Chapter 10
Out on the balcony an hour later, Heather stared at the moon and cursed her fate. Silent tears rolled down her cheeks as she thought of the horrible turn her life had taken, tearing her from her friends and family. She knew she shouldn’t blame Hunter, but it was too easy, and she did it. Two arms draped over her shoulder and she felt Hunter’s hands brush away the tears on her cheeks, surprising her and causing her to turn quickly. She found herself face to face with Hunter, his arms still around her and slowly getting lower. She gasped and blushed as she felt him cup her ass and pull her hips against his.
“H-Hunter, what’re you doing?” She asked, slightly fearful of the feral look in his eyes. He shushed her quietly, and then kissed her deeply, his tongue pushing itself into her mouth and around hers. She paused for a moment before returning the kiss, closing her eyes and sighing. Finally she pulled away and screamed. No longer was Hunter holding her, in his place was the man, the werewolf, who had bit her and turned her into a monster, she pushed away and turned, screaming and fighting his grasp. She fell to her knees when she found herself face to face with her family, her mother and father staring straight ahead, not looking at her, and her younger brother smiling in the “nyah nyah” way of his, like he used to do when she got in trouble.
“Monster,” Her father spat, striking her across the cheek and turning his family away from her. They walked away into the darkness, leaving her all alone with the wolf behind her.
“Looks like it’s just you and me, meat,” The werewolf behind her said, changing from the wolf who had bit her into an unfamiliar wolf. This wolf crouched before her, completely wolf, no humanoid features to it, save for the fact it spoke to her in her own voice.
“What’s the matter Heather, don’t you recognize me?” It asked her, grinning at her in its own wolven way. Heather fell back, trying to scream, but her voice was no longer her own. All she wanted was to get away from the beast in front of her.
“What a shame, not even as strong as the runt, a pathetic excuse for a proud wolf,” It spoke again, snarling at her. It reared back and with a mighty lunge, tore out the screaming girl’s throat.
*          *          *
Heather was still screaming when Hunter shook her awake, she looked at him through tear stained eyes, then wrapped him in a hug, crying against him while he rubbed her back and comforted her. After she had calmed down a little bit he took her into the kitchen, where she sat down at the table while he made her some tea and sprinkled an unknown herb into it.
“What is that?” She asked curiously, noting that her tea was now giving off blue steam.
“Blue Wolf’s Bane, it’s a dreamless sleep aid for werewolves, since we’re immune to most drugs and tranquilizers.” He replied, stirring the tea a bit more before placing it on the table in front of her.
“I always though Wolf’s Bane was poisonous to werewolves, in legends and stuff.”
“That’s actually true, there are four types of Wolf’s Bane. Blue is the tranquilizer. Red is the hallucinogenic poison. Yellow is the paralytic agent. And of course, there’s White Wolf’s Bane.”
“What does White Wolf’s Bane do?”
“Its completely toxic, if any ever gets into your system then make your peace with God right then and there, you’re dead within the hour. The cure is too rare to be reliably standing by should you get poisoned with it.”
“So there are two poisons?”
“Well, all four aren’t really good, especially in the hands of wolf hunters. Blue carries a risk of dependency, not to mention the fact that you’re pretty much dead to the world, not even a bomb’d wake you. Red is the drug, its illegal in the U.S. as is white.”
“Ugh, tastes horrible,” Heather noted after taking a sip.
“Yea, but it’ll let you get a peaceful rest, should keep her quiet tonight at least.”
“What do you mean?”
“You know what I mean, the duality of your souls is causing a power struggle in your mind. On the one hand there’s your humanity, your conscience and morals, and on the other hand is you animalistic nature. Honor, pride, power, strength, and rage. They’re all there, and since you are now a werewolf, the two are going to have to come to some mutual understanding again, like they did when you were a baby. The only difference is that your soul will not become one piece again, it will remain split, but you’ll have control over both sides. Until then, you’re a bit dangerous for normal people to be around.”
“But what if the wolf wins?”
“She wont, I’m going to help you beat her and gain complete control of your self, and we have six days to do it in.”
“What’s after six days?”
“The full moon.”
He let it hang for a moment, not shifting as realization spread across her face. If she did not gain control of herself by then, he would be forced to protect others from her, and she would probably either kill or be killed. She yawned heavily as the tea began to take effect as it was supposed to, but she still didn’t want to be alone tonight.
“Are you sure this stuff will work?” She asked nervously, fighting to stay awake.
“Don’t worry, I’ll stay with you tonight if you want,” He said, and before she could protest he transformed into a normal wolf, albeit still pure white. She was too tired to argue so she just nodded, walking into the bedroom and slipping beneath the covers as Hunter curled up on the bed by her feet. He was still watching her like a silent protector as she slipped off into a dreamless sleep.
Chapter 11
Heather awoke to the smell of cooking sausage and the sound of music, as well as her favorite werewolf singing along to it. She stifled a yawn as she got dressed and entered the kitchen, noting with surprise that Hunter’s tail was plainly visible, hanging out of a pair of old jeans. She had to stifle a scream as her eyes traveled up to his bare back. Traveling downwards from his left shoulder to his right hip were three long scars, undoubtedly made by the claws of another wolf.
“Morning!” He said cheerfully, turning and smiling at her as bacon and sausage popped and sizzled on the stove behind him.
“I…uh…y-you…y-your back,” she stuttered, unsure of what to say or how to question him about it.
“Like I said, the Blood Moon festival can get a bit…er…rowdy, and its far from safe.”
“That doesn’t look like a party related injury.”
“I never said it was, but let’s drop it for now. I’ll tell you about it on the ride up, for now, answer the door.”
Heather looked at him quizzically and was about to ask what he meant when she heard a knock from the door. She shrugged and answered it, still a bit surprised that Hunter had known someone was there.
“Oh I’m sorry miss, I thought this was my nephew’s apartment,” A tall brown haired man said when she opened the door and looked at him expectantly.
“It’s alright Tom, this is the place,” Sabrina said behind him, pushing him through the doorway and flashing Heather a smile. Heather returned to the kitchen with Tom and Sabrina, noting that Sabrina’s long, brown tail was also sticking out of her jeans.
“Hey Hunt, how ya doin’ bud?” The man called Tom asked, shaking his hand and pulling him into a one-armed hug.
“Still alive,” Hunter replied with a grin, motioning towards Heather, “this is my new roommate, and partner, Heather Luis. Heather, this is Sab’s husband, Thomas North.”
“Nice to meet you, sir,” She said with a nod, “So you’re a werewolf too?”
“Haha, nope, still just a human, and I like it that way, so Sab has agreed not to bite me. Means we cant have kids though.”
“I see.”
“Don’t lie, you don’t have a freaking clue, but it’s alright, you’ll get used to all this stuff eventually, I did.”
“Ok, sir.”
“Don’t call me sir, I get enough of that at work. Which, mind you, I’m going to be late for if you don’t hurry up Hunt.”
“You’re the one who insisted on joining us for breakfast every day,” Hunter said, placing the sausage and bacon on the table, along with a plate of eggs and some pancakes. Heather suddenly realized how ravenous she was, and along with the other two wolves at the table, helped herself to as much food as she could manage. All of the food, save for what little Tom had grabbed for himself, was gone in a matter of minutes.
“Wow Hunt, that was incredible, you’re the full package,” Heather said wryly, leaning back in her chair with a satisfied grin.
“Say what now?” He said, oblivious to the pass she had just made at him.
“Brains, looks, charm, chivalry, and one hell of a cook.”
“Ah, I see.”
“Aww, my little Neff has an admirer!” Sab said, punching Hunter in the arm playfully. The two teens turned away, both blushing profusely.
“Well, I’m off to work, see you tonight sweetheart,” Thomas said, standing up and kissing Sabrina lightly on the forehead, “Try not to embarrass the kids too much, if Hunt blushes any harder his face may burst into flames.”
“I’ll try to behave, but it’s just so hard with these two around.”
“Speaking of being around, when is the festival?”
“Six days counting today, we should be back in about thirteen days.”
“Behave yourself this time Sab, you may be cute, but blood is not a good color for you.”
“Alright sweetheart, get goin’ or the DA will piss and moan like usual.”
Thomas waved to the trio and left, whistling the same song Hunter had been singing earlier. Heather was confused for a moment before she realized what that conversation meant; Tom could not join in the festival due to the fact that he was not a wolf. Also, she was a bit fearful that whoever had slashed Hunter’s back hadn’t lived very long afterwards.
“So, what’re your plans for today Hunt? I don’t have any cases for you right now,” Sabrina said, tipping her chair back.
“Firearms proficiency today, then I figured we might go see Fennec for that spell,” Hunter replied, as he collected the plates and dumped them into the sink.
“Fennec is out of town still, he won’t be back ‘til tomorrow.”
“Damn, means we gotta get it right the first time.”
“I have the sneakiest suspicion ya’ll are talkin’ about me,” Heather said with a grin.
“And you’re right, we are. I can’t give you you’re badge until Hunter gives you a firearms test, which will probably take a while since he has to teach you to shoot first. Fennec, is a wizard, he specializes in mind spells. Hunter wants to use one of his spells to bring you both face to face with your inner wolf.” Sabrina replied as Hunter nodded in agreement.
“Bring us both?”
“Yea, the spell Hunt has in mind allows the caster and the subject to enter the subjects mind.”
“So Hunter can do magic?”
“No, but he can complete a spell if given the right tools.”
Chapter 12
An hour later Hunter and Heather had cleaned up and gotten dressed. Heather took a while trying to figure out which new outfit to wear, until Hunter pointed out that she was just going to a firing range, and she’d be wearing a jacket over it anyways.
“It took you twenty minutes to get ready, whereas it took me five, and I have a tail!” Hunter said with a laugh as the entered his Jeep.
“Well excuse me for not shopping at the army surplus,” She said jokingly, referring to Hunter’s camouflage pants, combat boots, and olive drab t-shirt, “I just figured I’d wear something nice.”
“Why? You’re a detective now, you ain’t exactly gotta impress anybody.”
“That reminds me, how can you not have any cases today? I though New York was full of crime.”
‘We’re Violent Homicide, you and I won’t have a case unless there’s a murder that couldn’t have been caused by a human.”
“Like a werewolf attack?”
“Exactly, it’s not always werewolves though. The most disturbing case I ever worked turned out to be a Wendigo.”
“What’s a Wendigo?”
“At one point it was a man, but it succumbed to cannibalism and its body and soul kinda degraded into a monster.”
“So, it was a man? But it ate people and…turned evil?”
“Not quite, it was already evil if it tasted human flesh. Its body merely transformed to match the mind.”
“Creepy.”
“You can say that again.”
“So, what’s your last name?”
“Where’d that come from?”
“Just answer the question.”
“Fine fine, my last name is…er…Wolf.”
“REALLY?”
“Er…yea, really.”
So, you’re a werewolf…with the last name…Wolf. Niiiiice.”
“Yes yes, the irony wasn’t lost on me.”
“How bout your middle name?”
“Ain’t got one.”
“You don’t have a middle name?”
“Do you?”
“Yes I do, its Lynn.”
“So your name is Heather Lynn Luis, my name is Hunter Wolf, glad we cleared that up.”
“You get teased about your last name don’t you?”
“What was your first clue?”
“The snippy attitude, knock it off.”
“Yea, ok, we’re here anyways.”
Hunter and Heather entered the firing range, and a balding, heavy set man scooped Hunter up in a great bear hug.
“Hunter mah boy! How ya been pup?” The man shouted in a thick Scottish accent.
“Hi Ryan, mind putting me down? I can’t breath,” Hunter wheezed as Heather laughed at him.
“Who’s the lass?”
“My new partner, Heather Luis, she’s hear for the proficiency exam.”
“Ah I see, you be nice this time Hunt.”
“Be nice this time? Do I even wanna know?” Heather asked as the man named Ryan handed her a pair of goggles and some ear protectors.
“Hunter maight be a bit rough on ya, but he means well.” Ryan said with a mighty laugh, patting Hunter on the shoulder with one of his massive hands. “Those ear muffs are special lass, designed specifically for werewolves.”
“How do you know about werewolves?”
“Hahaha Lassie, I am one! You’re sense of smell obviously innit up ta par yet, how long ago you get turned?”
“Uh…the night before last?”
“Well damn girlie, you’re lucky I gave you them earmuffs then, your hearin’ should be pickin’ up soon.”
Heather smiled and thanked the giant of a man and then followed Hunter to the farthest shooting stall in the back. Heather didn’t understand why he went this far back, all of the stalls were empty. Then Hunter pulled a cord from the back of her Ear protectors and plugged it into a jack in the side wall, right next to where his own protectors were plugged in.
“Can you hear me?” Hunter asked as he pulled a microphone down from the side of Heather’s earmuffs and positioned it in front of her mouth.
“Yea, pretty well,” Heather replied, giving Hunter a thumbs up sign.
“Speak up just a bit, these mikes are weak so they don’t pick up the gunshot noise,” He said as he pulled a Glock 9mm out of its holster under his jacket, checked the gun and handed it to her.
“Ok, what do you want me to do with this?”
“First off, stop pointing it at me, it may not have silver bullets in it, but you can still kill me with a well placed shot.”
“Sorry!”
‘Don’t be sorry, just aim down range, there’s already a target down there, fire off the full clip and we’ll see how you do.”
Heather had only fired off three shots when Hunter stopped her and grabbed her hands. He positioned himself behind her and took up a fire stance, aiming with her and placing one of his fingers over hers in the trigger guard.
“First off, unless your gonna take a shot, never have your finger on the trigger, it’s not very safe, you could accidentally shoot someone you were just trying to intimidate. Secondly, relax your arms, if you were usin’ a gun with more kick than this you could hurt yourself if you lock your arms.” He said, pulling her finger away from the trigger.
Heather blushed as Hunter placed his chin on her shoulder and aimed the gun. She paused, stared through the iron sights, and squeezed the trigger like he had told her to do. The gun bucked lightly as a bullet exploded from the chamber.
“Good, lets see how you did,” Hunter said, pressing a button on the side of the stall that brought the target to them. There was only one hole in the target, dead center.
“I missed three times? How?” Heather said, more to herself than to Hunter.
“You didn’t really aim the first three shots, and they went wild.” Hunter replied as he released her hands from his grasp.
“I see.”
“Go ahead and fire off the remaining rounds, you should only have thirteen left.”
Hunter pressed the button again and the target whizzed back down the range, coming to a stop in the exact position it had been earlier. Heather squeezed the trigger, firing the gun until it was empty, at which point she put it down in front of her. Hunter recalled the target and pulled it down, there were fourteen neat holes in the head, chest, arms and groin of the target.
“Not bad, though somehow I can’t help but notice there are more shots in the groin than anywhere else.” Hunter said with a chuckle, rolling up the target and replacing it with a fresh one.
“Well, now you know not to mess with me,” Heather said with a grin, looking straight into Hunter’s beautiful green eyes.
“Alright, I’ll keep that in mind, I have no intention of being neutered. Here’s a new clip, eject the empty one and put the fresh one in.” He said, indicating how to eject the clip and how to slam a fresh one home. Heather did as she was told and aimed down range, just as she pulled the trigger, Hunter produced a second gun and fired right net to her head, causing her to flinch and her shot to go wild.
“What the fuck Hunter!” She said, backhanding him lightly.
“S’how Aunt Sab taught me to shoot, you gotta be able to make the shot even with distractions.” He replied with a small smile.
“I’d like to see you make a shot with a gun goin off in your ear!”
“You had the muffs on.”
“It’s the principle you dick!”
“Fine, just to prove it can be done I’ll make a shot while you do something to distract me, short of blocking my gun.”
“Deal, gimme a second to think of something.”
Hunter waited patiently while Heather though of something distracting, and finally she settled on something she had seen in a Robin Hood movie. She nodded to let him know she was ready, and he aimed downrange. She waited, and just as his finger tightened on the trigger she blew lightly on his neck. His gun went off, and he immediately turned away, his face turning a bright shade of red. Heather pushed the button to bring the target forward, and was astonished. Right on the center of the target was a neat little bullet hole.
“How did you do that?” She asked, awed at the fact he had still made the shot.
“I didn’t, that was my first shot, when I was distracting you. My second shot hit the floor about three feet forward.” Hunter said, managing to get his blushing under some semblance of control.
“Well at least you’re honest.”
“Yup, you’re turn.”
Heather nodded, returned the target, and aimed again, hoping that Hunter wouldn’t play as dirty as she had. Just as she aimed and squeezed the trigger, she felt Hunter’s lips lightly brush her cheek, and as predicted, her shot went astray.
THAT WAS SO CHEAP YOU ASS!” She yelled, hitting him again. He laughed and opened his mouth to say something, but was distracted when his phone vibrated in his pocket. He held up a hand as he spoke quickly into the cell phone before hanging up.
“Bad news?” Heather asked quickly, seeing the expression on Hunter’s face.
“For me, but you oughta get a giggle out of it, we gotta get to the station.” He replied with a sigh, taking off his ear muffs and goggles.
“So, what’d you think, did I pass?”
“You’re pretty good, and you’ll only get better with time.”
“Good, now, about that kiss…”