Freefall-Book One

Chapter Fourteen

(A/N: I know that this is really a short chapter, but its a lead up to what's going to happen next.  Don't despair!  Enjoy, and a hearty thanks to all my beautiful fans and readers!)

Chapter Fourteen

                Sighing, I snuggled deeply into Kristopher’s arms, drawing circles on his chest as I lay within the circle of his arms.  It wasn’t fair that he had this over me; I shouldn’t feel like this, especially with Matt-Matt being held by Nicholas.  Groaning, I rolled over top of him, hearing his breath push out of his chest and right into my hair.

                “What the hell?” he asked angrily, sitting up as I stood up from the bed and walked towards the closet, flinging open the door to find something to wear as I walked around the pack house.  I’ve never had an issue with nudity, I just didn’t want to walk around in front of people I barely knew butt ass naked and smelling like sleepy sex.  If I could smell it, then I knew that others in the house would, as well, and that was why I was determined to find a shower before meeting up with Peter in the clearing.

                Giggling, yes, I said giggling; I turned back towards him, pulling on a pair of stretchy black shorts and an orange hoodie.  I hopped on one leg as I tried to put on my tennis shoes and smiled at him.

                “What?  I didn’t do anything,” I laughed, watching as his expression turned from one of outrage and confusion, to one of mischief.  He growled and launched himself from the bed, his shoulder hitting my stomach and bowling me over into the closet.  Laughing, I pushed at his chest; play swatting until we both snapped our heads up at the smell of a young shifter coming from the doorway.  Peter.

                “Hey guys, we have a meeting, and I just thought I’d remind you,” he said smoothly, then turned and shut the door behind him as he left.  Kristopher grinned down at me, placing a gentle kiss on the hallow of my throat before he stood, brushing himself off.

                “Shower?”

                “Not with you!” I said, my good mood ruined.  It wasn’t his fault, but I couldn’t help the feeling of despair that seeped over me.  I turned and made my way to the door, turning back for a moment to look at Kristopher.  He watched me; his hands limp at his sides as I smiled a sad smile.

                “Kristopher, you know that this isn’t going to work.  You know that you’re risking your life and the lives of your family for a piece of land.  It shouldn’t be more important than them, and you know it.  What are they going to think of you if their sons and daughters die tonight?”

                “That I have been a good leader, and have tried my best to provide for them.  And when I am gone, they will remember that I fought for what I believed was right, Sofia.  Isn’t that worth fighting for?”

                “No, no its not,” I whispered, pulling the door closed behind me.  I sighed, my shoulders slumping as I walked away from the man that I had come to love; the man who filled my heart with desire, and made my wolf sing.  I walked away, because I couldn’t stand the look of hurt on his pack’s face anymore, and I couldn’t stand feeling as if all of this could have been avoided.

                Standing against the doorframe leading from the hallway, I nodded at Peter.  If anyone knew what must be done, it was he.  He inclined his head towards me, watching me as everyone else did.  Groaning inwardly, I took off, my feet hitting the wood floors and echoing through the awakening house.  It was time to end this once and for all; their blood wouldn’t be on my hands as well.

                Slowing down after several minutes of running, I began to feel the biting cold that was seeping from the forest floor.  I gently took off my shoes, placing them by the foot of an old oak, its branches gnarled and twisting as if in pain.  The tree didn’t move as a slight wind blew through the forest, and I couldn’t help but watch as the dying leaves flaked off, hitting the forest floor gently.  This fight wouldn’t be gentle, that much I knew, but perhaps, this fight could save the lives of countless others.

                I pushed past the tree and entered the clearing, my eyes warily on the single man standing at its edge, watching me; his eyes darting to look for others behind me.

                “There’s no one else here.  I came alone, Nickolas.  I came to challenge you for Matthew.”