Moon Child (Complete!)

Chapter 10

  A shiver snaked its way through me, as I beheld the sightless eyes of a dead man. I recognized him as Dorian one of our pack healers. His skin was pale as a ghost, and cold to the touch. Dorian's eyes were wide open, His mouth open as if he was surprised.  What could have done this?.

"The body is completely drained of blood." My father grimaced as he rolled Dorian's body over backing up his statement. Sure enough there was a big open wound of flesh where blood could have escaped. The shadows of the forest seemed to press in on us no longer inviting. What could be lurking out there?. They could be watching us now.

"Animal attack?" asked Cole beside me.

"No, this is a craft only man kind can make." 

"Who would just drain someone of blood?." I interrupted looking at the gruesome hole of severed flesh and bone. I felt Cole shift uneasily beside me. A hand grasped the amulet around his neck.  My father couldn't hide the worried look in his eyes.

"Someone making a sacrifice." He mumbled almost talking to himself. "Somethings happening I can feel it." 

Ever since the festival the pack has been on edge. Especially after I wielded that power against Exeter. My parents had calmed them enough to lay low for now. I couldn't imagine the uproar this news will bring. 

"Cole, I need you to double up patrols on our side." Cole dipped his in a silent nod his green eyes turning a darker shade.  I squeezed my eyes shut trying to control the spinning thoughts in my head. 

I felt a warm hand on my shoulder. I looked up at my father. The wrinkles around his eyes seemed more prominent then ever. 

"Lets go home." With his hand on my shoulder he turned me around as we walked silently back to the house. The sight of Dorian haunting my every step. 

With everyone out of the house I had time to myself. Everyone was dealing with pack business leaving me to do as I pleased. My footsteps echoed on the kitchen's linoleum floor as I foraged for a snack. 

Finding a granola bar I made my way to the living room to watch TV.  I'd rather be out there helping the packs. But with what happened at the festival I was on rocky ground. One slip up on my part will have the pack in an up roar calling for me to be hanged. I still hated being locked up like some vicious savage.

Taking an angry bite out of the granola bar, I leaned back against the couch. I listened to the TV as I closed my eyes.  The image of Dorian's lifeless eyes burned behind my eyelids. No matter how hard I tried I just couldn't shake it. I suppose the dead never really die. They fester in our thoughts never leaving. No matter how much you try, they haunt you.  

 I tried desperately to think of anything else. The only thought tough enough to chase the image of Dorian from my mind was Jared's lips against mine.  I could feel myself drifting off to sleep. The darkness behind my eyelids pulling my mind down with it. 

I knew I was dreaming when I stood in the middle of a huge grassy plain. A slight wind blew through the plain making the knee high grass sway in response. It was almost peaceful really. Becoming more aware I heard the clatter of pans and the talking of people. Spinning around I saw I was a good few feet from a cluster of thatched huts. All over people old and young mild around. Some standing around camp fires, others tending to horses. 

I started walking towards the line of huts. A female in her 20's approached me. Her long golden hair twisted in a braid down her back. Jewels and bones dangled from everywhere on her. Her bright blue eyes reflected the sky above. 

"Lainey, we've been waiting for you." She gently took my hand in hers leading me towards a hut That seemed to be separate from the others. Puzzled I continued to allow her to pull me inside the hut.