Arrowed (Arrowed Series Book 1)

by Gryffin Murphy

  “She was only just poisoned this morning, Milo, we wouldn’t want her to risk shifting just yet.” As if on cue, we passed the large kitchen where my mother had opened a mysterious envelope full of wolfs bane. Luckily the toxin wasn’t ingested in her wolf form, but in her human form it was still harmful enough to weaken her significantly.

  My fists tightened at the mental image of her lying on the kitchen floor, convulsing in a puddle of her vomit.

  “I know.” Milo clapped a hand on my shoulder in an attempt to pull me from my growing anger. “I’m just saying, the last time we both took this walk to the office we were 13 and in for one of the biggest lectures of our lives.”

  “I told you slingshots were a bad idea.” I smirked at my best friend. He looked back at me in surprise and shoved me.

  “It was your idea!” he protested. I laughed, pausing before the door to the office,

  “I know it was my idea. But I also told you it was a bad one.”

  I opened the door to the office and my smile immediately faltered at the formal feel of the room. The elder members of the clan stood around the book-shelved walls, leaving the two leather chairs in front of my mother’s desk for Milo and I.

  “This definitely feels like that time too,” I muttered as we walked over and slowly sat down. I finally dared to look up at my mother, who still looked very pale. Her wavy brown hair was down instead of its tight usual up-do, and the grey that appeared in some strands was more prominent.

  “How are you feeling?” I asked, not caring if it disobeyed the decorum of clan meetings to speak without being prompted to. She smiled warmly but I noticed her breathing was still slightly labored.

  “Much better now, since hearing the good news.” She winked and I bit back a returning smile. It was weird to feel pride over Arrowing, but I knew it was something my mother had wanted for me for a long time. Despite her weakened state I could tell she felt energized at the prospect of her son meeting his soul mate.

  “Are we even sure the lad Arrowed?” a member spoke up from behind me, his Irish accent thick. He had immigrated from our brother clan in Ireland, and his lineage went way back.

  “Impossible! We haven’t had an Arrowing for over twenty years.” another skeptic interjected. My mother calmly raised a hand and silence fell over the room. It was a lot harder to keep the peace out of our wolf forms.

  “Noah, why don’t you tell us all about what happened?” she asked.

  I skipped over the details of my reckless driving and didn’t reveal the specifics of what our conversation consisted of, as that didn’t seem like need-to-know information. My recounting of the physical reaction, however, was the real proof of Arrowing. Milo supported all of it with his brief testimony as well.

  “Can you feel her now?” an aunt quizzed me when I had finished. I closed my eyes and focused on the growingly familiar sensation of a slight tug at my ribs.

  “I can’t feel her exactly,” I tried to describe, “but I feel a pull to her.”

  A murmur went throughout the group and I threw my hands in the air in frustration. “Have we had enough debate over this? Or are we going to put it to a vote whether I’m bat-shit crazy?”

  “Noah,” Ma scolded, her Alpha voice sending a jolt through me. I looked at her sheepishly.

  “Sorry,” I apologized, “I just don’t think it’s a smart use of our time to sit around debating the facts when we have bigger issues to focus on. Like, for example, a certain envelope we got in the mail this morning.”

  Ma held up her hand again and I bit my tongue. It was clear trying to dictate the proceedings of the meeting was not appropriate.

  “One thing at a time.” She looked around the room, and began her closing statements, “I think we can all agree that my son has, in fact, Arrowed. Obviously, it begs the question of whether this means that our personal drought has ended and our other young members can expect to Arrow themselves as well. Furthermore, the fact that this girl is almost certainly human raises a lot of issues. There has not been a human in a shifter pack for centuries, and there may be significance behind it. For now, we can only speculate until time reveals the truth. In the interim let us all wholeheartedly congratulate Noah on this exciting news, and wish him the best of luck on this journey. As for any other matters wished to be discussed,” she took a pause to eye me meaningfully, “There is nothing so pressing that it warrants action presently. We can deliberate the next time we convene in the woods.”

  I suffered through the multiple handshakes and waited for Milo and the clan members to leave before slumping back in my chair.

  “You’re kidding me right, Ma?” I asked, “We aren’t going to do anything about someone trying to poison you? Like- I don’t know- maybe try and find them?”

  “And how do you suggest we do that?” She took a deep sigh as she ran her hand through her hair. “It’s not as if they left a return address on the envelope.” She smiled softly to herself at her little joke and I sat upright, bewildered that she could find humor in this situation.

  “Someone tried to kill you!”

  “Don’t be dramatic. The only way that would have killed me is if I used my claws as a letter opener. It was simply a mild threat, and a lame one at that.”

  “And you’re not curious at all to track down whoever is threatening us?”

  “For someone who doesn’t want to be Alpha you sure like having a heavy hand in the decision-making of this clan.” She rested her head on her hand in mock thoughtfulness. She was right. I took a deep breath and she smiled at my attempt to calm down.

  “I just didn’t like seeing you sick like that,” I murmured, looking down at my hands in my lap.

  “I could tell. Don’t think I didn’t notice how fast your car was going when you drove out of here. Driving madly after an anonymous sender. What was the plan there?”

  “I don’t know,” I admitted, “Whatever it was, it certainly didn’t end up like I thought it would.”

  Reminded of her, I could see both our spirits instantly lifted.

  “Now that the stiffs are out of the room,” she said, moving to a more comfortable seated position, “I want you to give me every detail of this girl.”

  “Well for one thing,” I began tentatively, “She’s human.”

  “That is definitely unexpected.” She pursed her lips in thought. I waited patiently with unanswered questions racking my brain. “I’m not going to lie to you, honey, you’re in unprecedented territory.”

  “Great.” I huffed and sank lower in my chair.

  “There have been Arrows on humans before,” she quickly amended, “But each was a unique case all on its own. As you know, when Arrowing occurs between two shifters it’s intense and mutual. Marriage ceremonies are usually planned shortly after. With a human, the timeline is a little different. She doesn’t yet know of the bond your souls share. Of course, her affections may one day equal yours, but only after the natural progression of falling in love. You’re going to have to pursue her and, as unusual as it is for our kind, date.”

  Growing up, I had sometimes wondered what it was like for humans to date someone or have a girlfriend. Now that the possibility confronted me, I didn’t want it. I needed more. I had barely spent five minutes with her, but I already craved a matrimonial bond with my soul mate.

  “What if she turns me down?” I worried aloud. Ma took a deep breath and looked at me earnestly.

  “There have been a few instances,” she said slowly, “In which the connections with humans resulted in only strong friendships or relationships similar to that between siblings.”

  My entire body jolted in protest.

  “I want to be clear,” she continued quickly, “in these situations, the shifters were okay. They were happy to be in whatever role they were given as long as it meant they could protect, love, and support the happiness of their person. The Arrow was still satisfied in this kind of relationship.”

  I took a moment to consider this. The way the nature
of the Arrow worked was that I desired with my entire being to be as close to her in every way, as much as possible. That being said, I had to acknowledge that she didn’t Arrow on me. I could already sense that my desires were ultimately at the mercy of her decision of what she wanted us to be. I was unable to pressure her in any way or cross any lines she might be uncomfortable with. It wasn’t a great situation for me to be in, but I instantly decided that it was okay because she at least had a choice in the matter. I would never want her to feel forced into any part of it, just because I bonded to her. In the end, she was the one for me, but was it possible that I wasn’t the one for her?

  “Arrowing isn’t a random phenomenon, Noah,” Ma spoke suddenly, reading the desperate worry on my face, “You two were matched for a reason. She isn’t going to turn you away because you are as perfect for her as she is for you. Besides,” she winked, “with your looks and charm how could she not love you?”

  Chapter Three

  Sophia

  I woke up a little exhausted from my late night. Thanks to the open schedule that accompanied summer, my insomnia was in full swing and I had spent the majority of the night re-watching favorite TV shows online. Feeling stiff, I rolled over and checked the time. It was just past eight o' clock, which meant there no use trying to sleep any more.

  Sighing, I flung off the covers and trudged off to the bathroom. As I looked at myself in the mirror my mind went again to Noah, as I had been catching it doing at random moments for the past three days. I cynically wondered what it had been about my face that was really worth staring at as much as he did. In an attempt to eradicate him from my mind, I tried to think of something else as I started to brush out my long hair. It was almost getting too long: the ends of my curly auburn locks were practically by my elbows at this point.

  I supposed it was that “redhead rage” I had to thank for being so short with Noah. My mother used to twirl a strand around her finger whenever I had a particularly bad-tempered moment and say, “This is just your hair talking.”

  He was a terribly reckless driver, though, and his incessant staring was rude. He was clearly trying to provoke me, so in a way I was just giving him exactly what he was asking for. Knowing my temper, I could have acted worse.

  I couldn’t believe for the umpteenth time I was thinking about this guy! Why couldn’t I just forget about him? Groaning, I shook my hair out like my mind was an etch-a-sketch and thoughts of him were just a doodle I made disappear. As I walked back to my room I decided the best thing to do was to go out and have new social interactions to replace the one on my mind.

  I dressed quickly in a jean jacket and a white t-shirt dress. My entire wardrobe consisted of plain colors and simple items. It saved me from the stress about what to wear in the morning because it was all pretty much the same. Back when my days revolved around taking care of Mom, putting together an outfit was something I just didn’t have time for. In the time since she passed, an expressive personal style remained unimportant to me.

  As I looked around my mess of a room for other things I might need, my eyes caught the image of the stack of books I had on my desk. Nervously I checked the due dates on the back of their covers and cursed under my breath. Once again these books were due for a return to the library and I hadn’t finished them because I was too wrapped up trying and failing to get some guidance from James Allen.

  With a sigh, I pulled them all into my favorite tote bag. It said “Coffee Is My Spirit Animal”, and it even had the accidental coffee stains on it to prove it. I had gotten it from a great little coffee shop called “Bean There Done That” that was conveniently located right next to the library. I imagined once classes started it would be the place I would do most of my studying.

  When I got outside I placed my bag in the basket of my bike and went on my way. I felt the familiar Montana summer breeze on my face and it brought to mind the cool air I felt while trying positive thinking in the park. I smiled ruefully to myself. All that had gotten me yesterday was a verbal altercation with a guy that was too good looking for my heart’s health. There I was again, thinking about him. With a roll of my eyes, I turned onto the main street of the town.

  One thing I also loved about this small college town was at its center both sides of the street were lined with the cutest rustic shop exteriors I had ever seen, all with the backdrop of the mountains behind them. Amongst the typical town attractions like a grocery store, there were also a few pottery vendors, art galleries, and antique shops that I had yet to explore. Thanks to being captivated by my train of thought surrounding Noah, I made my way down the sidewalk and arrived at the library sooner than I expected. I was pleasantly surprised to see an acquaintance I had made during my frequent trips to town standing just outside the doors. She was a student at Bair College like me and, from the moment we first spoke, was an extremely friendly person.

  “Hey Akemi.” I smiled as I placed my bike on the rack. “How’s it going?”

  “Sophia Rose!” she squealed. She pulled me into a tight hug. Even though we’d only known each other for a short time, she was already very affectionate with me. I guessed she was just that way with everyone. “I was wondering when I would bump into you outside the library again.” She laughed like it was the funniest joke in the world. Turning to the people beside her, she gestured to me, “This is Sophia Rose, guys. She’s the one who just moved here from New York.”

  “Just ‘Sophia’ is fine,” I waved my hand dismissively. I always felt my full first name sounded a bit pretentious.

  “Hi ‘Just Sophia’,” the tallest male said, “I’m Dhruv.” I nodded politely and shook his hand, and then turned and offered my hand to the other one, who was very red in the face for some reason.

  “I’m Mark.” He shrugged, shaking my hand. I wasn’t sure why his name was something to shrug at but I smiled in an attempt to be friendly.

  “It’s nice to meet you. Do you both go to school here too?”

  “Yup,” Dhruv answered for the two of them.

  “I’m actually living at Dhruv’s while I do my independent study this summer,” Akemi elaborated with a smile, “You should come over sometime! His mom makes the most amazing milk and rice dish. What’s it called again?”

  “Kheel,” Dhruv clarified, looking at her with an amused smile.

  “It’s heaven.” She closed her eyes and shook her head dreamily. “It’s so funny that you showed up because I was literally just telling them about you!”

  “I must have perfect timing.” I took my bag out of my basket and pulled it over my shoulder, “Now at least I’ll know some people around campus the first day of classes.”

  “Oh we’ll definitely show you around!” She wrapped her hand around my arm in earnest and her silky hair shone in the sunlight as she nodded with excitement.

  “I’d really appreciate it.” It was hurting to smile so much but I found it difficult to not at least try to match her enthusiasm. “I haven’t had a chance to explore the campus yet.”

  “Let’s go now! It’s just down the street.”

  “We’ll miss the movie, ‘Emi,” Mark spoke suddenly. He turned to me apologetically “Sorry. We have tickets to a movie that’s just about to start, but it was nice meeting you.”

  “You too,” I responded, trying not to laugh at Akemi’s pout. I consoled her by agreeing to a rain check and they walked away in the direction of the cinema. I turned to attach my bike lock to the rack but froze instantly when I saw him across the street.

  Noah and a group of guys just as brawny as him were hanging around outside the hardware store. After taking one look at the group of them I assumed they must be on the Bair football team.

  Just before I looked away, Noah’s eyes connected with mine and I felt a jolt of electricity go through me. Suddenly deciding to be anywhere else, I began struggling with the bike lock I had just attached. The bike broke free, and I looked up in alarm to see he was jogging across the street towards me, leaving his friends behind
. The crosswalk light wasn't even green but he was such a quick runner that he made it across unharmed.

  I panicked. If he was looking for an apology for my rudeness, I was not prepared to give it. I also wasn’t prepared for any other sort of interaction with him either, so I turned and started walking with my bike by my side, pretending to not have seen him.

  “Wait!” I heard him shout behind me. I kept my eyes firmly forward and my feet moving quickly. “Park ranger!” he shouted.

  I froze. “Park ranger”? Was he attempting to be funny? He took advantage of my pause and caught up to me, stepping in front of the bike and my path of walking. I was trapped.

  “Good morning,” I said slowly, a tentative smile on my face. I quickly settled upon the idea that I was going to play this oh-so-politely.

  “I just wanted to let you know,” he said with a smile, “That I took my truck to a geriatrician and she’s going to be just fine. No permanent damage was done as a result of my abuse.”

  “Good to know.” I fought a smile. There had to be some mistake. This guy was nothing like the Noah I had met. For one, he was actually stringing together a series of words rather than just gaping at me. Maybe he had been hopped up on some kind of drug when we first met, or perhaps he was on the drugs now.

  He clasped his hands behind his back and shuffled his foot a little bit, the swaying motion of his tall stature once again making me think of a tree, bending in the wind. “I also apologized. She didn’t deserve the way I treated her. Nor did the fellow community members of the park. Nor you, for that matter.”

  “Well that’s kind of you, but the truck’s not a she,” I blurted without thinking. His smile widened and my stomach flipped at the sight of it.