I glance in the rearview mirror and gun the gas, speeding away. What is her problem? Maybe, she does have an appointment. I shove my sunglasses back on my head in deep thought. There’s something very peculiar about Tala, something that causes my heart to skip and makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck. If only I could put my finger on it.
In the woods the night the rare-breed wolves first locked their eyes on Tala, I had arrived none too soon or she would have been killed. I am the only one that cares enough about the people in this community to stand up. The rare-breeds are out of control. As shapeshifting wolves, their wild side has grown stronger than their human side. They have unique hybrid tendencies and their one driving force is that they thirst for blood. Their raw instincts have overpowered them and now their animalistic beast craves its freedom. They slaughtered my family. And now, I’m hunting them down. The rare-breeds want me gone. And I want to destroy them and their bloodlust. But, being a group of professionals, they have all the money and money talks—especially in a small community like Witherfell, a ski resort. All the locals are too busy with their own lives to notice anything weird going on. During their off season, the locals look forward to dances and other seasonal events. Too bad, they never pay attention to the moon, if they did, they would realize that every time the moon grows full—someone dies. And the sad fact is, I seem to be the only one keeping track.
Sometimes, being alone isn’t so bad, I enjoy the rain, my work at the station...and the sudden promise of a new conquest.
Rushing through downtown with my windshield wipers swiping, I gather my thoughts, wondering about the body that had turned up. The body that had been nearly devoured by a wild animal. I know the animal responsible is probably one of the rare-breeds, if not all of them. They’re raving wolves, and they’re out of control. I’ve got to stop them.
I rev the engine of my patrol car, dashing down the dirt road leading to my cabin. My headlights make the surrounding woods a blur as I splash through puddles in the road. It’s pitch-dark outside. So dark that the shadows are consumed by the night and even the trees look like towering giants. I shake off the ridiculous feeling and fly down the road through the black of night until I see home.
Relieved to see I left on the front porch light, I leap from the car and duck toward the porch. I wipe my boots and unlock the door with a sigh. There really is no place like home, even if it’s bigger than the Ponderosa. I drop my jacket over a chair and kick off my boots before pulling off my shirt, leaving nothing but Grandfather’s chain hanging from my neck and my wolf-head ring. I’m not one to wear jewelry, but Grandfather said the clear stone would give me strength, and I should never take it off. He called it a moonstone.
My stomach growls. I should have picked up a sandwich before leaving town, but some days I just want to get home. I open the fridge. Really. Nothing but a pack of half-eaten smoked sausages and Miller. I grab one of each and hit the couch, throwing my feet up in front of the television. Let’s see what’s new on the six o’clock news.
As I finish off my dinner, I can’t help thinking about Tala. The girl has already been seen once in the woods and the wolves have her scent. Now, she’s marked. It won’t be long before they come for her. I have her scent too—just let them try.
Chapter 7
TALA
It’s raining when I finally finish the paperwork and leave the station. The Harley seat is wet, I can barely see through the water on my glasses, and raindrops feel like needles on my skin. I drive home in a daze, tickled to get the job at the station and bummed about lying to Will. It didn’t seem the right way to start off my new life. But I had no choice. He shouldn’t have asked me out. It’s too soon. I wouldn’t be any fun for sure. Not with my heart locked up tighter than a vault.
I park my bike and set the kick stand. Then I storm into the apartment mad at myself and the world. All I want to do now is take a quick shower and go to sleep without feeling guilty. Tomorrow is the first real day on the job, no need to show up looking like I’ve been through hell, even though, in a way, I have.
Gracie hears me come in and swishes into the room. “Get dressed, I’m taking you out.”
There go my plans for the evening.
I flop on the couch torn between sleeping or giving in to Gracie who has been like a sister always having my back. “Do we have to tonight?” I moan kicking off my boots. “I’ve had a day you would not believe.” I try giving her my pitiful look. She usually feels sorry for people, but she never was one to take no for an answer, and she wants to celebrate and catch up. Mainly, learn more about what happened with Frankie.
“If you start work tomorrow, tonight’s the last chance we’ll have to relax and enjoy ourselves. First, I’m taking you to the Valentine’s dance, but we’re not staying. There’s this small nightclub near the college, Boars Head Den. We must celebrate you being here and landing a job first thing. Come on...”
I hesitate. “I’m not in school anymore. I’ll feel like I’m crashing the party. Besides, what am I going to wear? I didn’t bring party clothes.”
Gracie’s green eyes twinkle and she smiles that smile that tells me she is not giving up. “That excuse doesn’t cut it. Follow me.” She drags me into her room and opens a closet bulging with dresses and suits, dress slacks and blouses.
I slump, dropping my arms to my sides. I lower my head and glare up at her. “Really? You know, sometimes you’re a bitch?”
“Take whatever catches your eye,” she says grinning.
I’m tired. I still refuse to give in completely to Gracie’s plan. “Can’t we just head down to the grill for a peaceful evening. I’d love to see it again...and maybe meet up with some of the old crowd.” I’m eager to know what my school chums have been up to.
Gracie may be overly sensitive, but she has yet to take no for an answer. “No, no, no. There is plenty of time to check out the grill and friends later. Tonight, is our night to howl.”
With little choice, since she has taken me in like a lost puppy, I give in to my pushy friend. This time. We high-five and go about getting ready for a long overdue—girl’s night out.
We’re almost ready to leave when Gracie gives me one of her looks. “How about the makeup?” she asks with a grin. “My case is on the night-stand. What’s mine is yours. Use whatever you like.”
I shrug, recalling my recent breakup. “I don’t want any makeup. I’m not out to pick up any guys. Not tonight or anytime soon.” Gracie nods and we head out for a night on the town.
Gracie drives her car which works out well because I’m tired. I’m trying to pretend to be excited about the evening and the dance. Cars are parked everywhere, and kids are walking in and out of the building some wandering around in the parking lot with drinks.
I get out of the car, feeling like an oddball. Almost everyone is dressed casually, but we stand out in our hoochie mama clothes. I feel out of place decked out in clubbing clothes, but Gracie had insisted. I don’t want to find anyone. And I don’t want anyone to hit on me.
When we walk into Witherfell High, music is blaring so loud it hurts, lights are flashing, and the dance floor is in full swing. I glance around looking for familiar faces. I feel eyes watching me and look over my shoulder to see a cool-looking guy near the stage, staring dead at me. He nods and grins to show a perfect set of teeth to match his lips. He must be new in town. But who’s looking? Not me.
I turn back to Gracie. She is all smiles. She speaks to everyone she knows and waves someone over. I told her I didn’t feel like socializing yet.
“Hello,” purrs an old classmate. “Nice to see you here...home to stay?”
I look away, swallowing and speak calmly, “I’m not sure yet.”
“How about a dance for old time’s sake?” he says, offering his hand. I shake my head. “I…have a headache.” I shrug.
Then Mr. Cool from the stage steps in. “Is there a problem?” he asks looking from me to the guy.
I shake my head aga
in. “No, no problem I can’t handle,” I say glancing toward the entrance.
Gracie flinches at my sudden outspokenness. But I can’t help it. It’s like this—I’m not that girl anymore. She nudges me. “Looks like you’ve had enough. Maybe we should get out of here. You just need some we time. Come on, the club awaits.”
More than willing to get out of there, I start for the door still feeling eyes watching my every step. Then I spot Channing near the bandstand. Channing had asked me to come to the dance, and I had lied to get out of it. Hopefully, he hadn’t seen me. I’m glad to get away from the dance. Now I have two things to feel guilty about.
The rain stops, and we enjoy the drive to the club. We have plenty of time to catch up on what we have each been doing while we were apart. Then the conversation goes back to the dance. Gracie gets that look that shows she’s upset. “Tala, why did you have to be so rude back there? He’s changed you know.”
“You shouldn’t have called him over. You knew I didn’t want to see anyone…any guys.”
“But, he’s not the same guy now. He helps with all the events. And he doesn’t hang out with any of his old buddies.”
I purse my lips and swallow. “Well, good for him—but I have a lot on my mind at the moment.”
By the time we get to the nightclub, it’s dark and I hesitate, dreading the merge back into the single crowd. I’ll go to please Gracie and she manages to coax me inside and we hit the dance floor. At first, it’s a bit awkward, but soon we are swinging, laughing and enjoying ourselves.
Grabbing seats to catch our breath, we order a couple of drinks while waiting on dinner and just watch the other couples dance. The music is blaring till we can barely talk, but we have a great time, until two guys waltz over.
“You ladies care to dance?” one guy asks, smiling. “Two more drinks for the ladies,” says the other to a passing waitress.
We smile at each other and shake our heads. “No thanks, we’re only here to enjoy a girls’ night out and get caught up,” says Gracie. I nod. “Seriously.”
The guys leave, but we hang around for over an hour, sipping drinks and enjoying our time alone. By the time the waiter brings our food, we are ravished. We stop talking and dig in.
I drop my fork in mid-bite, knocking over the salt. “I ordered my steak rare.”
Gracie ducks her head, tossing salt over her left shoulder. “Cool it, everyone’s watching,” she whispers.
“I can’t help it, I’m starving.” By now, everyone in the club notices the waiter run to our table and a few seconds later return with a fresh order. I apologize and thank the waiter. Gracie draws her eyes down, her lips clamped tight.
I tear into my dinner. This time, the middle of the steak is as pink as Gracie’s cheeks. We eat in silence. Gracie is quiet for once. I’m glad to eat without answering questions.
When we’re ready to go home, we are on speaking terms again and everything is fine. We walk out to the parking lot to get in the car still talking and laughing when we hear a long growl—and stop dead.
A large wolf stands at the far end of the parking lot. The hair on its back bristles. It lowers its head and glares at us. Gracie grabs my arm, her hand shaking. She swallows the scream that bubbles up in her throat and it sounds like a deep groan instead. My heart is pounding like thunder in my chest. We look around, but there isn’t a soul in the deserted parking lot. There is nowhere to run, even if we could. I am frozen in place, and Gracie isn’t moving a muscle, either. I realize I am holding my breath, terrified to make a sound for fear we will startle the beast.
If it leaps on us—we’re dead.
Fear grips my body—dread running through my veins like ice water. I inhale. I recognize this wolf—it’s the same one from before. A chill seeps through my body, as I try to make sense of what’s happening. The wolf is big and intimidating, but I sense it won’t hurt me.
I lift my hand, pointing. “That wolf. I’ve seen it before—I’m sure of it. It’s the wolf from the park.”
“What wolf?” Gracie whispers.
“My first night here…I saw it in the park.”
The wolf turns and darts away into the woods.
I grab Gracie’s hand—we run like crazy to the car. “C’mon…hurry—before it decides to come back.” We lock our doors and race down the dark road toward Witherfell discussing what just happened.
“I know it’s the same wolf from the park,” I tell Gracie. “It has the same markings, and the same blue eyes.”
Gracie shakes her head. “And it just happened to show up again, that sounds crazy. But, whatever you say, I just don’t want to ever see it again.”
I think Gracie acted a little too calm about the wolf sighting, but I didn’t question her. I have had enough fun for one night. I just want to get home and go to sleep. That night, we are both glad to make it safely back. I fall asleep relieved to have survived the wolf. I have another nightmare. I’m back at Grams’ house and the wolf is by my side protecting me—like a watchdog.
The next morning when the alarm goes off, I’m up before Gracie. I dress and turn on the television. I have coffee made when Gracie awakens. As we’re getting ready for work, the news reporter says another body has been found, right next to the club. We stop and look at one another in puzzlement. The wolf has taken another victim. But it can’t be the same wolf we encountered last night.
Gracie looks at me accusingly. “No more walks in the woods for you, girlfriend. Never, ever.”
“That’s ridiculous. I’m fine. I won’t change my life because of a wolf.” The wolves are acting unusual, but so are a lot of the people I know. What is going on in Witherfell? I smile at her but curl my fingers into a tight fist.
Nothing I can’t take care of, I think. But after a couple of days, time passes, and I still have nothing.
Chapter 8
TALA
Today, I awaken early and sit up in bed recalling the previous night. I jog downstairs to fetch a cup of coffee. When I return to my room, I take out the notebook I picked up at the station and begin jotting down details about the wolves and the killings. I’m drawn to the wolf—and to the deaths. I need to investigate them further.
I have nothing better to do, so I start looking into the mysterious deaths. The other officers don’t seem too interested in solving the problem. Maybe I will find out something useful and save a life or two. I’ll throw myself into finding some answers. Finding a purpose is the best thing for me now—a purpose that makes sense.
Dressing early, I dash downstairs. The fog is lifting and there’s a fresh scent in the air. I don’t have to be at the station until noon, so I drive down to the local library to search through the history of Witherfell to see if anything like this has ever happened before. It’s a nice day for riding the Harley. The sun warms my face and arms and the wind brushes through my hair smelling sweet like wild lupines. As I glide into a parking space in front of the library, I take a moment remembering the times I spent there in the past. Nothing has changed. Not even the gargoyles that guard the library roof have changed their gaze. Still alert. Still, creepy.
After a couple of hours of research, I find zilch. There’s nothing that links the victims, and there’s nothing that I can find that links the areas either. There’s never been a history of wolf attacks in the area. It all just feels off. Like information has gone missing. Grams wouldn’t like that she was all about following tradition—she followed it until she passed. She believed the past was part of our heritage.
If Grams was still alive, she could shed some light on everything. She had her close-knit group of friends who have lived in this town since the day it was founded. Plus, Grams always had her own ideas—and she loved to share. Thinking about the talks we used to have, I get homesick for her and decide to visit her grave. Weermore isn’t far from Trundledown Bridge, just up the hill.
I cut across town, taking a shortcut toward the bridge. It’s turned out to be a nice day with sunshine warming my skin
as I ride through the country. As I head down the dirt road toward the cemetery, I feel a tug of happiness at finally being back home where I belong. I park beneath a Maple and make my way up the hillside to Grams’ grave. Crickets are chirping and there’s a breeze. I breathe the fresh mountain air as it blows through my hair, refreshing my spirit and my memories.
Grams’ grave is near a large stone statue of one of her ancestors. She told me the story behind the statue, but I was young and don’t remember. Now I wish I had listened closer to her stories. I can still almost hear her voice. I recall how she used to sit quietly and let me do all the talking. She would just sit there and smile. “Grams, I wish you were still here. I need to talk to someone—to you.” I wipe away a tear, knowing that I’ll never get to speak to her again. “Grams, I know you can’t talk to me anymore or answer my questions like you used to, but if you can hear me at all, please just listen.”
As dead leaves shuffle across Grams’ grave, I sit on the grass and bare my soul to her, describing everything that has happened to me since her death. I tell her all about the townspeople who have been killed, the wolves, and Channing.
Of course, I get no answers from Grams, but by the time I leave the cemetery, I’m relieved to get all my worries off my chest and share my secrets with Grams.
With my busy morning, time got away from me. I rush to the station getting there just a bit late. When I scoot my bike into a space at the station, Channing is waiting.
“Where have you been?” he asks lifting one eyebrow to show his inquisitive eyes. I clench my teeth remembering how Frankie had watched my every move, keeping me on a short leash while he went behind my back. Channing might as well get over it. He’s my boss not my keeper. We aren’t involved. He has no tie on me.
The Shadow Moon: Wolf Awakenings Page 4
