Page 30 of Wolf's Mark

“They’ve kept us safe and out of the execution chambers. Don’t you think I don’t know that?”

“Don’t get pissy with me. You are the last one of us I would ever expect to lose your control. What about this woman? Was she the target?”

“The truth is I don’t know for certain, but I think the attack was random. She was mighty pretty though.”

The strange silence was shattered by his amused laugh. “Mighty pretty? You slept with her. You old dog, you.”

“She was… She is amazing.”

“Uh-huh. Well, at least that makes sense with you almost changing. Your woman. You were claiming her. Big he-man.”

Riker pounded his chest and did a deep howl like some freaking caveman.

“Very funny. That’s not all. I feel others in the midst, close enough all my senses are on edge. I’m surprised you can’t sense them as well.”

“You have that sixth sense, brother. I don’t.”

“Well, you should be wary. All of us should.”

His smile faded. “There’s nothing on the communications systems. There’s no chatter about a roaming pack.”

My brother had been put in charge of keeping the family peace, as our mother liked to say. There were hundreds of other packs in the world, most evolving as we had into law-abiding citizens with families and lives, enjoying barbeques and festivals just like everyone else. However, there was always the possibility our secrets would be discovered, or a rogue pack would attempt to bring our ancestry out into the light.

Or worse.

My mind drifted to a single story my mother has insisted was true. A stronger species of wolves. I didn’t like what I was thinking.

It was just a matter of time before all hell broke loose.

The communications system had been devised by a brilliant Wolfen over two decades before. It kept our ability to communicate with each other completely off the grid. No one could detect our signals or overhear our conversations. Council emails were sent, including updated information on every illness affecting us. Hell, there was even a job board. We took care of our own.

“That’s good to know, but I’m positive there’s something in the air.”

“If that’s the case,” Riker said quietly, “the bodies will begin to drop. We can’t and won’t have that in our territory.”

“No, we won’t.”

He cocked his head after I let out a deep breath. “Is there something else you’re not telling me?”

“I don’t know, Riker. There’s something about this woman that troubles me.”

“Well, think of it this way, brother. You haven’t had sex in so long, you’re probably still in la-la land.”

“You’re such a bastard.”

Sedona

All I could think about was how what I’d seen couldn’t be real. How was it possible?

I’d watched the video three more times, trying to accept any other plausible reason for what was right there in vivid color. At this point, I couldn’t. Still.

Maybe ever.

I was headed to pick up my daughter, the girl the reason for my life. Yet, all I could think about was the incident earlier in the day. The agent had yet to return my call and I continually looked over my shoulder. I half expected the horrible creature to return.

As I moved through the downtown streets, my mind continued to wander. I hadn’t realized I’d passed by the tarot card reading establishment until I hit the next block. Idling at the light, I made a decision.

The girl had issued a warning, her fear real. Lucia knew more than she’d wanted to tell me. Maybe I needed to press her on what that was.

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