Chapter 1

"Eliza Renee Jameson"

I don't hear my name being called, I'm in my own world, looking out into the crowd for a set of familiar eyes. I spot them three rows back and smile. It's been too long since I've seen them, and I miss the days where I would see those eyes nearly every day.

Life as a nursing student consists of going to class, lab work, interning at a hospital, and occasionally sleeping. I've spent the past two years doing nothing but that. I've always been one to do things early, but this was the one thing that, for once, I was on par with my peers. It wasn't supposed to be like this. From the first time I saw those eyes, they altered my life, sending me down a path that I never planned to be on. Taking longer than we had thought, but eventually, I got back on track

Finish school and get my fresh start. That had been my goal for the past two years. Move on, with or without those eyes in my life. I wanted them, but I knew that logically, it couldn't happen. Our lives were too different, especially now. I lost my chance of having them with me always; now, I could only cherish the holidays and long weekends that allowed us to be together.

"Eliza Renee Jameson," the announcer's voice contains a bit of urgency this time, drawing my attention. I step across the stage, shaking my supervisor's hand, and receive my metaphorical diploma. I look back out into the audience and connect with those eyes again, wide and filled with joy. I take my seat and think back to the first time I saw them and how they changed my life forever.

Fall, 2002

This was it, the first day of my senior year. This is the year I will prove to everyone that I am no longer a kid. This is the year, mom and dad will see that I can act like an adult and make 'good choices' but, I'm determined to have just a little fun.

For the last two years, mom and dad have insisted that I take extra courses and go to summer school to ensure I graduate not only with good grades but early. I'll graduate in the spring and be off to college in the fall. All I really want is to wait, take a year or two, experience life outside of my parents' house.

I make the point to do as many high school activities as I can. Activities that they discouraged me from doing for the last two years; choir, volleyball, anything that will get me out of the house but still considered a school activity. I joined the decorating committee, wanting to participate in homecoming as much as possible. I know as long as I do nothing life-altering, I'm gonna be free in May.

"Be mindful of your grades, Lizzy," dad said, reading over all the consent forms, "if they slip, you will need to cut these extracurricular activities."

"They won't slip, dad." I roll my eyes. "It's my last year, let me have a bit of fun, please?"

"Your average drops below an A, and I'm pulling you out of each one of these clubs, understood?"

"Yes, sir." I mull over telling him the other part of my plan. "I was… thinking about getting a job." I look down, not wanting to make eye contact. "Something part-time?"

"I don't think that's the best idea, Lizzy," mom enters the room, "You're going to be so busy already, tell her Rob."

"Your mother has a point, and if they accept you to all these clubs, when will you even have time?"

"I may not even end up in the choir or the volleyball team," I argue, "and if I don't I'll have a free period every day, I can talk to the counselor about making it my last class and—it's my Senior Year, please, don't you guys think I deserve a little more credit than this? I should get to experience a little bit of independence, don't you think? I'm gonna be away at college in a year, I'm probably gonna have some on-campus job, I need to learn how to balance between the two." I catch my breath, hoping that they will agree.

"Fine," dad sighs heavily, "the same deal goes. Your grades slip, no more working. Am I making myself clear?"

"Yes!" I throw my arms around him, "Thank you!"

"Maybe you could get a job at the clinic," mom chimes in, "get some experience in the field?"

"I don't think anyone wants a sixteen-year-old working at the clinic, Sarah. Maybe at the drugstore, though?"

"Yeah," I sit on the couch, "maybe."

I discreetly start looking at apartments that could be for rent after graduation. I look on the outskirts of town and find a garage apartment that a very sweet older lady agrees to rent to me if it is still unoccupied over the summer. Finding a job gets put on the back burner as the school year moves into full swing. It turns out I can't sing, and I suck at volleyball, but the coach offers me the position of manager, allowing me to still participate with the team at pep rallies and travel with them on away games. As the season comes to a close, and with Thanksgiving break around the corner, I decide it's time to actively look for a job.

The trouble is finding someone willing to hire a 16-year-old high school student with no experience. I try some local retail stores, but I know that mom and dad will never go for the hours they want me to work. I walk into Joe's Burgers, my favorite place to get some dinner and continue looking through the classifieds.

"Hey, Ellie," I look over and wave to the man behind the counter.

"Hey, Dan, can I get a Bacon—"

"Your usual?" he cuts me off, smiling.

"Yes, please," I look down sheepishly, handing him the exact amount of money without being told the total.

"Whatcha got there?" he nods towards the paper that's now on the counter as he hands me my receipt.

"Oh, I'm just looking for a job," I tuck the paper under my arms. "Need to earn some money so I can get outta this town after graduation."

"What's wrong with the town," his face grows serious, "I've lived here my whole life."

"Shit—I mean, n-nothing. Fuck—."

"Ellie!" Dan bursts into laughter, "I'm just messing with you! You think you're the first person who hates living here? We're a small-ass town in the middle of nowhere."

"You're such a jerk," I say, relieved, "I'll be in my spot, okay?"

He tries to contain his laughter as I walk away, making my way to my usual table. I flip through the pages, seeing nothing that would really work for me.

"You know Joe has been talking about hiring another cashier," Dan says, bringing my food over, "and you're practically here all the time anyway, you may as well make some money while you're at it. You want me to talk to him?"

"Really? Do you think he'd hire me? I can't stay late on week-nights because of school, mom and dad would kill me."

"Yeah, we need someone to work the register, Jana can't do it all herself. Whaddya think?"

"Oh, my god Dan, that would be amazing!" I get up and throw my arms around him to give him a hug. I watch as Dan walks to the back of the restaurant, after a few minutes he returns, giving me the thumbs-up. Before I leave, he gives me paperwork to fill out and a uniform, telling me to return the next day for training.

For three days, I train, working with Jana on the register. She is a few years older than me, with absolutely no filter. She always has me hunched over, laughing at something she has said or done. The lunches are busier than usual with the break. On Friday, she decides it's time to leave me on my own, 'best way to learn,' she quips.

I've never been a social butterfly, and the thought of having to deal with customers on my own genuinely terrifies me for a few moments. After giving myself a small pep talk, I turn around to see three large men waiting for me.

The shortest of the three looks at me, and leans over the counter, "I'm here, what are your other two wishes?" he asks, flashing me a wink.

"I'm sorry?" I can't believe this guy is serious.

"My brother and I were wondering," he gestures to the tallest of the three, "if it hurt when you fell from heaven?"

"W-what?" I feel the heat pooling in my cheeks.

"Dean, knock it off, we're here to work." the older man behind him smacks him upside his head, and I have to stifle my laughter. He offers a sympathetic smile toward me.

"Did your mother drop you on your head when you were a baby?" I shot back; it was the only thing I could think of, albeit an awful comeback.

"It's okay, just blink if you want me," I stare straight into those green eyes for a solid 10 seconds before turning away.

"Dean, leave the girl alone, how old are you doll?" he asks, turning to me.

"Sixteen," I say, watching as he rolls his eyes at the other two.

"See, are you trying to go to jail, son?" he says, looking at me apologetically "I'm sorry my sons are two walking hormones."

"I didn't even say anything!" the tall one huffs. Green-eyes shrugs and rubs the back of his head.

"Don't even Sam, I heard you when we walked in." Their dad grabs them by the shirts and drags them both to stand in front of me. I couldn't believe my eyes, this man grabbing his two grown sons like they were pre-teens, "Now apologize to…" he looks at my name tag, "… Eliza"

"Sorry, sweetheart, didn't mean to offend you," Green-eyes says insincerely.

"That's fine, it's part of the job, learning to deal with frat boys who love to mess with townies," I smile back curtly.

"What the fu—" green-eyes is clearly trying to contain his anger, but his dad chuckles at the remark, and his brother can hardly control himself.

"Yeah, frat boy, don't mess with the townie," the younger one laughs, pushing his shaggy brown hair away from his face, revealing gleaming hazel eyes flecked with hints of green and blue surrounded by dark full lashes.

"Listen, Eliza," green-eyes looks at my name tag again, "we ain't no frat boys, in fact, we're here becau—"

"All right, Dean, that's enough." His dad gives him a stern look that is clearly a silent conversation. "Since we're off to such a wonderful start, let's start over, yeah?"

I nod politely. These guys are clearly passing through and will be gone in a matter of hours or days, but Joe wants us to make all people, even the ones we'll probably never see again, feel welcome.

"I'm John, you already know Dean," he reaches his hand out towards the tall one, "and this is Sam. We're actually looking into the recent animal-related deaths," he says, producing a Fish and Wildlife Badge. I study it for a moment before handing it back. "We're interviewing some of the local business owners and residents in the area of the attacks. Have you heard or seen anything usual, smelled anything weird, anything that comes to mind?"

"Oh." I look at the three men; here I was being a bitch to the people trying to help. "Um, I just started working here a few days ago, animal attacks?" I look back up to John, who nods. "The only animals around here are coyotes, but even they're pretty rare. I haven't heard anything, but I keep to myself. Joe might know something, he's the owner and knows everything about everyone." I offer a smile.

"Is Joe in today?" John asks. His grey eyes hold so much pain as he looks at me.

"Um… yeah. He may have a few minutes now that we've slowed down. I can see if he can come talk to you?"

"That'd be great, thanks, Eliza."

"Please, Ellie," I say, blushing, covering my nametag, "No one really calls me Eliza."

"Ellie," he repeats, "I'd really like to speak with Joe if it's not a problem."

"Yeah, shit. Let me go get him," I say, walking towards the back. "Hey Jana, I'm gonna go get Joe. Watch the register?"

"I got it," she hollers back.

"Dude! She's 16!" I hear who I assume is Sam whispering loudly.

"Shut up! How was I supposed to know that?!"

"Dean, she's obviously not 18. Stick to girls your own age," John responds. "Sammy—."

I can no longer hear the men as I reach the door to Joe's office. Jana and Dan had both told me that his door usually stayed open, today it was not only closed, but it was locked as well. I knock, waiting for him to answer. He looks a little frazzled when he opens the door, but smiles at me, "Hey, Ellie, what's up?"

"There's a guy from Fish and Wildlife; he's looking into the recent animal attacks? He's asking about strange occurrences or something? I don't know, but I know you pay attention to that kind of stuff, so he wants to talk to you."

"I—shit, yeah, let him know I'll be out in a few minutes," he straightens his shirt and closes the door behind him.

I nod and head back to the front of the building. I watch as the boys and their father seem to be in deep discussion. Turning away when I realize Dean has caught me staring. I gather their food, and as I walk towards their table, I can hear that for some reason, I am the current topic of discussion, specifically, my age.

"Actually, I'll be 17 in a month," I quip, dropping their food, unsure of why I am engaging with this odd group of men.

"Huh?" Dean looks at me curiously.

"Well, for some reason the two of you are overly concerned with my age, I'll be 17 next month."

"Still illegal, Dean," Sam smirks.

"Yeah, but right up your aisle, Sammy," Dean winks at him.

"Boys, stop treating this girl like she's a piece of meat," their father doesn't even look up from his plate.

I can't help myself, I'm usually not this brazen, but something about these outsiders coming in, I have to say it, "Well, here in the Great State of Texas the age of consent is 17, it's not technically illegal," and before I can stop myself I wink at Dean.

"Oh, Ellie, you are killing me here," he says, bringing his hand to his chest. "Unfortunately, I'm gonna have to pass, but Sammy here," Dean grabs Sam by the shoulders, "may be able to help you out."

Sam blushes furiously; it's actually adorable. I can feel the heat coming up in my own cheeks, and know if I stay any longer, they will see it very clearly.

"Joe'll be out in a few minutes," I say, turning to go back to the register. I walk away, adding a little sway in my hips as I know the younger men are watching. "Lemme know if there's anything else I can get you," I shoot another wink, this time in Sam's direction.

"Thanks, Ellie." John's baritone voice carries through the restaurant.

I watch Joe take a seat with the three men, the younger boys listening and observing their father very carefully. I watch John grab something—a fork?— out of his pocket and discreetly place it in front of Joe. Why would he do such a thing? Joe and the men continue to speak for 10 minutes until the dinner rush starts, and Joe excuses himself.

The three men finish their burgers and leave the restaurant; concern etched on their faces as they have a heated conversation.

Throughout the dinner rush, I notice that Sam is stationed outside of the building. It looks as though he's watching somebody. But every time I look up, his position has changed. After it grows dark, I can no longer see him outside; I realize I shouldn't let him occupy my mind. Jana and I work furiously until a few hours later when we finally close.

"First day on your own," Jana says, letting her hair down and hopping onto the counter. "You did good Ellie, only a couple mistakes,"

"Thanks, it's not always gonna be like that, right?" I say, sighing, mimicking her actions with my own hair.

"Nah, I mean, the Friday and Saturdays will be, but unless it's a school break, the nights are not usually too crazy," she reassures me.

"Thank God," I laugh, "what about the customers? Did you see those guys earlier? The ones talking to Joe?" I ask, hoping that she doesn't pick up on the fact that I am blushing at the mention of the men.

"Oh, you mean the green-eyed one who was clearly hitting on you?" She smirks at me, "With the older guy and the really tall guy?"

"Yeah… you have an excellent memory…" I laugh, "he was so cheesy. 'Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?'" I mock him. "I mean, he can't think girls really fall for that? Even the tall one knew it was a bad line." I blushed a little, thinking about them.

"Oh my god, you like him, green-eyes." She gasps, "You wanna jump his bones," she sang mockingly at me, "you love him!"

"Shut up," I threw my apron at her playfully, "I do not want to jump his bones. Besides, I'm jailbait. He's at least 21 or so." Jana raises her eyebrow at me. "He basically told me he couldn't."

"So… you're saying you would if he was younger?" she giggles.

"Jana! No! He's not my type. He's way too cocky—he probably thinks he's God's Gift to Women," I mock him again.

"What about the tall one? He was gorgeous," she offers, "And the dad? He's hot, like I will so call him Daddy. Let him just—."

"That's way too much information, Jana. Anyway, if green-eyes is too old, how on earth is the dad not even more wrong?"

"That's what makes it so hot… like, the wrongness of it…" she says mock fanning herself. "Okay, so clearly, the giant is the one you're gonna have to do. You can just climb on top—" she says, moving her whole body onto the counter, "and take him for a ride."

"Jesus, Jana." I try to suppress my embarrassed laughter. But I blush furiously at the thought of Sam, especially with the image that Jana just planted in my head. I cover my face with my hands as I try to compose myself.

"Oh my god, you are so red!" Jana laughs, "It's the giant! He's the one you lo-ove!"

"I don't even know him! They're just passing through. You know the type, no one actually moves here. Not for real, at least. They'll be gone in a week."

"Ellie, that's why it's perfect. Hook up, get all that pent-up frustration out of your system, and then you'll go your separate ways," she offers. "Wham-bam-thank you-ma'am."

"I'm really not into that one-night stand stuff," I say, "I mean, what's the point?"

"Come on, Ellie, that's the point. Sometimes you just need a release. It's not like you're gonna fall in love with some guy you just met and hook-up with once. I mean, you've hooked up with guys before, right?"

I shrug my shoulders.

"Oh, my God. Ellie, you're not a virgin, are you?" she whispers so that Dan and Joe won't hear. I nod, I didn't have a problem with my own virginity, but other people did. I know I have plenty of time. And with how busy mom and dad keep me, I have no time for boys. "Oh, okay, there's nothing wrong with that."

"I know. Besides, mom and dad don't even like the thought of me dating; they'd make the guy ask for permission. It's not that I would ever have time for it anyway. Either way, it'll happen whenever it happens, and it will probably not be great the first time," I laugh, trying to break the serious look on Jana's face. "I have very low expectations, especially if he's never done anything either. Most boys my age don't know what they're doing anyway."

"Not to be all romantic or whatever, but you know it doesn't have to be like that. Your first time doesn't have to suck. It can be really nice if you get the right person."

"I figure it will either be awesome or okay," I laugh, "hope it's awesome, but it's not that big of a deal."

"Okay, I'm gonna have one more mom moment with you, and then we can leave, okay?" she grows slightly serious, and I nod my head. "Bring condoms." I choke out a laugh. "I'm serious. Don't count on the guy to do it. And don't trust the 'pull-out' method. Dudes always think they can time it right, and half the time…" she makes a gesture I don't quite understand, I look at her confused. "Inside. Or at least not all the way out. And I'm sure getting pregnant isn't a part of your grand plan." She smiles softly. "If you ever need someone to talk about this stuff with, you can come to me, okay?"

"Thank you, if and when the day ever comes, I'll be sure to tell you." She raises her eyebrow. "I swear. Don't count on it being anytime soon, though."

Jana finishes counting the tips, and I count the register. We grab our bags, say goodbye to Dan, who's still closing down, and Joe, who's in the office looking at receipts.

Jana and I live about a block away from each other, and close enough to the restaurant that neither of us bothered driving. Every week it's getting colder, and I know by the first week of December it will be too cold to walk home at night. But until then, Jana and I walk together, her house off of the main road that leads to mine.

"Are you sure you don't want me to walk you all the way home?" Jana asks as we reach her street.

"Don't be ridiculous. Then you'll have to walk back by yourself."

"Yeah, but I'm prepared." She pulls mace and a small knife that's attached to her keychain out. "If someone or something tries to get me, stab stab."

"Jesus, Jana," I laugh out of shock., "No, I'll be fine, how about tomorrow before work I get me one of those and then I'll be prepared as well."

"Fine, but call me when you get home," she jots a number down and waves goodbye, "I'm serious Ellie, call me. If you don't, I will call your parents."

"I will," I yell, turning back to head home.

I feel that I'm being followed. Paranoid, I know. I swear I can hear footsteps behind me, but every time I turn around, there's nothing there. Freaking Jana, this is her fault. I've never had issues walking home at night before, but now I'm hearing things that I probably wouldn't have noticed if she hadn't put "I'm prepared," in my head, now feeling like a taunt. I'm less than 5 minutes away from my house; what could possibly happen?

I hear a growling, something inhuman; it grows louder as I try to will myself to move faster. I turn the corner, and that's when it happens, someone, something, jumps out of nowhere and starts running towards me. I try to run, but my legs won't move, "fuck."

I hear yelling, but I still can't move, the creature is getting closer to me, and I get a good look at it. Claws, it has fucking claws. Its eyes are yellow, and its teeth are huge. If I didn't know any better, I'd say it was a werewolf. But werewolves don't exist. This must be the creature that John was looking for.

'It's some kind of rare species of bear,' I tell myself, 'a bear.'

It's only about a foot away from me; it looks like something out of a horror movie. It's on its hind legs, unnatural noises leave its body, and before I can even move, it's swiping at me. All I can do is close my eyes and pray it doesn't kill me. A loud bang forces my eyes open, I stand there, still unable to move. I look up to see a set of familiar eyes before me, ones I hadn't expected to see ever again. Sam.