“Michael you ruined the plan!” Alissa cried in indignation. Michael laughed, “Not going to let two wolves have the upper hand.” He pounced on Alissa pinning her to the ground, the side table wobbled dangerously as Alissa knocked into it. Jack stood up as Kristen released him. The three wolves moved to the entrance hall, they looked back to see Jack taking his shirt off. The three looked in disgust. “What? These are nice clothes, I'm not ruining them!” Jack protested, Alissa huffed and looked away; she really didn't want to see Jack undressing. The three headed out of the house, a moment later Jack ran up behind them. “Can hear you now!” He nipped at Kristen's hind legs, she sped up giggling. Michael attempted to tackle Alissa again but she managed to dodge him and jumped back trying to land on him, she missed and they all laughed. They ran into the trees, branches breaking under their paws. They snapped at birds and caused a few bushes to burst with animals, birds, mice and badger
The day had arrived, Alissa woke early and headed straight downstairs. No-one was up yet, she sat in the sitting room wearing the maroon floaty blouse, black tailored trousers and black court shoes that Kristen had picked out for her. Luca was next to arrive, he looked so handsome in his dark grey suit, he sat next to Alissa, but neither of them spoke. Alissa fidgeted, her jitteriness evident.Luca placed his hand on her leg to stop it bouncing. “Alissa, today's going to go fine, stop panicking.”“I'm not,” she lied, noticing his hand hadn't moved from her leg. She removed his hand, lingering for a fraction too long before letting it go. She slipped off her shoes and crossed her legs on the sofa. “There.” She gestured to her legs making him smile.Jack and Kristen were next to arrive before Blake. Alissa sat up. “Blake, I'm sorry for what I said. Thank you for taking me into the human town.” She was sorry, but hadn't seen Blake since they had got back. Blake nodded, “Water under the
Luca finally appeared in the doorway, “The council are setting up in the dining room, they'll call when ready. Kristen could you make them some tea?” she nodded leaving the room. Alissa stood up moving towards Luca, “What happened?” she whispered.“He was arrogant, the council seemed displeased with him, but they need your story. He claimed no knowledge.” Luca leaned a little closer to her, “I was a little surprised they didn't speak to you first.” Alissa turned from him, her hands wringing again, her body quivered. Luca wrapped his arms around her in comfort. “Don't worry, you know what to say; the truth” he gave her a small squeeze before releasing her. Alissa pulled her hair over her shoulder, starting to play with it, twirling it in her fingers. A noise made her look up, the dark blonde haired man, Wade stood in front of them, “We are ready now.” Alissa looked to Luca, wanting advice, wanting permission wanting him to say she didn’t need to… anything. “You can come alone, or
Noise of jubilation rose from the sitting room as hands were punched in the air. Jack picked Alissa up and spun her round. “You did it!” He let her go. She looked around, not truly believing it. “What’s the Ceremony of Týr?” She racked her brains thinking of her history lessons “The Ceremony of- that's one of the death penalties.” She looked up at everyone. Jack nodded at her, “That's what you wanted. You were about ready to kill him yourself a few days ago.”“Yeah, but… I don't know, it feels-” she stopped, she didn't know how she felt, but it was not joy.“It's OK Alissa, you don't have to feel anything right now. He's getting what he deserves, he's being punished for what he did to your parents.” Luca looked her in her eyes, gently placing his hand on her shoulder. His calmness emanated and spreading to her. Alissa looked back into his grey eyes glinting in the light. She kept looking up to him. “Thank you, for everything.” She reached up to kiss his cheek and she put her arms ar
The room instantly relaxed, Luca fell onto the sofa. “I like the bloke, but he makes me tense!” Michael voiced what everyone thought. Alissa slapped her knees as she got up. “I'm going to get changed then make that cake.” “You know what? Great idea.” Luca also stood and followed her up the stairs. Alissa splashed her face with water, letting the coolness wash away all her feelings of the day. Another splash and she started feeling a little more normal. She changed into elasticated black jeans and a loose fitted t-shirt. The top had just gone over her head when Luca's voice came from the other side of her door, “You ready?” “Yeah,” she called back, the door opened.“Thought I'd help with that cake if you want?” Luca was now dressed in dark jeans and a navy v-neck. Alissa smiled and nodded, “If you want to help.”Alissa pulled the old cookbook down from the shelf. She knew the recipe by heart but she thought it would be useful for Luca to be helpful, instead of a hindrance. Flippi
Alissa sat playing with the cereal in her bowl, she didn't feel like eating. She hadn't seen Luca for three days since the day the Council came. She was desperate to talk to him but he had locked himself away. Kristen sat eating toast trying to engage her friend in conversation. Alissa gave one word responses only. “What's wrong with you?!” Kristen gave a little exasperated noise. “Nothing,” Alissa replied glumly. Everything was wrong, nothing felt right.Luca walked in, both Alissa and Kristen sat up slightly. He hesitated for a moment before walking past the girls sat at the table. “Woah, Luca.” Kristen wrinkled her nose as he went past. Alissa had smelt it too, a sour sickly sweet smell came from him making her nostrils flare. Luca merely ignored his sister and started making toast. Alissa looked him over. He looked terrible, his usually perfectly combed and waxed hair was unwashed and sticking up in odd places. His eyes, bloodshot with dark rings under them. She felt a pang of sa
She slowly got to her feet, and dragged the mattress off the broken bed, laying it next to him. As gently as Alissa could she rolled him onto the mattress stretching his legs out. Covering him with the red blanket she picked up the bottles from the floor putting them in the bin. She knelt down next to the sleeping Luca and stroked his cheek, his face had relaxed again. At least he looked peaceful. Refraining from kissing his forehead, she quietly starting to tidy around him, picking up books and fragments of wood. She tidied what she could silently, and took the lighter fragments of wood from the room.She found Blake in the kitchen, “Blake, could you do me a favour?” Alissa asked.“Depends.” He looked around to her. “Well, it's for Luca actually. Could you look in storage for a desk, chair, bookcase, bedside table and bed frame?” she listed the items off her fingers. “Please?” she added. Blake huffed but got up from his seat, “Any particular type his lordship wants?”“Anything we h
Alissa took a breath outside his door. She was sure… almost certain he was still asleep. She peeked around Luca's door, the morning sun streamed into the room. The mattress was empty and she could hear the shower. Alissa closed the door and listened until she heard movement. Would he want her to leave him alone? Probably but she hadn’t quite managed to master leaving Luca alone. She knocked on the door, “Who is it?” “Alissa,” she responded in a quiet voice, there was a pause.“You can come in,” every syllable was enunciated. Alissa took a deep breath, he still didn't sound right, but she went in. It was probably a bad idea, but he’d said come in!Luca was leant against the window sill, shirtless with just a pair of jeans hugging his hips. He was looking at the destruction. “What did I do?” he muttered, a shame in his tone that made her uncomfortable. Alissa furrowed her brow, “You don't remember?” She tried to keep the tone of disbelief out of her voice she really did try to hide it