Sleepy Wolf Inn

By Payne Haynes

Tamara Decker’s lifelong dream was to run her own hotel. Making it a place that magic users could use openly seemed like the perfect niche for success. She could never foresee the results of pouring so much magic into one location, or the reactions of the community. Her staff struggles to support her as their own lives complicate matters.
Halloween was supposed to be the best time of the year for a hotel that catered to the magical community, how could it go so wrong? The staff grapple with the results and struggle to understand what is going on. Meanwhile society strikes to control or destroy in a grapple for power.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Payne Haynes
• Release date: Mar 25, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370409297

Payne Haynes

Born in 1979, I grew up a world traveller. With a father in the military I lived in Europe and Canada. With these inspirations I began to write from an early age. For me it was a coping mechnisim for the things life threw at me. As an adult I worked my way across Canada and down into the USA. I continue my travel persuits with a wide vareity of interests from sciences to the arts. Conventions focusing on fiction and literature are my favorite events of the year, and a reason I settled on the west coast. With years of writing it is time to make the move of sharing it to the world. I sincerely hope it is enjoyed.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Tracy Patrick held a great deal of annoyance at the lack of solitude. He worked the graveyard shift for three months now and valued his peace and quiet. It was when the hotel was his. He did his work, and then had plenty of time to study. For the most part it was an easy job, except on nights like this. Two nights to Halloween and there wasn't a vacancy to have.

Every place had its secrets, and this one was no different. In back of the hotel there was a nice garden with paths into the woods. Several of the paths lead to a clearing made especially for magical groups to perform their rites. They were usually booked during the daytime. Halloween seemed to be the exception. Tonight the OBT, at least that’s what they called themselves, had booked the space. He wasn’t sure what it stood for, but he had seen them come and go at the beginning of his shift at 11pm. Clad in their black robes, every member seemed intent upon their purposes. Little groups of them stood around the lobby and sent fugitive looks his way every now and then. If they thought he might overhear them, they overestimated his interest. As a real mage he was not impressed with the way they talked. They were what most called mundane, or in this case Octanes (mundane occultists). They had no idea what was truly out there but thought they were experts. The truth would never come to them.

He wasn’t too concerned about them. Mandi Lowry was out back keeping an eye on them and their special rites. She was a tall brunette who knew more about magic than he ever dreamed was possible. That was the difference between finding out you were one at twenty and being born and raised in a magic family. They talked about it often, she was eager to vent and he was curious about that type of life. He enjoyed her smart humor, even if her family didn't. They might not agree on her occupation, but he was happy she was out there at this moment.

Tracy knew when everyone was back in the clearing. It was when his lobby finally emptied of annoying people. The lobby was quiet except the buzz of the crickets that were loud enough to echo inside. His nerves released some of their tension at the peace and quiet. Now it was perfect to get work done. Except for updates, he studied transactions in silence. There were occasional breaks to tap at the computer in research. He knew Mandi was most likely bored. Spying on magic rites was one thing, but when it was octanes there was nothing to learn. Everything seemed routine until about one am.

Tracy, I think you need to call Tamara. Mandi said on the radio.

The sudden loud voice in the quiet lobby made him jump. The peace of his silent work was shattered. What’s up? he asked into the little handheld radio. He dropped his paperwork to devote his whole attention to her. Once his place was lost it would take a moment to find it again. It didn't matter; there was also something in her voice that made him concerned. They’re doing real magic back here. She said. I’m not sure what it is but it’s big.

But they’re hacks, He replied. Even as he spoke he reached for his landline phone. His boss, Tamara Decker, was the owner and an active part of the business that she started less than a year ago. It had become a popular place in the magic community. There were not a lot of places that had secure dedicated sites.

Just get her out here.

Tamara Decker was not tall, but she was a powerful presence. Her red hair was like a fire halo as she walked into the lobby and looked around with narrow eyes. She was on the round side but no one dared speak of it, not even Tracy as he saw her come in. Her grey eyes fell upon him. I assume that it’s something good? Her delicate voice had a slight French accent to it.

Mandi seemed concerned. She said they were casting real magic, He said in explanation. He had gotten nothing more out of his coworker. The red head let out a deep sigh that seemed to come from her toes. It was evident she had been woken up. He wasn’t sure how far away she lived, but she had gotten there rather fast. There were rumors she was a shifter which would explain the speed.

He moved aside as she commandeered a computer behind the front desk. Those grey eyes moved fast as they looked up the information on the group. We are going to have to start background checking these damn groups, she commented

A tall lethal man walked into the lobby from the hall. His golden hair fell down to his shoulders and he looked sleepy. Pointed ears crept out of the edges of his thick locks. His rounded face and almond eyes looked sleepy as he stepped up to the counter. May I have a key to room 241?

Are you registered to that room sir? Tracy asked with expert ease.

I have no idea. I stepped into my dining room only to find myself in your hallway. That was the number on the room door, he said and then frowned. Why am I speaking to two mortals without language issues?

Magic, Tamara prompted as Tracy tapped away at the other computer. Her grey eyes took him in as he, in turn, took her in. Her fair skin and brilliant hair gave her a striking look. His brown eyes seemed to savor the sight. Tamara took a deep breathe, letting the scent of him fill her nostrils. He was wolf, she noted. She didn’t know fae could be shifters too, interesting. She knew he would note her scent because his nose flared ever so slightly.

Tracy gasped. The sound broke the connection between the two. She looked over his shoulder as he pointed to the display of the list of hotel rooms. Several rooms were now listed as occupied, and marked in the last name line as ‘foreign’. She had never seen a marker like that. Her brows furrowed as she looked down the list. With a strike of a key the list refreshed. Two other rooms were now occupied and marked foreign.

Give me your key. She ordered holding her hand out. Tracy placed his master key in her hand without question. Come with me, she said to the strange fae shifter.

His eyes seemed to follow her as he fell in line with her. She opted to ignore it for the moment.

Do you say that to all the boys you meet, he asked with a coy look.

Only the ones worth leading, she replied as they walked together down the hallway. The light from the crystal chandeliers cast a dim glow upon the white walls with black lace in a vintage feel. The gentle aroma of potpourri filled the air. They took the stairs instead of the elevator. On the second floor she stopped at the door he claimed to have come through. With a polite knock she unlocked it and opened the door.

Inside was a completely different place. The scent of the wild hit her first. It was a pale bedroom. The low bed sat before two wide windows. A breeze blew through the room from the balcony. This was not a small hotel room that was supposed to be there. It was exotic and smelled wild. Is this your room? she asked. The sensation of wild abandon that filled her left her feeling rather breathless.

It is. Why is it opening into your building? He asked.

She jumped. She hadn’t realized he was standing so close behind her. She could feel the heat of him. He smelled wild and wolfish. He moved letting her step back into the hotel’s hallway. Forcing herself to focus she frowned. It was strange. Why was the hotel opening portals to someplace else? She picked up her radio off her hip and spoke to Tracy, I think you best call Aaron.

The council? Tracy asked.

Yes. She replied. I’m going to go check on Mandi now.

Tracy didn’t reply; he didn’t need to. Once again the fae fell in line behind her. What is your name? she asked as they walked.

Fionn, he answered. What may I call you?

Tamara, she answered. Her mind was a blur. This hotel had held many magic residents in the last year and nothing like this ever happened. In fact there were safeguards to prevent things like this from happening. It had to be why Mandi held enough concerned enough to call her. She led the way down the stairs and through the lobby to the back door.

Tracy didn’t look up from his work as they passed by, nor did they stop. She led the way out the back door of the lobby. The scent and feel of the woods hit her right away. It wasn’t wild like the scent of Fionn’s room, but it was home. The breeze was cool in the late night, and the moon was high casting its glow. The property had a small floral garden, and several paths that branched off into the woods. Past the gardens a clear path leads into the trees and up the hillside. The path wove its way uphill to a bowl-like clearing in an easy walk. The path opened enough to allow the moonlight to light their way towards the private space.

Near the widening of the trees they saw Mandi. Her tall form was lit up by the moonlight like a colored statue. Her dark hair was in a thick hair tie and her darkened skin seemed to glow in the light. She stood on the edge of the landing at the end of the path. The tall woman shifted her weight from foot to foot as she watched the events within the clearing. Her agitation emanated from her.

Tamara looked over her shoulder to tell Fionn to stay back and discovered he had transformed. He had been so quiet about it even her shape shifting senses had not picked it up. The huge wolf was brown to red throughout his back and white beneath. She hadn’t seen that coloring before. She didn’t dwell on it as she approached her employee.

The relief in Mandi’s eyes was clear as she turned to see Tamara. You have to see this.

Tamara stepped up to the top of the hill to look at the depression before her. The clearing was in a bowl shaped allowing those in the back ranks to be able to see the center. It wasn’t steep, just enough incline to make it easier. She watched as dozens of figures in black robes moved in a systematic manner. Where is their circle?

They didn’t cast one, Mandi said. They didn’t ground themselves either. Her voice came out as a hushed whisper.

Tamara’s eyes drifted over the scene again, her heart sinking into her stomach. The dark figures moved and swayed as they chanted. She had no idea what they were doing but she could feel the pulsing energy vibrate out of the center of their ritual. A protective circle would contain the magic and return it into the area. That in turn meant it required less effort for the participants. A strong wave of power washed over them. Her stomach seemed to want to upheave at it. The power made her body want to fall over with weakness. Fionn let out a whimper. Being a fae it must make him sensitive.

We need to stop this, Mandi gasped as she grounded her feet. Her arm wrapped around her midsection as the nausea passed.

I’m open to suggestions. Tamara said.

Ever hear of Flaticious? Mandi said with a helpless look.

Only in theory, Tamara replied. Are you referring to his spectacular freezing spell?

Yeah, like the one that held the fae sun court for five minutes. Mandi supplied, It’s a miracle he survived that. Either way, freezing will at least hold things.

That’s what we need for now. Tamara agreed, I have Tracy calling in the council.

Then we just need some time. Let’s do this.

Tamara nodded as she considered her options. Pause it for experts to come and figure it out was the best possible answer at the moment. With a sigh she signaled Fionn to stay. She knew if they realized what was about to happen the group below might retaliate. Fionn was in the best position to protect Mandi.

Most people assumed that Tamara was a mage because she ran a hotel for magic users. The truth was more complicated. She was a mage and so much more. Her body shifted into a wolf and moved stealthily through the woods. Not a mortal ear heard the soft padding of her feet. The underbrush had been left on purpose when they were clearing the area. It gave her plenty of cover as she had to get close to move around the circle. Once on the other side she was able to return to her mortal form. Her jeans worked great in this kind of climate; it protected her skin from the dense brush. Magic was so useful for things like her clothes kept on her throughout the changes.

She looked through the low branches at the congregation before her. They had at least three spells going on at once. What were they doing? Despite the complexity they had not performed the most basic of magical practices. Idiots, she thought as she pulled her radio off her hip. I’m in position.

I’m ready, Mandi said.

On the count of three starts chanting. Tamara pulled a rubber band from her pocket and wrapped it around the radio. It held the talk button down. After a calm count of three she began chanting. She knew Mandi would hear it and they would be able to keep pace.

The shape shifter stood up, uncaring who saw her, and positioned her feet wide. The magic that pulsed out of the circle ran straight up her body and out her fingertips. She chanted with little memory the words she said. The flow of magic was intoxicating. It was important, like electricity, not to let the flow end with you or it could kill you. Be the conductor, she reminded herself, and through that you control the flow.

The effect wasn’t immediate. It took a few minutes of chanting then the effect became obvious. A glow began to rise from the ground. The multicolor hue was like oil in the water as it changed and flowed in the light. It rose like a grand bubble. She felt the magic leave her body like fire as it grew the bubble. The bubble created a circle, where one should have been. It reached high above them and carefully sealed itself off. As it did so the actions within the circle slowed in pace until their movements froze altogether. They were now frozen until the spell was released.

Tamara stared at it for a long time and stared at the sealed group. She wanted to be sure it was secure. She took a small doll out of her other pocket. It had a big chest and small waist, with red yarn for hair. Voodoo had a few things right when it came to magic. She gave it a gentle kiss and buried it in the ground where she had stood. It would remember the last magic performed and keep it going if needed. Like a backup battery it was only good for a little while. Sometimes that was all you needed.

The wolf-mage picked up the radio and removed its elastic. We good?

Good on this end.

Chapter 2

Tracy had finished his work for the night. Thank goodness. He hated interruptions. Once he got into a groove he didn’t want to stop. It was hard to pick up the pace again, or remember where he had been. He put the last report in the manager’s box and returned to the front desk.

A large trollish man came in from the hallway. His skin was a dull green with wisps of wool like hair on his head. His yellowish eyes were narrow as he walked with a heavy gait. Tracy heard him grunt along the way. The words turned into coherent sounds when the creature reached the threshold of the lobby. It was soft curses the four foot wide fae made. It paused at the door and stared at Tracy for a moment before proceeding closer. He trudged up to the desk, banged his hands on the desk and growled, What is this place?

Tracy took no insults, it was clear to him that the creature’s mutterings and body language were not a threat. The creature was just annoyed. It was amazing how understanding body language helped communication. The tall night auditor looked up into the face of the creature and said, Welcome to the Sleepy Wolf Inn sir. Which room did you come out of?

The sign said this. The creature stated and drew a shape with his finger. Tracy noted the number and made a room key.

My apologies, the doors are made to automatically lock. This key will let you back into your room.

My ‘Room’ is my home. Why is it opening to this….earth-hole?

Magic, Tracy stated calmly. Bad magic has touched this place causing our rooms to open to strange places. We are working on fixing the issue. I apologize for the inconvenience.

The green skinned troll just stared at Tracy. Its left lower fang twitched slightly in its mouth. Its black pupils were creased with red and seemed to narrow in on the mortal man. Tracy didn’t quiver. He stared straight into the monster’s eyes. Again I do apologize for the inconvenience, and I assure you that it is a completely random effect.

The troll took the key and looked at it curiously. Tracy held up his master key and used a motion to demonstrate how to put it in the lock. Simply slide it down into the lock and pull out. A green light will flash and you can open the door.

The troll let out another mutter and nodded.

The front door slide open and two men walked into the lobby. They wore jeans and long shirts. From the way they walked and talked to each other he could tell they were drunk. What were they doing out this late in such a remote place? Tracy let out an inward groan. The last thing he needed right now was two mortals, even if they were part of the magical society referred to as Parandus, to bother this creature. At this hour those that showed up were either tired travelers or assholes. And sure enough they spoke up. Who let the rules down here?

How may I help you gentlemen, Tracy asked. He was careful to keep his voice neutral.

The hulking troll turned to take in these newcomers with narrow eyes. Tracy prayed they kept their mouths shut, but knew they wouldn’t. There was no way he could rent rooms right now. Not with strange portals appearing, and the drama in back with the magic circle. There was also no way to know if this creature in his lobby was familiar with local etiquette.

Give us a room. The shorter of the two said tossing his credit card on the desk in front of Tracy. The night auditor was aware of the Troll's narrow eyes watching the scene. He caught the slip of plastic as it slid over the desk's counter.

What was it they said in relations class? Tracy couldn’t help but go back to his classes given to him through the Parandus council. Fae use courtesy as the utmost standard for judging people. Watching what was said and how it was said was vital with the fae. It was clear this troll would be analyzing everything that was said and done here.

I’m sorry sir, we are sold out. Tracy said calmly as he picking up the card and tried to hand it back. It wasn’t true, but there were two golden rules Tamara taught him. 1. If they give you trouble checking in, they will be trouble the entire stay. That wasn’t a steadfast rule, but proved true most of the time. The second was: Edit who you rent to after midnight. He did have rooms, but he wasn’t taking the chance of putting them in one and ending up sending them to the netherworld or something. The hotel would be completely liable. Unlike the other shifts where it was important to fill the rooms, he was about making sure everyone was safe, sound, and had a quiet night.

Look again. The man said. His voice dropped into a dark note as he eyed Tracy.

The other man stood next to his friend, Do you know who we are? We are friends of the owner. So if you value your job you’ll make sure we’re taken care of.

I do not need to look to know I have no rooms for you, Tracy said evenly to the first man. Then to the second, I am sure that the owner would personally want to rectify this, would you like me to call her and find out?

Asshole, The first one cursed as they stormed out. You’ll have your ass handed to you when we’re done with you.

Good luck, Tracy muttered as the lobby door swooshed closed behind them.

The troll turned back to him and stared at him for a long moment. Tracy stared back. It was strange that dealing with this monster was far more pleasant than the assholes that just walked out. There’s a dozen in every crowd, the troll growled at him. Then he held the card up and mimicked Tracy’s motion with it.

It was all Tracy could do not to laugh. He nodded and let the troll amble out of the lobby. How was it in this job he was more comfortable with the monsters of the world than other mages? Because there were written guidelines, he decided. He let out a deep sigh and the emotions he had kept bottled up. Tracy wasn’t about to let the troll know how scared he had been. Somehow the ability to push his emotions down and do that made him feel stronger. Still, he noted his hands were shaking. The back door opened and the little bells upon it jingled. Tamara, Mandi and the fae came back in. He stood back and watched as the two women walked in, with a fae in tow. Mandi gave him a high five as she slipped behind the desk. We just did a flaticious spell.

Tracy whistled, I’ve only ever heard of those effects going off in questionable situations.

We should be clear for that. Tamara sighed. What’s happened up here?

Troll wandered in from another ‘foreign’ room. He reported. I refused to sell rooms for the moment until we figure this out.

Probably for the best, Tamara agreed with a heavy sigh. She came behind the desk and commandeered one of the computers. The fae that had followed her out planted himself at the end of the desk and watched silently. Tracy wasn’t sure he hadn’t left yet. But his attention was brought back to his boss when she asked, Did you call Aaron?

"Dispatch said it was a busy night and might take a while. I tried to impress upon her the urgency but you know how they are. They