Hollow's Sunrise

  Shifters of Starfall Creek

  Quell T. Fox & Ariel Dawn

  Copyright © 2021 by Quell T. Fox & Ariel Dawn

  All rights reserved.

  No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

  Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  1. Chapter 1

  2. Chapter 2

  3. Chapter 3

  4. Chapter 4

  5. Chapter 5

  6. Chapter 6

  7. Chapter 7

  8. Chapter 8

  9. Chapter 9

  10. Chapter 10

  11. Chapter 11

  12. Chapter 12

  13. Chapter 13

  14. Chapter 14

  15. Chapter 15

  16. Chapter 16

  17. Chapter 17

  18. Chapter 18

  19. Chapter 19

  20. Chapter 20

  21. Chapter 21

  22. Chapter 22

  23. Chapter 23

  24. Chapter 24

  25. Chapter 25

  26. Chapter 26

  27. Chapter 27

  28. Chapter 28

  29. Chapter 29

  30. Chapter 30

  31. Chapter 31

  32. Chapter 32

  33. Chapter 33

  34. Chapter 34

  35. Chapter 35

  36. Chapter 36

  37. Chapter 37

  38. Chapter 38

  39. Chapter 39

  40. Chapter 40

  41. Chapter 41

  42. Chapter 42

  43. Chapter 43

  44. Chapter 44

  45. Chapter 45

  46. Chapter 46

  47. Chapter 47

  48. Chapter 48

  49. Chapter 49

  50. Chapter 50

  51. Chapter 51

  52. Chapter 52

  53. Chapter 53

  54. Chapter 54

  55. Chapter 55

  56. Chapter 56

  Afterword

  Author Notes

  Also by Ariel

  Also by Quell

  About Ariel

  About Quell

  Chapter 1

  Reverie

  My feet hit the floor. Cold, as always. No matter what time of year it is, this damn wood floor is always cold. Winter, Summer, Spring, or Fall. Cold.

  I head to the bathroom and turn on the shower, waiting for it to get warm as I brush my teeth. My feet are more comfortable standing on the extra fluffy carpet in front of my sink that I recently purchased. It doesn’t look like it belongs in a bathroom, but the woman at the store assured me it did. I’m told I trust people a little too easily, but she looked like she knew what she was talking about.

  I’ve been trying to do small things to spruce up my house. It’s been the same for so long that everything is getting stale. Though, that’s basically how my life is anyway. I’d hoped by making these minor changes in my house—the place I spend most of my time—I’d be urged to make changes elsewhere.

  Like perhaps finding a real job.

  Working at the family store is a real job, son.

  I can hear my father’s words in the back of my head.

  I let out a sigh, staring at myself in the mirror and taking in my disheveled appearance. Shaggy brown hair and dark brown eyes are what I see. I always look like such a mess when I wake up. It’s no doubt women scramble out of here first thing in the morning. Not that it happens often or anything, but the few times it has…

  I pull my sleep shorts down, toss them into the hamper, and get in the shower. I wash quickly, using the homemade soap from my father’s store. It’s one of our best sellers. One of the perks of working at the store is getting things like this for free. Father always lets me take things that I need at home, no matter what. But some soap here, a new comb there, it all adds up. Which is why when I’m alone at the store, I pay for the items without him knowing. My parents still try to take care of me like I’m a child, and even though I haven’t completely spread my wings and left the nest, I’m getting there.

  After the shower, I get dressed, grab my keys, and head out the door. I don’t bother with breakfast, knowing I’ll have a bagel and coffee waiting for me at the store.

  Just like every morning.

  I walk the three blocks to Jacobs’ General Store, not even breaking a sweat. Even though summer is upon us, it hasn’t quite hit as hard as it normally does this time of year.

  “Morning, Dad!” I say cheerily as I enter the store, the bell ringing above the door, alerting him of my presence.

  “Morning, Rev. Got your breakfast on the counter,” he responds. I catch him restocking the coolers, something he knows I like to do, but he has trouble letting go of some of the things he’s always done. He isn’t getting any younger and things like stocking the cooler isn’t as easy as it once was. I don’t bother telling him that though, because I’d rather not sour his mood. He’s getting grumpier in his old age and any comment about him being incapable of something sets him off. Instead, I go right behind the counter, snatch up my bagel and coffee and park my butt in the seat that’s semi-hidden in the corner.

  “What’s the plan for the day?” I ask as my father makes his way over to me, pulling off the gloves we use when handling cold items. I pop the rest of the bagel into my mouth and wash it down with a nice, hot sip of coffee that’s already made how I like it—not too light and not too sweet.

  He leans up against the counter, shoving the gloves into his jeans pocket. “Well, I have to run over to Ash Ridge in about an hour. Your mother needs a new doodad for her sewing machine.”

  “And they couldn’t ship it to you?” I lean back in my chair, grinning.

  “Oh, come on, son. You know us old people like to do things the old-fashion way. Besides, I’ll be able to stop at that nice bakery while I’m there. I’ll bring back some donuts for us. Just don’t tell your mother.”

  I roll my eyes.

  He’s always sneaking sweets and keeping it from my mother, though we both know she knows. He couldn’t lie to her if his life depended on it. Plus, she has that weird mom intuition that’s basically like a psychic ability.

  “You gonna be okay here alone?” he asks.

  I give him a look. “I don’t know, might burn the place down trying to restock the chips.”

  “Wise guy,” he murmurs as he takes off into the back, probably to find more things to stock. I wish he would let me do it, but he never does. Instead, I basically man the counter and argue with him to let me do the heavy lifting. When it’s just me here, I try to get as much of it done as possible.

  Stubborn old man. I never wonder where I got that trait from.

  “Drive safe!” He waves me off, annoyed at anything I ever say to him regarding his health. Yes, even telling him to drive safe. The man does not like being told what to do.

  I step out from behind the counter to organize some of the shelves a bit as the bell above the door rings.

  “Reverie, good morning!” I turn towards the door, smiling at the patron.

  “Well, Mrs. Hursch, how are you this fine morning?”

  “Doing just fine, and yourself?”

  “Can’t complain.”

  “Say, do you have any more of that orange and ginger bar soap? You know, the one with the little pieces of orange peel in it.”

  I put down the package of cookies in my hand and head down the aisle, Mrs. Hursh following behind. I stop two aisles over, and point to the shelf. “We’ve got two left.”

  She gives me a shy look before taking both. “They’re devine, you know. Will there be more?”

  “I believe so. I’ll let my mother know and I’m sure she’ll get to it.” I smile politely, shoving my hands into my back pockets.

  “She’s such a talented woman, that one. I sure wish I could do half the things she does.”

  “I’m sure you’re plenty talented yourself. Is there anything else I can help you with today?”

  “I just need to grab myself a box of tissues, and I’ll be all set.”

  I nod and walk over to the counter, preparing to ring her up.

  A few short minutes later, I’m alone in the store again. It’s usually quiet on Tuesday mornings, so I’m not surprised. I get back to checking the aisles, to see what needs to be stocked and ordered.

  When the bell rings again, I turn towards the door. “Ranger! Haven’t seen you in a while.”

  Ranger is someone I’d consider a friend. He lives out of town, like one of those guys who lives off the land or something. Ranger comes in every so often to get supplies for himself and some of the neighbors. He’s stayed late in town a few times and we’ve enjoyed a few beers at the bar down the road. We’ve known each other for some years now. He’s a good guy. “Didn’t know you’d be here today, I didn’t get anything ready for you. You usually call first.”

  “Last minute trip.” He comes over, giving me a hug and a manly slap on the back. “How’ve you been?”

  I shrug. “Same old shit, different day. You know how it goes.” He smiles brightly at me. “Should I get your usual order together?” “Not yet. I’m going to do some browsing first. One of the ladies wanted me to scope out a few extra things for her. I’ll let you
know when I’m ready.”

  He wanders further into the store. It isn’t too big that we can’t see anyone, but it’s big enough. The store has grown over the years and we’ve always made a decent living off of it. We have a small stock of a lot of things since we’re not too close to any big cities. The townsfolk rely on us to have everything they need. Toiletries, food, produce, clothing—though we don’t carry a big variety. Just a few necessities one may need to hold them off until they can make a trip to the city that’s about forty minutes away.

  I finish up organizing this shelf and head to the back in search of boxes. When Ranger stops in he grabs a lot of stuff, usually loading up his truck. We always save the big, sturdy boxes for him. When the bell above the door rings again, I pop my head out and see a man I don’t recognize.

  “Afternoon,” I greet, giving him a wave.

  He smiles and waves back. I stick by the door, keeping an eye on him, but still gather boxes for Ranger at the same time. Heated words and shouting erupt only a moment later and I pop my head back out. The man who just walked into the store is head to head with Ranger. They’re standing at the furthest corner from me, mostly hidden by the aisles but I can see the emotion on their faces. Both of them flushed and their eyebrows furrowed. I’ve never seen Ranger angry before. He’s the kind of guy that is always happy and laughing, so this is concerning.

  They’re about the same height and the same build, both much bigger than me. I consider calling the sheriff, but wonder if I should try to break them up first. I step out of the back room as the shouting continues, deciding I should at least ask them to take it outside. I only make it a few steps before a deep growl leaves Ranger, one that sends chills through my body. I freeze in my spot.

  I didn’t think a human could make a sound like that. Guttural and primal, like a wild animal.

  The stranger swings a fist at Ranger so quickly that he isn’t able to block it, and it gets him right in the jaw. Well, I can tell by the look on Ranger’s face he isn’t happy about that. And that deep growl leaves him again, only this time his eyes start to glow a bright shade of amber. I blink a few times, wondering if I’m seeing things. But they’re still glowing. Sharp snaps sound and Ranger looks as if he’s starting to convulse, his whole body starts to shake. He bends forward, and his bones start to shift under his skin, looking as if an animal is trapped inside, trying to get loose. They still tussle as this is happening, and make it to the end of the aisle I’m standing at, so I get a full view of what’s going on, too terrified to move. Copper colored fur grows all over his skin as he falls down to four legs. The other man takes a few steps back and the same thing begins to happen to him, only the fur is a lighter gray and he turns a lot faster than Ranger did.

  What the hell am I seeing right now?

  This can’t be happening. I must be dreaming.

  I look down at my hands, turning them over, for some reason thinking this will tell me whether I am sleeping or not.

  It doesn’t.

  The growling gets louder and my eyes shoot back in their direction. My hands are trembling, my heart is thumping harshly, but I can’t look away from the scene in front of me.

  The copper colored animal, who I guess is Ranger, lunges at the other, sinking his teeth into the other’s neck before pulling away with a mouth full of flesh and fur. Blood spills on the ground. The light gray one snaps his teeth back, but misses. What happens next is almost too fast for me to follow. Teeth gnashing at one another, paws scraping against skin. Fur is literally flying. The sounds leaving those two beasts are something I’ll hear in my nightmares for years to come.

  A choked sound comes from my throat as I take a step back and hit the wall behind me. Both of their heads snap in my direction and if I hadn't just gone to the bathroom a short while ago, I’m sure I’d have just wet my pants. The light gray one heads in my direction, head low, ears back, while the other chases after him, jaws snapping at his hind legs but the light one growls and gets out of his grip. I take a few steps into the back room and slam the door shut, my fingers trembling as I fumble with the lock, finally getting it to snap in place after the third try. Scraping sounds at the door before more growling and then some yelping, and I jump back another step. A moment later the bell on the door is sounding again and I fear someone is walking into this mess.

  Someone who could get hurt, maybe even killed.

  “Rev.” It’s Ranger and he sounds... terrified. “Rev, I know what you just saw probably looks crazy, but we really need to talk, man.”

  I don’t say anything, my heart is pounding so hard I fear I may pass out. I run my hands through my hair, trying to control my breathing. This can’t be real, this can’t be real. I repeat the words over and over in my head. Hoping that saying them will make it true. I move towards the door, considering letting him in, but decide against it.

  “Look, if you don’t open the door so we can talk I’ll have to do something I don’t want to do.”

  “Just go away, I didn’t see anything.” I stare at the handle. Should I open it? I’ve known Ranger for so long...

  “We both know that isn’t true. I’m not going to hurt you. You know me, man. But Donevan, he’s not so nice. You need to trust me on this.”

  Trust him? I thought this man was my friend. I’ve known him for years and he’s… what? A goddamn wolf? Like a werewolf? A fucking shapeshifter? I mean, what the hell just happened?

  I start to panic, my breathing picking up and my fingers start to tingle. I turn and slide my back down the wall, hugging my knees to my chest.

  This just can’t be happening.

  Chapter 2

  Jade

  I lean against the wall with my eyes closed.

  How much longer are they going to deliberate this? After all, my dad, Maverick Hollow, has more important things to tend to. Like announcing his successor.

  I try my hardest to listen in through the walls, but the recent upgrades make it hard to hear any conversation.

  Ranger was always going on about how technology could be a benefit to the Starfall Creek community, and in my dad’s current stage of life, he was less inclined to question the technical aspects and pretty much just granted Ranger the access to make the changes.

  Anything to keep our security from the outside in top condition.

  To keep us separated from them.

  Humans.

  I tap my fingernails against the wooden panels if only to keep myself from stalking up and down the halls again.

  Truth be told, I should be in there, with the alpha and the surrounding packs. Being the eldest child of the Hollows Pack meant I was to be the next alpha’s mate—the alpha female of the future Hollows. One day I’ll need to be just as well informed as my future mate, well versed in pack politics and basic community operations, and being the eldest child meant I should have been able to get in anywhere. Yet here I stood, on the other side of the door while the men discussed the important things.

  Fucking geezers.

  The lock on the door clicks, pulling me from my thoughts, and I jump at the sound.

  “Jade, honey, I didn’t see you there.” Dad smiles that sweet, heart-wrenching grin, and I immediately know something is up. He only uses that smile when he wants to sugarcoat things, or when he wants me to agree to something he knows I won’t like.

  The alphas of the surrounding packs pour out into the spacious hallway of the Starfall Creek Community Office, one by one. I am surprised, however, to see a few younger faces as well—including Dustin Blackridge, of the Blackridge Pack.

  The Blackridge Pack is the second oldest pack in Starfall Creek and the Hollow Pack’s biggest rival. They’d forged Starfall Creek together in those founding days when the shifters had been forced to seek shelter from the humans who hunted them. Yet somewhere along the lines, the packs had gotten larger, and more territorial. The treaty was drafted by their ancestors, and it clearly stated that the Council of Elders would elect the alphas of Starfall Creek.

  It wasn’t my fault the council elected members from my pack. The Hollows are strong, cunning, and the majority of the packs knew challenging us would end in death.

  But Blackridge never seemed to get the memo.

  I nod at Dustin, who usually was quite social but now he seems to look everywhere but in my direction.