The Sun Will Rise (Moonlight 1)

Chapter 17-End Of The Line

The next few weeks passed quickly, eventually my dad came home from the hospital and was a lot better. Everyone was grateful for that, my mum seemed way more relaxed too. Things returned as much to normal as they possibly could. Because the forest was out of limits, most of my afternoons were spent at either Calum or Michael's place with the occasional trip into town. Everything seemed perfect.

Before we knew it, the full moon was once again upon us. I'd decided that the only way out the house would be by sneaking out again. Things were different this time though, with one full moon under my belt, I felt more confident that I could get in and out without getting caught.

Not that I'd gotten far yet. I sat on the stool at the kitchen bench, just drinking a milkshake. I'd already pulled out one of my school books to give off the impression to my parents that I had a quiet night of studying planned. I just had to hope they were going out tonight because it was a full moon or I'd be stuck. I didn't know if dad being injured had affected their plans. He was better though so it seemed likely that they would be going out tonight.

Though, I hadn't seen any sign of movement from either of them. I gave a hopeless look outside through the kitchen window, it was starting to get dark already. I couldn't quite remember the time that I'd promised the guys I'd meet up with them at the park across the street. I hoped it wasn't soon. I really should've checked what time the moon was going to come up.

"Ah, Luke. There you are." My mum's voice called. I swing around on the stool to face her.

"Yup been here, the whole time." I said, placing my finished milkshake glass back on the counter behind me.

As I turned I noticed her eyes on the wolf bracelet. My stomach tightened in fear, I hadn't hidden it today. I just hoped she wouldn't notice the carved wolf charm on it. I tried not to make it obvious that I was worried by it so I simply moved my arm out of her line of view.

"So, tonight...." She started. I knew where this was going straight away.

"Full moon, I get it. I'm not leaving the house." I quickly replied.

She blinked in surprise, but smiled, "Actually, do you want to come with us tonight, Luke?" My mother asked. "There's a wolf we're tracking that's headed down south. We thought it might be good for you to have a look. This could be a good first step in training you."

"No thanks. Not tonight." I shook my head. I had no wish to follow a fellow werewolf around for half the night. Especially knowing very well that when the moon hit its peak I'd be trying to find a way to get away from my parents as well. I pointed to my books, "Lots of homework to do."

Mum looked disappointed, "We'd prefer if you came, you really should start training we've held it off long enough. Your homework can wait, you have all of tomorrow to do it. Please come, it'll be good for you."

"I said no." An edge to my tone, as I grasped onto the bench. I was already done with this conversation. I wish they'd stop pressuring me into being like them.

I realized with an awful sink that my anger was rising, quicker than usual. Shit it was a full moon, heightened emotions and such. I had to stop. If I let myself get much angrier there was a strong chance, I'd shift here in the kitchen right in front of her. I took a deep breath. I had to stay in control of this until they were well out of the house.

She glanced at me for a moment, with a curious look on her face. I tried not to let it bother me, and act as normal as possible. I closed my eyes for a moment, giving myself a moment to ground myself. I just had to hope my eyes hadn't flashed golden or I was a goner.

"Besides, I'm not feeling too well anyway." I added calmly, hoping to push off that look she had on me.

"Alright then, see you later tonight." She said, simply.