Animal Heart(67)

He awoke at first light, they were all stirring. Their bodies were transforming in their usual bone crunching and groaning way. Aden felt relieved they were all safe yet again, although he also knew that their curse was still very much a part of their lives. His eyes caught hers. She lay in her wolf form, flicking her tail back and forth slowly, next to him. He nuzzled her contentedly, with his half-human snout. He was sure he didn't paint the best picture of beauty, but he didn't care any more. She was his and he was hers.

As his change finished, he rose and went to find his clothes. They were all piled in a big heap in the middle of the floor. Nakedness in the pack was so normal that no one batted an eyelid anymore. He found Maddy's clothes, ripped and ruined. She needed to remember to undress, he thought with a smile. He led her back to her room where she shifted and found some more clothes, dressing for the day.

“So we're still all here. You've obviously worked your wonders again,” he said, kissing her head.

“Hopefully wonderful enough that I didn't rampage through Heart last night, or anywhere else for that matter.”

“Think positively honey. I know it's hard, but something will come up to help you soon.”

“Oh something did. I had a very interesting chat with one of you.”

“Right?... And?”

“I didn't get to write it down, there wasn't time. But I do have a good memory and I'm pretty sure it went like this, 'Holy earth above the brow, inner peace it will allow. Three grave days await thy rest, still and silent, to be blessed'. And when I asked for help, in understanding it, I got a reply, which I don't have a clue about. 'She who knows, at the nest of the crows. Holy and kind, the unholy in mind.'”

Aden's mind spun into action. The nest of crows must mean the Pastor Saunderfoot's house. She was holy and kind and she definitely sensed something unholy in him. But he didn't want to get Maddy's hopes up. Not yet. He'd pay her a little visit, on his own first.

“Let's think about it properly later,” he suggested thoughtfully. “Write it down now so we don't forget it. Because you have other things to deal with, don't you? We need to go to Calgary, love.”

“I know that. I've had some rather pressing horrors to deal with though, haven't I? Do you honestly think I've forgotten that I have to bury my own parents somehow?” she snapped with heightened emotion. “We'll go tomorrow, shall we? I'll call my sister later today.”

“It's up to you. I was just pointing out the obvious. And I'll stay with you, if you want me to?”

“Of course I do!” she snapped again. “What a stupid thing to say.”

He sighed. “Are we having our first little row?”

“No, I'm being unreasonable and upset and over-reacting and taking it out on you because I love you.”

“That sounds pretty much it,” he agreed. “Look, I need to get out and get some supplies later. You speak to your sister and do whatever you need to do here while I'm gone.”

“Can't I come?” she asked with appealing eyes.

“Shane and Lucas are coming. It's a feed and fodder run, that's all. You look after the horses, take them for a run. I'll be back as soon as I can.”

“Yeah, I'd prefer a ride to be honest. Clear my head and relax. I'm sure tomorrow and the next few days are gonna be awful.”

“Take your time. Ask Mia if you like, being as you two seem to be getting on well these days.”

“I might just do that.” She smiled beautifully at him, having a moment of inner happiness.

“I'll be off soon, then I'll be back to get you all hot and sweaty before dinner,” he whispered in her ear, running his lips up and down her silky soft neck. She shivered beneath his touch. He tucked her hair behind her ear and kissed her mouth.



They left Samantha tidying up after breakfast and set off for town. Aden explained their extra errand.

“Last night Maddy discovered something that may help her. One of us told her that she can be rid of her full moon curse by lying beneath holy ground for three days, presumably at the next full moon. Well for obvious reasons that doesn't appeal too much. She dug deeper and found out that someone may be able to help. Maddy doesn't know anything about this, and I'm keeping it quiet for now. But the Pastor Saunderfoot could be our answer.”

“How do you know all this, man?” Lucas asked with a look of intrigue.

“When I was at the rectory, getting the water blessed, I spotted her house sign, “The Black Crow's Nest”. At the time I thought it was an odd, creepy name for a minister of the Lord. Maddy's message mentioned a crow's nest and a female. Who else could it be?”

“So we're going there now?” Shane asked.