Nature of the beast (book 1 of the Beasties)

Shin-dig

There are so many people! When they arrived, it looked like a traveling circus rooting around the property for the perfect spot to set up. My body feels as jumpy as a live wire, but I keep a cool, calm persona on the outside.

There were tents set with banquets of food, decorations and heaters. Outdoor games entertaining all who wish to play. The scene belonged in a brochure for the ultimate holiday. The only problem is it doesn't feel very festive. Everyone acts as if they are on pins and needles.

My gaze travels to Liam, almost as if he is my polar magnet. He's brooding about like a grey storm cloud. People are giving him a wide brith. Although the female population seems to be trying to get his attention in provocative manners. This makes me irritated at them and myself. I've never felt jealousy before, especially over a man! It took me two hours into the party to recognize these feelings. I'm hoping it's just a side effect for being grateful to Liam. After all, he has saved my life. Trudy told me that he managed to lift me out of the well himself. He could of just let me die there and no one would be the wiser.

My attention was recaptured by a rather trashy, ombre haired, tart, who decided to hump Liam's leg, while hugging him at the same time. Okay, that's it! I'm so going to tear her off of him! I grab a tray of my famous lemon cookies, than glide over to Liam with the tart. A graceful smile plastered to my face. He looks my way, our eyes connect. A spark flares through his irises. "You both seem a little peckish." I state reaching them and holding the tray out. The woman just sneers at me.

"No thank you. I don't eat fatty foods." I shrug my shoulders.

"What a shame, seems like your personality is as bland as your taste in food." Her mouth drops open.

"At least I have a decent figure." She snubs.

"Oh yes, twigs are always in fashion. Although I can't say I've ever aspired to be a stick." Liam had a hidden smile begging to pop out.

"Mariah why don't you go see if Canis needs anything. He is the head of your house after all." The tart pouted, detached herself from Liam, than strutted off. He turned towards me grabbed a cookie and bit into it. His eyes closed, his mouth stopped for a moment, and he made a slight noise. When he came back to reality he almost smiled to me. " these are the best cookies I've ever had, and thank you for rescuing me from an awkward situation. " Unsure as to how to take the compliment, I blushed, mummbled thanks, than rushed away. This is so not good.

After depositing the cookies on a nearby table, I went to the gardens for a bit of space. Suddenly a giant ball of fluff topples into me. "Ufff" looking down, I see a pair of very surprised hazel eyes. The little girl grew red like a fire engine. I couldn't help laughing. She was shocked out of her embarrassment. "You're not going to yell at me?" My laughter stopped. The look on her face reminded me of myself, a chill runs down my spine.

"No, this was an accident. Even if it wasn't, I don't see the need to yell. Besides yelling hurts my throat." I pull a funny face while holding on to my neck dramatically. The little girl giggles. I get up off the ground with her on my hip. She was so light I could of mistaken her for a feather. "I'm Skyler, what is your name?" The little girl looks up at me, than shyly replies

"Emma" she stares into my eyes intensely for a moment. I feel as if she is trying to read my soul. A crashing noise interrupts the bizarre connection. My head whips around to find a very wild, menacing man in his forties, striding towards us. A brocken planter was left in his wake. I bent down, letting the girl get steady on her feet, than whisper in her ear.

"Run!" Emma unsure, almost as if she wants to protect me, hesitates. I give her a stern eye and push her in the direction of the party. She runs as fast as her little legs could carry her.

"Why'd you have to do that?" The man slurs. "It would of been nice for the three of us to play a game." My insides turn. I back away, keeping one eye on him and one on the retreating girl. As soon as she makes it to the other party guests, I'll make a break for it. I was about to take another step back when the guy shot forwards, managing to grab my arm. I yank it out of his grasp and turn to run. He lundges, locking his arms around my waist. I fight with all I've got, nothing fazes him. He starts dragging me into the forest. I push myself to thrash harder. "Stop moving around whore!!" I grab a hold of his ear, than yank as hard as I can. He screams. I land hard on the forest floor. Scrambling I try to crawl away. He kicks my side so hard that he flipped me. Rolling in to a ball, I watch for the next inevitable blow. He is holding the right side if his head as it bleeds profusely. "This is what you get for intruding on family matters!" He curses. The man was about to kick me again, when a scud missile came flying out of nowhere, tackling him. It is tearing the man apart like a ferocious animal. The screams of the victim only seem to excite it. By the time the creature had its fill of violence, the man is so broken and bloody, it's hard to tell if he's alive. The creature turns around. It's not a creature at all, but a man, It's Liam. His eyes hold excitement, bloodlust, and fear.

"If you want to leave my home sooner than discussed, I'll understand." He monotones. All I could think about was how beautiful and effortless his fighting appeared.

"Can you teach me to defend myself like that?" Liam seems floored by my question. His eyes are frozen wide

"What?"

"Can you teach me to defend myself like that?" I repeat. He snaps himself out if his stupor.

"I can teach you the proper basics in a matter of a couple months. The really fancy stuff can take years." He states.

"Than I will stay till I feel I've learned enough."