Chapter 31

The Witcher recited some incantations while he worked, Earl stood beside Kayel watching, He was very tired. They had been doing this around the castle since morning, so much effort to keep those damned Rogues away, he thought. Usually Earl would have preferred to go out and have a physical sword fight with Tony and his Rogues but since Tony had chosen to hide and visit like a thief in the night, Earl knew he needed to have a strategic plan to capture him the way he wanted.

Beside him Charlie stood watching, with a sullen look, something was definitely eating him up. Earl felt someone's grip tighten on his hand, he turned and found Ma'am Dodda smiling at him reassuringly, Earl returned the smile and squeezed her hand in the same manner. He was always grateful for having Ma'am Dodda, the woman who had groomed him I'm every way possible, even when he knew nothing about the pros and cons of being an Alpha, even though she was a human.

The Witcher began moving from the spot they stood to another spot, they all followed in utter silence. He saw the surprised look on Nellie's face earlier and he heard her hilarious thoughts when she saw the Witcher, it was expected. No one would believe the man had seen ages, he was an ancient demon, ageless and the most beautiful man Earl had seen yet. His nephew Kayel, was only a few years older than Earl and Charlie yet he had the wisdom of an ancient- something that came with being a demon.

When they were much younger, Earl envied Kayel's abilities and that kept them at loggerheads often. But as they grew, Earl began to understand Kayel and they became good friends. A smile crept to his face when he thought about those silly days when Kayel would never stop teasing him.

"I am your spiritual guardian" He often said.

"I don't need you to guide me, I already have Charlie as my Beta!"

"That's so bad, knowing that Charlie is just a wolf like yourself" Kayel would often laugh.

"I don't need a demon! They are evil!" Earl would scream.

"But you are a werewolf, you think you belong with the human race?"

Sometimes when they were much younger, Earl would see the hurt look on Kayel's face even of Kayel rarely expressed emotions. But as they grew they began understanding each other and Earl gradually got used to having Kayel around. He was always there when they least expected, in the worst battle front to help, when Earl was confused and needed counseling and even when he needed help and didn't even know it.

Thinking about it now, Earl wondered why Kayel had not come to save him from the Rogues the day Ina and Tony absconded. It was unlike him, he turned to look at Kayel as if for answers, Kayel's eyes met his as of he had heard his name. Earl raised an eyebrow as if waiting for answer,

'Because it was not my fight and it had to happen that way'

Really? When did you ever decide to stop meddling in my affairs?, the part where I nearly died was suddenly not your fight, huh? If Nellie had not arrived in time I could have …

'Exactly, she came.'

Earl looked at Kayel now to make sure he had said that in his head, what did he mean by she came? And what did he mean by 'it had to happen that way?' Hoping for more answers, he raised a brow at Kayel again who only gave him a mischievous smile. Earl scoffed in annoyance.

The Witcher said something about Nellie being one key to a thousand locks, what exactly did he mean? So many questions! Earl tried to stop thinking and focus on what the Witcher was doing with the portion.

Where was the Witcher's wolf? Even when he told himself the Witcher could take care of his own problems, Earl couldn't help but wonder where the wolf suddenly disappeared to. Everyone knew how dear to his heart the wolf was and now…

"That would be all, Alpha" The Witcher stood in front of him.

"You are done?" Earl asked as if to be sure.

"Yes, that will keep the Rogues away for the next three moons," The Witcher said.

"Thank you" Ignoring the cold that shot through him, Earl grabbed the man by the hand and led him away from where the rest of the people were. "What did you mean by Nellie is one key to a thousand locks?"

The Witcher looked at him intently for a while as if reading his features, "You will find out with time"

Earl had hoped he would say something different, the man was really a hard but to crack.

"And your wolf?"

Simultaneously, Charlie and Kayel joined them, with Charlie using his Wolf speed and Kayel teleporting. Earl looked menacing from one man to the other as if to say 'that is rude' they both shrugged.

"She is still missing." The Witcher said.

"Where could she have gone? Can't you do something? Like using your powers to see her or could it be that someone took her?"

"I believe no one took her, she left on her own and does not want to be seen" The Witcher said looking away from them.

"What do you mean she does not want to be seen?" Charlie asked this time.

"She has created a facade to keep me from finding her, she's properly hidden and will never be found unless she wants to be" The Witcher's voice cracked as he said it.

"Is that even possible? Aren't you the Witcher? You are supposed to know everything" Charlie muttered.

"I taught Eyl whatever she knows now, and over the years she has mastered most of my crafts. I refuse to think this is a rebellious act from her"

"I don't think she might want to run away from you, you treat her very well. Is there something she has been searching for that you stopped her from having?" Kayel spoke for the first time.

"Has to be a mate. She thinks she needs one, to continue her…" The Witcher's hands tightened behind his back "To continue her family name" He finished.

"And you don't appreciate the idea?" Earl asked in almost a whisper.

"No. She doesn't need any man, wolf or demon. I can make her indestructible, that is all that matters"

"Well, she has her own dreams you know" Charlie found himself saying, what was wrong with girls and being observed with finding a mate?
"Is there a chance that she already knows her mate?"

"That, I don't know. But it is possible that she have met him once, if that is the case, then she might know he is her mate because she will never forget his touch and he might live in her dreams" It was Kayel who spoke.

That was not the answer Charlie had expected but it answered his question.

"I will leave now, you all know what to do" The Witcher said as if he had had enough of the mate topic. They all nodded.

"Thank you for all you do" Earl said and bowed slightly, it was a sign of respect he held for the Witcher. When he raised his head again the Witcher was gone, vanished.

"And you, what are you waiting for?" Earl asked Kayel when he turned and found him still standing there, hands in his pocket.

"I was hoping you would offer me food at least" Kayel said grinning.

"I don't have food for demons" Earl returned in the same tone.

"I always knew you were stingy and greedy" Kayel scoffed teasingly.

"Will you really stay for dinner?" Charlie asked Kayel.

"No. I have personal issues to take care of, I wouldn't want your Alpha to poison me"

"It's a good thing you know that" Earl replied in the same sarcastic tone.

"I never knew you have started being serious with your life, is it a woman?" Charlie winked.

"Speak for yourself" Was all Kayel said before he vanished.

Earl heaved a sigh of relief as he walked back to where Ma'am Dodda and Astrid stood.

"You can all go back now, the castle is safe now" Charlie told them.

They all headed back into the castle, Earl walked behind them in deep thought, even Charlie seemed to be thinking. There was just too much going on, Why would Eyl run away from the Witcher?

"I'll go in and supervise dinner, you'll eat in your chambers right? Ma'am Dodda asked when they got to the hall.

"Yes please" Earl took Ma'am Dodda's hands in his "Thank you for everything Ma'am Dodda, for always being here for me"

"Shhh, I made a promise to your mother and I'll fulfill that promise for as long as I live"

He nodded and gave her a light peck on the forehead, she smiled and left. Earl was about climbing the stairs that led to his chambers when he heard Astrid's voice, he turned around slowly to face her.

"My Lord"

"What is it?"

"I am sorry about the other night"

"That's okay, I hope you still remember what I told you because I meant every word I said"

"Yes," Astrid grimaced as she said the word.

"Good, you can go"

"But the wolf, now that the castle is safe, she can return to her room, right?"

"That is none of your business"
••••••••••••••••••••

Nellie was pacing the room restlessly, what was taking Earl so long? She had been waiting for so long, it was beginning to get dark. Nellie decided to have a bath before Earl arrived, taking off her armor, she folded it neatly and placed it in the closet where she kept the few clothes the maid had brought for her.

She had learnt from a maid that the Wicher was here to spray a Rogue repellant portion, that meant they would be no more Rogues to worry about. One thing bothered her now, will Earl send her back to her room? She really hoped not. Nellie had to admit to herself that she enjoyed staying in his room, she didn't want to go back to hers.

Nellie flushed with embarrassment at that sudden realization, what was wrong with her? How can you enjoy sleeping on a married man's bed? Your captor's bed! Putting the thought aside, Nellie took out her sword and placed it carefully beside her boot, she did the same for her pen knives, picking a towel she headed into the bathroom.

Ariel was still nowhere to be found so she had to wash her hair herself, Nellie did not like another maid helping her with her bath. She washed her hair quickly and scrubbed her body, the water felt good on her skin, Nellie had to force herself out of the bath, she didn't want Earl to come in and meet her there.

With the towel she brought into the bathroom, Nellie wiped her body dry and wore the small night dress she had brought. That was better than going outside with only a towel she thought, with the towel still wrapped around her head, Nellie stepped out of the bath, she froze in place when she entered the room.

Earl sat there, her sword in his hands and a smirk on his face, he was feeling the sword with his fingers, his back to her.

"You fight really well, Nellie" Was the first thing he said when he heard her come in.

"What are you doing with my sword?" Nellie panicked, how could she be so careless? What if he decided to kill her now… by her own sword? Only a wicked people deserved to die like that.

"You think too far, My Lady. When will you realize I have no intentions of killing you anytime soon?" Earl raised his head to look at her now, his eyes widened when he saw her in the night dress but he did not look away.

"But you have intentions of doing that someday" Nellie eyed him.

"Hm, hm" Was all he said.

"A gentleman man would likely look away for a lady to dress or do her thing" Nellie said again hoping he will take the bait.

"But I'm not a gentleman" He grinned, taking in her appearance.

"I know" Nellie worked to the dressing mirror and sat down, she continued drying her hair gently as she watched Earl from the mirror.

Earl watched her dry her hair, he looked so tired. It was unlike him to not taunt her at the slightest opportunity, he just sat there watching her as if he was enjoying the scene. Nellie began combing her hair gently, her gaze never leaving him.

"Let me help you with that" Earl offered, he didn't wait for her to reply because he stood up and took the comb from her before she could protest.

"You shouldn't be doing that, you are an Alpha" Nellie protested.

"And you are an Alpha too… A Luna. So you are not a slave and I can do as I please" Earl returned.

"But I am not your Luna '' Nellie but her lips as soon as she said it, that held more meaning than she intended. Earl paused for a while, his gaze fixed on her in the mirror and then he continued again.

"Just keep quiet for a while, will you?"

Nellie did as he asked, she watched him in the mirror, he combed her hair with such expertise that Nellie realized this was not the first time he was doing this, she felt a twist in her chest as that realization hit her, who had he done that to? His Luna? Nellie felt a hint of jealousy and her cheeks flushed almost immediately. What was she jealous about?

"Now what are you thinking about?" Earl saw her flushed cheeks and it got even redder.

"Who are they… The Witcher and Kayel?" Nellie tried to divert her attention to something else.

"They are demons." Earl said simply.

"What?" Her jaw dropped in shock.

Earl chuckled, "Is that the first time you are hearing about them?"

"No… of course they exist in the bible and… hell but here on earth?"

"Well, we are werewolves and they are demons. You shouldn't sound so surprised, there are more creatures on this human earth than you can imagine"

That made sense, if she had just seen and spoken with two demons then who knows, the devil exists somewhere on this green Earth. Was Earl joking with her? She looked at his face to see if he was serious but there was no trace of sarcasm on his face.

"That's very weird" Nellie breathed.

"I thought so too"

"Are they… siblings?" If that was even a thing.

Earl laughed this time, "The Witcher has been like that for as long as I remember him, his physical appearance that is. Kayel is his nephew"

"Nephew? They even have a family tree" Nellie couldn't be surprised.

"Nellie all living things originate from a root, that is family. Even when the angels came to infest the earth from the bible story, they had to mate with human women because they needed a root" Earl hoped it was simple enough for her to understand.

She nodded to his explanation, it made sense "So how did you meet them?"

"Kayel is my friend" My spiritual guardian Earl thought, she couldn't tell Nellie that because it would only make her more confused. "We met him in the fields when we were attacked by Zinns once, he saved us"

"We?"

"Me and Charlie"

"Oh" The Zinns were a powerful group of ancient wolves that would rather live alone on earth, they were very powerful and selfish and they killed everything they came across, human or Wolf. If Kayel could fight off these powerful wolves then he must be so powerful.

"Your hair is so thick" Earl's voice was almost a whisper.

"Thank you. You look so tired, you should rest" Nellie observed, watching him from the mirror.

Earl grabbed a handful of her hair and inhaled deeply, he couldn't help it… Spices… The first rain on dry ground after a long dry season? What was this scent, "I love it" He muttered.

Nellie tried to leave the seat but Earl turned her around to face him instead, her eyes widened.

"Kiss me, just this once" Earl's eyes held a burning fire in them, what was wrong with him?

"Huh?" Nellie asked as if to be sure.

"I want to kiss you… So bad" Earl muttered like a helpless child.

"You look so tired, did you drink?" Nellie touched his head as if to be sure he was alright.

Earl grabbed her hand and held it to his neck, "You are not helping Nellie, I did not drink. Your hair…" Earl paused as if looking for the right words "It intoxicates me"

"Huh, what do you mean…"

Nellie could not complete it because Earl grabbed her head and crashed his lips on her with a searing hunger that surprised her, this kiss was not like the last one they shared which was slow and passionate, this one was fierce. Earl's mouth was searching, probing, Nellie welcomed his tongue with the same hunger that matched his.

Earl held her firmly in place with one hand on her back and held her hand where he wanted it, Nellie's hands snaked behind his neck and grabbed him even closer… there was no time to think.

Earl could feel his wolf begging to be in control, he had to fight all his will to stop it, why was it so furious each time he kissed Nellie? Earl deepened the kiss and guided Nellie to the bed slowly.

'Nellie what are you doing?'

Nellie ignored the voice in her head and held unto Earl tightly, her head was spinning. She wanted him to touch her, to eat her… to do things to her, things she could not imagine. Once he lay her on the bed, Earl came on top her and continued kissing her, he kissed his way down her face to her neck, focusing on a particular spot between her shoulder and her neck, he began to suckle on it, Nellie shuddered at the waves of pleasure that swept through her, she felt dizzy.

When Earl pulled his head from her neck to kiss her again, Nellie held onto him tightly, he kissed her so hard that she was tugging at his shirt with her hands. He tasted like… what was this salty taste? Blood? Nellie's eyes widened.

"Earl wait…"

Earl raised his head to meet her gaze, his eyes were a darker shade of blue now… like a calmed sea after a turbulent storm. But that was not all, his canine's were elongated now, longer than usual… like it was his wolf. Nellie's eyes widened in shock as she pushed Earl away from her and sat up on the bed, away from him.

"What is it, Nellie?" Earl asked, confused.

"Your fangs!"

"What?" Earl felt his teeth with his hands, to his dismay his canines were elongated.

"You were going to bite me!"