Hidden Dangers of Love

Chapter Ten

Astrid felt a shiver run down her spine and her heart thump as she turned away from the window. Her eyes glowed with worry as she walked to her dresser.

Quickly, Astrid picked a grey shirt and matching grey track pants as well as royal blue frilly underwear and a bra, before heading to the bathroom. She glanced back to see Caleb still sleeping and smiled. She closed the door softly and turned on the shower. Quickly, she jumped in, washing her body and hair. When she got out she put on the bra and underwear. Astrid slipped on the shirt before walking out of the bathroom to find the yellow socks she dropped.

When Astrid went into the main room she didn't even look up to see Caleb. She grabbed the socks and went to slip back to the bathroom. She stopped when she felt a warm gaze landing on her. She felt her face burning as she turned around, facing Caleb who was in the bed.

Caleb was laying in the center of the bed, his hands behind his head as his eyes followed her movements, they shined with greed and lust.

Astrid smirked as she ignored him, going toward the dresser. His eyes were on her as she walked with more bounce in her hips. When she heard him get out of bed, she giggled and raced to the bathroom.

She let out a squeal as he picked her up gently, turning her around. "I like a chase." He growled playfully as he hugged her close to his chest, kissing her neck and jawline.

Astrid ducked from his grip and walked toward the bed.

She then slid under the blankets, but after a few minutes of silence she let out a small whine. It was mere seconds before she saw Caleb slip under with her. He was still in his boxers but his eyes glistened with longing.

Astrid popped her head out of the blanket and shivered as she felt him run his hands up her body as he appeared from the blanket above her.

Astrid smiled when he kicked the blanket off, it was too hot to begin with. She felt her face warm up as his eyes met with hers. Caleb's eyes were now dark blue as he softly kissed her on the lips.

"Naughty for teasing me." He murmured in her ear, causing Astrid to shiver lightly. "I wasn't teasing. I was testing." Astrid replied smoothly, running her hands down his arms. His wrist was fully healed now, thanks to his quick healing. "Testing for what?" Caleb asked softly, kissing up her jaw line. Astrid let out a small gasp. She didn't want to say it out loud because it didn't seem right. In case you changed your mind about wanting me. She closed her eyes as he stopped kissing her suddenly. When she looked up at him, his eyes grew dark and worried. "I will always want you. Forever, you are mine." He said quietly as his lips made their way down her neck toward her chest. Astrid took a sharp breath and moved her hands back up his arms. "I'm sorry." She murmured, raising his head to hers. She watched as his dark eyes softened before he kissed her strongly on the lips.

It didn't take long for things to heat up quick. She felt him move both of her hands above her head, holding them there with one of his own. She let out a whimper and arched her back as he ran his hand up the side of her shirt, making her blush instantly. She smiled, happy she was okay with this now. "Astrid I have waited so long for you..." Caleb murmured as he raised her shirt higher over her head. They broke a kiss as he took it off of her. She felt a shiver run down her spine as she was left in a bra and underwear. "Pretty lady." He growled softly as his hungry eyes swept over her body. Caleb seems different now, not really in a bad way. It was like he was holding back the urge to just mark her right there. Caleb leaned back down and began to kiss down her neck, towards her breasts. She wrapped her legs around his waist as she let out a pleasant whine, this urged him on as he trailed kisses down her stomach and to her panty line. Astrid ran her hands through his hair and closed her eyes.

Suddenly a knock came on the door. Astrid flashed her gaze open, meeting Caleb's angry one. "Just ignore it." She whispered in his ear before another knock. Caleb growled threateningly as he lifted his head. "What is it?" He said sharply, watching the door like it was going to swing open. "Would you like me to come back later?" Astrid froze as a strange voice spoke through the door. "I recognize that voice..." Astrid swallowed as she met Caleb's gaze. "Caleb I cant go back. I think Damien sent her up here. I know her, she will do anything to please Damien..." Astrid's voice shook as she slipped out from under him. she quickly put some clothes on, as she was doing that Caleb slipped some pants on but didn't bother with a shirt. He motioned for her to stand beside him so Astrid did as she was told and stayed close behind him as he opened up the door. Lo and behold, there she was. The blonde girl that told Amber to forget about her. Astrid felt her anger flare up as s clenched her jaws. Caleb must have felt her tense up, "What do you want." He growled dangerously. The girl stood there, looking innocent, her eyes locked with Astrid's. "Who me? I'm just here to stop you guys, Damien wanted me to give you the message saying why it would be a bad idea for you guys to... you know... get it on." She giggled, not taking her glare off of Astrid. "So I agreed, although I would have preferred she died, I know Damien wants her alive." She shrugged and crossed her arms. Astrid watched Caleb, what did she mean? Was Damien planning on killing her if Caleb marked her. She didn't have much time to think before the girl was gone, Caleb not far after her. Astrid blinked with surprise as she ran after them.

When Astrid got downstairs she saw Caleb standing in the large open room, searching for the girl but there were no signs of her anywhere. Astrid tried to go over to him but he didn't even look at her before quickly walking away toward where the offices were. "Caleb..." She said quietly as she walked after him. Her gaze clouded with fear and a sudden realization. Does he still want me? Or did he realize how much trouble I have caused? Astrid shook the thought from her head. Surely that wasn't the problem? Her heart sunk when Caleb stopped walking away. She knew he heard what she thought. Astrid walked toward him quietly. He turned to face her, she stopped only a few feet away when anger flared in his gaze. "Astrid. Go back to the room. I need to talk to Jack." He said quietly. Astrid felt her eyes cloud with tears. She hated being so emotional. She watched as he turned away without another word and left her alone there. Was she right? Or was he just angry at Damien? Surely if he didn't want her anymore he would hand her over? Astrid decided she needed to know what he was going to talk to Jack about so she snuck after him.

When Astrid found Jack's office she stopped at the door and pressed against it, her ear resting on the door. "I don't know what to do... If it is true there isn't much I can do..." Caleb sounded frantic, almost like he was pacing the room. "Caleb, you know exactly what has to happen. I can help but you but it is your decision... But I don't know how well she will take it if you tell her she needs to go to them." Jack sounded calm, Astrid could picture him just sitting down in his chair. "In the mean time, you had better go talk to her. Astrid felt her blood pumping when she heard footsteps coming toward the door. She quickly walked away, she walked as calmly as she could, out of the house before shifting and running into the forest.

She neared the cave. It wasn't used much anymore which relieved her as she walked into it, shifting back. She sat against the back wall and rested her head on her knees. They were turning her to them? After everything she had been through with Damien they really thought it was a good idea to just hand her over. Why couldn't they just save her all the trouble and not have rescued her to begin with? Letting out a shaky breath, Astrid blinked as the sunlight filtered into the cave. Was she over reacting? Was there something she had missed in their conversation? She remembered the look she saw in Caleb's eyes when she stopped him in the hallway. She felt tears threaten her eyes until she saw someone approach the cave.

"Astrid listen..." She turned her gaze away as Caleb walked in slowly. His eyes sparked with panic as he walked closer. "So that's your big plan? Just hand me over to them?" She said blankly, not looking up at him. She only turned her gaze to his when he crouched in front of her, his hand resting on her knee. "Listen to me." He began hesitantly. "I don't even know what to do right now, honestly." He sighed as he got up, rubbing the back of his neck with frustration. Astrid glared at him as she got to her feet and crossed her arms. "Really? So your first thought is giving me back to a pack who's alpha abuses me and thinks I'm his mate?" She asked him, she knew it wasn't really a question. Surely there was a different way? Caleb stopped and looked at her,his eyes glazed with uncertainty. "Astrid. Right now we are both being threatened. Damien told that servant of his to warn us, because if I mark you he plans on killing you, because he has no use for you if you are mated to someone else." Caleb glanced away. "Then why the hell does he want me!" Astrid exclaimed as she threw her hands up, eventually placing them on the top of her head. Caleb quickly walked over to her, grabbing her hands in his. "Astrid listen to me. I'm not allowed to tell you. But I am going to beat around the bush and maybe you can figure it out." He took a deep breath before continuing. "You are from a special bloodline. Do you remember who your parents are? I doubt you do becuase you were put into an orphanage at a young age to protect you from werewolves like Damien. Your parents didn't get rid of you because they didn't want you. They did what they could to make sure you were safe. Because they loved you." Caleb stopped for a moment to see how she was reacting so far. He moved closer and kissed her forehead before backing off a little so he could meet her gaze. "I cannot tell you anything about your bloodlines, or why they are so important. But maybe you should look into it. Go search on the internet, find some books about it at the library at school... But for now I cant do anything. My main focus is making sure that Damien cant mark you or kill you when I mark you. Giving you up to them would break me. It was only a thought and I wouldn't be able to do it." Caleb stopped before taking another breath. "So I have decided that I will lure Damien out to kill him." He finished, meeting her eyes with his.

Astrid shook her head, her ponytail lashing side to side. "You can't kill him." She said quietly. She didn't know why she would defend him but it was the first thing that came out of her lips. Caleb looked almost shocked considering the previous argument. "And why not?" He asked. He seemed okay but Astrid could hear the worry in his voice. "If you kill him, what will that do to me? If I am meant to be mates with one or the other, and he has marked me. Then what does that mean for me?" She asked him. Astrid leaned back against the wall as she watched him carefully. She didn't know why she cared if he died. Damien had caused her nothing but pain. "I don't know... I would have to ask Jack." He replied quietly. The two of them were quiet for a few moments as they were at a loss for words. Astrid listened as the crickets began chirping outside. Letting out a shaky breath she look at him straight in the eye. "What if you marked me and no one knows about it?" She asked quietly, searching his gaze. Caleb looked a little surprised at the question as he blinked at her. "That would mean keeping it from everyone. And not turning to your wolf form until this is all settled." He said quietly, his voice quivered slightly, Astrid wondered if it was out of excitement. She just nodded in agreement. "I'm okay with that as long as it means I can be with you." She murmured quietly as he walked over, pulling her close. Astrid closed her eyes as she parted her lips, letting him kiss her strongly. "But that means you need to stop having people interrupt us." she teased as she moved away, walking toward the entrance. They couldn't do this here, on occasion it was still used, it would be too risky. One of these days you might catch a break. She laughed as Caleb muttered under his breath as he followed her.

When the two of them got back, they were taken by surprise when they scented something different. "Oh boy." Caleb muttered as they walked up the stairs and into the house. Everyone seemed on edge as the chattering was quiet. "Caleb! There you are! They have been looking everywhere for you. Damien and Johnathan are here, they are waiting for you in Jack's office." Seth spoke with unease. "Is anyone with Jack?" Caleb asked worriedly. Oh no. Astrid thought to herself, but she was releaved when Seth said he had guards with him. "Thanks Seth." Caleb nodded and quickly walked toward the offices. Astrid followed him quickly, wanting to know what was happening. She could feel that Caleb didn't like her coming with him even before he spoke. "Astrid, please go to the room. I don't want to have to worry about you." Caleb said. And if it wasn't for the plead in his voice, she wouldn't have moved but in this case she just nodded and left for the room, making sure to tell Cole and Seth that Caleb was alone.

Astrid walked up the stairs and into his room, closing the door behind her. She sat on the edge of the bed and sighed as she plopped backwards, closing her eyes for a moment. "You are both so easy to set up." Astrid flashed her eyes open as she shot up. Her heart thumped when she saw Johnathan standing beside the closet. Where was Caleb? Without a word she raced to the door, only to crash into him when he blocked her from leaving. "What do you want Johnathan?" She spat as she backed away. "I want you to come with us. And no one gets hurt, not even your precious Caleb." He growled, not budging from the door. "You aren't allowed to do this!" Astrid yelled, her body was trembling in anger and fear as she stood up to him. She didn't flinch when he came closer to her. She gritted her teeth when he was only inch from her face. "There are ways around it little girl." He his voice was dangerous, like he could snap any moment. He could mark me! Suddenly Astrid froze in fear. Is he allowed to do that? He has a mate already! "I have enough warriors waiting to rip you and your friends to shreds sitting at home. So i suggest if you don't want your friends to get hurt you should meet me alone." He added as he backed away from her some more. "Meet me at the tree border tonight and I will give you something in return. I suggest you don't bring any bodyguards or Jack and Caleb wont live to see another day." Without another word, Johnathan was out the window and gone.

Astrid struggled for the next few minutes as she tried to calm down. She leaned against the wall and closed her eyes. What did he mean about Jack? Letting out a shaky breath before glancing at the door, she watched as it opened fully. Caleb was standing there with Flint and Jacob. Astrid let out her breath and ran to him, she relaxed as he held her tight. "What happened?" He asked in a encouraging murmur as he stroked her hair. She couldn't help it, Astrid let a few tears run down her cheeks. "Where is Jack?" She asked, pulling away to view his face. Her heart sunk when he looked upset. "They took him. We don't know why or what they want with him. But we know that they have been playing the werewolves that are much higher ranked than us. They are so oblivious to what is going on." Caleb stopped when he took a deep breath. He flashed his gaze back to Astrid, his eyes almost black. "Johnathan was here?" He asked in a growl. Astrid just managed to stop herself from trembling at his fierceness. She gave a small nod and looked away, toward the window. Caleb followed her gaze and let her go before walking over and shutting it. "What did he want? Did he hurt you?" Caleb asked when he walked back over. He glanced around a little, like he thought Johnathan was still here. Astrid watched him and shook her head. "He came here as a warning. Saying he has a bunch of warriors ready to attack any moment." She said quietly. She wasn't really lying, she just wasn't telling the whole truth. She relaxed a little when Caleb lifted her chin up softly. "Did he hurt you?" He asked again, like he didn't care about the first answer at all. Astrid shook her head again. Only mentally. She corrected herself, knowing he would hear her. Caleb let out a frustrated sigh as he grabbed her waist, pulling her close to him gently. "Don't worry, we can solve this." He murmured quietly. Astrid closed her eyes as she took in the warm scent on his tee shirt. She knew they could solve it. But she knew she was the only answer to solving it.

That night, Astrid jumped in the shower and let the water re-hydrate her. Closing her eyes as the warm water hit her shoulders and poured down her body. She knew what she had to do.

After almost fifteen minutes in the shower she got out wrapped a grey towel around herself. When she opened the door of the bathroom she blinked in surprise when the lights were dimmed, the bed was made and Caleb was laying in it with only a pair of blue boxers and a sly grin he wore on his lips. His hands were placed behind his head as his gaze rested on her body. Astrid rolled her eyes a little but a smile crept onto her face. She moved toward the bed, Caleb was at her side as quickly as he could. His face only inches from hers. "They said no marking, but I would like to finish what we started earlier." He said in a soft tone as he leaned toward her, his lips met hers softly. "Go back to the bed." Astrid murmured quietly in his ear. Caleb's eyes filled with confusion before he came to realization. He moved away from her and went back to his spot in the middle of the bed. Astrid smiled as she moved her hair to the side of her neck and tucked the end of the towel so it wouldn't fall off when she let go. Quietly, she crawled onto the bed, her gaze locked with his. She could feel an odd tension in the air as she moved over top of him. His gaze was filled with love and amusement as she sat up. Her legs on either side of his. She let out a shy smile and looked away from his gaze when she slowly slipped the towel off of her body, leaving her naked in front of him. For some reason she felt slightly embarrassed with him here, but it quickly drifted away when he sat up. Caleb brushed her hair back from her face and smiled as he lifted her chin for her to meet his gaze. "You are beautiful." He whispered before throwing the towel on the ground and touching his lips to hers. Sparks flew through her as soon as their lips touched. His tongue roamed her bottom lip before she parted them, allowing him in to explore her tongue. Taking a small breath, Astrid let him move her underneath his body, she felt her face blush when he took off his boxers, kicking them to the floor.

Letting out a small sigh she lifted her chin as he moved his lips from hers and down her neck, planting small kisses on her collarbone. She whimpered when he stopped and watched her gaze, his eyes were dark blue and she knew he was longing for her. Her scent was uncontrollable. "Are you okay with this?" He asked cautiously, but his gaze was filled with excitement. Astrid took a shaky breath and nodded. "Always, with you." She murmured before pulling him down as she pressed her lips to his. She let in a sharp inhale when she felt him slowly push into her, sparks shot through her body as he ran his hands up her rib cage. She broke the kiss when he started to move a little faster, thrusting his body closer to hers. She let a small moan escape her lips as she closed her eyes again, his breath steady beside her ear. Astrid moved her hands up into his dusty brown hair as she leaned her head back in pleasure. He was so much different than Damien was, he was softer and kinder to her than Damien ever was. I love you. Was one of the first thoughts that went through her head. She felt his body relax against her as she opened her eyes to meet his. I love you too. Astrid blinked for a moment before realizing what had just happened. She didn't have much time to think about it before his lips crashed with hers. Their breath intertwined as they came closer, like they were going to join together. Not much thinking went on after that. Astrid smiled slightly as she let him dominate her, exploring her tongue with his.

Astrid closed her eyes again, leaning her head back as he kissed down her throat. She let out a small gasp when she felt a sting, as he dug his teeth gently into her skin.

Astrid let her eyes flicker awake. She felt a smile spread across her face and let out a sigh as she traced her fingers across the mark on her neck. She had only been asleep for a few hours. But that night was the best hour of her life. She frowned suddenly. She wasn't supposed to get marked and now she had to go meet them. She was going to meet them and they were going to kill her. Astrid sat up slowly, so she wouldn't wake Caleb. He was turned toward her, but his eyes were shut as he slept peacefully. "I love you so much." She whispered quietly as she kissed his forehead. She was going to make his life easier, one way or the other. She felt tears threatening her eyes as she slipped out the bed and put some grey sweat pants on and a loose navy blue tee shirt. When she got to the door she stopped when she felt a set of eyes watching her. She turned her head to see Caleb watching her, his gaze was confused and tired. "Go back to sleep, I am going to get a drink." She said quietly, feeling her heart break as she lied to him. She waited for his eyes to close before letting out her breath. Remember that I love you. She thought before she walked quietly out of the room and headed down stairs.

Astrid had never been walking around the house at night, everyone was sleeping. The house was dead silent, which would make it hard for her to get out without someone noticing. But I need to get out alone. She thought to herself as she walked toward the door. Astrid quietly opened it, stepping out and closing it without a sound. It was easier than she thought it would be. Taking a deep breath she looked up at the sky. She needed to hurry, the moon was reaching its peak. "I will stay strong." Astrid growled to herself as she set off. She couldn't change forms, or they would know right away that there was something different. It took almost ten minutes to walk and jog to the border. As soon as it neared she felt a shiver run down her back. She flashed her memory back to the night spent with Caleb and smiled, it would be okay.

Astrid waited at the border for less than five minutes before she saw some werewolves headed toward her from the other side of the border. She let out a breath, the crisp air making it look like mist. "I didn't think you would show up alone." Astrid blinked away her thoughts when she heard Johnathan speak. She crossed her arms when he walked over, making sure she didn't flinch. "Well, it doesn't surprise me that you showed up with so many warriors. Knowing you must be afraid of this pack?" She spoke cooly, feeling a silent twinge of satisfaction when he frowned at her. "Damien will be here shortly with your precious Jack." Johnathan growled, his eyes moved around until he watched her again, but this time he looked at her differently. His face turned to stone as he squinted his eyes at her before moving closer. "What did you do?" He snarled in a low voice, only inches from her. Astrid shook her head. "Nothing." She lied, keeping her chin up. She closed her eyes as she felt her heart sink when he moved her shirt off of her left shoulder. " What is this?" He yowled at her, his face so close to hers, their breath intertwined. Johnathan's eyes were a dangerous red, intimidating enough Astrid started to back up. She left her heart race when she backed into a tree. "I didn't do anything!" She spat back, pushing him away. This infuriated him more. She gulped right before he pinned her back to the tree by her throat. "I warned you both what would happen, a while ago actually. If you did this." He snarled in her face. "I know you plan on killing me, so get it over with! I would rather die than get tortured by Damien!" She struggled to breath after she spoke, but he loosened his grip only slightly. His eyes sparked angrily. "Oh yeah? What did your little boy toy think about that?" He asked with a smirk. Astrid could barely see him anymore as her gaze clouded from lack of oxygen. "I would think that it was a stupid decision." Astrid struggled when she heard Caleb's rumble from close by. Suddenly his grip loosened all the way, causing Astrid to fall to the ground gasping for air. She coughed and steadied her breathing, meeting Caleb's angry gaze for a split second before realizing he had Johnathan on the ground. Astrid got to her feet quickly, she watched them only just realizing what had happened.

Astrid spun her head around when she saw Damien drop an unconscious Jack to the ground before rushing over to Johnathan. Caleb took a step back, his gaze still full of anger and hatred.

Astrid held her breath as Damien let out a pain filled yowl.

His gaze turned right to her, filled with anger and pain, something she had never seen before in him.

"He is dead. And it is all your fault! You got my father killed!"