Moonlight

Chapitre 11

"I'm going to talk to my father tonight. I'll ask him to stop the demolition, at least until we can find the Moonstone," decided Addison.

"Addison, if you do that, you risk getting grounded..." Bree worried, encircled by Bonzo's arms.

"And if I do nothing, the wolves will die. I can survive a week of grounding, but death is still fatal."

The determination in Addison's eyes spoke volumes about what she was thinking. Eliza smiled, as Wynter couldn't take it anymore, and jumped into the girl's arms. Addison could feel her shaking all over her body, in relief or in fear, she didn't know. She just knew that Wynter was among those most affected, and that she was regaining hope. Wyatt put a hand on her shoulder, making Zed growl, and gave her a big smile. Willa still didn't take her eyes off the power plant.

"Addison, Wyatt will take you home. See you at school, tomorrow."

"What? We don't need him to..." Zed started.

Addison freed herself from Wynter's arms, keeping a hand around her, and with her elbow, hit Zed.

"Stop talking about what you don't know. There are wild animals that hunt at night, so unless you want to end up as a zombie snack, you'll kindly accept the escort."

Willa smirked at Addison's words. Everything she said was true, and she would never risk her friend's life. So even if it wasn't safe, she preferred that Wyatt be tasked with protecting her.

She pushed her brother back a little, as far from prying ears as she could. Even so, Addison could still hear them.

"Watch over Addy, okay? Stay close to her house while she talks to her father. What her human friend said does not inspire confidence. If she needs help, take action, but only if she needs help."

Out of the corner of her eye, Addison saw Wyatt's necklace light up, and instinctively, she knew that Wyatt had just made a promise to his sister, without saying a word. Addison smiles, before shaking her head at the overprotective nature of her wolves.

Very quickly, after a few last hugs, their little group headed for the forest in the most intense silence. Wyatt walked a bit ahead of them, leading the way, Eliza just behind to light the way with her tablet. Bonzo and Bree were walking right behind them, talking in low voices, making Addison smile. These two had finally found each other, and she was happy for them. Zed was walking beside her, his hands in his pockets, but she could see the look he was giving her every now and then.

"So... you're a wolf now?"

What? When in the world did I say I was a wolf ?!

Zed spoke quietly enough that he couldn't be heard over the sound of the wind and the leaves, but Addison clearly saw Wyatt's ears twitching. She smiled, knowing he was listening to her conversation, before sighing.

"I never said that, Zed, but if I was, would it change anything between us? Would you stop being my friend if I suddenly had fangs and claws?"

"I just don't want you to change, Addy... I find you perfect the way you are now..."

Addison turned her head towards Zed, but kept her eyes fixed in front of her. Now was not the time to end with a broken bone.

"Zed, I'm not a doll. I grow and mature. I will definitely change. I'm only sixteen and my whole life is ahead of me. Asking me not to change is a bit selfish."

Zed was silent.

"We all have to change for one reason or another. The main thing is to know what is deep within us."