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Chapter 158: Not a Vampire
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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
The True Nature Series Chapter 166: Hope and Despair
THE JOKES DIDN'T STOP there, and when Maverick and the doctor returned from the kitchen, we were still laughing. The expressions on their faces had us sputtering to a stop, though. There was a long, pregnant pause and then someone tittered, triggering the rest of us. Even Zander grinned."Did we miss something?" asked Maverick, carrying a pitcher and a stack of cups. Once again, he sounded like a schoolteacher. Wynona and Ruthie continued to sputter. Maverick might think we were young and immature, but it had been nice to take a mental break from the life-changing events of today.While Dr. Frankler and Maverick had thrown together a small feast in the kitchen, the candy jokes had evolved into trick-or-treating memories. Halloween was just around the corner and stores were already decked out with ghoulish decorations, costumes, and endless stacks of candy. Ruthie wanted to throw a party and have Isaac scare everyone in his wolf form. That had led to the twins telling us about the tim
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