Serigala Valley

By Haley Langwood

This book will be written in two parts!

Two years ago, twenty-six-year-old Mitchell Jennings moved from Coopers Town, NY, to Serigala Valley CO, where he takes over old Mr. Rogers’ hair salon. Mitchell meets Liam King, Justin Harris, and Ralph Brooks, who come for a haircut, and they become best friends. Mitchell leads a happy life, and the salon is thriving. Adopting Milo, an American Pittbull from the local animal shelter, is the icing on the cake.

However, Mitchell’s life changes forever after meeting a mysterious Russian woman and rescuing a young boy. Before he realizes it, Mitchell enters a world where people turn into tigers and wolves and other creatures.

Throw in a new family of tiger shifters, an unknown person who is out to kill him, a mate, who is a wolf shifter, and getting poisoned systematically is enough to drive anyone over the edge.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Haley Langwood
• Release date: Jun 27, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463527177

Haley Langwood

I always say that there isn’t much to tell about me. In 2020, right before the Corona pandemic, my husband and I moved back from Germany to the Netherlands. I love to write stories, and it’s still a learning process, as it’s with many things.I like traveling and taking care of Emma, my doggie. Also, I would like more spare time to read, but all my time is divided between my regular job, writing stories, and Emma.I’ve been a vegetarian for many years now and never regretted it. Also, I despise people who wear fur. It’s disgusting! I will never understand people who help keep maintaining this awful industry of torturing and killing animals.I like to cook and love to try new recipes; it’s how I learned that nearly every dish can be served with meat substitutes.My husband and I spend the winters in beautiful Spain, where the temperatures are pleasant. Even so, it’s Italy that’s still my favorite country.That’s enough for now. If you have questions, just contact me.

Book preview

Two years ago, twenty-six-year-old Mitchell Jennings moved from Coopers Town, NY, to Serigala Valley CO, where he takes over old Mr. Rogers’ hair salon. Mitchell meets Liam King, Justin Harris, and Ralph Brooks, who come for a haircut, and they become best friends. Mitchell leads a happy life, and the salon is thriving. Adopting Milo, an American Pittbull from the local animal shelter, is the icing on the cake.

Mitchell’s life changes forever after meeting a mysterious woman at the pet store and rescuing a drowning teenager.

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Copyright © 2020 by Haley Langwood

Table of Contents

Summary

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 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Epilogue

Other Work of Haley

Chapter 1

This is new, said the woman who stood beside me, eyeing the dog snacks. I needed food and snacks for Milo. Milo is an American Pit Bull and a big baby; he loves food and snacks, and since I was low on both, I needed to visit the pet store. The older woman was inspecting the package, turned it, and shook her head. Then she looked at me. Young man, she said, Would you be so kind as to check if it has beef in it? she asked. The woman spoke in the Russian language, and I somehow understood because I took the package she was holding in front of me and checked the list of ingredients. I don’t know how I pulled it off but answered her in Russian that it only contained fish, no beef. She looked at me awkwardly, then she smiled, thanked me in Russian before she turned and strode toward the checkout.

I should have been baffled that I had spoken Russian, but somehow it felt right; it was so weird. I didn’t even give it a second thought. I should have because, really, I don’t speak Russian.

When I walked toward my car, carrying food and snacks for Milo, I saw the woman climb into a Mercedes-Benz. She was talking to the man that sat behind the wheel, and they seemed to be engaged in an in-depth discussion and didn’t notice me. I unlocked my car, placed the food and snacks in the trunk, and climbed behind the wheel. I needed to get back to the salon because it would be a busy day.

Fridays and Saturdays were always the busiest days in the salon. My staff is competent, but since it’s my salon, I always need to be there. Working with other people’s hair is delicate. It’s weird that when it comes to hair care, people are, well, prudent. I understand perfectly because so am I. Only Mason, my second in command, is allowed to touch my hair.

I own Cutting Edge Hair Salon. It’s been two years now since I took over the existing barbershop that was owned by old Mr. Rogers. Renovating and decorating the building took a little over four months. At first, I was afraid that people would stay away and search for another hairstylist, but it turned out that more and more residents came to me for a haircut or whatever. Because, as I just said, people are prudent when it comes to their hair.

I parked the car in front of the salon; yes, I have my own private parking space and walked up to the entrance. The moment that I opened the door, Milo greeted me. Hey, boy. Did you miss me? Yes, call me crazy, but I talk to my dog. When Milo waggled his tail, his whole butt moved along with it. Ten minutes later, my appointment walked in. The rest of the day flew by because we had many customers who didn’t have an appointment. It was getting so busy that I phoned Jennifer to ask her to help out for a few hours, which she did, thank God. Jennifer is sweet and super cute. Plus, I can count on her to help out. She has never let me down since she joined my team about a year ago.

I sighed after the last customer had left. My feet are killing me, I whined. Don’t be such a baby, Mason chuckled. I can give your feet a massage, Jennifer offered. Thanks, but I’ll take Milo for a walk, I said, and then I ushered both out of the door. I turned to my dog. Come on, boy, let’s take you for a walk. Milo ran to the front of the salon. We went outside, and I locked the door.

It took only a few minutes before I reached the park, where I unleashed Milo. Walking through the park always relaxes me and gives Milo the chance to run and play with other dogs. It was after seven when I arrived home. My apartment is above the salon. After closing time, I always use the side entrance to my apartment. I don’t know why, but when it’s after closing time, I never go through the salon to reach my apartment. I filled Milo’s bowls, one with fresh water, the other one with food. Then I opened the fridge and took out the container with leftovers from yesterday, spaghetti with meatballs.

I sighed when the phone began to ring. Hi, Liam, I greeted my friend after I had seen the number on the caller ID. Hey, Mitch. It’s Friday. Are you up for an evening of fun? Liam King is a librarian and one of my closest friends, just as Justin Harris and Ralph Brooks. Justin and Ralph work at the Serigala hospital; they are trained nurses. Not tonight. I have a busy day ahead of me tomorrow. I answered while stifling a yawn.

Sunday is my day off. So, we could go out tomorrow evening? I suggested. I’ll pick you up at ten o’clock, Liam said, and I could hear the smile in his voice. See you then, I replied before I ended the call. As expected, I fell asleep in front of the TV. Let me tell you that waking up in the middle of the night after spending hours on a couch that isn’t made for sleeping isn’t advisable.

As expected, Saturday was hectic. So many customers who walked in without having an appointment. On Saturdays, it’s all hands on deck; Mason works five days a week. Jennifer, Raoul, and Christine are on rotation, but everyone works on Saturday. When the last customer finally left and everything was cleaned, I opened the wine. It’s what I always do at the end of the week. We drink and talk, and then everyone goes their own way.

Before I went upstairs to my apartment, I took Milo for his walk, and when we came back, I heated a can of soup. I’m not much of a cook. Plus, I don’t like to cook. I like to eat, though. After I finished my soup, I took a shower and dressed. As a hairstylist and a gay one at that, people always expect that you have a sense of fashion. Well, I don’t. Jennifer takes me shopping most of the time because, unlike me, she knows fashion.

The doorbell rang, which meant that my friends were waiting for me. I kissed Milo on his massive head and told him to behave himself. He gave me a look that said, really? I rushed downstairs, where the taxi was waiting. Hey, guys, I greeted Liam, Justin, and Ralph.

We went to the Pinnacles, a cozy café on Whitehurst Street because it was too early for Rampage, a nightclub on DuPont Street. Pinnacles was packed when we arrived, and that meant standing and fighting our way to the bar. We had a good time, but I was glad that it was after midnight so that we could finally go to Rampage. I love that nightclub. The music is good, and the bartenders are hot.

I turned around when I felt a hand on my shoulder and forgot to breathe when I stared into stunning green eyes. Do you want to dance? he yelled because the music was so loud. I nodded as I followed him to the dance floor. By God, the man moved like he had no bone in his body. After we danced for what felt like hours, I was getting thirsty.

Rico, that’s how he introduced himself, found us a table where we could sit and talk without shouting at the top of our lungs. Not only was he very handsome, with light brown hair and green eyes, but Rico wasn’t an airhead. It was an unexpectedly pleasant evening because most guys I meet at Rampage are either stupid or so full of themselves that I could kick them in the nuts. So, yes, Rico was refreshing, and I think that was why I went with him to his room.

I don’t do one-night-stands, but of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. Rico was such an exception. Plus, he had beautiful, thick, light brown hair, and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on those lush curls. Rico was passing through, and he stayed at the Serigala Bed and Breakfast. I need to let my friends know that I’m leaving. I’ll be right back, I said as I stood and went to see Liam, Ralph, and Justin. I told them that I was leaving with Rico. It’s about time that you get laid, Justin chuckled as he clapped me on the shoulder. The others laughed.

Tomorrow it’s Sunday. Do you have any plans? Liam asked. I shook my head. Nope. I was planning on doing some much-needed paperwork and watch TV. It was a long week, I answered. My sister is getting engaged, as you know. Did you forget that she invited you too? Liam said his eyes were shining with mischief. I must have looked surprised because he said, You forgot. There was no point in denying it. I had forgotten. When is the engagement party? I inquired. Liam smiled wickedly. Tomorrow. I expect you around 2 PM. Shit! Ralph and Justin were grinning like idiots. I’ll be there, I promised.

Rico was an enthusiastic lover. It had been a long time since I had sex. So when I went home in the wee hours of the morning, I ached in all the right places. Milo greeted me happily the moment I entered my apartment. We are going for a short walk because daddy needs some sleep, big boy, I told Milo as I leashed him and took him outside. I sighed in relief when I was finally on my way to the bedroom. I could easily sleep for a week. Milo followed me and made himself comfortable on his side of the bed. I undressed, brushed my teeth, and crawled under the duvet.

Chapter 2

I was walking home from Trisha’s engagement party when I heard screaming. Trisha’s engagement party was held at the home of Liam’s parents, and that’s within walking distance from my apartment. The screaming came from the direction of the pond. So, I hurried to the park and saw to my horror that someone was drowning.

I did, of course, what anybody would do. I jumped into the water, and it took some effort, but I was able to pull the man out of the pond. When I turned him on his back, I saw that he was just a boy. He couldn’t be older than fifteen, sixteen. I was a bit surprised when he started talking to me in Russian. Before I could respond, a man came running; followed by an older woman.

The woman immediately knelt beside the kid and hugged and kissed him. She really was worried; I could tell by the way she fussed over him. The man, however, was staring at me, and was he sniffing the air? That was weird. Who are you? the man asked. He seemed surprisingly calm. I turned to the woman who still was kneeling beside the boy, and I recognized her. Hello, you are the lady from the pet shop, I said, smiling, instead of answering the man. She looked at me in a way that I couldn’t decipher. It was a look of curiosity. And was that fear in her eyes?

The man glanced from me to the woman and then back at me again. Will you tell me who you are, please? the man urged gently. I’m Mitchell. Mitchell Jennings, I answered truthfully. And who are you? I inquired. I had told him my name; now it was his turn. My name is Alexei Balashov. You just saved my nephew’s life. Juri is the son of my oldest brother, Andrei. Yeah, well, it was nothing. I need to go home now before I’m getting pneumonia, I said as I turned to continue my walk home. I was soaking wet, and I was getting cold.

I want to thank you for saving Juri’s life, and I’m sure that my brother wants to thank you too. Where can I reach you? Alexei called after me. I turned my head and saw that Alexei was eyeing me strangely. You can reach me at the Cutting Edge Hair Salon, I said, then I started walking again and didn’t look back.

After walking Milo, I went into the kitchen to prepare dinner. Yesterday I had made vegan steaks, using seitan, which was perfect for a vegan steak sandwich. I try to eat vegetarian or vegan meals at least two times a week. Since seitan steaks are very healthy, Milo got one too.

After taking a shower, I dressed in a pair of sweatpants and a long-sleeved shirt and let myself fall onto the couch. I grabbed the remote control when the phone rang. Hey, Justin, what’s up? I asked when I answered the call. I knew why Justin was calling. We are at Pinnacles; you should come too. I sighed inwardly. I just showered and changed into sweats, I protested. Oh, come on. You know that you want to go, Justin insisted. And that was the truth. I liked Pinnacles. Alright, I’ll be there in about an hour, I said as I ended the call.

I took a cab to Pinnacles because the café wasn’t within walking distance. Taking my car wasn’t an option because I would drink alcohol. Pinnacles was famous for its cocktails, so no driving home afterward. As expected, the café was packed, even on a Sunday evening, but my friends had been able to get a table non-the-less. The music was loud, but still, it allowed us to talk to each other without shouting. I told my friends what had happened on my way home after Trisha’s engagement party. Ralph gasped. Was he handsome? The man, not the kid, said Liam, smirking.

Take your mind out of the gutter, Liam, I warned as I slapped him at the back of his head. Answer the man. Was he handsome? Justin said. Oh, God. All of you are incorrigible. Yes, he was handsome, I replied reluctantly because I knew what was coming next. And I wasn’t disappointed. If you know who he is, then you could ask him on a date and have hot, monkey sex, said Liam. The man was grinning like an idiot. He is handsome, but I don’t see him in that way. He is just an attractive older man, I answered, and I know that I sounded irritated, but that’s because I was.

It was time for a topic change. So, who was the guy that you were flirting with at the party? I asked. Ralph’s eyes lit up. That’s John, and he’s on his way as we speak. Ralph explained, grinning. Well, somebody is getting laid tonight, I smirked. Oh, yeah," Ralph replied. The rest of the evening was pleasant. John turned out to be a nice guy, and everyone had fun.

When I wanted to call a cab, John offered to drive me home because he and Ralph wanted to leave as well. John would spend the night with Ralph. You can let me out at Third and Park. I’ll walk the rest of the way, I said because fresh air would do me some good after all the cocktails that I had. John stopped the car to let me out. He turned his head and looked at me. Are you sure? It’s no problem to drive you home, he said. No, I need some fresh air, but thanks. I closed the car door and started walking.

I don’t know how or what exactly happened, but before I realized what was going on, there was growling, and a moment later, I felt a searing pain on my back, then I was knocked to the ground.

I couldn’t open my eyes, and it was cold, so damn cold, and my head hurt; it was like someone had used a sledgehammer to reshape my brain. Call the paramedics. We have a survivor, a male voice yelled. I flinched when someone was touching me. What had happened, and what was wrong with me? Stay down. You are wounded, and you really need to stay down sir, said a soothing voice before someone pushed me gently back down. I need some help here, the man yelled, and then my world went black again.

I slowly opened my eyes. Was I in the hospital? Hospital? I croaked out because my throat hurt. Yes, you are. The voice was pleasant, and I could hear the smile in it. I carefully turned my head to the side to see who that voice belonged to. The man pointed at his white coat as he said, Hello Mr. Jennings. I’m Doctor Fowler. How are you feeling? I blinked a few times because, what the hell?

I don’t know. What happened? Why am I in the hospital? I asked because this was confusing. I don’t exactly know what happened to you, and I know that it might sound strange, but it looks like you were attacked by, well, dogs, the doctor explained. How long? You were admitted yesterday evening. Now it’s Monday morning, Doctor Fowler said.

The doctors came and went, and they turned me inside out. I didn’t know that they could conduct so many tests on one person. The slashes on my arm and back weren’t life-threatening, thank God. In fact, the cuts should have been much deeper, according to Dr. Fowler. It almost looks like it started healing already. I heard the doctor telling his colleague.

They asked me if I felt well enough to give my statement of what had happened the previous evening. Why would the police need my statement? The doctor told me that because I was attacked, the police required my statement.

Don’t get me wrong; I don’t have anything against the officers of the law, but I’d rather not deal with them. There was a soft knock on the door, and I smiled when Justin and Ralph peeked into the room. Mitch, are you alright? Both men looked so worried and scared.

Milo? I gasped. Justin reassuringly smiled when he said, "I took care of him. I went over to your place and took Milo home. I’m off for the next two days, so don’t you worry about Milo, okay? You