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BEYOND AVERAGE
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SHE•SHIFTER SHIFT
To say I had my ass handed to me would be too simple. Here I lay, spread out on the floor, body sore from head to toe. I wasn’t sure if I was in pain due to our hand in hand combat, or the fact that he had me work every muscle so hard. What I did know was how much I didn’t want to move. The pain would feel worse. He stood over me, arms crossed against his bare cut up chest. His brown eyes fixated on my face as he sneered down at me. I thought I was walking into this fight already a winner. He showed me. Whatever magic he had under his sleeve, he’d better continue to use it. I gave it my all. Every punch and kick felt like I was hitting metal. Bringing out my claws seemed to be the only upper hand I had. He only responded to the pain they could cause. He bled from his bottom lip, arms, and his torso. I didn’t have much blood, but I could feel a few broken bones. “I gave you a run for your money, didn’t I?” Ugh, he’s so smug. “Now, shift, so we can shower.” I smacked my lips. “I’m
SHE•SHIFTER DOLL
God, curse the person who created tall heels, push up bras, and tight fitting clothing. The outfit of choice Lana provided was a sleeveless sequined dress the color of blush. It's tight around my body, practically cutting off my circulation. My arms and legs may have been able to breathe, but it was the fact that the fabric circled around my neck. She had me standing tall in silver heels. “When you walk into a room, you must demand attention,” she says loudly as if she was speaking to a crowd of people. It was just me and a seamstress, poking pins here and there, trying her best not to knick me. When I first entered the room, the woman had my full attention. Out of all the people I had seen roaming the halls of this compound, she looked to be the most interesting. She had lengthy blue and black hair. Her skin was a perfect tone of caramel. She was my height, maybe even my age. She wore black bulky boots, baggy jeans and a white tank top. The wide bridge of her nose is pierced, as wel
SHE•SHIFTER APPEARANCE
Children are ruthless. When I returned to the privacy of my own bedroom, I settled onto my futon, reading the notes that the precious demons left me. Some of the notes shared the same handwriting, and I figured either Lana was putting in some of her own thoughts, or she was writing for those who couldn’t. There were some actually written by children. I could tell by the bad penmanship and lack of grammar or spelling. At first, it was simple things; things I already knew. For example, you should talk louder, you should stand taller. Then they dug deeper. You should do your hair differently. You should wear make-up. You should dress like a princess. Those comments and suggestions still didn’t stand a chance against a few others. You should stop looking at Ms. Lana for help. You looked confused. Then there were some that seemed to be just commentary, or questions. Where are your muscles? You should dress like a superhero.I think you should be taller. You should brush your t
SHE•SHIFTER TEYANA
My morning is a repeat of yesterday. I went running at 5am, expected to do twenty laps in an hour. I didn’t hit that time, but I was close. From there, Will and I wrestled. I got beat to a pulp again, and was forced to shift again. And to no surprise, I still provided myself with the pain to trigger my shift. At least today I had breakfast, but my table manners were tested under Lana’s watchful eyes.Which leads me to now. I am back in the same changing room, with the same people. There are no pins being used this time. The dress fits perfectly and Lana is pleased. “Thank you,” I said to Teyana, realizing Lana didn’t show her appreciation to the woman who put in all the man hours to get the size right. “Anything for you,” Teyana says. Something about her tone throws me off, and I can tell she is unhappy. I was sure it wasn't with me, but with Lana. The woman who barked orders and came across as ungrateful. “Teyana, will you have lunch with me?” I asked. She was taken back by my
SHE•SHIFTER RENDEZVOUS
WILL'S POVWalking around the compound at night was completely different than doing so in the day. During the day, though there weren't many faces to be seen, you knew you weren't alone. You could hear quiet chattering of others throughout the building. Though their words weren't clear, you could still make out that a conversation was happening.At night, the compound is silent. There were so many dark corners in the large rooms. The old paintings hanging up looked like something from horror movies or your worst nightmare.To be frank, I prefer the night.I wasn't as important as sincere or Lana, but it was known that I was the right hand man of both. Before Sincere arrived it was just Lana and I keeping things under control. The people around here seem to think I am part of all of the decisions made, like I have a say. I just follow orders.Currently, my orders were to meet with Lana. This is something that we had done nightly since the arrival of Sincere, our shifter. It was the ti
SHE•SHIFTER PASSIONATE PAIN
ATHENA’S POV If Father Zyte had magic coursing through his veins it would stem from his anger. When he discovered Henry had run off, using the dark of night as his cover, his face turned a deep red. The anger and disappointment he felt seemed to rumble the stone walls of the Zyte family home. In between his cursing words came apologies towards my father and I. He explained that Henry always acted out, always thought of himself only, and refused to grow up. Father Zyte saw him as a child and as a pawn. The more he spoke, the more I realized Henry and I had a few things in common. Our fathers were engrossed with power, and though their wishes to have and keep peace between the magics and the non-magics was real, they were power hungry. They needed the control of the people. And sure, separately, they did well, but combining the families would ensure their permanent positions for years to come.This Union that they were trying to force was more than a way to protect the people, it was
SHE•SHIFTER COMMAND
SINCERES POV “SHIFT!” Will’s voice rings out in my ears. There was no more running or unnecessary exercises. It was all half hour fights and the pain of transforming. That’s all he wanted from me. Everyday was the same.“SHIFT!” It didn’t matter how hard we went in our battle. It didn’t matter how broken he made me, he would still command this of me, still expecting me to be able to do it just because he asked. I told myself if I could beat him in a one on one fight like before, he wouldn’t be able to stand over me, forcing me to shed. Instead I’d stand over him, making him beg me for restraint. There was this block that I couldn’t seem to get past. I’d be ready to lose myself in our training. My anger and frustrations come forward, and I find myself using it to stand against Will. It’s like feeling myself, everything that makes me who I am, slip away. I am prepared to black out and do serious damage to someone I really didn’t want to hurt. I’d always realize this right before it
SHE•SHIFTER OBSERVE
WILLS POV When she demanded that I take her to the basement, I was under the impression she was talking about the wine cellar or hidden movie theater that existed, not the room in which she once referred to as a prison. The white lights brightened up the room. There was a soft stench of bleach filling the air. I remembered the last time we were here. Sincere had shifted, making a mess of burnt dead skin cells and slime. Lana was quick to have someone scrub the space from top to bottom, as if what Sincere did was something infectious. “What are we doing down here?” I asked. I had no problem following her wherever she wanted me to, but I was at a complete loss on what the plan was. She closed the door behind us, and for a moment I had an image of my blood plastering the clean walls, giving the room a splash of color. Though I’d never think that Sincere would hurt me, I may have crossed over a line bringing up Elias. “You are here for observation only,” She started, eyes scanning th
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SHE•SHIFTER SHE SHIFTER
The bullets fly through me. So many at once. At first, they weren’t noticeable. I feel myself falling backwards, arms flailing helplessly. I had planned to catch myself, but the blasts of their weapons were unexpected, and hit me harder than anticipated. Lying on my back, I watch as Athena stays law, trying to crawl her way over to Elias. I feel the warming of my skin and I know immediately the bullets are laced with Inferno. Don’t think about the pain. Get up! I grunt and moan as I find my way back on to my feet. The Zyte soldiers have made their way out onto the lawn, picking and choosing their targets. I keep my eyes on Athena, trying not to lose her and dodge the flying lead as well. Just as I am about to reach down and grab her, I’m thrusted backwards. I land on my feet, catching myself. My eyes lock with Elias. He breathes, heavy, his shoulders and chest rising and falling together. The glowering in his eyes tells me I may be in for trouble. “I got a bone to pick with you,” h
SHE•SHIFTER OPPOSITE SIDES
I ran up the stairs, heart thumping out of control and my mind flooded with negative thoughts and what ifs. Will and Teyana are behind me, and I can make out their panicked breaths as well. The commotion we heard before had quieted down. I pushed myself out of the secret door, into the kitchen. I see people still in their pajamas crowded in the foyer, worried expressions showing on all of their faces. I find the guard in charge of this particular side of the house. Sam. He stands at the door of the main entrance, eyes fixated on movement happening at the gate. I push my way through the crowd, wanting to get a good look myself.“What’s going on?” I asked, at the same time seeing a row of armed men, standing tall and waiting for a command. “The Ma’zhee?” Sam nods their head. I assess the situation. “They blew the gates, there is nothing stopping them from entering.” I can see small grass fires and the iron gate broken over. “What are they doing?” “If I had to guess,” Sam’s voice is lo
SHE•SHIFTER THE FINAL PIECE
I stand directly beneath the shower head, the pitter patter of the water silencing the world. The colder temperature cools me down quickly. My eyes are closed, my head filled with images of Will and I being lost in our kiss, in our feelings. I part my lips to catch my breath, knowing I could live off this memory for a while.Was our relationship always leading up to this? My memories took me for a spin. I remembered when I couldn't trust him, and when he turned into my only friend. I remember when I thought I could hate him, but realized I could love him. I wondered if my feelings were being driven by this supposed heat that Teyana mentioned. Should I bring that up to him, or would that hurt his feelings? "I like to look at you too. You're beautiful." His compliment is searing itself into my brain. Wait, does this mean he likes me? Are we together now? I bring a finger to my lips, touching them as softly as he kissed them. It was such a rush.The memory suddenly begins to alter. A
SHE•SHIFTER DESTRESS
So, this is where the cafeteria is. I stood outside its doors, staring in through the glass trying to get a sense of the people. Everyone seemed very comfortable with each other; talking, laughing and having a good time. The large room was full of the young and old, everyone so lively. This seemed to be more my speed. In our dining room it was always just me, Lana and Will. Most of the time we didn’t engage in conversation; just eating quietly, sitting properly. I have been here for more than two months, and this is the only time I’ve come to the common area. With all the commotion last night, I thought it would be a good time to show my face. Will explained that this part of the compound was for the people. It was like segregating the rich from the poor. I've never been considered a rich person, so this whole thing was odd to me. Here, everyone ate together, lived together… did everything together. It was its own community. When I walked in, everyone went quiet, staring me dow
SHE•SHIFTER A DEAL WITH THE DEAD
SIR HENRYS POV My father found her, floating in the creek where our favorite spot used to be. I wondered how long she’d been there. I wondered if she was waiting for me. I tried to romanticize it in my head, as if that would make it better. I had to come to terms that my precious Clara was gone. Maybe that was why my health took a turn. I felt her leave me in the world alone, and my soul wanted to follow her. Without her, what was my reason for existence? Athena and I are already married. A child, my child, will be born into this world. Would it be enough? ATHENA’S POV He barely said anything these days. Ever since they confirmed the death of Clara it was like he had given up. He wanted to succumb to his mysterious illness. Well, I wouldn’t have it. Clara had him in life, she would not have him in death. I must call upon the dead. I must call upon the Gods. "Invoco eos, qui ante me vixerunt, obscuri vigore pleni! Coniuro missas et misters ter ter. Da mihi
SHE•SHIFTER LOST BLOODLINE
SINCERES POV I felt a sharp pain penetrating the skin of my chest, digging in between the bones of my ribcage. It slides through to my heart, and my eyes open in fury and torment.How do I go from sleeping so soundly, to experiencing a pain like death. A deep throated growl is emitted from my voice box, coming out loud enough to wake the house. I swing my arm against the traitor who snuck into my room in the middle of the night. They fly in the air, through the paper like wall, landing in the hard tub.Light spills into the room, just as I reach out and grab the handle of the sword used against me. “Oh my god!” Teyana yells, ready to fall apart. “That does not look good.” My mind goes blank, and I can feel me slipping away. That dark side of me is coming, and it is enraged. WILLS POVA roar seemingly coming from a beast wakes me from a deep sleep. I heard the panic sounds of the others in the main hall, just as concerned and confused as was. “WILL!” I recognize Teyana’s voice in a
SHE•SHIFTER HIDDEN CHILD
ATHENA’S POV I shared a peck of a kiss with Sir Henry at his bedside. Our fathers clap and our mothers are in awe as we are officially man and wife. Henry’s body appears to be giving up on him yet again, and our fathers refused to call off the wedding. It didn’t matter to me where or how we got married, just as long as we did. At the beginning I was against this, but somehow in the mess of things, I fell for Henry. The child also helped push things in my favor. I looked down at my husband, feeling my cheeks blush. He stares back up at me, and though weak, I can tell he wants to speak. I lean in to him, letting him have my ear. “I love you Clara,” he whispers. My smile is gone. I keep my anger hidden. I step away from him, looking over at our parents. “He asks for his rest,” I lie. They nodded in agreement. “It has been a pretty big day,” his father is overly cheerful for someone who has a dying son. I follow them out of Henry’s chamber, requesting to speak alone with my f
SHE•SHIFTER CONTAIN
I was too late. That was a hard thing to acknowledge. Though I came back as soon as I could, ready to fight everyone for Elias, he was not there. I left the others in Teyana’s hands, wanting her to provide them with showers, clothes, and food. I had plenty of questions for them, but they would have to be asked in the morning. Tonight, I was done.I wanted to be alone and work out the emotions I have. From anger, to sadness, to guilt. I held up in the boxing room, but instead of hitting a punching bag like a normal person would, I released everything into the walls. It did hurt, but I think that was exactly what I wanted to feel. My knuckles cracked, my fingers popped, and I yelled out my pain. “AAAAAAAHHHHH!” I roared. I continued until my hands were bloody, and then I fell down to my knees, letting my tears stream down my face. I feel arms wrap around my upper body, squeezing me. I recognized the scent immediately. I feel his lips at the nape of neck, and he whispers my name. “S
SHE•SHIFTER THE MISSION
I stormed the house. Walking as fast as I could to find Will. Teyana was right behind me. She was not on a warpath like I was, but I felt she was more concerned for Will’s safety. The guard outside the compound said that Will was having tea in his favorite room. Sure enough, there he was, sipping from his mug without a care in the world. He looked up at me when he heard the doors open.“Where have you been?” he asked. Oh no, he was not going to question me. I smacked the ceramic glass out of his hand, letting the hot liquid drop over him. “What the hell?”“Did you know that The Grove had Elias?” His face drains of any color he has and I can see his panic. “God damn it Will!” I want to strangle his neck. I want to physically hurt him! I want to cry. “I didn’t know how to tell you,” he stood up quickly, ready to beg for my forgiveness and explain his decision to keep me in the dark. “I know you’d want to rush in and save him, but we couldn’t do all of that. He’s one person!” “He i
