Into the Unknown

by Bethany Shaw

  “I’ll open the gate and hop back in as you drive by,” Daniel said as he looked out the door. Tiny fires littered the cement.

  “Daniel,” Vincent yelled from the spot where he stood in the aisle way.

  “If I don’t make it, get them to Abilene,” he said, meeting his brother’s green eyes. Inhaling, he turned to the driver. “Open the door so I can get ahead of you to open the gate. Once you hit the open road, step on it. Don’t stop! I’ll jump on as you pass by.”

  “I can help you,” Jackson offered.

  “Only one of us needs to open it,” Daniel said.

  The wind blew in as the door squeaked open. Smoke filtered into the bus, filling the air with the putrid smell of burning plastic and furniture. “Get them to safety.” Turning, he grasped the handrail as he watched the pavement whirl beneath them. The bus brakes squealed as the gate approached. When the vehicle began to slow, Daniel jumped, landing on his feet. He sprinted ahead to the gate at the back of the property. Lifting the wooden planks, he shoved the gate open.

  Spinning back to the bus, he growled. Two of Juarez’s men clung to the open door, trying to board. He balled his fists as the vehicle whizzed by, lunging forward, he grasped one of the men and dragged them to the ground. Daniel slammed his enemy into the cement and punched repeatedly. Hands yanked him backward, propelling him onto the blacktop.

  He rolled to the side, kicking his feet out at his attacker, sending him reeling back. Daniel quickly climbed to his feet, and watched as the bus’ taillights disappeared into the distance.

  Daniel grunted as something struck the back of his head. His vision blurred, and he pitched forward onto his hands and knees. Pain erupted in his side as a board hit him. When the man swung for the third time, he caught the wooden board and shoved it, causing it to hit the other man in the jaw.

  Clutching his injured side, he stood up. Four men surrounded him, and he knew more would be coming. Shuffling backwards, he spun and darted for the trees, hoping to find cover.

  Tree limbs whipped around him. His vision blurred, and then intensified as his eyes partially shifted. Heart pounding in his chest, he pressed forward, jumping over logs and zig zagging between trees. His pursuers’ feet thundered behind him, urging him to run harder. His legs and lungs burned as he pulled ahead.

  Tired, he broke to the right, skidding down a steep ravine. His ankle jerked to the side as it tangled in loose roots. Collapsing to his knees, he fought back a howl. Daniel freed his injured ankle and hobbled down the slope. Twigs crackled behind him, and he ducked inside a thick bush, concealing himself completely.

  Waiting anxiously, he listened as the men’s feet thudded above him. He closed his eyes and prayed for his safety and for Vincent and the evacuees. He could only hope his brother would be okay and see everyone back to Texas safely. After a long moment, the wolves continued past him. He let out a pained sigh as he crawled out of his hiding spot.

  Forcing his feet into a steady jog, he ran the opposite direction they had gone. The pale moon light shone into the tree line and he could see the road ahead. Sucking in a deep breath, he pushed on, ignoring the deafening pain in his ankle.

  The trees broke and he jumped up the hill. Stumbling, he braced himself on the hard cement before pushing himself up. Running across the pavement, he gasped as a car rounded the corner.

  Headlights shining on him, he jumped in a vain attempt to dodge the car. The car struck his side, throwing him up onto the hood. Rolling, he collided with the windshield, causing the glass to crack. Pain erupted in his hip and shoulder as the tires squealed. Daniel launched into the air and then came crashing down onto the pavement. Cracks ricocheted through the night sky as he tumbled across the unforgiving blacktop.

  His body throbbed, and each gulp of air he took sent searing pain shooting through his chest. Wheezing, his arm shook as he tried to push himself to his feet. Daniel grunted as his wrist gave out and his forehead met the street. Slowly, he rolled over in a vain attempt to stand up again. Blinding white light scorched his eyes as darkness gently pulled him under.

  Now Available

  Finding Our Way

  Bad things happen in threes. For Nora Jamison, this couldn’t be truer. Her grandmother just passed away, her best friend is in trouble, and she just hit a man with her car. It cannot possibly get any worse. Wrong! Nora quickly finds herself thrust into a world she never knew existed. Werewolves are real, and they are after her and the mysterious stranger she hit. Running for her life, she ends up on a ranch in Texas. Stuck in a new, unfamiliar world, she gets to know the man that helped rescue her. Daniel McKinley is different than anyone Nora has ever met. Despite his rough exterior, Nora can tell there is more to him than meets the eye. However, Nora has a tiny secret of her own. She can only hope that when Daniel learns it he will still look at her the same way.

  Daniel McKinley has always been a loner. His father trained him to be an alpha through brute force—not through people skills. Now that Daniel’s older brother is alpha instead, he has become even more of an outcast. Despite their differences, the wolf in him craves the acceptance of his brother—his alpha. While trying to prove himself, he is involved in an accident that draws a human into the line of fire. Unwilling to see an innocent hurt by the enemy wolves after him and his pack, he vows to protect her. Nora is kind, caring, and strong. His past is dark and he fears if she learns too much it will scare her away. Although, he tries to keep his distance, there is something about her that draws him in. Can he keep Nora safe and earn his brother’s trust in the process?

  Chapter One

  Nora covered her mouth as she yawned. Her eyes focused on the road as she reached down, lifting her coke to her lips. Nora took a long swig before returning it to the cup holder.

  The blue-green illumination of the dashboard clock read 12:03 AM. It was late, and she’d been driving for hours, but she would not stop until she reached her destination.

  With a trembling hand, she picked up her cell phone and listened to her best friend’s voicemails again. She’d been stuck at work when April had called earlier, and had only just gotten the frantic message when she’d gotten off.

  3:56pm

  Hey, Nora, it’s April. I just wanted to let you know that I made it home okay. I know this is going to sound weird, but I need you to stay away from the apartment for a few days. I will wire you some money for a hotel. It’d be even better if you found one far away from home. I promise I will try to explain everything soon, but I can’t right now. Just please trust me when I tell you not to go home. I hope you get this soon. Call me when you do. I’ll, uh; I’ll talk to you later, okay? Be safe.

  4:15 pm

  Hey, it’s me again. Um, listen, my families in trouble, Nora. I think you could be too. I’m going to text you my address. I need you to head down here as soon as you can. Please call me as soon as possible.

  The phone clicked, and Nora smashed her finger over the buttons, setting the phone back on top of her purse. Her hands shook as she gripped the steering wheel. Her eyes stared out the window into the pitch-black night. She’d received that ominous message around five hours ago, shortly after she’d left work. She still hadn’t been able to reach her best friend. Every call went straight to voicemail. Terrified, she’d hopped in her car and started the long drive to Louisiana.

  Stifling another yawn, Nora glanced over at her GPS. If it were correct, she should reach April’s home within the next fifteen minutes. Once there, she could check on her friend, and find out what the hell was going on.

  Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a blur of yellow making a beeline for the street. She slammed on the breaks, causing the tires to squeal. A man dashed into the road, and she screamed as a loud crunch echoed through the car.

  The man’s body rolled up onto her hood, colliding with the windshield. The glass cracked, and tiny spider webs erupted across the window. His body tumbled backwards.

  Nora held the steering wheel as a vice, watching in horror
as he hit the pavement with an unforgiving thump. He rolled and attempted to stand, but quickly fell back to the blacktop. She held her breath, waiting for him to get up, but he didn’t. Her heart dropped and she took a shaky breath in.

  Oh my god! Oh my god! Oh my god!

  Pulse thrumming in her ears, she pushed her door open, unbuckled her seatbelt, and climbed out. Her eyes stayed transfixed on the deathly still person. Nausea churned in her stomach, and she gagged seeing the awkward angle of his arm. Her knees wobbled as she forced her feet forward.

  “Please be okay. Please don’t be dead,” she mumbled as she approached him.

  Blood oozed into his brown hair, streaking the cocoa strands with red. His chest rose and fell in shallow, uneven breaths. The man coughed, groaning as he rolled. He placed a quivering hand on the road as he attempted to sit up again.

  “Thank god you’re not dead! Are you okay? I’m not sure you should be moving,” Nora babbled as she held her hands out, unsure if she should touch him or not.

  He twisted, his emerald green eyes connecting with hers. Red dribbled out of his nose, pooling on his lips. His intense gaze gave her pause and she felt her breath catch as she got lost in his beautiful irises.

  “Who are you?” he coughed, struggling to his feet.

  Nora blinked, snapping out of her trance. “I’m so sorry. Are you okay? I need to call the police. You need to get to the hospital,” she rambled. Heat crept over her cheeks at her own stupidity. She’d hit a man! He needed medical help. How was he even standing? Why hadn’t she brought her phone out of the car with her?

  “No!” he yelled, clamping his good hand around her wrist.

  Nora jumped at his outburst. Her eyes widened, and pulse kicked up a notch.

  “No,” he said quieter. “I…I don’t have insurance. Please, just help me get out of here. Give me a ride to a motel or something.” He stared at her for a long moment. “What’s your name?”

  Nora looked down at his fingers that still encircled her wrist. Tiny nicks marred his skin. As she continued to assess him, she saw a large gash along his cheekbone, and blood covered his yellow shirt and dark wash jeans. His left shoulder and arm were mangled, but she couldn’t tell if it was broken or dislocated.

  Realizing he was still waiting for an answer to his question, she said, “Nora, Nora Jamison.”

  “I’m Daniel McKinley. I think we should get out of here, Nora.” His eyes scanned the tree line to her right and she followed his gaze.

  “Are you sure you’re okay?” she asked. “I can call an ambulance—”

  “No. Come on,” he interrupted, hobbling forward and pulling her along with him. His fingers were warm on her wrist and a tiny tremor of heat crept through her.

  Nora allowed him to lead her as he stumbled to the passenger door and jerked it open. Yelling erupted from the trees, sending cold chills down her spine. Swallowing, she surveyed the brush. Her breath caught in her throat as three men emerged from the tree line, followed by a large grey wolf. How is that even possible, she wondered, eyes transfixed on the large creature.

  Nora flinched as the wolf howled and the three men bounded toward them. She took a few steps back, her feet faltering as her butt met her car. Pushing off the steel, she whirled around and sprinted to the driver’s side door. A loud crackle rippled through the air, followed by a groan. Daniel slumped to the ground as his body contorted.

  Horrified, Nora watched through the open passenger door as his yellow shirt tore free from his body. Reddish-brown hair erupted onto his back. He positioned himself on his hands and knees, seconds before his back jolted upwards. Another snap sounded, followed by a howl as he sprung forward.

  Nora clamped a hand over her mouth as she watched the man become a wolf. She closed her eyes, and opened them again, still not believing. Yet, the wolf remained where the man had been. He lunged at the other wolf catching him mid air, and driving him to the ground.

  A sob tore through her throat and she ripped her car door open. Sliding in, she was about to pull the door shut when an arm grabbed the handle, tearing it from her grasp. Warm, calloused hands wrapped around her left forearm and hauled her out of the vehicle. Her attacker yanked her into his firm body, holding her tight.

  Frantic, Nora kicked her feet, struggling against the man in every which way, hoping to break free. Another man approached and easily dodged her swinging limbs.

  “Get off me,” she screamed, throwing her head back as hard as she could. It hit something hard, and the man behind her grumbled obscenities. Lurching forward, she reeled back again, ignoring the pain slicing through her skull as it connected with the man. The assailant stumbled, his grip loosening ever so slightly. Unwilling to give up, Nora lifted her foot, and slammed her heel down. The man’s arms let go, and she raced forward, using her momentum, she ran straight for the other man. Raising her hands to her face, she swung her right leg, catching him off guard as she connected her foot with his manhood. The man cupped himself, and groaned, falling to his knees.

  Her triumph was short-lived as a strong grip wrapped around her torso. No! She bucked against her attacker to no avail.

  “You’re going to pay for that you stupid, little bitch,” the man rasped in her ear.

  You’re a fighter, Nora, Fight!

  Nora thrashed in his arms, but his hold was unforgiving. The man behind her stiffened, his fingers dug into her arms. Snapping her head up, she gasped as she watched the reddish-brown wolf tear into the man she’d kicked only moments before. The man gurgled, sputtering as he coughed. Crimson poured from his mouth as his body trembled. The wolf growled and turned toward them.

  “You don’t want to hurt her, do you?” the man sneered as the reddish-brown wolf approached. “You’ll have to come through her to get to me.”

  Nora whimpered; cringing away from the man as his hot breath blasted against her neck.

  The wolf snarled, baring his massive, white canines. Nora halted her movements, eyes transfixed on the wolf’s golden eyes. His head cocked to the side, watching her before he lunged.

  Nora shrieked as she was tossed toward the car. Her hands rose up to protect her face, but it was too late. Nora’s forehead smacked against the edge of the door. Her vision clouded, then went black.

  Daniel snapped his jaws as he dove at the man. Like a coward, the human threw the girl out of the way, and spun around to flee to the woods. Daniel grunted as he jumped with his nails outstretched, tackling his enemy to the ground. His jaws clamped around the man’s neck, and with one quick twist, the bones crunched.

  With a grunt, he pulled back. His body throbbed and breaths came in unsteady, labored pants. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath in and hobbled over ensuring that the three men and wolf were in fact dead. Satisfied, he sniffed at the young woman. The metallic stench of blood invaded his senses, and he whined as he inspected her. There was a long laceration just above her eyebrow. He nuzzled her, relieved to see that her chest rose and fell evenly.

  Daniel took a step back and lowered himself to the ground. Gritting his teeth, he whimpered as his broken body snapped, the bones realigning as he transformed. He stood up with a grimace and stretched his stiff limbs.

  Limping, he walked over to the closest man, quickly removed the man’s shoes, and tugged his jeans down. He was sure the young woman was going to have a lot of questions when she awoke, and he assumed it would go a lot better if he were wearing pants. The last thing he wanted was to frighten her anymore than she already was. He stripped the man with a broken neck down to his boxers. Then put the jeans and black tee on. Setting the socks and shoes in the car, he carefully lifted the woman into his arms and laid her across the back seat of her car.

  Daniel took a moment to look over the unconscious woman. Her copper hair fell in soft waves. Light freckles sprinkled across her cheeks and nose. The scared amber eyes that had been alert only moments before were shut. Her breathing was even, and aside from a few red marks on her creamy skin, the only visible inju
ry to her was the cut above her brow. She should be okay, he thought, at least he hoped she would be. Once they got someplace a little safer, he would stop and clean her up, and tend to both of their injuries.

  One way or another, she was involved in all of this now. It was his duty to keep her safe.

  He climbed into her Cavalier and shut the door, taking off down the road.

  About the Author

  Bethany Shaw lives in Ohio with her husband and two children. She is an avid reader and writer. Writing has always been one of her passions and she is thrilled to share her works with you.

  Some of her other hobbies include jogging, riding bikes, and spending time with her family.

  Read more at Bethany Shaw’s site.