Lycans Of The Woods

Chapter 14

My fingers curled around handfuls of snow as I laid on the ground, burning eyes fixated on Eric and the two men with him. Their hushed words did not reach my ears, which only grew my curiosity, but the ache in my chest soon distracted me and I lowered my head, feeling the cold seep into my pants as I inhaled and exhaled slowly, doing so until the strange pain dispersed.

Thoughts of hot tea swarmed my mind, and my lips became dry. I shifted from my hunched position, grimacing as I did so; my legs burned from running as long as I had been, and frustration mounted as I recalled the way Eric and his companions, who were also members of the Corozal Council, watched the way I followed Eric's commands.

I had looked absolutely pathetic despite the two weeks of training I had with Eric, and a decision needed to be made regarding my role in the rescue efforts that were to unfold in two weeks' time was being discussed.

I had little experience with using weapons, despite me being able to kill Anabelle with a dagger, and handling a gun was something in which I had to become accustomed to doing.

My jaw clicked when my teeth gnashed together, feeling not only tired but frustrated, and I stood at the sudden approach of Eric, his heavy boots crunching noisily against the snow.

My eyes briefly flitted to one of the males behind him, Bryant. He was not looking towards me, but stood facing the trees in the distance, hands folded behind his back. He had said little throughout the conversation sparked by Eric, and I found him watching me throughout it instead, his expression unfathomable.

"I've been advised to let you sit this rescue out." Eric muttered, a hand lifting to brush away some snow which had rested on the left shoulder of my coat. "But if I insist on allowing you to come, you will need to stay by my side and shall assist only in helping others to safety. Some lycans may attack, but your focus should be solely on the folks we are helping. We need as many people as we can get for this rescue and I won't have you sitting idly in Corozal."

I pressed my lips together, head lowering in a small nod, despite the unease that not only stirred in my stomach at his words, but because of him.

Throughout my training with Eric, I had seen a side of him, one which had surprised me at first; he was so very stern with his words and instructions and almost frightening with his advances. His friendly demeanour was gone throughout the daily six hours of training we had together, but would return soon after the activities were over.

"I'll have another word with them," Eric said, straightening, towering over me further. Light blue eyes narrowed upon my fingers which trembled because of the cold and he continued, "Training for today is over. I'll see you in the morning tomorrow."

I nodded again, stepping backwards eagerly, longing for the warmth that would come from my home. "Goodbye."

I turned quickly then, hurrying through the snow, thoughts completely on the kettle and a box holding tea bags in the kitchen of my home.

With a small smile twisting my lips, I quickened my pace as I neared the house, but was caught by my arm.
I jerked back instinctively and scowled as I saw a smiling Elizabeth. Her smile faltered at my expression and she apologized.

"I just wanted to say that a man from the Council passed by today, and he knocked on your door. You weren't home, so I told him that it's best that he return around this time."

I tilted my head, taken aback. "Did he say why he wanted to see me?"

Elizabeth shook her head, and tapped my cheekbone with an icy finger.

"Don't look so worried. I'm sure they'd just like to speak with you over something trivial. Unless..." Her voice became small, words trailed away and I watched the way her face shuttered, hardening as she demanded lowly, taking an almost menacing step forward, coming closer to me, "You haven't done anything to disrespect the Corozal Council, have you, Olivia?"