Against All Odds.

m the night before, her mind whirling with the events that had unfolded. A wolf turning into a man? A glowing tree with swirling lights that told stories?

om door startled her

late for work," her mother

lied, shaking herse

-

At W

mpossible. Every clatter of a coffee cup or chime of the bell over the

Angie asked as they wiped

ay that," La

u look like you've seen a gh

h, but it was hollow

Laura could feel her

he couldn't wait to finish and head back into the woods. She needed answers. Derek'

-

to the

the woods. Her footsteps were quick but hesitant, her heart pounding in anticipation and fear. T

ancient, the golden light dormant for now. Laura reached out to touch the bark,

ack," a deep voice s

his tall frame illuminated by the faint moonlight. He was wearing clothes this time-a si

ing slightly. "I need to know... what

nly fair that you get answers." He gestured toward the Tree

-

ons of t

began to glow once more. Laura watched in awe as the l

forest. His laughter echoed, carefree and innocent. Laura

happy," she

tened. "That did

eyes glowing the same piercing yellow as Derek's. The wolf lunged, sinking its tee

. "I was just a kid. I didn't know what tha

dark room, his face pale and his body trembling as he transformed fo

inued. "Afraid of what I was. Afra

turned to Laura, his expression unreadable. "That's why I keep to

a whisper. "You've been livin

then I found this tree. It's connected to the curse somehow. I don'

-

urden of

e, her fingers brushing the bar

lled to me one night during a full moon. I

hes overhead, her mind racing. "And

past, but it's cryptic. I haven't been able to figure

d. "Me? What do I ha

when you're here. Last night, it showed you more than it's ever sho

her heart racing. "I don

re braver than most people. You didn't run when you saw

"I still do. But I can't stop thin

at's why I believe in you. But I also understand if this

was a spark of curiosity. She couldn't deny the pull she felt

-

Unseen

ushes made her jump. Derek immediately moved in front

e said, his voice l

lf?" Laura whispered

aid grimly. "

ll and broad-shouldered, with sharp features and a piercing gaze. He wore a

is voice cold and calcul

ssion hardene

recognized the name. The hunt

ng. "And who's this? A new friend? You really sh

t of this," D

o. You know the rules. Anyone who pr

ictor's words sank in. She glanced at De

t her," Derek said, his

she going to keep your secret? Or should

lf to stand tall. "I'm not afraid of you," s

"Brave. Stupid, but brave." He took a step

e flicking between them. "You can't run

ed and disappeared

-

Afte

tening to give out beneath her. Derek turned

okay?"

admitted. "Who is he

s to track down creatures like me and m

ouble," Laura said. "You'r

unters don't care about that.

e, its golden glow still faintl

crets," Derek said firmly. "

time he comes back, he

dn't know why she felt so compelled to help Derek, but sh

ree of Life, ready to face whatev