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This book is in under the copyright act of 1976, no part of this publication maybe reproduce or distributed without the author's permission.

This is a work of fiction. A name, characters, places and incidents are products of the author's imagination or used fictitiously and not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or person, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

            

                Knocking sounded from the door, a body of sleepiness rolled over whispering for whomever to go away. The knock grew louder, impatiently. Jerking off the blankets, the woman grumbled about it being three in the morning. People have no respect for the sleeping.  Stumbling down the last five remaining stairs, she groaned and cussed. Finally reaching the door, she threw it open.

                "You better be dead, dying or on the way to the hospital."

                No one was there, except a bundle of blankets on the ground. Studying the blankets, slight movement came. As her eyes focused, a tiny face came clear before her. The woman was beside herself. At first she just stood, trying to complicating on how someone could leave a small baby at a doorstep. As realization set in that there was actually a baby on the doorstep, she snatches the baby up. Gathering up all the blankets, she quickly bolted in the house.

                "Oh God!" her heart pounded with anticipation and fear.

As she pulled back the blankets from the baby, she found him to be naked and still slightly bloody with a clamp wrapped around the umbilical cord. Astounded, this was a newborn baby, maybe hours old. He looked as peaceful as he slept. Wrapping the baby boy back up, the woman began to get ready. The woman dressed as quickly as she possibly could while the little baby boy was asleep on the bed.  Her mind was set on getting this baby to the hospital. Gathering him back up in her arms, she headed towards the front door.

                Upon opening the door, the woman let out a squeak. On the other side stood an older woman with bags, a couple of boxes and a smile. The woman blinked as she tightened her arms around the baby.

                "Hello my sweet."

                Once again, the woman blinked at the older woman.

                "Bailey don't be rude, move aside so I can come in. Get that boy away from the door before he catches chill."

                "How-how?" she moved back allowing the older woman into come in.

                "Oh child," the woman set down all the boxes and bags. "I am Liz, you are Bailey. As a young woman, you had been attack and torture by a vampire for a fraction of time.  You move around to feel safe. Unfortunately, you will never truly out run a vampire. However–" Liz clapped her hands, "You have been blessed with a wonderful treat!"

                As the older woman took the baby boy from the shocked and confused woman she exclaimed, “Look at him!”  Fussing over the boy kept Bailey in shock. "Rare breed indeed," Liz kept going on about how beautiful he was, while she cleaned and dressed him.  "A fine young man he'll turn out to be!" Going on, she told Bailey how their relationship with be like no other. Without thinking, Bailey made the baby a bottle from the contents of the old woman's bag. She took him from her and sat down to feed him.

                While noise was coming from Liz who was still talking, Bailey stared down at the precious bundle of joy in her arms. He had such an innocent face.  His soft new skin was holding a sweet scent, a fresh newborn baby glow. Bailey could sense that this small baby boy was different. Staring down at the lips that worked the nipple, a peace fell over her. The older woman grabbed her attention for a brief moment when she took a seat beside her. Wrapping an arm around Bailey, she spoke lightly.

                "Precious, isn't he?"

                Bailey nodded.

                "From this moment on, he is your son. Tonight as bestowed a heart of hope in your life. A silent wish granted a magical being to call you mother. Mother's love will keep him grounded until there are no more places to run. I shall call you when that time comes and explain what you need to do."

                Liz bent slightly down to stroke the tiny new fingers, "What is his name?"

                "Langdon," Bailey answered without hesitation.

                "How precious, Langdon Stark welcome to the world." Liz held a smile that only spoke of happiness.

                Bailey stretched down and kissed his small forehead, a tear fell from her eye. This moment was perfect, just perfect.

*Years later*

                "Mom stop!" he laughed.

                Quickly he hurried to get the large box she was trying to carry. Rolling her eyes as he seen that she was stuck between the box and the trailer. Easily lifting it off her, she mumbled something about him being a show off. In return, he gently placed the box back. She quickly pushed it back towards him. Both gave a small pleasant laugh.

                This was them, joking around as they have always have. A mother and son bonding as laughter and love was the main purpose of their life. From the moment the witch left the house, Bailey loved this boy called her son. As a baby, she would set Langdon down; he would fuss until she picked him back up. At times, it was the other way around, fussed until she put him down. She would squeeze a tiny bit before putting him down just to irritate him.

                Within the first three years of his life, she hastily learned that her beautiful son was something to behold. He began to change in his teenage years. First, it was the mood swings, second his body began to ache, and bones would crunch. At times, he felt like they were breaking in half. The pain would last for hours. The hot and cold sweats would hit hard then go away.  All the symptoms stopped when the animal appeared instead of a human boy. Bailey did research to explain what he was. From then on, Langdon has been one with himself and his inter beast.

 Langdon had gathered the rest of the boxes that went to his room then headed up the stairs.  Bailey worked on gathering the label boxes for the living room. A ringing noise came from a closed taped up box. Staring over in the corner, the ringing grew louder. Checking out in the hallway, Langdon was not around. As she walked over, Bailey picked up a box cutter. Slicing the tape on the box, she popped the lid open.  The phone was ringing without a cord or service.          

Hesitantly she answered the phone.

                "H-he-hello?"

                "Awe Bailey, I thought you would never answer the phone. How are you dear?"

                "Hmm, I'm fine." Bailey recognized the voice, just could not place from whom it belonged.

                "Have you finished your move?"

                "Hmm, we are still unpacking."

                "Well good, I just want to welcome you and Langdon home. I do hope you will enjoy the neighborhood. There are wonderful neighbors around you."

The voice on the other end finally hit the right tone, "Liz?"

                The woman laughed, "Right you are little one. Now go finish unpacking." Liz sang, "You're home, welcome-welcome, you're home." Before hanging up she wished Bailey a wonderful day.

                Staring at the phone Bailey whispered, "We're home?"  

                It was not until moments later than she realized what Liz had said. Years ago, she promised that one day she would call and let her know that she will be okay and found where she could no longer run. They were home. There was no more moving around for them.  It was time to get use to the idea that this will be home.

                Her feet carried her upstairs to Langdon's room where he was unpacking his clothes. A memory kept coming to her when Langdon was little. He cried because they were moving again. He had found friends that he really liked playing with. Maybe this time he will find more.

                "Langdon, we're home."

He paused, looked out of the corner of his eye. She had never called a place home before, well not at the beginning of moving in. Turning his head towards her, he raised his eyebrows. She repeated, "We're home." His eyes shot up.

                "Liz called. She had said we're home."

                Langdon knew of the witch. She was the person who helped his mom when his birth parents placed him on the doorstep. Giving her a smile, it had only taken eighteen years of his life to find a home. How did he feel about that? His precious mother has been afraid of the night so long, only to raise a son who changes into an animal. Wonder why this place was different from all the others. Why now?

                He allowed his shoulders to drop as his mother did the same. She had remained at the doorway of his room waiting for a response.  What was they supposed to do now? His eyes shot to the bags in the corner. Just like always, they were packed and waiting for the next move.  Was he to unpack those?

                Bailey blew out a breath, "How about dinner?"

                "Pizza?" Pizza was a normal food choice for a new move. 

                "Nah, there are restaurants close, within walking distance. How about eating out?"

                While nodding his head he spoke, “Sounds good?” Langdon almost felt lost. All this was new to him.

                Bailey let out a breath her mind went back to the night that he was placed on her doorstep. She had been so worried about getting him to the hospital she had not noticed that there was no chill in the air. The calmness in the air took away all the panic that surrounded her that evening. The night did not exist around her when he entered her home that evening, it was just the little baby boy.

                The town was like so many before. Bailey kept patting her side. Inside her jacket were a cross, a small stake, and a powerful flashlight a witch had kindly made for her.  Langdon kept close to her. Over the years people thought it was because of how shy he was. That and to give his mother more protection and comfort. Night scared Bailey to death. Night was when the vampires came out to hunt. Darkness reminded her of the past. She wore the mental and physical scars daily. Those evil disgusting night creatures had tormented her for years.  He had not personally met one, yet from the description she gave him. He never wanted to meet one. However, that does not mean the entire vampire nation is that cruel to the human-race. Just like any other species, some can be cruel while others live a peaceful modest life.

                No matter how hard he tried to imagine a third of what she had went through, Langdon could not fathom the idea. The scars on her body only told so much. Occasionally nightmares would light up the night. Sweats would keep her pacing the floor. Shadows would turn into demons before her eyes. Langdon could only do so much. The most he was able to do is be there for her and take the pain away. Only with her permission, he would place her to sleep. The help of a loving son was lessening pain.

                The High School was like any other school in the United States. Boring white walls, plaster with over expensive paint that was supposed to make you feel better. At least this one did not have unnecessary flat screen televisions up and down the halls. It seems more boring somehow than the others he had been. Some of the teachers stood out in the hallways while others greeted their students from within the classroom. The students lined the halls; talks of catching up about the summer lingered at every other locker or group of students. This school seemed to have more clicks than any other school. Like any other school, they did not lick together.

                Rubbing his forehead, for god stakes he was eighteen years old, a senior in high school. These newfound peers have been together most of their lives. Here he comes along as the new kid during senior year. Who does that? Apparently he does, because it has happened.

                Stepping into a classroom, a couple of girls were giggling. Letting out a deep breath, Langdon took a seat over by the windows towards the middle of the classroom. Rubbing his temples, this day needed to end quickly. He was getting a major headache. With all the lies, lust and excitement it created a cocktail of moods swinging back and forth from real or false reality.  He encountered very few true feeling of love or admiration among the student body.  The kindness needed to be felt more; instead, people were already putting out feelers for torture and revenge. God, he hated school.

                A clear of the throat sounded before him, his eyes flew open. A tall thin woman dressed in a one-piece jumper stood before him. Dropping his hands from his temples, he straightened up.

                She smiled, "I apologized. I see that you look as if you might have a headache."

He nodded. Who was this? He quickly took a glance around the classroom. Students filled it completely. When did this happen? The woman before him must be the teacher. She was not too old, older than they were. Her light brown hair pulled back in a loose ponytail. Her make-up was light, causing her eyes to seem so kind.

                "Are you Langdon Stark?"

                "Hmm, yes. My apology Mrs...?”

                A smile swiped across her face, "It's Ms. actually. Ms. Matthew."

                "I am sorry Ms. Matthew. I do have a killer headache."

                She frowned for a moment, and then her smile grew. "First day can be such a pain. Unfortunately, I need you to pay attention. If you like, I can give you a pass to see the nurse. She'll be in later."

                Langdon returned her smile, "Thank you Ms. Matthew."

A few giggles surrounded around him. He tried to pay attention to Ms. Matthew to the best of his abilities. She was a teacher who actually put feeling into the tone of her voice when she spoke. This made it easier for him to pay attention to her during class. Having the empathetic ability made it hard to focus at times. To be able to feel all the emotions around was maddening. At times, he felt like pulling out his hair. Screaming that teenage women sucked and the men were assholes. The only thing that stopped him was being a teenager himself.

                Unfortunately, he had always felt out of place in the world of growing up. His mom had once said that mythical creatures have the tenancy to mature at a faster rate. Great, not only does he change into an animal, he can feel out a room and those surrounding it. He is out of his age group. Just freakin' peachy!

                Lunch has been so far the best period of the day. Normally he would sit down and eat breakfast. Coming to a new school always bothered him. At times, he was not able to eat because of this. This morning he felt like he was going to get sick with the anticipation of starting another new school. Just when his thoughts began to slip away a couple of trays set down beside him.

                "Hi, I'm Jen and this is Max."

                "Hello," he smiled back at the shorthaired blonde girl. She felt bubbly while the boy was relaxed.

                "You're new here?"

                "Yeap" Langdon took another bite. School food, bottom line is gross. However, it was something. Realizing that he had not introduced himself, he quickly apologized.  "Sorry, I am Langdon.”

                A smile dashed across Jen's face. Max gave a smirk then drove into the tray of food.

                "Where are you from?"

                "No one place particular. We move around a lot. Mom has a wondering spirit."

                "That would be cool," Max finally spoke, "I haven't been out of the state in years."

Langdon frowned a bit. A part of him wished that he had stayed in the same boring town or city. Life would have been so much easier. He would be able to form relationships with friends and maybe have more than a friendly relationship. See the same people around town. How sweet that would have been.

                Studying Jen for a moment, she had blond curls that hung to her chin. Her eye color was that of a dirty brown, in the correct lightning one could see a hint of green. Her thin face matched her small frame body. Her words held a certain enthusiasm to it that made it seem bubbly. Langdon quickly realized that her and Max were an item. A curious part of him wondered how that came about. Max was a laid-back guy, quiet. He did however look at Jen with such admiration it was cute. Max had a very light color of hair, almost looked white with blue and red color tips. Reminded him of the skaters he had seen on the side of the school this morning. 

                Asking where the next class was, Max told him to walk with him. He was heading to the same class. Nodding at least he would somewhat know someone in the next class. When lunch ended, Langdon caught a whiff of an odd scent. It was animalistic, not vampire or was it a shaper shifter? Maybe werewolves? Where was it coming from? Taking a bigger inhale, it was coming from Max! Risking a glance Max too was staring back. A nervousness filled Langdon completely.

                A growl came from the werewolf beside him, "Stop it."

                Langdon stiffened, shuttering, "S-s-stop w-hat?"

                "You're scared. I won't hurt you."

                "Were-"

                "Yeap," Max cut him off before he could finish his sentence. "You?"

                Langdon grew a frown, "Not sure actually."

                Stopping in the hallway, Max pointed, "We're here. There is one more in the class so calm down. If he smells your fear, he might tease you a bit more than normal."

Langdon drew a deep relaxing breath to calm himself. Letting Max go in ahead of him, he smelled the other werewolf soon as his nose hit the doorway. His eyes went directly to his left upon entering. Two seats from the back sat a tall, athletic built wolf. Max pulled him along, had him sit beside him away from the wolf.

                "Advice, don't ever look dominates in the eye. They will think you are challenging them. Don't try to run or they'll find you as prey."

                "Got it," Langdon swallowed. He wondered why he had not found out this information before. It could have saved him some problems. The previous wolf pack in encountered was not so kind. They wanted to teach him a hard lesson in life.  One could say he had his life handed to him, followed by looking for the ass that they had ripped off and shoved up his empty vacant hole after they replaced it with a good lesson in trust. He could handle himself against one but five of them.  There was not a chance in hell with those odds. Going up against the meanest wolves, he has ever known about, now he stays away from wolf packs.

 All through class, a creepy feeling kept coming over his back. As if, someone was watching him. He would take glances at Max who was sitting comfortably as he looked out the window. This was ridiculous; Liz had told Bailey that they were home. More like, they were in werewolf territory. What in the world was that old batty witch thinking?

A voice inside Langdon's mind had told him to calm they cannot risk showing fear. Closing his eyes for a moment, a flash of a creature lounging peacefully crossed his mind. Taking a deep breath, his body calmed. Upon opening them, Max was looking at him a little widened eyed. Studying his face, Langdon wondered if Max realized what he was able to do.

                Before Langdon walked out of the classroom Max jerked, his head for him follow. On the way to their next class, Max asked what he was. Truly, Langdon did not know. All he knew was that he was a wolf like creature. A growl sounded off in a distance, Langdon looked back to a small group of people. Instinctively he felt the urge to run. Max kept his hand on his shoulder, warning him not to run. They are testing the waters. A small growl came from Max causing a laugh from the others.

                "Why are they laughing?"

                "I'm the little one out of the bunch. Not actually dominate but not submissive.”

                Jen raced up from down the hall into the arms of Max.

                "Jen here is my mate. We are from the same pack. You might say we are the oddball couple of the pack. Equality dominate and submissive."

                Langdon nodded, "I have no idea what all that means."

                "Really?" Jen giggled, "What are you?"

                "He doesn't know for sure. A wolf thing."

                Laughing, he believes he said a wolf like creature, not a wolf thing. Jen whispered about asking Nathanial. Max nodded his head in agreement with her.  If anyone would know, he or the Beta's would know. With confusion and curiosity in his eyes, he questioned Max.  Nathanial was their Alpha, the Beta's were just under the Alpha. Swallowing, Max told him not to worry. If any one of them lost control in school, Nathan would kill them all. He is one about peace.

                School was finally out! Walking with Max towards the lockers, Jen was already there waiting. With a smile, he greeted her. She rose quickly on her toes and kissed him. Langdon said bye then walked away towards his locker. Today was one of those worse first days of school he has ever had.

                Once out in the parking lot, someone yelled his name. Yet he just wanted to get out of this place. What in the hell was that witch thinking? No wonder that his mother felt safe there were no vampires around. It was wolves.

                "Langdon wait!" Max ran up, he felt how scared he was. As Jen was approached, Max growled at her to keep her away from them. She froze to the spot she stood on with the same fear and anger in her eyes as Max held. 

                "L-Langdon, I need you to calm down." Max spoke through his clenched teeth.

Staring the other teens in the eyes, clearly Langdon was confused. Speaking as calmly as possible, his fear was getting them worked up. However he is doing what he is doing, he was causing them to go haywire. Langdon closed his eyes, took calming breaths. His beast started to hum for him. This allowed Langdon to calm down faster. Once calm, Langdon whispered he was sorry.

                "Wow that was tense!" Jen came closer to them. "Please do not make Max try to attack me again."

                "I-I didn't mean to,"

                "Okay," Jen kissed Max on the cheek. "Sorry for snapping, that's never happened before."

                "Okay," he answered back.

                Behind them, they heard a few grunts, cheers, and yells. Jen smiled behind her, two girls waved towards her. Max was speaking with Langdon, as the rest of the pack of teens grew closer. They stopped a car and half away from them. Quickly conversations went back and forth between two girls and Jen. Max went to introduce everyone when a group of guys began running their mouths off to the group that joined them. They guy from class stepped forward to where he was nose to nose with another guy. A few heated words rang the air.

Langdon locked his muscles; it was never a good idea to mad a werewolf mad. Somehow, he managed to get the door open to his car. Taking a few steps backwards, he hid behind the car door.  He waited to see what was going to happen. A few shoves then a pouch lit up. The group of werewolves jumps in to contain one of their own. Langdon's eyes widened as he seen two guys holding down the one who threw the pouch. Hair started to form on his face, his eyes was glowing golden brown. Langdon's fear skyrocketed. Jumping in and slamming the car door shut in one motion, he peeled out of the parking lot.

                Arriving home, he bolted straight upstairs to his room. Shut and locked his door. Closed the blinds and curled up to his pillow. Fear lingered over the house.

                'Calm, you need to calm.’ the beast spoke to him.

                "Calm, I can't! They're werewolves!"

                'They did not hurt us.'

                "How can you say that? Remember last time!"

                After that the beast began to hum to help calm down his human. Growing sleepy, Langdon lay down and closed his eyes.

               

                Lifting up his head, he knew that one of the other wolves had told Gregory who had told his father. That was one of the worst parts about being the Alpha's son. Eyes always on you wherever you go. Watching and waiting to report any type of action to the Alpha. No matter how hard you try, eyes are everywhere. The tension that came off the rather large man behind him caused a deadly chill down his spine.

                "Mom says dinner is done."

                Standing up, he showed his neck causing a small reaction of calmness to come over his father. Waiting for his father to move, the Alpha held out his hand. Waving his hand, he told him to walk in front of him. With his shoulders hunched, he walked straight downstairs to the dining room and sat down. His mother gave a comforting smile before greeting the man of the house and pack.

                "Vera, this smells delicious."

                "Thank you."

                Keeping his head down, a chair scrapped across the floor. This let him know that the Alpha had sat down at the dining room table. For a few brief moments, the air was silent. His mother’s voice broke the silent tense air. 

                "Nathanial."

                "I am, Zero eat."

                Zero picked up his fork, mimicking a robot at his father's words and began to eat. Still not straightening up or looking passed his plate. There was a heavy sigh.

                "I'm trying to keep from striking out. So before I begin yelling tell me what happened. For Christ sake’s straighten up. You are the future Alpha; I will not tolerate your head below another."

                Straightening up, Nathan caught the anguish in his son's eyes.

                "I-" Zero cleared his throat, "Everything was going fine. I had myself all under control until after lunch."

                "What happened after lunch?"

                Narrowing his eyes, "Actually I'm not really sure. I was in class, felt Max approach the room. He was with someone else. There was a conversation about me between the two. In walks this guy with Max. What I saw of him, he had darker hair, lean muscle.  Defiantly was not a threat to me by the size of him. The guy was struggling between scared and trying to stay calm. That stirred up my beast. Max told him about looking dominates in the eye, and then class started. A few minutes into class this-hmm-I do not know peace came over me. I noticed Max was looking at this guy as if he was doing it. My beast settled down, he enjoyed whatever this was.

                "After class Max and that guy left together. Down the hall was some of the pack, teasing them a bit. Max kept his hand on the guy. It caused my beast to stir again. He did not like the situation. The rest of the day, I could not keep him calm. Last period I ended up skipping class and running the track."

                Rubbing his chin, Nathan thought for a moment. This was interesting. Telling his son to go on and finish with the story. Zero took a deep breath as he rubbed his head in frustration.

                "We were walking towards Max, Jen and that guy. They were talking. Jen and Max went to introduce him, and then those damn jocks came between us." Zero growled in more frustration. "My beast grew angered quickly; I almost lost complete control over him. Then this fear crept over me, I barely seen that guy barrel out of the parking lot."

                "Hmm, Nathan what's on your mind?"

                "A few things. First, I need more information. What happened after this kid left?"

                "That's the weirdest thing. I felt like I needed to protect him. Like the pack or those damn jocks was standing in my way. They become the enemy." shaking his head, "What's also weird is he smelled like a wolf but different."

                The Alpha leaned back; both could tell his mind was going. Silent moments filled the air. Zero wondered what was going on inside his mind. When he went silent like this, two things could happen. He orders them to find out more information or someone was going to be in serious trouble.  Not all the time, just Zero was waiting on punishment to come his way. More he sat there without speaking the more Zero grew nervous.

Finally, Nathan spoke in a deep tone that caused Zero to jump. A chuckle came in mid word, "I wo-ould like to speak with Max and Jen after school tomorrow." Pointing his finger towards a half full plate, "Eat Zero, you are the future of this pack. My son better take care of him-self.”

                "My punishment?" Zero chocked.

                "You won't be, due to the situation. When I find out more who this kid is, I will be able to explain more. For right now, control your beast. If you begin to lose control of yourself, you have to walk away. Warning, it might be one of the hardest acts to do. However, force yourself. Call your mother or me. Someone will be there to help you."

                Now holding a curious expression, he bounced his eyes between his mother and father. "Hmm, okay."

                "Trust me son, now another important question. Where the hell is Amber?"

                Vera laughed, "It's the first day of school, cheer-leading."

 The Alpha nodded his head as he spoke, “Good to know that our daughter will not be moping around the house.”

                That brought the table to laughter.

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