Seeking Shapeshifters

by Rebekah L. Purdy

  Just as soon as the images had come, they were gone again. The vision left me dizzy, my mind violated. Yet, I clutched the gift to my chest.

  Keetah nudged me with a whimper, and I realized the door was still open. With shaky hands, I went back inside to wait for Matt.

  Placing the basket on the table, I eyed it warily. Why would someone give it to me?

  “Well, your dad’s off.” Matt tromped into the house.

  “He didn’t cry did he?” I said with a forced laugh.

  “No.” He dropped his keys onto the coffee table then stared at the basket. “Where did this come from?”

  “I—I don’t know. Someone left it on the porch.”

  “It looks old.”

  I opened my mouth to tell him about the vision then changed my mind when my chest tightened, nearly cutting off my breath. It’s not that I didn’t trust Matt to believe me, but my gut told me this secret was mine to decipher.

  “So what are you going to do all day?” I changed the subject.

  “Compile a list of places Berry S.I. can investigate up here in Alaska. I already have a few ideas, but want to give your dad a couple to choose from.”

  “Sounds fun,” I said. “A lot better than going to school.”

  “Speaking of school, you ready to go?” Matt said.

  Glancing at the clock, I sighed. “Yeah.” After waving goodbye to Keetah, I followed Matt to the truck.

  When we pulled up to the school, I saw Ferren and Talon standing by the front entrance. I waved to Matt and leapt out of the truck.

  “Hey,” I said as Ferren came to meet me.

  “Morning,” she said, gazing at my green and blue beaded bag. “I love your bag.”

  “Thanks I got it in Peru when my dad and I were inves…” I stopped short.

  “When you and your dad what?” Ferren angled her head to the side.

  “When we flew down there for spring break last year,” I said. “If you want, I have a red one you can have.” Great. I almost let it slip out! I had to be more careful.

  “Seriously?” Ferren laughed. “I love you.”

  “I’ll bring it in tomorrow.” My gaze flickered to Talon, who stood watching Ferren and me. I saw a bruise along his jaw line and wondered where it came from.

  “Come on, I’ll walk with you,” Ferren said.

  I fell in next to her and Talon came up alongside me. “Sorry about yesterday,” he muttered.

  “It’s okay,” I said. Wow, and here I thought apologies should sound genuine, but his was about as convincing as a sumo wrestler on a diet.

  “This doesn’t mean I like you,” Talon said.

  His dark eyes held mine, and I stumbled to a stop. The intensity of his gaze bore through me like he alone saw into my deepest thoughts—my secrets.

  Yes.

  The whisper embraced me, wrapping me in its moon like beams. I swore he sensed my fear and the way my soul trembled under his attention. Every inch of my body felt as if it were on fire, warmth spreading beneath my skin. Sucking in a deep breath, I stared away from him then back again like that small effort alone would break the connection.

  “I guess it doesn’t matter if you like me or not,” I said as I regained my ability to function.

  Ferren chuckled. “Looks like she’s not scared of the big bad wolf.”

  “She will be.” He stalked off down the hall.

  “Ignore him. He gets dramatic sometimes,” Ferren said. “I guess this is my cue to leave.”

  Looking up, I saw Carsen leaned against my locker waiting for me. Relief flooded me. His dark hair was styled in messy tufts, while the light blue sweatshirt made his eyes brighter.

  “Hi,” I said, breathless. Then I got sight of his cheek and covered my mouth. “Oh my goodness, your face.”

  “Yeah, I blame it on genetics.” He laughed.

  Biting my bottom lip, I reached up to touch the long scratch. What did he do? Get tangled with a wild beast and lose.

  “Does it hurt?”

  “No—I’m fine, besides Talon and I have hurt each other a lot worse than this,” he said with a knowing grin.

  “Talon did this?” Well, that explained Talon’s bruised jaw, but what did these two fight with, clubs and razor blades?

  “Don’t look at me like that; he’s my best friend and we like to scrap.” He caught my hand as I traced his wound. He inhaled deeply as if taking in my scent, his lids drooped shut and I stood staring in awe at him. He was surreal, even with the bruise.

  “So it doesn’t hurt?” I said at last when Carsen opened his eyes and ushered me down the hall to first hour. When we got to class, we made our way to our seats.

  “No, I promise.” He slid into the desk behind me, and leaned forward. “You smell good.”

  “Um—thanks,” I said with a laugh. “I showered this morning.”

  My folders landed with a thud on my desk, and I turned around to glance at him. His lips tipped up at the corners, melting me until I didn’t know which way was up or down. Was this what my dad meant by love at first sight?

  “You know, I haven’t been able to quit thinking about you,” Carsen whispered.

  My mouth went dry, and I searched his face to see if he was teasing, but he seemed serious. “According to everyone, you say that to all the girls.”

  “No, I’ve never said that to any of them,” he answered. “I can’t explain it.” He grew quiet when Ferren and Talon came into class. Okay, why did he decide to shut-up when his friends came around? Maybe I needed to be more cautious where he was concerned.

  “Like what?” I prompted him.

  “Never mind,” Carsen said.

  His hand brushed against the back of my hair when the teacher called us to order. I spent most of Sociology trying to pretend Carsen didn’t sit behind me, and the other half finding reasons to spin around and glance at him.

  “Ima,” the teacher called on me.

  “Er, yeah?”

  “Would you read page ninety-nine aloud to the class?” Mr. Cavanaugh requested.

  I stared at the words, wondering how long he’d been trying to get my attention. Heat painted my cheeks, and I kept my head buried in my book after that.

  I bolted out of my seat at the end of class, followed close by Ferren and Carsen.

  “What’s with you two today?” Ferren asked. “You guys seem out of it.”

  “I didn’t sleep well last night,” I said.

  Carsen started laughing next to me. “You’re a bad liar.”

  “Quit doing that,” I said.

  “Doing what?” Carsen shrugged.

  “Being so nice and flirting!”

  “I thought you liked it,” he sobered, studying me.

  That was the problem. I liked it far too much, which made it hard to focus on anything but him. It’s like his presence intoxicated me. But in truth, I didn’t want to him stop paying attention to me.

  “I do like it. But if you’re just leading me on then you better walk away now,” I said.

  When he didn’t move, I let out a breath of relief. Okay, so this was my second day of school—kind of soon to talk about falling in love or anything. Nevertheless, I knew there was something between Carsen and me. The question was what?

  “Let me walk you to class.” He grabbed my books once more.

  All around us people whispered, probably wagering how long they thought we’d last, while others just watched us. This went on for the next two hours, but by lunch no one even noticed us any longer, which suited me fine. I didn’t like being the center of attention.

  I followed Carsen to the same table we ate at the day before where Talon and Ferren sat waiting for us. Ferren motioned for me to sit next to her, so I scurried to her side and plopped down.

  “Man are the rumors flying today.” Ferren giggled, piercing a slice of meatloaf and popping it into her mouth.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Let’s just say the whole Tikigaq population is under the assumption yo
u and my cousin are going out.”

  “We’re not,” Carsen said. “Yet.” I watched a confident grin spread across his face.

  “Don’t push it.” I rolled my eyes then glanced at Talon who clenched the edge of the table as if he couldn’t wait to get away. He glared at Carsen but remained seated.

  “So what are you doing this weekend?” Ferren tossed her hair over her shoulder then took a swig of chocolate milk. “I thought you might want to hang out with us at the Kalgi Center or come over for dinner.”

  “Oh, I can’t,” I said. “My dad gets back Saturday, and we’re supposed to go hiking.”

  No need to mention anything about setting up wildlife cameras or the fact we were trying to find shifters in Point Hope. I mean how would they react to something like that?

  “If I didn’t know any better I’d say you were trying to avoid us,” Carsen said.

  “Yeah, who wants to hang out with their dad instead of their friends?” Ferren’s cherry colored lips pouted as she picked up a carrot and flung it at Carsen.

  I didn’t expect them to understand. My dad was my only family, and we did everything together. We got excited about haunted houses, paranormal happenings, mythical creatures, and things that weren’t supposed to exist. Our lives revolved around Berry S.I. and one another. I didn’t always make friends, so he was it. Saying it like that, I sounded pathetic. What teenage girl had a dad as her BFF?

  “We like to hike, and since he’s flying again he won’t be around as much. This is like father, daughter time,” I said. Wow, could I get any more lame?

  “It’s supposed to snow this weekend. You might not want to wander too far when it gets bad out,” Ferren said.

  “If we can trudge through the Amazon I think we’ll be okay here,” I said then took a sip of diet cola.

  Ferren gave me a skeptical look but went back to chomping down her meatloaf. Then she stopped mid-bite and stared at me as if I was one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

  “So why do you and your dad move around so much?” Ferren asked.

  And here came the inevitable questions. I twisted the fabric of my sweater with my fingers as I struggled to come up with a believable answer. “My dad likes to travel.”

  Talon focused his gaze on me. “I thought it was because of his job?”

  Ring-rinnnng

  The bell sounded like a chorus of heavenly angels playing the triangle, saving me, and I jumped from my seat, rushing for the doors.

  “I’ve got to drop by my locker before class. I’ll see you guys in a few.”

  I went straight to my locker then veered off into the bathroom where I waited until the coast was clear. Once the halls emptied, I hurried down the corridor, pressing myself against the wall when I heard hushed, angry voices.

  “You’re being stupid, Carsen, why this girl? You heard her, she moves around all the time, and she’s an outsider.”

  “There’s something about her, okay? So lay off,” Carsen snapped.

  “We’ve been best buds since birth Car—I’m just saying if you get attached, you’ll end up getting hurt,” Talon said, his voice like acid.

  I leaned against the wall wondering why Talon hated me so much. It wasn’t like I’d done anything to him, at least nothing I remembered.

  “I know, but for once, will you trust me? Ima’s different,” Carsen said.

  Different? What’d he mean by that? My sweaty hand trailed down the tiled wall. Crap, I was bad at deciphering guy language. Was I different good or different bad?

  “She’s the new girl. She doesn’t understand us. You’re better off with a local girl. At least then you won’t have to lie.”

  I didn’t stay to listen to anymore of the conversation for fear of being caught eavesdropping. Instead, I spent fifth hour analyzing the exchange between Carsen and Talon. I didn’t know the kind of lies Carsen might tell me, but did it matter? Ugh! Of course it mattered; relationships shouldn’t be based on lies.

  Okay, so I wasn’t exactly honest either but there was a difference between withholding information and lying right? Maybe it’d be better if I didn’t make friends. My eyes narrowed as I glared at my desk.

  “Psst…” Carsen said beside me. “You okay?”

  “Yeah,” I said with a nod. All right, so I totally wanted friends, and would pretend I didn’t overhear Talon and Carsen’s conversation.

  Carsen tossed a note onto my desk. I opened it and read the words smile beautiful. And so I did for the remainder of the day.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow,” Ferren called as we made our way into the parking lot.

  “Yeah, and I’ll bring the bag for you, too.”

  “She’s a keeper.” Ferren laughed.

  I spotted Matt behind the wheel of the truck and waved.

  “Wait up.” Carsen caught my arm. His eyes roamed over Matt. “I thought you said you didn’t have a boyfriend.”

  “I don’t. He’s a friend. Besides, I thought I told you yesterday not to believe everything you hear.” One point for my dad, the root of this rumor. Man, you had to love small towns.

  Carsen’s eyes blazed. Oh no, was he jealous? My lips twitched. I’d never had a boy act like this over me, and the truth was I kind of liked it.

  “See you tomorrow.” Carsen gave my hand a squeeze.

  “See ya.” A cold breeze brushed against my face, and I raced to the truck. I hopped into the front seat and closed my eyes. Breathe. Carsen’s intensity caused a stir in me, and it made me long to be near him. I didn’t think it was a good idea for me to get close to him, but I knew without a doubt I wouldn’t be able to stay away.

  “You okay?” Matt’s eyes searched my face.

  He touched my forehead as if to check for a fever, and when he determined I wasn’t sick, he pulled to the edge of the parking lot.

  “I’m fine.” I toyed with my seatbelt then shifted my gaze to him.

  “Who was the boy with you?” he asked.

  “Carsen.”

  “Do I need to keep an eye on him?” Matt’s jaw clenched, and he gripped the steering wheel so tight the whites of his knuckles bulged.

  “He’s nice you don’t have to worry about him. Besides his best friend hates me, so I don’t think he’ll spend a whole lot of time with me.”

  “Just be careful.” Matt’s gaze followed Carsen across the parking lot. “I don’t trust him,” he said.

  Whoa, where did that come from?

  He stared in the rearview mirror as if trying to unravel Carsen’s “mystery” then eased the truck onto the main road.

  “Okay, Dad.” I laughed, wondering at his sudden protectiveness.

  “Your dad left me in charge, which means I have to make sure nothing happens to you.”

  What’d he mean by that? Good grief, what could possibly happen to me in this small town? Okay, so the whole creepy beach thing came to mind. The sudden scent of woodlands and honey filled the cab of the truck. I wanted to pass this strange occurrence off on a nearby forest, but there weren’t any woods in Point Hope.

  I glanced over at Matt and did a double take. His hand was green. I hesitated, wondering if I should wipe it off. But as I looked closer, I noticed the color had spread across his face. His whole body glowed in a bright green aura and I shook my head, attempting to clear the vision.

  After a moment, everything seemed normal. No more glowing, no strange scents and no more white knuckles gripping the steering wheel.

  I cleared my throat. “Did you find some potential investigation sites?”

  Matt smiled, putting me at ease again. “Yeah, there’s a place called the Jesse Lee Home in Seward. People claim to see apparitions, hear kids’ voices, you know, lots of cool stuff.”

  My Matt was back, but it didn’t keep me from wondering about his strange behavior. Maybe Alaska was starting to get to me or I was going crazy?

  Chapter Five

  Foxed

  Dad’s voice woke me early Saturday morning, and I jumped from bed, racing i
nto the kitchen to find him and Matt seated at the table sipping coffee.

  “Hey,” I said, skidding across the hardwood floor.

  He stood and squeezed me tight to his chest. He’d only been gone since Thursday but that’s a long time in Berry terms.

  “You survived with Matt in charge.” He kissed my cheek, rubbing his hands up and down my arms.

  “Barely, he’s more of a dictator than you.”

  “Somebody’s got to protect your honor,” Matt said, flexing his biceps.

  I pulled up a chair and sat between them, while they dished a plate for me.

  “Don’t listen to him Dad, my honor was never at stake,” I said with a mouth full of steaming hot eggs.

  Dad peered at me from behind his glasses. “Well, I hear a boy at school showed some interest in you.”

  “We’re friends.” I shrugged, cursing the blush heating my cheeks like a bonfire.

  “Good, that’s what I like to hear.” Dad raised a cup of coffee as if to toast the idea.

  Okay, so I didn’t mention I’d like to be “more” than friends. The last thing I needed was for Dad to start monitoring calls or walking me to and from class.

  Keetah nudged my leg from under my chair, and I slipped him a piece of bacon.

  “You shouldn’t feed him at the table,” Dad said. “It’ll make him beg more.”

  “You hear that Keetah? Daddy wants to starve you.” My fingers scratched behind his ears.

  Keetah groaned, staring at my dad with his sad eyes until he too gave him some scraps. My dog’s way smarter than anyone gives him credit for.

  “After breakfast we’ll find a place to set up those cameras. We can go outside of town so we don’t have to worry about anyone questioning what we’re doing,” Dad said.