Wolves of Rome

Chapter Two: Questions No Answers

All Rights Reserved

Copywrite © 2012 by Amber Hanscom




Chapter Two: Questions, No Answers





You would think I was some kind of V.I.P. instead of just a seventeen year old girl. The body of people surrounded me, crowding around me, almost protectively, ushering me along towards the exit.



Outside there was a line of almost identical sleek black cars, all with tinted windows and all extremely expensive. The tightened their man made bubble around me, even as I slid into the back seat of the car. Ilario slide in next to me, banging the door shut.



The others rushed to their own cars, and we sped out of the airport parking lot, one care after another, our snuggled in the middle. I caught sight of Michele as we were leaving. He was straddling a gorgeous bike, all sleek and black, built for speed. Our eyes met through the tinted glass window. And for what ever reason, I knew that, somehow, he could see me.



A chill ran down my spine at the look in his dark. It was almost . . . gloating. The car ride was filled with an almost comforting silence. Neither Constance, Alanzo or Ilario tried to coax me into small talk, which was a small miracle. I was all out of fake smiles and cheery attitude.



I leaned back against the seat, and stared out as Rome zipped by. All the building were extremely beautiful and old. I wished badly for a camera, so I could take some shots.



One of my hobbies was photography. Mostly I took shots of building's-preferably old ones. Back home I would wander around Downtown De Land and take snap shots of the old Spanish style buildings. There was a church just up the road from the library, on a street corner that I was in love with. I'd get up early just to take shots of the sun peaking through is bell tower.



A pang sounded in my chest. Florida and Italy were a far stretch from each other. Rome seemed almost untouched by time, save for the cars and mopeds and billboards. My eyes became as wide as saucers when we passed the Colosseum. It was way bigger than Gladiator made it seem.



I brushed my hair off my shoulder as I took in the rest of the breath taking architecture.



"What's this?"



I jumped when I felt fingers on the sensitive spot behind my ear. I yelped, slapping my hand over it. I glared at Ilario.



"What? Jeeze, don't do that!" I messaged the spot, but the tingling sensation was still very much there.



Ilario just rolled his eyes, and smoothed back his hair in a casual gesture. "I was just asking about the mark behind her ear-is it a tattoo?"



I tentatively touched the spot, shaking my head.



"No. It's a birthmark. I've always had it." I said with drawing my hand reluctantly so he could see it. "Pretty cool, right? Mom says it looks like a moo-"



My voice died. My body wrenching in an all too familiar pain. The car was now awkwardly still, the tension so thick you could cut through the air.



"Yeah, it is cool. Look's just like a moon." Ilario said coolly, smoothing over my slip up.



I nodded, before clamming up once more, and turning about to the city.



Mom said not says. She gone. She isn't coming back.



I closed my eyes and that night came back with the force of an unpredictable wave.



~*~*~~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~~~****~~~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~~*~*~



We were on our way home from the fair.



We went every year. My parents would drive me and we would wander around, fattening up on pound cake, chocolate cheese cake on a stick and cotton candy. The night had been fun. Mom and I had rode our favorite rides-the Tilt-a-Whirl, Rock n Roll, and the Spaceship ride.



But then I noticed him. I'd noticed him a few times, but never really gave him much thought. He hung back, cloaked in shadows, as if he were doing his best to stay unnoticed. He was watching us-watching me. I'd pointed him out to mom, and she'd gone pale, as if seeing a ghost.



The night went down hill from there. We left immediately, peeling out of the crammed parking lot in a Fast and Furious fashion. We sped down the long stretch of abandoned high way, going almost ninety. I had been yelling at them, asking what was wrong, and who that man was.



Mom turned in her seat to say something, but I looked past her when something caught my eye. Something huge, and black.



"Mom! Dad!" I screamed, pointing. "Look out!"



Both mom's and dad's eyes snapped back to the road. Dad cursed, and slammed his foot down on the brakes, and spun the wheel wildly.



The car spun, I was knocked around, my head snapping every which way. I heard a loud BANG of something large making impact. The entire car rocked with impact, sending us tipping over onto our side. I screamed.



Everything was quiet and still for a moment. I was shaking, I could hardly believe I was still alive.



"Mom," I whimpered.



She stirred, her head lulling over, her blue eyes meeting my green ones. Blood was smeared across her face, her white blond hair was soaked in it.



"Cia," Mom whispered, her breaths labored. "Run."



"Wh-"



Just then something hit the window, glass raining down over me. I screamed, throwing my arms over my head to try and protect myself. I caught sight of a huge paw swiping wildly down at me, trying to get me. I screamed, tears falling from my eyes. I tried to get away, turning my back to it while I fiddled with my seat belt.



"Argh!" I screeched as it claws scrapped down my back.



I toppled over in pain, hugging my sides tightly, tears burning my eyes. Then I heard the honking. The beast paused in its frantic attack, glancing at the oncoming head lights. It large burly head whipped back to look at me. It lips receded, showing me its sharp, yellowed teeth. Its yellow eyes glowed with fury.



Another honk, and the beast was gone. I sighed in relief, the tears falling uncontrollably. The next thing I saw was the trucker, he cursed and called nine-one-one. By the time the paramedics got there, my parents were dead.



~*~*~~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~~~****~~~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~~*~*~



"Cianna? Love, are you all right? We're here."



Aunt Constance's voice jolted me from the memory. I stared up into her worried blue eyes. She had my door opened, waiting for me to move. I blinked several times before nodding.



"Yeah. Sorry. I was, um, distracted." I quickly slid out of the car, grabbing my bag and sliding it over my shoulder.



Constance offered me a reassuring smile, before wrapping her arm around my shoulders, and leading me towards her home. It was a gorgeous three story, rectangular shaped house. It was just like all the others along the cobble stone streets-a warm, tan color with a shingled roof. Ivy and vines crawled up the face of the house, purple passion flowers blooming. At the top floor was a small balcony, with vines and passion flowers coiled around its iron rungs.



Constance smiled, squeezing me shoulders. "That's your room. I moved my work room to the back room. I wanted you to have the best view of the city. It's so lovely at night."



I blinked in surprise at her sacrifice. "Really, Aunt Constance, you didn't have too-"



She smiled. "No. I did. This is where your mother and I grew up. That was her room before she left. She would have wanted you to have it."



The unbearable feeling sadness in my chest unfurled again. My mother's old room. It seemed so strange. That she had really lived here, that her life hadn't always been in the states.



I followed Constance inside. The inside was just as beautiful as the outside. It was a perfect mingle of antiques and homey-ness. The house was room, and radiated with love and care. Just like Constance did. The parlor had family portraits I recognized Constance, Alanzo and Ilario, but there was a girl in the picture who I didn't know.



I was about to ask about her when the sound of pounding feet came from up stairs, and the dark haired, blue eyed girl from the photo came rushing down.



"Is she here?!" she asked excitedly, she paused on her descent when she saw me. She was pretty, she looked to be maybe thirteen or so, her face brightened up, and she rushed for me.



"Cianna!" she squealed, throwing her arms around me. "I'm so happy to see you!"



Bewildered, I wrapped my arms around her back. "Um, yeah, you too."



She giggled as she let me go. 'I'm Amalea. Your cousin. I couldn't come today because-"



"Because she has school work." Constance interrupted, shooting her daughter a look.



Amalea blushed, nodding. "Yes, school work. I am so happy you're here! What is it like in the States? I've always wanted to go there," she grinned shyly.



I grinned at her. I could see a lot of Constance in her, despite the fact that she had inherited her father's darker looks. She had a natural happiness, and warmth that was infectious.



"Cianna will talk to you later, Ama.' her mother chided. "She's had a long flight, and could probably use some rest."



I nodded, the jet lag starting to weight down on me. Constance, Amalea, Ilario and I marched up stairs. My new room was on the third floor. It was spacious and gorgeous. The bed was a Queen, a soft, silky purple bed spread set over it. There was one dresser, and two in-tables on either side of my bed, all made of the same dark, ebony wood. A wardrobe was at the far wall, its doors left ajar, showing its vacancy.



Constance pointed to it. "You can unpack your things and put them here when you're ready. Please, feel free to make any changes you want-we want you to feel at home here." she said smiling warmly.



I returned her smile with some effort and nodded. "Yeah, thank you again."



She smiled at me for along moment before turning to Ilario, telling him to set my bags on the bed. He plopped my suit cases on the mattress and slid my duffel off over his head. He sighed looking at the three bags.



"What do you have in here, rocks?" he asked eyeing them.



That actually made me smile a little. "No. Some clothes. Books, a few pictures, and some of my favorite movies and stuff. Oh, and my camera things."



He raised an eyebrow. "Camera?"



"I like to do photography. I was thinking that sometime this week I could go around the city and take some shots."



Ilario nodded. "Me and the guys are going out later tonight. You should come. It's actually for you-it's a kind of 'Welcome Home' party."



I ran a hand through my hair. "Um, I didn't really bring anything that would-"



"Mama, has something already. It'll be mostly family and friends. Everyone is dying to meet you." Ilario flashed a smug smile-the kind that meant he knew something I didn't.



I sighed. "Okay. I need a nap, though. What time do we have to go?"



"Around nine. It's in the city. A . . . local place just for us."



"Us?" I questioned, this guy was getting annoying with his unsubtle clues and hints.



He just smiled as he turned to leave. "You'll see."



He closed the door, leaving me alone and confused.



_______________________Author's Note______________________

This chapters a bit dull, I know. Next one will definitely have more action and surprises. I swear. And I swear I will write a longer one some how. I dont get why I'm on a short chapter rutt. Ahw ell and up dates and up date right? Now. Hmm a moon shaped birth mark? What was that beast thing that attacked her and her parents that night? Who was the creeper watching her that night. And who should I cast as Cianna???

The answers...comming soon :) Comment, Vote and Fan

Also, I dedicate this ch to AciciaEstep who is an amazing wattpad writter, check her out! :D

Bye-bye guys!!