Hidden Dangers of Love

Chapter Eight

"Caleb... There is no way... You... You were dead... They killed you over a month ago..." Astrid began to shake as she uncurled from the ball she was in. She searched his gaze, it was filled with something she had never seen before. Some sort of hatred.

"Astrid... They lied. They brought out my body when I was unconscious and told you that they killed me." He said, his tone was soft and sweet. But he seemed on edge. Astrid couldn't help but cry as she stood up shakily.

"Where were you... Why did you stay away for so long?" She asked him, her voice trembled. She couldn't believe what was happening. His eyes were amused but gentle. "Astrid I didn't die but they beat me so bad I was in a bed for three weeks, then I was trying to regain my energy and balance for two weeks. We saw you at the border but you ran away..." Caleb's voice trailed away. He smiled at her, causing her to smile for real for the first time in a long time. He went to hug her but as she shifted away, Cole walked in. "Caleb we need to go. They are looking for you! And Damien is searching for Astrid!" He spoke with urgency in his voice. Astrid froze. "I can't go back to him." She cried. "I know. Its going to be hard but it will be okay." Caleb reassured her, careful not to touch her encase she flinched away again. "Follow me." He said as he followed Cole out the door. The hall was crowded but she didn't care, she kept her eyes on Caleb's back. Cole behind her as they walked quickly toward an open window.

Astrid leaped out the window. And as soon as she did she changed to her wolf form and ran. She yelped in pain, causing Caleb and Cole to give her a weird look but they were too rushed to stop and talk about it.

We are at the border. I'm free! She smiled but as soon as she crossed the border Cole let out a warning. When she glanced back she saw Damien on her tail. But as soon as she got to the tree border, a line of wolves stood at the treeline, stopping Damien and his troops. "You are mine!" He spat, glaring at her. "Not anymore." Caleb growled, raising his head as he stepped in front of Astrid protectively. "Next time I will kill you myself." Damien snarled before turning and having his troops follow him.

Astrid got to the house in her wolf form. She didn't change until she hid herself away in Caleb's room. She changed to her human form and went to the small mirror hanging on the closet door. She cried as she looked at the scars and bruises. As soon as the door opened she quickly covered it back up. "What was that?" Caleb asked as he quietly shut the door behind him. Causing Astrid to tense up immediately. What would he do when she showed him? He walked toward her slowly, but she stepped back. Tears ran down her face as her eyes filled with fear. She knew he would hurt her, but she couldn't bring her body to go any farther.

"Hey. Its okay now. You won't go back to him again. We will find a way to get the mark out of you..." He whispered, taking a step back. His gaze was worried. Astrid look at him. "What are you talking about?" She asked, her voice quivering. Caleb watched her for a moment, puzzled. "He didn't mark you..." He whispered. He walked toward her slowly. "Why is there a mark?" His voice hard. She took a deep breath as she struggled to not move when he moved her hair behind her neck. "Caleb don't..." Astrid murmured as she closed her eyes she flinched when he moved her sleeve down to reveal multiple bites. When Astrid opened her eyes she saw horror and anger in his gaze. "Is there more?" He asked her, his voice quivering with anger.

Astrid took a step back as his anger grew. "Please don't hurt me..." She spoke very quietly, as if she was trying to convince herself. She became terrified of what he would do. This is what happened when she was with Damien and she said something he didn't like. She watched as he went over to his wall and snarled, hitting it with his fist so hard it put a hole through it. Astrid whimpered quietly and backed to the window. Has he changed? Would he hurt her like Damien does? She quivered when he turned around. His eyes were softer this time when he walked over. "Astrid... Do you have more?" He asked in a quiet tone. He placed his hands on her waist gently, but it sent shooting pain through her, letting out a cry as she stumbled back.

Caleb caught her but where there were more bites. She held through the pain as she regained her balance on a wall. She shut her eyes and took a deep breath. "Caleb... Please don't overreact." She said quietly as she unbuttoned her shirt. Caleb brushed her hair back softly. Astrid trembled as she almost cried. "Don't do this if you aren't comfortable." He said quietly, putting his hand on hers. Astrid shook her head as tears threatened. "I want you to know... I have had no one to talk to..." She said softly as she removed her shirt. She watched his reaction as he saw all of the bite marks. His eyes clouded with pain and guilt when he turned away. She quickly did her shirt back up and looked at her feet. "They are on the inside of my thighs too..." She said in a quiet voice. He looked at her in disbelief. "I'm going to kill him." Caleb muttered under his breath, his eyes turning a dangerous black colour. He walked toward the door to leave. "Caleb... Please don't leave me alone..." Astrid pleaded as she leaned against the wall. Her eyes begged him. When he turned around there was something in his gaze she didn't recognise. Along with the soft blue once again. "I won't even leave you again." He promised as he lifted her chin, kissing her as soft as he could so she wouldn't flinch away. She let him kiss her, and for the first time in a while when she kissed him back, she meant it. Astrid moved away slightly, she leaned into him and let the tears fall down her cheeks. Her lips tingled as she curved them up into a slight smile. She was back where she felt the safest.

Astrid woke up in a bed. She let out a small cry and jolted up, thinking she was back with Damien. No! It was all just a dream? she panicked a little but didn't move. "Shh Shh you are okay. I'm right here..." Astrid turned her wide eyes and relaxed when she saw Caleb leaning up, his gaze was gentle. Astrid looked out the window, it was dark out now. "Its night time. You have been sleeping. I can leave if you want or sleep on the floor." Caleb added, watching her expression carefully. Astrid felt fear strike her gaze and nodded. "Could you sleep on the floor for tonight... I'm sorry... Just please don't leave the room..." Astrid felt pain crack her voice as she spoke. She wanted to trust him... What was stopping her? It isn't Damien so why is she so afraid? I'm sorry... He hurt me so bad. I wish I could explain to you what he did. She thought as he got up. His gaze flashed to hers.

"Astrid don't worry about it, I'm patient and I know he did something horrible. Let me know if you need something or when you are okay with me being in the bed again." He kissed her forehead and settled on the blue carpet.

Astrid laid her head back and cried silently. The thoughts of what Damien did flashed in her mind. But she got rid of it as soon as she fell asleep again.

When Astrid woke up she panicked again, she let out a small cry before she opened her eyes. But Caleb was right there. He was up, standing in the middle of the room, his blue eyes shinning with sadness. He quietly walked over to the side she was on and kneeled down. Brushing her hair out of her face and comforting her.

"I'm sorry." She murmured with a frown, looking away from his gaze.

"Its okay, I'm here." He whispered before kissing her forehead. Astrid smiled as he walked away. I need to stop acting like this. Caleb did nothing wrong it was all Damien. Even though she said that in her head repeatedly, she was trying to convince herself. "I will be downstairs if you need me." He said with a smile before walking out the door.

It had been over a week. Over a week she had been rescued and she was starting to feel less jumpy. She was much more comfortable now. Astrid was out for a stroll in her wolf form when she heard a cracking noise on her left. She felt all of her fur rise and a growl in her throat. Her eyes sparked with fear. She watched as Caleb walked out of the forest. His icy blue gaze was shining as he padded up to her. "I told you this a while ago. You can't beat me at a fight." He teased as he butter her gently with his head. Astrid just wagged her tail and nuzzles his chest fur. His scent was sweet and welcoming.

"You are so soft Caleb." Astrid jumped back when Memphis appeared from where Caleb came from. Her belly was visibly swollen now, she was due any time. Astrid looked away when she realised she was staring. "Shut up Memphis." He growled, playfully batting her ears with a paw. Astrid watched with perked ears as Seth and Cole appeared as well. "Well look who it is." Cole wagged his tail. He stopped beside Memphis, their fur brushing together. "What were you all doing?" Astrid asked, tilting her head. "Border patrol. Jack has been ordering one continuously." Seth spoke up as he watched her gaze. Astrid looked away and gritted her teeth. "We were just going home now." Memphis said with a wag of her tail. She licked Astrid's nose as she headed down the trail with Cole and Seth. "Don't get into trouble Caleb." Seth teased as he walked by. Caleb rolled his eyes and pushed him off balance into a burr plant. Seth shot him an angry glance before racing after the other two. "You can head back too if you want." Astrid told him as she watched them all leave. Caleb shook his head. "They aren't any fun." He replied softly as he nuzzles her fur. Astrid relaxed and nodded. "Okay then." She teased before racing off into the forest leaving him bewildered. She perked her ears, she knew exactly where she was going.

When Astrid got to the clearing she raced right for the creek. She jumped in just to refresh herself before getting out. Her scent filled the air, but she wasn't worried. Most of the males in the area were able to control themselves now that they were used to it. She sat down in the grass and changed her form. She knew Caleb was just a little less trustful, but she wondered if that was because he was the next Alpha. She laid back as she sun shone through the trees, shifting over so she would be taking in the rays of warm light. She didn't even look up when she heard Caleb come down the trail. He must have changed because he walked over in his human form and sat a few feet away. She felt his eyes resting on her and her two piece bathing suit. She liked that she picked what she wanted to wear after changing. It was great. She didn't care that he could see the bruises and marks from Damien. It still made him angry but she knew he tried to hide it.

But this time when she looked over at him, his gaze was full of regret. "I'm so sorry." He said quietly, looking away. Astrid watched him, panic shot through her. "For what?" She asked as she sat up ans crossed her legs. Caleb shook his head and looked at the grass in front of him, picking a clover and spinning it in his fingers. "I should have come to rescue you earlier. All that wouldn't have happened. He wouldn't have hurt you..." He trailed off as his gaze clouded.

Astrid just watched him, she moved closer to him. "You couldn't have done anything to stop him. He started the moment I got to their house. Plus you were fighting off death." She spoke softly. She rested her head on his shoulder, her knees resting against his leg. "If I didn't attack Jonathan I would have been healthy." Caleb's voice cracked as he spoke. "Caleb. If you would have walked out of that room you would be dead. There were wolves waiting for you. You did everything you could. And I'm here now." Astrid whispered as she closed her eyes.

There was a moment of silence before she playfully shoved him. Come on, come for a swim. She said more cheerfully, trying to forget the conversation. Caleb grinned as he got up, he stripped off his shirt, causing her to look away. He watched her for a moment. "Want me to swim with it on?" He asked softly, not moving toward her. She took a deep breath. Trust Caleb. She said to herself. She watched him give her a smile as she shook her head. He threw it on the ground before racing over. She had to admit he was even hotter without a shirt. She let out a yelp of surprise as he pulled her into the water quickly. Astrid resurfaced and stood up, the water going up to her chest. She wiped water from her eyes and looked over at Caleb who as resurfacing. She growled playfully and splashed water at him. With a laugh he dove back under. Astrid knew to watch her feet so he didn't drag her under too. She waited until he came back up around three feet away. She smiled as she walked over slowly, his back was to her. When he turned around she put her arms up around his shoulders and hugged him, she didn't even flinch when his surprise faded and he pulled her closer to him. And she couldn't help but she'd a few tears when she closed her eyes, her head resting beside his neck. She was finally home.

"Where did you two go!" Astrid was met by Memphis as she walked up to one of the rooms they hung out in. It was a lot like the one from the school, but this time no wolves trying to kill them. Astrid plopped onto the bed and smiled. "We went swimming." She said, rolling her eyes. She flicked her hair at Memphis, spraying her with water. Astrid looked around the room, Mandy and Josh were sitting on the bed across from them, talking among themselves and Cole was play fighting with Seth by the window. The evening sunlight was filtering in as Caleb walked in with shorts on and no shirt. He was rubbing his dusty brown hair with a towel, causing it all to stand up. Astrid let out a laugh as Memphis covered her eyes. "Go put a shirt on you're blinding us!" She complained. Caleb grinned and threw the towel at his sisters head. She let out a small smile as he went to sit on the window, avoiding Cole as he pinned Seth to the floor.

"Go get a shirt man. Stop showing off to your girlfriend." Cole said as he let Seth get up, sitting on the floor. Caleb kicked him in the rib cage and laughed as he fell over, causing Seth to jump on him. Astrid smiled. She liked this group. Even after Josh and Mandy left, Lisa walked in. Her wavy brown hair had streaks of blonde. "What is everyone up to?" She asked happily as she sat on the other bed, leaning against the back wall. Her gaze sparkled. "The two love birds came back from swimming just before you walked in." Memphis said with a giggle. Astrid shoved her gently. Lisa nodded understandingly. "So that's why he has no shirt." She laughed, glancing at Caleb. Astrid looked at her feet. We didn't do anything! You are one to talk we can hear you and Cole at it every time we are in the building. Astrid smirked as she spoke to herself. She glanced up as Caleb let out a laugh. Oops. She leaned back on the bed, pulling the blanket over herself. She didn't like making the bites and marks visible to everyone. Even if they were her closest friends. Plus she was cold. She felt herself dozing as the boys started talking, Memphis moved ans was sitting beside Lisa to make her fell her belly. I wonder how that works? If I were to have babies, would I have puppies as a wolf or a baby as a human. Maybe I will find out when Memphis has hers. Astrid was talking to herself in her head, but she glanced over when Caleb stopped mid sentence for a moment. His gaze locked with her for a split second as something flashed in it before continuing with his conversation with Cole and Seth. I swear he can read my mind... She thought with a sigh.

Astrid jolted up when someone opened the door, almost hitting her head. She felt the others look at her, her face growing warm as Seth left with Lisa. She looked away from all of them. "I will be back." She said quietly as she left the room. As she closed the door she could hear Memphis speak. "The poor thing is petrified." Astrid sighed. She hated it when they pitied her. She quickly walked to Caleb's room and threw on some track pants and a sweater. She didn't want to go downstairs without covering the bites.

When Astrid left the room, Memphis was walking out. "Hey!" She said happily, walking to Astrid. "Hello again." She replied with a smile. "Can you help me?" Memphis asked, stopping beside her. Astrid shut the door and nodded. "What do you need help with?" She asked with a smile. Memphis begs to walk to her room. "Cole is taking me to watch a movie in town and I need an outfit." She explained, leading Astrid into her room. She was kind of surprised she had never seen it before. Everything was either pink or a shade of yellow. "I don't think I'm the best person for fashion sense." Astrid joked as she closed the door behind her. "I know you don't dress up, but you are good at looking casual. Which is what I need to make this baby belly blend in a little more.

Astrid laughed. "I think you look cute with the little bump." She replied, leaning against a wooden desk. "Thanks but that doesn't cut it for tonight!" Memphis laughed as she placed a bunch of outfits on her bed. "I don't understand how Cole is okay with all this pink." Astrid laughed as she walked to the bed to stroke a fluffy pink pillow. "He doesn't mind very much. That's why there is some yellow, we had to compromise a little." Memphis smiled when she set the fourth outfit out on the bed. "Okay. What do you think would be best for a movie?" She added, clapping her hands together excitedly. Astrid looked them over for a few minutes. The pants were all different, a pair of blue jean shorts, a pair of black jeans, black leggings and grey track-pants. She tried to match the the best show could with the yellow shirt or plaid shirt. "I think you should wear the yellow shirt and jean shorts." Astrid replied, picking up a blue sweater. She looked back at Memphis and smiled. "Okay great! I will go get changed I'll be right back." Memphis said happily as she grabbed the outfit and went to the walk-in closet.

While she was changing, Astrid sat down on the bed. She smiled as she looked around the room, moonlight filtered into the room now that the sun went down. "Are you almost done?" Astrid called to Memphis teasingly. She watched as the door opened and she stepped out wearing the outfit. "You look hot!" Astrid exclaimed as she walked over. "Let's go show Cole!" Memphis said excitingly as she left the room. Astrid just laughed and quickly followed. She walked downtown he hall to where Memphis was standing at the door, trying to listen through it. "You know you can hear them better when you open the door." Astrid teased. Memphis smiled and rolled her eyes before opening it up. When they walked in, Caleb was passed out on the window ledge bench and Cole was on the bed. Cole was now also shirtless. "What happened here?" Astrid said quietly, as she raised her eyebrows with a grin. Memphis shrugged and walked over, laying beside Cole. Kissing his cheek. He pulled her into his arms without opening his eyes. Astrid closed the door quietly and walked to the bench window. She smiled. Caleb looked so cute and innocent as he slept, she carefully climbed up and sat cross legged inches from his feet. He was laying down with his knees up, taking up most of the bench. She didn't mind though, she just leaned her head back against the window and closed her eyes.

Astrid flashed her eyes open when she felt hands grab her waist. She looked to see Caleb smiling at her. Letting out a deep breath, she smiled back and let him grab her. He opened his legs, stretching them out and laid her on himself. She closed her eyes as she snuggled into him. Astrid smiled as he kissed the top of her head. It didn't take long for them to fall asleep like that.

Astrid woke up to fidgeting under her and the sun shining in through the window. "Stop moving." She complained, trying to snuggle closer. She felt his legs wrap around her she tensed for a moment which caused him to release her, she signed and buried her face in his chest. "I'm sorry. I'm trying not to be so flinchy." She said quietly. Caleb ran his hand down her back. "Don't apologize. Its alright." He whispered as he lifted her face up. Astrid opened her eyes and smiled at the soft look in his gaze. She glanced over, seeing that Cole and Memphis were gone. "They left last night, a few hours after you guys came in." Caleb said with a yawn. Astrid sat up on him her elbows rubbing his rib-cage. "Hey!" He yelped with a laugh as he struggled away from her. She laughed and squirmed when he pulled her close after getting up. "I bet I could still beat you still that fight." She said with a grin as she got loose, sitting up. She smiled at him as she kicked her legs slowly. He smiled at her and gently spread her legs, standing between her knees and leaning into her for a soft kiss. Astrid rested her arms on his shoulders as she kissed him back. He moved closer, holding her waist. He was careful enough not to touch the wounded bite that was still healing. Astrid closed her eyes as he deepened the kiss, biting her lower lip and gently teasing her. Astrid felt the cut reopen in her lip but tried to ignore it. She was finally comfortable with being close. Her heart sunk as Caleb moved his head away. Worry struck his gaze as he licked his lips. "I didn't mean t-" Astrid kissed him softly, cutting him off. "That wasn't you. It was there before." She whispered to him, now placing her hands on his chest. He looked away for only a moment as frustration flickered in his gaze. But he turned his head back and kissed her strongly, taking her by surprise. His tongue searching hers dominantly. But she didn't struggle. She felt more relaxed than she had in months. Astrid didn't really think as she moved his hands to the bottom of her shirt. He stopped for a moment and looked at her in surprise. "Sorry." She murmured, looking away. What am I thinking! She scolded herself. Caleb let out a small smile before shaking his head. "For what?" He murmured before kissing her softly. She gave into the kiss, feeling their tongues touch as he kissed her deeply, running his hands around the rim of her shirt. She felt a shiver run through her excitedly as he moved his hands to the bottoms at the front, undoing them slowly. They both halted when a rock hit the window. Astrid leaned her head against the window and smiled as she watched his expression. He looked out the window, seeing Seth standing down there. Caleb gave a visible nod before looking back at Astrid. She couldn't help but laugh at the disappointment and frustration in his gaze. "Every time." He said, rolling his eyes before smiling. "Im not going anywhere now." She whispered, kissing him one more time. He strongly pulled her close to him before moving away. "I swear if it isn't important he's going to be hearing it." Caleb growled with a smirk. Astrid knew he wasn't actually mad, she found it funny.

When the two of them make it downstairs they came across Seth who was coming into the house.

"You need to hurry up!" He exclaimed. Caleb let go of Astrid's hand. "Why what is going on?" He asked Seth, worry glazed his eyes.

"Memphis is at the tree border, she is having her baby!"