by Piper Stone
I bent down, taking several photographs. She’d taken the liberty of calling it in the moment we arrived on scene, which gave us maybe twenty minutes to spend with the body ourselves. As I tipped my head back, inhaling deeply, she watched me with a sneer on her face. The only scent was the sweet copper stench of blood and the dirt.
“Your little soldiers don’t like me very much,” she said absently.
“They don’t know you.”
“And they’re not going to.”
I moved to the edge of the forest, studying the trees. “The killer came in from the road on the outskirts of Roselake.”
“That could be a ploy,” she countered.
“True.” The killer had a full day to plan and execute his plot. He’d known exactly where I would take her. Another troubling bit of information.
She yanked a pair of latex gloves from her pocket, tugging them on with obvious anger filtered into her system. When she finally crouched down, she lowered her head, glancing at the visible portion of the girl’s neck. “There are no ligature marks as with the other kills. The bastard simply ripped out her throat but if I had to guess, not before terrorizing her.”
“As I said, this was meant as a warning.”
Kathleen exhaled, coughing several times. “The killer was angry. Perhaps you were right, and I was his intended victim.” She studied the girl’s face, shaking her head. “I swear I know her.”
“From where? That could be important.”
“I don’t know. Let’s get what we can. This place is creeping me out.”
We gathered as much evidence as possible, although I knew we wouldn’t find anything from the killer. He wouldn’t be that careless. As I heard the crunch of tires on the gravel at the road, I motioned toward her. “They’re here.”
She moved to a standing position, narrowing her eyes. “Over-sensitized hearing,” she muttered. “I’ll keep that extra special sense in mind. I need to call Captain Walters. Whether or not he’s involved no longer matters. We have to continue pretending.”
I waited as she called the captain, moving to the outskirts of the area, still searching for any sign of the rogue wolf. I was no longer buying the disease in any manner. This was pure method killing, very human in design.
“We need to ID the body as soon as possible,” she said into the phone as she paced. What she didn’t tell him was that we’d already sent the fingerprints off to someone I trusted, the crude ink on paper good enough to garner an identity as long as the victim was in the system.
“I know. There have been no connections made unfortunately, but we’re still working on it.” She hesitated, glancing in my direction. “The call came in from one of the locals here. We’re going to interview a few of them.” A sly smile crossed her face. “Yes, sir. I know the mayor is breathing down your neck. We’re doing everything we can.” She held the phone to her head for a few seconds after ending the call. “I hate lying to him.”
“Do you trust him?” I asked, curious as to her answer.
“I don’t trust anyone, including myself. We play this just as we discussed. Now get me the hell out of here.”
As she gathered the items she’d brought, I could tell she was putting certain pieces together. Now she was the one keeping secrets.
And there was no way I was allowing her to leave the community under any circumstances. It was only a matter of time before he would strike again and this time, I knew he would take the prize he’d wanted all along.
A taste of the woman I loved.
* * *
Kathleen didn’t try to argue when I took her back to my cabin, but she refused to discuss either the case or anything about the pack. However, I would never forget the haunted look on her face when she remained on the porch, her grip on the railing firm. I’d lost her to my arrogance and inability to share any truths.
I’d spent my life attempting to shove aside who I was, refusing to accept that I’d been born into a place of what so many called honor. Wolves were fearful creatures, capable of killing without conscience. At least that’s what the majority of humans believed. Even the growing group of hunters who believed in the concept of werewolves refused to acknowledge any good in our kind. I’d had to learn the hard way that I was very proud to be a Wolfen.
She was well aware two members of the pack had been stationed just outside the cabin. With no access to a vehicle, she wasn’t brazen enough to try to get away on her own.
Besides, the wolves would be able to track her easily.
“If she gives you any trouble, call me,” I said to one of the men.
“Don’t worry, Max. She won’t be going anywhere.”
I nodded, taking another glance at the cabin before heading off.
I’d called both Stone and Gregor to meet me at my father’s. I had to believe he knew more than he’d been willing to tell me before. If these attacks were really about greed, then my father should have an inkling who on the outside could be trusted.
The town was much quieter than normal as I drove through, news having traveled fast. Wolves also protected their own, preparing for a possible onslaught of law enforcement. We didn’t need questions being asked or probes into our city. That would only result in fingers being pointed or possibly worse. What concerned me the most was the moment the press got ahold of the news regarding the recent murder.
I was the first one to pull into my father’s driveway, but both Gregor and Stone were seconds behind. It had been one hell of a night, the morning giving none of us comfort. With our inability to gather any important details, everyone would be on edge even more. What kind of wolf could mask their scent?
Stone approached first, scanning the perimeter of my father’s ranch as if uncertain why he’d been called to the meeting. What my father had always told me was that in order to be an excellent leader, one had to believe in those he worked with, trusting them implicitly. I suddenly knew exactly what he meant. In order for the Wolfen to move into the future, it would take a different form of leadership, one that provided additional skills.
And respect.
“Any new information?” Stone asked.
“Nothing that helps us hunt down the bastard,” I answered. “How is the mood of the people in the village?”
“As you might imagine, concerned but willing to help. At least at this point.” He allowed the statement to linger. “However, if you fuck with us, you’ll have me to answer to,” Stone hissed then broke into a grin, moving to give me a bear hug. “I was worried the other day you came into the shop. You’ve changed one hell of a lot.”
“So have you, my friend.”
“You ever find Brody?”
“Not my case any longer.” I laughed, shaking my head.
“He’s a chump. They’ll find him,” Stone chortled.
Gregor cleared his throat on purpose as he swaggered toward us. “While I understand reminiscing, I don’t think we have time for conversation. What the hell are we going to do with this?” His aggressive tone was understood. Now that blood had tainted our city, the scent likely awakening certain hungers, a plan of containment and control was absolutely necessary.
Additional rogue wolves we didn’t need.
“We talk with my father. There are answers here.” I glanced from one to the other. I could sense their hesitation, even disbelief. “We have no choice but to prepare for war if necessary.”
“You truly believe this wolf is that dangerous?” Gregor asked.
“Without a doubt. If he’s working with unscrupulous humans, his hunger for domination is just the beginning.” I truly believed what I was saying. My thoughts drifted to Kathleen. I would be forced to grill her later in order to find out whatever secret she was harboring. She might be under my protection, but she would soon learn that she would follow my rules.
For now.
“We also have no way of knowing how many other wolves might follow his lead,” Stone offered. “There are rumors that another pack has descended on Den
ver, laying a trap of sorts.”
I snapped my head in his direction. “When did you know this?” My demand was harsh. I moved to within a few inches of him, snarling. “When?”
“Only this morning, Max. I wouldn’t keep something like that from you.” Stone bristled, clenching his fists. Even in the past, we’d sparred on several occasions, his need for leadership a natural born tendency. I couldn’t accept anyone fighting my authority at this point.
Or in the future.
I was the alpha.
“This had better be the truth, Stone. We are under duress and must work together. I will not tolerate anyone, including you, usurping my command.” I tilted my head, allowing my beast to breach the surface. For a man like Stone, backing down in any manner was difficult if not impossible. While he’d been forced to take over for his father, accepting the alpha position without question, the Wolfen would always be considered top dog. “Who is this pack?”
“I did not hear a name, only that they are almost as ancient as the Wolfen,” Stone snarled. “I am no historian, Max. I simply keep the peace.”
Gregor flanked my side, his breathing ragged. “Max is right. We have to work together. The shit going down is just the beginning. We fight this together or we perish.”
Stone’s nostrils flared, the veins popping along the side of his neck. “While you were free to choose to live your life differently, Max, I was pulled out of everything I’d worked so damn hard to achieve. Your father is to blame for that alone. While you refused to accept your role as the prince of your people, preparing to take over, I was suffering from losing everything I gave a fuck about. You need to keep that in mind.”
Gregor hissed and to my surprise was prepared to fight for superiority, his body shaking from anger. I pushed my way in front of him, shaking my head. “Stone is correct. I took what was granted to me by birth for granted. That can no longer happen. Together, we’ll forge a new way, but not until we hunt down this fucker.”
His mouth twisting in anger, Stone had to make his choice right now. Either stand with the Wolfen or be banished completely. When he finally took a deep breath, taking a step back, his decision had been made.
“Then we do this. My instinct tells me that we must flush out this wolf soon.” I didn’t want to add that I had a terrible feeling we were bait in the killer’s hunt, another way of ridding the city of the Wolfen. An ancient pack. I racked my mind, trying to remember what I’d been taught as a child.
“Agreed,” Gregor said first.
“Yes, agreed.”
“Good.” I motioned toward the front of the ranch. My father wouldn’t agree with my decision, but he’d wanted me to step up to the plate and I was doing just that. It was time to end the feud.
I knocked on the door and the moment my father answered, the anger I’d expected was immediate, but to my surprise, relief also flooded his face. He glanced from right to left, taking several deep breaths.
“We may be at war soon, Father. I’m certain you’re aware of the body found on our soil,” I stated, staring him in the eyes.
Blackhawk was a very proud man, whatever sickness he was facing something he’d refused to give into until I formally accepted my role. “The young woman was not of our world.”
“No, but she was selected for a reason. That’s why we’re here. I believe you may know than you’ve told me.” I knew the accusation wouldn’t sit well, but it was one he needed to hear.
He’d always been a harsh taskmaster, a man refusing to allow me to get away with antics of any kind. I’d learned the value of hard work early on. While other Wolfen children were playing, I was tending to the ranch. “Understood. You have healed wounds that I’d long since forsaken. You have grown to be a wise man, my son.”
I darted a glance at the others, hoping they realized they were in the presence of a true leader, the kind of man I could only hope to be.
As he walked closer to Stone, he held out his hand. “I am very sorry for the loss of your father. He was a good man, a proud man, and one who didn’t deserve to be dishonored.”
Stone was rock hard, his face stoic. He certainly had every right to hate my father, but I only hoped that he realized just how much my father had sacrificed. Exhaling, Stone accepted the shake, lowering his head out of respect. “My father was a difficult man, Blackhawk. That much you already know, but he was a damn good doctor.”
My father remained quiet for only a few seconds. When he spoke, I was surprised his tone was apologetic. “I was a fool for far too long, taking out my personal sadness on an entire pack. My son is perhaps more intelligent and humble than I ever gave him credit for. Please come in. There is much to discuss.”
I remained on the porch for several seconds, staring out at the rugged terrain; snowcapped mountains and a massive forest surrounding what I considered to be paradise. What I knew in my heart was that a force unlike anything we’d dealt with before was preparing to strike, humans merely being used in a violent game.
“Tell me about Captain Drake Walters, Father.” I could tell instantly that my father did indeed know more that he’d told me. When he began to speak, I gathered a boulder had been ripped from his shoulders.
We’d been fools to sit on our laurels for all these years and now the biggest, baddest wolf had emerged from our nightmares with a taste for power.
And for blood.
The hunt was truly on.
Chapter Fourteen
Kathleen
Danger.
That’s the only word that remained in my mind. I could no longer think about what Max had finally confided or the consequences for believing his story. I’d read enough of the fascinating old book to realize why a hell of a lot of people bought the legend. But real-life werewolves? Hell, from Max’s reaction, it was easy to tell that this special community didn’t appreciate the moniker, but what else was I supposed to call them?
Creatures so powerful, they are feared above all others. Predators whose hunger knows no bounds.
The Wolfen.
The very start of the book was engaging and powerful, yet my rational mind refused to believe, no matter the stories told by my grandmother.
But you’ve been nauseated for a few days, hungrier than normal, although you can’t eat. You feel hot to the touch constantly.
I snorted as my little voice rattled off inside my head. I was an intellectual woman who’d spent years training to learn special skills, including sorting through lines of bullshit.
But what if the legend is true?
I glared out the window at the two men who were guarding me, both wearing side holsters and both acting like soldiers in the trenches, preparing for a war. I dealt with facts, not fiction and right now, we had another murder to solve.
As if we were actually getting any closer to figuring out the killer.
My conversation with the captain had been terse, his anger evident, questioning where the hell I’d been. I hadn’t given him an answer. When he’d barked that the press was hounding the department, I’d simply pulled the phone away from my ear. What the hell was I supposed to tell him?
At least Max had a friend expediting the latest victim’s identity. I would never forget the haunting look in her eyes, the stare of terror remaining even after she had slipped into death. Shuddering, I rubbed my arms and walked toward the computer. There was no way of knowing how fast this source would work, but since I’d been given access to Max’s email, I would watch it very carefully.
I moved toward the computer, feeling some level of guilt for not telling Max my suspicions. They were almost as difficult to buy as the crap Max had spewed off.
Almost.
I had to find the truth before I went about possibly ruining the lives of people I’d once trusted. Sadly, if my instincts were correct, and they usually were, then I’d been lied to for years. Or maybe the person responsible was merely in over their head. I rubbed my eyes and sat down in front of the computer, my hands still shaking from the horrifi
c find. I couldn’t seem to dig my way out of the fog surrounding my mind, or my heart for that matter.
For all the strong feelings I had for Max, were any of them true? I bit back a laugh as I hit the spacebar. If I even considered the possibility that our relationship was contrived from an ancient belief held by this Wolfen group, then being his mate had drawn us together.
Bullshit.
Fucking bullshit.
Yet I couldn’t deny the strong attraction, more like the same ravenous need I suddenly felt for food. I hungered for him, desired him in an insatiable manner. My skin prickled at the thought of him alone.
His touch.
His kiss.
His thick cock riding me hard.
“Fuck. Fuck!” No amount of exclamation or antics was going to get me out of this. I had to figure out what was going on and who was really behind the murders. Then the rest might come. An actual laugh escaped my lips. I doubted I would ever learn the real truth. I had to believe the people of Roselake were the kind of cult that Lois had mentioned. Maybe she was one of the good guys after all.
But you know what you witnessed.
“Fuck.”
I moved back to the names of the first three victims. They had to be connected. Maybe I hadn’t valued my life or my family enough. I realized that every family held secrets, mine included, but I did love my parents and especially my sister. I wanted to continue living my life as a human, not as some monstrous beast merely refraining from eating people. Granted, that part was still a myth. Right? They merely turned into a wolf to protect their friends and... family.
“What the hell are you thinking, Kelly?” My fingers continued to shake as I made a promise to myself that whatever the ultimate truth was, I’d face the aftermath with the same dignity and honor as I always had.
Then I’d crawl into my bed with a gallon of ice cream and several bottles of wine.
Sighing, I maneuvered to a fresh internet page, typing in a few important key words. When I pulled up the website, my stomach churned. I couldn’t be right. I just couldn’t.
