CLAWED

I woke up to the feel of the evening breeze, my head banging on one side.

"What happened?"I managed to ask as I felt my head was being split into two. I heard the sound of

wood chopping coming from outside.I dragged myself to the door about to open it when someone beat me to it.

"Princess." I heard him say.

I saw a perfect face staring right at me, the red hair reflecting the sun's heat. That's when the events

from yesterday came flooding in, together with my recent escapades with a man I do not know.

I looked at him , he wasn't dressed like the palace security. As much as I remembered, they wore black

clothes with red trims .

Panic set in as I realized I might be in a bigger mess . What if it's one of the queens men or maybe

worse .

I reached out and grabbed the closest thing next to me.

I moved quickly crashing my knee into his torso .

"Don't come close to me or I won't hesitate to use this." I shouted with confidence.

His serious expression faded, his face twitching till he burst out laughing.

"Okay, little furious wolf; how do you plan on doing that, scoop me to death?" He asked his grin not

leaving his face.

That's when I realized what was in my hand, a table spoon.

My face flushed red with embarrassment.

"You can relax princess." He said stealthily walking towards me his gaze never leaving mine.

" I am Ian Hale, the last son of Damion Hale."

That's when I remembered, the Hales were known for their characteristic red hair though his looked

different, like it was drawing me in wanting to eat me alive.

If he is a Hale then he might be able to help.

"The queen, she is behind the attack. She…" I began.

"We know." He cut me off brusquely

"And she…"

"We know." He cut me off again.

"But…." I began,"We figured that out too." He answered my unsaid question.

"What is your deal?" I said flatly with an annoyed expression. His grin widened.

"Fix your face up then come and eat, you look like you could drop dead at any moment."

My face flushed red with embarrassment as I rubbed my hands on my face. My jaw line was a little

swollen from the blow earlier and my face felt swollen and puffy not to talk of my messy hair.

"You're an ass." I said and walked away and I could hear the trail of laughter behind.

I stepped outside the cabin, the air felt dense and it wasn't surprising following all the events that happened.

I soaked a piece of clothe and began to wipe my face gently massaging the swollen areas.

My mind strayed back to my father. I wondered how he was doing.

He'll be okay, a voice said from behind me.

I turned quickly to see Ian standing behind me. He looked like he had been there for a while. I was so lost in thought I hadn't even noticed . He had a calm demeanor around him but it was obvious he was thinking about something.

May, he mumbled softly looking intently on the floor.

May, as in the month? , i pondered as I wondered what could make him this distressed.

Let's get back inside , he said bringing me back to reality.

The cabin was not the best of places . The walls had visible chinkings and the windows were just basic openings with minimal trims but it was one of the best places to hide in.

I sat down on what was left of a wooden chair and ate my food slowly not really caring about the taste. He sat down on the wooden floor leaning his back on the wall, his red hair rising softly with the wind.

You should get some sleep, humans are very fragile .

Humans? I scoffed . He's acting like I'm a whole new alien race.

So tell me strong and mighty, what race are you from, I said smirking.

He turned his gaze to me , his black eyes staring right into mine.

I can be from any race you want ,Princess, he said grinning adding emphasis on the last word.

I rolled my eyes turning my face to the window trying to hide my slight smile but I knew he could see it in the dim moon light. Was he always this sly but then again I had little or no interactions with people my age and only came out to talk with scruffy old friends of my dad on occasion . But one thing was for sure. He was the spitting image of his Dad. From his red hair ,to the black eyes to the calm and reassuring aura around him , it gave one a mix of danger and security at the same time.

I remember my father mentioning once about him being called the crimson wolf .

Why, I started

Do they call you the crimson wolf , I concluded. His expression became serious and for a slight second a deep frown enveloped his face which was speedily replaced with a smile.

Hopefully you'll never know, he answered after some thought and continud staring into space.

I heard it's bad luck staying in a cabin on a full moon but I'm guessing we are going to be stuck here till tomorrow, I rambled trying to change the topic.

What ! He shouted standing up.