Tracker

Chapter 8

I approached the river edge , listening to the rush and rapid current, my heart began to pounder in my chest , I hate the river but I needed inspiration the wave was calm and any idea could easily creep in.

The longer I sat to write the more the urge came , well....I knew how to swim , but I hadn't been in the river since when I was nine , and I watched my twelve years old brother slip under a deceptively calm of veil of water and never resurfaced.

The garment hung on me, i whipped it over my head, tossing it aside then quickly dropped the large skirt that hung to my hips.

"You can do this, Bridget ". Drawing a sharp breath I hurried to the center of the shallow pool, air rushed from my lungs , cringing from the very thoughts of dunking my head, I sucked in another deep gasp and went under digging my fingers into my hair.

..........

Why did I have to look downstream?

I suppressed a groan while trying to push the tantalizing image of her pint size body out of my thoughts.

He had turn to the river edge to also clean up. Bridget was still standing on the rocky shoreline staring into the calm pool of water.

And then before he realized what she was about to do , she was naked as the sunrise, with all it's shimmering splendor. The sight has knocked the air from his lungs and the sense from his head.he couldn't pull his eyes away from her ivory skin , her blonde air fell effortlessly on her skin. She shocked him again by slipping into the frigid water. Only then did he find the sense to step back from the river edge.

I walked back to my chambers, by tomorrow we will be out of here, I wouldn't have to see her again nor her body.

I layed on the bed , my mind flooded with the thoughts of her ivory skin, a visualized image of her deligate body.

Blazing hell Aaron. Think about something else!

....

the morning was quite we were prepared to leave.

After hours of talk , " we are pleased with the terms", the king said , "Farewell ".

Aaron didn't wait, he wandered the wall and somehow appeared before Bridget.

" Princess"

She jumped nearly dropping her book.

How did you get here?

A trick, he smirked.

I don't like invasion in my peace, I have duties and rules.

Aaron stepped further his voice low and teasing , " rules are meant to be bent, don't worry I know how to make it fun.''

Her frowned deepened, And she felt both annoyed and curious. He was bold, ..... irritating and yet something about him drew her near.

Her quiet space was about to change and nothing could stop what was coming.

.....

Roshan walked through the pack ground with a tight jew he didn't especially like the news about the trackers.

Trackers meant trouble, trackers meant secret and people desperate to find her.

Why ?

What do they want from her ?

What do they fear?

Roshan didn't have answers, and he hated it .

He turned to the training field intended to check on the worriors , but he stopped when he saw Lillard walking out of the training ground.

The seer carried a calm air around him , like he was never surprise. Roshan respected him more than most elders.

" Roshan", Lillard greeted with a nod.

Lillard, Roshan replied, you're out early.

Lillard smiled faintly," I was never alone."

'Who was with you?".

Lillard eyes twinkled with something that annoyed Roshan instantly, like he already knew the thought of the Beta before he spoke them .

"A girl," Lillard said .

" Iris "

Lillard did not confirm it with words, but his silence was enough.

Roshan looked past him, towards the empty field the weapons were neatly arranged , nothing seemed disturb, but his instinct told him something happened.

" Did she try to train?"

Yes , Lillard answered simple.

She wasn't ready, she could get hurt, and he knew how exactly the weapons where heavy even the lighter ones.

"She was struggling?" he asked..

"She was trying " Lillard corrected gently.

"What did you tell her ", Roshan asked

She needed time , Guidance, and she is not weak, but only wounded.

"Wounded ", Roshan replied.

Yes.

The word fit Iris more then another.

She listens to you, Roshan said calmly , but she doesn't trust easily, she's still afraid.

Lillard nodded once.

I need you to speak with her, maybe understand her a bit and train her, Lillard spoke.

"She doesn't look like someone who is willing to open up", Roshan responded .

***

Iris walked through the garden , her mind still replaying Lillard words.

Shaped not broken

She has not been called strong before, not by her old clan, not by her parents, not even the one she even thought as mate.

Everyone one has seen her as a burden .

A curse.

Something she never was.

She paused under a tall tree, placing a hand on its rough back. The tree rustled above her, catching the light and sending it dancing on the ground.

Here in this pack, she felt...... almost safe .

She heared footsteps behind her , and turned sharply.

"Almost."

Roshan replied his voice calm.

He replied calmly like he could hear her thoughts, this man was mysterious.

He always carries himself so.....so clean, always well polished and looking hot. He has an aura, that she couldn't well place.

He stood there tall and calm, watching her with unreadable eyes, with a smirk on his lips.

" Iris"

his voice always make my feets so weak , was it because of the aura he commanded.

"Why are you here?"Roshan asked

I should ask you same, she replied trying to sound steady.

She's tensed.

He noticed.

He always notice.

" Lillard told me you were at the training field ".

"Is that a problem?"

"No" Roshan answered, "but it is dangerous."

You could have asked someone for help.

Who?" She wispered, everyone looks at me like I'm trouble.

" I don't"

You're lying, iris said turning away again.

I don't lie , Roshan replied.

" You don't need to train alone, " he said " if you want to learn you could ask me.

She blinked quickly, confused, surprised, unsure.

" Why do you want to teach me?"

Roshan looked straight into her eyes.

" Because you want to stand on your feet," he said. "and I do not believe you are as weak as you think."

Roshan turned his eyes slowly from hers , knowing the full effect he has on her well.....most ladies.

Not today, he moved slowly , you're tired and your mind is heavy, training in this state is useless.

She nodded slowly.

I was told your parents died during a war?

"Yes", a nightmare no one should experience.

You will overcome all that's before you, Roshan assured her.

Roshan turned to leave, but Iris voice stopped him.

" I want revenge"

Roshan paused.

his eyes widened, a mix of surprise and caution. "Revenge," iris are you sure that's what your want ?

I want them to pay, I want them to feel what it means to be alone .

I want justice Roshan , and I'm willing to do what ever it takes .

Roshan studied her, searching for any hint of doubts, ....but Iris was resolute...

" I will stand by you, but are you sure this is what you want , revenge can consume you."

It's already consuming me Beta, I just need to let it take control.

Teach me , guide me, mentor me.

Roshan studied her for a moment, he saw the pain in those emerald eyes of hers, he could see a steady mind and soul and no one was going to change her decision not even him.

" as you wish"

He turned and walked away, his steps always steady and controllable.

Far outside the Packs border, deep in the northern woods a shadow moved quickly through the trees.

A tracker .

Cloaked in black, silent in the wind.

He touched the ground , sniffed the air and narrowed his eyes.

The scent was faint but familiar.

He had found a trail, a trail leading towards the pack that now sheltered Iris.

He smiled darkly.

" Found you".