Wolf's Edge

By Monique McMorgan

Dominic, the sheriff of Timber Creek, is called out to investigate a murder that could start a clan war between two rival werewolf clans. The victim is the son of Winston Hamilton, the mayor of Timber Creek and the head of the elitist Grey clan, the same clan Dominic is a part of. In an attempt to prevent an all-out clan war, Dominic goes to the leader of the Browns, Jonathan Coleman, looking for answers and meets Jonathan’s daughter Patrice.
Just as Dominic is about to propose to Patrice, Timber Creek is caught in the biggest snowstorm the town has seen in decades. When the town mysteriously loses power, it becomes clear that storm has brought with it a frightful new guest. Then, the weekend of Dominic and Patrice’s wedding also has its share of events at Patrice’s dream venue, Castle Richards since, upon arriving in Colt city, Dominic meets with his uncle, who gives him a grave but vague warning about Castle Richards.
There is a lot going on in Timber Creek and Dominic and Patrice are at the center of it and must do battle against paranormal creatures at every turn of their relationship. Underneath it all is a manipulative force with its own agenda.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Monique McMorgan
• Release date: Feb 19, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370836185

Monique McMorgan

Biography Monique writes books and because you are reading this it makes perfect sense. She’s best known for writing steamy paranormal fiction romance including Mind Games, and the 5-part Timber Creek Wolf Novels. She enjoys apple pie, as so many of you do and any kind of puzzle game.  Monique has written contemporary romance under the name Amerine Graham and continues to write as Monique McMorgan. Monique is at home with her family, a large overgrown garden and a huge collection of books from almost every genre. facebook.com/Moniquemcmorgan Twitter- @McmorganMonique Instagram-mcmorgan.m

Book preview

Wolf at the Door

Chapter One

Dominic could smell the blood well before they pulled up to the tiny bungalow at the end of the street. In all the years that Dominic had been on the force, they never had to respond to a homicide, much less the murder of the mayor’s son. As the squad car pulled into the driveway, the hairs on the back of Dominic’s neck stood on end. He knew this was going to be a bad day. Dominic shifted the car into park and took a breath in.

This is going to be ugly. He said to his deputy, Tanner.

I can smell it from here, Tanner replied. His face was pale and Dominic could sense the unease inside of him. It was understandable, being a deputy in Timber Creek wasn’t a stressful job. The town was small and the normals in town were an easy going sort. The werewolves, well, tempers could run hot, but ever since the two clans agreed to a truce thirty years ago, there hadn’t been any incidents. The wolves liked to a keep a low-profile, and murdering someone was a surefire way to bring in unwanted attention.

Any ideas who could've done it? Tanner asked as rubbed his wrist. Dominic noticed that he wasn't wearing his watch, the watch Dominic bought him when Tanner had first become a deputy. It wasn't the time to ask about it.

No idea, Dominic said in a low grumble, but that was a lie. Underneath the smell of blood and fear, he could smell the unmistakable odor of the Browns. He was surprised that Tanner couldn’t smell it, but then again, Tanner was still new to being a werewolf and his senses weren’t as sharp as Dominic’s.

Well, Dominic’s voice was deep and smooth. Let’s figure this out. He got out of the cruiser and Tanner followed behind.

Dominic opened the front door and stood in the doorway. He filled up the frame and had to bend his neck slightly to walk through. Dominic's broad shoulders filled out his tan uniform and he was always the tallest one in a crowd. Underneath of his dark and naturally stylish hair, Dominic's crystal blue eyes took in the scene in front of him. The tiny living room was torn apart and a ratty orange couch was overturned. A limp leg hung off the end of the couch and Dominic didn’t want to see what it was attached to.

Jesus christ. Exclaimed Tanner, They tore the whole place up.

They sure did. Dominic moved over to the couch and looked at the other side. There was Ron Hamilton, lifeless and ripped apart. Dominic had always liked Ron and it was troubling to see him like this, the poor kid didn’t deserve it.

Does Winston know yet? Tanner walked up beside Dominic, took one look, and turned the other way.

No, but we’re going to have to tell him. Winston was Ron’s father and the mayor of Timber Creek. More importantly, he was the clan leader of the Greys, Dominic and Tanners clan. Winston Hamilton was a stern, severe man that ruled over the clan with a quiet intimidation. He wasn’t looking forward to telling him about the murder of his only son, but someone had to do it.

Dominic and Tanner started to look around and piece together what happened, but Dominic’s nose told him all he needed to know. That was one of the perks to being a werewolf, having a strong sense of smell; it's more than just being able to smell better than normals, it opens up a whole new world. Everyone leaves tiny bits of their fragrance in the air that a wolf’s nose can pick up, even weeks later. In a way, it's like a window into the past. He could smell the Browns clearly, and they had been in wolf form, and there was Ron’s corpse; it seemed pretty simple.

Boss, Tanner started to say, but Dominic already knew what was coming. This was the Browns, no doubt about it. Tanner saying it out loud made it all the more real, and this was a problem that Dominic didn’t want on his plate.

Sure seems that way. He replied and crouched down to examine Ron’s body. There were bite marks all over him and his throat had been torn out. It was definitely the work of wolves, and seeing how Ron was still in human form, they came in quick and didn’t even give him a chance to transform.

Dominic knew what this meant - a full-out war between the Browns and the Greys. The last time the two clans went at it, Dominic had just been a child and hardly remembered it at all, but the stories were all over town. Over a dozen wolves from either side were killed and the old-timers told stories about a town ripped apart. Dominic liked Timber Creek and felt an obligation to protect its citizens, normal and wolf alike. He desperately searched his mind to for a way to prevent a clan war.

Who all knows about this? Dominic asked Tanner. Tanner had been on duty when Ron’s roommate, Mitchell, came into the station and was all shaken up. It was during the early hours of the morning and Dominic had been enjoying a good night’s sleep when he had gotten the call.

Just Michelle back at the station and us. He replied.

Good. We got to handle this real careful. Dominic was searching over the room for clues. He noticed the corner of the carpet was lifted up and he could make out a shape underneath.

Handle this careful? Tanner barked and Dominic turned around to look at his deputy. All of the uneasiness had vanished from Tanner's face and was replaced with a bright red anger. This is the Browns Dominic, they're starting a war. Let me off the leash boss and I’ll settle this up. Dominic could smell the wolf inside of Tanner start to swell up.

You ain’t going anywhere near the Browns until we know what's going on.

It’s pretty obvious what’s going on! Snarled Tanner. Dominic moved closer to him and placed his large, muscular hand on the young man’s shoulder.

"You got to settle down Tanner. This ain’t the time for the wolf. It might not be what it seems and you don’t want a fight. There might not be a lot of Browns, but they’re a tough clan. It won’t be good for any of us.

So what do you figure we do? He glared at Dominic.

We’re going to call an ambulance, and you’re going to tell Winston. Dominic’s voice was calming and strong.

You want me to tell Winston? That’s something you should be doing.

I know it is, but once this gets out, there are going to be a lot of hot heads. I’m going to the mill to talk with Coleman, see if I can figure this out before all hell breaks lose. You ride up with the paramedics and I’ll talk to the cruiser. We got to handle this quick.

You might be walking into a trap. If they did this to Ron….

I’ll take my chances. There’re not too many wolves that I’m scared of, and Coleman ain’t one of them.

Tanner stayed in the house while Dominic got back into the cruiser. He sat there for a moment and thought about the murder; it just didn’t make any sense. Why would they go after Ron? Ron wasn’t the type to get into a fight, and the feuds in the past were almost always a result of a barroom brawl gone too far. Ron was nothing like his father. Winston was looming and cold while Ron was a buffoon. He was Winston’s only child, and Ron could not have been more different than his father. Ron, who quickly dropped the name Ronald, was a kind hearted guy, but a good deal lazy. He was known around town for sitting on his butt and playing video games all day. Hell, when Ron first started shifting no one ever noticed because he just preferred to stay at home and game all day. Ron was the last guy who would have started a fight, and while most werewolves are naturally muscular from shifting all the time, Ron was...squishy. There’s no way he would have picked a fight with any of the Browns. So what was it then? Were the Browns really just trying to make a statement by going after the clan leader’s son? It was a stupid move if they did. Wolf law dictated that every slight deserved an equal response, and while Dominic had never met her, he knew Coleman had a daughter. If they wanted a war, Coleman must know that his own daughter wouldn’t survive very long. So what was it? There was only one way to find out. Dominic started the cruiser, pulled out of the parking lot, and headed towards the lumber mill.

Chapter Two

The cruiser drove through a soupy mist in the pale morning light. Dominic turned onto a country road and started to drive slow as the car bounced back and forth. All around him, tall pine trees disappeared into the mist. Dominic didn’t know these woods, it was Brown turf, and he was only welcome in their territory so long as he didn’t shift. The lumber mill came into view through the fog and its large mill spun rhythmically with the current of the river. He parked the cruiser in front of the mill and got out. His feet crunched in the gravel and his heart raced. Sitting on a porch outside of the mill were a half dozen wolves, in human form, staring at Dominic. They didn’t care about his badge, it meant nothing to them, they were more concerned that he was a Grey. The Browns and Greys had a truce, but it was fragile at best and only worked because they avoided each other. The Greys had the town proper, owned the businesses and kept the normals happy while the Browns had the mill and the river. It worked for both parties. They could go into each other's territories, but they had better have a good reason for doing it.

Howdy fellas, Dominic said coolly, but his heart was pounding and he was ready to shift if he had to. Is Coleman around? I was wondering if I could have a chat with him. He kept a smile on his face but his eyes and ears were listening for any threats. One of the men nodded at Dominic and disappeared inside while the others just sat and stared at him. A moment later Coleman emerged from the mill. Jonathan Coleman was one of the old-timers; he was around for the last feud and took control of the Browns after the Greys killed their last leader. It was Coleman’s idea for a truce.

What brings you our way? Coleman pulled off thick leather work gloves and reached his hand out towards Dominic. They shook hands and Coleman’s skin was rough with steel-like calluses.

Think we could have a private word? Dominic nodded his head towards the silent wolves on the porch.

Ya, of course, of course. We can go to my office. Coleman led Dominic through the lumber mill and the sound of saws filled his ears while the air was all mixed together with a fine haze of sawdust. It smelt like wood chips and pine. They went up a set of stairs to where Coleman’s office overlooked the floor. He had a beautiful polished, wooden desk that faced away from a large window that looked over the whole mill. Across from the desk were two wooden chairs and Coleman motioned for Dominic to take a seat.

So what can I do for you? Coleman leaned back in his chair with a smile. He was a friendly man that was starting to wear the signs of age, including a head full of thick, gray hair, but warmth radiated from him. He was easy to be around, but Dominic had heard the stories and knew Coleman had been on the winning end of more than a few fights.

Winston’s son was murdered last night, Dominic said it plainly and carefully watched Coleman’s face for a reaction. His smile faded and he leaned forward.

You got to be kidding me.

Afraid not.

What happened? Coleman sounded genuinely concerned, but it wouldn’t be the first time a wolf dressed up as a sheep.

I was hoping you could tell me. Dominic stared straight into Coleman’s eyes. Coleman might be the alpha to the Browns, but he had no authority over Dominic, and Dominic wanted answers.

What do you mean?

Cut the shit Coleman, I could smell the Browns all over the kid’s house from a mile away. Your clan had something to do with it. Dominic hoped he wasn’t making a mistake. If this went south, he’d be pretty badly outnumbered, but he had to know.

It wasn’t us. Coleman stood up and stared down at Dominic. You should think carefully before making accusations. Dominic stood up to match his gaze.

It sure looks like it. Now, listen, Coleman, I don't want a war. If it's a war you're aiming for, it ain't going to work out, you know that. Just fess up to it and let me arrest whoever did it. Maybe Winston will take it easy on you, maybe save your daughter. We gotta work together here Coleman.

My daughter.... A look washed over Coleman’s face. He just realized what Ron’s death meant for her. They can’t. We had nothing to do with it. I know my wolves and they didn’t do this. He sat back into his chair and looked down at the mill floor. How do you know it was us?

I could smell it, everywhere. Ron was ripped part. The poor kid didn’t even have a chance to shift.

I’m tellin you sheriff we had nothing to do with it.

You can speak for all your wolves?

None of my clan would do this, I’d know if they did. Hell, even the old-timers don’t believe in the feud no more, much less the younger wolves. If we wanted a war, we’d have a war and go after Winston, not his fat kid.

It fell silent between them for a moment and Dominic took it all in. No one was shifting, Coleman look defeated, not at all ready for a war. It was like Dominic figured it, it just made no sense for the Browns to kill Ron.

Say I believe you, Dominic broke the silence. I’m going to ask you again, is it even possible that some wolves in your clan went rogue and did this? Some youngins with a chip on their shoulder and thirst for fighting?

I don’t know who, or how they could keep it from me, but, maybe? Coleman stood up again. What has Winston said?

He’s finding out right about now, so I couldn’t tell you.

He’s going to kill my girl sheriff. Coleman’s voice was flat, void of the friendliness from just minutes earlier. If he thinks we did it, that’s what he’s going to do. It’s the law… Coleman’s eyes trailed off.

It was one of those moments when Dominic knew he had a choice; either prevent some bloodshed and protect the girl till he figured out was going on, or, going to Winston and getting ready for a fight. Dominic didn’t feel much like fighting that day, so he did the right thing.

I’ll protect your girl. She won’t be safe in your territory, not if Winston is wanting blood, and knowing Winston, he’ll be clamoring for it. I know somewhere safe I can take her to, then I’ll see about calming Winston down and figuring out what is going on here.

You’d do that? You aren’t just going to take her to Winston? Coleman looked at him with dark, brown eyes and Dominic knew he was innocent.

Yes sir, I’d do that. Winston might be the leader of the clan, but he ain’t my leader in this. I don’t want to see any bloodshed, much less the blood of a young woman. I’ll make sure she’s safe, you have my word on that. Dominic reached out his hand.

You’re a good wolf Dominic, you really are. It’s a shame you're in the Greys.

You can’t help who you're born to.

Ain’t that the truth.

Just then, the radio strapped to Dominic’s uniform crackled and Tanner’s voice broke through the static.

Dominic! The voice called out and Dominic reached for his radio.

Dominic here. What’s going on Tanner?

They're coming. Right now! I told Winston and before I could say anything else he took off. There's a bunch of them coming, Dominic, they're coming for the girl.

Roger that. Dominic placed the radio back onto his shirt.

Well, we better get her, Dominic said and Coleman was already reaching for the door.

Chapter Three

The cruiser ripped through the roads in the woods. They were headed for Coleman’s house, which fortunately was right near the mill. The morning sun started to burn away the mist and the forest stretched out all around them. It’s a beautiful day, thought Dominic, shame it had to be spent this way. Shifting and going for a run in the woods seemed like a good idea, but Dominic knew that it wasn't going to be a relaxing day. Coleman sat in the passenger seat and neither of them said a word. There was a tense feeling in the car and the wolf inside of them was itching to get out.

They pulled off of the road and onto a driveway that stretched into the woods. In front of Coleman’s house, Dominic shifted the car into park and both men rushed out of the car. Coleman’s house was made out of wooden logs but it was hardly a cabin. It looked a ski resort nestled on the edge of the river and looked out at the surrounding tree covered hills . Dominic had never been to Coleman’s house before, it was ground zero of Brown territory, and even with the tension pushing his movements, he took a brief moment to take in the beauty of the house before following Coleman through the front door.

Patrice! Coleman called out the second he was inside. The interior of the house was just as beautiful as the exterior. Deep, dark leather furniture was neatly placed around a glass and wood coffee table inside of the spacious living room. Large windows that stretched from the floor all the up to the second level let in the morning light, which draped itself all over the furniture and the ornamental fireplace. On the mantle of the fireplace was a large oil painting of a pack of wolves that stared stoically across a snow covered field while tiny snowflakes were caught in the pigments of the ancient oil. Coleman looked up a polished wooden staircase towards a balcony, and after calling again, a young woman emerged at the end of the balcony.

Hey, dad? It was obvious she had just been sleeping. Patrice was wearing comfy looking blue pajama pants and an oversized white t-shirt. Her hair was messy, but the clear, cool light of the morning shone through her blonde hair and made it glow. Dominic saw her and his stomach fluttered. She must have taken after her mother because she didn't look anything like Coleman. Coleman was tough looking and weathered, he looked like an extension of the mill and the woods, but Patrice was petite with long, light hair that framed a slender and pretty face.

You need to go with the sheriff and get out of here. Coleman started racing up the stairs. A look of concern washed over Patrice's face.

What’s going on? Her voice was quiet and concerned.

Just get changed and he’ll tell you on the way out, you gotta be quick Patrice!

Patrice disappeared back into her room and Dominic walked towards the large windows. Outside, the steely gray river washed over jagged rocks and flowed down the banks and into the woods. Dominic tried to plan out his next move. He’d grab Patrice and go somewhere safe. But where could he go? His place was in the middle of town and there’d be Greys all over, they’d find her in no time. He’d need to get away from Timber Creek altogether. Just then, his ears picked up the sound of tires crunching over gravel, and Dominic knew someone was pulling down the driveway. He turned away from the window and started heading towards the front door.

We gotta get going. I think they’re here. He barked out the order. This wasn’t the time for niceties.

Two jet black cars with tinted windows pulled up to the driveway. The door to the first door opened and Winston Hamilton stepped out.

Dominic. How good of you to join us. Winston was almost as tall as Dominic and just a wide. He was a bull of a wolf. The end of a scar poked out of the collar of his finely tailored suit. Dominic had shifted with Winston countless times and knew that the scar ran from his neck to his ankle, a memento from the last time the clans went to war.

This isn’t what you think Winston. Coleman swears it wasn’t his people.

That's not what your deputy told me. You know the law Dominic, the actions of one wolf speak for the whole clan and a slight deserves an equal response. Tell them to give me Coleman's daughter, and we can avoid another war. Winston unbuttoned his suit jacket and threw it into the back of the car.

We don’t need to do this Winston. Dominic walked down from the porch of the house and stood in front of him.

They did this Dominic. Here I thought you were here to join your clan and instead you’re what? Protecting the Browns? These are the same wolves who killed your father.

I’m doing my job as sheriff, Winston. Dominic’s blue eyes stared into Winston’s cold, gray eyes. The same eyes that could stare down any wolf.

Being a sheriff is for normals. This is a wolf matter and it’s pretty clear. I don’t care if Coleman did it himself or some of his wolves went rogue. We need to keep order and it’s an eye for an eye, now either bring over Patrice or step aside.

I’m afraid I can’t do that. Dominic kept his eyes on Winston. Winston’s face became emotionless and hard. The wrinkles in his face looked like they were carved out of stone, and Dominic could feel the wolf inside of Winston ready to jump out.

Stand aside Dominic. Growled Winston. You’re forgetting your place here.

And you’re about to kill an innocent woman for no reason. Dominic had crossed a line. He defied his clan leader’s direct orders. He knew what was coming.

It all happened with lightening fast speed. Dominic’s uniform ripped into tatters as his heart swelled and the wolf came out. In an instant, all of his bones and joints shifted and changed and fur rippled over his skin. He shifted into a charcoal gray wolf just as Winston, who could shift in a blink of an eye, lunged at him in his deep, almost black, wolf form. They were bigger than average wolves, twice the size, and contained a tremendous amount of strength. As Winston crashed into Dominic, it was like being hit with a Volkswagon and it sent Dominic into the edge of the porch. Winston stared down at him with cold eyes and raised haunches and growled. He lunged at Dominic again, but this time, Dominic was ready and darted to the side. He took the opportunity and threw himself on top of Winston and bit down hard on his neck. Blood ran through Winston’s fur and filled Dominic’s mouth, but it wasn’t enough. Winston twisted, ripping his own skin in the process, and kicked at Dominic’s underside with his razor sharp claws. The pain was extreme, but it didn’t matter to Dominic, and he went for another lunge with his fangs.

Just as Dominic was getting an upper hand, another wolf crashed into his side and pulled him off of Winston. He should’ve kept an ear out for the wolves with Winston, it was his mistake. Dominic got back onto his four paws and there were four more wolves in front of him, closing in. Shit, thought Dominic, this wasn’t good. He needed to act fast and hard, so he lunged at the smallest wolf and caught him off guard. Just as the other wolves were going to close in, Coleman and another Brown jumped off of the porch in wolf form and joined the fray. The two Browns got between Dominic and the other wolves.

Go! Shouted Coleman and Dominic bounded over the porch and into the house.

Patrice was standing in the kitchen when Dominic scrambled inside. It was a frenzy of snarling and growling outside and Dominic yelled at Patrice to shift. She stood looking at Dominic’s wolf form like a deer in the headlights.

Patrice! Shift, now! He snarled, the human words mixed with the glottal sounds of his wolf tongue. She snapped out of her shock and closed her eyes. It was clear she was a new wolf because it took a couple of moments to shift, her face all bunched up in discomfort as her limbs and joints popped and cracked. She shifted into a beautiful wolf that was the color of peaches and cream; soft blondes and white. Dominic turned his head to look. The wolf at the door was Winston, sauntering as he climbed up the steps. His muscular canine shoulders rose and fell with each step and his eyes were focused on Patrice. Dominic looked around in panic. They couldn’t go through the front door, so the cruiser wasn’t an option. There was a thick door leading to the garage, but it was too big to crash through and they didn’t have time to shift back into human form, open the door, and shift back to wolf form. That left only one option, and Patrice wasn’t going to like it. Dominic got close to Patrice and put himself between her and Winston.

We only got one option, He growled quietly. We got to crash through that window and into the river. These wolves are going to rip us apart otherwise.

What about my dad? She looked at Dominic with soulful brown eyes.

He’s tough, he’ll be able to handle his own. We won’t be so lucky. You gotta jump first They backed up towards the window but Dominic kept his eyes on Winston who was now inside the house. Patrice had enough distance to have a running start, but she was freezing up again. Winston saw her fear and shot towards them. Dominic threw himself in front of the attack, but it was like getting hit by a ton of bricks, but it was enough to put some haste into Patrice. She lunged towards the window. It shattered into a thousand tiny diamonds and Patrice disappeared over the edge. Winston was caught off guard and looked up at the broken window. Dominic saw his chance and dug his fangs into Winston’s neck and threw him to the ground. Winston was dazed and Dominic turned his back to him and darted through the window after Patrice.

The water was ice cold, but they couldn’t feel it through their thick fur. Dominic’s head plunged under the water and the current pushed them along at a frenzied pace. He struggled to get his head above the water, and when he did, he saw Patrice merrily navigating through the river and avoiding the rocks. Dominic wasn’t as fortunate, and as the current dragged him closer to the banks, he was like a pinball bouncing between bumpers. A protruding rock clipped his head and Dominic felt a searing pain before everything thing became fuzzy, and then everything turned to black.

Chapter Four

Dominic came to on the stony shore of the river. He was still in wolf form and his entire body ached and throbbed. Beside him, Patrice sat nicely on her back legs and was cleaning her snout. She looked over at him and licked his face.

I got some emergency kits in the woods not too far from here. She told him and Dominic rose onto his paws. Patrice turned around and started to jog across the stony shore, up a small dirt bank, and into the woods. Dominic followed and constantly checked behind them. It wasn’t likely that they would follow them down the river, not with Coleman and the other Brown still fighting, and by the time they would come into the woods they could be long gone.

After a few minutes, Patrice stopped at a tree and started to dig up the mossy ground with her front paws. With her mouth, she grabbed a black strap out of the hole and dragged up a dirt-covered sports bag. It was a bug-out pack; every wolf had one. Shifting and clothing didn’t get on too well , and every wolf worth their salt kept a bag of clothing and supplies buried out in the woods for unexpected shifting occasions. Patrice nodded to a cluster of trees.

Go wait there. I’ll bring you some clothes. She said and Dominic moved behind the trees, out of sight of Patrice. She came over in a couple of minutes and shyly put her hand through the low hanging branches. She had a small bundle of men’s clothing and a sturdy pair of boots.

Here you go. It's my dad's, hopefully, it all fits. Patrice said as she dropped the bundle of clothes beside Dominic. She turned around and gave him his privacy.

It felt good to shift. It was hard to think clearly in wolf form; everything was a mix of senses and emotions, which was not conducive to clear thinking. They were also easier to track in wolf form. Wolves in human form still left a certain smell, but it was more subtle and easier to hide.

His body was covered in bites and scratches that bleed out in thin ribbons. His ribs ached and were already starting to bruise. Dominic hadn’t been in a scrap like that in years and forgot how much a good wolf brawl could hurt. The clothes were a pair of blue jeans, black boots, and a comfortable looking flannel. Dominic got changed and the pants were a little short and the shirt a little tight, but it was better than nothing.

He came out from behind the cluster of trees and smiled at Patrice.

Hell of a morning. He said and she nodded. Patrice was wearing a black tanktop and jeans and was tying her hair back into a ponytail. She had a