Shift (Castlerock Shifters Book 1) Read online

  “Great,” he grinned and gave Jack a quick scratch to say goodbye and then headed across the clearing to the west this time. She shook her head. The kid took a different direction leaving every time he came over.

  She went in with Jack and closed the door. The answering machine was flashing, alerting her that she had a message. Josh had called while she was out with Seff, and while she should have been put out by how often he called, in truth, she felt like he was her lifeline back to the real world.

  She dialed his number and they talked for nearly an hour. He filled her in on his classes and friends. She filled him in on the continuing mystery that was Seff. After that, she gave her twin a call, wanting to check in and make sure things were okay. Jasmyn didn’t answer though, so she left a brief message – saying she would try to call back in a few days.

  After the phone calls, she took a long, hot shower. It felt amazing.

  She found herself missing Seff’s company before the evening had ended. She took the cover off the old television and grabbed a movie and loaded it in the DVD player. They didn’t get any channels up here, but they did have some of their favorite movies that they kept in the small entertainment cabinet. She thought about the choices and smiled, thinking Seff might enjoy several of them – since they had been her brothers’ choices in the first place.

  Perhaps tomorrow Seff would like a movie day, or she could pull out some of the old board games for them to play. By the time she headed to bed, she’d come up with several ideas for things that they could do the following day.

  Eleven

  Quinn

  Quinn’s priority when he was rested was to ask the elder’s if they knew the aural tone of the Ishaks, but they’d admitted that they didn’t. Apparently, the ability to see the auras was only discovered after their last contact with them. Though without any explanation as to how, they said that they could – from the safety of the valley – “see” any new aura’s that appeared.

  They did admit it was possible that perhaps they could mask their auras somehow, but they didn’t discuss it any further with Quinn there. They had thanked him for bringing the matter to their attention and sent him on his way.

  He found himself frustrated with the elders once again. As much as he wanted to believe that they could handle this, he found himself doubting their self-confidence. Perhaps there were things that were beyond their abilities. He knew he only felt in control when he was out searching their range on his own. If there were holes in their vision that let these Ishaks slip through, he would be there to stop them.

  He spent the next few days running their territory; looking for any sign of an aura that didn’t belong. He had come across a few shades of color that he didn’t recognize, but then after following them to their source found only random animals.

  He knew that if he didn’t find the aura soon, he would have to venture up to their territory again and search out their color there. Two things deterred him from taking that action. First, he wasn’t entirely sure that the power in the valley would reach that far; he had never tried to use it beyond their boundary. And second, and more importantly, that would mean leaving those he cared about behind – unprotected. He knew he was avoiding naming individuals intentionally. He also knew who prompted that behavior.

  Quinn had wanted to speak with Aatu about Jaisey, but the old man had been busy with the council. He never could seem to catch the Healer alone, and Quinn wasn’t comfortable having the conversation with an audience.

  He was still struggling over how he was feeling for Jaisey. And every time Seff went to visit the girl, he found himself anxiously awaiting his return. He could smell her ever so lightly on the boy. He found he wanted to hear all about the visits. Her words, even second hand from Seff, pulled him in deeper. He found he could picture her expressions of amusement and frustration and even anger, without having seen them.

  Stupid, stupid, stupid, he thought.

  She would leave and then he would have to forget her and move on with his life. He only wished he could truly convince himself that would be possible.

  In the end, he decided avoidance was his only option. He just needed to stay clear of her until the end of summer, when she would be leaving.

  Avoiding Jaisey was within his range of capability, but keeping himself from seeking out Seff to hear about his time spent with her was glaringly out of his control. He knew it was stupid to get drawn in even more, but he couldn’t help it. He had to know how she was doing.

  So, during the day while Seff was with Jaisey, he pushed her from his thoughts and ran, searching.

  As the mid-summer solstice approached, Quinn knew his running would be halted for the festivities. The longest day of the year was celebrated with great joy in the village.

  The pack would gather to celebrate for three days for all that life, time, and nature had given them; all normal activities were stopped. The elders would recount the stories of their pack. They would all sing, and dance, and feast. Quinn looked forward to it as a welcomed break from all his other distractions.

  It had been a week since he’d discovered the Ishaks and he had still found nothing of their aura. His frustration was mounting, and he was beginning to think he would have no choice but to head north and cross the border. He sat, struggling about whether he should just go and get it over with. The biggest problem was that he didn’t like the thought of getting too far away to be of help if something happened. He went back and forth and couldn’t decide.

  It was in that brooding frame of mind that his grandfather Aatu found him.

  “There is much conflict in your eyes these days Quinn. Tell an old man of your troubles,” he said, lowering himself next to Quinn.

  They were sitting on one of the many benches that circled the main hearth; a large stone fire pit that stood at the center of the village. This was the place for all their pack gatherings. It was early enough in the day that the others were only just beginning to stir in their homes.

  Quinn studied the old man for a few moments. “How do you always know when I need you?” he asked, mystified.

  “Oh, animal instinct,” he replied with a twinkle in his eyes.

  Quinn shook his head, thinking again how the elders were masters at avoiding giving direct answers.

  “I’m struggling with feelings that I shouldn’t be having. I’m not even sure if they’re real and yet…” he trailed off. He was embarrassed to even be talking with the old man about such mundane issues.

  “The human girl that Seff has been spending so much time with,” he said knowingly.

  Quinn’s head snapped up. He had honestly not known that anyone knew Seff was interacting with Jaisey. Quinn had been very careful not to divulge where Seff had been spending all of his time.

  The old man just smiled at Quinn’s response.

  “It is clear to this old man you think we elders are inept,” he said simply.

  “I… no, I don’t think that. I just…” he trailed off, unsure how to word his feelings of complacency when it came to the council, and his own feelings of ineptness.

  “Do not take inaction as ignorance Quinn. The council has ways that have worked for a thousand years. So, why then would we make changes?” he explained.

  “I’m sorry for my doubts,” he said with a huff. “But I fear for our safety with these Ishaks. The council has offered no solutions should they cross our boundary again and I feel…” he struggled for the right word, “useless.” It wasn’t exactly right. He knew he could and would do what was needed when the time came. But now, he didn’t feel like he was doing enough.

  “Quinn, should they cross again there will be action taken. But until that time, perhaps you are ready to gain more knowledge,” he suggested.

  Quinn raised his eyebrows at him in question. He was too young to be taught by the council and his early learning had been completed a few years back. What was the old man suggesting?

  As if in answer to the unvoiced question the old man replie
d, “I will instruct you on some basics that would be taught to you in your next decade.”

  Quinn smiled conspiratorially, “Clandestine classes?”

  The old man chuckled lightly. “Indeed, they would be,” he replied.

  The Healer rose, still chuckling and headed back to his own place. Quinn watched him retreat with fondness. He loved the old man. Even if he hadn’t been his grandfather, he would have loved him.

  Quinn thought about his mother and father. They were so solid in their trust of the pack elders. They didn’t question the council the way Quinn seemed to – it made him feel ashamed, knowing what they would think of his recent behavior, and grateful they were not here to witness it firsthand. But even now, with the old man’s presence fading, he began feeling the need to run, to search.

  He rose and headed to the forest. He knew until he found the aura, he wouldn’t be able to quit. It wasn’t something he could just let go. He shifted at the forest edge and ran north again. Maybe today he would find what he was searching for.

  * * *

  A few days later Quinn was summoned to the old man’s home. He took a seat on the porch, next to the Healer.

  “So, we will begin with some basics,” Aatu said.

  “Basics for what?” Quinn asked, completely confused.

  “Your instruction,” he replied.

  Quinn suddenly realized what the old man was talking about. He’d been so wrapped up in his searches, he’d completely forgotten about their conversation from before.

  “Of course, grandfather, I’m sorry. I’ve just been a bit preoccupied,” he explained.

  Aatu waved his hand, “No matter. First, practice accessing the power in the valley.”

  Quinn looked at him questioningly, “But I have no problem accessing it.”

  “Do not question. Do,” he commanded.

  Quinn sighed and closed his eyes. He reached for the power and found it readily. Suddenly, without warning, he was falling backward in the chair. His eyes flew open and he lost the hold on the power as his head cracked on the porch.

  “What the…” he began.

  Aatu cut him off, “You said you have no problem accessing the power in the valley. Lesson one, you must learn to access the power, regardless the circumstances… never lose your focus.”

  Quinn righted his chair and rubbed the back of his head, “Point taken.”

  The old man smiled, “Ready for lesson two?”

  “Are you going to hurt me again?” he asked warily, scooting his chair out of the old man’s reach, still rubbing the back of his head.

  Aatu laughed. “As elders, we must always be in tune with the power. If we lose focus when a threat manifests, what use would we be?”

  “I understand,” Quinn said.

  “So, lesson two. You know that the power of the valley is what helps us make our transformations. However, there is more. It also enhances our natural abilities and can increase our strength and speed. If you focus the power to a particular feat, it could aid you. For now, try accessing the power while out running, focusing the power in your muscles. Or when using your various senses, see if the power aids you in any way. It is different for each.”

  Quinn nodded. Interesting idea – to focus the power to his other senses. He drew on the power to enhance his sight all the time looking for auras, but to draw on it and focus it in his muscles… it had merit.

  “That is all for today,” the old man said rising. He shuffled to the door and went in without a backward glance.

  Quinn sat on the porch staring after him, amused. He didn’t know how much more the man had to teach him, but he was sure he would be just as abrupt, regardless of the lesson. He rubbed the back of his head again, feeling the bump that was rising. It was probably going to be painful learning from the old man, but hopefully, he would learn something that would help to protect them from the Ishaks. That thought made him restless – he needed to run again.

  As he shifted, he summoned the power and let it rush into his muscles, enjoying the sensation. He’d never thought to connect to the power and then focus it to his muscles while running. He took off, heading to the north. It was invigorating, and then exhilarating. He found a level of speed that he had never before possessed. This was quite a secret.

  He wondered why the elders didn’t share this with the young ones. But, even as he thought it, he was able to answer his own question. It was hard enough to keep them reined in as it was; he remembered how much he loved running those first few years following his first shift. He could imagine how much trouble he would have gotten into with this kind of power coursing through his veins.

  He put his nose to the ground and ran, searching – knowing if there was something to be found, he would find it.

  Twelve

  Jaisey

  Jaisey flopped onto her couch after yet another long day of non-stop activities with Seff. Almost two weeks had passed since she’d begun hanging out with him, and he was seriously wearing her out. She had been so busy with him she hadn’t even had time to think about taking care of her mother’s ashes. But now, as she looked at the urn, she realized it was still something she needed to finish.

  Seff had told her that there were some family things he couldn’t get out of for a few days, so she was going to be on her own for the weekend. He had asked her to just stay at her place until they could hang out again, but she had sidestepped the request by offering him cookies. She laughed again, thinking of how much he loved her treats.

  She was decided now though, after thinking it through. She could leave first thing on Friday morning and be back to the cabin by Saturday evening or Sunday at the latest. Seff wouldn’t even know she had gone. She did feel a tad guilty for ignoring his simple request, but it was unwarranted. There had been no further wildlife scares, other than a few spiders, which Seff had chased away for her. She was completely confident in her abilities to maneuver in the forest, and she had regained almost all of her strength and stamina lost in the long months of healing after the accident. Beyond that, Jack had become completely familiar with the local wildlife and terrain – she would be well protected.

  So, with her mind made up, she began planning and packing for her trek. An odd calm came over her with the decision. It was past time to give her mother her final resting place, and she felt a small rush of guilt for all the fun she’d been having in the interim. She shook the thought off quickly, knowing that her mother would be happy to see her moving on with her life.

  * * *

  Jaisey slept well, and as usual was up early Friday, ready to head out. She had a small tent and her sleeping bag strapped onto her backpack, which was loaded with basic camping food, utensils, and gear – including her small first aid kit. She brought only a single change of clothing. Her sweater was tied around her waist in case she needed it in the slightly higher altitude. She also grabbed one of the hiking sticks; thinking of being able to use it for protection, she grabbed the thickest, heaviest one.

  She would be hiking to the north, to Windy Peak. She had only recently learned its real name from Seff. Her mother had just called it ‘the bluff.’ Seff had confirmed that it was about a ten-hour hike from the cabin.

  She pulled her hiking boots on and, as a last thought, decided to leave a note for Seff. He had said he wouldn’t be able to stop by. However, she worried if he did and found her missing, he might overreact and go out looking for her. It was a simple note, explaining that it was time to say her final goodbye to her mom and that she would be back from the bluff no later than Sunday night.

  Satisfied with everything, she headed out with Jack.

  The hike was easy at first. She followed the road to the ranger station and continued on west, and then north to its end. She found herself looking for the dirt packed road as she walked. There was fencing that ran along the south side of the road clear to the end. And sure enough, near the end of the paving past the station, she realized there was a section that was gated, not fenced. It was well
disguised, and she found herself intrigued by the mystery that road presented. She made a mental note to ask Seff if he would want to follow it with her one afternoon when they were back together.

  She hiked for a few hours before stopping to have some lunch. Jack had levels of energy she couldn’t even fathom, so after he wolfed down his meal, he took off scouting the new area while she sat gazing over the hills and valleys, wondering once again where Seff lived.

  The stop lasted longer than she’d intended with her taking in the view, so she had to hustle up after that to reach the summit of Windy Peak before sundown. The last part of the hike was the hardest. She remembered there being an easier way to the top, but with the sun going down, she didn’t have time to search for it. The route she chose was steep, though not straight up. Jack managed it easily, which annoyed her to no end. The bluff, as her mom called it, wasn’t the top of the mountain, it was more like a large shelf part way up. There was a small clearing surrounded by the ever-present forest and more inclines.

  Even though it wasn’t the top of the mountain, she was still rewarded with the most breathtaking view of the hills and valleys. It was what her mom called a “perfect moment.” She could see fifty – maybe a hundred miles away to the south. She tried to find the cabin, but the angles of the hills and the trees that grew on them provided a deceptive cover of what might be held within. The valleys had already settled into the darkness of night; only the tops of the rolling hills were aglow with the light of the setting sun.

  She stood amazed, watching the sun slowly lower off to the west, longer than she should have. Realizing she was losing light fast, she worked quickly to get her camp set up. She found several large rocks to make a small fire ring. There were several lying nearby; it was obvious by the scorch marks on them that they had been used for just such a purpose before.

  She broke off a small branch full of leaves to sweep the ground around her fire pit. Then after setting up the little tent, she got a small fire going.