Leaning forward against the seat in front of me where Erik and Jonathan sat, I remained quiet for a moment, then asked if maybe we shouldn’t have at least gone back a bit, to see if Marxus was all right, coming back for us. Again. Looking at them, their eyes grew wide without saying a word, but of course, Erik’s arrogance spoke for him.
“I’m not going back there…” he looked at her, “don’t you see the flames back there?!” he gestured behind her, “Besides, it’s probably not Marxus you’re worried about, but Anthony.” his grays eyes leered at her, then looked away.
“Forgive me for being compassionate about my friends, Erik!” I snapped fiercely, looking at him, “What the hell got up your a** all of a sudden anyway, despite the obvious?!”
“Enough!” Thomas shouted, turning to the two young, and bickering adults, “We don’t need this sh*t, now sit down and I swear if I hear one more peep out of either of you, I’ll turn you around and give you a hard kick in the a** and it won’t be gentle!” his dark eyes scanned the young man and woman.
“Sorry, Thomas.” I apologized, “You’re right.”
Erik said nothing, folding his arms, pouting like a child, then he looked at Jonathan who shook his head in disappointment, before turning away, glancing through the broken trunk area and through the smoke in the distance, his blue eyes watched as a figure strode toward the craft in strong, elegant strides.
“Look…” the Australian pointed outward, “it’s Marxus!”
Everyone turned, sighing in relief that he was all right, and we knew it was him; you couldn’t miss him standing out in his white pea-coat that seemed to glow faintly.
“Here we go.” Erik complained, “Who’s ready for a scolding?”
“Erik, would you just shut up?!” I glared at him, “Please?!”
“Wh…” he huffed, then glanced at Thomas who punched his right fist against the palm of his left hand, “sorry.” he leaned back.
Approaching the craft, saying nothing, he paced then turned, tapping on the windows without words being spoken, for he was trying to gather the rantings and complaints. Turning to all of the eager faces staring at him, he snapped, making firm instructions to climb out. With his left hand, creating a dome above and around the craft, the rain trailed off its barrier that was invisible to the naked eye, except for the shimmering of the rain from above that pounded against it. Walking over, he laid his hands on the side of the craft, and held his head low, taking deep breaths. Slowly, and eerily, he turned, looking at all of the young individuals that were in his company.
I leered at him, rushing forward, bravely pushing him back a few times, leaving small singed handprints on the surface of his fancy, but muddy pea-coat.
“You bastard…” I shouted with a cracking voice, “you left us there, you son-of-a-b*tch, you left us there!” my hands luckily, if you call it luck, managed to his push him back a fourth time before I felt his hands, grip my wrist, “Let go of me!” I argued.
“I’m not even going to ask what happened back there, because I am not in the mood to hear your complaints.” he groaned, pushing her petite frame back, and as she lost her footing, falling to the ground, he didn’t care as he turned, holding out his arms, “Nor do I want to hear you put the blame upon one another so this is what we are going to do, and so help me, if I hear ONE word from any of you, I will leave you to fend for yourself and in the rain, with no direction of where to go, nod if you understand?!” he raised his hand, pointing a firm, and angry finger at each, and every one, that stood before him. He watched as Zanzabarr lept from the van, rushing toward his pack mother, sniffing her quickly before turning to him, holding his head low in a predatory-like manner and his tail hanging long between his muscular back legs, “If you don’t control that beast, I swear I will have his fur around my neck!” he warned bluntly, without compassion, “And do not ever, presume to think that you can place your hands on me like that again, is that clear?!”
“You wouldn’t dare!” I argued, beginning to steam, pushing myself to stand.
“Don’t test me, girl.” Marxus’ form glowed faintly.
“Or what, Templar…hmm?” I confronted the man boldly.
“You’re pressing your luck.” Marxus warned once more.
“Go ahead, do whatever it is you have planned. After tonight, it wouldn’t surprise me anymore, it wouldn’t surprise any of us anymore.” I held out my arms, “So go ahead, Marxus…do it, then go home and explain how you killed the only one that you have claimed to be your heir of Keeper, and to my mother, for believe me, you won’t be ready for that!” I squinted, and in that moment, from the faint gasps behind Marxus, I glanced at myself; my frame had outlined in a fiery Aura.
“Yzavela…” Thomas urged, taking a step forward, “don’t do this, please…he’s not worth your life, nor are the actions that he threatens all of us with.” he walked around Marxus, “Look at me, hmm?” he attracted her attention, “Go stand with your friends.” he offered her a faint grin that calmed her for only a moment, long enough to watch her extinguish her Aura. As he sighed in relief, watching as she walked around him, with Zanzabarr, standing near the others, the Italian grunted, as he closed his dark, tired eyes, then opening them, leering at the man in front of him, he continued bluntly, “You can leave me here, but not until I do this!” he rushed forward, swinging a fist, making impact on the Immortal’s jaw, causing him to stumble backwards, “You...” he continued, taking another step forward, “you promised my brother wouldn’t be harmed but now he’s somewhere out there, with Nathan, shifting in the wild where anything, or anyone, could replace and kill them! He was injured Marxus, he had two wounds to the head, almost having it bashed in…” he huffed, “bashed in like a watermelon, but do you even care?! About anyone, or is this all just a game to you?!” he spat at the ground.
“Thomas, that’s enough!” Jonathan rushed forward with Erik, pulling the Italian away from Marxus, “Come on mate, I am sure you got your point across, that’s enough…” he pleaded.
“Thomas, please…” I jumped in front of him, “he’s right.” my hands gripped the front of his coat, “For Anthony’s sake, I’m begging you not to do anymore, please…I think enough has been said and done this day.” I groaned, lowering my hands, then turned to Marxus, “He’s not worth it right now.” it was my time to return the calming comfort.
For the first time in a long time, Marxus remembered what it was like to feel the aches of physical pain, as he wiped a streak of blood from his lip; he could see it shimmer on his leather glove among the natural shine. With nothing but silence and rain pounding against the dome above, Marxus stood up right; he licked his lip, ignoring Thomas’ words and actions that were taken against him. Either he had good control of his temper, or he was playing another game with everyone. Adjusting his white pea-coat, he cleared his throat then announced that he would allow only so much to be said, or done, until he had enough and he was rapidly reaching that line before stepping over it.
“I am this close…” he raised his right hand, pinching both his thumb and index finger together, measuring his patience, and it was clear that it was no wider than someone’s single strand of hair, “now get your a**es back in the craft and I swear, I DO NOT WANT TO HEAR a single peep!” he lowered his hand, leering at everyone as he turned, climbing into the van, “Get in here NOW!” he shouted, “This has wasted more time than I originally wanted!” he finished,
Everyone reluctantly climbed back into the vehicle, with the black wolf whining and growling in the backseat, but laying next to his pack mother, placing his head in her lap, he closed his eyes, feeling her gentle touch.
Turning on the engine, then gripping the wheel, Marxus had disbanded the dome above; rain quickly splattered on the van. Glancing down at himself, seeing Yzavela’s handprints on his coat, he couldn’t understand how it was possible, much less her bravery to dare lay her hands upon him. Shaking his head, it was then he heard a male voice speak over his thoughts.
“You stupid fool, you do not know who you are dealing with when it comes to the half-breed. Her demonic origins are too powerful, coming from an ancient Demon who is older than all of the mortals of this world. Do not underestimate her, and if you dare threaten or lay your hands upon her again, you will come to regret it, for I will make my presence known and that is not something you are ready for. Heed my words, she left her mark upon you and that is just a little taste of what she can do, if fully provoked, though she knows not what she is fully capable of but are you willing to take that chance?” the voice taunted,“Remember these words, Marxus Alejandro Castillion, remember them well Templar, and never threaten her hound again for he too, knows not of his full strengths.”
“Marxus?” Thomas’ voice echoed in his ear, “Marxus?!”
Blinking, thinking maybe it was someone speaking to him from the back seats, he turned, looking back at the Italian who sat behind him. Saying nothing, clearing his throat, he drove forward, following the road ahead leading them away from the area.
Sitting close to the window, I watched as the scenery passed, and hoped that wherever he was, Anthony was all right. As I looked at Thomas sitting in the seat in front of me, I shared a friendly smile and worried expression.
“He’ll be fine.” I reached over, gripping his shoulder softly.
“I know he will.” he rasped.
Erik, sitting next to the Italian, glanced back at her, then he turned away, pouting like a jealous boyfriend. Biting his lip, he wondered why she was concerned so much about the man that slept with women for money number one, smelled too pretty number two, and was too smooth number three. If it he had the choice, he would have left Anthony in the town, to fend for himself or worse, not caring about his fate.
“You don’t mean that, right?” Jonathan leaned in, speaking to him telepathically.
“What?” Erik looked at him.
“For your sake, I hope Yza didn’t hear that, because that’s sick.” Jonathan shook his head, then glanced at Sarah who sat in the front seat next to Marxus, “You okay, lass?” he reached for her shoulder.
“No.” she pushed his hand away, “I just want to go home!” she whimpered, curling herself into a ball on the seat, leaning her body close against the door.
Erik said nothing more, glancing back at Yzavela once more; he felt a lump in his throat, seeing the look of shock and utter disappointment in her dark eyes.
“Keeps, I…” he rasped softly.
“Oh, don’t even! You’ve made your intentions very clear and I will never forget you said that, not after everything that we’ve been through, I can’t.” I stabbed my words sharply into his mind, then looked away, staring back out through the window.
Driving on, coming across a large two-story cottage that was closed to the public, it was surrounded by a wall needing a lot of repairs in several places, with an iron gate rattling on its old hinges. Clusters of trees and clumps of wild Heather sat on the property near the cottage, while some scattered across the vast fields. Parking out back behind the cottage, everyone climbed out, studying the architectural design, and as much of the surrounding green fields. Glancing at the sky, it had darkened with the moon shining high above.
Marxus walked around the building, approaching its country-looking front door, feeling around the frame for something in the upper right corner, and cleverly hidden in a crevice, was a key. Quickly unlocking the door, instructing everyone to wait only a moment, he stopped, listening as loud howls that were not natural wolf calls, echoed in the distance.
“Get inside now, all of you!” he ordered, stepping aside, as his Hazel eyes scanned the trees and open property. He was last to enter, quickly scampering around with Thomas, lighting lanterns; the interior illuminated with faint glows flickering off the walls and through the windows.
Marxus had turned, closing the front door.
“What is this place?” Sarah whimpered.
“It belongs to Leonus.” Marxus answered clearly, “He’s given us permission to stay while we’re passing through.”
Looking around, with wide blue eyes, Sarah was surprised he answered her clearly and straightforward, without riddles.
Marxus said nothing more as he scampered about, pulling off a series of sheets that covered two large couches and four sofa chairs, then unveiled a table that sat in the center. Turning to Yzavela, he asked if she wouldn’t mind lighting the fireplace, since she was the only fire-yielding individual among them.
“Right, sure.” I groaned, “Because I’m a walking, and talking, match stick.” I stood in front of the fireplace. Holding my hands out above the space, I gathered enough Aura, releasing it into the mouth of the hearth, creating an immediate flame that swiftly rose without the need of logs. I knelt down, with the others gathering around me, placing our hands close to the flames, feeling the comforting warmth.
Marxus nodded, then quietly retreated outside, gathering all of their bags but kept looking around, hearing rustling from the trees and bushes, and as he turned, scanning the foliage, it was nothing more than wild rabbits looking for a place to call home. Grinning, watching as the mated pair hopped nearby, he raised his gaze, hearing Axeon’s loud roars above, before the great dragon landed behind the cottage. Looking around, he made sure no one from inside had seen, or heard, him. As he passed by the kitchen window, peeking through the white sheer curtains, he stood watching as the men and women still clustered around the fireplace, wrapping blankets around one another.
“Axeon, have you seen anyone further out?” Marxus inquired.
“None, except one.” the dragon answered.
“None except one?” Marxus frowned, then turned, hearing a sound of another engine rapidly approaching with a loud kick that popped from the exhaust.
“Marxus?!” voices shouted from inside.
“Hide yourself.” Marxus turned to Axeon, who nodded. As he veered around the cottage, a Jeep approached before parking a great distance away.
“Who’s that?!” Jonathan worried, standing in front of Sarah.
“I thought you destroyed the town?” I leered at Marxus, but he said nothing.
An older gentleman in his mid-to-late 70s, maybe 80s, slowly climbed out of the driver’s side, still physically active despite his old, aching bones from the wet, damp weather. Dressed in a long black coat, knitted hat and gloves, carrying a rifle in hand, he approached cautiously then paused at the gate.
“Oi, who’s there?!” he called out.
“Rhieley!” Marxus raised a hand, waving at the man, then he turned to those clustering in the door way behind him, “That is the caretaker of this property, Leonus must have called him to inform him of our use of the cottage. Give me a moment.” he looked at Thomas, “There’s a generator outback, see if it works would you?”
“Sure, because I know about generators.” Thomas complained.
“I’ll help.” Jonathan added.
“Jonathan, no…” Sarah whimpered, holding onto him.
“I’ll be right back, I’m just going ’round the back.” he planted a soft kiss on her lips then followed Thomas around the back.
Marxus approached Rhieley, leaving Sarah, Erik and Yzavela standing in the door way watching, “Good evening, Sir.” he greeted the man.
“Evening, Sir.” the man greeted in a Scottish brawl, “Are you the lot Leonus ranted on ’bout?” he veered around the man’s shoulder, glancing toward the cottage, watching as two of the figures retreated inside, while one approached, “Hello there, lass…” he smiled at a young woman standing behind Marxus.
“Hello.” I waved, wrapping the blanket tightly around me.
“Yzavela, go back inside, please.” Marxus urged.
“Is everything all right?” I ignored his words.
“No, no.” Rhieley nodded toward her, “I was just makin’ sure you’re the ones that were coming through here, that’s all.” he lowered his rifle.
“And that?” I gestured at the large firearm, “Is that how you normally greet everyone passing through here?” I wondered.
“Aye, no…apologies.” Rhieley smiled, “I don’t live too far, I saw the light from your van and found it curious that anyone would be up this way, and at such a late hour.” his blue eyes, as well as Marxus’ and Yzavela’s, scanned the property for in the distance, loud howls seemed to grow closer, “Well, I’d say it’s safe to say that you’re settled well enough.” he grinned.
“Yes, thank you.” Marxus nodded.
“Goodnight Sir, and little miss…” Rhieley bowed then turned, quickly retreating to his Jeep.
“Was that necessary?” Marxus turned to the young woman.
“I didn’t say, or do anything.” I shrugged.
“Yet again, you didn’t listen when I asked you to stay put.” he argued, sighing heavily, “If we are going to do this, both of us must come to an understanding of where the other is coming from.” he looked at her, “Can we do that, for the sake of the others and yes, our sanity as well?”
“I’m in this for the long ride, with no way of turning back, so yes…after tonight, I think we should try understanding one another a bit more but trust me, what happened back in that town, is something we’ll talk about later once everyone calms down.” I answered, then turned, but paused, watching as my Zanzabarr stood ahead of me, glaring at the trees nearby. As I approached, gripping his collar, I followed his line of sight, seeing shadows among the trees that weren’t natural.
“Get inside…get inside now.” Marxus warned urgently, “Go.” he gently pushed her forward, “Thomas! Jonathan! Get inside now!” he shouted, seeing the two men veer around the side of the cottage.
“What’s he shouting about this time?” Thomas groaned.
“I don’t know.” Jonathan mumbled then glanced to his left, “I, uh…I think maybe that’s it!” he pointed toward the trees; his blue eyes saw shadows among the trees from his own point-of-view.
Thomas’ eyes grew wide in fear, knowing it must have been one of the two Lycynians that ran wild, and deep down, he had hoped it was Anthony replaceing his way back to their small company. Retreating inside with Jonathan, they waited until Marxus, Yzavela and Zanzabarr were inside before slamming the front door closed; Jonathan sealed it with a barrier of his arcane magic, before hearing something thumping against it.
“What was that?!” Sarah whimpered.
Jonathan turned to her, holding her close.
“There’s nothing more we can do about it now.” Marxus said as he turned, “We have shelter, food and warm beds, so now is not the time to worry about what can’t come in. There are bedrooms and bathrooms upstairs so I think all of you should take a shower, you look dreadful.” he groaned, reaching for his own bag, before retreating into the kitchen, heading up a set of stairs leading to the second floor.
“He’s right, we do look horrible.” I complained, then finally, my insecurity kicked in, “And my hair…” my voice squeaked.
“I’ll help.” Sarah stepped forward, “If you help me with mine.” she smiled.
“Sure.” I sniffled, then grabbing my bags, heeling Zanzabarr, she and I ventured upstairs, claiming one of the rooms with two beds, that unfortunately shared one shower. Glancing back at the hallway, Jonathan and Erik entered one of the others.
Later that night, after showers, full bellies, and cut hair, we all retreated to our bedrooms, but Sarah and I couldn’t sleep; she worried about Nathan and I worried about Anthony. As we stood in front of the kitchen window, glancing out across the property, with the lights dimmed, we whispered softly so we didn’t wake Thomas who slept on one of the couches.
“Do you think they’re all right?” Sarah spoke, looking at her.
“I don’t know, I hope so.” I rasped, glancing back at Thomas, “But this is Anthony and unfortunately yes, Nathan that we are talking about, they’re survivors.” I finished telepathically, not wanting to wake Thomas.
“You don’t care about Nathan don’t pretend that you do.”
“You’re right, I don’t, but he matters to you.” I looked at her.
“Yes, he does.” Sarah argued, leaning on the sink,“It’s always been us, since our parents died.” she slightly glanced over her shoulder,“He’s always been there for me, and vice versa, so I cannot imagine living in this world without him in it, do you know what I mean?” she turned.
“I don’t have brothers or sisters, and I’m not in a relationship with anyone…” I stepped forward, referring to the off and on relationship between her and Jonathan,“but in a way…I can see where you’re coming from. It’s just been my mom and I, you know, since my father died when I was five, so I really…” I ran my hands through my freshly cut-medium bob, then shrugged,“I can’t imagine not having her there, but yes, I do know it’s something entirely different but it’s all I’ve got, and Zanzabarr too, of course.”
“And what about you and Anthony?” she teased.
“There is no me and Anthony.” I smiled.
“Mm-hmm, sure there isn’t. You wouldn’t be down here, late at night while everyone is asleep, worrying about him if you didn’t care about him.”
“Of course I care, he’s a friend and a good person, and there aren’t many like him.” I looked away, hiding my blushing face.
“Well, it wouldn’t be so bad if you two got together, would it? I mean, I think everyone here can see the way he looks at you, and the way you look at him. He’s Anthony after all.”
“Yes he is, but it’s not like that, I mean…flirting is one thing, but a sincere relationship is another, and maybe because deep down, I’m looking for that romance that will just sweep me off my feet, you know, that pulls you close and kisses you oh-so passionately, making your knees weak.” I sighed, laughing slightly, “It sounds stupid, I know it does, but a girl can only dream, right?” I looked around, beginning to feel the fatigue finally hit me, “Now, I’m tired.” I concealed a yawn, “Are you coming?” I finished softly.
“You’re right, but at the same time, Anthony just might be the one to surprise you because honestly…” Sarah walked in slow shuffling steps alongside her, “I really can’t see you with Erik, he’s too arrogant and preppy for my tastes.”
I frowned, for I never thought about Erik in that way before.
“Um…okay.”
“Look…” she stopped at the bottom of the steps, “if you like Anthony, go for it before he moves onto someone else which isn’t likely to happen, cause he’s picky about the women that he’s with, but if you’re going to get involved with Erik, he’s a bit too immature sometimes, wanting what he wants, and if he doesn’t get it, like having the toy, he’ll practically throw a tantrum and pout about it. And you…” she eyed her friend up and down, “are the toy that he hasn’t played with yet.” she gave a brief smile then rushed up the stairs.
I stood, dumbfounded by her words, because since when did she become so knowledgeable about relationships when she couldn’t even tell Jonathan that she liked him without my push? I shook my head, retreating to our shared bedroom but little did I, or Sarah realize, that our conversation had been overheard.
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