Dark Side of the Moon (25 page)

While a lot of people in the town were upset, we had to move on.  Saturday afternoon, Artemis, Josie, and I went to Blue Pine to get our hair fixed.  Though I wasn’t normally into that kind of thing, I let the stylist do what she wanted because I wanted to look good for London for tonight.  The salon also offered make-up and nail services, so we indulged, Artemis’ treat.

After we finished, we had to return to Moonlight Falls to get dressed in time for dinner.  Our dates were all together at London’s house, probably waiting until the last minute to get ready.  As soon as I put my phone and keys and cards in my clutch, they arrived, London and Dan in one car, Channing in the other.

Artemis and Josie were the first out the door, going to their mates.  When I saw London, I couldn’t stop my eyes from raking over his body.  He cleaned up very nicely in the black suit with a white shirt and light blue vest that matched my dress.  I didn’t realize I was biting my lip until he approached me and stroked my cheek.

“You look so beautiful, Selina,” he whispered before giving me a kiss.

When we pulled away from each other, it took me a moment to tell him, “You don’t look so bad yourself.”  My brain had almost been completely scrambled.

He gave me one more quick kiss before my mom came out to take some pictures of us.  She had us pose in every combination possible before finally sending us off so we could eat before going to the school.  All of the restaurants in town were full with people from school, and luckily, at the restaurant Artemis’ family owned, we were immediately seated.  Her dad came out of the kitchen to take some pictures, too, while we were waiting for our food.

When we left the restaurant, we headed to the school.  They had the hallway leading to the gym covered in handmade decorations, and a little area next to the gym doors was dedicated to taking pictures with our phones or the photographer.  We all opted for the photographer before heading inside the gym.

The decorations carried on into the gym, and the lights had been turned low to give it a little more of a romantic feel.  Round tables enough to fit ten were at the back of the gym, and a dancefloor and DJ booth set up on the opposite side.  We found an empty table, and claimed it as our own.  A couple pack members were around us, two pairs even sitting with us.

Dan and Josie immediately headed to the dance floor, and Channing and London went to get us some punch.  While they were gone, Artemis scooted closer to me.  “So, have any other plans tonight after bowling?”

I shook my head.  “I’ve been thinking a lot about that next step, though.”

“I know what you’re thinking.  It does seem scary at first, and it’s a little awkward afterwards, but it does get so much better with time.  Also, it does hurt a little the first couple of times.  That goes away after a while, too.”

I groaned.

“It’ll be okay, Selina.  You can always come to me if you have any questions.”

“Thanks, Artemis.”

She gave me a smile, and the boys returned with our drinks.

We sat at the table for a while, people watching.  Couples would go to and from the dance floor, taking breaks at their tables.  Artemis and Channing went to the floor a couple times, and I realized that the only way to get London out there was to drag him to it.  So I took his hand, stood, and led him to the dance floor when a slow song played.  We should dance together at least once tonight.

When I found an empty spot on the floor, I turned to face my boyfriend.  Wrapping my arms around his neck, he gently placed his hands on my hips.  Instead of dancing, we just gently swayed to the beat, my head resting on his chest as he held me close to him.

The DJ played a couple slow songs in a row, allowing us some more time on the dance floor.  I liked being this close to London.  Being in his arms made me feel safe, and I didn’t want to leave his embrace.

Right as the last song ended, he gave me a gentle kiss.  When we pulled apart, the DJ opted for a pop song that made me want to gag.  Needless to say, we quickly returned to our table.

We stayed in the gym until eleven, dancing either with our dates or with each other every now and then.  Just before eleven, they had a small memorial service for Derrick.  Though it was upsetting that he had died, I just couldn’t feel sorry about his death.  He had something to do with Dan and I being attacked, and I just couldn’t forgive that.  I was sure the rest of the pack felt the same, but because he had threatened their safety.  Afterwards, the school closed us down with the excuse of a curfew.  Returning to our cars, we traveled to Blue Pine.  And a bunch of other couples had the same idea.

The bowling alley was packed with people from the prom.  We had to wait about half an hour for a lane to open, and spent our time waiting in the little arcade in the lobby.  I wasn’t very good at bowling, and it was honestly a competition between the guys and us girls just having fun.  But it was funny watching the guys get aggravated at each other every time they passed each other’s scores.  London ended up winning the first game, Channing the next, and Dan and London tying the third.

By that time, it was almost one in the morning.  It was going to take us some time to return to Moonlight Falls, and I had no idea if my parents were waiting up for us.  But first, we had to drop Josie off at her house.  I was pretty sure Channing and Artemis had plans other than returning home, but I didn’t ask.  Josie and Dan had a rather lengthy good-bye at her house, even though they were going to see each other tomorrow.

When we arrived home, Dan went on inside.  London gave me a few kisses before telling me he’d see me in the morning.  After I locked up the house behind me, I ventured to my room to remove my shoes and dress.  After putting on my pajamas, I tried to take out as many bobby-pins from my hair as possible.  I’ll just wash my make-up off in the morning, too tired to do it now.

Though I had a good time tonight, and it was a nice distraction, I couldn’t help thinking about what would happen during the next full moon.  Or on my birthday in a little over a week.  Hopefully, we’ll be able to capture the rogue this time.  And I would have to come to terms with not using the excuse of me being seventeen anymore to justify not mating London just yet.

Chapter 27

The next couple of days were actually pretty quiet.  A lot of people at school were still mourning for Derrick.  And almost everyone had been invited to his funeral.  I just couldn’t bring myself to go because I hadn’t liked him before I found out who he was, and London just couldn’t go period.

Dan ended up attending the funeral with Josie.  Derrick had been one of Dan’s first friends when we moved here.  And though Derrick betrayed him by luring him out into the woods to be attacked and Dan couldn’t forgive him for that, he felt the need to make his peace.  Josie went with him for some moral support.

After the funeral, I focused most of my time on studying.  Though London didn’t see the point because he wasn’t going anywhere after graduation, I had him help me study.  I did want to make good grades, after all.  I had him quiz me in practically every subject.  The only one I wasn’t concerned about was art because it was either pass or fail.  But I had no idea what I was going to do for my final project.

On the last day of April, I spent most of the time after school in London’s studio, practicing for my final project.  My mate helped me when he could, giving me some constructive criticism, tips, and encouragement.  I knew I would never get to his level, but I could get close if I practiced.

I mostly worked on landscapes, getting the scaling of objects right.  In my sketchbook, I’d focus on people or animals, trying to make them look realistic.  London was supportive no matter what I did, offering me only kind words.  I needed to work on my sketchbook the most.

The next day, I had to go to school.  I kind of dreaded it because I didn’t know what was going to happen.  After I had dressed and was ready to leave, I walked out of my room to find my family gathered in the living room.

“Happy Birthday, Selina!”

I gave them a small smile.  “Thanks.”

“So, do you want your presents now or later?”

I looked out the window, and didn’t see London or Josie’s cars.  Since we had some time, I said, “Now I guess.”

There was a small pile of wrapped boxes on the coffee table.  After I sat on the couch, Dad told me, “Your car had kind of been a Christmas and birthday present, so we didn’t splurge like we normally do.”

“That’s fine, Dad,” I responded, picking up the first box.

Like at Christmas, most of my gifts consisted of new art supplies.  I didn’t mind because I used them a lot and was always in need of something to draw on.  But Dan’s present to me stood out drastically.  He had gotten me two stuffed wolves, one black and one white.  London and I.

I think that was the nicest thing Dan has ever done for me without an ulterior motive, and it brought tears to my eyes.

My parents, who didn’t know what the wolves meant, thought it was an awful gift.

“Really, Daniel?  Did you think it was a good idea to get your sister, who had been attacked by a wolf shortly after we moved here stuffed wolves?” Mom asked.

Before he could defend himself and say something he shouldn’t, I interjected.  “It’s okay, Mom.  Really.  Thanks, Dan.”

He just nodded right as I heard a car pull into the driveway.  London had arrived, and as soon as he put his car in park, Josie pulled in behind him.  “You two have a good day at school,” Dad said as we stood.  “Oh, Selina, we were thinking about going out for dinner tonight, so let London and your friends know if they would like to come.”

I nodded and retrieved my backpack from my room.  After giving my parents hugs, I ventured out of the house behind Dan, and climbed into my boyfriend’s car.  I must not have wiped my tears away very well, for London asked, “Are you alright, Selina?  Did something happen?”

I looked in the mirror to see the tear tracks on my cheeks.  “I’m fine.  Dan just got me some stuffed wolves that are black and white for my birthday.  My parents wanted to criticize him, but it was honestly the nicest thing he’s ever gotten me.”

“So you’ve had a good morning?”

“Yeah, and it’s even better now that you’re here, London.”

He gave me a smile before leaning in to give me a kiss.  “Happy birthday, Selina.”

I thanked him with a kiss.

As he pulled out of the driveway, he asked, “So, do you want to go out for dinner tonight?”

“About that, my parents want to take me out, but said that you and my friends were welcome.  So Dan’s probably asking Josie right now, and we should see if Channing and Artemis want to come, too.”

“I’ll text them when we get to school.  But before we go out tonight, we’re going to swing by my place.  I left your present there.”

I nodded, and wondered what he had gotten me all day.  It kind of confused me as to why he couldn’t bring it to school, and practically drove me crazy with trying to figure it out.

During lunch, the whole pack wished me a happy birthday.  Channing and Artemis also didn’t sneak off to have alone time, too.  I was so happy that Ricky’s snotty attitude and refusing to look in my general direction didn’t bother me.

The rest of my classes for the day were okay.  During art, I practiced in my sketchbook, determined to improve myself.  My teacher also offered words of encouragement when he looked over my work.  I was glad someone other than London was helping me improve, too.

When the final bell rang, I was anxious to go to London’s to see what he had gotten me.  I was practically bouncing in my seat as he drove us to his house.  London just had a smile plastered to his face the whole time, amused with my excitement.

After we arrived at his house, London led me up all the stairs and to his studio.  But before he opened the door, he said, “Close your eyes.  I don’t want you to see it just yet.”

Based on the fact we were at his studio, I think it was safe to assume that he drew or painted something for me.  I complied with him, and he opened the door.  And for good measure, he placed one hand over my eyes and the other at the small of my back to guide me.

When he removed his hand, he softly said, “Open your eyes, Selina.”

A gasp escaped my lips and tears filled my eyes when I saw his gift.  On one side, he had a white background with me sitting and my back against an invisible wall in the middle.  I was dressed in a loose white dress, and in front of me with his head on my lap was London in his wolf form.  On the other was London mirroring my position, with a black background and dressed in black clothes.  I was in my wolf form, but standing beside him and rubbing my head against his.

“Oh, London, this is so beautiful,” I said, my voice wavering a little.  “If I haven’t seen you work with my own eyes, I wouldn’t believe that you could do anything like this.”  I turned to him, and flung my arms around his neck.  “Thank you so much.”

He returned my embrace, kissing the top of my head.  “You’re welcome, Selina.  It’s the least I can do to remind you that you’re beautiful in either of your forms.  There are a lot of people on my site that are making so many offers for this.”

“Seriously?  How do they know about this?” I asked, looking at my painting.

“I posted it there to see what people thought.  They really like the other painting I did of you, too.  And don’t worry, there is no way I’m selling any painting of you, Selina.”

“Good.  I would probably be uncomfortable knowing someone had a painting of me in their home.  And I don’t think you’ll ever cease to amaze me, London.  Everything you make is just perfect,” I said, giving him a quick kiss.

When I pulled away, he asked, “Even my cooking?”

“Well, that could use some work.  I’ll amend that; everything you make that isn’t edible is just perfect.”

He smirked at me before giving me another kiss.  “Thanks for the compliment, Selina.  My two best works have been the ones I’ve done of you.  Everything else just seemed okay to me.”

“That is not true, and you know it.”

He just rolled his eyes.  “So, do you want to keep it here or hang it in your room?”

“I’ll hang it in my room as soon as I clear a spot for it.”  My phone vibrated in my back pocket.  My mom sent a text, asking if we could meet them at the restaurant.  Guess they wanted to beat the dinner crowd.  “My parents are on their way to the restaurant,” I told my mate.

After he carefully wrapped my painting and took it downstairs, we climbed in his car, and headed off, holding London’s hand the entire time.  My parents were already there, and shortly after we arrived, Dan, Josie, Channing, and Artemis showed up.

Dinner was…a little strange with my parents there.  But we ended up having a good time.  We couldn’t speak of pack things for obvious reasons, but Artemis and Josie wanted to do something for me on the weekend, when we could be away from non-pack members.

After dinner, London followed my parents home.  Dan went ahead and returned home with them instead of having Josie drive there and back home.  When we arrived, London carried my new painting inside while I went to find a hammer and a couple nails so I could hang it on my wall.  Everyone was curious as to what he had given me, and after we had it secured, he took the wrapping off the front.  I absolutely loved the painting, but my parents were skeptical because of the wolves.  But there was no way I could tell them why I was okay with them because they would think I was crazy.

London gave me a couple good-bye kisses before departing.  After I showered and dressed in my pajamas, I crawled into bed, and looked at my painting.  I wanted to sketch a little more before retiring for the night, but there was no way I could with that masterpiece in my line of sight.  But, I could use it to my advantage and inspiration to better my work.  Or, at least I would tomorrow.

When the weekend came, I found that Josie and Artemis had planned a day trip to Blue Pine to do whatever I wanted.  I wanted London with me, so they brought Channing and Dan so my mate wouldn’t be the odd man out.  We spent the whole day there, just hanging out, going out to eat and to the movies.  It was one of the best birthdays I’d ever had.

And to top it off, when we returned to Moonlight Falls, I felt the need to run.  Going to London’s we shifted into our wolves, and ran around the woods, barking and howling, seeing if anyone else wanted to join in running around the territory.  And since it was my birthday, London let me have point, leading everyone with us.

After running around in the woods and having the threat of two rogues reduced to one, I felt more determined than ever.  Sure I was determined to improve my artwork, but I also wanted answers from the rogue.  I wanted to know why he showed up when we did to Moonlight Falls, why he attacked me in December, why he continued to attack me almost every full moon afterwards, why he turned Derrick, and why they wanted to attack my brother.

After school, I’d have London, the betas, and Dan help me with fighting.  Josie didn’t want to participate, so she just spectated and refereed.  I mostly sparred with Dan or Artemis.  London was the main referee, and I think it was because he didn’t want to hurt me.

It took me up until the day before the full moon to convince him to spar with me.  He was very reluctant, and went easy on me.  It just pissed me off because I knew that when I confronted the rogue, he wasn’t going to go easy on me.  He and London were about the same size, so I needed to practice with my mate for when the time came to take on the rogue.

I told him that I had been petrified when everyone piled onto Derrick and just couldn’t move.  But I wanted to participate next time.  Besides, I was an alpha, and I needed to be able to defend myself rather than relying on my mate or the rest of the pack.  That convinced him to not go as easy on me.

It took me all afternoon to gain the upper hand.  London had succeeded in pinning me down several times, dodging my charges and attacks.  But I finally found a way to sneak around him and take him by surprise.  Though it was helpful to have some sparring time one-on-one, it was going to be a little easier with other wolves attacking the rogue to attempt to pin him down or weaken him.

The night of the full moon, Dan and I asked or parents if we could stay with Artemis and London to study for our final exams.  They were a little skeptical of Dan wanting to stay with my boyfriend until we told them that they’ve grown close since Derrick’s death.  After we had our overnight bags and backpacks for the rouge, we headed over to my mate’s house.

I was anxious as we waited for everyone to arrive.  I wanted to shift and find the rogue and rid him of our lives.  Though I liked being a wolf, I wished that it had been London who changed me because I wanted him to, not because I was attacked by a random wolf.  I wanted my revenge on him.

Before the sun set, everyone gathered outside to change.  I stayed inside, and didn’t wait for the full moon to rise before shifting.  As soon as I ventured outside, everyone else transformed into their wolf form.  I made my way to London’s side, and he barked twice, prompting the pack to break up into two to look for the rogue.

We darted off into the woods, London leading our group.  Adrenalin pumped through my veins as I was on alert for any sign of the rogue.  It felt like I was going to jump out of my skin I was so anxious for the confrontation.