Moonlight Eyes

By Russ Kaylin

Everyone knows that werewolves don't exist. That's what Jenson Bennett thought until she ran into tall, dark and gorgeous. William would quickly bring an eerie excitement to her small town, ho-hum life. Murder, mystery and paranormal romance now fill her days and restless nights. Her quirky personality, along with Chris' flippant attitude, adds a somewhat comical twist to their involvement with these moonlight predators.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Russ Kaylin
• Release date: Apr 7, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476476650

Russ Kaylin

Russ Kaylin currently resides in Murfreesboro, TN with intension to retire in Destin, FL. She is employed full time at the Murfreesboro Veteran's Hospital as a Radiologic Technologist and utilizes her off time to put her creative thoughts into writing.Her hobbies include reading, writing and an occasional trip to the Florida beaches in Destin. Listening to music and watching a good NBA game are high priorities for relaxation.She hopes that her stories will allow readers to drift away into fantasy land and forget their troubles for just a little while.

Book preview

MOONLIGHT EYES

By

Russ Kaylin

SMASHWORDS EDITION

* * * * *

PUBLISHED BY:

Russ Kaylin on Smashwords

Moonlight Eyes

Copyright © 2012 by Linda Russell

Wolf face image by: Andreas (Fullmetal-Fox) of Greyfoxstudios

This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author's imagination and used fictitiously.

Adult Reading Material

My heartfelt thanks to family and friends who supported me and gave me courageand confidence. Special recognition to my son who remains positive and encourages me to continue.

Chapter 1

You couldn't blame me for being scared. I was always a city kind of girl. Well, at least not a country girl. There were critters out there that I just didn't care to be near. I could hear them though. When I would stay overnight with my parents I would stand out on the porch at night to have a cigarette. I know, I know. Smoking is really bad for you. Can't seem to break the habit though. Anyway, they live in a doublewide trailer, or as mom calls it, a modular home. Either way you look at it, it's still a house on wheels. So I'm standing out on the porch enjoying my last smoke of the day. There are crickets screeching in the grass. And did you know that birds don't sleep? Well, they don't. They tweet and chirp throughout the night. All hours of the day. Every now and then you might hear an owl in the distance somewhere. Frogs croaking near the lake. And bugs crawl around all of the time. All kinds of bugs. Weird looking things too. I hear something in the grass. It's dark so I can't really see anything. Only moonlight. No streetlights out there. I strain my eyes for what seemed like hours, truly only a minute or two. This dark little figure is coming towards the porch. I kid you not. Something was actually moving across the yard coming at me. That was the shortest cigarette I ever had. I tried not to let the screen door slam when I rushed inside but oh well. They would get over it. You couldn't wake them anyway. They both had a contest each night to see who could snore the loudest. Isn't that how it is in every old person's home? I seem to remember my grandparents being the same way. Maybe that would explain why they sleep in separate bedrooms.

It wouldn't have been so creepy except that the little eyes glowed orange in the night. For real! They actually glow in the light. Just like when your car headlights shine on them. I still don't know what it was and have no desire to find out. I wish they would screen that porch in. I suppose that if something really intended on attacking me, a wire mesh wouldn't stand in its way.

I didn't actually grow up in that house. They moved out to the lake once all the kids were grown and gone. I think I would have liked it better had they stayed in the neighborhood in town. It wasn't quite so secluded and the only moving things at night were cars and lightning bugs. The yards were mostly fenced so there wasn't even the occasional dog to give you a scare.

I never led a very interesting life. I made it through high school with good grades. At one time, I had aspired to become an architect or a veterinarian. So much for either one of those. Not only did my parents not have money to send me to college, but back then, I had no knowledge of financial aid or student loans. Could have took an entirely different route had that not been the case. So instead, I settled for a little waitress job, that led to a commercial sewing position, back to waitressing and then, I met my husband. Or should I say x-husband. I was young, in love, and stupid. I married him after a mere five months of dating. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. An alcoholic at twenty-seven that still depended on his parents and if he ever did work, it was for cash only. Needless to say, I'm no longer with him. I finally found some smarts somewhere along the way. I managed to last two years though before I came to my senses. Luckily, there were no babies made between us.

Now I'm a little older, a little wiser and trying to find myself. I have so many interests and dreams and have no idea how to achieve any of them. Middle class parents can't give much guidance on things they don't know about. Unless you're born into money, it's up to you to figure out how to make some. Much of my time spent on the porch is filled with daydreams of just that; how to get the things I want out of life. Standing there with a cigarette in my mouth isn't a very good start. I would quit but never really tried. Enjoy it too much. An occasional beer is nice too or rum and coke; whatever the circumstance calls for. You can't grow up in a small town without having a drink.

I drive a common enough car even though it's not very new. A 2001 Honda Accord. Two doors with a sunroof. Light blue paint with gray fake leather interior. Classic. I never took the time to install a good stereo. My love of loud music is bringing me closer to a purchase though. Somehow, you just can't get the true feel of a song's bass through factory speakers. It'll work for the time being.

I live in a one bedroom house on the other side of town. It's a small area but takes almost an hour to drive from one side of the county to the other. That's why I end up spending the night when I visit them. I enjoy living by myself. I like the quiet. I like not having to answer to anyone. Not having to account for my time. And when I leave to go somewhere, I don't have to report to anyone as to where I'm going and how long I'll be gone. And I can eat cookies for dinner if I choose. If the dishes pile up in the sink, who cares? I'm the only one there to see them. It's great. And best of all, I never, ever have to make my bed! I love my mom but damn that drove me nuts about her.

What am I doing for a living now? Nothing much. Just after the divorce and still living in Mississippi, I was involved in a car accident. I didn't get hurt but it banged up my car pretty bad. And you'll never guess what happened. I was driving through downtown Jackson when a car ran a red light and smashed into the passenger side. I spun around a couple of times and landed in the oncoming lane. It was pretty late at night so there wasn't much traffic. Luckily, no one else was involved. To make a long story short, the doctor driving under the influence didn't want the accident brought to anyone's attention so he made a pretty offer that I couldn't refuse. It wasn't enough to make me rich or anything but it did get me home and will take care of me til I figure out what to do with myself.

I don't have many of the fun electronics on the market these days. Can't really afford it right now. I do have a flip-top cell phone and a small computer that goes everywhere with me. I spend a lot of time reading. I tried the e-books when I got the computer but somehow it's just not the same as the feel of holding a book and turning the pages. Some things you just can't give up for progression. I also like to write. I would like to publish one day but that's just a dream. Maybe then I could afford the two million dollar home on the beachfront like I see in movies. That would be the life. No worries. Just the scent of the salt water and the ocean breeze on my face. An occasional hurricane could be endurable. Beats the hell out of the tornadoes that come out of nowhere and wreck this place. At least with a hurricane you know days ahead of time when they are coming.

I have several friends. I used to spend a lot of time hanging out with them. They all say I've abandoned them now. Guess I have. But you gotta create priorities sometime in your life. Right now, getting out of this place is at the top of my list. I'm so sick of small town living. There's a whole world of excitement out there and I'm ready for my share.

Mom had made dinner for us. Pork chops that were a little too done on one side and fried potatoes that had more grease soaked into them than a burger from the truckstop. Her cooking has gone downhill over the years. For dessert, we had homemade vanilla ice cream with chunks of fresh peaches in it. I love summer. Frozen milk during the winter just isn't the same. Both of them had gone to bed earlier. They don't last much longer than eight o'clock. My dad gets up around five in the mornings and then takes a nap in his recliner before noon. I still haven't figured that one out. My mom spends her day in the other room, watching soap operas and working on word search puzzles. But at night, it's just me and the cat. Hobo. He's pretty cool. We named him that because he came from a litter of strays. We found him on the front stoop one morning. Tiniest little kitten I'd ever seen. The mother cat had died or abandoned him so he had no place to live. Hence the name Hobo. He's been with us for a long time now. I'm not sure how many years a cat lives but he seems to be hanging in there pretty well. Fattest cat I've ever seen too. I bet he weighs twenty-five pounds. No lie. He's huge.

I sat on the couch and watched the rolling TV guide channel for a while til I couldn't take it anymore. I had to have another smoke. At least that's what my mind was telling me. I'm sure I would have made it just fine without it but what the hell.

On the backside of the house, through a sliding glass door, was a wooden deck. There really is no purpose for it. There's no pool or anything else below on the ground. Just a yard with a couple of pine trees and a clothesline. Over to the left is a manmade fishpond. They used to keep vermin size gold fish in it. I don't know where they went but it's empty now. Just some stagnant water and grime. It was pretty at one time.

I sat on the plastic chair and lit the end of my cigarette. It glowed bright orange in the night. Things were pretty quiet now. Not even a breeze. Summer is a bit warm and humid in the south. Alabama, to be exact. Yep, southern girl born and bred. I would find my accent embarrassing if everyone here didn’t sound just like me. I suppose to others it makes us sound ignorant but that isn't the case. It's just an accent. Though I can say I do know some pretty ignorant people.

There's a two-rail wooden fence on the far side of the yard. It's not meant to keep anything out. Just separate this yard from the neighbor's yard. The stars were out and the moon was shining bright. I could see clearly except for the spot where the pine trees are. It was late and I was getting tired. After this one, it was bedtime for me. I took a drink of iced tea and set it down on the matching table. From my peripheral vision, I caught a glimpse of something. Not a sudden movement or a noticeable movement. Just something out of the corner of my eye. But you know when you look, there's nothing there. I tried to focus on the dark but that's all I saw. Dark. Then I tried to look straight ahead, hoping that maybe I could see it from the side again. Nothing. Since I was paranoid anyway, that ended my smoke. Time to go in. No critter is going to get me if I have anything to do with it.

Hobo waited patiently inside the sliding door. I turned off the television and lamp and proceeded toward the room I sleep in. There are night-lights plugged in all over the house. Guess I don't have to worry about stubbing a toe. I used the restroom for the last time and tucked myself into bed. The air conditioner is always set too high for my comfort. Good thing there are plenty of blankets kept in the closet. Hobo curled up at my feet, on top of the covers of course, and I closed my eyes. This is the part where you hear every little sound because you're in a strange house. It is my parent's house but the noises are still strange to me. I could hear a clock ticking somewhere. I didn't think anyone even had that kind anymore. I made a mental note to replace that the next time I was over. Both of their bedroom doors were closed but I could still hear the continual snore coming from each. I always wish I could fall to sleep before they do but it never happens.

Even though I had felt tired, sleep didn't seem to want to arrive. I lay there for a while, staring at nothing. My eyes had adjusted to the dark by now. Hobo had departed once he felt I was secure. I haven't figured out where he sleeps. The air conditioner unit kicked on and the curtains fluttered as air blew from the vent. In between two of the panels I could see the windowpane. Outside was dark. It looked like black glass even though I know it isn't. For some reason, I focused on that spot. My mind would have wandered into a daydream any other time but not this night. At just that moment, a tiny amber eye popped into view. One like that of an animal. But it was only for a second and then it was gone. You think I was going to get up and look out the window? Hell no! It scared the crap out of me. Being that there are all sorts of animals out there it could have been anything. But this anything had to be tall cuz there was nothing below the window that it could be standing or sitting on. Could have been a deer but why in the world would it be peeking in my window?

My heart felt as though it would beat through my chest. I could hear it in my ears. I could feel it pounding. My breathing became rapid. I suddenly felt very hot under the covers but had no intention of removing them from around my neck. I curled up into a ball and held on to my pillow for life. My eyes stayed trained on that part of the window until the air shut off. Then the curtains stilled and I couldn't see it anymore. Didn't matter though because I knew that whatever was looking at me was still out there. And why was it looking at me? Of all the houses and windows out there, why this one? Maybe it was a peeping tom animal. That would explain it. A perverted peeping animal. Ya, right. Okay, this would be the last time I would be spending the night out here for a while.

Apparently, I was able to fall to sleep because I awoke with the covers wrapped tightly around my body with just enough room for my face to poke from the top. The room was already bright with sunlight. I could hear mom's daily soap opera blaring so I knew I had slept in pretty late. Hobo was once again curled next to my feet. Where was he when I needed protection?

I stepped into my flip-flops and made my morning visit to the bathroom. I brushed my teeth and threw my hair into a ponytail. Basketball shorts and a t-shirt would be the attire for the day. That was the limit of my summer wardrobe. Unless I was going out somewhere decent. Then a tight pair of blue jeans and a low cut top would do. I grabbed a biscuit and smothered it with grape jelly and washed it down with a cold glass of milk. Now it was time for that first smoke of the day.

I went out on the front porch during the day, rather than the back. Don't know why it mattered. I guess I preferred it because there I could see when someone drove in or out of the dirt drive. The bedroom window where I slept was on that side too. Curiosity got the better of me. It was daylight. No worry about anything getting me right now. So I walked down the couple of stairs that led to the yard and went to take a look. There were a couple of small bushes below the window. The kind you plant yourself and hope they keep growing. These did and they were neatly trimmed.

As I neared, I noticed a smudge on the window. Not really dirty, just a smudge. I looked toward the ground below the shrubs. There was no grass, only sod. The small area was undisturbed except for one spot. It almost looked like a footprint but not. And very large. I continued on along the length of the house but that was the only one I saw. Nothing suspicious.

I gotta get going, mom. Need to get home and clean up a bit.

I gave her the usual hug and kissed my dad on the cheek before I left. The Honda was already sweltering inside so I had to let it idle for a few minutes until the air conditioner cooled. Somehow I got lucky with this car. The steering wheel never gets too hot to handle. The tiny dash light came on, reminding me that I needed gas. I hated buying gas out here because it cost so much more than necessary. I didn't like risking the drive into town though. That would be really frustrating if I ran out before I made it to the pump.

I pulled into the small country store on the corner. It had two of those old fashioned pumps. The ones where the numbers roll as you squeeze the handle. It made a clicking sound every time it passed a gallon. I wonder how long it will take the south to catch up to the rest of the world. I only pumped five dollars worth and went in to pay. I could get more once I got closer to home where it was cheaper. I'm a huge penny pincher.

Inside, there was a woman behind the counter wearing a pair of Wrangler jeans that, for the life of me, I couldn't figure out how she got them zipped. Her hair was bleached blonde and piled up on top of her head. She wore little makeup but had bright pink lipstick. Even though country folk look a little strange sometimes, they sure are the friendliest people you will ever meet. She greeted me with a big smile.

Good morning, sugar! How's mom and dad doin?

Everybody knows everybody out here.

They're doin fine. How's Crystal?

Crystal was a friend of mine from high school. We weren't real close but I knew her. We had spent one summer together at the lake, swooning over the cute boys. That was about as far as our friendship went. Once school started back, I returned to my regular group of friends and she returned to hers. We belonged to separate clicks. You know how it goes. It just wouldn't do to be caught mingling with someone of a lesser group. The rest of the school year would be a complete disaster!

She's good. The baby will be here anytime now. I'm so excited. My first grandchild!

I can't believe how everyone's life moves on once graduation passes. Crystal was never the kind of girl to sleep around. Matter of fact, I never knew her to even have a boyfriend. I was glad that she had found a good husband and was happy. I should try to make a visit sometime soon. It was nice of me to consider but I knew that would never happen.

Tell her hey for me.

Nobody ever really tells the person hello when you say so. It's just something to use in conversation. I'm pretty sure I don't remember anyone ever telling me that so-and-so said hey when they saw me.

The summer heat hit me as soon as I opened the door. I felt a sweat bead trickle down my neck and disappear somewhere underneath the t-shirt. As I was getting back into my car, I noticed a man looking in my direction. He appeared to be near my age. Give or take a couple of years. He was leaning against a parked car with his arms folded across his chest. And a nice chest it was, I might add. I could tell because he was wearing one of those tank tops that I am so thankful for when man-watching. And to match the glorious physique were two muscular arms of golden brown skin. His hair was long, black and pulled into a tight ponytail. He never smiled, waved, or anything. Just let his eyes follow me to my car. I'm a bit shy when it comes to men so I averted my eyes as best I could. I would have died of embarrassment had he known I was looking. I had never seen him before. Wasn't local that's for sure. Maybe he was here visiting or fishing or something. Either way, I would have very much liked to find out more. It would not happen on this day though. There is no way I could have brought myself to speak to him. No way.

I had to make a sort of u-turn to get back on the road I was taking. Once turned around, I took a quick look to see if he was still watching. But he wasn't. Matter of fact, he wasn't even standing there anymore. In that short period of time, he had gone. The car was still there but I didn't see him. What a way to start my day.

I went through the McDonald's drive-thru on my way home. Then stopped by an ATM to grab some quick cash. You never know when you might need some money. I always try to keep a few dollars on me even though you can swipe a debit card almost everywhere now. I do buy groceries and have plenty to eat at home but some days I have to satisfy the Big Mac craving. And I love their fries!

I checked my mail before going into the house. To my surprise I had a small package. The mailbox is pretty small so getting a package is rare. Generally I have to pick it up at the post office. Once inside, I sat down with my burger and proceeded to open it up. Good old Barnes and Noble. It's like Christmas. I love ordering books off the internet. When they arrive it feels like when you buy a new pair of sneakers. And even better when you try them on. The pages are stiff and the cover is smooth. No wrinkles in the spine yet. One day, my name will be in the author's spot.

I had been reading classics until everyone got on this vampire kick. I had to see what all the fuss was about and got hooked. The three that arrived today were a continuation of a series I had been reading. Fantasy fiction is the best. And I truly enjoy this paranormal stuff. Some of these writers have a very vivid imagination. I don't know where they come up with it. Makes you feel like it's real and you're a part of the story. Sometimes, it seems like I'm watching a movie and can't read fast enough to find out what happens next. That's some talented writing.

I jumped in the shower and put on some fresh clothes. The dirty dishes in the sink needed washing but that new book was calling my name. I put my cell phone on its charger and sprawled out on the couch. It's a really comfy couch. I sleep on it often when I'm too tired or too lazy to make it to the bedroom. The ceiling fan rotated slowly above my head as I read. A few pages in, I realized the night had taken its toll on me. My eyelids were getting heavier with each sentence. Guess I get it from my dad. A mid-afternoon nap didn't sound too bad right about now. It was Saturday and I had no pending plans for the evening. Snoozeland, here I come.

Chapter 2

He sat in the chair across the room, one leg folded across the other. His elbows were on either arm of the chair, fingertips touching in steeple form. He looked intently at me, not moving, not speaking. I couldn't read the look on his face. Just like before, he simply watched me. I wanted to rush to him, wrap my body around him, and press my lips to his in passion. But I didn't. I don't know why but I couldn't move. Something invisible bound me to the sofa. I lay there unmoving; waiting for him to say something, do something. Anything. His eyes were dark as night. They bore into me, making my body shudder with anticipation. Though he was nowhere near, I felt as though his hands were caressing every inch of me. Touching intimate places. Touching my soul.

When the cell phone rang, I jumped, realizing immediately that it had been a dream. There was no one sitting in my chair. My book lay open across my stomach. I inserted the bookmark and laid it on the end table. I have a huge pet peeve about marking the page with a dog-ear. Before I could reach the phone, it stopped ringing and a tone alerted me that a message had been left. The screen showed a friend's name, Thomas. He was a beer-drinking buddy that I used to pal around with pretty often. I missed him. He always had a way of making me laugh no matter what kind of mood I might have been in. I listened to the message. There was a party at the lake tonight. One of the guys was leaving for the Army on Monday. It's a given that you must get drunk with your friends before basic training. I deserved a little fun anyway.

I text him back to let him know I would be there. Texting is great. You don't have to actually hold a conversation to get your point across. Just say what you gotta say and then press send. Simple. Sounds impersonal but it's not. Modern technology. Gotta love it! The dream had me shook. This guy was truly beautiful. I had never in my life seen a man so handsome, much less dream about one. This was better than the usual movie star fantasy. He was real.

I chose an outfit that accented my young curves and decided to leave my hair down. I spent time carefully applying makeup, just enough