Luna

Chapter 6

I lie frozen in place stunned as I stare into Aron’s piercing, angry eyes. His growls increase as he bares his sharp canines at me. I get it. I stole his prize and snatched his big moment. I’d be angry too if it were me. But I didn’t think he’d be this cross about it.


“I’m sorry.” I gulp squirming under Aron's intense gaze. “I didn’t mean to. I couldn’t help myself.”


When I reach out hoping to calm him in some way Aron snaps at my hand. Luckily I wrench it away before I lose any fingers. He leans in closer snapping at me again pushing me further into the dirt.


The longer we're in this odd standstill the more my heart begins to pound. Aron is my brother, he’d never hurt me. So why do I feel like I’m in danger?


This time it’s my temper that rises. Before he can make another aggressive move, I shove him away as hard as I can. Aron flies backwards giving out a brief whimper as he hits the ground with a thud. Serves him right.


“You do not want to start a fight with me right now.” I warn as we both scramble to our feet.


Aron bares his teeth once more and I display my fangs in return.

Before either of us makes a move, Dad's dark wolf suddenly bursts from the trees placing himself between us. I promptly back off but for Aron the fight is far from over. He tries rushing towards me but Dad swiftly puts an end to that. After barking a harsh warning Aron falls silent. Aron ends up walking away, ears flat, tail between his legs but not without shooting me one last exasperated glance.


My legs suddenly turn into jelly and I slump to the ground. We've fought plenty of times before. But this time feels different.

“You alright?” Dad asks.


“I’m fine.” I grumble as I roughly pull up a handful of grass.

“Pay him no mind.” He says. “Things like that tend to happen after the change. It makes our emotions stronger and a bit harder to control. You should have seen the hellion I was when I –

“It’s not just about Aron.” I blurt out as I stare at the carcass in front of me. “I killed it.” I whisper.

“I see. But you did well.”


“No, I didn’t. I’m not upset about killing it. It’s the way I did it that’s the problem.”

I shudder at the unpleasant memories of blood, the feeling of astonishing power, and the panic of having no control over it.

“Is it going to be like this forever? Am I going to feel like this every time? Am I just a puppet pulled by blood now?”

“Of course not.” Dad answers. “Practice is key. The more experience you get, the more control you’ll have, and the less of those feelings will come. You've just started. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”

“You’re right.” I sigh. “I think I just need to rest my brain. Let’s go home.”


“Yes let’s.” Dad agrees. “We all need a good rest after tonight. I’m very proud of you Luna.” He compliments as we make our way home.

By the time we enter the doorway, I feel like I could collapse.


“Congratulations my sweet girl.” Mom says joyfully greeting me with a large hug. “Where’s Aiden?”

“Outside talking to Mr. Frigid and Ms. Stoic.”


“Goodness girl, did you go all the way to Moon River? What took you so long?” Aunt Tatiana asks as she stretches herself out on the couch. “And they  say suckers are fast.” She mutters.

“Tatiana.” Mom chides.


“It’s just a joke. I’m sleepy okay. Now that the hunt is over, I’m going to bed. Wake me up when it’s time to set up.” She says yawning as she heads up to Vivian’s room. Thank the moon above I’m not sharing a room with her.


“Set up?” I ask.