lady of the wolves
The sky grew dark as she faded into the distance her expression was tattered and torn, eyes flowing with tears. Not a scrap of clothing was there to warm her flesh. Symbols of an ancient language burned into her skin still hurt with the memory of what she was. Her tangled brown hair hung in many lengths from them ripping and tearing at it. She walked on looking like nothing but a shadow in the distance. Any light she might have had was long gone from her dark eyes. She was an empty shell thought to be to far from saving. The moon grew full as she vanished from sight of her old home. Her feet carried her till they could hold her no more. She collapsed onto the wet ground next to a small stream. The rain began to fall but she didn't move. Her body was use to it, being put outside almost every night. The scars of her past covered her back, but she could care less of their existence. She lay half asleep listening to the sounds around her. The winds blew softly making the leaves dance weightlessly in the air. Droplets of water pelted the stream. A faint howl echoed in the distance sending shivers down her spine. Dawn felt as if it would never come. Part of her secretly wished it never would. As the sun rose she continued walking on her endless journey.
When another water source had come along she lowered herself on her knees cupping her hands to drink. A young wolf stood on the opposite side of the river. She stared at it for a second having no fear then continued on looking back only once. The day dragged on until the sun once again sank low into the sky. The same dark wolf appeared again. He stood directly in her path. She moved to the left to pass him but his movements followed hers and again he was blocking her path. Walking right up to him she bent down, no fear in her eyes. Death is what she was expecting and she was welcoming it with open arms. Slowly she sat in front of the wolf her legs crossed and arms out towards him. Slowly he moved closer sniffing around, then putting his nose in her hands. She gently touched him. He retreated quickly then moved close again. The wolfed licked her face as she wrapped her arms around him, surprised by the new feeling rising in her core. He moved motioning her to follow but she did not understand. The wolf moved behind her, nudging her to move. She rose and silently followed him her eyes not leaving him. Soon a small cave came into view. He stopped her at the entrance and went in. she stood waiting as the wolf appeared again. He motioned her in, staying close to her side. Nearly twenty pairs of eyes stared at her in the darkness. He stopped at the back of the cave and layed down. She lay down next to him trying to sleep. Her skin was as cold as ice. The wolves moved close to her using their fur to keep her warm. Soon her shivering stopped and she slept well for the fist time since she was seven. Being almost eighteen now and life had been long and hard.
Her dreams took her back to before the pain began but by the end of the dream she always would see the last picture of her parents as they sold her away to save themselves. Watching out of the back of the cage her wrists bound in rope as her parents were handed a bag of coins. They wouldn't even look at her as she screamed. "Mommy. Daddy! Please don't send me away! I'll be a good girl. I promise. Mommy please!" she woke startled and in tears. The wolves cuddled close to her trying to cease her crying. She wiped them up and put her stone face back on as she held the wolf that had found her. Her stomach grumbled with the hunger of days without food. They offered her a piece of raw meat which she studied for a second. Getting up she walked outside and collected a bit of wood lying around. One of the only things she knew how to do was build a fire. As soon as she had a small flame going she slowly cooked the meat over the fire. The cubs watched with much curiosity circling the fire and sniffing. She would bat them away when they would get too close. When it was done she slowly ate savoring every bite. She knew she did not have to travel any farther for now. Months passed as she began to understand their language a bit, but only could speak a little of it. Some of her spirit had been rekindled but she still felt alone. She often spoke to the elders about it but all they could say was that she was loved. Not a day went by that she didn't sleep by the young wolf now known to her as Blake. He never seemed to say a word about it just layed down next to her as she slept. He always seemed if he had something to say but never acted on it.
The next morning she wandered about into the woods as she had done many time. It seemed a little more quite than usual. The cool breeze sent shivers down her spine. She heard a noise in the distance. Looking around there was nothing in sight. As soon as she tried to move an arrow priced thru her ankle. She fell instantly crying in pain. The arrow was attached to a rope which began to slowly pull her. She screamed and in the wolf language called for help. She heard their howls and curled up trying to grab at her ankle. Blake was first to reach her. He bit the rope cutting her loose then took off after whoever had done this. Afraid to bleed out she dare not take the arrow out. Others showed up not knowing what to do. Meanwhile Blake had caught up to the men. He jumped at the man holding the bow and wrapped his jaw around the man's throat. He went down swiftly.
The other two took off leaving him to die. Blake made his way back to where she lay. "Are you alright?" he asked. She shook her head slowly wincing in pain. One of the elders pulled him aside.
They whispered just loud enough that she could make out some of what was being said "we can't help her...human...you can...tell her"
Blake took a deep breath. Walking in front of her he licked her hand. "I must show you something for as I am I can be of no help to you." She didn't understand but layed still as Blake howled at the sky his body seeming to transform. He took the form of a young man no older than she. The shocked look on her face made him smile. He picked her up and carried her back to the cave closely followed by the other wolves. He put her down gently. "Don't move" he said as he broke the arrow pulling it from her leg. Her scream echoed in the cave. Herbs and loose cloth were used to bind the wound.
When she had calmed down she slowly spoke. "Why did you not tell me before?"
He turned to her studying her eyes. "I was afraid you wouldn't let me lie so close if you knew. And by the way you looked when I brought you here another human around would have made it worse so I maintained my wolf form." His answer made her smile a bit. "For the time you have been with us we have called you by what you are. May I ask who you are?"
She had to think for a long time. Her name was almost lost to her. "Linda" she said. "In the language of my mother it means beautiful." Blake shifted back to his wolf form slowly moving next to her and laying down.
"You are beautiful" he said yawning. She layed down not really able to move much. She draped her arm over his as she had done many times before this time pulling him closer and laying her head on him resting.
Linda's leg was better sooner than anyone would've expected. Blake often let her use him as support to limp around. It may have healed but it would still be a long time before she would be walking on her own. At first she was afraid to put pressure on it but Blake would not help her if she did not try. It felt weird to have someone a bit like her who didn't treat her as she had been treated for so long. Instead he had no whip, no striking hand, and no intention of using her for his own pleasures. He just wanted to be with her. Although she could walk now on her own she wasn't let far from the sight of the pack. Her only contribution to them though was watching the cubs. She could not hunt like the others. She was not of their kind. Sometimes she would forget this, but she always snapped out of it. By now the air outside grew cold leaving Linda shivering. Blake noticed but wouldn't say anything, not knowing how to help. His years as a wolf made him forget much of what life was like as a human. "Blake? Do you think you could give me the fur off the animals, before you start ripping them apart?" he nodded as he headed out for the hunt with the others. When they came back most of them carried meat but Blake who was on his human form carried a large bear skin. Linda ran over giving him a hug. The feel of her skin sent chills down Blake's spine. He handed the fur to her then changed back to his normal form. Linda cleaned up and dried the fur in a short time. Although she had the fur she still slept really close to Blake. She didn't feel safe otherwise.
One night she woke Blake out of curiosity. "Blake?"
His body shifted slowly to face her. "Yes?"
"Why do you not have a mate like the rest of the males?" she asked
He froze at the question. "I am different."
"Different? How?" she asked
"Well first of all I am half human so my offspring would be the same."
"What is the second?"
He turned from her. "That doesn't matter." He said
She lay there not understanding. "It's ok" she whispered curling up close to him burying her face in his fur. "I would be your mate if you wanted. I love you"
Blake did not move but a smile formed on his face as he thought. "I love you too." He whispered after a while but she was already fast asleep.
The next morning she woke to Blake licking her face. "Come on you have to watch the cubs" he said nudging her until she sat up.
"Where are the others?" she asked
"They left to hunt I decided to stay behind. I wanted to talk to you." He said. She covered herself in the bear skin.
"About what?" she asked
He paced the cave looking for the right words to say. "Look, I would love to be your mate...but...I think you should know my second reason before you decide anything." He finally sat down in front of her. "The reason women wish not to mate with me is because I have mated with other men."
She didn't look the least bit surprised. "So that's why the males maintain a distance?" she asked. His head lowered not knowing what her reaction would be. She removed the fur from her shoulders and kneeled in front of him and wrapped her arms around him. "then why choose me as a mate?"
He smiled very faintly. "I love you. I'm not just attracted to males...and I would give that up to make you happy."
She gripped him tighter. "That's ok, I like you just the way you are." Linda said before letting go. The silence lasted only a few seconds as the cubs attacked Blake playing with him. Linda joined in on the fun helping to pin Blake down to the ground. "I would love to be yours."
The cubs giggled hearing this and ran off towards the opening of the cave as the others came home. Linda wrapped herself back in the fur the cold air finally getting to her. Linda could see Blake smile just a bit at her as he greeted others. Laying down Linda waited for Blake to curl up next to her but he didn't. She didn't see him anywhere in the cave. As she looked at the opening she saw the snow falling softly outside. She walked towards it taking the fur with her, it partially dragging on the ground. Blake sat outside the cave staring of into the distance. "Blake?" she said softly so not to wake the others. His head turned towards her as she stepped out into the snow.
"You're going to get sick. I would go back inside if I were you." he said.
"What are you thinking about?" she asked ignoring his warning. She shivered waiting a bit as he sighed. "Ok let's go inside, and then I will tell you what is on my mind." She smiled walking beside Blake going back inside the cave. She sat down curled up like a ball of fur under the blanket.
"So...?" she asked
Blake laughed shaking his head. "You don't give up do you?" he asked
"Never" Linda whispered smiling.
"I was thinking about you." He said. "And what you said. "He lay down in front of her. "Why did you choose me? There are so many others who would like one such as you. I'm nothing special."
Linda lifted his head making him look her straight in the eyes. ", you treat me better than I've known and you are special whether you see it or not." She sighed. "I see it. I love you" she kissed his nose softly waiting for a response from him.
"What about the..." he was interrupted suddenly.
"The elders?" a voice came up from behind him. A large white wolf walked up. "We would accept it. If you love her that much and she will accept who you are then I don't see the problem with it at all." Linda's eyes lit up as the wolf walked away leaving them alone again. He stared at her for what seemed to be forever without saying a word. His tail wagged back and forth. Linda's eyes moved from his eyes to his tail and back again. He smiled noticing this and got up waving it in her face.
She covered her nose. "Hey that's not funny" she said, her nose still covered. He moved to wave it over other parts of her body so she buried herself in her blanket. Blake laughed all the more then nudged his nose under the heavy fur. He managed to get all the way under even with her fighting him.
"Will you be my mate?" he asked after licking her nose which she was busy wiping off.
"Yes, of course." She said touching his fur which turned to skin under her hand. She gently moved her hand up his back to his face caressing it softly. The feeling sent shivers up his back.
"It has been a long time since anyone has touched me in my human form." He said holding a hand to her face. Linda froze for a second then pressed her lips to his. He pulled her close as he layed back with her on top of him. "I am yours." He said. She kissed him as her hands moved down the length of his body. Time seemed to have stopped as she rolled him on top of her. "Are you sure?" he asked
She pulled him close. "Very" he moved himself into her slowly, her arms wrapped around him reassuring him. The night faded away slowly and by morning they were both fast asleep in each others arms. They were woken later that morning by the cubs who had decided to jump on them for sleeping in. Blake shifted back to his wolf form then licked Linda's cheek.
"Morning my love" he said stretching.
"Morning" she said smiling. The women of the pack giggled amongst themselves but Linda paid no mind. "They're jealous." She thought to herself smiling at them. Blake was one of the best looking wolves in the pack and the others knew it. They just wouldn't admit to it. Blake took of to hunt with the pack leaving Linda behind with the cubs, which were very talkative on this day. Their questions never seemed to end but every time she would answer "that's my business not yours" they would giggle and run just to ask more later on. Blake came back smiling more than usual. He walked up to her and curled at his feet. "How was the hunt my love?" she asked nudging her head against his.
"Fine" was all he said wagging his tail
"What's with the unusually good mood huh?" she asked caressing his fur.
"You" he answered rolling over on his back. She smiled understanding. If felt good to be loved. The nights were no longer lonely and the days were full of hope. The weeks past as Linda's belly grew bigger. One day whole at the cave one wolf came sprinting back.
"Linda, come quick it's Blake" she took the only cub at the time up in her arms and hurried off after the wolf. The rest of the pack stood around Blake who was whimpering on the floor. "We don't know how to help him." The eldest said. She gave the cub to its parents and bent down to examine Blake. It was a gunshot wound.
She caressed his face. "It's ok. You'll be ok." Tears stung her eyes seeing him in such pain. She remembered the herbs that had helped her and sent one of the wolves after them. After pulling the bullet from his chest she applied the herbs and wrapped the wound the best she could. Luckily he was still in his wolf form so they easily got him back to the cave. For hours Linda didn't leave his side. She would keep saying "please don't leave me" as she layed her head on his. For days he didn't move but his wound slowly healed. One evening while everyone was fast asleep except for Linda, who hadn't slept since it happened, Blake stirred a bit.
"Linda?" he said softly
She wrapped her arms around him. "You didn't go" she said half crying.
He smiled licking her cheek. "Thanks to you I'm not." He said. Some of the others started growling forming a barrier at the entrance of the cave. Linda raised her head to see her former owners standing with guns. They had brought friends this time. No one made a move except for one man who called in the cave.
"Come out sweet thing. We've been looking everywhere for you." She shrunk a bit looking down at Blake who was in no shape to move. "Get out of here you piece of shit before we start shooting them down!" he shouted as he cocked his gun, a round rolling into place. Linda froze looking at all their faces. They had given her life.
She wrapped her arms around Blake whispering in his ear. "I must do this. I love you." Tears dripped down her cheek onto his soft fur as she held him close.
"One...two..." he said in warning
She stood. "I'm coming." The wolves parted letting her go. She took one look back before shackles were placed on her ankles and wrists. Lastly a collar was placed around her neck before being hoisted up on a horse. As they rode away she cried out in the wolves' language. "You made me free..." a swift twist of her nipple stopped her short. She didn't show any sign of pain for she knew it would only make them smile and do it more. Instead she held her stomach where a new life lies. She sat silently praying that they would both live to see Blake.
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Back at the cave Blake lay struggling to move. The others lay close trying to calm him down so he may heal. "You cannot save her in the condition your in. Hold still you must rest." The white wolf said keeping his paw on Blake until his breathing steadied. "Miren..." he said. A young wolf walked up slowly bowing his head. "Follow Linda but stay hidden. Report back by dark." Miren nodded and took off. He was out of sight in seconds.
Rain started to pour as they Journey dragged on. A man pulled up next to Linda feeling her body. "Hey Dran, She's been taken."
Her master looked back noticing her bellies shape. "We will have to do something about that wont we." He said laughing. She smacked his hand away from her stomach. It was only a month till she would give birth. He grabbed her by the neck pulling it backward. "Don't even try you little slut." He said smacking her. Blood dripped from her cheek and her chest. She didn't even udder a cry. Her behind was sore for the horse had no saddle to help her. Linda welcomed the rain with open arms knowing it would allow the horses to leave tracks to be followed. A week had passed and no sign of a rescue showed. Town was only an hour ride away and the men were getting anxious. Her master Dran rode up running his dirty hand up her arms softly. "You should be thankful that I'm going to let you keep your bastard child." She looked at him with hopeful eyes. "But if it is a boy I will raise it and if it is a girl it will be raised as you were." Linda shuddered remembering her own childhood. She didn't want the same for her child. Silently she swore to her unborn child. "Even if it costs my life you will live free."
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Miren raced back to the cave as fast as he could. As he arrived he ran into Blake who was wandering in front of the cave. "What news of my love?" he said his eyes full of worry.
"Village...three day run...guarded." The tired wolf said. His body collapsed on the ground as he panted heavily. Blake stood thinking then went back into the cave.
"At nightfall I am going after Linda. Who is with me?" he looked around at the back as a few young wolves stepped forward. He recognized them as some of the cubs that were watched by Linda. A total of six stepped forward. "
"Were in. she is family." They said which made Blake smile.
"Get ready we have quite a journey to make." He said then walked away thinking. "That makes eight of us including Miren and myself." He sun hung low in the sky as colors of pink and red danced across the horizon. The winds were calm leaving an awkward silence in the woods. Blake curled up on the fur he had given Linda thinking of her smile and the way he felt every time her hand touched his fur. Tears fell at the thought of her being hurt but also anger grew swearing death on any who take her or harm their child. Quickly he wiped his tears before anyone noticed. Glancing outside he saw that night had come and the others had formed a group at the entrance of the cave waiting for him. They stood like soldiers furious and ready. He made his way to the front acknowledging each of them.
"Miren?" he called. The young wolf hurried to his side.
"Yes?" he said
"Lead the way." Blake said. Miren took off with Blake beside him and the others close behind as they all disappeared into the night.
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Linda awoke to an empty hut. Her body ached from the bruises that covered her from head to toe. She also had many spots where there was dried blood mixed with mud. All chains had been removed save her collar which kept her within her prison. She had been kept in solitude due to the fact that her baby was to be born any day. The sun shone through the cracks warming her skin just a bit. She lay so her back faced the door so her tears were not seen. A shadow blocked the sun making her shiver. Suddenly she was yanked by her collar. "Still no child? You better hurry it up before I decide to kill it." Dran said bringing her face close to his. "You are mine after you do." He said as he shoved his hand between her legs making her yelp at the sudden violation. She said nothing in her defense knowing to well that any back talk would only result in the death of her child. After he exited she lay praying for Blake to get well and come for her.
As she lay she felt liquid drip down her thigh. She turned on her back scared. She would give birth soon. She screamed and two ladies came running to help one carried towels and the other had nothing but instead bent down to examine her. She ordered the other to place a towel under Linda's head and hold her hand to keep her calm. "Breath" she whispered. Linda squeezed her arm with each contraction resisting all urge to scream. "Push girl. You have to push." They said as Linda held her breath pushing with all her might. "Push one more time. It's almost out!" they told her as she screamed at her last push. A cry came making her smile. They cleaned it up placing it in her arms wrapped in a towel. "You have a girl" if for only a second she felt at peace. The ladies cleaned her up and left her to rest with her newborn in her arms. Her mind raced with the thoughts of what would happen if she wasn't rescued. She could never let her child go through what she had to. The child soon fell asleep listening to her voice as she sang a song of love and freedom. "My daughter. I shall call you Cara." She whispered before she too was asleep.
Meanwhile, outside the hut the ladies raced of to Dran. They soon reached him then crouched down like toads to show respect. "Master, she gave birth. It's a girl." A smile shone across his face.
"Good, she will make a wonderful addition to our family here." He said lifting the chin of one of them. "Give her a week then bring her to me."
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"Come on get up we'll be there soon." Blake said nudging the others. The camp was only an hour away and Blake was anxious to get to Linda. As soon as they were al up they took off once again. Blake who could smell her scent took off ahead of them all. Soon smoke came into view. Blake stopped dead. He could see Linda being pulled by a collar carrying her baby. "Stay here." He growled as he moved watching Linda's every movement. She spotted him but stayed silent. She suddenly bent down in pain and set Cara down. She motioned him as she sat seemingly in pain. Blake understanding raced in taking Cara and raced off.
"Cara!" she shouted acting in tears as he went out of sight. The men laughed. "Oh well your loss" they said starting to drag her again.
Blake reappeared near the others the bundled baby in his mouth. He laid her down licking her cheek making her laugh. "Cara, my daughter." He said then wrapped her back up. "You three watch her and you three come with me. Miren, I want you to be a distraction." Blake crept back peering into an extremely large tent and saw Linda on her knees, her back bloody.
Dran circled her holding a whip. "You will please me when I am done with you." He said raising his whip again. Blake jumped in grabbing the whip with his teeth before it could touch Linda. The others followed taking the guards down then pinned Dran to the ground.
"Let's fight fairly, man to man." Blake said as he became human before their eyes. The others backed off and went to help Linda. Blake took two swords from the fallen soldiers. As he tossed one to Dran he took a step back. "Let's finish this" Blake said as Dran slowly got to his feet. He swung at him missing as Blake pushed him aside.
"Kind of slow aren't we?" Blake said teasing. Dran grew mad and charged him again. Their swords clashed and Blake kicked him back. Dran spun around knocking Blake to the ground sword at his neck.
"Now for our death, then I will take good care of Linda. Don't you worry." He raised his sword and stopped as Linda held him from behind by his neck. Dran threw her breaking her hold and landing her and landing her on the ground. He turned back towards Blake whose knife was already imbedded in his chest.
"Choose carefully whose mate you take." He said as Dran fell back on the ground. He dropped the weapon and hurried over by Linda. She was ok just a bit shaken. Blake picked her up holding her close. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." He said almost crying. She moved her hands to his face.
"For what? I'm safe, our child is safe. What do you have to be sorry for?" she asked. He rubbed his face in her hands still holding her.
"I took so long. You're in so much pain..." she interrupted him.
"My love, don't. This is nothing compared to what I am used to. You got here as fast as you could." She said holding him close. "I'm here...I'm here." She whispered then got down grabbing hold of his hand. "Where's Cara?" she asked wanting her baby.
"With the others." He said leading her out into the woods. Linda spotted Cara sleeping curled up in one of the wolves' fur. She walked over and petted one of them to let him know it was alright. She gently picked up Cara and carried her over to Blake.
"See what you saved?" she said handing the baby to him. Blake looked down a bit scared but Linda stood close reassuring him. Cara woke and looked up at him. "Let's go home." Linda said as she started to walk limping slightly. Her ankle was twisted but there was nothing she could do about it. Blake went back to the camp after handing the baby to Linda. He soon came back with a horse lifted her and the baby up onto it. "I would've been ok." She said holding on tight. He gave her a dirty look.
"You were limping. You're hurt. The sooner we get you back the better." He jumped up behind them and grabbed the reigns. The others took off ahead with them not far behind. The trees passed almost like a blur for Linda was losing consciousness. She held out with all her might Cara in her arms.
"Blake...take Cara..." she said before passing out. He wrapped his arm around both of them holding them tight to his chest as he urged the horse faster. When the horse was too tired Blake stopped him. He got off then carefully lifted Linda and Cara from the horse. Linda was sweating and running a fever. He took the baby and laid her nearby not wanting her to get sick too. Blake built a fire and applied a compress consisting of a rag and some water to Linda's head. She was shivering badly and the cuts on her bare skin weren't helping. The others who were far ahead stopped but Blake didn't catch up so they raced back to see what happened and found them huddled near a fire. Blake looked up to see them.
"Hurry huddle around Linda and keep her warm." He said. They did as they were told while Blake took care of Cara. Cara started crying out of hunger but there was nothing he could do. Linda was sick and he didn't want the baby sick too. He sat there rocking Cara looking as if he would cry. When Cara fell asleep he laid her down and propped himself against a tree with her next to him and he moved Linda a bit lying her head on his lap. The other wolves moved to curl around them as Blake ran his fingers through her hair. "Get well my love. I can't do this alone. I can raise Cara alone." He said in a soft voice. After a restless night, Blake watched the sun begin to rise. Linda started sweating badly signifying she had broken her fever. She laid soaked in Blake's arms slowly beginning to stir. Blake picked her up and walked to a nearby river and slowly walked in. Linda woke at the feel of the cold water griping Blake tight at the sudden shock. "Its ok I got you." Blake said placing her in the water. "I didn't want your sweat to sting your wounds." He said using one hand to cup water for her to drink then pouring some on her head.
"Is Cara ok?" she asked suddenly remembering what happened.
"She is fine. She's sleeping." He said. Linda breathed a sigh of relief hearing this then dunked her head underneath the water. As she came up for air Blake caught her holding her close. "I thought I had lost you." He said wrapping his arms around her placing his head on her shoulder. She kissed his neck.
"Me too my love." She said. The silence seemed to last forever as they stood there in the river holding each other. Blake began to cry thinking about what would have happened if her fever didn't break. Linda wiped his tears. "Why are you crying? I'm here. Please don't cry." She pleaded.
"I was afraid I was going to lose you." He said
"You didn't loose me." She answered moving his hands to her face as if she were trying to prove it. He caressed her face then kissed her. A small cry came in the distance. "The baby is up and she's probably really hungry." Linda said getting out of the water Blake on her heels. Miren laid by Cara whimpering not knowing what to do. Linda petted him then picked her up. She held her close to her breast. "Eat young one." She said as she sat with the baby. Blake changed back to his wolf form laying his head on Linda's lap. When Cara was done she got up and was put back on the horse for the ride home. They all took off as the sun began to set. They would soon be back at the cave.
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Back at the camp women rushed to tend to Dran who lay holding his chest in agony. Other men stood nearby with whips to make sure he was taken good care of. After he was bandaged up the ladies were ordered to leave quickly, the whip at their heels to hurry them along. "Are you alright?" they asked as he slowly sat up.
"Do I look ok?!" he shouted furiously as he slammed his fist down cracking the table. "Find her! She will be mine." He said his temper rising. "I will have her." They bowed exiting. Dran paced his tent thinking of how he was going to have her without being killed. A young woman was shoved through the opening.
"I was sent to please you my lord." She said with her head low to the ground. He looked down at her as she shivered. He picked her up by the arm and took her out of the tent. He threw her to the ground. "I want no other than Linda, and I will not be pleased till then!" he shouted. He looked around making sure they understood then went back into his tent. Whispering stirred up through out the camp.
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As they reached the cave Linda breathed a sigh of relief happy to see it again. The wolves came running out to greet them. Linda got down and limped into the cave with the help of Blake. She looked at the bundle in her arms. Cara was fast asleep. "Cara" she whispered showing them. Some of the males congratulated him as he sat changing forms and curling around them a proud look on his face. "My love they will come we have to move. They will come form me." She said.
Blake sighed heavily. "I know. When you two are better." He said. Linda laid down her head next to his yawning sleepily as a few others took off for the nights hunt. The night passed slowly for many times Cara woke hungry. Linda was still very exhausted as the sunlight hit her face. She raised heading towards a river but not without being under the watchful eye of the pack. The water felt cool and refreshing on her wounds.
Her mind wanders as she lay in the water... "Shh. Stay quiet. We must escape. You must get free." The woman said. She was her mother, or the woman who took her in after being sold. She didn't care. The men were gaining on them. Her mother threw her into a bush. She landed on something and it yelped. A young wolf cub was stared at her. He stepped back growling. Linda started crying which made the cub stop. He sniffed her then licked her tears to calm her. Hooves were heard close by but they ran past her. She sat shaking then heard a scream. "Mother!" she yelled then quieted down quickly. The cub laid down on her as if he understood. The hooves were heard back in her direction so she held her breath. The bush moved...
"Got you!" the man said. She screamed as the cub jumped up and bit him. He let go and Linda took off running not looking back when she heard a yelp from the cub. From behind a nearby tree an arm grabbed her. "You will make a nice one." He said carrying her squirming.
She looked over at the wolf that was unconscious on the ground. "Please be alive." She said softly. She tore her bracelet from her wrist and threw it on him. The men laughed riding off with Linda on one of their laps.
The baby's cries woke her. Tears were covering her face. She wiped them and walked back to the cave and picked up Cara rocking her in her arms. She looked over at Blake who was watching her, his tail wagging. "Do you remember you childhood?" she asked him out of no where.
"Yes, some." He said tilting his head.
"When I was a young girl I found a young cub in the woods. He looked like you." She said.
Blake thought hard. "Nope don't recall" he said
She sighed as she thought. She remembered that the cub was knocked out. Wait. The bracelet I left behind. She thought. "Have you ever seen a rope bracelet with blue stones in it?" she asked
His ears perked a bit as he got up and walked to a corner of the cave starting to dig. He pulled something out with his mouth and laid it at her feet. She picked it up with her free hand and dusted it off a bit. A small tear dripped down her face. "Well since if found the owner mind filling me in on why I was there?" he asked
She looked at him. "You tried to save me when I was young. Men had killed my mother trying to get to me. You tried to attack them but they threw you against a tree. I left my bracelet as a gift for trying."
Silence fell over the cave as Blake tried hard to think back. "For the life of me I can't remember." He said pacing a bit.
"Its ok I remember." She said ushering him closer. "You're that same cub that tried to help me so long ago." He smiled licking her cheek. "Now you have succeeded." She said wrapping her arms around him.
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"Why haven't you left yet?" Dran shouted coming out of his tent. He picked up one of the men by his neck. "Get going!" he said throwing him to the ground. The man raced off as the rest mounted up.
"We shall have her by weeks end. "They all saluted racing off leaving Dran and two younger boys at the camp with the women. Rage burned in Dran's soulless eyes. The boys maintained their distance from him fearing his wrath. The women kept the boys pretty well entertained for a while but more seemed to resist going to their tents. One night in a drunken stupor one of the men stumbled into the women's tent and started tearing at the clothes of one of the younger ones. She screamed as the other women started to beat him off of her. One grabbed a nearby rope and wrapped it around his neck. She chocked him pulling him off of the girl until finally he breathed no more. All the women backed away as the one stabbed him making sure he was dead. After about an hour the other boy went to check on him. Lying on the ground in a pool of blood, his buddy was long dead. The man put his hands to his throat then ran off towards Drans tent. As he ran ropes caught his feet. He screamed desperately trying to claw himself free. As soon as he was taken from sight his last bloody scream was cut short. A dead silence came over the camp. Shadows loomed over Dran's tent under the full moon.
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Linda laid fast asleep her face next to Blake's. Both of them were curled up around Cara who was now able to sleep through the night. Dust flew up as a scout wolf raced in. "Hurry, get up! We have to get Linda out of here!" he cried.
Linda woke startled and Cara started to cry. "What is it?" Blake asked worry growing in his eyes.
"They're back. They're coming for her." Blake hurried getting Linda up and her and the baby out. He had them climb a tree that was very well covered.
"Try you best to keep Cara quiet." He said before racing off. She cold hear them coming and worried for her family. As soon as Blake reached camp the men had come into view. The horses halted right in front of him.
"Where is she!" they shouted guns at hand.
Blake growled low baring his teeth in warning. "She is not here now get out." The man became enraged and shot the ground next to Blake's feet.
"That was your warning now where is she!" he said
"Now why are you fighting so hard about something you don't even care about?" he asked pacing the ground.
The man froze at the question. "Our leader wants her!" he answered.
"And yet he isn't here to retrieve her himself? What a shame. If he wanted her that bad he should've come here himself."
"He's badly injured." He said.
"Frankly I'm surprised he's not dead. Now why don't you leave and come back with him. I'm sure he can still ride if he's alive." The man grabbed the reins of his horse and took one last look at the wolf before turning away. The men started to complain but he silenced them quickly.
"He's right, do we want to die to capture one woman when we have a whole tent full at the camp?" he said. They considered it then followed.
Blake took off to the tree. "You can come down now." He said. She shook her head and revealed the baby fast asleep. When he reached her he scooted her just far enough forward that he could sit behind her. The she had him wrap his arms around him as she lay back on him. Soon she was asleep and Blake stayed up to keep watch.
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The men had just arrived at camp but it was very quiet. The only light was from the leaders' tent. Slowly all the women came out in clothing belonging to the leader. Each of them made there way over to a man smiling them and welcoming them. They all dropped to the floor lifeless. The women cleaned off their daggers and walked back into the tent to pray. One stood up. "For generations we have been whores to these men, slaves, but thanks to Kelsey who gave her life to see her daughter free now we are too. We have a chance to live, to love, and to bare children who are free." They all cheered tears filling their eyes. The night faded slowly as the celebrated.