I stood frozen for a second before I regained my composure. I wasn't about to make a fool out of myself in front of all these people, and especially not in front of Paul.

"Hi. Um...sorry, but I didn't catch your name the last time we spoke."

"Yes, I know. I'm Anthony." he politely said.

Paul stirred behind me. Hah! Jealous, anyone?

"Suze, if it's not too much trouble, I'd like a word with you."

"Sure, Anthony. No prob." I responded. As Anthony and I walked away from the crowd of disappointed girls, I couldn't help but turn back and flash Paul my most sadistic smile.

When we were far enough from everyone to not be heard I turned to Anthony and asked "Who are you and why were you in my dreams?"

"Well, entering people's dreams is quite simple. I'm pretty sure Paul over there has tried it a few times with you." he said.

"Wait, a sec. How do you know that Paul's a shifter too?" I asked incredulously.

"Look, right now there's not much time to explain. Class should be starting in a few minutes. I'm here to protect you, Suze. There's someone out there who warns to hurt you."

I couldn't help but scoff at his remark. I was no stranger to having people want to hurt me. The mediator business is not a particularly friendly one.

"Anthony that's kind of sweet and all, but I really don't need anyone to protect me. I can handle myself pretty well." and with that I turned away from him and began to walk away, but he grabbed my arm and spun me around so that I was facing him.

"Suze, I didn't mean to offend you, but you really must listen to me. This person who's after you is not like anyone you've ever imagined. He's a shifter like us, but his powers far exceed ours. He's extremely dan…" the bell rang before he could finish his sentence.

"That's the bell. I'd get to class on time, unless your keen on a lecture from Father Dom." I said as I walked away, this time for good.

"Suze! Hey! OMG! You cut your hair. Wow! It looks even better than it did before. I mean not that it didn't look totally amazing before, it's just shorter hair makes you look so much cooler and mature." CeeCee squealed.

(S/N Notice how Paul didn't comment on the new hair-do. Most men are too dumb to notice such things.)

"So has was your summer in New York?" she eagerly asked. I couldn't help but smile. CeeCee my best friend here in Carmel is one of the sweetest girls I have ever met.

"It was great! I got to visit all my old hangouts and spend time with Gina." I replied.

"So have you heard about that transfer student. I think his name is Tony or something like that."

"Actually, it's Anthony. But who really cares anyways." I answered quickly hoping that she would take the hint and drop the subject.

"Wow! So you must know him then. How did you two meet?" she naively asked.

Damn, No such luck. How will I explain this to her? Well CeeCee he invaded my dreams and after nearly giving me a heart attack by appearing at school today he warned me that some evil, powerful guy wants to kill me. Oh yeah, and did I mention that he's also a mediator?

"Actually I just met him today. Father Dom asked me to show him around and help him get adjusted."

Wow! I couldn't help but be impressed by my answer. My lie was so believable, but I felt terrible about having to lie to CeeCee, but I just don't think that she could handle the truth.

Just when CeeCee was about to say something my teacher called me to her desk.

"Susannah please report to Father Dominic's office. He would like to have a word with you." she ordered.

Great! What could I have possibly done to get myself landed in Father Dom's office already? I've only been in town for two days and school just started like twenty minutes ago.