Dark Wynter

She ran hard. Branches catching her long hair, pulling it free from her braid. Lost and growing scared, she tried to follow the fast moving creek, hoping it would lead her out of the woods. She was new to the area, and the woods had looked so inviting with the light of the warm afternoon bathing it in gold. Now she didn’t know where she was, and the growing darkness embraced her in shadows.

Somewhere a lone wolf howled at the hidden moon. She didn’t flinch at the noise. She was running blindly now, her eyes not adjusting well to the pitch black. The sound of men laughing and shouting behind her though did scare her. Taking a turn to fast, she stumbled over an exposed root and landed hard on her knees. The wind knocked out of her. She held back a cry as she sank to her knees as the skies opened and rain fell over her.

The cracking of a twig to her right caused her to gasp. Backing up against an old, worn tree trunk she shook harder, imagining all sorts of things coming after her, seeing ever falling leaf and breeze as danger. She felt her body heat up with the adrenaline rush, she forgot all about the creek behind her.

Two men burst onto the path next to her. She screamed as she fell backward in fear, sliding past the tree and down towards the water twenty feet or so below her. Scrambling she tried to catch herself from falling, her legs smacking into rocks. A strong hand caught hers, and stopped her fall.

“Hold on tight.” A deep, concerned voice called out low to her. Her hand felt like fire in his. She looked up, seeing his eyes so dark, his hair falling slightly into them. Scared and hurt, she had no choice but to hold on to him. “Can you climb up?” He asked. She struggled to kick, reaching out with her other hand. There was nothing to steady her. She cried out as her legs were cut by the sharp rocks sticking out.

“I can’t.....the rocks....” She told him, her voice high, her breathing labored. He could see she was crying. The strong heat he felt was cooling. He tightened his grip, took a deep breath and pulled her up and half next to, half on him. Her face was pale and her hair falling over her face and his.

“Are you alright?” He asked her, noticing she was shaking hard, and brushed her hair from her face.

“I...think so. Thank you.” She whispered.

“Hey, ummm....Jonathan.” A second male voice called out. They both turned to the sound. “We need to move, we can’t stay here.” He sounded anxious.

“Yeah, it is not safe here at night. Chad, keep an out for them.” Jonathan told his friend, slowly turning to help her up. “Whatever are you doing out here anyway?” He asked, noting how she winced as she stood. “What’s wrong?”

“My legs, I tripped earlier...and then down there, the rocks.” She looked up at him. “I was stupid. The woods looked so....inviting. Then I got turned around and lost.”

“It is inviting, but at night it changes. And not for the better.” Jonathan guided her away from the trail. Chad silently appeared next to them.

“Jon, they are coming.” Chad said low, then melted into the trees.

“Shit.” Jonathan said low, pulling her hard against him, they too melted into the shadows. Behind a large oak, hidden from the path, he prayed she would stay quiet. He felt her shivering hard, and even though they were now drenched from the rain, she was warm. No sound came from her. He leaned close to her, his breath on her neck. “I know you don’t understand what is going on, but I need you to trust me.” Waiting for her to cry out or start fighting him. He was surprised when she just nodded and moved closer to him. Jonathan tightened his hold on her. “Thank you.”

Voices could be heard now, gruff and loud, echoing in the woods. They were getting closer. Jonathan silently lifted her up and moved deeper into the safety of the brush. He didn’t know why he felt so protective of her.

“I heard a scream, some poor and helpless girl is out here.” A man taunted. “I think we should see if she needs any assistance.” Laughter from several other men could be heard. They reached the area where she had slid towards the water.

“I think she must have fallen in, poor girl.” Someone else said.

“We should head down there. See if she needs any help.” More laughter. “All wet and alone.”

The girl could feel Jonathan make a low growl-like noise, and pressed closer to him. For some reason she felt safe with him. He was protecting her and she wasn’t used to that. She didn’t question it. Listening to these men, she felt herself heat up. She could feel evil from them. Jonathan either sensed what she did or could feel the heat, he turned her to him and put an arm around her shoulders, muffling the voices and blocking some of the rain.

“I think she’d be very appreciative of us, helping her out and all.” They continued to taunt, looking down to the water.

“I bet she’d show us a good time too.” Another one commented. Their laughter so loud it drowned out Jonathan’s growl. One of the men tried to slide down a bit to find the girl, but managed to fall in. A loud yelp was stopped by an even louder splash. Cursing the rocky landing, he yelled for the rest of them to head downstream, thinking she was pulled that way. They slunk away, still laughing, away from where Jonathan, Chad and the girl were. Everyone remained in the shadows until they were gone.

“That was too close Jon.” Chad said quietly, kneeling in the brush to Jonathan’s left. “If we didn’t run into her...” He let his voice trail off. It wasn’t pleasant to think what would have happened to her, or to them, if they were caught unawares.

“Yes. Thank you. Both of you.” The girl said, looking at Chad, then Jonathan. He still held her close. “I’m Lyse, Nova Lyse Chouinard by the way.”

“Jonathan Wynters.” Jon said to her. “And my friend here is Chad Mosby.” He reluctantly let go of her, noting how she steadied herself with the help of a low branch. “We need to get you out of these woods Lyse. It is not safe for you.” He saw the slight spark of defiance in her eyes, as if to ask why it was safe for him, and not her.

“Where do you live?” Chad asked her.

“In a large apartment building at the edge of these woods. I confess I don’t know where though.” She told them, blushing. “I am so turned around here.”

“I know where that is, and it is not a safe place for you right now.” Chad said, not knowing how much else he should tell her.

“Chad is right.” Jon told her, seeing that spark again. “That building is where some of those men live.”

“How do you know that?” She asked, and then stopped herself. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t question you about them. If it wasn’t for you I would have fallen in the creek, or met up with them.”

“It’s alright Lyse, you can ask. We just can’t explain a lot here.” Chad said. They heard an angry shout.

“We need to move, now.” Jonathan said low but forceful. Taking her hand, he headed deeper into the woods, avoiding the trail and whatever moonlight filtered through the trees. He walked quickly, silently. He felt her hand grasp his tight and heard her breathing hard. She was in pain, but fought through it, trying to hide it. He admired her spark, her strength. Chad came up next to them.

“We’re going to have to run for it. They are still back there. I think they picked up her trail.” He was concerned about the girl, and noticed that Jon was already protective of her. He also could tell she was trying to hide her pain. If it came down to them facing those men, he was worried what would happen to her.

“I don’t think she can.” Jon said, surprising her. He looked to Lyse. “Do you think you can run, and not stop? Once they hear us they will try hard to follow.”

“I think I can.” She told him, there was no use pretending otherwise. “I don’t want to hold you back though.” She said low, thinking they might leave her behind. Jonathan stopped short and she tripped.

“Careful little one.” Jon said, catching her easily. “Hey, I am not going to leave you behind, and I don’t think Chad would either.” He smiled at her.

“Jon, if you can take her half of the way, I’ll take her the rest.” Chad said.

“That works, but I should be fine.” Jon said. Lyse didn’t know what they meant until he lifted her and held her against him. She blushed and again he felt that fire from her.

“You don’t have to carry me....really I can try to keep up.”

“You are not going to try to run if you are in pain.” He told her gently. “Besides, your very light. Just hold on to me okay? Chad, I’ll meet you at the house. You know what to do.” Chad nodded to them, and sprinted off in the direction of the shouts. Lyse started to say something, but Jon answered her first. “He’s going to go and lure them away. It’s okay.”

“I hope so.” Lyse said low. They heard snarls and a howl. “More wolves.” She said.

“The woods are full of them.” He said cryptically. He noticed that she did not seem scared of them though. “We’ll take it slow for now, just relax.” He told her. She felt his muscles bunch up and she winced from the movement. She heated up again, and Jonathan wondered how she did that, if she even realized it. They could hear a shout behind them, then a canine-like cry of pain.

“Was that Chad?” She whispered. They heard someone behind them now, and Jonathan knew that is was not Chad back there. Worried for his friend, he gently put Lyse down, leaning her against a fallen trunk. Someone was in the woods before them, and behind them. He could not fight with Lyse in his arms.

“Stay here, make no noise.” He told her, his voice a low growl. Then shocking them both, he kissed her gently on the lips. Lyse barely had time to nod before he was gone. She stood as still as she could. Closing her eyes, she tried to control her breathing, her growing fear. There were more sounds of fighting, growls and shouts.

“Little red riding hood, lost in the woods....” A voice sung out from behind her. Lyses’ throat went dry as she opened her eyes and spun to face the man. “Run into the big bad wolf yet?” A large man was walking towards her; his near white hair glowed in a streak of moonlight. Lyse wanted to scream, but Jon had told her to make no sound. She feared luring him and Chad into a trap. The man was now within arms distance of her. She moved swiftly, putting the trunk between them. The man was quicker though, and grabbed her shoulder, pulling her hard into the trunk. The wind knocked out of her.

‘Jonathan...’ She cried out in her mind. Gasping, the man pulled her over the tree. She closed her eyes and let her anger and fear grow. He let out a shout from the heat she released. His skin turning red. He smacked her hard with his other hand then grabbed her by the throat.

“Little one, little one, come out to play.” He taunted her. Holding her still, he took a small flask out from his waist band. Forcing her head back, he poured the liquid into her mouth. Lyse tried to fight back, spitting some of it at him, getting him in the face. He grunted as it stung his eyes and shoved her to the ground. She struggled to get up, her throat and stomach burning from what she swallowed. He stood over her, when in a blur he was down. Jonathan stood over him, punching. Chad was next to her, his nose bloodied.

“What happened?” Lyse and Chad asked at the same time. He saw the dropped flask and turned to her. “What did he do?” He saw the marks on her neck, but then realized Jon was still attacking the man. “Jon, we need to get out of here.” He said. His voice sounded like a shout to Lyse, her head starting to spin.

“Jonathan?” She called out, and Chad turned back to face her. She managed to stand and was trying to get to them. He managed to reach her just before she fainted.

“Lyse!” He shouted, holding her in his arms.

“What did he do to her!” Jonathan’s voice shattered the silence around them. His face, hands and chest had blood over them. His eyes wild. He let out a full growl that shook the ground. “I’m here Lyse, I have you.” He said low to her, taking her cool body from Chad.

“I don’t know, but I found this.” Chad said holding up the flask, pulling Jon with him as he walked. “We need to get out of here now, he is gone already, but his friends will be back.” Jon nodded, for once letting someone else take control. He held Lyse tight to him.

“I thought she’d be safe for a few, long enough to get you and get back.” He whispered guiltily. He felt the heat drain from her. They ran in silence. The storm raging all around them, washing away their trail. Lightening lit the night sky and thunder shook the ground. Jon held her even closer, heart breaking that she got hurt because she trusted him. He told her not to make noise...thinking that if she screamed they would find her. Not thinking she wouldn’t cry out that she needed him. He felt her calling him, but he didn’t get there fast enough.

“Jon, let’s get her inside.” Chad said. Jon blinked, realizing that they were home. He grunted and carried her in, letting Chad lock up and make sure all was safe. He took her upstairs.

Jon and Chad lived in a large house, on the opposite side of the woods as Lyse. The house had been in Jon’s family since his grandfather’s time. He sat on his bed, Lyse still in his arms, the storm in full display from the panoramic windows in his room. Chad lived in the loft on the other side of the house.

“She okay?” Chad asked from the doorway. He saw how much this was affecting Jonathan.

“I don’t know.” Jon told him. “Do you have any idea what was in that flask?” He said, finally letting her go. He carefully laid her down on the bed, noticing how small she was. How fragile.

“I think it was an herbal sedative, but it worked so fast.” Chad said. “I can call the others maybe. See if they have any ideas.” He offered.

“Yeah, that might help.” Jon told him. He shook his head, as if to clear his thoughts. “See what they think. We might need to come up with a plan anyway. I don’t think that they will stop. They wanted her for something.”

“It seems like they specifically wanted her Jon. Why else would she be living there...be alone in the woods.” Chad sighed. He seemed to just realize that Jon was covered in blood. “Want me to stay with her, so you can wash up?”

“Nah, just make the calls and keep watch.” Jon said, getting up from the bed. “I’ll wash up here and keep an eye on her.” Chad nodded and left, knowing better then to take offense at Jonathan’s words. He had never seen him so worried about a girl before.

Jon waited until her heard Chad downstairs before he headed to the bathroom. He could see Lyse from the doorway. Running the hot water, he quickly washed his hands and face of the blood. Seeing the small cuts that were on his arms and neck. Wincing when he took off his shirt. There was a large cut down his side, either from a knife or broken branch.

“What happened to you?” A soft voice asked from the bathroom door.

“Lyse.” Jon said turning just in time to catch her as she swayed. “My god, are you alright?” He asked, seeing the marks on her neck. “What happened back there? Why didn’t you cry out?” He steadied her at the counter.

“I was waiting like you said to, and then there was that man. He called me ‘little red riding hood’. I tried to get away, but he was strong.” She shivered. “I burned him though. He didn’t like that too much.”

“So, you are aware of that heat you give off.” Jon said, looking at her in the mirror. She nodded.

“I always have, I know it seems strange.” She blushed. “He grabbed me by my throat, and then made me drink from a flask.”

“Why didn’t you scream?” Jon asked low. Afraid he knew the answer.

“You said not to make noise....I didn’t want to bring you back if it was a trap.” She looked into his mirror-image eyes. “You got hurt though, fighting him?”

“It’s nothing, just some scratches.” He said. He realized her neck was bleeding. “Damn it, those cuts are deeper than I thought Lyse.” He touched her neck softly. “You’re not warm anymore.”

“I can’t seem to heat up....whatever that was in the flask makes it harder to stay warm. Harder to stay awake.” She told him.

“I need to clean those out...they could become infected.” He said, really worried now. He was bleeding as well, and was worried that when he held her close that his blood could have mixed with hers. He lifted her up and sat her on the counter, letting her lean back against the wall.

“What about you? You are hurt more than I am.” She asked him. He noticed her eyes were such a dark green that they looked like emeralds. They were also dilated. He held her hand still when it traced the cut along his side.

“I’m a big boy, it’s just a scratch.” He teased her. He helped her take off her sweatshirt, letting it hit the floor in a soggy lump. His face darkened as he took in the bruises along her shoulder and side from the rough handling. Her white tank top had blood stains on it from his side. He remembered that her legs were hurt also. “Think you are okay sitting there for a minute?” He asked her. Lyse nodded and he went back into the bedroom, looking for a change of clothes for her. She was so tiny, delicate. He figured a pair of sweat pants and a tank top should fit, if on the big side. He hurried back to Lyse. She was standing now, splashing water on her face. He handed her a towel.

“Thank you.” She told him, drying her face. He noticed how young she was. How innocent she was, despite all that was going on around her. She carefully dried her neck, patting the scratches.

“Always.” Jon told her his eyes locking with hers. “I brought you some clothes to change into. I want to see how bad your legs are hurt. I know you are going to say you are okay, but I want to just make sure.”

“You guys alright?” Someone called from the bedroom. Lyse stiffened at the unfamiliar voice.

“We’re in here.” Jon yelled back. “It’s okay Lyse, just a friend.” He pulled her close. “You’re safe here.”

“So this is the one they are after?” A large man with black hair asked. He smiled at her, and she could feel the warmth there. “Jericho Callen, at your service.”

“Lyse Chouinard.” She said low. The room flashed with lightening.

“Your girl here has been watched for a while Jonathan,” Jericho told him. “seems they have gotten it in their heads to catch a phoenix.”

“The heat.” Jon whispered and Lyse nodded.

“A phoenix?” Chad asked. “Ummm, she doesn’t look like a bird to me.” Jericho’s laugh filled the room.

“No, definitely not a bird.” Jericho said. “You do know that you are a phoenix, don’t you?” He asked her.

“I know I give off heat. I know I have hurt people with it.” She said quietly. “Why is that so important though?”

“I haven’t figured that part out yet, but it seems Falcon’s clan is now claiming her.”

“What?” Jonathan roared out from behind her. She shivered. “How can they just claim her? She isn’t one of us.”

“One of what?” She asked, turning to face him. She looked into his eyes, and then nodded. “When you said the woods were full of wolves....you didn’t mean just any type did you?” He turned to look at her sharply, and she heard Chad gulp. Jericho just laughed some more.

“You are indeed a unique little one. Come on Chad; let’s leave them alone for now.” He said. They closed the door after them. Jon just stared at her.

“Did I say something wrong Jon?” She asked him, avoiding his eyes now.

“I am just amazed at you, that’s all.” Jonathan said in a whisper. “No one has ever figured that out.” He said coming closer. “And no one has ever been this....fearless.” He turned her chin up, so he could look into her eyes.

“I can say the same for you too.” She said. “Usually people avoid me. They can’t understand why I am so warm....or they don’t trust me not to hurt them.”

“I know you won’t hurt me Lyse.” He said. He couldn’t stop staring at her. “You need to get changed and lay down. You’re hurting more then you want to let on.” Jonathan finally managed to look away, and helped her back into the bathroom. He wasn’t afraid to touch her. She wasn’t used to that. Her eyes filled with tears. “What’s wrong? What hurts?” He asked her, turning her to face him.

“It’s okay. I’m just not used to this.” She said. “To someone not running the other way when they find out I am different.”

“And I am?” He asked, making her look up to him again. “You just learned I am a bit more different then you. Aren’t you scared of me?” She shook her head.

“Why should I be? You saved me more than once.”

“And I would do it again.” He said low, breathing hard. He leaned over and kissed her. Her eyes widened, and then closed as she kissed him back. “I won’t run from you.” He whispered when their lips parted. “You better change and rest though.” He said as she tilted. He felt her hold his arm, trusting him fully. She nodded.

“Thank you again Jon.” She whispered.

“Are you okay to change here, or do you need help?” He asked her, blushing.

“I think I can.”

“I’ll be right out there if you need me Lyse.” He told her as he walked into the other room.

The room was spinning hard, but she had to change and gather her thoughts. He knew what she was, but didn’t pull away. She knew what he was, and wasn’t scared. Someone was after her, but she didn’t know why. And she was so drawn to Jonathan, and she just met him today.

Sighing, she carefully undid her jeans, letting them drop to the floor. Wincing she stepped out of them. She saw a large gash on her thigh surrounded by an even larger black and blue. That was from when she slid towards the water. Her knees had small scratches and black and blues. The gash was horrid looking and she knew that blocking the pain only went so far. She gasped when she leaned down to pull up the sweats Jon gave her to wear. Her vision swam with flashing lights.

“Lyse?” Jon called out from the door. “What’s wrong?”

“Just lightheaded Jon.” She managed after a moment.

“I’m coming in.” He told her. Before she could protest he was there, holding her up. “Think you can walk to the bedroom?” He asked.

“Don’t know, just so lightheaded.” She whispered. He didn’t wait for her to try, lifting her up, he brought her into the other room.

“Just lay back in the bed.” He told her. Her legs were covered but she winced when his hand touched her thigh. “How bad?” He asked before he even looked at the gash.

“Just a nice gash.” She told him. “Those rocks were sharper then I though.”

“The fall?” He asked. He sighed. “I shouldn’t have had you kick, trying to climb back up.”

“You didn’t know though. Plus I was panicking. I can’t swim.” She confessed.

“I want to see how badly your hurt Lyse. Do you trust me?” He asked. She smiled at him through the pain and dizziness.

“Do you have to ask that?” She said. He laughed loudly.

“Guess not.” He wanted to lower the pants so he could see, but someone knocked on the door. He sighed and stopped himself. “Yeah?”

“How is she?” Chad asked as he came in. He had a large cup with him. “Thought she might like something to drink.” He seemed surprised she was still awake.

“I’m alright, thank you.” Lyse told him. He placed the cup on the night stand.

“We still don’t know what he gave you, but I am happy to see you awake.” He smiled at her. “Hutton is here now and Rico. They are outside keeping watch.”

“Good. I don’t think they will come here, but I want to be on the safe side.” Jon told him. “No one is going to take her.”

“I’ll make sure no one gets near here. I’ll stay downstairs in case they come back with any news.” Chad said, and nodding a goodbye to them, he closed the door on his way out.

“Why are you so protective of me?” She asked Jon.

“Honestly, I don’t know.” He said more to himself then her. “I just know I have to.”

“I believe you Jon.” She told him, trying to sit up higher. She took a deep breath though, pain shooting through her.

“Lyse?” He asked. She took a second before she opened her eyes.

“Just my thigh.” She whispered, trying to gain control again. “I moved to fast I guess.”

“Just relax, I’m going to help you with the pants, and take a look. I think you are hurt more then you want to let on, and that is okay. But I am going to help you.” He told her. She just nodded. He moved closer to her and lifted her up. “Can you push the pants low enough for me to see your bruise?” She nodded, this close he could see the tiny beads of sweat on her face from the strain. He felt her skin flush as the pants went down her legs.

“Okay.” She said in his ear. He gently laid her back down. When he saw her thigh he took a deep breath.

“How did you manage to even walk Lyse?” He asked her. The gash was about four inches long and deep. She should probably get stitches to close it properly. It stopped bleeding at least, and the jeans protected it from any dirt. He couldn’t believe she hid it so well.

“It’s not that bad. Just hurts a lot.” She told him. He just looked at her. “What?”

“I just can’t believe you made it this far like that. You never hinted it was this bad.” He told her. He went into the bathroom for some gauze and ointment. She leaned back into the pillows. “You really should see a doctor Lyse. You probably need stitches.” He told her on his way back from the bathroom. He applied the ointment, and then covered it with a gauze pad, securing it with tape. He noticed she was still cool to the touch. She struggled to pull the sweat pants back up, finally succeeding, but exhausted.

“Thank you.” She said. “Much better than any doctor.” She smiled at him.

“I just want to make sure you’re okay Lyse.” He said sitting next to her. He reached over and grabbed the cup Chad left. “Here, drink a little. I know you are fighting it, but you are tired and worn out.”

“It’s that stuff he gave me.” She told him. “It’s getting harder and harder to fight it.” She drank some of the warm broth.

“Is that why you can’t warm up?” He asked. Lyse nodded. “Then I think they gave you that drink, not to make you sleep, but to extinguish the fire.” Lyse nodded again. Jon didn’t like the implications though, why would they need her helpless but awake? “Just rest. I don’t think it will be harmful if you sleep for a while. Save your strength.” He told her, and kissed her on the forehead. She nodded, and closed her eyes. Within minutes her breath came in an even pattern. She was deep asleep. Jon covered her with a blanket and left the door ajar on his way out.

Chad, Jericho and Timothy Hutton were all sitting around the living room. The storm was still going full force outside, but the lightening seemed to have stopped for now. Sighing, Jon sat down hard in one of the chairs.

“How is she?” Chad asked him. He waited a minute to gather his thoughts.

“Sleeping for now. Whatever Creed gave her, it stops her from heating up. Makes her sleepy and weak as well.” Jonathan told them. He didn’t mention the man’s name to Lyse earlier, not wanting her to get in too deep until she could fully understand it all. He laughed to himself. Who was he kidding; she was already in way too deep.

“He doesn’t call himself Creed anymore.” Rico said, looking up. “He is Hawk, like Louis Faucon calls himself Falcon.”

“They are all the same. Cowards. Liars.” Jon growled out. He had once been friends with them, with all of them. But they didn’t want to be friends. Not anymore.

“What are you going to do?” Chad asked.

“I don’t know.” Jon answered truthfully. Chad knew how much this girl effected him, but he didn’t know about the others. What would they think or say? Would they help him protect her?

“Well, whatever you decide Jon, I’m in.” Rico said. Hutton nodded in agreement too. “There is something about her, something they want to use. But they are not going to get her.”

“Is it true then, that she is a phoenix?” Hutton asked. Jon nodded. “Never thought they were real.” They all laughed at that. Who thinks that men can be wolves either.

“Let her sleep off what is in her system. Her leg is cut up pretty bad from before. She is tough, I’ll give her that. Not many people I know can walk… run with a four inch gash in their thigh.”

“Damn.” Chad said. “I figured a nice cut, some bruises. She never cried once out there over it.” He gained a new respect for her now.

“Tough little one.” Rico said again.

“I think you and Hutton should keep watch. Just be careful of this storm.” Jon said, taking control again. The others nodded. “No one is to come near this place. If someone manages it, I want to be told immediately.”

“Hutton and I can handle that. I’ll get Gareth here too to help when he gets back.” Rico said standing and stretching. He liked being on guard duty.

“No one is to know that she is here outside of this room, and Gareth. For now, let them think we lost her, or left her somewhere.” Chad said. If the others thought she was still out there, they might keep up the search and she can recuperate in peace.

“Chad stays here with her.” Jonathan said. “The rest will come with me, I need to settle something with Creed, and make sure this area is safe. They know she is here. They will try to get to her. I will not allow it.” He spoke low, but with enough ferocity that he could very well have been shouting.

The others headed out before him, he gave one finally look upstairs before rushing out in the rain.



TO BE CONTINUED.......