by Tia Louise
She’s back with a plastic bag. “You have pretty regular-sized feet for how… big you are everywhere else.”
I’m going to let that pass. “Okay,” is all I say.
“See if any of these will work. Mr. White had a weakness for shoes. Most of them are Italian.”
“I’ll take care of them.”
She waves a hand as I leave. “Wear them out. Shoes are no use to you when you’re dead.”
They sure come in handy when you’re living, I can’t help thinking. Back in my apartment, I dump everything on the bed. Sleek black loafers in exactly my size spill out along with canvas slip-ons and sneakers I know an old man would never wear. I squint an eye back toward the house and wonder what else Doris White has up her sleeve.
The church is a one-room wooden building that looks as old as Doris. She holds my arm as we slowly climb the concrete steps leading up to the white structure. We’re just entering as organ music blasts triumphantly. I feel her giving me a scowl and look down.
“You made us late,” she gripes.
“It wasn’t on my schedule for today.”
“As if you have a Sunday schedule.” She smiles to an elderly man in a suit handing out folded-paper programs.
“Good morning, Doris,” he says smiling at her. When his eyes move to me, the smile dissolves.
I don’t smile back. The last thing I need is to give these guys any ideas about my interest in membership.
“You must be…” he waits, and Doris hastily fills in the blanks.
“My nephew Kona. He’s visiting from the islands.”
It’s an internal struggle, but I keep my expression neutral. What the hell?
“The islands?” The old man frowns.
“We’d better get inside,” she says, giving my arm a tug.
“Nice to meet you,” I mutter, escorting her through the narrow door and down a skinny aisle.
She takes the lead, going straight to what I can only assume is her designated spot. I don’t make eye contact with any of the parishioners, but I do notice Jim sitting next to Sally at the end of our pew. She’s in a burgundy dress with little white flowers on it. Jim’s in a suit with his light-brown hair combed back, and I have to give him a second glance. He actually cleans up well. They’re both smiling way too much to be in church this morning.
A tug on my arm reminds me to sit down. My ass hits the pew just as everybody’s on their feet again, hymnals in hand. I don’t know any of the songs, but I hold the hardcover red book and do my best to follow along.
Finally, we seem to be finished sitting and standing, and an older fellow in a long, black robe with a deep purple sash ascends to elevated pulpit.
“Brothers and sisters,” he begins in an affected tone. “We’re entering that time of year when the conflict between good and evil grows more distinct in our midst.
“Ephesians teaches us our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against unseen enemies in the spiritual world…”
It’s difficult for me to sit through these types of sermons, as there’s so much more these well-meaning people don’t know. Still, the direction of this guy’s message sends my mind down the path of what I can do to track down the unseen enemy I encountered two nights ago.
I’m still thinking I encountered a powerful spirit from the underworld, only what would something like that be doing here? And what does it want with Mercy?
As much as she’s asked me to leave her alone, I’m afraid I might have to go against her wishes and tell her what I experienced. I don’t have to tarnish her pristine image to let her know her life might be in danger. I just wonder why…
I’m considering my words when everyone is on their feet again. I stand quickly, glancing around to see hymnals are in hands. Reaching down for the red book, I feel a sharp elbow in my kidney. Doris holds one up for us to share. I nod and look down at the words. I don’t know any of them, but I do my best to follow.
The cause of temperance is Thine own;
Our plans and efforts bless;
We trust, O Lord, in Thee alone
To crown them with success.
Books closed, the minister raises both hands over the congregation and recites a blessing. He’s done, and the entire room breaks as everyone makes their way to the door. I hang back unsure what the hell Doris expects me to do now.
“Jim,” she fusses at her actual nephew. “I know you’re bringing this young lady to my house for lunch today.”
“Oh yeah, Aunt D. This is Sally.” He motions to the girl, whose cheeks pink attractively. “Sally, this is my aunt Doris.”
“Nice to meet you,” Sally’s voice is timid as usual.
“I guess you know Kona,” Doris says.
Sally blinks quickly up to me and does a little nod before tucking her chin and stepping behind Jim. I return her greeting.
“He’ll be joining us, too,” the old woman finishes.
“Hey—”
“Don’t tell me,” she cuts those eagle eyes back on me. “Your busy Sunday schedule doesn’t leave time for food.”
I don’t even try to argue. Stepping to the side, I wait for her to take my arm again and lead her out the small building to where a number of townspeople are loitering on the front lawn. It’s a short walk from here back to her house. I’m ready to get moving when a tall, slim guy about my height cuts us off.
He’s wearing a long black coat with a broad fur collar. His skin is fair, and his pale blonde hair is styled back from his face in a swoosh.
“Why, Doris, who is your guest today?” This guy clearly has money. His hands are long and smooth. I’m willing to bet he’s never worked a day in his life.
My landlady stiffens as he steps closer. “Hello, Hayden.” Her voice is curt. “Interesting you decided to grace us with your presence this morning.”
He fake-laughs, waving that long smooth hand. I notice his nails are manicured. “You know I do my best to attend regularly.”
“When you’re regularly up to something,” she quips. Mentally, I give Aunt D a high-five, but I’m distracted.
A flash of menace catches me off-guard, and I step away from her, sweeping the property with my eyes. It was the thing from the woods, and it appeared and disappeared so quickly, I have no idea where it went. For a moment, I consider it’s hiding in plain sight, cloaking itself somehow.
The other churchgoers slowly disperse, heading to their cars or into the surrounding neighborhoods. Nothing is suspicious.
“You always make me laugh, Doris.” Returning to the matter at hand, I notice Steampunk is studying me in a way I don’t particularly like. “Bob said you’re from one of the islands?”
“Kona’s my adopted sister’s kid,” Doris says, pulling my arm. “We’re late for lunch.”
“Hayden Cross,” the guy extends his hand toward me.
I’m about to reach out and shake, but Doris pushes between us preventing contact. “We have to get there before Jim and Sally.”
Lowering my hand, I nod to the strange fellow. “Nice to meet you.”
He stands perfectly still, watching as we make our way down the sidewalk, and I can’t resist glaring right back.
“What’s up with that guy?” I mutter.
“Local busybody. Don’t you worry about him.”
“I’m not worried.”
The old lady chuckles and pats my bicep. “Yep, I like having you on the place, Kona.”
Lunch is pretty basic. Jim and Sally arrive with a bucket of KFC and a few sides. I do my best to appear patient, but I’m anxious to get out in the woods and see what I can find in the daylight. My night vision is excellent, but sometimes things look different during the day.
“Too bad you and Mercy left early last night,” Jim says. “Sally really got the hang of it before the game ended.”
The girls cheeks flame, and she fixes her gaze on her plate. She only has one small chicken wing, which she hasn’t touched.
“Mercy!” Doris snaps. “Mer
cy Quinlan? What was she doing bowling?”
“You should’ve seen her, Aunt D, Mercy’s like a scratch bowler or something. She kicked our butts.” Jim talks between bites of chicken, and his chin is shiny with grease.
“Her sister must be out of town again.” The old woman speaks under her breath. She stabs at her mashed potatoes and gravy seeming lost in thought.
She has my full attention on this subject. “I was impressed,” I say, hoping they’ll say more.
No such luck. Sally touches Jim’s arm, and he picks up a paper napkin to wipe his face. “Sorry, bro, I gotta get Sally back to her house. I told her mom we’d have lunch with them after mass.”
“What!” Doris snaps at him.
“Yeah, they’re members over at St. Michaels.” He’s on his feet, helping Sally up. “I’m meeting them for the first time.”
“Must be serious,” Doris mutters, pushing out of her chair and holding her cheek up for him to kiss.
“I’ll check on you later,” he says before heading to the door.
I take my chance to escape with them. Picking up my plate, I carry it to the sink.
“Oh, thanks for cleaning up, Kona!” The old lady lifts her cane and slowly makes her way to the living room leaving me facing a table of dirty dishes.
A quick scan tells me there’s no dishwasher — besides my two hands. Big fucking surprise. I shake my head and pick up three more plates before crossing the small space to the sink. At this rate, I’ll never get to the woods.
Lost and Found
Mercy
Sitting on the rocky cliff overlooking the creek below, I hold my shirt, fanning it back and forth to circulate air around my torso. I’ve been hiking all day in the warm sunshine, and I’m two seconds from losing these clothes and diving into the cool waters below. At this time of year, it’s too cold for the average human, but I find it soothing to my heated blood. I haven’t shifted all day, mostly because I’ve been on the move too much, and I don’t feel like stowing my clothes.
I started out on the complete opposite end of town at Fool’s Gold Cliff, and dug up a few chunks of pyrite from the cliff face for good luck. The area was too populated with families and groups of hikers for my mood, so I rounded to the north to Nightmoon Lake then followed the creek back around and into the forest.
Only once did I hesitate, when I found myself in the little clearing where I’d first encountered Koa that magical night last week. I sat on the grass and had a moment remembering everything we’d done. We hadn’t only made love, I’d told him about the town and a little about me. Not too much, of course, as I believed him when he said he was just passing through.
It’s all spoiled now. After the way I acted at the gym and at the Spare Lounge, I can’t blame him if he never wants to speak to me again. I haven’t decided if this means I’m having second thoughts. Plucking a blade of grass, I split it down the center with my fingernail and pull it apart. I would like to talk to him again.
“What are you doing out here alone?” The stern, deep voice causes me to scream, and I’m pretty sure I jumped a foot off the ground.
Standing now, I’m face to face with the devil himself. Koa is in the woods behind a small tree. At the sight of his luscious bare chest, I know he’s come out of his shifter state. Too bad the foliage hides him from the waist down.
“I’m sorry?” My voice is still a little shaken from the fright, but I’m annoyed by his overbearing tone. “Am I not allowed to hike by myself anymore?”
His brow furrows, and I can tell he’d like to confront me. Watching him stand there, glowering at me, unable to come out because he’s nude, I start to giggle.
“What’s so funny?” He growls, which makes me laugh louder. “Mercy…”
“I’m sorry!” Shaking my head, I touch the tears in my eyes with my fingertips. “I was actually thinking I’d like to talk to you, and here you are… Only, you’re shouting at me from behind a bush naked.”
It’s so ridiculous, I start to laugh again, but this time when he speaks, his tone is gentler. “You shouldn’t be in the woods alone. It’s dangerous.”
“I’m not afraid.”
Stepping a little closer to where he stands, I want to say so much to him. I want to explain why I said what I did at the gym. I want to explain my entire life and why it’s best if we don’t see each other right now — maybe when we’re in California, but not now.
It’s when I remember the feeling I had last night at the window, and a surge of warmth blooms in my chest. “Were you at my house last night?”
His chin drops, but he answers me. “Yes. I’m trying to honor your wishes and stay away, but… I can’t explain what’s happening, what I’ve encountered.”
I’m so accustomed to mysterious things happening in Woodland Creek, I’m less concerned with his experience than how his presence affects me.
“Thank you for being there last night. I slept better than I have in weeks knowing you were there.”
He blinks up at me, confusion in his green eyes.
I don’t wait for more. I grab my water bottle and run down the hillside, back in the direction of my house. I’m not sure if I’ve changed my mind about him. I need a little distance to decide what this means.
Twilight is breaking when I get back to my house. The entire way back, I felt him behind me, following me. I looked back a few times and caught the dark shadow of his panther form.
He’s watching over me, and the surge of happiness it sends through my chest forces a smile from my lips in spite of myself. I might want to resist him for fear he’ll trap me in Woodland Creek, but I can’t deny what he is. I go straight to my room and strip off my clothes before stepping into the shower.
* * *
Koa
Mercy’s safely in her parent’s mansion, and I do a quick check of the perimeter. Nothing is out of order, and I don’t scent any supernatural beings. Going back to my spot from last night, I get comfortable and wait. Once she’s settled in bed, I’ll head back to town and get some rest. If I’ve got to work tomorrow, I can’t spend the night on the cold ground again. It was bad enough losing last night and today. I have to trust she’s safe inside her home.
My eyes open about an hour later, and I realize I’m no good to her out here. I’m satisfied nothing is threatening, and I take off, running quickly back to the garage apartment. The neighborhood is quiet when I shift back and grab my church clothes from behind the steps.
Upstairs, I run a quick shower. I linger a moment under the spray, but I’m too tired even to jack off thinking about her. I shut off the water and towel dry before crossing the small space and collapsing on the double bed. I’m asleep before I even think to lock the door.
It’s so dark when I open my eyes, it takes me a moment to register the quiet hiss of rain outside. That’s not what woke me. Something is in my room. I sit up, but the moment I inhale, I know who it is.
“Where are you?” I say softly.
The faintest hint of blue-violet light shimmers at the foot of my bed, and I can just make out her form in the darkness. I know she’s nude, and I wish for moonlight. I want to see her beautiful body.
“How did you get past the door?” My voice is a rumble in the darkness.
Hers is a soft whisper. “It wasn’t locked.”
“Why did you come here?”
“To apologize for what I said.” She rounds the corner of the bed to the side where I’m lying. I can just make out the curve of her breast. “I was afraid.”
“Why?” My fingers ache to touch her.
“My entire life is focused on leaving Woodland Creek. I was afraid you’d ruin my plans.”
Fatigue gone, I’m on edge, desire tight in my stomach. “How could I do that?”
“Because I want so much to be with you again.”
It’s all I needed to hear. I rip back the covers and pull her naked body against mine as I claim her beautiful mouth. Her soft breasts smash against my chest, and I roll her
so she’s under me, pinned by my huge physique.
She struggles to get her arms free. I let her, but she doesn’t push me away. She puts her hands on my cheeks and pulls me to her, kissing me harder like before, like our first night in the meadow.
Catching the top of her head, I pull her hair back, tilting her chin upward so I can dip down and pierce her skin. She trembles in my arm, letting out a little moan as I taste her blood. She’s not lying to me. She’s changed. Something very surprising has changed in her, in both of us, and I release her hair so our eyes can meet.
The clouds move apart and light filters in through the windows. It’s not a full moon, but it’s enough that I can see her eyes round and glowing blue. Neither of us speaks; we only look in each other’s eyes. Now that there’s light, I roll away onto my side so I can see her body in my bed.
She watches as I slide the back of my finger from my mark at her neck, over her collarbone, and down the soft swell of her breast. Her nipple hardens, and I pause, circling the tip of my thumb around it. Another little shiver, and her back arches, bringing her closer to my touch.
I blink back up to her eyes, and they’re darker now. Her lip is clamped hard between her teeth, and her skin glistens. My erection aches for her wet heat, but I want to go slow. I’ve been thinking about this for days, thinking I might never touch her body again. She was lost to me. Now she’s found, and I want to take my time with her.
Flattening my palm against her stomach, I spread my fingers over her torso, before sliding them down, curling my longest into her when I reach her core. Her eyes roll closed with a moan. She’s so wet. Her head drops back as she slides the length of her body against mine. Her beautiful breasts bounce along the ripples of my chest.
“You’re so beautiful,” I whisper, working my fingers in and out as my thumb circles her clit.
A slim hand fumbles to my dick, and I feel her grasp me, pumping my shaft up and down. Her fingers don’t meet around me. I’m too thick, and for a moment I think I ought to have been gentler our first time. Then I remember how hard she slammed her ass against my torso once I was inside her. A little smile, and I decide it was okay.
