Tala

By Adrianna Morgan

19 years after being viciously attacked, Layla is leading a fairly normal life. A part-time college student, she is one semester away from graduation and starting her new life. That is until she meets her new mentee who is more than he seems, an old guy who may know what happened to her mother 19 years ago and the werewolf who tried to kill her. With the Blue Moon only a few months away, will she be able to channel her powers and fight or will she succumb to the darkness within her?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Androsia Publishing LLC
• Release date: Jul 18, 2015
• ISBN: 9780985608941

Book preview

Cover photo © Ivan Polushkin at Fotolia.com

Cover photo © tomalu at Fotolia.com

Cover photo © Valua Vitaly at Fotolia.com

All rights reserved. This E-book is licensed only for your personal enjoyment. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise—without the prior written permission of the author. The only exception is brief quotations in printed or online reviews.This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Please visit adriannamorgan.com for more on the Blue Moon Trilogy!

Table of Contents

Cover

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Epilogue

Prologue

The humans called it a blue moon. But one happening on New Year’s Eve was rare, occurring once every 19 years. He had lived through eight such moons; three when he was still human and five since he’d changed.

The old man stood silently; his tattered jacket whipped around his body as the winter breeze blew on the cold December evening, yet the jacket he wore was not intended for warmth. It carefully concealed the weapons he needed. His close cropped hair and rigid stance spoke of a military past, but the arrogance in his eyes hinted that it was a short lived career.

He sniffed, smelling the salt on the water…and something else. Crouched on the sand, his brow furrowed in thought as he scooped up a handful of the cold, lightly colored crystals, and brought it to his nose, inhaling deeply.

One was near. A young one. He sighed. The young ones were the worst. They couldn’t control it. Sometimes they didn’t even understand what was happening until it was too late. Until they had killed and the bloodlust ran its course. He had two days to find it and restrain it. Or kill it.

*

Layla Donovan jumped on her bed and giggled. She was ten in two days, and that meant she was practically a teenager. Her mom’s cooking drifted through the narrow hallway from the kitchen towards her room. The house smelled of chicken and vegetables, and the pine incense her mom burned on the stove sometimes to help with the other smells that came along with an old house.

It was going to be an awesome year, she thought, her mind racing with the possibilities. She only had one more semester until she graduated elementary school and then she got to move to the middle school that Jared, her neighbor went to. Her heart beat a bit faster as she thought of Jared; he was so cute, even though he treated her like she wasn’t worth his time. I don’t mess with little kids, he would tell her, his voice mocking.

Layla sighed and flopped onto her bed, her long legs dangling over the edge. He thought he was so cool because he was in the seventh grade. Whatever, she thought; she was going to be in sixth. She grinned again as one thought reverberated; two more days.

Her mom had a birthday surprise for her and she hoped it was the photography kit she wanted. She’d been eyeing it for a few weeks now and had pointed it out to her mom more than once and she crossed her fingers, hoping that she had given enough hints. She smoothed the top she was wearing to her birthday party in a few hours. It was a gift from her Aunt Susan. The pink shirt highlighted the soft caramel of her skin and brought out the burnished reds in her dark brown hair, while the green flowers brought out her hazel eyes.

People always stared at her when she was with her mother. She didn’t have the light skin and blonde hair that her mom and aunt had, even though she had begged her mom to color her hair after Jared’s mom had colored hers blonde. Instead, her mom had told her to be proud of her heritage, since she’d gotten her looks from her dad; a man she’d never even met. He’d been Mexican or something, her aunt Susan had snapped one day after she kept asking. Her mom never answered her questions, and simply called her too exotic for their small Florida town.

A yellow and white dress hung on the door, brand-new and freshly washed. Another gift from her mother. She stuck her tongue out at the dress; her mom wanted her to wear it, but she hated wearing dresses. They were never long enough and her knees always seem to peek out.

She glanced down at the old pair of jeans she wore. Pretty soon they would be too short and she’d have to find something else to wear to school. She eyed the dress one more time. Maybe I should wear it. She’d overheard her mom talking to her aunt about how she’d saved up to buy it, but she just really hated dresses. Layla bit her lip, and moved to stand in front of her dresser. It would mean a lot to her mom if she did put it on.

Sighing, she walked over to the window and looked out. The moon hung low in the sky, a big white ball that, even though it was not yet dark, still seemed to glow. It was kinda weird. Even Jared’s mom had talked about how odd it was. Not a full moon. That happened once a month, sometimes twice, she knew, but a full moon that was so…so…near. She had never really paid attention to the moon before, but for some reason, she felt different. Funny. As if the moon were pulling at her. She shivered. That was really weird.

She quickly moved away from the window and further into the sanctuary of her room. She didn’t see the old man in the tattered jacket with a low haircut standing on the sidewalk. His body was taut as he too stared at the moon. But in an instant his attention was on more than the big silver ornament floating in the sky; it was on a brown haired little girl, with hazel eyes, who had just stared out of her bedroom window.

*

Layla dried the plate with care and put it in the drying rack. She took the next clean, wet plate her mom had stacked into a pile and started to wipe it with the dry cloth.

Are you sure you don’t want to go and spend the weekend at Aunt Susan’s? her mom called from the living room where she was straightening up after the party.

Layla rolled her eyes. Her mom thought she was still a baby, but she was ten for crying out loud. Besides, her cousins were so stupid and really mean. They called her names and would tell her things about her dad that would hurt her feelings. She didn’t like hanging out there with them.

No, mom, I’m fine. She stacked the plate neatly before grabbing another one.

Are you really sure? Her mom stood in the doorway, her eyes searching Layla’s.

Mom! Layla whined. Her mom laughed; a throaty chuckle that Layla loved. That same voice had sung her to sleep many nights, as well as cursed a blue streak when the overtime she had worked for never showed up on a paycheck. Layla carefully put the plate she was drying on the rack and ran to her mom. She hugged her, smiling when her mom’s arms came around her and tightened.

Thank you for the party, she whispered, inhaling her mom’s scent of soap and flowers.

Her mom patted her on the head. Anything for you.

She squeezed her mom one more time, letting go and wiggling out of her mom’s arms as the doorbell rang. I’ll get it, she yelled, racing for the front door, her footsteps muffled in the carpeted hallway.

Be sure to ask who it is! Layla rolled her eyes again.

"Be sure to ask who it is, she mimicked under her breath. I’m not a baby. She reached the front door and put her hand on the knob, hesitant. Who is it?"

New neighbor, a voice replied a bit muffled.

New neighbor? No one she knew had moved. She opened the door, the monotony of night broken up by the silhouette of three people. The woman standing between the two men was gorgeous. She reminded Layla of a supermodel; tall and thin, and her blonde hair hung like a curtain to her waist. Her skin was a rich, deep tan and her eyes had the same intensity that Layla saw every time she looked into a mirror. The two guys on either side of her looked mean and tough; an almost evil glint in their eyes. They looked like the guys the police officer at her school would tell them to avoid.

"Don’t make eye contact, turn away, and find the nearest adult you know," the officer’s words rang in her ears. She hadn’t realized she’d spoken aloud until the woman laughed.

Come now, the mysterious woman said with a smile, that’s no way to treat a neighbor. She stepped forward and instinctively Layla stepped back, stumbling slightly when the heel of her sandal snagged on the edge of a throw rug.

Layla, who is it?

N-new neighbors, she said, feeling just a little weird about these three.

New neighbors? Her mom walked slowly out of the kitchen. What new neighbors? She entered the living room and offered her hand.

I’m Sarah, her voice was even as she addressed the trio, although her brows furrowed. Layla moved behind her mother on instinct as the older woman continued to talk to the group. I didn’t know anyone had moved in around here.

The three people remained quiet, staring into the little apartment. Layla’s head started to hurt and the sharp pain made her blink.

Her mom cleared her throat. Well, we’ve had a long night, my daughter just had her birthday party earlier and we’re about to turn in.

A look passed between the group and the headache grew stronger.

Not to be rude, but if it’s not an emergency, we’ve got to get in. We’ll be happy to invite you for dinner after we’ve had some rest. Good night. Oh and happy New Year! Her mom moved to shut the door, grunting in surprise when a hand blocked it.

The woman looked down at her nails that, to Layla, seemed to have grown considerably in the last few seconds. Sorry, we can’t leave just yet. She smiled as one of the men with her opened the door wider, pushing it with such force that Layla and her mom stumbled back. Her mom grabbed her shoulders, her grip tight and the look of fear on her mother’s face scared her.

Her breath quickened as the pain in her head seemed to shoot up to a level ten. The wide white collar of her dress suddenly seemed too tight, too constricting. Please God, she thought, please don’t let them hurt me or my mom. Her stomach tightened and the hair on the back of her neck rose.

I would do as the woman asked, Suzette.

The blonde woman’s head jerked up and she looked behind Layla. Layla turned around as her mother gasped and pulled her even closer.

Standing in the kitchen doorway, where her mother had been a few minutes ago, was an old man in an old jacket. His head was nearly bald and he was leaning against the door cleaning his rather long nails with a knife that was almost the length of her body. Tension radiated throughout the room as the old man slowly straightened.

The two men flanking the woman clenched their fists and growled low in their throats, like dogs about to fight. Layla watched; scared yet fascinated, as they seemed to communicate silently with each other, their eyes locked.

Just let my daughter go.

Layla wasn’t even sure she’d heard the whisper at first. Then her mom turned to the woman and screamed. I’ll give you whatever you want! Just let my daughter go!

The blonde looked at Layla for a second and then back at the old man. We can’t let her go, can we, Martin? she asked quietly. You know that.

Without taking her eyes off the old man, she spoke to Layla’s mom. "In fact, it’s the child we came for. She is the only thing that matters to us. The only thing."

As if to make her point, she lunged and Layla flinched as her mom was suddenly ripped away and she was thrown across the room. A coldness she had never experienced before descended on her as she hit the wall and crumpled to the floor, the scream never getting a chance to leave her throat. Instantly the old man was at her side, reaching out to help her, the dress a mad tangle about her knees.

Leave me alone! Layla yelled as she lurched to her feet. Her mom screamed as the trio surrounded her and one of the men bared his teeth, sinking them into her shoulder like an animal.

No! she flew at the men and grabbed one by the arm. She pulled with all her might, yelping in pain when the man slapped her hard across the face, sending her, once again, across the room.

The growl burst out of her chest, a guttural sound of pain and frustration, her voice even gruffer, her mom’s whispered pleas reaching her ears from where she lay on the carpet, several puncture wounds in her neck, shoulders and arms.

Leave my mom ALONE!

The words resounded in the small room and the blonde woman glanced at her in surprise. Layla didn’t feel like herself. She wanted to fight. To kill. Blood pounded in her ears and she bared her teeth in warning, growling again as she crouched low, her body tensed.

So, little one, you want a fight? The woman chuckled, unfazed by Layla and turned her back to her to address the old man. I doubt she even knows—

Her words were lost as Layla struck. She jumped; landing on the blonde’s back and sunk her teeth into the side of her neck. Satisfaction coursed through her as the woman screamed in pain. Her triumph was cut short as the woman raised her hand and wrapped them around her hair, pulling her away painfully.

Layla struck out with her leg, catching the woman in the stomach. She tried a second time, gasping in surprise when the woman caught her leg and swung her away as easily as if she were a doll. She landed hard against the wall again, pain firing though her body as she fell.

She turned in time to see the two men circling the older man, but they didn’t look like men, they looked like…well, she didn’t know what to say. Giant dogs? No, more like, like…giant wolves. Was she were dreaming? All three stood on legs like men, but they looked more like animals…really big animals.

Her eyes widened as the woman stalked towards her seemingly growing with every step; her nails and teeth becoming longer as she got closer. Layla tried to crawl, using her arms to drag herself along. But she couldn’t move. Her mom cried out weakly and the blonde woman’s attention shifted focus.

Run, Layla! her mom whispered. Run!

She struggled to get to her feet, swaying as she stood. Raw grunts and snaps behind her told her the old man and the two males still struggled. She had no clue what they wanted and she didn’t care as long as they left her mom alone.

With a sudden burst of adrenaline, she ducked around the woman and rushed over to her mother, who lay bleeding on the living room floor.

Mom, I am so sorry, she sobbed. I should never have opened that door!

The blonde woman chuckled and she looked over angrily. The thing that was walking towards her had the long blonde hair and green eyes of a woman, but it looked more animal than human.

Snaps and snarls caught her attention and she glanced over at the men. They wore clothes and had the eyes and hair of humans, but now fur covered every part of their bodies that she could see. Their ears had grown long and pointed and Layla gasped as she saw their faces. Everyone except the old man had an elongated snout with long sharp teeth. The old man’s teeth were long as well, but at least his face still looked like human.

A scream tore out of her throat as pain suddenly shot through her body. She felt the torn edges of her dress and flesh as blood ran down her back. The woman held up a finger covered in blood and winked.

Let’s see if you taste as good as your mom. She laughed before plunging her finger into her mouth and howling in pleasure as she sucked the blood from her finger.

Layla looked down as her mom grabbed her torn dress and pulled her close. Layla, I love you, she whispered, but I need you to run. You need to go away from here, before she hurts you again!

Mom, I don’t want to leave you! Layla cried as her mom held her. She was getting weaker as more blood gushed from her wounds. The woman groaned again, her hazel eyes closed as she morbidly continued to lick her fingers.

The crunch of bone and tearing of flesh accompanied by a howl of pain made the woman’s eyes snap open. They narrowed as one of the male monsters fell, the old man victorious for now.

Martin, Martin, Martin, she growled. You are starting to get me very upset. She smiled cruelly. Do you know how long it took me to make those two? The old man didn’t answer; his attention on the male in front of him.

He flicked a gaze over to the woman and grunted as the younger male attacked. Layla watched the old man fought back, two great beasts snapping and growling as they attacked.

She jumped when the woman spoke. Don’t think I’ve forgotten about you.

Layla struggled to move. Her mom looked pale, her blonde hair stained red from soaking in her own blood as well as that of Layla’s. Her cheeks were withdrawn and her eyes closed.

The woman stood over her, the stench of blood emanating from her. All I wanted was you. This, she swept a hand at the carnage around the room, this, could have been avoided. The sad part is that you could’ve lived.

She leaned in closer to Layla and inhaled deeply, her eyes focused on the blood still dripping from Layla and her mother. Now you both have to die.

Layla closed her eyes tightly, too scared to even breathe. She would never get to middle school. She would never get to see or talk to Jared or any of her friends or even her mom ever again. All because of some psycho with a serious wolf problem.

She waited for the crazy woman to kill her and heard a loud thump. The old guy had the woman by her throat against the wall across the room. She looked around; mangled and bloodied pieces of flesh and bone strewn across the room; all that was left of the second man.

The two wolves snapped at each other as they trampled across the room, locked in battle. Suddenly, they stopped, staring at each other, unmoving, their breathing the only thing breaking the silence.

Layla was confused until the sounds of sirens filled the air.

The woman looked at her with hate-filled eyes. We will finish this, little one, she warned before she turned and ran to the kitchen, glass shattering behind her.

Layla felt light-headed and dizzy and her eyes started to close as her mom groaned weakly in her arms. She held her mom tightly, refusing to let go even though she could barely keep her eyes open.

She felt, rather than saw, the old man walking toward her. He stooped down, taking her mom from her arms. No, she groaned weakly. No! She held on, trying to stop him.

Hush, little one, he whispered as he pried her arms away. You need to rest. I’ll take care of everything. His voice droned out as Layla drifted, too tired to will her body to stay awake. She dimly heard the crunch of glass under heavy boot heels before the slamming of car doors and the splintering of wood.

My mom, she whispered, too low for anyone but the old man to hear. My mom, she whispered again, before passing out from exhaustion.

Layla awoke as arms picked her up. No, she said weakly.

She’s awake! someone yelled. Get her onto that stretcher as fast as you can!

Layla, how do you feel? Do you know where you are?

Layla…Layla, can you tell us what happened?

The voices were all a blend. Sounds and words that meant nothing to the ten-year old. She said the only thing she could, the memory on the edge of her consciousness.

Werewolf.

~*~

Chapter 1

19 years later…

It wasn’t as if Layla hadn’t been here before. But still she took a deep breath before moving further into the room. She inhaled the musty scent given off by the dusty tomes stirred up by procrastinating students trying to finish last minute papers. Her skin felt clammy as she walked and she wiped her sweaty palms onto her jeans, her mind on finding a topic for the research paper that was due in a few weeks. She couldn’t afford to fail this class, all her money was tied up in school and she needed the credits to graduate this year.

Two students looked up as she passed and she moved to the farthest corner of the room, seeking privacy, even as the skin on her neck crawled, and she set her backpack down on the old wooden library table.

Someone was watching her. She took a deep breath and