Free Werewulf Journals 2: Trolling for Love by Camille Anthony

you.” The rookie dipped his chin in salute, and Hunter subdued a grin. The human didn’t realize he’d just performed a traditional gesture used when wulves greeted an Alpha.
    “Danvers, isn’t it? What’s going on up front?”
    The man’s freckles stood out in his pale face. He smelled of recent vomit and hurt tangled up with fear. His complexion paled even more as he swallowed down a rise of bile.
    “Something’s on the bridge stopping the cars from passing. Something is ... tossing cars --
    even SUVs -- through the air! Right now, they’re just trying to get all these cars turned around and off the bridge, out of harm’s way. We’ve had multiple pile-ups, sir. The death toll is rising as the rescue teams pry the busted vehicles open.”

    38 Camille Anthony
    Hunter could have told the officer exactly how many mangled bodies littered the road.
    The rank stink of feces from sphincters going lax in death fouled the air. The sweeter scent of shredded meat, laced with fresh, running blood, wafted to his nostrils, and he automatically controlled the urge to feed. He hoped like hell none of his more rabid kindred lurked near this killing ground.
    Drawing his attention from the distracting aromas, Hunter placed a commiserating hand on the youngster’s shoulder. “This your first major multiple, Danvers?”
    The kid swallowed, his head moving in a jerky nod. “Yes, sir, it is.”
    Hunter sighed. “Nothing you can do about those already dead, man. We’re here to make sure no others end up the same.”
    Danvers straightened his shoulders and stood tall. “Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.” He pointed a shaky finger in the direction of the tollgates. “The commissioner is waiting for you. He said to let you through as soon as you showed up.”
    Hunter gave the officer a considering glance and nodded in approval. “You’ll do, kid. I puked my guts out first time I came up on something like this.”
    Astonishment widened the man’s eyes. He brightened. “Really, sir?”
    No, not really, I’ve never lost a meal over road kill, boy. But the lie doesn’t hurt me and gives you back a little of your self-esteem. Hunter nodded. “Yep, I lost it big time.”
    “Well ... that’s ... er ... I mean ...” The youth drew himself up in unconscious replication of Hunter’s stance. “We can’t all keep it in when something like this happens. It’s okay to spew as long as you get right back to your duty.”
    Hunter almost laughed at the kid’s earnest attempt at comfort. “Thanks, man. I appreciate your not laughing at me over that lapse.”
    A confused frown creased Danvers’ eyebrows. “It’s ... laughing wouldn’t be nice, sir.”
    Hunter slid his glasses down and looked over the top of them into the boy’s eyes. “You still got some nice?” His head gave a disbelieving shake. “Huh! Rookies!”
    He slid his glasses back up. “Is it okay to leave my bike here?”
    The young officer took one look at the black and chrome classic and lost his sickly look. “Oh man, is she sweet! That’s the Harley-Davidson 2003 Road King, right?”
    “She is, indeed. Got a great --”
    “A 1340cc engine with a five-gallon gas tank that makes ... what? Thirty-seven miles a gallon in the city, right? Baby comes with removable saddlebags, backrest and windshield that lets you go from family man to solo in under five minutes and --” He tilted his head, scoping the bike with a knowledgeable eye. “-- looks like you opted for the electronic sequential port fuel injected version.”
    Hunter’s brows rose in admiration. “Looks like I’m leaving her in the hands of a connoisseur.”

    Werewulf Journals 2: Trolling for Love
    39
    Danvers shrugged. “My dad rented us twin bikes from Motorcycle Rental over in San Rafael for my eighteenth birthday. We did the Highway 1 to Monterey Bay route.” His eyes went dreamy. “Boy, it was sweet! It’ll be years before I can afford one of these babies, though.” He glanced up at Hunter.