by Devyn Dawson
“I may as well go with you,” I said. “Let me check on Sam before we go though. I don’t know what it is, but something is sitting in the pit of my stomach that doesn’t feel right. I don’t know if it is Sam or something else, but I feel trouble.”
We both jumped when we heard Estelle screaming at the top of her lungs. We ran into the kitchen to see Estelle pulling out a tray of pitch black, presumably, cookies. She was fussing in Spanish and I’m pretty sure I heard a few cuss words.
“You scared the crap out of us Estelle.” I scolded.
“Jew install all these restaurant appliances,” she said in her Columbian accent. “Do I look like I work in a restaurant? Dis is impossible.” Her arms started flailing around the more worked up she got. “It all make me look like I non’t know how to cook. I no like dis at all. You dink I scare jew? Look at these cookies!” She took off her hot pan mittens and threw them in the sink. “I’m going to watch my stories,” she said as she stormed out of the room.
Oakley and I turn and look at each other before we busted out laughing at the temper tantrum we just watched.
“I hear you!” she yelled from the other room. “Do somezing useful, like turn off dee oven.”
We held back out laughter until we got down in the dungeon and safely in the sound proof zone.
“That was one pissed off Columbian back there. She hates that oven Dolly had installed last month. She keeps telling everyone that will listen how it cooks too hot. Maybe we should call a service guy out to make sure it is working right.” Oakley said as we turned the corner and looked into Sam’s cage.
Sam was on the ground with her front legs in front of her and her chin rested on them. Her eyes were the only thing to move as she raised them up to look at us.
“Sam, I wish you’d talk to us.” I thought to her in pack. The only reaction I got was the same one over and over, a deep growl. This one was less fierce but we could tell she still wouldn’t talk to us.
“I know you’re mad Sam, but look, Abel and I didn’t do this to you. We want to help you and if you don’t shift back, you may never be able to do it. I need you to hold on, keep your humanity.” Oakley pleaded. He put his hands on the bars with his face between them, “Sam, it will be okay.”
“We’ll find Storm but we can’t without your help,” I said.
She stayed on the floor but barred her teeth and snarled at us.
“I don’t know Abe, she is slipping away. Soon we won’t have any options and she’ll be another missing person’s case that goes unsolved.” Oakley said as we walked back up the stairs.
I ran up the stairs when I heard my laptop ringing, letting me know someone was trying to Skype with me. “I bet that is Pru. She sent a text saying she was going to call.” I yelled out as I clicked the ‘accept’ button.
Chapter 13 Flight
“She gave him the mirror in his hand, and he saw therein the likeness of the most beautiful maiden on earth, and saw, too how the tears were rolling down her cheeks with grief.” The Crystal Ball ~ Grimm’s Household Tales
We were loading up the back of Oakley’s truck with our luggage when a Ford Escape SUV with Texas plates pulled up. We turn around to watch Parker the environmentally conscience werewolf, get out of the SUV. I saw Chrissy admiring him as he zipped up his army green jacket and position his scarf around his neck like he was modeling for some magazine. A twinge of jealousy rattled me; it was nothing I couldn’t control.
“Parker, dude, I’m glad to see you,” I said as I gave him the man hug. I knew Oakley wasn’t a huge fan of Parker, but the pack didn’t really know the extent he went to for the pack. He basically ostracized himself from the pack to do some undercover work for General Phelan.
“You’re lucky I was in Kansas, I packed up the Escape and drove straight here,” Parker said. “You want me to drive you guys to the airport?”
Oakley shook his head no as he told him it wouldn’t be necessary, Chrissy was giving us a ride. I watched as him and Parker talked about the O’Connell member being off the radar and Sam locked in the dungeon. I grabbed the laptop bags and set them behind the driver’s seat in the truck.
“I’d love nothing better than to drink a cup of coffee and chat about the pack, but we’ve got a plane to catch and Chrissy’s teeth are chattering,” I said. “Parker, call us the minute Sam shifts back to her human side. If you can get her to eat that would help too. It sickens me to think if she doesn’t shift back, we’ll have to destroy her. Of course we won’t have to worry about that if she starves herself to death.” I pulled Chrissy closer and wrapped my arms around her to give her some heat. I kissed her on the forehead and said, “Get in the truck; I’ll be there in a second.”
“I know. I want to spend every minute with you that I can.” Chrissy said through chattering teeth. Her whole body was shivering as she climbed into the truck.
“Trust me, that Sam girl is a spitfire,” Oakley said. “If anyone can deal with her, I’m sure you’re the wolf that can.”
Parker stroked his goatee with his ungloved hand; giving him the deep in thought look. Knowing him, he was. He put his other hand on my shoulder to talk to me privately. Oakley got in the truck with Chrissy and turned up his new Tears for Fears CD.
“I’ve got two more guys coming up from Texas to help out around here. I hope I didn’t overstep my boundaries or anything,” Parker said.
“No, I know you wouldn’t bring anyone here you didn’t trust. The General trusted you Parker, and that means I trust you. I know everyone still has questions about your secret missions but they are cool with you. Imogene will be especially glad to see you.” I thought to him and I busted out laughing.
“You wear the Great Wolf title well Abel, but you’re a terrible liar.”
Chapter 14. Need
“I feel so unhappy lest all should not be right.” The Almond Tree ~ Grimm’s Household Tales
PRU
I watched the two of them walk down the corridor of the airport, laughing about who-knows-what. Oakley had his leather jacket slung over his shoulder, and a dozen lavender roses in his other hand. Apparently they didn’t spot the two pack wolves as they walked past. What kind of werewolves are they if they can’t smell a pack member as they walk by. Gus was looking at me funny as we both stood there and let them keep going.
“Okay, that has never happened before,” I said. “I guess we better follow them or they may end up lost. Obviously they are jet lagged.” We walked as fast as we could without drawing attention to us, we turned the corner and Abel jumped out in front of me and saying ‘gotcha’. I slapped his arm, “you’re in for it Mr. Abel.” I turned around in time to feel Oakley wrap his arms around me, picking me up and hugging me tightly to him. He handed me the roses and I felt all tension fall from my shoulders and my heart skipped a beat. I breathe him in, taking in his essence, which is sexier and thought provoking than the best bottle of cologne.
“I can’t begin to tell you what I’m going to do to you the minute I have you alone,” Oakley whispers to me.
“I can hardly wait,” I whisper in reply. We held hands as we walked to baggage claim and talked the usual airport small talk.
The Rolls driver was standing outside the car chatting with yet another female driver. I could see his long black wool coat and leather gloves giving him some warmth; but his chauffeur hat didn’t look very warm to me. He held the door open as the four of us climbed into the car. It felt strange having Gus sitting directly across from me as he has been by my side every minute I’ve been in Paris. Oakley pulled me in closer and I rested my head on his chest. I watched as Abel’s head started to droop and eyes rolled around and just a dribble of spit appeared in the corner of his mouth.
“Stop drooling,” Oakley said as he nudged Abel’s foot.
Abel’s head darted up and he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “Sorry,” Abel said as his head started to flop over again.
“I guess he’s a little tired,” I said.
“I know my mom hasn’t; she’s been too busy with her chef and this vampire business.” I sighed heavily, “I think it would be good for all of us to run together, we need some wolf time. I’ve missed you too.” I lifted my mouth to his.
His mouth met mine halfway, I tasted the peppermint gum on his lips and tongue. “We’ll run first; it isn’t healthy for you to go this long P.” His armed pulled me in closer, scrunching me in half. “I need you in top shape.” He patted me and grinned.
“For vampires or for sexy time?” I teased, snuggling as close to him as possible.
“Both.”
My insides tingled all over. There was Gus, staring out of the window and I felt a little pang of guilt. I didn’t know why I was feeling guilty; it wasn’t like I liked him or anything. I realized in that moment that the three most important men in my life were sitting in the car with me. Gus’ and my friendship hadn’t been for very long, but I felt a connection with him. That was what made a good bodyguard, when you work well together.
“Gus and I will fill you guys in once you’ve both have rested,” I said. We spent the rest of the car ride in silence. Abel drooled.
Chapter 15. Run
“Then her golden hair shone forth, and she stood there in full splendor, and could no longer hide herself.” Allerleirauh ~ Grimm’s Household Tales
“You don’t think it’s a bit risky to run in the Fontainebleau forest?” I asked as we pulled up to the tourist office.
“We’ll be fine.” Abel said as he put his travel pouch around his neck. “I want everyone to stay as close together as we can. We’ll run in two groups and only split if needed.” He nodded towards Gus, “Gus I want you to stay with Dolly, Oakley and I will be with Pru. If we have to split up we’ll meet back here in two hours.” Time is an odd thing for a wolf, obviously we can’t wear a watch, but we can figure out the time. The General explained that our wolf side was in touch with our inner beast. The beast could tell where we are and what time it is just by the position of the sun, or moon. He tossed his clothes into the trunk of the car along with everyone else’s.
I knew Abel was still self conscience about giving us orders and about being naked in front of us. Mom had been encouraging him to run the pack runs before she left for Paris. He was comfortable with coordinates and a natural at avoiding humans. We’d ventured out to Turner Falls Oklahoma a few times to learn about tourists. It was a very touristy camp grounds and served as a swimming sensation with its natural waterfalls and wicked ledges to dive from. Abel could smell a human like no other wolf I’d met. He was lightening fast and inhumanly strong. It was only a matter of time for him to realize that he was no longer the student and was slowly becoming the teacher. He was all business when needed, yet he still held onto the loveable characteristics of the kid I’d been mentoring for over a year.
I turned around in time to see Oakley pull his sweater over his head. I could see the top of his boxers as his jeans slouched on his hips. He balanced perfectly as he pulled the boots I bought him for Christmas off and gently laid them on their side. He did a college boy try at folding his clothes before he placed them on top of his boots in the trunk of the car. I watched Oakley walk ahead of me, it was obvious that his workouts had sculpted his backside into a piece of art and he was proud to strut it for everyone to see. He turned his head toward me as if he knew I was enjoying the view and gave me a quick wink before leaning forward and shifting to a beautiful wolf. I smiled and looked around to see if anyone noticed me gawking at him before I shifted too.
It was getting late; we had maybe an hour of sunlight left. The temperature was falling below freezing but cold weather only fueled a were. We waited until it was dark to explore the boulders and all of their glory. I hadn’t felt so alive since arriving in France. We couldn’t hear or smell any humans since we ran through the forest. We all ate before we came since we weren’t familiar with what game was available to hunt. Mom ran like the wind in and out of the trees. She was at least fifty feet ahead of Gus when a woman in a green dress dropped from the trees. Gus skidded to a halt, his teeth bared and hackles up, we could see the scene unfold through Gus’s eyes. I ran to close the gap and skidded up behind him with Oakley on my heels. We tried to shield Abel from the altercation but he eased his way between us, head up, ears perked and growling the loudest.
She couldn’t have been more than fifteen but flashes of hatred were in her eyes. They were so dark that her pupils blended with the coal black. Her raven colored hair hung straight down to emphasize her breasts that were bound and lifted in the green corseted dress she wore. Her peasant sleeves hung dramatically as she raised her arms above her head. She threw her head back and screamed before busting out in laughter.
“Of course they would send me to tend to the werewolves. Not just any werewolf either,” she said as she clasped her hands together in front of her. “Well, well, five little wolves running through my forest, one got killed and soon there were four.” She said in a sing song way with her Irish accent.
“Mom, can you knock her forward and Oakley and I will kill her?” I thought to my mom.
“She’s a vampire, not an ordinary one either. I’m pretty sure she is a baobhan sith, very similar to a banshee. She’s known as a seductress and instead of fangs; she gets blood with her long pointed fingernails. Getting her down and keeping her hands from coming in contact will be hard in wolf form.” Mom thought to me.
“So what; are you wanting us to let her kill you? Not going to happen,” Abel said, and before we could talk him out of it, he shifted. All six feet of him stood naked in front of a deranged lunatic.
“Oh, aren’t you the brave little wolf? I bet you drive the girls crazy with those curls; your muscular body is what dreams are made of. I will sleep well tonight, and you’ll be in my dreams. Mmmm ummm, damn wolfy, you make a girl all flustered. Are you going to save your friends? I’m so excited; I haven’t had wolf blood in some time. I don’t usually bite, but you look scrumptious.” She said as she turned sideways to get a better look at my mom.
“Are you freakin’ nuts Abe? If you make it out alive, I’m going to kill you for endangering yourself!” I yelled.
“A baobhan sith, how interesting. I thought all of them died off two centuries ago,” Abel said. “I’m pretty good at lore, so tell me, is it true? Are your feet hooves and you’re just hiding them under your green dress?” Abel asked in his smartass tone.
She turned her hate filled eyes to Abel, “my name is Gunna, and I’m going to have a little fun with you before I kill you.” Her voice was venomous.
“Abel, back off….let her focus on Dolly, it will make it four to one.” Oakley thought.
“I’m not letting her kill Dolly.” Abel said as he stood as still as possible in the below freezing temperatures, naked and surrounded by his brethren.
In the distance I heard a branch break but no foot steps to back it up. Just what we need, humans to walk up on us. Gus’ ear twitched, obviously hearing the same thing. Oakley was completely focused on Abel and Dolly. Gus took a small step back so he could take a whiff of the air. My heart was racing as I tried to find a way out of this situation. Could I really let her kill my mother instead of Abel? I wasn’t sure, but I was sure I didn’t want to find out. A branch broke in the tree above us right before another vampire jumped from the tree knocking Gunna over and to the ground. I saw his hand clasping onto a broken branch. He brought it down with such force it embedded into the gr
ound. She screamed a loud pitched screech and went up in flames; ashes piled to the ground. We watched him rise in one stealth motion standing to face my mom. I could see his dark hair as it brushed the top of his collar, he turned to face us and I couldn’t believe my eyes. Arien.
“Love, we have to stop meeting like this,” Arien said to me. “I’m sorry for the misunderstanding on Gunna’s part; she was always such a bitch. I’ve wanted to stake her for a while now, but I didn’t have any justification.” He buttoned his black trench coat and pulled the belt tighter around his waist. “I know you are all naked so I won’t make you shift to talk to me, well everyone is still in their fur coat except for the King of wolves… a little crass if you ask me but you didn’t. Apparently shifting back to human so I can see that perfect body of yours Pru, is it out of the question right? Be a sport, bring a vampire’s fantasy alive. I’ve fantasized about more times than I’d like to admit, is out of the question, huh love? Abel, look at you,” he said as he pointed at Abel “you’ve grown up I see.” Oakley hunkered down, his growl was low and intense, his warning before he started to tear Arien limb from limb.
