Hunter Moon: A Grazi Kelly Novel #2

by C. D. Gorri

  His clipped tone grated on my nerves. I told him everything that had transpired in my bedroom only minutes before. I tried to remain unemotional as I spoke, but it was difficult.

  As if being a Werewolf wasn’t fantastic enough, it seemed I was capable of things that no one else had ever heard about or that had long since been lost to legend. I trembled when I got to the part about the shadow demons. I wondered if I’d ever forget that open mouth or the writhing minions as they advanced on me.

  “It’s true then. What she says?” He looked at Ronan. Again I was annoyed. Am I some liar? I mean why ask him and not just trust me? I knew he could smell my conviction on me.

  “I ask Ronan, Grazi, because it is possible you are too close to the situation to see.”

  “She told it like it happened, Father. I was there. We took the dreamcatcher down and almost immediately she went out. Asleep or so I thought. Her eyes moved rapidly under closed lids. I thought she was dreaming then or having a nightmare.”

  “She broke out into a sweat. Her skin on fire, her hair soaked. At one point her eyes flew open and they were white. All white…I, I couldn’t wake her. Blood spilled from her nose. One more minute and she would have been finished. I’m telling you all, Alessio was brilliant. I know it wasn’t sanctioned, Father, but he saved her when I couldn’t. She almost died.”

  He was quiet a moment. As if that was just sinking in. His heart beat pounded in my ears. The scent of his frustration and anxiety filled my nostrils.

  “Will you be telling the Alpha?”

  Alessio’s head was down. He gave the impression of being completely carefree and easy under all this, but we, you know the Werewolves in the room, knew better. At least I knew for certain that he was listening to every word intently as Ronan retold the events from his point of view. Good for you, Less. Pay attention now.

  Beneath Ronan’s matter of fact voice I could hear the fear, anger, and the relief. I never took into account how he would feel were this experiment of mine to fail. Responsible. That’s how he felt. I reached out and took his hand. He squeezed mine, but kept his focus on Uncle Sean. I would know why in a minute.

  “Oh, Grazi girl, you’re a chancer, you are. I’ll not be the one to go and tell Rolf that you went off half-cocked and got into this bit of a mess all by yourself. We’ll settle this in house.”

  “But Sean, you can’t just pretend this didn’t happen. You’ve got to go through the right channels.” Cara argued. But I could tell by the set of his shoulders that Uncle Sean was not going to budge.

  “Look, Grazi is new to this. She doesn’t understand our laws yet. That’s our fault. All of ours. There’s nothing to be gained by beating the point to death and that’s all that will happen if we get the Alpha involved. He’ll not have a choice. No, the thing to do now is educate my inion dearthar in the ways of the Hounds, before the 12th of December.”

  “Well Grazi, it seems you are going to get some extra time off to spend with visiting family? Isn’t that nice. With Thanksgiving coming up and all! Now, just a few more minutes and I’ll have all your assignments ready for you. Oh and take some of these fact sheets about wild animals in the area for your family here. Now, you just have to sign here and your grandmother will have to sign this paper as well for when you come back next week. Okay?” I smiled as Sr. Diane typed slowly on her keyboard.

  It was that Monday before the holiday weekend and I would be missing the entire week. Uncle Sean wanted me to catch up on a lot and I needed time. Especially with this deadline of December 12th looming in the not-so-distant future.

  I listened to the painfully slow clacking of the keyboard and the equally slow printer as my papers were being readied. I somehow managed a smile when Sr. Diane handed me my packet and ushered me out of the office. Angela was waiting by my locker when I went to gather my books.

  “Is it true? You going on vacation?”

  “Not really. It’s just some local trips with some relatives who are visiting.”

  “So what? Everyone has visiting relatives over I mean hello, it’s Thanksgiving? Mine are awful, I’d stay in school extra hours just to get away from them. Why are you taking off?” Angela asked as she scrunched her orange curls into wild disarray around her heart shaped face.

  She looked great. I mean she was not conventionally pretty, but neither was I so I never judged. But with her hair all wild and loose like that and her brown framed glasses, she looked cute. I smiled at her and shrugged.

  “I never met these relatives before. They’re coming from Ireland from my dad’s side of the family. I guess Nonna just wants me to get to know them.” It wasn’t a lie exactly. I wished with all my heart that I could just tell her the whole truth.

  “Well, I’ll be at CyberSodas Wednesday night with Derek for a little informal pre-Thanksgiving fun. Why don’t you meet us? Like sevenish? Okay?”

  “I’ll try.”

  “No way, Grazi, promise!”

  “I can’t promise, but I will sincerely try, okay?”

  “Fine. I guess that will have to do.”

  “Yeah.” I gave her a quick hug and left the building. It was so hard to keep secrets from someone I considered a close friend. It wasn’t the first time I felt like crap having to keep things from Angela. I shrugged it off and kept walking. The frost covered grass made crunching noises as I stepped on it in my worn penny loafers.

  Dimitri and Sascha were waiting for me when I went outside. The SUV was started, but I knew the heat wouldn’t be on. We didn’t really need it. It was all I could do not to break out in a sweat with just my school sweater on and it was less than forty degrees outside. Like that would be inconspicuous. Ugh. I’m so weird.

  Ronan was in the back, headphones on, eyes closed as he played an imaginary piano on his lap. He must have smelled me because his green eyes flew open and smiled in welcome. He took my bag and my hand and pulled me in.

  “You well?”

  “Yeah, I’m fine.” I tucked my hair behind my ear and looked at our entwined hands. It felt so natural to just sit there with him like that. I could hear Sascha and Dimitri arguing over something. I think food. It was usually food. But it was as if they were miles away. Only Ronan and I were there in a quiet sort of cocoon of our own making. I wished we were alone. He squeezed my hand as if he could read my thoughts.

  “Are you ready for this?”

  “I guess.”

  “I’ll be there with you, okay?”

  “I know. Thank you.”

  He nodded and we sat in comfortable silence the rest of the way home.

  Cara came at me from the side. The blindfold around my head was thick and I couldn’t see anything. I rolled out of the way, but not fast enough. She kicked me in the side and I lost my breath.

  I could hear Ronan growl, but he stayed out of it. I jumped up and swung my left leg out catching Cara behind hers. I heard her hit the mat with a grunt. She jumped and landed on top of me. Her knees in my chest and hands around my throat. I tapped the mat and she got up.

  I sat up and took the blindfold off. Ronan walked over and helped me up, handing me a bottle of water.

  “You okay?”

  “Yeah.” I nodded.

  “You’re too slow. You’re overthinking every move. You’re going wind up dead!” Cara stormed away angrily.

  “Don’t listen to her. You were fine.”

  “No, she’s right. With the blindfold on I couldn’t focus. My hearing and my sense of smell were like battling with each other instead of working together.”

  “Give yourself time. Each of us was born knowing what we are. You’ve had a few weeks to get used to the idea.”

  I rubbed my shoulder. It burned and I realized it was the same arm where I had been marked. Ronan and Uncle Sean and the rest of the pack took turns with me scouring the library for any hint of what the symbol meant.

  The only information we found seemed to tell me one thing. I was marked and that meant I was being hunted. I just wished I knew w
hy and by whom.

  I left the sparring room to head home and change. Next was a history lesson with Uncle Sean. Ronan would be there with me.

  That made me smile. Our relationship was new and undefined, but I never felt more complete than when he was near me. I took off my sweaty gym clothes and turned on the shower. I left the water lukewarm. I was too worked up for hot water. I needed to cool off.

  I closed my eyes and lathered up my long hair. Cara had mentioned again that it was impeding my fighting. I didn’t see how. Anyway I wasn’t quite ready to give it up. I rinsed the conditioner out and worked on washing and rinsing the rest of my body. Ouch! Crap. A searing pain shot through my head. I sat down hard on the floor of the tub. It was all I could do to remain conscious, the pain was so great.

  Beyond the spray of the shower I heard something. A rumble like a landslide in a movie. No, it was laughter. The mark on my arm flared up, like a brand. I whined in pain. Then a deep inhuman voice pierced my brain.

  Now you will feel the truth. I can get to you anywhere, She-Hound. I will destroy everything you love…

  I saw an image in my mind. A great shadow larger than any man. It was humanoid in shape. Huge horns protruded from either side of its head, cloven hooves replaced feet, huge fangs jutted out from an angular face, and large, muscular arms reached up to the sky as the thing taunted me with its horrible voice.

  I was a wolf at his feet, teeth bared. The shadow pointed at me and I felt a searing pain in my arm. I hunched down, ready to attack, but it was over before I had the chance.

  When I came to I was lying on my bath tub floor. The water from the shower was ice cold by the time I found my feet. I rinsed my soapy body off in the frigid water.

  Afterwards I hurried to get dressed. A pair of comfortable sweats and a loose fitting tank top. I grabbed my arm where it stung. It was hot. The mark was a darker red than before and it was raised. It throbbed when I touched it.

  “But what is it?” I rubbed my arm. Ronan had covered the mark with an ace bandage, but not before he placed some oils and herbs onto it.

  “It is a demon glyph. The hunters will be back and in full force now. The paste Ronan put on will hide you from them for a little while, but we need to go.” Uncle Sean was meticulously packing a bag with weapons.

  Most I recognized. Some looked completely useless. A tiny silk scarf, a small silver cup, a sliver of wood, some dried up bits of herbs or plants, and a Hall & Oates CD. I didn’t know what he was packing that stuff for, but whatever. I had other things on my mind.

  “Go where? Thanksgiving is in three days. It’s my birthday. Nonna will be furious if I’m not home.” I raised my voice. This was happening too fast. It was out of my control and I hated that.

  “Yeah, well she’ll be even more furious if your dead now won’t she!” Cara spat at me. Great. I didn’t even notice she was there.

  “Grazi, I will endeavor to have you home by your birthday, but we need to leave now. If what you saw is true, we need to go.”

  “Go where?”

  “On a pilgrimage. Our party will be light. You, me and Cara.”

  “No way. I go where she goes.” My protector. I knew he was there in the doorway before he uttered a single word. It warmed me.

  “Ronan, you’ve advanced, but you’re barely more than a pup. You have yet to pass your trials. I can’t let you go.”

  “This pup, is the Madden family heir. I am a chieftan’s grandson and Maria is my geall. You can’t leave me behind.”

  I did not know what geall meant, but his meaning was clear in his stance. So I was his, huh? I guess modern feminism had yet to be taught in Werewolf puppy school or something. Did he say chieftan? I wish I knew more. It was times like these when I knew I still had so much to learn.

  Uncle Sean nodded, but he was unhappy. We left before dark. Uncle Sean spoke to Nonna first. Alone. She came out wiping her eyes on her small white handkerchief.

  “You will be back Thursday, si? I’ll make your favorite.”

  “I’m sorry I won’t be there to help.”

  “Maria Graziana, I may be an old woman, but I cooked for plenty before you came around, si! Now come, bella, you go, learn to protect yourself.”

  “What about the IRS stuff? Will you be okay? Is Uncle Vito taking care of it?”

  “No, you don’t worry now. It’ll be okay. Ti amo, bellisima.” She kissed me and I bent to hug her. I had never stayed away from Nonna for long. I wondered if these three days would feel longer.

  Please God, take care of Nonna while I am gone. Protect her.

  I said a small prayer for my parents and the angels to watch over her. My palms were sweaty as I hugged her one last time goodbye. I would be sixteen the next time I saw her. I guess it’s silly, but somehow I felt as if it would make all the difference in the world.

  Julianna entered the kitchen as my companions walked out of the back door. Nonna nodded at her and left the room. I knew she didn’t want to drag out our goodbye. I let her leave.

  “Where are you going?” The accusation was there in her voice. Like I had no business going anywhere. She’d have been just as unfriendly if I said I was staying.

  “Nowhere.” I wanted to tell her to be careful, but I doubted she would head my warning. I wanted to tell her to stay away from Lizette too, but I knew she wouldn’t. Still.

  “Julianna, um, be careful, okay?”

  “OMG. Whatever. Like I need you to tell me how to act. Are you serious?” She turned her back on me and I had a moment to wonder at her new hairstyle. It was still as blonde and pretty as ever, but with some subtle low lights. It was on top of her head in a complicated twist that suited my cousin.

  I shook my head and left. She may not be right, but the things I could tell her she had no business knowing. We never did seem to belong in the same world anyway.

  She just had no idea how different we really were. And if Lizette really was mixing it up with witches, I suppose there would be time for me to investigate after this little trip I was taking. At least, I hoped there would be.

  I sat in the back of the SUV and looked out the window. It was raining. Not a smattering, but an actual downpour. My Werewolf vision allowed me to see each drop as it fell with amazing clarity. It was like watching the rain fall in slow motion. Incredible.

  I guess it’s like my brain has been reworked. Like I now have a brand new LCD HD TV screen in my head, when all my life I was watching some crappy little black and white set with rabbit ears on top.

  No one spoke. It was strange. I mean, we could all feel each other’s feelings, but the way everyone stayed out of each other’s space was incredible. Respectful.

  Soon Uncle Sean closed his eyes. He wasn’t sleeping exactly. It was more like meditation. I’d seen him like this once or twice before. Usually after I had come to him with something he couldn’t really explain.

  Ronan and I sat in the third row by ourselves. He held my hand in his. It was so much bigger than mine and mine was not exactly small. I looked at our skin. With our summer tans gone I noticed my natural coloring was more olive toned than his. I guess I take after my mom’s side.

  Ronan’s skin was very fair. Smooth and clear. I wondered how it was he did tan so well in the summer. Now he was all ivory with a smattering of dark copper hair on his arms. I liked it. His leg touched mine and again I was struck by how much bigger than me he was.

  For the first time in my life I realized I liked the fact that I was tall. I was about 5’ 10” with no shoes on. I had grown at least an inch and a half the last few months. Ronan was at least 6’ 4” and I still had to look up to him.

  His hair was now almost hitting his shoulders and I realized it grew faster when we got closer to the full moon. What had seemed a lighter shade of red when I first met him was now a mixture of browns, golds, and reds. Beautiful.

  I’m sure Julianna and her clones would pay big bucks for that array of hues. He played with the ends of my hair with his free hand. It fell down t
o my waist now. I had it in a low hanging braid.

  The platinum streak I had gotten when I first changed stood out among my dark locks. I used to hate my hair, the way all girls do, but the way Ronan always played with it made me like that too. He was good for me, I realized. He made me feel good about myself. Had to mean something, right? I am such a weirdo.

  By my feet was my old backpack. Clothes and other essentials were in a duffel in the back of the vehicle. My backpack held more personal things. My cell and charger, my knife, my mom’s diary, and a picture of my parents. I don’t know why I brought it with me. It just felt right.

  We drove west for almost two hours. Leaving our little Northern New Jersey suburb and heading right smack into Pennsylvania. I think we were near Nockamixon State Park. Uncle Vito took us camping there once when I was about ten. Aunt Theresa hated it. So did Julianna and Rebecca. Not me though. I loved it.

  The fresh air and clean smell of the woods, the thick green forest, the birds and animals. I thought it was great. The only thing they enjoyed was the lake, but me. I hiked for miles and miles through those trees.

  I spent hours in the woods. They thought I had gotten lost. Nonna just hugged me when I made it back to our tent, but Aunt Theresa yelled at me for so long when I got back.

  Truth is I had known exactly where I was going. I mean I just knew my way back. I guess my Werewolf skills were starting to come forward even then. If I had used more common sense I would have marched myself straight back to camp after a few minutes, but the woods had been so pretty.

  And let’s face it, I was in no rush to go back to our cramped little tent where my aunt and cousins were fighting and complaining. It rained after that day. Aunt Theresa had blamed me for ruining the campout. Like I control the weather or something. I shook my head. Dwelling on the past was never good.

  It was dark and the rain had finally stopped. The windows were cracked open and I could smell the damp asphalt in the cold night air. The road we were driving on was pitch black and empty.

  There were no street lights and the forest seemed to be closing in on certain parts of it. I was sure if I reached my hand out of the window I could easily pull back a handful of pine needles.