“We change at will. Day or night.”
Rebecca started to move, inching her way towards the path they’d traveled, hoping she could follow it, but knowing she’d never outrun him. Besides, he knew these woods like the back of his hand. She was trapped. There was no escape.
“Of course. You’re a werewolf.” She tried to smile and look natural, but she thought she must look wild-eyed and desperate, because Jake stepped forward. Before she could react, his hands held her arms at her side.
“My grandfather, my father, my brother Trey and I are werewolves. And Ben.”
She’d been looking past his shoulder for an escape route but her gaze snapped to meet his. “Ben? You think Ben is a werewolf? You’re insane.” She struggled against his grip.
“Ben will make his first change when he hits puberty, around thirteen. And if he doesn’t know how to do it, it will kill him.” Jake was stone cold serious.
Her legs shook now, knees knocking as she listened to him rant. How did this go so wrong? Does his mother know about this delusion? Thank God, Ben is safe with her.
“I don’t believe you.”
“It’s true. Why would I lie to you?”
Because you’re insane. No, better not to rile him.
“Prove it.” She clenched her jaw and stared at him.
Jake’s eyes softened and he licked his lips.
“You can’t, can you? It’s all a lie, some crazy delusion you’re under.”
“If I let you go, will you stay and not run off?”
“I’ll stay. I’ll do anything you want, just leave Ben alone. Please don’t hurt him.” She’d beg, plead and cajole, do anything to keep her baby safe.
Jake closed his eyes and winced as if he felt a stab of pain. With a deep breath, he stepped back and released her. Rebecca rubbed her arms and watched as he moved to the edge of the woods and closed his eyes.
The air around him shimmered and the same vibration she’d felt in her house began. She was caught up in it as if it had substance, thick and cloying. The vibrations spread to her core, making her legs shake even worse than before. Her throat constricted, refusing her scream.
Jake’s body seemed to flow. Or was the air bending around his body, like a mirror bends light? Rebecca thought the right word would be morph. He’s morphing…changing…dear God…who art in heaven… Her breath came in hard gulps as she was caught between trying to breathe, trying to scream, and keeping her legs under her. She staggered backwards and slammed against the pine tree. Its rough bark chewed into her, yet held her upright.
Jake’s face contorted in pain, then he was gone.
A huge, dark grey wolf stood where he had been.
Rebecca slid down the tree trunk ripping bark as she did. Sitting on her knees, she stared at the wolf. “Don’t hurt me…please…” she whimpered.
The wolf sat and whined. Golden eyes, intelligent eyes stared at her.
“Jake?” Her voice sounded like the croak of a bullfrog in the utter stillness of the forest. It was so quiet. No insects buzzed, no birds sang, just her raw voice shattering the silence. Her ears pounded. It was her own heartbeat magnified to the level of an onrushing train.
The wolf lowered himself to the ground, large paws stretched out in front, and rested his massive head on them.
Rebecca looked at the animal. Her initial terror passed. The creature seemed to be content just to lay there. Thinking it through, she ran through the logical possibilities. This was an elaborate hoax. No. Jake and Barker were playing a prank on her. No, that didn’t make sense either. Where’d they get the wolf? This isn’t really a wolf, but a husky. A dog made to look like a wolf. Right. Doggy disguises. Now, who’s crazy?
Studying the animal, she took in his thick dark grey pelt, slender but powerful legs, massive paws, and amber eyes, not the dark brown of a dog. She was sure it was a wolf. She licked her lips.
I’m running out of logic…time for insanity.
“Jake. Come here.”
The wolf rose and slowly started forward. It stopped when it reached her and then sat on its haunches. Its long tongue lolled. Sharp, white teeth. All the better to eat you with, my dear. Rebecca stifled a giggle. I’m losing my mind. Is insanity catching? Could he have drugged her?
She reached out a hand so slowly it trembled when it touched fur. Delving deep into the animal’s magnificent coat, her fingers explored the sensation of the thick pelt. He was dark grey on his back, legs, and tail, fading to soft grey underneath. Rising on her knees, she dropped her hands and came face to face with the wolf as she looked into his eyes.
“I must be insane. It is you.”
The wolf licked her cheek, dragging his tongue over her skin. Dropping his head, he licked the back of her hands. Reaching with one hand, Rebecca stroked the side of his head and then she climbed to her feet, still shaking. She couldn’t stop the shaking.
“I’ve seen enough, Jake.” Stepping away, she leaned against the tree for support.
The wolf took several steps backwards and then lowered his head and closed his eyes. The air did that shimmering thing and Rebecca watched as the man she thought she loved changed from a wolf back to a man. Jake. Jake was a werewolf.
“Rebecca. I had to tell you.” He came toward her, but she held out her hands to stop him. He froze in his tracks.
“And this is going to happen to Ben?”
“Yes. But later, much later.”
“Thank you for telling me. Take me back now.” Wrapping her arms around her body, she stared anywhere but at Jake. “I’m taking Ben and leaving.” Her voice was so quiet she barely heard herself, but her eyes defied him to stop her.
Jake stared at her. “He must be trained, Rebecca.”
“I’m going to take him to a doctor and get him tested.”
“Tested for what?” Jake countered. She could hear the irritation in his voice.
“Genetics. Maybe they can remove the gene.” She shrugged. “Please, I just want to go home.” What she wanted was to go home, lock herself in the bathroom, and scream until she couldn’t make another sound. Then get drunk. Very, very drunk.
Jake shook his head, but led the way back to the house. He was silent as he went in front of her, holding branches to clear the way for her, but not ever touching her. She tried to sort out the jumble of thoughts that ranged from “run away” to “typical, just typical.” Mostly she concentrated on not breaking down into loud, messy, heart-racking sobs.
When they reached the patio, she stopped.
“Jake.”
He turned and looked at her. Her mind was made up. This was the only way.
“I can’t ever see you again. Or bring the baby here.” She didn’t even bother to search for understanding in his eyes, because she knew what she’d see.
“Please don’t do that, Rebecca.” His voice was so raspy and he looked as if her words had physically wounded him. It was only fair, damn it. It was killing her to say them.
“It’s my decision as his mother. I’m going inside and get my son and we’re leaving. Please don’t call me. Goodbye, Jake.” She walked past him and went inside.
The screen door closed softly behind her as she walked out of Jake McCallan’s life.
Chapter 8
As Rebecca entered the kitchen, Caroline poured coffee for Father Peter and Barker as they sat around the large table where Ben sat in his carrier. Trying to act as normal as possible, Rebecca smiled at them.
“Mrs. McCallan, thank you so much for inviting me today. Father Peter, it was nice to meet you.” She nodded to Barker. “I have to leave now.”
Walking around the table, she picked up Ben’s carrier and left the room, heading to the library to find her diaper bag and purse. With all of her belongings in hand, she marched to the front door, telling herself to go before anyone tried to stop her. She had no idea what she’d do if they did try, but she was prepared to fight her way out of here if she had to. For a moment, as she walked down the hall, she remembered
an old movie she’d seen on late night television, Rosemary’s Baby. The woman had given birth to the spawn of the devil and everyone had acted as if it was perfectly normal.
Ben is not some spawn of evil. He is not a werewolf.
Rebecca reached the front door and looked back. The hall was empty. No one had followed her. Her gaze rose to the statue of the wolf on the landing. Of course.
She wanted to scream, “You can’t have him, he’s mine. He’s not one of you. He’s just a normal baby.” Instead, she jerked the door open and stepped through it. Shutting the door behind her, she stared at the brass door knockers. More wolves.
Lips, chin and legs trembling, she made it to her car, strapped in the car seat, and got in. It took all the control she had not to floor the gas pedal and fishtail across the front lawn in a mad dash to escape, but to follow the driveway back to the main road like a sane, rational person. Someone around here had to be.
Keeping her eyes on the road as she drove, she was afraid to glance off to the side. If she saw Jake’s wolf following the car like some car-chasing pet dog she’d lose it. Now in the dark, the trees that were so beautiful in the daylight loomed over the car, threatening to reach down and capture her, to keep her from escaping.
The front gates loomed. The seconds ticked by as she approached them. Almost there. It wouldn’t have surprised her to see them swing shut, trapping her inside the estate. She pressed down on the accelerator and sped forward.
Once through them, Rebecca braked, stopping before she crossed the highway. She looked in both directions and then eased onto the blacktop highway and headed back to town.
She exhaled. And then she sucked in a lungful of air that ended in a shuddering gasp. Her knuckles were white as she the gripped the wheel and kept muttering, “It will be okay, it will be okay…”
God let it be okay.
* * * *
“She knows.” Carolina looked at the priest. He reached out and placed his hand over hers.
“I don’t think it went well.” Barker stood, pushing back his chair. “I’ll go find Jake.”
Caroline nodded. Barker opened the back door and stepped out onto the patio.
Jake had his back to him, head tilted up to look at the stars.
“She’s gone,” Jake said.
“Yes.” Barker stood next to his best friend and waited.
“She thought I was crazy. She thought I would hurt Ben.” Jake’s shoulders slumped. “I’ve lost her.”
“Give her time. She loves you, Jake. I could see it in her eyes.”
Jake stepped off the porch and Barker followed. They walked in the moonlight toward the woods.
“Maybe it’s not enough. Maybe it’s too much for her.”
“She’s your mate, Jake. She’ll come around. She just needs to time to take it all in.” Barker didn’t know what to say. If it were anyone else, he’d suggest the two of them go get a beer and pick up girls. Rubbing his hand over his chin, he followed his friend, helpless. This sucked.
“Yeah. Time. In the meantime, is Trey going to stop trying to kill her, if it is him? If it isn’t, who is it? I can’t leave her, Barker, even if she’s left me.”
“I’ll make the patrol, boss. You know that. Between the two of us, we’ll keep her safe.”
“If I could just find Trey and talk some sense into him.” Jake stopped at the edge of the woods. “I need to be alone.”
“I understand. Call me later.” Barker stopped.
Jake stepped into the woods and within moments was gone.
“Take care of yourself, old dog,” Barker called, then turned around, walked back to the patio and went inside.
* * * *
The wolf’s ears twitched as the engine of Barker’s pick-up roared to life and the sounds of tires on the driveway faded. Next, the priest left. He watched as the lights in the big house went out, leaving only the kitchen window and his mother’s rooms lit.
If his brother was around here somewhere, where was he hiding?
The wolf turned away from the great house and began his search.
* * * *
Just ten minutes from town, Rebecca could breathe without sucking in great gulps of air. Her grip on the steering wheel relaxed and she glanced in the rearview mirror to check on Ben. He was asleep. Thank God, he loved to sleep in the car.
It was night now, no pretense of fading daylight. The woods, instead of beautiful and picturesque, held sinister shapes and shadows that seemed to rush past, although she was the one rushing
I’m going too fast. Taking her foot off the accelerator, she slowed to a safer speed.
Lights flashed in her rearview mirror, making her squint. Some creep with his brights on gained on her. Jerk. If he wanted to pass, so be it. Slowing down, she waited for him to pass her.
The vehicle sped up. Her eyes watched the road in front of her when the truck slammed into the back of her car. The impact jolted her forward, her head almost hitting the steering wheel. Her seat belt tightened and she recoiled back against the seat.
Ben started crying.
“What the hell?”
Glancing up to the rearview mirror, the lights blinded her. For a moment, she thought about pulling over to the side and inspecting the damage, but the lights loomed closer. Some inner voice whispered, “Don’t stop.”
Jamming her foot down on the accelerator, Rebecca pulled the car away from the lights as her speedometer topped sixty. The woods whooshed past in a dark blur, and her grip on the wheel tightened as she steered the car around the curves.
At this speed, if he hit her again she might lose control and crash. All she could think about was that her baby could be killed.
Her eyes flicked to the purse on the seat next to her. Her cell phone. Reaching across, she pulled the purse closer and doing a visual dance between the road and her purse, she fumbled for the phone. Trembling fingers caught it up in their grasp.
Flipping it open, she hit 911.
“Emergency. Can I help you?”
“Yes, help! I’m on Highway 35 heading south just before town and there is some madman trying to force me off the road.”
“Can you identify yourself?”
“This is Rebecca Miller, 235 Oak Street. Help me. I’m driving a blue Camry on Highway 35 south into town.” It was all she could do to stay calm and not scream at the woman on the other end of the phone.
“All right. Can you tell what kind of vehicle it is?”
“No. It’s dark. All I see are headlights. Please send someone right away. I have a baby in the car.” Ben’s angry wail came right on cue.
“Yes, ma’am. I have a unit dispatched to your location. You should see the lights in a few minutes.”
“Thank you.” Rebecca sent up another prayer. Please get here in time. Please, God, I promise…anything…just keep my baby safe…please.
“Stay on the line, don’t hang up.”
“Right.” She swallowed and glanced behind her. The lights were dropping back. Thank you, God. Ben was furious now, his wailing high-pitched and urgent.
The lights stopped and then they veered off as the vehicle turned, red taillights flashed once, then disappeared.
Ahead of her, blue and red lights cut the night. She pulled the car over to the side of the road and stopped. Rebecca rested her head on the wheel and exhaled. The police car pulled up to her front bumper and the inside of her car was bathed in a kaleidoscope of blue and red.
The cop was by her door. Another damn light in her eyes. Rolling down the window, the baby’s cry made the officer jump back.
“Thank you. You scared him off. He turned around and went in the other direction.”
“Are you all right?” The cop stared at her.
“Yes, just shook up.”
“Is the baby okay?” He glanced in the back seat.
“I think so.” She opened the door, got out, and opened the back door. Kneeling on the seat, she checked Ben. She found his pacifier dangling from its tether, an
d popped it back into his mouth. The crying stopped, angry wet eyes accused her, and savage sucking commenced. “He’s fine.”
The cop walked around to the back of the car and shone his light on the rear end. “You got some damage here.”
She walked to the back of the car. “It’s not so bad. He bumped me pretty hard, but I guess since we were both moving…” She shrugged. Her bumper hung down on the driver’s side.
“It could be worse.”
“Yeah.” Rebecca wrapped her arms around herself. I could be dead, along with Ben.
“Let me get some information from you and I’ll follow you home.”
They moved off to the side of the road as headlights approached. Rebecca tensed. It’s not him. He, whoever it was, wouldn’t dare come back with the police here. The truck slowed and pulled to the side. Before she knew it, the door opened and a man got out and walked up to the cars.
“Holy shit!”
Rebecca recognized the voice. She held up her hand to shield her eyes from the glare. “Barker?”
“Rebecca? What the hell happened?”
“Someone tried to run me off the road. God, Barker, I’m so glad to see you.” The relief was almost physical and her legs begin to buckle under her.
Barker was at her side in a few long strides and engulfed her against his chest.
“Did you call Jake?”
“No. It just happened. Barker, did you pass anyone back there?”
“No, it’s been clear since I turned onto the highway.”
The officer came over. “Sergeant? I thought it was you. You know her?”
“Hey, Riley. Yeah, she’s a friend.” His arm was slung around her shoulders.
“Oh, right. A friend.” Riley nodded as if he understood.
“Of Jake’s.” Barker added and gave the guy a look.
“Damn! The boss is going to want to know about this.”
“That’s what I figure.”
Rebecca watched the two men talk about her as if she wasn’t there. She pushed herself away from Barker.
“Hey, do I get a say in this?”
They looked at her and Barker shrugged. “Sure.”
“Number one. Don’t tell Jake.”
Riley eyed Barker, pursed his lips in a soundless whistle, and then stepped away to his patrol car.
McCallan's Blood Page 9
