The Phoenix: The Rising

By Melinda Petty

Life for Masen Croft has never been easy. Her very own parents shunned her because of her supernatural tendencies. The only person she's ever been able to count on is her mysterious demon uncle Damen. After a tragic event, Masen is forced to move to the small Illinois town of Thompsonville where she finally is able to come into her own. It's here where she is finally able to put down some roots and form life long bonds of family, friendship and love. When faced with an impossible choice how can she save every one that she loves when it is herself that they may be the greatest threat to them all?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Melinda Petty
• Release date: Feb 17, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301201983

Melinda Petty

I was born and raised in the South but I have very deep Northern roots. When I'm not working, writing,or studying, I like to travel. I am married to my wonderfully supportive husband and we have one small dog named Lola.

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The Phoenix:

The Rising

Melinda Petty

Copyright 2013 by Melinda Petty

Smashwords Editions

Prologue

Love is an irrational emotion. It makes you crazy. It feeds upon sacrifice. It knows no boundaries, and it discriminates against no one. It’ll make you laugh and it’ll make you cry. It’s also been known to claim a life or two over the course of time. Yes love is irrational, but at the end of the day it’s what most people crave, want, hope and pray for. So I guess that I should be happy that I was able to find it in this lifetime. No matter the fact that I gave up everything for it, because in truth I’d probably do it again.

My name is Callisto, and I was an angel. I say was because I fell from grace because I fell in love with the worst entity imaginable, Damen, the son of Lucifer himself. I knew that it was wrong, but I couldn’t stop myself. Everything about him called to me. He was my sun, my air, and he became the gravity that bound me to the earth. He had bewitched me body and soul, and I loved him more than I ever thought possible. He had loved me too, but somewhere that was lost along the way. Damen was consumed with power. He wanted it, he craved it, and he was going to get it. I wasn’t sure how exactly that was going to happen for him, but after I discovered myself pregnant with his child it became painfully evident to me. Our child would be special- a phoenix, and there was no way that I was going to let Damen corrupt such innocence. So I left him. I prayed for forgiveness, and called in every favor that I could possibly think of. With the help of some friends in extremely high places, I was able to stay hidden. After the birth, I gave her up. My beautiful baby girl, because she would not be safe with me, and Damen was probably hot on my trail. It was with a sad and heavy heart that I turned her over to the Crofts. Jeffrey and Diana looked to be a joyous couple who had prayed for children, but despite all treatments Diana was infertile. They came into the orphanage three days after I had given birth, and I took it to be a sign. She would be safe with them, and I would lead Damen far away from her and them.

I did not have to wait very long for Damen to find me once I left the monastery. It took him exactly 48 hours to track me down, and only two seconds to sweep me up into his loving embrace and ask me where our child was. He was unhappy that I had ran from him, and he was livid when I told him that our little girl was in a place that he’d never be able find, or use for his only personal tool for domination. I had expected his anger, but I had severely underestimated his temper. Damen only whispered to me that he would indeed find her, and then he killed me.

Maybe this is how it was supposed to happen, because in death I regained my wings. At least now I could watch over Masen from afar without leading Damen in her direction. I’d never be able to tell her that I loved her, or that I was her mother, unless of course she figured it out, but if this is what kept her safe then it was all worth it. The only thing that I could do now was pray for her and her new family. I would pray for guidance and strength for her new father. I would pray for compassion and understanding for her new mother, because if they were going to raise my little Masen Avery, they were going to need all the prayer that they could get. Goodbye my sweet little dangel, I hope that one day you’ll understand what I did to protect you and keep you safe and then maybe you’ll forgive me.

Chapter One

You know when most parents say that their child is ‘special’, they usually mean it in an over the top, ‘my kid is freaking fantastic’ kind of way, but when my parents said it there was always a scared connotation emphasized on the ‘special’ part of the sentence. My parents were afraid of me, well respectfully afraid of me anyway. They had good reason to be though, I was a freak, but that didn’t mean that I was going to go around acting like one, or at least I tried not to at the very least. I could always tell when I had failed, because my mother always had a very sad faraway look in her eyes.

Of course I had to learn all of this the very hard way. I thought that they would be pleased with the knowledge that I had to share. Like how I thought the old lady who lived at the end of our street to be a powerful witch, who looked to be super evil with her vibrant pulsating purple aura, but NO all I got was a that’s not very nice Mason, you shouldn’t talk about people that way. Yeah those conversations always went over real well.

Perhaps I should back up a bit. My name is Masen Avery Croft, and apparently I was born a freak to two completely normal people. I’ve always been tall, I have what my father calls soulful blue eyes, and I have straight auburn hair. You say, I’m sure she’s not really a freak. I say, you really have no idea. I mean seriously how many children do you know who are stronger that Olympic weight lifters and faster than the world’s fastest sprinters. Not to mention the vibes that I get from people or seeing the auras that some people tend to have. Are you convinced yet or should I keep going?

At first my parents placated me with my stories, and told everyone about my overactive imagination. They finally drew the line at Mr. Carson’s funeral, after my mother caught me having a conversation with the dearly departed.

Masen that is enough of this foolishness, why would you even make up such a thing? she asked furiously.

But mama, I’m not making it up. He’s sitting right there with his new golden aura, and he says hello. I said looking sternly back at her. It wasn’t my fault that she couldn’t see him, but what really made me mad was that she thought that I was making it all up.

Masen Avery Croft, you will stop this right now---

But I’m not doing anything----

Not another word. She said. Her words were laced with an impending punishment if I were to have continued.

So I promptly shut up and followed her out to the car. The car ride home was eerily silent. The only types of communication given were the glares being traded by my parents. It was that night that I learned the hard way, that being open and honest about me was wrong. It was just so very wrong.

I just don’t know what to do Jeff. I heard my mom cry. Wait, why was my mom crying?

Maybe it’s just a phase. Maybe she’ll grow out of it. He replied in a soothing voice. Were they talking about me?

Grow out of it! Are you serious? She gets worse with every passing day. Her descriptions become more detailed. Jesus, yesterday she picked up the dryer because my earring rolled under it. Did you hear me, that girl who’s supposed to be our little sweet precious angel, a seven year old picked up our dryer. She said her voice bordering on the edge of hysteria.

I didn’t stick around to hear the end of their conversation. I just hightailed it up to me room, careful to not make any sounds and then silently cried myself to sleep. From that day forward I kept everything to myself. My parents were never going to be that upset with me ever again. If I saw someone, I ignored them. If they tried to talk to me, I let it fall on deaf ears. I was going to be normal, well as normal for me anyway.

∞

My life took an unexpected turn for the better the March after I turned ten. I got off the bus feeling a little odd, like there was something really close by; something that oozed power…something, well it was something. The closer I got to my house the stronger the feeling became. I went on full alert, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do but I was not about to let my parents get hurt. I swung the front door open, and immediately wished that I had friends or at the very least somewhere to run too, because sitting in my living room, chatting amicably with my parents was a man, who had the scariest aura that I had ever seen in my life. Flames, red orange, white hot flames, he was completely surrounded my them, and all I could do was stare.

Masen, run upstairs and put your stuff down. There’s someone we would like you to meet. My dad explained.

OK. I said nervously, chancing a glance at the stranger, who turned and smiled directly at me.

I tried not to make it so obvious, but curiosity got the better of me, and I made it back down stairs in records time.

Wow that was fast! I’m impressed. The stranger said with a wide smile.

Masen, I’d like you to meet my half-brother, and your uncle Damen Gray. My mom said with a fake smile plastered on her face.

My uncle, I thought you didn’t have any siblings and isn’t your maiden name Stewart? I asked feeling confused.

She’s a very clever girl. Damen smirked, and somehow I got the impression that he was proud of me for my skills of deduction.

Well, it’s a tiny bit complicated and a little embarrassing. Mom said trying to avoid the subject.

I think that I can handle it. I said pushing the issue. She opened her mouth to say something, but then closed it again.

What your Mom doesn’t want to say is that your Nana Stewart and my father had a complicated love affair and I was the resulting product. Damen explained quickly.

So that’s where the resemblance comes in. I said quietly digesting this new information.

Pardon me? he asked.

Your hair, it’s the same color as mine, and we have the same noses and cheekbones. I explained as best as I could.

Does anything get by you at all? Wait don’t answer that. I’m really glad that we get to share such beautiful traits. He said proudly. I just blushed and looked down at my now interesting feet.

I mean it. You’re a beautiful, clever, special girl, and I’m very happy to say that we are related. He said as he tilted my face back so that he could look me in the eye, and for once somebody told me that I was special and they meant it in the fantastic sort of way.

∞

If I had to use one word to describe Damen it would be dominating. When he walked into a room, you just had to look at him. When he spoke you listened, his very presence demanded your every attention and utmost respect. He was tall! He had to be at least 6’5", which is pretty intimidating in itself, but his eyes were what really got you. They were jet black and if you looked close enough you could see tiny flames dancing around his pupils. His hair is what I like the most because it was an unruly mess of auburn hair. To any normal person, Damen was wicked scary. To me, at the moment, he was just my uncle who was asking entirely too many questions.

I got the feeling that he knew I was different because every time we went somewhere he’d point out someone and ask me about them. I almost wanted to give in and tell him, but them I’d remember that conversation between my parents and I would clam up. That however all changed one July afternoon.

Damen had left me on the park bench, while he went to retrieve us some ice cream, when she appeared. I’d seen her before. She was without a doubt the most beautiful thing that I had ever seen. She had long straight blond hair, blue eyes, sun kissed skin, and the most blindingly white aura. She was an angel, and what I considered to be Damen’s polar opposite. She smiled sweetly at me, before she caressed the side of my face, before she froze, starring at something behind me. She looked back at me briefly, smiled again, and then disappeared.

You should be honored, not many people are given the opportunity to stand before such an Angel, a very beautiful one at that. Damen said with reserved calmness.

I stared at him wide eyed with my mouth hanging slightly open. I was unable to speak.

You did see her didn’t you? Blond hair, blue eyes, rockin body, angelic aura….. He described.

You saw her too. I mean you really saw her. I said with disbelief, asking for clarification.

I see lots of things that humans don’t see. I’m pretty sure you can see them too. He said searching my face for any clues.

I’m not allowed to talk about it. It disappoints my parents. I said looking away from him feeling ashamed.

You don’t have to hide it from me. You will never be a disappointment to me. He said while stooping in front of me, wiping away a few stray tears that I hadn’t felt escape.

Your parents should be ashamed of themselves. If they could see what I see, how truly unique you really are. He said trailing off.

What are you exactly? I mean it’s obvious that you aren’t just a human like my parents are. Maybe that’s why they don’t see what you see. I said searching for an answer.

I’m afraid that it will frighten you. He said quietly, moving to sit back next to me.

There isn’t much that frightens me. I said putting on my brave face.

What does frighten you? he asked avoiding my earlier question.

Being alone, I see so many other types of people with similar auras, but I’ve never seen anyone remotely like me. Some days I think that I may be the only one of my kind, if I even have a kind. I said slightly disheartened.

As long as I’m here, you’ll never be alone, that I promise you. He said with pure conviction.

Then answer my question. If you’re going to be here for me, then I want the truth. I demanded.

I’m a demon, a true son of Lucifer himself. He said slowly.

Is that why your aura is so bright? I asked curiously, gripping the bench entirely too tight.

Yes. He said simply.

I was so shocked by his level of honesty that I broke the part of the bench that I was holding. Actually I pretty much pulverized that part of the bench.

Oops! I said embarrassed.

I can help you with that, the strength, the speed. I can help you control it, use it to your advantage. He offered.

Really? I asked elated

We’ll start today. He smiled.

∞

By Christmas that year my control over all things had greatly improved. I could get excited about something without worrying about breaking something and I could get mad without setting something on fire. Damen was even teaching me how to fight. It was easy because it came naturally. The yoga that Damen had insisted upon, took some getting used to, but it did help, so I continued to do it.

I was quite surprised when Christmas finally came. Damen had gotten me a huge antique trunk, packed to the rim with clothes and well just about anything that my heart could desire. I was a little over halfway thru the trunk, when my hand came in contact with what seemed to be the bottom, but that couldn’t be right. At my persistence, I finally tapped in what seemed to be the right place, when the bottom gave and sprung up lightly so that I could lift it open. When I saw what was underneath, I immediately shut it again. A knife, who on earth gives a ten year old a knife for Christmas? I chanced a glance over at Damen; he caught it and moved over next to me.

Thank-you so much uncle, it was more than I could have ever hoped for, but why exactly is there a knife in the bottom? I asked curiously.

It’s a dagger, and since you took to hand-to-hand combat so well, I thought that we’d start to incorporate weapons. I thought that you might like your own which is why I got you the trunk. He explained with a guarded expression on his face.

"Why do I get the feeling that this is more along the lines of something that I need to learn rather than something that will help me with my control? I asked cautiously

So observant, yes you are correct. You are special, so much so that people would do foolish things to sway you to their side or try to eliminate you all together. It’s not something that you have to worry about now, but should a situation ever arise, I’d feel better knowing that you could handle yourself. He said gently and I knew that he had been choosing his words carefully.

I nodded in understanding, letting his words slowly sink in.

Who should I be looking out for then? I asked when I was sure that I could speak evenly.

Like I said before, it’s not something that you should worry yourself with now. He said firmly letting me know that the subject was closed for now.

My birthday turned out to be a similar event, only I got a pair of fighting knives instead of another dagger. The new training regimen went much like the first, only slightly more dangerous. I still picked it up easily enough. I also discovered yet another ability. I could heal ridiculously fast. Damen and I found that out together when my block slipped and his blade accidentally cut my arm.

Masen, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have used so much force. He said apologetically while gently cradling my arm. Does it hurt? he asked while wiping away the blood.

No, it stung for a minute, and then it started tingling. I stopped when I heard the sharp intake if his breath. What is it? I asked scared.

Nothing, absolutely nothing! He said elated, moving to show me my now cut free arm.

How is that possible? I asked in disbelief.

It’s because you’re special, unique, and extraordinary. It’s what you are. He said beaming a wide smile at me.

I took the opportunity to put my blade to his throat.

You should never let your opponent distract you. I said smiling. He narrowed his eyes at me. Besides you never called an end to our session, which means that I win. I added with a giggle.

It would seem so and that concludes today’s lesson. He said with a smug look on his face.

∞

The end of February brought forth a new challenge. Sure my body could heal rapidly, but only physically. Emotionally, I had to heal and deal just like everyone else.

I came home from school to see Damen waiting outside for me with a grim expression on his face.

What’s wrong? I asked.

Your…..Jeffrey had an accident today. The equipment that he was operating rolled off the side of the mountain that they were working on. He didn’t make it Masen. He said in a very solemn voice.

Where is my mother? I asked with a hard swallow.

Diana is with some friends, and she’ll be home shortly. I’m here because I thought it best if you stayed with me for the next couple of days, so that Diana can get everything sorted. He explained.

She doesn’t want me here? I asked, but really it was more of a statement than a question.

Of course she does sweetheart, but things are going to be difficult, and she just wants you to be taken care of. He said.

Now why don’t you go in and get you a few things and then we’ll go. I’ll make your favorite dinner and everything. He said trying to make me smile.

I nodded in understanding and then headed in to pack. I wasn’t aware that I was crying until I saw the splotches forming on the bag I had. It was then that I realized that my dad was gone and I let the tears free fall as I lay on my bed and picked up my favorite stuffed animal. It was a bear that my dad had given me. Minutes later I was being held by Damen.

It’s OK angel, just cry alright. He soothed and I just cried harder.

Can you bring him back? I choked out.

No baby, I can’t. He said quietly

I sucked in a couple of deep calming breaths and wiped my eyes.

I’m ready. I said my voice hoarse from the crying.

I stayed with Damen for a little over a week. The only time mom called was to give Damen the information about the funeral. The only reason that I went home when I did was because I had called her practically begging. I should have stayed with Damen, at least he cared.

∞

I tried everything my eleven year old mind could come up with to console my mother. I missed him too. She didn’t have to be alone, but the harder I tried the more she pushed me away. I’m pretty sure that one day I caught her mumbling something about never wanting me, that it had all been Jeff’s idea, but when I asked her about it she said that it must have been my imagination working in overdrive again.

I ended up spending more and more time with Damen. He even started taking me too and from school. The hurt over the loss of my dad and the anger that I felt towards my mom had greatly increased the lethalness of my fighting skills. I was now more dangerous than ever.

∞

That summer he took me on vacation with him to New Orleans, where I met his closest friends, the Girard’s. They were French and they had a huge home in the historical district, it had a pool and so I was sold on the vacation.

I rather enjoyed our time down there. Adele and Auguste were demons like Damen, probably midgrade if I had to guess, as was their son Nic who was absolutely gorgeous. He was without a doubt my first crush with his dark hair and his dark eyes. Of course he had no idea that I even existed. He was fifteen and really couldn’t be bothered to be hanging around an eleven year old, but that all changed the day that we fought.

So Nic, your dad tells me that you’ve become quite the skilled fighter? Damen asked casually.

Yes Sir. He answered respectfully.

I wonder then if you’d be up to a little challenge then-Damen started.

I’d be honored sir. Nic interrupted quite sure of his skill.

Well since you’ve already accepted, I won’t bother finishing my earlier question, but would you allow Masen to choose the weapon? he asked.

Me! I squeaked.

Masen he shouted as if it were beneath him.

Yes, she has become quite skilled in the last year. He said smugly.

Fine! he huffed like a petulant child before turning to glare at me. Your weapon, choose it. He spat at me.

I don’t want to hurt you. Perhaps hand to hand combat would be better. I said quietly.

Hurt me?! There is no possible way that you could hurt me, but I accept your terms. He said while stalking forward menacingly.

He threw a punch that I easily avoided, by ducking to the ground and knocking his feet out from under him. He hit the ground with a loud oomph. I’m pretty sure that I heard him cuss. He was slow to get up, so I took advantage of it by kicking him square in the chest. He never saw it coming and it effectively knocked him across the room.

You will pay for that. He snarled and then somehow he was suddenly behind me. As soon as he touched me, I stomped his foot, flipped him over and somehow accidentally broke his wrist in the process. He howled in pain and Damen called an end to the fight. He looked even smugger than before if that were even possible.

I’m really sorry. I said looking down at Nic.

It’ll be fine in the morning. Are you sure that you’ve only been doing this for a year? he asked genuinely interested.

Yeah, sort if, I’ve only been doing weapons since Christmas. I admitted shyly.

And she’s absolutely lethal. You are quite lucky that she choose to fight without them because she would have killed you. Damen interjected still as smug as before.

Well then, I’ll make a mental note to not ever piss off the princess. Nic smiled at me while Damen was glaring at him.

Nic made it a habit of calling me princess for the rest of the week. I wasn’t sure why, but from the glares he received from Damen, I wasn’t sure that I really wanted to know. The rest of the week passed without incident. Nic and I sparred a few more times. We even fenced a few times, which was different, but I took to it easily enough. He was much better at it than I was, but he gave sound advice, and I was finally able to beat him by the end of the week.

Our departure was saddening because it meant that we were returning to our individual homes. Damen promised that we would return and Nic promised to stay in touch, so I forced myself to smile and we left.

∞

Don’t get me wrong or anything, I loved my mom, but since my dad had died, well she had pretty much just checked out. Gone were the days of a warm motherly made breakfast, a good day send off, a hug when I returned, or a freshly prepared dinner just for us. Now if breakfast was warm it’s because I made it. My greetings come from Damen when he drops me off or when he picks me up and dinner is always split between Damen and me. He was the one who ended up taking me shopping for clothes and supplies. If it hadn’t of been for Damen, well I don’t know how I would have survived.

My twelfth birthday passed without incident. The highlight was opening the tiny package that I’d received from Nic and his parents. It was a beautiful crystal crown pendant, hanging from a platinum chain. The card read to my princess from her most dutiful servants, Love Nic and the Girard’s. I’m pretty sure that I squealed like a girl. I couldn’t believe that they had remembered something as insignificant as my birthday. Damen told me that my birthday was the most significant day in the world, so I shouldn’t be surprised that people would remember it.

I giggled and reached for Grandma Meredith’s card.

I do believe that you may be slightly biased on the matter. I said with as much seriousness as I could muster.

That may be, but it doesn’t make it any less true. He countered smiling.

∞

The Saturday after we got out for spring break, I woke up with a terrible feeling. I couldn’t pinpoint where exactly it was coming from. I needed to because it was seriously overshadowing the elation that I had about the upcoming return to New Orleans. Hoping that I could somehow shake the feeling I got up and began my normal routine. My mother finally emerged from her bedroom, after my third knock. I gave her a small smile as I poured her coffee and then I went to greet Damen at the door because I could just feel him pull in the drive. I came back into the kitchen with Damen hot on my heels. My mood was jubilant because he was going to help me make Belgium waffles. However that mood came to a screeching halt at the threshold of the kitchen. A flurry of emotions swept across me as I stared at the strange, trashy looking man that was wrapped around my mother in the most intimate way. Damen loudly cleared his throat and they slightly broke apart.

Oh Bobby, let me introduce you to my half-brother Damen and my daughter Masen. She said with a small blush.

Daughter uh, you didn’t say anything about having a kid, but she’s right pretty. He said smiling directly at me. I suppressed my urge to shudder.

Do you guys want any breakfast? I asked politely trying to shake off the revulsion that flowed through me.

No thanks sugar. We’re going out for breakfast. Bobby said.

This time I did shudder because I was trying to suppress the urge to hit him. I was nobody’s sugar. Damen immediately stepped in.

So what exactly are your plans for the day? Damen asked coolly.

Well I thought that we’d make a day of it. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, the zoo, some shopping, whatever my girl wants……. He said smiling at my mom.

I thought that you know since I’m leaving that you were going to help me pack and stuff. I said trying not to sound too bothered.

Oh honey, you know that I’m no good at that stuff, besides aren’t you guys leaving today. She said trying to sound sweet while blowing me off.

Actually…. I started.

Yes we are. Damen answered quickly.

I looked over at him quizzically, but he wasn’t looking in my direction.

See honey! I’ll see you next weekend. Have fun! She said as they departed from the kitchen.

I ate my breakfast in complete silence. I was hurt, shocked, and angry. I finished up just after they had left. Damen took my plate and started loading the dishwasher.

If you need to do some laundry go ahead, it may take me awhile to get our tickets changed. He said softly. I nodded and then headed off to prepare things. I only had one load to do, so I tried to occupy myself with other menial things, but I could not shake the irrational emotions that were threatening to overtake me.

I felt so abandoned. I was hurt and mad and scared because when I saw my reflection in the bathroom mirror my eyes were swirling with really dark smoke. In a moment of what I can only describe as insanity, I started finding myself in other rooms of the house without ever having walked into them. I finally found myself in the kitchen and began taking out my frustrations on our cast iron cookware. It was then that Damen came busting through the front door trying to calm me.

Shhhh. He soothed. It’s all going to be alright. The plane leaves right after lunch and the Girard’s are pleased that we’ll be early. Just please, please calm down. He pleaded quietly and calmly.

I nodded my head and began taking deep calming breaths. We landed in New Orleans a little after two that afternoon. My mood had yet to improve.

Do you want to talk about it? Damen asked quietly from the driver’s seat of the rental car.

I just don’t understand. He’s only been gone a little over a year, and that man looked so trashy. It makes me wonder if she cares; if she ever cared at all. I replied staring out my window.

Of course she cares. Who could not? Damen asked with a smile in his voice. It was times like these that I wish that Damen had been my father.

Besides, we’re going to have so much more fun that she’ll be having. Adele has an adventure planned just for the two of you, Nic is hoping to spar with you some more, and Auguste wants to take you to a couple of the museums that you missed the first time. He said letting his voice trail off at the end.

I really do like the Girard’s. It’s just that they have what I used to have and right now I’m finding it a little hard to be happy about going. I tried to explain.

Do you want to stay in a hotel? He asked.

No. I’m sure that I’ll eventually snap out of this funk that I’ve fallen into. I wouldn’t want to hurt Adele’s feelings. I said continuing to stare out the window.

She would understand. He said calmly.

I know she would, but I could really use one of those famous Girard family hugs. I said trying to smile.

We pulled up in front of the Chateau de Girard not long after and Adele immediately swept me up in a motherly embrace. I clenched my jaw to keep the tears in check. Ten bucks said that I would not be getting a return greeting like that from my mom next Saturday.

I stayed pretty silent during their jovial banter and then I followed Adele upstairs to my room, so that I could get everything settled. I didn’t hear Nic when he entered.

You’ve gotten taller. He said

I am just a kid, it’s part of what we do. I retorted.

They weren’t exaggerating. You are in a right foul mood. He said pushing off the wall and moving to sit on my bed.

Sorry, I am trying. I said apologetically.

Don’t apologize; she’s lucky that you didn’t blast her into pieces. She doesn’t deserve you. He said softly pulling me into a hug.

How would one exactly blast someone into pieces? I asked curiously.

Well I don’t really know, but it got you distracted. Hey you’re wearing the necklace. He said with a smile.

I rarely take it off. I answered with a smile of my own.

I’m glad you like it. Now come on, I’m pretty sure that mom would love some help in the kitchen and I’m real sure that I smelled her baking cookies earlier. He said with his eyes alight as he practically pulled me down the stairs.

Dinner that evening was a quiet affair. I’m pretty sure that they were afraid to say something that might set me off. I didn’t mind the quiet, but the tension was so thick that you could practically cut it with a knife. Afterwards I helped Adele clear the table and load the dishwasher. Nic came in the moment we were finished.

Son there is no way that you can still be hungry after the meal that you just had. Adele said teasing her son.

I’m not. I was just wondering if maybe Masen would like to go out for a bit, to the park perhaps, Damen said that it would be fine. He added on at the end.

Yeah sure, just let me grab my pullover. I said before darting up the back stairwell. I came back down the front stairs to find Damen waiting for me.

Have fun and be careful. He said while giving me a quick hug. I nodded and followed Nic out the front door.

The park was roughly a fifteen minute walk from the Girard’s. We walked because in Louisiana, you didn’t get a license until you were seventeen.

So, thanks for bringing me to the park. I said as we made our way over to the swings.

It wasn’t a problem. He said with a shrug.

I know, but you could be out with your friends, so that warrants a thank you. I said.

I guess, but you happen to be way cooler than my friends. He said with a smirk.

What would your friends say if they heard you talking like that? I asked with mock shock.

I don’t think they’d say too much. He said pretending to think it over. Come on, I want to spin you on the merry go round until you threaten to spew. He added with a laugh.

He did too. Thank goodness I didn’t vomit though. I had a lot of fun. We were just getting ready to leave when we heard a very loud menacing howl pierce through the cool night air. It was closely followed by a horrific scream.

Ok, it’s now officially time to go. Nic said grabbing my upper arm.

Are you crazy? That person might be in trouble. We have to help them. I said jerking out of his hold and running in the direction of the scream.

Damnit Masen He cursed, but I heard his footfalls behind me.

Oh my! I said in a whisper as I stooped behind some bushes. What is it? I asked once Nic had finally caught up to me.

A werewolf, one of the true children of the moon, I didn’t even think about the moon being full tonight. We have got to get out of here. He said pulling me back.

Wow! Who knew that Hollywood had it so right? I said cocking my head to gain a better view. We have to help that person. I said giving him a glare.

That person is dead! How are we supposed to help dead? He asked rather heatedly.

Well we don’t, but we do keep that thing from eating anybody else. I replied harshly.

You can’t be serious? He asked shocked.

Are you afraid? I asked tauntingly.

I’m not afraid of anything little girl. What about you? He snapped his eyes boring into mine.

Oh I’m just peachy. I replied coolly.

"Good, because it seems that you have gotten his attention." He sneered.

I didn’t get a chance to retort because the wolf, whose muzzle was drenched and dripping blood decided to charge. We instantly jumped apart. I landed on my backside in a puddle of mud, so I wasted no time in getting back up. The wolf looked at me curiously for a moment. I guess it was trying to determine who the bigger threat was, but before he could reach his internal conclusion Nic decided to pounce on him only to be swatted away into the trunk of a nearby tree. Seriously who taught him how to fight?

Nic! I screamed when he didn’t get back up. He wasn’t moving. Instantly rage flooded my system. I could feel the burning in my gut and I let it rip right through my body. I could see the flames dancing in the wolf’s eyes. He growled. I smiled. He lunged. I rolled piercing through his chest and abdomen with the dagger that was always strapped to my calf.

I watched in amazement as the offending creature burst into flames and disintegrated into ash.

Holy Hell! I heard Nic croak from behind me.

You’re alright. I sighed as relief coursed through my being.

Of course I’m alright. He snapped, shoving my helping hand away. He got up and stormed off into the general direction of his home. I silently followed. We were back at the road before he spoke again.

Are you happy now? He asked in a very curt tone.

I don’t think that I appreciate your tone, but yes I’m feeling oddly jubilant and very satisfied. I said with a wide smile.

"Well I’m so glad that it took you almost getting killed to finally break you out of your funk!" He exclaimed.

Oh it didn’t come anywhere close to that. So quit your whining before I start calling you a baby. I snapped

You have no idea how close it came do you? He asked his voice laced with venom.

I know that I saw you get your ass smacked into a tree. Seriously do you have defensive skills? I asked out of annoyance.

Damen is going to kill me. He said with a loud sigh.

Why? I asked like he was stupid or something.

Why? He asked with wide eyes. Do you have any idea what you look like right now? Your entire backside is covered in mud. You’ve got dirt streaks across your face and your hair; well it looks like you’ve been in a fight with a werewolf. He said rather loudly.

Why do you suppose it had a red aura? I asked changing the subject. He stopped and looked directly into my eyes.

You can see auras? He asked completely shocked.

Well yeah, I’ve always been able too. Can’t you see them? I asked hoping my freak-o-meter wasn’t about to go flying off the charts.

Sadly he shook his head no. I was a freak even amongst demons.

I suppose it’s because shifters run abnormally high temperatures, though I don’t know for sure. He said stepping away from me and continuing home.

Yours is really beautiful. I whispered quietly following him.

∞

What on earth happened to you too? Adele gasped after we walked back into the house. Her cry prompted Damen and Auguste to immediately pile into the foyer.

Masen thought it would be a good idea to pick a fight with a werewolf this evening. Nic said completely throwing me under the bus.

Werewolf! Adele whispered in shock.

We’ll need to call the elders. Auguste mumbled

And you let her? Damen asked looking very livid.

Have you ever tried to keep her from doing anything that she has set her mind too? Nic asked defensively.

Would somebody care to explain to me what the big deal is? The fight lasted less than five minutes. I asked a little annoyed.

Tell me what happened. Damen demanded.

Well were getting ready to leave when we heard it howl, so I insisted that we check it out even though Nic insisted that we leave. He’s not very fast by the way. I said breaking off a little. Anyway we were a little late because it was already eating a person. Nic and I argued about what should happen, we get its attention and it attacks. It knocked Nic into a tree and then it jumped at me. I rolled under it and thrust my dagger into its chest and it burst into flames and disintegrated into a pile of ash. I explained with a shrug.

You killed it? Damen and Adele asked at the same time. Adele’s face was still one of shock, but Damen’s held a smugness that I would know anywhere. He was proud of me.

She killed it? Auguste asked Nic

Yes Sir. He responded firmly.

I’m not sure how we should proceed from here. Auguste said looking worried.

I don’t understand. What exactly is going on here? I asked curiously

We have an agreement with the local pack. They stay out of our way, we stay out of theirs. Auguste stated slowly.

"But it attacked and ate a person." I said pointedly

How close to the road was it? Damen asked in a calculating manor.

Very close. Nic replied

It could have been a rogue. Would one of the pack members have been so careless? Damen asked

It’s a possibility. I suppose that we’ll find out soon enough. Auguste said looking less troubled.

I was bothered and confused, so I just excused myself to get cleaned up. About an hour later, I heard the growling start outside. I grabbed my fighting knives and went to the door to listen. I found that there was another person in the house with his own unique essence. When I closed my eyes on concentrated on it I found that I could feel seven creatures with the same essence surrounding the house. The wolves were here.

Once outside my doorway, I could hear the voices of a hushed disagreement. I quietly made my way to the top of the stairs so that I could hear better.

It was an unprovoked attack. An unfamiliar voice seethed.

Perhaps your newest recruit should have been more careful, shown a little more restraint. Damen argued calmly.

Careful! Restraint the man roared. I should be saying these things to you. After all if they’d been trained properly then I wouldn’t be here right now. He spit at Damen.

Xavier, please calm down. We can work this out. Auguste said trying to sound diplomatic

He didn’t come to work this out. He came for revenge. I said from the top of the stairs. All heads whipped in my direction. Damen shot me a warning glance, which I ignored and continued my descent down the stairs.

Oh of course he did my dear. We are just trying to hammer out some of the finer details. Adele said with a smile.

Forgive me then, but I wouldn’t have brought a hunting party with me for renegotiations. I stated softly.

My first and second are out waiting by the door. Xavier said smiling at me.

Then what do you have to say about the other five surrounding the house and the three across the street? I asked as sweetly as I could, picking up the other three.

You’re not like them. Xavier said studying me intently. I think that we will spare you. He said in a cold voice.

You’d be dead before you could give the signal. I said giving him my iciest glare.

Why do you even care? He asked perplexed.

You came to punish for what was done. I killed your pack member against all protest. They are not responsible for the crime. I explained.

Masen dear, I think that’s quite enough. Why don’t you head back upstairs, and let us clear up this misunderstanding. Adele pleaded with me.

I don’t think so. I replied with a giggle, never once taking my eyes off Xavier.

"You killed him. Why? He asked carefully.

He attacked and ate a person, in a very public location for anyone to see. I value human life a little bit more than that. I said choosing my words very carefully.

He opened his mouth to say something, but he couldn’t seem to find the words.

It seems as though Masen has done you a great favor. She has curbed a rogue and in doing so has safeguarded your secret. Damen said proudly

As I see it, we can fight it out or you can leave now with your pack still intact. Our previous agreement is still in effect of course. Auguste said fighting back a smile.

This will not be the last time that you see me child. Xavier snapped in my direction.

I certainly hope it’s not. I said smiling politely and watched him storm out the door.

Once the door was shut, I remained still and started concentrating on their essence.

Masen, what’s wrong? Damen asked kneeling directly in front of me.

Shhhh. I said quietly. I squeezed my eyes tighter and cocked my head to the side, as if to hear more clearly.

They’re leaving. I said after a couple of minutes.

I heard the collective sighs of relief and then I was immediately swept up into Damen’s arms.

I’m so proud of you baby girl. He said proudly

Thanks. I said