Moon's Fury: Chapter Three: Marked

**JAKE'S POINT OF VIEW**1

Anger encompassed my being, seeping from my pores in continuous waves as my mind replayed the attack on the backs of my eyelids. For a moment I gave in to its demand and allowed my anger to give fuel to the flashbacks. My beautiful Elena, her golden blond hair splayed about her shoulders as she fought her attackers. How I had wanted to run my fingers through those thick waves and gaze into her dazzling silver eyes. Eyes that radiated innocence and wisdom beyond her years, as her unwavering stare bore down upon her attackers masked faces. As well as the arm encompassed in a deep blue that brandished the dagger that cut so viciously into her delicate neck. 2

I was aware of my lips slowly beginning to peel back over my lengthened eye teeth and attempted to disrupt my line of thoughts. However, I was unsuccessful. The memory coiled itself around my mind's eye like a voracious snake, and continued to feed off my swelling levels of hatred. Hatred for the one who extinguished that lovely glow in Elena's eyes, and caused fear to eat away at her being. The wolf who so brazenly disobeyed my command, leaving a patch work of black and blue bruises on her arms and neck. Alistair, he who marked my Elena with his vile lips! My eyes drifted open and my vision swam in a sea of red as I fought with myself to control my anger. 3

***Insolent dog!
***How dare he defile what I have spoken for!
***If only he did not show alliance to my father...
***I would kill him myself! 4

"William," I said suddenly, startling the werewolf next to me, "Gather our clothes and bring them to me, I will see to her before I address you all." 5

The boy was no older than I, yet he appeared years younger. The assumption was made because of his personality. William was quick and eager to complete a job, and easily satisfied with any well made comment on his behalf. I accepted the boy into my following only because his personality was easily crushed within my father's wake. He was a fragile one, naturally submissive, and the target of many who sought to take advantage of him. I suppose he captured my interest because of that fragility and helplessness, though I will never know for sure. 6

"Here you are m--my lord!" William said timidly from my side, laying the clothes into my awaiting hands. He hastily retreated to allow me to pass, bowing his head in unison with the surrounding group. 7

"Thank you Will." I replied, letting a smile play upon my lips as he gazed up at me, a smile brightening his own features. 8

"Sire, are you injured? We thought the attack befitting of your request, but my lord we meant you no serious harm." A stocky wolf to my right said. His voice was deep and soothing, like the soft drone of a machine. I befriended him years ago though his age rivaled that of a older brothers, it was his opinion I valued most in my modest gathering. 9

"Your concern is wasted on me Callum, for I am uninjured. If you wish to sate your concern else where you may assist me in clothing Elena, as well as seeing to her copious injuries," I said, barely repressing a snarl as my eyes lit on Alistair's figure just ahead of me, "After all, your time would not be spent on such trivial matters if everyone were to heed my commands!" 10

I directed my gaze toward Alistair only, as my fingers slowly curled into fists. Ten slender punctures, like that of a razor sliced into my closed palms as my nails broke the surface of my skin. 11

"Alistair," I snarled, spitting his name onto the ground in disgust, "You dare to challenge my authority? Or have you so little a brain to think, that you can not obey one order? I made myself clear when I addressed you personally merely a month's time ago! Elena was not to be hurt in any way!" 12

"It is but a scratch," Alistair replied easily, but seemed to be having trouble forming the rest of his sentence, "my lord."13

***I mentally pictured grasping his neck between my hands..
***Tightening my fingers slowly...
***Allowing my anger to engulf me...
***As I give in to the little devil whispering encouragement in my ear
***Enjoying as his neck snaps under my hands like a twig! 14

"She is mine Alistair. Elena is precious in more ways than one, and I wish it so that she be unharmed!" I stated between my clinched teeth, desperately trying to not to give in to my rage. 15

Ian and Jarrod stared at Elena with avid fascination, before asking in unison "Who is the girl?" They often spoke at once, which suggested at their relations, twins. 16

"I'm unable to say, but I think Jake has taken a rather unusual liking to her!" Callum said teasingly. 17

"So, she is the one?" Alistair asked with an sudden unhealthy interest. His question seemed to catch the ears of everyone in the glade, because it quickly became almost void of sound. No movement, other than the rhythmic swaying of the trees in the wind, rustling over head, and occasional bird calls as they settled in for the approaching darkness. 18

It seemed as if the group breathed again when I answered softly, "I think so." 19

My shoulders slumped slightly as I sighed in relief, when Callum finally hurried past me, and removed Elena from Alistair's grip. His attitude unsettled me greatly. It dissatisfied me that he had shown alliance to my father, but not me as well. I was sure his reason in being here was as my father's messenger. What was more curious was his obvious disdain for me, or his newly developed interest in Elena. 20

I quickly grabbed Elena's clothing and dressed her accordingly, careful to not show too much interest towards her while Alistair's calculating gaze was upon me. The less he could regurgitate to my father the better! 21

Once she was completely clothed I fitted myself with my boxers and low slung pants, deciding to forgo the shirt. 22

I wanted to hold Elena so badly that my finger tips itched. Callum gathered her limp body into his own arms, and I knew she would be well taken care of until I could tend to her myself. Turning back to the group I let my line of vision fall onto each face before me, mentally checking off each name as I went. Alistair, Callum, William, Dean, Ian, Jarrod, Antonio, and Ruby. 23

"What I am about to say to you must not escape any of your lips. I forbid you to speak of it with anyone, not even those among us." I said making eye contact with each of them in turn. "This is of the utmost importance, and could endanger both Elena and myself---"24

"But sire! You should know that any attempt made to take your life would be greatly hindered by us, as well as--" Ian had begun to speak. 25

"Silence fool!" his twin Jarrod spoke from beside him. "Excuse him my lord, Ian would rather not see anything sinister befall you or the girl." His eyes drifted over in Elena's direction and lingered there, studying her profile as Callum tended her wound. 26

"I shall personally see that it does not." I said, daring anyone with my eyes to dispute my word. Turning away from them, I paced as my thoughts raced through my mind. 27

***My father must not hear of this, at least most of this...
***If he figured out she is the one...
***He would try and use her to his advantage.
***That can not happen! If it did, then I would loose her!
***She is the one... I know it. 28

Taking a deep breath, I calmed my nerves and continued. "I am not sure, but neither am I here without cause. At this point I am assuming Elena is the one we have been searching for. I will stay here with her for a while longer, and must not be disturbed. I want nothing I am saying to you to reach my father's ears. Ian, Jarrod, Antonio, I appreciate you being here, but I have no need of body guards at the moment, no matter how skilled." I cast a small smile over my shoulder towards them, as they smiled in return while bowing their heads and taking off one after another through the tree line. 29

"Now," I continued, "Ruby, I would like you to assist me in this matter."30

"My lord! She is but a woman. What would you have her do if your safety is questioned?" Dean asked loudly, fully returning the look of disgust he received from Ruby back at her. 31

Callum spoke before I could address his question. "What Jake, excuse me, our lord means is that his situation with the girl is a fragile one. The appearance of a group of men at the wrong time could disrupt his progress. A woman, could be of more use than either of us when dealing with another woman. Ruby is also skilled beyond most here, as well as a senior officer." 32

Dean looked satisfied with his answer, and studied his feet. I often wondered why Dean chose to pledge his alliance to me instead of my father. He was boisterous, sarcastic, and slightly sexist. He followed orders quiet well and was skilled in martial arts. I needed him on my side when a situation turned for the worse. Dean also taught Ian, Jarrod, and Antonio as well as myself and I regarded my group of bodyguards to the highest. 33

"Dean, I may have use of you, just not as of yet. You are dismissed until I make any further orders known." I said, continuing on, "William, you will be my messenger. I want you to appear before Elena's house two nights from now. You too are dismissed." 34

William bowed his head even lower than was necessary, turned on his heel and disappeared from view in mere seconds. "Ruby, you are to weave yourself into Elena's life slowly. First I want you to make use of her emotions, there is a reason for this I promise. I need to see if her emotions trigger any signs. Understood?" 35

I thought I caught a glimpse of a smile on her features as she gazed up at me, but her face was as solum as ever. She was short for a werewolf, and rather slender, but filled out in all the right places. Ruby rarely smiled, but maybe that was an effect of previously serving under my father for ten years. She was old enough to be my aunt, and I was satisfied with her level of experience when it came to royal matters. "Yes sire." For good measure she mischievously winked in my direction before walking away as quickly as she had come. 36

"As for you two. Alistair, I can not risk having Elena recognized you or your voice. To make up for that, you will be the messenger between my father and I. You are to take this ring," My hand felt awkward as the weight of the ring disappeared from my left hand, "and give it to my father. Let him know that I am well, and visiting family members in the country. Now Callum, you are the medic of the group, as well as my trusted adviser. I wish for you to involve yourself in your studies until I have need of you. I will, that is for sure." 37

"Yes sire." They both said in unison. 38

"Now, off with you. Remember, not a word of this need be spoken."39

"Aye, your highness." Alistair replied, after noticing my glare. They too then disappeared into the distance as the mother moon was slowly growing upon us. I had not noticed before, but time had slipped by rather quickly today. 40

My eyes closed of their own accord as I let my senses roam in every direction. The edge of my senses flowed of over the moist earth like a cloud of fog. I knew Elena was just ahead of me, a terrified jack rabbit lay hidden in its hole to my left, there was no danger, and the car was just over the hill behind me. I rolled my shoulders, trying to loosen the bunched muscles as I listened to the sound of running water. Oddly, I was enthralled by its constant swirling masses, and decided to take a better look. 41

Walking towards Elena, my eyes zoned in on her body laying sprawled on the ground, hair fanning out around her head like golden fire. My heart lurched suddenly as my mind played tricks with me. I knew she was not dead, for I could see the steady rise and fall of her chest. I could hear the almost silent huff of breath escape her parted lips as she exhaled, and I new the effects of the drug would wear off in a few hours time. 42

I squatted next to her, scooping her up into my arms, and cradled her to my chest as I stood. Her weight was of no concern so I easily reached down, rose to my feet again, and stuffed my shirt into my back pocket. My arms tightened around Elena's sleeping form as her head lulled against my shoulder, fitting perfectly in the crook of my neck. Turning on my heel, I made my way towards the rushing waters that sounded like the roar of a ferocious animal. 43

"I'm sorry my love. All will be well as soon as I know," I spoke softly, knowing she could not comprehend what I was saying, but needing to say it regardless, "for sure whether you really are the one."44

Mother moon guided me to the waters' edge and like a lost sailor searching for a light house, I answered her call. I followed the trail before me to the sparsely populated tree line, and stepped out into the moon lit clearing. It was disorienting at first. Behind me was utter darkness, everything looked solid black, its immensity so deep the crescent moon barely kept the seeping darkness at bay. Yet, in front of me the majestic scenery enveloped my mind in a haze of realistic pleasantry. 45

The moon glowed like a silver beckon in the sky surrounded by an impenetrable inky blackness. It crested the tree tops, casting its white aura upon the dampened ground and river rock. I tilted my head back, as its gentle rays caressed my face. The natural silence of the night was broken bye the small sparkling waterfall, whose down pour was deafening to the ears. 46

The water was a marvelous powdered blue and very clear. The encircling foliage, an aesthetic collage of shades, was bursting with bright emerald leaves, and flowers dyed in soft pastels. It was almost as if these flowers thrived on the moon light, for the nights haziness did nothing to subdue their vibrancy. The wind silently slipped betwixt the foliage, whipping through my hair like a pair of gentle fingers, tainted only with the sweet aroma of the earth, pine, and flowers. 47

I walked over to the flat encroaching rocks upon the river bank and gladly sat down, using my shirt as a cushion. Then I situated Elena in my lap with one arm draped around her back, and one of my thighs tucked under her legs. 48

Reaching out, I plucked a flower from a nearby limb. It was Geranium-like, with five delicate petals fanning out in a perfect symmetry. It was dyed a soft pink, the color deepest towards the middle and fading at the tips to pure white. I noticed little pink lines ran through the petals like veins and arteries, as I placed it behind Elena's ear. 49

I gently tilted her head upwards so I could remove the bandages. Her skin was just like new. There was no sign of a cut, or any skin irritations, which relieved my heavy heart. 50

***Thank god werewolves are not allergic to gold as well as silver
***She is so beautiful...
***But, is she the one...
***She better be.
***For her sake... as well as my own!
***Wonder what father will say...
***When he finds out who she is...
***Better yet, what will he do?51

I sighed openly, "Elena, I wish I could tell you all. I wish that I did not have to place you with this burden of mine. I am doing this to protect you," I stared off into the swirling depths of the river as I finished speaking, "from my father as well as myself."52

"Jake." My throat tightened and I could not speak. I quickly glanced down at her, surprised to see her still deep within the throws of slumber. A nervous laugh escaped me. 53

***It is hard to believe Mother moon would choose her of all people
***Elena is just so normal.
***There are no visible signs either...54

My conscious chose that moment to make its presence known. My secrets were slowly eating away at me. 55

***That is what I would like, right?
***Then, I would not loose her...
***Then, I would not need my excuse for ruining her life! 56

"AH!," I grumbled,"These confounded secrets. I wish to not lie anymore, but I must. Forgive me." 57

I stared at her face, letting my eyes soak in each contour and her soft sun kissed skin. My hand shook slightly as I cupped her face with my free hand and gently ran the pad of my thumb over her cheek. My eyes burned her image into my memory, and my lips tingled as I leaned forward. My lips brushed hers softly, relishing in the forbidden freedom as I kissed her as if she might break. 58

We stayed together, lips entwined as I silently poured every hope, wish, and dream I had into the kiss. 59

"My sleeping beauty," I mumbled against her lips, wishing she were awake so she would know all, "you have stolen my heart, in so short a time. It is a true tragedy that you shall have to endure these next months in ignorance." Sighing, I reluctantly ended the kiss and glanced again at her neck to reassure myself of Callum's medical skills. 60

"What is that?" I asked myself, with a quizzical expression on my face. A line of white markings appeared on the left side of Elena's neck. They glowed fiercely in the dark, a pale silver like the purity of the moon's beams. I looked closer, the markings appeared to be arranged in elegant intertwining ways in the shape of a crescent moon! 61

I hesitantly touched the area with my finger tip, and the ebb and flow of the silver glow pulsed brighter. I traced the shape with the tip of my finger, from the top to the bottom, and Elena's mouth parted open in a silent exhalation of breath. 62

Smiling to myself I gathered her closer in my arms as the wind picked up, sending soft gusts to circle around our figures. The flow of the river grew in intensity, and threatened to encompass the banks. A pack of wolves off in the distance let loose their baleful cries as their voices blended together, rejoicing in the beauty of the night. 63

Leaning down, I let my lips brush the edges of her ear, and watched in amusement as the flower was accidentally knocked from its perch. It fluttered helplessly to the ground, spinning out of control, before it lay still. Its beautiful blood red veins standing out against the dark rocks. My fingers intertwined with hers as I softly whispered into her ear. 64

"I've found you."65