by Shaw, Jaidis
Sofia let her eyes linger on Jayden for several moments before turning her gaze to her husband. I could see the decision was tormenting her; having to choose between her only son and the love of her life. I sat down my now empty cup and pushed from Jayden’s grasp. Walking to Sofia, I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her close. She sniffled and tears began to form in her eyes.
“No mother should be placed in the position that you have,” I whispered for only her to hear. “I will not be responsible for making you choose between the two of them. Even if it was decided to be in human form, my vision has already showed me that Olivia will not abide by it and will shift regardless. Please…vote shifter.” I pulled away and looked into her eyes.
“Are…you sure?” She uttered, barely able to get the words out.
“Positive.” I gave her shoulders a final squeeze before addressing the silent kitchen. “She has decided.”
I walked back over to Jayden and grasped his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, hoping my smile would reassure him in my decision even though my nerves were screaming on the inside.
“What is it?” Olivia impatiently asked.
Giving Sofia a final nod of encouragement, she turned to face her husband. “Shifter.”
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Chapter Seven
Jayden wasn’t happy with my decision and I had to spend the next two hours trying to explain my actions. He understood that Sofia was in between a rock and a hard place where her vote was concerned but he couldn’t understand why I would agree to the fight taking place when Olivia would have such an advantage.
“She could kill you Alayna! She isn’t just going to roll over and surrender.” Jayden paced back and forth in the garden.
“I know that. But you have to trust me okay? I don’t know what the result will be but I already know that she will be in panther form. That means either this was the way it was meant to be or she didn’t listen to the rules and changed regardless. It doesn’t really matter because it is too late to turn back now.” I grasped a nearby rose and inhaled the sweet aroma.
“How can you be so calm about this?” He stopped his worried pacing to look at me.
“I may look calm but I’m a wreck on the inside. But worrying isn’t going to solve anything and I am still going to find myself facing Olivia in a couple of hours. I’m just taking it one step at a time.” I shrugged my shoulders. “Can we talk about something else please?” I released the rose that I was holding and walked towards Jayden.
“Like what?” He asked meeting me half way.
“I don’t know. Anything else.” I anchored a brave look on my face and returned his gaze.
Pushing a stray strand of hair behind my ear, he caressed the side of my face. I could feel his hand tremble. I leaned into his touch, closing my eyes while trying to commit this moment to my memory, willing it to never end.
“Don’t let me interrupt.” Sofia cleared her throat causing Jayden to drop his hand. “I’m so sorry Jayden. I just wanted to let you know that I fully support you and Alayna being together. It’s just…”
“Don’t worry about it Mom. You don’t have to justify your vote. Alayna explained it too me.”
“Oh Son!” Sofia sobbed as she threw herself into his arms, her fierce hug pushing the air from his lungs. I couldn’t help but smile seeing her petite frame comforted in his arms.
“Can’t…breathe…” Jayden managed to mumble, though his smile let me know that he was dramatizing it for her benefit.
She pulled back and smoothed down her shirt while trying to regain her composure. The sorrow still filled her eyes as she cleared her throat. “Julian thinks it will be best to do the fight soon. He doesn’t want to be caught in the dark when we are all…preoccupied.”
“I agree. I don’t want Gavin making a surprise visit on top of everything else.” I sighed, knowing that it was time for me to see if I could make it through the fight alive.
***
Exchanging my tight jeans for a pair of comfortable yoga pants, I pulled my hair into a pony tail and began to lace up my sneakers with trembling hands. Taking in a deep breath to steady my nerves, I made a failed attempt at trying to stretch. There was no way my tense muscles would allow it. Whispering a silent prayer, I left my bedroom thinking that nothing short of a miracle would keep me safe tonight.
Darren met me halfway to the front door. “You ready?”
“As ready as I can be,” I replied.
“Look. Olivia talks a big game but she isn’t as bad-assed as she seems. She doesn’t have many challengers because she is a great intimidator. She is going to play with you, try to get you so nervous that you are preoccupied and then attack when you aren’t expecting it. Just stay focused, don’t rush to attack her, and taunt the hell out of her. It will pay off.” He grinned.
“Why are you helping me?” I asked, curious about his motives.
“Are you kidding? I’ve waited years for someone to knock Olivia on her ass.”
“Really?”
“Not really. I could care less.” He laughed before continuing. “But I did bet Kyle two hundred dollars that you would win so I’m trying to help my odds.”
“Gee…thanks.” I rolled my eyes.
“Welcome. Now go get her.” He slapped my ass before walking off to meet the others.
The air was cool on my sweaty skin as I approached the back yard where everyone was waiting for me. Unable to look anyone in the eye I watched the ground as I approached; trying to focus my breathing that was becoming more rapid. Jayden appeared at my side and I stopped so suddenly I almost tripped.
“You can do this Alayna.” He wrapped me in a tight hug, lifting me from the ground.
“I don’t have another choice. I have to,” I replied, determined not to break down in his arms.
“Good luck.” He placed me back on the ground and placed a gentle kiss upon my lips. Reluctantly I made my way to the center of the circle where Olivia was waiting for me.
She stood tall wearing nothing but a silk robe, her black hair hanging loose around her shoulders. “It’s your last chance to back out Alayna,” she said, drawing out the syllables’ in my name for dramatic effect before continuing, “You sure you want to go through with this?” She asked, fire burning bright in her eyes.
“Stop wasting my time Olivia. Let’s get this over with.” I was determined to stand my ground, ignoring the waves of nausea crashing through my stomach.
“As you wish.” She sneered, letting the robe slither over her body to rest in a heap at her feet. Posing before me in all of her naked glory, she rolled her head to the side, an audible crack echoing through the air. Her skin melted away, silky black fur washing over her body in liquid motion. I must admit it was a beautiful sight and nothing like what I imagined shifting would be like. Where was the pain and agony of bones shifting? Claws and teeth extending? Shaking my head to clear the thoughts I focused on the panther padding towards me on all fours. Standing my ground, I refused to budge although I should have been running for the hills. Keeping eye contact, I braced myself for the attack that was sure to come soon. Her long tail swished back and forth as she circled around me.
“Stop acting like I’m a toy. I’m not a ball of yarn.” My patience was beginning to wear thin. Before I could come up with another witty remark, her razor claws slashed across my stomach tearing through my flesh like tissue paper. My skin burned and a hiss escaped my lips. If cats could smile I would swear Olivia was beaming from ear to ear as she stopped her circling to watch me. Peering at my stomach, I watched as my skin knitted back together erasing all signs of her attack.
“I hope you know you owe me a new shirt,” I said as I fingered the large gashes in the cotton material. I saw her muscles bunch a moment before her other paw swiped at me, throwing my face to the right with force. Brushing a tentative hand across my cheek, I could feel the tingle of my skin closing the wound as my eyes focused on
the smear of red blood on my fingertips. The blood’s bittersweet smell giving me goose bumps as my thirst burst from the dark eager for a taste. Unable to control myself, I placed my finger in my mouth, sucking off the sweet nectar as my blood boiled within me. Feeling more alive than I had in weeks, I faced the threat in front of me.
“Here kitty, kitty, kitty,” I whispered, taunting Olivia to make her next move. My courage was short lived, as I saw the hatred reflecting in her amber eyes causing every fiber of my being to shudder. She lunged for me, slamming her rock hard body into mine at lightning speed. I looked up at her from the flat of my back unable to move. A snarl escaped her furry lips a split second before powerful jaws clamped down on my windpipe. My blood spilled forth, warm and sticky, as it oozed over my pale skin. Stars began to dance across my vision as I struggled to gain a breath. I could feel my body trying to heal the fatal wound but her teeth prevented any progress it made. My eyes began to roll back in my head as I dug my hands into her black fur. Her teeth ripped from my skin and I gasped for air as my neck was released from her deadly grasp. Grabbing my neck, I coughed as my windpipe reformed without the interference of her fangs. An agonizing scream tore through the air and brought my attention to the panther now lying helpless beside me. She thrashed on the ground, white foam forming on her lips as her panther form disappeared. I stood up to the best of my ability and watched as Olivia’s body gave another shudder before she passed out.
Jayden ran to my side, looking at my neck with unshed tears in his eyes.
“I’m fine.” I shuddered in pain as another cough escaped my raw throat. “Does this mean I win?” I managed a faint smile as I let Jayden support some of my weight. “Is she alive?” I asked Julian, who was now kneeling on the ground next to Olivia feeling her neck for a pulse.
“She still has a pulse. What the hell did you do to her? How did you force her human form out?” He eyed my suspiciously.
“I don’t know. You saw what happened. She bit me and then starting thrashing around like a rag doll. You seem to be the expert. Why don’t you tell me?” My anger began to rise as I pulled away from Jayden to stand tall in front of Julian.
“Maybe it was her blood? I mean, what else could it have been?” Sofia offered trying to calm the situation.
Julian just eyed me as he pondered the thought. “If it was her blood, then it is obviously toxic to us. Nothing has ever been able to force our human side out before. Now we just have to see what the side effects are,” he said, a hint of fear briefly crossing his face before he turned to stare at Olivia again.
I glanced around the faces staring at me. Sofia was gleaming with pride while Kyle reluctantly handed over a wad of cash to Darren; both seemingly unaffected by the new development. I heard Jayden’s footsteps following behind me as I headed for the house to change my now ruined shirt. Maybe destiny was watching over me after all.
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Chapter Eight
The taste of blood was still heavy on my tongue as I broke into a jog down the hall. Did I really just suck the blood from my fingers? Bile rose in my throat as I shoved open the bathroom door and slumped in front of the toilet, retching into the cold porcelain. Wave after wave of nausea crashed over me forcing all contents from my stomach. With nothing left, dry heaving pursued as I gasped for air in desperation causing yet another heaving session. Gaining a few successful breaths of fresh air, my stomach contractions began to subside as I crumbled to the floor in exhaustion, the air cooling the sweat on my skin.
“Alayna?” Jayden knelt on the floor beside me placing a hesitant hand on my back.
“Don’t touch me!” I yelled, the rawness of my throat forcing my voice to a husky whisper. I jerked away from his touch, pulling my knees up against my chest as I cowered against the wall.
“What’s wrong?” Jayden asked, worry embedded in his face.
“Just don’t touch me. I’m a monster.” Tears began falling down my cheeks as I shook uncontrollably.
“Don’t ever say that again Alayna!” Jayden stated, pulling me into his arms. “You could never be a monster.”
“How can you say that? Look at what happened to Olivia? Your dad said nothing like that was possible and yet it happened. How can anything good come from something that has poison running through its veins?” I looked into Jayden’s emerald gaze looking for any indication that he felt the same.
“Blood doesn’t define who you are. So what if your blood is toxic to shifters? That doesn’t mean that you are any less of a person than you were before the fight. Your heart is what makes you a good person Alayna and it is your heart that I fell in love with.”
My breath caught in my throat at his words. “Do you really feel that way? Aren’t you worried that my blood will harm you?”
He chuckled and gave me a tight squeeze. “Why would I worry? It’s not like I plan on drinking your blood any time soon.” Jayden leaned in and whispered in my ear, “I mean it Alayna. I love you and that isn’t going to change any time soon. We will work through any obstacles that arise together.”
His words made me feel alive inside and I knew that he was speaking the truth. My blood craved his and I could feel the attraction between us. I couldn’t have escaped if I had wanted to but I didn’t mind. I threw my arms around his neck pulling him close. “You just gave me the best birthday present ever!” I said with excitement.
Jayden leaned back so that he could look in my eyes. “How could I have forgotten? You told me that when we first met in the garden. I’m so sorry I didn’t remember.” He glanced at the floor as his cheeks turned red.
“It’s no big deal. We all had more important things to worry about.” I raised his chin with my hand forcing him to look at me once more. “I’m just happy to be alive and here with you.”
“Yeah but I should have remembered.” Jayden let a sigh escape his lips.
“Oh stop. Honestly, it’s fine. But I need a shower,” I said as I began to stand up.
“You don’t look so good. I think I need to stay and help you.” Jayden stood up and placed a hand on my forehead as if checking for a fever.
I swatted his hand away from my forehead and smiled. “I think I can manage on my own.”
Jayden flashed his best puppy dog eyes my way and lowered his head as a frown crossed his face. “That hurts.”
“Don’t be such a baby.” I laughed and headed for the closet to get some fresh clothes.
***
I stood in the shower, allowing the water to cascade over me until the water became chilled. Turning the knob to stop the cold waters assault, I began wringing the water from my hair. No matter how much I focused I could not stop my stomach from turning cart wheels. Was Olivia okay? What damage had been caused? I was torn between loathing Olivia for wanting to take Jayden away from me and being concerned for her safety. I couldn’t really blame her for wanting to challenge me. What did I know about this world anyway? I probably would have done the same thing if I had been in her shoes. No matter how concerned I was for her, I wasn’t able to face everyone just yet. I stepped onto the rug and wrapped a large fluffy towel around my hair and used a second towel as I began to dry off. I tossed the towel to the nearby hamper and pulled my clothes on, taking comfort as they hugged my body. In an attempt to stall, I decided I would take the extra time to blow dry my hair. The whole process always took at least an hour, maybe a little more if I tried. I flipped the switch to the hair dryer and let the sound drowned out my worries.
My thoughts were interrupted as a hand tapped me on the shoulder. I jumped and sent the hair dryer crashing to the floor, my hand grabbing my chest as I turned in panic.
“I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to startle you.” Sofia was backing up with hands raised. “I just came to check on you to see if you were okay. I knocked but you didn’t answer.”
“No worries. I was just drying my hair,” I said, releasing the breath that I hadn’t been awar
e that I was holding.
“You wouldn’t happen to be stalling would you?” She smiled and bent down to pick up the hair dryer.
“Is it that obvious?” I asked, taking the hair dryer from her grasp and placing it on the vanity. Picking up my brush I began working at untangling the still damp hair.
“It isn’t that obvious. I just know that if I were in your situation, I’d be doing everything I could to hide away.” She smiled. “May I?” She asked, pointing to the brush in my hand.
“Why not?” Handing her the brush I pulled out the vanity’s stool and sat. Sofia began the tedious task of gently removing all of the tangles from my hair.
“You know I used to brush my daughter Emma’s hair every night. I could tell that she was getting too old to like it but I think she knew that I enjoyed it because she never asked me to stop.” A sad smile crossed Sofia’s face as she focused on my hair.
“I’m sorry. My mom used to brush my hair when I was younger too. It was like for that hour or so nobody else existed, just me and her, and we talked about everything. She would always tell me that destiny had big plans for me and I never knew what she meant. It took me long enough but I think I’m finally starting to understand.”
“Your mother sounds lovely Alayna and I certainly agree with her. After all, any woman that can steal my son’s heart must be something special.” She smiled and started on another section of my hair.
“I’m not that special. I hate to admit it but I think a part of me got so used to having him around when I first moved here. There was this void in my heart after my family died and no matter how many times I tried to push him away he just kept coming around. But then he saved my life and I was so grateful…which is odd to me because there were so many times that I wished I had died with my parents. I know that sounds bad but it is how I felt.” I wiped away a tear that had fallen down my cheek. “He didn’t have to save me. He could have easily just walked away that day but he didn’t. Do you know that he actually felt bad for not getting to me before Gavin attacked me? It is nonsense really.” I couldn’t stop the snicker that escaped my lips. “He has such a great heart and was willing to risk everything to save me. You have a truly amazing son Sofia.”