Tsukana Shinobi Dearu, a Junior High Japanese kid, is quite an anomaly, even for her world. A world of werewolves and elves and Meif'wa's. She was probably the rarest of the bunch, a Winter Shapeshifter. Thought to be extinct over one hundred years ago, Tsuki is now a source of entertainment for researchers and scientists. Not only is she avoiding those, she suffers from a missing eye in an accident, and has to use a robotic eye, but she is also an empty shell for her parents' consciousness, who take control of her every move. There are very few people she can rely on. Her friends, Shadow Cortez and Phoenix Kai. Her brother, Jikan Shinobu Dearu. And her Sidhe, Nyamau, a small Japanese Cat-Yokai.
{With special thanks to Phoenix and Shadow, who gave me this idea. D3RP CR3W FOR3V3R~}
A criminal mastermind makes a bold move against a wealthy client to put himself in a position to retire in comfort. He has no idea what he's up against when a young widow, desperate to make ends meet, sets her eyes on earning the bounty set on his head.
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Newly widowed housewife Melody Scott needs to earn some major cash, fast. When her bright and busy children learn that a priceless ruby bracelet has been stolen and a six-figure reward is being offered, they convince her to try to do what the police, museum security, and the best private investigators have failed to do. Working against them is a notorious thief who has met people from around the world, but who has never once encountered a woman like Melody Scott. When the sweet innocence of the Scott family clashes against criminal forces more dangerous than they ever imagined, Melody is all too aware that a mom's got to do what a mom's got to do to protect her family.
The Widow, Melody Scott is a 2021 Watty Award Winner!
Content Warning: This story does contain depictions of stalking behavior.