Magic of the Moonlight: A Full Moon Novel (3 page)

“Maybe you should invite him here,” I said. “Tell him you need him to come home—and plan it just before the full moon appears. Then you won’t need to tell him. Instead, he’ll see it.”

Brandon was considering my suggestion, but he still appeared troubled. “I hate to be a burden to him. His job is important. Many people rely on him. It’s not like he has a job where he can just come home for lunch. He’s in Europe.”

“But you’re his son. No job is more important than that. He’ll understand.”

“I know . . . but he’ll think I’m crazy.”

If Brandon’s father thought he was crazy, it wouldn’t be good for either of us.

“Do you think he will make you leave Legend’s Run?” I asked, concerned.

“I don’t know. I don’t know what he’ll do. But I’m not going anywhere.” Then he placed his hand on mine. “Not without you.”

I didn’t want Brandon to leave, but I didn’t want to be so selfish that I stood in the way of his being cured.

I unbuckled my seat belt and scooted close to him. “You have to call him. I know it will be awkward. But I know you can do it. I’ll stay with you if you’d like.”

“I think this is something I have to do alone.”

I put my free hand on his knee. His green cargo pants were thick, but I could still feel his toned leg, strong from skating and working on his grandparents’ property.

I wanted him to know I was there for him. Didn’t Brandon do everything on his own already? Eat lunch, study, live life as a werewolf. It broke my heart to see him have to face another moment alone.

“Are you sure?” I asked.

“Yes. I’ll call you as soon as I talk to him. If I hurry, I might be able to catch him before he goes to bed.”

This meant I’d have to go home; I didn’t want to leave Brandon’s side. I wanted to stay and help him.

He got out of the Jeep, preoccupied. The impending phone call was causing him major stress. He barely made eye contact.

“It will be okay,” I reassured him as I opened my car door.

“Always the cheerleader,” he said. “Hey, why aren’t you one? You’d look cute in those short, pleated skirts.”

“I tried out and didn’t make it,” I said. “Freshman year. I guess I’m not coordinated enough. So I cheer from the stands instead.”

Brandon’s blue eyes and red-hot lips blazed. He leaned into me and kissed me, long. I wasn’t about to let go. But then he broke away.

“I’ll call you,” he said, caressing my cheek with the back of his hand. He leaned in and gave me a hug and another kiss. “I couldn’t do this without you,” he said.

But Brandon wouldn’t have been in this situation without me, either. I was torn.

I got into my car and drove away, my heart aching for him and imagining him making the hardest call of his life.

I paced inside my home and waited impatiently for Brandon’s call.

He will be here in time for the full moon.

It was after midnight when I finally got the text. I was unable to sleep, read, or write and was trying to ease my mind by watching a romantic comedy. When I read his text, a wave of relief flowed through me. Brandon’s father was coming to his rescue, like Brandon had come to mine when I’d been lost in the wintry woods and stumbled upon the pack of wolves. His father was a genius scientist and surely would be able to figure out what Brandon needed to do. It was good that Brandon was finally going to trust someone else with the secret of his lycan condition.

But what if Brandon was cured and this full moon would be his last? Was that something I really wanted? Of course, I knew it was, but there was a piece of me that would be haunted by not being with the werewolf that I’d loved.

I’d miss our moments together in the snowy woods, surrounded by playful and gentle wolves, his super-strength, powerful and sultry kisses, and über-hot body. I’d have to say good-bye to his unearthly magnetism that I couldn’t get out of my skin; his sensual woodsy smell that remained on my clothes and hair; his divine touch that kept me warm in the coldest of temperatures. I was happy for him but sort of sad for me. These experiences would be only cherished memories.

But the important thing was Brandon would be normal, and he and I could officially date. Maybe my friends could finally accept him into our pack.

THREE

party with a werewolf

I
can’t believe we are actually doing this,” Ivy said when I got into her mom’s Lexus SUV and we drove off to pick up Brandon and take him to Abby’s party. I was excited to be seeing Brandon in public even though we still weren’t open about our relationship. And I thought it would be good for both of us to have a little fun since we had about two weeks until his father was coming in from Europe.

“Doesn’t it make you feel good, doing something nice for someone else?”

“Kind of. But I don’t want to get in the habit of this,” she said with a smile.

“We’ll be the talk of the party.”

“Well, it will be awesome to have the Legend’s Run werewolf at the party.” She didn’t know that she was speaking the truth. “Maybe he’ll even wear the costume,” she said hopefully.

“It wasn’t even his,” I said defensively.

“How can you be so sure?” she asked.

I wanted to tell her it was Nash who had hidden inside the costume, but if it got back to him that I’d told her, he would surely tell her he’d seen me in the woods with Brandon.

“I just know . . .” I said.

“Always sticking up for people,” Ivy said. “That’s why you rock.”

Ivy began driving us through the west side of Legend’s Run. “What if a killer jumps out of the woods?” she asked suddenly.

She wasn’t used to being in desolate areas, and I was only somewhat used to it because I’d been visiting Brandon the last few months. But Ivy was freaked out by the lack of traffic and population.

“Do you think we’ll make it out of here alive?”

“Yes,” I reassured her.

“What if we get a flat tire? And our cell phones don’t work? No one will know we’re in trouble and some psycho—”

“Calm down,” I said.

“You have to admit, it’s totally creepy back here. Like some horror flick. Why didn’t we bring Jake with us?”

I could see why she thought it was frightening, with shadows casting spooky images off of the trees and road. It could make one’s imagination race. But I enjoyed the peace the country brought and felt calmed by the quiet.

“It’s not that much farther,” I said. I was anxious to get to his house, too, but for different reasons.

“Why would anyone want to live back here?” she asked. “There aren’t any lights. And there’s nothing to do.”

“Some people like wide-open spaces and nature,” I said. “There is so much to do. Hike, canoe, camp. You might even like it.”

“There isn’t a mall,” she said with a laugh. “Enough said.”

Finally we turned onto Brandon’s street, and I pointed to the private drive sign a few yards away.

She pulled into his driveway and drove down the long, tree-lined road. “Where is this leading us to?” Ivy asked. “I know it’s not a country club.”

“Just keep going,” I said.

It didn’t take long before his grandparents’ house was in view.

“It’s so cute and tiny,” she said when we got close.

Ivy parked the car in front of the main house, and the Lexus’s lights shone on the guesthouse.

“Who lives back there?” she said. “Some madman?”

I wasn’t going to tell her that was Brandon’s guesthouse, nor was I going to admit to her how I knew it.

Brandon’s grandparents’ husky began barking like mad in the window.

“Do we have to go in?” she asked. “I’m afraid to get out of the car.”

Just then someone was standing by Ivy’s window.

She screamed a bloodcurdling scream, causing me to scream, too.

“What’s wrong?” I said, my heart almost busting out of my chest. Then I caught my breath and noticed a familiar smile. “It’s just Brandon.”

She lowered her window. “You almost scared me to death!” she said.

Even in the darkness, Brandon was gorgeous. His eyes matched the color of his bright blue shirt. It was hard for me not to stare and even harder for me not to kiss him.

“I appreciate you picking me up,” Brandon said, hopping into the backseat. “This is very cool of you.”

“Well, it is the least we can do,” Ivy said, “after you found Abby’s dog and all.”

“Man, I’ll be the luckiest guy there,” he said. “Showing up with the two most beautiful girls in school.”

Ivy’s face flushed. She was flattered by his attention and politeness. Jake and Dylan spent most of their time goofing off in front of their girlfriends.

“This part of town is really interesting,” Ivy said, suddenly in flirt mode. “I’ve always thought it was charming.”

What?
I thought. The compliments had gone to her head.

“It might be easier if you turn around,” he said. “Saves you backing up.”

“Ah,” she said. “Good idea.”

She drove forward and turned around in front of Brandon’s guesthouse. The lights illuminated part of the huge backyard.

“This is all yours?” she asked.

“My grandparents’,” he replied.

The lot was bigger than hers, and she was impressed.

Then we spotted the Jeep, which was parked off to the side.

“That was a shame someone vandalized your Jeep,” she said, now concerned. “But it looks like you got it all off.”

“Yes,” he said. “I did have some help.”

I nervously tucked my hair behind my ear.

“So . . . how do you like it here in Legend’s Run?” I asked as Ivy finished making her U-turn and began down the drive.

“It’s been okay.”

“You don’t seem to have a lot of friends,” Ivy said.

“I have the one I need,” he said. Now my face flushed.

“That skater chick, Hayley?” she asked. “She’s your girlfriend?”

“No, she’s not,” he said.

“Do you have a girlfriend?” she asked, looking in the rearview mirror.

“I’d like to think so.”

“Then who is she?” Ivy pried. “Do we know her?”

“Yes, I think you do.”

“You must tell!” Ivy said, excited to get the goods on any gossip she could, no matter what side of town it was coming from.

“Do you miss Miller’s Glen?” I asked, changing the subject.

Ivy snarled, and I could tell she was let down by not getting the latest scoop.

“I’m starting to like it here,” he said.

“Well, if you haven’t noticed, this town is really cliquey,” Ivy said as if she wasn’t part of making that happen. “I don’t know why, but that’s the way it’s always been. Too bad, really.”

We parked outside Abby’s house. There was already a line of cars, including Nash’s Beemer. I wasn’t sure how he’d respond to Brandon being at the party, but with Ivy bringing him, I figured he wouldn’t make a scene.

Abby opened the door, and we were immediately greeted by Pumpkin. She raced up to Brandon, who petted her like she was his own.

Abby gave Ivy and me a quick hug.

“Hi, Brandon,” she said. “Come on in.”

Abby struggled, trying to pull Pumpkin by her collar so she wouldn’t continue to jump on Brandon.

“It looks like she missed you,” Abby said.

It took a little bit of time for Pumpkin to calm down. Abby was trying to wrangle her in when Brandon locked gazes with the dog.

Pumpkin relaxed by his side. Then Brandon petted her again.

“You have a way with dogs,” Abby said.

We hovered in the two-story, open foyer. Abby’s father’s office was on one side and a grand dining room was on the other. Their furniture was too expensive to sit on, and the house looked like a model home.

Jake and Dylan and a few others who were lingering in the foyer were obviously shocked to see Brandon in our company.

“What’s he doing here?” Jake mumbled to Ivy. “And why did you and Celeste pick him up?”

“Abby wanted to invite him to pay him back for finding Pumpkin,” she said.

Dylan wasn’t pleased, either. He took Abby by the arm and whispered something I couldn’t hear.

“It’s okay,” she said, brushing him off. “It’s just a party.”

“Come on in, guys,” she said. “Do you want a drink, Brandon?”

Abby was being a great hostess. We followed her through the kitchen.

“Hey, Wolfie,” Jake said as we passed by. Ivy pinched his elbow.

“Knock it off,” she said sternly.

I was proud to see my friends sticking up for Brandon.

Abby led the way into the main room, with Pumpkin at Brandon’s heels. A bunch of students were already drinking, talking, and having a good time. All eyes were on us as the partygoers were surprised to see an outsider like Brandon at Abby’s party.

Abby handed us sodas and we stood around awkwardly. It didn’t take long for Ivy to hang with Jake while Abby attended to her party.

Brandon and I were left to hang out with each other. Normally I would have been excited, but since he wasn’t my established boyfriend, I couldn’t be cozy with him like my friends and the rest of the couples were being.

“Where’s Nash?” Ivy asked, her arms draped on Jake as they hung out on the couch.

“I think he’s out back,” he replied.

I’d been hoping Nash would have been there when we first arrived with Ivy. Then he would have seen the three of us girls together with Brandon, and it would have been less jarring. The way it was now, it looked like I’d brought Brandon. And though I didn’t mind that, I didn’t want to shove it in Nash’s face, since it really wasn’t why Brandon was here.

Brandon and I hung together. I wanted so badly to lean against him, hold his hand, snuggle up to him. He was so close to me, I could smell the fabric softener on his clothes and the cologne on his skin. It made for a heavenly mix; the scent was driving me crazy.

A cool burst of air flowed through the house as Nash came in from outside. He had a huge grin on his face until he saw me standing with Brandon. Then his smile turned to a spiteful frown.

He smelled like cigarette smoke. Nash didn’t approve of smoking, so I was curious whose company he’d been in.

“Well, if it isn’t the Wolfman,” Nash said.

The group of partygoers looked to see Brandon’s reaction.

“Nash—” Abby said suddenly, coming in from the kitchen. “I thought we lost you.”

“I was just getting some air and I come back to find—”

“I invited Brandon to the party,” she said.

“You did?”

“Yes, he saved Pumpkin so I wanted to invite him.” Abby spoke low but forcefully.

Pumpkin was still at Brandon’s side.

“By the looks of it you’d think Pumpkin was his dog,” Dylan said. We watched as Brandon petted Pumpkin.

“So you two are still seeing each other?” Nash whispered to me. I could hear the jealousy in his voice. I didn’t want to upset him, but it wasn’t like Nash had been so in love with me when we were dating. He acted a lot different now that we weren’t. Nash put his arm around me. I quickly wiggled out. “Do Ivy and Abby know about him and you?” he whispered again. “And what I saw?”

“Shh!” I said softly. “No one knows.”

Abby pulled Pumpkin away from Brandon as the dog continued to want to be in his company. She opened the back door to let Pumpkin out and Heidi Rosen and a few other girls came in from outside. They all smelled like smoke. It was apparent Nash hadn’t missed me that much.

The way Heidi and the girls looked at us told me that our plan may have backfired. Bringing Brandon didn’t ensure him new popularity. It only ensured him being more ostracized than before.

We weren’t being affectionate, but since no one was including Brandon in their conversation and I wanted to spend time with him, I stayed near him. But it was impossible to get any alone time with Brandon now that Nash was inside. Nash followed us around, surveyed every move Brandon and I made, and tried to stand between us whenever possible. Ivy and Abby were both absorbed in their own missions—Ivy enjoying Jake, and Abby enjoying being a hostess, so I couldn’t hang out with them and not be tempted to show my affection for Brandon.

“So are you taking Brandon home, too?” Jake asked Ivy. “I don’t like you bringing other guys to parties. It looks bad. But I definitely don’t want you taking other guys home from parties.”

“We’ll drive him home,” Nash said.

“Yes,” Dylan confirmed. “We can have a chat with our new friend.”

My mind raced, and the images were horrible. And though our boyfriends weren’t violent, nothing good was to come of them taking him home.

“No—I will make sure he gets home,” I said.

“But you don’t have a car,” Abby noted.

“It’s only right, since we brought him,” I said.

“Now we are fighting over him,” Ivy gushed.

“I can make my own decisions,” Brandon said.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to be driven home by our girlfriends,” said Nash.

“Your girlfriends?” Brandon pressed. “Do you mean Celeste?”

Nash knew exactly what Brandon meant.

“Guys, let’s cool it,” I said.

“I can call a cab,” Brandon offered. “In fact, I’ll call one now.” He reached in his pocket and pulled out his phone.

“A cab?” Nash said. “I don’t think they drive to the Westside. They might get shot.”

“That’s it,” I said. “I’ll take you home.”

Nash snarled.

“You don’t even have a car.” Ivy repeated Abby’s remark.

“We can walk to my house from here. Then I can drive Brandon back. He’s our guest, and I’m not going to let him be treated like this.”

“Let’s calm down,” Abby said. “This is a party, guys.”

“I think it’s getting ugly,” I said. “We aren’t having a good time, Abby. I’m sorry, but some of your guests don’t know how to behave.”

“Dylan, do something,” Abby pressed.

Her boyfriend raised his hand as if to stop us. “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out,” he teased. Abby tossed a sofa pillow at him.

Ivy got up. “I don’t want to drive back to the Westside now,” she said to me. “We just got here. I’ll try to cool the guys down.”

“Don’t worry,” I said. “You stay. I’ll take him back.”

“But you’ll be all alone with him,” she told me.

“I’ll be okay. There’s nothing at all to worry about. You saw—he’s very polite.”

“Now I feel really bad. He was really polite and we brought him to a party where the guys were awful. This was supposed to be fun, not like school.”

“I know,” Abby whined. “I wanted to be a good hostess.”

“Don’t worry,” I reassured her, giving her a hug. “You were.”