The Rules of Wolves An Anthology of Horror

By Monica Muniz

Erin has decided to spend her summer living with her estranged father after a blow-up with her mom. The two had always been kept apart because of distance and she soon finds out that she has more in common than she ever imagined. He loves death metal music, horror movies and has the same dry sense of humor. He works in a Hollywood studio where he makes props for horror movies and his favorite is a life size animatronic werewolf. Everyone he introduces her to goes on and one about the werewolf and the movie they'll be making with it. But people soon start disappearing in their vicinity...and found ravaged by what the authorities think is a wild animal. One of the people that Erin's father has introduced her to is a real life werewolf and now he's after her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Canoza Publishing
• Release date: Jun 19, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201659691

Book preview

THE RULES OF WOLVES

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MONICA MUNIZ

TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE RULES OF WOLVES

BLOODTHIRSTY

BLOOD HUNGRY

Erin tried not to stare with too much interest or judgement but she couldn’t bring herself to stop now that he was directly in front of her.

I never realized how much I look like him until right now, she thought, unsure if that was a good thing or a bad thing. As much of an open mind she was trying to keep, she couldn’t forget that there had been years of estrangement between them.

Andrew stared into the fridge, seeming oblivious to her constant gawping. His fine jaw tightened as his blue eyes scanned the contents, head cocked to the side.

I do that too when I’m thinking, Erin thought. She wondered why she was comparing herself to Andrew. She had never thought to do it before and just because he had agreed to house her for a while, didn’t make him any more of a father than he’d already been.

Hm, he muttered, shaking his shaggy blond head. Kind of slim pickings here. I admit, I didn’t think to check before I left for work this morning. Sorry about that.

Erin shrugged, unresponsive. She had made do just fine but she continued to study her father with cautious interest. He was not what she had been expecting when she’d shown up on his doorstep at eleven o’clock the previous night.

Then again, what was I expecting? I haven’t seen him in five years, she reminded herself, trying to summon the hostility she’d clung to since childhood. In a small way, she wondered if she hadn’t made the trip from San Francisco to LA, half-hoping that Andrew would prove to be just as bad as her mother, thereby forcing her back home. Yet staring at Andrew Logan, his boyish expression abashed as he scoured the pantry of his shockingly interesting apartment, Erin couldn’t muster any animus. It felt like she was visiting a long-lost friend, not her deadbeat father.

And he’s not really a deadbeat either. He sends checks. Every month.

Do you like pizza? Andrew asked, slamming the fridge closed and turning to face her. The question took her aback slightly. He flashed a sheepish grin, answering his own question before she could speak. Of course you like pizza. What sixteen-year-old doesn’t like pizza? Certainly not any kid with my DNA.

For a moment, Erin was tempted to contradict him but her stomach rumbled slightly and she didn’t want to cause a fuss. Moreover, she did like pizza.

I’m not falling on my sword for cheese and pepperoni, she wisely decided. Erin had been on her own all day, prowling about the stylish condo. Even though Andrew boasted all the amenities that a teenager could ask for with streaming services, internet, and a view of smoggy city, she had been bored and tempted to explore the Hollywood streets beyond the walls. But Andrew had made her promise not to leave as if he could easily read her mind.

I’m glad that you’re here, Erin but you can’t leave until I get home from work, all right? Andrew had said. I talked to your mom and she’s willing to let you stay but if anything happens while you’re here...

He trailed off and Erin didn’t need to be told how Helen Mathers would react if her oldest daughter was kidnapped or murdered on his watch.

She hates him enough as it is and he’s my only option to escape Mom. I may as well do as he says...at least for now. But if he proves himself to be a jerk or something, all bets are off.

I won’t be terribly late, Andrew had promised before taking off, just before dawn when he woke her to tell her that he was leaving. And then we can catch up, all right?

Erin had no choice but to agree. Now that he was home, she secretly admitted that she was happy to see him. Even though it had been half a decade since she’d last had contact with him, it had been at least seven years since she’d seen him face-to-face and somehow, she had remembered him differently.

You’re looking at me like I’ve grown another head, he teased her, nodding toward the living room. Have I sprouted one? It’s a very real concern on set sometimes. I look in the mirror and think I’ve assimilated with one of my creatures.

On set? Erin echoed, following him into the next room and perching on the edge of the white, leather sofa. Andrew seemed surprised by her question as he reached for a remote control and suddenly, death metal flooded the apartment with vigorous bass. Embarrassed, Andrew hit a few buttons and the music stopped, leaving Erin to scoff and laugh.

Sorry about that, he chuckled. I’m not the same person I was when I was last listening to Pantera apparently.

You listen to that kind of music?  Erin demanded in awe. It was inconceivable that someone his age would care for that.

I know, he chuckled. Probably not your thing but when I was a kid, it was all the rage and you know what they say—you go back to the devil you know.

Oh, no, I love Pantera, Erin cried, clearly stunning Andrew with her confession. I’m just shocked that you do.

Sure, Andrew shrugged. I mean, it’s inspirational when I’m working.

On set? Erin pressed, realizing that she had no idea what he did for work.

Right, on set. He paused and eyed her. Do you not know what I do?

Andrew cocked his head to the side and studied her face, a half-smile on his lips. Erin shook her head, a blush tinging her cheeks at the admission.

He’s my dad and I know nothing about him. I came her expecting to have a war with him. Maybe I