The Howling

Half way through the afternoon, Kyle called Lena to tell her how enormous Barry’s jet really was. She listened to him drone on for nearly twenty minutes before she got him to hang up. Shortly after the call she decided she had way too much energy from the romp in the sack to sit still. She wasn’t quite bored enough to clean so she took her laptop out onto the porch and decided to work for a while.

The computer booted right up. Lena loaded her word program and stared at the blank screen for a while. It didn’t take long for the inspiration to strike her. She began to type away.

North Beach shimmered in the pale light of the full moon. Katrina stood with her toes in the sand as the warm waves caressed her ankles. To her, in this moment, time seemed to stop. She breathed it all in, the air, the mist off the water, the sound of the seagulls as they chased after their fish. The peacefulness was almost more than she could stand…

A little box from the messenger service popped up in front of the word document. Interrupted, Lena sighed and waited for the frozen program to respond. She didn’t recognize the name but it spoke as if it knew her.

“Lena, we have to talk.”

“I’m sorry. Who are you?” She replied.

“I can’t tell you. It’s not safe.” It answered.

“Talk to me about what? Why is it not safe?” She asked.

“You’re in danger from the wolf. Barry isn’t who he claims to be.” It replied.

“I don’t understand. Who are you and how do you know about us?” She wished she could convey her frustration by doing more than punching the keys harder.

“If you want to know the truth, meet me in Solomon’s under the bridge at midnight.” The name went offline.

“Well, shit.” She cursed aloud.

Lena checked the clock. It was twenty minutes after nine. Frustrated and enchanted by the conversation she realized any further work would have to wait. She had only been to Solomon once to go shopping and couldn’t remember how long it took to get there.

Even if it took an hour, that still left Lena anxiously pacing for an hour. Her stomach growled, that was enough of an excuse for her to not dawdle around further. She grabbed her keys, purse and a sweater, locked up the house and headed for the car.

It was a beautiful night for a drive. A light fog rolled in from the coast line. The moon was bright as it hovered over the horizon slowly making its trek across the night sky. Millions of stars shined, and blinked, and cascaded across the darkness as well. Lena found it calming as she continued to drive onward.

There weren’t many other cars on the road. It made the long drive a pleasurable ease. It didn’t take long for Lena to realize that not much stayed open this late. She settled for the drive thru of the first fast food restaurant she passed then continued on to Solomon.

The bridge over the inlet could be seen from miles away. Lena pulled off the highway and onto the downtown avenue that passed under the bridge. There were a few fields she passed before the park began where she found a place to sit and wait. It was thirty minutes to midnight. She was the only car in sight.

By all logical reasoning, Lena should have felt fear. Instead she got out of her car, walked up to the bench, sat down, and began eating her late night snack. Whoever planned this meeting knew it was a good location. She could see for miles if anyone dared approach by car. Silently content, she waited alone as her curiosity grew.

He appeared out of nowhere, standing between Lena and the water. She jumped, startled, and wondered why she hadn’t heard him coming. It took only an instant for her eyes to adjust and then, she realized she knew him.

“Keith,” She gasped.

“Did anyone follow you?” He whispered.

“No it was quiet all the way here. What’s going on?” She asked as he sat down beside her.

“You’ve been misled. It’s putting you in danger.” He began.

“Will you stop with the damn cryptic bull shit? You’ve not exactly been the best source of information.” She snapped.

“There is no such thing as the North Beach wolf.”

“What do you mean?”

“The whole town is a pack community and Barry is the leader.”

“Well that’s a crock of shit. I can’t believe you dragged me out of my house at this hour of the night for this!” She huffed and stormed back toward her car.

“Lena, I’m not joking!” He grabbed her by the arm and spun her around to face him, then gasped.

“You’ve already been with him. He’s marked you as his.”

“Let me go you lunatic.” She yelled and pulled away.

“Donny died because of you. Now, you’re going to risk everyone else because of what, your own disbelief?” He yelled.

“You listen here Keith.” She shook her finger in his face.

“First off, Donny opened his own damn grave threatening me. Barry told me that the wolf is infatuated with me. Now you’re stupid enough to come after me with the thought that they’re all wolves. What about you? Where do you stand?” She snapped.

“I’m Barry’s right hand, one of three in the pack ancient enough to not be controlled by the moon.” He sighed.

“I don’t believe you.”

“Promise you won’t scream?”

“Alright,” She replied as she folded her arms across her chest.

Keith took a step back. He reached out with his left hand and gently touched Lena’s cheek. She felt his hand grow warm and then soft. When she glanced over, she saw it was covered in fur. She gasped as it climbed up his arms, across his shoulders, and grew rapidly in a shimmering brownish black.

Keith’s bones began snapping and reforming as his face took on the shape of a large dog. His muzzle lengthened, his hips dislocated and shifted, Lena thought as if she would vomit. When the transformation was complete, she stared at the manlike wolf that stood before her. Her hands covered her mouth in awe as she stared at him.

“Say something Lena.” He begged.

“Everyone in town?” She choked out.

“Yes but they’re all still human inside. We’re not monsters.”

“Barry too?” She forced down the nausea.

“You slept with him.” When he grinned it looked more like a snarl.

“Yes,” She couldn’t hold it back anymore.

Lena leaned behind a bush and hurled until her stomach was empty. When she regained her composure she looked up to see Keith was a man again. Now that she knew what was beneath his skin she began to pick out features hidden to the unknowing eye. She took a deep breath.

“The whole town of North Beach,” She mulled over the idea, and then smiled.

“You’re alright with it then?” He asked.

“I am for the most part. I guess I know now. Barry wasn’t going to tell me, was he?”

“No, I can’t say for certain what his intent might be. Maybe he thought the less you knew, the safer you’d be. He could have gotten you killed.”

“You’re worried about me, why?”

“You’re special Lena.” She glared at him. “Don’t give me that look.” He scolded.

“Promise me you’ll stop chasing shadows. The majority of the pack is still young enough to hurt you without the intention of doing so.” He reached up to touch her cheek again but pulled back at the last second.

Keith chuckled aloud already knowing it was a promise Lena couldn’t keep. He smiled at her and faster than she could blink, he was gone. She shivered suddenly chilled to the bone. As fast as she could run, she got into her car, revved the engine and cranked up the heat. The ride home was a lot faster than the ride there. She flew into her parking spot, raced up the stairs and locked herself inside.

At nine am Barry crawled out of bed. Birds sang somewhere outside of the tinted glass window. What sunlight that had the strength to pass through it, shined on the floor. It appeared to him that it would be a beautiful day.

After a long hot shower, Barry pondered over breakfast. He decided fairly quickly that he’d enjoy it more with Lena. On the way through town he picked up a to-go order from the restaurant and continued up the road to her house.

With food in hand, Barry knocked on the door. He could hear music playing inside and wondered if Lena could hear over it. He knocked again, a bit louder than the first time. The music was turned down, and then he heard her shuffle down the stairs. He raised his eyebrow when he heard three locks disengage before the door swung open.

“Hey Barry, had a feeling you were coming over today. Come in.” She chirped with a smile.

“Good morning.” He kissed her cheek. “I brought breakfast.”

“It smells delicious.” She followed him up the stairs.

Barry unpacked the to-go bag on the coffee table next to Lena’s laptop. He glanced at it quickly as she fetched their coffee. One line got his attention. He reread it a few times to make sure he saw it right.

Katrina realized all too late, she was surrounded by a town full of werewolves.

“Wow, will you look at all that food.” She said causing him to jump.

“Is this the new book?” He asked as he pointed at the screen.

“It’s a very rough draft. But, yes, it’s a good start.” She sat down and picked through her breakfast platter.

“It looks decent.” He mumbled between bites.

“This is good. Thank you.” She smiled. “I’ve been up all night working on the book.”

“That’s not good for you.” He chuckled. “But I suppose in this town, stranger things have happened.”

“Yes they have. Take you for an example, normal man by day, crime fighting leader of a pack at night.” She spoke.

“It takes a major set to lead this bunch of strays that’s for sure.” He slipped without realizing it.

“So when you change, what color is your pelt?” she boldly asked. He choked on his coffee.

“How did you know?” He sputtered as he tried to catch his breath.

“It was a logical deduction from perceived actions. You all act like a typical clan and they answer to you for leadership.” She shrugged trying to appear casual.

Barry smiled, “I wanted to tell you the other night after dinner. But, so much was going on.”

Lena laughed aloud, “You still haven’t answered the question.”

“I’m blue-black, pure blood Irish wolf.” He shook his head.

“This is all so strange.”

“No better time than today to be out with the truth, so, when can I see the den?” She chirped.

“I’ll have to run it past the others.” He admitted. “It’s not common practice to allow a non wolf into the sanctity of the den.”

“I’m patient.” She smiled.

“Amongst other things.” He kissed her softly.

She returned the kiss and when he pulled back she asked, “Can you change whenever you want?”

“Within reason,” He laughed. “Why do you want to see me?”

“Most definitely.” She grinned. “You are more domesticated than feral though right?” Her smile faded.

“I’m not a dog.” He looked at her with strange admiration.

“Oh so you are feral.” She winked.

“Is that an invitation?” He smiled.

“Absolutely.” She replied without hesitation.

Barry backed Lena into the corner of the couch. He kissed her gently and caressed her lovingly. Their clothes were cast aside and the waves of pleasure crashed upon them like surf on the open shore. He thrust inside her again and again and as she cried out in pleasure his intensified.

Emotions overwhelmed Barry. As Lena’s body reacted to his own furious desire he began to lose his grip. His hands shifted, soft black fur grew up his arms, down his shoulders and back, his legs shifted and snapped; when the change hit his member Lena cried out in surprise. The pleasure of being pummeled by his furry manhood sent her over the edge. She cried out as the orgasm shook her to her to her core.

Barry realized the change as he too exploded within Lena as a howl escaped his lips that would make anyone’s blood run cold. He nuzzled up to her cheek as the wolf in him slowly retreated until as a man he lay sweating and attempting to catch their breaths and trembling in each other’s arms.

“That was amazing.” She whispered.

“So were you. God Lena, I’m afraid I’m falling in love with you.” He replied.

“Is that a bad thing?” She asked.

“This is no life for a pure soul like yours.” He smiled and kissed her softly. “When we choose a mate, it’s for life. I’m not in any hurry.”

“I understand. None the less, you are more than welcome to do this again.” She winked.

“You’re awesome.”

“I know.” She shrugged innocently and grinned.

Barry stood up and got dressed. “I’m going to ask the pack about your request.”

“Right now?” She pouted.

“I wish I could spend all day with you, my darling. But, I have things I must do.”

“It’s the stray, isn’t it? He’s still out there.” She sighed.

“Don’t worry Lena. I won’t rest until I’m certain you’re safe.” He kissed her again and before she could argue further, he was gone.

Lena made her way to the shower. She felt oddly weak. Her whole body shivered even with the hot water pouring over her. A nagging thought that she had forgotten something prudent, persisted to the point where she feared getting a migraine. She shut the shower off and crawled into bed falling easily to a restful sleep.

Barry walked into his house. He was not at all surprised to see Keith and Paul sitting at the kitchen counter waiting for him. He could however feel their animosity as they caught the scent of where he had been.

“You were with her again.” Keith growled.

“That’s none of your business.”

“The hell it isn’t! You’re compromising the stability of the pack.” He argued.

“Enough you two.” Paul snapped. “I need to speak to Barry alone.”

“Fine,” Keith shot them a dirty look and walked out the front door.

“Well, spit it out Paul. He’s gone now.” Barry groaned.

“I don’t know how much longer we can keep this covered up.” Paul paced anxiously.

“It’s your sworn duty to protect this pack.” Barry pointed out in a harsh tone.

“I know.” He replied genuinely apologetic.

“Then take care of the problem.” He ordered. “By any means necessary.”

“Yes sir.” Paul scampered off before anything else could be said.

Lena woke up from her nap feeling refreshed. It crossed her mind that she was getting way too old to stay up all night working. It was dinner time, the whole day was wasted. She sighed, went to the fridge and pulled out a pork chop, some green beans, and then grabbed a potato. She threw it all in a pan and tossed it into the oven to bake.

The computer was still on the coffee table where Lena had left it. Her clothes were on the floor beside it. She put them in the laundry and sat down to wait for dinner. There was a message waiting for her.

“You need to stay away from Barry. You have no idea what you’re getting into.” Keith howled through his hidden identity.

“I can take care of myself you know.” She replied.

“You don’t know enough about our world to take care of yourself.” He retorted.

“Then tell me.”

“Not here, not now.” He spoke.

“Then when?”

“Soon, I’ll contact you.” He signed out.

The phone rang causing Lena to jump out of her skin.

“Hey Kyle.” She sighed.

“You ok Lena? You sound exhausted.”

“I am tired.” She chuckled.

“I made it home and in good style might I say. Now, why was I thrown out so quickly?”

“It’s a long story.”

“You’re working on it right?” He asked.

“Definitely.”

“Outline it for me.”

“The whole town is a wolf pack. There’s a stray wolf running around and changing and killing. That’s about all I know.”

“Are you in any danger?”

“No.” She lied.

“Alright keep me posted.”

“Bye Kyle.” She hung up.

Lena’s dinner was ready. She nitpicked at it until it was gone and then cleaned up the dishes. Feeling full and having renewed energy she sat down at her computer and worked until sunrise.

“I’m sorry I have to do this to you my brother.” Paul spoke softly.

“It is for the good of the pack.” He continued on as he filled the syringe.

His brother, Eric, could not answer. He was bound in chains and gagged. It was not difficult for Paul to subdue him. He was not yet of the age where he could change at will. All he could do was watch with absolute certainty as his death was dealt to him on a bitter platter.

“It’s wolfs bane, a bit inhumane for our kind. So, please forgive me.” He chattered on.

Eric hissed as the needle punctured his skin. It was all he could get out as a muffled response.

“I need you to appear insane when I bring you in.”

Oh how it burned as it was injected into his blood stream. Tears flowed down Eric’s cheeks. Paul joined in on the tears as the effect of the drug kicked in. Eric’s body was forced into the change, bones snapped as the fur exploded across his skin. The violence of it rocked the chair with him in it as his gagged mouth became a tangled snout. Paul’s brother was gone, the wolf had emerged and it was furiously delirious. Eric clawed at the restraints until his fur tore free from his flesh. Blood flowed down the chains as he snarled and snorted and howled through his discontent.

Paul threw Eric into the back of the police cruiser and returned to the den. On the way he placed only one call to Barry.

“It is done, I’m bringing him in.” He said coldly.

“I’ll call a meeting.” Barry replied and proceeded to hang up.

The pack soon gathered. The word spread quickly that the stray wolf had been uncovered. Lena had received the call from Barry and was invited to join in on the ceremonies. She arrived before Paul, and was quickly ushered inside.

Barry led her down into the basement. They passed through a set of wood doors that had been left open next to the book case. From there they descended several more steps into the cold earth. She gasped as she emerged into the center of the crowd.

“Only three of us are capable of changing at will. All the others are here as witness.” He explained.

They looked upon Lena with a severe distaste. She could tell they didn’t trust her or appreciate her presence. Keith made his way through the crowd and stopped dead in his tracks when he saw her.

“Paul should be here at any moment with the traitor.” Barry spoke.

“Stay behind us Lena.” Keith warned. She noted his concerned tone and backed up a few steps.

A low growl emanated through the corridors. At first Lena thought it was a storm blowing in on the coast. Then, it grew louder, howling, struggling, yelping, and clawing at the walls. She could hear chains as they scraped and clattered against the stone and then the crowd parted giving her the first glimpse of the beast.

He was a foot taller than Paul and nearly twice as wide. He stumbled behind, struggling to free himself from the bindings. Snarls escaped his lips as he was unwillingly hauled into the light. When Lena could see him, fully standing there in the light, she noticed his pelt was a golden, sandy shade. It was covered in blood spots and patches were missing where the chains had worn through to the scalp. Tears streamed down her face as she began to feel his agony.

“Oh dear God, no.” Keith whispered.

“It’s Eric.” Barry said far less surprised than his brother.

“This is wrong.” Keith whispered.

“What is it?” Lena asked quietly.

“He’s not old enough to have changed at will.” He replied.

“What would do that?” She responded horrified.

“There’s only one thing that could do this, wolfs bane.”

“He’s been poisoned?” She gasped.

While Lena and Keith had been whispering to each other, Eric had been brought before Barry.

“So this is how you repay us for welcoming you in?” As Barry spoke his voice echoed off the walls around them.

“How dare you assume you are worthy of striking out alone, against the wishes of your leader?”

“Isn’t there something we can do to help him?” Lena wept as Barry continued to speak.

“So many lives have been lost because of you and your inability to harness the beast within.” Barry growled.

“It wasn’t him, god, please Keith you have to stop this.” Lena begged.

“There’s nothing we can do. There’s only one cure for this poison Lena. You shouldn’t have been here to see this.” Keith replied.

“Kill the traitor.” The crowd hissed.

Keith reached up and pulled a sword off the wall. He carefully pulled the silver blade free of its sheath and stood next to Barry.

“Go to your female.” He spoke harshly.

Barry backed up and put his arm around Lena. She wept into his shoulder. Keith drew back and leaned in closely to whisper.

“Forgive me my brother. I will avenge you. I release you now from your suffering.”

Keith plunged the sword through Eric’s chest. He let out a howl as it pierced his heart. Blood flowed down the sword and across Keith’s hand as he pulled the metal free from the flesh. Paul dropped the chains and backed away slowly as Keith came around with the blade.

Eric’s head slid free from his shoulders. As the body fell to the floor the wolf melted away leaving the broken remains of the man he once was. The pack cheered satisfied by the blood spilled. It was hard for Keith to forgive them even if they only knew what they had been told.

“Burn it.” Keith ordered as he handed Paul the sword and walked away.

“This isn’t right Barry. You should have done something to make him better.” Lena wept.

“Come on, let’s go upstairs.” He led her back into the house.

“I want to go home. This is all just too much.”

Lena made her way toward the door. Barry grabbed her by the arm and pulled her back. He pushed her up against the wall and forced her to look at him.

“You wanted to know. You wanted to see what our world was like and now, you just want to walk away?” He huffed.

“Stop it Barry. You’re hurting me.”

“You’re a part of this now. You’re a part of me. Like it or not, you need to accept it.” He demanded.

“Let her go Barry.” Keith spoke as he walked up behind them.

“Stay out of this.”

“Brother, let her go home and rest. This is a lot to accept for a human.” He calmly replied.

“You’re right.” He released his grip on Lena. “I’m sorry love.” He kissed her cheek.

“Go home Lena.” Keith stated.

“Ok,” She kissed Barry’s cheek still shaking a bit, fished her keys from her pocked, and exited out into the warm afternoon light.