Page 120 of Beneath the Blue Moon
I’ll have to get a bigger place because I need a room forthe baby.I’m going to decorate it just like my old room—a beautiful night sky.When he/she is old enough, we’ll moon-watch like Daddy used to do with me.Myonly wish is that Ethan could be there, too.The ultrasound is in a few days, andI can’t wait.
Out of nowhere, the wind picks up and lightning cracksacross the sky.The impending thunder roars, causing the ground to shakebeneath me.Another bolt of lightning streaks across the night sky and I gathermy blanket to me.Must be one of those famous dry thunderstorms.I betterget inside.
An agonizing howl comes from the bushes to my left, and I boltupright.“Sheriff, is that you?”
A growl from straight ahead catches my attention, and big, ice-blueeyes stare at me in the darkness.A black wolf, almost Sheriff’s size,materializes, flanked by five smaller ones.He is obviously nothing likeSheriff.His teeth are bared, drool dripping from each one as he growls at me.Iswallow hard, remembering Ethan’s warning—wolves are dangerous.I slowly beginto crawl backward, hoping I can make it inside.
Two other wolves spring from the left, growling.Their earsare erect, fur bristling.They snarl, lips curled up, teeth showing.I realizethe anger is toward the other wolves and not me.They rush forward, positioningthemselves between me and the others.Wait… are they protecting me?When two ofthe other wolves lunge at them, I use the distraction to my advantage and jumpto my feet.Before I can get far, the black wolf bumps into me and I fall face-first,screaming.Pain courses through my body as I watch the black wolf circling me.He’s going to eat me.Oh, God, I’m going to die.My baby’s going to die!
“Casey!”Daddy shouts from the porch.
“No, Daddy.Stay back!”
Just as the black wolf lunges, Daddy jumps in front of me,getting the animal’s claws.
“Daddy!”
***Ethan/Sheriff***
Why are you so restless?
Something’s wrong, Charlie.I have this weird feeling.
I pace in agitation, unable to shake this forebodingfeeling.Is it the thunderstorm?Or is it just my loathing of having toparticipate in this charade?I haven’t even looked at Shae since we changed.I’ve wanted to do nothing but run to Casey.Could it be her?My soul constrictsat the thought.A howl shatters the silence, and my heart lurches into mymouth.
That was Sam.Casey!
I take off running, knowing Charlie and Brick are behind me.Oh, God!If something happens to her, I’ll die.I race through the woods,praying I get there in time.When I finally leap into her backyard, I findStone tearing into Luke.Casey, not far away, is covered in blood andscreaming.
Stone!
His head jerks up and, when he spots me, he takes off intothe woods.The bloody coward!Sam and Brad are holding off three wolves,another two standing next to Casey.I spring at those two while Charlie andBrick join the melee.I quickly dispose of them and run to Casey’s side.She’scrawled over to her father, clutching at him.
“Daddy!”
It’s too late.He’s gone.
Ethan, we have to go!
No, Charlie.I’m not leaving her!There’s so much blood.It’s not all Luke’s!
I don’t see any cuts on her, but I know she’s bleedingbecause I smell it.Lightning illuminates the sky, and I see the pain on herface.
“Sheriff….”
She sounds so weak.What can I do?
The Johnsons are calling for help.We can’t be here whenthey get here!
She needs me.I’m not leaving her, Charlie!
We need to get rid of these bodies, Ethan.
Go!
I lie beside her as the four of them drag the dead wolvesaway.My baby… my life.I failed you.She screams and clutches at herstomach, leaning over Luke’s body.She’s sobbing violently, and there’s nothingI can do.I need to change back.I’m no good to her like this.I’ve never triedit before, but I have to.
The Johnsons are here.I know I can’t let them see me.I’llbe back, baby.I lick her hand and run into the woods, staying hidden andwatching until the paramedics arrive and she’s in the ambulance.
