Amelia's POV
My eyes fluttered open to see the bright full moon that filled the night sky. We had been driving for hours and sleeping in the passenger seat of a car isn't comfortable, believe me. I wiped the corner of my mouth and lifted my head off the window, pulling the hood of my sweater up over my head while adjusting myself in my seat.
"Get some sleep?" I let out a huff turning to look at mom.
"How long has it been?" She turned right onto the next road before answering.
"4 or 5 hours."
"Are we almost there?" I asked pushing my bangs away from my face.
"Almost."
I looked out the front windshield as the car headlights lit up the RavenHills sign.
"We're about fifteen to twenty minutes away. You know that you could've gone with your dad."
"I know but he left three days before we did. I wanted to spend some more time with my friends and say goodbye to the town before, well before we never see it again." I sighed, "I just don't understand why dad just couldn't just get another job."
"We've told you multiple times by now that we would have been so far in debt before your father got a new job" she looked away from the road to give me the 'don't ask again' look.
"MOM LOOK OUT!" I yelled. She looked back and cursed, steering the wheel to make a hard right. We swerved around the dark figure barely missing it entirely, as the tires squealed across the asphalt.
"Oh my Lord, Amelia don't distract me like that again!" I was breathing heavily as I recalled the figure I saw.
"Mom, I think it was a person. We need to go back! We need to back right now!"
"Amelia, no one would be out this late."
"We-we have to see if he's alright." She sighed, stopped the car and did a three point turn.
"And what if it's not a person? What if it's just an animal?"
"Mom, we should still check to make sure we didn't hurt anything."
She stopped the car relatively in the same area where I saw the figure. I opened the car door. "Amelia!" my mother yelled but I ignored her slamming the car door shut. I took out my phone and turned on its flashlight.
"Hello?!" I called out into the trees. I heard the other car door shut and my mother's heels click against the pavement road. I pointed the flashlight down to see dark blood that stood out amongst the pavement. It seemed to lead to a trail into the woods. I started to follow it but my mother grabbed my arm, stopping me. "Amelia get back in the car. Now," I ripped my arm away from her grip and started to follow the trail, "AMELIA!"
I moved some branches out of the way as I walked, making the dried leaves crunch beneath my feet. The blood trail continued but then it suddenly stopped. I looked around moving some leaves out of the way looking for prints or more blood. Nothing.
"Amelia. Let's go." said my mother finally catching up to me.
"I lost the trail. It was hurt, whatever it was." She grabbed my arm and started pulling back in the direction of our car.
"Therefore, it's no longer our concern." She let go of my arm and walked back to the car. I turned around once again to see a flash of yellow. I shook my head and followed my mom to the car. I exhaled watching my breath rise in the cold air, before climbing back into the car. I pulled my seat belt across my chest and sank back into my seat. Guilt ate away at my stomach. It doesn't matter if it was a person or an animal, it was still my fault that we almost hit it.
My mother placed her hand on my thigh. "I'm sorry Amelia, it's just really cold tonight and we didn't actually hit... whatever it was. It was obviously hurt before we even got near it." I pulled the ends of my sleeves over my hands and crossed my arms trying to get warm again. It shouldn't be this cold in October.
"Okay." was all I managed to say before my teeth started chattering again.
We drove for a few more minutes until my mom pulled us into a long narrow driveway. I got a good look at the house as we approached. It was huge and surrounded by forest trees. My mother stopped the car abruptly, making me fly forward. I put my hand on the dash to catch myself.
"Sorry." said my mother. I watched as a dog ran in front of us, "I didn't want to hit it." I exhaled laughing.
"Now you care about hitting something."
"Let's just say that your grandmother would not be happy with me." She finally pulled all the way up and parked the car next to my fathers. I pulled down my hood and checked my phone for any messages.
Nothing.
I got out of the car and grabbed my bag from the back seat. I slammed the door shut making the dog on the porch perk his ears up. I glanced at my mother who nodded and led the way. She walked up the porch steps and opened the screen door to knock on the door. She knocked three hard times before stepping back. The door opened to show my father, who looked more tired than ever. His hair was a mess and he had dark bags under his green eyes. He kissed my mother on the cheek and then moved out of the way so we could walk in.
For some reason, my heart started pounding. "Relax Amelia." I breathed in and out before stepping on the first stair. I slowly stepped on the next one trying to grasp the idea that this was my new home. I finally climbed up to the porch where my dad pulled me into a hug, "You should get some rest. Your room is upstairs to the right." He said after letting me go. I nodded scratching the dogs head before walking inside. I slid my shoes off and headed straight to my room. None of my boxes had been opened but my bed was made.
I set my bag down on the floor and looked out the window. I had a great view of the forest and the moon shone brightly overhead. I looked down among the trees to see the same golden yellow flash I saw earlier. I blinked a few times and they were gone. I shook my head and changed out of my clothes before crawling into bed. I heard a knock on the door so I sat up quickly making my hair fly into my face.
"Come in," I said quietly. The door opened making the light from the hallway fill the room.
"I'm sorry, were you asleep?" asked my father. I pushed my hair out of my face and tucked it behind my ears.
"Not yet." I laughed blowing my bangs out my eyes.
"Well, I was just going to ask you if you were planning on going to school tomorrow."
"Do I have to?" I asked sounding like a four-year-old.
He laughed "No you can take all the time you need." I flopped back on my bed and pulled up the covers. My father walked over and kissed my forehead before leaving and shut the door behind him.
~
I was walking through the woods in the same place I was earlier. I didn't know how I got here or what I was doing but for some reason, I felt drawn to it. I walked deeper into the trees hearing the leaves crunch beneath my feet. "Hello?!" I called out making my voice echo in the distance. I kept walking until I heard a twig snap. I froze in place, my eyes scanning the trees for whatever made the sound. I suddenly had the feeling like someone was watching me. I then heard a deep growl. I shot around to see yellow eyes watching me intently. They were close to the ground but they floated upwards and they now towered above me. The figure looked... like a person.
I sat up in bed making my blankets fall onto the floor. I shielded my eyes against the sunlight that poured in through the window pane. I looked at my phone to see that it was seven in the morning. I groaned while getting out of bed. I picked my blankets off the floor and threw them back on the bed not bothering to make it. Changing into some yoga pants and a long sleeve shirt I bounced down the stairs. My dad was sitting at the kitchen table reading the newspaper, drinking his morning coffee. I grabbed an apple off the counter and bit into it. My dad finally noticed that I had walked in the room.
"Morning." I said my mouth full of apple.
"I thought that you would probably sleep in this morning." I took another loud bite of my apple before answering.
"That was the plan but I had a really weird dream." My father looked up from his newspaper.
"What kind of weird dream?" Why does he care?
"Nothing special." He stared at me trying to figure out if I was lying. I wasn't lying exactly, the dream didn't mean anything. I cleared my throat throwing my apple away, "I'm going to go for a run."
"Okay, be careful. It's quite cold this morning." I nodded pulling my hair into a ponytail.
I walked towards the door and opened the closet to realize that my running shoes were still packed away. I clenched my teeth shutting the closet door. This is why I hate moving. I ran up the stairs two at a time.
"People are still trying to sleep!" my dad whisper yelled.
"Sorry," I whisper yelled back. I opened the door to my bedroom and looked at the labeled boxes.
I found three that were labeled clothes and opened the one I had found the stuff I was wearing now. Thanks to my luck they were at the very bottom of the box and I had to take everything out to get to them. I slipped them on not bothering to untie them. I grabbed my phone and my earphones out of my bag before quietly walking down the stairs this time.
I opened the front door causing the cold air to hit my face. It was cold but it woke me up, besides running would warm me up. I exhaled seeing my breath in the air. I plugged in my earphones and inserted them into my ears. It started playing 'toxic (cestladore remix) - melanie martinez'. I stretched out my legs and arms before getting ready to run. I was about to run but someone tapped on my shoulder. I took out my earphones and turned around to see my grandmother in her robe.
"Hi grandma," I said pulling her into a hug. I hadn't seen her in almost four years. She used to come down all the time for Christmas but she was always so busy at the hospital.
"My haven't you gotten beautiful." She complimented holding my cheeks in her hands, "Are you going for a run?"
"Yeah, I have nothing better to do." She pointed behind me so I turned around to see what she was pointing at.
"There's a trail that you can run on if you want." I smiled turning back towards her.
"Thanks grandma, I wasn't sure where I was going to run but now I won't get lost." She chuckled.
"Just stay on the trail." I furrowed my brow.
"There's tons of nasty poison ivy back there."
I laughed "Oh okay. Will I see you later?" I asked.
She shook her head. "I got called to be at the hospital today."
"You still work there?" I wondered surprised she was still working at her age. She did look good for someone her age though.
"I only get called if it's absolutely necessary." She sighed
I pointed behind me. "I better get going." I said putting my earphones back in. I restarted the song as I started to run on the trail.
The trees got thicker the longer I ran. I jumped over rocks and stumps along the way, running with the music. I stopped at forked path, I glanced both ways trying to decide which path to choose. My grandmother told me to stay on the path, but which one? I glanced in the other direction and saw the glowing eyes I saw from before.
Fear pricked in my nerves and I sprinted forward. I lost my footing and fell, hurting my ankle and my earphones falling out of my ears. I scrambled around looking for my phone. I found it and hearing a growl from behind me. I stood up slowly and spun around. I saw the eyes again but they weren't yellow this time, they were a blue, a bright blue. It growled again and I ran not caring about how much my ankle hurt or that I had run off the trail.
Sebastian's POV
"Hey." said Tyler shoving my shoulder.
"Hey."
He breathed in deeply "Its a beautiful day isn't it."
I rolled my eyes. "Let me guess, unicorns and rainbows jumped around your house and gave you candy." I teased sarcastically.
"Not cool, but yeah basically." I laughed at his response, "Hey did you hear there's a new girl in town?" I shook my head placing my science textbook in my locker, "Apparently she moved in with Grandma Winters."
"The old lady that works at the hospital?"
"Yeah. But I heard that she's our age and totally gorgeous."He nudged my shoulder.
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Because I need you to wear a colour other than black. You should wear more blue or red, to really make your eyes pop!" He sighed, "Her death wasn't your fault. It's time to move on."
I sighed. "How do you know all this? Have you even seen her?" He shook his head.
"Then, when you see her you can tell me how amazing she is. Is she even going to go to this school?" He nodded as I slammed my locker shut before we started walking side by side down the hall.
"You do realize that basically, every girl in this entire school wants you right?" I chuckled bumping his shoulder.
"Well I don't want just any girl. You coming to practice?"
He nodded shoving me back. "Of course I am."
I glanced around looking at all the people in the hallway. Here's the thing; I'm not your regular teenager. This summer I was bitten by a werewolf, now I'm part of his pack. Ever since that night I've been able to see better, hear better, smell better and most of all, I'm faster and stronger. But with advantages you also get disadvantages. I can't always control the change, especially on a full moon. This summer I lost someone very close to me because I lost control, because of that I haven't let myself get close to anyone. It puts them at too big of a risk. Tyler, bitten as well, was there the night I had changed. We both haven't been the same since.
The story is quite simple. We went to a party at the burnt down barn at Cover Creek and of course it was the night of a full moon. A giant wolf with bright blue glowing eyes attack crashed the party. Most of the people got away; except a few of us like Tyler, Mia and myself. We were all bitten. The alpha told us that we would become something powerful and practically invincible, but there was a catch. I killed Trina, she was my girlfriend and childhood friend. She knew my secret and it cost her. It cost her her life.
Well Tyler, he's my best friend. He's also gay. That's why I made the unicorn and rainbow comment earlier, but I'm totally cool with it. The truth is, becoming a werewolf has really turned our lives around. I've made the football team and I'm the best athlete in this entire school. Tyler uses it very differently. Since I've become the star athlete I've become popular. I do have all the girls attention but I'm not much for it, not since Trina.
"Hey losers," said Mia pulling me from thoughts, "It would be nice to see you in a colour other than black you know."
"I like black, It reminds me of the night." I said in a deep voice.
"Don't turn into Batman on me now." I chuckled at Mia's remark.
"Nerds." Tyler mumbled, laughing as Mia poked him in the ribs.
"Hey Bash." said Ally as she walked by, brushing her hair behind her ear.
"She's totally into you." Said Mia with a big goofy grin on her face.
"I think it's the dark and broody vibe you give off." Tyler commented.
Mia laughed, "I told you to add some colour in your life. You're the hot mysterious guy because all you wear is black and you act like you don't give a care in the world. You remind me of Angel." She laughed but then she stopped walking.
"Mia? What is it?" She held up her finger.
"Listen." I tuned in my hearing and I heard it. The howl of our Alpha.
Amelia's POV
I ran for my life breathing heavily. But it didn't just growl this time, it howled. I remember reading something about wolves that said they howl to signal where their location is to the rest of the pack. It's calling for back up, which didn't make me feel any better. My ankle was throbbing and I had the worst cramp in the world. But for some reason this had been the best run I have ever had in my entire life. Except for the giant creature chasing after me. I think it might be the adrenaline running through my veins right now. I'm glad I went on this run but I am also regretting it, majorly.
I glanced back over my shoulder to see that it was gaining on me. Its glowing eyes stood out among the green trees. I needed to find somewhere safe to hide. As if God heard my request I saw a burnt down building in the distance. I sped up practically sprinting towards the building. Come on Amelia, move your legs. I somehow sped up and was now running full tilt, closing the distance between me and the very unstable building.
I finally approached the door and swung it open practically ripping it off the hinges. I slammed it shut behind me leaning against it trying to slow my breathing. I scanned the area for somewhere to hide. It was a second later that I noticed when I looked up there was a giant hole in the ceiling. There's got to be a way up there. I heard a growl behind the door which didn't calm my racing heart.
My eyes landed on a broken ladder and I didn't hesitate to run towards it. Once I was close enough I jumped, grabbing a hold of the first rung and pulling myself up using my feet against the building's wall. I finally got my feet on the rung and I climbed the rest of the way to the top. I stepped out onto the second layer floor and it creaked under my weight. It was obviously unstable but at this moment I couldn't really care.
I tried to step quietly across but with every single move I made, the floor creaked and cracked. I needed to get to the other side because I noticed a loose panel that must have been a window at some point in time. If I could get to it I might be able to see what's out there.
I made it to the middle of the floor and it made a horrible cracking sound. Then with my extremely good luck, it crashed to the floor and I landed on my arm. I tried to hold back my scream as pain shot through my bones. If it didn't know I was in here before, it definitely knew now. I heard another growl from outside the barn and it was joined by two more. There has to be at least three of them out there now. I gripped my arm and held it close to my chest as I pushed myself off the floor.
I looked around the barn for another way out. I ran my hand along the rough burnt wooden wall making my fingers turn black. I kept walking until one of the boards seemed to loosen under my fingertips. I pushed it out a little farther to peak through. I saw the animal, but there wasn't just one, there was four of them circling the barn.
The one with dark jet black fur seemed to notice me and it stared at me with its intense yellow eyes. I tried to look away but I couldn't. I'd never seen a wolf so close before. Then I thought back to the night before. They were the same yellow eyes I saw in the woods.
It jumped forward making me jump back, and I tripped on my own feet. Then all I heard was the snapping of jaws and teeth. Growls and whines filled my ears. Were they fighting each other?
Suddenly there was a bang on the door.
"Hey is anyone in there?!" asked an unrecognizable voice. I couldn't help but be relieved. I pushed myself off the floor and opened the barn door with my arm clutched close to my chest. Standing in front if me was a good looking teenage guy. Not just good looking, he was gorgeous.
I couldn't help but stare. He had dark black hair and beautiful green eyes. "What are you doing out here?" he asked but my brain just couldn't seem to work. I heard the growl again and I stepped back but the boy jumped in front of me shielding me with his body.
The wolf stepped out from the trees and started walking towards us. The boy grabbed my good hand and turned and ran into the barn pulling me with him. The wolf started chasing after us. There's no where to go in here.
We're trapped.
This guy is seriously an idiot.
He started running faster and faster towards the back wall. Wait wall?! I tried to let go of his hand but he held on tightly. He jumped into the wall but it was so weak that it gave way. We started running towards the lake I saw before I ran into the building. I could hear the wolf's paws hitting the ground and we booked it to the water. We ran onto the dock and seconds later I heard the wolf's claws against the wood. My heart pounded inside my chest begging for a break.
We ran down the dock and he didn't hesitate to jump and pull me with him but before we hit the water I felt a sharp agonizing pain in my side making me scream. Water filled my mouth making my lungs burn. A pair of hands grabbed underneath my arms and pulled me to the surface. He held me against his chest as I coughed trying to rid the water from my lungs. Sucking in deep breaths I turned my head back towards the dock to see that the wolf was still watching us with its bright yellow eyes.
The guy was swimming away from it and I wasn't helping. I started kick my legs to try and help. "It's okay. I got you." He said between breaths. I started to shiver finally noticing how cold the water was. Again I say, it shouldn't be this cold in October. I watched as the wolf turned to walk away. My eyes started to feel heavy and I think he noticed. When we were in the very middle of the lake he left me go to look at my face.
"Can you swim?" I nodded as my teeth chattered.
"H-How are y-you not cold?" He started looking around totally ignoring my question.
"Come on, if we get to the other side of the lake we can walk to the bridge that leads to town." I nodded and started to swim towards the shore looking back at the empty dock before putting more effort into it.
I started getting tired half way and I couldn't stay above the water very well. The boy stopped and turned around and looked at me with annoyance. "Here let me help you."
"Its o-okay." He shook his head and grabbed my arm making me wince. He seemed to notice that I was in pain and he switched hands and started to pull me along.
~
After a few minutes we both made it to shore. Being in the water took away the sharp pain I had felt before but now it throbbed making it feel like claws were digging into my flesh. The guy took off his shirt so I turned around and lifted mine to see the claw marks on the back of my right hip. The wolf had scratched me.
I lifted my shirt over my head and started to wring it out. I heard some leaves crunch and I knew he had turned around again. So I did too and my cheeks heated up instantly.
He stared for a few moments but then adverted his eyes and shoved his hands in his dark wet jeans. I pulled my shirt over my head sucking in a breath as it touched the claw marks. He looked back and cleared his throat. "We should probably get walking." I nodded as he started to lead the way. I kept quiet not knowing what to say.
"Thank you." I said quietly.
"For what?" He asked not turning around.
"Um, saving me." I said walking behind him.
"Well thanks to you I'm wet and cold and not in a good mood." He snapped.
"I noticed." I mumbled under my breath. I lifted my shirt to check the wound. It was bleeding hard and black veins started to form around it. It must have gotten infected.
I heard him sigh before he turned around. I stopped walking as he just stared at me. "Pull up your shirt." I stepped back
"What?" He stepped closer and turned me around to lift the end of my shirt. I winced as the cloth peeled off my wound. I turned around so he could get a good look at it.
"She-It hurt you." I pulled my shirt out of his fingers and pulled it down wincing as it touched my cut. "We need to get you to a hospital."
"Why?" I asked but the reason was obvious.
"You're still bleeding and the scratch is probably going to need stitches."
"Okay." I said playing around with my wet hair. He started walking again but this time much faster.
"So what's your name?" I asked trying to have some sort of conversation.
"Sebastian. Sebastian Peters." He didn't ask me my name but it seemed appropriate.
"My name's Amelia. Amelia Winters." I stopped walking again so I leaned against a tree feeling a little light headed.
"Your grandmother works at the hospital?" He asked.
"She's retired, but she still goes back when they are in desperate times or whatever."
"How long has it been since you've been here?" That was something I couldn't answer unless I thought way back, but at least he was talking.
"I haven't been in this town since my grandfather died. Which was about eight years ago." I said after a few moments of thought.
"You haven't seen your grandmother since?" I shook my head but remember he didn't have eyes on the back of his head.
"No she usually came to us but my dad lost his job and we were going to have major financial problems so my grandma said she would help." He turned to face me with a weird glint in his dark green eyes.
"Do you remember anything or... anyone from all those years ago?" I was about to answer but I got hit with a wave of nausea making my vision darken. I slid down the rough bark blinking several times to try and regain my vision. I watched as Sebastian crouched beside me. "Amelia?" That's the last thing I heard because I blacked out.
Sebastian's POV
After Amelia passed out I had to carry her all the way to the hospital. Let me just say that I was glad for my werewolf strength. I was now sitting in the waiting room at the hospital. I don't know why I didn't leave or why I was still here, but I felt like I needed to make sure she was okay.
I have been here for over 2 hours and I haven't heard anything about how she was, even if I was the one who brought her here. It was only about one in the afternoon so I should be in school. My parents aren't going to be happy when they find out.
That's when Mrs. Winters walked in and headed straight for me. She sat down in the chair across from me and folded her hands in her lap. "I can't tell you how grateful I am for you helping Amelia. I told her not to go off the trail but she didn't listen."
"Is she okay?" I blurted out.
"Yes, she will be. The cut actually didn't need stitches because it was almost completely healed."
"Completely healed? That makes no sense, how could someone possibly heal that fast? An animal dug their claws into her side." Then it hit me.
"I know what you are." I said glaring at her.
"I beg your pardon?" I jumped up and sat down in the chair next to her.
"I know that you're a wolf." I stated.
"Sebastian you're talking crazy. There's no such thing as werewolves." She reasoned chuckling.
"Don't lie to me. Eight years ago when your husband died, Amelia came up with her parents. At the time you were babysitting me because I was eight years old and my family was pretty messed up." I looked around to make sure no one was listening before I continued. "I met Amelia at the funeral we left and went to play. I remember a very detailed thing that I haven't been able to forget." She looked at the floor trying to hold back tears. I continued when she didn't say anything.
"We went into the woods and it started snowing above our heads. We heard a growl and I was terrified but Amelia was curious, she stayed still welcoming the growl. I watched as a huge giant white wolf walked towards her. She touched it, the wolf accepted her touch like it knew her or something." I looked towards the older lady to see her reaction but her face was like stone.
"Amelia isn't a wolf, and neither am I. I don't know where you got these crazy ideas in your head but I think you need professional help."
She got up to leave but I stopped her by grabbing her arm. I growled and let my eyes glow yellow for a split second. She ripped her arm away and walked quickly back into the depths of the hospital. I leaned back in my chair and tried not to rip someone's head off. Then my cellphone went off with Ty's annoying ringtone that he chose himself. I can't believe my phone still worked, thank you waterproof case.
"Hello?" I asked even though I knew who it was.
"ARE YOU INSANE!?" I pulled the phone back from my ear as he shouted.
"Dude, calm down." I heard him breathing heavily on the other side of the line.
"The alpha is going to kill you, but first he's gonna skin your ass and keep it as a rug." I chuckled at his remark.
"He won't hurt me... too badly. He loves me." I heard Ty growl. "Ty what's wrong?"
"It's Mia."
~
After hearing that there was something wrong with Mia I booked it out of the hospital and rushed to the den. I ran through the forest at an inhuman speed and practically tripped over every single tree root the entire way.
I saw Ty leaning over the couch, I walked slowly to him and clutched his shoulder. "What's wrong with her?" I asked looking at a sweaty and pale Mia.
"After she scratched Amelia her claws turned a purple-blue colour. Then she collapsed and of course the Alpha didn't care. He just walked off like nothing happened. She's gotten worse in the past hour. She should be healing." He reached for her hand.
"This happened after scratching Amelia?" He nodded giving her hand a squeeze, "I think Amelia's a werewolf."
He looked at me with wide eyes. "She doesn't smell like one." He commented. My thoughts drifted to the brunette I had met this morning, her dark hazel eyes stuck in my mind from when we were little kids.
The door of the den opened up and one of the pack members stepped in. "What are you doing here Quinn?" I spat. We didn't get along as well as I did with the others.
"Excuse me for stepping on your toes Bash, but it's Mia's safety I'm worried about. Hunters are on their way. We need to lead them away from here."
"I'll go." said Ty standing up. I grabbed his arm tightly.
"No I'll go. You stay here and watch after her. Make sure nothing comes in. Plus I'm faster." I gave him a smile and ran after Quinn leaving Mia and Tyler in the protection the den.
"Let's go, show boy." I let my wolf take over allowing my bones to shift and grind together as I took the form of my wolf.
"Ready?" Quinn asked to my thoughts. I nodded my head and ran after him. We ran for a few moments before we both stopped to howl our hearts out. Then I caught their scent.
"They heard us." Said Quinn.
"Well then we better lead them north, towards the cliffs. Make sure to put full weight on your paws so they find our tracks." Then we were on the run again.
I could hear the shouting of the hunters in the distance as I dug my claws into the dirt. That's what I loved about being a wolf. I was free to run wherever I wanted, I loved the smell of pine and hear the leaves beneath my feet.
"LOOK THERE THEY ARE!" shouted a man with a scar across his face. I ran in a zig-zag pattern to avoid flying arrows. Suddenly Quinn crashed in front of me with a yelp. An arrow dug into his arm causing blood to gush around the arrow head.
"COME ON GET UP! WE ARE ALMOST THERE!" I mentally shouted at him. He struggled to his feet but once on all fours he ran on like his life depended on it, because it did. I could see the distance close between us and the cliff. Come on! I yelled at myself. Faster! I moved my legs faster, Quinn close behind me.
Then I jumped.
We both fell down, off cliff hearing the curses and angry stomping from the hunters above. As soon as I broke the surface I changed back into my human form and swam deeper towards the cliff's rocky edge. I saw the dark underwater cave and I kicked my legs as hard as I could feel I running out of air quickly. Then I surfaced gulping in a huge gust of air, Quinn following. I dragged myself to the edge and crawled onto the rock laying naked under the brightly coloured crystals. The wolves and I discovered this cave a long time ago. There are several different entry ways and we always lead the hunters to a different one every time but they never catch on.
Quinn pulled himself towards me and pulled the arrow out of his arm. We both tolerated each other because we made a great team. We were both fast, smart and deadly, but there was just something about him I didn't like. Maybe it was the fact that he was the youngest wolf out of all of us. He had just been turned two months ago, he still had trouble on the full moon like most of us, but he was admired by the Alpha. I think that's why I didn't like him. The Alpha was giving all his attention to him instead of me. I know that's selfish but there was a time... two months ago actually where I was the Alpha's favourite.
"You know he's gonna kill you right. He wanted to bite that girl and you took away his chance. Why did you save her anyway?" I rolled over and grabbing the duffle-bag we buried under a few heavy rocks before I changed into the nice dry clothes it contained, throwing a t-shirt and jeans to Quinn. He pulled them on, his arrow wound already healing.
"She was a childhood friend. I just didn't want her to suffer the way we all did. The Alpha thinks that numbers make a pack but it's the wolves that do. You know what I mean? It's like the abilities and skills should be more important than numbers. I just wish he would stop changing innocent people." He let out a laugh at my words.
"Yeah let's give psychopath's supernatural powers. That sounds like a good idea. Plus not to mention, the more numbers you have the more skills and abilities are added. Just saying my friend." We started walking down the cave tunnels using our enhanced sight to navigate through.
"I know he's angry with me. Amelia just moved here. She should be able to settle in before she has to deal with all this wolf crap."
He nodded. "Good argument buddy. But it's not gonna save you from getting skinned alive."
~
We made our way back to the den to see Mia had waken up. I ran over and crouched in front of her with a smile on my face. "I see someone went cliff jumping." she said ruffling my hair. "How is she-"
"The alpha sent someone to help." Said Ty wiping her forehead with a cloth.
"You're gonna be all right." I whispered kissing the back of her hand. Mia was one of my best friends before I turned, well she wasn't my best friend but she was Trina's best friend, but I had really gotten to know her because she had spent a lot of time with her while we were together.
She looked at me with her milk chocolate eyes asking the for the motive behind my actions today. "I don't know why I saved her. Okay? I'll take the heat from the Alpha. I don't care." She rolled her eyes.
"You really want to be eaten alive don't you? Or maybe worse you could become an omega." She said her voice sounding rough.
"I have to go." I said letting go of her hand.
I left the den checking the area with all my senses to see if the hunters were close. Nothing as far as I could tell. I started walking back towards the town letting the cold October air nip at the exposed skin on my biceps.
I heard loud crunching and glanced back to see Quinn was following me. "What do you want Quinn?" I asked as he pulled up beside me.
"I was just wondering where you were going." I ran a hand through my dark black hair before shoving it back in my pocket.
"I'm going back to the hospital." I mumbled.
"Seriously? You don't even know this girl." The corner of my mouth went up a little.
"I used to know her. And if she's like anything like she was then, she's pretty annoying but amazing."
"Sounds like you have a crush on this girl." He pestered.
"I do not. She's like a long lost best friend."
~
Quinn sat with me in the waiting room reading some magazine with an almost naked girl on the front. We had been here 10 minutes and he was already fiddling with whatever he could get his hands on. He opened another magazine so I took my chance to slip away. I knew what room she was in, it was getting in it unnoticed that would be tricky.
I walked down the corridor trying to look as natural as possible. Nurses and doctors ran around looking at the patients, not even paying attention to me. But then Amelia's grandmother walked down the hall. Crap! I went in to the closest door and waited for her to pass. I looked around the room to find what looked like a ten year old girl, staring at me.
I put a finger to my lips and she giggled. "What are you doing in here?" she whispered.
I smiled, "I'm trying to sneak into one of the rooms to see one of my friends." She pulled back the covers and put her tiny little feet on the ground.
She walked up and took my hand. "I'll help you see your girlfriend. The people here love me."
"Ah- She's not my girlfriend." She laughed and opened the door.
"What room is she in?" She asked.
"203." I responded as she led me down the crowded corridor. She was right, as we walked down they would look at me suspiciously but then glance at her and moved on. We finally made it to the door and she opened it with her tiny little hands. "I'll wait outside while you talk to her."
"I owe you. Thanks." I rubbed the top of her head making her frankly fix the strands I had messed up. I chuckled and was about to walk in but she pulled my sleeve.
"I'll knock twice if someone is coming."
"Thanks." I said before I walked into walked into the dim lighted room.
Amelia was laying in the bed, her hair cascaded around her face. She looked beautiful as she slept. I glanced back to the door before walking closer to her. Images of us playing as kids flooded my mind. I smiled at myself and grabbed her hand but quickly let it go because it would be kind of weird if she woke up. She might not even remember me.
She had really changed. She wasn't as skinny, her hair was longer and her skin was a nice olive colour. But she still had her cute freckles across her nose and she was still shorter then I was. She was beautiful. I grabbed her hand once again. I didn't care if she woke up. Then I heard the sudden two taps on the door.
I flung myself out of the chair and hid inside the closet, trying as best as I could to stay quiet as the door opened. Mrs. Winters walked in and checked on Amelia. She sat on the edge of the bed and brushed Amelia's hair out of the way. Amelia's eyes fluttered opened as she smiled at the sight of her. "Finally, you're awake." she said in a sweet voice. Could she not smell me?
"How long have I been out?" Amelia looked around.
"A few hours. I need to do some tests now that you're awake." Amelia nodded and let her grandmother examine her.
"Where's Sebastian?" She looked around again.
"He was here a few moments ago but someone said they saw him walking down the halls with one of our younger patients." Mrs. Winters explained.
"He stayed here the whole time?" she asked pushing herself up wincing, "Ow." Amelia pulled up her hospital gown and looked underneath the bandage, "Wow it's better than it was." Her grandmother looked up.
"What do you mean sweetheart?"
"When I was in the woods it was super deep. Sebastian said I was going to need stitches and it had weird black veins around it like it was infected or something. But maybe I over estimated it because of all the blood." She laid back down and looked at her grandmother, "Can I see him? Can I see Sebastian?" She asked.
"Sorry Pumpkin. Family only."
Amelia looked a little hurt. "I just want to thank him. I should probably do something for him, to make up for the whole saving me thing, right? Maybe we could invite him to dinner."
"Yeah that would be nice of you." She said writing something down on her clipboard.
"Did I know Sebastian when I was younger?" Her grandmother didn't answer.
"He probably doesn't remember. You were both around eight years old. I was babysitting him after my husband died."
"Well he probably hates me or thinks I'm annoying. I'm not going to make any friends here." She held a hand to her forehead, "If you find Sebastian can you try and get him in here I want to talk to him."
Mrs. Winters nodded. "I'll try." before she got up and left.
Amelia grabbed the water from her tray and took a sip before exhaling. I opened the closet door and her eyes shot directly in my direction. "Wh-what are you doing in here?" she asked with a surprised expression.
"Well I'm pretty sure you just said you wanted to talk to me." I stated with a smirk on my face.
"Yeah but you were just hiding in my closet, sorry if I'm a little creeped out." I chuckled as I sat myself down in the chair nearby, "Well um, thank you for saving me. I'm grateful, I truly am. And I'm sorry about you having to carry me all the way to the hospital. I'd probably be dead if it wasn't for you." I nodded rubbing my hands together, "Would you like to come to dinner sometime, as like a thank you for saving me." I ran a hand through my hair and exhaled. The alpha will kill me, but I could say I'm trying to get information... But the closer I am to her the more I'll get attached.
"No it's okay. It's best if we just forget about it." She looked a little hurt by my words.
"Okay." she said quietly. She looked at me with her sea green eyes, "Do you remember me?
I shook my head. "No." I said coldly, " Why? Am I supposed to?" I asked lying straight through my teeth. She shook her head her bangs falling into her eyes as she looked down, "I'm going to go. Get better." Why that sounded very stuck up. I stood up and was about to leave but because of my super hearing, I heard her muffled sob. I winced and turned around but thought better of it and left the room.
~
"You smell like heartbreak and sorrow." said Quinn, "Did your human girlfriend break your little heart?" I growled and shoved him to the ground.
"I AM SO SICK AND TIRED OF YOUR BULLSHIT! COULD YOU BE ANYMORE ANNOYING?!!" I turned around and punched a sign, denting not just the sign but the entire pole had ripped out of the ground. I was breathing heavily and I turned around to watch Quinn dust off his pants.
"What was that about?!" But before I could yell at him again a howl echoed through the air, loud and clear. Great just great.
We both sprinted into the woods before we changed running towards the sound of our pack leader. "Well, time to get skinned." Quinn said to my thoughts. We ran through the woods until we came to our meeting spot across the lake. The Alpha sat on top of the tree stump his blue eyes glowing in the twilight light. I hadn't noticed how dark it had gotten because dark grey clouds gathered overhead.
"Sebastian!" said the Alpha. I lowered my head and let him shout at me. "DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT YOU HAVE DONE?! I NEEDED THAT GIRL TO JOIN OUR PACK!"
That's when I raised my head. "You need to stop turning innocent people!"
"She is a Winters which means she could become a wolf."
"What are you talking about?" Asked Mia who was now back on her feet.
"The Winter's family have been wolves for generations, some bit but most of them are born. Amelia needs to join our pack so we can have an alliance with the Winters." He scolded.
"But I thought you were the alpha in this region." Said Ty raising head but quickly lowering it from the gaze of the alpha.
"I am because I stole it from the Winters'. That is all you need to know. Trust me."
"Trust you?" I said with a laugh.
"You should trust me I'm on your Alpha." He snorted.
"You may be my alpha or the person who bit me, but no I don't trust you because you hide from us. We don't even know who you are in the human world."
He didn't say a word, but I heard the cracking of his bones as he changed in front of us. I changed as well allowing my jaw to drop. "You're the alpha?" I asked as Ty and the others changed. There were about six of us all together so far, but I was only really close to three.
"Bash, you need to trust me on this." He walked over and placed his hands on my shoulders. "You know I need more people. I need more wolves to become strong so I can protect you from the vampire clan and the other wolf packs. I'm only doing this for your safety. All of your safety." He leaned in closer to my ear. It was a little uncomfortable because we were both naked but I listened to what he was going to say, "If you pull something like that again. I will kill you."
Amelia's POV
As another hour went by, the scratch mark on my side had healed completely leaving a big ugly scab that I knew was going to leave a scar. I couldn't believe it had healed so quickly. The door opened in my hospital room and my parents walked in with concern pasted on their faces. My mom hurried over and sat on the edge of the bed. "Amelia," I was expecting her to yell at me but her voice was soft and sympathetic, "You had us so worried. What happened?"
"I was running on the trails when I fell, I lost my phone and I heard something, like, like a growl." I swallowed, "It scared me so I ran off the trail when I got locked inside this old barn. But some guy named Sebastian Peters saved me and carried me all the way to the hospital after I passed out from a wolf scratch." My fathers expression turned into anger.
"A wolf scratched you?" I nodded my head as my parents stared at each other. They seemed like they were communicating telepathically. I smiled at the thought.
"Anyway," said my mom looking back at me, "Your grandmother said you are well enough to go home." I nodded pulling back the covers as my mom handed me a change of clothes.
She stepped away from the bed and pulled the curtain across so I could change. I did quickly and I pulled my knotted hair into a ponytail. "Okay let's go." I said pulling the curtain back.
~
Once I was in the car I could feel how hungry I was. "Hey can we go for a walk around town? I want to get to know the town before I go to school." My father looked at me sternly through the mirror. "Or you can just drop me off."
"Amelia that's not a good idea, you should rest." I pulled up my sweater to show the scab.
"I'm fine, see?" my father sighed.
"Fine your mother and I have some running around to do anyway." My mom shot him a look, "She should get to know the place. She's almost seventeen." my dad whispered. My mom rolled her eyes and turned in her seat to face me.
"Fine, we won't be that long. Here take my phone, you can use it until you find yours." I haven't broken to them the news that my phone had gone for a swim with me in the lake. She handed me forty dollars and turned back in her seat obviously not happy. I had finally won.
My father pulled up at the curb near a book store called the Lunar Eclipse. "We'll pick you up here in an hour and a half."
"Okay thanks." I said slamming the door shut. I watched them drive away before turning to face the bookstore again. I should check it out. I walked into the the store and was filled with awe. There were stacks and rows and piles of books everywhere.
"I see a new face. You new in town?" I turned around to see a middle aged man with a dark brown beard smiling at me from the counter.
"Yeah actually," I said nervously. "I just moved here, yesterday."
"Well can I get a name?" He asked.
"Amelia Winters."
"Oh you're Lynda's granddaughter. I've heard a lot about you. Your grandmother and I are great friends." He walked around the counter and held out his hand. "My names Chris Manhattan." I shook his hand.
"So this must be your first time in town then." He said walking to a row of books.
"Actually I was here a long time ago. But a lot of things have changed." I said as he came back holding a book in his hands. He held it out to me and I took it turning it over to read the cover.
"A Wolf's Moon." I read out loud.
"On the house." I looked up at him astonished.
"Are you serious?" He nodded.
"Hey my son should be back soon, maybe he could give you a tour. If you want of course." I smiled at him.
"I think having a tour guide would be nice." He smiled and picked up the phone dialling a number. I tuned out his conversation and turned the book over to read the back.
'What if your whole life was a lie? What if you were part of a world that didn't exist in the eye of a human? Sometimes thinking is overrated, it's just easier to let go and howl.' It read. Sounds interesting I thought.
The door opened with a ding and in walked a very attractive guy. He had light brown hair and intense brown eyes. "Amelia this is my son, Quinn." Chris gestured to the boy.
"It's nice to meet you." said Quinn holding out his hand I took it and smiled at him.
"Amelia was wondering if you could show her around town."
"I'd love to." said Quinn hold out his arm.
"That's not necessary." I said with a laugh. He shrugged and sped walked to the door to hold it open for me.
"So you're Mrs. Winters granddaughter? Everyone has been talking about you. Your grandmother is kinda famous around here." I laughed at him, "What?" he asked with a confused expression.
"This year I wanted to change and become a better person by hiding under the radar but it appears that I was famous here before I even arrived." He chuckled.
"Well it's too late because I see you." I blushed and looked across the street to see Sebastian watching us intently.
"Hey do you know that guy?" I asked nodded my head in Sebastian's direction.
"Bash? Yeah we're actually good friends." He nodded.
"Well he saved me from some wolves in the woods and when I asked him how I could repay him he just looked at me with disgust." He ran a hand through his hair.
"Bash isn't really good a letting people in. Believe me I know." We both started walking across the street so he could show me a cute little bakery.
"This place has the best donuts in the world!" he said raising his hands above his head. He opened the door for me and I walked in letting the smell of freshly baked goods fill my nose.
"It smells amazing in here!" I exclaimed.
He smiled and pointed at a table. "I'll get us some treats." The door opened and in came Sebastian. Is he following us?
He sat down across from me with an angered look. "Why are you hanging out with him? Why did you leave the hospital?"
"Woah there, I don't think I owe you an explanation." His eyes looked hurt for a few moments before returning to anger.
"What are you doing with him?" He repeated.
"It's none of your business but if you must know, he's giving me a tour around town." I snapped.
"I could have done that you know."
"Well excuse me, but I recall you telling me to stay away from you. Besides Quinn has been super nice." I quipped.
"He's not doing this for you, he's doing this for himself." He rose from the table and walked out the door with his fists clenched.
"Here you go." said Quinn placing a hot chocolate down. It had a mountain of whip cream and smelled amazing. I was about to take a sip when Quinn handed me a doughnut, "This is my favourite kind of doughnut." I took it in my hands and took a large bite. He laughed.
"Hungry?" I nodded laughing about how stuffed my cheeks were. I blushed and he seemed to notice.
He smiled and took a sip from his drink. I took another bite once I was finished chewing and finally got a good look at him. He had light brown hair and dark brown eyes. He was quite tall and had amazing cheek bones and long gorgeous eyelashes. He was kind of cute. I saw Sebastian in the window as he crossed the street. He had his hands shoved in his pockets. He turned around for a split second and we made eye contact. What is with that guy?
~
Quinn walked me around town for another 30 minutes showing me all the stores and hangouts and everything I needed to know. We didn't get to go around the whole town but he said he wouldn't mind giving me a tour later. We were now back in his fathers bookstore.
"Hey I'll think you'll like this one." He handed me a book with a wolf on the front.
"What's with you guys and wolf stories?" He chuckled.
"Well it's actually a history book. It talks about how werewolves came to be."
"Werewolves?" I said with a laugh. I handed the book back to him, "I'm not really into that kind of stuff." I said. He smiled though and put it back on the shelf.
"So tell me more about yourself." He said walking down the aisle as his hands ran along the spines of the books as he passed.
"Well I was born in December, My mom said it was the worst winter they've ever had-"
"Were you born before or after Christmas?" he asked.
"After. Well I lived in Newfoundland almost all my life and I was here once about eight years ago after my grandfather died but I haven't been here since. My family was having financial problems so we moved in with my grandmother."
"Okay now tell me things about you." I blushed.
"Sorry, um okay... there isn't really much to know. Almost seventeen, aspiring artist. Had my life spontaneously uprooted and I feel kinda lost. Like I am always missing a part of myself." He smiled.
"You liked it that much eh?" I laughed nodding my head.
"Okay your turn." He chuckled.
"Well you can say you've made a friend so far. I look forward to hearing more about you. " I laughed. "Hey are you coming to our high school?" I nodded.
"Yeah I'm going there tomorrow actually." He smiled.
"Well if you need a tour, I'd be glad to help." He said leaning against the shelf, it tumbled over and he blushed a shade of dark red. I laughed and bent over to help pick up the books. "You wouldn't want to go to a party this weekend would you?"
I laughed "Wow I've been here two seconds and I've already been invited to a party." He laughed placing the last of the books on the shelf, "What kind of party?"
"Well its tradition for Megan Forestelle to have a party every month so she's hosting a Halloween party. So little kids go trick or treating and we get drunk and dance until our feet fall off. There's also a school dance during the October festival. But a lot of people don't go."
"Okay I'll go with you. Do I need to dress up?" He smiled.
"Of course."
My moms cellphone started vibrating in my pocket so I pulled it out to see that my dad was calling. I answered sliding the green button across.
"Hello?" I asked. "Hey sweetheart, your dad and I got behind schedule, so we're going to be another couple hours." said my mom. What could they possibly doing that is going to push the back another few hours?
"Okay." I finally said, not really knowing how to react.
"So if you can get over to the hospital, your grandmother said she would drive you home."
"Okay thank you."
"Bye love you!"
"Love you too, mom." I ended the call and looked at Quinn.
"I'm guessing your parents aren't coming to pick you up." I shook my head and chuckled.
"I need to walk to the hospital." Quinn sat up quickly.
"I have to go!" he said before booking it out the shop, the door dinging on his way out.
His father paled. "I need to close the shop."
"Okay. Thank you Mr. Manhattan." I said dusting of my pants. I walked out the door turning around to give a small wave. It was getting dark and colder by the minute. I should get to the hospital soon. Okay I sort of remember where to go.
I started walking in the direction I came. I breathed out of my nose and watched it rise in the cold air. Oh my Goodness It's cold, I thought to myself as I shoved my hands in the pockets of my sweater. I hit the hard surface of the book and pulled it out to look at it. I should read this and return it to him. I looked towards the setting sun. It was beautiful with all the brilliant colours. Kind of like the leaves right now. I smiled.
"Hey stranger." I jumped and turned around to see Sebastian watching me.
I rolled my eyes and started walking again. "What do you want Sebastian?"
"I thought you would like some company." He was walking beside me and I looked at him from the corner of my eye.
"Why?" He smiled genuinely.
"Well I don't think a teenage girl should be walking alone in the streets, especially at night." I rolled my eyes.
"I thought you told me to stay away from you."
"I did, but I didn't say anything about me staying away from you." Is he bipolar?
Silence fell over us. It was kind of uncomfortable. I took another glance towards him. He had gotten pretty handsome since we were kids. He had beautiful forest green eyes and dark black hair, he wasn't super buff and he wasn't super pale. He'd changed a lot seen I'd last seen him. I rubbed my hands together, man it's freezing. I blew into my hands in an effort to heat them up.
"Are you cold?" I nodded.
"Here, why don't I buy you a hot chocolate?" I shook my head.
"I'm okay, I'll live." He shoved his hands in his pockets. "What were you going to say to me before I passed out?" I asked still curious about the way he acted today.
"Oh... um, it's not important now."
"Okay." I responded, "Why did you save me?" he didn't say a single word, he just stared ahead like I hadn't said anything.
I stopped in my tracks making him turn around. "Leave me alone." I said sternly. His look didn't change but his body stiffened at my tone.
"Amelia-" I shook my head.
"No. I can walk myself." I started to walk faster past him as I continued towards the hospital. He didn't follow and frankly I was glad. What's up with that guy anyway? He's nothing like the person I met eight years ago. He seems sadder, angrier, unhappy.
~
I finally made it to the hospital and my Grandmother looked towards me. "Thank goodness, I was getting worried." she said as I approached. "Have you eaten yet?" I shook my head. Unless doughnuts count.
"I'm not really hungry though." She smiled.
"Well let's get you home so you can rest." She led me towards the car.
Once we were in her car she cranked the heat. I shivered from the cold and stared out the window. She turned on the radio and started driving. "Can I ask you a question?"
"You just did." She said chuckling, "I'm kidding." I smiled at her.
"Do you know Quinn Manhattan?" She nodded.
"I know his father better, but yes I've met him. Why?" I shook my head.
"No reason. I met him today. He gave me a short tour." She smiled.
"He's a good kid." I nodded.
I stared at the window for a few moments. "Hey look it's snowing!" I exclaimed.
"It sure is."
Author's Note:
Hey guys,
This is an original story, written by me! I have so much planned for this story!!! I can't wait to keep writing it! I'm also planning on making it a series! Yay!! Well anyways, hope you like this opening chapter and I'm sorry for any mistakes! I'll talk to you guys soon! I know Amelia has blue eyes in the picture but her eyes are actually more green. I just really liked the picture!
Peace Out! XoXoXo