White Phoenix

Chapter 2

Everything was dark. A deep, void less dark, like the moment before the film starts in a cinema. I was floating in that void. Only half aware of a faint humming sound, that was getting louder and louder AND LOUDER.

Light flooded through my tired eyes. Every sense, previously dull was electrified. My mouth was completely dry and every inch of my body ached terribly. There was a low methodical humming noise emanating from a small computer screen at the bottom of the bed. Adrenaline hit me like a truck. I sat up frantically looking around the large room. Everything, it seemed, was splashed with a deep charcoal colour. The walls, the bed, the rug. It felt like the room was closing in on me...

Two large bay windows opened onto a large evergreen forest. Seeing such a beautiful vision of nature, for the first time in so many years, calmed me. A small pane near the top of the window was open and even from the bed I could smell the crisp greenery and pine wood. I lay very still breathing deeply, filling my lungs with the sweet fresh air.

The serenity of the moment was broken by a noise outside the door. Instantly, my heart started pounding against my chest. Who were these people? Were they going to hurt me too?

Careful not to move a muscle, lest they became aware that I was awake, I tuned into my werewolf hearing. It was harder than I expected, having been so long since I connected with my wolf. The faint noise became clearer, then fainter, like a untuned radio.

"It's hard to -- clearly broken -- will need to experiment --- I'll call the labs --- need to get some equipment."

No. Not again.

I carefully lifted the dark grey duvet off my legs and turned slowly, barely breathing, to put my feet delicately on the floor. The warm plush carpet surprised me and for a second, I forgot the situation and wiggled my toes into the soft fibres marvelling in the sensation.

A wave of dread ran through me and for some inexplicable reason I looked behind me. The doorknob, very quietly yet unmistakably, was turning.

In a moment I dropped all my plans of being quiet and leapt towards the window. Fumbling with the latch, my fingers unable to co-ordinate themselves, I finally opened the window. Fresh air swept into the room. I lunged forward, scrabbling to fit my whole body onto the ledge. Beneath me, a huge drop, but I would risk it. At this point any escape, even death, was a victory.

Before I could move any further, I felt hands grab me and pull me back in. I let out a scream which turned into a sob as I realised there was no point. No one was coming for me. In my weakened state it was useless to fight and I was pulled back into the room with ease. The hands released me and I stumbled back into a corner and hunched over in a ball, too terrified to even look up at the person.

I heard the windowpane close sharply. The floorboards creaked as the man got closer and closer. I could feel, despite my eyes being tightly closed, the power in the air. This couldn't be good. Why didn't they just kill me like they killed everyone else?

The footsteps stopped just before me.

I didn't breathe.

I heard the man crouch down. My whole body tensed waiting for the blow. My mind tried to shut itself off from whatever was going to happen.

"Are you okay?" a warm, soft voice broke the silence.

I stayed completely still. This was a trap - to get me to let my guard down.

I felt a large, rough hand touch my shoulder. I couldn't help my body dissolving into complete panic. My breathing came out in shallow gasps, tears flooded from my eyes and my whole form was wracked by sudden shaking.

I felt the presence quickly move back.

"I'm sorry- - I'm sorry – I didn't mean to scare you – It's okay, you're okay."

I stayed hunched over.

"Please look at me" the voice coaxed.

Tentatively, anticipating the danger that might lay before me, I peeked out from behind my hands.

My blood ran cold.

The man before me exuded power. He was extremely tall with a mop of dark hair. His presence was physically over whelming and he loomed over me. His eyes were a piercing pale blue and were gazing fixedly into mine.

He was the Alpha.

He crouched drown. Slowly, careful not to make any sudden movements.

"My names Alex, I'm not going to hurt you. You are safe here" he murmured "What's your name?"

I opened my mouth, desperate to obey his request, but nothing came out. He suddenly leapt up.

I flinched violently.

"Shit. Sorry. I was going to get you some water."

He slowly moved to the bedside table where a single glass sat. He brought it towards me but on seeing the look of panic on my face, placed it cautiously on the floor. He nudged it towards me, smiling encouragingly.

My desperation for water outweighed my fear and with shaking hands I held with glass. It felt pleasingly cool against my rough fingers. I brought the glass to my face taking deep glugs feeling the blissful relief as the sweet water hit my throat.

Alex was watching me intently. Perhaps I wasn't allowed to drink so much. I placed the glass down slowly, careful not to let it fall from my grasp.

"Is that better?"

I nodded. Still unsure of exactly what was going to happen to me.

"Could you tell me your name?"

He asked in such a kind, open manner but I was sure there was something going on behind his façade.

"Ph- Phoenix." I choked out.

A broad grin broke out on his face. "Phoenix."

I returned a tentative smile.

The moment was broken by a sharp knocking on the door.

"Leave" he bellowed in a guttural voice. A kafuffle was heard outside as people quickly darted away. I froze. I knew it was too good to be true. He was going to yell and hurt me too.

"No, no! Not you." he reassured quickly, moving to try and comfort me but I shrank back.

Anger flashed in his eyes; I hid my face into my knees.

"I'll be back, stay here, you are safe now."

I heard him quickly leave, gently closing the door before a snarling curse, barely muffled by the door, bounced down the corridor outside.

He was angry. I couldn't be here when he got back.