Chapter One

“It’s twice the size of your old room!”

My mom said, gently squeezing my shoulders. 

“Yeah, it’s great. I love it”  I replied with a half smile. 

I know she was trying really hard to make this the easiest transition for me. Moving into a new town was not how I envisioned my senior year, but I doubt my mom saw herself losing her job either. I know she felt really bad about forcing us to move in with my aunt till my mom could find another job, but we were left with no choice. 

She had originally agreed with me staying with my best friend till graduation, but her dad's dick somehow ended up in the babysitter.  And well... that was no longer option 

“I’m going to see what Sabine has planned for dinner.” 

I nodded at my mom and threw my duffle bag at the end of the bed, taking in the rest of the room. 

There was a small desk under the window that looked out into the woods. And a small nightstand next to my bed. I was grateful Sabine had gone out of her way to buy things for us. 

We really didn’t talk to my dad's side of the family much after he passed away, but somehow she had heard what happened and offered to take us in.

Since we really couldn’t afford to rent a truck, we stuffed as much as we could into my mom's truck and left everything else. 

I put the few shirts, hoodies and  jeans I had brought in the closet. Throwing my shoes onto the floor, I shoved the empty duffle bag under my bed. 

After a small debate in my head, I decided to take a walk outside instead of laying down. Sabine and my mom were in the kitchen; whatever they were making smelled really good. 

“How long till dinner? Is it ok if I walk around a bit ?”

Sabine looked over at me, her dark green eyes sending a small chill down my spine. Something about her chilled me to my core but at the same time I felt at home. 

“It will be ready by the time you come back. The town is a few miles down the road, the opposite way you drove up from. Don’t go into the woods” 

“Why?” The word came out of my mouth without even thinking about it. 

Her eyes squinted a bit before her face relaxed. 

“Werewolves. Vampires. Take your pick.” 

I rolled my eyes and walked out the door. For a moment I thought about going into the woods, not taking Sabine seriously of course. But the setting sun did make me slightly uncomfortable. 

I turned the road and decided to see what the small town center had. 

I passed one or two houses on my way. It seemed like everyone really enjoyed their privacy. 

The town center was something I swore I'd seen in a hallmark movie. Shops lined up the street on both sides, the pathway lit up with gorgeous post-lamps. I walked past the shops trying to look into the window discreetly, it seemed the majority of them were closing down for the night. There was a small diner near the end of the street that was full of people. It was surprising considering all the other shops were all empty besides the owners, but almost every seat in the diner was full. 

I watched for a minute as a tall skinny blonde bounced from table to table with a huge grin on her face, she made it look effortless. I’m pretty sure if I tried to be a waitress, not only would I fall on my feet I can guarantee I would mess up an order. Multi-tasking really wasn't my strong suit unless it involved a ball at my feet and a team on the field guiding me.

“She has a boyfriend, so I wouldn’t try anything funny” 

I jumped at the deep voice that came from the side. 

“ - I was .. No I was - wait what” I stuttered as I took in the man leaning against the wall.  His dark hair sat in curls, slighting covering his face. He was pretty tall, and had to be over 6ft. Built like a linebacker, but there was a gracefulness to him. His jawline was something I only saw on models. And his lips curled up into a pretty half smile.  He put his hands up defensively, letting out a small chuckle. 

“Hey I mean Meghan is pretty beautiful. No matter what way you swing, she's taken. “

My mouth fell open as I realized he thought I was staring at her because I was attracted to her. 

“No I like boys” I felt my face burn as soon as the words escaped my mouth. I wanted to die right then and there. 

His eyebrow raised, and I could see a playfulness in his dark brown eyes. 

“Good to know. Were you planning on watching all day or you coming inside?”

He reached for the door handle to the diner and I realized I had been standing out here for a while. 

I shook my head lightly

“No, I should really be getting back. I was just looking around.” 

He gave me another half smile before walking into the diner.  Everyone in there briefly looked up at him before continuing their conversations or their food. 

I let out the breath I didn’t realize I was holding and walked back to Sabine’s house. 

They had already eaten and packed away dinner by the time I got there, but Sabine was still on her back porch, fidgeting with something in her hands. 

I quietly made myself a bowl of pasta and tried to sneak upstairs, but her voice stopped me as she walked back into the kitchen. 

“I made something for you.” 

I looked at the small necklace in her hands, it had a dainty silver chain that held a round pendant with a light purple stone. 

“I’m not really a big fan of jewelry but thank you”

Her eyebrow furrowed a bit but she still reached out to made it to me 

“You really could wear it Hayley, it keeps your mind clear from unwanted intrusions”

I took the small necklace  from her, trying to hide my grimace. I knew my aunt was a bit ‘out there’ with her lifestyle but I really didn’t believe in the whole holistic natural organic whatever she was into. 

“I’m not joking. Wear it please.” I felt a slight panic in her voice that made me a bit uneasy. 

“Ok I will I promise” 

She smiled, touching my cheek gently. 

“Have a good day at school tomorrow.”