Changing Fate

ch.9

I dozed off in the little diner while the others finished their meals. Warm hands rubbed my back, but I was too comfortable to move. Then, someone lifted me onto their back, and I snuggled into their soft flannel shirt as the scent of roasting pine filled my nostrils. I fell into a deep sleep and had a wonderful dream where I graduated from high school with full honors and was focused on my career instead of finding a mate. My sole purpose from ages 18 to 22 was to earn my college degree and travel the world, without being tied down to someone who constantly needed my attention. Although I wanted to find love eventually, it could wait until I was in my 30s and had already experienced the world.

The shutting of car doors awoke me from my slumber. I sat up and looked around, Atlas and Asher were both already out of Farrah’s SUV. I stumbled out of the car walking around to the trunk to receive the groceries. “You need any help taking them up?” Atlas asked quietly. I nod sleepily. He reaches and takes all the groceries but one small bag and heads up to the house. I follow right behind him. Like his little shadow. Asher, Farrah, and Oliver all hung back to get the birthday decorations out without me for the ‘surprise’ effect later.

For some reason, I am drawn to Atlas like a damn moth to light at night. We get to my door, and I fumble with my room keys to grant us access to my little abode. I step to the side to allow Atlas in first, to unload the heavy load of groceries he has walked up the stairs to my room. I shut the door behind me and removed my shoes before stepping into my room. I am still very tired after lunch; I feel like I’ve been drugged. I head into my bathroom and start running hot water for my bath. I strip down and climb into my hot peppermint bubble bath. I lean my head back and close my eyes. Everything is calming and soothing. No care in the world could bring me back from this relaxation.

As I lay down to relax, I couldn't help but notice a constant thumping sound that echoed through the walls. It sounded like someone was beating on drums, and the noise only seemed to get louder as time passed. I tried to ignore it at first, but the more I focused on trying to suppress the sound, the more it seemed to consume my thoughts. I longed for complete and utter silence, and these drums were not helping. It was frustrating as if someone was intentionally trying to disturb me.

As the minutes ticked by, the drums slowly began to fade away, and I finally felt a sense of relief wash over me. It was as if the silent void and darkness were creeping in, engulfing me in the confining holds of solitude and nothingness. I welcomed the peaceful stillness, and let my mind rest in the calming quiet that had finally taken over.

*** In the Darkness ***

* ‘It’s been a while’ said a calm cooling voice. ‘I thought you had forgotten me.’ The voice sounded sad. ‘It wasn’t supposed to happen like it did.’ she said to me. I strain my eyes to see but it is nothing but darkness. “Where are you? I can’t see you?” I call out into the void. ‘I’ve always been here. Watching and waiting.’ she says chuckling. “But I can’t see you.” I begin to whimper. ‘You do not need to see me; I live in you.’ She says reassuring me. “What is your name, what do I call you?” I plead with this she-voice. ‘I am called Solskin.’ she said proudly. “Can you show me what you look like, please?” Silence. I peer into the darkness looking for anything. Then off in the distance is a goldish orb. It slowly grows brighter and brighter. She walks up to me. A gorgeous, fit, golden wolf walked up to me. “Wow. You look like you are radiating sunshine!” I told her amazed. Solskin smiles a wolfy smile. ‘My name means sunshine.’ I get down to pet her. “What happened? Why did you come early and then leave?” I ask into her fur, trying to hold back tears. ‘Danger. Someone dangerous was trying to get you. I needed to keep you safe.” Danger? I was in school. How? Why? ‘I feel you getting stressed with questions I cannot answer yet. But you are safe here. Your mates will keep you safe. Do not push them away. They will always be on your side.’ She lifts her nose and breathes in. Then turns to me and gives me a large lick of the face. ‘I go. They call to you.’ She says standing up. “Please, don’t go,” I beg. ‘I am here. But they need you now!’ She heads buts me and I fall backwards to my body. She calls to me, ‘SOON, we shall Run Together!’ And her voice fades away. *

I remember lying on my cold tile floor, with a towel covering my body. My chest felt like I had been kicked by a horse, and I was coughing up water. Atlas was kneeling beside me, talking on the phone, while Oliver checked my pulse. I don't remember how I got out of the bath or how I fell. My brain felt foggy, and I tried to speak to let them know I was okay, but I couldn't move my body.