"Celia! If you don't hurry up we're going to be late for school!" I heard one of my sisters' scream.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm coming." I yell back. I quickly shove my feet into my favorite pair of combat boots and glace in the mirror quickly. I run a hand threw my unruly curls and run out of my room.

"WALK!" I hear my mom scream from down stairs.

"Yes ma'am!" I yell back but still jog down the stairs. I rub my stomach as I walk into the kitchen. "What's for…"

"I hope you're not about to say breakfast! There's no time for that! We are already late as it is." My twin, Carmen, whines.

"If we're already late, what's a few more minutes?" I say opening the fridge. I pull out a sunny D Light bottle and slam the door shut.

"Please don't slam that!" mom calls as she walks past the kitchen door.

"Sorry mom!" I mumble as I take a bite of doughnut.

"That was mine, Fatso!" my baby sister, Anna Maria, whines.

"What's with all the whining this morning? You guys are a headache waiting to happen." Josephina, my other sister, says from her spot at the breakfast bar.

"Celia is making us late for school again!" Carmen yells.

"And she ate my doughnut!" Anna adds.

"So the root of the problem is Celia? Why am I not surprised?" Josephina laughs.

"Hey! I resent that. I'm not always at fault. Carmen thinks we're late cause her clock is set 10 minutes fast and I didn't know it was Anna's doughnut." I defend myself. I take a long swing of Sunny D.

"Use a cup." My mom says walking into the kitchen. She snatched the bottle from me and put it back in the fridge before she walked back out.

"Did she really just come in here just to take that from you?" Josie asks. I shrug and smirk at her.

"Of course she did. Not that anyone else will want to drink out of that carton now. It's infected with Celia cooties." Carmen gripes.

"Seriously? Cooties? Aren't we a little old for that?" I tease. I belch loudly after and smirk again at the look on Carmen face. "Problems?"

"Yes, you! You are my problem! Nothing goes right when you're around." She says glaring at me.

"If I were any less of a woman you might have actually hurt my feelings."

"You're not a woman at all. You're a freakish man child. I can't believe I'm related to you. "

"Oh! You wound me!" I pretend to cry for a moment. I look up and belch again, before I blow in her direction.

"You are so disgusting!"

"While I was enjoying the show, its' way too early for your dramatics. Tone it down, at least until noon." Anna says before patting Carmen on the head. I laugh and grab my car keys from the key ring.

"We're leaving!" I shout over my shoulder as we leave the house.

"Bye, drive safe." My mom calls back. I wait for all of my sisters to exit the house in front of me before step out and shut the door behind me. I took my time walking to the car and getting in.

"If you moved any slower you'd be standing still." Carmen complained. I glare at her and start the car up. I slap her hand away when she reaches for the radio. "Ouch! What's your problem?"

"You know the rules." I tell her.

"Do I really?"

"Fine, I'll restate them. I know it's been a while since you've had to ride with me. When riding in my car, do not put your feet on my seat. That is what the floor is for. Do not leave any trash of any form on any part of my car. I'm not your chuffer or your maid, so clean up your own mess. When you're sitting in the front seat, don't put your feet on my dash board. You might scare one of the cars driving on the other side of the street and cause an accident. The last rule and the most important rule of all do NOT touch my radio. That will get every finger in your bony little hand broken. If you don't like my rules, don't ride."

"It's not like a have a choice."

"You could drive yourself. Oh wait, that's right! Ya can't. And why can't you?"

"My car is currently…feeling under the weather."

"Carmen, if we are explaining car damage in terms of sickness, let's do so accurately. Your car doesn't just have a cold, it's got pneumonia." Anna said. I laughed loudly and high five her over my shoulder.

Carmen had wrecked her car just this past weekend on her way home from a party. She was driving too fast for the dark stormy weather and hydroplaned into an innocent tree. It really was a tragedy. A perfectly beautiful tree was harmed because of her complete recklessness. She of course came away without so much as a scratch.

"That was a good one." I say before I put the car into drive and pull away.

Anna Maria Vasquez is the youngest and definitely the funniest Vasquez sister. She is 15 years old and has a way of forcing people into the butt end of the joke. She was an arty type of girl. Even her body had become a work of art. She had dyed her once midnight black hair platinum blonde and cut it into a pixie cut. She wore no make-up, so freckles littered her light brown complexion. Not an eyelid was left unmarked. She wore blue contacts to cover her normally honey brown eyes. Her wardrobe consisted of every color known to mankind. She matched them all together in ways that, surprisingly, worked. With her there was no fitting in. Anna had the gift of healing. She could heal anything from a tiny scratched to terminal illnesses. We had discovered her power when she was just five years old. I had been trying to climb the cabinet in the kitchen looking for candy and I had fallen. My leg was broken in a so that my bone was jutting out of the side. My parents were rushing trying to find someone to baby sit while they took me to the hospital when Anna touched my leg. She said she could fix my boo boo and she had. Within a few moments my leg was as good as new.

Josephina, or Josie, Vasquez was 16 years old. She was the middle child and by far the most laidback out of all of us. For her every day was a good day. She was a hippie, born a few generations too late, and a music fanatic. She could play almost any instrument that you put in front of her. Her naturally black hair was cut into a shoulder length bob and kept straight at all times. She also refused to wear makeup, though her freckles were scarce. Her light brown eyes almost matched her skin color perfectly. Her gift was telepathy. She could make a person believe they were seeing things that weren't actually there. She could shift objects, and even make things disappear for short periods of time. She could also communicate with people through their minds. She could read their thoughts and then answer them. We found out she could read out thoughts when she knew everything that Carmen had ever written in a diary. While Carmen did not, I found it to be very amusing. These things even work on animals.

Speaking of Carmen, she was whatever she needed to be when she needed to be it. She was 18, only mere minutes younger than me. She was, for lack of better words, an extremist. She refused to be labeled as one of the Vasquez twins, and went about all the wrong ways of making a name for herself. One day she was a fashonista, color blocking her way to the top, and the next she was the girl next door, trying to paint an image of innocence. I liked to call her the Queen of Fads. If it was hot now, she had to have it. Her hair currently resembled something like a skunk. One side was its natural midnight black color while the other was dyed platinum blonde. She wore enough makeup for all the Vasquez sisters put together. Carmen had the gift to conger the four elements and control space. Congering the elements is not a weird as it sounds. She could call on them for a period of time and use them as she wished. In order for her to call the element, it has to already be present in some form. Controlling space is when she allows certain objects or people to enter her space. Her favorite one to use is fire. We found out she could do this when, she put out a grease fire in our kitchen because my mom is a horrible cook. It was a very tragic experience.

Last, but not least, there is me. I, Celia Vasquez, am the oldest, the bravest, and by far the most fashionably challenged. All I need to survive are graphic tees, every type of denim jeans available, and a trusty pair of combat boots. My hair was an unruly mass of black curls. I had long since given up any hope of taming it. I didn't wear makeup because I wasn't born with my face painted, there for its not natural. I refuse to dye my hair because I'm convinced that will only make it crazier. And I don't care about fitting in. I have many gifts. I can heal, use telepathy, and conger. I can also flash, which mean that I catch glimpses of the future every now and then. I can also see a certain memory that someone is having. This only works if I am touching them. My Abuela says that she believe I got all these gifts because I am the eldest. By default, I am the Alpha of sorts. I am definitely in charge whenever we have to use our gifts. Sometimes the people of Alpaugh are put in danger by the Others. This is what we call any creature that isn't human.

When I claim my usual parking spot my sisters waste no time getting out. They each rush to their respective clicks without a word.

"Love you guys too!" I call after them. Anna and Josie both laugh, but Carmen just keeps on walking. I sigh and open my truck to retrieve my book bag. I look around the parking lot before I lock my car doors.

My car is a fully restored 1965 Plymouth Sport Fury. She was painted a gorgeous ruby red that gleamed in the early California sun. My father and I had worked on restoring her together for over a year. During this time I had no idea that she was going to be my 16th birthday present. I had immediately taken to calling her Christina, because her color reminded me of the lipstick Christina Aguilera wore. I had been beyond ecstatic when Dad said she was mine. She had been my prized possession ever since.

As I made my way across the parking lot, people moved to clear a path for me. For some reason they all avoided me like a plague. My sisters say it's because I'm intimidating. I say it's because I was born to be a lone wolf. I preferred my own company rather than that of other people. I quickly make my way up the stairs and into the school. Just as I reach the corridor someone shoulder checks me. I look up to see some guy I'd never seen before staring back at me.

"Why don't you watch where you're going?" I snap, looking around to see if anyone had noticed. I was being ignored as usual.

"I'm sorry." He answers. My eyes snap back to him in shock. I hadn't expected a response. I reach out and grab his arm when he starts to walk away. He smiles at my hand on his arm and I quickly snatch it away.

"Are you new here?" I ask him.

"Yeah."

"Well, what's your name?"

"My name?" he looked confused.

"Yes. You do have a name don't you?"

"Of course."

"Can you speak in more that two syllables?" I ask. This is why I didn't interact with people. They were all Neanderthals.

"Yes." was his only response.

"Unbelievable." I mutter before I look around again. This time I realize people are taking notice of our little interaction. "Uh, I've gotta go." I quickly walk away from him.

"Wait, what's your name?" he calls after me. I roll my eyes and keep walking. At least I know he can string together a sentence now. It wasn't until I made it to my locker that I noticed he had fallowed me.

"Can I help you?" I ask spinning my combination.

"What is your name?" He asks again. I laugh as he jumps back form my swinging locker door.

"Why do you wanna know?" I mumble searching around for my statistics math book.

"I would simply like to know the name of the first person who spoke to me here. I am in a new foreign place. Kindness is extremely appreciated." When I look up from my book search his face is a mask of seriousness.

"Mhm. That's really… sweet and all but you don't need to know my name. Pretty soon, it will become irrelevant to you. This school is full of cliques that don't usually mix, especially not with me. So the best advice that I can give you, is find where you fit in. Once you find your place stay there and away from me. It's best that you're not seen with me on your first day. My reputation precedes me, but not by much." I explain. I finally find my book and yank it out of my locker. I grab my notebook and my pencil before I stuff my book bag in. I slam my locker shut and look up. "You're still here."

"I don't believe you." Was his simple reply.

"Excuse me?"

"Ah, come on. A beautiful girl such as yourself can't be that bad." He smirked. I laughed softly and lean against my locker.

"Are you trying to flirt with me?"

"Depends…is it working?"

"No. Flattery will get you absolutely no where with me." I tell him truthfully.

"It was worth a shot. I still don't believe you though." He sighs.

"You'll see for yourself soon enough."

"Either way, you've got to have at least one companion."

"I have three actually. My mother, my father, and Jesus Christ!" I tease before I walk away. I hear him fallow and shake my head. "You should probably get to home room."

"I don't know where it is."

"What teacher." I ask.

"Uh, I'm not sure…" he trails off. I stop and roll my eyes.

"Lemme see your schedule." He quickly takes the folded piece of paper from his pocket and hands it to me. I quickly scan over the paper before I hand it back. "Well Michael," I smile at his shocked face, "We pretty much have the same schedule, so I can show you most of your classes. The only difference is that I have seventh period free and you my gym." This time when I walk away I motion for his to fallow. I'm almost positive he would have fallowed anyways.

"Why aren't you taking gym?" He questioned.

"Why on earth would I want to run around and get sweaty when I can relax in the library?"

"Touché. But it's not fair that you know my name and I don't know yours." He whines as we walk into homeroom.

"Life's not fair. Now, go show Mrs. Monster your schedule and her you're new. We don't want her thinking I've brought in a stray." I say shooing him towards the teacher's desk. I quickly make my way to my seat in the back of the class. The room fell quiet as Michael approached the desk.

"Uh, I'm new here. Are you Mrs. Monster?" He asked. Uh, Oh!

"My name is Manster! Not monster, Manster. It will do you well to remember that son. I can see you have chosen a friend in Ms. Vasquez. While, this does make me question your judge of character, you seem like a smart boy. Welcome to my class non-the-less. Have a seat Mr. Garcia." Mrs. Monster answers back stiffly. Michael turns around with a startled look on his face, but quickly composes himself. He makes his way to the seat in front of me before he starts laughing.

"Is she always that intense?"

"Always." I join him in laughter.

"How does she know my name?" he whisper yells once we've called down.

"She knows everything…" I whisper back.

"I don't doubt it. I can totally see why you would take to calling her Mrs. Monster. And this is just a guess but are you Ms. Vasquez?"

"Why yes, Mr. Garcia, I am!" I giggle.

"She's one of the Ms. Vasquez's. You'll have to excuse her childish tendencies. The rest of us do. I'm Carmen, by the way. I'm the twin of the callus beast you've been talking to all morning. What's your name?" Carmen says, jumping into the conversation.

'Well there goes that potential friendship.' I think to myself.

"Sisters? Really?" Brendan asks looking between us.

"Twins." I interject.

"I don't see it."

"Oh that's okay. It's better if you associate me with Celia too much. She's always kinda been an odd man out. She says its cause she wants to be, but I think its cause our mom dropped her on her head one too many times when we were babies. Anyways, your name?" Carmen interrupts again.

"So your name is Celia?" He half shouts at me.

"Yeah, but anyone who matters calls me Leah."I say glaring at my sister. She glares back briefly before returning her attention to Michael.

"Celia. A beautiful name for a beautiful girl." He smiles and holds out a hand. "Nice to meet you Celia. My name is Michael, but you can call me Mike."

"Nice to meet you Michael. And you can call me Leah." I smile back and shake his hand. I look up when I hear Carmen clear her throat. "That was obnoxious."

"YOU are obnoxious. How very rude of you not to introduce me to your new…acquaintance." She says through a clenched smile.

"You already introduced yourself. I know you're not the sharpest whip, but did you really forget that quick?" I dead pan. She glares at me again before plastering a fake smile on her face.

"Well Michael, not to pressure you or anything, but people at this school tend to steer clear or my dear sister. She is rude, hot tempered, and extremely hostile on a good day. She has no sense of style, hence the fashion atrocity you're looking at. It's best to just stay away before her beyond tarnished reputation taints yours. You know what they say, Birds of a feather flock together!" When she is finished ranting Michael looks back and forth between the two of us.

"You are right. Birds of a feather do flock together. That is why I'm going to stick with Celia. I would hate to become a spiteful cold heart, vindictive harpy who would sell out my twin over night. Thanks for the head ups though." He says before he completely turns his back on her. She stood there glaring at me for a second before she turned and stomped away.

"Do you actually have a twin?" I ask amused. I was still slightly shocked by his ability to render Carmen speechless but decided not to comment on it.

"Yeah, his name is Manny."

"Are you guys identical?"

"Yeah, but I'm ten times hotter than he is. Do me a favor and call his nerd boy then when you see him."

"Sure thing. I kinda owe you for the Mrs. Monster thing."

"Sweet. Me and you are going to get along great, Leah. I can already see it." He smiles.

I take a moment to look at him. His hair was a mess of curls almost like mine. He had thick eye brows and eyelashes that were long enough to brush his cheeks when he blinked. His almond shaped eyes were pitch black in color. His light brown skin was dusted with freckles.

"What are you?" I ask.

"Uh, human the last time I checked." He laughs.

"No! I meant what race are you?"

"I'm… a lot of things. My grandmother is from El Salvador, but my mom was born here in the states. My Dad is mixed. He's mostly African American, though there's a bit of Pomo in there too."

"Pomo?"

"Yes. There were a Native American tribe living in the California region before the settlers took it. In any case, what about you?"

"Uh, my mother is El Salvadorian, like your grandmother. She moved her with my Abuela when she was old enough to start school. It's possible that our families might know each other. Not likely but they could. My dad is from the U.S. I'm pretty sure he's just Caucasian, but you never know." I tell him. He was just about to answer when Mrs. Monster started talking.

"Why are you tardy, young man?"

"Huh? I…I was lost? I know that sounds lame, since my brother obviously made it here on time, but he kinda bailed on me." The guy standing in front of her desk answered.

"You are excused, this time. Have a seat, Mr. Garcia."

When the guy turns around he is the spitting image of Michael. They are even dressed in similar cloths. Tee shirts, baggy jeans, and combat boots. He quickly picks out Michael and makes his way to the back. He collapses in the desk next to me and sighs.

"Manny! Where ya been buddy?" Michael quipped.

"You're kidding me right. First you left me to park your car. Then you didn't wait for me in our spot. I was completely lost you tool." He answered glaring at his brother. His face was becoming an alarming shade of red.

"Sorry man. Something came up." Michael shrugged before winking at me. I could tell that Manny was about to say something that I would make him regret so I jumped in.

"Watch it nerd boy. I'd hate to have to hurt you on your first day. You don't know where the nurse's office is yet." I deadpan. His eyes jump from me to his brother before he smiles.

"You suck!" he says as Michael laughs at him. "Hey, names Manny. Who might you be?" He asks holding out a hand.

"I'm Celia. Nice to meet you." I say placing my hand in his. He bends his head and places a kiss on my knuckles.

"Likewise beautiful lady. " I gape at him for a long moment before I pull my hand away. I can feel my face growing warmer by the moment. I glance away from him when he chuckles.

"What?"

"You're blushing."

"So?"

"You are either flattered or embarrassed. I can't tell which."

"The latter?"

"Why?"

"People…people don't generally speak to me, let alone show me affection. I'm just not use to it."

"We can fix that." The twins say at the same time. I laugh and shake my head. I looked at each of them and felt my smile falling. They really did look a lot alike. It made me wonder why me and Carmen are so different.

"Do you always think out loud?" Danny asks.

"No. I never do." I answer.

"You just did." They say together again.

"Why does it bother you to be different?" Michael asks.

"It doesn't really. It's just… hard to be so different from her. She's supposed to be the one person in the world I can always count on and yet I can't. The only time we talk is for her to berate me or to tell me how much she wishes we weren't related. I can take it all in stride but it still hurts ya know? She wasn't always like that, but I guess high school can change a girl, and not always for the better."

"That does suck. But I happen to think you are an awesome person. In the small amount of time that I've known you, you've kept me on my toes. Her loss, my gain." Michael says just as the bell rings. He and Manny both stand to leave.

"Going somewhere?" I giggle.

"Uh, don't we have statistics?" Manny asks.

"Did you even bother to look at the teachers names on your schedule?" I counter. Michael pulls out his schedule and they both look at it. The groan collectively and collapse back into their seats. "Welcome to AP Statistics; Courteous of Mrs. Monster herself. "

2: Charpter Two

Class had been under way from about 30 minutes when a neatly folded piece of paper lands on my desk. I look around and lock eyes with Manny. I roll my eyes and open the paper.

-Is this class always this boring?

I stifle a laugh and quickly reply.

-Always. We only have ten minutes left. She'll hand out homework soon and send us on our way.

I quickly make sure that Mrs. Monster is still writing on the board before I toss the paper back and attempt to pay attention. Suddenly the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Beads of sweat form on my forehead and my eyes began to water.

I am standing on the outside of Alpaugh, near the water tower. Standing at its base, was a group of men. I watched intently, listening to their conversation.

"We have to get to them before the shifters. If we can convince just one of them to join us, the others will have no choice but to follow." The taller of the two men said. I noticed that they were both dressed in ash grey suits, polished black shoes, and boiler hats.

"What makes you think that they will follow?" the other asked.

"They are sisters. They won't fight against each other!"

"How can you be so sure? Even divided they will be strong. The oldest girl has the abilities of all the younger girls. We cannot risk having them divided. It is all or nothing William. Get those girls to join our ranks, or it will be your head that repays your dept."

Could they be talking about me, us? Who were they and what were they doing in Alpaugh?

"I won't let you down sir."

I gasp and shake my head in an attempt to clear it. I used my telepathy to check on each of my sisters and sigh in relief. Carmen shoots me a curios look before turning back toward the board. I flinch when I feel something hit my hands. I look down to see that Manny had flicked the note back.

-Are you okay? You looked freaked for a second there.

I shoot him a glance and smile.

-I'm fine. Just got a bit of a chill.

I quickly pass the note back and try to relax. Just as my nerves were calming it begins again.

This time I am near the park. There are three black SUV's parked in the lot, near an RV. A bunch of people are rushing back and forth between the vehicles, preparing for something. I stand behind a tree, hiding myself from their view, even though they can't see me.

"You start searching. My guess is they'll be at school, but just in case, someone go to the house. I want a guard on those girls at all times, am I clear?" Someone ordered. He was a boy; no a young man. He had to be at least my age, if not a bit older. He has shoulder wavy, shoulder length black hair was blowing softly in the wind. His emerald green eyes are piercing as he continues to yell out orders.

"Ky!" I heard a familiar face call. I turn to see Michael walking toward the mystery man. "Manny and I will take the school."

"Are you sure, Michael? I understand that you wish to protect her, but perhaps we should send one of the more experienced fighters to protect the girls." He replies.

"I can… we can protect them. She will be my responsibility soon, and I want to be the first to meet her. I can't wait to see her, to finally meet her in person. Please don't deny me this brother!" Michael begged. Who was he talking about?

"She knows about you? The arrangement?" was the shocked reply.

"Yes! Lady Garcia assured me that she would accept her place with me willingly."

"If you are sure…then go. Retrieve Michael and have Rein to change the names on the schedules. Hurry, you shouldn't be late." the guy ordered. Michael smiles before he took off running toward one of the trucks. Could they be looking for me and my sisters too? What was happening?

"What is going on?" I though aloud. I gasp and jumped behind the tree when the guy's eyes snap in my direction. He looks directly into my eyes and frowns. I turn to run…

I am once again back in class. I glance around before I gather my things and stand up. I stopped when a hand landed on my wrist. I look up to see Michael staring at me. I quickly snatch my hand away.

"Are you alright?" he whispers.

"Yes, but I have to go." I tell him as I walk toward the door.

"Mrs. Vasquez, class isn't over yet! Have a seat!" Mrs. Monster bark at me.

"Celia!" I hear Carmen call after me. I turn to nod at her. Her eyes bug out and she quickly gathers her things before following me out of the room. "What is it?" she asks as soon as the door closes behind us.

"I don't know. I just had two visions. One was of some weird guys in suits and the other involved… somebody is looking for us, and I need to find out why. Just go get Josie and meet me at my locker in five minutes. I'll grab Anna." I say.

"Wait, shouldn't we call mom and dad?"

"We will, once I know the girls are safe. We have time."

"Okay, but you better be right." She huffs before she takes off to get Josie.

I roll my eyes before heading to Anna's first period class. When I reach the door, I knock before I barge in.

"Hi, sorry Miss Fancy…"

"It's France!" She interrupts.

"Yeah, sure thing, but I need to borrow Anna. Family emergency!" I say looking for Anna. She catches my eye and quickly stands up. I motion for her to go faster and she rolls her eyes at me. As soon as she's close enough, I grab her and pull her out the door. I slam the door and drag her down the hallways.

"Hey! What is your problem?" she yells yanking out of my grip.

"Something's up. We gotta get home and figure out what it is." I sigh, trying to grab her again.

"Well why didn't you just say so? " She demands, dodging me.

"I said family emergency! If that won't get you in high gear what will?" She just shrugs. "Just come on!" I say taking off down the hallway to my locker.

"You're late!" Carmen calls when we came into view.

"That's kind of my fault." Anna said sheepishly.

"Don't take the blame or her Anna. She barks orders, and tried to tell us all what to do, and she can't even meet her own timetable. How is she fit to be any bodies leader?" she rants as she glares at me.

"Now is not the time for this. If Anna said it's her fault than it's her fault." Josie says.

"Way to run interference. " I mutter.

"Look! She can't even be grateful when you're trying to stand up for her." Carmen snaps. I push her up against the locker and snap right back.

"I don't know what your problem is, or why you chose today to turn your bitch meter up to 100%, but calm down! You've got an attitude problem that I would gladly help you adjust, but we don't have time right now. Somebody is out there looking for us, trying to split us apart, so now isn't the time for you to decide you wanna play leader. When all of this is over, I will gladly kick your scrawny arse, but for now shut up and go get in the car." I step away and she storms down the hallway. I sigh and look at my little sisters.

"I love how you said arse instead of…"

"Don't!" I cut Josie of with a glare.

"Fine, but I'm proud of you." She giggles.

"And why is that?"

"You finally stood up to Carmen!" she laughs. I look form her to Anna who is also laughing.

"She's right you know. You let Carmen treat you like a foot stool. You're a great leader, and a great sister. You would never let anything happen to any of us." Anna says. I smile and give her hand a quick squeeze. "I say next time, you full out attack her. I'll heal her afterward!"

"Hey I second that!" Josie says. I laugh and push them both away from my locker. I quickly open it and grab my keys. I kick it shut and motion for them to move down the hallway.

"Let's go." I say.

We walk quickly down toward the front of the school but stop when we reach the end of the hall and see Carmen peeking around the corner. I motion for them to stay put and walk up behind her.

"What is it?" I ask. She jumps and turns toward me.

"I don't know. I was waiting for Principal Bray to go back in to his office when this guy came up. I've never seen him before, but he makes me nervous. I can't even get a read on him." She told me. I can tell that she is worried from the look on her face.

"Mind if I try?" I ask softly. She nods and quickly switches places with me. "Keep an eye on the girls."

I quickly peek around the corner and my eyes to a quick sweep over his profile. I stifle a gasp and flatten myself against the wall. It was the tall man from my vision. What was he doing here? I reach out with my telepathy, and get a block signal. I look at Carmen and motion for her to go back.

"Did you get anything?" she asks as we make our way to the others.

"Yes, a signal block. That means he knows that we have our abilities. He's the one from the first vision. He said he had to reach us before the shifters. The other guy called him William." I tell her.

"You had a vision?" Josie asks shocked.

"No…I had two." I say leading them into the bathroom. I check all the stalls and then lock the door. "Call dad, put it on speaker phone." Carmen whips out her phone just as the bell rings. "Just great. Don't hang up, but let's move. This is our chance to get out unnoticed." I say. I grab Anna and pull her close to me and Carmen does the same with Josie. I unlock the door an and guide them out of the bathroom. I walk quickly toward the side exit, maneuvering through the crowd.

"I've got Dad!" Carmen says. I reach back for the phone and she quickly places it in my hand.

"Dad?"

"Celia, what's wrong?"

"I don't know. It could be nothing. I had two visions in class about two different groups looking for us. They both showed up at school today and one has a signal block. I didn't think to check the other one." I tell him.

"How many are there?"

"Just one guy from the first group, but the other sent two. The guy… he called them shifters. Does he mean shape shifters?"

"It's possible…what do they look like?"

"Like teenage boys. They have my entire schedule dad! They had to plan this. There group set up base at the park. In my vision he was taking orders from a guy about my age. I think he saw me…" I say pushing out of the exit door.

"What do you mean saw you? In the vision?"

"Yes. I talked and he looked right at me. It kind of freaked me out." I say. I quickly unlock my doors.

"Everything will be fine Leah. I'm sure it was just a coincidence that he looked in your direction. Just come home and we'll talk about it." He says soothingly.

"We're leaving now."

"Okay, just be safe Celia. Make sure you protect them."

"You know that I will, dad."

"Good. Be safe!"

"Of course." I say hanging up. I toss Carmen her phone before I walk around the car and get in.

"Everything okay?" she asks.

"Yeah. Buckle up!" I sigh before I start the car up and pull off.

3: Chapter Three

The short drive home was quiet and tense. I was constantly looking around to make sure that we were not being followed. When we reached the house I told my sisters to stay in the car while I got out and surveyed the area. When I didn't see anything out of the ordinary I motioned for them to get out of the car and quickly ushered them into the house. Just as I was shutting the door behind me, I saw a black SUV roll to a stop at the end of the street.

"Dad!" I yell as I dashed to the living room and closed all the drapes.

"What are you doing?" Anna asks.

"Quick! Close all the curtains!" I order as I run to the back of the house. I call for my dad again before ripping open the basement door. "Dad are you down here?" When I didn't get a reply I start to panic. "Carmen, call Dad when all those curtains."

"Celia, what is going on?" Josie asks me.

"I don't know! Where could he possibly have gone? I just talked to him 10 minutes ago." I say as I start to pace the length of the hall. I run through all the possibilities in my head.

"Leah, are you okay?" Anna asks. I stop pacing and look at her. I can tell that she is afraid but she is trying to keep it together.

"I'm fine. Let's go wait for dad in the living room." I say as I lead my little sisters back down the hall. Just as we reach the living room there's a knock at the front door. We all freeze and look at the door.

"Celia, I got dad!" Carmen says as she runs down the stairs. I shoot a glare her way and she freezes. "What?" she asks. I motion for her to be quiet and take a step towards the door. As I move I motion for Anna and Josie to go around me towards the stairs. I nod up and give Carmen a pointed look. She nods back and slowly walks back up the stairs. I look through the peep hole on the door and jump back when I realize who it is. It's the guy, the one who saw me in my vision. I try to remember what I had heard Michael call him. I shake my head and turn and run up the stairs. Carmen is waiting at the top with the phone.

"He's still on there." She says as she hands it to me.

"Dad?"

"Celia? What's wrong?"

"What's wrong? We got home and you weren't here! I kind of freaked."

"I'm sorry. You're mother got a flat on her way to work and needed some help. We're waiting for the car service now. It may be awhile.

"Dad…" I stop talking and look to see if my sisters are listening. I notice that Carmen is still standing at the top of the stairs with Josie next to her. Anna is hovering near the door. "Someone's at the door. One of the Shifter's must have followed us when we left school. I saw him park the SUV at the end of the block." I tell him quickly.

"Are you sure it's one of the shifters?"

"Yes, I looked through the peephole. I recognized him from my vision. I can't remember what I heard Michael call him, but he must be the leader. He's the one everybody was taking orders from."

"It may be okay to let him in, see what he wants. I'll your mother try and get in touch with your Abuela. She may know what's going on." Dad says.

"What do you mean let him in?" I ask completely shocked. "Dad, he could be dangerous!"

"Is he alone?"

"Yes..."

"Then he's no real danger. He'd have to take all four of you, a situation I'm sure he doesn't want on his hands." He sighs when I don't reply. "I trust you to be able to handle the situation Celia. This is a cake walk compared to some of the things that you've had to do."

"Alright. I'll let him in, get the answers I need, and put him out." I huff in annoyance.

"Atta girl! Just be safe." Dad laughs.

"Always." I mumble before I hang up. I notice that my sisters are still huddled at the top of the stairs. "What are you guys doing?"

"I told Josie to see if she could read his thoughts, figure out what he wants." Carmen whispers so she won't disturb Josie's concentration.

"Has she said anything?"

"Just that he's not by himself. She said there's another guy in the truck and that they have units posted and every corner on our block."

"Good work Josie, but you can ease up. I'm going to let him in." I tell her. She nods and opens her eyes.

"His mind is like a circus, to many things going on at once to grip onto anything. He's not knocking any more. He's just standing there, waiting." She says rubbing her temples.

"You did a great job. Now we know where his man are posted. I need you with me when I let him in. I'm going to try to get him to focus on one thing at a time. Once I do that see what you can get. That's only if you're feeling up to it. You've done a lot all ready. I can work this one alone." I say.

"I'm fine, just a headache. Nothing I haven't dealt with before." She says with a half-smile. "I could use a Tylenol right about now though."

"I've got something even better." I tell her as I motion Anna over. "Got anything for a headache?" I ask. She nods and then places her hands on Josie's temples. While she works I turn to Carmen. "It was good thinking getting her to gather info through him." I tell her.

"Thanks. I was thinking once he gets in, I should shield the house." She says.

"Good idea, but…"

"If he's in when the shield goes up he has free access to come and go as he pleases." She finishes. I take a moment to think before I nod.

"Do it anyways. He may have free access, but the rest of his men won't. If he's come here to stir up trouble he'll be doing it alone. Nobody else in or out unless you grant access, alright?" I tell her.

"Wait, are you sure? I mean shouldn't I ask…"

"No." I cut her off." I trust your judgment. We've played cops and robbers enough times for you to know the good guys from the bad." I tease. She actually laughs.

"Thanks. I think I'll manage to keep the robbers at bay while you do the important stuff." She deadpans.

"Your shield is the most important thing. It's keeping this family safe. Just…don't use fire."

"I won't!" she laughs. "I was actually gonna use that space allusion you taught me. You know the one when they are still hear, but that think they're somewhere else." She tells me. I'm surprised to know that she was actually listening to me.

"That's cool. Just the house and the yard though. I'd hate for some car driving down the street and crash because they thing they've enter the land of Dragon tails." I tell her. She just smiles and nods her head. "Remember to start pushing out from a place you are comfortable in or it won't work. I'll have Anna signal you when it's time." I tell her.

"Ok, after I've set it up, then what?"

"You and Anna join me and Josie." She nods again before walking toward her room.

"I'll be ready when you are." She says. When she makes it to her room I turn back to Josie and Anna.

"Better?" I ask Josie.

"Much!" she smiles. "So what's the plan?"

"You and Anna are with me first. When he crosses the threshold Anna leaves to signal Carmen to put up the shield."
"Wait! A shield with him inside?" Anna asks shocked.

"Yeah. It's our only option right now. We're running out of time. I need you with Carmen at all times. Something may go wrong and she may need your healing right away. Got it?" I ask. She smiles and solutes me. I smile before I turn to Josie. "You're on me the whole time. Don't push too hard, but let me know if you detect something off so I can read him myself. If it gets too much let me know and I'll take over completely. Got it?" She mimics Anna and the both laugh. "Alright then, let's do this."

I slowly make my way down the stairs with my little sisters on my wings. I pause when I reach the door and look at both of them. Sighing I finally open the door. The man looks up in surprise. He then glances down the street where his truck is parked.

Up close, his eyes were even greener. I could practically feel the heat off of his sun kissed skin and his hair was now pulled back in a ponytail.

"Can we help you with something?" I ask him.

"Huh? Oh uhm… I was actually looking for Young Miss Garcia. I knocked for quite some time and nobody answered. I have orders to speak with her and not leave until I do." He states looking between me and my sisters.

"Who the hell is Young Miss Garcia?" Anna mumbles. I shoot her a look and she mouths sorry.

"I'm afraid we don't know anyone by that name. Sorry." I say before moving to shut the door.

"Wait!" He calls and I drop my hand from the door. "You are the Vasquez sisters. We, The Brothers, have been assigned to guard and protect you. We were sent by Lady Garcia. We were sent by your Abuela." I stare at him in complete shock and take a step back.

"Come in." I say. He sighs in relief, looks over his shoulder, and then walks into the house. I gesture towards Anna and she takes off up the stairs. I lead our "guest" into the living room and motion for him to have a seat. "What's your name?"

"My name is Ky."

"Okay, Ky, my name is Celia and this is my sister Josephina. Do you mind if we ask you a few questions?" He shakes his head no.

"Good now, what is The Brothers?"

"You don't know?" He asks completely shocked.

"If I knew, I wouldn't be asking now would I?" I ask cocking an eyebrow. I sit on the couch across from him with Josie still on my side.

"We are a pack of shifters. We were born under the same curse as you and your sisters. All the boys in our village are born with the gene. Later your rank is determined by what animal you shift into."

"And what can you shift into?"

"A tiger." He says. I look at Josie for confirmation and she nods. I can feel my eyes growing.

'Great job dad. You convinced me to let some strange guy who can turn into a man eating tiger into our house. Good going!" I think to myself.

"So that would make your rank what?"

"I am an Alpha."

"How old are you Ky?" I ask, simply out of curiosity.

"I am 20."

"You're an Alpha and you're only 20?"

"Age is hardly a factor, but you see I am one of the oldest with the curse. It is natural that I am still young. Besides I am very capable of leading. I have never lost a man."

"No, you've never lost a boy!" I say sarcastically just as Carmen and Anna come down the stairs. Carmen takes a seat on my other side while Anna ops to stand behind the couch. "Allow me to finish the introductions. Ky, these are my other sisters Carmen and Anna Maria. Anna, Carmen, this is Ky."

"Hello. It is lovely to meet all of you. Your grandmother speak very highly of you amongst the tribe." He says with a slight bow of his head.

"That's funny. Our grandmother never speaks of you." Carmen remarks. I bite back a laugh and shoot her a look. "What? She doesn't!"

"That's enough. Back to the matter at hand. Are Michael and Manny members of The Brothers?" I ask.

"Michael and Manny?" he asks trying to look innocent. I look at Josie and she shakes her head.

"Look, I know that they are under your command so spare me alright. Michael and Manny. The two guys you sent to the school to spy on us just this morning. They knew who I was, but I had no clue who they were." I continue on when he doesn't answer. "I heard him call you brother. Are you his real brother or is it a figure of speech? I also heard him say that I would be his responsibility soon and that my Grandmother had assured him that I would accept my fate. What does all of this mean?" I demand to know. My voice is stern but I am begging him with my eyes to tell.

"Maybe this is something you should talk to Michael or your Grandmother about." He sighs.

"I am asking you. How do you know Michael and what does he want with me?" He sighs again before nodding his head.

"Michael is my brother only in the Pack sense. We are not at all related. I have no real siblings." He paused for a moments before shaking his head and continuing. "I do not know the whole story, only what your Abuela told me in order to carry out the mission. The tribe is a mix of a bunch of magical beings. There are us, who are under the curse, then there are those who obtain their magic other ways."

"What you mean like witches, like our grandmother?" Anna asks.

"Yes, all of us who are cursed, have a witch grandmother." He says.

"Well duh!" Josie says with an eye roll. I smile and motion for him to continue.

"Well our tribe is built on a natural source of magic, born of the earth. The witches harness that magic and use it and in exchange all they have to do is protect it. That's why they created the curse. We are born from the very magic in the land. By protecting us, they are fulfilling the duty of protection."

"Does this story have a point?" Carmen asks.

"Yes. Someone has been tampering with the source of that power. They are using the magic to find the biggest portions, where the most magic is. They are then going to that source and destroying it. We are not sure what happens to it or where it goes, all that we know is that it disappears."

"So what does this have to do with me and my sisters?" I ask.

"Celia, you are the most powerful of us all. No one under La Maldicion Abuelas is as powerful as you."

"Says who?" I laugh.

"Says the Magic. Your power alone is more than all of your sisters put together. Add their talents to yours and there is more magic in this one house than in our entire tribe back in Chile. We think that you are the next target."

"So what does Michael have to do with all of this?" I ask.

"As you will most likely be the next ruler, you were assigned a protector at birth. Michael is that protector."

"So he's been protecting me from Chile this whole time? Right." I say rolling my eyes.

"Well, no. He doesn't actually have to start his duties until you two are wed."

"Excuse me? Did you just say wed?" he nods. "As in married?" he nods again. "Says who?!"

"Your grandmother."

"What a load of horse…"

"Celia! Someone's trying to get through the shield!" Carmen yells.