Thread: The Shifter's Claimed Bride-Mate (Ruphhausin & darkangel76)

Elana just let her tears silently flow as she waited for the shifter-man to speak, to tell her why he hadn't sent word. He took his time before answering. Whether it was to instill fear or let her know that he had the upper hand, she wasn't sure, though a part of her was certain that it was both. Or at least in part. The air was still somewhat cold as Elana continued to watch the shifter-man as he silently tended to the horses needs by setting up a trough for the animal and then arranging things in such a way so as to shelter them both from the elements of the outdoors. Though she was amazed at how well the location he chose seemed a natural shelter of sorts in its own right. At first glance, she wouldn't have noticed such a thing. But as he situated his things, it became evident and it was then that she realized if she tried to run she'd be even worse off than she was with this man and the unknown fate that lied ahead of her. Out there. Alone. She'd be dead. Feeling rather vulnerable, Elana saw the shifter-man approaching her. She felt her breath suddenly catch as she waited for him to answer her question, but no answer came. Instead, he remained silent and picked her up off her horse only to set her aside and away from him. It was most peculiar and left her mind reeling with even more questions. She was beginning to question his motives, his actions. There was a hesitance, she was almost certain of it. But why? Though she longed to ask, she dared not to speak. As Elana looked into the shifter-man's eyes, he suddenly began to undress. Immediately, she felt her cheeks begin to burn and her tummy began to feel uneasy. Just what was he doing? What was he planning? Surely No. He wouldn't. He wouldn't! She clamped her eyes shut at the thought and when she opened them she saw that he'd walked over to the nearby hot spring. A wave of relief washed over her in that moment. The fear that had consumed her was unlike anything she'd ever felt. Such terror. Such horror. At least she now knew this shifter-man had some semblance of honor. He might be barbaric and savage, but he was honorable. Letting out a shaky breath, she tried not to watch him bathe. It was difficult not to look. He was handsome. She couldn't deny it if she tried. And then there was the strange pull she felt despite the fear trying to takeover her senses. When the shifter-man finished his bath and returned to Elana, she met his gaze full on even though she'd been watching him in what she'd hoped had been in a discreet manner. The moment their eyes met he told her that he'd be taking her before the Council and that they'd travel through the Forest of Arun. All she could do was nod, her will and want to speak lost in that moment as he rebound her so that she couldn't run. A part of her wanted to laugh. She wouldn't run. She wasn't foolish or stupid. Though she was afraid of him and of her fate, she knew full well if she left his side only death would befall her. But she supposed she couldn't fault him for the precaution. Letting out a sad sigh, Elana watched the shifter-man move to lie down beside her. She could feel her eyes prickling with tears once again. Then, as if he understood her pain, he reached out and touched her face, brushing her hair away from her eyes. She looked at him for a long moment, the silence deafening as they stared at each other. Finally, he broke the silence once more, his words almost melancholy as he spoke of the forest and her lack of understanding. Elana just shook her head. She didn't understand and wasn't sure if she ever would. All she knew was at that moment her life was in this shifter's hands and her future Well, she didn't want to think on it as she hoped that somehow a miracle would befall her. Not knowing what else to do, she finally managed to get herself down into a laying position on the ground. It wasn't comfortable given she was bound, but it was the best she could do. Closing her eyes, she silently cried herself to sleep. Elana's dreams were vicious and terrible. Hands, so many hands grabbing at her body tearing and snatching, trying to take hold. She didn't like them. And those eyes! She didn't like they way they looked at her. Suddenly, she could feel the hands groping at her and her clothes were all but removed. At that, the eyes just looked at her, judging and scrutinizing every inch. Sizing her up. The eyes, they were hungry. She didn't like them. They scared her. Just then, the hands started grabbing again, grabbing and groping, searching for parts that were not meant to be touched. She started to whimper, to cry. Finally, a scream left her lungs, a loud blood-curdling scream. At that, Elana's eyes bolted open and a real scream escaped her lips. She was terrified and shivering. Oh the dream had been so real, so very real. Crying, shaking, she wished she could clutch herself for comfort, anything to make the monsters of her dreams disappear. Monsters she feared would soon become all too real.