Hidden Dangers of Love

Chapter Four

"Want to see something funny?" He mocked Astrid as she struggled when he pressed close to her. Fear shot through her, this is what Caleb was talking about. She could see him struggling, against the two others. "Let go of me." She hissed through gritted teeth, she felt her body shiver, but it wasn't a scared shiver... She felt her body grow warm, something inside her made her almost collapse. She felt her body convulse painfully, but it was strong enough it threw Damen off. As soon as he wasn't holding her up anymore she fell to the ground. At this point everyone went silent, everyone was watching her. "Get the hell out." Caleb growled to the others as he broke free, they were all distracted enough for everyone being held captive in the beds broke loose and started to push the others away. Damen didn't have a chance to get back at Astrid, Caleb was already on him, giving him a blow to the head. Astrid crawled out of the way of the door as his followers fled the room, and with one curse at Caleb, Damen followed them, the side of his head bleeding from a cut Caleb had inflicted.

As soon as they were all gone, Caleb gave one glance to the others and they all soon left too without a word. It was just Astrid and Caleb. Astrid stayed huddled in the corner, the fever starting to fade, but the pain and fear still streamed through her. She hugged her legs close and kept her head on her knees. When she felt the touch of a hand on her shoulder she flinched away, partly out of fear and partly because of the bite mark that was still tender. "I won't hurt you." She heard the boy say gently. But she didn't move, at the moment she didn't trust anyone even if he was always nice to her. "Ever..." He added in a whisper. Astrid looked up, worry struck his gaze when she looked at him. Astrid took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a moment. Was she just overreacting to everything? She felt her body give a small convulsion and she glared at Caleb. "You said this would only happen at night, when the moon was out." She said more accusingly than she meant to. Caleb looked away and sighed, was that worry in his gaze? "You know, I still don't understand... why am I so important to you... and Damen?" She asked him with a serious tone, she must have sounded childish and worried but she didn't care. It had been dragging on all weekend. She shouldn't be special. She just moved here from an orphanage for crying out loud! She watched as his gaze turned soft, but his eyes filled with sadness. "Astrid, I can't tell you. I'm not allowed. If I do, you will automatically be given to Damen...The only way for me to tell you would be if you stayed with me and became my mate." Caleb whispered quietly, his eyes suddenly turned black and he got up. "What is stopping me? When do I have to make that choice?" She asked him, getting to her feet quickly. Her head was spinning as she spoke from the fever returning, she leaned back against the bed. She glanced out the window, it was already dark. The sky is clear. The moon is up... It is coming back. She began to panic inside. Surely the whole building would be able to hear her screams if she was changing? Caleb nodded, as if he heard her thoughts and was agreeing. "Come with me, to the forest. There is a cave I can bring you to, we will be alone without needing to worry." He said it quietly, his voice gentle as he walked toward her. He stopped short of inches from her face, gently cupping it with his hands. His gaze searched hers. "I will answer your questions there." He said with a whisper, his eyes were back to the normal ice blue when he looked at her. Astrid couldn't move even if she wanted to, her gaze was locked to his as his scent flooded around her. She held her breath as he leaned down to kiss her, only to be interrupted when the door opened. Astrid didn't even have to turn around, "For goodness sake Memphis!" Caleb spat as he moved away from her quickly, annoyance edged his voice. Astrid couldn't help but suppress a huff of laughter, she wasn't expecting him to try anything and was still kind of shocked from it, but for some weird reason, she was okay with it. "What! I forgot my phone in here so I came back for it." Astrid heard Memphis say, as she was trying not to laugh. But when she turned around, she saw Caleb shutting the door behind his sister. He looked back up at Astrid, his face in a frown. But Astrid couldn't help but smile, it was classic for that to happen plus she wasn't sure how she would have reacted if he kissed her right now. Her smile faded as a convulsion all of a sudden almost knocked her to the ground. She felt arms around her waist as Caleb rushed to hold her up. "I-I'm sorry..." She said, regaining her balance and moving away. But when she went to turn away she felt him grab her hand. "I will take you to the cave if you wish. It is up to you completely." He said before letting go. Astrid had this odd feeling like she didn't want him to let go. She wanted to be close, but she brushed it from her mind quickly. You barely know him and he probably thinks you are being ridiculous! She scolded herself harshly. Almost as if she said it out loud he stepped toward her, looking at her with a soft gaze. "I will go." She said quietly, a slight tremor in her voice.

As Astrid walked silently through the forest, Caleb ahead of her, Cole behind her, she felt safe. They walked for what seemed like hours until they finally stopped in a very small clearing, surrounded by forest except for one spot where there was a small opening of a cave. Astrid panted a little as the fever kicked in more and more. She was able to control the convulsions fairly well now but they were still noticeable, so when one took her over Caleb ordered Cole to leave them. Astrid let out a small gasp of pain as it slowly went away before she got back up. "You are doing very good with the control part of it." Caleb said reassuringly, he walked forward and brushed the hair from her face before leading her to the cave. "This is called the changing cave, becuase it lives up to its name. Many of our pack had their first here. More than one first." Caleb said, a slight sound of mischief in his tone. "Did you?" Astrid asked, a smirk on her face. She was starting to realise it was fun to toy with him, becuase he usually started it. But she rolled her eyes when he looked away, quilt flashed through his gaze. A weird thought suddenly popped up in her head. Why would he feel guilty? She wondered in her head, unless they were supposed to be mates? Or maybe his thoughts made him feel it.

No, she was being ridiculous. She knew enough about werewolves that each male had a mate, they could usually scent them. But it was possible for other their mates to be marked by others, possibly making one of them alone forever, or there is another wolf that suits. But that didn't mean they were mates. How come she had the same feeling for Damen? Even if she didn't want it there was still a longing urge for both Damen and Caleb, but they were so different, and from different packs... Astrid suddenly came to a realisation about what was going on, she backed against the wall of the cave to steady her. she fixed her gaze on Caleb as he turned back to her, worry struck his gaze. "I think I figured it out." She whispered, unsure if he could hear her or not. The dark blue eyes of hers were bulging now. Caleb walked slowly toward her until he was a few feet away. She didn't wait for him to ask, "I know why you can't tell me..." She said quietly as she looked at her feet, suddenly realising she was staring at him. She felt her body shake once again, but she ignored it. "But why am I not like the others? They find their mates and don't have to choose..." Astrid was puzzled once more. Caleb's eyes lit up with frustration once again as he let out a sigh. "I can't tell you until you choose one of us. And then you will still have to wait until your first change, and you are marked for me to tell you. Once you are mine I can tell you, but until you change and that happens no one is allowed to say." Caleb said after a few moments of silence.

Astrid looked at him and shook her head. She wasn't too sure why, assuming it had something to do with the werewolf thing, she took a step forward. She was inches from him now, so nervous for being bold toward him... But also felt so good for being in his scent, it helped her pain for some reason. "Why cant you tell me?" She asked him, her eyes searching his for answers but only found amusement, and something she didn't understand... "If I tell you, it is over. You wont have me as a choice anymore and will be sent to Damen. Its the rule, when something like this happens, I lose the chance." As soon as he closed his mouth he looked at Astrid right in the eye and gave her a gentle smile as he put his hands around her waist. Before she could say anything she felt his warm lips meet hers.

Within seconds her body tingled, partly with excitement and partly with something she couldn't quite recognise. Astrid closed her eyes but was a little worried, she had never kissed anyone before, this was her first time. She flinched for a moment when he pressed closer, this made him stop what he was doing. He moved a few inches away from her and when he looked at her, Astrid was expecting annoyance and frustration in his gaze, but instead he just smiled. "Not bad for a first timer." He teased gently, moving away from her. She was partly relieved he wasn't bothered by it but part of her wanted him to come back and hold her close.

Astrid closed her eyes, cursing herself and mentally trying to call him back. I wont flinch away! Please stay close to me, I feel so safe with you... Her mind begged, but he obviously wouldn't hear her. She watched as Caleb just smirked and looked at his feet, shaking his head a little. "What is so funny?" She asked him, with a slightly teasing tone. "I am a little surprised you trust me so much, considering how your life has been." He said, curiosity edging his voice. The darkness of the cave helped a little when she blinked in total shock. How did he know what I thought? She wondered. But pushed the thought away, it was obvious she trusted him, he had the right to assume. Astrid was about to answer when she heard howls from outside, her gaze snapped toward the entrance of the cave and she felt her fever return. It was always when something was going on with other wolves that she began to feel sick! She backed up to the wall and sat down, her knees to her chest. "I will be right back." Caleb said, trying not to sound impatient as he took off out of the cave.

Astrid was alone for more than an hour, her body was now continuously convulsing as she was now sprawled on the stone floor in pain. She let out a scream of agony as something clicked inside of her, her body let out a tremor, as if it was scared of itself. She could hear the howling still in the forest but it definitely wasn't her main concern at the moment. Her head was pounding, the blood ringing clearly in her mind as she tossed around on the floor. Why is this so painful? She thought to herself as her body let out another convulsion. Suddenly, the howling was cut off by a blood curdling scream. What was the worst part? She recognised it. But she didn't know who it was. Her thinking was cut short by the worst pain she had experienced, all of her muscle started to spasm as her body took over. She panted and shivered and screamed in agony as she changed, suddenly she was no longer a human form.

Everything stopped very suddenly... Well almost. Astrid still felt the effects of the fever, and her muscles ached from what just happened and she became so overwhelmed and scared. No one was around, it was dead silent outside and she suddenly felt very alone. Even though there were werewolves all around her. She didn't feel safe, this was when they were going to come after her. Run! Her mind was shouting as she struggled up to her feet-or paws now. She let out a small cry, but it came out as a whine as she stumbled on her new-found paws. She got to the entrance of the cave and looked outside. No one was around, as her eyes adjusted to the moonlight she tested the air for any scents. She could smell so much now. The strong scents of the forest hit her, almost knocking her off her paws. But there was another scent, it was sweet and welcoming. It lead the way they came before they reached the cave. Caleb! She thought to herself, she almost followed it but she needed to go away. Maybe just until she adjusted to her wolf form. She dragged herself away from the sweet scent, forcing her body to run the other direction. Right into the unknown forest behind the cave.

As she ran, Astrid had to admit it was nice to be fast. She knew she could go faster but it still hurt, her muscles still ached from the change. As she ran, she stumbled a little as she wasn't used to the footing either. So much to learn and figure out! She huffed, her ears perked as she dodged a pile of rocks. She could see so much better now too, unsure if that was because the moon was out or not. She didn't care, as she ran, she relaxed. But since she wasn't used to all of this she had to slow down, taking in deep puffs of air. She stopped fully when she reached a small opening. The sound of a stream running was close by. As she panted to catch her breath she looked around for the freshwater. She padded forward a few steps and walked through some ferns. It revealed the most beautiful little clearing, surrounded by ferns. Only one big oak tree which was placed nicely beside a large boulder. To tie it all together, there was a gentle stream running beside the rock. It was a fairly large stream she realised once she walked to the edge. The sand ticking Astrid's paws when she walked to the waters edge. She bent her neck down and lapped up some of the water. The cool, crisp liquid slipped into her mouth and down her throat gently, instantly refreshing her. When she was finished drinking she took a deep breath before looking down into the water, curious to see what her pelt looked like. She wasn't disappointed when she saw her dark blue eyes, hidden in a thick, black pelt. She looked away and sighed, it was probably a different colour but it looked black in the darkness.

Astrid was no longer sure if she was on any territory, she assumed that she passed the boundary by now so she padded back up the slight slope and curled into a tight ball in between the roots of the oak tree. She was surprised by how covered she actually was. But it didn't take long, everything that overwhelmed her within the last hour put her right to sleep.

When Astrid woke, the sun was just barely coming up. She didn't need to be out of a forest to know that. The sky above was just starting to turn into a fading black and it wasn't quite light yet. The first thing she noticed when waking up, she was still in her wolf form. Fear shot through her, she didn't know how to change back! She let out a small whimper when she rested her head down again. Until she picked up an odd scent, it was coming from her. The scent was something she never smelled before, it was very sweet and if it could have a texture it would almost be soft. "Shit." she whispered softly when she closed her eyes, she forgot about the whole "coming into heat the first change" deal that goes on. Astrid suddenly stiffened. A small noise grew louder beyond the ferns, almost like someone was walking closer. She felt a flicker of hope when she thought maybe it was Caleb coming to find her, she knew she wanted him. But would her opinion have changed if Damen wasn't so mean. Maybe bold isn't a bad thing? She thought, Damen was also very handsome and would make good a mate if he was nicer. She clenched her teeth as she cursed herself for being caught between wanting both. Why did she want both? And why did they both want her? It was the same question that Caleb couldn't answer for her. "Come out sweet Astrid, I can smell that you are ready for me." Astrid's pelt prickled at the sound of Damen. Suddenly this huge red wolf stepped out of the ferns, making her whimper a little. She wouldn't be able to fight him if her life depended on it! She knew it was all over when their gazes met. "Come here." He said, lowly. His eyes shined with greed, like he was holding back from something, Astrid realised it was probably her. "A new female's heat scent is irresistible to all males, no matter how strong." Astrid heard that before but she wasn't sure from where. She shook her head, trying not to distract herself as she she got up and slowly moved forward a few steps.

"I said come here." Damen snarled, his eyes glinted red. His voice was booming, and Astrid felt like she needed to obey. But she was stupid enough to not move and just stand there. She shook her head. "Leave me alone I don't want you!" She growled, her voice much higher than his. That was the last straw for Damen. He charged her, flinging her away easily and into the grass. Her head hitting a rock. Letting out a yelp of pain, Astrid felt her body change back to human. She could only move a few feet before Damen was on her, no longer in his wolf form he was still much stronger and had her pinned to the ground. She realised that they changed back with no clothes. This is getting worse. Caleb where are you! She cried out mentally, wishing he could hear her and come help. "You are mine now, you want me. Don't you see? Don't you smell that sweet scent?" Damen whispered dangerously in her ear, his lips moving strongly down her neck and chest. Astrid panicked and tried to struggle free, but Damen just growled threateningly and pressed his body to hers, kissing all the way back to her neck and chin. She tried to fight it when he planted his lips on hers, he was kissing her strongly, Astrid could barely breathe. She let out an unwanted gasp as he moved on hand down her sleek body, the other hand holding both of hers so she couldn't move. "Help!" She suddenly shrieked, hoping someone would hear her echoing voice. She made her choice, and it wasn't Damen. She let out a cry of pain when she felt teeth sink into her shoulder, the same spot that he bit during the weekend. "Naughty, no screaming." He teased her with a wicked grin, he moved away from her body for a moment and Astrid could only hope that he was leaving. But things just got worse.

She tried struggling, but Astrid couldn't move in his grip. This is only supposed to happen after marking! So she thought. She doubted her own words as she felt warm teas run down her face. "Don't cry, you wanted this remember?" Damen was grinning as he began to press closer to her, first slowly. Then quickly. But during, he began to nip at her neck. No! She screamed inside, she didn't want him as a mate! Didn't she get a say in this thing? She struggled and struggled, only causing her great pain now that he was in her. Pain coursed through her as he moved around carelessly. Astrid watched through a blurred vision as he just laughed and continued. He dragged it on for almost twenty minutes, but as she scented a slight trace of panic from him his nipping get stronger on her neck. She turned her head away, trying to escape when she felt him moving her faster. "No! Get off!" She screamed, her voice cracking from her crying voice as pain pierced through her. She needed to move her neck becuase that was his next target. Damen completely ignored her now, but he used one hand to hold her head still, she let out a cry of pain as his teeth slowly dug into her skin, she felt her vision go black as she was knocked out cold.

Astrid blinked open her eyes, her sight was still blurred and she couldn't move. Her heart dropped when she realised she was still in the same spot. But this time she started to hear the growling and snarling of a fight. She cringed in pain when she turned her head, seeing Damen and another wolf, slightly smaller with smokey grey fur, fighting. Caleb! She tried to move but just cried out in pain, all she could do was wait. Whoever won this fight would have her. She couldn't move or run away. She closed her eyes tight as she listened to the barks and growls. The odd yelp was in there but not very often. It went on for a little while until there was a ground shaking thud. Astrid flashed open her eyes to see Damen pinning Caleb to the ground, his teeth inches from Caleb's throat. "No!" She yelped, turning both of their attention to her, it was enough for Caleb to loosen up and fling Damen into the large tree. Astrid watched as Damen's body went limp. She wondered if he was dead, but her thought was answered when she saw the faint rise and fall of his rib cage. Joy and relief flooded her when Caleb got up, he didn't even seem effected when he padded over toward her, shifting a few feet away. Her relief was overtaken by unease as Caleb walked quickly over to her, his eyes were deep red almost black and glazed over, and she could see him fighting off the right and the wrong thing to do. "Caleb... No... Don't..." Astrid watched him, trying to flee but only flinching in pain. She knew it, he wasn't able to control it as he jumped on her. Letting out a gasp of pain she felt him to the exact same thing Damen did. She tossed and turned but no matter what she did he was too strong for her. "Caleb stop!" She pleaded, tears forming in her eyes again. She tried to tell herself that he couldn't help it. "Caleb, please! This isn't you!" But he didn't respond, his mind had taken over as he began to nip roughly at her neck. Maybe it was him and she didn't realise...

Astrid suddenly relaxed, as much as she could to ease the pain. "Caleb. Please stop..." She whispered pleadingly into his ear.

Was this it? Was this how it would be?