Lunacy: Moonlight in Glenwood, #3

By Aynsley J. Fraser and Lita Hunt

Descend into Lunacy with the third book of the Moonlight in Glenwood series by creative duo Aynsley J. Fraser and Lita Hunt.

After the upheaval of the last few months, Evie and Laika try to settle back into their regular lives. However, new jobs, new relationships, and a growing need for better gear make finding a comfortable pattern impossible. Toss in going back to school, and the Night Claw pack is at its breaking point.

When a spree of maulings rips a bloody path across Los Angeles and Glenwood, there are no suspects in sight and too many victims for just one werewolf. Poised for a chance to really break into the big leagues of moonlighting, Evie and Laika are on the case. However, as people around them start disappearing, this spree might get personal. Can Evie and Laika find the source of the maulings before they lose their minds?

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Lunacy is an action-packed adventure, following two strong heroines and their diverse group of friends in the supernatural world of Glenwood.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wolf & Rose
• Release date: Jan 25, 2024
• ISBN: 9798987009871

Book preview

Chapter 1

Solstice Brawl

Evie

December 21st, 2018

Lowell Family Home, Crescent Springs, CO

Clutching her mug of cocoa tightly, Evie let out a happy sigh. A puff of white breath floated up through the icy cold air. Even the blazing bonfire in the backyard only held so much sway over the cold winter air. Snow blanketed the trees, a carpet of white stretching all the way up the mountain side surrounding the Lowell family home. Hundreds of stars glittered in the cloudless sky above and the moon was so bright she could see almost as clear as day. Crescent Springs, Colorado was a peaceful slice of paradise.

The peace was promptly shattered as her best friend came sliding across the porch, a beacon of bright joy. Evie, what are you doing? We’re late, hurry up! Laika looked breathless, her dark hair windswept and face red from the cold tinting her tawny skin.

Late for what? The redhead wrinkled her nose, tugging the blanket wrapped around her shoulders tighter. There was an aura about her friend that had Evie certain she was about to be ripped from her comfortably warm perch.

The solstice hunt! Laika threw her hands in the air in exasperation.

Well, that explained the urgency. Holidays in Colorado were one of those things the Night Claw pack looked forward to. The holy trifecta of Winter Solstice, Christmas, and New Years were the wildest and happiest time of the year for the Lowells. As the leaders of one of the largest werewolf packs in the United States, Luca and Lavender Lowell’s home was the focal point of celebrations. Even now there was a crowd overindulging in food and drink near the bonfire, and the rest were off running wild through the forests and mountainsides. The deer and rabbits of Crescent Springs all quaked in fear when the pack descended on Laika’s sleepy little hometown.

The Lowells were so stereotypically werewolf, with huge families and traditions surrounding first hunts and first shifts. Laika was the eldest of ten with a huge gap between her and her siblings. Ranging from five to eighteen, nearly all of them had been so young when Evie had been introduced to the pack that, to them, she was just as much a part of the family as Laika was. It was chaotic at times, but she reveled in it. This was exactly what a family should be like; Evie’s own siblings had never been half as warm to her as her adopted family.

It was a world of difference from what Evie Belle had grown up with. Celebrations in the Belle household were subdued and the concept of a shared run would be unthinkable, nevermind an actual hunt! The holidays with the Lowell’s were always filled with a fireworks show of joy, surprise, and love. That was Evie’s favorite part of the holidays being in Colorado, just soaking up the love bomb. It was every empath’s dream. Evie had learned to cherish her chosen family’s wild ways of celebrating; they were superior in every way. Even still, she didn’t dare join in on the crazy holiday hunts. There was a non-zero chance Lavender Lowell, the matriarch of the Lowell household and adoptive mom to Evie, would find something ‘exciting’ for the pack to run down. Evie shook her head, raising her mug of cocoa like a shield as she denied her friend. I’m not going. Mama Wolf always manages to find a bear or a boar for the Solstice hunt. I don’t need the scars from being gored. No thank you.

"No she won’t; she’s taking it easy. It’s Junior’s first hunt! You have to go! You know you’re the favorite sister. You literally have no choice!" Laika threw her arm around Evie’s shoulder, laying on the guilt thick.

Junior, the second oldest, had been showing signs of shifting for the past year. He’d finally made the transformation to wolf form just after his birthday that fall. It was cause to celebrate. Being born to two werewolf parents didn’t guarantee a child would hear the moon’s call and be able to shift into a wolf. And Laika was right about something else too. Oh, so you admit I’m the favorite and coolest sister? Evie grinned, raising one hand to mime dusting off her shoulders in a show of bravado.

Laika snorted, rolling her eyes. "Oh hush, you know you are. Everything you do is cool, everything I do is drama. At least according to Lindsey. Now come on! Everyone’s got a head start, but if we go now we can catch up before they reach the lake."

Ugh, this is way more Shelly’s scene. Call her and see if you can get her on a plane, Evie complained, trying to deflect as her friend chipped away at her resolve. Their roommate had accepted the invitation to join them for the holidays at first. A fellow werewolf, she’d seemed keen on seeing how the Lowell’s mountainside runs stacked up compared to a Glenwood run park. But when Shelly heard about how big the Red Earth pack was she’d canceled her ticket, claiming work needed her too much that night. Evie and Laika had known better; their roommate was practically allergic to the concept of packs, but they let it go. No point forcing Shelly when she wasn’t ready yet.

Laika’s eyes narrowed, her smile turning mischievous. Is that you angling for me to call Tor for you and see if she’ll make a last minute change of plans?

What? No! Evie’s pale cheeks flared red and it had nothing to do with the cold. A picture of Tor standing under the mistletoe flashed through Evie’s mind, but she shook it off. A house full of werewolves hyped up on the holidays was not where you brought your new crush. Not that Laika was exercising that level of common sense.

When Laika had initially invited Alfred, he hadn’t immediately agreed and it had given Evie hope. The last thing she wanted was the walking embodiment of doom and gloom dimming her annual Lowell Love Bomb. Besides, he took up too much of Laika’s time already without infringing on the holidays. But then Alfred sent Laika a text message later that night agreeing to come up for a few days around Christmas. At the news, Luca, Laika’s dad, had set the gears going to roll out the red carpet. His daughter had never brought someone home before; well, except Evie. Plans for a quiet and intimate Christmas to get to know Laika’s new boyfriend one-on-one, followed by introducing him to the whole pack on New Year’s Eve, were meticulously laid out. And Evie knew it was all for naught. Luca was missing a crucial piece of information that would sour all of this. Alfred was a vampire, and he’d never fit in with the Red Earth pack.

- Evie? Are you listening?

Wha- Yes, sorry. Okay, no… What did you say? Evie regretted asking as she glanced down and her silver eyes were met with familiar amber.

Laika was pleading now, the storm of emotions having morphed into determination as she focused on Evie. The stern tone was at odds with the big, puppy dog eyes that seemed to intensify as her voice pressed. Evie, we’re going if I have to drag you kicking and screaming. It’s Solstice! It's like Christmas, but for werewolves!

Evie could not suppress the eyeroll. This was a new level of drama, even for Laika. Oh hush, Christmas is Christmas for werewolves. Or is that big tree in your parent’s living room just for show?

Whatever response Laika prepared faltered and her attention snapped to the treeline.

Laika

December 21st, 2018

Lowell Family Home, Crescent Springs, CO

Ahowl of pain tore through the night. Heads turned to the treeline as the sounds of a fight interrupted their fun. Silence fell as a strangled bellow rang on the heels of another yelp. Was that from the Solstice run? No, it was way too close to the house. Also, hadn’t they left on the opposite side of the backyard? Laika checked with Evie, Did you hear that?

The howling, yes, confirmed Evie.

Laika focused her hearing in that direction and heard the crack of claws on a tree. Maybe eight feet were running around in the snow, but they were too in sync, so there were two wolves rather than four people. More snapping of jaws and growls rumbled in the air. Someone’s in trouble. We’ve got a wolf fight. Instinct kicked in as Laika vaulted herself over the porch railing. Evie followed, having discarded her precious shoes to save them from the snow.

All I’m getting is a wall of rage, warned Evie.

Seriously? Laika questioned as they breached the treeline, "Who’d be stupid enough to frenzy here of all places?" There was no time for an answer as the form of a wolf smashed into a tree just ahead of them. He was unsteady while trying to regain his feet, but his maw snapped viciously back in the direction he’d just come. Laika paused, wondering if she should try to detain this wolf or push on to see what had caused him to lose his temper so dramatically. Or whatever this was.

I’ve got him, Evie declared as she launched into action.

Laika took the cue and kept moving forward. A musk of smoke clung to the air and her bare feet stepped on broken glass from where at least three bottles lay destroyed. Between the trees, she could make out a brown wolf snarling at her. She recognized the other wolf as her cousin Billy. While he was kind of an asshole, always had been, skipping Junior’s run was extra shitty. Especially just to pick a fight with who she assumed was another cousin. Billy let out a howl of unbridled rage as he focused on the new target Laika had presented herself as. He had blood on his muzzle mixed with spittle as he ran full speed at her. At least this wasn’t a hybrid fight; she wouldn’t even need to shift. Mentally cursing, Laika wished she had her moonlighting vest since it had a sturdy strap, but her bare hands would have to do.

Laika set her feet, allowing Billy to charge to her. When the brown wolf was within touching distance, she suddenly dodged to the left, leaving the spot she’d been standing open. Barely moving out of the way, she spun herself so she could leap onto Billy’s back. Any damage her weight did would heal with that handy werewolf healing, so she didn’t hold back. One of Laika’s arms wrapped around the wolf’s throat in place of that sturdy strap she’d wished for. Then she locked her hand into her other elbow and flexed the arm. There were so many better ways Laika could do this, but her family was too close to risk anything but the fastest takedown she could manage.

Immediately Billy started to slow as air failed to get to his lungs. He tried to turn his jaws to snap at her, but the arm didn’t allow for the movement. His pace cut down to a stumble rather than a charge, and his body slumped. For one terrifying moment, Laika felt him rise back to his feet as she held the chokehold in place. What the hell? Even a frenzied wolf needed to breathe. The rally ended a moment later as Billy passed out from the lack of air.

Laika searched for Evie in the dark woods. Guided by the moonlight, she saw the redhead carrying the other wolf into the clearing. She was safe with little more than a few claw marks on her arm. From the first howl to now only a few minutes had passed. Laika nodded, Are you hurt?

No, Evie assured, He wasn’t really a challenge.

Good, because my mother’s already here, Laika warned. Members of the run had veered in their direction as soon as the fight started. The arrival of the pack’s elders and their need to shift gave Laika time to rouse her cousins to stand trial. No sooner had people dressed enough to be presentable than Lavender’s fingers collided with the back of Billy’s head.

THWACK!

What the hell is wrong with you? He had the ‘benefit’ of being the older idiot of the two and, therefore, bearing the brunt of being in trouble. Lavender tore him a new one. You don’t show up moonburnt to something like this! There are children about!

I’m not moonburnt, insisted Billy. When a werewolf didn’t run enough they got irritable and lost control of their shifting. In Red Earth, it was a sign of immaturity to get moonburnt over the age of 25. Billy looked livid at being dressed down in front of so much of the pack leadership.

You frenzied in my backyard! So you’re crazy, or you were moonburnt, hissed back Lavender. Her hand twitched like she considered striking him again.

No! I wasn’t even that drunk! Billy wouldn’t be cowed into submission. Laika internally groaned at the stubborn streak in her cousin. She also didn’t like getting into trouble, but she was smart enough to take her telling off. Most days, at least.

You were frenzied, Evie interrupted. You were only rage and nothing else.

Lavender looked at the woman as if determining how true that statement was. Then she turned back to Billy. You frenzied in my yard. What if you got to the house? What do you have to say for yourself?

Billy jabbed a finger at her face, You aren’t the alpha. You don’t get to talk to me like this you b-

Watch your mouth kid, cut in Levi. He was Laika’s uncle and Billy’s father, but usually, he left all the reprimanding to Lavender. You don’t talk to your aunt like that, ever. First, it’s her backyard so she can rip you a new one. Second, she’s half of the alphaship of Red Earth, so she can rip you a new one. And third, she’s your aunt, so she can rip you a new one. Luca put a hand on his brother’s shoulder soothingly. They were twins and when one ran hot, the other always cooled them back down.

She shouldn’t even be part of the pack, never mind the breeder of the next alphas, spat Billy. He wasn’t as out of control as before, but he still seemed more aggressive than usual.

All that fire died, though, as Luca took a step forward. Are you challenging me for Alpha? Collectively, all the surrounding werewolves held their breath, waiting for an answer. The seconds stretched and then the moment broke. Billy took a small step backward. That’s what I thought, Luca mused. You got your ass handed to you by my eldest child. You aren’t ready to step in the ring with me.

Laika smirked. She knew that her father was a force to be reckoned with when he felt like it. He had to be to keep up with a woman like Lavender. She was physically stronger than him, and getting to Luca meant going through her.

Levi attempted to diffuse the situation even more. That’s right, Little Lu- Laika just dropped you flat with a single move. Sorry, kid, you aren’t even the strongest in your generation. Let it go. You screwed up tonight and it happens to all of us. He patted his son on the shoulder while laughing. Others around them joined in on the joke of how quickly Billy had been taken out. He and Laika were only six months apart, but her cousin always had a couple of inches on her from the start. So they’d been Big Billy and Little Lulu for as long as she could remember. Her uncle reminded Lavender, Besides, he’s not the first lunatic this season. I’ve been breaking up fights all week. Don’t go too hard on him.

Billy pushed his way past Laika making sure to bump her as he did. Next time you won’t be so lucky. I won’t be so drunk.

Sure, Laika agreed. Next time, I’ll use more than one arm.

Chapter 2

Darken the Halls

Laika

December 24th, 2018

Lowell Family Home, Crescent Springs, CO

I told you I was bringing my boyfriend, Laika snipped at Luca from her perch on a tall ladder. Her hands were busy putting heavy black curtains up over one of the living room’s very many windows. She’d need to get the kitchen next and then the bedroom that her family had set up for their guest. How had she forgotten something so basic about Alfred coming to visit?

Luca stood at the bottom of the ladder, arms full of fabric panels that he was handing up to his daughter despite the current disagreement. No. You said you were bringing your boyfriend, not that you were bringing a vampire!

Another curtain secured, Laika moved her attention to the next highest pane of glass. The temptation to roll her eyes at him was high; they’d had so many fights this morning it was starting to wear on her good mood. Why would I need to tell you that? You met him before!

When? Luca’s eyes narrowed and his frown deepened with every window pane that got covered.

The last time you came out to Glenwood, Laika answered as she hurriedly pulled down the next curtain rail. She didn’t have a lot of time left and so far, only her father was helping. But at least he was helping, unlike Lavender who had gone for a run, which was code for being very pissed off and sulking.

Not the last time; it was when you came out for the council meeting, Evie supplied helpfully. Sitting on the couch with a mug of tea, she was the least helpful person in the house. At least Laika’s siblings hadn’t stayed around to watch the show; they’d scattered to the winds to avoid the arguments.

Sparing a glare over her shoulder, Laika snapped, If you aren’t going to help, then don’t help.

The one that’s my age!? Luca dropped the curtains. They thudded to the floorboards, but he ignored it in favor of grilling Evie. Blood lasagna guy?

Pushing his buttons more, Evie clarified. Papa Wolf, Alfred is a lot older than you. You heard him talk, right?

Why the hell was she being such a pill today? Laika wanted to hurl the curtain rod at her friend. EVIE!

What? Evie shot back, her most annoying smirk in place. It’s not my fault that you didn’t tell our family the truth about your ancient boyfriend. I would have warned them had I known. It’s been weird how chill they were with this the whole time!

Laika settled for throwing one of the big curtains over Evie. If you’re going to gossip, then you have to help hang. This will be a really bad Christmas morning if he bursts into flames while we’re opening presents. Ignoring all the grumbling from her unwilling helpers, Laika checked her phone as it played the opening chord from Phantom of the Opera.

Alfred

I will arrive just after sunset.

Oh, that was good news; he’d be later than expected. Looking at the dozens of curtains she still had to hang, Laika felt relieved that she would have time to finish before they were needed in the morning. She quickly typed back an answer.

Laika

See you soon!

Okay, we’ve got a little time. Maybe we should think about dinner instead of panicking? Laika concluded. All the tension evaporated from her muscles now that it wasn’t a mad dash.

Evie threw her hands up in the air, letting her assigned curtains drop into a heap. Matching her sentiment with a sigh only, Luca continued to hang curtains on the lower windows. We should just get this done before your mother comes back from her run.

Her mood brightened now that she wasn’t in a rush, Laika tried to move them on from the fight. She ignored Evie who abandoned them for her tea and couch and addressed her father. Speaking of runs, can we agree to have the New Year's run back before midnight?

You’re ruining the holidays, Luca complained.

Laika scoffed. Seriously? Could you be more dramatic? It’s not like we’re canceling Christmas over my boyfriend.

No, but I only get one shot to meet your new boyfriend and show him all the joys of Colorado. But you picked someone who can’t even run with us, snapped Luca. His real motives for the quiet holiday became apparent, eliciting a growl from Laika. Her father affected an offending high tone as he mocked his daughter. Dad, I’m bringing my boyfriend home for the holidays. Then he dropped it into his usual voice, That’s great to hear! I’ll make sure we have a good Solstice and Christmas. We can show him around town too! Luca finished his jeer with a high-pitched squeal, Thanks, Dad! That had been more or less their conversation. Snickering, Evie didn’t bother to hide her amusement. What on earth was I supposed to think at that point? Luca grumbled.

That’s not fair, interjected Laika. Maybe she hadn’t been the most forthcoming, but she hadn’t lied. I told you his name and that we worked together. You didn’t put the pieces together. That’s not on me.

Luca kept complaining, What am I going to tell the family when they show up for New Years? You all know Laika; she’ll be taking over as our next Alpha, just ignore-

Alpha? Evie interrupted, pulling focus onto the word that Laika wasn’t sure she’d heard right.

Deftly Laika jumped from the ladder to get in her father’s face. Did you just say I’m the next Alpha? Luca looked like a deer in the headlights as both women stared at him, waiting for an explanation. What do you mean by next Alpha?

Look, this isn’t how I envisioned this conversation going, defended Luca.

Before Laika could really react, Evie pushed herself up from the couch, looking agitated. Again, the Phantom of the Opera sounded through the living room, adding to the tension. I hate that stupid musical, muttered Evie. She retreated up the stairs, leaving the father and daughter alone.

As surprised as Laika was, her best friend was not taking this news well and she should go check on her. But first, she needed answers. Turning nose to nose with her father, Laika demanded, What do you mean, the next Alpha?

Glancing around, Luca checked for any of her siblings before answering, Exactly what it sounds like. I’m putting you before the pack as my replacement. You’ve always been my first choice; you’re the eldest and a good werewolf. You’ll take care of the pack when I’m ready to retire. Warring emotions overwhelmed Laika at his declaration. They’d never spoken about him retiring before or who would replace him. Traditionally Red Earth went to the eldest son, which would be Junior, not her. What progressive nightmare was she in? Laika hadn’t held hopes of taking over since she was in her early teens.

I’m not leaving LA! I’m not moving back to Nowhere, Colorado! I have a job and a life in California! Laika began to ramble out reason after reason about why this was a bad idea.

Slow down! Luca tried putting his hands up defensively. We’d need to work out the logistics of everything. But we don’t have any family in California, so you couldn’t run the pack from there. And you don’t have a real job either. You work in a warehouse!

I moonlight in Glenwood! hissed Laika. She’d squared herself up for a screaming match. There he went, downplaying all her decisions again.

ENOUGH, Lavender demanded from the doorway. Her hair was a mess and she’d pulled on a dress for modesty. Despite her volume, the anger she’d had a couple of hours ago seemed to have faded. We’re expecting a guest shortly and we need to finish getting ready for him. Laika blinked in surprise. Her mother was never the composed one. Lavender rattled off commands like she hadn’t just interrupted a massive fight. "Luca, take Junior and move a bed into the basement. I’ll get Lindsey to go down to town and check the grocery for some artificial stuff. The twins would love playing on ladders, so they can finish up in here."

Lav- Luca was cut off.

No, it’s Christmas Eve. You told me that when we have a guest, we make them feel welcome. Even when we don’t like them. If I let your father into our house, then her vampire isn’t much worse. No more fighting about anything until all the guests and family go home. Then we can slug this out, the mother wolf nodded.

Her husband sulked off to do as he was told. Alpha of Red Earth or not, when his wife gave orders in the house they were followed. Once they were alone, Lavender turned on Laika again, jabbing a finger in her direction. You go get cleaned up and order food.

Are you okay Mom? Laika asked carefully. She was onboard with all of the new plans and it gave her time to go check on Evie. But this eerie calm felt like the eye of the storm.

Oh. Yes, just fine. I needed to go run for an hour to remember that you’re my daughter, so of course you’re going to experiment. Let’s hope you don’t take after me too much, and stick with your own species in the end, Lavender teased.

EW! Mom, I don’t want to hear- Just gross! Laika raised her hands in a childish motion to cover her ears.

The gesture did no good; Laika could still hear Lavender talking. Baby, don’t be such a prude. How did you think we-

NOPE! Bye, Mom! Laika took off like a shot away from her mother’s oversharing, hurrying up the steps two at a time for the attic. The door banged against the wall as Laika threw it open, finding Evie standing awkwardly in the middle of the room. Can you believe my dad? Trying to pretend I’ll be alpha. Laika huffed as she threw herself onto her bed.

He’s the alpha of Red Earth. He gets to pick the next one, Evie reminded, looking down at her.

"Who does he think he’s fooling? Red Earth believes in tradition, Laika spat. Her grandfather had made sure she understood that as soon as her brother was born. Only after growing up had Laika been able to not resent Junior for something that wasn’t his fault. Evie sat next to her on the bed, waiting for the full story. Frustrated but resigned, Laika explained. My dad isn’t the oldest in his generation. That’s my Aunt Cheyenne and there is literally nothing wrong with her, but she’s a woman so she’s not in the succession line."

Evie lowered her head. If he actually offers you the position though, you’re going to take it.

No, Laika corrected quickly, this is just his latest ploy to get me to move back home and support Junior. As soon as I settled in, then it would be ‘I meant you’d be the next alpha’s beta’ or something like that. While she wasn’t completely sure if that was true, she knew it would make Evie feel better. Laika watched her friend’s face and asked, Are you okay?

I’m… fine, Evie lied weakly. No, she wasn’t even close to fine. Pack leadership was a touchy subject for her friend. That’s why Night Claw had no alpha, just them doing a co-alpha/best friends for life thing. Evie’s face cracked. I’ll be fine. Just got a little caught up in the what-ifs for a minute there. You know, what if you decided you wanted all of this back. She gestured around the room where all of Laika’s old posters still hung on the walls and the windows revealed a dark, but still beautiful yard against the treeline.

As if, Laika snorted and waved her hand as if to chase away the concern. "This room might be bigger than ours back home, but you’re forgetting there are only three bathrooms in this house. We’d have to share it with all my siblings. Between Lindsey after your clothing and the twins getting into our makeup, you’d be miserable. Plus, we’d have my old 11 o’clock curfew as well, because kids have school in the morning. No, thank you."

I’d be willing to bet my life savings that you never listened to that curfew, laughed Evie.

I’ll have you know that I was home on time almost every night! Laika shot back. She jumped up, went to the window, and pushed it open. A blast of cold air rushed through the room, as snow had begun falling once the sun went down. They’d have a white Christmas morning for sure. Then I climbed down to that ledge and jumped to that tree to sneak right back out, Laika pointed out her escape route.

Evie joined her at the window. You’re crazy! You could have broken your neck with this climb.

I bet I could still make the climb without being caught! grinned Laika. She put her foot up on the window’s edge, ready to make the first jump. It had been a while, but she could do it. Then the doorbell rang; the sun had set while she hadn’t been paying attention and now Alfred was downstairs. Beating Luca became top priority. For a moment Laika considered taking her old path out the window and meeting him outside. Then she decided to run for the stairs, leaping off the top step and clearing them. The second set was just as simple and she dashed past Luca who stood in the doorway to the living room.

Laika skidded to a stop in the entryway, quickly smoothed her hair, and flung the door open. Alfred stood there, his expression moved from polite patience to warm welcome as soon as their eyes met. People would be waiting on them, so Laika threw her arms around him for a quick hug. Please come in.

Thank you for the invitation, replied Alfred as he stepped over the threshold. He wasn’t wearing his daylight gear, likely why he’d arrived so late. Affectionately, Laika took his hand to lead him further inside.

Everyone’s really excited to meet you, she lied smoothly. Only the twins seemed mildly interested in meeting a vampire; the rest had been treating this with dread. When Laika pulled her boyfriend into the living room, they didn’t disappoint. She launched into an introduction quickly, as if it might break the icy atmosphere. Alfred, this is my family. Family, this is Alfred, my boyfriend.

The response from her family was muted; little ones were confused, Lindsey let out a scoff, and Luca looked like his words were stuck in his throat. No one seemed able to even manage a greeting. Seriously? Thankfully, Lavender rose to the occasion by giving Alfred a quick once over with her hands on her hips, then stated, We don’t keep coffins around the house. Does a bed in the basement work?

Everyone went dead silent at the brazen insult or joke; it was hard to tell with her mother. Unable to speak, Laika stared wide-eyed. What if her boyfriend just turned around and went home if her family was starting with this level of hostility? She dared a glance at him to find his expression was upturned in amusement. As the shock of the moment wore off, Alfred finally replied, I have not needed a coffin since the invention of cars, but thank you for the consideration.

Oh good, Lavender confirmed before her attention turned to her second eldest daughter. Lindsey, go put clean sheets on the bed now that we know we don’t have to go dig a grave in the yard. Laika awkwardly laughed this time at her mother’s terrible jokes or thinly veiled threats. It was still really hard to tell. Her sister stormed out of the room to comply and Evie helpfully followed, abandoning Laika to handle this one on her own. The pair quietly complaining all the way to the basement didn’t help, since at least Evie knew that Alfred could hear them.

The painful atmosphere remained in place as stiff pleasantries were exchanged until dinner arrived. Laika had wanted to show Alfred to his room, ask about the drive, and just spend some time with him. But Luca had other plans. He controlled every minute with an iron grip. First, they’d all been sent separate ways to wash their hands then report to the kitchen for dinner. Her father had specifically asked Laika to help with the little kids as he marched her boyfriend away the other direction. By the time Laika got everyone to the kitchen, Alfred had been seated as far from her as Luca could get away with. Then her father dominated the conversation, asking his children what they wanted for Christmas. He’d ignored his guest without so much as a spare look as well.

Finally, the twins interrupted the adults to start peppering Alfred with harmless vampire questions. Could Alfred eat? Could he go out in the sunlight? What did blood taste like? Every answer darkened Luca’s face until he cut off the topic with promises of dessert.

Laika watched her father from across the table trying not to look sullen. Not being able to sit where she wanted, being cut off when she tried to talk, and just how rude her family was being was infuriating. This was a nightmare and exactly why she’d never brought anyone home with her before. No amount of ice cream was helping Laika either. Even Evie’s attempts to brighten her mood fell on deaf ears. She stirred the bowl until the contents were just a soupy mess.

When dinner was done, Laika tried to beeline to Alfred’s side, but again Luca put an end to that. He sent their guest to the living room to relax and put Laika on dishes while he wrangled the kids to bed.

This is ridiculous, Laika complained to Evie. Her friend was drying and putting the dishes away as they were cleaned.

I know, Evie agreed.

He’s being so obvious trying to keep us apart all night!

I know.

What’s his plan for when we go back to California? Call me every night to make sure I’m at home? Laika continued to whine quietly. There was a chance her father would hear her, given he and Laika shared the same werewolf power of Keen Hearing. But she didn’t care right now.

Laika, I know, Evie sighed, "It’s not fair. You are an adult and as you reminded me, it’s only your choice who you date. But chill out. You took Papa Wolf by surprise by not telling him who you were dating before today."

Laika let out a growl of frustration, but not at Evie. Her best friend wasn’t completely wrong. After taking a breath she asked, Then how would you suggest fixing this?

Go along with it for the night. Tomorrow when everyone is wrapped up in opening presents, then you can get some alone time, Evie offered as she put away the last of the plates in the cupboard.

Or… Hear me out, I could just sneak out the window for a few hours? Laika dropped her voice so that it wouldn’t carry upstairs.

No, responded Evie firmly, shaking her head vigorously. That is a terrible idea. If you break an ankle, we’ll all be in trouble.

So- Laika cut off her words as her parents returned. They were quietly arguing between themselves, but dropped it when they spotted the girls.

Lavender clapped her hands. Shall I make us some drinks and we can chat for a little while before bed?

No, Luca answered for everyone in the room. It’s late.

Laika looked at the clock, which was barely past 9 PM. No, it’s not.

I have presents to set up for tomorrow, which will be much easier without everyone hovering in the living room. If you aren’t tired, then take Evie and go for a run before bed, her father shot back.

Stop it, Lavender hissed. She stepped between her husband and daughter. I already said we are going to behave for the next three days. No more fighting in the house! If you want to slug it out, take it to the yard.

Before Laika could respond, she heard footsteps coming up the hallway. Alfred appeared at the door to the kitchen and knocked lightly on the frame for attention. Thank you for the meal, but after a long day of travel, I am going to turn in early. Laika’s face fell; she had really wanted to spend some time with him tonight, no matter what it took. But it was a 16 plus hour drive from LA to Crescent Springs. Of course he was tired.

However, Luca perked right back up. No problem, everyone is going to bed now anyways. With that, Lavender relented, bidding everyone a terse goodnight before stomping up the stairs. She muttered that Luca could handle the presents on his own.

Laika waited for Luca to follow her mother so she could say goodnight to Alfred and at least steal a couple of minutes with him. But he stood in the kitchen, resolutely watching his daughter. She bit her lip to stop from groaning at how helicopter her father was being.

Without caring how many daggers Luca would be glaring at them, Laika sprung forward and wrapped her arms around Alfred. Settling for a hug since a kiss would end up with fists flying, she murmured a goodnight. An arm returned the quick hug and quiet words followed, so low that Laika struggled to hear them. Do not forget to turn off your ringtone. Had she heard that right? Given how her father wasn’t reacting, she knew he hadn’t heard anything.

Night! Laika called before taking Evie’s arm, pulling her along to the stairs.

So much for Christmas cocktails, grumbled Evie. She continued to follow her friend up to their shared attic room, but her spirits were visibly dampened by the skipping of another tradition. Usually the girls would help Luca put out all the presents while sipping something boozy.

I know, I don’t think I’ve gone to bed at 9 since I was in, like, elementary school, griped Laika. Her only consolation was that there was no way Luca could keep up his helicopter parenting while juggling the horde of excited younger siblings hyped on sugar tomorrow.

I’m going to be honest, this all really sucks. We didn’t get any of the fun of Christmas Eve, lamented Evie. She pushed past to her suitcase and began to change.

Laika hesitated. She didn’t need to be an empath to see the annoyance radiating off her friend. Do you want to talk about it? Silence was her answer. Evie, I-

Not tonight, interrupted Evie. You didn’t do anything wrong and I know that, but I’m still really annoyed about it. So not tonight. This might be a me problem, not a you problem, and if it’s still a problem in the morning then we’ll talk.

Okay, relented Laika. She let her friend go to bed without further comment. Taking her time to wash up, she finally collapsed onto her bed in her pajamas. Instead of setting an alarm for the morning, Laika turned off her ringtone. The words she still wasn’t sure she had heard rang in her ears. Silencing her phone was a good idea whether he’d actually said it or not. No point poking the sleeping wolf that she was sharing a room with.

After several long minutes debating back and forth, Laika opened the text chain with Alfred. She owed him an apology even if she would rather have said it face to face.

Laika

Sorry about tonight…

I invited you so we could hang out and have fun, not whatever the hell tonight was

Alfred

No bother and no need to apologize. That does not even rank in my Top 10 worst introductions to the family.

Laika

Seriously?

Alfred

Yes. I did not get to ask earlier. How was your day?

Laika stared at her phone and felt a smile pulling at the edges of her lips. Alfred was on her wavelength. She turned up her hearing to see if she could catch where her father was. He’d been rattling around downstairs under the guise of putting presents around the tree for the last hour. Really, Luca was just ensuring everyone was in bed and was probably listening to see if he could catch his daughter creeping down the stairs.

The joke was on Luca. Laika would just take the window.

Laika

I’ll tell you about it in a minute.

Laika threw the covers back and eased herself out of bed. Her boots were retrieved and quickly laced up. Then she tiptoed carefully to the same window as earlier and eased open the pane of glass. A curl of chilly wind swept through the room. Evie opened her eyes and pulled the blanket tighter, If Papa Wolf asks, I was already asleep when you jumped out the window.

I’m not a narc, assured Laika with a mad grin.

Close the window when you leave, requested Evie, as she reached for her phone to turn on some music to cover up the sounds of escape.

The motions came back like riding a bike as Laika threw her leg over the window frame. She found her footing on the roof in a familiar groove. Even with the freshly fallen snow, her boots held her in place. One hand went to the top frame and in a practiced motion Laika pulled herself out and closed the window with a small click. Then she made the leap to the tree growing nearby, catching herself on a branch. With the branch creaking under her weight, Laika wondered if it would continue to hold like it had a decade ago.

Thankfully, the limb held. Laika landed without a sound in the soft snow under the tree. She paused, listening carefully, but no one came rushing out of the house.

That was skillfully done, a voice said quietly from behind her.

She spun, ready to defend herself against whatever lecture was waiting, but her face lit up instead. Alfred was standing on the porch with a blanket folded over his arm. Her tone was playful, even as she tried to scold him. Are you trying to give me a heart attack?

He gave her a smile in answer and started down the stairs to join her with his usual silent steps. No, I was certain you would have heard me coming.

Glancing up at the closed window, Laika wondered how he’d known. She’d planned to surprise him by sneaking through the kitchen to the basement or maybe texting him to join her outside, but hadn’t gotten to that part of the plan yet. So she asked, What are you doing out here?

Was this not the plan? I assumed you wished for me to meet you outside when you mentioned sneaking out the window in the kitchen? Alfred answered back with a teasing look.

Laika narrowed her eyes, sensing another dig at her hearing. They’d been trying to figure out who was better for weeks at this point. She was pretty sure it was her werewolf hearing, but Alfred had not relented. Her mouth opened to start up that playful argument again before her attention caught on what Alfred was holding. Why are you carrying a blanket?

There was a smirk on Alfred’s face as he shook the blanket out in a smooth motion, before draping it over Laika’s shoulders. I had a suspicion you would need warmth. Given you are standing in a foot of snow in your pajamas.

Chapter 3

Resolutions

Evie

December 25th, 2018

Lowell Family Home, Crescent Springs, CO

Evie woke up after an uncomfortable night’s sleep. She rolled onto her side, spying an empty bed across from her. Did Laika fall asleep in the basement? What time was it? She shot up, ready to go on a daring mission downstairs and wake her friend before Luca found out. There weren't going to be any more holiday fights on her watch. Everyone was going to figure out how to have a pleasant morning. Maybe she could just tiptoe downstairs and find her friend-

Any chance to handle this carefully was taken away from Evie as alarms sounded followed by thunder rolling through the house. For once this trip, it wasn’t Luca’s foul mood. This was a real sound; the noise of a dozen werewolves stampeding out of bed and down the stairs for Christmas. A typhoon of excitement swept along in their wake, and Evie had to laugh. This was more like it.

Throwing the covers off, Evie pulled herself out of bed and moved to get ready. She didn’t want to take too long. Last one there would get stuck on wrapping paper duty. Evie’s rushing paid off as she reached the top of the stairs and saw Junior still scrambling to make it down the hall. She flashed her adoptive brother a grin and hurried ahead.

Her first thought was how oddly dark it was. The Lowell house was the quintessential mountain lodge with huge windows. The room should be bathed in the early morning sun by now. Then she remembered all the heavy dark curtains Laika had hung the day before. This was going to be such a dark and oppressive Christmas morning. The joyous waves of children would be muted by that dim room. Evie fought off a frown.

Instead of the dreary sight she expected, the Christmas Tree was already lit up. Someone had strung dozens of strands of lights from one end of the room to the other, including along the curtains. There was almost an unnatural sparkle to them, which created a cascade of colors over the living room. Evie had to admit it looked a little magical.

Luca really outdid himself last night after sending everyone to bed, Lavender cooed as she joined the growing crowd. She’d brought a tray of warm drinks from the kitchen. Evie took one of the offered cups. She doubted that Luca had done any of this, but if it calmed the Mama Wolf down, Evie wasn’t about to correct her.

The room was already in chaos with lots of kids diving into their piles of presents. Carefully, Evie stepped through the narrow paths between them. She dodged as the