Chapter 1: Tyron

‘ What the hell am I going to do now?’ thought sixteen year old Tyron.  He had been running through streets and ally ways and now he was trapped in a dead end.  ‘Funny, I’m at a “dead end”’ he mused.  A ten-foot, brick wall behind him and about six ruthless vampires in front of him surrounding him.1

‘Nowhere to run now you dirty animal?” shouted the leader, a young man with black hair.  Like all vampires he also had black eyes and emitted a strong aura.  “So, how does it feel?  Ever been cornered before kitty?” the vamp inquired.2

The need to change stirred beneath Tyron’s skin.  It called to his wild, untamed soul, begging for release.  With effort he ignored the call. To change now meant all the vamps would attack, no matter their leader’s instructions.  Instead he focused on the wall behind him, never turning from his attackers.  Searching the wall with his mind for handholds.  Tyron’s mind was exceptionally strong, due to the sixth sense his feline form contained.3

“OK, boys who wants to teach this kitty a lesson?” the leader addressed his gang. “Or maybe we should just attack him as one.  How about a vote? All in favor of attacking one by one raise your claws.”  After counting the leader turned back to Tyron.  “All right kitty, it looks as though it’s just you and me, one on one.” The leader laughed staring into Tyron’s eyes.4

Tyron just stared back with his shockingly violet eyes.  Not saying a word he began to change.  His brown hair turning white and sneaking down beneath his T-shirt; covering his back with silky fur.  His eyes shifted to yellow as his nails extended to sharp, black claws.  His hands transformed into paws with thick protective pads.5

One of the vamps stepped back as Tyron fell to all fours and his teeth extended to long, razor sharp canines.  Tyron gave a laugh, that came out a growl, at the surprised look on the vamps faces; Normally shape-shifters shifted in private, so not to alarm anyone.  ‘But why not alarm them? It might give me a chance.’  Tyron thought to himself with amusement.6

The lead vamp took a step back as he watched Tyron shift from man to beast. He stared with wonder and fear, not wanting to believe what he was seeing.  ‘Do I really want to hunt something that can do that?’ he asked himself.  He looked back over his gang.  What he saw scared him.  His gang looked scared and were looking at him with panic and fear in their black orbs.7

“OK, gang,” he said talking control of his emotions, “this little kitty wants to play.  So, let’s play.  I said I’d take him first.”  He turned his attention back to Tyron.  “So kitty, thinking of showing off your skills?  Can you only shift? Can’t you fight?  Or does that give you a stomach ache?”8

Tyron scoffed at the masculine banter the vamp was trying for.  Instead of listening to the vamp make a fool of himself he turned his attention back to the wall behind him.  He could sense a few loose bricks that were sticking out.  The vamp was slowly advancing on him.  Tyron turned around and gathered his legs beneath himself, preparing to spring.  As his muscles bunched beneath him Tyron leapt at the wall, his claws scraping on the brick.  He scrambled up the wall, balancing on the top and looking down at the vamps.  Tyron saw the look of surprise, awe, and fear in all the black orbs below him.  He had to have the final word.  ‘Well might as well complete my image.’ He thought, roaring into the night sky.  Two of the vamps turned tail and ran.  Tyron chuckled to himself and leapt off the wall into the ally beyond.9