Chapter Eight - Do you understand?

Freya Rose

I began to stir as the sedative wore off. My sense of smell was the first thing to return, the clean medical scent that I smelt earlier, filled up my nose as I inhaled. My cheeks puffed out as I exhaled the breath, and when I inhaled through my nose again, a ton of other scents hit me. I could smell a sweet iron smell, but it was faded, like how my hair and clothes smelt after my party, so I guessed it was dried blood. The idea of being surrounded by dried blood had me feeling a little nervous, but because I could smell it, I knew that my senses and hopefully my powers were coming back, so I wasn't freaking out completely. A waft of fresh blood suddenly hit my nose, and mix within it was a familiar scent.
“Finnley!” Mina cried out excitedly in my head, but she then quickly began to whimper as she asked,
“Is he ok? Is he alive?”
I was over the moon that Mina was back, I had never felt so alone, and hearing her voice was such a relief. I didn't answer her right away, I laid there quietly trying to listen for any movement, anything. I could hear a tap dripping, water running through the heating system, the hum of the air conditioning, but nothing to indicate that someone was in here with me. I began to focus and gradually tuned out the noises of the room. And there it was, a very faint sound of someone breathing. My heart leaped from my chest with excitement, and Mina began howling with joy. I didn't allow myself to get too excited, my concern wouldn't fade until I could see him for myself. As if by magic, I heard a light switch click, and then the fluorescent light to the room flickered a few times, and then came on. Even through my closed eyelids I could feel the light burning into my eyes. I wanted to rub them but as I pulled my arms up, I was reminded that I was strapped down. I let out an aggravated huff as I dropped my hands back down onto the bed. Just a little longer Freya, and these restraints won't stand a chance, I sniggered to myself.
I knew it was going to hurt like a bitch, but I needed to see Finn, so I ripped my eyes open and then groaned as the fluorescent light burned into the back of my eyes. I blinked a few times and the extra fluid seemed to help with the pain. I tentatively turned my head to the right to look for Finn. I didn't spot him at first, but then I saw something move out of the corner of my eye. I strained my neck and tried to look into the corner of the glass chamber next to mine. And there he was, all curled up and shivering on the floor. He was a sorry state, even though his back was facing me, I could tell that he'd been beaten black and blue. My heart and Mina were excited no more, and they both silently faded away.
“Finn? Finnley? Wake up,” I said softly through a mind link.
He didn't reply, but he obviously heard me, because he instantly began trying to pull himself up from the ground. He managed to get onto all fours and then crawled like a baby towards a thin white blanket that was in the middle of his chamber. It was heartbreaking to watch him try to move around, he was clearly broken. When he reached the blanket, he sat down on the floor and pulled the blanket up, and tried to wrap it around his naked battered body. As the blanket slid across his skin, part of it turned red as it came into contact with his open wounds. I gasped as I watched him struggle to cover himself.
“Finn, it's ok, you don't have to cover up on my account. Just leave it,” I said in a soft whisper.
“No! They have taken my Fianna, my friends, my family, and my strength, they will not take my dignity too!” He snapped back at me in a rough and harsh voice.
“Ok,” I replied simply, I didn't want to make him feel any worse than he already did. It seemed like that was all he had left, so who was I to take it from him?
I turned my head away so that he could have some privacy while he covered himself in the blood-stained blanket. When he finally told me that I could look again, I wasn't prepared for what I saw. My eyes grew wide with anger as I scanned over the mess that was my son's beautiful face. His once prominent cheekbones were swollen and purple in color. His right eye was swollen shut, and his face was covered in so much blood, that I couldn't even work out where it was coming from. His left eyebrow was split open and oozing, and he had a split bottom lip and a broken nose. You couldn't even tell what color his hair was anymore; it was that soaked in blood. I was surprised he could even stay awake, not only because of the blood loss, but the pain must have been excruciating. I could feel my electrical fire building up inside of me, and I was beginning to shake with adrenalin. I focused my energy and power, and then yanked my left arm up towards my chest. The restraint ripped and then snapped away from the bed, but was still buckled to my wrist. I then did the same with my other arm, and that came away easily too. I reached down and undone the restraints around my ankles, and then took off the ones still attached to my wrists. I then stood up from the bed, and then stretched my arms out, lifted my head and screeched into my ascension. I then screamed into the air,
“I am going to kill whoever did this to you!”
Finn let out a low chuckle, and while still holding onto his blanket, he pointed a finger over to the other side of the room, and then said,
“I think I beat you to it.”
I looked over to where he was pointing, and saw a huge guy that had been mauled to death. I smiled, not because a fellow hunter was dead, but that my son was able to protect himself. I felt proud of him, and so did Mina. With my anger subsiding a little, I descended and walked over to the glass, and then sat down facing Finn. He shuffled forwards so that the only thing between us was the thick glass. I placed my hand on the glass and he did the same, at that moment, I felt a love like no other.
Finn opened up a mind link, and I could hear his wolf howling along with Mina. We both lifted our heads and screeched into the air, filling the entire room, and both of our chambers with our song. We both ascended and then began to elevate slightly off of the floor. If someone had come in at that moment, we could have been mistaken for genies, both cross-legged and floating in the air. Our bodies lowered and gently placed us back onto the floor, and for a split second our screeches hit an all-new high, it was so loud and powerful that the glass between our hands cracked. In that instant he had accepted his wolf, accepted Mina and accepted me, and our bond was finally sealed. I would protect my son with my life.
I ceased my screeching as I heard footsteps approaching. Finnley did the same, and we both hastily stood up. As Finn got to his feet, the blanket fell to the ground, and I instinctively went to look away, but something caught my eye. As I scanned over his body, I could see that his wounds were healing, and healing fast. I watched as his flesh, muscles, and skin stitched itself back together, and with every passing second, he was standing straighter and stronger. He now had a stunning mint green aura surrounding him, and I wondered if mine was the same. My attention was suddenly diverted, as the sound of heavy footsteps hit the stairs. I shot my head around to look at the dark archway that was at the foot of the stairs. I smelt him way before I even saw him, and my heart instantly betrayed me as it began to thump with excitement. I ignored its yearning for him and stood firm with a glare in my eyes, and a scowl on my face. He needed to know that I was furious with him.
“Freya? Are you ok?” Sam yelled out in a panic as he ran into the room.
As soon as his eyes met mine he ground to a halt. His brothers came hurtling into the room behind him, clearly ready for a fight. They had their fangs bared, and eyes as black as the night.
“Stop, stand down!” Sam yelled as his brothers caught up to him.
The twins ignored his orders and continued to run past him. Without taking a single step, Sam launched his arms forwards and grabbed both of his brothers by the back of their shirts, and then yanked them back with an extraordinary force. I watched in shock as they flew through the air, and then smashed into the ground. They both raise themselves up and slightly off of the floor, and then hissed at Sam. He instantly rushed over to them, and hissed back at them. They cowered to him as he stood dominantly over the pair. Ash went to say something, but before he had a chance to say anything, Sam grabbed them both by their throats, lifted them up and slammed them into the wall. The twins scrambled against the wall, trying to free themselves, but Sam was easily overpowering them. He leaned into them and angrily whispered to them. I think he was trying to make sure I couldn't hear them, but he clearly forgot about my wolf hearing. I heard him say,
“Don't you ever disobey me again! I know that you think that I'm weak and pathetic, but that is far from the truth. If only you knew what I am truly capable of,” he paused, as if he realized that he was saying too much.
The twins had a questioning look on their faces, I guess wanting him to continue and tell them what he was capable of, but he didn't. He just said in a slightly louder whisper,
“Don't disobey me again, you will live to regret it. And if either of you goes after Freya again, fuck the rules, I will kill you both. Do you understand?”
They both nodded as best they could, and as soon as they did, he dropped them to the floor. They stood in front of him waiting for him to talk,
“now run back to Kali you damn lap dogs,” he hissed at them. He then turned around and walked towards my chamber as the twins scurried away like the vermin that they were.
As I stared at the dark archway that the twins had just scurried through, Sam had unlocked the door to my chamber. He casually approached me. I guess he thought his little display with his brothers would have shown me that he cares. Well, it didn't, if he cared he wouldn't have drugged me and strapped me to a fucking table. He wouldn't have left me in a damn dungeon with dead hunter hybrids, and my beaten son as company. My anger was building, and as he gradually walked towards me, I began to walk backwards. His brows furrowed in confusion, and as he took one more step towards me, I made my anger known, as I ignited both of my hands that still laid by my sides.
Sam looked down at my hands, and his face instantly became sad. He let out a low sigh as he raised his own hands up in defense. I heard Finn growl from the side of me, and I told him through a mind link to stay out of it. He huffed, but obeyed me and walked away to the other side of his chamber. My heart was screaming for me to put my flames out, and then jump into Sam's arms, but I couldn't. No matter what feelings I had for him, the guy was just no good. I'd been through enough with Tristan. And Mason, well, I don't even know what's going on there. I needed to start protecting myself, and my heart, even though right now all it was doing was crying out for him. My heart wanted his hands all over my body, it wanted me to kiss his soft lips, and it wanted his tongue between...
“Ahem, Freya?” Sam asked quietly, interrupting my wayward thoughts.
“What?” I answered abruptly. One because he had just disturbed my lust filled imagination, and two, because I was still pissed off with him.
“Um,” he said coyly while he rubbed his forehead with his hand, and tried to avoid eye contact with me. He then continued,
“Are you ok? Your eyes have gone black, and I know that only happens if you're really angry, or...” He paused, and then looked into my eyes, clearly hoping that I knew what he was trying to say.
I didn't have a clue, yes I was angry, but I wasn't like murderous angry, well, not yet at least. So what else could he mean? I thought for a second and then it hit me, and my face flushed red with utter embarrassment. My flaming hands quickly extinguished, just in time for me to cover my face with them.
“Or, filled with...” He tried to continue but I quickly cut him off.
“Shhh,” I whispered, and frantically shook my head. I didn't need him saying it out loud, I was now well aware that he was going to say lust.
Why I cut him off I didn't know, the only people around were me, Sam and Finn. Sure, I didn't want Finnley to know that I had slept with Sam, but I am sure that he knew that there was a chemistry between us. It was the first time that my eyes had turned black. I had seen it many times before, because Tristan's eyes used to change when he wanted me, or if he was angry. But mine never had, I didn't even know if they could, because of my hunters genes. I calmed myself down and descended, and I hoped that my eyes would go back to normal too. After I descended I exhaled and then looked up into Sam's golden-brown eyes. He looked away again and avoided my gaze. His face look sad, and worried, like he had a lot on his mind, or he was arguing with himself in his head. I was just about to ask him what was up, but before I had the chance to, he began to speak.
“Freya, can you come with me? We need to talk, it's important!” He spat the words out so fast, like if he didn't get them out quickly, he would end up talking himself out of it.
I furrowed my brow, I didn't trust him as far as I could throw him, but something inside my head, still wanted to believe that he could be good, and that he truly did care for me. I stood there for a while contemplating my options, I didn't have many, I mean, I was trapped in a big glass box. Why do people keep locking me in these damn things? I thought to myself.
“Please Freya,” Sam said softly, as he held his hand out for me.
“Urgh, fine. On one condition,” I paused as Sam replied,
“Anything.”
“Finn comes with me,” I said firmly as I folded my arms.
He was healed now, and if anything was going to happen, I'd feel better knowing that he was by my side to help me fight. Sam furrowed his brow as he thought about it. He then looked over at Finnley, and nodded. He then said,
“Fine, we will get him some clothes on the way.”
He then walked out of my chamber and across to Finn's, he unlocked his chamber and then proceeded to walk towards the stairs. I casually left my chamber, and Finn left his, with his blanket wrapped around his waist. I then heard him mind link me,
“So, what's the plan? We gonna bust this joint?” I chuckled at the thought, and replied,
“No, there are too many here. And besides, they would only hunt us down, and probably attack the faction again.”
He stayed silent, but nodded his head in agreement. I needed to sus this place out, and bide my time. I still believed that I would only get one chance at escape, and I needed to be smart. We followed Sam, he then stopped outside of a door. He opened it and ushered Finn in. Finn looked at me questioningly and I nodded to him to follow Sam. He obeyed and they both entered the room. When they returned Finn was fully dressed in black sweatpants and a plain white t-shirt. Sam then continued down a corridor, and then eventually stopped again. We were now in front of the large mirror again. Sam put in the code and entered the secret room. Finnley frowned at me, and I gave him a reassuring smile in reply. I didn't need him to know that I was crapping my pants, I needed him to stay calm. I proceeded forwards and then stepped over the gold frame of the mirror. Finn followed behind me, but he could barely get into the room, because as soon as I'd entered the room, I had frozen.
As my eyes scanned around the room, I saw that sitting on the couches were the twelve council members. With them was Alpha Quinn, two other vampires that I didn't know, the twins, and a smug looking Kali. None of them bothered me, what did bother me though, was the six extremely frightened teenage hunters, that were huddled together next to Samael. They looked petrified, they were skinny and dirty, and by the looks of them, they were around sixteen or seventeen years old. Not much younger than myself, but with everything I had been through, I didn't see myself as a youngster anymore. I'd grown up so much in the last year. But these teenagers really did look like scared little children.
I felt awful for them, and had no idea why they were here. They all tried to avoid eye contact with the rest of us, all except one young woman. She stood in the middle of them all, and held her arms around them to comfort them. She had long bright auburn hair, and it was matted and fuzzy, but you could tell it would look gorgeous when cared for. She had porcelain white skin, and golden hazel eyes, that still held a fire behind them. She stared into my eyes with confidence and strength. I smiled lightly at her and she nodded in reply. She was definitely a courageous young woman, and someone that I could tell would put up a fight. My eyes scanned over the rest of the huddled group, and I felt sorry for them, they were weak and scared. They stood no chance with anything the council had planned for them. My thoughts began to race as I concluded that this must all be for me. Oh no, I hope they don't want me to turn these kids, my thoughts were interrupted as my eyes suddenly fell on him. Standing right next to the group of scared hunters, was someone that I had never expected to see again.
“Freya,” he greeted me in his usual husky voice, and with a nonchalant nod of his head.
I stared at him in shock, he was the last person that I expected to see. I couldn't believe he was so casual, like he was standing in front of a complete stranger. My heart cried out for him, and Mina was going insane. She was fighting tooth and nail to take over, she wanted him, and it was taking every bit of strength I had to hold her back. It was extremely difficult though, because in all honesty, I wanted him too.
He smelt amazing, and he oozed pure masculinity and power. He looked as stunning as ever, but there was something different about him. There was a dominance, and a confidence that was so strong and so damn attractive. I stared into his gorgeous deep blue eyes, and I could see that he was struggling just as much as I was. His eyes kept flickering from deep blue to black, there was no doubt in my mind that he wanted me too. But he was staying composed and fighting his urges. What I would have given right now, to feel his hands all over me. I would have done anything to hear that primal growl of his. As my thoughts raced, my mate mark began to tingle and burn. I held my hand up to the space between my neck and my shoulder. His eyes left mine for a second and watched as my hand delicately teased my mark. I licked my bottom lip, and then bit it. That was it, as soon as he saw me bite my lip, he lost the fight with himself. He let out his rolling primal growl, as his eyes turned raven black. A cheeky grin spread across my face, knowing that I still had a hold over him.
“Freya, are you ok? I can hear Mina howling. Who is this guy?” Finnley asked me with concern through our mind link.
“I'm fine Finn. And that guy is my mate,” I replied to him through our link.
I heard him gasp through the link, but he stayed quiet. I looked over at Sam, and his eyes were black with anger. He clearly didn't like me lusting over another guy. But I didn't care, he was with Kali, and the way he had been keeping secrets and injecting me with shit, he had no moral high ground to stand on. I glanced back over to my stunning mate, he was still losing against his urges. With a cheeky smirk on my face, I confidently walked towards him. When I reached him, I placed my hands onto his hard and familiar chest. I stared up into his raven eyes, as I went on to my tiptoes and placed a soft and lingering kiss on his cheek. I heard him hold his breath as I pulled away. I inhaled deeply, taking in his delicious scent. I then whispered softly into his ear,
“I'm turning you on, aren’t I Tristan?”