The Howling

The woman answered with a long defiant howl that echoed down the corridors and off the large walls. Her eyes seemed to glare at Barry with silent accusation. He smiled, chuckled to himself as the pack nodded in agreement. Then he howled out in return. He lunged at the woman beast, and within that instant he changed into his wolf form.

The enlarged snout that belonged to the leader of the pack, enclosed around the throat of the stray. Blood dripped from his fangs down his shiny blue black fur and onto the stone floor as he pulled away with the jugular still in his mouth. The rest of the pack jumped on and tore the flesh from the bones as their howls filled the night air. They devoured their treat, still alive. As Barry watched his wolf like face contorted in a twisted smile. When there was nothing left but bones the pack scattered back into the night leaving their black wolf leader, half black wolf captain, and white wolf guard to contemplate the disposal together in silence.

As the moon faded away into the early morning sunrise, they silently changed back into their human forms. Paul and Keith gathered up the leftover bones and placed them within the cavern under the stairway. They then washed themselves clean from the kill in the tide pool. When finished, Paul donned his police attire and ascended back into the world. Keith took his surf board that he left leaning against the far end of the den and disappeared into the sand.

When all were gone, Barry returned upstairs. He washed himself in the shower, dressed in jean shorts and a tank top then strolled off into town for a cup of coffee; feeling completely refreshed and ready to face the day.

What was that incessant pounding that threatened to wake Lena from her slumber? Bang, bang, bang, silent pause, and then a ringing; she opened her eyes. The phone was about to fall off the nightstand as it vibrated, then rang, and then repeated. She reached for it wearily, noticed it was nearly noon, and cursed aloud.

“What Kyle?” She snapped as she finally accepted the call.

“Are you going to leave me out here banging on your door all morning?” He asked in his traditional chipper voice.

“What?” She muttered.

Tap, tap, tap, came from both the door and the phone.

“Shit.”

Lena hung up the phone, threw on an old t-shirt and padded irritatingly down the hall. She unlocked the dead bolt and swung open the door. It had been almost a year since she had last seen Kyle and much had changed. He still had his broad shoulders and kind blue eyes. But now his long brown hair was tied back behind his head and he had traded in his suit and tie for a pair of faded jeans.

“Oh don’t give me that look Lena darling.” He laughed.

“What are you doing here Kyle?” She mumbled, letting him in.

“Am I not allowed to visit my favorite author in her lovely beach front home for a well deserved vacation?” He smiled warmly and flopped down on the couch.

“You are way too cheerful for me this early in the morning.” She growled and made her way into the kitchen to make coffee.

The laptop was still open and on, where Lena had left it. Kyle searched through her note files on the desk top silently as he awaited her return. His eyes were wide, and his smile was broader than usual when she sat down with their coffee.

“Is this the new one?” He asked hopeful.

“Trying to make it so,” She sighed and curled her legs up beneath her as she huddled over the steaming hot coffee.

“I’m just not feeling it though. There’s still so much that’s missing.”

“It always works out in the end. That’s what makes you the best.” He smiled and shut the pc down.

“You are such a kiss ass. Ok, let me get dressed. The least I can do is take you out for lunch before I kick you out.” She laughed.

“Sounds good to me.” He stood politely as she jogged back down the hall.

Before Kyle had a chance to sit back down, a loud rapping came from the front door. With Lena indisposed, he shuffled down the stairs and opened the door as the second round of pounding began. The man’s green eyes went wide from shock; his hand fell to his side, while his fist was still balled up ready to strike.

“Who in the hell are you?” Barry growled.

“Is that any way to greet someone?” He laughed.

“I am Kyle, and you are offensive. Lena,” He hollered down the hall, “Some unmannered jackass is here. Should I invite him in or slam the door in his face?”

Lena raced out to see what all the commotion was about. Kyle stood there smugly smirking as Barry appeared ever more angered and ready to lash out at any moment.

“Barry, hey! What are you up to this morning?” She smiled. “Let him in Kyle.”

“I came to see if you wanted to join me for lunch. I figured after last night I owed you some sort of explanation.” He looked calmer, more wounded than angry.

“You’re right about that.” She pouted recalling her previous discontent.

“It appears you’re busy though, so another time perhaps.” He turned to go.

“You are not getting out of it that easy, Barry.” She snapped.

“But what about him?” He snapped back. “I’m not speaking a word around this pompous, arrogant, self loathing, jack mule.”

“Barry, this is my editor. He flew in from Los Angelis last night because I’m slacking in my work again. He is by no means a threat to you, or me. So stop with the brooding masculinity issues.” She demanded.

“Oh, well don’t I look sheepish?” Barry blushed.

“You sure do buddy.” Kyle laughed.

“We were heading out for lunch and if Lena has her way, which she always does, I’m sure you’ll be joining us.”

“No rest for the wicked.” Barry replied with a smile.

“If you boys are done bonding over my meticulous necessity to be more demanding than proper, I’d like to get something to eat.”

Kyle and Barry were silenced instantly. They nodded an agreement as Lena snagged her purse and made her way out to the car without them.

In the corner booth near the back of the restaurant, Kyle, Lena, and Barry found enough privacy to discreetly discuss events over a meal. Barry had barely touched his sandwich when Lena began to pommel him with questions in-between bites of salad.

“What were Keith and the others doing at the woman’s house? What did he mean by his media comment? Who in the hell gave them permission to aid in the investigations?”

“Slow down lovely.” He laughed. “I’ll tell you a tale and then you decide how to proceed.”

“Alright.” She replied defeated.

“A few of us discovered that the woman’s home was broken out of, rather than into. Keith took two men with him to investigate the claim.” He began.

“So, you think she was the wolf?” Lena asked.

“No, we think she was changed by the wolf.” He replied.

“Alright so what do you have to do with it? Donny said you were a fool for involving me.”

“The guys are worried you’ll get in the way, or worse, get hurt. I agree. I’d rather see you stay inside where it’s safe during the moon phase.”

“That’s just not her style.” Kyle chuckled.

“No, it’s not. Furthermore, I’m not sure I completely agree with what you’re telling me. There is more to it than you and a few surfer fanatics helping out the local law enforcement.” She replied harshly.

“Believe what you will.” He shrugged.

“I’ll figure it out with or without you Barry. You might as well be truthful with me.” She snapped.

“I’ve said all I know.”

“Bullshit.” She growled, stood up and stormed away.

“She’s smart enough to do it you know.” Kyle sighed.

“I know. I’m just thankful there isn’t enough moon left for her to get hurt while she does.” Barry replied.

The breeze blew the sea air mist in a gentle spray across Lena’s face. The boys were still inside the restaurant as she stood fuming out on the board walk. She tried to connect the facts in her brain as she stared out over the water.

A large animal, feared as a wolf, was hunting in the town. The missing woman appeared to have broken out of her home, somehow changed, as Barry had called it. The officer Paul, and Keith, along with two others knew about the foul play at hand and yet no one was talking.

“Werewolf,” She muttered.

“You’ve done wrote about vampires already, so why not?” Lena jumped startled by Kyle’s abrupt appearance.

“Maybe I’m losing my mind, Kyle.” She sighed.

“Either that or you’ve found it.” He laughed. “Don’t do anything stupid alright Lena? I’d go bankrupt without you. Until then, I’ll be at the motel if you need me.”

“Thanks,” She smiled.

“I will expect you for dinner tonight, at six this evening. Since this is the only place to eat in this town I’m certain you won’t get lost.” He added.

Kyle strolled away with his hands in the pockets of his jeans, leaving Lena to figure out what to do with the rest of her day. She didn’t leave the pier as he left her in silence. The waves as they crashed against the shore soothed her nerves as her body rocked along in rhythm with the tide.

“Lena,” Barry sighed as he walked up to stand beside her.

“Barry,” She replied softly. “You don’t trust me do you?”

“For myself, yes, I trust you. But it’s not just about me.”

“I can understand that I guess. But what I don’t get is why you won’t tell me the truth. Or at least tell me your truth.” She sighed.

“Alright, come with me.” He held out his hand.

Lena took Barry’s hand. They strolled south to the end of the boardwalk. From there he led her across the rocks and onto the thin strip of beach only visible at low tide. The cliff rose up from the ocean, the further they walked, the higher it became until the beach widened out once again.

It had taken about an hour to walk the length of the beach. But at last Barry led Lena toward a carved stone stair case. They climbed up the cliff side until at last they were at the top. The view was staggering. She gasped as she looked out across the bay and into the harbor before turning back to admire the house.

The wall facing the beach was made out of tinted glass. A large wrap around patio painted in cherry wood deck stain was reflected in the glass. They walked around the patio to the front door where Barry unlocked it and let her inside.

“Welcome home.” He said as the door opened before them.

“All this is yours?” She asked in awe.

“Yep, I had it built from the ground up.” He smiled.

The marble foyer was decorated with pottery. It had an archway that led into the living room directly across from the front door. Barry pointed out the closed door that led to the basement and garage before he led Lena further into the house.

The living room furniture was a plush blue couch, red wood coffee and end table, and a flat screen TV that hung above the gas fireplace. A large wall divided the center of the room leading to a hallway. On the far side of the wall Barry showed her the kitchen and dining room that faced the cliff side windows. From there he led her down the hall.

On the right side stood an office that doubled as a bedroom complete with a daybed and white willow desk. It connected with the second bedroom through a white tiled bathroom. The shower, toilet, and sink were adorned with black curtains and mats to break the monotony of the white.

Across the hall sat his master bedroom. It too had the floor to ceiling window that ended where the bathroom began. Barry sat down on the large four post bed as Lena looked through the tinted glass out at the calm waters below them.

“Was hard to imagine when you first met me.” He smiled.

“If you would have tried to describe it I probably wouldn’t have believed you.” She laughed.

“I told you I was a trust fund kid. This house was my retreat from the rest of the world. It is a sanctuary.”

“It really doesn’t explain much, you know.” She said almost pouting.

“I know but if we dawdle here any longer, you’re going to be late for your dinner with your editor.”

“Oh shit,” She cussed. “Is it that late already?”

“It is but if you wish you can come back here after and learn more about me.” He winked.

“Barry!” She exclaimed with unadulterated shock.

“I’m sorry, perhaps it’s too soon.” He blushed. “Come on, I’ll give you a ride back to town.”

Barry walked back through the hall with Lena on his heels. He opened the door to the basement, walked past the stairs, and through another door into the massive three car garage.

Lena gawked at the Shelby Cobra that sat at the far end of the garage. There were also two motorcycles, one a custom chopper, the other a Harley Soft Tail. Closest to the entry door, where they stood, was the Chevy Avalanche, four wheel drive. She shook her head in awe.

“You like?” He grinned.

“Astounding.” She laughed.

“Well, pick your chariot my lady.” He bowed.

“Oh they’re all so fancy.”

“Well would you prefer James Dean, bad boy chopper, or are you feeling more James Bond, British racing green?”

“Eloquently offered my good sir. Let’s be reckless.” She smiled.

“Let’s get some power between those fine legs of yours.” He grabbed the keys to the Harley from the rack on the wall.

Humm… rat tat tat…

The engine purred beneath them. The raw power vibrated Lena straight to her bones. As she put on the helmet and relaxed against Barry, a memory flashed through her mind.

She raced out the front door to watch him climb on his bike and drive away. Dami…

“Door open,” Barry spoke snapping her back to reality.

The garage door responded with a buzz and lifted with the sound of his voice. He popped the Harley into gear and rolled out of the garage. Lena turned back slightly and noticed the door closing automatically behind them.

As Barry wound through the curves, Lena contently relaxed against him. She wrapped her arms tightly around his waist and watched the scenery pass by.

“Are you enjoying yourself?” He chuckled.

She jumped surprised to hear his voice over the engine and wind.

“Yeah,” She replied.

“Voice link system.” He replied before she could ask.

“You really are something else.” She laughed.

“Only sometimes.” He replied with an honest chuckle, as he pulled into the restaurant parking lot.