The Wolf's Song

An Inspection

Diana

Driving into the city with Robert had a different feel than with Michael. He had wanted to come with me to the hospital, but Francis had shown up and needed his attention.

I didn’t want to part from him, but I had to check on Martha and Maya in person. Despite everything that happened, I managed to sleep well enough.

I was glad Michael stayed with me, even if I woke up alone, I had never felt safer. I rather enjoyed waking up and having breakfast with him, we almost felt like a real couple. Well, except for the fact that I was attacked by a werewolf and probably a shifter, and Michael had continually saved me from both.

I attributed the werewolf save to him even though it was Damien who disabled him, if Michael had not shown up when he did, then it would have been a human that ended my life. After seeing that, I was glad I agreed to keep some distance from him; grief was dangerous and Damien was full of it.

I glanced over at my driver, but he hadn’t said a word the whole time and only nodded when Michael told him to drive. Then a thought popped into my head.

“Hey, that night at the club, did you really just go there, or did Michael ask you to follow me?” I asked. I saw him swallow, his eyes barely shifting in my direction.

“I do have a social aversion,” Robert answered, a way of agreeing without necessarily putting Michael in the hot seat.

I wanted to be annoyed, but I was starting to understand his need to protect me. I was from New York, and I knew danger lurked around any corner, but this place seemed a bit much. I would have to start being more watchful from now on. Of course, suspecting everyone as a potential danger or worse, a werewolf was going to be taxing.

He pulled in front of the hospital, and I saw him doing a quick scan of the area.

“I’ll be waiting in the lobby. Take your time,” he said.

I started to say he didn’t have to wait but remembered he was my ride back. I wouldn’t feel right being alone in Martha’s house while she was here. I thanked him and headed inside. One of the cops, the one who interviewed me nodded, but thankfully didn’t need any follow-up questions. I made my way to the main desk and waited till she hung up the phone.

“Hi, um, I need the room number for Maya. Oh, I don’t know her last name. She’s the librarian?” I asked, hoping this woman was a local. She glanced at the cop and his nod of approval got me a room number. “And Martha Muller. She’s my grandmother.” I added, making sure she didn’t look to the cop for approval again.

She didn’t ask for proof, but I knew my accent was throwing her off. Once I had their room numbers, I went to the elevator. Just as the doors were closing, I spotted Robert. He saw me and nodded. He was a kind man, quiet, nervous, but kind.

I decided to check in with Maya first. Her room was a solo room, probably so they could ask her questions without a roommate running their mouths later, but I bet she enjoyed the quiet. I always hated sharing a room.

“Hey, you,” I said as I stepped into the room.

“Hey,” she smiled at me.

Her makeup was a mess, but she still looked radiant. I hesitated, then gave up my inner struggle and decided to hug her. It was the least I could do since she literally saved my life.

“How are you feeling?” I asked, sitting on the end of the bed. There was a plastic bag on the only chair in the room, but even from here, I could see it was the remains of her clothes. They were dirty and stained red.

“This? It’s nothing. Just a cut on my shoulder, mild concussion, and a sprained wrist,” she held up her pump and pushed the button. “I’ll feel it tomorrow.”

She laughed and I couldn’t help but join in, glad her personality hadn’t bled out in the snow. She patted the covers, smoothing it out as if that were her only pastime.

“Maya, I don’t even know where to start. Thank you for what you did. I just couldn’t move; I don’t know what happened. You saved my life; I owe you so much for that,” I said, my voice shaking as I recalled the events. She leaned up and took my hand, giving it a squeeze.

“Anytime. There is no favor among friends, only next time,” she smiled at me, an honest twinkle in her eyes. I held her gaze, trying to let her see just how much it meant to me.

Next time? That reminded me of my friends back home. We also seemed to be paying back each other.

“So, the next time a werewolf attacks, I’ll take the concession,” I teased.

She laughed. “Deal,” she said, then opened her arms to me and I hugged her again. We separated, neither of us feeling the need to discuss what happened, we were there, we saw it and we understood each other. I saw her eyes blink slowly and told her to get some rest. I replaced her cover as she laid back, it was not long before she was out.

I made my way to Martha’s room, and she lowered the volume on the TV and greeted me.

“Grandma,” I hugged her tightly as well. “How are you doing? Think they will let you leave today?” I asked, hopeful.

“I hope so. I didn’t spend a fortune on my bed to sleep on this thing. Only because I’m old do they want to observe me longer,” she groaned.

“Well, I’m glad they are taking precautions,” I said.

I sat on her chair, crossing my legs to try and get somewhat comfortable. I saw what she meant if even the chair was impossible. I started to speak when the words Murderer of Bamberg Arrested flashed across the screen. They showed a mug shot of the man, but even someone with limited artistic skills could see the photo was altered. I scoffed in annoyance.

“I know the news can bury stories, but that’s a new low,” I said, shaking my head.

“You saw him?” she asked.

I didn’t catch my face in time, and she read it as if she had spent the last twenty-two years reading it.

“It wasn’t a man, Grandma,” I said. “At least, not all man.” I didn’t know how much to give away, but I knew she believed there were more than humans in Bamberg. Suddenly, my necklace burned my skin as I remembered what she said about never taking it off. I grabbed it under my shirt and gave it a squeeze. This was some kind of protection and yet I kept finding myself in danger.

“There will be many stories floating around,” she said, not agreeing or disagreeing with me, but she eyed me keenly, saying something without words. I smiled, glad that no matter what craziness came out of my mouth, I knew Martha was on my side.

I stayed with her a while, discussing the fake news as each new breaking news spills more lies. Eventually, a team of doctors arrived, and I dismissed myself, promising to call her later tonight.

I found Robert in the lobby and we headed back to the car. It had only been a few hours, but I was already eager to return to Michael. After his confession, our promise to develop this relationship, and the open communication we had been having lately, I couldn’t seem to get enough of him.

I never thought of myself as one of those women, but not only did he make me feel safe, but I felt seen, desired, and enjoyed. Having Robert near helped with the anxiety of the unknown, but Michael would make it disappear completely and, after seeing my friends and family hurt by something that wanted me, I would take all the comfort I could get.