Touched by the Moon

By Lisa M. Airey

A mother fears her lycanthrope sons have been taken by wolf trappers, and her shape-shifting husband is out for blood, in this paranormal suspense novel.
 
When the timber wolves of Fallston, South Dakota, fall prey to an international ring of fur trappers, Julie Walker worries for her husband, Gray. As the leader of the Sioux Indian nation, he may be under suspicion by the local police, but Julie knows Gray would never harm a wolf. He is part wolf, after all, as are their twin sons.
 
So when the twins disappear, Julie’s worst fears are ignited and Gray’s powerful protective instincts rise to the surface. As Gray goes on the hunt for their boys, Julie confronts an enemy from her past—who could be an ally in her fight for her boys—if only Julie could trust him . . .

• Language: English
• Publisher: Open Road Media
• Release date: Jan 23, 2024
• ISBN: 9781504090629

Book preview

1

Dan Keating sighed in relief as the homestead came into view. He had been following the sweet smell of wood smoke for the better part of half a mile. Despite his fatigue, the scent had propelled him onward.

As he drew closer, the air was laced with the rich aromas of food. Bread, heady and fragrant. Something deep and spicy. Stew? There were also some tantalizing high notes. Pie or cake? Hopefully both.

Fifty men had scoured the mountainside in freezing temperatures and bitter wind to find several teenage boys with an IQ to match their age. They had decided to circumvent the road closed sign in advance of a blizzard. Their old Thunderbird ended up being an off-road vehicle. Literally. And the boys had abandoned it to trek home across the mountain versus following the roadway back down. That move had not turned out to be the shortcut they intended.

As Dan approached the mountain home that served as command center for the search and rescue, he watched his team through the windows. His officers were weather worn and ruddy, but smiling. The boys had been found safe and the team was enjoying their reward for a job well done, a warm and savory feast. He brushed himself off as best he could and entered the kitchen into a cacophony of spirited and anxious conversation.

Everyone accounted for? he shouted above the voices as he removed his winter wear.

Waiting on Elliott, said Tom Running Deer.

We split up at Buffalo Trace before you found them, explained Dan. He took the high road.

Tom grinned. Then he’s another 20-30 minutes behind you depending on how hungry he is.

Dan snorted. That man has a bottomless stomach. I’m surprised he didn’t get here first!

Julie rounded the large wooden kitchen table and handed Dan a hot mug of spiced cider. He took it gratefully noticing her pink cheeks and the way the apron clung to her curves. He looked down into his drink to hide his thoughts. She was going to be one of those women who looked more attractive with every year, not the other way around.

There’s homemade honey-wheat bread on the side table, Julie said over her shoulder. Southern corn pone or sourdough biscuits if you’d rather. On the stove is Texas Chili. Apple cobbler and walnut cake are on the counter. Do dig in.

There were massive quantities of everything and Dan fixed himself a generous first helping of chili while others were vying for seconds.

Julie’s home, although a sizable but simple log cabin, was situated at a pivotal nexus of mountain peaks within the Black Hills of South Dakota. In Europe, it would have been the site of a fortress. Over the years, many a rescue operation had initiated and terminated around her kitchen table. Dan smiled despite himself. In every emergency, he’d eaten like a king.

What’s the word? he asked to the general gathering. And everyone filled him in about their search grid.

His own men were terse and to the point. As a rule, no one said any more than they had to in Fallston, and the Fallston police force was more tight-lipped than most. Dan locked eyes with his officers in turn as they gave their reports. He was proud. Although they were rural and small town, they were professional.

The State Troopers were a different animal altogether. He tried his best to shut out their plaintive wailing about the wet and the cold. If it hadn’t been for the fact that the governor’s son was among the missing, they wouldn’t have been there at all.

His eyes turned to Julie as she busied herself in the kitchen. She was limping noticeably, favoring her left leg. She hadn’t been limping when he arrived. He crossed the room immediately.

You hurt yourself?

No.

You’re limping.

I know. I don’t know why. I just got this big leg cramp all a sudden.

Why don’t you sit down?

Nah. Best if I work it out.

You sure?

I’m sure. She smiled at him warmly. Go eat.

Dan was on his third helping of chili when he glanced at the clock. Forty-five minutes had passed.

Tom, he said, his voice so laser-sharp the entire room fell silent. Call Elliott.

Tom reached out to radio silence.

No answer, Tom said softly.

What do you mean no answer? came two small, panicked voices from the loft above.

Julie glanced up at her twin boys. Kit! Bear! You boys go to your room and don’t interfere. If your father were home, he’d see to it.

But Uncle Elliott! came the anxious reply.

Off with you! commanded Julie.

Dan stood abruptly and pivoted toward the window. Bundle back up, men.

It’s minus five degrees outside, said a young trooper.

And we are minus one.

2

Elliott Rand had been close to the end of his search grid when he was called back in to home base. The reckless boys had been found and now it was time for a couple of fingers of Gentleman Jack and some good home cookin’. Julie’s cooking. He was ready. More than ready.

He heard a wolf off in the distance. But it wasn’t a howl. It was a cry of pain. Abject pain.

Elliott shifted direction and cursed his fate. He was betting dollars to doughnuts that a timber wolf had been caught in an illegal wolf trap. It would be next to impossible to save a feral wounded without a tranquilizer gun. The best he could do was put the beast out of its misery. He clenched his jaws.

He moved as quickly as he was able, but the air was biting cold. It hurt to breathe. His eyes scanned the landscape for a safe path to follow and he moved forward with caution. The snowfall had been heavy, but it was powder dry and had slid down the mountain slope leaving a thinner blanket on the steeper portions. It was there he found the gray timber wolf gnawing at a left hind leg that was viciously pinned between two jaws of steel.

God, murmured Elliott.

He took a step forward and felt his left leg buckle beneath him. The ice cut into his face as he took a nose dive into the snow. When he could take a breath and move past the searing, blinding pain, he looked back. His left leg was trapped within a shark’s maw of metal.

He pushed himself upright and tried to survey the damage, but all he could do was whimper like a child. The shame of his weakness galvanized him with attitude. He bit his glove and tried to corral his focus.

Breathe. Breathe.

With trembling hands he tried to pry the trap loose, but his arms were like rubber. He looked up at the wolf. It was thirty feet away, its lip curled up in a menacing snarl. Elliott tried to pry the trap loose again. And failed.

It was getting darker, he noticed. Odd that. It was mid-afternoon. He scrabbled at the metal vice pinning his leg.

Broken, the leg was definitely broken.

He looked back to the wolf. The animal was trying to chew through its own leg to get free. The white snow surrounding him was screaming red. Or was he the one screaming? All he could hear was ringing in his ears.

Elliott pulled his gun free of its holster and set it within reach, then he fumbled for his radio, dropping it four times. He took off his gloves to get better purchase, but the freezing wind stiffened his hands like wet wash hung outside in the winter cold.

Good news was, the pain had stopped. His leg was numb. Totally numb. And the wolf wasn’t growling. No. No more growling at all.

He stilled as little white pinpricks of light danced around the edges of his vision, then the pain washed back over him like a riptide trying to carry him off to someplace deep and dark. A small bone-carved pendant weaved before his face—a leather-bound pendant wrapped around a thick neck of fur. He reached out for that lifeline.

There was a sudden warmth. And then he let go and drifted into oblivion.

3

Dan organized the men into teams of two and had them fan out at 100 foot intervals combing the hillside in the direction in which Elliott would have been returning.

Tom Running Deer fell in step alongside him as they moved out into the cold and faced the wind.

Thoughts? Dan queried into the brittle air.

Elliott knows these hills.

Dan huffed in frustration, It’s the only reason we split up.

I figured as much. But he should be back by now.

Dan’s jaw clenched. He knows this forest. He knows how to keep himself safe. What are you thinking?

Tom shook his head. He could have slipped and fallen.

Elliott is as sure-footed as a Bighorn sheep. Dan paused, thinking. But there have been buffalo sightings up here lately.

No. He would have smelled that animal from 100 yards.

What then?

Tom scanned the forest. I’m not sure, but something is definitely wrong.

Dan swallowed his worry as his radio squawked. The sound was an intrusion in the quiet wood.

Wolf tracks, came a crackly voice.

How many?

Two sets. Small.

Dan sighed audibly. His thoughts had already strayed to wolves and bears and mountain lions. Pay them no mind.

Tom Running Deer stopped walking and Dan frowned when he was forced to stop as well.

What’s up, Tom?

Ask them what direction the wolf pups were tracking?

Dan frowned again and posited the question.

From the west, heading due east.

Tom Running Deer pivoted on his heel and headed down-mountain where the slope got mountain-goat steep.

What’s east? asked Dan.

Elliott.

Dan locked eyes with the quiet Sioux. Are you sure?

Tom Running Deer pursed his lips and looked off into the wood. Pretty sure.

Dan stood stock still and considered the man at his side. Tom Running Deer was a good cop. Instinctive. Loyal. Honest. He was also a shaman-in-training who made no secret about tapping into the spirit realm when necessary.

Dan took a shallow breath, huffed it out in agitation and turned east. The Sioux took point and scanned the ground as he walked.

Nine years ago, Dan thought, Tom Running Deer was as mainstream as any white man. Now he had a seer’s eyes. He spent as much time looking at the ground as he did up at the stars. He didn’t seem to reside in the middle plane at all anymore.

Dan could pinpoint the exact day that change had taken place. It hadn’t been a gradual thing.

One moment, Tom Running Deer was an easy-going cop waiting with an anxious husband while the Fallston police force searched for the man’s missing wife. Next moment, Tom Running Deer’s head was in the ether.

Julie Walker had been the object of that search and rescue. Dan closed his eyes and tried to block out the mental image of her wretched state when they had found her. He couldn’t truly blame her husband for what had happened to her, but he did nonetheless. The man she married was the root of all of Julie’s pain. And she was pregnant. Again.

We’re good. I’ve got them, murmured Tom.

Them?

The wolf pups. We just follow their tracks now.

They both moved forward with intent and Dan unsnapped his holster. Tom looked back at him in question.

The wolves…

No, said Tom. There is danger, but it is not running on four feet. Tom’s words were laced with worry. The wolves sense it also. He glanced upwards at the crescent moon visible against the leaden, winter sky. It looked like a scythe. I’ve got a very bad feeling.

Dan followed his eyes. Oh, no. No. No. Don’t do this to me, Tom.

The Sioux looked back to the snow-covered forest floor. The wolf pups had lengthened their stride. They must have caught scent of something. They were running full tilt. Tom followed their tracks with his eyes and saw nothing in the distance. He plodded through the ice and snow in earnest, Dan in tow.

The trees creaked eerily in the wind, their trunks and branches sounding very much like moans of distress. Tom quickened their pace then stopped abruptly at the edge of a clearing.

There was a timber wolf. Its eyes gazed lifelessly back from a puddle of frozen red snow. And there was a huddle of life off to the side, not thirty feet distant.

Two wolf pups twitched with nervous energy, protectively wrapping their bodies around Elliott. They licked him. They nosed him. They whined in anxious panic. They pawed gently at his unresponsive body.

The animals stood to attention when the two men arrived, then backed away slowly.

No harm. No harm, said Tom Running Deer in a gentle voice. He waved his hand in a westerly direction. Run along.

Both animals bolted through the woods as if their tails were on fire.

They didn’t eat him, said Dan woodenly.

No.

They…what were they doing?

Keeping him warm. Nosing him alive.

Why would they do that? Dan shook his head in disbelief. Predators don’t help the wounded.

Tom Running Deer opened the steel trap pinning Elliott’s leg while Dan lifted the badly mangled appendage gingerly out of the metal vice.

Who here is the predator? asked Tom.

Dan reached for his radio I need a stretcher. Yesterday. We’re on the east slope of Green Mountain. He gave their GPS coordinates.

They waited for assistance in the deep quiet of the forest while doing all that they could to keep Elliott comfortable and warm.

Do you think those pups belonged to the dead wolf there? asked Dan, jutting his chin in the direction of so much sadness.

No, said Tom.

I didn’t think so either. They would have hovered near.

The two men were silent for a moment. The wind whistled between them like a living thing.

Do you think the mother is close? asked Dan.

Yes.

Dan processed that.

She didn’t attack.

No.

Why not?

Animals are motivated by two things—hunger and fear. She feels neither.

How did you know the wolf cubs would lead you to Elliott?

Because some animals always track in the right direction. Wolves are pathfinders. They instinctively lead the way.

To Elliott? Tom, I find that hard to believe.

That’s why I took point.

A motor whined in the distance and gained in volume as it drew closer. If the damn snowmobiles weren’t so loud, they could use them more effectively for the search segment of the search and rescue operation. Hard to hear a cry for help over such noise.

Elliott stirred and Dan patted his shoulder reassuringly. We got you covered, Elliott. Hang tight.

My leg is broken, he rasped.

Dan grunted. If you wanted desk duty, you could have just put in a request.

Elliott snorted, then grimaced in pain. Desk jockeys don’t get access to the rescue operation smorgasbord. This was an accident.

Dan watched as Tom Running Deer methodically scoured the hillside, found more buried traps and sprung them all. He counted at least a dozen. You weren’t the intended prey, but trust me on this one, Elliott. There was nothing accidental about this.

Trappers.

Dan nodded. In a State Park.

Elliott snorted. Well, they’ve caught nothing but trouble this go round.

4

Julie and her sons visited Elliott in the hospital the next day and brought him a picnic basket full of goodies.

They don’t feed me well here, said Elliott shoveling in the leftover chili as fast as he could chew. This morning, I was supposed to get pancakes and bacon, but when I lifted the lid, there was only an orange slice garnish.

Where was breakfast? asked Julie.

The hospital orderly said they had run out of pancakes.

Bacon too?

Obviously.

What did you do?

I ate the orange slice, then Dan popped by with some bitter brew. It might have been coffee in a past life. In its present incarnation, it was crude oil.

Julie snickered, glancing down at the trashcan. I see he brought doughnuts, too.

This engine doesn’t exist on diesel alone.

Of course not.

The boys held up some Crayola art for Elliott to admire, then tacked the pictures to the corkboard in his hospital room. Elliott watched the kids with a grin.

Has Trish been in to see you yet? Julie asked.

No, said Elliott looking down. But she called.

Julie took in a deep and silent lungful of air, both of her sons turned around and walked back to her side with frowns of concern. She gestured for them to take chairs.

Why don’t you sit here and play with your Game Boys while Elliott and I chat?

I thought your husband didn’t approve of them having those things? said Elliott.

Gray? He doesn’t.

So…?

Gray isn’t here right now.

I see.

Canada again?

Yep.

What’s he doing in Canada?

Tribal business in Manitoba.

Elliott stared at her for a moment as if mentally debating his next words. Hey Jules?

Both boys snapped their heads up in attention at the weight in his voice.

Dan thinks the trappers are moving the furs over the border into Canada.

Julie took another deep breath and shook her head sadly at the head’s up. Thanks for telling me.

Elliott took a forkful of pie.

How’s Trish doing as your new lead singer? asked Julie switching topics.

Good, but not as good as you. He directed his next comment at the boys, Your mom sure can sing.

They nodded vigorously.

Back to Trish, Julie said quietly. She still want you to leave the Force?

Elliott jogged his head while chewing. She is convinced that this injury is a ‘sign’. I told her about the wolf pups. Asked her if that wasn’t also a ‘sign’.

What did she say to that?

She hung up on me.

Bear scowled at his Game Boy.

I can’t ever get it right.

You get a lot of things right, Elliott. And, speaking of getting things right…I hear tell Dan is dating someone new. Have you met her? Do you like her?

She looks like you.

That’s not what I asked.

Elliott shrugged. She loves him.

And Dan?

Elliott lifted his eyes to give her a silent stare.

Kit and Bear both popped their heads up, then went back to their Game Boys, fingers flying. Elliott turned his head in their direction.

What’s the word, boys? How is third grade?

Boring, they said in unison.

Oh yeah? What would you rather be doing?

Fishing, said Kit. Beating up on Bear.

Beating up on Kit, said Bear. Carving bone.

Carving bone? Elliott murmured. Making beads like your father?

Fetishes, corrected Bear. Beads are for girls.

Fetishes are for girls too, said Julie, giving her son a look of warning.

The power comes from the carver.

The power is in the fetish, insisted Julie.

Bear shrugged.

Elliott grew thoughtful and Julie looked back to him in question.

Just thinking about those wolf pups.

Bear and Kit stared at him intently.

I don’t understand why they didn’t attack me.

Wolves are good people. You are good people, said Bear tonelessly.

Elliott looked from one boy to the other. They were mature well beyond their years. Whereas Bear was four-square and resembled his Sioux father in build, Kit was finer boned. Both were athletic…all hard planes and angles. They were serious little men.

Good people, huh?

Simple as that, said Kit.

What would have happened if another person had been in that trap? Depends, said Bear.

Depends on what?

Depends on who, answered Kit.

Kit! exclaimed Julie.

Elliott grinned. Ok. I’ll bite. What if it had been Dan in that trap?

Elliott knew the boys played favorites and he was delighted to be their favorite.

They’d have gone right for the jugular, quipped Bear, re-focusing on his Game Boy.

Munch a bunch, added Kit, fingers dancing across his dual screen. Munch a bunch.

5

Julie sat by the fire with a hot cup of tea and let the heat work its way into her soul. Above, she could hear the deep bass rumble of her husband’s voice as he tucked the boys into bed. The boys had been laughing at something he said, and then suddenly, there was silence.

Julie took a sip of tea. Whisper time. No doubt Bear would be talking about Elliott and the rescue operation staged from their kitchen. She got up and tossed another log onto the fire poking at it just to poke at something.

She must have been a long time so occupied, for she was surprised when Gray wrapped a strong arm around her waist and removed the poker from her hand with the other. He kissed her neck and stowed the fire iron.

I guess you’ve gotten the full report, she said.

Hmmmm, he responded, nuzzling her shoulder.

They don’t listen to me when you are gone.

Gray squeezed her tightly, then turned her in his arms.

And Bear corrected me in public. At the silent question in his eyes, she continued. About fetishes. And he made an inappropriate remark about Dan.

Gray raised an eyebrow.

Bear said that if it had been Dan in the wolf trap, those wolf cubs would have gone for his jugular.

Gray smiled. Did he now?

Julie frowned. He did. And it isn’t funny.

I doubt if he were joking, said Gray. Although the smile was gone, his eyes still glinted with delight. Dan Keating had once vied for Julie’s affections and both he and his boys knew that the man still kindled that flame. As a man, Gray felt and recognized Dan’s desire. For the boys, it was all gut-instinct.

Kit instigated another fist fight three days ago. He needles and antagonizes Bear until Bear snaps.

Who won?

Who won? Really? Is that what’s important?

Gray nodded slowly.

Bear gave him a concussion. Julie’s eyes held no small modicum of heat. Do you know what they call them at the hospital?

Gray shook his head to the negative.

The nursing staff calls them Cain and Abel. And they are only eight. What’s going to happen as they get older?

Gray regarded her seriously. They will work things out between them by then.

I worry.

I know, but they love each other…and they love you.

"They should do as I ask. It’s always a struggle. Normal children do as they are told. I have to negotiate. With eight year olds. It isn’t right."

I’ll have a talk with them.

That might change their behavior, but it won’t change the way they think.

No, said Gray. It won’t. You are female and therefore fragile. They are not disobeying you as much as asserting their roles as protectors.

Julie snorted. I am far from fragile. And I’m an adult. They are children!

Gray tugged her to him and gave her a long hug. How are you feeling?

I throw up every morning.

You didn’t do that with the boys.

No.

Maybe it’s a girl this time.

Yeah, well, if it’s twin girls, I’m going to divorce you.

Gray chuckled and stepped away. I think not.

Just like Bear! Always so sure of yourself!

I came first.

Doesn’t make either of you right.

Do you want to hear about Canada?

No.

Then let’s go to bed.

Tell me about Canada.

Gray smiled. Hayden is courting a lovely young lady from Denmark.

Courting her?

Uh huh.

How is that going?

Hayden would like for you to meet her, talk to her. He’d like to visit.

I would prefer not to see him again.

I understand, but he’s different now.

The answer is still no.

He’s not a bad man.

He tried to have you killed and steal me.

He also saved you. Have you considered that maybe you saved him too?

Julie looked around the room remembering…remembering when their home was a construction site and she was fighting for her life. It was Lync who had kidnapped her with the intention to kill and Hayden who had rescued her intending to keep her for himself.

I do not want to see him ever again in my lifetime. She enunciated every syllable of every word slowly and emphatically.

Gray stepped close, encircled her with his arms and squeezed her tight. I know, but you have to. I wouldn’t ask, if it weren’t important. This is important.

She stood rigid and unyielding in his arms. He began to work the tension out of her back.

I try to do the right thing. Always. But sometimes, you ask too much of me.

You are stronger than you think.

No. I’m not. And I’m tired. And the boys are overwhelming. And you are demanding. And I’m fat.

Pregnant.

Fat.

Pregnant.

"Whatever! But you are still just…way too much."

Would you rather me be a smaller person?

She pulled back. You know what? I don’t think I’ve ever won an argument with you. Ever.

Sorry.

Liar.

6

No school for you today, said Gray. I need you both to bundle up extra warm. Thick pants, thick socks, boots, gloves, hat, scarf and coat.

What’s up, Dad? asked Kit.

Man lessons.

They left the house just as dawn broke. Grey carried a small leather bag tied to his right hip and a knife in a