Chapter 1
Ruelle tossed and turned. Sleep slipped through her fingers again and again. She finally gave up the fight and decided to go for a walk in the garden. The scent of the flowers always calmed her. It was the only place she could truly be at home with her thoughts. Two more days and her world would change forever. She had been trained as a warrior and as the future bride of Prince Elon since she took her very first steps as a child. Elon's family were the last of their clan in the vampire world. A world that she can never truly claim as her own. She was a half blood, half human, and half vampire. She had all their strengths but none of their weaknesses.
Some vampires feared her, and the rest treated her with disdain. Thank goodness for Uncle Adriel. He saved her from a lifetime of shame and death. Now was her chance to return his favour. Uncle Adriel was the Duke of Sussex. She loved the rolling fields and beauty of the countryside. She would soon marry Elon and move to his house in Surrey. A chill suddenly ran down her spine. She shook it off and turn back towards her room. As she made her way through the passages, she heard male voices in what sounded like an earnest discussion. She should not eavesdrop, but the temptation was irresistible to her. Ruelle silently positioned herself beside the door frame to the chamber and waited.
"Do you not care what this will do to your image and reputation as Duke? I and your people will never accept that half-blood as our blood, Adriel"
"Father, please listen to him. I know Ruelle has her place in your heart, but you have to think of this family's future and it lies not with her."
"Almaric! You overstep son. I am still the head of this house. Do you question my authority, boy?", bellowed Adriel.
"Adriel, the boy is concerned for you and the future of the clan. I beseech you to take heed my Lord", answered his advisor, Thule.
"Thule, are you encouraging the boy in this lunacy? Ruelle is one of us. She has been since the day I brought her here into my house. Both of you will obey and respect my wishes. The matter is closed," replied Adriel.
Ruelle heard footsteps approaching the door and quickly made her way to her room. Closing her door as softly as she could, she then climbed into her bed. Thoughts regarding the conversation she had overheard raced through her mind. Almaric was her uncle's eldest son and was to be his successor one day. Ruelle knew he had never accepted her but tonight was the first time she had witnessed any indication as to how deep his objections ran. She was thankful that she was set to marry sweet Elon and not Almaric. She soothed herself in deciding that come morning she would have a word with her uncle, and he would, as he always did, banish her fears. With that last thought, Ruelle drifted off to sleep.
The morning light pulled at her sleep laden eyelids. Ruelle showered and finished dressing, slipping her favourite dagger into her boot. She stopped for a final look in her mirror and made her way out of her room. The old castle they lived in was built centuries before. It's walls and rooms had been redone and modernized in recent years. Ruelle loved the melding of old and new. As she neared the dining room, the conversation she had overheard revisited her.
"Good morning my lady", said Enslyn, the housekeeper's daughter and Ruelle's best friend.
"Good morning Enslyn. Have you seen my uncle? I need to consult with him."
"I believe he is in a meeting in his study. He should not be long now as it has been quite a while since it started."
"Thank you Enslyn. I would love to have some breakfast in the meantime."
"No problem. I shall rustle up a plate for you. Will you be taking it here or in your room?"
"Here is fine. Thank you."
Ruelle smoothed down her light summer dress. She preferred to wear pants, but her uncle did not approve. After breakfast was done, she went in search of her uncle. She found him seated behind his mahogany desk, papers strewn all over it and his forehead creased in concentration.
"Excuse me, uncle. I do not mean to disturb but can I to talk to you?" enquired Ruelle.
Her uncle looked up from his papers and a broad smile broke out onto his face.
"Of course, my dear. What is the matter?"
Adriel stood and rounded the table. He enfolded her in his embrace patting her shoulder length dark brown hair.
"I am concerned uncle," began Ruelle.
"Concerned about what?"
"My wedding is around the corner, and I am afraid of the consequences of this union."
"Child, do you not want to be wed? It will be the best thing for you. You will be protected, and Elon adores you."
"I have a confession to make," said Ruelle as she took a step back from him.
"It cannot be that bad, surely. Out with it, now," coaxed Adriel.
"Last night I could not sleep. I decided to walk about in the garden. On my return, I heard voices and my interest was piqued. I know I should not have been eaves dropping but I am glad that I did. I overheard Thule and Almaric's concerns regarding me, this wedding, and the possible consequences. Uncle I will not do anything that will bring harm to you or this family."
"Child, that is no concern of yours. Yours is to be a good wife to Elon and ensure both your happiness. Leave the rest to me. That's what uncles are for, are we not?", soothed Adriel.
"Now go on. You have a fitting for your wedding dress, and you need to meet again with the wedding planner later today. Enjoy it," said Adriel planting a kiss on her forehead.
The events of the day went swiftly enough after that. Soon it was time to return to the castle. She was ravenous. Once they turned off the busy highway and onto the countryside, Ruelle rested her head on the backseat of the car and closed her eyes. The driver whistled away to the tune on the radio. A loud crash rung through her head and the car was spinning. Ruelle screamed while the driver tried to regain control of the car. It spun off the road and tumbled down the hills alongside the country road.
Chapter 2
Ruelle had knocked her head in the tumble and was disorientated. She heard voices before the car door was wrenched off its hinges. Ruelle closed her eyes to still the thudding in her head.
"Take her. Get rid of her. I do not want to know the details. Just make sure she disappears, forever."
Ruelle's heart beat a staccato, but she remained outwardly calm. A set of hands grabbed and hauled her out of the car. He threw her over his shoulder and flittered away from the car. Ruelle discreetly opened her eyes and looked about as far as she could. The vampire was alone. He definitely was a vampire but no one she knew. The voice she had heard was familiar, but she could not place it. Pain throbbed in her ears. Ruelle remained still. If she tried to move, she would only injure herself at the speed he was travelling.
Time seemed to crawl by. Eventually, her kidnapper stopped and set her down. She could feel him staring down at her. Ruelle pretended to gain consciousness slowly.
"Yes, time to reap my reward. It is just you and me now, mi'lady," spat out the vampire.
"Where am I? Who are you? What do you want? Let me go!" screamed as the vampire grabbed her wrists and pulled her up against him. He smelled, he reeked of unwashed body, cheap liquor and had a coppery tang on his breath.
"We are going to have a bit of fun, girly."
Ruelle leaned back rocking on her heels pulling him towards her and butted his forehead with her own, sending him sprawling. She flitted to him, throwing punch after punch at his face. He blocked and struck her in the face, followed by a kick in the gut. Ruelle crumpled, completely winded. He drew up his foot and slammed it into her face. He lifted his leg again and Ruelle rolled out of the way leaping to her feet. She regretted trading her pants for the summer dress. Ruelle remembered that she had tucked her favourite dagger into her boot that morning. She kneeled on one knee and reached for it, keeping the dagger out of sight. The vampire rushed towards her and in one swift motion she planted the dagger right into his heart. He crumpled to his knees clutching at the dagger before turning to ash. Ruelle drew in deep breaths to slow down her rapidly beating heart. She had never been the cause of anyone's demise before. The training had not prepared her for that.
Ruelle looked about her and she had no idea where she was. She was surrounded by trees. She had to keep moving. There had to be a road somewhere. Ruelle walked and walked for hours. Hunger, pain from her battered body and face added with exhaustion began to take its toll on her. The world around her swayed and Ruelle dropped where she stood.
Ruelle slowly woke up gripping her aching head. She realized that she was lying in a bed under covers. Ruelle sat up too quickly, compounding the ache in her head and discovering other bruising on her body. It would heal soon but it still hurt. Ruelle looked around her. She was in a room with white walls and white tiled floors. The room had a window situated closer to the high ceiling than the floor. Opposite the bed, a door stood ajar and offered a semi view into what appeared to be the bathroom. In the opposite corner of the room, Ruelle noticed a camera positioned.
"Hello? Is anyone there? Where am I?", asked Ruelle looking at the camera.
She was met with silence. Ruelle walked to the only other door opposite the foot of the bed. She turned the handle and pulled. The door was locked. She banged her closed fists against the door and shouted, "Hello! Let me out! Please open the door!"
The sound of the lock turning made Ruelle step back. The door swung open, and a young girl stepped through carrying a tray laden with bread, cold meats and a cup filled with coffee. The aroma made her stomach growl. Before the door closed, Ruelle noticed a guard in full tactical gear by the door.
"Hello, my name is Lorinda. I brought you some food. You must be starving," said Lorinda soothingly.
"Where am I? Why was the door locked? Am I a prisoner here?", the questions tumbled off Ruelle's lips.
"All will be answered in good time. Eat first. I will bring you some fresh clothes. You look to be almost my size. I am sure my clothes will do nicely."
Ruelle stared at the food. Her stomach growled loudly once more. Caution prevented her from pouncing on the tray of food. Lorinda correctly read the expressions flitting across Ruelle's face.
"I promise we will not harm you. You were found by my people, injured and barely alive. Eat and clean up. There will be enough time for answers", coaxed Lorinda.
Ruelle reached for the food and ate slowly at first until her hunger got the better of her.
In the adjacent room, three men watched the scene play out on the monitor that had been set up.
"Ok, so she eats food. Did not expect that," said Blake.
"She may eat food, but she is definitely not human, and she is not one of us. She can walk in sunlight, so that rules out vampire. Very interesting", said Enoch.
"Interesting or not, we have to find out exactly who and what she is. She was on our lands. She could be a spy sent in like a trojan horse," mused Kane.
"Surely, the vampires would not dare break the truce. It has only been twenty years since the war ended," said Blake.
"As soon as Lorinda is done, tell her I would like to see her. Enoch, keep watch over the girl. Blake, follow me to my study," commanded Kane before walking out the room.
Kane made his way to his study and Blake closed the door behind him.
"What do you think?", asked Kane.
Blake sat down in the leather chair opposite Kane's dark wooden desk. The two, accompanied by his two lieutenants had spent countless hours in this study planning tactical strategies during the war between them, the clans of the werewolves and the vampires. It had been a very dark time for them, losing loved ones, friends, and clan members in droves.
"Truthfully, I am not sure what to think. We have to be prepared for all possibilities. Lorinda might be the one we could use to find out why she was on that road in the condition that she was. The smell of vampire was all on her."
"Yes, but she was battered and bleeding when we found her. Had she been completely human, she would not have survived the attack. She heals at an accelerated rate, not as fast as vampires but fast, nevertheless. We need to learn more about her. I agree that Lorinda should be her only contact for now."
Chapter 3
Both Kane and Blake turned at the knock at the door.
"Come in," yelled Kane.
Lorinda's head peaked around the slightly opened door.
"Yes, come in Lorinda", said Kane.
"What is your impression of the girl?" enquired Blake.
"She is scared, mi'lord but does not come across as a timid girl from town. The clothes she was wearing are expensive. She looks well cared for… well aside from the swelling, cuts and bruising on her", reported Lorinda.
Lorinda looked at Kane with a conflicted expression.
"What is it, Lorinda?", coaxed Kane.
"Midway through her meal, her bruising seemed to lighten, and the minor scrapes healed completely. She is quite the enigma. I swear, I have never seen this woman before in my life but something about her feels familiar."
Kane and Blake exchanged glances.
"I think it is best that you be the only one that she has contact with. Befriend her and find out who and what she is," instructed Kane before dismissing her from the study.
Ruelle was thankful for the food. It had replenished her, and her healing had sped up. As she lay on the bed, alone with her thoughts, the attack played on a loop in her mind. The voice she had heard after the crash plagued her. Something about it kept nagging at the end of her mind but she tried to focus on finding out where she was and who these people were, friend or foe?
Ruelle heard the door being unlocked and Lorinda's smiling face greeted her. She walked in carrying a pile of clothes. Lorinda placed them on the bed next to Ruelle and gingerly sat at the very end of the bed.
"I did not know which you preferred, so I brought a dress, a top, a skirt and a jeans and underwear for you. They might be slightly bigger. What should I call you?"
Ruellle gave no answer.
"I could have those boots cleaned for you, if you like," said Lorinda.
Ruelle looked down at her boots. They were covered in a mixture of her blood and dirt.
"Go have a nice hot shower and I will see to those boots for you," said Lorinda over her shoulder as she collected the empty tray and left the room. The door closed and the lock clicked in place. Ruelle curled up on the bed suddenly exhausted and drifted off to sleep.
Ruelle awoke to the sounds of crickets, and she saw the stars in the dark night sky through the high set window. She must have slept for hours. Her body ached but the swelling seemed to have receded. She stood up and stretched out her muscles. Ruelle spotted magazines that had been placed on the foot end of the bed. She then noticed that her boots were missing. It must have been Lorinda. Ruelle shivered at the thought of anyone else standing over her in the room while she slept.
She walked into the small bathroom and gazed at her reflection in the mirror above the hand basin. "Why does everything have to be white in this place?", she thought. Ruelle laughed at the inane thought amidst her precarious position. She soberly looked at every inch of her face. Besides the injuries she had sustained that were in varying stages of healing, she barely recognized herself. The events of the past couple of days had changed her forever. The innocence she once possessed had been shattered into a million pieces. She had to find out where she was and who these people were before she could escape. Lorinda was the key. She had to befriend the girl.
Ruelle lathered herself in the shower and stood revelling in the heat of the water pounding her taut muscles into submission. She dried herself and checked the rest of her for any injury. She was almost completely healed. Ruelle dressed and sat on the bed leafing through one of the magazines when the door clicked and opened.
"Hi how are you feeling? I brought your boots. I see you are enjoying the magazines I left for you?", beamed Lorinda.
"Ruelle."
"Excuse me?", asked Lorinda
"It's my name, Ruelle."
"Please to meet you, Ruelle. Do you remember what happened to you?"
"Where am I?"
"Ok, I see. Well, you are in a town called Reading. We are a tight close-knit community and usually keep to ourselves. You were found on our lands just passed the outskirts and was brought here," informed Lorinda.
"You smell different, not human. Who are you people?", ventured Ruelle.
"Ruelle, don't you think a little quid pro quo is in order? We brought you into our home. It was an act of kindness. All we need to know is who you are, only to protect our people."
"Thank you for your kindness but I am a prisoner here. I am but one woman. How much of a threat can I be?"
"Lorinda…", a male voice announced his presence. Both women turned to the door.
"That will be all, Lorinda. Please arrange a tray of food for our guest."
"Yes, mi 'lord", said Lorinda before exiting the room. Ruelle's pulse quickened. The man was very tall and muscular. His long black hair rested on his shoulders. He was the most beautiful man she had ever seen. His presence in the room seem to make it appear infinitesimally smaller than before.
Chapter 4
"I am Kane and I run this compound. I believe Lorinda has taken quite a liking to you", started Kane.
"I'm Ruelle."
"Ruelle, beautiful name. Do you remember what happened to you?", asked Kane.
Ruelle writhed her hands on her lap and looked towards the window.
"I am sure that it was horrific, and I am deeply sorry that I have to do this, but we need to know who you are before we can help you. That is all we want to do."
"Why am I a prisoner?", said Ruelle looking him directly in the eye.
"I am charged with my people's security. Even you should understand that. If you can share with me who you are and what happened, I promise to protect you."
"I am not a threat. I was on my way home when I was attacked. I don't know my attackers. I am a nobody."
A knock sounded at the door.
"Yes…," answered Kane to the knock.
"Can I have a word? It's important", replied Blake. Kane left the room with Blake.
"What is it?" asked Kane once the door was closed and they had walked a distance from the hallway.
"Lorinda knows who she is. Remember she mentioned that the girl seemed familiar to her somehow?"
"Yes, and...?"
"That girl in there is Ruelle Borg, as in the vampire clan, Borg… as in Adriel Borg's adopted daughter, the half-breed," exclaimed Blake.
"Oh shit! Shit! Shit!", mumbled Kane as he ran his fingers from his hair.
"Is she sure?", asked Kane with tension radiating from his body.
"She recognized Ruelle from an article that was done on her up and coming wedding to this Adriel Borg's son, Elon. Enoch found the article," answered Blake as he pulled a folded newspaper from his back pocket.
It was unmistakeable, the girl pictured in the article was definitely the girl in that room.
"Get the Jeep, that girl will be returned tonight," ordered Kane.
"She cannot be seen with us. This cannot be traced back to our compound. If the vampires think we took her in the first place, the truce will be over."
"Do you think I have not thought of that? She will have to be blindfolded. Get me a burner. She can use that to call her people to arrange a pickup", instructed Kane.
Kane turned back to Ruelle's room door and knocked. Ruelle opened the door surprised that it had not been locked and that Kane had knocked.
"I know who you are, Ruelle."
Ruelle froze in place.
"What…? How...?" inquires a confused Ruelle.
"Does it really matter? We need to get you back to where you belong", said Kane
"No…You don't understand. I can't go back," pleaded Ruelle.
Blake returned at that moment with a burner cell phone in hand. Kane took the proffered cell and placed it in Ruelle's hand.
"You are going to call your family and set up a pickup point for you. We will be leaving shortly. To protect my people's safety, you will be blindfolded", instructed Kane, hardly pausing.
Ruelle stared at Kane dumbfounded. Fear creeped over her skin like the tiny feet of a thousand ants.
"Come on, princess. Make that call", barked Kane.
Kane's tone brought Ruelle back to the moment and she concentrated on dialing the number of her uncle Adriel's house. The phone rang four times before it was answered.
"This is the Borg residence." Said a male voice.
"Hello… Can I speak to Uncle Adriel please?"
"Ruelle? Ruelle, is that you? It's Thule. Where are you, child?"
"Thule, thank goodness. I am well. I was attacked and it was so horrible but good people found me. Is uncle Adriel there? Can you arrange for me to be picked up?", asked Ruelle in a monotone. She had to play along; she would have to escape before the pickup. She did not know who she could trust.
"Your uncle has been in meetings all morning. We have been searching for you. He has been sick with worry. I will let him know you are safe and arrange for you to be brought home. We have to keep this as low key as possible. Your uncle does not have to deal with the backlash of the media as well. Your wedding was to be today. We need to get you home quickly. I will send men from my security detail to collect you from the back parking lot of your favourite diner. Be there within the next 2 hours. We do not have much time before dawn."
"Yes Thule. See you soon," said Ruelle as she ended the call. That exchange was strange to say the least. Her uncle's security had human guards as well. Why would he insist on it be arranged before dawn? Something was wrong, Ruelle felt it.
"Where is the diner?", asked Kane.
"How did you hear that?", asked Ruelle taken aback.
"Never you mind. Give the address to Blake. We will come collect you when we are ready," said Kane before walking out the door.
Kane headed to his study, heavily preoccupied. The interchange during Ruelle's call had left her in confusion. That much he could pick up as well as an underlying smell of fear. He had an uneasy feeling growing in his gut.
Blake joined him in the study along with Enoch. Both men seemed to share his state of mind.
Chapter 5
"You know, this reeks of a trap", said Enoch.
"Yeah, I know. Did you pick up on the distrust and suspicion in Ruelle during the conversation. Something more is going on here and Ruelle is slap-bang in the centre of it.", said Blake.
"That is none of our concern. Our duty is to protect our people, first and foremost. The drop will continue as planned. Get Patrick and Mark to suit up too. They will be going as our back up and bring the Jeep around", ordered Kane.
Enoch and Blake left to deal with the preparations. Kane vested up and checked both his guns before holstering them under each arm.
Lorinda knocked at Ruelle's door and entered. Ruelle lie on the bed with her eyes closed. Upon hearing the knock, Ruelle swung her feet off the bed and sat up.
"It's time. You must be relieved you are going home. Must say, I was hoping we had more time. I think under different circumstances, we could've been good friends", said Lorinda
"I believe we could have, yes," replied Ruelle squaring her shoulders and taking a deep breath.
Lorinda grabbed Ruelle's hand as she stood and gave it a squeeze which Ruelle returned with a tight lipped smile. Lorinda led her out of the room into the passage. Ruelle realized that this was the first time since her arrival that she saw anything besides the inside of the room. The passageway was cold and clinical with three doors leading off it. One door seemed to lead into the next room, another to the right of the passage and the last they walked through led them to a huge garage which housed three Jeeps.
Blake helped Ruelle into the back of one of the Jeeps along with the armed Mark and Patrick. Enoch drove with Kane in the passenger seat.
"Sorry, girl but I have to put on your blindfold now. We cannot risk the compounds' location", said Blake. As soon as he was done, Blake stomped his foot on the ridged floor of the Jeep indicating they were ready to go. The group rode in silence throughout the hour drive. As they pulled into the deserted parking lot, Blake became aware of the smell of vampire in the air.
"You smell that?", asked Enoch giving Kane a side glance.
"Yes, it is hard to miss."
The group debussed and joined Enoch and Kane in front of the Jeep, scanning the perimeter as they moved. Ruelle was positioned in the centre of the group.
Four vampires flitted into the parking lot and came to a stop opposite them.
"Hello Ruelle, little lost lamb. We have been looking all over for you. Who would have thought you would go lie with the dogs", sing-songed Caleb, Thule's right hand. Ruelle pushed forward and stood next to Kane.
"What…? What did you mean by…," Ruelle's voice trailed off as realization struck her. Dogs. They were werewolves.
Caleb smirked at the shock registered on Ruelle's face.
"Stupid little girl," drawled Caleb.
Ruelle stared at Caleb and her mouth fell open. His voice, something about his voice made her feel uneasy. Flashbacks of the accident shot through her mind.
"Your voice…", Ruelle said barely audible
"It was you...?", said Ruelle as she pointed at Caleb. Her heart raced in her chest, and she broke out in chills.
Sensing danger the men grabbed at their holsters for their weapons. Unfortunately, Caleb was faster. He had his gun pointed at Kane and fired. Ruelle screamed and jumped into the path of the bullet and knocking Kane out of the way.
Kane immediately transformed into a massive black wolf and Blake and Enoch followed suit. Kane leapt at Caleb, swiping him with his claws from navel to sternum. Blade and Enoch were warring with three of the vampires while Mark and Patrick used their guns to run them off.
Caleb glared at Kane.
"This is not the end, dog. You are out of your depth and have no idea what you have done.", sneered Caleb before he and the remaining two vampires flitted away.
The wolves shifted back to their human forms and Kane raced over to Ruelle with Blake in tow.
"Ruelle! Ruelle, answer me!", shouted Kane. He felt for her pulse. It was faint. He picked her up and carried her to the back of the Jeep and stayed with her. Blake took command of the group and within minutes they were on the road towards the compound. Kane held her in his arms all the way.
The Jeep barely came to a stop at the compound when Kane leapt out with Ruelle in his arms. He headed for the medical quarters at full speed. He placed her on the hospital bed and yelled for their physician.
"Tegan!"
"I'm here. Kane, please move out of the way. What happened?", inquired Doctor Tegan.
"She's been shot", reported Kane.
The doctor and nurse cleared the room and went to work saving Ruelle's life. Kane ran his fingers through his hair and paced the floor. After several hours, the doctor walked into the waiting room and gave Kane an update.
"We have removed the bullet and she is stable," reported Tegan.
Kane breathed out a sigh of relief and left the room. He went to check in with the group before going to his own living quarters. He undressed and got into the shower. He washed the remains of battle away. Kane headed for the medical quarters for the latest update on Ruelle.
"Doc, what's the latest on the girl?" asked Kane. The doctor stood up from his desk and led the way to Ruelle's room.
"I was just about to check up on her", said Tegan.
Chapter 6
Tegan lifted Ruelle's closed eyelid to check her responsiveness to light. His hand stilled mid-action and he stared at her eye.
"What…?", bellowed Kane.
"Her eyes…I have never seen this before. Her iris is gold in colour surrounded by a ring of red…"
Kane leaned in and what he saw confirmed the doctor's findings. Ruelle's eyes and her selfless action had him feeling highly conflicted. What was she?
"Kane, there is something else. I have never seen anything like it, but the bullet that we removed from Ruelle was wooden and looked like it had been dipped in a type of resin. The walls of her bullet wound seemed singed but healed soon after removal," reported Tegan.
"Singed? There's nothing that would singe a vampire except fire and holy water. Let me see the bullet," directed Kane.
Tegan picked up the forceps holding the bullet and handed it to Kane. Kane touched the tip with his finger and his skin sizzled on contact. Silver. Why would they make silver coated wooden bullets?
"Bag that and bring it to my study."
Kane went in search of Blake and found him in the compounds training area. The area consisted of four sections, the showers divided into men's and ladies, the dressing rooms for both, one large matted open area for singular or one on one training fitted with various weapons and a gym. Blake was practising fight stances and routines specifically designed to maximize inflicting pain and disarming your opponent. The belief that werewolves were powerful, ruthless, and bloodthirsty were once true, centuries ago. They were powerful, yes but loyal and a people of immense integrity too. Kane remembered those days as dark times and yet as simpler times as well.
"We have to talk. Get Enoch and meet me in my study in fifteen minutes," said Kane.
"Will do, brother."
Blake jogged off to the showers to have a quick splash down. Kane went on to his study. This whole thing was just not making any sense to him. He picked up his phone and called the librarian. Willa was much more than that, she was the werewolf historian and Kane's younger sister. She kept the history of their people alive in the minds of the young.
"Willa, It's Kane. I need you to come to my study now please."
"Is everything alright? It's not every day that I get summoned to your study."
"Willa, there is something big going on. Just come to my study and I will explain", informed Kane
"On my way, brother", replied Willa.
They filed into the study one by one. Enoch was the last one to arrive and closed the study door behind him.
"Guys we have stepped right into a shit storm. I was with Tegan when he went to check up on Ruelle's progress. Something happened to her eyes It had turned from dark brown to a gold but there was a ring of red around it, separating the white from the gold. Nothing I know of has eyes like that. Then there is the bullet Tegan fished out of Ruelle. Take a look."
Kane lifted the transparent bag from his desk.
"Do not open the bag and do not touch the bullet with your bare hands. It looks like they have dipped this wooden bullet in a resin containing silver. Why a vampire would need to make a bullet like this, is beyond me."
"Kane, what do we do with Ruelle? We don't know what she is. She could be ticking time bomb sent to us by the vampires," said Enoch.
"I don't think so, Enoch. They were ready to fight, yes but I get the feeling that Caleb was more interested in getting her back than in us," mused Blake.
"And let's not forget that she took a bullet for me. Willa, do you know of any breed or species besides vampires or werewolves mentioned in the ancient scripts or any other documentation with those kinds of eyes?" asked Kane.
"Not that I can recall at the top of my head. I will do some research and will let you know", answered Willa.
"Ok, go and do that but keep this only between us. We do not need hysteria amongst our people especially since we do not know what Ruelle is yet."
Kane turned to Blake as Willa headed out.
"Blake and Enoch, I need you to arrange patrols around the compound. It would be naïve to think we were not followed on our return. Arrange for the first patrol, then I suggest that we get a couple hours sleep before tonight. I gotta bad feeling," said Kane.
Willa had been combing through the ancient scripts for hours. She stretched her weary limbs and reached for her coffee. Empty.
Argh, she thought, might as well take a little break. She had not found anything referencing Ruelle's eyes. Maybe it will help if I know exactly what I am looking for, she thought. Willa then decided to pay Tegan a visit. She found him going through some of the paperwork strewn across his desk.
"Hi, Teeg," greeted Willa as she positioned herself next to him, leaning her butt against the desk.
"Hi Willa. Sorry, I am in the middle of something. Do you need anything?"
"It's ok, Teeg. If it involves Ruelle, you can tell me. Kane asked me to check if there is any mention of her condition in the scripts or literature. Frankly, if you can give me more than the change in colour, I could refine my search."
"I think you should get your brother. It will save me having to do it twice", answered Tegan.
"No problem", said Willa over her shoulder as she walked out of the office. She returned a few minutes later with Kane in tow.
"What have you got for me, Tegan?", asked Kane.
"OK, I did some preliminary tests on her blood. It is like nothing I have ever seen. I found werewolf traits in her genetic makeup-"
"Wait, what…? interrupted Kane.
"Are you telling me she is part werewolf?", asked a shocked Willa.
"I'm not sure yet. She definitely has some vampire genes as well but whether she is vampire part werewolf or werewolf part vampire… It is too soon to tell", replied Tegan.
"No… that can't be right, there must be some mistake. That's not possible, right?", whispered a confused Ruelle standing in the doorway of Tegan's office. All were stunned into silence at her unnoticed presence.
"I'm half human, not werewolf," said Ruelle mostly to herself.
"It can't be…," said Willa as she spun on her heels and ran out of the room.
"Ruelle, it is time we had a talk. Come sit down," directed Kane. He ushered her in and seated her in the only chair in the room.
"How are you feeling? Let me check your wound," said Tegan moving slowly towards her.
"I'm fine. It's fine. Completely healed. Please tell me what is going on here?", pleaded Ruelle. Tegan came to stand opposite her and looked at Kane for the go ahead. Kane nodded in approval.
"Ruelle, do you remember what happened at the drop off point?"
"Yes, I was wounded when Caleb attacked us."
"Thank you for what you did. I mean it but for now we need answers", said Kane.
Ruelle's gaze moved between the Kane and Tegan.
"Why would your people come to collect you armed with vampire killing wooden rounds dipped in silver?", asked Kane.
"What are you talking about? I don't know."
Chapter 7
Willa burst into the room carrying a thick dusty, yellow paged book. It was one of the historic books depicting the different clans' lineage. She placed the book on the table and opened the bookmarked page.
"Look at this. I knew I saw her face before or a very strong resemblance. This is of the daughter of the alpha of the Federer clan, Tamaska. Look at Ruelle."
Three heads swivelled from the page to Ruelle. Not being able to stand the suspense any longer, Ruelle joined them at the table. The resemblance was uncanny. It was like looking into a mirror.
"During the war, Tamaska was promised to father in marriage to unify and strengthen the clans. She went missing days before the wedding. We have all heard the story over and over through the years," babbled Willa excitedly.
"Willa, I admit that she bears a shocking resemblance but what are you trying to say? That Ruelle is Tamaska? We age well but not that well", commented Kane.
"I don't know but it's a start, right? It cannot be just coincidence", replied Willa.
Blake walked into the office, motioning to Kane to follow him. He followed Blake out into the passage.
"A call came through, Kane. I have a male claiming to be Ruelle's uncle on the phone for her."
"Ask Lorinda to transfer it to my study. Then join us there."
Kane informed Ruelle about the call. She did not know how she felt about it. All she knew was that she needed answers. Kane led Ruelle out the door and towards the study. Kane gestured for Ruelle to go around his desk and she complied. Seated in his chair and awaiting the call, Ruelle was in turmoil. At last, the telephone rang. Glancing at Kane, Ruelle answered the call.
"Hello..."
"My dear Ruelle, is that you?" asked the voice on the other end.
"Yes. Uncle?"
"No, it's Thule. I only said it was your uncle to be able to talk to you. Do not put down the phone. It is time you came home. I cannot keep your uncle in the dark anymore."
"Why is my uncle not been told and why did you not come to collect me? You sent Caleb. He attacked us. Why did he attack us?", implored Ruelle.
"Caleb reacted to the company you have been keeping but don't worry we know where you are. We will come for you."
"No, not before I get answers. Who were my parents and what happened to them? What am I?"
"You know who your parents were. Your uncle took you in. You were nothing more than a guttersnipe. Is this how you repay your family?", bellowed Thule.
"I'm not going anywhere until I get real answers. You are not being straight with me, Thule. I will not stop until I know everything. Do you hear me?", screamed Ruelle into the receiver before banging it repetitively against the desk until the receiver broke and the desk gave way. Her eyes were flashing gold and she was panting heavily. Kane and Blake stood frozen in shock. Ruelle had never felt such fury in her life before. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply trying to calm herself all the while gripping what was left of the desk. Once she felt calm enough, she opened her eyes but kept them fixed on the shoes of Kane. Ruelle instantly felt ashamed of her behaviour.
"Errrr… Are you ok?", asked Blake tentatively.
"I am so sorry. I … I don't know …", stammered Ruelle.
Kane turned as white as a sheet as he stared at Ruelle. It was not possible. Her outburst had reminded him of the young werewolves who had not learnt to control their heightened emotions after their first transformation. Right down to the golden hue their eyes shone with.
Kane reigned in his thoughts and marked them for scrutiny later.
"Thule… he said he knows where we are, and they are coming for her tonight. You know what to do Blake. Get everybody ready," ordered Kane.
"Are you going to lock me away again?", asked Ruelle lifting her gaze to Kane's.
"No, but we have some digging to do. I need to know everything you do, about your family, your parents, your uncle, and Thule. We are going to the library, and we are going to work with Willa to try and piece together what we are dealing with here", said Kane.
Willa, Ruelle and Kane sat at the main desk of the library. The smell of books reminded her of the library at home. Ruelle felt such inner conflict and was tired of feeling helpless. She sat upright and squared her shoulders.
"Ok, what do you want to know?", asked Ruelle.
"Let's start with your parents," answered Kane.
"I don't know much about them. They worked closely with my uncle Adriel during the Great War. Uncle Adriel was the Chief Commander of one of the largest vampire armies and Thule was my uncle's second in command. My parents were scientist who worked on creating weapons for us to gain an advantage in battle. Their names were Kaizer Déga and Asha Timra. Somehow the enemy, well… your side found out about their projects, their whereabouts and my parents were assassinated."
"How old were you when this happened?", asked Willa.
"I was just a few months old."
"So, we looking at … how many years ago?", asked Kane
"Just over 19 years ago. I recently turned twenty", answered Ruelle.
Blake walked into the library; his face creased in worry.
"Kane, a moment?" asked Blake.
Kane stood and said to the women, "Carry on. I will be back shortly."
The two men walked out the door and when Blake was certain they were out of earshot, he turned to Kane.
"The men spotted two vampires at the main gate. They are gone now but they left something at the main gate, a woman with a message for Ruelle. She's dead and it looks like she was tortured. A note was pinned to her chest. They want her to a hand herself over to them tomorrow night", informed Blake gravely.
"We have to put an end to this. I think I know what Ruelle is. She said that her parents were scientist and they worked for Adriel on a project to create a weapon that would tip the scales in their favour during the war. What if they were not her parents in the conventional sense? Tegan said she had traits of both vampire and werewolf. What if she was the weapon? You saw what happened in the study. Her eyes shone gold when she lost control. That's a werewolf trait."
"That's not possible. Men on both sides have been trying to combine the genes for centuries and they all failed", replied Blake.
"What if they succeeded and they have kept her as their best guarded secret all these years? Willa recognized the striking resemblance of Ruelle to Tamaska, daughter of Federer. She went missing over twenty years ago. They would have needed a sample of our genes and who's better than a pure blood?"
Chapter 8
Blake was dumbstruck but had to agree that it was not beyond the realm of possibility.
"Bring the girl to the medical quarters. I will collect Ruelle", ordered Kane.
"Is that wise? She might lose control again."
"We will just have to reign her in if that happens."
Kane collected Ruelle from the library and tried to prepare her for what she was about to witness. Kane took her by the hand and led her into the medical quarters. Ruelle found the gesture comforting. She braced herself as she neared the hospital bed.
She looked upon the girl and felt as if her gut had been delt a tremendous blow. It was Enslyn. Tears broke through the barriers of her tightly held restraint. Her friend lay covered in blood. There were cuts on her face, arms and legs. Fang puncture wounds patterned her neck like a morbid tribute to vampire savagery. She cried out in agony and her scream turned feral with a deep rumbling growl erupting from her chest. Kane grabbed her to him and rocked with her as she clung to him. He stayed that way with her until her cries abated. Blake and Tegan were hard pressed not to shed a tear themselves at the rawness of her pain.
"Why would he do this? My uncle is many things but not this," sobbed Ruelle.
"Ruelle, I'm afraid there's more. There was a note left for you with her", said Blake as he presented it to her.
"Come to this address tomorrow night at 8 or your uncle's fate will be the same", was scrawled across the page in Thule's handwriting.
"Son of a bitch! I will kill him, I swear," whispered Ruelle, her fists balled tightly.
"Ruelle, you do know why he wants you. The project your parents worked on, the strange things you have been experiencing. Deep down, you know," pushed Kane.
"Know what? That I have been lied to my whole life? That I was some kind of experiment? Yes, it's pretty clear but I need to hear it from him before I rip out his throat."
"Come with me to the training room. I need to know if you can defend yourself since I guess there is no point in trying to dissuade you from coming with us tomorrow night."
Kane turned and walked out the door. Ruelle and Kane changed into training gear in the respective dressing rooms and met on the mat.
Before Kane could initiate the sparring, Ruelle lunged at him with a series of punches and swiped him off his feet.
"Okay, suffice to say you have had some training," commented Kane.
"My uncle thought it essential that I knew how to defend myself because of his stature in the vampire community."
Kane rushed her while the last words left her lips. Ruelle tried to move out of his range while blocking his onslaught of blows. Kane grabbed her wrist in an unguarded moment, swung her around and pulled her back into his chest with his arm pinning her to him.
"Never let your guard down," he commanded. Ruelle felt the warmth of his body down the length of her. She became aware of his masculinity and the power that radiated from him. Ruelle's heart was pounding from the physicality and newborn awareness. Kane sensed the change in her and released her. Ruelle strangely felt the loss of the closeness they had just shared. Kane cleared his throat as he took a step back.
"Werewolf children who experience the transformation for the first time struggle with their heightened emotions. I see it in you. Be aware of it. That anger and pain you felt earlier, use that when you fight. It could mean the difference between life and death", said Kane earnestly.
He turned away and walked out the room.
Ruelle lie on her bed and went through the events of the last couple of days. Her life had gone from predictably mundane to this mash up of pseudoscience, mystery and savagery. It was time she took control of her life again…again? Had she ever really possessed any control thus far? She definitely was not the mild mannered slip of a girl she was before. Too much had changed, been uncovered and too much was lost to her now. Yet she has gained as well. These people did not have to come to her aid, but they protected her, nonetheless. This was not their fight, it was hers. It's time she ended this. Ruelle slipped out of her room and went to the training room. She had not changed out of the training gear and was thankful for it. Ruelle slipped into a Kevlar vest and pocketed two daggers, some hand grenades and two handguns. It was not much but it would have to do. Ruelle made her way back to the passage, carefully keeping her movements as silent as possible. She rounded the corner which led to the garage. She was nearly at the garage door when she heard Lorinda whispering her name. Ruelle stopped and turned towards the direction of her voice.
"What are you doing? Please don't tell me you are about to do what I think you're doing", pleaded Lorinda.
"I have to do this. Please let me go. Their deaths will not be on my hands," whispered Ruelle in reply.
"You don't stand a chance alone, Ruelle. Let Kane help you."
"Lorinda, please," begged Ruelle as she slowly backed out the door. She turned and flitted out. Lorinda could not have physically stopped her if given the chance to.
"Damnit, damnit!"
Lorinda ran to Kane's study as fast as she could. She found Kane, Blake and Enoch huddled over maps of the area surrounding the address of the meeting place detailed in the note. It was a huge warehouse that was reportedly abandoned.
"Kane! You have to stop her. Ruelle left. She said she had to go and flitted. I could not stop her," said a frantic Lorinda.
"What the hell was she thinking? It's suicide. Blake-"shouted Kane.
"I'm on it. I will round up the troops", interjected Blake.
"She said she does not want your blood on her hands. I'm so sorry that I couldn't stop her, Kane", whimpered Lorinda.
Chapter 9
Ruelle stood in front of the estate she had not long ago called home. Only anger and pain stirred in her at the sight tonight. She crept stealthily to the backyard garden which was once her sanctuary. Ruelle made her way to the always open door. The house was eerily silent. She went to the foot of the stairs and ascended. Still, no one in sight. Light shone out of the bottom of her uncle's study. Ruelle turned the handle, and the door was opened from the inside. Caleb's face greeted her with his usual smirk.
"As predictable as always, half-blood", sneered Caleb.
"Come in my dear," called Thule seated behind her uncle's desk.
"Where's Adriel?" barked Ruelle looking around her as she walked towards the desk.
"Adriel…? Not uncle?" said Thule, laughingly.
"I know what you did. Where is he?"
"I did? No sweetheart, what we did. Your uncle was the one who orchestrated all of this."
"Lies, all lies!", screamed Ruelle.
Caleb's cell rang at that moment. He took the call and then turned to Ruelle.
"Looks like your dogs have come out to play. You will watch as we rip them apart," crowed Caleb.
"You know what to do", said Thule as he came around the desk and grabbed Ruelle by the vest.
Ruelle launched into an attack, bringing up her knee into his groin. With one of the daggers in hand she swiped at Thule's neck. Thule evaded the strike and disarmed her effortlessly, landing several blows to her stomach, chest, and head.
"Child, I am older and stronger than you can imagine," bellowed Thule. He dragged her over to the bookcase. Thule reached out and pulled out one of the books. A section of the bookcase opened revealing a secret passageway.
"Time for the great reunion, my girl," said Thule smugly. He led her through and dragged her down the long passage into a manmade cavern. Torches were lit around the walls of it. In the corner was a large cage. It stood from ceiling to floor. Adriel lay shackled in the cage and was guarded by three vampires with AK-47s. Adriel sat up and his face was etched in despair by the scene that greeted him.
"You, come here and frisk her," commanded Thule of one of the guards. He obeyed and relieved Ruelle of her daggers, guns and grenades.
"I must say, I am impressed. You should know the whole truth though, before you leap again to your so-called uncle's aid. Adriel was the great champion of our race. He was the deadliest, the most devious and the most merciless. He and I were made for war and we revelled in soaking our swords in blood-"
"I don't believe a word out-"started Ruelle.
"Silence! This is my story; little girl and you will hear it. Your pathetic life and that of your uncle's depends on it. Right, where was I? Yes, my brother in war. Adriel was tasked with creating a weapon which would end the war with us as the victors, the conquerors. We learnt of Kaizer Dégma's work in genetics, and he brought in his technician, Asha. We decided to engineer the ultimate weapon. A weapon more powerful than werewolves with none of our weaknesses. A day player. We had many failed attempts impregnating werewolf bitches with our superior genetically altered seed. They would miscarry and die mere weeks after. Then we received word from our carefully planted spies that a marriage was to take place that would strengthen our enemies against us. We got to her before she even began her journey to her betrothed. Providence then smiled upon us. The Tamaska bitch was already with child."
Thule walked up to her and grabbed her chin as she looked him squarely in the eye in defiance.
"And whose blood do you think was used to meld our worlds in you?", laughed Thule as he tightened his grip. Ruelle's eyes filled with hatred as she realized she was looking at her 'blood father'.
"Ah… yes, my child. You were born in perfection. You tore your way out of her womb covered in her blood. But the Vampire Council had changed hands and it was decided that a truce was more palatable. Conquerors exchanged for politicians. You were to be disposed of. You were considered obsolete. I knew I had to stop it, so instead I offered another child as proof of your demise, just another failed attempt. We would wait until we could rise again, the vampire revolution with you under our command. But your uncle had grown soft and saw you more as the daughter he never had than the weapon you most assuredly are. He had grown into a hopeless, weak sack of piss. So now it is left to me. The attack on you while on your way home was supposed to trigger your dormant genes-"
An explosion interrupted Thule's monologue. The sounds of battle grew louder and louder. Three werewolves tore into the room. Gunshots and screams echoed from the entrance. The vampire guards rang off shots in their direction. Ruelle recognized Blake, Enoch and Kane's wolves. Taking advantage of Thule's divided attention, Ruelle struck out at Thule. He blocked her strike, wrapped his fingers around her neck, lifting her off her feet. Kane slashed his claws across Thule's back. Thule crushed Ruelle's windpipe and dropped her into a heap on the ground. Kane roared and attacked Thule in a frenzy. Ruelle welcomed the darkness that stole over her. Thule struck Kane in the stomach; claws extended. Kane roared and sank to his knees.
Ruelle regained consciousness to the image of Thule lifting Kane by the claws still embedded in his stomach. A scream erupted from her, turning into a mighty roar which filled the cave and echoed off the walls. Ruelle's body began to change, her bones shifting. Ruelle's wolf was something to behold, her skin gave way to a golden pelt and her eyes were completely red. She leapt on Thule, biting clawing, tearing with unmatchable speed. Thule tried hopelessly to fend her off. Ruelle dug her claws into his neck and in one swift motion, relieved him of his head. She stood panting for a while before returning to her human form. Ruelle ran and knelt by Kane's side. He did not stir. She touched his face and felt for his heartbeat. At the reassuring thump, she kissed him tenderly on the lips. As she drew away, Kane wrapped his arms around her and drew her back to him. He kissed her with a hunger that was only matched by her own.
The End.