Episode 3

Sora Ding… ding… Ding… ding… I lifted my sleep-crusted lids. DING… What? Snatching my cell from the table, I quickly silenced the shrill tone. Ugh, I groaned into the pillow. My shift at the diner. Rolling to stand, I folded my blanket. Padding to the bathroom, the events of the previous night jolted me back to reality. Oh shit! Hands covering my face, I peered through my fingers and willed it all to be a dream. The puffy blue-green eyes in the mirror and crazy bedhead did nothing to reassure me. Flipping on the shower, I pushed the problems to the back of my mind. I could figure it out later; I needed this job and my home. I clocked in at 10:59 without paying attention to anyone and nodded my good mornings to the other wait staff. Tying on my backup apron, I headed out to my six-booth section.Arriving at the first table, I finally looked up. Two large men stared at me. Each flared their nostrils as they inhaled in unison. Noticing for the first time the silence of the room, I glanced around. Not a fork scraped nor a menu crinkled. Everyone was staring, again. Heat rushed to my face as my shoulders rounded. Staring hard at my order tablet, with my pen poised, I cleared my throat. “What can I get you?” The tanned guy on the left shifted on the brown vinyl. “Black coffee.” Closing his menu, the other man muttered, “Same, with the Steak Skillet. Rare, white toast.” Nodding, I scribbled the order down, plucked their menus from the table, and beat a hasty retreat to the kitchen. The elderly cook looked up with a smile as I handed him the ticket. “Rough start?” His head tipped to the pass-through window. “Those boys aren’t giving you trouble, are they?” Thankful for the normalcy, I met his eyes with a grin. “No, just the usual.” Near instantly, his eyes glazed over. Shaking himself, he mumbled, “I’ll get this together. You better get back out there.” “Um, thanks,” I uttered, pushing through the swinging door to the server station. I could do this. So, people were staring. Who cared? I had to get over these strange encounters. Time to kick *** and get paid. Pep talk done, I poured two cups of Columbian Black. People continued to gawk as I retraced my footsteps to the booth. Setting the coffees down, Skillet Guy addressed me with his brows lowered in thought. “You new here?” “Nope, I’ve been here for about four months. This your first trip in?” “No, Mel and I have been coming here for years. We’ve just never noticed your sc…” he corrected himself quickly “…smiling face before.” Thoughts whirling, I tilted my chin toward “Mel.” “You decide on any food yet?” Blowing over his raised cup, he shrugged. “Coffee’s good, thanks.” “All right then, I’ll be back with your food in a bit. If you need more coffee just set your mug”—I patted the table—“on the end here.” Turning away, I moved on. The stares and stammers were easier to handle after that. Lifting my lips, I waited as patiently as I could. A ding sounded as Skillet Guy’s food appeared in the window. I shuffled ketchup and A1 into one hand, grabbed a rack of jelly with my pinky, and double plated the skillet and toast with my other. He was talking animatedly with his hands. Mel stared back with a glare on his face. At my approach, they fell silent. Placing everything on the plastic surface, I injected fake cheer into my voice. “Here you go. Will there be anything else?” They shook their heads. “All right, here’s your check. Flag me down if you change your minds.” First the scent thing, then the weird silence. Shelving the thoughts, I finished my shift on autopilot. As I was getting ready to leave, the hostess snagged my shoulder with adoration lighting her hazel eyes. “Hey, the first guys you served left your tip up front when they paid. There’s a couple others as well, but theirs stood out.” She handed over a white envelope with my name on it. Slipping my fingers inside, I pulled out a fifty and a few other bills. Scrawled on the fifty were the words, “Call me, Mel 6197741282.” I gasped. “Did they say anything?” “Nope, the other guy paid the tab, and his friend left that for you.” She wagged her brows. “They were pretty cute.” “Um, thanks. I guess they were.” I waved over my shoulder. “See you tomorrow.” Shoving the envelope and cash into the pocket of my apron, I rushed home. It was early evening by the time I closed the door to my studio. Placing my hand on the handle, I tried to feel any energy from the ward. A slight hum met my fingertips. Cool, it must mean it’s still active. Walking to the couch, I untied my apron and emptied its contents onto the coffee table. Sitting down, I gawked. That was a lot of cash. Grabbing the remote, I turned on the local news and started counting. Two hundred and fifty-six dollars for a six-hour shift. Whoa. Never had I received so many tips in one day. Thumbing out most of the stack, I made my way to the mini fridge. Opening the freezer, I pulled out my zip lock of savings. Pinching my pennies was doing me well, but a few more shifts like this and I could afford a vacation. If I had somewhere to go. Replacing the bag, I glanced down at the frozen meals. I still wasn’t hungry, and nothing looked remotely appetizing. Hip checking the door closed, I padded back to the couch. Multiple strange men, all affected by my scent, and two phone numbers. Mel couldn’t have been a Vampire; it was daylight. What the hell was going on? I scribbled his phone number on the back of Blaze’s card. Mind spinning with confusion, I decided to take a hot shower. As I stepped out of the foggy bathroom, a knock sounded on the front door. “Who is it?” Another knock came. “Who is it?” I repeated, pitching my voice louder. No response. Hanging my towel on the hook, I slipped into my grey terry-cloth robe. Padding to the entry, I shouted, “WHO IS IT?” The knob shook in tandem with a man’s muffled curse. Simultaneously, I felt a tiny pinch in my chest. Grabbing my bat, I flicked the lock and pushed it open. Mel from the diner stood on my porch holding his hand to his wide chest. Glancing past him, I asked, “What the hell are you doing here? At my house?” His chocolate eyes widened at my robe but dismissed the bat entirely. I shifted its position, but he didn’t notice it. Clearing his throat, he shook out his fingers. “I’ve come to issue a request on behalf of the SoCal Pack.” Wait, what? Dumbfounded, I stared at him. He blinked. “I am the Alpha of the SoCal Pack.” My face screwed up as I tried to grasp memories long forgotten. A Pack… like Shifters? I took him in from head to toe. His brown hair curled at the tops of his ears. Wearing an untucked grey polo, khaki board shorts, and… Wait. Were those green flip-flops? My mind stuttered to a stop. Flip-flops…on a Shifter. A manic giggle slipped past my lips. He glanced at his feet. “What?” Blushing furiously, he grouched, “They’re easy to slip off for a shift.” This was just too insane! I laughed, long and loud. His face hardened at the ridicule. Tears streamed down my cheeks, and a giggle snorted through my nose. Tentatively, he smiled. Slapping my palm over my mouth, I grinned. “I’m sorry, it’s just been a long week.” He fidgeted. “I hoped you would call.” My hackles rose. Cocking a hip, I snarked, “You put your number on a tip. That does not mean I have to call you. Obviously you sniffed me out though. What do you want?” He gestured inside. “Can we talk?” Incredulous, I answered, “Um, no? I’m in a robe. It’s nighttime. What sane woman invites a strange man into her home after he’s stalked her?” Flexing his fingers, he stared down at his reddened palm. I hesitated. “What happened to your hand?” Ears reddening, he muttered, “Your, um, door burned me when I tried to open it.” “So not only did you stalk me, you tried to enter my home?” I glared. “You need to leave.” “No, please, just listen. Hear me out.” He reached out to the door frame. A sharp pain lanced my chest as he made contact. The entire frame glowed blue, then white. Fire raced across the open space as it made a solid flame. BOOM! I fell back on my rear, completely unprepared for the concussion. Blinking hard to clear the spots from my vision, I shakily stood and peered outside. The landing was empty, save for one lone green sandal. Leaning further out, I looked around. There, sprawled on the grass, awkwardly trying to move its forelegs, was the biggest brown Wolf I had ever seen. As he noticed my gaze, his upper lip rose to reveal one very large, finger-sized fang. He was not happy. Taking a sharp breath at his reaction, I smelled burnt hair. His left leg was bald and smoking. He rumbled a vicious growl before loping off into the darkness. Shuddering at the mess my life had become, I gently closed the door. I ran my fingers over the panel, and the ward hummed as I thanked the Goddess the frame wasn’t damaged. It was a damned good thing Giselle was at work tonight. That was the last thing I needed. Tucking my legs beneath my sore rear on the couch, I debated picking up the phone. Blaze said to call if I required assistance. He knew others would catch my scent. Shit. Blaze He grinned as he watched the charred Wolf retreat to lick his wounds. Sora seemed to be handling herself well enough. He wasn’t sure why he returned after dusk. Something about her called to him. If he was honest with himself, it wasn’t just her scent. Ocean-colored eyes in a perfectly sculpted face. High cheekbones paired with full pink pouty lips. He yearned to touch her silver hair. Christ, she even managed to make a bathrobe look seductive as it molded to her soft curves. Her anger at the Wolf turned him on; the crisp bite of sea water was more pronounced with her outrage. Licking his lips, he replayed the memory of her taste. She’d only smelled mildly of the ocean then, he mused. It’s what caught his attention at the bar. Settling back on the balls of his feet, he waited for her call. Sora After making my favorite brand of coffee and pouring it into a chipped mug, I debated whether or not to call Blaze. I took a sip, and my stomach soured. Instantly, I spit it back into the cup. Damn it. Dumping the ruined drink in the sink, I rinsed the mug and set it back on the rack. Pulling out my sleep shorts and tank from my tiny linen closet, I quickly dressed. Padding to the bathroom, I grabbed a comb from the vanity and headed to my window seat. Untangling the messy strands, I watched my reflection in the glass. With a sigh, I reached for my phone and hovered my thumb over the keys. Screw it. Punching in his number, I half hoped to get voicemail after the third ring. “Yes?” a deep voice rumbled, making my stomach flip. “Hey, Blaze? Um uh, hi. It’s Sora.” I cringed. His tone was all business. “What is it?” “Well, you said I could call, that others would come…” My voice lowered to a whisper. “That I might require assistance?” The pause on the other end was so long, I checked the phone’s display to make sure it hadn’t lost signal. Finally, after what seemed an eternity, he replied, “What do you need?” Goddess, he was going to make me ask for help. Screw that! I snarled, “Well, you tell me. I didn’t ask for any of this crap.” He chuckled. Butterflies danced in my belly at the rich sound. Holding my breath, I waited for him to say something, anything. Knock, knock. I jumped and nearly fell off my chair. Who the hell was here now? It was like Grand Central Station around here. “Well,” his voice came through the Screw it. Punching in his number, I half hoped to get voicemail after the third ring. “Yes?” a deep voice rumbled, making my stomach flip. “Hey, Blaze? Um uh, hi. It’s Sora.” I cringed. His tone was all business. “What is it?” “Well, you said I could call, that others would come…” My voice lowered to a whisper. “That I might require assistance?” The pause on the other end was so long, I checked the phone’s display to make sure it hadn’t lost signal. Finally, after what seemed an eternity, he replied, “What do you need?” Goddess, he was going to make me ask for help. Screw that! I sneaked, “Well, you tell me. I didn’t ask for any of this crap.” He chuckled. Butterflies danced in my belly at the rich sound. Holding my breath, I waited for him to say something, anything. Knock, knock. I jumped and nearly fell off my chair. Who the hell was here now? It was like Grand Central Station around here. “Well,” his voice came through the door a second before the speaker pressed against my ear, “are you going to let me in?" Shit, he was here? Now? Hitting End, I walked to the door. Taking a moment to compose myself, I flipped the lock and pushed it open. My eyes widened as I took in his tall, muscular form. Goddess, he looked good. His eyes seemed almost blac in the low light, further enhanced by the thick fan of lashes against his cheeks. My heart beat faster while I slowly looked my fill from his boots to his chin. Clearing his throat, the corner of one lip lifted as if my perusal amused him. Stepping aside, I tucked my chin to hide my blush. “Please, come in.” As he prowled through the doorway, his denim jeans flexed with every step. Without the leather jacket, his black T shirt looked painted on. It highlighted the perfect v of his hips. Inhaling through my nose, I parsed his scent while closing the door. He smelled delicious. Home, my body screamed. He turned toward me. "Well?" My mouth ran dry. Swallowing, I quipped, “That was fast. Are you still stalking me?” Returning my glib, he stepped within inches of my chest. “If I am?” My body betrayed me as I leaned toward him. What? No, focus! Rocking back on my heels, I shook my head. “Then you know why I called. What the hell is going on?” He silently strode toward the couch and sat. A smile lit his face when it once again squealed its dissent. “I came to check up on you. I saw the Wolf; nice work there." His eyes flashed to cobalt as if he truly enjoyed the show. My heart warmed at the praise, and I snickered, "It was pretty funny.” Instantly, I sobered. I needed answers, not admiration from a Vampire I barely knew. “Please, just tell me what is going on." Poker face in place, he replied, "Tit for tat, if you want information.” I walked to the window and sat. I had to keep my distance from him. Never had a male affected me so drastically before, nor had I met one that changed moods so quickly. Hesitantly, I asked, “What do you want to know?" He lifted a brow. "Where are you from?” Sliding a pony tie off my wrist, I tipped my head back and gathered my damp tresses to begin a loose braid over one shoulder. Watching my fingers work the strands, I muttered, “Seattle. I kind of migrated down the coast and ended up here." Raising my eyes to his, I noticed he was staring at my neck. He quickly averted his gaze, but not before I saw the need reflected in his dark depths. Tying off the end, I bounced my leg and pondered my own question. “Why are you stalking me? I mean, um, what is so interesting about my scent? First your Trackers, then you, and now a Shifter." He nodded in anticipation. “Your scent is unique, as I said before. You smell of the ocean, with hints of mint and lavender. It's intoxicating." He sighed. “The kicker is, only Vampires smell like the sea. That brings us to my next question. What are you?” His eyes were so earnest, I found I did want to tell someone of my past. Taking a deep breath, I began, “I was born to some of the most powerful Mages in the Seattle Stronghold. It was assumed I would be incredibly powerful. Most come into their power at puberty. I didn't." Raising a shoulder, I tried to push down the hurricane of negative emotions. “My parents tried everything. Tutors, enhanced spell books, hypnotism. Our Seer couldn't see me, or my future. I was just a blank space, void of magic, worthless. On my twenty-first birthday, my parents were called before the Council. I'm not sure what was said, but I was kicked out of my home because I had no magic. My mother and father were so embarrassed, they didn't even say goodbye. I was left like trash on the curb, alone, with nothing but the clothes on my back in Downtown Seattle.” I met his azure gaze as he leaned forward with interest. At least it wasn't a look of sympathy, thank the Goddess. “You see, I didn't have magic until after that night at the bar." He frowned.

My brow furrowed. "I'm not really sure what I am. Do you know?” His granite mask slid back into place as he shifted back to his original position. “I have some theories, but I'm not prepared to share them yet. I need to do some research first. Do you have any other questions, so we can continue?” “Yes. What do you think Mel, the Wolf Shifter, wanted?” His entire body flexed as his torso rotated toward me. The churning ocean on a moonless night darkened his irises in disapproval. “Mel was the Wolf? The one charred by your ward?”I stammered at the abrupt change. “Ye yes. He came to the d-diner where I work today. He had some other guy with him. He wrote his number on a fifty-dollar bill and left it the cashier.” My shoulders rounded as the menace radiating from him increased. “He stalked me home and said he wanted to issue a request. He wanted to come in to talk, but I refused. He put his hand on the doorframe, and boom”—I threw out my arms-“the ward activated. It blasted him off my landing and across the yard.” Standing, he barked, “We need to leave." Struck dumb by the entire exchange, I stared. His boots clomped loudly in agitation as he stepped toward me. Cringing away in fear, I turned to the side while closing my eyes for the blow that was sure to come. Instead, he placed his fingertips under my chin and gently tipped my face up. Once I met his gaze, he rumbled, "I will never hurt you." His face scrunched in anger and disgust as if the mere thought offended him. “We have to leave. That Wolf is the Alpha of the SoCal Pack. This slight, accidental as it was, will not be forgiven. He will come back with reinforcements and force you to do whatever he requires. We must go. I cannot deal with thirty Wolves on my own." He paused before adding, “Or their Mage." Heart racing, I asked, “A Mage? Go where?” Releasing his grip, he growled, “My Clutch.” My posture changed to defend what was mine as I stood. “What about my home? Giselle? I can't just leave!" “Your presence does nothing but endanger the old woman. Ward everything, but we have to leave. NOW!” His voice boomed in the tiny space, leaving no room for argument. I ran to the linen closet and pulled out a rolled-up duffel bag. Throwing in half of my clothes and my makeup pouch from the bathroom, I pivoted and snagged my jacket off the back of the couch. Shoving my arms through the sleeves, I stomped to my mini fridge and grabbed my

savings. No way was I leaving without that. Dashing past the couch, I tugged my charger from the wall and pocketed my phone. Blaze tapped his impatience on the window frame while staring intently into the night. “Ready," I bit out, glaring at his back. It had only taken me a moment to pack. My chest ached at the thought of leaving the only place I felt any peace since I was kicked out of my home. I was livid. “Good. Outside, go. You need to ward the perimeter.” Turning on his heel, he opened the door and pushed me through. His magic snicked the lock after us as he tugged me down the stairs. I scoffed, “How the hell do I do that?" “Figure out how you did it the first time," he hazarded a guess, “but bigger." What the ****? Damn it! Cursing the Vampire at my side, I squatted to the ground. Closing my eyes, I imagined a large rectangular shape big enough to cover the garage and Giselle's home, but small enough to leave the sidewalk untouched. Holding the image firmly in my mind, I placed my hands in the dirt. No one will enter without her or my permission. I held her face prominently in my mind, glossing over her silver streaked hair and warm smile before I reached for my center. My hands immediately lit with blue flame. Opening my lids, I struggled to concentrate on the ward and her. Slowly, the flame lit the grass. Gently, it flickered in the breeze. With one last mental repeat of my will, it shot off into the night like it was following a trail of gasoline. It hit the first corner of the house while I rose to my feet. A heartbeat later, the flames came rushing toward me from behind the garage. As they met the start, the circuit completed and flashed a foot-high, sapphire flame. A second later, it turned a brilliant white before winking out without a trace. My chest ached with the expenditure of power. I squatted back down and reached back into the damp soil. Pride ran through my thoughts as the hum of magic coursed through the soil and tickled my palm. Blaze pulled me to standing. Completely exhausted, I swayed. A Wolf yipped on the wind as I passed out against him.

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