Torment (Craving 2)

“Yes…I know,” he answered somberly. “I picked up on the scent a moment ago as well.”

“Werewolves,” I said.

“Probably Shifters, as weres don’t usually take on wolf form during the daylight, but hold on, they can’t outrun this baby!” He flattened the gas pedal and we shot down the gravel road as Meatloaf bellowed out “Like a Bat Outta Hell!”, and I couldn’t help but grin.

We took the bend in the road on what felt like two wheels, and came to a screeching, swerving stop. We didn’t have a choice. I know I couldn’t breathe as I stared out of the windshield.

There, in the middle of the road, was a wolf larger than anything I have ever seen anywhere. It was larger than the largest of the reputed huge McKenzie wolves. It was almost as though I was looking at something conjured from a fantasy movie.

The wolf was, I thought, as large as a horse.

He was beautiful, with a gray coat of variegated shades of gray and black. He had Alpha black markings between his ears, and on his nose and chest.

His eyes were bright yellow and he stared at us—hard, and he looked angry!

His teeth were bared and his growl filled the atmosphere with the threat of ferocity.

“This is so not good,” I said actually to myself, and then closed my open window.

The stand-off continued silently for what seemed like forever, and then Big Wolfie’s voice was in my head and told me, I am Hawkeye Wellsly, Alpha leader of my pack. I don’t know what your stake in this is, or why immortals would take sides, especially with ancient and bloodthirsty vampires, and I don’t care. This is the only warning you get. If you choose to help the vampires, it will be at your own peril.

“Wait!” I screamed out loud as soon as I had the window opened again. “Who said we took sides with the vampires?”

“He spoke to both of us…in our heads at the same time, Bobbie. I have never known a Shifter capable of that.”

You collaborate with the Dark Warlock, Beyland. He is a known associate of the ancient vampire, Ramon…who is set on war to get what he wants—power over the humans. Again, the wolf’s voice was in my head, and, I could see, in Jeremy’s head as well.

Suddenly my Shama kicked in and I spoke to the wolf telepathically, perhaps to show strength. Don’t have a stake in your fight with the vamps, but if we did, threatening us like this—not so smart. I couldn’t believe my control. I had sent the message into Jeremy’s head as well.

The huge wolf put up his head and howled. Ah hell, did I just pick a fight with a Shifter pack?

Jeremy joined the telepathic conversation. Now, out of our way, doggie. I would hate to run into you and damage my new car.

I grinned at Jeremy. We were being brave and totally foolish. The wolf blocking our way looked big enough to crash through our window, drag us out, and eat us in one gulp.

He did, in fact, take a few steps towards us and when his yellow eyes met with mine, I could feel his irritation.

He mind-spoke to both of us. This is your first and last warning.

He turned ever so slightly and stared into the dark woods and I thought he was about to leave, but instead, he was at my open window, close, so very close, and this time I knew he spoke only to me.

Listen to me, Red. It is going to get ugly. I would hate for a pretty little witch to get in the middle of something she has no business being involved in.

“I’m…we…aren’t on the side of the vamps. That is a fact. And if it helps you to know, I am fairly certain that Dark Warlock isn’t either,” I told him. It occurred to me that we had no reason to quarrel with this big guy.

He made a snorting sound, turned and headed for the woods.

We heard his pack howl for him, and then everything went quiet and still.

Jeremy turned to me and said, “Right then. What do you say we head home and get some food?”

Jeremy, like I, was always hungry.

“Yeah, food would be great because I have had enough of an adventure for a day.”

Jeremy stepped on the gas and we shot down the road.

~ Eleven ~