Six Times a Charm

by Deanna Chase

  “What is wrong with you? Have you lost your ever-lovin’ mind?” he yelled at me, spit spewing from his mouth.

  “What do you mean, what is wrong with me? I’m protecting myself, you goon.”

  The tough guy whimpered at that point and held his head. I couldn’t believe what I heard, and saw, for that matter.

  “You hurt him.” He rubbed his head harder and sniffled.

  “You threatened me, what did you expect? I can’t let you get by with your antics any longer.”

  “We weren’t really going to do anything to you. We’d never really hurt you. You’re too pretty,” the other one said as he helped his partner.

  What pretty had to do with anything, I had no idea. The fact they insinuated they’d have hurt me if I were ugly made me want to kick their butts even more. Maybe they’d like to be kneed in a very special place.

  “What do you mean? It sure as hell looked as if you were going to hurt me.”

  “I mean, he told us to just scare you, not to really hurt you.”

  The uglier one elbowed the other. “Shh. Don’t tell her.”

  “What? Who is he? Who sent you? Why have you been following me around everywhere I go?”

  The big bad wolf continued to cry and sniffle. His behavior was getting on my nerves.

  “That hurt like hell, you know.”

  Was he kidding? He was actually crying. Tears ran down the fur of his face. Despite the fact they’d been following me and making my life a living hell, I did feel bad. I didn’t want to see anyone hurt. Why was I such a softie?

  “I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to throw the bottle so hard.” I had, but he didn’t have to know. Maybe it was a stupid thing to do, but I moved closer to them. I prayed they wouldn’t eat me as soon as I got near.

  “There, there. Don’t cry anymore. I’m very sorry I hurt you.” I patted his shoulder to comfort him. “Please, don’t be upset anymore.” My fingers stuck to his matted fur, and I gave a yank to free them.

  “Ouch,” he yelped.

  “Sorry.” I held my hands up in surrender.

  His sniffling subsided a teensy bit.

  The other one shrugged. I guess he was at a loss for words. Finally he said, “He’s always been a bit dramatic. He’ll get over it.”

  I raised an eyebrow and nodded in acknowledgment. Now that I knew they were really rather weak and I doubted they could have hurt a fly, I contemplated playing the tough girl in order to get the info I needed out of them. After what I’d witnessed, I could totally scare them. Mulling it over for a second, I decided to be more nice than nasty. Why, I didn’t know, but I did. Like I said, big softie—that’s me.

  “All right, guys. Tell me who ordered you to follow me.” Enough beating around the bush. “I want the truth and I want to know now, or there are more beer bottles where that one came from. Understand?” I poked Overbite in the chest. Okay, so I added a little tough girl at the last minute. Sue me. They glanced at each other, I assumed trying to decide whether they should divulge the info or not.

  “We can’t tell you. We promised, and if we tell, he may hurt us. You can’t force us.”

  “Fine, I’ll go hunt up a few more bottles to toss at your heads.” I marched back over to the trash can feeling a little feisty. It was a full moon, after all, I was a werewolf and I’d just discovered these guys were chicken shits.

  As I started fumbling around in the cans, tossing banana peels and old newspapers everywhere, both of them took off in a lope. On one hand, I was glad they’d left, but on the other I needed to know who had sent them. It was the only way to get the madness in my crazy life to stop. The idea of running the streets, chasing two silly werewolves, didn’t exactly appeal to me, but I didn’t think I had a choice.

  To some extent, even though I tried to fight it, the bright moon beckoned me, making me want to run. Without another thought, I took off in a lope, following in the direction they traveled. It wasn’t hard to find them, because about a block away a woman hunkered down with fear in a doorway as they rushed by. Kicking it into overdrive, I picked up my speed. I wasn’t exactly a gym rat, but I could keep up with those two. Werewolves were supposed to be fast, but not them. What I would do with them when I caught them, I wasn’t sure, but I was going to make them talk. I’d get to the bottom of this once and for all. Even if I had to beat the words out of them.

  The streets were dark, of course, but I could still make out with the aid of streetlights and the moonlight well enough. The only problem was people could see me too. I hated that. A few screeches echoed as the three of us trotted by, and I heard the words: huge dogs. With my luck, it would be no time before animal control had a net around my neck. We ran past an old jazz bar as a few lounge lizards walked out. One guy tried to kick me as I hurried past. Bastard, what did I do to him? I wasn’t bothering him in any way. I’d like to take a bite out of his ass. All right, so I wouldn’t actually do it, but I’d like to. If he kicked me again, I just might.

  My werewolf buds turned down another alleyway and I almost missed it, I moved so fast. I backed up and kicked my legs into overdrive. Being so close to them, I smelled the strong cologne they used to cover their stink. I’d almost caught up with them. The hot night air battered my face, my fur felt sticky and I knew I reeked. I slowed my pace as the wolves backed into a corner. I had them trapped. The one with chains I’d conked on the head plopped down on the pavement. He clutched at his chest with his front paw.

  “Tell her, for heaven’s sake. I can’t run anymore and I already have one bruise, I don’t want another one. Plus the pads of my feet hurt.” He panted and brushed a paw through his bushy fur.

  “Are you telling me you’re scared of a female? A scrawny one, at that?” The other one tugged on his arm, trying to heave him up.

  “Yes, I am. I don’t like confrontations and I never win fights. I just want to go home and rest. Maybe eat some fried chicken or something. I have leftovers from KFC.” He continued to pant heavily, trying to catch his breath. I tried to catch mine too. I’d pushed my aerobic capacity to the limit.

  “What are your names, anyway?” I wanted to know.

  The one on the ground said, “I’m Tom and he’s Bob.”

  Good to know.

  The alley flowed into the street behind us, so I hoped they wouldn’t take off running again. That fried chicken sounded good to me too, so I couldn’t blame them if they did. My mouth watered at the mere thought of it. If he mentioned mashed potatoes and a biscuit, I’d cave. I was so ready for this horrible night to be over. Plus I had to worry about getting back into my office to retrieve my clothing in the morning. I didn’t want to be caught outside in my birthday suit when the sun came up. Talk about embarrassing. As a matter-of-fact, with all the stress, I figured a day off was definitely in order. So tomorrow I would relax and recover from this dreadful evening. That was if I could avoid Jennifer and Jack sending me away for a mental evaluation. It was terrible to feel as if I couldn’t go home, but that was exactly how I felt. Life as I knew it was over.

  “Tell me who it is who sent you and get it over with. I won’t say anything to the person, I promise. You have my werewolf word on it.” I held my furry paw up to my heart. There was no special werewolf oath or anything, but I figured the gesture looked good, anyway.

  “Martin Blake. It’s Martin, all right. Now leave us alone.” A low whimper escaped Tom’s throat after he realized what he’d said.

  “What. It’s Martin?” I didn’t know what to say, there were no words. Martin had these thugs follow me. He was the one whom Jack had recruited to protect me. The enemy had been right under my snout the whole time. Why had he done such a thing? Was it because of Lily? Did the two somehow have it out for me? A creepy feeling fell over me. Knowing Martin had been sitting in my office pretending to be a victim right along with me was unsettling.

  “It was Martin? He tried to date me, for heaven’s sake. Why would he do something so terrible?” I asked.

 
; “Because…” I heard the deep voice from behind me.

  Chapter 20

  How to Date a Werewolf Rule # 20:

  Never piss off a werewolf.

  The voice startled me. He stood near—almost close enough to whisper in my ear. I jumped back, and my heart thumped in my chest.

  “You scared the hell out of me. What is wrong with you? Have you lost your mind? Why would you have these two chase me around?” I pointed over to the two goons sitting in the corner. They stared at us, dirty and wide-eyed. I took in a couple of deep breaths, trying to calm my nerves. “Have you lost your mind? I mean, seriously, have you finally lost your last marble?”

  “Rylie…I love you. I’ve loved you since I first laid eyes on you. You’re a lovely creature, and I want you for my mate. For all eternity.”

  My head began to swim. I couldn’t catch my breath, and I felt as if I might lose my lunch. I couldn’t get my eyes to focus. In the distance, I heard a few howls drift through the dense night air. An eerie reminder of who we were and what took place on that particular night all around the city—around the world, for that matter.

  “I need to sit down. I feel dizzy.” My appendages shook.

  “Oh, let me help you.” Martin came closer. He seemed eager to shower all of his affection on me.

  “No, don’t touch me. Don’t come any closer,” I warned, throwing my paws out in a stop gesture. I snarled at him.

  “But, Rylie…I love you. Can’t you see my love for you?”

  “I heard you the first time. Stop saying that. Why, if you love me, would you harass me like you have? You don’t harass the ones you love.” Maybe where he came from they did.

  He gave me a blank stare and then said, “No harm, no foul, right?”

  “Wait a minute. Who were the men in the dark suits? Did you have anything to do with them?”

  Bob and Tom coughed at the same time. “Um, that’s us. In human form, of course.”

  “You’re the men in black?” I said.

  “No.” Bob chuckled. “We just thought it would be fun to dress like that.” Both of them snickered.

  I was not amused. “Were you the one sending the bullets too?” I asked Martin.

  He let a slow evil smile escape his lips. “I did. I’m sorry. I just wanted you to love me. To love me the way I love you. When I first came to see you and you fixed me up with Lily, it was you I wanted. You are mesmerizing. I only went out with Lily so I could see you again. I figured when I came to you and told you it hadn’t worked out with her, you’d want to find someone else for me. Then I could convince you I was the perfect person for you. I am the werewolf of your dreams.”

  “Hardly,” I said dryly.

  “Then that jerk came into your life, and let me tell you, I was pissed. I figured if I scared you, then I could be the one protecting you and you’d fall in love with me. I just needed to get that loser out of the way. Which, by the way, was easier to do than I thought. Jack and I had a little conversation and he explained how he thought you were suffering from a mental illness. So…I may have let him believe I thought you were responsible for the packages with the bullets. Let me add, he did not find the bullets amusing, not in the least. Plus I told him you broke into your own office. That I saw you do it.”

  “I’ll kill you.” I lunged at him in that split second. I couldn’t help myself. I wanted blood. I could taste it, salty and metallic. Martin had harassed me and now he made me appear crazy, there would be no stopping me. My tolerance level was shot. Gone. Flown the coop. I went for his throat. I made a huge leap and straddled him right there in the alleyway, placing my paws around his bony neck. If anyone saw the display, it probably appeared like two dogs fighting to the death. Except I was the one fighting, and Martin was somewhat enjoying me being on top of him. I could tell by the disgusting smirk on his face. The pervert. The two goons scampered over and pulled me off Martin.

  “Come on, Rylie. It’s not very ladylike to fight,” Bob said. They held me back, restraining me.

  I yanked my arms away from them. “Oh, shut up. What the hell do you know about being ladylike? I am so pissed at you, Martin. I want you to apologize and tell everyone the truth. I’m going to tell Jack everything about my werewolf life. I’m sick of hiding things. I will make it work, somehow. I’ll get rid of the curse too.”

  “The curse?” Tom and Bob said in unison.

  “Oh, never mind,” I screeched.

  “I’m really sorry, Rylie. I never meant for it to turn out like this. I never wanted to really hurt you. My intentions were good, honest. I just wanted to go out with you,” Martin pleaded. He stood against the brick wall, his eyes like saucers. No doubt he waited for me to pounce again.

  “Why on earth would I want to date you after you did such a thing to me? You are in so much trouble, buddy. I’m going to the pack police and file a restraining order against your ass.” I stood mere inches from his bony body and poked him in the chest with my finger. “So I suggest you leave me alone. You’ll be sorry if you don’t,” I huffed.

  With one swift movement, Martin aimed a gun at my chest. I froze with my hand in midair. His move was not exactly what I had expected. My problems were certainly now bigger than Lily, Jack and Jennifer. My life flashed before my eyes. Seriously. I know people say that all the time, but it did. How was I supposed to react? I couldn’t run—he’d shoot me in the back. I cast my eyes over at Tom and Bob. They stood motionless, their eyes wide.

  “Martin, dude, what are you doing?”

  “Shut up, dumbasses.”

  I glanced at them again. They frowned at the insult.

  “If I can’t have you, no one can,” Martin growled.

  Oh God. My life really was like a bad horror flick. We stood—all four of us—frozen in time. No one knew what move to make next. As I was about to agree to go out with Martin to save my life, Tom leapt forward and pounced on him. Everything moved in slow motion. They fell and the gun flew from his hand. Bob rushed over and retrieved the weapon. Tom and Martin rolled on the ground.

  “Stop,” Bob demanded, pointing the gun at Martin.

  I guess he wasn’t as much of a coward as I’d thought. They froze. Tom fumbled up and stood in front of me, stretching his hands out. He was protecting me from Martin. I couldn’t believe it. Why would he do that? After all of the harassment, I doubted they’d turned to my side. There was no time to contemplate what their motives were, though. Martin stared. His eyes were frozen like a deer caught in a car’s headlights. His mouth quivered—I knew he was furious. Would Bob shoot him?

  I didn’t have to debate that question long. Martin took off in a sprint and neither Bob nor

  Tom followed.

  “Are you all right?” Bob asked.

  “I’m fine other than being stunned. I almost died.”

  “We wouldn’t let that happen.”

  “Oh yeah?”

  “Like we said, you’re too pretty.”

  Lame reason, but I was thankful they thought so. Otherwise I’d be toast. I looked around for any sign of Martin. I was still paranoid he’d return.

  “I gotta get out of here,” I said. “I’ll repay you all somehow.”

  “I’m sure we can think of some way for you to show your gratitude,” Tom said, then showed a toothy grin.

  Swiftly, I turned around and padded out of the alley, ignoring his creepy comment. I never turned to see if Tom and Bob followed. I felt their eyes boring a giant crater into my back, though. I owed them for saving me, although maybe they were right—we were even. I held back tears—I would not cry. My body trembled as visions of the black barrel pointed in my direction ran through my mind. He’d tried to kill me. And then he just ran off like a coward. I’d come to a decision, though. When day broke, I would tell Jack everything, and I meant all the gruesome details. I’d made up my mind, and I’d take my chances on the outcome. What did I have to lose? There would be no looking back. I was sick of living a lie. The intense heat inside me was almost unb
earable—I was livid. If I’d learned one thing from the mess I’d been wrapped up in, it was I didn’t need a relationship to be happy. I had to stop living for others’ feelings and do what was right for me. But in some way, deep down, I realized I was afraid of not being wanted—not being loved. It was better to have a curse than to be rejected. What Jennifer had said about past dates was right—I’d never tried to let them work. I suppose I was the last person who should be offering dating advice—much less running a matchmaking service.

  Passing by a café, I noticed the clock on the wall. It was midnight and I still had hours until daybreak. My insides were seething from my recent discovery. Would Martin come after me again? I prayed they’d lock him up and throw away the key. All that time, I thought the harassment was Lily’s handiwork when in reality Martin was the evil one responsible. He’d almost killed me. So many things had happened. I’d considered other people responsible—Lily, and the boneheads looking for Uncle Ernie. I still didn’t know why they wanted Ernie.

  After all my walking around the city streets, I still hadn’t spotted a payphone. My stomach rumbled. I needed food, but with hair covering every inch of my body and no money, I didn’t see how that would be possible. The freaks truly came out on a full moon and I was one of them. Werewolves weren’t the only creatures roaming the streets. The vampires were out in full force too, looking for fresh blood.

  As I made my way through another dark and narrow alley, headed closer to my office, I passed the back entrance of a small restaurant. On the back steps that led into the kitchen sat a werewolf. He wore an old baseball cap turned backward, and his black fur shone in the moonlight. I bet my fur didn’t look that healthy—stress will do that to you.