The Choice

Many are scared when the truth comes out about them. Many don’t believe in that truth that was delivered. I didn’t, there was no reason to. My father, mother, and I lived a life that was normal. Or so I thought. You hear the fairy tales about this side of the world, where vampires, werewolves, fairies, even demons’ rule. There are monarchies in existence to keep the peace and love throughout the kingdoms. To keep all happy and welcome once accepting of these creatures. My pure existence is to keep this balance, to keep this happens in place. With my King at my side...the only issue? I just found this out at 22 years old.

The soft click of my heels as I walk down the corridor to Nathaniel’s office. My heart beat picking up as the door slowly inch closer with every click. Quickly taking a deep breath I knocked on the door. Rubbing my palms down my jeans as I wait for the signal.

“Please come in.” I hear a stifled voice behind the door. Slowly turning the handle and pushing through being greeted by a welcome sight. Nathaniel, or Nate as he loved being called reclined in his office chair and glanced up at me. Smiling quickly and standing up. His height over powered me even with me still at the door. “Evangeline, what a pleasure it is to see you again! Please come in, have a seat.” Quickly shutting the door behind me I walk over to the seat he indicated. Sitting down, he slowly followed suit and glanced at some papers on his desk. “So, I know you were asked to come with me on such short notice. I do apologize but with you leaving so soon to go back I had to meet and talk with you. I hope you understand.” I nodded quickly and groaned in my head thinking about what is waiting for me. A 20-hour plane ride back to Japan.

“Excuse me Sir, but may I ask why I am here? I mean, it is amazing to see you and I have missed all of you a lot but, I have a plane to catch in about six hours and I would like to spend this time with my family before I must leave.” The military has taken a toll on my family. I have served almost four years and my time was ending but being deployed in Japan...that was the hard part. Not being able to see family on long weekends or just taking a random trip to see them. The stress of planning this trip and heading back has gotten to me. I’m honestly surprised I’m here in his office when I should be packing for this trip.

“Evangle-” I stuck my hand up suddenly stopping him.

“Please call me Eva.” Lowering my hand and slightly sinking back in the chair as I see his eyes flash a deep amber. Should they change colors like that? Heart slightly pounded in my chest. I noticed him shift in his chair and clear his throat.

“Eva it is, then. You see...you won’t be returning to Japan; you will be staying here.” I snorted and started to laugh. The disbelief bubbling in me to keep me laughing.

“You are funny Nate; you haven’t changed a bit. Thank you for a good laugh but keep going.” I rubbed my temples and glance at him.

“Eva, you won’t be returning, we have already contacted your command and you will be changing to a base nearby. Your family and I have been trying to figure out a way to tell you. We felt it was best to wait till your time was almost up serving but due to some...issues that have risen we need you nearby.” I groaned externally now.

“I apologize but can you just tell me?” My head starting to pound as I think over everything.

“Eva, you are a part of a world you could never imagine. You remember the stories you were told when you were young? Of werewolves and vampires and all those creatures?” His excitement swelling as he explains.

“Yes, I remember Nate.” A headache slowly forming.

“Did you ever wish you could be a part of it? Be a werewolf or a vampire?” I nodded

“When I was younger yes, but we are both adults Nathaniel.” Hopefully, saying his full name would help him realize that.

“Eva, we are part of those fairy tales, we are werewolves. I’m sorry I had to tell you like this but your time to shift is coming and we felt you needed to know.” I stared. My heart stopping before the laughter bubbled over. “Eva, I am being serious here. Come with me.” I stand up following him still giggling behind my hand. Trying to keep up with his strides. We quickly end up in a field near the office building. “I need to strip so...” My cheeks flash with red. I quickly close my eyes and hear the whisper of clothes being taken off and thrown to the ground. “Can you please open your eyes, I’m pretty tall so you should be fine.” I quickly jerk my head up and open my eyes. Lowering them until I see his aqua eyes looking back. “Please do not freak out.” I nod and watch him. He takes a deep breath and breaking bone sounds fill the air. What the? Where Nate was now stood a beautiful midnight black wolf.

I screamed and screamed until darkness took over my vision and I passed out.