I gazed up at the star—filled sky then back down to the ground. Blurry shadows walked past me; their faces unclear to me. My view was hazy. My tear—filled eyes left me blinded and troubled.

A burst of frigid air rushed through me. I wrapped my arms around me tighter. This was my fault! I cursed myself for not being here. I should have been here with her.

My dog ran from the front door and brushed her body against my arm. Her black fur teased my chilled skin. In need of the comfort, I ran my fingers through her thick hair. Feeling a hint of moisture, I pulled my hand away, coming across a spot of blood she may have gotten on her.

Frightened, I pulled away. I brushed my palms against my jeans.

"Drea?" She ran to Brent, innocent of the current situation. He walked with her, keeping her busy so she would not demand my attention.

Whispers. Mumbles. I could hear them talking. About what? I’m uncertain. I did not care about what they were saying. Why? Because they had just as many questions as I did.

Many helped. Some had gone to take to the trees and town in search of her. I, vulnerable and in pain, stayed on the stoop of my steps, my mind left to wander.

I could hear little footsteps before a warm presence sat next to me.

"Why would they take her?" I looked away from Jess. I had no real answers to give.

They left nothing. Not a note. No item. Just the unsettling yet lingering smell of a vampire's stench that only they could smell.

"Where is Jason?" She questioned his whereabouts. I don't know. Wondering the same, I looked around at the many pack members who had come to assist.

I leaped from the step and walked down the pathway.

"Where are you going?" Jess called, but I ignored her. I ignored the men and women that questioned my destination. I ignored the eyes that offered me sympathy.

A few sought to stop me.

"Just...leave me alone." I uttered under my breath.

I walked down the sidewalk, ignoring the eyes that were following me from the thick tree brush. This was their duty. To keep me safe. What about my mom?

Someone tugged at my sleeve. I pulled away, warning them to leave me alone. Someone tugged once more. Anger brewing in me, I spun around, ready to rip this individual a new one.

He stared down at me. Sorrow and pain hid behind his green eyes. I pulled away; however, he refused to let me go like the others did. He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me deep into his chest for comfort. Stop! As much as I wanted to shove him away, as much as I wanted to yelp and scream at him, I was incapable of denying the fact I needed him more than ever....