Chapter 21 Tamed

In the half-light, they could be dogs, but dogs don't move the way wolves do, in choreographed motions, one family of canine 'dancers' flowing over the earth. There's an intelligence in their eyes, a shyness, a wariness of our kind.

Wolves are loyal to their kin, the alpha's mating for life, and the others helping raise the puppies as an aunt or uncle might.

My spirit is with them for a moment, up there in the dawn forest, drinking in pine aromas like we love fresh flowers.

Moving into the morning light is a wolf. She is white-silver, her fur glossy and thick. Her paws kiss the earth with lightness, and her gaze is serene. I stay still, for if I move, she will take flight into the trees.

I breathe slowly and let time slow down, taking photographs with only my eyes. Perhaps tonight, I will dream of being as free as she, out here with nature, living with her family.

"Kai, wake up. We need to get ready," I stretched out, glancing outside my window.

The orange sky broke through the misty air. I stretch out, trying not to overthink the burial of Maria. My sense had awakened. I could hear birds from far away, see the tiny drops of water on the grass, and feel as if I could breathe again. I dressed and put on my just as Maka had taught me.

I heard a knock on the door, "enter."

Mia entered wearing a long white dress with sunflowers. She looked different. Her skin had a glow to it, which was not there yesterday. I made it as if I was not taking many notes, "Mr. Kai, your breakfast is ready."

It had sounded weird to be called Mr, "would you mind calling me by name?"

"Sure, I would gladly do as you instruct me."

"Let's get one thing straight I'm not here to boss you around.

Be you like you have always been."

Mia glanced at him, though his eyes were the softest brown infused with green as if he held the new spring growth inside. They were the forest floor and the gentle flowers, somewhere to rest and breathe.

His eyes showed confidence in every he did, "I will meet you downstairs, Mia."

She had seen him struggling with his tie and walked over, leaving the door lightly open, "can I be of any help?" She said softly as she walked over and straightened his collar.

Maka was passing by the room and saw Mia smiling while staring into the mirror at him. She stepped closer and leaned her head in by the door, "aren't you supposed to be taking care of Jia?"

"What do you mean," Mia responded.

"This is what's happening here," Maka snapped, unable to control her emotion.

Mia walked up and bumped past her, rolling her eyes, "Maka, is something bothering you?"

Make stood in the doorway, "so what do you think of the new nanny?"

"She is not a nanny just helping us out."

"If you say so," Maka folded her arms and stepped out of the room; she was kissed off.

I had stopped worrying about other things. I had started to focus more on my sister and me.

Stepping downstairs, we sat like an ordinary family at a table, not ordinary food, though, as much as we tried to be average, our diets were different. The doorbell rang as I walked over to the door. Knowing it was Lei, I opened the door inviting him inside.

He was fascinated with how big the house was on the inside. He glanced at the painting, "this is a beautiful home you have."

He had walked through and leaned in, kissing Maka on the cheek. Mia glanced at me as Jia picked up her plate, carrying it to the kitchen sink. I stood up and walked to my room, picking up my bag, "Jia, are you ready?"

"I will drop her off as agreed."

How did I deserve someone as wonderful as Mia? "It's fine. We will drop her," said Maka.

"After what happened to me, there is no way my sister will climb into your car."

Speaking of the car, let me see what his driving. Walking over to the window, I saw a black BMW SUV x5. Lei was wearing the school uniform the same as mine. Maka looks over at Mia, "so, are you just going to sit here all day?"

Mia shrugged her shoulders, "depends."

"We have to get going, Maka."

Maka rolled her eyes, crossed her arms, and followed Lei to his car. I felt a slight annoyance. Mia noticed, "today can I take you to school, Jia?"

"Sure you can."

Jia was quieter than usual, "Jia, what's bothering you?"

She shook her head and walked out of the house, waiting for Mia. After they had left, I left for school. While walking, that image of the girl in front of me kept appearing, I was convinced and was genuine, and our eyes weren't misleading us.

Why didn't Lei say anything about the accident? I started to believe he did it on purpose.

While walking to school, a black SUV slowed down in front of me.

I was ready for any attacks. I noticed two men in the front bald, wearing black suits and sunglasses. Then the tail light went on.

I stood still as the black door opened. Two ample-size bodybuilder guys had climbed out, standing in front of me. I had the smell of human blood.

This human waste dares to stand in front of me. I had a reason to rip them to pieces. They were standing in my way, "move aside."

They stood there as if they had not heard me, "I said move aside." I repeated.

The front door of the SUV opened. A tall thin gentleman stood and climbed out. He has grey hair and a grey beard. He looked over at me as he stepped closer.

Why couldn't I smell his fear? I could get into his thoughts. He paced slowly towards me; his nails were long.

I turned around and saw the two men taking a step closer. "Hey, there you are, baby," Mia pushed her arms under mine and leaned her head onto my shoulder.

How did she know I was here, I have been trying to avoid her, and right now, I couldn't be happier to see her walk over to me, "what are you doing?"

"I am saving you."

"I am more than capable of taking them on."

I know, but the guy with the hat is not human.

I noticed the red stone had lightened up, "we have to get out of here."

"Why don't we just go back and see what they want?"

"We don't have to. They are following us."

I could feel Mia's heart racing. She looked over at me, staring at me, then looked down. Something about her changed since the day I sucked her blood.

"Your okay?" She asked.

"I am fine," I looked down.

I don't want to be on the run. She insisted we do not approach them. The guy with the hat there was something sinister about darkness and pure evil.

I stood behind the tree while Mia pushed her body against mine, "is this necessary?"

Mia looked around, "yes, for your safety."

What was happening to me? Her eyes had changed yellow as her sharp fangs came out.

Mia stared up at me. I felt her heartbeat grow more robust. Her presence became exceedingly enticing as I felt her heartbeat.

I looked down at her as she placed her hand on my waist. Raising her wrist to my lips, the thirst, the hunger around her was unlike any other. "What are you doing?" I whispered.

She smirked. That smirk of hers brought out a sense of mischief, of innocent fun, and at that moment, it released me.

The funny thing is that I had no idea I was ever caged. "My purpose here is to make sure you are okay, and with that, I need to ensure your strength. We can risk them catching up on us and separating us."

My eyes darkened at the thought of separation from Mia. She had a point. Anything could happen. I stared at her as I leaned over my head and sank my teeth into her wrist, breathing became a labor, and I hung my head low, letting the metallic-tasting liquid drain off my lips.

I ran my tongue over my lips, not wasting a drop. This was more than what I anticipated the first time. It felt great this time.

Every sense within me awakened my instincts, and my eyes began to glow red. As I glanced up at Mia, she leaned her head back as if she wanted me to sink my teeth into her neck.

Her neck was a pendant of Celtic origin, the three holy strands intertwined. I moved my lips up to her neck. Should I or shouldn't I? the steps came closer and closer.