Hunter's Moon

by Rose Marie Wolf

  He pressed his palm against one of the partially open doors along the hall and slipped into Glen’s office. The room was unorganized. Papers were strewn about, folders open and their contents everywhere. The room was dark, musty. The windows were closed and the blinds drawn to keep out the light. It smelled of Glen’s were-scent, but Jason didn’t mind.

  He crossed the floor and sat down at the blinking computer screen. Post-It notes covered part of the screen and Jason peeled them off and tossed them aside. He narrowed his eyes as he settled into the seat. He punched a few keys and brought up the search.

  This time, he wasn’t going to rest until he found what he was looking for. He would show Glen and Davis. He would show Rose that he wasn’t crazy.

  Simon is alive, and I’m going to find him.

  Chapter Three

  The light outside was fading and darkness began to creep over the house. She stood alone on the deck, watching the moon rise into the sky. She was used to Jason running off, but something this time made her doubly uneasy.

  There was a light chill in the air, brought from the north by a faint breeze. And it was a welcomed thing. Her skin felt hot, fevered. She rubbed her bare arms and waited. The others should be here soon and she wanted to be ready when they arrived.

  Jason should be here, she thought, but put the idea out of her head. She was worried about him, she couldn’t deny that. She wondered where he was, what he was doing. He had probably gone on another vigilante hunt. She had thought as much when she awoke to the Camaro's engine roaring away into the distance.

  Simon had done the same thing, had been a vigilante much like what Jason was doing now.

  Her stomach flopped as she thought about it.

  No, don’t think on it. She willed the nausea down. Jason is not as bad as all that. He’s not cruel. He’s not insane.

  But he’s close. The doubt reared again. Rose felt a burning behind her eyes and knew that tears were dangerously close. She couldn’t cry now. They would be here soon. She didn’t want them to see her upset.

  She lifted her gaze in time to see the headlights of a vehicle as it turned into the long driveway. They were here. She whipped her hair out of her face and watched as a single headlight, belonging to a motorcycle, pulled into the drive behind the first.

  Rose watched for a bit longer before she turned and walked back into the living room. The room was set for their arrival. She had drinks cooling in the fridge, snacks waiting on the coffee table near the couch. The extra bedroom the kids had shared when they lived here was ready for those that wanted to stay over, but she doubted anyone would.

  Tires crunched on the gravel of the driveway as the van pulled into the yard. The engine cut off just as Rose reached the front door. She opened it and leaned against the frame, watching as Glen, Davis and Claire emerged from the van.

  Claire’s face was bright with a grin and her short blonde hair bobbed. She was the first to run up the steps and greet Rose.

  “You look great,” she said as she embraced Rose like a sister. Rose allowed it, but felt uneasy. She offered her a wan smile.

  “Thanks, Claire. I like what you’ve done with your hair.” She didn’t really, but it was something to say.

  Claire smiled and touched a short strand. “Thanks. It was always getting in the way, it was so long. This is much better.” She adjusted the oversized purse on her shoulder as she stepped back. Davis and Glen had just started up the steps.

  Glen dropped his bag onto the porch and embraced Rose tightly. His hair was pulled back into a long braid and he was clean shaven for a change. His smooth cheek brushed hers.

  “How are you holding up?” he asked softly into her hair and she knew Glen was aware of Jason’s recent behavior. She was never more thankful to have him here.

  She squeezed him tightly around the waist. “Let’s talk about it later. I think the kids are here.” She didn’t want to talk about it. Not now.

  Glen nodded in understanding and stepped back from her. He glanced over his shoulder at Davis as he climbed the steps and joined them.

  “Hi, Rose,” he said, casually, but she saw the crease between his eyebrows and could tell he was worried about something. She didn’t say anything but fleetingly waved at him.

  “Looks like we got here just in time. The party’s about to start.” Glen grabbed the bag he had dropped. The motorcycle, Jason’s remodeled Honda Interceptor, pulled to a stop behind Glen’s van. Aurora took off her helmet. Her long dark hair tumbled down her shoulders as she shook it out. Her cheeks and nose were pink from the air and her eyes were bright with excitement.

  She dismounted from behind her brother and ran a hand through her hair.

  “Wow.” She laughed and hurried up the steps. “That was exhilarating. The wind, the moon…You guys should really try it.”

  Rebel climbed off the bike, hitting the kickstand hard. He took off his own helmet. His dark hair was tied back in a ponytail. He had grown considerably taller in these past few years. He was nearly as tall as Glen, and at nineteen, that was very impressive. Aurora, a year younger, was still short and petite.

  “I have, sweetie,” Rose said, and for the first time that night genuinely smiled. She hugged the girl tightly. The smell of leather and some flowery perfume mingled with her were-scent. “I missed you. How’s college treating you?”

  “It sucks,” she said when she pulled back. She made a face. “College writing isn’t what I thought it would be. Where’s Cheyenne?”

  “Not here yet.” Rose smoothed hair away from Aurora’s forehead and smiled again. “You’ve gained some weight. You’re not so scrawny now.”

  “Is that bad?” she asked, looking worried. Rose laughed softly.

  “No, it’s good.” She lifted her eyes to Rebel. “Hi, Ryan.”

  “It’s Rebel,” he answered. There was twinge of his old teenage stubbornness, but he smiled. “How are you?”

  “I’ve been better,” she replied, truthfully. She caught Glen’s sideways glance but didn’t turn her head toward him. “What about you?”

  “Surviving.” Rebel looked around at the others, giving a faint wave to Glen and Davis. He furrowed his eyebrows together as he searched the gathered. “Where’s Jason?”

  She sucked in a deep breath and closed her eyes briefly. She didn’t know what to say. She opened her mouth to say something, a quick lie, but Glen saved her the trouble.

  “Jason’s at the PRDI.” He cast a glance toward Rose but she avoided his stare. “He’s doing some research for me.”

  “Oh.” Aurora sounded dejected. “I was hoping he would be here.”

  “Me too.” Rose didn’t want to dwell on the subject for very long. “Let’s go inside and grab a bite to eat.”

  “Yeah, I’m starving.” Davis pushed past her and started into the house. Claire watched him walk in, then turned to Rose.

  “I brought a few movies. I hope you don’t mind,” she said tentatively. “We non-shifters need something to do tonight.”

  Rose nodded. “Sure, I don’t mind. Go on in. The DVD player is on the shelf below the TV.”

  “Yeah, I remember it from last time.” Claire smiled slightly but dropped it when Rose didn’t return it. She entered the house without another word. Rebel followed.

  Aurora lingered, shifting her weight from one foot to the next. Rose stepped toward the edge of the porch and stared up at the moon. There were only a few clouds in the sky and they crossed over its face, casting a shadow across the earth.

  “Rose?” she asked softly. “Are you sure you’re all right?

  Rose turned and tried to force a smile. “Yeah. Just worried about Jason.”

  She felt Aurora's hand touch her shoulder, soft and warm. “Do you want to talk?”

  Rose chuckled softly. Aurora was a sweet kid, kind and caring. She shook her head softly. “No, sweetie. I don’t want to talk about it.” She turned to face her fully. “Don’t worry about me. Go have fun. You deserve it.”

  A
urora smiled. “Think maybe you can help me later with a writing critique? It’s really confusing. I don’t understand it.”

  “Yeah, sure. I’ll help you with whatever you need.”

  “Thanks.” Aurora squeezed her tightly once more then broke away. She turned to Glen. “I’m glad they made you the head of the PRDI. Congratulations.”

  “Thanks.” Glen smiled.

  “I’m going to go inside. See you in a bit.” Smiling, Aurora hurried inside the house with the others and left Rose and Glen alone.

  The silence around them grew heavy, somewhat uncomfortable. She waited for him to say something. She looked down at her hands. She heard him sigh behind her but she didn’t turn. She began to chew on her lower lip, a nervous habit. When it occurred to her he wasn’t going to speak first, she gathered her courage.

  “He went to look for Simon again,” she said. She felt the warmth of Glen's body and caught his were-scent as he moved to stand next to her.

  “He's at the PRDI now. At least he was when we left,” he replied.

  Rose appreciated his attempt to comfort her, but she knew Jason. He wouldn't want to stay there for long. “Did you try talking to him?” She was aware suddenly of how weary she sounded. She drew her arms around her, feeling another shiver move through her.

  “I tried. He shut me out.”

  “That sounds like him.” She sighed and her breath came out in a fog. “I don’t know how much more of this I can take.”

  “I know.” Glen’s hand was heavy on her shoulder, but she welcomed the comforting touch. “I don’t like it either. There’s nothing I can do. I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be.” Rose wasn’t surprised to find she sounded irritated. “It’s not your fault. I just wish there was something we could do. Anything. I’m so tired of it all. I’m just—” She stopped there, feeling tears burn in her eyes.

  Glen wrapped his arm around her shoulders and drew her close to his body.

  “Don’t cry,” he said softly, stroking her hair. “It’s not worth it.”

  Rose was determined not to, but she felt the sob begin. She choked and her tears fell hot down her face. They wet the outside of Glen’s jacket, but he didn’t seem to mind. He held her close, waiting until the sobbing finally subsided. When it did, Rose pulled away.

  “I’m sorry.” She sniffed. “I’ve been crying all day. I can’t help it.”

  “It’s fine,” he answered.

  Rose wiped her eyes and face with the sleeve of her jacket. When her vision wasn’t so blurry, she looked up at him. Glen’s jaw was set in a hard line, a definite sign he was angry.

  He noticed her stare and looked away. “I don’t like seeing you hurt,” he said, in explanation. His fists were painfully clenched, fingernails digging into his palms.

  “Yeah, it’s something we could both do without. How do I look?”

  Glen peered at her in the semi-darkness and a grin spread over his face. “Like my cousin.”

  “Smart-ass.” She slapped his arm playfully. The air of seriousness and pain was lifted for a moment and she was thankful for that. “I meant seriously. Is my face red?”

  “A little, but I don’t think anyone will notice.”

  “I don’t want anyone to know what’s really going on. It’s hard enough keeping it together without half a dozen people asking questions.”

  “I know. Why don’t you go inside and take a few minutes in the bathroom? I’ll take care of everything.”

  “Are you sure, Glen?”

  “Yes.” There was a pause and for a moment she thought she saw a boyish blush cross over his face. Before she could ask him about it, he leaned down and whispered in a low voice, “I didn’t want to say this, but I thought you should know…”

  “What?”

  “Well, you noticed how the guys were kind of avoiding you?”

  Rebel and Davis did seem a bit more reserved than usual. “What about it?”

  “You’re in heat.”

  This time it was she that blushed. Her face burned with it. “Oh, no. It was getting close to that time, and I wasn't even paying attention.”

  Normally, she picked up on these things well before it was time, but she had been so distraught over Jason. She should’ve realized it from her increase in sexual desire and her raging hormones. It was like PMSing, only it happened once or twice a year, not every month.

  “It happens, I guess,” he said. “You get used to your own scent after a while. You don’t even pick up on it. And you have been preoccupied. You really shouldn’t be embarrassed. It’s a part of what we are. It’s just…well, you know how males can be.”

  Rose laughed, but it sounded forced. “Yeah, I know.”

  “But you shouldn’t worry,” Glen continued. “They know better than to try anything with you. They’ve seen Jason’s anger firsthand. I don’t think any of them want to experience it personally. Besides,” he added with a grin, “no offense to you of course, but I think they are more interested in their own love lives.”

  “I’m not worried about that.” Rose felt a bit sick at the thought of the other males sexually desiring her because she was in heat. “It’s still embarrassing. I never should’ve called a gathering if I knew.”

  “Well, too late now. We’re here.”

  “Maybe I shouldn’t participate—” Rose began, but Glen shook his head.

  “Nonsense. It’ll be fine. You’ve been looking forward to this, right?” He raised an eyebrow. Rose sighed.

  “I was.”

  “You are,” he insisted. “Come on, let’s go inside. You go wash your face and I’ll help with the food. Let’s try to forget about everything but the gathering tonight, all right?”

  Rose couldn’t argue with him because he had already begun to steer her toward the front door.

  * * *

  After it began, Rose was glad she decided to participate in the gathering after all. It was a welcome distraction from Jason’s absence. She wasn’t alone, and she could laugh like she hadn’t in a long time.

  Glen helped her prepare their usual gathering meal and everyone enjoyed their steaks, medium rare, even Claire. Cheyenne arrived twenty minutes into the meal to welcoming hugs. Slater showed up fifteen minutes after that, looking clean in fresh black jeans and a Metallica t-shirt. His once long red hair was cut short, spiked on top and tipped in black. He looked surly, but well. He joined them and the pack was together for the first time in months.

  With the exception of Jason’s absence, it was almost perfect.

  Don’t think about him, Rose reminded herself. Try to enjoy yourself. You deserve it. She watched the others gather around for the highlight of the evening. She wanted Jason there. He should be there. He was alpha of the pack and it was his duty to lead them. Without him there, she felt alone and unsure. She was sure the pain in her chest was her heart breaking.

  They all stepped out onto the deck and watched the moon as it reached its peak in the night sky.

  “Well, I guess this is it.” Rose turned to face them, searching their expectant faces one by one. Glen seemed reserved, brooding. The younger werewolves were excited, even Slater. It shone in their eyes. Davis kept to himself, far from the other crowd. Once or twice, he looked toward his half-brother and Rose saw the pain in his face.

  “You guys should get going,” Claire said. “Davis and I are going to stay here, watch some movies.”

  “Let’s go,” Glen said, starting down the stairs and strolling into the backyard. Aurora, Rebel and Slater followed. Rose sighed softly and turned to the three that remained on the porch with her. Cheyenne tilted her cowboy hat back, revealing her hazel eyes and her easy, knowing smile. She didn’t speak until Davis and Claire disappeared inside to watch their movie and the door clicked shut behind them.

  “Something’s up,” Cheyenne said in her slow drawl. She stood beside Rose and looked out at the others as they made the trek into the moonlit field. “What is it?”

  “It’s nothing,” she li
ed and shook her head. Cheyenne cast a sidelong glance at her and Rose felt uncomfortable under the stare.

  “Don’t lie to me. It’s Jason.”

  “Yes.” Rose couldn’t hide it. “He’s out there, doing what he does best—”

  “Making a jackass of himself?”

  “Yeah, pretty much.”

  Cheyenne nodded a bit and smiled again. She tucked her thumbs into the belt loops of her jeans. “I suppose Glen talked with you about it?”

  “Yeah.”

  “And I’m pretty sure I know what he told you.”

  “You do? How?” Rose asked, not bothering to hide her surprise.

  “Because the two of us think alike and it’s exactly what I would say.”

  “And what would you say?”

  Cheyenne took a deep breath and exhaled it sharply. “I would say that it’s not worth hurting yourself over. Jason feels he needs to do this, and he’s a man, so he’s prone to being stubborn and a jackass. That means he’s not going to give up on this until he finds what he’s looking for. There’s nothing you can do about that. But there’s something else I want to say that I know Glen never would.”

  “What’s that?” Rose turned to face her.

  Cheyenne regarded her with compassion in her eyes. “There’s something you can do. You can save yourself the hurt and pain.”

  “What do you mean?” Rose asked, but she knew perfectly well what Cheyenne was trying to tell her. She just didn’t want to believe it.

  “Sometimes a girl has to do what a girl has to do, that’s all. You know what I mean. Just think on it for a while.” She paused. “I’m not telling you to leave him, but perhaps some time apart might do you both some good.”

  “Oh, Cheyenne,” she said with a sigh, “I don’t want to do that. That’s the last thing I want.”

  “I know, hon, but like I said, you have to do what you have to do. Just think on it.”

  Rose knew she would and she nodded. Lightly, she fingered the wedding band on her necklace. “I wish he were here.”