I sat up and rolled my eyes at him. Duh. I know English. Now maybe if he started speaking Italian, I would be in trouble.
“D-Did she just roll her eyes?”
Rose nodded. “Well you did ask a pretty silly question, now didn’t you? Although I guess you’re not seeing what you expected to see, are you? Not quite what the Luparii told you? All mindless, slathering creatures with murder on the mind?”
I snarled, showing every tooth in my head. Something only a wolf can do. Growling, I lowered my body to scant inches above the floor and began stalking toward Jed. Reb sprang between us as though protecting a friend—and Rose called me over dramatic—and we rolled together on the floor, growling, snarling, and gnashing our teeth in a fury of fur.
Then we stopped. Set up. Touched noses and nuzzled. When we were finished with our demonstration, we turned back to find Jed’s chair laying on its side on the floor. When had that happened? I harrumphed and walked over to put my nose to his. He really did have amazing eyes.
Rose and Lilith were trying to right Jed, still in the chair. I was debating shifting to skin to help them when Lilith straightened, terror once again on her face.
“G-Gran, I don’t f-feel so good. Something’s happening...” her voice trailed off and Rose dropped Jed’s chair and rushed to put herself between me and Lilith.
I backed up a couple of paces myself. All of our prior planning gone to waste. Why was she changing early? I swallowed and stared as her skin form disappeared from view. If ever a Were could be called mindless and out of control, it would be on their first change. Rose didn’t have a doggy door, and I couldn’t leave her here to face the new were alone, anyway. I rushed to Jed’s side, ready to fight if need be.
I heard Rose groan about time zones and then Lilith’s fur form appeared. Every wolf hormone in my body screamed to attack. It was worse than I had ever imagined. Rose had been right not to tell me.
Chapter 22
One by one, I fought the wolf instincts down. This was Lilith, Lilith, Lilith. Not food. Lilith, Lilith, Lilith. Not a rabbit. Lilith, Lilith, Lilith. Not a tasty, delectable meal for a meat-starved wolf. Lilith, Lilith, Lilith. The small part of my brain not concentrating on NOT eating the rab...ur, Lilith could hear Jed’s laughter and Rose’s voice talking soothing words.
Luckily it lasted less than a minute. The rabbit Lilith fell over on her side, feet out and changed back to skin. Naked skin. Rose grabbed the robe that I had changed out of and threw it over her. I glanced over at Jed, to find him staring at me.
I stood up and walked over to nuzzle Rose in question. She looked down at me and smiled. “She’s okay, love. Just fainted.” She scratched the top of my head. “Thank you. I know that was rough for you. I had planned it out so carefully...” her voice trailed off as Lilith started coming around.
Grabbing the robe around her, Lilith jumped up and ran to her room, slamming her door behind her. Rose sighed and looked at me. “Guess I blew it, huh?”
I shook my head from side to side. Lilith had done no worse than me on my first change. Walking into the bathroom where I had left my clothes before my run, I nosed the door shut and changed.
When I came out fully dressed, Jed was sitting on the couch, unbound, with Rebel at his feet. Rose was nowhere to be seen. He stood up when he saw me.
"I figured you'd be out of here like lightning once she cut you loose. Why are you still here?"
"The Grandmother—Rose, is it?" At my nod, he continued, "Rose said I should stay and suggested the two of us have a long talk while she is tending to the new were-child. I take it this was her first time?"
I nodded. "Up to about half an hour ago, she thought we were both nuts." I shrugged. "Now comes the period of adjustment. It's not easy at first. Learning to control the changes and damper down the animal instincts. Although it might be easier for a ra...for Lilith."
He hesitated, waiting for me to say more. Instead of talking, I went to the refrigerator and took out a diet soda. I opened the freezer, hoping that Rose would be harboring a bottle of vodka there, but no such luck. Creator, I needed something to take the edge off my tension. And since house rules said no meat...a drink seemed just the thing. I looked back to Jed.
"You want a soda or water?" I asked, now that we were back to being civil.
"Water, please." I tossed him a cold bottle and walked to the living room to sit on the couch, covering myself with the crocheted throw Rose kept there. It always seemed colder in skin form after changing. I missed my fur coat.
He came and pulled over one of the easy chairs that stood by the fireplace and placed it across from the couch, where the kitchen chair had been before. Sitting down he looked at me. Both of us waited for the other one to start.
Jed gave in first. "Just for record's sake, could you give me a brief rehash of what just happened? Kind of a blow by blow?"
I stared at him in disbelief. "You're kidding, right?"
He smiled ruefully. "I've been told that werewolves don't remember what they do in wolf form. I'm trying to sort out truth from fiction here. Humor me?"
Taking a sip of soda, I leaned back into the couch and snuggled into the throw, thinking about it. It would probably be good to do as he asked. Otherwise, he'd more than likely tattle-tale to Rose and I'd be in deep ca-ca. She may be a rabbit, but she was a scary rabbit.
"Let's see. Reb and I had a nice, much needed, romp in the woods, letting me burn off some emotional overload from being shot, muzzled, and left chained to a bed. Not my idea of foreplay by the way." I paused to glare at him. "On the way back to the house, I was shot...again... by some foul agent of the Luparii who shall remain nameless. Next thing I knew I was on the couch trussed up like a thanksgiving turkey. Once I changed, Reb and I did our wolf greeting. Then I played dead and Reb and I had our fake ferocious fight. You said some pretty stupid things. Which is normal for you. And then Lilith shifted—hours earlier than we expected by the way." I stopped, considering. "Did I miss anything important?"
Jed shook his head. "I'm curious on one point. When Lilith started to change, you ran over to stand by me with your hackles up. Why?"
I blushed, remembering, and looked down at the afghan I was attempting to unravel. "I didn't know what she was changing into. Rose wouldn't tell me what kind of were-creatures they were. She had gone to so much trouble fixing up the basement for a safe were zone, well, I assumed she was keeping us safe, not Lilith."
I raised my chin in defiance. "We can control ourselves, but if there is ever a time when we might be out of control, it is our first change. Think about it. What if you suddenly became a bear, a walking, breathing, hungry bear and there were all these nice meaty morsels around? Before the human part of your brain could say different, you might act on instinct. Again, once you've learned to control your changes, or if you have parents or a mentor to help you, it wouldn't happen that way, but it could. Besides the fact that you never truly believe you are going to change. Until you do."
There was silence for a moment as Jed thought about what I'd said.
"Is that what you thought she was changing into? A bear?"
I sighed. "I really don't know what I thought. I expected something big and dangerous from all the secrecy. Bear, mountain lion, tiger, fill in the blank with any large scary animal."
"And you ran to me, instead of closing yourself in the bathroom."
"Well, duh," I said. "You were still tied to that chair. You couldn't very well defend yourself, and I couldn't let her kill you on my watch. The Benandanti are protectors, Jed. It's what we do. I didn't want a smudge on my record."
"I see."
I swallowed, starting to feel sick as it finally hit me. "A rabbit. I could have..." I started gagging and Jed reached over to shove my head down between my legs.
"Breathe," he said.
I did and a moment later the nausea passed. I groaned, stretching out full length on the couch, pulling the afghan up to my chin. "I'll never eat rabbit again." My favorite mea
l was off my menu forever.
"Could have been worse."
I stared at him. "How could it possibly have been worse?"
"She could have turned into a pig and then I would have had to give up bacon." He shrugged. "Sue me, but I love my bacon."
I blinked at him. "Are you actually being friendly here? Is a holy Luparii being friendly to a Satan's spawn? Aren't you afraid people will talk?"
"The jury is still out. But while it's in deliberation, I figure we can be civil." He tilted his head. "I wouldn't say friendly. I still can't say I trust you."
I snorted. "Try being shot by someone. It'll be a cold day in H-E-double L before I trust you."
"So where do we go from here?"
"As much as I hate to say it, we should probably put aside our differences and work together to catch the skin-walker first. If we combine our tracking skills, it should double our chances of finding him. Then we can deal with our issues when the rest of the population is safe."
He looked smug. "Can't get into the park without me, huh?" A fact that I was not too happy about, but unfortunately true.
"Well, at least you're not still clinging to the fallacy that it's my fur form out there killing people," I said.
"Nope. One of the sheriff's deputies got talking to the mom of the last victim. Your name came up—and Rebel's. I told the sheriff you were with me when the attack happened."
For a moment, I was utterly speechless. A Luparii assassin had given a known werewolf an alibi?
"Of course, it would have been pretty hard to take you in myself if the sheriff had you in his jail."
And, once again, my world made sense.
BY MUTUAL AGREEMENT—NOT to mention distrust—we agreed to stick together until the killer was dealt with. Jed may still have been harboring the idea of a peaceful capture, but I knew better. A skin-walker would fight to the end. We would have to kill it or be killed.
After a short discussion, we decided that Jed would stay at my cabin. I figured Rebel would help me enforce the couch rule. Of course, I didn't really think that would be an issue, given the whole Luparii, evil were issue. Maggie's crate would go by the fireside.
Rebel was ecstatic. Me—not so much. On the other hand, if Jed was with me, I wouldn't have to be afraid of being shot when I least expected it. He was a sneaky little devil, although a gorgeous one. Not that I still felt attraction for him. At all.
Reb had to ride with Jed as I followed Jed's vehicle to the cabin. Maybe I should consider getting a side car for the cycle. I'd forgotten how much fun riding could be. Especially when you added in a little entertainment factor.
Jed must have had a hard time keeping the Nova on the road, watching his rear-view mirror as closely as he did. I waved several times. Of course, I admit to a burning desire to race off down a side road, just to add some excitement and play with him a little, but I decided it probably wouldn't be such a great idea in the end. Rose had given him back his dart rifle. Besides, you just don't leave your pack-mate like that, even in fun.
We dropped off the Honda back at my workshop and rode in silence to the motel. Reb and I waited out in the Jeep as Jed went in to pack. The untrusting rat took my car keys. Little did he know I always keep a spare set in my pack. One time of Rebel hitting the locks while I was outside the car had taught me a lesson I hadn't forgotten. As smart as he is, paws aren't much use in unlocking doors and locksmiths aren't cheap.
As we waited, Cin came out of a neighboring room, pushing her housekeeping cart. She saw us and came over, smiling.
"You come to tell us you ready for a dinner party? I make a mean pot roast."
"Soon, I promise." My mouth watered. Meat. Yum.
Being either a very light traveler or an extremely fast packer, Jed choose that moment to walk out with his duffel bag, folded down kennel, and Maggie on a leash. He crossed over to his vehicle and deposited his load and then walked over to us. Great. Now my friends would think I was shaking up with Jed.
Smiling, he looked at Cin. "Hello. I've seen you around but never got the chance to introduce myself. I'm Jed Crowe."
"I see the name in book. My name is Cin. A friend of Mindy and Taz."
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Cin. I hate to rush off, but Taz and I have a prior engagement." He handed me back my keys.
Cin's face lit up like a Christmas tree. "So you are Mr. Possible! Oh, I should have known. Taz always went for handsome, rugged type." Looking back to me she said, "Dinner soon and bring him. We all have nice chat. Have fun."
I glared at him as she rolled her cart toward the office, obviously anxious to share the breaking news with Mindy. "Way to ruin my reputation, moron. Now she thinks you're moving in with me."
"I am." Oh, yeah.
This time he followed me. I guess the trip to the cabin had been too much for his nerves. It was short work to set up the kennel. His clothes had to stay in the duffel because I didn't have a drawer to spare. I was keeping a close eye on Reb and Maggie, who thus far had been keeping their relationship platonic.
"We're safe until she goes into heat, you know."
"You're talking to a wolf, dufus. Sometimes being in heat isn't obvious until the litter's already in the belly."
Jed stopped and looked over at the two love dogs. Maggie was happily grooming Reb, who was staring at the ceiling in a way overblown, I'm totally innocent pose. The king of wolf charades.
He started to say something, but his words were lost in the 'Boom, chucka, mou, mou' sounds that were coming from my cell phone. Obviously, the Trickster had been playing with my ringtones again.
I grabbed the phone and flipped it open. "Finders."
"Hey, Babe." Mason. Creator, how could I have forgotten Mason? I glanced over at Jed who was making himself comfortable in his new home away from home. This could get tricky. "I got in early and wondered if you wanted to get together tonight for dinner. Surf and turf at the Lobster?"
My stomach growled, and I could barely speak through the drool. How long had I been without meat anyway? More importantly, why were all these people tempting me?
"Uhm, hold on a minute, Mason, let me check something." I put my hand over the phone and turned to Jed. "Are we hunting tonight?" He nodded. Putting the phone back to my ear, I said, "I'm really sorry Mason, but I can't make it tonight. There was another wolf attack in the park last night, and Reb and I are joining the hunt tonight."
"A wolf hunt? Count me in. A wolf can't be any more dangerous than some of the pervs I've hunted down." Of course, he had no way of knowing just how wrong he was. "What time are you leaving? Should I meet you at the cabin or at the park?" Now there was a twist I hadn't expected. My brain whirled to find an escape hatch.
"I'm not the one actually running the hunt," I said. "You should probably check with Sheriff Dunwood to see if he would mind an extra hunter." Please, Creator, let Dunwood say no.
"I'll check in with him and call you right back."
As I hung up, I caught Jed's questioning gaze. "Who's Mason?"
"Remember I told you I was kinda seeing someone? Well, he just got into town...well Bloomington, anyway, so close enough to be called town if you ask me..." I was babbling. I hate it when I babble. "Anyway, he wants to join us tonight."
"Not the best of ideas."
"No shit, Sherlock. But what am I supposed to say? I'm sorry Mason, but me and an assassin are out to track down a werewolf and you might get in the way?"
He shrugged. "Not my problem." If the man lived through the next twenty-four hours, I should be granted sainthood.
Before I could respond, my phone cat-called again. It seems the Creator had decided not to answer my prayer. Mason was on the hunt.
Chapter 23
We decided to all meet up at the park entrance. The Sheriff had a command post set up and was giving out assignments for different areas of the park. It was definitely a team affair, no team under three people were allowed into the mix. Dogs apparently didn't count, even though we had two, s
o it was just as well that Mason had joined us. At least we would limit the fallout and debriefing to one bystander. It could have been worse. FBI agent beats out red-necked wolf hunter any day.
Mason beat us there and was talking with Dunwood when we arrived. Standing next to the sheriff, he looked smaller somehow. I'm short at five foot three inches, so next to me Mason's five eight always seemed tall. But then, height wasn't the only thing making him look smaller. Dunwood had a very muscular build, while Mason was slim and scholarly looking. When you added the reddish brown hair and a sprinkling of freckles, he looked like a teenager standing there in khakis and black suede jacket.
Dunwood welcomed Jed and the dogs, but I could tell he wasn't altogether happy to see me there. Especially considering the company I was keeping. A handsome trio of men, none of whom I had slept with. Of course, in that regard, they resembled all the other men of the world. Creator, don't let me die without getting laid.
Mason introduced himself to Jed, and Dunwood gave us the quarry loop area. Russell had been found not far from there, so we were given the choicest of draws because we had two dogs. It may sound strange, but I was really glad Jed had let Maggie come. All the testosterone flying about was driving me nuts. It helped to have another female around, even if we were still outnumbered.
Of course, he hadn't really had a choice in the matter as Maggie had refused to go into her kennel, and Rebel had added his displeasure to the idea of leaving her, too. Read that as his doggy butt wasn't budging without his girl. Maggie may not have been a trained scent dog—which was in a way surprising—but at least she was welcomed to the hunt. Which is more than could be said about me. Alibi or no, I'd seen the stares.
When we reached the quarry there was maybe a couple of hours of daylight left. We kept the dogs leashed. There were too many unofficial ways into the park and far too many rogue wolf hunters out there to let them wander out of sight. Not to mention the whole boy-girl thing.
Mason and Jed, once past their my gun is bigger than your gun contest, got along famously. It's a sad thing when a girl accompanied by two handsome bachelor men feels like the third wheel. It would be different if they were gay. I looked at Mason closely. Nope. He may be small, but his muscle was whipcord strong and toned.
Finders Weepers Page 14