The Unkowns

Black Paw

-Chapter 16-

I hardly felt the sharp canines on my shoulder until it was too late.

"Ahh!" I screamed, attempting to push his firm body away from me.

Then a rush of pleasure flooded through my body and I gasped.

Looking down at my shoulder, I found the gash to already be healing. In its place formed a black paw print.

"W-what is this?" I stuttered, touching the mark gingerly.

Tingles ran down my spine as I touched it and I moaned.

"Now you are mine," Hunter growled, slamming my body against the wall.

He lapped the paw print on my shoulder with his tongue and I moaned again.

"H-how?" Was all I managed to choke out.

Hunter understood. "My mark on your skin claims you as my mate. Now no other male is able to touch you. Also, once I mark you the need to mate intensifies," he said proudly.

My eyes widened and I stared at the mark in horror.

"How dare you!" I yelled indignantly.

"It needed to be done. I have to protect you from the other alpha," he explained, gingerly taking me into his arms.

"No," I said firmly, pushing him away.

I needed time to myself.

Angrily, I kicked the door until it burst open and stomped out of my chamber. Katia and Faun were chatting in the corner of the hall so I approached them.

"Lead me to the outdoors," I demanded, unable to calm my wild mood.

Katia nodded curtly while Faun held in a giggle. It was quite clear they knew the happenings in my chamber.

Faun took my hand and led me out two gigantic oak doors, and soon I found myself amongst the woods.

"Leave," I told them, releasing Faun's hand.

Katia and Faun shook their heads.

"We are under strict orders never to leave your side," Katia croaked.

I huffed in anger and pushed past them, hurtling myself into the trees. They chased after me, calling my name, but I was too quick on my feet for them to catch up.

Finding a clearing, I knelt down in the tall grass and buried my face into my hands.

Already I could feel desire pulsing in my veins, and a pull towards the location of Hunter.

How could I resist such strong powers? I had no experience in magic, and whatever spell Hunter placed upon my shoulder was much too strong.

I began to cry, hoping that no one could see me. The world of the Unknowns was far too difficult for me to handle. I belonged in Thorn, at my home.

My cries slowly ceased and I laid back onto the grass, staring up at the vast clouded sky.

Perhaps if I refused to budge Hunter would allow me to live here.

The thought brought a smile to my lips, and I imagined Hunter's livid face as I disobeyed his orders once more.

I imagined his strong jaw line, and his clear green eyes piercing into my soul. Then I thought of his luscious black locks that I longed to run my fingers through, and those plump red lips that I loved to feel against my own.

My heart began to race, and in an instant I was back up on my feet and running towards the Unknown's castle.

Hunter.

That was my sole thought as I ran, my body aching with need for his touch. As I reached the castle entrance I noticed his tall figure pacing up and down the garden path.

Hunter snapped his gaze to mine, and I saw the worry and love in his eyes.

"Hunter," I whimpered, throwing myself into his strong embrace.

"Shh," he cooed, stroking my hair.

A demon must have possessed my body for it seemed that I was only safe when in the arms of this Unknown.

Hunter lifted me up and carried me into the castle. I refused to unlock my tight embrace around his neck.

"She has been found at last!" The Queen cried joyously, clapping her hands in delight.

My face flushed and immediately I tore myself from Hunter's grasp. I adjusted my dress and brushed off the dirt.

I was not one that normally cared about looks, however for one reason or another I did not wish to look like a dirty robber in her presence.

The queen laughed daintily.

"Precious Ara, I find nothing to be wrong with aligning yourself with nature."

Hunter looked to me in amusement and I sent him a glare before turning back to the queen.

"I was merely preserving the fine fabrics that you had so kindly bought me," I sniffed.

"How you amuse me," the queen said sweetly and delicately plucked a blade of grass from my shoulder.

"What is the reason for my attraction to Huter?" I blurted without thought, then flushed when I realized how the words sounded aloud.

The queen laughed and cupped my cheek in her hand.

"You must mean the pull. Now that Hunter has marked you, it is unhealthy for you to be apart. If you attempt to distance yourselves you shall feel the pull to return to your mate's side," she explained.

At her words Hunter drew closer to me, wrapping an arm around my waist. I could not help but shiver at his touch.

"I see," I squeaked.

"You will never leave my side again," he growled possessively.

I looked to him in alarm. "Shall I have no privacy at all?"

"None," Hunter attempted to say seriously, but I noticed the hint of humor in his shimmering green eyes.

I playfully stomped my foot and huffed, and the queen laughed at us once more.

Then Katia and Faun came running down the hall.

"The princess is lost! Escaped!" They shouted, then saw me.

"I am lost?" I gasped and put my hand on my chest in pretend horror.

"We must find me!"

With that we all burst into laughter, tears streaming down Faun's face.

"We-we thought..." Faun attempted to say, but snorted rather unladylike and kept giggling.

Hunter scooped me back up into his arms and headed towards our chamber.

"We must get dressed for dinner," he said lightly and waved everyone goodbye.

Contentment washed over me as I snuggled into Hunter's arms, and although I could not stand the sight of him at first meeting, I found myself to be attached to him. I concluded it to be a result of the black paw on my skin, and cursed the mark he gave me.