| "What do you know about leading a pack? all you have ever led is a group of us mutts" she sat her cup down and looked at the male. "all you will ever be is a mutt, at least i want something more." "Something you aren't supposed to have. You think you can win that challenge? Against all the other females who have been training for this for centuries? Each of them salivating over the prospect of being alpha bitch? Why would you even want that, we mate for life you know. And the current alpha will have some say as to who his successor's are you know. He won't just let anyone compete." he licked his fingers, enjoying each bit of chicken grease he lapped up. She rolled her eyes and looked away angrily. "You think I do not know that he will be there. Watching. No matter who or what we are, all of us still answer to him. You know that. For once in your life lucious, can't you support me in something I do. Something I want? " her words were bitten off. Her brother was always such an ass. He always has been. Lucious chuckles, "It's my job to support you, but to also make sure you know what your getting into sis. You might be my elder, but the way's of a male die hard. Didn't you know that? " finally he turned to look at her. His borwn eyes searching her face, in what seemed an eternity he spoke. "I will help you in this, but you realize that once you enter the contest, you are on your own. Even if I wanted to help you at that time, my life would be forfeit should I try. And yours also, for solisiting my help." his face was dark and she could tell he did not want to agree to this. "I know that Lu. But I feel I have to try. Unless you are of good breeding, you are crap in this world. I need to change that." She looked at the orphens scattered here and there. Some played some slept. This small church was all she could give them. This small secret place with no hopes of parents or a kind smile. Lucious walked away, he had agree'd to help but that did not mean he would help her. Merely that meant he would stop nagging her. At least she was grateful for that. "Milly! look!!! " a small boy cried for her attention. Smiling she went over to him. Scattered about his feet were many blocks, he had build a structure of sorts. "See that is the wolven castle! See the big gates!" he had used the remnants of pencile's to create a gate. Her eyes filled with tears and she held them back the best she could. He pointed to a small carving at the top of the structure. "Thats you, after you win the contest! and look thats me at the bottom with all my friends. The humans can't bother us there, thats what Lucious said. Humans don't know where the castle is so they can't look at you funny or anything!" She drew him into her arms and held him. "Thats right Jeshua. And when we go to live there you can play as much as you want outside in the sun. " that cinched it. She had to win the contest she just had too. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Forgive me M'Lord. A naive has come to see you and he said it was urgent." the servent bowed his head awaiting a command. "Show the stranger in Casious." the voice was deep and dark sounding comming from behind the large darkened desk. "As you wish" He left the room and returned a few moments later with a man. His skin was dark as if it had been burnt many times over, his hair was black but kept short. He entered and dropped to one knee. Showing his obedience. "What do you wish of me stranger?" the voice asked. Not deining to look up from his work. "I merely ask a question M'Lord. The contest approaches. " The voice set down is pen and looked up to view the man. His golden eyes took him in for what he was. obviously a mutt. His eyes narrowed and he answered. "Aye, it is." "Are all of your subjects allowed to participate. All whome you rule over and watch, or merely the one's with unquestionable parentage..?" His question puzzled the voice for a moment. He stood and came to place his hand on the shoulder of the man in front of him. "Tell me your name son." he had lost some of his coldness. "I am Lucious, from the church of contentment M'Lord. " the voice nodded. The place was a small place, made for those whose parents were unknown, killed or runaways. It was a rundown place much to his dismay. "Any who are of our blood may participate Lucious. Be they of noble or un noble birth, all may participate in the contest. Ultimatly I have the final say. Tell me, have you a mind to compete.?" the hairs on the back of Lucious's neck stood up. "Ney M'Lord. My sister, mistress of the church wishes too. I only wanted to see if her task was possible before I aid her in her quest. I do not wish to see her hopes crushed before she can even begin. " The voice nodded. "You are a good brother then. Go and tell her that she may particpate, but be warned. The contest is not a place for a whisp of a girl. Toughness is required." He turned and walked back to his desk. Lucious stood to leave, "Lucious, tell me your sister's name." his golden eyes were penetrating. "Milasha M'Lord. Milasha SilverFur." Lucious said quietly. "Thank you my son." he watched Lucious leave. Once the door was closed he turned on his laptop and began tapping keys. His heart raced as he searched his network looking for the boy's sister. He had heard that surname before. SilverFur. But where.... he searched franticaly as if finding this child would ease the pain in his heart after his love had passed. Eventually the computer beeped at him. The image it retrieved made his breath catch. The woman was about 23 in human years. Her face was soft, and toned with definitive cheecks and lips and large almond shaped eyes that glinted green and gold. In a picture it was hard to tell their true color. She had dark brown hair that held some red tones in it. He sat back in his chair. His past had indeed come back to haunt him. Only time would tell if it was a good haunting or a bad haunting. Only time would tell. closing the notebook he picked up a a glass of water and took a long swallow, staring at a picture of his deceased love. "Forgive me Natalia. I was recklace." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Today was the day. The entire pack would gather deep in the mountains, the moon would be full and the pack leader would announce the rules of the contest. Tonight would be the only time one could enter. She and Lucious gathered the children, and readied them for what lay ahead. The eight of them loaded into the van that belonged to the church and they made their way up the mountain. Mil was figity, she had bathed three times today and each part of her was perfect. She had washed and repaired an old dress she had found and wore it now under her coat. They all wore what fine things they could find. As was the way of these meetings and the children appeared uncomfortable. "Do not worry my loves, you all look marvelous!" She tried to cheer them up but even they knew how serious tonight was. Mil had told them she planned to enter, but they also knew that sometimes couple would pick a child to take home and raise as their own at these meetings. This was the only time they had for what humans called adoption. They all minded their manners and had vowed to do their best. Lucious as always appeared unaffected. The reached the top and in the parking area were at least a hundred cars. Mil took a steadying breath and then she unloaded the children. The walked to the meeting area in a single file line with Mil leading the way. They greeted people as they went, making their way to the church's designated area. After about a quarter of an hour more cars arrived this one held the current Alpha male. Walking to his place at the head of the pack, he looked out and his eyes landed on Mil. She gulped hoping she had not drawn his wrath. "My children, I have decided that without my mate Natalia. I am an unfit ruler of this pack. I am old having been Alpha for many many centuries and I feel that our pack needs fresh new leaders. I shall hold a competition. In which any who are here tonight save the younge children may enter. " there was a gasp from the crowd. But none dare speak. " The rules are as followed. There shall be no fights to the death. If anyone is killed is shall be by my hand or the killer shall die. Is that understood." he looked over at a group of males who were considered the packs ruffians. They merely bowed their heads and kept quiet. "In our history, tradition dictates that we have two battles. Battles between the males, and then the females for top slot. I feel this is no longer a way to choose a leader. As we live in a world of humans, mass deaths would not go unnoticed. So, this shall be a contest of wit, strength and heart. All who enter their names onto this parchment tonight shall be placed in situations that I myself would be placed in as a pack leader. When the contest is finished the winner will not be forced to rapidly choose a mate. instead I shall help them rule until a time when they find their true mate. Any who go against me in this will be punished without exception. " "Now, I have something else I would like to discuss. The church of contentment have many children who need loving homes within our pack. I know a few of you have come to me asking to visit the church for this reason but I bid you wait until tonight as is our tradition. So now I release you to speak with the church's headmistress and meet with the children while we find out who our contestants will be." He turned to step down when a soft voice called out. "M'Lord, Since I am to be busy helping the children and couples would someone please place my name on the parchment. I am Milasha SilverFur My Lord and I wish to enter..." her voice faded off and the whole pack turned to look at her. He turned to her and smiled, "Gladly will I place your name there myself my daughter." She stood as still as possible and bowed her head gracefully. "Thank you my lord." He stepped down and took the parchment from his coat and penned her name down. Soon others came to write down their name and he was so caught up in the process he did not have time to speak with her. "Now do your best children, and do not be frightened all who are here are your familey alright." It took several moments for the first couple to approach her. They were somewhat elderly, as far as human ages go, but that meant nothing to a Lycan. "Mistress, we have wanted to speak with you for many years now, but HE bid us to wait. Please we want to have a child but it seems impossible for us." the male she knew as Carter. She had seen them around for many years. She smiled at them. The woman said nothing only looked very frightened. She spoke softly to her, "They are as nervous as you. Why don't you go sit over there and talk with them. " Slowly the encounter repeated itself several times, and it was a good thing she brought much paperwork with her. To her astonishment, there were enough couples for each child if the couples didn't all want the same child. She hoped that each one would be able to go to a new home tonight. After a while the number of people standing around him seemed to dwindle and he counted the names on the list. There were only 14 to his amazement. In a pack this size 14 was a small number. 8 males and 6 females. "Why are you going through all this trouble father..." a snide voice came from behind him. He inhaled slowly. "I am doing this because you are unfit to rule this pack. I am doing this because Natalia, your mother asked me too." The boy scoffed. "Mother never understood me, and you know I could lead. You always did whatever she told you. You were weak against her." His temper broke. "YOU ARE WEAK. YOU CANNOT GRASP THE SIMPLE CONCEPTS OF LEADERSHIP AND YOU GO AGAINST ME AT EVER TURN. Stand down Diego. I have not the heart for this tonight!" He rolled up the parchment and turned to his pack. "I will contact each of you seperatly about the contest. Please stay for the remainder of the night and enjoy the pack gathering." he stormed away, leaving his son to face the angry pack who all knew how he had provoked thier leader. The outburst caused Mil to look up, her green eyes watched the exchange in astonishment. Soon it quieted down and the interviews began again. Lucious helped the would be parents get to know the children and Mil filled out the paperwork. Suddenly one of the children ran to her crying. "Please do not make me go Milly. I want to stay with you at the church!!!" She caught him in her arms and lifted him to her. "My little Jeshua. Don't you want to go to the Wolven Castle, don't you want to play in the sunlight and have a real mommy and daddy?" she gently wiped away his tears as as the couples watched what she would do. "No I want to stay with you. I want you to be my mom." her heart crumpled. "Oh goodness no you dont! "You need a mommy and daddy who can take care of only you. I have to go back to the church and take care of the children who will come not having mommys and daddys just like you came to me. You cant keep me all to yourself remember Jeshua." he had stopped crying and had lay his head on her shoulder. "Im scared." he whispered in her ear. "We are all scared Jeshua. Even all those couples over there who want to take home one of you children are all scared. So maybe, you can all be scared and get through it together. And you can all come to the church and visit me whenever you want. " she set him down smiling and he looked at her. "No Milly, we wont be comming to the church anymore. When you win the contest you will be everyone's mommy so I guess that will be ok. " he went back to play with the couple who he was talking with before he ran to her. She watched after him, shocked at what he had said. Going back to her paperwork she smiled softly. If he had that much faith in her surely she can do it. The night went on and slowly the pack thinned out leaving only a handful besides the parents. "Alright, she said. The good thing is, Everyone gets to go home tonight! " the children all cheered and the parents smiled. "The bad thing is, now I only have old Lucious for company!" she laughed and began handing the papers the parents needed to make sure the humans didn't interfere with the adoptions. Each child found a family tonight. Never in history has that happened. Perhaps it was a sign. Perhaps enlisting in the contest was what the gods wanted of her. Hugging each child she watched as they left and soon there were very few people left at the meeting area. She waved goodbye as Lucious left with a few friends to go to a few parties. She didn't mind when he did this. It gives her a chance to go back and clean the church. "It's saddening isn't it. An empty nest to go home too. " She froze knowing who it was without turning around. "Well M'Lord, its my job." she said slowly turning around to face her leader. He laughed, "Yes I suppose. I am sad to say I will be appointing someone else as head of the church. All contestants are moving into a manor inside the castle grounds. Please pack your things and someone will pick you up in the morning. I will be working intimatly with each of you so there will be some occasions where you will accompany me. Please do not take this the wrong way but I will make my late wife's seamstresses available to you immediatly upon your arrival. You are to have a new wardrobe by the end of tomarrow as will all the ladies who have entered the contest. You will receive new instructions at dinner tomarrow. Alright." It was almost too much for her to take in at once, but she managed to nod and smiled. "Yes M'Lord. I understand. " He smiled at her. "Tell me, do you remember your own mother?" the question startled her. "Only through the pictures she left me with at the church. The previous mistress said my mother brought me there and then died within hours of arriving. I was so small the mistress didn't think I would live. But here I am. I look just like her in the pictures. Its scary sometimes to look in the mirror and see how closely I resemble a woman I never knew." He nodded, clearly thinking. His face looked pained but after loosing one's mate she could only imagine. "Alright then, I will see you at dinner tomarrow. " She bowed as he turned and walked away. After he had gone she realized she was the only one still at the meeting grounds. She gathered up her paperwork and placed them in her bag, then made her way back to the van. So much to do, she hoped Lucious came home so she could tell him everything. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Alright Ladies. Everyone strip. We are gonna go around and get your measurements and then we will go from there. Once I have your sizes my staff will go and shop for the normal things women wear these days, but here we will make the more traditional things you will be required to have as alphess. Dont fear, the males are getting the same treatment. " There were many laughs from that statement. Mil hadn't been around so many women at once before let alone naked. The actual measurement taking only lasted about an hour and then they were released and alotted times to which the traditional garments would be made. In the meantime the remaining women were to be taken on a tour of the castle. Durring the tour the girls swapped places every so often. One would join the tour and one would leave. It was well into the afternoon before Mil returned to the dress makers. "Milasha, yes?" the head seamstress asked her. "Yes Ma'am." she replied. The woman looked at her. "My dear, The Alpha does not call anyone Ma'am. If you want to win this competition, you need to develope the demure that the Alpha should have. So far you are the nicest girl who has came into my shop today, but nice doesn't always make a great leader. Now lets see what type of fabric you like and you can look at some of the designs I have. We can modify as we go." she looked at her waitin for an answer. "Alright" she said. the seamstress smiled in approval. They looked at so many fabric's Mil didn't know there were so many different types. Some she didn't like at all and others, she could feel all day long. The only thing that was common with them all was how fine they were. She did not want to see the bill for all those different fabrics. AFter she had picked out quite a few, they sat down to look at designs. "I have very traditional dressess and outfits and some modern. Natalia always prefered a mix of both so I have some that are in between the two extremes. We can make up some new one's as we go if you don't like any of the one's I have currently. Quite a few of the women have done that. Thats why it has taken me so long each meeting." she laughed. "but I am used to dealing with women who know what they want." Mil looked at each design quietly, she didn't like many of the modern one's. They were so scanty she dare not wear them in public. The traditional one's were more her taste but she didn't want to appear too modest. So she chose a mix of Natalia's designs modifying them slightly, a few traditional one's and she and the seamstress made a few new designs that worked better for Mil's body type. By the time they finished Mil felt as if she had know the lady for years and called her by her first name, Tisha. "Alright, I think we are done. Your storebought clothes should be in your room already and I will see you everyday at this time until the outifts are finished. How does that sound?" Tisha asked her. "That sounds lovely. I have never been around so much finery so this is like a fairy tale." she laughed " If you have time I would like to have lunch with you tomarrow. Will that be alright?" Tisha laughed " Honey you will do just fine. Try not to act like such a scared little bird and you will do just fine. Lunch would be wonderful. " With that Mil went to her room to try on all her new clothes and find something to wear for dinner. It was in an hour so she had better hurry. Her room had a door on each side, joining her to the other women who were in the contest. To her dismay the doors were both open and the girls were modeling the new clothes for each other. Somehow the shoppers had managed to find different clothes for each girl depending on body type. It was amazing to her. Many of the girls were opting for the black dresses for dinner. Since each girl did have some sort of "little black dress" but Mil wondered what the attire for dinner was so she simply asked one of the servent girls. "I believe it is casual M'Lady. Our Master rarely holds formal dinners. " Mil thanked the girl and began to rummage through her new clothes. In the end she decided on a dark pair of flare jeans with some embroidery on the legs, a pair of black heels and a tan shirt that left one shoulder bare and was longer on one side than the other comming to a pointed V down her thigh. She put on some elegant make up and pulled her heair up into a pony tail leaving small tendril's down her face. She looked underdressed compared to the other girls but that didn't matter to her. As a group they made their way down to the dinning room, they met the males on the way and entered as a group. Once they sat down the Alpha entered. "Welcome my children, I assume all of my previous instructions have been carried out?" They all nodded. "Well then after dinner, we shall let the games begin?" his voice was smooth as he eyes the 14 sitting before him. He noticed the males had all chosen various comfortable things to wear. The women were much more enjoyable to look at. Several has chosen very high class onsombles that hung around their frames as silk clinging to each curve. Purposly he left her for last. She was in light conversation with the male to her right and picked at her salad as they spoke. The red tendrils of her hair hung in her face, creating an illusion of something hidden. The male seemed quite enthralled by her. He approved of her clothing choice. Somewhat more than the other girls there, she had chosen something comfortalble, but appealing. Because of that, she stood out amongst the wemon. Forcing himself to look away, he turned to the main course. Medium Rare Venison was a stable served in his kitchen and was his favorite food. Soon dinner rapidly progressed to desert and wine, he cleared his voice signaling for silence. " Tonight has gone well. I enjoy having so many around me once more. I have been quite secluded. Until I decide what situations I want to recreat for you. I offer you my house, and all of my staff to do with as you see fit. I am going to take a step back and see what you can do. Just remember, my teeth are law. " he smiled to them and stood to leave the table. He caste one last glance at her, then retreated to his rooms. The real reason he was leaving the lime light is so he could find out about her without too much interference. He needed to know who she was exactly before he did anything. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Once the alpha had left the table was all abuzz. Several of the girls wanted to throw a large party but one of the older males snuffed that idea quickly. "This is a test, he wants to see who will abuse the power he has given us. Do you wish to end your part in the contest so early ladies?" he grinned, knowing he had popped their bubble. Mil sat quietly sipping her wine and thinking quietly. ::Think like the alpha female, don't ask do. Think of what would be good for the pack as a whole. That is what Natalia always did.:: the words of Tisha floated through her mind. Suddenly she realized someone was calling her name. "Milasha.." it was the handsome male across the table from her. "Yes?" she answered embarressed by her inatention. He smiled gently at her, "You are a quiet one, please share your thoughts." She could not help but to blush. "Oh I don't know. I don't think a party would be a good way to demonstrate how we would lead the pack. But we should do something. Perhaps we should all think of it and after he leaves the dinner table tomarrow we can discuss it. We are creature's of habit after all and discussing things might help clear the air once in a while." She could scarcly believe it was her speaking. She didn't know she could think that way let alone voice her thoughts so openly. Several of the others nodded in agreement while the party goer's looked at her with contempt. "And if we choose to throw the party against your better wishes?" one of the youngest one's asked hotly. "Then you choose to go alone" one of the servents said quietly as she cleared away what was left of dinner. The conversation broke up soon after that and Mil walked around the castle quietly. Many generations of Lycan lived within these walls, all unbeknown to man kind around. So much history was written into the stone. She could get lost in it. "You suprised me." a male voice from behind made her pause. "And why is that?" she asked quietly trying to determine who the voice belonged too. "Such a delicate kitten amongst all these wolves. But she has teeth." She whirled around angrily. "Kitten you may think, I am wolf in my own right." her green eyes were outlined in a hot gold. "Easy kitten I only wanted to say hello." He stepped from the shadows, his dark brown hair was lengthly, coming down over his eyes slightly. She recongnized him. He sat at the far end of the table tonight, near the Alpha. He had barely said a word. "Do you by chance have a name?" she knew her tone was rude but he had her aggravated. He laughed, he stepped close to her. Invading her space and inhaling her scent for future reference. She resisted the urge to push him away and held her ground. "My name is Adrian. I used to be our master's counsil." his voice was like ink. Smooth and quiet. "Used to be?" she asked with a raised brow. "I stepped down to enter this contest. " he explained. twirling a bit of her hair in his fingers and brushing it from her face. "Breathe Kitten.." he whispered and Mil realized she was holding her breath. She inhaled as slowly as she could, "Was there something you wanted of me Adrian?" she doned her bold voice once more, trying to break the trance he was weaving. He smiled, "I told you, I merely wished to say hello, and so I have. Perhaps we will meet more often Kitten. " he gently brushed his lips against her cheek kissing her reluctantly. In her mind Mil knew this was only a game ploy to get her to do or say something that would knock her from the contest, but her she couldn't stop her body from responding. Her heart beat rapidly, her palms sweated and the beast within her yeared for freedom. "I think Adrian.." she broke his embrace and stepped back a bit. Relinquishing her ground, "that you are dangerous. " she laughed half heartedly and looked into his face. It was feral, his eyes glinting in what light illuminated the dark hallway. "I am only dangerous if you want me to be Kitten." he smiled at her and retreated back to the hallway from which she assumed he came. On her way back to her rooms she wondered if he had used that tactic on all the girls. She could not ask them without raising suspicion about her own encounter but she could surely listen. Girls were the same no matter what the species, and girls talked. Returning to the common room that all the girls shared she kicked off her heels and sank down into the couch. The tv was on but she didn't think anyone was actually watching it. She picked up the remote and flipped through the channels. Not really paying attention she was listening to everone's conversation. They all seemed to be enthralled by the handsome younge male who sat near the Alpha tonight but no one knew his name. They had all been gathering information about the males but no one knew anything about him. "Maybe he is a random loner?" one suggested. After several minutes of the girls chewing over the same information. Mil stood up and looked at them. "His name is Adrian..." she walked away smiling to herself. That should confuse them really well. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ::Run kitten, Run with me.:: The black male beckoned to her urgently. His eyes were bright blue with hints of gold around their edges. His coat was like onyx with silver around his ruff and down his back. She seemed to know him, only she couldn't figure out from where. ::Come and Run with me Kitten.:: she seemed to be unable to resist his voice. She chased him through the woods, they seemed to be in the lower wilds of the kingdom. She stretched her legs, her silver paws hitting the ground with grace. She was larger than a normal wolf as all Lycan's were. Her gold eyes rimmed in black and her silver fur as bright as the rays of the moon. They seemed to run together for hours, playing in the moonlight and convering more ground than she had passed over in years. They came to a hault near a bubbling river. He nuzzled her and she wagged her tail happily. He licked her nose and spoke to her in the ways of the wolf. ::See Kitten, Im not dangerous:: "Adrian!" She jerked awake, sitting straight up in her bed panting. Her hands were wet with dew...or hopefully that was sweat. One meeting and he is invading her dreams. She got out of bed and made her way to the bathroom. Washing her face she checked the time. The sun would be comming up soon so there was no point in going back to sleep. She changed into something simple, a pair of jeans and a tank top then headed to the kitchen to grab some breakfast before the others woke and the daily ritual of dress making would begin. She generously buttered a bagle in the dark of the kitchen when the cooks began to file in. "Mistress, please let me make you something more fitting to start the day." the cook began to remove pots and pans and ingredients from the store room. "It's alright really. Bagles are good for you in the morning! " she smiled brightly. "Why don't you make the master's breakfast and I will take it to him for you. I am sure the other girls will want various dishes to start the day." he smiled at her slowly. "As you wish M'Lady." she laughed, despite the dream she was in a marvelous mood. "It's Mil cooky." then she went back to her bagle and orange juice while she watched the other cooks file in and start the kitchen for the day. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ There was a slight knock at his door. He sighed, then putting on his robe he turned on the light to his chambers. "Enter" he said picking up the paper for the day. "Forgive my intrusion M'Lord. I have your breakfast tray." He turned abruptly at the voice. She stood in his door with the normal covered silver breakfast tray. "Where is cooky?" he asked slowly seating himself at his breakfast table as she lay the spread on the table. "I figured he would have his hands full with the other contestance this morning. Some of the other ladies have rather refined taste's so I offered to help him out. " she sat his food in front of him and removed the tray. "Can I get you anything else M' Lord?" he smiled. "Your not earning any extra points for this you know." he said picking up his toast and taking a bite. "I didn't expect to M'Lord. " then she quietly closed the door as she left. She is definatly something, he thought. He caught her at the end of the hallway as she left the masters chambers. "Miss me Kitten?" startled she turn around and grabbed his wrist twisting it behind his back. It was pure instinct that caused her to react but even that didn't deter him. He broke her grip and twisted her around so he crushed her to his body. "Why do you haunt my steps?" she asked her voice like acid. "Because you haunt my dreams Kitten. and your scent wont leave my nostriles. Where have you been hiding that I haven't seen you before? Where did our master stash you away from my eyes?" She stopped struggling against him. "I do not haunt your dreams, and I have not been hidden. " her voice was demure. He was much larger than her and his grip was crushing her ability to breath. She was not frightened, no male would dare violate a female if he wished to keep on living. He laughed, "Perhaps." he released her slightly and took one hand to stroke her long hair that hung down her back. "Forgive me kitten. Ever since seeing your face I have not been myself. My normally calm exterior is alive with fire. " he released her completely. She stepped back. "Adrian.." she said softly, her head hung. "I am sorry but you need to stay away from me." she turned to leave when he grabbed her hand. "Why?" he asked her. "Because I have something important to do, and your a distraction." she wrenched her hand free and walked back to the kitchen. She needed to get out and away from him. Adrian watched after her. "I know you were watching Achillies. Why not come out and laugh at me now." The Alpha emerged from his rooms and placed a hand on Adrians shoulder. "She is who I thought she is Adrian." his eyes widened as he looked into the face of his long time Alpha and friend. "Please do not forbid me. My soul is afire with her. Never have I felt this feeling." Adrians eyes were wild with confusion. "I won't forbid it, but be careful. Your need will scare her away. Remember she isn't as old as you or I. She is fragile, but I think she is what this pack needs." Adrian nodded as he took in the wisdom of his alpha. "I will try M'Lord. Please guide me in this." The older male nodded and they parted ways. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- She needed to get out of here. She hadn't been instructed not to leave the castle. Nor had the Alpha demanded they all be present at each dinner. She deposited the Alpha's breakfast tray in the kitchen and made her way to Tisha's rooms. She entered the room in a whirlwind. One of the other girls was already there to start the mornings dresses, "Out!" she demanded of her. The woman gave her a look but Mil stared back. Her eyes were wild and the girl made a mad dash for the door slamming it behind her. She began gathering up clothing items and placing them back where they belong. "Tisha we aren't making any dresses today." she spoke loudly. She didn't give a damn about anyone else right now. She needed to get out of this place and she was taking Tish with her. The woman kept telling her that alpha's demand they don't ask well she wasn't in an asking mood after her run in with Adrian. She would take the heat from the alpha later. Tisha calmly replaced all of her utensiles she had been gathering for the days work. "If you don't have something in mind M'Lady, the horses could use a nice run." Tisha suggested, oddly enough thats what she used to tell Natalia. She couldn't help but to smile. "That will be fine, we will take the horses and go visit the children. " She stormed to her room to change her clothes daring any in her path. News travelled quickly around the castle that the quite little silverfur was in a rage. What had put her so, no one knew but many of the girls were livid. Not only did they now have nothing to do for the day, but she was attracting too much attention. They would need to find a way to get rid of her. If only they could just attack her as was the old ways. In her anger she had forgotten that it was indeed a week day and many of the children were in school so Mil steamed as she and Tisha rode along across the country side. The horses were glad for the excersize and Tisha was glad for the break. "What is really troubling you this morning M'Lady. When I spoke with cooky he said you were in a wonderful mood. Did the master say or do something to trouble you over breakfast?" Tisha was a straighforward girl and she also figured it was the best way to break the silence. "No it wasn't the Master... He was polite and very kind to me this morning.. I guess I am just a little stressed out is all. When I entered the competition I thought we would all be fighting till well the death like normal and I was ready but now I don't know what to expect. I want to do well, I want to change some things for the better and help to make our pack become fluid again. After the alphess died we all went into eternal mourning it seems. How can i concentrate on winning something I don't even know all the rules too and to top it off I have Adrian who seems to be at my back every time I turn around since the first night we were all here!!!!! " the words poured from her like water did a cup. Adrian...Tisha thought. Oh my... "are you more annoyed with the way the competion is going, or Adrian. It has only been a few weeks after all perhaps you are just unable to deal with the stress. " Tisha knew she was setting up the right questions, she only hoped that Milasha had the right answers. "It's that damn Adrian!" she exploded "Everyone thinks I am some quiet church mouse who needs to go back to dealing with orphaned pups because I myself am one. What could I possibly know about leading a pack a family. Something I never had, and he thinks he can do whatever he wants. Well I have news for him. Just because I didn't have what everyone else calls a normal family doesn't mean I am not all wolf. " her anger was explosive and her eyes flared with that signature lycan gold. perfect... "Well I guess you will just have to show everyone your true self. Screw waiting around to find out if your named the alphess. Screw waiting on the Master's instructions. Take the castle for your own and make the progress start now. Why wait?" I guess you were right about her Achilles. Natalia would be proud, well after she got done being angry at you. Tisha laughed to herself. "You know, your right Tisha. This is stupid to wait around and ponder about whats next. Tonight Im letting my wolf out and tomarrow, were letting the pack out." she smiled and nudged her horse into a dead run back to the stables. Tisha smiled, "She will do just fine" a large black wolf emerged from the thicket where he had been listening. "It looks like she will. Let's see how she handles the others." he said, and together they went back to the castle. Lunch was served outdoors on the balcony. Everyone gathered together and the rooms was actually rather loud when she approached. She sat down quietly. Resuming her chruch mouse attitude for now. Across the way she felt Adrians eyes on her and she only just held her temper against him. It was uneventful for the most part, the alpha arrived and told them they would have to go over the pack's accounts later and discuss them. After he had left the others lapsed into this or that conversation and Adrian began to make his way to her. She stood and glared at him. He stopped his advance, "I am done with this. Tonight I am going out, if you want to join me come along. Tomarrow this shit starts for real." she had almost a growl to her voice. They all knew what she meant by going out. The silence was deafening as she left. Adrian held his urge to laugh. "You didn't think she was here for games did you now?" he laughed finally and followed her foot steps. He was damned if she was going without him. The day dragged on. Mil moved out of the common rooms she shared with the rest of the girls and moved herself onto the Master's hall. As she carried in a few dresses a deep growl stopped her in her tracks. "Who gave you permission to move into this room?" she knew it was the Master without even turning around. "I gave myself permission MAster." she said, "If I have over stepped my bounds please forgive me but it is very difficult to think with all the chatter of the other women and I thought perhaps you could use some company, since you are indeed alone on these halls. I am used to befriending lonely people." her voice showed none of the anger and rebellion it had held for most of the day. Now in the company of the alpha she knew better and held herself in check. For a moment she though for sure he would chatise her in some way or worse send her fro the competition but to her suprise he did neither. He picked up a few things from her arms and held the door for her. "As you wish My, Lady." his voice startled her. "Thank you " she said stepping into the rooms. Quietly the master placed her things on the bed and moved around the room. He smiled, "You and my late mate have the same taste's. While we were still in the courting stage of our relationship she picked these very same rooms. All the things here were hers." he fondly touched a few brushes that were laying on the vanity. "If you would prefer I will go back to the rooms you had prepared for me or I will choose a different room my lord. I wish not to upset you." her voice was soft and tender. "No, you have chosen these rooms and an Alpha does not go back on her decisions. It shows weakness, nor will I supercede your decision. These rooms are yours, care for them and the items within with loving memory of my dear Natalia. " he turned and left the room quietly passing Tisha as she arrived with more clothes and items from her previous room. "Why didn't you tell me these were Natalia's rooms?" Mil asked of her friend as they began putting her things in order. "I didn't see how that would matter. You had already chosen them." Mil only nodded as several of the serving women brought her other items soon all was in order and she felt like she could really settle in and get down to business. She was brushing out her hair when a loud bang from the door startled her. "Who the hell do you think you are bitch? You are only in competition you are not lead bitch, who gave you the right to move into my mothers rooms?!" his voice was loud and she wanted to shrink from it. It was Diego, rightful leader of the pack by birth but turned away by both his parents. She stood calmly and looked him full in the face. He was seething with rage and she could tell he was just barely keeping himself from tearing her to shreds right then and there. "I gave myself permission as the other rooms were cramped, however I do not need to explain myself to you who were denied even the right to compete and therefor as far as rank goes I supercede you. I did not summon you so you may leave at once and never enter my presence again lest I forget whose son you are and have you thrown from my presence is that clear Diego?" Her heart beat rapidly and she knew that she could be killed in an instant if he lost his grip on his emotions. She watched his face redden, then who should appear at her doorway but Adrien. Great all she needed right now. "Diego. I believe the lady gave you a command." Adrians voice was cold and hard. Diego was white lipped but said nothing, he stared at her then a false calm seemed to settle over him. "Be careful my lady, my father is not a forgiving man and he shall here of this trespass." Diego turned to go and Mil spoke calmly to him. "My dear child, he was the one who helped me to move my things into this room and bade me take care of your mothers possessions so do not bother him with things he has no concern over." She smiled and decided she had handled that situation quite well. Diego stormed from the room and down the hall. The door closed quietly and Adrien came and took the brush from her hand as she sat back down. Quietly he began to brush out her long red hair, his hands were quiet gentle for a male. "He could have killed you kitten..." Adrian said softly not trusting his own voice. "Yes, he could have. " she did not deny the fact and why should she deny the truth. Adrian stopped brushing and lay his head down atop hers. "I will win this contest Adrian. No matter what I have to win it for wolves like me who have no parents for wolves like all those children who will never know a taste of kindness save from what i can offer at the church. For all the wolves who bow and scrape and have no say to wolves like Diego! Traditions are traditions but we need a pack that can move fluidly through time and still grow and mature and live long fitful lives. For those reasons I will not back down and I will not loose. Its all or nothing for all the wolves who have no voice to speak for themselves." Large tears had begun to roll their way down her soft cheeks and her eyes were hardened with sheer will. "Peace kitten, Peace I have no quarrel with you." Adrians voice seemed different somehow. She watched him carefully in the mirror then looked at herself. She looked different. Her eyes were more bright and clear, her hair shone more brilliantly even her skin seemed to have a different glow. She hardly recognized herself and some how that frightened her just a little. "What are you thinking?" Adrian asked returning to the rythmic brushing of her hair. "I do not know who the woman is in the mirror. How can a church mouse win an alpha contest.." She seemed to have lost some of her asuredness. Seeing herself so different in the mirror had shaken her. How will she retain who she is if she must act and be what she wanted. Adrian only smiled. "Kitten did you truly think that a church mouse was who you were? How often did you protect those children with the same fierceness you presented to Diego just now? I think you had been hidden away in the church by your mother. I think she hid you there to keep your true self from exposing you too quickly. She knew that out with the rest of us your natural dominance would appear and others would see that as cause to have you far from the thick of things. So she hid you quietly right under their noses hoping for a time when you could do as you are doing now and set the pack to rights." He lay down the brush and smiled at her. She didn't know if she believed him or not but suddenly she wanted him around her always. Even if he was a terrible distraction he was easy to talk too. There was a slight knock on the door, "Enter" she said and stood turning to see who it was. "My Lady, the others are assembled waiting for you. They wondered should they go to the normal destination. " To her suprise it was one of the older competitors. A small dark haired woman. She had small green eyes and for a moment she wondered if there may be a trap awaiting her then she laughed. Before she would have never thought such a thing but after spending some time with Tisha she had learned how ruthless some of her packmates could be. "The usual place on the castle grounds would be fine and spread the word that any who wish to run with us may do so as long as it does not interfere with their typical duties of taking care of the Master." the woman smiled. Then turning to go she stopped. "Would you be too upset if I withdrew my candadacy and threw my lot in with you?" there was a slyness to her voice that caused Mil to smile. "I would be glad for a friend. but may I ask why?" The woman smiled, "You remind me alot of an old friend, she spoke as you do. Changing things in the pack so that the livs of all are better not just the lives whose parentage is high ranking. and I find myself liking you. I am no leader and only thought to enter to throw off some of the other girls but, I think I can do more good helping you." Satisfied with her answer Mil only nodded and watched her leave. "I believe you have just found yourself a lady in waiting and a friend my dear, now you will surely send me away!" Adrian joked with her. Caught off guard she only ansered, "I don't think I could send you away if I tried.." then smiling she left him in the empty room staring after her. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "Why should we be at her beck and call, who is she anyway. We were supposed to wait for instructions not take over the damn place." she could hear their angry words as they approached. She wished she didn't have to be so ruthless. It almost would have been easier to have a typical fight to the death instead of these mind games and test's of character. Jada had withdrawan her choice to participate in the competition and had informed her that several of the others weren't happy with her drawing so much attention. "They don't know that I have sided with you so forgive me but Im going to run to you for shelter should they attempt to out me!" Jada had laughed but Mil knew it had been a true statement. An alpha must have strong companions but in the end it was the Alpha's place to care for them and then a stunning realization had come to her. Being Alpha of a pack was no different than being headmistress to a church full of small children. They both required the same type of care and attention just one had a bit more politics and was larger than the other. She had laughed out loud at that and caused Adrian and Jada both to stare at her. "Sorry I was thinking about something funny." she covered her smile then she stepped out of the shadows waiting for the chatter to quiet down. "I am happy to see that so many of you decided to join me!" she said loudly to end the talking. Everyone gathered looked at her quietly. She could tell who were the competitors just by looking at their faces. She was suprised to see how many packmates had turned up. There was almost as many here now as had been at the adoption meeting. Perhaps everyone needed a good run. Off to the side she saw Diego glaring at her and most of the other candidates were doing the same. Several were quite confused to see Jada and Adrian in her company. She smiled and left them to wonder. "I believe we are all in need of a good solid run. After our Lady's death we were all thrown into mourning and many of you I still see tears in your eyes. Never would I intrude upon anyone's grief but I think if would be good for us to run together. As one, As we have always done in times of sorrow or joy. Together we can get through that which sadden's and tempts us to leave this world. Our Lady lead with pack with love, and now we will continue with our love for her within our hearts." She thought that was a fitting speach. She let it be known that even though she would take Natalia's place in name she would never take her place in the hearts of those she lead. The air was alive withe emotion to the dismay of the others who would have Natalia's place someone shouted out, "Lead us Lady, we need the air in our fur and the earth neath our paws! " She smiled and wondered who that was. "Would you follow me, me a mere bastard church mouse??" it was a loaded question and Adrian marveled at the woman before his eyes. She had neatly wound the entire pack around her fingers. She was turning the crowd against the others. As for an answer the mass of bodies in front of them lifted their heads and as one howled in unison. The moon shown down upon then and in the midst of the howls bones began to rearrange, clothes were shed and a pack of almost 50 wolves stood awaiting one female. She was large with silver fur and bright golden eyes. She looked around keeping her eyes far from where she knew Adrian stood. She gave them several minutes to again accustom themselves with their fur and packmates sniffing and nipping went on for several moments and then with a howl she took off through the woods a tangled mass of bodies behind her. The ran for the entire night, they hunted the elk that roamed the land. They feasted and played chasing each other through the tree's and across open plains. They chased rabbits and squirrels waking such creatures in the dead of night. They investigated caves and swam in cool streams frightening the schools of fish that lived there. Everyone had forgotten competition, forgotten the sorrows and hurts they had indured the past 2 years and they were reborn. Small nit pick fights broke out now and again but Mil ended them each with a growl or a nip at the shoulder. No one contested her, merely obeyed and it felt as if she was born to do this. Once they came across a cougar and when everyone would run Mil held her ground contesting the large cat. This was wolf land. Her stance said and the otheres immediatly fell in behind her. The cougar thought better of it and retreated into the tree's and the wolves turned and ran as one back to the castle. Mil woke the next day in her own bed. She stretched her body feeling the burn of using them so vigorously the night before. She relished in that burn and stretched until she could do so no more. She pushed the quilts from her body and rose to look out at the after noon sun. She had slept most of the day away she realized but judging from the quiet in the castle so had most everyone else. She went to the bathroom to draw herself a bath and was startled to see the tub already full and brimming with bubbles. She sniffed the air and it was lighty scented with lavander and lialac her two favorite fragrances. She liglty dipped a toe into the water and found it was luxuriously warm. She sank into the water till the bubbles touched her chin and soaked for several minutes until she heard a light tap at her door. "Yes?" she asked. "It's Jada." she heard from beyond the bathroom door. "Come in" she said and returned to her soak. Jada entered the room with towels, "I could have done that myself Jada." she said to her friend. "Yes but then you wouldn't know the news I bring!" she said brightly. "It seems that since dawn there has been a steady stream of people into the masters presence. Not only have people been begging him to let you lead but the other contestance have been resigning in groups! I saw four of the males go in there together myself!! It seems that instead of 14 competitors you are down do 5 others besides yourself! " Jada was over come with happiness. Mil couldn't believe her ears one run and over half the competition was eliminated. "Why did they resign?" she asked bewildered as she emerged from the tub wrabbing a soft towel around her body. "It seems that not only have you been impressing them, but showed them how the pack used to be and touched their hearts!! That is what one said I heard it with my own ears while evesdropping!" Jada giggled. Mil marveled at how easy that had been. Now she just had to keep doing what she had been doing. Then as if hearing her thoughts Jada spoke again. "You know it will get more vicious now. The one's who are left are the one's who only want the power. I am not so sure they will keep their teeth from you as the Master decreed." Jada had lowered her voice and began brushing Mils hair. Mil dressed for dinner alone and pondered what Jada had said. Just as she finished her hair she heard her door open and close. She turned around angrily only to find the Master holding something in his hands. She bowed her head, "Forgive my aggression Master I have had people in and out all day." she said demurly. "As have I child, It seems you have stolen the hearts of my subjects out from under me." he smiled at her. "Forgive me, I only sought to bring us together everyone has been so sad and..." "Enough" he said ending her apology. "Never apologize to me for something you did right. Too long have I mourned my mate and let the pack flounder. I wish for you to wear this to dinner tonight." he lay an long emerald green silk dress on her bed. It was finely preserved in a plastic wrap. "I had thought you do not hold formal dinner my lord." her voice was puzzled. "Typically no but, I want it made clear that however the competition may end you are my chosen candidate." he smiled and let her soak that in then turned heel and left. Mil sank to the bed her legs untrustworthy. How had all this happened. She had won the hearts of the pack, the alpha and eliminated the most of the others in a single night. Jada was right it is all too easy. Something considerably horrible must happen it is the way of karma. She removed the dress from its plastic covering and looked at it in the mirror. It was a fine thing, she pulled it on over her head and zipped the back and stood looking at herself. It was strapless, leaving her shoulders delicately bare, then clung to her like only fine silk could do. It had somewhat of a small puddle train on the back but for the most part was unadorned. The silk itself was gorgous and the color matched her eyes perfectly. She slipped on some golden shoes and put a few small golden bracelets about her wrists. She found some small gold dangling emerald earrings among Natalia's things and put those on too. She decided against a necklace and left her hair flowing down to her waist. It would look better up but she didn't have time for that just now. She left her room and hurried to the dinning room. "You look positively ravishing my child." The alpha greeted her at the doors to the dinning room. "It's hard to tell whose child you were your mothers or my dear Natalia's. " he smiled and took her arm. They entered together and she noticed that only she, Adrian and the alpha were dressed formally. The alpha scowled. For a moment she was fearful of him but his arm in hers was warm and gentle so the feeling passed. The other candidates had clearly not listened to his servent mans instructions. "By rights I should send them all away to redress however that would dely our own supper so I shall deal with them later. Come." he led her to her chair and seated her giving her a slight kiss on the cheek. The others all had open glares on their faces as they sat down to their meal. Dinner consisted of roast venison, mashed potatoes swimming in gravy and butter with steamed vegetables and bread. For a reason that she could not fathom she was starving, she ate most of what was presented to her and sipped sparingly on the red wine. It made her head swim more than usual and while the alpha was speaking she heard not his words. She tried to just focus on Adrians face but even it was blurry and undefined. She felt hot and even though someone was speaking to her she heard not what they said. She swooned in her seat and felt herself fall to the floor. What was happening she wondered fogily. Her heart beat was fast and she felt hot so hot. "Mil!" Adrian leapt over the table as she fell, the others all drew back unsure of what was going on. He felt her head and she was burning her face was red and her pulse was incredibly high. The alpha was barking orders and a litter was brought that took her to her rooms. Adrian followed scarcly behind her, a doctor was brought and she was stripped so he could get a good look at her. The kept cool clothes on her skin to keep her body from over heating and she was sweating profusely. When they spoke to her even though her eyes were open there was no response not even when the doctor shined his small light in her eyes. "The wine!" the doctor said "Bring her glass to me and the bottle from which it was poured and also the serving man who poured and brought it to her!" he barked at the nearest to the door. The alpha was livid, his face almost as red as her's. He removed everyone from the room except himself, Adrian and Jada. He looked at the doctor. "You are thinking poison aren't you?" he asked point blank. "Yes my lord, only poison could have the effect it is having on her. I won't know for sure without examining the glass and its contents. If she were responsive we could make her puke and that would eliminate some of what is in her stomach but even her reflexes are not working right now. " Just then the person sent to fetch the glass and wine appeared. "My lord! the glass from which the lady drank is gone! All I could fine was the wine bottle." He cowered waiting for a reprimand for not completing his task but the doctor only took the bottle and poured some in a glass. He added three drops of someting from his case and waited a few moments then dipped a small piece of paper into the mixture. He frowned pulling it out, "there is no poison in this bottle whatever she was poisoned with was placed directly in her glass or food because no one else is experiencing the same symptoms. Call for Tisha and Ellowanda. They are skilled in herbal arts and may know what she was poisoned with." Adrian looked at the doctor "You want a seamstress and a gardener to care for her when you are a trained physicion!?" he coulnd't believe his ears. "Peace my friend, they are more skilled at these types of things than I. I deal with illnesses of this century." The alpha had already sent for them while they had been speaking and in moments they arrived. "What is wrong my lord?!" Tisha asked when she saw who it was who lay in the bed. "What has happened!" she said flying to the bedside of her friend. "I believe she has been poisoned with what I do not know, since we have been unable to find the glass that she drank from at dinner. She is burning hot with feever and her pulse is dangerously high. She is conciouse seemingly but unresponsive with no working reflexes." the doctor listed off her ailments objectively. The two women began to examin her. They looked at her tongue and eyes and nails and all sorts of things that adrian did not see the need for. He was growing angrier by the moment and was about to burst out when he felt a hand on his shoulder. The alpha had come to stand by him and was now gripping him in his seat. "That cannot be!" Tisha exclaimed as the women were speaking. "Smell for yourself Tisha I think that is what it was." Ellowanda said to her. Tisha bent and smelled Mil's breath. It smelled of sour fruit much like wine would smell but held a fierce acrid odor. "Go get your case." she said hastily to her and began closing windows and doors to the room. "I need ice, lots and lots of ice and soft clothes now!" she barked at the men in he room. They left in a scramble. Ellowanda returned with a small black pouch and a wooden bowl. "I only have such a small amount left will it be enough?" she asked as she began pouring some gry powder into the bowl. She mixed it with a bit of water and lemon and began to stir it slowly. "It will have to be." the men returned with bags of ice and several others trailing with clothes. "spread the clothes out over her body lightly damp, make sure her entire body is covered, then spread the ice atop the cloth." Tisha instructed. When that was done she took the bowel and a small straw over to her body. She dipped the straw in the mixture and dropped one droplet at a time into her mouth. With each drop she convulsed and Adrian had to be restrained. AFter five drops she would wait and check her heart beat it came down beat by beat with every five drops until the whole bowl was gone and her heart beat seemed normal again. Her temperature had also gone down and most of the ice was removed to avoid her catching chill. The alpha looked around the room. "I want someone in here with her at all times, I will put gaurds outside her door and I will be only two doors away from her. She will get only what you three will prepare for her." he gestured to Jada, Tisha and Ellowanda. Then he left his face seething with rage. "I think whoever did the poisoning had better not be found unless he wants to be flayed alive. Our master has that flaying look on his face." Ellowanda noted. She continued to dab cool clothes to Mils head. She could hear a great many things going on beyond the door to Mil's room but nothing sounded like it was very productive. Adrian stayed near her at all times and Tisha noted the pain on his face watching as the poor girl barely breathed her chest seeming to heave with the effort. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- She was hot, so hot. Her eyelids fluttered, Why was she so god aweful hot! Restlessly she kicked the blankets that were lain atop her. "No kitten, you need to keep these on you." Adrian said to her. Why was he in her room? She had to be in her room if she was in bed. She continued to move the blankets and linens and Adrian spoke softly to her telling her why she needed to leave them where they were. Flustered she opened her eyes and they were blurry. "Im hot" she whsipered more quietly than she had meant too. He chuckled "Well I know your hot dear, but the doc said the blankets stay on." The doc, why would she need a doctor she tried to sit up and found not only could she not, but Adrian held a gentle hand on her keeping her still. "What is going on?" she asked her voice still weak. She felt like a newborn pup. She saw Adrian smile, he was definatly handsome when he smiled she thought. "You have been asleep since dinner about three nights ago. Someone poisoned your wine, Tisha and Ellowanda, the herb gardener only barely saved your life. Achilles hasn't been able to find the poisoner or the poison used however curiously several of the women dropped out of the competition yesterday now only you and that really young blonde are remaining as far as girls go. Achilles is having the women watched, he doesn't know if they left because they were involved in the poisoning or if they left from fear of being poisoned themselves." his voice was gentle and she noted with a little enjoyment that he stroked her hair as he spoke. She didn't know what to think only that she was glad she was alive and that he was here with her. "Thats about enough of that Adrian, If you are going to talk to her you better sweet talk her not upset her with all this nonsence that she needn't worry about." She smiled as much as she could hearing Tisha's voice. "The good news is, I don't have so many dresses to work on now! The bad news is, now I have all this free time." she laughed putting a caring hand on Mil's forhead to check her temperature. "Are you hot dear?" she asked, Mil nodded hastily, she was ghastly hot. "Give me a hand Adrian, she will be fine with only a linen to cover her. She doesn't feel feverish anymore just hot like someone who has been in bed too long. " her voice was pleasant and she felt much better when all the layers had been peeled from her, they even opened a window for her. After a time Tisha left and she was alone with Adrian again. Tisha told her that he had scarcly left her side since she collapsed at dinner. It was sweet but a little disturbing that he had done that. Upon discovering that she would be bed ridden for several more days she had lapsed into a melancholy mood. She missed the church and her brother and all the little children. Life hadn't been simple then but it was much safer. She began to think that this had been a mistake. Tears welled up in her eyes and somehow he had seen. He crawled into the bed with her and gently put his arms around her. With a dispairing sob she turned to him and cried till she was dazed and drifting back to sleep. "Is she alright?" Adrian looked up to see his Alpha Achilles standing silently in the door way. Blinking back a few angry tears Adrian nodded. Achilles entered and closed the door. "She sleeps" Adrian said to him. "One of the girls who left is dead. She was found this morning and evidence indicates that it was my son. He is no where to be found at the moment but I detained the other girls and they confessed that he had come to them asking favors and promising gifts and such things as only the son of an alpha could promise. " Achilles rested his head on his hand wearily. "I cannot kill my son Adrian. No matter his crimes he is still the blood and flesh of my beloved Natalia." his voice was breaking. "So you will let him run free with the blood of the pack on his maw and animosity in his heart for his own flesh and blood. He tried to kill his own sister, had you not told him that she is of your blood? " Adrian was understandably angry. "Would it have made a difference? I don't know in any case I haven't told him. I myself am still taking it in. In truth she is my daughter, history has reveiled that to me. " He looked over at his sleeping child and wondered desperatly if he could keep her safe. How could you keep one child safe from the other? the silence in his mind only upset him more. He was old and without his mate he was wounded. It would not be much longer he could reign as a leader should. "You know you should name her Alpha. Not only has she proven herself several times already, the whole pack is in love with her and she is of your own blood! If they do not love her already they will accept her because of you!" Adrian's voice was a harsh whisper. "and what of my son. He is my blood also and first born of my blood. How will I give her what I have already and permanantly denied him?" He was making excuses and he knew it. When Diego was rather young as far as Lichen go he displayed distastful qualities for a leader. Natalia had begged him, for the good of the pack deny Diego leadership forever and even though it had caused them both much grief safetys were in place to prevent such a thing from happening. Diego was reckless and wild, he would destroy the pack had he ever the power. But this child before him, she stiked love in the hearts of those she met. She was gentle and kind and so much like her mother and oddly her aunt also. Natalia had never mentioned his recklessness when they were both so young with a new pup to handle. It had been such a hard situation and to this day he hoped that Natalia had forgiven him. She never spoke when her sister vanished, it was a harsh thing. "Would even you step down from your candadacy to make way for this frail girl?" he asked Adrian softly. "I have only not done so already because she would think it a strange thing. and in her heart she truly wants to win this fair and square." he moved her hair from her face. "I wish that I could decree she and you Alpha's side by side. Many would accept my ruling but the few who would not would make dangerous enemies and forgetting the fact that she is my blood and you a dear friend, I must do what is best for the pack. Even if that means she is in danger." He stood to leave. "What of Diego?" Adrian asked. Achilles looked up, "I will find him, and imprison him to confront him. From there I do not know." he left quietly. Several days later she was allowed to move around discreetly. Adrian was always with her now and two body guards as well. Quietly Jada had slipped back into her company so she was never without help when she needed it. She hated it however, always needing help with simple task's while her body rid itself of the lingering poision. Jada slept in her rooms with her now that she was conscious. She simply would not allow Adrian to sleep in her rooms, he was too close and she needed a bit of space. He hadn't argued but she did notice that he had moved himself across the hall. She felt so trapped, Jada with her alway, Adrian and the alpha on the same hall. Even Tisha seemed to be continually in the darkness popping out making her drink vial stuff or eat when she did not hunger. After about a week she demanded some alone time and had been gently but firmly refused by the alpha. Fuming she had returned to her rooms she felt fine now and she didn't need everyone waiting on her every breath any more. She was even refused dinner in the common room with every one else. Her anger progressed and after a time many didn't want to be near her. The guards would find ways to change duty's with others, Jada always had errands and even Tisha had dresses to work on. The only one who stayed quietly through her outburst's was Adrian. His calm exterior seemed to anger her more and one evening while he was brushing her hair she burst out "Dont you even care that you are keeping me like a caged pet!! Don't you know I need to feel the air the grass and mingle with others!! " she stood and stomped off leaving him stunned. She had never directed her anger at him like that before and to her dismay when she woke she found she was finally alone. She delighted in it first, turning on some music cleaning her room to perfection airing it out and taking a long bath before dressing herself. Her delight turned to slight fear when she entered the main part of the castle only to find it deserted. The only people there were Adrian and one serving man. "Where is everyone?" she asked. "Since you wanted to be alone everyone was ordered from the castle but myself and my man here. You can go anywhere you like no one will bother you." his voice was slightly scornful. She folded her hands on her lap. "This wasn't what I wanted.." "Well what did you want Milasha? You were so concerned with yelling and angering the people who loved you most and took care of you with their own hands you didn't think about the rest of us. We are still looking for the person who poisioned you so the alpha felt this was the only way to give you what you wanted." Silent tears trickled down her face, he had never used her name before and while she liked it she didn't like what he was saying. Seeing her tears Adrian checked himself. "I know is hard for you love, being cooped up with no freedom as you had before. But how else do we protect you. You are the only female alpha running now, and besides myself there is only two other males. But more than that, the pack loves you for what you have done in the months you have been in the castle. All the adoptions you have done are working wonderfully, the livlihood had improved the spirit of the pack everything has improved because you a woman have taken what was dead and silent and made it new. More than anything you have to live and you have to win this competition, I think you have gotten more than you bargained for when you started this quest my love. Dont mistake my last words either. I do love you, and I am no going anywhere no matter how many fits you throw or how you hate me. " with that he left her to her silent castle. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- That stupid bitched lived. How could she have survived the poison he had made for her he didn't know. He did know that those other bitches had ratted him out and now his father was looking for him relentlessly. No matter who he turned too, they turned him down for one reason or another. It seemed that with her appearence all his assets and friends had dried up and now all he had was his want for revenge. She had somehow turned his parents against him and he would make her pay for that. Diego moved silently through the castle. Never had his father ordered everyone from it on such flimsy terms. Something was up and he bet his life that the new little princess was at the heart of it. He walked silently, his anger only slightly controled. He froze hearing loud voices from the a common room up the hall. Sticking to the shadow's he listened to their words. He smiled, of course the perfect Adrian did indeed have a flaw his love for this whelp. He grinned wondering how he could turn that against the bastard and then to his amazement Adrian left, he heard him walk from the hall and left the woman alone. Fate must love him for here was his chance. She watched him leave, too ashamed to go after him and then too stunned to do anything but sit there motionless. In her heart all these months she knew something was up by the way he looked at her and always seemed to be near she never imaged he would love her. Her heart beat in her chest slowly as she let her thoughts drift on endlessly. She realized now how careless she had been, It would be well within their rights to make her withdraw her candadacy she hoped that wouldn't happen. Then suddenly from somewhere behind her she smelled a familiar scent, before she could react she felt strong arms around her body and a familiar hand covering her mouth to keep her silent. Knowing she was not at her full strength she did not fight back and remained limp and docile in her captors arms. "Suprised my dear?" he growled into her ear. His instincts told him to destroy her now but his need for revenge was louder at that moment so restraining himself he held both her hands behind her back and kept his other on her mouth. "I can of course see why Adrien adores you, I however have a different taste, with that said did you really think I would let you steal my kingdom? That which is mine by right!" he gripped her roughly and even though she wanted to fight back she knew she would only have once chance. Diego was no fool. She must wait patiently. "Although the poison didn't kill you it left you weak enough for me to deal with you myself. I should have known better than to trust a couple of emptyheaded girls with a task such as this. Permit my apologies on not killing you the first time. " He wrenched harder and she felt her left shoulder be ripped from its socket, she cried out but his hand muffled any sound she might have made. He smiled and seemed to enjoy her pain. "You see that is only a taste of how I feel each and everytime my father looks on me with scorn. Did you know when I was barely 60 years old my mother begged my father not to name me his heir! My own mother!" his voice broke with anger and pain. He kicked her feet out from under her and she went flying to the floor, he held her arms still and pinned her beneath him. "I will rule this pack!" Diego pulled her head back and reveiled her delicate white throat. Even in human form a lychan is strong enough to tear that life force from another living being, he reared back to ready himself for the strike then bursting through the doors came his father, adrian and a dozen or so shifted and unshifted lychan. "RELEASE HER DIEGO!!" his fathers voice thundered and caused him to hesitate. This was her moment, with all her strenght she wrenched her arms free and biting his hand hard she rolled away jumped to her feet and launched herself at the stunned Diego. Her eyes blazed with all the fiery golden of a wrathful Lychan. "NO MILASHA!" Adriens voice rang out but she refused to listen. This was the man who had tried to kill her, who had killed another and brought shame to many others for his vial schemes. Adrian had told her how all his life Diego schemed against his father in secret while playing the obedient son in his presence. This was the being who would lay hands on her when no other has ever done so and she would never allow it. No matter she was a bastard child with no parents and he a prince, laws of nature were absolute and he must pay for his tresspass. Instinct took over and she shifted in mid air and came crashing down on his chest throwing him to the floor. The blow knocked the breath from him but he managed to cover his neck with his arms in time to avoid her bite. She caught his arm in her teeth and bit until she felt bone crunch then she leapt clear just before he kicked her away. The energy around them was alive and the shifted Lychan formed a circle around the two dueling creatures, one the giant silver form of Milasha the other, the half shifted bleeding form of Diego. "You wretched Bitch, I will kill you!" finally relinquishing his human form he went wolf, he limped slightly and blood still flowed from her bite but he was more agile in this form. He growled at her and she growled back, she was unafraid and her golden eyes said as much. Somewhere she heard Adrien and Achilles begging them to stop but it was drowned out by the howls of the pack circled around them. Had Achilles been younger, his mate still alive his voice would have silenced and stilled any fight but here he was old and no longer in his prime and as is the way of the wolf, the old must make way for the new and now before him the cirle of life was taking place and both his children were in danger. Per Usual Diego was larger than she although only slightly and his injured leg made him less formidable but she also felt keenly her dislocated shoulder, it drug slightly and she needed to find something to slam it against to make it pop back in. She kept her eyes on him but also noticed the large desk in the corner. If she hit it hard enough she could jam her shoulder back together. Diego infused with rage took her attempt for the desk as an attempt to flee and in triumph he chased after her full speed, she slammed into the desk and with a cry felt her should ram back into its socket she rolled clear and let Diego run full tilt into the desk. It seemed not to phase him and he shook it off comming after her again. She danced away from his attack and darted in hard and fast biting his shoulder and attempting to get a hold on his neck but he dropped low and she caught his jaw. He snapped his head around and sent her rolling through the air away from him. She hit the floor hard but stood on her feet and kept her ground. She let him charge her and met him head on the both of them going up on their hind legs and snapping at each others faces. This was getting no where it was mindless fighting and she had had enough of it. She bit him in the face and danced away then doubled back hitting him from the side and sent him rolling she chased him and pinned him hard to the ground. She bit his face and chest savagely, his ears were ribbons and blood was everywhere. After what seemed a century his tail curled into his body and he went limp. His need for revenge was vanished, he merely wanted to live so he did the only thing he knew to do. Submit. Milasha was not about to let him live after all he had done, but finally the alpha found his voice and he thundered, "Spare him my queen! Spare his life as he is my son and your brother!!" She stilled, even though the fire if the fight was burning through her she stayed her jaws and lowered her eyes at the male who spoke. In this form it all boiled down to male, female, pack heirarchy as with any wolf pack and her eyes said he had better explain why she should spare him before she changed her mind. She had no intention of letting him go, nor resuming her human form. she kept his body firmly where it was. The law of the pack was truth and she demanded it now. Achilles sat down as near the two as those encircling them would allow and he drew a long breath. "Natalia and I were young when we took the pack, many things we did not understand and with the death of the previous alpha we had no guidance. We were recklace in the early years after Diego's birth and in those lonely nights when Natalia suckled Diego as was the custom then to suckle a child for many years to avoid sickness I met Cienna. Unbeknown to me Cienna was Natalia's sister and foolishly I took her to my bed. She too was young and in the years to come the three of us danced an illusion even I believed and then one day she simply disapeared. Natalia never spoke of her and I chosen to ask and I never knew what happened to that woman until you showed up with your copper red hair and your green eyes and I seemed to know you. You mirror her image so perfectly. I never loved Cienna as my mate, as my friend and companion yes and never did I expect you do come out of that friendship. Natalia always felt that Diego would never be able to lead a pack as he was a selfish child, he hated with more intensity than he loved and that troubled her. That was the reason your mother asked me to do what I did. I will keep my word Diego but some how I cannot allow you two to continue this. Please for the sake of blood Milasha let him live, forgive him and me." he hung his head and was silent. It was the first time in his long years he had showed submission and compassion to anyone else. He thought it would be more difficult. The wolf seemed to consider his words and with a hard look she released the male beneath her. He cowered to a corner where he shifted into his human form and bloodied and shamed was lead away silently by the others. Those who remained waited for her to resume her human form but she merely stood there, staring at Achilles. Her eyes flickered from a deep deep green to that fire gold and he found her gaze troubling. Finally she gave a snort and loped off through the castle. No one dared chase after her. The woman in her screamed for her to return and confront the man who was her father, to face her brother and reclaim a part of her life that she thought had been lost to her but the wolf in her, the cold calculated part of her said it was time to run. Time to clear the air and call the wild mother nature to her so that when she did return to her two legged form, her head would be clear and her heart able to understand. She fought recklessly with herself and in the end her paws kept flying over the ground and the earth continued to pass beneath her. Finally mentally exhausted she let go. The wolf surged within her triumphantly and exhilerated she picked up her pace and howled to the moon. The forest was her dwelling and she covered every inch of it, exploring each crevice and sniffing out each creature that dwelled within it. The darkness called her to hunt and she did so catching a fat rabbit and devouring it savoring each morsel. She lapped up water from a clear river and in her heart she understood the reason as to why her mother vanished with her. When she realized that the wolf seemed to nod in approval and then she found a nice nitch beneath a giant oak and lay down to sleep. Several days she lived this way, not caring to resume her human form and quite content to roam the forest and watch the pack as it went about its business. Some saw her and acknowledged her, others did not even sence her presence. She came and went as she pleased and to her satisfaction she noticed that all the other candidates had gone from the castle. All but her friends. She looked in on all the orphens who were no longer orphens but happy children with a family all their own and they too were content. She hunted, she played and she roamed she was happy. Then on the sixth or so moon she was interrupted durring her meal by a large black male with silver down his back and along his ruff. He beckoned to her and she ignored him. She had no need of company at this time her stance said. He moved forward and she bared her teeth at him. ::You knew:: she said in the way of wolves. He did not deny it. She exhaled from her nostriles, dispelling his scent from her sences. Then continuing with her meal she ignored him. ::Haven't you been at this long enough?:: His tone was questioning. She lifted her eyes at him, gnawing on the boar carcass. ::Perhaps, but I am happy in this way.:: She cracked a bone in her teeth and chewed the marrow out. ::OF course you are, you are a wolf right now this is what wolves do and how they are happy, but what of the woman there must be a balance within:: he lay down near her but not too near. All too aware of her gleaming white teeth. ::The woman is silent, she too is content.:: she dismissed his words entirely. ::Perhaps you haven't given the woman room to speak. Your anger and betrayal are great and these emotions are common for a human so a wolf simply shrugs off the emotions and thus the woman part of her being.:: There was a long silence as she considered his thoughts. ::Perhaps you are right:: she conceded ::I have long been pent up by the woman and having such freedom is joyous to me. I wish not to reliquish it but there are things I must do as a woman. Would you share my meal and together we will go back. :: she gestured he should eat with her and he did not speaking nor questioning then when all was gone and both were satiated if not full they began the trek back to the human castle. She was not all together happy about leaving her forest, but as she said things needed to be done so in light of that she took off at a nice lope and they reached the castle by morning. Everyone quieted when they saw the pair of wolves stride through the grounds gates. Neither seemed to pay much attention to the humans moving around so the onlookers disurst and went about their business. When they actually entered the castle instead of making her way up she seemed to be sniffing some scent so he followed her. She descended deep into the area's beneath the castle and finally found what she searched for. She nipped the guards at the door lightly and they opened it for her and she entered. There in the corner with bandages still on his being lay Diego. She sat in front of him looking at him. He woke with a start but kept still. Parts of her wanted to love him and yet parts of her wanted to kill him for his crimes. They were balanced so closely that she could do nothing but look so in the end she sniffed his wounds and left him making her way to the rooms of Achilles. She scratched at his door, still refusing to assume her human form yet and when he opened the door she stood with her tongue lolling out in a good natured way. "Thank the gods!" he said standing aside and letting the two entered. The room was dimly lit but he fixed that by opening several curtains and lighting a few lamps. He sat down and obviously waited for her to go human but instead she simply sat next to him and lay her chin on his leg. ::You might as well do it, you will have to sooner or later and it is causing him pain to keep him waiting.:: The black wolf said politly. She sniffed and stood back away from him and finally after a week shifted to her human form. Her hair was badly tangled and her skin was dirty and scuffed but she was stil beautiful and it took the black wolfs breath away. He too shifted and Adrien took a seat near them and waited for her to speak. She sniffed the air and crinkled her nose, "Wet wolf is not a nice smell for a woman!" she laughed and had adrien send for Jada to draw her a bath in Achilles rooms then she sat down and waited for the tub to fill. "I am sorry I ran off like that. " she said quietly to the two men. Adrian simply smiled gently Achilles simply sighed. "No it is I who should be sorry. After I found out the truth of things I asked Adrian not to speak to you. He told me you wanted to do this on your own and by the gods did you succeed. Can you forgive us for such a secret, we truly did not know you existed until we lay eyes on you." his voice was true and ernest he wanted desperately for her to love him. It was the nature of parents to want their children's love but it was also the nature of children to quest for their parents approval. "I will forgive you two for that if you will forgive me for the way I had acted after I was poisoned and for fighting with Diego and running off." she was again the quiet demure girl who had come to the castle before. Achilles gently lifter her eyes to meet his, "The alpha of the pack never asks for forgiveness she only forgives." he smiled and hugged her and then Jada called in and said her bath was ready.Wel "Well if you will give me a moment longer, being clean sounds heavenly right about now!!" she laughed and went into the bathroom where jada had drawn her bath and stood waiting with a towel. She quietly closed the door and quite suddenly jada threw her arms around her and hugged her close. "I feared you would never come back! What happened!!" her voice was obviously pained. "Im sorry" she hugged the older woman. "I guess for a while i decided i didn't want to be a woman anymore" her voice was soft and honest. Jada released her and helped her remove her dirty clothes and get her into the hot steaming tub. "Sometimes we all wish we were something else." she trailed of quietly and handed Mil a sponge. "I scented the bath water with some lialac and lavander. I wasn't sure what you felt like wearing so I didn't get you any clothes, I figured I could do that while you washed." she sat down on the edge of the tub and helped Mil comb through her tangled hair. "Just a pair of jeans and a tank top sound heavenly. " she rinsed her hair and began washing her arms and neck. Jada began to leave to get her clothes so she called out, "Jada, Thank you." the older woman smiled and closed the door quietly behind her. After she had gotten clean and clothed, Jada helped her gather her hair and pin it back in a lovely broach. Achilles had a cold lunch fixed and brought to his room for the four of them and she sat lightly snacking on fruit and a cucumber sandwhich, and sipping on some sweet tea. Adrian thought she looked radiant as always and found himself staring. Finally she felt comfortable in her human skin again, "I made a mess of things didn't I father..." she knew she was bold for testing the word but she wanted to feel how it felt comming from her mouth. The reaction from Achilles was astounding. He flushed and his eyes filled with tears, he no longer seemed the cold alpha she had always known him from a distance as."No, you didn't make a mess of things, its just funny how things work out sometimes. When Natalia finally decided that Diego wasn't fit to rule this pack we tried for another child, always wishing for a girl. I wonder now if Natalia always knew about you. She and her sister were very close and no matter what anyone may think, the three of us loved each other, they were sisters, your mother and i friends and natalia and i mates. You are so very younge, but somehow you have managed to bring the entire pack compeltely to your side. After your fight with Diego their was two meetings. ONe of only the elders of the pack and one with the entire pack. Their were two subjects. What do to with Diego, and your standing candidacy as female alpha for this pack. I would like you to know the outrage at both meetings that was felt that your candidacy was even under question. " He stopped for a sib of tea and sat back in his chair. His years weighted more heavily on him these past few years. "The decision was unanimous. You Milasha Silverfur are the Alpha female of this pack. I will still obtain my position for as long as you need me or until I am no more since you are so younge that was the stipulation of simply naming you pack leader. I have an ultierior motive for that however, it forces us to work together so in case you hated me I would still get to know you as my daughter. " he grinned and continued. " Many people also wanted to name you Adrian as alpha male, but considering that the other two candidates didn't drop out the elders wouldn't allow it. However the contest has changed for the males. Now instead of impressing me you must impress Milasha. Whoever impresses her be they a candidate or not whoever she choses as a mate will be the alpha male. That was also decided at the meetings." he inclined his head to Adrian in apologies. "As far as your brother goes, he is to remain in his current room until such a time as you have decided to do something with him. The elders made it clear that since you are now the pack leader, it is your choice to do with him what you will and I, even though i have my status, I was rebucked by many of the elders for begging you his life while you two were fighting. That was a new experience for me, being chastised." he laughed. "How about this, I help you become the alpha you were always meant to be and you help me remember how to be a pack member." he gently lay a hand on hers. She smiled, " you know you will never be just a pack member father. " she smiled and leaned over to hug him. "This all feels so strange to me, I have always been alone and now not only do I have all of you but a mother and an aunt and a whole pack. It's slightly overwhelming. " she laughed nervously. "Well we are all in this together now aren't we." Jada spoke up and smiled and they all nodded. Things were looking up. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Thursday, February 4, 2021
wolven kingdom
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