“Whoa!” My hands shot up to shield my eyes, and I was pretty sure I just drew on my face with my pen. I ripped off my headphones and heard cheering and clapping erupting around me. Out of every window, all I could see were brilliant blue skies and ocean. What had happened to the fog? The weather looked downright balmy.
“Here you go.” A harried-looking ferry worker handed me a pair of free sunglasses that saidDarkaway Islandon the temples.
“Uh, thanks.” I turned to ask the Sisters in the adjacent booth what the deal was with the weather, but they were gone.
“Welcome to Darkaway Island,” said a voice over the loudspeaker. “Where monsters come to play.” A few more cheers and wolf-whistles erupted around me.
All this hullabaloo over the island’s theme reminded me of a small town we’d driven through when I was a kid and my parents were still married. My dad had this thing about wantingto visit all the contiguous states by car. We’d visited three before my parents divorced, but I don’t think the car trips were related. The town had been decked out like a Bavarian village, which seemed quaint at the time, but I learned later it was just a marketing decision by city planners to attract tourists.
“We’ll be docking in a few minutes,” the voice continued. “On behalf of the entire crew, we truly hope you enjoy your time on Darkaway.”
As soon as he signed off, a Bob Marley song began playing over the speakers. It was an island-ish song about not worrying, which was perfect. I planned to do a lot of non-worrying these next few weeks. I didn’t know all the words, but I found myself humming along anyway.
I caught a glimpse of the view from the front-facing windows and gasped. A lush green island rose like a jewel in the middle of the ocean, with palm trees waving in the ocean breeze and tall cliffs soaring behind white sandy beaches. A halo of fluffy clouds hovered over the tip of a craggy mountain.
And above everything stretched that brilliant azure sky.
Maybe Mrs. Baker wasn’t Alzheimerish after all.
We sailed toward the ferry dock under a huge black arch that saidWelcome to Darkaway.The ride had taken only a few hours, which seemed impossible from a geography perspective, but who was I to argue with what I could see with my own two eyes? Maybe there were rain shadows and pockets of tropicality that I didn’t know about. I was, however, pretty thrilled to be here, far from the danger back home.
I hurriedly lugged George’s carrier and my rolling suitcase up the stairs with athunk, thunk, thunk.The ferry engines reversed momentarily, followed by a gentle jolt as we docked. Once outside, fragrant island air warmed my sun-starved skin, and I took a deep breath. So many strange and wonderful scents.
Guess this vacation wasn’t going to be a bust after all.
I got in line with the rest of the passengers leaving on foot, trying not to bump George’s carrier against anyone or anything. We shuffled over a narrow gangplank with safety rails that connected the ferry to the dock, then down a ramp and finally stepped onto the island. With all the cars streaming off the ferry just a few feet away and people jostling me left and right, I needed to watch my step.
Several dark shadows passed overhead. I glanced up to see what kind of birds would cast such large shadows and was instantly blinded once again by the bright sun. Blinking a few times to get rid of the black spots dancing in my vision, I realized I should’ve put on the sunglasses the attendant gave me when I had a chance.
Music was coming from the opposite corner of the intersection. If I had a free hand, I’d have shaded my eyes to get a better look. But from what I could see, two street musicians in monster costumes were playing a fiddle and a ukulele in front of a candy store. It took me a moment to recognize The Monster Mash, and I chuckled.
Nice detail, Darkaway Island. Very nice.
Beyond them and to the right was a Ferris wheel and a boardwalk with lots of interesting-looking shops. To the left was a grand hotel on the beach with dozens of the most beautiful kites I’d ever seen.
My breath caught in my throat. Could that be where I was staying? I couldn’t wait to check in, change into my tankini, and go down to the beach. I would order a cocktail with an umbrella in it and catch some serious rays. Or maybe I’d visit the shops first. I hoped the candy store sold saltwater taffy; a bag or two was definitely in my future. But there was no need to do it all today. I was here for a month—four glorious weeks—and I’d have plenty of time to explore.
Hearing a commotion behind me, I glanced over myshoulder and instantly froze. The good island vibes I’d been feeling were replaced by sheer terror.
The crowd parted, and three dogs the size of Jon Snow’s dire wolf were charging down the sidewalk. Growling. Teeth bared. Heading straight for George and me.
I scrambled wildly to get out of their way, then screamed as I tripped on the curb and fell into traffic. The screeching sound of car brakes filled the air, and for the second time in less than a week, I wondered if I would die.
CHAPTER FOUR
Travis
Over the years, I’ve killed a few people. Not a huge number, but when you’re a werewolf, death happens.
Most of them were scum of the earth bad. The kind you wouldn’t want to run into in a dark alley. Killing was a side effect of our nature, unfortunately. Animal instincts were harder to control as a wolf. But it only happened during a full moon with my own teeth and claws. Not in the middle of the day. With a vehicle.
Heaven’s Moon!
I slammed on the brakes of my rental car and jumped out. The woman I’d helped in the fog was sprawled on the pavement just inches from my front bumper. But thankfully, not dead.
With my heightened wolf senses, I didn’t smell blood, though I did notice how soft her hands were as I reached down and pulled her up. “You okay, darlin’?” Her suitcase sat on the road next to her, the pet carrier on its side. Her cat seemed fine too, but angry as all get out, given the hissing.
“I…I think so.” She blinked a few times, looking a bit dazed asI brushed tiny bits of gravel from her hair and the back of her denim jacket.
