Immortal Wounds

Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1: Just a day at the Beach

Chapter 2: The Stranger

Chapter 3: My Hero

Chapter 4: Wild Animals

Chapter 5: Breaking Down

Chapter 6: Confession Time

Chapter 7: Sweet Dreams

Chapter 8: New Opportunities

Chapter 9: Vampires and Werewolves

Chapter 10: Flying

Chapter 11: Painful Memories

Chapter 12: A Bad Idea

Chapter 13: Danger

Chapter 14: Home Sweet Home

Chapter 15: New Plan

Chapter 16: Demands

Chapter 17: Richard

Chapter 18: Roses and Thorns

Chapter 19: Ashworth Castle

Chapter 20: Promises

Chapter 21: A Close Call

Chapter 22: A Misunderstanding

Chapter 23: Surprise!

Chapter 24: Raymose

Chapter 25: Reckless Behavior

Chapter 26: Sword Play

Chapter 27: Questions

Chapter 28: Welcome Home

Chapter 29: A Narrow Escape

Chapter 30: Honesty

Chapter 31: Damen’s Offer

Chapter 32: Sacrifices

Time Line & Character Information

A Glimpse into Book 2

BIOGRAPHY

Prologue

A war had been raging for a thousand years, a war that I was unaware of. Unaware that is until I’d literally stepped into the middle of it.

I don’t remember much about the events that took place that night in London that were to change the rest of my life forever. But I can say now, with great certainty, daylight doesn’t always mean safety . . .

I could feel the cold, rough cement against my face. I forced my eyes to open, blinking repeatedly. I was on the ground . . . had I fallen? My head felt as though it were spinning. I let my eyes fall shut again while my mind tried to process what had happened.

Phoebe . . . A cool hand brushed against my cheek, lingering for a moment—it wasn’t mine. My heart raced at the touch of it, at the sound of that voice. My nose took in a delicious scent that I couldn’t quite place. I strained to open my eyes once more. I could barely make out a face. His dark eyes penetrated mine. He was only there for a moment, and then . . . gone.

I jumped, wincing at the pain of it. My fingers sought my shoulder while my eyes wandered, searching . . .

Who’s there? My words echoed out into the night.

I reached back, my fingertips meeting something moist. My shoulder throbbed at the very touch. Beads of sweat began to form all over my body. I breathed heavily, waiting for someone to answer, praying that they didn’t. The sound of the cars passing by, voices in the distance, and the soft trickle of water running down a drainpipe were all that greeted me. The noises seemed amplified. My vision blurred, and then became strangely clear.

I brought a shaky hand to my face. Oh God, the words were barely a whisper. I was bleeding.

I spun around, expecting something or someone to be there lurking behind me. I was in the alley way behind the motel near the trash bins. I had been on my way to the car when—Kim and Leah! I looked around for them. They must still be back at the room waiting for me or maybe looking for me by now, I thought. I wasn’t sure how much time had passed.

I stood up slowly, my head pounding with each movement I made. I reached for my keys that were on the ground a few feet away. My fingers had barely touched them when I heard a deep menacing growl from behind.

I snatched them up quickly, and watched over my shoulder as I retreated back to my room. Something was watching me—I could feel it.

The TV was on, but there was no sign of the girls. I peeked out the bedroom window, careful to stay hidden behind the curtain. Dim lighting and a deserted parking lot were all that greeted me. I let out a breath of air, thankful that Kim and Leah hadn’t been there to witness my hysterical episode. I suddenly felt foolish. I’d obviously seen one too many scary movies!

I touched the back of my head softly. Ouch. A large bump had already formed. Lovely. I tossed my keys onto the counter beside the sink, then grabbed a washcloth from the shelf and ran it under the cold tap to wet it. I dug around in my bag searching for the Tylenol. I took two and slunk to the bed when the door to my room flung open.

Phoebe! Where have you been? Kim thundered at me as she bounded across the room, not bothering to notice my hand clutched to my heart or the cloth that was draped across my forehead.

Phoebe, what happened? Leah was more observant.

Kim Sanders and Leah Williams were my dearest friends. I’d known them my whole life. We took this ‘girls only trip’ to England after planning and saving all this last year. What a great way to end it, I thought.

I must have slipped or something, I finally answered. I told them what I remembered, leaving out the part of my delusional mind seeing things—no doubt do to serious head trauma!

Your shoulder’s bleeding! Kim grabbed my shirtsleeve and yanked it back.

Hey, watch it, I snapped. I turned my body away from her, trying to prevent further injury to my arm.

Phoebe, that’s a bad gash, and there’s another one here too, Leah said as she moved closer to examine my arm. Maybe we should take you to the hospital? I think you need stitches . . . or a shot.

No way! I sat straight up. I hated needles. I’ll take care of it myself.

That’s not such a good idea, Leah argued. That could have been a dog out there growling at you. Dog bites can be serious.

I’ll be fine, I waved her off. I’ll just take a quick shower and clean up. I’m sure it looks worse than it really is. I pulled myself up and walked to the bathroom, my head feeling heavier by the moment.

I could hear Kim and Leah arguing through the closed door. Kim was already offering several possible suggestions as to what might have happened to me, each one as crazy as the next. "Maybe a wild animal escaped from the zoo and attacked her? Or maybe a crazed psycho from a mental institution is running around slashing people?" I could hear the fear in her voice as she pondered over the possibilities.

I turned the water on muffling out the rest of the conversation. I removed my shirt, tossed it into the waste basket, and examined the gashes behind my shoulder in the mirror. There were two large punctures, like a knife had cut into me—twice. A deep growling reverberated in my mind. I spun around, sweat once again, forming on my forehead.

There’s nothing here. I breathed, trying to calm myself. You’re fine, Phoebe.

I climbed into the warm water. My thoughts instantly returning to the alley way . . . to the stranger I saw for only a moment. Those eyes . . . I’d seen them before. They were darker than any night. His voice . . .

I’m not sure how long I stood there, motionless, in a dream-like trance while the water ran down my body. I was just barely conscious of the thick steam that now hung heavy in the room. The water started to cool bringing me back to consciousness. I began to adjust the knobs, hoping to get a few more minutes of hot water when a dreadful thought washed over me. Had he been my attacker? Why else would he have left me there, bleeding? Suddenly, Kim’s crazy ideas didn’t seem so crazy after all.

I quickly turned off the water and stepped out of the shower. I wrapped a towel around me and rushed to the phone. I could see Kim and Leah watching me anxiously as I fumbled through some papers on the bedside table.

Um, Phoebe? Kim started slowly.

Yes, I would like to change our departure date for tomorrow morning. I spoke urgently to the ticket agent. My ears listened to the loud clicking of her fingernails on her keyboard as she looked for available flights.

Phoebe? Leah was standing next to me, arms crossed and looking extremely worried. I ignored her.

Yes, the 6:30 flight will be fine. Yes, all three of us. Thank you. I hung up the phone and turned to the confused faces beside me. Pack!

Why? Kim argued, We still have two days left!

I looked at her in disbelief. I was just attacked! Someone or something is out there. I pointed to the door.

I thought you said you didn’t know what happened to you, they both asked in unison.

Yeah well, I don’t. But I know we’re not safe here. Whatever it was is still out there. He could be right outside that door this very minute . . . waiting!

He? Leah questioned. I could see the fear in her eyes.

They looked at each other briefly, glanced at the door, then began shoving things into their bags, not even bothering to fold their clothes—they’d both seen one too many horror movies not to heed the warning.

I returned to the bathroom to get dressed. The room was still thick with steam. I wiped my hand across the mirror and leaned in closer. A pair of dark eyes reflected back at me from over my shoulder.

I gasped as I spun around, my heart pounding hard from within. There was no one there.

My eyes darted around the little room, settling on an open window—a window that I had not opened. I swallowed loudly. A shiver ran down my spine that had nothing to do with the crisp air that pushed its way into the room. I moved toward the window cautiously, reached out a trembling hand, and slammed it shut. I backed away, never releasing it from my gaze. A new kind of dread took hold of me. He’d been here . . .

Chapter 1: Just a day at the beach

I dreamt all that night and every night for the next month about my mysterious stranger. I couldn’t get his face out of my mind, or rather his dark and intense eyes. We were back home now and although I saw Kim and Leah all the time, I still never told them about him.

I lived in the coastal town of Trinidad California, a small community that survived on tourism and commercial fishing to support its residents: a whopping 311.

It was mid-July now, perfect beach weather. Kim and Leah had convinced me to go surfing with them. Apparently, I haven’t been the same since our trip abroad. I didn’t really feel like going; it had been forever since I’d been out on the water. Still, I didn't want to let them down.

I put on my swimsuit and turned to look at myself in the mirror. The deep gashes that once were on the back of my shoulder had healed over leaving tender pink scars as a reminder of my horrific trip abroad. I fluffed my hair, wishing it were longer so that it could hide them better.

I continued to look myself over. My face was fairly thin . . . actually, everything about me was thin. I was 5’5, and weighed 100 pounds. I looked pretty . . . not as tone as I’d like. But still, not bad for 23.

I pulled my shorts over my swimsuit, grabbed my bag, and stuffed it with the necessary items: extra change of clothes, towel, munchies, and Band- aids—lots of Band-aids. Past experience has taught me that any outing involving Kim usually meant I would need some patching up later.

I could hear the loud whining of Kim’s car coming up the road. Leah was in the back seat yelling at Kim, who was singing: Greased Lightning . . . again. The music was blaring. I couldn’t help but smile at the image.

About a minute later, I heard the car tires come to a halt outside my house. The horn beeped a few times. I could still hear Kim singing—although it was louder now.

I stopped where I was. How had I been able to hear her from so far away? I thought in disbelief. Even if the music was blaring . . . how could I have known Leah was in the back seat? She was still shouting for Kim to shut-up!

Impossible! I muttered in disbelief. I stepped out my door where a red Hyundai Scoop was waiting for me. Its contents: our wetsuits, two nuts, and three surfboards.

Kim was waving from the driver’s seat with a huge smile on her face. Her thick brown hair hung loosely around her tanned shoulders.

Leah was in the back seat, a mild look of irritation greeted me. Her sleek nut-brown hair was smoothed down around her pail freckled face. She was trapped between three surfboards positioned in all different directions, their ends hanging out every window.

I closed my eyes and shook my head, trying to focus on the obvious question: Kim. How am I supposed to fit in there?

There’s plenty of room. Hurry, we’re gonna miss the sun! she called impatiently.

I frowned looking at Leah. She rolled her eyes as we shared the same understanding look.

Clambering in, I had to duck under a surfboard. Thank goodness I wasn’t very big; a normal sized person wouldn’t have fit.

We arrived at Moonstone Beach a few minutes later, with the sun shining brightly overhead.

Kim looked to be in an excellent mood having sung nearly every song off her Grease CD.

Leah however, was trying to straighten out her spine after being pinned for so long. Probably permanent damage, she muttered as she slunk out of the car. Kim, you really need to get some new music, she snapped. And we’re not listening to that on the way home!

I normally loved watching Kim and Leah argue. It was usually about something in significant, and it never lasted long. But something felt different. I began surveying the beach. I could hear voices far off in the distance, dogs barking, and the loud roaring of the ocean seemed magnified. There were a few people with surfboards; it looked like they were heading out as well.

Then, my eye’s flickered to the rocks out a ways in the water. There was someone standing on them! I was sure of it. I hadn’t seen anyone up there before, ever. I narrowed my eyes, straining them to see better.

Here Phoebs, the water’s going to be cold today. Kim smiled as she handed me my wet suit.

Do you see someone standing on top of that rock out there? I asked her as I pointed to the large rock in the distance.

Kim strained her eyes. Noooo, wait! No . . . must be a bird or something, she declared a moment later. Who could see that far anyway? She walked back over to Leah who was putting on her own suit.

Bird? I mumbled under my breath as I continued to stare at the rock. It wasn’t a bird.

Phoebe, hurry!

I nodded to Kim and began dressing; all the while keeping my eyes seaward. Ready, I announced several minutes later. The sound of the Beach Boys Good Vibrations booming from a nearby truck, diverted my attention.

The three of us looked over to see a few guys we knew: Jeff Roberts, Brian Hawk, and Sean Hansen.

Great, I remarked sarcastically. Brian Hawk, Hawk being the operative word, was a constant nightmare; waiting like a snake for some poor mouse to happen by so he could strike. I unfortunately was the object of his attention as of late.

Maybe they won’t notice us! Kim spoke to soon.

Hey girls! Jeff yelled out as he waved us over.

We waved halfheartedly back and pointed to our surfboards as if this would excuse us from a conversation with them.

Phoebe! Brian was bounding over to me. Hey girl! He yelled as he scooped me up into a big bear hug and finished it off with a noogie.

Ow Brian! I rubbed my head vigorously.

Hey. You look different. Brian was looking me up and down. I haven't seen you since you got back from Europe. You change your hair?

What are you talking about? Leah argued. It looks exactly the same—long and black."

I frowned at her. "I did braid it today, I defended. Leah was always after me to do something fancy" with my hair.

"No. That’s not it. I can’t figure it out, but there is definitely something different about you." He smirked as he continued leering at me—weird, even for Brian.

I turned my back to him, and did my best to pretend he wasn't undressing me with his eyes.

So you girls going surfing? he finally asked.

Leah rolled her eyes. No Brian, we’re just carrying around the boards for fun. She really couldn’t stand Brian and had no problem showing it.

Brian being Brian, either chose to ignore her, or he honestly had no idea how much she hated him.

Hey ladies, Sean called out as he and Jeff joined us. You better be careful out there today. The swells are pretty big.

We’ll do that, Kim grumbled as she pulled Leah toward the water. Kim and Sean had dated awhile back—it ended badly. Kim couldn’t stand being within eye-distance of Sean. Sean however was cool with the whole thing. He figured it was only a matter of time before Kim came crawling back—as if! Dating a conceded jock who continued to relive his Senior year highlights, was not on Kim’s list of qualities in a prospective boyfriend.

I followed the girls eagerly, trying to ignore the three idiots laughing loudly as we walked away—why did I let the girls talk me into this?

A group of joggers were coming up the beach. One had a dog, a cute German Sheppard who looked to be enjoying his run as well. I smiled as they were about to pass, when the dog stopped abruptly and began to bark wildly at me, baring its teeth.

I jumped back, slowly putting some distance between me and the dog as his owner tugged frantically at the leash, trying to pull him away from me; all the while apologizing.

Gee Phoebe, you really freaked out that dog! Leah stood beside me, her voice was as shaky as I felt.

I just looked at it, I defended.

What’s wrong with your eyes? Kim’s face was inches from mine, examining me closely.

What do you mean? I tried to back up a little, desperately needing some personal space.

They weren’t like that yesterday . . . she stepped closer again. They’re wild looking; your pupils are really small.

What?

She’s right! Leah agreed stepping forward. She began examining my eyes as well. They are different.

It must be the sun, I suggested sharply as I pushed past them. I was bugged now. If I didn’t get some space quickly, I was going to scream. After all, I was just nearly mauled by a dog—again!

The girls shrugged me off and started paddling out together. I headed out a ways toward the big rock. I needed a little time by myself, and I was also curious about the man who was clearly watching me.

He was squatted down now, one arm on his knee and the other hand holding onto the rock for support. I could feel his gaze on me still.

I pulled myself onto the surfboard, as a gust of wind met my face. And with it, a smell not normally found at the beach. It was sweet and fresh, like a spring rain—I knew that smell! It took only a moment for my brain to connect another subconscious piece of my puzzle. I looked up abruptly, and although I never should have been able to see from where I was, our eyes locked. My mouth dropped a little in amazement. I knew those eyes in an instant. They were the eyes from my dreams, the eyes of my stranger . . .

I felt panic rise up within me, but I couldn’t look away; he drew me in deeper. My heart began to pump wildly as I saw the corner of his perfect lips curl upward into a smile. He was beautiful! I tried to imagine Zeus himself looking more handsome. I couldn’t. His hair was a deep brown that reflected auburn highlights as the sun bounced off it. His face was just as I remembered it, pale and flawless. I couldn’t believe I had remembered such detail, as I only saw him for a few moments.

He continued to smile at me as I watched him. How could this be the man from my dreams? How could we be in the same place again, at the same time, in another country?

His head jerked slightly as his attention was suddenly diverted.

I wouldn’t have looked away if I hadn’t heard the screams from Kim and Leah. I looked frantically for them and saw that they were on the beach waving their arms wildly, yelling something to me.

I strained to hear. WHAT? I shouted as loud as I could over the roaring ocean.

Then a slight nudge on the bottom of my surfboard claimed my attention. I pulled my legs up; something smooth had just brushed against my left leg. I yelped, as it bumped me again, this time rocking me, nearly knocking me off.

I could still hear Kim and Leah screaming. Then, the word: Shark! came across the wind loud and clear.

Oh God. A violent bump knocked me from my board. Panicked, I began to swim toward the shore. I hadn’t realized how far out I was. I struggled with the waves that crashed down upon me, threatening to push me under. I spit the salty water from my mouth, while the fear of not knowing where the shark was consumed me.

I sucked in a sudden breath of air. Something had rammed me in the stomach. I couldn’t breathe! I frantically looked toward the rocks. Our eyes met for an instant and I could see a look of sheer horror directed back at me.

Another wave crashed on top of me, this time taking me under. I struggled to find the surface, but the waves kept pushing me deeper and deeper. The murky water made it nearly impossible to see—then it became red. The last of my air escaped me as I realized . . . I was going to die.

Something wrapped around my waist and began pulling me upward. I gasped for air, choking on the water as my face broke through the surface.

The sky flashed by overhead. I was conscious of the ocean around me, the waves crashing against my body, and the sounds of birds. But I couldn’t see who was pulling me.

The warm sand was comfortable beneath me now. My eyes focused for only a moment. I could see his face lowering to mine. His lips parted and then a cool breeze blew through my lungs inflating my chest with air. He released me as I rolled over to choke out the remaining water. I lied there on my side for several minutes, waiting to catch my breath. Then something brushed across my back.

Shark! I jumped, looking around me frantically.

Shhh, he spoke softly as he held my body still. The shark is dead, you’re quite safe now, he assured.

I glanced around me, not trusting his words at first, then calmed. I looked over to see his face gazing into mine. It was like an angel’s, flawless and smooth. His hair hung down around it, drops of water still fell from the tips as he hovered over me, watching me anxiously.

Are you alright? he asked. His voice was soft and familiar, like a melody I had heard long ago. He caressed the side of my face gently with the back of his fingers. The touch of his skin on mine was almost electric, causing my heart to speed up.

How did you . . .? I reached up and rubbed the water from my eyes. I saw you on the rocks. You were so far away. How did you know there was a shark?

He glanced past me. Perhaps, another time, he suggested, his eyes still gazing down the beach.

I could hear Kim and Leah screaming my name as they ran toward me. I looked in their direction and then back to my savior—he was gone!

Phoebe, are you alright? Leah gasped as she dropped to her knees beside me, trying to catch her breath.

Yes, I’m fine . . . now. I sat up, looking all around me.

The shark, how did you get away from it? Kim cried as she hugged me tightly.

What do you mean? Didn’t you see that man pull me out? I asked urgently.

Nooo, Leah answered, We didn’t see anyone. The waves must have washed you up.

No, a man saved me! I was drowning, he pulled me out, and then he gave me mouth to mouth. I almost died!

What man? Leah asked as she looked up and down the beach.

You didn’t see him? My voice was softer now, tired, defeated. Was I the only one who could see him? The only one who could hear him? I put my fingers to my lips. I could still feel the cool kiss he’d left there. I searched the sand around me. The only footprints were from my friends.

They looked at one another then back to me, shaking their heads. They hadn’t seen anyone.

Uh, Phoebe, maybe we should get you home, Kim suggested as she looked to Leah who was nodding her head in agreement.

Hey, look! Kim jumped up and ran to the water’s edge to retrieve my surfboard that had just washed up. Not even a bite! she added cheerfully.

I frowned. Leave it to Kim to be making jokes at a time like this.

Leah helped me to my feet as I took one final look around, hoping to see my stranger. He was nowhere to be seen.

Chapter 2: The Stranger

I sat at my kitchen table half-heartedly eating a bowl of granola. I picked up the local paper and began reading the front page: Local fisherman capsizes boat off coast of Trinidad. Nestled in the heart of the Redwoods and hugged by the Pacific Ocean, a small beach community mourns the loss of one of their own. I sighed, remembering Bert, down on the docks selling his daily catch.

I plopped the paper down and glanced around the room. The bright yellow walls and powder blue curtains did nothing to brighten my mood.

I couldn’t get him out of my mind. I’d dreamt about my stranger again last night, only this time, I wasn't afraid of him. This time he'd saved me. I breathed in. I could almost smell him. His scent burned my very soul, leaving my heart fluttering at a rapid speed. I tried to shake away the image. Why hadn’t anyone else seen him?

I need to get out of here. The very room felt as though it were closing in on me.

I hurried into my shoes, grabbed a sack from the closet, and headed out the door. I’d been working on a new jewelry collection for work and was running low on supplies—I stopped suddenly.

There he was, dressed in black from head to toe. His pale skin illuminated by the sunlight. His eyes were dark and intense, just as I’d remembered. His lips, a pale shade of pink, were turned up into a warm smile. He was leaning up next to a shiny black motorcycle that alone would look incredible, but next to him, paled significantly.

I was at a loss for words. I just stood there, staring at him like he was an elegant piece of artwork that had just been discovered. He was breathtaking! His scent on the wind tickled my nose like a spring rain. I knew that fragrance . . .

I moved toward him slowly. If he was a mirage—I didn’t want him to disappear. He remained still as I approached. I could feel my pulse quicken as our eyes locked. I paused for a moment, then took in a deep breath. My hand reached out until my fingers gently touched his bare arm. It was firm, slightly colder than my own arm, but definitely real. I closed my eyes and sighed with relief.

He let out a laugh that was intoxicating, and took me completely off guard. You didn’t think I was real? He shook his head in disbelief.

Well, I . . . I blushed every shade from pink to scarlet I was sure. It’s just that when I think I see you, you disappear. I thought you were . . . in my head, I admitted, reluctantly.

Phoebe, his voice was soft, whisper-like, as he spoke my name. He looked at me strangely, as though I were someone dear to him, as if he’d known me forever.

What did you call me?

He stood up straighter now. That is your name isn’t it?

I stared up into his face. Yes . . . I answered hesitantly.

His eyes drifted to my hands that still clutched a canvas sac. Have I interrupted your day?

My mouth was open slightly as I marveled at the perfection before me. Even his words were elegant. Huh? Oh! I came back to earth. I was just heading to the beach for supplies. But I can go later, I added quickly. Would you like to come in? I motioned to the door. That is, if you have time . . . I mean, you don’t have to . . . only if you want! I was babbling. My heart raced every time he smiled at me, as though it were jumping out of my chest. I couldn’t think straight for some reason. I was all flustered.

I wiped my forehead with the back of my hand, clearing the sweat that had formed. My body flushed under his lingering gaze. I felt as though I were swaying, like a newly planted tree in the wind. My vision blurred; as I felt myself fall . . .

My eyes opened slowly, adjusting to the bright light. I was in my living room, lying on the couch. How did I . . .? I jumped!

No, no. It’s alright. Lie down a bit more. My stranger was sitting beside me. His voice was low and calming, almost hypnotic.

My heart rate slowed upon his command. I’m so sorry, I said as I rubbed my forehead, trying to erase the disoriented feeling I had. I don’t know what happened to me? I’ve never fainted like that before.

I guess I’ll have to watch the way I look at you from now on. He smiled knowingly.

I frowned a little. I’ve never fainted just because someone looked at me. How embarrassing, I muttered the last part under my breath.

"I doubt anyone has ever looked at you like that before," he said with what appeared to be great certainty.

I could feel the heat in my cheeks once again. I knew he knew exactly why I’d fainted. I was never going to live this down. I shook off the dizziness and forced myself to sit up.

Are you sure you’re alright? I could hear the concern in his voice.

Yes, I’m fine. I tried to ignore the uncertainty in mine.

Perhaps this is a good time to introduce myself, he offered thankfully changing the subject. "My name is Marcus Ashworth." He said his name slowly as if there was some sort of hidden significance I was supposed to understand.

Marcus, I repeated quietly to myself. His name fit him perfectly.

I extended my hand to him. Phoebe Rose. He stared at it for a moment, then took it softly.

You’re so cold! I exclaimed, still holding his hand. I could turn up the heat, or would you like a blanket? I moved to get up.

No! he said abruptly, releasing my hand. I’m quite comfortable, truly. His eyebrows furrowed a little. I wondered . . . how your shoulder was healing?

My shoulder? Oh! You mean when that dog attacked me back in London—nightmare, I grumped aloud, rolling my eyes a little. Wait. I looked at him incredulously. "How did you know? I recoiled a little. My heart reacted to the sudden fear I felt, beating faster by the second.

What makes you think it was a dog that attacked you? he asked, ignoring my jolted expression.

I . . . I don’t know for sure. I shifted uneasily. It all happened so fast. I subconsciously began rubbing my shoulder. "Although, it must have been a giant dog. The tooth marks were huge."

Tooth marks? He looked extremely anxious all of a sudden.

I think they’re tooth marks? I added nervously.

He regarded me for a moment, pondering something over in his mind. You must be wondering how I found you?

Actually, I . . . I broke off. I had been wondering but was afraid to ask.

He smiled in understanding. I’m a tracker, Phoebe, a hunter by trade.

A hunter? I had to look as confused as I was.

"I was hunting the night you were . . . intercepted. He chose his word carefully. I was closing in on him when you came around the corner and he literally plunged into you. Marcus gave my shoulder a quick glance. You’re quite lucky I was so close. He didn’t have time to kill you," he added darkly.

Have time to kill me? I nearly shouted. I was on the edge of the couch now, my eyes wide with shock. What do you mean? What exactly were you hunting?

His face grew serious, his jaw tightening with sudden tension. A type of wolf, he said through clenched teeth.

A wolf! In London? My brain couldn’t register what my ears were hearing. You must be joking? I half laughed, remembering Kim’s ridiculous ‘escaped animal from the zoo’ theory. I couldn’t bear it if she had been in any way right about that. The thought made me nauseous. I could never tell her. There’d be no living with her after this.

My mind wandered briefly until I felt Marcus's stare. There was no trace of humor in his face.

What was a wolf doing running through London? I decided to ask. Hoping not only that I had misunderstood him, but also to break the tension that was now looming over my living room.

There are unfortunately many wolves that roam the city from time to time, he explained with a hint of venom in his words. Usually they’re killed before they get too close, but there seems to be a rise in the population. We’re hard-pressed to stop all of them in time.

‘We’re’? There are more of you? Hunters?

He nodded.

I felt so confused. Stop them in time for what? I asked a moment later.

Before they kill someone, or worse, he added darkly.

My breath caught. What could be worse than being killed? I asked, afraid to hear the answer.

He leaned in closer, filling my head with the scent of him. It could leave you alive after it’s mauled you.

I swallowed loudly, my body seeming to freeze with fear. But, I was left alive. My words came out like a whisper.

He shifted his weight. His eyes still showing signs of concern. Yes. You were.

I couldn’t tell if Marcus thought this was good news or bad; and that uneasy feeling I had when I thought something was following me back to the motel room came back to me.

A wolf . . . really? I suppose that explains the weird dreams I’ve been having. Should I have gotten a rabies shot? I prattled on nervously; trying to ignore the uneasy look he still gave me.

May I see it? He pointed to my shoulder.

Um . . . I guess so, I answered hesitantly. There really isn’t much to see.

I could feel his posture stiffen as I turned my back to him.