Chapter 1
It was a rainy spring day when my best friend, Eve, and I found ourselves trudging through puddles on our way to our second class of the day. Despite the gloomy weather, Eve’s infectious energy never seemed to wane.
As we walked, Eve shot me a mischievous grin. “So, are you going to the full moon party at the lake tonight?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
I let out a weary sigh, feeling the weight of the day’s responsibilities pressing down on me. “I don’t know, Eve,” I replied, my voice heavy with indecision. “I might just stay in tonight...”
Eve playfully smacked my shoulder, her laughter ringing out through the rain-soaked air. “Oh, come on, Scarlett, please!” she pleaded, her enthusiasm undimmed by my reluctance.
I could not help but smile as she gave me her signature puppy dog face—the one that always melted my resolve without fail. With a resigned sigh, I finally relented. “I guess,” I conceded, “but only for a few hours. Then I am going home, whether you like it or not!”
Eve’s eyes lit up with delight, and she began to jump up and down with unrestrained excitement. Despite my initial hesitation, I could not deny the anticipation building within me as well. With Eve by my side, even the dreariest of days held the promise of adventure and unforgettable memories.
Eve’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she realized she might have found a solution to my dilemma. “Yes! I knew I could convince you to come out with me tonight! Is your aunt going to let you go?” she asked eagerly.
I let out another resigned sigh, my thoughts drifting to my Aunt Marie, who had taken me in and raised me with unwavering love and protection after the tragic loss of my parents when I was just eight years old. “I don’t know,” I admitted, my voice tinged with uncertainty. “Aunt Marie can be pretty over-protective.”
But Eve, ever resourceful, was quick to offer a suggestion. “I have an idea,” she declared confidently.
I arched an eyebrow, both curious and cautious. Eve’s plans were legendary among our circle of friends, but they did not always end well. “And what is that, Eve?” I asked, bracing myself for whatever scheme she had concocted.
“Tell her you’re staying with me this weekend,” Eve proposed. “Isn’t she going out of town for that convention anyway?”
Suddenly, everything clicked into place. I felt a surge of hope as I realized the perfect timing of Aunt Marie’s upcoming trip. “You’re right!” I exclaimed, a smile spreading across my face. “She does have that convention this weekend, and she won’t be back until Monday night.”
As the pieces of Eve’s plan fell into place, I could not help but feel a rush of excitement. This could work. With Aunt Marie out of town and none the wiser, I might just have a chance to enjoy the full moon party.
As the final bell of the day rang out, signaling the end of classes, Eve and I made our way to the parking lot, eager to put our plan into action. Eve waited patiently as I gathered my things, anticipation bubbling in the air between us. With a quick exchange of excited glances, we set off for Aunt Marie’s house, where we would prepare for our weekend adventure.
Pulling into the driveway, we practically leaped out of the car and dashed inside, eager to get started. “Aunt Marie, I’m going to Eve’s this weekend!” I called out as we hurried up the stairs to my room.
Aunt Marie greeted us with a warm smile from the living room, where she was busy packing for her upcoming convention. “Alright, sweetheart,” she replied, her tone affectionate yet tinged with concern. “Just make sure to behave yourselves and remember to call me if you need anything.”
With Aunt Marie’s blessing, we quickly gathered a bag of essentials and made our way back to the car, excitement coursing through our veins. As we drove off towards Eve’s house, the anticipation of the weekend ahead filled us with a sense of adventure and possibility. With Aunt Marie’s approval and Eve’s company by my side, I knew that this weekend was destined to be one for the books.
Finally arriving at Eve’s mom’s house, we burst through the front door and raced upstairs to Eve’s room, eager to dive into our weekend plans. “Hi mom!” Eve called out as we passed through the living room, her voice brimming with enthusiasm.
In Eve’s room, we dumped our bags on the floor and flopped onto her luxurious king-size bed, the soft comforter enveloping us like a warm embrace. With excitement bubbling in the air, we wasted no time in pulling up Pinterest on Eve’s laptop, searching for inspiration for our party outfits and makeup looks.
“What about this one?” Eve exclaimed, turning the screen to show me a picture of a stunning brunette model with flawless makeup. My eyes widened in admiration as I took in the smoky black eyeshadow paired with a classic Monroe red lipstick. The combination was both glamorous and bold, and I could not help but feel a thrill of excitement at the prospect of trying it out for myself.
“That looks amazing!” I exclaimed, feeling a surge of anticipation. With Eve’s impeccable taste and our shared excitement for the evening ahead, I knew that whatever look we chose would be sure to turn heads at the full moon party.
As Eve excitedly scrolled through Pinterest, searching for the perfect makeup look for herself, I could not help but feel a pang of envy. Eve was stunning—a blonde with mesmerizing blue eyes and a radiant smile that could light up any room. She had always been the center of attention, effortlessly drawing people to her with her charm and beauty.
I, on the other hand, often felt like the proverbial ugly duckling in comparison. While Eve effortlessly captured the gaze of admirers, I found myself relegated to the sidelines, unnoticed and overlooked. It was a feeling I had grown accustomed to—a dull ache of inadequacy that gnawed at my confidence.
Watching Eve, I could not help but wonder what it would be like to command such attention, to be desired and admired by others. Jealousy crept into my heart, tinged with a sense of longing for the same recognition and admiration that Eve effortlessly received.
But amidst the twinge of envy, there was also a glimmer of hope—a quiet resolve to wait for my turn to come. I knew that comparing myself to Eve was futile; we were each unique in our own ways, and my time would come when the right person saw me for who I truly was.
So, as Eve continued to search for the perfect makeup look, I pushed aside my insecurities and focused on finding something that would enhance her natural beauty. True friendship meant celebrating each other’s strengths and supporting each other through moments of doubt and longing. And as we prepared for the full moon party together, I held onto the hope that someday, someone would see me the way they saw Eve—beautiful, captivating, and worthy of love.
After a few minutes of searching, I finally found the perfect makeup idea for my beautiful best friend. It was a delicate and dreamy look that I knew would complement Eve’s natural features perfectly.
The makeup looks consisted of a neutral eyeshadow as a base, providing a soft and subtle canvas for the rest of the colors to pop. We would then sweep a pale pink glittery eyeshadow on the innermost corner of her lids, blending it softly towards the center to create a subtle shimmering effect. Transitioning to a delicate pale purple on the outer section of the lids would add depth and dimension, while also creating a dreamy contrast with the pink tones.
To add a touch of whimsy and sparkle, we would introduce a hint of pale blue glitter in the middle of the lids and on the outermost corners, extending it into the crease for a subtle smokey effect. The combination of colors would enhance Eve’s blue eyes and add a playful yet elegant touch to her overall look.
For the lips, we decided on a faint pink shimmery color that would complement the softness of the eye makeup while adding a hint of glamour. The result was a stunning and ethereal makeup look that would undoubtedly turn heads at the full moon party.
As I presented the idea to Eve, her eyes lit up with excitement and anticipation. “That sounds amazing!” she exclaimed; her voice filled with enthusiasm. With her approval, we set to work bringing the makeup look to life, confident that it would enhance Eve’s natural beauty and make her shine even brighter on this special night.
With the makeup plans settled, it was time to turn our attention to our outfits for the full moon party. As we considered our options, we could not ignore the fact that the weather was transitioning from spring to summer, bringing with it the promise of warm and humid nights.
“Short outfits it is,” I declared, considering the lingering humidity from the day’s rain. The last thing we needed was to be sweltering in long sleeves and pants while dancing the night away by the lake.
Rummaging through our respective closets, we pulled out our favorite summer pieces—lightweight fabrics, flowy skirts, and breezy tops that promised both style and comfort. I opted for a floral sundress that skimmed my thighs, its vibrant colors echoing the blossoming flowers of spring. Meanwhile, Eve selected a pair of high-waisted denim shorts paired with a cropped tank top adorned with delicate lace detailing.
As we admired ourselves in the mirror, we could not help but feel a surge of excitement. Despite the dreary weather earlier in the day, the prospect of the full moon party promised a night filled with laughter, dancing, and unforgettable memories.
With our makeup perfected and our outfits chosen, we were ready to embark on our adventure under the light of the full moon. As we headed out the door, anticipation bubbled in the air, mingling with the scent of rain-soaked earth and the promise of a night filled with possibility
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the horizon, it was finally time to make our way to the lake for the full moon party. My heart raced with a mix of excitement and nervousness, my thoughts swirling with anticipation and apprehension.
As we walked towards the lake, my nerves were all over the place. What if a guy approaches me and wants to dance? Panic seized me at the thought. I had no idea how to dance, and the idea of embarrassing myself in front of everyone made my stomach churn. I could not shake the feeling of insecurity that gnawed at the edges of my confidence.
At almost 21 years old, I had never had any romantic encounters with a man. The prospect of finding someone at the party both thrilled and terrified me. What if this was my one and only chance to meet someone special? The pressure weighed heavily on me, filling me with a sense of urgency and longing.
But amid the jumble of emotions, there was also a glimmer of hope—a quiet determination to push past my fears and seize the opportunity before me. Maybe tonight would be the night I took a chance, stepped out of my comfort zone, and embraced the possibility of finding love.
With Eve by my side, I drew strength from her unwavering support and encouragement. Together, we would navigate the uncertainties of the night, embarking on a journey of self-discovery and newfound courage.
As we approached the lake, the sound of music and laughter filled the air, drawing us closer to the heart of the party. With each step, my resolve solidified, and I knew that whatever the night held in store, I was ready to embrace it with an open heart and an adventurous spirit.
As we arrived at the lake, the scene unfolded before us in a kaleidoscope of sights and sounds. The air was alive with the energy of hundreds of partygoers, their laughter and chatter blending with the pulsating rhythm of music echoing across the water.
Everywhere I looked, there were people drinking, swimming, dancing, and indulging in the carefree revelry of the summer soirée. Couples stole moments of intimacy in secluded corners, their embrace illuminated by the soft glow of moonlight filtering through the trees.
I watched as Eve’s face lit up with joy as she spotted her boyfriend, Jake, waiting for her by the water’s edge. With a gleeful squeal, she rushed into his arms, their embrace a testament to the deep affection they shared. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated happiness—a glimpse into the kind of love I longed to experience for myself.
“Hey baby!” Eve exclaimed, her voice filled with adoration as Jake enveloped her in a loving embrace, their lips meeting in a tender kiss. Turning to me, Jake greeted me with a warm smile. “Hey Scar,” he said, his eyes twinkling with warmth.
Returning his smile, I greeted him kindly. “Hey Jake,” I replied, waving as they both turned their attention back to each other, lost in their own world of love and laughter.
“Wanna go swimming with us?” Jake asked me, gesturing towards the inviting waters of the lake. I hesitated for a moment, torn between the temptation of joining them and the desire to bask in the quiet solitude of the fire’s glow.
“Thanks, but I think I’m just going to chill by the fire for a little bit,” I replied, declining his offer with a gentle shake of my head. Jake nodded understandingly, and with a final wave, the two lovebirds darted off towards the lake, leaving me to revel in the warmth of the crackling fire and the peaceful serenity of the night.
As I sat by the fire, enveloped in the warmth of its glow, my senses were suddenly heightened by the presence of a stranger walking past me. His smirk sent a jolt of electricity through me, causing my heart to race with an intensity I had never experienced before. I could not tear my eyes away from him as he moved with an effortless grace, his imposing figure drawing my gaze like a magnet.
He was unlike anyone I had ever seen in our small town of 3000 people. Tall and muscular, he stood at least 6′2′, his body adorned with tattoos that told stories of a life lived on the edge. His chestnut-colored hair was cropped short, with the sides shaved close to his scalp, giving him an air of rugged masculinity that was impossible to ignore.
But it was his eyes that captivated me the most. A piercing shade of green, like olives glistening in the sun, they seemed to see straight into my soul, unraveling the layers of my being with just a single glance. My breath caught in my throat as our eyes met, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still.
Suddenly, he was beside me, his presence filling the space between us with an undeniable energy. “Hi,” he said, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down my spine. I struggled to find words; my throat dried as I attempted to respond.
“Hi,” I managed to whisper, my voice barely audibles above the crackle of the flames. My heart pounded in my chest, the intensity of our connection leaving me breathless and exhilarated. As we sat in silence, the fire casting flickering shadows across his chiseled features, I could not shake the feeling that this encounter was just the beginning of something extraordinary.
As Zane introduced himself, his scent enveloped me like a comforting embrace. The blend of cedarwood and vanilla wafted around me, igniting a primal response within me that I could not comprehend. My senses were heightened, and I found myself inexplicably drawn to him in a way I had never experienced before. His presence was intoxicating, stirring something deep within me that I struggled to understand.
“My name is Zane, and you are?” he asked, extending his hand for me to shake. I hesitated for a moment, mesmerized by the small moon symbol adorning his thumb, before tentatively reaching out to meet his hand with my own.
“I-I’m Scarlett Prescott,” I stammered, my voice betraying the nervousness that coursed through me. His smirk deepened, his green eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine.
“Nice to meet you, Scarlett,” he replied, his voice smooth as silk. The sound of my name on his lips sent a thrill through me, and I could not help but feel a flutter of excitement at the prospect of getting to know him better.
“Likewise,” I managed to murmur, my gaze never leaving his. As we sat in companionable silence, the crackle of the fire providing a comforting backdrop to our conversation, Zane’s question hung in the air between us, inviting me to share a glimpse into my world.
“So, what brings you to this Full Moon Party?” he inquired, his tone casual yet filled with curiosity. I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts before responding.
“My friends Eve and Jake invited me,” I replied, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. “It’s like a beginning of summer party they said.”
Zane’s gaze drifted to the ground for a moment before he looked back up at me, his lips curving into a small smile. “Something like that,” he replied cryptically.
I returned to his smile, feeling a rush of warmth spread through me. As I nervously bit the bottom of my lip, Zane’s expression shifted, his hand gently cupping my chin as he spoke. “Never do that around me again,” he murmured, his voice low and commanding.
I swallowed hard, feeling a flush of heat rise to my cheeks at his touch and his words. With a gentle nod, I watched as Zane gracefully rose to his feet and made his way to the stage by the dance floor. Standing tall and confident, he addressed the crowd gathered before him, his voice carrying over the lively chatter and music.
“Ladies and gentlemen, good evening and welcome to the 100th annual full moon party,” Zane announced into the microphone, his voice commanding attention. “I am your host, Zane Montgomery, and I hope everyone is ready for the midnight chase.”
As his words echoed through the night air, excitement rippled through the crowd, anticipation building for the festivities to come. And as I watched Zane, illuminated by the glow of the moon above, I could not help but feel a sense of exhilaration at the prospect of what the night might hold. As the sun disappeared below the horizon and the moon rose to its full glory, a sense of anticipation hung thick in the air. What did they mean by a “midnight chase,” I wondered, my curiosity piqued by the cryptic announcement.
As the crowd began to count down, the excitement reached fever pitch. I held my breath, unsure of what to expect as the seconds ticked by. Then, as if on cue, something extraordinary happened.
At the stroke of midnight, a transformation swept through the gathered crowd, and before my eyes, people began to morph into...wolves. Red ones, black ones, and stunning white ones, their forms shimmering in the moonlight as they embraced their newfound animalistic selves.
I stood frozen in shock, unable to comprehend the surreal scene unfolding before me. Was I dreaming? Or had the world suddenly been plunged into a realm of fantasy and magic?
My thoughts were interrupted as a beautiful white wolf approached me, its piercing blue eyes locking onto mine. For a moment, I could have sworn I saw a glimmer of recognition in those eyes—a familiarity that sent a jolt of recognition through me.
“Eve?” I whispered; my voice barely audibles above the chaos surrounding us. The wolf licked my hand and gently tugged at my arm, urging me to follow her. Without hesitation, I allowed myself to be led, my mind reeling with disbelief as I ran alongside the pack of wolves.
The sensation was surreal, like something out of a dream. I could not shake the feeling of awe and wonder that coursed through me, even as I pinched myself to confirm that I was indeed awake.
The sting of pain confirmed my wakefulness, but the experience felt too fantastical to be real. Yet, as I continued to run with the pack under the glow of the full moon, I could not deny the exhilaration and sense of freedom that filled me. It was as if, for a moment, I had been transported to a world where anything was possible—a world where even the impossible seemed within reach.
