The Long Call Home

by Harley McCoy

Maddy now lives in Canada. In a town much like Stonybridge. While she makes every effort to lay low, destiny intervenes and the young Wolfblood finds herself on a new adventure. Encountering new Wolfbloods . . . and old ones, Maddy will stumble upon a plan so sinister that it will truly take a pack to save humanity for both species. Human and Wolfblood. This is set after Series 2.

7. Chapter 6

6/30/16

Chapter 6

The championship game was nearly five hours south of Tall Skies. It wasn't as absurd as Maddy had originally thought once Miranda explained that to create a workable conference worth having, enough schools had to participate, and given this was for state champion, this included all willing schools. The weather was noticeably warmer and allowed the girls to play in an outdoor stadium with luscious lime green turf to dig their cleats into. Maddy hopped off the bottom step of the bus and looked around. The tar was spotted with small puddles from the rain earlier that morning. This will make for a muddy game, thought Maddy. Not that it really bothered the Wolfblood to get a little dirty. Maddy exhaled, reminding herself of the promise she made to her parents, Ling, and herself. She would be in full control of her abilities and just be a background player. She tugged on the strap of her equipment bag and sighed. I can do this. I have control over my wolf-half. I do.

-Wolfblood-

Maddy had been conscious of the amount of effort she was putting forth until somewhere in the second half of the game when the score became tied and her team's stamina was starting to wane.

The lacrosse field was set in a freshly built stadium. The school was located in a considerably wealthier area that had no problem celebrating their superior economic status proudly. The benches were lined with a soft cushion material that was covered in type of nylon that allowed it resist the outside environment. The exterior walls of the stadium were lined with caricatures of different students playing a plethora of sports: baseball, hockey, soccer, rugby, softball, women's hockey, tennis, and the list went on and on. Tucked under the one set of bleachers was a snack stand with menu boards and hired cooks – not students or parents. The Lady Moose were outclassed by the Hokestown Hawks by the scenery alone.

Maddy teetered from one foot to the other. A small bead of sweat trickled down the side of her face, tickling her as it continued to travel the curve under her jaw and down her neck. The whistle blew and she spun on her left foot like a ballerina, deftly passing the Hawks' lacrosse player. She intercepted the pass and raced forward back to the middle of the field. They were deep in Moose territory and she needed to refocus the game to the other side of the field. She faked passing the ball to Cheryl who was assisted by her sister in thwarting some opponents from squeezing through toward Maddy. Hearing Veronica call her name, she whipped the orange sphere her way. Veronica grunted as she was the unwilling recipient of an elbow to the ribs. Her face glowed from the sweat mixing with the white glitter she sprinkled on her cheeks. Maddy was surprised the other team wasn't blinded from the reflection of the sun beaming off the decoration. Veronica pushed back and managed to give the ball up to Mercy, who scored the point.

The school roared in excitement. Maddy located her parents at the bottom of the stands, hugging each other. Dan was shaking the metal chain fence in a zealous frenzy. It was first time she had seen her parents so happy since they had been exiled from England. Maddy surveyed the stands; people were jumping up and down and high-fiving each other. Her school was cheering so loudly, the Hokestown Hawk School Band who was trying to lift their school's morale with some upbeat tune couldn't compete. The hair on her arms and back of her neck stood up. All the excitement was overwhelming for the small town English girl. This really means something to them, Maddy thought. Winning the title of State Champions meant bringing home pride and respect to her school – to the seniors like Miranda, leaving high school on a high note. She wanted Miranda to wear that varsity jacket with dignity and remember her senior year fondly. They were going to win this. That was final. Maddy ran back to her squad as Veronica laid out their next play.

-Wolfblood-

Unfortunately, the next three plays didn't pan out like expected and now the Lady Moose were trailing behind by three points. The Hokestown Hawks must have been mind-readers as each play Veronica chose was stomped on by their opponents. Her team's morale was being chipped away with each bump, trip, and slam doled out by the Hawks. Maddy cut off a heavyset redhead, preventing her from catching the pass. The redhead's curly hair bounced uncontrollably as Maddy planted her feet and rammed into young woman with her right shoulder. Beverly scooped up the ball behind them to head down the field. The Wolfblood ignored the commotion happening at the other end of the field. Maddy had her eyes set on the fair-skinned girl sprawled out in front of her. Maddy begun circling the Hawk player as the referee blew his whistle. The Lady Moose had scored a point. Focused on the girl in the brown and white uniform retreating in a crab-walk fashion; Maddy growled warningly at the girl on the ground. The Wolfblood's attention was drawn back as Ms. Dupree called a timeout. The piercing sound of her whistle cut through the stadium and broke the trance Maddy had been in. The game had dwindle to ten minutes, and they still needed two points if they had any chance of working in a win during overtime.

Pushing her way through a wall of elbows, she squeezed into the center of the circle. Catching the tail end of Veronica's orders, Maddy blurted, "That won't work. Let's do the play we tried a few weeks ago." Everyone turned to Maddy and immediately the small murmuring from her teammates desisted. It had been a few weeks – what felt more like a lifetime – since Maddy had challenged their current captain for control. Everyone waited with baited breath for a fight to ensue. Veronica's face soured as Maddy questioned her plan. This wasn't the time for politeness, thought Maddy. They needed leadership, a real Alpha to bring them to victory.

"Are you crazy?! It was a complete waste of time! It didn't work at all," Veronica hissed. She unhinged her arms from the group huddle and stepped forward in a show of dominance.

The Wolfblood's nostrils flared in anger. "It didn't work because you didn't want it to, right?! Your way or the highway," Maddy snapped. Accepting Veronica's challenge, she also stepped closer. "Not today," she said lowly between gritted teeth. By now, it was all but done. Veronica was no longer going to be captain and everyone knew it. Rumors surfaced shortly after the retreat, and had now taken over the school completely, infesting the players' allegiance. To no one's surprise, it was announced a few days earlier at lunch, by the self-appointed "Queen" Veronica, that she was leaving to play for another school somewhere in Vancouver. In spite of this fact, Veronica knew it would look good for her to win them the championship, so to speak. Because outside of Ms. Dupree, all the credit was going to be awarded to the team captain for guiding the Lady Moose to victory. "I'm not going to come this close to winning, just to play it safe and lose!" Maddy further pushed back. With no further room, both girls nearly nose to nose, they looked to their coach for help.

And then . . . a promise was fulfilled.

"I got Maddy's back on this. I think we can do it, if we have the right players," Mercy spoke up, stepping beside Maddy in a subtle but deliberate statement of her own.

Veronica looked like she had been punched in the gut. Her face morphed from a proud smirk and arched eyebrow to one of confusion, her lips turning down and her brows dipping as her friends' loyalties changed in seconds. Veronica began to argue back, but the garbled noises that oozed from her mouth never became coherent words and she soon stopped talking. The physical layout transitioned from a circle to a horseshoe as one girl after another shift behind Maddy.

Understanding the shift in powers, Ms. Dupree nodded and flipped her notebook to a clean page. "Okay, let's do this." She feverishly sketched x's and o's for the girls, swooping lines arcing in different ways on the paper. She reiterated the importance of getting each part just perfect. The Hokestown Hawks were gearing up for a third championship and were not leaving any opportunities for mistakes from the Lady Moose. Maddy could see from the corner of her eye, Veronica blend into the background and exit from their huddle. Somewhere in the background of all the chatter, she could hear the metal gate that led to the stands open and the shuffle of cleats on sponge tar tip-tap into obscurity. Maddy smiled mischievously; her battle for superiority was over and Maddy was the victor.

As the referee blew his whistle and the teams lined up. Maddy gritted her teeth and lifted up on her toes. She knew to execute this plan she needed to sprint to the corner of the field as quickly as possible (without drawing attention to herself). It was a risk to leave her spot vulnerable, but she trusted her teammates. To make this play work, she had to get past the two tallest defenders she had ever come across. They were surprisingly quick on their feet for as lanky and gangly as they appeared. Their blonde hair and vacant stares made Maddy's stomach clench. Their stringy hair and ill-fitting uniforms, so baggy because they lacked the mass to fill them out properly, reminded the Wolfblood of voodoo dolls. She shivered as one of them lopsidedly smiled back, tilting her head to the right just slightly. If she was lucky, her teammates, Beverly and Carrie, would be able to give her the support she needed.

Maddy kicked up some dirt as the referee signaled for the play to commence. She pushed right and then left, clipping the Hawks Center player and forcing her to tumble to the ground. The Left Wing Attacker was in hot pursuit, but not fast enough to intercept the throw. Maddy moved around a brunette that demonstrated a solid effort to slow the Wolfblood, teasingly tapping her shoulder with her stick. However, Maddy had plenty of energy and sped away from the young girl. Maddy soon reached her spot as designated on the notebook and passed the ball to her teammate April. Maddy turned around as the Right Wing brunette finally caught up and blocked her path, preventing her from following April for assistance. April, a petite freshman with purple-tipped hair, was like a leaf, swaying in the breeze as she moved down the field. Moments before being encompassed by the opposing team, she passed it to her cousin, Felicity. Felicity eagerly awaited for the pass, dancing from one foot to the other. She had been eyeing a small opening the goalie overlooked and didn't want to miss her chance. The ball was caught with practiced precision and effortlessly snuck into the bottom pocket of the net. GOAL.

-Wolfblood-

Maddy was the alpha of the team. Returning to the field, Veronica explained she had sought medical attention for a twisted ankle. Rolling down her sock, she showed the team the ace bandage recently applied. It was clear to the team and Ms. Dupree that she was saving face and was feigning the injury, but looking to avoid an issue for the team, Ms. Dupree went along with the charade.

-Wolfblood-

Taking advantage of the other team calling a time-out, the girls gathered around Ms. Dupree. The Wolfblood veered off course toward the large water cooler near the bench. Ignoring Veronica, she scanned the audience, which seemed to have doubled since the game had begun. As the championship game was on its way to concluding, the cheering continued to grow.

Maddy waited for the cup to fill and then brought the cool water to her lips. Sighing in contentment, she watched Ling scurry up to her, concern written all over her face. Ling clutched her notebook to the point it was bending. "So much for keeping it low key," she chastised in a harsh whisper, lightly smacking her with the spiral notebook. Ling adjusted her thick-rimmed glasses as she quickly peered at Veronica to see if she had been heard. She hadn't. Veronica was preoccupied texting and taking selfies.

"The game is almost over and it means so much to so many people that we win. I don't want to let them down. Nothing bad has happened, and I feel fine, " Maddy countered, crumpling up the paper cup and tossing it in the nearby metal waste basket. Maddy felt the salty sting of sweat seeping into her eyes. Hissing, she quickly removed her protective glasses and used the corner of her red and white sleeve to wipe away the perspiration. "Relax," she murmured into her arm as she moved to wipe away the rest of the sweat she felt collecting in her hairline.

Ling gasped and dropped her agenda. She lunged forward and snatched Maddy's protective glasses from her hand. Her parents bought a more expensive brand that had tinted frames as a reward for making such positive strides at school. The red-framed protective glasses looked intimating, which was perfect for a time like this. Ling shoved the eyewear back onto Maddy's face and tried to even them out as they sat crooked on her face. Maddy batted away her friend's shaking hands and fixed them herself to sit comfortably on her nose.

Maddy growled in discontent at Ling's bizarre behavior. "What's wrong – "

"You're eyes," Ling squeaked. Maddy brought her fingers to her glasses. "There a little . . . yellow."

"Smith! Let's go! Ling, stop distracting my star player!" Ms. Dupree hollered at the two girls. Maddy whipped her head in her coach's direction and then back at Ling, understanding she was on the verge of a very bad situation coming together. Contrary to her argument moments ago, she was not as fine as she believed.

Maddy reluctantly trotted onto the field where her team was assembled and waiting for her. The Lady Moose had one more play to make before they tied up the game. Miranda took the lead and passed the ball to Mercy. Maddy skidded to a halt, and surveyed the field, taking notice of all the players and their positions. Her heart raced; she could hear every thud. The game continued on without her; yet, time appeared to have slowed, each second stretching to become minutes. She was watching herself watch the game being played.

Maddy inhaled deeply, almost gasping as if just emerging from an endless depths of the ocean. The players and fans seems to merge and muddle together like paint poured into a spinner. She placed the back of her clammy hands to her forehead and screwed her eyes shut. Somewhere off to her left, she could hear her coach screaming at her to move. Her legs felt like jell-o, she was amazed she was still standing. Transforming never had felt so raw and painful . . . if that was what she was even experiencing. Fear filled her mind as she continued to worry about morphing into a full wolf in front of everyone. She haphazardly wiped the sweat pooling in her hairline and leaking down the sides of her face. Finally, some strength returned to her legs and she entered into the web of girls. Maddy turned on the spot to pursue the other team that claimed the ball and were steam rolling down the field. The Lady Moose Point, Dana, intercepted the lobbed pass and instantly whaled it to Maddy, who anxiously received it. With only one player stopping her, Maddy rushed toward the goal for the point.

Everything slowed again, as if she was the victim of some vicious internet video. She could hear the Hawks' Center player breathing, the sound of her black Addis cleats chewing into the turf, and the small clatter of the stick moving back and forth in her hands. As she approached closer, gauging whether to spin right and left or just move head on, the wolf inside her howled and an image flashed in front of Maddy watching the girl move left.

Maddy's breath hitched and she pushed right and blew past Hokestown Hawk player. She sped up, entering deep into Hawks territory. She was gambling that no one would overturn her pass to April. Maddy shot the ball like a rocket leaving the launch bay and watched April lob the ball to Felicity and . . . Point! The sounds, smells, and sights rushed over Maddy: the crowd cheering, mother nature tittering in the background about the hysteria caused by the event, and the girls racing to congratulate Maddy on her terrific performance.

"That was crazy, girl!" Miranda shouted, slapping her on the back. "You're on fire."

"What?" Maddy replied meekly, supporting herself on her knees. The others were already retreating back to their spots. Two minutes before the game was to end. They just had to score one more point.

"You totally tripped her up. I nearly lost my cool watching her stumble over her own feet. You have mad skills. It's like you can read her mind or something. Come on!" Miranda waved on Maddy to follow. The Wolfblood did so by muscle memory as she was still dazed by what just unfolded. What just happened? she thought.

Everyone was oblivious to the struggle going on within Maddy. She felt . . . alone. The crowd was jumping, hugging, holding signs. The sound of the screams of encouragement were booming. It felt as if it was on top of her like a grey ominous cloud. Emma's beige long scarf billowed in the gentle breeze as she clapped in response to their recently earned point.

'What's going on? I know it's not really this loud! Why do I feel like I'm suffering from double vision?' Maddy walked up to the center line. She grabbed the side of her head. The pounding was only worsening. Maddy listened to the referee call for the girls to prepare, looking over her shoulder she could see Ms. Dupree slapping the clipboard she had clutched in her hands over and over, yelling for the girls to keep it up.

The whistle blew and the girls melded into one mass. Maddy could feel the disorienting fog drape over her, the space around her slowing down. The Hawks' Center player charged at Maddy, her eyes glazed with wild look. A cry was heard from behind the Wolfblood – one of the twins – calling for her to watch out. Maddy's vision snapped back like a rubber band and her eyes widened as she realized the Hawks' player wasn't nearly as close as she thought. Maddy peered over her shoulder, Beverly was still tussling with another player to intercept the anticipated pass from the Lady Moose Cover Point, who was working the ball out of their goal zone. Then came the call, just like before – Beverly telling her to watch out. It was déjà vu. If that really existed. Maddy side stepped out of the way, and saw the Hawks' Center player surge forward toward their Cover Point player, who was protecting their goal. Maddy bolted down the field after her, trying to hamper her attempts to reach Carrie. Soon a penalty was called against the Hawks. One of the Hawks, in a bout of desperation, struck Mercy in the mouth with the hilt of their lacrosse stick. The player was ejected from the game, and Mercy was escorted to the bench to be treated by the sports physician. Mercy sulked off the field and plopped down on the opposite side of the visitor's bench from Veronica. She winked at Maddy before allowing the team medic, a.k.a. their school nurse, take care of her nose bleed.

'How did . . . I heard . . . I heard her call my name. . .' Maddy was beside herself as she recounted the last few moments. The whistle blew again and she was amidst an intense scramble for the ball. The girl that she had knocked down earlier in the game came looking for retribution. Maddy saw the hefty girl drop her stick and reel her right hand back for a punch. Apparently, some of the Hawks players were not above cheating. Maddy narrowed her eyes and felt her wolf-like reflexes kick in. She raised her hand up and blocked the punch. She felt her teeth shift as she growled and rammed her shoulder into the girl. The whistle blew as the referee noticed the girl on the ground writhing in pain.

As as another medic was called onto the field, the officials tried to gather if her injury was due to Maddy or just a part of the game. However, without exposing herself and her teammates as cheaters, the Left Wing Attacker had no alternative but negate Maddy as the culprit.

Less than a minute to go.

With their goal of becoming state champions insight, Ms. Dupree called a time out. The Lady Moose gathered around for one last pep talk. Sadly, most of it Maddy gathered revolved around how hard Ms. Dupree had worked and trained the girls to win. Not the most riveting speech, but at the end, Ms. Dupree nailed it by saying how the girls deserved it as much as their opponents and they could bring it home if they worked together. Maddy curled her lips over her teeth to prevent others from seeing the beginnings of her transformation. Maddy winced in pain as she traced over her canines with her tongue. This part always hurt. The mid-transformation. Her teeth as a wolf were too sharp to be contained in a human mouth, her pointed fangs were digging into the sides of her mouth. The whistle sounded and it was time to return to the field. Less than sixty seconds, she could do this.

Last play.

Maddy recounted the last few minutes and still couldn't wrap her mind around what was happening. The referee drew his whistle to his lips. Miranda, who took Carrie's position in exchange for Carrie back filling Mercy's post, nodded to Maddy. Maddy nodded back, observing the determination in her teammates' eyes as they prepared themselves for one more try.

Miranda and the twins formed a blockade, stopping the Hawks trailing Maddy from passing. April, who was playing the outside of the goal zone, held strong until she was forced to pass the ball early to Maddy. Maddy drove up the right side of the field, with two girls that miraculously broke through the wall created by Miranda, Beverly, and Cheryl. What was once a clear path, became stymied by the Hawks' defending goal player. Maddy focused on the Hawks' Cover Point player running towards her, and ignored the two girls tailing her.

It happened in a flash. The Cover Point Player with the auburn hair, was only a few feet in front of her. Maddy could see the girl pretend to move right and instead moved left. With her well developed muscular arms, the charging Hawks player would lunge forward with her stick in hopes of knocking the lacrosse ball from the cradle of Maddy's stick.

Maddy blinked twice and saw herself coming upon the girl. Just as envisioned, the girl faked right and went to move left. Maddy swerved at the last possible moment, missing the girl by inches. The Wolfblood dove to the right, whipping the ball at the goalie who was also moving left to follow her teammate's example. The small clearing that had been created by the goalie moving was soon filled as the ball whizzed by and into the white nylon net behind her. The whistle was blown instantly by the referee, who wild gesticulated to the other official regarding the goal. With seconds on the clock, the game was over. The Lady Moose were the State Champions. They had finally won.

Maddy looked up at the girl who was standing with her mouth agape. She stared down at Maddy dumbfounded that the Wolfblood so easily maneuvered around her. Even scoring the winning shot while diving in mid-air! Maddy shook her head at the sight, and climbed to her feet. She dusted herself off and chuckled. Maddy felt several people grab her and lift her high into the air. It was her team carrying her to receive the large, intricately detailed trophy. Before she could take possession of the trophy, Ms. Dupree snatched in from the official's hands and held it up in a show of ostentatious celebration. Excitedly the Lady Moose coach guided her team to the center of the field to take pictures for local reporters. As the photographer prepped his camera, Maddy exhaled; her teeth were hers again and she was happy that it had all worked in the end. For once.

-Wolfblood-

It had been a long time since Maddy attended a high school party. It felt surreal to be a normal teen. Maddy wouldn't have been surprised if someone told her that Miranda had invited the entire school the championship celebration. Tucked away in dark corners and lining the narrow hallways, students talked, danced, and partied. Ling even came. Maddy pushed through the crowd on the impromptu dance floor to reach the second story balcony. As she inhaled deeply, taking in the fragrant fresh air, she spotted Ling sitting on one of the outdoor chairs. The sun slowly descended behind the tall trees that lined the property. It was serine, hearing birds call their partners home, and night creatures stretching as they came out to play.

"Hey," she greeted, leaning against the rails. Maddy rubbed her temples and sighed. Parties were nice on TV, but in real life, they quickly became overwhelming. "Downside to enhanced hearing . . . loud music." Ling giggled and hugged herself a little tighter as a breeze snuck by. "I was surprised you came."

"Because I'm a nerd. Thanks." Ling rolled her eyes and then crossed over to her best friend, leaning on the rail and looking out into the dark purple hues spreading over the forest.

"No . . . yes, maybe." Maddy tilted her head to one side, not sure how to dig herself out of this. How could she not be a pro by now? "I just didn't think high school parties were your thing. I'm really only here because I'm part of the team. I would never hear the end of it from Miranda, if I didn't come."

"I heard Ms. Dupree proclaimed you Captain." Ling gave Maddy a sideways glance, straightening her knitted snow white hat to fit better.

"That was supposed to be a secret. At least until the beginning of next season, I guess. Miranda has such a big mouth." Maddy, pulled at her long sleeved black flannel. She pulled up the zipper on her red winter vest with the light grey hood. "Where is Veronica, anyway?"

"She didn't show. Said she was above such juvenile festivities." Ling shook her head in an exaggerated way. In contrast to Maddy, who just threw on some clothes she believed were clean, Ling was overdressed for the party. She wore a cream colored car coat with taupe color leggings that were hidden at the top by a midnight blue knee high dress with a black thick belt. Ling slowly sipped from the can of soda she had been holding in her mitten-covered hands. It grew quiet as the two girls watch the stars twinkle above them. "You almost lost it," Ling murmured.

Maddy cleared her throat. She had to be patient with Ling. She was new to this Wolfblood-thing and this was a heavy secret to be expected to keep. And while Maddy was certain Ling's comment was from a place of concern, she didn't want to think about it. She didn't want to think about how she was able to anticipate the opposing team's plays. Because it scared her. Her mother was diligent to cover all the things to expect as a Wolfblood: heightened hearing, smell, and taste. Not to mention the increased speed, strength, and cunning. Nowhere did she ever mention having clairvoyance. Maddy drummed the wooden balcony railing with her knuckles as she thought of how to respond to Ling's comment.

"I know. I'm not . . . entirely sure where I lost my grasp on the situation. But, that's not what the problem is," Maddy began. "Listen, when I was out there playing, I had this – " she stopped as one of the sliding doors opened behind them. Through the mauve drapes, emerged Robert.

"Hey, I was looking for you. Got you something." He handed her a cup of rose colored liquid. "It's punch, relax." Maddy chuckled, and took a sip. It was good, but she could taste the alcohol laced inside, whether or not Robert could was another story. Maddy wasn't worried in the least, learning from her mother during one of their "Wolfblood talks", alcohol didn't have the same effect as it did with humans. It took an excessive amount or very potent liquor to affect a Wolfblood. "What are you guys talking about?" he asked, sliding his right hand nonchalantly into one the pockets of his white skinny jeans.

"The game," Maddy replied.

"You were great." Robert complimented. "It was kind of awkward to see Ms. Dupree cry, though. Even if they were tears of joy. . . It was still weird." The girls laughed. "You earned that MVP title," Robert added, winking at her.

"She was something," Ling mumbled, resulting in Maddy shooting her a warning look. There was a moment of silence as the three friends just stood around in the darkness. The balcony lights began to glow, illuminating the deck in an orange-yellow hue. "I'll be inside," Ling excused herself, leaving Maddy and Robert alone.

Maddy watched Ling leave and leaned against the railing, propping her elbows on it. Robert joined her but soon grew impatient. He huffed, blowing some of his long bangs out of his eyes. Maddy felt the brewing apprehension exuding from him, and turned to look at him. He flashed a smile and cleared his throat. Tracing a circle into the shrouded glass round table, his finger pushed away the rain drops left over from the evening rain storm. "So, you and Doogan?"

Maddy rolled her eyes. "People are unbelievable. There is nothing going on with Doogan and me. Come on, do you really see me fancying Doogan?"

Robert ran his hand through his hair and sighed exasperatedly. "I don't know, Maddy. You've been distant since the incident at the resort. I swear, I've never seen wild animals come that close to the resort. We have enforced tighter patrol circles as a result. My family and I are really, truly sorry."

Maddy finished her drink and shook her head. "That's crazy. I know it wasn't your fault. It was a freak accident. I've just been overwhelmed with making up missed work, getting in shape to play, and you know – family stuff." It was as truthful as she wanted to be. He was correct, she had distanced herself from him since the attack at the resort. She didn't blame him, but each time she saw him, it brought her back to that day. Him cradling her; comforting her as she fade away into unconsciousness.

Robert glanced down at the wood boards that were so warped and separated a person could see straight down below. "No, I'm sorry. I know that it must be hard." He leaned against the arm of a patio chair. "I, um, I . . . actually want to ask you something," he began, rubbing the back of his head. "See . . ." Robert's words dropped off as Doogan appeared from inside.

"Hey, what's going on?" Doogan asked, peering over the rim of the Styrofoam cup at Robert and Maddy. He loudly gulped the last of his drink, smacking his lips together at the end in satisfaction. There was a stillness in the air that reminded Maddy of the seconds right before a fight between Wolfbloods would occur. Her eyes darted from one young man to the other, feeling like she was on pin and needles for some unknown reason.

No longer content to watch the staring match continue between Doogan and Robert, Maddy finally answered, "We're just talking." Maddy finished the drink and took extra care to double check she sucked down every possible drop. The aroma emanating from drink reminded her of a berry juice her mom used to make back on the farm. It was delicious.

"What'ya talking about?" Doogan slid closer to Maddy, resulting in her taking two steps away from Robert. The taller boy stood with his shoulders back, noticing the uncomfortable look on Maddy's face. Maddy nodded, but continued to create space between she and him. It was clear that Doogan had already sucked down several cups of punch, and wasn't planning on slowing down.

"The game. Why?" Robert's words were curt and meant more than just his plain response.

"Well, it's weird for the captain of the team to be sitting all by herself." Doogan slung his arm around Maddy as if they had been friends since pre-school. Maddy could hear Robert respond to Doogan, but the actual meaning became drowned out by the birds settling into their nests and the raccoons shaking their daytime slumber off. Despite the ominous darkness taking over outside, every subtle color missed by the absence of the sun blossomed in way Maddy had never experienced. It felt as if the fog surrounding her senses had dissipated and she could hear, see, and smell better than before. The pings of water dripping from the broken roof gutter played like a drum solo, and each color was enriched, reaching out to her.

Maddy started to bounce, a surge of excitement flooded her mind. She felt like she could run for miles and miles. She needed a way to let off steam – fast! Maddy refocused on the conversation at hand and realized the hockey player had just proposed going inside to dance. Maddy immediately accepted and quickly moved inside, leaving Robert to brute by himself.

-Wolfblood-

Miranda's brother was a DJ in the US, so old half-working equipment made its way to her uncle's deteriorating cabin when there was no more room in his tiny apartment. The equipment worked well enough for a high school party in the woods. Sometimes the feedback would scream for a second and the track would randomly warble for a moment before finding its pace again, but no one seemed to care. The living room was shaking as people jumped around to the booming of the bass as it resonated through the small home. The furniture was rarely cleaned and smelled of damp, aged cotton. The silver lining to the whole thing, the kitchen still worked; so the few things that were used to prepare party snacks detracted some from the musty smell. Apparently Miranda's uncle did an immense amount of traveling and was rarely home to clean or maintain the property. So, for most of the year, the house stood vacant and neglected. A perfect place for some teens to celebrate a big win.

Maddy was surrounded by wowed onlookers as she demonstrated street dance moves once buried within her. The twins, dressed in matching hoodie-sweat pants combination (as expected), cheered Maddy on from the inner ring of spectators. Ling squeezed in between the impromptu audience and found Maddy upstaging the best known dancer and fellow teammate Felicity. Felicity had been trained in dance from the time she was a toddler. Her ebony hair that was barely contained by her hair tie bounced wildly as she tried to keep in step with Maddy. Both girls were smiling and laughing; a stark contrast to Maddy's experience back in Stonybridge. Unsure if the dance battle ending soon, Ling reached out and stopped Maddy mid-step. The petite Asian girl grew increasingly nervous as the group of people gathered stared at her with disdain. Maddy moved some of her hair from her face and breathed. She was sweating through her flannel shirt and felt gross. "Hey, what's up? You okay?" Ling peered over Maddy's shoulder and murmured something about needing to speak privately. "What?" Maddy couldn't hear her over the music. Ling pursed her lips in frustration. Her eyes roamed the crowd, watching people grow impatient with the drop in excitement and saunter to different parts of the house. Some went back to dancing, while others mingled between rooms and outside on the balcony. Maddy also noticed the group leaving, and looked crestfallen as the spotlight dimmed. She high-fived Felicity, who complimented the Wolfblood on her skills before slinking off to dancing with some young men from school. Seeing the area clear out a little, Ling held on to Maddy's sleeve tightly and tugged her to the front of the house. As they were just about to enter the small foyer area, Ling lost her grip on Wolfblood to Robert. Robert intercepted their path and was guiding Maddy across the entryway to the darkened dining room.

"Hey, I need to seriously talk to you," he began immediately. Maddy coughed hard and noticed small flecks splattered on the back of hand. Before she could better examine them, Robert's repeated calling of her name drew her attention away. Her vision began to flounder and suddenly refused to cooperate. Her pupils dilated and contract frantically as if her auto-focus was on the fritz.

Taking her hands gently in his. He softly spoke, "I heard Doogan was going to ask you out to the winter . . ." Robert trailed off at the sound of someone approaching. Huffing in frustration, he looked to see who had followed them.

"What? Who said that?" Maddy questioned, ignoring the noise as she knew it was Ling groping around in the dark hallway, searching for her and Robert. Robert was a statue, completely focused on the archway that lead to the main hall. Ling soon poked her head in and dropped her hands in a exasperated way.

"Listen Robert, I need to speak with Maddy. It is extremely important . . . to me." Ling said, trying to sound confident.

Robert shook his head, and softly replied, "Sorry, Ling. But Maddy and I are in the middle of something super important as well." Maddy swayed slightly, relieved that Robert's careful grip on her hands was keeping her steady.

"We are?" Maddy croaked, feeling her throat closing. Pulling her hands away, she wiped some sweat from her forehead. From behind the group a deep cackle was heard. It was Doogan.

"Burn!" Doogan hollered, laughing some more. Ling jumped from the interruption and nearly tripped on the area rug that was so filthy with dirt that it nearly blended into the aged mud brown wood floor. In spite of her diminishing condition, Maddy caught Ling and helped right herself. Robert's expression soured as Doogan approached. "Here you go." He handed Maddy a red cup filled with more punch. Maddy exhaled as if just stumbling on an impossible challenge. This was her fourth . . . or perhaps fifth cup.

"No more, man." Robert warned Doogan, turning to Maddy, he requested, "Maddy, give that to me. I think you've had enough, don't you?" Robert accepted the proffered cup and shot Doogan a smug look. Her extreme thirst combined with her desperation to alleviate the painful sandpaper feeling rubbing its way into her throat, resulted in Robert being returned an empty cup. Coming to understand that she had emptied the cup in seconds, Robert pursed his lips at her in disagreement. "Maddy!" Robert seethed as if chastising a child.

"No more of what, dude?" Doogan pushed back. For Robert and Ling, it was clear that the punch was affecting Maddy negatively. Maddy made a face as this batch of punch was more sour compared to the last. She hacked again, feeling congested suddenly. Looking down at her hand, she discovered more droplets as small as the morning dew found on grass. Doogan laughed and began stepping forward to the girls in order to reach Maddy. Robert grimaced and shove the stout man back a few feet, causing him to drop his drink.

They all watched the cup crash to the floor, the liquid inside erupting from its container. However, no one cared as the punch expanded into a small puddle and seeped into the filthy rug. They had more pressing things happening right then. "Nice job, shithead," Doogan snapped.

"Yo! What's goin' on?" Miranda demanded, entering the dimly lit area with her arms crossed over her chest. She was fashioning a red off the shoulder sweater similar to something an aerobics instructor would wear from the 80's. Her vintage top was completed by a long black skirt that clung tightly to her body. "You good girls?" Somehow it didn't feel like a question. Miranda further made her presence as she clumped and clattered with her heavy ankle high boots into the room. Maddy breathed, she felt like she was going to vomit, the vibrant colors that once gleamed before her quickly faded, and she felt like she need to run all over again – but for her life. A storm of fear and panic overcame her and she couldn't escape it. Her breathing picked up and somewhere far way was Ling asking if she was okay.

"I need space," she answered hurriedly, swallowing her anxiety down. Maddy pushed between the boys and passed Miranda. She nearly tripped down the rotted porch steps that led outside. Maddy tried to breath, but it felt as if she was being choked. She scratched at her arms and neck, she was being strangled. Red bumps festered and multiplied with each scratch of her nails.

Ling's uncoordinated steps grew louder with each second as she stomped through the wet snow and frozen dead grass, looking for her best friend. "Hey, you look horrible?"

"Thanks. That makes me feel better." Maddy tried to laugh, but the sudden jumping of her stomach made her want to vomit even more. It was clear to the youngest Smith that things had gone terribly wrong. In the pitch black of night, Ling was hunch over, using her phone to see Maddy better. The Asian girl gasped as she realized how rapidly Maddy's health was worsening. "Ling, I feel – I feel like I just want to tear my skin off and cry. I don't know what's happening," Maddy heaved.

"Oh man, I . . . I know this is bad, but it is only going to get worse." Ling pointed to a girl whose clothes were hand-sewn and slightly ill-fitting. It was the young female Wolfblood from the mountain.

Maddy pushed off the tree she was leaning out, but with her balance out of sorts she fell back against it moments later. "Of course," Maddy coughed, the flecks turning into spots were now understood to be blood. Ling spotted it as well and a small 'eep' noise squeaked out. "So, you finishing what you started?" Maddy asked the Wolfblood, who seemed to take a cautious step forward.

"I am confused by your words." The young female slowly sulked closer to the duo. "I am Davin, daughter of Beta Wolf Merrick, and I am here on orders. Mahkah wants you to follow me to our Den. He requests a meeting with you. This is not optional." Maddy's feet gave way and she slid against the rough tree trunk re-opening the wound on her back.

"This is-is why I was tr-tying to get your-your attention earlier. I dis-discovered her prowling the e-edge of the property, trying to lo-look in a-as a wolf. I fi-figured s-she was on-one of you," Ling stammered. Ling clutched Maddy's arm with a death grip, pulling the Wolfblood closer to her. Maddy started to scratch again at her throat, gasping to breathe.

Davin tilted her head to one side and eased herself to a crouching position in a way of showing no ill will to the two girls. Maddy could feel Ling shaking in paralyzing fear as Davin scooted closer, within arms distance. Everything inside Maddy screamed to get up and move, but her heart was racing and she felt like she was slowly losing control over her mind, let alone her body.

"You smell of Lican's Breath and . . ."Davin sniffed a few times. "Warrior's Sun?" Davin's eyes shot open. "She needs help, now!" she commanded at Ling. Davin reached out and then hesitated. Maddy couldn't determine if Davin was concerned that she might react in a hostile way, or she was going to become contaminated by whatever was running rampant inside Maddy.

"What's going on?" Maddy asked in a harsh whisper. Her throat yielded at every word. Ling looked Maddy up and down, trying to see what Davin was seeing.

"Who gave them to you? Was this a force trial? How did you think to eat these poisons?" Davin had decided to risk infection or retaliation and leaned in to examine Maddy further.

"Poison?" Maddy croaked; tears welled in her eyes as succumbed to the reality of situation. She was dying.

"What do we do?" Ling was on her feet and hovering over Davin, ready to take orders at any moment.

"The plants! You must have eaten some. We told you about the devil hunters." Maddy's eyelids began to further droop as she tried to process everything going on. She had a feeling that Davin wanted to yell at her more, but the dire condition Maddy wading through pressed her to take action sooner rather than later. "We need to feed her holly plant. It is the only thing around that can survive this cold and maybe save her. Stay here. Keep her awake." Ling shifted into a kneeling position and then knelt in front of Maddy. Her senses had become so mangled by the poison that she couldn't make out what Ling was saying, but she was confident if was some type of religious prayer.

Maddy recalled hearing Ling call her name over and over, but things didn't start to turn around until twenty or so minutes later.

-Wolfblood-

Ling placed her hand on Maddy's back as she continued to vomit. Everything she had eaten or drank was purged violently behind some bushes about a mile from the house. "I can't . . . I don't have . . ." Maddy could feel her eyes spill tears in anguish. Her nose was dripping profusely, causing a red ring around her upper lip from constant wiping. Every orifice was working overtime to rid her body of the contagion. The pain from throwing up was unbearable and she just wanted it all to stop.

Ling opened her hand and showed more Holly left. It was on Davin's advice she eat all the holly she gathered to force Maddy to vomit and expel the contaminate. It was the quickest way to rid the poison from her body. Maddy shook her head. From behind came Davin's voice. "Take it on your own or take it by force. I will not have you die on me. You stupid tame." She had just returned from retrieving some other items from her satchel she had brought with her. Davin lingered behind some trees about fifteen-feet away, waiting for Maddy to finish.

Maddy sobbed and then stuffed the remaining holly into her mouth. She munched on it for a few seconds before forcing it down her scorched throat. Almost throwing up just from the rancid taste dripping back down her throat, she waited as the plant went to work.

It felt like hours, but after a few minutes passed, the holly had done its work. Maddy was laying in a small patch of snow, breathing heavily. She scooped up a handful of wet snow and shoved some in her mouth, attempting to rid herself of the sour taste lingering in her mouth. "You are truly unbelievable, I almost understand his reasoning for wanting to meet with you. Almost." Davin shuffled across the small distance between them and pushed a canvas sack into Maddy's hands. With some help from Ling, Maddy sat up to examine it. "This will help soothe some of the burning feeling from vomiting. It is a potion developed by our Elders to help a Wolfblood when they are suffering from great illness or injury. Take this," Davin instructed, tossing a small vile to her. "It will help suppress your human side to allow your wolfen abilities to more quickly repair the damage you did to yourself." Maddy uncorked the canvas sack and took a small whiff. She snorted; her nose scrunched up in disgust. She wanted to turn it over and pour out whatever it was, but she understood the importance of following Davin's directions. She took a swig of the lumpy and thick refreshment and then a sip of the slimy concoction in the vial. "I should be preparing your body for final rites," Davin commented, shaking her head in antipathy. Maddy sighed in mild contentment; not bothered that her clothes were soaked with sweat, fear, and snow. "You are so naive and stubborn. It doesn't make sense to waste the potential on you. But, I am told this is to be. You are it." Maddy savored every full breath. She looked around, trying to gain her bearings. As Davin finished her rant, Maddy looked at the two girls.

Ling helped Maddy to her feet, doing her best to her friend. "What do you mean? How did this happen?" Maddy asked.

"You ate or drank something with Lican's Breath and Warrior's Sun hidden inside. Humans refer to them as Rhododendron and Chamomile." Davin grimaced as she realized she was speaking in the presence of a human, but she continued to explain for Maddy's sake. "When they are mixed together, we call it a Wolfblood's Last Path. A fast death that eats your corrupted spirit. Rhododendron typically kills slowly, but with Chamomile added, it speeds up the effects, leading the Wolfblood to a terribly painful but quick death. It's given to enemy packs as torture and sentencing. Chamomile can be used to energize a Wolfblood and make them bold and ready for battle, but it can also act as a vice. Our ancestors must be watching over you."

"Oh my God, Maddy! Someone tried to kill you!" Ling blurted out, cognizant of the ramifications tonight's events could have had on her best friend if Davin hadn't arrived.

"It was probably the devil hunters you insist on living with," Davin sneered, pacing in a small circle.

"Who – what are the devil – " Ling began questioning before being cut off by blaring alarms. Sirens cut through the forest they had been hiding in; red and blue lights probing the forest for panicking teenagers. "Go!" Maddy shouted at Davin, pointing back into the depths of the forest. Maddy knew someone would be coming to look for them soon. Either friends or the police.

"The meeting?" Davin reminded her.

"Forget the meeting. You need to go. I . . . I will meet with him later. If I leave, the others will know I left. They will coming looking for me. Plus, I'm in no condition to go anywhere." Davin hesitated for few more minutes and then disappeared into some brush. As Davin's figure became one with the forest background, Maddy hobbled with Ling's help to the nearest roadside. Maddy saw a truck pull up shortly after, its headlights preventing her from seeing the driver.

"Let's go!" Miranda called from the old pickup truck. The bottom was corroding and the chrome bumper was more a tarnished grey than a metallic silver. The rusted Chevy pickup noisily came to a stop and grumbled impatiently as Ling and Maddy procrastinated with their decision to hop in. Weighing their options, the two girls came to the conclusion they hadn't much of choice. Robert had been their ride to the party and was nowhere to be found. Maddy hustled up the embankment to Miranda's pickup. Ling was behind her, helping push Maddy up the small hill. Maddy pulled the herself inside the passenger side when Ling ran to the driver's side and opened the door forcefully. "What are you doing?" Miranda hollered. Ling didn't answer, just shoved Miranda further inside the vehicle. "Hey, you can't drive!" She retorted; nonetheless, she begrudgingly settled into the hump seat and glared at the Asian girl.

"Actually, you can't drive. I can. I'm seventeen, so I can technically drive." Ling struggled to pull the seat belt over her, fighting with the leather strap to cooperate. "Seriously, did this ever get inspected?" Miranda shrugged her shoulders and crossed her arms over her shoulders with a 'hrmpf'. Ling soon conceded to the idea of having to drive without the seatbelt fastened, and began her pre-driving regiment.

"I didn't know you were seventeen?" Maddy piped up.

"In Asia, babies are considered a year old when they are born, so while I may only be a junior, I am actually seventeen."

Maddy wanted to know more, like how she wasn't told this sooner, or why Ling walked to school instead of driving. What else was she hiding? Yet, at that moment, as she heard the faint sounds of classmates screaming in a mass scramble to escape the invading police officers, she didn't care who Ling was, she just wanted to get out of there.

"This is my baby, you better know what you're doing," Miranda threatened. Seeing the sullen, dark circles encompassing Maddy's eyes, she asked, "You okay?"

"Yes, and just let her drive. She's the only sober one of us and I've had enough excitement for one night." Maddy yanked Miranda closer to her to allow Ling more room. Ling scooted the seat closer, and checked the mirrors, tilting them just the slightest. Ling grunted in frustration as the rearview mirror elected not to move willingly. Seeing her continue to fiddle with it, Maddy snapped, "Ling, move! They won't be far behind."

Miranda spent most of the ride griping about her not being trusted to drive. When she finally tired of that subject matter, she began inquiring about their little adventure into the wilderness. The girls fumbled through a made-up story; finally resulting in Miranda changing the subject. For the remaining twenty minutes of the ride, she complained to Maddy and Ling of how uncool it was for someone to call the cops. No one had been in any danger – well, except for Maddy. The Wolfblood let the comment slide as Ling and her exchanged weary looks; each anxiously waiting for the car trip to be finished.

-Wolfblood-

Maddy yawned as she stretched her hands over her head. She was exhausted in spite of the fact it was early afternoon and she had slept for almost ten hours. Ling had persuaded Miranda that it was safer for Maddy to walk the mile and half from Miranda's house to hers and stay the night. Miranda was worn out after everything that had transpired at her uncle's forsaken cabin and forfeited the argument for Maddy to stay. Ling guided Maddy into the private development where she lived; careful to avoid the sweeping patrol cars and well lit areas.

The sun was out, for once. The tired Wolfblood watched small dotted shadows scurry across the betroom floor as a flock of geese flew overhead. Maddy raised herself up onto her elbows and looked about. It was still – not just quiet – but still. Maddy sniffed the air, nothing out of the ordinary from when she was last been at Ling's. She pushed herself into a full sitting position and surveyed the room. The bed beside her was neatly made and the room looked untouched. 'Where's Ling? Oh man! I hope she's not in trouble with her parents!' Maddy jumped into a crouched position as if about to hunt for food. Just as she was about to spring into action and search for her friend, Ling gently pushed the door open with her foot and entered the bedroom. She was balancing two plates of eggs and toast in one hand, and carefully pinching the handles of two hot cups of coffee in the other hand. Maddy took one of the plates and mugs and followed the Asian girl back to the sleeping bag on the floor. They leaned against her bed, facing the bay window and ate in silence.

"Where's your parents?" Maddy started, stuffing the remaining piece of toast in her mouth. She was noticeably sloppier with eating compared to her friend. She removed the butter residue off the corners of her mouth with the pad of her thumb and waited for Ling to respond.

The Asian girl sipped on her coffee then gently laid the used napkin on the dirty plate in front of her. "My father is sleeping, having completed his 3rd shift rotation. He won't wake for another two hours or so. My mother is the keynote speaker at a neurology technical advances conference in Quebec. She won't be home for another few days. You're safe . . . at least from my parents."

Maddy shrank a little at Ling's comment. She adjusted her stained, well-worn clothes from last night, running the previous night's events through her head. She understand the subject at which Ling was not-so-subtly alluding to. Someone had gone to great lengths to kill her and disguise it to look like alcohol poisoning. "I know," Maddy responded solemnly. It all felt like a horrible nightmare to the Wolfblood.

Maddy had encountered people wanting to kill her because they thought she was a malicious wolf or experiment on her when they discovered she wasn't human, but . . . she had never encountered someone who had just wanted to outright kill her for being her.

"Maddy," Ling began, cradling the steaming mug in her hands for warmth, "I was thinking about what happened last night more. . ." she paused as if saying whatever was to come next would make it all the more true, "Doogan spiked the drinks, right?" A little piece of information they stumbled upon during one of Miranda's rants. It was apparently common knowledge for Doogan to spike the drinks. He was notorious for doing so at any party he attended.

"You think Doogan wants me dead?" Maddy couldn't hold back the skeptical chuckle that fell out. "He goes from hitting on me almost on a daily basis to wanting to kill me. Seems a little farfetched, don't you think?"

"No, but . . . but then if it wasn't Doogan, then . . . it had to be . . . Robert . . . right? He gave you the drink," Ling's voice hitched as she laid out her thought process to Maddy. Robert had provided the first drink to Maddy, but he didn't give her all of them, so it left room for it not to be him. Some of the drinks he poured on her own, and she certainly didn't poison herself!

Maddy shared these points with Ling, but it still didn't erase or lessen the truth. Someone had tried to kill her. And worse, the culprit knew all about her and she knew nothing about them . . . other than this person went to her school.

"I'm scared," Ling confessed, placing her empty cup on top of her plate. She wrapped her arms around herself, rubbing the sides of her arms as the thought of murder made her shiver in fear.

Maddy nodded quietly, looking out the window as more geese flew by. "Me too."

-End Chapter 6

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