A Kiss of Red

By Garrett Zephyr

Brook Falls, Oregon.
A small and quiet town, yet lately ominous things have been happening. A dead animal here and there. Bodies appearing mauled and partially eaten. Speculations abound as to what might be the cause. The most spoken of: wolves.

James Powell. Dark and handsome, yet carrying a secret passion. A burning within him for the woman he just met along the side of the road. Yet his past is about to come forward, and it may claim her.

Eugene Spencer. Fair and cold, radiating a strength that draws her in. Yet there are those who despise him for the things he has done. His desire burns hotly for her, to have her as his own.

Marie Thompson. It all centers around her. A simple girl who grew up here, yet with her own secret she has tried desperately to flee. Yet when her grandmother is injured she feels herself drawn back to the small town, unaware of the killings that have been going on.

As things grow more intense on all sides, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to these two men, unaware that while one of them means to love her, the other seeks her blood.

When the death toll rises, and the full light of the moon builds the heat within her, the wolves begin to close in. Can she resolve the issues of her past, while staying alive long enough to find the one man she is supposed to be with?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Garrett Zephyr
• Release date: Apr 4, 2014
• ISBN: 9780463380840

Garrett Zephyr

I grew up on a farm in the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia. I never really thought much about being a writer, until one day in 2007 when I simply sat down at the computer and began writing an erotic story. I later shared this with numerous people I knew, and was surprised when they rather unanimously declared it a good read. Some pushed me to begin my own work. This is pretty much what brings me here to Smashwords. I have finally found the first story and written it. Now it is simply a matter of selling. I have many more ideas for books, enough that I am pretty much set for life, should I become successful at it. I hope you will enjoy my work.

Book preview

~Chapter 1~

It was just one of those days where everything seemed to go wrong. First she had left the apartment without remembering to bring an umbrella. Naturally the storm clouds broke as she was walking home. Water dripped from her coat as she stepped off the elevator into the familiar hallway. She had lived here for a little while now and it had come to be home for her.

Thinking the horrible day was finally behind her, Marie started towards her door. Just as she was struggling to get the key to unlock the door a crash of thunder sounded outside. Startled she jerked, and the weakened material of the bag finally burst.  Marie looked down at the food scattered across the floor.

Fuck!

A clucking sound led her to whirl around and see her neighbor standing in a nearby doorway. The elderly woman had a disapproving look in her eyes, she did not think much of young ladies using such vulgarities. Marie quickly turned away, a blush creeping up her cheeks as she worked the lock on her door and let it glide open. I'm sorry, Miss Felder. I spoke without thinking.

She quickly knelt and began to gather up the food. It looked as if none of it had been harmed, although her apples might be a little bruised. The elderly woman moved and knelt slowly to help her.

Well, God is forgiving, my child.

Marie cringed inwardly, but nodded all the same. Miss Felder was definitely a bible-thumper. What a shock she would get to realize Marie wasn't a proper church-goer.

RING! RING!

As the storm began to build in earnest outside, the noisy sound of Marie's telephone began. It was nearly lost with the sounds of thunder outside. Marie rose to her feet with an armful of groceries and strode into the apartment to place it on the counter in the kitchen. As she started back to the open doorway the answering machine kicked in.

Miss Thompson? This is the clinic at Brook Falls. Your grandmother was found unconscious and you are listed as an emergency contact. When you get this, please return our call at...

Marie stopped in her tracks. Everything seemed to slow a bit around her as she turned to look at the phone. Grandma was hurt? It seemed absurd. That old woman was tougher than anyone half her age. A touch to her arm jerked her back into the here and now. Miss Felder was standing at her side. A look of sympathy crossed the woman's eyes now.

Go child, call them back. I will see to the rest of your food and let myself out.

Marie nodded, and lifted the phone from it's base. A light crackle of static could be heard on the line. Some interference from the storm outside, no doubt. Her fingers slowly found the number for the clinic. Her mind beginning to race with worry over what might have happened. She held the phone to her ear and listened to it ring.

Good afternoon, this is the Brook Falls Clinic. My name is Jennifer. How may I help you today?

As the voice came through the line, Marie cringed a little inside.

H-hey Jenny. This is Marie Thompson. I was calling to find out about my grandmother? Someone from the Clinic just called and left a message for me.

Silence. She could only imagine what the other woman was thinking. All of it bad. The two had never really gotten along while growing up. A fact that was only made worse by Marie's friendship with Allen. In Jennifer's eyes, he belonged to her. Marie was nothing so much as a threat.

So. You don't care enough to stick around and help her out, yet you bother to call and see how she is?

The level of coldness in Jenny's voice was beyond what Marie had expected. Something must have set her off badly. Marie's eyes narrowed a little as she replied.

That is beyond the point. Just tell me how she is doing and what happened.

I don't think I like your tone, Miss, Jennifer snorted. As Marie opened her mouth to reply, the sounds of a struggle began on the other end of the line. She could hear Miss Felder place a few objects on the counter. Moments later the door was closed, leaving her alone.

Hello? Marie, are you still there?

For the second time that evening a familiar voice reached her ears. Marie smiled. So that was why Jenny was in such a tizzy.

Hello Allen. Please, can you tell me what is going on?

Her thoughts drifted to the friendship they had formed in high school. They had similar tastes, and shared a few classes together. They had even been partners on a few assignments together. It had all been perfectly fine. Until he began dating Jenny Reed.

Marie. It is just awful. I went out this afternoon to do some work for Ellen. I found her lying out in the yard. She wouldn't respond, so I called the clinic for help. They say she is okay, but she hasn't woken up.

Marie felt a shiver creep up her spine. Through the line she could almost make out a harsh tone in the background. Jenny seemed to be demanding Allen give her the phone.

Look. I better go. I will try to call you back with more information when I get it.

A bit more of an argument, and then suddenly the line was dead. Marie stood there for several seconds in the darkness. A flash of lightning lit the room briefly. Her mind tumbled over itself with thoughts of the woman who had raised her. And now she was lying in the clinic unconscious. While Marie was somewhere else. She turned to look about the apartment as memories of her childhood rose to the surface. Of all the times she was injured and her grandmother had been there for her.

RING! RING!

Marie jumped, startled as the phone began to ring again. Shaking her head she pushed the button and held it back to her ear.

Hello?

Hey Marie. I wasn't sure if I would catch you.

The voice of her most recent boyfriend came to her ears. Yet something in his tone made it sound as if he did not really want to catch her.

Oh, Mark. Hello.

She could hear him breathing as he hesitated, before his voice came back to her.

So, look. I don't think I can go out with you anymore. I mean, you are a really nice girl. It's just I have met someone. You know we never really talked about being exclusive.

His words slowly seeped into her mind. Numbly she stared at nothing, as he continued with talk about meeting another girl and wanting to be with her. A coiling sensation began in her stomach. The news of her grandmother, and now this. It was simply too much and she turned the phone off. But that just was not as satisfying as slamming down a receiver. So instead she slammed it down on the base.

RING! RING!

Almost immediately it began to ring again. Marie grabbed it and jerked the line free. Then with nothing else to do at the moment, she sank to sit with her back against the couch. As the darkness and silence closed around her, a few tears began to slip free. It wasn't long before the stress of the day finally caught up to her. As lightning continued to light the room occasionally, Marie simply sat there and cried.

After a time, she wiped her eyes on the back of her hand. It seemed like hours had passed, but when she looked at the clock only about thirty minutes had gone by. As thunder rumbled outside, she went to her bedroom to pack some clothing. Her thoughts were mostly of her grandmother, yet some small part of her was still crying inside at the betrayal of her boyfriend. When the bag was packed she carried it in to drop on the sofa. All of her groceries were lined up on the counter. She wasn't sure how long she would be gone. Some compulsion led her to grab the bag of apples and drop it next to her bag. Then she went to knock on Miss Felder's door.

After a few moments, the door opened and she stood there in her robe. A cat came out as well, and walked over to coil about Marie's ankles. By the look in her eyes, Miss Felder was clearly expecting the worst.

Miss Felder. I need to go home. My grandma. My grandma is in the local clinic.

As the words left her lips, a fresh wave of anxiety came over her. She struggled to continue, the cat at her feet meowing softly in a desire for petting. With nothing else to do, Marie knelt and lifted him to her breast, stroking him gently as he began to purr happily.

Of course, child. Is there anything I can do to help?

Well, yes. I have some food. It's perishable, and I'm not really sure how long I will be gone. I thought you might like it.

Marie shifted the cat to one hand and held out the spare key. After a moment, the elderly woman nodded and took it.

Okay. You be careful getting there. God will be watching over her. Just keep to your faith.

With a nod, Marie lowered the cat to the floor. As Miss Felder moved back into her apartment he trotted in after her, with a single backward glance at Marie. As the door closed, Marie left to gather her things. It would be a drive of several hours to get home. A glance out the window showed the lights of Portland, albeit a bit blurry. The storm seemed to be moving on.

~*****~

Allen hung up the phone and cringed as he turned to see his girlfriend's face. A hurricane could have displayed less fury. He steeled himself and lifted a hand to his black hair. Jenny's tantrums were nothing new to him. Mostly when she had been drinking, or worse. He had been forced to bail her out of jail a number of times over the past few years. Her blue eyes bored into him, frostier than normal.

You should not have treated her like that, Jenny. Her grandmother is hurt.

The words just kind of slipped out before he realized what he was saying. Almost immediately the temperature in the room seemed to drop ten degrees. It began with a narrowing of her eyes, and Allen quickly looked around. There were a few people at the clinic for appointments. Yet that would not stop her. She didn't care who might see. The others shifted a bit uncomfortably.

Who the hell do you think you are? Sticking up for that bitch like that! Jenny snarled, folding her hands beneath her breasts and glaring at Allen.

As if she gave a damn about her grandmother. She was the one who took off just as soon as she could. Hasn't been back since has she?

Jenny's voice rose slightly. She was definitely building herself up for a fit of shrieking. Allen inadvertently took a step backwards. Not that he was frightened of her, exactly. But there were few people in town that could deal with Jenny when she was having one of her fits. Just so long as she didn't start throwing things. If that were the case, she would probably have to spend a few days in jail again.

Baby, look. Her grandmother is hurt. You can see how she had to be told. What would you want someone to do if it had happened to your grandmother?

Hah! You just want a reason to get her back in town. Planning to give her a good little fucking when she gets here?

Jenny's voice rose louder, and the patients all beat a hasty retreat out the front door. Allen found himself backing to the doorway leading to the few patient rooms they had. His hands came up, palms forward in an attempt to calm her.

You know I have never been with her. You have been the only one since we started dating. C'mon honey, calm down.

But Jenny was beyond calm at this stage, and Allen ducked through the door just in time as a book from the reception counter came crashing against the wall. Along with it came a shriek of fury, as if some demon had been unleashed from hell. Shaking his head and with an embarrassed shrug to the nurse who stuck her head out of one room, Allen headed for the room where Ellen Sanders was being held. He tried to ignore the sounds coming from the waiting area. It sounded as if somebody had come to try and calm Jenny down. By the crash emanating from that direction, they weren't having such a good time of it.

Finally he was at the door and started through, only to nearly bump into a young woman about to stick her head out to see what was going on outside. As her green eyes shifted slowly up to his face, Allen felt himself swallow and step back hastily. A slow smile curled her lips as she disappeared back into the room without a word. Grimacing slightly, Allen followed. He should have known he was going to see Tanya here. Of all the grandchildren Ellen had, Tanya was the worst. Always teasing him about his clumsiness around ladies. Well, ladies other than Jenny that is.

As he entered, his gaze was drawn to the elderly woman lying in the bed. Still as death, her face drawn, she looked almost as if she were asleep. But despite all attempts, she could not be made to awaken. Thankfully she was still breathing okay, and after an examination the doctor had said she seemed to suffer from minor injuries only. As if she had fallen down and simply not gotten back up. They were still unsure how long she might have been lying there.

Allen tried to ignore Tanya's presence as he moved deeper into the room. He reached down for a moment to give Ellen's hand a squeeze. She was, by far, one of the toughest women in town. Always out puttering in her garden or building things, she would always put her own work aside to help someone in town that might need it. A smile came to his lips at the memory of the last time he had tasted one of her pies. It was readily accepted that Ellen made the best in town, if not the county. She never used anything but the freshest of ingredients.

He released the weathered hand and turned at a small noise. Tanya was seated near the window, her eyes firmly gazing out it.

Are you doing okay?

She turned at her words, and he noticed for the first time a tear in her eyes. Feeling a little guilty, and not knowing what else to do, he just stood there. After a moment she cleared her throat and dabbed at her eyes with one hand. A little smile crossed her lips, he wasn't quite sure why.

I will be okay. It is just hard to accept someone as tough as her, in this condition. I just wish we knew what had happened.

Tanya stared wistfully at her grandmother for a moment, before leaning slightly against the wall behind her. Allen looked about for a moment, before spying a chair. He went to it and sat uncomfortably, as he tried to think of what to say.

I looked around some. It had been raining. Maybe she slipped in the mud.

He frowned at the memory of the scene. She had called him about some work that needed doing. Which usually meant something too heavy for her to accomplish on her own. As he pulled up the driveway he had found her lying in the front yard. Just lying there face down in the grass. His mind struggled to go over the details. Something just did not feel right about this.

They thought maybe she hit her head. But... he stopped speaking for a moment, causing Tanya to turn her gaze towards him. I couldn't find any rocks nearby. There didn't seem to be anything to trip over. It was all just grass around her. I guess maybe she could have hit her head somewhere else and stumbled out to where she fell.

A bit uncomfortable with her gaze on him, Allen tried to keep his fixed firmly on Ellen, or the wall. The room seemed to close in on him a bit. The nurse came in then, and headed straight for him. A sigh rose in him, already expecting what was to be said.

Allen, you need to get out there. If she doesn't calm down soon, somebody is going to call the sheriff on her. Again.

She placed quite a bit of emphasis on that last word. About the only reason she was put up with was because she did work well. Just so long as her temper didn't flare at work. Allen shook his head and rose. With a nod to the nurse and a wave to Tanya, he left the room to head back into the thick of his girlfriend's anger.

With each step, dread grew within him. Things were too quiet. He looked cautiously into the waiting area, wondering if this might be the calm eye of the storm. Jenny was standing with her back to him, speaking softly to a patient. The man was looking at her with wide eyes, before he turned and practically ran out the door. So she had gone from yelling to a more silent form of fury. Terrific. He tried not to look at the imprint on the wall where the spine of the book had crashed into it as he approached her.

Hey...honey. Uhm, hey what do you say I take you out to dinner? I'm sure you could use it. And they can find someone else to cover for you here. What do you say?

When she didn't turn to him, he stammered on.

I could take you to that new place we talked about. It could be a date.

Finally she turned, a smile on her lips as she purred.

Okay baby. That sounds like a wonderful idea.

She came towards him and pressed against his arm, her fury vanished without a trace. Allen smiled weakly as she clung to him, smiling happily as she led him to the door. The vision of a lamb being led to the slaughter was an uncomfortable one, and best left for another time, he thought to himself.

~*****~

An excerpt from the Brook Falls newspaper:

Strange Deaths; Livestock in Jeopardy?

by John Howard

For the past few weeks, mysterious attacks have been taking place on the livestock around town. Partially eaten bodies have been all that remains, indeed in some cases no body is left at all. Merely splatters of blood. As unease begins, the local community remains baffled as to what could be the cause of such attacks. Indeed in some cases, the animal is simply left mutilated. Whatever the case may be, residents are encouraged not to panic.

Sheriff Rockwell assures me that the situation is well in hand. The local law enforcement is working at their best in order to solve this mystery. But these assurances fall on deaf ears to the locals who raise cattle for their income. Several have approached me in recent days, demanding something be done.

It is their belief that the problem is simple to figure out; wolves. As of 2012, it had been established that wolves will no longer be killed as part of the state's wolf killing program. The numbers increased to nearly 50 for the state. Advocates for a return to being allowed to eradicate wolves in defense of livestock are still arguing this point across the state.

Does Brook Falls now have a wolf problem? Are your children safe as they play?

While the Sheriff remains doubtful, it remains to be seen what will turn out to be the culprit.

~*****~

The world around her was hazy and dark. Strange shapes seemed to appear at the corners of her vision, yet when she turned her head to look at them they were gone. Where was she? A moment of panic, before rationality came through. Her thoughts were hazy as she began to walk, slowly at first. It was almost as if she were stuck in a room. Yet a feeling of comfort came over her. Some presence was nearby, one filled with love for her.

After a moment's hesitation, she started towards the presence. Yet harsh words began. Growling and snarling at her with a tone of command. She flinched in upon herself. What was going on here? More barking words. She could not understand what was being said. Memory of who she was evaporated into the mist. All that was left was a sense of danger. Something was dreadfully wrong. She had to get out. Had to escape! Now!!

With a single glance towards where the presence that radiated comfort. But the urge to flee was too strong. There was only danger for her here. She took off into the darkness, fleeing as if the hounds of hell were chasing her. For they very well could be. A glimpse of pain came over her. Claws slashing towards her in the night. On she ran, running as if her very life depended on it.

~Chapter 2~

Marie fumbled for a moment, reaching into the seat beside her to pull an apple from the bag she had placed there. The night had grown darker as she traveled down Highway 395. She had felt herself growing weary on a number of occasions, and considered stopping somewhere to rest for the remainder of the night. However, something kept pulling at her, some drive to keep going and not let up. As her teeth pierced the flesh of the apple, she felt a bit of juice run down her chin, warmed by the heat from a nearby vent. Unbidden, a memory came to her.

C'mon, Marie. Keep up! We'll never get those apples if you keep lagging behind.

The young girl scowled, but struggled to speed up. He was always teasing her about being too slow. Yet she knew they had to move faster. The farmer had several dogs, who loved nothing more than to chase apple-stealing children.

Keep your voice down, Tim. They'll hear you.

As if her words had summoned them, the baying of hounds rose throughout the small orchard. The young boy immediately turned around and broke for the fence, leaving the girl to follow as she was able. She struggled with the barb wire, catching a sleeve on it. Her panic rose as the hounds began to close in. Yet the barb wire only clung to her all the tighter, as if some devilish trap.

Tim! Timmy!!

But the boy was long gone, never once looking back. The first of the hounds appeared, the largest of the three. With a bark, he lunged towards the fence, heedless of the wire. The little girl closed her eyes, feeling a wetness creep down her legs.

Marie snapped to attention, the apple forgotten in her hand. She shuddered back from the memory of what came after, a tremble rippled through her body. It had been many years ago, and she thought she had managed to put it behind her. The car slowed for a moment before she turned her focus back to driving. It had been several years since she left Brook Falls. Simply packed her things and headed for Portland. Her grandmother had disapproved, you could see it in her eyes. But all she had said was that she hoped Marie found what she was looking for. The truth was Marie simply did not know what that might be.

At the time, living in the small town had simply been too much. She thought a city might offer her some form of refuge. Yet even that had not turned out so well. She bit savagely into the apple as she thought again of her boyfriend's, no ex-boyfriend's, betrayal. Men were all alike, she supposed. Only looking to use someone. To get their piece. No. She shook her head slightly, best not to dwell on that.

Growing up, whenever one of the girls had a bad breakup, her grandmother had always shared the same advice. You