I Claim Your Love

The ground was soaked with the incessant rains. The rains had become a killjoy in the otherwise happy environment. The abrupt arrival of rainwater was unforeseen as the sky had been clear the entire time. But soon the sound of music was replaced by spine-chilling noise of thunder and lightning. The entire ground was turned into a pool of water. The pack was appalled with the sudden disappearance of the rains as well. It was as if the rains wanted to make its presence felt; like a warning.

Einar could not concentrate on his surroundings. His mind was wandering.

He was remorseful.

He knew that he owned his behavior, that he trigged the flicker of his emotions. It seemed unfair that no matter how much he strived to be the man his conscience wanted him to be, he still would have to carry the burden on his shoulders and kill his heart.

He wanted forgiveness otherwise the memory of Callan's hurt face would haunt his memories tomorrow and the days which followed.

On the other hand, the pack had now assembled around the large open space. It was time for the celebrants to ask for longevity, prosperity and wisdom to Luna. As per the traditions the chief would be honored the duty to lit the bonfire. But the rains proved spoilsport here, the entire substance of heat had been wet due to the sudden downpour. Ragnar tried to ignite the bonfire but he failed miserably every time. The tradition was an offering to the Luna and if it could not be finished than as per the beliefs of the people, bad omen would follow the pack.

"Why don't you let Einar try? After all it's his birthday today; the Luna would definitely accept his offering." Ragnar agreed with Umberto.

"Come here son. Hold this torch and incinerate the bonfire. This would be your first step to reign in as the next Alpha." Ragnar's smug look said it all. He was happy that his son could finally carry his legacy forward.

Einar cautiously marched forward and held the torch in his hand with Garrick behind him. He was stiff and uninterested with the procedures that were going on. He gave the torch to Garrick while Garrick lit the torch and handed it back to Einar. When he reached the bonfire the illumination of the torch displayed a beauty; Callan was standing a few distances from the bonfire across the Alpha's son. Einar was mesmerized with Callan at the moment; his wet clothes hugged him tightly while his white shirt was transparent enough to show his beautiful skin.

Einar was turned on by the beautiful boy.

The beast inside him wanted to come out and be near Callan. Sniff him; taste him; devour him.

A slow tap on his shoulders brought him out of his trance.

"What are you waiting for? Light it up." Ragnar ordered his son.

Einar cleared his throat and concentrated on the task in hand. The moment the torch touched the bonfire, it doused off. The material was heavily wet and hence could not hold any fire. He tried once again but the result did not change. The pack members around were now tensed, the lighting of the bonfire was necessary for their procession to begin.

Aurora was standing near Callan and observed the situation. She knew that in order to light the bonfire her intervention was necessary. She quickly stood behind Callan's ears and whispered. "This may sound uncanny but I want you to concentrate on the bonfire. You were angry sometime before. Right?"

Callan nodded curtly.

"Channelize your anger at the bonfire. This will be your redemption."

Callan did what Aurora said. He focused his sight on the wet substance and remembered all the wrong that had happened to him today. He remembered all the pain, the suffering and the agony he had to endure because of Einar.

He was enraged.

Moments later, beads of water were flowing upwards as the bonfire made a whoosh sound. The people around were astounded with the glimpse of the miracle in front of them. The water in the substance was detaching itself, while it looked like it was raining in an upward direction, in a reverse fashion. The people had not recovered from the instance when the woods crackled and ignited a huge amount of fire to blur everyones vision for a moment.

Everyone around gasped in shock.

"That's enough Callan. Calm down now." Aurora kept one hand on his shoulder.

The people around were happy that the miracle did happen in the first place. They gave all the credit to Einar as they believed it was he who had been blessed by the Luna. That the Luna had accepted Einar's offering. How wrong could they be! Ragnar was swelled with pride for his son.

"Your magic definitely works Aurora. This wristlet is convenient indeed. I was in two minds to wear it initially but now I think I will keep it. Thank you for the gift." Callan hugged Aurora who returned his embrace with a curt smile.

Callan thought that all the strange happenings around him was because of Aurora's magical

are to tell

I haven't even said anything to Archer, though I am dying to

give it back to me."Aurora raised one eyebrow. Callan forcefully pulled his hand back, hiding his wristlet with

Please don't take it back. Besides it's a gift, you don't take your gift back. Once it is given it is the sole property of

his hair

the reason I love

at Callan and the witch. He was completely miffed with Einar's behavior. "What is wrong with him? I always

stressed today. Don't hold any anger against him dear. I'm sure he must

eyes "As

her son when

son? Are you not feeling well?"

frowned and answered "I'm feeling a bit tired mother.

"Of course my love."

the music of the large drums while they sang

to stare at but distorting flames of fire was excruciatingly dull. He wanted go home and have some

"Hi Callan. Happy birthday."

surprised to see a young girl with black curls and beautiful blue eyes standing behind him.

Thank you so much Meredith." Callan smiled in appreciation. He was smitten by the

way you

beauty herself." The girl's cheeks were red as she was giggling at what

his head to the moon and howled in a strong voice. The sound was

heads bowed in submission. Except for Einar's parents and surprisingly Callan. Ragnar felt the conflicting emotions inside his son and realized that his beast was taking control. This could have been because of the full moon he thought. He commanded Einar to cool down but all Einar did was he glared at his father more

that she ran towards her father for safety. Meanwhile Einar was glaring in full force. Ragnar knew that his son was now accepting the full force of his beast, which was dangerous in this situation as the beast could go berserk and hurt someone. He had to

the eye battle. There was silence everywhere but as nature would have it, he sneezed all of a sudden pulling attention of everyone towards him. He embarrassingly returned a weak smile and apologized to the Alpha. But To Ragnar's utmost surprise his son was now laughing at the hilarious situation. His beast was in control and his emotions were serene. The entire pack was

did not know was that Einar was laughing

took control

moon was affecting his son. And before the situation got out of control he had to finish this feast before it's

standing near the bonfire. He saw a long queue before him eager to present him their gifts. This was baffling him as he only wanted Callan to be near him tonight. His father presented him with a nicely carved and a sharp spear while his mother gave him a finely made tunic which she handcrafted herself. Thereafter he received gifts of all sorts from the members for which he

circle Einar. He then had to throw the ash at the bonfire and pray to ward off any

humiliation earlier was not enough that he had to go

Where is your gift? Are you not going to present it to your future

son really is a precious gem." One of the women said with amusement. Even the others could not help but praise Mary's

is gorgeous. That's the reason every girl wishes him to be

gods have

you and I can see

from the woman actually uplifted Callan's mood. He was blushing red to which the ladies laughed in

You haven't told

Mother. I will give it to Einar when the time is right." He pointed to a nearby tree where an object

that you had promised to stay until the feast is over. Your father and

and hope in Mary's eyes forced Callan to change his decision to leave early. He got hold

Einar was now getting pissed with the gift receiving ceremony. Usually he loved this part of his birthday. But today he was finding it unbearable, like he was trapped somewhere. He used to tilt