Forbidden

Chapter 11: Shadow

I continued around the yard, feeling more at home, than I had in a long time, like I belonged here. I walked over to the first barn and opened the door, entering the building. Inside, were a few stalls occupied with some horses, there was also some equipment and other items throughout the barn. I walked in further, looking around, when a petite woman approached me angrily. She had strawberry blonde hair, hazel eyes and high cheek bones. The woman let out a threatening growl and took a step towards me “Who are you and what are you doing in here?” She questioned me.

My voice caught in my throat, unable to speak and I just stood there, stuttering like an i***t. She took another step towards me, but then stopped and sniffed the air, before her eyes widened in shock. Her upper lip twitched into a snarl “Human.” She growled out.

My breathing became erratic and my heart thumped in my chest, I put a hand up to stop her from coming any closer “Wait! I am under Damon’s protection; you can’t touch me.” I said quickly.

She stopped and some of her tension eased “Oh, you must be Amelia. I am sorry, I didn’t know it was you and we can never be too careful with hunters around.”

I released the breath I had been holding and relaxed a bit “Yes I am and that’s alright, I understand that you are just being cautious and protecting yourself.”

She nodded “Yes. Anyways, I am Rose and its nice to finally meet you.” She smiled, before peering over my shoulder and into the distance “Where is the Alpha?” She asked me.

“He had to go do something and I asked if I could stay here, as I wanted to keep looking around.”

Her smiled brightened “Well that’s great, cause honestly, I am pretty much the only one that comes here and it can get very lonely.” She pursed her lips, then motioned for me to follow her “Come on, I’ll show you around.” She said excitedly.

I followed her over to the stalls and we stopped at the first one. A large brown horse popped its head over the door “This is bear, he is a brute and I know it’s an odd name for a horse, but it suits him.” She said, while his fur. We walked over to the next stall, where a white and grey horse laid on the ground “This is frosty, she is quite lazy, as you can see.” She laughed. We finally reached the last stall and it almost appeared to be empty, but a dark figure emerged from within the darkness, revealing a large, black horse “This is shadow, he is kind of like the Alpha of the group, but he is very timid and broody, doesn’t like anyone and enjoys being alone.” She told me and I felt saddened for the animal, wondering why he was like that. Shadow trotted towards us cautiously, watching our every movement. As he neared us, I realized just how large and toned this animal was, mostly how beautiful he was, as his fur shined in the light.

I gazed into his eyes, memorized by his beauty and poise “He is so beautiful.” I said softly.

Rose lightly scoffed “Yes, he is and he sure knows it.”

Shadow reached the door and stopped, gazing down at me, as he let out a low huff. Hesitantly, I reached a hand out to place on his nose, he flinched and reared back slightly, but then, he leaned forward, nudging my hand with his nose and nickered. I put my hand onto his nose and began to gently stroke his soft fur, the horse now seemed contempt with me and I felt over joyed.

Rose was standing beside me, eyes wide and mouth agape “What? What’s the matter?” I asked her worriedly.

She blinked rapidly “He…He never does that, not even with me and I have been tending to him to years now. Shadow sees me every day and that is the first time I have ever seen him so comfortable and relaxed with someone. What are you, a horse whisperer?” She asked, bewilderment in her tone.

I chuckled “No, I don’t think so. To tell you the truth, I’ve only been around horses once in my life and never really went near them.” I admitted.

She shook her head in astonishment “Well, he loves you and I think you’ve made a new best friend.”

I continued to brush my hand along his silky coat, finding a sense of comfort in doing so, when Shadow abruptly stood at attention, focusing on the barn doors and started to snort loudly. I whipped my head around and looked towards the doors, wondering what had him so on edge and in walked the same red head from earlier, the woman who had leapt onto Damon, trying to hump him. I scowled at her and turned away, bringing my attention back to Shadow.

I heard her let out a low snarl “What the f**k is she doing here?” She questioned Rose aloud. I ignored her and just continued to focus on Shadow, but he was becoming agitated by her presence and was now jumping in the air and neighing loudly. I reached up and stroked his fur, trying to calm him, but he only become more and more distressed. Turning around to look at the woman, I realized that she was now closing in on me, stomping her way towards me.

Rose leaped in front of her, stopping her in her tracks “Mira, she is just here to explore the grounds, she was brought here by the Alpha and left in my care. You are not to harm her and I think it would be best if you leave.” She sternly suggested.

Mira’s eyes flickered angrily between myself and Rose, then her gaze locked with mine. Her chest heaved and lip twitched, then she shoved Rose out of her way and started gunning towards me again, fury emanating from her. I took a step back, pressing myself against the stall and prepared for what was to come next, but suddenly, I felt a whoosh of cold air, pass me and I opened my eyes to see Shadow now standing proudly in front of me, blocking the woman’s path. He paced back and forth, stomping his feet on the ground in warning. She stumbled back a bit and glared at him, then tried to go around him, but he just blocked her again.

Rose jumped to her feet and stood in front of Mira again “You need to leave right now, before I call for the Alpha.” She hollered.

Mira stood there, glaring at me, her chest heaving and her left eye twitching from the rage that boiled inside of her. She turned her penetrating stare to Rose and huffed, then left the barn.

As she exited the barn, Shadow settled down and relaxed a little, coming to stand at my side now. I brushed his fur and placed my head onto his neck, thanking him for protecting me. I reared back and gave him a kiss on his nose, he let out a small nicker, then butted my head with his nose and I laughed at his playfulness.

I opened the stall door, letting him back into his stall, then closed and locked it.

Rose rushed to my side “Are you ok?” She blurted out.

I chuckled “Yes, I am fine.” I told her, even though Mira could have ripped my throat out, I had felt safe with Shadow around.

Her eyes held regret “I am so sorry about that, Mira is an absolute b***h and she thinks that Damon belongs to her, but he has made it clear to her that he isn’t. However, she just won’t give up.”

I sighed “I don’t understand why she dislikes me so much; I had just met her in the house with Damon and she doesn’t even know me.” I shrugged.

She placed a hand onto my shoulder “I don’t know honey, but don’t let her get to you, just ignore her.” She smiled, reassuringly.

I tore my gaze from Shadow and looked to rose, fidgeting with my hands “I hate to ask, but would you take me back to the main house? I think I’ve had enough venturing for now.” I sadly admitted. After that encounter with Mira, I didn’t want to be out here anymore, not without Damon.

The corner of her lip pulled back and she pursed her lips “Of course I will. Come on.” She said softly.

We left the barn and it was a bit of a struggle to do so, as I could hear Shadow in the background neighing sadly and it made me want to just stay with him, but I would come back to see him soon.

As we neared the house, Rose stopped and looked to me, a worried expression on her face “Umm, Amelia, can we please keep that incident between us, the Alpha would have my head if he found out about it and that I let it get out of hand.” She said shakily.

I could tell she was scared, mostly at the idea of Damon finding out “Yes, of course. It stays between us.” I smiled, assuring her that I wouldn’t tell him anything about what happened.

She exhaled heavily and closed her eyes, then she opened her eyes and clasped her hands to my shoulders, before pulling me into a big hug “Thank you, I appreciate that.”

I was surprised at first by her hug, but then quickly regained myself and hugged her back “You’re welcome.”       

She released me and we continued to the house. As we approached the front of the house, a tall, blonde female skipped out of the front door, smiling brightly, as she clung onto Damon’s arm, who was Laughing heartedly. Suddenly, I wanted to go back to the barn and be away from here, but I swallowed my fear and continued to the house, hoping to avoid the pair. Damon noticed me and smiled, the girl who was still clinging to his arm, took notice of Damon looking my way and she glanced between the two of us, then a smile appeared on her face, but then she sniffed the air and her eyes widened.

She stopped in her tracks and looked up to Damon, scowling “Why is there a human here Damon?” She demanded to know.

We were only a few feet from them now and the woman was glaring at me, looking like she was ready to pounce.

Damon looked down at her “I will explain everything later. In the meantime, Samantha, this is Amelia and Amelia this is Samantha, my sister.” Damon casually introduced us.

I extended my hand out, in a friendly manner “Its nice to meet you.” I said smiling.

Samantha wrinkled her nose at my extended hand and just gave me a fake smile “Yea, you too.” The venom in her tone, made it clear that she did not like me.

I let my hand drop to my side and my smiled died, it was starting to become more and more clear, every day that I was out of my element by being here, that I wasn’t welcomed here. I decided it was time for me to go inside and get away from this awkward situation.

I looked to Rose “Thank you for helping me to find my way back, I really appreciate it and hopefully we can hang out again.” I was glad to have met Rose, she was one of the few people here, that I think enjoyed my company.

She smiled brightly “It was my pleasure, Amelia and yes, that would be lovely. I can always use an extra set of hands at the barn.” She hinted to me and I chuckled, thinking of Shadow and the handful he must be at times.

Rose bowed to Damon, as well as his sister, then waved goodbye to me, before she headed back in the direction we had come from. 

I turned to Damon “I’m going to head inside.” I said awkwardly. Damon’s face held remorse and Samantha, she was half smiling, half glaring at me, obviously joyed at my decision to leave them alone.

I didn’t say anything else and just moved passed them both, heading towards the door, but as I walked past Damon, he brushed his hand against mine, stopping me in my tracks. I looked up at him, a bewildered expression on my face, as his gesture threw me off, but he just grinned and winked at me. I stood there and gazed into his eyes, as a fire began to burn within me, a fiery desire that burned for him. Samantha peeked around Damon and scowled at me, then looked up at Damon “Come on, let’s go.” She whined. He tore his gaze from me and looked down at her. Without wasting another minute, I gave my head a shake and rushed inside, not wanting to dwell on things anymore, as the feelings I was developing for Damon, wouldn’t amount to anything, because soon, I would be going home and he could go back to his life, back to Mira.

I walked up the stairs and towards my room, but as I reached for the door handle, a male voice called my name “Amelia!” The man hollered from down the hall.

I stopped and turned to see who it was, but to my dismay, it was the man I had met that day in the woods. He was the last person I wanted to see, especially after he kidnapped me and brought me here. He sauntered down the hall, a neutral expression on his features.

He stopped a few feet from me and his eyes studied me for a beat “I thought it was time that we officially meet. I am Luca, Damon’s Beta and best friend.” He said, as he extended his hand for me to shake.

I was reluctant at first, but shook his hand “It’s nice to officially meet you and on better terms.” I said jokingly.

He chuckled “Yes, I agree. I also wanted to let you know, that if you need anything let me know or if anyone gives you trouble and Damon isn’t around, don’t hesitate to ask me.” He said meaningfully.

I smiled “Thank you, I appreciate that. Anyways, I really need to have a shower, but I’m sure I will see you around.”

He nodded “Yes, I am sure you will.” He smiled teasingly.

I turned around and clasped the door handle, walking into my room, just as I was closing the door, Luca put his foot in the doorway, stopping me from closing it “You know you are driving him mad.” He said, as if it was obvious.

My brows furrowed “What do you mean?”

He remained silent, as he looked at me, almost cruelly “Nothing, never mind.” He said quickly, then walked off. I closed the door and stood there, reeling over his words, trying to figure out what in the hell he meant by that.  

I rubbed my face with my hands, wishing more than anything that I had never come to Killarney. This trip has been nothing but a s**t show since I came here and it was supposed to be peaceful, tranquil, a tribute to the parents I had lost to soon. Now, I am being held here against my will, surrounded by werewolves, surrounded by people who want to watch me choke on my own blood. I need to get out of here and get back home. I striped off my clothes and got into the shower, washing away the stress from the day’s events. After I got out of the shower and got dressed into some fresh clothes, deciding that I wanted to have some quiet time.

I went into the back yard, curled up in a chair and started reading a book, when Damon stormed into the yard and was coming towards me, clearly pissed about something.

He stopped a foot from my chair, chest heaving “Why the f**k didn’t you tell me that Mira had come at you in the barn?” He demanded to know.

I shrugged “Because it wasn’t that big of a deal.”

His eyes widened and he scoffed “Not that big of a deal? Are you f*****g kidding me, she could have seriously injured you and she needs to be reprimanded for her actions. So, yes, it is a big f*****g deal.” His hands were balled into fists at his side.

I closed my book and stood from my chair “Well, she didn’t hurt me, Rose was there and I didn’t find it to be a big deal. So, I just didn’t say anything.” I said, then started to walk away from him, really not in the mood to argue with him, but he gripped my arm tightly and stopped me in my tracks.

I looked down at his hand and then up at him, his eyes were near black, causing fear to creep into my belly. I tugged my arm, trying to free myself form his hold, but he only tightened his grip “Let go Damon.” I said firmly.

His nostrils flared “You should have told me, I have every right to know when something like that happens, I am the f*****g Alpha.” He hollered in my face.

I continued tugging at my arm, but he was now holding it so tight, that my arm was going numb “I don’t have to tell you s**t, especially when it wasn’t a big deal. Now, let go of my arm, you’re hurting me.” I said, pleading with him, as my arm began to throb.

He narrowed his eyes “God damnit Amelia, you are my f*****g m…” Damon’s words were cut off, as Shadow barreled across the yard, neighing loudly. Damon finally released my arm and took a step back from me, just as Shadow came to an abrupt stop in front of me, shielding me from Damon and his wrath.

Shadow reared back, then stood on his hind legs and kicked his front legs at Damon furiously. Damon took another step back, bewildered at the horse’s behaviour.

Shadow put his legs back on the ground, but didn’t stand down, as he stomped his feet on the soft grass and threw his head around, roaring at Damon.

Damon looked to me “What the f**k?” He asked, beyond confused at what was going on. Little did he know, that Shadow and I had connected when I met him.

I tried my best to hide the smirk, as I went to Shadow’s side, placing my hand on his neck “Shh, it’s ok Shadow. I’m alright.” I whispered to him.

Shadow began to settle, but was still anxious and so, I wrapped my arms around him, pressing myself against him, hoping to calm him down.

Shadow was more relaxed now and rubbed his head against mine, as he nickered. Suddenly, a man came running up the yard and jogged towards us “Alpha, I am sorry about this.” He said, while nodding towards Shadow.

Damon straightened himself “How the f**k did he get out?” He questioned.

The man flinched slightly at Damon’s harsh words “His stall had to be cleaned out and we had put him into the pen for the time being. But then he just started going crazy, running in circles. Next thing we knew, he jumped the fence and dashed in this direction.” He admitted, embarrassed and ashamed.

Damon turned to me, glancing between the horse and I “It’s fine, take him back and make sure he is properly secured. I don’t want him getting lose again, understood?” He said in a deep, authority like tone, as he glared at the young man.

He nodded his head rapidly “Yes, of course Alpha.” The man then came towards Shadow and I, extending an arm to grab onto his reigns, but Shadow stomped his foot on the ground and started to snort. I clutched onto his reigns and brought his head down to mine, then gently grabbed his face “Everything will be fine, you will be safe with him and I am safe now, be a good boy.” I whispered to him, then kissed his nose.

Shadow was reluctant, as he fussed a bit. However, he finally went with man like a good boy, but not without the attitude, making me chuckle at the horse that I was falling in love with. When I did leave here, I wondered if Damon would let me take Shadow with me, as leaving him, would be one of the hardest parts about going home.