Lycanthrope

Chapter 4

"I'm glad you decided to come with us."

I was currently sat in the back of a car, hand hovering over my gun, as I eyed the man beside me. Although the overall environment seemed rather calm and mellow, every bump in the road made my head throb more and spine stiffen.

Much to my dismay, I'm sure the two others in the car could hear my heart thumping to allegro -unprofessional really but in this situation I didn't particularly care; in fact I felt ready to lash out, barely keeping my outward appearance from turning red with frustration and very much tempted to storm back to where ever Edwick had slivered off to and demand answers at gun point, but I'm sure that would cause a scene and in my current predicament I'm not sure it would be wise.

"I want answers." I said, indeed I needed answers. It's currently my main objective to find what in the world just conspired between Edwick and the vampire; I felt I shouldn't take it too lightly. Such led me to take up these werewolves' invitation to join them. In any case I was most likely presumed dead by now, so even if I tried to get back to the base the system wouldn't recognise me.

"I know, in exchange for those answers we would like your help." He said.

"How so?"

"When we arrive I'll answer as many questions as I can. However I do not believe we have been formally introduced," he extended his hand, the action looking awkward in such a small space, "I am Joseph Phlin and this," he pointed to the man driving, who was also present in the elevator extravaganza, "is Alex Poucher, if you haven't noticed yet, we're werewolves." Joseph smiled revealing his abnormally large canines.

My hand left my gun to partake in the formal greeting, "Lydia Saunders, if you haven't noticed yet, I'm human." I gave his hand a firm shake before resting it back on my gun and looking out to the tinted landscape rushing past.

The hours ticked and outside grew darker all was silent except from the dull roar of the engine, I was nearly lured by the soothing hand of slumber a few times before catching myself; I found it odd how I felt so casual in their company, even though I knew they were a most definite threat, maybe they had drugged the air with sedative. I would not succumb. Even though my eyes began to feel scratchy I kept them open.

"By the moon woman, just go to sleep it's painful to even look at you!" the voice jerked me. The man driving, Alex, made indirect eye contact with me through the rear view mirror.

"I'm not tired." Regretting the gruff tinge to my voice. Alex made a grunt like noise.

"Leave her be, she has no reason to trust us yet." Joseph added, an air of finality coming from him, I couldn't help but feel the conversation continued between them, in their silent lupine language.

"We don't have much further to go, I've had a room prepared for you and I too fully intend to sleep when we get back." Joseph rubbed his hand down his face, for the first time I noted the dark tone beneath his eyes.

True to his statement, but an hour later the landscape was filled with increasing amounts trees, with it came large clearings full of small cottage like houses, in the near distance a much larger house came to view. The pack house I could assume.

Not much had changed from the last time I saw the wolves' land, each time I had to go- which was few and far between- it always seemed humble paradoxically to the other districts. It covered lots of land yet didn't have much of a population in comparison - lots of space to run, lots of space to hide things in.

The car pulled into an open space close to the house, I took the cue to unbuckle my belt and slip out of the car, I followed behind the two up to the house.

Joseph turned to me, "Almost everyone's asleep, if we're quiet enough no-one should bother us. I'll take you to your room."

The house was simple- at least what I saw of it was- wood floors, pastel walls and an occasional painting on the wall. Thankfully for my fatigued limbs, it was only a short walk up a flight of stairs and a couple turns before I was dropped off in a cozy room and let be with a polite good night.

The room was akin to the one at the hotel; it definitely had an air of luxury surrounding it. I felt slightly out of place and faintly wondered if all of the rooms were like this.

On further inspection the wardrobe was well stocked with all manors of female clothes and another door led to a bathroom, part of me believed it wiser to sleep first but the majority craved to wash away the ash that had collected in my hair.

Deciding it would be best to go to bed clean, I placed my gun on the drawers next to the bed- judgement telling me  it would be best to keep a knife on me of which I only had two of now, just in case- and went to grab a respectable pair of pyjamas and towel from the wardrobe then headed for the shower. I made it a quick affair despite wanting to stay under the hot torrents of water longer, the bed called for me.

No sooner was I dried, dressed and more than ready for bed, I snuggled into the mattress and wrapped the duvet around me despite it not being a particularly cold night- or morning by now. Quicker than I'd like to admit I fell into a calm slumber.