Dark Wolf Series

Chapter 9

"I know, I normally can't. But with Rhydian, I can. He brings me back before I lose control." I croaked. Rhydian started grazing his fingers against my hands, soothingly.

"It's true. She nearly lost control when I told her about Elijah but I stopped her." He admitted.

Georgie sighed in defeat. She turned to look at Tristan, "We should let her try." She breathed. She turned back to us, "We were only thinking of you, sweetheart." She muttered. I nodded my head and gave her a half-hearted smile.

Tristan and Georgie led the way to Elijah's room. When we reached the room, Lucas was sat on the floor against the wall with his head in his hands. Ezra was pacing back and forth. As if sensing us, Ezra came to halt and Lucas looked up at us. I wanted the ground to swallow me up, they both looked terrified.

Just how bad did I hurt him? I shuddered slightly and Rhydian wrapped his arm securely around my shoulder, bringing me into his side. Lucas stood up, slowly not taking his eyes off me. Ezra stalked towards me with a scowl on his face.

Rhydian reacted and pulled me behind him, keeping his hands on me for contact. He stiffened when he realised what he did but stood in front of me, protectively.

"Get her out of here, now!" Ezra bellowed.

"Ezra, that's enough. She feels bad enough without you making it worse." He divulged.

"She nearly killed my brother." He growled. "I don't know what the f**k you are but you need to leave." He snarled. I winced and pulled away from Rhydian's hold and darted for the exit.

Chapter 15

I heard Rhydian call after me but I had already made it to the stairs. I ran down the stairs and headed straight out of the hospital. I headed straight for the forest. I needed to be away from everyone, that way I can't hurt anyone. I don't trust myself anymore. I have never hurt anyone close before.

I could feel my mindlink been poked at, it was either Tristan, Rhydian or Lucas. I haven't mind linked anyone else. I can start the mindlink and then they can contact me through that as they wish. There's no way of severing it either, I don't think. Not like when you are part of a pack. Just cutting all ties with the pack, cuts the line of communication.

I reached the outskirts of the forest, once I was clear of buildings and people. I needed to shift, my wolf form is faster.

'You ready?'

She didn't answer, I know she'll be hurting too. But it didn't stop the need to be out and free. I ran further into the forest then skidded to a stop in the middle of a clearing and screamed, letting all my anger and frustration out. My screams morphed into growls as Aurora made an appearance. I fell on my hands and knees, while my body snapped and changed into a wolf.

I let out a howl before giving Aurora full control. She stretched, letting out another howl. But this one was full of pain and regret. She took off, sprinting further into the forest with no destination in mind. I don't know how long we were running until she was panting for breath.

Her pace decreased until she was padding along slowly. She was panting and struggling to walk. She stopped dead in her tracks and fell to the floor with a grunt.

'I'm not sure where we are' I sighed. She didn't answer me, probably too tired.

'Rest here.' I insisted.

She dragged herself up and scanning the area. She sniffed the air a little before turning and sauntering off to the right. I was about to ask her where she was going when I saw a little cave ahead. It was covered in vines and sheltered.

She edged slowly to the entrance of the cave, staying alert for any danger. She peered inside the cave, slowly entering. It was empty. I sighed in relief and she padded the ground, spinning before laying down. She curled herself up and fell asleep, pretty quick.

Ok, I guess we're staying in wolf form. I closed my eyes and curled up myself, quickly succumbing the darkness.

Lucas's POV.

I stared into the room where my mate was hooked up to machines. He looked so fragile and I felt helpless. I placed my hand against the glass, letting a single tear fall down and rested my head against the glass.

"I can't find her," Rhydian said, breathlessly. He went after Amaris after she ran out. I sighed and gave Elijah one last look before walking over to Rhydian. "No, you won't. You can't get her scent to follow." I groaned. "I wish she wouldn't wear that stupid necklace," I growled, lowly.

Rhydian looked at me confused, "What does her necklace do?" He asked, curiously. "Masks her scent," Ezra answered, glaring at Rhydian. Rhydian's eyes widen, "She masks her scent. That makes sense." He replied. I looked at him puzzled, he shook his head and hummed.

"I tried mink linking her but she's blocked me." He groaned. It was my turn for my eyes to go wide, she never links with anyone that doesn't know about her Dark Wolf. "What do you know?" I deadpanned, glaring.

"About what?" He answered, shrugging. I rolled my eyes before heading over to my parents. Dad turned to look at me, sadness in his eyes. "How are you holding up son?" He asked. I shrugged and sighed. "Can you and mum stay here in case anything happens?" I asked. They nodded their heads and mum came towards me, "Honey, he's a fighter." She soothed, pulling me into a hug.

"Where are you going, son?" Dad asked, putting a hand on my shoulder in comfort. I pulled away from mum and glanced back at Rhydian, who looked as defeated as I did about Elijah. "To get answers and find Amaris," I explained. They both nodded and walked towards Elijah's room.

"Rhydian, let's go." I hollered, gesturing him with my hand. Rhydian jogged over to me and Ezra came towards me. Rhydian growled and Ezra held his hands up in defence. "Look, I'm scared ok. I didn't mean what I said." He whispered. Rhydian's hard stare softened and he took a deep breath. "Ok. Let's go." He sighed. Ezra walked next to us, "Really though, what is she?" He questioned.

A growl reverberated from Rhydian's chest, he spun around and shoved Ezra against the wall. "She's not a what. She's Amaris and she's scared." He snarled in Ezra's face, "Do not say s**t like that again." He growled, dropping Ezra to the floor. Rhydian staggered back, startled and stormed out of the corridor. I helped Ezra up, hurt and confusion flitted through his eyes.

My suspicions were just suspicions, but now they've been confirmed.

He's definitely Amaris' mate.

We headed out of the hospital, following Rhydian who was storming towards the packhouse. We caught up to him and Ezra apologised to Rhydian. We went into the packhouse and straight up to Rhydian's office.

Rhydian took a seat at his desk while Ezra and I sat in the opposite seats. "So, what do you know... about Amaris?" I asked, looking straight at him. He furrowed his brows together, looking at me confused. "I have absolutely no clue what you are on about." He drawled.

I leaned back in the chair, now I'm just confused. "I don't understand why she linked with you. She never links with anyone that doesn't know," I sighed, frustrated. "She won't tell me, because she doesn't trust me." He added.

I rolled my eyes at him, "Dude, you're clueless." I chuckled. He glared at me, "Care to elaborate?" He disputed. "You feel possessive over Amaris, you're protective over her, you can calm her down when no one else can..." I started listing off everything I've noticed.

"I am not." He rolled his eyes then looked deep in thought. "What does all that remind you of?" I asked, no one in particular. Ezra glanced at me, the shock is written all over his face. "She's your mate." He pointed at Rhydian.

Rhydian scowled at us both, "It's not possible." He sighed, putting his head in his hands.

"Well, we can deal with that later," I announced.

"Yes, we need to find Amaris," Rhydian declared.

Chapter 16

At some point in the night we shifted. So I'm no longer feeling the warmth of being locked inside my wolf. My teeth were chattering together, I pulled my knees up to my chest and tried to get warm.

'Maybe we should go back.' Aurora whined.

'No, they aren't safe.' I whimpered.

'You're going to get ill, Amaris.' She scolded.

I yawned and sat up. A branch snapped in the distance and I froze. Since I have no idea where I am, it could be anyone.

I slowly and quietly tiptoed out of the cave. I scanned the area but couldn't see anyone. Since I still have my necklace, no one can sense me. I sniffed the air and caught a very familar scent.

I froze, not knowing what to do. I can't let him see me. I stepped back towards the cave, I'll be safe in there. I spun around and listened for any movement. I edged towards the cave, when I heard a voice I haven't heard in 4 years...

"Amaris, is that you?" The man spoke, knocking the wind out of me. I didn't turn around, I stayed rooted to the spot.

"Help." I managed to pathetically voice through the link, hoping someone would receive it.

"Goddess Amaris, where are you?" Tristan linked back.

"I don't know." I whimpered.

"Please, Amaris. I'm not going to hurt you." The man spoke again. I took a deep breath and turned slowly to face him. My breath caught in my throat as I stared into the eyes of the man who destroyed me.

"Don't... You think... You hurt me... Enough." I stuttered. He brought all the memories, the pain, the humiliation back. I had reverted back to the vulnerable Amaris. The one who was scared.

"I need you to try and figure out where you are, sweetheart." Tristan urged through the link.

I couldn't speak. I couldn't do anything. I was petrified.

"I never meant to hurt you. I didn't have a choice." He responded, looking regretful.

"You made the choice to drug me into thinking I was your mate." I whispered. "You took everything from me." I whimpered.

"I'm so sorry." He whispered.

"Sorry?" I shrieked. " Sorry doesn't give me back my innocence. You took something from me, that wasn't yours to take!" I growled.

"I need you to take your necklace off." Rhydian spoke softly through the link.

"I'm sorry, I can't." I whispered.

"I know what I did was wrong and if I could take it back I would, but I can't." He whimpered.

He took a deep breath and sighed. "I saw you yesterday," He hesitated, "I recognised Aurora."

A deep, threatening growl vibrated from my chest and he cowered away. The anger was beginning to rise and I could feel my control slipping.

"Dammit! Just take the damn necklace off." Rhydian growled through the link.

"It's not as easy as that, I can't." I shrilled.

'But he'll find us.' Aurora snarled.

"Look, I came to speak to you, to warn you." He sighed. "Amaris... they're back." He shuddered.

My vision became blurry, I was shaking and frightened.

"Why now?" I whimpered.

"They have figured out a new way to use Matebane, I don't know how. They're sending someone called Dax, he's the one they're going to try and fool you with." He ranted.

I froze.

"How do I know you aren't lying?" I asked quickly. I took a deep breath trying to calm myself.

"I have everything to lose by telling you this. I have nothing to do with my family anymore. I still keep my ear to the ground. When I heard you were back, I had to get the message to you." He spoke fast, panting out of breath.