"Dreams"
A/N: Wow!!!! Thank you for your reviews. When I checked my email, I was stunned to read that you all liked my first chapter. So as per your requests I'm posting chapter two.
I would like to warn you that since I stared college this week it might become difficult for me to update quickly. The cause for this is: papers and papers and papers. College professors think that you don't have a life. Still never fear, I will update as soon as I can.
I glad that you all liked the names I just for the first characters. I will also explain Marie's role in the story later on. As for Sophia being a White Wolven, relax people all in due time. If any one has any suggestions please email them to me, and I will take them under consideration. I hope you all enjoy the second chapter.
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Donner Residence
She was running. She was running on all fours. What is she running from? What is chasing her? The ground was wet underneath her paws; morning dew and the mist covered the ground of the woods. Her heart pounded inside her chest. Her breath was labored and heavy. She couldn't get away from her pursuers, but they were approaching fast. Coming to a clearing, she whirled around and stood her ground. If there were going to be blood on this night, she would stand proud and unnerving and face her pursuers. She snarled and growled and snapped her powerful jaws, as they approached the clearing: wolves of many sizes and colors with malice in their eyes. Before she could send out a telepathic call for help, a big, brown wolf…
Sophia opened her eyes sharply and started at the ceiling of her room. As she stared at the ceiling, she was thankful that she had awakened at that moment because she didn't want to know what would have happened next. Throwing the covers back, Sophia walked to the adjoining bathroom and stared into the mirror. Her chocolate eyes, her mother's eyes, reflected the tiredness and confusion that always came from this dream. Turning on the water and stepping into the shower stall, she closed her eyes and tried to relax as the warm water cascaded over her. She stood under the shower for twenty minutes and began her morning ritual. Stepping out of the shower, she dried herself and wrapped the terry cloth around her body. Standing in front of the mirror again, Sophia began making mental plans for her birthday. Since there was a great deal to due today, she was glad that Scott was going to help her with her plans. She just hoped that Luke Cates wasn't going to cause any problem; it took two hours to convince Scott that throwing Luke against his car came from the fact that she was mad, and she was a second degree black belt in karate. Thanks Dad!!
Finally dressed, Sophia made her way downstairs to begin cleaning the house. She had planned a very special dinner for her and her father so she needed to get ready. Opening the backdoor, she sat down at the table and began to make a To Do List and wait for Scott. Suddenly, a soft, gentle breeze came through the screen door.
That's odd, thought Sophia. It wasn't supposed to be a breezy day. Getting up from the table, she walked to the door to check the sky. The gentle breeze caressed her skin and enveloped her in a warm hug. Stepping outside she noticed that the sky was clear. Looking towards the woods, thinking that the "Hell Kids" were hiding waiting to scare her, she noticed that the leaves of the trees weren't moving with the breeze. Turning to go back into the house the air became charged around her.
"Relax, Sophia. It's nothing, just the breeze," she muttered to herself.
As she climbed the steps back into the kitchen, she heard a soft whisper. Looking back there was nothing there. Turning back, the breeze picked up a notch, and the soft whispering was back. Standing still very still she tried to relax and gather her composure. Still the breeze continued to pick, but the whisper was clear this time:
"Beware, child. Beware of the darkness, for it seeks to destroy you and those around you. Beware of the pelts that have no souls."
Walking a little closer to the boundary of the property and the woods, Sophia heard the voice once again. This time the voice was female, soft and gentle.
"You are special, little one. Your gifts can bring great joy and great sorrow. You must be strong to accept them both, or they will destroy you. Look towards the Goddess, little one, she will protect you."
Completely transfixed by the voice being carried by the breeze, she didn't notice Scott coming down the stairs and calling her name.
"Sophia? Sophia? Hey, are you okay?" asked Scott as he shook her shoulder. In doing so, Scott was not prepared for what Sophia did next.
Startled by Scott's action, Sophia whirl around swinging with her right hand. Luckily she saw that it was Scott and stopped in midair before striking him across the face. Good thing to because her nails were abnormally longer than usual: Wolven-like.
Looking at Scott, Sophia was horrified at the expression on his face. The poor guy thought that she was going grab by the throat and hurt him.
Smiling apologetically, Sophia said: "Scott, I'm so sorry. I didn't know that you were behind me. I guess I spaced out. Sorry. Did I hurt you?"
"No, you didn't, replied Scott, I have to be careful around a karate master. I don't want to get hurt again, like last week. I'm still recovery from the Cates fiasco. So, shall we get started?"
"Yes," said sighed Sophia. Together they began they started towards the house. Sophia looked back quickly towards the woods; just like before there was no one there, just the woods that were forbidden to her.
Quietly, murmuring to herself: "Sophia, get a hold of yourself." She turned back to Scott and linked her arm with his and went about the day's chores.
Sophia wasn't the only person in Wolf Lake that had a restless night. For across town, John Kanin was dealing with his own problems.
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Wolf Lake Hotel, John's Room # 12
Ever since Ruby had been taken away from him, John's life and sanity have been on a downward spiral. He knew that Ruby was here in Wolf Lake, and they were keeping them apart. Why? Why the secrecy? What is it about this town that had everyone walking on eggshells? Even Sheriff Donner and Molly are hiding something. These questions swirled around his head as he finished getting dressed for work.
John walked to the kitchen to get a third cup of coffee, for he was going to need the extra pick up to get him through the day. Another restless night, the dreams were starting to get even more vivid. At times he wondered if his relationship with Ruby had really been a dream.
Ever since he stepped foot in this town, everything that he knew went out the window. For it was just one fiasco after another: white wolf standing outside his cabin, crazy Indian, chase in the woods, full moon each night, Lenore's warning, and that insane Van Halen pumping him with wolf's blood. Man, why can't life be easy? But the really crazy part of all this, is the dreams that he's been having for nearly a week.
Every night the dreams were different but extremely vivid. One night he woke up with blood on his hand. It always started the same way: three months ago when Ruby and I were decided that we're going to be together as husband and wife and then she disappeared. Then the dream shifts: I see a tall man with high-cheek bones with eyes full of wisdom and standing next to him is a young Indian woman with black eyes and long hair laughing together as the man lifts toddler up in the air. Then the dream begins to swirl like a kaleidoscope as another scene appears. This time I'm standing on a plateau, even though the sun is shining the ground is covered with mist, out of the mist three wolves emerge: white, obsidian black, and gray wolves. I leap down off the plateau in crouching position and slowly approaching the three watchful wolves. Kneeling down before them, they approach slowly; the black wolf begins to circle around me as the other two stand watching. The black wolf stands in front of me with watchful eyes, then a hear a whisper in my head:
"It is coming. Beware of the dangers of the Shadows. It seeks to destroy. It wants blood. Fight with a true heart or lose everything, Warrior. The strength of a warrior comes from his heart. Look towards the Goddess, Warrior, and accept her call."
Once again the dream changed as a new vision took form. Only this time he was running and next to him was six other wolves. They matched his speed as they ducked through the under brush. He could hear them approaching at top speed, their hind legs lifting off the earth as their paws touched the ground. His senses are hypersensitive: blood and danger clung to the air making it hard for them to breath. His perception of the world was a combination of heat and intensity. As he ran the world around him became dark, and the moon took the place of the sun. Suddenly, he and the other six wolves came upon a clearing in the woods; standing in the middle was Sherman dressed in a purple robe tied at the waist with a crimson red cord. He was holding a big, brown leather book with a symbol that he had never seen before, although it was familiar to him. Hearing the others approaching, he and the two males stood before the others as they took defense attack position. Coming out of the woods were twelve black wolves, each growling, snarling, and baring their fangs; before anything could happen the dream vanishes causing him to wake up drenched in sweat.
Snapping out of his reverie, John downs the last of his coffee and heads out to work. Mentally thanking Sophia Donner for having a birthday today, and Matt for taking the night off. John was glad that he had the night shift.
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The Diner
After cleaning and doing chores for must of the morning, Sophia was happy to get a lunch break. Entering the diner, she saw Jamie, her best friend and confidant since the first grade. Clearly every waitress in the place was busy, but like a true friend Jamie ran up to Sophia to give her a hug and wish her Happy Birthday.
"Hey, Birthday Girl," exclaimed Jamie. Please tell me that you've come to help with the lunch rush."
"Sorry, Jamie, said Sophia with a smile. I'm here for lunch. "
"Well, sighed Jamie, I guess we have to feed the birthday girl. Take the booth that is empty by the window, and I will take your order. Just let me take this order to the cook. Be back."
Sitting down, Sophia stared at the window with a frown on her face. Her thoughts drifted to this morning. Lately, everything has gotten complicated. You know, as a teenager my only concern should be what to wear, which guy is a total hottie, and finishing high school. But, of course, being a hybrid puts a damper on trivial teenage stuff. Why you ask? Simple, it's my 17th Birthday, and I still haven't flipped. My father is an absolute controlling, overprotective guy, plus he's a wolf. Plus, the dreams that I've been having are starting to get really intense. Oh, I almost forgot, the bane of my existence, Luke Cates. Talk about dysfunctional.
To caught up in her reverie, Sophia didn't notice Sherman sitting across from her. Turning to look back at the menu, Sophia was confronted with a smiling Sherman. The man always knows more than he lets others know. He reminds of a benevolent grandfather who always has a twinkle in his eyes.
"Hello, Mr. Blackstone," said Sophia.
"Happy Birthday, Sophia," replied Sherman. You planning anything scandalous to celebrate your birthday?"'
Sophia chuckled and replied: "No, Mr. Blackstone. Just dinner with my dad."
"So, little one, having any dreams lately? Trip to Florence, perhaps? Howling at the Moon?
Sophia lowered her eyes and thought about this morning again. If she wanted answers to the nightmares that plague her, Sherman was the one who could help her. Before she could summon the courage to tell Sherman about her dreams, the diner's open as Luke Cates and the rest of the "Hill Kids" followed their Alpha.
Do you sometimes wish that the ground would open up and swallow you? Well, that's how I feel. I hate the scrutiny that I'm under-wondering if my mother's blood will keep me from embracing the wolf inside. Sometimes, just sometimes I would like to unleash that side of me that craves to be free. To be like them, exploring the woods through the eyes of the wolf, running through the underbrushes, or just stand near a clearing as the pale moon welcomes me into it's warm bosom. Then, I see the cruelty, jeering, and insults that they cast on humans. The games they play with each other, never knowing who is friend or foe. When I see this part of them, I don't want this life. THEIR life.
Turning away from their scrutiny, Sophia turned her attention back to Sherman. "Mr. Blackstone, she asked, can I talk to you in private? I need your advice on something important." Getting up from the table Sophia and Sherman walked to the door and took their leave.
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He knew that she was here the moment that he caught her scent outside. Today was her 17th birthday, her last chance to flip and be one with the wolf inside her. When he came into the diner he sought her out, not through his senses but through the mental link that was created the first he flip for her in the woods. Just looking into her eyes, he could imagine what they would look at night with the wolf on the surface filled with passion and curiosity at a whole new world. He wanted to show the wonders of being Wolven-running underneath the moonlit sky, the soft ground underneath her paws, and the secret sounds of the woods. All of these he wanted to share with her; he had to convince to come run with him, for they were met to be together. Maybe tonight when her was asleep, they can go to "their" special place and look at the moon wrapped in each other's arms. Maybe on this night they would run together as mates.
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Donner Residence
"Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday, dear Sophia, Happy Birthday to you! Make a wish Sophia," said Matt.
"Daddy, you are crazy," laughed Sophia.
"Well, it's no everyday that your daughter turns 17, while her old man is getting older," Matt replied.
"Oh, daddy," sighed Sophia. You're not old; you're still handsome and young."
"Why thank you, even though I know that you are only trying to make me feel better. Let's open presents and eat cake. I bought your favorite, CHOCOLATE!!"
Sitting around the coffee table with her father in front of her, she began opening her presents from school friends. Jamie gave her a new CD by Marc Anthony "Libre." Kelly gave her a blue peasant shirt from Rave, and Skye gave her a gift card to Pearl's Craft store. "Okay, Dad, I opened all of my friends presents, but where's your gift?" asked Sophia.
"Kid's today, all they thing about is presents. You try to spend quality time together, they always want something," joked Matt.
"Well, I did see a very large box, wrapped with starry birthday paper," said Sophia.
"Oh, oh all right, here's your gift," Matt sighed mockingly. "I hope you like it."
Shaking the package first, Sophia began unwrapping her gift. Sliding the box out of the paper, she put the wooden box on the coffee table. Taking a deep breath, she hoped that it was the new lens for her telescope; she lifted the top. Wrapped in tissue paper, she lifted the lens out of the case and held it up to the light. It was perfect: smooth edges, 12 inches in diameter, and visibility of 600x. She could wait to try out the lens on her telescope. Looking at her dad with a big smile, she quickly got up and gave her dad a big hug. Sometimes he can be overprotective, but he is always sweet. "Thank you, Dad," she exclaimed.
Looking at his daughter's face with a big smile, Matt was thankful that this birthday had gone so smoothly. It was her last year to flip, her last year to see if his heritage would seek to dominate the human half of his daughter. Looking at her as she placed the lens back into the packaging, he prayed that as the year progressed the likelihood of flip would dissipate. He made a promise to Marie that their daughter would be safe, and he intended to fulfill that promise.
"Sophia, why don't you go and try out the new lens," suggested Matt.
"Thanks Dad," replied Sophia. Getting up from the floor, Sophia had to use the table as leverage because her legs had fallen asleep. As she got up, small velvet, jewelers box fell on the ground. Bending down to pick it up, she looked at her dad and asked "Dad, what's this?"
Puzzled, Matt said, "I don't know, Sophia. Did you forget to open a gift? Why don't you open it? But, Sophia if it's something that Luke Cates gave you, it goes back."
Knowing it was a moot point; she lifted the blue velvet top of the box. Propped on a piece of cardboard still covered in blue velvet, was a unique charm. She had never seen anything like it. Its shape was unique: a circle in the middle and three rays that extended out of the circle met in the middle of the circle. Its texture was warm, a bit rough around the edges, but with an Old World charm.
"Dad, have you ever seen anything like it? she asked.
"No, Sophia," he answered. He was still puzzled about the charm. Although, in the recess of his mind it looked vaguely familiar, like he had seen it before but couldn't place it. "See if there is a note," he suggested.
Looking inside the box, she found a little note behind the cardboard. Unfolding the letter she began to read:
Dear Sophia,
Today is your 17th birthday. Happy Birthday. I hope that you are enjoying this beautiful time. I have sent you a little gift, something that has been part of your mother's family for generations. It is called the Tricheadra; a powerful pentagram that each woman in your family has worn with great pride.
It was your mother's wish that you receive the Tricheadra on your 17th year. I know that she would have wanted to be with you when you received it. You are special little one; never forget that. Your mother would be very proud of you, Sophia. Wear it always. Happy Birthday. Blessed Be.
Friend
"I never saw your mother wear it before," Matt said. I never saw her wear anything like that."
"Can I still keep it?" she asked. "Since it did belong to Mom, plus I want to wear it."
"Sure, go ahead," he answered.
"Well, I'm going to be out in the porch looking at the sky for a little while," said Sophia.
Gathering her things, she opened the front door and stepped into the cool night. As she mounted her telescope, her hypersensitive senses were picking something really strange about the night. Looking at the sky she notice that the full moon wasn't as full as always. Something was different about the night. Once the telescope was mounted, she pulled up a chair and took a peek; she was right the new lens was spectacular. Leaning back on the chair, she closed her eyes and pictured herself as a co-ed at the University of Florence. Then, her vision began to cloud, like a dark blanket being thrown over her eyes. She felt like a blind person groping around in the dark. Whatever this was new dream was it wasn't very nice.
She found herself in town, staring at the Sheriff's Office. She knew her dad was okay, for he was already asleep but there was something else. She could explain it; she was still sitting at her front porch physically, but mentally she was somewhere else. Deciding to play this out, she began to scan the surroundings for any pack members. She was beginning to get really good at spotting them, now that her senses were on over drive. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted John Kanin coming out off the Sheriff's Office. Probably going out to patrol or look for Ruby. Poor guy, she really liked him; he's one of those men that earn your attention like her Dad, Luke, and Mr. Cates. Following John to his car, her senses began to go haywire. With her senses she noticed that John's scent was more poignant than usual, which was odd, but their was something else. Looking more closely at John, Sophia noticed a black aura around him, not knowing why or how she knew that John was in danger.
Coming from John's left six black wolves were advancing on him at a fast pace. Calling out to him to run back into the building, John didn't see them until it was to late. Enraged that six unknown assailants were attacking her friend, Sophia's eyes glowed deep amber-yellow; suddenly from her eyes two red beams shot out hitting one of the black wolves. Looking back at John would laid on the ground after a valiant fight that would have killed any other man, she turned to look at the six wolves who were advancing towards her. This was odd because John hadn't seen or heard her, so how could they?
The air around her became charged and the Tricheadra glowed gold around her neck, then a voice urgent in its tone called out to her.
"Sophia, use the power of the Tricheadra. Please trust me. Say these words with me: Element of fire, spirit of light, essence of life, set ablaze the night."
Lowering her head, hands together, Sophia began chanting with the other woman: "Element of fire, spirit of light," throwing her head back and hands to the sky Sophia finished the chant, set ablaze the night!"
A right of fire now protected her and John, while the six black wolves ran back into the black night. Then, she heard the voice again:
"Sophia its time that you returned back home. Don't worry John will be okay; I'll stand watch while help arrives. You have done well, Sophia. The Power is strong within you. Don't tell your father anything, now is not the time. Remember: Beware of the pelts without a soul."
Sophia's ethereal projection returned to her physical body, which was drenched in sweat. Getting up from the chair she took the telescope and enter the house. Going up the stairs, she stopped at her father's door but remembered what she said and went to her room. As she readied to bed, she looked out the window and hoped that John was okay.
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Behind the Sheriff's Office
John laid on the ground on conscious. Standing before him was an ethereal projection of a black hair, black eye young woman. Leaning towards him, she laid her hand on his wounds and began healing those that could be fatal. Her eyes burned amber gold. How could they? Closing her eyes to regain her composure, she opened them again and looked at her work: he will live. Seeking the mental link of the White Wolven, she send Ruby a message and then to Sherman:
"John has been attacked. He is unconscious but no serious injuries. He is behind the Sheriff's Office. Hurry."
Knowing that no one would here this message but Sherman and Ruby, the young woman left the protective and returned to her physical body. Opening the eyes, which burned amber-gold, she knew it was time to return to Wolf Lake. Sensing that John, Ruby, and Sophia were safe for the night, she began packing.
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Finally, I did it!!! I update as per your requests. It took me a while to do so, but I did it. This is what happens when you work, go to college, and have to study. Honestly, I have better things to do. Like writing this story. (hehe) I hope that you enjoy this chapter. I had difficulty with its direction. ENJOY!!!!!
Whitewolf02