Arriving at the hospital, Pru parked the car and got out, followed by Lasci. “She’s going to need a wheelchair. I’ll go get it.” Lasci nodded at Pru’s offer as they both got out. Then, opening the back driver door, Lasci gently shook Purity’s shoulder, “Hey, wake up. We’re here.” It took a moment, and she finally opened her eyes, asking, “Are we at the hospital?’ Lasci nodded, responding, “Yes, and Pru went to get you a wheelchair.” “Oh, okay. Can you help me with my book bag?” Lasci went to the back passenger side and grabbed the bag off the floorboard. “They’ll probably need proof for next of kin. My id card should be in here,” she said, flipping the bag over with one hand. Now Lasci knew why they couldn’t find identification on her. No one checked the zipper around the bottom of the bag. “Thank you,” she said and unzipped the bag, “Ah, here it is. I was worried it’d get ruined in the accident, but everything looks okay.” Just then, Pru came out, pushing a wheelchair towa

Laying Purity in his bed, Lasci tried his best not to wake her. Removing her shoes and pulling the blankets up to her waist, he stared at her for a moment and then turned away to head downstairs. “Are we back?” Purity’s words came out sleepily, and Lasci responded, “Yes, the storm wasn’t as bad on the drive back. Are you hungry?” Turning around, he nodded, saying, “Some of them are going to the grocery store, so if you want, there is a pen and pad of paper on the desk if you want to write down what you eat.” Purity smiled, shaking her head, “Whatever is fine. I’m really not picky. Right now, though, can I have something small to take my medication with?” “Let me check what we have downstairs in the fridge,” Lasci responded. “Thank you, too, for helping me. I’m still kind of confused about what I should do. But I will pay you back, I promise.” Looking into her bright blue eyes, Lasci’s heart thumped loudly. He quickly looked away, answering, “Don’t worry about paying me back. In

Purity came down a few minutes later, wearing jeans and a sweater. Her golden hair was pulled back, making her look like a typical college student. “Sorry I took so long.” “It’s fine, let’s go,” Lasci said, trying to tear his eyes away from her. Once they were in the vehicle and Lasci started heading down the driveway, he noticed Purity shifting uneasily in the passenger seat. “Everything okay?” She nodded, “Yeah, it’s still a little unnerving getting in the passenger seat. I’m used to driving, not that you’re a bad driver, you’re a great driver, plus the accident, it all has me anxious.” Lasci took it the wrong way, it wasn’t too long ago, and she was sleeping on her way back from the hospital to get her grandmother’s things. “Oh, so you like it better when Pru drives?” Purity looked at him sideways, “Noo, and I was in the back seat then. This time, I don’t know, different.” Trying not to get irritated or jealous, Lasci tried to understand, but it wasn’t working. “Do you w

“Lasci, you look like you’ve seen a ghost. Do you know that man?” Not wanting to tell Purity the truth just yet, Lasci shook his head, “No, I don’t. I thought it was your uncle or someone. I was going to say it was nice to see some of your relatives. That’s all.” He quickly took it from her and returned the picture to the bedroom. Coming out, he casually asked, “So, do you have everything you need?” Purity nodded, “Yeah, there were a few things from my room, some clothes and a photo album I wanted. I guess the rest can go in storage until after I’m done with college. Can you carry this out, and I’ll shut lights off before I lock up?” Lasci nodded, a bit regretful about not seeing her bedroom, but he grabbed the bag and headed outside while Purity locked up. He gave her a few minutes alone in the house. It was hard for her, but she had done great braving this. Now, however, there was a whole new challenge ahead. Who was Purity’s destined wolf? Lasci remembered that the shaman

Lasci waited by his mother’s statue as he watched Purity run from the small enclosure of green straight into Tener. He saw their accidental embrace but didn’t have time to feel jealous. Instead, they had an uninvited guest to deal with. Once Purity was headed toward the house and safely inside, where he knew Johnathan, the demon butler, was waiting and watching out of view, Lasci let out an air-piercing howl to his brothers. Other than Tener, everyone else was one with their wolf. Unlike before, when the stranger had dared visit his room when Purity was recovering, this being was unmasked, not hiding who or what he was, a vampire. His two brothers responded with their own howls, which signaled they were ready. Lasci took off toward the encircling hedges and shot through, not caring what was on the other side. All he knew was it was not welcomed and had dared touch Purity. Breaking through the thorny brambles that hid within the lush leaves, Lasci caught sight of who was waiting