Chapter Ten
The sun was beginning to set as Sebastian finished playing with his mate’s siblings. Though they pleaded with him to rejoin them in their play he ignored them, he had more important matters to attend to. He had been watching the cabin since Anna had arrived and was becoming increasingly unnerved by how silent it was. He hadn’t seen Anna leave and that was the only reason he had delayed talking to her for so long, wanting to give her as much time as possible to decide what would happen tonight. However as the sun continued to sink lower and lower into the horizon he realized that they were increasingly short on time, the moon would soon dominate the sky and he would become a slave to his wolf’s desires.
“Come on guys, let’s head inside. Your sister and I need to have a talk.”
“Let’s just play for a little longer Sebastian,” Wyatt pleaded, turning his big brown eyes on him, confident in their ability to get his new friend to agree.
If he hadn’t needed to talk to Erica so urgently, Sebastian was sure he would have conceded defeat to the plea so eloquently expressed in Wyatt’s gaze, as it was he barely managed to choke out a no. “I’m sorry guys, no more playing today.”
“But Sebastian,” Dylan whined joining her brother in his demands. “You’re going to have to go home soon and we won’t be able to play then. So you should play with us now.”
“If that’s all your worried about then don’t,” he consoled. “I’m going to be around for quite a while. There’s going to be plenty of time for us to play together but for now it’s time we head in. Come on,” he urged, holding out a hand to each of them. Reluctantly, they each took one of his outstretched hands, allowing him to guide them back through the trees to the cabin.
As soon as he entered the house, he knew something was wrong. There was no sign of either Erica or Anna and his mate’s scent was far weaker than it should have been had she been in the house. She was gone. Frustration welled up within him and he struggled to resist the temptation to scream with anger. She ran away! She ran away before I could even talk to her. What the hell happened?
His wolf raged within his mind, throwing itself against the cage that confined it within Sebastian's mind. Dangerous impulses rushed through him as the wolf sought to gain control of him and he began to fear for those around him.
Calm down, he snapped.
Go after her. Go and bring her back here now. She can’t escape us. I’ll be free tonight Sebastian and we will hunt her and claim her. There is nothing that can change that.
We were making progress with her, something must have happened. Just give me a minute to think. A small piece of paper on the living room table caught his attention as Erica's scent hit him hard. He reached for it, his eyes quickly scanning the contents.
Dear Sebastian,
If you’re reading this letter, then I’m no longer in the cabin. For that matter I’m probably no longer within the boundaries of the clan. I’m long gone by now, or at least I hope I am. I know you wanted us to talk about the claiming Sebastian and I’m sorry that we’re not going to get the chance to do it face-to-face, but if I’d stayed to talk, you would have caught me easily, we both know that. I really did want to trust you but this is too big a decision to base on less than a week’s worth of knowledge about your character. Maybe if we’d have more time together things would have been different, while I may not have shown it, I was actually coming to care for you. I know it’s impossible for you to stay away on a night like this, but please Sebastian, if you care for me at all, then wait until you have no choice but to come for me. Give me a head start so that there is a chance, even if it’s a slim one, for me to escape. I still don’t want Dylan or Wyatt to know about us just yet, so please don’t say anything to them. I’m leaving them in your care. I’m trusting you to take care of the only family I have left. Please take this as a sign that you and I have a future. There is an ‘us’, it’s just not possible to develop it further right now. Given some time the possibilities are endless.
Erica
His eyes read over the paper again, ensuring that he read each word correctly so that he could understand how she had felt when she had written her farewell letter. A sad smile crept across his face as he re-read the line where she told him that she really did care for him. Sebastian’s thoughts scattered as his wolf howled loudly in his mind, demanding his attention much in the way a young child would. The wolf roared, rattling at the bars that kept it confined, the noise so loud that Sebastian was sure that his ears would burst under the onslaught.
Be quiet. Are you trying to kill me? Sebastian demanded, pleased beyond belief when glorious silence filled his mind even if it was only for a moment.
Go after her and bring her back to us. The claiming will happen tonight. I won’t allow anything different; I won’t tolerate this any longer. She’s our mate and it is about time that she accepted that.
Didn’t you see what she wrote in the letter? he asked perplexed. She said she cares for us; all she wants is more time. Is that really so much to ask for? We’re asking for eternity, all she wants is a few weeks. She’s been through a lot in her life, it’s amazing that she even cares a little bit considering the fact that she had resigned herself to being without a mate for life. She never wanted this; we’re forcing it on her. If she wants a few more weeks then I say we give it to her.
Weren’t you reading the same piece of paper that I was? The wolf retorted. She’s ashamed of us. No one knows that we’re her mate, no one. She refuses to tell her family the truth and you entertain her in her deception. Not even our own brother is aware of the fact that we have a mate. If we allow this moon to pass without claiming her then she’ll simply do the same thing again at the next full moon and the one after that and the one after that! She’ll never allow us to claim her if we give her the opportunity to even consider being free of us. She’s a wolf; this is natural for our people. I don’t see why she’s refusing the instinct so strongly. Surely her wolf is of the same opinion as me. I can practically feel how much she wants us, it snarled, clearly uncomfortable with the situation. No. We will claim her tonight that’s the end of it.
All she wants is more time.
She can have all the time in the world to get to know us, after the claiming. I don’t know why she’s being so difficult, you gave her your word that you wouldn’t do what her father did.
Yes, I gave her my word, you on the other hand have agreed to nothing. If something were to happen to Erica I would be the one forced to deal with you and judging from how you are now, I would probably end up being driven crazy. Are you willing to give her your word as well?
No.
Sebastian growled at the curt response. Why not? It could reassure her and then maybe she would agree to the claiming.
She’s our mate, where she goes it’s only natural we follow. If that means following her to whatever awaits us beyond this world then so be it.
If you’re going to be like that, then I’m following her instructions to the letter. She doesn’t want to be caught this moon and I will do everything in my power to ensure that she escapes.
“Sebastian?” Wyatt’s questioning voice pulled him away from the internal debate he was having with his wolf, drawing him back to the realities of his surroundings.
“What is it?”
“Where’s Erica, we looked everywhere for her but she’s not here.”
Tell them, his wolf urged. They like you and I’m sure they’d be willing to help you.
I told you I’m following her instructions to the letter. Now shut up. “Erica and I have to go away for a few days,” he lied, thankful that they were young enough not to be able to detect the slight tremor in his voice that told of his deception.
“Where are you going?” Dylan inquired, coming to stand beside her brother.
“We’ve been summoned by the royal clan. You know there’s nothing you can do to get out of a royal summon, if you’re called then you have to go.”
“Oh. Well who
’s going to look after us if both you and Erica have gone?” Wyatt pressed.
“That’s a very good question.” Sebastian smiled, his hand already reaching for the phone in his pocket. “Why don’t you two pack a bag each just in case you can’t stay here and I’ll tell you who’s coming for you.”
They nodded, quickly leaving the room. His hand had been dialling while they were still in the room and he placed the now ringing mobile to his ear, waiting for a response.
“Hello?” His brother’s voice came through the line clear and strong and Sebastian sighed in relief.
“Ryan, it’s Sebastian. I need your help.” The sound of wind was the next thing he heard and he smiled. While others thought of his twin as rash, arrogant and sometimes just plain rude, he was the best person to have around in a crisis. He was already on his way, no questions asked. It was just the way his brother was. He would drop everything if someone needed his help, especially if that person was him.
“I’m on my way right now.”
“I can hear the wind, I already know that. Thank you Ryan.”
“This had better be good, you’re dragging me away from the full moon feast for this. Hang on a second, why aren’t you at the estate for the feast? For that matter, where have you been the last few days?”
“It’s complicated.”
“So complicated that you can’t tell me? I’m your brother.”
“I promised that I wouldn’t tell anyone what was going on. I don’t want to break this oath Ryan, so can we just leave it at that?”
He paused before answering. “Fine, but I swear there will be a time just like this in the future where I need your help with something and I don’t want you to ask even a single question, just do as I tell you.”
“Fine.”
“Where are you? I’ll get there a lot quicker if I don’t have to track you while running.”
“I’m in a small cabin in the West clan.”
“The West clan? What the hell are you doing there? Never mind, no probing questions asked and all that. Is it ok if I ask exactly what you need me for or is that a secret too?”
“There are two kids here, a little girl and boy. The boy is called Wyatt and the girl’s name is Dylan. I need you to take care of them for me. They’re good kids so it shouldn’t be all that hard for you. The cabin has my scent all over it so you should be able to find it easy enough.”
“And why exactly can’t you take care of them?” Ryan asked, the agreement not to ask questions momentarily slipping from his thoughts.
“I’m not going to be here.”
“Oh, well that’s fair enough then.”
“What, no more questions?”
“I thought you didn’t want me to ask any.”
“I don’t.”
“Well then there’s your answer. Hang on, there is just one more thing I need to ask.”
“What is it?”
“How quickly do you need me to be there? The west clan is a fair distance away.”
Watching the sun sink further into the horizon as the day ended and began to be consumed by night, he answered easily. “As fast as you can. I don’t have long.”
“Well then that’s all I needed to know.” There was a quiet click and the phone went silent.
Thanks Ryan.
“We’re all packed,” Dylan grinned. “Now who’s coming to take care of us?”
“My brother Ryan is on his way right now.”
“How will we know who he is? Erica always says you shouldn’t let strangers in the house.”
“You’ll know him because he looks exactly like me, well his hair is a little longer but that’s about it. Trust me you’ll know him when you see him.”
“Do you really have to go Sebastian?” Wyatt inquired, his tone pleading, clearly wishing that Sebastian could stay with them.
“I don’t have a choice Wyatt.” He smiled, but he could already feel his wolf moving restlessly within his mind, anticipating the moment the full moon would make it’s appearance and it would gain control. I’ll give you as much time as I can Erica, but I’m not sure you’ll be able to out run me on a night like this.
Chapter Eleven
His skin felt itchy and the feeling was distinctly uncomfortable as fur sought to cover his body. The sky was dark now and the moon had made its appearance moments before. The urge to change into his lupine form was upon him but he refused to easily surrender control to his wolf; trying to give Erica valuable time to increase the distance between them. He sat on the sofa in Erica's living room, his arms wrapped tightly around his chest as his mind sought for dominance over his wolf. He knew that it was hopeless and that the wolf would win the fight but he was fighting for his mate’s freedom and he would do the best he could to win even if the battle was against himself. Dylan and Wyatt had long since decided to play in their bedroom, realizing that he wouldn’t be playing with them any more tonight and so he sat alone watching the moon cross the sky. He had called Ryan a while ago and knew that his brother would soon arrive but he wouldn’t be here to greet him. Fangs erupted in his mouth, large and deadly and he knew that the battle was now officially lost. If he stayed here any longer he would be a threat to all around him.
Struggling to his feet, he made his way down the corridor that led to the bedrooms in the cabin, Erica's warm scent flowed from under her closed bedroom door and his wolf fought harder against him. Give me a minute; I just need to tell them I’m leaving.
No, it snarled in response. You ignored my request to catch her. I see no reason to agree to yours.
Fine, I don’t need your agreement to do this. His head spun as his control began to slip, but he forced his unsteady hand to the door handle, turning it and pushing his head through the small crack. “Well guys, I’ve got to head off now. I can’t keep the royal clan waiting any longer. Remember don’t open the door for anyone but Ryan and don’t burn the house down. In fact, if possible, just stay here until he comes for you,” he rushed struggling to stave off his wolf’s need for control.
“We know the drill Sebastian.” Dylan smiled. “Erica explained it to us when she went to that party with Anna.”
He nodded, acknowledging their independence before closing the door and locking them in. The need to change was riding him hard now. The few moments he had spent talking to Erica's siblings had worn away the last of his control and he knew that in mere seconds the wolf would be in control of his body and its actions. Running to the door, he threw it open and rushed away from the cabin. The rays of light from the moon caressed his skin in welcome and his control shattered.
While the change should have come easily, he was struggling against it, desperate to retain his human form for as long as possible to give Erica more time. His bones cracked painfully as his body contorted into that of a wolf. Vicious claws sprung from his nails as he fell to the ground. His jaw began to change to accommodate the fangs that had exploded in his mouth. His back bowed as his spine twisted to provide support for a body that ran on four legs not two. His skin burned as fur began to coat his body. Limbs twisted and reformed until they were more suited to the long run ahead of them. What should normally have taken seconds was drawn out over minutes as Sebastian and his wolf fought for dominance. The wolf eventually won, turning it’s head in circles as it’s superior sense of smell picked up on the faint trail of his mate’s scent.
Where Sebastian had once now stood a large brown wolf, it’s amber eyes glinted dangerously in the dark and it’s large, practically dripping, fangs did nothing to dispel the menacing image it portrayed. The wolf’s long muzzle lifted to scent the wind before it sprang off determined to reach its prize. Long, well muscled legs easily traversed the distance moving faster and faster as it began the hunt for its mate.
Stop this, Sebastian pleaded from within the confines of the wolf’s body. Just let her go. We can try again next month.
No. Things might have been different if she was just playing hard to get, but she brought this up
on herself. She rejected our claim and now she’ll have to deal with the consequences. You shouldn’t worry yourself about this; you want to claim her just as much as I do. I’m in your mind so there is no point in trying to lie to me about it.
Just because I want to claim her doesn’t mean that I’m willing to go against her wishes. Are you going to force her? She doesn’t want this, Sebastian stated trying to force his wolf to see reason.
The wolf laughed, amused by Sebastian's attempts at persuasion but no less certain that he would claim his mate this night. She’s our mate; you know I would never hurt her. If anyone were to try such a thing I would rip out their throats. No, I’m simply going to persuade her to see reason. She’s a wolf too; she has the same urges as we do. They may not be as strong as a male’s instincts but they’re there. All I’m going to do is encourage her to give herself over to them. I doubt it will take much work. His tone was lazy, assured that his choice was the right one.
I’m not going to just let you do this.
There’s nothing you can do tonight unless I wish it. Your thoughts and wishes even now are merging with mine, soon we’ll be of the same mind set. Once we’ve found her, we’ll claim her. It’s that simple. I doubt you’ll be objecting this much once we find her.
Sebastian growled, but he knew the wolf was right. Once they found her, the wolf and him would be united in their desire for her and he wouldn’t feel even the slightest amount of guilt once he was in the process of claiming her.
The wolf’s pace hadn’t faltered during their conversation and Sebastian was surprised at how much ground they had covered in that brief time. While he knew that his lupine form was built for speed and strength, they were moving faster than he had thought possible as the instinct overcame any boundaries his body might have had trying to reach his mate.
She’s not going to make it if we keep moving like this. The thought appeared in his mind almost out of nowhere but he knew with undeniable certainty that it was true. His body was moving at least twice as fast as it normally could and that meant he was almost three times as fast as she was. She wasn’t going to escape him. His mind began once more to struggle against the wolf’s. As a result of their inner conflict, the lupine body was jerked sideways and its shoulder ran into a large tree.
A Wolf's Oath Page 7