The Abyss

part 55

Sholto lay on the ground naked, he was back in human form now. Dynoken had went back for a horse and carefully he lifted Sholto onto the horses back then climbed up in the saddle with him. He gave a quick look towards Silas's wolf then they began to ride away. Rocyla and Fendewen were already gone, i wasnt sure when they had left or how. My eyes were still stuck on Silas, he sat there and watched me. "You're a wolf.." i whispered. Part of me expected him to talk back but he didnt, just very slowly he started to walk toward me. I went to my knees in front of him and waited for him to close the distance between us. His tail was almost between his legs, his body just kept getting closer to the ground. He was almost crawling now. "Its okay,'' I said. His ears moved then he stopped, his eyes shining as he looked at me. He pushed himself up on his fore feet and sat there, head tilted to the side a little. We were a few feet away so i went to my hands and crawled closer to him. His tail moved to the side suddenly, i watched him kind of wag it. It was cute. But the closer i got i realized something. It was the same wolf that i had seen in the castle, the same wolf that had saved me. I reached out and touched his fur, it was thick between my fingers, but soft. "It was you.. its always been you." My hand fell as he moved, coming closer to me. He stood in front of me, but his head was over my shoulder. I didnt understand what he was doing, then he rubbed his head against mine. Slowly i reached up and wrapped my arms around his neck and hugged him.

We stayed there for a while just sitting in the field, he never switched forms but I kind of liked it. I had always wanted a dog, so it worked. He stood and looked at me then nodded his head to the right and started to walk away. I got up and followed him across the grassy meadow toward the trees. As we walked through them i looked up to see the patchy sky and stars through the tree breaks. The hooting of owls was the loudest sound in the woods, our steps were extremely quiet until i stepped on a twig. There was a small creek that he stopped to get water at, i watched him slip his tongue into the wet surface and lap at the water. I could feel a sudden dryness in my throat so i crouched down and scouped up a handful of water to quench my own thirst. He started to walk next to the creek and we just kept following it, soon it started to widen. As we came to the clearing there was a large lake, far across it i could see the other tree line. To my right there was a tent pitched, a fire close to it. Something was cooking over the fire, the smell was intense. A man came out of the tent, then i realized it was Dynoken. Sholto must have been inside. "How is he?" i called out. Dynoken turned toward me and gave a small wave, "he'll be fine." Good. I was happy everyone was safe now. I went to turn back to Silas and i noticed he had kept walking when i stopped. He moved into the shadows and i ran after him. Quickly he twisted around and looked at me then started to run into the clearing. I watched the wolf crouch down and watch me. When i moved toward him he scooted back, "what are you doing?" i laughed. He let out a long howl then ran towards me. I turned and ran for the water but he was faster. His body hit the back of my left leg, tripping me. I fell back slamming onto my butt, but he kept moving. Suddenly the wolf lept into the air, heading straight for the water. In a split second all i saw was black fur then tan skin before the water exploded around him.

He came up and ran his hands through his wet hair, pushing it back. We were in the dark but i could see him perfectly. I stood and walked over to the water. He smiled some but I could tell he was nervous. I didnt want to talk so i just got into the water with him. For a while we just swam but our eyes kept meeting. "Can we talk about this please?" he asked. I stopped trying to float on top of the water and moved closer toward him, "okay.'' He reached up and rubbed the back of his neck, but i interrupted him before he could talk, "why didnt you tell me?" He looked away from me and across the water, "its just not something i tell people. I wasnt ready yet." I moved closer to him, "Silas.. the hair in the bed. Its the wolfs hair isnt it,'' i said it so quiet i barely heard myself. He nodded his head yes. I felt my heart break, i felt horrible. I moved closer to him and hugged him, pressing my face against his chest. The tears were building in my eyes, all of it was my fault. "Im sorry, im so sorry,'' i whispered. He lifted my head and stared into my eyes, "never be sorry Laila, i promise its okay."

I pulled away from him smiling, ''we should get out its getting kind of chilly.'' He laughed "yeah you go ahead ill be out in a second,'' he said. I looked back at him then he laughed even harder, "im naked go!" I felt myself blushing but i turned away, then i stopped and turned back to him with a smirk on my face. "What are you doing?" he asked. I told him i was waiting for him to get out. He tilted his head and looked down then he looked back at me and smiled. Very slowly he started out of the water and i felt my plan backfire. The water came down his chest, his stomach, then it reached his hips. Instantly i felt my eyes slam shut, then he laughed. I could feel him move passed me and his hand grabbed onto my arm, "hold on" he whispered. His arms went behind my back and legs and he lifted me, carrying me toward the tent. Dynoken looked at us then put his hand in front of him, covering his eyes. "I got another tent set up,'' he laughed. Silas thanked him then stepped into the tent with me, ''close your eyes.'' I did then he set me down and turned me around so my back was toward him. "Do you two need a towel or something?" Dynoken called out.

part 56

Silas had put some pants on but he went out to the fire and sat down with Dynoken. I stood in the tent with a towel wrapped around my naked body. "Silas!" i said. He came over but stopped at the flap of the tent door. "I dont have any clothes,'' i mumbled. He came into the tent walking backward then knelt at a bag and pulled out a shirt and shorts, "its all i have." I told him thank you as he started out of the tent then i got dressed. The shirt was long, it went almost to my knees, but it was blue and i liked blue. I stepped out of the tent and Silas looked at me, his eyes went from mine down the shirt. "It looks nice,'' he said. I smiled then sat down next to the fire with them. Dynoken had pulled the food off the fire and he was cutting it up, "hope you two are hungry,'' he said. I watched as he carved the food then i realized it was meat. "What is that.." i asked. Silas and Dynoken shared a pained look. "I forgot she doesnt eat meat,'' Dynoken mumbled. Silas took a few pieces and started to eat them. "I want to try it, just dont tell me what kind it is,'' i said. Silas took one of his strips and gave it to me. I looked at the meat, it was dark and crispy, it smelled wonderful. But the thought of eating an animal hurt me. My stomach gave a loud rumbling growl, "okay'' i thought to myself. I opened my mouth and took a small bite. It was chewy but very flavorful. I didnt want to admit it, but i really liked it. And i could tell Silas knew that i did.

I had wished my bed was closer to the fire, i was so cold. I stepped out of my tent and looked into the guys tent. They were all laying down, Sholto was between them all patched up. I sat down and poked the fire with a small twig and tried to warm my hands. "What you doing?" I jumped as Silas sat down beside me. "Im a little cold, i cant sleep" I said. He moved closer to me and wrapped his arm around my waist pulling me to him, "any better?" he asked. I smiled, "you're actually really warm." He took the stick from me and poked the fire, "its because of the wolf." I looked up at him and watched his face but he gave no emotion. "Silas tell me about the wolves,'' I said. He looked at me then stood up, "come on.'' I followed him back into my tent and he laid down then patted the blanket beside him. As i laid down he moved closer, he was laying on his side and i was on my back looking at him. He reached over and pulled the blanket over me, "Youll be warm now" he said.

"There are two main laws within the Lukoi, thats what we are called, same thing as wolf pack. The pack leaders must fight all challenges to their dominance personally, or forfeit leadership. And to ask a pack member for their protection is saying that they are a dominant. During full moons the wolves gather at the lupanar, this is where challenges are made. The Ulfric is the highest ranking pack member, its always a male. The mate of the Ulfric is called the Lupa. She is also the highest rank but with other women. For someone in the pack to take their place, they must fight only one can live,'' Silas took a deep breath. "So you have a whole completely different life.." i said. He nodded yes but smiled. "Silas can you be turned into a wolf?" i asked him. For a minute he laid there and looked at me, "you can be marked. Its a way of saying you belong to that wolf and no one else can mark you. There are ways, but it involves a lot of magic,'' he said. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath then asked him, "so you are in a Lukoi pack.. what are you, like what is your rank?" He looked down at me and for a moment we just laid there. His hand came to my face, fingers tracing down the side of my jaw then his thumb brushed over my bottom lip, "I am Ulfric."

I watched him lean down to me, i moved my hand up to the side of his face and he stopped just inches from mine. Our eyes met and he gave me the sexiest smile. I smiled back and gave him the best growl i had, his eyebrows arched then he let out a small laugh. His head was against my shoulder and he kept laughing, "shut up!'' He looked at me and smiled again then made a zipper movement over his mouth. He glanced back down at my shirt then he leaned down again. Very softly he kissed my shoulder, then he moved to my neck. His lips were warm against me, a small shudder ran through my body. I could hear his breaths as he moved up my neck toward my cheek, he kissed there too. He looked into my eyes and all i saw was raw hunger in him, i couldnt help but bite my lip. He rubbed the tip of his nose against mine, then his hand came back up and touched my face, holding me there. I leaned up a little and licked his bottom lip. I could feel his hand tighten in my hair then he bit my lip, it was soft at first but as he started to pull back he tugged. A small moan escaped me, i couldnt stop it. Then it happened. Our bodies were pressed together, his fingers running through my hair, and his lips pressed to mine. The first kiss was slow, then there were smaller kisses. I pulled him closer to me and kissed him harder, as i pulled back i bit his lip. He let out a sharp breath, then a small growl poured from his mouth. "I kinda like it when you growl at me,'' i whispered. He opened his eyes and looked at me, "oh really?" he said. I just winked at him. He turned my head to the side and kissed my neck again, his lips went to my earlobe and he softly bit it. The sounds of his breath were driving me crazy, then he let out a low very sexy growl that made my entire body shiver.

part 57

We talked all night about the laws of the wolf pack. When i woke up he was gone, but there beside me was a small yellow flower from the field. I got up and went outside of the tent, heading to Dynokens. I pulled back the flap and looked inside, no one was there either. They must have went hunting. I sat down beside the once burning fire and watched the embers glow. The ground was crunching behind me, it had to be one of them. Silas sat down beside me and swayed a little, lightly bumping against my body. "Hey,'' he said. I looked at him and smiled, i could feel my cheeks burning from thinking about last night. "Hey," i said back. He picked up a stick and poked the embers, "so do you want to go somewhere with us tomorrow night?" he asked me. I laughed a little, "kinda have to dont i?" A smile came to his face and he set the stick down then reached over and took my hand in his, "you dont have to but id like you to." I leaned over and placed my my head on his shoulder, i just wanted to be closer to him. "Where we going?" i asked him. He stood and pulled me with him, for a while he was quiet. We packed all the tents and supplies up, Dynoken strapped them to the horses. Silas pulled me to him and wrapped his arms around me, slowly he moved back some and lifted my face to him. He smiled then kissed me once, "I want you to meet the pack." I looked at Dynoken and Sholto, "so you two are wolves too. Also in the pack?" they both nodded. I turned from them and stared over the field, watching the silk grass blow with the wind. "Does anyone in Faerie know you are wolves?" I asked. Silas looked at them for a moment then at me, "just your mother."
the next day..

We pushed through the overhanging limbs in the beaten pathway, stepping over the clumps of bushes and into the open area deep in the woods. The night sky was clear above us, stars glittered around the large moon. Tall shadowed pines stretched up like arrows into the sky around us. I couldnt help but wonder what would happen at the lupanar tonight. I had asked Silas but he just smiled and said that i would see later. The smells of the earth were rich around us, i looked at the moss that covered the trunks of the trees. It felt like silk hairs beneath my fingertips. "We're almost there,'' Dynoken smiled at me. I noticed all the men became different in that moment, they stood straighter more defined, proud. Silas turned to me, "Laila i need to ask something of you, just understand. I need you to walk behind us. If you are next to us, the women of the pack will see you as Lupa. Either they will look at you as a threat or they will follow you. I dont want the chance of you being challenged.. Please just do this,'' he said. For a minute I was angry but i nodded at him and waited for them to walk passed me, slowly i followed. Ahead i could see the stone columns, then the circle they surrounded, there was a soft shine of lanterns. "I dont like what im smelling,'' Sholto said. Dynoken looked at him and nodded. I realized just how much i did not want to walk into that place.

The lantern light shone through the trees. I could feel the power circle in this land, so old. In the huge clearing there was an oak tree. There was a body hanging from one of the lower branches. It was mostly skeleton with dried bits of tendon holding one arm on. The other arm had disintegrated, falling to the ground. There were bones everywhere under the tree, stretching outward filling spots in the clearing. The wind picked up, rushing through the forest. It made the leaves on the oak rustle. The rope on the skeleton creaked as it swung in the wind. And with that one creak, my eyes went back to the tree, because there were dozens of creaking ropes. Most of them were empty now, broken or eaten to ragged ends. I followed the ropes up to the top of the tree as far as i could look in the dark by moonlight. The tree had to be over a hundred years old, and there were bits of rope at its top. They had been hanging bodies on this tree for a very long time..

I saw a woman step from the shadows and slowly creep toward us. She wore a satin, almost icy blue dress, it was cut down the front to her belly, her breasts slightly exposed. My eyes went from her face, to her chest, where scars covered her. He looked as if gigantic claws had ripped her apart. I glanced at Dynoken and Sholto, each of them looked untouched. The woman stepped to Silas, for a moment anger flashed in her dark eyes, I could feel her power. It was like silk rubbing my skin, i knew the guys could feel it too. Her eyes werent on him though, they were on me. I watched them bleed from human to wolf. "What are you looking at," she growled at me. Silas moved between me and her, blocking her view to me. "She is nothing to you,'' he said back. But she didnt listen. Carefully she looked up at him and walked around him, her hand trailed over his chest, and around his arm, to his back as she came toward me. "Whats the matter, dont you wanna play?" she purred. I stepped back some and a small laugh came from her. I was shaking my head over and over. I looked at her trying to not scream or yell. Her expression was alien to me, her eyes were the eyes of a killer.

part 58

We stood at the circle, other wolves around us. Guinevere was in the middle, her hands moving through the air as she spoke, "Eternity is vision that is called upon. Feel me running in your blood. Let me taste you, do you hear me? Feel me in your embrace." I could feel the velvet tingle of magic on my skin. Silas lightly bumped me with his arm, i glanced at him from the corner of my eye. I followed his gaze passed Guinevere to the trees where a few more men stepped through. Silas moved away from me, leaving the group and headed for the men. Guinevere continued to talk about eternity and feeling her, the way she spoke started to disgust me. "The moon is on us, we must call upon the munin,'' she said. With that she threw her head back and let out a piercing howl, others around me began to do the same. I felt uneasy without Silas at my side, there were just too many wolves for me to be comfortable. Guinevere made her way into the crowd, walking up to a very large man. He was much bigger than her, muscles stretching his skin. A smirk appeared on his face as she rubbed her body against him. She turned with her back against him and slid down, rubbing herself against the most intimate parts of him. His hands moved and he turned her around then lifted her, her legs wrapped around his waist, then he started to walk away from us heading toward the woods.

Other men were grabbing women, giggles escaped them as they were pulled out of the circle and into the dark. I felt myself panicking as this man came toward me. His dark hair fell down to his shoulder in a tight braid, his skin was a light brown, he looked indian almost. Human? "Come with me,'' he said with a smile. I smiled back but told him I wasnt here for that. He stared at me, confused. "You dont have a choice, this is what we do" he replied. I felt my eyes grow wide. His hand came out and he grabbed onto mine then started to pull me with him. I looked to Silas but his back was turned toward me, I wanted so bad to scream but i knew it would draw attention. I saw Sholto look my way and i mouthed 'help' to him. Quickly he broke from the crowd, "Bali she was my guest!" he said when he caught up with us. I could feel his grip tighten on my hand as Bali looked at Sholto then at me, "are you serious?" he growled. Sholto nodded, "theres still a few good ones." Bali let go of me and stormed away without saying another word to us. "Thank you,'' i whispered. He shook his head, "dont thank me yet. Silas needs to get you out of here now. Someone has to call the munin. I dont think he realizes it has to be him."

"What happens when you call the munin?" I asked. Dynoken stepped between us, "We all change forms. Its not what happens that is the problem. Its that he is Ulfric and he is the only one of higher power. He has to call the munin. Guinevere used to do it. Now she cant. He has to be in the circle and turn into a wolf while having sex." His answer was so blunt, like they did this every day. The thought of having sex with a creature really freaked me out. "Wait does the girl change too or just him?" I said. Sholto coughed then rubbed his hand on his face, "they remain human in the process'' he muttered and walked away. Dynoken looked at me, "you look paler than normal princess. I know this life is new to you but it wont take long to understand." He offered me a smile. "Does it hurt the girls?" I asked. His eyes searched mine and i thought i knew the answer. "It depends on the wolf she is with, some are very careful others are not," he said. I looked over and saw Silas turn from the men, his face was very solemn. He turned toward us and came our way. "Laila we have to go now,'' he said. I followed behind him and Dynoken toward the way we came from. "Silas where are you going!!" I could hear that voice again, Guinevere..

The argument lasted long enough to get everyone's attention. I watched the couples start to surround us, Dynoken looked at me and i knew we were in trouble. "Silas come on, just pick someone and call the munin!" Guinevere screamed. He moved toward her so fast, their bodies almost touched but she quickly stepped back, her head down. She whispered to him, asking for forgiveness for her outbursts. He turned from her and stepped through the crowd toward the circle. No one touched the circle with him, they just moved around it and watched him. He looked down at the stone then up at the moon. "Guinevere what do i do?" he asked. I watched her step away from her large man and into the circle, "its very simple just pick a girl'' she purred "like me for instance." She moved around to the front of him and reached down for his hands, placing them on her body. "To call the munin you need to have sex Silas,'' she whispered, her lips almost touching his neck. "Do they have to watch?" he asked. She shook her head, "no but i like it when they do."

part 59

Very few wolves left the circle, but i couldnt make myself. I wanted so bad to step inside it and grab her by her hair to drag her out. Silas stood there letting her rub all over him. His jaw was set, his eyes closed. I looked at Dynoken, he was already looking at me. My eyes searched his for an answer but he gave me a sly smile then lightly nodded toward the circle. Guinevere crouched in front of his body, undoing his pants. I had enough.. I took a deep breath and stepped into the circle, i could feel the power tingle over my skin. Silas's eyes shot open but he didnt look at me he looked down at her. Her head slowly turned, she didnt even try to hide her anger. "Sholto get your toy before i kill her,'' she growled. Silas looked at me, he was trying to understand what i was doing. "Take me instead,'' i told him. Guinevere stood up and started for me. "No!" Silas yelled. She stopped but her eyes didnt leave mine. "Silas deny her and let me kill her for challenging me..'' she commanded. I looked at this girl, through her ragged dress i could see that she was stronger than she looked at first glance, she would kill me. I felt the fear tighten in my chest. "Leave us,'' Silas said to her. Her mouth formed in a straight pursed line but she gathered herself and walked passed me, slamming into me pushing me aside. Silas turned to everyone, "Leave us now. I demand privacy for this." The couples stared back at him but slowly one by one moved back into the dark, Guinevere was the last to go.

"Laila please dont do this.." he whispered. I stood in front of him, our eyes on each other. "I dont want anyone else to do this Silas, let me please" i begged him. "You dont understand what i have to do!" he yelled at me, "dont make me do this to you." I moved toward him and gripped onto the front of his shirt, pulling him down to kiss me. "Its okay,'' i said against his lips. He shook his head, "i will not do this with you. Laila i have never been with a woman, i refuse to do this. I refuse to do this with you our first time." Silas turned his head to the right, i followed his gaze and could see Dynoken a few yards away. Silas smiled and looked back at me, ''just go with it,'' he said then kissed me. His hands came up the back of my shirt, his fingers digging into my flesh as he pulled me closer. His tongue pressed against my lips and i opened my mouth to him. Our kiss deepened and i felt his hands move to my pants, slowly they fell to the ground. He grabbed the front of my shirt and ripped it. The sudden movement made me jump a little. His mouth touched mine again then he moved to my neck leaving little bite marks as he went. I knew this was about dominance so i tried to go with it. A small noise came from me when he bit me harder, the slight sting remained on my neck after he moved away from the spot.

Slowly we moved to the ground, his body covering mine. "We arent having sex, fake it" he whispered so soft in my ear. He lifted himself up a little, leaning back on his knees and slid his pants down some. He lifted my face from watching him to make sure my eyes were on his the whole time. When he moved back between my legs i had to bite my lip. I could feel the pressure of him against my panties, the feeling drove me crazy. My shirt was long enough, from the side you wouldnt know we werent having sex. "You're too quiet,'' he laughed a little. His breath was hot on my neck. "I dont know how to fake it,'' i whispered back. He pulled back and smiled at me, his hand slid down my leg lifting it up, "wrap your legs around me." I did as he said. His hand moved back and he held onto my waist as he sat up, pulling me with him. I was...