The Unkowns

Escape

-Chapter 14-

I awoke to the feeling of tingles traveling down my spine. Opening my eyes, I discovered a large muscled arm entrapping my body. I attempted to heave it away from myself, yet only caused a sleeping Hunter to curl me further into him.

"Ara," he whispered, and I gasped at the rush of feelings the sound of my name produced.

This time I fervently struggled against his grip, pushing against his warm chest. When this merely caused him to crush me into his embrace, I gave up and relished his touch.

I cursed my body for betraying me.

"I want to mate you," he growled possesively into my ear.

"No," I attempted to say firmly, however his touch affected me more than I had originally thought. The rejection left my lips as a breathy moan.

"Your eyes tell me the truth," Hunter said lowly, nipping my ear.

My lids closed in bliss.

Hunter slid a hand down my waist, caressing every inch of my soft skin. I allowed him the pleasure, sighing softly.

"You are mine," he growled possessively.

My eyes widened and I frantically pushed him away.

"No," I whispered in horror as I recalled the wedding.

"No!" I brought my hands to my face and wept.

How could my sister betray me like this? How could she betray the people of Thorn? Our people?

Hunter swiftly gathered me into his ams.

"Is my beautiful mate alright?" He cooed into my ear, rocking me back and forth gently.

My heart swelled with unknown feelings at the sight of his caring nature. Subconsciously, I relaxed at his touch and allowed my body to lean into him for comfort.

Feeling heartbroken and utterly lost, I clenched a fistful of Hunter's soft white shirt tightly.

It astounded me how little of a fight I had put up against him. I vowed to resist him as soon as I could bring my wits about myself.

After my wrenching sobs drew to a close, I wiped my nose rather vulgarly onto Hunter's shirt and drew away from his embrace.

No one besides my family had ever seen me weep, so I turned away shyly and refused to meet his gaze. Tears were quite foreign to a wild girl such as myself.

My mind cleared at the absence of his touch and I decided to form another plan. Since my bag was already packed and waiting in the palace gardens, all I needed was a distraction so that I might slip out and escape.

"Hunter?" I called out.

Immediately he was at my side, placing sensuous kisses to my neck.

My breath caught, but I refused to allow this attraction to overtake my thoughts.

"I-I have grown quite restless. Might I return to the garden?" I inquired.

Hunter looked deep into my eyes, searching for my ulterior motive.

"You may," he finally said, nodding his head firmly.

I clapped my hands in delight and ran from our chamber, only to be pulled back by a hard body.

"You mustn't leave our chamber looking like this! Dress first, Ara," he growled, and I could feel his chest rumbling.

"Do not order me about like a servant!" I replied furiously, struggling to escape his grasp.

Hunter's eyes grew dark once more.

"I will NOT allow for male wolves to see you dressed in this manner. You belong to me!"

Before he could react I slipped out of his tight hold and out the door. Racing down the halls, I giggled madly with a large smile plastered onto my face. Freedom tasted sweet, and I found great pleasure in tasting it.

Reaching the door to the garden, I clumsily threw it open and rushed outdoors. I had waited for a distraction, but after my emotions ran wild with Hunter I could wait no longer. A distraction would not be necessary anyways; I am stealthy and quick on my feet. I am perfectly capable to escaping from a silly Unknown and his castle.

My night gown swished as I ran down the garden path, and I unleashed my wild red hair from its braids, leaving it to flow down my back in a curly tumbled mess.

Soon I saw the same bush that I had stashed my satchel the night before, and I reached underneath the sharp branches carefully. My hair easily caught on the thorns, however, and I lost precious time while untangling my red locks. After grabbing my satchel, I hurried back out of the bush and ran from the garden as if my life depended on it.

At the end of the path there lied a large brick wall. Seeing no obvious door, I hastily placed one foot on the brick and tested to see if it would hold my weight. Scrambling up the wall, I smiled at my swiftness and agility. The woods are where I belong, not a stuffy castle. Hoisting one dainty leg over the top of the wall, I adjusted my dress so that I might lift the rest of my body over. Fate was on my side, and soon my sturdy boots hit the soft grass on the other side of the wall.

Taking in my surroundings, I saw a large expanse of oak trees with no visible trail. Trusting my hunting instincts, I plunged into the oak forest and searched for signs of water. If I could reach a river or a stream I could easily follow it back to Thorn.

After desperately searching the forest for hours, my stomach grumbled loudly and I clutched it in hunger. I slipped my satchel from my shoulder and rummaged for food. Finding dried fish and a few slightly damaged berries, I shoved them into my mouth ravenously. While out in the woods I have little thoughts of etiquette.

As I ate, my eyes darted around warily for signs of Hunter. Seeing none, I relaxed slightly and enjoyed the bitter sweetness of the berries and the fish. That is when my eyes caught the sight of teeth marks.

Beavers had gnawed away at a fallen oak and left their mark behind. My spirits soared; beavers build dams along rivers and streams.

Packing up my food as quick as I could, I headed in the direction of the beaver's tracks. Within minutes a river laid before me. I ran up enthusiastically and dipped my hands into the water, bringing them to my face and drinking the cool liquid. I laughed aloud, splashing around in the water as if I were a small child.

Free, at last!

I soon got to work, sharpening a stick on a stone into a spear. I followed the river until I reached the point where the fish swam, and speared myself a fish for dinner.

Then I found small twigs and moss and lit myself a small fire, cooking my speared fish quickly and putting it out. I did not want the fire to attract attention from the Unknowns.

After gorging myself on freshly caught fish, I arrayed soft forest moss into a bed and curled up to go to sleep, using my satchel as a pillow. It was too dark to continue on to Thorn until the morning.