Sloth: So I just realized that the chapters are growing more and more in words and pages and I've starting rack them up. Wow.
Anyways, this chapter took a lot of thinking. Mostly because I didn't want it to be more exposition. It kind of did, but it's more like the back story for the werewolves. I don't like it mostly because it doesn't focus on the main characters and that's my pet peeve. however, I felt that it was needed because it explains why things will go bad next chapter. ya'll can skip this chapter if you want.
BTW, remember when I said that Ethan(Matthew Knight) looked like The Trickster/Gabriel (aka Richard Speight Jr.) from Supernatural? Use that for the newest character introduced in this chapter. You'll know who.
Chapter Summery: After being mauled by a strange dog, Ethan begins to act weird. The past rears its ugly face when Ethan gets a vision about a broken promise.
Dusk IV
Black Church, Ontario, 1809
It was a wonderful Sunday afternoon. The sun was gracing the new Canadian town with its glorious rays. Townsmen walked through the streets, chatting in hush tones. Despite the beautiful afternoon, the air was filled with rumors of distrust and horrors of the evening.
"Did you hear? They found Julia Chase's body this morning?"
"They did? How horrible. Does Charles know?"
"Of course he has. The man's so distraught. They say that she was found torn to pieces."
"My goodness!"
As gossip spread over the recent murders, a young man walked through the streets. He was dressed elegantly, in black slacks and a striped shirt. A cowhide vest clung to him as he calmly marched through the streets, greeting passerby's with a smile and a tip of his hat. The golden start pinned to his vest gleamed as he made his way up the steps of the church.
As the church bell chorused and the church goers vacated, the young sheriff waited outside, greeting each member of the church with a nod here and a 'hello' there. Once the last member of the church left, he finally saw who he was waiting for.
"Reverend."
"Ah, Sheriff Morgan, it's so nice to see you this fine afternoon. You missed a fine sermon."
The Sheriff rolled his eyes. "Can the pleasantries Horace. They don't go well with old friends."
Horace Black chuckled. "That is true. Come in, Dante. Care for a drink?"
"Alcohol in a church. Now I've heard everything."
The sheriff followed the reverend into the church. The church was a beautiful place. The pews were made of the finest crafted oak. Stain glass windows, depicting the battle between Lucifer and Michael, allowed in the beautiful rays of the sun. At the end of the church was the reverend's podium, standing before a giant ornate cross with Jesus. A golden organ sat to the left of the podium while the choir stands sat on the right. The duo made their way to Reverend Black's office, hidden away behind the cross.
The office was tiny. It was small enough just for the two of them to sit comfortably. Horace walked to a cabinet and pulled out a bottle of whisky and poured himself and his guest a couple of glasses. Sheriff Morgan took the cup and sat before his friend.
"I understand you hand an interesting hunt last night."
"Is that so?"
"Julia Chase's body had two bite marks on her neck. Contrary to the rumors, Julia wasn't torn to shreds. Makes me wonder how that rumor started." He looked at Horace from under his hat. The reverend raised an eyebrow.
"Why, Dante. What are you trying to get at, my old friend?"
"I'm not here to start anything, Horace," Dante stated firmly. "I'm just curious as to where that rumor came from."
"Well…there was a full moon last night…"
Dante snarled. "Don't try to pin this on a member of my pack, Horace."
"Dante, Dante. The last thing I would want is to blame someone from your pack. After all, your pack if like your family. And you have always been a brother to me. Don't you feel the same about me?"
Dante snorted. "Why do you think no one's ever blamed you for the missing townsfolk? I've been keeping this town oblivious to your flock since we founded the town. But, Horace, someone's trying to make it sound like an animal is attacking people."
"Well, in a way…" Dante snarled again and Reverend Black held up his hands in defense. "Do calm yourself, my friend. I was only trying to lighten the mood. Would it help if I spoke with my flock? See if someone started the rumor."
"It might. The last thing I would want is the townsfolk going after either of your kin."
"I agree," Horace nodded. "We didn't become friends for nothing did we?"
Dante sat up and laughed. "No we didn't. The said a town founded by werewolves and vampires couldn't last, but we showed them didn't we old friend?"
"We sure did."
The pair toasted before they decided to steer the conversation into a different route. As discussion about the Vampire Council and the up-coming lunar eclipse filled their time, Dante Morgan decided it was time to call it a night. He stood up, adjusting his vest.
"It's getting late. I best be going then."
"So soon?"
"Yes. Vanessa doesn't want me out too long," Dante replied. The vampire nodded.
"Are you excited about the baby?"
"As any expecting parent can be. Well my friend, I'll see you in the evening."
As the sheriff stepped out of the church, he was suddenly by the smell of a young girl. She was young, with long brown hair with golden highlights. Her eyes were bright and happy, full of life and joy. She smelled as if she had been spending the entire day frolicking in a daisy field. She obviously didn't notice where she was going and ran right into him. He caught her as she felt back, her flowing daywear billowing around her.
"My apologies," she rushed as she tried to move around him.
"Don't you dare move, Sabrina Elizabeth Davenport," a heavily accented voice ordered. The young girl sighed heavily and turned around. Dante smiled at the sight as the young, rebellious girl visibly deflated at the sight of an older, posh woman walked up to them. The woman had long, wavy red hair and a very strong aura around her. Dante could practically smell the gun powder on her hands as she walked up to them.
"Mrs. Ryan. It's very good to see you this evening," he greeted.
"Sheriff Morgan. A pleasant surprise as always," the maiden greeted. She then turned to Sabrina. "Young lady, I've told you plenty of times not to go wandering off like you do."
"But Jessica," Sabrina started with a whine, "I just went to speak with Zachariah Martin."
"That boy is nothing but trouble, Sabrina," Jessica countered. "And do not whine. It's not polite. What would your father say if he heard you speaking in such a manner?"
"He'd possibly faint," Dante mused.
"Zachariah is not trouble," Sabrina said. "And Jessica, I've already said I told like the name Sabrina."
"Yes, and Bree is so much more regal," Jessica laughed. "Next your brother will want to be called Chase or…or Chuckie. Sabrina, why can't you be more like your brothers?"
"Because Charles does nothing but read Shakespeare until he becomes disillusioned and Adam is…well Adam is just odd," Sabrina retorted. Dante busted into a full blown laugh.
"Aye, but he makes such a fine deputy," he chuckled. "Now Sabrina, wouldn't it be better if you went with Mrs. Ryan to your home? It's getting late and we know it's not good to be out in the late evening."
Sabrina looked like she wanted to make a remark, but with a heavy sigh, she nodded her head. Jessica smiled at the man. "Thank you, Sheriff Morgan. You've a way with children like no other man I know. Even Tony has his share of problems with the local children and he's a teacher."
"Yes, well I've a rebellious brother of my own."
"I thought Mason helped at the library," Sabrina mused, knowing the younger Morgan very well. The sheriff laughed.
"Aye, but it's for that reason that makes it hard to believe he's my brother. Now, you ladies have a good evening," the sheriff said as he departed from the young women. Though they weren't among his pack, he loved and felt protective of them, just like everyone else. He was going to find out who or want was attacking his citizens, even if it killed him.
As the townsfolk made their way off the streets, no one saw the golden, glowing eyes that watched them.
….
…
..
As the vision faded, the smell of blood filled his nose. It smelled like an apple orchard…no, it was like smelling a fresh lilac. And that was enough to snap Ethan awake. He bolted up, looking around him. He was in the hidden room. If memories served him, the room used to be beige. Now it had a new paint job, courtesy of Kurt Lockner. Or rather, what was left of him.
Ethan was in the epicenter of the carnage. There wasn't much left of Kurt. A leg here, a lung there. Having faced and killed a few vampires in his freshman year, Ethan didn't think there would be anything left of a vampire that had been killed. But…well this was too much carnage for him. Ethan felt the bile rise in his throat. He only just barely caught sight of the trash bin by the door and managed to puke up the contents of his stomach into it. Or what was left of Kurt anyways.
"Morning."
The Pup looked up to see Derek leaning against the threshold, arms crossed, a smirk on his face, and two cups of Lotta Latte in his hands. He offered one to Ethan, who gladly took it to wash the taste of vampire out of his mouth.
"W-what happened?"
"Well. Ya pretty much turned Kurt into a chew toy. I'll admit, I didn't think ya would have caused so much damage in one night. Ya must have been really pissed off."
Ethan blinked. "I-I did this?"
"Yup. By the way. Ya got something right here."
Derek pointed at his teeth. Ethan picked at his teeth and pulled out a twisted finger nail. He gaped at it and tears started to swell up. "Oh-Oh god."
Derek sighed. He reached out and picked the boy up by the back of his collar. "Come on, Kiddo. Ya can use the shower to clean up. Ya smell likes guts and shame."
Ethan stood there, still shaking from what he had done. He knew he had wanted to do it. He knew he wanted to kill something after what he had seen last night, but he had never imagined how bad it would turn out. It scared him. What would happen this tomorrow during the full moon? Would he turn into some monster that would do more damage? His friends would probably not want anything to do with him. Sarah's harsh words still rung in his ears.
And yet, here was Derek, being so nice. Just Derek.
"Hey Derek, where's Casey?"
"Hmm? Oh, she went to some convention in town," Derek took a sip of his coffee and waved his hand around the air, trying to come up with an answer. "Something about a séance or summon, I don't know. I was still half asleep."
"Oh," Ethan said. Without the female around, it felt awkward. Like he was being left alone with the doctor. "Hey, Derek?"
"Yeah?"
"Why are you being so nice to me?" Ethan asked. The older male turned around and raised an eyebrow at the question. "I-I mean, I've seen how you treat the others. I mean you're not mean to them or anything, but you don't treat them like you treat me. Why?"
Derek just blinked. He shrugged. "I've my reasons," he answered plainly. Derek then smiled broadly at the youth. "Ya don't have to worry about it though. Just get cleaned up. Today's going to be a special day for ya."
He nodded and followed Derek.
….
…
..
Black Church, Ontario, 1809
The sun had finally set on Black Church as Dante Morgan made it to his home. As he approached, a young man exited. He looked scrawny and jumpy. He wore a formal attire, with a white dress shirt, a black vest, and black pants and shoes. The boy's hair was neatly combed and short while he scanned the town through a pair of black rimmed glasses. With him was a young girl who wore a pink gown. She had long black hair and looked to be of Hispanic decent. When the boy saw Dante he smiled.
"Good evening, brother."
"Mason," the sheriff greeted his younger brother. He then turned to the girl. "Ms. Russo. How are you this evening?"
"Wonderful. Your brother was kind enough to offer to walk me home tonight," she said. Mason blushed and Dante laughed.
"I take it Vanessa was a wonderful host?" he laughed. "How is she?"
"She's going well actually," Mason informed his brother.
"And so is the baby," Alex said.
"Thank you, Alexandra. You've been very kind to my family."
"It is the least I can do," she smiled. "Well now, I best be going. Coming Mr. Morgan?"
Mason blushed furiously and nodded like a puppy. He followed the charming witch and Dante entered his home.
"A long day?" his wife asked from the couch, where she was enjoying home made ice cream.
"I spoke with Horace today," Dante Morgan told his wife as he sat down next to her. "Someone's trying to make it look like a werewolf is responsible for the murder of Julia. I'm starting to worry."
"Dante, there's nothing to worry about. Horace has been so good to us, and your pack," she told him. "You two founded the town together. I'm sure everything's just a misunderstanding."
"Maybe," the sheriff mused. "How's the baby?"
"He kicked. Gloria Weir says he's going to be a healthy Seer."
"Just like his mother."
The two smiled and leaned into each other, kissing.
As the sheriff and his wife enjoyed their quiet evening, Sabrina Davenport was in another argument with her brothers and her nanny.
"I am only saying, as the oldest-"
"The oldest?" she interjected quickly. "Adam, you can barely sleep without the lamp on!"
"I-I do not! I keep it on so Charles does not get frightened," he said. The youngest of the trio looked up from his book and glared at his older brother. However, Sabrina was already ahead of him.
"Of course, accuse Charles. How you became deputy will always elude me."
"Sabrina, that is no way to talk to your brother," Jessica reprimanded, but the young girl rolled her eyes. Jessica's husband had yet to arrive to take her home and Jessica didn't want to venture into the night alone.
"You should listen to Jessica," Adam said. "You are not allowed to see Zachariah again."
"Oh sod off!" she shouted back in frustration. Adam and Jessica gasped, staring with open mouths.
"I think you broke them," Charles said from where he had been quietly reading. The words managed to snap Adam out of his stupor and, in his anger, he said something that shouldn't be repeated in polite company. As soon as the word was spoken, everything became quiet. Everyone stood in shocked silence.
"It's that's how you feel, than fine," she turned and hurried out the door.
"Sabrina, I'm sorry. Wait, please."
Adam ran out the door with Charles and Jessica at his heel. However, by the time they had gotten outside, Sabrina was already lost in the darkness.
She wanted to be away from her brothers. She couldn't believe he ears. It was possible that Adam had only said those things in his rage, but she didn't care. She hated this town. She hadn't being restricted to what her father wanted. Why could she just be free? That was why she loved Zachariah. He was the town's rebel, the one the mothers would turn away from and the fathers would refuse to have associated with their daughters. She loved his rebellious aura.
And then she tripped.
Angry, she stood and looked down, only to scream at the sight of Tony Ryan, husband to Jessica Ryan, was lying dead at her feet, his body mangled and broken. What could have done this? She had heard the rumors of some horrible monster that was attacking the townsfolk. She had been warned, but she never believed the stories. She had to get out of there. She needed to find Sherriff Morgan and inform him of this.
In her musing, she never saw the attack coming. She felt the arms wrap around her and pull her off her feet. She kicked and slapped her assailant. She turned to see who had attacked her and gasped.
"R-Reverend Black? Thank goodness. You have to help. Someone's killed Tony Ryan," she told him in hysteria. The kind reverend smiled at her sadly.
"My apologies Ms. Davenport."
With fangs bared, he struck and Sabrina Davenport only had time to scream before she was no more. Her life was taken from her by a man the entire town trusted. She felt limp in his hand just as her brothers and nanny arrived on the scene.
"Sabrina?" Adam asked.
"T-Tony?" Jessica gasped as she saw her husband's body next to the dead girl. Reverend Black looked at the trio. He smirked.
"Is it Thanksgiving already?" he laughed. He didn't bother to hide his fangs or the blood leaking from his mouth. Something snapped and the trio looked to see glowing eyes stare at them. They were surrounded. "My fellow kin, have at thee."
….
…
..
"Grandma, please! I just want to rake my hands through her hair!" Benny begged as he tried to pull himself out of Rory's grip. Sarah was trying to do the same, fighting Erica with all her might.
"Let me go, Erica. You don't understand. His kisses are like marshmallow gum drops!"
Erica frowned at the disgusting thought. "Ok, will someone please fix her before all this mushy-gooshy stuff makes me want to stake myself?"
"Almost done," Mrs. Weir said as she added a pinch of mandrake to the potion. As the herb hit the bubbling concoction, smoke rose from the mix. It snaked it way towards the lustful pair and entered their noses. The gasped as the potion was inhaled. As the last bit of potion slipped into them, a bright pink aura enveloped them and then dispersed. Benny and Sarah blinked, no longer struggling.
"Did we?"
"Oh I'm going to be sick," Benny groaned, the feeling of pile rising in his throat. "Ugh, how did that happen?"
"Well," Mrs. Weir started as she walked over to her grandson. "It appears someone added ground lilac to your botched truth potion, turning into a lust potion. It made you and Sarah as hormonal as a pair of rabbits in the spring."
"What? Lilac? When did that get…Rory!"
With an audible 'eep', the blond culprit quickly hid behind Erica, trying to use the older vampire as a shield from the two teens who looked more than willing to stake him.
"Before you guys decide to kill me, you should know that Ethan's a werewolf!"
"A werewolf?" Sarah asked. "Rory, how do you know that?"
"Well, he came in around the time you were trying to take off Benny's shirt, and then when he saw you and Benny together, he went all 'grrr, I'mma eat you' and then he went all Hulk on Benny and when I tried to help, he tried to eat me. His teeth were like really huge. Oh, and he was barking too."
There was complete silence. Benny was both horrified at Rory's less-than-necessary description of what happened. Sarah flushed red as the image of Ethan catching her in that position came in her head. Mrs. Weir looked less than happy. She looked like she was about to pass out. And Erica…
"Ethan's a werewolf? But how can such a geek get turned into something as hot as a werewolf?"
"I'm glad you've got your priorities straight, Erica," Sarah scolded. "This is serious!"
"Yeah. And how could Ethan end up a werewolf?" Benny asked. "He wasn't attacked by a…oh."
"Oh?"
"Remember that dog that tried to use him as a chew toy?"
"But that was a dog."
"Not necessarily ," Benny's grandma interjected. "A werewolf comes in many forms. What attacked him might have been a werewolf after all. If that's the case, we might all be in danger here." She then turned to the vampires, "especially you three."
"Please, even if Ethan is a werewolf, I can take the little shrimp," Erica said proudly.
"Ethan's the least of your problems. Werewolves never hunt alone. They always travel in packs. And if there is one thing a werewolf can do better than anyone, it's kill a vampire. If Ethan was indeed turned into a werewolf, you can bet that there are more out there and it will be a matter of time before they come after you."
For once, Erica looked nervous. She looked over at Rory, who looked ready to pee his pants, and Sarah, who looked just as nervous.
"But why would there be werewolves in Whitechapel?" Benny asked. "Isn't this place usually HQ to vampires?"
His grandma frowned. "Come with me. It's time you kids learned what really happened 200 years ago."
She turned away, walking up the stairs to the attic. The kids looked at one another, not sure what to do. After a silent debate, they followed the Earth priestess.