Mirror Lake Wolves 01 - Moon Kissed

by Jennifer Snyder

  “I’m sure he knows you didn’t mean it.” I pushed the stroller to where she was sitting and popped the brakes on just in case the twins became wiggly, and then I situated myself in the foldout chair beside her. My butt nearly fell through the woven slats making up the bottom. One or more of them were broken. “When did you guys fight? Last night?”

  She shook her head as another sob wracked her body. It was another minute or two before she could speak. “No, Friday night. He’s been gone since Friday night.”

  My heart dropped to my stomach, and icy tingles spread outward from my chest. Glenn had been the wolf in the woods. That meant the blood I’d found was most likely his, too.

  “We were arguing over something stupid. We’d both been drinking, which made it escalate quicker than it normally would. I said a few things I shouldn’t. He started to leave because of it, and I took his truck keys.” She pulled in a deep breath and put out her cigarette on the concrete slab we were sitting on. I glanced at Glenn’s truck. That was the only reason I thought he was still here. “He shifted and bolted for the damn woods as soon as he saw me pocket his keys. I should’ve gone after him, but I was so ticked off I couldn’t stand to be around him for another second. When he didn’t come home Friday night, I thought it was for the best. I thought we both needed some time apart. Time to cool off. When he didn’t come home Saturday night either, I started to get a worried. When Sunday came around and there was still no sign of him, I went down to the police station to file a missing person report after trying everyone I could think of who might have seen him and not having any luck.”

  “What did the police say?”

  “Nothing,” she scoffed. “Maybe I shouldn’t have told them we’d been arguing the night he left. If I’d left that part out, they might have taken the situation more serious. All they told me was that he’d come back once he’d cooled off enough.”

  “Maybe he will,” I said, hoping to refresh any hope she might have had when they’d said it.

  “I don’t know, Mina. I really feel like something horrible happened to him. I know y’all think we fight all the time, and I’m not going to lie and say we don’t, but this isn’t like him. Glenn wouldn’t leave like this and not come back. If anything, he would’ve at least come back for his truck. You know that hunk of junk is his baby,” she said as she reached for another cigarette seconds after snuffing out the first.

  Glenn did love his truck. He worked on at every weekend. It had definitely seen better days, but at least it ran. To him, that was all that mattered.

  “I know,” I said. Farah wiggled in her sleep, and I knew it was because the stroller had come to a standstill. If I didn’t get up and start moving them around, the twins were bound to wake. Catnaps only made them grouchy. “Have you talked to anyone else?” I stood and walked to the stroller. I released the brake and moved it back and forth as I stayed in place, staring at Taryn.

  “Of course I have. Everyone I thought he might have talked to by now or could be staying with. No one has heard from him. No one has seen him.” She took another drag off her cigarette and exhaled the smoke upward so it wouldn’t go in the twins’ faces. I didn’t think it mattered where she blew her smoke. I could still smell the cigarette from here. It saturated the air around us. “I don’t know what to do. I love him, Mina. If something happened to him…”

  “Nothing happened to him.” I wasn’t sure why the words spurred from my mouth, especially considering the things I knew. “Everything will be okay. He’ll come back. You have to stay positive.”

  “It’s hard to stay positive when no one believes me. You’re the first person who’s actually heard me out. Candace didn’t even want to hear it. She doesn’t think we’re good together. If you ask me though, I think she’s jealous of our relationship.”

  I didn’t think that was it. I just thought Candace wanted better for her sister. She wanted more than this trailer park for her. She wanted more than Mirror Lake.

  Candace had gotten out of town the second Taryn graduated high school, and she never looked back. She left the pack. She left her hometown. She left her sister. I liked to think it was because she moved on to bigger and better things, but I couldn’t imagine leaving behind my own family for selfish gain.

  Farah stirred in her seat again. Her tiny legs extended, kicking her brother in the process. He stirred as well, and I debated reaching for the lavender spray Gran had given me. Maybe a squirt on their T-shirts would make them sleep a little longer.

  I couldn’t bring myself to do it, though.

  “I should get going,” I said as a rocked the stroller a little harder. “I’m pretty sure these two are about to wake up, and when they do, you can bet they’ll want something to eat.” Their appetites never ceased to amaze me.

  “You’re probably right about that.” Taryn’s gaze drifted to the twins. “It’s fine. I think I’m going to take a trip to the woods to see if I can find Glenn anyway.”

  “No!” I shouted, startling her. Taryn didn’t need to go into the woods. If she did, she might find the area of blood I’d found. In her frame of mind, it might be best if she didn’t see that. “Trekking through the woods by yourself isn’t smart. You know what my Gran always says.”

  “I know, but sitting here doing nothing isn’t smart either. What if something happened to him out there? What if he’s hurt? I should be out there looking for him since nobody else gives a damn or believes me.” Her words were harsh and sharp. I let her tone wash over me, knowing I would feel exactly the way she did if the shoe were on the other foot. On the other hand, I didn’t blame anyone for not believing her. Taryn and Glenn were always fighting about something. They were the most on-again, off-again couple I’d ever known. “Westley didn’t even want to hear it, and he’s our damn Alpha.”

  What could I say that would keep her out of the woods?

  I didn’t want to give her any information until I had something concrete, but I had to give her something to keep her away from the place Glenn was probably attacked and abducted.

  I tried to think of something, but nothing would come. Farah started to whine. Her chubby arms flailed about. Rocking the stroller back and forth wasn’t working. Farah needed to feel the bumping of the gravel. Either that or she needed her diaper changed.

  Taryn’s cell rang. She glanced at the screen with wild hope festering in her eyes, but the second she processed the name and number it died. “It’s my sister. I should probably take this.”

  “That’s fine. Like I said, the twins are going to be hungry little beasts when they wake. I’ll ask around, though, see if anyone has seen Glenn for you. Let them know you haven’t seen him since Friday night.”

  “Get back with me if you learn anything, please,” she pleaded.

  “I will.”

  Taryn pressed a button on her cell and answered her sister’s call. “Calling to apologize?”

  I couldn’t hear her sister’s reply, but whatever it was, it made Taryn cry again.

  “I’d love for you to come. I need you here. Thank you,” she said.

  My heart warmed. Candace was coming for a visit. Maybe she wasn’t as cold-hearted and selfish as I’d once thought.

  I started toward Felicia’s place. Sweat beaded across my brow. Maybe the twins were waking up because it was so humid out already. AC might calm them down.

  A car cruised past me, kicking up dust from the gravel. I glanced over my shoulder, checking for more traffic and caught sight of Eli’s new place.

  I really needed to talk to him.

  I spun the stroller around and headed toward his trailer. Taryn was still on the phone with her sister when I passed. I wondered when Candace would be able to get here and what she’d tell Taryn they should do since the police didn’t seem to be offering any help.

  Eli’s truck wasn’t there when I rounded his place. Disappointment crashed through me. I’d been hoping he’d be home so I could fill him in on everything I’d learned, along with my new t
heory on who I’d seen in the woods. I fished my cell out of my back pocket and scrolled through my contacts until I found his name. A new text came through from Alec before I could tap on Eli’s name.

  Got any plans for the night? I was thinking we could try that movie thing again.

  It was Alec. Crap. I couldn’t go to the movies with him tonight. There was too much going on here. Too much I needed to fill Eli in on.

  Hey, sorry but I can’t. I promised my Gran I’d help her with something. – Mina

  I hated lying to Alec, but I didn’t have a choice. Not if I wanted to meet up with Eli later tonight to discuss what I’d found out. It would be strictly pack business this time. No moonshine. No helping with his projects around the trailer.

  At least that was what I was telling myself to make me feel less guilty.

  Okay. Maybe later this week, then. I want to see you.

  My heart pitter-pattered faster in my chest. I wanted to see Alec, too. Sunday seemed forever ago.

  I want to see you, too. Later this week we can hang out for sure. – Mina

  Regardless of what happened with this whole Glenn thing, I definitely needed to carve out time for Alec. I craved the normalcy of his presence and his sweet southern manners.

  I switched gears and opened up a new message by tapping on Eli’s name.

  Hey, I need to talk to you. Are you working? – Mina

  When Eli didn’t respond as quickly as I would’ve liked, I turned the stroller around and headed back to Felisha’s place. Farah was totally awake and Fletcher wasn’t far behind. He kept grunting. Either he was slowly waking or taking a dump. Either was plausible.

  When I reached Felicia’s trailer and bent to scoop Farah out of the stroller, my cell chimed with a new text. I ignored it and got the twins out. Once I made it inside and settled them on the beanbag chair they seemed to adore, I reached for my phone. It was from Eli.

  Of course, I’m a workin’ man. What do we need to talk about?

  Remember when I told you what I saw in the woods Sunday? – Mina

  Yeah.

  Well, I think it has something to do with Glenn. Can we meet up tonight sometime so I can fill you in on everything I learned today? – Mina

  Sure. I should be done with this landscaping job around six. Then I have to head to the bar to help Eddie restock the shelves. We had an order come in today.

  Dang, he was busy. I knew he worked hard, but I didn’t realize he worked that hard.

  How long will that take you? – Mina

  Not long. I should be home before nine.

  I’ll meet you at your place, then. – Mina

  You bringing dinner, or should I?

  I scoffed. Who said anything about food?

  I’m not bringing you anything. – Mina

  Don’t worry, seeing you after a long day of work will be enough.

  My thumbs hovered over the keys of my phone as I debated on how I should respond. In the end, I decided not to say anything. I chose to ignore the way Eli’s words made me feel, too. However, I couldn’t ignore the fact I’d turned down a movie with Alec to spend time with Eli instead.

  Pack business. That’s all it was. Right?

  12

  Lights were on at Eli’s place, but he wasn’t answering his door. Was I supposed to let myself in? Or should I knock again?

  As I debated what to do, the door swung open, startling me. I opened my mouth to say something, but bit back my words the second I noticed Eli was before me almost naked.

  He stared down at me from where I was on the second step with a look of amusement flickering in his green eyes. He wore nothing besides a tattered towel draped around his waist and a smirk. My lungs forgot how to breathe. My heart forgot how to beat. All I could do was stare.

  “Sorry. I thought I’d have enough time to jump in the shower before you got here,” Eli said as water dripped from him. Droplets landed on my forearm jolting me awake from the trance I’d been put under at the sight of him. “Let me get dressed and then you can fill me in on everything.” He stepped to the side so I could come in. My legs wobbled beneath me as I climbed the remaining steps.

  Words wouldn’t come. I watched his retreating form, practically salivating. His skin had grown darker since the last time I’d seen him, and I knew it was because he’d been working outside. Shirtless. There wasn’t a single tan line across his back. In fact, the upper portion was blood red from too much sun.

  “You should really put some aloe on. It looks like you got a bad burn today,” I called down the hall after him, grateful I’d been able to find my voice at all.

  “Tell me about it,” he shouted back. “I’m definitely feeling it.”

  “Gran makes a spray and a salve with aloe. I can get something for you if you want it.”

  Eli stepped into sight, tugging on a white cotton T-shirt. He’d pulled on a pair of khaki cargo shorts, but no shoes. His hair was still dripping wet and disheveled. From where I stood, I could see droplets sliding down his neck and wetting the collar of his shirt.

  “Nah, I’ll be fine. You know as well as I do this will be gone by tomorrow morning,” he said.

  The whole Moon Kissed thing did have its perks. “Right.”

  “So, what’s this about Glenn?” Eli asked as he stepped into the kitchen and opened the cabinet beside the refrigerator.

  I knew what he was going for—the moonshine he always kept there. I wondered if he was still drinking the apple pie batch from the other night, or if he’d bought something else. Not that it mattered. I wouldn’t be drinking with him again. Not after what almost happened last time.

  I had enough guilt pressing down on me. I didn’t need to add any more.

  “Long story short, I overheard part of a phone conversation Taryn was having earlier. She was telling her sister she thought Glenn was missing. Apparently, they’d been drinking and got into an argument. She took his keys so he wouldn’t drive away, and instead, he shifted and hauled ass to the woods,” I paused, watching as Eli took a healthy swig of moonshine. His Adam’s apple bobbed in the process. I waited for him to pass the jar to me next, but he didn’t. “That was on Friday night. She claims she hasn’t seen him since.”

  “Has anyone?” Eli’s brows furrowed.

  “According to her, no.”

  “You think the wolf in the woods Friday night was Glenn?”

  “Yeah, I do.”

  Eli smoothed a hand over his face. “Did she talk to my dad?”

  “Yeah, sorry to say it, but he wasn’t much help to her either.”

  “They fight too much for her fears to hold any clout. Plus, he’s been busy with something else,” he said as he scratched at his brow.

  The mysterious words caused the fine hairs on the back of my neck to stand on end. “Oh?”

  Eli ignored my question. Probably because whatever it was his dad was busy with was pack related, and Eli wasn’t at liberty to tell me. “Did Taryn call around at all?”

  “Yeah, no luck. She filed a police report labeling him as a missing person, too.”

  “I’m sure that didn’t do a damn bit of good.” Eli took another swig of moonshine. He held it out to me afterward this time. “Want some?”

  I shook my head. “No, I’m good.”

  “Oh, come on,” he pressed. “I can tell you want it.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Whatever.”

  “It’s true. Desire for it is oozing from you.”

  His words had my heart stalling in my chest. It wasn’t the moonshine I was desiring.

  “Take it,” he said as he inched the jar closer to me. “Just one sip.”

  I took it from him and sighed. “You do realize you’re contributing to a minor, right? I’m only eighteen.”

  Eli shrugged. “I know. And I think saying someone has to be twenty-one before they can drink legally is bullshit.”

  I placed the jar to my lips and willed myself to take a swig of the stout-smelling liquid. Fire coated my throat instant
ly, but it wasn’t as potent as the last time. Was I already building up a tolerance to the stuff?

  “Why is that?” I choked out the words and flew into a coughing fit.

  Nope. Hadn’t built up a tolerance yet.

  “Because if a person can legally go to war, ready to die for this country, I think they should be able to buy themselves a damn drink legally.”

  He had a point. “I’ve never thought of it like that.” My tongue felt numb as I handed the jar back to him. I leaned against the kitchen counter. “But, to get back to what we were talking about before, no. Filing a police report didn’t do anything to help. They didn’t send out a search party or anything. All they told Taryn was that he’d come back when he had cooled off enough.”

  “Figures. She probably would have been better off if she hadn’t mentioned the argument at all,” Eli said as he hoisted himself onto the countertop.

  I did the same and noticed when he set the mason jar between us. “Yeah, but then she’d look guilty or like she had something to do with his disappearance, wouldn’t she?”

  “Maybe, but they also might look further into the whole thing.”

  “Candace is coming, so I’m sure they’ll be looking into things a lot harder soon. You know how she can be,” I said.

  “Candace? Jesus, Mirror Lake had better watch out.”

  “She was a real piece of work, wasn’t she?”

  “Hell yeah, she was. Can’t believe she’s stepping foot in town again.” Eli reached for a bag of tortilla chips near him. The bag crinkled as he opened it. It was loud, but it was nothing compared to the sound of him crunching on the chips next to me. I couldn’t stand hearing someone eat, especially when it was something crunchy. “You know, I used to have a thing for Candace.”

  His sudden admittance surprised me enough to make me deaf to the sound of him eating. “Really?”

  “Yeah, why not? She was pretty, smart, driven. All the qualities any man would want in a woman.”

  “Yeah, but…” I stalled as I tried to think of a nice way to tell him they were the exact opposite of each other. “Y’all have nothing in common. And I do mean nothing. Candace was pretty, smart, and driven, but she was also hoity-toity and high maintenance. Definitely not someone I’d ever picture you with.”