Wolf's Obsession (4 page)

“Wendigos, aren’t they derived from Algonquian mythology? Melanie asked in awe.

“Yes, to be exact, I’m Chippewa. Centuries ago, my family migrated to New Orleans
to blend in with the creatures of the night, so to speak.” Thorne grinned,
flashing his bright smile. “Wendigos nearly became extinct, due to starvation in
Canada. Every now and again, I return to Canada, however, it pales in comparison
to New Orleans. Perhaps it is the fact that I was born in New Orleans.”

“Wow, such a man of mystery,” Melanie grinned. You really have some heavy blood
ties going on. Amazing, I would never have imagined such creatures could exist.”

“You will come to realize that many things do exist, especially if you hang
around me long enough,” Thorne chuckled. “Now, get some sleep, we have a long
day ahead of us, we’re checking out early and heading to the airport at 8 a.m.
sharp!”

“I can’t believe I’m doing this,” Melanie murmured, shaking her head while
looking at Thorne.

“Well, believe it” Thorne insisted. “If you stay here, Raphael will claim you as
his. Vampires are vile and disgusting, well, some of them are, depending upon
their origins, and how well they have tamed their lust for blood. Our Black Claw
clan has the same cross to bear. I’m sure you are aware that Wendigos were
cannibals. It took an insurmountable amount of strength to control that
bloodlust within our clan.” Catching Melanie nodding off, Thorne reached for the
lamp, snapping Melanie out of sleep.

“No Thorne, please leave the light on. I’ll be honest, I’m scared shitless. I
don’t want some vampire draining my blood and controlling my mind. After those
moments of Raphael possessing my mind and body, I felt drained, like an empty
shell, almost soulless!” Melanie’s voice rose high in excitement.

“Get some sleep Melanie,” Thorne coaxed softly, pulling the covers over her. “I
will explain more to you tomorrow.”

“What do you plan to do while I’m sleeping?” Melanie asked.

“I’ll be keeping watch,” Thorne said in a serious tone, before kissing her on the
cheek.

* * * *

Downstairs in the vacant lobby of the hotel, an eerie black mist crept along the
floor, out of sight from the clerk at the front desk...

(To be continued – Part 2 Out 11/2009 at Night Owl Romance –
www.nightowlromance.com
– This will
be a free read!)

Wolf's Obsession Part 2

Thorne's senses alerted him to the impeding danger. Surely Raphael wasn't fool enough
to follow him to the hotel room. Thorne was prepared if the fiend was stupid enough
to put up a fight, alerting the humans within the hotel to the world of vampires
and werewolves.

Slowly, Thorne stalked into the sitting room ready to shift into wolf form, the
ancient Wendigo watching, waiting…He'd do anything to protect his mate. Upon seeing
the black menacing mist slowly filter underneath the door of the hotel room, Thorne
growled a warning. Shocked, he realized Raphael was not the vampire boldly entering
his dwelling.

The black mist slowly transformed into that of a tall muscular figure. The magnificent
looking fellow possessed eyes of obsidian, a flawless caramel complexion, and dread
locks that hung well past his shoulders raised his brow in question to Thorne. There
seemed to be something utterly familiar about the noble looking gentleman standing
before Thorne, only he couldn't understand how, as he was certain he'd never laid
eyes upon the man before now.

“Do you truly think it's wise to drag my daughter off to New Orleans?” The man asked
in a deep menacing voice, his dark eyes almost piercing Thorne's façade. I'm Donovan
Jackson, Melanie's father.” The man introduced himself, folding his arms across
his large chest.

“Daughter?” Thorne asked, suddenly realizing why the man seemed so familiar.

“Yes, you plan to drag my daughter to New Orleans into the heart of a war that has
raged between vampires and werewolves for centuries? She would be vulnerable. Already,
you have led that rogue vampire and his clan to my city, endangering my clan, and
my family.”

“Melanie mentioned she wasn't close to her family, I had no idea….Wait a minute,
you're a vampire, so that means, Melanie….”

“Yes, young wolf. Melanie is half vampire, although she denies it. She didn't tell
you?” Donovan asked as he slowly paced back and forth, his eyes never leaving Thorne's
gaze. “Has she told you anything about her mother and me?”

“No, she never went into any specifics.”

“You should know, her mother, my wife is a werewolf as well, although from a different
clan than yours.” Donovan confessed. “It would appear that you and Melanie need
to have a little heart to heart instead of getting it on in some hole in the wall
club.” Donovan gritted his teeth, his eyes starting to glow.

“Your daughter is a grown woman Donovan. Apparently, there is a reason why she denies
who and what she is.” Thorne said defensively. “I sensed wolf within her, I had
no idea she was part vampire. That's probably what attracted Raphael to her.”

“Apparently you don't know the danger you and Melanie face if you return to New
Orleans.”

“My clan is there, we can face any threat that may present itself. My brother….

“You and Melanie aren't returning to New Orleans,” Donovan bellowed. “She's my daughter,
and I'm telling you she'll be in danger if she returns to your city. I find it pathetic,
vampires and werewolves battling over territory, senseless indeed. No wonder your
clan is nearing extinction.” Donovan snarled.

“How dare you! You know nothing of my clan!” Thorne snarled.

“How dare you approach my daughter!” Donovan hissed, his eyes glowing with rage.

“Enough!!”

Like two kids caught with their hands in a cookie jar, Donovan and Thorne whirled
around to see Melanie standing at the entrance to the bedroom and sitting room.
She had slipped on the dress she wore from the club, and now she stood, her chest
rising and falling uncontrollably. Clenching her fists together, Melanie's eyes
glowed yellow, and her fangs elongated. Thorne was caught off guard by his lover's
appearance.

“Melanie calm yourself.” Donovan said gently.

“How dare you come here father? Have you been spying on me again? Go home to mother!”
Melanie snarled.

“I suggest you watch your tongue with me child, I'm still your father even though
you choose not to acknowledge me as such!” Donovan growled.

“I'm a grown woman! Please just go away.” Melanie spoke through clenched teeth as
her eyes returned to normal and her fangs retracted. Her body shook at the transformation
that had almost taken place.

“Melanie, why did you go out of your way to hide this from me?” Thorne asked, approaching
her.

“Maybe I wanted a normal life Thorne. Everything you spoke of in New Orleans exists
here, only without the violence. Here in Charm City, vampires and werewolves coexist
peacefully.” She murmured, sitting on the loveseat.

“Why do you not acknowledge your parents Melanie,” Thorne asked. You're lucky to
have them around; I wish my parents were still alive.” He admitted. “They can provide
you with so much guidance. I don't understand, why did you pretend not to know of
vampires and werewolves? When were you going to tell me?” Thorne asked impatiently.

“Raphael did sense something about me at the club. I could feel it! Fortunately,
he couldn't pick up on anything thanks to the cloaking spell my mother placed on
me to hide the hybrid side of me, Melanie explained.

“We don't like our presence to be known Thorne.” Donovan admitted. “We watch the
city and fight only when we must. I told you we don't make war, not in this city.
Both clans thrive well here in Charm City. We live many miles away in seclusion
and peace without any problems from the outside world.”

“You didn't sense the wolf within me Thorne, because I wouldn't allow it. When you
arrived, you thought I was an ordinary human.” Melanie admitted. “I sensed something
about you, knew you were somehow dangerous, but…

“But, you were clouding your senses with alcohol while working in that shithole!”
Donovan hissed. “I told you to stay away from that place and keep your senses about
you Melanie! Drinking isn't going to change who you are! You can't escape it, you
need to grow up and acknowledge who and what you are, and where you come from! And
you young wolf, your senses were clouded because of your obsession to find a mate.”

“Don't judge me vampire!” Thorne snarled. “I sensed Melanie in New Orleans, she
drew me here!”

“That would be the wolf within her, duh!” Donovan replied sarcastically, staring
at his daughter.

Thorne's eyes narrowed, preparing to retaliate against the vampire's words, ultimately
he acquisieced, a feeling of dread clinging to every fiber of his being.

Sighing, Melanie folded her arms, avoiding her father's menacing look, tuning him
out like she'd done in the very beginning. “I'm nothing more than hybrid, a freak!”
Melanie breathed. “I want a normal life!”

“Did you truly think you would have a normal life in New Orleans?” Thorne asked,
slowly walking around the room, hands shoved into his leather pants. Melanie, as
much as I hate to say this, I agree with your father. I can't take you back to New
Orleans with me. Now that I know the truth, I understand why Raphael has a special
interest in you.”

“You marked me tonight, didn't you?” Melanie smiled, approaching Thorne.

“Yeah, the selfish young pup marked you. I can smell it!” Donovan hissed, rolling
his eyes at Thorne. “Come on, you two must come with me, as it will be safer. Thorne
my friend, there is much you will learn about us.” Donovan looked upon Thorne, not
as an enemy, but someone he could pass his on his knowledge to. Lord knew the young
man needed someone to guide him and his dwindling pack. He quickly studied the battle
wounds on the young man's arms, wondering how many senseless fights he'd been in
over territory and power throughout the years.

“Come on Melanie, get your things.” Thorne said, gathering his clothes from the
dresser drawers.

“Wise decision,” Donovan said.

“And Donovan, I'd appreciate it if you would stop calling me a young pup. I'm the
Alpha leader of my clan and will not be disrespected, not even by my mate's father.
I will respect you sir, as this is the way my parents have raised me. Know this,
if we are ever to do battle, I will never back down from you.” Thorne said, never
breaking his gaze.

Donovan stood for a moment, his eyes fixated upon Thorne's, realizing he would have
retaliated in the same manner, especially being a leader of his clan. A brief smile
formed upon the vampire's lips before he turned, leaving the room.

“I think that means he likes you Thorne. So, I guess you'll get to meet my mother.”
Melanie said sheepishly. “She's actually tougher than my father.

“Wonderful, just what I needed to hear,” Thorne said, shaking his head.

“Do you regret coming here?” Melanie asked, holding her head down.

Flinging his backpack over his shoulder, Thorne walked over to Melanie, placing
his index finger under chin. “No, not for a moment my sweet one.” He said in a husky
voice. I'll face whatever challenge I must to have you remain by my side.”

* * * * * * *

Silence hung heavily in the car as Thorne concentrated on his driving. Out of the
corner of his eye, he noticed Melanie staring at him.

“Something wrong?” he asked, quickly glancing over at her.

“Are you upset with me?” Melanie asked.

“I was at first, but not now.” Thorne admitted.

“Actually Thorne, I should be upset with you.” Melanie chuckled.

“Why?”

“Well, here I was trying to lead a normal life… as normal as any vampire-werewolf
hybrid could, and you stroll in, totally rocking my world.” Melanie confessed.

“How does that make you feel Melanie? ” Thorne asked inquisitively.

“I'm not sure. I'm torn Thorne. The feelings you invoked within me were dormant
until your arrival. Then there was Raphael. His hold on me was intense back at the
club. It felt as though he somehow crept under my skin, and I was forced to relinquish
control over to him.” Melanie confessed.

“I marked you Melanie, but apparently your vampire side overrode that. I hate to
ask this, but what happens if Raphael bites you?” Thorne asked.

“That is the reason why my father is taking us under his protection Thorne. Raphael
now seeks me out and won't stop until he claims me, or eventually until I…”

Thorne didn't even wait for Melanie to complete her sentence.

“Or eventually until you choose between us?” Thorne asked, raising his brow. Anger
rushed through him, causing him to grip the steering wheel until his knuckles turned
white. The wolf within howled with pain and anger at the threat of Raphael claiming
his mate.

“Unfortunately Thorne, my vampire and wolf blood will pull me in both directions
until I choose a mate, and my father knows that. He has experience in cases such
as this. Oh, turn left here please.”

“Cases?” Thorne asked as he made a left turn in a large green path, with trees on
either side. The area was secluded, causing Thorne's senses to sharpen.

“Yes, this could not end smoothly.” Melanie murmured regretfully.

After driving on the grassy pathway for a few miles, Thorne's temper began to rise.
His keen senses alerted him to vampires and werewolves lurking in the shadows, which
brought him to ask himself why he hadn't sensed Raphael or Donovan when he first
arrived to the club.

“I think we must have made a wrong turn somewhere Melanie.” Thorne said, as agitation
began to set in.

“No, we're headed in the right direction.” Melanie smiled.

The grassy pathway was endless, nothing existing within the distance with the exception
of trees, night sky, and more trees. The strong vampire and werewolf presence forced
Thorne to stay alert. Out of the corner of his eyes he saw shadows move quickly
in different directions. Among the trees, yellow eyes peered at them as they drove.
“Alright Melanie, I can sense them, but where the hell does your clan live exactly?”
Thorne asked.