Venom

By Whitney M. Westrope and Kayla S. Koepp

When seven people go missing within a month, questions and fear arise among the townsfolk of Hemlock, Virginia. When local authorities discover the body of one of the missing people in a holler close to town, it appears the victim has suffered severe tissue liquefaction. After the police find bite marks on the body’s throat, they suspect there could be an undiscovered venomous species lurking within the Blue Ridge Mountains.

While the FBI and scientists unsuccessfully attempt to decode the cause of death, the locals become haunted by rumors about an insidious predator that’s roaming the mountains. Deep in the forest nearby, the alpha of the Blue Ridge Mountain clan knows that if her kind becomes an exposed entity, the humans will become hysterical, potentially leading to harmful repercussions. Although her kind has gone undetected since the beginning of time because of their physical similarities to humans, her efforts to keep her clan and species hidden are beginning to disintegrate because of the impulsive actions of two of her own and the arrival of the military. Extinction is not an option, and war is the ultimate price. What will Shadow and her clan be forced to endure to keep her kind alive?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Archway Publishing
• Release date: Apr 16, 2024
• ISBN: 9781665757768

Whitney M. Westrope

Whitney M. Westrope and Kayla S. Koepp are childhood friends who grew up together in Alabama. Whitney started a business in 2021, and Kayla is prior military. They share a love for the horror genre. Writing has always been a passion the two shared throughout the years, and becoming authors has been a life-long dream to achieve. Venom is just the start.

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Copyright © 2024 Whitney M. Westrope & Kayla S. Koepp.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Archway Publishing

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Bloomington, IN 47403

www.archwaypublishing.com

844-669-3957

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

ISBN: 978-1-6657-5775-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6657-5777-5 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-6657-5776-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2024904384

Archway Publishing rev. date: 04/04/2024

CONTENTS

Prologue

Chapter One Shadow

Chapter Two Vandal

Chapter Three Shadow

Chapter Four Shadow

Chapter Five Dismal

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven Shadow

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine Vandal

Chapter Ten Dismal

Chapter Eleven Shadow

Chapter Twelve Shadow

Chapter Thirteen

We would like to thank the following people for their part of our book’s existence:

Our family members, Drew and Danielle Westrope (Whitney’s parents) and Katlynn and Paula Shannon (Kayla’s sister and mother), who have nourished our passion throughout the years and pushed us to keep going.

(To Kayla’s Post Office people) Jessica Meeks, Kelly Mitts, Kammy Cox, Mellissa Hughes, Eric Pruitt, Jeffrey Montgomery, Rick Isom: You all have put up with my butt through so much, and I cannot thank you all enough for your kind words and your encouragement as I rambled about this book coming to life.

(To Whitney’s inner circle) Abbie London, Lori Morris, Jenee Mobley, Robin Maynard, Savannah Burroughs — Y’all are my rocks. Thank you for your undying support and love. Nobody could ever replace y’all. I love you.

(To Whitney’s boyfriend, Dave Davidson) You have stuck with me through thick and thin, and you’ve supported Kayla and me through this writing and publishing process. Thank you for everything.

(To Kayla’s husband, Shawn Koepp) Thank you for listening to me throughout this whole thing. You have heard me rant, scream, cry, and so much more trying to get this process completed along with Whitney. You are my rock.

Megan Ellsworth, Whitney’s past creative writing teacher, who was our very first test reader. Her task was not an easy one, for she endured the pain of reading over the very first rough draft.

Art-I-Facts tattoo artist, Josh Bond. Without him, our predatory marking would not be symmetrical and would forever be an ugly sketch on a notepad.

Our very first and biggest fan, Abby Ladd. We loved hearing your feedback along with your hopes and opinions on our characters and their journeys. You helped us shape our story from a good to a great version. Your support means everything to us.

Our agent, Deena Capron. She has been nothing short of great from the very beginning of our publishing journey. She has always made the effort to answer any and all questions we could come up with. She has also helped keep us level-headed as new challenges or pathways presented themselves.

The rest of our wonderful team at Archway Publishing. There are many areas all run by very skilled professionals, all of whom have helped make this process as smooth as possible.

We deeply appreciate all the time and effort sunk into the pages of our fictional world. These characters are a part of us, and we hope that they leave an everlasting mark on those who choose to become a part of their story.

(Message from Whitney to Kayla) You are everything anyone could ask for in a best friend. This book wouldn’t be what it is without you. Thank you for helping me through the stress and pressure of it all. I love you so much.

(Message from Kayla to Whitney) You are my sister and my soulmate. Without you this crazy-ass book would never have even existed. Thank you for being you, and for pushing me even when I felt like a failure. Here’s to the beginning of our chaotic journey. I love you.

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To our family, friends,

and readers who helped make this possible. Thank you.

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PROLOGUE

All we ever wanted in life was pure serenity. We never intended on condoning bloodshed on our land, and we didn’t want to lose the ones we loved over our kind being detected. We were the superior predators, resting comfortably at the top of the food chain. We had survived as long as we had by flying under the radar, and as far as the world was concerned, we didn’t exist.

My clan’s territory stretched from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia through the Cumberland Mountains of Kentucky, where hikers never dared to venture off to. The human locals in Appalachia always told stories about the mysterious phenomena and folklore that occurred in the mountain ranges, but as long as we’ve lived here, the only real nightmare we knew of in these woods was us.

Under my dominion, I had laid out deliberate directives for my clan to avoid jeopardizing our safety. We were not to engage with the humans, and it was forbidden to prey on them for that rival would never be unbroken. This immutable law has kept us alive since the beginning of time. Humans’ fearfulness was dangerous, for what they feared or misunderstood was instantly deemed a threat. If we were unearthed, they would cage, cut, and study us. However, if our backs were against the wall, we carried our built-in biological defense mechanism—our fiercest asset.

At first glance, we were carbon copies of humans, and our wounds bled no differently from theirs. Despite those similarities, we aged rapidly. In approximately a decade after birth, we were left with the appearance of young adults for eternity. While humans grew old and passed on, we kept our youth. But we were not immortal, and death was a reality we still faced.

In the United States of America, the human government functioned as a democracy. There were elections held every four years for their leader. Their system of punishment lay with a judge and jury. Our clan had its own government, an oligarchy of four leaders that we named the council. We didn’t hold elections. We fought to the death to earn our places on the council. Lawbreaking in my clan ended in public executions. The severity of the consequences resulted in a low crime rate within our community … It used to, anyway …

There were no secrets that could hide without revealing themselves in the end, whether it was days or years down the road … It was only a matter of time before we were to be damned by the actions of our own kind.

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CHAPTER ONE

SHADOW

A flash of lightning lit up the bar and shook the building shortly after. Rain pelted hard against the tin roof as the wind shrieked against the exterior door. For 9:00 p.m. on a Thursday night, the Tin Can was surprisingly packed. The bar sat at the bottom of the mountain in the small town of Hemlock, which hid in the hills of Grayson County, Virginia. I was sitting at the bar top drinking my usual, Jack on the rocks. The bluegrass band was enthusiastically performing on the small stage found in the corner of the room. Their vocalist stamped his cowboy boot to the rhythm of the banjo as my eyes scanned the historic memorabilia that enveloped the walls made up of reclaimed wood. Townsfolk were talking among themselves over the band. One small group of older gentlemen sitting at a round table behind me were discussing finding new ground.

I’m tellin ya, that dirt o’er there ain’t no good! a bearded man in coveralls stated, slamming his hand on the tabletop. His two associates looked at him with frustration. One of them wrinkled his nose and snorted.

You’re just sayin’ that ’cause you don’t wanna travel that far south, you ol’ geezer, he grumbled, taking a swig from his beer mug.

The older man laughed. What was that, Joe? he said, cupping his hand to his ear. Bad hearin’, ya know.

Joe set his mug on the table. He leaned over the table and raised his voice. You’re an old, lazy fart is what ya are, Leroy! he hollered at the older gentleman.

Leroy smirked and leaned in close to Joe. His voice dropped to a whisper. "In my sixty-five years of life, ain’t nobody calledt me lazy." The youngest one stood up and waved at the bartender.

Can we get our tab, please?

On the way, fellas, a middle-aged male said, stepping out from behind the bar and walking over to their table.

I glanced up at the rows of bottles lined up behind that bar. There was a small television that sat high up on the wall above everyone’s heads that was playing the nightly news on low volume. Whiskey numbed my tongue as it streamed down my throat, spreading warmth through my chest. My hood hung over my head as I stared down at the dark liquor swishing around in my glass. It smells like sweaty balls in here. A female bartender was slaving away behind the bar top, sweat glistening off her face. Her ponytail swayed as she placed my tab down in front of me and gave me a warm grin.

Where do you belong to? she asked me with curious eyes.

I’m just passing through, I mumbled. I don’t have any family here. Just me.

No biggie! Sure hope yer stay here’s been treatin’ ya right! She smiled and placed her hand on her chest proudly. Name’s Bridgette. I have livedt here for my life entire. It’s a beautiful place full of wholesome ladies and gentlemen. What’s your name, honey? She grabbed an empty glass and began wiping it down with a white rag.

Markem. Shadow Markem.

Shadow, that’s quite an unusual name. Nice to meet you! Let me know if you need anythang else. I’ll be over yonder. Bridgette smiled and began serving others on the far end of the bar. Several of the bargoers sitting next to me shushed the rest of the room. Everyone’s voice gradually lowered, then they turned their heads toward them curiously.

Y’all! one of them shouted. Shut it and be quiet! The patron motioned to Bridgette to turn up the volume on the television. She complied, and all eyes fixed on the small screen as silence blanketed the bar. A Breaking News banner appeared on the screen. I took another sip of my drink. The news reporter’s voice blared through the speakers.

Twenty-eight-year-old Jason Freckner has been reported missing after not returning home from work yesterday evening, a female voice announced. There have been claims that this disappearance could be tied to six other recent persons who have gone missing over the past month. Among the growing list of names is twelve-year-old Trey Thorton, seven-year-old Allison Barter, sixteen-year-old Aaron Mayhew, thirty-one-year-old Megan Tote, forty-three-year-old Steven Puckett, and twenty-one-year-old Hallie Justice.

My eyes grew wide as I turned my attention to the television. That’s unusual.

The news reporter continued. We will now hear a statement from our chief of police about this matter.

The screen switched to a view of a podium surrounded by microphones. A small crowd had gathered around, their voices buzzing with endless questions. A heavyset man dressed in a black uniform took his place behind the podium. The news banner popped up again at the bottom of the television screen, disclosing that the man was Police Chief Robertson. He began speaking at the press conference.

Local authorities are doing everything they can to search for these missing men, women, and children. However, we have come up short during our search. Our officers are doing their best to find and investigate any potential leads that have been brought to light. This is a very devastating series of events, and we are striving to find them so they can return safely to their beds. If anyone has any information they would like to pass on, please contact the Hemlock Police Department. People started shouting questions at him over the roar of the crowd. The chief pointed his finger at someone. Yes! Go ahead.

A woman’s voice lost among the crowd of whispering began speaking to him. Chief Robertson, my name is Amber Thorton. My son, Trey, was the first one to go missin’. You keep sayin’ that you’re doing everythin’ you can, but you have no leads? When are you and your men goin’ to start givin’ us answers? I need my son to come home!

The police chief’s face fell grim. Ma’am, I sincerely apologize about your son’s disappearance. I understand that this is a difficult time for you, but I promise that our whole department is actively searching for him, and the six other missing persons as we speak.

The crowd began howling as flash photography lit up Chief Robertson’s unsettled face. He began pointing at others in the crowd, responding to their questions as well. Bridgette turned the volume back down on the television, and the people in the bar started talking among themselves again.

No. I clenched my jaw. People don’t just go missing in a town this small, let alone seven! Heat flickered in my chest as my mind began racing. They’re not missing … They’re dead.

A woman sitting a few seats down from me sniffled as tears slowly fell from her swollen, puffy eyes. A man who accompanied her put his arm around her waist and hung his head.

They ain’t never gonna find her! the woman sobbed.

They’d better not.

Bridgette walked over to her and placed a cup of coffee on the bar in front of her hands.

I’m so sorry, hon, she said softly to the weeping woman. I overheard that you have a missin’ lovedt one?

My daughter, Allison! My little girl! She threw her face in her hands.

We’ll find ’er darlin’, her mate said, tears swelling in his glazed eyes. We’ll find ’er.

What the hell are we going to do? I need to find out who’s responsible for this!

She’s dead! I knows it. She’s dead! The woman’s sobs had become distorted echoes in my head. Two men sitting a few chairs down from me were mumbling and glancing at her. They’s never gonna find her …

God dammit!

I threw back the rest of my Jack and slammed it on the bar along with cash to cover my tab. Rage swelled in my chest as I shot up off my wooden stool, knocking it onto the floor. All the patrons in the bar stopped conversing to stare up at me, and all their eyes followed me as I rushed toward the exit and plowed through the door. Thunder boomed as it slammed behind me. I’m going to kill them!

The cold rain pounded against my face as I rushed through the parking lot to my stolen black truck. Puddles splashed onto my combat boots as I reached for the keys and got in. I fished through my pants pockets to locate my burner cell phone, then pulled it out and began scrolling through my contacts list. I need to call my second-in-command. This is bad. This is very, very bad. I paused as his name became highlighted on my phone’s screen: Vandal Staziak. My finger pressed the call button. Come on, Vandal. It rang three times before he finally picked up.

Hey, Shadow, Vandal’s husky voice greeted me through the speakers. Enjoying the town?

The loud engine rumbled as I cranked the truck.

We have a serious problem.

He let out a sigh. What’s wrong?

Rain pelted against my windshield like bullets as I put the truck in drive and sped off into the mountain.

Where are you right now? I asked, my heart beating out of my chest.

I’m standing outside the Relic right now. The Relic was an old, abandoned speakeasy that our clan had renovated into an industrial nightclub. Our electricity strictly ran off solar power so we could remain untraceable. Do you need me to be somewhere else?

I glanced at the digital clock on my dashboard: 10:45 p.m. Most of our clan should be in there drinking right about now.

No. I’m on my way. My hands gripped the steering wheel until my knuckles turned white. Who all is there right now?

I haven’t been inside yet, he replied. I can go downstairs and check. Shadow, what is going on?

The asphalt quickly came to a dead end, and I turned my wheel to make a hard left. The bumper of my truck pushed through the thick brush and sped between two dogwood trees.

Vandal, over the last month, seven humans have gone missing.

What?

"The police haven’t been able to locate the bodies. They just vanished."

You think it was one of ours?

"I know it was, I growled. I need you to go downstairs and listen in on everyone’s conversations. I need them identified immediately."

I’m on it. The sound of the club’s metal door creaked on the other line. The music grew loud over Vandal’s boots stomping down the stairs. You still there? he yelled over the noise.

Yeah, I replied. Rage surged through me as I sped past the old shack where the other leaders and I held private meetings: our headquarters. A wild pony grazing beside the building scurried off and flew into my rearview. I’m passing the council shack. I’m almost there. The sound of my clan members shouting over each other on the other line echoed in my ears. My head began pounding relentlessly.

I’m sitting at the bar! Vandal yelled. It’s chaotic here! I can’t hear much!

Walk around if you have to! I shouted. This needs to be dealt with the moment I arrive!

Wait, he said. I’m hearing something from across the room. I put him on speaker and set my phone in my lap as there was a momentary pause on his end. The music on his side was too much to bear. Anxiety built in my chest the closer I got to the Relic.

Got them, he said flatly.

Who is the responsible party?

Trent and Duncan. I braced my back against my seat then floored it past a row of clan members’ hand-built cabins. All of our resources came from nature and the help from our men who could get their hands on metal, windows, and appliances.

Don’t let them leave.

They’re wasted right now. I don’t think they have plans to leave anytime soon. My headlights reflected off of the old, rusted metal exterior of the Relic as I drew nearer. I pressed my foot deeper into the accelerator, and the engine roared as the surrounding trees sailed behind me.

I’m here, I said, slamming on my brakes and throwing my phone into the passenger side floorboard. The wheels spun in the mud, and my body tautened as I braced myself for impact. The passenger side mirror grazed the metal exterior of the club as I came to a sudden stop. The truck rocked back and forth as I put it in park, and the vibrations from the music’s bass subtly vibrated the earth. Mud wrapped itself around my boots as I marched toward the rusted door. It creaked as it swung open, abruptly slamming behind me.

My footsteps beat onto the worn-down wooden stairs as I rushed to the basement floor. I bulldozed through the swinging double doors at the bottom. The club reeked of booze, cigarettes, and betrayal. Clan members of mine were gathered all over the floor, having drinks and yelling to each other over the loud music. The circulating colored lights made it hard to focus my eyes as I manically looked around the room. Where the hell are they?

Vandal was sitting at the bar talking to Vice, our charismatic bartender. Vice was slinging liquor, laughing, and cutting up with anyone who spoke to him. His voice carried over the racket. Vandal noticed me and stood up from his barstool, then wove his way through the sizable crowd of our clan members, making his way toward me.

Some of my clan was grinding all over each other on the dance floor, and the rest were roughhousing. Our clan skank, Prescilla Ravinger, spilled liquor all over Vandal’s shirt. He threw his hands up and glowered as she laughed uproariously and swayed on her feet. She’s stoned again. Her brother, Pluto, grabbed her arm and pulled her back onto the dance floor.

Vandal shook his head and resumed walking in my direction. I examined the room in search of Trent and Duncan, but the club was a rioting snake pit. Somebody hurled a liquor bottle across the room, and the sound of glass breaking momentarily lowered the volume in the club. Vandal’s eyes grew wide. Shit. Others immediately joined in. Bottles began flying across the room and shattering against the walls. Vandal assertively pushed past our clan members, stumbling over someone’s foot before finally reaching me.

You made it, I said. He smirked. "Where are they?"

Vandal opened his mouth to respond, but another airborne bottle soared across the room. My trackers, Dismal and Evan Rein, ducked as it hit the wall behind them. Glass shards rained down onto the floor, barely missing them both. Dismal’s amber eyes darted in my direction. Yeah. This is bullshit. I shook my head in disapproval. He shrugged and rolled his eyes. Evan tucked her dark-brown hair behind her ear, her blue eyes widened at the ruckus. Dismal and Evan were different from the rest of us. They were hybrids. Their mother was human, and their father was one of us. It was unusual for our kind to be capable of procreating with humans. They both smelled and aged differently from the rest of the clan. But they were in fact half human, half predator.

I continued to scan the room. Vandal bumped his shoulder into mine. I glanced over at him to find him eyeing Trent and Duncan, who were crammed in the middle of the crowd.

Are you sure it’s them? I asked Vandal, my eyes locked on them. Trent let out an aggravating loud cackle, spilling clear liquor down his shirt. Duncan shoved him playfully.

As hell, Vandal replied. Idiots are so drunk, they can’t keep their bragging at a low volume. I sighed.

What did they say, exactly?

"I couldn’t make out everything they said, but I overheard them talking about picking human flesh from their teeth using their kills’ bones." My jaw clenched and my eyes narrowed on the pair as I listened for their voices. I just have to be sure.

I don’t know about this, dude, Duncan said to Trent. I feel like what we did was wrong. Trent threw his hands in the air.

"This is what we were born to do, man, Trent argued. We weren’t meant to live off animals. We’ve been living only half alive." Duncan shook his head and smiled uneasily.

Trent, if the council finds out—

Dude, they won’t, Trent interrupted. Duncan took a swig of his drink and swished it around in his mouth before gulping it down. "And if you’re thinking about running your mouth, just remember that you are just as guilty as I am."

What about the body you left in the holler? Duncan asked. My heart rate accelerated as adrenaline ruptured in my veins. What? Trent laughed emphatically.

Duncan, my man! Relax! The wolves and bears will snag it, he argued. Duncan seemed unsure of his friend.

Trent, you need to go back and clean that shit up before someone else finds it.

"The council won’t find out unless you tell them." Duncan’s face fell flat.

"I’m not just talking about the council. I’m talking about the humans’ authorities. Those assholes wouldn’t let something like that go."

Who goes into that holler anyways? Quit whining like a little bitch and relax, dude. I scowled at them, internally rampaging. Vandal turned to look at me.

On your mark, Vandal said sportively with a smirk spread across his face. Get set. Go!

A growl escaped my chest as I zipped across the room toward Trent, knocking any clan members out of my way. Prescilla hit the floor as I shoved past her. She let out a startled yelp and tried to fix her fallen bra strap. Trent whipped around to look back at Prescilla, then his eyes widened when they landed on me. He opened his mouth to speak, but I struck him in the side of his face. His head made a sickening crack as it slammed against the floor. Shock overwhelmed his face as he stared up at me. Duncan glanced down at his friend, then looked back up at me with a panicked expression on his face. The DJ ceased playing. Everyone’s focus landed on Trent, Duncan, and me. Those nearby backed away and formed a giant circle around us. My nostrils flared with aggravated, shaky breaths.

Shadow, Duncan said, holding his trembling hands up in surrender. I don’t know what this is about, but— Duncan froze as I decked him in the jaw with an uppercut, causing him to bite his tongue. Everyone gasped. Jesus!

Blood sprayed from his mouth as he struggled to keep his balance. I clenched my teeth together as I reared back my fist and squared him in the temple. He stumbled, fighting to stay on his feet. I let out a violent scream and began repeatedly throwing right and left hooks. Blood dripped from his nose onto Trent, who was hyperventilating on the ground at our feet. Adrenaline had taken over my body, and I couldn’t feel gravity anymore. My knuckles busted open on Duncan’s skull as I continued to swing until he collapsed on top of Trent. He was out cold, leaking blood from his mouth onto Trent’s shirt. I gaped down at Trent, who had his hands held above his face. Vandal stormed over to us.

Are y’all this damn stupid? I screamed down at Trent. He began stuttering in an attempt to plead his case.

W—We … I—N—No! I rammed my boot into his rib cage. He coughed and curled up, trying to hug his abdomen, but Duncan’s body had him pinned. Vandal kicked Duncan off of him, and I kneeled down to hover over Trent. He was quaking violently as he stared wide-eyed up at me.

Shadow! Please stop! He begged. I punched him in the face, and my fist broke the skin on his cheekbone, leaving a deep gash. Trent whined and tried to place his hand over his wound, but my arm pushed it away. I leaned in closer to his face. Blood and snot coated his mouth and chin.

Do you understand that the Hemlock police are looking for these people? I roared. "What the hell were y’all thinking?" Do you have any idea what y’all have just done?"

Shadow, Trent whimpered.

"And you left a body in a holler?" I wailed. His eyes grew even wider as the color drained from his face. "Which holler?"

Shadow, I really can’t remember! There’s so many of them—

I raised my fist and decked him in the nose. Cartilage snapped under the force of my knuckles. Trent let out a pained cry.

"And for what exactly? Trent’s eyes glazed over as he remained speechless. Sweat from my hairline dripped onto his forehead. Because you hated your life and the food nature provides us so badly, you put all of us in jeopardy. Trent blinked rapidly. You stupid, selfish fuck!"

I growled as I wrapped my hands around his throat. Trent’s mouth gaped open, desperate for oxygen. Vandal crouched down beside Duncan’s body and placed his fingers along the artery in his neck. Trent’s body went limp, and I sat up on his chest. His breathing was shallow. Vandal looked over at me.

Duncan’s not dead, he announced. I eyed Trent.

Neither is he, I said, panting. Yet. My eyes met our surrounding audience. They remained frozen in their silent circle. I wiped the sweat off my forehead. Vandal snickered. I looked over my shoulder at him to find his face lit up with a humorous smile.

"At least you weren’t trying to beat the information out of them," he teased, letting out a husky laugh. I narrowed my eyes on him. Vandal threw his hands up in a sarcastic surrender. My face began to relax as I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. A dull pain radiated off my bruised and bleeding knuckles. Tony O’Neil, our clan’s medic, stepped forward out of the silent crowd, his crystal blue eyes watching me with concern.

I can clean those up for you, he offered, motioning to my knuckles. I stood up, my eyes fixed on Trent and Duncan. Shadow? Tony waved his hand in my face to catch my attention. I gritted my teeth as I wiped the blood off on my rain-soaked tank top, and my gaze met the rest of my clan. They quickly tore their attention away from me and slowly dispersed. Our DJ turned the music back on, and Vice began to fill drink orders from the bar again. Everyone went back to chatting and dancing. Tony still stood before me.

Thank you, Tony, I said. But I’m good.

He grinned. I’ll be here if you change your mind, he told me.

I nodded, then looked at Vandal. My head motioned toward the exit.

We turned around and walked through the double doors. Our footsteps echoed as we marched to the top. I bulldozed through the exterior door, Vandal following me outside. The rain had slowed down to a light drizzle. I tilted my head back and allowed the droplets to kiss my face. Vandal stood before me, his eyes watching me. I lowered my head and met his dark-blue eyes. There were black streaks on the inside of his irises, and his limbal rings were silver. His black undercut hair contrasted against his skin. My eyes traced the scars along the left side of his face and the one that ran through the right side of his lips.

Shadow, he said. What do you want to do about this situation?

We call for a clan meeting first thing tomorrow. We need Dismal and Evan to scope out the hollers around Hemlock. Hopefully the police won’t find it before they do. I had a splitting migraine creeping into my skull. "Vandal, this is really bad." He placed his hand on my arm and lightly squeezed.

I know, he agreed. I closed my eyes. Trent and Duncan will be dealt with tomorrow.

What about our risk of exposure? I mentioned. "Dealing with them is not going to make this problem disappear for the rest of us."

Come here, Vandal said as he wrapped his arms around me. His body was warm against mine as I placed my head on his chest. We will sort this out. He gave me a quick squeeze before we pulled away from each other, and a warm smile spread across his face. I’m going to have another drink. Do you want to come with me? I’m gonna drink. Just not here.

I think I’m just going to head home for the night, I said. I have to sit in silence for a while.

He nodded. Say no more. I will see you tomorrow.

Vandal turned around and swung open the entrance to the Relic. The door closed snugly behind him. My truck was still running with the door still wide-open, and the windshield wipers were loudly gliding across the glass. The forest was silent; not a single leaf rustled in the trees. I walked over to my truck and sat in the leather seat, slamming the door shut. My fingers ran through my long, black hair and reached for my center console, pulling out my pack of cigarettes. What the hell are we going to do? I lit one up and took a long drag, then put the truck in drive.

This fucking sucks, I grumbled to myself, exhaling smoke from my lungs, then I sped off toward my cabin.

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I slowly drove down the dirt roads that were etched into our hollers. My mind was racing, and the aching feeling of impending destruction staggered me. Maybe this can all be turned around. There’s still time to erase this. We don’t have a choice. My phone lit up from the floorboard. I glanced down at the screen: Dismal. I can’t right now.

My headlights cast shadows from the trees that towered over my A-frame cabin that was planted on an uneven rise. I parked beside the house and stared through my truck’s sunroof up at the sky. My migraine had intensified. I closed my eyes and pressed my fingers into my temples. Everything is going to be okay.

My ringtone started blaring again. It was Dismal—again. I’ll call him back. I combed my hands through my hair and started bouncing my leg. My phone continued to ring. I grabbed it and swung my truck door open. The small rocks embedded in the mud crunched under my boots. I slammed my door shut and made my way up the hill to my front porch. The crickets were singing the song of the Appalachians over the sound of my wooden porch creaking underneath my weight. My keys jingled as I stuck them in the lock outside of my glass door. I pushed it open and flipped the lights on.

Living alone had its advantages—until I needed to drown out the screams of the silence. I made my way into my kitchen that was roofed by a small loft that I had turned into a second bedroom, then threw my keys on the counter and banged my head against the wall. There’s no reason to panic yet, Shadow. Calm down. The bottle of Jack Daniels sitting on the counter called my name. I twisted the lid off of the bottle, then took three large gulps of the whiskey. It warmed my chest as it went down smoothly. I capped it and put it back on the counter. I needed that more than life itself. My gaze turned toward my fireplace and walked over to it. My little sister’s silver chain necklace sat on the wooden shelf that was built into the stones. It glistened in the light as I gently picked it up and ran my fingers across the chain links. I had never worn it, and I never planned to. The metal jingled as I carefully placed it back on the shelf.

The hallway to my bedroom seemed so far away as I trudged through the house, shedding my clothing with each step. I dragged my body through my darkened bedroom into the master bathroom. The moment I turned the light on, I was staring into my naked reflection in the large mirror. I slowly inched toward it and placed my hand against the cool glass. The three risen claw marks that scarred my left eyebrow down to my cheek haunted me. I used to think I was beautiful because I looked like my mom. She used to tell me that there were always reasons and explanations for bad things happening to people, but I respectfully disagreed with her every time. She was very wise; I just could never understand … Especially now.

I traced the tattoo of the mountains on my arm that resembled our home. I was born and raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains range, just not in Virginia. My home was the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, but I promised myself that I would never return there for as long as I lived. A painful lump formed in my throat. Tears started to form in my eyes. I furiously smacked myself in the face, creating a burning sting on my cheek.

Stop it! I shouted. You don’t get to cry! Pull it together!

I turned my back to the mirror and looked over my shoulder at the reflection of the predatory mark on the back of my neck. My fingernails grazed the contorted hourglass and crescents. My eyes drifted down to the single scar that stretched out across my back. I would give anything to make these tainted scars disappear … I turned back around and leaned in close to the mirror, staring intensely into my deadened green eyes that I inherited from my mom. I see you in my reflection, Mom. You follow me to every river I peer in. When I close my eyes, you are always there. There’s no escaping you.

My eyes gazed into the mirrored image of my bedroom. Sitting on top of my dresser was a photo of my little sister and me. We had taken the picture on top of Lookout Mountain. Her innocent smile and blue eyes would always remain frozen in time. My heart plummeted into my stomach. A single tear streamed down my face. I forced myself to look away.

Daddy! Get off Mommy! my little sister, Brekena, screamed as she hit our father with her baby doll repeatedly. He shoved her out of the way. She landed on the floor and began crying. Mom was holding her hand over her bloody eye socket and was sobbing uncontrollably.

Get the fuck back and do what you’re told for once in your life! Dad growled down at his small daughter. She whimpered as he came closer to her face. I stepped in front of Brekena and scowled at him.

Get out! I screamed until my head felt as though it was going to explode. His eyes widened. Brekena scooted away quickly and hid behind our broken mother. Get the fuck out!

Little girl, you’ve got no business talking to me that way, he said, storming up to me. I stood my ground and peered into his blue, bloodshot eyes that were filled with madness. My body was trembling, and my heart was pounding out of my chest. His fist was balled up as if he was going to hit me. I froze.

Leave her alone! Mother cried out, still sheltering my sister behind her. Jacoby! Leave her alone!

I clenched my jaw, and my hands were gripping the countertop. No matter how much time had passed, I could never evade these everlasting, haunting memories, and time for us was an unbreakable bond. The worst thing about our failure to endure aging was there was no end to devastation and misery unless our lives were taken for us.

The tile floor was cold on my bare feet as I made my way to the walk-in shower. I turned the hot water knob all the way up. Condensation rose from the shower and began clouding my mirror. I stepped in and allowed the water to flow down my back. My mom’s voice continuously echoed in my head. Leave her alone! I rested my forehead against the stone wall and closed my eyes. Everything went dark.

Leave her alone! Jacoby. Leave her alone!

Mommy, I’m scared! Brekena screeched, her blue eyes widened. Dad pointed his index finger at Mom.

Elysium, if you take one step closer— he threatened as Mom wailed and charged at him.

She pushed me out of the way and rammed into him. They both landed roughly on the floor. Brekena and I watched them in horror. She looked us in our eyes with tears streaming down her face, almost like she was getting ready to say goodbye.

Run! The both of you, run! she warned. She started to stand up, but Dad grabbed her and pulled her back down.

Shadow, let’s go! Brekena pleaded, pulling on my shirt. I didn’t know what I was supposed to do or where I was supposed to go. Shadow!

I snapped out of my frozen state and grabbed Brekena’s hand. We ran toward the front door, but it was locked from the inside. I had forgotten that Dad had put an extra lock on the door. Mom and Dad were rolling around on the floor. She was trying to keep him pinned long enough for us to make our escape, but the odds weren’t looking too good. I turned the doorknob and deadbolt locks so they would release. But a keyhole stared back at me as the final lock remained untouched.

Keys! We need the keys! I shouted to my sister. Panic struck me. The world was spinning. The keys were sitting on top of the kitchen counter. The only way we could grab them was to run past our parents, who were tumbling around on the ground. I held my hand up to Brekena. Wait here! I waited for Mom and Dad to roll out of the way, then took off running to the kitchen. They were screaming at each other as Mom was fighting for our lives. Keys, keys, keys, I said to myself, trying to function under the intense pressure. I spotted them lying on the counter. I snatched them up and booked it back to the front door. As I came around the corner, I stopped in my tracks. Dad had gotten Mom off the ground and was standing behind her. He had her in a choke hold. My heart stopped as the keys fell out of my shaking hand. Brekena let out a cry.

Shadow! Brekena yelped, shrinking until she backed up against the wall. Mom was aggressively trying to break free of Dad’s grip on her, but he didn’t budge. Her trembling hand reached out for me.

G-go, she choked out, struggling to get a breath of air. Dad glared at me. The keys sat at my feet, but they felt so far away.

If you reach for those keys, none of you will leave this house alive, Dad rumbled. My heart was racing. My eyes darted between Dad and the keys. Do you hear me?

Shadow, Mom choked out, Do. It. Without hesitating, I bent down and scooped up the keys, then ran to grab Brekena’s hand. As I dragged my little sister to the door, my hands trembled as I struggled to find the correct key. Dad released Mom from the hold he had on her and grabbed a fistful of her black hair. She let out a painful cry. He began staring both of us down. We turned around to face them. My heart was racing.

Dad! we shouted.

Please stop! Brekena pleaded. I felt as if something was blocking my airway. I couldn’t breathe.

No, he said, shaking his head frantically. Brekena began sobbing.

Dad! I wailed, tears running down my face. Dad! No! He ignored me. His fangs slid out of his gum line as his jaw wrapped around our mother’s throat. She let out a haunting scream.

No! we bellowed.

We watched as his teeth effortlessly sank into her artery. He clamped down, grabbing her head with both hands. Brekena and I held each other tightly. Blood began spewing out of Mom’s neck, and her limbs flailed around as she was still attempting to break away from him. The sound of meat tearing apart as he ripped a mouthful of her throat out made my stomach churn. Brekena howled for our mother and tried to run to her, but she was already gone. I shoved her against the door and fell to my knees.

Dad spat the large, bloody lump of flesh out onto the floor in front of us. The smell of metal overwhelmed the room. He released her, and she dropped lifelessly to the floor face-down, blood pouring out into a massive puddle around her. Time stood still in this exact moment. My heart dropped into the pit of my stomach. There was a ringing in my ears as I began to feel faint. The keys fell on the ground next to me. Brekena was on the floor trying to back up even farther, but the door was still closed and in the way. Blood and flesh hung from Dad’s mouth as he slowly looked our way.

Girls, he muttered. You’ll only have to run from yourselves now. He grabbed the Glock 19 from the back holster of his jeans and fitted his mouth around it. I gritted my teeth and watched him with hate and anticipation. Brekena slowly brought her hands up to cover her ears, her blue eyes wide and bloodshot. He pulled the trigger. Bits of skull, blood, and brain matter blew out of the back of his head and splattered against the wall and ceiling. The house fell eerily quiet as both puddles of blood grew larger and closer to us. We stayed still on the ground. We didn’t speak one word. We stared in horror at our dead parents. All I could hear was my heartbeat pounding in my skull. Brekena crawled through the pool of blood toward our mom.

Brekena, I said, my bottom lip trembling. She didn’t respond. She scooted up to Mom’s lifeless body and stared down at her quietly. Her little hand reached out and touched Mom’s silver chain necklace that had been coated in her blood.

Mommy, Brekena whimpered. Her shaky hand touched Mom’s face. I crawled over to Brekena, soaking my pants in the dark-red puddle. My arms wrapped around her trembling body, and I began to rock her. Brekena sobbed and buried her face in my chest. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I tried to comfort her. She began coughing through her cries.

Brekena, we need to get out of here, now. She let out an agonizing scream.

We can’t just leave her here! I grabbed her shoulders.

We have to! Let’s go!

Her bottom lip quivered as her gaze landed back on Mom. Brekena leaned in toward Mom’s bloody face and gave her a kiss on the forehead, then reached for her necklace. She carefully removed it from the deep gash in Mom’s throat, then turned to look at me.

Can I take this? she asked, holding up the blood-soaked metal. I stared into it with horror and swallowed.

Of course you can, I said, my voice cracking. Brekena sniffled and rose to her feet, then slowly walked to the front door. I looked down at Mom. Her lifeless dark-green eyes were wide-open, staring blankly into mine. I placed my hand on her forehead, and lightly dragged it down her face to close them. Her blood streaked across my skin. Goodbye, Mom, I whispered. I’ll love you my whole life. I turned around to face Brekena. She stood by the door, staring through the wall. I got back on my feet and made my way toward her, picking the keys up off the floor.

Shadow, Brekena said timidly. I’m scared.

Me too, I whispered, sticking the key in the lock. The door opened up to the sun blinding us as we took our first steps outside.

Where are we going? I paused. I had no plan. Yesterday was a different day, and today our lives as we knew it were taken from us. I turned my gaze to my little sister and gently grabbed her hand.

I don’t know, I admitted. She frowned. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. Just come with me. Everything will be okay.

I opened my eyes and took a step back, allowing the hot water to rain down on me. I should have fought him. I should have done more. I could have at least tried to save her life. Would she still be alive if I had? The water washed away the tears I had unknowingly shed. I was only a child, not much older than my sister at the time. What could I have done, really? I wished Mom were here to tell me how to handle the situation the perpetrators had put me in. Then again, if Dad didn’t kill her, I wouldn’t have been in this mess to begin with—a mess that I didn’t make but was solely placed in my hands to wipe away. I wouldn’t be the leader of this clan. But they needed me to be the strong alpha they believed I was. I don’t have time to be distracted by my past.

I turned the faucet off and stepped out of the shower, grabbing the towel that was hanging on a nearby hook. My hands shook as I wrapped it around myself. The mirror had completely fogged over. Steam clouded the whole bathroom. I slowly walked to the mirror and ran my hand across it, exposing my face. My soaked hair hung over my eyes. My face was expressionless. I need to focus on taking care of my clan and their safety. If the police discover this corpse, everything could change for us.

I made my way into my bedroom and slid into a pair of black shorts and a black tank top, anxiety burning in my chest. This situation has to be contained. I grabbed the towel and began wringing out my hair when there was a startling knock at my door. I jumped, and my heart stopped. What the hell? I grabbed my phone to look at the time to find a dozen missed calls from Dismal. It’s almost 2 a.m. The knocking continued as I slowly crept out of my bedroom into the living room. Dismal and Evan were standing on the other side of the glass. I exhaled heavily in relief, then swiftly walked toward the door. Evan waved at me as I opened it and stepped aside.

Hey, y’all, I greeted them. Evan smiled brightly at me. Dismal casually walked to my couch and leaned against the back of it. I closed the door and turned to face them.

The Relic was insane tonight, Dismal said. I nodded and looked at the floor. Did you just get out of the shower or something? Evan scoffed at her brother, and I smirked.

No, I just look like this at two in the morning for no reason, I replied sarcastically. Dismal snickered as Evan threw her arms around me and hugged me tightly.

I’m sorry you’re being put through this, she said softly. "This should not be your burden to bear."

We will figure this out, Dismal reassured me. My eyes met his as I pulled away from his sister. Evan walked over to Dismal and leaned against the couch beside him. So, he started, his voice trailing off, how are you doing? I pursed my lips and walked in the kitchen, grabbing the bottle of Jack again.

I’m dealing, I replied over my shoulder. I grabbed three glasses from my cabinet and placed them on the counter. Dismal and Evan drifted into the kitchen. Dismal leaned his shoulder up against my refrigerator, crossing his arms, and Evan sat on the counter across from me.

What do you need from us? Dismal asked. I opened the bottle of whiskey and began roughly pouring double shots in all three glasses.

I need y’all to locate this body before the police do, I said, handing both of them their drinks. Dismal immediately threw his back and placed it on the countertop. I poured him another one.

Trent and Duncan didn’t know which holler? Evan asked. I shook my head and took a sip of my whiskey.

They sure didn’t. They exchanged disenchanted looks with each other. I’m so sorry, y’all. Dismal held his hand up.

Shadow, this isn’t your fault, he said. "Nobody planned for this kind of idiocracy. Everyone knows the penalty for breaking this law. They knew the risk and did it anyway."

I’m confident that we will find this dead human, Evan added, sipping on her drink. I smiled warmly at her. She was fiddling with the small, gold ring on her finger with a blue topaz stone embedded in it. She’s nervous too.

I’m assuming Trent and Duncan will face their judgment day tomorrow? Dismal said, staring into his glass.

What do you think? I said, taking a swig.

I’m personally not going to miss them, Evan said. They always gave me weird vibes anyways. I lit a cigarette up, instantly touching it to my lips.

Have you or Vandal spoken to Ace and Star yet? Dismal asked.

Shit. No, I haven’t, I sighed. Ace and Star were the other two on the council; Ace was my third-in-command, and Star was my fourth-in-command. I pulled out my phone and sent them a text message, then tossed it on the counter. Now I have. Dismal snickered. I exhaled the smoke through my parted lips. I feel like I don’t have it all together right now. I even forgot to alert the rest of the council about this. Dismal walked over to me and placed his hand on my shoulder.

Just breathe, he said softly, his amber eyes peering into mine. My phone pinged. I picked it up: Ace. I opened the message. It read, Fucking dammit. I set my phone back down, threw back the rest of my shot, then poured another one.

Was that Ace? Evan asked.

"Yes, and he’s really happy about this," I answered sardonically.

Ace is an asshole, Dismal remarked.

I regret putting him on the council, I said.

He’s so power-hungry, Evan commented, scowling. I hate him.

I think everyone does, I said, downing my shot. Evan finished hers and slid off the counter.

"You should put me on the council instead! she said playfully. Problem solved!"

"Like you wouldn’t let it get to your big head," Dismal cackled as he ruffed up his sister’s hair. Evan reached over and smacked the back of her brother’s head. I poked her forehead.

He might be onto something. Evan wrinkled her nose at me and swatted my finger away from her face. Her phone buzzed in her pocket.

I’m going to head out, she said, smiling. Dis, are you coming? she asked, eyeing her brother.

Who is that?

You coming or not?

I’ll be right behind you. Just give me a little bit. She nodded.

Okay. Love you, she said, then turned to wave at me. Bye, Shadow. I waved back.

I’ll see you tomorrow, I said. The moment she exited my house, my fake smile collapsed in on itself. Dismal turned his gaze to me.

I’m not okay, I confided in him. He straightened up. I don’t know what I’m doing.

It’s okay that you don’t have this all figured out, he said.

No, it’s not, I argued. It is my duty to have everything figured out, whether I’m ready for shit like this or not. He frowned. I’m trying not to lose it right now, if I’m being honest. Dismal wrapped his arms around me.

You don’t have to hold it all in, he said, rubbing my back. It’s just you and me here.

"I need to hold it together, I said. He pulled away and gave me a disapproving look. Please, Dismal. I need you and Evan to find this body."

We will, he reassured me. He cupped my chin and tilted my head so I could look him in the eyes. You know I’d do anything for you, Shadow. I raised my brow.

"You? Or the both of you?" I teased. Dismal froze before taking a step back.

The both of us, he chuckled as he rubbed the back of his neck. You know Ev and I will always be here when you need us. I smiled up at him.

Thank you, Dismal.

I should probably head out. It seems we all have a big day tomorrow. I smirked. He started to head toward the door, then halted before turning back around. Before I forget, he started, I found two new strays who want to join our clan. I crossed my arms.