Surrounded by stone I could hear the dripping of water, the sound vibrating through my pounding head. My body shakes from the pain and the fear that there will be more. There was always more, more pain more experiments, more fear. I knew already there is no escape, only pain, only fear.
Footsteps in the distance, he's coming. My body shakes more, the fear reducing me to tears. My body starts to spark. The bolts flying across my skin and the rags that could barely be called clothes. The footsteps stop just outside the door. The sparks grow stronger as their reach extends across the damp floor. The door knob starts to turn my body sweats.
I sit up screaming into the night the sound echoing in the darkness. At first I forget where I am my body still shaking when Two green orbs appear before me. Dorans wolf form starts to take shape. I sigh with relief, it had been awhile since I'd had one of those nightmares.
I stare at him perplexed, waiting for him to say something but he just stood there staring down at me. I pushed him away embarrassed and ashamed that he'd seen me so vulnerable.
He stayed back but his eyes still watched me. Annoyed with myself and him I rolled over turning my back on him and those eyes.
'What happened to you?'
I growled at him.
"Nothing!"
He huffed as he settled back down resting his head on his legs.
'If you say so.'
I didn't sleep again that night and I sensed that neither did Doran. When I first escaped that place the nightmares were every night. I couldn't even bring myself to close my eyes. I still had them most nights though I did have some nights where they didn't plague me. It was part of the reason I rarely slept it was just easier not to take the chance. I'd rather not be reminded of the worse time of my existence.
So instead I thought about the few memories I did have of before that time. It wasn't so much that I remembered places or people but I did remember a time when I was happy and loved. Of course it was always a bad idea to remember those times while it did make me feel better for a time then I would have this overwhelming anger take over me. If I was so happy before being tortured and experimented on then how did I end up in that place? If I was loved then where were those that loved me? Why couldn't they protect me? Even if they couldn't stop me from being taken why didn't they find me? Did they even look for me? Did they even care?
Not for the first time these questions ran through my head. I knew it did no good to think about the past but how could I not? I needed more power, I needed to become stronger. It was power that saved me and it will be with more power that I will stay safe.
Giving up on sleep i stood up, one look over at Doran confirmed that he was still awake as well.
"I'll be back."
Turning his head he huffed.
'Don't get lost I won't be able to help if you wonder further then a mile.'
I scowled his way the insult clear.
"I don't need your help!"
He chuckles his head swinging back.
'If that we're the case why would you need me?'
Touché. I growled his way then headed into the darkness. What was it with this wolf he infuriated me to no end. Shifting into an owl I soared to the tops of the trees. As I stared at the moon I thought about my next move. Jacksonville was still so far away I mean once we returned to civilisation it would be faster but there was still the chore of finding a way to travel with an oversized wolf.
I sighed there were always ways through human means and through the super natural black market but what troubled me was that red eye wolf following Doran. If they had an interest in this particular wolf was it worth keeping him? Perhaps they had just heard the same rumours I had and were investigating them. In hind sight I probably should have spent more time questioning him in case he really did know why he was sent. I really didn't want to loose him, he had already exceeded my expectations. He was far more useful to me then any of the other had ever been. I'd never seen a wild wolf come back from monster to civil in so short a time.
I had no choice I could not afford to loose him I only hope that I didn't come to regret it. Considering the unknowns seems the black market trade was the only way to transport him. Though there was always risks in doing that as well. Not to mention I was short on cash and that kind of interstate travel was costly. We'll have to make a stop on the way. I'm owed a favour and nows as good a time as any to collect and it just so happens we're not far from where he lives.
Lifting my wings I soared back to Doran shifting back to wolf form just before landing. The sun had just started rising as my paws hit the ground.
'Change of plans we need to make a detour.'
He growled, stretching as he got up.
'Must have been an insightful walk.'
I ignored him as I started heading west instead of north. Doran didn't say another word til we entered the outskirts of Charleston.
'So are you going to fill me in on what we're doing here?'
I growled at him.
'Keep your guard up.'
Slowly we made our way through the trees. Our target was a large pack house located in the dense forest of Charleston's outer rims. I knew it was only a matter of time before we encountered one of Imogen's wolves. Sure enough I smelt the hint of leather that came with their pack brand.
'They're close.'
He scoffed.
'I know three of them. Hardly a match for even you.'
If I didn't need him in that moment I would have shocked him for being a smart arse.
Not even trying to hide their presence three black and white wolves emerged from the foliage in front of us.
'To what do we owe the pleasure Tiona?'
Shifting to human I faced Imogen my hand ready and free to send the strongest sparks I had if needed.
"I have business with Tarlock."
Shifting as well a woman with brown hair streaked by the sun with snake like eyes stood before us. A tattoo of a serpent around her neck that slithered it's way up her cheek to rest at her temple.
"Tarlock you say? Now what business would Tarlock have with the likes of you?"
"I didn't come to start a fight I just came to collect a doubt. Send him out and we will wait here for him."
She stared at me her eyes going to my hands as sparks started flying across my fingers.
"Is there a problem?"
She surprised me by smiling.
"Not at all in fact I welcome you inside you can meet with Tarlock at the pack house."
I shook my head.
"Here's fine."
She chuckled the sound like a siren song as her eyes went to Doran.
"Come now Tiona we are civilised beings you will be our guests. I insist."
I didn't take my eyes off her.
'She's up time something.'
'Your call I'm just the muscle aren't I?'
I growled at him through the mindlink. This may have been a bad idea but what choice did I have? I needed that money of Tarlock.
"Very well then."
"Excellent I'll have my wolves go ahead and inform Tarlock of your arrival."
I nod as I start following her towards the house.
'Doran stay close. These wolves won't think twice about killing me and selling you on the black market.'
He chuckled at that.
'They could certainly try though I doubt they would accomplish it.'
I had no idea what he meant by that comment but now was not the time to question him.
It wasn't long before the pack house came into view. Like most major pack houses even ones run by underground wolves it was huge. Having a large number of members means more heads to shelter and considering the black claw pack is one of the biggest it was understandable.
She lead us into the house as many of her wolves stared our way tracking our progress through the luxurious entryway and down the hall til we were guided into the library.
"Sit Tarlock will be along shortly."
Doran growled at her as she passed her eyes glared down at him as she paused.
"Keep your pet in check or he'll have to wait outside."
I grabbed the scruff of his neck pulling him close as ai showed her his brand.
"He won't be a problem you have my word."
Her eyes widened at the black raven her smile widening.
"My my you are as impressive as they say. To tame a wild wolf is a feat indeed. You'll have to share your secrets."
I scowled at her.
"He is far from tamed yet I assure you but he knows what awaits him should he cause trouble."
Surprising me Doran did not act defiant at this remark quite the opposite he continued to glare at Imogen a silent growl rumbling his chest. Shrugging she left the room closing the door behind her.
'You should not trust her.'
'I don't.'
It wasn't long before Tarlock entered the room. He was tall with dark brown hair and the same snakelike eyes as Imogen which was to be expected since he was her brother. He was wearing black slacks and dark blue button up shirt. His clean shaven look completing the enigmatic look. His face was blank until he closed the door. As soon as the latch clicked Tarlock rushed forward taking me in his arms. Doran stepped back watching the exchange with curious eyes.
"You shouldn't have come here!"
I shook my head as he cupped my face in his hands. I pulled away from him scowling.
"Why because of Imogen? She doesn't scare me."
He growled in frustration.
"You don't understand your not safe here."
I chuckled.
"Let me guess Imogen has some sinister plan to kill me and steal my wolf like I didn't see that one coming."
He throws his hands up in frustration by my nonchalant tone.
"Why did you come here Tiona? I told you that you weren't safe around Imogen after last time."
I sighed.
"I had no choice I need to get to Jacksonville and I can't very well travel with a 200 pound wolf by my side now can I?"
He stared at me scowling.
"So that's why your here I should've known."
I pointed my finger at him.
"You owe me and you know it!"
He shook his head.
"Fine."
I watched him as he went to a small desk neck to the couch's we had just been sitting on. Pulling out a section in the draw he grabbed out and few handfuls of hundred dollar bills. Turning he handed them to me, but when I tried to take them he held on pulling me closer.
"Whatever your planning you better watch your back. Imogen wants your head and I wouldn't put it passed her to follow you to Jacksonville to do it."
I nod as I tuck the money into my jacket pocket.
"Thanks for the warning not that it's needed."
I started to walk off but he grabbed my arm his eyes going to Doran who sat quiet watching the whole exchange.
"Keep your eyes on that one you've tried to tame them before I wouldn't want to see you finally be taken out by your own pet."
I chuckled.
"Don't worry Tarlock this ones different I can tell."
His eyes studied Doran who started growling at Tarlock.
"Sure he is. just be careful alright?"
I nod.
"I always am."
I waited for Tarlock to let me go, when he didn't I raised my eyebrows.
"Tarlock?"
Almost like he was in a trance he pulled back seeming embarrassed which was unlike him.
'This one likes you.'
I looked to Doran ignoring his comment as I started out the door.
We made it all the way outside before Imogen showed her face.
"Going so soon?"
My hand instinctively went to the knife at my belt. Doran senseing the danger bared his teeth and raised his hackles eyeing them off.
"Yes we'd love to stay but unfortunately we have a prior engagement."
She laughed at my formal tone as some of her strongest wolves flanked her sides.
"That's a shame since you see I'm afraid you will just have to miss this engagement of yours. Your business here is not done."
I sighed as i casually pulled my knife from its stealth. Calling my sparks I had them dance I long the blade as I crossed my arms tapping the blade on my arm.
"Do you really want to be humiliated again? Last time you could have lost your pack to me. If you loose again I might not let you keep them."
She gritted her teeth as she growled my way.
"Last time you were just lucky!"
I smiled at her as I spun the blade in my hand the sparks creating patterns in the air. Dorans growling became more intense adding to the effect.
Her eyes went from my blade to Doran and back to the blade.
"Restrain the wolf!"
Doran moved to attack without thinking I jumped in front of him And stabbed the first in the side. My bolts entering his internal organs dropping him like a sack. Spinning grabbed the second by the neck sending more bolts into his spinal cord. All of this happening within seconds as I turned to face Imogen again.
"THE NEXT PERSON WHO TRIES TO HURT DORAN, DIES!"
Imogen moves to attack but Tarlocks voice stopped her.
"IMOGEN NO!"
Her eyes stayed on me as her face was twisted in anger.
"Tarlock stay out of this!"
He bounded down the stairs grabbing her arm he faced me.
"Just go Tiona!"
I sighed returning my knife as I eyed Doran standing behind me his teeth still bared.
"Come Doran."
I walked passed Tarlock and Imogen. I blew a kiss Imogen's way.
"Better luck next time Immy."
Tarlock sighed.
"Just go."
My eyes went to Tarlocks.
"Alpha suits you."
Imogen growled at the insult everyone knew it was Tarlock that ran this pack but she liked to think she was alpha and like ab idiot he let her.
Shifting into wolf form a returned to the woods with Doran by my side. Now I had the money I needed to get us to Jacksonville we could continue on our way. I laughed to myself, some people never change.