Lunar Lake

You would think that, being out of work, I would change my routine. But no…I forgot to turn off the alarm clock and it woke me up at six o’clock in the fricking morning. I figured I should go for my morning run. It was the best time to run, I was less likely to run into someone. I avoid people when I'm not at work. I guess now that I’m unemployed I’m going to become a hermit, or the neighborhood crazy cat lady, but I think I need more than one cat for that title. There was a nip in the air, so great for jogging in, but my heart was not in it today. So once around the park and over the bridge to the lake, then home. Time to figure out what I'm going to do for the next six months while I live off my severance. I could write another book. I've published three books that bring in no income. Leslie was my biggest fan, she loved books, especially ones written by new authors. If she liked the first book, she would get every book the person wrote. I remember she had this huge room in her h

Scott and I walked into the house. I could tell members of my family had been by. The front door had been forced open and things were missing. I think they were mad that Leslie didn’t leave them any money, so they just helped themselves to some of her (I mean my - it still feels weird to say that) expensive art works and valuable furniture. At least they left the ugly, oversized green chair. That was Leslie’s favorite; it was the most comfortable chair in the house. Scott walked around the house like a kid in a candy store. He couldn’t believe how big it was for just one person. He liked the paintings that were left and the library, but mostly he loved the kitchen - it was huge! I could open a small restaurant in it. We checked out the bedrooms on the second floor, where Scott picked out a room he liked and declared that it was his whenever he visited. I chose the master bedroom for myself; it was big enough for my king-sized bed and had a balcony overlooking the woods out back. I p

Camerin knocked on my office door before he walked in and sat down in front of my desk. I had spent most of the day here working. Since I sent Camerin out to look into our new neighbors, I had to cover his work as well. “I hope you have some good news for me. I doubled the offer on the property and I Haven't heard back yet.” I said as I signed the last piece of paper for the day and then gave him my full attention. “I had Micah scout out the house. There are two people unloading the truck, so they're moving in. They must be health conscious for there was a lot of exercise equipment they moved into the garage. The owner of the truck is Scott Banner, an independent driver. The owner of the house is Kathryn Stevens, a relative of the lady who lived there. The couple is in town eating at Sherry’s Diner right now. Sherry said she would get some information on them while they're there and give me a call later.” Camerin finished his report. “If anyone can get information out of someone

8 (Kathryn’s POV) I dropped into a fetal position to protect the vital spots on my body and waited for the first bite from the wolves, but it never came. They were fighting each other. All I saw was fur and blood flying in all directions. I took the opportunity to run, and I ran as fast as I could back towards the house. I managed to run about a hundred yards away before my path was blocked by another wolf who had white fur with black patches on his back. He didn’t hesitate to growl at me. With the other two still fighting, this was just me against him. I knew the odds were not in my favor, but I did have the training to protect myself. How much different could it be from human to wolf? The wolf took a step forward, and I thought I was about to find out. I saw movement out of the corner of my left eye. The blackest wolf I’ve ever seen was standing there. I swore his eyes were glowing. He didn’t growl, but he gave off a massive sense of dominance. It was enough for the other wol

10 (Kathryn’s POV) I smiled, shook his hand and replied, “Nice to meet you, my name is Kathryn Stevens.” Even through my glove, I felt a tingling sensation when we shook hands. It was strange. “Stevens? Are you related to Leslie Stevens?” he asked. “Yes, I’m her niece. I just moved into her house,” I answered. I wondered why I was sharing this with a stranger. “I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your aunt,” he was very sympathetic. “If you’ve moved into the house then we’re neighbors. I own the land just east of your property. If there is anything you need, let me know.” “That’s nice of you, thanks.” I couldn’t stop smiling as I spoke to him. I was acting like a schoolgirl who saw a cute guy for the first time. Sherry came by to take my drink order and I just asked for a soda; I didn’t need to be drinking alcohol around a bunch of people I didn’t know. Ten minutes later, two plates of fish with some fixings on the side were placed in front of us. Quietly I started to eat