Rejected - The Enchantress

‘What’s the matter, witch? If you want to save him, just use your magic. Show us what you’ve got.’ A man with dark skin and even darker eyes hisses out as he stands over a bloodied body. Why does that body look so familiar? Where the hell is the strange enchantress and white haired woman? I feel like I know the man on the ground. The bloodied body moans in pain as he tries to roll over. The dark haired witch stares at the man and I can see the energy crackling at her fingertips.

‘Owen, it’s okay. I am going to help you.’ The dark eyes man lets out a sinister laugh then places his foot on Owen’s chest. Do I know Owen? I have never been given names before.

‘It isn’t nice to make promises you can’t keep.’ I see him slowly applying pressure and the woman takes a step forward only to be met with the crunching of Owen’s bones beneath the other man’s foot.

‘Stop!’ The pain in the woman’s voice is devastating and I want to reach for her, but as with all my dreams, I am unable to move or speak. The man gives her a wicked grim before lifting his foot and slamming it down so hard that Owen’s entire chest collapses beneath his foot. I watch as the light in his eyes fade, leaving his cold, dead eyes staring at the woman. She emits a scream that, even in my paralyzed dream state, makes my blood run cold. The energy at her finger tips slowly turns black, resembling tar swirling around her finger tips. She raises her arms to her side and drops to her knees as the black energy explodes from her, wrapping around the dark eyes man who is able to muster only a brief scream before he is silenced.

I watch in sheer horror as the black substance dissipates and leaves behind a twisted, shriveled husk where the dark eyed man once stood. The woman’s skin begins hardening and cracking before my eyes, seemingly turning into a form of living stone.

“Did you really sleep out here?” The deep voice is familiar but blends with the remnants of the awful dream. I open my eyes, immediately feeling thankful for the storm clouds overhead that are blocking out the bright sun light.

“I…I didn’t mean to.” I stretch my stiff muscles and turn my attention to the alpha in the chair only a few feet away from me.

“That must have been one hell of a dream.” I stand up and lean in the railing of the balcony, staring out over the grassy field bellow us.

“It was. So, what are the plans for today?” He stands up and joins me at the railing.

“We are going to go downstairs and eat breakfast and I am going to get things sorted for Isaac’s stay. I cleared it with Alpha Daniels and he said you can explore the pack lands if you’d like.” That instantly improves my mood. I am not thrilled about being surrounded by a room full of wolves while I eat, but it will be worth it once I am exploring the lush, green forest.

“I will slip my shoes on. Please tell me that wolves drink coffee.” He chuckles as he follows me awkwardly into my room before closing the glass door.

“Yes, we drink coffee. I thought witches prefer tea.” He raises a brow, but he can’t hide his smirk.

“I prefer my caffeine to be bitter and dark.” I slip my last sandal on and he hurries to the door and pulls it open for me.

“You are just full of surprises, aren’t you?” He asks in a playful tone.

“I guess you will find out since you are stuck with me. I have a feeling you may end up regretting your choice to accept me as payment for signing that treaty.” My movement is halted when a large hand grabs my arm and pulls me back, his silver eyes pinning me with the weight of his gaze.

“I have never made a decision that I regretted and I doubt I will start now.” I notice the flecks of gold swirling in with the silver, realizing that it is not the alpha speaking, but his wolf. I find the idea of having two beings in one body quite interesting and feel the need to inspect him for any other signs that would alert me to his wolfs presence. I quickly notice his canines are slightly more pronounces and his nails have been replaced by claws, but he seems to be cautious enough to ensure they do not pierce my skin.

“You seem quite sure of yourself. What is your name?” The gold is slowly taking over his eyes and I catch him scenting the air, something I read about once in a book that stated that wolves use their sense of smell to learn many things about those around them.

“Phirus.” I smile at the way his wolf looks at me with the same curiosity that I observe him with.

“It is nice to meet you. We should go get breakfast because the alpha has things he must do today.” The gold slowly recedes until only silver remains and his hand drops to his side. I can see the apologetic look that he is giving me and I smirk as I turn and walk down the hall toward the stairs.

“I’m so…” I cut him off, not wishing for an apology when nothing was done that requires one.

“Phirus is much gentler than I had expected a wolf to be. Is that like some alpha restraint thing?” I hear his deep sigh as I begin to descend the stairs.

“Most wolves have moderate control of their wolves, but it has been a long time since I have had him ush through like that. Alphas do tend to have more control, so that was unexpected and unacceptable.” I stop on the last step and turn to face him.

“Well, he was a well behaved wolf so no harm done.” He gives me a weak smile and I allow him past me as he leads the way to the dining hall. As soon as we step inside, I feel the burning weight of eyes following my every movement. Syrus hands me a plate before taking one for himself and motions for me to make my way down the buffet line. I place a few pieces of bacon on my plate and some fresh fruit then wait for Syrus to lead the way to a table. We manage to find a table that is empty in the back of the dining hall and begin eating in silence until Syrus seems to grow tired of the quiet.

“What are you planning to do today?” I swallow the strawberry I had just placed in my mouth and smile.

“I think I will just explore since the alpha said he is okay with it.” I watch as his eyes scan the room, most likely noticing the angry stares being sent my way.

“I don’t know if it such a good idea for you to walk around alone.” His concern brings a smile to my face.

“They would be unwise to try anything. Biting me or exposing themselves to my blood would be quite painful for them. I ingested a capsule with silver dust and wolfsbane last night when I was packing my things. It takes roughly forty eight hours for the effects to be diminished enough to be tolerable.” His eyes narrow briefly before a smirk forms on his face.

“Ever prepared. Very wise, but I would still hate for anything to happen. While hurting you may cause them to suffer, it won’t change the fact that you are still hurt in the end.” I nod and stuff the last piece of bacon into my mouth.

“So, you think I should just stay in my room?” I can see his internal struggle as I try to keep my bitterness from showing.

“I can have Kevin go with you. It would keep me from worrying about these guys doing something reckless.” I can see he is trying to appease me without causing issues with the pack members.

“That works for me.” I watch his eyes glaze over, according to the book that means he is using a mind link to speak with his pack members. I watch in a sort of strange fascination until the haze in his eyes clears, leaving the shimmering silver that I am slowly become accustomed to.

“Kevin will be here in a few minutes to take you. Please make sure you stay close to him.” I nod my head, but before I can offer a verbal reply, my personal bodyguard walks in with a bright smile on his face.