As we approached the large several story building; I could feel everything. The emotions of everyone there. Able to not only imagine just how that truly is by not only the size but the anger, the sadness; It nearly overwhelmed me as I sucked in a breath at a falling tear. Shutting it out as quickly as I could, still strong enough to break through my attempts to do so.
Julien slowed the car as he glanced at me; sensing not only the raw intense emotions but my reaction. ''I'm sorry- I should have said something; I didn't...'' He stopped himself as I nodded, I should have known; this is a place for people like Daven. So many inside; just like Daven. Some worse and some better but still having their own awful intensity; the thought nearly sending a shiver down my spine.
I wiped the now tears away with as much emotion I could push out with it and grabbed ahold of Julien's hand that he had placed on my thigh. I needed a few moments after he parked the car to compose myself before getting out with Nick and Julien. He had been waiting right beside my door; offering me his hand after I did so.
Once I accepted his hand, I looked up at him before Nick came to stand beside me. Both of them standing on one side of me. Having a feeling I knew what they had been talking about well I took those much needed extra moments in my car.
''Both of you stay with me; Pax, do not leave my side.'' I nodded, his tone quickly changing; the importance behind it clear. I didn't plan on wondering; not in a place like this. No matter how curious I may actually be in how things work here. I only attracted angry wolves and that was nearly everyone in this building.
Which only got more intimidating as we got to the entrance. Two men, two wolves stood outside the door; taking names and all Julien needed to give them was his last name once we stopped before them. The man who was holding the clipboard which held his name nodded before the other man opened the door for us. Unlocking it and holding it open for all of us before hearing it click as it shut and they relocked it behind us.
I couldn't help but jump at the sound; the inside set up like a prison, expect where another pair of men stood in front of. Resembling that of a court room. As Julien led us closer to it; making it clear he had been to this exact building before with his know how of just where to go. Once the door opened it was clear this was where the trail would be held.
The style very similar to a tradition court room; except for the judge chair extended for the 9 Elders. I also assumed Daven would not be accompanied by a lawyer, not a normal trail; perhaps the tradition trials could take a page from the way the werewolf's do it. Not needing to be defended when he attacks those who cannot defend themselves. Daven more then capable as many other monsters.
Julien squeezed my hand lightly to get my attention after Nick took his seat; wanting me to take a seat too. Still between the two of them but as I did so he released my hand and I noticed the others as well. Some already in and seated along with others just entering to do so as well.
Could they all be here for Daven? Once I fully sat Julien followed my movement and sat as close to me as he possibly could. As if his distance determined my safety. I watched how he unbuttoned his suit jacket before I heard another set of doors open and foot steps filled the silent room as they echoed closer and closer.
I did not need to feel their power to know those are the Elders; each of them holding a clear power and confidence of their own as they made their way up to fill the nine seats. Julien among with a few other wolfs did not seem fazed by their presence; used to them, Nick making me feel a bit better when I noticed he was anything but just as I was.
He even seemed to sit up straighter in their presence; most likely feeling their power as he does with Julien. I wanted to know just how much more power they had if all the energies wouldn't overwhelm me.
Once they all took their seat, they exchanged a few unheard words; able to hear the tone. That similar authoritative voice I recognized from Julien's. I glanced at Julien, knowing he would have heard it but a man among them stood and spoke up for everyone to hear and listen.
His voice echoed though the room; hard to ignore with the boom and clarity behind it. Along with his paused gaze on me for a few extra moments. Not going unnoticed by Julien either. His attention perfectly on not only his words and the elders but me.
''We shall begin with Daven Gaul; for multiple offenses today.'' He said as he looked over a paper that was in front of him; only seeing it had been placed there once he picked it up to do so. ''Bring him in.'' The man spoke again and sat back, a few of them sat forward; looking once guards opened the doors they had come from.
Daven made his way out, cuffed by his hands and ankles with the help of four guards; two of which held one of his arms each and the other two stayed behind in case they needed help. His eyes quickly found mine and as I adverted mine from him a smirk was noticed growing on his lips.
The guards held onto him before making him sit at a table they led him too. Facing the elders and no longer me but although they chained his cuffs to the table it still made me slightly nervous that they were no longer holding him. Not sure I had trusted them let alone a table to hold him.
Like on cue though, Julien reached over and grabbed ahold of my shaky hand; only feeling how they had been shaking by how he steadied me. That and my raised heartbeat, noticed by Julien as well and just about every other wolf in the room.
''I'd like to hear from our first witnesses.'' One of the women among the elders spoke up; she had been watching him intently before looking to us, Julien, Nick and I. Not the only witnesses; apparently. ''Nick Thompson.'' She said his first name and I was sure no human or wolf should be able to stand up as fast as he did.
He was quick to stand but not so quick to speak right away; nervous by the looks of it, understanding just how many things could be contributing to it but he had nothing to truly fear as long as he told the truth. Something I knew he would do.
I saw him swallow before he spoke; clearing his throat as well.
''Daven bit me, left me to change by myself; Julien was the one to help me. He said sounding a bit proud of Julien; of their progress together. I looked down though, unable to not think of what family he had to leave behind; getting a new one but he had to miss them.
How they must fear what happened after he changed for the first time and his disappearance.
''Is Briggs also the one to help you achieve such control after such a short time?'' A man at the far end of the seats asked, glancing at Julien but still asking Nick the questions. The topic seemed more about Julien then Daven. A clear interest in Julien; not surprising though.
''Yes sir; and his second.'' He nodded and told him, now him who glanced at Julien. ''Pax helped me in the beginning. Nick added though as I looked at him once again; in his attempt to include me he also reminded me that I'm not Julien's second.
My recent vision scaring me away from the starting the process; despite how much I very much want to.
As I glanced at Julien, I nearly missed them speak to me; calling me up to questions now. The booming voice behind the man that spoke now got my attention. ''Pax Rakken; yes?'' He asked and Nick sat back down.
I nodded and as I moved to stand I released Julien's hand. ''Yes.'' I answered aloud, making sure my response was clear to them all. I may not be Julien's second yet but one day; as long as he'll still want me.
Another piece of paper was picked up to view; information on me now, I suppose they had a lot of information on all of us. Between what they have learned and what Julien has offered to fill them in. I wonder what he told them of me.
''Julien's second is not you? You haven't undergone the marking process yet?'' Another one of the men asked, either noticing I had no mark or knowing by reading it on the papers they all were provided.
''Julien hasn't marked me yet; no.'' I was honest though I could feel the judgement from just about everyone in the room, not to mention feel the eyes of every elder at my words. I looked down at their gazes; aware of the judgment and not just by others but myself.
I sighed before letting it out; the only reason now but also what had stood in our way. ''Daven didn't allow us the safety for time to but more recently, despite me very much wanting it; I've had a vision and I would rather not have it happen.'' I only spoke the trust; nothing real I suppose was actually in our way now.
Julien moved to stand and cleared his throat has he re-buttoned his suit jacket. ''I also choose to wait- Pax is not a werewolf and naturally should not be treated as one. She knew of something but she didn't even know we are mates when we first met.'' He explained, the reason he had given me; making it clear again of our differences and how I did- do not feel it the way he does.
He stood without being questioned too but neither seemed fazed by it.
It still did not make me feel better; the question unrelated to Daven anyway. Why did it have to be brought up; was Daven not breaking the rules when it came to me if I'm not marked?
She nodded but that wasn't the end of it. ''If he ever actually wanted her she would have been marked by now.'' Daven mumbled getting all of our attention as he spoke. '' He just needed her to catch me and is trapped with her.'' The anger in his voice became clear has his voice rose.
The guards that surrounded him all moved even closer then they had been; ready for him to try anything at all.
''Daven is a danger to witches not just wolfs; he hasn't just tried to hunt me down but my family.'' I told them, not liking the topic to just be on Julien and I; whether we have marked and mated. I have a coven to defend and protect from people like him; the elders job too, if not for the witches then for the werewolf's.
''You always need the help of a good witch.'' The same women who asked me about the mark spoke up once again after nodding; seemingly in my defense, almost strange to encounter.
''But there is no plan of rejection; is that correct to assume?'' The women next to her asked; speaking for the first time. Her hair once blonde but nearly fully white; ageing clear but still managing to look young despite her being an elder. Only really getting more then one to speak when curious on something. Those something's still unrelated to Daven's trail.
I still found myself looking to Julien for his answer; the one she asked.
''I will never reject Pax; even if she wished to never undergo the marking process.'' He spoke straight to her; all his focus on her but I was still being spoken to as well, somehow getting it across perfectly.
Hard to imagine he would want me without doing something so crucial. His words sounded so simple but they brought a certain amount of shock over the room; not a normal thing by their reaction but Julien sat back down, once again fixing his suit as he did so.
After a few more witnesses and moments of silence after hearing horror stories, she looked back to Daven; reading him everything he had been accused of and everything that has and had been confirmed. Things I had not known of; Julien had no look of surprise as she read through the much longer list then I had expected.
The elders able to link him to more once he was caught and stopped from doing them anymore.
''Will you be the one to say it to me; Selena, she always loved you?'' Daven asked her, the one who had come to my defense earlier; the clear appreciation of a witch. Glad to have learned her name but not under how; his mate had loved her hadn't she?
Another quick and nearly human sounding change of mood and tone. Almost some empathy behind them.
Selena pulled her eyes away from his for only a second before she forced herself to look back at him. ''Do you have anything to say for yourself before we sentence you?'' She asked; hearing a bit of power within her tone.
I looked at the back of Daven's head; ready for his response, some form of him anyways.
''I won't be the last.'' I knew; without seeing his face that those words were meant for me. Maybe Julien too but he intended them for me. I glanced to Julien as he placed his hand on my lower back. Julien not the only one to feel the fear his words invoked in me.
Selena sighed and sat back a bit; feeling better about what she was going to say from the beginning. ''Despite your lack of any kindness or even control; we will do you and her one last kindness and end your suffering. As she would have wanted for you, before you did anything you did.''
At Davens words and the understanding of what she really meant by her sentence; I started to feel little things begin to creep back in. The walls I had put up when I came in was starting to become weak. All the emotions trying to force their way back in to be felt.
Something that was hard to fight when I wasn't in full control. Feeling fear and confusion by her words. They are going to kill him? I quickly looked to Julien, not sure what to say or how to express just how that made me feel. It was confusing; part of me understood and maybe even wanted it, to no longer fear him but on the other hand- why would they house all these other werewolf's here? Werewolf's who had such similar corruption if not worse.
He moved to stand but paused in his movements as he looked back at me. Noticing I was looking at him or perhaps it was him sensing how I was feeling suddenly. Nick moved to stand as he did and Julien glanced from me to him before offering me his hand.
I noticed now as each elder; one by one stood to take their leave just as they had entered. Nothing more to be said about the matter. I felt like I couldn't breathe suddenly. Everything starting to close in on me at once. Julien swiftly moved onto one knee in front of me and touched my leg; in attempt to fully get my attention.
I was very aware of his every move though, already trying to cling to his energy, calm but a bit panicked now at my current state. It felt as though it was trying to calm mine the moment I found his; able to even through the massive amount of other energies.
''He's going Julien.'' Nick spoke softly from beside me; informing him but Julien gave him a nod without so much as a glance, all his attention on me. I didn't know what to expect but it certainly wasn't this.
Why did Nick think he needed to tell him that he was going? That was known; unless... he wants to know it's happened or at least when.
''I need to leave.'' I told him; able to find the words. If I could reconnect to something more then just Julien; to nature then I could find more calm to hold onto. Nature never had to be sought out for much; available as a witch.
''Bring her to the car; wait there and watch her.'' Now Julien spoke to Nick, having a very strict tone to his voice as he did so. Worried not only about my current state but this place. Sure I was not the only one to think I had a way of attracting dangerous wolves.
Julien moved up slightly to kiss my forehead and place the car keys within my hand before moving to stand fully up. I nodded; unable to argue about him going to watch or even why he wouldn't just trust the elders to take care of it.
As though he heard the thoughts running through my head; he turned his head. ''I need to know.'' Telling me with a certain level of emotion; something that he does not really want to see but it's more about knowing if we will be safe from him.
I nodded with a breath as I stood too; cueing for him to go and looked back at Nick to make sure he was ready. Wanting to make watching me as easy as possible for his sake. Not any wiggle room in his command.
Although once we moved from wear we had sat and I followed Nick; I couldn't help but glance back at Julien; catching him just as he slipped through that back door where the elders and Daven had come and gone.
Having to force myself to not think of what would be happening on the other side.
Nick already had the doors to the court room held open for me and was waiting patiently once I turned back around and could force myself to finish walking away. Hard to fight the instinct to not harm Daven even after everything he has done.
Just as part of me understood the need for Julien to be sure.
Nick let me go through first wanting to be my back up rather the lead the way; I suppose a better way to watch me as Julien did ask, well more tell him but I wasn't going to hold him to anything.
As soon as the doors closed behind us another man entered the entrance; instantly making Nick make sure he was planted beside me. I had every hope to leave as quickly as possible and make contact with even fresh air at this point.
The man had said nothing as we passed him; much to both of our reliefs, at least so we thought. Speaking only once we passed him and grabbing my attention at his words. Clearly directed at me or aware at the very least of Daven's trial. A little late.
''You really shouldn't feel bad; even a threat against a Luna is punishable by death. Normally the mate takes care of it but he knew what he was doing.'' There was a certain confidence- arrogance behind his voice; his statement. As though it was a simple easy matter and not that of life and death.
He gave me a smile before he turned back to return on his way to where ever it was he was heading in the first place. I glanced at Nick who nodded; understanding that I was asking a question, who was that guy?
His strangeness had distracted me from the swarm of emotions; almost able to push them fully back out but his got added to the mix and was not normal. It was strange just as he was.
Once Nick and I made it the last few feet to get outside; I hurried over to the car but then past it as I reached to make contact with a tree. I needed to get everyone and everything else before I felt the death of Daven; that is something that is nearly impossible to get out. That feeling something that haunts you; my mother and I both knowing how it feels and I could barely handle it the first time.
Nick rushed to my side; concerned even further by my rushed state and I looked desperately up at him. ''Help me?'' I was asking but it didn't come out quite the way I had wanted; my voice cracking at the fear of feeling it.
Daven is already going to haunt me for the rest of my life; I don't need to feel his death too.
Nick nodded although I was sure he didn't know exactly how to help me but I grabbed ahold of his arm and used his power to help expel everything into the tree. the roots acting as their own system to push it back out. Never really belonging within me in the first place.
I wish that Julien was the one standing beside me though; not Nick's job to help me in such a way. I released his arm as soon as the last of it was out and looked down; a bit ashamed of being so overwhelmed now that it was done.
''Thank you.'' He nodded, not seeming to mind or been affected by it like I was; already learning to better control his new heighted emotions better then I can. ''Is he right; hurting a Luna is punishable by death?'' I asked, hoping he has learned more about it then I have.
He looked down for a moment before nodding. ''They are strict with regular mate affairs as well. It has to be the most important thing; I'm sure Julien could explain it better.''
Julien doesn't like to explain things; in fear of pushing me into things to quickly, something that seems to be a theme with him as of late. Far to late for that; with Daven going to be gone, there will be no more excuses.
''Can we wait in the car before Julien comes out-'' Nick was going to request but turned and cut himself off when he noticed that Julien was already coming out. Having noticed us not in the car he made his way straight over and past where it was left parked.
I handed Nick the keys, not going to let him get into trouble over it; not going to let myself get into trouble over it either. ''You can wait safely in the car.'' I gave him a small smile and he very quickly and gladly accepted them before getting into the back seat to indeed wait.
Julien's long stride steps had him reach where I stood in only a few moments. I leaned against the tree, slightly away from where he planted himself just about a foot away from me. ''I remember saying to wait in the car.'' He sighed, a bit of disappointment mixed in with a hint of anger.
Unsure what was directed at me or even Nick. He could be reacting to what he had seen; Daven being 'put down' in whatever way they had chosen.
''It's overwhelming here.'' I tried to give him a smile but it faltered at the possibility of him really being upset with me over it. He nodded once before his gaze fell a bit. Knowing I wasn't just not listening to him.
''Let's go; It's all done, let's go.'' He repeated himself as he moved closer to close the space between us. Done in more then one way; I suppose. Once he did so I stood back up straight and he reached to kiss the top of my head and then let his hand slide a bit down my back to guide me to the car.
I let him open the door for me and tried to watch how he moved; not seeming to have affected him but I would really be able to tell once we left this place and I could fully focus on his emotions; his aura.
He was a bit hurried as he moved to the other side; wanting to not be here any longer for my sake as he also drove out of the parking lot far faster then he had entered. Knowing it wasn't any sort of panic on his end when he had slowed to his normal speed once on the semi-main road.
It felt like how I imagine pain meds feel like when they kick in; offering relief as we got farther and farther from the building. I could feel Julien's not so subtle glances but the relief that was washing over me had me closing my eyes and feeling how much energy I had used to hold so much at bay for so long.
Upon opening my eyes I panicked slightly as I sat up a bit and noticed Julien was no longer driving nor in the car as we were parked but I looked quickly to the other side; noticing him now outside with Nick. Both on my side of the car.
He noticed me as well; that I was awake too and patted Nick on the shoulder to finish up their conversation. Nick must be transforming to return home; having walked to the back of my house, slept through the whole car ride. Truly making progress for him to be able to do so by himself.
Julien opened the door on my side and got to my seatbelt before I could ''Hey.'' He smiled and then reached to feel my forehead; confusing me. ''Good; you were getting a little warm but it's gone.'' I nodded after he explained exactly why he was feeling my forehead.
I knew why I had gotten warm though; my body overworked at how much I had to use to keep and then push out all those emotions. A strain on the body like any over overexertion.
''I used more magic then I had planned today.'' I told him, still sounding a bit tired but gave him a small smile before he reached back up to cup my face with hand. Just looking at me- no admiring me now; starting to recognize the new looks, ones I've never really experienced.
My smile grew a bit before I felt my face heat up and attempted to look down but he held onto my face. ''Pax; you are beautiful.'' He assured me but still let me go; the heat in my face not fading.
''I want you to mark me.'' I blurted out as he did so and moved to take a step back. Attempting to give me space he thought I wanted. What I want is to feel the mate bond as he does; to feel the closeness and I wanted everything it came with. I want Julien to be mine as I am his.
Wanting the guarantee it provided; unless that was something else I did not feel the same as he or other werewolf's do.
A bit of shock spread on his face; my very matter of fact way of saying it surprising him. That and my previous fear of it. ''I don't want you to think about anything the elders said; they don't all go by the book.'' He told me; thinking that was the reason for my sudden change.
I wasn't thinking any longer on what they had said, only thinking on what I want; what I want with Julien. I want to be marked and I want him to do it. An appeal to the idea of being with him in so many ways; more bonded then the average couple.
Julien looked between my eyes as he tried to read what I was thinking. ''I want to be marked; Julien.'' I added, saying his name a bit desperate at the true want of it all. I couldn't go much longer without him doing so; a certain pull clear to it. Even thinking back on my vision but knowing means I can change it.
He remained silent; stunned still, now at the thought of me truly wanting it for no other reason then wanting it. I swallowed at the silence but pushed myself up from the seat and he fully stepped aside for me to exit my car; closing it once I did so for me.
''I should get ready for tonight.'' I told him, going slightly quite as I knew it wasn't going to happen there in that exact moment but he knows and I hope rejection isn't on his mind given his silence and clear thought on the fairly simple matter between mates.
But Julien grabbed ahold of my arm and swung me back around to face him but the slight force behind it had me nearly crashing into his chest. His eyes that lighter and brighter blue of his wolfs; those words having an affect on him.
I gasped as I placed my hands onto his chest and fully looked up at him; trying to figure out what was going on within him, both his wolf and the Julien I was used to. I could see the way his lips moved that he had his fangs out.
''You temp me.'' I knew those words came more from his wolf then him; both with how he growled when he spoke and the way his eyes ate me up. Not those of just Julien. They indeed felt as though they were separate somehow.
My breath caught in my throat this time when I opened it; surprised by his words and the growl to it. ''Tonight?'' I asked, timid in the eyes of his alpha wolf; having not been able to see much of his wolf side. Only in the form a few times and vaguely when his eyes had shifted the first time I was at his pack house.
Perhaps why; in his pack house, on his pack land and in his room. All things to make him want to surface even further. Now with how badly I want to me marked now; hearing that within my voice like I had.
His hands at some point had found there way to my lower waist, holding me gently but firmly in place against him. I noticed how his eyes shifted slightly has he moved to nod and as he spoke that growl he had faded away and back to normal.
''Tonight-.'' I knew he was going to say more but I cut him off with what I knew was him saying yes with a kiss and smiled against his lips. Ecstatic that Daven truly is the reason to him having waited beyond just me.
His wolf making it clear too, I was a bit uncertain as to how to feel or act around him; intimidating despite being the part that fated us together.
I pulled back though as I thought about tonight again; ''I really do need to get ready, she has to help me into the dress.'' I told him and Julien glanced down between, an attempt to look me over at the idea of having to get dressed.
''Or I could help you into it; it'd help me later.'' He rose an eyebrow at his offer and I felt a new heat rise within me and not just in my face. The offer extremely tempting.
...To Be Continued In The Next Chapter...