Page 8 of Triumph of the Wolf
“We can consult your etymologist later.” Duncan waved to indicate Bolin in the leasing office, then led me toward the Roadtrek.
I followed more eagerly than I otherwise might have, given our grim destination. But leaving didn’t keep me from worrying that I would have to deal with Chad sooner or later.
3
“Things have gotten worsefor your mother?” Duncan asked as he drove us toward Monroe.
“That’s what Lorenzo said.”
“That’s unfortunate. She’s still sharp and seems like she’s kept herself fit most of her life.”
“Oh, she has. Disease isn’t fair about who it strikes down.” Glum, I gazed out the window at the traffic, sun glinting off car frames and windshields. Cold rain would have felt more appropriate, but the weather was determined to be nice in the aftermath of the previous day’s storm.
“I suppose you won’t be in the mood for that date I suggested,” Duncan said.
“I… might need a distraction.”
“Some dinner then? Followed by a drive-in movie?”
“Adrive-in? Are there any theaters left around here that do that?”
“It’s a bit of a commute, but there are a couple. I looked them up. Don’t you find the privacy of one’s vehicle much more appealing than a crowded theater?”
“After we helped the local theater owner—Harold—he might be willing to put together a private showing for us,” I said.
“That could be appealing, but he would probably frown upon us having an intimate moment, were we moved in such a direction by the story unraveling on the screen. Whereas if we were in my van at the drive-in…”
“What’s playing right now that you think would be so moving?”
“The drive-in is currently offering a chainsaw-massacre thriller and an alien-invasion movie.”
“Two options that are sure to put feelings of intimacy into a woman’s mind.”
“You don’t think so?”
“If you want to hang out in your van, we might as well have our date in the parking lot at Sylvan Serenity. We can watch the ghost hunters set up for their evening search for the paranormal.”
“Excellent. I’ll bring popcorn.”
“I was being sarcastic.”
“Imagine my shock at such an uncharacteristic tone from you.” Duncan winked, never offended by my snark. “I’m amenable to whatever evening activity will allow us to spend time together. I fully expect it’ll be the company more than the venue or entertainment that moves you to a desire for romance.” After giving me an easy smile, he focused on navigating out of town and into the foothills toward Mom’s cabin.
“Youmight not be moved after chatting with my mother. You know what she always focuses on when you’re in the room.”
“I remember her complimenting my fine physique on one occasion.”
“Your abs specifically, as I recall. They managed to convey old-world power and virility.”
“They are talented muscles.”
We passed the last of the farm properties and headed up the winding road into the woods that had remained largely untouched since my family had moved into the area generations ago. When we reached the frog pond less than a mile from the property, Duncan shifted in his seat.
“I sense a number of werewolves.”
“That’s… not uncommon here.”
How many times had I arrived to find half the pack lounging around Mom’s property in the aftermath of a hunt or shedding their clothing in preparation for one?
