Chapter 4 A past that follows

I was sitting at the window and gazing at the forest outside. The snowflakes were lazily falling out of the sky, however, I did not feel any of their beauty. My heart was a cage of barbed wire, and it was growing tighter with each breath.

Since the warrior gave me the message, Leon had not talked to me.

Crimson Moon was seeking.

He was seeking.

And I understood why.

I moved my hand across my stomach. The child within me shut up. Still.

I could feel it, however -- the burden of truth, oppressing all that I believed I had eluded.

Leon had walked into the room silence, and the atmosphere became keen with his presence. He was exactly as he had been the night he saved me, strong, inscrutable, but now, something in his stormy eyes had changed.

At last he said, "I drove the patrol off."

I blinked. "Why?"

They had requested a runaway omega. The Lycan King's rejected mate. It was my answer to them that no such wolf crossed our borders."

"You... lied."

I saved you.

I caught my breath. "Why?"

He stretched a hand to his hair and faced the fire. O, it is because I remember you. That night. The bar.

You were so coupled. And you never even gave me your name. I could not forget you, however.

It stuck in my throat.

He said:--"I supposed it was a mistake." "A blur. But now you are come. You're real. And thou art lugging my pup.

I glanced below. This is something I did not choose.

"I know."

Nevertheless, I do not regret it.

A silence fell upon us like a mist.

Then presently he said the thing I feared most. Why was it, that the King rejected you?

I flinched.

The jaw of Leon ticked. Ivy, I want to help you. But you must trust me."

I looked aside. In the presence of all the pack he turned me down. Due to the fact that I am an omega. In spite of the fact that I am weak.

You are not weak.

I gave a bitter laugh. You did not watch me creep out of a dungeon. You did not hear what he said."

Leon came forth, his eyes flaming. thou didst stride over pack territory. Pregnant. Alone. You had other blacks and you did not surrender. That ain't weakness."

There was something broke in me by his words.

I could not, however, spare hope. Not now.

I whispered, "His arm is long." "He'll come. He never fails to. And when he comes upon me--"

said he, I will take care of you.

Leon spoke in a low carefully sure voice. what sort of monster he is, I know not. But nobody takes what belongs to me."

I paused in breath.

Mine.

I ought not to have felt any thing. Not Damien. Not like a played with and then thrown away toy.

Leon though did not just want me because of the bond.

He desired me.

Stepping closer he said, "Ivy." "Stay here. Peace, I give thee. Safety. A life."

My eyes were full of tears.

And then--his lips touched my forehead. Gentle. Real.

Once more the door flew open.

It was not a warrior this time.

it was she.

It is a long raven-haired woman, wearing a velvet cloak. Her eyes glittered with rage.

"What is this, Leon?"

He stiffened. "Talia..."

Angrily she stormed in. you said we had a bargain. An alliance. An arranged bond. And now you are playing house with her?

Leon did not batt an eyelid. you were never my mate.

"You promised me Luna title", she said. And now you toss me away for a litteral whore?

I was rising slowly, with shaking hands. I did not request to be here.

Talia showed a narrowed eye. "You're her. The scoundrel the King seeks. The traitor."

Leon growled. "Enough."

but she was not finished.

Does he know? she said hissing to me. And does the great Lycan King, know thy state, That thou art with foetus of another wolf? Is he aware, that you are hiding in the land of the enemy?

My heart stood still.

Leon latched hold of her arm and pushed her against the door. "Get out."

She hissed at me, "You will regret this." "He'll come. and when he shall, I will be the one to deliver you up.

Behind her the door banged.

Leon said nothing, and stood breathing hard.

Then he looked to me.

In a flat tone he said, Pack your things. "We're leaving."

"Where?"

"Somewhere she won't follow. Somewhere the King won't think to look."

And after that he said, quietly:

"somewhere I can protect you."