Silver (26 page)

“
Nice job,” a familiar
voice said behind me. I turned to find Charlie Sathing standing
with his gun holstered next to his nightstick.

I smiled. “I’m glad you made it.”

He kicked the dead grass on the field with
the toe of his scuffed shoe. “You’ve done a good job here.”

“
We still have a lot of
work to do.”

“
But it's a good start.
Well done.” He shook my hand, then turned away, but a group of
werewolves by the entrance to the field caught my attention. “Mr.
Sathing, wait.”

He turned back and I waved my hand. Chet’s
pack cut through the crowd and made their way to my side. I
motioned for Max and Darryl to step forward. “Mr. Sathing, I would
like you to meet your sons. Max, Darryl, this is your father.”

Their eyes widened and they stared each
other up and down. Tears glimmered at the corners of Charlie eyes,
but he didn’t move as though afraid he would mess it up. An awkward
silence passed between them, then Darryl grabbed Charlie up in a
bear hug. I grinned and turned away to give them some privacy.

Nikki took my hand and we walked through the
wolves to the ramp. We wandered slowly through the stadium that now
looked like a war zone; huge chunks of cement lined the walkway,
the walls were cracked, and dust from the explosions still filled
the air. The multitude of expensive things Mason's werewolves had
gathered now lay under debris and sparking electrical wiring. A few
werewolves picked among the rubble, but most ignored it entirely
and left the stadium to its own rest. Nikki slipped her arm through
mine and I led her down the steps to the waiting motorcycle. I
stopped the bike just outside the fence Max had been so thoughtful
to bash down for me.

Cool night air blew around us, tangling
Nikki's black hair and whipping mine in my eyes. I closed them and
took a deep breath. The scent of trees, thick grass, and the
promise of rain chased away the last few shreds of dread in my
stomach.

“
You okay?” Nikki
asked.

I nodded. “I am.” I opened my eyes and
realized it was the first time that was true since Dad died. I
steered the motorcycle across the dark parking lot. The howls of
wolves followed us and a smile touched my lips.

Chapter 23

We parked the bike on the path, then walked
through the trees that swayed gently in their evening dance. We
settled at the base of the St. Francis statue secure in the night
and the peace of being completely alone. Nikki cuddled under my
arm.

“
You sure I'm not hurting
you?” she asked.

I leaned my chin on the top of her head.
“Not one bit.”

She traced patterns on the back of my hand
and answering shivers ran up my arm. I closed my eyes. A distant
howl pierced the air. Another joined it, heading our way. The urge
to phase and run with them rushed through my veins. I straightened
slightly to listen. The howls sounded again, louder this time as
though they came from where we had parked the motorcycle. I picked
Mouse’s howl out of the pack. The tone changed, calling to me. My
muscles twitched in response.

“
Go with them,” Nikki
said.

I looked over in surprise and found her
watching me with knowing eyes. “It's okay,” she said with a small
laugh.

“
I don't want to leave you
alone,” I protested.

She pushed my good shoulder gently. “A run
would do you good.”

I hesitated, glancing from her to where the
wolves had fallen silent, waiting for me to decide. Nikki pushed my
shoulder again. “Just come back to me.”

I stood up with a laugh. “You think I could
forget you?”

She looked up at me, her blue eyes sparkling
with the light of the stars. My heart thumped louder and I leaned
down and kissed her. She kissed me for a few seconds, then pushed
me back with a laugh. “They're not going to wait forever!”

I stepped behind a bush and phased. I
hesitated before stepping back out. Even though Nikki had seen me
in wolf form, it felt strange this time, like I was bearing my soul
to her.

“
Jaze?”

With Nikki, there was nothing left to
hide.

I took a deep breath and padded silently
across the moonlit grass. Nikki knelt, took my head in her hands,
and bent so that her forehead rested against mine. Her fingers
tangled in my thick black coat. She closed her eyes and sighed
softly. “I love every part of you,” she whispered quietly. She
kissed my nose and stood up.

Tears stung my eyes.

“
Go,” she said, her smile
as soft as the moonlight on my fur.

Howls started again, more wolves than I had
ever heard together. The sound was haunting and beautiful, calling
to the part of me that longed for midnight runs and forest chases.
I looked back at Nikki. She laughed and made a shooing motion with
her hands. I gave her a wolfish grin and loped into the night.
There was a beautiful, sweet, gentle girl behind me, and the thrill
of a moonlit night run with a loyal pack before me. I was truly
alright.

About the Author

Cheree Alsop is the mother of a beautiful,
talented daughter and two amazing twin sons who fill every day with
light and laughter. She married her best friend, Michael, who
changes lives each day in his Chiropractic clinic. Cheree is
currently working as a free-lance writer and mother. She enjoys
reading, riding her Ninja motorcycle on warm nights, and rocking
her twins while planning her next book. She is also an aspiring
drummer and bass player for her husband’s garage band.

Cheree and Michael live in Utah where they
rock out, enjoy the outdoors, and plan great adventures.