Taste for Trouble

chapter 11

So I'm back after nearly a year of not having internet, or a phone that can connect. I was working full time last year, then barreled full on into the school year. I'm getting married in June and this is one of the stories I feel the most committed to, so enjoy!

  When Max and Madison came outside, they looked at the pile expectantly, then, after a moment of no one noticing them, Max whistled a high pitch, ear ringing whistle. Many of the kids jumped up to cover their ears.

But that had gotten all of their attention, for the most part. And behind them was a tall, bulky guy. I didn't need an introduction. I could tell by his height and by the width of his shoulders, the more general description. This was the ever so present johnny. I didn't even realize I had taken a step forward when suddenly a hand pulled me back slightly. I looked back to Austin shaking his headslightly he took his hand off of my shoulder to give me some space. I hadn't even noticed the barrel of a growl that seemed to come from deep within my chest.

This was the guy. The one that had done this to me. Taken away my life with all of my friends and family. Taken away anything I had ever worked for in less than a week...in less than four days this guy had ruined my ever promised chance at a normal life.

Then Max began to speak, as if I wasn't going to kill the dude standing behind him. "Austin, thank you for grabbing her. But something you must all know now, that, after about six months of proper training, Claire will be our new human form fighting master."

That caught me off guard. I stood there, open mouthed and stared at him.

"Both Malissa and Annette have agreed, that because Claire managed to take them both to the ground this morning, they are willing to give up their positions." Madison said in a very clear voice.

"What!? No!? I don't want to be master of anything! I don't even want this life!" I basically screamed at them taking a step forward before I felt two people grab my arms this time.

"You have no choice. Masters are the best at what they teach." Max said, and then waved off my outburst, "while I usually find a pups energy and enthusiasm refreshing, I find that with you it is mildly irritating." I could feel myself bristle in anger. "Aaron, take her. Before she sprouts ears and a tail." I heard several chuckles behind me at that.

I didn't feel myself deflate until Max and Johnny had went safely inside and out of seeing range.

"Do you really think you could take him? You couldn't take him Tuesday night. You can't take him now." Austin said, holding onto my arms with perhaps more force than necessary.

He let go after only another second.

"Bastard." I muttered.

"Claire, I know you won't understand, but your emotions are way out of whack because of the change, that's why you have probably been extra irritable in the last few days. But you HAVE to control it. Too many phases uncontrolled can lead to people being hurt." Austin said, his eyes were serious. But he looked good in that leather. I smiled at him. His hair was like gold in the morning light, and it hung over his face handsomely as he looked down at me.

"I'll try." was all I could say. His eyes, now that all of the orange color was gone from them, were an even more stunning blue. They looked like the ocean on a beautiful summer's day. Like the sky without a cloud in sight.

He sighed then stepped away. "Your training today starts with Aaron." was all he said before he hurried inside, avoiding looking at me more than a couple seconds.

"Hey, Claire! Austin probably gave you the whole lecture, didn't he?" Aaron asked.

"Yeah, pretty much." I said, looking at my feet.