Luna Created

Chapter 32

Draven Pov

"Sara. Sara... wake up." I gently tapped on her face with the palm of my hand to try and wake her, tiny pins and needles traveling through my palm with each touch. Humans cause a strange reaction to me, like little people jumping off her and dancing across my whole body. "What happened to her?" Luke gruffly asked. "it was immediately after we mentioned the war, perhaps she was overwhelmed and her poor body could not cope." Iris answered aloud. Hmmm, she could be right, the thought she cared this much for those wolves irked me. "She's exhausted, she's barely rested in the past few weeks...Sara..." I could finally relax as her eyelids twitched, and she blinked delicately opening and closing her eyes."Draven?" She whispered confused.

"It's alright, you're fine..." I took the time to assure her before turning to Luke and Iris "Do you perhaps have somewhere she can rest?" Iris nodded and got up showing me the way. "Come on let's get you some rest" lifting Sara with ease I follow Iris's directions and place her on one side of a simple double bed. My body felt cold without her in my arms, but she curled over and fell back to sleep. "You two can stay here tonight, if you are hungry and awake we eat at sundown - you are welcome to join us," and with that Iris left us alone in the hut. It was spacious yet cosy, consisting of 3 rooms, there was a double bed where Sara lay sleeping opposite a small fire warming the room, and two doors on either side. Curious I investigated, the right door led into a small kitchen area, a table, and 2 chairs near a small bench and a sink. On the other side led into a bathroom, small and simple, sink, toilet, and open shower - it was nothing fancy but that's what I was used to. It was comforting that being here reminded me of my teenage years. Sara lay on the bed still in her silky red cloak and I was abruptly reminded she was undressed underneath - this set a strange feeling off inside me, a mix of butterflies and panic, no I just wanted to get out of that hut. Her fiery copper hair fell over her flawless alabaster skin and the red cloak ruffled up her body. She must be cold, yeah that's it, I quickly maneuver the red knitted quilt from under her body and place it on top of her instead. that's better. I'm unsure how long I stood there watching her, every time I told myself to move I just didn't. There was something inside me that wanted to be here with her, I didn't like it. I let go of a breath I had been holding and ran out of the door, if I gave myself time to think about it I would have never left. My paws thud against the grassy earth as I run laps around the camp, I must have run the length 10 times and still it was like I was a fish on a hook slowly being reeled back in, getting closer and closer to the hut. Back to her. Why did this bother me so much? It's clear I enjoy her company even when she's annoying me witless I've still kept her around. It doesn't matter how I feel anyway, she's returning back to Domilia. Back to another man. To her, I am nothing more than a travel companion. She has a partner and she's human - how would she fit into my life? How could we ever be together? It's a stupid notion and one I am better off forgetting - or doing my best to. As I circle back I see Iris and Luke, with a number of other adult wolves I had not yet met, there were more children than I have ever seen in one pack running around together playing and laughing, while the adults tended to the cooking. A pile of clean clothes was neatly piled at the door of the hut, I was unsure but as I had no others with me, I accepted the gift and got dressed after shifting back. It took a while but I approached the pack, some smiled at me friendly while others stare daggers at me. "Everyone this is Draven, he is staying with us for a while. His mate Sara is here too but is currently resting..." Iris addresses the pack in much the same way a teacher addresses her pupils. I mutter something about not being my mate, which gains some curious glances from the group. "You hungry?" Luke's voice bellows out. I'm not, not at all. My stomach is in knots right now and my brain is feeling garbled right now. Nonetheless, he stands and pats my shoulder firmly with his bear-sized hand, shoving a plate of meat into my hands. "Thank you." I sound apprehensive, it's not intentional, this is just all new territory for me. I'm not used to help - I wouldn't usually want it, I've managed just fine on my own. There is a number of people in front of me looking all different ages but if Iris and Luke are any indications, looks prove nothing. "Welcome Draven, it's nice to meet you. I'm Kinsley and this is my mate Willis, I'm Luke and Iris's granddaughter." A tall thin woman stood in front of me, gesturing to her mate who was also tall. He had red brown hair hanging to his shoulders and she had tight black curls and dark ebony skin. Had she not told me who she was I would never have guessed they were related. I looked around to try and spot her parents but they didn't seem to be there. She held out her hand to shake to clasp as a way of greeting someone you respected- why would she do that, she doesn't even know me. "Gramps and Marma told me they see good in you and your mate, please sit with us." She invited warmly and the rest of the group relaxed too. "She's not my mate." I muttered again, the words tasted bitter on my tongue. Kinsley's eyes seemed to widen as I said this, this grabbed my attention, her eyes were a crazy clear blue that shone like the moon. I have never seen that shade before and they suited her pretty appearance, highlighting her femineity. A single tear dropped down her cheek and the glowing from her eyes disappeared once more - interesting. The group continued to chat amongst themselves as I sat in silence eating the plate of food I was giving. The food was taking a long time to eat as I picked at it my appetite was none existent tonight, I just wanted to be back in the shed with Sara - I needed to rest too. It was rude to leave food and honesty who knows when I would manage to eat again, so I quickly chewed the remaining food down and stood to leave. "Please excuse my leaving, it's been a long journey and I could use the rest. Thank you for the meal." Luke nodded his approval, he was clearly the alpha here though I'd yet to hear him command an order. "Sleep well Draven." Iris said and the group shouted out their own goodnights to me.

The first thing I did when returning to the hut was to check on Sara, thankfully she was sound asleep still. The extra space in the bed called out to me as tiredness was drowning me. It wouldn't be right to join her uninvited, but it would only be to sleep right? I couldn't decide whether or not to jump in the other side, so I sat on the floor in the corner of the room staring as the empty spot taunted me. My heavy eyes stared vacantly before finally falling asleep. The sunrise woke me the next morning, my body ached slightly from the position I slept. A low snoring filled the room as Sara still slept, she had been asleep for longer than half a day now she must have been exhausted. Where are we going to go now, I best start making some plans. We would likely be leaving today, there may not be another chance for a proper shower for some time. A run first. It was decided, run, then wash. So as I had the previous evening I stripped down and ran laps burning off some energy and preparing myself for the day, it's important to expel as much energy as I can when possible.

This place grows on you, the open fields, the quiet, the way the sunrise illuminates the huts with an appealing orange tone, it's nice. I can see how they would live like this. There's another wolf out running laps, based on the size I would say it's a male wolf, brown and white, normally I would be on edge but he's keeping his distance and that's fine with me. Fighting unnecessarily is not something I take pleasure in. Countless laps in I head back to the hut, not bothering to dress as I'm heading straight into the shower. She's still sleeping, and I'm starting to get concerned. I will give her till I'm washed and if I can't wake her I will see if Iris has a pack doctor here. Leaning in I turn the shower on, it's a pleasant surprise when the water comes through heated. Standing under the warm waterfall I let it cover me just enjoying the feeling of the drops massaging my back and shoulders, rolling down my skin. There was a bar of soap left out which I used to get washed, the smell of almonds explodes into the air as it mixes with the hot steam. As I rinse off goosebumps cover my body and the smell of the air changes to plum and vanilla- thank you, Goddess. Sara had stumbled into the bathroom, awake but disoriented, she clearly hadn't fully woken up. She stared at me in the shower as we said nothing, I'm not sure if she was sleepwalking as for so long she just looked at me. Stretching out her fingertips she trails them down my face, down my neck, all the while still just staring at me. This touch sets a reaction off in me, as if my body was acting on its own accord I pull her into the shower, and the red silk cloak she was still wearing got soaked, sticking to her body. My chest rises and falls rapidly as my breathing changes, her breathing is the same. We are so close but neither of us moves the water raining down on us her scent is now mixed with the steam and I could taste her, and she tasted delightful. She stared at my lips with her heavy eyes, they were green today, they reminded me of the evergreen trees like little pine trees lived in her eyes. We stayed like this, I was scared to move for fear of never experiencing this feeling again. An unexpected icy wave that covered us broke the spell causing Sara to squeal, and jump out of the shower. Smiling at her reaction I jump out too, grabbing one of the slightly stained cream bath sheets to wrap around her. She turned around to remove her soaked cloak but was finding it difficult as the material stuck to her skin. "I erm... I can't get it off. Would you mind?" She asked shyly. With her back still to me she lifted her arms in the air as I gently peeled the cloak off her exposing her perfect skin, she was naked in front of me, totally exposed. My erection was gently skimming her lower back as I had gotten close to help remove the cloak. It pained me deeply but I stepped back and wrapped the towel around her from behind, trying my best to allow her the privacy she deserved. Once she secured the towel around herself she turned to face me, pulling her sunrise auburn hair over one shoulder, and smiling. "Thank you." her voice sounded angelic.

"You're welcome." I grabbed a towel for myself and got to drying. She left me alone in the bathroom and I slid to the floor, blowing out a huge breath. The floor like much of the hut was crafted from dark wood, one I was unfamiliar with. There was a long hairline crack running up one board and a few dents where it looks like something heavy was dropped from a height. I could hear the sound of the children playing outside; I listened to that while running my fingers over the rough towel. Listing things was a tool if used often over the years to calm my mind. Usually, I would go through each sense but I knew all too well what I could smell and taste, focusing on it would only send me into overdrive.

Back in the bedroom, Sara was pacing "How long have I been asleep?" The pleasant morning was clearly gone.

"You passed out yesterday, you've been out since then." Sara squeezed close her eyes as though trying to stop a bomb from exploding from her - why was she mad at me? Storming outside she was looking around frantically her face full of thunder. "What are you looking for?" I ask trying to get her to stop. "Iris." She answered as if I should have known she was looking for the sweet lady who housed us to yell at. "Why..." She danced around me spinning out of my direction "...Sara will you stop. Look at me, what's going on?"

"Why didn't you wake me?" She went straight on the offensive.

"You passed out Sara. You needed the rest." Her eyes travelled over me looking for some excuse that wasn't there.

"Was that the only reason?"

I answered in my head no but my mouth said "yes".

"Hmm..." She darted off in another direction running straight past me.

"Sara glad to see you've finally woken" A smile beamed across Irises face. Sara barely matches this which is unusual for her, she's unusually friendly with everyone except me at times. She looked beautiful in the simple brown dress the pack had left out for her, her calves looked defined with each stride toward Iris. "Tell me what you said last night, was it true?" Iris only nodded a deep sadness in her eyes as she could see the truth pained Sara. "Which one? Who did they murder?" Sara's voice cracked.

"I'm sorry flower, I do not know, we only hear what we hear - we never dig." Iris held out an arm and squeezed it trying to offer some silent support. "I need to get back there now. How do I find the way?"

"You must be joking Sara, we can't go there now it would be a suicide mission. I've been around a lot and from what I've heard Vampyres can't be killed. The pack stands no chance in a war. There will be nothing to go back to." My voice was raised higher than I had meant to but was she serious how could she even consider it? The noise dragged Luke over, his stance already in defensive mode, as he always is. "I am going! I am going and I'm going now." Sara was shouting, speaking a little too fast.

"Going where?" Luke chimes in

"Nowhere." I quickly answered as Iris softly tells her mate where Sara intended to go. He nodded and looked directly at Sara.

"It's a 3 day run on wolf back to get where you need to be. I would be happy to take you as far as I can, it will get you near the portals as safely as can be expected - the rest is on you though."

"Yes. thank you!" She felt righted.

"Eat first, we leave after breakfast." Sara looked at me her face a mix of determination and guilt. Guess I'm not needed now she has Luke. Turning away I make a move to leave. "Draven stay and have breakfast with me please?" Stopping stationary I reply

"Best not, I'm no longer required and I've been with you for too long. Take care of yourself, Sara." I couldn't bare to look into her beautiful eyes and say goodbye and I refused to watch her leave so without hesitation I shifted running back over the grassy pastures and far from the camp.

It took a little under 3 days to return to Melius, the whole time my mind thinking of Sara. Where she was, if she was safe, had she made it back to Domilia, had I made the right decision? All these thoughts tormented me. Back here now though I could focus on getting work, keeping busy, and getting back to life BS- before Sara. For now, though I was tired and could not be bothered with Caraway so my number one job is going to be to avoid him. Madam Prout always has some small jobs, that will be enough for today. my body head to her store unconsciously as it has done many times before. She was a mage, her specialty was elixirs. She could heal you from never death or take a life with a single drop of one of her elixirs. From what I've heard there's no other that can challenge her ability, and it's best to keep on the right side of her, those who cross her tend to just... disappear. The large brass bell on the inside of her store door dings loudly as someone exits, image my surprise when I run into none other than Prita, her long black hair the first thing I recognised along with her distinct scent of Rosemary. She looks like she has spotted a ghost when she places me. "What are you doing here?" she hisses. Now I wished I could keep moving and pretend I'd not seen her. Actually, that's exactly what I'm going to do, I turn my back and begin walking away - I've done what I promised I needn't do anymore. It's not like it was a paying job, I haven't got time to waste on free labor. A whisper from behind me sounded like a breeze in the air but it was enough to hold my feet in position as though they were a block of ice - great! "Draven, so kind of you to wait." She smiled mockingly and I returned the same sarcastic grin. "Couldn't help myself, Prita. A pleasure to see you again."

"Cut the crap, where is Sara?"

"Should be arriving back in Domilia any time, if she's not there already."

"Then why are you here?"

I shrugged "Heard about the war, I got no business in that."

"Curious, and what is your business Alpha." My blood ran cold with the title, I'd kept off the map for years, how could she possibly know, I chose to remain silent. "Cat got your tongue? Tell me why an alpha has no pack." I wiggled my toes waiting for the spell to break, it's a weak spell I can feel it lifting already. I'm ot wanting to fight her but I will if I must. She pushed further raising her eyes and giving him a hmmm. "That's not your concern..." I finally stated quietly but firmly - memories of meeting Sara come back to me from the night we met and I again am letting doubting myself. She pulls out a green liquid and having used it himself on people knew exactly what it was veritas- and if it's from Madam Prout he'd have no chance fighting it off. Pritas eyes lit up as she realised I had caught up. The bottle popped as she uncorked it but my feet weren't quite free yet, I needed to find a way to stall her. What the? Prita brought the vial to her lips allowing a single drop to touch them licking it off with dramatic emphasis so I knew what she'd done, I just didn't know why. "Ok now speak freely." My mind ticks over wondering what game she's playing here, has she never used veritas elixir before - I find that unbelievable. "What are you trying to achieve Prita?"

"Simply the truth, leaving myself open and vulnerable. I am offering up my secrets trusting you only to share the truth and take what you need to see I am on your side."

"And are my truths safe with you Prita?"

"Yes." Hmm, she could answer that anyway. I need something to prove she's being honest.

"How can I prove what you're saying is the truth and not just a ploy to get me to talk?" she offered up the bottle of Veritas.

"You can take some too, that way you will see I am sincere." Nice try as if I would leave myself open though it would prove her point, it's a risky game though - if I take this I leave myself wide open. "It was nice seeing you Prita, I think I will leave this conversation for now." I was still unable to move.

"Very well Alpha... I only hope Sara is truly fine after you've left her to fend for herself." A low growl emitted from my chest, I close my eyes to try and recentre myself. "Prita come back. What do you mean? Why would she be fending for herself with the pack there?" Prita was walking away and I was still stuck in this spot, damn you "Prita!" I needed to know Sara was safe, that she would be happy. "I'll trade you, my info for yours." Damn witch knew the game she was playing.

"Oh that's wonderful news, please do share Alpha." If looks could kill Prita would have been out of my hair a long time ago. "I'm not sure about the full story. I was young and my parents' only child. One day before my wolf and I had connected, one of our omegas kidnapped me. She told me it was for my own safety, at that age I couldn't find my way back. I later found out my parents had died so I didn't attempt to go back, when my omega died I was on my own - have been since. Now tell me about Sara." Prita took her time to respond she was mulling over my story, it's all she was getting from me. "Rumour has it a lot of people have an interest in Sara and in fact the most dangerous place she could possibly go right now alone is Domilia - since returning I've heard the pack blame her for the poisoning. I'd be surprised if they don't murder her on the spot." Dread filled me like someone continuing to pour water into a glass even as it was full and it just poured over the sides. The blood drained from my face, I could feel it just by looking at Prita. "She is probably already there. How can I help now?" Damn, I should never have left her. "I can create a portal if we're quick, you may be able to save her once more time." I have to.

"Show me the way..." Just like that the restraints holding my feet in place slackened and I was once again able to move, "... and don't call me alpha."