Lover Of The Last

16. The Wolf's Promise

"There is thunder in our hearts, baby.

So much hate for the ones we love?

Tell me, we both matter, don't we?"

Riley's POV

I pushed myself as fast as I could go, the cold wind stinging my eyes and my legs aching like never before. It wasn't just the pain from the drug Iris gave me, it was the paint of seeing her scared of me.

My Arabelle. Her eyes were filled with fear as I saw red and lunged at Iris back at the cabin. I knew the moment Arabelle found me outside she should've left me be. Nothing good comes from a werewolf being bitten by a vampire.

My muscles were cramping up, screaming at me to stop and rest for the drug to work properly; but I ran through the forest like the animal I was without stopping.

I couldn't go back right now. Seeing her blue eye full of sympathy or fear, either one, would kill me inside. I had given a chance for the monster I was internally to be let out, and I couldn't bring myself to forgive my actions. I just wanted her, Arabelle, so bad. So much so that it hurt to not hear her voice for a certain amount of time or not see her face.

I should be protecting her right now. I hadn't even asked why vampires were at the castle or why they left without hurting her in the entryway. My thoughts were at war with each other and my confusion flooded my brain.

The moon casted a grey-white light over the black trees of the Dark Forest and I followed a familiar path, one I hadn't used in months.

I have been keeping so much from Arabelle and I can hardly stand to do so. I have to talk to them, I must try and change their minds on why I have to keep many secrets from the only person left I like in this cruel world.

"Riley." A voice rose from the shadows. "What are you doing, why'd you leave the kingdom's limits?"

I stopped short and tried to catch my breath, my head bowed while I panted heavily. I heard the sound of feet and paws and looked up to see various similar faces.

Slowly I shifted back in my human form, my body hidden well by the shadows. "I-I, I need to tell her." I struggled out, my skin was covered in dirt and blood and the blackened skin from the vampire bites throbbed so intensely I couldn't stand.

"You can't." Another voice responded immediately with clenched teeth. "Riley, you need to listen to what we said or you'll never be with her."

I shook and dug my fingers into the dirt to distract myself from the pain. "How long do I have to wait." I whispered, my breath making white puffs of air.

"Until she's ready." A strong, soothing voice responded, making me shut my eyes tightly and wished things could be different.

Arabelle's POV

"Iris." I shouted, my voice hoarse. "Get up, he's gone!" I rose to my feet and threw the blankets off my incredibly sore body, my breathing was tight and I felt like I needed to sit back down.

A light groan was heard from the wooden loft above me. "Stop shouting." Iris muttered as I heard the sounds of her getting up.

I ran to the open window, my bare feet scrapping on broken glass jars and what ever was inside them. Crimson stains were everywhere and my eyes watered at the empty space that Riley had been laying.

I spun around and let out a scream when I came face to face with Iris. Placing a hand over my heart I took a deep breath and tried to calm my nerves.

"You need to calm down, he probably left because what happened earlier." Iris placed a hand on my shoulder, her voice soothing and strong like always. "He can take care of himself, even though he probably should've waited for the drug to work."