MoonNight

by Thacker, Renee

  I woke up to pure daylight. A cool cloth pressed against m y forehead.

  Carson was back in to his human form.

  “Welcome back,” he said. And that was the truest thing he could’ve said at that time. My head was resting on something else now. My duffel bag! And in the front seat was my Cody Simpson suitcase.

  “What happened?” I asked.

  “You don’t remember?” Carson raised an eyebrow. The truth is I did remember. I just needed someone to confirm it. “Yeah I think I do.” I said. “You’re not a wolf anymore.”

  Carson brushed some hair out of my face. “No we’re only in that form from dark till light. But since tonight’s a special night for us, that’s why we had a celebration, it starts at midnight. It’s a painful process. We lose all human senses. Except for me and no one really knows why. Yes the tattoos determine what duty we belong to.”

  “Are you the only pack?” I asked.

  “No there are two main ones in the U.S. which is the one you met today and one along the west coast.”

  “Are you immortal?” I asked.

  “That’s why there are so many of us.” Carson replied.

  “And how old are you?”

  “Only thirty-eight.” He said.

  “You are way too old for me,” I teased managing a slight smile. “Are there Vampires?”

  Carson looked grim. I thought he wasn’t going to answer me but then he said. “Yeah but you don’t want to mess with them there dangerous.”

  “And?”

  “And we are,” he said. “It’s complicated.” “I’m listening.”

  “Leslie when I said I didn’t want to give you the fate of knowing I meant just that. Besides the trackers, hunters, and caretakers there are also a very small pack of protectors. There are also a very small pack of protectors. There tattoo is a wolves face. When a human figures out our secret there tattoos will burn. They will hunt you down even if it means traveling across the world. So you’re going to spend some time with Vampires until I can get this sorted out and when I think it’s safe for you. Just hide your wounds at all times and please please please don’t be rash. Even if it doesn’t mean anything to you do it for me because I couldn’t live without you. They’re going to block your scent for a while. I contacted them while you were out.” Carson finished.

  “Okay,” I nodded desperately trying to fight back tears. “When and where?” Having to lie to my parents was a big NO for me. But this was bigger than that I hope. Right now I wanted to yell at Carson tell him to leave me alone and let me be normal.

  “Dallas Texas, right now.”

  “That far? Aren’t they going to like want to drink my blood or something?”

  “Hah,” he scoffed. “Animals have blood too.” He shifted in to reverse and headed on our way to the airport. “Here’s your food.” He tossed me a wrapped up sausage muffin.

  “Thanks,” and I was thankful for not only that but for everything he did for me. “How did you get my stuff?” “Why do you always ask questions? Be prepared because it’s my turn next time. “But anyways I ran and got in through the window.”

  “How?” There was so much to this guy’s world I wanted to know.

  “We werewolves have every hunting skill. Hearing, sight, smell, speed, strength, all of the above.”

  “So what about Vampires?”

  “They can smell and detect every type of blood. They can’t sleep and no daylight does not harm them.”

  “Pale skin?” I asked.

  “Yes that theory is actually true.” He reached out and held my hand. “Leslie?”

  “Huh?”

  “Please don’t get yourself killed. Trust me to explain everything to you.”

  “I won’t.” I promised giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. After I ate my food I asked Carson to look away so I could change my clothes. He laughed and refused to look away. The rest of the hour long drive I slept blocking out any invading dreams.

  The airport was bustling with people and lots of noise. Carson held both my bags. He kept telling me he was sorry for destroying my phone and that it was just a safety precaution. No worries there after all I just saw trust me I believed him. He also kept telling me that in one magical night everything was sorted out from my parents to car. When we finally got settled in to the seats waiting for the flight to be called. I started crying- I actually started crying. Carson put an arm around me and kept saying stuff like “Shhh,” and “You’re going to be fine.”

  Finally my flight was called and he handed me my bags. He handed me my bags. I started walking but thought better of it; I dropped my bags on the nearest seat, turned, and ran straight in to Carson’s arms burying my face in his neck.

  “Tell all of them I love them. Regan, Dimitri, Jeremy, Rosa, Loren,” my voice quavered. “And Tarun.”

  I lifted my head and we rested our foreheads against each other. I closed my eyes and felt Carsons lips press gently against mine.

  ‘I love you Leslie.” He said.

  “I know,” I replied and turned around boarding the plane not looking back.

  It was a four hour plane ride mostly consisting of watching the movies they played. During the car ride he said I was only staying there for two weeks. I would not forget that. When the plane ride was finally over I clenched my stuff tighter preparing to meet the vampire family of four. I walked towards baggage claim setting my eyes on the vampires. Easily detected with my luggage in their hands. How did they even know? All four of them had dark eyes, pale skin, light colored designer clothes, and brown hair.

  I managed to get over to them shaking all of their cool hands.

  “You must be Leslie Woods,” the man with the green sweater vest acknowledged.

  “Yes,” I replied.

  “I am Jason Ricoli, my wife Heather, son Rifle, daughter Lea who’s nine.” He waved me over.

  I followed him towards the exit. It was so much warmer here in Dallas then Alaska. The son Rifle who looked about a year or two younger than me held open the door to the red BMW.

  “Thanks,” I mumbled getting in.

  “No problem,” Rifle slid in next to me and Lea on the other side. “is she a snack?” he piped up.

  “What?” I gasped.

  “Only a joke. Just a way to get you to talk.” He took a comb out of his back pocket and combed back his greaser hair. Rifle had a boyish look about him while Carson looked mature. They were complete opposites. I stared at him. He caught me looking and smiled flashing his fangs. I looked over at Lea. When she smiled it was even scarier. She was so quiet, sweet; this was totally not her nature. “Mama said we were going to have a human girl in the house for a couple of weeks. So we practiced cooking. We actually went to a grocery store.” Her voice was sweet and girlish.

  “Thank you.” I said. “So why are you guys helping the werewolves?” I asked.

  Heather turned around to get a good view of me, “We do not help werewolves and werewolves do not help us. We are only doing this for the boy in return for something.”

  “And what is that?” I asked.

  “That’s not for you to know.” She stated.

  I sat in silence for a while just wishing these two weeks with the vampires would go by in a flash so I could be with the gorgeous werewolf Carson Lund again. The Ricolis were creeping me out a little. Something like a horror movie waiting to happen. We were in the heart of Dallas where tall buildings rose up like skyscrapers. I could tell this was going to take a while because we had to keep stopping for lights and bikes and hideous random dogs. Lights and noises were bombarding me from all directions it was so hard to have five minutes of piece. Who knew that in two weeks I flew to a summer graduation program, fell in love with a werewolf, and taking refuge with four vampires. Heather kept glancing back at me, and it was kind of weirding me out that Rifle was looking me up and down practically the whole time. Jason kept driving and Lea kept rambling on about all the adventures we were going to have in her flower garden. It wa
s very hard to remember she was a blood-sucking vampire.

  Chapter 4

  “We’re almost there,” Lea kept on talking. “I helped decorate your room to help lighten it up.”

  “Thanks,” I smiled patting her curly blonde hair.

  The vehicle pulled in to the drive of a pretty wealthy looking house. I counted four stories. There was a lot of towering glass windows. The black stucco made it all the more majestic. In the front was a huge water fountain with birds chirping all over it. I don’t know what I expected but nothing like this. Maybe some sort of lair. On the red front door there was a huge sign that read, THE RICOLIS, and in smaller print underneath it said, NO SOLICITING.

  “So what do you like to do?” Rifle asked as we headed up the path.

  “Swim I’m from California.” I said.

  “Do you compete?”

  “All the time before I went to Alaska.”

  “We have a swimming pool in the back maybe we could try sometimes.

  “Sure,” I sighed at the loveliness. They had a swimming pool. Inside the tall ceilinged, huge entryway, with black flooring, T.V. with lounge, pool table, a big chandelier hung up by all the other small lights casting prisons to dance on the walls.

  “So here we are,” Jason set down my bags. “Rifle take Leslies stuff and show her to her room.”

  I followed him up a staircase with bright white carpet and crystalline looking railing. Finally to a yellow door that said Leslie Woods and a single blue flower taped right below. He opened the door to a huge room with about ten windows, flowers covering every sill. A single black rose was sitting on the bed amongst all the brightness with a letter tied to it. I made a mental note to read that later.

  “So here we are,” Rifle sat down my stuff. “Your home for two weeks.”

  I never once forgot that this was only for two weeks because I was so desperate to be with Carson again. They did go a little overboard with making me a good home.

  “Can I have a word with you real quick?” he asked.

  “Well I think you kind of over power me so….yeah.”

  He shut my door and sat next to me on the bed.

  “You like the werewolf boy don’t you?”

  This was none of his business. “That’s not your business,” I shot, my light mood completely washing away.

  “You shouldn’t,” he rose to his feet clenching his fists. It was dark now; the only light was the small bedside lamp.

  “Well it’s really not your business,” I snapped.

  “He’s dangerous. You really shouldn’t be dealing with him. You don’t know what you’re getting yourself in to Leslie.

  We were both on our feet now, faces about an inch apart.

  A knock sounded on the door.

  “Everything okay in there?” Heather asked?

  “Yes.” Rifle and I said at the same time.

  “Well good I was just wondering if you’d like to eat,” she opened the door all the way and saw us standing so close. “Oh did I disrupt something?” She asked.

  Dinner was awkward. They all watched me eat as if it was something new. To me it was new trying to eat salad and spaghetti with a spoon. They were pretty good for first time cooks though. When I got back to the room I discovered my own personal bathroom and wardrobe in which I fancily got ready for bed.

  Finally I opened the letter…from Carson.

  Leslie, I hope they are treating you well and not forgetting to feed you as often as human needs. You’re only there for two weeks but I’m coming to visit you in just five days just for a short time. I know it’s selfish but I have to see you. The werewolf protector pack are over here right now. They just about scared Emi to death. Jeremy will be the one picking you up. Regan, Dimitri, Loren, and Rosa all parted to try to lead them off your scent. Tarun decided to join the hunt for you. Stay safe.

  Love forever,

  Carson.

  I held the rose close to my heart safely tucking the letter away. I curled up and fell asleep. It was only yesterday I parted with Carson. Only yesterday his lips presses so gently against mine. But it was only six weeks from when my parents expectected me home. And so many things were ripping my heart in different directions. Because he would live forever and I wouldn’t. Unless. Unless I got bitten and survive the bight. Then turn. Then live forever. With Carson. All that was for later. I needed to focus on now.

  Two days went by entertaining Lea in the garden, reading her fairy tales, tucking her in bed at night.

  On the third day I was with Rifle in a two piece gold and purple suit, towel in hand, walking out to the pool in the backyard.

  “Sorry about the first day,” he apologized. I just shrugged. It felt so good to be swimming again after the short stay in Alaska. Memories of my Californian days came flashing back. My first swim at age seven, and everyone knew I was a natural. My mom placing a plastic gold medal around my neck making me feel proud.

  “Okay,” I started. “Last one to the six feet mark loses.” I laughed dropping my stuff and running to the shallow end of the pool.

  Rifle whooped like a little kid joining me. I arched my arms wide swimming with great speed beating him by about five seconds.

  “You win,” he plopped down next to me shaking water out of his long hair that’s usually greased up.

  “What can I say; I told you I would beat you.”

  “Hey we’re like cats we don’t like water.” He paused. “Or werewolves.”

  “Why don’t you guys like werewolves?” I wondered.

  “I don’t know it dates back thousands of years. Sometime I wish I was human again just to grow up normal, to have children, without having to give them an eternity of what I am. I mean look at sweet Lea she will never stop being bloodthirsty.” He paused seeing that I didn’t have anything to say and continued. “Just being with you is like putting a five year old in a room with nothing but a chocolate bar. It’s hard enough for me to act modest for you. I come closer to you but every time I do I have to distance myself for that werewolf.” He said werewolf as if it were a bad word. “And it makes me mad. He doesn’t realize he should just let you walk away. He’s a monster. And-“ “And that’s where you’re wrong.” I said. “I chose Carson and he chose me. And that is something you cannot change.” I got up and grabbed my stuff.

  “Leslie-wait!”

  “I don’t need a boyfriend adviser!” I called over my shoulder heading in to the house.

  Inside the glass doors Heather placed one of her cool hands on my shoulder.

  “He’s just having a hard time, we all are.” She said soothingly.

  “I’m sorry,” I turned my head to hide my tears.

  “Don’t be honey it’s not your fault.”

  “It is,” I said. And I really knew it was. If I had just let it all go, back off like Carson stressed in the beginning. He’s coming to visit me the day after tomorrow. Right now I was eating wondering why they even had a kitchen. So far every meal has been spaghetti. The Ricolis have, thank god, given up watching me eat. I still don’t know when they eat but they have stressed for my sake there diet was strictly animals. The ringing of the phone brought me back to reality. Jason went and picked up the phone.

  “Jason Ricoli, may I help you?”

  Silence then-

  “Yes just one moment please.” He turned to me and mouthed, it’s for you.

  I picked up the phone and an unfamiliar voice asked, “This is Leslie Woods?”

  “Yes,” I replied.

  “Take the phone and go somewhere private.”

  “No.”

  “Wrong choice, I have your friends darling’. Take the phone somewhere private.”

  So my only choice was to so it.

  “Are you there?” he asked.

  “Y-yes,” I stuttered.

  “My name is Damen and I am a werewolf protector. And you are a human who…” I had been found. I had been tricked. One word was racing through my mind. Carson. Carson. Carson I need you! “If y
ou don’t come to me I will personally hunt down every single acquaintance or family member you have ever laid eyes on and kill them. Then I can move to that boyfriend Charles-“ “Carson-“ I corrected.

  “Yes, yes,” he drawled. “So will you come to me?”

  “I will come to you, just don’t hurt anyone.” My voice was hoarse, caught between the lump in my throat.

  “Humans are so willing,” Damen snickered.

  “Where do I go?” I asked in a stern voice.

  “To the end of the street. I’ll be waiting.” I heard the click of the phone so I ended my call too.

  When was I supposed to go? All I knew was soon. At this point my life meant little to me. It was everyone who had entered my life who mattered.

  I ran back inside dropping the phone in the receiver, then went in my room and changed in to some loose fitting clothes. I opened my door and slammed in to Rifle.

  “Oh sorry,” I backed away.

  “What are you up to?”

  I pondered. “Just going for a walk down the street.”

  “Maybe I should accompany you… for your protection.” “No,” I pushed past him and went downstairs. I felt bad for having to do this to him. But if I didn’t it could be worse. So I called back over my shoulder, “Maybe we could swim later though.” Even though I knew that was never going to happen. I was lying to everybody, including Carson. Carson. I was supposed to see him tomorrow. If I even came back.

  “Hi Leslie,” Lea said walking past me.

  But I couldn’t look at her. Much less greet her back.

  Heather was talking to Jason in a hushed voice on the first floor lounge when I made it downstairs.

  “Hey Heather,” I said. “I’m going on a walk to the end of the street. I need fresh air that’s all.”

  The two of them looked at each other questioningly then she said, “Just be back before dinner.”