The Howling

A blank screen screamed back at Lena. It was so violent and quiet and empty that she wanted to scream at it in return. So she just started typing and didn’t stop until the first rays of light began to turn the sky above the ocean pink. When she looked up from her computer she could see the cars pulling up along the gravel path and parking by the stones. The surf was up, and the waves were high. She hadn’t slept but she wasn’t tired. A quick shower and a change of clothes she was ready to make her way across the street.

Lena wore nothing but her simple white bathing suit and a sheer white cover across her hips. Her purple sandals matched the purple beach blanket that she carried over her arm. Whoever had exited the vehicles already had their boards in the water. She picked a quiet spot on the sand and laid her blanket down. She took off her sheer cover, folded it up and set it down beside her.

As Lena soaked in the rising sun she watched the two surfers trying to catch a wave. She kicked off her sandals and dug her toes into the sand. One of the surfers caught a break. She watched as the board rode smoothly over the wave and his feet planted firmly steadying himself as he rode the wave all the way into the beach.

As the man grabbed his board and got back on the shore, Lena looked him over intensely. It was hard to tell under the black wetsuit how trim the man really was. He was handsome but she didn’t recognize him at all. She leaned back feeling slightly defeated as the other surfer suddenly appeared on the shore. He wasn’t wearing the same black wetsuit as the other man. Instead he wore red swim trunks with white tropical flowers on them.

Lena leaned forward to get a closer look. The man turned, their eyes met and she smiled. It was Keith. She had found him. He looked far less pleased about it than she did. He spoke a few short words to his friend, unhooked the band that connected his board to his ankle, and stood the board straight up in the sand.

Lena was afraid to move. What was she going to say to him? He had made it obvious that he wanted her to move on with her life. She didn’t have time to think about it much longer. Keith made quick work of skimming across the sand, headed directly for her. She stood silently as he stopped before her and stared intensely.

“You just couldn’t help yourself could you Lena?” He growled.

“You might have cured me but a part of my soul is still one of you.” She countered. “I wasn’t going to stop looking no matter how hard you tried to get away.”

“God damn you Lena.” He hissed.

Lena could feel how furious Keith was. But instead of yell more or run away, he did something she completely didn’t expect. He pulled her into his arms and pressed his lips to hers. He kissed her with such tender passion that she went weak in the knees. When he finally pulled away she was both breathless and speechless.

“I tried to forget you.” He said shaking his head. “But I couldn’t get the last thing you said to me out of my mind. It’s been haunting me since I let you go.”

“You didn’t let me go. You made me go.” She sighed. “I meant it Keith, every word of it. Wolves mate for life and my heart belongs to you.”

For a moment Lena thought she saw a tear in his eye as he wrapped his arms around her again. She buried her face in his warm bare chest and just breathed it all in. He was real and she had not only proven it but stood in his arms where she had wanted to be all along.

“Don’t leave me again Keith,” She begged. “I belong with you.”

“You have no idea the trouble this will cause.” He smiled at last.

She looked deep into his eyes and replied, “I don’t care.”

“No, I don’t suppose you would,” He replied pressing his forehead to hers.

“What happened after North Beach and West Virginia?” she asked. “I searched for you there first.”

“It’s a long story.” He replied. “Wait here. I’ll put my board away and we can find some place to talk.”

“I’m in the motel right across the street.” She smiled.

“That will do.” He chuckled and pranced away, making his way back across the beach.

Lena sat there and watched Keith as he strapped the board back to the roof of his silver colored four-by-four vehicle. She thought it strangely resembled a box with tinted windows not at all interested in the style. He pulled on a t-shirt and made his way back toward her. She picked up her sheer cover and tied it back around her waist. Then she shook the sand from her blanket and met him back up on the gravel. He took her by the hand and they walked across the street together.

Once they were inside the motel room the first thing on Keith’s mind wasn’t explaining himself. He swept Lena up in his arms and kissed her deeply. He didn’t realize how much he had missed her until she was right in front of him again. She kissed him back with the same intensity thankful that her long search was over. They didn’t need words in that moment. Everything they wanted to say was within the moment their lips touched. For that moment, the silence was more than enough.

But it passed and Lena separated her lips from Keith with intense argument form the rest of her body. They took a seat on the bed, still holding hands as she awaited his explanation.

“Only a few of us stayed in the major cities gathering after you left.” Keith began. “The pack was sent north where they could find a place to stay away from the prying eyes of society.”

“The book,” She sighed. “I didn’t stop to think it would put your people in danger.”

“It didn’t put us in the way of any more danger than we face every day.” He smiled. “But it did put our way of life into a respectable perspective. I wanted to thank you for that.”

“So, you read it.” She smiled.

“How could I not read it?” He replied with a chuckle.

“But, back to the point,” He stated. “Some of us stayed because we still gather strays. They seek us where your novel sends them. Then they get sent to us where they can be trained to become part of the pack.”

“The mayor,” She replied with a smile.

“Yes,” He said squeezing her hand. “You have done so much to help save our kind Lena. I never wanted you to be sad.”

“It should have been our people Keith.” She sighed. “I wanted to be a part of your world and your life more than I could ever express to you.” She said with tears in her eyes.

“You were supposed to go home and forget about us like you did with the vampires. I didn’t want this life for you and if you stay with me we could be punished.”

“The vampires weren’t real.” She mumbled agitated.

“They were real, and the gods were angered and took you from that world. They had no idea you would end up in mine.” He chuckled.

“If what you say is true, and my memory was taken from me and the proof was taken from me, then why did you leave me clues?” She asked.

“Because I hoped one day that the rules wouldn’t apply to us.” He sighed.

“To hell with the rules,” She hissed.

Keith smiled and wrapped his arms around Lena. He kissed her again taking them both down onto the soft bed. He ran his fingers through her hair and gently traced her muscles down her arms giving her goose bumps.

“It’s worth the risk to me.” She whispered in his ear.

“You’re insane.” He replied as he kissed her tenderly.

“Apparently so,” She replied with a wicked smile. “All I know is I don’t want to be away from you anymore. I don’t care who it pisses off.”

“If you’re certain, I am willing to give it a try.” Keith replied.

“I’ve never been more certain in my life.” She stated.

“Not that you remember anyways.” He retorted and got a smack in the arm for it.

“Nothing else matters to me right now but you Keith.” She kissed him tenderly.

He returned her affection and whispered, “God, I want this to be true.”

“We can stay here at the beach, or you can come home with me to Los Angelis, it doesn’t matter as long as we’re together.”

“Ok,” He replied with a smile. “My world is yours once again.”

“I’m glad,” She replied finally able to relax enough to let out a yawn.

“You haven’t slept,” He scolded.

“I think I might have forgotten to eat too.” She replied honestly. “You know how I get when I obsess over something.”

“Yes, I do.” He chuckled in recollection. “You take a nap. I will return shortly and take you out for dinner.”

“Where are you going?” She pouted.

“The moon will be full tonight. I have to check in on a few clansmen.” He replied kissing her forehead.

“Ok,” She said quietly.

“I will be back before you know it.” He smiled, stood, and picked up the room key.

Lena smiled as Keith gave her one more kiss before walking out the door. She was far too tired to argue or follow him. As soon as she closed her eyes sleep came and the afternoon passed her by without her noticing.

Keith returned as promised. He entered the room silently just in case Lena was still sleeping. She was, so he pulled up a chair and just watched her sleep for a while. She was stubborn and proud. He admired her for that, and the dedication it must have taken her to find him again. As thankful as he was, he never thought he would see her again and he was still a bit frightened by the idea.

Lena had no idea the darkness that the vampires or wolves answered to. Keith prayed that she would never have to find out. He just wanted her in his life but more than that, he wanted for her to be safe. As he sat there pondering the possibilities she opened her eyes and saw him staring at her.

She smiled at him, “Hi.”

“Hi,” He smiled in return snapping him back from his thoughts.

“It’s not dark yet is it?” She asked as she pushed herself into a sitting position.

“No, we still have time.” He chuckled. “Why don’t you get cleaned up and we’ll go down to the pier for dinner.”

“Sounds nice,” She replied. “It’ll only take me a minute.”

“Take all the time you need.” He replied still grinning.

Lena fished through her travel bag and pulled out a blue sundress. She took that to the bathroom and took a quick shower. After she rinsed off she towel dried and slipped into her dress before quickly braiding her hair. She exited the bathroom, slipped into her shoes, and grabbed her purse.

“I’m ready when you are.” She chirped.

“You weren’t joking about only a minute were you?” He chuckled and pushed himself out of the chair.

“Not at all,” She smiled. “I’m not going to waste one moment if at all possible.”

“Then I insist,” He said as he opened the door, “After you, my lady.”

Lena smiled and walked out the door. Keith held open the passenger door of his four-by-four for her and she climbed inside. He drove them down toward Pacific Pier. She could see the roller coaster and Ferris wheel from miles away. The clear blue water glistened beside her as they drew near.

“For as long as I’ve lived in California, I’ve never visited the pier.” Lena admitted.

“It was one of our favorite hang out places before the east coast migration.” Keith stated. “You’re going to love it.”

“I’m sure I will.” She said taking his hand.

Keith pulled up to the valet parking and handed over the keys. As he made his way around the four-by-four to Lena the valet climbed up in the driver’s seat. She got out when he opened the door for her. He threw his arm around her shoulder and headed for the entrance archway. They didn’t get two steps onto the pier before someone turned the corner and cut them off.

“So, it is true.” The man stated as he came into view. “She who would be queen has returned.”

“Bryan,” Lena replied surprised. “Of course I returned.” She retorted harshly.

“Keith thought he could hide us from you forever. But, looks like he had a change of heart.” He said nodding at their clasped hands.

“That’s enough Bryan.” Keith growled.

Bryan laughed, “I’m just teasing the woman. It’s good to see you again Lena.”

“Likewise,” She replied with a note of sarcasm.

“Why are you here interrupting the last moments of daylight?” Keith asked. “Is everything still in order?”

“Of course, do not let me impose myself upon your afternoon. I shall see you this evening.” Bryan bowed and disappeared back the way he had come from.

“Ok, that was a bit awkward.” Lena giggled.

“Put it out of your mind,” Keith said squeezing her hand. “I promised you dinner, didn’t I?”

“Yes, you did.” She replied with a smile.

Keith and Lena walked hand in hand down the pier. They ate boardwalk fries soaked in vinegar and spices. Then they had corn dogs and a funnel cake for desert. Their walk ended at the Ferris wheel where they stood waiting in line for their turn to ride.

It was nearing sunset when Lena and Keith were secured into the seat on the Ferris wheel. As it slowly turned them higher into the sky the sun slowly sank lower on the horizon. For a moment Lena wondered if he had planned the whole thing. The timing was just too precise to ignore.

In that perfect moment, the Ferris wheel stopped with them at the top. Keith put his arm around Lena. Together, they leaned back and watched the sun disappear into the water. Lena was afraid that she was dreaming. If she was, then she didn’t want to wake up. The Ferris wheel jolted and started moving again. When they got to the bottom they were let out of the seat.

“Are you ready for the real fun part of the evening?” Keith asked as they walked back up the pier.

“You mean there’s more?” Lena asked excitedly.

“Absolutely,” He replied leading her past the cheap game booths and back to where they had parked.

The valet returned with the vehicle and handed over the keys. Keith held open the door for Lena before climbing into the driver’s seat. As he headed back up the coast she wondered what could be more wonderful than the moment the two of them had just shared. It wouldn’t be long before she would find out. He pulled off the highway and took the dirt road down to the deserted part of the beach.

“Welcome home Lena.” He said as he put the four-by-four in park on the white beach sand.

“Is this home?” She smiled as other trucks started pulling up next to them.

“It’s part of it.” He replied with a sly smile.

Bryan got out of the truck that had parked on Lena’s side of the vehicle. He pulled open her door and held out his hand. Surprised by his politeness, she took his hand and let him help her out of the vehicle. Six others joined her, Keith, and Bryan on the beach.

Lena took a deep breath soaking it all in. There were so few of them gathered but the hair on her arms stood up in nervous anticipation. There were four women that looked barely older than seventeen and two men that only appeared slightly older than the women. Keith and Bryan walked her out to the middle of the beach where they stood waiting on the moon.

The others joined them there. They stood together where the surf caressed the shore. Lena watched the horizon waiting for the first hints of the moon to appear. The glow of the city lights beyond the darkness made it difficult for her to tell the difference between the city lights and moonlight. So she just turned back to Keith and watched as the stars appeared in the sky over the ocean.

Keith put his arm around her and said, “I know you remember Bryan.”

“Yes I do,” She replied in recollection that sent a shiver down her spine.

These are our newest members.” He said pointing at the others. “I’d like you to meet Anna.”

“Hello,” Lena smiled.

Anna was a petite young Asian woman with long black hair and green almond shaped eyes. She had a kind smile that made Lena wonder what kind of wolf lived within her. Anna nodded her hello and turned back to the ocean.

“This young thing is Brielle.” Keith said as she stepped forward.

Brielle was tall and thin with dark brown skin, curly blackish brown hair and brown eyes. She reminded Lena of Paul, in the way she held herself together even in the darkness that was upon them.

“Hi,” Brielle chirped.

Lena smiled, “Hello.”

“You know I can hear you. I do remind you of Paul.” Brielle said catching Lena by surprise. “But, that’s because he was my father.”

“Wow,” Lena chuckled. “That’s good to know.”

“You didn’t lose as much of the wolf as everyone thinks.” Brielle stated. “You might not change like we do but you are still one of us.”

“Thank you,” Lena replied. “I’ve always felt that way.”

“You’re welcome,” Brielle smiled and turned away.

“Dave is our oldest of the new members,” Keith said proudly.

Dave stepped forward. He had dark brown hair, pale white skin, and hazel eyes. He was built like a wolf, tall broad shoulders, and strong legs without the necessity of the transformation.

“It’s nice to meet you Dave.” Lena replied with a smile.

“It’s an honor to run with the great Lena tonight.” Dave replied with a bow.

“Great?” She questioned Keith, he just shrugged.

“We’ve all read your book.” Another of the girls replied.

She had bleach blonde hair and a bright white smile. She was tan and slender and more cheerful than the rest of the group.

“I’m Kisa,” She said holding out her hand.

Lena took her hand and replied, “It’s a pleasure to meet you Kisa.”

“Thanks,” Kisa replied. “The two antisocial wolves behind me are Aaron and Asriel. If you can’t tell, they’re twins.” She whispered loudly and received a dirty look.

“It’s time,” Bryan stated insisting that the introductions end swiftly.

There was no shame amongst them as they stripped down and left their clothes at the vehicles. Lena watched carefully as Keith stripped to nothing and shifted before the rest of them. He was larger than she remembered. His thick black coat shimmered in the darkness. He crouched on all fours as she heard somewhere in her mind a tiny whisper.

“Climb on and hold on tight,” He said to her as the others began to change.

Lena climbed up on Keith’s back. He felt strong and soft between her legs. She wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly as he let out a howl.

“Aroooooooo,” He called, sending chills down her spine.

“Arooooo,” They answered, she couldn’t help but join in.

Keith let loose and carried Lena down the long stretch of white beach. As he raced through the surf, water splashed her face. The rest of the pack was right on her heels as she dared a glance back to look. They raced onward as they came around a turn into a small alcove. Set up in the center of the beach was a large wooden structure, ready to be lit into a fire. Hogs were tied to a post that had been sunken into the ground a few yards away. The pack circled the bonfire and came to a stop. Keith didn’t even have to ask. Lena slid off his back and struck a match to the bonfire. As she took a seat in the sand next to Keith the pack feasted on the hogs. She laid her head on Keith’s furry shoulder and sighed. He silently nuzzled her in return as Bryan dropped a pork shoulder in front of them.

“Go ahead,” Lena smiled and leaned back on her hands.

Keith’s snout contorted into a smile that looked more like a snarl as he joined the pack eating. Lena sat there watching them, feeling right at home with the strange ritual. She recalled before how it had frightened her but now all she could do was smile. She wasn’t ready for the night to end as her body protested and she let out a yawn. Keith’s ears perked up and he returned to her, taking them both back to his vehicle. He shifted, returning to his human form and slipped back into his clothes as Lena stared up at the stars.

“Are you alright?” He asked drawing her attention back.

“Never better,” She smiled and climbed up into the seat.

“Good,” He replied climbing into the driver’s seat.

Keith didn’t head back for Lena’s motel. Instead, they returned to his home. It was only a few miles up from the beach. When they arrived at the small two bedroom cabin she smiled. It reminded her of the one they had stayed in when they were in West Virginia. He took her by the hand and led her inside.

There were no more words spoken. There didn’t need to be as Keith pressed his lips against Lena’s. She melted into his arms as they wrapped around her. He lifted her up and carried her down the hall laying her down gently on the bed. As he kissed her and caressed her she shivered in pleasure. He continued to kiss her as his hand slid down her stomach to her thigh.

Lena tore at Keith’s clothes while her entire body screamed for more. His shirt came free hitting the wall and falling to the floor. His finger slipped inside her, causing her to gasp in pleasurable surprise. He held her there for a moment, suspended in waiting until she tore at his pants begging to free him.

“You’re ready for me aren’t you?” He whispered in her ear as he kissed her neck.

“I’ve been waiting for you for a long time.” She replied breathless.

Keith gave Lena what she wanted. He pushed himself deeper and deeper inside of her until they both howled out in desperate bliss. When she lay there on his sweaty chest, with her hair stuck to her face, he couldn’t help but smile.

“Promise you’ll never leave me again.” She whispered, tears streaming down her face.

“I promise you.” He replied kissing her head. “You have me forever.”

“Good,” She smiled into his chest as he kissed her head again.

Keith wrapped his arms tightly around Lena. He pulled her close, not wanting to ever let her go. She drifted off to sleep in his arms contently as he guarded her. He didn’t want to take his eyes off her but slowly his eyes closed and he too drifted off to sleep.

Blue eyes stared deeply into hers. Lena was held still by strong hands on her shoulders. She should have been afraid. But the man in front of her commanded her not to be.

“You will forget all about me and move on with your life.” The man stated calmly.

“Yes,” She replied unsure of why she was doing so.

“There is nothing left for you here. Move away from this place, and never look back.” The man said as he released his hold on her.

The thought faded away as Lena opened her eyes. Keith was still sleeping, holding her close as the first rays of sunlight lit up the curtains. She smiled and gently rolled over checking the clock. It was almost six am. She wondered as the dream faded away, why she had wakened so early. Before she woke Keith, she curled back up in his arms and smiled, just happy to hold him.

Keith opened his eyes to see a smile n Lena’s face. “Good morning beautiful.”

“Good morning,” She replied as she pulled herself up into a kiss.

“I was afraid I had been dreaming.” He chuckled.

“Well, if we are, I hope we never wake.” She replied.

“Me too,” He admitted. “What would you like to do today?”

She smiled so large her face hurt as she replied, “You.”

“Would you now?” He asked in an attempt to look innocent.

Lena took that as a challenge. She climbed on top of Keith straddling his waist. Her hair fell in his face as she leaned down to kiss him. He pulled her down slipping inside her. She gasped in pleasure, interrupting the kiss. He rolled her over and gently made love to her until she exploded around him. Her pleasure climbed higher and higher when he didn’t stop.

Lena’s body reacted in ways she had never experienced. Every nerve in her body exploded in delight as Keith finally finished inside her. She lay there shaking uncontrollably in his arms wondering how she could feel so intensely. Being so intensely pleasured in every way baffled her, leaving her speechless as they smiled at each other in silence.

“Would you like to do something else, other than me today?” He asked with a chuckle.

She didn’t have time to respond as her phone vibrated itself off the night stand. She reached down under the bed and picked it up wondering, and yet knowing, who dared call her this early in the day.

“Good morning Kyle.” She chirped happily.

“Well, that’s different.” He chuckled in reply. “Do I want to know why you’re happy in the morning?”

“Probably not,” She laughed. “You called for a reason I’m sure.”

“Yes, I did.” He stated. “Can you be back in Los Angelis by tomorrow night?”

She looked at Keith and thought about it for a minute before replying, “I guess so, why?”

“The local charity council would like for you to make an appearance at the bachelorette auction.” Kyle replied.

“Well that sounds like fun other than the fact that I’m not alone at the moment.” She chuckled.

“Oh,” Kyle replied, “That’s good. It will make the bidding interesting.”

“Wait, what?” She gasped.

“See you tomorrow.” He replied with a laugh and hung up.

“Son of a bitch,” She hissed.

“What’s wrong?” Keith asked as she slammed down the phone.

“I think I just got suckered into doing something.” She replied.

“Well, that wasn’t nice.” He said with a crooked smile.

“That’s alright, you’re going with me.” She smiled.

“Am I now?” He asked with a raised brow.

She punched him in the chest, “You’re damned right you are!”

“Ok!” He replied easily caving in. “Just what is it that I’m going to be doing though?”

“You will be keeping me from being sold off to some stranger for a date at a charity auction.” She replied.

“Oh, hell no,” He replied. “I am not sharing you now that I’ve got you.”

She smiled, “Good, it’s agreed then.”

“Absolutely, we can leave first thing tomorrow morning. I have to stay with the pack tonight. It’s their last moon before they go join the others.” He stated.

“Will I get to run with you again tonight?” She asked, kissing him again.

“Of course,” He smiled, returning the kiss. “That is if you don’t exhaust me too much to carry you.”

“Me?” She squeaked, mockingly. “Why would I do such a thing?”

He laughed so hard it shook the bed, “I don’t know, you tell me.”

“Hush,” She replied kissing him again.

Keith complied completely, holding Lena close. She stayed there, pressed to his warm chest, smiling to herself. He pushed himself free of her hold on him and climbed up out of the bed. She moaned in protest as he pulled her up on her feet.

“Come on now, let’s get in the shower so we can go check you out of that motel.” He laughed.

“Alright,” She pouted shuffling her feet.