THE SIGMA'S MATE

CHAPTER 2 - CONCRETE RUINS

Alaric and Jayden take the lead down the passageway, weapons drawn and ready for a bloody battle. My own steps are not as confident as theirs. They walk with the surity that years of battle and practice has given them. The witch with dark, stick straight hair follows along with a sway to her curvy hips. The sight has no doubt seduced many men into leering after her. I notice the witch is carrying weapons too - most strapped to her combat uniform. Only I seem to be lacking one for protection. It seems to be the story of my life, relying on others to protect and save me from the dangers of the nasty world. I follow the three warriors dejectedly, wishing I was more useful. I try to keep sharp and alert in this dangerous environment, but no matter how hard I seem to try, my eyes keep finding Alaric, eager to observe the way he moves. When Alaric stops to check the connecting passage for any threats, I reach my pale fingers out, tapping his shoulder hesitantly and instantly gaining a response. He turns, the black mask hiding his beautiful features and a hood drawn up to hide his spectacular dark auburn hair. The black mask is unlike the silver one he normally favors. This one isn't stiff and hard looking, but seems to mold to his face like water, hinting at high cheekbones and a strong jawline. He silently waits, the honey colors of his eyes showing through the slit of the disguise. I should feel intimidated, but his regard only serves to light my blood on fire.

"Can I have a weapon please?" I ask him, blushing evidently. An unfortunate result of having such pale skin.

"Do you know how to use one?" Alaric asks and I can just imagine a dark brow lifting in question.

He seems doubtful and I immediately take offense. How hard can it supposedly be? You stick the pointy part at the enemy. I've seen enough people do it in my life. I've seen enough death…

Jayden returns to my side like a shadow, "You don't need one." He says in short, interrupting what I was planning on saying.

I look at him questioningly.

"I'll protect you." He adds with a fist over his breast, an action often used to show royalty fealty.

"You did a fine job of that at the palace." Alaric remarks coldly. "They should give you a rise." He sneers rather rudely.

Why should he care whether Jayden did his job or not? Did he not see the wounds to Jayden's head when he rescued us from the torture room?

Jayden only smiles, "Unfortunate circumstances." The narrowing of his eyes is the only indication that Alaric's words have angered him.

I feel my anger rising. It is not Jayden's fault, anymore than it is mine. "They surprised us. Jayden noticed them too late and I didn't notice them at all." I say in Jayden's defense, hoping to redeem his character.

"Are you saying that a bunch of humans managed to sneak up on two werewolves, completely undetected?" Alaric questions. "Keeping in mind that one of these werewolves is a trained warrior and part of the prince's personal security."

I stare at him in disbelief, hearing the accusations in his chilly tone. I cannot see Alaric's face to read what he is thinking or what emotion is ruling his body and soul. But I can see the way his body tenses as he holds himself taller. The way his gloved hand grips his weapon tighter while the air turns thick with tension at the implications of my words. It's only then that it occurs to me that Alaric could have taken those words the wrong way. To mean the wrong thing entirely. Why would he care? He has already told me that we cannot ever be together - that I could never survive in his world. If he had any doubts before, this rescue should clear everything up. My heart sinks at the thought.

I lift my chin, holding myself with all the airs of a queen and fighting against the petty emotions attempting to rule me, "Yes Sigma, that's right. We were preoccupied." I say, smiling coily.

If Jayden is surprised by the suggestion in my voice and words, he doesn't let on or remark on my statement. He simply keeps his silence, watching us closely. Alaric turns away, his cloak flaring around him as he continues on with his witch at his side. She throws a smile over her shoulder at me mockingly resulting in my shy and docile wolf whimpering in my head. I chose to ignore whatever she is trying to accomplish. I concentrate on following closely, trying to keep up to everybody else in this impractical girly outfit. Water runs down the plastered walls in tiny lines that are beginning to flood the concrete floors, soaking my feet that are hardly protected in these short block-heels. The dirty water begins to get worse, flooding up to my ankles and forcing me to discard my pointless shoes in irritation. Shouts of alarm can be heard in the distance, somewhere on this level or one close by. When we reach the staircase, promising to take us to freedom, we find water pouring down the steps like a gushing waterfall. The water soaks my dress, making it heavy and hard to move through the rushing power of the muddy water.

"This place is about to be flooded, Sigma." The witch says in concern, as Jayden offers me his hand, realizing my difficulty.

I hear Alaric sigh loudly. Then he is in front of us, drawing a long-bladed dagger. He grabs a bunch of my ruined dress, ripping the material and ruining it further.

"What do you think you are doing!" I demand, trying to twirl away.

His head shoots up, a growl leaving his throat. "You are slowing us down." He says with irritation thick in his voice, before moving closer again.

I stare daggers at his hooded head while he gets to work cutting the material of my dress to make it shorter. I press my full, plump lips together, forcing myself to hold my thoughtless tongue. I am not used to any sort of evident and blatant disrespect. I've always been treated with the utmost admiration and esteem. Being the sparkling jewel of the Authority has that effect. But Alaric doesn't seem to care that he speaks to the princess of the Authority. He discards the bottom of my ruined dress with no remorse. My eyes follow him as he turns his cloaked back on me, climbing up the steps with purpose. Jayden extends his large hand again, his face blank and emotionless. I accept his assistance. I move much easier now against the water, not that I want to admit it. I'd be damned before I let Alaric know that his solution has worked rather well. Although he certainly has eyes to see for himself if he ever spared me a glance over his broad shoulder. The inert staircase is interminable, with each lengthy flight taking you to a different level within the base and offering new destinations that sprout off down unknown corridors. With every platform that we reach, Alaric checks to ensure that we are the only ones using the sole route from the underground base. We have almost reached the top of the third flight of stairs when alert voices proceed the Libertas's.

"Link hands quickly!" The witch orders sharply.

We quickly do as she says, no one wanting to question her or her plan. She begins muttering under her breath. A language reserved only for the witches. You cannot learn it no matter how hard you try, if you are not of a witch's blood. I've seen people try and forget almost immediately. I press myself harder against the damp wall, water seeping into my dress as I hold my breath, squeezing Jayden's hand when the men appear. They don't even spare us a glance, speaking in exasperated tones and passing without seeing anything amiss. I don't miss their harsh speech on the gathering army above. No doubt they are rushing to assemble their own people. I release a breath of relief as we continue on, only to run into five men rounding the corner and begin to descend in a rush. Their mad dash is quickly halted when they catch sight of us. Alaric wastes no time meeting the men head on, followed closely by his witch and Jayden. Only I shrink back, descending a step or two, back onto the platform in fear. The clash of metal and the grunts of exertion explode into the confined space. The activity on the staircase draws attention, alerting the men that have only just passed to the trouble. They reappear on the platform with weapons already drawn, boxing us in. I stumble backwards, down the passage with a scream tearing from my lips as one follows after me with violent intent. I turn to run, sprinting with my heart in my throat. I can hear him behind me, chasing after me. My wet feet slap on the concrete floor, dry due to its distance from the stairs. I slip, crashing to my hands and knees. The shock vibrates through my body momentarily stunning me. The human man strikes my stomach with the boot of his shoe as I lose the advantage of speed. I groan in pain, curling in on myself in an attempt to stop the pain. He grabs a handful of my long hair, drawing my head back to expose my throat with his painful grip. I feel the cold hands of death reaching for my soul as the sharp edge of a blade touches the sensitive skin of my neck. I can feel my heartbeat in my ears. Tears leak from my eyes as the unfairness of it all makes itself apparent. But this is not to be my last draw of breath. I hear the man cry out in pain before he topples to the side as dead weight, his sword clattering as it drops from my throat. I fall forward, leaning onto my hands as my heart gallops. I have no time to feel relief or calm my ragged breaths as strong arms lift me up. I see the cold mask of the Sigma staring down into my eyes. His gloved hand pulls me closer until I'm a hairpin away from my body being pressed against his.

"Don't, leave my side, Lyra." He says with deadly slowness.

I close my eyes, my lips trembling, "Thank you."

He doesn't relent his grip on my slender arm as he turns around and heads back towards the stairs. I catch sight of Jayden, his eyes narrowed at Alaric in pure dislike. A growl echoes between them and I can just imagine Alaric baring his canines. With unnecessary force, Alaric slams his board shoulder into Jayden's, forcing him out of our way. I stare helplessly as Jayden is left to follow dejectedly.

"Useless." I hear Alaric mutter as he continues to drag me along.

I'm not sure who he is referring to, me or Jayden. Perhaps both. The sound of gail force winds and rolling thunder can be heard as we near the upper levels. The Royals armies have flooded the levels closest to the top, some turning to join our ascent while the sound of a battle raging along with the elements leads us to freedom. I wince, wondering if Alaric realises how strong his hold is as he pulls me up the stairs, against the water rushing in. It's the last flight of steps that finally has Alaric releasing my arm. I rub at the offended bruising skin, sure that his fingertips will leave tiny black and blue marks. When we break into the outside world, chaos ensues. Dark clouds hang in the sky, lit by strikes of lightning while heavy, hard rain's make visibility low as mother nature unleashes powerful eighty miles an hour winds that pummel everything in its way. There's a dam near the entrance of the underground base with a large c***k along its side, spewing gallons of water on the surrounding grounds, accounting for the majority of the flooding. Still, man and beast fight in the midst of it all, weathering the storm to find their glory.