Sophie

I look around, seeing if there is anywhere to run.

Nowhere.

Shit.

He is getting closer and there is no way I can hide the blush on my face. How did I ever get to meet someone so sexy?

Hey, Sophie, he says in a voice that makes me melt in all the right places. Phoenix is all fire and ice; and although it’s only been one week since meeting him, it is getting harder and harder to resist him.

It’s hard enough to learn you’re not what you always believed you were, and harder when you find out your best friends are vampires. Even harder still is learning they are at war with werewolves. Super sexy werewolves.

And watching Phoenix change shape was a shock but not as big a shock as learning that we are meant to be together. Somehow I have to help him, his brother Ray, and also my vampire friends.

Could life get any harder?

Sophie

It’s a cold day in May and everyone is running for cover, it’s a well-known fact you can’t trust the weather in Melbourne. Ever! I look up at the sky; it’s dark and almost end-of-the-world looking.

I look at my watch and see that it’s two p.m. and yet it feels more like nine. I start to run; I got coffees for myself and Thomas, who owns the shop I work at, and I don’t want them to get cold. Dreams Come to Life is a little shop that sells candles, herbs, and our famous palm and card readings. Thomas runs it with his sister, Jessica.

As I round the last corner before the shop, who do I see? None other than Ray Hunter.

Ray is the enemy.

He is the owner of True To Yourself; a shop that also does palm and card readings and supplies other related items. I have been working at Dreams Come to Life for two years now, and Thomas and Ray have always hated each other. It’s more than just ‘you own a shop that’s like mine’. It goes deeper than that, but I’m not sure what it is.

I watch a worried looking Ray as he strides up to Dreams Come to Life and walks straight in. That’s funny. For as long as I have worked there, he has never gone inside.

I hurry, getting a feeling that something is not right.

When I get to the door I stop, not sure if I want to go in.

What is going on today?

First, Tom came in looking stressed out, saying Jess wasn’t coming in today because she was looking after a sick family member.

Wait. That can’t be right; they don’t have any other family members.

What the heck is going on? I mutter. I walk into the shop, stopping when I hear loud talking, almost yelling. Then I hear what they’re saying.

Tom is speaking, his tone bordering on smug.

You’re not having him, we found him first, and if it wasn’t for me and my sister he would probably be dead by now.

What the hell, who’s him? Maybe a pet?

How dare you keep him from me? Ray growls angrily.

Ray is the most relaxed guy I know so to hear him so mad is odd.

You have no right, Tom; do you want to start a war here, too?

Tom laughs. Like you could win, Ray.

As I enter the room, Ray is pulling back his arm and the next thing I know, Ray’s fist skims across Tom’s cheek. In that split second of motion, I was sure Tom was about to get a black eye. Instead though, he moved his head away in a move that was so fast, my eyes barely tracked it. Ray goes for Tom again and I act on instinct, moving forward while screaming at them to stop.

They stop and look up at me as I come to a halt, my mouth wide open.

Sophie, you’re back. I didn’t hear you come in.

Acting like I didn’t hear Tom, I look at Ray. What the hell are you doing here and what was that all about? He slides a dark look at Tom.

I have to get going. He is turning, about to go, when he stops and looks at Tom. "This is not over."

In my haste to break them up I dropped the coffees. I go out and get the mop from the cleaning cupboard. What the hell just happen? I shake my head. I know they don’t like each other but that was just crazy. Dirty looks are one thing but hitting each other is something more. I know their shops are alike but there are similar shops around here and they don’t hate the other shop owners.

When I walk back into the shop Tom looks up at me. I have no idea what’s running through his head but they’re obviously not happy thoughts.

Hey, Sophie, I’m sorry about what happened, Tom says.

I have the feeling he is sorry that I saw it, rather than for it happening in the first place. 

So what was that all about anyway? I ask as I start mopping. I know I’m not going to get an answer.

Just boy stuff. It’s nothing.

I look up and watch Tom’s face, he’s worried.

Hey, Sophie?

I look at his eyes as I answer. Yes, Tom.

Can you close up tonight? I have to help Jess out at home.

Sure, Tom, always happy to help out, even if it’s just closing the shop.

It is a good day on sales and readings, and I take a couple of bookings. Tom leaves at five and by seven p.m. the shop is clean and I’m locking everything up. I step outside and follow the closing routine; close the door, lock it, pull down the security screen and lock that too.

A shiver runs up my spine and I know someone is watching me. I make it look like I’m searching for something in my bag as I look around to find the source of my unease. At first I’m scared. Who is it? What do they want? I’m holding my breath, not sure what to do. Other than run. But I don’t; something stops me from running away. When he steps out I know why I didn’t run. I take a step towards the clearly worried man and he meets me half way.

Ray, what’s wrong?

Nothing. Really. I was just hoping to talk to Tom and…um…

He looks torn, as if he’s finding it hard to figure out what to tell me. I won’t push but I wish both he and Tom would open up and tell the truth. I know they have secrets and I’m normally good at working out people’s secrets but Tom, Jess and Ray are really hard to work out.

I, um, just wanted to say sorry to him for earlier.

I look into his light blue eyes as I let him off the hook this time. Okay. Well, I better go, but maybe you could tell him tomorrow?

Right sure, will do.

Whether he will do so I have no idea.

The train ride home is slow as it stops at every station on the way. I live in a small town about forty minutes west from the city.

I live in an old shack my aunt left to me in her will; it’s also the only home I can remember. It sits on a block in the middle of nowhere just outside the sweet little town, Little River. But the ride home at night is never fun, mostly because I don’t drive. I ride my bike, walk or get public transport everywhere. Plus, friends like Jess and Tom like to give me a lift if I really need one; not that I ever ask. It’s strange though because they always seem to know when I do. Best friends and all that, right?

They live in Altona, a beachside town that’s half way between my place and the city.

As the train pulls in to my stop, I can’t help but look forward to my day off tomorrow. Maybe I can get some of my paintings done.

What I really would like to do is work out this Tom/Ray thing that’s going on.

Stepping off the train, I look up at the night sky. It’s so beautiful this far out from the city. The stars dance on the blanket of dark blue. Magic! Makes you believe anything could happen.

Sophie

Sun light breaks through my window, waking me as it lights up my room. I turn over and look at the clock on my bedside table, noticing it’s eight a.m. already. I love a sleep in, it’s always refreshing.

I dress in my favourite jeans that make my booty look like a size twelve instead of my size sixteen. There’s nothing wrong with sixteen plus—I got over my size worries years ago—it’s just that these jeans make me look like some sexy 50s-60s pinup girl and I love it. I pair it with a nice green top I bought last week from a little shop I walked past on my lunch break. As soon as I tried it on in the changing room I had to get it; it brought out the green in my eyes, making them look like emeralds instead of the drying grass colour they normally resembled. 

I walk into the bathroom and after brushing my teeth and hair, I apply a light cover of makeup. Now I’m ready for my day off.

Why did I bother dressing up?

I shake my head and consider going back into my room to change. As I turn around a thought comes to mind; Dreams Come to Life always has two workers, which means Jess and Tom’s house will be empty.

Hmm, should I? It’s a really, really tempting idea. I can go take a look around; I even have a spare key. I can just go to see if anything explains Tom and Ray’s fight yesterday, then I’ll be out of the house without anyone ever knowing I was there. In. Out. So easy, right?

God, there are times I hate getting the train. The smell alone is bad. But everyone is so rude or just plain crazy. Not that crazy is always a bad thing. I thank God when I arrive at Jess and Tom’s place; it always has this relaxing smell to it, like a field of wild flowers.

I step up to the door and nervously look around me. I’m not doing anything bad, right? I have a key.

Damn. I wish the butterflies in my tummy would go away. I’ve been in there so many times, it’s not like something is going to jump out at me. 

I put the key in the door and turn the lock so slowly I almost change my mind before it clicks.

God, that was loud. Shaking my head, I take a deep breath and step inside.

Phoenix

One Week Ago

I have to find my brother, I have to. I can’t take his place. I won’t.

Phoenix?

Looking up, I see my father, the Alpha of our pack of werewolves, pacing in front of me.

Yes, Father?

He shakes his head and huffs, like he used to when Ray and I were pups.

Have you been listening at all to a word I’ve been saying?

Shit He has me because he’s right, I haven’t been listening.

Of course, sir.

He smiles. Oh, really, then what did I say?

Um, shit, what was he saying?

The pack comes first and that’s why I must step up and do my part.

He laughs, pointing a finger at me.

Lucky guess. Fighting the pull of the smile I feel, I run a hand over my mouth to cover it.

I’m not Alpha stuff and you know that, Father. I’m a lone wolf.

He frowns and turns to the window of his office.

You’re right, but times are hard and we need everyone we have. Losing your bother has the pack worried. I’m not as young as I used to be and it’s getting past time I stepped aside.

I see the shadows in his eyes. This damn war and losing Ray has taken its toll on him. Not just Ray but all the other pack members who have mysteriously gone missing over the years. They say vampires killed them, sucked them dry. But I don’t believe that.

Once, when I was a pup, we had an old man stay with the pack for a month. He told me and Ray stories of doorways that sometimes opened between our world and others. I’ve always believed in them. After all, the rumour is that this war started because the Vampire King’s wife went missing around the same time my uncle did. No one knows what happened but both sides blame the other. I think they went through one of the doors to another world.

From a young age I was trained to fight to protect the pack. I’m one of the biggest in the pack but I don’t really care. I like to keep to myself. I train alone, fight alone.

But now the whole pack is looking at me to become social or something.

Shaking my head, I look at my father.

He will come back, sir, I know he will, so all this talk is for nothing.

I hope you’re right, son, because if not you’ll just have to suck it up and become the man I know you can be. I look him straight in the eyes and nod then turn and walk out. 

I have to act now; leave before anyone notices, it’s now or never.

Slipping into the dark of night, I shift and run into the forest that surrounds the pack’s home. We own most of this forest and there is always a pack member on patrol around the border. I just have to get past them without anyone seeing me go and reporting back to my father.

The shit thing about being a wolf is having to follow the alpha’s orders. If he were to order me not to leave then I couldn’t, so it’s now or never before he finds out my plan. 

My long, dark, wolf ears twitch as I listen to make sure no one is around as I run through the forest. I love the stretch and pull of my muscles as I run, the rush of the wind through my fur, and the earth beneath my paws.

It’s utter freedom.

I don’t feel the presence of any others so I know I’m right to go. Putting my head down, I run fast, making my way to the edge of the forest. I’m going to the place our trackers lost the trail of Ray’s scent. He wasn’t too far from our land.

No one knows why he was there but there was definitely the smell of vampires at the site. It’s been a year now and the war has only become worse. To add to it all, the vamps are still blaming us for killing the king’s son and daughter.

It’s a lie of course; no one in the pack even knows what they look like. We have only ever killed in battle and there is no way they would be fighting.

All those royal vamps sit on their arses while ordering others to do their dirty work. I often wonder about the three of them going missing around the same time though.

This is where my magic door idea comes into play. I have to find it and then hope it takes me to my brother. 

Phoenix

Running into the clearing, I look around and notice that over the course of a year, only the scents have changed.

Where the hell could this door be? This place is enclosed by hills yet still so open.

Why did Ray come here? I murmur, then shake my head to clear it of all the questions running through my mind.

I walk around the clearing, studying it from different angles. Nothing stands out, everything looks normal.

As I look at the clearing a shiver runs down my spine making me stop and listen. I hear footsteps to my right and a twig snapping to my left. I don’t see anyone but I know they are watching me.

Hmm. It seems I’ve stepped into a trap but how did they know I was coming here?

More footsteps behind me and some in front. I’m surrounded. Oh, I like these odds. Stepping into the middle of the clearing, I shift back to human, clothing myself at the same time.

What do you want, vamps? spitting the last word out like it’s nothing but dirt.

A shadow steps out from behind a hill to my left.

The same thing you want, wolf, revenge for our fallen. I shake my head, and only allow myself a quick glance at him. I don’t want to forget about the others around me.

"That’s not what I’m after, vamp."

He smiles and it’s full of hatred.

Please, call me Cole. After all, it’s the name you will be cursing when I send you to the afterlife.

Laughing, I shake my head. Dream on, vamp.

I run at him, changing on the fly. Seeing the shock in his eyes, I know he was not expecting that.

Good. I got you, arsehole. I anticipate what happens next. A shadow runs at me from my right as one of the hidden vampires attacks me. I spin and jump on the vampire, digging my claws deep into his chest. Then I sink my teeth into his shoulder and fling him across the clearing as another charges from my left.

While dodging his claws I kick out with my hind legs, taking out his knees. His legs give way, bringing him to the ground. As I lunge towards the downed vamp I feel claws ripping into my hindquarters. Kicking out at the new threat, I jump away from both to give myself space to fight.

I’m not stupid, I know I’m in trouble. I’m outnumbered and vampires are a bit faster than wolves, but we have strength over their speed. Another one attacks me from behind as the last two get up. The first vamp I fought is only now getting up across the clearing. A new guy jumps on my back, and I roll, pinning him under me. But instead of letting me go he sinks his fangs deep.

I’m still howling as I shift to human form. The change dislodges his fangs and I spin and punch him hard in the face, knocking him out.

I spin again then shift to wolf once more to attack the two arseholes who were not smart enough to stay down.

I jump on one, pinning him down as his mate rushes me, his fist already swinging to hit me. I whip my head around and bite down hard; the snap of his arm breaking fills my ears.

He screams but more in anger than in pain. His other arm comes around hitting me hard over the head. The impact dislodges me from his broken arm and makes me lose my hold on his buddy who is still struggling beneath me.

I have to shake my head to clear my vision.

I’m hit again and again.

I take a step back to give myself some space.

As I look around I see others coming out of hiding. And Cole, smiling smugly like the evil arsehole he is.

I don’t have long to wait ‘til the others rush me. They all come at once and as I take hits and bites one after another, I feel my ribs break.

I bite and scratch anyone I can reach, fighting back just as fast and as strong as they are.

But I feel the blows taking their toll on my body. Shifting back to human, I grab one vamp by the head and give it a sharp twist, feeling the satisfying snap of his neck vibrate through my arms. I let the body drop to the ground.

No more games; it’s time to really fight back!

I punch another in the face, knocking him back. But for every one I down, another two get hits in or sink their blasted fangs into me.

When my head start to spin I know I’ve lost a bit of blood but it won’t stop me. I just have to keep moving so they don’t get a hold of me.

Growls rumble through me as I keep throwing more punches; I’m starting to wish I’d brought knifes or a sword. Damn it! I just wanted to come and find the stupid door and get Ray back.

The vamps should not even be here. And why aren’t they using swords to just kill me? It’s almost like they want me alive, but why? So their shitface leader can finish me off?

Yeah, right, he can try if he wants.

I drop to my knees as I take yet another blow to the head. Shit, that hurt. As I try to stand up I feel a foot come down hard on my leg; I can’t stop the scream of pain that rips from my throat.

Fuck!

Well, that hurts like a bitch. Another blow to my ribs. Shit. If they weren’t broken before, they certainly are now. My vision wavers, like I’m looking through a tunnel. This is not good.

Moving hurts and I just keep taking blow after blow, I still try to get up again and throw some punches to keep them back.

My right leg won’t hold my weight. I know I’m really in trouble here, but I can’t give up. Ray needs me, and when a pack member needs help, well, you be a loyal wolf and you help.

No one is behind me as I step back, thank the goddess, but looking up I see Cole walking forward, his buddies just standing around watching me.

Shit. This is it.

My legs give out and I start to fall, anticipating the impact with the hard ground. I never once take my eyes off the bastard, Cole.

The last thing I see before everything goes black is the shock in Cole’s brown eyes. I never hit the ground. I’m still awake, still alive; well, I think I am. I’m falling, I know that much. It’s like never ending falling, spinning, with nothing surrounding me, nothing but darkness with no light in sight.

Something grabs my back and pulls hard and I moan as my body screams in protest.

Light explodes in front of my eyes, blinding me, it’s too much. I close my eyes, hoping it will stop my head from hurting.

As I start to wonder when I will stop falling I hit the ground hard. Air is forced from my lungs and I struggle to find more as I open my eyes and look around.

I’m lying on what looks to be sand and I can hear water close by. But that’s not all, there are so many other sounds. It’s so loud, it hurts my ears and the air is not as clean as back in the forest.

What is this place?

Looking further I see a sign ‘Altona Beach’. Where the hell is that?

Ugh. It hurts to even turn my head. I close my eyes for a moment then hear footsteps.

Shit.

Please don’t tell me the arseholes followed