The Calling

Chapter One

                 

            Keep going, I repeated to myself over and over. I have been driving for hours now but no matter how many miles I put behind me it didn't seem enough. Only when my shaking arms could barely hold onto the wheel did I pull into the nearest motel. The sign light overhead flickered while there was a light fog surrounding the place. Had it not been for the café and gas station that appeared to be open ahead the place would've looked abandon.

Slouching in my seat I loosen my grip on the steering wheel and flex my stiff fingers, feeling the sticky blood that coated them.  Releasing a shaky breath I pull down the visor to look at my reflection. Dried blood was caked on the side of my face and hair while there was gash on my temple; from the way my body ached I was sure there were a number of bruises there too.  Looking around I found a water bottle and some napkins in the glove department to clean off with. Satisfied that I looked somewhat decent, I got out of the truck and breathed in the salty sea air. Vaguely I remember passing a welcome to Maine sign, I was four states away from home. At the thought of home tears fill my vision and I shake my head. I just needed to hold it together for a few more minutes and then I could break down.

After grabbing my backpack from the passenger side I swung it over my shoulder and walked into the motel office.  Inside it was warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the cold, eerie feeling outside. A plump elderly lady greeted me when the door closed but when I got closer to the desk she gasped when she took in my disheveled appearance.

"Oh my word child, are you all right? What happened?" The lady asked while she came around the front desk to give me a closer inspection. When her eyes traveled down my body I followed the action and cringed. My clothes were ripped and caked with dirt and blood.  While I had cleaned up most of the grime from my face I hadn't thought to check what kind of condition my clothes were in. Now under the bright lights and the lady's scrutiny I wish I would have. When her eyes looked backed to my face I saw that she had warm brown eyes with concern showing through them. You wouldn't believe me if I told you I wanted to say. Instead I forced a smile and shrugged. "It's been a long day. Do you have any room's vacant ma'am?"

The lady nodded, "I do but before we get you settled in would you like me to get my first aid kit to look at that wound on the side of your head?"

Knowing that after tonight the injury would only be a bruise in the morning I declined. There were some perks to having werewolf blood. Accelerated healing being one of them in this case but the physical pain on the outside would never compare to the hurt on the inside. It only made me resent my werewolf genes all the more since that's what brought got me into this mess. 

"No I'm all right. Thank you for your concern but I'd just like to get cleaned up and get some rest."

The lady nodded again, giving me an understanding look before she turned to go back behind the desk.  After giving her my information I paid the fee and turned to find my room but her voice stopped me from going further.

"If you need anything don't hesitate to call the front desk, I'll be here okay honey."

"I will, thank you ma'am."

She waved her hand in the air, "Please call me Eleanor, ma'am makes me feel so old."

I smiled and thanked her again before leaving. The room was large and decorated in black, grey, and white which gave the room a modern feel. The bathroom was on my left near the entrance while there was a TV and grey sofa near the sliding doors that lead to the balcony. In the middle of the room was a king sized bed that had a black comforter with white and gray pillows on it. A mini kitchen was on the other side of the bathroom wall.