Blood Cursed

by H. L. Graham

  In contrast, my mother stands at whopping five feet tall, with a spunky size two frame. I think she’s too thin, but she hides it with her brightly colored hippie prairie skirts and baggy tops. She has short blond hair and will not go anywhere without her special red lipstick. I think she bought a case of Spunky Red, as she calls it, twenty years ago. She wears it religiously. Also artsy, she uses her talents in the kitchen. I always had some amazing creation waiting for me when I came home from school. After I headed to college, she opened a coffee shop, bakery slash art gallery. Of course, Dad’s work is displayed, but she does allow some other local artists to display as well.

  Mom and Dad love Gaven. I think he is more like them than I am. They are all artists and nature enthusiasts. The first time they met him, my mother pulled me aside and said he’s the one. I shrugged her off as ridiculous considering I was still in the 7th grade. She never mentioned it again until my wedding day when she gave me the official ‘I told you so’ speech.

  Where I am the logical thinker and weigh all the facts before making a decision, my parents are the complete opposite. They always trust intuition and the universe to point them in the right direction. Maybe that’s why I became a therapist. Doctor heal thyself of thy crazy parents. Okay, not so much crazy as whimsical.

  I love my parents very much. We all get so busy and forgot to call. I usually talk to them once a month. I guess we were due a conversation and this one was going to be a doozy.

  I fell onto the sofa with the phone in my hand waiting for them to pick up. After about eight rings Dad finally answered. They’ve never bought an answering machine. Cell phones were too much of a nuisance, interrupting Dad’s flow when he painted.

  “Hello,” my father said out of breath.

  “Hey Dad, did you run from the studio again?” I asked.

  “Hannah baby, how are you doing sweetheart?” he cupped the phone and yelled to my mother to pick up the other line. Both had to talk at the same time, so we conducted conference calls. Another of my parents irritating habits. I guess it beats repeating everything.

  “Hi honey,” mom said. “What’s new with you? How’s Gaven?”

  “He’s good, working hard on the new exhibit. You know how it is?” I answered. I wasn’t sure how to bring up my news with them so I delayed. “What’s new with you guys?”

  “Well not too much. I’ve been working on my latest masterpiece. It’s a snow scene with a den full of wolf cubs playing in the snow.” My breath caught in my lungs. You’ve got to be kidding me. I couldn’t get away from this wolf thing.

  Dad continued. “I woke up the other night inspired and started painting. That’s where my best pieces usually come from.”

  “That’s great Dad, I look forward to seeing it,” I said a little too quickly, voice raising an octave.

  Mom jumped into the conversation, “Out with-it Hannah. What’s going on? I can hear it in your voice. Something is wrong,” she said forcibly.

  Mom always knew when something was bothering me. Even my most impressive avoidance performances met with her all-seeing eye and a stern “out with it.”

  “Well,” I began slowly. “There have been some problems here in Punta Gorda. A few women were killed in animal attacks. You remember Leslie, my police detective friend? He believes there is a person behind the attacks. Come the next full moon, there will be another attack. I’ve been treating the only surviving victim of the attacks. Her name is Rebecca.”

  I took a breath. “Turns out she is a long lost relative of ours, as were the other victims. Leslie believes Rebecca and I will be targeted next. He’s not sure why these attacks are occurring, but Rebecca and I have our own theories.”

  Dad spoke, “We were expecting something like this to happen eventually. We weren’t sure if it would be you.”

  Did I just hear him correctly? “Excuse me?” I all but shouted. I can’t believe they knew this was a possibility! Oh didn’t we mention a crazed killer was coming for you one day?

  I was angry, very angry. “Don’t you think this information would have been useful to share?” I snapped.

  Mom jumped in, “Watch your tone young lady. We’re telling you now.”

  “Yes ma’am,” I answered automatically. I guess you never totally grow up and out of old habits. Crap.

  Mom composed herself quickly, ignoring my outburst. “Have you had any interesting dreams lately?” she asked cryptically.

  I couldn’t believe this! They knew about it all, the wolf stuff. The possible attempt on my life. I thought parents were supposed to protect you from, not hide, deadly secrets.

  I sighed with exhaustion. “Yeah Mom, I dreamt a witch cursed me into being a werewolf and I woke up with a gash in my shoulder, which seems to have healed in 24 hours. How’s that for interesting?” I said flatly. “Oh yeah, I think I am turning into a werewolf.”

  “So, it’s begun?” my father asked rhetorically. “We weren’t sure it would really happen or not. It’s just a family legend told to kids to keep them from misbehaving.”

  “I guess not! Nobody told me that story.”

  “No, you wouldn’t. We decided there are better ways to keep kids from misbehaving, like trusting them and loving them,” mom added. “Joe, I think it is time that you filled Hannah in on her curse. Baby, have you turned yet?” she asked me.

  I really couldn’t believe I was having this conversation. So much worse than the sex talk. “No Mom, not totally. Hands and eye changed, but then changed back. So, it’s really true. I’m going to turn into a werewolf?”

  “Yes honey, but not just any werewolf. You will be their Queen,” mom added matter-of-factly.

  “Well there’s that then,” I exclaimed.

  “You will have the power to change anytime during the month. You will have the power to force the change in others. You are different than the rest of them. They can’t change without the moon. That’s why the attacks happen only three days a month during the moon cycle. Because you are different, you will be feared and revered. You also possess the power to help other wolves free themselves from the moon cycle.” Mom paused to take a breath. “Be careful when you share your power. You cannot take it back once it is given. Those who change at will can misuse this power and damage the wolves’ balance with nature. This power is intended is to aid the wolves’ survival, like an evolutionary adaptation. If the wrong person possesses this power, it can be used hurt innocents.”

  “So you’re saying I’m the next step in werewolf evolution?” Yet again I was confused and overwhelmed.

  Mom sensed my anxiety. “Honey, remember to breathe. The universe will not give you anything you aren’t equipped to handle. Think of this as a gift and not a curse. You will be able to steer the future of the wolves, possibly a future where they no longer need to hide.”

  “Are you saying the werewolves want to come out of the closet and I’m leading the parade? Next, I’ll be shouting ‘We’re here! We’re Weres! Get used to it.’ Damn it Mom, don’t you think you guys could have said something to me years ago. A ‘Hey Hannah, FYI, you might be Queen of the werewolf’s.” I said sarcastically.

  Mom ignored my comment, “Honey, do you think you would have believed us? You already think we are nutty hippies. You would have tried to commit us if we shared this information before you were ready to hear it.”

  Crap, she was right. I knew she was right. I hated that she was right.

  “Okay, your right.” I said softly.

  “Baby, I know this is a lot to take in. The witch wouldn’t have cursed you if you weren’t strong enough. She’s able to see into the future, inadvertently protecting your kind.” Dad explained.

  “But why did she curse our ancestor to begin with and why me?”

  Dad answered, “She was trying to teach the man to revere nature and respect those that he killed.”

  “But...”

  Dad interrupted, “The man was avenging his family. The witch was avenging the wolves. But the witch realized
her creation needed protection. That’s where you come in. The modern werewolf needs leadership and a new direction. There are many risks and challenges in the modern world. Whether you like it or not you are the chosen one. They need your help or they will destroy themselves.” Dad finished explaining.

  He added, “I bet whomever attacked the others knows about the legend. But they don’t know who will be the Queen. You could change the balance of power in the local pack and there obviously is someone who does not want any changes.”

  “So, you’re saying I’m stuck in a power dispute? What’s the solution? And why do you know so much about werewolf politics?” I asked curiously.

  “Baby, make no mistake, this wolf will come for you and for your friend Rebecca. You have the strength to defend yourself, but you must be smart and look for allies. You need to find out the leader of the local pack and make an alliance with them. No matter how powerful you become, you’ll need a pack to help protect you and keep you safe. Use Rebecca’s skills to assist. She’s related and shares your blood. She may have special powers to aid this journey. I’ve accumulated have a library of research. I wanted to be educated just in case. I will send you everything. You and Rebecca must read it all. I recommend you force yourself to change as soon as possible and free Rebecca from the moon cycle. This will strengthen you both.” He laughed, “It will give you an opportunity to get comfortable in your new fur.”

  “Not funny Dad, not funny.” I jumped in.

  “Sorry, I couldn’t help it.” He replied lightly.

  Mom added, “Honey, we are confident in your ability to survive this change in your life. Your new life is beginning and we are so proud to have you as our daughter.” This sounded similar to the speech she gave me when my period started.

  “Hannah, also use Gaven to help. He knows better than anyone what it takes to love and support you.” She added, “Gaven may have more knowledge on how to help than you realize.”

  I was about to ask her what she meant when Gaven walked in the house. He nodded when he realized I was on the phone.

  “We’ll overnight Dad’s research. Take care of yourself and call us soon. We love you honey.”

  “Love you Baby,” Dad added. “Bye.”

  “Bye.” I was more shocked by my parents than at the realization of becoming a wolf. Boy this was getting better and better.

  Gaven walked over and sat by my feet as I hung up. I stuck my feet in his lap and whined, “Rub please.”

  Gaven began to rub my left foot, “So how was your day?”

  “You are so not going to believe what my parents just told me.” I said still shocked.

  Gaven took it all in, in his usual way, very accepting. He didn’t seem at all shocked about my parents hiding this from me. He always sided with them, which was no surprise, so I wasn’t sure why it made me upset. He agreed with them about finding the local pack leader, but he was unsure of how to progress on that one. He also agreed I should go full wolf before the full moon to get my bearings. He even seemed happy about meeting Rebecca and having my cousin live with us. Gaven was taking this all a little too easily. I don’t think I would have been so accepting if the tables were turned. Something about becoming someone’s T-bone steak may have freaked me out. But not Gaven, cool and collected, “my wife’s a werewolf, isn’t that just the coolest. I sure hope that she doesn’t eat me. Hardy har har.”

  I thought about Mom’s cryptic comment about Gaven having more knowledge than I realized. But my mind wandered to my feet and the lovely massage they were receiving. I closed my eyes and listened to Gaven talk about his latest sculpture idea. Inspired by my plight, he wanted to create a Hannah wolf. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, so I kept my mouth shut. I just nodded and smiled when he asked my opinion. My life was getting stranger by the second.

  Chapter 15

  When Rebecca arrived with her stuff, my very curious and gossipy neighbor Kevin came over to investigate. His life partner Frank was at work, but I was certain Kevin would have plenty to tell him when he got home.

  Rebecca drove a tiny red two-door 1991 Honda Civic. A bungee cord strained to hold the hatchback closed as the car was packed to the brim with her stuff. It looked like it had never seen a car wash or a coat of wax. The sun had worn off most of the clear coat fading the red paint to a pinkish hue. At over 500,000 miles it still purred like a kitten. Rebecca waved as stepped out of the car clothed in baggy overalls and a red dew rag which tamed her hair. Her face was clear and bright, her eyes glistened with a hint of gold. Obviously excited and relieved.

  Gaven raised his eyebrows to express his approval, put on his best smile and headed over to say hello. Kevin also gave me a most interested look. He watched curiously from my front patio while sipping his cocktail. Rebecca and Gaven hashed out a game plan for moving her stuff into the house. Kevin casually wandered over, “So Hannah, who is this lovely creature and what is she doing?”

  Since Kevin was Mr. Gossip Monger, I decided the modified truth would be the best way to go about answering his question. “She’s my cousin and she’s needs a place to stay, so Gaven and I decided to help her out for a while.”

  Kevin was a great neighbor and equally good friend, but you had to watch what you said around him. We often joked he missed his true calling, Tabloid Reporter.

  Kevin’s eyes grew wide with excitement, “REALLY!”

  “Yeah she’s been living here a while and we had no idea we were related until recently. I wanted to get to know her and give her a hand.” I explained causally.

  “So, you didn’t even know she existed and now you’ve taken the poor creature in. How Mother Theresa of you.” He smiled like a Cheshire cat. He downed the last of his cocktail. I could tell he was dying to get home to logon to spread the latest news. Kevin’s online name was Paparazzi69. He loved all forms of gossip. Local gossip would do until some big Hollywood starlet was caught in a ‘delightful scandal.’ Then he would delve into the gossip blogs with vigor, debating all angles of the story. He has his own web page dedicated to local gossip and in an attempt to get picked up by the local newspapers. The editors, thankfully, have not added a gossip columnist and have no intention of doing so. But Kevin is persistently subscribing to the squeaky wheel theory.

  I glanced toward Gaven and Rebecca who were struggling to get a large garbage bag out of the car. To my delight, Gaven fell on his butt with said garbage bag on his chest.

  I looked back toward Kevin thinking about his power of gossip. I decided to try to pry some info from him. I wondered if Kevin knew who was the local werewolf pack leader. This would be tricky without actually bringing up werewolves.

  “Uh, Kevin. I wanted to ask you a question. Do you have a minute before you run off?” I was unsure of how I was going to breach this conversation without giving anything away. The last thing I needed was to have Kevin spread a rumor I was a werewolf. He would either get his gossip column or be placed in the looney bin. I started to smile thinking about Kevin wearing a white straight jacket while being dragged away by two orderlies all the while yelling, “But it’s true, she is a werewolf.” The orderlies rolling their eyes, “sure buddy whatever you say.”

  “I would love to answer your question, got any cocktails at your place?” He raised his eyebrow and tipped his glass to emphasize how empty it was.

  “Yup, come on in.” I gave Gaven a wink and led Kevin into the kitchen. I whipped up his favorite concoction, mixed tropical fruit juice, rum, peach schnapps, and a pinch of sugar. Aptly named the Zombie.

  Gaven and I agreed I would talk to Kevin. I wanted to get him talking about what was circulating in the local gossip mill, in an effort that something he let slip might lead me in the right direction. After a drink or two, Kevin would be less suspicious since I didn’t get into his gossip that much.

  Kevin took a sip, “Delicious.”

  I sat next to Kevin at the counter, “What’s new in the gossip mill.

  He smiled brightly, “Are you turning
to the dark side?”

  “Well, with all the excitement lately with the murders, I just thought you might have secret information. You always seem to have the jump on everyone else when it comes to this community.”

  I sat on a bar stool feigning some dignity. “As a psychotherapist, I think it’s always a good idea to have my finger on the pulse of the community, don’t you agree?” Sounded like a good line to me, I hoped he was buying it.

  Kevin set down his drink, swiveled toward me on his bar stool and began. “Well, since you asked. The murders are all anyone is talking about. It seems the police are making no headway and I hear poor Leslie is just beside himself.” He paused and sighed, “If I wasn’t married to Frank... So anyway, like I said everyone is so upset. There are several local businessmen getting together to raise money for a reward. Whoever gives the police information leading to an arrest gets the reward money. Apparently, the man leading the charge, is none other than the very tasty, Jacob Anderson.”

  “Of, Jacob Anderson Construction?” I asked, beginning to get interested. Jacob Anderson had been developing land all around town since he moved here a few years ago. He was a pretty well-known businessman and philanthropist. He purchased a big chunk of land outside of town that he dredged on three sides to create his own peninsula. Then he put up fences and hedges to make it look ritzy and pretty amazing. There was a giant wrought iron gate and guardhouse. Nobody got in without prior notice. It was worse than a Manhattan skyscraper for the rich and famous. This was the neighborhood everyone who was anyone wanted to live. The local social climbers went through hell just to get an invite to the parties held there. They would probably give their first born to buy the overpriced property in this neighborhood. I really didn’t understand all the fuss. It’s just a bunch of mansions which don’t clean themselves.

  “The very attractive Jacob Anderson. He is sponsoring a party at his extremely exclusive home for all the wealthy community members. Black tie! All proceeds go toward the reward. I hear the jackpot is getting quite large, somewhere in the amount of five million and Jacob Anderson has vowed to match whatever is raised. He gave a speech at the last community meeting saying he has come to see Punta Gorda as his new home since moving here five years ago. It kills him these murders are happening here and he will do all he can to help catch the killer.” He took another gulp of his cocktail. “I sure wish I knew something to tell him. You’d think with all my contacts that I could easily find out who-done-it. And then I could live a life of eating bon-bons and getting my feet massaged,” he sighed at the fantasy.