Shadows of the Moon (Black Wolf Agency Book 2) (10 page)

As Selene began to slowly stir from her sleep the next morning, she thought about what had happened to her the last couple weeks. Her mind didn’t usually race like this in the morning, but today it was. Everything from the night she was first attacked, to meeting and falling in love with Marcus, and being attacked again just yesterday evening. She couldn’t help but think, if the bad things hadn’t happened, the good things never would have happened either. She felt a little guilty thinking she was glad things happened the way they had; so many people had been killed, including Marcus’ cousin, Sarah. However, every time she felt guilty, she told herself that things just happened that way, and there was nothing she could have done to change it.

Opening her eyes, she stared up at the ceiling of the guest room. Luckily, she and Marcus still had it to themselves. She was worried they would have had to share a room with Kate, when James had told her she needed to stay there for protection. Kate revealed to them that there was another guest room further in the back of the building; one that neither Marcus nor Selene knew about.

She continued to stare up at the white ceiling until she felt Marcus stir beside her. She rolled onto her side and kissed him gently on the lips, whispering, “Good morning, sweetheart.”

As his eyes slowly fluttered open, he whispered back, “Good morning, love.”

“It’s nice that you don’t have to drive to work this morning,” she chuckled.

“Hey, that’s a good point. Let’s move in,” he joked, laughing in response to her comment.

“However, I have to go to work, unfortunately. Occasionally, they want me to work on Saturday, and this is one of those days.” She frowned; just the thought of having to go to that job with people she didn’t like working with erased any excitement or happy thoughts from her mind. And the thought of having to go out there with the killer still on the loose, after he had nearly killed her again just yesterday; she was terrified.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“I have to go to work,” she said, almost whining. “Honey, listen, there’s no need to worry. PAIA taught me quite a few fighting skills. How do you think I lasted so long in that fight when the killer broke into my apartment and attacked me? Besides, he’s not gonna come after me at PAIA. There are too many witnesses. And the only time I won’t be in the building is when you’re dropping me off and picking me up.”

He sensed the frustration in her voice; he could tell she wasn’t frustrated with him, but the fact that she even had to go at all. “Selene, I can tell you’re not happy at that job. Why go, then?”

“The pay is good. I like to be able to pay rent every month and buy groceries.”

“You can do that still, while doing something you enjoy.”

“Actually, I don’t mind the job itself. It’s the people I have to work with and the way they go about things. To be honest with you, Mr. Gates gives me the creeps. I wouldn’t mind doing what I’m doing now if I could work with people I like spending time with.” She paused for a moment, looking at Marcus. “Just curious, other than chasing around bad werewolves, does
Black Wolf Agency
encounter vampires a bit also?”

“Yeah, although we encounter far more problems with vampires than werewolves. We’re usually a peaceful species; our intent is to protect the human population from vampires.”

“I know that fact about werewolves. However, PAIA doesn’t do many dealings with vampires. Since our goal apparently isn’t to protect humanity, like I was lead to believe in the beginning, we generally leave vampires alone. Have you ever encountered a good vampire by any chance?”

“Kate used to be a vampire, actually. You see, good vampires are just about as rare as bad werewolves. She was one in a million. She was converted against her will, just like you were; but instead, she was forced to live in the darkness for hundreds of years and drink blood as her sustenance. In fact, she died once, by exposing herself to sunlight. James couldn’t live without her, so he brought her back. She was thankful for him bringing her back, but she still wasn’t truly happy. Along their journey, they met Damian and Devon, who told them about Lucius, the only man ever known to change a vampire to a werewolf. After finding him and hearing his story, James was able to successfully convert Kate to a werewolf. Now, she can go out in the sunlight and truly be a part of this world again.”

“Geez, I’m glad a vampire didn’t attack me. That life sounds dreadful.”

“You see, being a werewolf isn’t such a bad thing after all.”

“I realize that now. Thanks.” And she thought she had issues with the psycho killer coming after her. Well yeah, that sucked ass, but not being able to ever go out in the sunlight again, and being driven by a blood thirst for the rest of eternity; that would be horrible. “So, what other types of creatures are out there, other than fairies and trolls?”

“Honestly, I don’t know too much yet, since I’m still new. Hey, you should talk to Lin. Maybe get to know her and ask her what you just asked me.”

“Maybe, but to be honest, she seems kind of bitter.”

“Well, I heard from some of the others that she’s normally a really nice person to be around. She’s just dealing with a lot of drama lately with her boyfriend.”

“Well, then her attitude is understandable. I’ve been there, done that. I’m glad I’ve got you now, though.”

“And I’m glad I’ve got you, babe.”

Selene grinned and went to sing, but Marcus interrupted her.

“If you sing that song and get it in my head, I’ll be irritable the rest of the day.”

“There’s nothing wrong with that song.”

“No, but when I’m working, I prefer for it not to be in my head.”

“So, what am I doing about work?” asked Selene, frowning again.

“I still say you shouldn’t go, especially after the murderer showed up in your office, asking questions about you, and then attacked you.”

He sure had a point about that. Maybe she shouldn’t go. “Alright, good point. I’ll call in sick today. I don’t know how many more days I can take off, though.”

“It’s okay. Worst case, you’ll lose a job you hated.”

“Thanks for the comforting words, wise guy,” she muttered as she rolled her eyes.

About half an hour after Selene and Marcus took a shower and got dressed, Lin arrived at the agency. Normally she wasn’t the first one there; this behavior shocked Marcus, but he was glad to see she was dedicated to her work, at least.

Marcus was the first one to spot her coming through the door and urged Selene with hand gestures to go talk to her. He stayed in the shadows to watch and listen.

“Um, good morning, Lin,” said Selene, approaching her.

“Good morning, Selene.” Lin continued to take off her jacket and hang it up, along with her purse.

“Listen, I know we kind of got off on the wrong foot―”

“I know, and I’m sorry,” she said, finally turning to look at Selene. “It’s not you I have a problem with. It’s just that, things haven’t been so great with my boyfriend lately, and with all the changes happening within the agency, I’m beginning to not even recognize that anymore. My life is changing and I’m not very comfortable with the changes. Not just yet, anyway.”

“I understand. My life has been pretty much turned upside down lately, too.”

“Yeah, I didn’t even stop to think about what you’ve been through. I’m surprised you haven’t lost your mind.”

“I would have, if it weren’t for Marcus.” Selene smiled at the thought of him.

“You two are a cute couple.”

“Thanks.” There was an awkward pause for a moment. Selene felt she had to say something to cheer her up a little at least. “You know, if it doesn’t work out with your boyfriend, I’m sure you’ll find your soul mate soon.”

“Thanks, Selene. And thanks for talking to me. I feel better now.” Lin smiled at her; if she could recall, it was the first time Selene had ever seen her smile.

“No problem. I’m here for you, anytime you wanna talk.” Selene walked away toward Marcus with a smile on her face.

“See? You feel better now, don’t you?” he asked.

“Yes, and she does, too. Thanks for having me talk to her.”

“Marcus!” shouted Lucius from the entranceway of the facility as he walked in.

Marcus rounded the corner and ran out into the main room, and asked, “Any news?”

The look on Lucius’ face said it all; there were more murders. The question was, how many?

“Unfortunately, yes. There were two more murders.”

“When is it going to end?” asked Selene, on the verge of crying. All the people who had died such brutal murders, and she couldn’t bear to think of the victims’ families who were all trying to get by without their loved ones.

“When someone kills the bastard,” answered Lucius. “We need to track him down and kill him, but I don’t see how we can even do that. The murderer’s scent was on the victims’ bodies this time, but it went no further than that, so we couldn’t track him. We looked all over, and every time we think we’re in the right place, he picks a new part of the city to kill in.”

“Well, this is certainly unlike any of the homicide cases I’ve dealt with in the past,” added Marcus.

“So, what do we do? Just let him go around and keep killing people?!” asked Selene. She was clearly upset.

“Calm down, Selene,” said Marcus. “Remember, today we have to focus on training you, so if he does come after you again, you’ll stand a better chance against him.”

“Thanks for your concern, but―”

Marcus grabbed both of her hands and gave them a firm squeeze as he stared into her eyes. “Your safety means everything to me. You need to know how to defend yourself. This needs to be done sooner or later. Now is the best time, with a skilled killer werewolf on the loose.”

‘
He has a point,
’ she admitted to herself. “Okay, you’re right. So, what do you want me to try first?”

“First, there are a few things you must know,” said Lucius. “When you are fighting your enemy, you must concentrate completely on the fight and your opponent. Try to anticipate his next move, and try to make moves he will least expect.”

“Okay, noted.”

“Also, you’ll need to know how to fight in both forms, and learn how to shape shift in the middle of a move. Learn to do that and you’ll surprise your opponent. That’s a good skill to master.”

“Alrighty, when do we begin?” she asked.

“Now.” In one lightning fast move, he ducked to the ground and spun around with his leg outward, intending on knocking Selene to the ground. She just barely saw the move coming and jumped in time to miss all contact with him.

“Holy shit! Give me some damn warning next time!” she said, her eyes still wide with surprise.

“The enemy won’t give you warning, Selene. That was very good, however. Almost no one I’ve taught in the past has anticipated that first move. You’re very fast. Now concentrate on your surroundings for a moment.”

She did as he instructed and concentrated on all of her heightened senses. Then she heard the faintest movement behind her, where Marcus was standing. She whirled around and jumped out of the way to dodge his surprise ‘attack’. He fell forward on the floor, and immediately stood up and brushed himself off. Not that the floor was dirty; it was kept so clean, you could practically eat off it.

“You’re really fast, honey,” said Marcus, shaking his head. He couldn’t believe he had just fallen like that. If he was the enemy, he would be a goner after a move like that.

“That’s good. I didn’t know I was so fast, to be honest.”

“It’s hard to realize yourself how fast you are without comparing your speed with someone else’s,” explained Lucius. “Well, it’s apparent that you’re excellent at dodging attacks. It’s time for you to try some of the moves you know on me.”

“Are you sure? I don’t want to hurt you.”

Lucius chuckled and smiled. “You aren’t going to hurt me.”

Selene charged at him so fast, Lucius barely had time to prepare. She swung at him and he ducked to the side. She swung again, and he jumped out of the way. He went to grab her arm to spin her around, and she caught him by the wrist, spinning him around instead. Just then, as she was about to knock him to the ground, he caught his balance and snuck in a surprise move so fast, she didn’t even know what had happened. She found herself on the floor, rubbing her side. She joked and said, “Asshole! That hurt!”