The Wolf Experiment
by Laura Daleo
January 23, 2026
Genre: urban fantasy, werewolf
In Doford Peaks, a small mountain town, 19-year-old Ethan lives with his grandma. His life is quite normal, at least as normal as it can be for someone with asthma. A winter morning walk turns dramatic when he and his grandma discover an 18-year-old girl, Mia, who is unconscious and injured. As Mia recovers, bits of her past emerge, attracting agents Gibson and Cooper of the Bureau of Supernatural Investigation (BSI). A complex web of secrets associated with the Defense Forces of Genesis (DFOG) intertwines their fates. As the truth emerges, Ethan and Mia must face the horrifying reality of The Wolf Experiment.
As the agents' investigation intensifies, Ethan and Mia are thrust into a dangerous world that reaches far outside the quiet borders of Doford Peaks. Each new discovery brings them closer to DFOG's chilling operations, putting their safety at risk as they become entangled in a high-stakes mission with consequences that could affect many lives. With danger around every corner and the threat of The Wolf Experiment looming, Ethan and Mia must use all their courage and determination to survive forces determined to keep DFOG's secrets buried.
by Laura Daleo
January 23, 2026
Genre: urban fantasy, werewolf
In Doford Peaks, a small mountain town, 19-year-old Ethan lives with his grandma. His life is quite normal, at least as normal as it can be for someone with asthma. A winter morning walk turns dramatic when he and his grandma discover an 18-year-old girl, Mia, who is unconscious and injured. As Mia recovers, bits of her past emerge, attracting agents Gibson and Cooper of the Bureau of Supernatural Investigation (BSI). A complex web of secrets associated with the Defense Forces of Genesis (DFOG) intertwines their fates. As the truth emerges, Ethan and Mia must face the horrifying reality of The Wolf Experiment.
As the agents' investigation intensifies, Ethan and Mia are thrust into a dangerous world that reaches far outside the quiet borders of Doford Peaks. Each new discovery brings them closer to DFOG's chilling operations, putting their safety at risk as they become entangled in a high-stakes mission with consequences that could affect many lives. With danger around every corner and the threat of The Wolf Experiment looming, Ethan and Mia must use all their courage and determination to survive forces determined to keep DFOG's secrets buried.
Excerpt
Chapter 1
A whimper pulled me from my sleep, and my eyelids fluttered open. Gracie’s snout was right in front of me, her light gray fur softly brushing against my cheek. As her pale blue eyes looked into mine, her tail began to wag. There was no way I was getting up, and I rolled over to the other side of my bed, where Hank stood waiting. He fixed his golden eyes on me, his pure white fur seeming darker in the dim light of my bedroom. Sunlight filtered through the two large skylights above my bed, casting a warm light over my room. The rays continued to spread across posters of my favorite bands, my world map marked with where I wanted to visit, my only plant that I hadn’t killed, and my high school guitar leaning against my bookcase. My wolves whimpered again, signaling it was time to get up. Glancing at the clock on my nightstand, it read 6:00 a.m.
I pulled the covers over my head and tried to fall back asleep, but that didn’t work out well. My wolves howled as they jumped onto my king-sized bed. Sitting up, I shook off the sleepiness and raised my open palms toward Hank. “We’re bros, Hank. Help me out here. It’s too early. Can’t you and Gracie give me a little more time?”
Hank reacted by leaping off my bed, sprinting into the hallway, and then vanishing. Gracie fixed her fierce gaze on me, but I avoided her eyes. The sound of Hank’s paws tapping against the floor broke the silence as he charged back into my room, his leash clamped in his mouth.
I shook my head in frustration, tossed aside my covers, and walked into the bathroom. They followed closely behind me. “At the very least, let me take a quick shower before we go for a walk.”
I didn’t let either of them protest with a bark, howl, or whine and stepped into the shower. Turning on the hot water, my wolves settled onto the cool porcelain tile of the bathroom, their eyes on me, waiting. My thoughts drifted back to one year ago when I discovered the abandoned wolf puppies on my way home from the local store. They huddled together on the roadside, trembling and shaking, too young to be without their mother. Their bodies were mere skin and bones, and they had that look in their eyes that they were ready to give up. I tucked them into my jacket and rushed home, fully aware that my grandma would not be pleased with my impulsive decision, but I had to save them.
My grandma’s eyes widened in disbelief when she saw the little bundles of fur sticking out from my jacket as I walked in the door. “Ethan, did you bring wolves into my house?” She let out a deep sigh and was definitely annoyed, but as she noticed their desperate state, her disapproval began to fade. She quickly ushered me and the puppies into her clinic and examined them thoroughly. “I’m a physician, not a veterinarian,” she said, “but these puppies are severely dehydrated and malnourished. I can give them fluids, and you need to buy puppy milk replacement from the feed store. Let Walter know they are wolf pups and about four weeks old. He will know what to give you.”
Gracie’s and Hank’s urgent barks jolted me into the present and forced me to quickly finish my shower. Staring at myself in the double mirrors over the bathroom vanity, I saw bits of my grandma in me. We both had curly, caramel brown hair, although hers had strands of gray. The left corner of our smiles was slightly crooked, a trait that ran in the family. Our hazel eyes had more green than brown, and while she stood at 5'6" and weighed 125 pounds, I was taller at 5'10" and weighed 165 pounds.
She was a tough, 66-year-old woman with a strong personality who never remarried after my grandfather passed away. I never knew him. He died before I was born. Grandma, being the town’s physician and surgeon, was accustomed to interacting with people and found comfort in those conversations. As for me—I was a loner and found socializing to be a challenge. I preferred the company of animals over people. Hank and Gracie were my best friends. All I truly needed was their companionship, along with my grandma’s, of course.
When I was five, my parents left me at my grandma’s house. That was fourteen years ago. We lived in Doford Peaks, a small mountain town in the state of Oakridge, with a population of around 1,200. With winter fully upon us, I dressed in utility pants, a long-sleeved T-shirt, and my winter boots to prepare for the cold. I also dressed Hank and Gracie in their waterproof winter coats and booties. Along with my down jacket, I grabbed a beanie and gloves. I stuffed my cell phone, inhaler, and compass into my pants pockets. With Gracie’s and Hank’s leashes in hand, I left my bedroom and dropped my jacket, beanie, and gloves on the entryway table.
Hank and Gracie followed me into our rustic kitchen, with exposed wooden beams and oak cabinets. Grandma particularly loved the large windows that allowed natural light to stream across the stone-tiled floor and the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. She was seated at the antique wooden table in the center of the kitchen, sipping a cup of coffee. Grabbing a granola bar and a bottle of water, I breathed in the rich aroma of French roast. “Morning, Grandma. You’re up early.”
“Ethan, good morning. A slight emergency brought me into the clinic.” She sipped her coffee and continued, “LuAnn fell on the ice and sliced her hand open. She needed several stitches.” Grinning, she said, “She asked about you.”
“Please stop with the matchmaking.”
“She’s intelligent and attractive, much like you.”
“That doesn’t mean I have to date her.”
“It doesn’t mean you have to date her. But what’s the harm in having a casual cup of coffee?”
“Being single works for me. Plus, I wouldn’t know how to talk to her, and I wouldn’t want to give her the wrong idea. Can we change the subject?”
She placed her coffee mug on the counter. “Fine. Are you going out for a walk with your wolf pack?”
I scratched Gracie and Hank behind their ears. “As much as I wanted to sleep in, they insisted I get up and take them for a walk.”
Her gaze drifted to one of the large windows, where snowflakes were gently falling outside. Turning her attention back to me, she asked, “Do you have your inhaler?”
I patted my pocket. “Yes, Grandma.”
“What about your cell phone?”
“I have that too.”
“Since it’s snowing, you should definitely take a jacket, and—”
My chin bobbed toward the door as I interrupted her. “I have a jacket, a beanie, and gloves.”
“Hmm. What about water or a snack?”
I groaned and replied, “Grandma, I’m 19. I’m not a kid anymore. I can take care of myself.”
A protective expression crossed her face as she placed her hand on her hip. “Ethan, no matter how old you get, in my eyes, you’ll always be my precious grandson.”
A sigh escaped my lips, and I shrugged my shoulders. “Do you want to just come with me?”
Her hazel eyes brightened with a smile as she waved a finger at me. “That’s a great idea,” she said. “I’ll get my coat.”
Grandma came back wearing a down jacket. She was bundled up in winter clothing. A scarf was wrapped around her neck, and gloves covered her hands while she tucked her hair beneath the hood of her jacket. She grabbed a bottle of water from the cupboard and tucked it into her jacket pocket. Then she reached for Gracie’s leash. “Gracie can come with me.”
“Gracie is definitely easier to control than Hank. He tends to pull a lot, especially when he catches a scent.” I handed her Gracie’s leash.
“That’s true!” she said with a smile. “I’m ready. It’s beautiful right now. The sun is breaking through the clouds, the snow is falling, and the air smells of pine cones. What more could we ask for?”
“You sound like a greeting card, Grandma.”
A chuckle escaped her lips. “I do, don’t I?” She opened the solid wood door and replied, “After you.”
Wood siding wrapped around my grandma’s single-story home. The deep green roof blended into the surrounding trees, and the many windows let in tons of light, which my grandma loved. I led Hank through the doorway and onto the wraparound deck. We made our way down the stairs and onto the cement driveway. Continuing down the sloped driveway, we passed Grandma’s clinic, a smaller replica of the main house. Glen’s truck had cleared the road of snow. At 70, he was still going strong as the owner of a snowplow truck company. His silver hair was often dusted with snow, mirroring the bushy eyebrows that framed his kind, gray-blue eyes. Every time I saw him, he was wearing a flannel shirt, a heavy jacket, jeans, and boots. Maybe they were his favorites or maybe it was his uniform, but at least he was consistent.
We walked along the towering pine trees, now filled with snow, lining both sides of the road. The crisp, cool air stung my cheeks, so I pulled my beanie down as far as possible and still be able to see. Hank and Gracie strolled alongside us, their noses in the air, sniffing at whatever scents they could find.
Grandma asked, “Would you like to talk about the letter your parents sent?”
“I don’t,” I abruptly replied.
“I think we ought to talk about it,” she insisted.
I looked at her, hoping my expression conveyed my hurt, frustration, and exhaustion. “Grandma, I love you. I know my dad is your son, and I don’t mean any disrespect, but they handed me off to you fourteen years ago. Mom and Dad haven’t visited me for any occasion—birthdays, Thanksgiving, or Christmas. They ghosted me! I couldn’t care less about their stupid letters.”
“I understand where you’re coming from,” she sympathized. “Although I don’t support the choice they made, I know it was very tough for them to leave you in my care, and I can only imagine how confusing this all is for you. I don’t know what your letter said, but in my letter, they reiterated their continued search for a cure for asthma. Their letter made it very clear that they’re doing everything possible to help you live a healthier, happier life. I hope you know how much both your parents love you.”
“Researching for fourteen years, Grandma?” I exclaimed, my voice filled with exasperation. “I’m sure even you don’t even believe that.”
“I know they love you.”
“If they truly loved me, they would have been present in my life instead of concentrating on scientific research. My parents didn’t want a flawed son.”
Her hand touched mine as she paused. “Ethan, you can’t possibly believe that.”
“Regardless of what I believe, the fact remains that I have asthma, and I manage it. You stood beside me, not my parents. They’ve been absent most of my life. Even if they returned now, I probably wouldn’t want to see them. I’m sorry, Grandma.” I softened my tone. “My anger is directed at them, not you, and I’m just not ready to forgive them.”
She hugged me tight and reassured me. “Ethan, I will always be here for you.”
In her arms, emotions surged within me, and tears threatened to fall. Hank and Gracie surrounded me, nuzzling their furry heads against my body in an attempt to comfort me. As I pulled away, I admitted, “Talking about them doesn’t help. It only makes matters worse.”
“I understand how you feel. Everything is going to be okay, I promise. Let’s continue our morning walk with Hank and Gracie and enjoy the day together.”
Relieved, I nodded, and we continued down the road. Hank and Gracie glanced back at me occasionally to ensure I was okay. As we walked, the various smells around us began to capture their attention more than my presence. They trotted happily alongside me, their snouts pressed to the pavement, wagging their tails as they sniffed every tree.
“It’s chilly today,” Grandma said and shivered and then glanced at me. “How are you feeling? Any shortness of breath?”
“So far, so good, but I agree it’s super cold. Maybe we can cut our walk short.”
“Good idea, and I agree.”
Hank suddenly stopped, raised his nose, and howled. A few birds scattered from the branches above, startled by his abrupt call. Had he sensed something: an approaching storm or another animal nearby? Gracie’s ears perked up as she lifted her head and let out a softer but equally determined howl. My wolves stood side by side, their eyes scanning the horizon, alert to something I couldn’t see. Hank started tugging on his leash, and I pulled backward. “What is it, Hank?”
“I don’t see anything,” Grandma said, glancing around the area.
I peered between the trees, searching and feeling compelled to understand what Hank and Gracie were sensing. “They definitely smell something. Let’s check.”
“I am not sure if it is safe, Ethan.”
“Grandma, we need to investigate. If it’s an injured animal or more abandoned pups, we can call Marsha and have her send her wildlife team out here.”
“Fair enough.” Grandma nodded.
I released the slack on Hank’s leash and commanded, “Find it!
Hank and Gracie raced ahead, tugging Grandma and me along. Our breaths rose into the air like swirls of smoke. Frost covered the road, crunching beneath our boots as we followed my wolves. As we went down the road, the trees got thicker and thicker, reaching up to the pale sky, casting shadows, and blocking out the sun.
My wolves’ noses skimmed along the damp earth, sniffing. Occasionally, they paused to circle a spot several times before continuing on their determined path with their noses once again on the ground. They sped up and tensed their bodies as they focused on the trail that led us up the hill to a cliff that looked like the entrance to a cave.
Despite the cold, beads of sweat formed on my forehead, and a tightness spread across my chest. The familiar constriction gripped my lungs the higher we climbed. I couldn't wait any longer. I needed my medicine. Fumbling in my pocket, I reached for my inhaler. I could feel Grandma’s eyes fixed on me as I struggled to breathe.
Grandma’s voice was tense as she ordered, “Stop and use your inhaler. You’re having trouble breathing.”
“Hank is pulling me too hard. I can take a puff while I’m moving.”
“Nonsense,” Grandma said, taking Hank’s leash from me and bringing both Hank and Gracie to a halt. The wolves howled in protest. “There, now they’ve stopped. Please, Ethan, use your inhaler right now, and I mean it.”
I didn’t argue and put my inhaler in my mouth, pressed the button, releasing the medication, and breathed deeply. After a few seconds of inhaling and exhaling, the pressure lessened, and I put my inhaler back in my pocket. Gradually, the tightness in my chest vanished.
“Better?”
I nodded.
“I can’t risk your health for Hank and Gracie to chase down some scent. We need to turn back.”
“No, Grandma! I’m fine. If there’s an animal in trouble, we need to save it. I’ll never forgive myself if we don’t keep going.”
Her lips formed a thin line, and her brow furrowed with disapproval. Grandma knew that Hank and Gracie were not just my pets. They knew me better than any human. They were part of our family. I felt a deep responsibility to protect all animals, and my grandma knew that.
Again, I begged, “Please, Grandma.”
After several minutes of hesitation, she finally responded, “We’ll proceed, but if you have another episode, we’re finished.” She handed Hank’s leash back to me.
I let out a sigh of relief. “Thank you. I’ll be okay. I promise.”
She huffed and waved me forward.
After hiking up the hill, we arrived at the cave, its dark entrance framed by jagged rocks. A thick fog floated within the darkness, reminding me of dry ice. I had my doubts about going inside. The cave floor could be unstable or wild animals could be hiding inside. And what if the air was thin and stale and triggered my asthma? But Hank and Gracie were insistent, pulling on their leashes to get closer.
Peering into the cave, Grandma asked, “Did you bring a flashlight?”
“No, I didn’t,” I replied, my eyes widening as a thought struck me. “I can use the app on my phone.”
When I pulled my phone out of my pocket, Hank leapt forward, yanking his leash from my grip. Gracie followed suit, breaking free from Grandma’s hand and racing after Hank. I switched on the flashlight app, flooding the cave with light. The beam flickered across dirt and jagged rocks. I pointed it upward, and Hank and Gracie running down a narrow passageway fell into view. The musty stench and distant sounds of water dripping grew stronger as we followed them.
“They must have found the source,” Grandma said, matching my pace.
My heart raced as fear tightened in my throat at the thought of something harming my wolves. “I’m freaking out,” I blurted, trying to keep my phone steady with trembling hands. I had no idea what this cave contained, whether it was safe, or what Hank and Gracie had stumbled upon. They never disobeyed me. Maybe Grandma was right about turning back.
“They’ll be fine. They’re strong creatures. Just try not to worry.”
“I’m trying not to.”
Hank barked sharply, his call signaling to me that he needed me. I rushed blindly into the cave, adrenaline coursing through me. The sound of Grandma’s boots brushing against the cave floor echoed behind me as she ran.
The flashlight beam caught something ahead, but the darkness obscured my view. Upon closer inspection, I saw Hank and Gracie circling something on the ground. Slowing down, I hoped it wasn’t an injured animal. As Grandma reached the spot ahead of me, she gasped. I stood still, unable to take another step. “Grandma, what’s going on? What is it?”
As her gaze turned toward me, she said, “Not a what, but a who. It’s a young woman, maybe 18 or 19 years old.”
“What?” I rushed forward, closing the distance to the scene. I halted just behind Grandma, who was kneeling beside an unconscious girl, curled up in a fetal position, wearing a hospital gown. Hank and Gracie stood close by. Her long strawberry blonde hair was a matted, tangled mess hanging over her face. Her pale skin stood out in contrast to the bruises and deep red cuts all over her arms, legs, and especially her bare feet. Pus oozed out of them.
Grandma was in full-on doctor mode, checking the girl’s pulse, listening to her breathing, and examining her numerous wounds. As she assessed the girl’s condition, her eyes narrowed in concentration.
“Jesus,” I whispered. “Is she alive?”
“Her pulse is weak, and her breathing is shallow, but she’s alive,” Grandma confirmed, her focus on the girl. “Her body temperature is low. It could be hypothermia. She’s wearing a wristband, but it’s not from the hospital in town.” She turned to me. “Give me your jacket. She needs to warm up.”
I removed my jacket and handed it to Grandma, who carefully wrapped it around the girl.
“We need to get her out of here and to my clinic immediately,” Grandma urged. “We can’t carry her, and I need my medical van. You’ll need to keep a close watch on her while I go get the van. Be prepared that you may have to perform CPR if her heart stops.”
My jaw dropped slowly as the weight of responsibility washed over me, sending a wave of anxiety coursing through my body. The thought of performing lifesaving measures on someone was terrifying. What if I screwed up? “I’m your bookkeeper. This is beyond my capabilities,” I said, gesturing toward the girl. “I can’t help her.”
“You can handle this. Besides, we’ve trained many times on all emergency procedures.”
The cave felt as if it were closing in around me. Memories of Grandma’s first aid lessons flooded my mind, each one a jumbled mess of instructions and distant recollections. I shook my head firmly. “No, I can’t do it. What if she wakes up and sees some guy standing over her? You know I’m not comfortable with people. She’ll probably freak out. Just let me go get the van, and you stay here.”
Grandma looked at me, as if weighing my suggestion, but her expression remained firm. “I understand your hesitation, but she needs medical treatment immediately. You’ll have to run to the house, Ethan. I can’t risk you having an asthma attack. It’s better if I go.”
The thought of being alone with an unconscious stranger filled me with anxiety. What if I made a mistake and ended up making things worse instead of better? What if her injuries worsened, and I wasn’t able to save her? Every rational part of me screamed at me to let Grandma handle it. I had to be the one to get the van. “I’ve hiked trails many times—maybe not up a mountain, but I’ve covered long distances without an episode. Plus, I have my inhaler. Please let me get the van, Grandma.”
She studied me for several minutes, probably envisioning various scenarios and their likely outcomes. After sighing, she relented. “All right. The keys to my van are in my office in the top drawer on the right side of my desk at the clinic, not my home office.”
I nodded and turned to leave but quickly faced Grandma again. My gaze shifted to Hank and Gracie. Instead of coming with me, they remained by the girl’s side. My brows furrowed in confusion. Why had they tracked her in the first place, and why were they so protective of her? Was it her injuries? The blood? The situation? It didn’t make sense.
“Ethan, what’s wrong?” Grandma asked, interrupting my thoughts.
I glanced at her before shifting my focus back to my wolves. “Hank and Gracie,” I said. “It’s odd how they’re behaving. They don’t even know this girl that they’re trying so hard to protect.”
“We can figure that out later. Right now, we need to get this girl to my clinic.” She waved me away. “Go now and hurry back. Stay safe.”
“I will.” I cast one final glance at Hank and Gracie before hurrying out of the cave.
Chapter 1
A whimper pulled me from my sleep, and my eyelids fluttered open. Gracie’s snout was right in front of me, her light gray fur softly brushing against my cheek. As her pale blue eyes looked into mine, her tail began to wag. There was no way I was getting up, and I rolled over to the other side of my bed, where Hank stood waiting. He fixed his golden eyes on me, his pure white fur seeming darker in the dim light of my bedroom. Sunlight filtered through the two large skylights above my bed, casting a warm light over my room. The rays continued to spread across posters of my favorite bands, my world map marked with where I wanted to visit, my only plant that I hadn’t killed, and my high school guitar leaning against my bookcase. My wolves whimpered again, signaling it was time to get up. Glancing at the clock on my nightstand, it read 6:00 a.m.
I pulled the covers over my head and tried to fall back asleep, but that didn’t work out well. My wolves howled as they jumped onto my king-sized bed. Sitting up, I shook off the sleepiness and raised my open palms toward Hank. “We’re bros, Hank. Help me out here. It’s too early. Can’t you and Gracie give me a little more time?”
Hank reacted by leaping off my bed, sprinting into the hallway, and then vanishing. Gracie fixed her fierce gaze on me, but I avoided her eyes. The sound of Hank’s paws tapping against the floor broke the silence as he charged back into my room, his leash clamped in his mouth.
I shook my head in frustration, tossed aside my covers, and walked into the bathroom. They followed closely behind me. “At the very least, let me take a quick shower before we go for a walk.”
I didn’t let either of them protest with a bark, howl, or whine and stepped into the shower. Turning on the hot water, my wolves settled onto the cool porcelain tile of the bathroom, their eyes on me, waiting. My thoughts drifted back to one year ago when I discovered the abandoned wolf puppies on my way home from the local store. They huddled together on the roadside, trembling and shaking, too young to be without their mother. Their bodies were mere skin and bones, and they had that look in their eyes that they were ready to give up. I tucked them into my jacket and rushed home, fully aware that my grandma would not be pleased with my impulsive decision, but I had to save them.
My grandma’s eyes widened in disbelief when she saw the little bundles of fur sticking out from my jacket as I walked in the door. “Ethan, did you bring wolves into my house?” She let out a deep sigh and was definitely annoyed, but as she noticed their desperate state, her disapproval began to fade. She quickly ushered me and the puppies into her clinic and examined them thoroughly. “I’m a physician, not a veterinarian,” she said, “but these puppies are severely dehydrated and malnourished. I can give them fluids, and you need to buy puppy milk replacement from the feed store. Let Walter know they are wolf pups and about four weeks old. He will know what to give you.”
Gracie’s and Hank’s urgent barks jolted me into the present and forced me to quickly finish my shower. Staring at myself in the double mirrors over the bathroom vanity, I saw bits of my grandma in me. We both had curly, caramel brown hair, although hers had strands of gray. The left corner of our smiles was slightly crooked, a trait that ran in the family. Our hazel eyes had more green than brown, and while she stood at 5'6" and weighed 125 pounds, I was taller at 5'10" and weighed 165 pounds.
She was a tough, 66-year-old woman with a strong personality who never remarried after my grandfather passed away. I never knew him. He died before I was born. Grandma, being the town’s physician and surgeon, was accustomed to interacting with people and found comfort in those conversations. As for me—I was a loner and found socializing to be a challenge. I preferred the company of animals over people. Hank and Gracie were my best friends. All I truly needed was their companionship, along with my grandma’s, of course.
When I was five, my parents left me at my grandma’s house. That was fourteen years ago. We lived in Doford Peaks, a small mountain town in the state of Oakridge, with a population of around 1,200. With winter fully upon us, I dressed in utility pants, a long-sleeved T-shirt, and my winter boots to prepare for the cold. I also dressed Hank and Gracie in their waterproof winter coats and booties. Along with my down jacket, I grabbed a beanie and gloves. I stuffed my cell phone, inhaler, and compass into my pants pockets. With Gracie’s and Hank’s leashes in hand, I left my bedroom and dropped my jacket, beanie, and gloves on the entryway table.
Hank and Gracie followed me into our rustic kitchen, with exposed wooden beams and oak cabinets. Grandma particularly loved the large windows that allowed natural light to stream across the stone-tiled floor and the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. She was seated at the antique wooden table in the center of the kitchen, sipping a cup of coffee. Grabbing a granola bar and a bottle of water, I breathed in the rich aroma of French roast. “Morning, Grandma. You’re up early.”
“Ethan, good morning. A slight emergency brought me into the clinic.” She sipped her coffee and continued, “LuAnn fell on the ice and sliced her hand open. She needed several stitches.” Grinning, she said, “She asked about you.”
“Please stop with the matchmaking.”
“She’s intelligent and attractive, much like you.”
“That doesn’t mean I have to date her.”
“It doesn’t mean you have to date her. But what’s the harm in having a casual cup of coffee?”
“Being single works for me. Plus, I wouldn’t know how to talk to her, and I wouldn’t want to give her the wrong idea. Can we change the subject?”
She placed her coffee mug on the counter. “Fine. Are you going out for a walk with your wolf pack?”
I scratched Gracie and Hank behind their ears. “As much as I wanted to sleep in, they insisted I get up and take them for a walk.”
Her gaze drifted to one of the large windows, where snowflakes were gently falling outside. Turning her attention back to me, she asked, “Do you have your inhaler?”
I patted my pocket. “Yes, Grandma.”
“What about your cell phone?”
“I have that too.”
“Since it’s snowing, you should definitely take a jacket, and—”
My chin bobbed toward the door as I interrupted her. “I have a jacket, a beanie, and gloves.”
“Hmm. What about water or a snack?”
I groaned and replied, “Grandma, I’m 19. I’m not a kid anymore. I can take care of myself.”
A protective expression crossed her face as she placed her hand on her hip. “Ethan, no matter how old you get, in my eyes, you’ll always be my precious grandson.”
A sigh escaped my lips, and I shrugged my shoulders. “Do you want to just come with me?”
Her hazel eyes brightened with a smile as she waved a finger at me. “That’s a great idea,” she said. “I’ll get my coat.”
Grandma came back wearing a down jacket. She was bundled up in winter clothing. A scarf was wrapped around her neck, and gloves covered her hands while she tucked her hair beneath the hood of her jacket. She grabbed a bottle of water from the cupboard and tucked it into her jacket pocket. Then she reached for Gracie’s leash. “Gracie can come with me.”
“Gracie is definitely easier to control than Hank. He tends to pull a lot, especially when he catches a scent.” I handed her Gracie’s leash.
“That’s true!” she said with a smile. “I’m ready. It’s beautiful right now. The sun is breaking through the clouds, the snow is falling, and the air smells of pine cones. What more could we ask for?”
“You sound like a greeting card, Grandma.”
A chuckle escaped her lips. “I do, don’t I?” She opened the solid wood door and replied, “After you.”
Wood siding wrapped around my grandma’s single-story home. The deep green roof blended into the surrounding trees, and the many windows let in tons of light, which my grandma loved. I led Hank through the doorway and onto the wraparound deck. We made our way down the stairs and onto the cement driveway. Continuing down the sloped driveway, we passed Grandma’s clinic, a smaller replica of the main house. Glen’s truck had cleared the road of snow. At 70, he was still going strong as the owner of a snowplow truck company. His silver hair was often dusted with snow, mirroring the bushy eyebrows that framed his kind, gray-blue eyes. Every time I saw him, he was wearing a flannel shirt, a heavy jacket, jeans, and boots. Maybe they were his favorites or maybe it was his uniform, but at least he was consistent.
We walked along the towering pine trees, now filled with snow, lining both sides of the road. The crisp, cool air stung my cheeks, so I pulled my beanie down as far as possible and still be able to see. Hank and Gracie strolled alongside us, their noses in the air, sniffing at whatever scents they could find.
Grandma asked, “Would you like to talk about the letter your parents sent?”
“I don’t,” I abruptly replied.
“I think we ought to talk about it,” she insisted.
I looked at her, hoping my expression conveyed my hurt, frustration, and exhaustion. “Grandma, I love you. I know my dad is your son, and I don’t mean any disrespect, but they handed me off to you fourteen years ago. Mom and Dad haven’t visited me for any occasion—birthdays, Thanksgiving, or Christmas. They ghosted me! I couldn’t care less about their stupid letters.”
“I understand where you’re coming from,” she sympathized. “Although I don’t support the choice they made, I know it was very tough for them to leave you in my care, and I can only imagine how confusing this all is for you. I don’t know what your letter said, but in my letter, they reiterated their continued search for a cure for asthma. Their letter made it very clear that they’re doing everything possible to help you live a healthier, happier life. I hope you know how much both your parents love you.”
“Researching for fourteen years, Grandma?” I exclaimed, my voice filled with exasperation. “I’m sure even you don’t even believe that.”
“I know they love you.”
“If they truly loved me, they would have been present in my life instead of concentrating on scientific research. My parents didn’t want a flawed son.”
Her hand touched mine as she paused. “Ethan, you can’t possibly believe that.”
“Regardless of what I believe, the fact remains that I have asthma, and I manage it. You stood beside me, not my parents. They’ve been absent most of my life. Even if they returned now, I probably wouldn’t want to see them. I’m sorry, Grandma.” I softened my tone. “My anger is directed at them, not you, and I’m just not ready to forgive them.”
She hugged me tight and reassured me. “Ethan, I will always be here for you.”
In her arms, emotions surged within me, and tears threatened to fall. Hank and Gracie surrounded me, nuzzling their furry heads against my body in an attempt to comfort me. As I pulled away, I admitted, “Talking about them doesn’t help. It only makes matters worse.”
“I understand how you feel. Everything is going to be okay, I promise. Let’s continue our morning walk with Hank and Gracie and enjoy the day together.”
Relieved, I nodded, and we continued down the road. Hank and Gracie glanced back at me occasionally to ensure I was okay. As we walked, the various smells around us began to capture their attention more than my presence. They trotted happily alongside me, their snouts pressed to the pavement, wagging their tails as they sniffed every tree.
“It’s chilly today,” Grandma said and shivered and then glanced at me. “How are you feeling? Any shortness of breath?”
“So far, so good, but I agree it’s super cold. Maybe we can cut our walk short.”
“Good idea, and I agree.”
Hank suddenly stopped, raised his nose, and howled. A few birds scattered from the branches above, startled by his abrupt call. Had he sensed something: an approaching storm or another animal nearby? Gracie’s ears perked up as she lifted her head and let out a softer but equally determined howl. My wolves stood side by side, their eyes scanning the horizon, alert to something I couldn’t see. Hank started tugging on his leash, and I pulled backward. “What is it, Hank?”
“I don’t see anything,” Grandma said, glancing around the area.
I peered between the trees, searching and feeling compelled to understand what Hank and Gracie were sensing. “They definitely smell something. Let’s check.”
“I am not sure if it is safe, Ethan.”
“Grandma, we need to investigate. If it’s an injured animal or more abandoned pups, we can call Marsha and have her send her wildlife team out here.”
“Fair enough.” Grandma nodded.
I released the slack on Hank’s leash and commanded, “Find it!
Hank and Gracie raced ahead, tugging Grandma and me along. Our breaths rose into the air like swirls of smoke. Frost covered the road, crunching beneath our boots as we followed my wolves. As we went down the road, the trees got thicker and thicker, reaching up to the pale sky, casting shadows, and blocking out the sun.
My wolves’ noses skimmed along the damp earth, sniffing. Occasionally, they paused to circle a spot several times before continuing on their determined path with their noses once again on the ground. They sped up and tensed their bodies as they focused on the trail that led us up the hill to a cliff that looked like the entrance to a cave.
Despite the cold, beads of sweat formed on my forehead, and a tightness spread across my chest. The familiar constriction gripped my lungs the higher we climbed. I couldn't wait any longer. I needed my medicine. Fumbling in my pocket, I reached for my inhaler. I could feel Grandma’s eyes fixed on me as I struggled to breathe.
Grandma’s voice was tense as she ordered, “Stop and use your inhaler. You’re having trouble breathing.”
“Hank is pulling me too hard. I can take a puff while I’m moving.”
“Nonsense,” Grandma said, taking Hank’s leash from me and bringing both Hank and Gracie to a halt. The wolves howled in protest. “There, now they’ve stopped. Please, Ethan, use your inhaler right now, and I mean it.”
I didn’t argue and put my inhaler in my mouth, pressed the button, releasing the medication, and breathed deeply. After a few seconds of inhaling and exhaling, the pressure lessened, and I put my inhaler back in my pocket. Gradually, the tightness in my chest vanished.
“Better?”
I nodded.
“I can’t risk your health for Hank and Gracie to chase down some scent. We need to turn back.”
“No, Grandma! I’m fine. If there’s an animal in trouble, we need to save it. I’ll never forgive myself if we don’t keep going.”
Her lips formed a thin line, and her brow furrowed with disapproval. Grandma knew that Hank and Gracie were not just my pets. They knew me better than any human. They were part of our family. I felt a deep responsibility to protect all animals, and my grandma knew that.
Again, I begged, “Please, Grandma.”
After several minutes of hesitation, she finally responded, “We’ll proceed, but if you have another episode, we’re finished.” She handed Hank’s leash back to me.
I let out a sigh of relief. “Thank you. I’ll be okay. I promise.”
She huffed and waved me forward.
After hiking up the hill, we arrived at the cave, its dark entrance framed by jagged rocks. A thick fog floated within the darkness, reminding me of dry ice. I had my doubts about going inside. The cave floor could be unstable or wild animals could be hiding inside. And what if the air was thin and stale and triggered my asthma? But Hank and Gracie were insistent, pulling on their leashes to get closer.
Peering into the cave, Grandma asked, “Did you bring a flashlight?”
“No, I didn’t,” I replied, my eyes widening as a thought struck me. “I can use the app on my phone.”
When I pulled my phone out of my pocket, Hank leapt forward, yanking his leash from my grip. Gracie followed suit, breaking free from Grandma’s hand and racing after Hank. I switched on the flashlight app, flooding the cave with light. The beam flickered across dirt and jagged rocks. I pointed it upward, and Hank and Gracie running down a narrow passageway fell into view. The musty stench and distant sounds of water dripping grew stronger as we followed them.
“They must have found the source,” Grandma said, matching my pace.
My heart raced as fear tightened in my throat at the thought of something harming my wolves. “I’m freaking out,” I blurted, trying to keep my phone steady with trembling hands. I had no idea what this cave contained, whether it was safe, or what Hank and Gracie had stumbled upon. They never disobeyed me. Maybe Grandma was right about turning back.
“They’ll be fine. They’re strong creatures. Just try not to worry.”
“I’m trying not to.”
Hank barked sharply, his call signaling to me that he needed me. I rushed blindly into the cave, adrenaline coursing through me. The sound of Grandma’s boots brushing against the cave floor echoed behind me as she ran.
The flashlight beam caught something ahead, but the darkness obscured my view. Upon closer inspection, I saw Hank and Gracie circling something on the ground. Slowing down, I hoped it wasn’t an injured animal. As Grandma reached the spot ahead of me, she gasped. I stood still, unable to take another step. “Grandma, what’s going on? What is it?”
As her gaze turned toward me, she said, “Not a what, but a who. It’s a young woman, maybe 18 or 19 years old.”
“What?” I rushed forward, closing the distance to the scene. I halted just behind Grandma, who was kneeling beside an unconscious girl, curled up in a fetal position, wearing a hospital gown. Hank and Gracie stood close by. Her long strawberry blonde hair was a matted, tangled mess hanging over her face. Her pale skin stood out in contrast to the bruises and deep red cuts all over her arms, legs, and especially her bare feet. Pus oozed out of them.
Grandma was in full-on doctor mode, checking the girl’s pulse, listening to her breathing, and examining her numerous wounds. As she assessed the girl’s condition, her eyes narrowed in concentration.
“Jesus,” I whispered. “Is she alive?”
“Her pulse is weak, and her breathing is shallow, but she’s alive,” Grandma confirmed, her focus on the girl. “Her body temperature is low. It could be hypothermia. She’s wearing a wristband, but it’s not from the hospital in town.” She turned to me. “Give me your jacket. She needs to warm up.”
I removed my jacket and handed it to Grandma, who carefully wrapped it around the girl.
“We need to get her out of here and to my clinic immediately,” Grandma urged. “We can’t carry her, and I need my medical van. You’ll need to keep a close watch on her while I go get the van. Be prepared that you may have to perform CPR if her heart stops.”
My jaw dropped slowly as the weight of responsibility washed over me, sending a wave of anxiety coursing through my body. The thought of performing lifesaving measures on someone was terrifying. What if I screwed up? “I’m your bookkeeper. This is beyond my capabilities,” I said, gesturing toward the girl. “I can’t help her.”
“You can handle this. Besides, we’ve trained many times on all emergency procedures.”
The cave felt as if it were closing in around me. Memories of Grandma’s first aid lessons flooded my mind, each one a jumbled mess of instructions and distant recollections. I shook my head firmly. “No, I can’t do it. What if she wakes up and sees some guy standing over her? You know I’m not comfortable with people. She’ll probably freak out. Just let me go get the van, and you stay here.”
Grandma looked at me, as if weighing my suggestion, but her expression remained firm. “I understand your hesitation, but she needs medical treatment immediately. You’ll have to run to the house, Ethan. I can’t risk you having an asthma attack. It’s better if I go.”
The thought of being alone with an unconscious stranger filled me with anxiety. What if I made a mistake and ended up making things worse instead of better? What if her injuries worsened, and I wasn’t able to save her? Every rational part of me screamed at me to let Grandma handle it. I had to be the one to get the van. “I’ve hiked trails many times—maybe not up a mountain, but I’ve covered long distances without an episode. Plus, I have my inhaler. Please let me get the van, Grandma.”
She studied me for several minutes, probably envisioning various scenarios and their likely outcomes. After sighing, she relented. “All right. The keys to my van are in my office in the top drawer on the right side of my desk at the clinic, not my home office.”
I nodded and turned to leave but quickly faced Grandma again. My gaze shifted to Hank and Gracie. Instead of coming with me, they remained by the girl’s side. My brows furrowed in confusion. Why had they tracked her in the first place, and why were they so protective of her? Was it her injuries? The blood? The situation? It didn’t make sense.
“Ethan, what’s wrong?” Grandma asked, interrupting my thoughts.
I glanced at her before shifting my focus back to my wolves. “Hank and Gracie,” I said. “It’s odd how they’re behaving. They don’t even know this girl that they’re trying so hard to protect.”
“We can figure that out later. Right now, we need to get this girl to my clinic.” She waved me away. “Go now and hurry back. Stay safe.”
“I will.” I cast one final glance at Hank and Gracie before hurrying out of the cave.
About the Author
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Laura Daleo is an accomplished multi-genre author known for weaving captivating tales across dark fantasy, urban fantasy, supernatural/paranormal, sci-fi, and young adult fiction. Her acclaimed Immortal Kiss series showcases her unique take on vampiric lore, reimagining the origins of vampires through the lens of the Egyptian pantheon. Originally from San Diego, California, Laura now calls Tucson, Arizona home, where she shares her life with her two beloved dogs, Rose and Cooper.
Website-FB-Twitter
Goodreads-Pinterest
Instagram-BookBub
Laura Daleo is an accomplished multi-genre author known for weaving captivating tales across dark fantasy, urban fantasy, supernatural/paranormal, sci-fi, and young adult fiction. Her acclaimed Immortal Kiss series showcases her unique take on vampiric lore, reimagining the origins of vampires through the lens of the Egyptian pantheon. Originally from San Diego, California, Laura now calls Tucson, Arizona home, where she shares her life with her two beloved dogs, Rose and Cooper.
