Free Animal Behavior and Other Tales of Lycanthropy by Keith Gouveia Page A

again.
    “The church in New Mexico has been deserted since a priest raped, tortured, and murdered the nuns in the nunnery. He was weak and fell to their influence. At the mine in Texas, a worker, consumed by greed, blasted the mine’s entrance, sealing himself inside. A rescue crew found him eating his coworkers and the mine was closed. As for the cemetery in Wisconsin, well, people are simply scared to go there as they believe it to be haunted.
    “Speaking of which, you should go back there. Perhaps make that your new home.”
    “I cannot do that until I’ve found and killed Merik. You were going to tell me where I could find him.”
    “No, I wasn’t. I have no idea where he is. Vengeance should not be your priority right now.”
    “Look . . . . I don’t even know your name.”
    “Joel. Joel Walsh.”
    “Okay, Joel, as I was about to say, Merik is out there destroying lives. As far as I’m concerned he’s just as much of a threat as the demons.”
    “No, he’s not. Yes, it’s tragic that people are dying, but they’re getting to go where they belong. There is more to life than this.” Joel waved his hands in the air, gesturing to their surroundings. “The hereafter is what is important and there are innocent lives being denied that. Nothing is more important than reestablishing the guardians.”
    Adam took a minute to process Joel’s words. Though he didn’t want to admit it, he was right. Wait . . . what was it he said? “I’m assuming you meant this was the only portal left guarded, correct?”
    “Yes.”
    “And if I killed three of the four here in the US, then that means Merik . . .”
    “Merik was charged with protecting the portal in Great Britain. London. If he’s here, he is far away from his duties and you have to come to terms with the fact that you may never find him.”
    No.
    “Vengeance will not bring your daughter back.”
    “Fine! Then tell me why you think I should go to Wisconsin.”
    “Because with the cemetery there, we run the risk of the dead reanimating.”
    “Come again.” Adam made peace with werewolves and demons, but zombies? The idea tingled the hairs on the back of his neck.
    “Demons aren’t the only things that try to escape Hell. The souls of the wicked attempt to break out as well. Fortunately, on their own they can’t harm the living, but should they possess a corpse they become corporal.”
    “Are we talking flesh-eating ghouls like Night of the Living Dead here, or just some newly released inmates looking for a good time, who’ll most likely scare the crap out of the populace?”
    “Definitely the latter, though some may try to bring an innocent back to bargain with. But evil spirits in this world are rare. They have to get past the demons before crossing through the portal. And much like any prison system, the inmates are kept under scrutinizing eyes.”
    Adam breathed heavily through his nose, making a whooshing sound as he sighed.
    “I understand your guilt, but there’s no time for it. We need to get you back on the road.”
    “Why don’t you come with me?”
    “I can’t leave my post. This is something you’ll have to do on your own.”
    “How will I know who is worthy of becoming a guardian?”
    “Use your instincts and hope for the best.”
    Adam caught a faint call for help. It was distant, but distinct. He turned his head to face the direction he heard it from.
    “Ignore it,” Joel said, surprising him.
    “Why?”
    “It’s the tortured screams of the wicked coming from the portal. Your hearing is improving.”
    “Now that you mention it” —he flexed his ankle— “the pain’s gone. Can you show me the portal? I’d like to know exactly what I’m dealing with.”
    “Sorry, but they’re not visible. In order to know their exact location you’d either have to see a demon pass through one or use your keen sense of smell, which you don’t have yet. I can take you to the spot, though. It’s in that house.” He pointed toward