Shadow of the forest E-Book

Tanja Hilmer

• Herausgeber: novum publishing
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 207

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

"There is much in this world that we do not know and do not know. Hidden creatures that live among humans. Not aliens, but beings that have been in the world for longer than humans can even imagine. Of course, there are also black sheep and base motives - just like with humans. After all, they are half human. Charming John explains their new world to orphan Katie, while her old world seems to be falling apart at the seams, and not just in hormonal terms ... A fantasy novel to melt away, to smile and dream, between hope and fear, trembling and hesitation, with tears of fear and tears of joy - and a completely uncertain outcome.

Leseprobe

Dedication

For my husband Harald,

who has always guided me in all my

projects and dreams.

I love you.

Katie

It was a day like any other. The alarm clock rang at 7 a.m. and I struggled to get out of bed. Lark or owl? Definitely owl. Once I was dressed and ready to go, I grabbed my keys, handbag and coffee to go and left my small apartment for work. It was nothing special and I didn't have any great passion for my job. It simply served to finance my life. Being a receptionist in a law firm wasn't a bad job, but let's be honest. Being beautiful and always smiling can be exhausting. I had to invest a lot of my salary in my wardrobe, which I would never wear in my private life. You'd think I was straight out of Suits in my sheath dress and high heels plus designer handbag. I see it as my daily work clothes. Work clothes that are too expensive.

I'm sure my parents would be proud of me. Especially my mother. I carry her designer handbag. One of the few things I've kept and consciously kept. I was just 25 years old and still in the self-discovery phase as far as my future was concerned. I was still living with my parents and was bouncing from internship to internship because I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. Yes, I actually wanted to become a blogger. But it's not a recognized profession and doesn't immediately generate enough income to live on.

And my parents were tearing their hair out. My mom was a well-known businesswoman here in Vancouver in the interior design industry and my dad was CEO of a large advertising agency. Both very successful, both absolute workhorses. But also pleasure-seekers who liked to live well. A nice home, fancy cars, expensive trips. In other words, they spent their hard-earned money with their hands full. Even for me. So I wasn't really under pressure to plan for the future. I lived for the day, tried this and that and hoped that one day the muse would kiss me and I would know exactly where I was going. I also wanted to fall in love with the man of my dreams and blog or write mega-successfully.

My favorite thing to do was go for a drive in my dad's little convertible, in flapping hippie clothes, and let the sun shine on my face. My clique were all sons and daughters from good families who also enjoyed life at their parents' expense. And every day we reaffirmed to ourselves that we were doing the right thing. Parties, shopping, sleeping in and occasionally thinking about what was to come in life. I thought I was happy, I thought it would go on forever, I thought nothing could happen to me. Until the one day that turned my whole life upside down. My perfect world shattered into a thousand pieces in a matter of seconds. It was an icy winter evening and my parents had been invited to a charity event. I was home alone and had just made myself some fresh popcorn when the doorbell rang.

Since I wasn't expecting anyone, I thought of delivering any order from me or my mom. Online shopping was our shared hobby. I opened the door and came face to face with two police officers. "Miss Katie Fuller?" "Yes sir, that's me." "May we come in please? We have something to tell you. You'd better sit down." At that moment, my heart dropped, I felt sick and dizzy at the same time, and I braced myself against the doorframe. The officers helped me into the house, placed me on the sofa and I heard their explanation as if through a smokescreen. "Miss, your parents had a traffic accident on the way to the charity event in the city. A truck driver missed the red light and hit your parents. Unfortunately, all help came too late. Our condolences for your loss."

I experienced the next few days and weeks as if in a trance. A lot of condolences and flowers arrived, some offered their help, but I cut myself off completely from the outside world. My life was in ruins and I was alone and on my own. It was just the three of us. No grandparents, no aunts, no uncles or siblings. And now I was alone. My so-called 'friends' couldn't cope with the negative situation and my mood and moodiness and they also withdrew more and more from me. I no longer fit into the superficial happy hour world and there was no way back. So now, at the age of 25, I really and truly had to grow up, and I had to do it now.

At the beginning, I tried to find a will to find out how my parents had imagined their funeral. We had never really talked about it. Why should we? The thought of losing my parents so soon seemed absurd to me. I holed myself up in my dad's office and went through all the documents I could find. From bank documents to insurance policies to the will.

It only briefly stated that I would receive everything that was still there at the time and that they didn't care where and how they were buried. So I tried to organize a funeral that I thought was worthy of my parents.

It was a sunny day and the cemetery was quiet as usual. I had had both of them buried in an urn and had organized a burial site in a beautiful old cemetery wall. There was only a small group of mourners from my parents' professional environment. My parents were loners and had only been married to themselves and their profession. So there were no friends or acquaintances, just colleagues. Kind of sad - but reality and now my reality too. None of my so-called "friends" were around anymore. I was completely alone and on my own. I used to have my mom and dad. Yes, in the past. As I didn't like a subsequent funeral service with people I didn't know, I was alone at home after the funeral. With myself, my grief and my pain. I numbed myself with a bottle of Martini, looked at old photos of the three of us and sank into self-pity from head to toe. At some point, I must have fallen asleep on the sofa.

The ringing of the doorbell in the morning woke me from my comatose sleep, which I owed to the martini. When I opened the door, a rather unappealing middle-aged man in a black suit stood in front of me. And again, the sentence began with: "... Miss Kathie Fuller?" I wasn't expecting anything good. "Yes, please?" "I'm from the Bank of Vancouver and I'd like to hand over the writ of execution to you personally." "What writ of execution, please? What exactly are you talking about?" "Your parents speculated a lot with their money and were always happy to live a little beyond their means. The last transaction didn't go as planned. And now that no salaries or other payments are being made, the house and its contents, which served as collateral, are being transferred to the bank. You have 14 days to either pay off the debt or vacate the house. The bailiff will help you decide what you can take with you and what has to stay here as security for the bank." My eyes went black again and I felt dizzy. It literally pulled the rug out from under my feet. Now I was going to lose my home and everything that belonged to it.

As it turned out, my parents had gambled away 2,000,000 Canadian dollars. They had put the house and its contents up as collateral and now everything was gone. Even the cars were only leased and were picked up in the next few days. Two weeks and I would need a new home. Without a job. Great conditions.

I scoured the real estate section of the newspaper. Even a small, really small apartment in Vancouver was about 1000 CAD rent. Not to mention the deposit, cost of living, etc. And no job, no apartment, no apartment, no job. It was a vicious circle.

I had no choice but to go door-to-door at the companies I knew from my parents. I wrote my very short CV, copied it about 50 times and set off in person. No matter where I went, I was pitied because of the death of my parents, but my request was always rejected with the words: no training, no professional experience, too young and so on. I was lucky with copy 47. One of my father's business partners felt so sorry for me that he offered me a job at reception. He said that my school education and social skills should be enough for that. It was Mr. John Newman. I never had any personal dealings with him. All conversations, as described above, were always conducted with the HR department. The man seemed to be very busy.

Well, point no. 1, a job with a salary, was done. Point no. 2 was an apartment. The first thing I did was sell my mom's jewelry and expensive designer pieces to have the deposit and some money for the most necessary furnishings. (At least I had been allowed to keep these things.) As we were the same size, I kept some of her sheath dresses, high heels and the aforementioned designer bag from Prada for my new job. And my dad's Rolex. It had been his treasure and pride and joy.

My new home was in the middle of the city, not far from my workplace. A small apartment in the middle of Vancouver. I could walk to work. I no longer had a car. The bailiff calculated everything down to the last cent and I was left with a few pieces of furniture and household goods that I could take with me to set myself up. And so, after 25 years, I tearfully closed the door to my parents' house for the last time and left our former property for a new life in a rented minivan.

Five years later:

I'm sitting at reception. Still do. For five years. Not much has changed since the death of my parents and my involuntary start in life. Still the same job, still the same apartment, still alone. I've retreated into my own little world. I find it difficult to trust others after the disappointments of the past. I stay away from people as much as possible. Sure, there are certainly a few nice colleagues at work and I'm friendly at parties and even make a brief appearance. But outside of work, I prefer to be alone with myself. I read a lot, go for a run in the park and make myself comfortable at home. As soon as I take off my work uniform and slip into my jeans, sneakers and T-shirt, I'm a different person. Without make-up, my hair tied back in a ponytail, no one would recognize me from work if they met me by chance. That's fine by me.

It's a balmy summer evening as I walk my rounds in the park and the feeling of being followed becomes more and more intense. Not for the first time recently. But I see nothing and no one. I only hear a fluttering and feel a closeness that seems new and strange to me and scares me. I walk faster and am glad when I finally reach my apartment and put the key in the door lock. Am I slowly losing it? Is my hermit life turning me into a psycho?

In the shower, I try to wash away my negative thoughts and calm down inside. For days now, I've had the feeling that I'm being watched. I fall into a restless sleep this night and strange dreams creep into my head. Dark forests, wild animals like wolves, bears and eagles. It makes no sense at all and after a restless night, the ring of the alarm clock jolts me out of my confused dreams. I get up in a cold sweat. I have a strange feeling in my stomach. Nevertheless, I get ready as usual and make my way to work.

Just as I arrive at the company and take my place at reception, my phone rings. It's our CEO on the line. "Katie, please come to my office for a moment, thank you." "Yes, I'll be right there."

My head is spinning with thoughts. The last time we spoke was five years ago, when he gave me the job. And then everything actually went through the HR department; only a brief message of condolence on the death of my parents came from him personally. I actually only knew him from passing by the reception desk. And very rarely, as he seems to have really strange working hours. Business matters are dealt with by the receptionist and when it comes to my concerns, the HR department is responsible. I've never seen him at company parties and he comes before me and goes after me. This man practically lives in his office.

I switch my phone to the executive secretary after consulting her and set off. The receptionist is already waiting for me and signals that I'm expected. I follow her and she holds the door open for me with a smile. "Would you like a coffee or a glass of water?" "I'd love a glass of water, thank you."

The CEO's office consists largely of floor-to-ceiling windows with a view over Vancouver. A large, heavy marble table serves as a desk and a small sitting area to the left is surprisingly inviting for an office. I discover a small side door that opens onto a small bathroom and a wardrobe with several shirts and suits hanging on it. He really does live here. Apart from a single green palm tree and a bowl of nuts next to the PC, there are no decorations or other frills in this room.

"I'm glad you're here so quickly, Miss Fuller." I smile because I can't think of anything else to say. The last time I saw this man was five years ago and apparently I must have been so lost in my grief and anger then, because when I look directly at him now, it hits me like lightning in a thunderstorm. He is insanely attractive! He's about 1.85 meters tall, very muscular and has full, slightly wavy black hair that is perfectly styled. His green eyes shine like emeralds and send out little flashes. A very charming smile shows me flawless white teeth and makes my knees go weak.

"Um, yes, of course. What can I do for you, Mr. ..." I can't believe it, I can't remember my boss's name! How embarrassing! "Mr. Newman. Please sit down, Miss Fuller." He points to the seating area and I take a seat on the mini sofa. He sits down opposite me in the matching armchair. Everything here is in gray, white and black. Only now do I discover a mural opposite our seat that shows a dark forest with the moon shining brightly above it. I'm a little startled as this picture reminds me strongly of the strange dream I had last night. I quickly look away and straight into those magical green eyes. "What can I do for you, Mr. Newman?"

At that moment, the receptionist comes and brings me my water. I think her name is Miranda. She smiles at me first and I nod my thanks. The look she then gives Mr. Newman is not exactly what I would call professional, and I notice a kind of jealousy rising in me. For God's sake, calm down and concentrate! You're not a teenager anymore and you're not interested in men or anyone else. I prefer to be and stay alone. Because if you're alone, you can't be abandoned or disappointed.

"Miss Fuller, you've been working at our reception for five years now. And I've heard that there are only positive things to say about you and your work." "Ah yes, thank you, I'm glad to hear that." I can't even manage to formulate a clear, long sentence. Those green eyes ... as if they were looking straight into my soul. "Miss Fuller?" I am torn from my thoughts. "Yes, excuse me. Yes, I've been working here for five years and I really enjoy my job." "I'm glad to hear that again," he replies with a grin. What does he want from me? "Why did you want to see me, Mr. Newman?" "Well, let's get straight to the point. My receptionist, Mrs. Blend, is expecting a baby and wants to leave her job as soon as possible to be with her family. I need someone who is familiar with the company, knows her colleagues and can be trained quickly. As the reception desk is much easier to fill, I would like to offer you a promotion up here to the 65th floor in my outer office. You would have slightly longer and sometimes flexible working hours in the evening or at weekends, but of course a better salary, an expense account and a company car. Plus 14 months' salary and vacation pay as well as 35 days' vacation. What do you say to that?" He smiles at me triumphantly and his smile warms my heart and makes me feel sick to my stomach. I've never felt anything like that with anyone before. I feel as if I'm standing next to him and watching the scene from somewhere else.

"Oh, um, wow. I don't even know what to say now ..." "Yes, for example. That would be the perfect answer." Now he grins and winks at me, and if I wasn't already sitting down, I'd fall over. "Thank you very much for this incredibly good offer and thank you for your trust, but..." "I won't accept a 'but'. What do I have to put on top for you to say yes?" "For God's sake, I don't want to negotiate anything. It's a fantastic opportunity. But I don't know what to expect or exactly what kind of work is involved. I'm certainly not qualified enough to do the job justice."

I look down at the floor because I feel really small right now. I have nothing and I am nothing. Even the job at reception was lucky for someone like me without a degree or training. I had successfully spent my time being a daughter instead of trying to stand on my own two feet. So how am I supposed to manage such a position?

"Miss Fuller, rest assured that Mrs. Blend will train you well and instruct you precisely. Besides, I'm here too and you can always ask me if anything is unclear. I may be the boss here, but I'm not a monster! Take care: you sleep on it now and tomorrow I'll invite you to lunch and we'll talk about everything again." "Yes, good. That sounds good. That's what we'll do." I stand up abruptly, turn towards the door, leave the office at monkey speed and immediately close the door behind me. I can barely breathe. What the hell is wrong with me?

John

I had noticed her five years ago, with her dark hair, extremely bright blue eyes and shy smile. At the time, she was urgently looking for a job because she was practically penniless and on the street. Without any training, studies or experience. But I felt responsible for her. We stick together, the few of us there are. We know and recognize each other. I knew her parents. I'd even been to the golf course with her dad on business a few times. I knew that he had kept his little family very close and that his daughter grew up sheltered but quite isolated with them. He told me about their superficial friendships and that she was something special. Always attentive, but vulnerable and preferred to be alone. So he didn't push her out into the world, but gave her time to find herself.

If only this terrible accident hadn't happened! It happened before her parents could let her in on the family secret and show her who we are, how we live and what our rules are. She knew nothing about it. I read about this tragedy in the newspaper. Although I don't believe in the accident theory, I never followed up on the investigation. Probably out of fear of being drawn into some dubious machinations myself. I was prepared by my family, but I still live an inconspicuous life among normal people with a relatively normal daily routine. Much to the displeasure of my clan. But I'm a loner, just like them. I just thought I had to give her a hand. So I placed a job ad, sent her the newspaper and hoped she'd take it, as it said "no previous experience or training".

My plan worked out promptly and I received one application. Actually, about 100. Everyone wants to work in my company. No matter what. I own one of the largest construction companies, specializing in vacation rentals across Canada. I value my employees and pay and treat everyone well and fairly. Word has gotten around in the industry. But I wanted to help her. So I instructed HR to hire and train her immediately. Personally, I avoided her. I find it difficult to allow closeness, especially with people like me. Normal people yes, no problem. Of course, I'm well aware of my attractive appearance and my attraction to women, which I use skillfully to have fun. But nothing more than that. No dates, no relationships, no romance or feelings. Just sex. If you don't let anyone get close to you, nothing can happen to you. You won't be disappointed and you won't be left. That's it. Nevertheless, I felt like I had to help her back then, and I did. I certainly noticed her here and there when we ran into each other. But as she lives a very secluded life and was never present at company parties for long - just like me, and if she was, it was only for a short time - there were hardly any points of contact. In this respect, everything could have continued as it was and stayed the same if it wasn't for the clan - and my obligation to them.

Last week, another one of our families was wiped out in a freak accident. An emergency meeting was called as a result. We must become stronger again and fight back. Every one of us who has contact with a being of our kind has been instructed to intensify this relationship. That means producing offspring. Well, and not only do I now have the unpleasant task of reproducing, I also have to take on the task of explaining to Katie who she actually is. Along the lines of: "Hello, I'm John, a shape-shifter of a particularly rare species, and I'd like to have one to five children with you. And by the way, you're one too."

I came back from our clan meeting pretty pissed off. I don't want to get involved or produce offspring. But unfortunately I have no choice. My family is the alpha family and I can't shirk my responsibilities and shirk my duty. That would weaken us and everyone else and make us fair game for other shapeshifters. We belong to a particularly rare species. Normally, shapeshifters have an animal they turn into, be it a bear, a wolf or a panther. It doesn't matter what. And they keep to themselves in a pack or clan. We can take on four different forms: Wolf, eagle, panther and bear. This has the advantage for us that we are virtually invincible. We can face any fight and flee at any time. No other shapeshifter can be an eagle. We are therefore superior to every human and every other shapeshifter. Unfortunately, there is a kind of rivalry between the individual clans of the various shapeshifters. Everyone wants to be the strongest and most powerful clan. Similar to humans, the battle for power and prestige is also the order of the day here.

So I came back to Vancouver from my family home in the Rockies and now I had to think of a way to get Katie close to me so I could get closer to her. Fortunately, my front office lady is also one of us. So it was no problem to make her my confidante. She really is pregnant and has no problem with the forced time out; if necessary, I'll put her up somewhere else. It was even her idea to put Katie in this position, as otherwise it would be rather difficult to build a relationship with her. Personally, I have no qualms about winning her over; after all, I'm a master of the art of flirting and seduction. But how am I supposed to win her over and, above all, teach her everything she needs to know? And how am I supposed to explain her existence in the first place? Well, let's go step by step. First, I have to convince her to take the job, and then we'll see.