Page 38 of Dead Wolf Walking (Bad Moon Academy 1)
Pulling up a few key memories, like the first time I interacted with a ghost, I show her what I think we’re dealing with. Though one can never be sure.
There are two knee indents at the end of the mattress, but there’s no body. Usually I can see the ghosts. My heart thuds in my chest and blood rushes to my ears.
“What do you want?” I ask, managing to keep my voice from trembling.
The imprints move closer, and I suck in a breath.
“What do you want?” This time I try to focus on where the body has to be: directly above the imprints.
I don’t see anything. Turning my head away from the ghost, I focus on my peripheral vision. While some remain hidden from sight, others can be found indirectly. Ah ha. There it is. Right on the edges of my vision, I can see a black form. The phantom is shaped like a man, but there’s no definable features. I can’t tell much except he’s staring at me.
He doesn’t seem threatening.
“Do you need to talk?”
Please tell me why you’d offer to talk to whatever this thing is.She is not pleased with me.
Usually if you listen, they’ll eventually leave you alone. Sometimes all a person—dead or alive—wants is someone to truly hear what they have to say,I explain.
The bed shifts again, and I hold my breath when something solid bumps against my foot.
It can touch us?she asks with an edge of panic.
If he can touch us, he should be strong enough to show himself. Maybe he’s shy? I send calming vibes her way and block her out because whoever this is needs my full attention.
They wouldn’t have come to me otherwise.
Through my peripheral, I see him extend his arm.
An ice-cold finger runs down my cheek, and I let out a shuddering breath. It feels so real.
My wolf is fighting for control. I force her away, imagining walls slamming in front of her. She howls in outrage, but she’s the least of my worries.
The phantom being grips my jaw and turns my head toward him. There’s nothing to see when I stare directly at him. A cool breath washes over my lips. My heart is thundering in my ears, and I can’t even hear my wolf screaming at me anymore. The only sound filling the room is my heavy panting.
This is the most I’ve ever been in contact with the deceased. Average ghosts can’t touch or move things, let alone people. Encountering a strong spirit like this is rare.
I should be afraid but I’m not. I’m fascinated.
What else can he do?
“Who are you?” I ask, focusing on the freezing touch against my skin.
The fingers on my jaw disappear and the imprints fade. The floorboards creak. I’m pretty sure he’s left. There’s no sign of him in my peripheral vision as I glance around, and the chill he brought with him is gone.
What the hell do you think you’re doing locking me away?My wolf’s scream fills my head once more, and I groan, running a hand over my face.
I’m sorry. It’s too hard to focus on him when you’re trying to take control.I drop the imaginary wall.
She huffs.Communication is important. The more you try to lock me away, the stronger I will fight for control when you release me. That will lead to a very difficult relationship. Is that what you wish?
No,I say.I’m sorry. What if we make a deal?
I’m listening.
With a sigh, I lie down and adjust the pillow.Let me handle the ghosts. Trust me to know what is best, and I’ll trust you to know what is best in wolf matters.
There’s a beat of silence, and I imagine her tipping her head side to side, mulling over my offer.
