Shadows Of A Wolf Moon(40)

He had to be. He’d been nothing but honest with her, and she’d seen how hard it had been for him.

Whatever reason he was looking into the dirty dealings in New Orleans made her think he had been hired from within the Arkansas Pack. Maybe he was running intel for the Pack. Maybe it was personal. She wasn’t sure.

She was sure he wasn’t a Guardian. The Guardians always had their back tatted up with their insignia. Guardians were lethal and were the peacekeepers among the civilian werewolf population. She couldn’t imagine Zane being a Guardian. They were the muscle for the Pack Master, and her brother was always more of the brains kind of guy.

But people change. She knew better than anyone. She wanted to change for the better.

At least Lucien wasn’t a Guardian.

If anyone at the club caught wind she was hanging with a Guardian then it would mean her life. She knew Lucien would never put her in danger.

***

Lucien slowed his speed once he hit the city limits of Yazoo City, Mississippi.

It was well after dark and the streets were illuminated by streetlights and headlights of traffic. He made a turn and continued down the steep hill that led into the heart of the city. Keeping his speed well under the limit, he continued his trek through the historic little town.

Streets were lined with oak trees, Victorian homes, and sidewalks. For an outsider passing through, it looked enough like a normal small town. But he wasn’t fooled. His senses went on high alert and he could feel some odd paranormal energy flowing through the town that seemed to get stronger the closer he got to his destination. It felt like a curse hanging over the small town.

When he reached the entrance to the Glenwood Cemetery, he parked and killed the engine.

Setting the kickstand, he slid off the bike and then lifted Catty off.

“I can do it myself.”

“I know. I just like touching you.” He held her close and gave her a quick kiss before taking a quick glance around.

“The gate is locked.” He frowned.

“Yeah, I figured it would be. The witch’s grave has been vandalized so many times that they started locking it at night.”

“How did you know?”

“I Googled it.” She shrugged.

“Climb on my back and I’ll scale the fence.”

“I can climb, Lucien.”

“I don’t care. If you slip and fall on the fence, it will impale you. I’m not taking the chance.” He pointed to his back. “Get on.”

She sighed heavily and climbed on his back.

His body immediately warmed when she pressed her lips against his neck. “Just so you know, don’t look her in the eyes.”

“Why? Is she Medusa?”

“The only thing she’s interested in turning into stone is your dick. Just make sure it doesn’t happen.” The icy tone in her voice and the glare she shot him made him realize how much she hated the witch.

He smiled. “I like your jealousy. It’s turning me on.”

“As long it’s not her turning you on.” She climbed on his back and wrapped her arms around his neck.

He jumped, scaled the fence, and landed on the other side. She slid off his back.

Lucien took the opportunity to assess his surroundings. The cemetery was empty and he could see there was no one else around. But the distinctive sound of seventies music drifted around them.

“What the hell is that godawful sound?” He flinched and looked around, trying to determine where the sound was coming from.

“Oh yeah. I forgot to tell you. Our witch prefers listening to ABBA.” Catty cocked her head and stilled. “Sounds like she’s listening to ‘Dancing Queen.’”

“Fuck me. This is going to be torture.” He hated any music that wasn’t rock. He especially hated seventies music.

He took Catty’s hand in his and led her farther into the rows and rows of graves and headstones.

Some of the graves were illuminated by solar lights loved ones had placed near the headstones. Others had flowers, both artificial and real, sitting around the graves. Few security lights were within the cemetery, making some areas well-lit and others surrounded by darkness.

Catty looked up from her cell phone. “According to my map, her grave is over there, not far from the fountain and near the funny-looking headstone.”

They found the identifying markers, and the closer they got the louder the music was.

There was headstone broken and lying on the ground with large chains around it. Some of the links in the chains were missing.

“I’m guessing the chains are supposed to keep her here,” he said.

“Which is why they are broken.” A sultry feminine voice came from a nearby tree.

A woman dressed in a white sundress stepped out from the shadows.