The Normal

By Linda G. Owens

When Sylvie Lancaster moves into her great-uncles house, she has no idea how upset the locals are about having an outsider move into their county, or the potential dangers that await her. The inhabitants and their ancestors have lived there for many years. City dwellers often come to the area hoping to buy a new home, but together, the locals conspire to keep them out.

Sheriff Lyle Staten makes it known to all that she is a descendant of one of their kind and rightfully belongs there. He, along with his sisters family; The Manlys, work to keep Sylvie safe from the sociopaths that live nearby. Troy Manly falls in love with Sylvie, and vows to keep her safe from the Masons, and their clan. Who are the worst of the lot and have no patience for the weak.

The countys inhabitants are very different from the average human. Although the human form is their natural state of being; they have the ability to transition or morph at will, into a larger, more powerful being. They choose to live amongst themselves, interactingwith outsiders only when they have to. Very few average humans are aware of the existence of these extraordinary humans and their incredible ability.

Dr. Staten is one of the beings; capable of transitioning into the beast, and he often refers to his ability as a gift. However, his Son Calvin is an average human being that does not have the gift. When Calvin goes missing; circumstantial evidence points to one of their own. His Cousin Troy Manly, one of the most powerful of their people,is sent to look for him.

The county residents follow the laws of the land, unless those laws interfere with their own. Sometimes, common laws are broken in order to keep their existence a secret. When one of their laws is broken, the punishment is swift, and often brutal.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 17, 2014
• ISBN: 9781496946621

Linda G. Owens

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© 2014 Linda G. Owens . All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 10/16/2014

ISBN: 978-1-4969-4663-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4969-4661-4 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4969-4662-1 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014918410

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

Dedication

Prologue

Chapter One Friends

Chapter Two The Inheritance

Chapter Three Sylvia (Sylvie) Lancaster

Chapter Four The Gifted

Chapter Five Lancaster County

Chapter Sixth We’re Having A Party!

Chapter Seven Gifted And Average

Chapter Eight The Laws Of The Gifted

Chapter Nine True Betrayal

Chapter Ten Help?

Chapter Eleven Wounded

Chapter Twelve The Normal

Chapter Thirteen Barren…

Chapter Fourteen Damsels In Distress

Chapter Fifteen The Protector

Chapter Sixteen The Plan

Chapter Seventeen Visitors

Chapter Eighteen Kidnapped

Chapter Nineteen Done And Gone

Chapter Twenty Investigation

Chapter Twenty-One The Revelation

Chapter Twenty-Two Truth And Consequences

Chapter Twenty-Three The Truth Of The Beast

Chapter Twenty-Four The Trial

Chapter Twenty-Five Possibilities

Chapter Twenty-Six Colors

Chapter Twenty-Seven Revelation

Chapter Twenty-Eight More Changes

Chapter Twenty-Nine Nathanial’s Words

Chapter Thirty New Beginnings

Chapter Thirty-One Distressed Damsels?

About The Author

DEDICATION

I dedicate this book to the memory of my best friend, Bastian, who was the sweetest canine friend anyone could ever have. He was a Yorkshire terrier who I considered to be my baby. Bastian, you will be forever remembered. I thank you for the fourteen plus years that you were a part of my life. You are forever in my heart!

PROLOGUE

When Sylvie Lancaster moves into her great-uncle’s house, she has no idea how upset the locals are about having an outsider move into their county, or the potential dangers that await her. The inhabitants and their ancestors have lived there for many years. City dwellers often come to the area hoping to buy a new home, but together, the locals conspire to keep them out.

Sheriff Lyle Staten makes it known to all that she is a descendent of one of their kind, and rightfully belongs there. He along with his sister’s family; The Manlys, work to keep Sylvie safe from the sociopaths that live nearby. Troy Manly falls in love with Sylvie, and vows to keep her safe from the Masons, and their clan. Who are the worst of the lot and have no patience for the weak.

The county’s inhabitants are very different from the average human. Although the human form is their natural state of being; they have the ability to transition or morph at will, into a larger, more powerful being. They choose to live amongst themselves, interacting with outsiders only when they have to. Very few average humans are aware of the existence of these extraordinary humans and their incredible ability.

Dr. Staten is one of the beings; capable of transitioning into the beast, and he often refers to his ability as a gift. However, his Son Calvin is an average human being that does not have ‘the gift.’ When Calvin goes missing; circumstantial evidence points to one of their own. His Cousin Troy Manly, one of the most powerful of their people, is sent to look for him.

The county residents follow the laws of the land, unless those laws interfere with their own. Sometimes, common laws are broken in order to keep their existence a secret. When one of their laws is broken, the punishment is swift, and often brutal.

CHAPTER ONE

FRIENDS

Sylvie, can you help me out with the girls tomorrow afternoon? asked Callie. Sorry, Cal, I’m moving into Uncle Nathanial’s house tomorrow. Syl, I was supposed to help you! For some reason I thought you were moving next Saturday. I am so sorry, she apologized.

That’s okay, I understand. Besides, I needed you more for emotional support than help. As much as I love the house; I’m so nervous and excited about spending my first night there. I can’t believe that it’s been thirteen years since he passed away.

Why do you need that big old house anyway? I’ve been wanting to ask you about it, but I thought you might get upset. You’re young, single, and you have lived in the city your entire life. How are you going to adapt to life in the country?

I know it sounds crazy, and everyone has been asking me the same question. Callie, I love the house. All of my best childhood memories involve that house. I also feel like it will be a good place to raise my children, she explained.

What children? Is there something you’ve been keeping from me? she teased. No, I am not pregnant. I don’t even have a boyfriend; but when I do get married, you know that I want at least three children. It is the perfect house for a family, she stated firmly. Callie nodded her head in agreement.

Did I hear someone say something about Sylvie being pregnant? asked Joe. She’s not pregnant, snapped Callie. She was clearly irritated that he had been eavesdropping in on their conversation. She was slightly jealous of Sylvie’s friendship with Joe, and his wife Kelly. After all, Sylvie had been her best friend since they were kids. Joe and Kelly had known her for only three years, still, Callie sometimes felt like she was being replaced.

Sorry, I was curious when I heard you two talking about babies and a large house, he explained. I’m moving into my great-uncle’s house tomorrow. I was telling Callie that I was a little nervous about spending my first night alone in the country, she told him. Don’t worry about it Sylvie, everything’s going to be okay. Why are you moving into that big old house, isn’t it too big for a single girl?

She couldn’t help but laugh, and she said, Joe, you are the first to ask that question, she joked. I truly love the house. When I get married, I want to have at least three children, and it’s a great place to raise a family, she enthused. I want one boy, and two girls; not necessarily in that order.

Joe was playing devil’s advocate when he asked the next question. What if your future husband doesn’t want to live there? She responded without hesitation. If I love him enough, then I guess we would find another home. But, if he loves me enough, he would at least consider making the house his home too, she replied. What if he doesn’t want children? he asked. My, Joe, since when did you become such a pessimist? she implored. Just a simple question, he answered. I would not marry anyone that did not want children. Because, I cannot and will not change my mind; I want kids, she declared.

Good answer, he stated Syl, do you remember Troy Manly? he asked. Sure, he’s your cousin; he was at the Christmas party. Besides, I think I remember him from my childhood, and then again in my younger teen years. Why do you ask?

What did you think of him when you met him at the party? Honestly, I wasn’t looking for anyone at the time. However, he definitely stood out. He seems to be a very nice guy. A very good looking nice guy, she smiled just thinking about him.

He was very interested in you, but he knew it was the wrong time to ask you out. He really is a decent guy Sylvie, and if he asks you out; you should go, he insisted.

I probably would go out with him, but I have no idea when I’ll see him again, she said. He lives not far from your new home in the county. Sooner or later, I am sure the two of you will run into one another, he stated.

She noticed the sly little grin that he was trying to hide. I bet we will, she agreed. She knew Joe well enough to realize that he had been trying to get Troy to ask her out. What did he say when you suggested he ask me out? She smiled knowingly. Joe’s face reddened, and he replied, He’s waiting for the right time. Sure he is. Maybe you should stop pushing. If we are meant to go out together, then I’m sure we will. Just leave it alone for now, she ordered. He saluted, and replied with a sharp, Yes, Ma’am! She acknowledged the salute with an authoritative nod and the two were soon laughing about it.

Callie interrupted their conversation. Syl, I feel terrible for letting you down. I wish I could be there for you tomorrow. Will you give me a call once you’re settled in? I just want to make sure that you’re doing okay.

Is Ben okay with my calling late at night? Because, it could be very late before I get the chance to call, she admitted. Girl, you know that Ben loves you almost as much as I do. He’ll want to know that you’re doing okay too, she stated reassuringly.

Sylvie looked up and noticed their supervisor giving them a dirty look. She gave her friends a heads up sign. Mrs. Felding was giving them, A get back to work look. I was leaving anyway, stated Joe. You guys have a great weekend! He yelled over his shoulder. The girls waved, and responded with a, You too!

Dr. Averett beckoned Sylvie to come help him. Hey Cal, I have to assist Dr. Averett with a few things before I leave for the day; later, she said as she crossed the room towards her mentor. She heard Callie’s flustered, Oh my gosh! I left something in the centrifuge! A few moments later, she heard a quick Goodnight ring out across the lab, and in a flash her friend was gone.

Sylvie was always available to help out; she was eager to learn as much as she could from her mentor. She was often late leaving work, and today was no different. After putting in ten hours; she clocked out at six that evening. Science was fascinating to her, and she loved working with Dr. Averett, his colleagues, and their students.

He began mentoring her once he realized that genetics was her passion. It was his passion too, and he enjoyed their conversations that often led to academic debates. He often wondered why she had not continued her education; she was obviously intelligent enough to earn a doctorate.

The hospital is well known for its genetic research team, and she loved assisting them with their work. That was one of the reasons she chose to work in this specific laboratory. It is not only a research facility; it is a teaching hospital as well. The work she did with Dr. Averett was challenging and thought provoking.

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Joe cared a great deal about his friend Sylvie. He couldn’t help but worry about her; the citizens of that particular county are known to be cold and resentful of outsiders. He considered her to be a very vulnerable, naïve young girl. When he first met her three years earlier; he immediately liked her. He could understand why his cousin was interested in her.

Kelly thought it was a good idea to meet the other woman that had captured her husband’s heart. Normally she wasn’t the jealous type, but every time Joe mentioned her name she felt a slight twinge of jealousy. The emotion was new to her, and she didn’t like the way it made her feel.

Since her husband was interested in the girl, she decided to invite Sylvie over for dinner to see what all the fuss was about. She immediately understood why Joe was drawn to her.

Sylvie had a vulnerability about her that made others want to protect her. She was perceived to be very naïve and innocent about certain things; especially where men are concerned. Kelly doubted she had ever been in a romantic relationship. However, what she lacked in experience with men; she made up for it with her good looks, and a great personality.

Joe described Sylvie’s looks as cute, and adorable. But, she wasn’t his type in looks, or personality. His wife has a beautiful oval shaped face with strong feminine features. Her full, pink lips, smooth olive skin, and almond brown eyes give her an exotic beauty that’s hard to match. He was six-one, and liked the fact that she was five foot seven with an athletic build. She was out-going, vivacious, and sometimes outrageous in her behavior, but that’s what he loved about her.

Sylvie is petite; if he had to guess, he would have to say that she is just above five feet tall, and weighs next to nothing. However, he had to admit she had a nice shape for someone so small. Her well proportioned body had curves in all the right places. Many men took the time to check her out, but she appeared not to notice, and that’s one of the reasons he liked her so much.

Her long blonde hair, round blue eyes, and tiny features gave her a fragile appearance. Even though he worried about his wife; he knew she was capable of handling herself. Sylvie appeared to be very vulnerable, and he found it hard to believe that she could defend herself. Her vulnerability attracted him in a brotherly way, but he couldn’t imagine having a romantic relationship with her. He preferred very strong women, and his wife was his perfect mate.

Sylvie is also a very out going, friendly girl with boundless energy. He thought of her as a caring and considerate individual, with a true love of every living creature. He even liked the serious side of her; the part of her that became introspective, and felt the need to analyze everything. Before meeting her; he had never made comparisons between his wife and another woman. By doing so, he knew that Sylvie was meant to be one of his best friends, and he loved her. Kelly was meant to be his wife, lover, friend, and lifetime companion; he wouldn’t want to change a thing about her.

Sylvie

Sylvie could barely remember her life before meeting Callie at the age of four. Her mother Ruthie was a friend of her Uncle Nathanial, and she often brought five year old Callie with her when she came to visit. The two girls quickly became friends, and their friendship had remained strong throughout the years. Even though Sylvie lived in the city, and Callie lived in the county, they still managed to spend a lot of time together during their growing up years.

Callie got married right out of high school, and decided to attend a local university. During her junior year of college she gave birth to her first child. Brie is now three years old. A year later she gave birth to two year old Emily.

Soon after graduation she applied for a job in the lab, and the two life-long friends have been working together for almost two years now. By the time Callie began working with her, Joe had become one of her best friends too. Occasionally, Callie’s jealousy got the best of her, and this brought about some tension between the three friends. However, she loved Callie as a best friend, and considered her to be family. She, her husband Ben, and their two girls are the closest to family that she has. Sylvie could never end her relationship with Callie; nor would she allow anyone, or anything to interfere with it.

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Sylvie had chosen a university far from home in an attempt to get away from her parents. She attended classes all year round. At times she chose to take extra classes during a semester; anything to stay busy. In no time two years had passed, and she had enough credits to graduate with a bachelor’s in biology. She was preparing for a higher degree, when her parents decided they needed her at home.

That was three years ago, and at the age of twenty; Sylvie returned home to care for her elderly parents. She was surprised to find that they had hired a full time day nurse as well. It was then that she decided to take a full time position at Liberty Memorial; her job title: Laboratory Technologist.

Her father passed away shortly after her return, and her mother stopped caring about anything. She often talked about dying, and remained depressed. She refused to eat, or take her medication. She was angry, combative, and often physically abusive towards her daughter. She blamed Sylvia for her husband’s early death, even though he was eighty years old at the time of his death. Her mother would hit, pinch, kick, or bite her, depending upon her mood. Then there were her remorseful periods; periods of time when she would often cry, and beg for forgiveness. Sylvie had to learn how to tune her mother out, or she would have gone crazy during those last two years of her mother’s life. However, when her mother passed away, it had a devastating effect on her.

CHAPTER TWO

THE INHERITANCE

Soon after her twenty-first birthday, she had a visitor that she hadn’t seen in eleven years. It was Timothy Manly, her uncle’s attorney. He came by one day to inform her of an inheritance. She was stunned, and asked, What inheritance?

Miss Lancaster, you are now the proud owner of your great-uncle’s home, and the four acres of property surrounding it. He also left you a little money. He held out the documents for her to examine, and she gasped as shock set in. The figure on the paper was far more than A little money.

I thought Uncle Nathanial had left all of his assets to charities, or something. Are you sure this is correct? Her voice was filled with doubt.

He smiled, and stated, Miss Lancaster, I am a lawyer. A very good one at that; yes, I am correct. Nathanial loved you very much, and he wanted you to have the house, and the means for its upkeep. He also worried about your future; he suggested that you live off of the interest of your inheritance. I can set that up for you, he offered.

Sylvie signed the documents; accepting her inheritance. Then she told him, Mr. Manly, I will accept the inheritance, but I don’t need the interest at this time. I work full time, and I love my job. Although, it could come in handy after my first child is born, she spoke aloud, unaware that she had.

Are you planning on having a baby sometime in the near future? he inquired. Well, I’m not married; I meant, in the future it could come in handy. She felt very uncomfortable talking to him about her future plans. She knew that Tim Manly was Troy’s father, but she didn’t know either of them very well. She trusted Tim Manly, because her uncle had always spoken highly of the Manly family.

This inheritance is a surprise, she thought. Mr. Manly, my uncle told me that he was leaving everything he owned to someone in need. I guess he had his reasons for not wanting me to know about this sooner. She glanced knowingly towards her mother, who stood in the doorway; straining to hear their conversation.

Marta yelled, He left you that damn house? He knew that I did not want you to live there; ever! She then began to swear under her breath.

Tim glanced at Sylvia’s mother, and could feel the hatred she was sending his way. He could remember Nathanial specifically stating; Do not allow Sylvia’s parents to know anything about her inheritance, until she is of age. He had been afraid they would somehow interfere with her finances, or the house. Tim realized that her uncle had been correct in his assumption.

Sylvie was embarrassed by her mother’s behavior, and her cheeks began to burn as she apologized for her behavior. She had never been so embarrassed in her life, and felt the need to hide. He acknowledged the apology but assured her that she didn’t have anything to feel sorry about.

He changed the subject by offering her some financial advice. If I were you, I would keep the money where it is. The money has been placed in a good financial institution. Actually, you should have an attorney to protect your assets, he suggested as an afterthought.

Mr. Manly, will you be my attorney? He gave her a sincere smile, and said, Sure, I am very familiar with your assets, and I can help you protect yourself, he assured her.

Great, thank you very much. If you feel the money is safe where it is, then let’s leave it alone for awhile. One day soon, we can get together, and go over my options. For now, I am perfectly okay with the situation. She was hoping he would hurry up and leave before her mother came back to embarrass her again.

Well, I’ll leave you now, but here is my card. Call me if you have any questions whatsoever, he insisted. She nodded, and watched him walk out of the door.

It wasn’t a surprise to her that her mother was not happy about the inheritance. Everyday, she begged Sylvie not move into the house. Stating that it was bad luck, and bad things would happen to her if she moved into that county. She soon put the house up for sale, in an attempt to get her mother off of her back.

The house remained on the market for over two years when Sylvie decided to live there. Her mother had passed away, and she felt the need for a change in her life. Besides, she had always loved the house, and decided to keep it.

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The old house was built in the county of Lancaster, Virginia in eighteen-ninety-nine. The style of the house is Victorian; Queen Anne. Although the house has three stories; it is an average single family home with four bedrooms. It is beautiful, ornate, and very unique to the county.

As a child, she had always been very close to Uncle Nathanial. He used to tell her the house held magic powers, and that it was the one place where she belonged. As a child she wanted to believe the fairy tales he told her. After all, the stories helped her cope with the realities of an unhappy childhood.

She was just ten years old when she lost her beloved uncle. The last time she saw him alive, he was on his deathbed, and wanted to speak to her alone. Her parents and the nurse were ordered to leave the room before he spoke to her.

Sylvia, this is the only place where you will ever find your true soul mate. The one man who will always love, honor and protect you. Together the two of you will have the life that you have always dreamed of. However, the only way this can happen is for you to open your heart, and accept him for who he is. I wish I could be here to advise you when you meet him.

Ten year old Sylvie asked, Uncle Nathanial, do you know who he is, or when I’ll meet him?

Yes, Sylvia, I do. However, it is not my place to tell you who he is. Just believe me, and follow your heart; instincts too, he encouraged, and he will find you.

"I have something else to say to you. I want you to remember these words if nothing else.

Please, do not allow your heart to become bitter. Your parents do not know how to show their love for you. It is up to you to decide whether you want to be a loving, caring individual; or a bitter, hard-hearted soul. The choice is up to you, he reminded her. You have the capacity for great love; do not allow anyone to change who you truly are. Yes, Sir, she promised. He gave her an approving smile which pleased her very much.

The words of wisdom he spoke to her during that last visit kept her from becoming bitter. Particularly after the way her father had treated her during the last few years of his life. He often said terrible; spiteful things to her. She knew she didn’t want to be like him, and tried her best not to take his words to heart. Instead, she chose to follow her uncle’s words of wisdom. This allowed her to view her dad in a different light. She realized his words were the ramblings of a sick and bitter old man. She chose to be positive, and upbeat; loving life to the fullest.

During that last conversation, Uncle Nathanial stated, Do not allow your parents’ view of life to darken your spirit. Life is to be lived; not mourned. I am sorry for not doing more for you in your younger years. I hope you will one day forgive me, he pleaded. Forgive you for what? she asked. He didn’t answer the question, and she didn’t pursue an answer.

Although the odds were against her, she refused to become cold, and distant like her parents. She easily made friends; both male, and female. She fought to find the silver lining of any situation; which often made others