Fox Ensnared

Part 8

Chapter 12

The Academy is like a ghost town. I love it. I never noticed the halls were so big. I usually am dodging bodies and trying not to get stepped on. Today I shift and let my fox run wild through the halls. She catches Uncle Jasper's scent and tracks him to the forest. The staff are all gone so we are responsible for our food. Uncle Jasper's wolf has been keeping us well-fed.

His grey wolf comes out of the forest carrying two rabbits. My fox hops over and steals one right from his maul. Any other wolf would take her head off.

After being stuffed with rabbit, I shifted back and lay under the red sky. Uncle Jasper already went in. Something about making a phone call. He has been acting strange lately; he has become more closed off. I feel bad for the added stress in his life of late. But not enough to stop hunting.

I head in to get ready for the next hunt. Thomas Porterhouse is next on my list. He has a manor South of here. I had no idea he was this close this whole time. I would have marked him off my list sooner. I get dressed and pick out my murder weapon. A nice Karambit; it's one of my favorites. I drink the scent blocker Uncle Jasper gave me earlier today. He made sure I had plenty.

I promised him no more foolish mistakes. I hope I can keep that promise. I don't bother sneaking out my window and hiding in the shadows. Everyone is gone, so I stroll out the front door, looking all murderous. It only takes me forty-five minutes to reach the manor. I hate knowing that bastard was so close this whole time.

I scope out the place from the safety of a hemlock tree. It provides an excellent cover and an impressive view. It seems Mr. Porterhouse is having a soiree. I intend on crashing his little party. But first, I need to do some recon.

The manor is ostentatious, for sure. Most of the guests are congregating in the back by the pool. The music is decent, which surprised me. I haven't seen my target yet. He has to be here somewhere. I doubt he threw a party and forgot to come. An hour has passed, and I'm confident I know the layout well enough to proceed. I spot Porterhouse groping some girl on the upstairs balcony. So I start there. It's an easy entry point. And makes for a quick getaway.

In and out. No drama.

I scale the trellis with ease—another win for my petite size. I perch on the edge of the balcony and listen. I hear moans and skin slapping together. Gross... that poor girl, where is Porthouse's wife? I haven't seen her here all night. I jump over the railings and stick to the shadows. While they are preoccupied, I could kill them both, but I don't love the idea of killing an innocent girl. The only thing she is guilty of is a bad taste in lovers. But if I wait, I risk the chance he will leave with her after he finishes. Decision decisions...

I decided to wait and hope he stuck around afterward. I try to block out the sounds, but it's hard with supernatural hearing. Finally, it's over. He lasted longer than I thought he would. He is just full of surprises tonight. The girl dresses quickly and goes to the restroom to clean herself up.

Girls take a long time in the bathroom, so I act.

Thomas is lying on his back, smoking a cigar. The smell burns my nose and throat. I spin the Karambit around in my hand. Making sure I have a good grip. This will have to be an up close and personal killing. No throwing knives this time.

The bed has a canopy with silk drapes, allowing me to walk right up without him seeing me. I peer through the silk and watch him.

Eyes closed.

Cigar hanging from his lips.

I should strike hard and fast and get the hell out of there, but he was there that night. I remember his ugly mug. He needs to suffer. But the damn girl is a problem. She could come back at any moment. No fun for me tonight.