Moon's Fury: Chapter Two: The Sweet Smell of Attraction

My eyes snapped open! 1

My mind immediately flashed the scene from my dream in front of my eyes, causing me to see red and Jake lying on the beach. His body getting beaten mercilessly by the ocean's waves, almost as if the tide was trying to wrap itself around his body and drag him under its murky depths. The blood poured profusely from his open woods dyed the water crimson. 2

I blinked the image away as I turned over to view the sleeping figure next to me. His lips were parted letting slip each breath between perfectly straight teeth, that shined like a set of pearls in the morning light as he smiled to himself unconsciously. I stared, transfixed at his face, letting my eyes drink in each perfectly formed contour. From his dazzling green eyes to the high cheek bones, and down to his luscious lips stained a slight pink, to his prominent jaw line. 3

*** He is so handsome.
*** But, a stranger still.
*** At least until he finally tells me the truth.
*** Wonder what he is hiding...
*** Wonder what he is doing in my bed!4

I should have been used to waking up surrounded by other werewolves. The need to have a familiar close is almost unbearable for most, thus the reason why we stay in packs. Jake needed that closeness, especially since he was without his pack at the moment. Of course he knew the difference between taking comfort in someones presence and over stepping the bounds. My parents were agreeable with the sleeping arrangements, because they trusted us. So in all reality, I already new the answer to my own question. I asked anyway though. 5

"Jake!" I spoke loudly, inches from his ear, "What the hell are you doing in my bed?"6

He mumbled something incoherent under his breath, not aggravated in the least for waking him. I watched as he stretched, fighting the urge to roll over and give in to the coaxing the warm comforter offered. He touched the head board with his finger tips at nearly the same time that his toes bumped into the base board, making the boards groan in protest. His muscles flexed under his tanned skin. He glanced at me with those deep emerald green eyes and I couldn't help but be mesmerized by their inward glow and his long brown lashes. 7

"Well good morning to you too Elena," Jake said, his voice cutting through the morning silence with a musical lithe, "I thought your company was more enjoyable. Plus everyone needs a little eye candy to wake up to!" 8

"Your ego amazes me!" I muttered under my breath. "What are you talking about though?" 9

Jake sighed dramatically and stretched a muscular arm towards the floor on my side of the room. "Look, the lost puppies have arrived". 10

*** He is so difficult!
*** What the heck is he talking about?
*** Prattling on this early in the morning.
*** Lost puppies?11

"Your one to talk. What has it been? A month ago since you showed up on my door step?" I mumbled while peering over the edge of my bed at the mess below. 12

Two figures were submerged inside a pile of blankets and pillows on my floor, heads sticking out opposite ends of one, and I knew instantly who it was. 13

"Morning Tanya! Morning Sam!" I said to my two childhood companions. 14

They lived alone in their house down the road from my own, since their parents were killed years ago. However, at a respectable age of 21, Sam now is in control of their shared estate. Tanya is 20. My family and I accepted them apart of our little pack, making us a average size of five, plus Jake making six all together. Since the two of them were like family they were allowed to come and go as they please. I have woken on many occasions to find them asleep beside me on my bed, or on a mattress on the floor. 15

Both were tall and skinny. Contrary to werewolf lore, they were built like runners. Being cousins they looked fairly the same. Tanya and Sam both had cream color skin with straight blond hair down to their waist, pouty lips, and icy blue eyes. They were both a startling white blond color as a wolf, hardly blending in with the earthy greens and browns of this area, but a beautiful sight to watch none the less. Tanya was very loud and in your face, where as Sam was far more gentle and understanding than most. Although Sam was a male werewolf, he was graceful and poised. 16

"Wake up Sammy boy! Good morning to you as well Elena" Tanya said climbing to her feet. She stretched and turned in the direction of the bathroom, making sure to ruffle Jake's hair as she walked by. "Throw a dog a bone and he'll come back after all eh Jake?" 17

Jake released a low growl before yelling at the already closing door with a malicious grin, "Your so hilarious. Remember now Tanya, the toilet water isn't for drinking!"18

Sam and I burst out laughing. His voice carrying all through out the house. 19

*** Well, mom and dad know we're up now.
*** Jeez those two are ridiculous.
*** Maybe Tanya suspects Jake like I do....
*** Maybe that's why they don't get along.
*** Just maybe.20

I gave a small shriek of surprise as the bed sunk in on my right, throwing me off balance as Sam joined us on the bed. The heat in the room immediately increased with their bodies this close, merely inches from my own. My nose was assaulted with both their scents. Peppermint, pine trees, and something beyond sweet. 21

"Sam, what are you doing in my bed?" I asked trying to hide my smile. 22

I watched as he leaned down to whisper next to my ear, his breath coming out in a warm puff. "Why telling you good morning of course!" 23

I felt my body temperature rise at least five degrees, as his lips brushed against my cheek. Scorching a path from my ear to the corner of my mouth, their touch feather light against my skin. 24

The hairs on the back of my neck rose when Jake began to pop his knuckles and his growl intensified causing the bed to vibrate with the force of it. I ducked out of the way as a pillow sailed over me, strategically towards Sam's face. He easily caught it and tossed it to the floor, rising from the bed as he did so. 25

Sam cleared his throat. "I think it is in my best interest to go and see what Mrs. Collins is making for breakfast." He turned on his heel and headed towards the door, throwing me a knowing smile over his shoulder, before Tanya joined him in the door way. "I'll go with." she said. With that they both left the room, and silence took over once more. 26

*** What a pair those two are.
*** Sam's playfulness is going to get him in trouble one day.
*** He shouldn't goad Jake like that.
*** It could turn out badly.
*** Especially sense Jake is obviously an alpha werewolf!
*** It's going to turn out badly for Jake as well if he doesn't tell me the truth!27

I turned to stare at Jake while he continued to stare daggers at the door Tanya and Sam had left through. He smiled at me when he noticed he had gained my attention. 28

"So do I get to tell you good morning as well Elena?" Jake asked. 29

"So are you going to tell me?" I asked.30

He looked confused for a moment before understanding dawned on him and he sighed. "Tell you what?"31

"If you want to play this game Jake then fine, but just remember by not doing so it will come back to bite you in the a--"32

"I've already told you!" Jake said cutting me off. "I'll tell you again however. How I got here, and what I'm doing here, from what I can remember. It's very vague. I just remember waking up on the side of the road. I had to have hit my head because everything went black all of a sudden. When I woke all I had was my bag of clothing, my stack of cash, this ring," he held up his gold ring to the light, letting the large M inset with crimson red rubies catch the light, "and just the note with your name and address on it. So I caught a ride, and made my way here. I was hoping that your parents or you could give me some insight on why I was here, or as to who I am. The note obviously means I'm connected to you or your family in some way. I just don't know how." 33

I knew my expression gave away my thoughts. I was skeptical. Anyone would be. I was sure he was leaving something out. Something important, but I couldn't rush the gun or he would never talk about it. 34

*** Hmmm...the story is the same as last time.
*** And the time before that..
*** Maybe hes telling the truth.35

*** I would like that wouldn't I?
*** Then I would have him all to myself.
*** Jake and Elena...36

*** What the hell am I thinking?
*** He is hiding something..
*** I can sense it.
*** Who is he really?37

"If I didn't know any better I would say that even though you arrived here in the manner that you did, you seemed to be well taken care of. I would say that you were a figure of importance?" I said glancing in his direction to measure his reaction. 38

*** He is smooth I'll give him that!
*** Maybe I'm wrong...39

He appeared calm and collected and a little bored. "Elena are you kidding? That is nonsense. I could not be someone like your suggesting. I'm not a----"40

"Duke!" I cut in turning to face him fully. 41

"Duke?" He asked barely concealing his amusement. "No, I'm not a duke Elena, well now-a-days I guess we call it the same status as a governor."42

"Alright keep it to yourself then, but I will find out sooner or later. Now," I said climbing from the bed, "Lets go and get some breakfast fur ball!" 43

He sneered at the name. "Fur ball? I will have you know that I bathe regularly!"44

I grinned to myself as the bed groaned in protest at the sudden reduction of weight, and Jake made his way down the stairs behind me. 45

We crossed through the living room. The familiar surroundings brightened my mood as my mind sought to extinguish the last resonance of the dream. My stomach growled in protest as the greasy smell of cooked bacon and pancakes wafted my way. The room had a family feel to it, with its brown wood walls and floor, white curtains, matching sofa and love seat with embroidered cushions in shades of white with pink and blue flowers. A fire place also adorned one wall. The varying light shades of river rock softening the appearance of the room. The cover needed cleaning I noticed as I walked by it straight to the kitchen bar. 46

Jake was beside me again in a second taking the empty seat by my elbow and reaching for the plate full of pancakes in the middle of the table. I reached around him and stole a piece of bacon from his plate before taking my seat across from him. Tanya sat next to me, and Sam across from her, both already heartily digging into their meal shoveling food as if they had never eaten! 47

The slow but steady tap of stilettos grew louder with each second until my mother walked into the kitchen, swaying her hips in perfect model fashion, with a grin plastered to her face. Being tall and of average build, Lisa (my mom) was often featured on magazine covers and tabloids as the house wife of the year, which was impressive considering her actual age. She looked as if she was a young and vibrant 30 year old, but she was really nearing 50. Werewolves do age slowly, and because of that, she indulges herself in her modeling agency. 48

Lisa was tall, as all models are, and had the perfect tan skin tone suggesting her Latin background. She had long silky black hair down to her waist, which she frequently wore in waves. Her face was a lovely oval shape, hinting at a hidden elegance that only the subtle glow of her charcoal eyes gave away. She really was quite beautiful. On occasion I wished I resembled her more than my father. 49

"How is breakfast everyone?" mother asked, her soft voice cutting through the momentary silence. 50

Everyone mumbled incoherent words of praise, myself included as I took my first bite of my pancakes. None-the-less, she was happy that we enjoyed her cooking. I felt her studying my profile as she glanced in my direction. 51

"Elena, you look tired." Mom stated, I knew it was double sided, meant as a statement and a question. 52

"I'm alright mom, I just had another dream." I said through my mouthful. 53

"Oh? What about?", she asked, clearly interested, "Was it the same as the previous one?"54

"No", I stated, trying but failing to keep my eyes from glancing in Jake's direction, "This one was a bit intense, but that just signifies that I'm nearing my first change, right?"55

"Like a fine aging wine honey!" My father said as he strode into the kitchen, his deep voice startling me. 56

*** Jeez, and I call myself a werewolf!
*** Ha!...57

He kissed both Tanya and I on top of our head as he walked by to wrap his arm around my mother's waist, kissing her cheek lovingly. His presence was like a weight barring down on my shoulders. His alpha's aura was almost like a thick invisible security blanket. I watched as Tanya and Sam rolled their shoulders, releasing their tension as they accepted his sudden approach. Jake however, was gritting his teeth, his back straight as a board in his chair, visibly trying to shake off the effect my father's aura was having on him. 58

*** Why is his aura effecting Jake this way?
*** It shouldn't affect him like this...
*** Only other alphas of a pack are affected this way...
*** ...Maybe it has to do with the change..
*** It is not too far away after all..59

I smiled at my father, though I was concerned for Jake's sake. I glanced in my parents direction, where they leaned casually against the bar. My father's dirty blond hair, contrasting with my mother's. I resembled my father in more ways than just appearance. We both had dirty blond hair, though mine hung in long waves down to the middle of my back. He and I shared the same silver eye coloring, and slight pink stain to our high cheek bones. My lips were full where as my father's were thin, and our figures were different by far. Charles, my father, was muscular and very much an exercise maniac, though werewolves never need it. I was built in similar ways to my mother, but retained a certain tone-ness to my muscles that hinted at an athletic build. 60

My mind began wandering on last nights dream as I watched the two of them. I pulled my gaze away from him and to my mother. "Can you explain the change again?" I asked hesitantly. 61

Everyone at the table openly groaned in protest. It had been a very avid subject of discussion the past few weeks, because of my first approaching change. Though with a harsh look from my mother, the protests were cut short. All eyes focused on my mother as she sipped from her coffee cup and began. 62

"Well," Lisa began, making eye contact with everyone in the room, "every werewolf pup has a human puberty, meaning their body is changing, becoming an adult and ready for reproduction and---"63

"Bow chicka wah wah!" Sam cut in causing everyone to laugh, but a fierce look from mom silenced us all once more. 64

"Yes, well, after the human puberty has started, it triggers the werewolf puberty to begin as well. Through out the process your body will change. Your mind will adjust to the differences in your heightened senses and the cannibal side of your wolf. The transformation will be complete only when the pup changes for the first time into a fully grown werewolf. It is both exhausting and dangerous the first time so take caution Elena." My mom said glancing specifically at me. 65

"After you have changed back into your human form for the first time, your wolf will always be with you. You will be able to sense her easily, and call on her and the transformation at any given time should you need to. Though, like all gifts there is a down side. On full moon nights you will have no choice but to show homage to the moon, you will change into your wolf no matter the time or place, never forget that." She said pointedly throwing a meaning glance over her shoulder at my father. 66

I sat there staring at my syrupy plate in deep thought. "I understand, but what of the others? Are they not bound by the same rules? The ones of the blood, the royal family?"67

Jake coughed, choking on a piece of bacon. "Sorry! Continue!" he sputtered, finishing his meal in record time. 68

*** Hmmm..?
*** He is acting really suspicious today!
*** I've never seen him so...flustered..69

Charles's took up the dialogue this time. "As you all know our founder Marcus was our creator. He is immortal because of his blood linage. He has a half brother, a vampire brother named Eryk. They were born of Chaos, and nothing more. During the middle ages, especially from 15th to 17th century, Europe was under the dark shadow of ignorance and superstitions. Towns were underdeveloped and people lived near woods. The fear of wolves was like a nightmare, because their numbers were so large. The attacks were so frequent and atrocious in nature that people even feared to travel from one place to another. Every morning, people would find half-eaten human limbs scattered on their fields. They didn't know how ever that the real cause of the human's deaths were from vampires." He paused here, calming himself slowly as his arms began to shake from anger. 70

"They disguised themselves as wolves when they hunted so their existence would stay unknown. After all, if someone had seen things that resembled dead bodies walking around, the towns would have gone mad. Thus the cause of the animosity we werewolves and vampires have against each other, which only grows each day. The wolves were forced to leave the country and split their number in two, half in Europe and half in America. Since then both Vampires and Werewolves have gained a great level of civility and control over their blood lust. However, most information about the royal families have been long lost to those of the common blood."71

*** Vampire half brother...
*** So they are real!
*** Have I ever seen one?
*** I probably wouldn't want to if the fables are true...
*** So then that would make us like indirect cousins almost, through bite!
*** There goes my appetite. 72

He took a large swig of his own coffee and continued. "Marcus and Eryk were both loved and adored by their offspring, both through reproduction and bite. They were revered almost as if they were gods, and became our two kings, hence their royal blood lines. They can only pass down their lineage through reproduction, but others made through their bite are still werewolves and vampires. Though offspring with the birthright are said to have significantly increased control of their blood lust, as well as their inner demon. In many cases their children have gone insane at a certain age, and we know not of any reason why." 73

The room was wrapped in silence as everyone waited patiently, drawn into the story like kids towards a colorful lollipop. He appeared to have finished. My ears were abraded by the loud clanging of silver wear on plates, as the others began to eat with gusto once more. 74

"But, what would a descendant of Marcus look like father? Shouldn't we know in case we run into one?" I asked, my curiosity demanding it of me. 75

He visibly sighed. "There is currently only one descendant of Marcus alive, other than Marcus himself, that everyone knows of. If you do happen to come across either of them or Eryk and his descendants, you must show the deepest of respects. Their will is the law in our world. As for what they look like, I'm unsure. Though, I think Jake may know, if I'm not mistaken." My father said staring in Jake's direction, while everyone else glanced at my father with confused expressions. 76

"Yes, you are mistaken. Lovely historical review there Mr. Collins, but I think I am going to take a walk down to the forest and run some of this food off." Jake said abruptly getting up from his seat. 77

*** What?
*** What is he up to?
*** I should go with him..78

"Wait! I'll drive you!" I called after Jake as he disappeared back upstairs. I ran up the stairs, right on his heels. "I will be just a minute, I need to change clothes."79

He nodded in agreement, while quickly pulling on his shirt, and heading out the door. Minutes later I joined Jake outside by my car. My car's jet black coat shone in the sun as I approached. We both climbed in and shut the doors enveloping us in a deep silence, and surrounding us with the pleasant smell of the leather interior. The key easily slid into the ignition and I almost sighed in content as the engine purred to life. Giving into the sudden urge, I plunged the gear shift towards the "D" and sped out of the drive way down the empty high way. 80

I knew the way to the forest by heart. Being that we lived in a small town called Forest Brook, there was only one large designated area that allowed anyone free reign of the forest. It was called the Highlands by my family and I, but in reality it was named Forest Brook's Recreational Park and Trails. It was the chosen destination and conveniently located near my house. 81

I had taken Jake there upon the arrival of the last full moon, where he ran with my family and I along with them. My inability to change yet, wasn't going to hinder me in reveling in the joy of the run. I glanced side ways at Jake's profile as he stared out the window. I was only too aware of his fidgeting every couple of minutes with the bottom of his green polo. 82

He appeared extremely agitated. I desperately wanted him to confide in me if something was bothering him, but I was unsure how he would react. So settling for the cowardly approach, I decided to leave him be for now. 83

His breathing hitched once, and then steadily increased until Jake was breathing out of his mouth. Concerned I glanced in his direction and felt my heart skip a beat as I watched his fingers grasp the top button of his shirt, and it pop free. My mouth suddenly went dry, and my face began to burn as I watched between glaces as his fingers progressed down the length of his shirt. Each button revealing a patch of his tanned muscled chest, gradually increasing in size, until finally the edges flapped uselessly against his sides. His abs flexed with each exulting breath and he turned his head in my direction. 84

Forcing my eyes back to the road, I could feel the intensity of his gaze as he studied my profile. I shifted slightly in my seat until a smell stilled my movements. It was so sudden and intense that I briefly closed my eyes and openly inhaled again. It smelled of something beyond sweet, making my mouth water. 85

*** What is this smell?
*** It is so sweet and enticing..
*** Such an allure...and it's coming in Jake's direction.
*** No, from Jake!
*** But, how?86

I inhaled again, taking in more of the enticing aroma, making my head spin. Jake's jagged breathing drew my attention as he shifted in his seat and pulled the rest of his shirt off, groaning as he did so. 87

"Jake, what is going on?", I asked in a sultry voice, unable to control the change in pitch, "Why is this smell having such an effect on me?"88

"Your smelling my pheromones Elena. You know, my natural scent. They are instilled in every living thing that is built for reproduction an--", Jake said, while clenching his teeth between another groan, "you are affected because of your attraction to me." 89

I heard the arm rests creak in protest as Jake gripped them. His eyes began to glow inwardly as Jake gazed at me. I barely registered the car slowing to almost a complete stop. I openly let my eyes roam over his face, down that exquisitely sculpted body of his, and back to his face to study the lusciousness of his lips. I unconsciously licked my lips, drawing his attention to mine as the need to touch him, taste him, became overwhelming!90

*** Oh my god!
*** What is happening to me?
*** I have never been this...forward.
*** Jake is awfully gorgeous though..
*** I could just eat him up!
*** Run my hands over his body..
*** Feel each of his muscles play under the touch of my finger tips..
*** Kiss those delectable lips and--
*** Woah!!!91

I visibly shook myself, unsuccessfully trying to dislodge my area of thinking. 92

*** What the hell was I thinking?
*** I don not like Jake like that!
*** I could not...I barely know him! 93

My consciousness seemed to side against me on this issue, because a very evil thought slithered in my mind at that moment. One that I was not exactly ready to deny right off hand. 94

*** Yes you do! You like him...95

Jake's deep growl of frustration rescued me from my thoughts. I peered at him out of the corner of my eye as his eyes closed in deep concentration and he clenched his jaw so hard I could faintly hear his teeth grinding. 96

"Whats wrong Jake?" I asked concerned. 97

I barely caught his whisper over his harsh breathing. "Turn off here Elena." 98

"What? I can't, we aren't allowed to run here Jake. The designated area is safe, and it is just up ahead. So why--"99

"NOW Elena!" Jake snarled, instantly inches from my face. His teeth were bared and his eyes blazed with fury and pain. 100

I stuttered, "Okay." I spotted a trail on the side of the road that led off into the tree line, and quickly drove in that direction. My car easily rode over the bumps in the road, and I could tell it was frequently used. I parked the car in the closest clearing that I could find. I was not satisfied until I knew that my car was completely concealed from the road. I barely had shut off the engine and removed the key, when Jake's door slammed shut behind him. I followed suit, leaving the keys hidden beside the front tire and chasing after him. He stumbled a few paces into the foliage before collapsing on the ground. His body curled inwards and he shook uncontrollably. The hairs on the backs of my arms and neck stood on end as his pain filled cry filled the morning. 101

*** What the hell is happening?
*** Nothing should affect a werewolf like this!
*** Is it the change?
*** Or is this what it is like when we resist the change?102

Hurrying to him I fell beside him on the ground, and grasped his shoulders. He whimpered at my touch, and I felt as his body began to spasm and jerk. My stomach sank, and I felt as if I had been punched in the gut, as a loud crack of a breaking bone startled us both. His mouth hung open as his breathing became ragged. The veins that surround his pupil were a fiery red and his eyes rolled into the back of his head. I watched horrified as his hands dug at the ground, gouging fist sized holes in anything within reach. Then his howl pierced the morning chaos and his body stilled. His body was limp and unresponsive! Terror gripped my heart like a vise as I realized his heart wasn't beating!103

My ear splitting scream roused the birds over head as i cradled his head in my lap. "JAKE!"