Fledgling

By Natasha Brown

Normal. Wouldn't that be nice?

Ana Hughes has always wanted to be like any other teenager. But her life-threatening heart condition has always gotten in the way. A fresh start in a new town gives her the opportunity to pretend she's like everybody else.

When she meets handsome Chance Morgan, she suspects she isn't the only one keeping a secret. Chance's animal-like senses and miraculous healing ability make Ana question if he's playing tricks on her.

The truth may be too much for Ana's delicate heart. But there could be a greater danger if a supernatural world exists where everything and everyone are not what they seem.

The Shapeshifter Chronicles
Fledgling
Prodigy
Emergent
Ascension

• Language: English
• Publisher: Natasha Brown
• Release date: Aug 14, 2012
• ISBN: 9780615591735

Natasha Brown

Natasha was born in Nevada City, California. An only child, she used her imagination while exploring the forest surrounding her home. Her natural interest in fantasy ignited when her parents read 'The Hobbit' to her as a youth, and from then on anything seemed possible. Once awarded with a Hershey's bar 'the size of a Buick' in her High School English class for creative writing, her passion and interest in writing has never dimmed.She now lives in Littleton, Colorado with her husband and two children.

Book preview

Chapter

1

Sterile white walls surrounded Ana once again. They provided a form of anesthesia, a cocoon that left her comfortably numb. She sat on the examination table, her hands folded on her lap. Even though she was eighteen and technically an adult, she felt like she was six years old again and totally powerless.

Good thing we don’t pay Dr. Wilson by the hour, her mother sighed.

Ana glanced over. Melissa was fidgeting with her watch. Permanent worry lines creased her otherwise attractive features, making her appear far older than

she

was

.

Ana gripped the edge of the padded table and shrugged. "Mom, you should know it always takes longer than you expect. Nothing moves

quickly

here

."

A sharp knock announced Dr. Wilson, a tall man with glasses. Hello ladies, I’m sorry I’m running late today.

Ana’s mother jumped up, almost knocking her purse onto the floor, and shook the

doctor’s

hand

.

Nice seeing you again, Dr. Wilson said. "How

are

you

?"

I’ve been better. The strain on Melissa’s face was evident. "I was

laid

off

."

Dr. Wilson frowned. "I’m sorry to hear. Any hope for a

new

job

?"

Melissa shrugged. Well, my sister talked to my old boss at Clark Bend Bank, but that’s in Idaho.

Ana shot her a glare, which she conveniently avoided. Her mother sighed, Eva won’t be happy about leaving her friends, but she’s resilient. But, I’m not sure about dragging Ana out of state. Is it too risky?

Dr. Wilson adjusted his glasses. It couldn’t hurt moving to a lower altitude. More available oxygen could make Ana a bit more comfortable.

Ana wondered if they’d notice if she stood up and left the room. As if reading her mind, Dr. Wilson turned to face her. Ana, I didn’t mean to ignore you. How are you feeling?

She recognized his familiar frown. Why did everyone always have to feel sorry for her? She was sick and tired of it. She wasn’t pitiful like a stray dog. Or was she? Ana stared into his eyes and saw the answer.

"

I’m

fine

."

Baby, weren’t you complaining of shortness of breath? Melissa glanced at her. I noticed you had problems the other day carrying the laundry upstairs.

That’s no different from three weeks ago, Ana said under her breath.

Dr. Wilson nodded sympathetically and crossed his arms. I’m going to be honest. I know you don’t want to hear the word transplant, but I’m afraid that’s where we’re headed. Your heart’s hardening more rapidly now, and I’m worried you’re approaching congenital heart failure. At this rate, you may only have a few months.

Silence fell. With each breath Ana took, she counted away the seconds she would never get back. Each breath closer to surgery or worse.

Dr. Wilson breached the quiet room with his softened voice. Although moving may be a bit of an adjustment, it could give you more time in the waiting game. When you’re placed on the transplant list, it could be a day or a year. Idaho doesn’t have any transplant centers, but Washington does, and I know the division chief at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Where was it in Idaho you were thinking of moving?

Melissa cleared her throat and answered, Clark Bend in northern Idaho. It’s not too far from Seattle.

Well, it’s up to you ladies, but I would support the move as long as Ana takes it easy. He grinned and squeezed Ana’s shoulder. No carrying heavy boxes or armchairs.

His wire-rimmed glasses gleamed from the fluorescent lighting, and Ana’s reflection stared back at her blankly. She was having a worst-case scenario kind of day. Then she considered it was more like a worst-case scenario kind

of

life

.

Melissa caught her eye. Worry was written all over her face. Her mother only wanted the best for her, and it had just gone from hard to worse after the layoffs. A job with insurance was necessary. With no family nearby, going through a transplant would be a challenge, to say the least. Melissa needed her sister’s support.

Ana was never at leisure to make decisions based on what she wanted. She was always handcuffed without a choice. Choice would imply there was more than one option, and there never was. Not in

her

case

.

While her doctor told her mother about the state-of-the-art facility in Washington, Ana dropped to the floor and walked to the window. Her long, pale fingers tightened into fists, and she closed her eyes tight. She was tired of the constraints of her body and the never-ending fear that plagued her. She hated her heart. It always ruined everything. Peering from the third-story window down to the cars driving past on the streets below, she wished she could trade places with any anonymous, normal person. Boring would be great. If her biggest problems were cars and boys, she’d be overjoyed.

Normal. Was that too much

to

ask

?

Chapter

2

Ana shifted her weight on the backseat of her mother’s Honda. The worn leather groaned in protest.

She yawned, which drew her mother’s attention. Melissa looked at her through the rearview mirror. How’re you holding up back there?

Ana arched her back to stretch. Fine. Just tired of sitting.

Long strands of chestnut hair fell loose from her ponytail, whipped by the breeze from the open window. Each hair so free, she thought. A ribbon of jealousy wove its way around her chest and squeezed the air from her lungs.

We’re almost there. Shouldn’t be much longer, her

mother

said

.

Ana rested her head against the window and watched the passing scenery in silence. Evergreen forests shrouded the mountains with dense growth and fields of butter yellow grass waved in the breeze. The postcard landscape would have soothed her nerves at home in Colorado, but with each passing mile, she felt more isolated and alone.

A haphazard pile of food wrappers, magazines, and a lumpy pillow that had seen better days covered the passenger seat. Ana’s reprieve from navigating for her mother up front provided only a fleeting break from those watchful maternal eyes. As she glanced up at the rear-view mirror, she noted the familiar creased frown her mother wore when she didn’t think Ana was watching. Always under surveillance.

Her mother’s frown changed into a strained smile. Clark Bend’s only a little further. We’ll be able to stretch our legs as soon as we get to the house.

The flash of sun glinting off a metal sign caught Ana’s attention. Welcome to Idaho—thanks, she mumbled.

What’s that, baby? her mother asked from the

front

seat

.

Nothing.

She didn’t think Idaho looked any different than Montana, the state they’d just traveled through. The same dark river had curled alongside the highway for what seemed like hours. As it grew wider, she knew they were drawing closer to town. Its source, the Lake Pend Oreille, was just beyond Clark Bend, a place Ana remembered from her childhood.

Melissa switched off the radio. Hey, girls? You want me to drive by your schools really quick?

Ana glanced over at her twelve-year-old sister, Eva, who folded her arms and glared out the window. The whole trip she’d made her position clear—she was angry about being ripped away from her friends.

No, we definitely don’t need to do that,

Eva

spat

.

Ana also had no interest in seeing her new school. A pain in her chest made her flinch, and her heart sputtered. Heat radiated from her face down to her fingers while she thought about the inevitable gawking on the first day at school. A small town like this would definitely notice the new girl walking down the hallways. She tried convincing herself it was an opportunity for a fresh start, but it was a hard sell. How was it a good thing to be in a new school at the end of her

senior

year

?

Ana tried distracting herself from her concerns and grasped the silver chain around her neck to admire the gift her mother bought her along the way, a charm of a regal bird with wings outstretched. If she could pick an animal that represented freedom, it would be an eagle. She would give anything to fly away and

be

free

.

Ana’s gaze fell on her sister, who was squirming in her seat. "Eva,

you

okay

?"

Her sister’s eyes crinkled into a frown. "I’ve

gotta

go

."

Eva tilted her head and squinted at her mom through the rearview mirror. Her tangled brown hair tumbled over her shoulders. She had a weak bladder, and when she said she had to go, it was best to listen.

Ana leaned forward. "Mom, I don’t think it can wait—better

pull

over

."

Can’t hold it, Miss D? Melissa asked.

Ugh, I hate going outside. Eva rolled her eyes. "And I’m not six anymore. Stop calling me that—I’m not

a

diva

."

Sorry, D. Better safe than sorry. There’s a turn-out just ahead. Melissa drove a little further and pulled off

the

road

.

Eva groaned before wrenching open her door and walking toward a clump of tall grass near a grove of trees.

"Hey, Ana, would you mind getting out and keeping an eye on her? Your sister isn’t at home in the wilderness like

you

are

."

Ana nodded, stepped out of the car, and walked slowly around the back of the sedan to sit on the bumper. She saw movement behind the trees off the side of the road and heard a loud snap followed by a

startled

yelp

.

You okay? she

called

out

.

Her sister’s voice answered, Yeah, this tree’s grabbing me. Give me a minute. Any cars coming?

"Don’t worry, sweetie. I can barely

see

you

."

Ana grabbed a long stalk of grass beside her foot and twisted it around her pointer finger. Movement from the field on the opposite side of the highway drew her attention. A tuft of red fur flashed from between some bushes. After waiting another moment, she spotted the animal creep out from under a log and pause. Ana sucked in her breath.

It was a fox. The patch of white fur on its chest looked so silky, she wondered how soft it really was. The animal darted across the field and dipped out of view. Then it came back into her line of sight, leaped up a hillock into the air. In a blur of movement, a large bird swooped into the air. The dying sunlight allowed her to discern the pointy horns of an owl, which appeared unsteady as it rose through the sky. Ana soon lost sight of it behind the tall trees.

She searched the ground for the fox and couldn’t find it. It had disappeared. Was her mind playing tricks on her? Ana told herself she was imagining things. The fox was probably just hidden in the grass.

"Well, I don’t have to go to the bathroom anymore, but now I have a scrape on

my

arm

."

Ana turned to face her sister, who had a twig snagged in her hair. Snickering, Ana reached out and removed it from

Eva’s

head

.

Did you go sightseeing? I wasn’t sure if you were walking to the house, Melissa said as the girls climbed into the car. She started the engine and slowly pulled back onto

the

road

.

Eva crossed her arms. "I didn’t want anyone to

see

me

."

From space? Ana asked with a frown.

Eva combed her fingers through her ratty hair and grew more agitated with every knot she found. I can’t wait for a shower.

Ana nodded in agreement and touched Eva’s arm. "I’ll let you take the

first

one

."

Her sister shot her a grin, and Ana returned her attention out the window. After a couple of minutes, a ditch in the road jolted the car. She noticed a dust-covered road sign. They were

close

now

.

As if on cue, her mother announced, "All right, here we are. Home

sweet

home

."

They drove past a field of tall grass and turned down a gravel driveway. There before them was Grandma Jo’s house. It had been over five years since they last visited, which wasn’t a happy memory. Funerals were never pleasant.

Dull windows peeked out from behind low branches in a grove of firs. Modest-sized to begin with, the house was dwarfed by the tall evergreens that surrounded it. The cheery pastel blue paint and the bare flower beds lining the walkway begged for attention. The lush surroundings were a little overgrown and needed a good pruning. Ana’s thoughts soured. It was familiar, but it wasn’t home. Not hers. The last person who lived there

had

died

.

The silence in the car was broken when Eva got out of the car and started up the front walk. Their mom opened her door and stood up to stretch, but Ana sank further into her leather seat. She shut her eyes and heard Melissa ask, Hey Ana—you coming? Don’t you want to come in and say hi to your aunt and uncle?

Ana’s eyes flicked open and noticed the maroon sedan parked beside them in the driveway. She reached for the door and took one last breath before pushing herself out of the car. She walked to the front stoop where her mother and sister were and waited for the onslaught of emotion. Before Melissa could reach the door, it swung open. Aunt Tera burst out and embraced her sister.

Oh my, you girls are gorgeous! Their aunt gushed. Why, you are simply stunning, Ana. Just look at your beautiful figure.

Aunt Tera winked and lifted Ana’s arms to point out her curves. Ana extracted herself from her aunt’s grip to wrap her arms around her waist, trying to conceal herself.

Then Aunt Tera turned toward Eva. And you! Eva! My, you’re so graceful. Like a ballerina!

Eva giggled and embraced her adoring aunt. It was clear she enjoyed the attention.

After fussing over her nieces, Aunt Tera gave her sister another warm hug, and the two of them chatted about the road trip. Arm in arm, they sauntered inside. Aunt Tera’s tight curls bounced around her cheery face, and Ana heard her say in an undertone, I’m so happy you’re here and not a minute too soon. Jace is getting back into fishing, and you know how much I can’t stand the smell of his gear—not to mention eatin’ fish. Thank goodness I have someone else on my side when it comes to picking dinner.

Ana shook her head. Things hadn’t changed much. Her aunt was still the same boisterous woman she remembered. Ana had always tried to spot the similarities between her mother and aunt. It was like a game. She studied Melissa’s short brown hair and thin features and compared them to Tera’s curly red hair and round face. As they snickered together, Ana noted the laugh lines framing their lips were like parentheses.

You all must be so tired and hungry. Don’t worry, I made you spaghetti. And we’ll be out of your hair after dinner. We don’t want to tire you out. Aunt Tera’s gaze lingered on Ana, and she squeezed her shoulder.

When they sauntered into the house, a voice boomed in greeting. "

Welcome

home

!"

Thick as a trunk, Uncle Jace’s form towered before them with open arms. He got to Melissa first, then Eva. Last of all Ana was wrapped in a bear hug that took the breath out of her. She freed herself from his grip and rubbed her sore shoulders.

The sweat-stained band on Uncle Jace’s fishing hat indicated it hadn’t left his head for a very long time. Ana doubted he could remove it even if he tried. Then she figured it was probably better it stayed where it was. Pale blond locks poked out from beneath the brim, like saplings searching for light. Always eager to tell a new story or joke, Uncle Jace’s blue eyes twinkled, unable to hold back a laugh.

Jace, you’re just a big kid! Melissa said, shaking

her

head

.

Aunt Tera winked at Eva. "And that’s why we never had any—he keeps me busy enough keeping an eye

on

‘

im

."

The smell of spaghetti hit them, and Ana’s stomach grumbled. Aunt Tera heard her belly’s groans and said, "For heaven’s sake, let these ladies eat! They don’t want to stand around while there’s perfectly good food in the

other

room

!"

They were shepherded into the kitchen, and Ana noticed the stink of menthol cigarettes her grandma used to smoke. She’d always hated that smell. One more thing to make her feel

at

home

.

They set their tired, hungry bodies in front of the old kitchen table, set for five. A huge yellow bowl of spaghetti, a basket of breadsticks, and fresh Parmesan cheese beckoned

to

them

.

You’re the best, Aunt Tera, Eva said with

a

sigh

.

Uncle Jace chuckled and answered, "She made enough to feed

an

army

!"

Aunt Tera muttered under her breath about spaghetti leftovers being better than eating fish for the next week. Ana snickered as she sat down next

to

Eva

.

Now, I wasn’t sure what you were bringing with you, so I went ahead and brought some extra towels and kitchen utensils. I’ve never really bothered going through anything of Mom’s, so I hope you have just about everything you need here—you know how she couldn’t get rid of anything. Aunt Tera paused to grasp her sister’s hand. She hurriedly wiped a tear and continued. "So, Mel—Danny over at the bank’s expecting you on Monday. He’s got everything set and seemed a touch eager to see you

again

,

too

."

Melissa shook her head and shut her eyes. I hope you weren’t encouraging him, Tera. You know how he used to annoy me. That man just doesn’t know when to stop talking.

When Ana removed her napkin from her lap, her aunt turned with a serious expression and asked, So Ana, when’s your doctor’s appointment? Where was it? Spokane?

Ana exhaled, disappointed she wasn’t able to avoid the question. Yeah. It’s in a couple weeks. That’s not too far of a drive, right?

Yeah. Although, it depends on how fast you go. If you drive slow like Jace over here, then it’ll take longer.

Jace puffed up his chest and defended himself. "

Hey

,

now

."

Aunt Tera exchanged a glance with her sister and continued unfazed, You feeling any better since you got here? I know it’s been less than an hour, but Mel says we’re at a lower altitude than Denver. That’s supposed to help, right?

Yeah, that’s what the doctors tell us, Ana said, hoping to end the line of questioning. "I haven’t noticed anything yet. Still

kinda

soon

."

Uncle Jace smirked as he tore through a breadstick and mopped the extra sauce on his plate. "If you come fishing with me, I bet you’ll feel great! Some fresh air and sweet silence—nothing

like

it

."

Aunt Tera patted Ana’s arm. There should be some really nice kids in town for you to make friends with. I bet they won’t care a thing about your heart condition.

I wasn’t planning on telling anyone, Ana said and stood up so fast her cup almost tipped over. Maybe removing herself from the table would distance herself from all of these exhaustive questions. She collected the empty plates and went to set them in

the

sink

.

Aunt Tera stood up and stopped her from washing the dishes. Oh sweetie, you don’t need to do that after the day you’ve had! Why don’t you go rest on the couch? Tera shooed her away. "Oh, and Jace parked the old van out near the shed—the keys are just there on the counter. It should get you to school and back

just

fine

."

Ana reluctantly lowered the dish back into the sink and wandered into the living room, eager for some peace and quiet.

Later that night, when the maroon sedan drove down the gravel driveway carrying her relatives away, Ana sighed in relief. She imagined herself a tornado survivor. Only two more hurdles to pass. She still had to unpack, and then there was school on Monday. How was this better than staying in Colorado?

All right, the movers will be here any time now. Are we still agreed on who gets which room? Melissa asked the girls.

Ana and Eva nodded. Every summer when they visited in the past, Ana had stayed in her mom’s old room, a dark space with low slanted ceilings. Eva naturally gravitated toward the large airy room that once housed Aunt Tera’s belongings. There was no need for discussion.

Eva climbed onto the living room couch and plugged her nose as she reached for the large retro TV remote. Pew, this couch stinks. I wish we hadn’t sold ours. Mom, did you bring the disinfectant or some odor-eating spray?

While Eva and their mom discussed their cleaning plans, Ana’s anxiety level peaked. She needed to get out of the house and see the sky. It was dusky out, but she remembered how to find the way to her special place.

Ana slipped on her jacket. "I’m going outside. Let me know when my

stuff’s

here

."

Melissa frowned and looked out the living room window. The sun set behind the trees. "I don’t know, baby. It’s getting cold out, and you’ve had such a long day already. Can’t it wait until tomorrow night? I’d rather you stay inside

and

rest

."

I’m going, Ana said with a glare.

Ana turned around and walked into the kitchen. She flung open the cupboards in search of a flashlight and came up short. She didn’t really need a light anyway. She was at home outdoors and always managed to find her way through the dark. Nothing frightened her when she was in the wilderness, especially when she went stargazing. Under the infinite sky, all of her problems seemed so insignificant.

She wandered out onto the small back deck and let her eyes adjust to the low light. A dense grove of trees and rocky outcroppings encircled a modest lawn. One great pine at its center rose high above the house. Ana noticed a discreet trail leading away from the yard and

Reviews for Fledgling

[whybehave2002 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Nice light read worthy of reading the sequel.

[maryalice411 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I had problems ratting this. I started it and put it down several times. I don't do back to books I've put down, but for some reason I did with this one. There was just something about it that kept me picking it up. I'm glad I did I enjoyed the book after about 30% of the way in. It is a YA, no steamy love. just a good old fashion love that over looks faults and involves shapeshiftes .

[karma Chansy · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I think the book was a nice view on shifters, looking forward to read the other books

[Kirstie Acton · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book has text placement/editing issues that make it difficult to read.