Werewolves - The Witch Series Vol.1 - Teen Wolf Fanfiction - Derek Hale x OC

1.1. Wolf Moon

January 9th 2011 - Sunday

The last light of day filtered through the dense canopy of trees, casting a soft glow on the forest floor as dusk settled over Beacon Hills. Charlotte laced up her running shoes, her mind already clearing with the promise of an evening jog. Isle, her marbled border collie, danced around her feet, eager to begin their routine.

"Ready, girl?" Charlotte asked, scratching Isle behind the ears. The dog responded with an enthusiastic bark, her tail wagging furiously.

The air was cool and fresh as they set off down the narrow, winding trails that snaked through the woods surrounding Beacon Hills. This was Charlotte's sanctuary, a time when she could let her mind wander and her body find a rhythm. Isle trotted ahead, her nose close to the ground, occasionally glancing back to make sure her mistress was following.

The forest was alive with the sounds of nature settling in for the night. Birds chirped their evening songs, and the rustle of small animals scurrying through the underbrush provided a soothing backdrop to Charlotte's thoughts. She loved these moments of solitude, where the only thing that mattered was the steady beat of her footsteps and the cool air filling her lungs.

They had been jogging for about twenty minutes when Isle suddenly stopped. Her ears pricked and her body tense. Charlotte slowed to a walk, scanning the surroundings for any sign of trouble.

"What is it, girl?" she asked, approaching Isle, who was now sniffing intently at a spot just off the trail.

Before she could investigate further, a voice called out from behind her. "Excuse me, miss! Do you need some help?"

She turned to see a man jogging up the path towards her. He was tall and lean, with a shock of graying hair and a no-nonsense demeanor. His expression softened as he approached, seeing Charlotte and Isle.

"Sorry to startle you," he said, slightly out of breath. "I'm Adrian Harris, chemistry teacher at Beacon Hills High. I haven't seen you around here before."

"Charlotte Benoit," she replied, extending a hand. "I'm new to town. History teacher. Nice to meet you."

Adrian shook her hand, a curious look crossing his face. "A pleasure. What's your dog found there?"

Charlotte looked back at her dog, who was now whining softly and pawing at the ground. "I'm not sure, but she's definitely found something."

Together, they approached the spot where Isle was fixated. As they got closer, a foul smell hit them, making both of them recoil.

"Oh God," Adrian muttered, covering his nose with his sleeve.

Charlotte's heart sank as she pushed through the underbrush, revealing a grisly sight. Half-buried under leaves and dirt was the lower half of a human body, severed cleanly at the waist. The Lurker within her stirred, its dark presence whispering in her mind, reminding her of its ever-watchful gaze.

"Call 911," Charlotte said, her voice steady despite the horror in front of her. "We need to report this immediately."

Adrian fumbled for his phone, his hands shaking. "Do you think it's someone from town?"

"I don't know," Charlotte replied, her mind racing. She could feel the Lurker's dark energy simmering beneath her calm exterior, pushing her to investigate, to unleash its power. But she pushed it back down, focusing on the task at hand. "But we need to make sure the authorities get here quickly. Isle, stay back."

Isle obediently sat down, her eyes still locked on the gruesome discovery. As Adrian made the call, Charlotte surveyed the scene, looking for any clues that might indicate who the victim was or what had happened. The forest, so peaceful moments ago, now felt menacing, the shadows deeper and the sounds more sinister.