I feel weighed down and weak as I sluggishly begin to wake up. As my eyes crack open I notice I'm in my room, neatly tucked into my sheets. I try to sit up then wince as a grade A head ache fills my skull.

In the furthest corner of my mind I feel my fire stir briefly at the pain. I look around quickly and seeing no danger, it slinks back into it's slumber.

Stupid sparkler, can't even get rid of a migraine before going back to sleep.

Bite me.

I roll my eyes and kick my sheets off quickly and fling my legs off the bed. I stand up quickly and instantly regret it as my stomach starts rolling in disapproval.

I fall onto my hands and knees, and I stay like that for a few moments. Inside the depths of my mind my fire sluggishly tries to take a form, but coils weakly.

I blink slowly as I recall the wild dream I had. I'm lying on a hospital bed in only a sports bra and black shorts my hands cuffed behind as a man with surgeon glasses prods my chest with his gloved and while an assortment of scalpels and tubes pour out of my chest. I shake my head quickly to rid myself of the too real sensations of the dream as I stand on shaky legs and walk into my living room.

I'm a little more than surprised and overwhelmed as I see my new little cliché there. Ryder, Draco, Liam are lounging on my couch playing world of tanks. Across the room Amber, Olivia, and Mason are busy in the kitchen.

I blink as everyone's heads snap to look at me. I nervously wave my fingers as Ryder and Draco quickly stand to greet me. Ryder sees Draco and slowly sits down and gives me a side long gaze until Draco's body separates him and my line of sight.

"Well, you look like shit. First time drinking?" He grins from ear to ear as he wraps an arm around me and helps me to the couch. Amber grins as she hands me a glass of water I hadn't realized I was in dire need of until the cool water graces the desert hiding in my mouth.

I shake my head side to side as if I was still in my dragon form and lean back onto Ryder casually. "Did I embarrass myself?"

"No... if you don't think blacking out after tearfully cutting your cakes and dancing for the next three hours than randomly passing out and Axel picking you up and taking you back to your room and tucking you in is embarrassing."

I blink once and stand up slowly. "Excuse me while I go straight out this balcony." I stand up and Ryder dramatically pulls me back down and hugs me into his chest laughing.

"It wasn't that bad Spit Fire. I'm actually thoroughly impressed you never fell."

"Because dragons reign at all things... even hang overs." I press my hand to my forehead as Amber appears and hands me a small white pill. I pop it and drink more water without a second thought. My nose wiggles and I smile widely as a large plate of food is placed in my lap. Eggs, waffles, and sausage links litter the plate in hefty portions.

Without a second thought I dig in, scarfing down the eggs and waffles with tears my eyes as the flavor explodes in my mouth. I look up and pause around as I feel a slight pressure in the back of my head. My fire whirls slowly, flickering randomly before the sensation disappears all together.

I blink in surprise and shake my head as it feels as if it's stuffed with fluff. "What's wrong?" Draco pats my shoulder.

"I don't know, I suddenly felt as if the back of my head was full and numb."

"Sounds like the hangover is disappearing. Come on, we're going to watch a movie or two before lunch. Raphael said we still have to teach you stuff about wolves and vampires along the way."

I groan as Draco pulls me up and pushes me towards my bathroom. I absentmindedly look at myself in the mirror as I fling my clothes off. My purple eyes look back at me dully as I turn the water on and step into the warm soothing water.

My mind suddenly becomes hazy as I lean on the wall for support barely registering the water caressing my skin as I study the room I'm in. Why am I in a shower? Where am I? I lift my head and inhale deeply, but only smell the steam and bathroom air freshener.

I look down and see my washcloth is dry and the soap in my hand. I bring the soap close to my nose and inhale the scent in confusion. Why are my actions not my own?

The soft honey scent snaps a memory in my mind and I'm suddenly thrown back into my reality as I recall my current life. Being a dragon, Alex, the werewolves, Axel, that other werewolf that's kinda cute but I forget his name. I shake my head and briskly finish my shower and step out and get dressed. I'm wearing a peach shoulder-less shirt with black shorts with white Jordans.

I walk out and I'm a little startled by everyone's presence in the room. Ryder looks at me and waves me over. As I step under his extended arm he pulls me closer. "Are you okay? You smell like you're upset hun."

I smile awkwardly back at him. "Is it possible I'm still a little drunk?" I laugh half-heartedly.

"Yes, with how much you drank it is actually."

"Ouch, way to go for the kill."

"No, I didn'.."

"It's fine Ryder, let's go see that movie." I wink and open my door. Outside I meet with two new guards. They're a bit younger than the last ones and clearly less professional as I see they're both on their phones.

"Hello Ghost, We're your guards for today. Just covering since your normal ones went on a mission with Axel."

At this my interest is peaked and I get a weightless sensation in my stomach. "What mission?"

"A raid on a vampire nest. This one is illegal because they had a fe-human trafficking situation. One of the bigger missions actually, an decent amount of the pack is away."

My worry grows but I stomp it back below the surface of my mind. "I'm sure they'll do ok since Axel is there. If I'm lucky someone will break something."

"What a great way to put it. Wait are you all going someplace together?"

"Yes." Draco steps out of my apartment.

"Will you be together until dinner time?"

"Umm yes? Why?" Draco looks at him in confusion.

"Then you guys can watch her and we can take the day off but still get paid, since it won't be a hassle for you guys. If anything comes up call us and we'll come." They walk off down the hall.

"Wow, that just happened." I murmured under my breath. "That has got to be the laziest thing I've ever encountered."

"No arguments there... well come on let's go. Besides, if you cover for them consider that just one step towards getting the pack to like you."

I roll my eyes and keep walking. As if I care what they think.

We step out of the house and walk down the path to the community center. Everyone's voices slowly fade into the background as I feel I'm pulled into my inner fire. A cold calm fills me as I watch it flicker and whirl sluggishly on top of the small pond that resides in my mind. I'm lost in a trance until I feel something warm embrace me. 

I'm dragged back to the present as Ryder touches my hand gently. I look up and we're in the movie theaters. A small sinking feeling fills my mind. Why did I just black out? How did I walk here without being awake?

"You ok Ghost?" He looks at me slightly concerned.

"Yeah... I think my fire is just acting weird because I drank."

"Oh yeah that happens sometimes when you're split, but shifters in general can sometimes get like that."

I feel slightly better and I take a step back. "I'll just splash some cold water on my face, I'll be right back." Before he can respond I walk out the isle and through the exit. I turn down the hall into the women's bathroom.

I lean over the sink, quickly turning the water on and splash my face. I look up as I watch the water fall down my face and I see a petite figure behind me. I look over my shoulder and my heart goes cold and my neck feels irritated as I see Carla the vampire.

She smiles at me sweetly, but I watch her face shift to one in deep thought as I feel the reoccurring haze that fills my mind. I hold one hand over my eye as I lose focus on the world around me.

A woman stands in front of me looking confused as my disorientation grows steadily. She looks more gorgeous than most women. I relax as a light sweet aroma permeates the air. "Hello miss, can you tell me where I am?"

She blinks at me once and narrows her eyes slightly. "You don't recognize me at all?"

I look her over once more. "No, should I?"

"... no you shouldn't. My name is Carla, what is yours?"

"Everyone calls me Ghost. Where are we exactly?"

"The movie theater silly, remember we were on our way to go hiking in the woods."

I look down at my clothes. "You let me dress myself like this?"

"Hey, I tried to talk you out of it but you wanted to look cute for that guy." She leans in close and I see a wicked gleam in her mouth and my body grows hotter. I feel myself pulled back as a heat in my belly fills my entire being.

I twist my head around growling inwardly as I rise to the surface, sliding between the carefully placed multilevel anchors that keep me suppressed. My eyes change to a brighter purple as I pull my conscious mind into the shadows, looking the female vampire in her eyes. "Didn't count on me being awake did you tick." I spit out the last word with as much venom as I can muster. I shake my head side to side as my vision becomes foggy and I feel my hold slipping.

"Dragon, my name is Carla. You're under a mental and spiritual attack, probably by one of my own kind. If you follow me I can take you to get help."

"As if I'd follow a tick."

"You don't have much choice now." She walks to the right and my eyes follow her. "I don't have much experience with dragons, but I know they aren't like shifters from the little amount of time I've had to watch you. I know for one to be split you, the manifestation of the dragon, coming forward means it got a little too hot for you to trust your conscious mind to handle the situation." She stops and looks at me. "That you're scared."

I growl at her and will my talons out of my fingers. I blanch inwardly when I see my talons aren't growing out of my hands.

"Attacks like this leave the victim defenseless, especially when they have no experience nor the training to defend. No matter how much raw power you may have been born with, even one of your kind would be pressed to handle this at such a young age I imagine."

"You don't know anything about dragons. How could you when you're a cold lifeless rock." I look her up and down snorting. "To think you would try me, the physical form fire would take if it was to ever be born in this world. I could take you to meet your maker any day of the week." I snarl showing my teeth.

"Do dragons not teach their young to respect their elders?"

"No clue, I think the lack of respect is more of a me thing though."

"You certainly don't act this way with Axel."

I growl low in my throat. "You harm him and I'll be sure to make you pay for it."

"You can't stand up to me, an ancient. I have no wish to harm you, only to help and fulfill your wishes, with a few of mine rewarded as well."

"What wish? The one where I turn you to a pile of ash?"

"The one where I bite you occasionally and drink your blood as a reward for serving you."

My blood runs cold as I look at her and I feel the unseen wound on my neck flare with the vengeance.

"Bites like those work a little differently. They take a very long time to heal, especially when you're in distress. And you have been pretty stressed lately. Let me help you and in return I'll make the urge fade."

"Never." I will my true self to the surface and growl as the fire doesn't encircle me.

Carla takes a step closer to me and stands over me. "You won't be in control always, you'll go back to sleep eventually. And when you do I'll be right here until you give up. But for now, let me help you."

I take a step towards the door backing up. "I'll make sure Axel rips your heart out when I tell him.

She smiles as me sadly. "You won't, if you do there goes your only chance of getting bit without David harming you. When you're ready to talk like a civilized being we can but for now we have to get you to the clearing so I can remove the hold on your mind."

I clench my head and growl as the mist covers my vision once more. I lift my head and curse when I can't detect a scent. I look around and rush out of the bathroom before my vision is completely altered. I bump into Carla as she moves to block the exit, growling I feel a familiar surge of energy. 

I raise my hand and grasp her face, as her teeth slice into my skin I shove her head back hard into the wall. The tiles break apart and fall to the floor with a loud crash. I don't bother to look back as I stagger out of the bathroom, momentarily exhausted as I catch my breath from using what little energy I have stored up.

A thought builds and spreads in my mind, permeating everything. I growl  as my decision is solidified. I run out of the center entrance, the wolf as the front desk hardly paying attention to me. I growl pushing myself harder to run, putting as much energy as I can from my side.

Just as I reach the tree line the terrain shifts from the dense forest to a dark house. I growl as the scene from a nightmare plays in front of me. I'm hiding in a closet as a small rustling sound is outside and a figure stops in front of me. "Just fucking lovely."

~~~

I hold my riffle to the ready as I stand feet in the center of the vampire nest. My 120 pack members surround me and the feeling of impending dread and the thirst for a hunt fills me as one by one, the nest is called negative for signs of vampires.

I feel a sudden burst of terror and anger, my wolf snarls in my mind, in the direction of the pack house. Spit Fire.

Something is wrong. Zurak, my wolf snarls lightly.

I know, we need to get back to Spit Fire... I reach to the pack link. Who is on guard duty for Ghost right now?

I feel their guilt and shock screaming in the pack link as they hear my voice. Axel... well.. she's fine. Nothing is wrong.

I growl. Let me see her.

She's in the bathroom.

I calm down for a moment before another pack members high paniced voice enters the bond. Axel, Ghost is gone. Carla ran into her in the bathroom and said she had been acting funky weird, then when she tried to take her to the clearing she went berserk and ran out. In the process Carla tried to stop her but she knocked her out cold. We've been tracking her but she's been missing roughly thirty minutes and we have a car missing.

My wolf howls enraged and sad as I feel the dread set in my stomach and grow into an unmistakable terror felt by someone else. Something has her. I can feel her panic, but it's too strong for me to get through and see what she does. Someone explain to me what happened.

I try to send comfort and my presence to her through our bond as Carla joins the pack link. She is under a mental spiritual attack. It is an ability only a few of my kind are gifted with. The caster of this pushes your will down and replaces it with their own. In return you become disoriented and they slowly tell the victim's body to do as they wish. In this case they made her come to them.

I throw my gun to the side as my legs elongate, my face grows longer and wider, and a tail grows from my back as I shift into my lycan form. My fellow pack mates cover from me as my rage sweeps off me in waves.

Troy reaches into my mind, raging just like I am. We're going into search and assist. I'm calling our allies as we speak, don't worry we'll find her. I leave all command of the wolves on the raid to you. From here we will feed you intel as well as search the pack lands.

I'm going to look for her. They threw us way off the pack lands, it may take us around an hour of running to get there but we'll scan the area in a fan out formation, although I doubt they would have left her behind us.

Agreed.

We leave the personal link as we get to our task. I wait on the road side for our nearby allies. Ten SUV drives up thirty minutes later. I Stand on my hind legs as the beta from the Dark Forest pack approaches me.

"Axel good to see you, unfortunate circumstances, we have a car for everyone to put their gear until you can go back for it. From here we shift and we'll follow you."

I nod at Broc and flinch slightly as the temporary link between as due to our alphas coming to an agreement. My pack members take their gear of and shift to either their wolf or lycan form like our allies.

I raise my head and howl as me and the beta lead one hundred and ninety eight other wolves into the woods. We run united as a group running silently through the woods accept for the occasional brush of fur on a leaf or a paw breaking a twig.

Axel what does the wolf we're looking for look like?

Don't worry Broc you'll know her when you see her.

***

I sit in the car, my hands shaking on the steering wheel as I grip it tightly. I look up at the tree I'm parked under and with for the billionth time I could shift into my dragon form and fly away.

I grip my head in my hands as I feel the alien calming take hold of me. I release the steering wheel and don't react as the door to the car is opened. A hand reaches out and unbuckles my seat-belt, they then grasp my shoulders and pull me to face them.

My heart gallops in my chest as David's calm and calculated eyes meet mine. "Nice to see you again mate."

I swallow as my terror is momentarily replaced and a small spark is lighted in my chest. "I'm not your mate tick."

He smiles broadly at me. "I'm going to enjoy breaking that will of yours."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Hellooo everyone! I know it's been a month, I was going through some things and had to put writing on hold for a while. But now I'm back and I wrote this super nice chapter just for you all <3

Thank you all for sticking with me thus far.

~Splendid

P.S. 

This is now slightly edited. Lol

P.S.S.

Last chapter I said I was going to answer the question of why Ghost's dragon Spit Fire is attracted to Ryder. Which is because, for his age and experience range he is the strongest and has the most dominant wolf. And in their interaction Spit Fire picked up on it, and him giving her the food after she noticed and accepted him being neutral (when he left his neck a little open for her to check him out) she now respects and notices him as an individual.