Eternal Flame

~17~

"I'm tired of people trespassing through my woods," the man growled. His skin was smooth brown, long dreadlocks growing past his shoulders, his amber eyes glowing brightly, telling Trevor that this man was a fellow supernatural, probably a werewolf. Unfortunately, he didn't look inclined to help.

Christian moved in front and raised his hands. "We're not trying to cause any trouble, okay? We're just--"

"I don't care what you were 'just' doing," the werewolf growled, advancing forward until he was inches away from Christian's face, his eyes glowing even brighter. Trevor tensed and made his way over to them, knowing something bad was about to happen. "What you need to do is get the hell out of my forest."

Anger sparked in Christian's eyes, a red glow starting to appear. Trevor grabbed his friend by the arm and pulled him back before he said anything that would cause even more trouble. "We were just leaving, okay?"

"Then get going."

Trevor was about to turn away when Tori suddenly stepped up to the werewolf. Trevor inwardly cursed and tried to grab her arm and pull her back but she dodged his reach and moved towards the werewolf.

"I know you want us gone," Tori said. "And we'll be gone quickly if you could help us. Do you know any shapeshifter clan nearby?"

The werewolf shook his head. "The only thing remotely close to that is my pack and--" he raked his eyes up and down Tori and sneered, "--we don't take in shapeshifters."

Tori's cheeks flushed with anger. "Duly noted."

"We'll be going now," Trevor said loudly and grabbed Tori's arm and pulled her back. She shot him a dirty look, but he ignored it and started to walk away, dragging Tori with him.

"Wait," the werewolf called out.

Trevor tried to keep walking but Tori stopped, jerking him to a stop. She turned her head back at him and said, "Yes?"

The werewolf frowned and stepped closer to her. Trevor tried to pull her behind him, intent on protecting her, but she rolled her eyes and shoved him aside. He gave her an affronted look as she stepped up back to the man. "Are you guys the missing shapeshifters?"

"Yes," Skylar answered, staring at the werewolf in curiosity.

The werewolf's eyes widened. "There have been agents looking for you everywhere. It's been out there that Caius attacked your house and you all went missing."

Trevor felt his jaw drop, shock coursing through his system. "It has?"

The werewolf nodded. "Everyone's been on alert that Caius is out here somewhere, and the story of what happened to you guys has been listed on the agent's website. They've sent out missing people's notices for you all. There have been agents searching everywhere for you guys. It's been huge news. Everyone's gone into hiding ever since that happened to you guys."

"Everyone?" Christian asked.

The werewolf nodded. "With the exception of a few idiots, everyone knows that Caius has returned full force. No one is taking any chances whatsoever."

"Well do you know anything about the Moonblood Clan?" Skylar asked, her eyes wide with anticipation.

The werewolf nodded. "I do, but it is a long way from here, and I'd suggest taking shelter at the moment." He glanced up at the sky. "There are more risks involved when it's dark." He looked back at them. "You can stay with my pack in the meantime. I apologize for my hostility earlier." He stepped up to them, extending his hand. "It's just when people have been trying to steal your pack from you and with Caius out there, you kind of get extra precautious." He shrugged and gave a sheepish smile.