“If he’s so bad, then why don’t you stop him?” I ask and continue walking.
“He’s too…powerful,” he replies, catching up to me again. “Besides, he’s Mom and Dad’s favorite.”
“Ah, I see. The One Who Can Do No Wrong.”
“Exactly.” Benjamin snorts.
“Aren’t you the oldest?”
He nods. “I am.”
“I see…” I’m at a loss for words. The whole day wobbles before me. “Listen, I don’t really need your help all the time, you know.”
He glances at me; confusion plastered across his facial features.
“You being the Town Hero and everything,” I explain.
“I’m not,” he says modestly. “And call me Ben.”
I nod and say, “So, you came to help me in the parking lot because…”
“Because I know how my brothers can be. I don’t want to see someone else get hurt due to their stupidity.”
“I’ve heard your family can’t be stopped,” I joke, but he refuses to look at me.
“Listen, it was great talking to you and everything, but I need to head home.” He points in the opposite direction.
Honestly, I don’t know what to tell him. Run home to Mommy and Daddy. I teeter back and forth, push my hands in my pockets, and say, “See ya.”
He hesitates for a moment, but nods, giving me an awkward wave goodbye.
Chapter Eight
The worst part about the fight is that I have to face Randy and Beth, possibly Mom and Dad.
Strike one.
The best part: I kicked Cameron Conway’s ass.
I lay on the couch until Randy and Beth are home from work, contemplating the day’s big event. The fight doesn’t make sense, but they’ll know sooner or later what happened. Might as well get it out in the open, so they won’t question why I’m not in school. They look surprised to see me downstairs.
“I need to talk to you guys,” I say.
They shoot each other quick glances before Beth says, “Okay, what is it?”
“There was a fight,” I explain. “Basically, I…pushed a guy hard enough he went through a window.” I’m quick to add more. “But I didn’t know I’d pushed him that hard. I mean, how would I know I’m that strong? It’s not possible, really.” I suck in a deep breath, waiting for their responses. Beth’s holding Randy’s hand, and both have surprised looks plastered on their faces.
“It’s inevitable,” Randy says, standing behind the recliner Beth sits in.
Beth glances up at him and squeezes his hand tighter.
“We need to tell her,” he continues.
Beth sucks in a breath, and then exhales through the “O” her mouth forms. “Candra, what I'm about to tell you is very important, so listen carefully. I'm sure it's going to come as a shock to you and, well, you're bound to find out sooner or later, even if we don’t tell you. But we'd rather you hear it from us.”
This time, I’m the one who listens intently. I lean forward, as if that’ll help my hearing.
She continues. “Our family history dates back for hundreds of years. We’re…different from other people.”
My stomach does all kinds of somersaults and twists.
“Different? How? Wha—”
She holds up her hand to silence me. “Hear me out. This is going to sound crazy.”
I barely nod. At least, I think I do.
“We go by many names, but the one you might be familiar with is werewolf.”
Did she just say what I think she said? There’s no possible way. This is a joke.
I laugh harder than I’ve ever laughed before. Randy and Beth are clearly taken aback by my reaction.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I say. “A werewolf?”
They nod. The looks on their faces tells me they aren’t joking.
I gradually stop laughing. My heart frantically beats against my chest wall, then takes a nose dive into the pit of my stomach. Enough of this nonsense. And to think—they’re the adults here. “Werewolves don’t exist.”
“They do in our world. We’ve been hunted down for generations. Our ancestors fought for their lives. Now we fight not to be seen. We have to live like humans, like everyone else around here. It’s for our own safety and for the safety of those around us. We can have normal lives. Pretend we’re human.”
“So, if I’m a werewolf, does that mean I’m adopted or something, because—”
“No, Amy and Bill are like us too.”
My parents? No freakin’ way.
“This is bullshit. I’m sure it’s meant to be funny, but it’s not.” I stand, contemplating running away from my crazy family. “I’m going for a walk. Hopefully when I get back you two will have a logical story to tell me.”
“Logical or not, it’s the truth,” Beth says. For a faint second, her eyes blaze a bright yellow.
My mouth drops. Those eyes are just like the ones I see outside my window—the same eyes that haunt me in my dreams.
“I’m sorry we had to break it to you like this,” Randy states. “Your mother and father, even though they have werewolf blood, they choose not to change. They made the decision once you were born. They didn’t want you to grow up thinking everyone’s a werewolf.”
I collapse on the couch. This can’t be true. None of this can be true. Like it’s not enough for me to deal with the fact that I made a guy fly through a window… Now they’re telling me I’m a furry monster.
Beth tears up. “It’s too soon.”
“She needed to know,” Randy says.
“On your eighteenth birthday, you will change. We all do,” Beth says.
“I-I don’t know what to say,” I stammer. If what they’re saying is true, which seems like the only logical explanation for all these weird events happening to me lately, then I only have until January. Oh, shit. I’ll be a werewolf in a few months.
“You don’t have any questions?” Randy asks, squeezing Beth’s hand tighter.
I look away, shaking my head. This isn’t real. It can’t be. Visions of old horror movies and urban legends flicker through my mind.
“Full moons,” is all I manage to get out.
“Do we change on full moons?” Beth tries clarifying. “The answer is no. We can change whenever we want.”
I squeeze my eyes shut. I can’t concentrate. Not happening. Can’t happen. Unbelievable.
“Silver?” I ask, wincing.
“You wear that locket around your neck, don’t you?” Beth asks, nodding toward the necklace resting against my chest.
Totally forgot about it. I glance at the silver heart gleaming up at me, as if to say: I’m still here, and so are you.
“Okay,” I begin, taking deep breaths, “will I hurt or…kill anyone?”
“There’s always that possibility, until you are accustomed to being transformed,” Beth explains. “But we’ll get you trained, so the chance of it happening will be slim. I will tell you, though, that if you ever smell blood, it takes a lot of self-control to stay away.”
I gulp.
“Are there more like us?” I question.
They look at each other, hesitating before answering my question. Beth squeezes Randy’s hand again. Each open their mouths to speak, but nothing comes out.
“Yes,” Beth finally answers.
“Around here?” My eyes grow wide.
Beth nods.
First, I’m a werewolf. Now they’re telling me that I live in a town with werewolves? This is a lot to take in. Not to mention the fact that my birthday is just around the corner. What will happen then? I imagine changing into a giant furball.
“Will it hurt?”
“The transformation? The first time around—yes.”
I open my big mouth again and ask, “Are there many?”
“There are a few,” Randy states.
“Anyone I know?”
“Yes,” Beth answers.
“Who?”
“I think this part of
the discussion can wait a bit,” Beth informs me.
“Wait… You just told me I’m a werewolf, that my parents are werewolves, and there might be more out there. But you won’t tell me who they are? This whole conversation has been crazy, so why don’t you say whatever it is you need to say?” My head tingles from the adrenaline rush.
“Get some fresh air, Candra. When you come back, we’ll explain the rest.”
“Okay, a few minutes ago I wanted to leave. But the more I look at your faces, the more I realize you guys aren’t joking. This is real life. If I’m going to learn about my history and what happens when I…change, then I should hear it from you two, right?”
“How about we get you some water?” Randy asks, trying to change the subject.
“I don’t want something to drink. I want to know answers. You two brought this up, so you two need to finish it!” I blare.
“There’s a lot we can explain, and a lot we can’t,” says Beth. She nibbles on her lower lip for a minute, and then adds, “Candra, your parents didn’t send you here because you were in trouble. They sent you here to learn how to become a werewolf.”
Everything in my world crashes and bursts into smithereens.
Chapter Nine
The walk doesn't do me any good. Icy wind lashes at my cheeks. I think about brown and golden leaves crunching under my feet a week or so ago, how much I hate the cold, and how it's only going to get worse.
So many questions burn through my skull, and I want answers. I don't even make it to the end of the driveway, when I whip around and barrel toward the front door.
“Okay, give it to me. I want to know everything,” I demand, as I barge into the living room. Randy and Beth are seated on the loveseat. I plop down on the couch, sinking into the worn-out cushion. “Straight up. No bullshit. Let’s hear it.”
Beth wrings her hands, while watching me. “It’s a lot to take in all at once, Candra.”
“I know. But I want to know why these guys hate me for no reason. I want to know why I’m a werewolf, of all things. Why did my parents hide this from me, like they’re ashamed of what they—” I suck in a huge breath, “—what we are. How many of us exist? There are so many things…” I trail off.
Beth purses her lips and gives her next words consideration. A nervous laugh escapes her and she says, “First of all, we want you to keep your distance from the Conways, if possible. They’re a dangerous bunch. They don’t consort well with others. We need you to stay safe.”
“But—” I begin to protest.
“Please, let me finish. Once I’m through, then you can ask as many questions as your heart desires.”
I bite my tongue so hard I can taste the sickening metallic flavor, and my hands are clenched so tightly I’m afraid they might snap under pressure. My silence is taken as affirmation for her to continue.
“The Conways came to live here many, many years ago. One hundred and twelve, to be exact. They were very pleasant people, at first. We knew what they were. They said they wanted to start fresh, never giving details about their past. We learned their true nature not long after.
“They’re Hunters. Vicious, controlling creatures. Unlike us, they were out for blood. Banned from their last residence. When humans in this area came up missing or dead, we knew who it was. But the rest of us weren’t powerful enough to stop them. Over the years, factions have formed. Either you’re on their side, or you’re not. There’s only two.”
Images of innocent people dying, being slain by the hands of monsters, flash repeatedly across my mind.
I gulp, but my saliva seems to hitch itself in my throat. “And what happens if you’re not on their side?”
Beth smoothes her skirt with her hands and glances up at the ceiling, exhaling a tiny sigh. “They’ve done horrible things to people who know, yet don’t pick a side. Humans who are aware of the Conways—what they are—don’t get away so easily, and have to choose a side. If they don’t comply, well, they’re never heard from again.” Her eyes are distant, looking at the ugly brown carpet.
I shake my head. I don’t know what to say, what to tell her. My mind whirls with questions—mainly if everything is going to be all right.
“That’s…so…awful.” I manage to speak.
Beth finally glances my way. “Yes.”
“It’s either our side or theirs,” I murmur to myself.
Randy and Beth watch me intently.
Beth speaks again. “We’re among the few who stood up against them. A war brews, Candra—one that’s gone on for generations between our family and theirs.”
“So, that’s why they hate me?”
“You have Lowell blood. They’ll never like anybody with that name.”
“But Ben—” I start.
“Do not be deceived. Remember that he’s on their side, not ours.”
“He’s so nice to me, though. He apologizes for the way Cameron and Ethan treat me. I think he’s just scared of his parents.” I silently wonder why I’m sticking up for him. It’s not like we’re dating.
“Could be true,” Beth says, bobbing her head back and forth, weighing the options, “but I’d still be leery. He might have an ulterior motive.”
I shake my head. There’s no way.
“Principal Garrison…he…” I don’t know how to finish. Is he a werewolf too?
“He’s good friends with Randy and me, and he got you out of loads of trouble that you might otherwise be in if he was anybody else.”
“So, others know what I am?”
“They acquire the sense of heightened smell once they transform on their eighteenth birthday. I imagine that word has spread quickly among the werewolf community about your arrival.”
“Ben knows,” I whisper.
“Hmm?”
“If all of these people know, why hasn’t anyone said anything?”
“Maybe, in so many words, they have and you weren’t listening.”
I ignore her. “My having Lowell blood shouldn’t be enough reason for them to hate me. There’s something I’m missing, isn’t there?”
Beth watches me intently for a moment before saying, “You will receive powers on your eighteenth birthday. They are already too powerful as it is, but they want yours.”
“Powers?” I snort. “Since when do werewolves have powers?”
“We suspect these…abilities pre-date our time. No one knows for sure who the first werewolf was or how it was handed down, but we’ve evolved since then. Now we each gain a unique ability on our eighteenth birthday.”
I open my mouth to speak, but Beth talks over me.
“However, the only way to keep your powers is to wear a trinket to which the power can be bestowed.”
“A trinket?”
Beth nods toward my chest. I look down, picking up the locket and twisting it around to face me.
“We each have something. I have a ring. Randy has a watch. You have the necklace. If you lose it, your power can be contained in another trinket. The only possible way for them to take it is to use dark magic, something I’m not even remotely familiar with.”
“They can take my power?”
“With you being a young werewolf, it’ll be easier for them to steal your power. You won’t be guarded in your new form, and you definitely won’t be used to using your ability.”
“What’ll happen if they get it?”
“If they do get their hands on it somehow, they can extract the power and use it for their benefit. In essence, you won’t have your power any longer, and we’d have to take extra measures to retrieve it.”
Tears pool in my eyes. I keep my head down, pretending to stare at my locket. All this time I thought it was just a stupid necklace. I didn’t know it held my power. I didn’t know my parents were looking out for me.
“How does it work?” I choke out.
“The trinket has to have a spell cast upon it for it to hold the power correctly. If you were to lose your necklace once your power is active, then
you would lose the power. As long as that locket stays around your neck, you’ll be fine,” she says.
I nod and twist it between my fingers again. “What ability will I have?”
“We don’t know. Even you may not understand it or release it for awhile. You might be out and about two months after your birthday and then it happens.” Beth shrugs. “We can’t tell you for sure.”
“What powers do you two have?” I finally redirect my gaze from the locket to them.
“Randy has the gift of creating things.”
“Like…”
“Anything,” Randy says, “from food to furniture.”
“Can you show me?”
Randy nods. He extends his hand, palm up, and a green apple appears out of thin air. He tosses it to me. I take a bite, crunching into the surface. It’s real as the ones sitting in the fruit bowl on the kitchen counter.
“Whoa. That’s awesome.” I look at Beth. “What about you?”
“I have the ability of persuasion.”
“Nice. I hope I get something really cool,” I mumble.
“You will, dear. And I wish you’d find out quickly what your gift is.”
I bow my head, staring at the locket again. “Yeah, me too.”
“Tomorrow I’ll take you to visit a friend of mine. She can help you understand things, put them into perspective, if you want,” says Beth. Deep crevices form on her forehead, as she waits for my response.
“Yeah, that uh…that sounds cool.” I nod my head, trying to convince her and myself.
Chapter Ten
I don’t sleep at all that night, wondering what it’ll be like when I transform. Will I be some hideous monster that ravages the town, like in black and white movies, or will I know what I’m doing and be in control of my body?
An aroma billows upstairs and through my door—smooth and seductive. It lures me out of my bedroom. I practically lean against the wall on the way downstairs; I’m a zombie in the mornings.
“I made coffee,” Beth says when I enter the kitchen. “I didn’t know if you’d drink any or not, but I figured you had a long night.”
“No, coffee’s cool. I like coffee.” My head moves up and down, convincing her it’s okay, which is a total lie. I grab a mug out of the cabinet and pour the scalding hot liquid from the pot. One sip later and I spew coffee into the sink. “Gross! How can people drink it this way?” I wipe the residue from my chin.
Silver Moon (Silver Moon, #1) Page 6