Untamed

[Perplexia]

The wind blew against the door causing a shiver to run down her spine. The weather hadn't been cooperating in her quest for the man that haunted her dreams. She had seen him once, and only once. It was the time that he'd saved her from what she swore was a werewolf when she was eleven.

Her parents had her almost committed but instead loaded her down with loads of anti psychotic meds that made her question herself and her own sanity. But she knew he was real and that he wasn't human.

Her father was an important diplomat, her mother the belle of society and the last they wanted was a daughter that insisted the supernatural was real. So they tried to pawn her off on any man that was willing to take her. Unfortunately for them Kaitlin's strong will and ability to match wits tended to ruin any potential matches.

Kaitlin sat in the window seat twirling her long red hair staring out at the woods behind their South Carolina manor. That was where he had swooped her in his arms his eyes glowing as he growled back at the werewolf. That was where she had felt safe for the first time since they'd moved from England at the Kings request.

No matter how many times she made trips to those woods at night under the moon she still hadn't seen him. Now she was a woman, at the age where she should give up her childhood notions and settle down with a gentleman. She should be a wife like her mother, and breed like a cow. But Kat held fast to the notion that one day he would return for her. One day she would learn that all she believed was true.

However as the years went by it made it harder. Her mother was convinced she would grow into an old maid. Her father was convinced she would be a burden for the rest of his life. It was the times where only male heirs could inherit property. She was a failure as an only child.

Today her father was expecting a envoy from the King. A noble gentleman that was delivering a message and would stay a few days to work out some business. This happened often. The rule was she would stay out of sight for the most part and mind her manors.

It was hard to do that when the men were so boring and seemed to swoon over her beauty at the meals she was forced to attend. Lord help her if there was a social event like a ball she had to attend.

She felt bad that she was such a disappointment to her parents. It wasn't as if she didn't try to be what they wanted. But she was deemed a wild child that was better off caged.

 

[Stalzyn]

The envoy was on its way to the O'Neils mansion, in the back seat of the Rolls Royce in the middle sat two gentlemen, one in tightly pressed beige oxford suits, and light brown oxford shoes and the other in a beige tight-fitting cashmere sweater, grey slacks and brogues, obviously he was the chief bodyguard.
To Anthony Williams, this was his first time in this parts and he didn't feel comfortable about its location. His eyes were on the woods surrounding the mansion's side and back. When the mansion came into view, he sighed in relief, "so that's the house, its impressive" he said to his bodyguard whom he regarded as family, sarcasm drooling heavily from his mouth.
Lyden Strange smiled, he was a ruggedly handsome guy looking 26, with a shoulder-length wavy pitch black hair, he had wolfish eyes, literally i mean. Lyden was clean shaven and stood 6'5. To him the house and the woods was a normal place, he had been here before a lot more than he could remember. Watching and protecting from the shadows,

 

[Stalzyn]

only once had he allowed her to see him, only once when he was forced to risk exposure and intervened. When he started working for the Duke, he didn't know he'll one day escort the Duke's son to this mansion.
His thoughts went back to the beautiful Angela, now known as Kate, she was his, and he was hers. He had waited three hundred years to be with her again, and now he was finally going to have his chance.
Drawing closer to the mansion, he could make out four people standing in front of the house, his eyes were on the girl at the far right, his Angela.

 

[Perplexia]

Kat with great reservation joined her parents out front to greet their guests. As the car approached she rocked back and forth from toes to heel as she looked out into the woods.

Another envoy with what was probably another hidden agenda to marry her off to some aristocrat. They had slowed over the years considerably once her disagreeable nature had gotten to their ears.

Of course there was always the few that thought she either couldn't possibly be that bad, or they thought they possessed that special quality which simply turned out to be a insufferable and incurable bout of arrogance that seemed to stem from an intrepid amount of over indulgence that they've been privy to their entire lives.

It always amazed her the amount of times her words and actions were taken as flirtation. 'Honestly, how many times must you ignore someone to create enough insult that they will leave' she thought biting her bottom lip.


The gentlemen got out of the car and she didn't even bother to look at them as she gave her most disinterested rehearsed curtsy. No sooner was she introduced that she managed to disappear from the current company that were led into the drawing room.

It was typical behavior on her behalf. Her mother most likely made an excuse of a headache for her. In the mean time she sneaked through the kitchen and out toward the stables.

"Hello Rupert" she said with a cheerful disposition to the black stallion that pawed at the ground in anticipation of going out for a ride. Stroking his face she kissed his nose before placing on his bridle. Opening the stall door she took him out and climbed on a chair then upon his bare back. The well muscled stallion waited for her command.

With a slight click of her tongue he began to exit the stables and she directed him toward the woods. Everyday she would go through these woods knowing that what she saw was real. But no one wanted to believe her. They all thought she was insane. She wondered about the man that had saved her and if he even remembered her.

At some point during the years she stopped talking about it after being threatened with being committed. To her parents she had an over active imagination. To her suitors she was simply crazy. The thought of anything of the sort happening was inconceivable. But Kat knew it was real.

Then there were her dreams a man with black hair, twirling her upon the dance floor. She could never see his face. But she knew that in her dream she loved him. When his hand stroked her cheek she could feel excitement she had never felt before.

But he never called her by her name it was always angel. His silky voice made her smile as she clicked the horse into a gallop. Once into the woods she slowed Rupert down to a walk then a stop so she could slide off his back and walk with him through the woods. She could barely see the house now and that was exactly how she liked it. This was her escape and her refuge.

When the light in the sky started to disappear she mounted Rupert and headed back to the house for dinner.

 

[Stalzyn]

The car parked in front of the mansion, the black suited guard in the front seat rushed to open Anthony's side door. Lyden stepped out of the car, and as he stood in front of the O'Neils he had a hard time keeping his gaze off his Angela.
"Please, this way." gestured the master of the mansion after proper greetings has been exchanged. They were led into the large living room.
"My father's caring attitude has shown itself eventually, look where he wants me to reside till the end of this delegation." Anthony grumbled to Lyden, who in turn tries to comfort him, "don't worry sir Anthony, it's only for two weeks atmost."
"fourteen days in this slum, is greatly something for me to worry about Mr Strange." he states under his breath and as he sat on the couch, brushed imaginary dirt off his shoulder. He leans in and whisper to Lyden, "at least, their is a beauty here that'll make my time here worth while."
Anthony was looking her up like some whore on a wager, like some refreshment after a job well done

 

[Stalzyn]

Lyden flinched in anger but kept it in check, he was afterall honor bound to protect this arrogant man.
"sir Anthony, i don't think this one will be interested in you" he said politely.
"oh she doesn't need to be interested in me for her to ride me, does she?"
Lyden smiled slyly as Kat excused herself on the pretence of a headache. The maid came in moments later to lead them to their rooms upstairs. He thanked his stars for the luck, for his next neighbour was Kat.
Making for the stairs, Lyden sold his excuse "I should better inspect the surroundings for your safety sir."
"of course." agreed the duke's boastful son.

He knew where she would go, where she always ran to for solitude, the only place she felt comfortable. The woods.
Soon, hidden behind the underbush was he, watching her, enjoying the way she played in the woods, enjoying her giggles and soft laugh. Time was still to him during those lucid moments.
Soon he was back at the mansion, watching her ride back into the stable.

 

[Perplexia]

Kat made her way up the back stairs to her chambers to get cleaned up. After a bath and some self pity, she got dressed for dinner. a long emerald gown and her red locks tied up upon her head.

Her green eyes sparkled as she made herself up for the formal dinner. When her servant told her that dinner was ready she went through the servants entrance to get there. It afforded her the ability to enter first and be seated to limit he goggling she would have to endure.

As planned she had just finished sitting before the crowd made it in for dinner. She still hadn't looked at the guests directly. It was a game she played with herself, to see how long before she was forced to look at them directly.

Her goal was to make it through the entire dinner without being forced to converse with the guests. So far she hadn't made it. In some eyes it probably looked as though she was shy and timid. But this was not the case. Soon they all learned in one way or another that she could rip the flesh off their bones by simply speaking if irritated enough.

 

[Stalzyn]

Lyden stood at the window again, his mind was spinning, sure he had always wanted to be close to Angela again, hell he had even waited for her reincarnated form to reach womanhood, but yet, now that she was just inches from him, he'll still have to wait and make things gradually build up between them.
The smell of roasted chicken came wafting into his nostrils, distracting him from his thoughts. Throwing on a pair of black slacks and tight-fitting grey t-shirt, he hurried to Anthony's room.
"it's time for dinner sir." he say to the waking Anthony who had globs of saliva on his cheek. "what...dinner? It's about time." Anthony said and made for the door. Lyden could have told him about the dried saliva markings on his cheek but left it their as revenge for talking about his Angela.
At dinner, Lyden couldn't help but notice that kat had not even looked up at them nor say a word. He so wanted to hear that voice again, "Are you alright now miss?" he asked, already knowing their was no headache.

 

[Perplexia]

Kat let out a slight sigh. Her head forced to look up blankly at the man that had spoke to her. Her green eyes locking to his. "I'm very well sir thank you for asking"
she replied with no real emotion. Yet she couldn't break her stare from him. There was something familiar about him. Something warm and unknown.

A soft smile went to the corner of her lips then as soon as she realized it, it vanished. Looking into his wolfish eyes the room seemed to disappeared. "Forgive me sir, but have we met before?" she questioned with true curiosity.

This was probably the most she willingly said of her own accord in years to a man. But there was something about him something very familiar. The noise of the room seeped back into the little bubble she had created. As she glanced around both of her parents were smiling.

Kat signed again and went back to her meal picking through it and tossing the greens from side to side until she could make an exit.

 

[Stalzyn]

Kat wasn't the only in such a euphoria, Lyden couldn't tear his eyes away from hers, from those perfect sapphires orbs. He was vaguely aware that he was staring, something a gentleman shouldn't do. But this was Angela and he had no regret for it.
He's tempted to say yes to her question, to tell her that she wasn't crazy, that he was real, and that he was in love with her, but no, things aren't done that way, so he restrained himself and only said, "i doubt you've seen me before miss, since you doubt that yourself. And besides the only time i meet beautiful girls is always in the woods, under the full moon" he said then nod towards the window, the full moon was at its peak and its light were peering through the window. Her parents giggle from watching them.

 

[Perplexia]

Kat wondered if his comment from the full moon and the woods was a mockery of her and her instance of a past rescue that people didn't believe. But from his tone she didn't get that. Yet still he was so familiar.

"Tell me sir, do you believe in the supernatural?" Both of her parents dishes rattled at the turn the conversation was headed. This would solve it. This would take away any interest he had from the start. "I'm a firm believer in all kinds of things that people make tales of."

There she solidified it. Now she should be simply labeled crazy and any interest he could possibly have should be gone.
With great effort she broke her gaze from his and went back to simply playing with her food.

 

[Stalzyn]

Do you believe in the supernatural? He was laughing inside at being asked that. It was like a child asking another child if a child exist.
"you are?" he ask not surprised and not pretending to be. "i too believe that their are more to life than we know and understand. I believe that their might be such creatures watching us from the shadows, but refusing to make contact because of fear that they might not be accepted." he finished with a sad smile
"Mr Strange, you speak as if you are a supernatural creature." Kat's father speaks up
"well i am, i am a wolf..." he allows that to linger for a while before adding "...i have to be to protect the duke and his son."
"ahh!" her father chuckled "you have a very strange young man here as a bodyguard Sir Williams"
"no more strange than your daughter Mr O'Neil" Anthony replied, "besides," he continued as he picked up a steak "that's his name."
Lyden smiled and turned to meet Kat's gaze.

 

[Perplexia]

Kat couldn't help but smile back at Lyden. Shaking her head lightly she went back to her plate. He was 'strange' indeed. By far he appeared to be the most interesting person she'd ever met.

Here and there she stole glances at the handsome man that seemed so familiar to her. There was more light chatter between the men and she kept to herself.

With dinner over she excused herself for a migraine and headed toward her room, only to go out the back door and head to the stables once again. With her horse beneath her she went back to the woods for her nightly walk.

Finding her special spot she built a small fire and pulled out a book. This had been her ritual for many years. Waiting, always waiting for him to appear. What would she do if he did? It was probably silly of her to hope but she couldn't help herself.

She giggled softly to herself remember what Lynden had said at dinner regarding the moon and the woods. He was different she was more sure of that after listening to how he presented himself.

Her back stiffened as she thought she heard a branch break on the ground.

 

[Stalzyn]

How could he be so careless as to snap a branch, he had always been good in stealth. Lyden stopped and chastised himself, and then, kpack! Another branch, he was relieved it wasn't from him, at least he still had his stealth.
As quickly as the smile had appeared, it quickly vanished. If the sound was not from him, then where was it from. He was immediately alert, someone else was in the woods with them. Someone that was either stalking him or Kat. Kpack! Came another branch, and kat's sweet but scared voice demanding to know who was there. He hated to hear such worry in her voice, he wants to go out there, swoop her into his arms and tell her that she was here for her, but if there was someone else in the woods, it'll be best if he remained hidden first. He crouched down among the underbush, his eyes and ears were on the clearing where kat was. Maybe that's why he didn't notice the wolf coming up behind him, until he pounced.

 

[Stalzyn]

Lyden screamed as the ivory daggers of the beast bit into his left shoulder. With his left arm, he grabbed as much fur as he could and yank the beast off his back into the clearing he had been watching.
Oh no, Angela. Lyden stood and staggered into the clearing, the poison was already draining him. The full moon was upon him but he couldn't transform, surely not in this weakened state. He picked up a stick and went for the wolf.

 

[Perplexia]

Rupert neighed loudly as his nostrils flaired at the smell he found lurking in the air. This frightened her deeply. She could see shadows of what seemed to be a man and a wolf? Rising quickly she grabbed a branch with fire and headed toward the noise. Between the moon and fire she was able to see outlines.

"Whose there??" She called out in his direction.

She had heard the scream and flashes hit her from when she was a child. But she was no longer a child. Rushing toward danger with her torch in hand she jabbed the fire forward like a sword. But the beast was too busy with the man that she could only see the back of.

 

[Stalzyn]

As he approached the beast, he saw something bright coming behind the wolf, someone was holding a fire. Thank goodness, they would chase the wolf with it. Wait, someone? Lyden panicked at the thought of kat getting involved in this, no this was a predator, a wolf on a full moon, not some stupid animal.
He growled in pain, as he forced on his own transformation, tendons snapping, muscle mass increasing, height increasing, fur appearing, fingers turning to claws. He grunted, groaned, growled and finally with all his might howled.
The wolf saw the look in the werewolf's eyes, and started backing away slowly and then dashed into the woods. Lyden was too weak to go after it, he fell to his knees, the excrutiating pain from his wound and the poison from the bite would have been enough to kill an ordinary man, but alas, he was anything but ordinary.
He slumped to the ground and slowly changed back to lyden, though now he was shirt-less and his pants were torn in different places.

 

[Stalzyn]

Before fading out, Lyden could make out the vague image of Kat with a flame touch, at least he protected her. A warm smile plastered his face at that thought. Now if he could just rest a little and allow his healing ability to....

 

[Perplexia]

Kat saw the wolf take off and what was a man or a beast or aman, she wasn't sure what she saw, fall to the ground.

She ran to him and lightly moved his hair from his face. It was Mr. Strange. Lightly she checked him for bleeding and broken bones and only saw a couple of faint scratches. With all her might she scooped her arms under him and started to drag ever so slowly the tall man back toward her fire.

It took forever, but she finally collapsed with is head on her leg. Her eyes studied his handsome face as he slept. Slowly she lowered him to the ground and walked to the stream. Pulling her slip from beneath her dress she soaked it in the cool water and returned to him. Sitting down she once again scooped his arms and pulled him so his head rested on her lap.

Softly she wiped his face and his chest. What had first appeared to her as scratches had seemed to fade while she was at the stream. "wake up Mr. Strange" she coed lightly as she wiped his handsome face.

 

[Stalzyn]

Lyden slowly dragged his eyes open, her fair face became the first and only thing he saw. The fire close by was reflecting in her sea-blue eyes and it had a mesmerising effect on him.
"Angela," he called to her, his hand slowly came up to caress her hair, "Angela," he called again, yearning for her touch, his body wanted her, his heart wanted her.
Leaning on an elbow, his hand still on her hair, Lyden leaned in for a kiss, not a deep lustful kiss, but a soft tender one shared only between lovers who hadn't seen each other for years.
He thought to convey all his emotions in that one but simple kiss. "thank you for saving my life miss kat." he said in a tone that was almost a whisper.

 

[Perplexia]

Kat was a bit taken back by the kiss and pulled back from it. "You're welcome Mr. Strange, although i think it was you that saved me."

She let a bit of silence go before she asked. "who is Angela?"she questioned assuming it was his wife or past love.

Her emerald eyes stared down to his wolfish ones. "How are you feeling?" she questioned lightly shifting softly under the weight of his head. "You took quite a fall i think, perhaps you have a concussion."

 

[Stalzyn]

Lyden staggered to his feet, it was late and she might be missed in the mansion. He clearly couldn't tell her that she was Angela, his late lover that was killed by his vicious older brother and now reincarnated as kat. No she wouldn't believe him.
"we should be going back to the mansion miss kat, your folks might start to worry"
Lyden stood and ran his hand through his wavy hair, as he did, kat caught sight of his perfectly toned skin. The scratches from the wolf were completely gone and his handsome physique and six packs abs glistered silver under the moon's light.
He collected a stick from the fire as touch and put out the rest. His thought once again retreated inside, he'll have to win this lady's love, not as Angela Bauchamp but Katherine O'Neil. And he might just have to do it as Lyden Strange the bodyguard not Lyden Strange the werewolf.

 

[Perplexia]

"Trust me they won't know that i'm gone." she said lightly admiring his form in the moonlight. With his hand she rose so close to him she could almost hear his heart beating.

Slowly she kicked the dirt over the fire putting it out. Walking to Rupert she soothed him and untied him from the tree.

"This is Rupert" she said to Lyden tapping the horses wither which resulted in a bow and nod of his head. "I would appreciate it if you wouldn't mention my being out here to my parents. They seem to think i'm crazy enough without adding evening strolls in the dark woods."

"what where you doing out here?" she questioned as they walked.

 

[Stalzyn]

Can he really lie to her, of course he can't, but he can't tell her the truth either. "i was stalking you," he said pushing a branch from his path.
"i saw you leave the mansion with the stallion, i just wanted to keep you safe, in case their were wolves in the woods. You know, this being the full moon and all."

 

[Perplexia]

Kat let out a small laugh at his response of stalking her. "I appreciate you being there, but the woods have been free of wolves since i was six. Of course no one believes me that they ever existed. I fear your employer will miss you more. But thank you for saving me."

She smiled softly and patted her horse as they continued walking. "I still think that you remind me of someone. Who i'm not sure of, but i'm sure it will come to me eventually. In the mean time i'll be scarce during your time here. I have a feeling the intended reasoning behind Sir Williams visit is to settle him down by making me his bride. But i can assure you, that won't happen. Do you know that you are the first man that has simply gazed in my eyes without letting his eyes wander. Its an odd fact but true."

What was even odder to her was that she found him so easy to talk to. Perhaps it was cause she was a bit odd like her.