Frostbitten

by Heather Beck

  “What makes you say that?” Frost asked, his voice suddenly a little strained.

  “I think I’m an embarrassment to them. What other reason would they have for not inviting me?”

  “You have to stop thinking so negatively about yourself, Anastasia. Anyone would be lucky to have you in their life.”

  Anastasia blushed, not used to hearing such sweet words from a boy. “You’re right – again – and I need to start taking more control of my life. I loved going to those town meetings when I was young, so invitation or not, we’re going tonight.”

  “That’s not a good idea,” Frost said uneasily. “The plan was not to be seen, remember?”

  “We won’t actually go inside the church, just secretly observe from the outside,” Anastasia reassured him. “Come on, it’ll be fun.”

  “Yeah, maybe,” Frost muttered.

  As Frost started in the direction of the church, he became very quiet, making Anastasia wonder what could be wrong. After all, it was just a harmless town meeting.

  “We don’t have to go, if you really don’t want to,” Anastasia said in concern.

  “If this makes you happy, then I’m in,” Frost replied, giving her a small smile.

  When they reached the church, Frost parked behind a long line of cars at the side of the road. Although Anastasia remembered the town meetings as always being busy, this was ridiculous. From the church and school parking lots and all the way to the street, there were cars everywhere, making it seem like the whole town was in attendance.

  “Is it always like this?” Anastasia asked with a furrowed brow as they exited the SUV and began to make their way toward the church.

  “My knowledge of town meetings comes from my dad, who only started attending when he opened his business,” Frost admitted. “So, I wouldn’t really know, but this does seem a bit excessive.”

  Coming to a stop in front of the church, Anastasia looked up to see the steeple reaching high into the night sky, crowned by a large, stark cross that appeared almost menacing. It was hard to take her eyes off the imposing symbol, but when staring upwards started to make her feel dizzy, she slowly turned her attention to the oversized two-door entrance. Just like the rest of the building, the doors were impeccably maintained, despite being over a hundred years old, and featured the occasional design of a Biblical figure.

  Ever so carefully, Anastasia began to open one of the doors. She cringed as it creaked loudly, but thankfully, no one would’ve heard the noise because of the heated argument that was occurring within the church. Anastasia peeked from behind the door which was slightly ajar, curious as to what could cause such a commotion.

  As expected, the church was packed with people, several of whom had to stand since all the pews were full. It seemed like everyone was engaged in a discussion, but it was her grandfather and Mr. Stone’s voices which rang out the loudest and clearest.

  “Dammit, Fredrick, why won’t you listen to me?” Mr. Stone yelled, obviously reaching his breaking point. “We have a cougar problem. I’ve been aware of the issue for a while, and I have traps set up. My son and I already dealt with one of them.”

  Mr. Lockhart sneered at Mr. Stone. “If you think this town will put their safety in your hands, then you truly are crazy. You’re a man who’s always had a lot to hide, so how can we trust you now? We don’t know what happens in that little isolated cabin of yours, practically in the middle of nowhere. For all we know, you could be trying to protect the beast.”

  Mrs. Lockhart stood up and said something to her husband, which Anastasia couldn’t hear. Mr. Stone heard, though, and he was quick to comment.

  “For everyone’s sake, I hope you at least listen to your wife. You’re going to start a panic. Is that what you want?”

  Mr. Lockhart hesitated for a moment, but Anastasia knew that he wouldn’t remain quiet for long.

  “You might want to hear this,” Anastasia whispered to Frost. “They’re talking about the cougar, and it’s getting kind of weird.”

  When Anastasia didn’t receive a response, she turned to Frost, who was leaning against the closed door and looking off into the distance, as if he wanted to leave.

  “I can hear just fine,” Frost finally stated in a melancholy tone.

  “Don’t be sad,” Anastasia said gently, stepping in front of Frost and reaching for his hands. She assumed he was upset that her grandfather and his father were fighting again, and she felt bad for dragging him to the meeting to hear it. “They’ll learn to get along someday, and if they don’t, we’ll just have to make them.” She smiled, hoping her words would help Frost feel better – they obviously didn’t.

  Anastasia was about to suggest that they go back to her house when suddenly, Frost’s grip on her hand tightened as he looked at something over her shoulder. Spinning around, Anastasia saw a man walking toward them, and as he drew closer, she realized that it was Pete. Half of his face was still covered in a bandage, and he limped slightly, as if he was recovering from a bad fall.

  Pete ascended the stairs to the church, and upon seeing Anastasia, he gave her a small but friendly nod, likely recognizing her as his boss’ granddaughter. However, when he spotted Frost, who’d been uncharacteristically slumped behind Anastasia, the two exchanged an odd glance which lasted for several moments and left Pete looking startled and even a little frightened. Finally proceeding forward, Pete opened the church door, but before entering, he gave Frost another glance, his expression now one of confusion.

  “Um, is there something you’re not telling me?” Anastasia asked Frost, utterly bewildered by Pete’s behavior.

  “Not that I can think of,” Frost replied a bit too fast.

  Suspicious, Anastasia cracked the door open to see Pete heading to the front of the church. As people began to notice his presence, the chatter died down, and even her grandfather and Mr. Stone’s ongoing bickering came to a stop. However, it wasn’t until Pete had reached the front and started to speak that the church became deadly silent.

  “I’ve had an encounter,” Pete’s voice echoed around the church, “and as much as I want to forget it ever happened, I’ve been left with more than just bad memories.” He paused to gently touch his bandaged face, but even that seemed too painful as he quickly drew his hand away. “Five days ago, I was hunting deep in the woods, near a tributary of the Great Rapids. I’d spotted unusually large animal tracks leading to the creek, and after following them, I discovered the ice had been brutally smashed, likely for access to the flowing waters below. Certain that the animal wouldn’t venture far from his water source, I scoured the area until I heard the unearthly growl coming from behind me. Before I knew what was happening, I was pinned to the ground. With my rifle as my only aid, I fought back and was able to escape with my life, but not before the beast tore his claws into my face.”

  Slowly, Pete began to unwrap his bandage, and when it was completely removed, there were several gasps of surprise and disgust. Although Anastasia was too far away to see his face clearly, she could imagine umpteen stitches in the shape of three claw marks. As murmurs rose from around the church, Pete held up his hand, as if he had one last thing to say.

  “I was taken by such surprise that I didn’t have the chance to get a good look, but the one thing that is forever engraved in my mind are those eyes.”

  “If we’re going to keep our families and ourselves safe, then we need a plan,” Mike spoke up, taking a stand at the front of the church. “A way to ensure that every inch of Cedar Falls Woods is searched.”

  Several people applauded Mike, while others began to discuss among themselves what actions should be taken.

  “My brother’s right,” Leo said, standing up. “We’ve been tracking this problem for a while now, but we need more help. We can’t just allow these attacks to keep on happening.”

  “It’s time we killed the beast!” Mike cried out passionately, causing an almost unanimous roar of support from the crowd.

  “We need to leave b
efore this meeting really gets out-of-control,” Frost said, taking hold of Anastasia’s arm and hurrying her away from the church.

  “I want to know what they’re talking about,” Anastasia protested, struggling to keep up with Frost’s increasingly fast pace. “What I heard back there wasn’t normal.”

  “You shouldn’t have been listening.”

  “Well, I was. So, what the hell is going on?”

  “You know what this town is like,” Frost said with spite. “They judge what they don’t understand and then believe it’s their God-given right to do something about it.”

  “Are we still talking about the cougar?” Anastasia asked, after they’d reached the SUV and he’d urged her to get inside.

  “What else would we be talking about?” Frost answered, driving away quickly. He looked angry and even a little scared.

  “You tell me. Pete was attacked the day after Chloe. You’d already taken care of the cougar by that point. Do you think he came back?”

  “Yeah, that’s what happened,” Frost replied in an unconvincing tone.

  “Frost, I need to know you’re telling me the truth.”

  Likely noting the expression of concern upon Anastasia’s face, Frost reached for her hand. “You are safe, Anastasia. As usual, the town is being paranoid and blowing everything out of proportion. It would be best if you just forgot this night ever happened.”

  Silence fell over them as Frost drove Anastasia back to her house. The more she thought about his words, the more sense they made. Although Cedar Falls definitely had a wildlife problem, that town meeting had been beyond absurd – almost like something out of a movie. They truly were paranoid, with Mr. Stone being the only one who sounded normal. Relaxing a little, Anastasia realized that if she was going to live in this town, then she’d just have to put up with all the craziness.

  * * *

  Part Six: Myth of the Werewolf

  Anastasia’s breath caught in her throat as Frost ran his fingers over her neck and then up along her face. He always touched her in a sweet and gentle manner, especially when they were alone – like right now. Anastasia seemed to have a mesmerizing effect on Frost, as if nothing else mattered whenever he was with her. He appeared to be most content while merely looking at Anastasia and holding her in his arms. Those feelings didn’t go unrequited; she cherished moments like these, and when they were apart, her heart was heavy and yearned only for him.

  At this moment, Anastasia and Frost were parked outside Cedar Falls High, cuddling in his SUV. Her suspension had come to an end, and she knew that it was time to face everyone inside. She took strength in her goal of doing well in her courses, and it was also a great relief to know that the case against Mr. O’Donoghue was closed. However, that wouldn’t stop people from talking about her, and now that her relationship with Frost was no longer a secret, the school would surely be abuzz with gossip.

  “We should probably go inside,” Anastasia said bravely, albeit reluctantly, while beginning to break from Frost’s embrace.

  “Please don’t go,” Frost muttered softly into Anastasia’s ear, unwilling to release his grasp. “We can spare a few more minutes.”

  Anastasia didn’t need to be asked twice as she settled back into Frost’s strong arms and placed her head upon his chest. She listened to his heartbeat, noting how it rapidly increased as she slipped her hand under his sweater and then ran her fingers along his firm, hot chest.

  “You’re so warm,” she commented. “How?”

  “It’s what you do to me,” Frost replied, before kissing her forehead.

  Sighing, Anastasia stared at Frost’s beautiful eyes, while smoothing his soft, unruly hair. She could see and feel the deep affection he had for her, but every so often, she suspected that there was something he wasn’t telling her. It didn’t make sense, especially since he was usually so open with her. Still, sometimes he was just too mysterious.

  “You still owe me a first date,” Anastasia pointed out, hoping to finally bring normalcy to their relationship. She wanted to make Frost feel secure, so he would be completely honest with her – that is, if he wasn’t already.

  “How about this weekend?” Frost suggested in his huskiest voice, as if attempting to seduce her. “We can go someplace that’s really nice, maybe out-of-town.”

  “As long as I’m with you, Dale’s Diner would seem like paradise.” Anastasia cringed slightly after speaking. She wasn’t used to being so affectionate and honest with her feelings. Luckily, Frost didn’t seem to mind at all.

  “I’d prefer to stay away from Dale’s, at least until someone else body checks a waitress.”

  “It wasn’t that bad,” Anastasia said with a light laugh.

  “Even so, I want to take you to Hartfield,” Frost protested. “There’s this beautiful little restaurant that overlooks the water. My mother used to work there, and I loved just sitting on the patio, watching as the sun set.”

  “Hartfield,” Anastasia repeated. “I’ve never heard of that town.”

  “It’s on the other side of Cedar Falls Woods.” Frost then added with a smirk, “Trust me, it’s there.”

  “It sounds far away.”

  “Distance only matters if we’re apart.” Slowly, Frost reached for Anastasia’s hand, while looking into her eyes until she felt herself melting. “I know our relationship has been a bit unconventional, and that’s what makes it so special. We’re both different, Anastasia, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have it all. Our first date will be perfect.”

  Anastasia smiled, even though she didn’t entirely understand what Frost was trying to say. It seemed like he had something to prove, which was very out-of-character for him. “I know it will be,” was all she said, before leading him from the SUV.

  Holding hands, Anastasia and Frost walked into the school. As expected, the students were divided into small groups, whispering as if they had just heard the biggest secret ever told. However, Anastasia soon realized that hardly anyone was paying attention to her or Frost. Had the time finally come for the student body to get over her? She certainly hoped so.

  After Frost had walked her to class and said goodbye, Anastasia was left to face her least favorite period – chemistry. Somehow, she managed through it, even with Jill giving her cut-eye for the better part of the time. She just kept reminding herself that Jill and her little friends were the ones with the problem, not her.

  As the morning progressed, Anastasia began feeling more confident in her decision to return to Cedar Falls High. She now realized that she had every right to be there, and surprisingly, a couple of her classmates even seemed to be warming up to her. Still, when lunchtime arrived, it was nice to be around someone who actually cared for her.

  “Hey, sexy,” Frost greeted as Anastasia sat at the table he’d saved for them. “I see you made it through the first half of the day.”

  “Did you have any doubt?” she asked with a pretend pout.

  “Never,” Frost replied, while reaching for Anastasia’s hand. “Damn, you look so beautiful.”

  Upon Frost’s simple touch, a shiver of excitement ran throughout Anastasia’s body. She wanted him so badly, and she knew that he felt the same. Despite the busy cafeteria, her focus was solely on Frost, until everything else seemed to blur around him.

  “Let’s ditch this place and eat in my car,” Frost suggested.

  “Perv,” she teased.

  “That’s not what I’m after and you know it. I just like being alone with you.”

  “You don’t have to convince me,” Anastasia said with a soft laugh, quickly gathering her backpack and lunch. She was about to stand up when Marissa slammed her lunch tray on the table and then sat down.

  “I can’t believe Kate,” Marissa fumed. “She’s spilled like every secret I’ve ever had. How can she be so heartless?”

  Repressing a groan over their interrupted plans, Anastasia cast Frost a pleading look. He responded with a small, comforting smile. Although she wanted to spe
nd time with Marissa, did it really have to be at this very moment?

  “Are you really that surprised by Kate’s behavior?” Frost asked Marissa, blatantly but compassionately.

  “Well, no,” Marissa admitted after a moment’s pause. “I guess our friendship was purely superficial.” Sighing, she unwrapped her sandwich and began eating, obviously unaware of Anastasia and Frost’s desire to be alone. “So, have you visited Chloe since she was released from the hospital?”

  “Of course,” Anastasia replied, now eating her own lunch. “She’s doing really well, but it’s going to be a while before she can come back to school.”

  Marissa nodded. “Thank God she’s okay.”

  Suddenly, two girls passed nearby, allowing Anastasia to overhear a disturbing part of their conversation. “The werewolf of Cedar Falls is back,” one of the girls said in a shaky voice. “Chloe was attacked during a full moon – what else could it possibly be? My dad said the exact same thing happened seventeen years ago.”

  With wide, frightened eyes, the other girl nodded. “Have you heard the latest? Someone spotted a large wolf in the woods last night. If it really was the werewolf, that means we’re in danger, with or without the full moon.”

  “And don’t forget about what happened to Pete – we don’t need more evidence than that.”

  “Are you two for real?” Anastasia interrupted the girls. She wasn’t usually so rude, but what they were saying was too absurd to ignore. “Chloe and Pete were attacked by a cougar, not some mythological creature.”

  “You were the one who was with Chloe on that night,” the girl stated, while looking closely at Anastasia.

  “Yeah, so I should know,” Anastasia retorted.

  Adamantly, the girl shook her head. “We don’t get cougars here, but we do have wolves. Cedar Falls is home to a different kind of wolf, though – one that’s bigger, deadlier and all evil.”