The Red Wolf

21

*Kadens point of view*

He watched as Aria burst into laughter. He knew this was a lot to take in. It was hard for him to believe himself.

"You're kidding....that is impossible!" She shook her head and laughed again. She was breathtaking when she laughed.

"I assure you I'm not. But we can have your lineage checked to be sure." All laughter stopped and a confused look crossed her beautiful face.

"You want to check my blood?" she asked slowly. He simply nodded and resumed his seat beside her on the bed.

"That vampire you met today was not by accident. Someone is after you little witch. And I'd bet money it has to do with your lineage and that mark on your back. If we are to keep you safe, we need answers."

She looked so lost.

"My name is Aria" she said abesently. "Why would you even want to help me? We don't even know each other and i dont know anyone else to have enemies.....if someone was after me, why not adopt me from the witchery?....I'm just a waitress who works at a bar." She tugged at her shirt like she was getting hot and put the pillow she had been clutching off to the side.

Kaden tried hard to not stare at her erect n*****s through her shirt....not all of her was feeling hot and those perfect globes were just waiting for his touch. A warm sensation started to fill the room. A quick look at her face and he knew it was coming from her. Her hands were shaking and she was radiating heat like a furnace. He slowly slid closer to her and cupped her cheeks with his hands. She stared back at him with panic in her eyes. "I don't know what's happening." she whimpered. "Its getting hot."

He placed his forehead against hers. The sparks and tingles were immediate. "Its ok....I need you to focus and breathe. You're emotions are controlling your power. We won't talk about this anymore tonight. Just breathe." Aria closed her eyes and tried to do what he said. The heat subsided but her hands were still shaking. He released her face and immediately regretted it. His body yearned to feel hers against his. To touch every part of her body. He pinched the bridge of nose and shook his head. Focus dumbass.

"Its almost midnight." she said softly. A small laugh escaped her lips. "My 21st birthday is tomorrow."

Kaden snapped his head up. "Aria. If you have Lycan blood, your shift will happen on the evening of your 21st birthday. How have you been feeling besides the heat?"

She looked nervous as she thought about her symptoms. "I've been really hot and feverish and lightheaded. I have no energy. Just like a normal cold." He stood up and pulled out his cellphone. Loki answered immediately.

"Yes boss." Kaden rolled his eyes. Always so formal.

"Aria is turning 21. We are leaving for home first thing in the morning. We must prepare for her shift." Aria struggled to her knees.

"Now wait a second. What's going on? What do you mean?"

Kaden slid the phone back into his pocket before answering.

"A werewolf shift is pretty basic and usually happens when they turn 16 vs 21 for us. Lycans have to endure a double shift. We have two forms. We have our Wolf form and a hybrid form. I'm not trying to scare you but it won't be easy. You have not been trained or had proper preparation. The change starts the day before our 21st birthday. Which is why your body is feeling weak. It's trying to fight the foreign feeling invading it's space. We need to get you within a safe boundary. This place is not safe." He couldn't help but look around the tiny cabin. How she didn't go crazy in here was beyond him.

A small tear slid down her cheek and she quickly wiped it away. "This is all so much....I just wanted a normal life."

His heart tugged. Sliding next to her, he wrapped her in his arms and let his prescense wash over her. Hoping to create a calm feeling. He was pleasantly surprised when she didn't pull away.

"Let's sleep now. Everything will be ok. I will be with you through all of it."

*Arias point of view*

Aria wasn't sure when she had fallen asleep. She yawned as she sat up and looked around. The room was empty. A small suitcase against the wall was the only proof that Kaden had been there. He had held her last night while she slept. She hadn't even felt him leave. A piece of paper on her mini table caught her eye. Throwing her legs over the bed, she rushed to grab it. Her eyes scanned the neat handwriting.

"Little Witch,

I had some urgent matters to attend that could not wait. Rest assured you are not alone. Loki is standing guard outside, waiting to bring you home. I am sending someone to collect your things, so don't worry about packing everything. There isn't time. You must reach the pack house before sunset.

If you need me at all, reach for the tug in your mind. I will answer. I'm sure you can figure it out ?. Happy Birthday. Be safe.

-Kaden.

Aria scanned the letter another time before placing it back on the table. Home? This was her home....the thought of living somewhere else wasn't a fun thought. But this could be her only chance to learn about her past and what she truly was.

The lycan king is pretty hot too. Aria near jumped out of her skin and quickly looked around the cottage. Where did that come from?!

"Hello?" she said aloud.

:Hello Aria!" A voice in her head echoed back. It was in her head...this time she spoke in her mind.

"Who are you and what do you want?" the voice gave a hurt huff before answering.

"I am Elaina. Your wolf! I'm hurt you seem so scared of me."

A wolf?! Kaden was right! She wasn't just a witch....but to have a wolf??

I'm sorry Elaina....you see I'm a witch. I only found out yesterday that I could be part lycan or werewolf.....I'm not sure about any of this honestly."

There was a momentary pause before Elaina responded.

"I see....have you never wondered why your senses were heightened? Or why your physical strength is greater than any witch? Those are not witch attributes my dear. Those are from me. I have been with you since the day you were dropped off at the orphanage. We are not supposed to meet our partners until their 21st birthday....but for some reason I have been here the entire time. Waiting for the day to come forward. And tonight we will get to meet for the first time!"

Her excitement put a smile on Arias face..

"Kaden said the change will be painful. I'm really nervous."

"Don't be! We will get through it together! And now that we are one, you will heal like no other!"

A knock at the door interrupted Arias thought conversation. She opened the door to see Loki standing on the other side.

He gave a slight bow. "Ma'am, we must leave within the hour. We have much to prepare for. May I suggest you pack a small bag. Breakfast is waiting in the car." Aria glanced behind him to a sleek black Tahoe parked in her mini driveway.

"Uhm, thanks. Just give me a minute ok?" He nodded before turning around to stand guard in front of the door. It's broad daylight. What were they scared of? Aria closed the door and noticed it wouldn't latch. Bending down, she saw the entire lock had been busted. Well this explains how Kaden got in her house last night. She pushed it closed as far as it would go and set about collecting a small amount of clothes and toiletries she would need to last her until the rest of her belongings could be fetched.

Sinking to her knees, she reached under the bed for the familiar feel of a black velvet box. It wasn't big. Pushing back the lid, a fire red ruby glinted back at her. Fastened to a copper ring with metal vines, it was exquisite. Inside the band were the carved initials A.P....which she assumed were hers. What the P stood for, she didn't know...yet. On the inside of the band and under the stone were symbols and carvings that no witch has been able to figure out. Or at least won't tell her what they are If they knew.

This was all she had from her past. Besides the scar. The closest thing she ever had to her family. Never worn or even removed from its tiny box.

"Put it on!" Elaina exclaimed excitedly!

Shes going to take some getting used too. Aria thought with a laugh. But she was right....this ring has set in its box for years. And why risk losing it in a new place.

Aria gently pulled the ring out of its box and slid it onto her right hand. She gasped as the vines started moving and watched as the ring resized itself onto her finger. As a witch, this shouldn't surprise her at all. But it did. Someone had cast a spell on this ring. To activate when it was put on. Bringing the ring closer to her face, she peered at the stone. It was fire red....with black veins that seemed to swim and move in the light. It was mesmerizing.

"Not to interrupt. But handsome man outside is still waiting." Elaina chimed up.

"Oh!" Aria said outloud. Shoving the box into her bag, she quickly changed into a pair of leggings and long sleeve tshirt, and put her favorite boots on, before heading outside.

Aria followed Loki to the suv. She turned to have one last look at her tiny home. She did love this place. Maybe she could move back one day.....even as she thought it, something told her that her simple life in a Maine cottage was over for good.

With a sigh, she climbed into the dark SUV. The door closed with a quiet click and Loki climbed in beside her on the other side. She didn't recognize the driver but he was older with graying hair. Dark shades hid his eyes. Strange...since it's downcast and gloomy outside.He wordlessly reached a small paper bag and a small coffee to her from the front seat. Aria awkwardly took the gifts and uttered a thank you before peering inside the bag.

A smile lit up her face. "Omg, a birthday muffin?! I didn't know these were even a thing. Thank you so much." The driver simply nodded before putting the car into drive and heading off.

Loki gave her a warm smile. "We were informed today was your birthday and thought you needed something special. I hope you like it." Aria pulled the unique muffin out and placed it on a napkin in her lap. It's silly to get excited over something so simple as a sprinkle covered muffin but this is the first time anyone has given her anything on her birthday. To her it's just another day.

Maybe moving wouldn't be so bad after all...

Elaina hummed agreement in her head.