Three years after taking Rico's life, I found myself yet again back in that small town. This time, however; I planned on avoiding any supernatural creature if I could help it. And that included my mate. The years hadn't been kind to me, but I almost didn't mind. What was a new scar here or there when my body consisted of almost nothing else but them?

My once hip long hair had been sheared off last month. As much as it had pained me to cut it, I had to. My hair now stopped just below my jaw, and I hated it. But if it meant that I was hidden from my enemies, it would stay off. Who was I kidding? I knew that sooner or later they would find me again, and that nothing would throw them off my trail for long.

From where I was hiding in the darkness, my eyes landed on the rough looking biker bar. I just wanted to relax and to forget about everything at least for one night, but there were many supernatural creatures in that bar. With a sigh, I cover my scent. Leah, could you make sure it stays covered.

I can. But I must warn you that getting drunk tonight is not a good idea Jewel.

I know. But I just want to relax for one night. Is that too much to ask?

No, it's not. She said softly, and I felt bad for snapping at her. She was the opposite of me and she had not only saved my life many times over the years, she kept me sane. And I loved her. Aw, I love you to Jewel. I smile, but it quickly fades. Once I was sure that I only smelt like a human, I leave the cover of the dark forest and head towards the bar.

With my black coat on, I felt like I was in one of those bad horror flicks and I was the bad guy. I couldn't stop the chuckle that left my lips at the thought. I was the bad guy. Stepping into the poorly lit room, my eyes adjust quickly. The wolves were to the left, the leeches to my right, and smack dab in the middle were the humans. The poor saps were too drunk to notice anything. My eyes scanned the crowd and I noticed several fairies were here as well. My body still carried scars from the last time I faced an angry fairy.

Suddenly, I spot an open stool by the bar and I make a bee line for it, trying to avoid drawing attention to myself. Which, I knew would be impossible. I was 5'11, weighed 192 pounds. My hair was black and ivory skin stuck out like a sore thumb. And my violet eyes drew people in. The only scars visible on me were the ones on my face, thanks to my coat. And they usually helped to drive people away, leaving me in peace.

Quickly I slip onto the stool and look around. No one had noticed me so far. My eyes land on the bar-tender. His silver white hair let me know that he was a fairy. "What can I get you tonight beautiful?" He asked and his voice sounded like honey. Slowly, I lift my face and let him get a good look at my scars. Instead of pulling back shocked, worry and pity filled his eyes. That was something I had never witnessed before. Maybe because he thought I was human, that's why. I thought to myself.

"I'd like a shot of Johnnie Walker Blue, please." He looked shocked, but didn't say anything as he reached behind the counter and pulled a dusty bottle out. He sat a glass in front of me and filled it up. Quickly, I tossed it back and nodded at him. I repeated this several times, and I enjoyed the burn as it made its way down my throat. "Rough day?" He asked. I laugh but it was bitter and cold. "More like rough life." He filled my glass up again, but this time I just stared at it.

Behind me, I heard a woman's voice begging for someone to turn her loose. Slowly turning around in my seat, I scan the crowd until I find what I was looking for. The woman was obviously human, but the man was a wolf. Tossing back my drink, I quickly slip off the stool and head towards the two. Now, I wasn't drunk. It took more than six shots of Johnnie Walker Blue to get a wolf drunk. But I was itching for a fight, and I had just found one.

Slipping up behind the wolf, I speak. "You heard the woman. Let get go." The wolf spun around, expecting to come face to face with another man. But when his eyes landed on me, he laughed. "Keep walking girlie. This ain't your business." I smiled at him, but it was filled with hatred. He took a step back.

"Whenever I see a dirt bag harass a woman who clearly doesn't want to be around him, well, that makes it my business." He muttered to his-self and tried to turn around. I grabbed his arm, pulling him back. When his face was right in front of mine, I punched him as hard as I could. When the satisfying sound of his nose breaking filled my ears, I smiled. "Why you little..." He growled and lunged at me.

I could tell that he had had to much to drink, so really, this wasn't a fair fight. But I didn't care. He needed to learn a lesson. Stepping out of the way, I watch as he rams into the wall. Making eye contact with the woman, I tell her to leave. She gave me a grateful smile and shot out of the packed bar. And that's when I noticed everyone was watching me. I smirked and looked at the man.

He slowly got back on his feet and stalked towards me. I couldn't help myself, I had to taunt him. He, of course, thought that I was a mere human woman, so he let his guard down. Stupid wolf. As he circled me, I heard someone in the crowd whisper, "Someone better get his alpha. That's a human he's fighting. There'll be an uproar if she's killed." Keeping my face neutral, I punched him in the face again, and didn't stop.

He managed to get in several lucky hits, and I felt several ribs break. And yet, I didn't stop. Suddenly, he let out a groan and fell to the floor, unconscious. Looking around the room, I tense as a sudden smell hits me. HE'S here Jewel. Please, please stay this time. My wolf begged me, but I couldn't. My eyes frantically scanned the room and when they landed on a back door, I ran as if my life depended on it.

Leah knew, just as I did, that my mate would never be safe if he knew who I was. And if I allowed the bond to form between us, and if my enemies found out, they would kill him to get to me. The best thing for him was if I stayed away from him. Once I was several miles away from the bar, I come to a stop and leaned against a tree to rest. Leah dropped the barrier around my scent and I closed my eyes. I should have listened to my wolf and stayed away from the town. She was always right.

"Well, that certainly explains a few things." A familiar voice says behind me and I tense up. Spinning around, I feel my entire body become alert, ready for anything. Standing before me was the fairy bartender. I growl softly at him, but cursed myself in my mind. Fairies had a gift that allowed them to find you anywhere in the world once they touched you. He must have touched my hand when he was refilling my glass and I didn't notice. Stupid Jewel for not paying attention.

"Explain what? And why did you come after me?" I made my voice cold and hard. "How you heard that woman, how you beat the wolf, and how you got away so fast. And yet, why did you run?" His eyes probed mine, but my blocks were up. He wouldn't be able to see a single thing. When he realized this, he looked surprised. "You've been around for a while, I see." He still spoke softly, his voice making me want to trust him. But I could still remember the last time I trusted a fairy. My life was almost ripped from me because of my stupidity.

"Who are you?" He asked when a howl ripped the air. Leah perked up and I knew it was our mate. He was coming. Shaking my head at the fairy, I shift and run. I would protect my mate from my past, from myself if I had to die trying.