Summer Shifter Nights

by Harmony Raines

  Our meals arrive within minutes of us telling the waitress what we wanted. Sierra got the meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green beans. Ketchup squirts out of a bottle she squeezes over her plate. I bite into cheesy grilled bread and relish the familiar flavor of my favorite sandwich.

  I swallow a mouthful. “This is so good.”

  Sierra just nods as she chews. The waitress returns with a water pitcher and asks, “Everything okay?”

  I answer, “It’s delicious.”

  “Be sure to save room for dessert. My grandmother Catori makes them, and you won’t be sorry.”

  I smile at her with a closed mouth full of food. I’m so getting dessert now.

  I lean back with a sigh. I’m comfortable and should stop. But I can never resist homemade baked goods. Scanning the menu, I smile when I see lemon meringue because that’s Sierra’s favorite.

  “I need to use the restroom. Order me chocolate cream pie, please.” As I walk toward the bathroom, swinging white doors part when the waitress exits the kitchen and reveal a tiny old woman. Our eyes lock for a moment before the doors shut, and a chill runs down my spine. Weird.

  The scent of cut pine overpowers me when I enter the ladies’ room, and dizziness makes me stop in my tracks. I’m sure it’s just the cleaning solution I smell, but I envision the forest in my dreams. I imagine the gray rock I saw and recall patches of pale green lichen adorning it, making it look like damask fabric. It’s surrounded by pine, birch, and other trees I can’t name. When I wash my hands, the cool water of the ancient tap makes me think of the gentle trickle of a brook. If I didn’t know better, I would expect to see my bear when I leave the bathroom.

  I don’t. But what I do see is just as unsettling. The old woman is standing by our table with her hand on the top of Sierra’s breast, over her tattoo. I hurry toward them and dwarf the woman with my six feet of height.

  A strong bony hand grips my wrist when she turns to me, and I’m trapped by her nearly black eyes. She flips my hand over and traces my tattoo. I’m tempted to pull away, but courage makes me speak instead. “You must be the woman that makes the desserts.”

  She scoffs at me. “You are strong. Bravery lives in your heart, but you’re afraid to use it. Don’t be. It will be tested, and you’re a worthy opponent.”

  Okay, a simple yes would have worked. “You can see our tattoos, can’t you?”

  “I feel them, but I cannot see. Only the chosen can see.” The woman’s face is a roadmap of wrinkles, and I guess she’s close to one hundred years old.

  I look at Sierra, and she shrugs. The old woman is still holding my hand, and I pull gently to remove it from her papery grasp.

  I ask, “Do you know what we were chosen for?”

  Catori’s voice changes to something that shouldn’t come out of her tiny body. “The bear is a courageous spirit. This clan has called you. Go east, and you’ll find a great and powerful love. In return you’ll provide the future.”

  Tiny hairs prick at the back of my neck. What the hell does that mean? She pats my arm and in her grandmotherly voice says, “Eat, you will like my dessert.”

  I watch as she wanders off. Sliding into the booth again, I feel a chill run through me, and I clasp my hands together to still them. I whisper to Sierra, “What was all that?”

  Sierra shakes her head as she puts a forkful of pie in her mouth. Speaking over her food, she says, “I don’t know, but oh my God, is this good.”

  I glance toward the kitchen and see that Catori’s back is to me as she pushes her way in. Her long silver braid sways, and she shuffles like the old lady she is. I shake off the idea she was anything more and dig into the chocolate cream to let the sweet flavor invade my mouth.

  7

  Chapter 7

  Sierra

  Gravel crunches under the tires of the car when we pull into the motel parking lot. A long one-story building painted white, the doors are dark green, and each one has a paddle with a painted number nailed above it.

  Yellow light glows in the office window as nighttime falls. The slam of our car doors is almost in unison, and Carly and I pick our way across the flat stone walkway. A faint odor of cinnamon greets us when we open the door. I’m surprised to see a girl about our age behind the counter. Her bleached blond hair is in a high ponytail that flips when she turns toward us.

  “Looking for a room?” Her voice is almost musical and makes me smile.

  I answer, “Yes, please, just one night.”

  She slides a form across the counter to us, and a pen clatters on the wood surface beside it. Carly takes charge, and I wander around the small space. Snacks are on shelves, and I decide we need some. I clunk two bottles of soda down on the counter as Carly finishes the paperwork.

  When Carly hands the form back, the girl’s brown eyes widen a bit, and she glances up quickly from Carly’s wrist. She blinks a couple times, and I wait for her to ask about the tattoo because I think she can see it.

  She looks back down at Carly’s arm and says, “Two sodas? Should I put them on the bill?”

  I lean forward, placing my forearms on the counter. “You see it, don’t you?”

  The girl steps back and shakes her head. “No, I was just admiring the work. It’s well done.”

  I snort. She’s one of us. “Right. We’ll be in our room if you want to talk about it.” I place money down on the counter to pay for the colas.

  “Number five. You can call me on the phone if you need anything. Dial zero.” The girl chews on her thumbnail.

  Carly says, “Thanks. Should I put the key in the box I saw outside when we leave in the morning?”

  “Yeah, that’s fine. Enjoy your stay. We’re happy to have you.”

  I doubt that. She’s spooked about seeing what she’s probably been dreaming about, and I don’t blame her. When we get to the door, Carly turns back and says in a stern voice, “There’s nothing to be afraid of. You have my cell number and can call me when you’re ready.”

  She nods quickly and turns away before we do.

  I open the hatch of the car, the metal cold in my hand like the chill running through me. Carly’s intensity back there was weird. I ask, “I wonder how many of us there are?”

  “I don’t know, but why is that girl so scared?”

  “Maybe she isn’t up for burly man sex?” The woven nylon of my duffle bag is rough in my hand as I hoist it up on my shoulder. We chuckle, and the beep of the car remote signals the doors are locked.

  We enter a simple room with one bed, and springs squawk when I throw myself down on it. Carly is doing her adjust-to-the-germs thing and sits down more slowly. She says, “So we keep going. But do you have an idea where we stop?”

  I lie on my belly with bent knees and twist my feet in the air as I inspect my fingernails. “I say New England where I grew up. The forest in my dreams makes me think of Vermont.” I look down inside my shirt at my nicely healed tattoo and add, “Besides, if this sign is calling us we’ll know if we’ve gone too far.”

  “I guess.” Carly shudders. “That old woman at the restaurant freaked me out. What do you think she meant when she said our bravery would be tested?”

  “Your bravery will be tested, not mine. She told me something else when you were in the bathroom.”

  “What? You’re just telling me now?” She yanks off her sneakers, and they fall to the floor with a thud.

  I wave my hand at her. “It doesn’t make any sense. She said something about my nurturing nature and how it will serve me well.” I grin at her. “I think I’m supposed to take care of you.”

  Carly snorts and falls back on the bed to look at the ceiling. “Great, you can start by mapping out our driving route. Vermont, huh?”

  “You are courageous, you know.” I reach over and tweak her knee. “The way you deal with the douche canoes that come into Tattoo Junkies is awesome. Some of those guys scare me, and you treat them like little kids.”

  “I’m not sure that’s brave. I’ve j
ust never been afraid since I’ve been around guys like that all my life.”

  “Well, whatever it is, I’m glad you have my back.” I sit up and twist around to look down at her. “Carly, I know this is beyond strange, but in my heart I know we’re meant to do it.”

  “I’m just worried. What if we get all the way to New England and there’s nothing to find? Nobody knows I’m Al Cutler’s daughter. Who will give me a job? Tattoos are my life, and I can’t imagine giving that up. What if leaving Ray was a big mistake?”

  “First off, I’m a walking testament to your mad skills.” I raise my arms and twist them around to show off my full sleeves she tattooed. They’re amazing, and I get compliments on them all the time. She should be thanking me for the number of clients I’ve sent her way.

  “And secondly, we’ll be just fine. We’re young and able to work at all sorts of jobs. This is going to be a good thing for us. You’ll see.” I get off the bed and walk over to my bag.

  “You’re right. We’re on an adventure to find our bear lovers.”

  She makes me chuckle when she adds a growl. “Maybe, but don’t be cuddling me tonight. I don’t swing that way.” I grin at her and grab my pajamas.

  Her eyes dance with laughter as she says, “Ha! You’re the one that cuddles.”

  “I think you secretly like it.” I slam the door to the bathroom before she can reply.

  I strip down and glance at my reflection in the mirror. The black ink of my paw print is stark against my white breast, and it’s sexy as shit. I rub my hand over it, and desire pools between my legs. Fuck. I could get off right now, but I’m not doing that with Carly in the next room.

  I pull on my cat-print pajama pants and plain cotton tee instead. When I emerge from the bathroom Carly says, “Wrong animal.”

  I smirk. “I know. We’ll have to look for bear ones.”

  A knock on the door makes us both stop talking. I go to answer it and find the blond girl standing on the stoop.

  “Hi.” She’s swaying from foot to foot and throws me a furtive glace before returning her gaze to the ground. “I’m Lily. Can I ask you some questions?”

  “Sure, come on in.”

  Carly is on the bed. She smiles and gives her a nod. Lily forces a smile back. I walk over and pull out the desk chair and motion with my hand for her to sit.

  She shuts the door with a small click and takes the seat. She looks at Carly. “Where did you get your tattoo?”

  Carly takes a deep breath before she speaks. “I drew it. From a dream.”

  I pipe up as I sit next to Carly. “The thing is nobody can see it, but the two of us and now you. We’re pretty sure it’s a sign and calling us.”

  “When you got the tattoo, did the weird dreams stop?”

  A flame-like flicker glows in Carly’s eyes. Whoa. That’s so not right. She says, “No. They get more intense.”

  Lily’s eyes widen. “I dreamt about you two, and in the dream you give me that tattoo. Is that what you do?”

  Carly says, “Yes, I’m a tattoo artist from California.”

  I interject. “She’s famous. Look at these.” I hold out her arms for Lily to look. Lily glances at the sleeves of bright color but returns her gaze to Carly. I guess tattoos make her uncomfortable.

  Lily bites her lip and gets up to walk to the window. Her back is to us when she speaks. “I’m not really into tattoos.” She turns back to look at us. “Can you give it to me somewhere nobody would see?”

  “Sure, we could do it on your hip, your butt, or even your breast.”

  “Does it hurt?”

  I smile at her because the fear of pain is probably her biggest hurdle. “Yeah, but you can do it. I’ll be right here to hold your hand.” I get up and go to Carly’s luggage.

  Lily leans against the windowsill and bites her lower lip. She says, “This is going to sound strange, but a few months ago this old Indian woman I know told me I was destined to save a clan. I think she might mean a clan of bears.”

  “Catori at the diner?” I ask. Cotton from clothes is soft against my skin as I rummage through Carly’s bag for the car keys to get the tattoo equipment. Cold metal indicates I’ve found them, and I squeeze them tight in my hand.

  “Yes, did you meet her?”

  Carly nods and says, “She told us to go east, and that’s where we’re headed.”

  Lily’s face gets hard. “She’s a creepy woman, but everyone around here listens to her when she speaks.”

  Carly says, “She couldn’t see our tattoos, but she said she felt them. I think she’s gifted.” She gets up and takes the keys from me.

  Lily snorts. “That’s a nice way to put it.”

  “I’ll go get my stuff.” Carly smiles at Lily. “And you decide where the sign is going to go.”

  The door shuts with a solid clunk, and Lily says to me, “I’m too soft for a bikini. Should I do it on my hip?” She touches where a hipbone would jut out.

  “You could definitely rock a bikini. I do.” Her face flushes, and I think about how she doesn’t embrace her curves either. I’m not letting her get too close to Carly and start that self-depreciating camaraderie shit. “You need to know once you get the tattoo I think you’ll be called to leave. Are you okay with that?”

  Lily nods her head. “It’s already happening. I have a few things to take care of, but I’m out of here.” Her face breaks into a big grin. “It’ll be good to get out of this town. Nothing’s keeping me here, and if I stay I’ll turn into a scary woman like Catori.”

  I chuckle, but uneasiness spreads though me because I’m afraid we’re already scary.

  8

  Chapter 8

  Carly

  “I’m glad you didn’t invite Lily to come with us,” says Sierra. Her foot is on the dash, and she’s painting her toenails. The distinct odor of nail polish fills the car.

  “Well, we don’t exactly have room. But yeah, you and I get along so well, I’d hate to ruin that.” Lily handled getting a tattoo like a champ. At first quiet tears fell, but she got used to the pain and held perfectly still.

  The sun is just peeking up over the horizon, and I flip my visor down. “Hey, hand me my sunglasses.”

  I slide them onto my face, and my eyes relax from their squint. I had another dream last night, and it was so disturbing I couldn’t get back to sleep. Sierra woke up when I showered and we decided to hit the road.

  She asks, “Want to talk about your dream?”

  I sigh. “You might not want to hear it.”

  “Sure I do. Then I’ll tell you about mine.”

  “I wasn’t in the woods this time, it was a house. I was on a really big bed and felt like I was being shredded to pieces.” The sky is a vibrant orange red, and I recall the saying that says “Red sun in the morning, sailor’s warning.” I hope we don’t have to drive in rain later.

  “Blood was everywhere, and I could hear someone crying. I was scared and wanted to leave, but voices were telling me no, and hands were holding me back. When I looked at my arms they were furry like a bear and ended with claws. That’s when I woke up.”

  “Wow, mine wasn’t scary. I dreamt about rocking a baby and singing a song. It was a happy dream.”

  The eerie feeling of being watched makes me check my rearview mirror, but nobody is behind us on the interstate. “Lucky you. I get the feeling you’re getting the better end of this deal.” I joke, “I’m going to have to be brave and deal with pain while you get to babysit.”

  “Don’t forget about the hulking-man sex. At least we both get that.”

  I steal a glance at Sierra and grin. “It better be worth it, but you don’t think we’re dreaming about sex with bears, do you?”

  She says, “God, no! Those crazy shifter books are just fiction. Besides, aren’t you screwing a hot guy? With a little extra hair? And a sexy growl…” Sierra lets out a long sigh.

  “Yes, it’s a guy. The animal stuff seems to be an extra thing, you know?” I snicker. “Although he
is big enough to be a bear.”

  “Mine too, he’s got a killer body that’s huge.” She lets out a low sound from the back of her throat. “And I mean everywhere.”

  I shake my head. “Yeah, there’s that. I’d like those dreams back, because if our forest has big mountain men, I’ll be really glad we’re doing this.”

  We ride in silence for a while. Each mile seems to ease the gnawing of something I can’t put my finger on. My stomach rumbles, and I pay attention to road signs, looking for a rest stop. I think about another pastry meal or some greasy fast-food egg sandwich. I wish we had thought to have a decent breakfast at the diner before we left this morning. But what I really want is to make my own simple omelet and sit quietly in my pajamas.

  I ask, “Any clues in your dream as to where you were?”

  “Hmm. Well, I was in a rocking chair, and the room had natural walls like a log cabin. I think I smelled a woodstove too.” Sierra flips up her visor because the sky has clouded over. “How about you?”

  “Nope, I was in too much pain to see anything.”

  I glimpse Sierra looking down her shirt. “I wish this thing was a compass. Relying on my instinct to tell me we’re going the right way is too iffy.” She chuckles. “Especially if you look at my track record with men.”

  I grin. “Or mine.”

  “Let’s promise each other we’ll hook up with good guys this time around, okay?”

  “Yup, big strong men that love who we are, fluff and all.”

  “Amen.” Sierra flips on the radio. “Can we stop soon? I’m hungry.”

  “On it.” I yawn and look forward to filling my belly and then taking a nap when Sierra drives. The miles are ticking off quickly, and everything about it seems right. My bad dream is already fading from my memory, and a smile creeps onto my face as I sing along to the song Sierra cranked up.

  We manage to get a twenty-one-hour drive in before stopping in Columbus, Ohio, for the night. We could keep going, but my hands feel as if they‘re vibrating even when they aren’t on the wheel. And Sierra is getting cranky. I can tell she needs sleep as badly as I do. When she finally snaps at me, I know it’s time to stop.