Love Among Shadows

by Smokey Moment

  “He turned you away again. When will you learn,” Blake said, as he stood in the dark, under the moonlight. Trinity looked up to the half-moon in an attempt to ignore him. The night skies were clear. Lights winds blew through their village. Trinity continued walking then looked back at Blake.

  “Go home. You haven’t a clue what you’re talking about,” she replied, trying her best to appear unbothered by his comment. Blake walked up behind her. Trinity slowed as she approached her front door. She stopped and waved him away. But Blake got close. He smelled her hair. He teased and taunted her. He was angry. He desired her, even though she had embarrassed him on many occasions by ignoring his public displays of affection for her.

  “I don’t know what I’m talking about! I think you know I do. I know he didn’t fuck you. I know that much. You’re not his type,” he said. Trinity stared ahead, angry at his insults and his attempt at dismissing her desires. Part of her wanted to question him. Ask what he meant. But part of her had tired of his meddling. Trinity was dying to know what he knew. Blake was connected. He came from a large, well connected family. His father was close with Darr. Legend was still considered new to the pack. New to their society. There were many questions. And she hoped to get answers.

  “You say that to hurt me. You’re jealous because I dream of him,” she said, hoping to hurt him the way he’d just hurt her. Blake grit his teeth. She was pushing the knife in deeper. “Dream all you want. He is a disgrace to the Harou culture. To our way of life. You don’t need him,” he said, as he circled around her. He got close in her face. He paused then smelled her hair again. Wolves loved hair. And for a woman, the bigger the better. Trinity had a head full of jet-black hair, and Blake found it irresistible. Trinity took a step back. Blake took another step forward and looked at her with increased intensity.

  “He likes humans Trinity. Human women! That is why he can control himself so easily around you. Shun your advances. He’s been with them. My father has told me all about what happens when we lay with those animals. And he thinks no one knows. That he had kept his secret hidden. But I have followed him. Watched him. He looks at them in a way he doesn’t look at any of you. There is interest there. I know what I am talking about. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. And once the leaders are convinced, they will deal with him accordingly,” he said. Trinity stepped back.

  “You lie… Lies!” she shouted. Blake smirked. He felt he had an angle. He hated Legend and he longed to get the proof he needed to force the elder’s hands. But they weren’t into hearsay. Legend came from royalty. His father was a cherished king. If they were going to persecute or kill his son, they would need good reason.

  “You don’t have to believe me. Time will tell all. What’s done in the dark…,” he said, as he walked away. Trinity turned around swiftly. Her arms folded. Her body stiff. She was angry. She wanted to discount him. But something told her, that what he was saying was possible. She had watched Legend leave his cottage in the middle of the night and not return until the wee hours of the next morning. Something had him moving in an unusual manner.

  “Humans?” she mumbled, as she opened her front door. Their kind didn’t like human’s. They wished them dead so they could move around in peace. But the spirits that governed them, also protected humans. Wolves had an unfair advantage. And so, there were spirits that watched closely. It was believed that those spirits would curse any wolf who got too close to a human. A belief that instilled fear in many of them. And they kept their distance.

  It was obvious that wolves were smarter, faster and stronger. Trinity had avoided humans her whole life. She understood the importance of obeying the rules set in place by the ancestors. Rules explained to her by her father. He told her that wolves had the ability to harm a great number of humans and avoid persecution by their laws. And that human laws weren’t always enforced without proof. Something werewolves could easily avoid. Werewolves had no fingerprints. Their blood broke down immediately. There would be no way to map out the genetic material. But even with the advantages they had, the wolves kept the peace. They stayed away. It was best for both sides.

  Trinity looked over at Legends cottage. She paused before she shut her door. She stared, reflecting on him and wishing what she had just heard, wasn’t true. Trinity scoffed at the thought, then slowly closed her door. Blake’s words ate at her. She needed to find out. Because if there was truth to what he said, it was suicide. The elders would never allow it. It was considered vile and it was forbidden. She planned to get close enough to see. And if there was any truth to it, stop him before he signed his death warrant.

  “Hey! Where you going,” Trinity said, as she tried desperately to keep up with Legend. He was headed towards the dense forest. “Got some things to do,” he said. Trinity hoped a thick branch and continued trying to keep up with him. Legend walked faster. The silence was deafening. He looked ahead, refusing to make small talk.

  “Oh. Can I tag along?” she said, as they neared the edge of the trees. Trinity looked back. Blake stood in the middle of the land. Eshram and Osimi behind him. Legend looked back at the men then looked at Trinity. “You should go. He has claimed you. He is now my enemy. He thinks I stand between you two, and I don’t,” he said.

  “Oh, but you do,” Trinity replied, staring Legend deeply in his eyes, as she walked along side of him. The reply threw him. He wasn’t expecting her to be so brutally honest. Legend stopped and turned to her. “No, I don’t. Don’t waste your time on me. I would bring you so much unhappiness. Go to him. He is stronger than what you give him credit for. He will give you strong warrior children,” he said, as he turned and disappeared into the forest. Trinity watched him until she could only see the tiny silhouette of his frame.

  “She still pursues him. And he still pushes her away. He is not your problem,” Osimi said to Blake. Blake sneered. The way he saw it, Legend was everyone’s problem. Arrogant and inconsiderate. His movements were bound to call attention to the reservation.

  “It’s not just that. He continues to move solo. As if we would slow him down. Hinder him in some sort of way. But I have him figured out. He likes humans. And he wants to keep it from the village. From the leaders,” he said. Osimi and Eshram looked at one another. The accusation seemed far-fetched.

  “What! Likes humans! Why? They are beneath us. There is no benefit,” Osimi replied. “Oh yes there is. For him, there is some type of benefit. That’s what I am trying to find out. And I may need both of your help. Help me and I will ensure that our leaders reward you,” Blake said, looking back at his pack members. Eshram shook his head yes. Osimi hesitated. He wasn’t so sure they should go after one of their own. Legend had done nothing to warrant it.

  “Help you what?” Osimi asked. Blake looked menacingly at him. Osimi’s tone spoke to his hesitation at the request. “I will let you know when the times comes.”

  “You asked to see me sir,” Blake said, as he entered Darr’s home. The house faced east, which gave ample sunlight during the day. Blake didn’t understand Darr’s love of heat. Their core body temperatures were well above what was documented as safe levels and their kind was always hot. It made for intolerable summers and comfortable winters. Alaskan winters were long and cold. One of the main reasons the pack settled there.

  Darr greeted Blake and then pointed to the chair across from the table. “Sit. Are you hungry? My wife just made rare venison stew,” he said. “No sir. Thank you,” Blake replied.

  Darr stuck his fork in a chunk of the bloody rare meat and placed it in his mouth. His wife had a special way of making it where she put the meat in last after the stew had cooled down to preserve the blood. It was his favorite. He wiped his mouth with a napkin then took a sip of red wine and dabbed his mouth once more.

  “I hear you suspect Legend had been consorting with humans. Is this true?” he asked. “I believe so. I have no proof yet. But he has been moving under the veil of darkness. I have followed him several times. I stop when we come to the edge
of town and I turn back. I thought maybe he was hunting on his own at first. But then I decided to follow and that’s when I saw him going into the city. I followed him again after that. He also visits some of the smaller towns. He goes in their bars. Their shops,” he said. Darr took another sip of wine.

  “For what purpose? They have nothing he would want or need,” he said. Blake shook his head. “I know. It doesn’t make sense. I have no explanation. I just know that’s what he is doing. If you allow me sir, I can get more information. He is new here. We know nothing of him. We only allowed his entry, because his brothers Aesir and Reed, were here. Of course Reed had been long gone, but Aesir is well known and liked. But no one cares for Legend sir. You need to get rid of him. Something’s up. I can see it. I sense it. Let me find out. Give me permission to find out,” Blake pleaded.

  He would need permission before he interfered with the movements of a fellow pack member. And this was the son of a king. It was complicated. Darr took another sip.

  “Alright. But be careful. Take your time. I don’t want him to know. He is the son of Archaeus. He is royalty. Never forget that. He has special powers. Special gifts that we do not possess. His reasons could be far beyond our comprehension. Find out what you can and let me know. Then let it be.”

  Call of the Wilde

  A

  rchaeus Adolfus Wilde walked through Cedar Falls like he owned it. It was not his to own. Montaan was king of the western continents. He needed permission to enter. He needed to inform his brother of the reason for his visit. But Archaeus was bold. He had not spoken to his brother in months. Not since he called, requesting that his first-born son be allowed to reside in North America. A request that was granted since Archaeus was generous with him.

  The Harou wolves came out to see the celebrated king. He was famous worldwide amongst their society. He was the top leader. No one cared that his visit was unannounced and unexpected, except Darr. Archaeus was an aged but handsome and classy gentleman. He glided through the streets, with a smooth and sophisticated walk that immediately got him noticed. Not all of the Cedar Creek wolves knew who he was. They had only heard of him. He was a legend. The reason he named his son legend. And his reputation preceded him.

  Some villagers feared him. It was said that if he sensed something he didn’t like about a wolf, he could have the wolf destroyed. That he had the ability to see their sins. Archaeus looked around carefully. He stared into the eyes of his fellow wolves. He smiled as he greeted the towns citizens. Many smiled then looked away. Afraid of being judged. Afraid of what he may see.

  “Pop,” Aesir said, as he walked up to his father and gave him a big hug. “Aesir!” Archaeus said, giving him a heavy pat on his back with both hands as the men embraced. Archaeus pushed his son away and placed his hands on his face. He stared into his eyes then hugged him again. The men walked towards Legends home. Archaeus was happy to see Aesir. He missed his youngest son.

  “What are you doing here pop?” he asked. “Well…I came to see your brother,” he said. “I don’t think he’s here. I’ll go check,” he said as he walked swiftly down the road to Legends cabin. Archaeus smiled at a group of women as he passed them. They stood in awe of him. He was magnificently built and still looked youthful for a Valkan of considerable age. Archaeus eyed Trinity. He stared deeply into her eyes as he passed her. She was someone he would like a moment with. She had his attention. His sexual appetite awakened.

  Trinity could see the desire in his eyes. His gaze made her uncomfortable. It was her first time seeing the king. He was the brother of Montaan, the ruler of the west. He looked like him. The Wilde men were magnetic. She gave a half smile, then turned and went into her home. She was attracted to him. But he was Legend’s father, and she had no plans of messing up her chances with his son by indulging in anything torrid.

  “He’s not there, pop. I can run into town. Try and locate him,” Aesir said. “Yes. Why don’t you do that. I’d hate to waste a trip,” he said, as he looked over his son’s shoulders. He watched Darr approach. “Excuse me son. I need to chat with Darfreike,” he said, calling Darr by his wolf-born name.

  Archaeus walked around his son with purpose. He was displeased with the reports he’d gotten from his informant inside Cedar Falls. Darr was unaware Archaeus had someone keeping tabs on both of his sons, as well as the citizens of their village.

  “Darr,” he said, as he extended his hand. “Archaeus! What a pleasant surprise,” Darr replied. Archaeus stared him straight in the eyes. Darr tried desperately to read his body language. He had gone out of his way to make Legend comfortable and he wondered why Archaeus was there and why he looked so displeased. He and Blake had only mentioned finding out what Legend was doing. He hoped the visit wasn’t in relation to the conversation he had with Blake. It was nothing at the moment. An innocent safety concern, as he saw it.

  “Is there a problem? I could have saved you a trip. Legend is coming along if that’s what you’re concerned about. He is a fine addition to our village. He is strong. Powerful. Just as you stated. He gets along with everyone. And he is a great influence to some of our beta and omega males who haven’t quite got the skills needed to sustain the village. I actually wanted to thank you for sending him. And don’t worry…We treat him like royalty. He is allotted every freedom,” Darr said. Archaeus gave a half-smile and looked over at Legends cabin.

  “Well, that’s why I came. To check on him. To hear how he is doing. Look my son in the eyes so he can’t lie to me about how things are going for him,” Archaeus said, looking intently in Darr’s eyes. “Oh, well, yes…Nothing like a face to face meeting to put any tension at ease,” Darr replied. Archaeus looked around.

  “I see the village is complete. The location and housing still working out. I have Montaan’s blessing. My brother wanted me to make the trip for his needs as well. He wants to know the village is running fine. He wanted me to pay a visit to our kin. I just left the mayor’s office. You still have the protection of local law enforcement as far as tourists and hunters go. No one is allowed past a certain point. There are signs posted to keep humans out. Signs that warn the person that they enter at their own risk. Well…I guess I’ll just wait for my son to surface. Then I’ll be out of everyone’s hair. I will wait inside his home,” he said.

  Darr nodded and extended his hand. He was sure everyone was nervous at the impromptu visit from the king of the eastern continents. One call, and he could have them hauled out of Alaska and relocated. It was important that they abide by the laws that governed them. Darr was certain he was there to make sure there were no half breed wolves or humans within the village. An insult to him. He would never allow it. Cedar Falls ran by the rules. No humans allowed. It was an easy rule to follow. No one cared to break that one. Not that he was aware of. There were new rumors swirling. Darr was nervous. The only one he was suspicious of having broken the sacred law, was Archaeus’ own son. Legend.

  “Pop,” Legend said, as he entered his home. Archaeus stood up and hugged him. “Son,” he greeted. Legend was happy to see his father but puzzled as to why he’d come. He usually sent information by messenger. Legend had waited a long time to receive word of his mission. He had already assumed it would be a kill order. Something that didn’t require a visit. He had flown from Africa. A long trip to deliver yet another message to hunt down an enemy of the spirits.

  “Sit down,” Archaeus said. Legend sat on his couch and his father sat next to him. “You have a nice place son. Did you build the furniture?” he asked. “Yeah. I did pop. Just like you taught me,” he said. Archaeus smiled.

  “You came here to give me instruction? Why not send a messenger. I could have come to you. You didn’t have to make such a long journey,” Legend said, curious as to the reason for the visit. Archaeus stood up. He walked over to his sons’ custom-built bar and poured himself a glass of whiskey. He took it back then sat his glass down. Archaeus sighed. The conversation wasn’t an easy one. Legend spoke of his desire to l
ive normally and retire from carrying out kill orders. But they still had a problem. He hoped Legend would be back on board with what was required of him. The spirits named him the executor of the mission that was spoken to Archaeus, just days prior.

  “Son…Listen…I was following orders when I sent you here. And it took a while, but the spirits have revealed what your mission will be. It came to me the other day. I chanted and asked for clarity and it was spoken to my soul. There is a Ruid here is the states,” he said, turning to look at his son.

  “What? A ruid. I was sure you would say a rogue. Not another ruid. How is that when I killed the last one,” Legend asked. He couldn’t believe what his father had just revealed. He believed they had all been annihilated.

  This was disturbing news. Ruids were dangerous. Their existence always threatened exposure of their world. Legend looked away. He was angered that a Valkan was creating ruids. He was tired of cleaning up their mess. Whoever it was, they were inconsiderate. They needed to clean up their own mess. He dreamed of a peaceful life. One like that of humans. Going about his day, and creating a life and a family of his own.

  Legend sighed. He was not free and he resented it. “You should have asked if someone else could do it. I’m not the only Valkan. What about Montaan’s sons. Or Sierbin’s. Why me? The last one was supposed to be quick. Painless. Then you told me to do that ritual. It turned out to be a sacrifice. I had trouble sleeping for days afterwards. I saw her face in my dreams. If this is another sacrifice…” he said, reflecting on the past.