The Waning Hour

Chapter 8. The Hunt Is On

Juniper worked quickly as the howls of Niklous's mates rang out into the still of the night. Her heart hammered into her chest with every howl as she finished the final touch on her potion. Now all that was left to do was enchant an item of the fair hair maiden.

"Sorry pretty." She whispered as she bent down and tore a thin chain from her neck.

Juniper watched as the sun pendant twirled in the air, a snort quickly filling the air. She couldn't help but think how ironic this was. With a large gulp, Juniper rushed back to the kitchen where she dipped the pendant into her bubbling pot. Bright colors of violets and blues erupted, filling the air till finally as quickly as they came they left. It was done.

With ginger fingers Juniper slid the pendant right back around Elizabeth's neck, careful not to wake her. A small smile spread across her lips as she looked down at Elizabeth. Such a beautiful and sweet child, she thought. And for some one so innocent it was hard to see how she would bring such destruction to them all.

Yes, this sweet child of light would bring upon them all the worst kind of death. A pang of guilt struck her stomach as she tucked a golden lock behind the sleeping girl's ear. This innocent girl had no idea what fate had in store for her. No clue of the blood, pain, and tears that awaited her. Instead here she slept, peaceful and unaware. The fates were truly unfair.

Suddenly Juniper's hell hounds snapped into action as if sensing an unknown force. Both sprang from their spots upon the floor, and bolted out the small dog door. It only took one guess as Juniper pulled the blankets close up around the sleeping child.

"Figures." She grunted as she stalked closer to her door. It seemed Derek had sniffed her out faster than she expected. Juniper took a deep breath before walking out onto her front porch, shutting her wood door behind her. Silently she prayed to the moon Goddess above that her charm had worked, as she watched a very angry Derek stalking up to her gate.

"Derek, as to what do I owe this displeasure?" She spat, as she folded her arms across her chest.

"You know very well what brings me here witch!" Derek barked as he came to a stop just outside her gate. "Call your demon dogs off! Less I teach them some manners!" Derek yelled as both dogs snapped and snarled wildly from the other side.

"I suppose I could..." Juniper pondered for a moment with a finger tapping her chin.

"However I have decided I shall not. See these are my lands, and my babies help guard it from those who wish to do me harm. Now get on with it Derek, the night is young and I am much to busy. What is it you want?" She spat as she snapped her fingers, causing her dogs to sit in silence just before Derek.

"I want you to tell me where Niklous is." Derek sneered as he fixed his swirling eyes on Juniper's.

"What do you want him for?" Juniper replied as she studied her nails, a clear disinterest forming on her face.

"Pack business I'm afraid. Now tell me where he is." Derek growled in a low warning.

"Hmmm, I'm afraid I can be of no help. See I have not the slightest idea where that big dummie could be. Now if you will excu...." Juniper was swiftly interrupted as two large fists pounded with a fierce might against her gate, the sound exploding threw the dead of night.

"Curse you woman! If you don't tell me what I want to know right now, I'll bust down these gates and wring your neck myself! We all know how close you two are so I would think twice before you spit anymore lies!" Derek shouted with venom in his voice.

Juniper kept her composure well, even though her heart threatened to burst threw her chest. Juniper knew never to show a wolf fear. So instead she met his challenge. With an angry twitch in her eye, Juniper decended her wooden steps with all the grace of a queen. Her long thin legs strode steadily till she came to a stop just outside her gate. With a challenging glare Juniper lifted her head till she stared up at the beast before her.