***Ethan***
We all watch as Miss Casey Bryan drives away.
“It’s her,” I tell Brick and Charlie.
“What about her?”
“It’s her, Charlie.”
“You mean…?”
“That’s exactly what I mean.”
Both men move to stand in front of me.
“Are you sure?”Brick asks.
“I’m sure.He’ssure.He almost leapt out when sheshook my hand.”
“But she’s… human.”
“No shit, Sherlock.”
“What you gon’ do?”Charlie asks.
Both men look at me expectantly.I turn to my beta without aclue how to answer his question.
“I don’t know, Charlie.I don’t know.”
***Casey***
I gaze up at the full moon from the swing on my back porch.Pullingthe blanket up around my shoulders, I reach for my glass of wine as a chillywind picks up.I definitely couldn’t do this back in Staten Island.It’s sopeaceful here, quiet, and not to mention the fresh air.It’s so far removedfrom the smell of garbage back home.This is exactly what Daddy needs.
The moon casts a glow over the backyard, illuminating thegarden I’ve started.It’s coming along quite nicely, if I do say so myself.Thelittle cottage I bought is quaint and homey; with a little TLC, I’ve made it myhome.I take a deep breath, breathe in the country air, and stare up at thestars.A sound coming from the trees to my left catches my attention, and Istrain to see what’s there, but of course, it’s nothing.Probably just ananimal.Iamsurrounded by a forest, after all.I lie back and stare upat the moon, just content to be in this moment.
After a few minutes, I hear the sound again.It’s arustling, or rather crunching, of leaves.I wonder if larger animals get thisclose to the town.I don’t think I want to find out.Clutching my blanket, Ihead inside.In the kitchen, I down the rest of my wine, wash the glass, andwalk to my room.I suddenly feel tired, and there’s a strange buzzing in myhead.I only had one glass of wine, so I know I’m not drunk.Must be a headachecoming on.I remove my robe, do a few stretches, and climb under the covers.
***Ethan***
My heart pounds in my ears.My heavy breathing—or pantingwould be a better word—inflates and deflates my chest at an alarming rate.Lookat me!Lurking in the woods like a common stalker.I arrest people for lessthan what I’m doing now.I can’t help it, though; I needed to see her.Shealmost saw me, too.It’s a good thing I’m fast.I circle the house, watchingher move inside.She’s so beautiful, so graceful.A lump rises in my throat asshe removes her robe.She stretches her hands above her head, and the T-shirt she’swearing rides up, making her bare legs glisten in the light from her lamp.Isee a hint of her underwear and almost howl in desperation.Then, I senseanother wolf heading my way.Charlie.I assume the dominant posture, tail up,legs stiff, ears erect and forward.In this form, our communication istelepathic, so I address him without turning around.
What are you doing here, Charlie?
I’m your beta, where else would I be?
This doesn’t concern you.
You can’t be here, Ethan.
I spin to face him, my anger rising.
You think I don’t know that?I changed, and I didn’t evenknow where I was going until I got here.I’ve always been able to control him,but….
I turn back around, desperate to catch one last glimpse ofher, but her lights are out.
Let’s go, Ethan.
Head down, I quietly follow behind him.
