“You do see it, don’t you?”
“Shit.” Her tone puts me on edge. “What the fuck?”
“Soraya, what is it?” I ask as the bus draws nearer to the figure. That’s when I realize it’s an animal and a fairly large one.
The other passengers must see it as well because panic-filled whispers start coming from every direction.
“Is it wild dogs?” I ask Soraya. Turning slightly, I get a glimpse of her face. She’s squinting; her brows are furrowed.
“Whatever they are, I don’t think they’re looking to make friends.”
TWO
MY HEART’S still racing when my eyes open. I’m taking deep breaths which usually helps me to relax, but not this time. I’m scared shitless although it was only a dream, unless the glowing eyes are real, which they can’t be.
Nothing in sight registers as being familiar, so I maneuver my head toward the direction where soft mumbles come from. I’ll need to pull myself up to see their owners; I don’t recognize the voices.
Get it together, Winter. What were you doing before you went to sleep? Come on, think. I remember listening to music while Soraya argued with a passenger; I remember the snow; the animals appearing, the bus sliding off the road, and someone screaming…
“Wolves!”
I leap up but am taken aback when a pain in my shoulder hits me hard.
“Hold on. Let me help you.”
The voice headed my way startles me and for a minute, I forget about the pain. When the stranger comes into view and touches me, I swear my insides heat up as if someone has turned on my furnace, literally. Plus, he’s the most gorgeous man I’ve laid eyes on since Roman. They have a similar build. I’m probably exaggerating but if so, it’s not much. His biceps are calling for my attention, along with his jagged appearance. I want to remember every beautiful, muscular curve. God, I hope I do.
I’m completely taken in until a subtle throat clearing jolts me out of my reverie.
“Umm...are you okay?”
Damn, was I that obvious? It really has been too long since I was with a man. Okay, Winter, get it together. What would Soraya do?
Anyway, where is she? I turn my head in every direction.
“My friend, Soraya…where is she?” I ask, glancing around the room.
“I wouldn't worry about her. She can take care of herself.”
Wait, do I detect attitude? But, why? He doesn’t even know me. This hot ass hunk with the nice biceps doesn’t seem so hot after all. The nerve of him telling me who I shouldn’t worry about.
Since he’s the only one here, I try again. Managing to push past my irritation, I attempt to initiate a sensible conversation with the striking hazel-eyed devil.
“I’m sorry, have we met before? If so, I don’t remember.”
He turns and gives me a snarky look. “If you don’t remember, I guess it’s not important, Barbie.”
At the sound of Barbie, something clicks, and the jerk in front of me registers.
“Caleb?”
“In the flesh.” His pearly whites beam at me.
He’s Roman’s cousin, and someone I would never expect to have turned into such a hunk. But still, how is it he’s here with me? Or, am I here with him? Or, whatever? At this point, everything is a confusing mess in my brain, and I really need answers.
“How did I get here?”
“I carried you.”
“Carried me from where?”
He ignores me and continues to focus on whatever's got him consumed. He hasn’t been a fan of mine since I chose Roman over him, four years ago.
“Caleb, look, I don’t know what’s going on. If you can help me out just a little, I’ll be grateful.”
Sneering, he looks at me while shaking his head. “There goes Winter Barbie. Well, doll, those puppy dog eyes and luscious pouty lips won’t get you anywhere with me.”
His sly remarks are frustrating. Realizing I’m wasting my time with him, I decide to search for answers elsewhere. I swing my feet around, leaping up out of the bed, and once again become aware of the pain.
“I wouldn't move so fast if I was you.”
Gently, I slide the sleeve of my tank top over my shoulder. “What the hell?” There’s a bandage with blood spots coming through. I go to remove it, when Caleb comes up to me.
“Leave it.”
I stop and look up at him. “You know, Caleb, I’m not sure what your deal is. I’ve never done anything to you. I was with Roman because I love…I mean, loved him.”
“I know what you mean.” His stiff stance and sharp tone calls for my attention.
“You should have stayed away.”
I should have stayed away? What the hell is he talking about? I didn’t purposely come here, wherever here may be. “I was on my way to a tattoo convention near the beach, when we were run off the road by wild wolves. And somehow, I ended up here, dealing with your bull.”
“You were run off the road by trackers—crossbreed animals, half-coyotes and half-wolves, known as the Crimson Prowlers. They look like wolves from a distance but up close, you can see the differences. Their snouts are pointier, and their ears are larger, making them look more like coyotes."
“The what?” I tilt my head and gawk at him. What’s he talking about?
He looks at me like I’m crazy, shakes his head and spins around. I’m remembering how much of a hothead he is when he calls out, “Forget it. Rose!”
Without looking back, he walks out the door. A few seconds later, I hear him arguing with a female, her voice is vaguely familiar.
“You should have called me the minute she woke up.”
“Well, I’m calling you now. I’m done looking after her. I’m not a babysitter.”
“You’ll do what you’re told.”
There’s a loud animal-like sound, followed by a crash.
“Don’t.” The familiar voice calls out right before something slams.
The whole thing leaves me speechless and wanting to get out of wherever I am.
A period of silence passes before I hear footsteps and look to the door.
Unbelievable. I gasp. My eyes must be deceiving me. “Detective White? But how? Why?” What’s the detective from my childhood doing here? I’m so confused. Where did she come from? And where the hell is Soraya?
“You can call me Rose. Everyone here does.”
“Where is here? Furthermore, what am I doing, here?”
“You’re in Golden Oaks. Do you remember what happened to you?”
I’m muddled, and her question doesn’t register right away. She’s Detective White, from my childhood, but she hasn’t aged a day in fifteen years. How is that possible?
She places a gentle hand on my knee. “Are you okay, Winter?”
I open my mouth, but I’m having a hard time forming words.
“I know it’s a little confusing, but I’ll try to explain everything and answer all your questions.” She moves closer to me. “Do you remember what happened?”
I glance down at her hand on my knee. She must think I’m losing it by now because I’m speechless. I see her mouth moving but can’t make out what she’s saying. Then it registers, I’m dreaming. My hand shoots up to my chest and I blow out a relieved breath.
She snaps a finger in front of my face. “Winter, are you with me?”
Now, I’m focused on her lips. “Stay with me, Winter.” She claps her hands together, and I jump.
“Is this real?”
She nods. “I assure you it is.” Discreetly, I pinch myself and it hurts.
“Okay, this is real.”
“Yes, Winter. I told you it was.” She rubs my arm. “Now tell me, what’s the last thing you remember?”
“Seeing glowing eyes and our bus running off the road.”
“Your bus was attacked by trackers. We barely got to you in time. If it wasn’t for Soraya calling out to her pack, we wouldn’t have been able to save you.”
“Attacked by trackers? Soray
a’s pack? Saved me? Are you crazy? What the hell are you talking about? What does this all even mean?”
“It means I’m a wolf, Winter.” Soraya walks into the room.
“Not funny.” I grimace at my friend. The pain in my shoulder is fast becoming allies with the one in my head. “And where have you been? I’ve been worried about you.”
“I’m okay, and it’s not meant to be funny. This isn’t a joke. I’m still your best friend, the girl you know, but I’m a wolf too.”
“We were attacked. Do you remember?”
“That’s where we were when you came in,” Rose says.
I don’t respond to Soraya’s question. I’m still struggling to swallow her tale of being a wolf, and I’m a little upset that she chooses now to play games. My gaze shifts from one to the other as I try to process what I’m being told.
“Did you hear me?” Soraya’s face stiffens, and she exhales.
I furrow my brow. “You’re a wolf?”
Soraya combs her fingers through her hair and glares at me. “Come on, Winter. Don’t freak out on me over it.”
I’m regarding her every movement, trying to figure out if she’s kidding. I can normally tell if she’s making something up, from the weird facial expressions she makes. Trying to hide the laughter threatening to come forward, she almost always gives herself away. But not this time.
“Let’s not make a big deal out of this. You had to have a clue.”
I’m shaking my head as she nears me. How in a rat’s ass would I have a clue? Even if I believed her. It’s not like she moves on all fours, drooling, snarling, and growling at everyone.
“Okay, if you prefer to do things the hard way, we can.” Soraya starts to undress. Soon she’s standing in the nude.
My eyes widen. What the hell is she doing? “Put your clothes back on, Soraya.” I’m annoyed. This has gone too far already. Anyway, am I the only one who thinks it’s cold in here?
“Now don’t freak out on me.”
If I’m freaked by anything, it’s at seeing her naked ass.
With a sudden leap forward, she changes right before my eyes and growls.
“What the fuck?” I draw in my legs and make my own leap over the bed, forgetting about my shoulder injury.
Soraya, or what was Soraya a few seconds ago, sits on its hind legs and growls.
“Enough, Soraya.”
I’d almost forgotten Detective White, I mean Rose, was here. Soraya stands on all fours and shifts back to her human form.
Holding my shoulder and nearly breathless, I’ve backed into the farthest corner in the room. I feel myself blinking rapidly, and I make a conscious effort to stop. With a shaky hand, I reach for the nearby floor lamp and hold it in front of me.
Right now, I’m looking at my friend, who I thought was human. But just a second ago, there was a canine in front of me and it wasn’t a dog.
“Winter, really? Are you for fucking real? We’re not going to hurt you. Think about it. Before you knew what I was, did I ever try to harm you in any way? What’s with the fucking lamp? Put it down.”
My gaze darts to Rose. “Are you an animal too?”
“Excuse me!” Soraya is standing red-faced and still naked. “I’m no more animal than you are, and neither is Rose. She isn’t a wolf-shifter, if that’s what you’re asking. She’s like you—a witch. And sometimes, a real bitchy one.”
“Soraya, enough. It’s too much, too soon.”
“What?” Soraya shrugs. “She needs to know the truth, all of it. Anyway, she can take it. The bitch never likes saving anything for later anyway.” She smirks and winks at me.
I almost want to say something smart back but remember, she’s much more than the small frame standing in front of me.
“Put your clothes back on. She needs easing into it. Not bashed about the head with it by you or anyone else here.”
My attention goes from Soraya to Rose as they argue back and forth. Eventually, I block them out and drift into my own thoughts. I think about everything that’s happened. None of it is supposed to make sense, yet somehow does.
If there’s one thing I know about Soraya, is that she’s direct. And as for Rose, I remember our first meeting, her moving the pages of the book. How confused I felt, yet comforted by her. My momma bringing me to see Detective White’s friend, Ms. Bellamy and what she did.
Memories are swarming through my head. The red eyes like the ones I’ve seen vampires with on television, the voices, angels with halos, and the ghost. The room starts to spin. I clamp my free arm to my ear to drown it all out but I can’t. I want to scream, and at some point, I do.
Rose and Soraya rush to me.
“Stay back,” I yell. “I just need to think.”
“Okay.” Rose takes a step back, and Soraya crosses her arms.
“Back up, Soraya.”
“Why? You can’t think with me standing here?”
Rose grabs Soraya’s arm. “Stop it and give her some room.”
I’m looking at Soraya when I pick up where I left off with my past thoughts. Mostly, I remember what Ms. Bellamy said: “I’m taking it all away. You can’t change who you are, but I can make it better for now.”
Is this why she added the for now?
That day when I left her, all weirdness went away, my being able to move things, seeing ghosts, all of it was gone. I was normal…just a regular kid.
It had been so long since I’d thought about that part of my life. Was I really a witch? Was Soraya really a wolf? And Rose, she said we would meet again. Is this what she was talking about?
The lamp falls out of my hand. I’m feeling flushed and feverish, then a chill envelops me. “I’m cold.”
“Winter, are you okay?” Soraya rushes over to me, right before I feel the earth move from under me, and I slip into oblivion.
THREE
I’VE BEEN in the room awhile, crouched staring out of the window. Her soft troubled breathing is more restless and gets my attention. My head and gaze follow the sound. I look over at Winter. She looks like an angel, a troubled one, sleeping fitfully. Searching for the words to make her understand, I find myself wrestling with my thoughts.
She tosses and turns on the bed, seeking comfort for her troubled mind. I can easily make her warm but being so close to her may drive me insane.
Footsteps sound against the hardwood floor. It’s probably Soraya, she’s been coming in and out, checking on Winter for the last hour.
“How’s she doing?” Soraya asks.
“If I was to go by her moaning and tossing, I’d say she’s having a hard time with this.”
“I’m not surprised. Her introduction to the realm was a lot more dramatic than ours. It was easier for us because of who, or rather, what we are. I guess we should be thankful for small mercies. We should have told her something sooner instead of allowing her to find out like this. She’s pretty strong. If anyone can handle it, it’s her.”
Soraya’s right about Winter being strong, but she forgets how different this world is; how different we are.
“I wish you would have told me what was happening beforehand.”
“I would have if I could’ve contacted you all. This…us being here…it wasn’t exactly planned. When you all went off the grid for so long, I had no choice but to turn to Bellamy. It even took her three months to get a solid location. Whoever trapped you all here made it hard for anyone searching to find you.”
Hesitantly, I ask, “Have you tried to connect with the other world?”
She turns her gaze to the floor before looking to Winter. “I did, and I couldn’t. We’re all stuck. It’s on her now. And before you ask why I brought her here, don’t. You know I couldn’t leave her behind. Her being left alone would have been too dangerous.”
I get up from my crouched position by the window and walk over to Winter as she thrashes about on the bed.
“Yeah, I kind of gathered that much. Just like I know this was always the plan—introducing her
to this world. Only, I had expected things to be a little different, her first time here.”
My heart’s aching. I want to crush her in my arms so badly, just hold her and soothe her troubles away.
“Why don’t you lie next to her? If you don’t, I will. I can’t stand seeing her like this.”
I regard Soraya, hoping she can read the hopelessness I’m feeling. “I can’t. My appetite for her is something I can’t control. And besides, considering how I left, it wouldn’t be a good idea.”
Soraya kicks off her shoes. Barefoot, she crawls into bed with Winter. Almost immediately, Winter’s tremors stop.
“Thank you.” A weight lifts from me, seeing the calm serene expression on Winter’s face. Though, I wish it was me who put it there. I’m feeling rather useless when it comes to her, especially since Caleb got to her first. I can only imagine the amount of satisfaction he received from being her rescuer. Damn, I wish it would have been me. Instead, I was off elsewhere securing a plan B.
“You don’t have to thank me, Roman—she’s my best friend, remember. Anyway, what are you going to do about Caleb? I don’t know what’s wrong with him, but he’s being a bigger jerk than usual. Do you think it’s because he had a thing for her?”
Aggravated, I let out a long breath and cross my arms. Six months of being here with Caleb, dealing with his stubbornness, was a lot. Now Winter’s here, I’m sure he’ll be more intolerable.
“I don’t know what his problem is, but he needs to get over it and fast. Where’s the asshole anyway?”
“Did I hear my name?” Caleb comes up behind me. The obnoxious jerk knows how to make an entrance. I think he quietly creeps around so he can eavesdrop, which makes no sense. Everything he overhears has already been said to his face.
“If your answering to asshole, then yeah.” Quickly recognizing how fast the conversation can get out of hand, I do a mental check and change my tone.
“Look, bro…I’m not sure what your deal is, but you need to get it together. I didn’t want her here any more than you did, although I’m guessing for different reasons. But if we’re going to make progress, we need her.”
Shadows and Stars Page 35
