{ Arietta's POV }
After Marek slaughtered a whole rouge village out of pure concern for my safety... I knew that there would be no way to escape him without there being some serious consequences. More so for other people than myself. So we began our journey to the council together. We've passed another rogue village, and the largest werewolf pack which happens to be the only one here in America. All without being spotted or sniffed out. I think Marek's presence has to do with that. I'm not completely sure how but I'd bet money on it. We still have near two days before we'll reach the councils castle.
"We've just walked directly past rogue territory, and literally walked through the Crescent pack. Which is the largest pack in history, and the only pack in America. It's even ran by Rollin, a councilman. Care to explain how that's even possible?" I question
"Think of me as your invisible shield."
Marek answers
"That's both unnerving and strangely comforting to know." I reply quieter than before
A corner of his mouth lifts up forming a smirk.
"How is it possible?" I ask him
"You'd have to know my real origin story to understand." He says
"Well considering we're stuck together I have the time." I reply
He takes a deep breath.
"Let's make camp for the night. I'll explain then."
Marek says
I give and nod and follow him.
—
After we make camp in a tree.
Marek starts telling his story.
"I was a boy when I watched from a tree much like this one..as my family were being ripped apart at the hands of hunters." Marek says
I look at him as his jaw clinches and his fists tighten.
"Marek, I'm truly sorry." I tell him
He looks at me and unclenches his jaw.
"No one has ever said that. Most just kept living and pushing me forward in vengeance.." He says
"The council. I presume." I guess out loud
He nods with a grunt
"You see my family never hurt anyone unless it came down to the protection of our own. We even lived in peace with the humans at a point in time. We were the last pure bloodline of lycans, and because of that we were known to be the strongest creature living."
"The hunters knew that same fact too." I say
He nods again and says "They tore my family apart as if they were the animals. My family didn't deserve it and as a child I couldn't handle it. After they left I ran down, and held what was remaining of my little sisters body. I buried what was left of my family, and after I had mourned, I tried to take my own life."
A pain shoots through my heart at the thought of him dying. I almost cry as my wolf whimpers inside of me, and something more cruel wants out to punish those who harmed him.
"Marek." I manage to whisper his name out
"I was alone. As I have been ever since..but back then I was young, and the pain of losing everyone was just too much for me to bare." He says
He lets out a breath and says "Only I didn't know that by killing myself that night, I was signing my life away to a curse. Bounding me to live forever. For a purpose of vengeance, which in return would protect countless others."
"I've heard the rumors, and the stories villagers and creatures tell their kids..but what's the truth? What happened?" I ask him out of pure curiosity
"Instead of dying. I relived the pain ten times over, as I was brought back by a force that could only be explained by magic and the elders. I didn't know what had happened at first. I just knew that I was alive, and suddenly had a purpose to live. I started figuring out that I was stronger than usual, and quicker than most. I didn't have to train. It was like my body and mind knew what to do. Like I was a man made machine. It messed me up at first. Until I realized that the lycan inside of me wanted the blood of those who killed our family, and had the instincts to make sure we got it." Marek explains
"You killed the hunters?" I ask
"I temporarily killed them, and afterwards I helped Morgana lock them away. So they couldn't be disturbed." Marek says honestly
"What happened with the council after that?"
I question
"I kept getting stronger and at such a stable pace no creature alone could keep up. Word spread and creatures started to fear that I'd somehow jeopardize their freedom with the hunters gone, or that I'd bring them back somehow. The council knew I had hatred towards the hunters..but they've never known how to handle something they have no way of controlling." Marek says
"That's why they helped you get your own little corner set up in the middle of no where, and why you've been alone." I say quietly and he nods
"What about you now?" I ask
He gives me a questioning look.
"How are you handling your abilities now?"
I ask
"They just are, what they are." He says
"And what are they?" I ask curiously
"I am stronger and as mentioned before I'm quicker than most. I can read minds on occasion, and have a certain way of getting inside peoples heads. I can shield myself from being smelt, seen, or heard. I can even track and sense things that most wouldn't be able to catch. I'm also immortal." He explains
"That would explain almost everything." I tell him
"Almost?" Marek questions
"How come they couldn't smell, sense, see, or hear me?" I ask him
"I told you I'm your shield." He says a little smugly
"So you're able to shield anyone and everyone in certain circumstances?" I ask not understanding
"No." He answers
I'm confused.
"Just you." He says
Oh.
"Because I'm your mate." I say realizing it
He nods.
"Why?" I ask
Marek shrugs.
"Mates are supposed to be equals in every sense. Maybe me being able to share my abilities with you, is a way of making us equals." He shares his insight
"No offense but if that's the case then you are in for a cruel awakening." I tell him seriously
"Why is that?" He questions seeming amused
"Because if you're able to somehow share abilities with me, then it's just about safe to assume that I'll be able to share mine with you..." I say
He nods
"You're about to find out why I'm being hunted, that is if for your sake that I'm able to control it enough not to kill us both in the aftermath." I tell him
He stares at me and says "I'm immortal."
"But I'm not." I say then I add "I wonder if one of us is tied to the others life span, and if so whose."
The look on his face tells me he realizes the sticky situation we're both in.
Only time will tell.