by Zoe Parker
Again I don't move or acknowledge him or his question. He already knows the answer. Angunta isn't all-knowing like other Inuit deities, but he is pretty knowledgeable when it comes to matters on Earth. He has to be. He ferries souls on their final trip to Adiuvn, the Inuit underworld. It is his duty to pay attention to humans and their fates.
My duty in our pantheon is much simpler than his and much more sinister. The people generally fear me, and they should. After all, the Keelut is a hunter, one who thrives on stalking and killing its prey. As a Keelut, I am considered a harbinger of doom to all who witness my presence. No one escapes the Keelut. Ever. Angunta may be the ferryman of souls, but I am Death.
It's an existence I've grown weary of over the last several years, as I imagine all immortals do at one point or another. I didn't even realize how unsatisfied I'd become with my lot in life until I saw her.
I wasn't hunting when I first set my eyes on her. In fact, I wasn't in my Keelut form at all. People who know my legends, don't know that the almost hairless canine-like creature isn't the only form I can take. I can also take the form of a large, black wolf, as well as that of a man. I was in my wolf guise when I first saw her, walking to her vehicle from a small house near the mountains.
The nights were longer as winter came to the land of snow and ice, so she was bundled up from head to toe to keep the cold weather at bay. But even with the large coat and wool hat pulled low, I still managed to see a piece of golden yellow curly hair and the fairest skin I had ever encountered. Her full lips had turned up into a smile as she waved goodbye to a loved one. I could see that her chin had a cleft in it that made her look incredibly unique. But, it's her eyes that drew me in. She turns in my direction before opening her car door, as if she could sense me out here watching her. Her eyes held so much love and strength, but ultimately, they were filled with sadness. Those eyes were what made me come back to watch her every chance I could get.
I want to know everything about her, and before this, I'd never wanted to know anything about any humans. I became obsessed, but by the time I realized what I was doing, I was too far gone. So here I am, watching and waiting for my chance to finally talk to her. To find out why there's so much sadness behind her hauntingly beautiful eyes, and to see what I could do to wipe that sadness away.
"I hope you know what you're doing, Oki," Angunta sighs, standing to his full height. "This woman has had plenty of sorrow. She deserves happiness. A good soul."
I turn in my friend's direction as he said those last words, but he was already gone. Back to Adiuvn to await the call of his next passenger to the underworld.
Thinking about the meaning behind Angunta's parting words, I stand up, shaking the snow from my fur. She is a good soul. She deserves happiness. But, she wasn't happy, that much was obvious, and I want to find out why. I need to meet her, to see how deep that river of sadness ran.
I move closer to the edge of the treeline to see her walk out the front door of her little house and toward her truck. She is once again covered against the cold. She only ever goes out in the evenings, to get to her place of work. Which is a small restaurant in town, so I assume that's where she's going.
As I watch her vehicle drive away from her house, I make a decision I know will change my life forever. I'm going to meet the human woman that has been captivating me for the last many months. I will see how deep her discontent ran.
Chapter Two
Gray
"Gray, honey, can you grab that order for me?" Marta, the owner of the small diner that I work at asks me, as she looks up from the coffee that she's pouring for a customer.
I lightly smile and nod my head as I turn around to grab the plates from the window between the kitchen and dining room. They're warm to the touch and feel wonderful in my hands. I almost don't want to let them go, but I know the customers who ordered them will be expecting me to. I keep the smile on my face as I lower the dishes onto the table and walk back to my post at the counter.
I moved my kids and myself to Alaska almost three years ago from New York City, and I still wasn't used to the cold. I always thought the city was frigid, but boy was I wrong. It felt as if my bones would never thaw out.
Friends in the city thought I was crazy for wanting to move to Alaska. For wanting to move near my dead husband's family, but my boys needed to know their heritage. My husband, Anik was an Alaskan Inuit, from one of the smallest Inuit tribes left in this part of the world. He was very proud of his culture but wanted more from life than what Alaska had to offer, so he went off to the big city to see what he could accomplish.
I met him at a coffee shop that I worked at, not long after he moved to New York, and was immediately intrigued by him and his warm personality. We didn't date long before falling in love and getting married. Our first son, Jackson was born soon after, then Maverick came four years later, making our little family complete. We were happy and in love, and I thought we'd be together forever.
Our happiness lasted for seven wonderful years before tragedy struck, shattering everything we loved. Maverick was only three years old when we lost Anik, but Jackson was seven. He knew enough of what happened to change his happy, young existence. I needed to do something for them. To start our lives over while still remembering their father and how wonderful he was. So, Alaska.
Anik's family, his grandmother, in particular, didn't exactly approve of the union between Anik and me. Her only complaint is that I wasn't from the same background as Anik was. In fact, I had never left the northeast in my entire life, until the three of us made that move across the continent. Yuka, Anik's grandmother may not have liked me, but she adored my sons. That was enough for me.
I heard the bell over the front door chime, releasing me from the memories. I look toward the sound to see an Inuit man standing there watching me. I'd never seen him before, but he felt familiar somehow. His black hair was even longer than mine, and his features were strong and straight. He was definitely striking.
I straighten from my leaning position over the counter, wiping my hands on the sides of my jeans, and watch as he approaches the counter and sits down in front of me. He looks at me like he can see right through me. Not in a threatening way, and even though I could tell that much, his presence still unsettles me.
"Hello," I say in a quiet, but friendly voice. "What can I get for you?"
"I would like some water, please," he tells me, his voice deep and smooth. My body heats up at the sound of it, and when I recognize my reaction, I stiffen. I haven't responded to any man like that in a long time. My smile falls and I take a step back, suddenly uncomfortable despite the stranger's welcoming demeanor.
"Would you like anything else?" I ask, dropping my hands to my sides. I needed to get away. Away from him and the feelings he's bringing out in me. I feel the guilt and the pain associated with lusting after a man, not my husband, even if he is dead and gone.
The stranger slowly shakes his head, obviously catching the change in mood. I quickly turn away and walk to the drink counter to get a glass and fill it with ice and water. As I slide the glass toward the stranger, he catches my arm, making me gasp.
My eyes dart from his hand holding my arm to his face. "I just wanted to say thank you," he says and releases my arm. I jerk my arm back and hold my forearm up to my body, my chest heaving. "I didn't mean to scare you," he tells me. "I am sorry for that." His voice still rich and smooth, but more soothing than before.
"It's okay," I reply but don't move from my defensive stance. "You didn't hurt me."
"No, I'd never hurt you." His expression turns serious, and my eyebrows furrow when I see that he means it.
"Well, let me know if you'd like anything else," I tell him and walk away to help another customer.
I make myself busy for the next hour and a half, waiting on customers and general housekeeping. I refilled the stranger's glass of water several times, but we never speak. However, every time I look in his direction, I catch him watching me. He does
n't even try to hide it. As I finally get up the courage to ask him why I hear the bell over the door jingle followed by the sound of raucous laughter.
Everyone in the diner, including the stranger, looks at the sound of the noise to see James Wallis and three of his buddies stroll in. They plop themselves down in a booth in the middle of the dining room. My heart sinks into my stomach, making me gulp with anxiety. James makes me nervous in a way that is very different from the stranger sitting at the counter.
Marta approached James' table to take their order and I sigh in relief. But before she can even say hello, I hear him tell her, "Hey there, Marta. Do you think Gray could take our orders tonight? I've been aching to see her gorgeous smile since I haven't been to the diner in a while." I see him give her his trademark charming smirk, and I know she'll give in. Everyone always does.
James is the town's golden boy. Everyone loves him, especially the ladies, but for some reason he's set his sights on me. I have never once flirted with him or given him any indication that I'm interested, but that hasn't deterred him. If anything, it's made him try even harder to get my attention.
Sighing in defeat, I take my order notepad out of my apron and approach the table, my fake smile in place. "What can I get for you?" I ask, not wanting to strike up a conversation with him.
"How are you doing, Gray?" he asks in return.
"I'm great thanks," I respond. "Adam? What would you like?" I turn to the guy sitting next to James, hoping someone would just order so I can go back to the safety of the food counter.
"Uhhh," he says and looks at James, not knowing if he should answer me or let his leader continue to try and woo me.
"I've been doing great too," James smiles, ignoring Adam altogether. "But, I'd be doing even better if you'd let me take you out." His smile turns smug as if he thinks I'll finally say yes to his advances. I haven't up to this point, so I'm not sure what makes him think I'll finally give in.
"I'm sorry, James, but I don't date. You know that." I sigh and hold up my notepad. "Now can I please get your order? I am busy tonight."
James's smile morphs into a severe scowl. He grabs my arm as quick as a snake and pulls me down so I'm mere inches from his face. "You'll say yes one day, Gray," he whispered, menacingly. "You will say…"
Before he can finish, James is shoved away and a pair of gentle hands hold me up as I started to fall from the motion. I look up to see the stranger's face, and I suddenly feel safe. His eyes are roaming over every inch of my face to gauge how I am feeling, to see if I am hurt or just scared.
"I'm, I'm okay," I stutter and stand myself up, brushing a loose piece of hair from my face. He solemnly nods and turns to look down at James on the floor. His buddies are trying to help him up, but James shakes them off. He rushes to his feet and lunges right in front of my hero, his expression fuming.
James is tall, at a few inches over six feet, but the stranger towers over him. In fact, he is larger than anyone I've ever seen, and I don't just mean height-wise. I know I'm not the only one who notices the differences either because James looks a little unsure of his ability to get the best of the situation. But then, false bravado replaces his look of worry.
"You'll pay for that," he sneers. "You have no idea what you've done." James tries to make himself look bigger, more intimidating, but the stranger doesn't flinch.
"I know exactly what I have done, bad soul," the stranger replies, his eyes darkening. "I will pay for nothing, and you will pay with your life if you lay another finger on this woman, or anyone else again."
"Are you threatening me?!" James screeches, his face turning scarlet red.
"No threat," the stranger says, and reaches backward, gently pushing me behind his back and away from James' anger. "I do not make threats. They are beneath me. Only a warning, one you should heed if you know what is best for you."
"I'll have you arrested for assault!" James screams, jumping up on his toes with every word. "You don't know who you are dealing with!"
The stranger's body stiffens, and he leans the top of his body slightly forward. "No, bad soul, you don't know who you are dealing with," he quietly growls. I look around him to see James' buddies turn ashen and back away.
"Okay, boys!" Marta says from the left of us, and steps in between them, breaking them apart. She turns to James and says, "I think it's best if you and your friends leave my restaurant."
"He shoved me!" James yells, making him look extremely childish.
"Yes, and I saw you manhandle Gray first. I was on my way over here to tell you to let her go, but this man got to you before I could." Marta put her hands on her hips and gives him a no-nonsense look. "Now, I need you to leave, James. I don't put up with people bullying my staff."
The look on James' face is priceless as he storms toward the front door. But before he can wrench it open, he turns back to Marta, then to me and the stranger. "You'll all pay for this," he grits through his teeth, then rushes out into the night.
I feel my body physically relax as the door slams behind James, and I let go of the stranger's shirt. I didn't realize I had gripped onto him during the encounter. Taking a step back, I wait for him to turn in my direction to talk to him.
"Thank you," I say when he's completely facing me.
"Oki," he replies, and I look at him in question. "My name is Oki," he clarifies, making me smile.
"Thank you, Oki."
"Yes, thank you," Marta interjects. "Mister, you're welcome here anytime." She pats him on the arm and walks around us back to the counter.
"She means it you know," I say to him, turning my attention back to my savior. "You're always welcome here. No one has stood up to James like that, ever. But then again, he's never gotten physical with me before either." Oki's eyes darken in anger at my last statement, so I quickly steered the conversation back to before. "How can I ever repay you?" I ask.
His expression softens. "No repayment needed, lovely Gray." My heart skips a beat and he takes a step back. "I must be going, but I will see you again. I promise." He waits for me to acknowledge his statement with a smile, then turns and walks out the front door.
A few seconds pass before Marta tells me out of the side of her mouth, "Gray, honey, I think you should rethink your no dating policy." Then she walks off to refill a customer's cup of coffee.
I stare out the glass of the front door and wonder if she's right. Then, I remember that Oki wasn't wearing a jacket when he left. It was the end of winter in one of the coldest places on the planet, and yet he was only in a flannel shirt and work pants. How odd.
Chapter Three
Oki
Gray. Beautiful Gray. She interests me more than anything has ever interested me in my very long life. Not only is she the most lovely creature I have ever seen, but her soul is so incredibly pure and good. Angunta's right, but I know that already.
As Keelut, I can see how good or bad a human is by peering into their soul. It is part of the magic that helps me decide who to hunt, who to kill, and who to curse. I am not bound to only hunt and kill those with bad souls, and when I was first made, I didn't. I thrived on every aspect of my duty and killed without remorse. I believe that's where the legends of the Keelut came from, and the fear and superstitions that come with it.
As time went by, I started looking even closer at the souls of the humans I was hunting. I came to realize that my duty was more than to kill. I was meant to kill and curse those who do wrong and deserve to be wronged themselves. After that, I only hunted the bad souls, and in a way became a judge and executioner.
My Keelut was itching to hunt down that man from the diner, James Wallis, to give him exactly what he deserved. I hadn't seen a soul as putrid and dark as his in a very long time, and it took a lot of restraint to not follow him out of the restaurant to hunt him down. James Wallis will get everything he deserves, but I'm planning on taking my time. Hunting's always been my favorite part of this responsibility, and I'm going to enjoy this hunt. The Keelut is a monster m
ade from nightmares and for good reason.
After leaving the diner, I return back to the trees behind Gray's home and change into my black wolf form. I am least comfortable as a human, even though the emotions and feelings I've had recently are very human, indeed. I don't entirely blame them on my obsession with Gray, but she is been a major part of it. I need more out of this existence. More of her and more of what could be possible with her.
I lay under a tree behind her house and watch well after she's come home from work and into the following day. The sun doesn't rise for very long during the winter, so it is difficult to keep track of the days if you're not used to it. Several hours after Gray came home, lights come on inside of the house and I hear the unmistakable sound of people talking.
Gray lives in her house with two young boys and two other women, one an elder. The women are Inuit and not related to Gray, but they care for her and her children. They believe in the legends and live by the Inuit law, so I need to be careful around them and the house. However, I can't stay away, no matter how hard I try.
Inside the house, the boys are yelling at one another, then one of them comes running out of the back door and into the snow. It's the younger of the two, and he is obviously upset. He's wiping tears from his eyes as he runs straight in my direction.
I crouch down even lower, but otherwise, don't move. Very rarely am I ever found out, but I know that this young human will see me if he keeps running.
He runs as fast as his short legs can carry him through the snow until his eyes find me huddled under the tree. He immediately stops and stares at me with wide eyes, scared but intrigued. I put my head onto my paws and look up at him calmly. I don't want to scare him any more than I already have.