The mark of the wolf

chapter 15

Alanas bedroom was cold and empty feeling by the time they made it back to the Inn. She groaned and turned to Erinarr with weary eyes she said unlace me would you? She turned her back to him his hands shook a little as he undid the laces. She held the back with one hand and turned around to face him. Alana s eyes flared and she reached up on her toes and pressed a kiss to his mouth. He groaned and pulled her against him. She wrapped her hands around his neck and gave back just as good as she got . Than she pulled from his embrace and stood on shakey legs, hands still fisted in her red velvet dress. You should go ! Alana couldn't remember other than Cinaed the last time she had been this riled by a man but there was something about him that did her in . Erinarr smiled and than gave her a scorching look. Alanas mouth went dry and she shoved him towards the front door. No use it was like trying to shove a two ton bolder. Erinarr finally relented and turned on his heel and placed his hand on the doorknob slowly turning it than walking though and shutting the door with a click. Alana breathed deeply and patted her dark curls than let the blood red dress drop.

The next day Alana found herself standing infront of the dressmakers than with a smile she walked in. The petite brunette with cold eyes so dark brown they almost looked black stared at her. Alana said I heard you have the best emerald silk in town. The burnette stood stock still than nodded her head. Alana sauntered up to the counter and slid the paper containing the information on where the s*x slaves where to be found. The brunette smiled and said I will put a rush order on this mam. Alana smiled back than eyed a beautiful navy blue bolt of fabric it had burnt velvet and gold leaves and flowers overlaying. She looked up at the clerk and said can you make me a dress? The brunette said yes when do you need it by? Alana said I leave in a few days can I put a rush order on it ? I could pay extra! The brunettes dark eyes came alive with the prospect of making a large sum of money. What design did you have in mind? Alana pulled another piece of paper with a rough sketch of what she wanted. Than took out her purse and counted out the coins. The brunette said I am Ellinor by the way. Come she motioned let's take your measurements. Alana smiled and followed her to the platform set infront of three tall mirrors. After taking her measurements and promising a quick turn around time on the dress. Alana bid her good bye and walked to the weapons shop. She had seen those blue handled daggers and wanted then so badly. When she looked in the window with a sinking heart she realized they where not there. She turned on her heel and walked back to the inn.

Erinarr paced his room and eyed the brown package those daggers had not been cheap but she seemed like she liked them so much and he wanted to surprise her. Scooping up the package he made his way to Alana's bedroom and carefully picked the lock and walked over to her bed laying the package on the pillow and smelled her vanilla and pine scent. Smiling he traced a hand over the cool material and he could just see her laying their in his arms dark hair fanned out over the pillow her mouth swollen from his many kisses. That's when he heard that footsteps near the door, dam he didn't want to be here when she came in he wanted to suprise her with the daggers. Alana saw her door opened and drew her dagger stepping costly to the door way she looked a quick duck in and noticed a tall figure standing there wreathed in shadows. She slowly krept up to the shadow her dagger ready to strike when he heard the voice . It's me Erinarr . She dropped her hand and swore what are you doing in here?! Erinarr smiled white teeth flashing in the darkness his eyes glimmered under the moonlight. Alana breathed in a deep breath and holsters her weapon back in its sheath. Than took a step towards him closer she couldn't stop this magnetic pull he had on her . Erinarr moved closer to her and than he wrapped a arm around her waist and pulled her in. Her hands lay flat on his warm chest she tilted up her face to his . Those grey eyes unreadable , than he pointed to her bed and said I was leaving you a present to surprise you but oh well he said with a shrug. She eyed the brown paper package held together with twine. Than she was moving towards the bed and with a flick of her hand turned the gas lamp up so she could see the package better. With shaky hands she pulled the twine bow and the wrapping unfolded. The daggers gleamed in the lamp light. More beautiful than when she saw them in the window. Carefully she grabbed one and examined the craftsmanship. The white gold rose on the end of the dagger was expertly carved and the thorns and roses etched down the blades was so beautiful. She place the dagger back down on the crinkled brown paper. She felt a tear slip down her cheek than another. She was quite for so long Erinarr started apologizing and saying if you don't like them I could take them back . Alan turned around and ran to him wrapping her arms around his neck and dragged his face down to hers in a kiss that said more than words could ever say. When Erinarr finally pulled away from her lips he murmured so I take it you like them? She grinned and said against his mouth I love them! How did you know? He grinned and traced her lips with shaky fingers and said you seemed like you really would like them. Alana nipped his fingers and said correction not like them love them. Erinarr kissed her again not gently more rough she didn't mind and kissed him back . She eased back and said we should get a move on back to the capital. Erinarr rested his forehead on hers and said one day we won't have orders and it will just be you and I. Alana wrapped her arms around his neck and feathered her lips over his. Slidding his hands down her sides. She broke the kiss and said I need to get some sleep. Erinarr grinned and reached down swinging her into his arms than dropping her onto the queen size mattress. He than lay down next to her and wrapped her in his warm embrace kissing the back of her neck. When she tried to turn into his chest he tightened his arms and said sleep. She grinned than fell asleep listening to his breathing.

When Alana got back to her house the first thing she did was take a bath getting rid of all the grimy dust encrusted on her skin. Than she sat down and wrote note telling Cinaed to meet her at her house as soon as he could. It was late afternoon when Cinaed showed up at her front door and he grabbed her and kissing her senseless. Alana smiled and took his hand leading him into the kitchen. Cinaed stiffened he smelled him. He let out a growl and he smelled again yes Erinarrs's scent was on her. Alana shifted one foot to the other and said he's not here. Cinaed snapped and said so he's just a friend ?! She didn't say anything just let the silence grow thick around them. He gripped her arms and she stared down at the floor. He reached a hand to her chin and jerked it up. Her eyes swam and her lips trembled she said I'm sorry as a tear slid down her cheek. He snarled and released his grip and spat out me too! He reached his hands up to his face and brought them away wolf eyes looked back at her his canines lengthening . He said dam it Alana I was falling for you! Why? Alana said I liked you and I think it was the werewolf that had attracted me but I need someone who knows me truly knows me. He shook his head and said I don't understand. Grabbing her hands squeezing them and said I could be there for you always. She groaned and said Erinarr he sees the monster in me and is able to pull me back . Cinaed said I see all of you and I'm not afraid. Alana slipped her hands from his and said you deserve to find someone who can give you their whole heart. I can't do that not now or ever. Cinaed hung his head and than lifted his brown wolf eyes to hers and said I stand by what I said I will always be there for you. If you ever are in trouble and need me I will help you in whatever way I can. Cinaed reached for her and hugged her close than grabbed the sides of her face and kissed her forehead. Turning,he strode for the front door. His hand lingered on the doorknob his back still to her and said for what it was worth I loved you. Than he slipped out the door shutting it with a soft click. Alana sank to the floor crying and curled into a ball on her side, not moving for a very long time. She felt like scum but it also felt right let

The next day went by in a blur attending meetings behind closed doors adjacent to the throne room. The queen wanted information on the rebel factions so Alana told her all that she knew lied through her teeth. The queen took the bait and Alana relaxed for now. Erinarr was in attendance as well siting so near her but she feigned disinterest the less emotion she showed around him infront of the queen the better, one less thing for her to use against Alana. The meetings dragged on and Alana zoned out for a little bit than snapped to attention when the queen asked her how the progress was going on tracking down Declan and Sevan . Alana bowed her head for a minute and thought through her response those ice blue eyes staring at her . She said we have Declan sighted recently but as his reputation goes he is as sly as a fox . Sevan the Falcon is just as hard to track. Gamorah sighed than rolled those glacier eyes. I want you to try harder to find them! If you don't bring me there heads I'm sure I can find a replacement for you. At those words Alana's face drained of some colour than she felt like she couldn't breath. Don't show fear she repeated to herself don't show her fear. She raised her green eyes to those blue ones and said it will take some time but I will bring them to you. You do Alana, or your head is forfeit.

The queen stood and than gathered her gold skirts and pushed away from the table walking out the door . Effectively dismissing all of them. Erinarr stood and turned to her. Alana shook her head and than said your room ten minutes? He nodded and turned walking as fast as he dared.

The door closed behind Alana and only than could she breathe a sigh of relief taking in his room again it was small but comfy. Erinarr grabbed her pulling her into his arms and said I'm so sorry I didn't know she was going to plan that. She has never threatened to replace you before. Alana nodded it meant the queen was testing her loyalty and the queen had her spies all over the place. The stakes where getting higher the cost greater but she would sacrifice everything anything to see her friends and family and lover freed from this misery.

Erinarr grip tightened on her and said we will make it out of this madness. Alana hugged him back silently to herself she said I will end this no matter the cost even my very life. Erinarr held her for a long time than with some reluctance he let her go. We need to send word to Conleth about this. Alana said Sevan is apparently near the city and won't he be happy to see me! She said with a grin. Erinare chuckled and nipped her ear.

Sevan sat on the roof of the warehouse staring out at the ocean his falcon wanting to take flight and ride that salty wind. He rained his falcon back in wresting it down deep inside and said soon we can go flying soon. His eyes changed from brown hawk eyes back to human. He saw Alana and Erinarr down by the docks they were hard to spot but he could also smell them too. They both had black heavy cloaks with hoods drawn over their heads. He growled and said now what do they want? He waited till they entered the warehouse than met them inside. Dropping to the floor from the rafters Sevan than stood eyeing them weary and said why did you come? Alana smiled and said hi Sevan missed me? He growled and said no. His eyes dark brown almost black staring her down. She just shifted from one foot to the other and said the queen wants your head. He laughed a deep throaty laugh and said what's new? Erinarr and her exchanged glances and said we don't bring back a look alike head than Alana is to be killed. Sevan just nodded than said ok you need that stuff again that Conleth gave you ? A glamour yes. He rubbed his hand over the back of his neck and said that's a problem we don't have access to it since the ingredients are so rare. Alanas face fell she didn't know what to think. Sevan said look we do have some connections to get some ingredients but you will need a Rechax. Alana sighed and said a Rechax? They are notoriously untrustworthy and they don't like anyone else but their own. She clenched her jaw and crossed her arms staring down at the concrete floor. Than looked back up at Sevan ok where do we start to track a Rechax down? Sevan grinned and said how good are you at poisons?

Alana slammed her body into the leather punching bag than stepped back and gave it a furious combo of punches left right left right. Her hands where just a blur of movement. Erinarr held the bag as she wailed against it anger poured off of her. Than she spun ad kicked the bag so hard he slid back a foot. Breathing heavily she walked to the bench and grabbed her water skin downing a free mouthfuls of water. Sweat poured down her chest and back. Alanas dark hair plastered to her scalp. Her breathing slowing down and returning to a more even rhythm. Hands on her hips she started stretching her limbs. Erinarr walked from behind the punching bag and said my turn. Alana just nodded and took her place behind the bag holding it as Erinarr warmed up. Erinarr said it's going to be hard to track down a Rechax . Alana just snorted and kept a firm grip on the bag. Than she said I don't know where we can find one either but I have someone who might know and it's going to get awkward. Erinarr kept up the pace with his fists hammering away at the bag . Alana kept her stance as the blows reverberated through the bag and through her body. After a hard punch to the bag . Alana said enough! Than walked to the center of the sparing mat and motioned for him to follow. He quirked a brow and said the last time we spared it didn't end well. Alana said what you afraid I will wipe the floor with u? He grinned and said no. Than come here ! He stalked closer a challenge rose in his eyes and a lazy smile on his face.

Than he took his fighting stance legs planted far apart knees slightly bent fists up and ready. Erinarr said what do I get if I win? Alana smiled and said who said your going to win? Erinarr smiled and said oh I will win and I will think of some creative way that you can reward me . That threw her off balance a little and that's all he needed he came at her fists jabbing . She barely had time to block than she spun low and kicked he jumped back. She came at him throwing punches rapidly he kept blocking wearing her down than she changed tact and backed off. Watching his footwork and looking for weakness . He was good his footwork nearly flawless. She kept circling looking for a opening. That's when he suddenly came at her kicking out she rolled and sprung back up behind him punching his lower back. He spun and punched at her but she deflected it his knuckles grazed her cheek. She snarled and kicked out he grabbed her leg and tugged she went down. He scrambled to get on top of her. She elbowed him in the chest than kicked with both feet . He flew backwards and landed on all fours. He lifted his head and snarled eyes suddenly changing to cat eyes. That's how we are going to play? All right let's play. Her eyes shifted to wolf eyes and her canines lengthening her claws coming out. Rolling to her feet she beckoned him forward and said come on give me your best shot. He charged and she dodged slicing him along his left side . He yelped than turned and came at her fast barreling into her and lifting her off the ground slamming her down flat onto her back on the mat. The wind rushed out from her and she groaned than rolled to her side . And stood to her feet watched as he charged her this time she was ready and Alana spun low and kicked. He whent flying and landed on his face.she than leaped onto his back and pinned his arm behind him. Twisting upward till she heard him growl. Than leaning down and licked his ear and than bit down on his earlobe than licked again and said I win.

He growled and didn't say anything than she moved to crawl off his back and he rolled over snatching her wrists and pulled her down on top of him grinning. Reaching one hand up he cupped the back of her nape drawing her face down to his in a kiss. He murmured against her lips see I think I really did win. She smiled and rubbed her nose against his. Than he kissed her till they where both breathless and panting. She made to stand and he tried to tug her back down she groaned and still stood anyways saying we need to go track down the Rechax. He growled and stood than stretched and followed her watching the sway of her hips and how her backside looked amazing into those black pants.

Alana walked into the living room and looked out her giant window noticing a huge grey wolf staring at her. She growdown the stairs that led into the living room than said wait here I will be back. Not giving him a choice about it she threw open the back door and shut it fast . The wolf stood there brown eyes meeting her snapping green ones. She sighed and said Cinaed why are you here? Cinaed said to her getting over you has been the hardest thing I've ever done. You said if you ever needed me I would come. She moved her weight from one foot to the other and said how did you know I needed your help? He growled and said the mating bond. Alana too stunned for words said the mating bond? Cinaed said yes the mating bond didn't you know ? She shook her head no but I did feel something the other day. It was a tug a gentle feeling of something missing. He said be right back than trotted out into the woods. Coming back in his human form shirtless but clad in dark pants. Yes the mating bond between two werewolves can be intense and when it does happen we can feel each other . But since you broke up with me the bond is weakening but not enough for i can still feel you for a little while longer. Alana shook her head and said I would have known. Cinaed said not necessarily , see when werewolves mate there is a bond that starts forming but if they break it off early enough it will fade. Also since your heart truly wasn't mine and belonged to another that is another reason why you didn't truly feel the connection. Alana sighed and said I am so sorry that I ever even started this in a way. Cinaed said don't be he shook his head and stepped closer . Alana stood still and he walked closer till they where inches apart. He raised his hand to touch her cheek and said it was a amazing time and I will never forget you or what we shared. She smiled and than he dropped his hand taking a step back very aware of Erinarrs's presence even though he couldn't see him he knew he was nearby. Now what did you need to talk to me about? Alana looked at him and said I need to find a Rechax. His eyebrows shot up than said ok wow that's a tall order to fill.

He rubbed his face with his hands than looked at her again than he looked at the forest floor thinking. Alana waited trying to calm her breathing because she was getting nervous that he wouldn't be able to help her. Cinaed sighed than said ok give me a few days I have some contacts that might be able to help. He turned to go but she grabbed his hand and pulled him into a hug they stood like that for a long while than he eased back and before she knew it he was gone. Erinarr opened than closed the door she kept staring into the woods he wrapped his arms around her and said you ok? She nodded and said I didn't know . He said didn't know what? About the mating bond with Cinaed. Erinarrs's arms tightened around her some more and he said it will be ok it was early in the bond yes? She nodded. Than he said there's nothing to worry about the bond is breaking down soon it will fade completely.

I know it just hurts . They didn't say anything for a while, he just stood there holding her.

Cinaed sat infront of the roaring fire staring at it but not really seeing it. He brought the drink to his lips and swallowed the amber liquid. It did nothing to numb the pain but it was a start. He poured himself another and than another the crystal decanter by the time he was done was half full. He slumped down in his chair and closed his eyes he could still feel her, smell her. Than his head swam and there was nothing but blackness. He welcomed it like a old friend it was good to forget for a little while. Cinaed awoke with a start his head pounding and everything hurt. He growled and stood up knocking a lamp over and heard it shattering into two pieces. He groaned and on unsteady feet walked to the stairs when he found putting one foot infront of the other was to painful he crawled up the stairs. Than collapsed on his bedroom floor. He closed his eyes again and let the darkness take him. Just before he fell into the blackness he felt that tug again and knew that she was happy the knife twisted a little bit more. He felt tears streaming down his cheeks and growled the pain was so bad than there was nothing again but darkness.

Alana sat on the kitchen counter and sipped her peppermint tea while watching Erinarr move around the kitchen the man was a wizard when it came to desserts and baking. He pulled out a tray of apple crumble and she smelt the cinnamon and apples and growled than drooled a Little. She grabbed a spoon and scooped up the delicious treat blowing on it she took a bite and chewed with a open mouth saying hot! hot! hot! Erinarr just shook his head and said just wait till it cooled. She than swallowed and reached for her tea taking a swig than said . That was amazing ! Where did you get the recipe ? He smiled and waggled his brows saying it's a secret.

She poked his side with a claw and said tell me! He said no sticking his tongue out. She grinned than pressed herself against him and looked up into his face saying tell me. His eyes flared than grew heavy and siad softly no! make me! She tilted her head and said make you? Than he said yes . She reached up and pulled his face down to hers kissing him. She felt she had the advantage but she was wrong he took over when he pulled away she had to hold herself against him for a minute because she didn't trust her legs. Than she grabbed her spoon and scooped another piping hot mouthful than chewed and said Hot ! Hot! Hot! He groaned and said what am I going to do with you? She shrugged and said I'm sure you can figure something out. He smiled and swatted her butt saying I'm sure I can. She yelped than growled at him wagging her finger spooning another mouthful in. He grinned and turned his attention back to the stove and the carmel sauce that was cooking. Alana sat down next to the kitchen counter and pulled the papers to her looking then over and said the Rechax is hard to find but scrunching her nose she studied the map that was spread out before her. Than grabbed a red marker and drew a line from their city through the Blue ridge mountains snaking down the eastern river than diverged to the ocean. Rechax lived near big bodies of water and some lived near rivers and marshes . Wherever there was lots of bodies of water you could find one but even than they where hard to get ahold of. She sat there staring at the direction s Cinaed had given her than back at the map and put her head on her forarms on the table and groand. Erinarr put a mug full of Lycian Grey tea and smiled patting her back and said you will get it. She peeked out of her arms and said yes but it's going to take a long time to get to one and get back. How are we going to do it? He said we will just tell her we are hunting Declan down near the sea . Alanas green eyes grew warm and she said that sounds like a good ideah. Than she stiffened and her eyes grew misty and she dashed the tears threatening to fall. Concern etched his features and said what's wrong. She whispered I feel his sadness he is in a lot of pain. The bond was breaking over the past few weeks but it was getting harder. She knew it was almost completely broken but it still hurt allot. Alana stood quickly and walked from the room dashing up the stairs and didn't stop till she was in her bathroom than slammed the door and sagged against it sliding down the wooden door she let the tears fall in great wracking sobs. She curled into the floor and cried till she felt she couldn't cry anymore the sadness from him was so overwhelming. He was in allot of pain she never realized how much he truly cared for her till than. She thought they where having fun maybe letting it go somewhere eventually but nothing serious. She knew some wolves bonded but she didn't think it would happen to her. Since she had broken the bond before it could be complete than the pain was bearable she had heard of wolves that had broken their bond and the other half couldn't handle it and they died. Shuddering she picked herself up off the cold marble and washed her splotchy face. Than her stomach heaved bad she reached the porcelain toilet just in time and heaved there went the little bit of apple crisp she had consumed earlier. She threw up till she had nothing left. Than picked herself up off of the floor and washed her mouth out. She heard a knock at the door and Erinarr said you ok? She cracked open the door, her face pale and leaned her head against the door frame .He handed her a glass of water and she gulped it down than walked into his arms he scooped her up and carried her to her bed. Prying the glass from her hand he set it on the nightstand than lay down next to her curling his body around her and held her while she drifted off into a deep sleep. Alana awoke with a start his heavy frame wrapped around her than she smiled and made to crawl out from his embrace. His arms tightened around her waist and he growled where are you going? She giggled and said I was going to go get us some food but you don't want to me to go anywhere. He smiled and released her she scrambled out of bed and walked towards the downstairs. Alana was back with coffee and a wrap made of sausage hash brown and egg with a zesty sauce bringing it all together. His eyes lit up and he reached for the wrap and inhaled it . She giggled and said I will remember to make those more often. He closed his eyes and groaned strangely she felt kind of turned on . Smiling she bit into her wrap and sipped her black tea. After they had eaten she said we should go talk to the queen and see if when we can leave to get the Rechax. Alana said don't you have a fight in the arena tomorrow? Erinarr nodded and said yes . She curled up into him and kissed his cheek saying be careful. He traced her mouth with his fingers and said I will. Than he kissed her senseless.

Alana sat in the spectators box and watched the Warriors battle. Erinarr was doing good holding his ground and making quick kills. Than they decided to up the entertainment and released a giant creature it was at least eight feet tall and was massive. It had dark brown almost black fur on its body. It's yellow eyes blinked sideways and it had long wicked fangs . It's snout was long and it had curved black horns. It's paws where as big as dinner plates. It's also had talons on each of its back legs. It's tail had snake skin on it and ended in a nasty looking barb. Alana swallowed and said that's a Chiymerah crap! Erinarr stared at the creature and watched as it fixed it's evil yellow gaze on him. Than it let out a bellow and charged . Erinarr dodged and raked his sword along its side. Blue black blood sprayed his armor . The creature roared again and whirled charging sharing than it leaped . Erinarr rolled and slice again but missed. The Chiymerah s claws didn't it racked his arm and down his back. The claws sliced through his armor like butter. He groaned and ignored the pain instead he focus on the creatures movements tracking it. He switched his sword to his good hand and waited he didn't have to wait long . The Chiymerah started to circle him. Than it pounced claws extended mouth open to reveal a double row of flesh shredding teeth. He swung and felt the impact of the sword slide in between the ribs to the heart. The creature landed on-top of him burying it's fangs into his shoulder and clamping down hard knocking them both to the ground. Erinarr hissed with pain and than he felt the body go limp . He lay there on the hard dirt with a very heavy dead animal on top of him. Than slowly he pried his shoulder from the dead cats jaws and crawled out from under it. Pulling his second sword from behind his back, he hacked the head off and raised it to the crowd. They cheered and than he looked to Alana and smiled, she smiled back and than signaled that she was going to the keep.

Erinarr sat on the blood stained table and hissed as the doctor stitched some of the deeper lacerations. Swigging some of the worst alcohol he had ever had the misfortune of drinking. It tasted like drinking embalming fluid mixed with some flamible fire starter. He coughed and hacked than happily gave the offensive drink to the next unfortunate soul. The blue haired man took it smiled and with a wink downed a great deal of it. Erinarr shuddered and than grinned when he saw Alana s piercing gaze coming towards him. Alana smiled and said that was some fight! Erinarr smiled and said always give them a show. Alana stared at his injury it was almost healed but it was still going to leave some scaring. Shifters can heal fast but if the wounds are deep enough there will still be scars.

Erinarr thank the doctor than stood up and wrapped his right arm across Alana's shoulders and leaned on her he was very tired and in some pain. Half shifting and than healing always took it out of him. Alana said why don't you come back to my place? Erinarr quirked a brow than said trying to take advantage of me in my weakened state are you? She grinned and said maybe.