0.09 Tensions

TW: Transphobia, Parents Not Accepting of Gender and Sexuality, Strong Language

“What do you mean I’m not going to high school? I’m a teenager! I’m supposed to go to high school with all my friends! What am I going to tell them?!” Argus’ voice nearly shook the house. He was so angry, and I threw my hands out, not knowing what else to say.

“It’s too dangerous for you. Look at how you’re reacting now. Maybe in a few years-“

“I don’t want to wait a few years! I have friends!”

“You don’t get it! Just because you never had any friends doesn’t mean I don’t!”

I made a face, because that was hurtful. It was true that I kept to myself and my family, preferring to stay home in their company rather than go out and about. I thought it was my job, after all this was my family, my pack.

“It’s not safe for your friends, not when you act like this,” I assured Argus, trying to reach out and touch his shoulder. He smacked my hand away angrily. “You’re just a kid.”

“I’m not! I’m a teenager now! I know what I’m doing!”

Just then Katrina hurried down the stairs, gently pushing me aside so she could talk to Argus.

“Honey, we’re just trying to look out for you, you know? Do you think we’re trying to separate you from your friends for good? Once you gain a little more control, we can see about signing you up. It’ll be two years at most, but we need you to be safe. We need your friends to be safe. You can understand that, right?” She was saying the exact same things that I was, but her tone was so much sweeter, her face more sincere and caring.

“Yeah, mom. I guess. But I’m worried I’m going to miss out on important things!”

“You’re going to be fine. You need time to adjust.”

“Guess you’re right,” He finally relented and he reached out to hug Katrina, pulling her in tightly. “Thank you for understanding mom. Promise I can still get together with my friends on the weekend right?”

“Of course, Argus! As long as its not the full moon, you can even spend time at their houses when you’re under control!”

“You’re the best, mom!”

Argus was still a little moody after, and spent most of his time in his room playing games on his computer or chatting with his friends. I didn’t like it, but Katrina reminded me that he was growing into his own person. He’d grow out of the phase he was in and I needed to learn to be patient with him. She was right, of course. I just wasn’t ready for my once cheerful little boy to be an adult I supposed.

“Heard you and papa got in a fight. You know, we’re part of a pack. You can’t be fighting with papa.”

“Shut up twerp. You shouldn’t be fighting with me either.”

It was then I stepped in, making Argus apologize to his little sister. Cheerful child, to a grumpy teenager. Or maybe this war normal for them. I really had no way to know since I had no friends growing up. I wish I had now, because maybe I’d be more prepared to take care of these kids as they became teenagers.

It certainly was frustrating and it made the entire house feel tense. I tried to throw myself into my work during the day while Katrina worked with Argus on his schooling. At night we talked about what we needed to do so Argus could be happy. Eventually, working with Argus, we came up with a good idea.

It started with him getting up at 4am everyday to eat breakfast and go for a jog. The body and mind were linked, so we figured if we helped get him on a schedule his moods would even out. He loved the jogging part, so even though he had to get up and be out the door while it was still dark, he was up everyday, even without me reminding him after the first day or two.

Then came extra studying. Over the years, I had managed to collect twenty or so books that had to do with us. I mean, werewolves. Some were age old journals and others were books written in code that only another werewolf could understand. Argus was surprisingly interested in our history and the writings of ancient werewolves, and I was pleasantly surprised when he sat down with his books everyday and studied without complaint.

Maybe I was just too hard on the kid.

Argus was building such good habits, he even began jogging when he felt irritated by anything. He apparently love exercise and found it calming. His relationship with his siblings was improving, along with his relationship with me. There were still fights, but there was at least a few days between them now.

With Daci’s birthday coming in only days though, we felt it was best to talk to the twins beforehand. Argus had become way more aggressive with the onset of him becoming a true werewolf, and I expected no less from Daci. She was already pretty aggressive with her siblings, as if they were a pack she had to become the leader of. Kiyah took the news hardest for some reason, looking almost scare of who Daci might become.

We had one more obstacle to tackle before Daci grew into a teenager – Argus’ first full moon. He was nervous, that much was clear.

“How long do we have until the moon rises?” He asked his mother for the fourth time that hour, rubbing sweaty palms on his jeans.

“You can sense it too,” She assured him. “You know its soon.”

Katrina and I transformed first, long ago earning out control over our transformations. Argus followed, though not willingly. He tore out of the house as if he had no other choice and we had to chase him. It took some time for him to calm down, but we found ourselves at the peak of Moonwood Mills.

I led my family in a howl that echoed over the valley below. Argus looked almost hilariously unsure.

But soon he joined us howling, adding a third voice to what was once only two and it felt like my heart was overflowing with joy. Argus took off again – that first moon is always tricky – and we followed after as we needed.

He did snarl at us as he lost more and more control, but Katrina and I never hesitated to snarl back. He needed to learn his place with us, and if that meant snarling back, thats what we had to do. Katrina felt bad about it, I could tell, but the boy needed to learn.

He seemed to be having fun though, even in the depths of the full moon. He ran and hunted and ran some more, sometimes stopping to howl at the moon above us. Sometimes he didn’t stop, he just howled as he ran, causing a choppy ruckus.

As the moon finally lowered behind the mountains, it lost its grip on him. It was only dawn and the world was dark. I watched him stumble, trying to find his footing as he went from wolf to man.

I pulled him into a hug as he found himself human once more. He basically collapsed against me, completely exhausted.

“That was fun, dad,” He mumbled.

“You go get some sleep. No homeschooling today, kiddo,” I told him, my voice a bit too stern, too used to fighting with him. Argus just gave me a smile and thumbs up before stumbling back into the house. Katrina gave me a smile from the stairs, and the two of headed inside too. It was Daci’s birthday and while Argus slept off his run, we’d have to prepare.

Since it was winter, we decided to have a party at the same park where Argus’ birthday was held. It was always warm there. We’d have to set out as soon as the kids got home from school if we wanted to make it at the time we put on the invitations.

Soon we were there, finished setting up. I was a little angry that the weather was cloudy, but that was just what it was.

“Calm down, Daci doesn’t seem to care and thats all that matters!” Katrina soothed. She was right, she was always right.

We watched as our Daci blew out the candles in front of a cheering crowd of friends. I wondered what it would be like during her kids’ birthdays. They’d be werewolves just like her probably. Unless she dated a human, but that was much too dangerous.

The crowd cheered even louder as she stepped back from the cake. Her one sister was standing quite far way. When I squinted, I realized it was Kiyah. Had I scared her that bad with my warning?

I was a little worried when I saw how Daci looked. Her short hair was not going to be something Katrina was a fan of. She also wore a baggy outfit, almost as if she was ashamed of her body. Though I was handing out cake, I decided to stay nearby.

Just as I feared, as Daci thanked birthday guests, Katrina sat down next to her, face clearly showing her anger.

“Daci, we talked about this! When you grew up you were going to be a proper young woman! None of this short hair crap! You look like a boy!”

“But ma-“

“No buts! You’re grounded, you hear me, young lady?!”

“For cutting my hair?! Oh fuck you, mom! I knew I was your least favorite!”

I hurried towards them as their shouting began to draw looks. I was near the table but not near enough. Katrina and Daci were both yelling, and I couldn’t believe my usually calm wife was yelling at Daci for having short hair!

“Katrina, stop,” I said as I closed in enough.

“No! My daughter looks like a boy! Is that what you want to be? A boy?”

Daci was silent, her hands dropping into her lap. Katrina’s look turned shocked, then furious.

“Do you want to be a boy?!”

“Not really.” My assertive… child was never so meek. Her voice was so small even I had to struggle to hear it.

“Not really?!” Katrina snapped.

“I don’t feel like a boy, but I don’t feel like a girl either,” She explained, her expression pained. Katrina let out a harsh breath and Daci quickly went on. “Its not like I’m going to change my name or anything! I just… I don’t want to be a girl!”

“I can’t believe this!” Snapped Katrina. “Can you believe this, Anthony?”

“What’s the big deal?” I asked, glancing at Katrina. Her face once again turned shock. “If you make a big deal out of this, it will be a big deal. So what if Daci doesn’t feel like a girl?”

“She’s our daughter!” Katrina screamed, at me this time.

“Stop! Now!” I snapped at her, finally at the end of my room. “We will respect Daci! If you can’t, you’re free to leave.”

That sobered Katrina, and she just blinked at me, no emotion on her face whatsoever. I turned to Daci once more.

“Is there anything else we should know?”

“I want to use they/them pronouns,” She said, her voice meek once more. I nodded at her and waved a hand to dismiss her – them. I turned to my wife, my mate, the only one I ever wanted to have children with. I built a family with her, and I wasn’t going to let her ruin it now. We had worked for so many years, and this was the final straw for Katrina?

“Can you respect them?”

“Yes,” She said, then got up, storming off. I shook my head, sighing. This wasn’t what our family needed. We had just got Argus to calm down. Now I had to deal with this rift between Daci and Katrina.

0.07 Growing Older

“Papa, I made another friend!”

“That’s great bud! Maybe we can have a little get together at the park soon,” Katrina and I had been talking. We decided that while it was probably a bad idea to have kids over at our house, perhaps having them a park might not be so bad. We could have a cook out, and other parents could be there.

“Oh when? I’d love to invite everyone. Except Daciana. She still bites!”

I frowned at that. “Now, buddy, we gotta invite your sister. She’s needs friends too.”

Truth was, Daciana had been a child for a while, and Katrina was home schooling her because of her wolfy tendencies. We were trying to curb that, but perhaps seeing her brother having fun with other kids was what she needed. I’d have to talk to Katrina about it. She was still mad at me for cutting Daci’s hair short, so I imagine she wouldn’t want me taking her to meet other kids behind her back.

It wasn’t like we didn’t have our hands full at home. Kiyah and Mikala were hand fulls. If one was causing trouble, the other was running to tell mommy about it. I knew Katrina was getting frustrated with the girls, but there wasn’t much we could do. Add in Daci’s biting, Argus’ bragging, and I’m sure Katrina needed a vacation. I at least got to work for a few hours a day; if that was out fishing or writing my next novel.

It wasn’t like either of us were getting any younger. We had two toddlers and I was getting grey hairs. I had recently turned forty, and Katrina wasn’t much younger than me. It made me realize that I had to pick one of the kids to keep doing my research when I was gone. I wasn’t sure which one it’d end up being, not yet. It was hard to choose when most of them were so young. Argus was the oldest at eleven, and I couldn’t believe so much time had passed. It seemed like yesterday I came to Moonwood Mills, alone and human.

Now I had a beautiful mate, and four amazing children. I wondered what my family would think of me if they could see me now. Would they be proud? Disappointed? I guess it didn’t matter. They were long gone.

Homeschooling was going well for Daci at least. Sometimes Argus stayed home to learn with his sister, or teach her what he learned at school. It was easy to see she was getting jealous of him talking about his friends. If anything, that made her more bitey. It was a vicious cycle.

I kept up with my research, learning more and more about the history of Moonwood Mill and werewolves. Apparently the werewolves here were different than the one from my hometown. Their culture and history was very interesting, and I was glad to be a part of it. There was a story about the mooncasters, and how they became werewolves to protect themselves. From what? I was still trying to figure that out!

The books I had found buried in the dirt helped with that. There was writing that only I could see along the edges. I had asked Katrina about that and she said something about those chosen by the moon. It didn’t make much sense to me, but she couldn’t seem to explain it in a way I understood. While reading this particular book I learned about something called the moonsong and the traditions of it. There were tunnels under Moonwood Mill too. I wonder why?

“Are you ready, honey?” Katrina’s voice had me looking up. My blank look must have tipped her off because she gave me a wolfish smile. “Argus just got home from school. We’re taking him to meet his friends at the park today, remember?”

I nodded and put the book away. There would be time for studying later. The promise I made my kids was more important. Plus, this may be what we needed to get Daci adjusted to being around other kids.

We went to a town called Willow Creek. It was a long drive from our home, but it was beautiful and green in a way that was different from Moonwood Mills. They had a really nice playground that Daci and Argus flocked too. There was even a little activity for the twins to do, though Mikala preferred to be with her mother than playing.

Daci seemed to have fun, and Katrina and I watched her closely for a bit. She even made a friend. What’s his name? Wish I knew, because Daci only referred to him as “the boy” when we asked her. He wasn’t one of Argus’ usual friends so he didn’t know the kid’s name either.

After a while, I felt comfortable enough to go play around on the basketball court while Katrina and the kids played. It had been a long time since I played, and I was terrible, but it was a fun day for the entire family.

I’m so happy that the kids had fun, and Daci made a friend. She talked about going to school the entire drive home, and Katrina is pleased. She thinks Daci being around other girls will make her more girly too, but I’m not sure about that. Daci is rougher than Argus. She’s going to be trouble when she gets older, but Katrina won’t hear it.

As the sun began to set, I called for the kids to hurry up and head to the parking lot. They all came running, big grins on their faces, the twins both bundled in Katrina’s arms. She hurried ahead to get the buckled in and set for the drive back. Daci followed after her mother, chatting about school and all the friends she’d make. Argus paused by me, giving me a big grin.

Then he gave me a big hug! “Thanks for bringing me to the park, dad! Can we do this every Friday?”

“Sure thing, bud! I bet your sisters and mother would love that too!” Maybe we could even start having more cookouts like I wanted, become more of a normal family than a wolf pack.

“You’re the best!” Argus gave me another hug and hurried after his mother and sister. Pride swelled in my chest. If my family could see me now, they had to be proud of the family I’d made. They were wonderful.

0.06 Family

It wasn’t easy with two toddlers and twin infants. Kiyah was especially difficult. She had a lot of problems with gas, but I wouldn’t change anything. Katrina got Daci some paints, but you can see how well that went. The entire house has stains in the carpet, but Katrina knows how to get them out.

Daci also decided she hats sleeping. I don’t know why, but she won’t sleep for longer than a short nap. Argus is good about sleeping, in fact he loves it and hates waking up. I guess we weren’t prepared for Daci to be different. Thats the challenge with parenthood, I suppose.

The twins were getting big though. Everyday they seemed to double in size. Alright, not literally, but Katrina and I had decided that the twins would be our last babies. We didn’t want to risk not being able to support more children than we already had. My writing was bringing more and more money in, but we weren’t rich by any means. For now, we decided that four kids was more than enough.

Both joyfully and sadly, it was time for Argus’ birthday. Katrina was more than ready for it. She was exhausted constantly, though I was much the same. I held Daci as we cheered for Argus blowing out his candles.

“Make a wish, buddy!” I cheered, helping Daci to wave.

He doesn’t look too different now, just a lot taller. Now comes for the decision me and Katrina have been dreading – what to do about school? Katrina thinks it might be a good idea to send him so he learns basic skills, but I’m not so sure. Wolf-y tendencies can come out when hes young, but at the same time I’d like for him to make friends.

Its not an easy decision for sure. We decided on a trial period. He’ll complete one year of school and if all goes well, he’ll remain in. It’ll have to be a kid by kid basis, of course.

Before that could even happen, we decided to completely rebuild the house. Apparently, we were close to hitting a few building violations, not to mention the huge house just wasn’t working with our huge family. The kids were into too much while me and my mate couldn’t watch them. It was just smarter to have a one-floor house to keep a better eye on the kiddos, especially with the twins crawling now.

Argus has been talking excitedly with his mom over what to expect in school. He’s so excited to go! I’m taking that as an excellent sign and that he’ll be well behaved while in class.

“How many other kids will there be, mama?” I over heard him ask, as I came in the door after a successful hunt.

“Lots, probably. You’re going to make so many friends, baby,” She reassured him. Argus gave her such a huge grin, before turning it on me.

“I’m gonna make friends, dad!” He told me, ever so proud of himself.

“Of course you are, buddy. Just remember to keep the wolfy things to yourself, okay?” I didn’t need him getting bullied, or worse reported. It’d not only put him in danger, but the entire family.

“Of course, pa!”

It made me worry about Daciana who seemed to take more willingly to the beast. There wasn’t a day where she didn’t break one of her toys by biting the head off or growled at one of her younger sisters. She was a terror around the house, and sending her to school seemed like a bad idea.

“How was your first day?” I asked Argus, almost anxiously, when he came home, walking from the bus stop to the house.

“It was great! I made some friends already! One invited me to a sleepover, so can I go? Can I? Can I?” He was so excited and it hurt me to say no, and watch his disappointment.

“Its for our safety, buddy. People don’t know werewolves are making a comeback and its only been a few years since they tried to get rid of us,” I explained, hoping he’d understand. He already knew the family history. I didn’t want to hide something so important from him.

“I understand,” But his tone was still low and upset. He went to his room after, and I made a face. I was gonna have to talk with his mother and see what we couldn’t do about him hanging out with friends after school.

Time passed, and soon it was time for Kiyah and Mikala’s birthday. Kiyah went first as the oldest twin, just excited to see the flames. I ended up blowing out the candles for her, of course. I didn’t want someone so little and wiggly that close to fire.

After Mikala hid against her mother as she tried to show her the flames. Katrina just laughed softly and blew out the candles for her so she didn’t have to be scared.

Little Kiyah began to demand things in her toddler babbles the moment she was on her feet. It was amazing how much she looked like me and yet like Katrina at the same time.

Of course Mikala was the same way, since they were identical. They were looking less identical the older they got, at least. It was almost enough to tell them apart at a quick glance. We still kept them dressed differently, just in case. It also helped that Mikala needed glasses, like her mother. Strange that Kiyah’s eyes seemed to be fine, even though they were twins.

Daciana seemed to get along better with her younger sisters now that they were similar size. She only bit Kiyah once and Kiyah bit her back, which worries me some more. I’m gonna have two spitfire girls in my house, and I’m not sure what to do about that. Thank goodness Mikala is more laid back.

Despite not being able to go to the sleepover, Argus is making friends like crazy. None know he’s a werewolf, but there is talk in the occult communities of werewolves making a comeback. Maybe it won’t need to be a secret forever, but I’m still too nervous. I’m too protective of my mate and pups. I can’t let them be taken from me, I can’t.

Kiyah seems like she’ll follow after her brother because shes a strange child. Even when Katrina and I are out of control, she has a power over us. She’ll hug us and coo her nonsense words in our ears and somehow it helps me feel more grounded. It works for Katrina too. Its so strange, but it makes sense. Our future is with these kids, after all.

Its so sweet to see her hugging Katrina, even rampaging. Its clear this kid loves us, and that shes already proud of her heritage. Mikala is more skittish, but seeing her sister’s bravery must be having an effect on her. Maybe its having an effect on all of us. Maybe…

No, its too early to tell. I’m sure I’ll be able to pick later, of course. I’m not sure which child will carry on the legacy. I’ll have to pass it on to one of them though, that much I know.

Time is flying in this house, and soon it was time for Daci to age up too. I’m just so surprised to have two toddlers and two children, all before forty! I suppose Katrina and I didn’t waste much time. Oh, no time to talk about that, look at my baby girl go!

She begged me to cut her long hair off as soon as she was settled. When I was done, she gave me the biggest grin.

“Thank you papa!” She told said. “I feel like myself now!”

“Did you not feel like yourself with long hair?” I asked. She just shook her head, and still grinning, hurried to wash the loose hairs off her skin. I figured this was something I should bring up with Katrina, but I’ll be honest, it slipped my mind. Two toddlers is almost as busy as three.

It wasn’t until days later that Katrina and I spoke, stepping into the bathroom. It was the one place we could talk for a second without the kids climbing up our legs for something. The twins were napping, but that never lasted long. Kiyah both hated sleeping and hated waking up. Go figure, she had to be difficult somewhere.

“Why did you cut Daciana’s hair off?” Her tone was a little harsh, a little angry. “I asked her why she cut her hair and she said you did it.”

“She wanted it short. If it makes her happy, that’s all that matters to me,” I’d stand my ground if I had to. If it made Daci feel like herself, then it’d be done. Katrina just shook her head.

“Our little girl looks like a little boy.”

“If that makes her happy, its what makes her happy. She’s still a kid, maybe she’ll wanna grow it out after a few days at school.” Daci hadn’t been to school yet, since she sometimes still bit when she was frustrated. It was something most pups did, though Argus never did. I remember my sisters doing it more than my brothers.

“I don’t like it, Anthony,” Katrina doubled down. “Just don’t cut it again, alright?”

I made a noncommittal sound, because I certainly would be cutting Daci’s hair again if she asked. I knew what it was like to feel different and unwelcome in my own skin, so I’d ensure none of my kids ever felt like that.

0.05 Full House

It was a cold winter day when Katrina went into labor the second time. I immediately freaked out – how could I not? The look of discomfort and pain on her face was alarming. I just worried since we couldn’t go to the hospital, something would happen. Katrina was annoyed by my worries though and told me to wait in the main room.

By herself she went. I waited out in the main room with our son in my arms. He didn’t seem to notice anything was wrong with his mother. He was just happy to lay in my arms. I heard Katrina groaning and straining. Then suddenly, I heard a baby’s cry.

A daughter! I decided to name her Daciana after Katrina’s grandmother. She had passed before ever meeting Katrina, but she had been a werewolf and it seemed fitting that Daci get her name. I peeked in to see Katrina glancing down proudly at our newest pup. Our lives were changing, ever so slowly and I knew she loved it as much as I did.

Katrina handed Daci to me, and moved to put Argus down for a lap. I cuddled my new daughter close and pressed my lips to her head, vowing as I had with her brother to always love and protect her. I don’t know how my parents cast me out. Holding my daughter, I knew I could never turn a single of my children away no matter what happened.

Days turned to weeks and before we knew what was happening, Daciana had grown into a beautiful little one. She was another with brown eyes and black hair, and I was growing to love the combination. She smiled more than her brother did at her age. She was always happy and giggling, but only if she had someone’s attention. She hated to be left alone, even to sleep.

Argus meanwhile had begun to rip and tear, dancing to music only he could hear. His infant coos were starting to turn into toddle babbles, and sometimes he even managed a word or two. His first word was mama of course. Katrina had preened in pride at that, and I had simply kissed her cheek.

Even more great news, we finally got an actual house under construction. Not sure if we’ll stick with it yet but its a start. At least it isn’t an undersized shack.

Theres room for all of us here. An upstairs for the children. We’re thinking of adding a basement for us, and in case any of the kids want to start their families in this house. Its strange thinking of the future like that. I never expected to be a werewolf, let along have kids. Now here I am, two kids, a mate, a powerful werewolf.

I’m pretty proud of myself. I should be, I think.

Katrina helped Daciana get settled. I worked with Argus, who was less thrilled to have a new home. He missed his old room. He missed the solid wooden walls. It was hard to explain to him that we tore that house down to make room for this one. Daciana, of course, was unbothered and happy. She was much too young to remember the old house.

Argus was learning to talk so well. He wasn’t speaking in full sentences yet, but he enjoyed telling me about his day. His gibberish was the highlight of everyday. Watching him become his own person was a reward in its own, though it was almost funny how he had changed. As a baby he had loved being held, getting mad if we put him down. As a toddler he hated being carried and always fussed and hit every time we tried.

I enjoyed being a father, even if it came with trials and angry kids. I didn’t mind taking a break in my goals for a year or two, or maybe four or five, if it meant I got to raise amazing kids. They were amazing. Even little Daci was beginning to babble. I think Argus helped her with that. He always wanted to play with his sister.

If he heard her cry, he was one of the first to her room, talking to her until one of us could get to her.

“Dada coming Daci!” I could hear him telling her from the hall. Sure enough when I entered the room, both children let out cries of happiness.

Argus was even trying to show Daci how to eat like a big girl. He had become a big fan of peanut butter and jelly, his pickiness with food carrying over to toddlerhood. He also had a tendency to get it everywhere.

Katrina would always tell him, “Its for eating, not playing.”

I personally didn’t see a problem with it. Let him be a kid. Let him play. We could always clean the house, but my darling mate was a bit of a neat freak.

She got pregnant again too. This would be our third child, but Daciana was already well over a year old, so neither of us were worried. Daci would be moving into toddlerhood soon, and Argus into childhood. It was unbelievable how fast they were growing.

It also brought up talks about schooling. Perhaps Argus could blend in as a child, but as a teen? We weren’t sure what to do about it. Let him make friends and then pull him out of school when he was thirteen? Or just never let him go? Katrina went in circles in our conversations about it. We still had years, but I could tell she was so very worried.

She tried to focus herself on Daci, instead of worrying about the future. Daci was so determined to sit up. While she loved the attention, it was clear she already wanted some independence. Katrina loved to hover though. It was very clear she needed something to focus on and I tried to talk to her about it. Her worry wasn’t good for the baby she was already carrying. Things would be fine.

I didn’t know that for sure, but it was best if I just told her they would be.

“How was your day, bud?” Every day, me and Argus had breakfast together when I got home from work. Of course, my breakfast was a slab of raw meat. He never questioned that though. Doing this helped me relax, if only because Katrina had me as worked up as she was.

“Dada! Monty’s sad!” Monty was the stuffed dinosaur in his room, and his best friend. That worried me a little bit, but there wasn’t much to be done. There was no way to really make friends for him. No parks we could go to in Moonwood Mill. I didn’t want to go outside of it either, just for the safety of my kids.

“Why’s he sad, baby?”

“Daci bit him!”

I swallowed down a laugh. The dramas of having a younger sibling. I assured him that I’d ensure Monty was fine, and Daci wouldn’t bite him anymore. She must have been gumming.

I told Katrina about it, and she spent some time with Argus after his nap, reassuring him that Monty was safe from Daci’s toothless mouth. Katrina’s pregnancy was advancing and I knew soon she’d be having the baby. I tried to step up my duties with the kids, doing all the heavy lifting so she wouldn’t have to.

Its how she went into labor without me knowing. Between giving Argus his nightly bath, and reading Daci to sleep, I was stuck upstairs for hours. My mate somehow was quiet enough not to scare me or the kids! Shes so much stronger than any of us know.

Much, much stronger, because she gave birth to twin girls. Mikala was the youngest and Kiyah was the oldest. They were named after the familiars of the ancient werewolves, and I knew that there was power in those names.

I greeted my new daughters, though Kiyah had already fallen asleep so I only pressed a soft kiss to her head, picking up Mikala. They were completely identical, so I’m glad my mate draped a different color cloth over their cribs. Right now it was almost impossible to tell them apart.

But as always, that phase couldn’t last more than a month or two. Soon they were smiling infants in our arms. Kiyah is here my mate’s arms. Shes all me but her skin tone, meaning of course her sister is the same.

We put their hairs in different styles so we could tell the difference between them, because they were still completely identical besides that! It was only now that my mate shared that she had twins in her family line. She was completely unsurprised to have them but I wish she could have given me a little warning.

Oh well, these two are a handful, but we love them to the moon and back, just like the rest of our family pack.

Daciana also grew like a weed, and is now leaving the nursery on her own two feet to cause chaos all over the house. Like her brother, she curious. She’s not trying to cause problems, but she does enjoy getting into anything and everything. It feels like we have a full house now, and I’m not sure that we’ll have more any time soon, or ever.

There’s still the looming future of their education, among other things. Katrina worries about it more day to day. I can’t lie, I’m pretty worried about it too. But my kids are still just that, kids. They’re grow up if we like it or not, and we’ll figure out a way to protect them. That much, I can vow.

0.04 Searching

Katrina was a natural mother. She took care of Argus like she had always had him. I loved peeking in and watching her hold him, always offering to trade if she needed to sleep or take a break. We were a good team, I think. We slept in shifts, when we could sleep. Argus was certainly a wolf just like us. His cries could be heard through the entire house. Sometimes I wondered if they could be heard outside too.

With a newborn at home, it was hard for me to spend time outside, searching for the answers I wanted. Those artifacts I’d occasionally find buried around town had some story to tell me. Katrina said it might be the story of werewolves, or it might be how they died out. I don’t know, but any information on them would be helpful. Sadly, both Katrina and I were at a loss for our own histories. Me, because I was born human and her because her mother walked out on her so young.

Information was power, she said. I wanted that power.

Every time I found a new piece, I’d run it home to show Katrina. She didn’t even seem to notice the markings on the base of every statue, or hidden inside each piece of pottery. I tried to point them out, and she said they just looked like scratch marks to her. Huh. I wonder why.

Unfortunately, my hunt for the pieces had to stop again, as my son got older. He was a perfect split between me and my Katrina. Her black hair and skin tone, my brown eyes. My grandfather’s brown eyes. It was as if the fates were aligning with my family.

But just watching Katrina hold our son was enough to melt my heart a little. I could only imagine a household full of little ones, running at our feet and howling as the full moon peeked through the trees.

He was such a sweet, smart kid. The playmat we bought for him was his favorite thing. He loved staring at the bright toys, the house filled with his sweet giggles.

“He only likes to nap in our arms,” Katrina said softly one day. She had carried him outside to check the mail and he fell asleep in her arms while she walked.

“I’ll start taking him on my walks,” I promised. So I did. Everyday he came on my walk with me and just had a long nap in my arms. By the time I made it home, he’d awaken ready for a diaper change or to nurse. It certainly helped with our routine.

Katrina was such a good mother, and she didn’t seem overwhelmed at all by our son. Of course, he was one baby, and I tried to help where I could. Between work, writing and searching for those old artifacts, I was very, very busty. I was just determined to make the best life for my family that I could. I found other things while searching, at least. Things that could be sold – fossils and gems and the occasional frog. They helped expand our wallet bit by bit.

It was on the eve of a new moon, where I had changed to go hunting for the family and restock our food, when she told me we were expecting our second child. It wasn’t a really good time for me to find out, so I could only stare at her stomach in shock. She was happy though, and so was I when I remember that I was getting the second child that I always wanted.

Katrina certainly appreciated the fact that there was fresh meat in the fridge.

“Even in the winter you manage to bring back enough to feed us all,” She commented, taking a big bite after.

“I have to go further and further from home,” I told her, frowning at the thought. “But I’m trying. Come spring, there will be more wildlife. We’ll stock up before next winter.” She just gave me a bright smile and took another big bite of the meat. She needed all the food she could get; with her nursing one baby and pregnant with the next, I was worried about her.

Our son was growing fast. Already he could partially sit up on his own, rolling from his back to his tummy and back again. My mate and I worked with him when we could, but he was happy to just do on his own too. I can’t say how proud of him I was though. There are no words to describe.

There are also no words to describe how proud of myself that I managed to collect all the artifacts. At least, I feel like they’re all there. There’s something telling me that this is it.

“I’m going to work on decoding the script hidden on all of them,” I told Katrina, gazing at the collection in wonder.

“The script? There’s words on them? All I can see is the name of the wolves. Or, I guess its their names. Maybe they’re named after famous werewolves of the past?” She peered closer at the statues, clearly curious. “And these tablets… One is clearly about a half-man and half-wolf. The other is about… taming a cowplant? How unusual.”

I stared at them too, watching the text briefly glow. Even if Katrina couldn’t see it, I knew what I needed to do.

I started writing what I already knew; the names of the wolves, the tablets, the cowplant skull, the pot. I complied it all neatly, with as many notes as I could put down from the surface of what I knew. I tried to remember where I found each piece as well. Katrina stood over my shoulder, with Argus in her arms, reading what I had written.

“This is going to be good to pass on,” She said.

“That’s my plan. Whichever child who I think will carry the legacy of our family on best will get the notes. It’ll be their job to figure out what we can’t.” I turned back to Katrina and gave her a grin. No way would I be able to figure it all out myself. I’d try, but I didn’t think I could.

Another full moon put a wrench in those plans. We couldn’t call a babysitter for Argus, as any werewolves who could watch him were also turned by the moon. The best we could do is linger by the house and hope some rational part of us could take care of him if he needed anything. Luckily he slept through the night while Katrina and I howled the night away.

It got me thinking though, after the night was over… What if there was a way to resist the change? There was so much to learn and do. I hoped I had the time.

I had to focus on my son though. We were teaching him to sit up. I had just built him a high chair, and Katrina was excited about the idea of feeding him food rather than breast feeding.

“Look! He’s doing it!” She said, her voice tight with pride. Her hand was hovering behind him. He was sitting up on his own! He was getting so big. I didn’t know where the time was going.

I worked on helping him learn to stand. Exercising those little lets was so important. Besides that, it was so nice just to hold him. I realized I didn’t have much of this time left. Everyday he was getting older, growing a little bigger. Soon he’d be walking on his own. Of course, I’m excited to see what sort of trouble he’d get into. He was clearly a little wolf, just like his mother and I. My siblings had always been trouble. Always.

It wasn’t long before Argus was crawling. Katrina and I cheered him on as he crawled those few feet to me. I know I’ve said it before but, where was the time going? It made me realize that not only was Argus getting older, I was too. It was time for me to focus. I had tasks to get done, and I had children to raise. I could balance the two. I could.

I threw myself into my notes and writing. I published books through a publisher now. They weren’t obviously werewolf books, I hope anyway. But I hoped that if there were any other pockets of werewolf packs out there, they were reading these books and growing from them.

Katrina helped me, of course she did. My mate was so smart, finding topics for me to write about. She even helped me with the wording when I was particularly stuck. I don’t know what I’d do without her.

“Open up! It’s your favorite, carrots!”

Argus’ excited babbling was music to my ears. He was the sweetest. Ironic that a wolf’s favorite food was carrots, but of course, he wouldn’t manifest as a werewolf until puberty. Right now his job was just to grow strong, and he was such a picky baby. He only liked a few foods and hated everything else. I was just happy he ate.

I got Argus down for a nap in his crib, with Katrina at her babysitting job, and got to work on translations. I started with the pot. The lid had so much written on the underside of it. It took me time to translate and work with it. I took notes, trying to ensure that I was getting the whole story and… wow. This was just the lid.

There were four names, completely different from the names of the wolf statues: Kiyah, Logan, Mikal and Wugbug. Wolf familiars of spellcasters. The story was kind of broken, and clearly I wasn’t starting from the beginning but it was interesting none the less. Apparently they and their spellcasters were always close. Close enough to be one. Interesting.

I moved on to other pieces of the pot and story came together a little more. It was clear the pot was once used to transport water from the local lake. Lake Lunvik. While I used to fish out of there, I had never been there on a full moon. I had seen distant shimmering but I hadn’t taken it to be anything in particular, just a trick of the light. There was also residue of an old pollen on the inside of the pot, along with writing about a “Moonpetal” plant. It used to grow on a high peek around here.

Hmmm… I pondered that for a moment and wondered if I should try to seek out this flower. According to the texts though it only bloomed when The moon was full and the water of Lake Lunvik shimmered.

The last piece of the pot was one I wish I had found and seen well before I started this journey. It was detailing how the non-wolf children of wolves fell into their power. I swallowed hard, reading over the text, the journal of the people who tried to turn their children as they had. Perhaps if I had this, my journey would have been over before it began…

It no longer mattered. I wrote down the information gathered and promised myself that I would keep it so that way my children and grandchildren would never feel the rejection that I did.

I quietly took a shower to digest everything I had read. And that was just the pot. As I got out, I heard my son crying and went to grab him. We sad down in the kitchen and I held him as he giggled and patted my bear chest, clearly vert interested in my bite scar.

“You’ll never have to have one of those, buddy,” I promised him. “You’re a wolf through and through. I can tell.”

He began to fuss and I could tell he wanted dinner. Katrina must have still been at work, which was fine. I could care for my son. In fact, I was glad for it. It was grounding. It kept me in the here and now.

“Here you go buddy. Its banana,” I told him, handing him a piece. I watched as he ate and eventually pushed the plate away. “We’ll have carrots then. You want carrots, Argus?”

He made happy cooing noises as I got the jar from the fridge. He was a stubborn little guy, but he knew just what he wanted. It made me wonder if he was going to be the one to carry on my legacy or if it would be the baby my wife carried now. Or another child, well into the future. It was hard to imagine who would carry my journal and the artifacts… But for now, I wanted to live in the moment with my kids and my mate.

0.03 True Love

“A rose for you, my darling,” I said as I presented the beautiful flower to my even more beautiful mate. It had been nearly a year since we met. Nearly a year since I became the happiest man in the world. She had grown out her hair, and stopped dying it. She had confided in me that it make her look like her mother, and she used to hate it.

“You really love wooing me,” She commented, sniffing the rose. “I am so lucky.”

Not as lucky as me, I thought but I didn’t dare argue. Katrina and I were happy. I had never been more sure of anything than I was with her.

“I need to step up my wooing game,” She went on, a hand pressed to her chest as if to calm her beating heart.

“You don’t have to woo me, I already love you. More than you know,” I assured her, taking her hand and kissing the back of it. She giggled, as she always did. I felt just as in love as I had that first day. Now loving on my beautiful mate was just as easy as breathing. I had been a little awkward before, but it was so easy now.

One of the few changes for our home was a computer. I had always loved writing, since I was a teen anyway, and I figured I’d try my hand at writing some novels. Most of them were aimed at kids like I had been; surrounded by a family that you were very different than. I still kept my fisherman job, as I wasn’t confident enough to just live off my earnings as a writer, but I hoped someday soon I could.

Katrina, of course, supported me the entire way. I didn’t deserve my mate, she was too perfect for me. She picked up a part-time job babysitting for a family in town on weekends. The mother was a human and the father a werewolf, and she helped the mother navigate life with wolves in it. It was a wonderful feeling knowing we were helping people who were just like us. Hopefully they had better and easier lives than we did.

Before we knew it, it was time for the first snow of the year again. I couldn’t believe so much time had passed since I first came to this town. Back then, I hadn’t known for sure what I wanted or who I was, but now I knew. I had grown so much since then too… It really was crazy to think about.

Katrina had been talking a while about expanding the family. While we were outside watching the snow pile up, and hoping we could get out of the house tomorrow, she suddenly pointed out the bush. She joked that since it wasn’t covered in snow, it must be special. Then we were over by it, examining it. One thing led to another and well…

We both had a little fun in the bush.

It wasn’t our first time by a long shot. We hadn’t been exactly careful for a while now. I knew that Katrina was getting a little discouraged because she expected us to have a little on by now.

Well a few weeks later, she asked if I could stop writing for a moment.

“I just took a test!” She exclaimed. “I’m pregnant! We’re having a baby, Anthony!”

I could only stare at her for a moment, in complete shock. This was something we both wanted. We had already agreed we wanted a super big family. We wanted a lot of little wolves running around our feet. Now it was happening. Our first baby!

“Are you serious?” I asked her. She nodded, still grinning. I jumped from the computer chair and hugged my mate tightly. I couldn’t believe it! I couldn’t believe it! We were having a baby! At last! I don’t remember if my parents struggled, but I just hoped that this meant we were going to have an easier time.

“Hopefully once they’re born, we can give them a sibling right away,” She touched her belly, smiling, echoing my thoughts exactly.

“We should practice,” I joked. She gave me one of her shy smiles, and I just wanted to kiss her again and again. I loved this woman, so, so much.

At Katrina’s urging, I built some shelfing for the objects I kept coming across. She said they were artifacts that told the story of Moonwood Mill. I noticed that there seemed to be some etching on them, but hadn’t read it all yet. If anything, it would be something to pass down to my children.

She tried digging around the house like I had been, hoping to find a few pieces, but she never found anything. I don’t know what that means, to be honest. Maybe I just have a talent for finding things? Who knows. Katrina was really frustrated though, and I did my best to comfort her.

All she would say is, “You better find all the pieces. It’s really important, I think.”

“I will,” I promised, even though I was unsure myself.

I was out more now, often hunting down the pieces of pottery and the statues of wolves. I also was just… hunting. Raw meat was the only thing I craved, and I could tell that Katrina was thinking the same thing. She gave me a big kiss every time I brought some raw meat home. The pregnancy was rough on her and it was the least I could do.

She ate it almost faster than I could manage to hunt. Since it was winter, animals were rare and I had to go further and further to hunt. It wasn’t a problem, of course. I’d do anything for my mate.

“It’s too cold in here,” She reminded me. We had to wear our sweaters inside, but winter wasn’t far off from ending. By the time she gave birth, it’d be spring. I was trying to hold out for it, and prepare for next year. Our cabin was still rather small.

“I know, love. Do you want to cuddle in bed?”

“No.” I blamed her grumpiness on her pregnancy. It was pretty hard on her, and the frustration was clear to see on her face. She couldn’t do many things she was used to doing. It wasn’t surprising for people like us to be independent, so I tried to have patience.

The stress even caused her to transform. I could only feel bad for her, as she stormed out the door to do some of her own hunting. She was frustrated and uncomfortable. I tried to soothe her, but she just snarled at me and headed back outside. Oh well, I can always try again in a little bit.

It gave me time to fix my computer while she cooled off too. Between me writing, and her gaming, I think we downloaded a virus. I can’t tell her to not game though. She enjoys it so much, and I enjoy it from time to time as well.

Even after her rampage, I still love Katrina with all my heart. Even with her pregnant, there’s still time for romance. At least I try to make some.

Shes carrying my child after all, helping me start my pack! A legacy that will bring werewolves back from the edge. Shes my mate, fated by the moon and the sun and the stars.

“I heard sex can help jump start labor,” She always says, right before bed.

“Who am I to refuse?” I always reply. We always make that time for romance, knowing soon we’re going to have a pup – or two, or three! Though I never tell Katrina that. I’m pretty sure she’ll kill me if she knows I’m hoping for more than one baby.

It’d probably put a quick end to our nighttime romance.

We also had the house remodeled a little. Katrina wants to tear the whole thing down and start again, and I think she might be right. My little shack is going to be outgrown by my family, I’m sure. We need to save up a little more money before we do a big remodel though. I honestly don’t think it’ll be that big, just big enough for our family.

“When we rebuild the house, we need a second computer,” Katrina tells me, and I can’t help but smile. My writing is starting to pick up and we’re actually making some money!

“Of course, love. I know how you like to destress,” Of course, I like to destress in a similar way. No telling if our kids will be like us or not. I always love imaging their little faces, what hobbies they might fine interesting. “A television will probably be nice too.”

“And a library!”

I laughed, because where were we going to fit a library? I stood from the computer to walk into the other room, noting the early hour. I’d have work soon. Then it’d be time to get home and try to write as much as I can.

As I came back, I saw Katrina holding her stomach, her face pinched in pain. I knew instantly it was go time. I couldn’t help but panic a little. Who wouldn’t? We had decided on a home birth, simply since werewolves were extinct to the general public. It’d be best not to tip them off.

Bravely, Katrina made her way to the bassinet I had put together, and began to push. I stayed in the room for moral support, though I knew there was nothing I could do to help her. Hearing every groan of pain made my heart tear a little. Still, Katrina powered through.

It wasn’t too long before she held our son in her arms. She looked up at me, a question in her gaze. Surprisingly, we have never really discussed names. I crept over to her side and looked over her shoulder at him. I nodded to myself, knowing what I wanted to name him.

“Argus. For my grandfather,” I told her.

“That’s perfect. The perfect name for the first werewolf to be born in… well, who knows how long? At least for either of our families.” She leaned down and kissed his little forehead before handing him to me.

I cuddled my son close and vowed to let nothing harm him. Vowed that he’d grow up strong and sure. He’d learn what it meant to be a werewolf, and he’d help spread our pack to the corners of the world. They were going to learn that there was no way to exterminate werewolves. Not for good.

0.02 Tendencies

The full moon, every werewolf’s bane or so I was told from a very young age. I felt that deep seated rage in my bones, as I threw back my head and howled at the moon that cursed me so. Howls echoed back at me, making me shiver. A part of me wanted to run and fight those who answered, show them how I was above them all.

Before I could resist the urge, I was moving, enjoying the feeling of the dirt beneath my paws. His colors were similar to mind, just a little darker in patches. I sniffed at him, and he snarled, jerking towards me. I could do nothing but yelp in surprise. Me! The grandson of Argus Brown! I tried to snarl back, show I wasn’t afraid, but he stepped towards me, and even in an enraged state, I knew I couldn’t challenge him. My tail between my legs, I quickly retreated to the library, hoping he wouldn’t follow me inside.

I don’t have a lot of memory of the night past that. Ripping through book covers. Running. Howling. Digging holes in someone’s flower garden. This was my dream, in a way. Maybe not digging holes in someone’s flowers, but to be a werewolf as I was. Even if I couldn’t remember my first moon, the next one would get better, surely.

When I returned to myself, sometime past four in the morning, my head was pounding. It felt like I had drank too much and had a flu all at once. I closed my eyes, gritting my teeth, and wondered how my siblings had managed this while being teenagers. I was twenty, and I felt like I wanted to collapse. Somehow, I dragged myself home and threw myself down into my bed.

Time passed and it… did get easier. I upgraded my house to have a whole kitchen, and even a newer stove. Only one person owned it before I did. I’d count that as a win. I threw a rug down on the rough floor, hoping to make it just a little bit more comfortable.

I also began renting any book I could from the library. Anything that looked like it was about werewolf was good enough for me. I read them like I was starving for information. I was, in a way. I needed to know more before I decided what to do about finally being a werewolf. This was my dream, but it was starting to feel like a nightmare.

Its what led me back to the library and what gave me the strength to talk to the day shift library. She was a pretty woman, and now that I was a werewolf, I could smell that she was one too. It was so heartening to know that werewolves had found one place to hide. I had been too shy to talk to her before, and a little ashamed of destroying her bookshelves. I knew her name was Katrina but names were the only thing I ever exchanged with her. When I sat down and explained myself, she only laughed.

“We were all pups once,” She explained. “Don’t worry, we’re good about repairing the damage. The full moon is hard on us all.”

I couldn’t even explain to her how much of a relief that was. Of course someone like me would understand!

“That’s the thing. I’m new to all of this. You see, my the others in my family were all werewolves, but I was born human. I was cast from the house when I was old enough to care for myself, so this is all very confusing. I was never able to come to pack meetings or talk about pack things with them,” I told her. I found it so easy to spill my problems to her, like I was talking to someone I had known for years.

“Its understandable that you’re lost then,” She nodded, though she frowned. “What a cruel thing for your family to do to you though. I can almost understand. My father was human, my mother a werewolf. She left when I was small and I had no one to guide me either.”

“I’m sorry,” Because what else could I say to her?

Katrina shrugged off my apology, probably having done so to people all her life. “May I ask what pack so foolishly abandoned you?”

“Ah, I’m from Moonlight Falls, so I don’t know if you’ll know them. It was the Brown Pack.”

“Founded by Argus Brown? I never met one of them, but I know of them. I’m a little bit of an expert on packs and their history. Since so many were wiped out these past few years, I made it my duty to try and find out as much as I can. Maybe you can fill some things in about your pack?”

Then we were talking excitedly; about my family, her family, my former pack, her experiences as a werewolf. I felt like I could talk to her forever. I felt like I had known her forever. We had been through similar situations. Her father hadn’t known how to raise a werewolf, so she left home young, just like me. I had never felt a pull towards another person like this. It was amazing.

“When do you get off work?” I asked her, quite suddenly. Her eyebrows shot up, as if she couldn’t believe the question.

“Two in the afternoon, why?”

“I want to take you for drinks,” Boldness usually wasn’t my thing. I had been the geeky child, more comfortable behind a computer screen, but I felt like I would miss this chance forever if I didn’t take it. I felt like I had taken a good risk when she gave me a shy smile.

“Alright. I’ll meet you there? The bar is right next to the library.”

I could only nod, hoping my face wasn’t bright red. I said my goodbyes and promised to see her in only a few hours.

Upon arriving, she took a seat next to me. I had a drink before she got there, hoping to give myself a little liquid courage. In the text I’d been reading, it said something about werewolves having mates chose for them by the moon. Mates that they were meant to be with above all else. A part of me, I suppose the feral newly awakened werewolf part of me, wanted that.

Hadn’t I been attracted to Katrina since the first time I saw her? What if she was my fated werewolf mate?

I couldn’t mess this up.

“You look beautiful,” I told her, keeping my voice light and earnest. “I’m happy you came to meet me.”

She smiled, a tranquil look in her eyes. “I don’t think I would have refused. There’s something about you, Anthony. Maybe its because we’re both not from around here, but…” Her words trailed off, a smile on her lips. She looked away for a second, her face flushing.

I don’t know what came over me, but I pulled her to her feet and we stood, facing each other. “I heard a legend about werewolves having fated mates.”

“That’s always been one of my favorites!”

“Well, I think you’re mine, Katrina. Stay with me?”

She looked so shocked, as if she couldn’t believe that I had just said that. I couldn’t believe either. I felt it in my bones though, just like the fury of a wolf. She was who I was meant to be with, without a doubt.

She threw her arms around me, cupping my neck with a gentleness I wouldn’t expect from a fellow werewolf. Neither of us spoke, kissing right there in front of everyone at the bar. It was lucky, I suppose, that we agreed to meet during the afternoon. There wasn’t much of an audience.

“I’m glad you feel it too,” She said as she pulled away, hands resting on my chest. “I was worried I was just desperate.”

“I was a little worried that I was imagining things too,” I admitted with a chuckle, pressing her hands against me. “I know we barely know each other, but I want you to move in with me. I want to get to know you better. I want to spend everyday of my life with you.”

I brushed my hand against her soft cheek and she gave me another dreamy smile. I knew then and there, that I was doing the right thing. This was how I restored my pack’s name to the world. A family, a mate, happiness. I couldn’t see how it would be anything but all that. I’d raise my children the way I wished I had been raised, with my beloved mate by my side.

It was so simple in that moment, but I knew it would be anything but. I’d have her, though. My Katrina. Together we’d build a pack to bring others awe and fear.

0.01: A New World

The trip to Moonwood Mill had taken what felt forever. Originally I came here hoping for a factory job, only to find out the factory had shut down years and years ago. Still, the town was quaint and it reminded me of home, so its here I’ll live, I suppose. There was an tiny old cabin for sale, one that hadn’t been used since the factory was up and running. Still, a home was a home and I hadn’t had one of those in years.

My name is Anthony Brown. Originally I was named after my grandfather Argus, but when the family disowned me, I changed it. I’m from Moonlight Falls, but I failed to be a werewolf, like my entire family. So, they kicked me out and I’ve been on my own the last couple years. Its not been so bad. I’ve travel the world with the inheritance my grandfather ensured I got, but money is running low and I have to figure something else out.

Still, this place feels like home. It has that feel like Moonlight Falls, mysterious. I guess I’m staying for that feeling.

See, apparently werewolves were causing too much trouble, and they got themselves hunted over it. No more werewolves in Moonlight Falls. No vampires either. The fairies, humans and witches got themselves together and did something about them all. Maybe I should feel guilty, but a part of me is glad I wasn’t born a wolf. It probably saved my life.

I think about going back all the time, but I worry I’ll be banished on sight due to my lineage. My family may have hated me because I wasn’t a wolf, but to other supernatural creatures I’ll always be a wolf. Ironic isn’t it?

Still, as I settled in Moonwood Mill, I realized I had to make money somehow. Maybe they need a good fisherman? My grandfather was a real outdoorsman, so maybe I inherited it from him.

Or maybe not.

Oh well, I’m still enjoying the town. I take a morning walk everyday, just loving the outdoors. It reminds me a little of my family, and that hurts, but they abandoned me. I suppose I abandoned them too though.

It was on one of those walks, I spotted some… warning signs? Well, they were warning signs across a creek. I had never walked that way before, and I’ll admit it, my curiosity got the better of me.

“Warning: Rampaging Werewolf,” I read aloud. Rampaging werewolf? There were werewolves here? “Huh.”

Then, out of the house, came just such a thing. I stood in shock for several minutes. I hadn’t seen a werewolf since my sister and father escorted me off our family property. He looked different, sure, but that was still a werewolf.

Unable to help myself, I ran straight to him. “Hey! It’s been so long since I saw a werewolf! I though we were extinct!” My words ran together, excitement bubbling in my chest. He stared at me though, not speaking, though a soft growl escaped from between his lips.

“Are you part of a pack?” I pushed, desperate for any information. His growl grew into a snarl.

“Leave me!” He roared, clawed hands curling into fists. “Lest I lose my temper and end your pathetic life, welp!”

My heart jumped into my throat, realizing how foolish it had been to approach a strange werewolf without a plan, or proof of who I was.

It shames me, but I turned on my heel and ran away as the strange werewolf snarl and cursed me and my bloodline. Not there was a bloodline to curse. I was the last of the Brown pack, but I wasn’t sticking around to tell him that.

My little shack had never looked so welcoming. I stopped as I got onto the property and sighed to myself. That could have gone better. There had to be a way to get to that werewolf. Perhaps he could even… share his gift with me. My family told me I was a lost cause and all the packs of Moonlight Falls all came to the agreement not to share the beast blood with me. This stranger wouldn’t have any idea of that agreement.

I had to get him to not hate me on sight first.

I vowed right there and then, I would become a werewolf. If only for myself. This wasn’t about my family. This was about me and the need to… I don’t know. Save werewolves? I wasn’t sure yet. I hoped the answer became clear.

Over the next few days, I thought about what I wanted to do and how. I had to get that old werewolf to hear me out. I had to make money. Fishing helped clear my mind, let me think while making a little money. My daily walks helped with that too.

I walked by the old warehouse almost everyday, and only by chance, glanced in the windows one day. It wasn’t a factory anymore, that was clear, but it looked like it had books in it. It was a library! Maybe it would have some answers I needed! I walked inside, trying to feign a calm I didn’t have.

Several minutes of browsing later and I found what I was looking for. It was a book on the history of Moonwood Mills. Most of it was boring; the establishment of the mill, the downfall of it, blah, blah, blah. It wasn’t until I got to the end, to a small section about the legends of Moonwood Mill.

It’s said that howls can be heard every full moon, especially from the abandoned home near the woods. Legend has it, Greg’s spector haunts the woods, looking for his lost love. To go there is to wish misfortune and an untimely death upon yourself.

His lost love? I might be able to work with that. However the book was clearly wrong about one thing; Greg, if that was werewolf hanging out there, wasn’t a ghost. He was very real and very frightening. It might risk my life but I had to try again.

As much as I wanted to use this information against Greg, if that was even his name, I had to focus on survival. I was broke, and living in a shack. I might want a family someday, so I had to get myself together already. I spent a lot of time fishing, and it was beginning to pay off, finally.

I often fished throughout the night, and wandered home in the early hours, barely able to keep my eyes open. Its a good thing I knew all the paths by heart now. I’d stumble home and into the cot I set up for myself, sleep and start over all over again. It was getting chillier out everyday and I wondered how long the thin blanket would protect me at night.

It was weeks before I was ready to go back and try to confront Greg. I decided to do it at night; then he’d be more willing to offer his gift, I was sure.

It was full dark, and I could feels eyes on me from the tree line. Greg? Or other werewolves. If there was one, there just had to be more. Maybe it’d be better if I just found them instead.

Greg suddenly appeared, stalking out from the other side of his home. I wish I knew what came over me, but I don’t. Without thinking about it, I shouted to him.

“Looking for your dead lover, Greg?”

He stopped and turned toward me, murder in his eyes. Uh Oh.

He snarled, beyond words, and I held my arms up to vainly defend myself. He pounced and I did what I could to keep his teeth and claws from my face. I was never the best at fight, I could never train with the other welps, and so I hate to say it, but Greg kicked my butt.

As the dust cleared, I lay on the ground, trying to hold very, very still. Greg snarled, sniffing at the ground. Clearly he knew I was alive, but he was hesitating going for the kill. I didn’t need more of a chance than that.

I climbed to my feet, my entire body hurting. He really kicked my butt. I was broken and bleeding and all I wanted to do is get out of there. I’d never mess with another werewolf for the rest of my life as long as I could get away.

So, like the coward I am, I ran. Greg howled behind me, enjoying my fear. I was never coming back to this part of the world. Greg could have it!

I had learned a lesson, and in the following days, I paid for it. I was starving, constantly. I figured it was my healing body. So I bought a bunch of pre-made sandwiches and I wolfed them down as if they were unending. I couldn’t figure out what was wrong with me, but at the time I didn’t care. I just hoped all my cuts and scrapes healed well.

I got a job fishing, which was decent money. It was enough to help me oh so slowly upgrade my shack. I needed a fireplace before winter or I was scared I’d freeze to death. I fished, even outside of work to save up that money. At least the uniform made it comfortable.

Still, I loved my little home, even if it wasn’t the best home. It made me happy. It was comfortable enough to sleep in. That was another thing I did a lot in those weeks. Sleep and eat, sleep and eat, sleep and eat. I was constantly tired, constantly hungry, constantly in a bad mood. It was a good thing I lived alone.

Then one day, I felt it. I felt this… rage inside of me. Like nothing I ever felt before.

I don’t remember much after that. Just my head hurting, feeling claws and fangs growing from my teeth and nails. My bones snapped, my body twisted. I was suddenly what I was meant to be all along; a werewolf. But what did I do from here? This was my dream; but I was one of two left in the world. What could I do?