Dark of Night

by T. F. Walsh

  When Connell returned, he handed me a huge pile of manila folders. “Hope you like reading.” He started the engine and reversed out. “I’ll drop you off at work to do your research.”

  Of course I wouldn’t find any similar cases at work, unless I resorted to mythology books. “Take me home, my car’s there.” I started flicking through the top folder. Interestingly, the early attacks were not related to me. So, that was something, I guess. The attacks mirrored each of the others in style and method. Only body parts remained, and I imagined the victim’s family burying bits of their loved ones. My hands trembled at the idea that Sandulf let the dracwulf munch on five people and referred to it as the animal trying to claim territory, that’s all. I smacked the folder shut.

  “Everything will be okay, Daci.” Connell pushed the sleeves up on his shirt “We’ll find the killer soon. And you won’t be a suspect.” He reached over and ran the back of his fingers down my cheek. I leaned into his touch, desperate to feel his warmth against me. Something to forget the insanity that was my life.

  In no time, we reached my street. “I’ll call you later, okay?” I reached over and stole another urgent kiss.

  “Please keep in touch. I can only protect you so much.”

  Once Connell took off, I retrieved the keys from my pocket and ran down the street to my Jeep. Once behind the wheel, I sped toward the pack house in the woods, with the windows rolled down to let in the crisp mountain air.

  I decided to force Sandulf into hunting the dracwulf with the entire pack and make him see why the animal had to die. Sure, not all the wulfkin were hunters like Enre and me, but with our combined strength we could stop the dracwulf, or at least capture it. The blame for the deaths lay squarely on Sandulf’s shoulders. Why had he kept the secret from the pack for so long? Not like I would have judged him any worse than I already did.

  I parked near the house, got out, and hurried across the gravel driveway.

  Enre’s panting voice labored behind me. “Aren’t you a sight?” He walked close, and the way his cut-off jeans clung to his body would make most girls gush.

  Enre’s gaze slid down my body. “Is there something you’re not telling me?”

  Thinking blood stained my clothes, I checked for marks. Nothing. “Huh?”

  He pounced forward as if he were in wulfkin form. “Your frequent visits. They make me think your ulterior motive is me. You’re eager to come back home, aren’t you?”

  My words came out breathless. “Stop playing around.”

  A scent of gamey rabbit meat floated on his words. “Maybe I want to play.”

  “I don’t.”

  The back of his fingers brushed my cheek. “Sure you do.”

  I shoved my hands into his chest, and a growl rumbled in my chest.

  He stumbled backward.

  “Back off.” My wolf leapt awake.

  His eyes were ravenous. “There it is again, your wolf outside the full moon.”

  I let out an exasperated huff. “I know.”

  “How are you doing it?”

  “No idea.” My chest fired up again. “I can feel her stretching inside me.”

  “It’s probably the upcoming Lunar Eutine calling you early.”

  “I doubt it. Radu said he’s never heard of this happening before.”

  Enre’s chin dipped to his chest. “Radu reads every book in the world, but it doesn’t make him an expert on all things.” He shoved his hands into the pockets of his jeans and slouched on one leg.

  His pose reminded me of the male models parading luxurious brands in magazines. Too bad it didn’t do anything for me. I had fallen for him hard a few years earlier. Two years in a relationship ending with a scar that refused to mend despite my fast healing was not a solid foundation for a bright future.

  “Sandulf told me you’ll be returning any day now.”

  Oh really? The decision to return was mine, even if Sandulf would disagree. In truth, I was already exhausted talking about me. I needed the elixir and to get on with my new life.

  “I know you think you want what’s out there.” Enre pointed behind him toward the city, never taking his gaze off me, and clearly not hiding his disgust. “But your call is in here. With us. With me.”

  My throat constricted. I had no plans on returning, or being with Enre, or following any call. But how could I say that? It meant rejecting the family I’d known most of my life, and I wasn’t ready to break their hearts. Not yet, anyway.

  He sniffed the air around me. “Why do you smell so human?” His nose scrunched up.

  I had enough of talking, considering he might sense a specific scent on me. “Is Sandulf here?”

  “Nah, he’s at work, but Botolf’s inside.”

  “What about Radu?”

  “Sandulf’s got him working on bear traps for the council, so he’s out.”

  Just great. I left Enre standing there and entered the house through the front door. The main room was unusually bright with every window open, shutters pulled up, and a heavy scent of honeyed timber floating in the air.

  Botolf lounged on an extra-long deer pelt in the center of the room, hidden behind a newspaper. Should have guessed. When Sandulf was out, Botolf opened every possible door and window in the house for fresh air and light.

  He shuffled the paper in his hands. “Nice to see you again.”

  “Why aren’t you at work?”

  “Aside from the ongoing dramas with bears, the onset of winter quiets the forest, and not many trekkers are out in the bitter winds.”

  A breeze swirled into the house, and I rubbed my arms. “It’s freezing in here.”

  Botolf lowered the paper and peered over the top of it, his white eyebrows lifted. “This is beautiful. I miss the chill that clings onto my skin, reminding me of when I lived in the woods with no house to protect me.” He pushed himself to a sitting position, crossing his legs. “Lately, I’ve been reminiscing about the old days when I was a young pup and roamed the mountains freely.” He spoke in hushed, excitable tones. “Home was anywhere I wanted it to be.”

  As an elder, Botolf was slowing down and Sandulf often gave him days off with different excuses to avoid admitting he needed rest.

  He said, “There’s a pile of your clothes I found in the cupboard when cleaning up. I assume since you haven’t taken them with you to the city, you no longer want them. Let me know, and I’ll get rid of them.”

  An urge to sit back and chat with Botolf tugged my heart. I wanted to tell him my intentions, my love for Connell, and even how I planned to track down my real human mom. And most of all, I yearned to talk about the crime scene I just came from, anything to get it out of my head. But how could I break his cheerfulness when I might soon leave the pack forever? At his age, I didn’t want to burden him with such details. The gentleness of his gaze made me feel like the worst person in the world. I wanted to beg for forgiveness, cry in his arms, and have him tell me everything will be all right. Instead I nodded and smiled, relishing every happy second.

  His mouth curled upward. “When you return, it’ll be like the old days. Plus, we all miss your home cooking.”

  My throat choked up. I blinked and looked at the wood paneling at my feet. “Yeah, I miss those times too.” God, I was going to start blubbering.

  “What’s wrong?”

  I had no idea how to leave them. For years, I had dreamt of joining the wulfkin. Now, my emotions were torn between loyalty and devotion to family and my love for Connell, and my heart won. Still it hurt. I met his quizzical stare. “Just tired.”

  “I assumed since your wolf came early last night, you’re starting to feel some changes and it’s worrying you.”

  Botolf voiced my exact fears. If I stayed there any longer, I’d break down and tell him everything. “I’ll go and c
heck those clothes now.”

  I rushed into the hallway toward my bedroom. Sandulf had granted me a room of my own, a haven for privacy and growing up, he’d said. Though I was expected to join the pack’s sleeping quarters in the other bedroom where everyone shared the floor during the nights.

  In my tiny area, light spilled from the enormous window with curtains gathered at the sides. Two furry bearskin blankets covered the floor space. At the edge of the fur waited a pile of clothes. I knelt down and fumbled through the old jeans, tops, and sweatshirts from my younger years. Carefree days when hunting game in the woods and catching the eye of Enre were all I cared about.

  Then I sensed him and looked up.

  Enre leaned into the doorframe. “I’ve missed you.” He strode into the room and seated himself on the blankets, his arms hugging bent legs. His hand crept along the fur, impersonating a caterpillar, and I laughed. He stared at me with his ocean eyes.

  “Enre, has Sandulf told you he created a dracwulf?” I didn’t care any longer for Sandulf’s rules. He broke most of them, why shouldn’t I?

  “Yeah, he told us after the gathering, once you left.”

  “And did he tell you the dracwulf killed five humans?”

  He said nothing, though his expression grew solemn. I guessed no. He poked his chin. “Are you sure? He wouldn’t allow his child to kill.”

  “He did. I attended three of the crime scenes with the police. The dracwulf’s scent lingers at each one.”

  He turned away. “Why wouldn’t he tell me? I’m the pack’s lead hunter.”

  “You should hunt in the woods tonight, and I’ll patrol the city.”

  He looked at me. “When did you speak to Sandulf of the killings?”

  “Last night, before the gathering.”

  A loud exhale rolled off his lips. “He just hasn’t got around to telling me perhaps. That’s all.”

  “So what do you say to patrolling tonight? Like we used to.”

  “It’s not a full moon for you.”

  “Yeah, but my wolf is ready, and she came out last night. I’m ready to hunt.”

  “This isn’t like other hunts. I don’t want you hurt.” Enre inspected his legs, flicking off a twig entangled in the frayed ends of his jeans. “Once I’ve spoken with Sandulf about this, I’ll handle it.” He leaned back onto his hands. “Do you know why I hunt?”

  I shrugged. “Because you’re a hunter, and it’s your job.”

  “It’s more than that — so much more. I love the chase. My adrenaline soars, and in those moments, I feel one with the earth, the air, and the trees. Nothing stands in my way, and there is only one thing on my mind, to rip into flesh and taste fresh meat.” He leaned into my shoulder. “I’ve seen this desire in you as well.” A smile curled on his mouth. “But don’t push yourself yet.”

  An incident flooded my mind again. “But I want to control my wolf side.” I leaned into my knees, lowering my gaze. “And not attack other wulfkin.”

  “It happened once. Can’t you let go of the past?” He pushed off the fur blankets, stomped toward the doorway, and pressed his forehead into the wooden beam. “I’m sorry I attacked you.” A grumble hugged his words. “When we run, we free our wolf, and the damn child was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Who allows their kid in the woods at night anyway?”

  “Maybe you’re losing control of your wolf?”

  His cheeks flushed a pinkish hue when he faced me. “I don’t think you’re in a position to offer advice, considering you’re still a moonwulf. Once you join us as a wulfkin, you can dish it out with the rest of them.”

  The hairs on my arms rose. “Don’t speak to me like that.”

  His gaze fell. “You know I didn’t mean it.”

  The lump in my throat grew.

  “All the times I’ve taken you out hunting with me, were you never tempted to hunt down whatever you wanted? And feel liberated?”

  “Of course.” I resisted adding how much I fought the urge with every bit of my strength, and that control was the one difference between us and wild animals such as the dracwulf.

  “Then you know it’s our true nature, and all we’re doing is suppressing the part that will eventually burst free.”

  Exasperated and guilt-ridden for raising the topic, I changed tactics. “Have you thought of joining Sandulf and becoming a park ranger?”

  Taking a seat near me again, he drew his knees into his chest. “One day, I will become the alpha of this pack. Until then, I will train to become the greatest hunter. That’s my job for now.”

  I caressed his arm. There was no doubt he was unmatched when it came to hunting, but was he leader material? Maybe.

  “My parents are Varlac members, and until I take my own pack, I don’t exist to them.” Heat radiated from his body in waves. He’d never before revealed his fear. “That’s how it works in the Varlac clan. Once I had hit puberty and passed through the Lunar Eutine, I was kicked out of the pack to find my own way. To prove myself as a worthy son. And when the time comes, I will take down any opponent who stands in my way.” Enre’s expression softened. “You’ve always been there for me, ever since you joined us. That’s why I know we were meant to be.”

  “Can’t you let it go?” I climbed to my feet and strolled over to the window, staring out at the peaceful sway of branches in the wind before facing him.

  He leapt up. His gaze darted in my direction with a pouty and suggestive expression.

  “Please, don’t look at me that way.”

  His lips tightened like he was about to say something. Instead he walked out.

  A suffocating sensation gripped my chest and twisted. If only I had turned into a wulfkin when I was younger, everything would have been simpler. But then I would never have known true love or Connell.

  I charged out of the room. “You can toss the clothes,” I said to Botolf. “I’m off. Bye.” I dashed outside, ready to rip off someone’s head.

  Chapter Seven

  By the time I reached my apartment, the anger bubbling inside me was ready to pop. No Sandulf. No Radu. No empty pack house to check for the hidden books. Time was running out. I contemplated telling Botolf or Enre, but I couldn’t make them choose between me and deceiving their pack leader. Dragging Radu into my deceit was bad enough.

  At home, I found a message on my phone from Connell confirming he’d meet me at Florica’s Kitchen, a small eatery in the heart of the city. I knew the place well; I’d been there more times than I could remember, and the owner even knew me by name. He was a nice chap, even if he did stink of homemade brew. Considering my need to eat, and the uncertainty of Sandulf’s return home, an hour with Connell couldn’t hurt.

  Dressed in black leather pants with a long sleeve V-neckline top, I combed my messy brown hair and headed out. Connell held my heart, but with the elixir recipe still out of my reach and the Lunar Eutine approaching, my future was still uncertain.

  Soon I arrived at the restaurant where Connell waited in a curved booth.

  Rhythm-charged violin music played on several speakers attached to the walls. The tables nearby were crammed with couples, and a family huddled in another booth. Bronze chandeliers adorned the ceilings, casting silhouettes against the sandstone walls, and a scarlet rug sprawled across the room. A saccharine wine scent tickled my nostrils, as did Connell’s spicy cologne.

  Our legs bumped beneath the table. His black knit top hugged his chest; no matter how he dressed, he looked stunning. He pushed his sleeves to his elbows, exposing strong, tanned forearms. I placed my hand on his arm, reveling in the heat for a moment, and imagined our lives together always.

  “I ordered you some mititei,” he said. “Hope you don’t mind, but I know how much you love them. We can change it if you want.”

  “No, that’s perfect.”


  The waiter appeared and placed the food in front of us, then walked away.

  “I hate things being so out of my control — especially lying. It’s wrong,” Connell said. “And you’ve been distant lately. I can tell your mind’s elsewhere, but you won’t let me in. I keep trusting and believing you. I really hope you’re telling me the truth about everything.”

  He didn’t waste any time. I took a nibble of a meat roll, flavored with spices and garlic, and broke off a piece of crusty bread, racking my brain for a response. After swallowing the food, I said, “I’m sorry you had to lie for me, and I’m not hiding anything.”

  Liar. I twisted in my seat, unable to get comfortable.

  Connell gulped half the wine in his glass, and a tiny red drop stained his upper lip. “I guess coincidences can happen. I checked the first two scenes from months ago, and there was no link to you that I could see.”

  He ate one of the mititei with one bite, and I tried to pretend his snooping didn’t irritate the hell out of me. My toes kept tapping the inside of my boots. Radu had to find the elixir, or such dinners would become distant memories.

  “This meat’s a bit undercooked.” He wiped his mouth and surveyed the rest of the food on his plate, pushing it around with his fork. “Anyway, I have something to tell you.”

  I swallowed the food and turned to face him. All kinds of ideas swarmed my mind — he discovered something about me, or he got caught lying, or the cops were going to arrest me, or he couldn’t be with someone like me anymore. My head hurt.

  “I’ve never told you this because I wanted to forget about it.”

  “What is it?”

  “Today I received a phone call I hadn’t expected.”

  “A-ha.”

  “I don’t want to hide things from you.”

  I fiddled with the tablecloth in my lap, too afraid to ask.