I was so surprised; you could have knocked me to the floor with a feather.
"I must be dreaming." I half exclaimed, melodramatically.
Cassiel waved his hand at me and mumbled something incoherent.
I smiled and threw my arms around my best friend's neck, "Thank you." I whispered as I clung to him. Cassiel leaned further against the counter, so it was supporting his weight, and wrapped his arms around my waist.
"Yes, well," He shrugged tiredly, "I wanted to be here when you got back."
"Did you make breakfast?" Sebastian asked from behind us.
Cassiel and I both scoffed, "You're lucky I made you coffee." He told his nephew, then very courteously handed me a steaming cup of strong hot chocolate.
I kissed his cheek before taking the mug and heading over to the table, where Sebastian was sitting with a cinnamon poptart sticking out of his mouth.
Three hours later I was waking up again. After our breakfast of caffeine and sugar, Cassiel and I settled down in the living room. We put on one of my all time favorite Jackie Chan movies, and I wound up falling asleep just when the cowboy bandits were robbing the train.
I groggily sat up. I had been using Cassiel as a pillow, and now noticed that he had fallen back to sleep as well.
Still exhausted, I stretched my arms over my head, before looking around. I knew something had to have woken me up, because I had been sleeping great. How could I not have been? Most of my night had consisted of me running around as if I'd chugged down five cups of coffee before nightfall.
Then I heard voices.
They were talking softly, but I heard them plain as day. "Are you certain?" It was Alex, "Nicolais isn't known for parading around in the daylight."
"Vladimir hasn't let us down before." I grinned faintly when I recognized my own words come out Gabriel's mouth.
I slipped off the couch and inched into the hallway.
"Josh I'd like you to lead the next scouting mission." Alexander didn't sound tired exactly, but there was something off in his tone. "We need to find him." I listened to many people leave the kitchen, but I somehow knew that Alexander hadn't left.
I wasn't sure if I should go in the kitchen. I didn't know what my boundaries were at the moment. Should I go talk with my alpha? Or should I leave everything alone?
When I reached the end of the hall, I heard the faintest sound of approaching footsteps, which made me stop in my tracks. A second later I was greeted with the warm scent of familiar aftershave.
"I wasn't challenging you." I spoke without glancing over my shoulder. For the time being I forgot about my previous plans of speaking with Alex.
Two hands cupped my neck, but I didn't tense. Instead, I leaned back. My back pressed into Michael's brick wall of a chest. "You're better at sensing than most newly changed." He whispered huskily.
"I wasn't challenging you, last night." I repeated. I needed him to know what I was doing. For some odd reason, I felt like I needed to get back in his good graces, even when I wasn't sure if I wasn't. I had to make sure he wasn't taking me off his Christmas list. "I just didn't like that you fought another battle for me, especially when I could have handled Odolf."
Michael's strong hands tightened around my vocal muscles, but only so his palms were flush against my skin. I felt his breath on the back of my neck as he replied, "He had no right to lay such claims on you." I noticed instantly that he was speaking with an accent, which either meant he was angry, which he didn't seem to be, or… well I wasn't sure. But I knew he wasn't pissed.
"I know that." I kept my voice even and firm, with no room for interpretation, "But I should have been the one to tell him to back off. Not you."
Michael's tone turned gruff when he spoke next, "You're forgetting that it's my job to keep the pack in line." The warmth of his half embrace caused me to lean further into him.
"But you didn't need to do that. I was handling it." I was very proud of myself, because I didn't raise my voice, even though part of me was starting to get frustrated with his lack of understanding.
"I don't see the problem here, Elaine." Michael's tone was authoritative, and I instinctively knew that I was now tap dancing on the line between speaking my mind and ordering the beta around.
I sighed and gritted my teeth. I didn't want to get into another fight with him, but I knew that would be the only way to get my point across. So, I threw caution to the wind, "We all have a place in the pack Michael. I need to be able to find mine. I won't be able to do that with you fighting all my battles for me." Okay, I thought that was pretty good. I hadn't yelled or anything, although I probably used a little too much edge in my tone, but that couldn't be helped.
Michael dropped one of his hands and, with his long fingers wrapped around my left upper arm, he spun me around so I was facing him.
I sucked in a breath, out of shock, and found myself looking straight into Michael's eyes. He was leaning against the wall so his face was closer to mine, instead of hovering over me. First, I thought it was for intimidation, but when he pressed his forehead against mine, I wasn't so sure.
"You're place in the pack is already established," He didn't give me any time to question him on that, for he divulged into his next point, "Odolf was out of line and needed to be dealt with. Now, everything has been handled, and I think you're arguing with me because you're not sure of what else to do."
I frowned at him, "What does that mean?"
Then, I was hit with the surprise of the century.
Michael's grip on my neck tightened until I could feel his thumb digging into my pressure point. He used that as an advantage, and crushed his lips against mine.
Instead of our first kiss, the night before, this one wasn't rushed. He kept the pace slow, lingering, and complete torture. My instinct was to take control of the situation, but it was hard when my mind was turning to fog.
I clutched his t-shirt in my fists, and he stepped forward; closing in the limited space between us. I felt his hand weave through my hair as he tried to pull me even closer to him. He seemed to want to be in control, because he pressed me back into the nearest wall. Normally, I would have tried to gain control, but it didn't seem possible. Instead of feeling angry, I felt safe.
Michael wouldn't hurt me. In fact, lately, he'd been one of the few people I felt safe around. That's just how he was. Sure, he had a fuse that could burn out in a moments notice, but I knew he'd never hurt me.
When he pulled back I almost whimpered, but I held together my dignity.
We were both gasping for breath, and while I opened my eyes, Michael kept his shut. He pressed his forehead back against mine and we stood like that for a while. My heart felt like it was going to beat out of my chest at any moment, and I heard his beating nearly as fast as mine through the fog that had clogged most of my senses.
"You don't know what you do to me." Michael's tone was deep and dark, and thick with emotion.
I blinked and cast my eyes down to my hands, which were still holding onto Michael's shirt. "Probably what you do to me."
Then, he backed off completely. "Don't do too much today, alright, you're body needs rest." Michael kissed my forehead, in a lingering way, before moving into the kitchen. I sighed heavily before pushing myself off the wall.
I ignored Michael's instructions and jogged over to my house. I went straight to the anger management room, and remained there for the majority of the day weighing my options and trying to make sense of what my life had become.
CL
"El,"
I shifted in my bed, but didn't completely wake up. Part of me registered that someone was in my room, but I ignored it. I simply pulled my covers over my head and attempted to fall back into my dream. I recalled being at a beach.
However, the annoying voice didn't give up, and I never returned to the warm sand and overwhelming sun. A hand had wound around my upper arm and was consistently shaking the upper portion of my body.
"Sweetheart, wake up."
/> Then, when I was officially annoyed, I shoved away my blankets and blinked through the darkness that consumed my bedroom. Yes, my bedroom. I had finally broken down and was now back at my house. Well, I hadn't actually broken down. But, I had been so tired after my nonstop training session complete with boxing, martial arts, and a few hundred pushups that I couldn't bare the thought of having to walk all the way over to the pack house. So, that landed me in my bed.
"What?" I grumbled. I was surprised with how clearly I could see my brother, who was leaning against my bed. It was almost as if night was a relative term, because it did nothing to change my vision.
Josh's expression was gentle, which put me on edge immediately. I sat up, now more than halfway awake, and shot him a questioning look.
"El, I'm going to be out of town for a few days." He spoke slowly, as if talking to an animal he was trying to keep from spooking.
I frowned at his words, "What do you mean?" A million thoughts sprang into my head. "Was there another attack? Did someone find mom and dad? Are you going to get them? I want to go." I started to slip out of bed, but my brother stopped me.
Josh warily shook his head as he stuck out his arm, blocking my exit from my bed. "You have to stay here." He was whispering now. I could hear the pain in his voice, and it almost brought tears to my eyes. "I can't bear to lose you too. You have to stay here, where you're safe."
"But I could help," I argued back, helplessly, "please." I grabbed his hand and gave it a squeeze, but no avail. I stared into my brother's eyes. I saw conflict written all over his expression, but I didn't stop pushing the subject. "I want to go."
He opened his mouth and I filled with hope.
"No."
And with that one word, that hadn't come from my brother's mouth, my hope disappeared.
I broke eye contact with Josh and swung around to the new voice. Alex was standing in the doorway. That's when I noticed that both he and my brother were dressed for battle.
"You'll remain here Elaine." Alexander's tone was final, and I knew that I had lost.
"And listen this time, El." Josh added. When he pulled on my arm I turned my attention back to him. I wrapped my arms around his neck. "I'll keep my promise. I'll bring them back." Josh kissed my cheek, hard, before jerkily releasing me.
I watched him leave with pain and anger gripping my heart. Tears were in my throat as I jumped off my bed and rushed to my window. I watched my brother, alpha, and beta exit my house. The moon was still full and shed light over their features as they walked off the deck and onto the street where others were waiting.
As if he sensed my gaze, Michael peered up to my window.
Our eyes locked and I had to grip the window ledge with white knuckles to keep myself from glaring at him. He seemed to perceive my anger, though. Michael's features were hard, but there was pain in his eyes.
When they turned to run, I placed my hand on the window in a form of a wave.
Michael, as well as Josh, waved back. Then, as they got into step with our alpha, they left my view.
With my built up anger as my strength, I hit the window frame. The wood cracked under my fist, but I hardly noticed. I changed into my jogging shorts and a sweatshirt, but couldn't find it in myself to take off on a run.
An hour must have passed before I finished formulating my plan. This time, I wouldn't be left behind.
So, with that mantra going round and round in my head, I stormed into my parent's room. Their trunk was still open from the last time it had been used. Their gear was still sitting on the bottom, as well as their swords.
My hair stuck to my face as tears unknowingly fell down my cheeks. Mom's silver breastplate fit snuggly over my sweatshirt and her sword was heavy in my hands, but that didn't stop me. I held onto the blade as I ran over to the pack house.
I didn't bother to turn on any lights as I took two steps at a time up the stairwell or even when I went into the bathroom.
Armed with a full glass of water, I went into Cassiel's room. I had no doubt that my eyes were glistening with a scary determination, which probably shocked my best friend just as much as the cold water had.
He jerked out of bed as the water made contact with his bare skin.
"What the –," His arms flailed around in a poor attempt to keep the rest of the water from touching him. However, I didn't stop until the cup was empty.
"Get dressed. Meet me downstairs in five minutes." With that, I turned on my heel, and left his room. I was on a mission as I turned down a few more hallways. I didn't stop until I reached Greg's door.
Surprisingly it didn't open. So, he must have been asleep.
With fists, I banged on the wooden door. "Greg!" I had a one track mind at that moment. All I cared about was the mission. It didn't matter that I wasn't technically on this mission. It also didn't matter that I had been ordered to stay here.
All that mattered was that my parents had been found.
I had to find them.
I opened my mouth, ready to yell for Michael's son again, but stopped short when the door swung open.
Greg, in his disheveled glory, stood in the doorway. His hair was sticking out all over the place and he was only adorned in a pair of boxers, but that didn't faze me. "Get dressed. Meet me downstairs in five minutes." I repeated my instructions, and then left him with his jaw hanging open.
Surprisingly it took them both less than five minutes to get downstairs. Both were dressed in jeans and t-shirts and had equally shocked and confused expressions etched into their faces.
That's when I flicked on the kitchen light.
I grabbed the cordless and tossed the phone to Greg. "I need you to call Vlad for me." I vaguely realized that I sounded like a monotone robot, and immediately went to change that. I added, "He can't know I'm here."
Greg had caught the phone easily, with one hand, but didn't move to dial the American number. He blinked at the phone before turning his gaze to me.
The stone cold exterior that had built up in my features melted slightly. I leaned against the wall, as if it were the only thing that was keeping me up, "Greg, they found out something, and I know that Vlad had something to do with it."
"Let Alex handle it." Greg demanded lazily.
Part of my enthusiasm deflated with his nonchalant tone, but I wasn't giving up. I simply changed tactics. My eyes turned pleading when I looked up into Greg's hazel and green eyes, "Please, Greg." Within seconds Greg's features changed completely. Instead of looking about ready to drop dead from exhaustion, he looked attentive. He was like a student who had spent most of the day being told boring information that he'd never use, and was suddenly called away for early dismissal.
"Greg…" I trailed off completely unsure of what had just happened.
Then, without even saying a word, Greg turned his eyes on the phone. I watched as he began dialing.
My eyes flickered to Cassiel's, who turned to me instantly. He shrugged, but looked just as confused as I felt.
"Hey Vlad," Greg greeted Nathaniel's eldest son. Both Cassiel and I clammed up. Cassie moved over to me. I noticed then, that he had a cup of coffee in his hands, which he must have been busy making while I had been arguing with his nephew.
I heard Vlad's response so clearly, it was as if he were talking to me. "Morning, err night, Greg. It's weird, I just talked to dad."
"Yeah, I wanted to know what you told him." Greg asked. He didn't even glance at me or Cassie, which was just as best. Vlad was like his father and Alex. He heard and knew pretty much everything. He wouldn't give us any information if he suspected I was standing there. He knew me. He'd know I was planning something.
"Why?" His tone shifted. He was no longer casual friendly Vladimir. He was in business mode; which wasn't exactly a good sign.
Greg, however, didn't back down, "I'm worried. Quentin and Elizabeth are pack. I want them home just like everyone else."
Vlad didn't reply right away. I could almost see him thinking over Greg response;
figuring out whether or not he believed him. I wasn't sure if he bought it or not, but he gave me the information I wanted. "They're being held in Bran Castle."
"Romania." Cassiel and I stated in unison.
"Elaine?" Vladimir's voice cut through my spinning thoughts, "What are you planning -," Greg turned off the phone and placed it back on the charger.
"What now?" Greg's eyes turned to mine almost instantly.
I turned my back on the two guys and tuned them out as I thought. "Bran Castle…" I trailed off, "Wasn't Vladimir the Impaler the ruler there?"
"In the 15th century." Greg retorted; obviously not seeing the importance of what I was saying.
"Did you know that Vlad the Impaler is often referred to as the real life Dracula?" I spun back around. My grip on the sword tightened as understanding flooded through me.
Cassiel snorted. He had become awake after drinking his coffee. "A vampire is holding your parents?"
I narrowed my eyes at my best friend, "That would be too cliché." I started shaking my head as I continued to put the pieces together, but I finally got fed up with the dead ends, "It doesn't matter. We have to go." Without another word I walked out of the kitchen. Cassiel was right behind me, and I was shocked to hear Greg following as well.
"But we don't know who we're facing!" Greg called out.
"It's not a vampire." I stated firmly, "For all I know, they don't exist. It has to be a werewolf."
"It has to be Nicholai." Cassiel informed me. I didn't reply. I was too busy noticing two new scents in the hallway. I frowned as I tried to place the smell of pine, leaves, and fading, probably day old, aftershave.
I figured it out once I opened the door, because they was standing there waiting for us.
"Either come with us or wait here," I ordered confidently, "because you can't stop me from leaving."
A smirk was the first thing my eyes went to as Gabriel stepped out of the night shadows, "Who said I was going to stop you?" Instantly my eyes fell to the sword at his side and the guards he wore on his arms.
Howl (Howl Book 1) Page 33