A Winters Memory

Chapter Twenty-Nine

"I wish I could go running with you." Ara pouted as she watched Alec undress. He moved over to her and pressed his lips against hers. "I wished you could too, love but you know you can't right now." Ara nodded with a sigh.

"I know, I know but a girl can dream." Alec chuckled and kissed her again. "I'll be home soon, okay?" She nodded again kissing him back. She bent over to retrieve the article of clothing he had discarded as he undressed and folded them neatly before pressing them to her chest.

She watched in awe as Alec began to shift. She would never grow tired of watching this no matter how many times she had seen it done; she always loved watching him and the way his bones and body shifted for the transformation. She loved the way his back tensed when his spine began to arch, and how the muscles in his strong arms rippled as they changed from human to canine as large paws took form instead of his hands.

She loved everything about his transformation even down to the way his jet-black fur sprouted as his wolf came forth and the way his amber eyes glowed in the moonlight. It was quite a sight indeed and she cherished every moment. Alec turned back to look at her one last time, licking his muzzle and shaking out his fur before running off into the forest like a dark shadow disguised by the darkness, its only illumination; the bright moon casting its ethereal glow upon the world.

Ara entered her shared bedroom to find Amelia standing in the middle of the room looking around aimlessly. "Amelia? Is something wrong?" Amelia turned to look at Ara; her eyes were dark and cold. "No." Ara flinched at the tone of her voice. "What are you doing in here then?" She asked curiously.

Amelia glowered. "Not that it is any of your business; I'm looking for Alec." Ara sighed softly. "He went out for a run; he won't be back until sometime later." Amelia walked passed Ara only to be stopped as Ara reached out and grabbed her arm gently. She turned her head slowly, her eyes narrowing as she looked at her Ara's hand that was wrapped around her upper arm and then moved her eyes up to look at Ara.

Ara took a small step back as she released Amelia's arm. "Did I do something to make you cross with me?" Amelia scoffed as she took a threatening step forward making sure to square herself up with Ara. "You took what was rightfully mine from birth. So, yes, I despise you." Ara blinked taken back by Amelia's words. "I... but you tried helping me?"

She looked at Amelia questioningly. Amelia laughed. "I pitied you, I felt sorry that you had been taken for no reason but now, I feel nothing... I no longer pity your miserable existence; in fact, I loathe it." Ara shook her head "I am not at fault for taking your brother away from you, Amelia. He is my rightful mate, just as I am his. This has nothing to do with me wanting to take away what is yours, it was meant to be."

Amelia snorted. "If that is what you have to tell yourself that to help you feel better." Ara sighed once more. "Amelia, please, I never meant for this to-..." Amelia growled. "I don't want to hear any more of your overplayed excuses! If you ever touch me again, I'll end your miserable life. Do you hear me?" Ara bit her lip as she fought back the tears and the lump forming in her throat.

She only nodded her head fearing that if she were to speak, her voice would betray her. "Stay out of my way if you know what is good for you, slave." Without another word said, Amelia left the room leaving Ara standing there with a tear stricken look on her face. She choked out a sob as she hugged herself and walked over to the bed and sat down as she allowed the tears to now flow freely.

She couldn't understand how Amelia had come to hate her so much in such a short amount of time. She hadn't done anything wrong to deserve such hatred that Amelia felt towards her. It had been Alec who continued to pursue her even when she asked him to leave her be many times. It wasn't her fault that the bond between mates didn't allow them to be away from one another. None of it was her fault but if Alec's family needed someone to blame, it was only just that they would place it upon her shoulders and only hers alone.