Somewhere around three the next morning, he finally opened his email and typed in Chloe’s address. He stared at the blank screen for several moments, wondering just what he could say to make her understand.
***
The front door’s bell jangled and he heard the beep of the alarm being turned off. He stashed his shorts in a dusty old cupboard in the back then transformed. Within seconds, he was wolf.
His ears flattened against his skull and he had to force himself not to growl as Mrs. Williams approached the back room. Her eyes widened slightly at the sight of him sitting next to the back door. Even her heartbeat kicked out a couple extra beats. “Hey boy,” she said softly. “How’d you get out of your pen?”
Karen stopped at one of the drawers and delved her fingers into it. She withdrew a red collar and a matching leash. “We’ll just get this on you to make it easier to take you for walks.”
You’ve got to be kidding me!
A growl rumbled up his throat and he couldn’t stop the snarl that curled his lip. He didn’t have time to pretend to be a puppy on a string. He needed to get the hell out of there.
Limbs quivering with the effort it took to remain still and not run, Ryan eyed the woman as she approached. He didn’t want to frighten her, but he also didn’t want to be on a leash. She continued to speak in soft, nonthreatening tones as she crouched next to him.
“How’s that leg?” she asked as she ran her hand over the top of his head and smoothed fingers over his ears. Keeping an eye on him, she examined the wound. Seeming to be pleased with how he was healing, she snapped the collar open and attempted to place it around his neck.
As her hands neared, he used his front paw to push her hands down and away. He stood, tail quivering with agitation. Karen looked a bit surprised.
“Hey now,” she crooned. “You’ve got to wear it. I don’t want you wandering off when I take you outside. Chloe seems to like you and I’d hate to tell her you ran away.”
Huffing a sigh, he sat and the tip of his tail twitched. Even if she did put the collar on him, Ryan was sure he could still get away once he was outside.
Karen quickly secured it around his neck then snapped the leash into place. “There now, that’s not so bad. Is it?” She patted him on the head then stood. “If no one comes to claim you, maybe I can talk Chloe into keeping you.”
Claim him? Had Karen already sent out a notice that she’d found someone’s dog? This could be very bad.
He huffed again then turned to scratch at the door. The movement did just what it was supposed to do, test how strong Karen was. The leash jerked in her hand and she nearly dropped it.
She reached for the lock on the back door. Ryan watched in anticipation for her to turn the knob at what seemed like a snail’s pace.
He vaguely heard the front bell jingle. Someone called, “Karen? Are you here? I need to talk to you.”
Ryan’s ears twitched in recognition. He knew that voice. If Karen would just go speak with him, she might leave Ryan to his own devices. If she did, he’d open the door and run for freedom.
Instead, she tugged him along with her as she moved toward the lobby. He jerked on the leash, desperate to break free. He’d underestimated her strength because she continued to clutch the bright red leash in her right hand. Oh sure, he could get away, but he didn’t want to hurt her. He wasn’t your average pooch and was much stronger. Instead of jerking away and possibly hurting her, he padded alongside her.
Coach Lewis paced the lobby. His blue wind suit made funny swishing noises as he moved.
Karen said, “What do you want? I told you I don’t want to see you anymore.”
Coach stopped to look at her, an odd grimace on his face. “I said I was sorry. What more do you want from me?”
Ryan’s nose quivered as he caught a scent. Blood was the foremost aroma. His gaze drifted over the man and rested on his hand. A wound that looked like something had latched onto it and shook the crap out of him appeared just below the thumb joint. And there was something else. It was faint, but it reminded him of the unusual odor he’d found around his house and Chloe’s. It was musty, and smelled of something that once was an animal or had been in contact with animals. He cocked his head and tried to figure out what he was picking up.
Karen continued speaking. “Look, Mike, I just got out of a bad relationship. I don’t need another. I think you showed your true face the other night when you said those awful things. I’d appreciate it if you’d just leave.”
The coach’s face turned dark red and his fists balled at his sides. “I was just a rebound. Is that what you’re telling me?”
“I’m sorry,” Karen said softly.
“It’s okay. I understand.” He laughed then and there was a sudden change in Coach Lewis’s stance. “I don’t need you. You’re a whore.”
Ryan’s ears perked and his lip curled in a snarl. A low growl emanated from deep in his throat.
“Get out,” Karen yelled.
Coach’s face twisted into something ugly and he brought up his fist. He didn’t get the chance to strike. Ryan lunged upward, jerking the leash out of Karen’s grip.
Ryan’s front paws pushed against the coach’s chest and shredded the front of his jacket. As the man’s arm came around to swing, the wolf’s jaws clamped down on his forearm. Coach Lewis screamed out in pain then jerked his arm away.
Allowing him to stumble backward, Ryan stood ready to pounce again. Another snarling growl made the coach’s eyes widen.
Cradling his injured arm, he said, “Get control of that damn dog!”
“You have two seconds before I call Sheriff Mackie.” Karen didn’t attempt to grab the leash. Instead, she crossed to the desk and picked up the phone.
Ryan couldn’t allow her to call Mackie. Surging forward, he snapped at the coach and sent him scurrying for the door. Ryan was hot on his heels, but reached the door just a fraction too late. The glass slammed shut and nearly clipped his nose. Behind him, Karen hung up the phone without dialing.
Ryan sat on his haunches and watched as Coach ran for his car. He dove inside then gunned the hatchback down the driveway. The small car hit a patch of loose gravel then fishtailed.
Within seconds Karen had crossed the room. She ruffled the fur atop his head then squatted next to him. “Good boy! You’re such a good, brave boy.” Then she planted a big kiss on his snout and hugged him tight. Awkward! Her fingers ran through the fur at his neck and shoulders and she continued to tell him that he’d done well.
All Ryan could do is withstand her fondness and hope that she’d stop squeezing him to death.
Karen didn’t put him back in the kennel. Instead, she allowed him to pad around the building. He even got her to take the collar off by trying to shimmy out of it and pawing at it every time he noticed her looking at him.
She tended to all the animals and even sent a few home that afternoon. Finally, he moved toward the back door and pawed at it. He wagged his tail like a good doggy and even whined.
“Need to go out?” she asked as if he could answer.
He continued to paw at the door until she opened it. Soon as she did, he darted outside into the woods.
“Hey!” Karen called behind him. She even ran a few yards in pursuit. “Here boy, come back!”
Ryan ran until he could no longer hear her voice calling after him.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chloe got off the bus then walked up the drive until she reached the clinic. Her mom’s green Outback was still parked outside. She pushed open the door then called, “Hey mom, it’s me.”
Karen came out of her office and sighed. Chloe could immediately tell there was something wrong.
“What is it?”
Her mom pursed her lips and wrung her hands. “The black dog ran away.”
Chloe’s legs felt like they were made of melted rubber. She even ran to the kennels to see for herself. She stared at the empty cage and felt as if she might sink into a pit of hopelessn
ess. Ryan had abandoned her and Mackie was sure to find him.
“I’m sorry, honey.” Karen’s hand rested on her shoulder. “I couldn’t stop him.”
Without saying anything, Chloe trudged back to her mom’s office then collapsed in the chair behind the desk. She pulled her math textbook out with trembling hands and studied her homework. She needed something to take her mind off of Ryan’s absence.
Her mom sat in one of the chairs across from her and watched her for a few moments. “Thing is,” she started then shook her head. “He’s the smartest dog I’ve ever seen. He tricked me into taking off that damned collar and leash then followed me around all day. I think he was just waiting for the chance to run.”
A tear ran down Chloe’s cheek as she penciled an answer onto paper. She didn’t bother to wipe it away nor did she offer an explanation for it.
Karen pursed her lips and continued to study her daughter. “Mike came by this morning.”
Chloe laid the pencil aside then stared up at her. “Please tell me you didn’t take him back.”
“Not a chance.” Karen smoothed her lab coat then picked at the hem of one of the pockets. “He came in, asked me to forgive him, but I told him to get lost. Next thing I know, he’s being all threatening. He tried to hit me.”
“Oh my god, mom!” Chloe gave her mom the once over, searching for signs of injury. ”Did he hurt you?”
Karen smiled. “No. Your dog protected me. He bit Mike and forced him out of the clinic.”
Chloe wished she could tell her mom that it was really Ryan who saved her. Instead, she came around the desk to hug Karen. “I’m glad you’re okay.”
Karen sighed in relief. “Me too, honey. If he hadn’t been here…”
“I wish he hadn’t run away.” Chloe rested her chin on her mom’s shoulder. “Did you see which way he went?”
“Into the woods,” Karen answered. “I guess I don’t have to run the lost dog ad in the paper now.”
“Mom, I was thinking…” Chloe released Karen then stepped back.
Karen took on a wary look, but didn’t interrupt.
“I’d like to join the search party for Travis. I’ve already signed up.” Before her mom could tell her no, she continued, “There’s only a half day at school tomorrow so the student body can help find him. We’re going to group up and search the woods.”
“I thought you didn’t like him.”
“I don’t, but I’d still like to find him.”
Karen thought about this for a moment. “Is this really your way of helping that other boy? Ryan?”
“What if it was me? What if I was lost, hurt and alone out there? Or worse?”
She could tell her mom was going to cave in and say yes. It was evident in the way she kept twisting her hands in her lap and biting her lower lip. Finally, she nodded and said it would be okay.
Hoping she wasn’t pushing her mom too much, she said, “Amy, his sister, is going to Jenna’s house tonight to go over the map of the area we’ve been assigned. Can I go help? I don’t want to be the only one who doesn’t know what’s going on tomorrow.”
Karen stood. “Done with your homework?”
Chloe’s mood teetered on the brink of a meltdown. “Yes.”
“I’ll drop you off,” Karen said then grabbed her keys. As they pulled away from the clinic, she said, “I’ll be back at six to pick you up. I’ll need help cleaning and closing the clinic.”
On the way over to Jenna’s, Chloe counted her blessings. Her mom had eased up a little and gave her some freedom, despite the restriction she’d placed on her. She wasn’t about to ask for extra time or any other favors. At least not yet.
She waved goodbye from the porch then went into the house. Jenna was the only one there and it sounded like she was in the kitchen.
“Hey,” Jenna greeted as she stirred a pot on the stove. “We’ve only got a few minutes before Amy gets here.”
Chloe slumped in one of the chairs and said, “What’s she up to? Since when does she want anything to do with us?”
“I told her I could whip up a location spell. She’s bringing something that belongs to Travis.” Jenna smiled. “I think she’s at the point where she’ll try anything to find him, even if it’s witchcraft.”
“I have to tell you something, but it can’t be repeated. Understand?” Chloe gripped Jenna’s hand and gave her a serious look. “Promise me.”
Jenna sat next to her. “What is it? Is something wrong?”
Chloe used the next two minutes to tell Jenna about her cousin and how he’d been at the clinic. “Mom said he ran away this afternoon. Where would he go?”
“I don’t know.” Her friend looked dazed, almost as if she’d been slapped in the face. “He didn’t even tell me. I thought Mackie and the pack still had him.”
“He’s okay, for now,” Chloe assured her.
Jenna wiped at her teary eyes, smearing the eyeliner a bit. Her voice was shaky and on the verge of breaking down completely. “And he got hit by a car?”
“Yeah, but he’s fine. I promise.” Chloe hugged her friend. “I just wish I knew where he went after he left the clinic.”
Jenna shook her head. “What if Mackie finds him? He escaped. That’s going to look really bad.”
A tentative knock sounded at the front door, announcing Amy’s arrival. Jenna wiped at her eyes again and tried to compose herself.
Chloe let Amy into the house. Amy walked inside then looked around at the Sparks family living room. Her nose wrinkled slightly. She said nothing about the décor though it was evident she didn’t care for the mounted deer head over the fireplace or the simple, country decorations.
“Did you bring it?” Jenna asked from the kitchen doorway.
Amy nodded then searched her jeans pocket. She withdrew a silver necklace with a fang charm then dropped it into Jenna’s palm.
“And the hair?” Jenna asked as she laid it on the counter.
Chloe watched as Amy rummaged through her purse. She withdrew a piece of plastic wrap and laid it atop the table. Carefully unfolding the plastic, she revealed two strands of blond hair.
“Are you sure they’re his?” Chloe asked as she peered at the wisps lying atop the plastic.
Amy nodded. “I got them out of his room. They were in his comb.”
Both Chloe and Amy sat in silence as they watched Jenna pick up the plastic then dump the hair into the pot simmering on the stove. She then began chanting under her breath.
“Is this really going to work?” Amy asked. Her brows were pulled down as she watched Jenna’s ministrations over the stove.
Jenna didn’t answer and instead, continued to say the words required for the spell to work.
From the corner of her eye, Chloe noticed that Amy was staring at her. Turning to glare at the blonde, Chloe demanded to know why she was looking at her.
Amy licked her lips then shot a glance at Jenna who was still attending the pot. Returning her gaze to Chloe, she said, “I helped him escape.”
The spoon Jenna used to stir the concoction clanged against the pot. She cast a curious glance at Amy then raised her brows.
Chloe asked, “Then you believe he’s innocent?”
Amy nodded. “I never believed he’d do something like this. Not to Josh, not to Travis. Dad is just lost and grasping at straws. Ryan was a convenient target since he and Travis don’t get along.”
“Has he found any clues yet? Does he have any idea who might have killed Josh?” Chloe stood now, pacing the kitchen.
“No. There were hardly any clues.” Amy said. “Whoever killed him didn’t do it on the beach. He was dumped.”
“How do you know?” Chloe asked.
“I’ve snuck a peek at dad’s files. If he’d been gutted like a fish right there on the shore, there would have been a lot of blood. There was only a small bit soaked into the sand around him.”
Jenna continued stirring the concoction on the stove. “Surely there were some clues at your
house. Something left behind to indicate who took Travis?”
“There’s nothing there to tag anyone with. I think that’s part of the reason he went after Ryan.”
“Because Travis and Ryan are volatile,” Chloe finished for her. “And because of me.”
“Yes,” Amy agreed. Her gaze was downcast as she said, “I’m not going to stand in his way. I care about Ryan, but I’m not his beloved.” She glanced at Chloe and grimaced. “If we were to try and force ourselves to be together, we’d just be unhappy. He helped me understand that.”
Chloe chanced a smile.
Amy rolled her eyes. “Even so, he should be with one of his own kind. Not an outsider.”
“It’s done,” Jenna announced. She turned off the stove and sat the pot on a metal trivet to cool.
“So how does it work?” Amy asked. She stood then peered at the pot’s contents.
Jenna said, “It sits over night to fully charge. Then in the morning, I’ll pour it over the necklace you brought.”
“That’s all?” Amy asked with a skeptical frown.
“Tomorrow, when we get to the woods, I’ll invoke the charm and it should lead us to Travis if he’s close by.” Jenna moved to the table to spread out the map.
“What if he’s not?” The first inkling of worry tainted Amy’s voice.
Chloe stopped pacing the kitchen and returned to the table. She sat next to Jenna and glanced over the map of Hunde and the surrounding woods. “Then we’ll keep looking. He’s got to be out there. Somewhere.”
Amy’s face grew red and her eyes began to tear up. “What if he’s not? It’s been days.”
“Hey, we’re not gonna think like that,” Chloe said then picked up the pink highlighter. “Now, where is our assigned area?”
Jenna took the highlighter from her and shaded in the area behind the school. “We’re here.”
Amy traced her finger across the other wooded areas and neighborhoods. She told them who would be covering each. Finally, she rested her fingertip over the area that was centrally located on the map. “My grandma will bring her van and set up a checkpoint here. She’ll have supplies like flashlights and first aid kits.”
The Bad Wolf Page 20
