Jaded Moon

By Angel Edenburn

Someone is killing the members of the Smoky Hill Wolfpack. Returning home for the funerals, Jade's sense of peace is broken. Her brother is out of control, the elders are questioning his leadership, and someone is stalking her. Will she survive to figure things out?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lost Aardvarks Press
• Release date: Feb 16, 2024
• ISBN: 9798869200242

Book preview

Chapter One

Jade looked out her kitchen window as she washed dishes. Carlos Montoya’s guitar music poured from the speakers of her laptop computer, and she moved her hips in time with the beat. A flash of movement caught her eye. Frowning, she muttered, Of all the nerve. Grabbing her old double-barrel shotgun, she charged out the door.

Hey! she yelled at the large gray wolf trotting across her pasture. Get outta here!

The wolf stopped to stare at her, with glowing blue eyes, unafraid. Jade shouldered the gun, sighted on the long torso and scruffy coat, and slowly pulled back the hammer. Keep standing there if you wanna butt full of steel shavings and rock salt. She placed her finger on the trigger.

The wolf barked and took off at a run across the pasture. Jade kept her sights on him until the furry tail disappeared over the hill. Then the cold Kansas wind cut through her clothes, forcing her back into the house.

She lowered the hammer and set the gun on safe, stowing it by the door. Three cleansing breaths later, she went back to the dishes, watching out the window.

Her phone played a few bars of music. Jade squealed and dropped the coffee mug in the sink in a shower of suds and hot water. Ack! By the time she dried her hands and grabbed the phone, the music stopped. She glanced at the caller ID. Yeah, Brody. What did you want?

Babe, that’s some greeting. What set you off?

That stray was back again. Closer to the house this time. Jade moved over to the front door and looked out.

Stay inside. I’m on my way home. He hung up.

Jade periodically glanced outside for the next half hour, watching and waiting until the sun disappeared below the horizon. She didn’t stop pacing until her back door opened and Brody entered. Are you sure it was the same one?

Jade nodded and crossed her arms. Looked and smelled like the same one.

Brody’s deep, feral growl sent a chill down her spine. He’s after you.

Me? I still don’t understand why.

He always comes around when I’m gone. I’m going after him.

Jade glared at him. Not without me, you’re not.

Brody stood in front of her. You have a class to teach in an hour. Beginner belly dance.

She put her hands on her curvy hips. You can take me to class and pick me up after. Then we can phase and hunt.

Brody ran a hand through his dark hair, pulling it from the neat ponytail. Babe.

If it’s too dangerous for me to go out alone, then it’s too dangerous for you, she said.

He kissed her on the forehead, then swatted her as he walked away. Get ready for your class.

Fifteen minutes later, she waited by the back door, duffel bag over her shoulder. Ready?

Brody groaned. Now? I have stuff to do.

Not without me. She set her bag on the floor and put her arms around him. Please?

He shook his head. I’m not staying.

Deal! She grabbed her bag and ran for his truck.

Chapter Two

The main room of the dance studio was dark and cool. Pewter moonlight reflected off the large mirrors that lined the back wall. Jade unlocked the door and flipped on the lights, dropping her dance bag by the door. She turned to Brody. I’ll see you in about an hour and a half.

He held her lush curves against his lean frame, kissing her hard. You sure?

I have to get the music loaded, handouts ready, and turn up the heat. By then, the students will be here for their hour lesson. She wiggled out of his arms and walked over to the thermostat, pushing the buttons to warm the studio a bit.

Yes ma’am. He gave a mock salute and was gone.

Her first student arrived as she was arranging the copies on the table. A man’s smooth tenor voice asked, Is this the beginner belly dance class?

She turned and saw him standing in the doorway. Yes. It is. But no observers allowed.

He looked to be in his late forties, a little grey at his temples but with an athletic body. He was a few pounds heavier than Brody, but about the same height, just over six feet. He was wearing a black tracksuit with a charcoal tee shirt beneath the zip-front jacket. Do you teach men and do you take drop-ins?

Yes to both questions but drop-ins are an extra five dollars a class.

He pulled his wallet from his jacket pocket and handed her a twenty-dollar bill. I’d like to try a class. No change, please. I’m Max.

Warily, she shook his cool hand and noticed his firm grip. and After placing the money in a small round basket on the corner of the table, she said, I’m Jade.

Nice to meet you, Jade. He smiled widely enough to show his fangs.

Jade let her eyes glow. You can put your stuff under one of the chairs over there."

With an economy of movement, he shed his jacket and hung it over the back of one of the folding chairs along the wall. His cross trainers were exchanged for ballet shoes and he pulled a black scarf shot through with silver from his bag. Max looked as if he was going to say something but was interrupted by two female students coming in the door.

Hi, Jade. How’s things? A thin redheaded young woman hurried over and enthusiastically hugged her.

They’re good, Suzy. She returned the hug, her curvaceous but athletic form contrasting with Suzy’s model physique. When a voluptuous blond entered the room, Jade said, Glad you could make it, Carol.

The studio gained four more female students. One was a senior citizen, one was high school age, one was barely out of grade school, and the last one was in her forties, like Jade. Soon, the room filled with music and laughter. Jade introduced the students unfamiliar to each other.

Let’s get this started. I will put on some music and we can get stretched out, Jade said. The eager students moved to stand arm’s length from each other. Following Jade’s movements and directions, they were all happy and tired by the time the cool-down song came up in the playlist.

When class was over, the high school girl came over to Jade. I didn’t know what to think at first. Don’t take this wrong, but you’re not what I thought a dancer would look like.

Mandy, I know I’m not thin but this is proof that you can still be strong and athletic, even if you are carrying a little extra weight. Jade smiled, keeping her fangs hidden.

You’re not fat, Mandy argued, cheeks red. It’s just that most dancers are really skinny and all.

Jade said, Your assignment is to look up famous belly dancers. Did everyone sign in and get a terminology sheet?

The students gave half-hearted groans and did as she asked before walking out the door. Max was the last student left in the studio. He put his shoes on and stowed his dance gear. Have you taught many men?

Jade cleaned off the table and turned the thermostat down again. You are my second one. Most men don’t have the courage to take classes even though they like to dance.

Would you have time for a cup of coffee and a discussion on the history?

No thanks. My husband and I have plans. Hinting, she stood next to the door and glanced out. No Brody. She pulled her phone from her pocket and began to type.

Do you need a ride? I’m happy to drive you. Anything for a fellow wolf.

I appreciate the offer, but my husband will be here any moment.

Then I’ll keep you company. Max sat down on one of the folding chairs.

Like I said, thanks anyway. Brody will be here in a minute.

He stretched his long legs out, crossing his arms behind his head. It’s not safe for you to be alone at night. Even if this is a small town.

She laughed. I grew up in a town like this. I’m more of a threat as a wolf than any human. And anyway, the police station is within sight.

You are tough. Max shook his head. Are you sure there’s nothing I can say that would persuade you to let me stay until your... husband comes?

Sorry, no. As an unmistakable hint, she walked over and held the door open. When Max was outside, she pulled the door shut and locked it behind him.

Her phone belted out Brody’s ringtone, twice in quick succession.

He turned and tugged on the handle with a sheepish grin. Until next week?

Jade flipped the sign on the door to read closed and turned her back on him. After gathering up the rest of her things, she checked her cell phone.

Brody left a message, that said,

On my way.

Jade breathed a sigh of relief when less than five minutes later, Brody’s truck pulled in and parked next to the door. Who was that?

Said his name was Max. He’s a wolf and he was way too happy to keep me company, she answered when she was seated in the pickup.

He sure took off in a hurry when I got here. Brody watched Max’s sedan drive away.

Looks like he’s been watching me. I’ve seen that car over in the furniture store parking lot when I’ve had classes for the last month.

Brody turned to her and showed his fangs. Why didn’t you say something? If that creep is stalking you, I will kick his ass.

I wasn’t sure. But his car has Missouri plates.

Leave it to you to notice that. I’ll get a hold of some of the cousins over that way. Brody put his hand over hers, giving it a gentle squeeze.

Jade watched the scenery as Brody drove, holding hands until he turned into the long driveway. He parked the car next to their trailer house.

Are we ready to go for a run? she asked. Changing forms took a lot of energy and was painful. Over the years, she had learned to tolerate it. For some reason, when she wolfed out and went on a run with her husband, her pain wasn’t as bad.

Almost. Let’s leave our clothes in the house, Brody said.

Sounds good. She followed Brody into the house but left the back door open. They discarded their clothes in a pile on the floor. Jade morphed into her wolf form and waited on the porch for him. Brody closed the door, shifted into his wolf, and then immediately followed her across the pasture. They ran over the hill towards the lake, side-by-side.

Do you smell that? He sniffed.

Smell what? She put her nose to the ground and walked in a slow circle, before sitting down. What do you smell?

Here. Brody dug at a patch of scrubby grass. Smells like our friend the stray has been this way.

She walked over to sniff the ground where he indicated. Yuck.

Does this smell like your friend Max? He asked.

Jade sneezed. Sort of. I’m not sure. I didn’t sniff that part of him.

He sat and looked at her. I should hope not. But you know what I mean.

Yeah, I think it’s him. She arched her back, then stretched out her forelegs and back legs. Now what do you want to do? Keep running or go after him?

Both. Brody took off at a trot for the far side of the pasture. She followed, staying a few steps behind him. The strange werewolf’s trail was easy to follow, and he had made no attempt to conceal his route. They moved in a straight line towards the far side of the lake where there were few humans. It was a wildlife refuge, as well as a walk-in hunting area. They were between hunting seasons and there was little danger of being shot.

They were down in the dry creek bed, running along the hard crust of mud when Brody stopped, the pelt on his back standing straight up. He growled.

She stopped next to him, half a step to the side. She showed her fangs and looked in the direction he stared. All she saw were scrubby bushes, young saplings, and a clump of sumac.

Jade, stay back, Brody said.

What is it? She moved closer to him.

I don’t know how many of them there are. It’s not our pack. He stood in front of her.

I’m not hiding behind you. I’m a matriarch. She widened her stance and licked her lips.

A gray wolf emerged from between the sumac bushes. Hello, Jade. Is this your husband Brody?

Brody walked forward. Yeah, I’m Brody. Who the hell are you?

Max. I’m new to the area. The gray wolf smiled and stared at Jade. You’re even prettier as a wolf.

Who do you have with you? Brody asked.

No one. I’m alone, Max said.

Brody showed his teeth. You’re lying.

A young coyote burst through the scrub and ran headlong down the dry creek bed and out the other side. Something had startled the youngster. I told you, there is no one with me, Max said.

So why are you stalking me? Jade asked.

Max sat and cocked his head to one side. Stalking? Where did you get that idea?

You’ve been watching my wife’s belly dance classes for weeks, Brody said.

Max nodded. I wanted to see what kind of students she taught.

And now she’s out for a run, you just happen to show up. Brody pushed his chest out, and his tail stuck straight up in the air.

Max stretched his front legs, then his back ones. And I didn’t realize your hunting grounds bordered on the refuge. It is a full moon tonight.

Goodbye, Max. Time for you to leave my territory, Jade said.

Have a good run. Max smiled before he disappeared back down the trail, back the way he came.

Brody sneezed. Aw, bullshit.

Jade tugged on Brody’s ear before she took off down the path. Let’s run.

Brody trotted over to the closest tree and raised his leg. When he finished, he kicked dirt up with his back legs.

Oh, wow. How adult of you. Jade said.

Brody gave a wolf grin. Just making it clear this is my territory.

So how many others did you smell with Max tonight? Jade perched on the top of a large rock and scanned the area.

Brody sniffed the air. Just Max