The Last Wolf: Moon Shifter Academy by M.S. Kaminsky

Author:M.S. Kaminsky [Kaminsky, M.S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Open Pollinated Productions LLC
Published: 2021-06-29T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

THE BUS TRUNDLES over a long expanse of the George Washington Bridge. Just two days ago, I swam the frigid river below during my escape from Goldfish. Somehow, I survived, and now I’m headed to the Catskills. Facing an empty home feels far more challenging than Hines or that icy water.

Added to that, I can’t shake the sensation that I’m being followed. Behind me, I examine the passengers one-by-one. Not a single familiar face. I peer through the dusty bus window into the snarl of tunnel traffic. A motorcycle passes in the fast lane. Eddie? No, it can’t be. This guy looks much older. Anyway, I can’t see how he’d manage the long ride north in his state.

“You have family up north?” my seatmate asks out-of-the-blue. Her bangs are cut a bit crooked to her face. I turn back to the window.

“Not the talkative sort, hmm?”

“Nope.” I force a smile. True, I’m not the chit-chatty sort. This might sound harsh, but random people hold no interest. Again, it’s that lone wolf thing. Look, I mean the woman no harm. If she needed help, I’d offer. But there is no point in meaningless conversations to pass the time.

“So, do you have family there?”

I thought she got the hint. Guess not.

“I did.” I turn back to the window.

“In Livingston Manor or farther upstate?” Curiosity lands in her light brown eyes reflected in the bus window.

It’s called Gateway to the Catskills, and Livingston Manor is the closest stop to my family home.

“Just outside town.”

“What happened? Did they move away?”

I don’t answer.

“Got too chilly for ‘em?” She chuckles. “Early cold snap this fall. A foot of snow coming, maybe more.” Opening a big beige purse made of cracked, faux leather, she takes out a Kleenex and honks her nose. “I grew up there but moved back to help my sister. Breast cancer.” She waits for my reaction.

After a long, awkward silence, I relent. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

A pinched expression spasms her face. “Gotta stay positive, right?” An enormous grin replaces the worried look.

While I agree in spirit, I’m also left confused. Even with my dumbed-down human senses, this woman smells sad, angry, and beaten. Gosh, I am judgmental. Undigested cheese churns in my belly. Damn pizza.

I lean my face against the cool glass and watch the freeway whizz past. A thrill of fear and excitement surges through my chest. Alone in the remote woods upstate might present a chance to shift again. How will I kill Hines unless I harness my powers? Practice. Moon Shifter Academy was a bust. Perhaps it’s time to create my own curriculum?

“I’m Mallory, by the way.”

Mallory offers her hand.

“Katja. Cold weather doesn’t bother me much.” I ignore her hand.

Mallory sniffs and nestles her hand back into her lap. “You’ll freeze to death in that mid-season jacket. I hope you have warm clothes waiting.”

My skin tingles thinking of my pelt—thick, so soft. For generations, people have hunted wolves. This I understand, but don’t forgive. I also understand why mages hunt shifters.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.