Twice Cursed

By J. C. Jackson

Ketayl, an arcane investigator, is sent to Ghost Forest to head a team investigating the deaths of newly turned werewolves being left in the territory of the Alpha Prime's pack. Her team continues to have more questions than answers until tragedy strikes. She has

• Language: English
• Publisher: Shadow Phoenix Publishing
• Release date: Jun 21, 2018
• ISBN: 9781087915937

Book preview

1

Late. I never ran late. Silver would never let me live this down. My partner found childish pleasure in things to tease me about.

I hurried down the hall trying not to outright run. That would draw attention. Reaching our shared office, I stopped myself from bouncing on the balls of my feet while I held my hand on the scanner. I still did not understand the need for such heavy security on our door.

Hearing the cheerful acceptance beep and the door unlock, I rushed inside and stopped short. Silver’s absence mentally tripped me. Good for me, I hoped.

Sliding out of my long black coat at a more sedate pace, I cursed myself for having lost track of time at my adopted parents’ house this morning. I left Great Tree far later than I planned and the unpredictable autumn weather through the mountains made the normally easy two hour drive a little more treacherous and longer.

One of these days I would get clearance to teleport back and forth. It would certainly save on time. Though that begged the question of whether I could manage to teleport the distance. With the little I had done, I never went far.

I stopped and took a deep breath to remove the extraneous thoughts - time to get to work. Plopping down in my seat as my computer booted up, I glanced over at Silver’s empty desk. Maybe he took an early lunch. It still seemed out of place. I could check the schedule.

No, I needed to get work done. I was unable to get much done this past weekend working from my tablet. It kept crashing on me in most of the programs I needed. About all I could do was keep up with my messages and most of those I read on my phone.

Thinking on what I wanted to do, I got up and started turning on the other systems in the room. I went to wake up the table in the center of the room before moving onto the large wall screen. While I thought this set-up excessive, it made parsing information much easier.

And quiet moments like this where I could work alone had become rare.

At least I could spread out the information I managed to flag over the weekend. It bothered me that I had not yet found any discernible pattern of movements from the main group Brown and his followers were part of. Even a solid name for them would be nice. I refused to use any of the creative ones Silver came up with.

I worried they employed diversionary tactics since it seemed every tidbit of information had been either some minor, isolated incident or a false report. And what little information I could find about the Ancient Gods, I could not understand why anyone would follow such tyrants, but I also had a hard time putting faith into any of the Gods predominantly worshiped.

Why was there such a focus in the group to find and control Atlantis? The desire for access to whatever Atlantian knowledge existed I was able to grasp, but what would they do with it?

The bigger question right now was what would they do to gain that information? Brown had killed so many in Ocean’s Edge and I doubted he was anywhere near close to the final goal.

Tapping on the table, I pulled up what I had saved and slid the files across toward the wall screen. They exploded out into a neat grid.

I started shuffling the files around, looking for a pattern. I sorted articles, reports, and other information, trying to group similar things together. I scowled at the screen when I realized some of the information I flagged had not saved. That meant I would have to sift through it again. For now I figured I could work with what was in front of me.

I brushed my long bangs out of my face, failing to tuck them behind my ear. I was still not used to the new hairstyle.

I needed music. I retreated to my desk to grab my earpieces and phone. I popped the wireless earpieces in and set my phone down on the edge of the table once I started the music.

As time moved, I kept shifting the files around, trying to get a better picture, but finding dead ends. I still missed something - one piece to link these pieces together to start seeing the picture.

I jumped as one of the pieces was pulled out of my ear. Thought I lost you there for a minute, Silver said, dropping it so it dangled down around my neck by the cord connecting both sides, making it pull awkwardly.

I glared up at him, pulling the other piece out. You could have just said something.

I did, Ketayl, you were in your own little world again. Silver stepped around me and held me by the shoulders at arm’s length. I almost didn’t recognize you when I walked in.

I stepped back, bumping into the table. I looked down at myself. The fitted dark blue top was long-sleeved, but came off my shoulders. My jeans and light boots were common for me at this time of year. While I had gotten long, side-swept bangs cut, I kept the rest of my hair the same length, tying it with a hair elastic close to the end. Oh, I wanted to try something different. Does it look bad? I can go change if you think it’s inappropriate. I bit my lower lip. I had not thought about if the changes would make him uneasy.

Uh, no. You look great, Silver said sounding unsure of himself. Besides, you’re the boss - you make the rules.

I gave him a look of annoyance and stepped around him to look back at the screen. I’m not the boss. I wished he would give up on the notion. I may be listed as the team lead, but I kept telling him we were equal.

Damn, he broke my concentration.

A weight suddenly landed on my head. I moved out from under him, mentally cursing his height, and ran my hands over my hair to smooth it out. This would not be the first time he decided to try and get my perspective by putting his chin on my head.

Perhaps I needed a different approach. Maybe instead of looking for the group as a whole, I should focus on trying to find an individual. Namely, someone showing signs of delving into necromancy. Those were the most dangerous members of the group as far as I could tell.

I tilted my head, thinking back on some other cases I had dealt with over the last few months. It felt like there might be a pattern between those and the information before me.

Moving to the side of the table, I started pulling up the lab files. I helped Sparky with a few cases since he started working in the lab which coincided with some of the reports. They might have a thread of commonality between them.

You’ve got something? Silver moved to the other side of the table as I started sending files up to the wall screen.

Maybe? There had been a few werewolf cases over the past several months, but I could not remember the details.

Care to share?

Once I started seeing a picture, I would. Silver could be distracting and I needed to focus.

As soon as I sent the last file up to the wall screen, I moved them around, finding similar files and sent the others away. I started reorganizing the information in front of me so I could make the correlation between them all. The reports were vague at best, but the news articles held more. Granted, whatever was put out by the media needed to be reviewed with caution. Some of the articles got a bit overzealous.

Werewolves? Silver asked, stepping in front of the table and leaning back against it. He flicked his hand to move one of the files and it immediately went back to where it had been. He made a face of frustration and simply moved over to it. I smirked at his fumble - someday he might get the hang of the controls for the wall screen.

Look, I said, pointing at the case files and then the news articles. The unexplained deaths of newly turned and unregistered werewolves are taking place fairly close to each other. That’s quite a few unknowns in a concentrated area. This feels deliberate.

Silver leaned forward to look at the files I placed eye-level for me. Weren’t you helping Sparky with these?

Just to give him access to the RIG database. The werewolves wouldn’t release the bodies for examination, so we’re left with little information - they only wanted us to identify them. There’s been a half dozen deaths in the last several months.

I pulled up a map to get a better visual of where they were taking place. Dots started appearing as I tapped the locations on the case files. They were concentrated in the northern part of Human Territory along the coast.

I double-tapped the map to zoom it in more. They looked to be concentrated between Hilldale and Ghost Forest.

Silver frowned and crossed his arms. Okay, I know nothing about werewolves. What is the RIG database?

Sometimes I forgot I needed to explain things. Registered Immortal Genetic database. All werewolves and vampires are required by law to submit to it. It’s only used in criminal cases either where someone has been bitten or in this case where we’re hoping to identify the remains. They carry their altered genetic code as well as markers of the person who turned them.

Immortal?

Because there’s no known lifespan of either of the races. Usually they only live a couple hundred years due to infighting, I think. A few a century or so longer, but the Director is the only exception I know of off-hand.

Oh. You said they carried two sets of genetic… something. I could hear that I barely kept Silver following along my train of thought. I knew little of the immortal races myself. I would have to find someone more familiar in the area if I pursued this.

Neither one could be identified. The person’s normal genetic code is changed when they turn and whoever is doing it isn’t in the database either, but we know it’s the same person doing the turning. I bit my lower lip, thinking on it further. I’m not sure if we could try to recreate the person’s original genetic code from the samples. It was never requested and I didn’t have the time to pursue the idea then.

Silver stroked the small patch of hair on his chin. If it’s the same individual doing the turning, then we’ve got a rogue creating his own pack.

You’re right. I had not thought that far on the subject.

I looked at the map. It looked far too targeted. I went back to the table and started a search for werewolf pack boundaries. I could only hope someone thought to post information like that online. They would want people to know which pack was in an area if they needed to contact someone, right?

No luck. I stood back, folded my arms over my chest, and stared back at the wall screen. Then I glanced over at Silver, hoping he had an idea.

He toyed with the end of his braid, flicking the tail back and forth while looking over the information on the wall screen. I love it when you pull out something like this, but I never know how you do it.

I shrugged. This is all hypothetical. There could be no connection between the turnings and deaths. It’s all been the same werewolf turning, but without seeing the bodies, it’s impossible to tell the cause of death. I could be on a dead end again. It could be totally unrelated to the group we’re looking for.

No, I think you’re onto something, Silver said as I heard the door unlock and open.

Onto what? Lockonis asked as she strode in. Ooh, I like the new look, Ket. She patted me on the shoulder as she passed and looked at the wall screen. I rubbed the shoulder she touched, trying to get rid of the feeling.

Silver tried to explain, The unexplained werewolf deaths. He opened his mouth to say more and gave up.

Huh, Lockonis commented. This is something. She turned to see what I had been doing at the table. Werewolf pack boundaries? We usually have to request the information from the Alpha Prime. But I can save you a headache - these cases are all inside of the Alpha Prime’s territory.

I pursed my lips. The Alpha Prime sat on the Terran Council. This could simply be targeting him over political issues.

Lockonis turned back to us grinning. Anywho, I actually came up here to tell you two I need to push your training session this afternoon up by an hour. I’m bringing in someone to help. In the meantime, I’ll contact the Ghost Forest branch and see if Stoney can give me more information on the werewolf deaths.

I nodded and watched Lockonis wave as she let herself out. I had forgotten about the training session this afternoon. I really was not in the mood to be picking myself up off the floor repeatedly. Silver kept trying to teach me how to fight, but I simply was not good at putting the movements into application.

Don’t look like that. You’re getting better and your shoulder doesn’t seem to be giving you problems, Silver said.

I rolled my eyes. Silver tried, he truly did, but there was no changing the fact I was not built for what he tried to teach me.

And I was actually more concerned now that my shoulder was free of the purple athletic tape Mogan seemed so fond of. Silver had gotten anxious about increasing the intensity.

Lunch? Silver asked.

I stopped and looked at the clock on the wall near the door. Yeah, probably a good idea if we’re being moved up an hour.

Silver smiled softly and I still could not figure out why. He did it every so often and I had not yet discerned the pattern of what caused it. He patted me on the head as he walked by. I swatted at his hand. Child.

2

With the time change also came a change of venue. I only ever came down here when Lockonis wanted to do arcane combat training. It was the only one built to be able to handle explosive forces.

I watched Silver warm up on the other side of the large testing bay. He went through a series of swings and thrusts with his sword. His shield arm moving to block imaginary foes. The set looked out of place against the gray and white short-sleeve shirt and lightweight pants.

He wore just his normal exercise clothes like I did, but he had never brought his sword and shield into any of our training sessions before - it had always been just hand-to-hand combat. And at least the floor in that training room was padded - hitting the hard floor here was going to hurt.

Lockonis stood to the side, talking to a familiar dark-haired Human man. I had worked with Kevin several times once I realized I needed to step up my physical training earlier this year. His method of fighting I found easier, but I still struggled with it and ultimately gave up when I became too busy to keep a strict schedule.

She nodded in my direction every so often. I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself. I sat down on the cool cement floor and fidgeted with the laces of my shoes. This needed to be over so I could go back to what I had been working on.

Plus it was chilly in here - I wore the purple tank top and black calf-length pants my sister had bought me. I still did not know why she chose pants with purple lightning down the sides, but it had entertained her greatly.

The two conducting the training session went over and spoke with Silver. He appeared upset about something at first, but then nodded and listened to what they were telling him.

Why keep us separate? Normally they briefed us at the same time if someone else conducted the training session.

Lockonis jogged over to me and squatted to be closer to my level. Sorry about that. We’re trying something different to see how to adjust your training. I want you to use all of your abilities. Within reason of course.

I bit my lower lip and looked over to where Silver stood.

You’ll be fine as long as you use what you’re comfortable with. It’s just so we can see where to direct the two of you, so your time is more effective.

Rubbing the bare part of my lower legs, I asked, Did you hear anything about the werewolves? I had to distract myself before I over-thought what I was about to go through.

Lockonis paused. Oh, Stoney is contacting the Beta. She’s the one who came to us in the first place requesting help in identifying the unregistered werewolves. The Alpha Prime is too proud to ask, but for as dominant as his Beta is, she’s a lot more reasonable to deal with.

Oh. I was going to need a crash course in werewolf culture. Provided this went anywhere, of course.

C’mon. It’s your chance to lay Silver out on the floor. Let’s see what you’ve got, Lockonis said as she stood up. She held her hand out to me.

I thanked her but stood up on my own. How was I supposed to fight someone not only armed, but well trained in those arms?

Silver strode forward confident and ready for this. I hesitated as he spun the sword around at his side. This was ridiculous. I bit my lower lip and glanced over to Lockonis who took up a spot next to Kevin. She stood with her arms folded, face betraying nothing.

In that brief moment Silver attacked. I avoided the downward slice of his sword, but stepped in the way of his shield. I let the hit to my ribs throw me away from him and rolled along the floor. I knew I would not be out of his range for long.

As I got to one knee Silver was already quickly closing the gap and I had just enough time to roll out of the way again.

Fight back, Ket. Don’t just avoid, Lockonis called.

Easy for her to say.

Silver stopped his attack and walked toward the other two. This isn’t fair.

Lockonis waved him to go back to what he had been doing. When Ket finally gets her head where it needs to be, you’ll be meaning that for you. She looked past him to me. I had just managed to get myself back up. I meant what I said earlier.

I nodded, scared. I needed to focus, but I feared I might hurt Silver.

His shield arm went back. I cast my shield spell just in time to deflect and slid back a few feet from the force of the throw. I cast a wind spell immediately after, knocking him backward and his shield in the direction of the targets on the far wall.

Better, Ket.

Silver stood back up grinning. I began to think he had gone mad. He would find this fun. He clenched his fist and flexed his left arm, his shield reappearing. I had hoped I would be down to just having to deal with the sword.

When he attacked with a downward swing again, I stepped along his sword arm this time, kicking out at the back of his knee. He went down long enough for me to get some distance.

You’re still avoiding, Ket. I know you’ve got more than that.

Lockonis could come out here and show me what she meant. Going on the offensive like I had against the slave traders would be far too dangerous in a training exercise.

I did not catch the movement in time and got knocked back by Silver’s shield. That thing hurt - I did not think my ribs could take another hit. I made it to my knees and found the tip of his sword at my throat. Air escaped my attempts to take it in as I stared down the blade.

Fear kept me frozen and my eyes locked on the blade. I swallowed hard and prayed to whoever would listen that this was simply a nightmare.

About the time I started getting lightheaded, I felt large, rough hands pulling me back. Silver knelt down in my line of vision.

It broke the trance I found myself in. His sword clattered to the cement floor. What just happened?

He brushed my bangs out of my face. I’m so sorry. I should have held back more.

No, I think that was what we needed to see. I had not expected Vince’s voice. When I looked over, his attention was on Lockonis.

Lockonis walked toward us, her gaze first on where Silver’s sword lay and then to me. Fairly certain, but I want Ket’s input when she’s ready.

What? It came out as a whisper. What just happened?

Silver stood and I heard a low growl - his fists clenched tightly at his sides. I told you this was a bad idea!

Kevin spoke softly. Did you not trust your ability to keep your partner safe during this test?

"No, I knew I could keep her safe, Silver answered firmly, But I didn’t need to scare her half to death."

Unfortunately, it was likely the only way we were going to force out her other ability, Vince said calmly.

What other ability? My mouth was too dry to ask the question.

Lockonis squatted down in front of me and held out a bottle of water. Think you can analyze something for me?

I took the water, still shaking, and nodded. It would give me something else to focus on. I quickly downed close to half the bottle.

She pointed at where Silver’s sword lay. I’m guessing you didn’t notice, but Silver couldn’t pull his sword away from you. What do you see arcane-wise?

I scanned at the area and then myself. There’s no remnant. Nothing.

Anything divine? Lockonis asked, looking up at Silver.

Silver glared down at her for a moment before doing his own evaluation. No.

Vince asked, Sounds like the theory holds.

Lockonis sat down on the floor with me. Remember the end of your fight with the slave traders?

I nodded. I remembered, even though I wanted to forget the whole ordeal.

Your encounter with the captain was the same. Ket, did you know you had telekinetic abilities?

I tilted my head to the side. There was no way - there had never been any evidence to support the existence of the phenomenon that I had heard of. There must be another explanation for what happened.

Her eyes did do the color-changing thing as if she was using her power at a high level, Silver noted, his words still sharp, but he had toned down. He stood over us with his arms crossed over his chest, his weapons away.

I’m thinking in a way they’re both one and the same, but manifest differently, Lockonis said. We can work more on this later. Take a break for a few and we’ll get to the actual training session.

I laid back on the cool floor, not caring who was present, and put the closed cold bottle of water across my eyes. Today was not going the way I hoped. First running late and now this. And my ribs hurt. At least I might have a lead on something.

Someone tugged at my hand. Come on, Silver said softly.

I let him drag me to my feet and lead me to a bench on the other side of the large bay. He muttered apologies the entire way, but I paid his words little attention. I bit my lower lip while I attempted to wrap my head around what just happened.

I still think this was stupid, Silver grumbled, glaring in the direction of the three talking on the other side of the bay. The only reason I agreed is I knew I could keep you safe. I didn’t want to chance them choosing someone else if I refused.

I would have been more concerned about me accidentally hurting him or worse. I rubbed my ribs which continued to ache from taking a couple of hits from his shield. The tenderness of the area told me bruises were likely already forming.

Show me, Silver said. His attention now on me.

I wrapped my arms around myself. It’s nothing serious.

Silver gave me an exasperated sigh before moving my hands, lifting my shirt. I shifted out of his reach and nearly off the end of the bench. His grip on the hem was probably the only thing keeping me from falling.

Humor me? he asked once I stabilized myself.

I sighed and sat still. I reminded myself this