Chapter 6

The sun started to shine in my eyes as I woke up. Scott was already gone. Probably downstairs packing his bags. He shouldn't have to leave his life here to stay with me.

I take a shower and change into new clothes. Hearing his voice I make my way down the stairs. That's when I see him heading outside to put his bags in the car. It was a three hour long drive to my hometown.

Scott knew I was behind him and turned around. I didn't want to leave Woodchester. Maybe it's a bad idea to let him go with me. His whole life is here not where I am. He has a stable job that he can't abandon.

Smiling at him I went back inside so I could pack. Not having a lot of clothes made packing does not take long. In seconds I'm back downstairs with my luggage. This place holds memories. One day I'll be able to come back here.

One look at me and he could tell I didn't want to leave. Promising myself I wouldn't cry over it. He takes my bag and puts it in the trunk. Not wanting to keep my opinion to myself any longer I speak. "Scott I don't think you should come with me," I blurted out.

"Why? There's no way I'm letting you go alone. Besides on Halloween day I have to be with you anyway."

"Your whole life is here not with me. I feel terrible making you change your lifestyle for me," I tried to argue.

"See that's where you're wrong. You are my life Grace so I'm coming with you. Your efforts of making me stay behind are useless." Not fully recovered he kissed me. The only thing that can make me forget any argument we have.

My arms go to his waist. Feeling his fingers in my hair pulling me closer. He was right about everything. No way can I live without him. On October 31th our path will be decided. In this game there is only one victor.

He pulls back with a smile on his face. We get in the car and begin our journey to Hendricks. My headache started after thirty minutes of driving. The voices began to appear in my head.

"Someone's following you," they whispered. I squeezed my hands to my head. They couldn't have come at a worst time. Their words beating into my skull.

Scott seemed to notice but kept his eyes on the road. Is it possible that Edgar has men following us? Staying vigilant I make sure I see no cars. Why did this keep happening to us? We couldn't have at least one day of peace.

An hour passed when Scott pulled into a hotel. A worried expression crossed his face. He knew we were being followed. Right when we pulled in we turned off the car and waited. Twenty minutes passed when a black van came by.

They stopped looking around and kept driving. Having an hour and half left before we reached Hendricks. I thought it was a good idea to wait an hour before getting back on the road. Edgar knows I'm coming back.

Chills went up my spine. People wouldn't be hurt at Woodchester anymore and that's all that matters. When we did reach Hendricks my mind thought of home. And the darkness that came with it. The jeopardy that Scott's life is in because I'm bringing him here. What if people from Hendricks got put in harm's way because Edgar would also be coming back here.

Only nine more days till the Blue Moon. As we kept driving around town I saw darkness in Scott's eyes. This place must have triggered a memory. The thought brought me to his parents. He never explained what went down. I assumed since his eyes went dark it has something to do with the beast.

Our car halted to a stop. The house was no other than my parents house. The last time I was here was the night of their deaths. All I could see was darkness surrounding it. White paint had come off from old age. Flashbacks of childhood memories filled my mind.

It was such a happy time and now it is only devastation. The memories turned black and I was back in reality. We got out of the car and went inside. Everything was the same as I left it

Roaming around I saw pictures of me. My parents when we were together on trips. Choking back tears I kept looking. Dust now covered the frames. It was only noon and we had a lot to cover. Edgar ruined the memory I loved the most. My parents happiness, the love they gave me. All tarnished by edgar.

Not watching my step I stepped on a loose board. Scott caught me in time from injuring myself. Thanking him I bend down and see a tape under the board. I pick it up and scan it. The label said "don't watch until ready." It had to be from my parents before their deaths. Scott takes it from me and puts it in the DVD player. They pop up on the screen with sad faces. Faces drained from all color from the ordeal.

"If you're watching this it means we're gone sweetie,'' said my dad. They talked about Edgar and Scott. How the Blue Moon affected me and the twins. They had tears in their eyes as they told me everything I needed to know.

When the tape was over tears spilled to the floor. They knew about Scott this whole time and didn't tell me anything. All of this could have been avoided if they told me. Not just putting it on a tape and leaving it for me to find years later. I wanted to hear them tell me the whole situation.

My heart felt betrayed. Knowing that my parents knew what Scott was capable of. I wouldn't have left for Woodchester otherwise. Scott never would have been in danger from his own brother. Innocent people would still be alive if I would have stayed here.

"How could they not tell me about you?"

"They were doing what they thought was best for you. You have to understand the stand on this. You finding out a lot sooner could have gotten you killed."

"Scott if I had known you wouldn't be here. In this mess I brought you in,'' I yelled.

"Yes I would have,'' he argued. "Even if we didn't meet the way we did I would still see you on the Blue Moon. Meeting sooner was for the best. Now you already know what path you're going to take.''

Both of us went silent. I went into a separate room for privacy. Hours passed before I went back to the living room. Scott never moved a muscle just stared at the blank tv. He saw me and stood up. Neither of us spoke a word only looking into each others eyes. It started to feel like an eternity. The grumbling of our stomachs spoke for us.

Taking his hand I led him to the car. Driving for a minutes I remembered a burger place I used to eat at as a kid. We stopped there and it was by an abandoned house. Scott's eyes turned dark again and he scowled. That house has to be a part of his past with Edgar. Going in we eat a burger and fries.

The house was distracting because Scott kept gazing at it. Tomorrow I will ask him about the house. Memories of the place could haunt him.

Finishing our food we leave the building. As we're driving his eyes go back to normal. He's always hiding a secret from his past life. But we already got in an argument and I don't need or want another one.

Moonlight came upon the sky. Stars made the sky even brighter tonight. I stared out the window as Scott got ready for bed. When a pair of hands snaked around my waist I smiled. He could make the worst days seem good. I don't know what I would do without him.

Twisting my body till I was facing him, I kissed his cheek. In the end if I died I hoped he lived. This game was coming close to the end. Out of the three of us one will fall. "What are you thinking about,'' he asked. I blushed my face and always gave away my emotions.

"How much I love you,'' I replied by hugging him.

"Let's get some sleep for the night. We have a busy day ahead of us."

Laying in bed my arms go around his waist. We whispered to each other till he fell asleep. I kissed his forehead and went to sleep.

Slowly I opened my eyes and heard rain. Scott's soft breathing on my neck proved he was still knocked out. Easing out of bed quietly I walked to the window. Rain softly hit the window. When I was a little girl I would play in the rain for hours. My hand drifted to Scott's cheek. He was such a good man and could do better than me. All I've caused him was pain, he should despise me.

At the police station they assume we're only taking a vacation. My parents tape replayed in my brain. Anger, betrayal, and confusion is what I felt on the matter. They knew what would happen and didn't say a word. And left me to deal with it on my own.

Hot tears filled my eyes. No, I thought I couldn't cry for a matter that went down a long time ago. The voices can't even tell me right from wrong. What's wrong could also be right.

The day of our birth has cursed us all. Nothing could even return to normal not after this. For the past month I have fought to survive. Learning how to fight will strengthen myself. Scott could teach me how to fight. Then I wouldn't have to rely on him for rescue.

We only have eight more days till the Blue Moon rose in the sky. Going to the bathroom I check my reflection. It feels like I haven't slept in months. The stress was really getting on my nerves. A knock sounded on the door.

I smiled because that meant Scott was finally awake. The moment we met I knew he would be in my life forever. At all costs I would make sure he lived. He began to kiss my cheek with heated kisses. Scott always made my blood turn hot. Bringing him closer I moved in for a real kiss.

His passion for me was never ending. Pulling back I placed my head on his chest. "Grace I need to talk to you,'' he stated. His eyes told me he was serious.

"Okay let's talk in the living room.'' Leading him to the couch we took a seat. His stare made me even more nervous.

"When this is over I want you to consider marrying me. We might not get to have that chance, but I need to know. There is no other woman out there for me so what do you say.''

"If we both make it i'll gladly marry you.'' Minutes later we rejoiced and discussed plans.

This wedding is the one event we could look forward too. The clock read noon and I needed to go to the store. Fighting lessons could wait for another day. Right now I just want to be happy.

Our first stop would be the bank. We needed food to stock the house for our stay. As he peeled out of the driveway I made sure we weren't followed. Edgar's men were still out there hunting us. And being cautious was my main priority.

A local grocery store was nearby. We didn't have to get many necessities. Scott mainly just picked ingredients that I could cook with. A searing pain came to his head scaring me.

His knuckles whitened from his grip on the cart. He began to search for someone that wasn't there. Edgar must be close by for the voices to start. I'm astonished that mine weren't triggered. He was in too much agony to move the cart. I was afraid others would see us and think he was going insane.

While his hands were on it I pushed it toward the checkout. Once the man checked everything I paid him. A black van was three cars away from ours. Luckily we made it to the car without being noticed. He seemed ghost-like as we drove home. That was until I drove past the house. He made a monstrous snarl. It's time I asked him about that house.

Arriving home I put the groceries away. Scott still seemed a bit dazed. Maybe the house has something to do with the beast. If it did, how could he not have spoken a word about it?

"Scott what's with you and that house,'' I questioned.

"Horrific memories from when I was a boy. The beast is a part of it in case you're wondering."

"Do you mind telling me about the memory,'' I insisted. If knowing what happened could stop it then I need to know.

"It was back when my parents discovered the beast. They figured out potions to stop the transformation. Then that one fateful day occurred." He stopped tears coming to his eyes.

The hurt ran deep into his heart. "It was the Blue Moon and I started having pains. My ribs poked me like they were trying to get free. Edgar hid in the closet afraid of me. Mom and dad weren't so lucky.

They kept trying to calm me, but I saw the terror in their eyes. I ended up clawing them to bits hearing their pitiful cries. When I transformed back my body was drenched in blood. Seeing my parents dead I didn't even cry, I laughed.''

By the time he was finished tears were streaming down his face. No wonder he kept his distance from me. There has to be a way to tame the beast. Scott's suffering couldn't go on like this forever. I held in my arms as he cried. No child should ever have to indur that kind of trauma.

It couldn't have been easy on Edgar either. They both lost their parents at a young age. We ate our dinner in silence. The feeling that Edgar's lurking around terrified me. Soon the war between us would end. During the years after their parents' deaths they had to fight for survival.

He wanted to do the dishes so I let him. In my old bedroom I collapsed on the bed. The most stressful day hasn't even approached us. Yet I feel drained from all the drama.

Footsteps came closer to the bed. A hand reached out to take mine. Scott helped me with my worries. In each others arms we fell asleep.

The piercing sound of the alarm clock brought me from the dead of sleep. Scott was still sound asleep like a baby. Sunshine brightened the room through the blinds. Yesterday was still fresh in my mind. He was holding everything in and one day he will go off.

Today I wanted to go to their house. There had to be answers on the beast. Gently I shake Scott's shoulder to wake him. The clock read 10:50, we had already slept in. I needed his approval to go to his house. Plus to get ready for the argument that would come with it.

His blue eyes opened and smiled at me. Kissing me on the lips he went to go take a shower. My breathing became hard, I didn't want to argue. But it was the only way he would let me go to that house. Minutes he returned to my bedroom in only a towel. A scarlet blush came upon my cheeks. He chuckled and went back to the bathroom and finished getting changed.

Now he is wearing blue jeans and a white t-shirt. He does look handsome. I give him that. My scarlet red cheeks are still hot. Scott's house was on the agenda. Seeing it wasn't an option but mandatory. He saw the gleam in my eyes and smirked.

"We have to go to your house,'' I demanded.

"Okay that's fine with me.''

"But it could help us. Wait did you just say okay? As in we go to your house and see what's there.''

"Yes,'' he chuckled. With that I hugged him and hurried to change clothes. Wearing a pair of black pants and white tank top we were ready to go. The drive was only ten minutes away. A darkness still covered the house.

Walking I shivered from the cold. Scott's eyes showed fear. I decided we should split up to find more clues. As I was going to the other room I saw dried blood covering the floor. This must have been the room where he killed them. Going inside the parents room I see a book. It was covered in dust and blood.

Sitting down I began to read. The story foretold that the beast could be controlled by others. My mind jumped to Edgar. Edgar could be controlling the beast. That would explain the outburst a few days ago. I read more and found an important fact. Only one specific person could tame the beast.

When the beast takes a mate. The mate can tame the beast before the Blue Moon. That night Scott attacked me and I made him turn back. I'm the only one that can tame Scott.

He needed to see what I had found. Taking the book into my arms I went to find Scott. Crash! A sound of glass shattering down the hall caught my attention. Their old bedroom is where I found him. He wasn't facing me and was still that it was hard to tell if he was even breathing.

"Scott I found a book about the beast. Maybe we can finally get some answers we've been searching for.''

"Good we'll bring it back with us.'' He still hasn't faced me. Then I looked down and saw the claws.

"I'll wait for you by the car.'' A deep growl filled the room. Edgar was controlling him again. Backing away I nearly made it to the door. Scott was faster and beat me to it. All color was erased from his eyes.

They were now black like the night with no stars or moon. His claws began to sink into my arm. I almost cried out in pain. "Why wait when you can stay right here?'' Hitting him with the book I took off running.

Blood was spilling out of my arm. The pulse on my neck became frantic. His growls got closer and closer. Hiding against the wall I tore my tank top. I started to bleed more causing my vision to blur. Wrapping the pieces around my wound I tried to stop the bleeding. The claws grabbed my leg making me shreak.

Falling down he pinned me to the floor. I saw my life flash before my eyes. "Scott please don't do this. You're better than this.''

"He's gone and I'm here now,'' he bellowed.

"This time you'll die.''

"Please I know you're in there.'' My hands go to his face. I pull his lips to mine and put all my love into that kiss. He tried to pull away but I wouldn't let him. In seconds Scott's claws turned back into fingers. Then they were in my hair pulling me closer. He was back to his old self again. My hands grip his shirt.

When he pulls back he looks shocked at what happened. I didn't want to discuss what happened. Taking his hand we get up and go to the car. My arm was still bleeding. Scott had the book under his arm. Tonight we would talk about the book. I distinctly remember him telling me he didn't feel remorse. But when he saw my injury he looked shocked almost sad.

We reached the house and Scott helped me out. I've never seen him move this fast. By the time I was on the couch he already had the medical kit. After washing it he wrapped up the wound nicely. The conservation of the book needed to be discussed.

"Scott we need to talk about the book.''

"What about it?''

"The reason why you turn into the beast is Edgar controlling you. That's what the book foretold."

He opened the book and began to read. "So it's true about the controlling part. Is it also true about the mate?"

"Yes that's why I could snap you out of it so quickly.'' We figured out how to control the beast. I began to feel light headed and wanted to lay down. He helped me to the bed. Once I was laid down he sat next to me. The terror in his eyes was still present.

He whispered in my ear till I fell asleep. The next thing I knew I saw the river of Hendricks. Edgar was across from me with a bloody knife.

Turning around I see a burning building. Scott was beside the place with blood covering his shirt. Making my feet move I was by his side in no time. The bleeding in my chest was terrible. Tears were blocking my vision as I tried to stop it.

Scott put his hand over mine and smiled. Having his own tears coming to the surface. "It's okay Grace. You chose me anyway I'm glad to die protecting you.''

"You're not dying on me.'' When he took his final breath I screamed. A hand on my shoulder pulled me out of the dream. Scott was there to calm me. He rubbed my back telling me it was okay. The clock said it was eleven at night. He got in bed with me. Thank goodness it was all a dream.

I held him in my arms as his arms wrapped around me. Being at peace with Scott is the best thing to come into my life. Before going to sleep I heard him say he loved me.

My eyes slowly fluttered open. I glanced at the clock which said 10:39, water was running in the bathroom. That meant Scott was already out of bed. The bandage on my arm began to burn as I got up. Blood was also coming through the bandage. Taking it off I saw that it looked infected.

For some odd reason it wasn't healing. Scott came out of the bathroom and saw the disgusting wound. He immediately added a salve and wrapped it back up. My voice was trying to tell me an important message. They couldn't fully reach my mind though. What is going on today?

Taking one look at me he suggested I get back in bed. I wasn't feeling that poorly yet. My appearance looked God awful in the mirror though. The skin on my body was pale like a corpse.

To make it worse the voices tried even harder to get through. Blood started to drip from my nose onto my shirt. In minutes I'm on the bathroom floor. Scott had lifted me into his arms and I ordered him to put me down. Rolling his eyes at me he began to walk. Now he didn't obey that order till we were by the couch.

A shadow lurked in the corner by the door. This is what the voices were trying to tell me. Edgar was here and we didn't suspect him. His voices didn't tell him about Edgar either. Being seated on the couch gave me the advantage to see Edgar perfectly clear. "Edgar come out and face us,'' I hollered.

The shadows moved into the light showing himself to Scott as well. Scott was staring daggers at him. In moments he was pinned against the wall. I didn't have the strength to get up and stop him.

"Why are you here Edgar,'' he snarled tightening his hold on Edgar's throat.

"I'm here to talk, not fight,'' he croaked.

"Scott please let him go.'' Releasing his grip on Edgar's throat he let him slide to the floor. Then sat next to me while still keeping an on Edgar.

Edgar sat across from us and stared at Scott which was really disturbing to see. Most times his gaze wondered to my injured arm, it made me feel insecure. A searing pain crept inside my arm making me flinch. Did he know something we didn't? That sparkle in his eyes proved it.

The silence lasted longer than expected. When he stood up he looked away as he spoke. "I couldn't help but notice that she was injured by the beast.''

"And it's your fault because you were controlling me,'' exclaimed Scott.

"You're right I was but i'm not the one that cut her with poisonous claws. Now what you do next is up to you.''

"Poisonous,'' I yelled. That would explain why my arm wasn't healing. The poison was spreading and rather quickly to kill me. He then disappeared into the thin air. Once he was gone Scott began to scan my wound. He grimaced at the sight.

Bouncing off the couch he exited the room. The word 'Poison' kept coming back to me. Was there an antidote that cured me? I didn't want to die not like this. Scott came back with the book in his hand. He probably found a page that told us of my current condition.

I was right about the page but it wasn't good news. Having less than twenty-four hours to find the antidote. My body already felt like shutting down. We needed to locate it and fast. After standing up on my feet the world began to spin. Then darkness consumes me.

When I awoke I was in bed. Scott was on the edge staring at me. My clock said it was past noon. That meant I was asleep for several hours. "We need to find the antidote,'' my voice barely a whisper.

"I know and I think Edgar knows where it is.''

"Then call him, he's our only chance.'' He left the room and made the call.

From the shouting it sounded like a very heated conversation. The argument lasted a few minutes before he hung up. A smile spread across his face when he returned to my side. After threatening Edgar, he got the address of an old lady's house.

It would take us an hour to get there by car. I had to convince Scott to let me go with him but he gave in. The limbs of my body were getting weaker. Driving to the lady's house was excruciating blood coming from my mouth. We made it to a rundown yellow brick house.

There we saw an old lady waiting on the porch. "I sensed you were coming for help," she said as we got out of the car.

"Yes, my girlfriend was clawed by the beast. We heard that you have the antidote. Please we don't have much time.''

"Hurry up and sit her on the table.'' Her house is filled with chemicals and potions. The world began to get dark again.

She was mixing potions together in multiple tubes. As my eyes were drifting closed. I felt a needle go into my skin. Relief spreading through my body I could breathe again more easily. In the next few seconds I passed out.

It took me awhile to open my eyes. The room I was in looked familiar then I realized it was my bedroom. Sunlight no longer lit the sky but darkness did. Scott was in a chair near my bed.

"Scott,'' I whispered. He immediately woke up and came to my side.

"Are you okay? You've been asleep for a long time now.''

"I'm fine just really tired.''

"Then go back to sleep. I won't leave your side.'' He got in next to me and put his arms around me. We went to bed together to get a peaceful sleep.