A Blood-Red Moon Ch. 03

Author's note:

Hi everyone! I know it's been forever since I last posted, and I am unbelievably sorry to keep you all waiting. School, family, and the real world tends to get in the way, no matter how much I wish it didn't LOL.

Anywho. Big thanks to JazCullen for taking on the daunting task of a first read-through, and giving me feedback on how to smooth things out.

Hope you enjoy this chapter, and just a headsup- Portrait of a Wolf ch4 will be coming within the next month! :)

~WG13~




Jackson let out a feral growl as he closed in on the small being in front of him. He'd been held captive here for two weeks without any blood. He was famished, and the light woodsy scent coming from the girl was driving him insane. If he were completely honest with himself, it had been taunting him since they'd thrown him in that cell.

He shot a sharp glance at the guards as they settled in more comfortably to watch the coming horror. Sick fucks, he thought to himself. He vowed to do his best not to drain her dry as he slowly backed her into the corner. The small hairs on his body suddenly stood up as he felt something in the air change. The girl's eyes began to glow, remarkably resembling a sunlight dappled forest. He had no idea what sort of creature she was, but the tingle of electricity raced along his skin.

In a blurred movement, he caught her arm and dragged her up against him. Electricity zinged through his body wherever it met hers. His cock stood at attention and he tightened his grip on her. As her eyes widened and the electrical surge died down, he realized she'd done it purposely; and it had obviously not had the desired effect. With a wicked smile he gazed into her eyes, willing waves of calm to wash over her, knowing his gaze was red with his gift. His earlier test had proven to him that it wouldn't last long on her, so he must act quickly. The instant she was quiescent in his arms, he broke the gaze and pierced her neck with his fangs.

Ambrosia. Her blood hit his tongue and numbed all other senses to anything but her. Her silky hair sliding through his fingers, her luscious scent riding the air, and her perfect body snug against his. Jackson let out an animalistic growl and backed her against the closest wall. It barely registered that she was no longer in his thrall and not fighting him. She was encouraging him. Her legs wrapped around his hips and her hands threaded through his hair.

As more of her heaven-laced blood raced through his system, clarity hit him like a bolt of lightening. This girl, whatever she was, was his. She would never get away from him, and no one would ever take her from him. With two more pulls of his mouth, he withdrew his fangs and closed the wounds, careful not to heal his mark of possession on her skin.

"You're MINE," he growled against her ear.

She cried out and a huge burst of energy was loosed from her. His words alone had sent her over the edge of pleasure, and in doing so, had released a massive amount of energy. He heard the guards cry out as the glass that had held against countless beings shattered outwards. He could feel the energy continue through the entire building, stirring everyone, and cries of excitement and surprise rang out as cell doors were destroyed. Whatever this girl was, she was powerful.

"Get off me," she demanded. "I've got some serious ass to kick and you're in my way." Her eyes were glowing again, more brightly than before, and her hair seemed to crackle.

Jackson set her on her feet and watched as she charged her hands with energy. When she took off with a battle cry, he followed close behind, determined to keep his most precious treasure safe.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

With a startled cry, Livvy bolted upright in her seat. A massive surge of energy had just hit her from the west. A glance in the rear-view mirror showed Tasha had felt it too. It was unlike anything she had ever felt, and her instincts were screaming at her that they needed to follow it to find what they were looking for.

"Luke! Pull over right now," she gasped out. She braced her hands on the dash as he slammed on the brakes. Nick, thankfully, followed his lead and stopped inches from their rear bumper.

She threw open the door and leapt out of the car the same instant Tasha and Dani did. They exchanged a glance before shifting and running off towards the energy surge before it faded. Livvy could hear male curses follow them before the sound of pounding paws followed. Goosebumps chased across her skin as they neared the source of the energy. Luke, Nick, and Tyler easily caught up with them but didn't try to stop them.

Did you feel that energy surge? She sent out to all of them. Tasha was the only one who had, so she relayed to the others what she had felt.

Do you think following something that powerful is wise? Luke asked.

Yes. All my instincts are screaming that we need to get there.

Same here, Tasha added.

She'd barely finished speaking when they all stumbled to a halt just inside the tree line. There was a large clearing, very obviously man-made. Dead-center was a big, creepy looking building. Livvy thought it looked like a mental hospital from a horror movie. She caught an image from Tasha that let her know she wasn't the only one who thought so. This was the source of all the energy spillage. At least, something inside the building was the source.

Livvy changed back and manifested clothes simultaneously. It was coming much easier than she'd thought it would. The rest of them followed suit.

"How could you not know this giant building was here?" she asked Luke.

"It must be recently built," he said. "We used to run in this area when we were just pups."

"Yeah," Nick agreed. "And now that I think about it, we haven't come anywhere near this place recently and I can't think of why."

They all looked at each other uncomfortably. Something big was going on here. Something that was probably more than six wolves could handle, even if Livvy felt confident she and Tasha had something hidden deep inside.

"Whoever built this place may have placed wards to keep wandering people away," Dani said thoughtfully. "I know a couple witches, and they always talk about how difficult warding a large area is. My guess would be that they'd need several witches to protect an area this large."

Livvy eyed Dani critically. "Do you think it's possible whatever is causing all that energy knocked out the wards?"

"Maybe. I don't know what would be able to do that though. Especially since this looks like a prison, and whoever they have inside is probably heavily guarded."

"We're going to need a plan of attack," Tyler said. "If this is where your instincts say to be, then this is where we will find what we're looking for. All we need to do is get inside."

"Easier said than done," Tasha said, looking doubtfully at the intimidating building.

Again, just as Tasha finished speaking, something happened. They all gaped in amazement as the front doors burst open and Wereleopards in animal form began bolting towards the trees. Without thinking, Livvy threw up her left arm, feeling energy pulse from her fingers. All the leopards froze in place, fear in their eyes. When the next wave saw what had happened to their brethren, they fled the other direction. Tasha threw up her arm and stopped every one of those animals.

Livvy and Tasha looked at each other in shock, not sure how they'd done it, but unwilling to let them go. Leopards had taken Sean and Abbey, and one of these had to know where they were.

The next creature that came out of the building almost made them drop whatever force they were using. She was ethereal and graceful. There were sparks shooting from her skin, and her curling blond hair seemed to be writhing. But the most shocking part was the vampire that followed protectively behind her, fangs fully extended. The energy source was her and he was able to be that close and not get hit with the sparks.

Shivers danced across Livvy's skin as the creature moved closer to them. She wasn't walking, she was floating. The sight was entrancing. She had no idea what this woman was, but she did know that she wasn't a threat. She felt reassured as she looked at this powerful, tiny woman. Between one moment and the next, the woman appeared eye to eye with Livvy.

"The ones you seek are within," she said. Her voice made Livvy gasp. It seemed as if more than once person spoke from her lips. "This battle can be won, but not without a price." With that, all energy abruptly ceased, and the girl collapsed.

With a hiss, the vampire caught her before she hit the ground. He suddenly looked helpless at what to do with her, but no less fierce. Livvy felt her heart go out to him. Obviously this woman was his mate, and they had both been through something horrid; he looked half-starved and now that she wasn't shooting sparks, there was a pallor to the woman's skin.

"Our vehicles are parked back that way," she informed him. "You can take one and get her someplace safe. Just follow our scents."

He nodded a sharp thanks and took off with blurring speed. She really hoped the girl would be okay. She'd given them invaluable information, even if it had come with a creepy prediction.

Turning to the others, she saw the worried looks buried in everyone's eyes. "We can do this. We just need to stick to the plan. Sean and Abby are in there somewhere, most likely fighting for their lives. I think we need to pair up and search. Keep in touch," with that, she turned and started making her way to the entrance.

Luke followed close behind her, while Tasha and Nick stayed behind. Tasha took over and kept all the leopards at bay while Nick was on the phone, contacting both his and Luke's packs. If things went south, they would need the backup.

Man, I hope I'm right about this, she thought as she watched Dani and Tyler disappear around the back of the house.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Sean was watching helplessly as yet another Were was forced to attack Abby. That sick fuck Arthur was to blame. He was under the seriously warped idea that he could make Abby into a Were by having them bite her. And Sean couldn't do a damn thing to protect her. He had to watch as she was scratched and bruised by these animals. Oh, sure, he knew that they didn't have a choice either, and that they were trying their hardest not to hurt her, but didn't they realize she was only human?

He was jerked out of his thoughts by a loud roar cut short. The Bear that had been "attacking" Abby now lay dead on the floor, his head severed. Abby was shaking and staring at the man in front of her. Arthur Johnson had a bored look on his face as he looked at her.

"You think I don't know what was going on?" he asked silkily. "Because you are dating this wolf, the others pretended to attack you, so you always came out the victor. But that's alright. I have another plan for you that will be much easier to accomplish."

Abby just stared, visibly confused by what he meant. But the scent that reached Sean sent icy dread down his spine. Vampire. Vamps and Weres might not have the volatile relationship that Hollywood portrayed, but that didn't make them automatic friends. He respected the power of vampires, but he sure as hell didn't want laying one finger on Abby.

"I'll do it!" Sean cried out desperately. "I'll try to turn her for you."

Arthur tuned slowly towards him. "Oh, no. That would be much too easy. There is a bond between you two, I can feel it. She may not be your mate, but there is something there. For a mere human," he spat the last word.

"You know she would be more likely to survive a Were turning than a Vamp one, if what you think is true," he retorted.

Oh, yes. Sean had caught on to what Arthur was thinking. He thought Abby was part Were. The idea was completely ridiculous. Almost all people with Were in their family tree knew about it. They were better equipped to deal with any extra abilities they may have if they knew. A Were-Human descendent that didn't know was nearly unthinkable. And Abby being one? Ludicrous.

"Well, you may have a point," Arthur was pretending to look her over. "But why would I want her to be a wolf? I despise wolves," he sneered.

"But with me as a wolf, you'd have one at your command," Abby interjected.

"Two," Sean added. "Once I turn her, we will be bonded and I will be unable to leave her side." Okay, so he was stretching the truth a little, but he wouldn't leave her anyway; she was his mate. But no one could ever know that- not even Abby knew. Human mates were a serious weak point for enemies to strike at.

"Hmm. Two wolves at my command? I think I might- Nope," he cocked a finger and the vampire flew forward.

Abby let out a cry as his fangs sank into her neck, making Sean see red. Most vampires tried to be gentle with their donors, but Sean could tell this vamp was out of control. He struggled against his bonds, trying to get to Abby as her scream cut off. If he could just get loose, he would rip that bloodsucker limb from limb.

After the vamp forced her to drink his blood, Sean watched as he stood back and prepared to snap her neck. While death wasn't required for a turning, it certainly sped things up. Another tendril of dread slid down his spine as he watched helplessly. There was no guarantee it would work, and the thought of Abby dead nearly made him whimper.

The instant the vamp's hand touched her skin, she retched. The vamp jerked back with a disgusted look on his face and Sean felt a spark of hope. Abby became pale before she bent over and vomited. All the blood was alarming, but Sean forced himself to remember it was the vamp blood she had ingested.

"Not going to work," the vamp said in a deep voice. He nodded towards Arthur. "I expect your end of the deal will still be upheld?" he asked with a barely contained threat. Even Sean felt the chill.

"Of course," Arthur smiled. "You've done what you could."

With another nod, and a threatening look, the vamp left the room and Sean glimpsed the guards leading him away. Hmm. Interesting. A prisoner, not an associate.

"Son of a bitch," Arthur swore. "Well, since that plan didn't pan out, I guess I will just have to go to Plan C," he said. He reached into his jacket and pulled out a deadly looking dagger- the ceremonial type.

Sean watched helplessly as Arthur stepped towards her. "So sorry my dear," he said insincerely. His arm drew back and started moving towards her as if in slow motion.

Before Arthur could finish his swinging motion, the sound of the locks and doors shattering followed a huge gust of energy, knocking them all off their feet. Sean quickly untangled himself from the chains and raced to Abby. She was unconscious. He scooped her up and ran, leaving that psychotic leopard on the floor, impaled on his own dagger.

He quickly slid into the crowd, following the chaotic flow, hoping they were leading to the exit. He looked around and noticed that there were all kinds of creatures here. Even quite a few that seemed to be only human, but were moving too quickly. He also saw several witches leading others of their kind out. Shaking it off until later, he concentrated on contacting Luke. He was able to get through this time.

Luke! I have Abby. We are escaping wherever we are. Just a heads up, there's a crazy Wereleopard thinking he can experiment on supernaturals.

I know. We are here. It looks like some weird floating chick broke everyone out, Luke chuckled. Are you guys both alright? If you get out before we find you, we parked the cars through the trees to the east of the entrance. Now Luke sounded out of breath.

Roger. I'll see you on the other side. Sean quickly broke the connection and realized he could smell fresh air.

There was a large, shattered window that most were running for. All of the prisoners were trying to use it, causing a slight traffic jam. Sean quickly decided to find an actual door. With Abby unconscious in his arms it would be difficult to fight through the crowd. He followed his instincts and took the next left. He could hear the sounds of fighting; snarling leopards, growling wolves, and pain-filled yelps.

He glanced down at Abby when she stirred slightly, and ran into a small, furry object. It was a white wolf. It instantly shifted and manifested clothes, simultaneously, to reveal Livvy. He gaped at her before pulling her into a one armed hug.

"Boy am I happy to see you. Luke told me he was here but I didn't think he would bring you, too."

"Um, you must be Sean," she said while gently removing his arm. "I'm Tasha, Livvy's twin and Nick's mate."

"Oh. So it was true. The twin thing I mean," he said awkwardly. "Well, nice to meet you."

"Yep. Not really the time for this. We need to get you two out of here," she said before turning and leading him out the front door. Wow, she's a nice one, he thought sarcastically.

The overwhelming stench of blood and death greeted him before he could see anything. And the sight that greeted him when he stepped outside was even more shocking. There were wolves, his pack and his cousin's, fighting against leopards. There were also two...black leopards? They were fighting against all the other leopards and seemed to be having fun doing it. Must be Chris and Conn. Yep, definitely Conn, he decided as he watched his friend gleefully tear apart his opponent and let out a chuffing laugh. That boy has too much pent up aggression.

Sean also noticed other Weres running for it, most as animals and a few as humans. Then there were what he assumed to be witches standing at the edge of the forest, looking unsure which way to go. They had a glowing aura about them, and many of them were bruised and injured.

"The crazy bastard running this place was using the witches to keep up protection wards," Liv-Tasha answered his unspoken question. "From the looks of it, it was against their will."

He glanced at the witches again. They seemed to be anxiously awaiting the outcome of the battle, their eyes focused on the wolves and filled with anxious hopefulness. If what she said was true, they must be hoping for the rogue leopard pride to be taken out. I wonder how long he's had them hostage?

Liv- or rather Tasha- damn that was going to take some getting used to- shifted smoothly into a wolf and led them through the battle, somehow keeping all combatants away from them. It was amazing, the power he felt coming off of her. He wondered if Livvy had it too.

As soon as they'd reached his brother and cousins he set Abby against a tree and shifted. There were only a few leopards left fighting now, and all the other Weres and vamps had escaped. The witches had started slipping away once they realized the leopards were too busy to catch them.

Sean was about to join the fight when he noticed Arthur. He stumbled out of the building, dagger now in his hand rather than his gut. All the fighting came to a standstill when Arthur roared. His eyes were gleaming maniacally as he stalked towards their small circle.

The four remaining leopards slithered away, seeing their chance to escape with their lives. Sean, his brother, and his cousins immediately stepped in front of the girls. There was no way they were going to let that psycho anywhere near them. He'd lost sight of Chris and Conn, but had no doubt they were nearby.

Let's end this shit! he growled to the guys.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Conn had been enjoying letting out all his pent up aggression. It had been getting worse lately, to the point that he'd nearly hurt his sister. Sure, it had been an accident, but there was no excuse for him getting that worked up about her finding her mate. And he knew Luke was a good guy. It was just...he worried about her. She was the baby of the family, even if she wasn't a leopard.