Uniquely Unwelcome (The Shadow World, #1)

by Brandy Nacole

  “Easy there. Maybe you should sit back down.”

  “No time, we need to get out of here. We don’t know if those creatures are really gone or who they are working for.” With the warning the slimy creature gave me, I’m thinking they’re not connected with the vamps. “Plus, we can’t risk the vamps catching you. If they do—well, you know what will happen.”

  His blurry image is starting to clear. He looks skeptical, probably thinking I won’t even make it two steps let alone running for my life.

  “I heal fast. I’ll be fine.”

  Before he can protest further, I stand—without a wobble—and walk over to Danika and Ethan. Coy’s hot on my tail, still ready to catch me if I fall.

  “You guys okay?” I ask.

  Ethan nods. “Fine, you?” Ethan has a deep gash on the right side of his forehead. Blood is running down his cheek and bare chest. He also has a few deep cuts on his upper body that are already starting to heal. Soon to be nothing but a light scar or scab, depending on how deep it is. Danika doesn’t look as bad. The only thing she’s sporting is a busted lip.

  I roll my shoulders and stretch my neck, already feeling better. My healing power has to be the best gift in the world. With everything I have been through, all the physical torture, if I hadn’t had my healing power I wouldn’t have made it through most of it.

  “Fine, but we need to go.” I look over at the trashed limo. “Where’s the driver?”

  “He ran off. As soon as the creatures started attacking the car he bailed,” Ethan explains, with a bit of disbelief still in his voice.

  I throw my hands in the air, exasperated. “How are we going to get back to the airport?”

  “Let’s just get a cab.” Danika gestures over toward the car. “We’re going to have to get our luggage out somehow, though.”

  The car is totally smashed. There’s a big dent in the trunk where our luggage is stored, probably from where Ethan landed on it. Coy picks up a piece of metal, and starts trying to pry the trunk open. I know he wants to be helpful, but he’s doing no good. After giving him a moment, I gently push him out of the way. I get a good grip on the edges of the trunk, put one foot on the fender, throw my strength at it, and tear the trunk lid off its metal hinges. The hinges go flying as I toss the trunk door to the ground. Coy stands there in astonishment watching me as I toss Danika and Ethan’s bags to them, then grab my own.

  “A cab sounds good but I think we need to walk a few blocks up or something. It’s too dangerous just standing here.” I gesture toward the entrance pillar. Vampires could start exiting from it any minute.

  Ethan’s hurriedly slipping on new clothes. “I agree. Who agreed to let the human come along anyway?” I point an accusing finger at Danika. Ethan gives her a surprised look, not as dramatic as the one I gave her but still shocked nonetheless.

  “Look, it doesn’t matter why I agreed to it. Right now we need to worry about getting away from here. Come on, let’s go.” Danika heaves her bags as she heads away from the museum.

  As we walk away, I look over at the wreckage once more and notice the bodies that lay on the ground. “Wait. What are we going to do about those?”

  As I speak the words the sun starts peeking over the horizon. From where we are standing, there are no structures blocking us from the rays. The bodies start to dissolve as the light touches them. Within a matter of seconds there is nothing left but a liquid puddle.

  “What the—” Ethan exclaims, puzzled like the rest of us.

  “They just dissolved,” I say, trying to come up with reason but unable to. “But how?”

  “When those other creatures ran off, I saw them throw something on the bodies. It must have been some kind of liquid that is infused by the sun’s rays,” Coy says.

  “Yeah, but what kind of liquid does that?” I ask, unnerved. How is something like that possible?

  “It’s probably some sort of acid that was enhanced with a spell to be triggered by the sun.” Danika walks closer to the puddle and then shrugs.

  “How do you know the sun was the trigger?” I ask.

  “Well the big clue was the bodies dissolving as soon as the sun hit them,” she says mockingly, giving me a pointed look.

  Whoever sent these creature was smart to get rid of the bodies. The Ruling Council would have definitely wanted the creatures for testing. I look down at the puddles where the bodies had just been. That’s not an option now.

  With nothing else to be done, we grab our luggage and walk away from the scene. “What about the limo?” I ask.

  Danika raises her cell phone, wagging it above her head. “I sent a message to the Elders. They are going to take care of it.”

  We walk four blocks up and then start trying to catch a cab. While we’re standing on the curb, Ethan walks over to me to have a hushed conversation. There aren’t that many people milling around but there’s enough.

  “We really need to start carrying some type of weapons with us.”

  “I had a whole duffle bag full of weapons but I left them in my car. I only grabbed a few things that would fit in my bag.” I shrug my shoulder to indicate my backpack.

  “Anything good?” Ethan asks.

  “The really good stuff was too big to fit. I have a few blades, a stake, and a silver thorn bomb.” I feel sheepish about the weapons I have. Out of all the weapons I had available, I grabbed the convenient ones instead of the deadliest ones.

  “You couldn’t have grabbed something better: a bow, machete, perhaps an axe?”

  I cross my arms over my chest. “I was trying to be practical. We can’t go around carrying crap like that without getting noticed. Plus, we are trying to gain the trust of everyone we meet. I don’t think carrying in bows or axes is going to accomplish that.” I turn toward Ethan, placing my hands on my hips. “So what did you bring?”

  Ethan’s expression goes slack, caught off guard. He quickly recovers, setting his jaw and tightening his eyes. He knows what I’m pointing out and doesn’t like it.

  After a moment of silence I step even closer to him as I say, “Exactly.”

  Ethan looks away pissed.

  Finally a cab pulls up to the curb. We pile in as the driver gives us all skeptical looks. Coy sits up front with the suspicious driver, thinking it might be less uncomfortable for the driver since he isn’t bruised or bleeding.

  No one says anything during the drive. I’m not sure if it’s because of the human driver, but it’s deathly quiet. I look out the window and watch everyone we pass. Some are wearing suits and headed to work. Others are dressed casually, out enjoying the morning. It wouldn’t be hard to enjoy a place like this.

  I look at all the artwork and ornate buildings we pass. It’s really amazing to me how much work people put into one little building. In America we never do this. In America we get the building up looking nice, but as cheap as possible. All this artwork would cost too much extra money, not to mention time. In a fast-moving world, time is of the essence.

  When we arrive at the airport, we are stopped from driving to the private hanger. A huge sign proclaims NO TAXI’S. With no other choice, the driver pulls around to the airport’s main entrance. Danika is quickly on the phone and by the time we reach the front, airport security guards are waiting on us. Of course they’re Shadows, here to help other Shadows with any hitch they may have while traveling.

  Danika speaks with them for a moment before they guide us through the airport, bypassing security once again. Coy cast a suspicious look at her, but keeps quiet.

  I, on the other hand, can’t concentrate on anything but the pain that vibrates through my head with every beat of my heart, keeping me from controlling my hearing. With all these people and the commotion of toting luggage, my head feels like it’s inside a drum while someone is playing it.

  My injuries have already healed themselves but I am still feeling disoriented. I put on a good show of being fine, but really I need to sit down. I keep telling myself to hang on. We’re alm
ost to the plane. There I can rest.

  People stir around us giving us plenty of room. Humans usually get a weird vibe from us anyway but looking at us now, anyone would steer clear. Other than Coy, Danika looks the best. There’s a small rip in her sleeve and a few drops of blood on the front of her shirt. Ethan has dried blood down his arms that his shirt does not completely cover, and his face is still bruised. The rips and blood on my clothes do little for my appearance.

  My body is trembling when we finally board the plane. Tossing my bags on the couch, I casually walk into the bathroom. Once the door is shut, I brace myself against the sink with both hands. I can barely hold myself up. I think about the last time I ate. It was before I met with the Elders. Too long.

  Shadows’ metabolisms are higher than humans’ but mine is even higher. If I don’t nourish my body regularly, I start getting weak. My body starts shutting down, then the need for blood starts taking me over.

  At the mere thought of this, the blood lust hits me, hard. My chest tightens and my gums start to ache where my fangs want to puncture through. The last time I had a drink was two weeks ago. Usually I only have to drink once a month, sometimes only once every two months.

  But I’ve learned from experience that I need blood to regain my strength after a big ordeal. I don’t fully understand why that is but I think it has something to do with the healing process. My body uses a lot of energy to heal itself and to replace that energy I have to take it from something else.

  I grip the amulet around my neck and take a deep breath. My chest loosens a little but I’m still tense.

  I quickly clean up, washing all the blood off myself. Taking another breath, I walk out. As I walk by the small kitchenette, I grab a banana and apple from the fruit bowl. The fruit won’t be enough but it’s a start. I’ll just need to find more food soon.

  Everyone has already seated themselves, ready for take-off. Danika and Ethan are sitting in the two front seats with Coy sitting behind them. There is an empty seat beside him and the two couches are open. I glance back at the overstuffed chair outside the private room Danika had been in. Wanting some privacy to calm myself, I make my way back to the lonely chair.

  I take my seat, trying to control my shaking body. My hands are shaking so badly I’m barely able to peel my banana. I can’t see the others but I hear my name. Tuning in to the conversation I hear Ethan tell Danika that I was probably still in the bathroom. I guess she’s wondering where I am.

  After consuming the banana and apple, the captain gives the all clear to move about. I go look in the fridge for something with some actual substance and am disappointed when I open the door and find nothing but a few fruit juices and a yogurt.

  I slam the door causing everyone to look back at me. “What? I’m hungry, aren’t you?” I say in my defense.

  “I’m starving,” Ethan says, rubbing his stomach.

  “Unfortunately, we didn’t stock up since the trip was such short notice. We will have to wait until we land,” Danika says apologetically, before looking back at her book.

  I sigh heavily. “Where are we going, anyway?”

  “London, like you suggested,” Danika answers. Then with a look of concern she stands and walks over to me, wary now. “Don’t you remember?”

  London? I don’t remember saying that. In fact, I don’t even know where to go. I was going to ask Ethan about the location of the Lycans’ headquarters once we met back up in the limo. I never got the chance of course. So when did I say that?

  Seeing the confusion on my face, Danika continues a little puzzled. “We discussed our next location in the cab ride.”

  The only thing I remember is silence.

  “Uh no, we didn’t talk at all. How could we? There was an un-knowledgeable human in the car.”

  “We talked in code.” Danika glances at Ethan with concern before looking back at me. Her voice is soft, like she’s trying to jog the memory of an amnesia victim. “I asked you where we were going. You said you didn’t know. Then Ethan said he thought it was best if we visited his grandparents in London. You agreed.” Danika takes a step closer to me. “Racquel, what’s going on?”

  “I don’t know. I really don’t remember that conversation but we must have had it since we are already in route. I guess I just blanked out and went into neutral.” I place my hand on my forehead and shake my head.

  “People go into a neutral mode all the time, but they usually still remember what’s going on.” Danika glances down at my hand. “Racquel, why is your hand shaking like that?” This time instead of stepping toward me, she steps back. “Are you okay?” This time instead of concern, I hear fear in her voice.

  “I’m fine. I’m just hungry and need to replenish.” I turn to go back to my seat but Coy’s in my way.

  “Here,” he says, holding out his arm. I glance down at his arm, covered with bite mark scars, confused at what he wants from me. After a minute, realization dawns on me. I grimace, stepping back with disgust.

  “Are you insane? Get away from me,” I say, shoving his hand away.

  “You need blood. I can see it in your eyes. When Vampires are thirsty, their irises dilate until their eyes are completely black. Your eyes are betraying you.” He takes another step toward me, I recoil.

  “You don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m not a Vampire, you idiot.” No one’s ever pointed out my eyes dilating before but I know it happens. I can feel them expanding even now, at the sound of his sweet pounding pulse.

  I try walking past him but he continues to block my way. “You are part Vampire. As well as many other creatures, am I right?” Coy asks, as he continues to try to get close to me.

  I nod, knowing he’s probably heard stories, while I continue to try to keep some distance between us.

  “Then drink. I know you need it. Right now the last thing we need is an angry vamp tearing out our necks.”

  “I do not, nor will I ever, drink from a human.” I step closer to Coy, getting right in his face. My voice is harsh and tight. “Now get out of my way.”

  He stands still for a moment. I can see the protest playing on his lips. Ethan interjects, placing his hand on Coy’s shoulder in a silent warning to back off. It takes Coy a minute but finally he steps out of my way, shaking his head.

  I walk to the back taking my seat. I sit there shaking. If I’m going to be honest with myself, I do want his blood and I want it bad. This urge has only happened one other time in my life and I was able to ignore it then. I can ignore it now.

  I can hear not only my blood thumping but everyone else’s too. Coy’s calm, with a normal, steady beat. Ethan’s is the normal high beat typical for Lycans. Danika’s heartbeat is the one that’s so alarming. Her heart is pumping overtime, probably scared that any minute now I’ll slaughter them all.

  I take a deep breath and decide to try and take a nap. Since I have nothing to eat, Coy’s blood is calling me, and I feel seriously weak. Sleep will at least pass the time until we land. I’m just about asleep when I sense a presence in front of me. I open my eyes to see Danika standing in front of me with her arms crossed. Her heart beat is still loud and racing.

  “We need to talk.”

  Ah, hell. I thought everyone got the hint to leave me alone. I heave another sigh. “What?”

  “You cannot put your pride before the safety of this group. I cannot have an unstable person to worry about while also keeping my eyes open for other threats. I need to know that I can trust you and everyone else on this plane. Same goes for you. If you feel that you cannot trust me or anyone else, you need to let us know.” She pauses for a minute, taking a deep breath before continuing, not giving me a chance to protest. “And right now, no one trusts you. You are overemotional, irrational, and confused. If you need something, I don’t care what it is, you get it in order to keep yourself together. If we can’t trust and support each other, how far do you expect us to get? How can we think clearly if we are constantly on the defense against each other
?”

  “Good question,” I mutter, fixing her with a measured look. “But I have another one for you. Can you or anyone else say they truly trust me? Before I got irate, did you trust me?”

  “That is not the point, Racquel—”

  I jump out of my seat, enraged. “That is the point! You stand here lecturing me on keeping myself under control, to let you know when I don’t trust one of you, but the truth is no matter what happens none of you will ever trust me, even though I haven’t done anything to you.”

  Danika takes a step back. I push forward. “How do you think that makes me feel? How do you think I like traveling with people who don’t trust me? And in turn how can I trust someone who doesn’t trust me? I can’t. So really there is no point to this conversation, Danika, because there will never be any trust.”

  I leave her standing there speechless while I slump back into my seat. I feel completely and totally drained now. I had a small shot of adrenaline from the argument but now my body feels as if I pushed it to the max. I am seriously going to have to start keeping supplies with me at all times. I cannot afford to let myself get this defenseless.

  What if we were actually attacked again? I don’t know that my body could take it. It really does suck having so many different essences running through my veins. It takes so much to fuel them all. That has to be my biggest flaw. Well, besides being a freak. And after all that, Danika still won’t leave me alone.

  “You’re wrong, Racquel. You never let me finish. You are correct, I didn’t trust you before. But after I seen you fighting and protecting us during the fight, I grew to trust you. But now…. Now I don’t know what to think.” Danika’s shoulders slump a little as she turns to walk back to the front.

  I let out a big, heavy, ‘what do I do?’ sigh, but shrug the frustration off. Why should I feel any kind of remorse? I was sitting back here not harming anyone. I was minding my own business. So what if I snapped for a minute. Everyone eventually does, even if it’s just for a moment.

  Jeez this day has really sucked. First, we get ambushed by Lord Aldrick and his weirdness. Then we get the human tag-along. We get attacked by weird-looking creatures, origins unknown. I wonder what’s next.