Wayward Wolf

Bad Idea

Evelyn

I always wanted a sister growing up. Having three brothers, two of whom couldn't stay out of trouble for more than ten minutes, I never had anyone to do girl stuff with. Mom was busy keeping Trev from accidentally killing himself and any free moments were taken up by the pregnant women in her care. My mom is one of the few werewolf midwives in northern Idaho, so she was always busy delivering babies. That craving for a sister was finally filled when Trav met Val. Within a few days she was the sister I always wanted. Nine months later, Trev started dating Sylvie and I got another sister. Even with the triplets and now Emme, the three of us and Val's best friend Carry meet up every month for a girls only night. We drink and Sylvie and Val complain about my brothers while Carry and I watch movies.

            Seeing both of my brothers start their own families is hard. I put off doing that myself for two years while I worked my ass off finishing my master's in nursing. I graduated this past spring and finished my practicums after. I've been working under a supervisor at a clinic while also helping my mom to learn as much as I can about the difference in werewolf pregnancy and birth.

            Trev used to tell us all sorts of horror stories about dating since he was the only one that dated around before finding Sylvie. It was funny until I was the one doing it. The world has progressed a lot, but the werewolf community has lagged behind in women's rights. There's always an expectation to stay home and raise children. I do want children; I just don't want anyone to expect me not to work. Men also don't always like dating women who are smarter than them. I haven't gone past a first date once. Sometimes I ghost them, sometimes they ghost me. Either way it's good riddance. I didn't get my master's degree just to throw it in the trash so guys will like me. Ha, fat chance.

            "Eve, I'll finish your paperwork," my supervisor, Liz, tells me. "Go home and enjoy your weekend."

            "Thank you," I say, flashing her a bright smile. Normally, I'd tell her not to worry and that I'll finish it, but after the shitty date I had this week, all I really want is a huge glass of wine and to forget about how much said date sucked.

            I reorganize a few of the papers at the front desk of the clinic before moving to the breakroom to grab my things. A few of my coworkers wave and say goodbye as I make my way through the clinic and out the front doors. It's late evening, but with winter already here, the sun has dipped well below the horizon. The sky is a darkening blue, clouds blocking a few of the stars from view. While I love spring the most, I love the bite in my lungs from the cold air and burying my nose into the collar of my puffy coat. Maybe I'll have a warm mug of tea when I get home. That sounds nice.

            The parking lot is dark, lit only by a few light posts, which I thankfully remembered to park my car under today. As I walk passed the front of the building, digging around in my purse for my keys, a voice calling out nearly makes me pee myself.

            "Hey!"

            I turn to see a man around my age standing at the edge of the street at the open door of a sedan. I reach my hand into my purse to grab the can of pepper spray Dad bought me when I first started college, wondering what this strange man wants with me and if I can get to my car before he can chase me down. Nothing like this has ever happened to me before, but after what happened to Sylvie over a year ago I've learned to be careful. I still remember her telling me about Jeffery snatching her right out of their apartment. I'd lived in a naïve fantasy world where things like that only happened to other people. Since then I learned that it happens to anyone and it's always better to be safe than sorry.

            As I glance to my side to look at how far away my car is, the man asks, his voice laced with desperation, "Can you help me?"

            I eye him, fingers still clutching the can of pepper spray, and take in a deep breath through my nose. A cold breeze wafts over his scent and I'm a little shocked that he smells of wolf. I don't know if that makes this better or worse. On one hand, this is a strange man flagging me down in a dark, empty parking lot. On the other hand, he's asking me for help. Helping is what I do, even if they aren't pregnant women.