf and dragged it across her earlobe, followed by his tongue. Orsolya felt her entire body respond to every touch from her mate. For years, watching the pack members after a hunt had made her curious, and since turning eighteen many males had offered her the chance to discover the wonders of lovemaking. She had always demurred though; she had known Guillame was coming soon and, in her heart, he had already been her mate. Tomorrow night they would be joined for the remainder of their lives. She knew that even though they would be physically parted in the near future, neither of them would find another mate while the other lived. She fully expected to meet him again someday; at least, she hoped and prayed for it. She felt her father's presence before she saw him. Guillame could feel the slight change in her body. She had stiffened almost imperceptibly, but he had learned much in a short time. They both looked up at the imposing Alpha approaching them. "I am sorry to interrupt, daughter, but I must speak with Guillame." He waited patiently as they disentangled themselves. Guillame stood up and put out a hand to help his mate off the ground. He watched her with great admiration. He had never seen a young female with as much grace as she possessed. There was something different about her, almost cat-like. But she was a wolf, not a panther. Maybe it was just something inherited. "I will join you soon, my love." He smiled tenderly at her as she dusted off her dress and winked at him. Orsolya walked towards her father and stopped in front of him, standing on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek as he bent down. She took the occasion to whisper in his ear, "Please father, do not frighten him away." She looked up into his eyes, truly worried for a moment at what he wanted to say to her new mate. Ártur laughed heartily. "Do not worry, my little bear cub. I only mean to discuss family matters of great importance, as any father would do when his daughter is about to mate." He kissed the top of her head and watched as she walked towards the compound. He knew that she would find her way to her grandmother. He then turned his attention to his new son. "Guillame, let us walk, shall we?" He turned towards the riverbank and began strolling, not waiting to see if Guillame was following; he knew that he was. "Have I done something to displease you, Alpha?" Guillame was very uneasy about what Ártur wanted. "Guillame, I am very happy that you have come here. I know you will be a fit mate for my daughter, and an excellent protector for my pack's cubs. You and I will become very close in the next two years. There is much to plan and never enough time. I trust you, my boy." He continued to walk, never looking Guillame's way. "Thank you, Alpha. I am humbled by the faith you put in me after knowing me for less than a day." "I can read a wolf better than any alpha I know, Guillame. And I can see your character. You are a fine match for my daughter. I only wish you would be able to have a long life together. But that is not to be. And that is not what I wished to speak about." His face was serious. Guillame watched him out of the corner of his eye, unsure as to what was to come. "Oh? Then what would you like to discuss?" "You are an alpha. That was obvious from the moment I first saw you. I wanted to tell you that I will not consider it an affront if you do not bond with me after the mating. If you feel the need to take Orsolya and begin your own pack, I would understand." Ártur continued to walk as if the conversation they were having was a common one. Guillame was speechless. There had been stories of pack leadership changing after an alpha's daughter mated with an alpha who did not have his own pack. But Ártur was giving him the option of starting his own pack. "Sir, I relinquished leadership of my own pack to join the Council. I have no desire to form a pack, nor to take yours from you. And I will not take Orsolya from her family any sooner than prophecy dictates." He slowed his steps as Ártur came to a halt. Ártur turned and faced Guillame with a broad smile on his face. "Just the answer I expected my boy." He placed his hands on Guillame's shoulders. "Thank you for your honesty. Welcome to my pack. And do not worry. My sons feel no jealousy at your position in the pack. They know the future you will be protecting." Guillame felt the tenseness leave his body after hearing those words. He also knew he could trust Ártur as he would his own father. They continued to walk, side by side, towards the pack's houses, neither saying a word. Orsolya looked out the window and saw the two tall males walking together up the hill. She smiled and turned to her grandmother. "They are coming this way. And they are both unharmed." She was just now able to relax. Despite what her father had said, she had still had some worry. A protective father and pack Alpha was capable of doing great damage, even to a younger, larger wolf. "Orsolya, come here and try on this dress. It is the one your mother wore at her mating." Leona patiently waited for the girl to cross the room. She smiled when she saw her granddaughter's eyes go wide at the billowing cloth she held carefully. She had protected it carefully all these years for just this purpose. Orsolya had never seen a dress as beautiful in her life. It was a soft golden color, and she knew it would bring out the colors of her hair and eyes perfectly. "Oh Grandmother, it is the most wonderful dress I have ever seen." Her voice was quiet, almost reverent. "You have kept it well-hidden. We never found it when we were cubs." She laughed as she remembered the fun she and Zsálya had wearing any dress they could find in their grandmother's home. She quickly slipped off the green dress and wriggled into the proffered gown. Leona walked around her, making adjustments here and there. She stood back for a moment, hands on hips, and grinned. "Yes, that will do nicely. I think your mate will love it, and remove it from you as soon as possible." She was so glad she was able to do this in her daughter's stead. Suddenly tears formed in the corners of her eyes. After twenty years she still missed Allegria terribly. With ten sons, Allegria had wanted a female cub so badly and had been ecstatic when her twins girls were born. But her joy was short lived. She had taken the two cubs with her to the stream while she hunted for fish. The bear had taken her by surprise, and when it lunged at Zsálya, she had stood between the bear and her precious cubs. Her calls for help to her mate were too late, and he was too far. By the time Ártur and his betas arrived, Allegria was dead. The bear was found less than a kilometer away, dead from the wounds she had been able to inflict before her own demise. Ártur had been inconsolable. If it had not been for the plaintive cries of his two daughters, who knows what the brokenhearted werewolf would have done. Leona sighed and cleared her mind. This was a happy time. Allegria's reincarnated spirit would be close. This she knew. She spied the males quickly approaching and turned to Orsolya. "Hurry child, change back to the green dress. We cannot let your mate see the gown yet." Leona was so proud of Orsolya. Considering the pain she knew she would have to endure in the not-so-distant future, she was looking forward only to her mating, and the child she knew she would have. Orsolya had just finished changing when the door opened and her father and mate entered. She ran to Guillame as if she had not seen him in years and threw herself into his arms. He laughed and lifted her into the air, holding her close, her feet dangling in midair and her face at level with his. "Did you miss me, my little red-haired wolf?" Being this close was heaven to his wolf. He was entranced by her scent and struggled to keep himself from shifting and taking her now. She whispered in his ear. "I missed you terribly, my big brown wolf. I was worried you had forsaken me for some other female." She flicked her tongue along his neck and felt his body shiver in response. She giggled when he growled in reply. "Never!" He buried his nose in her hair and inhaled deeply. His body responded, his cock hard and pressing against his restrictive clothing. Tomorrow night's full moon could not come soon enough. It would be torture to wait to taste his young mate. But he knew that if he began now he would not be able to stop. He had forgotten there was anyone else in the room until he heard the Alpha clearing his throat. He reluctantly replaced Orsolya on the ground, but continued to hold her close. "Guillame, it is important to keep your mating secret from the outside. You must not tell even your own father. Luckily, you are too far for any family bond to still hold." He saw the incredulous look on Guillame's face. "This is imperative, my boy. If anyone finds out, you will never be trusted again by the Council, and thus, unable to protect our cubs. You will have to become an adept liar, I'm afraid." Guillame stared at the Alpha, and turned his head to look at his beautiful mate, tucked under his arm. She was worth any lies he would have to tell. "May I send a message to my father that I am on an assignment for the Council? That I may be away for several years?" He couldn't imagine not seeing his father and brothers for that long, but if that was the price for even two years of happiness with Orsolya, it would be more than worth it. "That would be acceptable." The answer had come from Leona. She stood quietly, watching Orsolya closely as she gazed lovingly at the male who had stolen her heart. She hoped and prayed that she and Ártur had interpreted the prophecies correctly. If they had erred, it could mean the end of their pack, the end of their family. She had to believe there was a reason a member of the werewolf Council had been chosen as Orsolya's mate. There had to be a special purpose for this mating. "You have four hours to spend together. Then Guillame must join your brothers for instruction of what will happen tomorrow night." Ártur saw the surprise on Orsolya's face. "He must not seem unprepared to the pack, Orsolya. They must accept him. We cannot afford to split the pack. You are the daughter of the Alpha. There are expectations that must be met. Your mate should be seen in a positive light." He saw the wrinkling of her forehead and knew she was about to protest. "It is so ordered." He waited to see if she would argue, but she dropped her head in submission and leaned into Guillame's chest. Having a mate had changed her already. She had never been one to keep her tongue. Ártur was pleased at the change. -------------------------------------- Guillame sat quietly between the two muscular males, Orsolya's brothers Istvan and Zsigmond. They looked like carbon copies of the Alpha, only more massively built. Both had shaggy black hair and dark eyes, like their father. Guillame had not met the other brothers who were spread between several nearby packs. He wondered if they looked any different. Orsolya and her sister looked much more like their grandmother. Of this he was glad. He smiled to himself. Istvan raised an eyebrow. "Something funny, brother?" Guillame laughed. "Yes, I wondered what Orsolya would look like if she had your father's looks instead of Grandmother's." He looked at the two burly men who began laughing. "Yes, that would not be as pleasant for you, would it?" Zsigmond slapped Guillame on the shoulder. "But let us return to the business at hand. Now, do you remember the history of the pack's Alphas?" Guillame cleared his throat. "The first Alpha was Edvard. His son, Almos, succeeded him but died shortly thereafter. His younger brother, Gellert, became Alpha and was challenged by an outsider, whom he defeated in a six-hour battle. Gellert took as his mate Leona, the panther. Their daughter, Allegria, mated with Ártur, who became the Alpha six hundred years ago when Gellert died." He looked from one to the other. Did he get it right? He saw their smiles and relaxed. "Why is this so important? I am not vying for Alpha. I am taking your sister as my mate." "You are taking the Alpha's daughter, Guillame. Our pack is very careful about who we allow to join us. And, as Orsolya's mate, you will be expected to join our family in guiding the pack. Father is the Alpha, but he relies on all of us. We have a large territory. Luckily, we border the territories of our brothers' packs. But still, it is a large responsibility and takes many to keep safe." Istvan finished his explanation for the fifth time this evening. He liked Guillame. He was grateful to fate for bringing him here. He would be powerful enough to keep their cubs safe in the future. ------------------------------------- Leona looked into the room where her granddaughters lay, sleeping for the last time in the same room. She wondered how quickly Zsálya would adjust to being without her twin. Of course she would be able to see her, but not nearly as often. Orsolya would be busy with her new mate. If need be, Zsálya could stay with her. She would leave the decision up to her. She quietly backed out and gently closed the door. Orsolya waited for the click of the latch before opening an eye to look around. Grandmother had gone. She did not want her to know she was still awake. She was just too excited about tomorrow night. She wondered how Guillame was doing with her brothers. Zsigmond was a serious-minded wolf, and she was worried he would be too harsh with Guillame. But Istvan was light-hearted and an excellent counter to Zsigmond's unyielding nature. She was startled by the sudden movement in the bed next to her. Zsálya's legs kicked violently under the blankets, her arms waving madly in the air. Frightened sounds came out of her mouth, but Orsolya could not understand what she was saying. She rushed to her sister's side and grasped her by the shoulders. "Zsálya, Zsálya, wake up! Zsálya, you are having a dream. Wake up, now!" She continued to hold her as Zsálya's eyes flew open and she looked around the room, wild-eyed, looking for...what? "Are you alright? Zsálya, tell me what you dreamt. You have awoken like this every night for a month. Please, tell me what it is that frightens you so." Zsálya sat up in the bed and looked at her dear sister's face. This was the last time she would wake up to see her sister waiting to comfort her. What would she do after tonight? The dreams were getting worse. She knew it was getting closer. He was getting closer. She shook her head at her sister. She would never tell her the horrible things she dreamt. If she did, Orsolya would spend all of her time worried about her, guarding her from something she could not stop. Orsolya deserved her short-lived happiness with her mate. She would not ruin it by heaping her problems upon her sister. Orsolya looked into Zsálya's haunted face, gently pushing the wisps of hair out of her eyes. "I know, you will not say. I fear for you, Zsálya. I know you are trying to spare me. I only wish to spare you your pain, sister." She closed her arms around Zsálya and held her close, feeling her body shake as she sobbed into her Orsolya's shoulder. What would Zsálya do without her? She would speak with Guillame. Maybe he would let her live with them. He had been so kind to her today when they met. Yes, she would speak to him after their mating. Zsálya was grateful for her sister's love. She knew she would not lose it, just have to share it. She sighed. "I will miss you, Orsolya. But I am happy for you. Guillame will be a wonderful mate, I am sure. He will be everything you need and deserve." She pulled herself away and looked at her red-haired twin and smiled. "I will be fine, I promise. Do not worry about me. Worry about pleasing your mate tomorrow night. Not that it will be difficult. You could do anything and please him." She laughed as Orsolya stuck out her tongue. "Go to sleep, Orsolya. You will need all your rest. I have a feeling Guillame will take every bit of strength you have." Orsolya looked at her a minute, and then slipped under the blankets to share her sister's bed. "I will only sleep if I stay here with you." She held out her arms for her sister, who sighed, and lay down with her. They wriggled until they were in comfortable positions, and Orsolya stroked Zsálya's hair. "Sleep well, sister." She kissed her on the forehead and closed her eyes, falling asleep almost immediately. Zsálya lay in her sister's arms, feeling safe for the moment, but she knew that when she closed her eyes, he would be there. He would stalk her dreams just as, someday, he would stalk her in the real world. She lay there awake as long as possible, but all too soon, her heavy lids closed, and she drifted into the world of her nightmares. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The little black she-wolf ran through the woods. The sky was clear, but there was fresh snow on the ground. A few places were icy, and she reveled in the feel of the ice breaking under her claws as she fell into the soft snow underneath. She tumbled through the fresh layer, her black coat flecked with little white shards of ice. Her blue eyes sparkled with joy as she felt free of the constant barrage of visions of death and destruction. There was beauty all around, and this was her time to enjoy it. Her revelry ended when she heard a twig break. Her head spun around, looking for the source of the sound. She cocked her head, listening. It was no kinsman. She would have felt their presence. No, this was a stranger. This was danger. She scanned the immediate area and was stunned when her eyes met the small black ones staring back at her. She could not move. This was her future. There was no changing it. He would come for her. But when? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Zsálya awoke, sweating, her body shaking in response to the horror that awaited her. She could not let Orsolya know. This would be her mating day, the beginning of the next phase of her life. Zsálya could hide it like she hid all the dreams. They thought they knew all her visions. She hid much from her family. She lay still, listening to the slight snoring coming from her dainty sister. She laughed to herself. Wait until Guillame heard her snore! --------------------------------------- Guillame awoke with a start. He jumped up, confused at first about his surroundings. He had not slept in a bed in weeks. He looked at the two males asleep on the floor. Ah yes, his future brothers, making sure he did not visit their sister under the guise of darkness. He chuckled to himself. Would he have tried if they had not been there? His wolf adamantly answered: yes, he would have tried. Guillame would not have tried to stop him. The Destruction of the Vlkolak Ch. 03 He sat up slowly, trying not to disturb Zsigmond and Istvan. They had been up until the wee hours, arguing about which of their eight brothers had the most beautiful mate. He was sure they all paled in comparison to his flame-haired wolf. At the thought of her, his wolf whined. He knew the time was nearing for him to take his mate. He could picture it in his mind, her tail flagging behind her as she awaited him. He wanted to hear her howling her pleasure as he thrust into her, as he seated his knot and planted his seed inside her. Guillame closed his eyes and smiled. He felt them before he heard them. He opened his left eye, and then his right. The two males were inches from Guillame's face. "Sleep well, brother?" Istvan whispered into Guillame's right ear. "Thinking of tonight, hmm?" Zsigmond grunted into his left ear. Guillame immediately covered the obvious truth of his thoughts as his new brothers laughed heartily at his expense. "We will bathe in the river." Zsigmond shifted and the large black wolf looked over his shoulder, waiting patiently for Guillame. "Am I not allowed to be alone?" "Not until you are mated, brother." Istvan smiled and shifted, standing in front of him, waiting. Guillame shook his head, sighed, and shifted, joining the black wolves as they ran out the door to the river. The black wolves ran on either side of the brown male. Guillame was not sure of the purpose. Were they there to keep him from Orsolya? To keep her from him? They ran past Grandmother's house, and he caught a fleeting glimpse of red hair through a window. Was she watching him as he ran by? He was staring over his shoulder at the house as he ran until Istvan bumped him hard from the right. He growled in annoyance and turned his attention to the trail. The cold water greeted the wolves as they leapt into the fast-moving river. Guillame watched as the pack's males began assembling at the riverbank. This was a large pack. He hadn't realized how large until now. Yesterday he had met the high-ranking betas, but now every male was here to meet the Alpha's new son. When Zsigmond and Istvan shifted, Guillame did as well. He thanked the omega who held out a bar of lye and a cloth so he could wash himself. He saw the stares at the red lines that crossed his chest and abdomen, all that remained of the fight with the bear. Even those would be gone soon. Ártur arrived at the river, smiling as he thanked his pack for their congratulations. This would be a proud day for him. His daughter would mate at the Ice Moon and fulfill her destiny, Allegria's destiny. He knew that his daughters were the reason he and Allegria had been brought together by the fates. This night would bind Guillame and Orsolya to the pack's future. Ártur swiftly disrobed and joined his sons in the river. Any human would soon have died in the cold water. Luckily, werewolves were a hardier race. His voice boomed across the rushing water. "Are you ready for tonight, my boy?" He flashed a broad smile as he began to lather his body with the harsh soap. "Yes, Sir, my brothers have taught me well." Guillame did feel ready. He had always hoped to find a mate, but had always thought his own father and brothers would surround him. He would imagine they were here. But Ártur and his sons would fill the void. He already found a camaraderie with them he had not expected. Guillame had finished his bathing and waded back to shore. He was about to shift back to his wolf form when a small blond ball of fur streaked towards him and jumped into his arms, bowling him over. Guillame landed on his back with a thud, laughing and trying to sit up as the cub jumped on and off his chest. "Szebasztián, is that you?" The cub shifted and the little boy stood smiling at his new found friend. "Good morning Sir! By tonight you will be family, and I will call you uncle." He beamed at the male laying on the ground. "Szebasztián, you may call me anything you wish. You are my friend for life." The little boy stuck out his hand and grasped Guillame's arm like an adult. Istvan watched his son with pride. He came up behind him and laid a hand on his head, smiling at Guillame. "I had not thanked you yet, Guillame. I let Szebasztián do it for us." Guillame was shocked. He had not known the boy was Istvan's son, Ártur's grandson. "You are very welcome, Istvan." "And you will save him again, and the rest of the cubs. We will be forever in your debt, brother, with no way to repay you." He ruffled his son's blond mop of hair. "Now, we have a fire pit to prepare." He shifted and waited for Guillame and his brother before running into the woods. ----------------------------------- Ártur walked into Leona's house, watching his daughters prepare for the evening's festivities. Orsolya looked so much like her mother, it took his breath away. The golden gown glinted. Her red hair fell in ringlets around her face and over her shoulders. Her green eyes shone like emeralds. Orsolya twirled, getting used to the flow of the skirt, and saw Ártur standing in the doorway. Her face lit up as she ran to him. "Father, how do I look? Am I as beautiful as mother was in this dress?" She held the skirt out and turned slowly, watching him over her shoulder for his reaction. When she saw his grin, she squealed with delight. "You look ravishing, my little bear, just like your mother. Guillame will be pleased." He moved to Zsálya's side and hugged her to him. "What do you think of your sister, hmm?" Zsálya sighed and showed a rare smile. "Orsolya, you are truly a beautiful vision. I am so happy for you." Leona clapped her hands to get everyone's attention. "We must hurry. The hunt will start soon. Zsálya, get the cover for your sister." Zsálya went to the wall where a hooded cloak hung waiting. It was plain and would hide her beauty from Guillame until the right moment. She held it out for Orsolya, but hated to see her put it on. Beauty like hers should be shared, not hidden from view. But this was their pack's way. When they left the house, the pack's females gathered around them, Orsolya in the center with her sister and grandmother on either side of her. Orsolya arrived at the clearing just as the males arrived from the other side. The betas surrounded Guillame, clothed in a sapphire-blue linen shirt that matched his eyes perfectly. Istvan and Zsigmond walked on either side, with Szebasztián proudly walking next to his new uncle. Both groups stopped in the center of the clearing. Ártur climbed to the top of the rock formation at the outer ring of the clearing. Both groups and the other members of the pack turned as one to watch him closely. "Tonight, we welcome the Ice Moon and ask her for guidance through the dark winter months. She has brought me a new son, a mate for my daughter Orsolya." He paused for a moment. There were a few of the pack who had not yet heard the news, and they looked around to try and find the male. "He has already proven his worthiness by saving Istvan's son from a marauding bear. But at this time, if any wolf wishes to challenge him for the right to mate with Orsolya, then he must come forward now." There was quiet as heads turned to see if anyone would come forward to contest their joining. Any wolf who could win against a full-grown bear would be an admirable opponent. No one moved. Ártur waited an acceptable period of time before continuing. "Guillame, step forward." Guillame, along with the escort of his new brothers and nephew, walked into the center of the clearing. The betas backed away to the edge. Now the whole pack could see him. He strained to see through the group of females, but Orsolya was completely hidden. "Are there any that question his fitness to be mate to Orsolya?" Ártur scanned the group and saw no one ready to speak. "Orsolya, step forward." The females opened their circle around the cloaked figure who walked carefully, guided by Leona and Zsálya. They stopped a few paces from Guillame. Guillame could not make out Orsolya's face at all with the hood surrounding it. Her body was completely hidden by the plain cloak. This was much different than his own pack's customs. He smiled to himself. This was his pack now. He belonged wherever Orsolya was. He tried to calm his wolf, who was spinning in his head. He had caught her scent, lilac and birch, and could think of nothing but mating now. Guillame told him to be patient. He would have his time. "Guillame, do you wish to take my daughter, Orsolya, as your mate?" Guillame grinned. "Yes, Alpha, I do." "Orsolya, do you agree to mate with Guillame?" Ártur saw the nod of her head. "Guillame, you must prove yourself worthy to care for a mate. I know you will be able to protect her; you have proven that by driving away the bear. But now you must prove you can provide for her. You will lead the males in the hunt. If what you bring back for the pack is not sufficient, Orsolya will reject you. Is that understood?" "Yes, Alpha, understood." Guillame watched for Ártur's nod, which he knew meant they would begin. He stripped off his clothing as the betas did the same. The pack's females took an appreciative look at his nude body before he shifted. There were winks and smiles, and he heard snippets of conversations. "Orsolya will be pleased tonight." When all the males had disrobed, Guillame shifted first, the others following closely behind. The large brown wolf looked behind him, his sparkling blue eyes still evident as he looked quickly at the robed figure waiting for his return. He turned his attention to the two black wolves who flanked him who would show him the way to the hunting grounds. Then, it was all up to him. He was expected to bring back the biggest game. He fully expected to succeed. The pack of wolves traveled miles before reaching the hunting grounds. The large brown wolf in the lead stopped and lifted his nose to scent the air. The pack behind him did the same. They all smelled it, a herd of Fallow Deer. They followed their leader through the brush until they came to the edge of the forest and looked out into a meadow dotted with the dark brown hides with white speckling. The males sported antlers that spanned several arm lengths. There were four. Guillame knew he needed to catch something much larger than this to prove himself, but he would help the pack take these to begin the hunt. He lowered himself to the ground and began the slow crawl into position, the betas spread around him doing the same. They slowly and carefully made a complete circle around the unsuspecting deer. The betas watched their leader, and when he moved in closer, they did the same. Guillame stopped and waited for all to be in position. He looked at Zsigmond on one side and Istvan on the other. He nodded his head and the three moved forward, low to the ground, ears flat against their heads. The others waited patiently. Suddenly, the brown wolf leapt up and began running at the bucks, Zsigmond and Istvan by his side. The deer froze for just a second and then spun around, running towards freedom, or so they thought. They ran headlong into the pack of betas, and were quickly slaughtered. Guillame and the two black wolves caught up to them, proud of their hunters. These four would be dragged back to the compound and the remainder of the wolves would continue to look for prey. They next came upon a group of wild boar, ferocious when cornered, but once conquered, food for many. The betas dragged eight of them back to the waiting pack. Guillame quickly calculated how many each would feed and how many more animals they needed to take. Three large animals should do it. There were five wolves remaining. If they each brought back one, that would be more than sufficient. The five wolves continued through the wooded area, moving slowly, carefully, searching. Guillame heard a strange clacking noise. He moved forward, looking through a bush and smiled to himself. There they were. They would be the last of the game they needed to kill. The Red Stags had to be at least two hundred kilos each, the largest closer to two hundred fifty. That would be his. Each of the wolves chose a stag and took position in the circle so as to be in line to take it down. They closed the circle quickly and any stag who wanted to escape would have to chance leaping over the sharp teeth of their hunters. One by one, the stags lost the battle until the only one who remained was the largest. The huge stag and Guillame faced each other. Guillame moved slowly, staring at the animal that stared back at him. His antlers could do much damage if they hit him in the wrong place. The stag dropped his head, leading with the deadly points that could impale the wolf and kill him if he hit just the right angle. The two adversaries circled each other warily. Both knew that one would die and the other would live. This was a fight to the death. There would be no escape. The other wolves watched as Guillame stalked his prey, sizing him up, waiting for just the right moment to move in for the kill. He saw his chance and took it, rushing in and slashing at the surprised animal's throat, taking him down in one swift attack. The others sat stunned. They had never seen a single wolf take down as large a beast without assistance. Once the huge animal was dead, he took a hold of it and began to pull with all his might. It would take hours to return to the clearing. It would be well past the full moon. What would happen if they hadn't returned in time? Guillame turned when he heard the welcoming barks from the betas and saw the group of wolves who had come to help them haul their kills. He looked at Zsigmond and Istvan and realized they had called for help so they could return in time for the Ice Moon. Orsolya anxiously awaited the return of her big brown wolf. Every sound from the woods caused her to jump up and look off into the distance. She heard laughter from some of the other females when they noticed. But she didn't care. Leona watched her with amusement as Orsolya sat down, her hands fidgeting in her lap. After the first group arrived with the Fallow Deer she had hoped that Guillame would be close behind. But only the males dragging in the boar came into the clearing. When the males went back out as her father smiled, she knew her wolf would be back soon. She looked at the horizon where the sun dipped below the mountains and the moon rose on the other side. The Ice Moon was approaching. Her life would change this night. Orsolya stood when she saw the Red Stags being dragged into the clearing. She strained to see Guillame but the brown wolf was not there yet. She saw Istvan and Zsigmond, each with a large buck in his mouth, being helped by several of the betas. Where was he? Had something happened? The betas had pulled in the last of their kill and sat, tails wagging, tongues hanging out, watching the edge of the tree line. The large brown wolf pulled hard on the body he dragged behind him. There were gasps from the assembled werewolves. It was the largest Red Stag they had ever seen. And Istvan and Zsigmond had witnessed the brown wolf take it down with one bite through its throat. Guillame dragged the buck and left it in front of Orsolya. He backed up and shifted, wiping the blood off his mouth with the back of his hand. He looked at the shrouded figure before him. If he hadn't scented the birch and lilac, he wouldn't know it was even her under the simple cloth. "I hope my kill has met your expectations, my love. I will provide for you for the time we have together on this earth. I would do anything to care for you, Orsolya." His voice dropped to a soft whisper. "Anything." Orsolya watched her mate through the opening in the hood. She could see him, he could not see her. His muscles rippled under his skin, the veins standing out from the exertion. She looked down at the massive beast at her feet and scanned the many kills the betas had made, more than enough to feed the pack. She looked up at her father and slowly nodded. Guillame looked at Ártur, who smiled broadly. "Guillame, you have pleased my daughter. That is a rare feat. You have proven yourself to me, to this pack, and to her. You may take your mate." Ártur was beaming with pride. His daughter could not have found a better mate. He was indeed worthy of her love, and of shouldering the burden that was meant for the two of them. The Destruction of the Vlkolak Ch. 04 I would like to once again thank Archangel_M for his continued assistance, guidance, and grammatical expertise. I hope he will stay with me for the duration. Please vote and send your comments. -------------------------------------------------- "You may take your mate." The words rang in Guillame's ears. He saw no one but his little red wolf, in front of him, draped in the plain robe. Leona and Zsálya reached out and took hold of the robe, pulling it gently off Orsolya, who stood absolutely still. Guillame was stunned by the beautiful sight before him. Orsolya seemed to sparkle as she stood in her golden gown. Her hair was a fiery red, and her green eyes seemed to give off brilliant flashes of light. Her smile lit up his world. She was his. His heart beat loud in his chest, and he struggled to control his breathing. He just couldn't tear his eyes away from her. No one else existed in this time and place other than the two of them. He never heard the gasps and whispers as his mate was revealed. Orsolya felt her heart would burst as she looked at her wolf. He was magnificent. His hard muscles rippled under his skin. She was mesmerized by his eyes as he watched her. She knew they saw only her. Neither moved for several moments. "You are mine now." Guillame said it in a whisper. He watched her nod her head in response. His hand strayed to her silky red hair, and he stroked it slowly, not wanting to let it go. He brought his hand higher to gently touch her face, her skin as soft as a doe's. He'd never given any thought to finding a mate. He hadn't been looking, but fate had led him to her. He would not waste a moment of the precious time they had to share. His hand slid around her neck, and he pulled her forward as he bent down to take her lips in a gentle kiss. His wolf was impatient to take his mate and fought to take control. He had earned the right. But his human half didn't want to lose one bit of his own enjoyment. His wolf would just have to wait his turn. Guillame took his time, exploring Orsolya's mouth with his tongue. He had kissed her numerous times in the last day since their meeting. Why did this feel so different? Zsálya leaned against her grandmother as she watched her sister and Guillame kiss. She and Orsolya had such a close and unique bond, she could actually feel Guillame's lips against her own. When she sighed, her grandmother glanced at her out of the corner of her eye. She saw the look of joy on Zsálya's face, which matched Orsolya's perfectly. She gently took Zsálya by the shoulders and walked her to a small patch of grass a little apart from the pack. Leona watched her carefully. This might be her only chance to know the love of a mate. She wouldn't interfere. She stood in front of her, hiding her from immediate view. She saw Ártur's questioning look and smiled. There was no need for him to worry about his other daughter; not tonight, anyway. Guillame was in no hurry to mate. He wanted to feel every inch of his little wolf before they shifted. He kissed from the corner of her mouth, across her jaw, and down her neck. He paused for a moment as her intoxicating scent enveloped him. He inhaled over and over: lilac and birch. He would never forget it, no matter how far apart the fates might send them. His hands traveled down her arms to her back, finding the small buttons holding the dress in place. One by one he pulled each from its hole and made his way to the small of her back until he felt no more. He grasped the edges of the dress and pulled towards him as Orsolya pulled her arms out, baring her torso to her mate for the first time. He thought he had seen beautiful bitches before, but none had been as exquisite as the flawless creature before him now. Orsolya felt a heat building inside her body. It began with her heart and radiated outwards. She thought her brain was on fire. Her blood boiled, her limbs felt light and heavy at the same time. And she smelled her arousal, something new to her. Watching the other wolves mate had never affected her like she was being affected just by his presence. She carefully stepped out of the dress, Guillame guiding her gently by the hand. She stepped forward into his arms, feeling his skin along her entire body as he wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight to him. Her lips pressed softly against his chest, tracing the faint red lines that still were visible, left over from the fight with the bear. She felt his hands in her hair as he pulled back, tilting her head up to gaze into his blazing eyes. She felt they were being consumed by the same fire. She would willingly jump into the flames with him. This time he crushed her lips with his, taking her mouth almost violently. His wolf had won for the moment, and made his presence known. He kissed down her throat, growling as he passed the spot he had chosen for his bite. He dropped to his knees, taking her to the ground with him, never losing contact with her skin. Once on their knees, they were a more comparable height and it made it easier for him to reach the rest of her body. His hands stroked down her sides, brushing against the swell of her breasts. He felt her sudden intake of breath and smiled to himself. He would be the only male to give her pleasure. This gave his wolf a great sense of satisfaction. Orsolya leaned into his hands as they touched her breasts again, just lightly with his fingertips. She felt a pulsation between her legs that made no sense to her. How could his hands on her breasts make her so wet and wanting in that part of her body? She needed something there, she needed to be filled. She knew what happened when wolves mated. She had grown up in the pack and had seen it many times, but it had never been her. Her wolf had never seemed the least bit interested. But now was their time. Ártur watched Zsálya carefully. She had shed her clothing and was kneeling behind Leona. Her arms seemed to be caressing a body that was not there. Leona stood as if trying to hide her from the pack. He climbed down from the rocks and approached slowly, stopping to stand next to Leona. "The bond with her sister is that strong?" Leona spoke in a whisper. "Yes, it appears to be so. But is that so bad?" She looked pointedly at the worried father. He looked behind him for a moment and saw the blissful expression on her beautiful face, one he thought he'd never see from her. He sighed and shook his head. "No, I suppose not. Perhaps I should be grateful for her to have this chance." Leona flashed him a smile and continued to watch the new lovers. Ártur wasn't sure how the members of his pack would react to seeing Zsálya's obvious participation in the mating of her sister. Of course they were enraptured by the sight of Guillame and Orsolya and probably would not notice. And if they did, he didn't care. Werewolves took pleasure where they found it. His daughter was entitled to that as well. Guillame took a breast in each hand, pushing them together, and bending down to take first one nipple into his mouth, and then the other. He alternated between sucking and nipping, his wolf growling his pleasure. He felt Orsolya pushing herself into him, holding his head tighter to her chest, pressing him forward, little mewling sounds escaping from her. He took his free hand and began to stroke her thighs, moving closer to her wetness. His fingers found their way and moved slowly along her slit. He pulled his hand back, and Orsolya watched as Guillame slowly licked her sticky fluids from his fingers. He captured her lips again, and she tasted herself on his tongue. Orsolya had not thought she could become more excited, but tasting her own essence on Guillame's tongue had made her so. She felt a new rush of fluid accumulating and wondered if he would push his fingers inside her again. But he urged her down to lay on her back. The cool green grass on her back made for a comfortable bed. He pulled her legs to the side and made his way between her open thighs. She saw the blue eyes watching her over the rise of her belly and smiled as she gave herself fully to her big brown wolf. She closed her eyes and gasped when she first felt his tongue lap between her slick folds. At first it had surprised her, but she soon became used to it and found herself raising her hips to meet his mouth. When Orsolya bucked against his mouth, Guillame grasped her hips and pushed his face deeper inside her as he drank all of her wetness he could reach. His wolf growled to be let loose and Guillame allowed it, but reminded him that their mate was a virgin, and he must be gentle. His wolf reluctantly agreed as he shifted, although he was unsure just how much he could hold back. His tongue quickly found its way deep inside his young mate. Her passage was tight, and he thoughts moved to how his cock would feel as he entered her for the first time. "Oh, Guillame!" She screamed out his name as his long tongue traveled deep in its quest to drain her of every drop of her fluids. She was unaware of the pack gathered close around them. She knew that when an alpha mated, the whole pack watched. But she was just his daughter. She had thought they would be busy with their own matings. She had been wrong. The pack knew the importance of this mating, and wanted to be witness to the continued future of the Vlkolak. Ártur and Leona watched Orsolya as she had her first orgasm from Guillame's tongue. At the same moment, they heard Zsálya's moans of pleasure as she too climaxed, her hips moving alone, her legs spread wide with no one filling the space. Their sensitive noses could smell her obvious arousal. Yes, they had to be sure no one noticed her. An unmated young wolf might lose control to smell her, to see her so wanton, so willing. Orsolya gasped for breath after experiencing her first orgasm. She looked down at Guillame's sapphire eyes and his beautiful lupine face. "Guillame, I never dreamed I could feel so much pleasure. Please, show me more." She expected him to lap at her wetness again but was startled when he backed up, watching her intently. She wasn't sure what she was expected to do next. Guillame waited for her to shift. Why didn't she? He walked around her luscious prone body and flicked his tongue along her skin as he moved to her head. He pushed his nose into her face and was surprised when she licked the remnants of her fluids from his nose. He watched her, cocking his head as she seemed to be enjoying her own taste. He moved to her side and pushed into her hip. She seemed to understand and rolled onto her hands and knees. The sight of her in that position, her lush breasts hanging below her, made his cock jerk. But he wanted to see her wolf. Orsolya positioned herself, waiting to feel his paws around her hips, his fur on her back. But he just stood there, cocking his head at her in a questioning look. She turned to look over her shoulder at him. "Guillame, I will not shift. You will understand soon. And you will be pleased, I promise." Guillame and his wolf were both confused by this. Why wouldn't her wolf want to mate? Why would she leave it to her human half? It made no sense to him, although he had noticed this pack had far different customs than his own. But still, it was odd. He shook his head in frustration. They would have their mate one way or another. If it was to be in her human form, then so be it. He would have to wait to mate with his little red wolf. Maybe it was their way with virgin bitches? He moved up slowly behind her, again, pushing his nose into her folds and snaking his tongue deep inside and then sliding it out and up across her other passage. He felt her shiver and push back towards him. He carefully raised up on his hind legs, covering her, his hard cock pushing into the swollen entrance to her heated center. He moved cautiously, not wanting to scare her or cause her any more pain than he had to. His front legs hooked around her thighs, pinning her in place. When the head of his cock met her barrier he whined in frustration. He wanted to sink into her but knew he had to be patient. Ártur glanced behind him and saw Zsálya on her hands and knees. Her face held the same look of concurrent awe, pleasure, and pain as Orsolya's. He heard her gasps and moans in perfect coordination with her twin. This had been so unexpected. He hoped he had made the right decision by allowing it to continue. Perhaps he should have had Leona sever the sisters' connection. He changed his position slightly to better shield her from view of the pack. Leona did the same. Orsolya gritted her teeth as she felt the probing head of his cock come against her barrier. She knew what she must do. She braced herself, held her breath, and pushed back into Guillame as he surged forward, gasping in pain as he was suddenly buried to the hilt inside her tight walls. He held himself still for a few moments, his tongue lazily licking her back, her body quivering in mixed pain and pleasure. Guillame was a little startled when Orsolya pushed back into him. But to feel his cock suddenly encased in her hot sheath was intensely pleasurable. He growled softly at her, a wolf's murmurs of reassurance. When she had settled underneath him he began to move inside her, slowly at first, but when he felt her thrusting back at him he couldn't hold back another second. His wolf took full control now, plundering his mate's channel. He thrust in and out, each time pulling out 'til just the tip was still within her warmth, then slamming back into her. With each thrust he heard her pleasurable moans. He could feel her body tensing. She was close to another orgasm. His knot had formed, and he held her tightly as he ground his pelvis into her, the knot stretching her open. The immense pleasure she was feeling intensified with each thrust. Orsolya felt his grip tighten on her legs and knew he would set his knot soon. And then she felt the stretching. She'd heard the bitches talk about the great pain they felt the first time they took their mate's knot. She had thought they were exaggerating until now. She couldn't help herself and screamed out in pain. For a moment she thought she heard Zsálya scream as well. But then a blissful feeling overcame her and all she felt was pleasure. The slight throbbing pain from her opening being stretched only seemed to make the pleasure even better. She felt the pressure building up inside her as his tongue lapped at her neck. When his teeth broke her skin she cried out with an ecstasy she had never known 'til now. Her body exploded, every muscle spasming and her only sounds animal-like grunts, gasps, and moans. His wolf had lost all sense of reason. Instinct took hold completely as he felt his mate on the edge. His teeth sank into her flesh as he continued his mad thrusting into her body, constrained only by his knot. Her walls constricted all along his cock, and when he let go of her neck he howled to the moon as he flooded his mate with his seed. He continued to thrust as he gently licked the bite wound. It healed quickly under his tongue, but he was pleased at the scar that remained. He pulled her to her side, in front of him to wait for his knot to shrink. He shifted back to his human form while they were tied and nuzzled her neck, whispering to her: "You are mine now, Orsolya. No matter how far we are separated, you are always mine." Orsolya let out a pleasurable sigh. "Yes, my love, and soon you will belong to me as well." She pulled his arms around her to cup her breasts as they rested and waited. She finally noticed the rest of the pack. Some were still clothed, some stood nude in their human form, and some had shifted. But they all eagerly awaited what was to come. She smiled to herself. Guillame would be pleased, she hoped. Zsálya had turned onto her side and lay there with an imaginary arm clutched to her breasts. Ártur wasn't sure how much longer the pack would ignore her. "Leona, we should move her before she is discovered." Leona nodded quietly. Ártur bent down and gently took his daughter into his arms, holding her closely. She snuggled into his chest, still with the same blissful smile as her sister. Leona followed close behind him as he walked to the compound. He laid her on her bed. "You will stay with her?" "Yes, thank you, Ártur. Thank you for not stopping her." Leona sat on the bed next to her granddaughter. She smiled at Ártur as he gently brushed Zsálya's black hair out of her face. Without another word he walked out the door. Two small black eyes watched from their hiding place in the bushes as the Alpha left the house alone. The black wolf had been frustrated by his inability to get past the sentries to see what strange rituals they performed in the clearing. He'd seen the males leaving on the hunt and returning in small groups with their kills. He'd decided to wait here for the pack to return, hoping to glean information from stray remarks. But the sight of the raven haired female in the arms of the Alpha had caught his attention. She looked as if she was in ecstasy. But why would he have brought her here? And left her with the other female? He snuck to a window and looked in carefully, not wanting to be noticed by the older female. He could see the strong resemblance between the two. Mother and daughter perhaps? He watched with fascination as the younger laid on her bed, a smile on her perfect face. The elder female patted her on the shoulder before standing and moving into the other room. He had never seen such an enchanting female. Maybe this assignment would not be as bad as he had first thought. He was startled when she began to move, turning to her hands and knees and stretching, almost like a cat. His eyes couldn't leave the lovely sight in front of him. The wolf watched her with curiosity when she held her hand like she was stroking something, but there was nothing there. When she moved her mouth as if she was sucking he blinked several times, thinking he was missing the male figure underneath her, but no, there was no one there. What was this? Some kind of sorcery? The Council would not approve at all of werewolves using black magic. Magic of any kind was frowned upon by the Council, but this? As he stared in wonder, his own cock hardened, the red tip poking out of its sheath. He licked his lips in anticipation. Her face was blissful. She reminded him of his own sister. It was the same look of wonder, joy, and pleasure she had had when she mated for the first time. The beauty looked down and smiled. He wondered what or who it was she saw. Her leg lifted like she straddling something, or someone, and she sat down slowly, her mouth open as she moaned loudly. She began moving up and down. The wolf imagined it was his body underneath her. He could almost feel her riding his hard cock, her beautiful full breasts bouncing above him. She gasped and held her hands on her own breasts, kneading them. She leaned forward and made the most amazing sounds as she cried out. "Oh yes, please, suck harder." He closed his eyes just for a moment, thinking of lying there with his cock buried deep inside her, sitting up to take a nipple in his mouth and sucking hard. His eyes flew open at the sound of footsteps entering the room. He ducked down just before the older female reached the window and pulled the shutters closed. He would see his raven-haired beauty again, of that he was sure. ----------------------------------- Guillame was under the spell of his little red wolf as she rode his hard cock. He felt his knot grow, held her hips tightly, and plunged deeply into her, stretching her tight walls. He loved watching her expressive face as she moaned above him. Her red hair was draped across her eyes, so his hands reached up to tuck it behind her ears. He didn't want to miss one second of her pleasure. The Destruction of the Vlkolak Ch. 04 Orsolya had never felt so free. There was a new self-confidence that filled her mind. She felt herself ready to explode and knew she must hurry. Her hands traveled down Guillame's muscular chest. She loved the feel of every bit of him. And now they would be joined for the rest of their lives. Their bond would only be broken by death. She leaned down and inhaled her mate's scent. After she marked him no female would dare to touch him. She opened her mouth and bit down hard, her teeth burying themselves in his flesh, grazing the bone underneath. Guillame howled as he emptied himself for the second time tonight into his willing little wolf. His hips thrust over and over into her, filling her tight pussy. He could feel her body spasming above him and he held her tightly, knowing she would be exhausted by her body's exertion. When her orgasm had ended, she fell forward into his arms. He wrapped his arms around her. If he had his way, he would never let her go. He rolled them to their sides while they were locked together by his knot. Now that the mating was over, their bond had formed. "Orsolya, when we are no longer tied I want to see you shift." He could feel her laughter through their bond and was confused. "I have a surprise for you, my big brown wolf, one that I hope you will enjoy." Guillame wondered what kind of surprise she had in store for him. But in the meantime, he would enjoy the feel of her. His hands slid up and down her arms, skating across her warm skin. His lips moved slowly over her collarbone, stopping long enough for him to flick his tongue over the site of their mating bite. He felt her shiver, and he smiled. They had been laying there for almost thirty minutes, enjoying the feel of each other and the privacy of their bond. The pack had finally lost interest in them, at least for a while, and had wandered off to their own revelries. But now, Guillame noticed them returning. There were expectant looks on their faces. Again, Guillame felt some confusion. Was there something they were privy to that he was not? He felt his knot shrink and a minute later, Orsolya had smiled and pushed away from him. The time has come, my love, to meet your mate. Orsolya closed her eyes and smiled, the other part of her ready to reveal herself. She gave up control of her body and quickly shifted. She heard the gasp from Guillame and opened her eyes. Guillame was speechless. She was amazing, but not in the way he has been expecting. "Orsolya, what happened? I know I saw your wolf yesterday. What happened to you?" He stared at her beautiful red fur and reached out to touch it. It was like velvet. His hand jumped when he heard the purr leave her lips. But a moment later, his hand was back, stroking her long, lean body. His hand traced her small round ears, so much smaller than a wolf's. He laughed when she pushed her face into his, her long whiskers tickling his face. Her tail flicked from side to side behind her, and her rough tongue licked the side of his face. "Are you pleased, Guillame?" "You are spectacular, my love." He had to admit, although it was a surprise, seeing his mate for the first time was awe-inspiring. He had never seen a werepanther until now, and she was his mate. "How did this happen, Orsolya?" His hands couldn't stay away from her beautiful body and he touched her everywhere he could reach. It was the Ice Moon, Guillame. She controls the panthers. When a female from my family mates at the Ice Moon, her wolf becomes a panther. It is considered a good omen. It has not happened in a century. Guillame looked up and realized every face watching them had a smile. The pack had known this was going to happen. This was what they had been waiting for. "You are now officially a member of this pack, Guillame. Welcome, my boy." Ártur was beaming. "Now, I suggest you take your mate for a run before you are set upon by the pack with their congratulations." Guillame laughed, "Yes, I think that would be a good idea." He immediately shifted and his wolf walked cautiously up to his new mate. He wondered what they looked like, side by side, the brown wolf and the red panther. His tongue slid across her face, which made her purr loudly. He rubbed his body along hers and then ran towards the tree line, his panther close behind. "Will you be able to keep up with me at a run?" "The question is if you will be able to keep up with me!" And with that, Orsolya sped up and passed the wolf, her tail high in the air as her legs worked in perfect unison, covering the ground quickly. "I will always be able to keep up with you, my little red kitten." He lengthened his stride and caught up to her in a moment. They ran side by side, just wanting to be by themselves. Ártur stood watching them leave, happy for them, but in the back of his mind, knowing it would be short-lived. He let out a loud sigh. He felt a tug on his sleeve and looked down at the smiling face of his grandson. He bent over and picked up the blond cub, barely able to make out the wounds made by the bear. "Yes, Szebasztián, did you want something?" "You look sad, Grandfather. You should be happy!" The little boy hugged his grandfather tight around the neck. "You are absolutely right, Szebasztián, I am very happy." He hugged the boy tight, a few tears forming in his eyes as he thought that soon, his pack would be no more. And his grandchildren would be scattered to the winds. But they would be safe. ------------------------------------------- "Grandmother, did I do something wrong? Is father angry with me?" Zsálya sat on the bed after regaining her strength. She had actually lost consciousness with her final orgasm. She had dressed and was sitting quietly on the edge of the bed. Leona looked at her granddaughter and smiled. "No child, he loves you more than you can know. He could never be angry with you." "Then why did I wake up here? Was he embarrassed?" The older female sat down next to the girl and held a hand to her cheek. "He wanted only to be sure you were safe. He was worried that someone could misunderstand. Come, we will go back to the clearing now. Your sister has shifted to her panther. Would you like to see her?" "Grandmother, how did you know? I could feel the difference in her through our bond." "The panthers form a bond as well. As soon as her panther changed, I felt her presence." Leona stood up, straightened her skirt and held out her hand for Zsálya. "They are taking a run; shall we be there to greet them when they return?" Zsálya jumped up, a large smile on her face. She took her grandmother's hand, and the two females left the house. The black wolf watched them leave. He could still picture the erotic movements of the little raven-haired beauty in her bed. He licked his lips in anticipation. He would find her again. But first he had a job to do. -------------------------------------------------- Rudolf couldn't control his anger as he read the report. "Magic, they are using magic!" He stood up and paced the room, the other Council members wary. "The Council has never allowed the packs to use magic!" The Destruction of the Vlkolak Ch. 05 I'm so sorry for the delay on this chapter. I promise to get back on track!!! I love reading your comments, posted or sent in private. Don't forget to vote. And as always, a huge thank you to Archangel_M, my wonderful editor. Thank you for the polish you leave on my story. -------------------------------- Orsolya loved every moment of her life with Guillame. As far as she was concerned, he was the perfect mate. She did her best to push any thoughts of their future out of her mind. She lived in the present. And now that she was carrying his cubs, she almost floated on air. Even Zsálya seemed to be happier. Guillame had agreed to let her twin live with them, and Zsálya was as excited to help raise the cubs as Orsolya and Guillame. Orsolya had been so worried Zsálya would withdraw from her after she was mated to Guillame. But Zsálya had accepted Guillame into their family with no hesitation. He made her laugh, and for that, Orsolya would be eternally grateful. She did notice the way Zsálya looked at Guillame sometimes. Her grandmother told her it was just a crush and not to worry. It was a common thing among unmated females. Orsolya was actually happy Zsálya seemed to have some interest in a male. Maybe she would finally allow herself to enjoy life. While Orsolya was not shy about mating with Guillame in front of the pack, she did have a strange feeling when it came to Zsálya. Even though she didn't think it made Zsálya uncomfortable, Zsálya would always disappear when they began, only to reappear when they had finished. Sometimes she was flushed, or out of breath. But she would shield her thoughts from Orsolya. Maybe she went out to run? Maybe she was hiding jealousy? No, Zsálya could never be jealous of anyone's happiness. Orsolya looked out the window and saw Guillame with her father. They spent all their time together discussing plans for the pack's cubs. Guillame seemed so sad when he returned from such meetings. She did her best to keep him from dwelling on things that could not be changed. She had her ways to keep his mind occupied. She giggled to herself when she thought about the amount of clothing she was having to repair because they did not wait to disrobe before shifting. When she had been a wolf, her clothing would just fall off. But her panther was much larger, and split her dresses at the seams. She really had to learn to control her other half better. When her panther wanted their mate, she did not want to wait a moment. Guillame opened the door and scanned the room for Orsolya. Before he could say a word, she had leapt out of her chair and crossed the floor to his arms. He smiled as he leaned in close to take in her scent. As much as he was upset after meetings with Ártur, all it took was the simple smell of lilac and birch to calm him. He closed his eyes, the scent burning its way through his mind. He grinned and buried his nose in her neck, his tongue tasting her skin. He felt her shiver in his arms. His wolf growled possessively when he heard footsteps outside the door. Orsolya giggled into his shoulder. She whispered, "They will not come between us, Guillame. I belong to you and you only, my love." His grip around her body tightened. She loved when he held her this way. She caught Zsálya out of the corner of her eye slipping out the door. For just a brief moment she wondered why she felt the need to leave. Guillame's lips on hers made her forget all about her sister. In reality, the only times in her life she had not thought of her sister were when she was with Guillame. Guillame easily swept Orsolya into his arms and brought her to their bed, laying her down gently. "I have heard the laughter from the females about the amount of clothing you are sewing. Best to remove them quickly now, lest they have more to joke about at our expense." He shed his own clothing, leaving it laying in a pile on the floor next to the bed. Orsolya wriggled out of her dress, holding it out for him to take. He threw it over a nearby chair and slowly climbed onto the bed, between her legs. The feral look on his face showed how close his wolf was. It was rare his wolf allowed his human half to stay in control when they took their mate. But Orsolya saw Guillame's struggle to remain in control. Guillame reminded his wolf that their human half very rarely had a chance to enjoy their mate. He wanted his turn. He wanted to relish in her lush body and the changes that her pregnancy was causing. He loved stroking the swell of her belly, the new fullness of her breasts. He wanted to have the time to lay his ear next to his cubs and feel their movement. It was much more difficult in her panther form. His wolf reluctantly agreed to wait his turn. Orsolya reached out a hand to caress Guillame's hair as he lay his head on her belly. She could feel the cubs kicking and giggled at her mate when she saw his look of awe. "They want to meet their father. Every time you touch my stomach they start kicking." Guillame's hand traced the fullness and stopped whenever he felt movement. "Soon my little cubs, soon." His lips followed the light touch of his fingers. Orsolya loved listening to him talking to the cubs. But she was worried by the fact that her visions had had always been of one cub. The midwife told her there were two. Maybe her vision had been wrong. At times they did not exactly match what came to pass. Her interpretations were not always correct, and later she would reevaluate and realize her mistakes. That was why she had begun reciting her visions to Guillame, who wrote them down word for word. She was brought back to the present by Guillame's lips and hands moving over her swollen belly. His touch made her entire body feel like it was bursting into flames and the only thing that could put the fire out was the feeling of him inside her, emptying himself into her depths. Only then would she be sated. She could smell the fluids leaking from her swollen pussy, and she saw the instant recognition on his face. He looked up from her belly with a devilish grin on his face. He pushed his way down the bed until his face was pressed to her wet fragrance. His tongue reached out to taste her. He heard her sudden gasp and felt her legs close around his head. He wrapped his arms around her thighs to hold her open and began to drink his mate's sweet nectar. He had become addicted to her taste and lapped at her as she flooded his mouth. -------------------------------------------------- Zsálya had made her way to the secluded cave she had found many months before. It was perfect for her use. No one ventured this far away from the compound. It wasn't near the hunting grounds or where the cubs played. She could be alone with her thoughts and feelings. She had barely made it into the cave when the lust overtook her. She dropped to the ground, gasping for air, clawing at her clothes, leaving them where they fell. She lay on her back, her legs spread wide. Immediately, her hips began to rise, lost in the sensation of an invisible mouth on her virgin flesh. His black eyes followed her every move, unable to look away. He had watched her come to this cave day after day, losing herself to whatever took hold of her when she thought she was alone. She cried out as the orgasms washed over her, one after another. She heard nothing but her heart pounding in her chest, her blood rushing through her veins, her gasps for breath. She didn't hear the movement at the mouth of the cave. The black wolf watched closely as the female writhed on the ground in front of him. What magic was this? Was it a demon, an incubus? No matter; he could not look away. He stood still, mesmerized by the erotic picture before him. Her movements called to him. He moved forward slowly, her scent drawing him ever closer. She seemed blind to everything around her. He watched her hands digging into the dirt as she took her pleasure. The wolf crouched down and inched his way towards the raven-haired female. His nose twitched as her scent overwhelmed his senses. He couldn't stop himself; he had to taste her. He'd been watching her all these months and never approached her. But his resolve was gone. He slowly moved across the cave until he laid between her open legs. His tongue flicked out and just barely touched her pink flesh. Her taste exploded on his tongue. She hadn't seemed to notice. His tongue snaked out again and lapped at her weeping folds. Zsálya was surprised by the brush of a hot tongue against her wetness. She could swear Orsolya was only feeling Guillame's mouth on her breasts at this moment. How could this be? She could feel what Orsolya felt. But this was different. Had one of the pack followed her? She was afraid to open her eyes to see. But her fear was overcome by waves of orgasms crashing down upon her as the long tongue delved deeper into her swollen flesh. She couldn't control her body as it jerked and spasmed with the added stimulation from the stranger between her legs. As the feelings began to fade, she could hear the sounds of his tongue drinking her fluids. The tongue never stopped its exploration of her body, becoming bolder and moving its way across her belly and towards her heaving breasts. It was everything she had craved since experiencing Orsolya's pleasure from her mate. But should she look, or pretend she was under a spell and not able to open her eyes? Would she destroy something wonderful, or save herself from something evil? The tongue curled around first one nipple, feeling it harden, and then moving quickly to the other. He couldn't believe she was allowing his touch. But the more she allowed, the more daring he became. His tongue dragged along her soft, perfect skin from her navel to her collar bone. Her moans went straight to his cock, each sound from her causing a corresponding twitch and jerk. There was a constant drip of precum from the tip. As he moved up her body, his cock left a trail of the sticky liquid. Zsálya could smell him. He was not of her pack. What had she done? She blocked her thoughts from Orsolya and her father and grandmother. She could not let them know she had put herself in this position. As she pondered how to escape from this unknown wolf she felt his nose pushing at her side. She knew what he wanted. Should she comply? If she did, would he leave her after? Would he kill her? If she refused him, would the outcome be the same? A sudden thought came to her. Was this the black wolf of her nightmares? She kept her eyes tightly shut as she felt the insistent pushing on her shoulder. Tears fell from the corners of her eyes as she quickly made a decision. She turned her body onto her hands and knees. She felt the warm nose at her swollen entrance. If she shifted, would she have the time to escape? Did she want to? She had invited this in a way. She had lulled herself into a false sense of security these many months. Now she would pay. She braced her arms and legs when she felt the hard tip of the wolf's cock at her pussy. She felt it probing her as his front legs grabbed her tightly around the hips. Suddenly, the shaft plunged in, ripping her maidenhead in one motion. Zsálya screamed with the searing pain. There had been pain for Orsolya, but nothing to compare with this. Guillame had been gentle with his virgin mate. Not this wolf. He plundered her depths, pounding into her tight sheath, not listening to her screams of pain and fear. He had what he wanted and would take more. The wolf had taken complete control and sought only to mate. His knot had grown, and he ground it into her tight tunnel. She screamed in response to the invasion of the hard base of his cock. It stretched her too quickly and she felt a sudden urge to escape the pain. She scrambled to try to pull herself away but only caused herself more excruciating agony. The wolf felt her begin to struggle and dug his claws into her sides. No! She would not escape him now. He held her tightly by the hips and pulled himself up farther as he continued thrusting into her torn and bloody channel. He bared his teeth and bit deeply into her neck, tearing the flesh and allowing her blood to fill his mouth. Zsálya's screams could be heard echoing through the cave and only caused her fear to escalate. He wanted to take her as a mate. Would her wolf respond to the bite? No, she could not let it happen. She tried to roll over to dislodge him but now, not only were they joined at her ravaged pussy, but he had not let loose his bite. The more she struggled, the more he tore at her neck. "Noooooooo!" She screamed as loudly as she could and shifted, praying her wolf would be able to dislodge the larger animal. But as she concentrated her will on escape, she lost her ability to shield her thoughts from the family bonds. -------------------------------------------------- Orsolya lay in the bed, enjoying the feeling of her mate tied to her while his hands idly massaged her belly. She giggled when the cubs would kick out after his gentle caress. She couldn't think of a better way to spend an afternoon. Orsolya's body suddenly went rigid. "Zsálya!" Orsolya screamed in anguish as she felt her twin's fear and pain. She pulled away from Guillame's shrinking knot and turned to him, her face pale and distraught. "Guillame, Zsálya is in danger!" She leapt off the bed and shifted, running out the door before Guillame could say a word. "Orsolya, wait!" Guillame shifted and took off like a shot after his mate. He could feel through their bond what she had seen from Zsálya and felt a sense of dread wash over him. He caught up to Orsolya, and they ran side by side to the cave. "Orsolya, when we arrive you must stay back. You must not endanger the cubs." Orsolya ignored him, her thoughts centered on her sister. She felt Zsálya's searing pain and spine-chilling fear, but her sister's thoughts were so jumbled Orsolya couldn't understand what had happened. She didn't notice the huge black wolf and panther catch up to them. In minutes they had reached the cave. Orsolya, please, wait here. Guillame's pleading through their bond reached her, and she came to a stop outside the cave. Her sides heaved as she tried to catch her breath. She watched as her mate, father, and grandmother entered the cave. She waited for what seemed like hours to her but was actually mere seconds. The three quickly reappeared at the entrance to the cave. "She is shielding her thoughts. She must have realized she let down her guard and is blocking us again." Ártur called to his daughter. "Zsálya, please, tell us where you are so we can help you. We are close." The red panther paced, her snarling punctuated with intermittent growls as she pondered what she would do to the animal that dared harm her sister. Guillame watched her protectively. He had a sense of foreboding that this would not end well. Ártur found Zsálya's scent and the four weres followed it through the woods. She couldn't be that far ahead of them. But Ártur smelled the scent of another, one that he didn't know. "Zsálya, we are coming." Ártur felt a heaviness in his heart. He had seen the blood in the cave and knew it belonged to his daughter. The betas had caught up to them now and joined the Alpha in trailing the scent of his daughter and her attacker. The pack of wolves and the two panthers ran for miles, climbing into the mountains. -------------------------------------------------- Zsálya ran as fast as she could, ducking branches, trying to elude the black wolf who followed closely behind her. The only advantage she had was her familiarity with the landscape. He was bigger than she, stronger, and his urge to mate made him more dangerous. She heard the movement behind her, the ragged breathing of the male. As she ran, she warred with herself about whether she should call to her father for help. Would it change anything? She knew her fate. Her father couldn't change it. She continued to run and began the steep climb up the mountainside. She knew what she must do. She could not mate with this wolf. He was evil. He would seek to control her, to control the visions. She couldn't let that happen. He had laid his claim to her wolf who already wanted to stop and finish the mating. She could not allow it! She was amazed at how fast her mind could work as she ran from the stranger. If she stopped and allowed her wolf to complete the mating she could call to her father. He would kill the male. But he would be her mate, and her wolf would be desolate. How could she function if her wolf was not in agreement with her? Zsálya ran blindly through the rocky terrain. She didn't know how close he was behind her. She didn't care. She ran until her lungs burned. Her heart pounded so hard she thought it would burst in her chest. She didn't care. She could see her goal. She would make it. He was close, but not close enough. She finally reached the top of the rocky crag. The wind swirled around her. She stopped and looked back at the fast approaching black wolf. She looked away and out over the cliff. It was a beautiful cold autumn day. The clouds began to drop large white flakes of snow. She looked up and blinked as the cold snow landed on her face. She closed her eyes and spoke to her family. "I love you all." She crouched down for just a moment before hurtling herself over the side to the ground far below. The black wolf struggled to stop before going over the cliff himself. He looked down and saw the body of the little wolf at the bottom of the canyon. He could hear the baying of the hunting pack several miles away. If he was lucky, he could make it far enough away before they began the search for him. He turned and ran. -------------------------------------------------- Guillame was startled when everyone stopped abruptly. He felt Orsolya's anguish before he realized what was going on. The red panther collapsed onto the ground, crying pitifully. Guillame ran to her side, his whole body touching hers, trying to comfort her. He could see Ártur and Leona, both motionless, stunned. Orsolya's thoughts flooded his mind. "Guillame, my sister is gone! Zsálya, why? Why did you do this?" Guillame felt helpless. He tried to console his mate, but even as he did so, he heard Ártur's mournful howl. He looked up to see the Alpha, his head held up to the sky as he called to the spirit of his mate to watch after their daughter. He watched as the black panther fell to the ground, seemingly without enough strength to lift her head. Orsolya's brothers joined their father in sorrowful howling. He could hear answering calls from miles away. Guillame felt their pain, and not just through his bond with his mate. Zsálya had been his little sister. They had shared their own special bond in the last few months. "Orsolya, she thought she had no choice. We may never know why." Guillame rubbed his head against his mate. His tongue gently lapped at the tears that flowed down her face. Suddenly, Ártur regained control of himself and picked up his daughter's trail. He owed it to her to bring her home, no matter what. Leona slowly got to her feet, looked sadly at Orsolya, and left with Ártur. The betas slowly followed, Zsigmond and Istvan in the lead. Both wolves looked defeated. Orsolya looked up at her family. She had to join them no matter how horrible she felt. She had to help them find Zsálya. She had to help bring her home. If it wasn't for Guillame's loving thoughts in her mind she didn't know how she could bring herself to get to her feet. He stayed close to her side as she made herself stand and follow the pack. They picked their way carefully through the rocks until they reached the point where her scent faded. Ártur shifted and stood at the edge and forced himself to look down. He fell to his knees as he looked upon the broken body of his beautiful daughter. His fists clenched as he tried to maintain his control. He had not felt this kind of pain since the death of his mate. He couldn't tear his eyes away from the little black wolf as the snow fell on her still form. The Destruction of the Vlkolak Ch. 05 Leona shifted and stood close to the Alpha, her hand on his shoulder. She would lend him what strength she had left. Zsigmond and Istvan lifted their noses to the air and caught the scent of the stranger. "Istvan and I will kill him, father." Ártur slowly turned and looked at his two sons. He knew their brothers were already on their way to meet them. He nodded his head and put an arm around Leona who sobbed quietly. Orsolya made her way to the top, ignoring Guillame's pleas for her to stop. The red panther looked down and roared in pain. She looked for a way to reach her sister and saw a small narrow path that led down to the canyon floor. "Orsolya, no!" Guillame tried to stop her but couldn't reach her in time. There was no way for him to stop her now. All he could do was keep close to her. The path was treacherous, and Guillame held his breath as he watched his precious mate make her way to the canyon floor. "Please love, be careful. This trail is too steep to move quickly." But she ignored him and did not slow her pace. They were almost to the bottom when Orsolya's back foot slid off the path. She used her claws to try to hold herself on the trail. Guillame leapt forward and shifted, trying to take hold of some part of her to keep her on the path but her fur slipped through his fingers. "No! Orsolyaaa!" Guillame cried out and ran down the remainder of the path as he watched his mate tumble down the final meters to the ground. He ran blindly to her and knelt next to her still form. He could see her breathing. He stroked her face and pleaded with her to wake. "My love, please, don't leave me." The red panther lay motionless for several long moments. Her long tail begin to twitch, then her whiskers. Her head came up off the ground and rubbed against her mate's hand. She shifted and lay there regaining her strength for a few more minutes. But she had to see her sister. "Orsolya, wait, I need to be sure you are alright." Guillame tried to keep her from sitting up, but the shake of her head told him in no uncertain terms that she would not be kept from her task. He helped her to stand on weak legs and walk to the still form of her sister. Orsolya fell to her knees, sobbing. She reached out and carefully stroked her sister's silky black fur. She smelled the blood and semen from her sister's body. She looked up at her father and grandmother watching from above. She felt their pain, and the rage from her brothers as they hunted. She reached out for Guillame's hand and held it tightly, pulling him down to sit with her. He wrapped his arms around her as she cried for her sister, cried for the emptiness in her heart that her sister used to fill. Guillame held Orsolya, his chin resting on the top of her head. He knew there was nothing he could do or say to make it better. All he could do was hold her as she cried. He caught movement out of the corner of his eye and saw Ártur and Leona making their way carefully down the path. Ártur knelt next to Orsolya as he looked at his beautiful Zsálya. He stroked her head while tears flowed down his cheeks. He looked up at the sky. "Allegria, please look after our daughter." He slowly reached for the little black wolf and gently took her into his arms. He stood and turned, stopping for just a moment in front of Leona, who tenderly kissed her granddaughter one last time. The Alpha then carefully made his way back up the path towards their home. Leona followed close behind. Orsolya was grateful to have Guillame's strength to lean on or she didn't think she'd be able to continue living. He helped her to stand, his strong arm around her waist. She thought she'd be fine in a few minutes, but suddenly had no strength left and collapsed at her mate's side. "Orsolya!" Guillame swept her up in his arms and held her to his chest. She was so weak she could barely open her eyes. "Orsolya." He whispered it in her ear and felt relief when she smiled and brought a hand to his cheek. "My wonderful big brown wolf. What would I do without you?" Her smile abruptly turned to a grimace as pain gripped her. She grabbed at her stomach. "No, it is too soon, too soon." She began to cry anew. Their cubs; there was something wrong. It was her fault. She should have listened to Guillame's warnings. It took Guillame a moment to grasp what Orsolya was talking about. But when he realized what she was saying, he held her tighter and began to run up the trail. He ran past Ártur and Leona, not giving any indication of what had happened. Leona gasped when she saw the blood between Orsolya's legs. No, no, it wasn't fair. To lose a granddaughter and great grandchildren in one day, due to one evil were. It wasn't right. And it should be avenged. She listened for her grandsons. Had they found the wolf that dared to bring her family to harm? Her entire body shook with grief. "We lost him at the river. I've sent wolves each direction but so far we have not picked up his scent." Zsigmond was furious. His sister's killer had escaped them. If it were up to him he would send scouts to all corners of the earth to search him out and kill him. "No, Zsigmond. We need you here. It is too late for Zsálya. Revenge will do no good if we do not save our cubs. That must be our first concern now. Come home." Ártur knew his sons would obey him, however much they disliked his orders. He felt suddenly old and tired. If he could, he would relinquish his leadership to Zsigmond. But now was not the time. He would see this through to the end. He looked at the lovely little black wolf in his arms. How different her life might have been had she not been cursed with her so-called gifts. He hugged her tighter to his body, feeling the warmth leave her. His tears rolled down his face, falling steadily into her black fur. Ártur and Leona approached their home and saw the assembled pack waiting. Of course, they already knew all that had happened. They waited somberly for their heartbroken Alpha. They stood silent, respectful of his grief. The Alpha and Grandmother walked slowly passed them. Ártur knew already that Orsolya was with the midwife, that the cubs had died. He could feel the crushing grief from Orsola and Guillame. This day could not end soon enough for him. He opened the door to his house and laid his daughter on her bed. Leona sat next to her, smoothing down her fur carefully. She heard Ártur slam the door and bark orders at the Omegas to ready a pyre. Tears flowed freely as she felt the pain from her family. So much death today, and so much more to come. And all because of an act of revenge from so long ago. Why couldn't they all let it go? Why did they feel the need to relive it over and over with each new generation? Orsolya awoke, but couldn't bring herself to open her eyes. She knew that Guillame had never left her side, even when the midwife had told him she would sleep soundly after drinking the potion she had been given. He had refused to move and still held her hand. She felt his lips on her skin and his love all around her. But she felt this gaping hole in her heart. She was afraid that if she opened her eyes, she would have to admit that it was all real. Her sister was dead, her cubs were dead. "Orsolya, I know you are awake, love. I know I cannot make it better, but I can share the burden with you. Please, let me share this with you. Do not push me away." Guillame tightened his hold on her hand and reached down to gently press his lips to her forehead. When he sat up straight he looked down into her open, teary eyes. He smiled at her as much as his heart could allow. He leaned in close and whispered, "We will go on, love. We have to." Orsolya burst into tears and threw her arms around Guillame's neck, her body wracked by sobs. She knew he was right, but at this moment, it seemed impossible. She felt his hands stroking her hair, heard his murmured words of love. She had always thought she should not worry about the future, only the present. But this made the future that much harder to think of, alone, without her mate. She mourned over her sister, her cubs, and her future with the mate she adored. The day progressed excruciatingly slowly for the pack. The pyre was readied, and at sunset, the pack assembled to send Zsálya to her new future. The cubs had been placed tenderly next to Zsálya, to travel with her. Ártur waited silently, watching the arrival of all of his ten sons. Many had begun the trek home as soon as Zsálya sent her good-bye to her family. They lived in many territories and rarely returned. But this was their little sister who had been murdered. And before arriving they had heard of Orsolya's loss, and their hearts had broken further. The members of the pack had made a circle around the pyre, but moved aside when Guillame arrived, Orsolya held tightly in his arms. He stopped next to Leona, who reached out to touch both her granddaughter and her mate. Ártur's voice suddenly boomed out across the clearing. "We come to celebrate the life of my daughter, Zsálya, and the two unborn sons of Orsolya and Guillame. We mourn their deaths, but rejoice in the knowledge that they will be reborn someday, when the time is right." He nodded at Zsigmond, who picked up a burning torch and set fire to the waiting fuel under the pyre. The flames quickly took hold and lit the darkening sky. The pack shifted as one and the assembled wolves and panthers howled to the moon their loss, their love, and their hopes for a better future for their loved ones. -------------------------------------------------- The small black eyes looked out over the ocean from the deck of the steamship Persia. The werewolf breathed in the salty sea air and smiled smugly. Rudolf had not been happy when he had shown up at the Council Chambers without notice or summons. But luck had been with him. He had escaped the Vlkolak betas by wading in the river for hours to keep his scent from them. When he reached a human port town he had taken passage on a boat that took him home. They would never find him now. But to be safe, Rudolf had sent him away, to the New World. The letter in his pocket would introduce him to the North American Council. They had few weres in America that qualified to be members. Rudolf had embellished his exploits to make him a suitable candidate. But Rudolf had still been concerned about his being discovered. He had gone so far as to employ a witch who gave him a potion and worked her magic to change his fur from black to brown. He chuckled to himself. He had heard his cousin recite to the Council tales of the evils of magic, yet he employed it when it was to his advantage. Yes, his cousin was very careful. He knew that the only reason he lived this day was that they were kin, and even Rudolf Metzger could not bring himself to kill one of his own line. But Niklas Metzger did not have that same constraint. If it was to his advantage in the future, he had no problem with killing his own. But for now, he would ingratiate himself to the provincial Americans and make his way to the role of Head of the Werewolf Council. He was destined for greatness. The Destruction of the Vlkolak Ch. 06 ------------------------------------------------- Once again, a huge thank you to Archangel_M for his suggestions, grammatical prowess, and overall support :) ---------------------------------------------- Ártur watched the cubs playing in the courtyard. Since the death of his daughter Zsálya, they hadn't been allowed outside the compound without the betas surrounding them. But the cubs were young. They would forget all the evil that had happened here and remember only the good. It had been six months since the horror of that day, but every member of his pack was haunted by it. He sighed when he thought of his other daughter, Orsolya. Not only had she lose her twin, she had lost her two cubs. She and her mate had been devastated. Orsolya hadn't left her bed for weeks. And when she finally had, it was obvious to all that she had changed. Something was missing from her, a certain spark. She still smiled and laughed, but without the special joy she had shared with her sister. Ártur knew if it hadn't been for her mate, Guillame, he would probably have lost Orsolya as well. For a time, they thought she no longer had the will to live. She had lain in her bed, barely speaking to anyone. Guillame sat by her bedside every moment. He had been the one to bring her food, bathe her, and comfort her. He allowed no one to help him. And he was the one who finally coaxed her back into the world of the living. Ártur smiled as he thought of the day Guillame had finally gotten her to go outside. He had plied her with talk about the cubs wanting to show her their skill in shifting. Some of the younger cubs had been having trouble keeping control over their wolves. At first it was amusing when they shifted at inopportune times, but with their plans of sending them into the human world, it became more and more important that they learn to control it. Guillame had suggested that Orsolya assist them in refining their skills. He knew how much she adored the cubs, especially her nephew, Szebasztián. And now came the day that the first of the cubs would leave. The Alpha sighed as he realized this would be the last time he would ever see them. He grinned at the little blond cub who ran to him and grabbed him about the legs. He ruffled the boy's hair affectionately. "Szebasztián, are you ready for an adventure?" He leaned down to pick up his grandson and held him at eye level. "Yes, and no, grandfather. I think going to America will be exciting, but I will miss all of you so much." The boy hugged his grandfather around the neck, as tightly as he could. Maybe if he didn't let go they wouldn't make him leave. Ártur returned the hug, his arms tight around the boy. He agreed, he would miss them very much as well. "You will be seeing so many new places and people that you will not give us a second thought." He lowered the boy to the ground and couldn't help but sigh loudly. "I will never forget you, grandfather, never!" Szebasztián looked up at the tall male with a frown on his face. Ártur let out a hearty laugh. "Thank you, Szebasztián, I will never forget you, my boy. I will never forget any of you." He looked sadly at the group readying their luggage. If they were to join the human world they would have to learn to live like a human, which meant traveling with their belongings. "Istvan, are you ready?" He looked at his son, fidgeting with his stiff collar, not used to wearing such restrictive clothing. But it was imperative they blend in with the humans. Istvan nodded to his father. He didn't want to leave his pack. But he also couldn't bear the thought of letting his son leave with another. During the planning stages, it had been decided that the cubs would need fierce protectors, and the strongest of the betas would travel with their mates and small groups of cubs, as family units. They would blend in with the large groups of Hungarian and Eastern European immigrants moving to America. The various groups would settle in pre-determined areas far from each other and have no contact with family, pack, or any werewolf. They were to live as humans. Orsolya cried as she hugged her brother around the waist. She would miss him terribly. It seemed there was nothing but loss in her future. Her brothers would leave one at a time with a group of cubs, and then it would be her turn. At least she would be leaving with Zsigmond's family. At first she had thought she would be alone. And that was a fate she didn't think she could bear. Istvan looked at his dear sister as she wept, staining his new jacket with her tears. He reached a hand down to tilt her chin up to look at him. Her pale, tear-streaked face tugged at his heart. How many times had he wiped the tears from her cheeks when she scuffed a knee or twisted an ankle? Werewolves heal quickly, but there is still pain. "We may yet meet again, little sister. Fate can be kind as well as cruel. We should have hope. If not, then why do we bother to take the cubs away from here?" He smiled tenderly at her and kissed her softly on the forehead. Guillame hoped the Alpha was right, that sending them away would save them. But could they survive among humans? Learn to control their lupine nature? Would the cubs be able to assimilate? There were so many unanswered questions, including why the pack had been targeted by the Council. Guillame would do all he could to find out. Ártur and Leona sidestepped the question whenever possible. He felt a small hand take his and looked down, not surprised to see Szebasztián looking up at him with a grin. "Are you taking us to the ship, uncle?" Szebasztián was excited about taking a trip with his uncle. He appreciated every minute he could spend with Guillame. He loved his parents, but they had never been away from their mountains. Guillame had traveled all over Europe, and among humans! Szebasztián enjoyed hearing the stories of how humans lived and worked in the cities. He had never seen a human before, or a city, and he took his lessons very seriously. All of the cubs had been instilled with a strong sense of duty about learning to live in the human world. "Yes, Szebasztián, I will be taking your family to the port in Hamburg. You will board a great ship and travel to America." He tried to force a smile. He hoped he was convincing. The cubs were apprehensive. They knew something was wrong. Werewolves were pack creatures. It was innate. Even the young ones knew this was wrong. This was unnatural. But they would never question their elders. They would do as they were told. It was for the good of the pack, that they knew. Luckily, the trip to Hamburg would take them far north of Feldberg, home of the European Council. But it would also take Guillame thirteen hundred kilometers from his mate. He hated to leave her for one second, and he knew there would be several trips in the ensuing months. Each would take weeks. The only positive he could see was that since they were to blend in with the humans, they could use human transportation - trains, and horse-drawn carriages. And he would be able to return much more quickly alone. He turned and watched as Orsolya said her goodbyes to the departing group. Guillame closed his arms around Orsolya from behind and felt her body melt into his. He heard her sigh and lean her head back into his shoulder. His lips found the top of her head and lingered in her red hair. He could feel her heart beating, and his changed its rhythm to match hers. "When do you leave?" Orsolya could barely speak through her longing for her mate. "Less than an hour. Why? Did you have something in mind, love?" Orsolya slid out of his arms and then her dress, and immediately shifted, the red panther wanting to bid farewell to her mate in her own way. Her tail flicked from side to side, gracefully fanning out behind her. Well? Will you join me? If only for a run? The lithe cat bounded away from her surprised male. Guillame grinned, unbuttoning his shirt and dropping it to the ground as he followed the red panther. Damn her for moving so quickly. He threw off his boots and struggled out of his pants as he ran. As soon as he was completely unclothed he shifted, and the large brown wolf lunged towards the fast-moving panther. Just as he was about to catch up to her she turned sharply and ran down the hill, her tail high in the air behind her. Catch me if you can, my big brown wolf. He could almost hear the laughter in his head. She wanted to tease him. She would pay for that. The wolf stopped and turned the opposite direction. He ran up the hill instead of following his flirtatious mate. Where are you going? He laughed to himself as he heard her plaintive tone. He ignored her and continued to run in the opposite direction. He did not look behind him but knew she'd begun to follow him now. He ran to the top of the hill and over the other side. Orsolya reached the top and as she was about to run down the other side, when the wolf leapt out from behind a large hedge and caught her between his strong front legs. Did you think you could escape me, love? Never. His tongue found her wetness and delved deep into her tight tunnel. She was so wet, and, he suddenly realized, in heat. How could he not have noticed until now? He felt his need for her increase tenfold. The instinct to mate, to bring cubs into the world, was foremost in his mind. The thought that he would never know his cub was forgotten. He heard her loud purring as he drank of her. His long tongue lapped along her hard clit on his way in and out of her folds. He felt her tremble under the ministrations of his tongue and she orgasmed almost immediately. She was so ready for him. But he would make her wait, make her beg him to take her. He felt her whole body as it spasmed, her muscles jerking and the purrs changing to growls. Guillame, please, my love, I cannot wait much longer. I need to feel you inside me. I am empty without you, love. Please. The red panther's tail twitched from side to side above the wolf's head. Her hips seemed to move from side to side along with it, attempting to entice the wolf further. She heard her mate growl and glanced behind her, seeing his smug look of satisfaction. Guillame's cock was hard and throbbing. He lifted up and slid into his beautiful panther in one motion. He growled loudly as the pleasure filled him completely. He moved slowly at first, then furiously, thrusting into his mate. He had thought he could control himself after all these weeks apart, but with her in heat he had no control. He could hear her loud throaty growls of her own pleasure. He wanted to take his time, but the mating urge was too much for him. He felt himself on the edge and leaned forward to take her neck in his teeth. His knot seated and he bit down hard, letting her blood flow over his tongue. The panther's roar of pleasure echoed through the little canyon. Her body exploded with sensation, his teeth buried in her neck, his cock buried in her tight sheath. His knot was stretching her deliciously, and now his seed flooded her womb. She felt his grip tighten on her neck and his legs around her hips as he continued to thrust, emptying himself deep inside her. His roar of triumph at taking his mate echoed in her ear. The wolf collapsed over his mate's back, his chest heaving as he tried to take in enough air. He pulled both of them to the ground as they waited for the tie to end. He smiled to himself as he heard her loud, satisfied purr. He wished wolves could purr. He would love to surprise her. He certainly felt like purring. Guillame and Orsolya both shifted as they waited for his knot to recede. Guillame's hands never stopped their exploration of her soft body. His fingertips knew every inch of her. He could close his eyes on his journeys and replay every moment of his life with her. He could even believe he felt her next to him as he lay sleeping miles away from her. He sighed as his knot slipped from her body. He rubbed his lips on her shoulder as she pulled his arm in front of her. "Do not leave me yet, Guillame." "I will return to you as quickly as I can, my little red kitten. I promise you. I do not want to leave you for long. I do not wish to leave you at all, but you know I must." He rested his chin on her shoulder and tried to memorize this moment, and her scent. He inhaled deeply. Lilac and birch. He closed his eyes and smiled. He would never forget. Guillame, it is time to leave. Come, my boy. We are waiting for you. The Alpha called to him through their bond. Guillame sighed loudly as he rose to his feet. "Now help me find my clothing, my little red-haired wildcat." Guillame smiled lovingly at his mate as he helped her to her feet. -------------------------------------------- Rudolf paced impatiently. The boy had come to the Council Chambers, begging Rudolf to hurry, that his Master bade him fetch the werewolf immediately. So they had almost run through the filthy streets of the human city. And now he waited. He could see the sun beginning to rise on the horizon. Surely his friend didn't forget about him? Hmph, friend. They were not friends. But what else to call him? Ally? No, they were not even that. It seemed that Rudolf was at his beck and call, like a pet. Rudolf's anger suddenly surfaced. How dare he have him brought here and make him wait. He was the leader of the Council. He deserved respect! Just as Rudolf's hand touched the doorknob, he felt a sudden breeze behind him. "Leaving, Rudolf?" The werewolf spun on his heels and faced the dark figure, as always his cloak hiding his features. "I have been here for hours, Erebos. You could have sent word you would be late." The tall creature moved about the room, closing the windows to the approaching light. He seemed to be ignoring the anger from the werewolf. "It could not be helped, Rudolf. You are still here, so there was no need to send word, was there?" He turned to face him. How had werewolves survived this long with such idiots in their midst? "Now, what word have you of the Vlkolak?" Rudolf cleared his throat. "My spy had to leave unexpectedly. He was found out and barely escaped with his life. Guillame sends dispatches of meaningless information about the plentiful game in the area, nothing useful. But if you would only tell me what information you need, I am sure I could find it out for you." "Has he spoken of Leona?" Erobos nonchalantly poured himself a drink in an ornate stein. Rudolf could see the eyes blazing at the mention of the name. "He did mention something about a female by that name. She was the Alpha Bitch until her mate died. She is an elder of the pack." Rudolf watched in amazement as the long, lean fingers crushed the cup they had been holding. He saw the red liquid coat the fingers and drip to the floor. "So she still lives. After all these years. I have found her. And has he told you what she is?" Erobos turned to face the esteemed leader of the European packs. He was an idiot but was serving his purpose. He was glad he had saved his life those many years before. He had been sure at the time that Rudolf could be useful in the future. He had been right. "What she is? Is she not a werewolf?" Rudolf was now confused. "Is she a witch? Niklas, I mean my spy, had told me of the black magic he had seen while there." Rudolf shivered when he heard the bizarre laughter emanating from the figure before him. "You are fools. There is no black magic. She is not a werewolf, Rudolf. She is much more powerful, a werepanther. They are powerful, and dangerous. She must be destroyed, and her female young. The males are simple werewolves, but the females, the females must die." The stein was a clump of metal in his fist. Rudolf sputtered as he tried to speak. What did he mean by "simple werewolves"? "What am I to tell the Council? I cannot make a decree. They have to concur." Erobos turned and regarded the nervous being before him. If he didn't still need his help, he would kill him and be done with it. He sighed. "Then tell them what you believed to be true. They are using black magic against werewolf edict. I am sure you will be able to persuade them that death is the correct decision. The sentence is to be carried out when the moon is hidden by the earth. That will be in three months' time. I suggest you make your plans." Rudolf stood dumbfounded as he watched Erobos take his leave without a word. Once again, Rudolf had been dismissed. He muttered to himself as he walked out of the building. He would have to recall Guillame. He could not afford questions as to why the sentence would be carried out with a member of the Council present. ------------------------------------------------ Guillame had only just returned from his sixth trip to Hamburg. Now, the only ones left to send to America were his beloved mate and several other young adult females. As he passed the huge oak tree he saw the paper stuffed into the hole. With all that was happening he had forgotten to check for messages from the Council. He snatched the paper out of the tree and carefully opened it. It was weathered and might have been there for months. He read quickly, his jaw tensing, his nostrils flaring as he struggled with himself. He didn't have much time. He looked up towards the compound and closed his eyes. He could smell her scent, feel her soft skin. Soon, this would be all he had of her. He closed his hand, crumpling the paper in his fist. He wished it was Rudolf's neck in his grip. He felt her near and opened his eyes to the vision of his little red-haired kitten, seemingly floating across the field towards him. He smiled. She looked so beautiful, as always. He reached out and folded her into his arms. He inhaled, birch and lilac flooding his brain. He buried his lips in her flame red hair and murmured softly, "Every time I return I do not think I can leave you again." "And every time you return, I do not know how I can live without you again." She hugged him as tightly as she could and looked up into his rugged face. But he seemed sadder than usual. "Did all go well?" "Yes, my love, it went perfectly. But let me look at you." He pulled away from her, and his eyes moved from her toes to the top of her head, then settled on her belly, bigger than even the last time he'd seen her, just a few weeks ago. "Our cub is growing quickly." He carefully placed his hands on her rapidly growing stomach. Last time she was pregnant he had been with her day to day, and it hadn't seemed to happen so quickly. But this time, with his absences, every time he returned the change was more than noticeable. "Our cub misses her father. She likes it when you speak to her. Since you have been gone she has been restless, waiting for your return." Orsolya stroked his face with her hands. She loved him so much. How would they go on apart? How could she live without her big brown wolf? How would she raise their daughter alone? As much as he wanted to spend all of the time they had left together, he needed to speak with the Alpha. "Where is your father? I must speak with him now. And then we will have our time, my love." "He is with Grandmother. I will take you to them." She took his hand and led him through the meadow to her father. "Guillame, I trust all went well in Hamburg?" Ártur saw the look on his face and took the paper that his son handed him. He scanned it quickly and handed it to Leona. "So it seems we timed things well. When does the next ship leave Hamburg for America?" "Three weeks. We should leave within the week. Ártur, I will return and help you fight." He was about to continue but Ártur put his hand up to stop him. "No, my boy. Leona and I have discussed this in great detail. We will not fight. They need to believe they have won. If they think there are more to hunt, they will. We want to end it here, for all time." Ártur had put an arm around Leona's shoulders. The decision had been made and there would be no argument. The Destruction of the Vlkolak Ch. 06 "Who is it that wants you dead? Why? The Council has no reason." Guillame needed to understand. Leona answered for them. "It does not matter, my dear. It only matters that it will be done. Do not spend precious time thinking about it. Go and enjoy what time you have left, there is so little." Guillame didn't understand. He wanted to press them for answers, but Orsolya took his hand and pulled him through the door. "You cannot argue with the Alpha, Guillame. Please, let us take what time we have left for ourselves." She dragged him into their own home and closed the door, quickly ridding herself of her annoying garment. It had been itching against her skin from the moment she felt Guillame near. "We do not have much time, my big brown wolf. Our love must last us both a lifetime, a werewolf's lifetime. I want to have memories to last me for every night we are apart, my love." Her body pressed against his, her skin hot to his touch. Guillame growled with need as he saw his mate's luscious body standing before him. "I warn you, love, my wolf has been without you for weeks; he will not be patient. Do not try to test him." Orsolya giggled as she climbed onto their bed, leaving herself on her hands and knees facing away from him. "I am ready for him, Guillame." She moved her hips from side to side, her round, firm buttocks facing him. He could already smell her flowing juices. He tore his clothing off and in seconds was beneath her, his tongue lapping at her folds. He held her tightly by the hips, reveling in her taste and scent. He lost all control and the human was gone, replaced by the beast. The large brown wolf dipped his tongue deeply. As his mate's pregnancy progressed, her taste altered slightly, but her scent was always the same, intoxicating. What did the midwife tell you about shifting? Is it allowed? Guillame did not want to do anything that could hurt their cub. "She said I should not shift, just to be safe. And I do so love feeling your fur on my human skin as your wolf takes me." Orsolya wanted to feel him inside her more than almost anything. She turned her head to look over her shoulder at him, and again, moved her hips to further incite her wolf's passions. The weeks they spent apart were difficult, and she knew it would be only worse for her, for them, in the near future. But she would take every moment to love her mate that she could in the short time they had left. "Please, Guillame, I need you, now!" She had never spoken of her need in such a commanding way. The big wolf felt the need to obey, reared up on his hind legs, and thrust forward, impaling his lovely mate on his cock in one swift motion. Her gasp of pleasure excited him even more. It had been some time since his wolf had taken their human mate, not since the first time under the Ice Moon. The memories of that night flooded his brain as he pounded into her tight pussy. His feet curled around her thighs, his nails digging into her flawless skin. Orsolya felt the pain from his claws and it joined with the pleasure from his hard cock filling her completely. She moaned loudly, and then growled as her passion rose. She didn't know if it was her pregnancy or their recent separation, but his cock gave her more pleasure than ever before. It seemed as if he drove her pleasure to new heights. "Oh, Guillame, yes, my big brown wolf, take me harder!" She almost screamed her command to her wolf mate. Guillame had lost any control he still had. His mate wanted his lust unleashed, and so he would give her what she craved. He gripped her tighter, reveling in the smell of her blood that dripped from the deep furrows left by his claws. His tongue laved across her back, her ever-present taste of birch and lilac exploding in his brain. He lost all sense of reason, his only purpose to please his mate, to give her everything of him, his heart, his soul. He would belong to her forever, no matter how far they were separated, no matter how long they were parted. His tongue found its way to her neck and lapped at the scar from her mating bite. Her movements underneath him drove him on. His knot pushed its way inside her, stretching her tightly around him. He could feel her on the edge. She clawed at the bed, roaring out her need. He bared his teeth and bit down hard, feeling her immediate response beneath him. Her body bucked and spasmed, which served to drive him on, plunging into her depths. He let loose of her neck and howled as he released his seed deep inside her. His thrusting lasted until he had nothing left to give her. He held her tightly, feeling the last of her spasms before pulling her down on the bed next to him. He lay behind her, still locked together, his soft brown fur against her silky human skin. Orsolya purred quietly as she lay with her wolf. She slowly stroked his legs, which were still locked around her waist. "You will be with me always, Guillame. With every breath I take, you will be with me." She felt his grip tighten and his love flood her brain. The Destruction of the Vlkolak Ch. 07 Thank you for your continuing interest in the Vlkolak and the story of Guillame and Orsolya. There is still more to come so don't worry. This isn't the end of the story. I promise there will be more. As always, a huge thank you to Archangel_M for his incredible editing. -------------------------------------------------- Guillame walked through the darkness of the early morning to the docks and finally found the clerk. "Hello there. Any word if the ship will sail today for America?" Every day he had been here, and every day he had asked the same question. The answer had been no. He wished he knew something about the sea to know if they were telling him the truth or just waiting until there were more passengers to load onto the ship. The man looked up at the familiar face that had found him daily for the last week. "Yes, Sir. The ship will sail today. Have your people here at six A.M." He liked the well-dressed gentleman that had been prowling the docks for the last seven days. It was obvious, to him at least, that the man was sending a precious cargo to the New World. But usually it was the husband who left his wife and children behind and would send for them later. He saw the profound sadness on the man's face when he told him the ship would leave today, but it was not for him to wonder. Guillame made his way to their rented rooms. He kept hoping for an excuse to let Orsolya stay here with him. But what could he do or say that would make her go against her father and Alpha? He had to keep her safe, but how could he do that without knowing what the danger was? As much as he wanted to deny it, this was the best course of action. At least she would be with Zsigmond and his family. They would help her. They would be with her when their cub was born. With that thought, he punched his fist right through a brick wall. He pulled it out slowly, feeling a dull pain. He looked at his bleeding knuckles and watched as the flesh healed before his eyes. If only he could destroy their enemies as easily as he could destroy bricks and mortar. He couldn't show Orsolya that he was upset. He had to be a strong anchor for her. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly before walking through the doorway. Orsolya was waiting for him at the door as he entered. She had felt him return. She had felt his anger, his hurt, his sorrow, and his steadfastness. And she loved him more for each of those reasons. She saw his face when he walked inside and knew it was today. "You leave in two hours. We must go now so you can be settled before the ship leaves the dock." His hand touched her face, gently stroking her jaw. He had it memorized already but he took every opportunity to feel her skin and inhale her scent. Orsolya threw herself into his strong arms, sobbing into his shoulder. How could her father make her do this? How could Guillame let him? But she already knew the answers. Her father felt it was the only way to save her, and she and Guillame were both compelled to follow the orders of the Alpha. But she couldn't even feel the bond with her father anymore. They were so far away. She barely felt her grandmother's presence in her mind. She wondered when she would be totally alone. When would the bond with Guillame be silent? The thought of it made her cry all the more. She could feel Guillame pulling her into his lap as he sat on the bed. He rocked her as he stroked her hair. It broke his heart to hear her weep. "Even when I am not in your mind, I will be in your heart, my love. And you will always be in mine. It is all we have left and it will have to do." As he spoke to her through their bond, he kissed her gently on her forehead, her cheeks, her nose, her lips. He didn't leave one bit of available skin untouched. "Know that I will be doing all that I can to keep you safe. And when the time is right, I will come for you, my love. I have already been in contact with the Council Archivist in America. He has agreed to watch over all of you for me and send me reports of your well-being. I will still be with you, my little red-haired kitten." Orsolya did her best to stop crying and pulled back from Guillame's broad chest. He smiled at her and licked the tears from her face. "I love you more than I ever knew to be possible, Guillame. I will always love you." "I know, my love, I know. And I will always love you, my sweet kitten." He stood, his mate still in his arms, and gently lowered her to the floor. "But we must go now. I will get Zsigmond. Pack the rest of your things." -------------------------------------------------- Rudolf paced nervously in his rooms. Guillame had answered his dispatch and said he would return but had business to attend to first at home. If a member of the Council were to die with the Vlkolak Rudolf would have to answer for it. He had sent word he wished to be informed when Guillame had returned to his home in Belgium, but was infuriated when told they hadn't heard from Guillame in two years. What was that fool doing? He couldn't possibly have any idea what was planned. He felt the sudden drop in temperature in the room and turned slowly. "Is everything in place for tonight?" The pale creature stood quietly near the window, his ever-present hooded cape hiding his face. "We might have to postpone. I have not heard from Guillame. We cannot go through with the attack if he is still with them." Rudolf was not prepared for the speed of the creature who crossed the room and gripped his throat with a strength that surpassed that of any werewolf. Rudolf struggled to breath and to escape from the demon's grasp. He tried to force himself to shift but was unable to bring his wolf forward. He grabbed hold of his attacker's arms, trying to break his hold. He felt his feet leaving the ground and kicked furiously, hoping to make contact with the demon and dislodge himself in time. Erobos watched dispassionately as the werewolf sputtered and struggled. He saw the face turning red and then blue. He could feel the pulse quicken and then become erratic and slow. He waited just a few moments longer. He could hear the heart beating irregularly. He waited. The kicking slowed and then stopped. Erobos loosened his grip, and the werewolf dropped to the floor with a heavy thud. He casually stepped over the writhing body that was gasping for air and sat in the ornate chair that the head of the Council kept in his private chambers. Rudolf clawed at his throat. His trachea had been crushed. He waited as the healing process began, trying to withstand the pain and force himself to breathe in enough air. "Now, is everything in place for tonight? There will be no postponement, Rudolf. I am sure you are in agreement with me on that point." He smiled as Rudolf struggled to nod. "Good, now, my people will join with yours just before sundown. We will encircle their compound, and then crush them. There cannot be any escapes. But I want the female. I will take Leona myself." Erobos looked off into the distance as his eyes seemed to glow red. "Your time has come, Leona. You are mine!" Rudolf cowered on the floor of his chambers. What had he done? What was this thing he had made his alliance with? -------------------------------------------------- Guillame and Zsigmond carried the meager belongings of their group onto the ship. Their quarters would be cramped, but they would make it liveable. At times like this, being pack creatures was to their advantage. They actually enjoyed curling up together in a pile on a bed. They could hear the humans complaining about how they would sleep with one bed and five or six family members. Guillame took Orsolya aside for one last moment together before he had to leave the ship. He pulled a package out of his pocket and placed it into her small hand, closing her fingers around it gently. "Do not open this until you can no longer feel my presence." She looked down at the package in her hand, but his fingers held her chin and tilted her face up to his. "Promise me, my little red kitten." "I promise, my big brown wolf." She held it carefully and put it into her pocket where it would be safe. Then she flung her arms around his neck and pulled him down to her. She kissed him desperately, knowing this would be the last kiss she would have from him. She didn't stop until he forcefully took hold of her arms and pushed her away. "I will not say good-bye, Guillame. I will only say, until we are together again." He smiled sadly at his beloved mate. "We will be together again, I promise." He took her hands in his, holding them tightly, and brought them to his lips. He looked over to Zsigmond and nodded imperceptibly. Zsigmond put an arm around his sister and gently pulled her away from Guillame. He would hold her as she cried for her mate. He held her tight when she struggled to follow Guillame out to the deck. "No, Orsolya. Remember, he is in as much pain as you, little sister. Do not make it harder for both of you." He kissed the top of her head and squeezed her shoulder. "Fate brought you together once, perhaps it will be the same again in the future. You must have faith." Guillame stepped off the gangplank to the pier. He turned and watched as the ship left port for its journey to America. The sun rose across the horizon as the ship put out to sea. He stared until he could no longer see the masts. He was so intent on watching where the ship had last been that he was startled by the sudden hand on his shoulder. "You will see her again." The clerk smiled at him. He'd seen it time and again. He watched the sad gentleman walk away from the shipyard into the city. -------------------------------------------------- Half a day into their voyage, Orsolya felt a sudden panic. Guillame's presence in her mind was gone. She could feel a faint echo, but that was all. He had been talking to her through their bond since she left. That had given her the courage to make it through this, but now he was gone. She suddenly remembered the package he had given her and fished it out of her pocket. She carefully unwrapped the small box and inside found a gold locket. It had the most amazing engraving. On one side was a large wolf and on the other a panther. She smiled to herself. She gently undid the latch and opened the locket to find a picture of her on the side of the panther and Guillame on the side of the wolf. They had gone to a photographer when they had reached the first human city on their journey. It had been almost a month before. He had told her he wanted a picture of them to carry with him. She hadn't realized he had thought of her as well. How silly of her, of course he would think of her. She hugged the locked to her chest and kissed the wolf engraving. She slipped the chain around her neck and felt the locket fall against her skin between her breasts. She would never take it off. Never. -------------------------------------------------- Guillame waited half a day. He couldn't feel her anymore. He had gone from the city and wandered into the woods outside Hamburg, aimlessly walking. When he no longer heard her responses to his messages, he knew they would never be able to contact each other again. He took the picture out of his pocket. He stroked the glass picture lightly. He ripped the clothes off his body and shifted. His wolf immediately ran for high ground. The sun was setting and he felt a need to see the moon. He ran for miles, finally finding a hill to climb. He made his way to the top and stopped, staring at the full moon above him. He let out a mournful howl. He wasn't sure how long he continued, but when he saw the shadow moving across the orb he stopped. The Lunar Eclipse had begun. What was happening to the pack? He had planned on defying the Alpha and returning to help them after he had delivered Orsolya and her brother's family to the ship. But the delay had made him forget. And now it would be too late. He ran back to where he had left his clothing and luggage. Human transportation would be faster than he could travel as a wolf. Maybe the Council would change their minds. Maybe when he arrived all would be well. Maybe he would be able to send for Orsolya and the rest of the pack and all would be as it was. Maybe. -------------------------------------------------- Erobos stood on a hill not far from the Vlkolak compound. From here he had a perfect view of the ongoing Lunar Eclipse. When it was full, they would move. Soon Leona, soon. He looked down upon his army, here to do his bidding. They would follow his instructions to the letter or die. He spotted the few werewolves that Rudolf had sent. They seemed strong, but would they be loyal to the purpose? Or would they flee if there was a fight? Erobos formed a smile on his stern face. If they ran they would just become more casualties. If only Rudolf had been here. He would run. He would have died. It would have been enjoyable to the shrouded being. "Master." The deferential soldier lowered his head. "They are in the clearing. I think they are praying." "Fool, weres have no God. They do not pray." With a flourish of his cape he walked down the hillside and towards the unsuspecting victims of his rage. "Follow me." The brightness of the moon had faded and a dark disc was all that could be seen in the sky. The assembled fighters followed their leader through the woods. The scouts had not found any guards posted. Could the Vlkolak really be that stupid? But He didn't sense anyone lurking in the woods. Erobos looked at the group of wolves and the one sleek, black panther who stood in a circle around a fire in the open area. His soldiers easily outnumbered them and had them surrounded. They didn't seem to notice. He stood quietly and listened to the quiet howls of the pack. This made him glad his people had moved beyond these silly little rituals. He stood directly behind the panther. "Leona, your time has come." He watched as she shifted and turned slowly. Even after eight hundred years she was breathtaking to behold. Her silken black hair fell over her shoulders, fanning out along her perfect skin. After all these years, it affected him the same way. He could see the contemptuous look on her face as she stared back at him. "I will give you the same choice, Leona." She replied in a low even voice. "And I give you the same answer, Erobos. I will never be your mate." "Then you doom this pack to the same fate that befell your father's. Is that what you want? To watch them all die?" He scanned her face closely for a reaction. There was none. She cloaked her emotions well. She had learned. The last time he had given her this choice she had shrieked her hatred of him and stormed away. And days later her family had died. "And this time, Leona, I will kill them all. There will be no time to escape. I have spent centuries tracking every one of the cubs your father sent away. But I found them all. And now, I have you." He pulled his lips back in a gruesome smile. He reached out and grabbed her arm and heard a loud growl from the black wolf next to her, just before it leapt up and bit through his arm, breaking the bones. The sickening cracks were heard by all in the clearing. "AH! Damned dog!" He kicked at the wolf and sent the animal flying across the clearing. His arm dangled free for a moment before the healing process began. The wolf shook himself and then stood and shifted. Ártur stood proudly. He would not cower in front of these demons. He was the Alpha of the Vlkolak. His pack needed his strength right now. "What manner of being are you, Erobos?" The gruesome creature stepped menacingly towards the Alpha before stopping in front of him. "I was once as you, Alpha. I was born a werewolf. But I evolved. A vampire turned me into some sort of hybrid. And in my search for blood I found a dire wolf. It's essence made me stronger than I ever could have believed possible. I captured every dire wolf I could find. Each added to my strength. But I want more!" He turned, and his eyes bored through Leona. "You want her blood?" Ártur was stunned that this thing had once been a werewolf. "I want her. Our children could rule the world. The panthers carry much power. Combined with mine, they could take over this earth. But she refused me, and her pack paid the price. And now, Alpha, yours will do the same." "I wish to thank you, Erobos." Leona's sudden statement left all speechless. "For what? Your deaths?" The pale face stared into the stunning features of the panther. "For leading me to my love. If not for you and your evil, I never would have found Gellert, my true mate. So thank you, Erobos. You brought happiness and pleasure to my life. And now it will end. I am not sorry for my decisions." She stood proudly, defiantly, in front of her enemy. She lifted her head, ready to die. "We cannot fight you, Erobos. You outnumber us; you are stronger than we are. So kill us, and be done with it for all time." "That easily? You give up without any fight at all?" Erobos suddenly realized the pack was not very large. There were no cubs present. His nostrils flared as he turned to face the panther. "Where are the cubs, Leona? Did you try to mirror your father's mistakes? I found and killed every cub. Do you think I cannot do it again?" "Our females have been barren for centuries." Ártur was stone faced. Anyone who didn't know might think he was telling the truth. None of his pack reacted. They remained as wolves, letting their Alpha and the elder bitch lead. "Really? No cubs at all?" Erobos didn't believe a word of it. "My daughter did have one cub, but she died, along with her own cubs." Leona pointed to the remains of the pyre. "There are no others. We have inbred for too long. We have not taken in any new blood for some time. A pack will collapse when that happens." A pale hand stroked its gaunt face as he pondered what had been said. Who ever heard of a were pack without cubs? Could it be true? He looked at the Alpha and Leona. His eyes narrowed. He spun around and grabbed at a small grey female wolf, picking her up by the scruff. "Shift!" The little female shifted and stood shivering, the demon's hand tangled in her long hair. "Where are your cubs?" His eyes stared into the wide eyed green orbs that faced him. "I have none. There are no cubs in this pack. We cry every day for it." Her voice was soft. Her body trembled with fear. She shrank from the red-eyed creature that held her tight. Erobos threw the bitch aside with disgust. Ártur went to her side and helped her up to her feet. Her mate whined at her feet. She dropped to her knees and hugged him tightly by the neck. Ártur bent down to whisper in her ear, and by the time he had straightened, she had shifted and was leaning against her mate for comfort. "Should I believe you?" Erobos looked at Leona, then at the Alpha. "I do not believe you. Now, how shall we proceed?" He nodded to two of his soldiers who took another of the females from the circle and held her between them. Erobos strolled over to the trembling little brown wolf. "Shift, little bitch." He waited for her and appraised the frightened little female before him. "How long do you think it will take her to tell the truth? How much pain do you think she can take, hmm?" He reached out a hand and slid his fingers along her naked skin. He laughed as she shrank away from his touch. Leona and Ártur exchanged glances. Ártur nodded slightly. Erobos leaned in closely to the little female's face. "Do you want to be my next meal, little wolf? Tell me the truth. Where are the cubs? Where are they hidden? If you tell the truth, I will make your death quick. If not, well, I think you can imagine that it will not be pleasant." He bent down and nicked the skin of her neck with his teeth and lapped at the blood that came to the surface. His smile was grotesque as he pulled away, the female's blood coating his lips. The Destruction of the Vlkolak Ch. 07 His smile was short lived when the female lifted her face to the sky with a look of joy, and collapsed at his feet. She lay motionless. Erobos looked at Leona. "What did you do?" "Nothing. You wished her dead, and so she is." Leona stood her ground. She would not show fear to this loathsome creature that had taken so much from her. "You will watch then as those you love die. You were able to escape last time, but not now. They will each die a painful, tortuous death. Unless you tell the truth, in which case I will let them die quickly." Erobos could not hold back anymore. He walked to the panther and took her hand gently in his. "Leona, I would have made you a queen." He looked pleadingly into her eyes. "I never wanted to be a queen, Erobos. I would have been happy as your friend. But you would not leave it at that. And I cannot betray my pack by joining with you now. I cannot betray my true mate by taking another only as a way to maintain my safety. I wish you could have stayed the lovely young wolf you once were. But once the vampire made you, you were ruined in my eyes." She couldn't look at him another second and turned away. "Then so be it. You have sealed your fate!" He turned to his soldiers. "Kill them slowly while she and the Alpha watch." His soldiers far outnumbered the wolves and each wolf was surrounded by three. But before they could carry out their orders, the wolves looked up into the sky at the shrouded moon and fell to the ground, dead. Erobos screamed in rage and moved quickly to the Alpha, taking him by the throat. Ártur smiled, took one last look at the dark night sky, and fell dead. "No! No!" He twirled around and took Leona by the shoulders, screaming into her face, "What did you do, Leona? How did you kill them?" "You only guess at my power, Erobos. You have no idea. But I did not kill them. They wished to join their ancestors and hope for reincarnation. I hope for that as well. I wish to join my mate. I hope someday to find him again. I so miss my white wolf." Her eyes looked off into the distance like she was remembering something. "You were kind once, Erobos. I miss my friend." She reached a hand out to gently touch his cold cheek. She dropped her hand and crumpled to the ground. The tall gaunt figure stood silently for a moment. "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" He screamed in rage. He looked at his soldiers, waiting for his order, and then at the weres sent by the Council, who looked like scared rabbits. Kill them. There shall be no witnesses. His soldiers made short work of the werewolves, leaving their bloodless corpses strewn about the clearing. "Master, what do we do with the bodies?" "Leave them for the carrion eaters. There will be no reincarnation for them!" With a flourish of his cloak he turned and made his way through the forest alone. He had lost. But he would keep watch. He may yet be able to find a panther. He was sure they had lied. There were cubs. He would track them down as he had her. If it took another eight hundred years, so be it. -------------------------------------------------- The brown wolf approached cautiously. He could smell the death that permeated the whole area. He caught the scent of unfamiliar wolves and another, more of a stench. Something almost dead had been here. He walked slowly into the clearing. He stopped when he saw the large black wolves approaching from the opposite side. They stood across from each other, growling softly, hackles raised. The black wolves shifted. When Guillame saw their faces, he knew they were Ártur's other sons. He shifted and was about to introduce himself. "We know you, brother. You are mate to our sister. I trust she is on her way to America as planned?" "Yes, she is safe at sea, as are your brothers,the cubs, and the pregnant females." He relaxed now that he knew they were family. He looked around at the bodies. Some he knew were the Council's assassins. But who had killed them? Perhaps the things that left the stench. "I am András, third son of Ártur. These are my brothers, Barnabas, Fredek, Karl, and Patrik. We saw you at your mating. But you were otherwise occupied." In spite of the surrounding horror, he managed a smile. "We will put our family to the pyre. Will you help, brother?" "They were my family too, brother. Yes, I will help you." Guillame joined his brothers with their final task. They waited until the pyre had burned completely before disposing of the bodies of the assassins as befit traitors to their kind. They were buried so their souls would never be reincarnated. They would be forever trapped under the ground. They then took the next several days to disassemble the compound, bringing all the buildings and belongings to the surrounding packs of the brothers. Now there would be no evidence the Vlkolak had ever existed. It was as their father had requested. And now it was done. The Vlkolak were no more. The Destruction of the Vlkolak Ch. 08 While this is the last chapter of this storyline, it will be hard to understand if you haven't first read my Wolf's Pet series. Since there are so many characters and interwoven stories, it's best if read in order:Wolf's Pet, The Twins Take Over, and then Destruction of the Vlkolak.I will be taking a hiatus for a trip to the Rhine River. When I return, hopefully it will be with new adventures for the Baxter Pack and friends and family! As always, a huge thank you to Archangel_M, my terrific editor! -------------------------------------------------- January, 2012, Nevada, USA Guillame was awakened by a knock at the door. "Come in." He sat up and rubbed his eyes, trying to force himself awake. He swung his legs over the side of the bed just as Jószef entered the room. Guillame smiled. Jószef had been an able assistant and a delightful companion on this trip. And the fact he had found his mate while here was icing on the cake. Of course, Guillame had been sure that he would, based on the visions of his long-lost mate. Jószef stepped into the room and was shocked at the disheveled appearance of his mentor. "I'm sorry to bother you, Guillame. But you wanted to know when the females had returned from California." Jószef was concerned about Guillame. He'd never seen him looking so unsettled before. Ever since meeting his granddaughters he just hadn't been himself. Something about the females had him rattled. Whenever he saw Katy, the flame-haired mate of the Council Archivist, he seemed so saddened that Jószef feared for his safety. The memories of his mate, who looked as much like Katy as to be her twin, would come crashing down on him. Jószef thought they should leave as soon as possible. Guillame would be more himself when they got home. "Thank you, my boy." Guillame wanted to know everything that had happened with the Jensen Pack, and what had led to two more matings and two more panthers. There was nothing in Orsolya's visions about five panthers. He sighed loudly. Then he remembered his assistant standing near the door and looked up in time to see concern flash across his face. He smiled, in what he hoped was a reassuring way. "I'm fine, Jószef, really. I've been alone for so long, and now to have a bevy of beauties as my granddaughters - it's a lot for an old wolf to deal with." "Ha! You're not old for a werewolf, Guillame. What are you, four hundred and fifty years or so?" For a werewolf, Guillame was closer to middle age. He was still a vital male. "By the way, how did things turn out with that blond at the full moon? I saw the two of you run into the woods together." Jószef winked, expecting the older male to grin at the very least. He didn't expect what came next. "Oh, you mean Julia?" Guillame seemed completely disinterested. Not like a male proud of the conquest of a lovely young beta. "We went for a run, and then I returned here and went to bed." "Oh." Jószef was at a complete loss as to what to say next. "Will you see her again?" "No, I don't think so. She's very pretty, and I thought maybe we would have a rendezvous, but my wolf had no interest at all. I really don't like to force him." Guillame ran a comb through his unruly brown hair, patting it down as best he could. He could see himself in the mirror across the room. Oh well, it didn't matter anyway. He missed Orsolya's loving attention. She was the only one who had ever been able to cut his hair in a way where it didn't pop up in the back. Jószef had thought maybe Guillame had finally loosened up enough to relax around females. But he still pined for his mate. It was obvious, if not to him, then to Jószef. "I'm giving Becky and Andrea their first Hungarian lesson. Would you like to join us?" Jószef thought he could get Guillame to get up with that offer. If Becky was going to mate with him soon back home, she would have to learn at least rudimentary Hungarian. And Andrea would be joining them. Since losing her mate during the fight with the Dire Wolves she'd wanted to leave here, and had asked to come with them back to Europe. Surely Guillame would agree to help them. "No, I don't think so, my boy. If you don't mind, I'd like some time to myself." He gave his apprentice a weak smile and went to the desk, pulling out the picture album he'd brought with him on this trip. He slowly turned the pages, taking his time looking at each and every face. He lingered on one particular face, and smiled. --------------------------------------------------- "Jenna, what's wrong? You seem on edge." Alistair watched as his mate paced back and forth. He'd thought she'd relax when they returned to the compound, but her agitation had grown moment by moment. True, he hadn't known her long, but even in the week he'd known her she had never seemed anything other than centered and calm. "I'm sorry, Alistair. I just have this strange feeling that there's someone else in my head. I didn't feel it until we got back here. I know what your consciousness feels like, and I can feel Tracy, Rebecca, and Danielle. I can even faintly feel Katy, but this, this is different. It's someone I don't know." The fearful look on her face brought Alistair to his feet in a second and across the floor to hold her in his arms. Alistair pulled her close and stroked her soft black hair to calm her. He could feel her body shaking uncontrollably. He growled when he heard the knock on the door. "I'm sorry to bother you, Alistair, but I think we need to talk." The quiet voice of the Czech werewolf surprised Alistair. They barely knew each other; what could he possibly want to talk about? He kissed Jenna on the forehead, smiled, and opened the door. Konstantin stood there with his arm tight around his mate. They made a bizarre-looking couple, the tall silver-haired massive were and the petite blond. He had a very serious, stern look, and she had a look of terror, like she'd seen a ghost. "What's wrong? Come in." Alistair stepped out of the way, which put Tracy into Jenna's direct line of sight. As soon as Jenna saw the look on Tracy's face she leapt from her chair and was at her side. "Tracy, what's wrong?" Tracy's eyes were red-rimmed from crying. "Don't you feel her? She's so lonely. We have to find her." Jenna looked up at Konstantin. He shrugged his shoulders, letting her know he didn't know what his mate was talking about. "Tracy, who's lonely? Who are you talking about?" Jenna now knew she'd been right: there was someone out there trying to communicate. Apparently Tracy had a stronger connection. "I don't know who she is, but she needs us. Please, can we go to her?" She began to cry again, and Konstantin knelt next to her, leaned his head against her shoulder, his arm around her waist. Jenna stood up, looked at Alistair for a moment, then back at the sobbing little blond. "Do you know where she is? If you know, we'll go." "I don't know, but we have to find her, we have to. She's been so sad for so long. She hides it from everyone." Her hands had been gripping Konstantin's arms, and he suddenly winced as she grasped his recently healed broken bone. Tracy realized what she'd done and wailed, "Oh my God, Konstantin, I'm so sorry." She began to cry again, thinking she had hurt her mate who had been so kind and loving to her in the last few days since they met. "Shhh,můj anděl, you could never hurt me. Do not worry about me. I am only concerned with you." He stroked her face and kissed her gently on the lips. Tracy loved it when he called her that, the Czech words for "my angel." No one had ever thought about her that way before. She sighed and leaned against his large frame. His arms closed around her and she snuggled into his chest. He made her feel safe like no one ever had. Jenna thought for a moment and looked up. "I think we need to talk to Rebecca and Danielle." An hour later, the four werepanthers and their mates had settled into the Alpha's office. "Sorry for pulling you guys away from getting settled after the trip. But we have a little problem." She looked towards Tracy, who was still trying to keep from crying. "Ever since we got back I've had a feeling there was someone trying to communicate with me, and Tracy has had even stronger feelings, as you can tell. Do either of you feel anything strange?" Danielle and Rebecca exchanged glances. Rebecca spoke for the two of them. "Umm, well, we'd been wanting to talk to you. We have been feeling 'someone' in our heads since we got home. We were going to ask you if you knew what was going on. But we don't feel anything as strongly as Tracy." "I think we're going to have to call Katy back here. I know she and Rhys were going to stay with the Jensen Pack for a while, but I think we need her here more. It seems like this werepanther bond is stronger the more of us that are together. Maybe with her bond added, we could find out who, what, and where this 'someone' is." Jenna looked around the room and noted the agreement from everyone. Late the following day a plane set down at the private airport and three people disembarked, walking to the black SUV that waited, the driver happy to see his Alpha back. "Home, James." Carr grinned. He loved saying that to his loyal Beta. It always made him laugh. James didn't care, especially after almost losing him during the fight with the Dire Wolves. The scar on Carr's forehead was a thin white line now. It might even disappear entirely. He sure didn't need a daily reminder of all that happened last week. "I wish Jenna would have explained what was so important that I had to come back right away. I don't know if I should be worried or excited or what." Katy had felt a nervous energy on the last leg of the flight. She couldn't put a finger on it, but something was different. She could feel her sister panthers, but there was someone else too. "Well it can't be anything horrible, or I'm sure Lee would know, and I would know by now." Carr smiled as he thought about his lovely mate waiting for him. He'd hated to leave her even for a few days. He was really glad Axel and Anneke were so well matched and seemed to be falling into their roles without any problems. He'd agreed to stay and help them get acclimated to being the Jensen Pack Alphas, but they didn't need him as much as Axel had thought. Besides, Axel's father was a bigger help than even he'd imagined. Carr would be available by phone any time they needed him. He doubted they'd be calling much, if at all. "I'm sure that Jenna wouldn't have insisted on your coming back so soon if it wasn't important. But we'll find out soon enough, little one. You are just too impatient." Rhys tapped a finger on her nose and then kissed it. He had noticed a sudden change in her demeanor when they had gotten within about one hundred miles of the compound. She was trying to hide something that was bothering her. He hoped she'd feel comfortable enough with him soon to share everything, good or bad. James drove into the compound and dropped his passengers at the main house. He was surprised by the large group there to greet them. Not only Lee, the Alpha Bitch, but also all four of the werepanthers and their mates. Must be something important. He smiled when he saw Carr and Lee walk away arm in arm. Good, at least whatever was going on had nothing to do with the pack. The Alphas needed some alone time. Must be some panther issue. And a good thing for him too. If it was a pack issue, the betas would probably have been involved, and he'd have had to take time away from his new mate. Just the thought of his beautiful Sarah put a silly grin on his face. He made a beeline for their quarters. He knew she was waiting for him. -------------------------------------------------- "So we all feel this consciousness. What do we do about it? Even with all five of us here, we can't figure out who it is." Katy was confused; what were they supposed to do? "Well, I know this sounds kind of strange, but couldn't we be kind of like a werepanther divining rod or something?" Danielle saw the blank stares facing her. "What I mean is, together we can tell which direction to go, and stronger feelings will tell us we're headed in the right direction. Maybe we'll get to a point where we can actually talk to it, or her, or him, or whatever." She shrugged her shoulders. "It's just a thought." Jenna was deep in thought and grinned. "It could work. It's as good an idea as any other I've heard today. You're right, Dani, we can use the strength of feelings to tell us if we're going in the right direction. It may take us a while, but I think we can do it!" She looked around at her fellow panthers, who were all happy. And through her bond with Alistair, she knew that their mates, who were waiting in the other room, were decidedly not. Rhys cleared his throat and stood. "From the looks on your faces, I get the feeling that your mates are thinking the same thing, that they will go on this quest without us." "I think not." Alistair was in no mood to even entertain the idea of his new mate leaving the compound without him. And he seriously doubted the others would allow it either. Suddenly the door opened and the five females exited, determined looks on their beautiful faces. "I know you think we can't be trusted to take care of ourselves, but we are werepanthers. We're pretty darn deadly all on our own." Jenna stood in front of Alistair, arms crossed. "Yes, and for some reason, there seem to be many werewolves who want you for themselves. I, for one, am not willing to share." He reached out and pulled her close to him. "I want you with me for a lifetime, Jenna. I will not, I repeat, will not allow you to leave here without me. So you'll have to think of another plan." "Same goes for us!" Trey and Troy stood and spoke in unison. Konstantin smiled at Rhys. "So we have five versus five. I think compromise is better than confrontation, yes?" The next day they were standing in front of the house with the Alphas. "Don't be shy about calling for help if you need it." Carr watched as the five newly mated pairs got into the Lincoln Navigators. They'd given them the biggest SUVs they had in the motor pool. It was either that, or a bus. The females had wrinkled their noses at that idea. He and Lee waved as the cars took off down the road. "Well, what do you think we can do to be ready for whatever else is coming our way?" Carr laughed and hugged his mate close. Lee loved the warm feeling of her mate's arms wrapped around her body. "I don't know. Maybe we should have a few rooms ready just in case they find a whole new pack of panthers or something." They held hands and walked back into the house. -------------------------------------------------- "I don't like having the females in one car and us in the other. The closer they think they are getting, the more frantic Tracy is becoming. I do not like not being there to comfort her." Konstantin voiced what the others hadn't wanted to say. But they all felt the same. "There is only so much I can do mentally. She need's to feel me near her."  "I understand why they need to be in one car. Their bond is the strongest when they are the closest. And it is much easier for them to figure out which way to go. Although I have to admit, the sixth time we went miles out of our way before having to backtrack on the first day was a bit much for me. If not for that, we'd probably be there by now." Alistair's frustration was showing. Normally, he was seemingly imperturbable, but this was pushing him to the brink. Rhys sat alone in the middle seat. "We have no choice, my friends. We can't help them in thisquest other than to tag along as protectors. This is their search, and we are not able to make it go any faster or more efficiently. So I suggest we enjoy the countryside. I've never been in Illinois, have you?" He looked out the window at the passing countryside. Trey and Troy sat quietly in the far back seat. They were not really comfortable with being in close quarters with the commanding weres for long periods of time. They were used to the easygoing relationship they had with their own Alpha, but to be surrounded 24/7 by these three Council members was a little more than they were prepared for. They tried to just sit back and be ready if needed. They would let the three older weres have their discussions while they communicated through their own family bond. The males sighed loudly when they realized that just after passing Chicago they were turning almost forty-five degrees to the southeast. This was the most meandering trip any of them had ever taken. But after four days of zig-zagging through the U.S., they had a feeling they had arrived. The females had collectively toned down their emotions. They figured it had to be a good sign. The two cars rolled to a stop at the entrance to a long driveway that bordered East Fork State Park in Ohio, thirty miles east of Cincinnati. Jenna got out and walked to the second SUV. She leaned into the passenger window, speaking to Alistair. "This is where you guys hold up. We're doing the rest on our own. You'll all know what we're doing, but we don't think you should be there. You might scare whoever it is. You are kind of imposing, you know." She gave Alistair a dazzling smile, meant to make him melt. Of course, it worked. She leaned in and gave her mate a peck on the cheek. "I promise, if we need help, you will be the first ones we scream for." Alistair watched her walk away and winced when he heard Rhys gnashing his teeth. "Do you have to do that?" "Sorry, old friend." Rhys concentrated on relaxing his jaw as Konstantin chuckled. The large Czech turned to face Troy and Trey. "And you thought Council Members were stuffy old wolves, didn't you?" Trey and Troy looked at each other and smiled. They said in unison, "Never." The females arrived at the tidy farmhouse at the end of the mile-long driveway. The fences were like the ones they'd seen in schoolbooks, the kind they built before barbed wire became popular. There were no poles set into the ground. It was made with logs, the shorter ones arranged into X's with the longer ones attached to make the actual fence. They got out of the car and stood for a moment, just taking in their surroundings. It was so peaceful here. The sign on the delivery truck parked nearby said "Saber Dairy", just like the sign over the driveway. "She's in there." Tracy pointed to the house. She seemed to have the deepest connection with whoever it was they were tracking. They got out of the SUV and stood looking at each other. "Well, who's going to the door?" Katy wasn't too keen on it being her. "I just have this weird feeling that it shouldn't be me or Katy, and Tracy is too emotional. Rebecca, Dani, that leaves the two of you. You do everything else together." Jenna winked. "Okay, then here we go." Rebecca grabbed Dani's hand and climbed the stairs to the porch and knocked on the door. They heard heavy footsteps approaching and were shocked to see a drop-dead gorgeous man open the door. His body almost took up the whole doorway. His black hair fell over his eyes and his smile lit up his face. The two women stood in awe and just stared at him. "May I help you?" He looked down at the two strangers and looked beyond them to see the other three women standing near the car. He cocked his head and asked, "Are you here to see my sister?" They just continued to stare, not saying a word. "Vic, who's at the door?" A woman's voice carried through the house. He turned to yell behind him. "Some ladies are here to see Sally. Would you get her for me?" The man turned back around to the women and flashed a brilliant smile. "Would you ladies like to come in while my wife finds Sally for you?" He opened the door wider and the two stunned women walked slowly through the door. "Your friends don't want to join us?" The Destruction of the Vlkolak Ch. 08 The women shook their heads. He grinned at the three females waiting with the car before shutting the door. "Please, have a seat. She'll be here in a minute. I think she's in the back office doing the bookkeeping. She's much better at numbers than I've ever been." He gestured to the couch where they took their seats. "I don't bite, honest." He smiled again and turned to greet the woman who entered the room, taking her hand. "This is my wife, Margie." Rebecca and Danielle sat mutely, looking from the hunky male to the beautiful woman at his side. There was something vaguely familiar about him, but they couldn't put a finger on it. They let their sister panthers see all that they did, letting them hear the slight accent the couple couldn't hide. How long had they been here? Where were they from? And who was Sally? "Here she is." The tall man smiled affectionately at his sister and guided her to the two visitors. "Sally, these ladies are here to see you, I think." He backed away and stood with his arms around his wife and an amused look on his face. Rebecca wasn't sure if he thought they were crazy or maybe he was. She looked up at Sally as she swept into the room and had to remind herself to close her mouth. She couldn't believe it. "OW!" She felt Dani's finger nails digging into her arm and she glanced over to see the same surprised look on Dani's face as she was sure was on her own. "Hello, I'm Sally. I think you've been searching for me, haven't you?" The stunning woman stepped forward and held out her hand to Katy and Dani, taking them one at a time. "Do you know me?" They looked surprised. They seemed to know something she didn't. "Sally? Is that your real name?" Dani almost bit her tongue after she said it. She felt Jenna's reprimand through their bond. "Your friend shouldn't be cross with you. I'm sure this is a shock. You've traveled cross-country, haven't you?" She smiled at both women and sat down across from them. "So tell me, what brought you here? How did you find me?" Her comment about Jenna's reprimand was missed. "We-we felt you. We knew we had to find you. Did you want to be found?" Rebecca was at a loss for words. "Many years ago I dreamt of being found again, but by my love. But it was never to be. I had to learn to live without him. But maybe now it's time to return to the world of the living, return to my world, our world. If the time is right. And since you've found me, I think that time has arrived. Fate brought you here, brought us together. Do you believe that?" She seemed hopeful. "Yes, I think we believe that. A year ago, we probably wouldn't have, but now, yes, I think so." Rebecca swallowed hard. "Sally, we had heard you had died, years ago." Sally's smile faded and her voice lowered to a whisper. "I wanted to save the one I loved from terrible pain. My brother and I faked my death, and we moved here to start over. It was for the best. He had to be allowed to live his life and not wait for something that could never be." Tears rolled down her cheeks as she thought about him. "What about you? Did you find someone?" Dani leaned forward. Did she want to know the answer. The look of horror on Sally's face answered the question without any words. "Oh no, never! I could never betray him even though he thought I was dead. I've lived with the wonderful memories we had." As she said it, her hand strayed to the locket around her neck. "And my panther refuses to admit that our mate is lost to us. She insists he is waiting for us to return to him. Panthers are silly creatures, aren't they? "That's beautiful. May I see it?" Rebecca was entranced by the golden locket with the engraving. Was that a wolf? She slowly approached the woman as she lifted it up to show her guests. "The wolf is amazing. I've never seen anything so small and detailed." Sally stood straighter and smiled through her tears. "It is an uncanny likeness." As she said it she stroked her fingers across the wolf face with the sapphire blue eyes. "What's on the other side?" Dani moved closer, fascinated by the beauty of such an intricate piece of jewelry. Sally smiled and slowly turned the locket, showing the large cat on the opposite side. "Isn't she wonderful?" She slowly stroked the panther, with its green eyes that matched hers perfectly. "Where did you get it?" Dani wondered if she could find one like it. "My love had it made before I left him, so that I would never forget him, or us. How could I? He's the only man I would ever love." Again her tears flowed freely. "But if you aren't dead, why wouldn't he come looking for you? Doesn't he feel your bond anymore?" Dani almost jumped when Rebecca elbowed her in the ribs. "I silenced our bond." Sally looked down into her lap, her hands clasping and unclasping. "It was the only way to give him peace. I was sure that when he heard from his friend, the American Archivist, that I had died, he would grieve. But in the end, it was the best thing for him. He could move on with his life. Hopefully, he was able to find a new mate. It can happen, you know." Rebecca wanted to tell her, but Jenna told her no. They weren't going to be the ones. "But tell me, the two of you are new, aren't you? As well as your three friends outside?" She leaned forward with a grin. "And are your mates handsome?" She laughed and clapped her hands when her visitors blushed. "You know, I've never felt another panther's thoughts since I left my grandmother behind. When I first felt the presence of more panthers, I wasn't sure if I was imagining it. It was during the Ice Moon a week ago. And then it seemed stronger a few days later, and then stronger and stronger until... well, here you are." She was silent for a moment. "Would you ask your friends to join us?" By the time Vic had opened the door the three women were standing on the porch. They filed in one at a time, Katy first. Katy noticed the looks she got from the handsome male and the two women. And it only took a quick glance at the other woman to realize why. Katy approached the other woman and stopped a foot away from her. She couldn't believe it. She could have been her twin. "Katy, this is Sally, her brother, Vic, and sister, Margie. These are our cousins, Katy, Tracy, and Jenna." As shocked as their faces were when they first saw Katy, the male and two females were flabbergasted when they finally saw Jenna's face. Vic and Sally approached her slowly. They seemed to be watching for any sign of recognition from her, but received none. "You aren't Leona, are you?" Vic said it sadly. "No, I'm sorry. Who was Leona?" She looked from one to the other. Whoever she was, Leona must have been special to them. "She was our grandmother. You are her exact double, even the timbre of your voice." His voice was quiet. He still expected any second for her to tell him to mind his elders and do as his father told him. "She was a brave leader. But I can't get over how much you seem like her. And Katy, you yourself can see that you are a twin for Sally." Jenna decided to tell them a little, at least. "I guess that would make Leona our fifth great grandmother then. Because we are Sally's third great granddaughters." Sally took in a big breath and grinned ear to ear. "My granddaughters? Oh my! If only Guillame was here to meet you! Then my day would be complete." She went to each of the women and hugged them fiercely. She stood back and eyed each in turn. "What do you think Vic? Are your nieces beautiful?" "To a fault, little sister." He put an arm around her shoulders and squeezed her gently. "Guillame would be proud to have such granddaughters." Jenna seemed a little uncomfortable. "May we invite our mates to join us?" "Of course, all of you are welcome." Vic had the door open in time to see the second SUV barreling down the driveway. Through their bonds the men had seen everything. There would be no surprise on their faces or in their voices when they met Sally. And they understood why Jenna didn't want to mention Guillame. Sally watched the men walk into the house, trying to mentally match each to his mate before they had a chance to see each other. As soon as she saw the distinguished-looking white-haired male she knew his mate was Jenna. She paired the giant silver-haired were to the tiny blond. When she saw the massive black haired male, she knew he was Katy's mate. But the last two, who were obviously twins, she couldn't figure out which female they were mated to until they moved towards each other. Katy's mate took her hand and approached Sally. "Madam, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Rhys Davies, and I am the American Archivist. It was I who sent reports to your mate about your well-being. And it was I who sent him word of your death." His voice lowered. He sounded as if he had done something wrong and was asking for forgiveness. "Rhys, thank you, from the bottom of my heart. It gave my love some closure that he would otherwise never have had. He would have lived the rest of his life waiting for me."  She took Rhys's hand in hers and held it to her lips. "Thank you." She smiled, tears again in her eyes as she looked up into his face. Katy was crying too. She wanted to blurt out that Guillame would be waiting for her. But Jenna said to wait. Jenna's mate moved to stand next to Rhys. "Madam, my name is Alistair Alexander. I am the head of the North American Council. I would like to welcome you back to your people. All of you." He wanted to be sure they knew they could rejoin them. "We've lived as humans for so long. How would we find a pack?" Sally looked at her brother, a worried look on her face. "Will we even be able to shift? I've ignored my panther for so long. What if she refuses?" Vic came to his sister and kissed her gently on the forehead. "Your panther and our wolves will be happy to be free again. They know it was for the safety of all. You have nothing to worry about, sister." Rebecca got up and took her grandmother's hands. "Sally, I think we all know that we belong together. Otherwise, why would our panthers be so insistent about meeting? Would you come with us to our home in Nevada?" "Really? We wouldn't bring you danger?" She looked at each visitor and then glanced at her brother and his mate. "We're pretty good at attracting danger on our own, Sally. There seems to be safety in numbers and a well-coordinated offense." Rebecca beamed with the knowledge that their pack had defeated two formidable enemies. She thought they could take on anything or anyone. Even whatever or whoever it was that scared Sally so badly. Sally sat quietly for a moment. Uncertainty crossed her face for just a moment before she smiled. "Vic, Margie, we're going to have a new home." -------------------------------------------------- The Alphas were waiting for them when they arrived, the two SUV's and a truck that said "Saber Dairy" on the doors. Luckily they'd been warned, and when the red-haired women stepped out of the truck, they were able to hide their shock at just how much alike the two women were. Alistair stepped to the front of the group, Sally at his side, Vic and Margie close behind her. He gestured to Carr and Lee. "These are the pack Alphas, Carr and Lee Baxter. This is Sally, Vic, and Margie Saber. They are, or were, Vlkolak. They are family to all of the women that were saved from Gary." "We would like to welcome the three of you to the Baxter Pack. You are welcome here always. You have many family members who are members of this pack, including my brother's mate." Carr grinned at the visitors. Lee came down the stairs and hugged each of the newcomers. "I'm so glad you're here. You're part of our family now." She was startled when Sally placed a hand on her belly, on her just barely noticeable baby bump. "Triplets?" Sally lifted an eyebrow and looked at Carr, a huge smile on her face. "Well done, Alpha." The entire group had a hearty laugh, Carr's the biggest. Lee's face was crimson, but she laughed as well. But Carr had something on his mind. "Sally, I think there's someone you should meet." Carr put out his arm for her to take as he escorted her into the house. As soon as they entered the foyer, Sally stopped in her tracks and looked around the room. She looked fearful. "This way." Carr spoke softly, leading her towards his office. "It'll be alright, I promise." The rest of the group looked on with smiles, except Vic and Margie, who just looked confused. "What's going on? Who does she need to meet?" Vic could feel her apprehension. They hadn't been in the company of werewolves in so long. The scents were overwhelming to them. Carr opened the door to his office and held it for her. He didn't say anything. He could see the back of the male who was across the room, thumbing through a book containing the history of the Baxter Pack. He looked back at his companion, who was riveted in place. He whispered to her, "He doesn't know." Suddenly, the scent of birch and lilac wafted into the room. Guillame shook his head. His dreams were now coming to him awake. He thought he could smell her scent. How ridiculous. But it was so overpowering. He heard a woman gasp behind him and turned. He was seeing things. It must be Katy and his mind was playing tricks on him. He saw the grin on Carr's face as he gave the woman a slight push. Then Carr backed away and closed the door. His voice was so quiet, she almost couldn't hear him. "It can't be. Rhys told me you had died." He moved slowly towards her. She must be an apparition. He hadn't been sleeping well for the last week or so, since the full moon. His dreams had been so vivid. Or had he fallen asleep and was dreaming now? His hand came up to touch her face. His fingertips knew it was she. Her tears fell and reached his fingers. He pulled them from her face and put them to his mouth. They were her tears. Now his own tears fell. She reached out to his face and caught the salty drops and brought them to her mouth. She couldn't believe it. She thought sure she would never see him again. "My big brown wolf, I thought I'd lost you forever. I'm so sorry I did that to you. I silenced our bond and faked my death so you could continue to live and not spend your life waiting." Neither of them moved. It was like they were rooted in place. They couldn't take their eyes from each other. The tears flowed down their cheeks. "Did you find a new mate?" Orsolya could barely say the words. "Neither my wolf nor I had any interest in a new mate. You were, and are, our mate." His fingers traced her jaw, to her lips, and moved over them slowly. "I knew from the moment we met that you were the only female I would ever love. And when I thought you were dead, I was dead." She let down her guard for the first time in over one hundred years and opened their bond. She was flooded with his emotions, and he with hers. She began to sob when she felt the anguish he had endured for all those years. "I'm so sorry, my love. I never meant to hurt you. I thought it was best for you to move on." She collapsed to the floor, unable to stand under the onslaught of his pain. He knelt next to her, wrapping his arms around her, holding her tightly as her body was wracked with sobs. "Shhh, my little red kitten, shhh. We are together now. We will be together always. No one will part us again. I will see to that. I won't allow it. We belong to each other. Obviously my wolf and your panther knew, even if we didn't. They didn't let us seek others to ease our pain." He pulled her into his lap and rocked her. "Shhh, I love you, Orsolya. I have always loved you, and I will never stop." She pulled away from him so she could look at his face, his beautiful sapphire-blue eyes. Her hand cupped his face for the first time in one hundred and sixty years. His skin felt the same as it did then. He lowered his head until their lips met. It felt like an electric jolt hit them both as the kiss healed the wounds of their last hundred years of pain and longing. Guillame's wolf pranced in his head, proud of himself that he had been right all along. His beautiful red panther had returned to him, and they would have their time together soon. For now he would allow his human half to enjoy their reunion. Guillame's hand tangled in her long red hair, and he pulled her away from him long enough to look into her beautiful, pale green eyes, just the way he remembered them. He had not forgotten a detail. He buried his head in her neck and inhaled deeply, birch and lilac wrapping around his heart and holding it tight. He closed his eyes and could swear they were sitting in the meadow where they had first met, near the river. The gentle knock on the door pulled him away, and his wolf snarled dangerously. A familiar face looked in, a large smile plastered on his face. "May we come in just for a moment?" Guillame was startled and he jumped up, assisting Orsolya off the floor. "Zsigmond, you kept her safe for me, thank you, brother, thank you!" He grasped Zsigmond's proffered hand and pulled him into a tight bear hug. He slapped him on the back, laughing now, almost to the point of hysteria. "Thank you, thank you." He spotted the woman behind his brother. "Margareta, it's wonderful to see you both." He hugged her to him as well. The whole group stood on the other side of the door, waiting. Guillame saw them watching with huge smiles. He took Orsolya by the hand and walked her out to formally meet his new friends and family. "I would like to introduce you all to my mate, Orsolya." The rest of the day was spent with introductions and congratulations amid a party atmosphere. "So I just have a silly question. I get Sally from Orsolya, and Margie from Margareta, but where did you get Vic from Zsigmond?" Danielle just had to ask. She'd been wondering all day. Troy had begged her not to, but she'd shushed him. She wanted to know. Zsigmond smiled. "Not a silly question at all. When we came to this country, we wanted to assimilate. Like other Hungarian immigrants, we wanted to Americanize our names, but I hated the name Sig. Zsigmond means "protection through victory. "So I took the name Victor, or Vic." He grinned. Suddenly his face lit up. He turned to his sister. "Orsolya, do you feel it?" Her face mirrored his. "Yes, soon." She looked at Guillame who grinned as well. He kissed her cheek. Those who heard the exchange wondered what they were feeling. None of them had felt a thing. The van reached the long driveway that led to the Baxter Compound. The driver stopped and looked around, spotting cameras that he could tell allowed them to see every car that drove in. He smiled to himself. Things had come a long way in the last few years. It had been a long time since he'd been around a pack. "Dad, are we gonna sit here? Or drive?" His son in the backseat couldn't remember what it was like to live in a pack. "Ash, leave your dad alone. Van, is this it? Are we at the right place?" "Yup, this is it. Not even that far from home. Only took us four hours from Utah. Well, no time like the present. Let's see what greets us." He hoped this was a good idea. Even back home it hadn't been smart to come uninvited to a pack. The white van drove up to the biggest building. There were people milling around, all of whom stopped what they were doing and stared at the newcomers. Van watched the group of Betas approach the car. He motioned for his son and wife to stay inside and stepped out. Before anyone could say a word, the front door of the house burst open and their newest guests came running out. "Istvan!" Orsolya almost screamed it as she leapt into his arms. "Orsolya, Zsigmond. I wasn't sure what was bringing me here. My wolf insisted we come. Even though we had closed off our bonds, he knew." Istvan hugged his siblings and then saw Guillame standing on the steps. "Brother, you're here too. Ash, get out of the car and greet our family." " The Destruction of the Vlkolak Ch. 08 Szebasztián? Is that you?" Orsolya couldn't believe the tall, handsome blond in front of her could be her little nephew. "Hello, Auntie! Yes it's me, but could you call me Ash?" She hugged him around the waist. "Ash? I think not; you'll always be Szebasztián to me, my boy." Guillame slapped him on the back and gave Istvan a bear hug. Orsolya helped the woman out of the passenger side of the car. "Matild, I can't believe it's you." She hugged her tightly. -------------------------------------------------- The lithe red panther walked so close to the sleek brown wolf their bodies touched. So much had happened in such a short time. They walked to the hillside that Carr had pointed out to them. At the top of the hill they stopped and gazed out over the wilderness. The panther's tail switched from side to side, finally curling around the wolf's body. He had missed this closeness so much. He felt a calmness now that he hadn't felt in over a century.Do you see the mountain on the far side of the river?Guillame looked off into the vast expanse of land. His panther followed his line of sight. I see it. That also belongs to the Baxter Pack. They are giving it to us. For our pack.He looked at his little red kitten. He would never let her go again.I can't believe your brothers bonded to me as their Alpha. I would have expected it to be Zsigmond, not me. Orsolya leaned into his warm body and rubbed her face into his shoulder. She could feel every muscle under his skin. She had missed him so much.My family recognizes your ability and strength, Guillame. You saved us. Who better to lead our new pack? I'm honored, my love.Guillame smiled to himself.My assistant is returning from an assignment today. You need to meet him.Yes, she would like Jószef.We should return. He'll be back any time, and I don't want to miss him. When they arrived back at the compound, Jószef was waiting for them at the front door, with Becky at his side. Jószef bowed very formally and smiled at the woman that made his mentor glad to be alive again. "It is very nice to meet you, madam." Guillame grinned. "Orsolya, this is my assistant, Jószef Kardos, and his soon-to-be mate." "Kardos?" Orsolya laughed. Guillame laughed with her as Jószef stood there looking confused. "Did I hear that correctly? Kardos?" Istvan and Zsigmond had been walking by. They now looked up and down at Jószef, appraising him. "Whose son are you, boy?" Istvan had an idea, but wanted to hear it for himself. "András Kardos, Alpha of the Kardos pack." He stood defiantly, waiting for a challenge. The crowd forming wondered what was going on. They watched as Orsolya and Guillame grinned ear to ear and her two brothers circled the Hungarian beta who was to someday be Alpha of his pack. "You need some toughening up before you can become an Alpha, boy." Zsigmond smirked and winked at Istvan. "I really had my money on Fredek. I didn't think András would ever find a mate." Istvan was laughing. "You knew my father and uncle?" Jószef wasn't sure if they were joking. "Of course we do, boy; we are your uncles too. Our last name is also Kardos." Zsigmond had walked over to Jószef and grabbed him by the waist, lifting him into the air, much to the delight of the gathering pack. "Here in America, my family used the name 'Saber'. 'Kardos' means'swords' in English." Becky was laughing as Jószef finally realized what they were saying. He laughed too, and hugged his new uncles and aunt. "Do you think my father would let me stay here longer, so I could get to know you? That would give me more time to teach Becky Hungarian. Oh, wait, no, that wouldn't work. Then we would have to wait longer to mate." He looked at her out of the corner of his eye. He and his wolf wanted her so badly. Maybe they could go home so they could mate, and then return here to his new family. "Ha! Don't make her wait, boy. You might lose her to another wolf." Istvan roared with laughter as Jószef growled. Becky elbowed Jószef to get his attention and nodded towards Andrea. Andrea's mate had died in the battle against the Dire wolves less than two weeks ago. She was sitting with a group of females who were laughing and talking. Andrea sat quietly. But to her right, a blond haired male stared at her, his need showing on his face. Guillame looked the same direction and saw it. He walked over and sat next to Ash. "Her mate died just weeks ago. She needs time to heal. Can you wait until she recognizes it herself?" He watched as Ash nodded. "She needs a friend right now more than anything. Eventually, she and her wolf will stop grieving. But it will take time, my boy. You will have to be patient." Again, he nodded silently. "Can you be patient? It could be decades, even centuries." Ash looked at his new Alpha and smiled. "I will wait if it takes forever, Uncle. I never thought I'd be allowed to have a werewolf for a mate. She is worth waiting forever if I have to. I will be her friend, the best friend she ever had. And when she's ready, we'll both know." He grinned when Guillame slapped him on the back. "Good boy." Guillame looked up at his own lovely mate. She waved to him from across the yard. He looked at her and thought to himself, She's only one hundred eighty. She is still well within the age to bear cubs. We could have another. He saw her smile as she sent her reply. How did you know I was thinking the same?  I love you, my little red kitten. And I love you, my big brown wolf. ---------------------------------------------------- EPILOGUE 2012, Sardinia, Italy There was a quick knock, and then the office door swung wide open. The tall man that entered looked apprehensive. He never liked giving his boss bad news, and this was some of the worst in a long time. The man at the desk looked annoyed as he glanced up at the intruder. "Is it something important that makes you forget your manners, Drago?" The sound of throat clearing echoed in the room. "I'm sorry, Sir. I knew you'd want this information immediately." He hesitated a moment before adding, "Gary is dead." "What?" The pale figure at the desk jumped to his feet. "What about the formula? Do we have it?" "Um, no, Sir, we don't. He had only agreed to give it to us at the time of the exchange and upon payment. That was to have been the day before the full moon. He didn't show. It didn't take a lot of investigation to find out what had happened." The man was almost cringing. He hated to be around the boss when he was mad. "He got into some fight with a local were pack. He lost." "And the women? Where are the women?" The rage on his face was impossible to mistake. All his plans, down the proverbial drain. He knew he never should have trusted a werewolf. "The pack has them. But there must be others, Sir. He couldn't have found every single one. He'd given hints that there were more to be had. I'm sure we can find them on our own. We don't need him." He tried to believe his own words, but he didn't hold out much hope. "I don't want just any women, I want those women." He sat down again and looked out the window. "We'll take them from the pack! Now go, and count yourself lucky I need you, Drago." "Yes, Sir, thank you, Sir." Drago closed the door and stopped for just a moment to exhale. The expression about killing the messenger was one well known to him, and to his boss. He leaned against the door and could hear him talking to himself, but not loudly enough for Drago to make out, even with superhuman hearing. Erobos sat at his desk, pulling pictures out of a drawer. He spread them out on the desk top and started looking at each one. He was sure she was here. He looked at each one until he found the one he was looking for. Yes, this is it. He looked closely, staring at the blurred image of a raven-haired woman collecting wood at Gary's camp. Yes, there she was. She thought she could escape him in this life. But she was sorely mistaken. She could be reincarnated a thousand times, but he would always find her. "Leona, you are mine! I will not lose this time." His fist slammed down on the desk next to the picture. The Destruction of the Vlkolak "My name is Ártur. I am the Alpha of this pack. Thank you for the life of our cub. Without your intervention, I dare say he would not have survived." He could see the male was distracted by his daughter. He cleared his throat to drag his attention back where it belonged. "Will the cub be alright?" Guillame looked off in the direction he had seen the beta carrying the little male. He'd seen a fair amount of blood on him. but no obvious major injuries. "Yes, he will be fine, and perhaps a little wiser about being led astray by a passing butterfly." Ártur turned his attention to his daughter. "And perhaps a certain she-wolf will learn that she must attend to her duties and not daydream." He watched as Orsolya's head dipped lower in shame. Out of the corner of his eye he saw the stranger grit his teeth, holding back his wolf from defending his mate. "My name is Guillame. I beg forgiveness for straying into your territory, although it appears it was for the best. And the female had no way to know the bear was so close. The winds had shifted, and his scent escaped her, as did the errant cub." He looked towards the red wolf, his red wolf, and smiled. He just barely caught a glimpse of her pale green eyes as her head moved even lower in embarrassment. He wondered what her human form looked like; as glorious as her wolf, he imagined. "You fought bravely against the bear, and we will be forever in your debt. You are welcome here for as long as you wish to stay." He looked from Guillame to Orsolya and back again. "I have a feeling you will be here for some time, eh?" He smiled at the wolf he knew would be his son very soon. "But right now, those wounds should be tended to so they heal properly. My daughter will see to your needs." He waved his arm in the red wolf's direction and saw the male's face light up. The red wolf took a few steps away from the group and looked over her shoulder at the stranger, waiting for him to follow. She watched as he shifted again into his wolf, and they trotted off together toward the compound. She wasn't sure how badly he was hurt so she kept an even pace, only moving faster when he seemed able to keep up. She led the way to a group of buildings, pushed a door open with her paw, and quickly disappeared into a curtained area. He heard her voice ring out from behind the curtain. It was as beautiful to his ears as her wolf was to his eyes. "I will be right out. Father does not like the females to shift in front of strangers. I hope you do not think that parochial." In only a minute she appeared in a long flowing green dress that accented her eyes perfectly and made her hair look like glowing embers. His breath caught in his throat at his first sight of her. She was the most exquisite creature he had ever laid eyes on. "Well, are you going to shift? Or would you like me to treat your wounds as you are?" She smiled and put her hands on her hips in an impatient gesture as she watched him. He was dumbfounded. He couldn't think for a moment, but then came to his senses and shifted, standing in front of her, unable to move or think. All he wanted right now was to enjoy the sight, the sound, the scent of her. His eyes could not leave her face. He wanted to memorize everything about her so if he closed his eyes he could see her. He was startled when the door opened again and an omega entered with a pail of water. He kept his head down, deposited the pail on the floor, and moved quickly out of the room. She admired his human form for a moment before regaining her senses and finding some cloth to clean his wound. "Sit down, please, or maybe you should lie down. Those wounds will heal quickly once they are attended to, and you would not want any nasty scars, would you?" She blushed as her thoughts continued. What she wanted to add was "on that beautiful body." His muscles were well-defined, and perfectly proportioned to his body. He was the same height as her father, but much broader. She imagined herself in his arms, as she had dreamt so many times in the last two years. But in her dreams she had not seen his face. He had been but a shadow. Now the shadow was real. He slowly laid back on the bed and watched her every move. She was graceful beyond any female he had met. If he had ever hoped to see perfection, she was it. He winced when she used the cloth to scrub the dirt out of his wounds, but he refused to cry out. He could see the amused look on her face. "This is funny to you?" he said through gritted teeth. "No, not funny at all. But you really do not have to hide your pain. You will never have to hide anything from me, Guillame." She continued her ministrations to his wounds as he watched her closely. He reached up and touched a strand of her hair, twirling it through his fingers, amazed at the silky feel of it. He could imagine it being spun into cloth. He would love to wear that next to his skin. "I am surprised the Alpha would leave his daughter alone with a stranger." He was having a difficult time even speaking. His wolf wanted to take her now, to make her theirs forever. She didn't seem to mind him playing with her long hair. She leaned down even more as she reached around to his side to clean a long gash. He lifted up to push his nose as close to her neck as possible and inhaled deeply. He closed his eyes and leaned back, a contented smile on his face. Lilac and birch. Who could ever have thought they would make such an intoxicating scent? He felt his cock twitching and hardening at her closeness and attempted to cover himself, not wanting to alarm her. "The Alpha is wise beyond all others. And he knows better than to keep a bitch away from her mate." She continued her work, seemingly ignoring the growing testament to their future bond. "We will know each other far too well by tomorrow night for you to worry about hiding yourself from me, Guillame." She sat down next to him on the bed and reached forward to begin cleaning a nasty wound across his chest. Guillame captured her hand, not allowing her to move. "Tomorrow night? Why wait, my little red wolf? Why not mate as soon as I am healed?" He marveled at the feeling of her skin under his fingers. She didn't struggle against him, but let him control her, her arm moving easily as he brought it to his mouth to kiss it tenderly. "We must mate tomorrow night, under the Ice Moon. It is our fate, my big brown wolf." Her throaty laugh caused another jolt to his groin. "And why are you so certain?" He refused to let go of her hand, holding it to his nose, rubbing his cheek against it, savoring every touch. "Because I saw us in a dream. It will happen, it is fated. No one can change it." She sat gazing at him lovingly as he held her tight. Their eyes locked and they breathed as one. Neither of them heard the door open or the Alpha enter. Ártur watched his daughter with her soon-to-be mate. They were so entranced with each other he could have slammed the door open and they still wouldn't have noticed. He cleared his throat loudly. Guillame pulled his hand away and laid his head down on the bed, looking at the doorway. "Alpha, I, I didn't hear you come in." Orsolya stood and backed away from the bed, her head down, trying to hold back her laughter. She looked at her father out of the corner of her eye and smiled when he winked at her. "Apparently not." Ártur used his most imperious voice. "Am I correct in assuming that you will be taking her as your mate?" Guillame looked at his flame-haired beauty and couldn't help but smile. "Yes Sir, I will. She insists on tomorrow night. If you allow it, Sir." He turned to look the Alpha in the eyes. A bold move for a stranger. So Guillame was quite taken aback when the large male grinned at him. "Good; I would hate to have to kill you, my boy. We provincials do not like our young females manhandled, you know." He smiled good-naturedly at his newest son. "Sir, may I ask one thing?" "Of course, ask anything you wish." Ártur wondered what he wanted to know. Did he want to know if he had any sons that he would have to fight to be the next Alpha? "What is my mate's name?" Guillame looked at his little red wolf, more exquisite than he had thought possible for any female. "Hah! Yes, that would be important to know. Her name is Orsolya. It means 'little bear'. You have a full day before the Ice Moon. Use it wisely, my boy." And with that advice the Alpha exited. An omega ran in quickly, dropped some clothes at the foot of the bed, bowed his head, and ran out just as fast. "Your wounds are almost healed. Would you like to dress? I can take you to meet my sister and grandmother. I know they will want to meet you." "I would rather we went for a run and stayed away from anyone else." He reached out and took her small hand in his much larger one and held it just tight enough so she knew she couldn't escape him. She was happy with his suggestion but shook her head sadly. "No, we cannot. We have much to discuss, and I fear if we were to be alone you would try to persuade me not to wait for the full moon. And then I would have to refuse you. Please, do not make me do that." Guillame slipped on the clothing. He much preferred to wear nothing, but he was not in his own pack. He stood and quickly was standing in front of her. His hands slid up her arms until he was gently holding her by the shoulders. "I will never make you do anything you do not want to do, Orsolya." He towered over her. In her wolf form she seemed a normal-sized female but as a human she was tiny in comparison to him. He bent down a little bit and wrapped his arms around her waist, easily lifting her so they were face to face. "As long as we are mated tomorrow night, then I will be happy." He smiled at her and twirled around in a circle, lost in her laughter. Yes, they had much to discuss.