Twisted

Chapter 5

"Who needs the dark ambience of the night when nightmares can collapse you in broad daylight?" - Unknown

~~

After spending nearly two hours exploring the courtyard and soaking up the sun, I follow Sara back inside. We make our way into a room with a couch and Sara motions for me to sit. The softness of the couch relieves the pressure from my feet, which had built from exploring for so long.

I look at Sara and smile. She is such a caring person and for the first time in my seventeen years, I feel as if I have found a home. Not a physical structure, but rather an emotional place, one that makes you feel like you belong.

A single tear falls down my cheek before landing in my lap. Sara's face flashes with concern. "Elyse, honey. What's wrong?"

I look up at her and smile. A complete, authentic smile, but it falters slightly. "Why do you.." I start, but am unsure of how to ask the question that is gnawing at my insides. "Why did you help me?" I finally manage to blurt out.

Sara settles into the couch next to me and places a hand on my knee. Her actions feel motherly and my heart flutters. No one has ever acted so genuinely towards me before. Not able to hold it back, a second tear falls down my cheek.

"There are certain times in our lives that we have to make decisions," Sara starts. "When I saw you in that place... When I heard the distress in your voice, I wanted nothing more than to protect you. Something within me told me that I need to protect you. Elyse, there are things greater than us in this world. Werewolves are often called upon for the greater good and I believe that's what happened. I believe that I was chosen, that I was meant to meet you. Destined to protect you." Sara's voice is nothing but a whisper at the end. When she finishes, she looks at me, tears building up in her eyes.

I feel something wet on my hand and realize that I am crying, not just single tears, but rather an ocean. It's as if a flood gate has opened and the tears want nothing more than to escape from me. But I know that these tears are not sad tears, they are full of joy and something else. Something I didn't think I was capable of feeling... love.

Sara pulls me into a hug, as we both allow the tears to flow.

•••

After all our tears had dried up, Sara and I sat there, holding onto each other. I felt like I was hugging my mother and I never wanted to let go. Happiness filled my heart and soul, blocking out the events of the past few days. I felt as if nothing could break me out of my bliss, but I was wrong.

Without warning, a shout travels through the house, "Alpha, we have a problem!" I look to Sara and we hastily make our way to the front door. A man that I do not recognize is standing there, a look of sheer panic strewn across his face. My heart drops into my stomach.

Benjamin appears seemingly out of thin air, and now stands directly before the man. "The vampires, they are here. They demand to speak to you," the man sounds out of breath as he explains what is going on.

"Sara," Benjamin calls out. "Stay with her," he orders, staring directly at me. Once again, I think I see a flash of gold in his eyes, but its gone within the blink of an eye. She nods and all I can do is stare. Benjamin walks out of the front door with the man.

I rush to a window that is slightly open, wanting to know what is going on. "I don't think that is a good idea," Sara states disapprovingly. My gaze shifts to her, pleading to let me watch what is happening. I need to know what is going on. Sara sighs, "just do not let yourself be seen." I nod and turn my attention back to the window.

Standing on the front lawn are three men. They look very different from everyone I have seen in this house. Each of their faces has sharp, distinct features, and, even from a distance, I can tell they are stunning.

Benjamin approaches the three men, and Jonathan, the man from Benjamin's office the night before, appears at his side.

"Alpha Benjamin," a voice that is both intimidating and spine-tingling calls out in what appears to be a greeting. "

Elijah," Benjamin replies with a curt nod.

"It appears that you have one of our own on your property," he replies cooly, while motioning with his hand at the house I am currently standing in. The two men next to Elijah stand with crossed arms and I assume them to be body guards of some sort.

"We have none of your kind here," the authority drips from Benjamin's every word.

"Ah, but see, you are incorrect." Elijah's voice is taunting. "I have tracked the presence to this very house. And I do believe we have a treaty, one that I'm sure you would not dare to break," Elijah's voice becomes low and threatening.

Benjamin shifts slightly, somehow I know his irritation is growing at the threat that underlies what Elijah has just said. "Elijah, do not threaten me. I assure you that we are not..." Benjamin trails off and suddenly looks back at the house. Realization crosses his face and I can feel Sara stiffen next to me. "Sara," Benjamin calls, "would you escort Elyse outside please?"

Panic washes over me. Sara gives me a sympathetic look and grabs my hand. Giving me a reassuring squeeze, she leads me to the front door. She pauses, as if waiting for my approval and I give her a nod. Sara had told me she would protect me and I believed her. Sara opens the door and we step into the sunlight.

My eyes travel to Elijah and the other two men. I watch as Elijah stiffens, his gaze traveling to me. His eyes are a mix of a deep blue with an underlying purple hue and I find myself getting lost in them. Elijah's eyes trace over every part of my body, burning into my skin. I don't even realize that I am still walking, until Sara tugs on my hand, as if telling me to stop.

We now stand next to Benjamin, but I still can't pull my eyes away from Elijah. He is captivating... "Elyse, Elyse.." Sara's soft voice pulls me out of my daze and I pull my free hand up to my face and rub my eyes. What just happened?

"Who might this beautiful creature be?" Elijah's curiosity is evident. A shiver runs up my spine, not liking the way he speaks about me. I can feel the all too familiar feeling of fear start to rise from within.

Elijah closes the distance between us and begins circling me. Sara still stands next to me, but drops my hand. Without my safety net, I can feel my fear consuming me. The world around me begins to spin and I feel myself falling. The last thing I remember is arms encircling my waist, preventing me from slamming into the hard dirt beneath me.