Moonlight Surrender

Chapter 2: Confrontation In The Shadows

He stood there soaking wet and imposing and his piercing eyes clashing with hers. His jaw was clenched and a mix of tension and determination etched on his sculpted face. Raindrops dripped from his black hair which was plastered to his forehead and his broad shoulders seemed to carry the weight of a thousand unspoken troubles. His hands were at his sides and fingers curled slightly as if ready to move, showing a readiness to fight or defend. The ferocity of his stare was almost unbearable and a piercing silver glare that seemed to see right through her, leaving no room for pretense or retreat "You're persistent and i'll give you that."

"What are you doing here?" she demanded gripping the fire poker more tightly.

He came in without waiting for an invitation and his large frame filling the small cabin "We need to talk."

"Talk? About what? The thing that tried to kill me? Or the fact that you're not entirely human yourself?"

His jaw tightened "Keep your voice down!"

Rory's eyes slit as her feet rooted "No, not until I get answers. Who are you? and what the hell is going on in these woods?"

He sighed running a hand through his wet hair "You're not ready for the truth."

"Try me" Her steady voice was now defiant.

His eyes gentled for a moment as if he admired her spirit but it didn't last "My name is Asher Blackwood. That thing in the woods was a rogue werewolf. Lethal and unpredictable. And it's not the only one out there."

Rory's grip on the poker eased "Werewolves?"

He bowed his head. "You entered a world you don't understand. A world that will devour you if you're not careful."

Her mind reeled into a whirlpool of fear, disorientation and uncontrollable fascination. Her sensible side screamed to run and to get away from this enigmatic stranger and the dangerous world he represented. Something more primal, something elemental and insistent kept her pinned. "And you? What are you?" she eventually managed with her voice trembling but untamed, the query ringing out with the intensity of all her unspoken terrors and growing fascination.

Asher's expression darkened. "Complicated."

She stepped nearer, her voice trembling but resolute. "You saved my life. Why?"

For the first time he hesitated. His silver eyes bored into hers and when he replied, his voice was barely above a whisper "Because I had no choice."

His words hung heavy in the air but before she could press him for more, he turned to the door "Stay out of the woods, Rory. For your own good."

And then he was gone, leaving her with more questions and a smoldering determination to get at the truth no matter the cost.

The knock came again sharper and more impatient. Rory's heart jumped as she struggled to her feet and her head reeling. She half anticipated Asher appearing yet again and his piercing silver eyes burning with cryptic warnings. But when she jerked the door open, a woman stood there instead. A tall woman with dark hair slicked back into a tight braid and an air of quiet command.

"Rory Perez?" the woman asked and her voice clipped.

Rory caught the edge of the door "Who's asking?"

The woman stepped closer and Rory backed up. The woman had a leather jacket on and combat boots and her stance as rigid as a fortress "Kaida" she said "I'm Asher's second-in-command and we need to talk."

Rory's confusion turned to suspicion "I don't know what's going on but I'm done getting drawn into your drama. Tell Asher he can battle his monsters without drawing me in."

Kaida's face hardened, her dark eyes flashing. "You think this is about choice? About convenience? You came into our world girl and now it's too late to walk away.

The words sent a chill down Rory's spine "What do you mean 'too late'?"

Kaida crossed her arms speaking low but firm "That rogue that attacked you? It marked you"

Rory's eyes went wide "Marked me? Like some kind of target?"

"Exactly. That beast marked you as prey and if you don't do something, others will follow the scent."

"You've got to be kidding me" Rory said shaking her head "I'm not involved in this nightmare and i didn't ask for any of it."

Kaida leaned forward and her voice slicing sharp "Do you think the wolves care what you asked for? You're in their sights now. The question is will you stand and fight or lie down and let them tear you apart?"

Rory's stomach churned and the impact of Kaida's words struck her. She clutched the edge of the table to steady herself and her mind spinning with images of amber eyes and bloodied claws "What do I do?" she whispered.

Kaida rose and her expression unyielding "You come with me and I'll take you to Asher. He'll explain the rest."

Rory's hesitation was torn between defiance and fear. "Why should I trust you? Why should I trust any of you?"

Kaida's eyes softened somewhat "Because whether you wish to or not, Asher saved your life and if anyone can keep you alive now, it's him."

Rory's swallow was audible and the earnestness of Kaida's words nibbling away at her resistance. Finally, she nodded and her voice barely above a whisper "Fine, Let's go!"

The ride through the tempest was silent and tense as Rory growing more anxious with every mile. The woods pressed in around them and their shadows blackened by the flashing headlights. Kaida gripped the wheel for an impact and her jaw clenched in grim determination while her eyes fixed on the road ahead.

When they arrived at the secluded cabin, Rory’s nerves were stretched taut. Asher was waiting outside and his silhouette backlit by the dim glow of the porch light. He looked as imposing as ever and his expression was unreadable.

“Kaida” he said by way of greeting and his eyes flicking to Rory “Thank you, i’ll take it from here”

Kaida nodded and her gaze lingering on Rory for a moment before disappearing into the shadows.

Asher stepped closer and his silver eyes locked on Rory's "You shouldn't have entered the woods."

Rory winced at his tone "You're saying that over and over but i still don't know what I'm dealing with. How am I supposed to protect myself if you won't tell me the truth?"

Asher's jaw hardened "The truth is dangerous. Knowing it might leave you more exposed."