Lost Tribrid

Chapter 8

Feeling my heart rate accelerate as the beating felt like a loud knocking sound. Certain anyone would be able to hear the frantic noise. I closed my eyes to try and slow the over accelerated organ. To no avail as the more I tried to slow my breathing. The louder I could hear blood pumping in my ears. When thoughts of vampires started to invade my mind. I had to refrain from the snort that tried to escape. Being delirious to believe that I had seen man turn to wolf. Surely, I would be committed it I allowed something even more irrational to cross my starved brain.

Wolves, vampires, hell even witches were a thing of children stories! I really needed to get my composure together. Otherwise, the dwindling dignity I had managed to retain would be lost. Shaking off all the bizarre thoughts consuming me I looked up to take in the surroundings. A gasp escaped my now parted lips as we walk through a small but beautiful town. Holly wasn’t exaggerating when she stated they were small. No wonder many tourists didn’t pass through. Not that I knew the name of their quaint little paradise. That would be the next thing to ask along the lines of what the hell was going on!

The small cottage like buildings had beautiful intricate designs in all the woodwork. Giving all the buildings a far older look than they really could be. If I had to guess none of the buildings were but a couple of years old. Uncertain as to why these town people would build all new structures. Wouldn’t it have been easier to update anything already built? Seeming as nothing looked to be but a few years old, the dirt road through the town was startling. Not realizing there was no point when it turned to stone or concrete as far as my eye could see. Looking up the posts that line the road the streetlights were simple. Not too tall, but they looked to come out of olden times. With their lantern style which at this point baffled me they weren’t fire burning lanterns.

Wistfully transported into a land that shouldn’t exist. Towns didn’t look like this unless you witnessed it in some black and white movie. Stopping as a beautiful wooden sign stood slightly risen from the ground. The words Wilkens Glen etched into the wood, as beautifully as all the structures. Who the hell lives in this town? I have never heard of it before and there is no way a place like this

wouldn’t be crawling with tourists. The clearing of someone’s throat had my mind dragged back to the present.

When I met Holly’s silver eyes, I could see her large smirk. Not sure why she was looking at me like this. I just shook my head and proceeding in the direction we were headed.

“We might be small, but we take pride in our coveted little home.” Holly beams as I pass her.

“I still can’t believe that you don’t get many tourists. It might be small but it’s gorgeous!”

Seeing the gleam in Holly’s eyes made me feel a little self-conscious. I quickly adverted my gaze to the ground. Needing to keep my head level as I go to meet a potential employer. Knowing I should be more hesitant with anyone rather than welcoming Holly with open arms.

Jeremy kept me so secluded from the world, I was never comfortable with anyone looking my way. Let alone having prolonged conversations that didn’t involve working a case. The only time I truly felt as though I were in my own element and that is what I needed to focus on now. Being in my element and using my intelligence to bring myself out of the hell I had been living. Without another word Holly continued to lead me through the town. Thankful we could finish the walk in silence even though I couldn’t keep my curiosity to myself. Looking around at the town, observing all the names on the buildings. Trying to determine how big or maybe even how many residents called this their home.

Watching Holly stop in front of a small building, just a beautiful as the rest. With no surprise I watch Holly stroll casually to the door as she walks right in. Walking up the small pathway. Running my fingers over the writing on the wooden sign that was nestled into the lawn. Scotts attorney at law written largely that it took up the entirety of the sign. I had realized a smile was creeping on my face until the urge to bite into my lip crosses my mind. Letting my hand fall to my side I make the rest of the way to the few steps. Trying to keep the trembling of my body at bay so no one would notice. Clinching my fists at my side, I step through the doorway. The sound of two women’s voices carries into the entrance.

One I have become familiar with as Holly and the other I can only assume to be Beth. Gulping down all the fear hoping to get through this without Beth or anyone seeing me damaged. No one could possibly hire a lawyer if my damaged soul shown through to be put on display for the world to see.

“So, where is she?”

The woman whose voice I didn’t know asked. This must be Beth, the doubt evident in her words.

“Beth, I understand you are doing this favor, but so help me. If you don’t watch your tone, you know I won’t hesitate to call.”

The shiver slid up my spine as hostility laced Holly’s voice. Trepidation at the look I will find when I make my way into what must be their waiting area.

Hesitant in my step I pass through the archway and stop at the two enchanting women. Holly’s appearance no longer seeming odd or out of place with her silver hair and eyes. What surprised me were the depths of blue eyes looking me up and down. Believing this to be Beth I couldn’t help but admire her beauty. Standing on long legs with blonde hair flowing down to her waist. Sporting a stunningly high pair of heels that could stab you in the heart with no effort. Tight pencil skirt hugging her slender frame with a silky button up blouse tucked into the high waisted skirt. The blouse was long sleeve to match the cool temperature in the room.

Thankful for the turtleneck sweater that Holly gave me to wear. Not just to hide the markings that score my skin but due to the chilly weather. Though I was used to brittle cold living in a city that lay against the water. But the cold in this city could have Cleveland weather running back to its mothers breasts to cower.

“It’s nice to meet you, I'm Beth Brown,” The slenderly bony hand thrust in between us.

“It is nice to meet you, Beth. My name is Skylar,” I hesitate because the last name I carry is the last word I want to utter.

“Skylar White, this is one of my dearest friends Bethany Brown. Though she would kill me if I gave you permission to call her Bethany.”

Holly’s laughter mixes with Beth’s as they both lock their gazes back in my direction. Just like mind readers they can tell I don’t understand what they find so amusing.

Abruptly halting in their inside joke, they both clear their throats. With one last side way glance both women return full focus my way. Feeling as though a pair of eyes were roaming my body. Goosebumps pepper my skin as the hairs on my neck raise. Unsure if the feeling is to warn me of immediate danger. Even though the shiver doesn’t seem to be from fear. As my body's heat increases at an alarming rate. Unable to resist from gazing around to find the source of what I am feeling.

“My apologies why don’t we go have a seat in my office,” Beth smiles as she mentions behind the reception desk. “Holly, are you coming into chat, or will you be waiting outside?”

Looking to Holly hoping that she comes into the office. Though I couldn’t dare ask such a thing in front of a potential employer.

“I need to step outside to make a few calls, but if you need me, I will just be right outside the door.”

Holly speaks even though she seems distracted. Staring out toward the front door never passing a look before heading outside.

Beth doesn’t speak she turns to head into her office, and I follow closely behind. Stepping into the large office I’m stunned at the massive space. Bracing my arms around my stomach trying to gather my own warmth. A cold sensation runs through my core, paralyizing as I couldn’t contain my breath. Exhaling my eyes widen when I saw the breath before me that has escaped between my parted lips. The click of the door has me turning to look at the woman but I gasp. Piercing blue eyes pin me to the spot in the middle of her office. Stealing all the air from my lungs, I begin to sway unsteadily on my flats. My chest constricting as I struggle to breath.