CONCERN

MEETING MAX

Before I went to find Fred, I made sure I knew how to get to Ophelia. I had been positive that she would be fine with us staying with her. As we grow closer, I'm not so sure anymore. Originally, I had only planned for two of us to stay with her. Now that there are four of us, I don't know how she'll take it. Especially seeing as three of our group are technically untrained newborns.

The street, and the houses; all look the same, but something feels different. A feeling of unease envelops our group. The sun has almost set and I can feel night approaching. I have to do this quickly.

I stop on a corner, a few houses away from Ophelia's. I can smell her scent and have been able to for a few miles. When I stayed with Victoria, she was always so impressed with my tracking ability. She said it was one of my best qualities and one that drew her to me.

I turn to the group. "Wait here. I'll come and get you. Please don't leave this spot." Fred nods and Bree and Diego echo him.

Here I go. I take a deep breath. Although breathing is unnecessary, it helps calm me down.

I reach the house in less than a second. My speed is a skill I think I inherited from my childhood. My brother and I used to race each other in a field near our house. He always beat me.

Walking up to the front door is one of the most nerve-wracking experiences I have ever had. I knock lightly. I hear footsteps drawing closer and then the click of a key in the lock. The door swings open and a man stands before me.

"Hello?" he says in a quizzical voice. "Can I help you?" He smells like a wolf.

"Hi, my name is Maia. I was wondering if someone called Ophelia lives here. Is this the wrong house? I'm so..."

He puts up a hand and I stop mid-sentence. "Say no more. I know who you are. I'll go get her." Just as he's about to leave, he turns, and smiles, holds out his hand and says, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Maia."

Does he know me? Who is this man? Is his 'wolfy' scent passed on from Ophelia? Or is he a wolf himself?

As I stand on the doorstep, waiting for someone to return, a shiver runs down my spine. I'm not cold. Vampires can't get cold. I'm nervous. How will she react to me?

I needn't wait much longer, because a minute later she's there. She looks just the same; the only change being her long, caramel-coloured hair that I knew once before has been cut into a neat bob. A huge grin forms on her face and she pounces on me, drawing me into a tight hug.

"Oh my god, Maia! I can't believe it's really you! I'm so excited I can barely breathe!" I laugh at her child-like excitement. Ophelia pulls back, still with a hand on each of my shoulders. I notice the man from before standing behind her.

"Come in, Maia!" She beckons me through the door. I glance down the street to where I know I have three anxious friends waiting for my signal. I have to go inside and explain everything first.

I follow Ophelia through the door and the man shuts it behind me. He brushes me as I walk past him and my mind is set. He is definitely a wolf.

We walk down the hall to the living room and Ophelia gestures to the sofa for me to sit down. The man takes the chair to my right and Ophelia sits on the sofa to my left.

Excitement is buzzing her. I don't need my 'power' to know that! She's practically shaking!

"Maia, you haven't said a word yet! What's going on? Why are you here? Not that I'm not super excited to see you!"