Chapter 1
You would think I was prepared…
Since I’ve heard all the story’s, seen everything I have, read so much about it in the book. But, no!
I don’t think anyone could be prepared, actually. No matter the amount of time you put down on trying to understand.
There are parallel worlds, people!
Different worlds, with creatures you only thought existed in movies or books.
You see, I’m a psychologist… I always try to come up with a reasonable scenario for anyones line of thoughts. When Isla first told me about being in a different world, with werewolves… I simply told her to calm down, that she is probably stressed out and need some rest. Maybe talk to someone she doesn’t know, about her problems.
Which should show to be something more deep rooted, if you dig a little.
At the same time, I knew she had a good relationship with her parents. She had great friends and a job she enjoyed. She didn’t have any signs of earlier depressions or health issues.
She had some problems with keeping a guy, sure. But honestly, she wasn’t very interested in keeping them either.
So somewhere in the back of my mind, I knew she wasn’t stressed. And I knew she wouldn’t make something like that up, just because she would have some other underlying problem.
Yet I’m human. We don’t really trust story’s about another world, or creatures that doesn’t exist. Right? We believe in the things we know.
I just… pushed it out of my mind completely. Discarding of all thoughts about it.
But then she disappeared!
We were all heartbroken, not the least me. Because she was the one holding me up. Helping me through the depression after my mother died. The only one I had left, that understood and breathed the same air as me.
And now Isla was gone too. I felt broken!
The things she had told me, started to sink in and create something profound in my mind. I curiously started to believe her, before she even came back again. While Emma, one of her other friends, attained another path entirely… thinking she was either mad or dead.
I took care of her things, keeping them safe. Thinking that she might just perhaps, show up some day.
And well, she did!
After that, there was a lot to take in. Especially when I saw for myself, when she disappeared right in front of me. Almost like she had never been real in the first place.
It was terrifying. My world was turned upside down. Nothing made sense anymore. Nothing felt true!
And somewhere, subconsciously, I started to plan my way there together with her.
When I then saw him, —Wild! Well, let me tell you… It was clear as day that he wasn’t one of the humans from our world. No one can look like him. He was huge, in all aspects. Inhuman in such a beautiful crafted way.
Right then and there, I was convinced. How could I not be…
There was no turning back after that. I had nothing left in this world. I just needed to take care of things, putting some closure to everything.
I’m really good at reading peoples characters. I always have been. That is why I attempted a career as a psychologist. That, and me knowing a lot about feeling the way my patients does.
But when it comes to men I fall in love with, I’m a lost cause. I always, and I mean
always
, get involved with pure and simple assholes. The second, worse than the first. It’s a curse!
I can’t see it… I can only see a beautiful man, with charm and smiles. Then weeks later, he tries to control me, keeping me away from other men, being jealous of patients!
I don’t know what I did to deserve it, only it happens over and over. The last one, I had to get an restraining order on. So he would leave me in peace.
No one knows of this, not even Isla. I didn’t want to bother her with it, with all her hardships in her new world. I’m not gifted in opening up about anything concerning me either. Keeping most of my feelings inside. Rather talking about others, or caring about others more than myself…
So, I had no partner to stay for either. No family, no real friends. I was simply an empty vessel, ready to be filled with new experience.
And what better way, than this exotic place—
I flinch when a her an owl hoot. I’m standing here, with a big duffel bag over my shoulder. Full with different clothing, food, utensils, water and things to make it through some time.
I’m not going back.
I’m here to stay!—
I have nothing left back there. Only strained relationships and empty, lonely nights.
I miss Isla and I miss adventure. Living for something, rather than just for the living itself.
I’m not sure it’s a great idea. It probably isn’t… Yet that is the beauty in it.
Hoohoo!
That owl have closed in on me, soon almost above me. I’m not fearing that beautiful and mystical creature though. I’m not a mouse.
I knew though, that this would be quite an magical forest. From what I’ve read, it would be dark for a long time because of all the tall trees covering the skies.
I was expecting as much, so I just start walking with careful steps.
This forest is apparently called Rein forest, yet it’s only pine trees as far as the eye can see. Pine cones crack beneath my shoes, making me worry about the sounds that can be heard.
I’m in another world!
I have to remind myself over and over. It’s too astonishing.
Still I haven’t really seen anything that claims it is. But this forest should be close to a city, perhaps a two hour walk. So I keep walking. Trying to grasp that other world feeling. Wanting to see proof, so I’m not just imagining things.
Soon enough I reach the outskirt of the forest, without any sort of trouble. I see lights and head their way.
This is the closest to Andore I could get, through the book. My plan is to ask someone for the way and maybe tell them I know Isla. Depending on their conducts.
I know this world can be dangerous. Although I’m not going to depend on Isla, I do want to reach her first. Telling her of my presence and talking about what the future holds. Maybe I can help with something. Like the relations between humans and wolfs… A lot of work with that of course,— still I want to try.
“A human?” I hear someone sneer.
“I am.” I say confidently and keep walking.
“You should turn around dearest. You’re not welcome here.” Some other man snarl.
That’s weird?
In the book, this city should be a mixed one. It’s one of many trading cities, with both humans and wolfs in coexistence.
So why do they act like I’m the only human they have seen for a while…
“Go back while you still can.” A third man laughs, with no smile.
I look at them and see about six or seven huge men stand outside a motel of sorts. Inside there is music playing and telling from the other sounds coming out from the building, I’m sure there are a few drunk people inside. Probably enjoying themselves dearly.
If I don’t make a move on, I’ll likely end up in danger. I can feel it. However I’m not sure if I should move forward, into the city anymore. Or if I should take their advice and turn back around.
Shit! Why didn’t it say so, in the book.
“Mm… maybe she’s good for something else.” A forth, burly man utters.
It makes a chill go through my body and I turn around quickly, making my decision.
“Hey… little human. Come back.” Someone laughs on my expense.
Shit! Shit. Shit. I didn’t plan this!
Here’s your proof Laura. Served on a damn platter.
What did I expect… just walking up to someone, asking for Isla and everything would —
“Ah!” I scream of surprise, when someone grabs me.
Don’t show fear! They thrive on that…
“You’re a rather pretty woman.” He smirks and I catch his yellow eyes, gleaming in the dark.
“Let me go. I don’t mean any trouble.”
“I bet you don’t.” He lifts me up in my sweater, like I’m just a speck of dirt.
He walks up to his friends and look at me closer, from the glow that cast a light out from the windows.
“Well, look at that…” Someone else says next to him. “I haven’t been with a woman for so long.”
“Won’t she brake in half though.” Another man laughs.
“Yeah, she’s so thin and tiny. She won’t make it through with a wolfs dick.” The man that holds me concurs. But he’s not backing down either.
I’m not sure who is talking anymore. Being scared all the way through, it all blurs together. The voices mixing up like a choir from hell.
Although I’m good at keeping things inside and not showing much, I’m more of a trembling and panicked little girl on the inside.
Breath! Just breath! Everything is… yeah, everything is going to be alright.
“You really going to fuck a human? That’s disgusting!”
Yes! Listen to him! He knows stuff.
“What ever. I just need a wet cunt.”
Think Laura, think!
“Hey, can you like point me the way to where Isla lives?”
Oh, god! That’s the best you could come up with?
Everyone gets quiet and just stare at me, with a lot of questions building up in their eyes… I’m not sure if it’s a good reaction or a bad one.
At least I’m getting some time, collecting myself.
“Isla?” The man that holds me ask.
“The Queen.” Another snarls.
“Yes.” I say quickly.
“What do you want with her?”
“She’s a friend of mine—“
The man that was holding me, let’s me down back on earth. My feet touching the ground yet again. But it seems to be mistakenly, while he grumbles over my words for a second.
“You think she can save you now?” The other man that was willing, says next to my ear. Piecing together everyone’s confused minds.
“I really don’t mean any harm and I don’t want to cause any trouble. I only want to get to Andore and meet with my friend. Please.”
Yeah, you tell them!
Ugh!
Everyone starts to laugh. Apparently my pleading didn’t work and it’s only a joke to them.
Not that I was expecting anything less.
I tried.
“Little stupid human. I can smell your fear, don’t pretend like you’re not.”
Right. I should have expected that much.
The one closest to me, grabs me again and starts to walk around the house corners. My toes, desperately trying to grasp some kind of stability beneath me.
Now I’m visibly starting to panic, my entire body shaking while my feet is being dragged through the mud.
“Please. Listen! I’m not worth it.” I try.
“Don’t put any feelings to it dear. You’re just a pussy.”
“That’s your opinion!” I shout.
Don’t put any feelings to it? Is he mental!
“Yes, it is.” He smiles and it’s not a nice one.
We come around the corners and he throws me against the back wall. I try to stand tall and look at him with angry eyes. Maybe he will let me go, when I’m not screaming and crying…
Yeah, right!
The other man that wanted to use me, is also standing in front of me. But it ends up being only those two. Not that my situation is improving much with that aspect.
“So I’m going first…”
“What! I’m not going seconds after you already stretched her.”
“Hey, I saw her worth first. It’s only fair…”
“What ever. You’re just a fucking nobody in rank.”
“You’re no better.”
While they fight between each other about who will destroy my life first, I try to find a way out.
I see the back door not far from where I’m standing and try to aim for it. I know that it’s probably filled with more vile wolfs. Yet I’ll take my chances—
They keep arguing and I slide quietly to my right, so they won’t hear. Speed won’t help here…
I reach the door, pulling the handle down so carefully it’s taking me forever.
Come on!
“Let’s do it at the same time then!” One of them roars.
What the hell!
I slip in through the door and close it as careful and slow. I’m sweating, that’s how stressed I feel. My hands shaking and slipping.
I turn and try to walk as calmly I can manage, with my stress levels up the roof. I can’t look suspicious…
When I walk down the hallway with commend, without even making a sound, I stop abruptly upon seeing someone. I open my mouth to scream when he sees me as well, only nothing comes out.
“Hm? A human.” He says curiously, raising an eyebrow.
He stands leaning against the wall, taking in my whole figure in the bleak light. His eyes soon finding mine again.
He looks like a Viking, with blonde long hair and a braided beard. He is actually rather attractive. However I don’t have time to reflect upon that now.
I need to move! Yet I’m frozen.
He push himself off the wall and is about to get closer, when a loud crash comes from behind me.
The two wolfs had finally realized I was gone and was now after me. I’m pushing myself into the wall, trying to make myself invisible.
I’m trapped between these men. A hare among wolfs. Two, which I’m aware of their intent. The third, I’m not so sure of yet.
Only when they’re about to reach me, they stop and stare at the Viking instead. They bend their necks down into submission.
I feel thrilled with the knowledge that the Viking is probably of higher rank then them. And I hope with all my might, that he is more reasonable than these idiots.
“Jon.” One of them breaths out.
“What’s this about?” Jon, The Viking ask.
“She just walked in to the city by her own accords.”
“Yeah. And what were you planing to do with her?” He keeps asking.
“We… uhm.” The first one tries.
“We we’re about to…” The second try as well.
“Well?” Jon push on.
“They we’re going to rape me.” I say calmly.
“No!” One shouts.
“Why would we. You’re a human!”
Jon holds up a hand to stop them from talking. “I think you should leave now, don’t you?”
The harassing wolfs mumble something and leaves the same way they came in.
I stare after them for a while and then look back at my current savior. It might turn sour rather quickly though. But for now—
“Thank you.” I whisper.
“We don’t rape.” He shrug.
Simple as that.
“So will they get some kind of punishment?” I ask.
“No.” He smiles. And it is an actual smile. “They will be kicked out, permanently.”
“That’s a punishment of sort.” I mumble.
“And where did you come from?” He ask and lean against the wall again, keeping an eye on me.
“The same place as Isla.” Worth a try.
He flinch and moves out from the wall, staring silently at me. It takes a few moments until he opens his mouth. But nothing comes out for a few more moments.
“Are you joking?” He ask cautious.
“No. I just arrived today.”
“Well. Then I have to take you to my boss.”
Oh, that’s most likely not in my favor.
That plan of just walking over to Andore, with the directions of a kind stranger, crumbled quite quickly.
Well, hello new world.
