The eyes narrow, his fist drawing back and slamming into the trunk of the tree. There is a boom, shaking me to my knees, like a tiny earthquake. I look up once more, to see the tree almost in splinters. The red is gone, and so is the ghost that vanished into it. How did he do that in one punch?
The handsome man runs my way, wrapping his firm arms around me concernedly. "Are you okay?" he repeats the question, taking one now gentle finger and stroking some strands of my ruby red hair. I lean against him for a second, dwelling in his warmth and comfort, trying to throw out the endless pain. There is silence, and then the hurt leaves me, only leaving cold memories that stain my heart.
"How did you do that?" I waste no time, grabbing one of his hands, marveling at the lack of cuts and splinters, "you made a little earthquake!"
He laughs, "it's called an Earthquake Punch. It is something werewolves have to train for years and years to attain, and one of the six Talents. Now answer my question."
"Well, I'm not hurt, but..." I squeeze his hand tightly, almost delirious with confusion, "what was that ghost thing?"
His eyes widen, bafflement dancing across his features. "You... saw it?"
"Yeah. It was so scary, with its bright red eyes..." I shudder, causing him to pull me into a hug. I am too tired to care, although stiffening slightly at his movement.
"Everything's okay, Ava," he murmurs as I bury my face into his chest. I need his warmth, the security he offers. For it seems that I won't find survival anywhere else. After a while, he slowly breaks apart, leading me with him back the way we both came.
His form straightens as we walk, I turning away from him in embarrassment. He must think I'm pitiful, always needing to be saved. I used to think of myself as being independent and able to support myself, but this one day has convinced me otherwise.
The ground beneath us crunches, the leaves producing a snap as they crack. Whispers of the past wind, once a terrible gale, still brush our hair and shoulders, dancing along our skin. I now feel cold and almost emotionless, the pain having eliminated all other feelings. And now that the pain is gone, there is nothing.
When we finally reach the garden, four miraculous figures come to meet us, each handsome in their own unique way. Wes stares at me, his gaze of concern. "What happened, Lucas?" he questions the man beside me, drinking in his face of weariness.
"A Shifter," he narrows his eyes, "was on our property." The stunning men all rear back in surprise, pure disgust lacing through their features.
"Here?" Jake erupts, his voice furious. Ray shakes his head, Yi looking at the perfectly manicured lawn near his feet. I breathe a quick sigh of relief; I hadn't exited the grounds. Now Lucas can't get mad at me.
"Why didn't you just stay in the garden?" he turns to me, his expression of anger, "if I hadn't look out of the window and seen that gigantic tree, you would have died!"
Obviously I thought too soon. Lucas can get mad at me for anything.
My eyes narrow, my determination showing through the terror. "What was that white thing?!" I demand, "Tell me now!"
Ray's eyes widen, his expression suddenly of excitement. "Lucas," he begins, "if that girl's a Seer, then we might be able to get ourselves a Spier! Imagine what we would be able to do..."