When The Dead Call Your Name

Premonition

The night call's out to me like a long lost soul seeking refuge from the darkness within their spirit. The palpations of my heart ricochet off of my ribs. Sweats beads down my spine, dampening my hair and causing clammy hands.

Not again.

Running. Away from everything that trails behind me, I run. My feet move faster than my mind as I dodge the trees littering the moonlit forest. Howls of pain, anguish and fear fill the night air with a treacherous warning.

Run.

I seek out shelter in the cave over the hill. My mind conjures pictures of a faceless enemy, yet to reveal itself. My tiny body trembles with fear, causing me to lose my footing and fall to the damp earth.

The cuts on my palms will take days to heal. I am an Omega, with a weakened wolf due to the genes the Moon Goddess has blessed me with.

My breaths are harsh, shallow and scraping against my expanding lungs. I crawl for a moment, trying to settle my panic.

Hearing footsteps behind me, I launch myself from my position close to the ground. The pain sears through my hands as sweat intrudes into the open wounds.

The menacing gurgle of the known trackers heightens the fear already pumping quickly through my veins. I will my feet to go faster, my body to cooperate.

My head spins as blood leaks from the gashes on my fingers and palms. I resolve to find the cave, hide and prevent myself from becoming a victim to the invisible danger in my rear.

As the cave becomes visible, I slow my run to a light jog. I allow my body to bring my heart to a silent beat. I almost cry out in relief when I enter the hidden cove in the side of the mountain.

I relax against the cool granite. My mind enjoying the safety of my temporary home. The walls of rock block out the sounds of the danger I have escaped from. Minutes tick by slowly, giving me a sense of false security.

A brush against my flesh causes panic to rise and my body to be on high alert. The wind can be such a traitorous element. I move deeper into the dark space, blocking myself from Mother Nature's breath.

Another brush against my flesh multiplies the goosebumps littering my skin. Sure that the wind is no longer a threat, I let my eyes scan the lightless space. I see nothing, hear nothing but, I feel the hand that has latched around my calf.

I scream in an effort to scare away my captor. My left leg kicks blindly at the grip around my muscle. A hiss alerts me I am not alone.

I frantically push myself from the space, backing away in seek of refuge. Another hand traces my back, amplifying my voice ten fold.

The adrenaline in my system launches me backward, my head making contact with the wall of stone. I inch my way towards the mouth of the cave. Aware of the company yet, not seeing their forms, I escape my net of misplaced safety and begin my journey deeper up the mountainside.

A snarl of aggression permeates the air. My body goes flying through the trees, landing harshly against the trunk of a large red oak. The sound of my head bouncing off the bark is as loud as the pain that travels through my body.

In an effort to salvage my fate, I transform into my small red wolf and shake the heat of the collision from my fur. My wolf, Mina, she growls in agony, informing me that we are indeed in danger.

I stand from the ground, whipping my head from side to side. I mentally map out my escape. Seeing nothing in my perimeters, I take off to the North.

My steps are halted, the smell of rotting flesh seeping into my senses and stirring my gag reflex. I heave the bile out of my system before yet another jolt of pain renders me paralyzed.

I whimper in fear, agony and a plead. The sight so devastating my breath hides from my lungs. I gasp and gulp for the oxygen my body craves.

The monster moves forward, predatory eyes glowing red in the midnight air. A vehement growl reaches my ears causing my body to still beneath the glare of the vicious attacker.

A weight falls upon me, caging me to the Earth below. Mina tries desperately to escape from the submission hold. A crackle of bones emanates an afflicting blow to our body. The howl of vexation is a blinding reminder of the throbbing in my spine.

Arms wrap around my hind legs. The ground is my burning pier. Claws dig into my throat, cutting off any sound I am able to conjure.

The space between my tormentor and myself is dwindling. I stare into the eyes of the demonic being. The crimson eyes are demanding, dominant and seeking.

Large fangs descend from the approacher, the moonlight cascading across his marble skin. The light giving the predator an ethereal glow.

His exaggerated movements are slow, tortuous steps meant to capture my attention. I follow his trajectory and whine out a strangled cry. His cold burns against my warm skin.

He kneels before me. Eyes glowing like blood in a goblet. He opens his mouth and whispers.

"Zaysia Warren." The voice is lecherous yet, I find myself drawn in like the moth to the light. Entranced in the two words.

"My beloved, I have come to take you home." My world shatters. The night turning obsidian behind my green orbs. Nothingness overwhelms me and I succumb.

My body shoots up. The sheets falling from around my waist, pooling around my hips. The dream a twisted form of foreshadowing.

I slip from the bed and run to the window.

A series of howls filters into my ears as I lift the trembling frame of my bedroom window.
Snarls and growls rip from the mouths of my pack.

I throw my pajamas to the floor, catapulting myself out of the window. Landing on all fours, red fur dancing in the wind, I run through the dark forest. I seek the tree where my captor will be waiting.

My heart beats wildly. My veins pushing blood to my burning sinew. I speed through the forest, the trees blurring past my wolf.

Mina howls in anguish. Her cries desperate, searching, pleading. I slow as I see the Red Oak. Stepping slowly, I stand in front of the towering tree.

Branches swaying, shuttering with each caress of Nature's whisper. I wait for my pursuer to come to me.

His snarl is menacing, possessive and claiming. My body trembles with anticipation.

His crimson eyes seek me out and I willingly wait for his voice to call out to me.

"Zaysia Warren." The hiss is a delicate whisper. A welcomed claim. I bow my head and submit beneath the dominant tone.

"My Beloved, I have come to take you home." Mina disappears, retracting into the safety of my mind. My bones crackle, painfully transforming me into my five foot frame.

My red fur disappears, replaced by ivory skin and auburn hair. I stand in excitement. My mate holding out his hand. His cold fingers wrap around my petite wrists and pull me into his chest.

The deep red lips of my mate, make purchase on my forehead causing my body to tingle in electricity.

"Mate." I gently whisper.

"Casper Handley, your beloved." My heart flutters as I allow our bond to seep into my bones.