Daughters of Artemis

by Della Buckland

  Jesse nodded, still shaking. "I do. I don't know what's going on, but I know that much."

  "I am what you would call a werewolf. So is everyone in the tribe."

  "Oh, God," Jesse gasped, and then started crying again.

  Susan stepped out of the shower slowly and knelt in front of Jesse. "No one is going to hurt you, I swear on my life. Or Tyler or Jorge."

  Despite her tears, Jesse laughed softly. "I made them barricade themselves in the guest cabin. But I couldn't leave you out there alone. I guess you could handle yourself."

  "I got lucky," Susan said, shaking her head. "The ability to partially shift like I did is something that hasn't been seen for generations. We only hear about it in stories. If it hadn't worked, Jacob would have killed me."

  "Then why?"

  "Because he threatened you. And if I didn't try to stop him with every fiber of my being, I had no right to call you mashké. Or to believe that I was worthy of your love."

  Jesse sniffled again and ran a shaking hand down Susan's cheek. "So what happens now? I mean, obviously I can't tell Tyler or Jorge, but..."

  "You have to cancel the film. Jesse, I'm begging you. If even the idea that we are the wolves gets out, we'll have scientists and conspiracy nuts and who knows who else putting us under the microscope. Eventually, someone will see something they shouldn't, and it will be all over for us."

  "I... don't know if I can do that," Jesse said. "I've made commitments. I swear I'll keep the truth out of it, just say that I never saw any wolves."

  "That might be enough, but it might make other people even more curious. Please, do whatever you can to stop it."

  "I'll try; I promise."

  Susan dropped her head, sighing in relief. "Thank you." When she looked up again, she noticed that Jesse was biting her lip and smirking. "What?"

  "You're wet and naked."

  "So?"

  "Have I ever told you how incredibly turned on I get by wet and naked?"

  Susan began to smile as well. "No, I don't think you have."

  "Hmm. Just how healed are you?"

  In answer, Susan stood up and pulled Jesse into her arms, carrying her into the bedroom. They undressed in a flash, and fell onto the bed, kissing and touching. Jesse ground her hips against Susan, rubbing her neatly trimmed sex against Susan's mound of hair. Susan gasped, grabbing Jesse's butt and pulling her closer. "Maybe I should start shaving, too," she said between kisses.

  Jesse moaned. "Oh, don't you dare. I love how you feel."

  "I love you," Susan replied, the first time she'd even dared to think the words, much less say them.

  Jesse just kissed Susan again, thrusting hard against her. Susan's hips began bucking up to meet Jesse's, and she threw her head back, panting and groaning with each contact. Jesse dipped her head to nibble at Susan's throat, and the combination was enough to send Susan into a screaming, shuddering orgasm.

  The moment the spasms subsided, Susan rolled over and pinned Jesse beneath her. She kissed down the length of Jesse's chest and stomach, paying plenty of attention to her breasts and navel, before burying her head between Jesse's legs, desperate to taste her. Jesse dug her hands into Susan's hair, writhing as Susan laved along the outer folds of Jesse's shan. The mix of Jesse's juices with her own drove her wild, and she plunged her tongue inside as far as she could.

  "Holy shit!" Jesse shouted. Her entire upper body bucked off the bed at the sudden penetration.

  Susan took that as a positive sign and slid her tongue in and out, lapping at every inch she could reach. Jesse's legs started to shake, and her hands began fisting in Susan's hair. Susan pulled back just enough to draw the nub of Jesse's clit into her mouth and suckle, at which point Jesse's back arched, her body tensed, and she let out a cry that Susan was sure the entire tribe heard. Still, she didn't let up until she had gently licked away every trace of their shared passions, leaving Jesse gasping above her and utterly spent.

  They stayed curled in bed together the rest of the night, though Jesse did stop long enough to dig out her phone and let Tyler and Jorge know everything was all right. There were more whispered I-love-you's, and they fell asleep in each other's arms. All things considered, Susan reflected, it had been a good day.

  The Blackwaters were expelled from the tribe by the elders in light of their deception and attempted murder. The other boys were reprimanded for falling under a bad influence. A couple of them grumbled about the unfairness, but all Susan had to do was wave at them with her right arm, and they immediately silenced.

  The damage to the SUV was repaired by AAA, and Jesse finally had to admit that it was time to leave. "I want to stay more than anything," she told Susan on that tearful morning, "but I have responsibilities back at the school. I'm sorry."

  Susan nodded. "Don't be sorry," she said, recalling an earlier conversation. "Do what you have to do. I'm not going anywhere."

  "I'll come back. I promise, mashké."

  "I know."

  It wasn't a black SUV that came up the drive that morning three months later, but the moment Susan saw the little pickup truck crest the hill, she knew.

  Jesse parked beside the old Ford and walked to where Susan and Black Crow stood waiting. "There won't be a documentary," she told them as soon as she got close. "It's the damnedest thing, but there was a freak fire at my studio and all of the footage was destroyed." She smiled sweetly, and Susan's knees went weak to see it again.

  "We are in your debt," Black Crow said. "Thank you for protecting our people."

  Jesse took a deep breath. "I'd like them to be my people, too. If you'll have me."

  "What about your school?" Susan asked.

  "I can take most of my classes online now, if I want. But, honestly, it just doesn't seem that important to me anymore."

  Black Crow smiled and patted Jesse's shoulder. "Susan's mashké is always welcome among us. We will be happy to accept you into our family."

  Susan crossed her arms and put on a playful pout. "I guess this means I'll have to get a bigger bed."

  "And a hot water heater," Jesse added.

  "Devil."

  "Savage."

  The name is Toni McGowan, and I'm a bounty hunter. Not your run-of-the-mill 'catch the bail-skipping jaywalker' type of bounty hunter. I hunt creatures that are conjured up by new age magical fanatics who have not studied, get spells wrong, or just do not realize that they have allowed little beasties (sometimes big beasties) out to roam. So, I guess you can call me a Special Ops Bounty Hunter, and being a werewolf helps a great deal.

  I knew my day was going to go from bad to worse when my espresso machine decided to break down, forcing me to use instant coffee. Sure enough, there came a knock at the door of my two-story log cabin. Not many people know of my home, which could only mean one thing. I opened the door to find a pig-faced little blue imp dressed in a bright orange and green leisure suit, holding a scroll unrolled before him in his grubby little paws.

  "Shravani Phellan, werewolf bounty hunter, you are hereby ordered to appear before the council within two candle marks," the imp read from the scroll with a strong fake Italian accent. I failed at keeping a straight face.

  "My name is Toni McGowan. Geez, doesn't the council realize that we are not living in the dark ages anymore? We have phones."

  "Look, lady, I just do what they tell me to do," the imp shot back with his bad mobster accent. His little piggy eyes leered the length of my body from my night black hair to the tips of my military issued combat books. "Youse don't look like a bounty hunter."

  "And you don't look like a mobster," I said, slamming the door in his face.

  "Two hours you got." I heard his voice through the door.

  I leaned back against the door and sighed. My day had been shot to hell, but that is the life of a bounty hunter. I pushed myself off the door and headed to change. Usually, the council just drops off assignments, but having an imp relay the message meant they mean business or were too lazy to pick up a phone. The
last time the council called was to have me go up against the dragon that had started the East County fires back in 2007, and life had been quiet since. Donning my dark tan leather pants, blood red tank top, as well as a matching tan leather jacket and my combat boots, I grabbed my short sword with its wolf's head pommel and my steel blue Beastie taser (looks like a Beretta 9mm, but inside of the bullets, it sends out a good shock). I deemed myself presentable and headed out the door.

  The annual apple harvest was in full swing, so traffic through the sleepy little town of Julian was heavier than normal. People from all over San Diego were coming up to view the changing of the leaves, pick apples, shop, and partake in fresh hot apple pie and homemade vanilla ice cream. The scent of burning leaves, cinnamon, and exhaust hung heavy in the clear sky. It was my turn at the stop sign; I watched as a family of sprites walked past a small tourist group, and no one took notice. The sprites looked my way and smiled. I gave them a little wave before I took my left hand turn to head out of town.

  Traffic thinned as I wound my way down the hill towards the Sleeping Angel Cabin Resort, otherwise known as the council headquarters. A large banner denoted the turn onto a graveled path. Two more pig-faced imps peered out from behind the banner. They nodded in my direction as a wet mist swallowed my truck. The road smoothed out, the mist faded revealing several log and cottage-style cabins nestled along the mountainside. In the center stood a Victorian-styled meeting hall where people held business retreat meetings and weddings. The lights flickered on as I parked my truck; the song Crazy Train died along with the engine, the songs of birds replacing the heavy guitar riffs.

  Taking a deep breath of fresh mountain air, I entered the meeting hall. All the council members attended: I could smell each member, from the brimstone of demons to the grassy scent of elfin kind. This was not going to be good.

  "Enter, Shravani Phellan, and be welcome," a light musical voice called out from within the hall. There was the ring of authority in the tone. Earwen had welcomed me in.

  The room was larger than outside appearances. Heavy wooden tables formed a half circle, and I walked into the opening. The heavy medieval appearance was all an illusion. Bits of the dark paneled walls shimmered as the spell weakened.

  "You really didn't have to go through all of this for me," I said, hoping my voice sounded coy.

  "Enough," Earwen said, her voice deepening, yellow eyes flashing in anger.

  The other members of the council cowered a bit under the sound of her voice. I was not so swayed. I placed my right hand over the pommel of my blade, squaring my shoulders. A werewolf cowers to no one.

  "Why did you send Guido the imp when a call would have sufficed?"

  Earwen stood and walked around her little table to stand before me. Earwen was a head shorter than I was, and I only stand five four. Even with her diminutive height, though, she felt taller than I did. Our breathing matched, breath for breath, slow and steady.

  "We sent Guido, as you call him, to make sure you received our message. You, wolf, do not answer either of your phones," Earwen answered. She leaned up against her table, crossing her arms over her chest. "Bael, give Shravani Phellan the package."

  "My name is Toni. Toni McGowan," I said through clenched teeth, trying to keep my fangs from showing.

  A tall, blond man with deep brown eyes handed me a manila envelope. I gave a curt nod which he did not return. His intense gaze watched my every movement as I opened the envelope, pulling out a picture of a woman with shoulder length red hair and bright green eyes.

  My emotions slipped, my mouth opening in shock, "Oh hell no. No. No," I uttered, dropping the envelope and picture in front of Bael. His lips quirked in a mocking smile.

  "You know this woman?" Earwen asked, her right eyebrow cocked.

  I only nodded.

  Earwen smiled. "Good, then your assignment should be an easy one."

  "What assignment?"

  "You are to protect her until the full moon."

  "No. Find someone or something else." I backed away, trying to make my escape through to doors. The doors slammed shut, barring my exit.

  "Toni Shravani Phellan McGowan, you are bound to this council," Bael said, pointing towards Earwen. His muscular build strained against his black shirt; his brown eyes flashed.

  "Quiet, Bael Thecho. This is not your turn to speak," Earwen said before turning her full attention back to me.

  "I am not bound to anyone," I hissed through clenched teeth.

  "That is true, Toni," Earwen answered, her voice softening, "but you are the only one."

  "You want me to watch a New Ager." I could not hide the disgust in my voice.

  Earwen's eyes changed to gold. "Yes, you are to watch a New Ager."

  The council disappeared before my eyes, leaving me in the center of an empty room. The door behind me creaked open. Whirling around, I brought my sword up before me. A stout grey-haired woman entered. She gasped in shock, her grey eyes widening at the sight of my bare blade. I sheathed my weapon. "My apologizes, my lady. A group of my fellow LARPers and I were using the hiking area for a game, and I came upon your grounds."

  "Hmmm, then you play a strange game if you are using a truck."

  Now it was my turn to be shocked, and I blushed.

  The woman chuckled. "I know you, Shravani Phellan, but somehow I pictured you taller, meaner looking. Now you best be getting about your business. The full moon holds new promises."

  "Who are you?" I asked, following the woman out of the building.

  She turned to look at me.

  "Let's just say an ally." She walked down the path heading towards the check-in office, leaving me alone in the low-lying mist.

  Tourists had thinned out, and only locals cruised the streets by the time I had made it back into town, which also meant the shops were closing for the night. Jade Nicols ran the new age shop "All that Wicca is Not Gold", a bright yellow, blue, and purple shop just off Main Street along with several ragtag tiny shops that sold trinkets and antiques to the tourists. I parked my truck across the street from the little strip mall to watch her leave. Maybe just sitting outside her home for the next two days would be easy, albeit boring as hell.

  An explosion lit up the shops, rattling the windows of my truck. Damn, I really should stop wishing for easy ways, I always get my arse burnt. Jumping out of my truck, I raced over to the shop, sword drawn. My sword's blade glowed an eerie green blue light. Yep, it was demons, and by the scent of brimstone and jasmine in the air and the color of my blade, they were from the seventh level. It was going to be a nasty fight.

  I could not change into wolf because there could have been someone, mainly Jade, in the shop that I needed to get out. Not knowing which car was Jade's, I hoped she had already left. Shadows moved inside the shop. The red door had been blown off its hinges and now rested at an awkward angle. I slowed, keeping to the growing shadows outside. Deep guttural voices drifted towards me.

  "Wa roqa rar. Trek vok suu aokae. Bukk verr ba vraokad." Simple low demon tongue, easy to understand "We have her. This was too easy. Boss will be pleased." Lesser demons are so easy to understand, but the language is hard on a wolf's ears.

  "Not going to be as easy at you think, boys," I answered in their tongue, stepping through the doorway. Two of them—an easy fight—faced me. Both were the color of ebony and wore no clothing. They reminded me of demented dolls with no anatomical parts, Barbie demons. Their legs and arms were exaggerated with fingertips and toes ending in wicked claws. The one closest to me grinned, showing me its ebony fangs. I grinned back, allowing my fangs to show.

  "What are you?" The creature asked, moving closer to me. Its partner stayed near the prone woman on the floor.

  "Your worst daymare." I so desperately wanted not to sound like a bad action movie, but the words were out of my mouth before I could stop them.

  The creature lunged for me, its claws extended. When it was in mid-air and could not stop its flight, I sidestepped the demon, my blad
e cutting a path across its midsection. The demon fell to the ground and dissolved into nothing but sparkles of dark light. The other demon, not sure what to do, vanished on its own leaving Jade prone on the floor.

  "Too easy," I muttered to myself, sheathing my weapon.

  Jade lay with her eyes closed. Her breathing was steady but shallow. She wore a dark green flowing skirt and matching peasant blouse. With her left arm resting across her belly, she appeared peaceful, but I knew of her quick temper when they messed up her order at Dooley's Pie Shop. Quick to anger and just as quick to let it go, she was gracious, even apologizing for her outbursts.

  Her shop lay in shambles: no fire, only nick-knacks and trinkets broken and scattered about the floor and shelves. A strange symbol burned on the top of one of her counters, near the cash register. It looked familiar, but there was the feel of demons to it. I steered clear, not touching, only looking. Right now, Jade was my main concern. I scooped her up in my arms. Against my better judgment, I placed her in my truck and took her back to my home.

  I carried Jade into my place and laid her on my bed. Since her breathing was still deep, I left her to continue to sleep. I entered the kitchen to grab a quick bite, throwing my jacket over a chair. The faint sounds of the DeLupi pack sounded in the distance, their mournful cries calling to the near full moon. Feeling the pull of the moon myself, I gulped down the last slice of cold pepperoni and sausage pizza and took the last pull off my beer, and then I headed outside.

  The night was clear, the stars bright as diamond chips on a blanket of black velvet. The pull of the rising full moon wanted me to run. I pulled off my tank top, my nipples hardening as the cool night air caressed them. I smiled at the sensation as I finished removing my clothing. I stood nude on my porch and willed the change to occur.

  The pain, now almost pleasurable, coursed through my body. Bones breaking and reforming, muscles stretching, contracting and hardening in new positions. I howled my greeting to the DeLupi pack as I bounded off the porch. I have seen myself many a time in my wolf form, and I am different than others for I am a black wolf with one red paw that reminds most of old dried blood, and the scar that runs diagonally from my right eyebrow to my cheek, across my eye, is also visible in my wolf form.