A Second Chance

Chapter 10

I had a long day and night ahead of me. I didn't know what to expect for my first full moon. My nerves from last night didn't settle down, they just got more ramped up. I packed two extra pairs of clothes just in case, my hairbrush, and some soap. I still had a few hours before the sun sets but I didn't want to take chances. I didn't get a lot of sleep last night due to my nerves. I made something to eat quickly before I left. For the last couple of days, I've been eating a lot.

I took a detour on my way to Derek's since I was super early. I pulled into the garage. I had maybe two hours until the sun sets. I just hope tonight goes smoothly. This last month has been hell, literally. When I knocked on the door I saw Deaton talking to Derek.

"Hey guys," I said putting my bag on the table.

"How did the game go last night?" Deaton asked me.

"We won. I was able to help score some points." I said with a big smile.

"Deaton is here to warn you about your first full moon," Derek said.

"Oh?"

"Yes. Derek, is it okay if I talk to Jade alone for a minute?"

"Sure," he said walking passed me. I waited until I couldn't hear him anymore.

"So what's up?"

"You have to be extra careful on full moons."

"Why?"

"Well," he began. "Not only will you want to kill on your first few full moons but have the anger and energy to do it around the full moon like most supernatural creatures. But for werepanthers, it is also a time when they have to be careful of who they're around at the time of the full moon. Werepanthers have a specific mating cycle, similar to a woman's monthly cycle.  A werepanthers mating cycle is during the full moon." I looked at him with wide eyes. "You'll admit pheromones that will attract men around the full moon. You'll have to be careful because it can get out of hand the longer you're around."

"What about Derek?"

"He's strong enough to control himself. Just don't be around him for long around the full moon. Prolonged exposure will make him break."

"Okay. Thank you Deaton for warning me. Do you think I should go somewhere else for the full moon instead?"

"No, Derek can take care of you but remember what I said."

"Does he know?" I asked looking back at the door that Derek had walked through.

"He knows enough. Just not specific details. If you want to tell him, you can."

I nodded. "Thanks again, Deaton."

"You're welcome, Jade. Stay safe tonight."

I laughed. "I'll try."

With that Deaton left. Derek came back in a few minutes later. I sat at the table thinking. My mind went back to last night at the party. I tried to remember who was around. After a couple of attempts at remembering, I realized I had a lot of guys looking at me all night. This brought me back to the look Derek gave me in the girl's locker room after the game. That's what that look was. Lust.

I looked over at Derek. He was in the kitchen just making some food. He was making lasagna. We should still have enough time before the full moon comes out.

I was washing the dishes after we finished eating. When I finished I turned around to look at Derek. He was closer than I thought he was.

"Derek."

"Jade."

He was giving me a look. I shook my head and moved toward the table to get a fresh mind.

"Whatever happens, once I'm locked up leave me. Don't stay around me for too long. Okay?"