Chapter Seven




It was around two o'clock in the morning when I was settled in my room. Everything was in its place. Now I could go to sleep. I turned out the light and crawled in bed. I was almost comfortable when I realize I didn't send Grans a reply about finding a new living location. I got out of bed and went to the laptop. Abby made sure I had a line to hook up the laptop. I promised her that I would put a new line in soon. She really didn't care as long as she got a chance to surf sometime. I booted the laptop up and wrote to Grans. I told her of the apartment I found and of my roommate. I also explained that I had to be on my guard at all times around the complex. It helped with our situation and I would be alerted should Adam ever contact the local pard. I sent my love to her and Miska. Then I sent the letter.

I was about to turn off the computer, when I decided to check to see if Grans wanted to talk tomorrow. I went into my mail box and saw a letter marked Emergency!!!! At first I thought I forgot to delete the first letter. I decided to check anyway. It was a new letter. Grans wanted me to know that Ms. MacNess was found outside the city limits. She was brutally beaten and clawed up. She was barely alive and is now recovering in the hospital. 'It looks like I have another pard member.' I thought to myself. I took a deep breath and read on. Adam found out what city I am in. 'It looks like I'm going to see who's stronger Logan or Adam.' I was becoming nervous reading on. Then she told me that Miska is missing. I began to panic. Miska was to watch over Grans for me, this means she's vulnerable and I'm not there to protect her. I read the rest of the letter. It said I should move in with Logan. I wasn't sure if I understood. First she tells me to move away from the master and now I'm to move in with him. She told me not to send anymore messages to her. She was going to contact me only. Something was definitely wrong. I have now realized my mistake. Adam had sent the first message. He had to have done it. The question was why? And where is Miska? I deleted the letter and was going to turn the computer off when an instant message appeared on the screen. I replied immediately.

It was Grans this time. She was shocked that I took such a risk moving away from the master and moved into a complex full of shapeshifters. She didn't understand why I did it. She wrote that I needed to call A.S.A.P. She wanted to hear my voice. Well it's a good time as any. I turned off the laptop and went into the living room. Abby and Jason were certainly in the next bedroom. I didn't need to know what was going on in there. The power that was pouring through the walls would make anyone want to join in. I smiled to myself, as I let that energy roll through my body. I pulled away from the raw energy reluctantly and found the phone. I dialed up Grans' number. She answered on the second ring.

"Ana? Is that you?"

"Yes, Grans, it's me. What is going on? I have received two e-mails from you and they were both marked emergencies. I did everything you told me to do. What is going on?" I knew that she didn't send one of the messages. I just needed to hear it from her.

"I haven't sent you an e-mail for two days. You wrote me saying that you were going out of town and not to write until tonight. You did write that didn't you?"

"No I didn't. I got on the computer yesterday planning to chat like normal and then the letter was there. Do you know what is happening? Just answer me this, Adam is still in town?"

"No dear he hasn't return from hunting in L.A. Why has Miska told you anything different?"

"I haven't heard from Miska in two weeks."

A door opened abruptly in the background. Grans took in a worried breath and said, "Oh no, Ana I have to go. Your Uncle Fabian just brought your mother in. She looks a fright."

"Grans don't hang up, tell me what is happening?" I started to pace the dining room floor. Thank God for the invention of cordless phones or I would have gotten tangled up miserably. From the feel of things Abby and Jason finished their nocturnal exercise. I hope I don't bother them being on the phone this late. I heard a scream over the phone and panicked, "Grans what's happening? Why is Mother screaming?" I tried not to yell in the phone but it didn't work. By my second question my mother was screaming and so was I.

Lights were turned on in the living room. I turned to see Abby and Jason standing there in a pair of pajamas. Abby in a black satin button up top. Jason was wearing the matching pants. Tears were welling up in my eyes. I hate being a worrywart. I turned so I wasn't seen crying. I wiped my eyes quickly and Grans returned to the phone. She was very calm with her speech, "Ana, I have to take your mother to the hospital. She has been locked up for two weeks and Fabian found her. She's mostly shaken and a little bruised. She says someone attacked her from the pard. She doesn't know who did it. Watch yourself girl. They know where you are."

I took a deep shaky breath and spoke; "We need a pass word for further emails. I don't want to have anymore misunderstandings." My hands were shaking. I was starting to lose control. My beast was bubbling to the surface. I placed my hand on Abby's flowers and pulled the last of the life they had. The roses went from red to black in three seconds. I whispered, "Sorry Abby, I'll buy you new ones." My control was coming back and my hands stopped shaking.

"Ana, my kitten, why don't we use your great-grandfather's name?"

"All right." I agreed.

"All the e-mails from me will start with his name. Any that are emergencies will start with your father's name."

"I don't know my father's name, Grans. Mama never told me it."

"It is Lochlir and Ana; he is still alive. Papa found him two days ago. He was showing off our family picture and your father saw your mother. He was surprised to find out that you were conceived." Those words brought me into a state of shock. I could feel all the blood going away from my face.

"We'll be in Bakersfield soon. I want you to stay alive for me. Can you do that?"

I couldn't speak. I was to shock for words. My father alive. Tears were falling down my face. I had to clear my throat three times before I could speak, "Alive you say. How can that be? Mama said he died before I was born."

"I know, kitten. Let me take your mother to the hospital and I will get back to you with answers. Promise me you will stay alive. Be careful whom you trust from now on. I want you to stay close to Logan. He will protect you. I love you sweetie. I got to go. Bye."

"Bye, Grans" I whispered into dead air. Then I hung up the phone and sat down on the floor. I couldn't stand anymore. I was becoming a wreck. I pulled all my power inside my body to keep my beast from leaping out. I felt hands on my shoulders and arms. "Ana, why don't you sit down in the living room. Tells us what's going on?" Jason and Abby walked me to the sectional. They were talking but I couldn't understand what was being said. I laid my head on Abby's shoulder and wanted to cry. I couldn't let it out. So I rested there listening to my breathing. I was so tired. My life is turning upside down and I can't stop it. I closed my eyes and I could feel tears escaping down my cheeks. The pull of sleep took over my body. I decided to let it come, maybe with a clear head I can figure out the mess I got myself in.



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