Angel Blackwood

CHAPTER 1

My hands rest on his chest at my eye level, his strong hands holding either side of my upper arms firmly. I look at my finger tips and I can feel tingles surging through them where they touch his body, over his blue golf shirt.

Tyler, I whisper, out of breath.

I look up to his beautiful face and his eyes that are as dark as night. If I had to have seen these dark eyes months ago I would have been scared stiff, most probably running for the hills. Now… after everything and how I’ve grown to love the twins, I know they would never hurt me. They are my heart.

My second chance mate is Tyler, my sweet, loving Tyler.

I smile to myself as I look into his handsome face. As always he’s walking perfection. His black hair is combed over and tucked behind his ears, still long enough to touch the collar of his shirt, but every strand in place. His face is clean shaven and silky smooth too.

So perfect and all mine.

He brings his hand up to my face and pushes a few stray tendrils away from my eyes. ^ My eyes find his again and I watch as his now blue ones stare lovingly into my own.

I knew it… felt it… we were always meant to be, he says softly, in his mesmerising deep voice as he continues to look from my eyes to my lips.

I smile as soon as he places both of his hands on my face stroking along my jawline with his thumbs. A shiver runs down my spine and I lean my head into his touch.

I place my hands on either side of his waist, steadying myself. He leans down and rubs his cheek against mine so gently, closing my eyes I breathe him in.

He pulls away from me just a little, his lips lingering close enough that I can feel his irregular breathing against my own dry lips. Leaning forwards, he brushes his lips against mine softly but I can’t control myself; it’s as if my body is calling to his… needing to touch, desperate to be closer.

I dig my fingers into his hips, scrunching up the fabric of his shirt between my fingertips. I push my lips against his, earning a growl from him as his mouth attacks mine. He chuckles against my lips as he pushes me against the now closed door, his warm hands holding my face firmly as his lips meet mine again. We continue to kiss each other, not caring if anyone sees.

I pull away and he lets out a soft growl causing me to let out a small laugh at his impatience. I can feel the burn in my cheeks; I know my blushing is obvious, it always is. I mean… it’s not something I can hide with my pale skin. Tyler just stares silently, looking my face over with a small smile on his.

My eyes catch something behind him. Looking over his shoulder, I come to my senses realising there’s a girl… or should I say a beautiful woman standing a few feet away behind Tyler looking confused. Just like Tyler, she’s matched to perfection in all her blondness and long shapely legs.

Tyler follows my line of sight. His face pales as he instantly removes his hands from my face drawing them into loose fists as if my skin has burnt him.

He looks at me then back to the woman.

What the hell, Tyler? She says through sobs. I watch as tears start to fall down her pretty face.

Tyler stumbles for words as he walks slowly towards the beautiful woman with his palms up facing her.

Kate, It’s not… shit… I mean… He runs his hand through his shiny black hair stuttering, I’m sorry, it’s not what it looks like, it… it doesn’t mean anything.

And… there goes my heart once again.

I don’t know if it’s due to us being mates, but I sense the lie as he speaks it. I know he’s lying… I can feel it, nevertheless it still hurts a heck load hearing those words come out of his mouth.

It looked like it meant more than that from where I was standing. She wipes away her tears and crosses her arms.

No Honey… please don’t cry. He turns fully in her direction as he continues, It was a mistake, it should never have happened, Tyler says, oblivious to the fact that he’s breaking me with every word as he comforts this beautiful woman.

Kate looks around Tyler, her eyes widening when she sees me. Her tear stained face looks up at Tyler and then she takes a step away from him. He matches her step and when the woman makes a run for it, Tyler doesn’t spare me a second glance as he follows her; calling out her name.

I’m left standing against the door, my emotions all over the place, everything still completely magnified. I don’t understand how he can fight the pull that is between us; I’m trying my hardest right now not to run after him.

I know I should be angry and upset. Tyler left me standing here to run after his girlfriend, but… my selfless side can’t help but sympathize with the woman; fact is, I was in her position about two hours ago. However, unlike Tyler, Drake never gave me a fighting chance when he found his mate.

I’m overwhelmed by everything that’s happening. I can hear my beating heart in my eardrums as I sag against the closed door attempting to slow down my breathing. I hear people in the house and in the backyard, but I’m too emotionally spent right now to try and find the words to explain to my parents the events of this evening. Even though it doesn’t hurt as much to think about what happened with Jax now that I’ve found Tyler, I still can’t seem to find the courage to say the words out loud. How do I tell them that I was rejected?

I need space to breath…I’m not running, I just need to get away from the crowd.

Running for the stairs I head to my bedroom, slamming the door closed and letting out a deep breath as I rest my forehead against it. I immediately sense that I’m not alone, quickly turning around into the darkness. The scent is strong, powerful and it’s not Tyler’s.

I’m suddenly pushed back against the door. It’s hard enough to knock the air out of me and let out a squeal, but it’s not nearly enough to hurt. I feel strong hands reach down my thighs, gasping as I’m lifted up and pushed against the door once again; my legs immediately wrapping around the large body to keep me from falling.

His scent is so manly, I’m positive that this is where the spicy tinge I smelt earlier came from. I rest my arms over broad shoulders, feeling the muscles underneath my palms as we face each other in the darkness. His warm hands on my upper thighs move as he starts running them up the dress that I’m currently wearing and towards my ass, leaving little goose bumps along the trail.

I know the man in front of me can see clearly in this dark room due to his wolf senses, but my eyes are still attempting to adjust to the darkness. I want to see him clearly, want to see every inch of him just so I know that this is real and not just a dream.

We’re both quiet except for his heavy breathing alongside my own, so very clear in the silence of the room. I feel his heart beating just as fast as mine and I sense the happiness radiating from him as much as I feel it glowing within me.

I’m just about to open my mouth and tell him to say something when his mouth crashes down on mine possessively. His lips are hard and wild as he forces his tongue into my mouth. Opening up, I let him in as he pushes against me, so hard that I can feel his need straining against his jeans. I can’t get enough of him and I whimper into his mouth as he pushes harder against me. I run my hands into his long hair and tug him closer to me as if it were even possible. He moans into my mouth then suddenly he’s pulling his lips away from mine but still holding me tightly against him as he starts walking. He doesn’t bump into anything and walks full of purpose. I barely see him in the darkness until he reaches for the curtains letting in the light of the moon so that I’m able to see him better.

I can’t help but grin like a fool as I drop my legs gently to the floor. His arms now wrapped around my waist, I look up to his gorgeous face.

So beautiful… and all mine, he says softly, as if reading my own thoughts. He runs his thumb over my bottom lip so soft and gentle. Pushing the hair that lies on my shoulder away, he bends and kisses me tenderly down my neck and bare shoulder.

Talon, I say breathlessly. Does this mean he accepts me and wants me as a mate? I have two mates? Is that even possible? If Tyler rejects me does that mean Talon rejects me by default?

His kisses on my collarbone cause my worries to drift away. I pull away a little causing him to lift his head up, pinning me with a worried look.

His messy hair has grown longer over these past few months, his black untidy hair now passing his collar bone; he even has a messy side parting going on, but he still looks so handsome. I twirl my finger around a piece that falls into his face, I can feel him staring at me now. I look back into his eyes when a smile forms on his lips, tucking the strand back behind his ear I give him a very soft kiss on the tip of his nose. Closing his eyes, I feel his body tremble against mine as more pieces of hair fall back into his face.

As much as I adore Tyler with all his perfection, I love Talon and the I-don’t-give-a-shit-what-I-look- like attitude he has going on.

I stand on the tips of my toes and move the strands of hair away from his face again as I lean in and whisper against his lips. All mine…

He grabs the back of my head and pushes my lips against his; hard, forcefully and oh so Talon like. He’s breathing harshly and the only thing that matters right now is us...

Bang.Bang.Bang!

Talon! Are you in there? I’ve been looking for you. Baby please, a whiny voice yells from behind my bedroom door.

I tense under Talon’s touch. He releases me and steps away. Our connection breaks and everything comes back to me. The loud music from downstairs, the bass of the speakers vibrating through the floor boards beneath my feet and the fact that someone-who I’m guessing is Talon’s girlfriend-has been looking for my mate whilst I’ve had my tongue stuck down his throat.

Talon looks back at me and just like his brother did, runs his hands through his hair. His entire attitude turns irate, his shoulders tense and he stands up straight; it’s as if he’s angry with me. He walks anxiously back and forth between the door and where I stand.

Fuck! What have I done? He lets out a deep breath whilst talking out loud.

He turns to face me as he says, I’m sorry Angel but that shouldn’t have happened. Fuck! He walks towards the door that links the bathroom and the twin’s room then stops with his hand on the door knob.

I have to go. I know we’re mates but I’m dating Lucy. She’s been here for me when you…well, when you were wherever the fuck you were. She’s a great girl and I can’t just dump her now that you’ve decided to come back and face the real world. You have led Tyler and I along for how long now? The least you can do is give us some time. We need to find a way to deal with this, he says, gesturing to me with the wave of a hand.

To deal with this?

He wipes his face with both palms then lets out a deep breath.

I stand there frozen with a trembling hand covering my mouth, trying not to cry out. I’m waiting for him to say the words and make the rejection final… but he doesn’t.

I look up to see him watching me with a sad look on his face, I can’t help but beg for a chance.

Talon, please… don’t do this. I know so much has happened between us, but things have changed. Remember how it used to be? You love me remember? I whisper the last part. I know I’m begging, I couldn’t look anymore pathetic than I do right now, but I have to try. I don’t think my heart could survive anymore rejection tonight.

I take a step towards him and gently touch his chest. When Lucy bangs on the door again Talon flinches then pushes my hand away from him harshly.

"No Lexi. You may be a cheater, but I sure as fuck am not." He looks me up and down full of disgust, forcing me to cower away from him. I notice he called me Lexi not Angel, that hurt more than any of the harsh words he put together.

He turns and walks out the door without a second look in my direction. I flinch when he forcefully slams it shut, making my windows rattle.

I stand frozen, my heart is hurting, I’m exhausted and broken. I walk towards my little balcony and open the glass doors. I close my eyes, letting the fresh cold air dry up my tears. The music is still blaring and I can hear people laughing and having a great time downstairs. Everyone is at the back of the house so luckily no one is in the garden below my bedroom.

I know how much I’ve put the twins through since my arrival. I guess this is my karma for all the shit I’ve done and the people I’ve hurt. But I’m so angry with the way both of them have just abandoned me. It overshadows my understanding of the reasons they have for their behaviour towards me.

The more I think about it, the angrier I become because I told myself I would never allow anyone to treat me this way again. The familiar tingly feeling behind my eyes begins, I know this could only carry trouble if I lose control of myself in my father’s pack house.

Running to my closet I grab a pair of track pants and a comfortable shirt, covering that with an oversized hoody. As I’m putting on my shoes I hear people talking in the hallway outside my door. I’m not ready to speak to my parents and I don’t want to explain the events of the evening either. I don’t want to see their disappointment in me; I’ll save that for later.

I run to the balcony and look from side to side trying to find a way down. I blink away the prickly feeling in my eyes, they are now full on burning. The wind has started to pick up, whipping my hair back and forth. No matter how hard I try to calm myself down, I just can’t.

My heart is beating way to fast.

Thump-thump. Thump-thump. Thump-thump.

All I want to do is run.

There’s a ledge to the side and a tree about two feet away. I estimate that if I can get over to ledge on the left I’ll be able to jump on one of the thick branches.

Just then my foot slips on the railing and I stumble but manage to catch my balance. I hold on to the gutter with all my might, my heart rate speeds up, as does the force of the wind. I slide my feet to exactly where I want them, making sure not to look down, even though I can see how high up I am in my peripheral vision.

I manage to turn my body around so that my back is leaning against the cold wall and I’m facing the tree. My judgement is seriously off because that tree is definitely not two feet away. It’s a big leap but it’s too late now, I just have to make this jump and hope for the best.

I bend as much as I possibly can and jump. I just make the tree, but the thick branch knocks me in my chest as I collide with it and I’m left holding on for dear life. I look down and realise that I’m not too far from the ground - I don’t think I will break anything if I land the right way.

I slowly loosen my grip on the branch and gravity takes hold as I fall to the ground with a thud.

Of course I don’t land gracefully. I land flat on my back, winding myself in the process and curling on the ground wheezing for air. Finally after a few moments I manage to catch my breath and am able to get back onto my feet. I head toward the little pathway across the car park - the pathway leading to the forest.

Walking through the cars, I hear movement and voices to my left. I duck behind one of the cars and peep through the glass window.

A girl giggles and I watch as hands wrap around her waist as she leans against someone who is leaning against a dark blue car.

So it doesn’t mean we’re over, baby?

The familiar girls voice sends chills down my spine.

When Talon’s face comes into view, a low growl leaves my lips. I cover my hand over my mouth.

Where the hell did that come from? These wolves are definitely rubbing off on me.

I watch Talon look around as if he heard me; I know he won’t track my scent due to the crazy wind. He looks over the girls shoulder. It’s a distant look in the wrong direction but it doesn’t last long, seconds later his eyes meet the girls face infront of him.

He smiles and my heart drops.

No way, Luce. The fates definitely made a mistake with this one. I notice the smile he gives her is the same one I’ve been using on many occasions these past few months. It’s forced, but the girl doesn’t realize it. I can feel the lie as soon as he says it, just like I felt it when Tyler lied. This time I’m not sad, I’m furious.

I turn, standing straight up, squaring my shoulders and refusing to look at the love birds any longer. My hurt is transformed into something more wild, more feral and something uncontrollable.

Rage.

I can feel the little flames of silver in my eyes and I welcome the burn, I breathe it in.

I continue my way over to the forest not even caring if Talon sees me. It’s really dark in the woods, even though it’s about three in the morning. The wind is manic now, trees are swaying and the bark is creaking.

Out of nowhere, I’m forced to hunch over due to a sharp pain in my chest. My heart feels as if it’s about to explode as I fall to my hands and knees trying to catch my breath. This pain is similar to the pain I felt when I was rejected by Jax, but this time the pain starts to move throughout my aching body. My entire body is sweating, but it’s cold out. My fingers fumble to get my jacket off and I quickly throw it to the side. Sweat drips into the sand infront of my eyes, I wipe my forehead and move my hair away from my face; it’s soaking wet.

What the hell is happening to me?

Chapter 2:

Three Months Ago

I’ve been home for a week since Drake attacked me, leaving me behind in this town to find someone that can help him control his wolf, Sebastien. My feelings are all fucked up and all I want right now is to be left alone.

I can’t even use the term moody to describe the temperamental attitude I’ve had since I found myself in this situation.

I’ve been absolutely miserable, I don’t know how to fix it and I don’t know if I even want to.

Everyone wants to know what happened at Point Bright, but I refuse to speak about it. I will not get any more people involved when it comes to my problems.

The bruises and scratches healed eventually, but my lower back and ass are permanently scarred. Drake marred my pale skin with ugly pink marks when he whipped me. I’ve been thinking about getting some ink to cover the ugly scars he left behind because no amount of vitamin E oil will repair the skin; I’m not even sure I want them gone… it’s a reminder to never second guess myself again.

I should have listened to my gut the first time Drake slammed me up against a door. I knew I should have broken up with him, but I didn’t. It’s entirely my fault, no amount of what-ifs will heal all the wounds he engraved into my flesh. That’s something that will haunt me for the rest of my life.

I could have prevented it…

After refusing to let the twins into my bed since the day Alex found me all bruised up, and after continuously pushing the them away, they began putting distance between us. At the time it was what I needed, I had no idea what that void would do to our relationship in the future.

I barely allow Alex and Johnny to touch me, so there’s no way in hell I can even envisage the twins hands on me. I guess Drake got what he wanted after all. I can’t even think about Talon and Tyler without going into a full blown panic attack.

Sometimes I find myself waking up in a cold sweat all because I dreamt about that night I kissed the twins; I’m so afraid Drake will find out about my dreams. I’m constantly looking around, scared he’s lurking around a corner ready to jump me for thinking about anyone other than him.

There isn’t a minute, hell, every second I’m thinking about the threat he made to hurt the all the people I love. His words No more Alex… No more Johnny… linger in the back of my mind, giving me the chills… and not the good kind either.

I love the twin’s and my parents more than I cherish my own life at this point, the thought of Drake harming any of them causes a twisted pain in my chest.

In the beginning, the twins tried talking me into leaving my room, but I just couldn’t physically do it; too afraid to abandon my little safe haven. If it wasn’t for Alex and Johnny coming into my room and force feeding me every day the first two weeks, I would have most probably starved.

I was so mad at Drake: 1 - for what he did to me and 2 - for leaving me behind and running away like so many in my life have done before him; especially after he was the one to hurt me. Deep down I know he didn’t run away, he left to get help and subconsciously I have a little respect for him for doing it. If anything, I’m mostly disappointed in myself for allowing him to hurt me the way he did, running to him just two days later and begging him to stay like a love sick puppy. I was in panic mode and all I could think of in that moment was, another one bites the dust…

First it was James who left me, then Georgina with her downward spiral, Jax was next and when I saw Drake packing his bag and I panicked.

I know it’s fucked up but I miss him; Drake that is. Maybe I miss the Drake I had before Sebastian became so dominant within him or maybe I’m trying to force myself to love him because I’m kinda stuck with him. I know what the consequences will be if I leave him and I will not have anyone hurt because of me. I’ve already messed up so much and broken many friendships because of it, I’m just one big fucking mess.

As the weeks progressed, the twins slowly but surely started avoiding me. I saw Drake a few times and even though I was petrified, he managed to calm me. He looked well and seemed really happy, which weirdly made me feel better and less worried the more I was around him; it made me believe my old Drake was back.

He was gentle and sweet and made me feel loved and not so alone. He apologised constantly and asked me if I loved him about ten times a day, as if to reassure himself. After a while I even started believing the lie myself.

I mended my relationship with Ronny and Chloe and even though things are still a bit awkward between us, I know they still love me and I love them; possibly even more so now, knowing they stuck around even after all I had put them through.

As for Jax? Not even a blip on my radar…

The twins aren’t around as often these days. Johnny finally managed to get me to leave my bedroom a few days ago. He wanted me to train and work out instead of sitting holed up all day. All the training Johnny gave me previously didn’t do shit when Drake was holding me down that night. He was too strong and powerful for me to even think I could over power him let alone physically do it.

I don’t know why Johnny can’t see that when a weak human like me comes across a big bad wolf, a few kicks here and a couple slaps there don’t amount to shit. But I don’t tell him that because he seems to enjoy spending time with me, teaching me all the self-defence techniques that may work perfectly on a human but flat out fail against a possessive angry he-wolf; most probably a she-wolf too.

The only thing I can really rely on when it comes to defending myself is the supposed white magic that’s hidden within me, even though it doesn’t seem so pure when I’m squeezing the life out of another. But I’ll stick to the term white magic because I don’t know what the hell to call it.

I heard Alex talking to Johnny today about Talon and Tyler’s girlfriend’s. I wasn’t aware they were even dating, but why would I when we haven’t spoken in weeks. I guess I deserve the hurt I feel and the tears that fall when I hear about how much Alex doesn’t like the new girls; despite the boys falling hard for them.

This is what I wanted after all, wasn’t it? I mean… I did push them away. I suppose I just didn’t realise what it would feel like when I finally pushed them away for good. I’m just glad I don’t have to see these girls as they don’t seem to bring them to the pack house.

I know I love Talon and Tyler. Deep down, despite the jealously within me, I want them to be happy. Since I’ve only brought them trouble since I’ve arrived, I’m hoping their girlfriend’s are everything they deserve. I don’t like to think about it though. I don’t want to think about them with someone else and I certainly don’t want to talk about it, it causes a pain in my chest and makes me question every choice I’ve made when it comes to Drake.

My nerves have gotten the best of me these last few days anticipating my birthday. I’m so afraid of what will happen. Will I even shift? And if I do, will I survive it?

The twins have started to act a little strangely too, these last few days. They’ve been hanging around the house, maybe they’re also worried I won’t survive the shift so they’re trying to see me as much as they can; just in case… Just in case I don’t make it.

They don’t speak to me and they’re always a safe distance away, but I can feel their eyes on me wherever I go. Strange as it may sound, it comforts me that they still, in some weird way, care about me; even after I blatantly shut them out. I miss them terribly but I can’t bring myself to talk to them, getting close to them again just in case Drake finds out. I need to keep my distance.

I haven’t heard a word from Georgina and I haven’t bothered to ask Frankie how she’s doing either.

When she’s ready she will contact me… well that’s what I’m hoping for.

She and I have a lot to discuss if we ever want to mend our broken relationship. I will always love her and see her as a mother; even if she isn’t my biological one. Before we can repair broken bridges though, we need to figure out if that bridge can carry the weight of baggage that lies between us, to see if we can let it all go, if it’s even possibility.

Can it ever become water under the bridge?

Chapter 3

The Present Day

I look ahead of me, seeing the moons reflection shining off the lake through the trees. I roll to my side not caring about the dirt beneath me as I pull my shoes off. I need to cool down and hopefully the lake will do just that. I manage to get onto my two feet. I’m hunched over, leaning against the rough bark on the tree, my hand resting on my chest over my heart.

I’ve never had this reaction to the white magic before, I don’t know what’s happening to me. My entire body is on fire and I’m in so much pain. I’m a few feet away from a clearing that leads to the lake, but I just can’t make myself move any further. I fall to the ground again, lying on my side as the sand sticks to my wet skin.

Just a little further… I need to get to the water…

I dig my hands into the dirt and start pulling myself closer and closer towards the glistening water. My vision loses focus and all I can hear is the whistling of the wind through the woods. I cover my ears to stop the white noise, pulling my knees up to my stomach as I lay in a fetal position screaming out for the incessant noise of the wind to stop.

My back is the first thing to bend into an unnatural angle; the cracking sound echoing inside my ears.

I cry out in pain, my vision fuzzy. I scream as loud as I can, praying for someone to help me, but the sound of the wind and the forest smothers all my cries.

Calm down Angel…you need to survive this, a female voice whispers. ^I can almost feel her running her hands down my hair soothingly.

I must be going crazy because even with my blurred vision I can’t see anyone around, but the woman sounds as if she’s speaking right into my ear. I don’t know what’s happening or where she came from.

You’re shifting my love and I’m going to help you get through this… the woman gently says.

Who are you? I cry out, as I feel the bones in my body breaking. The sound alone is enough to make me scream, picturing how horrible my body must look as I snap into different angles.

My name is Faith, I’m your wolf, she says, keeping her tone calm and gentle.

I scream and continue to cry out. Please help me, make it stop….please, I sob.

My vision pulses and when it clears I see the trees thrashing from side to side, some of the thinner ones on the verge of snapping.

You were a strong human. You will be an even stronger wolf. Fate sent me to you because she believed you were special just like me. My spirit is very old my love. I’ve been around for many years jumping from one great master to the next. Fate was saving me, she has been keeping me for you… I know it! You my dear…you are very rare. You don’t realise how powerful you truly are…the power that resides within you is pure…white…like magic. I’ve never seen such a thing, Faith says, and I feel her happiness and awe.

"Faith, can we please do this whole introduction thing another time? Maybe when my bones aren’t snapping? I promise if I live through this I’ll tell you everything you want to know, but right now I need you to focus and walk me through this whole fucking thing," I say through gritted teeth, the pain making it hard for me to even breathe.

"Don’t cuss my dear, it isn’t very lady like," she scolds.

Faith! I yell.

"All righty then. She lets out a deep sigh. Try getting yourself onto your hands and knees first."

I roll over. My first two attempts at lifting myself up fail and I fall face first with a mouthful of sand. Faith giggles.

"I would totally slap you right now if I could," I tell her through my cries, making her giggles louder in my head. I manage to get onto my hands and knees and try to catch my breath, calming my breathing.

"Just like that," she encourages.

The pain is still unbearable and I’m just so exhausted I want to fall down, rest my head and go to sleep for a little while.

"No my dear, you better not do that. You may not wake up if you fall asleep now. You can do this, stay strong," she says softly, as if reading my mind.

I look down at my hands, crying out as another crack echoes into the woods, only to be swept away by the wind as I watch the tears fall into the sand below me.

My vision starts pulsing again.

Clear. Unclear. Clear.

I see glimpses of my forearms and the little hairs that rise from beneath my skin. I squeeze my eyes shut as the bones in my hands and arms crack and bend.

For the next twenty minutes I scream and cry out in pain; my throat raw and dry from my screams. The sound of material ripping and bones cracking finally come to a halt and all that can be heard is my deep panting.

Panting?

I open my eyes and jump back as I see pitch black paws.

I hear Faith’s light laughter in my ears. "You did it my dear. You’re beautiful!" I can feel the affection radiating in her voice.

My senses are clearer. I can see every single little detail, every little grain of sand beneath my paws and my hearing is magnified too. Suddenly I hear shouting and yelling in the distance, but I’m too focused on what I look like and feel like to even think about any of that. Faith’s voice tells me to go look at my refection in the lake.

I finally find my rhythm as I walk on all four paws. I quicken my steps and then full out run and head to the little docking platform. I lean over the side and look into the water.

The first thing I see are my eyes. Long gone are my bluey-green ones, in their place are the silver flame like ones that I have when my magic needs to be freed.

My coat is pitch black and shiny.

My father and Jax have black coats, but theirs are not nearly as dark as mine. I’ve never seen anything as black as the colour of my fur.

I hear rustling and immediately a few people walk out of the bushes on my right near the forest. All eyes are on me. Amongst the group are Talon, Tyler, their girlfriends and my parents.

Shift! Johnny growls out.

"They think you’re a rogue," Faith says.

Who are you and why are you on my land? Where is my daughter? Johnny growls out again. I look at the rest of the crowd, they all look uneasy, as if they’re about to jump me at any second.

"Speak to them, tell them who you are," Faith says, sounding nervous.

"And how am I supposed to do that? Bark? I haven’t exactly had time to figure