L’Anima Ladro
The Soul Thief

Bite Me
Suck My Blood
Skin Me
Wear My Fur
This Vamp Has Claws
This Wolf Has Fangs
This is me
I am a Half-Blood

Chapter 1

The moonlight shone on my obsidian-black hair, highlighting the strands of silver that were my flashing neon signs that practically said, ‘hey, I’m a Werewolf’. Usually a black furred wolf had bluish highlights, but not me, I was black and silver.
My small, uncharacteristically willowy body flew over obstacles with inhuman grace and speed. Though it was supposed to be happening a few years from now, my body was starting to change, my Werewolf ‘powers’ starting to show themselves. I was starting to turn into a wolf.
The usually pleasurable, adrenaline-filled change was meant for a teenager’s body, usually larger than a human’s, not a pixie sized child, Werewolf or no. It was painful.
The silky fur sprouted from my oddly delicate, moon-pale skin. My nails grew large on my small fingers, getting heavy, and digging into sensitive flesh. The hair on my head shrunk back into my scalp, irritating the baby-soft, new skin.
Then the worst part came. My bones cracked, as loud to my overly sensitive ears as gunshots, leaving a frightening ringing in my ears. My small ears stretched into a point, thinning themselves out until they were wide as a wolf’s, before shifting up to the top of my head, the unblemished skin stinging as fur grew.
My nose elongated, and a variety of new smells bombarded the newly heightened sense. My eyesight changed; I saw better in the near darkness. Then my neck and spine snapped. Everything in my body went numb as my nerves reattached themselves to the proper places. It was precious relief to me, not to feel my bones moving inside my body. But, even though it took a few moments for the nerves to reconnect, I was still changing when I began to feel things again.
My slight, stubby tail that I had even in human form, the one that didn’t show even under the tightest of jeans, extended, the nerves stretching and skin forming, then pulling tight. It was beyond painful.
On all fours, my backside was still too high. I dreaded what would come, and was right to do so. The bones in my back legs lengthened, growing slightly skinnier, this in itself was tolerable, but what came next would have brought tears to my eyes if they weren’t already those of a wolf.
The ankle bone popped, tendons stretching and thickening, before bending at an inhuman angle. If I didn’t have the vocal cords of a wolf, I would have screamed, instead an eerie howl filled the night.
My fingers shrunk and thickened, flesh rapidly covering the back section of my nails. The palms of my hand wrinkled and hardened, drying into rough, dog-like pads. I collapsed, my breath coming in ragged gasps.
The change was complete, and it felt as if the world had crashed down around me. I was the first, well, as far as I could tell from the Werewolf ‘history’ lessons I’d been receiving from my uncle, six year old to go through the change.
My strength was back in a few seconds. Uncle always said that a Werewolf’s amazing healing and ability to withstand many beatings without getting too badly hurt was the only reason we lived through the first change. He’d told me that the following ones would be less violent, though just as “exciting”. But then again, he also told me I would start the process at a later age, maybe sixteen. Who knew what else didn’t apply to me.
Almost immediately after I recovered, a strong wave of feeling washed over me; an urge. Judging by what I’d been taught by the numerous alphas I’d visited, and by Uncle himself, there was nothing else it could be besides the Bloodlust, or the First Hunger. It strengthened my senses so much I had to stand, to keep the vibrations of the earth from echoing in my head.
Standing on four legs was supposed to be difficult, Uncle had told me, hard to get used to. Yet it seemed perfectly natural to me. I took a step, wincing, expecting pain. But nothing happened, except that I moved forwards about a foot.
I then realized how small I was for a Werewolf. I estimated that even at my age I should be gigantic, about the size of a large Great Dane, but my body was more like that of a German Shepherd’s.
Another pang of hunger washed over me as I thought about living, breathing animals, animals with blood and meat. As my senses grew, I thought I heard something: footsteps. I definitely smelled something.
Uncle hadn’t taught me how to recognize scents yet, otherwise I probably wouldn’t have started the hunt, but I didn’t give myself time to think about what I might be hunting. I just started dashing through the trees, dodging the bigger branches, ignoring small ones that would simply bounce off my durable wolf hide.
The closer I got to the source of food, the more the Bloodlust took over. Soon I couldn’t even think. I no longer felt the twigs snapping under my feet, heard the uneasy creature speed up, everything went blank, except for the pounding of blood in my ears. The last thing I remembered was my canines sinking into the soft throat, spraying my muzzle with blood.
I’d woken with blood coating my little, naked body, and human once more, though my senses still at a near-wolf level, thanks to my change. I smelled the carcass before I saw it; a gaping, horrific thing lying beside my small form. If I hadn’t had gotten even the warning of a scent before I looked, it probably would have stopped my inhumanly fast heart from beating, because of the shock. But I had, so I was merely frightened, though not as disgusted as a human would be to wake with the evidence of murder on one’s body.
I knew I’d done it; I had blood and bits of meat, still smelling of the dead human, in my teeth. The dead man’s blood was crisp and a brownish red color on my body. The tips of my hair that had remained as fur were stiff and foul smelling as well. It had been a massacre.
I couldn’t help but feel responsible. Even though I hadn’t been in control of my actions in the end, I could have checked my prey before classifying it as food. Then I realized that I had better get back to Uncle’s cabin before I was found.
This was exactly the reason Uncle had the cabin in the first place, to keep himself from as much human temptations, and to protect me from such habits as man-eating, though I’m pretty sure that he never expected me to change at my age. If he had he would have made me wolf skin clothes, so that they’d morph with me when I changed, so I wouldn’t wake up, or change back, and find myself in the middle of nowhere, or, even worse, in the middle of somewhere, naked.
Luckily for me, wolves have great sense of direction, especially home. And following my musky, wolfish scent wasn’t very difficult once I recognized it, though I nearly took to finding another path once I realized how far the carnage stretched.
I also found that speed was pretty handy for situations like this. Even in my human body I was faster than any normal person, and flew along the scent-trail with nimbleness and ease. I had more stamina than a normal person, as well, and could probably have run an entire marathon, and only just break a sweat.
It was only through these graces that I managed to make it home before noon, surprising myself with the distance my changing form, and wolf form, managed to travel in what was about an hour.
Uncle was in the front porch rocker, playing the role of a harmless cabin dweller, when I came speeding up, clearly surprising him. I wasn’t sure if it was my blood covered body and nakedness, or my showing up at all that put the shocked look on his face, maybe even both.
Then my wolf-strong eyes saw the silver flicker in his pupils; he was hungry. Reaching over, he grabbed the bottle of green tea and chugged it in one go. A shudder passed through his massive form, making the rocking chair creak.
Green tea held no nutrition for a Werewolf, nor did it taste good, quite the opposite really, but it did put a stopper on the hunger. After one sip, or smell of the nasty stuff, I felt like puking, and definitely not eating anything. There was no more silver flickering in his eyes after he drank.
He pulled a bundle from the floor beside him, and tossed it to me. It was a dress, but I smelled the wolf clearly, though it lacked the musk of the Werewolf. It had once been a wolf’s pelt.
I felt slightly disgusted as I pulled it on, as Uncle had once told me he felt when he wore his brethren’s clothing as common overalls. I was sure that if I had another option, I’d give the fur back to Uncle, but I didn’t, so I merely admired the wolf’s beautiful pelt, wishing I could give it back to its owner.
After I was dressed, I began to ask questions. “How did you know?” Was my first, and most important, besides maybe, ‘why am I changing so early?’, but I decided not to ask that, considering Uncle probably didn’t know himself.
“I could smell the blood from mile away, Nikhil,” He replied gently, if a bit frankly, “And you were missing. I had to assume something; you aren’t the type to run away, and even if you did, the chances of a person being killed all the way out here, and you not doing the killing, is near miniscule.”
“But I’m not supposed to change yet!” I argued, “You said it yourself: werewolves change when they mature, as in, late teens!”
Uncle sighed sadly, as if this was something he’d hoped not to run in to. “I’d hoped you’d be a full Werewolf, I truly did.” He began, “I didn’t even allow myself to consider than you might not be. You see, my little Nikki, your mother was a Vampire.”


Chapter 2

“There you go, all finished.” The almost wolfish, guttural voice of the tattoo artist said proudly, “What do you think?” I glanced at his handy work.
The paw print claws were longer than natural, and the width between the cut marks was too even, not to mention that my wolf-keen eyes caught every little flaw in the ink, every miniscule bit left uncovered, or slightly wrinkled. Of course, I told the artist none of this; for a human it was really good artwork, especially on skin. Instead, I replied, “It’s great, Ed.”
Ed grinned, flashing pearly teeth; apparently he had heard my reputation for being a tough customer when it involved body art. But I had to say, his tattoo was one of the better ones on me. His tip would reflect that, too.
“Thanks. I try.” He said, but when I started to poke at it, he caught my hand. Since he didn’t know what a mistake that was, and since he was such a good artist, I decided to let it go. “It will be really sore for a while.” I shrugged, and when he released me, I continued to prod, ignoring his ‘I’m not sure about this chick’ stare.
“I’ve had plenty of tattoos, Ed, but thanks for the warning.” He nodded obediently, apparently smart enough not to press the matter with a possible regular. With his attitude and skill, I probably would be back, too.
“Well, I guess you have things to do, people to permanently scar.” He laughed at my joke, “So I’ll just leave you and your weapons in peace.” He said a quick goodbye, and I left.
I had to pass through the front of the shop to exit, the part that served as a kind of waiting room. I glanced about at the costumers’ faces as I left. A larger man with a helmet tucked under an arm; a boy in his late teens, carrying a magazine that didn’t look like something his mother would approve of; a younger teenage girl.
I grimaced slightly when the girl’s face appeared; I don’t know why, but I never liked to see girls do this kind of thing to themselves, which was probably because I had done it myself, and had caused the greatest tragedy in my life because of it. I kept walking, though, ignoring the slightly frightened, slightly anxious look on the young girl’s face. As much as I detested the idea of someone doing what I had done, even in some lesser degree, I hated more making someone’s decision for them. It wasn’t always easier to learn for yourself, but it toughened you up to the world, which, in the state it was in now, wasn’t always a bad thing.
I was never bothered any more by muggers, or thieves, because I had toughened up and learned to defend myself without drawing suspicion to my unnatural strength, mastering martial arts and the use of numerous weapons. And I’d been attacked quite a lot before my reputation grew enough for people to know to leave me be, and, I partially regret, have had a few decent meals because of them.
With these memories, my step became more pronounced, more sure, as I decided that whatever this girl decided, it wouldn’t be as bad as if her vision of the world was clouded by whatever fantasy she had veiled over her eyes now. I exited the shop, knowing I wouldn’t lose any sleep over this; I didn’t lose sleep for anything anymore.
I’ve long found out that to survive in the big city, alone, you needed to harden your heart to pleas and mercy, the only things that seem to hold humans back, besides the overconfident greed and dependence on technology. The problem was humans had to strong of a conscience; we wolves had no such issue.
Of course, if I had a few extra coins to spare, I’d give them to one of the numerous beggars that littered the city streets, but I didn’t deprive myself to help others. My wolf had an instinct to keep me alive, and, though I’ve mastered my urges and strength, I couldn’t make myself feel guilty when I saw other people waste away.
I glanced around the area outside of the shop, discreetly smelling the air to check for any werewolves nearby. Of course, a normal Werewolf would be no match for me, but I didn’t really want to cause a scene. Besides, a normal Werewolf was about twice my size, and you can’t explain to a human law enforcer that, when it came to half breeds and werewolves, size wasn’t really an object; I couldn’t explain about werewolves and half breeds at all, to a human.
Speaking of werewolves…I thought as I picked up an unfamiliar scent. If another Werewolf was nearby, I’d need to at least lure him into a place with fewer civilians to see if he morphed. I’d seen a human’s reaction to that once, and it wasn’t pretty.
As the scent blew towards me again, this time stronger, I rejected the idea of it being another wolf. Werewolves didn’t smell of the open flame. Humans couldn’t smell it, but it was there, the smell of smoldering wood and ashes, and it wasn’t a smell that a wolf would don, or be able to don at that matter.
Suddenly a woman bumping into me knocked me out of concentration, and I got out of the doorway. As I rescanned the area, I noticed a particular section were the scent seemed to be coming from. There was only one person in that section, a young man, probably about four or five years older than my forever sixteen year old body, and probably about nineteen or twenty years younger than my almost forty year old mind.
He was taller than most werewolves, and broader about the shoulders. His skin was clearer, I could tell even from here; it lacked the bumps that developed on full-werewolves’ skin from where fur sprouted. I lacked them too, but that was probably because of my Vampire half.
His semi-long, tousled hair held a variety of dark shades, anywhere from black to blue, that shifted under the sun. He had a particularly strong jaw line, and a strait nose that seemed slightly more prominent, and blunted, than a human’s. He looked like he’d been lifting weights since before he could walk. And his chiseled form could put most werewolves to shame.
He had large almond eyes, slanted and surrounded by eyelashes as oddly colored as his hair. The iris was an amber-red color, definitely not human. And another thing? They were staring at me.
When our gazes met, his eyes squinted, as if trying to detect something hard to see about me. I knew he was wondering why I smelled like both wolf and Vampire, yet didn’t look like either. Why I held myself like an alpha, yet shifty enough that one could tell I had no position to worry about risking when contemplating what I’d next steal, or who I’d next kill.
Suddenly his gaze evened out into a friendlier look, he motioned for me to come over there. I frowned; my wolf was telling me something was up. My Vampire instincts immediately told me not to trust him. But neither of my two sides told me not to converse with the handsome stranger. My curiosity outweighed my anxiety. When he motioned again, I obliged.


Chapter 3

I forced my step to match that of the tiny blonde humans I’d seen, hoping that it’d throw him off just a bit more on his hunt for my true nature. I hoped he didn’t already know that he was looking for not only one nature, but two.
The man waved slightly as I drew close, grinning. “Caught your eye, huh?” He laughed mischievously. It took me a second to realize that he was referring to himself.
At least we don’t have to worry about modesty, I thought to myself, it’s always harder to weasel secrets from a modest person than a braggart. I smiled and batted what my friend and I used to call my ‘baby greens’, considering I didn’t have blue eyes.
“Maybe…” I said in a fake singsong voice that I did well. I knew it would appear to him as if I was slightly embarrassed, slightly anxious, and a whole lot of playful. Guys like this one always seemed to go for girls like that.
Thankfully, my ruse worked. He seemed contented with the answer, and apparently pleased with the girl standing before him. Though I was aware that I was probably much stronger than him, I couldn’t help but feel dwarfed by his immense size.
“Aw, no need to be modest, sweetheart. I got girls staring at me all the time.” He said with what he clearly meant to be a southern twang. My wolf ears immediately sensed that it was a false accent, but it was a far better imitation than any human could make.
As much as I despised the way this conversation was going, I couldn’t help but be interested in what the man could be. I was pretty sure I could force it out of him, but that wouldn’t be safe for me, or him, and would most likely make him lie. I’d rather have to put up with his atrocious behavior than be given a lie because I was too impatient. A strong wolf learns patience, and, this time, I was no exception.
“I bet you do. I don’t know a girl who wouldn’t.” I said sweetly. He laughed, and then reached out. At first I was shocked, most creatures, especially if that creature was supernatural, were warned by their natural instinct not to come near werewolves, because of their unpredictability. But he simply tugged on my sleeve.
“Even a girl with tattoos?” He asked, one eyebrow rose, mockingly. I was glad to see he’d dropped the fake accent, but not so much that he’d began to notice the differences between me and other, human girls.
Then an inspiration came to me. I grinned slightly, and said in a dismissive way, “Oh, my ex liked tattoos.” Then, with a fresh burst of confidence I added, “I know someone who’ll remove them, cheap, too.” It held up the peppy girl thing I had been using to mask the real reason for my interest, and was a good explanation.
“You must have liked him a lot,” The young man said, laughing, “You have them everywhere.” I grinned sheepishly, looking at my new tattoo, before I realized that his eyes followed mine. “That one looks new.”
“It does?” I asked, deciding to play dumb. “Well, it’s not sore anymore. Do you like it?” I gave him a bright smile, which was, thankfully, returned.
“It’s cool. Wolf claws. Kind of tough for you though. I’d think you to be more of a flower person.” He chuckled, gesturing to my small, even for a human, form. It was then that my wolf made a grave mistake.
“Uh, I hate flowers.” I put my hand over my mouth, hoping he’d misunderstood. He just laughed and pulled my hand away. He looked mischievous, like a child about to hatch a plan.
“Oh, I got myself a little tomboy then, don’t I?” He put a gigantic arm over my shoulder, and steered me towards the alley. If I’d not been undercover, I would have slugged him right then and there for even thinking that he ‘got himself a little tomboy’. Wolves have major territory issues, and I didn’t like anybody taking mine, or even attempting to. What he said next put all of my territory thoughts out of my head, “What do you say we go for a little walk.”
I smiled sweetly, “Okay.” I let the smile fall from my face as he walked me towards the dark, secluded alley; I had more import things to worry about. Not the least of which was how I was going to get him to confess his nature.
“Are you okay?” He asked, though he sounded slightly unconcerned. He probably meant to sound sincere, but it takes a lot more to con a wolf’s ear than a human’s.
I walked quietly for a moment, thinking, when I came up with the perfect excuse. “Isn’t there muggers in there?” I asked, trying my best to sound scared. It was kind of hard to sound as frightened as I did, but I think he believed me. I had a hard time not laughing though; if I was in the alleys, every mugger would be on the streets, avoiding me.
“Don’t worry, sweetheart, ain’t nobody going to get to you while I’m here.” Crap. He’d picked up his cruddy accent again. It was hard to look reassured. Nobody might get to me, but it wasn’t me he should be worried about, it was himself.
He took us deep within the system of twists and turns, the urban Labyrinth. It was the perfect place, I realized, right before a shocking truth reared its ugly head, just before I ‘went in for the kill’, as Uncle had once said.
Not only was the place a blessing for me, but for him too! But why would he need to kill or dispose of me? He wasn’t a Werewolf, or it could have been blamed on the urge to protect one’s territory; and he wasn’t a Vampire, who needed blood as much as a Werewolf needed to change; and I didn’t think he was a Shifter (the general term for the lesser races of shape-Shifters), he would be much smaller than a regular Werewolf if he was, rather than larger.
But what else was there? I had little time to ask myself this before the man—I realized that I still didn’t know his name—attacked. He moved slowly, and I could see the muscles protesting the lame pace. He must have thought I was an even slower human! It was an easy enough thing to simply grab his leather jacket (real leather, not that strange-feeling fake crap), and use his force to plow him into the brick wall behind me. Even though I didn’t really need to use his force, it was easier than trying to start a different direction for the movement to go.


Chapter 4

His head struck the wall first, leaving a huge hole; one of his hands caught one of the numerous tubes of metal weaving around the alley’s end, pulling it from the wall. His chest left a dent, though not as deep as the one his head did. I heard a vicious laugh.
The young man pulled his head out of the wall with ease. “There now, you’ve done it. You’ve made me mad, with that little trick of yours. How about this: I give you a minute’s head start, maybe then we’d be a little less feisty.” He still thought I was a human? Well, it was a decent advantage, anyway.
But I didn’t run. I raised my fists. He just laughed. “Whatever, it’s your soul.” He grinned an awful snarl of a grin, and lunged, a split second faster than his last move.
I let my wolf take over, grabbing him by the wrist of the arm he held a bit farther out, and changing his direction until he was flying over me, landing on the roof of the building that made up the right side. I doubted it would hurt him very much, if the hole he made in the wall was anything to judge his durability by.
He slid off the wall in a crumpled heap, but I knew any supernatural could easily catch themselves before hitting the ground. I wondered if he was stupid enough to think that I would believe he was hurt. I didn’t think he was stupid, but nor did I think him hurt. What was it then?
His head tilted up. “What are you? How…?” He passed out before he could finish the words. It seemed ridiculous, a supernatural fainting after I’d hardly done anything. There was barely a dent in the roof!
But I heard the beating of his heart slow, and his breathing even itself. There was no doubt. He was out cold. The only thing left was why?
Well, you can figure it out later, now he needs help. My conscience, though it didn’t care for humans, was much stronger when it came to other unnatural people. I knew he was probably less likely to try to kill me now that he knew I was a just as strong, if not stronger than him.
I walked over to his still form, cautiously, as if the sleeping person could be dangerous. Kneeling beside the young man, I grabbed the front of his jacket. If I had been a human female, even if he had been smaller, I wouldn’t have been able to lift him. But as a supernatural, I carried him with ease.
My wolf senses kept him on constant guard, my Vampire reflexes ready to spring at a moment’s notice. I threw him over my shoulder, an awkward fit, considering how small that shoulder was. I shifted him to a kind of piggyback style. One arm was draped over my shoulder, my hand gripping his wrist, and one leg held up within my reach, my hand gripping his ankle.
It was like an archer carrying a gigantic, heavy quiver with no strap, or way to hold it on without using your hands. But it was much easier than trying to throw him over my too-tiny-shoulder.
He groaned a few times, mumbling something about souls. I wondered why he seemed so interested in them. He had said ‘whatever, it’s your soul’ and now he was muttering about them in his sleep. I had to admit it was suspicious.
Maybe he was one of those supernatural people who’s ‘curse’ or ‘gift’ (depending on what it was) was spreadable, but one who thought it took away their soul. Believe it or not, there were quite a few of us like that. But they were the ones who helped humans, not tried to kill them! I became frustrated with this stranger who kept confusing me.
I fought to push it out of my mind as I made the last turn to bring me out of the alleyway, slowing myself down to a human speed. The sun made me wince as my eyes adjusted to the brighter noon light. It was then I noticed people staring.
Some of them were familiar, the faces that had been outside the tattoo shop when the stranger and I had walked into the alley. They’d seen me go in with him standing beside me, and come out with him draped over me like a gigantic wrap, or shawl. I could only imagine what they thought.
I knew I had to come up with something, and fast. It was my Vampire side that responded first. “Help!” I cried, dropping to the ground, looking injured. Or so I hoped. I knew that I at least looked tired. “Somebody call nine-one-one!” I heard a voice in the crowd say, “They’ve been mugged.” I was glad that I carried no money. I only hoped that the man had little or none with him either. It would be hard to say we were mugged if he had money with him.
But I’d think of something, I always did. It was a gift from my lupine practicality, always have a backup, and my Vampire quick reflexes that ensured my backup came fast. And, of course, the fact that my mind could work things out about one hundred times faster than a humans.
I was pretending to pass out when I heard sirens drawing close, and stopping. The men hopped out and I heard their echoing footsteps get close to us. They prodded us, clearly checking for injury.
“No broken bones! But they look bad, I don’t think they can walk.” A female voice said, close to me, “You two boys get the male, I’ll get our little tattoo girl here.” There was a slight protest from one of the guys, but he soon stopped complaining, realizing that it was getting him nowhere.
Then I was being lifted, held so close to a human that I could hear the heartbeat as loud in my ear as if it were a bomb going off at my feet. Or thunder right beside my ear.
I had to admit, I didn’t like being carried, as if I was helpless. But I winced and put up with it. The woman only thought my discomfort to mean pain, so I didn’t bother fixing my face back to the almost dead look I had assumed earlier.
I was put in the back of the ambulance. As the beating of the woman’s heart left my ear, I heard the heavy drop of a man’s foot. It was maybe an inch from where I guessed they had started. I heard gasps, groaning, complaining, and strained noises coming from the men.
I hadn’t thought the stranger to be so heavy. When I heard someone who’d saw us come out of the alley tell the ambulance man that ‘the person can’t be so heavy, the girl carried him out here herself’, my heart nearly stopped beating.
I sighed in relief when the man replied, “She probably was dragging him mostly.” A few mutters of, ‘then why don’t you try it if you’re struggling so much’. Then the people left them alone.
They didn’t move much, even after the female joined in. But with the help of about five sympathetic men and a child to keep the patient’s back relatively strait while he was carried, they finally heaved the heavy body next to mine in the back.


Chapter 5

His body felt too hot against me. His arm was on top of my mine, and I gripped his hand, checking his pulse, but everything seemed fine. The ambulance no longer had sirens on, since nothing was broken and we seemed to be in no immediate danger. The sensors in the back told them that. So it took us a while to reach the hospital.
I was happy with this though. It gave me time to think of an excuse. I toyed around with the excuse of being mugged, robbed, or ill. But I wasn’t sure if he had money, which knocked out the first two, and there was too much an evidence of a recent struggle to be the last.
I have it! I exclaimed in my head when I realized the perfect excuse. We tried to take a shortcut through the alley. We got lost. We’d been attacked by my jealous ex, who was intent on ruining my date. My ‘boyfriend’ managed to knock him out for a few moments, after which he ran. But my ‘boyfriend’ (I was going to call him James if he didn’t wake up in time to tell me his real name) was too tired, and passed out as well, except he didn’t wake up.
I was going to tell them it was the heat that did it, since he was wearing a leather jacket. I’ll tell them he was sensitive to heat. I dragged him out of the alley, and the crowd saw his arms falling from my hands, which is why it looked like I’d been carrying him.
They’d believe it. Humans always seemed to want to believe only in what they considered natural. So I’d give them a ‘natural’ excuse, and they’d accept it, so as not to put a wrinkle in their perfect fabrication of ‘truths’.
I heard a grunt from beside me as soon as I finished my planning. The giant’s head turned towards me, and I saw his amber eyes open. I put a finger to my lips, telling him quietly to whisper only.
“We’re in an ambulance.” I said at the confused look on his face. When the look didn’t clear, I explained what had happened, and the story I was going to give them, in a shorter version. We momentarily forgot out fight. We needed to work together.
“Good excuse. But my name’s not James, it’s Romeo.” I looked at him oddly, but ignored the name. Nikhil was just as strange.
“Well, I hadn’t planned on you waking up.” I hissed. Then, deciding I’d better be polite to my ally, even if he was a temporary one, I added, “Nikhil.”
“Well, I hadn’t planned on getting knocked out. Let’s call it even, since I attacked you first. Truce, at least until this whole thing is over, anyway.” I agreed. Then we were at the hospital, putting a shocked, tired, confused mask on our faces. I clung to Romeo like he really was my boyfriend, though I did it only to fool the people who might hear our false tale. A scared human girl would probably be clinging to her boyfriend in this situation.
Romeo had his arm draped around my shoulders protectively. We leaned on each other as we walked in, so people would believe us to be weak and tired. We had to appear that way, or else we might not be believed. A healthy ‘couple’ walking in and telling a story like ours wouldn’t be believed. For us, it was all in the act.
If it wasn’t, like I’d said earlier, when he commented about me being ‘his little tomboy’, I would have slugged him. Just because we were allies didn’t give him any right to assume anything. It would be dangerous to his health if he tried.
“What’s going on?” I asked in a small voice. Romeo pretended to comfort me, pulling me closer to his large body. Though it didn’t really matter at that moment, I couldn’t help but notice that my head only came up to his shoulders, even if I stood tip-toe.
“You are being taken to a doctor to check for damage.” I shot Romeo a look, and he returned it. I knew we were both thinking: and how will that doctor react if he realizes that we are perfectly fine, better than fine; more than human? We’d either have a bloodbath, or be subject to humans’ research and possibly even imprisonment. Even if we escaped, we’d be forced to live like the criminals we were. It was nothing I’d put up with; and I’d have more blood on my hands than I’d care to.
Wolf or not, I didn’t like to kill people. My Vampire half needed less blood than the usual vamp, and my wolf form made it possible for that blood to be an animal’s. Ever since I’d first murdered that hiker when I was six, I’d sworn to avoid doing that if possible. Even when I killed those muggers and thieves, they’d seen me fight with my strength. And killing them got me a reputation fast enough to keep me from being attacked again, and possibly killing more, as letting them go wouldn’t have.
I wasn’t a killer. I was a survivor. Plain and simple. So I simply followed the people and hoped that the doctor didn’t try to stick a needle in me or Romeo. I’d bet that the needle breaking when it stabbed at either of us would probably be one of the worst things that could happen. It would expose us.


Chapter 6

The man who brought us back to the office area led us through numerous foul smelling, ugly hallways. It, despite all the bright pastel colors, could almost be called morbid. At least they didn’t put up posters of the humans innards like they did at the child doctor I went to once when I was little.
The office itself wasn’t any prettier than the outside, but slightly better smelling. Romeo and I exchanged looks when they told us to sit on a table looking thing extending from the wall that I didn’t remember from the child’s doctor, by the look on Romeo’s face, he didn’t either. Why would we sit on a table?
But we didn’t say any of these things. Romeo just lifted me up and sat me gently on the table. He slid up after me, wincing as he settled down. I knew that that look was faked. There was an ‘I’m enjoying this’ glint in his eye. I sighed.
When we got out of this place I was going to give him a monster headache. Whether by yelling at him for getting us into this, or slamming him into another wall, I wasn’t sure.
Then the person who’d brought us there left, telling us that the doctor would be there in a few minutes. He said to get comfortable. I just laid my head on Romeo’s shoulder and pretended to be dead tired. I was pretty sure it worked, too.
After he left Romeo faced me, his expression was stiff. “What are you?” He asked quietly, as if he was the one who’d been attacked. I frowned.
“What do you mean, ‘what am I’?” I hissed. “I’m not the one trying to lure an innocent girl into an alley to suck her blood!” I knew he didn’t plan to suck my blood, I would have smelled the Vampire on him from a mile away.
Romeo faced me, trying to keep his voice low. “Innocent? Yeah right! And since when am I a Vampire?” He seemed affronted. But neither of us could reply, because at that moment, a young man dressed like a doctor came in.
He smiled at me. He wasn’t as handsome as Romeo (I’ll admit that), but he wasn’t ugly. “Hello, I’m Dr. Reynolds. And you are?” He looked pointedly at me.
An innocent look flickered across my face. “I’m Nikki.” I said lightly. I wished I hadn’t come up with a story that put Romeo in the role of my boyfriend; it was good sport to flirt with humans, to get them drunk on your attention.
“And I’m her boyfriend, Romeo.” The man next to me growled protectively. I was dangerously close to hitting him in annoyance before I realized he was just acting as any normal boyfriend would.
The doctor nodded, but seemed disappointed. “Okay, there’s not much for me to do here. All I need to do is check each of your heartbeats.” He said, and I could tell he was no longer interested I doctoring us now that he thought Romeo was my boyfriend.
Well, it was probably better for him anyway. I didn’t really care anymore, there were always more humans to tease, more hearts to break. Romeo remained silent as the doctor placed the stethoscope against his chest.
I saw the skin twitch as the cold metal pressed against it. My breath stopped then, as I realized that Romeo’s heartbeat could easily be too fast or slow to be human. I nearly sighed with relief when the doctor pulled it away, clearly satisfied.
I took a deep breath and allowed my heart beat to slow slightly as I calmed myself. I had no doubts about passing the test; my wolf heart, though slower than the normal one, was quickened by my vampire blood enough to make it seem like I was only slightly exited. And soon I was cleared as well. The doctor left for a moment, muttering something about a bill.
At least they’re not going to attempt to stick needles in us. I thought grimly, happy that no blood had to be spilled today. Romeo seemed relieved as well, but I was pretty sure that it was because we were getting out soon, rather than that we didn’t have to kill anybody.
When the doctor got back, I realized that he was talking about a bill when he left; more specifically our bills. I gasped when I saw the price. Romeo merely laughed, “You all charge a lot for just checking our heart beat.”
That seemed to offend the doctor, but I didn’t really care; I was beginning to like him less and less. “Well the ambulance uses gas just like any other vehicle, Mr. Romeo.” Romeo growled when the doctor emphasized his name, making fun of it.
I could have laughed when Dr. Reynolds shrunk back. “If you expect us to pay for all that gas, Doc, you got another thing coming. But the bill I will pay.” Saying this, Romeo reached in his pocket and drew out a thick black wallet. Out of this he withdrew a couple fifties. I was glad that I hadn’t tried to use the ‘we were mugged’ excuse.
“That should pay for Nik too, and I expect change.” Romeo snapped. Nik? Since when is my name ‘Nik’? I decided to let it slide, since he was paying my bill.
“Thanks.” I whispered, so quietly that only Romeo would be able to hear. Romeo shot me a sly grin. I
“We’re even now.” He said dismissively. I noticed a slight accent in his words, this time I could tell it was a real one. I forgot this quickly; at that moment I just remembered something he’d said in the ambulance.
“I thought we were even earlier, because I knocked you out.” I teased, realizing that I was starting to like Romeo. He was tough. He was hard headed. He was completely vain. And sometimes I couldn’t help but admit to myself that I thought it was totally cute. I’d never met a guy so much like myself. There were rich mamma’s boys; geeks; the talkers; the occasional Goth; and then there were fat guys on bikes that called themselves bikers.
But Romeo, he was different. Something disturbed me though, one single question that floated around in my mind: just how different was Romeo? What was his true nature? I couldn’t afford to attach myself to a guy I knew nothing about, not really.
“Well, now that you bring it up…a kiss, maybe, would even the scores?” His voice brought me out of my thoughts. When I finally got the words to play back in my never-failing mind, I laughed.
“A kiss,” I asked, “Really?” It was hard to be sarcastic when we were whispering. Romeo was about to reply when the doctor came back over.
“Sorry to break this up, but I was wondering if you’d be as kind as to leave.” He said gruffly, before he faced Romeo alone, “Here’s your change, Romeo.” He shoved a wad of money into Romeo’s hand.
That ticked me off. We, well, Romeo was paying him for checking our heartbeat! We were costumers! Doesn’t that call for some level of respect?
Apparently it didn’t because he shoved pass us dismissively, heading into a room on the right. “He was probably dipped in crap when he was a baby.” I muttered nastily. Romeo laughed quietly, putting his arm around my shoulder in a way that wasn’t protective, but restrictive. He was holding me back.
“I’m fine.” I objected. He just snorted, not loosening his grip, if anything, he tightened it. He led me past the front desk, and to the door. But he didn’t release me until we were outside.
“Okay, talk.” Romeo said, turning to face me. I glowered. It was back to this, was it? Well, I knew I didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of getting an easy answer.
“I’ll tell you if you’ll tell me.” I replied defiantly. I definitely wasn’t going to be the first to give away my secrets, at least not all of them. Romeo sighed and laughed.
“You really are a firecracker aren’t you?” He asked, “Alright. I’ll tell you; but not now, not here.” I shrugged indifferently; I didn’t really care where he told me, as long as he did.
“Are you up for lunch?” He asked. I gave him a look. Then I realized that to explain why that wouldn’t work, I’d have to give away at least one thing. I sighed.
“Only if you plan to go hunting with me,” I said, waiting for him to understand. It didn’t take long. I bet he thought I was a werewolf too; as in a full blooded werewolf, not a half-breed.
Werewolves were notoriously frisky, like me. But I was neater about my mischievous ways, which came from my vampire side. I didn’t go blundering around, killing left and right like a pup. I’d always had some sort of conscience.
“Oh. Well, I have some raw meat in the freezer. I can thaw it.” He offered. This time it was my turn to snort. I hardly ever ate frozen meat if I could help it. I usually preferred prey killed by my own hand, and that still had a heartbeat when I bit into it. But maybe I could make an exception, just for the information.
“Alright,” I relented, only slightly brightened by the fact that I’d finally get answers, “When?” He laughed, and I wondered what could possibly be funny about my question.
“Now, of course,” He rumbled in his deep voice. “When else? I’ll call Alec.” Alec? Who was Alec? Before I had time to ask he had his Blackberry to his ear and was rolling out directions faster than the speed of light.
I was beginning to wonder what I’d gotten myself into. A rich, cute, thug, that I might be starting to fall for (sometimes); who might or might not be a murderer (I couldn’t really care if he was), and who may just be some sort of super dangerous supernatural.
How can you be falling for this guy? My rational mind questioned. He tried to kill you, or whatever he planned to do, maybe even drink your blood! He’s a major thug!
My irrational mind replied: Because he’s just like me.
Before I had any longer to dwell on my thoughts, a sleek, black Jaguar pulled around the corner. It was headed straight for us, and pulled around a few feet away, leaving skid marks on the gray pavement. The front driver-side window rolled down.
“Hey, boss.” An obedient sounding boy answered. He couldn’t have been any more than nineteen. And he smelled human.
“Hello, Alec. To my residence please.” Romeo said professionally. It was hard to imagine this guy as a thug. I also noticed that his real accent was back.
“Yes sir, Mr. Anima.” ‘Anima’? Didn’t that mean ‘soul’ in Italian? (Vampires also happened to be gifted with speech, and needed only a slight amount of exposure to a language to be able to speak it fluently, even read it.)
“Come on. He’s not going to bite…if he knows what’s good for him.” Romeo shot a threatening glance at Alec. Alec laughed and drew his head back in the window.
Romeo, seeing my uneasiness, grabbed me by the hand and tugged slightly. I didn’t budge; I was starting to wonder just who I was traveling with. He sighed, and chuckled under his breath.
“Nik, don’t clobber me for this.” He scooped me up, and started walking towards the car. Before he even made it a step, I was out of his arms and inside the Jaguar. I refused to be treated like an invalid.
Alec didn’t even blink an eye at the fact that I’d been outside only a second before. I wondered if he even noticed. I was slightly surprised, though I didn’t let it show on my face. The last thing I needed to do was to be shown up in a city that I ran.
Romeo slid in next to me, filling up a lot of space in the relatively small car. He grinned at me and slid even closer, testing my reaction. I ignored him.
“Are you Italian?” I asked bluntly. Romeo looked at me as if I’d just asked the oddest question in the world. He nodded, slowly, as if afraid that this might be leading to something bigger. It was.
“‘Anima’,” I cried, “Soul! What is it with you and souls?” Romeo ducked his head, but the look on his face told me everything. He was debating whether or not to tell me something. He seemed to be leaning towards yes.
“My name is Romeo Anima.” He began.


Chapter 7

“Your name is Romeo Soul?” I asked, seriously rethinking my judgment of weird names. I’d thought mine was odd, but ‘Romeo Soul’?
Romeo looked sheepish, almost shy. It was the most venerable I’d seen the thug/businessman look since I met him, this morning. “Yes.” He said simply.
“And…?” I continued, inviting him to go on. He gave me one of those ‘you don’t know what you’re asking for’ kinds of looks. But it looked as if he was going to tell me, but then he looked at Alec.
“I’ll have to tell you later, Nik.” It was all he could say with the human present. Nik? Why did he keep calling me Nik?
“Nik?” I inquired, one eyebrow raised questioningly. He shrugged. I sighed. Nobody could call me anything but Nikhil unless I told them they could.
He chuckled, like a boy about to play a joke. He gestured towards me. “Nik,” He said slowly. Then he pointed at himself. “Tarzan.” I hit him in the shoulder lightly, and he winced. I thought I’d hit him lightly anyway.
“You wish you were Tarzan. Tarzan doesn’t die at the end of his story.” I replied. Romeo looked affronted, before putting on a thoughtful face.
“Does that make you Juliet?” He asked sweetly, almost innocently. Alec chuckled in the front seat. Romeo’s head turned.
“He’ll be quiet too, if he knows what’s good for him.” There was no joke in Romeo’s threatening voice. That was the thuggish Romeo I knew. I don’t know why, but I liked him better that way than the businessman Romeo. I still wasn’t sure about his sweet side.
“It makes me Rosalind. I’m just the pretty face Romeo see’s before he meets Juliet.” I replied. I turned my head as he turned his gaze to stare at me. I could still feel his eyes boring into the back of my head. There was just one thing that I kept wondering: I found flirting with humans, or even Shifters, so easy; so why was even talking to Romeo so…emotional? Whenever we talked, I either started feeling angry or uneasy. I’d been very emotional; my wolf side held no sympathy for prey, and my vampire side no sympathy for humans. So who—what—was Romeo?
When I turned my head I saw that Romeo had switched his gaze to the window instead. “Step on it Alec; we’re going terribly slow.” When Alec hesitated, Romeo snapped, “Now.”
“But, boss,” Alec began, fidgeting in his seat, “I’m already going over the speed limit.” He said.
Romeo sighed, muttering something about how annoying human laws were. “Well, I’m sure that if we’re pulled over, it’s nothing that can’t be forgotten. I’ve never met a human who’d say no to money.” After a moment, he added, “Anyway, we could always ensure their cooperation.” I knew what Romeo had in mind, but, as horrible as humans might find the idea, I didn’t even spare a second thought about it. I happened to like driving fast too. That reminded me.
“You have a driver; yet no limo?” Romeo laughed at my question. I wondered if it had yet been asked.
“I prefer smaller cars. You can’t outrun anything in a limo; they’re too long. I prefer Jaguars; nice, small, inconspicuous.” He grinned devilishly, “Besides, it’s cozy.” He slid closer.
“You have to duck to fit in the car.” I retorted. I wondered how he was going to pass that off as cozy. But I kept wondering because at that moment the Jaguar screeched into a rough stop. Romeo cussed; a few strongly said Italian words that my vampire ears were barely tuned to hearing. He cussed worse than a sailor; his vulgar language about equal to that of an angry Frenchman’s.
“Alec!” He roared. He didn’t duck when he got out of the car, resulting in a huge dent the size of his head. Finger indents were left in the door. He was ticked.
“Sorry boss,” Alec mumbled, “I didn’t want to hit your guard.” Romeo stopped. He shook his head as if trying to clear cobwebs from his brain. Turning he looked at me; it was a lost puppy look, this time not an act.
“What just happened?” He asked. I gaped. I knew he was serious, and that was the shocking part. How could he have forgotten?
He ran a finger along the dents in his car. “Don’t tell me I did this!” He sighed, “I need…food. I’ll catch up with you later…and explain as much as I can, Nik.” Before I could react, he ran a barely controlled, shaking finger along my jaw.
Then he was gone; in less than the blink of an eye. What had I gotten myself into? I wondered for the millionth time today. He was faster than me…probably stronger too. I needed to be careful with him; but he seemed to like me, and I couldn’t bring myself to fear him.
“Come on, Miss,” Alec said politely, seemingly shaken. He acted as he thought Romeo might still be able to hear him, “Mr. Anima will never forgive me if I leave you out here alone.” He reached for my arm slowly.
I pulled out of his reach. “I’ll be fine. Nobody messes with me.” Alec sighed. He came over and grabbed my arm, shocking me enough to get away with it.
“I’m sure you can; but I’d rather not take any chances on my welfare.” He argued, “And leaving you alone could seriously be dangerous to my health, since he seems to like you.” Alec was dead serious, so I allowed him to lead me in.
He let go of my arm immediately after I began following. He said he didn’t want much of his scent on me, because Romeo (he said ‘Mr. Anima’) wouldn’t like it. He didn’t go into detail.


Chapter 8

Alec didn’t say much. He was trained and ordered not to. I was beginning to realize that he probably wasn’t much of a talker anyway. He wasn’t like the strong, silent type; more like the sulking, bored silent type. His silence was his best aspect.
For one, he smelt like dead fish; his blood was appalling. I figured that Romeo just put up with it because it kept Alec from being eaten by other supernatural people that he might hang out with. Alec wasn’t the most attractive either. He wasn’t ugly; but he wasn’t very handsome.
He had short, dull brown hair. His caramel skin wasn’t smooth, and seemed streaked, like a spray on tan. He had deep, reflective eyes that seemed hollow, and unfeeling. Nobody would bother messing with the kid. I guess that was what made him a good driver; it wasn’t likely he’d have to be replaced any time soon.
We remained on silence for a couple of minutes while we made our way to Romeo’s ‘sitting room’, somewhere buried inside of his gigantic, almost mansion-like, house. He merely said a few hellos to people we passed, and a few grunts to my comments…and a few of my questions.
He seemed sulky. A few times when I figured he thought I couldn’t hear, he muttered something about getting stuck with me; and Romeo getting ticked at him if even a hair was out of place on my head. I wondered what Alec’s issue was, and soon stopped trying to lure him into conversation. I probably wouldn’t like a conversation with him anyway.
By the time Alec finally managed to lead us through the long, twisting halls I had begun to realize that Romeo probably wasn’t as nice to everybody as he had been being to me. My vocabulary had also increased by a few words I won’t put into writing.
“When is Romeo getting back?” With this question I wanted an answer. I didn’t expect one, but I would get one; no matter what I had to do.
My wolf instincts were screaming. Something was definitely going on here; it wasn’t a trap, of this I was sure, but something was definitely up. My vampire reflexes were freaking out. If a spider had twitched a couple of hallways over, I’d have jumped.
My senses were the worst though. I could hear everything going on throughout the whole house. I heard a telephone call up on the top floor, and a maid sweeping in the kitchen.
All of these things put together usually meant something strange was going on. I didn’t like strange things, or surprises. They were like the Bloodlust before I got it under control. I’m sure I was acting like a human who’d drunken way to many cups of coffee.
Whenever there was anything that went on that could be potentially dangerous, that I wasn’t aware of, I acted like a kid who’d eaten too much candy. It was the strongest aspects of both my natures: wolf instincts and vampire reflexes.
“I don’t know.” He replied tartly, making me jump. He offered no other words, and none were offered to him. We sat in an awkward silence.
It gave me a chance to put my heightened senses to use and scope out the room. The room itself was huge, cream colored walls with golden accents. Tall off-white columns with gold vines wrapping around them. Pale oak flooring. A large entertainment center (flat screen TV, PS3, Wii, Xbox360, etcetera), sat in the middle, an exact copy sat backed up to it, facing the other direction. On the side me and Alec sat at, there was a large sofa with reclining seats, cup holders, and armrests (I sat here). A few inviting recliners (Alec was perched on the edge of the one farthest from me). On the other side there was a loveseat and a large wraparound sofa. Over both sides, a huge chandelier hung down.
All I could think was ‘wow’. Why was a guy that had enough money for a house like this, and could spend it at leisure, hanging with street girls? How did I wind up finding a guy like this?
Then I heard the slamming door. The sound itself surprised me enough to send me a few feet in the air, I was so far on edge. But it took me only a few moments to realize that it was Romeo. I smelled the foreign, enticing smell that he always carried. I heard the footsteps that were faster than any human’s would be. It had to be Romeo.


Chapter 9

“Romeo!” I was surprised to see that I was almost happy to have him return. Then again, I’d been stuck with Alec for the past couple of minutes. Alec gave me an odd look when I spoke his employer’s name.
The look faded when Romeo himself came in. “I see you brought our guest to the sitting room.” I saw Alec wince when he said this, “Very good. I wouldn’t like her to be discomforted.” A small sigh escaped the driver’s lips when he heard the praise.
Then Romeo turned to me. “Nikki.” He said, seemingly in a better mood, “I hope Alec has been courteous.” His eyes said something different, the reddish colors portraying an array of emotions.
“Yes.” I said simply, not knowing what else to say, not with Alec in the room. But Romeo seemed to sense this; he caught Alec’s eye and shoved a thumb in the direction of the door.
Alec more than willingly obliged. I wondered what Romeo had done to him to make him so frightened. I couldn’t bring myself to care; after all, Alec was just a human.
After Alec left, Romeo came closer, and said quietly, so we wouldn’t be overheard, “You still want to know?” I noticed that his eyes seemed brighter, less human.
“I do.” Romeo took my hand, and pulled me to the door. He seemed decided.
“Then follow me.” And with that we were racing through the halls at a pace that would leave us nearly invisible to the human eye. Romeo was still holding my hand, and I was holding his. I don’t know why, but nothing about it felt weird, like it would with anybody else.
My senses had settled back down to my regular ability, so I was able to fully concentrate on my step. I was surprised to find that Romeo was just as fast as me, if not faster; I myself was much faster than any werewolf, even a vampire couldn’t keep up with me, I made a Shifter’s speed look human.
He seemed just as surprised by my speed. I wondered what he knew, or thought, about my natures. Did he already know the truth? If not, what did he think I was? Half-breeds weren’t common, the last I’d heard, there was, for every fifty Shifters (forty werewolves or vampires) there was one Half-breed. That meant no more than twenty Half-Breeds at the time. But then again, the numbers of my race changed so much it was impossible to know just how many there were at the time.
I guess that means he’s unlikely to know that much about me. I figured, as we drew to a stop in front of a large, thick looking door. I knew that no sound was getting through that door if it was as thick as it looked, not unless I screamed. But I didn’t scream; I had no need to. Besides, if Romeo could make me scream, I doubted there’d be much any human could do.
“Are you sure?” He asked, seriously. He fixed me with a hard stare, not even looking away after I nodded. I gazed back evenly. After a moment, he turned his head and opened the door; seemingly satisfied with something I did.
Releasing his grip on my hand, he gestured for me to go into the room before him. So I entered, and turned around, waiting for him to follow. As he did, he latched the door.
“It will be bad if somebody comes in while I am…explaining.” He said at my odd look. “Have you ever seen a human’s reaction to a werewolf’s change?” I knew I must have looked confused; I knew Romeo wasn’t a werewolf, but there wasn’t any other kind of shape shifter that had that kind of ability. Was there?
“I’m not a werewolf. But I do change.” He said, as if reading my mind. What am I getting into? I wondered anxiously, as Romeo’s body stilled.
His arms, which had started to tremble, hung, unmoving, beside him, his legs locked into place. His breathing stopped; even his heartbeat did. He looked like a dead man standing. And for a split second, my heart stopped beating; not that I needed it to beat to survive, I didn’t even need oxygen.
Suddenly his body went rigid, before a slight tremor passed through. A minute passed. I was still staring when my vision blurred. I tried blinking, but the fog remained, even when I rubbed my eyes I couldn’t see Romeo.
Then an awful sound reached my ears: the sound of bones cracking. I heard nothing else, the sounds of moving bones overwhelming my momentarily blinded body. It was like standing in the middle of a field of moving trains, everything was roaring by, noisy, and frightening. For the first time since my first change, I felt like puking.
Luckily, this wasn’t his first change. It took only about six seconds for everything to find its new place. Only then did my vision clear.


Chapter 10

“Romeo?” I called, slowly approaching the fallen heap. His back legs were bent at an odd angle, and a thick tail lay still at the base of his spine. His skin was pale, the color of early morning fog after a rain. His hair was now mostly shades of blue, and longer, almost wilder.
He sighed, making me forget my apprehension and rush to his side. I might not be willing to admit that I might, even slightly, like him, but I didn’t feel so cold towards him that I’d not help him when he so obviously was in pain. I put my hand on his bare back, feeling the hot skin that had almost a stony texture.
“Are you okay?” I said softly, realizing that his ears were almost like mine were when I was a wolf, thought still at the side of his head, not wanting to hurt them if they were more sensitive.
He muttered a quick, “yeah”. Then he was sitting before me. I’d barely seen the movement it was so fast. But after I saw his face, I forgot all about that.
If I had to explain his face to a human, I’d probably say that it looked almost like one of the natives off of Avatar, except not blue. It was an almost crystal color, that shone in the light. His eyes were scarlet. The very top of each canine protruded slightly beyond his lips.
If anything, his body was bulkier, more chiseled. I realized that he had no bellybutton. Then I noticed he had no clothes on. I sprung up, and backwards. His face hardened, and I realized that he must think he had scared or disgusted me.
I wouldn’t let him think that; whether I liked him or not; it would be the cruelest thing I’d ever done, by far. I wouldn’t hurt him—or anyone—in that way; not after what happened to me. My eyes scanned the room, finally settling on a large robe that lay sprawled across a bed that I just now saw.
In a split second I was holding it out to him. “You might need this, Romeo.” One of his eyebrows rose (highlighting his more prominent brow), but he slid the robe on anyway.
For a moment he watched me, studying his face, and then he burst out laughing in a voice only slightly deeper than his own. “Okay,” I was relieved to hear him say, “You weren’t disgusted by me, but that I had no clothes on? You truly are remarkable.” He started to reach out, but pulled his hand back. I knew that he thought that I would be horrified, or even frightened by this move.
I decided to prove him wrong. I grabbed his hand before he could put it back at his side. I don’t know what urged me to do so, and ignored the fact that the fingers were slightly shorter, and that the nails had grown into claws. I held on to him. He looked incredulous. I simply said, “So, when are you going to tell me what you actually are?”
He chuckled slightly. “I,” He stood as he said this, gently removing his hand from mine, “Am a gargoyle, soul thief!” My jaw somehow thought that it was supposed to drop after this comment. My brain itself was merely surprised.
I scrambled up, and, shockingly, managed to trip. That was near impossible for me, and apparently Romeo was surprised as well, because he just barely managed to catch me, a split second before I caught myself. I didn’t want to leave a dent in his floor.
“Are you okay?” He quickly released me, as if his touch would burn me, or mine him. I dared step closer.
“I’m fine, I just tripped.” The words sounded wrong, as if my tongue itself knew that I didn’t trip, or fall. I wondered what it felt like for humans to fall, but I didn’t, not any more than I was hurt. I didn’t even get sick; if I didn’t eat, I just got an uncontrollable Bloodlust.
This time when he reached out to me, he didn’t pull back. He pulled me to him, and kept me there, leaning my head against broad shoulder. “You’ve heard of gargoyles?” He asked softly.
I pulled back and faced him. “Yes, a little; but they’re supposed to be ‘horrendously ugly, liars, thieves, and gold diggers’, or so says everybody who’d talk to me about them.” Except for Uncle…but I didn’t say that, it’d only bring up unwanted questions. “And you’re not ugly…you wouldn’t need to be a gold digger…but as for the other two…” Romeo laughed, flashing semi-sharp teeth, only slightly more rounded than a vampire’s.
“Well, the werefolk and blood-drinkers have never been really keen on us, not since the treaty…” It was his turn to draw to an awkward halt. I wanted to ask what treaty, but something in his eyes told me it wasn’t something I’d like to hear about. “Anyway,” He continued, as if wanting to get my mind away from any temptation to press for details, “We, the Stone People—as they call us on account of our skin—otherwise known as gargoyles, have emotions and consciences just as strong, or weak, as a werewolf’s, some even have hearts as soft as humans.”
I gave him a curious look. A race that differed as much as Romeo claimed seemed almost impossible; humans, though they had a varying degree of ruthlessness and mercy, were humans, they weren’t one of the supernatural races. And Werewolf hate was much stronger than a human’s; we were about one hundred times more likely to spend most of our lives on revenge, though we outlived them by centuries.
“So…you’re one of the better ones?” I asked, still trying in vain to fit what the wolves had said along with Romeo’s version. If he was one of the nicer gargoyles…well, let us just say I wouldn’t like to meet the rest.
But Romeo just laughed, “One of the nicer ones?” He chuckled, “You haven’t even seen me partially angry; I have a rep of being ‘son of the devil and one of his she-demons’, back where I come from. And nobody can look at me without revulsion. I am, to say in the least, one of the ugliest gargoyles.
I had to admit, he wasn’t the most handsome guy I could get; if I was interested in ‘getting’ him, anyway. But he wasn’t a beast or anything; except for maybe when he was in his gargoyle form and I didn’t mind that really. It was no worse than my wolf form.
“You don’t look that bad.” I said, wondering how anybody could think he was ugly; even in gargoyle form he had some sense of handsomeness. Then his face hardened.
“I might not now, but I happen to be one of the gargoyles who can go one step further than this mild change.” I looked at his purposely expressionless face, and sighed.
“Why don’t you just change? I’ve had worse things happen to me than to be blinded for a moment.” I demanded. I’ve never had much patience with self pity. But I guess I never really felt it an important enough cause to work against, not until I met Romeo.
“You won’t like it. You won’t look at me the same.” He argued, “I’ll just be the monster you met before you knew Romeo; let’s hope my name is wrong, let’s hope I’m just Paris.” I stepped back.
“At least allow me to make that decision myself!” I snapped, my voice sounding harsher than it was supposed to, “Let me decide for myself, the monster or the man!” I wondered where that little bit of poetry came from, but it seemed to have done the trick.
“As you wish; but…before you run…” Before I could make a move, his lips were on mine. The kiss lasted only a second before he was back on the other side of the room again, but it filled my head with such notions, and my heart with such feelings, that I had to push it away. I was in love with the moon. I had loved Uncle as a father. Besides, who’d ever heard of love at first sight? It’d been a day; it was just that cute face that kept me from bolting.
I’d usually been a good liar; but not now. I was thinking of how much I wished Romeo could be a werewolf. The headstrong race would be better off, and I’d at least understand something about him. That was when my vision started to fog.
I expected it this time, so it wasn’t as frightening as the first time it’d happened. Unfortunately, I still had to hear the dull thump of bones readjusting themselves. Oddly, I heard the crack of the spine, higher and wetter against the others. Apparently Romeo was startled too, because just before his nerves disconnected he let out a…sound. It was somewhere between a yelp and a gasp.
A yelp? Why would Romeo yelp? Were gargoyles now dogs? I’d never heard a story that mentioned shape shifting. Especially not into dogs.
“Romeo!?” I called into the white, artificially darkness. “Romeo!?” I kept telling myself I shouldn’t be so afraid for him, when he’d tried to kill me early. But I did feel the fear, clutching mercilessly at the pit of my stomach, twisting it into a tight knot that wouldn’t come undone until I could see Romeo. As much as I tried I couldn’t help shake the feeling…the one I had for the young man…it wouldn’t leave me.
A small growl replied to my call. It was like a spell; the clouds covering my vision lifted, and I could see what it was that lay in the heap, bigger than Romeo had been as a gargoyle. Fur, the color of early morning mist after a rain…large paws…pointed, raised ears…


Chapter 11

A wolf! My first thought was: ‘where’s Romeo?’, but then I realized what the yelp had really meant. Romeo…was a wolf!
I was by his side in an instant, realizing that he was still even bigger than a regular werewolf; the lowest point of his back went up to my chin. He was larger than a big horse.
“Romeo?” I asked, worried. He turned one red eye on me. Yes?
I jumped. The wolf’s muzzle hadn’t opened, and even if it had, all I’d hear would be barks, perhaps even something I could translate out, with my knowledge of wolf language. I was also pretty sure that the voice had come from inside my head.
I’m…a wolf… Romeo’s voice said, seemingly shocked. That’s different. How do I look? Not only can he swear like a Frenchman, but he was also as vain! I thought he was supposed to be Italian.
I looked him over, even with his odd, slightly exotic fur color, and his eyes, he looked pretty good; definitely better than the ordinary street wolf.
Not bad…I thought to myself, still, to my embarrassment, staring at Romeo.
Thanks. I’ll take that as a compliment. I laughed, and elbowed the giant wolf in the shoulder.
“Are all Italians this vain, or is it a gargoyle thing?” I asked him, before realizing that he’d heard my thought. Me thinking, ‘not bad’! I sprung up again.
What? He seemed actually worried that I’d suddenly jumped away from him. I wondered what he thought, before remembering that I already knew all there was to know.
You can read my thoughts! I can read yours! Romeo gave me an odd look. It said clear as day, that he didn’t want to talk about it. But I met his gaze and eventually he dared say, I have a theory…but I’m going to find out more before telling you…giving you false ideas isn’t my intention. I didn’t press; I sensed it would be useless.
Then Romeo said, but we forget something. I gave him an odd look. What are you? He asked, and I immediately felt guilty. I had him spill out his guts to me, and hadn’t even told him the beginning of my nature!
I took a deep breath, I am a half-blood. I waited for something like disbelief to flash across his face, but he just nodded. It makes sense.
I gave him an exasperated look. Nothing else but a powerful half-breed or another gargoyle would be as even a match for my abilities. He explained patiently. I grinned slightly at the praise. I guess we were both vain.
I am a vampire and werewolf mix, Romeo. I told him. But I guess that was something he hadn’t expected. He gave me a look that could have made both of mine seem merely like bored expressions.
That would explain it! His inner voice cried. It shrunk when I retorted, Romeo, would you please stop speaking in riddles! Would you care to share with me what exactly ‘it’ is? He laughed slightly though, so I knew that my exclamation hadn’t really dampened his spirits.
Do you remember, back at the alley…?


Chapter 12

“Yes…?” I urged, forgetting to speak in my head. I was beginning to think that I was getting in deeper and deeper with every word I spoke; I was unsure of whether this was a good thing or a bad thing. I guess I’d have to figure it out later, like so many other things.
You remember when I passed out? I laughed. “Fainted? Yeah, it was just this morning, Romeo.” Romeo growled in a way that was clearly intended to be menacing. I laughed again.
Anyway…you don’t understand how it could have happened. It wasn’t a question, but I nodded anyway. It was because of your natures. I was sure that the odd look on my face clearly told him what my voice was too proud to say; I was completely, absolutely lost. I had no clue what he was talking about. Uncle had never really covered that much about gargoyles.
It’s hard to explain; but I’ll try. You know vampires have the darkest soul of any of the races. Well, apparently werewolves have the purist…We sat in silence for a moment…it’s because of their link with nature, not because of them as individuals. Romeo assured at my less-than-subtle skeptical glance.
Gargoyles are taught this when they learn the art of soul theft…don’t give me that look! I laughed. I began to do some experimenting, and drew a conclusion: half-breeds of the two soul extremes (pure and dark) have no soul.
“Wait, are you saying that I am…?” I couldn’t bring myself to say the words: heartless, lacking of soul…I’d rather have a vampire’s dark heart than none at all.
Please speak with our link, Nik; you voice is lovely, but everything is awfully loud. He lowered his great head onto my lap, and again I felt that strange feeling, as if I was looking at the venerable side of the villain. What happened to the girls who fell in love with the villains in the movies? Weren’t they killed, or thrown in jail, while the one they’d thought would always stand by their side drove their car into some ditch after having too many drinks?
I didn’t love Romeo. And if I did I wouldn’t admit it, not to myself, not to Romeo, not to anybody. But I doubted that he’d do that to me. He’d pay for the fines, or, if necessary, kill, to get us out; as would I. I didn’t like to kill…that much, at least not when it could be avoided, but I would, to get me out of a certain situation.
Sorry, Romeo. I said, trying to get my face to look sincere, even thought I was anxious to hear the answer to my question. I think the attempts amused him. I elbowed the top of his neck, since it was the only thing I could reach with his head in my lap.
You’re not, but I forgive you; just because you’re so cute. I blushed slightly; but I doubt he noticed it. But—he continued—to answer your question: technically, yes. That’s why the theft didn’t work. It takes a lot of energy, you know.
I sighed; but I knew it was true. I had no soul. I didn’t even act like I did. I didn’t hesitate when it came to killing, I didn’t even lose any sleep.
Never mind that. I pushed the disturbing thoughts aside. But there’s something else I want to know.
Yes? Romeo urged me to continue on to my next question. He seemed to never tire of answering them; or asking his own.
When you yelled at Alec, before you, uh…ran…how did you forget making the dents? The ones in the Jaguar? Romeo gave me one of his looks.
It’s what happens when a gargoyle doesn’t manage to get…nourishment. We are naturally born without souls, unlike your race, though, we must steal for one. He seemed proud, when he said this. I realized I must be soulless, for the tone he used for these words would upset almost anybody. It didn’t even faze me.
I didn’t have long to dwell, for at that moment, a shiver passed down Romeo’s spine; the world was a giant white haze again. I managed to get up before he started to shift. The change was quicker this time, and I didn’t hear any yelps. But Romeo, when back in human form, seemed paler. He walked slowly, and unsteadily, back to me.
“Are you okay?” I asked quietly, wondering if his ears were anymore sensitive.
Yes. Romeo replied. Hmm…interesting, apparently the mind thing still worked.
“That was strange.” He said aloud. “I’d never morphed into a wolf before. Gargoyles aren’t like the wolf-folk…it was probably for the best though; a few extra surprises up my sleeve can’t hurt.” I laughed at the casual way Romeo spoke of something like this.
Then he added, “Let’s talk about something else though; even thinking about that hurts! I don’t know how you do it.” I laughed again, and shot Romeo a wicked grin.
“It only gets worse!” I teased. He grimaced and slapped a hand to his forehead.
“No!” We sat laughing for a moment. It took me about that long to realize that my hand was in his. Surprisingly, despite the fact that he’d tried to ‘steal my soul’ or whatever, despite the fact that we’d known each other for only a day, I didn’t kill him. I intertwined my fingers with his as if we’d been like this for years.
He seemed to like my response; he gave my fingers a light squeeze. But then his grinning face went grave. “I almost forgot.” He mumbled.
“What?” I was worried.
“I need to...deal with Alec. He’s seen too much…” Romeo seemed to be explaining this simply for my benefit. He didn’t seem the least bit concerned. Under normal circumstances, I would have been against killing the driver, but Romeo was right; Alec had seen too much. It was a liability.
“Yes, I agree. Just make it quick; he deserves that.” Romeo grinned wickedly at my request. The he reached out and kissed my forehead before I had a chance to react. It was probably better this way, I wasn’t really sure I was ready to choose between letting him do this, or not.
“If you wish it; by the way, are you hungry? I think I am in the mood for a hunt; maybe my wolf side will be hungry for some flesh and blood, where my gargoyle one is not.” He grinned again, “Unless, of course, I’ll have to wait for the full moon?” I elbowed him lightly.
He was out of the room in a second. He was back in three minutes flat. There was dirt on his shirt.
“Sorry it took so long; I had to dispose of the body.” I nodded, and stood.
“It’s fine. I expected you to do something with it; you can’t just leave a body anywhere.” Then I grinned. “You still up for the hunt?” I asked mischievously.
I didn’t expect what happened next. For a fraction of a second, Romeo was in front of me. Then, miraculously, I was over one of his broad shoulders, his arm around my legs, tipping me over backwards. “Only if you are!”
“Rome—” I was cut off when he started to run. It was faster than I could go in my vampire (human) form, and my top wolf speed.
“Rome?” He inquired, “I kind of like the sound of that.” He was still running at his breakneck pace.
“You’d better; that’s all I’m going to call you unless you put me down now!” I wiggled in his grip. Romeo laughed. My hair was whipped around my face. His tickled the small of my back.
“I’ll take my chances.” I hit his back lightly in response. He just laughed all the louder. Then the idea hit me.
I stayed still for a moment, until I felt him loosen his grip. Gotcha! I thought exuberantly. Then, as quick as a flash, I wormed myself free, and grabbed the leg of his artificially faded jeans. It worked…almost. I’d have had him if he hadn’t had heard me.
Instead, we were pitched forwards. I’m still not sure whether he fell on purpose, or just in surprise. Either way, I somehow managed to land under him, squished against the mossy ground. Surprisingly, we were already at the forest.
I remained silent for a moment, feeling his warmth on top of me, before shoving him over. Air brushed against my stomach, and I realized that my shirt had been torn slightly. I didn’t really care; it wasn’t like I was expected on the Red Carpet anytime soon.
Rome (I was going to stick to my threat to call him Rome, since he hadn’t put me down) rolled beside me. Quick as a flash he had his arm around my shoulders, my head resting in the bend of his arm. His other arm was under his head.
“That’s one way to go about losing weight,” I joked casually, “Have it squished out of you by a two ton wolfish gargoyle.”
“Ah, but my services are only for you; Nik.” He replied, laughing merrily. I looked at him, and thought: If he was dressed in Lincoln green, he’d make a nice Little John.
“Thanks.” He said, vainly admiring himself.
Rome. I retorted. He laughed at the false venom I put into my words. He seemed freer, with less people around. More of a joker, and less of a…businessman. I laughed at the thought of Romeo the business man. It seemed impossible.
We sat like that for a minute, before a hollow feeling in my stomach, and the beginnings of a scarlet tint to my vision reminded me what we were here for. To hunt. I realized that I’d never been less excited for a good run, but now…I just wanted to sit here. I didn’t like that; it wasn’t normal, and both me and my wolf-self didn’t like surprises, or oddities. But the hunt was necessary, for me anyway, so I didn’t go into the bloodlust; I wasn’t sure what would happen to Rome, though.
“Are we going to hunt, or what?” Romeo said, and we both were on our feet, suddenly eager to begin. It was as if he’d read my mind—I realized—which he probably did.
“If you’re ready.” I guess he was, because instead of replying, he dropped to all fours, spine cracking. I didn’t even bother getting to the ground, I started changing. I noticed it was quicker for me; less painful. Even my second change hadn’t seemed as bad as his looked, I realized, after I finished the change, which now took me less than a minute.
Romeo was still midway in his; his face was only just lengthening. I kept my distance; if I wasn’t careful, the larger wolf could accidentally fillet my foreleg. In wolf form, he had claws larger than a pocket-knife (a pocket-knife was the average size for a wolf’s claws). And the average wolf had been known to accidentally break the bones of anybody who came too close while they were change.
Most of his bones were in place by the time dared draw closer; now the beautifully colored fur sprouted. The color of the light, clean fog the streets gave off when the sun came up just after it rained.
Rome, I asked, hoping that the use of the stupid nickname would draw him out of the after-change shock, Are you okay?
He glanced at me, and I saw the eyes that I realized I liked, no matter how creepy they were. Yeah, I’m fine…but I’m hungry. Let’s hunt! I grinned at his enthusiasm.
We didn’t bother to say anymore, we just ran.


Chapter 13

I slumped onto one of Romeo’s fancy couches, next to him; he didn’t seem to care that the blood on our bodies would ruin it. “Well, we have to sit somewhere; we’ll just sit in this one every time we come back here bloody.” He said at the skeptical look I gave him.
“I see your point.” I leaned back on the comfortable piece of furniture. I had expected one of those expensive, itchy sofas, but this one was truly comfortable. I leaned my head against Rome’s shoulder; I was more tired than I could ever remember being, except after my first change. I was too tired to care that all I had on was a wolf-hide under-dress. Romeo, of course, had had nothing on after his change; I’d forgotten the wolf-skin. But he couldn’t show up anywhere naked, so he’d given me twenty bucks and told me to bring him back some jeans and a T-shirt.
My wolf-hide looked inconspicuous enough, if one didn’t look too closely, so I didn’t bother doing anything but washing most of the blood off of me.
I could tell that some of the servant’s who’d seen him leave had also noticed that he was wearing different clothes. It’d be kind of hard for them not to notice, considering every maid stared him up and down every time he passed. I was surprised how much this bothered me. I tried to convince myself that it was just fear of being discovered.
“It’s really late.” Romeo said suddenly, knocking me out of my trance. I shook my head to clear it, and gave him a questioning look. “Huh?”
Rome laughed. “It’s late.” He repeated, “Do you have somewhere to stay?” I shrugged. I didn’t matter to a werewolf whether she was sleeping under a roof or in the woods.
“I’ll take that as a no.” He turned away from me just long enough to call to a passing servant, “Fix up a spare room for our guest. The good one…and hurry up about it.” He turned back to me.
“I’ll be fine; it’s not like I’m human.” I complained; I didn’t like being taken care of. It wasn’t in my nature. Romeo gave me a look.
“Neither am I, but I enjoy a bit of luxury now and again. Besides, I have plenty of room to offer.” He had a good point, I relented.
Then I saw the room he’d chosen for me. It was as big as his own, and came complete with an entertainment system; a huge, four-poster bed; its own master bath; and a computer.
“You have got to be kidding me.” I mumbled.
“You don’t like it? I could try to find a better room for you.” He said, seemingly hurt and confused. I quickly corrected him.
“I like it. I mean…its great and all…” I said, “It’s just that… I don’t need anything this fancy. A stable would be perfectly fine.” Romeo brightened, and started laughing.
“You are the strangest girl I’ve ever met. What girl doesn’t like fancy techno stuff?” He laughed again.
“I don’t know…probably a werewolf. But most vampires would be dying to take it apart and see how it works. I have to admit, I’m not getting any urges to do that.” I joined in his laughter this time, and didn’t voice any more objections about the room. Of course, I had some, but I didn’t tell Rome that. He seemed to be trying to please me.
I have to admit, though, I did sleep good that night.


Chapter 14

I woke at dawn. Not a big surprise. Werewolves, contrary to popular belief, need little sleep, and could be classified as both night and day creatures.
What did surprise me, though, was the bundle by the foot of my bed. Clothes, jeans and T-shirts. Perfect.
I laughed at Romeo’s choices. There were a few wolf shirts from the zoo, and more than a few ‘team Jacob’ shirts. The jeans strayed anywhere from dark to light, shorts to pants, but they all had something in common; no designer labels. I sighed in relief.
Then a servant came in. “Mr. Anima requests your presence at his table.” I gave him a look.
“In English?” I asked, slightly irritated.
“Mr. Anima requests your presence at his table.” The servant repeated again, if slightly slower. I stood, having already dressed. And followed the man, since that seemed to be what he wanted.
Apparently he meant that Romeo wanted me to eat breakfast with him. The servant looked a little skeptical when all I took from the food offered was the hot chocolate. (I was fond of chocolate, not poached egg). Only after all the workers left the room did Romeo speak.
“Did you like the clothes? I had my girlfriend pick them out.” He said, “Sara has good taste.” I sputtered through a sip of hot chocolate, barely managing not to dump it down the front of my shirt. I started coughing. I glared at Romeo when he started laughing.
“What’s so funny?” I finally managed to hiss.
“I was kidding, Nik.” He replied still laughing. Okay, it was too early for this. I might not be tired in the mornings, but I was cranky.
I lunged at Romeo, growling. It wasn’t a blow that would have seriously hurt him, but it would probably break the chair. But I never got a chance to figure out what would happen; Romeo simply stood and caught me.
“Good morning to you too, sunshine.”
“Bite me.”
I didn’t expect Rome to actually growl at the comment. But he did. And a split-second later, I was pinned under him. It happened so fast I didn’t even know what hit me.
Romeo seemed to realize this, and grinned wickedly. “Don’t tempt me.” Then I was on my feet, and it was as if nothing had happened.
I glared at him again. “Guys.” I muttered darkly.
“Somebody needs food.” He retorted.
“I ate yesterday.”
“A rabbit? For two days?” That shut me up. He was right; even the fattest hare wouldn’t satisfy a wolf for more than half a day, maybe even a full day, given my size.
Rome read my look and disappeared through a door. I sipped my hot chocolate, and waited, expecting him to be back any second. When he didn’t return I realized that he must be going at human speed.
It took him a few minutes to return, and when he did, it was with a backpack filled with two extra sets of clothes, one for each of us, and stuff to clean up with. Smart.
He grabbed one of the numerous sets of keys off the wall and said a quick, “Let’s go.” And then we were in the Jeep.
“Why a car?” I asked, confused. We could run faster than this car could go.
“Do I look like the hiking type to you? A servant is bound to be suspicious if he sees me walking off with no money, no car, and you.” Romeo laughed. “Besides, we have a little time to talk this way, even if you do try and bite my head off at every little joke.”
I pointedly ignored his last comment. “You’re right. But a Jeep? That Jaguar would go faster.” Rome sighed.
“It would…but I dented it yesterday. It was my favorite car too...” I sucked in a breath. I’d almost forgotten. I felt rather bad bringing it up again.
“Yeah. Anyway…we’ll reach a good spot soon.” Romeo continued. “Then we’ll hunt.” I nodded, and leaned my head against the window, feeling the coolness of the glass even through my thick hair.
We pulled off onto a path not long after Rome said this. He hadn’t been exaggerating when he said ‘soon’. “Food…” I mumbled excitedly. Now that I was getting a chance to hunt, I realized just how hungry I’d been. That hare really hadn’t been that big.
“I’m going to leave the backpack in the car. Meet me back here when you’re done.” I grunted, already in wolf form. He followed my lead and dropped to the ground. Soon we were both darting through the trees.
We were faster than anything imaginable, as wolves; faster than those so-called ‘vampires’ on Twilight. Romeo himself was even faster than me, since he was a gargoyle. He kept his pace matched to mine. I was happy to have a chance to clear my head; amid the peace and serenity of the forest.
All the harsh light dropped upon us from the sun was muted into a sweet green glow; as glow as the trees whose leaves the canopy was made up of. Moss sprouted, clouding the darkest of the browns. It was spring, and everything was bright.
It was made even better when I sunk my teeth into the buck that we shared. It took three more deer to fully satisfy us, but we enjoyed the chase, even with a prey as pitiful as these.
Yum. Rome rumbled in his deep mental voice. I’ve never really like deer before. I guess I had all of the flavor cooked out. He let out a coughing howl that I was just able to call a laugh.
I don’t think I’d be wise to order raw meat, Romeo. I told him jokingly. He pounced at me, and I ducked. When I felt nothing, and heard Rome laughing, I glanced up. He was standing over me, still with all paws placed flat on the ground. I didn’t even feel the tickle of his longer-than-average fur.
You’re shorter than my stomach. He told me.
You’re fatter than a king. I retorted.
Then you’re all the shorter. I growled at his response, and jumped up, knocking him off his paws. We rolled over and over until he had me pinned, simply because he was larger.
Then he did something surprising; he morphed back into his gargoyle form. I wondered why he changed, but decided that I’d ask questions once I myself was back in human form.
I morphed quickly. “Why did you change?” I asked worriedly. I wondered if I upset him.
“You didn’t do anything wrong. I just remembered something I’d like to show you.” He walked closer and pushed a lock of my hair behind my ear.
“You might want to get some clothes on first.” As I informed him, I realized that his cheeks darkened into a kind of gray. He blushed!
I didn’t get much longer to study the flush of his skin, and he was gone. This time it only took a minute for him to return. He came with a bundle in his fists, clothes for me. I was about to blush myself, when I realized that I still had my wolf-skin under-dress on.
Even so, I slipped on the clothes without complaint, and rather quickly too. “So…” I began, “What do you want to show me?” He cocked a gracefully pointed ear.
“I believe now would be a good time; there’s not that many people around.” He informed me, “Do you know anything about a gargoyle’s structure?”
I didn’t ask why he questioned me, rather, I replied, “I’m surprised you have to ask, given the fact that I usually have to remind you to put on your clothes after you change back.” He blushed and I laughed.
But suddenly he became serious again. “Do you know that we have wings?”

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