Lone Wolf

Karma
Sniffing the ground again, I realized with horror the mistake I had just made. I stumbled back fearfully, head snapping back and forth, seeking out the others I knew had to be somewhere near by. God, why was I such a fool?
Karma is my name, a very unfortunate one to have if you ask me. I’ve had so many people give me funny looks or crack jokes about it that I’ve lost count. I’m a freak of nature, something that shouldn’t be… quite seriously, I am. I’m not very tall, a platinum blonde with grey eyes, so pale I would never be able to sneak out at night without being seen. I’m smart, so I really don’t have to try in school. But when it comes to fitting in, I’ve always had trouble with that. Being a she-wolf kind of ruins all possibility of ever making real friends. How did I become one? I have no clue. Neither of my parents were wolves, so how did a human child like me get her genes so messed up? Having the heightened senses and other things that most normal humans don’t have creeps people out, so they tend to avoid me.
I sniffed again, hackles rising. Yep, it was definitely another wolf, a couple actually. A whimper slipped out as I searched for the wolves that I had smelled. I had just moved here, so in my defense I had no clue that there was another wolf pack here! It was never smart to impinge on another pack’s territory. I learned that lesson the hard way when I was twelve. Being a freak even in your own family means you can’t tell them that you are one… humans are never quick to accept that you are anything but human, and if they do you better run for your life because the gun or scientists are soon to follow. My family took an innocent vacation to California… bad idea. I had no idea there were others of my kind, let alone that you shouldn’t barge in on the territory uninvited… let’s just say my parents received a very tearful and very bloody child that night.
Carefully, I backed away, eyes searching the area, ears pricked forward and listening. Turning around carefully, I turned and sprinted for my new home, my heart hammering in my chest. I did not want to be attacked again. Almost near home, I shifted human. I breathed in the beautiful smell of the foliage and animals that called the woods home. My old home had been horrible, in a suburban town that provided me hardly any space to run as a wolf. This was beautiful, perfect. Trotting up to my new home, which was a huge two-story house set back into the trees, I scanned the yard for any signs of the wolves. Nothing. I was safe. A smile stretched across my face and I darted for the door.
“Watch it!” Keegan, my little brother, snapped. The next thing I knew I was flying forward, tripping over a box he had sitting right in the entrance.
“Keegan!” I snapped, barely catching myself so that I didn’t hit the ground. “Why do you have a box in the way of the front door? How stupid can one be?” I fumed. Stupid boy…
“Not my fault you can’t watch where you’re going,” Keegan said, a smirk on his face.
I scowled at him but said nothing. I kicked the box out of the way, getting a string of complaints that I ignored. I wandered upstairs to my new room. I was almost done unpacking. The only things left were the small things like my books. The room faced south towards the back yard, a huge oak right next to the one window. The second window had a window seat, where the last three boxes sat. Striding across the plush tan carpet, I curled up on the floor to finish.
“Karma?” My mother stood in the doorway to my room. One look at her and it was made obvious whom I got my looks from. Long wavy platinum blonde hair and large blue eyes, my mother had the looks of an actress.
“Yes, Mom?” I asked, looking away from the bookshelf I was slowly filling.
“Have you seen your father?” she asked, walking into my room with an unconscious grace.
I frowned, my eyebrows crushing together. “No, I haven’t. Why?”
“I can’t find my earrings,” she said, pouting.
“Which ones?” I asked in an offhand way.
“The silver hoops.”
I shoved the last book onto my shelf, a Stephen King novel, before I turned to face her.
“Well, Dad sure isn’t going to know where they are.”
My mother studied me for a couple seconds from where she was perched on the edge of my bed. “Have you ever considered wearing jewelry yourself, Karma?”
I groaned, standing up and turning away from her. “Mom, don’t start. I do wear jewelry.” She had this thing against the way I dressed. I liked my T-shirts and jeans… She felt I should dress up more often.
“No you don’t! The most you ever wear are earrings. Have you ever considered spicing up a cute V-neck with a necklace maybe? Wear a skirt?”
“Mom!” I complained.
I heard someone walking up the stairs and my dad appeared in the doorway. Brown hair falling into gray eyes framed by black wire rimmed glasses, my father was a striking man of six feet.
“Dad! Have you seen Mom’s earrings?” I asked, already knowing that answer.
He gave me a rather priceless look of confusion. I had to stifle a laugh. “No. Why would I have seen them?” I simply shook my head.
He frowned, but didn’t say anything more about the matter. “Could you come help me with something, Nola?
My mother left with a sigh. I flopped onto my bed as soon as they left, only to be interrupted immediately after. “Want to come into town with me, Karma?”
I looked over at Keegan, at eyes the same color as mine. He had my dad’s looks, minus the nerdy glasses. “Sure. Why not?”
“Well, let’s go, Karma.” He immediately turned and disappeared. Rolling my eyes, I skipped down the stairs after him.

Bo
Bo!

Namiko called to me urgently.
With a growl, I continued to run in the direction I was heading, but didn’t turn around to find the smaller wolf. What is it this time?
Probably another mountain lion that he failed to realize was near by

, Mocha said.
I sniffed. It wouldn’t surprise me… the wolf had a tendency to let his mind drift.
No! It’s another wolf!

Namiko howled.
I skidded to a stop and whirled instantly in the direction for Namiko. What do you mean it’s another wolf?! I snapped.
Is it…?

Tommy started but trailed off.
No. I don’t know who this is…

Namiko trailed off.
I was running at top speed towards Miko, my mind flying through who it could be this time. I knew that the Morningstar pack had increased its numbers… was this a new wolf to their pack? I had to stop abruptly so that I wouldn’t crash into Tommy. I snarled and snapped at the gray wolf for being in my way. Sorry, sorry

! He whimpered, scampering out of my reach.
I could smell the wolf… a rich chocolaty scent with a floral mix… almost like jasmine. Ears flicking, Aislinn stepped forward, her lips curled over her teeth. You don’t think the alpha Moonshade would be stupid enough to send one of his own into our territory?

She asked.
I chose not to answer, following the trail, my pack on my heels. This wolf didn’t smell like a Morningstar. What is a lone wolf doing around here?
Maybe it’s just a lone wolf… wolves do live around here, you know. It may not be one of us at all

, mused Mocha.
It was a possibility, but I was going to make sure that was exactly what it was. The trail took me straight into civilization… not many wolves are stupid enough to waltz into human habitation in broad daylight. It had to be a lycanthrope. There was no other logical explanation. The trail took me right to the edge of the old Smith home. I observed the decrepit looking house, seeing someone now claimed the place as home. My ears and tail twitched in agitation.
As I stood there in the brush, I saw a girl and a boy walk out of the house. The girl was a platinum blonde, everything about her white. I looked her over, appreciating her curvaceous build. The boy couldn’t be much younger than she was, with brown hair and matching eyes. Siblings, perhaps? So how lone wolf was a werewolf after all. I was going to have to keep an eye on her. I took a step back carelessly, causing a branch to snap.
The girl’s gray eyes found me instantly, fear flashing in their pale depths. Immediately I drew back into the trees and out of sight.
Wow, she’s gorgeous,

Shade said.
I could feel Aislinn bristling at the knowledge of another she-wolf nearby. She had an alpha ego, something I often had to remind her she wasn’t. Aislinn and Mocha had no dominancy issues, but when it came to others Aislinn felt she had to make it clear she was better. My pack had no alpha female, something that made it a little unstable, but we managed.
I barely paid my pack any attention as my mind considered the newcomer.

Karma
Walking down my driveway with Keegan, the snapping of a tree branch caught my attention. My eyes found a dark wolf staring out at me through the ferns at the edge of our yard. Fear coiled in my stomach like a disgusting snake. I watched the wolf back into the trees, the sunlight catching its black fur giving it brownish hues.
“What is it, Karma?” Keegan asked, eyebrows coming together curiously.
I shook my head. “Nothing. I just thought I heard something is all.”
Keegan rolled his eyes. “Sweet Karma, always hearing and smelling things that aren’t there.” I scowled at him, making him grin.
“So where exactly are we going,” I asked when we finally reached the little town.
Keegan shrugged. “No where in particular,” he said. “I just wanted something to do. I figured we could come check it out.”
I shrugged as well. Sounded like a nice enough plan to me. My eyes scanned the streets, searching for any signs of the wolves that I kept smelling.
Keegan glanced over at me, giving me a funny look. It must have been obvious that I was on edge, but I couldn’t help it. I really didn’t want to get into a fight my first week there. I forced my face into a smile for Keegan’s sake.
His grey eyes suddenly got large. “Karma, look!” I watched my little brother run across the street. Rolling my eyes and sighing, I followed like the good sister that I was.
“Laser tag!” he crowed.
“Really, Keegan? You’re sixteen.” I gave him a disbelieving look.
“What? All because I’m sixteen doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate a game of laser tag. You like it too, you know.” He jutted out his chin, his mouth coming together in a thin line, fighting a smile.
“I wasn’t saying anything against you playing laser tag, just that you don’t need to act like a five year old about it.” I smirked at him.
He scowled at me playfully. “You want to play?”
I shook my head. “I’m good. How about we meet in a little?”
Keegan shrugged. “Sounds good to me. How about that diner across the street in two hours?”
I nodded. “Sounds good. See you then.” I watched him run to the entrance where a group of kids about our age sat. I amazed me how quickly Keegan could work his way into a group of kids and befriend them. Shaking my head, I turned away, wondering what I was going to do now that my brother had ditched me.
The town was a cute little place, but I wouldn’t be happy there. There was no space between the houses, no room to run and roam. My nose picked up the strong scent of chocolate, and I found myself wandering down a street in search of it. I smiled, spotting a cute little store. Walking into the warm, sweet smelling shop, I saw all assortments of fudge and chocolate there. Looking around the small place, I saw that they also served hot chocolate and coffee products. I let my nose lead me to the front, attracted to the most mouthwatering smell of fresh fudge being made.
“Hello, there,” A very deep and very male voice said from behind me. I spun on my heel to face the speaker. He sat at one of the few tables, surrounded by others. He was tall, handsome in a dark and brooding way with his black eyes and dark hair. Sitting on his right was a blonde girl with piercing gold eyes, eyes that made me stiffen at the challenge in them. Who does she think she is, I thought angrily as the girl glared at me silently. My eyes moved on to the boy with auburn hair and chocolate colored eyes, an easy grin spread across his face. A boy with light brown hair sat next to him with bright green eyes. I couldn’t help but notice how close he sat to the boy with red-ish brown hair. The next at the table was another girl, this one with beautiful sapphire colored eyes and long brown hair. She looked perfectly at ease, the last girl next to her braiding her hair. The last girl had mocha colored hair and warm brown eyes, a small smile on her lips. The final person at the table was a boy with dark brown hair and slightly gold eyes, much like the hateful blonde’s.
After a few seconds their scent finally registered in my head, and I stiffened. “Hello.” They were the wolves I had smelled in the woods. Were they going to cause a scene here?
“I don’t recognize you,” the braiding girl said, releasing her friend’s hair and sitting back. “Are you the one that moved into the old Smith house?”
I looked her over, carefully evaluating the girl. She didn’t come across as a threat… “The old Smith house?” I questioned. “I just moved here, yes. So I’m assuming so.”
The cinnamon haired boy placed his elbows on the table and leaned forward, grinning. “No one has lived in that house in forever.”
“Well, someone is living there now.” I smiled at him, eyes still studying them.
The boy chuckled. “What’s your name, newbe?”
“I’m Karma Nightshadow,” I said, smiling at the boy. My eyes drifted back to blondie and I felt my blood boil. She was still glaring at me. “Got a problem?” I snapped, surprising myself. I never snapped at someone like that… Keegan excluded. I had no experience with my kind whatsoever and I just about challeneged the wolf.
Her gold eyes widened in surprise at first, but then her lip curled back in a snarl. The others at the table chuckled and laughed, while I stood there blushing furiously. The dark-haired boy that had originally spoken to me placed a hand on the girl’s arm. “Relax,” he said. He turned his dark eyes on me then as the girl leaned back in her chair, her eyes screaming murder. He looked somewhat amused. “Welcome to our little town, Karma. I’m Diablo.”
I couldn’t help my initial feeling of horror at the fact that someone would actually name his or her child diablo. I covered it up as quickly as I could, considering my name wasn’t much better. I chased off an awful lot of superstitious people. “Nice to meet you,” I decided to say, mentally kicking myself for sounding so formal and awkward.
“Most people call me Bo,” Diablo said, arms folding more tightly across his chest. I nodded, acknowledging him.
“I’m Cinnamon,” the cinnamon haired boy spoke up. I wondered whether his name was simply a nickname…
“I’m Tommy,” the boy sitting next to Cinnamon with the bright green eyes introduced himself.
“Mocha,” the girl with mocha colored hair said.
“Shade,” the guy with eyes like the girl that hated me said. “And this is Accallia.” He gestured next to him, to the girl that had her hair braided.
“Namiko,” said another guy with brown hair, sidling up to the table clutching a cup in his hand. He was cute in an adorable round-faced way.
“This is Aislinn,” Diablo said, pointing to the miserable blonde. “And you’ve already seen her as she is.”
“I can tell we’re going to be just wonderful friends,” I said facetiously to her. It was stupid and immature, I know. I was asking to get attacked, but for some reason I just couldn’t help it.
The girl sat up straight. “Looks like there is plenty of room over at that table if you have a problem with me,” her voice was like breaking glass, grating at my nerves. I wanted to strangle the girl as she pointed at an empty table across the room.
“Oh, but I am so comfortable here. I think I can tolerate you for a while,” I mused, sitting down in a chair across from their table so that I could talk to them—their table was much too full.
She scowled but said nothing. The wolf pack watched our interaction with great interest, eyes flicking between the two of us.
Bo turned and faced me fully, his back to the aggravating Aislinn. “Care to share what a lone wolf like you is doing prowling on another pack’s territory?”
I stiffened, eyes flicking around to see if anyone had heard him. I knew this was coming sooner or later. They weren’t talking to me for no reason at all. “I didn’t realize there were others around here,” I said, having trouble voicing allowed that we were all werewolves. “I didn’t mean to intrude in any way.”
Bo’s lips twisted into a small smile of amusement. “I’m sure not.”
My heart was fluttering like a hummingbird’s. “I’m sorry, but I don’t have anywhere to go… I’ll try not to infringe on your territory.”
“That’d be wise of you, but considering you’re living on our territory, we’ve got a problem, huh lone wolf?” Aislinn snapped, her sneer rubbing me the wrong way.
“Aislinn!” Diablo snapped. “Could you shut up and control yourself for once?” I was surprised to see her shrink back and go silent. It became clear to me immediately who was the alpha male in that pack. “I have no problem with you for now, Karma. We’ll work something out with the territory boundaries… I’d just watch yourself, little lone she-wolf. The other packs won’t be as tolerating.”
“I’ll keep your warning in mind,” I responded.
“Plus, I don’t think the other packs will like the dominance you radiate,” Cinnamon chimed in.
I looked at him, confused. I did not radiate any dominance of any sort. I felt it was best if I didn’t comment.
I watched the pack all stand up to leave a couple of seconds later. “Um, wait!” I called, chasing after them like a fool.
Diablo turned to face me, an eyebrow cocked. “Yes?”
“Um… I…” Stupid, I thought. I’m so stupid! Now what was I going to say? “Uh…” Now I just looked like a babbling fool. I sighed. Might as well ask what I wanted to. “Where are these other pack territories located? I’m sorry, but… I’ve never dealt with a wolf pack before. I don’t necessarily know pack etiquette.”
Namiko snorted. “There hardly is such a thing as pack etiquette. You listen to the alpha and get along, that’s about it.”
Mocha gave him a look. “Its hardly that simple,” she said.
“Sure it is!” Namiko argued.
Diablo shot them a look and they both shut up. “Come along, lone wolf. I’ll explain somewhere less open.” I hesitated, unsure whether or not to trust him.
I studied Diablo’s pack as they moved around him. It didn’t take much to figure out who stood where in the rank of things and how they benefited the pack. Namiko was the joker in a sense, skipping around making everyone laugh. Shade seemed to be lost in thought, the quiet one. I watched a deep blush creep along his cheeks when Accallia spoke to him. I had to bite back a smile at that. Did the boy have a crush on her? Cinnamon chatted Tommy’s ear off, while Aislinn kept close to Diablo. Mocha seemed to be at ease talking to Aislinn and Accallia, the one that laughed the most at Namiko.
Reaching the trees, I just about leaped out of my skin in surprise when the entire pack shifted forms just out of sight. Diablo was the one that captured my attention, as he became the beautiful dark wolf from earlier. The sunlight hit his coat, highlighting it in places a deep brown. The tip of his muzzle was a softer brown, and the tip of his tail and ears. He was gorgeous… he was huge! The pack all looked at me expectantly, waiting for me to shift. Namiko, now a gray, white, and brown wolf, pranced around me, snapping playfully. Diablo gave him an unmistakable look of disgust. Namiko didn’t see it.
With a sigh, I shifted. I watched as the pack’s eyes all widened at me.

Bo
My jaw fell slack for a few seconds when the lone wolf changed forms. The platinum blonde was gone, replaced by one of the fiercest black wolves I had ever seen. Most wolves’ fur had their hair color in there somewhere. Karma lost all her paleness, all that white and became darker than the night. It was like watching an angel turn into one of the devil’s kin, an angel becoming one of the fallen. She was gorgeous, a strong looking wolf of one solid black color. It was like the shadows had condensed to create her, nothing but her eyes keeping her light color. She was a beauty.
Come

, I said to her before turning to leave. We should go further into the woods to stay out of sight.

Karma followed me immediately, trotting along slightly behind me a few feet. I felt Aislinn’s displeasure at Karma’s placement. I shot her a warning glare. She had best not harm the she-wolf, or she’d learn real fast what alpha was capable of.
Glancing out the corner of my eye I saw Karma prancing along, oblivious to the fact that she was insulting Aislinn… or not caring. Only the alpha female would dare walk in front of the rest of the pack and the alpha male, which she kept doing. As she walked I couldn’t help but admire the way she was built. She was big compared to the usual female size. Despite her great size, she was lean. Her skinny build reminded me of that of a coyote’s or a racing dog like a Greyhound. She wasn’t nearly as skinny as a greyhound, but the build was similar. Her legs were long and powerful, solid muscle. The wolf was built not only for power and strength, but also for speed. Mocha was our speed demon of the pack with her small size and build that allowed her to move more quickly. Karma was a bigger and more muscled version of Mocha.
Looking over my shoulder at my pack to see the way they were reacting to her, I caught Namiko’s curious gaze. The wolf’s jaws fell slack in a comical grin, his caramel colored eyes danced with amusement. You’re not checking her out, now, are you buddy?

He asked so that only I would hear.

Black Pack

Karma
It amazed me how the pack fanned out behind Diablo, leaving him the leader. Aislinn and Cinnamon flanked him on either side, and Aislinn made sure to shoot me glares that could kill. It amused me immensely, her hatred did.
Bo led us to a little clearing where I sat down watching them attentively. His pack members spread out around him so that we formed a circle, Diablo and I sitting across from each other. I felt my head fall to the side in curiosity. What exactly were the results of this going to be? The last pack encounter I had didn’t end very well.
Namiko, I noticed, was very restless. His front feet danced around as he sat there. Other than Namiko, they sat still.
You live in the old Smith house, as we mentioned. It’s in our territory. You have a few options. You could move out

, Bo said, stopping there.
My tail twitched in agitation. He wanted me to move? Stupid lycanthrope… I couldn’t move out if I wanted to! That isn’t an option.

I’m sure it could be if you explain to your family that you’re trespassing on another pack’s territory. I’m surprised they didn’t notice themselves.

I can’t move. My parents and brother do not know that other wolves live here and I’d like to keep it that way, I said. My parents didn’t even know I was a wolf, let alone that they were risking my life by living in the old house. They were safe, simple little humans, free from the laws of the wild.
They’re going to find out eventually that you’re living in our territory,

Mocha informed me, shaking out fur that matched her name.
No they won’t.

Bo’s head cocked to the side while Aislinn bristled next to him. My eyes narrowed at her and I felt my head raise a little in response to her look in an instinctual attempt to make myself look taller. How won’t they? Our scent is all around your home

, Bo asked.
I groaned mentally. I was a freak among the humans, I didn’t want to become known as a freak among the wolves as well. Trust me, they won’t notice.

Of course they will. Our scent isn’t hidden, sweetheart

, Cinnamon commented from where he sat.
I huffed, frustrated. They’re not wolves!

A couple of them sniffed. I didn’t acknowledge them, only watching Bo’s reaction. He didn’t appear phased, only watching me intently. Well I’m sure if you explain to them the situation they’ll leave.

A frustrated funny cross of a howl and snarl slipped between my teeth. We can’t move! I’m not moving! They aren’t wolves, and don’t know about wolves! They don’t know and aren’t going to find out about me if I can help it! And even if they did, not everyone can just pick up and move. Not everyone has that kind of money!

Tommy, Accallia, and Shade backed up at my tone, whimpers escaping from a few others.
Okay.

Bo said, standing. I’ll make you a deal. You can stay where you are, but with a few restrictions.

I’m listening,

I grumbled.
Don’t wander the woods. They’re ours. You can leave and wander our territory only where you have to. The woods are off limits because there is no reason you should have to be in there. The roads are acceptable, same as the houses of the people that live here. The town is neutral ground among the packs, so you’re safe there. If you step onto our territory where you shouldn’t be, we won’t hesitate to remove you.

His words held a menacing warning. I understood why he was the alpha here.
I can live with that. May I ask where these other pack territories are?

The Moonshade pack runs most of the north and some of the west. The Morningstar pack runs the east. We take the south

, Namiko chimed.
Bo shot him a glance. Namiko shrank back under his glare. You’d be best staying at home. The other packs won’t be so friendly, especially the Morningstar pack. It’s in your best interest to steer clear of them. They won’t hesitate to kill you. Stay on your house property and on neutral territory,

said Bo.
I stood, tail flicking in irritation. It was like I was a dog, and my house was my cage and the little town the quick trip outside to relieve myself. It was sick. I got all excited, got my hopes up, only to have them crushed. I had so looked forward to moving here because there was so much room to run. I should have known it was too good to be true.
Welcome to the real world

, Aislinn said.
My head snapped to her, lips curling over pearly white fangs. Last time I checked I was already living in the real world. I’m not fooling myself with a false sense of superiority, I snapped. I was really shocking myself. I usually was this big of a bitch. The girl really got under my skin…
Aislinn’s teeth snapped together and she was on her feet, a horrible snarl bouncing off the trees. Just as fast as she was launching herself towards me, someone else was standing in the way. Almost instantly Aislinn was pinned to the ground, Diablo’s teeth on her exposed throat. I stumbled back in shock.
Enough!

Diablo barked out. You will leave her be, Aislinn!

Aislinn cringed against the ground where she laid, belly up. Diablo’s other pack members all backed away, heads dropping low, tails down, and ears pulled back. Diablo stepped away, leaving Aislinn. She slowly rolled onto her feet, her white fur tinged red around her throat. I just had my first lesson on pack dominancy. Aislinn didn’t even look at me as she backed away. I couldn’t believe Diablo had actually bit her.
Without another word, I headed back for the only place I was really allowed to be.

Bo
I watched Karma trot away, my blood still boiling. When I could no longer hear her I turned to Aislinn. I think you’re forgetting who’s in control here. That girl did nothing to provoke you, nothing to hurt you. You had no right to go at her like that, I snapped at the snowy wolf. She lifted her head, appearing ready to respond. This isn’t open for discussion, I said, shutting her up. Her head fell again.
You were being awful nice to her, Bo,

Namiko pointed out, eyes dancing in amusement and tail wagging. I shot the youngest of us a glare, but he just skipped around like a puppy.
Her parents don’t know she’s a wolf? How is that possible? Wouldn’t they be wolves too?

Accallia asked.
Good question, Cally. Maybe she’s adopted?

Shade offered.
That wouldn’t explain why her brother isn’t a wolf either. They both look alike so there’s no doubt there’s a blood tie there,

Cinna said. I started walking away, letting them discuss it while I listened silently.
Maybe he’s only her half brother?

said Mocha.
She reminds me of the wolf from the prophecy. White angel of Darkness, remember?

Nimiko said. I skidded to a halt while Aislinn demanded to know why everyone cared so much.
What did you say, Niko?

I demanded.
The little wolf shrank under my tone. Nothing bad. I just pointed out that she reminded me of the wolf from the prophecy.

White angel of darkness…

I mused. We need to keep an eye on her. School starts in a week, right? I need one of you to get in close with her. God damn, Niko, you are more helpful than I originally thought. If Karma is the prophecy we won’t want her to befriend the Morningstar pack under any circumstances. The Moonshade pack can be just as big of a threat. Mocha, you like her?

I said, my mind frantically trying to remember all of the prophecy.
Mocha’s head tilted. Sure. She seems nice enough. I think I would actually like to get to know her a little. I’ll show her around town if that’s what you want. I might do that anyway.

That’s a good idea, Mocha.

Keegan
Katara sat next to me, her pretty brown eyes flicking around nervously. It had me curious, but I said nothing. It was amazing how quickly I had found a group to talk to here.
“Do you have any siblings?” asked Aydon. He was a guy with striking green eyes and light brown hair.
“Yes. I have a sister named Karma,” I answered.
Katara looked over at me. I remembered the look on her face when Aydon asked her to join them. I was just going to hang out with her if she wasn’t going with them… I found her insanely attractive. She had looked so surprised when Aydon invited her. “You’re sister’s name is Karma?” she asked, large almond-shaped eyes widening.
“Yeah. She’s got a name most people associate with negative things, with dark things. She looks like an angel. It’s so contradictory,” I said.

Aydon
As soon as the human said that, Minsi’s eyes snapped to my face. I ignored her, concentrating on the rest of the nonsense the boy was saying. Melchior would want to hear this…
“Your sister looks like an angel? I’m guessing she’s the girl you were walking with earlier,” I said. I knew the pack was thinking about the prophecy. Funny how we meet this stupid little human, and he turned out to be a very valuable person indeed. If Karma was the angel of the prophecy we would have to keep Keegan around… even if it meant putting up with his horrible human instincts. Humans could be a lot of trouble. They were like dogs, a sorry excuse for an animal.
“Yeah. That’s my sister,” said Keegan.
“You said she looks like an angel… I can agree with that,” Rixon said, a devilish grin on his face.
The human’s eyes snapped to him and I saw a flash of protectiveness. I had a feeling he wouldn’t much like Rixon playing with her like he did all his girls. Karma would at least be allowed to live unlike the rest… if she were the angel.
“She’s got really nice hair,” Lo joked, her bell-like laugh turning a couple of heads. Lo’s hair was silvery blonde, just like Keegan’s sister. Lo had a very predatory look to her, with catlike shaped eyes the color gold. Her canines were slightly larger than normal, and her face was angular. Lo could pull of the part as the evil twin of Keegan’s older sister. Lo looked like a fallen angel, her voice alluring and reminding you everything warm and beautiful.
Keegan smiled a little at that. “We should probably leave,” Nova said, giving me a meaningful glance. Yes, she was right. We needed to report back to Melchior.
Keegan frowned playfully, “That’s a shame. See you guys later?”
“Oh, I think you’ll definitely be seeing more of us,” Rixon said, earning a strange look from Keegan. Rixon chuckled darkly.
“We’ll talk to you later,” I said, standing. The rest of the pack rose around me, ready to follow me back home to report to Melchior.
“Goodbye, Keegan,” purred Lo. She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before sashaying out the door. I looked back over my shoulder at the boy as we strode away. I wondered idly if Melchior would allow me the pleasure of killing the boy if I were able to drag his sister to our side… Keegan would be a lot of fun to watch die… I wonder if he’d scream?

Karma
I wandered around, bored and not knowing what to do now. Running around was no longer an option, clearly. If I did that I would end up dinner for one of the three wolf packs. I sniffed angrily at that thought. It was completely unfair. At least back where we used to live there was somewhere to run, no matter how hard it was to get there or how far I had to go. It was almost like I was now forbidden from being a wolf. It was like I was a dog, and I was not a dog. I would do what I wanted whether they liked it or not.
That last thought made me come to a complete stop. What had happened to the old me? The innocent one? I would never challenge anyone, human or wolf. I was not rebellious in any way shape or form. In one simple day I had changed from the typical me to a vicious she-wolf. I shook my head, slowly changing the direction I was walking in to head for the diner I had agreed to meet Keegan in. It was going to be a long stay here…

Chapter 3

Karma
Keegan was sitting on a stool, talking to a brunette behind the bar. I rolled my eyes at the way she was acting, clearly flirting. Keegan, the freak, was sucking the attention up like a sponge.Rolling my eyes, I walked over to him, sitting on the stool to his left.
“Player,” I muttered under my breath at Keegan as soon as the girl walked away. Keegan shot me a look, but left my comment alone.
“We eating here and then going home?” he asked.
“Sure. Why not?”
“Something wrong, Karma?” he asked, looking at me funny. I wanted to scream that, yes, there was something wrong, that I was a freak of nature, that I didn’t belong, that I could get him hurt, that I was a caged animal, but I didn’t.
“Nah,” I said, shaking my head. “Now what do they have that is good to eat?”

The weeks passed slowly until the first day of school. I was miserable. I refused to leave the house, which worried my parents but they got over it. The alarm buzzing in my ear woke me, and with a groan I rolled over and slapped the alarm off.
Keegan was already downstairs and ready to go by the time I was presentable. Grumbling, I let Keegan drive me to school.
I hated the looks we got, the lovely new kids. I trudged to my locker, keeping my head down. I could tell already that I was going to hate this place. I hadn’t been accepted back at our old school, what would make this one any different?
“Good morning, Karma!” someone chirped from behind me, making me jump. Mocha stood behind me with a huge smile. I couldn’t help but stare at her incredulously.
“We’re in the same homeroom,” she continued talking. “I figured I’d lead you there.”
“I can get myself there, thanks. I don’t need to be lead,” I said as politely as I could.
Mocha rolled her eyes at me. “All because Diablo was a dick to you, doesn’t mean we’re all dicks. Come,” she said, almost making it seem as though she had read my thoughts. I was a little reluctant, not liking the way she was ordering me about. I walked behind her, watching the other students a little warily. They gaped at me more than they had when I first walked in, staring at Mocha and I like we were from a different planet. How odd, these people are. I also observed the way they moved out of Mocha’s way, like Noah parting the ocean. Was Diablo’s pack the school bullies, more or less?
Mocha dragged me to the back of the classroom after I introduced myself to the teacher. “Ignore Bo,” Mocha said. “He’s an ass at times, but we all love him. Stay on his good side, and he’ll usually leave you alone. Aislinn’s a bitch, but I doubt she’d ever really do anything. I think you’ll do fine around here so long as you remember that.” Mocha smiled at me, her big brown eyes strangely friendly.
I opened my mouth to comment on how she was talking about them, and wasn’t it enough to have Bo later attack her for it, when Tommy walked in.
“Sorry I’m late, Mocha,” he panted, looking disheveled. He sat down in front of her, turning around to face her. It took him a couple of seconds before he realized that I was sitting there. His eyes got wide, but he said nothing.
“What did you do, run to school?” Mocha asked, grinning hugely.
Tommy scowled, smacking his head against the desk and leaving it there. I looked away from the two, up to the front of the room. A few were staring at me. I chose to ignore them.
I was so grateful when the bell rang and I was free to go. Mocha insisted on walking with me to my first period class, biology. She and Tommy both had it with me. Tommy and Mocha talked the whole way there, while I stood off to the side, nervous and feeling exposed. The people just kept staring, and I couldn’t help but feel unnerved by the way they moved around the two.
The biology teacher was a chipper old man that amused me immensely. As soon as the bell rang I practically ran from the room. I guess part of my wariness was because I wasn’t used to talking to people and being around them. I was the girl no one talked to.
Walking quickly down the hall, glancing constantly down at my schedule and the classroom numbers. Stumbling into Spanish, I took the first seat I saw in the back of the classroom. I placed my head on the desk, eyes closed.
“Are you alright?” someone asked, surprising me for the second time that day. My head snapped up, and this time fell upon a normal human girl. She stood there looking at me through large, concerned blue eyes hidden behind glasses. Her auburn hair fell around her face, almost hiding her from view. Her clothes hung loosely on her, all baggy.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” I said softly, a little wary of the girl. What was next, the name-calling? Even the nerds and misfits had loved to call me names.
“Oh. Okay,” she said equally as quiet. She sat down next to me, keeping her head angled downward so that her face wasn’t visible. I watched the girl curiously. Why did she hide behind all those clothes? She wasn’t ugly…
“Hola!” the Spanish teacher said as he entered the room. He immediately spewed out a few sentences in Spanish, ordering that we opened the books we had grabbed as we entered the room and a pencil. The girl next to me and I both did as we were told, while the rest of the kids looked at each other blankly. The teacher shook his head and sighed. I frowned at the class as well, having developed respect for the girl next to me. It was sad that all these kids were taking an advanced language and couldn’t even understand it.
“We have a new student,” the teacher observed as he wrote his name on the board—Mr. Torres. “Introduce yourself, please.”
I cringed and stood. “I’m Karma Nightshadow. I just moved here two weeks ago.” I immediately sat down. All the students were looking at me and I didn’t like it.
“Oh? Where did you move here from?” he asked.
“About three hours from here,” I answered, sinking further into my seat.
Mr. Torres’s eyebrows shot up. “Oh? I see…” he turned away from me and to the class. I could feel my face burning, and I dropped my gaze to my desk.
I stared at the book in front of me, and out of curiosity, I opened it. I frowned, probably for the millionth time already that day, and realized this class was going to be easy. It was all the stuff I had learned last year, and this was the highest possible class in the school for Spanish. I knew it wasn’t going to be fun…
“Karma?” the girl next to me asked. My head snapped up, and I looked over at her. Why was she still talking to me? She turned bright red, looking away again. “Sorry,” she mumbled.
“What?” I asked.
She looked over at me, looking probably just as shocked as I had been that someone was talking to me. She must be a misfit…
“It’s nothing… you just have an unusual name.” She turned redder still. I couldn’t help the smile that was tugging at my lips. She was shy and she was different. This girl was like me. I liked her.
“Yeah, I know. People often comment on my name. Some people don’t even talk to me because of my name, feel it’s bad luck,” I told her. She glanced back over at me again.
A small smile formed on her lips. “That’s silly. Some people are so superstitious it’s foolish.”

Bo
I sat in my second period class, my mind reeling. I couldn’t remember the original prophecy. I could remember the second one, but not the first. Which was the prophecy about the white angel? Why couldn’t I remember the damn thing? It was the most important one!!!

Packs of light and darkness
Balance of Life
A child is born with untainted blood
A white angel grows in the place of her soul

Their light is hidden in the twilight
Her soul announced upon the howl of your moon
The downfall of the beasted one, the demonded
She rises with an iron an Iron Claw

That one fit her as far as white angel, but what about the darkness? Was she really the angel wolf? A kid walked past me and stumbled against my desk. I shot him a glare so fierce he fell again trying to get away from me. I scowled over my shoulder at him as he scrambled away.

Impressum

Tag der Veröffentlichung: 24.10.2011

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Special thanks to my dear friend Tawny for putting up with my constant pestering, and Mary for Mocha's name.