by Tiki Kos
“It’s going to be okay,” I told him with as much conviction as I could muster. “Everything will be okay.” I kissed him on the forehead and said goodnight.
The sky was painted a dark green. The trees on the sides of the road were burnt to coal and carcasses of dead wolves filled the ditches. Blood seeped from between the remains spewing on to the pavement, giving the black a shiny red sheen.
I was sitting in the front seat of my dad’s SUV while he was driving. He had a goofy grin and was singing to an oldies song I couldn’t quite place. He mumbled something about the devil, but I didn’t really hear.
Dad turned to look at me. His eyes were no longer brown, but murky white.
He sighed. “There’s a storm coming. Are you going to stay like that?”
When I went to ask him what he meant, a growl came out instead. I looked down to find my hands turned into claws, with brown fur.
Dad tsked, then shook his head. “You’re going to get yourself killed, looking like a wolf.” He pushed his foot down on the accelerator. The SUV jerked forward, flying through the blood river.
I wanted to scream for him to slow down, but only whimpers would escape.
Panic rose through my body. I tried to grab hold of the door handle, but my claws slipped. I jabbed my shoulder into the door but it wouldn’t even budge an inch.
“You’re going to be stuck like that forever.” He chuckled. “They are going to skin you alive and eat you—like they ate me.”
His stomach ripped open, and intestines slithered out into a knotted mess.
I howled.
I sat up, sweat drenching my entire shirt. I took a deep breath in. For a second, the room spun. I anchored my hands against the pillow until it stopped.
No. I shook my head. Dad was dead. My heart was pounding from the adrenaline. I tried to take another breath, but this one was forced, and didn’t help whatsoever.
“That must’ve been one hell of a dream.” A familiar voice sounded from the darkness. I squinted as if it would help me to see in the pitch black room. I focused on the darkness, relaxed my shoulders and took another breath, this time taking in the surrounding smells.
“Karl.” I growled, then flicked on the lamp that sat on the nightstand next to my bed.
Black spots appeared before my eyes as I shot a nasty glance Karl’s way. He sat on the corner of my bed.
“What are you doing in my room?” I hissed. He scooted down the bed and placed a hand on top of the blanket where my legs lay. My nose crinkled up. Both legs jerked in reaction and pulled up until they reached my chest.
Karl bit down on his lower lip. “I came to visit your mom and heard you whimpering. I wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“Bullshit.” I looked at the digital clock that flashed to 2 am. “You knew she wouldn’t be home for at least two more hours.”
His voice went so low that even I had a hard time hearing it. “I have a proposition for you.”
I rolled my lips. “You have nothing I want.”
Karl stood up. His dark eyes twinkled and he had that signature smothering smile on his face. “You sure about that?”
“Then tell me. What do you think I want?”
“You want what everyone wants. A family.” He smoothed down the wrinkles in his dark jeans. “I can give that to you. Protection, friends…love.”
My hands scrunched into fists. “I had a family. Now, he’s dead.” The anger raised through my core. How could he ever think that the Disciples could be a suitable substitution?
“I’m not looking for a replacement.”
Karl ran a hand down the side of his cheek and onto his neck. “You sure about that? This is a one-time only deal. A storm is coming, and I can give you what you need.”
“What I need?” I snapped back. “What I need is for you to get the hell out of my house.”
“Fine, sugar. If that’s what you want.” He pressed his lips into a fine line. “But don’t come whining to me when shit hits the fan.”
“Get out!” I pointed towards the door. Karl obliged and left. I heard him walk down the stairs. I jumped out of bed, then hurried towards my bedroom window. As Karl came out the front door, he turned to look at me, and blew a kiss my way. My stomach clench and I almost threw up.
Chapter Nine
Two weeks of training went by in a flash. Sho taught me day and night, challenging me to face the harsh realities of Wolfmere. I was proud to say I survived the bitter cold of the mountains, swam in the freezing lake nearby the reservation, and even won a few rounds of Mario Kart. I learned that even though Sho was serious about healing and medicine, he was a humungous nerd. He was obsessed with board games, video games, and all sorts of epic fantasy books. But he was also very strict when it came to working out.
Sho pushed me to learn my own strength. I could single-handedly lift dead trees and outrun the local deer. I started to notice that animals were afraid of me; they would never turn their backs to me, nor would they dare look me in the eye. Sho assured me that was a good thing. I was turning into the wolf I needed to be, even though we hadn’t practiced how to shift just yet.
Miakoda’s voice rang in my head. What if I shifted into a wolf and could never shift back? Since this drudging anxiety had taken over my mind, I hadn’t shifted in my sleep. There was a small part of me that was relieved. Maybe my life could have some semblance of normality—though I didn’t think I knew what normal was anymore. Everyone in town was on edge, suspicious, and snappier than usual.
Two more Disciples had been found dead. The first was left on the highway to Riverview, run over to the point the only way they could identify him was by his dental records. The second victim’s head was chopped off and skewered on a stake in front of Mom’s bar. They were scared, but Mom refused to tell me a single detail about it. Instead, the gang went on full security mode. Some stayed permanently at the Saloon, while the others drove around town day and night. This made hanging out with Sho nearly impossible, but he enjoyed the challenge and claimed it would help level up our furtive abilities.
This night was special though, and we wouldn’t have to train or evade. It was a well-deserved break. Sho and I were driving into Riverview to join his father for a fundraiser and celebration of the Nokado tribe. I’d managed to borrow a burgundy crushed velvet gown from my mom; it was a bit tight but clung in all the right places. In record time, I curled then bundled my hair up into a semi reasonable updo.
Sho waited for me in the back alley and texted me to take my time. What I wouldn’t tell him was that I was ready an hour ago, and I was just battling my nervous butterfly stomach.
He picked me up in a vintage blue Cadillac, with a creamy white cover and brand new glistening grills. I was taken aback for a moment. The car was gorgeous. I had never been in such a lovely vehicle before. I was used to his red pickup truck that I’d nicknamed Bettie. I adored it; the seats were worn in and kept the indent of your butt, hugging your backside every single time you sat down in its loving embrace.
I gave an approving whistle as Sho hurried to the passenger side to hold the door open.
“Was that whistle for me or for the car?” He gave me a wide, heartwarming smile. Sho looked good. He wore a tailored navy suit with a necktie with whites, pinks and blues beautifully beaded into a star. His hair was down, reminding me of a wave of black silk.
I caught my breath and slowly released it. “Both.” He leaned against the car, running a hand against the smooth cover.
“And you, Miss Armstrong, look exquisite.”
I lifted the dress up a little and gave him a small curtsey before sitting down in the passenger seat.
“Much appreciated, Mr. Sweetwater.” The plums of my cheeks reddened. “You know; Bettie is going to be super jealous of this car.”
“We came to an understanding. She knows she’s my number two girl.”
Sho gave me a sly wink before he shut the door and made his way to the driver’s seat. Once we were on the hig
hway to Riverview, the sky was illuminated with the twinkling of stars. We passed the beginning of the Blackpine swamp, and Sho told me his tribe thought it was cursed. The swamp was believed to be a home of the Wakiti tribe, who lived and traded with the Nokado. The tribes got along well, until every single person from the Wakiti disappeared. Their homes, furs and meats were left; not a single item was missing. Over the years, the swamp had swallowed every evidence of them. He told me of unsuccessful expeditions and his father’s obsession of learning what had happened. I loved listening to him talk, especially about his tribe. His face always seemed to brighten.
The two-hour drive to Riverview was over in the blink of an eye, and we arrived to a city lit up in an array of rainbows. Each gigantic tower had its own color scheme, seeming to meet each other in the sky. There were blues, reds, purples and greens. Music was resonating down the sidewalks, spilling out of the bars and pubs. Every imaginable food truck was parked on the streets with line ups of eager, well dressed hordes. The city was no doubt alive, and you could feel the soul of the people vibrating through the air. I took a deep breath, absorbing the entire city. I couldn’t wait to move here and shove the bad memories of Wolfmere behind me.
A red carpet was rolled out in front of the hotel when we arrived. The hotel had six elongated towering points that reminded me of a castle. Warm yellow lights lit up the curved windows, and red runners were draped against the rounded balconies.
A crowd of photographers snapped pictures of the couples herded through the front doors. I gulped and smoothed down the rippled sides of my dress. I distinctly remembered Sho telling me that this event was no big deal and that I shouldn’t stress out.
He must’ve felt my unease, as he wrapped a hand around mine and gave it a little squeeze before pulling over to the side of the road. A young female valet took the keys to the car, allowing us to make our entrance.
He looped his arm around mine and whispered, “Are you prepared for this?”
I nodded. “I think so. I didn’t realize what a big event this was going to be.”
“My father likes to go big or go home. Especially when it comes to the tribe.”
Sho chuckled, gently guiding us through the crowd of people. He stopped to pose and let out one of his signature brilliant smiles. The man was obviously a natural at this. I tried to take his lead and smile, but I didn’t know which camera to focus on. I’d bet anything some of these pictures were going to look ridiculous. I shuddered, hoping no one from Wolfmere would show my mom. After a few minutes of pictures and some photographers yelling questions at Sho, we scurried inside the lobby.
We were greeted by black tie servers, handing fluted glasses of pink champagne out, followed by caviar, exotic cheeses, and about six different types of meats. Beautifully dressed couples stood in awe, investigating the traditional Native American relics displayed in square glass cases. At the entrance of the main dining room stood a perfectly preserved headdress. The immaculate beading held dozens of white, brown, and red feathers.
The dining room wasn’t as flashy as the lobby. There were dozens of white clothed tables, subtle candles, a minimal number of flowers, and pictures of the Nokado tribe displayed across the room.
“That is where my father and the other elders of the tribe will be sitting.” He pointed towards a large table at the very front of the room.
Miakoda was the first elder to sit down. She wore a traditional teal dress with tan tassels, and her long white hair was braided. She bowed her head down to Sho as we sat at the unoccupied table.
We watched as all the other elders, wearing a mix of suits and traditional dress, sat down. Finally, the other guests took the hint and sat in their assigned seats. Sho’s father was the last to arrive. He was dressed in a black tuxedo with similar beading to Sho on his neck tie. Sho didn’t look anything like his father. He had a prominent square face with chubby cheeks and short buzzed hair that was more white than black. He was teetering on the edge of being fit and overweight. Harsh lines were etched around his mouth. Then, I saw the resemblance—that heart-warming smile that lit up the room.
For the next two hours, we watched children perform dances, listened to many speeches about the Nokado, and watched Sho’s father’s blessing. Once they were all over, the crowds dispersed towards the servers, bar, and dessert table. I excused myself and headed to the desserts like a woman on a mission. Those hors d'oeuvre were no doubt the best things I’d ever tasted, but not very filling. My stomach grumbled for more substance. Dessert was the way to go.
I could see the table in my pathway. I spotted cupcakes, cookies, and an assortment of bars. I was almost there, until a woman who must have been in her late twenties stepped in front of me. She wore a lace red dress that clung to her curves, and her bright brown hair was curled into loose ringlets.
“I’m so sorry to cut in front of you,” her soft voice whispered as she looked around.
“It’s okay,” I muttered, keeping my eyes locked onto those darn cupcakes.
“Please, excuse me.” I stepped around the woman. I made it to the table without another interruption and began to fill a plate with the sweet delights.
“I’m sorry to bug you again, but did I spot you with Igasho Sweetwater?” She was keeping her voice low, and every so often I would see her eyes doing a once over of the room. The woman grabbed a coconut ball and tossed it into her mouth. I could smell the fear.
“That’s right. Do you know Sho?” I smiled politely, then took a bite of a butter cookie that melted on the tongue.
She combed back a ringlet and took a step closer to me, our shoulders almost touching. “Yes, I used to date him in high school. I just wanted to let you know to be careful.”
I almost choked on the second cookie but quickly recovered, placing the dessert plate down on the edge of the table. “Be careful of what, exactly?”
“Igasho is d—”
“Hello, Marla,” a deep voice boomed from behind us, cutting her off. I nearly knocked over the plate, and Marla visibly tensed.
She gulped, then slowly turned around. “Hello Paytah.”
“I wasn’t aware you were attending this evening. How is your grandmother?”
“She’s doing well.” Marla’s hand dropped to her black purse and twiddled with the zipper. Her shoulders were still stuck in the tense position of the surprise hello.
“Is she?”
I felt like I was missing something. The air grew thick.
Marla nodded. “U-u-uh, yes. I’m sorry, I need to leave.”
Paytah Sweetwater bowed his head down. “Understandable. I hope to see you again.” The way he said it had an ominous tone.
Marla looked towards Paytah and then back to me, then hurried through the crowds, disappearing into the lobby. My eyebrows furrowed. I had no idea what the hell that was about, but I was curious why would she take the time to warn me.
Paytah turned to me with that brilliant Hollywood smile. “You must be Sunny Armstrong.” He held his hand out to me, which I instantly grabbed.
“I am. It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Sweetwater.”
He placed his other on top of mine and gave it a little tap. “There is no need to be so formal. Paytah is perfectly fine.”
“Paytah.” I nodded.
“I could tell by the discomfort that you needed an intervention with Marla. She is persistent when comes to matters with Sho.”
“I wasn’t uncomfortable. I just wanted to grab a cupcake and she was just…helping me decide which one to try first…”
He chuckled, his eyes narrowing towards the desserts. “They are all very delicious. Sho and Marla had…a mild fling. I guess you would call it that.”
“Oh?” I gulped, not knowing why he felt the need to explain the awkward encounter.
“She became obsessive over him, and it’s gotten to the point where he had to move from Riverview to Wolfmere to get away from her.”
“I thought he moved here to help you?”
“No
.” His answer came swiftly, and a flicker of what I thought to be darkness rose across his face but quickly dissipated, as if I’d made it up in my head.
I ran a hand across my neck and got the feeling that I shouldn’t bring up that topic again. “So, this was a great celebration. A lot of people turned out and must’ve donated a bunch of money.”
“It was. We raised much needed funds for some of the neighbouring tribes.”
“That’s great,” I said immediately, with a smile.
Paytah’s own smile vanished. “I was sorry to hear about your father’s passing. He was a good man, and I knew he was proud of you.”
It took a minute for me to catch my breath. “You knew him?”
“I did. He helped with some of the accounting issues with the tribe.”
“Did you also know that wolves attacked him?” I whispered. The moment the words came off my lips, I knew it was a mistake.
“I know, and rest assured they will be dealt with.”
My heart stopped.
“Ah, there you are. I was wondering what was taking so long.” Sho came up to me and placed a hand on the curve of my lower back. “Does Father have you wrapped up in some long winded political debate?”
Paytah placed both hands skyward. “Absolutely not. I was just enjoying the company of your lovely friend.”
Sho whistled gently. “Sunny, you must be lucky. Father is known to debate for hours.”
“Well, I have other guests to attend to.” He bowed his head towards his son. “Sho.”
“Father.”
Paytah gently wrapped his hands around my right hand and pulled it up to lips, placing a small kiss. “It was my pleasure, sunshine.” He bowed his head down and headed towards the crowd gathered around the lineup of paintings.