Be My Oblivion

[FieryAngel]

The alpha stared at the human in disbelief, taking a bite of the dried meat himself as he pondered what he just heard. His eyes shifted down to their clasped hands, brow furrowed trying to piece it all together. "If wolves are responsible for your lonely fate, then why did you save one of us? Why risk your life? Surely you know wolves are dangerous, having little control over our animal instincts. Aren't you worried about her turning on you?" A wicked grin painted across his features, seeming to want a rise out of Aiden of some sort, pushing the human and testing his boundaries.


Ember was squirming on the floor, the talk of puppies making her uncomfortable. While the men of this pack were attractive, sure, she had no desire to mate with any one of them. She would have politely refused if the alpha hadn't continued on, but seeing as how his focus was upon Aiden, she remained silent.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden lifted his head, looking at the alpha, and for once, meeting his gaze. "Honestly?" He asked, squeezing Ember's hand lightly. "I do not agree with cruelty. I learned that from Clara." He started. "She was being slowly starved to death, shocked by an electric fence for entertainment, and who knows what else. I was not present for her capture nor most of her mistreatment or it never would have happened." He sighed, shaking his head slightly. "So, at first I had thought to bring her back to health, and allow her a clean death." He frowned, slightly crestfallen. He sighed, and took a deep breath.


"Over time, in her presence, she taught me that not all wolves are like the ones who took my fiancé and child from me. A valuable lesson I had long forgotten." He said softly. "Clara used to care for injured animals. Young wolves being amongst those." He explained, finally looking away from the alpha. "If she had meant to turn on me, she would have done so that first night she was free of that cage and was forced to shift by the moonlight. It was because she didn't that I truly started to trust her." He smiled softly at that, running his thumb over Ember's hand. "My care and trust of her has only grown since. I would not be the man I have prided myself to be had I left her to die like a mongrel in the dirt. It's not right. And now, I can't even imagine harm coming to her. I would gladly die in her place." He stated.

 

[FieryAngel]

Ember was in awe as he gave his reasons, tears coming to her eyes. Sweeter words had never been spoken to the wolf, and as a silent thanks, she leaned in close, bringing herself to rest against him. The Alpha, however, lowered his gaze and mused over the whole story, others having gathered around to listen to the story. Those with loved ones held each other close, the women smiling gently at Ember.


The room was filled with silence, no one daring to speak until the Alpha did. "Well, if that's true, it was a noble notion, indeed. I thank you for sparing one of our kind. However, I'm unsure I can allow her to leave with you. She'd be far better off staying with us and finding a more suitable mate." Ember said nothing, not daring to challenge an alpha, but she looked away, anger clear in her eyes. The alpha noticed and chuckled. "Do you really think it will work, girl? He saved you, yes, and doesn't want you harmed. But wolves are stronger together. You need to be with your own kind, not living a fairytale life on the coast as a human. Your wolf will consume you."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden's eyes narrowed in a glare, his posture straightening slightly. "I don't want her to live like a human. I care for both sides of her. The wolf and the woman." He snapped, anger bubbling to the surface. It was foolish of him, he was sure, but he rather disliked how this wolf man spoke of Ember as if she were a thing to be claimed. He slid an arm in front of her as if to place himself between her and the rest of the wolves. "Not once have I shied away from her when she shifts, and I never would. Unless she asks it of me, I won't be leaving her here to be pawed at by your pack as though she's a piece of territory. She's a person. With a mind of her own, and her own feelings." He growled, looking around at the surrounding pack. "I'll fight for her if I have to." He hissed softly.

 

[FieryAngel]

The alpha laughed and rose to his feet, the others in the room scattered. It wasn't at all a good sign. It put Ember on edge, her lips curling back to bare teeth as though she were a wolf already. "I'm not staying here with you. I will be leaving with my mate." As the alpha rose, so did she, stepping over Aiden and coming belly to belly with the man. "If this is how we are to be treated, we don't need your hospitality." Inhaling deeply, she soaked in the alpha's scent, but something caught her by surprise. He smelled different, and it caused her to take a step back. "No wonder you act and think the way you do. You weren't a born wolf, but bitten! I can still smell the humanity in you. How did you rise through the ranks to alpha in such a short time?"


The alpha froze, brow furrowed as he pondered all her questions. "If I want something, I take it. I'm not afraid to kill for it." His gaze quickly flitted to Aiden before back to Ember, shifting up and down her form as if she were a piece of meat. "Bitten or not, I'm still a wolf, and I can sense a strong female. You were born, were you not? You'd make fine pups indeed, worthy to produce heirs for an alpha."


Ember shifted backwards again, disgust wrinkling her face. "You know life doesn't have to be about this. You can still enjoy your humanity. Life isn't all about hunting and breeding. Go! Live! Enjoy the sunshine, or sinking your teeth into an apple. Find peace in a song that the birds sing. You need to let go of your wolf once in a while, or it will consume you. And here you are, worried about me. I have balance in mine, you don't." Just like that, he swung an arm, backhanding Ember across the face hard enough to send her to the floor.


Faces peered around the corner, others in the pack watching the action unfold, and even some scoffed in disgust. "What are you doing? These two clearly mean no harm, and your pack is big enough. Surely, this isn't about power, is it?" A female stepped forward, light and beautiful with golden hair that hung down to her waist, rich emerald eyes that sparkled like a perfect gem. "She's said she isn't interested. Leave her be."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden leapt to his feet the minute the alpha struck Ember, catching her as he stood. A rather feral growl, as much as a human could produce anyway, ripped through his chest. "Don't you dare strike Ember!" He snapped, anger clear on his face. He quickly put himself between Ember and the rest of the room, glaring at the alpha.


His eyes snapped to the female that spoke now, rather grateful for at least someone standing up for them. Without his blades, he wasn't sure how easy it'd be to fight. "I think we will go now. Come on, Ember." He said, his voice oddly calm as he turned to her. "We've clearly overstayed our welcome." He glanced back at the alpha and other female, "Thank you for your hospitality." He said curtly.

 

[FieryAngel]

Ember would have retaliated had Aiden not gotten ahold of her, the wolf already trembling with the threat of shifting. It seemed the Alpha was just looking for a fight, eager to show another who happened to run the show. With a wave of his hand, the man turned and headed into another room of the cabin, laughing hysterically. "Indeed, your welcome is overstayed. I suggest you leave before I gut you both." His pack parted like the red sea to make way for the leader, and once he was out of sight, 4 more of them gathered around the two guests, all looking sympathetic.


"We're so sorry." They all began to mutter at once, the blond female who stood up for them speaking for them all. "He's changed these last few months. As a wolf yourself, you know the dangers one faces when being bitten and not born. I believe the wolf is consuming him. At this rate, it won't be long before he's lost it. " They hung their heads in sorrow and shame. "At some point, someone will have to stand up and challenge him. I for one refuse to let my wolf take control, and do not wish to be a savage beast. However, at this rate, I may not have a choice. Anyway, I have a cabin near here you are more than welcome to use for the night. It's about a 10 minute hike east."


Ember rubbed the sore spot on her face, the trembling slowly beginning to fade. "I wish I could help. Sadly, women aren't alphas and I'm injured. Even if I could lead, I would never win in this condition." Thanking them all for their kindness, she leaned into Aiden, growing rather exhausted from their days journey.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden looked at the blonde woman, listening to her words. "Thank you for your kindness. I can't offer you any help, but I do wish you luck with that one." he said, nodding toward the direction the alpha had disappeared. He kept his arms around Ember, helping to support her as she leaned against him. "We'll take our leave now, before he decides to come back. If at all possible, I'd like my blades, and quite preferably, my shoes back." he said with a small chuckle as he was still shirtless and shoeless. He glanced around at those that were gathered around them, "If it isn't to much trouble, that is." he added and lifted Ember into his arms. "Either way, we should be getting out of here. Thank you again." he said, nodding toward the blonde female, and then headed for the door.

 

[FieryAngel]

At his request, two of the men who stood around quickly rounded up Aiden's things, seeming to have gained some trust towards the human. The blond only smiled, though worry creased her brow. "Sadly, some people cannot be helped. It is just the way things are. I wish you both the best of luck, and hope that our paths might cross again." Reaching out, she'd place a gentle touch on each of their arms before turning swiftly on her feet and chasing off after the alpha. As she rounded the corner, the others were there with his things, handing them over without a second though.


Ember nestled into his arms, not minding being carried but grumbled in protest. "I can walk, really. I don't want you worn out and exhausted. We have at least a two day journey ahead of us to the coast. You'll need your strength." Once the alpha had disappeared and they took their leave, she seemed to go back to her normal self. She kept an eye on Aiden, though, wondering just how that encounter had affected him. "I'm really sorry you witnessed what you did. Some people are meant to be wolves, and some aren't. His body cannot handle the wolf, and so it's consuming him. Those who are born wolves can handle both, unless they choose to never embrace their human side. The bitten, however, well the venom that changes a human isn't always compatible. It's sad, really. "

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden shrugged, eventually setting Ember down as they reached the cabin the blonde female had informed them of. "Don't apologize for what I saw. It's not your fault he's more a beast than a man." He said simply, stopping to look at the place where the alpha had struck Ember. "Are you alright though?" He asked gently, his fingers barely grazing over the swollen spot. His expression was a mixture of anger and sorrow as he looked at it, and sighed.

 

[FieryAngel]

She shook her head and sighed as well as her feet planted firmly on the ground. "It's no excuse. He shouldn't have behaved that way. I'd expect it from a pup but not from an Alpha. I only hope and pray that they all can deal with it." She met his gaze, leaning against his gentle caress with a smile. "I'm fine, honestly. It's just a mark, and will be gone before morning. It's you I'm more worried about. You're brave to stand up against an alpha, but quite dangerous. Especially when he behaves so horribly. Anyways, come, let's head inside."


The cabin was nice, seeming inviting on the outside, seeming more like a house than some random little cabin in the woods. The inside was even warmer, a fire already flickering on the far side of the room. "It seems she's been here recently." A rug covered most of the floor, seeming intricate in design and possibly foreign. A pile of pelts sat before the fireplace, seeming to be laid out for a rather large and comfortable bed, with a blanket at the base. The air smelled richly of pine and oak with a bit of a wolfy musk.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden smiled at her warmly, "I'm sure I'll be fine. I can understand the dangers of standing up to that wolf, but you're more important to me than my safety." he said softly, taking her hand as they walked into the cabin. He peered around, "I can only hope we'll be safe tonight." he sighed. "And it's rather nice that it's already warm." he chuckled, moving further into the cabin. He bent to adjust his shoes, and the hidden blades within, then continued and adjusted the ones at the small of his back, and on his forearms.


"I can't say I'm not uncomfortable here, knowing the alpha probably knows where we are, but this is far better than traveling the forest at night, or camping without shelter." he said, sitting down on the edge of the pile of fur near the fireplace, holding his hands out to warm his fingers. "We'll need to stay on alert. I'll take the first watch shift tonight." he said, glancing over at Ember, and smiling gently. "You should get some rest for that injury." he said, nodding at her shoulder.

 

[FieryAngel]

She was pretty tired, yawning as she came to sit beside him upon the furs. Her shoulder was sore, but was already healing and would be better in no time. "I'm not sure he'd bother with chasing us. He seems far too interested in his own selfish desires." Shaking her head, she let out a sigh, the warmth from the fire lapping against her skin and making her shiver. "You're right, though. It's best to remain alert. Normally, I'd argue with you about who takes the first shift, but I've gotten to know you well enough that it won't do any good." Laying down beside him, she curled into a tiny ball and pulled the blanket up close.


She couldn't sleep, not right away anyway. Remaining awake, her soft gaze was focused on the fire as the flames flickered and danced to the beat of their own drum. The steady crackling of the fire filled the silence, crickets sang in the darkness of the night. "I wonder if we'll find a cabin free by the ocean, or if we'll need to build one." Her thoughts drifted into the future, a glimmer of a smile tugged at her lips before eyes closed and she slowly drifted off to sleep.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden chuckled at her comment, "I can certainly be very stubborn." he agreed, glancing toward her. He was happy she chose not to argue with him, even if he was exhausted. It was better she be rested and healed, rather than he simply be rested. He was used to sleepless nights anyway, being with the military as long as he had been. It would take more tiredness than he felt to make him useless. He absently reached out a hand, running his fingers through her hair as she laid there, watching the fire and listening for any sounds outside other than the normal.


He hummed softly, a lullaby he remembered Clara singing, first to the injured she cared for, and then again to their child before their deaths. It brought a small smile to his face as he listened to Ember's soft, sleepy words. "No matter what we have to do, I'll be happy with you." he whispered in agreement. After he was sure she was fully asleep, he carefully stood, and walked to the door of the cabin. He leaned against the door frame, staring out into the dark of the forest, arms crossed over his chest. "We just have to make it to the coast." he sighed, and peered toward the sky that was full of stars. Thank you Clara. If not for you, I doubt I'd have ever been open to caring for a wolf. I hope you are happy where you are, and that you forgive my wandering heart. Thank you for all you did for me, and I will protect Ember like I could not protect you. He thought to himself as he watched the stars, listening to the night life of the forest.

 

[FieryAngel]

A warm and gentle breeze shifted through the trees, brushing through Aiden's hair and seeming to caress his face. It lingered for only a moment before it was gone, the night growing still. There was little sign of life as the forest slept, except for an occasion mouse that skittered by. It seemed as though danger wouldn't strike. Ember slept peacefully, the soft and gentle strokes of her hair lulled her into a deep and dreamless slumber.


As the half moon rose higher in the sky, all went quiet, even the gentle singing of cricket ceased. A branch broke off in the distance, sticks cracked beneath the heavy weight of paws. A white wolf haunted the trees beyond Aiden's sight, green eyes glowing as it reflected the little bit of light. The massive beast hunkered down beneath a bush, keeping himself hidden from the human, letting out a soft wolfy chuckle to see that he was alone. He waited, sensing the wolf girl near but unable to lay his eyes upon her. It made him hesitant to do what he thought must be done, but seeing how she wasn't by his side, now was the time to strike. Stalking to the right, he came from behind the little cabin, rounding the corner at full speed. Massive jaws were open wide as he launched himself into the air, aiming straight for his human target.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden's eyes widened as he was caught near off guard, and dove to the side to avoid the massive wolf. As he hit the ground, he unsheathed two of his blades, rolling to his feet. "Ember!" He yelled in alarm, his eyes focused on the white wolf before him. He crouched, waiting for the next attack. His best option was to defend himself as best he could.

 

[FieryAngel]

The wolf missed, landing off to the side and turning to glare at him with rage. He spun around, stalking in a half circle eyeing the blades. The pack had given them back, which only made the beast far more angry. He snarled, claws digging into the earth as he charged forward, snapping violently as he aimed low for the humans legs.


Ember quickly shot up in a panic at the sound of Aiden's distressed call. Head snapping towards the door, she stripped from her dress and charged forward, shifting to wolf mid stride as she took a flying leap out the door. Glancing side to side, she spotted the white beast trying to sink his fangs into her mate, and she charged forward. With head lowered, she slammed into his side, knocking the wolf off his feet. The force it took dazed her, shaking her head violently to gain her vision back. Ready to strike again, she dipped low, snarling now at the wolf who was ready to charge her. Hackles rose high as her ears flattened, snarls ripping from her throat as if she were shouting out threats to the beast. A stare down ensued for only seconds, though time seemed to slow until one of them made a move. It was him, bounding forward with all of his might and landing on top of Ember. As they rolled about, trees shook and leaves fell, and an occasional whimper echoed from the fighting ball of fur.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden gasped when Ember barreled into the wolf, dancing away from his snapping jaws. His chest seized in fear for her, and he had to remind himself she was a wolf as well. She should be able to handle herself in this battle. His eyes bolted left and right as he watched the fight, blades readied in case he was needed, or had an opportunity. His ears listened for any sign the alpha's pack was close at hand in case they tried to aid him in some fashion. He wasn't sure how much help they would give him, but there was still the possibility. When the alpha and Ember managed to separate, even for an instant, Aiden leaped at the white wolf, slashing his blades at the beast's legs in hopes of slicing a tendon that would maim the creature and give them an upper hand.

 

[FieryAngel]

Ember yelped and fell backwards as the white wolf kicked her wound, but it wasn't enough to stop her. Limping it off, she dove at him again, this time getting a mouthful of fur and skin. He tore her off, his mighty size being a bit too large for her to take on alone while injured. As Aiden dove forward, she snapped in his direction, a wolfy order to stay out of it, but it was too late. His blade came down, slashing into the white wolf's leg, leaving him down a limb. He yelped and limped about, snapping his jaws at the human again, trying to grab a hold and throw him off.


Seeing as how he was in pain now, and distracted, she dove forward, biting down on the scruff of his neck and giving him a violent shake. He was determined not to give up, even though he was losing blood. Finally, they rolled off in the brush, the snarling and snapping coming to an end, and the forest fell silent. The brush began to rustle, and slowly, Ember emerged. She was breathless and limping, but she had survived.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden was frozen in the tiny clearing before the cabin, staring intently where the two wolves had disappeared, fear gripping him that the alpha had prevailed. He let out a sigh of relief when it was Ember that emerged, and he rushed over, blades dropping to the ground. "Are you okay?" he asked in a rush, looking her over. "How's your wound?" he asked, clearly worried for her. He was trembling slightly, and his voice shook as he spoke.

 

[FieryAngel]

Coming into the clearing, she flopped to the ground exhausted. Groaning, she rolled to her side beside Aiden, letting him get a clear view of the wound that was just a bit bloody, but no worse than before. Finally, she popped her head up and licked his face, chuckling with a wolfy breath as she rose up to her feet, shaking out her fur. She shrunk in size, her fur giving way to flesh as she stood there naked in the moonlight, stepping forward to wrap her arms around Aiden's neck. "Are you ok? Did he get you at all?"

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden's arms went around her waist, hugging her to him. "I'm fine. Not even a scratch. There were a few close calls, but I believe I'm unscathed." he said softly, holding her tightly. After a moment, he pulled back enough to look at her face, and smiled. "At least you're not injured to badly." he sighed with relief, and pressed his lips to hers. The tension in his shoulders finally relaxing some.

 

[FieryAngel]

Though she could of said it, she didn't, letting him worry as she understood. Her lips were eager as they met his, relief flooding over her as he was okay. She feared he had been bitten, but seeing him uninjured brought her great joy. However, it wouldn't last. Pulling away, she glanced around to search for signs of the rest of the pack, but it never came. "We'll need to go, soon. I suggest you get some sleep. Technically because I killed the alpha, that makes me the new leader. Or, they'll all rebel against me and execute me for my crimes. It's a serious matter to fight with an alpha, let alone kill one. So, this can go two different ways."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Aiden blinked, and looked around as well. "Let's hope it doesn't go badly." he said, shaking his head. "Alright. I'll go rest, but call if you need me." he said with a small smile. He gave her a quick kiss again before moving back into the cabin. He moved to the pile of furs, and laid down, making himself comfortable. He yawned widely, and closed his eyes, letting sleep eagerly wash over him. He felt exhausted, and laying down only made that even more apparent. His sleep was calm, and dreamless.

 

[FieryAngel]

Once he was safely inside, she shifted back to her wolf, pacing around the cabin the entire night. Not a single living creature would be seen or sensed. Deeming it safe, Ember headed inside, though remaining in her wolf to settle down next to Aiden. He seemed so peaceful as she looked down, curling up carefully as to not wake him up. Rolling, her furry form was snuggled up against him, and his warmth helped her drift off to sleep.


As morning came, the air was crisp and clean, the birds singing overhead, and a gentle breeze filled the cabin from the outside. It ruffled her fur, waking the wolf up, who stood and stretched out with a rather loud yawn. Looking down, her wet nose nuzzled against his ear, trying to wake him from his sleep.