by AJ Jarrett
Wes wanted to reach over Shawn to grab Brody by the throat. This kid probably never worked a day in his life, and here he was insulting Wes. This boy’s parents did a terrible job of raising him, but Wes wasn’t going to push. He took Shawn’s papers and walked back to his car to write out the speeding ticket.
When he was done filling out the ticket, he walked back to the car and handed Shawn the paper. Shawn signed it and thanked him.
“Now please drive slower.” Wes looked from Shawn over to a smirking Brody. “It’d be a shame to have to call your folks because you wrapped this mighty fine car around a telephone pole.”
“Whatever.” Brody shook his and looked away.
“Drive safely.” Wes tapped his fingers on the door, and Shawn nodded. He could smell the fear on the man which was good. It meant that hopefully he wouldn’t get a call later that there was an accident involving this kid.
Wes got back in his car and drove down the road. He called into the station to let them know he was taking his dinner break.
After picking up takeout from the diner on 10th Street, Wes sat in his car to eat. He parked his car facing outward toward the street so he could keep watch over everything.
Wes had been a free man for the past ten years and lived and worked in Chicago for the past eight. When the Warriors of the Light had disbanded, he’d been heartbroken. Wes loved fighting evil and protecting those who couldn’t protect themselves hence why he became a cop. It was the next best thing to being a Warrior.
Wes finished his dinner then drove out of the parking lot to finish his shift. It was just after eight in the morning when he got off. He drove home and showered before crawling into bed. He owned a cute little two-bedroom house just outside the city but well within city limits. The busy way of life had grown old, and Wes hated all the traffic and crowded sidewalks. Wes was a wolf, and that meant he needed space. It was a miracle he’d lasted this long in the city.
Years to a human were like minutes to a paranormal being. Time had no meaning, and there was no end unless he got his head removed from his body or someone ripped out his heart. Life would go on and on. Wes just hoped it wouldn’t always be just him. He was getting lonely.
He’d just celebrated his one hundred and fifty-first birthday. Wes had flown out to Omaha where Garrett and his mate Lachlan were living. He’d spent an entire week with them, and it was very relaxing. Garrett was working hard to convince him to come work for M&B Construction. Wes thought about it, he really did, but in the end, he didn’t want to leave his job as a police officer. He felt as if he was doing something good with his life and didn’t want to give that up.
There were times that Wes was convinced he was addicted to danger. It was like a drug he couldn’t get enough of. Some may think he had a death wish, but he didn’t. He just wanted to keep this world safe no matter the cost. Someone had to do it, or Athena and her army of Dark Warriors would destroy this planet and everyone and everything on it.
Wes lay in bed staring up at the ceiling. It was one of those nights he just couldn’t shut his brain off long enough to fall asleep. He thought of his childhood and his parents. It all seemed so long ago. Wes had lived a simple life with the pack, and at the time he hungered for something more, some kind of excitement that was lacking in the backwoods of the Ozarks. But now that he had seen true evil, he longed for those days. The days where his parents were still alive and told him that everything would be okay.
Wes rolled to his side and lightly punched at his pillow to fluff it up. He pulled the blankets up over his shoulder and took a deep breath.
No matter how much he tried to shake it, Wes felt as if something was coming. A change in the wind that would affect his happy, mundane life. He just wasn’t sure if it was for better or worse.
Chapter Three
“Clawson, you ready?” the quarterback, Lucas Wilder, asked him.
It was the fourth quarter and only two minutes left to play. They were down by six, and they were ten yards from the end zone. They should be up by at least twelve, but Matt was playing like shit. He felt as if a dark cloud was following him and that strange feeling of being watched hadn’t left him since that past Tuesday. Matt just didn’t feel right.
“I’m ready. Let’s do this,” Matt said with more confidence than he felt.
The huddle broke, and everyone took their position on the line. Matt took a deep breath and looked up toward the crowds of people swamping the stands. He didn’t want to let them down. Matt wanted to win, and by God, he was going to pull his head out of his ass and make this play. People were counting on him.
Wilder shouted the count and Matt took off down the line. He dodged a lineman on the opposing team and turned as he entered the end zone. Wilder spotted him and set the ball in motion. It soared through the air, and Matt focused on the ball as it headed straight toward him. It was a beautiful pass. Matt jumped and reached for the ball. He wrapped his fingers around it and made sure to plant his feet as he landed on the turf. The official blew the whistle and put his hands in the air, indicating a touchdown.
Matt tossed the ball to the official and ran toward his teammates. They celebrated for a brief moment then cleared the field for the kicking team to take their place. The kicker had one job to do. All they needed was one kick, and they won.
The kicker lined up the ball and ran toward it and boom. Matt held his breath as the ball took flight. He yelled and pumped his fist in the air as the ball went right between the goalposts. They won.
Matt jumped into the air, and the team rushed the field to hug the kicker. It was a tall, thin guy by the name of Cooper Morgan. He was shy and still getting used to the attention that a good play brought to a player. It was an awesome feeling to win on their home field.
As Matt followed his teammates off the field, he noticed Colby in the stands. He was with a group of their friends. He had his hands cupped to his mouth and was shouting. The smile on his best friend’s face made him smile in return. It was a good day.
Just as Matt was entering the tunnel that led to the locker rooms, a figure a few rows back from some screaming girls stood there staring. The only reason Matt noticed him was the dark sunglasses he wore, and he was dressed all in black. Now MU’s colors were gold and black, but something seemed out of place about the man. He seemed too put together and well-polished to be a college kid.
Matt nodded and smiled to the man. It was in his nature to be friendly. The man just turned and walked away. He lost sight of him in the sea of people leaving the stadium. Matt shook it off. Football games attracted all different types. It wasn’t his place to pass judgment. And besides, he had other things on his mind like celebrating.
After a short meeting with the coaches, Matt showered and changed. A few of the other players were meeting at the local pizza shop in town, and Matt texted Colby to see if he wanted to come along.
Colby texted back immediately to inform that he was already there and had gotten a table big enough for everyone. Matt shouldn’t have been surprised. After every home game, they did the same thing. Matt caught a ride with one of the guys, and they headed into town. It was Saturday evening, and the place was alive with excitement. It was like this after every win.
“Colby, man, you’re the best.” Lucas plopped down across from Colby.
“Oh please.” Colby leaned forward to smack hands with the quarterback. “Like the manager would have made you all wait. Hell, he’d probably set up a table in the parking lot for the football team.”
“True that.” Lucas winked at Colby.
“Hey, Colby.” Matt scooted in next to his friend. He leaned in close. “Please tell me I didn’t look like complete shit out there today.”
“I wasn’t going to say anything but…” Colby winced then started to laugh. “Dude, you had a rough start. It happens to everyone.”
“Shit, man.” Dewan sat across from Matt. “I was going to start calling your ass butterfingers if you didn’t get your shit together. What
was with you today?” The very tall and muscular African American nose tackle stared at him hard. Dewan was a caring guy and looked after all his teammates as if it were his personal job to do so.
“No fucking clue.” Matt shook his head. He didn’t want to tell them the truth. That he felt as if someone was watching him the past week, and he was anxious with nerves. It made no sense, and he wasn’t going to make his friends worry or better yet laugh at him for being stupid.
“Don’t sweat it.” Lucas held his fist out to bump with Matt’s. “You made up for it by catching that sweet pass I threw to you.” Lucas motioned with his hands as if throwing a ball.
“There’s nothing more attractive than your modesty.” Matt tossed his straw wrapper at Lucas.
“Fuck.” Lucas pumped up his shoulders. “Chicks and the dudes love me. It’s my winning smile.” He waggled his eyebrows.
“How are you still single?” Dewan asked.
“No one can tie this stallion down.” Lucas puffed out his chest.
“And on that note.” Colby raised his hand to get the waitresses attention. “I say we order some food. I think starvation has caused Lucas to speak douchebag fluently.”
The team erupted in laughter. Matt patted Colby on the back. Matt wasn’t sure how he was lucky enough to meet this man, but he was glad he did. Colby was just a pleasure to be around. Everyone seemed to like him.
* * * *
A few hours later they paid their tab, and Matt offered to walk Colby back to his dorm. It was pitch-black with not a cloud in the sky. The stars lit up the night, and after living in this town for twenty years, Matt was still in awe of the sight.
“You having dinner with your folks tomorrow?” Colby asked.
“I am.” Matt shoved his hands into his pockets. “Just like every Sunday. You want to come? I know Mom would love to see you.”
“I would, but I promised my dad I’d go see a movie with him.” Colby shrugged. “My other dad left Friday to go visit one of the sister offices in Tampa. I guess the company has been contracted to build a whole new subdivision.”
“That’s awesome. I bet that’s bringing in a lot of bank.”
“Yeah but I hate when he has to travel so much.” Colby seemed uneasy.
“Hey, Colbster.” Matt put his arm around Colby’s shoulders and pulled him under his arm. “What’s eating at you?”
“I just worry.” Colby wound his thin arms around Matt’s waist, hugging him. “It’s…I…” Colby huffed out a sigh. “Forget it.”
“No, tell me.” Matt gave his friend a gentle squeeze.
“I just feel like something bad is going to happen.” Colby rubbed his forehead against the side of Matt’s shirt. “It sounds crazy, but I just feel like darkness has fallen over me. Crazy, huh?” Colby stopped walking and looked up at him.
Matt was taken aback by what Colby had said. Because yes, he knew exactly what his friend was talking about. It made him feel a little less crazy. But in his rational mind, he knew there was no such thing as a cloud of darkness that could follow a person around and mess up their life. It was an insane notion.
“Colby, man, I know how you feel.” Matt put both hands on Colby’s shoulders and leaned forward to press a soft kiss to his forehead. “I think that’s human nature. When things are going good, we just assume something will come out of the blue to fuck it up.”
“I guess that’s one way to look at it.” Colby nibbled innocently on his bottom lip. He looked as if he wanted to say something else, but he kept quiet.
“That’s how I felt today,” Matt confessed. He wouldn’t feel stupid telling Colby how he felt. Colby would never laugh at him. “Everything I did wasn’t good enough. I couldn’t catch a ball or run without stumbling over my feet. It was as if a black cloud were following me around. It sucked, but I know that we all have bad days like you told me earlier.”
“Makes sense.” Colby smiled. He motioned with his chin for them to continue to walk. “I just like when my dads are safe at home. I complain about their overprotectiveness, but it also comforts me. I feel safe with them watching my back.”
“That’s what a parent’s job is.” They came to a stop in front of Colby’s dorm. “This is you.”
“Yep.” Colby smacked his lips. He walked up a few steps then turned to look at Matt. “Thanks for walking me home, and thanks for being a good friend. Not sure what I’d do without you.”
“Me either, Colby. Me either.” Matt climbed the steps to reach Colby and gave him another hug. He felt as if his friend needed it. “Now get inside and get to sleep. Things will be better tomorrow.”
“Later, Matt.” Colby waved then turned to walk toward his building.
Matt waited until Colby was safely inside then headed down the sidewalk toward his dorm. It was only a couple blocks north of Colby’s.
Matt walked down the sidewalk, humming to himself. He didn’t notice the man leaning against the wall until he cleared his throat.
“Holy shit.” Matt jumped like a scared five-year-old.
“Sorry.” The man smiled, and Matt was taken aback by how white his teeth were. Not that it was weird or anything but the tips of his cuspids looked to be filed down into points. But that wasn’t the only thing that was a little unsettling. It was dark out, and he was wearing sunglasses and dressed all in black. It was the man from the stadium today. “I didn’t mean to frighten you.”
“Nah.” Matt rubbed a hand down his face. “It’s cool. Can I help you with anything?” It was closing in on eleven at night, and the campus was all but deserted. He couldn’t think of why this man would be standing around in the dark all by himself. Matt’s brain went right to all the worst-case scenarios of why this guy was here. Was he going to hit on him and ask him out, or worse, kidnap him and kill him? Matt was a big guy and could take care of himself, but still, this man seemed overly creepy. Handsome with his pale skin and black hair and the mysterious vibe he had but still creepy.
“I just wanted to meet the star of the game.” The man walked slowly up to him. His movements were graceful for a man of his size. He was about Matt’s height but not as muscular.
“I’m no star, man.” Matt’s cheeks flushed with heat. “It’s was a team effort.”
“And so noble. Nice.” The man smiled again and held his hand out to Matt. “Name’s Hale.”
“Matt.” He shook Hale’s hand and noticed how cold his skin was. After a few seconds, he pulled his hand back. “I think I saw you at the game today.” Matt was certain this was the same guy.
“Yeah, that was me. I never knew how entertaining football could be.” Hale lowered his head and made a show of looking Matt up and down. It was a bit unnerving because he was still wearing his sunglasses. “Lots of pretty things to look at. I must say that makes sitting in a loud stadium all worth it.”
“Okay.” Matt nodded. He was a little embarrassed. He wasn’t sure what to say to that. Thank you seemed so awkward. “Are you a student here?” Matt went with an easy question and hopefully a way to change the subject. Not that he wasn’t flattered by the compliment, but he also wasn’t one to jump on the first guy that was nice to him. Matt had some standards.
“No.” Hale flashed the blinding white smile again. “A friend of mine attends this college, and I just stopped in to check up on him. To see how he’s doing.”
“Oh really? What’s his name? Maybe I know him.” It was unlikely, but Matt wanted to be hospitable and helpful.
The smile fell from Hale’s face, and Matt could hear him grinding his teeth. It seemed like Hale was mad but about what? Matt wasn’t being rude. If anything, he was being overly friendly.
“I better get going.” Hale held his hand out to Matt once again. “It was nice meeting you, Matt. Until next time.”
Matt shook the cold and clammy hand one more time then let go. He jammed his now chilled hand into his pocket and watched as Hale walked away. The guy seemed off. Sure he was polite, but there was something about that smile
that sent a cold chill down his spine.
Matt watched until Hale walked out of sight then hustled to the front door of his dorm. He walked inside and took a deep breath once the door was safely locked behind him. The hairs on his neck were standing on end just like before. He felt as if he were being watched but when he turned around no one was there.
“Matt, you need some sleep,” he said to himself then walked up the steps to his room.
It had been a long day, and he just wanted to turn in for the night.
Chapter Four
The next morning Matt woke up covered in sweat. He tossed and turned for hours, and when he did finally fall asleep, he’d had some of the strangest nightmares. He was a grown man but even now, knowing they were just dreams, he was scared.
He’d dreamed about monsters with black eyes and sharp teeth. In his dream, he was on the football field in the middle of a game and then suddenly everything went black. Matt looked from side to side searching for his teammates but they’d all disappeared. The sound of screaming and crying had him running toward the voice. It was familiar, and then he saw him. It was Colby. He was being held by the neck, pinned to a wall. Blood was dripping from his lip, and a red river of blood ran down from a puncture wound on his neck. It was a horrible sight.
Matt ran toward Colby, wanting to help. Just before he reached him, he vanished. The man who had been holding Colby turned around slowly. Matt’s heart stopped at the sight of Hale standing there smiling at him. Blood stained his bright white teeth.
“Did you really think you could have him?” Hale laughed, the sound cold and bitter to Matt’s ears. “He’s mine. Always has been, always will be.”
Hale lunged for him, and Matt spun around to run away but was stopped by the monsters. Their mouths were open. Their teeth seemed too large to be contained in their mouths. Claws stuck out from their fingertips, and they charged him. Matt spun in a circle, but there was nowhere to go. He was going to die. It was just before they reached him that he woke up.