Howl - Brieanna Boyce (free novel 24 TXT) 📗

head snapped up as he looked at me in shock and then smirked clearly amused which only ticked me off more. “Alright then,” the smile disappeared and his voice took on a cold, emotionless tone.
“Vampires and werewolves have been existing since the dawn of time itself it was believed that they were first created then the humans. Vampires drank their blood viciously but the humans were a curious species and although they were capable of great cruelty they were also of great kindness so we disguised ourselves as wolves protecting their camps in exchange for food until some supposedly sacrificed the human part of them and became a permanent wolf so that we werewolves could go into hiding.”
“Why would you go into hiding?” I asked puzzled.
”A change for a vampire although painful, only affects the body and causes hunger for blood that can taint some part of their previous selves. The change makes their body freeze, their lungs their hearts and also improves their looks and gives off hormones that attract humans to them. As long as the human is decently healthy the bite of a vampire has a much higher success rate. So we have a harder time fighting because our success rate isn’t as high.”
“Okay, what’s the difference between a vampire change and a werewolf one?”
Kale sighed, “The bite releases something into the blood and bones as well as organs of a human however the virus sort of…waits for your first change. The success rate of a werewolf is much less because everything changes. Bones, limbs, internally, externally, mentally. Remember A werewolf is half human half werewolf and although physically you can go back to being human mentally you will never again be wholly human.”
I frowned confused, “Wait what do you mean?”
“Some part of you will always be half wolf and you will have compulsions like running, attacking, eating raw meat, hunting, challenging others when you are fighting for a place in the pecking order, and mating.”
“Mating?!” I raised my eyebrows, so not only was I going to be half animal but I am a wolf slut? Great.
Kale pursed his lips into a tight line his golden eyes glowing with amusement as he tried desperately not to laugh.
“Listen to me,” I got up pacing “There’s no way I’m losing my virginity as a wolf or at all! I am not mating with anyone!”
Kale burst out in laughter shaking the bed violently his laughter echoing off the walls.
I tried to fight off a smile but his laughter was contagious and I found myself laughing to the point of tears. Okay so maybe my biggest concern right now shouldn’t be my innocence and maybe I shouldn’t be laughing when my life is in jeopardy but I guess that’s just one more way I’m a freak.
Suddenly I heard the front door open downstairs and two sets of footsteps walking upstairs, one was the aggravated footsteps of Adoni and an almost silent set of footsteps accompanied by a good and terrible smell at the same time. Kale’s whole body slid of the bed as he stood up and stepped in front of me, his muscles were all tensed up like a coiled up spring.
“Kale?” I tapped his shoulder and patted his back trying to calm him.
We heard a knock and then I saw Tristan open the door and look between me and Kale with a mix of horror and confusion. His bright blue eyes darted to me.
“Skylar, come here,” he said his voice full of compassion and concern. He had long blonde hair which at the moment was left perfectly disheveled the color of wheat and a perfect and pale complexion that reminded me more than once of the moon. He was significantly taller than me and a slightly muscular build. It wasn’t just his gorgeous blonde hair, or his piercing yet sad and beautiful eyes, or the pure perfection radiating off of him. He was also extremely strong, enduring through a tough childhood and still managed to be the single most kind and goodhearted person I’d ever met. I’d never met anyone who didn’t like him he was kind, caring, and seemingly invincible although I was capable of seeing the cracks in his armor. I had known him throughout her childhood and although we weren’t best friends and did not talk a lot it seemed we didn’t have to because we seemed to understand each other perfectly without talking. I had known him a long time and was unfortunately, in love with him. Crap.
I forgot everything, last night, Kale, my doom, and the fact I’d have to leave home. All I knew was Tristan was holding out his hand for me, and I didn’t even bother trying to hide my excitement I ran over and happily without hesitation seized his hand. I usually didn’t act like this but this was Tristan, he wasn’t some random guy I’d loved him since the first grade and if I died tomorrow (which didn’t seem unlikely) I would die without regret. I loved him that much I’d do anything for him but I doubted he knew and I didn’t want him to. Suddenly I felt a throbbing pain in my hand I looked down and noticed my hand was turning white due to lack of circulation yet Tristan’s seemed fine and there was no sign of effort in squishing my hand.
“Tristan?”
At first he seemed not to notice but slowly reluctantly he let go of my hand, simultaneously staring down Kale who was returning his look of anger and eyes ablaze with the promise of violence.
“What is he doing here?!” Tristan snapped.
“He’s a friend I invited him over.” I answered surprised by Tristan’s behavior. Even if he was upset I’d never seen him show it and especially not take it out on others.
“Yeah I bet he looks real friendly,” Tristan hissed glaring at Kale.
“What’s wrong with you Tristan you have no right to dictate who I do and do not hang out hang around.”
Tristan looked at me clearly irritated “Do you know what he is?! Of course you don’t that’s why you’re with this loser.”
Kale snapped and grabbed my arm ripping me away from Tristan’s side. “Skylar… he’s one of them.”
I looked at Kale confused and frightened “He’s one of what?”
“She knows about vampires and werewolves she knows I am a werewolf. You can cut the shit.” Kale said irritated.
Tristan blinked, “Skylar knows?”
“Yes I know!” I snapped sick of being talked about like I wasn’t in the room “I know about vampires and werewolves I got attacked last night by vampires! That’s why I sent Adoni to your house!”
“You were attacked why didn’t you come?!” Tristan said practically snarling. This was a side of him that I’d never seen before.
“The werewolves showed up and rescued me but at the time I wasn’t sure if they were good or bad so I stayed to distract them so Adoni could run away.”
Tristan growled angrily while Kale pulled me behind his body as if to shield me.
“How do you know about vampires Tristan?” I tried peeking over Kale’s shoulder and with some difficulty saw the dark cloud cross over his expression.
“I am a vampire.”
I blinked and instinct made me shrink away behind Kale in response to the memory of my bloody attack. I felt tears spill over, Vampires had caused me so much pain, and they nearly killed me. Kale killed vampires; I might have to once I turn as well. How could he be one of those creatures that fed on blood? How could I fall in love with a monster? I couldn’t breathe, everything I knew was a lie and it felt like the earth had moved from under me.
Tristan’s voice had restraint sounded almost emotionless but I could hear the undertone of pleading.
“Come with me Skylar. You don’t belong with him.”
“Who do I belong with Tristan?! Who do you suggest I go to?! You lied to me about everything! Have you ever told the truth to me about anything?! Is your name even Tristan?!”
He looked at me trying to hide the emotion in his blue eyes but I could see what was threatening to rise to the surface. “I had to hide what I was….I didn’t want you to react like this…I can handle everyone else being afraid of me but not you too Skylar…please.”
Some part of me wanted to forgive him but I couldn’t forgive him I didn’t even know who he was. “I would’ve accepted you Tristan or whoever you are. You lied to me I trusted you with everything I trusted you with my brother and you lied to me… get out.”
Tristan turned his head to the side as his throat worked I looked him over, I loved him everything about him and it was all a lie and now who was I staring at? Then he quickly and quietly turned to leave faster and quieter than any human could be.
Kale turned and enveloped me into his large arms and for awhile I leaned on his chest crying in shock and trying to think over what had just occurred. It felt oddly comforting and familiar, than an image of mom hugging me played in my head. She could comfort me better than any blanket. I wished she was here, she’d know what to do and even if I couldn’t tell her she could wrap me in her warm embrace.
Chapter 3:
Once I had collected my thoughts I gently pushed him away wiping my tears.
“I don’t want to see you until tonight I’ll get clothes and whatever else I need but I don’t want to see you until then. I want one more day to be human.” I was aware Kale deserved better treatment then I was giving him now however he represented change and right now I had about enough change for the day.
Kale nodded understanding “Take whatever time you need just try and make it to where you were changed by midnight.”
“Fine I can do that.”
Kale patted my head affectionately, “I know you are capable.” He strolled carelessly out of my room and I went to the mirror looking at my reflection. I did look prettier than before that terrible night. My eyes instead of looking so large they were buggy they looked beautiful. The bags under my eyes had gone and my skin was perfect, no blemishes or blots to speak of. However my eyes were red with tears and although I looked better than usual I felt like crap so I grabbed a towel and headed to the shower.
I disrobed and turned on the water then stepped into the shower. The water was practically searing but my flesh wasn’t turning red and the hot temperature didn’t bother me in fact I preferred it because it didn’t allow me to think of much else. I sucked in the steam letting it force the muscles of my body into relaxing, washing my hair and body distracting myself with the task at hand. Then I got out drying myself off and putting on an oversized t-shirt and a pair of sweatpants throwing my hair into a lazy bun. I went into the kitchen and began making dinner Chicken with green beans and scalloped potatoes. I thought only of cooking then when everything was done I cleaned the whole house and set the table.
Adoni walked downstairs nonchalantly then walked into the dining kitchen and sat on a barstool.
“Food smells great Skylar…is something wrong?”
I smiled as best as I could manage which didn’t turn out to be very much “No I’m fine.”
“I heard you fighting with