Evershade

by Michelle Areaux

  I grabbed her hands and moved in close to talk to her. "Melanie, I swear I'm fine. Yes, there's something going on in my family, and when I know more details, I'll tell you. For now, I can't say anything," I said, my voice trembling. “Plus, I promise to spend more time with you,” I added, knowing that would lighten her mood and change the subject.

  Melanie paused for a long while. "Okay. I guess if it's a family issue, I can respect that, but I expect an answer soon and for you to hang out with me more." She opened the pizza box, and I reached in and grabbed a greasy slice of pepperoni. I took a huge bite, relishing the feel of the warm cheese and spicy pepperoni melt in my mouth.

  "I promise, you'll know soon enough," I affirmed.

  As much as I wanted to keep my identity as a shifter a secret, I knew everything would eventually come to light. I’d tell Melanie at another time, after another episode in my life's adventure.

  We ate pizza and gossiped until it was time for her to go home.

  Chapter 15

  "Ready...set...go!" Maddox yelled. He cheated and took his first steps before the last words had barely escaped his lips.

  "Not fair," I called, pushing myself forward, trying to catch up with him.

  After asking me if I wanted to go for a run, I'd happily agreed. I knew Maddox was still upset with me for telling Asher that I was a shifter, but as my best friend, he just couldn't stay away from me. Plus, with Melanie on my case lately, I just needed to release some frustration.

  We ran through the woods, the wind flowing through my fur. My lean, strong legs carrying me over every rock, stick, and the uneven ground with ease. Never had I felt more graceful and powerful in my entire life.

  When I'd first began to shift, the pain had almost broken me, but now, as I leaped from hill to hill, I felt strong and graceful.

  It had been almost two weeks since the night I'd first changed into a new form, and I was still watching and learning from my family every day, gaining more and more insight into what I truly was. I’d even found ways to use this new gift, as my dad liked to call it, to my advantage.

  I was running alongside Maddox who was watching me with wild eyes. He loved it when we ran together; it was our time to be alone without anyone interrupting us, particularly Asher. Even though I was in animal form and he was a mortal, we still powered together like we belonged side by side.

  Since I'd learned about my heritage and finally uncovered the truth about my family and friends, Maddox had made it his mission to train me and question me daily about shifting. While I appreciated his wanting to help, he'd really started to get on my nerves. I found myself sneaking away from my house just to find some time to spend with Asher or to just have some alone time. I felt guilty sneaking about and made a conscious effort to include Maddox in more of my routines. On that day, Maddox and I were racing while Asher was watching from the finish line.

  "If you keep training like this, you'll make state for sure," Asher yelled, as I raced forward, leaving Maddox behind in the dust.

  "I hope so," I laughed, keeping my gaze locked on the brush ahead of me. The colors of the afternoon glowed as the leaves had finally turned into vibrant orange, reds, and yellows. The sun reflecting on the colors seemed to create a prism on the ground.

  Asher was half joking, but we both knew that with my newfound agility and speed, I was bound for the state championships in cross country.

  "Hey, can I steal Elle for a little while?" Asher asked Maddox.

  Maddox nodded, refusing to look at him. I knew Asher was trying to be nice by asking Maddox first. We'd had several conversations about him trying to become friends with Maddox.

  "I'll see you later," I said, waving to Maddox who had taken off in a full sprint back toward the woods. I knew he wouldn't respond.

  "Let's go for a run," Asher said with a sly grin.

  He knew there was no way he could beat me, but after my race with Maddox, I was exhausted. It would be a great time for him to keep up with me.

  "Sure," I replied, winking at him.

  We began a slow jog, side-by-side. It felt nice to share the moment with Asher. We both knew there were just some experiences I've had and some I was yet to have that he could never be part of Running, however, was something I was able to share with him.

  I slowed my pace and trotted over to a nearby ledge overlooking the rolling hills of our small town. Just beyond the tree line, I could see glimpses of the blue river sparkling against the setting sun. I sat down, feeling my body relax against the coolness of the rocks on the ledge. Asher sat down next to me.

  "It really is beautiful here," I sighed, as I took in the scene.

  "I love it here," Asher stated, glancing around. "I wish we could stay here forever."

  "What do you mean?" I asked, curious about his tone.

  "Well, my parents moved here to start a new life. After my dad lost his job in the city, he refused to get back into the business world. My grandparents had left him a small farm, and he decided to move us here so he could grow and sell crops. I always worry that one day he'll get tired of this slow-paced life and move us back to the city. I just hope we don't have to worry about that anytime soon," Asher said, a hint of fear lacing his voice.

  "My dad said my grandparents were killed before I was born," I told him. "Hunters had been chasing them, but they've left us alone in the years since the massacres that drove my family and others here. I don't see why they'd pop up now," I said, with feigned confidence. The truth was, ever since I'd learned of the existence of hunters, there was a small part of my brain that just couldn't let the idea go. It caused me to panic at times, but I hid my emotions well.

  "What was it like where you used to live?" I asked, hoping he didn't get upset about my prying.

  Asher was sweet, gentle, and caring, but he was annoyingly private,

  too. He never shared a lot of information about himself, but the more time I spent with him, the more I wanted to learn about.

  He considered my question before turning to look at me. "We moved here from New York City. It was busy there, very different from here. People weren't nice, but it was home. It was terrifying to leave the only life I'd ever known.

  "When we arrived here, I was so angry with my parents, I wanted to go back home, even though I knew I couldn't. I decided to keep to myself and ignore everyone-I'm a junior, so I only have a short time left in high school-but all that changed the day I saw you," he said.

  I knew he couldn't see me blushing through my thick coat of fur, but I was. My face was hot with embarrassment and something more.

  "That must've been difficult," I said, ignoring his last comment. I was always uncomfortable when people complimented me.

  "It was, but I like it here, now," Asher stated. "You make it easy to call this place home." He brushed his hand against my paw.

  My body shuddered at his touch, and I almost let out a slight howl. 'Tm glad you're here, too," I stated, hoping he knew it was true.

  We stared at one another for a moment before Asher shifted his stance. "We should probably start heading back. It is getting dark," he said.

  I spotted the fading sunset in the distance. We’d been out running for hours. I had to get back home to call my friends back so we could work on our homework. I hated to cut my time with Asher short, but the real world was beckoning me.

  We turned from the ledge and ran back to the woods, continuing to run until we'd reached the tree under which we'd left our things. It was hard to shift at home when anyone could come over and find us, so we'd been instructed to shift in the woods, hidden among the trees and other animals which would shield us from the outside world and prying eyes. As I was quickly learning, the forest was a dark and magical place, but it was also one of safety and shielding

  When we'd found our tree, I ran behind mine, which also had a large grouping of bushes and debris that would shield me as I shifted. Asher turned to look in the opposite direction and waited while I changed. Turning back into human form
wasn't painful; it was fast and quickly tired my muscles.

  After I'd put my black Nike shorts and matching tank top back on, I emerged from the area and spotted Asher walking my way. "Wow, it's really getting dark," I said to Asher when he was only inches away from me.

  He took my hand and pulled me closer to him. Our eyes locked and he stood there, watching me intently. My stomach fluttered, and my heart raced at his warm touch and proximity, especially when he leaned down to carefully place a soft kiss on my lips. My body stilled, almost frozen in place, but fire coursed through my veins.

  When the kiss ended, I opened my eyes slowly (though I hadn't noticed they were closed before) and looked up at the boy in front of me. His hair seemed to blend in with the dark sky, but his eyes glowed fiercely in the night.

  "I've wanted to do that since the first day I saw you," he admitted, holding my hand.

  "Me, too," I said breathlessly.

  He'd literally taken my breath away, and I instantly missed his touch.

  I leaned back in to re-live the moment again, but a sound from behind us startled me. I jumped and nearly screamed when something came out of the underbrush and sped away from us.

  Asher shoved me behind him, shielding me with his body. He reached into his pocket to retrieve his cell phone. "We need to call for help," he said, punching out numbers.

  "No, don't," I said.

  "Why?" Asher asked, looking at me inquisitively.

  "We aren't in danger. I know who was spying on us, and ... it's not a hunter."

  A loud howl came from somewhere far in the distance, and I didn't

  need to hear or see anything else to know what was going on-Asher was right; someone had been watching us.

  Maddox.

  Chapter 16

  "What was that?" I snapped, running into Maddox's bedroom.

  He was sprawled out on his bed, arms behind his head, as though he'd been lying there the whole time rather than spying on me in the woods.

  "What?" Maddox asked, eyeing me carefully.

  I hated when he acted like that. He was so stubborn. Well, two could play that game.

  "Nothing," I said, stopping myself from doing what I'd really gone there to do: kill Maddox. "I just wanted to see what you were up to," I said coyly.

  His brows rose, and he looked at me as if I'd just grown two heads.

  "Seriously?" he asked.

  "Sure. You’re my best friend; what did you think I came here to say?" I was doing a great job, and I knew Melanie would be proud of my newfound acting abilities.

  "Um..." Maddox stopped, unsure of what to say next. I could see his eyes roaming the room as he searched for a lie.

  "Well, I was just out with Asher, and we had a great time. You know, you should find a girl, and we should all go double-dating sometime," I said, rubbing the word in his face.

  I knew Maddox hated Asher for reasons I didn't understand, but I also knew, more than anything else, dating terrified him. "We'll see," he said. "You know I don't really date. I prefer to call it hanging out with no rules or expectations, but I get what you're saying." He finished with a sigh.

  "Good. I'll set something up," I said before spinning on my heels and marching out of his room, a smile on my face.

  Unfortunately, our double date didn't happen like I'd expected. Once I'd brought up the idea to Asher, he'd immediately shot me down. Trying to be understanding of both of the guys in my life, I let it go...for the time being.

  With my cross country meets each Saturday and practice every day after school, I found myself torn between everything I loved. I never had enough time with my friends, Asher, Maddox, or my team. More than anything, I hated that I still had so much to learn about being a shifter, but I couldn't find the time to juggle everything I needed to.

  The gunfire sounded, and I heard the cheers from the crowd standing and shouting in the stands. My parents were waving their hands in the air next to Melanie, Maddox, and Asher who were all pumping their fists in the air. It was times like that when all my worries and fears seemed to melt away, and I was able to enjoy the moment.

  Run.

  My brain finally registered that I needed to run. I had two miles to get through in record time in order to beat my opponents and my own record, as expected. I'd been training for the meet for months. Now that I was a wolf, I was able to run faster and longer. I'd also been able to double my workouts and build more muscle.

  As my legs began to race forward, I took one last glimpse at my family and friends and offered them a slight smile. The breeze had intensified, and my pace seemed to create a whirlwind around me. My hair was pulled back into a tight bun, and I embraced the air as it floated across my face and around my body.

  I gained momentum, my legs quickly speeding me past each racer. I had to remind myself not to full-out sprint, unsure of how the audience would react to my new lightning, animalistic velocity. A slight laugh escaped my lips as I thought about how they'd all react to the smoke that would blaze behind me as I leaped forward and made my way to the finish line.

  "What are you laughing at?" a voice next to me snapped.

  I'd been so lost in my own world I hadn't even noticed the tall, long legged blonde gaining on me.

  "What?" I asked, turning to look at her.

  It was a girl who went to a rival school across town. She'd been one of my biggest competitors since middle school. She was cruel, always made fun of other girls, and played dirty on the track and courses. It took me time to think of her name, which was Jane.

  "You think you're going to win, don't you?" she said breathlessly.

  I wasn't about to waste my air on her, so I just gave her a smile as I took one long stride to push past her. "Sure," I offered.

  She huffed and stifled a scream as she, too, pushed her body to meet my hustle. 'Tm onto your secret, Elle. You've been training and gaining more muscle and speed. You think I don't see what you're doing, but I do. This is my race. I'll win state, not you," she yelled from close behind me.

  I shook my head and kept my gaze forward. I wasn't about to give her the satisfaction of my chiming in to say something rude or hurtful back. However, she was right about one thing: I did have a secret, only it wasn't the type of secret Jane thought I had. I wished I could show her exactly what I was, but I knew I couldn't. My parents had made it perfectly clear that, as a shifter, I had to keep my identity concealed.

  My senses were on high-alert as I listened to the sounds of the birds chirping as they flew high in the air above me. I heard leaves rustle on the ground and a small wildlife creature scurried across the course that had been set up on the school track, through the woods behind the school, and back to the football field where the finish line awaited me.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a flash of a tan leg move sideways. My new animal instincts had me turning my head to the side in time to see Jane's leg kick mine. I stumbled and almost fell to the ground but was able to catch myself before my fall, landing on all fours. I shot back up, landing on two legs.

  Jane stopped dead in her tracks, bewildered by my save. I steadied myself, my eyes locked with hers and her speechless expression. I stood frozen in place, my gaze burning a hole right through her frightened and curious facade. My blood boiled as rage and fire coursed through my veins.

  How could she have done something as sinister as that? Sure, I'd wanted to win more than anything, but to cheat? That was just unacceptable. Jane had messed with the wrong girl. No-she'd messed with the wrong wolf.

  "What's wrong with you?" I snarled, as my head shot to her again. I stood tall and firm, my fists safely clenched at my side. My fangs escaped from my gums, and I flashed them at Jane, who took a step back and away from me. My body shook rapidly as I struggled to control my thoughts and instincts that screamed at me to lunge forward and rip her heart out through her throat. The shifter in me was taking over, and my human brain just couldn't compete.

  A loud, feral growl slipped past my now quivering lips,
and my fangs brushed up against the skin. I tasted salty blood as it dripped from the fangs protruding from my lips, scratching the sensitive skin there.

  "What are you?" Jane asked, her voice catching. She was terrified of me. I could only imagine what I looked like in that moment to her.

  'Tm your worst nightmare," I snarled as I took a step toward her, my voice laced with venom and fire. "You've messed with the wrong girl. Next time you think about tripping someone, remember that I have more power than you could ever dream of having. If I wanted to, I could use my claws-I mean, nails-and rip out your throat. Or, I could tell my coach and the judges how you tried to cheat to win the race. Either way, you need to fear me. Remember that I'm powerful. I'm dangerous. I'm nothing like you've ever experienced before. Watch your back."

  Jane's eyes glazed over, and tears began to form. She was afraid, and for a good reason. Fangs had just withdrawn from my mouth, and I'd growled and threatened to kill her or have her expelled from her team. I wasn't necessarily proud of how I'd handled Jane, but who was I kidding? Of course, I was proud. I'd just stood up for myself and used a part of me I was supposed to keep hidden. I felt rejuvenated and awakened.

  It was amazing.

  Jane turned swiftly and continued running through the course, glancing back at me every other step to make sure I wasn't following her. I didn't need to follow her. I'd wait a few more minutes, race forward, and pass her at lightning speed. Freaked out or not, she was too competitive to stop the race just because of me. I wasn't even worried she might tell someone. Anything she could say about the moment would incriminate her and make her look crazy. I mean, who'd believe I was some sort of animal? Ha!

  Like I'd expected, I finished the race in first place. Jane ended up last, walking slowly across the finish line several minutes after everyone else had, panting and wearing a horror-stricken look on her face that caused her teammates and coach to panic. I brushed past her and went to my own family and friends wearing a smile on my face and carrying my new trophy.