Wolf for Hire

One day until the Full Moon.

July 2, 2023

Moonrise: 8:16 p.m.

Sunset: 8:31 p.m.

Chapter Seven

I woke to the rooster's crow—sharp, insistent, cutting through the haze of sleep. No snooze button to slap, no muffling it. I groaned, reaching for the pillow to bury my head in, but instead of soft cotton, my hand brushed fur—Annie, curled up behind my neck, warm and content. I sighed, shifting, trying to ignore the fact that I was sprawled on the floor. Hot, humid breath washed over my face. I cracked one eye open.

Rosie, the lab-pit mix, was nose-to-nose with me, her head tucked beneath my chin like she was playing little spoon. So, this licker was also a snuggler. I huffed, half-amused, half-exasperated, closing my eyes again.

The floor was firm beneath me, shag carpeting providing some cushion, and bed sheets were in a tangled mess around my arms and legs. Sometime in the night, I'd been nudged out of bed by the ever-growing pile of dogs that claimed the bottom bunk. Coy, Emma, and Puddy lay in a sprawl of fur and limbs above me. Maggie and Murray were tucked close beside, while Rudy curled behind the bend in my legs. At least Boden hadn't added his weight to the pile this time. Small mercies.

Despite the uncomfortable position and the light creeping in, it was cozy—warm, surrounded by the steady breathing and snoring of the dogs. The wolf had listened, and brought us back home. Well, not home home—my old place was probably welcoming its new tenant by now—but Sandy's house. Which was better than some patch of woods or a stranger's yard. The memories of last night were foggy, fragmented like pieces of a half-remembered dream, but at least they were calm. No panic, no danger. One of those rare mornings where disasters didn't loom.

I breathed slowly, sinking deeper into the pile of fur and warmth, hoping to drift back to sleep. For once, there were no eviction notices, no landlords pounding on the door, no early shifts to drag me out of bed. Just the familiar smell of dogs, the rise and fall of their chests. A moment of peace, with only the slightest discomfort. I could deal with the house later—whatever mess awaited could wait until I was more awake. As long as I got it done before—

A car door slammed outside.

The sound sliced through the air, snapping me out of the sleepy fog. I bolted upright, the sudden movement jolting the dogs awake. Coy's head shot up, alert. Maggie was already on her feet. My heart hammered as I scrambled to my knees. Shit. Shit. Shit. JT was here. I had to act fast. I couldn't let him see the place like this. I needed a plan.

Problem: I was nude. My clothes were still in the washer, damp and on the other side of the house. If I was fast, perhaps I could try to pull them on—

No time. Gravel crunched underfoot. The soft jingle of keys. He was almost at the door.

"Coy, Maggie, the rest of you," I whispered harshly, "meet JT at the door. Don't let him in."

The dogs, sensing my urgency, moved as one—darting out of the room towards the front door, tails wagging, ready to intercept. I stumbled out of the room, stubbing my toe on something small and hard. A garden gnome. What the hell was that doing here I didn't have time to think about it. I needed to find Sandy's pajamas.

I found them crumpled near the spot where Carl had fired his last shot into the floor. I yanked them on in a rush. The bottoms fit fine, but the top was missing half its buttons, torn off by the wolf struggling out of them. I pulled it over my shoulders anyway, clutching the front closed with one hand.

The door creaked open, and I heard the familiar commotion—barking, paper bags rustling, and JT's exasperated voice as the dogs swarmed him.

I bolted for the door, stumbling over the pajama legs that had come unrolled. I slid to a stop just in time to catch it before it opened fully and stuck my head out, breathless. "JT!" I forced a smile that felt like it was cracking at the edges. "What a pleasant surprise... What are you doing here?"

JT stood on the porch, surrounded by a bulwark of dogs. Puddy was nose-to-nose with him, Rosie had wedged herself between his legs, and Emma and Maggie sat firmly on his feet. The rest crowded around him in a tight circle. Almost as if they'd rehearsed it.

In JT's hands were two bags—a large one from Costco, the other smaller one from Dunkin'. He leaned against a porch column to keep from toppling over.

"Calm down, it's just me," he said, swaying as Puddy bumped into him, trying to keep the bags out of reach. "AJ, mind giving me a hand?"

He glanced up, locking eyes with me—and immediately burst into laughter.

My panic twisted into irritation. "What?"

JT was still trying to catch his breath, laughter bubbling between words. "You—you look like hell. Did Carl finally escape or something?"

I narrowed my eyes. "Why would you assume that?"

He smirked, clearly amused. "Because it looks like he got into Murray's Rogaine again. Went to town on your face."

I froze, a sinking feeling twisting inside me. I glanced toward the mirror by the door. My reflection confirmed it—Frida Kahlo, back with a vengeance. My eyebrows had gone full werewolf and hadn't returned. I felt a choked sob rise in my throat. Of all the days for this to happen... and he'd already seen it.

JT, still amused, shook his head. "Hey, don't worry—it'll wear off. At least Carl didn't smear the stuff in your nose and ears. Trust me, that was a nightmare. Just... wash your face, maybe your pillows—heck, probably everything your face touched, just in case."

My face flushed as I covered it with one hand—the one not desperately holding my pajama top together. I hadn't even been up for a full minute and already looked like a clown—a werewolf clown. But at least JT thought it was just a prank by Carl. But, if I went along with it, though, I'd have to admit Carl had gotten out. Another mess to explain.

JT's voice cut through my spiraling thoughts. "So... raided Sandy's wardrobe, huh?" His tone was hard to read—half amused, half something else. Disapproval? Pity? Either way, I felt like I was sinking deeper. Might as well confirm his suspicions. A little truth to hide a lie.

"My clothes are locked in my car, thanks to Carl swiping my keys. I had no choice," I muttered, keeping my face hidden behind my hand.

JT raised an eyebrow, his smirk softening with something that almost looked like concern. "So, you tried to get them back, and that's when he got loose?"

"No!" I blurted, too quick, too defensive. "I didn't fall for that. He just... distracted me long enough to grab a different keyring. The one with his own key."

"And you had that key on you because...?"

I swallowed, panic creeping in. He just kept asking questions. "I was going to check out the barn. V said I could borrow it for a few days. I forgot the keys were still in my pocket."

JT paused, tilting his head, brow furrowing. "V mentioned something about that. So... how bad is it? The house, I mean."

"Nothing I can't handle," I lied. Or half-lied. I could handle some of it, at least.

JT's gaze lingered, and I felt the weight of his scrutiny. "May I see?"

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My heart skipped. "Look, you hired me to take care of the house and the animals. I'm on it. Just let me... get things in order. It was a rough night, and I just woke up." Even I could hear how weak that sounded. My throat tightened.

JT started to untangle himself from the wall of dogs, stepping forward. "Well, that's actually why I'm here. Figured you might need some help after your first day."

I moved to block the doorway, pulse racing. "No, I don't need help. I've got this handled."

JT's expression softened, but that damn smirk lingered. He held up the Dunkin' bag like an olive branch. "You also look like you could use some coffee. Good thing I brought some."

I stood there, mind scrambling for anything to keep him outside. "Look, that's sweet, but I'm not inviting you in."

JT raised an eyebrow, grinning now. "I'm not a vampire, AJ."

"That's not what I meant—"

"And what I meant is that I don't need your permission to come inside. I'm technically a co-owner, remember?" He gave me a playful look and, with an annoyingly smooth sidestep, nudged the door open wider and slipped past me.

"Wait!" My voice shot up an octave, panic bubbling fast. "The house is still a mess, just—just give me a little time—"

JT glanced around as he walked toward the living room, shaking his head with a smile that was half-amused, half-dismissive. "Look, I'm sure I've seen worse. It can't be that bad."

I stood frozen in the doorway, unable to stop him, watching in horror as he entered the living room and his eyes took in the scene: the broken fish tank, the scattered debris, the shredded pillows, the bullet hole in the wall. Now, in the light of the day, it looked far worse than the night before.

JT exhaled slowly, his expressions blank. "Alright," he said, letting the word hang, "I admit... this is pretty bad."

JT had made his way into the kitchen, unpacking groceries while I half-heartedly cleaned the living room. Water stains darkened the hardwood where the fish tank had spilled, and Carl had left splintered floorboards from trying to shoot me. I mulled over how I was going to juggle house repairs, animal care, and not completely lose my mind, when JT reappeared, holding out two cups of coffee.

"This one's sweetened, the other's not. Both have cream. Take your pick."

I grabbed the sweet one, muttering a half-hearted thanks.

"So... What happened? Those look like bullet holes," JT said casually, like we were talking weekend plans, not near-death experiences.

"Carl snuck out and stole my gun before I realized he'd taken more than my car keys."

JT blinked. "Why do you even have a gun?"

"Because I live alone in a sketchy neighborhood. Why wouldn't I?" My tone came out more defensive than I meant.

His expression softened. "Were you hurt?"

I shock my head. "No. He had five shots, missed every time."

This information seemed to edge JT out his usual calm. "Wait—he was aiming at you?"

"The first shot was at the fish tank," I said, forcing a shrug, "but yeah, the rest were at me."

"Jesus." JT rubbed his forehead, his voice more tense now. "I'm really sorry."

I frowned, this caught me a little off guard. "Why are you apologizing?"

He sighed. "Look, Carl can be an asshole, sure, but he's not homicidal. Not usually. I'm sorry you had to go through that. Anyone else hurt?"

"No, just... inconvenienced." I tried to sound casual. "I checked on everyone afterward."

JT nodded, then his expression shifted, almost impressed. "How'd you get him back in his cage?"

"Carl didn't count his shots. Once he was out, I had Coy and the dogs handle it." This was true for the most part. No need to tell JT which dog it was who actually caught Carl. "Once we had Carl, I had Coy remove any stolen items from the cage, and then I locked Carl up again. The items are in the sink—still need washing."

"Yeah, I saw them." JT smiled and seemed genuinely impressed. "You handled it well. Most people would've quit after this."

I blinked, surprised. "You're not mad?"

JT shook his head, his voice steady. "Look, it is not a question of if things will go wrong, but when, and I can't watch over everything along with the clinic. So, I need someone I trust here. And despite how it looks..." He gestured to the mess. "It's really not as bad as it could have been. At least Carl or Cassie didn't start a fire. I've had nightmares about this place burning down."

My eyes widened. "Cassie starts fires?"

JT shrugged like it was nothing. "Only if she gets too cold."

Damn, I really needed to finish Sandy's book. JT clearly knew more about these animals—and their magic—than he let on. Meanwhile, I knew pitifully little. I couldn't let him know that if I wanted to preserve the little respect I'd managed to salvage with him. Yet it gnawed at me. I needed to know what he knew about me. What Vanessa had told him.

"JT, can I ask you something?" My voice wavered before I could stop it. "What did V tell you about me? Did she say I was... a witch?"

I braced for surprise, confusion—something—but JT just shrugged, like it was the most normal question in the world. "No, she didn't say that. I just assumed. You're part of the sorority, after all."

My brain screeched to a halt. "Wait—what do you mean the sorority?"

"Everyone I've met from Sandy and your sorority has been some kind of practitioner or another. Figured you were one too."

I stared at him, floored. My mind buzzed with a thousand questions—How did I not know this? Why hadn't anyone told me? Now wasn't the time to unpack that. I swallowed, trying to keep my voice steady.

"So... what did V actually say about me?" I asked, a little more urgently.

JT tilted his head, considering. "She said you were a good friend of Sandy's and that you could handle the job. I asked if you had experience with familiars, and she said no, but mentioned you had the right talents."

"So she didn't tell you much." My heart sank. Typical Vanessa, letting people fill in the gaps themselves. She could've at least had the decency to lie.

JT smirked. "The day V gives me a straight answer is the day hell freezes over."

I sighed. She'd left me hanging too, forcing me to connect the dots I didn't have. But I wasn't quitting. Not now. "Well, I'm not giving up unless you fire me. And unless that happens, don't micromanage. I charge double for that." Thought, that begged the question: what was I charging to begin with?

JT laughed, which eased my tension. "Fair enough. Most of the sisters have already quit anyway. Angelina and Samantha? Chased off by Carl. Jessica couldn't handle the live feedings. And Tori? She bailed after seeing Elmo." He gave me a knowing look, his grin widening. "I'm scraping the bottom of the barrel here."

A splash of irritation shot through me. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."

JT raised his hands in mock defense, but then stiffened as a small black device on his waistband beeped.

"You still use a pager?" I asked, incredulous. "I thought only doctors had those."

"Vets are doctors. We just don't specialize in one species," JT said, checking the message. He frowned and clipped it back on his waistband.

"Well, since I'm here, at least let me help with the morning chores. You could use the time to clean up, get dressed—something tells me today won't be easier than yesterday."

I shook my head. "You've got places to be. Let me handle this."

"I've got time, and I'm already here," JT pressed, not budging.

Maybe he thought he was being polite, but it grated on me. "Look, I already have one supervisor too many. I told you, I don't need—"

JT snorted, barely holding back a laugh.

"What now?" I snapped, irritation flaring.

"Your, uh... monobrow makes a 'W' when you're mad."

I reflexively reached to cover my face with my free hand—the one not holding the coffee cup. But in doing so, I let go of the pajama top. With no buttons left, it fell open.

My face burned. I fumbled to close it, mortified. JT smoothly took the coffee cup from my hand to free it up. Chest and face covered, I spun on my heel, heart pounding, and bolted for the hallway.

"Want me to lay out some clothes for you?" JT called after me, teasing.

"Shut up, shut up, shut up," I muttered, disappearing into the living room.

The dogs were gathered in the hallway like a polite audience—close enough to be near if needed, but careful not to intrude. At the front were Maggie, Rosie, and Emma. I pointed at them.

"Ladies," I said, forcing my voice steady, "escort Mr. JT to his car. He's got important work to do—saving puppies, neutering cats, and all that."

They didn't need convincing. Maggie, Emma, and Rosie bounded forward, circling JT and herding him toward the door with military precision. JT tried to protest, but Maggie gave him a firm prod with her nose, goosing him forward. He stumbled, nearly tripping over Rosie.

"Hey, hey, easy!" JT laughed, trying to keep his balance. "AJ, do you really—ah!" Another goosing prod from Maggie. The dogs coordination was almost eerie. Sandy must've trained them to do all sorts of things

The dogs had their orders, and once in motion, there was no stopping them.

I glanced down to see Annie watching me, head tilted, curiosity in her eyes.

"Yes, Annie, you're a lady too," I said, patting her gently. Her tail wagged, and she scampered off to join the others, adding her tiny weight to the effort.

At the front door, JT twisted on the porch, glancing over his shoulder as the dogs nudged him along. "I left the donut and coffee on the table for you. They're still warm."

"Thanks, JT," I called.

He paused on the steps as the dogs continued to urge him toward his car. "I'll swing by this afternoon, alright? Help with—"

"Don't bother," I cut in, keeping my tone light but firm. No way I was letting him back before I got myself together. Then, maybe, I'd enjoy his company.

JT gave me one last look, a mix of concern and confusion flickering across his face before the dogs finally herded him outside. The front door clicked shut behind him, and I exhaled, leaning against the wall.

Not even up for an hour, and I was already exhausted.