Claws.

16

CHAPTER 16

Dark. Unyielding. Unforgiving. The dark mist folded in on me, trapping me, suffocating me...

It was cold. Goosebumps began rising on my skin and the hairs on the back of my neck prickled and itched in anticipation. I could the blood rushing and thumping in my ears like drums; fast, violent, loud drums.

Out of the mist, a foot stepped, followed by another. The faceless person laughed in my face, taunting me. Thick, red droplets spilled from their hands freely, like a river of crimson tears. Looking past the figure, I saw mound- tall, uneven and oddly shaped... At a closer look I saw... they were bodies! Amongst them I saw a starkly familiar face and horror wracked threw me... Aiden's beautiful navy eyes were blank, lifeless and his hair was matted with blood.

NO!

-----

I woke with a start, sweat glistening on my clammy skin. My heart beat fast in my chest and I panted for air. I looked to my right, I saw Aiden. He was peacefully sleeping, his arm still slung around my waist. It was dim outside, but a fracture of sun cut through the early morning air. Still heavy with sleep, my eye lids drooped shut again, but I immediately saw Aiden's lifeless corpse.

So I waited. A book in my lap, I watched as the sun slowly rose in the sky like a spilt, golden yolk. Every so often, Aiden let out a little sigh in his sleep. He's so adorable.

Eventually, Aiden lifted his head, kissing my bare arm. "You're already awake..." He yawned.

"I am indeed sleepy head." I smiled, brushing away some tawny hair.

He grinned. "Did you sleep ok?" He asked, stretching.

Biting my lip, I nodded.

"Jamie? What's wrong?" Aiden demanded, suddenly worry creasing across his brow.

"I-" I started. "I had another nightmare."

"Tell me." Aiden sat up beside me, gazing into my olive eyes with his navy orbs.

My words rushed out like blood did from the figures hands. I described every detail, glad to get it off my chest. Telling someone about it made it seem less scary, as if he would protect me from my own thoughts- which knowing him he would... I also told him about the first dream.

"I wonder what it means..." H sighed, pulling me close.

Suddenly there was a soft knock on the door. "One moment!" Aiden called, slipping into some shorts and a tshirt. Answering it, he was handed a letter, addressed to the Alpha and Luna of Willow's' Moon Pack.

He opened and read it...

"What does it say?" I asked.

Sighing he passed it to me. "It's from Faulkner. He still wants the weapon..." Aiden rubbed his eyes, frustrated.

"Don't worry- we'll figure it out. Faulkner is the bad guy... they never win." I kissed his cheek, hugging him from behind.

"I'm not worried." He smiled.

As I got dressed, Aiden began, "Maybe the person in your dream was the weapon..."

"That's a thought." I agreed.

"Did you see anything about them?" He asked. "Any discernible features?"

I shook my head. "Sorry. "

"Don't worry. Everything will be alright in the end."

-----

"Jamie! Wait up!" Chase called.

"Oh hey Chasey, not babysitting today?" I asked, smiling at my brother. He seemed to have grown again- if he gets any taller he'll be bigger than Will!

"Later on." He rubbed his arm. "I have to tell you something..."

"What is it? Are you ok?" I asked, slightly concerned.

"No nothing. Well, nothing really..." He sighed. "It's mum, I saw her going to the territory border last night. "

"What? Why would she go there?" I asked.

"That's what I thought. " He said. "So I followed her. She went to the border and she met up with two men."

"Who? DO you know?" I asked.

His blue eyes clouded. "I think- I think it was Faulkner..."

I gasped. "Faulkner?"

"I can't be sure!" He exclaimed. "I've only seen him once- but I was so sure it was him. The other man had white hair- although he seemed young- but I only saw the back of his head. They started talking about the weapon- Mum said it wasn't ready yet."

"ok." I frowned. "We need to keep an eye on her... but I'm sure it was nothing." How could my mother be consorting with our enemy...? What would she know about the weapon when we don't even know?

"Ok. Will you tell Aiden?" He inquired.

I thought for a moment. "I don't know... Not for now. Wait until we get some evidence that confirms it or it will worry him..." I looked away. "I don't want him to worry..."

Chase mock saluted me, his blue eyes twinkling again. "Yes Luna."