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Chapter 157: Show-and-tell
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The True Nature Series Chapter 158: Not a Vampire
"THE ONLY THIING YOU need to know is that I'm not a vampire. And I don't drink blood." She crossed her arms and frowned, but behind her defensive stance I could see that she was hurt by our reaction. I'd never seen the unflappable Phoebe Efoti looking so fragile.Ruthie elbowed past Isaac and out of the car to hug Phoebe. "I believe you," she said. "You could never do that, even if you were a vampire." "Thanks," said Phoebe, squeezing her back. "Anyway, there's no such thing as a vampire like you see in the movies. Just crazy ass akharu. If humans can have a psychopathic serial killer like Hannibal Lecter - and yes, he was based on a real guy - then akharu and usemi can, too."There was a collective "Oh yeah" moment as we all nodded our heads. We couldn't argue with her logic. Killer werewolves and demented vampires could indeed simply be psychotic supernaturals. Every race had the potential for that kind of evil, and there were plenty of human examples throughout history.I pushe
The True Nature Series Chapter 159: Cue the Banjos
WE ALL PILED BACK into our seats with Phoebe sitting in the front again. I noticed Wynona pressed up closely to Luke and frowned. She might have said she wasn't afraid of Phoebe, but she obviously still had doubts. I caught Luke's grin in the rearview mirror as he pulled back on the road. Apparently, he didn't seem to mind the close quarters one bit.On the drive, I continued to bring everyone up to speed, but I left some holes, some big holes. When I told them about Detective Winchester and Donavitch, how they tried to kidnap me, and how I'd been bitten, they were almost as horrified as me whenever I thought about it. "Now that guy was definitely a vampire - fangs, red eyes and everything," I shuddered. "Akharu may not all be vampires but some are," mused Zander. When Phoebe glared at him, he rolled his eyes. "Fine. Some are 'psychopathic akharu serial killers.'" He shrugged. "'Vampires' is just easier to say."Ruthie stiffened beside me. "Some akharu are cursed and some aren't,
The True Nature Series Chapter 160: Ulami's Hope
AS WE PASSED THE sign for Santa's Village, someone's stomach growled. It set off a chain reaction and soon I was clutching my own gut to keep it from joining in. Zander chuckled next to me."Oh, for the love of puppies everywhere," said Ruthie. "Apparently, I'm not the only one starving," said Wynona. Maverick shook his head with exasperation. "We can stop at the summit to grab some food. It's coming up on the right." Luke nodded. "Sounds good."We were passing through the Santa Cruz Mountains on our way to Dr. Frankler's place in San Jose. Calling them "mountains" was generous since the summit height was only about 1800 feet. But they did get snow every year, not that it ever stuck. There was a fruit stand at the point of the mountain that sold all kinds of snacks, drinks, and produce. Luke pulled in and parked right up next to the store. Everyone bailed from the Suburban. I headed toward the piles of fresh fruit but stopped when someone pulled on my arm. It was Zander and
The True Nature Series Chapter 161: Healer, Savior, Destroyer
I REPEATED ZANDER'S EARLIER thought. "So, you think new triangle refers to a new leadership in the form of a new triad." "Yes." He stared at me patiently, his deep blue eyes beckoning me to continue."Okay. Maybe a new triad could represent its people better, as in there will be one from each group on it.""That's what Conrad thinks, too," said Zander, nodding eagerly. "And maybe it refers to a triangle on purpose because a perfect triangle has equal sides. And that could represent equal power."I nodded. Perhaps there was a revolution already in the works. I returned Zander's smile, realizing that I enjoyed puzzling this out together. It felt like we were a team, like he was really interested in hearing my opinion.I looked down at my phone. "What about Water, Earth, Heaven?""We wondered if that could refer to the pure races - sethian, akharu, and usemi.""What do they have to do with water, Earth, or heaven?" I asked. In the back of my head, I thought about what Maverick had
The True Nature Series Chapter 162: Group Therapy
THE GPS TOOK US to a small condominium community tucked into a tree-lined neighborhood at the south end of San Jose. We parked along the sidewalk and filed out of Luke's SUV. I cringed when I thought about how we might appear to strangers. Eight teenagers wandering around looking like they were up to no good; that's what they'd see. And although Luke's leg had healed, his pants were bloody and torn. He caught me staring."Uh, I should probably change," he said, opening up the back of his Suburban.A moment later he returned, wearing a pair of black sweats and tennis shoes. He looked ready to hit the gym. "So, what's the doctor's house number?" asked Zander."B-13," I said with a wry smile.Ruthie heaved an exasperated sigh. Wynona scowled, scooting a little closer to Luke. "That's not foreboding or anything," Luke drawled."My, aren't we superstitious," said Phoebe, giving the southerners a patronizing smirk. I shrugged. "Someone has to live in number 13.""Yeah," muttered Ru
The True Nature Series Chapter 163: The Mark of Cain
DR. FRANKLER GREETED EVERYONE but Maverick by name. She skipped over him and turned to Zander. He was standing next to me holding my hand and when she squinted at him, he tensed. Then her eyes smiled kindly. A wave of gratitude washed over me. So far, Zander's presence had been met with suspicion and outright hatred wherever he popped up."For the record, Zander," she said. "I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt because I believe Tru would know if your intentions aligned with your father's." I gasped. Apparently, she knew who Zander's father was. "I want you to know that I feel like I can trust you, too," she said. Zander blinked rapidly, his lips tightening. Before I could examine him more closely, the doctor moved on pausing in front of Maverick. She tossed me a raised eyebrow.I hurried to introduce them. "This is Maverick. He works for Ira--" "Sans Sebastian," she finished."You know Uncle Ira?" I asked."I do. Our paths cross from time to time."I could almost see t
The True Nature Series Chapter 164: Like Tru
"WELL," DR. FRANKLER SAID when no one spoke up. "Perhaps you'll tell me after I've shared a little more about myself."Ruthie sent me a nervous glance. I reminded myself that I trusted the woman in front of me. I didn't understand why yet, but I did. I sent Ruthie a calm smile.Dr. Frankler sat in the last empty chair, next to the fireplace, her legs crossed. Again, I was struck by how much younger she seemed and looked her over again, trying to discover what had changed. I could have sworn that her hair had streaks of gray, but now it was a full, chestnut brown. Some strands had escaped her quick bun and they hung down her neck in spirals. She was also missing her black-framed glasses, but she seemed to see us clearly without squinting. Her open gaze moved perceptively from one person to the next, finally zeroing in on Wynona."Wynona," she said, her voice smooth as butter. When she continued, I noticed a slight push to her voice. "What brings you and Luke all the way across the co
The True Nature Series Chapter 165: Whack Job
I WONDERED HOW MUCH our "school counselor" knew about the woman who killed my mom, the woman that the Nasaru was searching for. "Do you know where Caroline is now?" I asked. She shook her head sadly. "I know she isn't in Eden anymore; that she escaped. I was happy to hear that. They were not kind to her."I squeezed Zander's hand.Dr. Frankler leaned toward me again. "Look, Tru," she said, speaking as if she and I were the only two in the room. "You are in grave danger. And I can help you if you will let me. I can hide you from the Nasaru." She paused, staring at me expectantly."But I'd have to leave my dad ... and my friends.""Yes." She clasped her hands together in a beseeching manner. "But it's the best way to protect you." She must have seen my answer in my face because she drooped, her whole body sagging with disappointment. "But I guess you won't come with me," she said. "You think you can protect your father and your friends." "Damn straight, she isn't going with yo
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The True Nature Series Chapter 230: The Promise
ZANDER WAS STILL GROGGY, and I helped him lean up against the railing of the general store. I wanted to stay with him, but another problem had cropped up. Polaris was trying to move Dad, and Knox wouldn't let them. No one wanted to risk getting close to his teeth and I feared they might try to drug him or something worse. I sighed and pushed myself up."I'll be right back," I told Zander.I headed across the road and carefully approached the growling Knox. "Hey there, buddy," I said in a soothing voice. "You still have me, remember?" I reached out my hand, letting it hang in the air like Dad had taught me the first time Knox and I had met. Knox's ears flattened, and he whined as he pressed his nose into my fingers. If dogs cried, I'd say Knox was crying now. His eyes looked sticky wet. I ran a hand down his neck, coaxing him off Dad's body and toward me. With a hand on his collar, I eased the two of us several feet away, allowing the others to move Dad. When his limp head dropped t
The True Nature Series Chapter 229: Picking Up the Pieces
BOTH POLARIS AND THE Efotis arrived within minutes of each other. The folks from Polaris had found several locals disabled or dead outside the park, as well as two empty police cars. Someone must have called the authorities about the gunshots or the helicopters. Others had probably been curious enough to investigate the noise themselves. The Nasaru had silenced them before they could see anything. With heavy faces, Polaris began searching the perimeter for more victims and loading up bodies on stretchers to take them away. When the Efotis arrived, Caroline rushed up to me, her eyes wide and desperate. She grabbed me and hugged me like she was never letting go. Despite my reluctance to admit she was my mother, I found her arms comforting. It just felt right. Thaddeus stood as still and straight as a fencepost watching us with soft but wary eyes. I completely understood. My reintroduction to Caroline had been rocky. In fact, it had been like meeting her for the first time, because I'
The True Nature Series Chapter 228: Of One Mind
THADDIE AND I JUMPED away from each other, our eyes wide as saucers. "Shanna!" I breathed out in surprise. But her voice had faded away. "What the heck?" Once again, I'd lost my connection to her."Your eyes turned blue," said Thaddeus with surprise. "Does that happen often? Was that our sister?"I pressed my lips together, frustrated that we'd been so close to talking to her. "Yes, it was Shanna. But she's gone now. Dang it." He opened his mouth to say something else, but I beat him to it. "Wait. Did you just say my eyes turned blue?" "Yes," he answered, looking at me strangely.I thought my eyes had done that before, too, when I'd heard a strange voice. But at the time, I'd convinced myself that it was my imagination. Did this happen every time she talked to me? I held out my hands to Thaddeus, hoping that together we could bring her back. He looked at my outstretched arms with confusion."Just testing a theory," I said. "Take my hands. Maybe we need to be in physical conta
The True Nature Series Chapter 227: Retreat
"THADDIE!" I choked out."You know him?" asked Maverick in surprise.I huffed out a deep breath as we heaved another dead body off his wing."Yes," I said, giving him a watery smile. "He's my brother."Maverick stared at me slack-jawed. After tonight I didn't think anything could surprise him. "You're kidding," he muttered."Yeah, I was going to tell you about him. Turns out, the other sharum guy was my biological father. Is," I corrected, reminding myself that if they took him, he must still be alive."The other guy with Dr. Frankler?""Yeah, I know," I nodded. "Just when you thought it couldn't get any weirder."Maverick grunted an agreement.I examined Thaddie, who still struggled with consciousness. "Let's carry him to a brighter area. It will be easier to help him there."Together, we maneuvered him onto Maverick's back. Amid grunts and gasps, he carried Thaddie to the center of the main street and set him down near Zander, who was still unconscious and oblivious to the
The True Nature Series Chapter 226: The Aftermath
I GAVE MAVERICK A wan smile. "There're gone," I sighed, standing up to move wearily to the next body. Kneeling by the woman from Polaris, I gently closed her eyes. There was no fixing her. The other Polaris soldiers were no better. The rest were Gerard's men. My heart pounded, knowing I'd have to face my dad's body now. I dragged myself to my feet and looked toward Dad. A furry head rested on top of his chest. I ran over to them, wondering how Knox could still be alive, not to mention how he had moved. As I dropped next to them, Knox whined softly. I bent over to press my head against his. "Oh, Knox. You're okay," I wept, running my hands along his fur. Blood matted in several spots, but I couldn't find any injuries. Shaking my head at the miracle, I hugged him. "I know, boy," I crooned. "Dad isn't ... he's not waking up. But you still have me." Knox's tail pounded on the dirt, but he remained pressed against Dad.I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked up to see Maverick. "I'm
The True Nature Series Chapter 225: Just Like Dante
THE CIRCLE OF SOLDIERS tightened around us, drawing my attention away from my disappearing friends. Zander pulled me to his back, spinning us around as we faced their weapons. It quickly became clear that even with our abilities, we wouldn't be able to overpower them. "Tru," Zander said, mind-speaking. "This is going to hurt, but you can heal yourself. Protect your head." "What?" I barely had a chance to gasp before he grabbed me, lifted me up in the air, and threw me over the heads of the soldiers. I cleared them by at least five meters and landed in a dense thicket near the line of trees. Branches jabbed me, cutting my skin and shredding my already ruined dress.I groaned. What the heck did Zander think he was doing? I started to crawl out of the bushes and yelped when I felt a sharp pain in one hand. It felt wrong, like broken wrong. Looking up, I saw a few of the soldiers peel away from the circle around Zander and head toward me. "Run!" Zander yelled in my mind.The path
The True Nature Series Chapter 224: From the Frying Pan ...
I GASPED, RECOGNIZING Gerard's creepy grin. "No! It can't be!"He laughed, throwing back his head and clasping his hands together. "You've done me a favor, my dear. I may have lost my mate." A fleeting look of sorrow crossed his face. "Trust me, you'll pay for that. But now I have an even more powerful aramusatu, one that will link you and me together forever." He laughed again, and then held out his hand. "Join me, Tru. You belong with your family."I gagged and stepped away. Had I only made things worse by killing Gerard? "No!" I yelled. I felt the world caving in as Wynona's words flitted through my mind. She's a soul jumper. At that time, she'd meant Ruthie. But apparently, she wasn't the only one. Somehow, Gerard Hughes's spirit had taken over Peter's body. I had a feeling that I'd just leaped from the frying pan into the fire."What happened to Peter?" Gerard's eyes swirled, shifting to yellow slits. He squeezed them shut and shook his head. When he opened his eyes, they w
The True Nature Series Chapter 223: Backfire
OBVIOUSLY, I WAS A healer. But I was definitely no savior. But what about destroyer?The thought of that destiny had filled me with dread before, but now I wanted it so badly that everything but my enemy faded away. I wished I could channel my healing ability into a weapon. Then it struck me. If I could heal wounds why couldn't I un-heal them? I stared at my hands, wondering if it was possible. A dark feeling swirled inside me, like attempting such a thing was straight up wrong, but as Gerard stepped closer to Ruthie, and as Zander continued to bleed out, I knew I had to do something. With shaking hands, I laid Dad's head on the ground. It was too late for him but I might be able to help the others. A fiery rage whipped up inside of me and my eyes locked onto Gerard. He wore a demented look of his own as he considered the chaos around us. I took off toward him. When I was almost upon him, he saw me and pulled out his gun. I plowed forward anyway and tackled him, sending the weapon f
The True Nature Series Chapter 222: Inconceivable Choice
I YANKED AWAY FROM the guard holding me and ran back to Zander, who gasped, "I'll be fine, Tru. Go to him." I knew he meant my dad and that he'd realized the same thing I had. Ignoring the guns pointed at me, I rushed toward Dad and Knox. Donavitch was grinning at me, clearly enjoying my terror, and Knox was barking out a warning to Mrs. Taylor as she pointed her gun at Dad. "Look out, Dad!" He looked from me to Mrs. Taylor and flinched when he saw the gun pointing at him. "No, Eleria!" yelled Mr. Taylor.Crack!In the blink of an eye, two bodies fell to the ground. At the last second, Mr. Taylor had raced after his wife and thrown his body in front of my dad. They both went down. I fell to the ground next to Dad, frantically searching for his wound. A bright red stain in the center of his blue flannel shirt expanded to the size of my hand within seconds. Had the bullet gone through Mr. Taylor and Dad? Of course! The gun had been loaded with cutters, the Nasaru's usemi-killin
