Wolf Woman

By Miguel Santos

Frida, still grieving the death of her husband Mateo, finds herself drawn into a world beyond her understanding, marked by ancient prophecies, shapeshifting beings, and a dangerous cartel known as the Red Rose Cartel. As she and Diego grow closer, Frida discovers her own hidden strengths and abilities, challenging her perceptions of reality and her place within it.

"Wolf Woman" is a story of transformation, both literal and metaphorical, as Frida navigates her grief, uncovers secrets about her husband's past, and embarks on a journey of self-discovery alongside Diego. Their adventures bring them face-to-face with the natural world in its rawest form, testing their survival skills and deepening their connection to each other and to the earth.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Miguel Santos
• Release date: Feb 21, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224460496

Book preview

Wolf Woman

A Novella

Miguel Santos

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Ixchel Books LLC

Copyright © 2024 Miguel Santos

All rights reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

Contents

1.Chapter 1

2.Chapter 2

3.Chapter 3

4.Chapter 4

5.Chapter 5

6.Chapter 6

7.Chapter 7

8.Chapter 8

9.Chapter 9

10.Chapter 10

11.Chapter 11

12.Chapter 12

Chapter one

Iwas paralyzed, my body frozen in the stark white hospital room. My hands clutched each other so tightly that my knuckles turned a ghostly shade of white. The color had drained from my face, leaving behind a sickly blue hue. With leaden eyes, I watched the doctor dart around the room, frantically typing on his computer and scribbling illegible notes on a notepad. Every instinct told me something was terribly wrong, and I felt a wave of panic wash over me as I waited for the grim diagnosis.

I continued to stay still, fighting every impulse to scream, tell me! I watched as the doctor moved around the room with a purposeful air. After what seemed like an eternity, he faced me, his expression grim.

I’m sorry, Frida, he said solemnly. The news isn’t good.

Dr. Nye was an older man with a medical degree prominently displayed on the wall behind him. His once-white coat was now dusted with gray, and his thinning white hair was swept to the side. His eyes, distant and gray, hinted at a lifetime of witnessing devastating news such as this.

A wave of despair washed over me as the doctor delivered the news. I knew what was coming, but hearing it out loud made it real.

Mateo’s condition has worsened. The gunshot wound has caused internal bleeding, and there’s not much we can do now. I’m afraid he doesn’t have much time left.

I felt a lump rise in my throat, and tears stung at the corners of my eyes. I had known Mateo was injured, but I had never imagined it could be this serious. Dr. Nye looked at me sympathetically, back to his clipboard.

I’m sorry, Frida; there’s nothing more I can do for him. I wish there were something else I could tell you.

I want to see him, I said, my voice barely above a whisper. Can I speak with Mateo?

I don’t recommend it

Why?

Dr. Nye’s face turned grey and he moved to the door of his office looking out to see if anyone was within earshot and quickly closed it.

Mateo has been acting different

What do you mean?

When Mateo is Mateo everything is alright, but there is another side to him when it gets close to the night he changes

Changes how Doctor I do not understand, I said

He becomes violent and aggressive, and we’re not quite sure why. We’ve been trying to control it with medication, but it doesn’t seem to be working, Dr. Nye said, his voice low and grave. He bit a nurse on the neck, I’m afraid for your safety, Frida. I can’t let you see him in this state.

My heart sank at the news. Mateo, the love of my life, was slipping away from me, and I couldn’t even be there for him in his final moments.

Please, Doctor, I need to be with him, I pleaded, my voice shaking with emotion. I don’t care what happens. I just need to be by his side.

Dr. Nye hesitated for a moment, his eyes scanning mine. Alright, but I’ll have to sedate him first. It’s for your safety, Frida. I hope you understand.

I nodded, tears streaming down my face. I didn’t care what it took; I had to be with Mateo.

I followed the doctor down the hallway, my chest thumping in anticipation. I realized this could be my last few moments with Mateo and I wanted to remember them all.

His room was dimly lit and quiet, like a tomb. Mateo lay in bed, his body is still and pale against the white sheets. He had a tube running from his arm and monitors beeping softly in the background.

I crossed over to his bedside and looked down at him. He seemed so small and fragile now, not like the strong man I remembered. Tears stung my eyes as I sat down beside him, gently taking his hand in mine.

Mateo stirred at my touch, his eyes fluttering open sleepily. He managed a weak smile when he saw my face hovering above him, tears streaming down my cheeks.

Mi vida, he said, his voice barely audible.

My eyes filled with tears as my fingers curled around Mateo’s hand. I brushed away the wetness ran down my cheeks and whispered, I am here. I will stay with you.

Mateo laughed, and I smiled at my husband’s good spirits in the face of death. What’s funny?

Remembering you by the lake, near Indian Falls, do you remember the cabin? asked Mateo.

I could still see it so clearly: the sun setting over the lake, the sound of crickets chirping in the grass, and most of all, Mateo’s smiling face as we lay together on the bed talking late into the night.

It had been our first real getaway together—our first time away from our families and responsibilities—and I had never realized how important it was to have time away until moment.

I wish we could have spent more time in the cabin, I said.

Mateo squeezed my hand gently

"Mateo squeezed my hand gently.

"You can still