Chapter 1: Mazie

1

MAZIE

T he relentless beep of my alarm pulled me from a dream where I was tangled in the sheets with Mr. Tall, Tattooed I was going to blow this out of the galaxy.

And yet, I couldn't help that tiny seed of doubt. Why me? And why such a secluded location? Could my anxiety take an overnight event?

"Is this legit?" I asked myself, hugging the invitation close to my chest. My mind raced with conflicting thoughts – excitement, doubt, and an undeniable longing for something new and thrilling in my otherwise monotonous life.

"Okay, Mazie," I sighed, pacing the length of my living room. "You can do this. You've been waiting for an opportunity like this, and it's finally here.... trust your instincts."

"Besides,"I added, grinning, "what's the worst that could happen?"

I picked up my phone and dialed the number in the invitation, hesitating momentarily before pressing the call button. As the line connected, I took a deep breath, bracing myself for whatever lay ahead.

"Hello?"The voice on the other end was smooth and reassuring. "Is this Mazie Green? We're thrilled you've decided to join us for our exclusive event."

"Uh, yes, it's me, Mazie,"I stammered, feeling a strange mix of anticipation and vulnerability wash over me. "I'm looking forward to it."

"Excellent! We'll send you all the necessary details shortly. Prepare yourself for a life-changing experience, Mazie. "

"Thank you,"I replied, my heart pounding as I hung up the phone.

The decision had been made, and there was no turning back now. I felt a surge of confidence. As little as a year ago, I couldn't have dreamed of going to such an event. I had become so fearful of life that I'd hardly left home. I'd made it so far through years of therapy with Dr. Baker. I made a note to call work to get some time off and made sure I didn't have any bills that needed to be paid in the next little bit.

All that was left to do was pack my things.

Two days later, I was packed and driving down the winding mountain roads as the sun cast an eerie glow across the rugged landscape. With each turn, I could feel my heart beating faster—a mixture of excitement and trepidation coursing through my veins.

"Seriously, Mazie, where the hell are you going?"I muttered under my breath, gripping the steering wheel tighter. The mountains seemed to close in on me, their shadows playing tricks on my mind as the light faded.

"Keep it together, girl,"I whispered, flicking on the car's high beams. It was just a road trip, right? Ordinary people did this all the time. But nothing was ordinary about this journey or the strange sense of isolation creeping up on me.

"Turn left onto Pine Ridge Road,"the GPS instructed, its robotic voice cutting through the silence. As I followed the directions, the roads became even more treacherous – steep inclines, sharp turns, and no guardrails in sight.

"Great. Just great,"I sighed, focusing on driving and not the growing pit in my stomach. A sudden downpour pelted the windshield, reducing visibility even further.

"Seriously?"I exclaimed, flipping on the wipers and leaning forward in my seat. "As if this wasn't already difficult enough. "

A yellow sign appeared through the rain, announcing a road closure ahead. My heart sank as I pulled over, staring blankly at the detour sign pointing towards an unmarked dirt road.

"Of course,"I groaned, hesitating momentarily before turning the wheel and veering off onto the muddy path. "Because why would things go smoothly?"

"Stay calm, Mazie,"I told myself, struggling to maintain control of the car as it slipped and slid in the mud. "You've come this far. You can't turn back now."

As I continued deeper into the wilderness, I couldn't shake the feeling of vulnerability that had settled around me like a heavy fog. Was this worth it? Had I made a massive mistake in accepting that mysterious invitation?

"Focus on what's ahead,"I whispered, trying to ignore the doubts swirling in my mind. "There has to be something amazing waiting for you at the end of this road. Right?"

But as the darkness closed in and the rain grew heavier, I couldn't help but feel utterly alone—a small, fragile being lost in the vast expanse of the wild, untamed mountains. With each passing mile, I couldn't escape the nagging thought that perhaps I was searching for something more than just fame and fortune.

The rain fell in heavy sheets, blurring my vision as the windshield wipers struggled to keep up. I gripped the steering wheel tightly, knuckles white, and leaned forward, trying to focus on the rapidly disappearing road ahead.

"Come on, Mazie,"I muttered, forcing a shaky breath between clenched teeth. "You've been through worse than this."

But as the storm intensified, so did my anxiety. The howling wind seemed to echo the whispers of self-doubt that had haunted me for years. Would I ever find a place where I truly belonged?

"Watch out!"I screamed, my heart pounding in my chest as a fallen tree branch suddenly appeared in the headlights. I jerked the wheel, swerving to avoid the obstacle – but it was too late. The car skidded on the slick road, tires screeching as I fought to regain control.

"No, no, no!"I cried, terror gripping me as the car hurtled towards the edge of a steep embankment. And then, with a stomach-churning lurch, we were airborne.

The world spun around me in a dizzying whirl of darkness and fear. My screams were lost in the storm's roar, swallowed by the relentless rain as the car tumbled down the hillside. Pain flared through my body, sharp and blinding – and then, mercifully, everything went black.

Beep, beep, beep… Was that the alarm clock? No! Once it went off, I would have to get up, pour myself into something Lycra, and head to the gym. Why couldn't I have lived in the Renaissance period when chub and a few rolls were sexy? Not that I was roll-less, let's be honest here. But I was trying to care for myself, which had to count for something.

I hated working out despite the vast amount of workout clothing I owned. The thought of squeezing into something meant to fit the size of a toddler was less than pleasing. Although, maybe the viral cheeky pants that everyone raved about on TikTok would make my ass look amazing. I wondered if that new brand would have me wear any.

Cheeky pants.

I sat bolt upright in bed, remembering that I was supposed to be going to a retreat for a photo shoot and review for the hottest workout wear brand. My head swam as intense pain threatened to put me under. What on earth?I snapped my eyes closed before they could focus on anything. My head was throbbing.

My phone. I needed to check out my Instagram. Why did my head hurt so badly? Was I ill?

Prying my eyes open, I reached for my phone. Sadly, my phone wasn't there, so I fell out of bed. Now, it wasn't just my head that was hurting. My entire body felt like I had been run over by a truck—maybe six or seven trucks. I wasn't in my bed or even in my room. Panic stole my breath away as I scrambled to figure out what was going on while clutching the utilitarian sheet to my chest.

Please don't panic; it's okay, Mazie. Only I was panicking—big time. Mind reeling, I attempted to employ the latest breathing technique that my therapist was always harping about. It was something like 4-7-8 or 10-12-30. Shit, now the fact that I couldn't remember my breathing technique was putting me over the edge.

Get yourself together, Mazie . However, the warning sounded more like my foster mother than my therapist. It helped enough to allow me to remember what Dr. Baker had taught me. First, you exhale with a whoosh sound through your mouth. Second, close your eyes and inhale quietly for a count of four. Third, hold your breath for the count of seven. Last, exhale through your mouth, making another whooshing sound to the eight count.

I did everything just like Dr. Baker had taught me, but I still felt like I was either going to puke up my guts or have a heart attack. Where in the hell was I? Glancing around the room, I prayed that something would jog my memory. However, nothing looked familiar.

"Where...?"I whispered, my voice hoarse and unsteady. This wasn't my car.Thiswasn'ttheroad to the remote location.This was... a room? But how had I gotten here?

"Think, Mazie,"I urged myself despite the throbbing pain. Struggling to piece together my fragmented memories, I recounted, "You were driving... in the storm... and then..."

I shuddered as the images came flooding back – the screech of tires, the sickening lurch, the bone-jarring impact. My breath hitched in my throat, and I squeezed my eyes shut, willing away the panic that threatened to engulf me.

"Okay,"I whispered, opening my eyes once more. You're alive, you're safe, but where are you?"

The room was small and uncluttered; there was an IV pole and a few monitors, unlike any hospital I'd ever seen. It had a strange, earthy smell, something I would expect at a health food store. I pushed myself to sit up against the wall, still clutching my sheet like a shield.

Wincing at the pain that flared through my limbs, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly, inexplicably wrong.

"Hello?"I called out, my voice wavering. "Is anyone there?"

There was no answer – just the faint creaking of floorboards above me and the steady drip-drip-drip of rainwater through a crack in the ceiling.

"Please,"I whispered, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. "I need help."

The only thing I recognized was the IV sticking out of my arm.

Dear God… Aliens had abducted me. There was no other explanation. Everything around me looked—sterile. My hand immediately went to cradle the small round of my stomach. Babies? Was I impregnated with alien babies? What if there were tentacles?

A wave of nausea overtook me. Morning sickness! I scrambled over to the garbage can and puked. There is nothing like vomiting to induce a good cry. Sinking back to the floor, I clutched my vomit-filled garbage can and sobbed like a baby.

I couldn't even focus on using this crazy experience to help boost my platform, and I was always trying to increase my presence. However, there were some tragic experiences that even I couldn't put a positive spin on.

With my IV pole tipped at a precarious angle because I was now on the floor, I briefly wondered what they were putting into me. A braver girl would likely have ripped the sucker out. But that would likely involve blood, and I wasn't a blood girl. I was more of a sprinkles and unicorns kind of girl.

Besides, what if I yanked the IV out, and it caused my alien babies to explode? No, it was better to wait and see. Besides, waiting involved not moving, and I wasn't feeling terrific.

At that moment, the door opened to admit a white-haired older gentleman and a burly, handsome one behind him.

Panic clawed at my chest, threatening to overwhelm me.I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to steadymy breathing as I fought back the urge to scream. Then I heard footsteps approaching and the creak of a door opening .

"Hello?"A gentle voice called out, breaking through the oppressive silence. "Are you alright?"

He flinched when he saw or smelled the trash can content, but like a true professional, he didn't balk. With the kindness of a grandfather, he took my puke can and helped me to my feet.

The older gentleman passed the stinky bucket to the other man and helped me return to bed. The handsome man cursed and dropped the can as quickly as he'd caught it.

"My name is Kyle,"the older man introduced himself, "And this is Ajax. We were coming to check on you. Are you alright?"

Kyle seemed genuine, but Ajax's scowl hadn't let up since he'd entered the room.

"Where am I?"I whispered, clutching the sheet once again.

"You were in an accident,"Kyle replied gently. "Do you remember anything before waking up here today?"

"The last thing I remember is driving in a terrible rainstorm. I was supposed to be meeting a vendor about a photoshoot. The next thing I knew, I was waking up here. I'd thought…"Suddenly, my assumptions about aliens and babies seemed silly.

"What did you think?"Kyle encouraged.

"Wh-who are you?"I stammered, clutching the edge of the mattress beneath me for support.

"Sorry, I should've introduced myself first,"he said, offering me a warm smile. "My name is Kyle Spencer. I'm a healer."He stepped forward, his hands raised in a gesture of peace. "We found your car after the accident. You're safe now."

"Safe..."I whispered, the word feeling foreign on my tongue. I wanted to believe him, but unease lingered like a dark cloud hovering beyond the horizon.

"May I check your injuries?"Kyle asked gently, already moving closer.

"Um, sure,"I mumbled, still dazed and confused.

As he examined me with practiced hands, the door opened again, revealing thetall, muscular man with short dark hair and piercing blue eyes.This time, he didn't have the vomit-filled garbage can; I supposed I could thank God for small favors. The gorgeous man looked like a force of nature, exuding strength and authority, but there was something almost tender in how he watched Kyle tend to me.

"As I said before, this is Ajax Montgomery,"Kyle explained, not looking up from his task. "He's the one who found you and brought you here."

"Thank you,"I whispered, my voice still shaky. Ajax nodded, his eyes never quite meeting mine.

"Are you in pain?"Kyle asked concern etched on his face.

"Y-yes,"I admitted, the throbbing in my limbs growing more insistent with each passing second.

"Here, let me help,"he said, reaching for a small jar of salve from a nearby shelf. As he applied the ointment to my injuries, I couldn't help but feel grateful. And yet, the unease persisted, gnawingat the edges of my consciousness like a persistent itch.

"Where am I?"I finally asked, needing answers.

"An old cabin, deep in the mountains,"Ajax replied, his voice low and gruff. "It belongs to our pack."

"Pack?"The word sent a shiver down my spine.

"Never mind that,"Kyle said quickly, shooting Ajax a pointed look. "What matters is that you're safe, and we'll take care of you."

"Thank you,"I murmured again, though it did little to quell the storm of questions raging inside me. Who were these men? What was their connection to each other? And most importantly, why couldn't I shake the feeling that there was something more – something hidden beneath the surface of this strange encounter?

As they continued to tend to my injuries, offering comfort and reassurance, I wrestled with the unknowns, adrift in a sea of loneliness and vulnerability. But one thing was clear: I had no choice but to trust them, at least for now. And perhaps, in doing so, I might find the sense of belonging I had always craved – or at least the strength to keep searching.

The moonlight filtered through the window, casting a soft glow on my makeshift bed. I lay there, restless, as the day's events replayed in my mind. I couldn't believe that just hours ago, I had been trapped in my car, battered and bruised, feeling like death was imminent. But here I was, alive, in a cabin high in the mountains with two strangers who seemed intent on helping me.

"Can't sleep?"Ajax's gruff voice interrupted my thoughts. He stood at the foot of the bed, his muscular arms crossed over his broad chest. He still hadn't looked directly at me, which was unnerving. Maybe he wasn't into plus-size girls?

"Too much running through my head,"I admitted, shifting uncomfortably under the blankets.

"Understandable,"he said, nodding. He hesitated momentarily before sitting on the edge of the bed. "You know, you can talk to us about anything bothering you. We're here to help."

I studied his face, searching for any hint of deception, but found none. His dark brown eyes held a sincerity that I couldn't deny. And yet, there were so many questions left unanswered. My unease grew stronger, manifesting as an itch beneath my skin that I couldn't quite scratch.

"Something doesn't feel right about any of this,"I said, finally opting for the truth. I was unable to contain my curiosity any longer. "You haven't looked at me once. Am I hideously scarred or something?"

Ajax sighed, raking his fingers through his thick, black hair. "No,"he admitted. "It's complicated. I feel a connection with you. But I have a feeling that if our gazes meet, it could mean something you may not be ready for."

Panic welled once again. "What's going on? Why am I here?"

Ajax's head snapped up, and his brilliant blue eyes locked on mine. I felt a jolt of awareness slash through me, almost like lightning struck me. I don't know how long we stared at each other. I couldn't even remember what had been said before.

All I knew was that this man, who he was, suddenly had become much more important to me. Something inside of me stirred. It was the weirdest feeling I had ever known, and it freaked me out .

"Something's wrong with me,"I cried out, pulling at the sheet and then attempting to remove my clothes.

It was hot, so blasted hot. Without thinking, I yanked the IV out of my arm, not caring that my arm had begun to bleed where the needle had been removed. All I cared about was the intense pain careening down my spine. Chills erupted down my arms, followed by the crunch of bones breaking—my bones!

This was it. I was dying. I had been right. Aliens had abducted me, and now I was going to die from whatever creature they had placed inside of me.

I would never reach a million followers on TikTok. That alone caused me to howl in anguish. However, the howl sounded far more feral than humanlike.

The proportions of the room were off. Everything that had been big before seemed very small. Why was it so damned hot? Tiny pins pricked at every pore, followed by coarse black fur covering my grotesque body transition.

Sharp claws replaced my manicured nails, and a snout replaced my nose. I had to be dreaming. Maybe there had been narcotics in that IV? It was a logical conclusion.

I opened my mouth to ask the men, but instead of words,an enormousroar erupted from somewhere deep inside of me. My eyes again locked on Ajax's blue ones, anda voice demanded, "Mate!"

Holy fucking peanut butter cups!

"Stand down, Mazie,"Ajax demanded, only his lips didn't move.

I stared at him helplessly as the voice inside my mind kept demanding, "Mine, mate!"

I don't know if he could sense the desperation pouring out of me or if it was just what one did when faced with a woman who had turned into a scary beast. But Ajax's eyes glowed momentarily, and the command came through loudly and clearly. "Shift!"

It was like someone had let the water out of my monster bathtub. Slowly, everything began to reverse itself until each bone had broken and reformed, each coarse hair had softened or receded, and my back straightened until it was just me, Mazie Green.

A very naked me .

I knew there would be a point where I would raise hell over being naked in front of two men whom I'd never met before. But thankfully, my good ole anxiety took care of business for me, and I did what every damsel does in the heat of pressure.

I blacked out.