Lucky Creek

Chapter 1    Willow lived in a small town in the middle of nowhere Texas. The land she lived on had been in her mother’s family for over 200 years. Her 6 times Great Grandfather was one of the original founders. He and Louis Vaiz founded the town in the late 1700s, shortly after the Revolutionary War. The Vaiz-Campbell families were well known in these parts. Willow and her best friend Laila spent their whole lives here in Lucky Creek. Being in such a small town, they could not go anywhere without their families finding out. To make matters worse Willow’s mom was the Mayor and her best friend Gina was the town’s event planner and organizer. Their dads were always on the ranch or out of town on cattle drives. Willow hated living in Lucky Creek. Besides the beautiful scenery and the great hiking trails there was nothing there. Willow had always dreamed of living outside of the small town. Her mom always said her dreams were bigger than the Texas sky.  Willow could not wait till she turned 18 and she would leave this small town. It was her Senior year and she was ready to see the world. But all that was about to change.   It all started after the annual Fourth of July Festival, just before the annual Upriver County Fall Harvest. Being a part of such a small town, there is always planning to go on for some type of festival or party for the county. The Upriver County Fall Harvest was the biggest event of the year. Every year farmer from all over the county would come to show off the best of their crops, crafts, pies, and jams. As well as compete in the annual Upriver County Fall Harvest Games. At least one member from every family was expected to compete in these games. They had everything from Gourd Throwing, Log Rolling and Tree Climbing, they even had a pumpkin carving for the little ones.  Yep, the Fall Harvest was a huge hit every year. It was important to the town that this event was perfect. Not only did it help the local economy with all the tourist that it brought in, but it brought the community closer together. There was only thing that Willow did not look forward to at the festival, was the naming of Lucky Creek’s Harvest Queen and King. Every year it had been Lisa Marie Weasleton. She was the most popular girl in school (mainly because of her daddy’s money). She was also the captain of the cheerleaders, captain of prom committee, student council president and the biggest fake around. Her dad owned the biggest dairy farm in the county, and her mom gave Suzie Homemaker a new name. On paper, they looked it the perfect family, but looks can be deceiving.  They were mean and hateful and would stop at nothing to win at everything. Willow did everything she could to stay away from Lisa Marie, but she made Willow’s life horrible. She was constantly picking on her and bullying her. If anyone tried to stand up to her, she would call her daddy and the poor kid would get suspended our kicked out of school. No one went up against the Weasleton’s. “Ok, this meeting has come to order, as you know this will be our 100th year of Fall Harvest. So, it also be the biggest and busiest. We need to make sure everything is well planned and organized. That’s why I have asked Gina Vaiz to be the project Planner for this year’s festival.” said Willow’s mom Rachel. “Gina you have the floor.” “Thank you, Madame Mayor. As you know the Annual Upriver Fall Harvest is only a few months away and we have not picked this year’s theme, games, contests, or judges. But most importantly we still need to find a new location since we cannot use the town square this year. Does anyone have an idea for a location?” Gina asked. Everyone just sat there with puzzled looks on their faces, as if they all knew the perfect location but no one wanted to say anything. “Gina, why don’t we talk about everything else and maybe we can come back to the location.” Said Rachel. Rachel knew Gina was worried. They could plan all day long and get everything decided and voted on but without the location it was a waste of time. “Ok, the theme I was thinking of was in honor of our 100th festival. Basically, we pay tribute to the past 100 festivals by having pictures of the past festivals around the grounds. We also use some of old games I found and decorations. Basically, we take different elements of the past and use them for this year’s festival.” Everyone at the meeting really liked the idea about bringing the past present. 3 hours later the meeting was over. “Thank you so much for coming everyone. Please keep a look out for a good location. Meeting adjourned” Rachel’s heart sank as she and Gina cleaned up. “Rachel, you know that if we can’t find a location, this whole thing will be a disaster. We have over 100 farmers, vendors and their families coming, not including all the tourists. Plus, this year we even have a news crew coming to cover the 100th year. What are we going to do?” Gina asked with tears in her eyes. They have always had a location, but this year the town square was not going to be big enough. The town had voted to do an opening day parade through the town, starting at Town Hall and going all the way to the Fall Harvest Location. “I don’t know Gina, but we will figure something out. We always do.” Rachel said with smile. “Come on, let us go. I will buy the coffee and we will start scouting locations. I mean how hard could it be.”   Over the next several weeks, the planning of the Fall Harvest went on as scheduled. People from all over started coming into town to help decorate and set up. Gina and Rachel were working round the clock to everything ready. They even made the voting ballots for the Fall Harvest Queen and King. Every shop and store front and telephone pole had a flyer on it.  The only problem was there was still no location. And time was running out.                                             Chapter 2       Willow sat in the back of her Algebra II class looking out the window. The weather seemed to be changing rather quicker than usual she thought to herself. As Willow watched the leaves blow in the air and the sky turn dark, she did not hear Mr. Grant call her name. “Psst, Willow. Willow” Laila said softly. “Miss Campbell!”, Mr. Grant yelled loudly, Willow nearly fell out of her seat. “Yes Sir?” “We are so glad you finally decided to grace us with you presents.” Mr. Grant said with an annoyed tone. Willow blushed as she looked around the room and everyone was staring at her laughing. “Seeing how you love to daydream so much, maybe you can”. Mr. Grant was cut off by a knock at the door. Willow signed with relief with the distraction. “You are going to be in so much trouble when you get home Jess. You know Mr. Grant is going to email your mom.” Laila told her quietly. Willow just put her head in her hands because she knew she was right. One thing that her mom did not tolerate was laziness when it came to schoolwork. Willow turned to look out the window again and the sky had gotten even darker. It had started to rain. Where did these clouds come from? It was very odd weather for this time of year. As Willow, turned her focus   back to the front of the classroom. A large clap of thunder shook the window. Severely of the girls screamed in fear. Mr. Grant came back into the room, but he was not alone. “Class we have a new student, this is Lucius Ravencroft. Please welcome him.” Willow looked up and she could not believe what she saw. Lucius Ravencroft was a tall muscular young man. He had brownish golden skin, black as ebony hair and piercing grey eyes. His jeans were a perfect cowboy cut style that hugged his long legs. Through his t-shirt Willow could make out, the outline of a 6 pack. As Willow’s gaze met with Lucius’s, a hand shot up.  It was Lisa Marie Weasleton. “Mr. Grant? As Captain of the Lucky Creek High School Welcome Team, may I have the honor of showing Lucius around?” “That is genuinely nice of you to offer Lisa Marie, but I have another idea. Miss Campbell, seeing how it delights you to daydream in my class, why don’t you show Mr. Ravencroft around.” Willow once again felt the eyes of the class on her especially one that belonged to Lisa Marie. “Me sir? But I do not feel that is a great idea, since Lisa Marie has already volunteered.” “Miss Campbell, may I remind you that I can easily email a certain mom and explain to her how her daughter continually falls asleep in my class or daydreams. You will show Mr. Ravencroft around.” Willow feeling defeated just softly nodded. “Good, now Lucius you may go and take the seat by Miss Campbell. She will be your school guide until further notice.” Lucius made his way to the back of the classroom and in the seat next to Willow. Laila leaned over and said” OMG he is so hot. Did you see how upset Lisa Marie was when Mr. Grant told her no?” Willow turned and shot Laila a shut-up look. The last thing Willow needed was another reason for Lisa Marie to mess with her. “Hi, my name is Lucius Ravencroft, my friends call me Luke.” Willow reached out to shake his hand and when she touched his hand another clap of thunder rattled the windows. This time Willow could feel the energy flowing from Lucius. “Hi, my name is Willow,” Willow said with a smile. “ahem.”  “Oh yes and this is my best friend Laila.” Willow said, knowing Laila only did that when she knew something. “It is very nice to meet both of you.” Lucius sat down next to Willow and Laila.   As the day wore on Willow, had a strange feeling she had heard the name Ravencroft somewhere before but could not put her finger on it. At lunch, Willow introduced Luke to the rest of her friends. There was Aleeha, her younger sister, Sam and Junior, Laila’s twin siblings, Genesis, Ethan, and Barbie. As they were sitting down at lunch, Barbie and Genesis started asking Luke all about where he was from and what brought him to Lucky Creek. It felt like an interrogation. But before Luke could say a single word, Lisa Marie showed up with her groupies. “So, Willow, you think you can show Lucius around better than me?” “Lisa Marie, I did not decide this Mr. Grant did.” “Oh please, the only reason he chose you is because your mom signs his paychecks, or maybe it’s because she is sleeping with him!” “You take that back Lisa Marie Weasleton!” “Or what? What are you going to do?” Before Willow could think of anything to say, she swung and punched Lisa Marie right in the mouth. Everyone at the table was in shock of what they just saw. No one had ever stood up to Lisa Marie like that, until now. Everyone in the cafeteria started to clap. “You will get it for this Willow, mark my words. I will make you pay.” Lisa Marie ran off towards the nurse’s office covering her nose. “Holy crap, Willow, where did that come from?” Laila asked with pride and excitement in her voice. “I have no clue?” Willow said with confusion. Lucius just sat there eating his lunch as if not to notice what just happened. “Oh, Luke I am so sorry, I am usually not like that. Please forgive me.” Lucius just nodded. The rest of the school day was uneventful.  Lucius followed Willow to every class, and she continued to show him around. After school Willow and Lucius walked through downtown and she showed him the whole town. They stopped in front of the coffee shop when a flyer caught Lucius’s eye, “what is this?” he asked. “Oh, that is for our annual County Fall Harvest. It is the biggest event of the year. Laila’s mom oversees organizing it. You and your family are welcome to come. It is going to be the biggest one yet. We are celebrating our 100th festival” said Willow. “Are you going to be there?” he asked? Willow felt her cheeks turn red and she nodded. “Then I would love to come.” Willow and Lucius spent the afternoon talking about the town’s history and about the Fall Harvest. They talked for what seemed like hours. “Well I need to get home, see you tomorrow Willow.” “Goodnight Luke, see you tomorrow.” As Luke walked off Willow started to wonder again about his last name. She knew she had heard it before, but she could not put her finger on it. As Willow started walking home, she passed the old Ravenmocker place. The house had been abandoned for years and the land left unattended, but this time there was lights on and the yard had been mowed. She could barely make out two shadows in the window. Who bought this place she wondered and why? If they knew the truth about that house would they had even bought it?  A long time ago before Willow was born, an old lady lived there. They said she just went crazy when she got the news her husband died in the war. They could never have any kids, so he just kept giving her more dogs. Then one day the old lady disappeared and so did the dogs. No one ever went looking for them or even to the house. They just vanished. As Willow studied the house, a large truck pulled up and out jumped Lisa Marie and her groupies. “Hi Willow. Remember the beating I promised you? Grab her and hold her tight.” Next thing Willow knew felt a sharp pain in her stomach. Then another on her face, then another and another. She was thrown on the ground where Lisa Marie continued to kick and punch her. “The next time you try and” before Lisa Marie could finish her sentence a blood curdling HOWL was heard. The girls stopped in their tracks and then ran and jumped back into the truck. Lisa Marie sped off, leaving Willow lying there on the ground. As Willow opened her eyes, she saw a large black dog with grey eyes run after the truck. This was no ordinary dog. This dog was larger and more muscular than any dog she had ever seen. It was almost as if it was a wolf, then a dog. But that is impossible there has never been any wolves around this area. Coyotes yes but never wolves. Willow got up holding her stomach. She could taste the blood in her mouth. As she continued to walk home, she wondered where that dog came from. She finally made it home. She walked up to the front door, but before she opens it her mom open it. “Willow where in” she stopped talking when she saw Willow. Willow tried to say something but instead collapsed in her mom’s arms. “Aleeha go get your dad! Willow! Willow! Oh, my goodness what happened to you?” Willow mom said. Willow’s dad James came from the back room. “What is all the commotion?” James looked down and saw Willow in her mother’s arms. The look of confusion and anger crossed his face at the same time. He bent down and picked up Willow’s unconscious body and took her to her room He laid her down on the bed. “Rachel what in the hell happened?” he asked “I don’t know dear. I am hoping she will tell me when she wakes up. Until then I am going to clean up the blood off her face and put ice on her bruises.” Rachel and James cleaned her wounds and iced her bruises. They covered her with her blanket. James kissed her forehead before heading off to bed. Aleeha made a small pallet on the floor next to Willow’s bed and was sound asleep. Rachel pulled up a chair and sat next to Willow before she too fell asleep.           Chapter 3         The next morning, Willow woke up in her room. Her stomach and head felt like she had gotten hit by a semi. Her mom and sister were asleep in the chairs next to her bed. James had already left for the fields. There was a lot to do before the harvest. “Mom?” Willow tried to move but her body just was not listening. Her arms and legs were heavy, as if they were weighed down. Her face was swollen from the beating. Her breathing was short, and every time she inhaled her ribs hurt with pain. “Willow you are awake; we were so worried.” Willow’s mom came over and sat on the edge of the bed and gently held her hand. “What happened? Who did this to you?” Willow did not know what to say. The last thing she wanted was to start a war with the Weasletons. “I don’t know. It all happened so fast. I did not see who it was. I’m sorry?” Willow knew she was lying and so did her mom, but her mom respected her choice and knew when she was ready to talk, she would. Willow missed school for a week, she did not want to go back until her bruises were gone. But the main reason was that she did not want to see Lisa Marie. Laila came over every day after school to bring her homework and to fill her in on all the latest gossip. “When are you coming back to school? Lisa Marie is making all our lives miserable. She has even tried marking her territory on the new kid.” “I’m just not ready yet. Laila can you keep a secret? I mean you can’t even tell your mom.” Laila nodded as if she knew what Willow was fixing to say. “I’m scared about going back.”  Tears filled Willow’s eyes. Laila leaned in and hugged her best friend. Willow sat there and told Laila everything that happened. She even told her about the black dog. When Willow was finished Laila just sat there speechless. “Where did this dog come from? Did you recognize it? I mean that is scary knowing something like that lives near our town.” Laila was very worried you could hear it in her voice. “Willow you know I will always have you back, but you need to come back to school. There is something you need to see. Lisa Marie is running for Harvest Queen again but that is not the worst of it. There are pictures of you lying on the ground going around.” Laila stopped because the thought of her best friend being seen like that was too much. “What the Hell!” Willow said loudly. “That’s it I am done! I am so tired of her. She has done nothing but try and ruin my life. It is time to take a stand and I know just how to do it. Laila get a hold of all our friends and have them come here immediately.” Laila looked at Willow puzzled, but then started texting everyone. Few minutes later everyone showed up. They all went into Willow’s room where she was waiting for them. “Ok, good everyone is here. Laila can you shut the door please?” “Thank you. So, what I asked you all here because I made decision. I am going to be running against Lisa Marie for Harvest Queen.” The room was silent, not even Laila saw that coming. “Are you crazy? You know what she can do to you? Do you honestly expect the second time to be easier?”  Genesis said knowing full well what can happen when you go up against Lisa Marie. “No, I am not crazy I am tired of living my life in fear of her. Her dad might be the wealthiest man in the whole county, but I am tired of feeling that we owe them anything. I am going to run against her, but I cannot do it alone. I need yall to help me. Will you?” Willow looked around her room at her friends not sure if they would help her. “I will” said Laila, “me too” said Genesis, “count us in”, said Sam and Junior. Barbie and Ethan just sat there, then they looked at Willow and said, “we geta chance to knock that little princess of her pedestal… count us in”! Willow smiled. For the rest of the evening the group worked out their plan and made posters. The next morning, they were going to school to make the announcement. Willow just hoped that she was not making her death sentence. After a nice dinner and a hot shower, Willow laid in bed determined and nervous about the next day. As she thought about the next day, she began to hear howling coming from outside. The same howling from last week. She got up to look out her window to see if she could see anything. But as she neared the window the howling suddenly stopped as if to know she was coming. Willow looked out the window and all she could see was black. There was no light, not even from the moon.  Was she hearing things? Did she hit her head harder than she thought? Willow decided to go to bed and get some rest. She knew she was going to need all the strength she could get if she was going to face off against Lisa Marie Weasleton.                                                       Chapter 4       The next morning, Willow woke up and got dressed. This morning she decided to put on some make up (mainly to cover the remaining bruises) and to curl her hair. When she was done, she headed downstairs for breakfast with her sister and her mom. Her dad must had already left for the fields. “Good morning” Willow said with excitement in her voice. Aleeha and her mom just looked at each other, then Rachel said, “good morning Willow. How are you feeling? Is that make up you are wearing?” “I’m still a little sore but I’m ok. I am ready to go back to school.” “Willow are you sure that is what you want? I mean it has only been a little over a week since your accident and I don’t want you rushing back too soon.” “Mom, I will be fine besides I have decided to run for Harvest Queen this year. So, I need to go up put my posters and banners. But if it makes you feel better, I will stay near Laila today.” Willow’s mom reluctantly sighed as Willow and Aleeha walked out the front door for school. She knew something bad was about to happen, she could feel it. As expected, everyone had heard what happened to Willow, or at least what Lisa Marie wanted them to believe. Willow was bombarded with tons of questions about what happened and if it was true that Lisa Marie saved her life from a wild dog? Lisa Marie saved me. The thought made Willow nauseous. Willow made her way to the front office, where she waited for the receptionist to finish her phone call. No one liked the receptionist Mrs. Fence. She was an older lady with salt and pepper hair, well maybe more salt than pepper. She had a better than though attitude and you did exactly what she said. Even the principal Mr. James feared her. As Willow sat there in the office, she started wondering about Lucius Ravencroft and where she had heard that name before. “Miss Campbell, did you need something, or did you just come in here to daydream?” Mrs. Fence asked with a scowl. “Yes ma’am, I was wanting to know where the packets for Harvest Queen are?” asked Willow. Mrs. Fence got up and walked over to the other side of the room and grabbed a packet. “I never put them out anymore seeing how there one person has only ever been ask for it. What makes you so sure you can go up against Lisa Marie Weasleton?” asked Mrs. Fence.” Honestly, ma’am, I don’t know but I want to at least try”. As Willow took the packet, the phone rang, and it startled her. “A little jumpy today aren’t we Miss Campbell. You better run along now. You don’t want to be late for class.” Mrs. Fence said a smile. Willow smiled back and headed to class. Well there is one way to scare someone. The thought of Mrs. Fence smiling. The thought sent shivers down Willow’s back as she made her way to class. The rest of the day went on without any problems. Lucius stayed next to Willow as if he were trying to protect her something or someone. At the end of the day, I turned my packet for the Harvest Queen into the office and I started heading home. As she started home, Willow’s mind once again stared to wonder. As she neared the Ravenmocker estate, she noticed it was different. She could see saw a large blue house with a white fence. A little old lady tending to her garden, and next to her was. OH My GOD. It was the dog from the other day. Willow snapped too only to realize she was standing in front of the Ravenmocker Place. Willow’s heart was beating out of her chest so fast she thought that she was going to pass out. As she regained focus, she could not help but feel she was being watched. Willow looked around and did not see anyone or anything. But as she started walking again, she could hear footsteps behind her matching hers. Willow was worried it was either Lisa Marie or one of her goonies trying to sneak up on her again. As she quickened her pace so did the footsteps. Willow began to run. She ran right up to the house and started banging on the door. Willow turned to look to see what was following her and I was the black dog. He was right on her heals. “Please somebody, let me in.” Willow screamed. Just as the black dog leaped onto the porch the front door opened and Willow fell in. When Willow stood up, she was shocked to see a little old lady, with ebony black hair and sun touched golden skin. “Oh, my are you ok my dear?” she asked. “Yes ma’am, is that dog still out there?” Willow asked in a panic. “Dog? There have not been any dogs on this property for over 100 years. Are you sure you saw a dog?” “Yes, a large black one with grey eyes” Willow said with confusion in her voice. The little old lady just shook her head, “come here my child and I will make you some tea to calm your nerves.” Willow really did not want to go but she also did not want to go back outside. The old lady lead Willow through the house to the kitchen. The house was very outdated. The paint was peeling off the wall and there was a thick amount of dust on everything. The cobwebs were very well placed by all the spiders that lined the window seals. Willow sat down at kitchen table while the old lady made some tea. A moment later a loud crash came from the front. “Grandma? Where are you?” That voice sounded so familiar. Willow turned and there in the doorway, with the color slowly draining from his face was Lucius. “Willow? What are you doing here?” he finally asked. “I was chased here by a large black dog; I didn’t mean to intrude.” Willow got up to leave knowing that she somehow had overstayed her welcome somehow. “Lucius, sweetie, you didn’t tell me you had made a friend. Especially a pretty little like her.”  Willow blushed with the compliment. “Thank you for the tea, but I do need to head home. I will see myself out.” Willow wondered why Lucius was acting so weird. How was she supposed to know that that is where he lived? Willow had tears welling up in her eyes as she started to walk home. She brushed the tears away and took a deep breath. It is crazy to get this upset over someone you know nothing about, she thought to herself. As Willow walked down the small dirt road to her house, she saw something through the brush.  She followed the little trail to this huge open field. There was a small creek with a bridge that needed a little work to the left and a large barn in the back of the field. Where did this field come from? Who owned the land? She had grown up here her whole life and never knew about this place. It was beautiful and untouched.  Willow took some pictures and immediately called her mom and Gina. Thirty minutes later, Willow’s mom and Gina showed up. They walked the perimeter and looked at the Fall Harvest layout Gina had drawn up. Gina smiled, and gave Willow a huge hug, “you did it. You found the perfect location of the Fall Harvest. It needs some work, but it is perfect. Thank you”! “Finally, the real fun can begin!” Rachel told Gina, as they stood thinking of all the possibilities this land held.                               Chapter 5       The next morning, it was all hands-on deck getting ready for the big day. The Fall Harvest was only 4 weeks away and there was a lot to do. Willow and Laila were setting up tables when Lucius showed up. “Willow, can I talk to you please. I need to explain my actions the other night.” “The other night? Willow you did not tell me you were at his house. Do we need to plan for a wedding instead of a festival?” Laila said teasingly. Lucius and Willow both blushed. Willow really did want to hear what he had to say but before she could answer a truck came speeding up and parked right in the middle of the road. Oh, course it had to be little miss Lisa Marie herself. She was pissed too. She headed straight for Willow. “What the Hell Campbell? Do you really think you could go up against me in the Harvest Queen competition? I mean seriously look at you. Why would anyone in their right mind pick a person like you?” Before Willow could even answer Lucius got in between them. “Back off Lisa Marie, I suggest you get back into your truck and leave. No one wants you here!” Appalled by the way Lucius just spoke to her, “Willow why don’t you just call off your pet dog and come and talk to me like a real woman?” Lucius starred at her and barked back, “You haven’t seen a dog yet Lisa Marie, but you will I promise you that!” Shaken by what he said Lisa Marie turned towards her truck and got in and then drove off like a bat from hell. “Thank you, Luke. I really appreciate what you did for me.” Willow leaned in a gave him a small kiss on the check. “Your welcome” he said with a smile. They got back to work getting ready for the festival. Willow and Lucius stayed close to each other and talked as they worked. As Lucius talked Willow just stared into his grey eyes, she was falling in love. Later that night, as Willow was getting ready for bed.  Willow thought about Lucius. She thought about his muscular body pressing against hers. The smell of his of his cologne teasing her senses. Him wrapping his arms around her waist as he drew her near. As she looked into his grey eyes, his lips met hers. Willow could taste his sweet kiss and feel his tongue in her mouth. Willow’s heart was beating fast when she heard the phone ring. It was Police Chief John Carmichael. “Good evening Chief, what do I owe the pleasure of this call?” Willow heard her mom say. “What? Are you sure? Yes, Chief we will be right down”. Willow’s mom hung up the phone.  “Willow, can you come here please?” Willow’s moms voice sounded like she was about to cry. “Mom? What’s wrong?” “Willow, I need you to go and get dressed the Chief needs to see you right away. There has been an accident.” “OMG is dad ok?” “Willow it’s not dad. Just go do what I have asked please.”  Willow hurried to her room and got dressed. Her mind was raising with what could have happened to cause such a reaction out of her mom. Willow walked back to the kitchen; her mom was just sitting there. Willow tapped her mom on the shoulder, her mom screamed as if she had no clue Willow was behind her. Something was up definitely. Her mom was never this jumpy. The trip to the Police Station was a long quiet one. Willow just looked out the window at the darkness. Occasionally, they would pass a house that had a porch light on, but it was mostly pitch black. As Rachel turned into the town square, Willow could see something was up. There were several people standing outside of the station and the deputies were doing everything they could to keep people away from the door. As we got out of the car, people came rushing over to ask my mom questions. “Madame Mayor, what do you think could have caused this? Should the people of Lucky Creek be concerned? Are you going to request a search party for the body? Has the family been notified?” “At this time, I have no comment. Until I go in and talk to the Chief, I will not tell him how to do his job and I ask you to do the same. Please keep your distance until we have something to report. Thank you.” My mom was very stern and annoyed at all these people. But I still have no clue what is going on. As we entered the Police Station, everyone was running around. I have never seen this place busy, not even on the Fourth of July. We made our way to Chief Carmichael. “Thank you, Madame Mayor for coming so quickly. I need to ask Willow some questions.” Me? Why does he need to talk to me? I have not done anything. Willow thought to herself. “Sure, Chief not a problem, can you at least tell me what you have found out?” “Yes ma’am. So earlier this evening one of my officers were making his rounds when we can upon a truck in the ditch. At first, he thought the truck was having mechanical issues or maybe even abandoned. But as he got closer, he noticed the vehicle had been ransacked. He saw blood all over the window and the inside was torn all up. He radioed in for backup and I arrived as quickly as I could. The scene was secured and roped off. I called for the CSI team to come down and give us a hand. I opened the glove box to check for registration and ownership. There it was.” The Chief stopped right there as if he was going to be sick. What did he find? I was getting extremely nervous. Everyone around here drives trucks so I did not have any clue on who it could belong to. “Chief? Are you ok?” I asked.  Chief Carmichael looked at me, his face was as white as a ghost. “The truck is registered to Richard Theodore Weasleton III. It is his daughter’s Lisa Marie’s truck.” Those words hit me like a freight train. Lisa Marie is missing. Now it all makes sense why all those people are out there. They are looking for some sort of scandal. “Chief what can I do to help?” Willow asked. “Where you around 8:30 to 9 30 tonight?” he asked. “Chief you don’t honestly think Willow had anything to do with this do you?” Willow’s mom was starting to get terribly upset with the thought that her daughter was becoming a suspect. “Madame Mayor, I am asking everyone this. The only difference is that Willow is the only person who has a motive. Witnesses said that Lisa Marie beat you up a couple weeks ago is that true? Is it true you punched her in the face at school?” Willow could feel the color drain out of her face. Now she is the is one who is about to be sick. Before Willow could answer, a deputy walked in. “Chief you have a phone call line one.” “Thank you. Excuse me a moment.” Willow looked at her mom, “Mom? I did not do anything. I was at the festival grounds all night with you and several other people setting up. Then I went home ate dinner and took a shower.” Willow’s mom just hugged her reassuring her everything would be ok. The Chief walked back into the room and sat back down. “Sorry about that, where were we? Willow.” Before the Chief could finish his questioning, Willow’s mom interrupted him. “Chief, does Willow need a lawyer? Because this is sounding more like an interrogation than just some random questions?” “Mom, its ok I have nothing to hide. Yes, Lisa Marie beat me up, yes, I did punch her. I was with my mom and several others this evening setting up for the festival. Afterwards I went home, ate dinner, and showered. I was fixing to go to bed when you called.” “Chief, I had nothing to do with what ever happened to Lisa Marie’s truck. The last time I saw her was when she came to the festival grounds and threatened me. She wanted me to drop out of the Harvest Queen competition. Laila and Lucius were both there when it happened.” “Thank you, Willow, for your honesty. I already knew about her threatening you. But you see it is more than just a missing truck. Lisa Maire is also missing, and you were the last person to see her. I need to know everything that took place. Who said what? Which way did she drive off? Everything. We need to find her. I am waiting for the blood results to come back to see if the blood in the truck hers is. But I do not think that you are involved at this moment. So please from the beginning.” Willow and her mom sat there for what seemed like hours talking to the Chief. Besides a couple of questions occasionally, he said nothing. Willow told him everything that happened, what was said and who was around when things happened. When Willow was finished the Chief looked at her and said, “Thank you for coming in. I will let you know if I need anything else.” Willow and her mom got up to leave. “Willow go wait in the lobby; I need to talk to the Chief.” As Willow left the room, her mom shut the door behind her. You could tell she was not happy with the Chief. The next thing Willow saw was her mom screaming at the Chief, she was quite sure the terms “What the Hell” and “Are you out of your damn mind” were being used. Willow sat there in the busy lobby of the police station waiting on her mom to finish ripping the chief to shreds. As she sat there, she started wondering about the Ravencroft name again.  As she sat there thinking, she began thinking of Lucious. His slender   muscular body, his sun kissed golden skin. His black ebony hair, his near perfect lips, and his piercing grey eyes. His eyes, Willow jumped up almost dropping her purse. His grey eyes, the black wolf dog had the same eyes. Could it be that they were the same? But that is stupid. There is no such thing as a werewolf “Excuse me officer?” Willow asked the older gentleman behind the desk. “Can I help you?” He answered. “How long have you lived in Lucky Creek?” “Oh, I’d say about 60 years, my family has lived in these parts for almost as long as your family. Why?” “Does the name Ravencroft mean anything to you?” Willow asked with hesitation. “Ravencroft? I have not heard that name in years. Why do you ask?” The officer asked with concern. “I have a new classmate and his last name is Ravencroft and I knew I had heard the name before, but I couldn’t remember where and why.” “Miss Willow come with me. We need to talk somewhere privately.” Willow followed the officer into a small room. It was full of old boxes with people’s names on them. It smelled of old dust and mildew. “What is this place?” The officer looked around and took a box off the shelf. The box was labeled Ravencroft-Case Unsolved. There was at least an inch of dust on the lid that just fell of when the officer lifted it up. “This case was my very first unsolved case back when I first became a detective. You see about 300 years ago, before Lucky Creek was even a spot on a map. There lived a young woman by the name of Esmerelda Black. She was a beauty. Long black ebony hair, golden skin and piercing grey eyes. At the time she was the most popular single young lady. All the men in town were taken by her beauty, but most men just wanted her money. You see her daddy was the wealthiest man in the whole territory. And when he died all his money went to his only living relative Esmerelda. But one man by the named of Johnathan Hilstrande vowed, that she would be his and no one else’s. So, he tried to court her, but she was not interested. She had her heart set on another a man by the name of Ceth Ravencroft. But he was off fighting in the war. Many people said that Jonathan only wanted to court Esmerelda for her money, and that was probably true. Jonathan was a horrible gambler and probably needed the money to pay off his debts. One day, young Esmerelda was out in her garden when Jonathan came a calling. He asked her to marry him and she once again told him no. But this time he did not accept the rejection. You see Johnathan had a bad temper when he did not get what he wanted, and he wanted Esmerelda’s money. So, he beat Esmerelda until she gave into him and married him. Esmerelda hated and feared Jonathan. As time went on the beatings got worse, so much so it made her barren. So anytime she became pregnant, she would lose the baby. Eventually Esmerelda’s heart became harden and she started to change.” The officer stopped and cleared his throat. You could see the pain in his eyes as if he understood how she felt. “Then one day, I guess she had enough. Jonathan came home drunk as a skunk. He was yelling and screaming so loudly that the coyotes would howl just to drown out the noise. Johnathan came after Esmerelda but this time she was ready. Now this is where the story gets weird. You see Esmerelda believe in ancient native American black magic. She had been seeing a local shaman and he gave her a potion. So, when Johnathan came at her, she threw the potion all over him. Jonathan just disappeared. According to sources at the time, the potion was believed to be a protection potion.  Kind of like our restraining orders we have today. Weeks went by and no sign of him. Most people believed that Esmerelda finally killed him, and no one could blame her. But honestly no one really knows. The local law at the time called on Esmerelda and asked her what happened to her husband. She would just tell them that he had just disappeared. But one day when they came by, there in the yard was a large black wolf like dog sitting next to Esmerelda. She was petting him. This dog was bigger than any dog the men had known or seen. They believe that she had turned Jonathan into this creature. But how could they prove that. Esmerelda had been through enough. All the beatings lie, and rumors had destroyed her. As the years went on, Johnathan’s case became colder and colder, eventually people just forgot about him. Ceth returned home and he married Esmerelda. The black dog just vanished one day. Ceth and Esmerelda lived together happily for many years until Ceth died. He was buried on their family estate. One day Esmerelda just disappeared too. People believed that she died from grief and a broken heart. But they have always said that her spirit and the spirit of Jonathan are still in her house. As the decades wore on, strange things have always seemed to happen there. Unexplained howling, shadows in the windows and at one point. I remember driving by and seeing an old woman and a black dog sitting outside. I could not explain it. The house had been abandoned for years. No one would even buy the property. It was almost as if the land was cursed” Willow just sat there, not real sure what to say. “Sir may I ask what house Esmerelda’s was?” “It’s the old Ravenmocker Estates down off county road 13.” As those words came out of his mouth Willow nearly fell over. “I. I. I must go. Thank you so much for telling me.” “Your very welcome, but a word of advice. Stay away from this boy and that place. Nothing good every comes from there.” Willow nodded as she went back up front. Her mind was reaming from the story she was just told. Was it true? How does Lucius play into all of this? Willow arrived at the waiting room where her mom was waiting for her. “There you are it’s about time. Where have you been? Never mind, we are leaving now. This whole thing is just ridiculous. I cannot believe they would even think you had something to do with Lisa Marie’s disappearance. Your father is going to be livid when I must tell about all this. The chief had better hope he isn’t next.”                   Chapter 6           The drive home seemed like it, it took forever. There was an unspoken silence between and Willow and her mom. Willow just could not shake what the officer had told her.  Willow looked out the window, she noticed the fog was rolling in. As her mom turned on the road towards their house, a large black dog stood in the middle of the road. Its eyes were glowing, his fur was jet black and standing on ends. His claws looked as sharp as razors and in his mouth was a torn piece of cloth. Willow’s mom swerved the truck to avoid hitting him. They ended up in the ditch.  When they got out the black dog was nowhere to be seen. “What the hell was that?” Willow’s mom said with fear in her voice. “Look at my truck? Its totaled?” As Willow’s mom looked for her cell phone that fell on the floor. “Great now I have to call the police and your dad.” Willow walked across the road in the direction she thought the black dog came from. Willow carefully walked down in the small embankment towards the holler that separated her family’s land and their neighbor’s. As Willow followed the small trail, she slipped and fell. When went to get up she noticed she was covered in something. She looked at her hands. It was blood and a lot of it. Willow looked over next to the tree and there was Lisa Marie, or at least what was left of her. She had been mauled by something. Her flesh was nearly torn off her body and her throat had been sliced open. Willow screamed and turned to run away.  But as she did the black dog had come back. Willow just stood there in fear, tears rolling down her face. She just knew she was next. But just as the black dog lunged at her, another one showed up. But this one stood in front of her as if he were protecting her. He looked at her with his piercing grey eyes, as if to tell her to leave. Willow took the hint just as the two dogs started fighting. Willow made it back to the road and right into Chief Carmichael’s arms. “She. she. she dead!” Willow was hysterical. She was crying so hard she could not say what happened. “Willow calm down tell me what happened. What are you covered in? Is that blood?” said the Chief. Willow just pointed in the direction she came from. Chief Carmichael and a couple of officers went towards the holler with guns in hand. A few moments later you heard gunshots. BANG! BANG! “WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?”  Then you heard a deep howl heading off into the distance. A while later, as Willow was getting cleaned up in the back of an ambulance, the chief appeared. He walked straight over to his car and got onto his radio. The look on his face was a mix between fear and terror.  Willow could not make out what he had said but she guessed it was the coroner. Willow’s mom went over to the chief and he filled her in on what he found. As Willow sat in the back of the ambulance, Willow could feel people staring at her. Occasionally, Willow would see different officers look at her and they would start talking. Even Chief Carmichael looked her way, as if she had something to do with it. An officer came over and he took her statement. As the officer was taking her statement, he kept signing as if she was lying. The officer finished taking her statement and he told her that deputy was going to take her and her mom home and not to plan on leaving town. Willow could not believe it; she was the prime suspect. As soon as they arrived at the house Willow ran right inside and to take a hot shower, she wanted to wash the blood off her. While she was waiting for the water to get hot. Willow noticed she had a large bruise on her arm. It was probably from when she slipped, Willow thought to herself. Willow got in the shower, and just let the water hit her body. As she stood there, she could not help it, but tears started to flow down her face. Willow could not stand Lisa Marie, but she never wished her harm. They were always competing against each other. Willow wondered if they could have ever been friends. Did she take the time to get to know her? Then Willow thought about Lisa Marie’s parents. OMG they are going to be devastated. Just the thought of that made Willow cry even harder. The unknown of how or why Lisa Marie was murdered like that was more than she could bare. Willow turned off the shower and got ready for bed. As she laid in bed, she could hear whispering coming from down the hall. Rachel was filling James in on what had happened. Occasionally, she would her here dad say, “What the hell or are you kidding me?” She finally drifted off to sleep. The next morning, Willow did not sleep a wink. How could she? She had hoped everything that happened the night before was still on her mind. Was just a nightmare? Did it really happen? But she knew that deep down it was not. Her body hurt from where she had slipped, and she knew the news of Lisa Marie’s murder was going to be the talk of the town and the school. She needed to see Laila and talk to her. But mostly she wanted to see Lucius. She still remembered the warning the officer had told her, but she needed to see for herself. She needed to know if the story that the officer told her was true. Is Lucius Ravencroft a descendant of Esmerelda and Johnathan? Did she have a baby that he did not know about? What happened to the dog? What happened to Esmerelda? All these questions were circling in Willow’s mind as she made her way over to Laila’s house. Laila opened the door before Willow could even knock. Get in here now! Laila grabbed Jesy’s arm and shut the door and locked it. “First off, hi. How are you? Second what the hell is going on? My mom got an urgent phone call from your mom this morning calling for an urgent meeting. Then I get a text message from Ethan saying that Lisa Marie is dead and that the police think you have something to do with it. I mean, you two did not get along but you would not kill her. Would you?” Willow’s mouth dropped open and her heart sank. “Do you honestly think that I am capable of doing something like? Yes, the Chief questioned me. I told him everything that had happened in the last few months. I told him how she tormented me, how she beat me up. But I told him I was with you and Lucius at the Festival grounds setting up when she went missing.” Laila seemed a little unsettled when Willow told her that she told the chief that they were together. “Laila, I need to talk to you about something.” Laila shrugged her shoulders, hesitantly. “What is it?” “Laila, what the matter you are acting weird? Did I do something wrong?” “Willow, you are my best friend, but I am not sure we should be seen talking right now. I am worried that people might think I helped you kill Lisa Marie. I’m not saying you did, but you do have the best motive.” Willow looked at Laila, “What the hell Laila? You are my best friend, or at least I thought you were. How could you even think I would do that? And what do you mean motive?” “Willow come on don’t act like this?” Laila pleaded. “Act like what Laila? I am so mad and hurt right now. I came to you because I needed help proving something and instead, I get accused of murdering Lisa Marie. You know what. I will do this on my own. I don’t need a friend like you!” Before Laila could even reply Willow walked out the door, slamming it behind her. “Are you happy now? You just cost me my best friend,” Laila said. “Yes, that was perfect. She is right where I need her to be.” Said a mysterious a voice on the other end of Laila’s phone. As Laila hung up, she started to cry. “How could I have just done that? Willow is going to need me now more than ever and I just threw her to the wolves.” Laila fell on the couch and just cried. What could she do now? Willow would never believe her, much less accept her apology. All she could do is wait and see. Maybe Willow would realize that the whole thing was a sham and come right back thru the door. Laila just sat there waiting, but Willow never came. Maybe I should go look for her, she should not have gone far. Laila thought to herself. But just when Laila started to get up her heard a howl coming from outside. The she heard the footsteps of something exceptionally large walking on the front porch. “Oh, dear God. I am so sorry. I will stay here. I won’t go after her, please don’t hurt me.” Just as quickly they started the footsteps were gone. Laila took a deep breath and slumped back on the couch. She wanted to warn Willow, but she did not know how. Something was going on in Lucky Creek and it was not good. Tears stung Willow’s eyes as she walked home from Laila’s house. How dare she accuse her of this? After everything they have been through together, this is how Laila shows her appreciation? “Right when I need you the most, you aren’t there.” Willow’s paced quickened she just wanted to go home.           Chapter 7             Willow walked into her house and went straight to her room. She locked the door behind her. If no one is going to believe her then she will just leave and figure it out on her own. “I don’t need this stupid town. I don’t need my friends, and sure as hell don’t need Laila.” Willow went into her closet and got out her suitcase. As she started to pack, her phone rang. It was Laila. Willow denied the call. The phone rang again, it was Laila. Again, Willow denied the call. “Why does she keep calling me? She made it perfectly clear that I was to blame. She said her peace, so she can just deal with it.” Willow turned off her phone and continued to pack. Willow had no clue where she was going, all she knew was she was leaving. When she was finished packing, Willow wrote a quick little note to her parents and sister:                                 Mom, Dad and Aleeha I am so sorry for the pain I am causing you. I know you raised me better, but I have no choice. Everyone believes that I had something to do with Lisa Marie’s death. I did not, but I know who does. I have decided that what is best for me is to leave Lucky Creek and never return. I will let you know where I end up as soon I as I can. Please tell Aleeha that I love her and tell Laila I forgive her. I wish I could explain why, but I feel it is for the best that I do not. I know you would try and make me stay.   Please do not follow me or come looking. It is better this way.                                   I love you,                                                 Willow   As Willow wrote the word she started to cry. She could not believe that she was doing this. Willow had never thought of running away before but now that is all she could think about. Getting out of Lucky Creek as fast as she could. Willow loaded her suitcase in the back of her car, got in and started driving to the county line. As she was driving off, she watched her house slowly fade into the distance, until it was out of sight. All her dreams, her family, and friends gone in a blink of an eye. How could this of happened? Willow was so focused on everything going on that she was not paying attention to where she was going. HONK HONK a loud horn woke Willow out of her trans. Willow swerved her car. She went into the ditch and into a tree. Willow hit her head hard on the steering wheel. When she came to, she tried to open the door, but it was stuck. She saw the other driver. He had pulled over to try and help her. But as he came towards her car, she heard a growl. Willow turned her head and saw a pair of red glowing eyes in the brush beside her car. The other driver must have seen them too because he got back into his truck and drove off. “HELP ME!!! Please! Don’t leave me” Willow begged. This cannot be happening. Willow tried to open the door again, but it was no use. It would not budge. Willow’s head was pounding from hitting it on the steering wheel, as she leaned back in her seat. “Well this is it. I am going to die! At least this way everyone will know it wasn’t me.” As Willow sat there, she began to feel very sleepy. Willow tried to fight it, but she did not have the strength.  She knew she had a concussion and it is not good to fall asleep for at least 2 hours after hitting your head. But she could not keep her eyes open. Right before she closed her eyes, Willow saw a shadowy figure. “Who are you?” she asked. But before she could hear the answer, Willow passed out. When Willow awoke, she could not move her arm or her feet. She looked down and realized that she was tied to a chair. Where am I? she thought to herself. As she looked around, she assumed was in an old basement. She could smell the mildew and mold on the walls and the air felt damp and stale. The room was small and not well lit.  The only thing that she could see was a small table.  Great I have been kidnapped. “My mom is the town Mayor she will do anything, just let me go. I won’t tell anyone.” Silence. Willow tried to release one of her wrists, but she could not. The more she tried the harder it became. Her head began pound with all the adrenaline flowing and soon Willow passed out again. A sudden feeling of being watched woke Willow.  A figure stood before her. “Who are you? What do you want with me?” The figure just stood there. Willow could not tell if it was a man or a woman. She could not even make out the face. What is all this?  Who is this? What do they want with her? So many questions were running through her mind.  Willow’s head was spinning. Before she could say anything, she felt a sharp pain in her arm. She looked down and noticed an IV. Great I have been kidnapped and now I am being drugged. The shadowy figure moved towards the IV and injected her with something. Willow soon fell back to sleep.                                     Chapter 8           “Willow? Willow? Willow, I need you to wake up?” Willow woke up and saw Lucius trying to untie her. “What are you doing? How did you get here? Where are we?” Willow asked Lucius in a panicked voice. “There’s no time to explain, but I need to get you out of here before he returns.” “Before whom returns? Lucius this doesn’t make any sense.” Lucius was trying hard to loosen the restraints, but his hands were shaking too much. “I. I... I can’t. They are on too tight.” “Lucius, is there something shar nearby? A knife or a pair of scissors? We can try and cut the ropes.” Lucius thought about it for a second, then he got up and left the room. Moments later he came back with a small swiss army knife. “I don’t know if this will work but I guess we can try.” As Lucius began to cut the rope, they both heard a sound. It was a coming from upstairs. They both froze. “I’m too late” Lucius said in despair. “He’s here, and if he catches me down here, he will kill me.” “Who are you talking about? Who is going to kill you?” Willow pleaded with Lucius to tell her, but he could not. Lucius dropped the knife and headed for the door. “I’m sorry Willow.” Lucius closed the door behind him. Willow could hear him lock the door. The noise from upstairs got louder. She could tell that they were not alone anymore. As Willow continued to try and free herself, she heard a loud racket coming from the other side of the door. It sounded like glass breaking. Willow hurried to finish untying herself when she heard the door unlock. Willow’s heart began to pound harder. The door opened and in walked a man. He was an older man, but not too old. Maybe late 30s early forties. He had salt and pepper hair, brownish skin, and auburn eyes. “Good you are awake; I was beginning to wonder if I gave you too much Ketamine.” As the man walked around her, he placed his hands on her shoulder. His touch sent chills down Willow’s spine. The man continued to touch her shoulders and slowly began to slide his hand down her arm. As we walked behind her Willow noticed her began sniffing her hair. “Your smell is intoxicating. I can see why Lucius fancies you.” Willow was at a loss of words. Who is this person and what is his relationship to Lucius? The man circled around Willow until he was standing right in front of her. She could feel his eyes on her. Starring at her. The thought of it made her nauseous. “what do you want with me?” she asked. The man just grinned. “Oh, you will know soon enough.” The man bent down and looked Willow right in the eyes, “I have a special treat instore for you.” Willow looked into his eyes and all she saw was darkness. They say looking into someone’s eyes is like looking into their soul. Well if that was true, this man had no soul.  As the man got up and turned to leave, he noticed the swiss army knife that Lucius had dropped. “Where did this come from?” he yelled at her. “I. I. I don’t know.” The man starred at Willow knowing she was lying. “LUCIUS!!!!” The name yell sounded more like a howl. He left slamming the door behind him and locking it. The next thing Willow heard was a bone chilling howl. She knew that howl. She had heard it many times over the last few weeks. What the hell was going on? Willow tried to break free from the restraints. But the more she twisted her wrists, the more she began to bleed. The ropes were so tight that they were leaving bruises and breaking the skin. The Willow got a thought. What if she breaks the chair? She had seen it done in the movies. The hero would either fall over or hit the chair against something and it would break the chair. This way she could get out of the ropes easier. Willow tired standing up, but that was harder to do than it seemed. So, she started swaying her chair back and forth. Finally, her chair gave, and Willow fell to the floor. Willow tried to move her legs to see if the fall had broken the chair. Unfortunately, it did not. All the fall did was give her more bruises. “Never believe the movie”, Willow thought to herself. Willow laid there trying to figure out her next move, she began to hear scratching sounds coming from the corner of the room. Great all she needed now was mice or rats coming after her. Willow started to wiggle faster. Finally, she got one of her feet loose. The noise started to grow louder. Whatever it was, was bigger than a mouse. Willow began to panic. The thought came into her mind that it was a dog or a wolf. They were digging into basement. Willow heart started pounding. “Help! Somebody please helps me!!” Willow screamed as loud as she could, but no one came. Tears flowed down her face, she thought of her mom, dad, and little sister. They are probably worried sick.  Willow struggled to try and finish breaking the restraints, but it was to no avail. Then, she heard it. The sound of who or whatever it was breaking through the wall. “Willow? Willow are you still in here?” It was Lucius. A huge relief came over Willow. “Yes, I’m over here.” “Lucius came over to where Willow was laying on the floor. “Well how did you get down there?” Lucius said with smirk. “Please help me up and get me out of here.” Lucius finished untying her. “Thank you.” As Willow stood up and took the IV out of her arm. Then she turned and smacked Lucius right across the face. “What the hell was that for?” Lucius rubbed his face. “That’s for leaving me when I needed your help. And for not telling me what is going on. Who is that creepy man and why am I here?” “Willow, I promise I will tell you everything but first I need to get you out of here. It’s not safe.” Willow raised her eyebrow at Lucius’s remark. “Really, I couldn’t imagine why not.” She said sarcastically. Lucius grabbed Willow’s arm and headed towards the door. But as they walked closer, they saw a shadow on the other side. “It’s too late. he knows I’m here.” Lucius’s grip tightened around Willow’s arm. “Lucius your hurting me, let go please.” Willow pleaded with him. The door swung open and there stood the mysterious man. “What is going on here? Lucius do you care to explain yourself?” The man just stood there blocking the only exit. His eyes fixed on Lucius, studying him for a reaction. What was he waiting for? Why won’t he just say something? Willow thought to herself. “Yes sir, I caught Miss campbell trying to escape and I was bringing her to you for punishment.” Willow shot a confused look at Lucius. What was he doing? “I went to check on her and noticed she had broken free of her restraints and I was unsure of what to do.” Willow just stood there speechless. She could not believe what she was hearing. Lucius just sold her out, but why? The mysterious man just stared at Lucius. Then he just smiled. “Take her to my chambers, I will deal with her later.” Lucius nodded and led Willow through the house. When they were out of sight, Lucius loosened his grip. “Willow, I am so sorry, but I had played his games. Please forgive me.” Willow did not know what to believe anymore. Was he telling the truth or was it just another lies?  Willow starred into Lucius’s eye. They seemed to glow in the light. Willow lifted her head and kissed him. “I do forgive you.” Just then Willow kneed Lucius right in the groin. Lucius let go of her arm and Willow took the opportunity to make a run for it. As Willow was running, she heard a loud howl. It was coming from the direction she just left. Willow hastened her pace. She did not want to see what or who that was. Willow ran down the corridor to a large room. It was Octangular in shape. Lots of glass windows. Willow could not imagine where she was. The beauty of the room. The tall oak columns seem to so on for miles. The grandeur of the room was just breath taking. As Willow stood there in admiration, she never noticed she was not alone. “Hello again Miss Campbell. You seem to be lost.” That voice sent chills down Willow’s spine. Willow spun around and saw that strange man again. How the hell was always finding her. “Come sit, can I offer you a drink?” Willow did not know what to say. The man walked towards her. “Why do you fear me? I do not bite. hard” the man said with a grin. The man sat down in a large chair. Come sit with me. I think we need to talk.” Willow really wanted to leave but her natural curiosity got the best of her. Willow sat down across from the man. The man smiled and his eye glowed. “Now was that so hard? We can all be civil.” Willow smiled in agreeance. “Now then where should we start? I guess the best place is the beginning.” “Who are you and what is this place?” Willow’s voice was shaken. “Are you cold? Here let me light a fire for you.” The man walked over to massive fire pit and lit a match. He threw it in and the fire roared. The lit from the fire it up the room. Willow gasped. The room was full of pictures and sculptures of wolves. As her eyes looked around the room, they stopped at the painting above the mantle. The was a painting of a woman. She was beautiful. Long ebony hair, golden skin, and grey eyes. It was Esmerelda Black-Ravencroft. Willow’s eyes widened. “She was beautiful, wasn’t she? Esmerelda Black was her name, but you already knew that didn’t you?” The man turned to look at Willow. “Yes, I did. But who are you?” The started to laugh but his laughter was more like a howl. “I am Jonathan Hillstrande.” Willow nearly fell out of her chair. “I heard you died?” “I’m sure you did. Let me guess the old police officer told you that Esmerelda poisoned me, and I turned into a wolf? Am I correct?” Willow nodded. “Small town mind set. They could even begin to comprehend what actually happened.” “Why don’t you enlighten me then? Why does the whole town think that Esmerelda killed you?” Jonathan looked at Willow. His eyes lowered as if he was sizing her up. “I first saw Esmerelda when she was in the market shopping. The sun kissed her golden skin and illuminated her ebony hair. I knew she was the one. But alas she had her heart for another. But I knew that soon would be remedied.  I knew the love of her life was leaving for the war soon. So, I just waited. Finally, it was my chance. I asked Esmerelda to marry me. To my surprise she turned me down. Naturally, I was a little taken back. I mean, I am catch and any woman would be luckily to have me. So, I just kept trying. Finally, she said yes. I just wore her down. I thought we had a good marriage. She kept the house and did all those wife things and I do whatever I wanted. It was the perfect marriage. One day I came home, and I was shocked to find no dinner waiting on me. Instead I got a face full of something. Next thing I remember I had 4 paws and black fur. That b***h turned me into a wolf.  The worst part was I could not leave. It had something to do with the stuff she threw on me. But then her true love showed up and my punishment was over. I was finally free, so to speak. I went into the woods and watched and waited. I never forgot about what Esmerelda did to me. I was going make sure she paid for it. And now her bill has come due.” Willow sat back in the chair and rolled her eyes, “No offense but that doesn’t answer anything.” Willow was now taunting Jonathan. “I wasn’t finished.” His voice was stern and hateful. “A several years passed and I found myself in a small town called Lucky Creek. Imagine my surprise when I saw Esmeralda. Time stood still for me. She was more beautiful than ever. I followed her home one day, only to see that she had married and had a baby. I went crazy. That was my life. The angrier I got the stronger I became. I began to change. You see my dear, whatever that potion she threw on me had a counter effect. I was able to shapeshift between man and a wolf.” Willow started laughing. “You honestly want me to believe that you are a werewolf? Is this a joke?” Jonathan just stared at her. “Are you mocking? How dare you?” Jonathan’s eyes were glowing red now. His yell became more like a howl. “Maybe I should show you why it is not wise to mock me!” Jonathan took off his jacket and stepped into the light. Willow watched in speechless horror as Jonathan began to change. His face hands and body began to grow hair. His feet turned into paws with long razor-sharp claws. His ears grew points and his eyes became hollow. Willow was in shock; Jonathan was a werewolf. But how is this possible? Werewolves are legends, stories made up to scare kids. “Jonathan?” “Yes, my dear? Do you believe me now?” Jonathan said with a growl. Willow nodded in fear. She just knew if smarted off again she was going to be dinner. “How is it possible for you to be a werewolf. I thought that they didn’t exist but in story books?” “All stories come from somewhere Miss Campbell; our story started long ago before this town was every thought of.  The Black family are descendants of an ancient Native American Tribe. They were well known for the black magic and unholy rituals.” “What about Esmerelda? What happened to her?” Jonathan’s eye grew red in anger. “I went to the house and demanded to see her. Her husband would not let me in. He tried to push me out the door but when that did not work, he threatened to call the cops. I was raging with anger. I attacked him and, in my anger, I killed him. Esmerelda was so scared of me; she took the baby and ran away. I chased after her, I needed to explain. When I found her, she was standing on the edge of a large cliff. She told me not to go any closer or she would jump. I was not about to lose her twice, so I backed off. I told her I just wanted to talk and explain. She came back to the house and I did my best to explain. But she just looked at me as if I was a monster. But I knew she would love me again.  So, I stayed here in Lucky Creek to make sure we stayed together. Unfortunately, our life was anything but great. The baby got sick one winter and died. Esmerelda was never the same. She began to go crazy. Finally, she just disappeared, and I went back to the woods. Until now.” Jonathan stopped talking, he looked at Willow. “Now what do I do with you?” Willow gulped; she did know what to say.                       Chapter 9             Jonathan got up from his chair and started walking around Willow. As he leaned over her, Willow could feel his breath on the back of her neck. She did not want to move. A loud commotion coming from outside the door caught Jonathan’s attention.  It sounded like dogs fighting. “What is going on out there?” As Jonathan was distracted Willow took her chance and ran. She ran down the hallway. As she was running, she heard noises behind her. It sounded like a herd of animals chasing her. She knew it was the wolves. But where did they come from and how many was there. She decided not to stop and find out.  Willow just kept running as fast as she could. Finally, she could see a light at the end of the hallway. As Willow got closer, she knew something was wrong, she could feel it. Willow got to the door and opened it. The light was very bright, once Willow’s eye focused, she realized she was in a kitchen. The room was small and smelled of old cabbage. The cupboards that were once ivory were now stained in a yellow film. The stove looked like it was from the early 1900’s. There were so many cobwebs all over the room that it was impossible not to walk into one.  In the middle of the room was a small dining table with four chairs, a little old woman sat their peeling potatoes. “Ma’am, can you help please? I really need to get out of here.” The woman just sat there. “Ma’am did you hear me? I need you help?” Willow walked in front of the old woman and she was horrified at what she saw. The little old woman had no eyes. Just black holes. As Willow stood there peering at them, spiders began to crawl out. Willow screamed in fear. She started to run towards the door. But the door was stuck. “Oh, come on. Open up.”  The old lady stood up and walk towards Willow. “Once you enter these walls you can never leave.” The little old lady said with a laugh.  Willow continued to struggle with the door, when finally, she was able to open the door. She pushed her way out and slammed the door behind her. Willow looked around she made it outside, where was she? All she could see was the woods and darkness. In the distance she could hear howling. Was its Jonathan? Was he coming for me? All different thoughts began to flood her mind. All she wanted to do was go home and see her family. But how could she do that? Willow started to run towards the woods. Hopefully, it will lead to a road, civilization, something. Once Willow was far enough away from the house, she began to walk. She walked for what seemed like hours. The moon was starting to set, and the sun was beginning to rise. In the distance she could hear water. Was it a stream? A creek? Whatever it was it was water. Willow quickened her pace. Her was so thirsty. Finally, she made it to the small stream. Willow fell and began gulping the water. It was so cool and refreshing. The minute the cold water hit her stomach; Willow threw up.  The cold water was alike a punch to the stomach. Willow could not remember the last time she had eaten much less drank anything. Willow sat there on the bank, thinking about all that has happened. She thought of Lisa Marie, Laila, her parents, and her little sister. She thought about Lucius. How was he involved in all of this? Who was Jonathan to him? Willow knew she needed to get answers. She needed to find Lucius. Still weak from throwing up, Willow got up and continued to walk. Willow walked for a few more hours until she came across a clearing. She immediately recognized it. She was close to the county boarder. This field she uses to pass on her way to Lucky Creek. Willow sighed with relief. She could easily get home now. But as Willow made her way into the clearing, she was several black shadows come out of the adjacent wood line. They were coming amazingly fast and in her direction. Willow began to run towards to barn on the opposite side of the field. As she neared the barn, she saw a farmer on his tractor. Willow began to scream and yelling for help, but he could not hear her over the sound of his tractor. Willow ran as fast as she could. She needed to warn the farmer. The farmer looked up and saw Willow running. He stopped and turned off his tractor. His face grew pale when he what was chasing her. The framer got off his tractor and began to run towards the house. Willow was not far behind. But when the farmer got to the house he shut and locked the door behind him. Willow started pounding on the door, begging for the farmer to let her in. But he never did. Willow tired opening a window but they were all locked. Willow looked behind her and she could see that the wolves were almost there. She jumped off the porch and ran for the barn. As soon as she got there, Willow shut the doors and locked them then hurried up the ladder to the loft. She kicked the ladder down, so they would not follow her up. When Willow got into the loft, she could hear scratching a digging at the door. She hid herself in some of the hay and she closed her eyes and covered her ears. She was so scared. A few moments later Willow heard gun shots. The wolves stopped digging and seemed to turn their attention toward whoever was firing the shots. The wolves began to howl and there was another shot, but this time it seemed to have hit something. One of the wolves let out a loud yelp. There was another gun shot, then silence. Willow peered out a small hole in the wall, and she saw a sheriff standing over a large black dog. The farmer came out of the house and pointed towards the barn.  The sheriff raised his gun and yelled” Anyone in there? Come out with your hands up.” “Yes, someone is in here, please don’t hurt me. I can’t get down, I kicked the ladder down, I am up in the loft.” Willow replied. Moments later the barn doors opened, and the ladder was placed back where it was. Willow climbed down and collapsed in the Sheriffs arms. She was so very thankful to be safe. About 30 minutes later an ambulance, and animal control showed up. Willow was taken to the county hospital for evaluation. Willow finally felt at peace. The doctors ran several different tests and did a lot of blood work, but beside being severely dehydrated, Willow only had some scrapes and bruises. The doctor recommended that she stay there a few days before she was able to go home. “Do you need us to call anyone?” The nurse asked. Willow shook her head. Whatever this mess she had gotten herself into, she did not want her family involved. The nurse smiled and told her if she needed anything, she would be outside. Then she turned and walked out the door. Willow Leaned back on the pillow and shut her eyes. She was finally able to get some sleep, or so she thought. As Willow began to drift off to sleep, but soon she had the familiar feeling that she was not alone.  Her eyes shot open, and she began to look around the room. There in the corner of her hospital room was Jonathan. “We meet again my dear.” Willow’s heart began to pound, she reached for the call nurse button, but Jonathan stopped her. “Now, we need to have a little talk. You see you have caused a lot of trouble for me and I do not like that. So, the question is what are we going to do about it? Hmm?” Willow watched as Jonathan made his way over to her IV. “Why don’t you just kill me?” “Now my dear, that is true I can very easily do that, but you mean too much to a certain person. So, I can’t.” Willow’s eyes widened, “Lucius?” “Yes, he looks just like his mother, unfortunately he has his father’s dim-witted brains. Did you know there was 3 ways you can turn into a werewolf? You can be bitten, fall in love with one or be bred by one.” “So, which one were you?”  Jonathan just starred at her. “Actually, I fell in love with one.” Willow looked at him confused. He fell in love with one. That means that Esmerelda was a werewolf. But that did not make any sense. “Now, where was I? Oh yes.” Jonathan pulled a syringe out of his jacket pocket. Willow’s eyes widened “What is that?” “Rocuronium. It is a paralytic. You will be awake, but you will not be able to fight, move or even talk. Because you can’t scream for what is next.” Jonathan inserted the needle into her IV and waited for it to take effect. Then he pulled back Willow’s covers and ran his hands down her legs. Johnathan licked his thin lips, his eyes slowly undressing her. “You have such an innocent scent. I love it.” Tears filled Willow’s eyes; she knew what was fixing to happen and she couldn’t do anything to stop it.  Jonathan began to unbuckle his belt but before he could finish, he was grabbed from behind. “Jonathan, what hell are you doing? I am warning you leave her alone. She is not a part of this! This is between me and you.” It was Lucius and he was furious. His eyes were black with red specks. Jonathan being caught off guard started to buckle his belt up again. Then he walked towards Lucius. “Fine, you can pick her precious flower. Just be careful this one has thorns.” As Jonathan began to walk to the door, Lucius grabbed his arm and turning to him, then he punched him. Jonathan flew back against the wall knocking over a tray. As he stood up rubbing his jaw he said “This is far from over. I will get my revenge one way or another.” He looked at Willow, smiled “I always get what I want, one way or another.” Johnathan turned and walked out of the room.  Lucius followed him out making sure he didn’t try anything. After he knew it was safe, Lucius went to the nurse’s desk “Nurse can you come here please?” The nurse came and after Lucius explained what happened she immediately called the doctor and security. They gave Willow medication to reverse the paralytic. After the nurse and doctors re-examined Willow, they moved her to a more secure room with guards at her door. “I don’t need all this special treatment Lucius. I can take care of myself.” Willow tried to push herself up in the bed, but her strength was not there. Lucius just grinned,” Yes I can see that.” Willow smiled. “When you get some strength there is someone you need to meet. But right now, you need rest.” Willow leaned back and fell asleep. Lucius stayed the whole night watching over her. When morning came, Willow woke up. She could feel the sun on her skin. Willow looked around the room and saw Lucius sitting in the chair next to her bed. “Good, your awake. How are you feeling?” Willow smiled, “sore, but better.” Willow placed her hand on Lucius’s. “Thank you for staying with me.” Lucius smiled, “your welcome. Now let us get you some breakfast.” Lucius ordered some eggs, bacon and grits with coffee and orange juice. A while later a man in a black suit and glasses delivered their meal. Lucius laid out the food on the tray in front of Willow. The aroma hit Willow’s stomach and it growled. Lucius grinned.  Willow ate every bite. She did not realize how hunger she really was. Lucius just sat there watching her. Every once in a while, he would take a sip of his coffee, but his eyes never left Willow. He wanted her. He could smell her scent. Cucumber and mint. Although it was a little fainter with all the medication and the stale hospital air, but he could smell her. Her scent teased his nostrils and he could feel his s*x getting hard. Mine!                                             Chapter 10               Later that day, Willow was released from the hospital. Lucius had brought her some black leggings and a marron top with black flats to put on. “It’s better than the hospital scrubs” Willow thought to herself. After she was dressed the nurse took her downstairs where Lucius was waiting for her next to a black limo. “What is this? I can just call a cab.” Lucius frowned as if what she said broke him.  “I told you, you need to meet someone.” Lucius opened the car door. Willow sighed and got in.   Lucius shut the door and got in on the other side. The driver pulled out of the hospital and headed south towards the city. “I hope you don’t mind but I got you some things you might want.” Lucius handed Willow a bag and inside was a brand-new pair of jeans and a nice green blouse. There was also a pair of socks, black boots, hairbrush, and a toothbrush. “Thank you so much. I will pay you back as soon as I can.” Lucius just shook his head, “I don’t mind really. It’s the least I can do, after everything.” Willow smiled and took the bag from Lucius. Willow took out the brush and started to brush her hair. She did remember the last time she brushed it. Her long chestnut hair was matted and tangled. After several minutes her hair was tangle free. Her hair was smooth and shiny, it was longer than she remembered. Her hair was long, falling just short of the small of her back. Lucius looked at her, her hair outlined her sun kissed face. A small stand of hair was touching her pink lips. Lucius imagined how her lips would feel against his. His eyes flowed from her lips to her breasts. They were moving ever so slightly with each breath she took. He could make out the silhouette of her bra, which was holding in her perfectly round breasts. MINE!! “Did you say something Lucius?” Willow broke him out of his trans. “I said we are almost there; it shouldn’t be much longer now.” Smooth real smooth, Lucius thought to himself. About an hour later, they turned onto an old gravel road and arrived at an exceptionally large pair of iron gates. The gates looked incredibly old but new at the same time. On the gates there were 2 large iron wolves heads. Once the limo was thoroughly checked, the gates opened, and the limo driver drove through. She could not help but notice all the surveillance cameras and guards. Once on the other side of the gate it was like Willow had entered a different world. The drive was lined with beautiful Crape Myrtles in full bloom. The lawn was green and well maintained. As they continued to drive down the cobblestone path, Willow could see the outline of an old house. As the drew closer, Willow’s eyes widened with excitement and wonder. The house was an old plantation mansion. It looked like it came straight out of the Gone with the Wind book. There were 4 immense white columns stood tall on the front of the house. The exterior was a deep red brick and white siding. White railings enclosed the front porch. Every window had white shutters on each side. The hedges were well maintained and trimmed exactly right. The front doors were made of solid oak and were adorned with antique handles. Willow had only seen pictures of houses likes this, but the pictures did not do it any justice. The house was spectacular. The limo pulled in front and 2 men dressed in black came and opened the door. They did not say a word, they just stood there. They must be security. Lucius came around the side of the limo and escorted Willow inside. They entered the house and inside the grand staircase stood front and center. The high vaulted ceilings made the room seem bigger. You could smell the freshly polished wood and see the gleaming marble floors. The massive windows gave amazing natural light. Willow just stood there looking around, she did not even hear Lucius call to her. “Willow? Are you ok?” Lucius’s words finally came through. “Oh yes, I’m sorry. This house is breath taking. I have never seen anything like this outside of books. I’m just in awe of it.” Lucius smiled, “Good I’m glad you like it. This is home, I grew up here. Now I am going to show you to your room and let you freshen up before dinner.” Willow followed Lucius up the stairs and to the left wing of the house. They walked down a long hallway towards a large door. The hallway had several portraits of different men and women. The last picture caught Willow’s eye. The picture was of a young woman with black ebony hair and grey eyes holding a baby with black hair and grey eyes. “Is this Esmerelda?” Willow asked. “Yes, it is.” Lucius said with a smile. He opened the door at the room. “You will be safe in here, make yourself at home. If you need anything, just pull this cord and Amanda our servant will come. I will be back at 6:30 to get you for dinner. I took the liberty of getting you some clothes. I put them here in the wardrobe. The bathroom is through this door and you have your own private balcony. Just please do me a favor. Before you go to sleep, please lock all the windows and close the curtains.” Lucius’s voice seemed different when he told her this. “Thank you so much for doing this, I can repay you for all the clothes when I get back home.” Lucius frowned as if Willow had offended him. “It is my honor to do this for you. Besides what’s the point of having money if you can’t buy your girlfriend nice things occasionally.” Willow blushed and nodded. “Now you rest and freshen up. I will be back soon.” Lucius left and closed the doors behind him. Willow just stood in the large room alone. “Girlfriend?” That was a title she had never been called before. But she did like the sound of it. Willow put her bag down and went to look around the room. The large 4 poster bed was made in the early 1800s. The innate detail of the carvings was mind blowing. The bed was made up with white cotton sheets and blankets. The pillows were so soft. There was a small sitting area next to a small gas burning fireplace. Willow went to the wardrobe and opened the doors. Inside were several different dresses, pants, and blouses. One dress caught her eye. It was a long black satin evening gown. Willow had only seen dresses like this in magazines or on the tv. She closed the wardrobe and walked to the bathroom. Willow walked through the white door and into her own private bathroom. There was a vanity with makeup, hairbrushes, and jewelry on the left side. The right side had the toilet and an oversized jacuzzi garden tub. Willow was so overly excited with the idea of a hot bath. Willow walked over to the tub and turned the water on. She found some lavender and white rose bath oils on the side of the tub. Willow drizzled some white rose oil into her bath water and let the tub finish filling up. Willow took off her clothes and stood in front of the mirror. Willow rubbed her hands over her bruised body. The bruises were a deep purple and black. Willow winced as she touched her face. She looked like a train wreck. Willow looked deep into the mirror and remembered the falls, running through the woods, and Lisa Marie. Her lifeless body that was ripped apart. Tear filled eyes stung her face as the rolled down her cheeks. As much as she did not like Lisa Marie she would never had wished for her death. Willow’s daydreaming was stopped by a knock at the door. Willow turned off the bathwater and put on the bathrobe that was hanging up. She opened the door to see a young petite woman standing there. The woman had ash brown hair that was pulled back into a ponytail. Her skin was slightly tan, she could see a gentle touch of make up around her cheeks and eyes. “I’m Amanda. I was just checking on you, to see if you needed anything.” Willow smiled, “no I’m ok but I would love come hot tea, if it’s not too much trouble.” Amanda nodded and turned to leave. Willow closed the door and went back to the bathroom. Willow got into the tub and sat down into the water. The hot water at first stung on her skin like little needle. But after a while her body began to relax, and Willow felt at ease. Willow sat in the tub until her fingers and toes were prunes. She got out of the tub and dried off. She grabbed the robe and put it back on. Willow walked over to the vanity and looked at all the different items on the counter. She was amazed at the detail on the brush. She picked it up for a closer look. The scene on the brush was a house on a field. There was a woman standing next to… Willow’s eyes widened it was a large wolf. Willow almost dropped the brush. She quickly put the brush down and hurried back to her room. Willow laid on the bed, hoping all this was just a horrible nightmare. But deep down she knew it was not.  She got up off the bed and walked over to the dresser that was in the room. Willow opened the top drawer and saw bras and panties of all colors. Willow ran her fingers over a black laced bra and matching pantie. She picked it up and put them on. The lace tickles Willow’s skin and sent a small shiver down her spine. She had never had anything this nice before. Soon there was a knock at the door. Knock Knock Knock “Miss Campbell, it’s me Amanda, I have your tea.” Willow put her robe back on and gently opened the door. There stood Amanda with a tray of tea and cookies. “Where would you like me to sit it?” Amanda asked. “It doesn’t matter, wherever you think is best.” Amanda walked in and placed the tray of the table near the fireplace. “Would you like me to start the fire for you? You seem very cold. Are you shivering my dear?” Willow nodded, not truly sure what to say. Amanda smiled and lit the fireplace. “Now you rest and drink your tea. Dinner will be ready soon. Do you need help getting dressed or picking out what to wear?” Willow nodded. She honestly did not know if there was a dress code or not. Amanda went over to the closet and picked out a dress. Willow smiled and agreed that dress would be perfect for dinner. “Here you get dressed and I will do you hair for you.” Amanda suggested. Willow agreed and went slipped on the black satin dress. The dress had a sweetheart neckline and spaghetti straps. The soft fabric hugged her curves all in the right spots. Willow looked at herself in the mirror, she almost did not recognize herself. Next Amanda had Willow sit down and she began to brush her hair with the silver brush. At first Willow, had chills run down her spine but the slowly went away. Amanda’s hand was so very gentle. After some bobby pins and some hair spray Willow’s hair was up off her shoulders in a nice elegant bun. “There you go, all done.” Willow smiled. She hands never felt so lady like before. She could get use to this, she thought to herself. Willow finished putting on some make up and she dabbed a little perfume on her neck. She was now ready for dinner and meeting who ever Lucius wanted her to meet.                                                         Chapter 11               A few minutes later there came another knock at the door but this one was a little harder. Amanda opened the door and there stood Lucius. He was dressed in black formal slacks and a long white sleeve shirt that was unbuttoned at the top. The shirt seemed like it was a snug fit for the way it hugged his arms and chest. His hair was brushed back and had a little bit of gel in it to keep it in place. Around his neck Willow could see a small gold chain, but she could not make out the pendant. “Is she ready?” Lucius asked Amanda. Amanda nodded and opened the door. Lucius’s eyes gleamed when he saw Willow standing there. “You look beautiful.” He said with a smile. Willow blushed at the compliment. Lucius walked over to Willow and gently ran his hand over her hips and around her waist. He pulled her into his arms and gently kissed her on the lips. His lips were so soft as they touched hers. Willow leaned into him and kissed him back. Her body was aching, she wanted him. “I knew this dress would look good on you. But you make it look even better than I thought.” Lucius pulled back and stood there admiring Willow.  Willow looked at Lucius and his eye were gleaming, almost as if there were glowing. “Are you ready? If I stay here any longer, we will be late for dinner and you will not be in that dress.” Willow could feel her cheeks get warm, she blushed again. What did he mean by that? Willow thought about it as the left her room and walked towards the stairs. Two men dressed all in black were waiting for them at the end of the hall. Willow recognized them as the ones who opened her door when she arrived. “Who are these men?” she asked Lucius in a whisper. “They are your bodyguards. It is their job to keep you safe. Their names are Tyler and Morgan.” Willow’s mouth dropped. Why does she need bodyguards? What was Lucius not telling her. Willow felt butterflies swarming in her stomach. Was it to protect her from Jonathan? The thought of what he could have done to her if Lucius had not shown up when he did, circled her mind. Willow stopped and grabbed her stomach. “Are you ok? What’s wrong?” Lucius looked at Willow with genuine concern. “I’m ok, just a little weak still.” Willow knew she was lying but she did not want to tell him that she was still scared. That she was concerned about the threat that Jonathan made before he left the hospital room. No, Willow just wanted to enjoy their evening and hopefully go back home tomorrow. They made their way down the steps. Willow could see more security at the front doors and at the entrance to the dining room. “Why so much security?” Lucius frowned, “unfortunately there has been some issues since we arrived, and we are not taking any chances. But I want you to know I am not going to let anything happen to you, you are safe here and do not need to worry. I will handle everything.” Willow knew he was lying but she gave him a nod as if she understood. As they entered the dining room, there was already several people standing around. The room fell quiet as all eyes were on them. “What are they starring at?” Willow asked. Lucius wrapped his arm around her waist and whispered “you” into her ear. Willow took a deep breath and smiled. Lucius and Willow made their way to the head of the table where 2 spots were empty. Lucius pulled a chair out for Willow and she sat down. Lucius sat next to her. Willow could still see everyone starring at her. Just as Willow was getting comfortable. The door opened and in walked a beautiful woman. Everyone turned their attention to her and bowed, as if she was royalty. The lady had long black ebony hair, sun kissed golden skin and grey eyes. Who was this woman? The woman got to the head of the table and sat down. Then so did everyone else. “Now then, first off let me welcome everyone. Second, Lucius will you do the honors of introducing us to this beautiful young lady sitting next to you?” Lucius nodded and stood up. “Thank you. Gentlemen allow me to introduce my girlfriend Willow Campbell. Willow this is Marcus Ravenwood, Alpha of the Red Moon pack and his beta James. Ian Knight, Alpha of the Blue Moon pack and his beta Ben. Justin Gannon of the White Moon pack and his beta Austin. Jason Thomas of Alpha of the Black Moon pack and his beta Johnny.” Lucius turned towards the woman at the head of the table, “Willow and this is my mother, Esmerelda Black Ravencroft, she is the Grand Alpha.” Willow’s mouth dropped. Esmerelda is alive? How is this possible. “It is an honor to meet all of you.” Willow said politely. Esmerelda nodded as if she approved. “Now before we discuss business, let’s eat.” The servants came out and laid lots of different foods down. Was this a dinner or a feast? There honestly was enough food here to feed all Lucky Creek for months. As Willow sat there eating her dinner, she listened to the different stories that all the Alphas told. She never said anything just looked at her plate and smiled now and then. Lucius must have known that she was uncomfortable, because when he placed his hand on hers, he smiled and whispered, that she was beautiful and that he was glad she was here. Lucius reassurance calmed Willow’s nerves and she once again began to relax. After dinner, everyone went into the study. Two of the guards opened the doors and shut them behind them. “Now to business.” Esmerelda said firmly. “Gentlemen, I have called this meeting because we have a situation. As you know my marriage to a certain someone was not a pleasant one and I have had to stay in hiding for many years. I believe it is time to come out of hiding. As you know Jonathan, is now a leader of a rogue clan. He does not carry the same values or beliefs that we do and is now preying on the innocent. I have been keeping tabs on him by sending different people into his clan to find out information and relay it back to me. But unfortunately, he has been able to detect my informant every time.  So, a couple months ago, at a grave risk I sent in Lucius. Lucius is Jonathan’s stepson. By title only! I figured this was a smart and safe plan. That was until recently. What I was not expecting was for the intel that Lucius has provided to be more dangerous than what I had originally thought. As of right now, Johnathan has more than 100 clan members, and they have not been trained properly. They are wild and undisciplined. Most of them are blood thirsty which makes them extremely dangerous. Lucius has informed me that Jonathan has killed many people and has injured several others. The other issue is that, while Lucius has been undercover so to speak, he has found his mate. Johnathan has figured it out and has decided to “claim” Miss Campbell as his mate. This is not our way. When we mate, we mate for life? Lucius has chosen his mate, and she needs our protection.” Marcus cleared his throat “But Esmerelda, with all due respect, what does this child offer us?” “Exactly, why should we risk our lives and those of our clan for her? She hasn’t even been imprinted.” Ian asked. “I agree with Ian, ma’am, but another question we should be asking is why does Johnathan want her so bad?” Marcus said sadly. Willow could see that Lucius was getting upset. His hands were balled up into a tight fist. Willow reached for his hand and held it tightly. Her touch relaxed him. Lucius looked at Willow and smiled. Esmerelda was also getting upset. “Gentlemen, I understand what you are asking but she has information we need. Willow was held captive at Jonathan’s den. She is the only one who knows where it is. Second, it is our duty to protect those we love and those who are members of this clan. And lastly, though I am unsure of why Johnathan wants her so badly. It is my guess it has something to do with me. Now if you please gentlemen, I have taken the liberty of setting up rooms for each of you. Go ahead and make yourselves at home. I need to speak to my son and Miss Campbell alone. We will continue this discussion later and form a plan of action soon. I highly recommend you contact your lunas and get your betas up to speed.” Ian, Marcus, Jason and Justin nodded as they got up and left the room. Once the doors closed, Esmerelda turned towards Lucius and Willow. “Now let me look at you. It has been too long. I have missed you dearly.” Lucius and Esmerelda hugged. Her hard exterior seemed to have vanished and here stood a loving devoted mother. “Mom, this is Willow, my girlfriend.” Esmerelda smiled warmly and pulled Willow in for a loving hug. “Welcome Willow. I have heard such wonderful things about you. Lucius can’t seem to stop talking about you. Please sit we have much to talk about.” Esmerelda sat in a large chair adjacent from Lucius and Willow. “First off, I want to tell how thankful I am that Lucius was able to find you. He was so very worried when he found your car and you were nowhere to be found. Good thing you have a strong scent, or he would have never found you.” Esmerelda said with a giggle. Willow could barely grin. Did she just say I smelled? “Now my dear, please tell me everything you can remember. Don’t leave anything out.” Willow took a deep breath, and she began telling Esmerelda everything. Willow told her about what the police officer had said, and about the black dogs she saw. She told her about when she found Lisa Marie that there were two different black dogs. One with glowing red eyes and one with grey eyes. The one with grey eyes seemed to be trying to protect her. Esmerelda looked at Lucius, Lucius nodded as if to confirm what she already knew. Willow stopped. “Mrs. Ravencroft”. “Esmerelda please, I haven’t been called that in years.” “Esmerelda, what I don’t understand is what any of this has to do with me? I do not understand.” Lucius looked at Esmerelda and sighed “Mom, I think it’s time we told her the truth. “Esmerelda nodded, “Willow, the history of Lucky Creek is not all it seems. Yes, your ancestor did settle there, but they were not the first settlement that lived there. Many years before, a Native American Tribe known as the Mystics, lived there. They were a quiet, peaceful tribe. Until one day a group of settlers came. The Mystics tried to be peaceful, but the settlers did not. One night the Mystic chief’s daughter went missing. The next morning, she was found murdered on the edge of the settler’s village. Her body was mutilated, and her throat was cut. The chief was enraged and called his men to war. He asked the local shaman for strength as they went into battle but something else happened. The shaman honored the Chief’s request, but instead of giving them strength and guidance. The shaman turned them into wolves or shifters. The Chief and his men killed all the settlers, in revenge for his daughter’s murder. But when the fighting was over, the chief wanted to be turned back. The shaman said no, all magic has a price. Even if it for the right reasons. They wanted them to understand that anger and revenge was a powerful weapon. Over time, the descendants of the Mystics were able to control their shifting. Most of the tribe was divided into 4 different packs. Each having a single Alpha, but it was decided that there would be a Grand Alpha, that governed them all.  A few chose to live in solitude, away from people in fear of what they would do. They would probably treat us as science experiments or something.” Esmerelda stopped as if a memory saddened her. “Many years later, I was born, my father became the current Grand Alpha. He worked hard to support his family and soon he had become the wealthiest man in the area. So naturally I was considered “to be a prize to be won’ so to speak. When he passed, I was the only heir? So, I took his place as Grand Alpha. I believe humans and wolves could be friends and live in harmony. So, I started going into town and making friends. I met a human male by the name of Ceth Ravencroft. He was the first human who really like me for me not my standing or money. He knew about me and my kind and that didn’t bother him. We fell in love. Unfortunately, there was another man in town who did not accept this. He believed in keeping the bloodline pure. That humans would never accept us. I’m sure you have guessed who that man was. Johnathan Hillstrande. He was a mean man, a gambler and a drunk. I did my best to avoid him, but it never worked. Ceth was drafted into the war that was going on at that time and I was left alone. Jonathan took the opportunity to constantly follow me around and ask me to marry him. I always said no. Finally, one day he got the upper hand. I was out gardening and did not hear him sneak up behind me. He beat me until I agreed to marry him. So, I did. I married him and did my best to deal with his issues. But I grew tired of it. I went to my local shaman for help. He gave me a potion and I used it the way he told me too. The only part was that he did not tell me that it would keep Jonathan in his wolf form. My weakness caused my biggest regret. Ceth eventually came back from the war and we started a family. I released Johnathan into the wild. It never crossed my mind he would figure out how to shift back.” “Esmerelda, I don’t mean to interrupt. I understand your history, but I still don’t know what this has to do with me.” “Willow, when I sent Lucius to Lucky Creek. It was because we had intel telling us that Johnathan was in the area. I had no idea that Lucius would have met you, much less fallen in love and picked you as his mate. Johnathan was my biggest mistake. I knew the time would come one day that I would have to deal with my mistake. But as time went on, I forgot about him. Ceth and I married, and we had a son, Lucius. I was finally happy. We moved and started a new life living in Lucky Creek, when Johnathan found me. He was out raged. He murdered my husband and tried to kill my son. I called for help, but it was no use. The local cops were no match for Jonathan. So, I did the only thing I could think of. I went into hiding and stayed there until now. Johnathan does not know where I am, and I personally would like to keep it that way. But if he has figured out who Lucius is and who you are to him. My guess is he was planning on using you to get to me through Lucius. As for the murder of your friend. Johnathan should have never done that. We do not believe in killing innocent people. The other wolf you saw was Lucius. He was protecting you from him.” Willow gasped. Lucius was a werewolf? “Now what I am fixing to ask you is going to be hard. I need you to try and remember where Jonathan took you. Anything at all you can recall would be a huge help.” Willow sat there for a moment thinking. “Johnathan said it was an abandoned castle at one point in time, but it fell underground. It is near the edge of the woods.” Esmerelda looked puzzled. To her knowledge there was never any castles nearby. “There was several rooms and long hallways. The main room was a circle with a large skylight. There was large oak columns and marble floors. There was fireplace and above the mantle was a picture of you. When I left, I was running for a while when I stumbled into a creek. The creek was on the edge of the county line. If you have a county map, I might be able to show you.” Esmerelda nodded. She went to the doors and asked the other gentlemen back in. “Miss Campbell is going to show us a possible location for Johnathan’s hideout.” Ian brought out a county map and Willow pointed to where the old farm was that she was found at. She then showed them the creek she followed to get there. “My best guess is that his location is somewhere in this area.” Willow pointed to a clearing about 3 hours outside of Lucky Creek called Buffalo Hills. Esmerelda nodded in appreciation. “Lucius, take Willow to her room. The clan leaders and I need to talk.” Lucius agreed and he and Willow left the room. Two of the security guards followed them up the stairs to Willow’s room. “Now if you need anything Willow, my room is right across the hall.” Lucius turned to leave when Willow grabbed his hand. “Lucius, will you stay with me tonight? I really don’t want to be alone.” Lucius smiled and nodded. “Willow you are safe here, but if It will make you feel better, I will stay with you.” Willow sighed happily. Once in the room, Willow went into the bathroom and changed out of her dress and into some pajamas. Unfortunately, all they had for her was a white satin nightgown. Lucius was starting the fire when Willow entered the room. His eyes widened with excitement when he saw Willow standing there. Willow walked over to Lucius and he wrapped his arms around her. He drew her close to him and his lips met hers. Lucius’s kiss was deep. Willow could feel his tongue enter her mouth. She could feel her body ache for more when he stopped. “Lucius what does it mean to be imprinted?” Lucius grinned, “when two people who are destined to be mates, have s*x, they bite each other here on the sweet spot of the neck. Once this is done, they are bound to each. They are mates for life.” Lucius circled her sweet spot with his fingers. “Do you want to imprint me?” Willow asked. He leaned down and kissed her, and she kissed him back. She knew in her mind she should stop, but her body wanted more. She wanted him! As if he could read her eyes, in one swoop, Lucius picked Willow up in bridal position and carried her to the bed. He sat her down next to the bed. His hands moved across the satin fabric that separated them. He slowly slipped off her night gown and threw it on the floor. Willow stood there in front of him. Her hair just barley covering her breasts. Lucius admired her as if he had just won a prize. “I’ve wanted you from the moment I first met you.” Willow raised her hands and put them on his chest. Slowly undoing every button. she took off his shirt and tossed it on the floor. “Then do it.” Lucius then pulled Willow to him and kissed her hard. His tongue broke through her lips and invaded her mouth. She let out a little moan. Lucius then moved his lips from her mouth to her neck. He nibbled on the sweet spot which sent quivers throughout her body. Lucius turned his attention to her breasts. With one hand Lucius cupped her breast and tickled her n****e with his tongue. A small shiver ran down her spine as he blew on her n****e, causing them to harden. Willow could feel her panties getting wet with arousal. Willow could feel his s*x against her thigh as they kissed. “Lay down on the bed,” Lucius whispered. Willow did as she was asked. Lucius took off his pants exposing a large bulged in his underwear. Willow gasped at the sight. Lucius crawled in bed next to Willow and began kissing her. Every one of her senses was overwhelmed with what was going on. Lucius caressed Willow’s skin with his hands. He followed the curves of her body past her stomach and hips, all the way to her thighs. With one push, Lucius’s hand was playing with her. Willow had never felt a sensation like that when Lucius put two of his fingers inside her s*x. Willow made a small moan of excitement. Lucius slowly moved between her legs and stuck his tongue hard into her s*x. Willow squealed with excitement. He played with her c**t. “You taste so good.” He said.  Lucius then climbed on top of her.  She could feel his hardened s*x twitching on her thigh. “Are you sure you want this Willow?” Willow smiled and nodded.  Lucius leaned in and kissed her hard and deep.  His mouth moved to her neck. He swirled his tongue around her sweet spot, then he bit her. At first it hurt, but then Willow felt the fire ignite with in her. She flipped Lucius on his back and straddled him. His hands firmly around her waist. Their kiss was passionate. Willow felt alive and full of lust. She wanted his s*x in her. Willow moved her mouth slowly down Lucius’s neck kissing him. She got to his sweet spot and kissed it hard. A quiver went down his back and he pulled Willow tighter to him. Willow took a deep breath and bit him. The metallic taste of blood filled her senses, but she didn’t make her gag. Lucius became wild. He picked Willow up and threw he down on the bed. Willow’s body wiggled underneath as if it had a mind of its own. Lucius must have noticed it too because next thing Willow knew Lucius kicked off his underwear and was inside of her, filling her s*x. Their bodies were in perfect rhythm. Willow could feel him moving in and out. Lucius began to thrust himself harder and deeper inside of her. Thrust. Withdrawal, Thrust. Withdrawal.  Willow loudly moaned every time he thrusted his s*x was inside. Her body arched upwards meeting every thrust. She could feel her heart racing as Lucius thrusted over and over. Finally, with one last thrust, Willow let out a loud moan as she climaxed. Lucius he was close and in his last trust he unloaded himself within her.  Lucius, panting for air leaned down and kissed her gently. Lucius had imprinted her and she him. She was his for life. He laid down next to her, leaving himself inside her. Willow smiled as she soon fell asleep in Lucius’s arms.       Chapter 12               “You can’t hide from me Willow. I know where you are. I can smell you!” Willow tried to run away but she tripped and fell. Her ankle was trapped in some vines. She could hear footsteps coming closer. Willow tried to get the vines off as quickly as she could. “Well look what I have found. A little mouse in all tangled up.” Willow looked up in fear. There stood Jonathan in full wolf form. “Now time to finish this.” Johnathan lunged. Willow woke up screaming. Sweat pouring from her face. Lucius sat up, “Hey its ok. It was only a nightmare. I’m not going to let anything happen to you.” Lucius pulled Willow close to him and just held her. Tears filled her eyes and she could not hold it in anymore. She just laid there and cried. She could not remember a time when she had been so scared before.  Lucius did not say anything he just held her. What could he even say that could ease the pain? Willow woke up some time later. She could feel the sun on her skin. She looked around the room. Lucius was nowhere to be seen. Willow got up took a quick shower and got dressed. Willow put on a pair of jeans and a dark green shirt. She pulled her hair into a ponytail and put on some boots. She decided to head downstairs. She could hear talking as she got to the bottom of the stairwell. Something was going on. There were several guards and people all around. She saw Morgan standing by a door. “Good Morning, have you seen Lucius?” “Yes ma’am. He is in a meeting with the alphas and the betas. I will let him you are looking for him. All the Lunas are in the kitchen. I will have Xavier take you there.” Morgan waived at Xavier to come over. “Take Miss Campbell to the kitchen with the Lunas “Oh ok thank you Morgan.” Willow said smile as she turned to follow Xavier. A meeting this early? What is Lunas? As they neared the kitchen Willow could hear several different female voices laughing and talking. Xavier entered the room the ladies got quiet. “Good Morning Lunas, this Miss Willow Campbell, she is the future Luna of the southern clan.” Almost in unison, the lunes screamed with excitement. They ran over to Willow and hugged her. Xavier did everything he could not to grin. “Ok I am going to leave her here in your capable hands Lunas. If you need me, I will be right outside.” Xavier left and closed the door behind him. “OMG, I can’t believe Lucius finally found a mate. You are absolutely beautiful.” Said one Luna. “Which pack are you from? Said another. “I have never seen you at any of our parties, where do you go to school?” “Ladies let us give Miss Campbell some room. Then she can answer all your questions.” Willow smiled. “Now my dear, can I get you something to drink?” “Tea would lovely please. Thank you.” Willow sat down at the counter. The Luna handed Willow her tea.  “Now my dear, let me introduce you to everyone. This is Allison Knight, Ian’s mate. This is Heather Gannon, Justin’s Mate. Our newest Luna is Mary Ravenwood, she is Marcus’s mate. This is Whitney Thomas, Jason’s mate.  My name is Gabriella Black. I was the former Grand Alpha’s Luna, Esmerelda’s mom.” “Hello everyone, it’s an honor to meet you.” Willow sat drinking her tea. The Lunas could not stop looking at her. “Ok my turn. Where did you meet Lucius?” Allison asked excitedly. Willow sat her tea down, “We met in school, where I grew up.” “What pack are you from?” asked Mary. “Actually, I am not part of any pack. I am 100% human so to speak.” The look of shock and concerned swept over the Luna’s faces. “I’m sorry did I say something wrong?” Gabriella looked at her with soften eyes, “not my dear. It was just a shock that Lucius found his mate outside of the pack. But not to worry my dear once you have been imprinted you will eventually shift. Welcome to the family. I can’t wait for some great grand babies!” Willow almost chocked on her tea. The rest of the afternoon was very eventful. The lunas took Willow shopping for a formal gown to wear to the ball. She got her hair and nails done. They went out to a nice restaurant for lunch. Willow cannot remember when she had so much fun. Although this was a little different. She was with females’ wolves and lots of bodyguard. She could not help but think about her family back in Lucky Creek and if they were ok. While Willow was sitting there listening to the Lunas talk. She got the uncomfortable feeling of being watched. Willow looked around and saw Jonathan watching her across the street. The color drained from her face and she became weak. Willow lost all feeling in her arm and she dropped her glass. Gabriella knew something was wrong. She waved at Morgan to come over immediately. “Morgan, I saw him. He is here. He knows where I’m at.” And just like that the lunas and Willow were rushed into the waiting cars and sped back to house pack house. There was lots of security when they arrived at the gates. “Make sure we are not followed!” Morgan said to one of the guards. Then he sped off to the main house. They were quickly rushed into the house where the Alphas and Lucius were waiting. “What the hell happened?” Marcus roared. The lunas looked confused. “I apologized Mr. Ravenwood; I saw him while we were eating lunch. He was watching me.” “Willow are you sure you saw him?” Ian asked. “Yes sir, that’s one face I can’t get out of my head.” Esmerelda walked into the room. “Amanda please take Willow to her room, Morgan you and Taylor go with her. I want guards outside her door round the clock. Ian, Marcus Justin bring the lunas and eta to the study it is time we let know what is going on. Lucius check on Willow then come to the study.” Everyone did as they were told. Willow went with Amanda to her room. “I will bring you some tea. You go take a bath and relax.” Amanda left the room shutting the door behind her. “Lucius what is going on? Why is stalking me?” Lucius looked at her, he knew she was scared. To be honest he was too. Lucius had never loved anyone as much as he loved Willow, and he was not about to let anything happen to her. “It will all be ok. My mom and the other alphas are working out plans. Why don’t you go and take a bath? I will be back soon. Morgan and Taylor are at the door. If you need anything just ask.” Willow nodded. Lucius kissed her and left the room. Moments later, Amanda entered the room with some hot tea. “Here you go my dear, not just relax.” She placed the tray on the table and left the room. Willow sat down and drank some tea. The tea tasted so good, just what she needed. She got up to head to the bathroom to take a bath, but she felt very weird. Her eyes got very heavy and went limp. Willow tried to get to the door to get help, but someone had entered the room. “Now then Miss, we can’t have you calling for help. Johnathan wouldn’t like that.” It was Amanda. “What did you give me?” “I just added a little chloroform to your tea. You will be sleeping for a while, but don’t worry Johnathan has a special treat instore for you.” Before Willow could say anything else, she collapsed on the floor.                           Chapter 13             “LUCUIS! LUCUIS! COME QUICK!!! WILLOW IS MISSING!” Amanda screamed. The door to Willow’s room busted open. Morgan, Taylor, Lucius, and the Alphas all stood there. “What do you mean she is missing?” Lucius looked harshly at Morgan. “No one came or left the room sir except Amanda.” “I came in here to get her tea and check on her and she was gone. I found this note by the window.” Amanda handed Lucius the envelope. “Open it up what does it say?” Marcus asked. Lucius ripped open the envelope. A moment later he let out an anger howl. “That bastard! How in the hell did he get in the house?” “What are you talking about? Who?” Ian asked confused. Lucius handed the letter to the Alphas and the read it. Lucius, I have your precious Willow. If you ever want to see her alive again tell Esmerelda to come alone to the edge of the county line and wait for further instruction. If you choose to come with her or if I see any other wolves, I cannot promise Willow’ safety. Although her feisty spirit would be an added benefit to my pack. You have until sunset tomorrow!   P.S. Tell Amanda her serves are no longer needed   Signed J   Ian, Marcus, Jason and Justin glared at Amanda. “We have a traitor in our mist. Morgan take her and lock her up!” Justin demanded.  Morgan and Taylor grabbed the bewildered Amanda and dragged her out of the room. “Lucius, I didn’t do anything! Please I don’t understand!” Amanda said as she was taken away. “Lucius, I’m sorry man what do you want us to do? The packs are ready and waiting.” Marcus said caringly. “We need to talk to my mother and get a plan. The safety and future of our packs is priority.” The Alphas nodded in agreement. They headed downstairs to the study where Esmerelda and the Lunas were talking. Lucius busted through the door and slammed the note down in front of Esmerelda. “He is asking for war!” Esmerelda picked up the note and read it. The look on her face was one of anger and confusion. “How did this happen? Where is Amanda?” she said. “We had Morgan lock her up. We didn’t know what else to do with her.” Marcus told her. Esmerelda just sat there re-reading the note. She had no clue how this could have happened. How did Johnathan know about Amanda? How did he take Willow without anyone knowing? Esmerelda was so lost in thought that she did not hear Lucius call to her. “hmmm? I’m sorry Lucius I’m trying to figure out how this happened right under our noses.” “Well the only one who could answer that is locked up. Should I send for her?” Lucius asked anxiously. Esmerelda looked at Marcus and Ian “Yes, have Morgan bring her up in silver chains. I don’t want her to shift.” She said. Marcus and Ian did as they were told. A few moments later, a chained-up Amanda entered the study. In the room was the Alphas, the Lunas, and their Betas, as well as Esmerelda and an incredibly angry Lucius. In center of the room was a single chair. “Amanda please sit down.” Esmerelda said politely. “If it is ok with you, I would prefer to stand.” Amanda replied with a smirk as she looked over at Lucius. Lucius wanted to lunge at her ripping her throat out, but that would help the situation “Amanda, do you understand the severity of the accusations against you?” Esmerelda asked. “Honestly, I really don’t care what you are accusing me of. You cannot do anything to me. Especially if you want Willow to remain unharmed.” “Why you little b***h! How dare you.” Marcus and Ian grabbed Lucius and held him back before he could even get to Amanda. “You think you scare me Lucius? You are nothing compared to Jonathan. He is a true wolf leader, and this pack will soon belong to him and your precious little Willow will soon be dead” Amanda said with a laugh. A sharp pain came from behind. Morgan hit Amanda from behind, making her fall to her knees. “ENOUGH!” Esmerelda yelled. “Morgan take her away! Lucius go cool down. The last thing we need is for you to lose your head!” Lucius shook Marcus and Ian off and stormed out the door. Morgan grabbed Amanda and started to carry her out. “You might as well give up Esmerelda. Jonathan is not going just kill you, he is going to destroy everything you built! The rest of you need to decide whose side you want to be on. A war is coming! And there will be no prisoners!” “GET HER OUT OF HERE!” Justin roared. Amanda’s laughing slowly faded as she was taken away. Esmerelda sat back in her chair overly frustrated. “Alpha what do we do?” asked Mary. “Marcus, Ian, Jason, and Justin how many men do you have that are 100% loyal to the pack?” Esmerelda asked with a heavy sigh. “I’m sure we could get about 500 strong men and women. But it will take time.” Marcus replied. “Time is not something we have. We have until sunset tomorrow. Amanda was right, war is coming. We need to be prepared. Send you Betas back to your packs asap gather as many men as they and bring them back here. We leave tomorrow at noon for the county line. Lunas, I need you to get with all the females and pack doctors. I need you to stock up medical supplies and get the house ready. I fear we will have many injuries tomorrow. Ian, Marcus, Jason and Justin I need you to stay behind we need to come up with a plan that will protect Willow and myself. But most importantly we need to protect this pack at all costs!” As the Luna’s and betas left the study Lucius returned. “Mom, I want to be there tomorrow with you!” “Lucius, we are fixing to discuss how to tomorrow will play out. Please sit and join us. You are the Future Alpha of this pack and your opinion is greatly appreciated.”  The alphas, Esmerelda and Lucius went over strategies for most of the night and into the early morning hours. “Ok, I think we have a plan. Let’s all get some rest and we will meet back in this room at 9:00 am sharp. Goodnight. Lucius can you wait a minute please?” Lucius waited until everyone left and he shut the door behind them. “Yes mother?” “I just want to know how you are holding up. I know this cannot be easy for you.” Esmerelda said as she hugged Lucius. “Mom, I have waited for my mate for so long and to only have her taken from me.” “Lucius, we are going to get her back, then we are going to celebrate! OK? I mean it’s not every day you find your Luna. Now go get some rest.” Esmerelda smiled. Lucius knew that she was right and headed off to bed. Although sleeping was going to be hard to do.                   Chapter 14                 “Willow? Willow? It’s time for you to wake up.” The smell alcohol and ammonia filled Willow’s nostrils. She opened her eyes.  At first all she could see was the outline of a figure, but as they began to focus, she realized that it was Johnathan standing in front of her. Her heart began to beat fast and she began to remember what happened. She had been drugged and kidnapped…again. Willow tried to wiggle from her restraints, but it was no use. “Now Miss Campbell, there is no need for any of that. No one is going to hurt you right now. Well if you behave anyways. But let us see, you are probably wondering how you go here and why?” said Johnathan as he walked around her. “Let us see, I knew from the moment Lucius came into my home who he was. I figured I would just let it play out; see how far he was willing to go. I just did not expect you. As far as Amanda, I found her a long time ago. She was a runaway, so it was extremely easy to convince her to join me. I promised her eternal life, and in return she would feed me intel on the Ravenscroft’s. So, when you came into the picture, my plan being to form. I had Amanda drug you and when no one was looking she opened your bedroom window and a couple of my men came and brought you to me. I had Amanda deliver a special little note to Lucius for me. It tells him to have Esmerelda come to the edge of the county line near the tree alone at sundown and you will be returned. Once I have killed Esmerelda, I will give the other Alphas to join me. If they refuse, well I’m sure you can figure that part out yourself.” Johnathan stood up from his chair “You have cleaned up very nicely since the last time I saw you. I can smell the lavender and honey bath oils on your skin. But there is a new fragrance as well. One of maturity. Ah, I know what it is. Lucius imprinted you. HMMMM this makes this even more interesting. I wonder what he would do I left my mark on you?” Johnathan said with a grin. He made is way over to Willow and started sniffing her neck. She felt his hands slowly caressing her breasts. Then they moved down between her legs. “STOP IT!” Willow yelled. “You disgust me. Do you even think I would even interested in someone like you? You are not even man. Lucius is a real man and he will come for me.” Johnathan was enraged by Willow’s insult. He grabbed her hair and threw on the floor. “I will show you what kind of man I am!” Willow tried to scoot away but Jonathan was too quick. He reached for her ankle and dragged her back to him. Willow could smell his musk and feel his hot breath on her skin. “Now you will be a good little girl and stay still. This won’t be too painful.” Willow could hear Johnathan unzip his pants; tears rolled down her cheek. She could not believe this was happening. “I’m going to enjoy this” he whispered in her ear.  Right as he got on top of her, Willow kneed him as hard as she could in the groin. Johnathan let out a loud howl of pain. He fell over holding himself. Willow took the advantage and tried to escape but she could not find a door. Jonathan’s howl must have been heard, cause out of nowhere two large men appeared. Johnathan was laying on the ground in severe pain, he pointed at Willow and said, “That b***h attacked me, get her.” The two men grabbed Willow and dragged her to Jonathan who was now standing. SMACK!!! Johnathan slapped her across the face hard. Willow tasted the blood coming from her mouth. “I’m going to enjoy killing your precious Lucius and his pack. The best part is you are going to watch, then I am going to kill you. Take her away. We need to get ready its almost time.” Johnathan zipped his pants back up and pushed back his hair. He was ready to put an end to this.   The pack house was busier than usual. Everyone trying to get ready for the big fight. All the alphas and betas were in the study with Emerald and Lucius. The Lunas and all the other females were setting up the house as if it was a hospital. The kitchen had been transformed into a makeshift surgery area, the dining room and living room were being prepped for more beds. “Do we have enough alcohol and gauze?” asked Allison. “Yes, it is all in the kitchen. What about bowls for water? We need them to clean wounds.” Answered Mary. “Yes, we have everything ready to go. All we now are to pray we don’t need to use any of it.” Gabriella said. The Lunas agreed, the last thing they wanted was for any to be hurt or even killed. In the study, Esmerelda, Lucius, Marcus, Ian, and Justin as well as their Betas went over the plan one last time. “Ok, I will have Morgan drive me to the edge of the county line. Lucius you and Marcus will be in the car out of sight. Ian, I want you on the left side on the shadows hiding and Justin you on the right-side hiding. Take the Betas and several pack members with you. If by any chance you come across a rouge, take them out quietly without alerting anyone. Once we are all in position, we wait until we see Willow and then I will give the signal. I want everyone to come in quickly. Lucius get to Willow and get her to safety. Hopefully, Johnathan kept his word and hasn’t harmed her.” “Mom, I don’t like the idea of you going to face Johnathan. We can’t trust him.” Lucius said. “I agree with Lucius. Johnathan has lied before, how do we even know that Willow is even still alive, no offense Lucius.” Marcus said concerned. “I would know if anything had happened to Willow. I would have felt it. I was waiting for the right time to tell you, but Willow has been imprinted. The first night here, Willow and I made love and she accepted me. So, I would know if Jonathan had killed her.” Esmerelda looked warmly at Lucius, “I’m so happy for you. Willow is a beautiful young lady; she will be a wonderful addition to our pack. Once this is over, we need to celebrate. But first we need to finish this!” KNOCK KNOCK “Yes?” Morgan entered the room. “Alphas its time, we need to leave now if are to get there before sunset.” “Thank you, Morgan, we will be right out. Ok everyone knows what you are to do?” Everyone nodded “Good let’s finish this!” Marcus, Ian, and Justin kissed their lunas as they loaded up. They all knew what was at stake and they knew that there was a possibility that they may not come home. But that was to be expect when the stakes were this high. The future and safety of their packs were at risk. “Please come home to me” Mary said as tears filled her eyes. “I love you, moonbeam.” Marcus said as he hugged her one last time before he got into the car. The lunas watched as the line of cars drove off out of sight. Their hearts heavy and fearful, but that is part of being a Luna. Showing strength even in the worst of time.                         Chapter 15             It was 2 hours till sunset when Esmerelda’s car neared the county line. Ian, Justin, and the Betas pulled their cars over and out of sight. They got into position and waited for Esmerelda’s signal. Morgan turned into an open field just shy of the tree line. He turned off the engine and waited. No one in the car spoke a word. They knew this could go downhill fast and they needed to keep levelheaded. About an hour later, just as the sun started to set, Morgan noticed some dirt stirring in the distance. “Alpha, someone is coming.” Esmerelda looked up and saw 3 black vehicles approaching. “So much for coming alone”, she said. Marcus and Lucius got ready; it was almost time. The black vehicles stopped about 30 yards away from Esmerelda’s car. Several men out and quickly shifted into wolves. Jonathan got out of the middle vehicle and walked to the front. “It’s time”, Esmerelda took a deep breath as she got out and walked to the front of the car. “I don’t like this.” Lucius whispered to Marcus. “It doesn’t feel right.” “Esmerelda knows what she is doing” Marcus replied, I hope”. Marcus and Lucius just looked at each other, as if they already know but will not say. Esmerelda stood in front of her car, ‘what is he waiting on?’ she thought.  Johnathan just stood there glaring at her. “I’m surprised you showed up Esmerelda. It’s been what 150 years since the last time we saw each other. Why don’t you come closer so I can take a better look at you?” “Johnathan, I’m not here for socializing. I am here to get Willow and leave. That is all. I have held up my end of the deal and honor yours. Where is Willow?” Jonathan’s expression hardened. “You will get Willow when I am ready, but if you want to see her that can be arranged.” Johnathan signaled to one of his pack members and they grabbed Willow from one of the vehicles. “Let go of me!” Willow struggled to free herself from the man’s grasp. But his hold on her was too great. He took her to Johnathan. “Here she is. But the deal was for you to come alone. Who else is in the car?” “That is just my driver Morgan, he has nothing to do with this. Now let Willow go. Honor the deal.” Esmerelda pleaded with Johnathan. “NO! You want Willow? Come and take her.” Johnathan howled. “Ok Johnathan if this is the way you want it. Then you leave me no choice.” Esmerelda raised her hand and she shifted into a beautiful black and grey wolf. “That’s the signal lets go” Ian said. “Lucius its time” Marcus informed them. From out of nowhere wolves ascended on Esmerelda’s location. “You are lying b***h! You were never alone! So, you think that I am just going to hand Willow over because you have a few pack members here? Try again.” Johnathan threw Willow to the ground causing her to hit her head on a rock. “You are right about one thing; I need to honor the deal. I told you to come alone and no harm would come to Willow. Well you lied.” Johnathan turned towards Willow and in one move kicked her hard in the stomach. Willow screamed in pain. Johnathan then grabbed her hair. “You caused this Esmerelda. I was going to have her watch as I killed you and Lucius but now, I think I will have you watch as I kill her.” SMACK! Johnathan slapped Willow across the face as hard as he could. “Hold her up!” Johnathan demanded, “I am going to enjoy killing you.” Johnathan grabbed Willow by her throat and started squeeze. Willow could feel her breaths getting shorter. Soon everything went dark. Willow’s body went limp and lifeless. Johnathan assuming, she won released his grip and tossed Willow’s onto the ground. Esmerelda could not believe was she just saw let out an angry howl. “LUCUIS!” Lucas and Marcus opened the car doors and joined Esmerelda and the other wolves. Lucius saw Willow’s lifeless body lying in the grass by Johnathan’s feet. The sight of his beloved Willow bleeding enraged him. He let out a fierce growl and he shifted into a massive midnight black wolf. He lunged at Johnathan. Johnathan shifted into a salty grey wolf and met Lucius halfway. The fight began. All the other wolves joined in. Esmerelda signaled to Marcus for him to get Willow out of harm’s way. Ian and Justin who had already joined the fight helped clear a path for Marcus. Esmerelda and the other wolves joined in the fight. Lucius bit Johnathan on the leg causing him to howl in pain. He then grabbed him by the nap of the neck and threw him on the ground. He was so enraged he could not control his strength. “Yes, do you feel it Lucius? We are the same. So full of anger and hate. Imagine what you could do with it. You could lead the biggest pack around. No one would be able best you. Join me!” Johnathan said with a grin. The idea of joining Johnathan’s pack turned Lucius’s stomach and he stepped back. This gave Johnathan the opportunity to get the upper hand. He jumped on Lucius’s back biting and clawing it as hard as he could. Lucius let out a loud howl. All the other wolves stopped in their tracks and turned their attention to Lucius and Johnathan. Lucius stood up on his hind legs and fell backwards on top of Johnathan, crushing him under his weight. Lucius rolled over and turned his attention towards the injured Johnathan. Johnathan who was back in human form, pleaded with Lucius to spare his life. “Lucius, we are family. You wouldn’t hurt me.” Lucius growled at him; how dare he say we were family. “You are no family of mine!” Johnathan’s eye widened as Lucius lunged. Lucius snuck his teeth into Jonathan’s throat killing him. Lucius released his bite and Johnathan’s body dropped hard on the ground. The rouge wolves realizing their leader had just been killed let out a mournful howl. Esmerelda joined Lucius at his side. She is loving nuzzled his neck. “It’s over son, Its finally over.” She said. “What about them? “Lucius glared at the rouges. “We will give them opportunity to join us and we train them properly or they can leave. They were brought into this fight under false pretenses. It is for them to decide their future now.” Esmerelda replied. Lucius nodded in agreement and turned his attention to the rouges. “This war is over! You are free to go, but if you want to stay and join us, we would we gladly accept you. We all know many of you did not have the choice about becoming wolves. It is an honor and a curse, but if you stay with us, we will teach you how to control your impulses and help you adjust.” One rouge spoke up, “I want to join you, but who are you?” Lucius looked over at Esmerelda. Esmerelda nodded. “I am Lucius Ravencroft, Alpha of the Black Moon Pack. You have my word you will be safe with us.” Ian and Justin stood next to Esmerelda. “He is going to be a good leader!” Esmerelda just smiled, but her heart was breaking. A leader is only as strong as his Luna, and Lucius’s was dead.                                                                      Chapter 16               Marcus grabbed Willow’s body and put in the car. He instructed Morgan to take her to the nearest hospital. Willow was alive but just barely. Marcus knew they only had a small window to save her. “Stay with me Willow. Stay with me. We are almost there.” Morgan pulled into the emergency entrance of Lucky Creek General Hospital. Marcus carried Willow into the emergency room. “I need help! Please someone! Help me.” Marcus pleaded. A doctor came out from behind the desk and took one look at Willow. “I need a gurney. Call Dr Tinley, have him prep the OR STAT.” Marcus laid Willow on the gurney and watched them take Willow to the OR. Marcus looked at Morgan, “I hope we made it in time.” Morgan nodded. “Doctor will Willow be ok?” “Willow had severe head trauma and lots of internal bleeding. The next 24 to 48 hours will be crucial. We did everything we could, all we can do now is wait.” Willow could hear voices around her, but she could not make them out. Where was she? Who was with her? What were they talking about? Willow tried to open her eyes, but she could not. Her head was pounding, and her body was screaming out in pain. “Doctor, has there been any improvement? It’s been one week.” “Well her latest scans show decreased swelling in her brain, and her wounds are healing nicely. It’s up to Willow when she will wake up.” “Thank you, doctor.” A familiar perfume filled Willow’s nostrils. “Mom?” Willow opened her eyes to see her parents sitting next to her. “Mom? Dad? Where am I? What happened?” Willow tried to sit up, but her body was too sore. “Aleeha go grab the doctor, tell him Willow is awake” James said. “Oh, boo bear, you are ok. We were so worried.” Willow’s mom said as she kissed her hand. “You gave us quite a scare their kiddo.” James said smiling. The doctor walked in with Aleeha following behind him. “Good, she is awake. That is great news. Let us see what you remember.” The doctor shined a light into Willow ‘s eye checking her pupils. “Where is Lucius? Is he ok?” Willow asked. Willow’s parents looked at each other confused and Aleeha grinned. “Do you mean Lucius Ravencroft?” Willow nodded. “He is over there on the couch. He has not left your side since you arrived 2 weeks ago. How do you know Lucius?” Rachel asked. “Lucius is Willow’s boyfriend mom.” Aleeha said teasingly. Willow laid back and blushed. Lucius walked over to Willow’s hospital bed. “Are you ok? I was so worried.” He leaned over and kissed her on the forehead. “What happened to Johnathan? Is Esmerelda ok?” Lucius looked at her confused. “What are you talking about? My parents are fine.” “No, Lucius. Johnathan is trying to kill you and Esmerelda. She wanted to marry someone else and Jonathan got made and had him killed so he could have Esmerelda for himself.” Lucius looked at Willow puzzled. “Willow, my parents have been happily married for 20 years. My dad would never hurt my mom. Are you sure you are ok?” “No, Jonathan is a werewolf, I saw it myself. Why are you doing this?” Willow started to cry. “I don’t understand why no one believes me.” Rachel hugged Willow. “Willow dear, you were in a horrible car accident. A witness said you swerved to miss hitting a dog in the road and your car hit a tree. You have been in a coma for the last 2 weeks. There is no such thing as werewolves, you must have dreamed all of it while you were unconscious.” Willow looked around the room extremely confused. “I don’t know, maybe. It seemed so real.” “It’s normal to have very vivid dreams when you are in a coma. It is a side effect of all the medications you are on. Now you need to get some rest.” “Can Lucius stay with me for a little while please?” “Only for a little while longer, you need to get some rest.” Said the doctor. Willow’s parents kissed her and left the room. Aleeha gave her a small little grin as she followed her parents. “Lucius, I know I didn’t imagine this. Your mom is the Grand Alpha. Johnathan was a rouge wolf leader. He tried to kill me. You and I made love. You imprinted me; we are mates. You said so.” Willow pleaded with him. She did not understand why he was acting like this. “Willow, that is all an interesting story. But it never happened. Trust me I would remember if I had made love you.” Lucius smiled lovingly at Willow. “Willow, I have been meaning to ask. Would you be my date for the Fall Festival Ball?” The festival. Willow had totally forgot about. OMG Lisa Marie. “What about Lisa Marie, is she still alive?” The question caught Lucius off guard. “Yes, she is. Ever since your accident, she has been immensely helpful with all the festival preparations. She was able to get the school’s decorating committee to come and help get everything ready. My guess she is trying to avoid community service charges for beating you up a while back. Her dad told her if she did not straighten up, he was going to send her to some board school. He even made her drop out of the running for Harvest Queen.” Lucius laughed shaking his head. “Hopefully, you can still compete. That’s if you still want too.” Willow smiled at him. “As long as you are there with me, I would be honored to.” Lucius bent over and kissed Willow on the lips. A few days later Willow was released from the hospital. Lucius picked her up at took her home. As they turned on the dirt road towards her house. They passed by a large field, in the far distance Willow saw a large black wolf watching them pass by. Willow tried to turn in her seat it sees if it was still there and the wolf had disappeared. Did she imagine everything? Was it even real? I guess only time will tell.