Her New Moon

14

"You jackass!"

"You're only bitter!"

Paul and Jared were preoccupied with playing a video game. Driana sat on the couch, both boys on either side of her as they sat on the floor. Eyes glued to the screen, they didn't notice the girl get up and head to the kitchen for water. Paul's father sat at the small table, sipping on a drink. He locked eyes with Driana.

"Need something?"

Driana pointed to the dispenser. "May I get water, sir?"

Paul's father nodded his head, going back to his crossword. Driana awkwardly filled her cup, watching the bubbles emerge from the gallon. She drank a little, turning around to head back to the living room.

"Driana?"

The girl bit the inside of her cheek. "Yes?"

"I'm still an uncle, you know?" He shrugged as if it wasn't a big deal.

Driana smiled softly. "Okay, Uncle Chris."

The man returned the smile, and Driana returned to the living room. Paul entered the house, holding the screen door open. He gestured his head out the door, telling Driana to ditch the cup on the table. The girl quickly finished her water and followed Paul out of the house. The gravel beneath their feet disappeared as they walked on the backroads.

"Where's Jared?" Driana questioned, craning her neck to look back.

"He left to check something," Paul said. He scanned the area, leading Driana from the houses.

Driana furrowed her brows. "And what are we doing?"

Paul quirked a brow. "We're walking?"

"Why not stay at your place?"

"We'd be unable to talk about my secret duty." He threw her a knowing look.

"True," Driana hummed.

They continued walking, avoiding the main road where nosy neighbors could catch the pair. Driana would stumble, unintentionally getting her foot caught in the ground holes. Paul would tease her and gently guide her by the shoulders where to pass.

Walking up the ditch, Driana slipped, catching Paul off-guard. He wrapped his arms around Driana protectively as they slid down, halting near a small puddle of water. Paul grunted, and Driana pushed herself off his chest.

"Are you okay?" She asked.

"Yeah," Paul croaked out.

Driana smirked, covering Paul's cheek in mud. He scowled, smearing the dirt on her nose. The erupted laughs ceased between them. Locking eyes properly for the first time in a while, the beat of their hearts changed. Their faces drew closer, and the pounding in their chests grew louder. Paul's hands found their way around Driana's waist as hers snaked their way to his shoulders. Then, Paul lightly helped Driana off him, making her sit down.

"We need to go," He spoke frantically.

Driana's heart ached faintly. "I'm sorry-"

"No, Driana," Paul interrupted, sighing. "Sam's looking for us."

Paul ran along the treeline with Driana on his back. Sam and Jared's figures emerged in a small clearing, their bodies shielding something behind them. Paul stood in front of Driana, keeping her from going forward. Driana couldn't see what they hid. Though, she could recognize the sounds of a whimpering wolf.

"This could be dangerous for her!" Sam scolded Paul.

"No choice," Paul defended. "Besides, you wouldn't want her going back home alone."

Sam huffed, turning his attention back to the wolf. "I need you to ease your mind."

The wolf whined in response, its tail hiding between its legs. Driana peeked around Paul's body, glimpsing at the sleek gray fur with black spots. Paul moved, shaking his head at her. The girl crossed her arms.

"If you don't calm down, you can't transform back," Sam informed.

Whimpering once more, the wolf shifted on its legs. Slight steam came from the wolf's fur before disappearing back into human-like skin. The limbs became smaller, revealing a russet tone. Sam smiled approvingly.

"Do you feel better?"

"Yeah," A familiar voice said. "I'm a wolf, now."

"Oh my gosh!" Driana exclaimed. Through her eyes, she begged Sam to let her pass through. Sam hesitated, giving her permission yet to be cautious. Paul could only stare with an agitated look. "Thanks, Sam. I'll be alert." Carefully moving forward, she gasped. "Embry."

His eyes shot up at her, surprised and in fear. "Hi," Embry responded weakly.

The boy cradled himself, ashamed at being seen bare naked. Driana shrugged off her jacket and handed it to a shy Embry, who covered his lower half. The girl faced Sam, throwing a disapproving look.

"If this is how you greet a new pack member by staring at their bare body, you need a different approach, my friend."

Jared and Paul snickered while Sam rolled his eyes. Jared, who lived nearby, offered to bring Embry a set of clothes. Sam nodded at him to leave. Driana crouched beside Embry, comforting him by ruffling his hair.

"One thing you should know," Sam spoke directly to Embry. "You can't tell anyone, not even your mom. On top of that, you'll have to be around us for a while. Our emotions play a part in transforming. Accidents are bound to happen if you can't keep yourself under control."

"So, I can't see my friends anymore either?" Embry pouted.

"It's safer that way."