Raven by Suzy Turner Page A

which most people know about. It was a
world full of supernatural entities and people with superhuman
abilities. This was a world more like that of the fairy tales than
the one I'd become accustomed to. I had to be careful who I trusted
and I had to watch out for things I wouldn't normally have to look
out for...
    A
person's excessively beady and watchful eyes could indicate a
changeling – a human that could morph into any number of other
beings in the blink of an eye.
    A person
who avoided the sunlight with the palest of skin and a certain
redness to their eyes could be a vampire, eager to feed on the
blood of others.
    I might
notice someone with sharper looking teeth than usual – this could
potentially be a werewolf. Their teeth becoming fangs during the
change, and contrary to popular belief they couldn't just change
during a full moon, they could change at any time,
anywhere.
    These
were just some of the beings that I might be able to identify but
the most dangerous ones were those that I would have no idea who or
what they were. Like me, for example. Nobody would ever think that
I was capable of changing into an alternate being (neither did I,
for that matter, at that stage) so I had to be ultra careful around
everybody, at all times.
    Some of
these others could be everywhere and anywhere, including people
that could change into a variety of beasts. Gabriel mentioned some
of the animals that he knew about, but he was certain there are
more.
    Bears,
already known as one of the most dangerous animals in the world –
imagine one with the intelligence of a human and no way of knowing
who could change into one.
    Sharks –
provided I steered clear of the ocean I wouldn't have to worry
about these, as long as I took note of anyone who had an unusual
love of the ocean.
    What he
told me next really gave me the creeps. I've never liked the idea
of any form of reptiles so to hear that there were people out there
that could change into large slithering serpents, that just freaked
me out. Give me a bear any day.
    There
were also mountain goats, elk and coyotes in these parts
too.
    Gabriel
described how he had heard of a man who could change into a
crocodile, although he'd never seen it with his own eyes.
Apparently this man was originally from Africa, where crocodiles
are common. He told me that I should note that these beasts were
only the ones he had heard of in Canada and the United States –
there would undoubtedly be hundreds more across the world. And in
this day and age, with global travel at its peak, they could be
anywhere.
    I was
astonished that we were constantly surrounded by so much danger and
yet millions and millions of people had no idea. There were many
myths and legends in all corners of the world but to know that they
were probably true was shocking almost beyond belief.
    “ The
only way you can prepare yourself for any of these beasts, Lilly,
is to start doing a lot more reading. Not just the supernatural
stuff your father gave you, but you need to understand everything
you can about these deadly animals. What makes them tick. At least
then, in the unlikely event that you should ever come across any in
a dangerous situation, you'll at least have some semblance of
preparation on how to deal with them,” said Wyatt.
    I agreed
that knowledge was important. I also thought that I could learn a
lot from Ben, being a vet. I knew then that he would be an asset,
as well as a friend.
    As if
reading my mind again, Meredith mentioned that Ben was looking for
a trainee assistant. She was sure that he would be delighted if I
applied for the position. She said I could continue with school and
work with him at weekends and then take up the job when I'd
completed my studies in a few years. It sounded like a great plan.
Something to work towards. I liked the idea.
    The
others approved too. I would have a word with him later to see if
he would be interested, but I had to make it clear that I didn't
want to be a charity case,