The walk down the mountain was strenuous. Khalia shivered, teeth knocking together. She stumbled to keep up with Diem's long stride. Legs sinking into the snow on the uneven terrain. Not once did he let go of her hand, privy to her behavior. Holding tighter he guided her down the ski ridge.

Whistling Ski Resort; not the only one in town but the best for your buck. Khalia glanced at the ski lift parallel to where they walked. It was motionless, thankfully. She visited the resort a few times. Seeing that tall naked men roamed out here, it'll stay that way.

Speaking of tall naked men, Khalia raised a brow at Diem. His gait exuded a lazy confidence. Bronze undertones made his sun-tanned skin look bold against the snowy landscape. His back muscles contoured with each step over hardened snow. Shamefully, she ogled his ass before chiding herself. This wasn't the time.

"We have Theo. He is master."

Khalia nodded then realized what she was agreeing too. A disgusted look crossed her face, and she shook her head. The hand around her wrist tightened with her movements. Khalia groaned, worn out and more likely dying from hypothermia.

"Can you let me go home?"

"No."

Diem sighed as she tugged her wrist. This was her fifth 'surprise' escape. Having scratched him, smacked him, and even licked him. The last attack caused a boisterous chuckle to leave him, startling her.

"Listen Kirma, do you know what you are?"

"Khalia and yes, kidnapped."

A road appeared in the distance. Next to it a few buildings Khalia assumed were part of the resort.

"You're very childish for someone your age."

"Ya mama was childish for having you."

Diem hesitated, making her titter. His shoulders rose and she delighted at the aggravated moan he released.

"You need home training."

"The fuck does that mean?" She frowned when he didn't reply. Reaching the road she picked up her pace, happy to be on a solid surface.

"The cabin isn't far. When we get there an Omega will help you clean up. Afterwards, Alpha Gian and Luna Nyla will come assess your situation."

"Don't know, don't care. I don't have a situation! This is kidnapping."

With her balance better she fell in step next to him. Quickening his pace, she glowered at the side of his face. Suddenly, he stopped. Looking down at her he leaned in close, a deadpanned expression.

"I found you naked in an elk carcass. You were sleeping."

"Inside?"

"Yes, inside or deep in them guts as your people say."

"Aht, excuse me, my people?" She growled in frustration when he chuckled. The sound making the hair stand on her neck.

"Yes, your people. You humans. Homo sapiens if that suits your fancy."

"Are you not human?"

"No."

"What are you?"

"Asked you first. We're here."

Khalia watched the corner of his lips turn upward. Diem pointed to a driveway that ran parallel to the road. It was barely noticeable with the abundant Oak Brush covering the entrance. As they began walking down the drive, she noticed a group of trees clustered around a clearing. In the center sat a dilapidated cabin. The stained logs were bowed and splintered, creating gaps in the exterior. Snow and ice hung from the roof that looked ready to collapse. Two boarded up windows, and a slanted door hardly on its hinges.

A small gasp left her and she stilled. He was going to kill her. He was going to torture her, get his rocks off, and kill her. Whatever the fantasy, Khalia wanted no parts.

Picking up on her hesitation Diem stopped as well. Smoke could be seen leaving the soot-covered chimney. Letting go of her wrist he went to the door. Khalia took two steps back, intent on running again.

"I'm not going to chase you this time Kirma. Your Fated will find you sooner or later."

Diem dismissed her with a wave. She glared daggers into his back while clenching her jaw. Ready to chastise when abruptly the rickety door flew open, hitting the frame. A sharp vibration battered her ears, and she hastily covered them. A young woman emerged in the doorway. She looked no older than 16 with honey blond hair and light brown eyes to match. Tawny dimples highlighted her pearly smile.

"Diem! I've missed you!"

The southern drawl was heavy in her voice. Diem laughed when the woman threw herself on him. Wrapping his arms around her waist he lifted her off the ground, rocking side to side. Khalia gawked, not sure if she should look away or pull him off the girl.

"Caleesi! You're the one Alpha sent?"

Diem put her down. Caleesi gave a nervous smile. Twiddling her hands behind her back.

"Ah, a bit of wanderlust again Caleesi? That's against the law."

"Well, if Alpha Gian would let us leave once in a while! It's bad enough he moved me to the homestead! That's kidnapping!"

Khalia snorted, shooting Diem a sneer. She hesitated when Caleesi's eyes landed on her. Cheeks flushing as she looked up and down.

"Who is this?"

Diem placed a hand on Caleesi's shoulder.

"Glad you asked, this is Lia."

"Khalia to you."

"Kha-lia. She's a temporary guest."

"Hostage."

Diem frowned and she folded her arms, hitting him with a steely stare.

"Khalia is a Kirma."

"Oh, shut up! Kirma born?"

"Ask her yourself. I'm heading back to the grounds. It's been a pleasure Kha-lia."

He started back the way they came while she huffed. A soft hand snaked her wrist pulling her view. Caleesi beamed while waving at the departing man.

"Bye Diem! See you later!"

Khalia watched him give a backhanded wave then sprint up the mountain. A gasp left her as she awed at the speed. As if he was surfing on water, he pounded through the snow, reaching the ridge, where she lost sight of him.

"Kay, so I may have clothes that fit. If not, I'll ask the other girls. I'm Caleesi! Who are you? Are you from here? Oh, I bet you're a rogue. Scratch that, we never get excitement here. Did you lose your permit? He did say you were fresh. Oh! So then who changed you? Was it family member? Ex? Hey, are ya cold? Why aren't you speakin'? You not all there huh?"

Khalia stared speechless at the back of her head. Mouth agape at the word vomit she impressively spewed.

"We keep the spares in the bedroom. I'll grab them. The shower is that door. It's not ideal, but it gets the job done!"

Caleesi bounded off to the bedroom leaving Khalia to look around the sooty interior. The air brewed a cocktail of smoke and mildew. Two wooden chairs and a rounded table were the only thing present. Two doors were on the opposite side of the room. One, Caleesi entered. A fireplace crackled lightly, warming her numb flesh.

Aware of the filth on her, a shower didn't sound bad. Briskly padded to the other door, ready to melt in the relaxing waters. Imagine her surprise when cold air tickled her. A stall made of planks surrounded the door. A black hose was duck taped to the wall opposite her. On the end a dirty shower head hung limply.

Khalia followed the hose down to the ground where it disappeared in a crack between the stall and cabin wall. A questionable discolored matt rest on the ground. Hearing walking behind her she crooned her neck. Caleesi gave a sheepish smile, holding up a pair of short shorts, a tank top, and towels. Two bottles also sat atop the pile.

"I guess I need to fill my bin. Hopefully these fit! I'll go turn the water on! The pump is on the other side. Please don't run away! I'm so not in the mood to chase you."

"...Uh, I'll do my best not to? Um, thanks Caleesi."

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Khalia shut the door behind her and stepped on the rubber mat. Making a face she tensed up hearing Caleesi' on the other side. Giving a holler, Khalia shut her eyes and prepared for the worst shower of her life.

*~*~*

It took fifteen mins for Khalia to step into the frigid water. Another thirty to scrub the muck out her hair and off her body. Surprisingly, her belly ring remained intact, and she scrubbed it the best she could. Afterwards she dressed in the bedroom. Times like these Khalia wished she were bald. After ten minutes of finger detangling, she gave up. Instead splitting her hair down the middle and creating two large puffs. When she exited Caleesi smiled widely and motioned for her sit.

"Well, the shorts too tight but at least the top is cute!"

Khalia scoffed while pulling the fabric from between her ass. They rode back up as soon as she sat down.

"These are drawls."

"Which is a step up from your earlier attire. Anyway, Alpha Gian and Luna Nyla will be here shortly."

"Luna Nyla?"

"Oh that's right, you're a Kirma! Let's clear this up now: Kirma born or changed?"

Caleesi propped her chin on the palm of her hands. She studied Khalia like one would a bug under a microscope.

"What is Kirma? What does that mean? Everyone keeps calling me that shit."

"Oh right, this is like teaching a newborn!"

Narrowed eyes pierced Caleesi and Khalia huffed angrily. The younger girl laughed.

"Easy girl. Kirma means mongrel. They shouldn't exist, a blight in our ecosystem some would say. Especially human Kirmas. A shifter mixes with a vampire? Your either going to get a powerful puppy or a blood crazed fiend. Regardless, you're not weak."

Khalia leaned in closer devouring every word. It seemed surreal to hear her mention vampires so casually. Caleesi's nose wrinkled and a dejected sparkle filled her eye.

"A human though, a human Kirma, is a death sentence. There is no best of both. Those souls aren't meant to be one. Their bodies can't handle the anomaly. With no unity the souls fracture. Sounds like agony to me."

Caleesi's last words sent a chill through her.

"What's a shifter? Is it just werewolves?"

"Oh right, y'all call us werewolves, werecats, were-whatnots. It's not limited to my kind." Caleesi waved her hand while rolling her eyes.

"So...Animorphs?"

"I'm sorry?"

"Never mind, you said fractured soul?"

"Oh yea! Dangerous really. When the souls fractures one turns into a Feral. Psyche breaks down and they...become lost. Lost forever."

Khalia's nose twitched and the smell of rain permeated the room. Caleesi's face hung solemnly and she noticed a misty glaze over her eyes.

How many Ferals have you seen?

About to ask more questions ta quick tap at the door interrupted them. Caleesi scrambled out of her chair, knocking it over in the process. Standing up straight she became stoic as her hands went behind her back. A position she's witnessed Jay do a few times.

"Good morning, Alpha Gian and Luna Nyla!"

Gian and a woman stood in the doorway. A head shorter than him, she walked with a delicate step. A kinky black fro framed her heart shaped face. Her amber eyes held concern as they searched the room. Lighting up when they landed on Caleesi. She had the pearliest whites Khalia ever saw. A loose yellow dress with heels to match complimented her reddish-brown complexion. She was the light on a moonless night.

"Caleesi, how are you?"

Warm and sincere, her voice made a small smile cross Khalia's face.

"I'm feelin fantastic Luna Nyla."

"Oh? Is that so? Then tell me why Beta Chase said you went missing after breakfast?" Nyla folded her arms and cocked her head slightly at a bashful Caleesi.

"N-no ma'am! Alpha Gian called for an omega, and I jumped at the opportunity. Early bird gets the hog and such!"

"Well if that's the case I'm glad to hear it. Mama Edith needs an extra hand helping with daycare. I'll inform her that you volunteered to assist for...two weeks. Be there tomorrow 5:30 am to noon."

Khalia never seen someone's eyes enlarge as much as Caleesi's. The young girl gasped and remained speechless until Gian cleared his throat.

"Y-yes Luna Nyla."

"Good, lunch passed in the Main House already but there should be leftovers. Get something to eat and head to your room for the day."

Caleesi's shoulders dropped and she sighed. Saying a quick goodbye to Khalia she headed out the door. On the way Gian placed a hand on her shoulder, giving a reassuring squeeze.

"A few more months, your about there."

Caleesi solemnly grinned then took her leave. An emptiness settled in the cabin without her bubbly persona. Together, they had a strong presence around them, easily towering over her 5'5 frame. Walking over Gian picked up the fallen stool and motioned for Nyla to sit.

Biting her lip, Khalia ran her hand along her edges, pulling at the single-strand knots. Soft giggling cut the air as Nyla watched.

"Don't be nervous Miss Khalia. You'd be dead already if that's what we wanted. If we wanted to harm you, we would have. Trust and believe."

Hearing the tone in her voice Khalia's thoughts went to her mother. Countless times in youth she had been scolded but with a tender reassurance that everything will be alright afterwards. She missed that woman.

"Here, you look uncomfortable."

Gian came up behind her and she squeaked when he held out an oversized hoodie. Snatching the peace offering she threw it on, relieved it reached mid-thigh. Olive green in color a lingering smell of peppermint and pine stuck in its fabric. Holding it up to her nose she sucked in the sharp aroma.

This smells familiar.

Nyla laughed again at Khalia's actions.

"Yes, you are most definitely human descending. So, explain to me how we got here. No matter how insane it sounds to you tell us everything. We can better assist you then."

Hesitantly, Khalia nodded. Shame blossoming in her heart at the thought of being under scrutiny again.

"We don't have time. Find Theo."

The feminine voice from previously urged on. This time it sounded like her. Whipping her head, she saw nothing. Nyla frowned.

" I want to help you but we need to know your intention. We're not like your kind. You've realized that by now. You've seen some things you can't explain I take it. Gian informed me that you don't want us to contact your Fated. Is he abusive? Have you run away?"

Khalia's face flushed. The acute foreign anger from the airport resurfaced.

Theo? My Fated? The demon that destroyed everything?

"The beast that did this," Khalia pointed at her exposed legs, showing off the scarred skin, "Is nothing of mine! Don't ever imply such shit!"

Clenching her fist slammed it on the table. No sooner had she done so a calloused hand swallowed her neck. Contemptuous blue pupils bore into hers and moments later a crash splintered the silence. Pain eroded in her backside. A loud groan left her as she wheezed.

Faintly, the sound of bones breaking. The alabaster hand spasmed around Kahlia's throat, its nails growing, piercing her ashen neck. The chair broke into pieces from the force. Instinctively she wrapped her hands around the arm.

"Beta Chase! Stop!"

The pounding of feet made Kahlia's headache worsen. The pain transported her back to the clearing. Being abused by cruel eyes that regarded her as a cheap disposable.

"Beta Chase, Luna Nyla asked that you stop. A wise decision. Less the repercussion you face from a woman scorned."

The occupants over her ceased their movements. Chase paused briefly, dithering about removing his hand. A firm squeeze on his shoulder from Nyla seemed to coax him. When his hand left her throat she rolled to the side, violently coughing until she retched.

"Damn it Chase!"

Gian growled at the older man who stood unfazed.

"That Kirma doesn't belong here! She threatened Luna Nyla's safety, and you did nothing! I on the other hand acted accordingly!"

Khalia wiped her lips with the back of her hand. Throat on fire with every breathe that entered her body. Bewildered, she scowled at the older man. His lanky form reminded her of a stick bug. Acne scars pitted his face and crepe lines jutted from under his eyes. A purple robe with gold ensemble adorns him.

Chase returned her glare and stepped forward, intent on finishing what he started. Scurrying backwards she slammed into something solid. Hands looped under her arms. They were gentle, lifting her off the soiled floor. Spinning around to see her savior, she was caught off guard by his cheeky grin.

"You'll make it farther if you use your legs."

Diem winked. Not bothering a rebuttal, she scrambled behind him. Now dressed, she clasped onto his blue hoodie. Kidnapper or not, he didn't choke the fuck outta her. Peeping over his shoulder she took in the brewing argument with Gian and Chase.

"I had it under control!"

"You call this control? Ha! Your father, the true Alpha, had better control! Conversing with a rogue? He'd have that filthy mutt in a cell for crossing our borders!"

"Remember who you're speaking to Beta Chase!"

"I'm speaking to an Alpha on trial! Remember that until your Enthronement Ceremony! I rue the day that transpires!"

"Enough!"

Nyla's voice shot through the cabin. Automatically Khalia ducked behind her safety blanket. Burying into his back, her legs trembled.

"This is not the time nor place for disruption. Diem, please take Miss Khalia home. Her home is likely to be near Cruel-Mane. Assuming she has a valid permit, there is no need for this behavior Beta Chase. We will finish up this conversation tomorrow in the Main House. Diem, you will need to be present. Her situation may be one you've encountered."

Khalia listened to the clicking of heels, tensing up when they ended in front of Diem. She refused to show herself, content on remaining concealed.

"I'm incredibly sorry this happened. I understand if you wish not to return to our community. However, I do hope you show up tomorrow. It'll be detrimental for you to know of this...new world. You're free to go."

Thankfully her security blanket wasted no time. Spinning he scooped her up bridal style. The motion caused a hiss to escape her and she rubbed her head. When they exited muffled shouting could be heard in the cabin.

Khalia felt her body lax at the sight of a seeing a black Toyota Tundra idle in the driveway. The tinted windows made it sleek design welcoming. Her eyelids grew heavy and the heat pooling off him lulled her into a dreamy state. Stifling a cough she buried into his shoulder.

"Where do you live?"

She mumbled, feeling her body bounce as he shook her.

"Where do you live Khalia?"

"Here."

His grumbling was the last thing she heard.

*~*~*

"Khalia! Khalia get up!"

A loud crash roused her first. Then the hands that shook her. Disoriented, she sat up. Taking in the coffee table, computer desk, and grey sofa chaise, Khalia became more confused. She was home. The puzzling questions were put on the back burner when another crash rocked the house. Alarmed she stumbled off the sofa, Diesel nowhere in sight.

Did he get in the trash again?

"Diesel!"

"In here!"

"Diem? Why the hell are you in my room!"

Khalia's uncertainty outweighed her shock watching Diem toss clothes, shoes, and other personals of hers into suitcases. Dust on the luggage created brown streaks across her duvet cover. Diem tossed two black duffle bags against the wall. The drawers on her slay station were opened, and her jars and their contents on the floor.

"...Are you fucking joking?"

"We're leaving in 20 minutes."

Picking up the duffle bags he went outside. She ran after him, gasping when she spotted Diesel perched in the backseat, tongue lolling and saliva flying everywhere. Tossing the bags in the bed of the truck, he strode past, back in the house. Hot on his heels, she yanked on the back of his shirt.

"Will you-"

The vexing look he put on her stole her breath. It was a jumbled mess of melancholy and abhorrence. Coal colored eyes flicked to the bite on her neck and his lips twisted. Shrugging off her hand he went to the bedroom, emerging later with her cellphone.

Perturbed by this Khalia checked her phone. Noticing the last four calls and voicemails came from the same number. Opening the voicemail she brought the phone up to her ear. The frantic voice of the detective spilled out the speaker.

"Damn it! Don't you ever pick up! I really hope you did as I said! I'm not sure..."

A deep groan in the background cut her off.

"Hang on Halifax...Yes do it! - I don't care, I'll deal with that later...shit. Listen, I know you don't care to speak with us but we don't have fucking time for this! He got your address! Theo is coming!"

Khalia yanked speaker from her ear, burned by the words spoken. Her jaw hung open while her heart leapt. A shuffling noise pulled her gaze to Diem. The atmosphere about him no longer exuded the lazy confidence. His skin seemed alive and hair, tousled by anxious hands. More questions, no answers.

"How... did you open-?"

"Diesel knew your password."

Short and to the point. Her brows furrowed and lips grew tight.

"Did you go through it? ...Fuck, did you look at the vide-?"

"Cvengros."

"What?"

"Theo's last name. It's Cvengros."