Chereads / Shadowed- Dark Moon Rising / Chapter 23 - Chapter 23

Chapter 23 - Chapter 23

Amelia;

I walked into my kitchen and groggily looked around at my surroundings, I was still half asleep and did not want to be out of bed; for the first time in weeks I had slept like a baby, I don't know if it was because the exhaustion had finally caught up with me or it was the fact that I was in my own home with no one else to pretend for; it was just me in my own space. I sighed and glanced out the window, fully allowing the reality of everything that had taken place over the last few days. There was still so much that I didn't understand. And deep down I felt that the only way that I could get the answers I desired was to leave this place.

The quiet was so refreshing, I hadn't even watched any television and hardly looked at my mobile I just read books and got lost in my own little world. I had withdrawn myself from the pack, I didn't want to be part of it anymore and I didn't know how to escape, I couldn't run as I made a promise to Arlo, so distancing myself seemed to be the best thing for me to do. I sat at the kitchen table and thought about how I would let the non-elites down if I went, I was damned if I did and I was damned if I didn't. Why did I even care about the non-elites so much? It wasn't like they had done anything for me. It wasn't like I had grown up watching them be treated badly by the elites. And yet, here I was, torn about what to do. It was strange, there was a part of me that just didn't want to care anymore. But I couldn't just do that to them. They needed their warrior to fight for them. And if I was gone then who would do that? I was beginning to think I was cursed; It didn't matter what I chose, someone was going to end up getting hurt. And I just knew that that person was going to be me.

Today is Valentine's day and it had been five days since I had been released from the medical ward, swiftly followed by Piper. We still didn't understand how everything had happened. Whose blood can heal someone? Isn't that what vampires were meant to be able to do? Did that mean that I was part vampire? Is that why I was so different? I mean, I know that vampires exist, but they are an extremely reclusive race. They tend to keep themselves to themselves and only do what suits them. Not that that is a bad thing. But taking that into consideration, how the hell would I be part vampire? I mean, both of my parents were werewolves. Unless there is something that my father isn't telling me? I never did hear the story of how my mother died. It had always been such a secret. So, did that mean that there was more to it than they had been letting on?

Since moving into my own house, Pretty Girl had practically moved into my garden, Arlo had given me a house closest to the stables, so that I could be as close to her as possible, as well as be as far away from the others as possible. In this time, I had spent every day with my Pretty Girl as I grieved the little life I very nearly had and tried to come to terms with the fact my blood was now running through Piper's veins. Did this mean that I finally had a sister that I had always wanted?

I hadn't planned on becoming pregnant, it was the thing furthest from my mind and now it was the only thing that I could think about. How could I miss something so much when I never even knew I wanted that? In a way, I wanted that baby, a part of me and a part of him. But I knew that it would be a bad idea. I was about to become homeless and on the run. How could I expect to bring a baby along for that? I guess that's why Selene had others plans for me. But, still… how did I overcome this emptiness that I was left feeling? How was I supposed to carry on with my life as normal when there was a permanent void within myself?

I looked up at the clock as I sat on the sofa with my cup of tea and sighed, it was 7:00am and I was still expected to go to breakfast at the pack mansion, something that I was dreading. I had avoided meals and gatherings with everyone since my last hospital visit, everyone knew the Alpha had got me pregnant. The Elites all thought I was sleeping with Matt and Arlo; and news about Eddie and Piper being together had spread around like wildfire; and I was being blamed… again. I had been here for four months and apparently in that time I had influenced my brother and best friend to become a couple. I mean, seriously, how the hell was it my fault that they had imprinted? It wasn't like I had that power! Everyone ignored the fact that they had been together in secret for two years; before I had even come to live in this mansion… but I guess that, that was just another thing that I was to blame for. The sooner I could leave, the better. I wanted to leave. I was ready to leave. I needed to leave. My phone vibrated on the coffee table in front of me, and I didn't need to read it to know who it was from. I rolled my eyes and reached forward, plucking it from the smooth glass tabletop and swiped at the screen. Arlo!

Arlo; I expect to see you at breakfast this morning!

Amelia; Are you kidding me?

Arlo; No! I am completely serious.

Amelia; Goddess forbid that you would have grown a sense of humour in the last few days!

Arlo; What is that supposed to mean?

Amelia; Nothing, alpha! I will be there. Much to my own disappointment!

Arlo; What the fuck is that supposed to mean? Seriously Amelia, what the fuck have I done now?

Amelia; See you soon… alpha.

I know that I was being rude to him, but, what did he expect? He was forcing me to this stupid breakfast with the rest of the Elites; who, all hated me as much as I hated them! And then ordered me to be there? Seriously, who did he think he was? Another part of me knew that the only way to make me leaving easier, was to push away everyone as much as I could. The thought of leaving Matt and Piper was almost enough to kill me. But it needed to be done! I know that Piper was going to come with me; but now that she had imprinted on my brother, I couldn't expect her to just leave.

With a heavy sigh, I pulled myself from the sofa and began getting myself ready to go to breakfast. I had put make up on to hide the bags under my eyes and had made an effort with my appearance; wearing a pair of ripped light blue skinny jeans, a pink off the shoulder jumped and pink pumps. My hair was tied up in a high ponytail and wrapped into a neat bun, revealing my gold earrings and my gold necklace both with matching glistening Amethyst stones secured into them. I rushed out into the grounds of the mansion and made my way towards the building that stood before me.

I opened the large doors to the entrance of the mansion and took in a deep breath as I momentarily closed my eyes, it was time for everyone to meet for breakfast and I was dreading it, I hadn't seen Arlo in five days purposely and had ignored all his phone calls and text messages, I needed space not only from the pack but from him too. I loved him so much and we were good together when life was treating us good, but we were also toxic together, toxic for the pack and it was becoming unhealthy. I caught my reflection in one of the large mirrors that were built into the walls in the main hall and stared at myself.

I looked up and caught sight of Arlo and his parents coming out of his office, they were all bickering about something and I was sure I heard Marie say my name, Arlo's face was like thunder and although I wanted to know what was going on, I quickly ran to the dining hall doors trying my best to avoid any eye contact with him. But that didn't stop me wondering what was going on between the three of them. I pushed open the dining room doors and braced myself or the stares and whispers, but the greeting got was much warmer, the non-elites all smiled at me and nodded their heads as in to say hello, Matt and Eddie both beamed when they had realised that I had finally come to breakfast. I noticed that Eddie was no longer seated next to my father but with Matt instead, clearly Charlie and my dad hadn't accepted his imprint with Piper and were now shunning him just like they were me. I stood behind my chair and waited for the sound of the doors to open, it was now inevitable, I had to see Arlo face to face and talk to him whether I liked it or not. But all of this was going to be over soon. It seemed as though time had slowed as I watched him walk down the room towards his seat, did it always take this long? I felt as his warm body slowly brushed past mine sending waves of desire rolling through me. How was I ever going to be able to fight this attraction and my feelings for him?

I glanced up at him studying his beautiful face and noticed he didn't look at me once his golden eyes looking straight ahead. I listened to sounds around me; chatters of the pack and chairs being pulled out ready for everyone to be seated for their breakfast. I sat down and stared at the plate on the table in front of me and sighed; it wouldn't be long before I left and didn't have to do this for much longer. As much as I love my friends here… I needed to leave. And I think the only way to do that was distance myself from them beforehand. No goodbyes. I'll just disappear into the night.

I rose from my chair and stormed out into the main hall. How dare he! Who orders someone to be somewhere and then ignores them the entire time! Arlo, that's who! I let out a growl of frustration and made my way to the front doors. There was only one thing in this world that would calm me, and I needed her now. Pretty Girl! I felt a strong hand grip my wrist and pull me back around to face them.

I rose from my chair and stormed out into the main hall. How dare he! Who orders someone to be somewhere and then ignores them the entire time! Arlo, that's who! I let out a growl of frustration and made my way to the front doors. There was only one thing in this world that would calm me, and I needed her now. Pretty Girl! I felt a strong hand grip my wrist and pull me back around to face them.

'What do you want Arlo?' I asked, I didn't need to look to see who it was. And I kept my eyes looking everywhere except at him.

'What do you think you are doing?' He snapped, his eyes blazing with anger.

'Excuse me? What the hell is that supposed to mean?'

'Have you forgotten the pack lore? The alpha always leaves the dining hall first.' I glared at him angrily and folded my arms across my chest before answering.

'Your point?' His stare turned deadly for a split second, and it took everything in me not to laugh. Did he think that this alpha crap was actually going to work on me? I knew that he was trying to use his alpha's influence on me, I had seen him give that look to many others. But it never worked on me, so why did he think that it would now? 'You can stop that too.' I muttered, rolling my eyes and turning away from him. He let out a deep guttural growl, something that almost made him sound feral and terrifying. But all it did to me was turn me on.

'My office! Now!' He barked, storming past me and heading down the hall to his office. I sighed and rolled my eyes once more before glancing over my shoulder back towards the dining hall. Matt and Piper were peering around the corner, both looking equally curious and terrified. I flashed them a smile and a small wave before skipping down the hall to catch up with my alpha.

The moment I entered the room he slammed the door shut behind me and closed the distance between us in one swift motion. He got in my face and began to shout.

'Do you have no respect for me as your alpha? How dare you act this way in front of the pack. I have been letting you get away with far too much. That leniency is over! Do you hear me!' He screamed, his face flushing red with anger. I stepped back slightly and cocked my eyebrow.

'Dude. You have some serious anger management issues. Did you know that?' I asked sarcastically.

'And you have an attitude problem. And I am sick of it. This has gone too far now Amelia!'

'I have the attitude problem? Wow. That's rich. At least I know what it is that I want in life. Whereas you on the other hand, you are worse than a menopausal woman with bipolar!' He paused for a moment, speechless and staring at me.

'You have no right to speak to me like that' He whispered, his voice low and dangerous.

'And you have no right to order me to breakfast and not say a word to me the entire time. You never even looked at me once. You know how much I hate being there with everyone, yet you made it that much more unbearable.'

'Amelia, you have ignored me for the past five days! I have been trying to make sure that everything was alright with you. You left to go and speak to Benjamin, and that was the last that I had heard. I even asked him to tell me what it was that happened. But he said that it wasn't for him to discuss. I even asked Piper. Actually… if I am honest, I tried to use the alpha influence on her, but it didn't work. So now, I am asking you. Please… what the hell is going on around here?'

'What is it that you want me to say to you Arlo?'

'The truth.'

'The truth about?'

'Are you just trying to wind me up? I just want to know that you are ok?'

'Well, I am stood here, talking to you, aren't I? Doesn't that answer your question?'

'You know what I meant. I mean, how are you after…'

'Oh, you mean after loosing our child? Yea. I am great. Thanks for asking.' I snapped, no longer able to hold my irritation in.

'Yes. That is what I meant. So… was everything ok when Benjamin called you in? Was there a problem with the blood results?' He asked, stepping closer to me once more and placing his hands on my hips.

'Look, Arlo… I really don't want to talk about this right now. If you really want to know then why don't you just ask your mother?'

'My mother? What has she got to do with any of this?' he snapped, the anger crossing his face once more.

'S-She was there…' I replied hesitantly. The last thing that I wanted to do was get Marie in trouble. But at the same time, I knew that she was one of the only other people around here that could put him in his place. 'Look Arlo. I really want to just go and see Pretty Girl. I have a few things that I need to sort out at home too. So, if it's ok with you…' I stopped mid-sentence and turned away from him, heading towards the door of his office.

'This is not a game Amelia. I am your alpha. Does that mean nothing to you?' He continued. I sighed and shrugged lightly, before slowly turning back around to face him.

'If I am honest. No. It doesn't. And you being alpha means nothing to me. It never has done. I fell-' I paused and bit my lip. This was not the time to talk about this.

'What?' He asked, his anger fading slightly as he stepped closer to me once more.

'It doesn't matter. Just forget it. Consider me told. So, can I go now?'

'Amelia, what were you going to say?' He asked again, his voice much softer and his angry expression gone.

'Is that an order from my alpha?' I asked sarcastically. He sighed and dipped his head.

'No. That is one friend asking another.' Arlo replied, reaching out and taking both of my hands in his. Friend? In all the months that I had been here, I don't think I had ever heard him call me that. I sighed once more and turned away from him, folding my arms across my chest defensively.

'I was going to say, that I never fell in love with you because of what you were. It was the person inside that captivated me. Although… right now… that person is far from the one standing in front of me.' I reached for the door and started to pull it open, when his placed him palm and pushed it shut once more.

'Please Lia. Don't leave. Not yet.' He whispered, leaning in closer to me. I felt his breath brush across my cheek and my heart started to race. Why did he always have this effect on me?

'Arlo, please, I can't do this. Not now.' I whispered, my voice trembling as I spoke. Arlo reached up and tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear and rested his forehead against mine. 'I need to go and feed Pretty Girl...but I will call you later?' I pulled away from him and watched as his face fell in disappointment but he forced a small smile and nodded. I quickly leaned forward and placed a small kiss on his cheek before sadly smiling up to him, in that moment I wished I could tell him how much I loved him, but I couldn't, not because I didn't want to, I just couldn't say it. I turned away from him and hurried out into the hall. I needed to see Pretty Girl. She was the only one that could ease the pain of my broken heart. I fought back the tears and held my head up high. I couldn't let the other see me looking so broken. I knew what these wolves were like. The first sign of weakness and they would take me down.

Matt;

I glanced down to Piper as Amelia skipped away down the corridor, heading towards Arlo's office. I had never seen him look so angry. And I hated to admit it, but I was scared for him. Amelia was not a force to be reckoned with. I smiled to myself and shook my head.

'What? What is it?' Piper whispered, grabbing my hand and pulling me out into the hall. I sighed and shook my head.

'It's Valentine's day, and I have never seen either of them look so angry at one another. Why is it only us that can see that they are destined to be together?' I mumbled, more to myself than to Piper but she answered anyway.

'Matty… look… I think that it is time that we just admit that they aren't meant to be. Arlo is imprinting on someone, who isn't Amelia. We can't keep forcing them together. I mean… who is it benefiting? Them? Us? Who?' She replied. I narrowed my eyes and glared at her playfully.

'Ok. Well… someone has changed their tune. I wasn't it only last week that you were saying that there is something special between the pair of them.' I retorted rolling my eyes. The sound of footsteps heading towards us, had us pressing ourselves against the wall out of sight. We watched in silence as Amelia hurried past us and out the main doors. I knew that look on her face. She was heart broken but trying to conceal it. She may have been able to fool everyone else, but not us.

'What do you think happened in the office?' Piper whispered, looking from me, back down the hall and noticing as Arlo paced the length of the room his both hands placed on his head.

'I don't know. Let's go after her and find out!'

'For Goddess's sake Matt. Just leave her alone for a minute! If she wanted us there, then she would have asked.' Piper snapped. What the hell was going on with Piper? She was never usually this… hormonal. I stared at her for a moment longer as she reached into her pocket and pulled her phone from within. I watched in silence as her fingers flew across the screen, the only sound the gentle clicking as she typed her words.

'Sorted.' She snapped, before turning on her heel and storming down the corridor. I hurried to catch up with her and we both walked out the main doors and into the cool mid-morning air. I had no idea what was going on, but even though she was going through intense mood swings, she was still one of my best friends and I loved her.

Amelia;

I stood in the stables gently stroking Pretty Girls mane, allowing her soft hairs to run between my fingers. I had always found it so therapeutic to just stand here and stroke her. Her soft rhythmic breathing, soothing even the worst parts of my broken heart. I closed my eyes as I tried my hardest to keep myself from imagining the life that I could have had; Me, Arlo and our child… I clenched my teeth and shook my head. Great… and this was me not thinking about it. I don't even know how long I had been down here. I had let Pretty Girl out for her run; watching as she danced around in the morning sunlight. She was such a special beast to me. And I knew that I wouldn't have made it through any of this without her.

My phone vibrated in the pocket of my jeans, stopping my dangerous trail of thinking and giving me something else to think about. I pulled it from my jeans and swiped at the screen waiting as it came to life.

Piper; Happy Valentine's day to you, happy Valentine's day to you, happy Valentine's day dear Lia! Happy Valentine's day to you! I love you!!!! Did you get my card? I couldn't resist, I got one for Matt too! :D What are you doing today? Me, Matt and Edward are going to the pub later if you fancy it?? Don't worry if you don't feel like coming but we will be there at 2! It's my day off so I'm making the most of it, we are going to get wastedddd!!! Love you xxxxxxxx

I rolled my eyes and fought the smile that I could feel tugging at my lips. How was I supposed to just up and leave these guys? Why did doing the right thing have to be so hard? With a heavily sigh I typed quickly, trying to act as normal as possible.

Lia; Happy Valentine's day you crazy lady! Haha I got you a card too! Great minds eh? Did you just say pub? Wasted? Hell yes I'm in! I love you too! See you there xxxxxxxxx

I shoved my phone back into my pocket and turned back to Pretty Girl as she nudged me lightly with her nose. I had never noticed how purple her eyes had been before. As much as I told myself that she wasn't a unicorn, the more she showed me parts of her that proved otherwise. I sighed and pulled her head down to meet mine, before resting my forehead against her nose.

'Ok gorgeous girl. I better go and get myself ready. I have a date with my three-favourite people in the world.' I whispered, pulling back before kissing her softly. She shook her head gleefully and watched as I slowly left the barn.

After getting home and showering, I got myself dressed up in my favourite ripped skinny jeans and black high heels. Topping it all off a bright red, backless halter-top. I pulled my phone from my back pocket just as a message came through from Arlo.

Arlo; Ok… did our conversation this morning mean nothing to you?

Amelia; Chill out alpha! I am just meeting Matt, Eddie and Piper at the pub.

Arlo; The pub? That's why you missed lunch? Will you be back for dinner?

Amelia; What do you think?

Arlo; Will be there ASAP! Xx

I shook my head and suppressed a giggle before quickening my pace. I didn't want to get there and everyone else be slaughtered! Was Arlo actually going to skip his duties to come to the pub? As much as I was loving this new side of Arlo, I didn't want to get him in trouble. But one night wouldn't hurt. Would it? I grinned as I stepped foot into the pub and took in the smell of alcohol and food, I watched as a waitress walked past me with a tray of chicken and chips and my stomach rumbled a little too loudly, I was so hungry. I knew that it was a bad idea to skip lunch. But I also knew that I needed this time with the people that I loved. My stomach could wait.

I walked towards Matt's favourite sitting booth and noticed my brother and Piper kissing, Matt looked disgusted and his facial expression told me how relieved he was that I had arrived.

'Lia!' he cried loudly jumping to his feet before rushing over to me and pulling me into a bear hug, trying to get Eddie's and Piper's attention. He leant in a little closer, 'save me' He whispered, giving Eddie and Piper a bored side-eye glance. 'Are you okay?' he asked taking my hand and pulling me down next to him.

'Yeah I am good.' I smiled looking up at him through my eyelashes. while trying to supress a laugh. Matt sighed and crossed his arms against his chest, studying me suspiciously.

'No you're not... I know you too well... come on let's go outside and have a ciggy.' He said standing up, I looked back at my brother and Piper as me and Matt walked towards the pub door, they were both lost in each other's eyes and it was such a beautiful sight and yet my heart ached, I. I couldn't help but wish I had that, I wish it was me that Arlo had imprinted with, and I wish I knew who it was. Leaving knowing he was in love with a lovely woman who had a big heart and would protect him the way he would her would make going that much easier. 'Come on, spit it out, what's going on in that pretty head of yours?' Matt asked passing me a cigarette. I waited for him to light it for me before I started talking.

'I am trying... trying so hard to distance myself from everyone and yet I'm struggling so much, I'm coming across so rude and horrible and I feel awful. I don't want to leave you and Piper and Eddie... and I don't want to leave Arlo... but I have to. I think after today I'm just going to hide myself away until it's time for me to leave. I don't want to upset anyone in the process, but I have to be strict on myself.' I admitted before taking a long drag on my cigarette. Matt nodded his eyes full of sadness.

'I understand and I will support you if that's what you really want to do... but... we don't want you to distance yourself, it could be months before we find out who did those killings and now they have just stopped it's going to be even harder. There isn't any point in you becoming a recluse; Lia, not with your friends anyway...' Matt replied taking my hand.

'Matt I'm not waiting for them to find the killer, I'm going soon, I can't wait any longer an-' I stopped what I was saying as soon as Arlo walked into the pub garden, he looked down at my cigarette disapprovingly and then gave Matt an peeved off look. He hated me smoking, I don't know why though, it's not like I did it every single day, although with how I was feeling, that may just happen. He hated me smoking so much, I don't know why though, it's not like I did it every single day, although with how I was feeling, that may just happen.

'I need a pint.' Arlo said walking past me and Matt and nodded towards the pub doors, we both followed Arlo in and all looked up at Eddie and Piper, they were whispering sweet nothings to each other and I smiled to myself, it really was beautiful to see them so happy. Arlo ordered us all a new round of drinks and we all sat down, ready to relax and enjoy the rest of the day, but for some reason something felt off, I couldn't put my finger on it but an uneasy feeling was flooding through my body, I tried to shake it off and ignore it but...I just couldn't let it go. I glanced over to Piper and took in the blank expression on her face. She had gone from smiling loving to Eddie to looking confused as her eyes were glazing over.

'Hey baby, is everything ok?' Eddie asked, leaning in closer to Piper and checking her over. She shifted a little in her seat and smiled over to him.

'Of course. Everything is fine. Why?' She asked, glancing at him wearily as though she was a little uncomfortable. She cleared her throat a little uneasily and pulled her hand free from Eddie's.

'Baby, you're burning up. Please, talk to me?' My brother asked, his voice quiet and urgent. Piper jumped from her seat and pulled her long hair over one shoulder. I noticed that her skin was turning red, as though she had been sitting out in the sun for too long. She swayed on the spot slightly and downed the rest of her drink in one go.

'Piper? What is it?' I asked, jumping from my seat and hurrying over to her. She shook her head and stepped back, holding her hands up defensively.

'P-please. Stay back.' She cried, turning and fleeing from the room, rushing out into the cool February air. I rushed through the doors and watched as she swayed on the spot, swatting at her arms.

'Babe, please… wha-' Eddie started, but stopped rapidly as Piper dropped down onto all fours. He went to rush forward, but Matt grabbed his arm shaking his head.

'W-What? What is it?' I stammered, staring in confusion. Piper threw her head back and screamed, and I watched in horror as her bones snapped and popped and her skin rippled before my eyes. 'Is she… is she shifting?' I asked, my whole-body trembling from my fear. As if in answer to my question, red fur erupted from her skin, and her mouth and nose extended into that of a canine. Her teeth rattled before all stretching down into sharp points. Her dress exploded from around her, leaving nothing but tattered rags hanging from her body.

We all stood frozen from shock and stared at the beautiful red-haired wolf that stood shivering before us. Eddie stepped towards her slowly, holding his hands out in surrender, which only caused her to flinch.

'Baby. Please… its only me.' Eddie whispered, taking another step towards Piper. Her wide eyes darted from him over to us before she turned and fled from us. She moved with speeds unlike anything I had ever seen. Werewolves were fast, but she was faster than anyone. Had she always been that fast? I watched as Eddie chased after her, but by the time that he had taken a few steps forward she was already gone. He dropped to his knees and hung his head as he fought back the sobs that were threatening to escape his lips. I had never seen my brother look so broken, and it killed me. I hurried over to him and knelt beside him, pulling him into my arms and just held him as he sobbed. Was this an adverse reaction to my blood changing her? Was this all because of me? What had I done?

'Come on. I think we better go and speak to Tanya. She is going to totally freak out.' I whispered, rising to my feet and pulling Eddie to his. He kept his head down and never said a word. I didn't know what it felt like to imprint with someone, but I had heard stories about the way that the loss of your mate could affect a person. Even though Piper was not "lost" this was still a drastic change of things. And the not knowing would be breaking everything inside Eddie.

Arlo;

I stood there watching as Amelia paced back and forth. With everything that I had seen her go through, I had never seen her looking as stressed and worried as she did in this moment. She hadn't been right from the moment that she came back from Tanya's house. She never told me what was said, but whatever it was, was eating her up inside. And the thought of that killed me. I didn't understand. It was daylight. And not a full moon. How the fuck did Piper manage to shift? Something really strange was going on around here. First my fellow pack members are able to resist the alpha influence; which should be impossible. A Mutt and an Elite imprint? And now this… A werewolf shifting in the middle of the day. It was strange. It seemed as though this all started happening around the time that Amelia came to live here with us at the mansion. But how is any of that even possible? She is just a werewolf like the others… the only difference is that she cannot shift yet. I suppressed the growl that was threatening to escape my lips and clenched my hands into tight fists. The more that she paced up and down the more agitated I was becoming.

'Lia, please, just… stop a minute.' I begged, taking a hesitant step forward. Her eyes were glazed over as if she were lost far away in thought, and her hair stuck out from her lose ponytail at odd angles. I had never seen her look so... dishevelled. I watched as she continued to pace back and forth, not answering my question. I called to her again, this time a little more assertively. 'Lia!'

'What?' she snapped whirling around to face me. The blank stare had turned to that of anger and she stood clenching her teeth glaring at me.

'You need to rest. All this pacing is not going to do you any good. Especially after…'

'Well… you need to send your best trackers out to find her instead of standing there pestering me!' She shouted, tears filling her eyes.

'Look… it's not as easy as that. I can't just…'

'Yes, you can! You're the fucking alpha for goddess' sake! So, man the fuck up and start acting like the alpha you always bang on about being!' I paused for a moment, staring at her with my mouth hanging open. What was happening here? I was confused. I shook my head and sighed, letting her comment slide as I stepped toward her once more.

'Please. Just try and calm down. I don't know what is happening here. And right now, I don't care. All I care about is that you try and chill out because all this stress isn't doing you any good!' I whispered, trying to keep my voice low and calming. Her eyes still raged with anger and she stepped back away from me before continuing to pace the entirety of the living room. There was nothing that I could do to stop the anger spilling out of me, and before I had a chance to think the words left my lips. 'Amelia' I roared, lunging forward and latching on to her wrist. In the blink of an eye she spun around to face me and left me staggering slightly as her palm connected with my cheek. I caught myself mid stumble and lunged forward, grabbing her by the throat and slamming her into the wall. We stood there in silence for a second; although it felt like an eternity, and I watched in amazement as her emerald eyes began to shimmer. It was unlike anything I had ever seen and almost hypnotic.

Amelia;

'Amelia!' Arlo roared, lunging forward and latching on to my wrist. I was so lost in my thoughts and worrying about Piper that I lost complete control of my actions. I spun around to face him, slapping his cheek with all my might. I hit him so hard that he staggered back slightly before righting himself and grabbing me by the throat and pinning me to the wall. We stared at each other in silence for a moment and I watched as his eyes turned black, something I had never seen them do before, and if caused a shudder to ripple through my entire body.

'Don't you ever fucking hit me again.' He growled, the words coming out angry and desperate. I tried my hardest to fight the urge to kiss him, but it was no use. I leaned into him and our lips connected. I felt waves of desire rippled through me as our kiss deepened and turned from passionate to desperate.

I poured all my anger, frustration and worry into the kiss and felt as Arlo's touch melted it all away. His hands grabbed at my top as he pulled it over my head, and I was powerless to stop him. Not that I wanted to. His hands travelled up my bare stomach, leaving a trail of goosebumps across my skin as he slipped his hand into my bra and pressed his mouth to mine once more. I dug my fingers into the bare skin of his back, dragging my nails down as his kisses moved to my neck. I slipped my hand into his jeans and felt him stiffen under my touch. His breath became ragged as I slowly rolled my hand up and down his shaft, causing him to thrust into my movements. His grip tightened on my breasts before he pulled his hands away purposely ripping my bra from my chest and tossing it to the ground in tatters. I smirked as his eyes fell down to my bare chest and he throbbed in my hand once more. I pulled my hand from his boxers and yanked at his jeans, sending the buttons shooting off and skittering across the hardwood floor. I dropped down to my knees and took all of him in my mouth. His hands ran through my hair, pulling it free from the loose ponytail and causing it cascade down my back. I slowly eased him from my mouth, making sure that my tongue ran all the way to the tip of his shaft and slide over the head causing him to groan softly. He pulled me to my feet and pushed me over the arm of the sofa, kicking my legs open and sliding my jeans down to my knees. Without a moments hesitation he thrust himself inside me causing me to cry out in pleasure. He slowly eased himself out before slamming back into me, he continued this rhythm of slow thrust, causing my knees to quiver under the pressure.

I dipped my back and met each of his thrust with one of my own, causing him to speed up. His movements got faster and harder and I knew that he was reaching his climax. I felt that familiar tightening in the pit of my stomach and knew that I wouldn't last much longer. I thrust myself back on to him making him pound me that little bit harder. Arlo increased his speed and growled as he finally released himself inside me. I felt as he pulsed inside me, causing me to cry out as my orgasm took over me.

Arlo leant over and placed his head on my back, panting breathlessly before slowly sliding himself out of me. I rose to my feet and turned to face him with a smirk.

'Oh, you think that its over?' I asked mischievously. He raised an eyebrow and shook his head.

'No chance.' He growled, picking me up as I wrapped my legs around his waist. I bit back the groan as he slowly entered me once more, slamming me against the wall. He kissed from my ear down my neck, teasing me all the more as he continued lower. He kissed down my breast and stopped at my nipple before sucking it into his mouth and biting it lightly. I threw my head back as waves of pain and pleasure coursed through me. And I was taken by surprise as he rose back up to face me and slammed into me hard. I gasped loudly as pleasure overtook all my senses, I rolled my head forward and bit the crook of his neck, which only seemed to encourage him more. Arlo twisted us around and we both tumbled to the floor. Luckily our werewolf resilience made it feel like falling on a soft mattress. And that was where we stayed; getting lost in one another. I was grateful that he was able to make me forget everything. Even if this was a temporary reprieve. I was still grateful.

The sound of the haunting lullaby filled my mind and was growing louder with each passing second. The words taking over everything else until there was nothing else that I could do but open my eyes. I sat up with a start, panting for breath and looking around the room groggily. When did we fall asleep? Arlo and I were a tangled mess together on my living room floor, laid upon the fluffy rug and covered with a sheet. I motion of me sitting up woke him with a start. He stared up at me with one eye open as he tried to adjust to the morning sunlight.

'Lia? Is everything ok?' He asked me, sitting up and rubbing his eyes. I turned to face him and allowed my eyes travel over the entirety of his naked body before glancing back out the window. I tilted my head to the side and listened for a moment, holding my breath. 'You're starting to freak me out.' He added, shifting forward, and placing his hand on my arm. I reached over and grabbed my t-shirt and jeans from the floor and pulled them on, jumping to my feet, snatching some clean clothes and running out the front door. I heard Arlo shuffling around behind me, but I didn't hesitate. I ran out into the cold morning air and watched as a bruised and naked Piper limped back towards us.

'Piper!' I cried, pulling her into my arms and sliding the baggy t-shirt over her head. 'Where the hell have you been? We have been so worried about you!' I held her steady as she stepped into the jeans, before putting her arm over my shoulders and walking her back to her mother's house. I knew that Tanya and Eddie would have been awake all night worried sick. We turned and watched as a shirtless Arlo came running out the door towards us. I bit my lip as I took in the sight of him with nothing but jeans with no buttons. He was barely able to hold them together, giving me the occasional peek that he had no underwear on. My cheeks flushed and I shook my head. My main priority right now was Piper. I needed to get her home.