Shifters Pen

24

I hadn’t seen Luke since dinner. He went for his phone interview. I wondered how it went. The whole prison was abuzz with talk of yesterdays fight. I knew Luke would be hungry, and smuggled a few pieces of bacon and toast extra from the serving line. There were benefits to serving the food.
  Sitting down in my usual space Kevin frowned. “Something wrong, Kevin?”
  He hummed an affirmative. “I want you to sit more central to the pack. I don’t like the way Nostradamus is eyeing you this morning.”
  I looked at Nostradamus. He was back to eyeing me like I was the best drug on the market. Like an addict. That didn’t feel too good without Luke here. I did what Kevin said, and went to the more central tables of the pack, making sure I could keep the ancient vampire in sight.
  I ate at the same table as Harold. He had no idea anything was amiss. He was excited to be going into the 4th test class. I was happy for him. Happy for him, but nervous about Nostradamus. The vampire didn’t blink once, just watching me.
  I wasn’t the only one who noticed this behavior. My pack almost all had an eye on him. When it was time for me to go to the office over 50 werewolves stood and left with me. Many were heavyweights. I was proud to be part of a group that looked out for me like this. They were shocked when the wall opened for me, and I was able to walk through. I warned them not to follow because they would get hurt if they hadn’t passed the 4th test.
  Luke was sound asleep in the office. His head was resting against the desk. I ran my hand up his back and heard pops. He groaned. I kissed his neck. He smiled a bit. “How was your morning?”
  I handed him the food and as he took a bite of bacon I told him, “Your pack did you proud today. Nostradamus is back to eyeing me like the last piece of chocolate in the world. They guarded me. How was the phone interview?”
  He shrugged, but smiled. “I made it to the second interview, which will be in a couple days.”
  I smiled, “I’m so proud of you Hon!”
  “You excited to talk to Ella today?”
  “So excited! I never had siblings. She’s like my sister, and we are about the same age. Well, I’m just a little younger. But a sister! And I could ask her about what sorts of things she does as Luna, and what it’s like to have werewolf children. I might be a little excited.”
  He chuckled, and eyed the clock. “Well, it is only 7 here, which makes it,” he yawned, counting on his fingers, “11pm there.”
  I was disappointed. I had hoped to talk to a woman this morning. But it was alright. I had people to write to. Skinwalkers all over the Navajo Reservation. Some were known by certain friends of mine. Some might be dead. I started at the top of the list. Benny Sandoval was in Winrock. If I could open up communications with him he could pick me up from my parents store the fastest. In November. On the continental divide. Where the wind would come roaring out of the nearby canyon. It was cold there. Very, very cold.

Dear Benny:
  Hello, my name is Lucy Merit, and I was born for the skinwalker clan, and made into the werewolf Red Paws pack. I have been trained over the last 7 months in shifting. I have no interest in learning to curse people, and have not sought training in this area. I have been trained to control the weather, a bit. It has been very difficult due to my condition, and where I am located. I am in prison, a very special prison for shapeshifters. I have made friends with my clanmates here. One of them you know. Lou “Gagi” says hello by the way. Just in case you are questioning the validity of some girls claim to be a skinwalker he said that you were the worst shaman student, but best skinwalker. I am writing to you because I need help. I don’t need money. I just need a ride into town. I might also need your help with the weather when I give birth, but my mentor, Che, says I only need 4 others to control the weather while I am in labor. Any help would be appreciated. Even if it was just a ride from my parents old store that a tornado went through to Albuquerque I would be happy. I am due to leave here, Shifters Pen, November 2nd or 3rd. Please feel free to write me back. I am now allowed to get mail. If you send me a phone number to call I will endeavor to call you at a decent hour. I’m in some European time zone.
  Sincerely,