LIAM HARPER a Vampwolf Series

First Encounter

Weeks flew by quickly, mom found a new job, so once again she was never around. I stood in the shadows of my bedroom window to observe her leave the house after the sun sets as she disappears into the forest. Sometimes I wondered what kind of job she did because she would sometimes be gone for days, but I didn’t dread to ask. I was just so happy to know who and what she really was. Knowing the truth meant the world to me as it helped to define me as I have been going through some s**t that I don't even know how to explain. To be honest, I was actually starting to like it here. The atmosphere was cold and wet just as I liked it. I stood by the window and inhaled breaths of fresh air. I couldn't ask for more, as the feeling was just bliss. To Kristie, it was strange, but the coldness made me feel more alive than ever. As soon as mom disappeared in the darkness, I immediately went outside and lay in the snow as I usually do. It made me feel so good, the ice was like therapy for my soul. I kept this as my little secret as I feared nobody understood, just like Dad didn’t, as he used to accuse me of sneaking out to sleep around, but I didn’t know how to tell him I was in the backyard covered in the snow, trying to satisfy my cravings. I lay in the snow for hours as the longer I stayed, the more days I could have gone without the craving.

Kristie and I started a small college in the neighborhood, called Maynooth. I was blooming with excitement, for the past couple weeks had been a pain in my ass, as the mall was on the other side of town and so were all the other fun things. “Finally, some activity in our pathetic lives!” I screamed with excitement. Kristie just looked at me and smiled. To my surprise, the school looked like s**t and so was everyone that kept staring at us as if they knew something that we didn't. “What the f**k is everyone staring at?!” I boldly whispered to Kristie, as I stared right back harshly. Suddenly, I looked over to my beautiful dizygotic sister who bore no resemblance to me but seemed to carry more of the recessive genes of both our parents. She just looked like her own personal aura. "Ok, I now see what they are staring at!" I said with a smile. “What are they staring at!?” Kristie asked as she nervously checked herself, “It's you dummy, you look like a rock star barbie” I said as if to flatter her. “Noooo way!!, it’s definitely your stunning body and hair they’re looking at” she snapped right back as she always does when she gets a compliment.

I couldn’t understand the reason for her low self-esteem as her long black hair blew gracefully in the wind, her round moon face always seemed so serious as if nervous. Her light gray eyes that she would surround with black eyeliner added fire to her look, her light freckled cheeks and red lipstick added volume to her thin lips. It was just a perfect look. Black or red lipstick was her favorite. Her skin was as pale as snow, maybe what she took from mom, because dad was a big, black hunk of a guy. Her legs were long but slim, with a small but firm butt and small breast that she covered with a long black dress. After all, black is her favorite color. I love my sister, she is my best friend. I can't imagine life without her. She makes me feel brave for both of us. I couldn't help but smile. As we walked hand in hand, people continued to stare. I couldn't be bothered. I actually liked the attention, so I stood tall and smiled hoping someone would be willing to show us around.

"It's weird that no one approached us. In the UK, mates would beg and rush to be our friends." I whispered to Kristie. I had never felt so alienated. I pulled out our little map for directions, as I refused to beg anyone for directions. Kristie helped me navigate our way through until we realized that we had to separate as our classes were in opposite directions. My heart felt heavy as I kissed her with a see you later, for Kristie had a passion for sciences and I just wanted to be a musicologist. I felt frustrated as I tried to figure out the direction on this stupid map! Suddenly, I was embraced by a scent that caused me to make a sudden stop in the hallway! It was like a bizarre urge of danger filled the atmosphere! I felt as though my lungs were locked against my chest! I couldn’t breathe! My heart was pounding as if I was running a marathon! I felt fear! I clenched my fist into a ball as if I was about to fight! When I noticed what were once beautiful cuticles and gel nails looked as though they were growing into claws! Confused about what was happening, I quickly shoved my hands into my jacket pockets! Trying not to seem as though something was wrong, I looked through the crowd at everyone that passed by, as the sense approached stronger! My skin felt as though it was turning ice-cold, my facial expression held so much confusion and anxiety that I stood still in shock, I felt like I was running out of breath. I could see faces looking at me with concern. Then it finally happened.

My large hazel brown eyes suddenly locked into the eyes of a green-eyed monster! As he walked towards me, I held my breath, he was dressed as though he was a professor more than a student. His slim, well-built structure gripped perfectly against his white shirt and gray pants, he just passed me with a smile as he licked his pink lips and flashed his white teeth as the wind blew his blond curly hair which dropped right above his shoulders. His happy face turned into a frown when he noticed the way I looked at him, as if I was about to devour my prey. I quickly spun around to watch him walk away from me until his tall handsome body had disappeared. “What the f**k just happened!” I thought to myself, I quickly fled to the ladies as I panted to catch my breath, I worriedly checked my fingers to see that they were once again cuticles. “What the f**k is happening to me?!” I quietly screamed in tears as I looked into the mirror at my distressed face. "Who the hell was that? Why am I feeling like this?" I cried some more as I tried to gather myself together.

A few minutes into class, the feeling was approaching once again. As the scent was drawing near, I clenched my fist into a ball!, trying to take deep breaths, so I remained calm, it was him again! This time he quickly entered the classroom, grabbed the acoustic guitar and started playing and singing the words to a song that my father used to sing to me when I was very young. His melodious voice was so calm that he caught everyone’s attention. He suddenly stopped and introduced himself. With a deep voice he said, “My name is Liam Harper, and I will be your music instructor for this semester.” I held my breath tighter. I couldn't believe my ears as I held my head in frustration. I didn’t know why I was getting a sick feeling. As soon as the bell rang, I quickly dashed out of the classroom. I just needed to breathe as his energy just did not match mine or something strange about him.

I didn't mention a thing to mom or Kristie, I was unsure of what was happening, and I didn't want to freak them out either. I just stayed in my room, as I kept checking on my cuticles there was a sudden rap on my bedroom door. "Kaylee, are you OK? Mom left about two hours ago, and I was wondering if you needed anything or probably some company?" Kristie's fainted voice asked. Barely opening the door, I poked my face through. “I am OK, just a little tired, I think I am staying in and rest” I said. Kristie disappointed and puzzled by my response, squinted her eyes and asked, “Did something happen today at school?” “Nope, nothing” I quickly responded with a high-pitched voice and shut the door in her face. I know she would be angry with me, but I really needed my space.

The night grew thicker, but I couldn't sleep as anxiety was eating down to my bones. I sat by the window on a small lounge chair that I had situated in a way that I could sit and enjoy the coldness of the wind, tempted to go lie in the snow, to ease my tension. I looked over the quiet neighborhood when I was invaded by the scent again! This time it was mild, as though far away! I slowly rose from my seat and started staring desperately into the darkness, when I noticed it was Liam once again. This time I was really scared as I stood by the window looking right back at him. “What is he doing here?” I thought to myself.