Page 49 of My Boyfriend Marks Trees
Mom emerged cradling a shotgun. A bruise blossomed on her cheek, and she looked shaken. “We’re okay. Some goons paid us a visit and asked where Charly and Greta were. I told the ringleader I had no idea who they spoke of. He didn’t believe me and gave me a smack. When I cried out, Selene came charging out of the barn, and…” Mom glanced at Selene’s pacing wolf. “Let’s just say she couldn’t hold her temper.”
“You mentioned goons in the plural. I only see one body.”
“The other one bolted once I brought out the gun.” Mom’s chin lifted. “My lessons with Grams paid off. I nicked it in the ass as they were running off.”
Ran off, not drove. The driveway showed no tire tracks other than the ones left by Selene’s vehicle. A glance past the carnage showed disturbed snow heading for the forest. Aresalready knew the answer but had to ask anyway. “Were they lycanthrope?”
Mom nodded. “They arrived as wolves from the woods. One of them shifted to ask the questions. He’s the one over there.” She pointed to the body showing tear marks. Selene hadn’t messed around with the guy who hurt Mom.
A guy associated with Charly’s ex.
When Charly said Barry was a killer, he’d expected the mob kind. But nope, her ex was a werewolf, and even worse, he and Derek had left a trail that would lead right back to Charly and Greta. He couldn’t help but recall the snowmobilers he’d seen on the outskirts of their property. Had they passed the fuckers on their way in?
He glanced at Derek. “We gotta get back to the farm.”
Selene whined.
“Sorry, sis, but you won’t fit on the back while you’re a wolf, and there’s a body that needs handling before you can go anywhere.”
He felt bad leaving his sister and mother to drag it into the woods to be devoured by wildlife; however, urgency fired his blood.
“Mom, call Athena. Tell her to get everyone into the shelter.”
“Will try. The cell signal’s been spotty. Be careful.”
“You, too. Stay in the house, lock the doors, and keep the gun handy in case any come back.”
“They’d better not,” Mom grumbled. “Any suggestions on where we should drag the body?”
“Dump it in the ravine. The spring melt will float it away from the farm.” And the wounds, if still visible when the body was found, would point to a wildlife attack. “Use the ATV to pull it.”
With those instructions, he jumped on the sled and revved it back in the direction they’d come. Speeding. Praying. And yes, a little bit scared.
Our mate and pup are in danger.
Chapter 14
Athena got a call and replied.“Hey, Mom, have—” She ceased talking, and her face tightened before she muttered, “Will do. Thanks for the heads-up.”
She hung up, and Grams barked, “What’s wrong?”
“A few things.” Athena eyed Charly. “We need to have a chat.” Her gaze drifted to Greta. “Alone.”
Grams had an idea. “Sweet thing, we could use some more apples from the cellar. Can you find me a couple fat and juicy ones? They’re in the big brown bag.”
“On it.” Greta scampered to the stairs going down.
Once she was out of sight, Athena hissed, “You should have told us your ex is a werewolf.”
Charly’s jaw dropped. “I—How?—”
“Some of his pack showed up at the farm in wolf form. Mom says she tried to call sooner, but their cell service has been spotty because of the storm.”
“Oh no.” Charly slumped into a chair as all strength left her limbs. “Did he hurt them?”
“Selene and Mom are fine, but chances are your ex and some of his pack are on their way here.”
“Good.” Grams pushed to her feet. “I’ll get my rifle. Someone needs to fetch Gramps from the barn.”