A Soul in Torment

by D. J Marteeny

  “Only two that I’m aware of—the rest were torn to pieces or missing altogether and never found. We assumed the missing are the ones they’ve migrated into their pack. From what we can tell, the victims who hearts were taken were meant to send a message. Jaclyn’s I can understand. She was the pack leader,” he started to say when he noticed the stricken look on Evangeline’s face. He moved towards her, his arms extended to offer what comfort he could but stopped short as he thought better of it. The last thing either of them needed was an emotional attachment and it was probably the last thing on Eva’s mind right now. “I’m sorry, Eva, I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  “No—it’s alright, really. You know, Rick, I don’t remember much about my mother but I think I have a pretty good idea of the kind of woman she was through the images in my dreams. She was good and strong and a great leader and she didn’t deserve to die like that—none of them did. And Al—what did he have to do with any of this nightmare? You think these beasts take the hearts of their victims to send some sort of message. What were they trying to say by killing Al? What does a New York detective’s death have to do with werewolves, demons or any of it? Why did they kill him like that, Rick?” she asked, her eyes once again filling with unshed tears.

  “I wish I had the answers, Eva. I wish I could help you,” he said then a thought occurred to him. “Eva—what’s the one connection between your friend and the murders here—your friend and your mother?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “It’s you, Eva—you’re the connection. Maybe, and this is just conjecture on my part, but maybe your friend was killed to send you a message. They must know you’re here—and if they do, they must have figured out your connection to the pack.”

  “But I thought you said they were here because of you. I have no connection to you, as far as they can tell,” she pointed out.

  “Yes, but your mother said something to me when she found out a hellhound was involved in the killings. I told her I was going to leave in the hopes of drawing the werewolves away from this area. Jaclyn said there was no point now. She said that once they realized she was here, a direct descendant of the Wolf Mother, I wasn’t their only target anymore. They would come for her as well and, unfortunately, she was right. These aren’t mindless creatures we’re dealing with, Eva. They’re intelligent creatures—vicious and cruel— an evil force so powerful it will take a miracle to defeat them. Fortunately I believe in miracles—or I did at one time. So you need to stay alert and be on the defensive at all times. If they killed your mother because of who she was they’ll do the same thing to you when they find out you’ve inherited her position. We have to let Roy know what’s happened to your friend. The pack is your family now, Eva, whether you like it or not. They’re here to protect you and, take my word for it; they’ll die before they let anything happen to you.”

  “I know you’re right, Rick but—I need time to think. You, of all people, should understand where I’m coming from. A few days ago I was just a detective from New York City trying to solve the strange death of one of my suspects. Now my friend is dead and I find out I’m not even completely human—that I’m some sort of werewolf and the leader of the pack, at that. It’s just too much to take in.”

  “I hear you, Eva and, trust me; no-one understands better than I do what you’re going through. I’ll help you all that I can. I owe your mother that much but time is a luxury we can’t afford right now. The evil is out there and it’s coming for us. And it will destroy anything that gets in its way. We can’t allow that to happen so, please, go back to the Inn and wait for Roy. Fill him in on all that’s happened.”

  “But…”

  “No buts, Eva. You’ll be more of a hindrance than a help to me tonight. You haven’t fought these things yet. You can’t even begin to imagine what they’re capable of. I won’t take a chance on you getting hurt or worse. You’d be a distraction for me and I can’t have that. Now, I really need to go. There’s only a few hours left until dawn so that doesn’t give me much time. Go back to the Inn and I’ll see you tomorrow night.” He leaned forward and kissed her lightly on the cheek. As he did, her scent invaded his mind and, as desire flooded through him, he could feel his beast fighting to break free. I need to get out of here before the damned wolves aren’t the only things I find myself hunting.

  “I’ve got to go, Eva. Go back to Roy,” he said as he moved quickly through the kitchen and out the back door. He heard her follow, knew she was watching him as he heard her soft whisper, “Please be careful—and please come back,” as he disappeared into the darkness.

  Chapter 16

  Evangeline stared into the darkness of the woods trying to get a glimpse of Rick as he vanished through the trees but, even with her enhanced eyesight, she could make out nothing. He was probably miles away by now. With his vampire speed he could be in the next county for all she knew. “He’s probably right about me going back to the Inn,” she said aloud as she moved down the porch steps and up the cement sidewalk towards her car. She knew her mind wouldn’t be focused on the hunt tonight—not after Shaniqua’s phone call. Maybe, after a good night’s rest, she’d be able to give the investigation of these murders the attention they deserved and find out what really happened to Al.

  She pulled the car keys from the pocket of her jacket, pressing the button on the automatic lock. Hearing the ‘beep’ she reached for the door handle just as a wolf’s howl shattered the stillness of the quiet evening. She spun around towards the source of the sound; it came from that direction— deep inside the forest—but where exactly? she wondered as panic filled her. A shiver of fear ran down her spine when she realized the howling—there it goes again—was coming from the exact location where she’d watched Rick disappear only moments before.

  Galvanized into action, Eva withdrew her weapon. Flinging the car door open, she stuck her head inside and popped the glove compartment open, withdrawing a small cardboard box. Dumping the contents onto the car seat, she released the ammunition chamber of her gun replacing the bullets already there with the gleaming silver spread out across the seat. Smacking the cartridge back into place she backed out of the car, slamming the door behind her.

  She ran towards the woods as another howl reached her ears, followed by two more. These were different somehow from the ones she’d heard earlier. It must be the pack, she thought and she felt a fierce desire to protect her wolves—and Rick. As she ran, she dove beneath a low hanging tree branch while trying desperately to pick up their trail. Much to her surprise she caught Rick’s scent immediately. Coming to a stop, she scoped out the trail in front of her. The vampire’s speed had left some of the foliage damaged and this is what she decided to follow.

  She’d gone only about a mile when she heard a loud commotion a few feet ahead of her. Growling—gnashing of teeth—whimpers of fear and pain. But what frightened, and angered, her the most was the smell—the scent of fresh blood invaded her nostrils as if she had bathed in the rich red liquid. “So much blood—oh my god— Rick!” she shouted as she burst into a run, maneuvering from side to side as she skillfully avoided trees and boulders that seemed to pop up out of nowhere, blocking her path.

  The noises grew louder and she could just make out a small clearing about a half mile away. Slowing to a walk she crept forward—cautiously—silently—until she stood near the edge of the woods. Taking cover, she peered out from behind an old oak tree and the sight that met her eyes nearly stopped her heart. Wolves were everywhere, engaged in a vicious battle as they snapped and tore at each other leaving a trail of broken, mutilated bodies scattered across the blood soaked ground.

  She raised her weapon, took careful aim, then stopped—wait a minute. Which ones do I shoot? Who is the enemy? she wondered, frustrated as the carnage continued. Closing her eyes she concentrated. Come on Evangeline, she told herself. If you’re their new leader then you should be able to sense the m
embers of your pack. Opening her eyes again she focused on the battle before her. She noticed the difference immediately. Half of the wolves were noticeably smaller than the others. And, even though they far out-numbered the larger creatures, they were dying far more quickly. Hearing a yelp of pain coming from the left Eva saw a red wolf, blooded and battered, being attacked by a gruesome creature.

  The werewolf was twice the size of the red wolf, its mouth grotesquely misshapen by the sharp fangs protruding from it. It tore at the smaller animal with those jagged teeth but the red wolf would not go down. Despite the difference in size, the red wolf was a fierce fighter, sinking its own sharp teeth into the chest of the demon wolf as it rose up on hind legs to swing sharp claws at its enemy. As the beast howled in pain, the red wolf released its hold on the beast’s chest and dove for the animal’s throat, clamping down tightly. The demon wolf struggled for a moment longer before it went still as a stream of blood shot forth from its jugular. It died within seconds.

  The red wolf backed away tired and injured. It lay on the ground panting as it tried desperately to rest for a moment—to regain a little of its waning strength before the next beast attacked. Something about the wolf seemed familiar and suddenly Roy’s face appeared in Evangeline’s mind. “Roy,” she whispered and was just about to approach him when a dark blur flashed across her peripheral vision.

  She spun around just in time to see the huge black beast, its massive head twice the size of Roy’s wolf, its dagger-like teeth long and sharp, charge the smaller wolf—moving in for the kill. “Oh no you don’t you son of a bitch!” she shouted as she stood, legs spread wide, gun held high in both hands. Her keen eye, as well as her gun, followed the movement of the charging animal until just—the—right—moment. “Bamm!” she pulled the trigger and watched as the beast, its massive head exploding from the force of the silver bullet, fell to ground, sliding for three or four feet before coming to a stop in a cloud of dust.

  Roy’s wolf turned its grateful eyes upon her as he rose to meet two more demon wolves but Evangeline, now down on one knee, took them both out in a matter of seconds as she fired a volley of silver bullets. Popping out the clip, she reloaded with more of the gleaming ammunition, before continuing to fire into the wolves attacking her pack. Soon it was all over and the only wolves left standing belonged to Evangeline.

  The fight had been brutal but they had won although not without consequences. They had lost at least seven members of the pack—their bodies, or what was left of them, already beginning to morph back into their human forms. The same was happening to the demon wolves.

  Evangeline barely noticed when Roy transformed back to human form as he made his way towards her. She was on the move, desperately searching among the dead, examining their faces for one face in particular—but he was nowhere to be found.

  “Where is he?” she asked in fear and frustration as she lifted a blood-soaked head of dark hair only to set it gently back onto the ground when she realized it wasn’t Rick.

  “He’s not here, Evangeline,” she heard Roy say from behind her. Turning slowly she stared into his rust colored eyes, the fact that he was totally naked barely even registering with her.

  “But he came this way. I saw him leave—I followed his scent.”

  “He was here but he heard Midnight, Jaclyn’s horse, neighing in fear and he knew the beasts had doubled back towards the cabin. Whether it was for Midnight’s sake—or yours—I’m not sure but he went back. He was gone before I could do anything about it.

  “Oh god,” Her voice came out in a whisper as Eva realized Rick was on his own. Most of the pack had been engaged in this battle. She started running, turning to shout to Roy, “He’s all alone, Roy. Who knows how many of those bastards are waiting for him. I’ve got to…” but her voice trailed off as she dashed back through the woods.

  To her surprise, she was back at the cabin in less than fifteen minutes. I guess increased speed is another benefit of being Loupe Garou, she thought as she burst out of the woods and onto the neatly mowed lawn surrounding the cabin. She stopped, standing very still, her eyes scanning the area for anything out of the ordinary but everything seemed fine. Where is he? she wondered and then she heard it—the neighing of a horse—coming from behind the cabin and just out of eyesight.

  Evangeline burst into a run as the neighing continued. Midnight was frightened—terrified of something the stallion knew meant to do it harm. Hurry, Eva, or you’ll be too late to help either one of them. She ran across the lawn towards the rear of the cabin, her gun held out in front of her. She rounded the corner then froze—fear flooding through her body at the sight that met her eyes.

  Rick was seated bareback upon the large black stallion, his plan obviously to ride the horse to safety but their path was blocked by a wolf of incredible size. The monstrous creature was at least as tall as Midnight and twice as broad, with muscles rippling in its forearms and hind legs. It roared in anger, saliva dripping from a mouth filled with long pointed teeth as it anticipated sinking those sharp fangs into the soft flesh of the terrified animal standing only a few feet away.

  As Eva watched in horror, the demon wolf took a step backwards then, with a mighty surge, sprung into the air as it flew at the horse and rider. Midnight reared up on his hind legs as Rick encircled the horse’s neck with his arms. “Nooo!” Evangeline’s scream of terror mingled with Midnight’s neighing as the horse slashed the air with its front hooves in an effort to strike down its attacker.

  One of the hooves hit the werewolf in the jaw knocking it off balance as it teetered to the right of the horse and rider, losing some its momentum. This only served to anger the beast even more as it howled in fury, charging the horse again. This time the wolf slammed into Midnight’s side sending the animal, and its rider, sailing sideways before the horse totally lost its balance and fell to the ground, trapping Rick’s leg beneath it.

  Rick struggled to lift the flailing animal but, even with his vampire strength, he was running out of time. The werewolf was almost upon him when Eva raised her gun and pulled the trigger but all she heard was the ‘click’ ‘click’ ‘click’ of the empty cartridge. “Shit!” she screamed. It can’t be empty, even though she knew it was as she remembered how many times she’d fired the weapon at the creatures that attacked Roy and the rest of the pack.

  She saw the demon wolf begin to circle its prey and a plan began to form in her mind. If I can distract it—lead it away from Rick—it’ll give him the time he needs to crawl out from underneath Midnight. She knew once Rick was free he would be beside her in a matter of seconds and, together, they should be able to take down one crazed werewolf.

  Adrenaline flowed through her body as she burst into a run, her body picking up momentum as she rushed to help Rick. I’m not going to make it—that bastard’s too close, she thought as the demon wolf prepared to lunge at the fallen rider. “No—no, you son of a bitch!” she screamed as the wolf launched itself directly at the spot where Rick lay still struggling to untangle himself from Midnight.

  Everything seemed to happen all at once as Evangeline felt a rush of power surge through her body—and she began to shift. As if in slow motion, she felt her body leap into the air, rising to meet the werewolf head on. She felt the wind on her face, her every thought focused on just one thing—stopping the creature before it reached Rick. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Rick give one final tug and he was free. In a blur he was on his feet, a weapon magically appearing in his left hand as he, too, turned to meet his attacker.

  After that everything became a hazy muddle of bubbling skin and molding bones as images, jumbled and out of focus, appeared in her mind’s eye. She saw Jaclyn’s naked body standing before her as it shimmered into the form of the golden wolf. Let go, Evangeline—it’s time, the shadowy figure whispered—encouraging her—egging her on. Then Eva saw her own image, tall and sleek, standing beside her mother�
�s wolf as she, too, began to transform until nothing of her former self remained.

  Her spine arched, her hands and feet became claws as bones snapped and popped. Whatever clothes she’d been wearing had long since become nothing but shredded material as the transformation took control. Her naked body became covered in soft golden fur; she could feel it flowing out of every pore. Her jaw extended, teeth elongated as her features completed their transformation from human to wolf in a matter of seconds.

  The whites of her hazel/green eyes were completed swallowed up by a soft golden brown color as she focused on the creature bent on Rick’s destruction. Somewhere in the back of her mind she remembered hearing Rick’s astonished cry, “Evangeline!” just as her body slammed into the side of the demon wolf, her sharp teeth seeking out the tender area near the side of the creature’s throat. Rich warm liquid flowed into her mouth as she bit down—hard—tearing at the jugular of the now howling beast.

  The scent of so much blood drove her into a frenzy. She tore at the neck of the beast, shaking her head from side to side as she tried to fell the beast that was at least twice her size. Suddenly she felt a stabbing pain in her head as the werewolf smashed her face with its giant paw in a desperate attempt to free itself from the grip of death Eva had on its throat. Her body was thrown aside, rolling end over end from the sheer force of the demon wolf’s blow. When she finally came to a stop, she was dizzy—disoriented—as she struggled to a standing position.

  Shaking her head in an attempt to clear it, she rubbed her eyes until she was finally able to focus. She looked around for the beast. She found it standing no more than four feet from her. She saw the animal stagger and nearly fall. It was weak from loss of blood but by no means was it out of the battle yet. As its red eyes caught sight of her, the beast roared in fury preparing to lunge at her, teeth bared, claws extended.