Isabella’s eyes narrowed and she stood protectively in front of Dominque. “Make me,” She growled.
Dominque tried to shout at her, tell her to leave things be. Lucius was strong and trained to fight. Even though not as strong as Dominque or George, he was still a very formidable threat.
Lucius grinned, his fangs glowing in the dark. “For you, traitor, with pleasure!” He snarled, and then lunged straight for Isabella. Dominque tried to shout, but his body was too weak. He had lost too much blood and he could feel himself slipping into unconsciousness.
He saw Isabella dodge and heard Lucius howl as Isabella managed to slash him with her claws. He saw their silhouettes as they both clashed, slashing and biting each other. The forest filled with a painful howl from Isabella, and Dominque tried to force himself up. He needed to get to her. He had to keep her safe.
Lucius saw him getting up and lunged at him again. “I told you to stay down!” he growled.
Isabella jumped on him, pushing him off Dominque. “And I told you to stay the fuck away from him!” she snarled.
Dominque could feel darkness surround him, as the pain overtook his body. His thoughts grew hazy and his breathing grew heavy. He could barely see any more.
“What’s that?” he heard Lucius ask.
“Forest fire!” he heard Isabella reply. “I saw a lightning strike a tree. And it’s spreading.”
“Run!” Lucius shouted. That was the last thing Dominque heard, before he blacked out.
Chapter 10
Isabella
Isabella sat in Elder Lawson’s cabin, who was tending to her wounds. He finished bandaging her arm and got up to go and check on Dominque. Isabella had managed to carry him on her back and carry the human pup between her teeth. Thankfully, she met Taylor, and he had instantly helped her carry Dominque to Elder Lawson’s. He then formed a team, and they went to tackle the forest fire.
Elder Lawson was the healer of the tribe and after spending some time crushing some herbs, he had tended to all three. Baby’s fever was down a bit now, and Isabella had even managed to feed it some food. Dominque on the other hand was still critical. Elder Lawson did his best, using his best herbs and bandaging him up. Now, all they could do was wait. Wolves usually healed very fast, and now it was up to his body to heal and recover.
“So, there was a human hidden with you after all. A pup, but still,” Elder Lawson said.
Isabella was silent, warming herself by the fire. “It seems Dominque knew?” Elder Lawson asked, and Isabella shook her head yes.
“It was quite brave of you, to fight off Lucius like that. Not many would have stood up like that to him,” He said.
Isabella sighed and said, “He is my leader. I know you think less of me, because of what my father did. But he is my leader, and I will fight to the death for him, if I must.”
“Are you sure he is only a leader to you?” the elder asked, and Isabella blushed.
“I… Yes. What else can he be?” Isabella answered, feeling bitter for some reason.
“The necklace around your neck. Where did you get it?” he asked.
“This?” Isabella asked, looking at it. “It’s the last gift my Dad gave me. Why?”
“That, my child, is the necklace of the moon spirit,” he said, taking the necklace gingerly between his fingers. “Moon spirit is believed to be the spirit that looks after all the wolves. Her necklace is said to be one of the most powerful things in the world. The last I heard, the humans had it. It’s indeed a surprise to see it on your neck.”
Just then the door opened, and Taylor walked in. “The fire is under control. Thankfully the lightning stopped, and the rain helped us put it out,” he told the elder, who nodded and resumed mixing more herbs.
“Hey. Isabella. I heard what you did for him,” Taylor said and then bowed. “I admit I was wrong. I am sorry for what I said earlier. You are more loyal than half of these bastards.”
Isabella nodded a thank you and looked up at Dominque. He lay on the bed, battered, his breathing laborious. Worry burrowed into her stomach as she looked at him. She didn’t know why, but she couldn’t imagine a world without him. Her heart twisted in pain at the thought that he might not pull through.
“Elder Lawson, will you come and tend to George and Lucius as well?” Taylor asked.
“I do not wish to do so, but it is against my oath as a healer. I must. I will go with you,” the elder said and they both left.
Isabella walked over and sat next to Dominque. “Please, Dominque. Please. Come back to me,” she found herself whispering. He lay motionless, and she could hear how weak his heartbeat was. She didn’t understand why her heart ached to see him like that.
I wish I could take all your pain away. Please come back.
