The Keeping(156)

It had seemed like a scene from a horror movie. The wolf snarling; its teeth gleaming. A surprised cry coming from her uncle and then... Oh God! The flash of light and noise as the gun discharged. Her uncle falling... The image of a bullet hole, like a third eye in his forehead, bits of blood spattered on his face as he dropped to the ground. Her knees grew weak at the memory and she paused for a moment, clutching a tree for support while trying to gather her strength and force her panicked mind into some form of order.

She hadn’t known what to do. Naturally, she’d screamed. Who wouldn’t? And then, as she’d stood transfixed by the unfolding events, the wolf had actually looked up at her! Its eyes seemed strangely intelligent as if it were noting what she looked like and planning her fate. That one fact had leaped out at her, even though the look had been momentary. In that instant she recalled her uncle saying werewolves killed those who discovered their secrets. Mr. Aldrich had found out, and the wolf was attacking him. And she’d just watched the man change into a wolf, so now she knew the secret, too. Of course, she’d be next in line!

Pushing off from the tree, she ran to the house as fast as possible. She entered through the front door; all thoughts of stealth forgotten. Time was of the essence now. She had to get away. Quickly she entered her uncle’s office and yanked open the drawer where she knew he always kept some spare money. She grabbed a handful of bills before rushing upstairs. In her room she threw open drawers and closets, grabbed a gym bag and began randomly throwing clothing into it. In the bathroom, she swept the contents of the vanity in on top of her clothes, grabbed her purse, and thundered down the stairs.

Franklin must have heard her for he appeared in the front foyer, looking concerned. “Miss Cassie! What’s wrong?”

“Franklin, Uncle is—” Her voice caught on a sob and she was unable to get the word out. Even as Franklin stepped towards her, she was reaching for a set of keys from the hall table. “I’m sorry. I can’t stay. He saw me.”

“Who miss? Who saw you? And where is Mr. Greyson?” Franklin peered behind her as if trying to find his employer. When the man in question didn’t appear, he walked towards Cassandra, his arms held out in front of him. “Why don’t you just calm down and let me help you?”

Cassie shook her head and backed away, tears streaming down her face. The man had been her confidant for years, but this was too dangerous. She couldn’t tell him, couldn’t endanger him. “Franklin, I’m sorry!” She spun around and ran out the front door to the converted carriage house where the cars were kept.

Behind her, she could hear Franklin calling her name, but she didn’t stop to answer. Yanking open the door to the garage, she pressed the remote control that opened the large external doors, then hurried to her car. Throwing her bag in first, she slid into the seat and started the engine. Impatiently, she waited for the garage doors to open, her fingers flexing nervously on the steering wheel. Come on, come on, she muttered under her breath. Her peripheral vision caught sight of Franklin hurrying towards her. Damn! Silently she asked for forgiveness, then slammed her foot onto the accelerator, the roof of her car scraping against the partially opened doorway as it shot forward. Without a backward glance, she sped away.

*****

Ryne saw the young girl and quickly took note of her appearance before swinging his attention back to the man beneath him. Aldrich was struggling for breath, his throat partially ripped open, blood spilling onto the ground. Ready to finish the deed, a cry from Melody had Ryne once again looking away from his victim.

Melody was curled into a fetal position, her body shaking uncontrollably, her face contorted in pain. Swiftly Ryne changed forms and rushed to her side, gasping slightly from the effort of changing forms in such quick succession. Pulling her into his arms, he murmured words of encouragement.

“Fight it, Melody. Don’t give in. Think about being human. About driving your car, using your computer, drinking that damned coffee you love so much.” He rocked her back and forth praying she could maintain her form. Looking around, he realized sunset was just minutes away. The time of the full moon was almost upon them! Nadia’s words rang through his mind. ‘In the end she’ll either live or die, depending on how much her body can handle.’

How much could she handle? Ryne knew the pull of the moon only too well. The need clawing inside you, fighting to get out; wild thoughts invading your mind as the wolf became dominant, fighting to take over the human side. It was an irresistible feeling that had the person reaching and striving for release. It took inner strength and discipline to resist the ancient instincts.