Full Moon Rising

Two

I woke with a start and almost fell off the couch. My head is pounding and all I can think about is how bad my ass is hurting. Did I grow my tail for the first time last night? A vague picture of seeing the boney extension fogged my brain. Still, no full transformation.

My phone has at least ten messages, all from Cam. I text him back to let him know that I'm okay before dragging myself to the bathroom for a shower. It takes me a minute because my vision was still blurry. I feel achy and disgusting. Standing in the shower, I notice hair falling at a rapid pace. My eyes focus and see that my body was indeed covered in a soft layer of fur, the sandy color matching my blonde hair. I start to shake and feel like throwing up. I didn't even realize I was covered in fur last night. Will my memory start failing when I fully transform? Will I even know what's going on or who I am?

I don't finish my shower, just rinse off and search for some clothes. My nails are back to normal, all the fur is gone, and my canines are dull. I quickly look down, no tail. I feel like I need a drink after this. While it's only 10 a.m., wine is on my mind.

After pouring a glass of Moscato, I find my couch again and turn on the news. It fades to the back of my mind as I sip my wine, but one phrase catches my attention.

"Early this morning, authorities have reported a body was found near Northern Indiana University. The body was that of an eighteen-year-old female, Ashley Moore. She was found half-devoured. Investigation is still underway with no suspects." I grab my phone to call Cam. He answers on the third ring.

"Hey, did you happen to hear what happened last night?" I ask. I hear him shuffle around on the other end.

"Yeah, I did. I didn't know her, but I heard she was out partying last night. There was a Halloween party at an apartment of one of my classmates."

"Does your classmate know what happened?" I feel my heart beating fast.

"No. Said she left around one this morning and no one heard anything after that. I guess they assumed she went home." He sounds off.

"Are you okay?"

"I guess. I knew her, you know. I was invited to the party but didn't go. I had homework. Maybe if I went, I could've made sure she made it home or something."

"What happened wasn't your fault. It could happen any time, even if you were there." My mouth goes dry before I ask my next question. "Do you think it was a supernatural?"

"I don't know. I mean, they said she was devoured. Or halfway. It was a full moon last night so maybe she got caught in a bad spot at the wrong time. Not that I believe a werewolf did it, just saying."

"No, I get it. I was just curious. Thanks for answering."

"Yeah, no problem. Did you want to grab some lunch today?"

I give it some thought. My body is still aching from my night and now my mind is swimming even more with what has happened.

"No thanks. I'm still recovering from, ya know."

"Of course. Feel better and let me know if you need anything. See you Monday!" He hangs up.

After finishing my wine, I walk over to my bed and crawl inside. What could have attacked that girl last night? Could it have been one of my kind, or maybe vampire? Maybe some sicko who wants to push blame on supers. I try to push it from my mind before drifting off into a deep sleep.