Howling in My Head
1030 Words
Mae — POV
The truth hit like a sucker punch to the stomach. The guy I saw in my dream? Yeah, that was Hector Muller. Turns out, he bought all the infants who were used as test subjects by Runa Thornhart — that psycho hybrid queen. She made us, but we weren’t what she wanted. We were just... not enough. Only hybrids. She had better luck with a few of her other "experiments."
I let out a shaky sigh, trying to shake off the file’s contents from my head, but they stuck like gum on a shoe. I ended up standing in the forest, arms wrapped around myself, totally alone and not sure what the hell to do next. Is Hector Muller even alive? Or is this whole thing just a dead end?
I needed to crash somewhere. First step: find a motel. I sped through the woods, my body moving faster than any human ever could, until I reached the edge of town. Found a cheap motel, grabbed a burner phone, and streamed some mindless crap just to shut my brain off.
A hot shower, greasy food, and a mattress later, I was stretched out trying to grab some sleep.
“Someone’s watching us,”
Valkra’s voice was low, tense. My wolf rarely got spooked. I sat up straight, heart thudding, and peeked out the window. Nothing.
Not a flicker of magic or movement.
“Valkra, there’s no one.”
“Stay alert...” she murmured. “I felt something before…”
“Valkra.” My voice cracked a little. “I’m sorry. I’ve been... I’ve treated you badly.”
“Nice to finally hear my real name instead of the random crap you come up with.” Her voice was bitter, and yeah, I deserved it.
“Thanks for staying. For protecting me.”
She just huffed and shut me out again. Typical. But I stayed up. I owed her that much at least.
“Ow,” I groaned, eyes barely open. My whole body felt like I’d been hit by a truck. I peeled myself off the chair and stretched, wincing.
Something felt off.
I sniffed the air. A chill crawled up my spine.
“Who the hell was in my room?” I muttered, looking around. The damn window was wide open and the sun was stabbing my eyes.
I slammed the window shut and yanked the drapes closed.
“I told you not to fall asleep on guard duty,” Valkra grumbled.
“Okay, okay, sorry. It wasn’t on purpose.”
My eyes landed on a note sitting on the table. I unfolded it.
“I can help you find answers. Meet me at St. Croix State Forest at 1 AM tonight. If you’ve got the guts.”
Mocking. Like they knew me. I hate being challenged like that.
“Could be a trap,” Valkra warned. “Don’t go.”
“It’s a risk I have to take,” I whispered back.
She groaned in disapproval. Noted.
I did my usual workout routine, had a half-decent breakfast, and hit the streets. Humans everywhere. Their scent wasn’t nearly as disgusting as it used to be. Small win.
“Watch where you’re going!” I snapped as someone bumped into me. I stopped cold.
Daniel.
“What are you doing in a human city?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.
“Hey you,” he smirked. “Coffee?”
“That how you ask me on a date now?” I quipped.
“Nah, I just need caffeine. If you’re not up for it, no biggie.”
He started walking off, but I reached out and grabbed his hand without thinking. His eyes flicked to our hands. I let go.
“Fine. I’ll come.”
We ducked into a little cafe. I ordered decaf — no more adrenaline needed — and he went straight for black.
“So, what brings you here?” I asked.
“Alpha Oscar business,” he said, looking like he hadn’t slept in days.
“What are you up to now that you’re free?” he added, sidestepping the conversation.
“You’re talkative today.”
“Blame insomnia.”
“Why?” I pressed.
He went quiet. Looked like he didn’t want to talk.
“Don’t mind me,” I said, brushing it off.
“Alpha Oscar…” he mumbled. I raised an eyebrow, catching him staring at his coffee like it had secrets.
He finally looked up, voice heavy.
“Oscar’s family arranged for him to marry Jasmine. Alpha Kael Draven’s daughter. If he didn’t find a mate or...”
“...Got rejected,” I finished for him.
He nodded slowly.
And just like that, a knot twisted in my chest. Guess this means he’ll move on. Probably for the best. But Valkra let out this heart-wrenching groan in my head, and I had to shut my eyes.
“Hey,” Daniel touched my hand. I looked up. His gaze held mine. “You okay?”
“Yeah... I’ll be.” My voice was barely a whisper.
But I wasn’t. I stood up too fast, dizzy, and nearly collapsed. Daniel caught me, his hand brushing the back of my neck. Maybe I imagined it, but something about his energy steadied me.
“Your wolf’s throwing a fit over the news,” he said, so close I could feel his breath.
“Yeah... I probably deserve it,” I murmured.
He didn’t respond, just gently helped me out of the cafe and walked me back to the motel. Saying our farewell. I passed out the moment I hit the bed.
When I opened my eyes, the sun had long since dipped below the horizon.
I dragged myself out of bed and grabbed a few weapons — a taser, a couple knives. I didn’t want to use my powers unless I had to. Sometimes, old-school still works best.
I hailed a cab and made my way to the St. Croix State Forest. It was pitch black. No one in sight. Felt like a prank.
I started to turn back when I heard it.
“You came, Luna Mae,” said a stranger.
- Writer
