Changes

By RoxAnne Fox

Read Changes, the final book for Annan, which sets up the first story in Cases of the SIA and brings yet another character to Annan’s world. Annan finds out exactly what she is, but the story doesn’t end there. Her lifelong friend Ash meets with an unfortunate accident, which leaves everyone wondering what he will be, since the way he was saved had never occurred before. To find out what happens to Ashley, Annan, and everyone else download this last installment of the Annan Werewolf Series.

Read on for an excerpt from the story:
After my parents had died and all of that crazy stuff started happening to me—all the stuff which caused me to be kidnapped, maybe turned into a vampire, and screw my best friend—running was what helped clear my head. Once my head was clear enough to realize having sex one time with level headed Ashley wouldn’t ruin a lifelong friendship, it would just make things awkward for a while, I found myself in a dead quiet camp. I’m sure the camp was silent due to the fact it was almost the end of December, but still it was eerie to be around all the buildings with the icy sounds of the leafless forest at night with no one around.
Not sure what to do, except find a road and make my way away from the camp, I was startled by a vibration in my pocket. When I discovered it came from my phone, which I had thought I left along with my wallet at Ash’s after I took off in a fit, I had to suck in a deep breath when I saw his number on the screen.
“Hey, sorry I took off. I’ll head back now,” I said as soon as I answered.
“Well, that will not be needed. I will however text you the location where you can find your friend if you so wish to keep him alive.”
The voice was unfamiliar, which would have me frightened in itself, but the threat the unfamiliar voice issued had me worried more. “I swear if you have—”
“It would be unwise for you to attempt to intimidate the man who has yet another one of your loved ones lives in his hands. These are your instructions for keeping this boy alive: you will not call anyone to help you, you will come alone to the location I will text to you, you will be quick. The only reason this one is not dead like your parents is because I made the mistake last time of not waiting for you. This time I will wait, but it won’t be long, Annan.”
The phone went dead.
My hands were shaking as I pulled it away to wait for the message. In all the emotional bullshit going on I forgot there was still a very real psychopath out there who wished to kill me. How he found me at Ash’s was something I could worry about later because as soon as I received the text I opened the corresponding map and was glad I was minutes from where he was located.
As I ran, and glanced at my phone’s navigation now and again, I wished I had gone some other way, or at least had not forgotten my wallet. If I had gone some other way I might have been able to go by Ash’s to grab it, but it would take too long to swing by or to go to the SIA, that is if I could get around base and Academy security to get to the SIA underground.
If I had just had that damn card on me the issue of Marcus would’ve been solved in a snap. As it was, I let my feet carry me to where Ash was located and hoped he was still alive when I got there because if I ended up responsible for losing him too, I would accept my death from Marcus with open arms.

• Language: English
• Publisher: RoxAnne Fox
• Release date: Apr 4, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370523863

RoxAnne Fox

I am a mother, author, and dreamer. My mind is forever creating new worlds and characters and some day I wish to write full time so that I can share them all with you. Washington is my home state and love the fact that I will always be near my family and friends living in a beautiful place. I have traveled all over the country, even to Hawaii, and still feel more awed and inspired by Washington than anywhere else.​The inspiration I feel in my home state is translated into the stories I put out for you all to read. This inspiration can come from anything, be it the solitude of the forest or just watching the snow fall in my back yard. The first thing that really inspired me to write full stories—I had written mostly poetry previous to 2008—was seeing scat while hiking alone. My mind began to wander to wolves in the Cascades—which have since been found—on to those wolves being werewolves.That work, now called the Annan Werewolf Series, was mulled over for a long time and has gone through many transformations before returning to its roots. You can read her story by downloading the first free installment titled, Coming Home here at Smaswords and learn more about that series, and all of my books, by going to my website at: www.roxannefox.netWhen you read any of my stories please remember: I write for adults and I have no editor. With that said, please be kind. If you see mistakes in my stories, send me a message about them ([e-mail]) and don't be surprised when clothes hit the floor and the lights are turned down low... if you know what I mean. Even though you may find some errors while reading, beyond those small mistakes lie worlds full of unique, emotionally driven characters who keep you wanting more.

Book preview

Changes

Annan Werewolf Series ~ Book 3

By Roxanne Fox

Published by Roxanne Fox at Smashwords

Copyright 2017 Roxanne Fox

Smashwords Edition, License Notes:

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Acknowledgements:

I would like to thank my friends, family, and readers for their support and inspiration. Some of you have been here through it all, some have fallen away, but all of you have been vital to this journey. Thank you.

~

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, locations, and incidents are all fictitious, or have been used in a fictitious way. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is purely coincidental.

Warning: This book contains adult content.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 ~ Master Chloe?

Chapter 2 ~ Pissy Sean

Chapter 3 ~ Sean’s Big Secret

Chapter 4 ~ One Hell of a Way to Go

Chapter 5 ~ God Damn, Korbin

Chapter 6 ~ Addio, Bella Lupa

Chapter 7 ~ I will Punch You in Your Face

Chapter 8 ~ Not Accepting No is Just as Bad

Chapter 9 ~ Just Another Lycoan

Chapter 10 ~ Angel in Red

Chapter 11 ~ It Seems There Have Been Some Changes

Chapter 12 ~ Holy Shit

Chapter 13 ~ This isn’t Even Real

Chapter 14 ~ Gee Thanks, Sean

Chapter 15 ~ Just a Dream

Chapter 16 ~ Marcus

Chapter 17 ~ What?

Chapter 18 ~ The Unknown

Chapter 19 ~ A Day Early

Chapter 20 ~ The Chalice of the Morrigan

Chapter 21 ~ The Explanation

Chapter 22 ~ New Home

Chapter 23 ~ On The Other Side

Chapter 24 ~ Building the Power Base

Chapter 25 ~ Cutting Him Loose

Chapter 26 ~ Mother of Chimeras

Epilogue ~ New Beginning

Preview of Book 1 ~ Cases of the SIA

Chapter 1

Master Chloe?

Chloe’s eyes caught mine as I put on the last of my mascara. It’s been two days, Annan.

She had sounded just as desperate when she reminded me it had been a day since we’d been on Pack Lands, my family’s home and the heart of the Snoqualmie Werewolf pack.

Putting my makeup away, I closed the drawer and looked down at the small blond vampire. Her lip quivered and her cornflower gaze looked as though it would spill over at any moment. Sighing, I pulled her in for a hug. She had been pestering me as I got ready and though it was early in the morning, no light entered our shared bathroom in Sean’s home.

After we had gotten back, I was glad to see my Aunt Gale was happy to accommodate our visitor by blacking out all the windows in the other guest room. The room was perfect for Chloe since the Jack-and-Jill bathroom connected the one I had been staying in to it. Cesair was nice enough to let my family know about Chloe joining me, as well as her aversion to the sun—being a vampire under a hundred and all—and reassured them she was no harm to anyone on Pack Lands, without letting them know her huge secret.

Her secret was, the son she had abandoned over eighty years ago had lived with my family for most of his life and was the same man whose house we were now residing. He was a half vampire half werepanther with dual colored eyes—it took forever to get used to looking at his sunflower and sky-blue gaze—who was an empath, which made him a little moody due to my encounter with Chloe’s maker.

Without getting into any details, meeting Antonio proved to me I was not Sean’s chosen mate, as he had assumed since I was a teen. In other words, since I had been back he had been a jealous, moody son of bitch and making him more irritable was not high on my list.

Pulling out of the hug, I said, Chloe, it’s been more like a day and a half, considering it was almost midnight when we got here.

Shaking my head at her, I opened the second drawer and took out a band so I could pull my hair into a loose ponytail, which I looped again to make a haphazard knot of thick brunette waves at the back of my head. Brining my emerald eyes to hers, I smiled and put my hands on her small shoulders again.

We changed the pack meet to tonight so you could come. I figured it would be the perfect time to tell him. Everyone will be in a good mood and Elizabeta said she would bring some Faerie wine.

Chloe’s brows drew together as she dropped her head, her platinum hair falling over one eye. It’s just so hard. Every time I see him I… Her southern bell voice hitched at the end and I could tell, without the empathetic power’s she and her son shared, she was about to cry.

Brushing her hair behind her ear, I drew her face up and gave her a hug. It was hard to ignore the build of desire, which sprang up from pressing against Chloe’s small form, so I was glad she wore a charm to block her from sensing such things in me. Letting Chloe cry, I smiled and was happy I could at least ignore the feelings I had for her and just be her friend—it was hard enough to deal with my attraction to her irritating son. If she knew of the need she kindled in me, she would not be able to control her own need, one involving sex and more sex. She craved it even more than blood when in the heat of passion.

Chloe pulled from the hug and wiped her eyes. I know you are doing your best, Annan and I know he has been difficult with having to deal with abilities he never knew he had, but it’s still hard for me to not tell him how much I care for him, and how I have always loved him.

Yeah… Sean hadn’t found out he was an empath until I was at Antonio’s home and far from Sean and his love me vibe he was accidently pumping into me—which wasn’t as bad as the lust vibe Chloe gave off, whoa-boy there. Once he learned he had the ability, he began working on controlling it. Of course, he also learned how to be a grumpy ass-face in the process. Letting him know the mother who gave him up—in his mind—was staying under his roof had the potential to make him explosive.

I think once he gets over Antonio he won’t be so bad.

Chloe let out a small laugh. I’m not sure he will ever be over him, Annan. Her eyes met mine as her smile grew. Not unless you have gotten over Antonio yourself, that is.

Turning away from her, I let out a short laugh and adjusted the towel hanging on the rod, even though they didn’t need it. Ha, well. Only time will tell.

There was a moment for me to wonder if she was going to comment on how my heart wanted to beat out of my chest just at the mere mention of the sexy vampire’s name, but she didn’t. Her empathic abilities didn’t need to be on to know my pulse had kicked up a notch.

I trust you’ll know when the time is right, after all you have gotten to know Sean somewhat better than I have.

The laugh in her voice was evident and I was glad Chloe changed the subject the way a good friend would. Taking in a deep breath, I turned and smiled at her, pushing all thoughts of Antonio aside.

I hate to leave you.

Chloe smiled. It’s okay, Annan. I’ll watch something on my computer or have some down time.

Nodding to her, I gave her another small hug. My family was expecting me at their house. They wanted me to join them in preparing for the pack meeting that night. The twins were supposed to head out for provisions while I helped Korbin and Sean set up the building my family called The Lodge, which was still a mystery to me. The one day I had gotten to see Pack Lands, in its snow-coated glory, my family had left The Lodge out, saying I would see it the day of the pack meet. Too bad that night a crazy man kidnapped me.

Pulling out of the hug, I had to reconsider my too bad thought. If Randall hadn’t taken me, then I wouldn’t have met Chloe … or Antonio. Shaking off the thoughts of Antonio, and how he had saved me from that crazy man, I stepped away from Chloe and to my bedroom door.

Before I had gone into the restroom, I was sure to close my blinds—even though the clouds had been thick and the sky overcast—because I wanted to be sure there was no chance at burning Chloe alive. Though it had only been close to two days since we had left Antonio’s shadow shrouded home, we had both been careful of her not getting in the sun. It was easy to admit being proud of how careful I had been. Part of me hoped Antonio would be proud too.

Pursing my brow, I tried not to think of Antonio, again, and thought instead of what the day held as I opened my bedroom door.

The sun must have broken through the clouds as I had gotten ready. My blinds, which had not been closed all the way, allowed the full morning light in, hitting everything in swaths of brightness.

Shit!

Dashing over my unkempt bed, I pulled the cord to close the shades all of the way. Only, I wasn’t quite used to the added strength I had gained from multiple doses of vampire blood, and what I thought was a small tug ended up tearing the cord and ripping the blinds right from the wood it was screwed into, which doused my room in even more accursed light.

"Fuck, fuck, fuck!"

My bedroom door flew open and I looked over to see Sean, his hair wasn’t styled but still looked sexy as hell, all bed-worn and messy as his eyes blazed around the room.

What, what happened?

Realizing why he was there, I held up the blinds by the mangled cord.

God damn it, Annan. He calmed himself and ran a hand through the blond hair he had inherited from his mother.

Thinking of her, I looked back to the bathroom and saw I had left the door open. Jumping over the bed, again, I went to slam it shut when I saw Chloe’s pale hand in a sliver of light.

Oh, Chloe no.

To my horror, she stepped out, and into the sun, it seemed slower than she really needed to move. Putting a hand to my mouth, I stepped back and bumped into Sean, who didn’t move. Instead, he put his hands to my shoulders as I watched Chloe lift her arms in the bright light of the day and look at them in amazement. Tears ran rivulets down her face and I couldn’t help but cry myself and take a step away from Sean’s light grasp to pick the smaller woman up in a hug.

Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god. I couldn’t seem to say anything else so I stopped talking altogether as I sat her back on her feet once more and swiped at my cheeks.

I’ll leave you two alone. Sean’s voice pulled me out of my reverie of seeing Chloe in the sun for the first time and I turned back to the man, not wanting him to miss this momentous occasion, even if he didn’t know who Chloe really was.

Don’t go Sean. This is exciting, you should be here too. There was a smile on my lips but there was no happiness on Sean’s face as he looked from my eyes to Chloe behind me, then our hands, before coming back to my gaze.

I really don’t feel right, this is your moment with her, but Chloe is welcome to go with us to Mike and Gale’s. I’m sure your family would be happy to have her.

Chloe’s hand tensed in mine as Sean left the room and when I turned back to her—her face lit by the sun with her hair like a halo on one side—I saw tears running down her cheeks again, but this time I could tell they weren’t from happiness.

Oh, Chloe. Come on. This isn’t a time to be sad.

Turning her back towards the bathroom, I began guiding the small vampire through it and to her room telling her we should get her dressed in something nice, maybe something Will—my cousin who I noticed checking her out when she was around—would like, and tried hard to take her mind off her jerk of a son.

Sure, I shouldn’t have been mad at Sean since he didn’t know he was being a dick, but you could have also told me I shouldn’t have been mad at him back when he didn’t know he was inadvertently making me fall in love with him. It wouldn’t have made a difference, though; I was downright pissed when I found out that bit of information.

He was just lucky this time I was distracted by Chloe’s newfound master status—getting to walk in the sun meant a vampire had gained their master abilities—otherwise I would have stewed and been just as pissed at him for being mean to Chloe.

You never know, I might even decide to not sleep with him again or something.

Thinking on how that scenario would go down while Chloe held up a snug angora sweater, I smiled at her and internally snickered at myself. Who was I kidding? Even if Sean was being an ass, I would totally screw him again … and that alone was a whole other problem I needed to deal with.

Chapter 2

Pissy Sean

Chloe had put aside her worries about her son as she reveled in her newfound status. As we all exited the house, she made a comment on telling Antonio of the good news and Sean’s mood soured even more. Trying not to be too irritated with him, I made up the fake excuse of not finding my lip-balm to delay the two of us and told him to go ahead, which he did without hesitation. After pissy-pants was out of hearing range the two of us had a good run the long way down to the main house in the cool winter morning. Chloe even began to laugh and squeal as we threw snowballs at each other and I managed to land a few.

My increased speed made it possible for me to track her, whereas before when we first met and tried to have fun like girls I was not able to. This time, I was happy to say we did not end up turning the moment into some lesbian harlequin romance scene. We just laughed and threw snowballs back and forth while we ran to my Aunt and Uncle’s house.

Once at their place, I sat back and enjoyed a warm cup of hot cocoa glad we had found some balance in our friendship because, even though I was needlessly warming myself up with a steamy cup of chocolate deliciousness, Chloe was warming herself on what she found delicious: my silver-eyed cousin, Will. Watching them as they sat in the living room, I let out a silent snicker over dark haired Will making googly eyes at Chloe while she told him of all the things she was going to do since she was able go in the sun.

Oh, and Hawaii. I’ve always wanted to visit Hawaii.

It’s alright. There are better tropical places, though.

Korbin’s comment might as well gone unsaid with as much attention the werewolf and vampire paid the meat-wall of a man, but he had me raising a brow at him. I take it you didn’t like having to tag along all those times I visited Ash?

He shot sapphire eyes at me and raised a ebony brow before shrugging. It just would have been nice to go somewhere other than where your wanna-be boy-toy was stationed.

My foot shot out and hit him in the shin. Korbin had no right to call Ashley that. He was my lifelong friend, and like a brother, and though he was interested in my physically the feelings were not mutual and Ash had always been good about that fact. Which was something Korbin knew since he and Sean had spent their whole lives looking out for me … secretly, of course.

Owe! Damn it, Annan you could’ve fractured my shin. You need to watch it. Korbin had his leg up inspecting it. Sure enough, a bruise was beginning to form over the welt I had put on his leg.

My eyes went round. Crap, I didn’t mean to kick you that hard.

A hand touched my shoulder and I looked up to see my uncle, who was also our Alpha. He shared the same hair as the twins but his warm eyes, which took me in, were shades darker looking gray, though some would say gray-blue. You need to be more careful, Annan, especially with your possible vampirism.

Nodding, I looked back to Korbin and mouthed an apology before drinking more cocoa. Everyone had thought I wasn’t going to turn since Antonio’s bond was severed but after I had some blood tests done, Cesair—my adopted fairy grandma…yeah, that is not a joke—told me the vampirism was still struggling to take hold. As of now, I was back to maybe being a werewolf, a vampire, or something else altogether, when I turned twenty-three in less than a week. It seemed something more like other was coming since the sun didn’t bother me at all and I had yet to desire blood of any kind, but my strength and speed were far beyond Were expectation. Yippee for being even more unique.

Korbin got up and started limping to the kitchen and seeing him hobble due to my actions made me feel bad. As I watched my aunt, who shared Korbin’s dark hair and deep blue eyes, start momming over him, I felt even worse, but before my internal waa-waa party got into full swing my cousin, Will came by to interrupt.

Hey Annan, would you mind if Chloe went with me to Seattle to get stuff for the party?

Looking over at Chloe, I saw her eyes shining like diamonds and I knew I couldn’t say no. Yeah that’s fine, I said and joined them in the living room, sitting in one of the brown leather chairs, which matched the sofa they were sitting on. But, no getting a hotel room or going to some sex club or something.

Will started laughing and promised no such thing would happen but Chloe just blushed and nodded.

I’ll be on my best behavior. You can trust me, I promise.

Will’s laughter faded and it seemed Sean and or Korbin watched—I could feel someone’s eyes on me—as I took Chloe’s hands in mine and gave them a squeeze.

You’re a master now Chloe, that means a lot.

She smiled as I let her hands go and placed one on Will’s knee. The two of them were well on their way to a relationship and I thought it funny at first that Chloe would be attracted to the nerdy Will instead of the beefy Korbin or masculine twin of Will, Geoff. Of course, that guy at the party was about the same build as Will… She leaned in and whispered something to him, which made him blush.

His eyes came to mine and I felt strange just sitting and watching them so I said, Where’s Geoff? I thought he was supposed to go with you?

Will smiled and said, He’s been at The Lodge all morning working on the generator. When we went there to turn it on it just sputtered and died. I was going to see if you wanted to come with me and get out of setup duty —his eyes went to Chloe— but now that Chloe can go in the sun we can make a day of it.

Opening my mouth to say how I thought their idea was wonderful, I was interrupted before I could get a word out.

Well, you two better not be spending a bunch of time lollygagging around. I know Chloe hasn’t ever been to Seattle, and she is just now getting to walk in the sun after so long of not being able to do so, but we have a schedule to keep and I can’t have you two messing things up just because you want to play tourist.

My aunt could send a stern warning even without making eye contact. Gale had been in full swing all morning and the only time I saw her take a break was to look at Korbin’s leg. With how manic she was acting over the party it was probably just to be sure he could still help. She already had a bunch of necessary items not kept in the full kitchen at The Lodge piled up on the wraparound bar that separated the kitchen from the living room and dining room areas. As she spoke to Will, she was adding a dozen or so tablecloths to the pile, all of which Korbin, Sean, and I were to bring to the place.

I know, Ma. We’ll be back in plenty of time. I’ve got the list right here, and I know exactly where everything is. Plus, since that portal is up and running we won’t have to drive.

Gale stopped in her search of something—for what I couldn’t guess since it seemed to me the entire damn kitchen was piled up on the counter—and looked at her son.

That’s right. She smiled at Will. How silly of me, I completely forgot we had that up.

She shook her head and set down the large crystal bowl she had in her hands as Will and Chloe stood. Seeing Korbin and mopey Sean—who had been hiding behind a newspaper the entire time—stand and start gathering things themselves, I figured that was my cue to do so as well.

You two just be sure you are home by four. That should give us enough time to finish before people begin showing up.

Will nodded and grabbed Chloe’s hand. She gave me a light hug on her way out, and I loaded my arms up with serving utensils and dishes as I said goodbye. She looked so damn happy I couldn’t help but smile at her as they left. At least with Will as a distraction she was worrying even less about Sean. Turning around to put the utensils on a stack of platters, I accidently bumped into the man in question and made him drop nearly every tablecloth he held in his arms, which was all of them.

Shoot, I’m sorry, I said, and bent to pick them up.

Don’t worry about it. Sean’s voice sounded more like mine, all snipish and bitchy, and it was all I had in me to not snap back at him.

All morning, and since I had returned from being kidnapped and possibly made into a vampire, I was sure to watch my mouth around my aunt. Holding my tongue around her was one of the things I vowed to work on when I came back, but Sean’s pissy attitude was making it a chore.

"Well, excuse me. I won’t help you, then."

Grabbing the platters, now topped with utensils that clattered as I stomped to the nearby door, I