The Hidden Luna

Chapter Twelve

In the days leading up to the full moon, Scarlett spent most of her time with either Carter or Zion. Carter spent most of his time with her explaining the dynamics of the pack, what they do, and their purpose. Whereas Zion spent most of his time with her talking about his past and how he coped with the shift, but unlike Carter, they spent time just hanging out aside from the whole wolfish business.

Asher and Scarlett hardly spoke since his outburst toward Zion and then her outburst toward him. He spent most of his time doing his father's bidding, which she was grateful for in a way, because that meant she hardly saw both him or his father. But today was different, today was the full moon and Asher was by her side the whole day.

"Is this really necessary?" Scarlett questioned as he led her through the woods behind his house. Sge regretted wearing just a pair of shorts and off the shoulder peasant top, seeing as mosquitos were latching onto her arms and legs at an annoying rate.

Asher helped her over a fallen tree and then answered. "The first shift is always the hardest. I didn't think you'd want anyone to see you in pain or naked."

Scarlett stopped in her tracks. "Naked?"

"What?" Asher said. "Your best friend Zion didn't tell you that your clothes don't magically reappear when you turn back to human?"

Scarlett rolled her eyes. "Can you take it easy on him, please? He's been through a lot and he's helping me through a lot."

"Just because you are friends with him, doesn't mean I have to be," Asher growled. "And it doesn't mean I have to like it."

"God, you're so annoying!" Scarlett snapped. "You act so broody and secretive and like your father's little lap dog. When you came here, he was literally Satan and now he's a saint? You leave and then you come back, you're happy and then you're mad. Can you make up your damn mind?"

Asher took a step toward her, but it was difficult to read his expression due to the lack of light. The sun was pretty much set and the stars were starting to dot the night sky. "Can you? One minute I think you're fine and that we'll be okay and then the next you're yelling at me. You're impossible!"

"Oh, I'm impossible?" She laughed with no hint of humor. "You wanted me a part of your life, you wanted me to get to know the pack after I got bit, you did. And as soon as I make a friend, you act like I should be branded with a scarlet letter even though we aren't even dating, by the way. This all just complete bull-"

A piercing pain shot up her spine suddenly and Scarlett let out an unexpected scream. She looked up to the sky and the full moon was becoming visible.

Asher rushed toward her. "Hey, Scarlett, I'm here. It will be okay, I'm here."

Another shockwave of pain flowed through my body and Scarlett fell to the ground. Her hands slammed into some rock, slicing open her palms. The pain was so severe, she thought she was going to pass out from it as she heard her bones cracking and contorting at inhuman angles. She snapped her neck upwards and let out another shriek of pain.

"Ash," Scarlett cried between heavy breaths. "This hurts so much."

Asher, careful not to touch her while she shifted, hushed to her in warm tones. "I know, baby. I know. It's almost over. The shift is almost over."

Tears streaked her face as Scarlett looked at him with pleading eyes. "Just kill me, please. I can't do this."

"Yes, you can," he said with such conviction. "You can do this, Scar. I know you can."

"I-" she began but another scream erupted from her throat. Another bone let out a dangerous crack and Scarlett's vision went black.

***

Scarlett's eyes opened and her vision was altered in a way she couldn't begin to describe. Despite it being night, she could see significantly better than ever before. Scarlett tried to stand but her body wouldn't listen. Something nudged her side and Scarlett turned her head to see what it was.

It was a wolf.

Its eyes glistened in the moonlight and despite my experience with wolves in the past, Scarlett didn't feel afraid of it.

The wolf nudged her again and she tried to stand once more. It was only then that she realized that she was not human. Putting one foot, or rather paw forward, the others followed. It took a while to gain her footing but once she did, she became less wobbly and more certain with her movements.

There you go, a voice in Scarlett's head mused.

Scarlett arched her head, trying to locate the sound. Am I going crazy?

A chuckle rang through her head as the wolf that nudged her stepped towards Scarlett once again. It's me, Scar. Werewolves have telepathy in their true form.

Zion never told me that, Scarlett thought to herself but she quickly realized that Asher likely heard it.

He made a noise that resembled a scoff. Let's go.

Go where?

Asher took a few steps forward and then looked back at her and Scarlett could of sworn that despite being in his wolf form, he was grinning. For a run.