My name is Amara, I grew up in a small town in Telluride, Colorado. I graduated with honors and went to Telluride High School with a graduating class of 184. I met my best friend Sage on the playground in first grade with another girl by the name of Hannah, who Sage had in a headlock. I quickly pulled them apart and asked what they were doing to which they both responded with "Stay out of it!" So, I did. Sage knocked Hannah out and explained to me that they were fighting over a dollar they found by the swing sets. I found this hilarious; the teachers rushing over to us did not. Sage and I both had detention for a week. It was definitely worth it seeing as how we bonded during that week of detention and have since been lifelong best friends. I am an only child but never felt like it with how much time I spent with Sage and her siblings; she has two brothers and a younger sister. Marcus, Jesse, and Rosemary. Jesse is the oldest, Marcus following then Sage and Rosemary. Jesse is the perfect child; he couldn't do anything wrong even if he wanted to; the golden child. Marcus has always been Mr. Independent, the guy who can do anything. Rosemary was the sweet and innocent tattletale. I can name off several times when she'd rat Sage and I out for any questionable things we might have done, sneaking past Sage's parents was one thing but sneaking past Rosemary? Not an easy feat, especially since they shared a room together. Sage, well, she was the definition of a wild child. One time when we were 12, we managed to sneak past Rosemary and sneak into the back of their parents' car they ended up going to a bar and when we tried to sneak in the bouncer made an announcement to everyone in the bar that someone's kids had followed them, and they needed to take us and leave before they called the cops. We decided not to do that anymore, it was much too stressful. I am nothing like Sage. I like things quiet and peaceful. I like to read and keep to myself. Sage likes to party and make new friends everywhere she goes.

I've never understood how Sage can just walk into a room and immediately feel at home. I feel uncomfortable in my own home when other people are there, the fact that she can walk into pretty much anyone's home and immediately make herself comfortable has always made me jealous and a little concerned. I always keep my guard up, always waiting on the other shoe to drop; nothing is ever as simple as it seems. Growing up I came from a broken family; it was just me and my dad. My mother passed away during childbirth, my dad said he never blamed me for it, but I can see it in his eyes every time he looks at me. I'm a reminder of his mistakes and I've always known that. Parents always try to shield their children from big adult feelings, but even as a child I knew that those big adult feelings would haunt me forever, whether I knew about them or not. My dad never told me about what happened the day I was born, I had to hear it from my Aunt Anna on my mother's side. Placental abruption, when the placenta separates from the uterus causing the unborn child to be cut off from nutrients and oxygen and causing heavily internal bleeding in the mother. My mother, Teresa, chose me. The very day my mother was scheduled for an induction was the day that the placenta carrying me separated from my mother's uterus. When she was brought in for an induction, she felt a sharp pain during her exam before she was given the medicine to induce, a quick ultrasound showed my mother's worst fears, the doctors let my mom know that there wasn't much they could do other than have her deliver, shed lost too much blood for a safe cesarean and pushing was her only option. While she was still lucid the doctor had to ask if it came down to it who would my mother want her to save, me or my mother? Being the selfless woman she was, she chose me. My father on the other hand wanted my mother to be saved, not that I blame him. She was a wonderful woman from all of the stories that I've heard. Seeing as how I'm telling you this story now; they obviously saved me. My mother had actually survived birthing me, unfortunately the doctors couldn't replace all the blood she had lost quick enough, she died holding me in her arms. Aunt Anna had taken care of me and my dad the first year of my life. My dad was depressed and angry, he'd just lost the love of his life. At first, he wanted nothing to do with the child that had taken the love of his life away, my aunt Anna said it took some time for him to realize that I was the only piece of her he had left, and someone had to make sure I turned out exactly as she had wanted me to. My aunt said my mother had always hoped for a strong independent daughter that was selfless and beyond caring. My dad made sure I was always busy with soccer, softball, band, karate, choir, art, and volunteering anywhere I could. I thought my dad just wanted to keep me busy, so he didn't have to see me as often, when I reached high school though I discovered most of the trophies in the display case in school were filled with trophies and pictures of my mother. Turns out all those things my dad wanted me to do was to bring me closer to my mother and to him, I was just too young before to realize that. Now that I'm older my dad constantly tells me how much I look and act like my mother, my aunt says the same. It's a nice sentiment but I never knew her personally, I wish I did though. Growing up in a small town means that everyone knows you and your life story, and everyone in town knows my mother. Everywhere I go I hear about how much I look like her and how everyone wishes she were still with us.

After Sage and I graduated high school, we started looking at our options for college. Sage had always wanted to be a lawyer, arguing has always been her strong suit. I've always known I wanted to go into journalism but never really knew what direction I wanted to take with it. We both enrolled at New York University and got an apartment to share within 10 minutes walking distance of school. We both managed to finish our courses in 4 years as part time students with part time jobs. I worked at the local paper on their obituary section and was also the lunch runner until I completed my degree. Sage had gotten a job at a lawyer's office as an assistant until she got her degree and could become a partner at a law firm. I started making videos online seriously my first year of college, mostly just documenting my life as a college student with a part time job. One of my girls' nights out videos went viral, and I've been growing my following ever since. Once I finished college, I decided to quit my job at the local newspaper and focus on my videos. I didn't make much, but it was enough to be comfortable. Once Sage finished college and got her law degree, she started focusing on opening her own law firm. And that pretty much brings you up to date. I don't keep very good contact with my dad so much anymore. He moved and remarried and besides birthdays and holidays we really don't talk much. We spend the holidays with Sage's family. I've always felt more welcome with them anyways. We never really talk about my family, it's a subject we often tiptoe around instead. Not that it bothers me, it's a depressing topic anyways.

After a long day of editing videos and creating content for my socials, I was ready to go to sleep. Sage was very much ready to party and celebrate, she's found the perfect building to build her new law firm and made the purchase today with a loan. She had me meet her at the building to help her decide if it was worth buying. It's a two-story brick building with a lot of open space. She fell in love immediately.

"I can't believe it Amara, it's finally happening!" Sage exclaimed as she walked into our small two-bedroom apartment. "Come on, we have to celebrate. One year from now I'll have my own law firm and we'll be living like queens together!"

I look at Sage with a mischievous grin as I say, "You just want to go to the Paradise Club and see if that cute guy you saw last weekend is there." Sage turned to me in disbelief, "How dare you assume I didn't get his number last weekend and that we didn't plan to meet up tonight." Sage replied as she poked out her tongue at me. "Come on let's get ready, we want to look HOT tonight!" Said Sage.

Three hours later we were both showered, primped, and proper (as proper as you can be with a maxi dress on). We hopped into my car, a 1993 jaguar xj220, and drove off to the Paradise club. The Paradise Club has a very intimate setting and brings drinks and entertainment to the party. It's chill compared to what Sage is used to, this is our compromise club. Sage likes to rave all night; I like to party within the comfort of my own home. The Paradise Club is our middle ground. A big, beautiful stage with red curtains like in a renaissance theater and that's the very vibe you get from the place, from the red lights to the gorgeous paintings and decorations it's a very soothing atmosphere and makes me want to dress like a flapper. I'm wearing a black mid-thigh maxi dress I borrowed from Sage and black wedges I also borrowed from Sage. Sage dressed very similarly, with a pink barely-covering-her-bottom-please-don't-bend-over kinda dress and gigantic pink stilettos. I don't know how she walks in heels almost as tall as a jack rabbit, but she does and she looks fantastic with her black hair hanging just above her shoulders curled in a long bob, the pink from her dress was bringing out her deep caramel eyes against her dark tanned skin. Her dress was also doing its job by making her stand out in all her beautiful glory. My long brunette hair was doing its wavy bullshit again, so I just let it do its thing as it air dried, my green eyes were shining in the moonlight as it kissed my pale skin, I relished in the feeling as we walked into the Paradise club.

Sage had made plans to meet up with Ethan at the club which would ultimately leave me alone in the booth for the rest of the night unless I could get some of our other friends in our group chat to come join me at my lonely booth. Like I figured, most of everyone already had plans for the night. Our friend Lenny did message me privately to let me know that he had his cousin with him if it was alright with me, they both wanted to come hang out, of course I didn't mind I was desperate for a friendly face as soon as Sage and Ethan took off to dance. Lenny is a good friend of mine with a kind face and kind hazel eyes and dirty blonde hair that was kind of swooshy. Like Derek's hair from Grey's Anatomy. I had never met his cousin before that night but had heard some things about him. Lenny is a quarter of a werewolf; he isn't able to shift but still experiences a connection to his family's pack. Lenny's cousin, Casey Beckett, is a full blooded Lycan and a sight to be seen. With jet black hair and bright blue eyes and beautiful caramel skin. I couldn't keep my eyes off of him and he definitely noticed, I couldn't tell if he was checking me out or trying to stare deep into my soul, either way I was enjoying it way more than I should. I vowed to swear off men until I had become somewhat stable within my career and mental health, and nothing was going to stop that. But that doesn't mean I can't look or flirt, I'm still human. Lenny walked up with Casey in tow behind him with a big grin on his face, "Amara! How are you? It's been far too long my darling!" Lenny said in a dramatic tone of voice as he slid into the booth beside me pulling me into a hug. "Amara this is Casey, Casey this is Amara." I reached out to shake his hand after he had settled beside me and said it was nice to meet him as he did the same.

"So Casey, what brings you to New York?" I asked Casey as he finished up his drink order with the waitress. "The all around the world tour. Have you heard of it?" He replied.

"No I haven't, what is that?" I asked, looking at Casey and Lenny both, waiting for the answer. Lenny turned to me and said, "I wouldn't have expected you to know anything about it. It's a new event within the supernatural world." As if that explained anything to me.

Casey sighed saying, "Each supernatural group created a sign-up sheet for unmated supes or anyone who just wants to learn about the other groups so that they can travel to the other packs in an organized group learning and looking for their mates."

"That sounds perfect for you Amara! You've always talked about wanting a firsthand learning experience with supes." Sage exclaimed, having snuck back into the booth with Ethan at her heel. "Hey Lenny, I've missed you! This is my friend Ethan. And who is your friend Lenny?"

"This is Casey, my cousin. He's visiting with me before he goes on his trip around the world. Nice to meet you, Ethan." Lenny replied as he shook Ethan's hand, Casey following suit. Sage, Ethan, and Lenny all dived into a conversation about the latest big case going on in the law world leaving me and Casey alone.

"So, Casey, tell me more about this trip. Can anyone go or do you have to be a part of a pack or coven?" I asked Casey.

"Anyone can go, you just have to know about it. Or at least know someone who's going and tag along with them. Why do you want to know?" Casey asked.

"Well like Sage said earlier, I've always been fascinated by the supernatural world and google is never accurate when it comes to culture or really anything as I've learned the hard way about super naturals. I would love to learn and share my findings with everyone else like me, someone who wants to use education as an olive branch rather than a weapon." I replied.

"But you'd also be sharing that information with those that will use it as a weapon, what then? He asked.

"Then they'll expose themselves, making themselves out to be a non-progressive fool." I said with a smirk.

"Do you want to go with me Amara?" Casey asked me as he stared into my eyes. I stared right back, enjoying the weird sensation it brought me.

"More than anything but, I don't know where all they are going or what to do to be able to go or anything at all really besides what you told me. I'd have to pack and call a plant sitter and tell my family in case I go missing and I can't forget about Sa-"

"Chill out!" Casey said, grabbing me by my shoulders laughing. "I can take care of making the arrangements for you, that's like half the work. Let me borrow your phone for a sec. Mine died." Casey said, taking off some of the weight. All of a sudden, I was being pushed up against Casey, I couldn't see what was going on, but I could hear Sage giggling. I was able to get my head out of Casey's lap long enough to see Sage jumping over Lenny and trying to squeeze in between us. I felt Casey's arm wrap around me as he scooted over on the booth pulling me with him leaving enough room so that Sage could sit down, once she was settled, she looked at Casey and I both and declared, "If she goes, I go. Amara goes nowhere without me, especially not with someone she just met." Sage's words gave me clarity to the situation I was in and apparently Casey too, I felt his arm pull away from me and my cheeks flush red as he did so. Suddenly I felt embarrassed about our closeness.

Casey looked at Sage with a bored expression and said, "I kind of figured, I've heard a lot about you two from Lenny, so I made arrangements for you both to join me." Casey dropped my phone back into my hand and whispered in my ear, "Don't worry I left my number for you, it's under Most Handsomest." I burst into laughter. I couldn't believe him, so I looked it up in my contacts and dialed "Most Handsomest" and sure enough his "dead" phone started ringing.

"I thought your phone was dead. Or was that just a ploy so you could put your number in my phone?" I asked Casey in a teasing manner. He just shrugged his shoulders and laughed at me.