The Blessed One

Chapter 2

***Allue***

The pain was subsiding, but the sorrow would forever linger. Beta Mark being older and stronger was able to recover quicker. That and he wasn't blood family. Things for Damien and myself would be different for the foreseeable future.

“We need to move Mark…” Justine warned as she stroked my hair trying to calm me. I was thankful I didn't have my wolf yet. The pain would be so much worse.

Damien was first to gather his bearing between the two of us, but he still had a fogged, sad look in his eyes. He came over and engulfed me in a hug. “You're mine now Allue. I will protect you.”

He was wise beyond his 12 years and I was almost wondering if that was a part of his gift from the goddess. But regardless of the events Justine was right. We needed to keep moving. The longer we were stagnant the higher the chance of being discovered and discovery for us was apparently bad.

After gathering our things back up Justine shifted again and allowed us to climb on her back. Mark's grey wolf came over to nuzzle her then us and licked our cheeks before taking off into a sprint with us following closely. I had no idea where we were going, I could only hope that it was somewhere safe.

We were mid run when I saw Beta Marks ears pin back against his fur and his hackles raised. His teeth were bared and he skidded to a stop. He had his back arched and was staring at a bush close in front of him.

“Bi fhathast.” we all heard through our link. Justine growled in Mark's direction as a twig snapped. My brother and I don't have our enhanced senses yet so I couldn't smell anything, but it's clear the two adults did.

Within the blink of an eye a mangey rogue burst through the bush. Rogues were wolves who had left or been banished from their pack. Not all were bad, but you could always tell the wolves who were led astray. They were skinny, dirty, had a foul smell and bright red beady eyes. This one was bad, his eyes almost glowed with a red undertone.

He looked to Damien and me and stalked towards Justine. He probably figured we'd be easy prey. He seemed to have forgotten about Mark though. He was one of our best warriors aside from my Pa.

Mark lunged and latched onto this rogue's throat taking advantage of him not paying attention while doing a death shake. We heard the snap of bones and he dropped the lifeless mutt on the ground. He turned back to make sure we were okay before taking off in a sprint again.

How long had we been running? I wasn't sure, The scents here were different. We weren't in the forests close to our pack lands anymore. The air was slightly warmer, more humid. It had a salty smell to it. We were near the coast. Had we really run that long? Our packlands were in the highlands, within Abernethy Forest, and we seemed to be far from it. Far from home.

We broke through the thicket and grass until Justine's paws were running in sand. This sand was almost white and glowed in the moonlight. Hidden away in the dunes was a cottage built out of logs and stone. The dunes were tall enough to hide it away from the naked eye and I had a feeling that this was going to be our home for the foreseeable future.

Mark finally shifted after scoping out the place to make sure we were alone. He dressed in his pants and boots before helping me and Damien down. Justine shifted and embraced her mate. After the journey we had it's understandable.

“So what now?” Damients quiet voice asked.

Mark sighed after looking from his mate to the moon and back to us. “Truthfully, I don't know."

"Gealach mhòr. Your parents….they were supposed to meet us here. There was always the possibility that they wouldn't make it, but we tried not to think about it. I think for now we rest. I need to start training you. Both of you, but for now we've had a long journey. This cottage is stocked, your parents made sure of that. Well, eat dinner and rest.” There was a hint of melancholy in his voice and I felt the urge to hug him. My feet moved on their own accord and I wrapped my tiny arms around his waist. He scooped me up and kissed the top of my head.

“Oh, gealach bheag. Thank you, I needed that hug. I want you to know. I want both of you to know that Justine and I love you both. We have since the day you were born. We will do the best we can to raise you. We know we're not your parents, but you are our family now.”

He set me down and Justine handed me my bag. I couldn't help but notice how soiled my dress was, between being torn, the mud, and smoke from the fire. They led us inside and showed Damien to his room first and then to mine.

I don't know how my parents did it, but they made it almost an exact replica of my room at home. There was a large 4 poster bed with furs and satin blankets, a book shelf with all of my favorite novels, a large tub with a wash basin next to it. There were large windows overlooking the beach, so I could hear the waves crash against the earth. There was a hand crafted doll house and a nook for me to read in.

I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned to see Damien. His face looked so sad, I'm sure my face mirrored the same. I went to speak, to reassure him, but he held up his hand. “I know.”

I didn't know what to say or do to make this easier or to take his pain away. I was dealing with my own pain too. “Let's go help with dinner. I'm sure Mark and Justine would like some company.”

We walked quietly through the stone hallway. The only light was coming from the torches that were hanging on the walls. Once we got to the kitchens I saw Justine hovering over the countertops, cooking food like she was performing a dance. “How can we help?”

She yelped and jumped not expecting us. “You startled me! Mark hunted a deer, so that is cooking. I could use some help cutting the vegetables and making bread.”

I got to work kneading the dough and Damien took charge with the knife. There was a somber silence among us all. No one wanted to break the silence, but it was starting to become suffocating. Soon enough the dinner was ready and we were guided to a large redwood table. The grooves showed just how beautiful the tree could have been if it was never cut down. Mark finally joined us at the table and lit a few extra candles for light.

“So here is what I was thinking.” started Justine. “Your mother wanted you both to finish your education, so I will help with that. I will teach you everything there is to know. Your father wanted you all trained to defend yourself, protect yourself, and hopefully one day lead your own packs. With your gifts Allue I don't know what that will mean. But we will take this day by day. But Mark will handle your training. We need to go over ground rules though. I think you both understand what is at stake now. You are not to stray far from the house. You are not to talk to strangers. You immediately run. If they follow you hide. You are not to lead them back here. Any questions?”

I shake my head. I'm too freaked out to want to break any rules. I like my life and I'd like to keep living it.

“What happens if we are caught?” Damien asked.

Mark and Justine looked sternly at each other before he nodded. “Well, we hope it won't come to that, but you fight like hell to get away. You give them your all.” The rest of dinner was eaten in silence.

I poured the hot water into the tub and added some flower petals, salts, and oils into the water. I figured a relaxing soak would help me sleep this awful day away. Once in the water I dunked myself under. The water surrounded me. The water made me feel safe. The water made me feel at peace.

Rising out of the water and taking a deep breath the events of the day finally came down on my shoulders. I released a soft sob. No one would be able to tell the difference between my tears of the bath water. My skin started to wrinkle and my fingertips started looking like prunes. With an exasperated sigh I grabbed a soft robe and dried my skin. I was thankful that in my bags Justine had packed some of the soaps and lotions mama had made. I'd have to go scavenging with her tomorrow to gather plants and materials to make some more.

I grabbed my favorite doll and climbed into the bed. The soft furs surrounding my skin reminded me of my dad and moms wolves. He was jet black with his green eyes. Mom was a white wolf with green eyes. The fur blanket was both black and white and thick. I wonder what animal this was made from.

My over tired brain was finding things to think of and contemplate to stay awake. I didn't want to sleep. I didn't want to wake up tomorrow an orphan. But sleep was a stronger opponent and I shut my eyes for the night.

Sometime in the middle of the night though my bed creaked and dipped as someone climbed in. I sat up startled and saw Damien sitting on my bed with his legs crossed.

“Couldn't sleep?” I asked and he shook his head. I patted the bed next to me and he laid down and I cuddled with my brother. I felt safe with him.

He rubbed my head and whispered. “I miss them already.” I nodded not wanting to utter a word. “I will take care of you Allure. I promise.” I fell asleep feeling safe and protected.