Five Total Strangers Novels & Stories

Together, we step forward to meet our uncertain future head-on, our bond stronger than ever in the face of adversity. The strangers, a group of four, are dressed in attire that's unfamiliar to our region. Their garments are adorned with intricate patterns and symbols that hint at a culture vastly different from our own. As they approach, I notice the way their eyes dart around, assessing their surroundings with a mix of curiosity and caution. “Good afternoon,” one of them says, stepping forward with an air of authority. His voice is smooth, his words accented with a cadence that's foreign to my ears. “I am Alaric, and these are my companions. We come seeking shelter and assistance.”

Aysel gasped, her eyes almost falling out of their sockets the instant she felt herself being flung over a well-built and firm body. 'What the fuck is this bastard doing?!' Aysel yelled in her head. She had the urge to scream for help before she got abducted by him but she didn't want to be seen unclothed by more people so she remained quiet, silently hoping for a miracle to occur. The old man blocked the stranger's path before he could leave, only to be heartlessly kicked on his tummy by the stranger's latest collection of corporate shoes, sending him flying till his back hit the walls of the hallway roughly. A scream erupted in the hallway as the old man whined in pain, clutching his achin

Recognition settled quietly on his expression as his gaze flicked once across her own cart. Fuel stabilizer. Freeze-dried food. Heavy-duty batteries. Neither of them spoke. A crash suddenly echoed near the checkout lanes. People jumped hard enough to rattle entire shelves. Two men were shouting over a boxed generator while employees rushed toward them nervously. “Bullshit, I grabbed it first!” “You walked away from it!” No one intervened. Even now, people understand that helping strangers comes with a risk. The stranger beside her looked toward the overhead televisions as another emergency alert interrupted the Seattle footage.

Now the world felt like it had cracked open just slightly—enough to let something unfamiliar seep in. Crystal sat on the low stone wall near the marketplace, legs swinging back and forth as she watched the village buzz with activity. Drums echoed faintly from the square. Vendors shouted prices. Children ran past her in clouds of dust and laughter. And there he was again. The daddy stranger. He stood near the elders, tall and unmistakable, his presence commanding without him trying. His clothes were too clean for the village, his posture too straight. He listened more than he spoke, but when he did speak, people leaned in.

On their wedding day, right as Elena Emerton and Kyle Fenton were about to exchange rings, a woman rushed Kyle with a knife. Elena moved on instinct, throwing herself in front of Kyle. The blade sank into her chest, and she crumpled into Kyle's arms. As the woman was dragged away, she screamed, "Kyle Fenton, we're not done! How dare you get married?" That was when Elena recognized her. Allison Smyth. Kyle's sworn enemy for the past six years. Before anyone could react, Allison broke free and held the knife to her throat. "Kyle, I'm tired. Let's end this." Kyle's eyes went wide. He dropped Elena and rushed to Allison, catching the blade with his bare hand. Elena hit the floor hard.

A low baritone voice spoke, making me freeze on my step. "Yes." Answered the voice which I was a hundred percent certain that belonged to the man I spoke to at the counter. " A new one? Intact?" asked the stranger. "A new one." The man confirmed. "Good. I need new ones. And each time you manage to get me a new one I'll pay you fifty thousand dollars." The stranger stated. "Each time?" A female gasped. "Yes." The stranger stated his affirmation. There were squeals of excitement and laughter until the stranger spoke again.

"Oh. Looks like one of your Seed Donors came to greet you." The soldier escorting her spoke casually. Fiora froze. "Wait... what do you mean by one of my Seed Donors?" The soldiers exchanged uneasy glances before one of them finally sighed. "So... they didn't tell you?" "Tell me what?" Fiora asked, panic beginning to creep into her voice. The soldier looked at her apologetically. "Your assigned Seed Donor isn't just one man, Fiora." He paused. "There are... five of them." ***

The three strangers walked out without saying a word. Eli remained where he was. His jaw tightened. “They found me.” He started after them. At the same time, Mike, Lila and I stepped into the hallway. The crowd pushed everyone in different directions. I lost sight of Mike for only a second. That was all it took. Someone bumped into my shoulder. “Sorry,” the stranger said calmly. I turned. It was the tallest of the three new students. He leaned closer, speaking so quietly that no one else could hear. “Enjoy your freedom while it lasts.”

--- ### Somewhere Outside the City A black SUV rolled through the deserted docks at Blackwood Harbor. Inside, a small boy slowly opened his eyes. Noah blinked in confusion. The last thing he remembered was hearing his aunt scream. He looked around the dark vehicle. No masked men. No ropes. Just one man sitting quietly beside him. The man smiled gently. "Did I wake you?" Noah rubbed his sleepy eyes. "Who are you?" The stranger hesitated before answering. "My name is Jonathan." Noah tilted his head. "My mommy says I shouldn't talk to strangers."

When they got to the airport, he unloaded her luggage and stood in front of her waiting to be dismissed. "I don't even know you anymore. You're just that creepy stranger I met at my husband's wake." She said quietly. He wiped her tears and kissed her forehead. "You never really knew me, I'm your Stranger Danger, remember?” He told her, as she blinked up at him. “I'll call you to set up the next project. Goodbye, Ellen."