Raven's Rage: Order of the Claw

By Kerry Marzock

Raven's Rage, Order of the Claw, picks up the horrific story from Kerry L. Marzock's first book "Raven's Way". Johnny Raven, our hero, continues to seek out the pack of werewolves who killed his wife and unborn child. All the while, he is worried about his newfound love, Kat, as she struggles to come to terms with not only her incredib

• Language: English
• Publisher: ReadersMagnet LLC
• Release date: Apr 21, 2022
• ISBN: 9781957312293

Book preview

Chapter 1

This evening was one of those bitterly cold, late January nights. It was the kind of steel-blade cold that can nastily grab hold of your body like an evil hand clutching your shivering bones with monstrous intent. Puffs of white steam exploded from the horse’s quivering nostrils like an old time steam locomotive crawling up the tracks of a long hill, coughing out painfully I think I can, I think I can….. The steady clip-clop of hooves on the lonely pavement echoed with intense apprehension. Accompanied by a nervous whinny now and then, the horse’s acute senses were on high alert for something dangerous, possibly deadly. The animal was simply not aware of why, or for what terrible reason. It somehow sensed that death was out there in the darkness waiting to strike violently from some unsuspecting direction.

Inside the small, one-seat buggy rode Adam Yost and Hannah Klinefelter. They tightly clutched frigid hands, a thick woolen blanket covering their legs. Even though quite tired, they were still beaming over the wonderful day spent at their closest friend’s wedding. The adoration this young Amish couple had for each other was strengthened even more after seeing the happiness of new-found wedding bliss displayed by their long time friends, Jacob and Abigail Neff. Their special moment could not happen soon enough. Hannah was already planning the loving dinner she would prepare on some future Sunday for Adam. At that time they would announce their plans of marriage when their parents returned from the normal Sunday gathering of families. It was traditional for the Amish, ‘plain folk’ as they call themselves, to make their intentions known in this fashion and then have it broadcast to the entire community during church services. They had talked in hushed tones all throughout the day, giggling and whispering their own versions of sweet nothings. Proud parents gazed at them with fondness, aware that sometime in the near future their children would be starting a family of their own.

Hannah squeezed Adam’s hand and smiled lovingly. She stared up into his strong, yet soft and dreamy, brown eyes with feelings she had never experienced for anybody else. He was a wonderfully considerate man from a proper, well respected family. It seemed as if they had been together already most of their lives, meeting each other as young children in school and then spending a number of amorous, exciting moments in the barn hidden amid dark shadows in the hayloft. Hannah had been courted by a handful of other boys her age, but none ever compared to Adam, tall with a strongly chiseled face, compassionate and so concerned for her happiness. He would be a deeply devoted, honorable husband and such a loving, thoughtful father.

Adam leaned down and kissed her lightly on the forehead. He stared into her sky-blue eyes that sparkled in the light of passing street lamps, doll-like porcelain skin shining with just a touch of crimson on her cheeks. In one way it was from the January cold, but mostly from the love she felt for Adam. He knew, and rightly so, that he was without a doubt the luckiest young man in their surrounding Amish community, though at the moment he realized he shared that right with his best friend Jacob. His lucky friend would soon be spending that first nervous night with the woman he had just wed.

I wonderful luff you, Adam whispered softly, his lips brushing hers.

Excitement streaked through her body as she murmured back, You’re my Adam, I luff you so much too, her heart beating madly with the feelings she held for him.

Staring at the long expanse of empty road, he clucked a few times to his seemingly nervous horse. Gently snapping the reins, he felt a razor sharp edge of concern. It was darker than normal since the new moon cast off no light making those areas between street lamps relatively dark. A new moon occurs when the sun, earth, and moon are all in alignment, with the moon positioned between earth and the sun. As a result, the moon cannot be seen on these nights, unless there happens to be an eclipse. And for many, the new moon beckons a time of rebirth, especially monsters. Thus, Adam was thankful for the glowing street lamps along this lonely stretch of Route 322.

He also noted how sparse traffic was and then realized it was in fact bordering upon the stroke of midnight. Both of them had decided to spend a little more time with Jacob and Abigail in order to reveal their own plans for the coming year. He knew their parents would be extremely worried that the young couple had stayed out so late. They would be scolded upon their return home and would have to promise they would never be so inconsiderate in the future.

Yet feeling warmly aglow deep inside, he was also aware of a very evident nervousness in his horse. A very trusting animal, he had painstakingly raised the spirited foal with loving care and patient tutoring, always his normal course of action. It took a long while preparing a horse to become fearless enough to pull rickety buggies and trot along these busy, congested roadways. They had to get used to being passed constantly by roaring trucks, diesel-smelling buses, and honking, inconsiderate drivers who seemed far too damn impatient to get nowhere fast. Unfortunately, all roads in the area had claimed lives, Amish as well as their horses. The shoulders and road-side fields were scarred with shattered debris from splintered carriages due to careless and stupid drivers.

Tonight would be no exception. Death now hovered mere seconds away. It would not come from a careless driver either, but rather an evil which Adam or Hannah could never have come close to imagining in their wildest nightmares.

The horse suddenly shied to the left with a frantic snort of fear, veering away from a dense thicket of brush off the road to the right. Adam frantically tugged hard on the reins, trying to calm down the frightened horse with a few sharp whistles. Silly really, as if a whistle could abate the panic now nearly paralyzing the crazed animal.

Adam, vas is los? cried out Hannah, clutching his arm in alarm with both hands.

Adam, however, was much too concerned in attempting to control the horse and keep them from tipping over. He was just grateful there was no oncoming traffic to avoid. It was not a vehicle he had to be alarmed about though as a huge shadowy form leaped from the bushes. A deafening roar tore the night apart. This nightmarish apparition struck the frightened horse with the force of a tractor trailer, raking the screaming animal’s neck open as easily as a hunter slices into the underbelly of a slaughtered deer.

The horse was dead before hitting the ground with a nearly severed head lying at a most unnatural angle. The momentum of the attack spun the buggy around in a violent, hair-raising slide on two wheels. Tipping over completely, it broke free from the dead horse and then tumbled several times in a dizzying, grinding crash. Black pieces of wood and shards of glass were flung in an exploding shower of debris. As was Adam’s body, striking the ground with a loud, sickening thump, arms and legs bent at angles only meant for a Raggedy-Ann doll. His damaged body slid across the pavement where it violently struck the post of a road sign that claimed ‘No Passing’. Even then, his only thought was for Hannah’s safety. He peered through a reddish haze of blood streaming from a horrible, ugly gash across his forehead, searching frantically for the woman he loved.

The buggy laid upside down, crushed and broken, wheels spinning like a carnival ride in the chilly, midnight air. Hannah’s stunned and broken body was securely pinned underneath a pile of debris. Her screams still echoed across the empty fields, praying that somebody would hear their plea before she and her beloved Adam were dead. Surprisingly, she was still semi-conscious, though gripped in terrible, agonizing pain from a fractured leg and a broken back. She could see the horse lying crumpled on the pavement, two legs reaching up towards the nighttime sky in silent supplication. It’s nearly severed head was surrounded by a pool of blood appearing like a dark, jet-black pond of hematite beneath a streetlamp’s severe glare.

Another terrifying roar violently shook the night as Hannah let her frightened gaze peer through several openings in the destroyed buggy surrounding her. Suddenly, through one of the larger holes, a menacing shadow slithered across a thin shaft of light. She prayed it was a passing motorist who had thankfully stopped to give assistance. Sadly though, prayers aren’t always answered.

Help me please, I beg thee, she croaked, unable to move, surprised that the initial pain was now succumbing to a grateful blanket of numbness.

But life saving assistance was nowhere near, only a violent death the young, innocent Amish couple could never have imagined. Suddenly she felt the buggy being angrily lifted, dumping her to the pavement in a broken heap. Her pretty head struck the ground in a sickening thump like an overripe apple falling from a tree. Thankfully though, her beseeching prayers of assistance went unanswered since she would be unable to realize the nightmarish evil that had befallen them. The concussion was such that she gratefully did not notice the long, hairy feet which had moved up to straddle her body. Even though she was still somewhat quasi-conscious, the ground and surrounding landscape had a surreal, alien feel. It felt like a dream, as if she was floating above the ground looking at the accident scene.

Adam numbly witnessed the entire, horrifying event through a nearly black, crimson curtain of blood that still flowed from his badly lacerated head, total surrender of life possibly minutes away. He was able to slowly slide his arm towards his beloved Hannah as she was lifted off the ground. She hung clutched in the massive claws of a devilish beast. Whispering her name for nobody to hear but himself, Adam watched in horror as the young Amish girl he dearly loved was lifted towards a nightmarish, wolfish head. Through eyes that were now barely open, he saw that monstrous mouth open to unveil huge, slobbering fangs, horrid teeth which no living creature should ever possess.

Before passing out Adam stared with a horrified gaze as the beast stuffed pretty Hannah’s thin neck between vile, frightening jaws. The young Amish man felt anguish in that he could not protect his beloved. He prayed that death would sweep him away towards a darkness he hoped to never escape from. To go on living and remembering this night would be like existing in a living nightmare. Thankfully, Adam did not see the creature crawl towards the barren, empty field, dragging his beloved Hannah behind. Her dead feet bounced roughly across the skeletal remains of broken corn stalks, tattered long black skirt flapping in the icy breeze. Her blood-splattered bonnet lay alone upon the pavement. It was all that remained of her youthful existence.

Through the dense quiet which had quickly settled over the accident scene, a spine-tingling howl splintered the stillness. Lights in nearby farmhouses quickly blinked on. Adam fortunately did not hear the cry of the beast for he seemed demonically lost in the oblivion of his own ongoing nightmare. He not only had lost the woman he loved, but also the will to go on living.

Before total darkness overtook him, he reached forward with bloody fingers and whispered, Hannah, I love thee…please…forgive….

Chapter 2

A thick silence embraced Johnny Raven as he awoke to find himself curled atop a shaggy throw rug in the corner of their bedroom. He was instantly chilled, maybe because he was completely bare naked. Or possibly due to the frigid, early February night which continued to hold the dense, but dangerous, Maine woods captive in a frigid embrace. Glancing toward the faintly orange, silent fireplace he realized it was also most likely because the flames had very nearly died away.

Gazing anxiously around the quiet room, he wondered where his Kathleen was. He remembered how she had greeted him only a few hours earlier, allowing him to shake off the snow which clung to his lush, black fur. Then later, how they had sat together quietly in front of the sizzling fireplace, his massive head across her lap while she stroked his muscular, furry back. Quickly becoming sexually aroused, he altered to human form and they made passionate love, at times tender while at others wild as the want of beasts.

Moaning slightly, he stretched his long, lithe, muscular body as far as he could in order to allow the last traces of his wolf to slip away. It had been over a week since he had last altered shape. He rarely went that long between changes, mainly because he reveled in his wolf state and wished to run free as often as possible. But, also the knowledge that changing back to human form after not shifting for so long left him extremely stiff and sore for nearly a full day afterwards.

He had also not changed mainly because of Kathleen and her extremely fragile mental condition at the moment. After the first week of feeling the exhilaration of altering to her wolf state, running through the woods and hills at Johnny’s side, it was often a time of great confusion and anxiety for the newly inducted. He had silently prayed she would not go through the stress of such a violent life change, or at least just a minimal transition period, but it was not to be the case. Not only had her life been shaken and stirred, she had witnessed violence and horrible things that very few humans ever had. Plus, losing her father at the hands of enemy weregune was something she was having difficulty dealing with as well. At times she blamed Johnny because he was weregune himself. Sadly, at others she lay in his arms sobbing her forgiveness.

Not wanting to really wake up yet, Johnny reached over to the bed and pulled down a thick, blue plaid comforter on top of him. Closing his eyes tightly he tried curling up in a tight ball once again. While attempting unsuccessfully to resurrect the dream of running free with the local pack he was having before waking up, the nagging worry about Kathleen kept jabbing annoyingly at his conscience. He knew he had to get up and find out where she was, something equally magnified by the loud, anxious scratching upon the bedroom door by an obviously persistent animal.

Rising, he let the comforter slide to the floor around his feet and started to blindly stumble naked across the hardwood floor, tripping over one corner of the balled-up blanket. Making it to the door without thankfully sprawling forward on his face, he yanked it open only to see Rain standing on her hind legs scratching angrily at the wood.

What’s wrong girl? Where’s mommy? he asked the dog, taking her paws in his own large hands like they were dancing a doggie waltz.

Rain dropped to the floor and whined loudly, backing up and growling ominously before letting out several loud, sharp barks. Then she turned and raced towards the steps, looking back and barking again. Come on, she seemed to say, What the hell’s keeping you? Johnny realized something was very wrong so he began to trot after Kathleen’s very anxious dog.

At the bottom of the stairs Rain failed to stop, instead running towards the door in the kitchen leading to the back porch. Again barking loudly, she whirled and raced back to Johnny, grabbed his hand in her mouth and tugged him roughly forward.

Okay, okay, I’m coming. Is mommy outside? he asked, reaching the back door and throwing it open to let the early morning frost and scent of pine assault his senses.

Still a good hour before sunrise, a beautiful waxing moon shone down brightly. It glittered off the snowy backyard as if floodlights illuminated a baseball diamond. At first, Johnny didn’t notice anything unusual. His keen eyesight adjusted quickly to the fading darkness picking out a myriad of shadows. Some of them were still as death and yet others silently slithered through the fringes of light along the dark tree line. Then he glanced to the far end of the porch and was surprised to see Kathleen sitting in the old rocking chair over which they both had argued often about wanting to sit in.

At first she appeared quiet, deeply lost in thought, but then Johnny realized there was something much more serious taking place. He glanced down and saw a pistol tightly locked in her quivering hands pointed up towards her troubled face.

Kathleen, can you hear me? Kat, please give me the gun, he said in a low whisper, afraid to jolt her into action.

He squatted down and inched forward, raising his right arm and extending his hand towards her, palm up, not once removing his gaze from her haunted stare.

Kathleen, can you hear me? Sweetheart, look at me and aim the gun away from you, he pleaded a little louder. We can work this out. It’s going to take some time, but I’m here for you like I’ll always be. Kat, look at me and hand me the gun.

She lifted her head slowly and turned her gaze towards him, tears starting to trickle crookedly from the corner of her eyes. The look was haunted, pained, troubled, and completely lost.

I can’t exist like this Johnny, she whispered. I love you, but I can’t go on feeling that I’m unable to embrace the beast like you do. At first I thought I could, mostly because of my feelings for you, but I’m frightened that the creature I’ve become will be too savage, more than I can accept. I’m human, not a murderous beast.

He had crept forward the entire time while she was talking until his hand barely rested upon her knee. Keeping half his gaze on the gun and the other half on her tortured face he spoke softly, reassuringly.

Kathleen, I told you it would take time and you were not being rushed to envelop your new nature. Yes, there are times when you must alter shape, mostly because the wolf cannot be contained forever. But you will become as one with the beast and I will always be at your side. I’ll let nothing terrible happen to you, please trust me.

Johnny had moved a few inches closer and gently laid his nervous hand on her leg, so close to the gun he could almost feel the quivering in her grip. Realizing that she had a finger on the trigger he was very afraid to jar her into taking the fatal action which would not only end her life, but his as well. He could not stand to lose another mate.

Kat, slip your finger off the trigger and hand me the gun. Please, we can work this out. Just let me hold you and we’ll get through this. It’ll be alright, I promise you, he said gently, seeing that she was, in fact, slowly removing her finger.

As cautiously as he could manage, Johnny reached out to place his huge hand around the gun and turn it away from her towards the awakening forest surrounding them. Once the pistol was turned completely, she had loosened her grip enough for him to slide the weapon from her quivering hands. A large exhalation of air escaped his lungs as Rain whined and moved forward, not sure how excited to get, but knowing that a great deal of tension had just been released and for the moment, her mommy was okay.

Placing the gun gently onto the floor of the porch and then shoving it away from the chair, he moved forward and placed his massive arms around her in a strong, protective embrace. Kathleen began to sob uncontrollably, shaking like she had been struck by a severe case of fever. Johnny was concerned about how thin and frail she had been getting. It was mostly because she was refusing to eat, not only in human condition, but keeping her wolf from feeding as well. And the wolf’s desires had to be appeased or it would eventually become a beast with an insatiable hunger, many times leading to rogue-state. Beyond that it often led to never-ending insanity and eventual death.

He pulled back and lifted her chin so he could look into her anguished eyes. With a gentleness that was surprising from someone as large and rugged as Johnny, he moved a lock of hair from in front of her face. He then lovingly kissed her tear-stained cheeks before barely caressing her lips with his own. How much he loved this woman and immediately knew what he had to do.

Kathy, you have to regain your strength and that means we need to get food into you right now. Also, there is somebody I want you to meet later today when you’re a little stronger, keeping his arm tightly around her shoulders and gently guiding her back towards the open kitchen door.

Meet who Johnny? We’re out in the middle of friggin’ no where, voice barely above a whisper, shuffling her feet with what strength she still possessed.

As they entered the kitchen, Rain came close to Kathy and placed her cold nose in her mommy’s open hand. Kathy smiled, letting her fingertips scratch the dog’s muzzle.

Hey girl, don’t worry. I’ll be fine, I can’t let you become an orphan just yet, as Johnny lowered her gently onto a chair.

Kneeling slowly he took her smaller hands in his. He squeezed them tightly and gently at the same time to reassure his beautiful mate, this woman whom he adored more than life itself, that everything would be okay.

About two miles from here, on top of the cliff you saw while we were out running a couple weeks ago, resides one of the Elders. He’s quite ancient and very wizened. With his help and guidance I was brought out of my rogue state and I feel confident he can help you as well. It would be better to see him as your wolf, but I’m afraid you’re not strong enough just yet Kathy. Maybe he will alter shape this once to talk to you. He rarely shifts to human form anymore, just too painful. Promise me that you will listen to what he says and let him help us. Don’t give up my love, I could not stand losing you, Johnny said, his voice breaking, something that rarely happened.

Kathy smiled weakly and touched his cheek. I promise for I could not bear losing you as well my darling. So, are you just going to talk all morning, or finally fix me something to eat? I do believe I’m more than a little famished right now.

Well, at least you haven’t lost your biting sense of humor. On the menu we have thick and juicy steaks, very rare and bloody, along with a dozen sunny side eggs cooked to perfection by yours truly, a masterful chef. As well as plenty of strong coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice. I even think this is a morning Rain deserves a delicious treat as well, scratching the dog on top of her head, smiling broadly.

Rain wagged her long, bushy tail and stood upon hind legs, pawing at him in her never-failing begging routine. Johnny laughed, Kathy smiling as well.

Okay you big mooch, maybe two steaks then. Kat, are you sure there’s no wolf in this dog? He looked at Kathleen and winked.

Well there wasn’t before, but now I’m not so sure, especially since she’s been going off at night to join her boyfriend in the forest. I can hear them howling and barking all night long, Kathy replied, laughing for the first time in more than a week.

She has extremely good taste. Now my dear, just sit there and rest for I have a scrumptious meal to prepare for the three of us.

Kathy smiled, giggling like a little girl. Well Chef Johnny, lowering her gaze to below his waist. If you’re not going to get dressed then maybe you should tie an apron around yourself before cooking breakfast. Hey, don’t get me wrong, I sincerely love the view, but I surely wouldn’t want to see any hot grease splash upon parts of your body that happen to be extremely important to the both of us.

He actually blushed before grinning sheepishly. Well, I highly doubt an apron could adequately conceal how much I love you so maybe I’ll throw a pair of jeans on.

Kissing her fully on the lips and having her so close to him, he decided to put that idea aside. Picking Kat up easily in his muscular arms, he carried her into the living room while Rain wagged her tail, happy that mommy was okay for the moment. Then she whined softly realizing it appeared that she’d have to wait awhile for her steak. Glancing anxiously towards the back door she wondered where her boyfriend Rasha was. After all, maybe she could grab a little pleasure before having a good meal as well.

* * * * * * * * * *

Johnny had been much too concerned over Kathleen’s condition to notice that two fiery-red, hateful, unblinking eyes stared at them from the tree line, eyes filled with a malicious intent to destroy what it abhorred the most. Roberto, his Master Vampire from Seattle, had spoken to him with stern conviction, warning him not to let vengeful rage overpower his ultimate intentions. But it was impossible not to, so much easier said than done. At least the weregune who had called himself a father was dead, fallen and torn apart underneath his own savage claws on the frozen fields of Valley Forge Park.

Now, this man who moved around on the porch before him, one who dared call himself a brother would be slaughtered next, as well as the bitch that pretended to be a newbie wolf. Roberto could simply rot in hell, Kahleel thought. This was his battle to wage and his alone to win. He cracked an evil grin with the thought that Roberto, who had ruled him now for way too long, already resided in his own dark version of Hell. It was a purgatory where the dead rose at night and sucked blood from the living in order to survive. Humanity thought it nothing more than legend, propagated by the inquisitive minds of horror writers like Bram Stoker and Anne Rice. Vampires all around the world agreed completely, smiling their toothy grins with evil intent as they greedily sank their anxious fangs into the urgently pulsating necks of innocent victims.

Chapter 3

Detective Tommy Darnello had no sooner gratefully dropped onto his rickety desk chair with the rainbow-patched seat when the booming voice belonging to Captain Nathan Ganz crashed throughout the detective bureau. Startled, Tommy nearly knocked his full cup of coffee all over his cluttered desk. He remembered the last time he had reached for his phone, caught the lip of the cup on his sleeve and yanked a full cup of steaming black coffee right onto his lap. That was a blistering moment to remember.

Darnello, get your worthless, lazy ass in here, NOW, as the window in the captain’s office door shook like a small earthquake had just hit.

Tommy moaned and rose slowly, still suffering the fringes of a headache from lack of sleep. Thank the Lord for extra-strength Excedrin he thought. Placing his finger tips against a still very tender spot at the base of his neck which continued to give him problems once in awhile thanks to that despicable monster Quentin, he began shuffling towards the captain’s lair. His right wrist had finally been freed of the confining cast, replaced by a semi-soft wrap. It was still quite stiff, but thankfully not painful. He knew he should’ve gone on short-term disability, but with the grizzly murders still taking place there wasn’t a chance in hell he could stay away, especially with Morello still out on leave. Captain Ganz needed him and so like a trooper, he showed up after the first several weeks of being out on sick time. Besides, he would go stir crazy sitting at home in his empty apartment. He also kept hoping he’d discover some information as to where the lovely Colleen Frye might be hiding out.

Tommy shuffled into his captain’s office and searched for an uncluttered spot to plunk his weary body. Piles of paperwork and folders covered Nathan’s desk, with spillage extending towards several chairs and the floor. Tommy realized this was not like Captain Ganz. He worried whether his nearly retired boss was still trying to keep his fingers on top of things and yet having part of his mind already safely out the door, finally walking away from his stressful position in one piece.

No need to sit Tommy, you’re heading right back out, Ganz mumbled loudly.

Ah Cap, I’ve hardly had any sleep what with working that murder scene on the bike path the other night. Can’t one of the other guys take care of it? Tommy inquired, hoping not to cause an explosive eruption from the currently red-faced Captain Ganz.

No they can’t. I want you to personally take responsibility for this and check it out, he grumbled, handing Johnny several sheets of paper.

He scanned the sheets quickly, glancing up. Yeah, so what’s this all about?

Seems there were two young Amish, a man and woman, attacked several nights back out near Blue Ball on Route 322. The sheriff from up that way realized we may be very interested in checking out the scene and talking to the one survivor, if he lives that is. So take Jankowski with you and head up there, poke around, see if it follows the pattern of what we have down here, said Ganz, rambling without taking a breath.

Where the hell is this place? I don’t go out that way much, Tommy asked.

Easiest way I suppose would be to take Route 23 through Valley Forge Park, Phoenixville and Morgantown. When you get to the outskirts of Blue Ball turn right onto Route 322. Before you get there, maybe around Morgantown, give that Sheriff Hodgins a phone call so he’ll be expecting you, Ganz replied without looking up.

Tommy stopped and spun around on his heels. Captain, you mentioned one survivor. Am I to assume the other victim was left for dead, or carried off?

She was carried off. A local farmer found her severely mutilated body in his field the next morning. I think the poor guy is still uttering prayers. The young man that survived is in very critical condition, but from what I understand due to the crash of their buggy and not from wounds inflicted by some hellish beast, Nathan grumbled. Now, get your sorry ass in gear and report back to me when you’re finished out there.

Yes sir, your loyal servant is on top of it. Tommy shot back, exiting the office and glancing around. He spotted Frank Jankowski leaning back lazily in a chair with his size fourteen feet propped up on one corner of the nearly empty desk. Tommy wondered if it was just because Frank was a neat-freak, or simply that he had nothing else to do.

Hey Ski, wake up, we have criminals to catch. Let’s go, Tommy said, walking past the other man’s desk and yanking his own coat off the back of his sad looking chair.

So where the hell are we going now? Jankowski whined.

Stop complaining, I’ll tell you in the car. Now get your skinny butt in motion, unless you want to feel the wrath of Ganz come down upon you, Tommy said smiling. He wasn’t thrilled over the idea of spending the day with Frank Jankowski, but what else could he do. Damn he wished Morello would be returning soon, he really missed her.

* * * * * * * * * *

The very same night that Hannah and Adam were horrifically attacked by the creature, Colleen and Sara sat finishing up their meal at a rest stop along the Northeast Extension of the PA Turnpike. Colleen had just devoured three very rare and bloody double cheeseburgers, while Sara polished off two hot roast beef sandwiches smothered in gravy. Something they realized after being infected was that their hunger had become intense, as if they were eating for two, much like an expectant mother. Only the baby was certainly not a child, but rather a demon from Hell whose hunger and rage could not be contained. It was very cool that they now could stuff themselves like pigs and not gain weight. Not like before when Colleen remembered how that cheeseburger would attach itself to her hips unless she jogged five miles afterwards.

Sara put down her fork, smacked her lips and smiled. She reached over and placed her hand atop Colleen’s. I love you honey, she whispered.

I love you too sweetheart, she replied. Is your tummy finally full? Or do you want some desert? That apple pie is absolutely screaming at me to devour it.

Mmmmm, yeah desert simply sounds delicious, but that’s not the kind of luscious treat I had in mind, cooed the sultry Sara, her voice even lower and sexier than ever. It was another newly discovered trait brought on by the emergence of both a new and full moon. Sadly though, that deep throated sexiness turned more to a growl of rage as the night wore on and the moon screamed for her beast to appear.

You are so bad. Okay, let’s have some of that hot apple pie first and then we’ll see what happens after that, Colleen winked, as the waitress appeared beside their table.

After ordering desert, both women felt the same rumbling sound begin in the floor, work its way up their legs and into the pits of their still hungry stomachs. They both looked out the soiled restaurant window at the same time six roaring, growling Harley’s pulled into a few empty parking spaces. Straddling these modern, two-wheeled horses of power was simply something that resembled Hells Angels on steroids, their riders clad in black leather, soiled denim, head bandannas of varied garish colors, and dark sunglasses resembling the angry eyes from Satan’s army. It was quite simply rage against society from a rag-tag band of losers that would never recognize authority.

Colleen glanced at Sara and raised her eyes. Think we should split?

Nah, this could get interesting even though it’s getting dark and I feel the moon beginning to scrape against my spine. Let’s see where it goes. Are you up for it?

You know honey, that wild streak of yours is going to get us into trouble more often than not, but yeah, I’m game if you are, Colleen answered, feeling somewhat worried, but at the same time anxious for a little confrontation.

As the door barged open, confrontation was definitely something the two women knew would be coming their way very shortly. The group of eight crazy characters that entered the restaurant was simply something out of a carnival. The six males ranged from one who towered over the others, easily six and a half feet tall, as well as being broad as a barn. The shortest one barely reached five and a half feet, much shorter than Colleen was for sure. The other four ranged somewhere in the middle, all but one of them showing muscular arms. The other was bean-pole thin with a hawkish looking face. Beards hid most of their craggy features and, of course, angry eyes were well disguised behind dark sunglasses. However, the one thing all the biker dudes had in common was the odor, which caused both Colleen and Sara’s nostrils to shrink in disgust.

The two women were actually attractive in a leather-clad sort of way, long hair pulled back into swishy pony tails. It was clearly obvious which of the guys these two biker chicks were tied at the waist to, but the looks on their faces were as equally angry and disdainful as their male counterparts, like saying Here we are, what the hell are you going to do about it?

Not caring who they jostled, or the noise they were making, this lunatic fringe of society made their way down the aisle and just by a stroke of chance selected the tables adjacent to Colleen and Sara. Colleen shook her head thinking would wonders never cease to be. Seemed the moon had definite plans for them tonight.

Far from being the largest of the group, but most definitely the leader of this small, rag-tag pack, the nearest male removed his glasses to actually reveal bright green eyes, a fact that somewhat startled Sara who gazed his way.

Hello there doll face, what’s happenin’? he said in a coarse, gravelly voice which actually grated on Colleen’s nerves.

Oh, nothing much, just trying to enjoy a quiet dinner before we were so loudly interrupted, she replied, staring him directly in the eyes, letting him know that fear was something she didn’t experience at all.

He laughed aloud, swiping a dirty gloved hand across his mouth. His mangy buddies laughed in a sickening symphony of disgusting grunts and snorts. The two ladies decided it was best to stay quiet, though they sneered in Sara’s direction. Sara, of course, merely smiled sweetly back at them realizing they had no idea what sat before them.

Well sweet cheeks, we’ll try and keep it down to a low roar, he said, chuckling while reaching for one of the menus that the waitress nervously was passing around.

A low roar might be good in a park, or on a football field, but this is a public place where people come to rest after hours of driving, to enjoy a nice quiet meal and just relax, Sara replied, testing how far she might be able to take this Neanderthal.

He let out a grunt of amusement, a perverted glint in the corner of one eye. But, decided not to respond since his stomach was growling like a starved grizzly bear.

Colleen reached across the table taking Sara’s hand in hers. Sweetheart, I think we should just leave and let these nice people enjoy their meals since we’re done eating.

This bit of affection was not missed by several of the biker contingent, especially the leader. He slammed the menu shut, deciding he wanted a huge burger and fries, but realizing that maybe he was not all that hungry at the moment.

Ah now, ain’t that cute boys? It seems we have ourselves two little sweethearts sittin’ beside us. A couple real live lesbians, he croaked, loud enough for the entire restaurant to hear while putting his muscular right arm around the big breasted blonde sitting beside him. My old lady here goes both ways you know and I kind of think it’s pretty damn kinky. There’s nothin’ sexier than seein’ two beautiful women gettin’ it on, he said with an evil, lopsided grin, while at the same time being playfully punched by the buxom, dish-water blonde leaning tightly up against him.

Colleen looked over at Sara and caressed her hand lovingly. Sweetie Pie, isn’t he just the sweetest, most open minded gentleman you’ve ever met?

Sara glanced over at the heavily tattooed biker and grinned sweetly. He sure is and what a wonderfully understanding man he seems to be. Plus, that’s such an endearing name of Old Lady given to your girlfriend.

The mammoth Neanderthal biker who was sprawled uncomfortably in a narrow booth which was way too tight for his massive girth decided to toss in his two cents as well. Hey Chrome, maybe they need to see what a real man can do for them, he roared out loud, the others joining in on the fun. It was easy to see how their bravado took center stage when dealing with what appeared on the outside to be two defenseless females.

Colleen felt Sara flinch a little and squeezed her hand tighter, then looked directly at Chrome, trying to determine if he was just really stupid enough to laugh it off and go their separate ways, or continue the confrontation. However, somehow she felt this was just beginning to escalate into deadly proportions.

So Chrome, does your name have something to do with a car, like a bumper or something? That seems like it might fit, smiling her sweetest, defenseless female smile.

Oh, that’s good little lady, real good. Hey Tank, referring to the giant at the other table, What’s Chrome stand for?

Tank extricated his huge body from the confining booth and shoved his way through some tables, knocking the arm of a nearby customer who was just at that moment lifting his coffee cup towards his lips, coffee swilling over the edge and onto his trousers.

Hey, what the hell was that for you big goon, the much shorter, balding man exclaimed, beginning to stand up for an altercation.

Tank turned and placed one of his beefy hands on the shoulder of the rather brave, but somewhat stupid, customer. The man immediately winced under the pressure and sat back down, no words needed to be spoken. The semi-human Tank continued to maneuver his humongous bulk around the crowded chairs and stopped at Chrome’s side.

Colleen and Sara stared up at this bearded giant, the stench nearly overpowering. His grayish-black beard appeared like it hadn’t been washed in weeks, almost to the point of being crusty. The black t-shirt he wore underneath a faded blue denim vest was badly sweat stained. So many tattoos cluttered his arm that it was impossible to easily detect one particular picture, other than the chain around his huge bicep, seeming always to be a part of guys like this, and the angry head of a cobra. Both Colleen and Sara were almost afraid to get a whiff of his breath, being this close to him.

Chrome stands for Crow Man ‘cause girls, the evil nature of this kind gentleman sittin’ here means death. Get on his wrong side and you’ll regret ya’ ever did.

Both Colleen and Sara raised their eyes with staged alarm, while at the same time both giggling inside with just a glint of mischief. Sara thought this was going to be quite the interesting evening if they continued to follow the same track with these bozos.

Oooh, that is scary, murmured Colleen. You must be a really dangerous guy.

Crow broke out laughing, becoming quite obnoxious to Sara. Only to my enemies ma’am and I wouldn’t suspect I’d have to worry about that with two lovely ladies such as yourselves, now would I? he asked, smiling broadly which accented a long, livid white scar running down his left cheek from earlobe to corner of his mouth.

Sara feigned shock and replied in her sweetest southern drawl, Why, I do rightly declare, I surely wouldn’t think so. We’re lovers Mr. Crowman, not fighters, isn’t that so sweetie? as she reached out to grasp Colleen’s hand.

Hey Crow, Tank bellowed, Maybe these two sweethearts would like to head up to the lake with us after we chow down on some food. That might prove interestin’.

Chrome looked up at Tank and nodded. Yeah, well, I’m not sure, but we can ask them, bein’ the polite gentlemen we are. So, how about it girls, you up for a night of partyin’ out along a beautiful lake with some hot rock music, sexy dancing, lots of beer, some great weed, and whatever other action we can get goin’?

I don’t know Mr. Crow, we’re being expected by some friends later tonight and wouldn’t want them to worry too much. Besides, I don’t believe we’d really be that much fun, we’re both kind of quiet and shy, pretty reserved actually.

Oh honey, please? It would be so cool, something different. Please, please, just for a little while? Sara whined.

See there, your sexy little lover wants to come along so how ‘bout it? And somehow, I don’t think you’re as shy as you make out to be. Hey, what’re your names anyway? Crow asked her.

Colleen stared at Sara and nodded. Okay baby, we’ll go, but just for a little while, she said, and then looked at Crow. My name is Thelma and this is Louise.

Chrome leaned back and smiled. "Familiar names and you seem to be sweet girls.