Pure Blood (The Pure Blood Series Book 1)

by Katie Dunn

  My heart beats rapidly. Now, I feel certain that I shouldn't have asked. It was wrong and selfish. I can't always do or say what benefits me. I let curiosity get the best of me.

  "Skinwalker." Troy's voice pulls me from my thoughts.

  "What?"

  "I'm a skinwalker. It's a person who has the ability to turn into whichever animal they choose."

  Interesting. It's cool and terrifying at the same time. But I can't decide which it is more of. "And you chose dog."

  He scoffs. "No, I didn't. But I am guessing that my parents did." His parents were skinwalkers too, which means he and Lenny were born this way. But he said he's guessing that his parents chose dog? Did they not know their parents? Is that why they didn't tell us about all of this? Because they finally had a family who accepted them? "What about your parents? Where are they?"

  "Don't know, don't care," he says. "They gave us up right after Lenny was born. I was two at the time, so I don't remember much about them."

  "Are there other skinwalkers?" Apparently, my mouth has taken control.

  Troy nods at my question. "Yeah. There aren't many though."

  I realize the footsteps in the middle of the night belong to Troy and Lenny. "You know, we used to be able to hear your footsteps in the middle of the night. But it's been a lot more lately. Why?"

  The concern on Troy's face grows. "In the past week, there have been some mysterious murders. Nobody knows about them. Not yet."

  "If nobody knows, then how do you know?"

  "Neighbors. Animals can communicate with each other. A few of them have seen the killings. Lenny and I have been taking turns getting up every night to check on things."

  Something else comes to mind, and again I find myself talking without thinking. "Are they skinwalkers?"

  "Yes. I've been afraid that if they came across Lenny and me, they would try to get us to join them. They are called the D'yavol pack. They're evil, Britt. They are only doing this for more power."

  Why would they be killing humans, if it's power they want? I fail to understand the reasoning here. Troy smiles at my confused state. "We don't gain strength and power through age or anything like that. We rise to it with kills. The more people you kill, the stronger you get. I think it's sick in truth."

  I agree with Troy. It is sick, killing people for your own convenience. Why would you do that? How can you massacre a bunch of people? I almost killed someone on accident last night, and though he lived, I am swamped with guilt.

  For some unknown reason, the cat comes to mind. "Why were you so uptight about that cat?"

  A puzzled look spreads upon his face. "There was something off about him. It was strange. I've never felt anything like that before."

  "Was he a—?"

  "I don't know. I've never been around any other skinwalkers except for Lenny."

  "Britt! Troy! Breakfast is ready!" My mom hollers up.

  Troy and I exchange glances. He smiles, clearly amused by whatever kind of expression I had on my face. "Your dad explained everything to your mom and the twins."

  I nod my head in understanding. "And they were okay with it?"

  He shakes his head. "Not at first, but they're trying to make the best of it." He glances at the window. "Let's get inside. I've had to endure eating dog food for the past four years, I'm dying for people food."

  I almost giggle at that.

  Casey sits down in the chair beside Troy's. "Do you still like to play fetch?"

  Troy smiles at him. "I promise I'll play with you after school, Case."

  Casey's little grin could light up the world. Apparently, if your best friend still plays fetch, you are truly happy at seven. "You promise?"

  Troy nods his head. "I promise."

  "Just don't forget!" Casey commands.

  Opposite from me, Lenny makes a confession to Derek. "I think it's about time I tell you, Derek. I was the one who beat your record time on Mario Kart."

  Derek's eyes widen at the shock. He thought that one of the twins had beat his record, and he was mad about it for almost a week. He had worked so hard to get that score, only for someone else to beat it. "That was you? You did that?"

  Lenny nods slowly.

  "Dude, you're awesome! You have to teach me how to do that."

  That was unexpected. I figured Derek would yell at Lenny. I know for a fact, he would scream at me if I were the culprit here. But I won't hold it against him. We need to be nice to Troy and Lenny. We don't want them taking off again.

  They are both good people. They deserve a good home with a good family, who will look after them and take care of them. Luckily, we were able to clear things up and make them right.

  My mom sets a platter of bacon, eggs, and chocolate chip pancakes in the middle of the table. She glances back and forth between Troy and Lenny. "You two can eat chocolate, right?"

  "Yes, ma'am," Troy says, as he reaches for a slice of bacon.

  "I know it must have been a while since you both have had a good breakfast," my dad says.

  Derek and Lenny exchange glances. Lenny quickly lies right through his teeth. I know, because I remember when Derek fed him the pepperoni from his pizza. "Uh, yes. Very long while," Lenny says.

  Troy cuts him a look. I'm guessing he knows that Lenny has been stealing our food. Well, not entirely stealing since Derek was giving him some of it.

  Troy changes the subject. "Would you like Lenny and me to help you at the shop, Mr. Thompson?"

  My dad's surprised state is momentary. "Uh, well. I'm not sure. What do you know about motorcycles?"

  Troy shrugs. "I know some of the things you taught Britt."

  "Would y'all mind?" Dad asks.

  Troy shakes his head. "No, sir. Not at all."

  "Yeah, we don't mind," Lenny adds.

  Dad nods. "Thank you. Both of you. I'd appreciate that very much."

  I'm thrilled that Troy will have something to occupy his time until I get out of school. I'd hate for him to be bored half the day. Though Lenny might be. I have a hard time believing that boy would enjoy work. But it will do him some good. Troy has made his allegiance. Now, it's time for Lenny to make his. I laugh silently. I can't wait for that.

  "So what exactly happened when you talked to the cops, Liam?" Troy asks.

  Dad sighs. "Well, right after you kids left, I wiped your prints off the gun so the cops wouldn't question it. And when the deputy got there, well… Let's just say he wasn't the brightest of minds. Needless to say, I didn't have any trouble with the story."

  ͠

  "Did you have any luck finding the dogs?" Riley asks.

  I freeze. I don't really even know why. She hasn't accused me of anything. The recent turn of events has made me nervous at the slightest mention of the subject. "Um…Yeah."

  "Where were they?" Riley actually seems to care.

  "They were down in the woods," I say casually.

  Her eyebrows furrow. "Huh. I wonder what they were doing there."

  I shrug. "Who knows?"

  "So, are we hanging out at MacKenzie's tonight or are we going to see a movie?" Riley asks.

  MacKenzie's is the favorite hangout around here. Popular among people of all ages, it is a restaurant and cafe. A small bar sits in the back, but is isolated, making the establishment more appropriate for children.

  "Have you asked Tom what he wants to do?"

  "Not yet. I haven't seen him this morning, so…" Riley replies. All of her features brighten at her next words. "Oh, and guess what!"

  "What?" I ask excitedly.

  "My parents have agreed to let me come with y'all to Charleston!" We both squeal and jump up and down.

  It's a small thing to be excited about, but going to Charleston wouldn't be as fun without Riley. She and I have been best friends since our very first day of school. We're almost inseparable.

  Once we stop jumping, my phone starts to ring. Daddy shows up on the screen. I gaze at Riley. "Give me a second."

  She nods and leaves to
find Tom.

  "Hi, Daddy," I answer.

  "Actually, it's me, Troy," the voice says.

  The worst comes to mind. "Why are you calling me at school? Is Daddy okay?"

  "Relax, Britt. He's fine." Troy sighs before continuing. "I called to tell you, that a couple was brutally murdered last night. It's all over the news."

  The skinwalker gang strikes again. Big surprise. Joking aside, this is terrible for Brighton. Those other skinwalkers committing these murders may also raise suspicion of Troy and Lenny. Not to mention, Troy and Lenny are only now making themselves known to others in town. This will definitely raise eyebrows.

  We need to find a way to stop them. But how? How can we take them down without making this a suicide mission for ourselves?

  "What should we do?" I ask, hoping Troy has an answer.

  "I don't know. I guess we all need to get our stories straight and pray that no one finds out about Lenny and me."

  On my end, the bell rings. "I gotta get to class, Troy. But we'll talk more about it when I get home."

  "Okay. I'll see you then." We end our call.

  I don't know whether I should be more afraid of the other skinwalkers or someone finding out Troy's secret. It's a gamble either way. Both are dangerous and terrifying thoughts to even entertain.

  At home, my entire family and I find spots in the living room. We don't have very many family meetings. There's never been a need until now.

  "I think it'd be best if Troy and Lenny keep a low profile," my dad starts. "Stay under the radar until this passes."

  "I agree, but all of you need protection," Troy protests. "It's possible that they'll target you. And if they do, you need to be defended somehow."

  My mom gazes at my dad. "He's right. But I'm more concerned about the kids than myself."

  Dad nods at her words. "Same here." He looks at Troy. "You know how to fight. Would you mind teaching Britt and the boys?"

  Troy shakes his head. "No, sir. I don't mind." He shifts his gaze to Lenny. "But Lenny and I would like to start going to school with Britt and the boys. It would be one of the best ways to protect them. If it would be all right with you?"

  My parents exchange glances. "It's fine with me, if it's fine with you," my mom says to my dad.

  "Please," I find myself pleading. I would love for Troy to come to school with me. It would be a great opportunity to get to know him better, we could hang out more, and he could officially meet my friends. "Come on, Dad. Please." I know it's a risk, but if we can come up with an excellent cover story things should be just fine.

  He sighs. "Okay. But we need to get a few things straight first."

  EIGHT

  I RUMAGE THROUGH my closet for a change of clothes. I don't want to wear my uniform to MacKenzie's, and I know my friends won't be wearing theirs. Derek decided to take me up on my offer. He wants to be a part of my group. It makes me want to squeal in excitement. I like that I can hang out casually with my brother.

  I pull out a yellow T-shirt with Snoopy on it and wonder if I should throw it on or put it back. A small knock sounds at my door and Troy enters my bedroom. I quickly shove the T-shirt back into my closet and turn to him. He sits on the edge of my bed. "What're you doing?"

  "I'm gonna go hang out with Tom, Riley, and Derek tonight, so I'm trying to find something to wear," I say casually. "Do you wanna come?"

  He ponders this for several seconds. "I would love to."

  I almost jump up and down in excitement. I don't know why though. "Really? That's great!"

  "But," he adds.

  "But?"

  "But, I won't impose," he says.

  Disappointment overwhelms my other emotions a tiny amount. It's a shame. I really wanted him to come with me. I wish he would. Unless… Maybe there's a way to talk him into it. "Troy, not eight minutes ago, you were down there saying we needed protection."

  "You're right, I did. But there are other options and forms of protection, than constantly being your shadow." He stands and walks over to me. "I promise, I won't let anything bad happen to you…Or Derek."

  I know he wouldn't. I trust him with my life, and I'll trust him now. I try not to be too disappointed about him not coming with me. I mean he will be coming to school with me tomorrow, after all.

  Before I can open my mouth and get a word out, Troy speaks again. "Besides, Tom might be jealous if you show up with some strange, ruggedly handsome man." I smile and barely shove him. He smiles back. "Seriously, we'll start training after school, tomorrow."

  "Sounds good," I agree.

  ͠

  My friends were already waiting for Derek and me at MacKenzie's. They assured us they hadn't been waiting long, but I was skeptical. The two had already run out of things to talk about, and their sodas were half-way empty.

  We stand near one of the pool tables, watching as Tom lines up a shot.

  "Oh, would you hit it already?" Riley loses her patience. Tom shoots the ball toward the corner pocket and misses. The ball bounces off the end of the table and rolls a few inches away. "Thanks, Ri," he mutters.

  "Hey, you know how she is," I say to him.

  Riley does not have much of a strong tolerance for anything—specifically waiting.

  "Yeah, I know," Tom admits. "It's just aggravating."

  "Hmm? What was that?" Riley asks, hearing part of our conversation.

  Tom manages a smile for her. "Nothing."

  Riley nods. "That's what I thought. Now, hand the cue to Britt, so she can go."

  Since there are four of us, Riley and I pair up against Tom and Derek. I'm glad to see my brother and my boyfriend bonding. Okay, bonding may be a stretch. But they are talking more now than they ever have.

  Tom consents to Riley's demand and gives the cue to me. I lean down and position the cue to hit the cue ball in the right direction. I shoot the cue ball toward the red ball with the number 3 on it. The red ball rolls across the table and slowly comes to a stop just before dropping into the pocket.

  I'm not too upset that I underestimated the distance between the red ball and the hole, but Riley is. "How did you come up short? Are you trying to make us lose?"

  I say nothing. Any protest I could make wouldn't matter either way—not with Riley.

  When her turn comes around, she barely takes a minute to aim, before knocking the cue ball into the green number 6 ball. It rolls up the table and straight into the hole. Based on her reaction, I expect her to start dancing.

  "Yeah! That's what I'm talking about!" Riley almost yells.

  Tom rolls his eyes. I put a hand on his shoulder. "She means well. She's not trying to anger you."

  Derek looks skeptical, but I can tell he's trying to hold back a smile. "That's easy for you to say; she's on your team."

  My phone starts ringing. I pull it out of my pocket and Daddy shows up on the screen. Suspecting it may be Troy, I answer with a simple, "Hello?"

  "Hey, Britt. It's your dad."

  Okay, so maybe my hello was unnecessary.

  "Is Troy with you?" Dad asks.

  "Um, no. Why?" I ask, beginning to get worried.

  "Well, he's not here at the house. Lenny is, but he didn't even know Troy had left."

  I feel like my heart has dropped into my stomach, but try not to panic. I hate what if's, but at times like this, they are essential. "You don't think—?"

  "I don't know," my dad interrupts. "But I think you should come home."

  That would probably be best. When I get home, we can figure out a plan to find him. I can't believe this is happening. Right after we bring him and Lenny back home, he disappears again.

  "All right, I'm on my way," I tell my dad.

  "Okay, I'll see you in a little bit," he says. We end our call, and I tell my friends Derek and I have to go.

  "Aw," Riley groans. "But we were having so much fun."

  "You were," Derek mumbles.

  Tom rests his hand on my cheek and draws my face to his for a kiss. "Be careful," he says when we
break apart.

  I take a step in the direction of the door. "I'll see y'all tomorrow." I turn and leave with Derek, before my friends can get a word out.

  Wherever Troy is, he can't be too far. I hope it won't be too late for us to save him, if he really is in trouble. Once I find him, I am not letting him leave my sight. Ever. Oh gosh, why does this keep happening? Why does Troy have to continue to leave the house?

  I walk out to my car—a 2012 Ford Explorer—and jump in. I buckle my seat belt and fumble with my keys, trying to get them into the ignition. When I do, I start the car.

  "Hey? Is that…?" Derek starts.

  When I look up and see what he's talking about, I turn the engine off and pull my keys out. "Stay here," I tell him. I get out of my car and walk back over to MacKenzie's.

  As I get closer, it becomes much easier to make out—"Troy?" He leans on the building with his arms crossed. I walk up to him. "What're you doing here?" I suddenly realize the answer. "Are you following me?"

  He smiles and scoffs. "No." His face grows serious. "Okay, maybe." He uncrosses his arms and comes closer to me, so that we are only a couple of inches apart. I stare up at him. I never quite noticed how tall he is, until now. He's got to be over six feet tall. I wish I were a little taller myself.

  "I'm sorry, Britt. I wanted… I had to make sure you were going to be safe. I was just going to stay home originally but later decided to check in on you."

  My heart flutters, and I resist the urge to go "aw." How can anyone be mad at that? How can I not be pleased at Troy's effort to keep me out of harm's way without invading my social life? I really think it's sweet of him. A smile creeps upon my lips. Troy's smile returns as well.

  "Why are you smiling?" I ask.

  His smile grows wider. "Why are you smiling?"

  He must be doing it because I am. I never really thought I had one of those smiles that make other people smile. But Troy does. His grin—even his smirk—could bring joy to the town.

  I remind myself of Derek waiting in the car, and I tell Troy that we should be heading home. He agrees and follows me. We climb into my car and go home. I will be happy to tell my family that Troy is fine. They will be relieved to know—particularly Lenny.

  The two brothers seem as close as I am with my siblings, which is pretty close. There is nothing I wouldn't do for my brothers, just as Troy would do anything for his. A lot of siblings don't look out for each other nowadays. I'm proud to be one of the few that do.