© Claimed By Him ~ Elektra Orfanos

*|Sam|*

Awoke in a forest.

Why is it always the forest? The dreary woods with shadow creatures and mocking voices will never cease to haunt me.

I found him standing over our mother's dead body in his great wolf form, her insides pulled out from her and her dark eyes staring lifelessly up at the dark sky. A sky coated in black clouds hiding away the daylight.

He had blood all around his snout and his expression glowed in pride.

"Alpha?" A melodious voice cooed from afar. Luna skipped out from the trees across a vast grey lake but once she saw the body she backed away looking at me terrified.

I didn't do it. Surely she knows that!

Then she looked at Alpha he was already pacing in her direction on all fours stopping at the edge of the lake wagging his tail excitedly with his shoulders hunched.

Day automatically turned into night and the dreary clouds cleared revealing the villainess moon in her full form. Luna was gone and Alpha was a human facing away from me and still looking at the spot of where she had stood. The muscles in his back were bulging unnaturally and he was wearing black pants shredded at the knees.

"She's mine." He whispered to himself.

"She's not." I growled.

He disappeared. Mother disappeared with him.

The trees transformed into stone walls forming a hallway and at the end was light.

One step at a time soon turned into running towards it scared out of my mind.

Luna. Luna you can't trust him. He's manipulative! He's dangerous. He will hurt you without a second thought or a shred of doubt.

Luna! Luna.

I entered a room that had a king sized bed in the middle of it covered in torn blankets stained in blood and Luna's lifeless body slumped on her side facing away from me. The moon glowed through the French arch windows also splattered in drops of blood.

He was nowhere to be seen and I couldn't bring myself to move towards her.

"Luna..." I whimpered falling to my knees.

She suddenly stirred and moaned in pain making my breathing hitch. My mouth pulled back into a smile until I heard the cracking of bones.

She groaned.

Her chemise was torn open at the back, I noticed this as she tried to sit up and I watched the cuts and bruises on her back heal in an instant. I saw her spine push against her skin and move like snake.

She groaned again only louder.

She winced and her body started to shake, twist and bend unnaturally.

"Luna."

She threw her head back showing me her pained expression, her eyes shut tight and white gleaming fangs grew out from her gums snarling at the air.

She howled.

~*~*~

*|Luna|*

Curtis checked my temperature by resting his hand on my forehead. The coolness stunned me and I winced when he took it away from me. "You're on fire."

"I feel like I'm burning from the inside." I admitted. I had a coughing fit then groaned as the movement hurt.

"How is your head?"

"If it's still attached to my body then I've done myself proud." I winced at the sudden jolt of pain hit my abdomen. "I must leave."

"You need to rest. You stay here."

"How long will I be welcome here? I understand there are others disturbed by my presence." Evan Crowly I know has been on his toes around the house asking about me. When I'm leaving and why I'm here in the first place.

"You stay as long as you need to." He said sternly making him seem older than he is. His brown hair looks matted, I keep telling him that he doesn't need to sleep in that chair throughout the night. I doubt I will die in my sleep and I'm still wary of the weapon but it never seemed fit to ask. He still dressed to impress I think still attempting to play the handsome host and today he's decided to be inspired by the colour navy blue. "Don't worry about the others. Your family know you're safe and you will remain that way."

I sighed worried about Sam rather than my health. I'll get better. I just need to know that Sam is alive. The pain of the suspense is starting to become unbearable. He hurt my feelings, he's infuriating and rude. But he doesn't deserve death.

"Why are you crying? Where does it hurt?"

"Why I... I didn't even realise I was crying." I tried to laugh it off as I wiped my eyes for the naughty tears. "You look very nice in that colour. I don't think I've ever seen you anything other than greys and shades."

"What is it with you women thinking about fashion at a time like this?"

"I have been stuck in this bed for a day and a half. You're my only amusement so amuse me."

"Do you require anything?" That's not amusing! You're not doing it right!

"What's the news of the wolves?"

"Don't you worry yourself."

"I require news."

"No wolf was killed." So I desperately want to believe. "Where are you hurt?"

"I'm crying for another reason."

"What's wrong?"

"Don't worry yourself." I replied with a smirk. Although he isn't showing it I know I have secretly amused him. "I feel guilty. I don't want anyone fretting over me."

"Sh." He kissed my forehead stroking back my hair. "Get better. Worry later. Now I will be away for a few hours."

"You will be missed." I smiled suddenly talking in a croaky voice. I cleared my throat and closed my eyes exhaling heavily.

"As soon as I return I'll read you something to help pass the time. The maids will feed you and help with whatever you need."

"What about Mr Crowly?" I asked opening one eye to catch his reaction.

He chuckled. "He's coming with me. You know he has actually been asking how you are?"

"Wondering when I'll be dead I suppose."

"No it didn't seem that way." He grinned.

I laughed. "Don't you try to fool me." I smiled. "Now go away. I need sleep."

"How rude." He teased.

"I'm a difficult woman." I rolled over. He gave my arm and affectionate squeeze then I heard him lower his head press another kiss on my temple. He lingered there for a moment then kissed my cheek keeping his lips there for a moment longer.

Then as if a switch had been flipped. "Get better soon." He said quickly then bolted out slamming the door shut behind him. I sat up and stared at the door confused and slightly bewildered. The feel of his kiss soon faded like a distant memory and I fell back asleep.

~*~*~

*|Curtis|*

Why did I do that? I should not have done it, it was completely wrong of me though I could not help it. Her honey scent drew me in and then I got a taste of her. It was like a spell had befallen upon me and my actions were uncontrollable.

I licked my lips hoping a part of her had been left on my lips as I thundered downstairs to meet Evan at the door. Clenching and unclenching my hands wondering why I didn't feel regret for what I had done. She must be suspicious of me now. I bet I have lost her trust. She's probably pondering over my intentions.

"So has the bitch learned to bite yet?" Evan asked me with a dry smile.

I lost my patience immediately. "You either say good things about her cousin or you say nothing at all."

"Well I guess you will understand why I remain silent for the rest of the ride."

"Get the coach!" I ordered the butler as I pulled on my gloves with much struggle.

"Was she bitten by the beast?" He questioned anxiously but in a low whisper as for his parents were just in the next room.

"There are no marks. She is pure."

"Then she's protecting him."

"Don't be absurd. She's terrified of those creatures I saw her fear."

We both jumped as Mrs Crowly presented herself in the room wearing a tight smile. She's a beautiful woman, has the caring nature a mother needs but only for her own family. She agreed with Evan, not wanting to have to deal with a sick and unstable girl who runs around searching for mutts. Not wanting anyone we know believing we're doing suspicious activity and apparently Luna is perfect for that kind of unwanted attention. "Where are you boys off to?" She clasped her hands together in front of her wearing some dusty rose coloured dress that suited her pale complexion and flaxen hair.

"We have errands. We will be back soon."

"You're just going to leave her here. Alone?"

"I do work Mrs Crowly. Your son is simply accompanying me. I'm showing him how a business is properly run."

"Well I suppose I cannot argue." She kissed our cheeks and waved us off as we got in the coach.

"Silly woman can't keep to her own personal life." Evan spat.

I looked at him slightly baffled. "That's your mother Evan."

"She's nosy."

"Of course she is that's why you are to."

"I am not."

"Oh do grow up cousin. Not every woman you meet is a despicable creature trying to rob you of your happiness."

"I cannot believe you are taking her side! What happened to blood before... Before... Blood before... Whor-" I swung a punch into his throat. His eyes burst out of his face as he grabbed his neck suffocating. As he was choking I gazed out the window gripping tightly on the hilt of my dagger. The dark clouds swarmed up ahead and lightening struck cueing that a nightmare was awaiting me.