The feeling of Raven curled up around me is comforting in more ways than she could ever know. I've never had someone so protective over me. It's almost too easy to get used to. I know she worries about me and I can feel her worrying stare every time I tense up. She even seemed concerned when I instinctively went limp as she grasped my scruff. I guess I'm not the only one who's never really been grabbed like that before. And yet the motion felt so right, so natural. It's a trust thing and I'm sure if anyone else would have grabbed me there, I probably would have tried to fight it but not Raven. She is my best friend and I trust her completely.

I can sense some pointed looks from her also but I'm glad she stays her tongue. I don't want to hear anything about joining a pack right now, not after the time I spent with Frost. Both are so pushy in their own way but while I would do anything for Raven but surrender my freedom for now, I would do everything in my power NOT to do what Frost wants. That's how much I despise him. I glance up as the clouds grow dark and as the first few drops come down on my coat, I shudder and press closer to Raven, nuzzling into her fur. She tries to reassure me, telling me I should have killed the hunter. I find myself muttering more than anything.

"I could have just run. It's what I'm used to."

I didn't want to kill him. I wouldn't have even wanted to hurt him. It's just not who I am. Or at least not who I was. She grows more tense as I tell her about someone else though, asking who kissed me and why he would torture the hunter. I shake my head.

"I don't know why he did it. I guess because the hunter saw him and aimed his bow. It was..."

But I don't get to say the name and maybe that's a little bit of a relief but the sound of hooves approaching is anything but. I know the person who can turn into such a creature and he's the last person I want to see right now...in fact, ever. I shudder and a whimper falls from my lips.

"No..."

I whisper, the sound filled with fear and even anguish that he would come after me. Why must he torment me like this? As he turns into the alley and I make out his towering figure, I press myself as close to Raven as I can, my heart hammering in my chest. When he speaks, my whole body stiffens. I grit my teeth, my jaw tightening. My eyes almost burn from their sockets at his words. Baby? Did he really just use that pet name with me? My voice is low but my tone is stronger than I feel.

"No, it was sickening."

I answer back. And yet somehow I think he knows that's anything but the truth. I'm sure he could see right through me, that he knew I didn't totally find displeasure in releasing the arrow into that hunter's chest. My breath halts as he brings up the offer to join his pack, asking if I've thought about it and when he mentions another lesson, air hisses through my teeth. I glance quickly at Raven.

"Raven, you should go. Please..."

There's a silent plea in my voice because I remember well what he threatened. I can't watch him hurt her. I don't want to see that. I try to ignore him until he uses that voice on me, the voice I hate so much. Like nails on a chalkbord, my whole body squirms in discomfort, almost in pain. My ears flatten to my head and I wish I could curl up and disappear. He asks for me on my knees and the familiar fire boils up inside me again. How dare he! I find myself standing on my feet before I know it, my legs trembling, though whether it's with fear or adrenaline, I don't know. Perhaps a mixture of both. My eyes narrow.

"I will NEVER be on my knees before you."

I spit the words at him, though I have a feeling I'm probably going to regret my outburst.

alexis wilde