A/N: To clear up any confusion I will put a few terms you will hear in the story from Native Language. I love the Native American culture; our family has ties as well. A dear friend of both my grandma and myself passed away from lung cancer who taught me a lot about our heritage and sanctities. However I am not fluent so I will not be putting full sentences just to save myself from any insult that would be to someone.

Lilian, grandma and I keep you close to our hearts. This chapter is dedicated to you.

Terms:

Mowanza: Little Wolf

CHAPTER THREE: FOUND

The agony fades

To the light I embrace

Starless skies no more

I drift into the dawn of living, once more.

Hopelessness. Surrender. The words tied together in my mind as my last breath was taken and the last ounce of oxygen drifted to the surface above. This was it. I was going to die. The screaming burn in my lungs tightened, constricted. The agonized beats of my heart slowed ever so tantalizingly. This is it.

Light broke through the dark abyss of which I was trapped.

Memories bombarded of faces and released emotions too quick for me to grasp eclipsed in a single flash. Time seemed to freeze the moment the blackness descended. I was suddenly falling into a bright, universal brilliance of blazing stars traveling faster than the speed of light—before I heard a voice break through the chasm of which I believed could be heaven. Before darkness extinguished the fiery light that radiated just miles ahead.

Pain was born.

I could feel a scream struggle against a sudden pocket of breath as air was compressed.

I…m… a…alive?

Water.

Cold. I could feel it tightening as it released my body.

Push.

Release again.

My lungs.

I… I'm spitting… water.

"Uch!" Choking.

Fire. My insides felt scorched as I struggled to inhale.

Exhale.

In.

Out…

Then, a voice. It came slow, sluggish; like a broken record.

"Brmmm…"

"Breee…"

"Breeeeathe!"

Pain. Every nerve ending was ablaze as a sharp, gust of air was pushed through my lungs again causing my eyes to snap open.

And those eyes that had, since, haunted my dreams appeared.

"Huh!"

A bead of sweat trickled down my brow as I awoke with a ragged breath. The nightmare. In and out I'd seemed to drift since that night, never fully gaining consciousness and forced back into the glimpse of death.

My chest rose and fell rapidly. Reality was lost to me. Time was lost to me. It was almost as if I'd been in limbo. My whereabouts were unknown. So when my vision re-focused becoming sharper within each second I wasn't prepared for what I saw.

I had been expecting bars.

What the...? With slow, sluggish movements, I pinched the silk material-clothing that wasn't mine- that now hugged my body. My gaze fell across the dark, satin sheets that addressed what appeared a king sized bed that far surpassed my dingy, stained cot at the orphanage. Slowly I raised my head to see the wrought posts conjoined at the top layered with a sheer, cream canopy that spilled over the sides like a veiled curtain.

Fear seized as I pushed the covers back and threw back the curtain. Everything instantly swam, Whoa. My legs gave out almost instantaneously my head making contact with the wall. "Ah!" I sucked in a sharp breath still apparently tender. A small groan of discomfort slipped past my lips. Gravity was not in my favor. But eventually, with effort, I was able to gain my bearings, bracing a hand against my forehead. It was a trembling algorithm before I could finally wobble to my feet.

It was a bedroom of sorts.

The walls were cream and bare aside a single black and white portrait of a painted bouquet of white tulips on the opposite wall. A plain window was adjacent to me. The room was small with three doors on opposite ends.

I assumed one lead to a bathroom.

My hand shot out and gripped the bedpost as another wave of dizziness crashed over me, "Ugh." I winced at the abrupt burn in my throat and swallowed with difficulty. The skin was raw and swollen. Ok… breathe. Easier said than done. I steadied myself and closed my eyes for just a split moment.

I already knew where I was.

What I didn't understand was why they'd bothered to save me. Hundreds upon hundreds of people existed in the world. Easily they could've left me to drown and Chosen another. They'd waited this long and I hadn't come willingly. I'd tried to run. Or maybe that was the point. Now that I was truly awake they'd take me to the authorities to be locked up. Or they were sadists who wished to torture me instead. Then they'd kill me in the act of my disobedience. The rich could make anyone disappear. A human body to them would easily be disposable in places I'd dared not to imagine.

So many alternatives raced through my mind causing the exhaustion to weigh in once more. God am I tired. But I couldn't stay. Every minute was costly. If they'd heard me wake up were they coming now? Or were they bidding their time? Was their hearing even that good as in the books I'd read? My heart beat with a painful thud against my chest. Maybe they were listening with rapt pleasure from my unnerved state.

Every prospect remained unknown.

Nevertheless, the clock was ticking. I couldn't risk anymore time. Through the fatigue I'd have to fight if I wanted to successfully break for it. The silk that hung off my slender frame could be cost effective, but I would need a more suitable outfit for the trek ahead.

"Ok, focus." My breath came out in shallow pant as I rubbed my fingers together. My body was in need of more rest but it would have to wait. I had have quite the journey ahead if I even made it in such a weakened condition. I braced one hand against the wall and reached for the window to test it out—

When the door to the bedroom burst open with a loud THWAM!

A little girl clad in a fuzzy, yellow duck towel flew into the room. "No bath today! Noooo!" Seemingly unaware of my presence she dived beneath the bed in a series of squeals.

"NINA LYNN! Get your NAKED BUTT back HERE!"

What the-

Just then a pretty Asian girl that appeared in her late teens came running into the room. Her dark, almond shaped eyes were narrowed in clear disapproval. Water dripped down from the ends of her curiously curly red locks with jeans twice her size, soaked. "Little girl you KNOW we are NOT—"

But she cut off as though she'd finally noticed me there. Her thin brows furrowed as her lips opened as if to speak—

When a smooth, English voice cut in. "It's not goin' to be too good if Gabrielle gets word of you lot in here."

"Especially if he were already here, smart one."

Either my mind was going fuzzy again or there were two men in the doorway.

The both were tall; 6"0 ft. One was clad in all black. One had dirty blonde hair styled in a fauxhawk wearing Chucks. The other looked as if he'd been punched out of a Burberry magazine. The bronze strands of his hair were swept over his forehead and he was dressed in a crisp dress shirt that accentuated his sharp, cobalt eyes.

He reminded me of an Oxfordshire boy.

"Well new girl is sure a sight." Oxfordshire boy sidled into the room then as his eyes slowly taxed me from head to foot in clear approval.

My eyes narrowed, my body still pressed up against the wall.

Who the hell were… had I knocked myself out?

"Lysander quit with your chauvinistic antics." The girl rolled her eyes, the frustration evident on a freckled face that gave way to a sporty edge. "Seriously you're just pissing her off."

Bubbly, high pitched giggles erupted from beneath the bed.

"Oh quit being a sour puss, Jerry Pop, jus' messin' with the lass."

"Well someone has to deflate your insensitive ego."

"Says the hothead who's too scared to branch out from her tomboyish box."

"I may be tomboyish but at least I am not like your air headed posse of women."

"What? Jealous they're a little more loquacious than you, Cocoa Bean?"

"Oh will you ever cease with the lame nicknames?!"

I was so lost, a headache starting to formulate.

"Someone has her knickers in a bundle this mornin'."

"Knickers knickers." A fit of incessant giggles erupted from the bedside.

"Well if someone had helped me with Nina like he promised I wouldn't be so pissed!"

The blonde clad in all black rolled his eyes the irritation seemingly apparent as the two bantered back and forth with complete indifference to me. After a loud exhale he pushed off from the doorframe and stood between the two. His eyes were cold and hard. "Enough you two."

"But he—"

"But she—"

"Enough. Unless you both want this to get back to Avius."

The both instantly shut up exchanging silent, hostile glares.

"Vi is coming hooome?" In less than a second later the little girl's small frame came crawling up from beneath the bed. Tiny hands were wrapped tight around her towel as big, doll-blue eyes gazed adoringly at the blond. "Vi is now hooome?"

"Monday." The blonde added curtly. His eyes distinctly hazel darkened as they passed over me and this time hardened.

"Yaaaay!"

"Windows that way." He finished with a sneer his eyes still fixed on me the distaste clear.

No shit.

"You don't have to be such a dick, Gabrielle." The girl, Jerry, rolled her eyes and shot Lysander another intentional glare before she grabbed ahold of the little girl, Nina.

Nina had started a series of "Vi is coming hoooome" in a sing song voice.

Lysander snorted, "Great vocabulary to teach a five-year-old, Jer, better hope she doesn't pick it up." With a suggestive nod towards me which I made sure to fix with a glare, he followed Jerry out of the room.

Nina turned and waved in my direction. "Buh bye pretty lady!"

Then, they were gone, leaving me alone with this Gabrielle.

"Amateurs." He muttered under his breath. His lip flickered in revulsion as those orbs flickered between me and the window. "Don't fall." He added bitterly. The plug in his ear shined like an onyx stone as he turned and headed out of the room.

Hostile much?

It was then an older, plump woman acknowledged him as she swept past him in a long, flowery skirt. She had russet, native skin. A long, ebony plait hung down her front with a few greying strands prominent beneath the dim lighting. But it was the warmth her creased, chocolate brown eyes exhumed that struck me as they met mine.

"Hello." Her voice carried a calmness that seemed to emanate from her as she walked towards me. But her steps remained carefully measured as if she were approaching a deer getting ready to bolt.

There couldn't have been a closer depiction.

"I am A-nni-ka Bear." Her tone was gentle and coaxing as I tensed. "I am to take care of you, dear heart. You have suffered quite a head trauma."

"Trauma?" It seemed I had found my voice and winced at the tiny pinpricks of pain it caused. Were these people sent here to be a distraction? What the hell was going on?

A-nni-ka's smile was the epitome of serenity as if she sensed my anxiety. Her eyes remained their warm, chocolate brown. "I am what the other dears refer to me as Mamma Black Bear; I take care of my cubs..." She winked with a laugh and slowly she held out her arm.

Her eyes secretly pleaded for me to take it.

I hesitated.

I need to get out of here.

"Please, let me help." she added.

But I am starting to feel so weak…

"No one is here to harm you. Trust me…"

I wasn't sure what spurned me to accept, other than I sensed I was about to keel over. I can't do this without strength. I knew right then if I decided to bolt I wouldn't make it. If by a shred of luck I managed there was no inclination as to what I'd encounter out there. My mind was at the ready but my body still needed recovery. I hated being helpless but I didn't have a choice. I needed to regain my strength if there was a chance in hell of surviving. Precarious, I bent and leaned a portion of my weight against her.

"That's it." A-nni-ka coached. The kindness in her voice never faltered.

The door ahead of me was shoved open. Bright, blaring lights seared my eyes. My headache increased tenfold. "Ah!" I threw up a hand to shield my eyes from the glare.

A-nni-ka apologized and said she'd dimmed the lights.

I could hear her fumble around, the sound of cupboards opening and closing. Gradually, I peeled my hand away from my eyes. Scone lights illuminated the room. Dark marble walls with elongated countertops and flooring made the room ostentatious. A large, glass shower was encased behind one wall that jutted out and divided the room into two sections. An intricate, crystal vase was placed in the corner potted with fresh, red carnations.

My head lolled and I shut my eyes as my world tilted. Come on… focus.

"Here we are, sweet girl."

My eyes flew open as something wet and cold was slapped against my head. I was overcome with the instant relief of a cold, wet cloth which dulled the pulsing throb in my skull.

Oh…

"Ok… this may be a bit sore, but I need to replace the gauze, Mowanza."

I couldn't help it without thinking I blurted, "Mowanza?" My voice was barely a whisper.

"Yes, it fits your spirit." Surprisingly strong, nimble fingers smoothed back the wavy strands of hair.

Sudden nausea unfurled in the bit of my stomach and surged. I scrambled for the toilet almost immediately.

"Oh dear… you suffered a minor concussion but it will pass."

I didn't care to hear anymore. I was too overwhelmed which caused my stomach to lurch again. I didn't care for this woman's comfort any longer. I wanted her out. Now. I dragged my hand across my mouth the after taste of stomach acid lingering. As I gained balance my hands shook against the ledge of the toilet. "G…et o…ut."

"Sweetie—"

"No," I cut her off my voice trying, but failing to remain sharp.

"Dear you need—"

CRASH!

Soil and crystal shards scattered across the floor from the vase I'd managed to snatch from the corner. It didn't come without consequence as I immediately slumped back against the toilet.

"You've made your point." Even with her worn moccasins now covered in soil A-nni-ka's voice remained warm as honey. Seemingly collected she bent down and gathered the carnations just inches from her feet and set them on the counter. "We will find another vase for these." With a small nod of admission, she sent me one last wistful smile and left.

In respect of my need to be alone.

Maybe.

I waited for the distinct click of the door before I crawled to the sink and steadily stood. It was with near regret for what I saw. A girl that looked like a train wreck reflected back at me. Dark, hazel-green eyes framed in thick lashes stared back with a look of pure defeat that mirrored my thoughts. A true deer-caught-in-the-headlights. Defined brows curved slightly at the ends were set in a shaped face that bore two, deep cuts. My hand rose. The dry skin along the plump bottom was lacerated. A cut placed on the small bridge of my nose was crusted in dried blood mixed in a dust of freckles. Ringed shadows beneath puffy eyes. Stark complexion. A strip of gauze dangled precariously on one side of my head where my attention fixated.

It was drenched in crimson blood.

My blood.

The glass…

Oh my god.

You suffered a minor concussion. A-nni-kas words echoed in my head as I slowly walked back to the bedroom in a daze.

"Breeeeeathe!" That voice, who had been that voice?

How long had I really been out? I grasped the sheets of the bed and hoisted myself up. I don't even know what day it is. "How did I let this happen?" I pinched the bridge of my nose between my thumb and forefinger that prickled with pain as my finger touched raw skin. Slowly, I opened my eyes, catching sight of a slip of paper that must've fallen off the nightstand. I picked it up off the floor and smoothed out the edges of a fancy handwriting.

You suffered a minor concussion from the impact of glass and a near drowning.

You're expected to cooperate with all the residents of the household. I assure you, the majority you see are human. However, misbehavior will not be tolerated here. At this household you are given three warnings. Should you fail to comply with the terms you will be subjected to further action which will be discussed in an enclosed briefing with myself. The authorities have not been alerted at this time; your files remain as is.

This is your first warning.

Furthermore, I suggest refraining from an untimely death, which will result should you try to escape; wolves inhabit the forest beyond. In other words, don't try anything imprudent again. Your injuries have been tended to and will heal. I entrusted you to A-nni-ka Bears care until I return.

We will meet soon.

-A.M

"Avius."

It had to be. From what I'd witnessed it was clear he was held in a high regard. Even the mention of him and everyone seem to fix their state of manner. Ugh. And what had he meant by my injuries tended to?! He better not have touched me.

And what files?

I crushed the paper between my fingers and chucked it against the wall. Clearly he didn't know the reason why they called me Crazy. Because I was a rebel.

Challenge accepted, vampire.