A Wendigo in Wisconsin

By Steven Sterup, Jr

Cassy, Zach, and Maggie struggle to stop a wendigo that is terrorizing a group of naiads. This wendigo's motives and mannerisms are baffling. But, just maybe, this is the clue that will help them stop this creature and save a group of water nymphs.

While Cassy and Zach are preoccupied with each other and the case, Maggie is given a gift that changes her life completely. This gift is what she has always wanted, but it is from Xander. By accepting it does she risk becoming as evil as he is?

It is possible that Xander is not what everyone believes him to be. Maggie has had her suspicions in the past. But it might be just another part of his plan. In order to find out the truth, Maggie will have to risk it all and trust the trio's greatest enemy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Steven Sterup, Jr
• Release date: Aug 22, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463687376

Steven Sterup, Jr

I enjoy reading and writing fantasy themed books, including romance novels. Most of my work is about fantastical worlds with magic and monsters.Since I was young I've had a strange desire to create 'something' and as soon as I started writing my first book I knew I had finally found what I was looking for.I hope you enjoy the worlds I have created and I appreciate your feedback. Feel free to contact me on my website at www.StevenSterupJr.com or email me at [e-mail].

Book preview

MOUS Investigations

A Wendigo in Wisconsin

Written By: Steven Sterup Jr.

Copyright 2019 Steven Sterup Jr.

Legal Disclaimer - This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

If you haven’t read books 1 through 3 yet, I strongly urge you to read them first.

Book Cover Art by 100 Covers.

Special thanks to my wife, Tammy. Without her support, none of this would have been possible.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 1

Xander straightened out his suit jacket and tie as he walked into the high-rise office building in the middle of New York. His usual crisp, black suit allowed him to blend in perfectly in the prestigious office building, as well as with the humans milling around outside. As the glass door shut behind him, the sounds of the bustling street were muffled.

The immaculate entryway reminded him of the entryway to his palace. The marble floors weren’t quite as decorative, and the fixtures around the lobby weren’t gold, but the similarities even extended to the granite pillars around the place. He grinned with anticipation as he walked by the large reception desk and made his way to the elevator.

Sir, the woman behind the counter said as she stood and started walking toward him.

Her tan skirt, that matched her suit jacket, fit her body well. She appeared to be in her mid-thirties. Even her sandy blonde hair, that was done up in a bun, spoke to the professionalism she tried to portray.

Sir, she said again, a little louder, as she approached Xander.

Xander glanced away from the elevator button he had just pushed and his smile dimmed.

Yes? Xander asked impatiently.

I’m afraid you need an appointment to see Ms. Finn, the woman said sternly.

As Xander opened his mouth to put this woman in her place, the elevator doors sprung open. A small woman in a grey pantsuit rushed forward. This new woman had long, curly brown hair that was pulled back in a ponytail. She wore glasses that accentuated her stunning light blue eyes. Her dark skin fit nicely with the color of her eyes, and she barely came up to the middle of Xander’s chest. If it wasn’t for her feminine figure, most people would have taken her for a child.

Patty, it’s fine. This is Mr. Caleo, the new woman said nervously as she looked at Xander.

I’m sorry. I didn’t know, Patty said then turned to Xander. I apologize, sir. Then Patty headed back to her desk.

After Xander followed the small woman into the elevator, he waited patiently with a grin on his face. When the elevator doors shut, he let out a small laugh.

Ms. Finn? Mr. Caleo? he asked.

They’re human names, the woman said.

Kara Finn. Hmm. I suppose it does have a human quality to it, Xander said with amusement.

I apologize for Patty, sire. She’s a good employee. Keeps her nose out of my business and stops curious humans from knocking on my office door, she said and stared up at Xander, waiting for his response with fear.

You worry too much, Kara, Xander said with a laugh. And you are the last person who should be calling me sire. He looked amused as he eyed the small woman.

I’m sorry, Kara stated then grimaced.

Don’t be so nervous. It’s only been ten years, Xander said with a laugh, then waited for Kara to lead the way as the elevator doors opened up on the tenth floor.

It’s right down here, she said nervously as she walked. Her heels clacked on the hard, tile floor. And it’s been more than fifteen years, she said over her shoulder.

Xander rolled his eyes at Kara’s rigid, quick pace, but his grin remained.

While they walked, Xander surveyed the hall, the ceiling, and even peered into the empty offices as they passed by each of them.

The empty hallway in the empty office building gave Xander time to think. His mind drifted to the night which caused the most recent rift between Kara and himself.

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Kara rushed into the room of her close friend, Kristin. The excitement on her face faded to horror as she took in the scene before her.

Xander stood, looking at Kara with regret. In his hand was a dagger covered in blood. On the bed beside him, was Kristin, stabbed through the heart. The blood covered her white dress as well as the shirt Xander was wearing.

Xander looked down at Kristin then back at Kara.

Kara, wait, he urged her, but the anger was already replacing the horror.

You did it again! Why did I ever think you had changed?! Kara shouted and prepared to leave.

Kara. You don’t understand, Xander pleaded, dropping the knife and stepping toward her.

What’s there to understand? You kill anyone who can’t see things your way. Kara took a step back with disgust. You kill everyone I’m close to! The tears were forming, so she took off down the hall.

It was difficult for Xander to determine if the tears were for the loss of Kara’s friend or her disappointment in him. Perhaps it was both.

It’s not like that, Kara. If you’d just let me explain, Xander begged.

I’ve heard enough of your lies! Kara screamed and ran down the hallway.

Xander chased after her until an angry Kara stopped and stared at him with hatred.

Leave me alone! Kara shouted, finding strength in her grief. I’m going to Earth. Don’t follow me and don’t look for me. I never want to see your face again. She turned to leave but felt the need to add a more hateful retort. And I hope Cassy finds out what you did to her mother. I can’t kill you, but maybe someday she can!

Then Kara vanished before him, and Xander hung his head as he made his way back to Kristin’s room.

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That was the last time Xander saw Kara, until now. He had obeyed her wishes and never looked for her.

After a left turn and a twenty-foot walk, they reached a door at the end of the hall.

It’s very nice, Xander mused while Kara held the door for him. He scoured the entire space as he stepped through the doorway with his hands in his pockets.

It’s just for show, she said then shut the door.

Kara’s office was open and clean. There were two chairs against the wall. They could be pulled in front of the large desk if needed. Even her enormous, curved desk was nearly spotless. Xander smirked as he looked around the room and at all the wall decorations. It all looked very professional...and very human.

You’ve done a wonderful job, he said, staring at the plaques and pictures along the wall. He took particular interest in one painting of a mountain. The sky had a purple tint to it, and a river flowed along the base. Even the clouds seemed to be wary of coming near this majestic mountain. This is on Earth? he asked, motioning to the picture.

I believe so, Kara replied quickly. She stood nervously in front of her desk, hands at her sides, waiting.

Reminds me of Mount Shrilla. Minus the clouds, of course, Xander pondered then turned to Kara. Why are you so nervous? It’s just me.

I wasn’t sure you’d come, Kara replied.

Xander lifted his eyebrows and looked at her in disbelief.

I’m not mad at you. You’re mad at me. Remember? Xander questioned. Just let me explain about Kristin.

No need, Kara said, pushing away the notion with her hand while she shook her head. I lived on Alterram for centuries and had no idea how naïve I was. She smiled at Xander. Fifteen years alone on Earth, and I finally get it. You didn’t lie to me. You’ve never lied to me. It’s all true.

Xander looked at her with guilt, still feeling the need to explain, but she spoke first.

I’ve found it! she said loudly.

Xander’s face went blank. All notions of explaining himself vanished.

Are you sure? he asked and the awkwardness of being in a room with Kara for the first time in over a decade seemed inconsequential. Even your mother couldn’t find it. He strode over to her quickly. Excitement influenced every movement.

I’m certain, Kara said with confidence, and her grin grew.

Xander smiled down on her then threw his arms around her and squeezed, forgetting that she might reject him.

Instead of rejecting him, she buried her face into his chest and forgot all about her apprehension. She held on to him tightly, never wanting to let go, until he pushed himself away.

Where is it? he asked as he held her at arm's length.

In the middle of the Arizona desert. Smack dab in the middle, she said with glee.

Kara, he said with sadness. I’m sorry for everything I’ve put you through.

It’s my fault, she said and clasped her hands in front of her then looked at the floor. I should have listened to you.

I should have tried harder, Xander said with regret. I only have you. Althea wouldn’t want us to be strangers. Besides, I can’t trust anyone else. By the end of his statement, a smile, once again, spread over his face.

As Xander walked away from Kara, the oil woman appeared beside her. Her oozing form dripped onto the floor. Xander turned to face her, and his concern for Kara was clear.

What are you two so excited about? the oil woman asked with a distorted voice as she circled Kara.

We... Xander started, but the oil woman held up her hand, and Xander was unable to speak.

I was asking her, she said angrily.

I...we... Kara stuttered. We found the perfect spot for our palace on Earth.

The oil woman released Xander but kept her attention focused on Kara. Xander made his way to his feet as the oil woman continued.

Is that true, Xander? she asked, sneering at Kara.

Yes. You can’t expect us to rule the Earth from an office building, he stated, motioning around the office.

The oil woman turned her focus to Xander and didn’t look convinced.

Are you sure you’re telling me everything? she asked impatiently.

Like you tell me everything...Serina? Xander asked, trying to divert the oil woman’s attention.

What? How did you know? Serina asked, and her oily form started clearing. The oil hardened then changed colors. Soon, Serina stood in front of them in a clean, white dress. Her brunette hair looked brushed. Even her face had no sign of the abuse Renault had put her through.

Did you really think you could fool me? Xander asked with a laugh.

Serina looked at Xander with contempt and suspicion.

What else do you THINK you know? she asked angrily.

I THINK, he said emphasizing the word, just as she had. That you are as bad as my mother. Killing your own son?

Serina squeezed her hand and held it out to Xander, who collapsed to the floor. He grasped his chest, and the pain was visible on his face.

I don’t want to kill Zach, Serina said, and sadness crept into her voice. He’s leaving me no choice.

Serina released Xander and turned to Kara. She spoke to Xander but stared right into Kara’s eyes.

I’d hate to have to hurt your assistant to get your attention, Serina taunted. She held up her hand to Kara, and Kara didn’t flinch. She didn’t look afraid. In fact, she looked amused as she crossed her arms. Then her eyes found Xander’s, and she quickly uncrossed her arms and looked at the floor. You should be focused on Zach, not your Earthly palace. There’s a human phrase. Don’t count your chickens until they’re hatched. You should look it up.

I’ve heard the phrase before, Xander said as he got to his feet again. I think you are forgetting how old I am.

Serina spun and stared right at Xander. The anger caused her eyes to fog over, and electricity snapped from her fingertips.

Then quit playing house with your new wife and help Renault convince my son to join us, she said through gritted teeth.

I was just on my way to Wisconsin when you interrupted us, Xander explained. Kara is in charge of the palace.

Then get going! she shouted, and her form vanished.

Kara’s devious grin made Xander grin back at her. Xander walked closer to her as his grin grew into a smile.

That was some quick thinking. Your mother would be proud, Xander said.

Me? I think you’re the one who deserves an Oscar. You ever consider a career in acting? Kara asked with a laugh. Then her mood turned more serious. We can’t have her finding the gateway. Zach isn’t ready yet. She looked at Xander with worry.

"That’s my