Azrael's tale - *unfinished* by Kara Victoria (phonics books txt) 📕

“He’s coming, his scent is everywhere. But seriously try and keep it together Az, for the sake of the Pack, and the dignity of your father, he would be proud of you” Jay mumbled in an attempt to cut off his protective snarl before it started, as he walked through the gate and into my Aunts’ yard, and of course he knew only I could hear him when he was speaking so softly, the message was clearly meant for my ears alone.

And right behind him, like a demon straight out of hell, walked the creature that has haunted my dreams, has torn my soul apart every day for the past decade. He didn’t look any different than a human, but then again neither did the last one we saw. This creature* was average height, a bit shorter than the last, or maybe I've just grown up too much to remember. He also didn’t look too strong, but I still sensed the threat in him. I smelled it all over the place, smelled him. And, despite Jay’s advice to keep it together, I just couldn't control it any longer.

Every muscle in my body contracted as a slow, vicious growl rumbled through my chest, vibrating off of the stone wall that surrounded the yard. The bark of the tree I was leaning against cracked like thunder and crumbled beneath my currently exposed claws. I vaguely thought about lunging toward the creature, thought about ripping his throat out with excitement, but what Jayson whispered before rang strongly in the back of my mind. So I settled for digging my claw into the tree a bit more, a sad attempt to focus my energy and anger, and also exactly what Jay was hoping I’d try to do, I’m sure. I could feel my connection with the Pack, coursing through every vein, feeding me the strength I needed to control myself plus so much more.

Protect. Attack. Defend. Pack. Alpha.

Their energy rang in my ears, this was the exactly why I loved being Alpha. I couldn’t hear my pack, but I knew they were always there, I could always feel each of them individually. If I was in danger they would sense it, just as they’re sensing all my unease now and sending me their energy. They need to protect me; I need to protect them. And I will, at any cost.

I hadn’t noticed that I was still growling and staring at the creature like he was my next meal until something made me flinch and snap out of the mesmerizing connection. I spun around, teeth barred and ready to attack, almost sinking my claws into the threat, until I realized whose grip I felt.

“Azrael please relax, there’s nothing to worry about, and I swear to you that he is on our side.” Jay had walked over and put his hand on my shoulder; it always seemed to relax me when he did that, his strong grasp never failed to make me feel at peace, especially when my world started to spin beneath me.
Except tonight, tonight was much different. I was on edge, my lip was curled back in a permanent snarl; Jay knew me, so he had to know a simple touch couldn’t cure this mood, this was far different from any other occasion. This was my territory, my life, and the stench of that Grimm was all over it. No way was I feeling anywhere near calm right now.

“I don’t care Jay! The packs’ safety is at stake and I’ll be dammed if I’m going to stand around, playing nice on OUR territory, with this godforsaken creatu-“

“Azrael, stop it. Listen to what the Grimm has to say, if Jayson says he’s on our side you should trust it. He is your Beta after all; he’s sworn to protect and do what is right by the pack. You chose him for this duty long ago and he has yet to do otherwise.” I hate it when my aunt is right, and ninety percent of the time she’s right.

Like now for instance, I know Jayson would never bring a Grimm here if he thought it was risking the packs’ well-being. They mean as much to him as they do to me, and without them we are nothing. But what nobody knew was it wasn’t safety I was concerned with, that it was really my own control.

“Fine, Aunt Liz. But go inside please, I don’t need three people against me out here” I said as I glared at Jay and the Grimm.

But of course she didn’t go, being as stubborn as she is. So I resorted to using my Beneficium, the orders she can’t disobey.

“‘This is private Pack Business, and Elizabeth your orders are to leave, go inside your home and do not listen to us.’ I’m so sorry Aunt Liz, but I had to do it.” And boy, did I feel like a shitty niece for doing that to her.

“Oh it’s perfectly understandable dear, I acknowledge your position on the matter and respect it fully. Just do me a favor sweetie, try to trust some part of the boy, he really doesn’t look harmful.” She gave my hand a squeeze, obviously meant to reassure me but it only made me question more, and then with that she was off to the house, far away from the catastrophic scene that was about to take place.

I starred after Liz, wishing I could go hide inside her attic like I always did when I was younger, to get away from all the Pack Business I wasn’t quite ready for. But I’m not eight anymore, I’m eighteen and it’s time to face the music. I squared my shoulders and turned back to my fantastic company, ready to get this conversation over with. Trustworthy or not, the Pack and I need this creature, so we might as well find out what he has to say.

“Alright then Grimm, since everyone I care for seems so keen to trust you, tell me something, why should I trust what you say? After all, the last Grimm I met killed the only person I’ve ever loved.”

Text: Kara Victoria Magi
Publication Date: 05-10-2012

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