SELENE

Chapter 1 Melody hummed to herself as she took a step into the alley that lead from her school to her house. She looked around, taking in all of the colors of the falling leaves. She pulled her jacket around her a little tighter and straightened her purple scarf, shivering in the brisk wind. The wind blew her crimson hair around her playfully, but stopped suddenly. Melodys emerald eyes flicked around nervously. She remembered hearing about the murders of those women and remembered how she shrugged it off without even thinking. She thought of how she took the secluded alley, out of habit, without thinking of the danger she might be putting herself into. She breathed out slowly, trying to calm her especially wound nerves. She took a tentative step forward and froze. Out of the intersecting alley, a man was sauntering towards her. She gasped and thought to run but she was so terrified she forgot how to move. All she could remember to do was to breathe, but even that was forced and laboring. The man seemed to be in no hurry as he lingered by the fence of his alley. Finally some sense returned, and Melody glanced around quickly to see if there was anywhere to hide, or anything to use to defend herself if he came any closer, but there was nothing. The man seemed to know this and smirked evilly. Then another man came from the same direction that Melody had and she scrambled to think of any possible way that she could escape both of them, but came up with nothing useful. The new man walked up to her and said On my mark. She looked at him bewildered. What does that even mean? she asked the mysterious man. Her gaze flickered over to the first man and immediately understood. He had morphed and was no longer walking towards them. He was sitting on his haunches and growling at them. Melodys jaw fell slack and stared at the which brought up an urgent question. What the heck was that thing? As if the man could read her mind he replied without looking at her, Were-wolf. Melody was still really confused but then the were-wolf growled low and launched itself at Melody. Now! the man yelled. Melody still very confused about what she was supposed to do when he gave her the signal only had time to drop to the ground and then scoot away from where she had been standing. She moved the fence on her right side, and watched the battle from what she thought was a safe distance. Suddenly, the man whipped out a long sword and a dagger. The swords looked almost normal except for the odd engravings on the blades. They were pretty evenly matched- the were-wolf with extreme rage and brute strength but this mystery man was agile, fast and tough not to mention he had swords. The were-wolf lunged at the man and clamped his jaws around the mans shoulder and the man

cried out in pain and angled the sword and pierced into the chest of the were-wolf. When the blade broke through, the were-wolf leaped back and started to whine. Then it slowly started to back up. It looked once more at the man then growled once more at Melody and darted away. The mans grip on his dagger lessened and it clattered to the ground. Melody scrambled to her feet and rushed over to him and caught him before he hit the ground. Oh my. Hes a heck of a lot heavier than I thought. But she grunted, lifted him up and helped him gain his footing again. She ended up supporting most of his weight on the way to her house. When they got there, she groaned as she saw the front porch. She was having trouble supporting his weight as it was, she didnt know if she could manage to haul him up the front steps. Not without knocking myself unconscious she thought. After what felt like an eternity, with little help from the mostly unconscious man, she had managed to get him into the house and spread out on the couch. She sat there for a few minutes catching her breath. As she sat there, she studied the man features. His hair tousled in a way only a guy could wear and still have it look good. She smiled to herself. She had a man in house that she knew nothing about. Just then man started to stir. She slowly stood up and made her way over to where he could see her. His eyelids fluttered then cracked open. He saw her looking at him and sat up slowly. She gazed at him and asked Whats your name? He looked up at her and said Troy. I see, my name is- Melody went on. Melody. Troy interrupted. He smiled. You know my name? Melody asked incredulously Yes. Troy said like it was obvious. Obviously, otherwise he wouldnt have said it. Melody thought to herself. So, She started So? He asked. What were you doing in the alley? Besides protecting me Um, I was protecting you. Besides that? Nothing. Thats the reason I was there. Why? Cause Im your guardian assigned to you. To protect you, until you dont need me to protect you any longer. Youre so weird How can you say that? You dont even know me. Try womans intuition.

Right. Troy said drawing the I out. Goodness. Anyways, you need medical help. No, I dont. Yeah, you do. Seriously, I dont. Um. Wheres my bag? What bag? My bag, the one I had with me. Troy said. Melody looked at him quizzically. I didnt grab a bag. I was kind of busy hauling you around. Oh, no. Why? Its got my swords and- I have your swords. What? I have your swords. What? Really? Troy asked. Melody reached down and pulled the two blades out from beneath the couch and handed them to him. Please tell me you grabbed the bag that I threw behind me when the were-wolf lunged at you. Melody grinned nervously. No, Im really sorry. Ok, then can we go back to the alley?Troy said Sure, can you walk? I dont know. Maybe. Troy said, as he pushed himself up off of the couch. As Melody watched he balanced and took a shaky step. He managed to make a whole foot before he stumbled. Melody walked over, and tucked her arm under his supporting some of his weight. All right. Ready to go? Yup. Thanks by the way.Troy said Yeah. You saved my life. I sort of owe you. Is that the only reason? That I can think of? Yes. Hm. I see.Troy said a little disappointed. Why? What were you expecting? Im not sure. Huh. Lets go get your bag.

 So you know for a fact that you didnt grab my bag? Troy asked after they had searched the entire alley. Im positive. Melody said. Troy hopped up onto a fence, and called over to Melody. Oh. I see my bag. Troy glanced over the fences of the other yards to make sure no one was watching then said Melody stay here. Im going to- He looked around, Melody? He looked back over the fence and saw her a few feet from his backpack. He started to panic when he remembered the charm on his bag. Melody! he called frantically. What? she asked Melody please just let me get it. Troy said quickly Really, its fine. I got it. Melody, please. If you touch it youll-Troy tried to explain but mid-sentence Melody reached over and grabbed the strap of the bag, and before Troy couldve got to her, Melody was engulfed in flames. No! Troy exclaimed and tumbled back down to the ground. He knew that the only thing that wasnt supposed to be in that yard was his bag. Melody was no more and he knew it. He also knew that he would have to go home and deal with the consequences of your assignment dying on your watch while you were there.

Chapter 2 You had one job to do! Zachary said to Troy, One simple job, the easiest of tasks! Zacharys voice was continuously rising and he was shouting now. Protect the girl! He stopped for a few seconds to gather breath for his next part of his rant and the room quieted awkwardly. Im truly sorry about her death, it grieves me to know that she died but I really did try to stop her! Troy tried to explain. I dont want your pitiful excuses. She was yours to watch and take care of and you failed. If it were up to me then you would be stripped of rank, sentenced to confinement at the very least or sentenced to banishment of a mortal life on the earth. Zachary was getting really red in the face and he was spewing spit all over Troy when he spoke. There were a few gasps of horror when Zachary talked about Troy possibly being banished. Troy was well liked in this city and people generally sympathized with Troy. He was a 18 year old guy, but build like a pro-wrestler and he looked about 25. He had no family left since they were all on missions of their own. His sister, Claire, was in some place in Africa helping give kids under 5 shots for diseases and doing dental work on them. Her specialty was health. His mother and father, Adela and Gail, where they were who knows where, teaching peoples the languages of the world. They were the leaders of wisdom in the city and they were missed by the elders. They were a few of the only people who could hold up a conversation with the elders. The elders spoke ancient dialects of Dutch, German, Russian, Hungarian and Latin. They did not speak English very well and so then not very many people could actually communicate with them. Troy thought it was quite sad. Troy was the youngest child but only son in their family so the responsibility of being a guardian fell to him. It was not the most wanted task. He had started training to be a guardian at the age of 14 and had graduated to his superior class within the year. He had gratia naturalis, vim celeritatemque according to the elders, which translates to natural grace, speed and strength. Troy was one of the only people left in the city who could talk to the elders. He learned all of the languages of the world from his parents at an early age and was fluent in all of them. He learned how to heal and everything that went along with it from his sister. He always helped her study and he now had a basic understanding of it if he ever needed it. But then he had to do his physical training. His dad was built big and strong and the genes had apparently passed down to him. Being 14 years old and being stronger than the instructor made him an outcast and even though the elders liked to talk to him, no one else would. Not even when they were fighting him they wouldnt talk to him. After a while of Troy kicking everyones butts then some of the weaker kids came over and they became friends. Troy was 18 now and his class was graduating next year while he had already graduated last year.

Xanders voice brought Troy back to the moment. Xander was the leader of the elders. He was the elder that spoke all the ancient dialects but had chosen to speak in Latin, for he was only talking to Troy. Everyone was still shocked by his appearance they barely noticed that he had spoken. You will have one more chance. Please try your absolute best; this one is not as easily replaceable. She is quite special. Troy translated quietly, started to turn but Xander caught his shoulder and spoke again and Troy translated silently to himself. We will be watching please take care of her. Do everything you need to, to keep her safe. Anything at all. Her name is Selene Patience ODonovan. Troy nodded again about to leave once more but then Xander leaned close and whispered in Troys ear Stay safe, my friend. Troy whispered quietly to himself, when a blighting white light flooded his vision and he knew his mission was starting. Right at that moment.

Troy sat up, looking around. Where was he? No idea. Where was his stuff? No idea. What was he doing here? Who was he here for? How did he get here? At least he knew a few things about his mission. He wandered for a few blocks then found his stuff and quickly pulled it on, then continued on to find Selene. How was he supposed to find her? He stepped out onto the sidewalk- and walked right into someone. A small someone. Being a big guy he only stumbled a bit but the same couldnt be said about the other person. They were almost on the ground when Troys hand shot out and caught their wrist. The person looked up and Troy saw that she was a very fragile looking woman but very lovely. Um, thanks. She said Youre welcome. Troy said with a smile. You wouldnt happen to know where I could find a Selene ODonovan would you? Yeah, actually. Thats me. Selene said a little confused. Oh, wow. Must be my lucky day. Troy laughed a little, Well, Im supposed to protect and guide you on your path as cheesy as it sounds. What path? You will know when it comes. Troy said with a smile. So, um which agency are you from? Agency? You know, like FBI, Secret Service? Which one? None of the above. Troy said truthfully.

All right. Fine. Whatever. Come on, I guess. Im serious. Im not from any. Ill show you if youll trust me.Troy said, pulling her hand and guiding her into a secluded alley. He took off his coat, rolled his shoulders, and unfurled his wings. He waited for her to go running away screaming but she stayed. She seemed transfixed by his wings. Can I touch them?Selene asked Sure Troy said. He watched as she reached out and ever so gently started to stroke his feathers. Whats it like? To fly, I mean. Selene asked Um, its the most freeing and exhilarating feeling. Troy said I would love to be able to fly. Ill take you somewhere, sometime. Cool.Selene said excitedly Troy smiled, and shivered as Selene continued to stroke his feathers. So where were you planning on staying? Staying? Oh, right. I hadnt thought about that yet. Oh, if you want to then you can umyou can stay with me. I live with my family but theyre gone on a missions trip in Africa and wont be back until sometime. Selene said and turned started walking towards the end of the alley. All right. Troy said and curled his wings up and tucked them tightly against his back. Then he followed Selene to her house.

Chapter 3 Troy didnt remember falling asleep, but when he looked around, he was standing on a cloud. Troy saw Xander standing on a platform and walked over. Troy looked at him and asked him Whats wrong? Nothing. Xander replied in English Why are you here? What did I do wrong now? And when did you learn English? Troy asked a little confused. I needed to talk to you and couldnt risk coming down to town to see you. But yes, I am also starting to learn English. Oh, I see. Before you tell me what you needed to tell me, can I ask one thing? Where am I? Like where does Selene live? Whats the name of the town? Oh, you are in- Oh, I dont remember anymore. Xander said Oh, well Ill just ask Selene then. Sounds like a good plan. Anyways what was so important that you needed to tell me? Troy asked I needed to tell you that, even though the rest of the elders would wish me not to tell you, Selene is not just special. Xander said What do you mean? She is the one who, once she blooms, will decide the fate of the world and everyone in it. Human and supernatural alike. What do you mean when she blooms? What is she? She is in the process of becoming a very rare female breed of hybrid. A mix between were-wolf and vampire. A hybrid and it is the most powerful of all creatures. Especially since her blood has an intoxicating aroma to it, once she blooms, of course. But once she blooms then all kinds of supernatural creatures will suffer in her presence and if they stay too close to her for too long they can die. Why are you telling me this? Because you need to know what you are protecting, and what you will have to go through to protect her. Xander, its all right. I can deal. Evil supernatural creatures dying when they come near her. Troy said No, youre not getting what Im saying. All supernatural creatures. Good or evil. Angels included. Xander said Oh. Tory made a face, That could be a problem. He thought for a second then looked back at Xander again, But we have special healing powers, remember? Our healing systems. Troy said.

Yes we do have healing systems but every time you would breathe it would injure you more and your healing system wouldnt be able to keep up. Xander said. What about if you had a magic charm or something? One that could protect you? Troy asked Troy, Im really sorry. But theres nothing that you can do. Once you have trained her to fight and she blooms then you will most likely die. Unless of course you leave her and come back to live with the Elders. Xander said apologetically There has to be another way! Troy said, his voice rising. Quiet, Troy. There is nothing that you can do. Im sorry. Xander said. I will find a way. Troy said stubbornly. Xander sighed, but didnt argue anymore. You have to go, Selene is waking up. Remember what I said. Once she blooms, she will most likely kill you. Troy was about to disagree but Xander was gone.

Troy opened his eyes and looked up to see Selene staring at him. Um, what are you looking at? Troy asked uncomfortably. Sorry. I was just wondering, seeing as youre obviously a supernatural being, why you would need to sleep? I need to replenish my strength, just like you. Troy explained That makes sense. Selene said nodding What did you dream about? She asked I had a dream that an elder from my town came to talk to me. He doesnt speak English so I was confused when he started to talk to me in English. Troy said and went back to thinking. Oh? What did he talk to you about? Selene asked. You know you ask a lot of questions. Troy said with a smile and a small laugh. He was warning me about what youre going be become. Selene sat up a bit. What did he say? What am I going to become? She asked excitedly. Then when she saw Troys face she asked Can you tell me? Oh, yes of course I can. I just dont know how to tell you. Oh. Just say it the same way that this elder guy said it. Selene suggested. Hmm Well he said that you would become a hybrid. A mix between a were-wolf and a vampire. Troy started off. But paused for a second to judge Selene reaction. A hybrid? Selene repeated with a disgusted look on her face

Yeah, but its not bad. Youll be the strongest creature, and anything supernatural that comes near you will suffer from the smell of your blood and, if in your presence for too long, will die. So that could come in quite handy when youre in a pickle. Troy said trying to lighten the mood. Loads of fun, it sounds like. Selene said grumpily Everything will be fine. Troy said with a smile. I feel like there is something you arent telling me. Selene said slowly Oh, it was nothing. Just a disagreement between me and Xander. Troy said Xander? Selene asked Oh, the elder I was talking to. Troy explained. Ok. Yup. Which reminds me. Where exactly are we? Um, were in my house. Selene said a little confused. Oh, not that exact. I mean where are we as in which country? Like which town? Oh! Selene exclaimed Were in Vancouver. Wheres that? Troy asked. Selene laughed, then said In British Columbia, Canada. Oh. Well thats good to know. Troy said. Selene smiled and Troy smiled back. So what are we going to do today? Well I am glad you asked. This is the most fun part of this mission. We are training. Training? For what? And how in the heck is that fun? Selene asked Training for battle. Troy said with an evil smirk. Haha. Very funny. Now what are we actually doing? Im not kidding. We are training for battle. It would be easier if you had already bloomed because you would have the speed and strength to actually challenge me, but we will have to just make do with what we have. So you are going to learn to fight. Fun. Selene said sarcastically All right. Now, weve got our swords. Grip the hilt tightly and- Troy was saying when Selene interrupted. Wheres the hilt? Selene asked embarrassed. Um. The non-blade end. Troy said after a second, pointing to the end of his wooden stick where he had his hand. Oh, then what you call the blade? Selene asked

The blade. Troy said Oh, all right. Selene said nodding. Troy sighed. Alright. Now that weve got that, then grip the hilt tightly and were going to work on form. Ready? As ready as Ill ever be. Good. Now then when I tell you to, I want you to swing at me as hard and fast as you can and then we can work through what you are doing wrong. How do you know I will do it wrong? Selene asked Because you didnt know what a hilt was, so I doubt you have ever been told about swords and I very much doubt that youve ever held one by the way that you are holding it now. Whats wrong with the way Im holding it? Selene asked You are holding it like youre exhausted. Its pretty much falling out of your hand. Ok, then if youre the expert then how am I supposed to hold it? Like youre ready for anything. Strong and confident. Now, sword at the ready. Oh, whatever.Selene said and held up her sword. Oh my. Lets just continue on. So hold the hilt tight and when I tell you to; swing at me. What if I hurt you? Selene asked Troy groaned. Well my healing system is pretty superior so I think that we can let it handle that. All right? Oh, ok. Selene said. Troy took a deep breathe. Then said Hit me. Selene held onto her sword for a few seconds then swung at Troy lightly. Troy groaned. Hit me like you were going to cut down a tree. Oh, fine. Sorry. Selene said. Troy sighed again then said Go again. Selene swung again and Troy pulled his sword up and blocked hers. Good! Again! But this time harder and faster! Selene did as she was told and he kept congratulating her, but he would always say to go harder and faster. Why is the only thing you say to me Good! Again! But harder and faster! Seriously can you say anything else when it comes to hand-to-hand combat? Selene asked angrily

Of course I can say other things. I just choose not to. I say this over and over because that is the most helpful thing to say to not break your concentration. Troy explained, with a sudden pinprick of pain forming in his head. Can we have a break? Selene asked still angrily Its only been an hour!Troy said and the pain in his head started to spread throughout his brain. Yeah! Its been an hour! Selene was getting madder the more she stood there. Fine. Go rest for 10 minutes. Troy said finally when he couldnt bear the pain in his head any more. 10 minutes? Selene exclaimed I cannot rest for 10 minutes and be ready to go again after! I can rest for about a minute just to slow my heartbeat and then Im ready to go again. Troy was trying to keep his cool but he was really losing control. This pain in his head was really irritating him. You are a trained warrior! Selene shouted at him and Troy held a hand up to his head. That doesnt change anything! Troy exploded, the pain in his head almost crippling him. Yes it does! It means that you have trained for this and can therefore train for longer! Selene said using the same exasperated tone. Fine! Take your break! Troy said as he tried to walk away but couldnt seem to lift his legs. I will!Selene said as she climbed up the stairs that led back to the house, leaving Troy in the garage on the cold cement floor.

Chapter 4 Selene jogged up the stairs and slammed the door to her room. She flopped down on her bed, stared at the wall and felt like screaming. I was going to ask Troy a question and then I just got super irritated. It was so weird and I could feel the irritation building up and then when I thought I was going to get another headache or something then I felt this really weird feeling. It was this weird relieving feeling, as the anger would almost pulse. And then Troy started to freak out at me. That was especially weird. Selene thought. Think. What could have made that happen? Troy said that I was supposed to be blooming. Could this be part of the process? Probably. So when Im less irritated then I will go down and ask him whats wrong with me. But that doesnt explain why Troy freaked at me. All I was doing was proving my point. Well, in an irritated tone. That shouldnt have made a difference though. Selene looked around the room, and when she saw her throw pillows and reached for one. She pulled the pillow to her chest, and leaned back against the headboard. She stared at the roof for a long time then finally decided that she was probably calm enough to go back and talk to Troy.

Troy sat on the cement floor in the garage and watched Selene storm out. He felt like calling out to her and telling her that he wasnt actually mad at her, that he was only in lots of pain, but she was already gone. Fantastic, Troy thought, Selene is super mad at me and she just started to bloom. Shes got the whole blood thing working I see. Holy crap! That hurt like a heck of a lot. Troy sat there for a few minutes, then he heard a voice in his head and automatically he thought Xander was going to start talking to him but then he realized that it was Selenes voice. He concentrated and could hear her as if she was talking to him. it was so weird and I could feel the irritation building up and then when I thought I was going to get another headache or something then I felt this really weird feeling. It was this weird relieving feeling, as the anger would almost pulse. And then Troy started to freak out at me. That was especially weird. What? I didnt freak out at her! I- Oh. Maybe I did. Doesnt change anything. Troy thought.

You need to be less hard on her, she is only learning and has been going through a hard time. You dont need to work her so that she cannot stand. She will become a warrior, but at her own pace. Not everyone is a quick of a learner as you were, Troy. Xanders voice told him. Why cant she be? I didnt know anything about swords or anything and I was fine! Troy asked Xanders voice.

She does not have natural grace, power and speed like you. She is only a human woman who has been given the tremendous responsibility of being the saviour or destroyer of the world as she knows it. Troy looked up to see Selene standing in the doorway. She was staring at him, and Troy looked around self-consciously. What? Troy asked I was just thinking about if you were sitting on the floor the whole time I was gone. Selene said Oh. Um, yeah. I was. Troy took a deep breath. I am truly sorry for getting mad at you, but I had a weird headache or something that had just started up and it was irritating me. Its all right; I have something to tell you too. Oh? Whats that? You know how you were saying that the Xander guy said that I would bloom into a hybrid? Well, I think it might have started. I had this weird feeling before I got mad and left. It was like I was going to ask you a question and then there was a random flare of anger and I couldnt control it. And then once it had totally built up and I thought I was going to have a major headache or something then I got another weird feeling. It was like waves of my outrage were just peeling off but then another layer would build up just as quickly as they had come off. Hmm that is weird. Thats probably where my headache came from. What do you mean? My anger waves gave you a headache? Selene asked obviously confused Ok, um, you know how I said that once you were bloomed that supernatural creatures in your presence would be in lots of pain and if you stayed around them for long enough with the said anger waves would then kill them? Troy waited for her catch onto what he was trying to say without actually having to say it. He waited and then Selenes eyes widened and put her hand over her mouth. I was killing you! Selene said shocked Hypothetically. Troy said trying to sound nonchalant. How can you even stand to be around me right now? I just almost killed you! Selene exclaimed horrified Its not that bad. I just needed a little space and then my healing system kicked in. Troy said with a smile. Selene cocked her eyebrow at him, but couldnt return his smile. So, if Ive started to bloom then what am I going to be able to do? Selene asked Well, being part vampire you will be pretty much indestructible, but then being part were-wolf you will have the ability to change into a wolf if you want. And being part of both you will be super

insanely strong and fast. But both have the strong desire for blood but there have been a few of your kind that have been known to not have craved blood. Ever. So you might crave it but you might not. How many of my kind have there been in history? Well it goes back to the beginning of the creation of vampires and were-wolves. Some say that one created the one and they argue back and forth about it but really it just all started by an angel being cast out and God throwing him to the depths. Youre talking about Satan. Yes, now the angel records have it written that Lucifer wanting to get back at God and he created these 2 creatures to attack and destroy Him. But there was a small problem, that when the creatures came to Earth they found each other like they were supposed to but they turned on each other and tried to kill each other. The first vampire and first were-wolf, I dont remember their names, once they came to a truce, they were not happy so they went to the nearest village and created another and transformed them each into of their kinds. So then there were 2 were-wolves and 2 vampires. I dont remember the mates names either. The females broke the truce by attacking the other males and the truce ended. But well skip that part and Ill summarize it. The truce ended and they spread to different parts of the world. Vampires went to the Europe area and Were-wolves stayed in the Americas. Then each family of creatures had 1 child if you will but they are better known as the offspring, and the offspring wanted to see what was so bad about the other kind of creature. So the offspring set off to the other land, and they met each other half-way across the Atlantic Ocean. Anyways, the offspring liked each other and were curious. They wanted to know what would happen if there was a mix between the bloodlines. So they had a child and thats when the first hybrid was born. But the parents learned of this, and attacked and killed their own offspring while the child was still small. But the child was so mad at them, she bloomed in front of her dying parents eyes. Her parents died happy I guess. The offspring died and crumbled to dust and their childs hatred flared once more and she killed the males of each of the creatures. She had finely tuned hearing and could hear the tiny and faint breaths of the babies inside each of the females and spared them. Dont ask, Im just telling it like its written. Anyways, thats where the rest of the were-wolf and vampire bloodlines came from - the first hybrids mercy. But she was the only one of her kind. But every once in a generation, she bears a young of her own and hides it somewhere in the world. But the guardian angels are sent to find and protect the newborn child. The elders are the only ones who watch and know where the child is hidden every generation. And every generation one of the five elders is sent to rescue the child and bring her to a civilization and make sure she gets to a family that will care for her. Are the hybrids always girls? Selene asked Always, so that when they die they can continue the cycle. Troy said

Oh, all right. Continue. Selene said. The elders would change who would collect the girl every time, but then your mother last year made a treaty with the vampires and were-wolves the day before she had you. She told each group that once you were old enough and were trained, that you would fight each for power of the world. That once you were ready, you were to fight the best warrior of each group of creatures. That they would have to pick their finest and most trained warriors to fight you. And if you win against both of them then they will pledge their allegiance to you and will agree not to fight between themselves anymore. So the fate of the vampires and were-wolves rest in my hands? No, the fate of the world. If you fail then they will continue to fight then they need to heal their wounded and replace their dead. So they will continue to kill humans everywhere. Oh, fantastic! So if I die and dont win the fights against these two warriors who have most likely trained for their whole lives then the world would fall into chaos? Selene asked horrified Troy thought for a second then nodded. Yeah, pretty much. Now you see why you need to train? Troy asked with a slight smile, but Selene only sighed. All right, lets get to work. Troy said with a look that made Selene want to stick out her tongue at him.

Chapter 5 Very good. Troy said blocking her blade then catching her foot with his other hand. What? Selene exclaimed How could you have caught my foot? You were just blocking my blade! Expect the unexpected. Troy said with a quirky smile. Right Selene said sarcastically. Troy smiled, rolling his shoulders and taking a deep breath. What? He asked when Selene looked at him funny. You keep doing that. Selene said Doing what? Troy asked Rolling your shoulders and taking deep breaths. Selene clarified. I roll my shoulders because my wings are burning to be released to stretch out and get exercise, and I keep taking deep breaths because when you get mad or any other emotion you send waves of it towards me and it hurts my head. You say that your wings want to be exercised like they have feelings. Selene said Do they? Of course, they are magnificent creations and I couldnt possibly be able to fly and fight at the same time if they didnt have a mind of their own. But your will can override the will of the wings? Yes, otherwise you wouldnt be able to fly in the same direction you wanted to sometimes. Thats why new angels have trouble flying at first. Their wings are still getting used to having another brain in control of everything so then they fight for control. Oh, I see. Selene said then kicked at Troy again. Troy caught her foot again. Seriously, you are getting really good at this. Yeah, sure. Except I cant even land a blow. Selene answered Im ready for them. I know all of the stuff Ive taught you so far and I know how to block all of them and where you plant your foot for a specific move and all that. Unless you start with one and mix it halfway through then I will always win. Troy told her Oh. Ok. Selene said with fake dejection. Its ok, Selene. Troy said dropping his hands a few inches. Selene took her chance and swung at his head with her hand then swung out a millisecond later and caught him in the back of the knee. He dropped to the ground and started to laugh. Oh. Right. I wouldnt want to forget to do that. Selene said sarcastically You really like your sarcasm dont you? Troy asked Its my second language. And Im fluent. Selene said with a smile

Im fluent in... Troy paused for a second. English, Spanish, Latin, Russian, German, Dutch, Arabic, Hungarian and French. So 9. If you dont count sarcasm as a language. Selenes eyes were so wide and she was so shocked she forgot to paddle for a second. Then shook her head quickly and regained the rhythm. 9 different languages? Yeah, my mom and dad are language specialists. Oh, and I know all of the ancient dialects. Holy, wow. Selene said

Troy got out of the passenger side and closed the door behind him less harshly. He looked up and saw Selene. What? He called to Selene. Come here. She called back, and there was a new kind of pain forming in Troys head. Coming. Troy called over, pulling out his backpack from the backseat and easing a sword out of its sheath. He came over to the door, and held his arm out. Selene stepped back. At least shes not mad at me anymore. Troy thought then looked down at the door. Someone had definitely been here. The wood around the door handle was a mess. It looked like someone, or something, had taken a crowbar to it. Troy nudged the door open with his arm, and stepped through carefully. As soon as he was completely inside, he gestured for Selene to come inside too. She stepped through carefully too, and when she was mostly inside. She screamed. Troy whirled back around with his back towards Selene and saw what she was screaming for. A were-wolf was standing in the shadows of her living room. Troy did a quick scan of the room and saw that the wolf was alone. Troy gestured slightly with his shorter blade for Selene to move around him towards the couch. She did as directed and the wolf watched but made no move towards her. Then out of nowhere, the wolf lunged at Troy and he caught him on the blade. The wolf howled but limped around and lunged again. Troy caught it with the blade and the wolf limped back into the shadows. Then Selene screamed and said No. I wont do it! Stop! Make it stop! Troy, stop! Youre killing it! She screamed again and Troy dropped his swords, and leaned over her. Then the wolf jumped back out and caught Troys shoulder in its mouth. Troy cried out and reached for his sword, but was inches away. Selene was still screaming and holding her head. The wolf held onto Troys shoulder and shook its head with Troy caught. Troy was thrown back and forth like a dog toy caught in its mouth. The wolf growled and released Troy. Troy scrambled back to his swords, and this time caught hold of the short dagger. The wolf lunged at him once more and Troy, rolled quickly onto his back, and plunged the

dagger into the chest of the wolf. The huge mass of fur collapsed and landed on him. Slowly the wolf changed back into a person. Selene had stopped screaming and holding her head and had finally found her senses. She scrambled over to where Troy was laying on his back, and she helped push the unconcious guy off of Troy. Is he dead? Selene asked No. I aimed just over his heart. Troy said Why? Selene asked Because he obviously didnt want to attack either of us. Couldnt you- never mind. He would attack then limp away. But then he would shake his head and then attack again. No wolf in their right mind would attack more than once if they are already injured. Ok, so what are we going to do with him? Selene asked Were going to help him. Once we get this tracker off of him, then we can see if he wants to join us. If not, then we kill him. Troy said Why do you care so much about one were-wolf? One that just tried to kill you? Selene asked I cant bring myself to do it. Not unless I have to. Ive come to Earth and I was supposed to train. Against a vampire. What? Thats cruel. I know, I know. But then I was under attack a bunch of vampires. I was dying and then a werewolf came and rescued. At first he thought I was one of them and he was going to kill me but then when I didnt heal like them, he got confused and I showed him my wings. We became sort of like friends. Anyways, one day we went to hunt down some vampires and we both got really badly injured. We had thought we had killed them all but then there was one that was hiding and Kye sacrificed himself to save me. Troy said with a frown. Im so sorry, I had no idea. Selene said Its ok. Its not like you could have know. Troy said, as tears swelling in his eyes. But Troy wiped them away as they started to spill onto his cheeks. The wolf boy twitched and groaned. Hi, my name is Troy. Whats your name? Please, dont kill me.The boy said in a panicky voice. Troy was struck by something about his voice. Maybe its the accent. Troy thought Im not going to. As long as you talk to me. I dont want to die. The boy said. He kept repeating this over and over. Whats his name? Thanks, and I have no clue. All he said is Please, dont kill me. And I dont want to die. Thats ok. Let me try to talk to him. Selene said, Troy nodded and moved out of the way.

It's all right. Its ok. Selene said soothingly. Thank you. The boy said Youre welcome. My name is Selene. Can you get him to stop bleeding? Who? Him. The boy said pointing to Troy. Thats Troy. Selene said Do you mind if I leave you here for a few minutes while I help him? As long as no one is bleeding I should be good. All right. Ill be back in a few minutes. Selene said then turned back to Troy. Troy? Selene asked. Silence. She looked down and saw him lying unmoving on the ground. My name is Quinn by the way. Thats great. Im sorry, but I really need to figure out whats wrong with him. Its a were-wolf bite. Yeah. So? Please tell me hes not human.Quinn said Hes not. Selene said truthfully Ok, thats good. Well, if hes not a human then he must have a healing system. Quinn said but Selene was on the verge of having a nervous breakdown. Quinn was talking to her about what she was supposed to be doing but she wasnt listening. She was freaking out. She couldnt take it anymore, and she tore open his shirt. His shoulder was in ruins, but the rest of him was perfect. Almost too perfect it seemed. He looked as if he had been chiseled out of stone. You have the weirdest thoughts. Quinn told her. Selene groaned. Why didnt you tell me you could hear my thought? Selene asked I didnt know I could read a humans mind. Quinn said I swear. Selene took a deep breath and groaned again. What do we do for Troy? Well, you have to wash all the blood so that I can fix him. Why cant you wash it off? Unless you want your boyfriend to end up being bitten again then you wont want me to do it. No, its fine. Ill do it. Wait. Hes not my boyfriend. Whatever you say. Quinn said to Selene. Whatever. Im not going to argue with you. Selene said and got up to get a bucket and a cloth. When she came back, Troy was still lying on the ground and Quinn was still sitting on the floor across from him. Troy had dried blood on him, but when Selene came near him, she was still stressed and worried and Troy started to bleed again.