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            "Dude, Seth! Wait up!"

            I smiled to myself-a slight upward turn of the corner of my mouth-and greeted my former state championship basketball  teammate by name without turning. It had become second nature to pick people I knew out of a crowd; my super sensitive nose was always at work. The lazy May breeze that ruffled my dirty-blonde hair had carried his now familiar scent (mingled with Axe Essence body spray) in my direction. Sometimes it was tricky trying to distinguish people's scents through all the similar perfumes, deodorants, and shampoos they all used, but I'd learned to sort through all that. Personally, I didn't want to smell like something else (my own scent was just fine), and even though there weren't any other werewolves around to notice the difference I still used that unscented carbon soap and shampoo for hunters.

            Mark also smelled eager and happy, and he wasn't alone. All around me people burst laughing out the front entrance and into the roasting black parking lot, eager to jump in their cars and head off to whatever plans they had this Friday. Next week was officially end our senior year of high school, and the smell of excitement and anticipation that had been growing for weeks now hung sweet in the air. From what my sensitive ears caught of the scattered conversations around me, most everyone was talking in animated tones about all the many plans they had for the summer. The happy mood was contagious.

            Mark's pounding footsteps fell into time with mine as his tall outline blocked the sun at my side. "That never ceases to amaze me, man. You always know when I'm coming! Anyway, you doing anything this weekend?"

            "Camping," I replied with a smirk. Anyone that knew me had gotten used to the fact that I went camping almost every weekend. I continued to gaze ahead where my even pace was taking me.

            "I knew you'd say that!" he said, turning in front of me and walking backwards to catch my gaze, waving his arms around to talk loudly with his hands. "But dude, Metallica is playing tonight! You should totally come; I mean, they've only played here once, and that was a few years ago. You don't want to miss it!" he finished in a singsong voice.

            I paused mentally to consider. They were my favorite band, but I'd used the knowledge of an upcoming hunting trip this weekend to get me through the past 5 days. Of course I'd done that just about every week of school since I was 8, but still.

            "Sorry man. After all these AP finals and last minute papers and assignments I especially need a break this week to remain sane."

            "Aw, ok. How about next weekend? After graduation, they're having that big dance and there'll be a lot of hot babes there," he punched my arm with a wink and a grin.

            I let out a sigh as the same well-worn thoughts came to mind, the smile fading from my tanned face. I did want to enjoy going out and did want a girlfriend, but although the girls I went on dates with were attractive, fun, and interesting, for some reason I rarely decided to go out a second time. Twice I'd actually gotten into serious relationships only to find that in both cases there was something missing, something deep that I couldn't put my finger on. From there it had never worked out; I'd given up hope to be honest.

            "Sorry man. Dances just aren't my thing."

            He frowned. "Seth, are you just going to give up at life? You only graduate from high school once, and Metallica doesn't just show up any old time. Carpe diem man, come on! What's so good about camping anyway? What do you do up there all alone so often? If you're not going to come to Metallica, maybe I can go camping with you?"

            I was taken aback by what he said and stopped walking. He was right; I really had been avoiding doing other things, especially lately. Of course I couldn't take anyone with me on my hunting trips or tell him what I actually did, so I decided to take action instead.

            "Ah, what the heck. I'm not going to the dance, but I'll go to the concert with you tonight."

            Surprised by my consent, he didn't notice my lack of answer to his questions. "Awesome! Man, the show is going to be sweet! Meet you at 7!"

            We bumped fists with me reaching up a ways; I was taller than average but Mark was the giant of the school and had started as center on the team after all. He took off in what would be a quick jog for a human (I didn't really think of myself as just human anymore) to his girlfriend who was waiting by her car. I shook my head slightly with a tinge of jealousy, then continued forward, a little slower this time.

            Mark wasn't really what I'd consider a friend in the true sense of the word, more of an acquaintance-just some guy who'd been on my basketball team. It was much the same with everyone else; being the so-called jock of the school, everyone wanted to be my friend, but I mostly kept to myself. It was during these times that I wondered if there were other werewolves out there; if so I'd definitely never seen or heard from any. Then again, I assumed they were doing what I was-lying low and keeping who they are a secret (as hard as it was sometimes). I'd given up sniffing hopefully in crowded places to possibly catch another's scent long ago, but I still hoped someday to meet a fellow werewolf. Maybe then I wouldn't have this inexplicable void in my life.

            I arrived at my Tacoma and stuffed the key roughly into the lock. While the truck wasn't strictly necessary, it did help with the image of normalcy and did come in handy for longer trips. I plopped down on the driver's seat, the sighed again and snapped back to the present. Ah well, I'll just go out hunting tonight after the concert is over anyway. Even with the late start I'd still had plenty of time.

            I got home pretty late that night. Mom hadn't left any dinner for me; she seldom did on the weekends for the hunting trips she knew I'd take.  They were both already sleeping; even my dad who usually watched TV for hours at night to unwind from the day had already retired. Grabbing my waterproof drybag that I'd noticed in a boating store a while back, I scrawled a quick note letting them know that I was going "camping," kicked off my shoes, and then took off at wolf speed out the back door and up the face of the forested mountain. My muscles felt alive and free as they pushed me easily up the foothills, feet crunching softly on fallen leaves and pine cones as I went. Moving at human speed was such a drag.

            I liked to think when running, and tonight my mind drifted to way back when my dad moved our family out past the edge of town and into the forest. This was to allow me to run free whenever I needed to, which was very often. Even though my mom especially was very social, they were still willing to relocate to where our neighbors were a lot more spread out for my sake.  My parents were so loving; they were always making so many sacrifices for me. It was for that reason I never wanted to make them angry or break any of their rules; I felt obligated to make them proud.

            When my course had woven me far enough into the trees, I began to dexterously remove my shirt and other clothing on the run without breaking stride. Years now of doing this, I'd have to be an expert! I wondered how much faster I would have learned all this if another werewolf like my true father had taught me how, but this wasn't a time to think about that.  I did a quick, tight front flip to allow my shorts to slide free from my legs, then stuffed them into the drybag with the rest of my apparel. I used to try stashing my clothes in hollow logs or under trees, but they'd usually end up muddy or torn; the drybag was thick enough to keep them protected and dry until I needed them again. I rolled up and strapped the opening shut, then flung the bag haphazardly into the trees near my usual spot without looking. Even if I overshot the target I could always hone in on my own scent back to it on the way down.

            Anticipatory adrenaline began flowing through my bloodstream, increasing my heart rate in preparing for what I'd been looking forward to all week. Having also mastered the art of shifting on the fly without falling, I embraced my wolf inside and immediately felt the changes begin. My feet grew longer and more canine, so I adjusted my weight from the whole sole to just my toes. Next I willed my tail out from my back, offsetting the rest of my growing body's shifting mass and helping maintain balance in my forward momentum. My familiar gray wolf pelt exploded from my every pore while my muscles thickened and expanded.

            "Yeeehaaahooowl!" I half yelled, half bayed as my face finished the change to wolf. Pain and awkwardness long since gone from my early years of shifting, this was the true sensation of power and freedom! I could feel my tail flying straight out behind me as my claws dug into the moist ground providing a secure foothold, propelling me forward through the trees on silent pads. I continued on two legs up the mountain, doubling my previously fast pace at a velocity that would more than easily put the world's greatest sprinter to shame. Heck, I could outrun horses and bears! This was better than mountain biking, fast cars, or even skydiving. Nothing could compare to speed and control of the intricate dance that was dodging around trees and using that momentum to push myself further along as everything whizzed by, the details of my surroundings still vivid to my predator's eyes.

            Reaching a crest in the trees, I came to a stop, dropped to all fours, painted my nose at the sky, and let loose another howling song from my chest. I opened my eyes to look out at the lights in valley below-thousands of people who'd never have what I do-and then turned again to run in the other direction. The forest was mine!

            If only there was someone to share this with. I'd have done most anything to have another werewolf there with me to hunt and run together, but it was just wishful thinking. 10 years had passed now since my first transformation, and I'd never once seen another of my kind. I was starting to get lonely, and it ached more and more to keep my secret from normal people.

            Hours later, the very first light appearing in the cool morning sky found me lounging by the deer I'd brought down earlier that night. The flesh and organs tore easily once my canines got a good hold. I always enjoyed the feel of raw meat sliding down my throat, and at the same time was grateful to the deer for providing me nourishment. Of course it was easier to go to the store and pick something up, but the hunt was a basic need my wolf had so as to avoid restlessness, plus it was a lot of fun to boot!

            Having eaten for a good hour, I got up from where I'd been scraping some last meat off of the ribs while lounging on my now full belly. I stretched deeply, then half strode, half stumbled into the early morning on two legs. I was looking forward to curling up for the day in a certain sheltering patch of scrub oak on a mountain ledge where people rarely ventured, and my eyes were starting to close on their own accord. Sometimes it was hard living on both human and nocturnal schedules despite all my experience, and the Metallica concert hadn't helped. I'd stay awake all day for school during the week, but run out and hunt all night most weekends. I'd tried a Lobo Monster energy shot once, but it had no effect. I tried another with the same result. I'd gotten through 6 bottles before I even felt anything, and if 1200mg of caffeine wasn't going to do the trick I figured nothing would.

            As I moved up the middle of the V shaped canyon distractedly humming the tune Of Wolf and Man, I jolted awake as another figure suddenly came out from behind one of the many trees and into my path. I came to a dead stop and blinked my eyes, all defense systems suddenly on full alert as my mind began racing.  I'd been taken completely off guard, but that was impossible! While it was true they were upwind which hid their scent, with these ears I could tell if a bird ruffled its wings in a tree on top of the next hill! Even during those childhood games of hide and seek, I was always able to sniff or hear everyone out of hiding, including when they blindfolded me to prevent me from "cheating."

            My heart began to race as the adrenaline built. Not sure whether it was time to fight or take flight, my body was readying for either. Then it started coming towards me! But why? What was it? I felt a rare growl rising in my throat, but then stopped short as I began to get a better look as the figure approached in the increasing light. Attacking was out of the question, but then why didn't I run? The answer was simple; I couldn't. I was transfixed by what I saw.  I'd never seen anything like it before (except when I looked in the mirror after transforming that is). What in the world?

            The other, pure white furred werewolf continued slowly, gracefully towards me. As it did, a feminine voice popped into my mind like one of my own thoughts, only more distinct.



            Okay, where was that voice coming from? I turned my head around in consternation to look for the source of the words, tail tucked between my legs. The other werewolf barked a light, audible laughing sound, and then a voice--her voice--said,

            I sat back on my hind legs, pointed a clawed finger to my chest, then raised what little of my eyebrows I still had left in this form in what I hoped was a questioning expression.



            She laughed again. Why was I getting so warm all of a sudden? My mind got all muddled up as blood began rushing to my head.

            "Wh-who are you?" I stuttered. I'd talked out loud like this to my parents in this form since my first shift; nothing new. And yet I found it hard to form the words, canine tongue notwithstanding.

             she said, again in my mind.

            "H-how are you doing that?" I demanded.

            "You've never spoken to another wolf with your mind before?" She spoke it this time, her real voice sounding like the one I'd heard in my mind, only much smoother and silkier… But what was I thinking!

            "You're the first of my kind I've ever seen! I'd always wondered if there were others, but…"

              she continued.

             I thought towards her uncertainly. I felt stupid just staring at her and thinking words.



            I felt pretty proud of myself, and tried a second time. I swallowed hard, and paused unnecessarily as I did because I wasn't actually talking out loud, < a werewolf?>

            This time I heard her giggle in my head; I loved the sound! It was like soft feathers carried in a blowing breeze.



            I shook my shaggy head to get my bearings straight.

            "I guess I owe you an explanation," she said aloud. "I go to the other high school in our town. The first time I saw you was at that basketball game a while back when our schools played. As you made all those moves, it was so obvious that you were a werewolf. Even though I wasn't able to smell you to make sure, it wasn't hard to see with the way you were moving so quick. You've got to learn to hide yourself  better!"

            All this time she had continued striding slowly in my direction. Arriving within a few feet of where I'd yet to get up, she sat in front of me eye to eye (though she was a bit shorter). As her scent met my nostrils, my heart started pounding and it was hard to pay attention to what she was saying, as beautiful as her voice was. Even though this was a strange new experience for me, something about it all just felt right, like a big piece of the puzzle I never knew existed had fallen into place. I'd never taken my eyes off her since we'd first met just minutes before, but after a little while I must have gotten distracted from enjoying her scent, because I finally noticed that she was staring up at me with her head cocked to the side waving a paw in front of my eyes.

            "Huh? Yeah. Um, high school. Right," I blundered out. Great, genius! Well said! You not only meet your very first werewolf, but a very beautiful one, and that's all you can manage?

            "You okay? You're looking a little lost."

            "Yeah, I uh… It's just that you're so, so… overwhelming." Moron. That's a lot better!

            "Overwhelming?"

            "What I'm trying to say is that, you're just so… beautiful."

            It had been getting steadily brighter, and in that moment, the sun had finally come up over the mountain, breaking through the trees and illuminating her figure from behind. The heavens had opened up, the angels played a fanfare on their trumpets, something deep inside me clicked! I was attracted to her right then and there! The void was filled, the loneliness fled, and right then I knew she was the one. Everything fell into place; my mouth fell open. She giggled again and shook her fur in the sunlight as she stood up to her full height. Right then I decided I'd do everything in my power to keep her laughing.  You know all those people that say love at first site is a lie? Those people don't know what they're missing.

            "After that game, I knew I had to find you, but it had to be the right place. Werewolves are hard to track and harder to sneak up on, but I've had practice. And that's why I'm here," she finished in a soft voice. "I was hoping you'd like me as much as I do you, even though today is the first time I've seen you as a wolf."

            I was still trying to take everything in. All tiredness had fled, and my mind and senses were overwhelmed and racing. Somewhat coming to my senses, I stood up to my full height as well. Then, I slowly reached out a paw invitingly. She  looked at it for a moment, then smiled and placed her paw on mine. I invited. She moved her gaze up at me with her beautiful golden eyes which were still smiling, and said,

            At that moment, as if our minds were synchronized, each of us dropped to all fours in unison and launched off into the dawn side by side.

Description
            "Dude, Seth! Wait up!"

            I smiled to myself-a slight upward turn of the corner of my mouth-and greeted my former state championship basketball  teammate by name without turning. It had become second nature to pick people I knew out of a crowd; my super sensitive nose was always at work. The lazy May breeze that ruffled my dirty-blonde hair had carried his now familiar scent (mingled with Axe Essence body spray) in my direction. Sometimes it was tricky trying to distinguish people's scents through all the similar perfumes, deodorants, and shampoos they all used, but I'd learned to sort through all that. Personally, I didn't want to smell like something else (my own scent was just fine), and even though there weren't any other werewolves around to notice the difference I still used that unscented carbon soap and shampoo for hunters.

            Mark also smelled eager and happy, and he wasn't alone. All around me people burst laughing out the front entrance and into the roasting black parking lot, eager to jump in their cars and head off to whatever plans they had this Friday. Next week was officially end our senior year of high school, and the smell of excitement and anticipation that had been growing for weeks now hung sweet in the air. From what my sensitive ears caught of the scattered conversations around me, most everyone was talking in animated tones about all the many plans they had for the summer. The happy mood was contagious.

            Mark's pounding footsteps fell into time with mine as his tall outline blocked the sun at my side. "That never ceases to amaze me, man. You always know when I'm coming! Anyway, you doing anything this weekend?"

            "Camping," I replied with a smirk. Anyone that knew me had gotten used to the fact that I went camping almost every weekend. I continued to gaze ahead where my even pace was taking me.

            "I knew you'd say that!" he said, turning in front of me and walking backwards to catch my gaze, waving his arms around to talk loudly with his hands. "But dude, Metallica is playing tonight! You should totally come; I mean, they've only played here once, and that was a few years ago. You don't want to miss it!" he finished in a singsong voice.

            I paused mentally to consider. They were my favorite band, but I'd used the knowledge of an upcoming hunting trip this weekend to get me through the past 5 days. Of course I'd done that just about every week of school since I was 8, but still.

            "Sorry man. After all these AP finals and last minute papers and assignments I especially need a break this week to remain sane."

            "Aw, ok. How about next weekend? After graduation, they're having that big dance and there'll be a lot of hot babes there," he punched my arm with a wink and a grin.

            I let out a sigh as the same well-worn thoughts came to mind, the smile fading from my tanned face. I did want to enjoy going out and did want a girlfriend, but although the girls I went on dates with were attractive, fun, and interesting, for some reason I rarely decided to go out a second time. Twice I'd actually gotten into serious relationships only to find that in both cases there was something missing, something deep that I couldn't put my finger on. From there it had never worked out; I'd given up hope to be honest.

            "Sorry man. Dances just aren't my thing."

            He frowned. "Seth, are you just going to give up at life? You only graduate from high school once, and Metallica doesn't just show up any old time. Carpe diem man, come on! What's so good about camping anyway? What do you do up there all alone so often? If you're not going to come to Metallica, maybe I can go camping with you?"

            I was taken aback by what he said and stopped walking. He was right; I really had been avoiding doing other things, especially lately. Of course I couldn't take anyone with me on my hunting trips or tell him what I actually did, so I decided to take action instead.

            "Ah, what the heck. I'm not going to the dance, but I'll go to the concert with you tonight."

            Surprised by my consent, he didn't notice my lack of answer to his questions. "Awesome! Man, the show is going to be sweet! Meet you at 7!"

            We bumped fists with me reaching up a ways; I was taller than average but Mark was the giant of the school and had started as center on the team after all. He took off in what would be a quick jog for a human (I didn't really think of myself as just human anymore) to his girlfriend who was waiting by her car. I shook my head slightly with a tinge of jealousy, then continued forward, a little slower this time.

            Mark wasn't really what I'd consider a friend in the true sense of the word, more of an acquaintance-just some guy who'd been on my basketball team. It was much the same with everyone else; being the so-called jock of the school, everyone wanted to be my friend, but I mostly kept to myself. It was during these times that I wondered if there were other werewolves out there; if so I'd definitely never seen or heard from any. Then again, I assumed they were doing what I was-lying low and keeping who they are a secret (as hard as it was sometimes). I'd given up sniffing hopefully in crowded places to possibly catch another's scent long ago, but I still hoped someday to meet a fellow werewolf. Maybe then I wouldn't have this inexplicable void in my life.

            I arrived at my Tacoma and stuffed the key roughly into the lock. While the truck wasn't strictly necessary, it did help with the image of normalcy and did come in handy for longer trips. I plopped down on the driver's seat, the sighed again and snapped back to the present. Ah well, I'll just go out hunting tonight after the concert is over anyway. Even with the late start I'd still had plenty of time.

            I got home pretty late that night. Mom hadn't left any dinner for me; she seldom did on the weekends for the hunting trips she knew I'd take.  They were both already sleeping; even my dad who usually watched TV for hours at night to unwind from the day had already retired. Grabbing my waterproof drybag that I'd noticed in a boating store a while back, I scrawled a quick note letting them know that I was going "camping," kicked off my shoes, and then took off at wolf speed out the back door and up the face of the forested mountain. My muscles felt alive and free as they pushed me easily up the foothills, feet crunching softly on fallen leaves and pine cones as I went. Moving at human speed was such a drag.

            I liked to think when running, and tonight my mind drifted to way back when my dad moved our family out past the edge of town and into the forest. This was to allow me to run free whenever I needed to, which was very often. Even though my mom especially was very social, they were still willing to relocate to where our neighbors were a lot more spread out for my sake.  My parents were so loving; they were always making so many sacrifices for me. It was for that reason I never wanted to make them angry or break any of their rules; I felt obligated to make them proud.

            When my course had woven me far enough into the trees, I began to dexterously remove my shirt and other clothing on the run without breaking stride. Years now of doing this, I'd have to be an expert! I wondered how much faster I would have learned all this if another werewolf like my true father had taught me how, but this wasn't a time to think about that.  I did a quick, tight front flip to allow my shorts to slide free from my legs, then stuffed them into the drybag with the rest of my apparel. I used to try stashing my clothes in hollow logs or under trees, but they'd usually end up muddy or torn; the drybag was thick enough to keep them protected and dry until I needed them again. I rolled up and strapped the opening shut, then flung the bag haphazardly into the trees near my usual spot without looking. Even if I overshot the target I could always hone in on my own scent back to it on the way down.

            Anticipatory adrenaline began flowing through my bloodstream, increasing my heart rate in preparing for what I'd been looking forward to all week. Having also mastered the art of shifting on the fly without falling, I embraced my wolf inside and immediately felt the changes begin. My feet grew longer and more canine, so I adjusted my weight from the whole sole to just my toes. Next I willed my tail out from my back, offsetting the rest of my growing body's shifting mass and helping maintain balance in my forward momentum. My familiar gray wolf pelt exploded from my every pore while my muscles thickened and expanded.

            "Yeeehaaahooowl!" I half yelled, half bayed as my face finished the change to wolf. Pain and awkwardness long since gone from my early years of shifting, this was the true sensation of power and freedom! I could feel my tail flying straight out behind me as my claws dug into the moist ground providing a secure foothold, propelling me forward through the trees on silent pads. I continued on two legs up the mountain, doubling my previously fast pace at a velocity that would more than easily put the world's greatest sprinter to shame. Heck, I could outrun horses and bears! This was better than mountain biking, fast cars, or even skydiving. Nothing could compare to speed and control of the intricate dance that was dodging around trees and using that momentum to push myself further along as everything whizzed by, the details of my surroundings still vivid to my predator's eyes.

            Reaching a crest in the trees, I came to a stop, dropped to all fours, painted my nose at the sky, and let loose another howling song from my chest. I opened my eyes to look out at the lights in valley below-thousands of people who'd never have what I do-and then turned again to run in the other direction. The forest was mine!

            If only there was someone to share this with. I'd have done most anything to have another werewolf there with me to hunt and run together, but it was just wishful thinking. 10 years had passed now since my first transformation, and I'd never once seen another of my kind. I was starting to get lonely, and it ached more and more to keep my secret from normal people.

            Hours later, the very first light appearing in the cool morning sky found me lounging by the deer I'd brought down earlier that night. The flesh and organs tore easily once my canines got a good hold. I always enjoyed the feel of raw meat sliding down my throat, and at the same time was grateful to the deer for providing me nourishment. Of course it was easier to go to the store and pick something up, but the hunt was a basic need my wolf had so as to avoid restlessness, plus it was a lot of fun to boot!

            Having eaten for a good hour, I got up from where I'd been scraping some last meat off of the ribs while lounging on my now full belly. I stretched deeply, then half strode, half stumbled into the early morning on two legs. I was looking forward to curling up for the day in a certain sheltering patch of scrub oak on a mountain ledge where people rarely ventured, and my eyes were starting to close on their own accord. Sometimes it was hard living on both human and nocturnal schedules despite all my experience, and the Metallica concert hadn't helped. I'd stay awake all day for school during the week, but run out and hunt all night most weekends. I'd tried a Lobo Monster energy shot once, but it had no effect. I tried another with the same result. I'd gotten through 6 bottles before I even felt anything, and if 1200mg of caffeine wasn't going to do the trick I figured nothing would.

            As I moved up the middle of the V shaped canyon distractedly humming the tune Of Wolf and Man, I jolted awake as another figure suddenly came out from behind one of the many trees and into my path. I came to a dead stop and blinked my eyes, all defense systems suddenly on full alert as my mind began racing.  I'd been taken completely off guard, but that was impossible! While it was true they were upwind which hid their scent, with these ears I could tell if a bird ruffled its wings in a tree on top of the next hill! Even during those childhood games of hide and seek, I was always able to sniff or hear everyone out of hiding, including when they blindfolded me to prevent me from "cheating."

            My heart began to race as the adrenaline built. Not sure whether it was time to fight or take flight, my body was readying for either. Then it started coming towards me! But why? What was it? I felt a rare growl rising in my throat, but then stopped short as I began to get a better look as the figure approached in the increasing light. Attacking was out of the question, but then why didn't I run? The answer was simple; I couldn't. I was transfixed by what I saw.  I'd never seen anything like it before (except when I looked in the mirror after transforming that is). What in the world?

            The other, pure white furred werewolf continued slowly, gracefully towards me. As it did, a feminine voice popped into my mind like one of my own thoughts, only more distinct.



            Okay, where was that voice coming from? I turned my head around in consternation to look for the source of the words, tail tucked between my legs. The other werewolf barked a light, audible laughing sound, and then a voice--her voice--said,

            I sat back on my hind legs, pointed a clawed finger to my chest, then raised what little of my eyebrows I still had left in this form in what I hoped was a questioning expression.



            She laughed again. Why was I getting so warm all of a sudden? My mind got all muddled up as blood began rushing to my head.

            "Wh-who are you?" I stuttered. I'd talked out loud like this to my parents in this form since my first shift; nothing new. And yet I found it hard to form the words, canine tongue notwithstanding.

             she said, again in my mind.

            "H-how are you doing that?" I demanded.

            "You've never spoken to another wolf with your mind before?" She spoke it this time, her real voice sounding like the one I'd heard in my mind, only much smoother and silkier… But what was I thinking!

            "You're the first of my kind I've ever seen! I'd always wondered if there were others, but…"

              she continued.

             I thought towards her uncertainly. I felt stupid just staring at her and thinking words.



            I felt pretty proud of myself, and tried a second time. I swallowed hard, and paused unnecessarily as I did because I wasn't actually talking out loud, < a werewolf?>

            This time I heard her giggle in my head; I loved the sound! It was like soft feathers carried in a blowing breeze.



            I shook my shaggy head to get my bearings straight.

            "I guess I owe you an explanation," she said aloud. "I go to the other high school in our town. The first time I saw you was at that basketball game a while back when our schools played. As you made all those moves, it was so obvious that you were a werewolf. Even though I wasn't able to smell you to make sure, it wasn't hard to see with the way you were moving so quick. You've got to learn to hide yourself  better!"

            All this time she had continued striding slowly in my direction. Arriving within a few feet of where I'd yet to get up, she sat in front of me eye to eye (though she was a bit shorter). As her scent met my nostrils, my heart started pounding and it was hard to pay attention to what she was saying, as beautiful as her voice was. Even though this was a strange new experience for me, something about it all just felt right, like a big piece of the puzzle I never knew existed had fallen into place. I'd never taken my eyes off her since we'd first met just minutes before, but after a little while I must have gotten distracted from enjoying her scent, because I finally noticed that she was staring up at me with her head cocked to the side waving a paw in front of my eyes.

            "Huh? Yeah. Um, high school. Right," I blundered out. Great, genius! Well said! You not only meet your very first werewolf, but a very beautiful one, and that's all you can manage?

            "You okay? You're looking a little lost."

            "Yeah, I uh… It's just that you're so, so… overwhelming." Moron. That's a lot better!

            "Overwhelming?"

            "What I'm trying to say is that, you're just so… beautiful."

            It had been getting steadily brighter, and in that moment, the sun had finally come up over the mountain, breaking through the trees and illuminating her figure from behind. The heavens had opened up, the angels played a fanfare on their trumpets, something deep inside me clicked! I was attracted to her right then and there! The void was filled, the loneliness fled, and right then I knew she was the one. Everything fell into place; my mouth fell open. She giggled again and shook her fur in the sunlight as she stood up to her full height. Right then I decided I'd do everything in my power to keep her laughing.  You know all those people that say love at first site is a lie? Those people don't know what they're missing.

            "After that game, I knew I had to find you, but it had to be the right place. Werewolves are hard to track and harder to sneak up on, but I've had practice. And that's why I'm here," she finished in a soft voice. "I was hoping you'd like me as much as I do you, even though today is the first time I've seen you as a wolf."

            I was still trying to take everything in. All tiredness had fled, and my mind and senses were overwhelmed and racing. Somewhat coming to my senses, I stood up to my full height as well. Then, I slowly reached out a paw invitingly. She  looked at it for a moment, then smiled and placed her paw on mine. I invited. She moved her gaze up at me with her beautiful golden eyes which were still smiling, and said,

            At that moment, as if our minds were synchronized, each of us dropped to all fours in unison and launched off into the dawn side by side.