Youtube- Ghost Stories 4 book series

 These stories are ghost stories that happened when I was growing up. These will be video stories that can be seen on YouTube under my playlist Ghost Stories.

The Ghost In The Basement, The Girl On The Side Of The Road, The Possible Doppelganger, The Sounds Of A Childs Laughter, The Shadow Creature's

 The Ghost In The Basement

This story comes from my Grandpa Richard.

When my mother was pregnant with my brother, my parents decided to move back to Florida. My Grandfather told me this story the night before he and my father left to set up our house for our move back to Florida. 

When I was four years old, we lived in an older apartment complex in Keansburg, New Jersey. There was nothing special about this apartment complex. It had a brick exterior and we could hear everything outside or next door. From what I can remember the room with the TV had stairs going up to the bedrooms and then in the kitchen, there was this weird brown door that led downstairs to the basement and my playroom. My playroom contained the laundry machine, my toys, and a big furnace. 

I hated my playroom with every part of my four-year-old body, however, my mother insisted I go play down in the basement to get out of her hair when she was taking care of my baby sister. The feeling that the room gave me was one of fear, especially near the furnace. My toys were on the far side of the room opposite the furnace. As a child, I would stay as far away from the furnace as I could. 

My Grandfather said one day he was off from work and had just come back from visiting a friend. He was going to take me to the park and asked my mother where I was. She had vaguely said that I was downstairs and went back to what she was doing.  So he headed downstairs to my playroom to come to find me.

When he came about halfway down the stairs, he saw I was standing on the bottom step with my arms crossed looking over at the furnace.  Then he said I shocked him because he heard me say, "I said go away. You are just a mean man."

My Grandpa thought I was talking to an imaginary friend. That was until he came down two more stairs and was able to look toward the furnace. He said that in front of the furnace was a black shadow that looked like a man.  He said he bolted down the stairs to get to me faster, Then he said I got angry and yelled out, "I said go away!"

He said the shadow had started moving towards me until I screamed. Then the shadow man pulled back and started to disappear into the furnace. My Grandfather didn't wait to see if it was gone. He scooped me up and ran up the stairs as fast as he could.  That night at dinner he told my parents that we needed to move and proceeded to tell them what had happened. My parents did not believe him and said he was being foolish, or that he had been drinking. He said that he was going to put my toys up in the bedroom I shared with my sister in the morning.  My mom started to argue with him saying my room wasn't big enough for my things and my sisters. He argued that my sister was with them in their room at the time so there should be no problem. Then he made it clear he would move out and not help pay his half of the rent if my stuff was not brought up to my room. She agreed to allow all my toys to be moved upstairs. 

 The next morning my mom went downstairs to do a load of laundry. She came running back up the stairs and said that all of my toys were moved and thrown around. Later that day my father and Grandfather moved all my toys upstairs. After all my toys had been moved upstairs to my room, my mom would have issues with the laundry that was hanging up in the basement to dry. There would be times she would hang up the clothes or put them on a drying rack and she would come back down to find them on the ground or back in the washer soaked. My mom thought my Grandfather had been messing with her for a while and then it started happening while he was away working. We moved a few months later to a different home in Keansburg, New Jersey.

But that is a different story…

 

The Girl On The Side Of The Road

This story happened a few years ago while I was going through a nasty separation from my ex-husband. One thing that would always make me feel better was to drive along our local beach area. Although, the biggest reason why it made me feel better was because I would take my kids with me as well. I had a route that I take, and this particular night my daughter knew I was stressing and told me she would watch the kids since they were sleeping. She practically kicked me out the door, saying I should get gas for the truck and take a drive. Usually, I would argue and all load the kids up and take everyone with me, but I decided to take her up on the offer and have some time for myself. Stopping at the local gas station, I filled the gas tank and grabbed a drink. Then I was off on my route to relax and enjoy music and relax.

When I got to the start of the main road heading to the beach, I glanced at the produce stand at the corner and saw a girl standing next to it, looking toward the main Highway. I thought nothing of it. Some people who have homes on this stretch of road or some people who are hiking in the state park area have rides pick them up at the produce stand to avoid having to travel that road. People try to avoid this road at night because it gets very dark, and it is common for deer and black bears to be hit and killed by cars on this road. So when I got up to where the historic post office sits, I had to slow and do a double take as that very girl was sitting on the steps to the post office with her head down.

I headed towards the bridge and realized this was the first time I came through there at night without someone fishing off the bridge. The air seemed to shift from friendly and calm to foreboding and eerie. Following the road, I came to a point where a marsh on one side of the road and a drainage pipe that goes into a field. Sitting there on one of the drains was the same girl with her back to the road. I thought it was off that she was there when I did not see any cars pass when I stopped on the bridge to look over the water. As I passed her, I thought that would be the last I saw her, but I was wrong, there standing on the bridge right past the Jenkins Creek boat ramp, I found her again, and she was facing the river with her back facing the road again. 

Shaking my head, I realized the hair on my arms was up, and I had goosebumps. As I got to a sharp curve in the road to head toward the remaining beach area, she was on the side of the road within the sharp bend. After seeing her multiple times, I figured she was a spirit. As I approached her, I slowed down, and as I went past her, she turned towards me, and she had no face. Where her face should have been was a black mass.

I sped up and took off. When I got to the main road that headed to my house or the boat launch, I turned to go to the boat launch. Pulling in, I sat in a parking spot and decided to stay there for a while. If she followed me towards the beach, I did not want her to follow me back home to my kids. I watched the water for an hour and then headed home. Thankfully, I did not see her again that night, nor any other time I went that way after the fact. I became more vigilant than I usually was after that incident.

 

The Possible Doppelganger

Everyone who knows me is aware I firmly believe in the paranormal. I have lived in many haunted houses and had a lot of ghostly experiences. As we fast approach All Hallows Eve, the veil is beginning to thin, and this happened.

This experience happened to me while I was working. Please understand my family respects my work from home and will not talk to me while I am on a call with a customer. 

I work from home doing customer service. I had a call come in for work, and I had turned my chair, so I was facing my large monitor as I was exhausted this morning and was helping a customer. You must understand we live in a smaller mobile home, so I hear everything even while working. I hear my partner get out of bed and go into his dresser that we share. Out of the corner of my eye, I see the drawer open and hear the squeak it makes when it opens. I see clothing moved in the drawer and the drawer shut. 

As I am still helping my customer, I did not turn around, and I am thankful I did not. I hear what I thought was my partner leaving the room as the door squeaks as it opens and closes. I hear my partner walk through the house and the front door open and close. After the call ended, I went to make the bed so the dogs could lay on it, and when I turned towards the bed, my partner was still sound asleep. 

Was it his doppelganger? Was it a ghost? I told him about what happened when he woke up thirty minutes later, and he said, 'The house was locked up' until he went outside a few minutes ago to take a phone call. I even checked our security camera, and there was nothing but the stray cats outside the entire time. Any thoughts? 

 

The Sounds Of A Childs Laughter 

The sounds of laughter can be a joyful and heartfelt experience. Who does not like hearing the sound of a child laughing? When is the sound of a child's laughter, not a happy and fun experience? When alone in the woods and walking a trail, spend time with nature.

We were fishing at one of our local fishing spots we enjoyed along the river a few months ago. This location is a popular spot for us and many others. I did not think anything weird would happen when I decided to take a walk on the trails around the fishing area. It was a sunny and peaceful day, with the light coming through the trees and the birds chirping. 

While walking, I made some silent walking videos on the path to share on my YouTube account, nothing out of the ordinary. When I went deeper into the woods, I realized that the sounds of the birds and insects got a bit quiet, and although I was still filming, I started to turn around more. I started looking around because silently, almost like a whisper, I heard a new sound coming from these woods.

The sound of laughter and children giggling. As I was along the river, I thought maybe a family with children was coming past on a boat. But as I watched and waited, no small boat or child came into sight, and the laughter started to come from behind me. I turned and saw shadows out of the corner of my eye. I had heard rumors that black-eyed children had been seen recently along this area from people on the river.

Could the laughter of the children be those black-eyed children? Were they trying to get me to leave the walking path? I know I headed back to where my family was fishing, and when I went through the trail's entrance, the sounds of birds and insects started again.

The Shadow Creature's

I have seen shadow people all my life. They have never bothered me. Growing up, I have always thought they were my friends. Most of the time, I catch them out of the corner of my eye, and as an adult, I would see them watching me from around the corner or down a hall. Then I moved to where I live now and encountered something new. Living in my place for about two weeks and began seeing the shadow of people in my new home and around where I lived. I acknowledged them and left it at that. My son had gone to sleep at his sister's house for the night, and I was sitting outside sketching. I heard feet shuffling, so I  looked up and saw a shadow person and said, "I see you. If you need something, you have to let me know. I do not read minds."

The door knob to the door I was leaning against started to rattle. When I looked back at the shadow creature, it was closer. I said, "Are you telling me to go inside?"

I laughed, and the doorknob rattled again. From across the road, I saw another shadow creature. Sighing, I said, "Come on guys, I am off tomorrow and enjoying sitting out here. It's not hot out, and I like being outside."

Then I noticed that they kept looking toward what my future boyfriend's rental would be. We had just started to talk and get to know each other. I looked over and said, "I just met him, guys. The lights in his house are off, so he is not there or sleeping."

The shadow person near me came closer and raised his hand, pointing up, and then I got why they wanted me to go inside. I opened the door, shutting my light off, and said, "Well, I'll be."

On the roof of his trailer were four shadow creatures. These did not look like normal shadow creatures. But weird-looking distorted creatures. One looked like a spider and human hybrid. Another looked like a human but with multiple arms. The third looked like a human. But its body arched backward with its legs and arms on the ground. It looked like it had a second body in the middle. The fourth and final one would be the one I met personally. It looked like a shadow man but built like a linebacker. It also had wings. I thanked the goddess at that moment that I had warded my home the night I moved in.

Both the shadow creatures were now between me and my boyfriend's trailer. My doorknob rattled again. I went inside, pulled out my spell book, cast a protection spell for myself, and then cast one for my now boyfriend. By the time I finished, I was weak and tired. I went outside again, this time to walk my dog in my yard, and said to the shadow man still watching over my house, "That should help a bit."

It nodded, and I went inside to go to sleep. But before I did, I looked out my window as I could see my boyfriend's trailer, and I noticed the creatures were mad. They had been dipping into the trailer when I first saw them, and now it looked like they could not enter his house. I smiled and said to no one in particular, "Not on my watch."

The linebacker-shaped head popped up when I said it and looked at my house. I knew it heard me, and it knew what I had done. My doorknob to the front door rattled again. I said, "Guys, I will be fine. They are not the scariest thing I have faced."

The door rattled again and popped open. Sighing, I said, "Fine, I will go inside and watch a movie."

Later that night, I woke up feeling like someone was watching me. Looking around the room, I saw one of the shadows at the end of my bed. I said, "We are not going to make it a habit for you to come into the house."

It put up its hands, pointing to the window. Knowing it was trying to tell me something, I nodded and looked. The linebacker was on my driveway pacing. It could not get on or next to my house. Checking my clock, I saw that it was four in the morning. I went to the door and looked out. There were lights on in my boyfriend's house. I took a breath and went outside. The linebacker stopped pacing and looked at me. I said in a calm voice, "Sorry pal, there is a new sheriff in town. He is under my protection, and you will not harm him."

The plastic chair on the driveway shifted, and I said, "Before you mess with someone, you may want to know where she comes from. I have dealt with a lot more scary creatures than you. I am a descendant of the ones they could not burn or torture. My guardian will protect me."

It jumped to the trees, and I heard a voice that said, "This is not over."

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Getting My Tonsils Out

When I was in my senior year of high school, I had a problem with my tonsils. My mother told me it was because I didn't clean my instruments that I played in the school band. When I was on my fifth case of tonsillitis, the Doctor insisted that I have them removed. My Mom was so angry as it meant that I would have to go to the hospital in Brooksville, Florida.

The day of the surgery, we were told to arrive at seven in the morning. My mother ended up bringing my siblings with us as an excuse to leave so they could be dropped off at school. The nurse asked her if she did not want to wait while I had the surgery, and my Mom told her there was nothing she could do here and she had other children to tend to. After signing all the paperwork, I was left in the outpatient center, and they left.

My room was right next to the nurse's station, so they came in and talked to me, and the Doctor was shocked to see that she left her seventeen-year-old child alone. He asked if I was okay. I told him it was better if she were not here. When he asked why. I told him that she gets moody when she has to be in the same room as me. He smiled, and the nurse patted my hand. She said they were going to give me a shot to relax, and we would have the surgery in a bit. The shot they gave me made me very loopy. While I was waiting for the nurse to return, I saw a man in the doorway wearing a cowboy hat. Lying in bed, I lifted my hand to wave hello, and I thought he walked over to me. I swore I heard boots on the floor next to my bed. 

When I woke up a few hours later, a nurse was sitting next to my bed with knitting in her lap. When she saw I was awake, she said, "Well, hello sunshine. It's nice to see you woke up. How do you feel?"

I pointed to my throat and grimaced. She nodded and said, "Now that you are waking up, we can give you a little painkiller. Let me alert the doctor you are up."

I watched her leave the room, and after she left, I saw that the man in the cowboy hat was standing in the doorway. My eyes started to close, and I swore I smelled tobacco and heard boot steps walking towards me. When I opened my eyes again, the nurse was back sitting next to me. Looking around, she said, "Here, write it down."

I took the paper she had and wrote, "Cowboy?"

She chuckled and said, "So you saw him?"

Nodding yes, I wrote, "He is a ghost, right?"

She smiled and said, "Yes, he is."

I learned the story of the cowboy years later. The story was that he was killed on the property before the hospital was even there. He has a tendency to visit people who are alone in the hospital. I was lucky because I saw him twice.

A few years ago, I was an Uber driver. When my Partner was working late or out of town, I would do night Ubering. I would pick up people from the hospital, which is now a nursing home. I have been told by staff members that the cowboy is still there, along with many other ghosts from when it was a hospital and attached to the land. Most people do not believe in the paranormal. That is your choice.

Knocking on the Trailer

So I live in an older mobile home. Now, all homes have their quirks. The land our mobile home park sits on is on the border of our historic and haunted town. Recently, I have been using a spirit box to talk to spirits not only in my home but also attached to the land. Some of you may think I am crazy. Others will understand and know that the ghosts on the land are willing to speak if you're willing to listen.

One thing that has started to happen is knocking all around our trailer with no one outside. The first time I heard the knocking I was working in my office and the knocking was so loud the co workers I was in a team meeting with heard it. My supervisor called me on my phone and told me to go check while she was on the phone with me. She was aware that I lived in a small community and people liked to mess with others.

We were still hearing the knocking as I walked to the front door. I went outside and said, "I hear the knocking but no one is in the front yard."

Walking around the trailer to the back yard and said, "I hear knocking but no one is here. I am walking to the road and looking at the roof."

"Is anyone there?" She asked.

"Not at all," I said.

She said, "Come back inside and join us in chat again."

The Day I Became A Spy (3 book series)

When I was 17 years old I was traveling with my parents to go see some close friends who live in the beach area of the town we live in.  It was a perfectly calm and peaceful night. My parents were in a happy mood and it had been such a peaceful weekend.  We were driving through an area which was a bunch of winding roads an then we came upon a truck broke down in our path to where we couldn't get through.

My mom and dad got worried looks on their face and dad handing mom his phone and said, "Dial James." 

Mom started to dial the phone and dad started to back up the car. As he did he said to me, "Grace you need to listen to me. Stay very low on the seat and cover yourself completely with that black banket. No matter what you hear do not say anything and stay completely still."

"Hello," I heard from the phone.

"James its Bill. Find our location I think they found us. I am circling back now but James Grace is in the back seat we need help now."

My dad was trying to navigate the winding roads as fast he could as the other cars were gaining on us.  My mom kept looking at the cars behind us and said, "Bill they are gaining and I see a boat on the water way heading towards us.'

"Anne," Dad said. "We need to get Grace out of the car without being seen."

Mom looked at my dad and then at me, "Grace listen to me you need to stay hidden no matter what. If we get are able to stop and say jump you get out and stay down. Take this phone and call James if you get out. Do you understand me?"

"Mom," I started.

"Grace there is a long driveway covered by trees I am going to pull in and you hide in the trees." Dad said, "We love you."

Dad pulled into the drive way at a angle I was able to get out of the car and hidden.  As soon as i jumped out and shut the car door dad took off again.  I was in the trees hidden when I saw the truck and a couple of cars taking off after mom and dad. I listened for a while and heard a huge car crash. My heart sunk as i knew it was Mom and dad.

I called james and told him Dad had me jump and he said he had my cordinates from the phone. He told me to stay put and hidden ut of site. About 30 min later a car pulled up along the road and I saw James get out of the car. I climbed out of my shelter and ran out to hug him.

James hugged me tight and said, "Its ok Grace we will find out what happened."

"James you don't understand," I said. "When I jumped out I ran and hid. About a minute later a bunch of cars flew past. I heard a crash like metal into a wall and it was loud. I know my parents were killed."

James cursed as he led me to the passenger side of the car. After he climbed in we headed in the direction that my parents had gone. We drove for a few minutes at normal speed and James handed me a hoodie and sun glasses. "Put these on and keep the hood up. They belong to Lucas but will fit you. We cant risk them realizing that you are Anne and Bill's daughter."

I put the clothes and glasses on. Before we knew it we came around the bend and caught sight of a accident. I cought my breathe as we knew it was my parents car. James patted my hand and said, "Grace no matter what you need to keep quiet and calm. Do not react thats what they want."

There were cops stopping cars and we were stopped. James rolled down the window and said, "Man what a wreck. We have been saying for a long time people need to slow down around here."

Cop looked at both of us and said, "You locals?"

James flashed a smile and said, "Yeah me and my kid here have lived out here for years after my wife died. We were heading to walmart to go get some groceries. I should have went out the other way but I wanted to go get pizza first at Marios on the beach!"

The cop smirked, "Understood Sir. We are trying to find out if anyone knew the people in the car. Neither made it and we would like to find the next of kin."

I saw James jaw tightened completely as he nonchalantly said, "Nah man we like to keep to ourselves if we are not shopping or getting a pizza we work and school from home or fish off our dock."

"Understood," He said  as he stood up. "Carry on."

As we drove away i gave a quick glance to the wreckage and saw the white sheets over my parents. I kept my breathing steady but the tears that came out of my eyes could be stopped. James held onto my hand and said, "Grace we will find the people who did this to your parents. When we do we will make them pay."

We drove along and turned towards the beach area. James looked at me and said, " We have been followed since we left the crash site. I think they want to make sure we are going to the pizza place. We are going to have to get pizza and stay there for a little bit. You will have to eat."

I looked at him and said, "I will do my best. Maybe a big soda will help."

Smiling James said, "Thats the spirit Grace. We will get you through this."

We got out of the car and went inside. James was busy working on his phone and I went on my pinterest account and looked through new pins. Soon the waitress brought us our drinks and said our pizza will be out shortly. She brought out four pizzas in boxes and one cheese pizza on a tray.

James laughed and said, "After this we are gonna go back to my place and I know Ben will want Pizza. Grace when we get home your Brother Ben will want to know all about today."

When he said that I realized that the cop had come in and sat at the table next to us. I smirked and said, "Well Dad Ben should have came with us when we asked him instead of staying at home playing video games."

I took a peice of Pizza and took a bite. Swallowing the pizza I acted the part. After eating two slices I said, "Okay Dad I am definitely not like Ben I will have to rest my stomach and eat more later."

James chuckled and said, " I figured lets get this boxed up and add it to our pile. After we pay we will have to run to walmart to get the few things you needed. It shouldnt take more than what 15 min right?"

"Yeah dad I need some new leggings and tshirts" I said.

After we boxed up the pizza we headed over to Walmart.  I ran to the woman clothing area and grabbed a handful of shirts and a few leggings.  I grabbed my wallet and James threw them in the cart. He leaned over and said "get some socks and underthings as I do not know when I will be able to get your belongings from your parent's house."

Smiling I said, "Ok dad."

I went over and got the stuff James told me to get and we headed to the checkout. After we were in the car I said, "I know that I have to wait to go to my parent's house but I also have a plan. There was a secret entrance and exit that people cannot see. I want to get my stuff but I will be patient. How are we going to explain what happened to my parents?"

James sighed and said, "We had a contingency plan for that. If anything happened to your parents I have papers that your parents had to go out of the country and you are staying with me. In case of their demise, we had an oh-shit contingency for both you and my son. The thing I don't understand is your parents were not active agents. How they found your parents and you confuses me which means there could be a leak."

I was quiet as we drove and then asked, "James what were my parents?"

"Grace your parents and I are spies. When we get home I am going to call the agency and see what I can find out. We need to keep down for now and hide out at the house as I believe the cops are following us and we are not safe. We might have to go rogue and hide."

"You mean we might have to run away?" I said.

"That is correct," He said. "But for us running away will be more like a vacation."

"I wish I could get some of my stuff from the house before we had to leave," I said.

"well let me talk to the agency and we will see what we can have done," James said. "I will let them know you said you have a full proof way of getting in without being seen."

"Okay I will wait," I said. "If I am able to get in will I be able to get my electronics?" I asked, "That and my camera."

"Anything we get out of the house we will have to have a team do a bug and tracker check on first," He said.

After that the conversation went silent as we headed back to the house. When we pulled in Ben walked out and said, "Hey Grace I see you got pizza."

I handed Ben the pizza as he asked, "Where is your parents?"

Looking at James, he said, "Ben we need to go into the house and talk."

Ben looked a me and said, "Shit what happened?"

James directed us into the house and he said, "Come into my office you two."

We walked into the office with Ben and we sat on the couch. James looked at us and said, "Ben you know what I do for a living. Grace your parents did the same job that I do. Grace your parents and I work for a government agency to protect not only the country but the world.  Someone exposed them and when I ran out they had dumped Grace to hide and I got her right after her parents were killed up the road from where I found her."

Ben put his hand on my arm and said, "Grace I am so sorry."

"I will be honest I want to just sit and cry," I said. "But having to keep everything in when the police officer on duty followed us to the pizza place and I want to say he was in the parking lot at Walmart as well."

"Your right," James said. "I saw the cop there when we got out of the store as well. That was a great catch Grace."

Ben looked at James and said, "Dad should we make plans to go to another location?"

"Not yet Ben," He said. "What I am going to do is call the office and fill them in. Grace I am going to see about getting your belongings. I will let you know per your parents will I am the one your to go to."

James looked up to say something else and Ben said, "Its okay Dad. Grace is with me I got her."

Ben pulled me up and said, "Lets go to the kitchen I am starving."

I followed Ben out and shut the door behind me. When we went into the kitchen Ben opened the pizza boxes and said, "Man this Pizza looks good you want a slice Grace?"

Laughing I said, "Yes just a slice of cheese though."

He put the pizza on a pan to heat up in the oven and said, "It will be okay Grace. I know you didn't expect this to happen but you got me and Dad and we will protect you."

"Thank you Ben," I said. "I never asked my parents what they did or why they went away once in a while for work. They seemed very comfortable leaving me with Miss Ginny all the time."

Ben laughed, "Miss Ginny is a agent who is also a glorified baby sitter. But she is awesome and man can she play video games."

Laughing I said, "Oh my god I know. That does explain why she was so good at Call of duty. I wonder why my parents never told me the truth about what they were."

Ben said, "To protect you I am guessing. I found out by mistake to be honest with you. One day I saw Dad in his gear room and I asked a lot of questions."

"I get it," I said. "Right now I feel like I didn't really know them."

"Grace," James said as he walked towards us. "You saw the real version of your parents. When we are on jobs we are not those people. The act has to be kept up the whole time we are gone. Your mom and Dad were the people you knew."

"Now what?" I asked.

"Your parents and you will be missing people for a while," He said. "In a few weeks your going to magically show up with no memory of what happened to you. All you are going to say is we were in the car and I fell asleep while dad was on the highway. We are going to get the wreckage and place it in a remote spot and find it a few weeks after that. I have a copy of your parents will and that gives me custody of you."

"So basically I am hiding here and keeping my head down?" I asked.

"Yes," He said. "I have a team going in to get your laptop and Camera. They are going to check it for bugs. I know for a fact your phone is untraceable except for our agency. Just do not reply to friend or anyone else until you are found. We are also going to get some clothes for you for now we cannot get you much as we need it to look like you disappeared. So no social media, or texting unless its to ben and I. I heard call of duty I ask you do not use your personal account right now. We can sign you up for a new account if you guys decide to game. What am I saying you will want to game to keep from boredom."

Nodding I said, "Alright James."

Ben took my hand and said, "Come one lets get the food and go to the game Dad may a big man with his job but sucks at gaming."

Losing myself in the game helped me keep my mind off things for a while and as the sun set I felt exhausted. Soon enough Ben was shaking my shoulder and said, "Grace go to bed."

Stumbling into what was now my room I fell into a sleep and started to dream of my parents. I woke up when I heard what sounded like a crash. Ben ran into my room and scooped me up saying, "Shit is happening and Dad said we needed to go hide." 

He ran with me back to his room and opened his closet door. When we were in he shut the door and took me to the back of the closet opening the book shelf. It lead to a set of stairs and we went down after he secured the bookshelf back in place. As we were going down we heard yelling and gun shots. When the first gun shot went off Ben swung around as I was about to scream and he whispered, "Its okay Grace I got you. You can't scream or they can find us." 

Nodding he took my hand and we came to a door. Going through the door we were in a long tunnel. He pulled me along using his phone as a flashlight. When we came to the bend of the tunnel he typed on his screen, "we have to wait here. The end of the tunnel looks like a sewer grate but we are exposed if we keep the light on or if we talk. This comes out at the end of the property and our emergency boat dock looks like it is on the neighbors property not ours." 

We heard voices outside the grate and one said, "We do not know where the kids are. I bet they are hiding in the house somewhere but they wanted us to check the property. The dad also disappeared and we can't find him either."

The other voice replied, "So what we have to wait them out?"

"I have no clue man," he replied. "Did you see that game room in there? No way the kid would leave his shit."

Starting to shiver Ben wrapped his arms around me trying to share body heat. He kept checking his phone screen. He typed, "Sorry Grace I know your cold so am I but if we go back we can be caught."

Taking the phone I typed, "All my stuff is under the bed including my phone. I hope they don't find it."

Ben's screen lit up and it said, "I am in the tunnel and tell Grace I have her bag and clothes for both of you. Head back towards me."

Ben typed, "Password man."

The reply came back, "Gators football."

Ben took my hand and whispered, "Its Dad."

We headed back towards the tunnel and after a few moments we ran into James. James handed Ben a pile of clothes and shoes. He handed me a hoodie and my shoes. Putting them on he said, "They are still going through the house. So we are going to have to hide out for a bit longer."

"What happens if they find us?" I whispered.

James took my hand and said, "I was able to get a message out before I grabbed your things and hid before I could get to the tunnel. The Calvary is on its way."

We waited in the tunnel huddled together when we heard the people searching for us call out, "Retreat. The feds are here."

After a few minutes James phone lit up and he looked at the screen replying to the message. He looked at us and said, "Come on guys we can go now."

We followed James out of the tunnel and we ran towards the boat that arrived along the river. When we got in James put a blanket over Ben and I as the boat sped out to sea. The next morning I woke up in a room on a ship with Ben asleep on the bed across from me. Looking around the room I saw there was a bathroom and went into it. When I came out Ben was sitting up and said, "Are you alright?"

Giving a half grin I said, "Not really but right now I am starving."

He laughed and said, "Same here. Let me use the bathroom and we will see about getting some food."

When he came out we put on shoes and opened the door. Looking down the corridor we saw stairs at the end of it and headed towards them. We heard Bens Dad at the top of the stairs and when he saw us emerge he said, "The dead have risen."

Ben said, "Risen and starving."

James looked at us and said, "Well lets get you to the buffet so you can get food and we can talk about everything that has happened."

We followed James up another flight of stairs and entered a room with a lot of windows and a huge layout of food. He steered us to the buffet and we each filled a tray with various foods. Heading to a table looking over the water we sat down and I asked, "Where are we James?"

He sighed and said, "We are on a mobile command ship for the agency. There was a security breach and many of our sleeper agents were attacked. We have families missing. The ones that were able to be rescued are on the ship and we are on our way to our base near Patagonia."

Ben shook his head and said, "Families as in there are children missing?"

James sighed and said, "Yes currently there are three families including five children missing. We have search crews and agents looking for them and everyone else is being moved to our base for safety reasons. The ship we are onlooks like a cruise ship and it will be a two week journey. Grace I need to let you know your parents bodies are on board and when we get to the base we will be holding a funeral."

Nodding I said, "Alright were they able to get my things from the house?"

He said, "We have agents at your home securing the items in your house now and it will be shipped down once they are cleared. The same goes with our house."

Sighing I said, "What are they going to say happened to all of us?"

James said, "According to the world we no longer are alive?"

My head shot up and I asked, "What about my family? My Aunts and Uncles lost my parents and me my Grandma will be devastated."

James took my hand and said, "No she won't because your Grandma knew the truth of what your parents are. I have sent word when we were at Walmart and gave the phrase to alert her to you being alive. Once we are settled and things calm down we will have your Grandma travel and visit us here. She will be alright we have agents watching out for her and the rest of your family. If we need to we will get your Grandma out."

Nodding I calmed down and picked up my fork to eat. We head someone call James and he left Ben and me to eat. Ben nudged my leg and asked, "You holding it together?"

"Ben you have known me most of my life when have I ever lost it?" I said.

He chuckled and said, "Well you know this has been a lot Grace. I would be freaking out to be honest with you."

Snorting I said, "Well how about this on the inside I am a wreck but I am trying to stay calm on the outside."

"You know," He said. "No matter what you can come to me and vent."

"I appreciate that," I said. "Hopefully you will not need to catch me if I go to fall."

He gave a halfway grin and said, "Fall, collapse, scream or cry I got ya but for now I feel like seconds are needed for food and then how about we go to explore?"

Standing up and heading towards the buffet I said, "That sounds amazing."

We sat eating and talking. When we were done, we grabbed some jackets and headed to explore. Looking over the water Ben asked, "What is wrong?"

"I wish I had my camera," I said. "I love the water and I would love to have taken pictures."

"Well maybe I can help you with that," A woman's voice said behind me. 

Turning around Ben and I said, "Abbie." 

She opened her arms and hugged us. She kissed our foreheads and she said, "Oh my sweet ones. I am so glad you are alright. Grace I ran to your house and was able to grab this for you before the bad guys got to the house. We hope that the bad guys were caught at your house but I got out when I grabbed the camera and your hard drives. Your laptop is still being processed right now."

"Thank you, Abbie," I said.

For the rest of the afternoon, we spoke to Abbie and explored the ship. By the time it was dinner time Ben and I were directed to dress in nicer clothes as the ship had to maintain the cruise ship atmosphere and we were going to have a more formal dinner that night. When we got back to the room there was a suitcase and a note from Abbie. It read, "When I got your stuff I knew the plan. I grabbed some clothes to make sure you had what you needed for the trip. I also grabbed some of your mom's dresses. If you need help, I am in room 212."

Opening the bag, I found a dressy pantsuit and a pair of flats. Ben opened his bag and found a suit. He said, "Do you want to use the bathroom and I will change out here?"

"You sure," I asked.

"Of course," Ben said. I went into the bathroom and changed into the outfit I picked out. When I came out Ben was putting on his shoes. 

He looked at me and said, "Damn Grace you look hot."

Turning around I asked, "Do you think so?"

Ben chuckled and walked around her and said, "Yes, you do. I will be honest I have always been interested in you but with Dads job I always kept myself from asking you out. But in all honesty I am kicking myself now."

Looking in his eyes I said, "Lets see how things go. I am probably going to be staying with you and your Dad for a long time."

He offered his arm and said, "Well I will be your date tonight. I can't say I won't get jealous if you speak to another guy."

"No jealousy is required," I said. "I am interested in you as well."

We headed out to the dining room and met James in the dining room. Abbie was sat with us and we all had a great time with eating and talking. When I went to the bathroom Abbie followed me and handed me a small bag. I looked at her and she said, "Listen I see the way Ben is looking at you. You are beautiful just like your Mom. I am guessing James is giving Ben a talk about responsibility. I am more practical. Keep those with you in case you both decide to do something."

It dawned on me what was in the bag and I placed them in my purse. When we walked back to the table the music started and James said to Abbie, "Come on Abbie I know you love to dance."

When I sat down next to Ben he asked, "Did you get the talk from Abbie as well?"

Chuckling I said, "Abbie is more practical she handed me a small bag of condoms."

Ben flushed red and said, "Lord they think we are having sex. Dad gave me the talk and handed me a box of condoms as well."

Laughing I said, "I hope they are not disappointed. I am not a virgin but I like to know someone a lot more before I do anything."

Ben smiled and said, "Well we are stuck on this ship for a while so I hope we get to know each other a lot more."

I was going to reply when the ship captain came over and said, "Miss Grace would you do an old man a favor and take a turn on the dance floor."

Standing up I said, "It would be an honor Captain."

A waltz started playing an as we danced he said, "You remind me of my Granddaughter. She is one of the missing."

"I will pray for her and your entire family Captain," I said. "Anytme you want to talk I am here to listen like your Granddaughter would."

"I would like that," He said. "You and your young man come visit me at the bridge anytime you would like. Abbie told me you like to take pictures. I think you would like the view from the bridge and its windows."

"We would love that," I said. "Thank you Captain."

"Call me Smith," he said. "Now that we danced you can call me by my first name."

He led me back to Ben and said, "Well young man you are the most lucky man. Grace I wil see you soon."

"Thank you Smith," I said. "We will visit you soon."

After he left Ben asked, "Visit soon?"

"We have been invited to visit the bridge," I said. "Smith said I reminded me of his Granddaughter. His family is some of the missing."

"Damn," He said. "We will definitely visit."

The rest of the night, we danced and snacked on dessert and the finger food buffet later that night. When it was well after midnight, Ben and I headed back to our room. Going into or room we took turns changing into our pajamas. Ben came out of the bathroom and asked, "Are you alright?"

"Yeah," I said. "I wish my parents were here."

Then an overwhelming wave of sadness overtook me. As the tears fell Ben sat next to me and held me while I cried. He lay me down and moved me towards the wall. Laying behind me he held me as the tears continued to fall. He said, "Cry as much as you want Grace. I am here for it all."

We fell asleep on my bed that night. When we woke up the next morning he pushed the hair from my face and he asked, "Are you feeling better?"

"Yes," I said. "I am so sorry you had to see that. I feel like I ruined the night."

He wrinkled his forehead and said, "What do you mean? Grace you did not ruin anything. It has been a crazy few days and besides got to sleep next to you."

Chuckling I slapped his chest and said, "Oh your horrible."

He kissed my forehead and said, "You are not going to get rid of me Grace. As far as I am concerned I will wait for you and you are mine."

Resting my head on his chest I said, "You sure about that?"

He lifted my chin and kissed me. When we drew back he said, "Yes. Now come on let us go get some breakfast and see what there is to do."

Grace

James- Friend  Ben-James son

Mom- Anne

Dad- Bill

Abbie- babysitter

Smith- Ship Captain

The Hunters (3 book series)

 I am a hunter. Not the one that takes out animals either. If you have ever seen the show about two brothers and the hot car? Kinda similar but we do not kill everything that's different. I am a hunter who acts as a peacekeeper and then hunts if we cannot solve the issue. I was born into this lifestyle. Looking back on my life it might have been easier to not know what went bump in the night. But in all honesty, where would the fun in that have been.

Unlike that show on television hunters have a little bit different lifestyle. We are living in communities all over the world with other hunters. Why you may ask? Why not I would answer and believe me its a way to protect ourselves as well.  The community I live in is near a small little town in cental florida called Brooksville.  From the outside we seem like a small cottage community with a strict and firm HOA and that is how its been presented for years.  

I was heading home after a hunt at the florida border trying to catch a shifter who has been chasing after children and doing god knows what to them.  We finally were able to find the man and rescue a handful of children. But after being a week away from home all I want is to pick up a meal and sleep for a week straight.

I stopped at this amazing local chinese buffet and got a bunch of take out boxes of food, sushi and dimsung. Then not to be outdone I also stopped at chic fila and got a salad and a few sandwiches ad wraps. I was ready to just shower and veg out. I headed home to the compound and when I rolled through the gates I was giddy as I was home. I pulled up infront of my carriage. I grabbed my duffle bag, purse and all 4 bags of food and went inside. I put the food and drinks on the table in te living room and headed to the bedroom and took a shower. By the time i sat infront of the TV and loaded youtube i was ready to eat and sleep. I set everything up to pick and eat and started watching my newest youtube favorite Earlier American.

A few episodes in I started to doze. I thought about putting all my food up and heading to bed but it seemed like to much work.  I loaded another episode and then there was a knock at my door. Groaning I got up and padded over to the door and looked out. Standing there was Melvin the community leader. Opening the door I said, "Melvin I just got back can I have a few hours to sleep?"

Melvin chuckled and said, "Emma I am sorry to bother you but I need your help do you have a few minutes?"

I looked at my food and said, "Sure I have to clean up my food anyway before I go to sleep." I grabbed a plate and loaded some snacky stuff to eat while listening and put the food in the fridge. I offered Melvin a drink and then we sat at my kitchen table.

"Emma there has been a murder," He said handing me a file. "Laura Beckrift age 32. Laura was a professional photographer and was at a cabin north of millings ridge in Georgia. They found her dead in her cabin with no signs of forced entry and only 1 stab wound straight to the heart."

"Melvin why is the Georgia group not handling this," I asked.

"Emma they have their best guy on it but he is stumped. He really could use some help and as you are an expert in the strange and unusual he has asked for help."

I sighed, "I need a day to rest Melvin I been burning the candle at both ends. Tell him to email me everything he has and I will start looking at it tomorrow."

"Thank you, Emma. Your amazing, "Melvin said getting up and heading to the door. "Emma get some rest and its good to have you home."

After Melvin left I washed my plate and headed to bed. I woke up from a nightmare about the new case and I grabbed my computer and started looking to load the case information. It dawned on me that millings ridge is one of the biggest areas that have goblins. I sent an email and questioned if the Woman was actually photographing any particular area."

I laid back down and my phone started to ring. The number was not familiar and I answered the call, "Hello?"

"Is this Emma?" The voice asked.

"A very tired Emma," I asked, "Who is this?"

"My name is Ben and I am from the Georgia group. I just got your email and saw your number. I wanted to let you know that she was actually working in the area doing scenery shoots." He said, "Do you think this was a goblin group that broke in and did this?"

I sighed, "It sounds like it.  I mean who else could pick the lock do the deed and then lock up like there is nothing left to see."

Ben sounded annoyed, "What do you think?"

"Honestly. I need to see her last round of pictures. I have a suspicion, but I need to see her last round of pictures to confirm what is happening!" I said. "I just need another couple hour of sleep or you all will be searching for my ghost."

"Understood Emma," Ben said. "Where do you want to meet?"

"Do you know the skulls Tarvern and Rest Stop?" I said, "I normally stay there when I am up in the area."

"Okay, when do you want to meet?" He asked.

"I will be there by 6pm tonight," I said. "I need to get back to sleep and I will be there soon."

I went back to bed for a few hours and when I woke up I packed up my food to bring with me and headed to Georgia. It was a little after five when I arrived at the Skulls and Tavern Rest Stop. When I walked in Max the owner walked up to me reaching out to hug me and said, "Well trouble I know why your here. I have your room ready for you."

"Max,"I laughed. "I guess retired means you still keep an ear to the line?"

Chuckling he said, "You bet I do. Should I expect anyone to come and see you?"

SIghing, "Yeah, His name is Ben from the Georgia group. Let me go throw this in my room and I will come down and tell you whats going on."

After I put everything in my room and washed up I headed down to the Tavern and got a quiet table in the back of the room. I opened up my laptop and Max joined me and looked over everything. Whistling he said, "Wow Emma whats your theory?"

"To be honest Max," I said. "Knowing the area I think its the Goblins. But normally they would not do anything if pictures are taken. Especially in the state park. So I think I might have to set up a meeting with Genebi."

"Is he still in charge?" Max asked

"Yes he is in charge and is still as cranky as ever," A voice said behind Max

Looking up I said, "Ben?"

"The very same," He said as he took a seat "I didn't know you were bringing in help."

Smiling I said, "Bringing in help no. This is Max he owns the Tavern and rest stop and he is a retired hunter. Max here used to work with my parents when they were with us."

The men shook hands and Ben turned to me. "I have the pictures and the negatives from the victim's camera."

The doors to the Tavern slammed open and two large men walked in. Looking at Max I mouthed, "Trolls?"

He got up and walked over to them and one leaned down and spoke quietly with Max. Max looked over at me and said, "Emma doll these guys are looking for you."

Ben looked at me and I said, "Sure thing Max send these guys over."

The first one came over and said, "Miss Emma I knew your pops and I spoke to Melvin on the phone and he said you would be here. I have some information about the case that bought you out here."

Putting out my hand to shake his I said, "Well its a pleasure whats your name?"

"Its Gar Miss Emma," He said.

"Wait the Gar," I said looking him up and down. "You're the Gar that rescued that bus that went over the footbridge and saved all those kids?"

"I take it your daddy told you about that," He said.

"Take a seat gentleman Gar what can I get you both to drink?" I asked

Gar looked up and said, "A Pepsi would be great we are working so no drinking or driving for us."

Max came over with a few Pepsi's and after we all had drinks in hand I asked Gar, "So Gar how can I help you?"

He said, "We been doing some runs for our boss through the state park and heard about that poor woman. We came upon an abandoned Goblin encampment right after she left this world. We didn't think anything of it except I know a lot of goblins due to the jobs we do and what caught us as weird was they left their tools. A lot of Goblins' tools are passed down from generations before them. Something had to make them leave there was food on the tables and the fires were left burning. I asked a few of my shifter buddies that would go through runs in the area and they said there is something bad going on."

I looked at Max and Ben, "That is weird I know quite a few Goblins as well and they value their tools over their own lives. These encampments would not only hold the crafters but full families. If they all took off like that I agree this is not a good thing."

Max cleared his throat and said, "Emma if there is an abandoned camp we need to let the state sheriff know.  I have not been out to the area in a while but last time i was there those wood were full of shifters and local non humans. The area she was taking pictures was an area that many species felt was a spiritual epicenter to do offerings to their gods. There were weddings and in some species they would have their births for blessings of their gods."

Ben looked up and said, "I sent a message to the sheriff I should get a reply soon."

"How do you know the Sheriff would reply so fast," I asked.

Smirking he said, "Because I call her Mom."

Gar whistled and said, "Well you tell Mrs Madison I said hello. But We need to get going before the boss looks for us. Miss Emma it's been a pleasure meeting you."

After they left Max looked at the clock and called out, "We close in a little over an hour everyone."

Ben said, "How about I come by after they open we grabbed breakfast and head out to the wooded area she had been taking pictures at?"

Trying not to yawn I said, "Sure thing sounds like a plan."

We said our goodbyes and I headed back to my room. I laid in bed and was just about to go to sleep when my phone rang. I didn't recognize the number but decided to answer, "Hello?"

A quiet small voice came on the phone and it said, "Emma please help the monsters are outside trying to get to me."

"Who is this?" I asked sitting up.  

"My mommy and daddy hid me in the cabin and took off to lead the monsters away, My name is Keke i am a goblin we had to leave our camp because the monsters appeared." She said.

"Keke i will help you but which cabin are you in," I asked.

"I am in the cabin next to blue lake. Please help me I hear crying and yells but I am hiding in the closet in the basement. The cabin is locked but I think the monsters are outside." She said.

I grabbed the phone and dialed bens number. As soon as he answered I yelled "come back and get me and Max now. Get any hunters you can the monsters are attacking."

I threw my shoes on as I had Keke on the line. I ran into the bar and told Max what was happening. He grabbed his work bag and as soon as Ben arrived we jumped into the Jeep and I said, "Get us to the Cabins at Blue lake."

As we drove there I kept telling Keke we were on the way. A bunch of other hunters met up and followed us. When we pulled in I asked, "Keke which cabin are you in?"

"The one with the swing set," She said.

I saw the Cabin and we got out with our guns drawn, "Ben I take the front you take the back. Max cover us from the jeep."

I got to the the front of the cabin and saw the door was open. Ben opened the back door and walked in the same time I did. We checked the whole house and I headed down tot he basement. I found the closet and knocked. "Keke its Emma you can unlock the door now."

She opened the door and jumped into my arms. I carried her up the stairs and sat her on the couch. Kneeling in front of her I said, "Keke do you have family we can bring you to?"

"Its okay," I voice said from the door. "I made it back here."

Looking up I saw a male goblin and Keke jumped up and ran to him, "Daddy."

He looked at us and said, "Thank you for coming out. This monster has a lust for blood. When it attacked the site we ran here. We got Keke inside and went to lead it away. I have not found my wife or many other members of our clan."

Max said, "If you want we can bring you back to my rest stop tonight and in the morning we can look for your clan members."

He nodded and said, "Thank you friend. My name is Guriel and you have met Keke."

We climbed into Bens jeep. We went to the rest stop and Ben said, "I will be staying as well. After breakfast we will head out to go look for survivors."

Max got Ben and Keke's Family set up on a hunters room and I headed to bed. I felt like I had just fallen asleep when my alarm went off. I took a shower and got ready for the day, after I was ready I headed to the dining room where I found Max had a small breakfast buffet. I looked at Max and said, "Thats new and most wanted."

Max laughed and said, "Well my girl between you all and my regulars it's a popular item. FOr guests its free. For everyone else we charged $10 and people pay as they can get what they want."

I joined in the laughter and asked, "Does Milly cook all of this as well?"

Milly walked out with a pan of roasted potatoes and put them on the bar before she turned to hug me. After the hug ended she said, "Emma you know if I let Max into the kitchen all you would be eating is sandwiches."

I watched Milly fill a bowl of potatoes and bring them to Keke. I heard her say, "Well little one it couldn't be fries as I have to do a shopping trip but I got you roasted potatoes and they are the next best thing."

She turned to Keke's father and said, "If you want Keke can stay with me when you go with our friend to search for survivors. All I am doing is going to the grocery to get supplies for the restaurant. Besides being a retired hunter like Max I am also a mom so I can tell you she will be safe with me."

Keke's father looked relieved as he held out his hand, "My name is Guriel and I would be most grateful."

Milly smiled and said, "Have Max bring Keke to me when your ready to go and no worries I am sure this will be easier in case of what you find."

I filled a plate with food as Ben walked into the room. He saw the food and lit up walking over to me as he said, "Thank God I am starving."

"Well get some food and join us," I said as I joined Keke and her father for breakfast.

"Good Morning to both of you. Would you mind if I join you both?" I asked.

Guriel looked up and said, "Not at all."

Keke looked up and said, "Miss Emma thank you for staying on the phone with me last night."

"Oh Keke do not worry about that," I said. "I am glad I was able to do that for you."

Guriel cleared his throat and said, "Mrs Milly is to watch Keke so we can look for everyone. I am thankful for that incase we find something that is not fit for the child to see."

Nodding I said, "I understand Guriel. I have known Mrs Milly for years and she helped look after me when my parents were on hunts."

Ben joined us at the table and Guriel said, "I know of some locations survivors may go to. After we eat I will give you the locations on a map."

We ate as Guriel plotted the locations in the map we had and as we were finishing Gar walked into the bar. He came over and said, "I heard about what happened and I would like to help. Emma I am a tracker and can find the needle in the haybale."

Milly walked over and said, "I am sure you can help Gar. Go get food and look over what they have."

Gar made a plate and sat down and Guriel said, "Thank you sir. I placed a red x where people would go. The purple is where our camp was and this is where people popped up and called me earlier today."

Gar looked at the map and asked, "What attacked you?"

"I never saw it," Guriel started when Keke said, "It was a man who looked like a wolf but had the body of a human. I thought it was a man like Mr Keets daddy thats why I was quiet. Until he attacked Murkas. Mr Keets kind do not attack when half shifted he told me so."

"Mr Keets?" Ben asked.

"Mr Keets is the Beta for the blood moon pack," He said. "They may have a rough name but are very kind people. They have tunnels and caverns on their property and every winter we are offered shelter in them. We co exist and while down there we do maintenance and cleaning. That as well as build it out and we split the ore and jewels we find. I just met with Mr Keets last week about planning our next stay. The weather service is predicting an early winter and we wanted to get started early. Mr Keets said his Alpha was thrilled to have us back and of course we could enter early."

I looked at Ben and said, "We need to go there first."

He nodded I will call the mom to arrange it. He walked up to the buffet with his phone on his ear and got more food. When he got back he said, "Mom arranged it they are expecting us."

After we ate and Milly had Keke we headed to the blood moon compound. When we arrived Mr Keets met us outside with his alpha and he said to Guriel, "What happened my friend?"

Guriel explained the events of the night before and what Keke had seen. His alpha Manuel stepped forward and asked, "Are you asking if a new wolf had an issue shifting and came to your encampment?"

Guriel said, "Not at all sir. We came to ask if you ever heard of anything like this in your legends and lore. I know in my heart of hearts this was not something with your pack. We have worked together for to long and I know your people are good kind people."

Manuel nodded and said, "Tell the survivors to come to the cave we will set sentries at the entrance to protect you all. Lets go see the elders in their cabin."

We followed them to a cabin by the lake and Manuel opened the door. A elderly woman came out of the kitchen and said, "Manuel sweetheart I was just planning to call you."

He walked over with a big smile on his face and hugged the woman, "Hello Grandma I was going to call you today as well. We need to speak with the elders do you all have time."

A gentleman called from the far room, "Oh course we do come and see us."

We followed Manual down the hall and we entered the room and Manual said, "Please sit down everyone."

"What is it son," A regal looking gentleman asked.

He nodded to me and I said, "Last night the Goblin group that works with your pack yearly was attacked. After this we search for survivors."

A murmur rose through the group and someone asked, "Who attacked?"

"Thats the thing no one saw it," I said. "Well no one but Keke Guriels daughter. So far only ten survivors were found. That includes Guriel and Keke. However this morning at breakfast Keke said she saw it. She said it reminded her of you Mr Keets. I guess you did a trick once for the younglings where you shifted your head only."

Mr Keets laughed and said, "The kids get a laugh of it but it happens very fast as we cannot just shift one part of our body."

"Thats why she said it only reminded her of you," I said. She said she knew it was not a wolf from here because she has seen you in your shifted form. She said this creature had a wolf head and a human body. She also said she knew it wasn't you or a wolf from here because the human part was thin and skinny."

Manual said, "While we were on our way over I have summoned all the rangers and trackers we will go with the hunters to help search. I have our medical on call and one coming with us to help. Beth and a few younger pack members are readying the caves with some food and wood so the survivors can be brought here. But some of you are close to 300 years old. Have any of you ever heard of such a creature?"

A quiet voice from the corner said, "Alpha I have."

Mr Keets went over and knelt near her and said, "Mrs Penny what is it."

She asked "has anyone else been attacked?"

"Yes," I said. "A human photographer. She was doing photography shots in the area and the next day she was found dead in her secured room. Also Gar here has been told by shifters another Goblin camp was found abandoned and all their belongings including their tools were left."

Guriels head snapped up and he said, "That was Murians encampment. We received word from them a fortnight ago they were heading south to Florida as they had met another pack while a scout was in florida and they were offered the same offer we have from you."

Mr keets asked, "What pack?"

"The sun and moon pack thats in the panhandle," He said.

A gentleman who had followed us and said, "I will call alpha simon sir. Give me about twenty minutes."

I continued, "There is a lake which the photographer was taking pictures at that is a spot of great blessings to many species. Creatures would have wedding and births there. Now everyone is avoiding the area as it had a wrong feeling."

Mrs Penny gave a shaken sigh and said, "Alpha Manual my room is room two inside in a blue chest on a table can you get it for me?"

He got up and fetched the chest, "Here you go Maam."

She said in a low voice, "My Grandmother was a witch. She was half wolf and half witch. She was powerful. When I was a small child we were sitting on her porch and we heard movement in the woods. She casted a spell and a blue shimmer went all around us. We heard a howl and in the shadows you could see blue sparks from where something was trying to break through the barrier. My Grandmother told me to go inside. She said to whatever it was that she saw him and his evil and his kind will never come through. She cast many spells that night and each spell was answered by a howl. In the early hours of the morning she came in, grabbed a battle sword and said, no matter what you hear do not look out or come outside. She darken the windows with a wave of her hand and the door closed and locked behind her as she walked out. When she returned she was bruised and scratched up. She collapsed on the ground and cast one last spell before she passed out. Less than an hour later members of the pack and her coven all descended on the house and the elder of the coven took what was in her arms and laid it in the chest. When she woke up a few days later she had me climb up and she said. He is the last of his kind and no supernatural creature is safe. He is part human and part monsters. Even the demons stay away. I asked her what he was and she said, The man of many faces. He is human and demon he attacks and kills all supernatural creatures to gain power and strength. But his power gained by killing wanes. Only the true warrior of the world will be able to stop him."

Mr Keets asked, "What did your Grandmother have wrapped in her arms?"

Mrs Penny waved her hand over the box and it glowed, "She laughed and said My grandmother was not the only witch in our family. I am blessed with the ability to shift though and know my wolf. Here my girl take it and look at whats inside. That is why my Grandmother never healed."

I walked over and took the chest and inside was a human hand half morphed into a claw. I looked at her and said, "That is a egyptian sphinx claw. He has been all over this world hasn't he?"

"My Grandmother survived because her wolf fought the poison and her coven did cleansing rituals multiple times a month when it got to bad," She said. "I hope you find the goblins my dear. Do an old lady a favor?"

"If i can Mrs. Penny," I said. 

She reached into her yarn bag and handed me a dagger. I lifted my brow and asked, "What is this?"

"That fucker broke my grandmas sword when they battled that morning," She said. "A mazing dwarf took the blade and crafted it down to this dagger. When you find and kill that monster take that blade and slam it in his heart and tell him that is for esmerelda."

I wrapped my hand around the blade and said, "I will."

Lowering the lid on the chest I went to hand it back to her and she said, "No child keep it. The chest will glow white if he is within a mile of it. The brighter it is the more it will glow."

Manual asked, "How do you know that?"

She sighed and said, "I thought he was coming for me last night because it gave off a faint glow."

I turned to ben and said, "Call your mom and tell her to call the egyptian embassy we need the sphynx anitidote now. As much as they can spare and tell your mom everything."

We headed out and I called Melvin and when he answered I said, "Melvin get everyone on it we need as much sphynx antidote or something that can combat it as soon as possible. Get into the archives and get everything you have on the Man of Many faces."

He laughed and said, "Emma love thats a legend."

"Melvin he is not legend and he is here and killing," I said.

"Emma are you sure?" He said.

"Melvin I have his fuckin missing hand in my arms," I said.

He was quiet and said, "Emma we are on it check back with me in about 2 hours. We have some sphynx antidote here we will get the best witches on it. I am sending half of what we have to you now."

We headed to where Guriels encampment was and I put the box in my carry bag. When we got to the encampment we say the destruction and a few bodies of the goblins. When the pack members arrived Alpha Manual told Guriel "we will bring the bodies back and prepare for a pyre. We will clean and wrap them but their faces so you may identify them there in safety."

Some of the werewolves shifted and i called them back. Manual looked at me and I took the box out asking, "If you smell this will you remember the other scents?"

Manual said, "Yes the would they can remember multiple scents at a time."

"Smell this then if you smell it or anything similar you fall back and mindlink your alpha immediately," I said. "Do not be hero's this guy is the deadlist there is. If he kills you he will gain your talents and powers."

The sniffed the inside and shook their head. Alpha Manual said, "They have it and are off."

Putting the hand away I felt someone watching us. Looking around I could not figure out from where. I pulled my gun and started to slowly turn around and let instinct take over. Ben looked at me and said, "Emma?"

"We are being watched," I said. "I can't figure out from where."

I felt a rubble under my feet and looked up and asked, "Are there caves under us?"

Guriel said, "Yes but there is a five foot barrier of heavy rock. The entrance is a bit away."

"Take us there," I said.

Heading to the the caves we found more bodies outside. Then we heard crying. I holstered my gun and walked to a large tree. Going through the bushes I came to a hollow in the tree and found two young goblins. I put my hand out saying, "Its alright little ones my name is Emma we are going to get you out of here."

They wrapped their arms around me and the little one said, "The bad man is killing everyone. Nana was with us and she told us to be silent and ran out to lead him away. But she never came back."

Holding them tight I said, "Your safe now. We will look for your Nana."

The older of the two whispered saying, "He wants to see in the dark. We saw him kill and when he killed them the person they killed glowed blue and then as they were dying their eyes glowed. Nana said he is killing to see in the dark."

"How smart you both are," I said. "Let us try to find your Grandma. You are going to go with these nice ladies here to the safe camp on the wolves land."

The littlest one held onto my neck and said, "Wait!"

"What is it little one," I asked.

"He said as he was killing the others he needs the power of sight to see in the dark," She said. "He said thank you for contributing to my quest to get the Heart of Mary."

Ben looked at me and asked, "Do you know what the heart of Mary is?"

"No," I said. "Do you?"

"No but I am going to get info now," He said. "I guess I am calling Mom."

Ben went to my Jeep to make a call and when he came back he looked pale. Max asked him, "How bad is it Ben?"

"The heart of Mary is not a what," He said. "It is a who."

"Who is it?" I asked.

"Its a descendent of of Jesus of Nazareth," He said. "Everyone knows before he was killed he had a wife and family. That family still lives today. The heart of Mary is how they refer to the family of Jesus."

Max asked, "Why go after the family?"

"There is a legend that the creature believes that if the family was to disappear then the world people would go back to the old gods," Ben said. "Mom is looking into more information now. Not only is the guy a murderer, but wants to be idolized as a God as well."

Rubbing my temple I said, "Who are the heart of Mary."

Ben looked at me in the face and stared. He didn't say anything and I laughed, "Thats impossible I would have known, wouldn't I?"

I started to laugh, and Max said, "Here we go."

I bent over, gripping my knees, and Max had his hand on my back. "Emma doll relax. I am gonna beat your dad in the afterlife for not telling you."

"I am twenty five years old," I said. " You would have thought sometime after Ma died. before he died that he would have thought to tell me the truth? Oh hey Emma by the way your a descendent of Jesus CHrist and one day a mythical madman is going to raise hell by trying to kill you so people praise him."

The wolves stared at me and Mr. Keets asked, "Should we bow to you?"

"No," I said. "I am just emma to you. I may have royal blood in my veins, but I am still just Emma."

Ben said, "Well I guess your going to be protected now as well."

Chuckling I said, "Really? I am gonna kill the fucker."

Max laughed and said, "Oh Emma what are we going to do with you."

Shrugging I said, "If I die, burn my body. But we are gonna make sure we kill the fucker."

We took the ride to the Tavern, and I went up to my room and sat on my bed. I picked up my phone and called Melvin. He answered on the first ring and said, "Emma doll what's going on?"

"You never told me about my family lineage," I said. "Why, Melvin?"

He sighed and said, "Because it would not matter unless the old one has returned. But that is a legend, Emma."

"He is not a legend, and he is coming for me," I said. "Damn it Melvin, many have already died because I was not told the damn truth."

Melvin said, "Emma I am sorry it was your parents wishes. None of us knew that this was going to happen."

"Find me a way to kill him," I said. "Not stop him, end him."

"I will get everyone on it," He said. "Emma please be careful."

I hung up and there was a knock on my door. Opening the door Ben came in and said, "There are wolves at all the entrances and patrolling the grounds. You will have a guard with you at all times."

"Who is the guard Ben?" I asked. "I don't want to saddle anyone with me as its to dangerous."

"Well you are lucky," Ben said. "I am your guard. So you are stuck with me."

Emma- Main   Ben- Georgia Hunter

Melvin- Head of the hunters florida group

Max- Owner the Skulls and Tavern Rest Stop Milly-Max Partner

Gar- Troll

Genebi- Head of the local Goblins

Guriel and Keke- 2 goblins saved

Mr Keets its the Beta for the blood moon pack. Manuel Alpha

Massies Adventures (3 Book series)

 My name is Massie May Anderson and I am a descendant of the Salem witches.  My family has a secret and that is we have been running from those who have tried to burn us since 1692.  See although people say that the Salem Witch Trial was an atrocity, the same people who hunted my ancestors during the trials are hunting us now. So our people are still running after 320 years.  To say I have lived an adventurous life takes on a new meaning as our people can live for hundreds of years. My mother was killed by a group of these hunters when I was a year old and my father and grandparents have been hiding me ever since.  

"Massie May please do not make me come up those stairs," Grandma called from the base of the stairs. "Get moving girl its the first day of your senior year in high school."

I rolled over in bed and looked at the time. I still had an hour before I had to head to school.  I climbed up and jumped in the shower. Once out I pulled out my favorite outfit and got ready I headed downstairs to see what kind of celebration my Grandma planned. I wasn't disappointed as I got to the table and there was a full breakfast on the table.

"Wow Grandma there are only four of us and you cooked enough for an army," I said.

"Well, my sweet girl I wanted you to have options," She said as I sat down. I started loading my plate and then got an idea and grabbed two biscuits and made bacon and egg sandwiches and put them in my bento box. I also scoped fruit into another section. Grandma started laughing and said, "You have plenty of money for lunch kiddo."

"Oh I know but if I get busy I'll have the food with me." I said, "Besides waste not, want not and no worrying about someone trying to poison me."

"Massie dear please don't talk like that you know how serious things are," Grandma said.

I got up and walked next to her and gave her a hug. "I'm sorry Grandma, I know how serious it is but if I can't be a little light-hearted I would not be me."

Grandma smiled, "Oh my sweet girl your Mom would have been so happy to see this day."

"I wish she was here to Grandma. Daddy is so lonely and you and Grandpa should be living your life in retirement instead of here taking care of me when Daddy travels for work," I said.

"Massie," She said taking my face in her hands, "You are a sweet, kind, and loving girl. Being here is better than any retirement that we could have had. Do not think for a second I would rather be somewhere else. Now you best eat and then get in your car and head to school or you will be late.'

Eating breakfast with Grandma was always my favorite daily activity. It became even better when Grandpa strolled in and joked he should drive me to school like he did when I went off to kindergarten.

Looking at him I said, "You mean how you dropped me off and sat in your car all day in the parking lot until my day was over?"

He looked at me and said, "Hey don't knock it that is how I met frank and he is a great friend now."

After eating I grabbed my lunch and headed out to my car. As I pulled in I really hated the fact they took away the assigned parking. I was able to find a shaded parking spot and got ready to head to the gym to get my schedule. Only one year left and then I was done with school. Heading to the gym I heard someone calling my name, "Massie wait up."

I turned around and saw my best friend Kara running up towards me. I caught her in a hug and said, "Well Kara you ready to start this year with a bang?"

"You bet Massie I want out of this town," She said.

Faking a smile I said, "You will have grand adventures."

However, Kara had no clue how lucky she was. After I graduated dad and grams wanted to move to Canada to a witches commune. I wanted to travel and see the world but until the threat against us is taken care of I would have to stay hidden.

Kara got a pout on her face, "So you really have to help out with your family overseas after you graduate?"

I laughed lying, "I guess if heading to south America is a bad thing then we shall see."

Kara pouted, "You said your family travels around South America, that is so cool. Maybe after you get settled I could come and visit you."

"You never know!" I said playing the invite off, "Well let's g et in line for our schedules and see what happens this school year."

We walked into the gum and it was complete chaos. I said hi to a few people while I waited in line for my schedule and was thankful Kara wasn't there to question me anymore about the move. She was asking a lot of questions lately and that worried me because when questions are asked it is hard to keep the lies straight. I will talk to Grandma about it later and see what she thinks.

I finally made it to the front of the line and came up in front of my history teacher Mrs. Davis. She smiled at me and said, "Massie May Anderson I bet your ready to get this year started."

Laughing I said, "Only if your going to be my teacher this year Mrs Davis."

She handed me my schedule and said, "Was there ever a doubt? Now go to the Senior party in the Senior wing and I will see you later on today."

The rest of the day everything felt off. Almost as if the enemy that was always chasing me was right at our doorstep now. When school finally ended I jumped into my car and headed home. When I got there I went to find my Grams to tell her about how I felt today. I found her sitting in a rocking chair on the back porch knitting.

She looked up at me and said, "Child what's wrong you seem like you have something on your mind?"

"Grams i need to ask, How young do witch hunters start," I said.

"Why do you ask my love," She asked.

"Kara was asking a lot of weird questions today and pushing about visiting our 'family' in South America and where they are." I said, "I am really worried because she never was like this before she went away this summer and now she wont shut up about it."

Grandma looked a bit worried and said, "Massie I would suggest no sleep overs for a while. I am going to do a search about her family through the witches coven."

"Grandma," I said. "Do you think that I am being a bit critical on this?"

She looked at me and said, "No sweetie after everything that our family has been through I am going to say not at all. Now let forget this unpleasant stuff for now. Tell me about your first day of your senior year."

We sat talking about classes and teachers this year. When I yawned she said, "Why don't you go take a nap for now and rest. I will wake you when we have dinner."

Smiling I agreed and headed to take a nap. I went into my room, locking the door behind me. Climbing into bed I dozed off fast. I dreamt of mountains and a beautiful lake. In my dream I was walking with someone but as I was about to see who it was I was woken up by my Grandpa, "Massie love Grandma cooked a feast in honor or your first day of senior year. Please come put an old man out of his misery so I can eat it smells so good."

Turning over I looked up at Grandpa and said, "All of Grandmas food smells so good. But come on Gramps I would be horrified if you were tortured any longer."

We walked down the stairs and I noticed my dads chair was empty. Gramps noticed it to and said, "Massie sweetheart you know your daddy has never been right since your Mama passed. He was out working for the coven and he loves you."

I gave a half grin and said, "I understand Gramps I should be as lucky as you and grams and then daddy and mama to met my soul mate. But you are right this smells amazing lets eat!"

Sitting down at the table the front door opened and dad walked in holding a beautiful bouquet of flowers. He called out, "Massie where are you,"

Jumping up I ran to give him a hug and he said, "I am sorry I wasn't here this morning but I cannot wait to hear about your day. I see Grandma made a feast for dinner, I cannot wait to eat I am starved."

Taking the flowers I walked to the vase and grabbed some water, "You think this is crazy you should have seen the breakfast she made this morning."

Grandma walked in and said, "Well Massie come to the kitchen and help me grab the food while your dad washes up."

When I came into the kitchen Grandma whispered, "For now skip over everything that happened with Kara. Let me look into it first so your dad doesn't panic."

Whispering back ok as dad walked in the room, "What are my ladies whispering about?"

Grandma slapped him with a towel and said, "Cant woman have secrets you silly man. Now grab that platter and we have the rest."

Dad did a mock salute and grabbed the platter of steaks and gravy grandma made. We grabbed the sides and headed to the table. Dad sat down and looked at his mom and said, "Mom thank you so much for handling everything this morning I got caught up on a case for the council and lost track of time."

Grandma said, "Your welcome sweetheart, We had enough food for a small army so there is plenty of leftovers."

Grandpa muttered under his breath, "When are there not leftovers."

Everyone laughed as we ate and it was nice to be under the same roof together. As we ate I told Grandpa and Dad about my day and new classes skipping over the information about Kara. After we ate dinner Grandma produced not only apple pie but a cake that said congratulations senior on it. Sitting there I could not believe how blessed I am. I hoped that this year would go by quick and peacefully. Then there was a knock at the door.

Dad stood up quickly and Grandma grabbed her witches talisman from her pocket and she went to open the door. When she opened it she gasped, "Oh my Regina come in what happened."

My dads co worker Regina walked in pulling her son Sam behind her and she looked a mess. Regina and Sam lived a few towns away with her husband. She looked like she had been through battle and said, "Sam had just gotten home from school. Matt and I were planning on taking him out for dinner for the first night of senior year. We were driving through town almost to the restaurant when the breaks stopped working. Oh god poor matt he is gone. The emts got there and there was nothing we could do."

Grandma sat Regina down and said, "Who did it."

"When we got home there was a note on the door, It said we know what you are, leave." She said.

Dad bought her a glass of water and said, "Let's go to the office and call the council."

As my Dad and Regina went into the family office my Grandma sat next to Sam and said, "Sam I know you have been through a lot but are you hungry we just finished dinner, but there is a lot of food left."

Sam looked up at her and said, "Mrs Chloe I am starving. I would love a plate."

Grandma led Sam to the table and sat him next to me and said, "I will be right back."

I put my hand on his arm and said, "Sam I am so sorry. I know what your going through believe me."

Sam looked at me and said, "How?"

"Because the witch hunters killed my mom when I was young," I said. "Think about all the time you had with your dad and how fortunate you were. I know its not the best advice but its the only I can give."

He took my hand and said, "Thank You."

Looking around the table he said, "Man you were all having a party. Then we came in and busted it up."

Laughing I said, "Nah Sam I am glad you came. This was desert after dinner. Grandma does not know the meaning of smaller meals. You should have seen the breakfast she made this morning. I took some to school for lunch and the fridge is packed."

Sam started to laugh as Grandma came in with a plate loaded with food and a basket with fresh rolls. His eyes got big as his stomach growled.

"Tuck in Sam there is plenty more where that came from as well as desert," She said.

As Sam ate we talked about our schools and how our first day went. We had just dished up some desert and were talking about what to expect this up and coming school year when Dad and Regina came out of the office. Regina came over to us and said, "The counsel was able to get your Dads body and they have it at the funeral home. I talked with Michaels family and they are going to let us stay here for a while. Its not safe to go home right now. I am sorry we will have to change your school for right now."

Sam stood up and said, "Mom its okay if we need to stay here to be safe I am alright with this. Besides if Mrs Chloe cooks like this all the time I will be a happy camper."

Grandma started laughing and said, "Finally someone who will eat all the leftovers. Massie if you wouldn't mind would you show Sam up to the Attic bedroom I think he will enjoy that the most. Regina you will be staying in the garden guest room. The views in the morning are absolutely beautiful."

Grandma led Regina to the bedroom and I had Max follow me to the attic bedroom. "When Grams says attic for the bedroom its not really an attic but there is a tiny door outside you room that leads to the small attic she uses for storage. You actually have the best view in the house."

As we walked up the stairs I showed him my room and the bathroom and when we got to the end of the hall I opened the door to his room. I said "Up the stairs."

When we got up the stairs the room opened up and Sam said, "Wow!"

Walking towards the main window I said, "You will love this."

I opened the curtains and the whole town lit up below us. You could also see the lake and river the town bordered. "Tell me you do not like this view?"

He looked at me and said, "Why do you not have this room Massie?"

Sighing I said, "Its a long story."

"Well," He said. "You have been a friend to me all night. I would like to know."

I sat on the chair and said, "Since my mom was killed my dad has been a lost soul. There will be days when he throws himself into his work and forgets about me and life outside of work. He has started to get better with remembering. But when we moved here my Grandma wanted to be near me in case of a attack. That and don't let Grandma fool you she checks on me all the time and those stairs are not good for her."

Sam nodded and said, "I get it."

We watched the stars come out and he asked, "Does it get easier knowing your mom isn't here anymore?"

"Not really," I said. "I was so tiny when she died and I never had a chance to know her. I am more sad for the fact that I had never met her and got to know her."

There was a knock on the door and Regina came in with my Dad. She looked out the window and said, "Wow what a view."

"Sam how do you feel about changing schools and moving in here?" She asked

"What's going on Mom?" He asked.

Dad said, "Sam your mother is worried about your safety and the we had our team come and get the car. The brake lines were cut but not completely. Your mom is worried that they will come after both of you. Mom and Dad offered your mom and you a place to live. Safety in numbers."

"I will move Mom," He said. "Honestly I am thankful as I really did not like that school anyway. People are weird there and as I am a bit different they were not the best with the weirdness. So what about our stuff at the house?"

Dad said, "All your belongings in your room and your moms room are being packed as we speak and will be here by the morning. The remaining stuff is being put into storage."

"Mom," He said. "Dads Guitars in the living room can I keep them here in my room with me?"

Regina looked up and said, "Of course sweetie"

Dad said, "If there is anything else you want let me know and we will have it brought here."

"I want my motorcycle," He said. 

Dad nodded and said, "Amelia not much later you have school in the morning."

Nodding I said, "Okay Dad."

When they left Sam looked at me and said, "Now for the serious question?"

"What?" I asked.

"How would your Grandma feel if we raided the kitchen," He asked. "I only had some of the pie and that cake looked so good."

We went down to the kitchen to get some cake and found Grandma and Grandpa eating desert. She looked up and said, "Food or desert?"

Sam gave her a smile and said, "That Chocolate cake please Mrs. Chloe it looks so good."

Grandpa laughed and said, "Oh my boy it is. Sit down and remember if you sneak down for food in the middle of the night just put it back and wash whatever you use."

Sam sat down and said, "Yes Sir."

Grandma put slices in front of us and we ate and talked with them. Grandpa got real interested when Sam asked where he should park his Motorcycle when it got dropped off. As it got late I said goodnight to everyone and headed to bed. 

I felt bad for Sam and Regina I could only imagine the pain they were in. I lost my mom and not knowing her and I still felt the pain. Falling asleep I dreamt of my mom and the little I recall from the pictures I have seen.

When I woke up in the morning I struggled to get out of bed. Crawling down the stairs I joined everyone in the kitchen and looked at the clock it was ten in the morning and I missed two classes. Looking at Grandma I asked, "Did you try to wake me?"

"No sweetheart," She said. "I went in and shut your alarm off. We have a problem and we need to talk to you. But first eat and drink some coffee."

Grandma put a bacon, egg and cheese bagel along with hashbrown patties in front of me. Sam walked in and went to the coffee pot making him a cup of coffee and when he sat down she put the plate in front of him as well. He looked at me and said, "I thought you had school today?"

"So did I but apparently there is a problem," I said.

Sam stopped and asked everyone, "What are you not telling us?"

Grandma sat down and said, "Please eat and wake up before we speak to you both. I promise we will tell you both everything."

We both ate and when we got a second cup of coffee everyone sat down. Grandpa said, "Do you know what your fated is?"

Max looked up and said, "Its rare but its when the goddess selects a special person for you. Why?"

"Last night I was walking and checking the house," Regina said. "The fated mist was here?"

Looking up I asked, "You and Dad? I mean we know that it can happen after the loss of a spouse."

She chuckled and said, "No Massie. The mist was between yours and Sam's room."

Looking at each other we said, "Well shit."

Grandpa chuckled and said, "But wait there is more."

Grandma looked at him and said, "Really Frank?"

He gave her puppy eyes and said, "To soon."

"Hello," I asked. "What is happening."

"The hunters marked us," Grandma said. "The team went to pack and get Regina and Sam's belongings packed last night. When they returned this morning there was a note that said, We know where you are and what you all are. The council wants us to go into hiding. We will be leaving in a day or two."

"Wait," I asked. "What about our senior years."

Dad said, "Massie you and Sam being fated will mean in the next few weeks your magic will increase. You both have large targets on your back. I will not lose you like I lost your Mom. The story is going to be your other Grandma took a turn for the worse and we had to go. I have started the process with Regina to get your classes on home school."

I had tears in my eyes and I wiped them away and said, "Where are we going?"

"Massie we can't tell you until we are packed and ready to move," Grandma said. "All of Sam's and Reginas belonging are being spelled right now to make sure there is no way to have a tracker."

Dad looked at me and said, "After breakfast get your luggage set out and pack as much as you can. The council will be delivering crates within the hour."

Standing up I said, "Excuse me I am not hungry right now."

Running up the stairs I went into the room shutting the door behind me. I sat in the middle of my room and started to cry. Twenty minutes later there was a soft knock on the door and when I didn't answer Regina stuck her head in and asked, "May I come in?"

Nodding she came in and sat on the floor next to me. She wiped the tears from my cheek and said, "I understand you know. When I was thirteen my Dad was killed by the hunters and I had to leave everything that I knew. My Mom moved me twelve more times to keep me safe. That was before we met Matt and his family. I would give anything to be that thirteen-year-old girl again and be able to live a life without looking over my shoulder."

She put her arms out and I went into them. Pushing my hair back she said, "My sweet girl one day in the future I will be your mom-in-law. You can come to me about anything. I know I am not your Mom or Grandma but I will be here for you for anything."

I said, "Thank you. So Sam is my fated for real? What does that mean."

She gave a soft smile as she leaned us against the bed. "Well it means your feelings for each other will develop. The mist formed a line to each of you and that's why your so tired today as it connected you both. It was a strong connection as the colors within were bright as well. The goddess chose you both and you will thrive from her blessings both as a couple as well as individually."

Looking around she said, "When the crates arrive I will help you pack unless you want to do it on your own."

Laughing I said, "I may need it but god knows my grams will need it more. Her kitchen and pantry alone will be a mad house."

Regina laughed and said, "Well the council just dropped off mine and Sam's suitcases packed full. Sam is kinda cranky right now because his bike is being shipped. My car is also with that transport and our belongings. Where we are moving we will be sharing a home due to you and Sam being fated. But don't worry I told them we needed a big house with a big kitchen for your Grandma. She stress bakes I noticed."

We stood up and I pulled my luggage out and asked, "So essentials until we get it all to us? I am good at packing a suitcase and they will weigh a ton."

She laughed and said, "A girl after my own heart."

There was a knock at the door and Regina opened it. Dad and Sam were in the doorway holding crates. Regina said, "I am going to see what Chloe would like me to help pack. Sam, what are you doing?"

"Mrs. Chloe said to help Massie," He said. "I am not going against a direct order."

Dad said, "I will be back in a few minutes with more crates."

Both Dad and Regina left and Sam said, "After they leave more crates let's talk."

Opening all my of my suitcases on the bed I grabbed a crate and put it next to my closet. Dad and Regina brought in six more crates and Dad said, "We will be by in an hour to see what you have packed. Also Massie is there anything in your car you may need?"

Giving him a look he said, "You keep your car spotless I know but your car is going to be loaded in the first transport."

"No Dad she is empty," I said. "I will have stuff ready to go soon"

After they left Sam said, "This doesn't seem real does it."

"No it doesn't," I said. "I feel like I am falling apart."

He walked over and opened his arms. Going into them he held me and said, "You know this is our first hug ever. Do you want to address the elephant in the room?"

I chuckled and said, "We might as well. But while we do that we might as well get to work. Would you mind packing all my books? Just let me get some stuff off the shelves."

He kissed my forehead and I felt electricity. We stood back a step from each other and said, "Woah."

He laughed and he said, "Well i know its not a real first kiss but I guess we felt a spark."

We both laughed as I gathered a few pictures and books adding them to my suitcase. He grabbed a crate and started to pack all of my books. I went to my closet and then went to the door yelling down, "Should I pack warm or cool weather clothes."

I heard Regina call out, "A mixture of both for traveling."

Shutting the door Sam said, "My coat was included but I also have swim stuff and cold weather gear."

Groaning I said, "Lord have mercy. I hope they do not complain I have so many suitcases plus my travel bag."

He said, "They bought me three suitcases and my travel backpack so I think it's good you will have the same amount as me. So back to the topic at hand."

"Did you have any idea we were fated?" I asked.

"Not in the slightest," He said. "When you went to bed last night I thought wow what a cool girl. Like you this morning I woke up exhausted and on my ankle I saw a mark that looks like an infinity sign. Do you have one?"

Looking at my ankle I saw a mark and said, "Wow I have one as well."

"So what now?" He asked.

"Get used to each other I guess," I said. "Don't get me wrong you're great and I love getting to know you. I guess we let it progress naturally? Do you have any bad habits I should know about?"

He laughed and said, "I am obsessed with my motorcycle. Speaking of which are you afraid of being on one?"

"No I am not when Grandpa was younger he said I needed to know how to ride on one," I said. "I guess his intuition was on point."

"Well what is your bad habit?" He asked looking up.

Taking a picture of him I said, "I love taking pictures to a fault."

"Do you mean I will be the subject in many of your pictures," He asked. "Or will I be the one saving you if you try to get a picture over the rail?"

Laughing I said, "Both."

We continued to talk as I went through my closet. Folding everything as tight as I could to fit what I would need in my suitcase. By the time Dad had come back with movers, Sam had gotten my shelves done and was filling crates with the clothes that were going on the transport. They took the crates as well as my reading chair. Dad looked at us and said, "We are trying to get as much as we can loaded today for transport. Massie your car was loaded in as well as a lot of the furniture from the living room already. Once that's full that will go. Grandpa is in the garage raising a fuss right now packing up more stuff. I tried to help him but he got cranky."

Looking at Dad I asked, "You tried touching Grandpa's tools. You're a brave man."

Sam whistled and said, "Brave man."

Dad laughed and said, "I get it. Let me know when you have more."

Dad left and when we finished my closet I grabbed all my personal items I use daily and packed them. Sam went into the bathroom and started to pack everything else in a crate while I started to pack up my makeup table. Since I did not have a lot of makeup as I did not use it I filled my bag adding it to the suitcase and kept a few pieces of jewelry out adding the rest to a clothing crate. Then I pulled out the table making sure nothing was behind it. Same helped me move that and my chair over to the pile of crates. Sitting at my desk I added my laptop, hard drives and camera into my travel bag. I put my purse into the top section of the travel bag as it was small. Looking at my phone I had multiple messages from Kara asking where I was. Sighing I texted back family emergency. Grandma walked in and said, "Come one you two its lunch time."

We followed her down and on the counter was a stack of paper plates and all the leftovers from the fridge including sandwich items. She laughed and said, "Eat up we will be having leftovers till we leave."

While I heated up sides from the night before I made a sandwich to go with them. Then I grabbed a slice of cake sitting down to eat. Sam had the same idea and sat next to me. Grandma looked up and said, "Massie doll do me a favor. When you are done with your room. Please go into the room Sam slept in last night and pack that up as well. Leave the curtains up in all the rooms we do not need people being sneaky. The movers already cleared out the attic crawl space and please do not forget any pictures handing on the walls. Also both of you please bring your suitcases downstairs and place them nest the fireplace."

We nodded and when we finished we offered to help clean up. Regina said she has the cleaning and for both of us to continue on packing. When we got to the room I noticed my table and all the crates were gone. For the next few hours, we continued to pack my room and when we finished we dragged my suitcases next to Sam's. We spent the remainder of the day packing up his room before we joined the family for dinner.

When we sat down Grandpa said, "Massie, you and Sam are leaving tonight. The council is going to come get you both after it gets dark. You will be going the long way to keep any hunters away from you both. Consider this your senior trip."

Looking up Sam said, "Will we be graduating high school?"

Regina nodded and said, "As your fated you will be homeschooled. People who are fated can experience flashes of magic and we want to protect you as well as others. The council will have a international school set up for you by the time you arrive. We will be in a house that has three wings. One for me, one for your family and one for the two of you to share."

I asked, "Do you not need help here?"

"No," Grandma said. "Regina's and Sam's old house is packed and being transported. We will be done here in a day or two and behind you. When you leave a cloak and anti tracking spell will be put on you both. The Transports also will have the same spells placed."

We both nodded and after lunch we continued to pack till the sun went down. When the sun set behind the mountain there was a knock at the door. Dad went to answer the door and came back with a few of the local elders. Mr. Blake came over taking Sam's and my hand. He said, "Sam and Massie you are very special to the coven. Fated couples are very rare and unique. We will do everything in our power to get you to safety and away from the hunters."

We nodded and I said, "I wish we didn't have to leave our families."

An elderly woman named Stella came over and said, "We understand dear. Mario and I will be your Grandparents while we travel. Oh my girl do we have an adventure planned. Make sure you have your camera ready and a few extra memory cards. Mario and I are excited for the trip with you both. We do have to do the non-tracking spell though and leave as we have to make the train for the midnight departure."

Giving a small smile I said, "Well I hope you like pictures as I like taking them."

Everyone gathered around our group with Sam and I in the center. They did the blessing and then hiding spell. When we were finished Mario said, "Well kids its time we get going so we can get settled in the suite on the train as its a five hour trip to the first location."

I hugged Grandma and Sam took my hand and said, "Ready Massie?"

"Not really," I said. "What about you?"

He chuckled and said, "You know we will laugh about this in twenty years."

I chuckled and said, "We can only hope."

*********************************************************************

The ride to the train station was quiet and when we arrived Mario said, "Okay kids let us get on the train. You guys got this. Do not be afraid."

Stella put her arm around me and said, "It is okay Massie. Being a little scared is okay. The trick is not to let the fear rule you."

I hugged her back and said, "You are completely right Stella."

We were led to a suite on the train and once we were settled Sam said, "I should have eaten more when we were at home."

Mario chuckled and said, "Do not worry about that Sam. When we switch to the main train we will have dinner but until them Chloe knew you would be hungry so she sent us a bag of food."

He took out a backpack and handed each of us a container. Inside was a ham sandwich and a big slice of cake. Mario also handed us bags full of chips and Sam and I started to laugh and I said, "That is typical Grandma."

All four of us started eating as the train started to move. When we were finished Sam handed me my camera and said, "Hey Massie I think you will like this view."

We switched seats and as the sun was setting over the water on the coast I opened the window enough to take some pictures. By the time we pulled into the next station, the sun had set. Sam took my hand and said, "Well, we will look back on this as a major adventure."

Squeezing his hand, I said, "Let's hope it stays a calm adventure."

Stella said, "Let us manifest a positive journey. Now it's getting later, and we have about three hours till we can board for the midnight departure. So we are going to get the luggage to go to our joining rooms, and we will eat at the country cafe in the station. We will be heading across the country for a five-day trip. From there we will be heading south to South America."

We handed our luggage over to the porter and I lifted my carry bag as we headed to the cafe Sam took it and said, Jesus woman this is heavy."

Laughing I said, "It is my camera equipment mostly."

Mario said, "Well I hope you like great food I travel through here a lot and the food is amazing."

We were led to a private table and the waitress said, "Welcome, I am Cami, your server! I see you are awaiting the midnight express. Once you have ate I will see if your rooms are ready for early loading."

Mario said, "Thank you, Cami we would appreciate this. These two have been traveling all day and I know they would love to get some sleep. They are on their pre-wedding trip."

Cami nodded and said, "Congratulations."

Sam and I said, "Thank You."

After Cami left I said, "Pre-wedding trip? Are you saying Sam and I are getting married soon?"

"Normally when people are connected like you both are we do arrange a wedding," Mario said. "Only because things can happen and there were quite a few unplanned pregnancies that have happened. Also when you find your soul mate the connection will become stronger."

Stella smiled and said, "There is still plenty of time before that happens. Let us not worry about that for now and enjoy the trip we are taking."

Sam squeezed my hand under the table and said, "Good idea."

We finished eating dinner and Cami came back, "Well your meal does come with desert. However, since the train is loading and the family suite is ready I packed you up some deserts to have on the train."

She handed us a bag and Mario settled the check. Stella took the bag and we headed toward the boarding platform. We loaded onto the train and the steward led us to our family rooms at the back of the train. When we got in Stella and Mario took the bedroom area to the back and we went to the bedroom to the right. I noticed there was only one bed.

Sam said, "I wonder why there was unexpected pregnancies. We will talk tonight about everything when we go to sleep."

Putting our things in the room we went to the tiny living room and met Stella. She said, "We will be on this train for four days stopping up the easter seaboard and into Canada. Mario and I want to rest for a hour and then there is music and games in the lounge."

She went back to their room and shut the door. Sam and I went back to ours. He put our bags up on the rack and my Camera, purse and carry bag on the desk. He sat down and said, "I guess we can talk now."

We lay next to each other and he took my hand. When we joined hands there were literal sparks. A warm feeling spread through me. We both looked at each other and said, "Whoa."

Chuckling I said, "Well I guess we know how fast the bond forms. How do you feel about this? We have not had a private moment to talk about this yet."

"Well," He said. "At least I like you. You are a great, kind, sweet person and I hope that since we started as friends, we can build on that."

"I agree," I said. "I always wondered if I would find someone who would want me as a friend first. I guess the powers that be decided to connect us beyond that."

"So," Sam said. "Do I have permission for that first kiss now?"

"Yes," I said.

Sam closed the space between us and kissed me. Light at first and then it grew in intensity. We pulled away from each other to catch our breath and he said, "Well I definitely can get used to that real fast."

Breathless I said, "Same."

The train jerked and we started to move. He stood up and opened the window to our room. He said, "Come here."

Handing me my camera and smiled. I sat on the ledge to the window, and he leaned over my shoulder as I started to snap pictures. He took the camera and stood back as he said, "If we are on our prewedding trip, then you need some pictures of you as well."

I laughed, and he started snapping pictures. I took the camera and took some selfies of both of us. Then I took some pictures of him as well. He took his phone and said, "One to send the parental figures."

He took one and we sent it to his Mom. A few minutes later she replied with a group picture of her, my dad and my Grandparents. I started to feel sad and said, "I hope we will see them again soon."

He hugged me from behind and said, "Don't think like that. We will see them again after this trip and Mom and Grams will be advising us how to decorate our home."

"Our home," I said. "I liked living in and being comfortable like Grandma had made us. How about you?"

"I like comfortable with a few modern touches," He said. "However, I love a good fireplace and a wood stove. We had a wood stove in the kitchen and a few fireplaces in our home and I always liked sitting by the fire."

"At least we know what we both like," I said. "They match."

Yawning Sam said, "Come on lets lay down and close our eyes. I have a feeling the new Grandparents will be parading us around a bit tonight."

We layed down and I placed my head on Sams chest. We both dozed off until we heard Mario knocking and saying, "We are gonna head to the lounge in fifteen minutes. Start waking up kids."

Sam chuckled into my hair, "At least these Grandparents give us privacy."

Massie may anderson- main

Dad- Michael

Grandma- Chloe

Grandpa- Frank

Regina-Dadcoworker fam friend   Sam- Her son Matt deceased husband

Kara- Best friend thinks we are moving to south America possible hunter

Mrs Davis- History teacher

Mr. Blake- Council

Mario/Stella- Council members