Hour of the Moon

Chapter 17: The beignning of the Hunt

Anger. Pain. Betrayal.

His words infuriated me. But beneath it all, why did my heart ache so much?

" I think it's best if you leave now. I'd like to get some rest."

For someone as tall and burly, his footsteps were as light as air.

The only indication of his departure was the door lightly shutting behind him.

I refused to cry over a man, let alone a man that wasn't mine.

Have I really succumbed to such a low point?

I had to shift my focus to something else, and I needed a drink.

The Howler was packed, and I didn't know whether that surprised me or annoyed me. I sat in the farthest corner of the bar/restaurant establishment.

It was Monday Night Football and some football team with a terrible track record was playing. The hoorah from the TV was a welcomed distraction as I ordered a cheeseburger and a hard cider.

" Keiran?" I looked up from my phone to see Nanye-hi walking towards me, a warm smile on her face that put me at ease.

But then I remembered my prior conversation with Waya and I felt guilty.

" Hey Nani, how have you been?"

" I'm well. Do you want to sit with me and Waya? Did you come here by yourself? Is Ahiga with you?"

That was the last person I wanted to see, ever. I didn't even have to look in the direction of their table to feel his burning stare.

" No, I'm here by myself. Thanks for the offer, though."

Her smile faltered a bit, and I knew she was disappointed.

" You sure? Also, how have your migraines been?"

" They've subsided, thanks for asking." She searched my face, a look of concern and sympathy.

" If you want to join us, just come on over."

" Actually if you're free sometime this week we can go out and get coffee or dinner." The kind smile returned to her face and was replaced with glee.

" Sure! I'll send you my dates of availability. I'd love to hear all about it."

" Of course."

With Waya serving as an obstacle, I was unsure if I could really build a friendship with Nani. I didn't want to think about that ordeal as my food arrived.

It was one of those things that would have to be dealt with eventually.

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" I'm worried about her," Nani pouted, casting worried glances at Keiran's lonesome table.

"Maybe I should text Ahiga so he can come."

I rolled my eyes at the mention of Ahiga his name was starting to leave a sour taste in my mouth.

She's not yours and you're mad at your best friend? The wolf in me whispered into my subconscious, mocking and bitter.

" And how will Ahiga help?" She looked at me with confusion.

" They're dating now, didn't Ahiga tell you?"

" I mean, I just assumed that they went on one date."

" They did, but I think Ahiga would make a great match for Keiran."

I had no right to be jealous, but that green monster was awakening a possessiveness that made my stomach churn.

" She's not one of us, Nani."

" I know," she sighed, " But there's something about her that seems more than human, don't you think? I know my sense of smell isn't as potent as a male wolf  her scent lingers."

A chill ran down my spine.

"I could care less for humans, but I like her and I want her to stay."

I could see Akita's face in my mind, laughing at me and ridiculing my decision to follow the orders of the pack.

This is what you wanted, right? I could hear him saying. Avoiding her would be a challenging task, more challenging than anything I've very experienced.

" We should invite her over sometime. Maybe like a double date with Ahiga," Nani was surprised at my statement.

" I think that's a great idea. I feel for the first time since the death of Wohali, things are turning around. Granted we are still miles away from reaching harmony with everything going around."