I visited a hair salon. Never been to one in my life. Grans always trimmed my hair. Adam says it is cost effective. I wore my hair the same style, straight down to the middle of my back and parted in the middle, for eighteen years. I walked into Top of the Town hair salon. A large gentleman walked toward me and asked, "Do you have an appointment?" Californians have the strangest accents.
"No, I don't. I saw the sign out front about walk-ins welcome.
I was wondering if you had room to fit me in."
"It all depends what kind of cut you are looking for, sweetie?"
"Well, I don't know," He rolled his eyes at me. Is this guy rude or what?
"I was hoping that whoever did my hair could use their imagination. I have had this same hair style since I was three years old."
"Girl, you are in need of major style. Come here and sit in the chair. Roberto is going to fix you up." I sat in his chair for about an hour. He cut off over half of my hair. He layered the top and gave me bangs that framed my face. The bottom of my hair hit my jaw line. He tried to talk me into coloring it. It did not work. I refused to change my color permanently. I like the fact I can do it with magic. When he looked closer at my hair, he realized that it was natural. "You, girl, are one in a million. Do not change your hair color. Roberto will be your personal hair slave. You come to me for touch up in about a month, okay?
With his price, I definitely would be coming back. I stepped out of the salon feeling high-spirited. I drove back to the apartment hoping to see Abby before she left with Jason for the night. What I didn't count on was an apartment full of lycanthropes. I walked into the apartment and felt the power ooze all over my body. My beast wanted to come out and play, but she didn't, I wouldn't let her. Armand and a couple other men stood up to block my view of the person at the table. Abby got up from the floor and walked to me.
"I thought you said you were going to be late getting home."
"I was but Logan closed the club tonight."
I glanced at everyone in the room. I wanted to be sure no one I knew was there.
"Why dose he need to talk to our king?" Armand growled.
"I'm not sure exactly but I believe it has to do with the last attack. Speaking of your king, I have a letter here that needs delivered." I reached into my backpack and took the letter out, "I know your king must keep his identity quiet, so can one of you give it to him?"
"How do you know he must be kept a secret?" Abby asked.
"It's obvious, when I walked into the door, Armand and those other two blocked him from my view. I can tell you are not finished here so I will go shopping for three hours, okay?"
I looked at Abby to see if I was right. Her face showed the expression that I hit the mark. I was on my way out of the door when Armand asked; "You said another attack, what does that mean?"
I faced him again, looking in his eyes I felt guilty for the way things turned out between us. At least I can look at his yummy body one last time. I took a breath, should I tell or not, I'll tell maybe they can help stop Adam. "Within the last week there as been four different hit-and-run attacks on one vampire or another. Logan couldn't find the source of them, until last night. The hitter got careless. He or she was described as a cat." No blame on anyone. I hope it is enough. "I have to go." Didn't want to let the wereleopards know all of the problems. Maybe Logan kept something to himself.
I walked out of the door and Abby followed, "I like the new cut. You have been a busy one today." I smiled. At least she liked the new look. I doubt Armand noticed or even cares.
"Thank you. I am going to the store before I return. Do you want me to pick you up anything?"
"No thanks. Can I ask you a personal question?"
I stared at her wondering what she wanted to know.
"Yeah, I guess so."
"Where did you get that nasty scar on your neck?"
I touched the scar. Oh no! I forgot to hide it. What should I answer?
Something towards the truth, I guess. "It was a camping accident. I don't really remember what happen." It was true. I didn't know exactly what happen, just bits and pieces.
Abby turned and put her arms around his body;
"We're talking about Ana's scar on her neck. Show him Ana?"
I turned my body so he could see. "Ouch! What did that?"
"I don't know, it happened eleven years ago. I need to get going so you guys can finish your little meeting. I'm going to make some stew tonight. Do you want to join me for dinner?"
"Sounds yummy. Hurry up! I'm already starving." Jason sounded faint. Abby started to laugh and punched him in the stomach.
"Hey, I fed you Burger King for lunch. That was fifteen minutes ago."
"I know, my sweet, but with Ana cooking I'll be starving anytime."
That made me laugh. I admit that my grandmother taught me how to cook. I just never knew that people would go crazy to eat it. "I'm going now. Have fun."
I went down the stairs. I made sure I put my magic back into place. I was walking to the parking lot when Abby shouted out, "Hey Ana, couldn't find anyone else to go out with us tomorrow night. So how about a girls night out?" I turned and faced her, "That's fine with me." I notice at the window of the apartment that Armand was watching me. I could feel the weight of his stare. I smiled and turned around to leave.
I had a wonderful time shopping. No wonder those women on TV were possessed when sales hit. I didn't buy anything on sale. I had a lot of money to keep me comfortable. I didn't really need a job to live but I liked being out and around the people. I went into Macy's Department store at the Plaza. I was able to find a nice set of silk sheets, since I lost my others. They were gray and pink. No embroidery on them. I'm normally simple. I like the plain colors. I think I am like Abby with my favorite colors. I just don't think Abby would let me bring my colors into the apartment decor. At least I could decorate my room to suit me. I found a reversible comforter that matched the sheets. The matching process is fun. I wandered into the children's corner by accident and I'm glad I did. Right in front of me was a display of Hello Kitty. I love Hello Kitty products. My room was done in Hello Kitty at home, until Adam insisted that it was removed. I really hated him that day. His excuse was I was fifteen and in high school. It was time to grow up. I am grown up now.
I smiled to myself, walked straight to the display, and grabbed everything Hello Kitty pink. I got drapes for my windows. A twin sheet set to decorate my canopy bed. I got a wall hanging. Then to put on the finishing touch, I picked up pens, pencils and stationary. I went to pay for the items when I sensed something around me. At first, I thought it might be one of the shifters from the complex. Then I looked around me carefully. No one was around I have seen previously. I sniffed the air. Nothing. Keeping my guard up, I went to purchase my things. I watched the lady carefully. She didn't show any signs of being like me. She smelled too human for that. I gave her the ATM check card Grans gave me. She looked at me for a while, as if she couldn't believe I had that much money in an account. I just smiled when the card was approved. I took my bags and left Macy's.
The feeling of being watched was still with me. I looked at my watch; I only killed an hour and a half. I guess I could go shopping for some clothes. I went a few stores down until I found Contempo. There was this beautiful outfit. It was a halter top of shiny green material. I looked it over. The top was open in the back. Only a string held the back closed. A pair of black leather pants was with the top on a hanger. I went to the rack by the display and found my size. I tried the outfit on. The top covered enough of my body to make me happy. It was snug enough to keep my breasts from falling out. Yes, this is the outfit to wear tomorrow night.
I went through the store and found light green thigh highs to wear on my legs (I don't like the feel of sweaty leather.) Then I found a mesh choker that didn't burn my fingers. It had a little charm of a kitten in a sitting position. I purchased my birthday present. While I was at the counter, the feeling came back again. I looked around the store at the people.
"Ahem," I looked to the lady at the counter and signed the receipt. I smiled at the lady and took my bags. I looked at my watch again. Only thirty minutes passed while I was in the store. I just couldn't shake this feeling of being watched. So I left the plaza all together. Once I was in the Bronco, I felt relaxed.
I went to the grocery store near the apartments. I bought pork, beef and chicken and some fruit and veggies. I went to the bakery and picked up a fresh loaf of bread. Then decided to get some things to make a lemon pie. I went to the check out line and the feeling came back again. I looked and could not find the source. I was starting to become a little worried.
If Adam were out there, why wouldn't he take me now, while I'm unprotected? It's obvious he's been attacking the vampires to get them out of the way. Then why the entire Cloak and Dagger routine? I walked fast to the Bronco and put everything up front with me. I left for home. I looked everywhere for anyone following me. Nothing. Was I becoming paranoid? I hope not. Logan needs me to help with the shifters. I need a clear head. I pulled into my parking spot.
It had been exactly three hours from when I left. They better be done up there. I don't want to leave again. I got out of the vehicle. I went around to the passenger side and opened the door.
It was slammed back into me. I hit my head in the door jam and the door hit the other side of my skull. There was enough force to make the skin on my temples split. The pain was awful. My vision blurred and I had an instant headache. I stepped from the door. A strong set of hands grabbed me from behind. I still couldn't see but my cat senses took over. I knew how many were standing around me. There was the one attacking plus three others. It had to be Adam no one else would attack like this. I didn't think about smelling their scents, I just stomped my assailant on the foot and rib checked him.
With speed I turned and kicked him in the groin. He was down for the count. My eyes were not clear yet. I don't like being blind like this. I sniffed the air to find out where Adam was and whom else I was facing. Then I realized these scents were from the complex. Not leopard but lion. I had a choice, reveal what I am or play the human. I took the only option available. I sensed one of them coming f or me. I tried to dodge him human style, slow. He grabbed me by the throat, lifted me up and threw me into the side of the 4x4. My head hit hard. The pain increased and made my eyes water. It didn't help my vision any. I was having trouble breathing. I started to scratch at the hand that held me. I was slowly losing consciousness.
From a distance I heard, "I don't want the human dead. Loosen your grip." He did and I gasped for air. I could feel blood running down the side of my face. Great. More Band-Aids for the next few weeks. I hope I can get a hold of Grans because she needs to tell me how long these wounds would take to heal. I must have wandered off with my thinking because I was shaken. I turned my face to the direction of the voice talking.
"Yeah bitch! I'm talking here. I want to make sure you understand me completely."
"Okay" I said weakly.
"I really don't like hitting females but this is necessary. I want you to get your vampire-loving ass out of these apartments. Do you understand what I said?"
"Yes," I felt sick to my stomach. The blood was still flowing but I could feel parts of the wound knitting back together. I needed to get out of here soon.
Before these nice creeps know what I really am.
"Good, if you are not gone by tomorrow night. I'll just have to beat you again. Let's go. The smell of her makes me sick."
I was dropped down by the side of my 4x4. My vision was still gone. I touch the side of my face. The blood was thick. I stood up on wobbly legs and didn't fall. Good, now baby steps, do everything smooth and slow. I opened the door of the Bronco and grabbed the groceries. The other bags can wait. I slowly made my way up to the apartment. I am glad that I'm a leopard. My sense of smell got me home. I stopped at my door and leaned against the door jamb. I hid in a shadow from the outside light. I knocked, normally I would have just walked in but I was feeling a little dizzy. Abby answered the door. "Tell me that you don't have a house full of people still." I whispered. I didn't want a fuss over what had just happened.
"Actually, I still have some people here. Jason bragged about your cooking. I tried not to invite but Armand didn't help by saying he loved your cooking too."
"That's nice," I said a little dreamy. "Can you take the bags to the kitchen, please?"
"Sure," she took the bags. Then she took two steps into the apartment and stopped. I heard Armand ask what was wrong. She answered, "There's blood on this bag and it's fresh." Abby voice turned towards me, "Are you okay, Ana?"
I tried to stand but the hallway started tilting, "I will be when someone stops the ground from swaying." Abby was moved back by Armand and Jason as they rushed towards me. I was on a downward spiral when I felt hands get a hold of me.
"Ana, What happen?" I started to laugh in a melody. That is what one needs to do when you don't want to cry, for grandma, in front of strangers.
"The funniest thing happen out in the parking lot. I was getting my things out of the Bronco. When a door was slammed into my head. Then I was thrown into the side of the same vehicle. Here's the clincher," I went on in my best John Wayne voice, "some little man said, I have until sundown tomorrow to leave the neighborhood." I started laughing. The pain was unbearable. I thought donating blood hurt but this feeling in my head was worst. All I wanted was to sleep. I couldn't tell if my eyes were closed or not. All I saw was brightness inside my head.
Someone touched the wound on my head and all I wanted to do was claw his or her throat out. I must have been moving because someone grabbed a hold of my arms. The grip was so tight that movement was not possible. I let my beast take over on the defense. To hell with hiding from them. I was planning to leave soon anyway. I started to growl deep within my body. "Armand, do something!" Jason said to my right. I turn my head towards him. He was holding my arm and I wanted loose. I prepared to chew my way out. I felt my teeth change and I went to the hands that were holding me. Armand grabbed my jaw. I felt a soothing power flow over my body. I opened myself to that power. My leopard teeth changed back to human teeth. In a distance, I heard Armand talking, "Ana! Look at me Ana!"
"I would, if I could see you," even my voice sounded far away. Another voice spoke. I didn't recognize it. I hid inside my bubble. I was frightened and hurt. I didn't want to meet anyone else. "What the hell! Where did she go? I thought she was a shifter. Shifters can't disappear like that."
Armand answered the stranger’s voice; "She's half fey."
Abby interrupted, "Armand, she said she was part fey."
"She thought she was until last night. Her grandparents found her father."
"Well, I don't care what she is. Just close the damn door and help me find where she is. I think she may have a concussion. I don't want her leaving without looking at her injuries."
The stranger's voice was right by me. I had to move. I backed toward the door. It was shut before I could reach it. I changed directions and crawled toward my bedroom. I went very slowly. Normally, I would have been able to run through that closed door. That is just how fast I can be in my bubble state. I have never been injured like this. Therefore, I don't know if I could move any faster. I was able to make it to the end of the couch and couldn't go any farther, that's how much I hurt. I curled my body in a fetal position and huddled in the corner, to rest before attempting the rest of the journey to my room.
"Ana," I lifted my head to the direction of the voice. I didn't understand why but the voice and scent match that of Professor Grant. "Ana, it's Professor Grant. Smell me, I will not hurt you. Let doctor Peters look at your injuries." I unwrapped my bubble and leaned into the Professor's hand. How he was able to find me, no clue. I rubbed my face in his palm. Then I licked it to show I trusted him and tasted my own blood in the process. He put his arms around my body. He pulled on me until I sat between his legs. The strange man; Dr. Peters, sat in front of me. He talked in a soothing voice. It was almost hypnotic. "I'm going to look you over. It may hurt, so tell me. Don't bite me." "Okay," my voice sounded a little girlish to me. He touched gently but the pain was still horrible. I heard him ask someone to get his bag. My head was lifted into the light. I could tell it was light because there was definitely a change in brightness. He felt the back of my head and said there was some swelling. Then questions were asked and I had to answer them.
"What is your full name?" the doctor asked.
"Anastasia Autumn. Papa Rymi says I can't tell you the rest."
"Okay, What species are you?"
"I'm half fey and the rest leopard." Gasps were heard through out the room. Everyone reacted but Professor Grant. I wonder how long he knew. So did Armand, he asked him, "You knew what she was. How long have you known?"
I heard the vibration of the professor's voice in his chest, when I snuggled closer to him. "I knew on the plane ride here two months ago." I started shaking. I couldn't relax. Was it the cold air in the room? or What Grant just revealed? Armand went into another room and returned with a blanket. He wrapped it around me and took over Grant's position. "Don't let her go to sleep, Armand. We need her talking." He growled at the doctor. "She's cold and possibly going into shock. I am only making her comfortable." Then I felt Armand move closer to me. He talked in a soothing voice. It was almost hypnotic. "I'm going to look you over. It may hurt, so tell me. Don't bite me." He whispered in my ear, "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I didn't tell you because you would have asked about my true relationship to Logan." My shaking was decreasing with Armand's closeness to me. He laid his forehead on my shoulder. "You’re his animal aren't you." He whispered.
"Yes, I am." I began to move away from him. "I'm not letting you go." he whispered in my ear. "He is going to have to beat me to death, to stay away from you." I felt special with those words. I guess he is no longer mad at me. I snuggled inside his arms. I wanted to be closer to him. He started to lick the blood off my face and throat. It was relaxing. I wanted to close my eyes and sleep.
"Ana, when are you going to cook that tasty dinner you promised?" Leave it to Jason to find something simple about which to speak. "I will cook but I am having trouble seeing at the moment. Maybe someone can be my hands and eyes." "You are in no condition to direct cooking in the kitchen," said Dr. Peters firmly. I smiled, "Okay doc, whatever you say. I won't cook. "
I turned my face towards Jason's area and said, "Sorry, Can't cook tonight." My stomach growled. "I know I am hurt but this is weird, I am hungry though, can someone get me some sweet and sour pork with rice and chow mein?" Yes, I was in the mood for Chinese cooking. "Elliot can get it for you, Ana" I saw a shadow walk from the dining room. I heard the door open then a voice, "Dose anyone else want anything?" Orders were shouted out. Then he left. Armand continued to bathe me. He was careful not to touch the wound. Someone walked into the room, their energy rolled across the floor and up my legs. I tensed up. Armand whispered, "Easy girl, its only Darcy with Doc's bag." I saw her shadow come close. I pushed into Armand's chest trying to get behind him by going through his body. He rubbed my arms and was saying soothing words. Darcy backed away but didn't go far.
Doctor Peters flashed a pen light into my eyes. I flinched, "Good, your eyes are responding. You have very interesting colors in your irises. I have never seen eyes with three different colors before." He was keeping me talking. I can't use my glamour very well when I'm hurt so I guess everyone is going to wonder about the doc's statement. "True fairy eyes have many colors. At least that is what my great-grandfather told me." I said.
"Great-grandfather, huh?" he moved closer with something in his hand, "I am going to put some peroxide on the wound to clean it. Then I am going to tape it. It's healed enough that I don't need to put any stitches in." I jumped when the cold cotton touched the cut on my forehead. Armand helped me a little by letting his power soothe me. I was a good girl after that. Doctor Peters was done in no time. He said I should stay in bed for at least twenty-four hours. I said no problem after I make a trip down to retrieve the rest of my bags in the Bronco. Jason volunteered for the job. He left the apartment. I could feel Armand licking the blood in my hair. I felt peaceful. My lids were feeling heavy. I couldn't keep them open. Then I felt something cold on the back of my neck. That was one way to open my eyes. "I don't want you to sleep yet."
"All right Doc." I turned my body side ways in Armand's embrace. My butt was starting to go numb. I folded my knees in tighter to my body. It stretched my spinal column and three of my vertebrae went back into place with a popping noise. The tension in my muscles relaxed a little. Armand was still able to clean my hair. I moved my head around and listened to what Grant and Dr. Peters were talking about.
"We need to talk to him in an open place." Grant said.
"I don't trust this at all. Come on Grant, he brings another leopard into the city without you knowing." the Doctor argued.
"Actually, I knew she was here before he did. I was hoping he'd go after her."
Armand sat up straighter and pushed me a little to the side, "What do you mean?"
"I wanted him to stop bothering me. I figured he would stop if I gave him a pet. He did." Grant said in an uncaring way.
I tried to stand up. I failed. I hate feeling like an infant. Armand helped me to stand.
I looked towards the professor’s voice. "You Bastard! What would have happened if I didn't accept Logan's offer of protection?"
Anger was rising inside of me.
"You did so why worry?"
"You're a coward!" I yelled, then turned into Armand and took a deep breath to keep myself from vomiting. It didn't work. I put my hand over my mouth and tried to keep everything in. Armand saw what was about to happen and picked me up. He carried me into the bathroom. He set me next to the toilet. He even held my hair while I did my business.
Abby walked into the bathroom. "You shouldn't have said that, Ana."
I looked toward her direction. "So who cares? I don't feel good, I can't see shit and now someone tells me I make a good pet. I'm no one's pet. I chose to be his animal. I am too
powerful for Logan to control. I need him and he knows it. That is all he has to keep me in his power." I turned back to the toilet. I wasn't finished yet.
Armand put a cold cloth on the back of my neck. I heard Abby leave fast. Armand's power flowed over me again. It settled my nerves. I started to shake again. He tucked the blanket tighter around my body. I saw a shadow before me. I concentrated on that shadow. A little color was coming through. I saw his black hair. "I hope your face is the first I see when my vision returns."
"You do, and why is that?" He picked me up. "Because you are so beautiful, even shadows can't hide that." I said. He chuckled and purred into my neck. "You are beautiful too. I can't wait to see how beautiful your beast is."
"Why are you being nice to me? I thought you didn't like me anymore."
"I got home this morning and realized I was a fool. Logan is just going to have to share." We were moving back into the living room. He licked my ear a couple of times. I started to squirm in his hands. "Sorry for the tickle."
"No you’re not!" I slapped his shoulder playfully.
"Yes I am! You still had a little blood in your ear."
"It's just an excuse."
"Okay, then I'll make sure I use it sometime."
He stopped and sat down on the sectional with me cradle in his lap. I smelled the doctor coming close again. "Let me see the ear?" My head was turned to the side. The examination took a few seconds. Then a light flashed in my eyes. It made me jump. "Swelling is down and your eyes are trying to dilate. I see no damage to your left ear."
"Good. Now can you back away? Your breath makes me nauseous."
"Humor; I think she is out of danger."
He moved away and sat down somewhere across from me. Jason walked into the apartment. From the smell of him, I'd say he was fighting. Packages were dropped in the hallway before he answered any of the questions rushed at him. Elliot returned with food as Jason started his tale. The food was mouth watering. I didn't pay much attention to Jason. Instead, my nose followed everywhere Elliot went.
"Elliot bring Ana's food here. I believe she wants to eat now." Armand laughed.
A plate was set somewhere near me. I just couldn't figure out where it was. A napkin was placed on my lap and another was tucked under my chin. I reached up and touched Armand's hands, trying to find the fork. I was determined to feed myself. I wasn't allowed that choice. Armand fed me my dinner. We made a good team. Not a drop on either napkin. We did have trouble with the soda. The straw kept getting in the way. I suggested that we drop the lid and straw all together. My stomach wasn't nauseous anymore. The dinner container disappeared and I snuggled closer to Armand. I was going to sleep if Dr. Peters liked it or not. "
Abby spoke before I started to doze.
"Ana, I think you owe Grant an apology for what you said."
My response was, "I will, only if he says sorry first." I don't think he realized how bad my feelings were hurt from what he said earlier. It was very childish of me too. Elliot put his two cents in, "Are you saying that you and Grant are of equal ranking?"
I would have been queen in my old pard had I taking my mother's place in Adam's bed.
I guess I might be.
"Yes, I am saying we are of equal ranking."
Elliot didn't buy it.
"If you are as strong as the Nimir-raj then why didn't you protect yourself from the lion's?"
"I played human when I realized who was attacking me. You should asked the lion that beat my head in, how his groin is feeling right now?"
Jason started laughing under his breath. "She does have you there. James wanted pay back for that little self-defense. Only he got another beating instead. I don't think he will be going to school for a couple of days."
Doctor Peters said, "Let's get this over soon so I can talk with my problem cubs."
Cubs, I hate to see what the older members are like if those guys were cubs. Grant and I agreed to apologize at the same time. It was only fair. Moreover, I wasn't in the mood to fight again. I told the others that Logan was serious about the meeting and making a treaty. I didn't hear much after that because I finally fell asleep.
Index