Warrior Cats: The Four Clans

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Chapter 12

 

            Aden shifted uncomfortably. He had never been this close to another wolf unless he was sinking his fangs in to its throat. Without warning he stood and bolt a few paces away. He had felt a great longing to sink his razor sharp fangs in to the soft flesh of his target. He had to resist that urge as long as he was in broad daylight. He had almost lost control. This wasnt good. The closer he got to her the more her sweet, gentle fragrance blinded him. He turned a wary gaze to her, "Thanks," he whispered coldly hoping to mask the longing in his voice.

 

Ilari shuddered. What was wrong with him? Why couldnt he just talk without freaking out like that? She had only come to comfort him and he acted like she had a disease. Her gaze became sad. How come he wouldnt open up?

            The one and only time she had gotten a peek at the wolf within was when he ran. There was something honest, almost majestic when his powerful legs glided effortlessly across the ground. She was sure she had seen lightning dance across his perfectly white pelt when he had sped across the course. His smile as he passed her was so warm and honest. Her heart had fluttered when he had looked at her from the starting line. He had looked as if he were from some old legend. A great figure from the past that was powerful and beautiful.

            Why was it so hard for him to open up? She had seen part of his true self. When he had fallen she had seen the genuine hurt and devastation. So why did he choose to close himself off now? Her sad gaze traced the back he had turned to her. It hurt her deeply that he would not look at her. In the distance she heard the howling laughter of the pack. Her eyes caught sight of Adens shoulders tensing. Her heart pounded.

            "Aden?" she called softly, but he didnt respond.

From behind her a voice boomed, "Aden, it isnt nice to be so rude to your master." Ilari saw the fur on Adens back bristle. His face turned around swiftly, his eyes glazed with fury. Ilari flinched back. The true self she wanted to see had disappeared as quickly as it had come.

 

Adens hated filled eyes stared in to Leons fire like gaze. The large golden wolfs lips pulled back in to an impressed grin. Adens face suddenly became confused. "Would you like to join the hunt?" Leons eyes narrowed with expectation.

Aden was stunned. What did he just say? Join the hunt? Didnt he just see Aden fall and plant his face in to the ground? Adens fur settled a little, Why? I thought the hunt was for those who are apart of the pack. Adens eyes scanned mercilessly through Leons.

Leons mouth pulled in to a sly smile, "Exactly."

Adens jaw dropped, "This is some sort of test isnt it?" Leons eyes never wavered neither did Adens.

            "If you think you are good enough on the obstacle course why dont you have a test run with us while we hunt? Otherwise," his gaze became as cold as stone, "Stay here like a scared mouse."

            Aden licked his jaws in anticipation, his mouth parted in to a wicked grin, "Bring it on."

Chapter 13

 

            Ilari felt a lightning connection between Leon and Aden. As if they had reason to challenge each other. Aden looked like Hunter as he stared down the older wolf, but there was something different about his stance. Adens was more experienced. He looked as though he had done battle all of his life, as if fighting was a second nature. His lean muscled body glided easy as his body moved from one fighting stance to another. Ilaris heart went in to spastic beating. Her eyes never left him as he grinned viciously at Leon. She tore her gaze away from him to look at Leon. The large golden wolfs eyes burned with the same fire that he used when he looked at Hunter. Though, when Leons eyes watched Aden there was a different tone in which he did it. His eyes held more respect for Aden. They were warmer to the white wolf than they had ever been to Hunter. This puzzled her. Why did Leon look at Aden the way he should be looking at Hunter?

            She turned her eyes back to Aden and caught him glancing at her. She blushed a little under her brown-red pelt. Her heart beat faster even though she tried to persuade it to stop it. Adens eyes held a flicker of warmth in them. The true self had managed a peek its head out even if it was only for that brief moment. She felt Leons gaze turn to her also. He had followed Adens to see what he was watching. A slight frown touched his lips as he ordered, "Ilari you must stay here."

            Ilaris eyes spread wide in dismay, "But you said this would be my first hunt! You promised to let me come this time!" Leons frown disappeared an expressionless tone hit his eyes.

            "It is either you or Aden, make a choice." Ilari felt tears well up in her eyes. She really wanted to be apart of this hunt and yet she knew what it would mean to Aden. Her eyes turned to the white wolf. His face was expectant and yet not forceful She knew it was her decision alone. Aden would hold no grudge, at least she hoped, if she wanted to go. She sighed. This was going to be tough.

            This hunt meant a lot to her. It would mean the point at which she would stop being a puppy and became a full member of the pack. To run in the same moonlight with the pack was said to be magical. A wolf never returned the same. The part of them that had never had any pressure was turned around. After the hunt a female puppy would finally give her vows to the one she would be a mate with. Hunter was the wolf she was pledged to and she knew this was a special day for him. Ever since she had been born Hunter was always there. Their parents had made an agreement for the good of the pack that they would be mates.

            She shook and shivered all over. This was supposed to be a great day. She would finally have a mate and be a full member of the pack. Her gaze turned to Aden. His handsome face was still blank. Only a hint of warmth touched his eyes. He waited patiently for her decision.  Why was he so patient with her? Hunter would have demanded and answer by now. Maybe she needed some more time to be a puppy. Maybe she needed to think about her betrothal to Hunter.

            Leons eyes, though warm, were growing impatient, "What is your decision? Will you stay or will you go? "

            Adens soothing voice chimed in, "Just say what is in your heart."

            Ilari was in dismay, "I think I will" Her heart raced. Her gaze turned to determination. The two wolves gazed at her while she made up her mind.

Chapter 14 

            Aden watched with a perfect imitation of patience, while inside he desperately wanted to go on this hunt. He wanted to show these stuck up wolves how a real wolf hunted. His fangs itched to sink in to soft flesh. Ilari smiled at him and said cheerfully, "I will be staying here. Aden you may go on the hunt. I can always go next time." Adens crooked smile spread across his face and turned his head proudly to Leon.

            "I guess I will be coming along then." He chuckled almost smugly. Leons eyes darkened a little but he turned and howled. Aden quirked his head and saw the rest of the hunting party come bounding down the hill. Hunter was at the head of the group. The gray and white wolfs eyes were triumphant as he stopped beside Ilari.

            "Well tonight I guess you and I will finally be sharing the same den." Aden shuddered inside at the ambitious wolfs meaning. This one thing was a very touchy subject with him. Aden didnt want Ilari to share a den with Hunter. The young wolf looked too eager. Aden turned away; it wasnt any of his business. Leon growled at the edge of the crowd and stomped to his son.

            "You will not be sharing your den with anyone for a while longer." Hunters eyes narrowed at Leon.

            "And who are you to deny me the right of my mate? I have waited since the day she was born for tonight. No one is going to take it away from me!" Hunters fur bristled and Ilari cowered away from him. Adens whole body grew stiff with anger. With one swift movement pushed his way between Hunter and Ilari. Ilaris eyes were a little shocked to see who had come to her rescue.

            Aden gave Hunter a very harsh glare, but he said in an even tone, "I do believe that I am the one wolf who can deny you that right." Hunter turned a hateful gaze to Aden. Aden just shrugged it off, "I am going to be taking my masters place in the hunt, but if you really want a wolf to warm your den tonight, might I suggest myself in place of my master?" he let poison drip in to his words and he gave Hunter a hungry gaze. His whole body grew ready for battle and he felt power ripple through his body. He knew how viscous he must look by the instant change in Hunter eyes. They were fearful and hateful as Aden loomed over him. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Ilaris scared expression and he snorted. "But I guess for now we will just have to have a truce, after all, we will be on the same hunt." He turned from Hunter and sauntered over to Ilari. His gaze grew warmer and his voice became sweeter, "Sorry about that, I dont think he would have left you alone if it was left up to Leon."

            Ilari smiled a bit and her eyes grew almost grateful, "Thank you Aden." She whispered. He stood taller and Aden fell in step beside her. They strolled back to the hill to wait until the hunt would begin. Every so often Aden would glance almost fondly  at Ilari. Ilari turned back to Aden and said curiously, "Have you ever noticed that you have never once called me by my name?"

Aden shrugged, "There hasnt been a reason too. You are my master and I shall call you as much" He was afraid of the day he would call out to her by her real name. He was growing dangerously attached. This had to end. He needed to complete his mission very soon; otherwise he would never have the heart to kill his target.

Chapter 15

 

            Ilari was aware of the growing awkward silence between her and Aden. She cleared her throat, but only got a flick of the ear as a response. She sighed and opened her mouth to speak but a voice cut in, "Ilari? What is going on? Why arent you with Hunter?" Ilaris deep brown eyes shot to the tan pelted older version of herself. Ilari smiled widely at her.

            "Destiny! Where have you been? We missed you at the obstacle course this morning. I know you would have made it on the hunt for sure." Destinys mouth pulled back in to a half smile. Her eyes scanned Aden warily, but he gave her no notice. She sneered and turned back to Ilari.

            "Can I talk to you for a minute?" Destinys eyes flashed with urgency. Ilari nodded and moved to follow. At her side she felt Aden move in step with her. His gate never faltered and his legs moved the same way hers did, he could predict and imitate her movements perfectly. Her eyes stared in wonder until she heard Destiny clear her throat. Ilaris eyes snapped back to the tan she wolf. "I want to talk to you alone." She chided with an edge in her voice.

            Ilari gave Aden a disarming smile and she saw his shoulders relax only a fraction. She gave him an innocent glare and she saw his shoulders shake with his silent laughter. She wanted to hear what is sounded like. Even for only a moment. She wanted to hear if his laughter was as smooth as his voice. She scolded herself for thinking that way and followed Destiny. Destiny trotted over to her den and let Ilari slip past first.

            As Ilari stepped in to dark cold den she heard Destiny sigh heavily, "Dear sister, you need to stop this."

            Ilaris eyes turned to her sister in confusion, "Stop what? What have I done wrong?" Destinys jaw tightened and her eyes grew darker.

            "You should be spending more time with Hunter. You know, he is the wolf that has been only been betrothed to you since you were born." She snipped with sarcasm dripping in her voice. Ilari made her pouting face and Destiny turned away. "Honestly Ilari you cant play with Hunters emotions like that." Now Ilari was really confused.

            "How am I playing with his emotions? I know he is my future mate but I have done nothing wrong." Destiny scoffed and looked back at Ilari.

            "Are you really so blind? Cant you see how much Hunter is hurting every time you look at Aden?" Ilari was taken aback. Destiny was acting like she was mooning over Aden. As if she had fallen for the emotionless, cold, self centered, graceful, handsome, white pelted he wolf. She shook her head at the list she had made to describe Aden.

            "I am faithful to Hunter, I can assure you that. Hunter has always been there for me." Destiny still looked unconvinced but Ilari continued, "It is Adens first hunt with the pack. It will be good for him you know that. We have a big game hunt every week or so. In one weeks time Hunter will officially be my mate. That is all there is to it." Ilaris shoulders were ridged. She couldnt believe she had to argue about her honor this way. Destiny smiled and sighed softly with relief.

            "That is good to hear Ilari. Stay with the one who stands beside you. Hunter is that wolf. I believe you and he will have a great life. Aden will remain as your servant as long as you are alive." Ilari frowned. Her heart told her that this wasnt they way things were meant to be. She knew there was something more planned for her.

Chapter 16

 

            Aden sat at the crest of the hill and watched the hunting party below. Many of the wolves had worried expressions and others had teeth bared and snarling at Leon. The great golden wolf kept his composure with great dignity. Aden lifted one brow and watched intently. It was more than likely that the discussion was about him. He sighed softly and glanced to the sky. The hunt was said to start at dusk. The sky at the moment was bright blue with the morning suns rays. Aden stood and slowly made his way to the bottom of opposite side of the hill. He didnt want to talk to anyone at the moment.

            Glancing around he made sure no one was watching. As quick as lightning he dashed in to the nearby trees and kept going. He felt nothing as he bolted through the forest. His muscles glided effortlessly in to each stride. He lifted his snowy white muzzle and drank in the scent of the forest. He felt free. He had always felt free if he could just run. No one could catch him. After a while longer, Aden came to rest at a lake. The very same lake he had first found his target.

            Slowly, as if stalking the lake, he moved closer. He took a large whiff of the lake. Ilaris gentle scent lingered on the shore. It sent chills up his spine as he remembered her dancing across the shore. He smiled ever so softly and watched the ripples in the water. He glided to the edge of the water and let his front paws sink in to the cool lake mud under the water. He lowered his face to take a drink. When his tongue touched the water he was surprised at how cold it was. His front paws didnt feel the cold but his tongue did. He lifted his head confused. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a small river connected to the edge of the lake.

            He narrowed his eyes and turned from the icy lake. It then dawned on him, and he chuckled. This was why they called themselves the Pack of the Icy River. He returned his gaze to the forest he had come from. He stopped dead. His neck fur bristled and he bared his teeth in to a villainous snarl. Standing in the trees in the path to go back to the hill was a large black he-wolf. His eyes narrowed and his mouth set in to a deep frown. There was something odd about this wolf.

            Aden took in all of this strange wolfs features. His eyes were two different colors. Aden almost gasped. One was a deep gold, the other a deep blood red. This wolf was almost the exact opposite of him. If both of his eyes were gold they would have been complete opposites. The large black wolf opened his mouth and a husky wary voice growled, "Just what do you think you are doing out here?"

            Adens mouth pulled in to a sarcastic smile, "Well I am counting how many flowers are in between the lake and the hill of course." The other wolfs eyes became a little confused. Then they narrowed again as he realized that Aden was being a smart aleck. Despite the narrowed eyes the black wolfs mouth pulled in to an almost concealed half smile.

            Aden let his fur lie flat. The other wolf sensed that Aden wasnt going to attack and relaxed also. "You might want to get back now. Ilari was looking for you."

            Aden gave him a quizzical glance, "Really?"

            The other wolf tilted his head, "No." The other wolfs eyes held a sarcastic twinkle in them, "I am Shadow by the way." Aden half smiled and followed the black wolf. Some of the wolves in the pack were rather interesting. Aden shook his head and knew he was getting to attached again. It had to be soon. He had to kill his target.

Chapter 17

 

            Ilari walked about the hill in pursuit of Aden. After she had left him to go talk to her sister he disappeared. A small frown touched her lips as she realized how desperately she was searching for the white wolf. Her deep brown eyes were confused. "Ilari? What are you doing?" an all to familiar voice questioned her. She turned her head to see her puppy hood protector Hunter. He stood at an almost guarded position. His eyes were almost accusing. She knew that deep behind these feeling of aggression that he was hurting. She sighed softly and padded closer to him. Hunters body became ridged as she approached.

            "Listen Hunter, I know you have been looking forward to this day for a long time. I have too, but Aden tried so hard on the course today." Hunter growled as she mentioned the white wolf. "You tripped him, that wasnt fair Hunter and you know it." Her face pulled in to a pout and she saw a rare show of warmth flicker across Hunters eyes.

            "I know its just he was only doing it to show off. Did you see his eyes? He was trying to impress you." Hunters mouth pulled in to a frown and his eyes betrayed his sadness. Ilari was surprised at how easily Hunter was showing his emotions without having been coxed. She smiled softly at Hunter and she saw his mouth try to pull in to a soft smile also.

            "Dont worry," she said as her eyes twinkled a little, "In about a week when we go hunting again, I will go and we can say our vows." Hunter sighed softly and came a little closer to her. She had always been able to get him to lighten up. His eyes were now happier than before, not to overjoyed but happier.

            "That is good to hear." A handsome smile touched his lips and his eyes sparkled the way they used to. She missed this look. Hunter had always been there for her. He had been the nicest wolf she had ever met. Then when she got older he became different. She couldnt put her paw on it but he was different now, a little to over protective. He wasnt as fun as before but still she loved being around him. Out of nowhere an image of a handsome white wolf with cold eyes and a harsh smile crossed her vision. He was staring down another wolf and when he turned his eyes to her they softened and became warm. A special kind of warmth she had never felt before. The image passed and she was left staring at Hunter.

            Ilari glanced away only to feel Hunter ever so gently rest his muzzle on to her shoulder. "Dont worry Ilari. I wont let you down. I will make you the happiest wolf in the pack." This promise held a degree of dread in it. She had been able to hear a little ambition in his voice. She had an idea of what he meant.

            Out of the corner of her eye she saw a black wolf and a white wolf approaching the hill. Aden turned his eyes to her only to see Hunter pressing himself against her. As if a void opened up she saw all emotion leave his face. His eyes sparkled dangerously and he turned his back to her. Ilari crumbled inside. She didnt want to see Aden like this especially if she was the cause of it. Shadow gave her a quizzical look and turned to Aden. Adens shoulder grew stiff and he stalked back to Ilaris den. Shadow shrugged his shoulders and sauntered over to Destinys den. Ilari sighed. This was the last thing she wanted. It hurt her inside that she was so confused about how she felt. Here she had Hunter, a brave and protecting puppy hood friend, and then there was Aden, a stubborn yet sometimes kindhearted complicated mess. She sighed softly, this was so hard.

-- Edited by Ebonycloud at 00:14, 2008-05-26

Okay guys!!! Chapter 14 is up under 13!!!

Awesome! It's great!