Redemption

Snarling Wolf

She felt the exhaust of the beast. Accepting sweet death. tired of fighting. She closed her eyes, hoping she wouldn't go to hell. A personal limbo would be nice.

She waited but nothing came. In a sudden the beast was gone. Only screeches of pain and metal. She opened her eyes. A dimmer blue light lit the path to a fierce battle. It wasn't as bright as Wolfe's but still enough to light up the dark. The light made everything a royal blue color. The source was a man. He was tall, lean. Curls crowned his head. She couldn't see his face well, but he fought fiercely.

He wheeled a bow, arrows sat in a quiver at his back. In his hand he held a slim sword. A rapier. He danced around the creature. Slashing at it. Like a game of tag. The monster would strike, he would dodge, strike, dodge, strike, dodge. She almost laughed at the display but just watched in awe.

Suddenly he yanked the bow off his side, pulling an arrow from its holder. He drew it back and let it fly. It scored right into the eye of the beast. It fell with a roar of rage. Then slowly it died, painfully.

She ducked from under the cover of the trees. crouching low to the ground she watched him. He took out a lantern and slowly turned the light on as the blue hues faded away.

When his eyes landed on her he smiled. She let out a giggle. He had a tiny space between his teeth. His eyes were a crystal blue and his hair a tawny brown. She couldn't help but smile back rising slowly.

"Hello,' he grinned at her. His voice... it sounded so soothing.

"Hello....I-You? Thank you?" she stuttered embarrassed. He just chuckled reaching out to pick a blade of grass from her hair. He froze noticing the collar.

"That... you're a- who put this on you."

She sighed "Another of your kind. He forced it on me because I tried escaping."

"I'm sorry I'd take it off it I could."

she blushed. Why was he being so kind.

"What's your name? Why did you save me?"

He started walking away so she followed whether he wanted to or not.

"My names Demitri Phoenix,and I saved your ass because I like saving damsels in distress,"

"I was not-"

"You were in distress sweetheart."

She shook her head in disbelief. All men were the same. That or she really did need help. Fucking collar. Maybe she'd use this guy. He could kill those things as well as Wolfe could. He won't be around anymore.

A twig snapped behind them. They jumped and Demitri drew his weapon. She was pushed behind him for protection. He waved the lantern out scanning the area.

"Who's out there?" He shouted into the darkness.

Mackenzie couldn't see over Demitri's head but she heard footsteps getting closer. Her blood started pumping with adrenaline.This day was just filled with excitement.

She saw Demitri's muscles clenched. Tense and ready to pounce. Ready to protect.

Protect her.

She leaned closer trying to see but all she noticed was the jewel blue marks peeking out from the collar of his shirt. Then reality hit her again as their intruder spoke.

"My name is Aciel Wolfe. It's nice to see you again Phoenix. You have something of mine."

His voice sounded angry, commanding. Demitri growled pushing back against her. She grunted as his body drove her backwards.

"You! I know you because of you i was banished from heaven! I was going to take your spot!! But you had be cast away. Look where you are now!" Demitri laughed cruelly. " Was it worth it Wolfe."

Mackenzie peeked around him to see Wolfe's face. She felt like a child! He however did not look happy. He was finally wearing a shirt. A black one and jeans. God those jeans. Even though he looked tired with battle, he still looked hot.

He walked forward more causing Demitri to take another step back stepping on Mackenzie's feet in the process.

Wolfe spoke louder "That doesn't matter now. I just want what's mine and to leave this place."

"It's always about what you want isn't it?" Demitri sneered.

"It is! Now fucking give it back before I rip you to pieces."

"What is it then!"

Silence filled the air. She dreaded the answer to come so she answered for him. The softest whisper ever heard.

"Me."

Demitri turned looking at her. He was confused then without blinking an eye realized what was going on. His smile turned devious.

"You know Wolfe I would but now I'm not. She kinda under my care and protection from now on. I'm marked." He lied

Wolfe looked furious. she smiled with satisfaction. She'd learn to like this guy. They'd start a 'Lets piss off Wolfe club'. She'd be in it because the look he was giving her made her want to jump his bones.

"Fine then. We will take care of her together. Until the other dies."

To her the last part sounded challenging. It might just be. Demitri stepped away from her smirking.

"What of the collar?"

"It stays on until I trust she won't run away from me"

Demitri laughed spinning around. He put his weapon away scooping her up.She was slung over his shoulder .She came face to face with the quiver of arrows. She let out a shrill giggle, slapping his butt. It made Wolfe growl. She laughed harder.

"AYe the wee lass wont be gettin away from me!" Demitri sang, running with her.

She watched as Wolfe dashed toward them trying to catch up. His scowl was plastered to his face. Something deep inside squeezed taunt. It didn't feel right. But she ignored it enjoying the feeling of being carried like a child.

"Where are we going?" She asked leaning up on his back.

he shrugged shaking her around. She fell into a fit of giggles. It must have been early morning. She saw the dawning sun on the horizon.

"By the way love what's your name?" Demitri whispered.

"Mackenzie Austin sir."

She suddenly felt him lean forward. Setting her down on her feet he took her hand. He pressed his lips to it bowing.The gesture old worldly. He started forward kissing up her arm stopping at her shoulder. He then whispered in her ear.

"I love to watch Wolfe squirm like he is now."

She risked a glance over. She found Wolfe glaring. If looks could kill, Demitri would surely be dead and she herself would be having a near death experience. Oddly enough how he allowed her to do such things when mere hours ago he would have killed a man for throwing her a lusty look.

She felt the wrenching feeling again. It felt odd. She couldn't understand. Why was she only attracted to him. Demitri was nice, handsome, funny. Lucas was the same. But from all the men she'd encountered. Every one of her senses made her want Wolfe, think of Wolfe, Crave Wolfe.

She almost groaned with frustration. This man would kill her. Demitri smiled at her. she smiled back but he didn't let go of her hand. He held it firmly, walking with her.

The first man to hold her hand.

And it just didn't feel right