The baleen basket on my dresser began to glow profusely, shimmering like a kaleidoscope. Soft whispers murmured in my room, voices I couldn’t understand.
I stopped playing my guitar and placed it in its case. My heart banged against my chest as fear took over and I rushed into the living room. There was no way I was staying in my room with that thing glowing. I considered getting rid of it, as it seemed like paranormal encounters happened when I was around it.
Peering down the hall, Keetah began to whine. He too sensed something in the house, but what I didn’t know. Maybe I should grab a camera and set it up in my room in order to document what happened. But the thought of going back into my room convinced me I’d be fine not knowing what was going on with the basket.
The front door opened, and I came close to jumping out of my skin. Dad grinned at me as he shook the snow from his coat and boots.
“Your surprise is in the truck,” Dad said. “Check the back seat on the floor.”
Throwing on my boots, I rushed out the door without a coat on, followed closely by Keetah who thought we were going to play in the snow.
I jerked the truck door open and Matt popped up.
“Oh my gosh, you’re finally back,” I screeched, diving over the seat to hug him. Before I could stop myself, I started to cry.
Matt embraced me with a soft chuckle. “Hi to you, too! So I take it you missed me?”
“You’ve no idea.” I sniffled, taking in his outdoorsy smell.
Matt reached beside him and grabbed a hanger with a sports coat on it.
“What’s that for?” I asked, opening the truck door.
“I’m your date for tomorrow night’s dance. You didn’t think I’d let you miss your first one, do you?” he said, smiling.
Tears streamed down my cheeks as I continued to cling to him. “You know you don’t have to do this.”
“Yes, I do. By the sounds of it you had a rough week, and well, I plan on making it better.”
Matt kept his arm around me as we picked a path through the snowdrifts. Once inside, Dad peeked out of the kitchen at me.
“So, was this a good surprise?”
“Yes.” I wiped the wetness from my eyes. “Everything’s perfect.”
Matt brought his bag and clothes down to his old room then came back out. “So I thought we could do something kind of juvenile tonight.” He plopped down on the couch between Keetah and me.
“Like what?”
“Make a huge blanket fort in the living room and sleep in it,” he said laughing.
“And how old are we?”
“Come on, it’ll be fun,” Matt said.
I glanced at Dad to see his reaction, and at first, he seemed skeptical. Then he looked over at Matt, and something in his expression changed, like he was dazed. He shook his head as if to clear his thoughts.
“Go ahead you kids have fun,” he said in a weird voice. “I’ll throw some burgers on while you two work on it.”
The sound of clanking pans drifted from the kitchen and I turned to Matt, whose eyes seemed strangely dilated.
“That was odd,” I said.
Matt didn’t answer but rather went to grab blankets for our fort. When he got back, we went to work stretching blankets and sheets across the room in the shape of a tent or at least it was supposed to look like a tent.
“Tuck this corner into the drawer of the coffee table.” Matt tossed me a side of the blanket.
I pulled it tight then secured it. Picking up one of the throw pillows from the couch I whacked Matt, causing him to stumble into the recliner.
“Hey!” he said laughing.
He picked up a cushion, chasing me down the hall. Keetah started barking and ran after us.
Dad poked his head out of the kitchen waving his spatula around. “You two watch what you’re doing or you’ll break something!”
Right when he said that, the lamp teetered, falling to the carpeted floor, but it didn’t break. Yet, Matt didn’t let that stop him in his pursuit, instead he whapped me in the back with the cushion sending me to the floor.
I raised my own pillow as a shield and started giggling.
“Do you give up?” He stood above me.
“Nope, never,” I shouted, rolling out of the way and into my room.
“You asked for it.” He grabbed my leg and dragged me into the hall. He picked me up until I was dangling upside down. “Say mercy or you’re going in a snow bank.”
I reached out and latched a hold of his legs, which kept him from walking any further.
“If I go, you’re going to,” I said.
“We’ll see about that.” Matt loosened my grip and carried me onto the porch. He dipped my head in the snow before laying me down on my back.
“Ugh.” I leapt up as snow got under my shirt and up my pant legs. “Cold.”
I ran up the stairs, tackling Matt and sending us both slamming over the back of the couch and right on top of our fort. I shook the bits of cold ice from my hair and onto his face, making sure to put my cold hands on his back.
“Hey, cut it out.” He laughed.
Dad came into the living room and stared at us like we’d lost our minds, and I pulled myself off Matt.
“I think I better go change out of my wet clothes,” I said, shivering.
“Looks like you wrecked your fort.” Dad shook his head.
Matt hopped up too. “I’ll fix it after dinner,” he said.
We chowed down the burgers and fries Dad made, and when we finished eating, I helped load the dishwasher then went down to my room to get my sleeping bag and pillow.
“I think I’ll head for it early tonight and let you two do some catching up.” Dad gave me a hug goodnight.
“Thanks again Dad, this was a nice surprise.”
“You’re welcome—try and behave will you? I don’t need any broken furniture.”
“Don’t worry Lou, I’ll keep an eye on her,” Matt said with a chuckle.
“Not too close of one though.” Dad’s tone turned all fatherly and protective.
My cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and I pretended to readjust part of the fort. When he disappeared down the hall, I clamored into our hideout and lay down. It was strange how much it was like camping out. The only things missing were the campfire and bugs.
Keetah maneuvered his way in, snuggling at my feet, while Matt ducked under and stretched out next to me.
“Kind of reminds you of summer, doesn’t it?” He rested his head on his arms and stared at the roof. “So do you want to talk?” Matt peered at me. “Your dad said Carsen broke up with you this week and that some other things have happened too.”
I swallowed hard, fidgeting with my pillow. “It’s been a long week. Let’s just say anything that could go wrong did. I even got in a fight with Ferren.”
Matt quirked an eyebrow. “Well you’re still alive so that’s something right?”
“Yeah, I guess.” I was quiet for a long time contemplating whether or not to say anything to Matt. But the thing was I trusted him, and I knew anything I wanted kept secret he would keep.
“I need to tell you something.” I said.
“What’s up?”
Taking a deep breath, I turned on my side so I could see him. “Remember how I was acting funny during our investigation at the Jesse Lee home?”
“Yeah, how could I forget? You about tore my heart out when you started crying.”
“Well, the reason I was so upset is because I found out Carsen and his tribe are shifters,” I said in a rush.
Matt appeared shocked but quickly recovered. “I knew something was different when I saw him. I kept thinking I felt a strange vibration around him.”
I stared at him because I got the same sensation from Talon. The vibrations and humming. Although I didn’t get the courage to ask if he heard voices, for fear I might sound crazy.
“The thing is, I was seriously okay with finding out. I mean my biggest worry was he wouldn’t want me.�
�� A lump lodged itself in my throat. “At first everything was great—then he found out about Berry S.I. and Dad.”
Tears flowed from my eyes like leaky faucets and Matt scooted closer, letting me cry on his shoulder.
“Shh, it’s okay, Ima.”
“He thinks I betrayed him. He wouldn’t even let me explain.” I sobbed.
“He’s stupid to let you go. You’re the most beautiful, kind girl I know.”
“Thanks.” I buried my head against his chest.
His hands brushed my hair from my face as if to calm me down.
“Things will work themselves out, I promise.” There was cold edge to Matt’s voice.
My heart leapt into my throat as he pulled me closer and I held tight to him. His words caused me to shiver, but I had a feeling he’d somehow make sure everything would be fine.
“I’m really glad you came.” I closed my eyes.
“Me too,” he said, his breath warm on my cheek.
Feeling comforted and safe, my lids fluttered and I drifted off into a sweet slumber.
****
I stood on a cliff staring at the waves crashing on the rocks below. The wind whipped my hair in my face, entangling me in my white nightgown. My gaze shifted to the sky as if I waited for something, but for what I wasn’t sure.
At last, a raven glided on the breeze, drifting and flying closer as if he descended from the heavens to see me. The beautiful black bird dove toward my outstretched hand, catching me in his claws and lifting me high above the ocean below.
“You’re mine—you always have been and always will be. Soon you must do something for me. To prove your love,” the raven said in a raspy voice.
“I’ll do whatever you ask.” I stared at the stars in the sky and the swirling beams of the northern lights. A smile formed on my lips.
“Be strong. The time grows near.” The raven released me, and I tumbled.
I jolted, sitting upright to find myself in the fort next to Matt. He glanced over at me with a smile as daylight filtered through the cracks.
It’d been a dream. Why the hell, would I dream about a bird? And why was that bird in love with me?
“Morning sunshine,” Matt said untangling his legs from his sleeping bag.
“Morning.” I gazed at Matt.
His hair was rumpled and his face flushed with sleep, while his chocolate colored eyes made me melt. I don’t know how I could’ve forgotten how hot he was. I dove out of the fort before I said or did something stupid.
“I get the bathroom first,” I called, running down the hall.
Once inside, I locked the door, bending over the sink to wet my face down. What was wrong with me? I so needed to get it together. At least I had tonight to look forward to, it’d be a chance to have fun, or at least I hoped. Matt would be there to put me at ease so everything had to be okay.
“Just breathe Ima, everything will be fine,” I said aloud to my reflection.
All I needed to do was forget about the last week, and my strange dream and focus solely on the dance.
****
At five thirty, I took over the bathroom and started to get ready. I plugged in my hot rollers then hopped in the shower.
Once I got out, I dried off and put on some coconut-scented lotion. I slid a button down shirt on then brushed my hair before rolling the long, blonde strands into the rollers. While I waited for my hair to set, I applied make-up then grabbed the remainder of my things from the bathroom.
I headed over to my room where my dress and shoes were laid out for me and carefully tugged the garment over my head; its silky fabric caressed my skin. I reached around and zipped the back of it. Next, I took out my curlers then pulled my hair up and pinned the curls in place atop my head like an ethereal crown. Slipping into my black heels, I turned to glance in the mirror.
I gasped, I almost didn’t recognize myself. The black dress clung to my curves in a way that made me appear fragile and womanly at the same time, shimmering like a star cluttered sky as I spun back and forth. I felt like a celebrity and lost all thoughts of my normal tomboy image.
As I stared in the full-length mirror, Matt came into my room and stood behind me. His eyes glittered with pride, as he reached around my neck to fasten a silver and onyx, teardrop necklace in place.
For a moment, the mirror became wavy, as if water rippled down it. I blinked my eyes several times as my image changed. I swallowed hard when I saw myself in ancient tribal clothing.
What startled me most is that Matt’s reflection changed to that of a man with long, black hair, and a cloak and headpiece made of black feathers. I felt his arms encircle me and the man with black hair smiled, like some long forgotten memory.
I closed my eyes and when I opened them, again Matt stood behind me grinning. His eyes were a darker shade than normal but very alert.
“Shall we go?” he asked, spinning me around so he could look at me.
I faltered to get my bearings then nodded. “I love the necklace.” My fingers grazed the dark colored stone. “How did you know it’d go with my dress?”
He blinked at me as if registering the question. “Your dad told me what color it was.”
“Oh.” My eyes trailed him, giving him a once over. “You clean up nice.”
He chuckled. “Thanks.”
He wore a black sport coat over a blue dress shirt, which he had the top two buttons undone. Matt also wore a pair of black dress slacks and even donned his small silver hoop earring. His shaggy brown hair curled up in tufts around his ears and neck making him look like a soccer player.
“So are you ready to go?” Matt asked, escorting me into the living room where Dad waited with his camera.
“Yeah.”
Dad had us pose for about a million pictures, assuring me he wanted to make sure he documented my first dance. If he kept this up, we’d never get there.
“We’re going to be late,” I said.
“Sorry, well come here and give your old man a hug.”
I flung my arms around him. “Really, Dad, we’ve got to go.”
“You look beautiful. You two have a good time tonight and try not to be out too late.”
I snickered. “In case you didn’t realize there aren’t exactly a lot of places to go around here.”
“I’ll take good care of her, Lou.”
After I slid my coat on, I threw on my snow boots, figuring I didn’t want to get frostbite walking to and from the truck tonight. I turned to Matt, who grabbed the keys then ushered me out the door.
“You really do look beautiful tonight,” Matt said as we drove toward the Kalgi Center.
“Thank you. I’m not used to dressing up so I wasn’t sure if I got the make-up and stuff right.”
He chuckled. “You’ll definitely get some attention tonight.”
When we parked, Matt came around to get my door for me, helping me from the vehicle. We walked toward the building along with several other people. When we got inside, they had coat racks set up right by the entrance, Matt insisted on helping me get my coat off, and then hung it up while I got my heels on.
“Wow,” I said as we walked in.
There were white Christmas lights draped around the room making it look like a night scene, while big snowflakes hung down from the ceiling along with white and black streamers. It was a definite change from the last time I’d been here.
I spotted some of the chaperones hanging out around the walls and the punch table, recognizing both Carsen’s and Talon’s grandmas nearby as well as Mr. Cavanaugh.
Carsen’s grandma peered up, her face went white. She wobbled over to Matt and me.
“You! Why are you here?” she said to Matt.
“I’m Ima’s date tonight. She’s a close friend, and when I heard her foolish boyfriend broke up with her, I couldn’t let her sit home alone.”
I glanced warily between the two wondering what on the earth had gotten into them. How did she know Matt? But then I remembered he’d spent a cou
ple weeks here before Dad and I arrived getting our things in order. So it made sense she recognized him.
“Ima.” She turned to me. “I’m sorry things got crazy for you this week. I still think you’re a nice girl and you look lovely tonight.”
“Thank you,” I said.
“I promise not to interfere,” the old woman said to Matt. “But I hope you mean well.”
Matt nodded then led me away from her and onto the dance floor.
“What was that about?” I whispered as Matt put his hands on my waist.
“I have no idea. I bumped into her once at the store and we got into a discussion about shamans or something. Ever since then, she gives me the evil eye,” he said with a laugh. “But enough about her, let’s dance.”
My arms encircled his neck, and I nestled my head against his chest, letting the music embrace me as we swayed back and forth.
When I peeked around Matt, I spotted Carsen dressed in a black dress shirt and forest green tie, dancing with Kendra. I swallowed the lump in my throat, clinging tighter to Matt.
Seeing Carsen with her made me sick to my stomach. I can handle this, I thought. I have a date and I’m going to have fun.
Matt must’ve sensed my tension because he touched my cheek with his hand. “He’s a jerk.” Even though Matt was my best friend, I liked being in his arms. Having him here made the night special.
I smiled. “I keep telling myself that.”
He tilted my chin so I looked at him. “You’re perfect, and if he can’t see that then it’s his loss. I look around and don’t see any girl who compares to you.”
My cheeks felt like they were on fire as the heat raced across them. “Are you sure you don’t need to get your sight checked?”
A laugh rumbled in his throat. “I have great eye sight.”
We drifted across the dance floor and as we spun, I caught a glimpse of Talon standing in the shadows. He wore his usual all black, complete with black leather jacket. His dark eyes met mine.
Seeking Shapeshifters Page 19
