Summer Bliss

Sun rays slithered in through the parted curtains of the hospital room. Khalia basked in the warmth, sleeping soundly, she curled on her side. Groggily she rolled over raising her hand to rub her eyes, freeing them of sticky rheum. Blinking, no one surrounded her, which she appreciated.

Raising her arms high over her head she wiggled her toes, she groaned at how good it felt. Shutting her eyes to delight in the feeling. It seemed too good to be true...

Abruptly, Khalia's eyes shot open. Clenching the bed sheet, she tossed them back. Every cast that adorned her body was gone. Staring at her ashen legs Khalia examined the scars that covered them. There had to be dozens on each leg. Spreading them, she shuddered at the bite wounds deep between her thighs. The raised brown markings filled her with sorrow.

She dragged her hand along her abdomen. The first bite Theo gave her was completely healed. Resting atop her tattoo, it marred the art, ruining the beauty it held. Frowning, she continued more inspections of her body.

A knock at the door disrupted her. The person on the other side didn't wait for a reply. Walking in, she recognized the two doctors who treated her.

Both were older men she assumed I their forties. Hair on the cusp of graying and wrinkles had started to show on their faces. The process must speed up for doctors, with the stress and all. Walking up to her bed they stood on each side. Their smiling faces reminded her of 'The Stepford Wives'. It sent a tingle up her spine.

"How are we doing today?" one asked. Khalia read his badge, Dr. Wreath.

"Um, fine? I think."

"Good! I take it you noticed something different today." The other spoke, a Dr. Bennett.

Khalia raised a brow at them both, suspicious of their pseudo kindness. The way they spoke to her made her feel five. With everything she'd experienced, all Khalia wanted to do is return home. She wondered how everyone back there was taking the news. Funerals were going to be held, she suspected. Also, Diesel had overstayed his welcome at the doggy daycare. She hoped they didn't send him to the pound.

"My cast are off. Does that mean I'm okay?"

The doctors grinned at each other. Dr. Wreath pulled a manila folder from under his arm and handed it to Khalia. "I've never seen anything like this in my twenty years of practice."

Opening the folder, she skimmed at least a dozen x-rays. Dated with her name and time, they showed breaks from the first day of admittance to now. Khalia's face twisted in bewilderment.

"I-I don't understand."

"That's what we'd like to find out. You were brought here; your chance of survival wasn't guaranteed. You flat lined, twice. Now, you're healed, organs functioning above level. Like you've never had life-threatening injuries to begin with. "

Khalia sat muted, taking in Bennett's words. How was all this possible? Picking up on her thoughts, Wreath gave a reassuring smile.

"We have some theories; we'll leave that to you to decide if you'd like to explore them. When you get discharged there will be an envelope. It'll provide more detailed information about us and our research facility."

"I'm getting discharged?"

"Yes, everything is fine. Bloodwork, everything. You do want to leave, right? There is no rush, you can choose anytime to go."

Every sentence stunned her into silence. Things were happening fast, too fast. Sensing her distress, Bennett grinned.

"Once you're discharged, we can provide a ride for you. I believe you must stop at the police station before returning home."

A sudden burst of energy flooded her body at the word 'home'. The lurching in her heart quickened and her toes curled. She can leave. She can leave this wretch fucking state. Solemnly Khalia bit back the wave of grief. Jay would never leave this place. Nor Trinity, nor the others. A bristling anger arose that felt foreign to her. The excitement replaced with this acerbic emotion. It died down when Khalia realized he was still out there, free. Looking at the doctors she nodded.

"Yes, I'd like to be discharged."

"Excellent! We'll gather the paperwork and have a ride ready, on us. Please, take our offer into consideration. Nice meeting you Miss Schaffer. It was a pleasure saving your life."

The two took their leave. Khalia sighed. She wasn't keen on being a test subject. With everything she'd experienced, all she wanted to do is go home. People had to be notified, and funerals had to be held. Also, Diesel had overstayed his welcome at the daycare. She hoped they didn't send him to the pound.

*~*~*

True to their word she left the hospital. Getting ready to leave had been faster than she initially thought. A nurse had dropped off blue scrubs to accommodate her lack of clothing.

Khalia's hair sat atop her head like a Weavers nest in mating season. She had tried to manage it in the bathroom but failed. Unfortunately, her kinks had kinks. Also in the mirror Khalia studied her appearance. Theo must have thought he did her a favor in not ruining her face entirely. She wanted to faint at the crude and jagged lettering sprawled across her cheeks.

T.C.

The skin, unlike the rest of her body, appeared raw. The wound still fresh to the touch. Her mouth had watered at the sight of it, warning of the impending storm brewing in her stomach.

He branded me. The son-of-a-bitch really branded me.

If her hair hadn't been a mess, she'd cover up the initials. Not wanting to dwell on her maimed face, Khalia dressed at high speed. Forcing herself not to focus on the wounds dotted across her body. Again, she didn't know if he was being merciful to her. He didn't rip chunks of flesh off the bone like he did to the others. Instead, he took his human form. Resorting to sinking his canines agonizingly into her flesh, where he then licked over the wounds. In tears, she left the bathroom.

Shuttled to the police station, it was there Khalia received more devastating news. Her Murano sat totaled in their tow yard. They couldn't give a description as to what happened but said it was being investigated. Driving home was no longer a possibility.

A detective sat Khalia down, informing her that since the case was still active, she wouldn't be able to gather some items. They were generous enough to give her back her wallet and phone, gathering the information they needed. The screen resembled a spider web, and blood was smeared all over it.

Now at the airport, Khalia sat in a waiting area, slouched. The vibrant red seats made her stand out, though no one was watching. In her hands rest her phone. It surprised her when it started up. Watching it come alive with dings, pings, and rings.

She was sure Theo would have broken it to pieces. Khalia used it briefly to check her account and book a flight. Other than that, she had no inkling to check the gallery. She didn't want to make her grief any more apparent.

Fiddling with her hands a sigh of relief escaped when the attendant announced boarding. Rising, she hoped her outfit wouldn't get her noticed. Heaven forbids an accident happen on the plane and they call on her for help. Khalia headed to the gate, deciding to find a seat early.

"Hey lady! Excuse me!"

Khalia kept walking, oblivious to the squealing. A hand landed on her shoulder, and she staggered to a stop. A brief look of annoyance crossed her face. She didn't know anyone here and wasn't trying to purchase anything. Whipping around Khalia came face to face with a middle-aged woman.

Her gray business suit clung to her voluptuous figure and her black hair was in a pixie cut. When her brown eyes met Khalia's there was detest in them. A feeling stirred within her. For some reason she wanted to growl at this hag.

"Excuse me, where is your permit?"

The woman held out her hand to Khalia, a bored look on her face. Anger made the growl slip.

"Don't fucking touch me! The fuck is you going on about."

Khalia glared at the woman, unsure of why she irritated her. The woman rolled her eyes.

Digging into her oversized tote she sighed, "You're a fresh one I see. Look Kirma, the witch said I had to do one good deed today for the spell to work. Be happy I choose you."

Khalia scowled. She did not have time for this. About to turn away she stopped when the woman let out an, "Ahh!"

Curiosity winning, Khalia gazed at the iridescent blue card the woman held up. It was the same as an ID. The only difference was the photo had a lenticular effect. Khalia squinted to make out the wording but realized she didn't know the strange dialect.

"Uh, I'm sorry but I'm not interested in whatever Anime collectible you're selling. Thanks."

By now the woman glowered. "Ugh! Look Kirma, you need a permit to travel each dominion. Without one you might as well kiss your pathetic life goodbye. You can apply at that booth there. Good luck."

Khalia's mouth hung open. Trying to process what she said while simultaneously suppressing the urge to hit the lady. She hadn't a clue what Kirma meant but the way the woman's nose scrunched, and her lip curled, Khalia knew it wasn't friendly.

Smugly brushing imaginary dirt off her suit, the woman gave a curt wave and took off, heels clicking on the polished tile. Khalia watched her present the blue card to a gate attendant, who in return grabbed a fellow worker. Nodding, they handed it back to her and let her pass.

Khalia stood in the sea of people; her brows knitted together. She turned towards the booth. It resembled any ordinary information booth. It was occupied by a tall, lanky elderly man. He easily towered over those who walked by, causing some to startle. He gave those people a smile.

When he peered in the crowd his beady eyes landed on her. The small smile broke into a wide grin. Too wide for his face. She began to fidget, a sense of urgency collecting in her heart.

"Pfft, this is crazy. That broad is crazy." Mumbling those words an image of Theo's transformation flashed across her mind. Khalia redacted that statement.

"Last call for United to Whistling CO."

"Shit."

Haphazardly she shuffled through the crowd. Reaching the booth, she felt like an ant. He had to be over 7ft easy. With large caterpillar brows, a crooked nose, and an inviting smile, she relaxed and returned the gesture.

"Need a permit?" When he spoke, his accent was thick. Khalia tried to place it, thinking it to be from South America.

"Uhh, yes?"

"Where are you flying too?"

"Whistling, CO. It's where I live. I came here for a vacation with some family and friends. Never doing that again. I can't actually, not with the same people I mean."

Khalia blushed at her word vomit. Her anxiety had her in a chokehold. The man continued to type away at the keyboard unfazed.

"There are two packs located in the Whistling Dominion, Whistling and Cruel-Mane. Which do you belong to?"

"Uh, I'm sorry, what? Two packs?"

This caused his bushy caterpillars to arch, telling her that wasn't the right answer.

"I'm from the...Whistling Pack?" Khalia squeaked out the last word when the man leaned over the counter. Now, in closer proximity, she took in his textured skin and the bulldog-like wrinkles scattered about. Flaring his nostrils, he took three deep long sniffs around her forehead. Khalia glanced around to see if anyone noticed. Arching a brow as they passed dreamily by.

"Ahhh, do you have a driver's license?"

Yea, I do. Here you go." Digging in her wallet she gave a slight thanks that Theo didn't feel the need to rob, just maim and kill.

"Ahh, yes. A Kirma. How unfortunate."

Khalia frowned as he mentioned that word again. She'll have to remember to look it up later.

"There are two packs in Whistling. Whistling and Cruel-Mane. Who would you like me to extend the permit visitation to?"

Khalia paused, then sighed. "This-this is a mistake. Sorry to bother you."

Turning in her heels Khalia prepared to sprint to the gate.

"Ma'am, your permit. I won't charge you. Consider it a welcome."

Hesitantly, she turned. The unusually long length of his arm surprised her, but she was tired. He dangled the same blue card in her face with a Cheshire grin. Her picture was displayed on the front. When he twisted it in the light, she watched her face disappear, replaced only by "KIR".

"This world is a lot different now Kirma. Take care. "

Khalia didn't wait, grabbing the card she muttered, "Thank you" and ran to the gate. Handing over the card he scanned it.

"Hey Tony, I need your code." The attendant spoke to a black-haired man handing back a ticket. He shimmered as he walked but no else spoke of it. Briefly he looked her up and down, then at the screen, before scanning his badge.

"Enjoy your flight." He spoke kindly, before handing her back her card.

Excitement bubbled in her once more. Home was now a few hours away. She planned to nap on the plane but with the odd people around she decided against it.

Can this day get weirder?

Khalia's phone rang and a number she didn't recognized emblazoned the screen.

"Hello?"

"Hi! Is this Khalia Schaffer I'm speaking to?"

"Yea. Who's this? "

"This is Detective Tabares. We spoke yesterday in the hospital. I've been informed you were discharged. I was hoping to have another chance to speak with you about what happened. Can we meet?"

On impulse Khalia growled into the phone, her patience thin. It came out low and guttural, causing other passengers to scurry past.

"I told you what I remember! Your partner called us fucking druggies! The police informed me that you were the ones who found me. Thank you, sincerely ma'am, but fuck you and fuck your partner. I'm going home!"

Hanging up, she knew she'd feel bad later. Scoffing, she continued boarding, promising to never return to this shit hole.

*~*~*

Elaina aggressively ran a hand through her hair. Loosening her ponytail in the process. Throwing her cell on the desk she leaned back in her chair.

"We're off the case Tabares. This is going back local." McDermott plopped down into his worn red chair. Taking sip of his luke-warm instant coffee, she wished she had a bigger office.

"We still don't have the person or the animal!"

"They, they still don't have the animal. Although, a group of men called. Said they got a bear and some cubs not too long ago. Going to autopsy them by the end of the week. What's this about person? You think foul play is involved?"

Elaina's mouth would have caught flies the way it hung open, processing what he said. "Some of those victims were decapitated! This group alone brings the total to nine! What did they find in the phones?"

"It'll take weeks to go through all that evidence, hell months. Regardless, it consistently points to an animal. Fur was found on each body. The wounds reflect trauma caused by mauling. Other injuries are perceived to be defensive wounds."

Elaina glared at partner when he elicited a chuckle.

"Perceived? What fucking intern do they have at the morgue?" Elaina grumbled a few more choice words. It didn't make sense. Soon her cellphone began dancing across the desk. She growled out an agitated hello.

"Finally, you answer."

A groan escaped her at the sound of Milo's voice, she had avoided him successfully till now. Mulling over the idea that she was being too harsh, Elaina had expelled that thought last night. His behavior was simply uncalled for. Especially with a victim.

"What do you want!"

"Listen Elaina, I'm sorry for how I acted at the hospital. I'm not going to make excuses for it. I was-"

"Are Halifax, are-"

"I was and are an asshole. A big fucking asshole. You didn't deserve my treatment after all the help you've been. I regret how it ended. I know this apology sounds shit, but I mean it. I'm sorry."

Elaina sighed, sagging her shoulders, she leaned back in her chair.

"...Thank you, Halifax."

"I know it's asking too much but is there a way you can get me to see Miss Schaffer again? I need to apologize to her too."

"Ah, you're late on that. She checked out earlier this morning. Should be in the air by now. I, uhm, have an inkling she's not going to want to speak with you." Elaina looked over to McDermott who was giving her the side eye.

"Checked out? She could barely move."

"Yea well, call it a miracle." Elaina heard Milo shuffling about on the other end. Soon muffled voices could be heard in the background.

"Elaina I'm going to have to call you back. What's a good time?"

"Anytime Halifax."

"Good, I'm glad to hear that." His tone became soft. Elaina rubbed her cheek, trying to expel the redness.

With that Milo ended the call.

"Business?" McDermott quirked a brow at his partner. A mischievous glint sparked in his eye. Her cheeks became Tulare Cherries.

"It's business Scott."

McDermott let out a boisterous laugh, focusing on his computer.

"Yes, yes, just business."

*~*~ *

Shoving his phone in his pocket Milo listened atop the stairs as Dan chatted with another man.

"I'm sorry fer ya' loss. I wasn't present when this all happened. Let me check my partner's reports."

"Thank you."

He tensed at the sound of Dan's shuffling. Straightening out his uniform he treaded downstairs and eyed the two men at his desk. They were seemingly oblivious to his presence.

Dan squinted at the screen. His wrinkled hand scrolling with the computer mouse. The grey patches of hair on the side of his head contrasted harshly with the sunburned center. Standing behind him was a man Milo had seen a few times in passing. Usually more put together.

His clothing was smudged with mud and grime. A biting odor seemed to spill off him in waves. Subtle hints in his demeanor showed impatience. When their eyes locked briefly, Milo jolted.

"Ah, seems there was one survivor. She was transported to...Rendall Hospital!" Dan clasped his wrinkled hands together, quite proud of his detective work.

The man laid a firm hand on Dan's shoulder, thanking him. He gave Milo a nod as well. Milo didn't return it.

"Who was that?"

"Huh? Oh, that's nobody. He was 'pose ta meet a group of buddies here. They were in the cabins, he's a week late he says. Told him there was a accident and where to find his friends."

Milo furrowed his brows, taking in the information. A sinking feeling settled in his gut. They weren't expecting more friends.

"Dan, did you catch his name?"

"Theo something. Har' ta pronounce. Smelled of shit, but a nice young man. Most don't have half the respect he has. Ah, where ya off to?"

"I gotta go talk to that detective I told you about."

"Talk eh?" Dan winked and he waved him off.

"You got this covered? I'll be a few."

"Yea, yea, with this sunburn I got, I ain't doin' nothin." Dan strolled to the door, flipping the sign to 'Out'.

"Time for my break, lock the door behind you." Grumbling, he headed upstairs.

Milo did as told. In no time he was on the main road, heading out of the Cape. Recounting the details, he went over everything he remembered. Pulling out his cellphone he dialed Elaina. It went to voicemail.

"Hey Elaina, call me when you get this message. I think I might have something. Something related to Khalia's werewolf. See ya then."

* ~* ~*

"Damn." Khalia puffed.

Water splashing against the red tile made her ears ring. Flinching, she shook her head, stripping down to her bare suit. Touching the water, she shivered. Before having a change of mind, she hopped in.

Her body jolted at the coldness. Blinking rapidly, Khalia focused on her breathing. It was a relief on her scorching skin. At least for now. Resting her forehead against the tiled wall, she listened to Diesel whine on the opposite side of the door.

By the time she had picked up her companion the sun began setting over the town. Khalia cursed the stop in Phoenix. Having booked the first available flight, she didn't check for stops. Thankfully the doggy daycare was still open when she arrived.

Hurriedly she apologized for her absence, not giving much detail but explaining her disappearance. They understood, gave her a look of pity, and she left with Diesel. His behavior was odd at first, growling and whining at her. It calmed once they went home.

Though, she didn't get to settle in before the torment started. Starting in her abdomen it worked its way up her body. Becoming so unbearable that she bumbled to the bathroom, where she resided currently.

"Figures, those doctors were wrong." Khalia chattered. Turning the nozzle off, she closed her eyes. The pain became a dull ache in her side but the heat remained. Hopping out, she headed to her bedroom, exhaustion peaking at the sight of her emerald duvet.

Walking to her Slay Station Khalia sat on the wooden stool. Water dripped steadily onto the carpeted floor as she stared blankly at her reflection. If she looked hard enough, she could see Jay and the others standing behind her. Their ghostly visage with blank stares. Listening, her phone chimed in the living room. Over and over, another "my condolences" to further cement this new reality.

Hastily she wiped the tears from her face and opened the top drawer of the station. Inside sat an assortment of colorful jars. Grabbing the pink one, she stared at the 3-year-old gel tabs. Her tongue tingled and she set them aside. Picking up the green jar she pulled out a pre-roll.

They were supposed to be her 'Welcome Home' joints. A toast to friends and fun. Yea, right. Grabbing a lighter she lit it, then headed towards the scrubs on the floor.

Digging through them she huffed at the rattle she heard. The doctors had been kind enough to provide her with a pain reliever. Grabbing the bottle, Khalia eyed the twelve tablets in it.

Percocet.

She was never into painkillers; it wasn't her cup of tea. Popping the cap, she swallowed five of the little beans. Crawling into her king bed she stared at the ceiling. The heat that wracked her body subsided gradually. Taking one last drag of her joint she put it out on her nightstand.

The smell of the singed wood brought Khalia's mind back to the cabins. He was still out there, somewhere. 'He' is a loose term. She wasn't sure what he was, but it wasn't human. He made sure to show that.

Theo's torturous ways replayed in her mind. It felt like hours that he played with her. Rousing her back to consciousness with a bite of his canines or slap to her cheeks. She didn't want her mind to drift there, but late-night thoughts tend to dwell on the unfortunate. Disgust filled her when he crossed her mind. She feared him, she detested him. She wished him a painful death.

So why, why did her nipples perk at the thought of his hands? Crossing her legs she smothered her pulsing clit.

"I'm disgusting. I deserve to be dead." Khalia choked; emotions hit their climax.

Marcus's hazel eyes stared back at her from the ceiling. His smile flashed down at her, and she swore she could hear his infectious laugh. In the depths of his laughter Khalia heard a jingle. It was repetitive and low. It vibrated her left ear, making her turn. In doing so her vision blurred horribly.

Diesel sat bedside staring intently at her. If she wasn't drugged, Khalia would have jumped at the intensity of his gaze. It didn't help that his fluffy brown brows made his expressions human-like. His nose twitched in her direction, inhaling her scent, and tilting his head slightly. He looked...concerned?

Khalia extended a hand to rub his head but found her arms frozen. She felt weightless as her mind seemed to spiral. Mumbling, she reassured him it was a nap, swearing she heard a reply before slipping into her dreams.