For the Love of The Guardian

Rise Up

A/N - Welcome back, friends! Please don't hesitate to comment your thoughts, feelings and even suggestions, as we take this journey together. 

Enjoy!

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The rev of the engine cleared the path ahead, as animals scattered quickly from the surrounding area. The tires picked up traction from the dirt road and kicked mud about the legs of the rider. The trees bowed in reverence to the wind that the vehicle ushered in, just as the sun began to kiss the edge of the night sky in the distance. The early morning hour always had a magical quality to it, drawing Sarah from her bed and out into the cool, crisp air.

Her black hair was pulled back from her face with a green hair tie, flapping about behind her as she maneuvered the dirt terrain that would take her back to the small cottage of her favorite fae. The stone wall and iron gate were coming into view, as Sarah slowed the engine on her motorbike. A simple dirt bike her father and her had built over the last several summers. She wanted it to travel, but she knew he only agreed so they could spend time together.

Her fingers gripped the handles firmly, as memories washed over her. Sarah bit her lip as she thought about her dad. In the twenty years she'd been alive, he'd been the strongest force she'd ever met. He was the one that pushed her the hardest, but encouraged her the most. As of late, his plate was full and his time for his "little girl" was growing less and less. He was orchestrating a summit of the alliance packs, in a hope to solidify information and leads on how to break the curse. Sarah rolled through the rot iron gate, just as a rabbit hurried across the path ahead of her. The amount of testosterone that would be invading her home was overwhelming and she quietly hoped that hiding away at the small cottage would prevent her from attending. She knew he was baiting her with this gathering, hoping she'd find "The One."

Everyone wanted her and she wanted to be left alone. Elders wanted to see her marry and see the alpha line secured, young dogs wanted to mate her. Sarah gritted her teeth, all she wanted was to enjoy her life and finish her degree.

The site of Sebastian's dark blue pick up parked outside of Vera's small cottage warned her of the encounter to come. Sebastian's dark skin and shaved head gave an imposing appearance as he stood from his seat at the porch steps, just as Sarah's motorbike roared into the clearing and slowed to a stop beside the pickup.

"Come for tea?" Sarah smirked at her father's beta, the closest person she had to an uncle. His son, Malin, and her had grown to be best friends over the years.

"Not really." He stepped from the porch and smiled as he embraced the petite young woman, his sneakers crunching on the gravel path.

"Well, Vera will be mad if you don't come in." She pulled from the well built man and climbed the porch.

The door clicked open softly and the familiar hum of Vera's singing filled the small space. The twisted wood furniture shined with fresh polish and the smell of citrus and bacon filled Sarah's nostrils. Vera had already been up cleaning and was starting on breakfast. Sarah smiled to the blue haired fae, as she watched her move gracefully about the tiny kitchen.

"Best take those shoes off!" Her melodic voice rang out.

Sarah chuckled and kicked off her boots, placing them to the side of the door. She looked to Sebastian and motioned for him to do the same. His head shook slowly as he knelt to remove his laced up sneakers.

"Auntie, we have a third for breakfast."

"Oh good! Sebastian made it here safely." Her blue eyes lit up as she smirked at the raven haired woman.