“You’re welcome.” She leans over me, getting a better view of outside. “Damn, it’s really coming down out there. It would be beautiful if it wasn’t happening now, while I’m on a bus, traveling during what’s sure to be a bad snowstorm. These days make for cozy times, snuggled up by the fireplace, wearing your favorite pajamas, and wrapped in your softest throw. Not going down south to a tattoo convention.”
“Says the girl covered in ink,” I say sarcastically. “Besides, I’m going for the weather. I don’t like the cold, remember? You’re going for the shows.”
“Whatever.” She pushes back in her seat. “There had better be some hot guys there or else.”
“Soraya, do you see that?” Squinting, I point ahead. “Something’s on the road?” I try to keep my voice low, not wanting to draw the attention of the other passengers.
Her head comes forward, and I can tell she’s noticed something too.
“You do see it, don’t you?”
“Shit,” she says in a tone that puts me on edge. “What the fuck?”
“Soraya, what is it?” I ask as the bus draws nearer to the figure. That’s when I realize it’s an animal and a fairly large one.
The other passengers must see it as well because panic-filled whispers start coming from every direction.
“Is it wild dogs?” I ask Soraya. Turning slightly, I get a glimpse of her face. She’s squinting; her brows are furrowed.
“Whatever they are, I don’t think they’re looking to make friends.”
Chapter Two
My heart’s still racing when my eyes open. I’m taking deep breaths which usually helps me to relax, but not this time. I’m scared shitless although it was only a dream, unless the glowing eyes are real, which they can’t be.
Nothing in sight registers as being familiar, so I maneuver my head toward the direction where soft mumbles come from. I’ll need to pull myself up to see their owners; I don’t recognize the voices.
Get it together, Winter. What were you doing before you went to sleep? Come on, think. I remember listening to music while Soraya argued with a passenger; I remember the snow; the animals appearing, the bus sliding off the road, and someone screaming…
“Wolves!”
I leap up but am taken aback when a pain in my shoulder hits me hard.
“Hold on. Let me help you.”
The voice headed my way startles me and for a minute, I forget about the pain. When the stranger comes into view and touches me, I swear my insides heat up as if someone has turned on my furnace, literally. Plus, he’s the most gorgeous man I’ve laid eyes on since Roman. They have a similar build. I’m probably exaggerating but if so, it’s not much. His biceps are calling for my attention, along with his jagged appearance. I want to remember every beautiful, muscular curve. God, I hope I do.
I’m completely taken in until a subtle throat clearing jolts me out of my reverie.
“Umm...are you okay?”
Damn, was I that obvious? It really has been too long since I was with a man. Okay, Winter, get it together. What would Soraya do?
Anyway, where is she? I turn my head in every direction.
“My friend, Soraya…where is she?” I ask, glancing around the room.
“I wouldn't worry about her. She can take care of herself.”
Wait, do I detect attitude? But, why? He doesn’t even know me. This hot ass hunk with the nice biceps doesn’t seem so hot after all. The nerve of him telling me who I shouldn’t worry about.
Since he’s the only one here, I try again. Managing to push past my irritation, I attempt to initiate a sensible conversation with the striking hazel-eyed devil.
“I’m sorry, have we met before? If so, I don’t remember.”
He turns and gives me a snarky look. “If you don’t remember, I guess it’s not important, Barbie.”
At the sound of Barbie, something clicks, and the jerk in front of me registers.
“Caleb?”
“In the flesh.” His pearly whites beam at me.
He’s Roman’s cousin, and someone I would never expect to have turned into such a hunk. But still, how is it he’s here with me? Or, am I here with him? Or, whatever? At this point, everything is a confusing mess in my brain, and I really need answers.
“How did I get here?”
“I carried you.”
“Carried me from where?”
He ignores me and continues to focus on whatever's got him consumed. He hasn’t been a fan of mine since I chose Roman over him, four years ago.
“Caleb, look, I don’t know what’s going on. If you can help me out just a little, I’ll be grateful.”
Sneering, he looks at me while shaking his head. “There goes Winter Barbie. Well, doll, those puppy dog eyes and luscious pouty lips won’t get you anywhere with me.”
His sly remarks are frustrating. Realizing I’m wasting my time with him, I decide to search for answers elsewhere. I swing my feet around, leaping up out of the bed, and once again become aware of the pain.
“I wouldn't move so fast if I was you.”
Gently, I slide the sleeve of my tank top over my shoulder. “What the hell?” There’s a bandage with blood spots coming through. I go to remove it, when Caleb comes up to me.
“Leave it.”
I stop and look up at him. “You know, Caleb, I’m not sure what your deal is. I’ve never done anything to you. I was with Roman because I love…I mean, loved him.”
“I know what you mean.” His stiff stance and sharp tone calls for my attention.
“You should have stayed away.”
I should have stayed away? What the hell is he talking about? I didn’t purposely come here, wherever here may be. “I was on my way to a tattoo convention near the beach, when we were run off the road by wild wolves. And somehow, I ended up here, dealing with your bull.”
“You were run off the road by trackers—crossbreed animals, half-coyotes and half-wolves, known as the Crimson Prowlers. They look like wolves from a distance but up close, you can see the differences. Their snouts are pointier, and their ears are larger, making them look more like coyotes."
“The what?” I tilt my head and gawk at him. What’s he talking about?
He looks at me like I’m crazy, shakes his head and spins around. I’m remembering how much of a hothead he is when he calls out, “Forget it. Rose!”
Without looking back, he walks out the door. A few seconds later, I hear him arguing with a female, her voice is vaguely familiar.
“You should have called me the minute she woke up.”
“Well, I’m calling you now. I’m done looking after her. I’m not a babysitter.”
“You’ll do what you’re told.”
There’s a loud animal-like sound, followed by a crash.
“Don’t.” The familiar voice calls out right before something slams.
The whole thing leaves me speechless and wanting to get out of wherever I am.
A period of silence passes before I hear footsteps and look to the door.
Unbelievable. I gasp. My eyes must be deceiving me. “Detective White? But how? Why?” What’s the detective from my childhood doing here? I’m so confused. Where did she come from? And where the hell is Soraya?
“You can call me Rose. Everyone here does.”
“Where is here? Furthermore, what am I doing, here?”
“You’re in Golden Oaks. Do you remember what happened to you?”
I’m muddled, and her question doesn’t register right away. She’s Detective White, from my childhood, but she hasn’t aged a day in fifteen years. How is that possible?
She places a gentle hand on my knee. “Are you okay, Winter?”
I open my mouth, but I’m having a hard time forming words.
“I know it’s a little confusing, but I’ll try to explain everything and answer all your questions.” She moves closer to me. “Do you remember what happened?”
I glance down at her hand on my knee. She must think I’m losing it by now because I’m speechless. I see her mouth moving but can’t make out what she’s saying. Then it registers, I’m dreaming. My hand shoots up to my chest and I blow out a relieved breath.
She snaps a finger in front of my face. “Winter, are you with me?”
Now, I’m focused on her lips. “Stay with me, Winter.” She claps her hands together, and I jump.
“Is this real?”
She nods. “I assure you it is.” Discreetly, I pinch myself and it hurts.
“Okay, this is real.”
“Yes, Winter. I told you it was.” She rubs my arm. “Now tell me, what’s the last thing you remember?”