Reclaimed: Land of Endozia

By Lynz Johnston

Tatyanna longed to be normal. To fit in with her family, and not be an outsider at school. But that wish was never to be. 

The changes began when she turned sixteen. Noticeable shifts in her appearance that made her feel like even more of a freak show.  As the years went on, her differences couldn't be ignored. A strange tattoo suddenly appearing. Odd things occurring with a simple touch of her hand. There seemed to be no explanation for any of it. 

 

Until she met Dimitri. 

 

He knows more about her than he should and acts as her guide into a world of magic he claims she plays a powerful role in. Dimitri introduces her to mysterious bartender, Emmett, who helps Tatyanna unearth her long-hidden truth. She is a royal from a hidden world that defies imagination. Now, that world is in peril, and Emmett and Dimitri need her help to save it. 

 

All she has ever known is here. But failure to act could destroy this realm and the next. Can she channel the strength within her and achieve the impossible? Or will self-doubt prevent her from protecting all those who depend on her?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lynz Johnston
• Release date: May 23, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201241063

Lynz Johnston

Lynz lives in Ohio with her husband, two kids and a lively cat. She has a never ending love for books and now she enjoys spending what free time she can find writing and bringing the stories and voices in her head to life. When she isn't writing, she is spending time with her family, she is also a gamer and spends time with the voices in her head.

Book preview

Dedication

To my husband, TJ, who has always supported me and wouldn’t let me give up when I wanted to.

Also, to my friend, my muse, Vanessa, for putting up with me and being able to put time aside while I sent you my random thoughts and helping me to create something out of them.

Chapter One

Birthday Party

Do you ever wonder if you were born in the wrong place? Or better yet, the wrong time? Tatyanna sighed as she glanced down at the cat in her arms. He looked up at her, listening intently as if he understood every word she just said to him.

Probably not. You’re just a cat, she continued, leaning against the windowsill, staring out into the dark night. It wasn’t unusual for her to be seen talking to her cat; he was her best friend after all. Well, her only friend to be exact. She found him as a stray when he was a kitten. She named him Tux, because he was all black, except for a white chest and white feet, and eyes the color of a deep emerald. She remembered taking him to the vet to get him checked out, and the veterinarian commenting on how healthy he was for a stray, not to mention the fact he was unusually large. Tatyanna didn’t know what the vet meant by her comment, but it was love at first sight for her, and she shared an instant bond with the animal.

Tatyanna continued to stare out into the night. She wished it would end so she could begin another, new day. The desire was rather silly because as soon as the new day began, she would wish for it to end. Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard heels clicking against the hardwood floor in the hallway. She held her breath, hoping her sister would continue walking toward her own bedroom, but let it out when she heard knocking at her door.

What? she asked, doing her best to sound annoyed.

Lilah opened the door, ignoring her sister’s tone, What are you still doing up here? There’s a raging party going on downstairs, she said, waving her arms about.

Tatyanna took her time turning to face her twin sister. She was beautiful, with long, curly, blond hair, the perfect tan, and the perfect willowy figure. She was often envious of her sister growing up because they were complete opposites in every way.

Why aren’t you dressed for the party? Can’t you hear the music? It’s in full swing.

It’s not my party, she argued.

Is it not our twenty-first birthday today?

Yes, Tatyanna mumbled.

Therefore, it’s your party, too, Lilah responded cheerfully.

None of these people came here for me. I bet you half of them don’t even know my name.

Oh, stop being so melodramatic. I invited all of our old friends from high school, including several of my sorority sisters, whom you have yet to say more than a passing ‘hi’ to.

Our friends? Don’t you mean your friends? I was a loner back then, or don’t you remember?

You still are.

Tatyanna gave her sister a blank look.

Lilah changed tactics. Everyone has been asking about you, and what you’ve been doing since graduation.

What did you tell them?

Nothing, because they want to hear it from you.

Oh, I’m sure. After all these years, now I’m Miss Popularity. I’m sure they are only here to see with their own eyes that I am still the same loser I was in high school. This time, because I am twenty-one and still living at home, she said cynically.

You mean you are living at home by choice because you’re too stubborn to take Mom and Dad’s money for college and you chose to work your way through school, her sister clarified.

Tatyanna shrugged, letting the familiar argument bounce off her.

She turned away from the window, having been staring out it for the last hour, and felt a familiar twinge of disappointment as she studied her twin in the reflection of the window. They never really seemed like they were twins, and she could not be more disconnected from her sister. She had grown up hearing all about how close twins were and the fact they could communicate without talking, but apparently, that applied to every other set of twins except them. The only things they had in common were their parents and the same birthdate.

In high school, Lilah was captain of the cheerleading squad, Prom Queen, and Student Council President. She had a strange obsession with Barbie and was constantly having special outfits made from the Barbie Collection to fit her. Tatyanna guessed she could see where the obsessions started. She was tall, thin, blond, and gorgeous. Her sister could easily be a model if she wanted to with her looks.

Then, there was herself. Tatyanna was a good four inches shorter than Lilah, standing barely five-foot-seven, with raven black hair, midnight blue eyes, and matching midnight blue bangs. Her family wasn’t the only people she felt disconnected from; she experienced the same feelings with her classmates. They tolerated her, because of Lilah. Then, on her sixteenth birthday, she woke up realizing her bangs were blue. She thought it was one of her sister’s pranks, but Lilah kept denying it until she was blue in the face, no pun intended. She tried cutting and dyeing her hair several times, but the blue always came back. Tatyanna gave up and accepted it as another sign as to how different she was.

She used to wish on every shooting star, curled chip, and pop can tab that she was normal, or that she could be taken far, far away from her current location, but her wishes never came true. She just continued to pull back away from people and refused to join in. Lilah would always force her to accompany her to school parties and other random high school events and swear up and down these were the best years of her life. However, once they had arrived, Tatyanna would wander off and leave Lilah to her flock of admirers.

By the time the sisters were eighteen, Lilah already had a ten-year plan in place. She wanted to become the most sought-after designer in the world, or at least apprentice under Vera Wang. Tatyanna, on the other hand, worked at a local nursing home. She spent her free time trying to keep her parents from killing their landscape, and recently, was hired in at the local hospital as a Licensed Practical Nurse while she went to school for her Registered Nurse degree.

Tatyanna shrugged and spun away from her sister. Lilah let out a loud huff. Fine, I realize you aren’t in the party mood, but at least come down and meet Jon.

Is it the same Jon whom you brought home for Christmas?

Ew, gross. I dumped that Jon after the holidays. His gift was so lame, Lilah said, sounding like a Valley Girl.

Tatyanna rolled her eyes. Ohhh. Okay. So, this is Jon Number 356?

What? No. This is only the third Jon I’ve dated.

But I am sure in the long lines of boyfriends that you have had he is Number 356.

I don’t date that many guys.

Uh huh. Tatyanna didn’t believe her sister’s blatant lie.

Whatever. You could have at least commented on my outfit. Daddy had it specially made for tonight’s party. I mean we only turn twenty-one once. Lilah struck a pose, with her left hand on her trim waistline, and her right arm in the air above her head.

Tatyanna glanced at her sister and finally noticed her outfit. She was wearing white skinny jeans that showcased her long, lean legs, with an off-the-shoulder, red blouse, and a thick, white belt right under her breastbone to show off what boobs she had. She topped the outfit with matching red stiletto heels. Tatyanna wondered how long her sister practiced walking in those shoes before wearing them tonight.

Let me guess. It’s a Barbie specialty?

Of course. It’s a variation of Model 001 of the Red Collection.

I think you need some professional help, sis.

This coming from someone who lives in the attic? Lilah said, sounding snobbish.

At least I don’t get my fashion advice from a plastic doll.

At least I have fashion sense, Lilah retorted, having to have the last word.

Tatyanna looked down at herself and thought she looked fine. She had on her favorite baggy blue jeans and a blue shirt that said in orange letters, ‘Follow me, I’m lost.’ The shirt was huge and practically swallowed her up. Well, if it makes you feel better, I got my shirt at Target.

Lilah frowned at her. Target? Really?

Yeah, it was on the men’s side. I got it for five dollars.

It shows, she said with disdain, picking off an imaginary piece of lint from her otherwise perfect blouse.

There was a pause as neither sister spoke. Sooo, how about you come down for, like, five minutes?

How about not, and we just say that I did?

You could, or you could come downstairs and check out your cake.

Curse her sister. She knew her weakness. Cake?

With your name on it, she sang softly.

Tatyanna merely glared at her sister, but Lilah already knew she had won. If you are lying about the cake, I’m coming back upstairs. Lilah didn’t answer; she crossed the room with her head up straight, like she was royalty, and waited for her sister at the door. Tatyanna glanced out her window one last time, and then trailed after her sister, holding the door open so Tux would follow.

When she noticed all the people who had congregated into their house, Tatyanna bent down to pick up Tux, afraid he might get stepped on. As they slowly descended the staircase, she could hear multiple conversations going on over the music playing from a back room. Great, she thought silently. Pretty boy music. Not her preferred choice, but it was Lilah’s party after all. As she stood in the foyer, she longingly glanced at the stairs, wondering if it was too late for her to turn around. As if she could read her thoughts, Lilah reached out and grabbed her arm with a firm hold, dragging her through the crowd. Tatyanna accidentally dropped Tux and watched him make a run for it. Lucky cat.

Tatyanna felt weird walking through her own house with Lilah. Moses parting the Red Sea could not hold a candle to Lilah parting crowds. Conversely, when Tatyanna walked through a crowd, people often would stare at her and start whispering to their friends while laughing and pointing. This was what caused her to feel self-conscious and insecure.

After a brief moment of fear, Tatyanna relaxed. She realized everyone was, as usual, paying attention to Lilah. People were looking up at her sister with adoration, fawning over her as if she was the Queen of Sheba. As they continued to walk through the house, Tatyanna was overwhelmed with the feeling someone was watching her. This confused her, due to the fact no one ever paid her any great deal of attention. She might as well have been the Invisible Woman.

But the feeling of being watched wouldn’t leave her. As she searched the crowds, her eyes locked onto a young man, who appeared to be about her age. She was surprised he wasn’t surrounded by girls because she found him to be extremely good looking. He wore a baseball cap low over his eyes, and he kept tugging on it as if he wasn’t used to wearing one. His dirty blond hair was peeking out beneath the cap, and Tatyanna thought of wings the way his hair flanked around his ears. He had a long, thin nose, with a slight crook in it, and full lips. He scanned the crowd, as if he was looking for someone, but met her eyes and gave her a slight nod of acknowledgment. He turned around and was soon swallowed up by everyone. Tatyanna had a strange sensation to go after him, but, before she could, she was shoved in front of the cake.

The moment she had been waiting for. It was your average cake, big enough to feed everyone in the house, with beautiful pink and white flowers, Lilah’s favorite colors of course, and then her jaw dropped.

Crap, she murmured, wondering if anyone else saw it. Written in big flowy letters were the words, Happy Birthday, Lilah and Tittyana! Tatyanna was appalled and embarrassed, and she wanted to crawl under the table. How could anyone spell her name wrong? Tittyana? Titty? Ana? Really?

Tatyanna was so freaked out about the spelling of her name; she glanced wildly about to see if anyone was watching her and reached out toward the cake to try to smudge the frosting. Unfortunately, her mom, at that exact moment, reached for the knife and started cutting the cake. She proceeded to distribute the cake to the partygoers, without noticing anything.

Tatyanna grabbed the first piece she could, and immediately left the room, hoping no one would notice the error. Tatyanna stood in the middle of the crowded room. She didn’t want to be around anyone and started to make her way outside. After shoving and pushing her way through the crowd, she finally made it to the deck and was relieved to find it empty.

She pondered over her conversation with her sister earlier. As far back as Tatyanna could remember she was never able to click with any other person, especially Lilah. She never had friends, and often felt like no one understood her. She wished her own sister could see that, but then again, her own sister didn’t even know who she was.

She absentmindedly bit into her cake and cringed. The texture of the cake resembled eating cardboard because of the lack of any flavor. She leaned against the railing of the deck, the cake forgotten in her hand as she looked up at the night sky. Tatyanna imagined a place where she could be normal when she heard a voice behind her.

Allo.

She barely stifled her scream as she wheeled around and saw it was the same young man who had been watching her earlier. She didn’t even hear him come up behind her and wondered how he did it.

Hey, she said awkwardly. She was caught off-guard by the man, feeling herself sweating in all the wrong places. Geez, I’m acting like a little school girl, she thought. Sure, she had talked to guys before, but most of them were conversations in her head. She didn’t know how to act around them.

Sorry about your cake, he said, startling her out of her thoughts. She glanced down at the piece he was holding and was shocked to see he was the one who ended up with the piece with the word ‘tit’ on it.

Oh my gosh! she yelled. She must have taken him by surprise because he took a step back and gave her an odd look. Tatyanna was so humiliated at this point she just wanted to crawl into a dark hole and die. She tried to walk away from him before the moment could get any worse when he stopped her.

He took one bite of it and grimaced in disgust as he casually dropped it over the side of the deck. He simply laughed. On a scale of one to ten, I would rate this to be at about a twenty.

Just a twenty? she asked in disbelief. She would have rated this at least an eighty.

I can guarantee you no one aside from you, or I noticed it. You already feel invisible; the people around you almost treat you like you are. So, yes, no one noticed it.

How do you know how I feel?

He shrugged.

Do I know you?

No, but I know you.

Did my sister invite you? she asked, feeling like she was playing Twenty Questions.

He gave her a blank look. Who is your sister?

The Barbie lookalike? She had on white pants and a spiffy red top.

Oh, yeah, her, he said distractedly. No, she didn’t invite me.

Then why are you here?

Honestly?

Honestly.

Because some asshole ran a red light and hit my truck. He didn’t bother stopping to check to see how much damage he caused. I did the only reasonable thing I could think of—I followed him here.

And?

And, I confronted him, he laughed. He denied hitting my truck, and then went with your sister to go make-out.

And you just let things be?

Oh, hell no, he said outraged at the thought. I got my revenge. He won’t be able to show his face again with his fancy car. I made sure of that. He stopped talking and glanced at her. Oh, crap. I’m sorry. He’s your sister’s boyfriend. I shouldn’t have admitted to anything.

Nah, it’s cool. My sister changes boyfriends as often as she goes shoe shopping. She was probably going to break up with him this weekend anyway.

They were silent for a few minutes when the man beside her spoke up again. Do you want to get out of here?

Well, I would like to, but I don’t know if I can.

What do you mean?

I don’t even know who you are.

He wiped his hands on his pants and held one out. As they shook hands, he said, I’m Dimitri, Milady.

Her eyebrows rose in surprise. Milady? If we’re going to leave, there are two things you need to know. I’m not an ‘M,’ and I’m not a lady.

Well, unless you want to stay here where it has become one giant make-out session, I suggest you get over yourself. We’ll go out and celebrate your birthday in style.

Tatyanna looked back toward her house and knew she didn’t want to go back inside. Without a doubt, she trusted Dimitri, and she couldn’t explain why. Sure, why not? Let me grab my wallet.

No need. Where we’re going, they already know who you are.

What the heck? What do you mean by that? she asked but didn't get a response. She frowned, not wanting to go back to a party where she couldn't stand anyone. She also conceded that she didn't want to spend another birthday alone. The chance to meet new people, and the potential to make actual friends, convinced her to go. So, she let it slide that he didn't answer her and asked, Don’t I have to prove that I’m twenty-one?

Trust me. Where we’re going, that won’t be a problem.

What about money? We just met. I’m not going to let you pay for me. No offense, she said, after a moment’s pause.

Dimitri smiled, and she felt her heart melt. Again, not a problem. Don’t sweat it.

He tugged on her hand and pulled her around the house to the long line of cars parked in the driveway and on the street. As they neared the end of her street, she saw a car that looked like it had seen better days. She didn’t know her cars, but she could tell just from the looks the car was far out of her price range. It appeared to have driven through a hailstorm. The windows were even shattered, and two tires were slashed, one on the driver’s side and one at the rear. Tatyanna let the damage sink in, and then she comprehended this must be Jon’s car. She studied the destruction closer, noticing his right bumper was smashed in and missing a headlight. That must have been where he had hit Dimitri and kept on driving.

This is what you call revenge?

Heck yeah! I freaking hate guys who think because they drive a nice car they should be treated like they are royalty. I bet you he will have his car towed and will be driving a brand new one in a matter of days. While I, on the other hand, will be putting long hours into getting my truck fixed.

How do you know he’s one of those guys? Dimitri stared at Tatyanna as if she had an idiot sign pointing at her head. Okay, okay, so he is one of those guys. My sister sure does know how to pick them. It looks like it was a nice car. I like that shade of red.

Dimitri peered at her in surprise. He looked from her to the car and shook his head in disbelief. It’s a Nissan GTR, cost the guy an easy hundred grand. Your sister must have expensive tastes.

Tatyanna flicked a glance at him and walked further down the road until they finally reached Dimitri’s truck. Tatyanna’s eyes grew wide, and her mouth dropped open. That is not a truck. That is a beast, she said, glancing up at the huge truck, wondering how in the world she was going to get inside it. It reminded her of what you might see in one of the monster truck rallies because it was so high up. And, it seemed to have taken its fair share of beatings.

Yeah, it’s my baby, he said fondly, patting the side of it. I’ve been working on her every spare chance I get. Isn’t she something?

She sure is something, Tatyanna agreed, knowing that their definitions of ‘something’ weren’t the same.

What did he hit you with? Your truck looks as bad as his car.

Oh, this baby is a work in progress. If you come over to my side, you’ll see where he ran into me.

As she neared the front of his truck, Tatyanna could have sworn she heard growling, but maybe it was her stomach rumbling. She instantly saw his front bumper and light had also been hit. With Jon’s car, everything was still intact. Dimitri had resorted to using duct tape to keep his bumper from dragging on the ground.

How much is this going to cost you to fix it?

Not much. I have been putting in the time to get this baby up to mint condition. I know I have a long way to go, but I’m up for the challenge.

How much did you buy it for?

A buck. I know it looks rough on the outside, but this baby has a monster engine to match its attitude. The lady who sold it to me was just trying to piss off her boyfriend. She had no idea what a gold mine was hidden under its hood.

Tatyanna nodded her head. I’ll take your word for it.

Not a car fanatic, huh? She shook her head. I suppose that’s a good thing.

What do you mean?

Dimitri didn’t answer her. Instead, he walked to the passenger side of the truck, opened the door, and waited for her to come around. When she did, he placed his hands on her waist and lifted her up as if she weighed nothing, then walked to his side of the truck.

Tatyanna could hear the growling again, but this time, it was much louder. She turned around, coming nose-to-nose with a giant wolf, who was staring her down as if she were going to be its next meal.

Chapter Two

The Ghastly Web

If Tatyanna was perfectly honest with herself, she had hoped it wasn't a wolf, but by the way her night was going things weren't in her favor. She was, in fact, up close and personal with an actual wolf. She wasn’t sure if it was her eyes playing tricks on her, but the longer she stared at the animal, Tatyanna was sure it was glowing blue. Maybe she was suffering from everything that happened thus far, but she didn’t dare move in case the animal found her to be a threat.

Dimitri settled himself in the driver’s seat and turned to see what had caught Tatyanna’s attention. Oh, hey, I see you met Althea.

You know this beast? she asked quietly, maintaining constant eye contact with the animal.

Of course. I’ve had Althea since she was a pup. She’s perfectly harmless.

Then why is she looking at me like I’m her next meal?

Althea! Dimitri commanded in a dominant tone. The wolf glanced at him, but she didn’t back down and let out a low growl.

Hold out your hand and let her sniff you.

No way! I’m not going to lose a limb that way. Tatyanna clutched her hand to her chest.

You won’t. She’d never hurt you.

How can you say that? She’s a wolf. They are wild and unpredictable for a reason.

Oh, I can assure you, she is predictable. She is a fierce protector and won’t hurt you. Just hold out your hand, Dimitri urged this time more firmly than he had before.

Tatyanna glanced at Dimitri’s serious expression. She took a deep breath and slowly reached out a shaky hand. The wolf refused to move. Althea, Dimitri said again, and it sounded like the wolf sighed before leaning forward to smell her hand. The wolf’s eyes widened, and to Tatyanna’s astonishment, the beast appeared to bow down before her.

See? I told you she wouldn’t hurt you.

Tatyanna was shocked to see that the animal was still prostrate. Your animal is bowing.

Dimitri shrugged it off. She is showing she accepts you. Say her name and give her permission to rise.

Althea, rise. The animal did as she was told. She listened! Tatyanna exclaimed.

Of course, she did. She understands what we say.

You mean she understands certain words.

No, I mean she is following our conversation and knows exactly what we are saying. She’s very smart for her kind.

If she is so smart, then why are you raising her? Shouldn’t she be out in the wild with her own pack?

Althea nodded.

Dimitri shushed her. She already accepts you, and now, she agrees with you. She can’t wait to go back to her homeland, but until recently, it just hasn’t been the right time, he said cryptically.

Right time for what?

Dimitri didn’t hear her as he turned the key in his ignition, and the beast of a truck roared to life. Tatyanna wasn’t sure who to be warier of, the truck or the wolf.

Tatyanna turned around in her seat long enough to put her seatbelt on and then glanced back to study the wolf. So… she began.

Dimitri glanced at her briefly before concentrating on the road. So…

Tatyanna pursed her lips together, trying to come up with a way to phrase her question without her sounding like she had lost her mind. She took a deep breath and asked, So, why is your wolf glowing?

Glowing?

Yeah, glowing, like a light bulb, or better yet, as if she’s on fire.

I think you’ve had too much to drink.

I haven’t had anything to drink.

He snapped his fingers, pointing them at her. There’s your problem. Don’t worry about that. The bar isn’t too far from here. I’ll fix you up with something in no time.

So, your beast is not glowing? she questioned.

Dimitri laughed in response.

How’d you come up with the name Althea? Tatyanna changed topics when she realized she wasn’t getting anywhere.

Dimitri shrugged.

Did you know Althea is Greek for healer?

You know Greek? he asked her, surprised.

Tatyanna frowned. I don’t actually. I’m not sure how I knew that, but I did. She shrugged it off. Probably something that I read once. So where is this bar you are taking me to?

It’s called The Ghastly Web, and it’s in town. Besides my house and my garage, it’s my third home.

Why do you like it so much?

Because it reminds me of home.

You mean your house? she asked, confused.

He smiled sadly. I’m not from around here. I haven’t been back to my homeland since I was a little boy, and this place is one of the few places where I can be me. It is a place where differences are accepted.

It sounds too good to be true, she commented cynically.

You don’t have a place that you go to, where you can truly be you? he asked, frowning at the thought.

No, not really. I’ve never felt like I have ever belonged anywhere. Not at school, not even within my own family.

You don’t share a special bond with your sister?

No. I used to wish that we were closer, but we are like oil and water. Lilah tries to understand me, but she doesn’t. She has her own life. And my parents—well, they gave up on trying to mold me into the perfect daughter. Why should they, when they already have Lilah? They let me be, and, to tell you the truth, I don’t think they have even realized I am still living at home. The only time I have truly felt comfortable is with my cat, Tux. He’s my best friend. I tell him everything, the good, the bad, and the really ugly, and he can’t judge me for any of it, or talk back, or tell me I’m crazy.

Dimitri smiled wistfully, That’s how Althea is for me, my best friend. But it looks like I might be able to go back home soon. Althea’s ears perked up, and she made a soft sound. He laughed. It’s been a long time coming, girl.

What’s changed that you are now able to go back home?

Dimitri didn’t respond. Instead, he slowed down as he pulled his truck into a sparsely lit parking lot. Here we are, he announced.

Tatyanna looked out the window and shivered. I don’t think this is the best part of town.

Appearances aren’t everything. Don’t worry. This place is safe. No one will bother you here.

Tatyanna arched her eyebrow and knew she could either sit in his truck or go inside. The building looked like it should be condemned and was on the verge of collapsing. After a moment, she decided she was feeling brave and opened the truck door to step out. She practically fell out of the truck, grateful that she had on pants. Anything else and she would have been flashing half the neighborhood.

As she walked around the truck, Tatyanna was surprised to see Althea, still glowing blue, was standing next to Dimitri. You’re taking her in with you?

She’s always welcomed here.

Interesting, Tatyanna mused, bracing herself as they entered the dilapidated building.

She had expected to see mice and cockroaches racing across a dirty floor, peeling walls, and broken windows. Instead, she noticed the inside of the building was the complete opposite of her worst nightmare. The place was dimly lit, with wide booths against one wall, tall round tables against another, and a wraparound bar. Only one bartender was working, and another man leaned against the bar, casually watching Tatyanna like a hawk as she entered the bar with Dimitri and Althea.

As the man walked toward them, Tatyanna felt like hiding behind Dimitri for protection. However, she realized he was no longer standing next to her and was talking to the bartender. The man coming toward her was at least six-foot-five and built like a WWE wrestler. He resembled a street thug, with shoulder length, red hair, pulled back with a thick string, and huge tattoos of swords covering the length of both arms. There was an intricate tribal tattoo on his left bicep in almost glowing red ink, but she chalked it up to her runaway imagination. First, she had thought the wolf was on fire, and now, she thought a man’s arm was glowing. Tatyanna shook her head, trying to clear it. Who knew what she might think she would see next.

As the man neared closer to her, she noted a look of surprise in his eyes that quickly turned to approval as he openly checked her out. I know you, he said in a deep voice.

Panicking and wanting to run away, Tatyanna stood her ground, remembering she was feeling brave today. No, I’m sorry. I think you have me mistaken for someone else.

No, I’m sure I know you. I never forget a pretty face.

Tatyanna glanced around, hoping Dimitri would come to her rescue. Unfortunately, he was in an intense argument with someone who looked oddly familiar to her, dressed in all black, matching with his long shoulder length black hair, and the makings of a beard starting on his face. As he turned his body toward Dimitri, Tatyanna noted the white shirt which stood out in the faint lighting, and a black leather jacket enunciating that he was in shape, even though she wasn’t close enough to see just how fit he was.

Weren’t you that chick who gave me that awesome lap dance last week, but turned me down when things started to heat up?

Considering I’m not a bird, I don’t see how that could possibly be me, Tatyanna said sarcastically.

The man laughed. A woman with a sense of humor, I like that, he said, pulling her toward him.

She tried to push him away, but his grip only tightened.

It’s my first time here, and I’m waiting on Dimitri. I’m sure we’ll be leaving any moment now.

Nah, I know Dimitri. He’ll be here for hours. The man studied her again and dragged her even closer toward his body. Tatyanna slammed against a hard wall, realizing it was his chest. He laid his hands possessively on her waist. First time here? Why is that?

It’s my twenty-first birthday. She grimaced, hoping she could be polite to the brute until someone came to her rescue.

Twenty-first, huh? Then, you deserve a birthday kiss. He leaned down toward her face, and let his hands slowly roam down her backside. Tatyanna had enough and slapped him before he could score. His eyes gleamed red and he grabbed one of her wrists before yelping in surprise. He glanced down at her again about to say something, when all of a sudden, he changed his mind. He bowed down to her, apologized, and turned around quickly only to run into the man Dimitri had been talking to.

James, is everything okay here?

Yes, sir. Everything is fine, sir. I was just…uh…going to go…uh…back…uh…back there in the corner, he said, pointing nervously.

The man didn’t answer, but simply nodded his head, and Tatyanna wondered about the man’s odd behavior. She didn’t dwell on it long and turned her attention back to him.

I guess I should say thanks.

For what?

Coming to my rescue.

He shrugged. That wasn’t me. I’m Emmett, by the way. I bet you feel like you need to wash up. There’s a bathroom over near the booths. Wash your face, calm down, and I’ll have a drink ready for you when you come back.

How’d you know I wanted to use the bathroom?

I’m a bartender; it’s my job to know everything.

Tatyanna looked at him skeptically. Whatever. She followed his directions toward the women’s restroom.

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As soon as Tatyanna had walked away, Emmett stalked toward Dimitri, pulled him over to the bar closest to the door, and slapped him upside the head. Are you fucking kidding me?

What?

You brought her here, without even trying to disguise her?

I didn’t think anyone would know who she was.

James sure as hell did. He tried to come on to her.

What! Dimitri exclaimed, looking around the room for the other man. Althea growled low in her throat. Did he hurt her?

No. Funny thing is, she hurt him.

How?

She has a new surprise she will see in the morning. A protection of sorts.

What are you talking about?

Emmett studied his friend for a moment, and then shook his head. No, I don’t think you need to know just yet.

You’re withholding information from me?

You brought her here, without trying to hide her hair, and then ditched her so you could come to me and complain about how some jackass hit your precious truck. I think I have every right to withhold information from you since you majorly screwed up, he hissed angrily. "Hell, Dimitri, you could have given her your baseball cap to wear. Why the