Autumn Moon

The leaves crunched as I slowly walked the gravel path into the back woods. The sun was high in the sky, but the air was chilly that I kept tugging at the ends of my grey sweater.

“Don’t you love the beginnings of fall dear?” Granny asked as she walked beside me, her hands clasped together behind her back. I looked at her as she smiled and took in a deep breath, “The earth smells so rich that it makes the beast purr with delight.”

“Does it Granny?” I asked as I took a deep breath, but I felt nothing. Granted I loved the smell of fall myself, but that special being in me did not stir.

I frowned and looked to the ground as my grandmother laughed beside me, “Don’t worry dear.” I felt her small hand begin to rub my back, “You won’t be able to share your feelings with your wolf till you turn eighteen. Don’t be discouraged.” I nodded at what she said, but I didn’t look up from the ground, “Buck up girl,” I felt a hard slap on my bum and I jumped forward. “Stop moping and move that bun cake, we have a meeting to attend to.” She moved past me as I rubbed my behind, “Ladies can’t be late.”

I started walking to catch up to my fast moving grandmother who was humming down the gravel path. “You know they won’t start the meeting without you Granny. You’re one of the top three elders in the pack, even Alpha won’t go against you.”

She threw her head back and laughed so loudly that birds in a nearby tree took flight, “My son wouldn’t dare go against me. My brother never went against me, and my husband sure never went against me, so I highly don’t Ronald will.” She shook her head with delight and I couldn’t help but smile, “I’m always pleased to hear how responsible Ronald has become for his pack, but by God, if that boy ever raises his voice to me he better start running with his tail between his legs.”

I laughed beside her as she smiled widely revealing the laugh lines on her face. Granny was the strongest Luna in the history of the Jade Pack back in her day. She told me stories of her fights within the pack and with other wolves that are unbelievable. Her favorite is when she took down a grizzly bear by herself in front of everyone after Grandad had called her, ‘manic.’ It was that day everyone learned not to pick a fight with irrational, pregnant, Luna.

We walked down the path for another ten minutes or so before we came across a large building that could be called the pack’s private YMCA. When wolves workout sometimes things tend to break and the last thing a young wolf needs is to describe how he crushed some weights. As we approached Granny was humming to herself and it was a tune I recognized immediately. “The Y.M.C.A,” she sang rather softly while lifting her hands to dance a little. Placing my hand on her shoulder she looked at me, “don’t stop me dear, the urge to dance just becomes stronger if you try to stop me.”

Oh Grandad, how did you ever handle Granny?

I sighed as she continued her soft singing, “mother…” I looked up and saw Ronald, eh – I mean Alpha.

Granny looked up, lifted her finger and touched the tip of his nose, “Ronnie,” she smiled and passed Alpha. “Well come along Ronnie, the pack isn’t going to wait forever you know.” She said and then went inside the building.

I was left alone with Alpha as he sighed and shook his head. Alpha Ronald is a 6 foot man with light brown hair, brown eyes and a soft spot for Granny. He looked at me and gave me a small smile, “I hope my mother isn’t giving you any troubles.”

I put my hand on my hips, “You always ask the same question every time we meet Alpha, and I always answer the same.”

He chuckled, “well I just know how embarrassing she can be.” I laughed and nodded in agreement with Alpha. Granny can be embarrassing, but not trouble. Alpha gestured to me and I followed him as we entered the building and made our way to the basement that was the gathering room. It’s a large room behind a pair of double doors with a bunch of chairs all over the room. Towards the front of the room is where the elders and two Alphas sit. Alpha Ronald walked towards where Granny and Luna Lisa were talking and I went to find an empty seat near the middle of the room. A girl sat next to me and accidently bumped me.

“Sorry.”

“It’s okay,” I said and looked to where the Alphas stood. Alpha Ronald clapped his hands once and the entire room went silent. Despite Alpha Ronald speaking my thoughts wandered and my eyes just searched around the room on their own. My eyes stopped near the spot where the alphas sat and fixated on a blonde girl. She sat next to a brown haired boy who is Alpha Ronald’s son and Granny’s grandson. His name is Jackson Chance, next Alpha and not my biggest fan. It’s not that he hates me or anything, or at least to my knowledge. I don’t really know much about him except for the fact that ever since the day I came into the pack he didn’t care much about me.

As it is I’m not blood related to Granny, or anyone in the Jade pack. When I was eight years old I was taken by Alpha Ronald and given to Granny. I don’t know where I came from or how I got to the Jade pack, but ever since I was given into Granny’s care Jackson’s been less than welcoming. The first time I met him was at Granny’s and we were told to play outside. I’m a shy person by nature and when I was trying to ask if he wanted to play ball he pushed to me to ground. He called me a stray that day and ever since Granny kept us apart.

Looking from him to the girl next to him I found myself staring at who will probably be the next Luna. Her name is Carol and – despite her choice in men – she is a very nice girl. She is tall with pretty blonde hair, and clear blue eye that look like a pool of water. Carol usually stays near Jackson, but there have been times where the two of us have crossed paths and exchanged a few words. Quite frankly I’m okay standing behind her when she is Luna.

As I eyed her she turned and our eyes locked making me smile sheepishly and give her a small wave. She shot me a small smile and waved back, yup she’s going to be a good Luna. Carol turned her head suddenly and I saw her look at Jackson, who looked at her and glanced at me with a scowl. Yeah … I’m not so convinced about Jackson being Alpha. I looked away from him and turned my attention back to Alpha Ronald.

“And lastly before I forget as of tomorrow night it will be one week till Jackson turns eighteen,” Alpha Ronald grinned, “And we all know what that means.” Everyone began murmuring and I watched as Granny shot a cheeky smirk in Jackson’s direction.

“Well isn’t that exciting,” the girl next to me mumbled, “all the females will be going crazy this week.”

I couldn’t help but nod in agreement with her. When a werewolf turns eighteen they shift for the first time after a week of merging with their inner wolf. The whole week they go through something like the flu, but ten times worse. A wolf’s body temperature is higher than a human’s so all week its high fever and nausea from the sudden heighten sense of smell. Not to mention the pheromones that are released halfway through the week and the serious body ache during the last two days. This whole process is the reason I’m not sitting with my friends today. Jenny and Billy are my twin friends that are going through the change. Right now they are at their house constantly texting me that they are the verge of death, but they’re not. Tomorrow night is their birthday and the feeling of, ‘dying,’ they’re complaining about is their wolves trying to claw its way out.

And they’re not the only wolves going wild. Their father, Mr. River, has been fighting off horny boy and girls left and right since Wednesday.

“Let’s all wish him luck,” Alpha Ronald said, “dismissed.”

Standing up I moved through the crowd and made my way to the front of the room where Granny was. She stood beside Alpha Ronald, Lisa, Jackson and Carol and they were all talking animatedly about something. Walking up to the group Granny saw me and brightened up, “dear-y. Isn’t this all exciting? Jackson’s going to go through the change.”

I nodded and looked at Jackson who put on a fake smile, something tells me it was more for Granny than it was for me. Future Alpha or not, Granny is a scary person to deal with when angered.

“And when he finally shifts he will be able to find his mate,” Luna Lisa gushed and Granny nodded with a giant grin. “It’s always a reward to find your mate after the horrible week before the change.”

I laughed and looked at Carol who looked at Jackson and blushed when he glanced at her. It was obvious he is thinking she is he mate, and quite frankly I hope she is. I can sense she will be a strong and powerful Luna.

“Don’t go getting one’s hopes up, Jack. You never know what fate has in store.” Alpha Ronald said.

Jackson and Carol’s expression dipped a little at the Alpha’s words. Feeling like the odd one out I turned to Granny, “Gran, I’m heading over to Jenny’s house. She keeps texting me that she’s going out of her skin right now.”

Granny nodded and leaned up to kiss my cheek, “see you at Ronald’s for dinner.” Of course family dinner is a must for Granny.

“Do you think that she’s alright going to John’s house Meredith? John’s son’s going through the change, he may latch onto Scarlet.” Luna said looking worried at Granny, “I wouldn’t let her go.”

“Don’t worry about her mom,” Jackson spoke up, “I highly doubt he would come onto her.” He said and I knew he was insulting me. Carol clearly could tell and so she elbowed Jackson’s side making him wince a little.

I rolled my eyes and turned away from him to Alpha and Granny, “I’ll be fine,” I kissed Granny on the cheek. “See you later.”

“Come hungry,” Granny called out to me as I left the large room. Walking up the stairs I kept to myself as I passed by a group of girls that were whispering about Jackson. What about him, I don’t know and when it comes to this particular group of girls I can assume only one thing. Jackson’s mate. The issue of his mate has always been a hot topic, but now with the change happening soon all the unmated females will be excited. From what I know the moment you change you can sense your mate, but unless they have shifted also they won’t be able to sense their mate as easily.

Jogging up the stairs I opened the door to the main floor and walked into the hall when I felt a hand touch my shoulder. I jumped and spun around to see a tall, long haired blonde girl eyeing me, “you’re Scarlet, right?” I nodded slowly feeling a little skeptical about this girl. “You hang out with Jackson right?”

“No, but we’re forced to have dinners together.”

“So, you like, know what he likes and dislikes.”

I shrugged, “he dislikes me.”

“Oh,” she quickly looked me over, “guess you’re useless then.” She flipped her hair and strutted away to a group of boys that whistled at her. I will never understand some people. Spinning on my heel I continued on my way out.



“I’m going to kill myself!” Jenny screamed from her bed as she tugged on her hair. “It’s hot, Scar, so, so hot.”

“You’re only in a bra and underwear,” I said from her desk as I eyed my friend. Jenny was lying on her bed soaked in sweat only in her under garments. Her light brown hair was all over her pillow and her blankets were discarded to the floor. She looked bad. “Where is the ice pack your mom gave you?”

“I tore it.”

I widened my eyes, “What? Why?”

She rolled all over her bed and made a noise in frustration, “it wasn’t cold anymore and it pissed me off.”

I sighed, “Then why not throw it back in the freezer?”

“I don’t want to get up, and every time I move I feel my bones grinding and shooting pain throughout my whole body.” Jenny complained, “I hate it, I hate it, Scarlet just put me out of my misery.”

“Is Billy acting like this too? Or is it just you?”

“Billy tore his room apart,” Jenny groaned and hugged her middle, “dad says we need to re-plaster his wall.” She screamed and turned over so her face was buried into her mattress, “this is a thousand, no, ten thousand times worse than cramps.”

“Just imagine child birth.”

“Oh no,” she groaned, “That’s it. I’m never going to be a mother.”

I laughed, “You know that’s not going to fly with your mom.”

“She still has Billy, her grandma dream isn’t dead yet.”

I laughed at her and picked up a rubber band off her desk. Aiming it at her I shot it and it hit her on her neck making me chuckle.

Well that is till I heard a deep growl.

My mouth instantly snapped shut as Jenny turned and locked gazes with me, except her eyes weren’t hers. I was staring at her wolf. Gold orbs looked down at me as the growling slowly ceased and the bright gold eyes dulled to a deep brown. Oh wow, her wolf is really coming through. Slowly moving to a stand I held my hands up, “okay Jenny. Calm down, and get some rest since tomorrow is the big day. I’ll be back in time for the shift so just stay in bed.” Jenny nodded and I smiled before leaving her room.

Once in the hall I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding when I heard a crash from the other side of the hall. Billy’s room, no doubt about it.

“Stay calm and stop tearing down the walls! It will all be over soon!” I heard Mr. Rivers yell. Watching Billy’s door I saw it open and I watched Mr. Rivers big stature come out. “Don’t you even dare step out of this room unless you’re planning on putting clothes on!” Mr. Rivers slammed the door behind him and shook his head.

“Um…” he snapped his head to look at me and by George he looked tired. “What’s going on with Billy?”

Mr. Rivers sighed and ran his hand through his hair, “he’s complaining it’s hot and decided he isn’t going to wear anything. Not even his underwear.” Billy’s… naked? I blushed at the thought and clearly Mr. Rivers saw it. “Do I need to worry about you trying to get into his room too?” he joked and I felt my blush deepen. Quickly I shook my head and he laughed, “Well that’s good to hear.”

“Stop talking so loudly!” Without warning Billy’s door was thrown open and Billy stood in full view – all in his nude glory. I yelped and averted my eyes from his southern reign. Though it was hard, like I heard before when a person is going through the change their pheromones are all outta wack and makes the opposite sex antsy. I felt every nerve in my body jump and my heart pick up speed. While I tried to compose myself my eyes studied the carpet, but it wasn’t for long. A deep growl sounded from Billy’s direction making me jump and look at him. His eyes were gold and narrowed in on me making a shiver run down my back.

I watched him roll his shoulders and I swear something in the air shifted, “Oh no you don’t!” Mr. Rivers yelled just as Billy took a lung for me. Mr. Rivers act quick and grabbed the back of Billy’s neck. With quick movement Billy was slammed against the wall so hard picture frames fell to the floor. “Run Scarlet, this boy is really pushing my limit.”

Without a word I darted from the house and ran as far as my legs could take me. I ran down the street and slowed down when I realized where my legs were taking me. Catching my breath I looked around the front yard of Alpha Ronald’s home. I could see Carol and Luna Lisa through the kitchen window and I assume Alpha Ronald isn’t home since his car is no in the driveway. Frowning slightly I straightened up and took one last deep breath to calm myself. Today was the first time I’ve ever been close to being attacked by a wolf, a soon to be wolf, one that is a close friend of mine.

It stunned me.

And yet strangely I feel a little flattered seeing as the whole thing was about… pheromones, or wolf attraction. I don’t know, but nonetheless, I am flattered.

Suddenly I felt uneasy and my head whipped to the side so I would face the front door of Alpha’s home. There on the front door stood Jackson with his arms crossed and a piercing glare directed at me. I guess if it isn’t dinner time yet than there is no need for me to be here. Pulling myself together I decided to kill time somewhere else till dinner time.

So just to press his buttons I started walking across his front yard and it clearly sparked something as he moved from his spot. Close on my heels he followed me as I made my way to his backyard, “what are you doing?” he snapped behind me.

“Walking.”

“Walk somewhere else, not on my property.”

“This is Alpha Ronald’s property, not yours Jackson,” I said. “Besides last time I checked I was allowed here despite you not welcoming me here.”

He clicked his tongue, “it’s not dinner time and Gram and dad is not here so what’s your reason?”

I stopped in my track where his backyard meets the forest line, “I want to explore.” I looked out at the trees, “I’m going to be out till dinner.”

“Are you crazy?” he hissed, “You can’t go out there by yourself unless you’ve already shifted. Pack rules, and last time I checked you follow them.”

“My senses are heightened and I’m one of the fastest runners. So unless some crazed unmated male wolf tries to attack me, I think I’ll be fine.” I looked at him, “And seriously, what are the chances of that happening?”

He kept a stern face as he stepped back, “fine, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.” He made a sweeping motions towards the woods, “if anything happens to you, I’m not responsible.”

I laughed and put my hands in the back pockets of my jeans, “you don’t take responsibility for anything. So I would never expect you to take responsibility for me.” I smiled to myself and started walking into the woods, “responsibility… what a joke.”

I walked into the woods listening to the birds chirp high in the trees. Listening to the forest noise I hummed to myself while jumping over fallen braches. After walking around for thirty minutes I decide to plop myself down against a tree. With my head against the bark I looked up to the sky that peeked out from between orange and red leaves. Taking a deep breath of the crisp air I tried concentrating on my wolf. As it is, when a were turns eighteen they are able to shift into their, but the moment they turn five is when you begin to interact with your inner wolf. By five you are supposed to talk to your wolf, at seven your sense of sense heightens as well as your speed, and then at eight your hearing changes. That is what a normal were goes through.

As for me I’m not normal.

Not once can I remember being able to talk to my wolf.

Frankly my speed, hearing, and smell are very sharp, so much it’s at Alpha level.

I arrived here when I was eight years old, and it’s been ten years since then. I should have shifted by now. Granny doesn’t believe that though, she says the reason I haven’t shifted yet is because I’m not eighteen but I know differently. I have my smell, hearing, and agility, but no wolf. There have been cases of where Weres are abandoned by their wolf, and the symptoms are the same as me. We have everything thing a Were does, but contact with our wolves. Granny refuses to believe it, but despite Granny’s opposition I believe I’ve been abandoned.

Remaining silent and still I tried calling out to my wolf in a desperate attempt, but I felt nothing. Opening my eyes I sighed and brought my knees up to my chest. Sometimes I don’t know why I even bother. Resting my head on my knees I closed my eyes listening intently on nature’s noise all around me. The wind blew lightly pass me in a comforting breeze bringing a small smile to my face. I think I’ll nap for a bit, I leaned back and shifted till I found a comfortable spot, I’ll nap for thirty minutes, forty tops.

With my eyes closed I drifted off to sleep.



I stirred in my spot feeling something tickle my nose. Unconsciously I lifted my hand to my nose when I brushed something soft and warm. My hand froze and then moved towards the softness making me feel soft hair under my touch. Freezing in my spot I felt my head move steadily up and down while in tune with something breathing, something large. Panic seeping in slowly I snapped my eyes open to find a grey wolf head six inches from my face. My head rested on its stomach while it was curled around me, it’s tail just laying over my torso.

It’s wet black nose wasn’t far from me as I felt it’s hot breath on my face. I watched as its nose twitched and suddenly it was curling in more, bringing its face closer to me. I gasped and that’s when the smell hit me like an anvil.

Male.

“Get off!” I flailed around waking up the male wolf. We scrambled apart as I got to my feet making sure to put some distance between us. With a hand to my chest I eyed the grey wolf, “what do you think you’re doing?!” I watched it as it whined at me. The wind picked up and I stiffened, “oh no,” I lifted a part of my sweater to my nose and sniffed, “you idiot I smell like you. Alpha Ronald is going to hit the roof!” He ceased whining and looked off to the left. His ears twitched a bit and with one quick glance at me he took off.

Great, just great, not only do I smell like a wolf, but a male one. Looking up at the sky I notice the pinkish orange of the sun setting making me cuss. I’m going to be late for dinner.



This is bad, very bad. Never have I ever been caught breaking rules or doing things I’m not supposed to do, but it’s finally caught up to me. Especially now as I sit in Alpha Ronald’s kitchen with him, Granny, and Luna staring at me. Though they don’t look mad, but unusually happy.

“So Scarlet, where have you been?” Luna asked me with an odd cheery voice.

“Ah… around,” I said nervously, “Just walking around the neighborhood.”

“Oh, and did you by any chance just wander into the woods?” Alpha asked still smiling.

Their smiles are making me restless.

Shifting uncomfortably in my seat I shook my head, ‘no,’, “Are you sure you didn’t go into the woods, Scarlet?” Granny asked and I flinched – visibly.

“W-What gave it away?”

“Well, besides the fact that you smell like a male wolf?” Luna’s cheery voice turned stern as she narrowed her eyes at me. “Explain, now.”

“Well it isn’t as if I was out doing things in the leaves.”

Alpha Ronald growled, “As if I would allow something like that!” He shouted and slammed his fist on the marble counter. It’s safe to say Alpha Ronald thinks of me as his own daughter, and quite frankly at times like this it can be a little scary. “Are you getting cozy with someone who isn’t your mate?”

My eyes practically bugged out, “No! I just fell asleep in the woods and when I woke up there was this wolf lying next to me.” I was waving my hands it the air, “It freaked me out cause I never heard anyone approach and then BAM! There he was, snoring, right next to me. I don’t even know who it was!” There was a creak and everyone’s head snapped to the kitchen entrance.

“Ease dropping is only going to get you in trouble, Jackson,” Luna growled and Jackson came out of hiding. “Do you know anything about Scarlet going into the woods?”

“No,” well he didn’t hesitate answering at all, that liar.

I looked at Jackson and he didn’t look at me. I am not going down alone, “Jackson let me go into the woods.” Jackson head snapped in my direction.

“No I didn’t.”

“Yes you did,” I snapped back, “you said fine and that you wouldn’t be responsible if anything happened to me.” I heard three distinctive deep growls coming from the Alphas’ and Granny’s direction making a shiver run down my spine. I have definitely did something bad by telling them that.



Dinner was a disaster after Alpha found out Jackson let me go into the woods. He was lectured and I was reprimanded, but it wasn’t that harsh since it was the first time I went into the woods alone.

Or at least the first time I’ve be caught.

Alpha Ronald told me to give me the male wolf’s name, but seeing as I don’t know who it was both Alpha’s had to resort to memorizing the male wolf’s scent on me. When both Alpha’s smelt me Alpha Ronald growled clearly angry. I feel bad for whoever the male turns out to be.

After dinner ended Alpha Ronald drove Granny and I home so we didn’t have to walk. The moment we walked through the front door the phone rang. Granny and I looked at each other, neither of us moving from our spot.

"We'll aren't you going to answer?" She asked.

I shook my head, "money says it’s a call for you."

She eyed me, "how much money?"

"Twenty dollars."

"I take that bet," she moved to the phone and quickly answered, "hello?" I watched her carefully to see her face scrunch up. "Well evening to you to, Paul," I closed the door behind me and walked over to her. Digging in her pocket she pulled out a bill and slapped it into my open hand.

Smiling I leaned close to her and kissed her cheek, "night granny."

She nodded and turned her attention back to the phone conversation, "this better be good Paul. I just lost some money." Chuckling I left the room and made my way up the stairs to my room.

My room was a very light shade of yellow with pictures all over the walls. Most of them were of my friends from within the pack. No school friends. Because a person has to go to school to have school friends, and since I don't have birth documentation the alpha couldn't place me un school. not only that the elders didn't want to forge anything for the school to admit me and then later have some disaster if they were found out.

In any case I didn't go without an education. Granny, Luna, and the pack doctor Mr. Parker home schooled me. I'm just as smart as the others, if not smarter. Sighing I fell on my bed letting my face hit the pillow. Despite my earlier nap I feel tired. Then again that tense dinner really drained me. Kicking off my shoes I curled into my bed closing my eyes.

I'll just rest my eyes for a bit and then I'll change.

I snuggled into my sweater smelling the male wolf’s scent and for some odd reason it comforted me. Something about it gave me a warm feeling inside my chest.

It felt good.



"Scarlet! Scarlet!" I listened to granny's frantic voice. "Why isn't she responding Norman?"

"Please give me some room," I heard a male voice sternly say. "Scarlet? Scarlet, come on honey, you can wake up." I felt a hand touch my hand and I stirred. Slowly opening my eyes I winced at the bright light shining down on me. “Scarlet how are you feeling?”

I shivered feeling unbelievably cold and wet. I tried moving my hand and I distinctively felt dirt under my fingers, “I’m cold.” I shivered and wrapped my arms around myself feeling nothing but flesh. I gasped and looked up at the pack doctor, Dr. Norman, “what’s going on? Why am I naked?” He gave me an unreadable look and it worried me. “Granny, Granny!” I cried wanting her near me, “Granny what’s happened to me?” She came over me and draped her red shawl on my body.

Kneeling into the wet dirt she pulled my head onto her lap, “it’s okay honey,” her hand stroke my hair in a calming fashion. “Everything will be okay.”