Lost Wolf (Curse of the Moon Book 1)

by Stacy Claflin

  Everything from the previous weekend hit me like a ton of bricks. Anger pulsated through me at the thought of Carter. But then I relaxed, knowing I might see Toby in my first class of the day. I wouldn't be able to wrap my arms around him—or could I? The day he returned from being missing, no one would question a student giving him a hug, right?

  I turned off my alarm and bounced out of bed. Humming, I got ready and spent extra time on my hair and makeup.

  "You seem happier," Sasha said. "Feel better than last night?"

  "Sure do." I smiled at her. "I'm not going to let a stupid guy get the best of me."

  "Good for you. Oh, he did stop by last night. Said he and his cousin were dropping off your car. That your purse was in the trunk. Said the keys are behind the front driver tire or something."

  "Jerk," I muttered. All the better to keep me under his thumb.

  She lifted a brow.

  "Did you tell him I moved?"

  "Yeah, but he didn't believe me."

  I frowned. Did the jackass have some other way to follow my every move? Had I led him to Toby's house accidentally?

  "Are you okay?" Sasha asked. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

  "I just want him out of my life."

  "Remember, you're not going to let a stupid man get to you."

  "You're right." I plastered on a fake smile. "Have a good day. I sure plan to."

  By the time I got to class, I was late because I refused to take the car. Not that it mattered, Professor Fredrickson was there. He gave me an annoyed glance and continued talking math. I took my regular seat.

  "Did you hear they found Foley?" Grace whispered.

  I nodded.

  "The school's making him take a week off to recover, then he'll be back here."

  The rest of the morning flew by in a blur. I ate lunch by myself, scarfing down two plates of food since I hadn't eaten since lunch the day before.

  My stuffed stomach twisted in knots as I walked toward Massaro's class. If I could've skipped class, I would have, but I was already on his list. One wrong move, and he'd likely fail me. Then I'd be stuck with him another quarter—assuming someone would pay for me to continue schooling.

  I held my head high, walked in the classroom like I owned the place, and acted like I didn't see Carter. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see him, though. He sat up taller when I entered, and I could even see his face light up. I went to the other end of the room and sat in an empty seat.

  Carter came over to me. "Hey, didn't you see me sitting over there?"

  I opened my backpack and pulled out the pad of paper and pen I'd been using all day.

  "What's going on?"

  I wrote the date on it and the name of the class.

  "Victoria?"

  Massaro came in and set up his things.

  "I've been calling you," Carter said. "Didn't Sasha tell you your stuff was in the car?"

  I kept my gaze on the professor. He started speaking about the papers we were working on. Or in my case, supposed to be working on.

  "What's the matter?" Carter whispered.

  Massaro glared at him. "Mr. Jag, when I am talking, you are not."

  Carter spent the entire class whispering to me when Massaro's back was turned. I spent the entire time ignoring his lying words.

  When the hour was finally over, I stuffed my notebook and pen into my bag, trying to ignore Carter. As he spoke, I started to think of some of the good times we'd had. It almost made me want to hear him out. He'd been so good to me the entire time we'd been together.

  Lies. All of it. That's what I had to keep in mind. He'd stolen my memories and lied about it.

  I fled the classroom, eager to get away from him. He followed, keeping up all too easily.

  "Why are you ignoring me? Talk to me, Victoria. I have no idea what's going on." And on and on he went. People stared, but he didn't seem to notice. He must have really missed having so much control over me.

  I headed for the library, which I knew was in the opposite direction of his next class.

  He grabbed my arm. "I'm not going to leave you alone until you tell me what's going on."

  Finally, I turned and looked at him. Seeing him made a lump form in my throat, but there was no way I would let him know he could upset me like that. I narrowed my eyes. "I'm going to need you to apologize to Yurika for me. I have to quit."

  "She already figured that out when you left her high and dry the other day and didn't show up the next day. What's going on? This isn't like you."

  I pulled my arm from his grasp. "You should be able to put the pieces together. Leave me alone."

  Hurt and shock covered his face. "What did I do?"

  "Just leave me alone." I spun around, unable to look at him any longer.

  "Victoria," he pleaded. "Please. I have no idea what I did. Everything was going great, and now you seem to hate me."

  "Then you'll have to think out of the box, won't you?"

  He stepped in front of me and grabbed me again. "Just tell me. This is eating me up."

  "Good!"

  Carter flinched.

  I clenched my teeth. "You really want the truth?"

  "It would be nice." He shot me an exasperated look.

  "First, begging doesn't suit you. Second, Carter, I know everything."

  His brows came together, probably in mock confusion. "About what?"

  "Are you so dense?" I exploded.

  He frowned. "Apparently."

  "About me."

  His head tilted. "Can you explain what that means?"

  I sighed, beyond annoyed. "My memories. You stole them, so thanks for that. But I don't need you to save me. I've made other friends, so I don't need any more of your lies."

  Carter's mouth dropped. "I don't know what you're talking about."

  "Seriously?"

  "Yes!"

  "Stop with the lies. I can't take it anymore. It's bad enough that you're behind all of this, but at least man up and take responsibility for what you've done."

  He let go of my arm. "I really don't understand."

  "Just leave me alone, and please take the car back. I won't use it."

  Carter held my gaze, appearing deep in thought. "I don't know what's going on, but I have a feeling my father is behind this. I'm going to get to the bottom of whatever's going on."

  "Great. Have fun." I spun around and stormed away.

  "I'll make it right," he called. "I promise."

  Chapter 29

  Toby

  "You sure she's coming?" Tap asked, sliding me another drink.

  I caught it and took a swig. "I'm sure Gessilyn was just held up."

  Tap leaned closer. "I've learned it can be tricky trusting her kind."

  "She's not just any witch, she's the high witch."

  "Even more worrisome."

  I finished the drink and set the empty glass down. "Trust me. We go way back—long before she had any clue of how powerful she really is."

  He shrugged. "It's your funeral."

  "Thanks. I'll take my chances."

  "Another drink?"

  I shook my head. "I need to be able to think clearly."

  "Wise man."

  Gessilyn came around the corner, wearing purple yoga pants and a black tank with her hair pulled back.

  Tap glanced at me and arched a brow. "She's your witch?"

  "Yeah."

  "Huh."

  She came over and wrapped her arms around me. "Hey, Toby. It's so good to see you again. You had us all worried."

  I returned the embrace. "You know me. Nothing's going to keep me down."

  "Still, we were worried. Where did you find this bar? I almost didn't find it."

  "That's how I like it," Tap said. "It's open to all supernaturals, but I don't want just anyone stumbling upon it."

  Gessilyn glanced around. "I can see why. Nice place."

  A look of pride crossed Tap's face. He held out his hand. "I'm Tap."

  She shook h
is hand. "Gessilyn."

  "Pleasure. Do you want something to drink? First drink's on the house."

  I arched a brow. "You never told me that."

  "Sorry, you aren't that pretty."

  Gessilyn laughed and ordered something I'd never heard of before. The she turned to me. "Mind if we sit somewhere quieter?"

  I turned to Tap.

  "Take one of the private rooms. I'll have Quinn bring your drink."

  "Thanks." She smiled at him.

  I got off my barstool. "The rooms are this way." We chose the one farthest down the hall. It was a small room with some cozy recliners. We both sat in one and I filled her in on what had happened with Victoria. "Do you know of any spells to restore her memories?"

  "It's going to be tricky without knowing exactly what removed them in the first place."

  I groaned.

  "I said tricky, not impossible."

  The door opened, and a teenage siren came in and handed Gessilyn a magenta drink and left.

  "Do you have anything in mind?" I asked.

  She sipped her drink, looking deep in thought. "There is one that might work in this case."

  "What is it?" I leaned forward, eager to hear about it.

  "True love's kiss."

  "Come again?"

  "It's similar to the ones you hear about in the faerie tales, but this one isn't a myth. Truth is, it's potent. Most don't end up liking what they find. In fact, many regret ever using the spell in the first place."

  "We need her memories restored."

  "But she remembers you, does she not?" Gessilyn arched a brow, continuing to sip her drink.

  "It's not that simple. She remembers me, but not our time together." I closed my eyes, remembering the way she'd kissed me. Victoria definitely remembered us—she still had the very same passion she'd always had.

  "That'll help," Gessilyn said, bringing me back to the present.

  I opened my eyes. "I sense a but."

  "On the plus side, it should be easier to access her memories, but that also includes the ones she doesn't want."

  "Except that it's not like she blocked out the memories herself. This was done to her—against her will. She wouldn't have agreed to forget me."

  Gessilyn put her hand on top of mine. "Is it possible she agreed in order to forget something more painful?"

  Irritation rose in me. "No, actually it's not. My Victoria never would agree to forgetting us."

  "Okay. I'm just asking. It's going to take me a few days to gather the ingredients and get everything ready."

  My heart sank. "Even with rune travel?"

  "Yes."

  "Okay. Thanks, Gessilyn. Is there anything I can help with?"

  She shook her head. "Just make sure she knows the risks."

  "What do you mean?" I asked.

  "That she probably won't like everything that comes back to her."

  "I'm pretty sure she'd rather just have her memories back, but I'll mention it to her."

  She rose. "I'd better get started."

  "Wait."

  She glanced at me. "There's more?"

  "Do you know anything about why she wouldn't be able to turn at the full moon?"

  "No, but maybe that'll be something this spell will reveal. If I can help, I will."

  "Is there any way around the curse of the moon for the rest of us? The jaguars aren't held to it. They shift at will."

  Gessilyn frowned. "I can look into it, but I really need to focus on one spell at a time."

  "I understand, but there has to be a way. You're able to help vampires go into the sun, so surely you can help werewolves shift when we feel like it."

  She rubbed her temples.

  "I'm sorry, Gess. Don't worry about it. I'm getting ahead of myself."

  "I understand. I wouldn't like being under the moon's curse. What if I ask my parents? They've been around practically since time began. One of them might know something."

  My face lit up and I gave her a hug. "Thank you. I owe you."

  "You sure do." Her tone held a hint of teasing. "But seeing you get back together with Victoria is all the payment I need."

  "Thanks, Gess. Speaking of true love, how's Killian?"

  She beamed. "Great. We'll have to set up a double date when everything settles down."

  I gave a slight nod, and then she left. I sat back in the recliner and took a deep breath. After everything I'd been through, I couldn't wait for life to return to normal. I'd been through so much since the days Victoria and I had planned on running away to start our own pack. Now I was well-versed in running packs.

  My phone buzzed. It had been going off nonstop since my TV appearance. I checked my texts. Fifty-six new ones, but not one from Victoria. I replied a quick thanks to all the ones expressing appreciation for my safe return.

  I checked the time. Her last class was long over. She'd emailed me from the library earlier saying she'd stay there and wait for me.

  Hopefully she'd had enough time to study, because I couldn't stay away any longer. I had her new phone and car, and couldn't wait to give them to her.

  I hurried from the Faeble, waving a quick goodbye to Tap and some others I knew before making my way through the woods to my place. I got in my Hummer and headed for campus. It shouldn't have surprised me, but people kept stopping me on my way to the library. I tried to be appreciative but quick.

  When I finally made it to the library, more people surrounded me, expressing their gratitude for my safety. I felt bad for being annoyed.

  At long last, I made it to the study rooms, where everyone was too busy to notice me. I found the room she was in and went inside.

  Her face lit up when she saw me. I made sure no one was looking in the room and then I wrapped my arms around her. She squeezed back tightly. "How are you?"

  "I've had the worst day."

  "I'm sorry." I sat in the chair next to her and took her hand. "I have some good news."

  "You're here. That's all I need."

  "How about a phone?" I pulled out her new phone. "It's all set up and ready to go. I preloaded it with my number in the contacts." I couldn't help smiling.

  "You've just made my day." She threw herself into my arms.

  "That's not all," I assured her. "Your new laptop is in my car and we still need to pick up your car."

  Victoria squeezed me tighter. "I can't thank you enough. Fleeing from the Jags isn't something I could've done on my own. I have a little in saving from working at the club, but that wouldn't last me long." Her voice cracked.

  "Shh." I rubbed her back. "It's going to be okay now, and I have more good news."

  She looked at me, wide-eyed. "You do?"

  I nodded. "Gessilyn's working on a spell to restore your memories. She sounds pretty confident about it. We just have to give her some time to prepare it."

  Victoria threw herself against me again.

  I kissed the top of her head. "Everything is going to work out. Are you ready? I paid for your car to be dropped off at my house so I could check it out first."

  She took a deep breath and sat back, her eyes shining with tears.

  "Victoria…"

  "These are happy tears. After everything I've been through, I just can't believe—" She shook her head. "Listen to me. You've been through so much more, and yet you've done all this for me."

  "I'd do anything for you."

  Her lips shook. "I don't deserve that."

  I pressed my fingertip against her mouth, wanting to kiss those soft, sweet lips. "Stop. You deserve everything I have and more. Let's get going, but we're going to have to take a back way. You'd think I was a celebrity the way everyone's acting."

  "You kind of are. Everyone spent so much time handing out fliers and trying to find you."

  "I saw some of those. It's kind of weird seeing my face on them."

  "Everybody was disappointed you weren't in class today."

  "The college won't let me come back this week. Come on." I helped her p
ack her things and led her a back way to my Hummer. A few people stopped me, but it wasn't the constant barrage I'd received on the way in.

  We finally made it, and on the drive to my place she asked, "What kind of car is it?"

  "Definitely not a Jaguar."

  "I appreciate that." She laughed. "What is it?"

  "Guess."

  "Really?"

  "Yeah, I want to see if you get it."

  "Okay. Beamer?"

  "Try again."

  "Audi?"

  "Nope."

  "You've gotta give me a clue."

  "Where's the fun in that?" I struggled to keep my expression straight. It was so nice to be teasing her again.

  "Will you at least tell me if I'm guessing in the right ballpark?"

  "Maybe."

  "Ugh." She blew on her hair, just like she always had when she was playfully irritated.

  "A Fiesta?"

  I laughed. "Now you're in the wrong ballpark for sure."

  She sighed. "I really don't know that much about cars."

  "We're almost there now." I pulled onto the dirt drive.

  "You'll tell me?" she asked.

  "If you guess it."

  "Have you always been this annoying?"

  "Me? Annoying?" I asked in mock offense.

  "I'll take that as yes. And I'll just wait to see it."

  I snickered. "One thing I will tell you, you've always been fun to tease."

  "Wonderful."

  We went the rest of the short drive in silence. When we got to the gate, I unlocked it with a remote and waited for it to open.

  "Do I get one of those?" she asked.

  "A gate?"

  "No." She shoved me. "A remote."

  Excitement ran through me. "If you want one."

  She squeezed my hand. "I do."

  I pulled through the gate, remote locked it, and then pulled up next to the Bentley.

  Victoria glanced at the white car and over at me. "Whose is that?"

  I raised my brows.

  Her mouth gaped. "I… You got me… Really?"

  "You think I could let those jaguars outdo me?"

  "But a Bentley?"

  "You'd prefer something more expensive?" I teased, trying to keep my voice steady.

  She put her hands up. "No. Not at all."

  "Let's check it out. I just want to look under the hood real quick and you can take me for a spin."