Second Chances:HOPE & FAITH

Rapunzel

The first night had come and gone. Both Hope and Aidan were conflicted. Drawn together by fantasy but torn apart by reality. She felt a connection to this man but didn't know exactly what it was. The next morning Aidan continued with his everyday duties. He went out for a run in the early morning. His big black wolf brushing past trees and leaping high above the ground. His pack members soon followed. He never did night patrol unless an imminent threat was known. He did, however, enjoy doing a quick patrol in the AM. He wanted to ensure everything was in order. That night patrol went smoothly and had nothing or little to report. He also enjoyed going for an extra run in the day. He was making his way back into his home when he took the long way. He ran past the windows and balcony that belonged to his mate. He wasn't astonished he could sense her from down there. Regardless of how far he was, he could always feel her as if she was standing right next to him.

"Did the pull always feel this strong," he thought to himself. He shifted into his human self, grabbed some clothes that were left by the entrance to the kitchen. Whenever he went for a run his maids would always place clothing around every entrance so he had something to put on after he shifted back. Then they would go retrieve it when he was back inside. Everyone in this house was already very well trained in the ways of this new alpha. They knew what to do, when to do it, how to speak, and when not to speak.  Aidan made his way over to the sliding doors in the kitchen and went inside. "Has she received breakfast yet?" he asked the kitchen staff.  Melody the head housemaid approached from around the counter.

"Lucas said she hadn't awakened yet," she gently said. She did a quick bow and stepped back over the counter.

"She is awake now, please bring her something to eat," He demanded.

"Shall I bring it up or call on Lucas to do so?" she asked.

"You take it," he said and then walked away. The staff was surprised he didn't come in to get something for himself to eat as well. Melody arranged a tray of breakfast essentials and placed them on the service cart. She made her way to the worker's elevator and pressed the number 4.

  Back in Hope's bedroom. She had awakened feeling an incredible sensation in her body. Her hair stood up and created goosebumps. She heard loud thumps outside. Whatever was running out there was huge and it frightened her. She was recalling her previous morning in this place. She knew nothing of these strangers and where they lived. It could be a herd of bears for all she knew. They were in a forest. Her thoughts ran wild but suddenly the noise stopped and she began to calm down. Suddenly there was a knock on the door.

" Um, come in," Hope said.

"Good morning miss, my name is Melody I brought you breakfast," she told Hope.

"No Lucas huh," she retorted. She frowned slightly but then smiled at Melody.

"Thank you, hey can you take..." Hope began to say but was shocked to see nothing as she glanced at her dresser. "Never mind," she said again. She began to think, one the letter had been taken and two who took it. She hoped Lucas wouldn't have taken it and read it before delivering it to its owner. It's not like there was anything bad in the letter but she wanted these exchanges to stay between them. Melody walked out of the room so Hope then made her way over to the cart. There were eggs and bacon. Some pancakes and sausages. There were some fruits on the side. She grabbed a slice of apple and began to eat. She wasn't really hungry and was used to eating around a busy table at her parent's house. She felt lonely and desperate. She ran over to the balcony and threw the first thing she could find over the rails. She let out a loud roar. As soon as it was heard by the entire household a knock suddenly sounded on her door.  Lucas came in and sat on the bench by her bed.

"Everything okay," he said. She was astonished at his lack of empathy. She came inside and threw lamps and pictures off the dressers. She fell to her knees and started to cry.

"I need my family, I need to leave, why don't you guys get that," she cried.

"I can't let you go and Aidan wouldn't like it if I helped you pull the great escape," he said. This witty banter these two had was the only thing that gave her some sort of ease. They weren't bad guys but she felt trapped in a lavish prison. Her youth going to waste day by day.

"Fine but give me three months and it will either be me or you over the railing next time," she said with a slight grin on her face.

"In three months it will be different. I promise," Lucas said. She was more afraid by that response then she imagined. They really were going to keep her here forever. He soon left along with the service cart. He told her someone would be by to clean up the mess she made. As soon as he said, " the mess you made." She threw another item to the ground. There was a knock on the door fifteen minutes later and a three women came in. They bowed and began to clean. She was going to go take a bath so she wasn't in there way. Before she could head over to the bathroom door one of the women stopped her.

"Miss, Master wanted me to give this to you," she politely said. She took the letter from the woman's hand and walked into the bathroom. She noticed the spacious bathroom. The tub was in the center and the long shower was on the wall to the side. The toilet had its only room and there were two sinks and a huge mirror in front of it. Hope turned on the water and let it become very warm before she slipped inside. She wanted to read the letter desperately but was also very afraid to do so.

  My dearest Hope,

I can only imagine how confused and in pain you are. I know the pain all too well. I promise you I will give you answers as soon as I can. My heart wants to pour its self to you but my mind and body wont to keep you far away. If I had you close I wouldn't be able to resist you. I would consume you. ALL OF YOU! 

Your friends were not harmed. They were both told not to cause a scandal and worry about your parents. If they remained silent and complied we would return you unharmed. I would never let anyone harm you but I had to make them believe something unsettling will occur if they were to disobey me. I went into your room last night to retrieve the letter myself. I thought I could wait for someone to bring it to me but I could not. I saw you once more. You were fast asleep. You looked like an angel. Your beautiful long hair draped over you was a splendid sight. I didn't stay long but those few seconds tormented my own slumber. I was unable to think of anything else. Maybe in another time or life, I would have been able to sleep beside you and let you comfort my restless soul. I wish for you to remain calm and be patient with me. I will answer more of your questions in time. I am doing my best dear please believe that. I am very pleased you know my name and I wish for the day I will be able to hear you speak it in my presence. In the meantime, I want to get to know you, my love. Tell me more about you. Tell me everything.

                                                                                                                        Your's Aidan.

She took the piece of paper and gave it a gentle kiss. Hope was not sure why his words touched her to her very core. She was placed under a spell with every word she read. These letters made her feel like she had a purpose for being here. They made her feel like somehow everything would work out. She finished bathing and then grabbed a soft robe from the hook on the wall. She wrapped herself in the robe and walked back to her room. She immediately looked for her pen and grabbed another paper from her journal.

  Aidan,

I don't know what to say. I am still so unsure about all of this but your words are so kind and heartwarming. Well, my name is Hope and you already know that. I am nineteen. I seriously don't know what to say. I am outgoing. I like to have fun and live life to the max. I got a second chance at life and I won't waste it so you keeping me here is really unfortunate. I like painting, dancing and playing sports. I use to play soccer when I was younger. I got into swimming and volleyball in high school. I had to stop playing and quit my teams when I got sick. I'm not sure I want to tell you about that yet. I've never told anyone about my tough times. , Well I am an average girl. I have lived in my hometown my whole life so I was really excited to travel. I haven't been to many places but I plan on continuing to travel so I need to leave this room at some point. You said you knew about pain? I tell you mine if you tell me yours. I hope you let me out soon. I am much better at this in person than on paper.

                                                                                        Till then... Hope

She folded up the paper and placed it on her dresser. She wasn't sure if he would come back himself to get this letter but the thought of him being close to her put a smile on her face. She realized her day actually went by fast today. Perhaps that was due to her mind being consumed by her kidnapper. He was a mystery. She was reading a book from the shelf when suddenly she heard some laughter coming from outside. There was yelling, taunting, and laughs so loud she heard them from way up here. She went over to the balcony as slowly as possible. She peeked over the corner before completely walking outside. There were people of all ages running around and playing. Some were playing hide and seek. Others were playing with a soccer ball and a few were just chasing each other. She didn't want to be spotted so she crept down. She enjoyed this sight though. It made her feel like this was just a normal home. A home that apparently held many many family members. She then noticed a familiar face. Instantly as if he knew he was being watched he looked up and waved at her.

"Rapunzel Rapunzel let down your hair," Lucas joked.

"I want to get down not have you come up, dork," she replied.

He laughed and just said "my bad." She was smiling and giggling she didn't notice someone coming from the forest. He was quite far away but she knew who was approaching. She swallowed hard. Her heart began to race. He was close enough for her to see his eyes now pitch black.

"GET. INSIDE. NOW!," he yelled. She quickly got up and headed inside. She was scared and annoyed. Hope was unsure what was wrong. She really was like a princess locked up in a tower. She didn't understand what was the problem It was not as if she could have really gotten down. She fell on to her bed and continued to read her book until dinner time. Her day went on soon after and it was bedtime once again.