A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing: Dire Werewolves of Briarhaven, #1

Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

A Cozy Fantasy of Briarhaven

Miranda Herald

My Koala Pouch

Also By Miranda Herald

Briarhaven Chronicles:

Practical Guide Series:

Book 1: Practical Guide to Magical Farming

Book 2: Practical Guide to Magical Farm Animals

Book 3: Practical Guide to Unicorn Ranching

Book 4: Practical Guide to Dragon Husbandry

Dire Werewolves of Briarhaven Series:

Book 1: Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

Book 2: Thrown to the Wolves

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Loves Cats Series:

Prequel Chapters: Willa’s Blooper Reel- FREE at https://dl.bookfunnel.com/yqs4i2iqr0

Book 1: Loves Cats, Anonymous

Book 2: Swipe Right for More Cats

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Puzzling through Romance Series:

Prequel Novella: Blundering through Paradise- FREE at https://dl.bookfunnel.com/q22azd8n2k

Book 1: Outwitting Paradise

Book 2: Misplacing Paradise

Book 3: Hiding Paradise

Book 4: Delivering Paradise

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Smitten Scientists:

Catch and Release

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Love, Lies and Investigations:

Security Breach of the Heart

Copyright © 2023 by Miranda Herald

All rights reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

Contents

1.Journeyman Herpetologist

2.Howling Lullaby

3.Where Paths Diverge

4.A Children's Story

5.Firefox

6.Wolf Prints

7.That's When the Howling Started

8.Paralyzing Tree Frogs

9.Fire Salamander Versus Water Salamander

10.Little Lobo

11.Hunting with a Cub

12.Light-Bender Hellbender

13.Where is Little Lobo?

14.Just a Small Nibble

15.A Knack for Hunting

16.Sweet Dreams

17.Peacefully Sleeping Killing Machine

18.Deadly Claws

19.The Sweet Allure of Rabbit

20.Knitting Dire Werewolves

21.Dire Wolf Pregnancy Symptoms

22.A Tasty Notebook

23.Dire Wolf Herpetologist

24.A Spectrum of Grays

25.A Loss of Control

26.Life as an Experiment

27.A Dire Werewolf Test

28.A Journey to Many Magical Frogs

29.Hermit Herpetologist

30.A Life that Could Have Been

31.Weaving Wolves

32.Dire Wolf Shepherdess

33.Haunting Howls

34.The Chase is On

35.A Song of Delight

Epilogue: I Smell a Wolf

Meet the author: Miranda Herald

Chapter one

Journeyman Herpetologist

Ribbit.

Tala Rana launched herself into a frenzied sprint, knocking over the precarious stack of research papers teetering on her nightstand. Like a whirlwind, she darted across the room and past rows of books, her heart racing, fueled by a blend of urgency and exhilaration. She lunged forward, her hand outstretched toward the small warty toad, the target of her pursuit.

She missed. Her fingers closed around nothing but air.

Casting a quick, apologetic glance at the scattered sheets of meticulously gathered data, she moved toward her cerulean nightgown, trimmed with delicate lace, that had been hastily discarded on the floor earlier that morning. The sonorous croak of another of her study subjects echoed through the room, a teasing reminder of the task at hand.

Tala fixed her gaze on the suspicious bulge in her nightgown. Summoning a burst of energy, she swiftly flung the fabric aside, her right hand plunging toward the elusive creature.

Her fingers closed around the warty texture of the toad’s skin, a triumphant smile playing at the corners of her mouth. Lifting the bewildered animal up, she brought it up to her face.

Well, hello there, you little rascal, she cooed, her voice filled with warmth. You don’t have to resort to such drastic measures. Today is your day of freedom, buddy. And I’ve got a grand adventure awaiting me in the mountains.

Tenderly, she set about rectifying the toppled glass jar, its base a mini prairie of fresh grass, and carefully placed the toad back into its transient abode. With a sigh of contentment, Tala turned her attention back to her pack.

The great outdoors beckoned, and she had a mountain expedition to prepare for.

She stood amidst the clutter of her cramped boarding room, scanning over her belongings with a mix of excitement and anxiety. She ran a hand through her long red hair as she mentally checked off all the items she would need for her journey to the mountains that skirted the Briarhaven wilds. She could only take what she could carry, and she would be gone all summer long. It was the opportunity of a lifetime – to write and illustrate the Practical Guide to Magical Amphibians.

Jars? Check. Oiled leather? Check, she murmured to herself, her voice barely audible above the rustle of paper as she rummaged through her collection of books, specimens, and drawings. I can’t forget my notebook. Tala grabbed a special extra-thick notebook she’d purchased specifically for this project. She wrapped it in a piece of well-oiled leather to keep it dry and stuffed it in her pack that was quickly filling up.

She couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride at having graduated at the top of her class from the prestigious Briarhaven Elite Academy of Science and Technology – or BEAST, as it was better known. Now they wanted to sponsor her research, and their support meant not only funding but also recognition from the leading institution in human science and technology. Students who graduated from BEAST went on to develop things like the lightbulb and most recently the car. The technology coming out of the academy gave regular ordinary humans a chance to compete with magic wielders, and it was exciting to be part of the technological revolution.

Where did I put my charcoal pencils? Tala muttered to herself, rifling through a stack of papers covered in scribbled notes. She searched for any sign of her elusive art supplies.

Ah-ha! she exclaimed, spotting the familiar black box peeking out from beneath a mountain of books. She added the pencils to her growing pile of equipment: a leather-bound sketchbook, a sturdy wooden case filled with vials of ink, and a small brass telescope for observing creatures from afar.

Let’s see, she mumbled, consulting a worn checklist as she continued her packing. Cloak, coins, travel rations...oh! I almost forgot the glass slides for preserving samples.

At BEAST, she may not have focused her studies on engineering or design, but she worked hard studying the creatures of Briarhaven. The more she learned, the more shocked she became at how little was known about the amphibians of this land, the magical and mundane alike. There was so much speculation in this area of study that even the leading biologists didn’t know which magical varieties were no more than fairytales. That was when she had decided to specialize and become a herpetologist, but it exceeded all her expectations when BEAST told her they would fund a research venture to write a practical guide on the subject.

BEAST believes in me, she said to the dozen live species of frogs, toads, and salamanders that were her roommates. And they know how important this research could be. Her fingers brushed against the rough spine of a children’s book on the light-bender hellbender, one of the elusive species she hoped to encounter on her journey. Their powers are so rare and unique... who knows what we can learn from them? She stuffed the book in her bag, something comforting on the long, lonely nights ahead.

Are you sure you have everything you need, dear? called a voice from the doorway. Tala turned to see her neighbor, and the owner of the small boarding house she lived in, Mrs. Patts, leaning against the doorframe, a motherly look of concern furrowing her brow.

Almost, Mrs. Patts, Tala replied, smiling. While her neighbor could be a bit nosy, like when she invited herself over when Tala brought home friends Mrs. Patts described as hoodlums, Mrs. Patts was also the one to bring her soup when she was sick and asked her regularly how she was doing with her intense workload. Mrs. Patts worried, but sometimes it was nice to have someone who cared so much. Just double-checking my list. Thank you so much for looking after my room while I’m gone. I believe BEAST paid you for the summer while I’m out doing research for them, and I’ll be back in two or three months.

Mrs. Patts nodded. Remember, there’s no shame in asking for help if you find yourself in trouble. You can always change your mind and come home, Mrs. Patts said, wagging a finger. It’s dangerous out there in the wilds.

Tala nodded. Mrs. Patts was very concerned about her alone in the mountains, but she used to spend a few weeks every summer up there helping her grandfather with trapping and collecting furs. He taught her how to live off the land. It had been quite a few years since she used her skills, but she knew she would be fine. I’ll be careful, I promise.

Good, Mrs. Patts said, patting Tala’s arm affectionately. Now, make sure you pack some warm clothes for those cold mountain nights.

Thank you, Mrs. Patts, she said, looking back at the older woman. Your support means a lot to me.

Go on now, Mrs. Patts urged, giving her a gentle push toward her packing. You have a great adventure ahead of you, and I won’t keep you any longer.

Mrs. Patts left as Tala returned to her preparations. She couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement and eagerness to begin her journey. With BEAST behind her and the uncharted wilderness of the Briarhaven wilds before her, Tala was determined to make the most of this opportunity and change the world of magical creature studies forever.

She wasn’t following pipe dreams like that silly group of boys who thought they could build a machine that could fly. She knew she would make a big discovery that was as all-important as the creation of the telegram. She was on the cusp of great things, but first, she had a toad and a few of his friends to let loose.

Chapter two

Howling Lullaby

The sun started cresting the horizon, painting the world with hues of soft gold and blush pink. Tala stood on the uneven cobblestone pathway outside her boarding house that overlooked BEAST. Her eyes scanned the quiet morning streets of Briarhaven’s city. Around her, humanoid people of all types were stirring, a languid yawn of a metropolis waking to a new dawn.

Her backpack, bulging with supplies and research equipment, stood by her feet, a silent testament to the grand expedition that lay ahead. Tala knew that cars, while rapidly advancing every year, stood no chance against the untamed pathways leading to the wilds of Briarhaven. For this journey, she had to rely on a more archaic, yet robust mode of transportation: a horse-drawn cart.

Suddenly, she heard the clopping of hooves against stone. A figure gradually emerged from the morning fog, a horse-drawn cart led by an imposing humanoid that seemed to blend man and horse into one. A centaur. Tala’s heart skipped a beat at the fascinating sight – a strong upper body with the torso of a man merged onto the body of a horse. He wasn’t what she was expecting when she’d arranged for the cart.

Morning, my name is Brom, the centaur greeted, his deep voice cutting through the chill in the air. He had a strong, square jaw and eyes the color of pine needles, intense and focused. His equine lower body was a brilliant chestnut, muscles rippling under the early-morning sun.

Good morning, Brom. My name is Tala. Thanks for coming to take me to the mountains, she returned the greeting, her lips curving into a smile. He seemed like a nice enough companion for her journey.

Ready for your expedition? Brom asked, his eyes scanning her bag. Tala picked it up and held the pack close to her chest.

Couldn’t be more ready, she replied, her heat beating fast with anticipation. The long journey ahead did nothing to dampen her spirits. If anything, the thrill of what was to come only fueled her excitement.

Well then, hop on. We’ve got quite the distance to cover over the next three days, Brom instructed, pointing to the worn but solid-looking wooden cart strapped to his equine back. She clambered aboard, finding a comfortable spot on a bench beside her pack.

With a nod, Brom moved forward, the cart jostling into action. The rhythmic clip-clop of his hooves filled the air as they left Tala’s apartment. At this time of morning, the streets were still mostly empty, but those that were starting their morning routine moved out of Brom’s way long before he got close.

As Tala’s cart jostled over the cobblestones, the city began to awaken, its profile sketched by plumes of smoke from steam engines and punctuated by majestic cathedrals and towering clock spires. Her centaur driver, with his muscular human torso transitioning seamlessly into a sturdy horse body, navigated the streets with practiced ease. Tala leaned slightly over the cart’s side, absorbing the myriad sights and sounds the city had to offer.

Tala was comforted by the city’s architecture. Buildings made of wood and stone stood tall with their pointed arches and stained-glass windows. These structures, emblematic of Briarhaven’s progress, boasted expansive glass facades and exposed brickwork, and some sported guild flags waving in the gentle breeze. As her gaze wandered, she noticed factories lining the city’s edge, their towering chimneys standing as silent sentinels.

Innovations didn’t escape her keen eyes. Amid the classic charm of Briarhaven, Tala spotted kiosks where residents busily sent and received telegrams. The faint echo of a street musician reached her ears, only to be overlaid by an unfamiliar, almost otherworldly tune. They passed a park bench where a young lady was seen furiously dictating a letter. The quill beside her scribbled rapidly on its own, translating her spoken words into elegant, handwritten prose. Not too far away Tala noticed two cloudriders who appeared to be sharing a private conversation despite their distance. One of them would blow a gentle breath into her palm, and her words, now transformed into a breeze, would travel directly to her friend’s ear. Briarhaven was a beautiful city of contrasts, where magic and innovation intertwined seamlessly.

Too far to have a conversation with Brom without shouting, Tala sat back and watched the tight streets of the city turn into the wide roads of the animorph district they traveled through. She always thought the various districts were fascinating. As humanoid species tended to group together, you could see the origins of the various cultures that were mixed together in the city. Everything from building structure, yard space, and decorations varied greatly between districts.

A large humanoid lion watched them closely, with his arms crossed, as they passed by. In this particular district the homes looked more like log cabins and cottages hewn from wood. While there was a decent number of houses in this sector, it was full of towering trees that hovered over the small homes, providing shade and greenery. There was even a large pond that Tala could see in the distance, where a group of humanoid otter children were frolicking.

As the last vestiges of civilization gradually faded into the distance, Tala found herself staring at a vast expanse of rolling green. Farmland punctuated the thick forests here and there, like puzzle pieces scattered sparsely amidst the wilderness. The shift in scenery marked their official entry into the wilds, a somewhat uncharted region that held untold mysteries and many dangers.

Brom’s hooves clunked rhythmically on the winding dirt trail, creating a soothing melody that blended harmoniously with the chirps of birds and the rustle of leaves. Tala felt a thrill run through her veins when a deer darted across their path, its sleek body a blur of motion against the emerald backdrop. She watched rabbits scurrying into the underbrush, their cotton-tail bobbing with every hop. She glanced back to the dominating view of the mountains ahead, an imposing silhouette against the cerulean canvas of the sky.

Brom, Tala began, her shout echoing down the road, how long have you been traversing these paths?

The centaur glanced back at her without slowing his pace. Longer than most humans have been alive. He chuckled, his deep voice rumbling like a distant thunderclap. Each journey is different, each path holds a new tale. It’s as wild as they come, but there’s a sense of harmony that only nature can offer.

Over the hours that turned into days, Tala found herself immersed in Brom’s tales. From his encounters with mischievous pixies to his intense standoff with a territorial griffin, each story added depth to the tapestry of their journey, coloring the landscape with invisible tales of adventure, fear, and camaraderie.

As the cart’s wheels turned over the rugged terrain, Tala listened, captivated by Brom’s narrative. Her attention hung on every word as the centaur spun tales filled with intriguing creatures and unforeseen encounters. Yet, of all the tales, the one that truly enthralled her was the tale of Brom’s encounter with a territorial griffin.

So, there I was, Brom began,