The Lycan Queen

CHAPTER 16: The New Guy

Rose jerked awake to the sounds of people yelling. She blinked her eyes, allowing them to adjust to the darkness that surrounded her. She could hear witches yelling in the distance along with a few snarls from Lycans. It sounded as if they were fighting. She sat up leaning her back against the far back wall of the stall listening. “Abel,” she mind-linked her mate. She waited a moment, “Abel,” she tried again. “What is it?” Abel groaned, half asleep. “Listen,” she whispered, even though no one could hear them since they were speaking through link. She could hear him stir in his stall. “What do you think is going on?” “I don’t know but I smell another Lycan. He’s not part of the group that is holding us here.” “Do you think he was sent here as a rescue?” “I doubt they would send a lone wolf.” Their conversation was interrupted by the yelp of an injured wolf. Silence filled the air.

The barn door opened causing Rose to slide back to the stall floor pretending to be asleep. She listened to the sound of something being dragged across the concrete floor. She sniffed the air smelling Darren, Jalisa, and a Lycan whose scent she didn’t know. They entered the stall next to hers, Jalisa cussed under breath about how heavy he was. (They’re dragging the Lycan) Rose thought to herself as she heard the sound of chains clinking against each other. “I don’t see why we didn’t just let the witches kill him,” Darren whispers as they chain up their new captive. “He spoke of who we are, said he was looking for refuge and wanted to join our cause. We’ll let Johnathon decide what to do with him when he gets back tomorrow.” Jalisa spoke as they stepped out of the stall. Rose’s heart sank the little hope that this Lycan might be able to help them shattered at the sound of Jalisa’s words. He wasn’t some miracle sent to her and Abel, he was one of their allies here to join their ranks.

Rose groaned as she stood to stretch peering over the stall wall, she could see a badly bruised young Lycan laying on the hay covered floor. Even if he was here to join their ranks, she still felt sorry for him. He had taken quite a beating from either the witches or Darren and Stephan. Jalisa led her out by her chains to begin their morning chores. It was late in the afternoon when Johnathon returned with supplies. Jalisa had already told her of the Lycan who had set off the trip alarm late into the night. He had spoke of Charles and wanting to join the cause. He told them that his family had once belonged to the Bloodmoon Pack but had been cast out as Rogues accused of being traitors for not backing the actions of the Alpha. Of course, Rose knew that was bullshit. Her father had never cast anyone as rogues let alone for something as petty as not agreeing with him. Jalisa led Rose to the shower house where she chained her to the concrete slab. “I’m going to go fill Johnathon in. I’ll give you about an hour to shower up, call it a reward for not being a pain in the ass here lately.” Rose smirked at Jalisa’s excuse for allowing her such a long time in the shower.

Rose stepped under the hot water sighing as it hit her back. (Abel must still be in the fields. The only time Jalisa ever dared turn on the hot water for her to shower is when she was positive no one would catch on. Estimating by the time she had to shower, and the temp of the water Abel wouldn’t be done for another two to three hours.) As she let the hot water run down her body, her mind wondered back to the rogue lying unconscious in the barn. She was curious as to what Johnathon’s decision would be on the young wolf. Since they had arrived, she had learned that while Charles was absent Johnathon was in charge in deciding what to do with everyone. She had also learned that while Jalisa wouldn’t admit it, she was madly in love with Johnathon. If it wasn’t for Johnathon, she believed Jalisa would have left “The Cause” a long time ago. In a way she guessed she should be thankful for Jalisa’s love. Jalisa wasn’t like the others, if it weren’t for her who knew what Rose would have had to endure.

Jalisa returned an hour later like she said she would with a change of clothes for Rose to put on. Rose raised a questioning eyebrow as she dressed. “He’s going to let the young wolf live if that’s what you’re wondering. I’ll fill you in more tomorrow when it is less likely to be prying ears. In the meantime, just know you have another bunk mate for the time being. My advice don’t be too chatty with him, he seems determined to join the group. You don’t know what he’s willing to spill to listening ears for trust.” Rose nodded as she finished buttoning her shirt. Jalisa led her back to the barn, rechaining her to the iron circles bolted into the wall. “I’ll bring dinner in when Darren brings Abel back.” She said as she headed out.

“Are you Rose?” the young wolf asked from the other stall as soon as they were alone. “Why do you want to know?” Rose responded questioningly. “I know your father.” “Look, I don’t know who you are or what your real story is. What I do know is that bogus story you gave Johnathon was complete and total bullshit. Neither you nor your family ever belonged to the Bloodmoon Pack.” “You’re right I did lie to them, but I had to. I was sent here to find you. I have to earn their trust until your father can get here to rescue you.” “Are you saying you’re a spy for my father?” she asked curiosity filling her voice. “I am here to protect to future Queen of the Lycans.” “How do I know you’re telling the truth?” she asked skepticism setting in. She jumped as she heard him pulling on the boards of the stall wall between them. She pushed herself back against the opposite wall, as he jerked a board loose. “I’m not going to hurt you, Rose.” He spoke softly as he slid a cell phone through the board. “Hold down one, when the other line is answered you decide if you believe me or not.”

Rose slowly took the cell phone flipping it open she held down the one button. Placing the phone to her ear, after three rings her heart jumped into her throat when an all too familiar voice came across the other line. “Have you found her?” Her father’s voice asked. “Daddy,” she choked tears building up in her eyes. “Rose? Is it really you?” “It’s really me, I’m here.” “Rose, listen to me I’m going to bring you home, sweetheart. I need you to be patient, okay.” “When are you coming?” she asked softly. “Soon honey, but I have to make sure that when I come to get you. I am bringing you home alive. I’m training soldiers now.” The sound of the door opening to the barn caused her to jump dropping the phone. She grabbed the phone quickly pushing the end call and stuffing it into a haystack. She steadied her breathing, as she watched Darren walk Abel to his stall. Abel spared a glance her way, a smile toyed at the corner of his mouth. Her heart skipped a beat, they had been beaten, abused and were being worked as literal mules but yet they could find happiness in one another.

Darren hadn’t even finished rechaining Abel when Jalisa arrived with their meals. Rose waited for everyone to leave, before she slipped the phone back to the wolf. “Abel,” she spoke through their link. “Yes, love.” “You were right about the rogue.” “What do you mean?” “He was sent by the pack to find us; he has a cell on him. I spoke to my dad, he confirmed it.” “When are we getting out of here?” “He’s training soldiers, I didn’t get any more information. I had to hang up because Darren was bringing you back.” “At least we won’t have to deal with this much longer. I’m glad you got to speak with your Dad.” “I am too, I was starting to lose hope in us getting out of here.” “Do you have a name?” Abel asked aloud directing the question to the young Lycan. “Josh, Joshua,” he responded stuttering slightly. “Well, Joshua what’s the plan?” “I don’t know all the details. I was told to come here, earn their trust and make sure Rose stays alive. That when the time was right soldiers would arrive to bring us all back to the pack.” “Soldiers?” “That’s what he said.” “Rose, we’re not leaving here as soon as you may think. Your father is preparing for war.” Abel spoke through the link. “Well, young wolf I suggest you get some rest. I highly doubt they are going to let you lay in a stall all day tomorrow.

Johnathon walked through the barn ringing his damn triangle for them to wake up. The three wolves stood stretching their stiff muscles from sleeping on the hay covered concrete. Jalisa unchained Rose from the wall, while Darren did the same to Abel. Darren led Abel out to the fields, Jalisa remained standing in the stall as Johnathon completely unchained Josh. “Today you get to start proving your worth, Joshy boy.” Johnathon spoke. “You’ll be with Jalisa and the girl today. One wrong move and Jalisa here will get to rip your throat out, understand. “Yes sir,” Josh replied as he stepped out of the stall. Jalisa placed Rose’s chains in his hands. “Follow me,” she directed as she led the way.

Jalisa led the way to the fields, “Hook her to the plow,” she directed. The day dragged on for Rose; Jalisa didn’t speak to her directly at all. She would only direct Josh to yell commands to her. She was thankful when it was time to head to the showers. “New Guy, unhook her from the plow and take her up to the building on the hill. She gets ten minutes cold shower, nothing more and nothing less.” “Yes, mam.” “Oh, and New Guy, don’t get any ideas. If anything happens to her Charles will kill you personally understood.” “Understood,” he said looking down at the ground. “Get to it,” she commanded as she headed towards the sleeping quarters for the Lycans.

Josh unhooked Rose and led her to the shower house. They stepped inside and he went to pull his phone from his waistband where he kept it hidden. “Don’t,” Rose spoke abruptly. He paused looking at her confused. “It’s a test, someone’s going to barge in and check on you.” She spoke as she began to undress. Josh quickly adverted his eyes. “If you’re going to be a watchdog, you are going to have to act like one. Chain me to iron hooks in the back shower stall, the hot water is turned off in that one and it’s set up to support the chains for us.” Josh did as she directed, he had just finished fastening her to the wall when Johnathon walked in the door. He strolled to the where Rose stood shivering in the shower placing his hand under the running water. “Congratulations, Joshy boy. Jalisa seems pleased with you, and you didn’t f**k up being left on your own. Take the girl back to the barn make sure you secure her and meet me at the fire. I’ll introduce you to the rest of the crew.

After Josh had chained her back in her stall, he tucked the phone under the hay. “When it’s safe, you can call the Alpha.” He quickly left quickly to meet Johnathon at the fire. “Why the f**k is he unchained,” Darren barked jumping to his feet as Josh approached the bonfire. “Sit down,” Johnathon ordered. “What’s Charles say about this,” Holly asked sneering at the young wolf. “Charles, said to keep an eye on him, but let him prove his self. Question me again, and I’ll see to it that you end up in chains, understand.” Holly sat back in her seat glaring at the young wolf. “New Guy, take a seat.” Johnathon ordered not even sparing him a glance. “He’ll work along side us, eat with us but for the time being he will be chained in a stall while we sleep. When we are sure that he can be trusted he’ll join us in the bunker.” He spoke to the group as he took a seat in front of the fire. Jalisa began to hand out plates to everyone. “Holly, take the scraps down to the barn. Actually, give it to them this time, don’t just dump it on the floor.” Holly growled as she stood from her chair, Johnathon stuck his boot out as she stomped past him causing her to face plant into a small mud puddle. She shrieked as she picked herself up off the ground. “f**k all of you, she yelled as she snatched the plates from Jalisa’s hands.

Jalisa chuckled as she took a seat next to Johnathon, who sent her wink causing her cheeks to turn red. Holly, entered the barn still fuming from what happened. She tossed Abel’s plate into his stall, barely missing his head. She paused in front Rose’s stall a smirk toyed at the corner of her mouth. Rose glared her knowing she was up to no good. She didn’t have time to react before the steel plate made contact with her face. She felt her nose crunch under the pressure of the contact. After that all Rose saw was red, she felt the heat of anger rush through her body.

The group sat around the fire laughing, eating and enjoying the night when they were interrupted by an ear-piercing scream calming from the barn. Everyone rushed towards the barn, panic that Holly had badly injured the girl against Charles’ orders filled all of them. They rushed into the barn to find Holly shifted into her wolf fighting a large white wolf with emerald-green eyes. The door to the stall that Rose was kept in laid shattered in pieces. The chains that had held her lay dangling limp from the wall. “Oh s**t,” Darren spoke from the back of the group when it officially sunk into everyone what was taking place. “Darren, Jalisa, Josh shift. Don’t injure her but pin her down. Stephan, go grab the extra set of chains.” The four wolves shifted circling the two fighting wolves, Darren snipped at Rose’s hind leg. She turned snapping in his direction. Jalisa and Johnathon took advantage of the distraction. Jalisa pounced on her back, while Johnathon grabbed her throat in his mouth applying just enough pressure to show her just how much in control he was. She tried to struggle against his grip, yelping when his canine grazed her. Abel struggled against his chains, trying his best to shift but to no prevail. His wolf whimpered in defeat, unable to help his mate.

Stephan returned with fresh silver chains twice the size in thickness as the ones that now hung from the wall snapped. Jalisa quickly shifted back into her human form grabbing the cuffs snapping them closed around Rose’s front paws. Rose screamed in agony has the silver seared her skin forcing her to shift back to her human form. Stephan dragged her quivering body back into a stall, unhooking the old chains tossing them into the aisle of the barn. Darren removed a stall door from an unused stall, installing it on to the entrance of Rose’s. Holly sat on her hindlegs licking her wounds. Once Rose was secure and laying on the hay covered floor shaking from the pain of the silver, Johnathon shifted back to his human form, looking at Stephan. “Sorry about this,” he said before hitting him with a blow that knocked him unconscious. “What the f**k?” Darren yelled out stopping in his tracks. “Chain him up in the stall we had the new guy in, he can sleep in the bunks tonight. He’s more trustworthy than him.” No one noticed Holly shift back into her human form. She grabbed a steel pipe intending to strike Johnathon in the back of the head. Just as she lifted it above her to bring it down against him, Jalisa noticed her tackling her to the ground.

Johnathon turned to the two girls wrestling on the ground. He leaned down grabbing Holly up by her hair. You three head to the fire, we’ll discuss everything there. The three Lycans left for the fire without another word. Johnathon arrived at the fire with Holly in silver cuffs. He threw her on the ground in front of the fire. “We are here because we believe in “the cause” that Charles has started. If we cannot follow simple orders, then what purpose do we serve.” He spoke looking at each of them. “What are you going to do to me?” Holly whimpered as tears fell down her face. Johnathon ignored her, “New Guy,” Josh looked up meeting his eyes. “Are you really here for “the cause”, Josh?” Josh nodded. “Are you here for “the cause”?” he asked more sternly. “Yes,” Josh replied, his voice unwavering. “Then kill her.” Josh paused, “what?” “If you don’t want me to think you’re a traitor, then kill her. Prove you’re here for what you say you are. Shift and snap her neck.” Josh stood his hands shaking and shifted into his brown wolf. He placed Holly’s neck into his mouth biting down feeling her bones crush as he did. She jolted and then fell still. He dropped her lifeless body to the ground, blood oozed out the corner of her mouth. Shifting back into his human form he was pale as a ghost; his legs could barely support his weight. He fell back into one of the lawn chairs. Darren stared at the ground, avoiding making eye contact with Holly or Johnathon. “Darren,” Johnathon barked demanding his attention. Slowly Darren looked up, “Get rid of the body,” Johnathon ordered. It’s been an eventful night Jalisa, Josh, and I are going to head to the bunks. You’ve got watch, we’ll see how Stephan does tomorrow before we decide if we’re going to unchain him or not.