#17TheWerewolfintheLivingRoom

PARACHUTEPUBLICATIONS

1"Aaron,wouldyoubequiet,please?"Dadsteppedlightly,weavinghiswaybetweenthetrees."Trynottowalklikeanelephant.Wedon'twantthemtohearuscoming."

Iwaswalkinglikeanelephant.Stompingthroughthedark,chillyforest.Stompinghardonthelastbrittleleavesofwinter.MakingtheleavescrunchandcrackleasloudlyasIcould.

IwantedTHEMtohearuscoming.IwantedtoscareTHEMaway.

THEM.

WEREWOLVES.

Itwasclosetomidnightaswecreptthroughthewoods.Darkwoodswherethetreesgrewthickandclosetogether.Woodswhereawerewolfcouldeasilyhide.Whereawerewolfcouldleapoutoftheshadowsbeforeyouknewit.Lungeforyourneck.Sinkhisteethdeepintoyourskin—andpierceyourthroat.

Ipicturedbloodspurtingfromaholeinmyneck.Ishuddered.

Backhome,Ididn'tknowifIbelievedinwerewolvesornot.Hereinthedarkforest...Iwasstartingtobelieve.

WhywasIintheforesthuntingwerewolves?Letmeexplain.

I—AaronFreidus—amelevenyearsold.Ihavecurlyredhair,freckles,andlightgreeneyes.I'mtallandskinny.Imeanreallyskinny.MomusedtosayIwassoskinnyabreezecouldblowmeover.

Momdiedtwoyearsago.Ilivewithmydad,whichwouldn'tbebad—exceptforonething.Mydadisweird.Really.Hedoesn'tdoanyofthenormalthingsadadissupposedtodo.Youknow,gotobaseballgamesinthespring.Barbecuehotdogsinthesummer,shovelsnowinthewinter.

hotdogsinthesummer,shovelsnowinthewinter.

Why?

BecauseI—AaronFreidus—haveadadwhoisawerewolfhunter.

Dad'sbigdreaminlifeistocatcharealwerewolf.

Everychancehegets,heprowlsthewoodsoutsideourtown,huntingwerewolves.

Hehasn'tfoundoneyet.

Myfriendsknowaboutmydadandhiswerewolfhunting.Buttheydon'tmakefunofhim.They'reafraidto.That'sbecauseDadistallandpowerfullooking,withshoulderswiderthanafootballplayer's.Andhe'sthesheriffofourtown.

No,myfriendsdon'tmakefunofmydad.They'renotthatstupid.Instead,theymakefunofme.

That'swhyIhadtolieaboutourmidtermbreak.ItoldeveryoneweweregoingtoFloridatovisitmygrandmother.

Butweweren'tgoingtoFlorida.WeweregoingtoBratvia.AcountryIneverheardof,inthemiddleofEurope.

Bratvia.Dadcouldn'twaittogothere—tohuntwerewolves.

Icouldn'twaittogothere—soIcouldcomehomeagain!

DadthinksBratviaiscrawlingwithwerewolves.

WhatdoIthink?

Dowerewolvesexist—orishejustcrazy?

Iwasabouttofindout

Anicybreezeblewhardthroughthedarkforest.Istoppedandlistened.Listenedtotheanimalcriesthewindcarriedwithit.

Mournfulwails.Angrycaws.Fiercescreeches.

Andhowls.Hungryhowls.Thehowlsscaredmethemost.

Iglancedupatthenightsky—atthebrightfullmoonthathungthere.Itbathedthetreetopsinaneeriesilverglow.

Werewolvescomeoutduringafullmoon,Iremembered,andeatpeople.

Ishudderedagain.

ItriedtoremembereverythingIhadreadaboutwerewolves.Insomestories,humansturnedintowerewolvesbyputtingonwolfskins.Orbydrinkingwaterfromawolfspawprint.

WhatelsedidIknow?

Oh,right—howcouldIforgetthemostimportantstuff?

Youcouldforceawerewolftochangebacktohumanformbyshoutingoutthewerewolfsrealname.Orbyknockingonthecreature'sforeheadthreetimes.

That'sit.

That'sallIknewaboutwerewolves.

"Aaron,don'tjuststandthere!"Dadturnedaroundandwhispered."You'reaperfecttarget.Youwanttobethehunter—notthehuntedl"

"Okay,okay,Dad.I'mcoming."Ibegantiptoeingthroughthedeadleaves.

Dadpickedupthepace,movingskillfullyandswiftly—likeananimalthathascaughtthescentofitsprey.

"Dad,slowdown!"Icalled,paniccreepingintomyvoice."It'stoodark.I'mgoingtoloseyou."

Butmyfatherdidn'tslowdown.Hemovedfaster.Trottingnow.

Butmyfatherdidn'tslowdown.Hemovedfaster.Trottingnow.

"Dad,please!Slowdown!"Iyelled,breakingintoarun.

Whywon'thewaitforme?Iwondered,runningfaster.Gaspingforbreath.

"Dad!Wait!Ican'tkeepup!"

Mysidesached.Icouldn'tseewhereIwasgoing.Istumbledovertherootofatree.Scrapedmyfaceagainstitstrunk.Feltatrickleofbloodrundownmyface.

Iranfaster.

ButthefasterIran,thefasterDadran.

"Dad!"Ifinallyshouted."STOP!"

Dadstopped.

Hewhirledaroundtofaceme—andIscreamed.

2Thickbrownfursproutedfrommyfather'sface.Iwatchedinhorrorashisnoselengthenedintoasnout.Hecurledbackhislips—andsharpfangsslippedfromhisgums.

Hestoodwithhislegswideapart.Heheavedhischestforward.Thenthrewbackhishead—andhowledatthemoon.

Itriedtoscream.Itriedtorun.ButIcouldn'tmove.Icouldonlygapeinterror.

Totallycoveredinfurnow,Daddroppeddownonallfours.

Hegazedhardatmewithgleamingblackeyes.

Fromthebackofhisthroatheletoutalow,menacingsnarl.

"Thisisadream,"Iwhispered."Please.Thishastobeadream.

"Thisisadream,"Iwhispered."Please.Thishastobeadream.

"Onlyadream,"Iturnedinmybed,murmuring."Onlyadream."

Yes!Itwasonlyadream.

Stillhalfasleep,Ibrushedmyhairbackoffmyforehead.Itwaswetandmattedwithsweat.Iturnedmypillowover.Itfeltcoolagainstmyhotcheeks.

"Onlyadream,"Imurmured.Itfeltsogoodtowakeupfromit.

Iclosedmyeyesanddriftedofftosleepagain

Andstartedanotherdream...

NowIwaslyingonacotinatent,withrainbeatinghardonthetentwalls.

Icoveredmyears.Itriedtoshutoutthepoundingrain.Therainstopped.

ButnowIheardanothersound.

Clawing.Somethingclawingthetentwall.Somethingtryingtogetin!

Iheldmybreathandlistenedclosely.Theclawinggrewlouder,morefrantic.

Iboltedupinmybed.

No,notmybed.

Iamonacot.Iaminatent,Irealized.Atentinthemiddleoftheforest.

I'mnotdreaminganymore!

Thisisreal!

Istaredatthetentwall.

Myheartracedasitshookviolently.Astheclawinggrewwilder.

AndthenIletoutagasp—asthetentwallsplitopenwithasharpRIIIIP.

AndthenIletoutagasp—asthetentwallsplitopenwithasharpRIIIIP.

3Ileapedoutofbed.

Iboltedacrossthetent.Thenstopped.Iwastoofrightenedtoseewhatwasclawingitswayintomytent.

"Pleasegoaway,"Iwished."Whateveryouare—leave."Iclosedmyeyesandwishedharder."LeavesoIcangobacktosleepandgetupinthemorning,whenit'slightoutside—andsafe."

Moreclawing.Rougher.Moresavage.

Mylegsbegantotremble.

"Calmdown,Aaron,"Itoldmyself."Justlookoutside.You'llsee,there'snothingtofear.It'sprobablyjustaraccoonoutthere."

Iwipedmysweatypalmsonmynavy-blueT-shirt.MyhandsshookasIgentlyopenedthetentflap.

Itookadeepbreath.

Ipeekedoutside.

Nothingtherenow.

Whateverhadrippedmytentwasgone.

Istaredoutatthetrees,tallandblackagainstthedarksky.DadandIenteredthiscreepyforestthreedaysago.AndeverynightsincethenI'vehadterrifyingwerewolfdreams.

Istherereallyawerewolfhidinginthisforest?Iwondered.

Iopenedthetentflapalittlewider.Stretchedmyheadout.Gazedaroundthesmallclearing.

Infrontofmytent,theremainsofoureveningcampfirestillsmoldered.Iwatchedawhiteribbonofsmokeriseanddisappearinthebreeze.

Iglancedtotheright—atDad'stent.

Nomovementthere.

Noclawingsounds.

Isteppedoutside.

Exceptforthesoftrustlingofthetrees,theforestwasquiet.Theairfeltcrispagainstmyskin.IshiveredasIlookedupatthefullmoon.

Iwanderedalittlefartherfrommytent.

Ilistenedfornightsounds—thehootofananimal,thegruntofabear.ButIdidn'thearanything.

Nothingbutaneeriesilence.

Myheartbegantopoundagain.

Dadsaidthereweretwogoodreasonstogoonthistrip.

Thefirstreason:tocatchawerewolf.

Thesecondreason:totoughenmeup.IguessDadthoughtasheriffshouldn'thaveawimpforason.

Well,Dadhasn'tcaughtawerewolf.AndI'mmoreafraidthanever.Twogoodreasonstoleave.Ithought.

Istaredupatthemoonagain—andrememberedsomethingelseDadtoldme.

"Don'tgooutbyyourself,"hewarnedmewhenwearrived."Thetownspeopleswearawerewolfprowlsthisforest.Andtherewillbeafullmoonwhilewe're

swearawerewolfprowlsthisforest.Andtherewillbeafullmoonwhilewe'rehere.Thatmeansthewerewolfwillbeout.Andhe'llbehuntingforfreshmeat."

Dadandthetownspeoplesoundedsosureofthemselves.Socertainthatwerewolveswerereal.Thatonestalkedthisforest.

Myhearthammeredinmychestnow.

Iturnedtomytent—butIwastooscaredtosleepbymyself.

I'llsleepinDad'stenttonight.I'lltellhimIhaveastomachachesohedoesn'tthinkI'mscared.

Imademywayovertohistent.

Iquietlyliftedtheflap.

Ipeeredinside."Dad?"

Hewasgone.

4Iheardacracklingnoisebehindme.Iwhirledaroundandlistened.

Footsteps,Ithought.Heavyfeetcrunchingoverleavesontheforestfloor.

"ThatmustbeDad!"Iassuredmyself."I'llgofindhim.Idon'twanttostayherebymyself."

Iracedtomytent.Ifumbledinthedarkformyjeansandsneakers.Iquicklyslippedthemonandranbackoutside.

Icouldstillhearthecracklingleaves."Good,"Isaid."He'snearby."

Ileftthesmallclearingandheadeddownanarrowpathinthewoods.Thesilverymoonlitmyway.Hey,Dad!"Istartedtocallouttohim,butstopped.

"Thatwasreallystupid."Ishookmyhead.

"Whydon'tyouleteverybearintheforestknowwhereyouare?"

Butitwasn'tthebearsIwasworriedabout.

Itriedtofollowthesoundofthefootsteps.Ilistenedhard.ButIcouldn'ttellexactlywheretheywerecomingfrom.Ireachedaforkinthepath.ShouldIkeepwalkingstraightahead?Iwondered.ShouldItaketheturn?Ididn'tknowwhattodo.AsIstoodthere,tryingtodecide,thefootstepsgrewquieter.Moredistant.

Itooktheturnandstartedtorun.Followingthefaintsounds,Iraceddeeperintotheforest.Thetreesgrewclosertogetherhere.Theirtopsformedadarkcurtainagainstthesky.Againstthelightofthemoon.

Iranintotaldarkness.Stumbling.Crashingintotrees."Whydidyouhavetoleaveourcampsite,Dad?"Iwailed.

Istoppedtolistenforthefootsteps—butthewoodsweretotallysilent.

Whyarethesewoodssoquiet?Ishuddered.Sounreal.

AndthenIheardthesharpsnapofatwig.

ThatmustbeDad!

Itookoff.Ifollowedthepathasittwistedandturned.Dodgedlowbranches.Dodgedthemossywaterthatdrippedfromtheirleaves.

Istoppedtocatchmybreath.

I'mnevergoingtofindhim!It'stoodark.Idon'tknowwhereI'mgoing!

"Dad!Dad!Whereareyou?"Ishouted.

Iheardanothersnapofatwig—thistimeovermyhead.

Ifroze.

Iheardalowsnarl.Thenthesharpcrackofatreebranch.

Iglancedup—andstaredintoglowingblackeyes.

Ananimal?

Whatwasit?

Ididn'thavetimetosee.

Istaggeredbackasitleapeddownfromthetreebranch.

Iopenedmymouthtoscream—butnosoundcameout!

Halfwolf,halfhuman,itstoodonallfours.Itsbristlyfurglistenedinthemoonlight.

Snarling,drooling,itlumbereduptome.

Igaspedinhorror.Staggeredback.

Thecreaturehadthefaceofawolf.Andthebroadbackandchestofaman.

Hestaredatmewiththosegleamingblackeyes.Hecurledbackhisthicklips.Istaredinhorroratlong,curvedfangs.

Then—beforeIcouldrun—thewerewolfleanedbackonhishaunches.

Raisedhisheadinafiercehowl.

Leapedhard.Leapedtomyshoulder.

Andsankhisfangsdeepintomyskin.

5Sharp,burningpain.

Dizzy.

Can'tsee.

Fallingintodarkness.

Falling...falling...

Warmbreathonmyneck.

He'shere.He'sback.

"Getaway.NOOOOO!DAD!HELP!"

Ahandonmyshoulder.No—notahand.Awolfpaw!

"NOOOOO!HELP!"

"Aaron,I'mhere.It'sokay.Calmdown."

Myeyesflewopen.Dadsatontheedgeofmycot.Heleanedoverme,withonehandonmyshoulder.

"Aaron,areyouokay?"Hisbrowcreasedwithworry.

Isatup.Iwaslyingonmycot.Backinthesafetyofmytent.

Wait.DidIleavemytenttonight?

Ifeltsoconfused.

Theracethroughthewoods—thewerewolf—wasitanothernightmare?

Iturnedtofacemydadandfeltathrobbingpaininmyshoulder.

No.Notanightmare.Thiswerewolfwasreal.

"HowdidIgetbackhere?"Iasked.

"Icarriedyou,"heanswered."Isawthecreaturestandingoveryou!Ichasedhimaway!"Dad'sfaceflushedwithexcitement.

"Areyousurehe'sgone?"Ifellbackonmypillow.

"Yes.He'sgone.Hewon'tbebacktonight.Butdon'tworry."Dadjumpedandbeganpacingthetent.

Ifthecreaturewasgone,whywouldIworry?Iwondered."Whatdoyoumean?"Iasked,sittingupagain.

"Don'tworry,"herepeated."He'sgone.Butwe'llhunthimdowntomorrow."

"Idon'twanttohunthimdowntomorrow!"Ishouted."Iwanttogohometomorrow!"

"Thisissothrilling,"Dadcontinuedpacing.Hehadn'theardawordIsaid."We'reactuallygoingtocaptureawerewolf!"

"It'stoodangerous,Dad!"Ishouted.

Dadstoppedpacing.Heturnedtome,hisfacefilledwithconfusion."Dangerous?"Heshookhishead."Werewolveshavenospecialstrengthduringtheday,Aaron.Theyarehumanslikeus.It'snotdangerousatall."

IcouldseeIwasn'tgoingtowinthisargument.

"Dad—wheredidyougo?"Iasked."Ilookedforyouinyourtent,butyouweren'tthere."

"Icouldn'tsleep.Tooexcitedtobehere,Iguess.Iwentoutforashortwalk.ThoughtmaybeI'dcatchsightofthewerewolf.YouknowhowlongI'vedreamedofcapturingone."

Dadopenedtheflaptomytentandsteppedoutside."Goodnight,Aaron.You'reokay.You'reokay,son.Getsomerest.Tomorrowistheday.Tomorrowisthedaywewillneverforget!"Thetentflapclosedbehindhim.

Ifellbackonmycot.

Ipulledmyblanketuptomychin.

Astrongwindblewthetentflapopen.

Astrongwindblewthetentflapopen.

IwishthistenthadadoorsoIcouldlockit,Ithought,staringattheswayingflap.

IwishIreallywasinFloridavisitingGrandma.Iclosedmyeyes.

IwishIwashome,playingbaseballwithmyfriends.Istartedtofeelsleepy.

Iwishmidtermbreakwouldbeover.

IfellasleepwishingaboutalltheplacesI'dratherbethanhere.

Itossedandturned—anddriftedintoadream.

Running...Iwasrunningthroughthedark,chillyforest.

Runningbeneathlowbranches.

Runningunderafullmoon.Runningonallfours.

Theleavesonthegroundbrushedagainstmyfur.Thesmellofthedampearthstungmynostrils.Iwasrunningwithapackofwolves.Panting.

NO!Iwantthisdreamtostop!

Iforcedmyselfawake.

Iforcedmyeyesopenandgaspedforair.

"Itwasjustadream,"Itoldmyself,tryingtoslowmybreathing."Anotheroneofthosehorriblenightmares."

Thetentwasdark.

It'sstillnight,Irealized.

Isatupinbed—andgasped.

Atthefootofmybedtwoblack,gleamingeyesstaredatme—theeyesofthe

Atthefootofmybedtwoblack,gleamingeyesstaredatme—theeyesofthewerewolf!

6"Don'thurtme."Myvoiceescapedinachokedwhisper.

Thewerewolfdidn'tmove.

Pantingloudly,pantinglikeananimal,hestaredatmewiththoseglowingblackeyes.Hisgazeseemedtoholdmeinatrance.

Myheartraced.Iwastoofrightenedtositup.Icouldonlystareback.

Scream,Aaron,SCREAM!

"DAAAAAD!"thewordexplodedfrommythroat."DAAAAD!"

Thewerewolfsheadjerkedback.Heliftedapaw.Tossedsomethingontomycot.Thenboltedout.

"DAAAAD!"

"Aaron,what'swrong?"IheardDadcallfromhistent.'I'llberightthere."

IjumpedoutofbedsofastIflippedthecotover.Itcrashedintothetentwall,nearlybringingthewholetentdown.

"Whoa."Dadsteppedintothetent.Heraisedhisarmstosteadythewobblystructure."Aaron,what'swrong?Whathappened?Whywereyouscreaming?"

"He—hecameback,Dad!"Istammered."Hewashere.Righthereinthistent.Rightthere."Ipointedtotheplacewherethewerewolfhadstood.

"Hecameback!"Dadcouldn'tbelieveit."I'mgoingafterhim!"Heturnedtoleave."Oh."Heglancedoverhisshoulder."Areyouokay?"

Istartedtonod."Iguess.I—"

DadwasgonebeforeIfinished.

Ipickedupmycotandstraighteneditout.Stillshaking,Isatdown."Idon'tgetit.Whydidthewerewolfcomeback?"Iwondered.

Ipicturedhimstandingatthefootofmycot.

Dadsaidthecreaturewouldn'tbebacktonight.ButDadwaswrong.

"Dad?"

Isheokay?Iwondered.

Maybeheneedsmyhelp!

Whatifsomethinghorriblehappenstohimoutthere?

Whatifthewerewolfiswaitingforhimoutthere?

"Ishouldhavegonewithhim!"Ileapedoutofmycot."Heshouldn'thaveleftmeherealone.Heshouldhavetakenmewithhim!"

Istartedtoraceoutside—butsomethingonthefloorcaughtmyeye.Somethingsmall,white,andsparklinginthecornerofthetent.

"Whatisthis?"Ipickeditupandstudiedit.

Somekindofanimaltooth?Itwasstrunglikeapendantonastring.Iturneditaroundinmyhands,examiningitfromeveryangle.

"Wheredidthiscomefrom?"

Thewerewolf!Yes.NowIrememberedhimtossingitontomycot.

Iheldthependantupbyitsstring.Istaredatit.Itwasdefinitelyatooth.

IhavetofindDad.Ihavetoshowthistohim.Maybeitmeanssomething.

Ichargedoutofthetent—andgasped.Dadstoodrightoutsidetheopening.

"I—Ididn'tknowyouwereouthere,"Imurmured.

"Icouldn'tfindthecreature."Dadfrowned."We'lltryagaintomorrow."

"Look."Iheldupthependant."Thewerewolfthrewthisinthetent.Isitawolftooth?"

Dadtookthependant."Howstrange,"hesaid,studyingit."Whywouldthewerewolfgivethistoyou?"

"Whatdoyouthinkitmeans,Dad?"

Myfathershookhishead."Idon'treallyknow.

Butmaybeitwillbringusgoodluckonourwerewolfhunttomorrow."Dad'seyeslitupatthethought."Ithinkyoushouldwearit."

Heslippedthetoothpendantaroundmyneck.Asitfellagainstmychest,Ishivered.

Andfeltastabofcold—colddreadthatspreadovermychestuntilIhuggedmyselftostopshivering.

"Aaron!Aaron!Comequick!"IwokeupthenextmorningtoDad'sfranticcries.

Ipulledmyselfoffmycot.

"Hurry!Beforeit'stoolate!"Hisvoicesoundedshrillandexcited."HURRY!You'llmissit!"

7Iracedoutofthetent.

Igazedfranticallyaroundourcampsite.

Nothingthere.

Nowerewolf.OnlyDad,wearinganavy-bluebaseballcap,jeans,andhisfavoriteredT-shirt.Leaningoveranopenfire.Fryingeggsinaheavymetalskillet.

"What'swrong,Dad?"Icried,myheartpounding."Toolateforwhat?"

"Toolateforbreakfast.Don'twantyoureggstoturncold."Helaughed.

"Notfunny,"Igrumbled.

Dadscrapedtheeggsfromthepanontothetwoplates.Hehandedonetome."Don'tbesogrumpy,Aaron.Todayisgoingtobeourluckyday.Todaywearegoingtocatchawerewolf!"

Todaywearegoingtocatchawerewolf.Abiglumpformedinmythroat.

Ishoveledsomeeggsontomyfork.Iplacedtheminmymouth.ButIcouldn'tswallowthem.WhenDadpouredcoffeeintohiscup,Ispittheeggsbackontomyplate.

"Areyousureit'ssafe?"Iasked."Youknow—totrytotrapone,Imean?"

"Whatkindofquestionisthat?"Daddemanded."That'swhatwe'reherefor,isn'tit?"

"Butmaybeit'snotsafe,"Irepeated."Maybewerewolveshavepowersduringthedaythatyoudon'tknowabout."

"Theydon't,"Daddeclared.

"Buthowdoyouknow?"Iasked."Imean,howcanyoubesosure?"

Mydadknowseverything.Heknowshowtofixacar,aleakyfaucet—anything.Heknowsallabouttheconstellations.HeknowswhenI'mgettingsick—beforeIknowit.Heevenknowshowtoknitasweater.

He'lltellmeexactlyhowheknowswerewolvesdon'thavepowersduringtheday.ThenI'llfeelbetter.

"Howdoyouknowthatwerewolveshavenopowerduringtheday?"Iasked

"Howdoyouknowthatwerewolveshavenopowerduringtheday?"Iaskedagain.

"Idon'tknowhowIknow."Dadshruggedhisshoulders."Ijustknow."

Ididn'tfeelbetter.

Afterbreakfast,Dadannouncedthatitwastimetobreakcamp.Timetocatchawerewolf.

Werolledupourtents,packedallourstuffintotwobiggreenbackpacks,andheadeddeeperintothewoods.

"Howdoyouknowwhichwaytogo?"Iasked.

"Easy.Wejustfollowtheseprints."Dadpointedtodeepprintsinthedirt.

Istaredattheprintsandshuddered.

Wemadeourwaythroughthewoods.Thedensetreetopsblockedoutthesun.It'ssogloomyhere,Ithought,stoppingtoadjustmybackpack.

"Dad!Slowdown!"IcalledasIshiftedthebackpack'sweightonmyshoulders.Buthedidn'tslowdown.Hemarchedquickly,withaspringinhisstep,eagertocatchhisprey.

AsIcaughtuptohim,hecametoanabruptstop.

"Thisisit!"hewhispered."Iseehim!"Hiseyesgrewwidewithexcitement.Thenhetookoff,runningalongthetwisting,turningpath.

Myheartpounding,Iracedafterhim.

Dadranfaster,windinghiswaythroughthetrees.

Upahead,Ispottedaflashofcolor.Aflashofbrownfur.

Istoppedagain.

"Thereheis."Dadstaredatthecreaturethatstoodbeforehim."Justafox."

"Thereheis."Dadstaredatthecreaturethatstoodbeforehim."Justafox."

Asmallbrownfoxgazedatuswithfrightenedeyes.Dadshookhisheadwithdisappointment.

"Ishouldhaveknownbetter,"hesaid."It'smorning.Thewerewolfwillbeinhumanformnow.Well,Iwon'tmakethatmistakeagain."

IwasgladDadmadethatmistake.Iprayedhe'dkeepmakingmistakesuntilitwastimetogohome.Iprayedthatbynowthewerewolfwasfar,faraway.

Dadreturnedtothepathandwecontinuedthehunt.

Today,theforestwasfilledwithsounds.AndtheyweresoundsI'dneverheardbefore.Strangeanimalcriesandsharpscreeches.Andaloudsnappingsound—likethousandsoffingerssnapping.

Iglancedup—andgasped.Thetreebrancheswerefilledwithinkyblackbirds.Hundredsandhundredsofthem.Perchedsidebyside.Withdarkredeyes.Andlong,sharpbeaksthattheyopenedandclosedwithahardSNAP.

I'dneverseenbirdslikethesebefore.

AsImovedthroughthetrees,Ikeptmyeyesonthem.Istaredintothethousandsofredeyesthatpeereddownatme.Andlistenedtotheriotoftheirsnappingbeaks.

"Aretheyangry?"

Ikeptstaringupatthem.

"Hungry?"

Ikeptstaringupatthem.

"Idon'twanttofindout."

Itoremyeyesaway—andgasped.

Itoremyeyesaway—andgasped.

Thepathaheadofmestoodempty.

Dadhaddisappearedfromsight.

"Dad,whereareyou?"Ishouted.

Noanswer.

Icriedoutforhimagain.Again.

Iranthroughthetrees,searchingforhim.ButIdidn'tseehimanywhere.

"Whydidn'tIkeepmyeyesonthetrail?"Imoaned.

Myeyesdartedfranticallythroughtheforest.

"HowcanItellwhereIam?"Icried."Allthesetreeslookthesame!Fllneverfindmywayoutofthesewoods!Andnoonewilleverbeabletofindme."

Noone,Ithought,exceptthewerewolf.

8"DAD!DAD!DAAAAAD!"Itoredownthepath,screamingformyfather.

Myshrillcriesrangthroughtheforest.

Butnoreply.Nosignofmyfather.

Iwaspantinghardnow.Exhausted.Mythroat,toosoretoshout.

Isloweddowntoawalkandmademywaythroughthewoodsinsilence.

Ipeeredhardthroughthetrees,searchingformyfather.Hopingtocatchaglimpseofhisredshirt.Hisgreenbackpack.

Itriedtostaycalm.Buteverysmallsound—therustlingofleaves,thesnapofatwig,everyanimalcry—mademyheartleapwithfear.

AsIwalked,Irealizedthatthepathwasslowly

growingwider.Thetrees,fewer.Thesun,brighter.

Andthen—theforestopenedintoaclearing.

Isteppedintoabrightcircleofsunshine—andnearlywhoopedwithjoy!

Asmallwoodenshackstoodintheclearing.Whitepuffsofsmokefloatedfromitschimney.Awarmorangelightglowedfromawindownexttothefrontdoor.

Itiptoeduptothewindowandpeeredinside.Againstthefarwall,afireburnedinahearth.Infrontofthehearthstoodaroundwoodentablewithtwochairs.

Icranedmynecktotakeinmoreoftheroom—andthedoorflewopenwithacrash.

Iletoutacryofsurprise.

Inthedoorwaystoodanoldwoman.Shehadjet-blackhairthathungdowntoherwaist.Butitwasthinontop,andIcouldseepatchesofpinkscalppeekingthrough.

Wrinkledskinclungtohersunkencheeks.Shehadalongnose—solong,thetipofitnearlytouchedherdry,crackedlips.

Sheworeatatteredpurple-and-orangedressmadeoflace.Ithunglooselyonherthinbody,flowingdowntoherankles,downtohergnarled,baretoes.

Herearlobessaggedundertheweightofherheavysilverhoopearrings.Shinysilverbraceletsdecoratedherarms,fromherwristsallthewayuptoherelbows.

"Whatdoyouwant?"Hervoicewassurprisinglystrongandsharp.Herblueeyesshockinglybright.

"I—I'mlost,"Istammered.

"Comein,then."Sheturnedanddisappearedinsidetheshack.

Ifollowedtheoldwoman.Isteppedinside—andgaspedasthedoorbangedshutbehindme.

"Scared,aren'tyou?"Theoldwomannoddedherhead."Youshouldbe."

Iglancedatthedoor.

"You'renotgoinganywhere,"thewomansaid,asifshecouldreadmythoughts."Sitdown."Shedugherfingersintomyshoulderandshovedmetowardthewoodentable.

"It'snotsafetobehere."Thewoman'sicystaresentashiverdownmyspine.

"ThenI'llgo!"Ijumpedup.

"Sitdown!"sheorderedagain."It'sthewoodsthataren'tsafe.Whyareyouwanderingthisforestalone?"Hervoicegrewkinder.

"I'mnotalone,"Isaid."Iwaswithmyfather.ButIlosthim."

Itoldtheoldwomanallaboutmyfather.Abouthowmuchhewantedtocatchawerewolf.

"I'msureyourfatherwillturnuphere,searchingforyou.Untilthen,we'llhavesometea—and

Iwilltellyouthelegendofthewerewolfyourfatherhunts."

Theoldwomanstoodupandsetakettleonthehearth.Thenshereturnedtothetable.Sheranherknobbyfingersthroughherthinblackhairandbeganhertale.

"Thesewoodsweren'talwayssoquiet,"shestarted."Theyechoedwiththesoundsofchildren'slaughter.Butthatwasalongtimeago.Beforethestrangerarrived."

"Thestranger?"

"Yes."Theoldwomannoddedsadly."Atall,burlyman.Withthickblackhairthathungdowntohisshoulders.Andalongdarkbeardthathidhisface.Andglisteningblackeyes.'Wolfeyes/thevillagerssaid.

"Nooneknewwherethemancamefrom.Hepassedrightthroughtown.Andthevillagersweresogladtoseehimheadintothewoods—theydidn'tstophimtoaskanyquestions.

askanyquestions.

"Buttheyshouldhave,theyallagreedlater.Theyshouldhavestoppedhim.Theyshouldhavechasedhimfaraway."Theoldwoman'svoicegrewquieter."Becausethat'swhentheterrorbegan."

Shesatbackinherchairandclosedhereyestightly—asiftryingtoshutoutsomeunspeakablehorror.

"Wh-whathappened?"Istammered.

"Itwasthenightofthefullmoon.Ahorriblehowlechoedthroughtheforestallnightlong.And

weallheardcriesofterrifyingagony.Noneofthevillagerscouldsleep.

"Asthesunrose,thesoundsfaded.Whateverhadhappened—wasover.Thevillagerssighedwithrelief.Butoneoftheminsistedonsearchingthewoods.

"Asmallgroupofmenvolunteeredtogo.Theyfoundtheforestfloorlitteredwithdeadanimals,halfeatenandbloody.Tornapartatthelimbs.

"Andtheyfoundsomethingelse—wolfprints.

"Afewbravemenhidintheforestthenextnight.Asthemoonrose,theysawthestrangerleapdownfromatree.Hegazedupatthemoonandhowled.

"Themenwatchedinterrorasthickfursproutedfromthestranger'sbody.Ashisfacelengthenedtoformasnout.Asrazor-sharpteethslippedfromhisgums.

"Arabbitscamperedby.Thecreaturesnatcheditupandateitwhole.

"Themenranfromtheforest.Ranallthewaybacktothevillage.

"Theyweretheluckyones.

"Later,therewereotherswhotraveledintotheforesttotrytocapturethecreature.Theynevermadeitback."Theoldwomanletoutalong,lowsigh.

"Onlythefoolishandthecrazyenterthesewoodsnow.Nooneescapesthewerewolfunharmed."

"Isitthesamewerewolf?"Iasked."Thestrangerwiththewolfeyes?"

Sheshrugged."Whoknows?Whoknowshowtruthfultheseoldlegendsare...?"thewoman'svoicetrailedoff.

"Ihopemydadisokay."Myeyesdartedtothewindow.

"I'msurehe'sfine.It'sdaylight.Noharmwillcometohimwhenthesunshines."Theoldwomanreachedacrossthetableandtookmyhand."Wouldyoulikemetotellyourfortune?"Shesmiled.

Iheldoutmyhand.

"Thisisyourlifeline."Withagentletouch,herbonyfingertraveledoveroneofthelinesinmypalm.

Ileanedforwardtogetabetterlook—andthetoothpendantslippedoutfromundermyshirt.

Thetoothswungforward—andtheoldwomanscreamedinfright."Thesignofthewerewolf."sheshrieked."Howdidyougetthat?Getout!Getoutofmyhouse!"

9Stillshrieking,theoldwomanleapedupfromherchair.

Shereachedintothehearthandpulledoutared-hotpoker.

Iboltedfrommychairandracedoutthedoor.

Myheartpounding,Ichargedthroughtheclearing.Istumbledoverarockandfelltomyknees.

Thewomanhobbledafterme,swingingthehotpokerinfrontofher."Thesignofthewerewolf!Getout!Getout!"Hershrieksfilledtheclearing.

Ijumpedtomyfeetanddashedintothewoods.Icouldn'tfindthetrail,butI

Ijumpedtomyfeetanddashedintothewoods.Icouldn'tfindthetrail,butIdidn'tcare.

Idartedbetweentrees.Trippedovertreeroots.Keptongoing.

Whydidshesaythetoothwasthesignofthewerewolf?

Whywasshesoafraidofit?

Iranuntilhercriesgrewfaint.

Iranblindly—untilIcouldn'thearheratall.

Then,eventhoughmysidesached,Iransomemore.

IfinallystoppedwhenIheardlowgrowlsbehindme.Andsnappingjaws.

"Thewerewolf!"Igasped.

Ispunaround.

Andstaredatapackofwilddogs.Atleasttenofthem.Uglydogs,theirfurmattedanddirty.Yelloweyesstaringmenacingly.Slackjawsdrippingwithsaliva.

Growlingloudly,theyloweredtheirscrawnyheads.Preparedtoattack.

Theycircledme.Circled.Snappingtheirjawshungrily.

Idoveforatree.Frantically,Iwrappedmyarmsandlegsaroundthetrunk—andscrambledup.

Howlingandbarking,thedogsrushedthetree.Leapedatit.Clawedatthetrunk.

Ishimmieduphigher.

Thedogsleapedhigher,heavingthemselvesagainstthetreetrunk.

Icriedoutasadogsankhisteethintomysneaker.Heshookhisheadwildly,pullingme,pullingmedown.

pullingme,pullingmedown.

Iyankedmyfootfree.Itflewoutofmysneaker.

Anotherdogjumpedupandtoreatmysock.

Ikickedmyleghard,shakingofftheferociouscreature.Iraisedmyarmstopullmyselfhigher.

"Nooooo!"

Ilostmygrip.

Andfellflatonmyback—intothewaitingpackofhungrydogs.

10Startledbymyfall,thedogsfroze.

Pantinghard,headslowered,theyeyedme,waitingtoseewhatI'ddonext.

Then,slowly,asifbysomesecretsignal,theybegantomoveforward.

IfItriedtogetup,they'ddiveforme,Iknew.Andripmetoshreds.

Growlingsoftly,thedogsinchedforward.

Thewerewolftooth.

Theoldwomanwasafraidofthetooth,Ithought.Maybethedogswillbetoo.

Islowlyraisedmyhandtomyneck.

Thedogsmovedincloser.Icouldfeeltheirhot,sourbreathonmyface.

Ireachedinsidemyshirt.

Mytremblinghandwrappedaroundthestring.

Thedogsclosedin.

Isearchedforthetooth.

Whereisit?Where?

Thedogsweresnarlingviciouslynow,preparingtoattack.

Ituggeddesperatelyatthestring.Tugged.Tugged.

Thetoothwasgone.

11Ijerkedmyheadup.Gavethestringahardmyank.

Thetooth.Ithadbeenunderme.

Igrabbedit.

Thedogsleaped.

Iraisedtheanimaltoothaboveme.

Yes!

Thedogspracticallystoppedtheirattackinmidair.

Theystoppedbarking.Gapedatthetoothinsilence.

Then,withfrightenedwhimpers,theyturnedawayfromme.Andscootedintotheforest,tailsbetweentheirlegs.

"Wow!Ican'tbelieveitworked!"Isatupandgazedintothewoods.Thedogsweregone.Reallygone.

"Thistoothispowerful!"Igraspedittightlyinthepalmofmyhand."Itsavedmylife!I'dbettertakereallygoodcareofit!"

Whydoesithavesuchpower?Iwondered.

MaybeDadcanhelpmefigureitout.

Icarefullytuckedthetoothbackundermyshirt.ThenIstoodup,pulledmysneakerbackon,andbegansearchingformyfather.

IwanderedthroughthewoodsuntilIfoundatrailtofollow.

Thewoodswerequietnow.Ididn'tseethosestrangeblackbirdsorheartheSNAP,SNAP,SNAPoftheirbeaks.

Ididn'tseeasquirrelorarabbit.

Ididn'tseeorhearanything.

ButIwasn'tscared.

Itouchedthetoothhiddenbeneathmyshirt—andIfeltsafe.

Idon'tknowhowlongIwalked.

Icouldn'ttellifIwaswanderingthroughanewpartoftheforestoroneIhadexploredbefore.

"Dad!Hey—Dad!"IcalledoutformyfatherasImademywaythroughthetrees.

ButDaddidn'tanswer.

IfIdon'tfindhim,I'llgocrazy!Ithought.ThecalmIhadfeltbeforewasfading.Mypulsestartedtorace.

Iwalkedalittlefaster.

Shoutedalittlelouder.

"DAAAD!Canyouhearme?"

Noanswer.

"DAD!Whereareyou?"

"Aaron,isthatyou?"Ashoutcameback.

"Dad!It'sme!"Icried."Whereareyou?"

"Lookup,Aaron.Lookforthetallesttree!"

Igazedup."Okay,Dad,Iseeit!I'mcoming!"

"Hurry,Aaron!"Dad'svoicewasfilledwithexcitement."I'vegothim!I'vecapturedthewerewolf!"

IranasfastasIcould.ButIreallywantedtoturnback.Ididn'twanttoseethewerewolf.Ineverwantedtoseethatcreatureagain.

ThroughthetreesIspottedDad'sredshirt.

Iwasalmostthere.

Beadsofsweattraileddownmyface.

Iburstintotheclearing—andgaspedinshock."Dad—areyoucrazyl"Icried.

12"Dad—you'rekidding—right?"Icalled.

Myfatherleanedagainstatree,smilingconfidently,staringintotheeyesofhisprey.

Hisprey—anordinary,sad-looking,middle-aged,baldingman.

Themanstoodslightlystooped.Heworeaplaidflannelshirtoverbaggykhakis.HishandswereshackledbehindhisbackwithasetofDad'sextra-heavy-dutychains.Hisankleswereboundtogetherwithtwothickmetalcuffsconnectedby

chains.Hisankleswereboundtogetherwithtwothickmetalcuffsconnectedbyanotherheavy-dutychain.

ThisisDad'swerewolf?

Ishookmyheadindisbelief.Thisguydidn'tlookasifhecouldharmaflea.

"Lookathim,Dad,"Iprotested."He'sshort.

He'spudgy.Hewearsglasses.Hedoesn'tevenhaveanyhair.Hecan'tbeawerewolf!"

Thelittleguynoddedsadly—andsneezed.

"Andhehasacold!Werewolvesdon'thavecolds!Comeon,Dad.Youhavetolethimgo!"

"Doesanyonehaveatissue?"Thelittleguysniffled.

"Here."Ireachedouttohandhimone.

"Aaron—DON'T!"myfatherscreamed—andknockedmyhandaway."Itcouldbeatrick!"

Dadhasreallylostit,Ithought.Thisisridiculous.

Thelittleguysneezedagain.

"Dad,howcanyoubesosurehe'sthewerewolf?"

"Ifollowedthewolfprintsallmorning—andtheyledrighttohisshack!"Dadexclaimed."There'snodoubtaboutit.He'sthewerewolf."

"Buthedoesn'tlooklikethewerewolf!"Ishookmyhead."Remember,wesawthecreaturelastnight.Thisguydoesn'tlookanythinglikehim."

"Listentoyourson,sir.Please,"thelittlemanpleaded."Letmego."

"Werewolvesshedtheirskinafterthefullmoonhaspassed."Dadstaredhardintotheman'seyes."Hedoesn'tlookitnow—butheisawerewolf!"Dad

intotheman'seyes."Hedoesn'tlookitnow—butheisawerewolf!"Daddeclared.

"No,I'mnot!"themanwhined."Itoldyouahundredtimes,you'remakingabigmistake!"

"Ignorehim,Aaron."

IusuallytrustDad'sjudgment.Butitwashardtobelievethatthisbald,shrimpofaguycouldactuallyturnintoahairybeast.

"Areyousure,Dad?"Istudiedtheman.Theafternoonsunshonedownonhim.Smallbeadsofsweatglistenedonhisshinypinkhead."Helookslikeanaccountant,oradentist,ormaybeaneyedoctor.Hedoesn'tlooklikeaflesh-eatingbeast."

"I'mnotawerewolf.Iswear."Thelittlemanmoaned."Youhavetobelieveme.I'm—I'mavegetarian."

"He'sawerewolf.I'msureofit!"Dadpumpedafistintheair."Mydreamhascometrue.I'mtheonlymaninhistorytocatchareal,livewerewolf!"

Dad'seyessparkled.Icouldn'trememberthelasttimeI'dseenhimsohappy.

"We'llbringhimhome—andwe'llgethimonTV.We'llbethefirsttoshowtheworldalivingwerewolf!"Dadwrappedhisarmaroundmyshoulder."We'regoingtobefamous,Aaron.We'regoingtomakeafortunewiththiscreature!Now—let'sgetgoing!"

Myfatherwhistledasheliftedhisbackpackoffthegroundandsliditontohisback.

"Youwalkinfront.I'llwalkbehind,"Dadinstructed."Thecreaturewalksinthemiddle."

Dadturnedtohisprey."Don'teventhinkaboutgivingusanytrouble,"hewarned."Let'sgo."Hegavethelittleguyashove.

Themanstumbledforward.Thechainsaroundhislegsclangedasheshuffledintotheforest."You'remakingabigmistake!"hecried."Itoldyou—I'ma

intotheforest."You'remakingabigmistake!"hecried."Itoldyou—I'matrapper.MynameisBenGrantley.Itrapbearsfortheirskinsandfurs."

"Yeah,right,"Dadsaid."You'reatrapper.AndI'maballerina!"Dadlaughedathisjoke.

"Youcan'tdothistome,"themanwhined.

Iglancedovermyshoulderandstaredatourprisoner.Canthislittleguyreallybeawerewolf?Iwondered.OrisDadmakingahorrible,horriblemistake?

WhatwillhappentousifDadiswrong?

13Thatnight,weboardedashipthatwouldtakeushome.

IknowIshouldhavebeenhappy.ThiswasthemomentI'dbeendreamingaboutsincewegottoBratvia—goinghome.

Butsomanythingsdidn'tfeelright.

Mr.Grantleywasstillchainedup.DadandIloadedhimintoacage.Butweneededhelpgettingthecageontotheship.

ThedeckhandstookonelookatthelittlemaninthecageandthoughtDadwasnuts.ButDadinsistedthatMr.Grantleywasakiller.Heflashedhissheriffsbadge.Andtheyfinallyagreedtohelp.Theyloweredthecageintothecargoholdforus.

That'swhereMr.Grantleywasgoingtostayduringthelongtripback.Awholeweekinthecargohold—whereitwasreallydarkandreallydamp.

DadandIweresharingacomfortablecabin.

Isankdownintomybigbedandclosedmyeyes.

IcouldstillseethefearonMr.Grantley'sfaceasthecagewasloweredintothebottomoftheship.

Hiscoldhadgrownworse.Hiseyeswerewatery.Hisnosewasred.Helookedtotallymiserable—andsofrightened.

Ifeltsorryforthepoorguy.

IglancedoveratDad.Hesatatadesk,tightlyclutchingthephone.Hewastalkingtoalawyerbackhome.Makingbigplansforthewerewolfsarrival.

DadwassosureMr.Grantleywasawerewolf.ButnomatterhowhardItried,itwashardtobelieve.

AsIlistenedtoDadonthephone,theshippitchedviolently.Daddidn'tseemtonotice.

Ifeltdizzy.Seasick.

Iconcentratedontakingdeep,regularbreaths.Iswallowedhard.Itriednottothrowup.

"Theseaisgoingtoberoughandchoppy,"theship'scaptainwarnedusearlier."Itwillbelikethisthewholewayhome."

Idon'tthinkIcanlastaweekonthisship,Ithoughtasmystomachlurched.

"That'sright!"Dadshoutedintothephone."Callthenewspapers.TheTVandradiostations.Setupawebsite!Leteveryoneknowwhatwe'reupto!"

Leteveryoneknowwhatwe'reupto.

Icouldn'tbelievewhatDadwasupto.Hehadplansandslogansforallkindsofnewwerewolfstuff:WerewolfRunningShoes:ToRunAheadofthePack!

WerewolfRaisinSquares:TheCerealwithBite!

WerewolfSleepy-timeTea:ToTametheWildBeastInsideYou!

WerewolfVitamins:ForWhenYou'reNotFeelingQuiteHuman!

"ATVshow?"Dadranahandthroughhisthickbrownhair."Ofcourse,we'llhaveaTVshow!Butithastobeliveaction.Nocartoons!Anddon'tforgetthemovie.We'vegottomakeamoviedeal!"

Dadstoodupandnervouslypacedthesmallroom.Listening.Nodding.Pacingfaster.Talkinglouderintothephone.

Theshiplurchedtooneside.

Mystomachflip-flopped.

Ifeltdizzier.

Myheadached.

"Idon'tknow,"Dadsaidintothephone."Holdon."Heturnedtome."Areyouokay?Youdon'tlookright."

"I—Idon'tfeelwell,"Imoaned.

"It'sseasickness,"hesaid."Goupondeck.Takeawalk.Breatheinsomefreshair.I'msurethatwillhelp.FllbeupassoonasIgetoffthephone."

Istaggeredoutofthecabin.Itwasbelowdecks.Ihadalonghallwaytowalkdownandalongerflightofstepstoclimbtogetoutside.Ididn'tthinkIwasgoingtomakeit.

Theshipreeledsharplyfromsidetoside.

IletoutaloudgroanasIstruggledupthestairs.

Istumbledondeck.

Itwaschillyouthere.Butthecool,moistairfeltgoodagainstmyskin.

Itookadeepbreath.Icouldpracticallytastetheseasalt.

Mystomachfeltalittlelessqueasy.Myheadstoppedspinning.

Istoodagainsttherailingandlookedattheocean.

Sodark.Icouldn'tseewherethewatermetthenightsky.

Ineverstaredintothiskindofdarknessbefore.Nomoon.Nostars.Icouldn'tsee

Ineverstaredintothiskindofdarknessbefore.Nomoon.Nostars.Icouldn'tseeathing.

It'sasifI'mtryingtoseewithmyeyesclosed,Ithought.

AsIwaitedforDad,astrongwindcrashedagainstme.

Theshiprockedviolently.

IgrippedtherailingtightlyasthewindpoundedmewithaforceIdidn'tthinkpossible.

"STORM!"Iheardthedistantcryofadeckhand.

Anotherpowerfulgustbatteredtheship.

Theshippitchedwildly.

Awavewashedoverthedeck.Waterpouredovermyshoes.

"HELP!"Ishouted,clingingtotherail."INEEDHELP!"

Thewindmuffledmycries.

Iscreamedagain.Butthewindroaredsoloudly,Icouldn'thearmyselfIAnotherhighblackwavecrashedoverthedeck.

Igrippedtherail.

Anotherwaverolledhighinfrontofme.

Andsweptoverme.

Cold.Socoldandheavy.

Ifeltmyselfgounderthedarkness.

Theraildisappeared.

Andthenthedeck.

Asthewavecarriedme...carriedmeintothechurningblackocean.

14Itriedtoscream.Itriedtoswim.

Butthepowerfulwaveliftedmeovertheside.

Ishutmyeyes.Preparedtobeswallowedupbythedark,tossingwaves.

Butsomethingheldmeback.

Stronghands.Grippingmyankles.

Holdingontome.Holdingmeagainstthewave'sbrutalpull.

Ifeltmyselfdraggedback,back.

Sputteringandcoughing,Ifellfacedownonthedeck.

Ialmostdrowned!Mywholebodyshookfromthecold,fromthehorrorofit.

Itookdeepbreaths,strugglingtosteadymyself.ThenIrolledover—andgasped!

"Areyouokay?"BenGrantleyasked.Hehoveredoverme,hisfacefilledwithconcern.

"H-howdidyougetout?"Istammered.

"Thechainswereloose.Ineededsomeair.Itwaswaytoostuffydownthere."Hetookoffhisglassesandtriedtodrythemonthesleeveofhisdrenchedshirt."Almostlosttheseinthewave.Ican'tseeathingwithoutthem,"hesaidsoftly.

"Yousavedmylife!"Isputtered.

"Iwaslucky,"hereplied."Isawyoustarttogoovertheside.Igrabbedyourfeetandpulledyouback.That'sall."

andpulledyouback.That'sall."

Icouldn'tbelievethisguy.

Howcouldhebeawerewolf?Ithought.

Istaredintohissadhazeleyes.Hedoesn'thavetheeyesofawolf.Hecan'tevenseewithouteyeglasses.Dadisdefinitelywrongabouthim,Idecided.

"Aaron,areyouokay?"Dadranupthestepstothedecktwoatatime."Whatareyoudoinghere?"DadcriedoutwhenhesawBen.HereachedoutandgrabbedBenroughlybythearm.

"It'sokay,Dad,"Itoldhim."Youcanletgoofhim.Hesavedmylife!"

"Idon'tcare!He'sadangerouscreature!"Dadyelled."Idon'twantyouanywherenearhim!"

"ButDad,hesavedmylife!"Iprotested."Justlookathim!Doeshelookdangerous?"

"He'sawerewolf,Aaron,"Dadinsisted."I'mwarningyou—don'tbefooled."

"You'rewrong,"Beninsisted.HesquirmedinDad'sgrip."Please—releaseme.Letmereturnhome.Wecanallforgetthiseverhappened."

Dadignoredhim.HeyankedBenawayfromme.Thenhecalledforhelp.

IwatchedDadandtwodeckhandstakeourprisonerbacktothecargohold."We'llneedextrachains,"IheardDadsayasIstarteddownthestepstoourcabin.

Ichangedintodryjeansandagraysweatshirt.ThenIsatupinbedandstaredoutmyporthole.

Iwatchedtherollingoceanwaves.Ifeltthemslamagainsttheship'sside.

Mystomachwasbeginningtofeelqueasyagain.

Istaredupintothenightsky.Theheavycloudshadparted.Ahalf-moonhung

Istaredupintothenightsky.Theheavycloudshadparted.Ahalf-moonhungovertherockingship.

Istartedtofeeldizzy.

Myshoulderthrobbedwithpain.

InevertoldDadthatthewerewolfbitme,Irealized.Ididn'twanthimtoworry.Butnowitreallyhurt.MaybeIshouldhavetoldhim.

Islippedmyhandinsidemysweatshirt.Istartedtorubmyshoulder—andgasped.

Ileapedoutofbedandchargedintothebathroom.

Iyankedmysweatshirtovermyhead.Igazedintothemirror."Whatisthat?!"Icriedinhorror.Myshoulderwasredandswollen—andcoveredwithadisgustingpatchofthickblackfur.

15Irubbedmyshoulderfrantically,tryingtobrushthefuraway.

Itdidn'twork.

Igrabbedthehairytuftandtriedtoyankitout.

"Owww!"Thatdidn'twork,either.

What'sgoingon?Iwondered,staringattheuglyblackpatch.

Ipulledmysweatshirtbackon.Icouldn'tstandtolookatmyhairyshoulder.

IwalkedoutofthebathroomjustasDadcameintothecabin.

"Uh,Dad?Ineedtoshowyousomething."

"Inasecond."Dadpeeledoffhissoaking-wetyellowslicker.Hewentintothebathroomandhungitoverthetub.

bathroomandhungitoverthetub.

"Dad—"Istartedagain.

"Onemoreminute,Aaron!"Hesatdownatthedeskandpickedupthephone."Ineedtomakeaquickcall."

Twentyminuteslater,Dadwasstillonthephone,talkingtohislawyeragain.

"ForgetaboutMacWerewolfBurgers.It'snotagoodidea,"Iheardhimsay."Oh—didyougetintouchwiththosestuffed-animalpeople?"heasked."HavetheystartedthedesignforWolfieyet?"

Myshoulderbegantoburnanditch.Ireachedundermyshirtandscratchedit.

"Dad—Ijustneedtotalktoyouforasecond,"Iwhispered.

"Soon.Soon."Dadwavedmeaway.

Icrawledintobed.

Ipulledthecoversuptomychin—andwatchedDadtalkonthephone.Hewassoexcited.Ihadn'tseemhimthishappyinyears.

MaybeIwon'ttellhimaboutmyshoulder,Idecided.I'llkeepitasecret.Idon'twanttospoilthingsforhim.

Besides,it'sjustalittlepatchofhair—right?

Nobigdeal.

PARTTWO

16I—AaronFreidus—liveinasmalltown,inaverysmallhouse.Mostofmyfriendsliveinbighouses—withan"upstairs."Wedon'thaveanupstairs.

Wehavefoursmallrooms—akitchen,alivingroom,andtwobedrooms.They'reallonthesamefloorandstepsawayfromeachother.

Ourkitchenissosmallwehavetokeeptherefrigeratorinthelivingroom.Ourlivingroomissosmallweonlyhavespaceforasmallcouchandmydad'sdesk—andtherefrigerator.

Butmyhousehassomethingnoneofmyfriends'houseshave.Inthecenterofourverysmalllivingroomwehaveaverylargecage.

Andinsidethecageisawerewolf.

I—AaronFreidus—haveawerewolfinmylivingroom.

BeforewewenttoBratviatohuntdownawerewolf,onlymyfriendsthoughtthatDadwascrazy.

Butnowthewholeworldknowsaboutthewerewolfinthelivingroom.

Andnowthewholeworldthinksmydadiscrazy.

WhatdoIthink?

IsBenGrantley—thelittlebaldguysittinginacageinthemiddleofmylivingroom—reallyawerewolf?

Idon'tknow.Ijustdon'tknow....

"Please,please,please,Aaron.Pleaseletmecomeovertoseethewerewolf."

Everydayafterschool,mybestfriend,Ashlee,beggedtocomeovertoseethewerewolf.ButDaddidn'twantanyonetoseehimuntiltomorrownight.

Tomorrownighttherewillbeafullmoon.

"Tomorrownight,"Dadtoldtheworld,"youwillwatchinwonderasanordinarymanchangesintoasnarling,hairy,halfhuman,flesh-eatingbeast."

Dadwasn'ttheonlyonewhodidn'twantanyonetoseeBen.

NeitherdidI.

ButAshleewouldn'tgiveup.

"I'lldoyourhomeworkforaweek.No,ayear.No,tenyears!"

"Forgetit,Ashlee."

"I'llcleanyourroomforayear.No,yourwholehouse.No,yourwholehouseandyourdog'shousetoo."

"Idon'thaveadog."

"Ifyouhadone,I'dcleanhishouse.Pleaseletmeseethewerewolf.Please,please,please.Iwanttobethefirstonetoseehim.Please!"

"Giveitup,Ashlee."

"Ifyoudon'tletmeseehim,I'llnevertalktoyouagain.Imeanit.I'mnotkidding.I'mserious."

"Ashlee—shutup!"

"I'llshutupifyouletmeseehim.I'llbequiet.Iwon'tsayaword."

Yeah,right,Ithought.

Ashleenevershutsup.Shetalkswaytoomuch.Infact,almosteverythingaboutAshleeistoomuch!

Shehaswildblondhairthathangsdowntoherwaist.Verybushy,verycurly.Butshepuffsituptomakeitlookevenbigger.

Butshepuffsituptomakeitlookevenbigger.

She'sreallytall—atleastafoottallerthanIam—butshewearsplatformsneakerstolookeventaller.

Herclothesaretoomuchtoo.Shelikestowearthelayeredlook.ForAshlee,thatmeanslotsandlotsoflayers.

Todayshehadonashort-sleevedredT-shirt.Overthat,along-sleevedbright-yellowV-necksweater.Overthat,alow,scoop-neckorangesweatshirtwiththesleevescutoff.Shealwaysmakessureallthecolorsshow.

TheredLycraleggingssheworewerecoveredwithorangeboxershorts.Ifshecouldweartwopairsofshoesatthesametime,shewould.Butshecan't.Soshewearsonepurplesneakerandoneblackone.

Everyoneofherfingershasasilverringonit.Andshewearsthreeearringsineachear.

Itoldyoushe'stoomuch.

Butshe'smybestfriend—sowhatchoicedidIhave?Ihadtoletherseethewerewolf.

"WhencanIseehim?"Ashleybeggedonourwayhomefromschool.'Tildoanythingforyou.Justnameit.Whatever.I'lldoit.CanIseehim?"

"Comehomewithme,andyoucanseehim.Okay?"

"No,"shesaid.

"What?"

"Ihavetogohomefirst—towalkMadameColette.ThenI'llcomeover."

MadameColetteisAshlee'sminiatureFrenchpoodle.Ashleelovesher.SheinsiststhatMadameColetteissoperfect,she'sgoingtowinthelocaldogshow.

Totellyouthetruth,Ithinkthedoglookslikeafuzzyrat.

AfterAshleewalkedthedog,shecameovertomyhouse.

"That'shimTShepushedpastmeandheadedstraightforthelivingroom.Herbigblueeyes

grewwideasshecircledthecage.ShestudiedBenGrantleyfromeveryangle.

Mr.Grantleysatcross-leggedonthecagefloor,withhisheadhangingdown,hisshouldershunched.

Heglancedup,gaveAshleeaweaksmile,thenloweredhisheadagain.

"ButAaron—he'sjustaman.Anormal-lookingperson.Howcanyoukeephimaprisonerlikethat?It'shorrible.Disgusting.Awful.It's—"

"Dadcapturedhim,"Isaidbluntly."He'sawerewolf."

AshleekeptinsistingthatBenwasn'tawerewolf.Ihadtokeepinsistingthathewas.

WhatcouldIsay?

Ididn'treallythinkBenwasawerewolf.ButIdidn'twantAshleetothinkIwasthekindofkidwholethisfatherkeepanormalhumanbeinglockedupinacageinthemiddleofthelivingroom.

"Idon'tknowaboutthis,Aaron"She

walkedrightuptothecagebars.

BeforeIknewwhatshewasdoing—

BeforeIcouldstopher—

Ashleepushedherhandthroughthebars.

Benleapedtohisfeet.

"NO!Ashlee!Don'tgetclose!"Iscreamed."Stayback!"

17

17"Chillout,Aaron!I'mjustgivinghimacandybar.Lookathim.He'sstarving.Whenwasthelasttimeyoufedthisguy?"

"Dadmusthavegivenhimbreakfastthismorning.Ithink,"Imurmured.

"Thankyou,"Bensaidsoftly.HetookthecandybarfromAshleeandunwrappedit."MynameisBen.I'mnotawerewolf,"hetoldher."They'vemadeaterriblemistake."

Ashleenarrowedherbigblueeyesatme."Yourdadiscrazy.Insane!"shescreamed.

"Calmdown!"Iyelledback.

"I'mnotkidding,"Ashleyinsisted."Yourfatherhastotallylosthismind."

Shedidn'tsayanotherword.Sheturned—andstormedoutofthehouse.

IgazedatBen.Hesathuddledinthecornerofhiscage.Hetookasmallbiteoutofthecandybar.Thenhestaredoffintospace.

Helookedmiserable.

Ifeltmiserablelookingathim.

Afewminuteslater,Iheardaknockonourdoor.Itwasthesatellitecrew.TheyhadcometosetupthesatellitehookupsothewholeworldcouldwatchBentransformintoawerewolftomorrownight.

Thesatelliteguysranwiresfromthelivingroomtoourrooftop.Iheardtwoofthemlaughing."Thisguycan'tbeawerewolf,"oneofthemsnickered.

"Thesheriffhastotallylostit,"hispartnerreplied,shakinghishead.

Benwatchedthem.Hepacedhiscagenervously.Beadsofsweatpuddledonhisbald,pinkhead.

Whathavewedonetothispoorguy?Ithought.Thisjustisn'tright.Ashleeandthesatelliteguysareright.Dadhasmadeahorriblemistake.

ButwhatcanIdo?WhatcanIdo?

Thenextdayafterschool,Ididn'twanttogohome.

Ididn'twanttolookatBen.Ididn'twanttostareintohissadeyes.Ididn'twanttowatchhimpacehiscage.

ButIhadtogohome.IpromisedDadI'dhelpmakesureeverythingwassetforthebroadcast.

Iwon'tgointothelivingroom,IdeckledasIsteppedintothehouse.I'llheadstraightformybedroom.

Iclosedthefrontdoorquietly.

Istartedtomyroom.

"Aaron—isthatyou?"Bencalledsoftly.

Iletoutasigh.

"Yeah,it'sme."Iwentintoseehim.

"Aaron,pleaselisten."Benstoodupandpressedhispudgyfaceagainstthecagebars.

"I'mnotawerewolf.YourfathershouldhavecheckedwiththeForestPatrol.Theywouldhavetoldhimthetruth.MynamereallyisBenGrantley,andI'malicensedfurtrapper."

"I'msorry."Ishookmyhead."There'snothingIcando."

Isetmybackpackdownonthefloor.Ileanedoverandrummagedthroughit."Here.Ibroughtyouacandybar."

"Wheredidyougetthat?"BenaskedasIstraightenedup.

"Fromthegrocerystore."

"No.That."Benpointedtothewerewolftooththathadswungfreeofmyshirt."Thesignofthewerewolf!"

"Iguessyoumusthavegivenittome.Whenyouwereawolf."

Benstaredatthetooth."No.Ididn't,Aaron.I'veneveractuallyseenonebefore.Onlyheardaboutthem.Thewerewolfgaveittoyou.Notme.I'monlyatrapper."

"Whatelsedoyouknowaboutit?"Iasked.

"That'sit."Benshrugged.

Islippedmyhandthroughthecageandhandedhimthecandy.

"Youhavetohelpme!"Heletthecandydroptothefloor.

"I'msorry,"Iapologizedagain."IwishIcould.Butit'stoolate."

"It'snottoolate,"heinsisted."Doyouwantyourdadtoembarrasshimself?He'sgoingtoruinhiswholelifeinfrontoftheentireworld—unlessyouhelphim."

"ButwhatcanIdo?"

"Letmego.Ipromise,Aaron,you'llbegladyoudid.Please—letmego.Doyourdadabigfavor.Unlockthecage.Letmego."

Istaredthroughthebarsathim—atthehopelessnessinhiseyes.

ShouldIlethimgo?Iwondered.ShouldI?

Mymindraced.

Hesavedmylifeontheship,Iremembered.Iowedhimafavor.

Heisn'tawerewolf.Hecan'tbeawerewolf.

Idon'twantDadtobeembarrassedinfrontoftheworld.

Idon'twantDadtobeembarrassedinfrontoftheworld.

Ireachedintothetopdrawerofourdesk.

Ifoundthekeytothecage.

Islippedthekeyintothelockandopenedthedoor.

18"Thankyou!Thankyou!"Bensprangoutofthecage.

"Youwon'tregretthis,Aaron!"hecried."You'vedonetherightthing.You'llsee."

Hegavemeabighug,thenranoutofthehouse.

Anhourlater,IheardDad'scarpullupthedriveway.

Irantothefrontdoortomeethim.

"Readyforthebignight?"Dadaskedwithabroadsmile.

"Um.Dad.Ihavetotellyousomething."

"Sure.Let'sgointhelivingroom,"hesaid.

"Wait."Igrabbedhisarm."Don'tgointhereyet."

"What'swrong?"Dadlockedhiseyesonmine.

"I—IletBenout,"Iconfessed.

"Youwhat?!"Dadspunaroundandchargedintothelivingroom.Hestaredattheemptycageindisbelief."Howcouldyoudothis?"hecried.Hebeganpacingtheroom.

"I—Ifeltsorryforhim,"Imurmured."AndI—Ididn'twantyoutomakeaterriblemistake.Everyonewaslaughingatyou,Dad!"

"Doyouknowwhatyoudid?"Dadstoppedpacinginfrontofme."Youletouta

"Doyouknowwhatyoudid?"Dadstoppedpacinginfrontofme."Youletoutawerewolf!"Hescreamedsoloudtheveinsinhisneckpoppedout."Doyouknowwhathe'sgoingtodotonight,Aaron?He'sgoingtoturnintoawolfandkillinnocentpeople—allbecauseofyou!"

"ButDad—"

"Idon'twanttohearanotherwordfromyou,"heyelled."Idon'tevenwanttolookatyou.Gotoyourroom!"

Iwenttomyroomandthrewmyselfonmybed.Ididtherightthing,Itoldmyself.

ButwillDadeverforgiveme?

"That'sright!"IcouldhearDadyellingintothephone."Thewerewolfhasescaped.Sendoutallourofficers.Theyhavetosearchthearea.Wehavetofindthecreaturebeforesunset."

Dadwastalkingtohispoliceofficersonourspeakerphone.Icouldhearsomeoftheofficerslaughinginthebackground.

"Areyousureyouwantustodothis?"anofficerasked."Haven'tyoutakenthiswerewolfthingabittoofar,Sheriff?"

"Don'tquestionme!"Dadbarkedintothephone."Justdoit!"Icouldhearhimstompingaroundthelivingroom.Slammingdoors.Screamingintothephonesomemore.

IknowIdidtherightthing.Benisnotawerewolf,Itoldmyselfagainandagain.

SowhydidIsuddenlyfeelsick?

Myheadbegantoache.Ifeltlight-headed.Iclosedmyeyes.

"Callthefiredepartment!"Dadordered."Getthoseguyssearchingtoo.We'regoingtoneedallthehelpwecanget!"

IfellasleeptothesoundofDadshoutingintothephone.WhenIwokeup,itwasdarkout.

Isatupinbed—andtheroombegantospinaroundme.

Isatupinbed—andtheroombegantospinaroundme.

What'swrongwithme?Iwondered.MaybeIjustneedsomethingtoeat.Imisseddinner.

Iclimbedoutofbed.Walkedpastmymirror—andscreamed.

Thickblackfursproutedfrommyface,myarms,mylegs.Frommywolfsnout.Frommyhugepaws.

Icurledbackmylips—andgasped.Ihadglisteningfangs!

"I'mawerewolf!"Igroaned.

BeforeIcouldstopmyself,Ichargedforthebedroomwindow—andleapedout.Ilandedonallfours.

Runningnow.

Runningthroughmybackyard.

Runningdownourstreet.

Running...running...theairfeltsocoolonmyhotfur.

Itfeltsogoodtorun.

Runningthroughthedarkness...IfeltasifIcouldrunforever.

19Iopenedmyeyes.Thenclosedthemquicklytoshutoutthebrightmorningsunlight.

WhereamI?

Iglancedaroundgroggily.

WhyamIonmybedroomfloor?DidIfalloutofbed?

WhyamIonmybedroomfloor?DidIfalloutofbed?

Istoodup.Stretched.Letoutalongyawn.

Ifeltsotired.AsifIhadn'tslept.

Idesperatelywantedtogobacktosleep.ButIknewDadwouldbeangrywithmeifIdid.So,yawningandstretching,Iheadedintothekitchenforbreakfast.

Ipouredaglassoforangejuiceandabowlofraisinsquarescereal.ThenIsatdowntoeat.TheTVinthekitchenwason.

"Twowomenandamanwereattackedastheyleftherelastnight."Thenewsreporterpointedtothemovietheaterbehindhim."Thetwowomenarerecoveringinthehospitalfromthevicious,brutalattack."

Vicious,brutalattack?

Inoursmalltown?

What'sgoingon?Iwondered.IgazedattheTV.

"Thiswomansawthewholething."Thereporterturnedtoablondwomaninhertwenties.

"Itwasawildwolf-creature!"thewoman'svoicetrembled."I'veneverseenanythinglikeitbefore.Itwasterrifying."

"Awildwolf-creature?Oh,noooo!"Imoaned.

IleanedoverthetabletogetclosertotheTV."Whathappenedtothethirdvictim?Tellus!"Iyelledatthescreen."Please,"Iprayed."Don'tsayhe'sdead."

"Thethirdvictim—"

Iheldmybreath.

"—escapedwithafewscratches."

Iletoutalongsighofrelief.

"Reportshavealsocomeinfromacrosstown,"thereportercontinued."Fromthe

"Reportshavealsocomeinfromacrosstown,"thereportercontinued."FromtheVillageArenaDogShow,wherethecreatureburstintotheshow—andviciouslyattackedseveraldogs."

"WhathaveIdone?"Icried."Thisisallmyfault!Benliedtome!Iletthewerewolfloose!"

IsnappedofftheTV.Ididn'twanttohearanymore.

"Benreallyisawerewolf,"Igroaned."Dadwasright!Ishouldneverhavedoubtedhim."

Mystomachheaved.Mywholebodyshook.

Nowwhat?Iwondered.

Dadwillnever,neverforgiveme.

Thewholeworldwillnever,neverforgiveme.

Itrudgedintomyroomandclosedthedoor.Iwantedtohideinthereforever.

Iglanceddownatthefloor—whereyesterday'sclotheswerescattered.Disgustedwithmyself,Ikickedtheclothesacrossthefloor.Theyslidunderthebed.

"Smartmove,Aaron."Ishookmyhead."Nowyou'llhavetocrawlunderthereandgetthem."

Igotdownonmystomach.Icrawledunderthebedandpulledouttheclothes.

Ipickedthemup—andcriedout.

MyjeansandT-shirtwererippedtoshreds—andcoveredinblood!

20Ilookedatmybloodyclothes.

Ilookedatmybloodyclothes.

Iclosedmyeyes—andtriedtorecallwhereIwaslastnight.WhatIdid.

Irememberednotfeelingwell.Thenfallingasleep.

"Oh,nooo,"IgroanedasIrememberedstaringintomymirror.Rememberedthehairybeastthatstaredbackatme.Rememberedjumpingoutmybedroomwindow.

Myeyesdartedtothewindow.

Yes—itstoodwideopen.

NowIrememberedeverything.Myfurrybody.Runningonallfours.

"I'mthewerewolf!"Mylegsbegantotremble."I'mtheonewhoattackedthosepeopleandthedogslastnight!"

Isatdownonmybedandthoughtbacktothatstrangenightintheforest.Whenthewerewolfbitme.

Heturnedmeintoawerewolf,Irealized.Ishookmyhead,stunned.

"That'swhythecreaturepassedthetoothtome.It'sthesignofthewerewolf.That'smenow.I'mawerewolf."

Mystomachtwistedintoapainfulknot.

Bentoldthetruth,Irealized.Ididthosehorriblethingslastnight—notBen.

Istoodupandgazedintothemirror.

Nosignoffur.

Nopaws.

Ispreadmylipswide."Nofangs."Isighedwithrelief.Butthatmoon.

"Tonightisanotherfullmoon!"Igasped.

"Tonightisanotherfullmoon!"Igasped.

Someonehastohelpme!

Someonehastokeepmeinside.Ican'tgoout.Idon'twanttohurtanyoneelse!

"DAD!DAD!"Irushedoutofmybedroomtofindmyfather."Dad—listentome!"Iburstintothelivingroom."I'mthewerewolf!NotBen!It'sme!"

21Thelivingroomwasempty."Dad?Areyouhere?"Noanswer.ButIsawayellowpieceofpaperonthedesk.AnotefromDad:Aaron,

Thewerewolfattackedlastnight.Hadtogodowntothestationhousetomeetwithmyofficers.Don'tknowwhenI'llbeback.Comehomerightafterschool.Anddon'tgoouttonight!

Love,Dad

"NowwhatamIgoingtodo?"Igroaned.

I'lllockmyselfinmybedroom,Idecided.I'llmakesurethere'snowayIcangetout.Thatway,Iwon'tbeabletohurtanyone.

Idecidednottogotoschool.Ihadtoomuchtodotogetreadyfortonight.

Igotdressedquicklyandrantothelumberyard.Iboughtboxesandboxesofnails,woodenplanks,andheavy-dutyrope.

Itoldtheownerthatthestuffwasformyfather,soheagreedtodeliverittoourhousebylunchtime.

Ittookmeallafternoontonailmybedroomwindowsshut.AsIpoundedinthelastnail,thephonerang.ItwasAshlee.

"Ican'tbelieveit!"sheexclaimed."Thatlittleguyinthecage—hereallyisawerewolf.Yourfatherisn'tnuts."

werewolf.Yourfatherisn'tnuts."

Icouldn'ttellAshleethetruth.Icouldn'ttellherthatIwasthewerewolf.

"Howdidthatmonsterescape?"shewenton.

"Ilethimout."

"Youwhat?!"sheshrieked."Areyoucrazy?!"

"Whatareyoutalkingabout?Youweretheonewhosaidhewasdefinitelynotawerewolf!Youwantedmetosethimfree!"Ishoutedback.

"Thatwasbeforethedogshow!"shewailed."BeforeheateMadameColette!"

"Oooooh,"Imoanedsoftly.

IateMadameColettelastnight.Iatemybestfriend'sdog!

"I—Ihavetogo,Ashlee.Ifeelsick."Ihungupthephoneandstartedtogag.

Strugglingtokeepmybreakfastdown,Istaggeredtomyroom.Testedoutthewindows.Madesuretheywerenailedtight.

ThenIhammeredthewoodenplanksacrossmydoor.Finally,Iwoundheavy-dutyropearoundmywaistandtiedmyselftothedresser.

Thatshoulddoit,Idecided.Thiswilldefinitelykeepmefromattackingagaintonight.

Ihope.

22Isatonmybed—staredoutthewindow—andwaited.

Iwatchedthesunslowlyset.

Asduskturnedtonight,Isawthefullmoonriseinthesky—andfeltmyskinbegintotingle.Thenburn.

begintotingle.Thenburn.

Igazedinthemirror—andsawdarkfursproutovermyskin.

Mybackandchestbegantothrob.Icouldseethemusclespulsating,strainingagainstmyT-shirt.Thenasearingpainshotthoughmybodyasmybulgingmusclestorethroughmyclothes.

Isqueezedmyeyesshutasthebonesinmyfaceshifted.Formedintoaskullthatwashalfhuman,halfbeast.

Iletoutahowlofagonyasfangsexplodedfrommygums.

Thenafierypainshotthroughmyhandsandfeet.Igazedattheminhorrorasmyfingersandtoesshrank.Asmyhandsandfeetformedintopaws.Asrazor-sharpclawssprangfrommyscaldingskin.

Iburnedwithfever.

Burnedwithhunger.

Withanuglyroar,Igrabbedtheropearoundmywaistandtoreitaway.

Withthefuryofawildanimal,Irippedtheplanksfrommybedroomdoor.

AndthenIwasrunning.

Runningoutofthehouse.

Runningonallfoursthroughthecoolnightair.

Running—witharaging,bloodthirstyhunger—insearchoffreshmeat!

23Isawaboyandagirl.Standingonthecornerintheshadowofanoaktree.Talking.Unaware.

Iknewthem.Theyweresixthgradersinmyschool.

Iknewthem.Theyweresixthgradersinmyschool.

Anoverwhelminghungerwashedoverme.

Icouldsmellthescentoftheirskin.Icouldpracticallytastetheirsoft,warmflesh.Iranmytongueovermydrippingfangs.

Theystartedwalking.

Iranintheshadows,stalkingthem.

"Didyouhearsomething?"Theboystoppedabruptly.Heturnedandlookedinmydirection.

Idovebehindatallhedge,outofsight.

Thetwocontinuedwalking.Glancingbackeveryfewsteps.Walkingfaster.

Icouldsmellthesweatontheirskin.

Icouldsmelltheirfear.

Iwasrepulsedbymyhunger.Repulsedanddrivenbyitatthesametime.Ihadnocontrol.Ihadtoeat.Ihadtoeat—now!

Theystoppedagain.

Glancedback.

"Ithinkwe'rebeingfollowed,"theboysaidtensely.

"Iknow,"thegirlagreed."Ihavethesamefeeling.It'ssocreepy."Sheshivered.

"Comeon.Idon'tlikethis."Theboygrabbedthegirl'shand.

Theystartedtorun.

Isprangfromtheshadows.Letoutadeepgrowl.Leapedatthem.

Theyspunaroundtolookatme.

Theireyesgrewwidewithterror.

Thegirlscreamed.

"Thewerewolf!"theboygasped.Heclutchedthegirl'sarmtightly,andtheytookoff.

Isprintedafterthem.

"Thereitis!Thewerewolf!Getit!"Iheardshoutsbehindme.

Iturnedandsawapolicepatrolcar.Twoofficers.Headsoutthewindow.Pointingandshouting.

Anotherheadshotoutofthebackwindow.Itwasmyfather!

"Callforbackup!"hecommanded.Thenheleapedoutofthecarandstartedtochaseme.

"Creaturehasbeenspotted.Officersinpursuit!"anexcitedvoicesquawkedoverthepatrolcarradio.

Iranfaster.

Thecardoorsflewopen.Thetwoofficersjumpedoutandjoinedthechase.

"He'sgettingaway!"

"Headhimoff!"

Theircriesofpanicranginmyears.

Iranonallfours.Pantingdeeply.Heartpounding.RunningfasterthanIthoughtIcould.

Ireachedacorner.Boltedacrossthestreet.Heardthewailofsirens.Turnedtowardthesound.Sawtheflashofangryredlights.

"Runfaster.Faster,"Itoldmyself.

Iheardthepoundingoffeetbehindme.Gainingonme.

Ifledintotheschoolyard.

"We'vegothimnow!"Iheardmyfather'sexcitedcry.Andthentheclangofametalgateasitcrashedclosed.

Istoodinthemiddleoftheyard.Iturned—andsawalineofcopsstandingjustinsidethegate.

Afleetofpatrolcarsskiddedtoastop.Theirheadlightslituptheyardwithaharshglare.

Isquintedintothebrightlight.

Myfathersteppedforward.

Heslowlymadehiswaytowardme.

"You'resurrounded.Youcan'tescape,"hesaid."It'sover."

24"That'sit.Stayrightthere."Dad

Hecontinuedtowalktowardme.Theotherofficersremainedatthegate,watchinginsilence.

Istoodintheglareoftheheadlights,staringatDad,frozen.

ThenIheardbreathing.Frombehindme.

Iwhirledaround—toolate.

Asmydadwalkedtowardme,severalofficersapproachedfrombehind.

"Gothim!"oneofthemscreamedashedoveforme.Hegrabbedmearoundthemiddle.Wrestledmetotheground.

Iletoutashatteringhowl.

Iletoutashatteringhowl.

Isnappedmyheadaround—andtriedtodigmyteethintotheofficer'sarm.

Imissed.

Butthestartledofficerreleasedhisgrip.

Nowalltheofficersstormedatme—frominfrontandbehind—withtheirclubsraisedhigh.

Iglancedfranticallyleftandright.

Nowayout.

Nowaytoescape—unlessIleapedoverthemetalfence.

Withafuriousgrowl,Ichargedthefence.Leanedbackonmyhaunches.Leapedhigh.

ThefencerattledfrommyweightasIclamberedup.

Ireachedthetop—andthefencebegantoshakeviolently.

Iswayedwithit.Nearlyfelloff.

Iglanceddown.

Policeofficersheldthefenceandrockedit,tryingtoshakemeloose.

Ileapedoverthefence—ontotheschoolroof—andsawanothergroupofofficerschargingatme.

Oh,no!Dadhadmenupheretoo!

"Don'tlethimgetaway!"IheardDadshoutfromdownbelow.

Iracedacrosstherooftop—reachedtheend—andjumpedtothenextroofandthenext.

I'msafeuphere.Theycan'tgetmenow,Ithought.Isloweddown—andheard

I'msafeuphere.Theycan'tgetmenow,Ithought.Isloweddown—andheardtheroarofahelicopteroverhead.

Igazedup—andsawthepolicechopperaimingstraightforme.Itsbrightsearchbeamswepttherooftops.Searchingforme.

Iletoutalonghowl.Thenleapeddowntotheground.Iranonallfoursintheshadows.

Sirenswailedthroughtheneighborhood.Iheardthescreechoftiresasfireenginesturnedsharpcorners,huntingmedown.

Iracedthroughbackyards.

Houselightsflashedon.Sirenswailed.Frightenedshoutswailedinmyears.

Iranharder—butmylungsburned.

Stop,Itoldmyself.

Rest.

Findsomeplacetohide.

Inabackyardupahead,Ispottedasmallshed.Iglancedatthehouse.Itwasdark.

Icreptuptotheshed.

Alatchonthedoorswungfree.Nolockonit.

Ipushedthedooropen,slippedinside,andshovedthedoorclosedagain.Iwedgedmyselfbetweenalawnmowerandabicycleandcollapsedontothewoodenfloor.

Mylegstrembledwithpain.

MychestheavedasItriedtocatchmybreath.

Butmypoundingheartwasbeginningtoslow.

Butmypoundingheartwasbeginningtoslow.

"Everythingwillbeokay,"Itoldmyself."You'resafehere.Thesunshouldberisingsoon.You'llturnbacktonormal—andsneakhome."

AsIletmyeyesslowlyclose—thesheddooropenedwithaBANGl

Abright,blindinglightfloodedtheshed.

"We'vegothiml"anofficershouted."We'vegothimtrappedl"

Ileapedup.

Myeyesdartedaroundtheshed.

Nowindows.

Nowaytoescape.

Ireturnedmygazetothedoor.Ithrewbackmyheadandletoutalong,loudhowl.

Thepoliceraisedtheirguns.

Anofficerraisedhispistol.Aimeditatme."I'vegothim,"hetoldtheothers."Thisguyishistory."

Hetightenedhisfingeronthetrigger.

25"Aaron!"heardDadcryout.

Huh?

Howdoesheknow?Howdoesheknowit'sme?

Dadcrashedthroughthestartledofficers."Areyouokay?"hecried.Heglancedoutside—peeredupatthenightsky."It'salmostdawn.You'llbesafehereuntilthen."

Heorderedhisofficerstostandback.Thenhestrodeoutoftheshedandclosedthedoor.

Icouldheartheofficersoutsidearguingwithhim.

"He'sakiller!"oneofthemyelled.

"Hehastobedestroyed!"

Iglanceddownatmybody.Iwasstillabeast.Iwasn'tchangingback.

Whatifsomethinggoeswrong?

WhatifIdon'tchangebackthistime?

Ipeeredthroughaslitintheshed'swoodenplanks.Itwasstilldarkout.

MyheartpoundedasIwaitedforthesuntorise.

"SheriffFreidus—you'velostyourjudgment!"anotherangryvoicecalledout."Thatcreaturecan'tbeyourson!"

Afistslammedagainstthesheddoor.ThedooropenedwithaBANGl"Hehastobekilled!"

Shaking,Idodgedbehindacrate.

"Itoldyoutostandback!"Dadordered.Ahandreachedinandclosedthesheddooragain.

Iletoutasigh—andfeltmyskinbegintotingle.

"Gethim!Gethim!"Afuriouschantroseupfromthepoliceofficers.

Astheangryvoicesrose,mywolfskinbegantoshed.

"Killthebeast!Gethim!"themen'svoicesgrewlouder,angrier.

Hurry!Hurry!Istareddownatmybody.Changefaster!Beforeit'stoolate!

Mylegsburned.

Myheadached.

Myskinfeltasifitwasbeingtornfrommybones.

Ihowledinagony.Howleduntilmythroatached.

"Listentohim.He'snotyourson.He'sabeast!Listentohimhowl!"

"Shoothim!"

Thedoorslammedopen.Anofficerstoodinfrontofme—withhisgundrawn.

"Dad?"Icalledoutweakly.

Myfathershovedthemanaside."Aaron!"Dadrushedover.Hesatdownonthefloorwithme.Threwhisarmsaroundmyshouldersandgavemeatighthug."Don'tworry.Everythingwillbeokay!"

Istareddownatmybody.Mynormalbody!

"Itishisson!It'sreallyAaron."Iheardhushedwhispersoutside.

"Howdidyouknow,Dad?"Iasked,myvoicestillweak."Howdidyouknowitwasme?"

"Thetooth."Dadpointedtothewerewolftoothhangingaroundmyneck."Isawthetooth—andIknewitwasyou.ButIdidn'tseeituntilyourantowardtheshed.IwishIhadseenitsooner.Sorry,Aaron."

Iclutchedthetooth.

Itsavedmylifeagain,Irealized.

"Let'sgohome."Dadhelpedmetomyfeet.

Isteppedoutoftheshed.Themorninglightstungmyeyes.Ishutthemquickly.WhenIopenedthem,Isawamobofpoliceofficersstaringatme.

"We'lltakehimnow,sir."Apoliceofficergrabbedmyarmtightly.

"Leavehimalone."Mydadbrushedtheofficeraway.

"That'snotpossible,sir."Theofficergrabbedmyarmagain.

Theotherofficersnoddedinagreement.

Theymovedforwardslowly,formingatightcirclearoundus.

"Dad?"Myvoiceshook."Whataretheygoingtodotome?"

26"Leave...him...alone!"Dad'sfaceturnedredwithfury.Themobofofficersbackedoff.

"IwanttotakeAaronhome."Dadspokecalmlynow."Hedoesn'twanttohurtanyone.Heneedshelp."

"Whatwillhappenduringthenextfullmoon?Whatifheattacksagain?"anofficerasked.

"Hewon't,"Dadpromised."I'lltakeresponsibilityforhim.I'llmakesureheneverharmsanyone.Iaskonlyonefavor.Please,don'ttellanyoneaboutAaron'sproblem.He'llneverhaveanormallifeifthewholetownknowsabouthim."

Theofficerssteppedbackandletusgo.

OneofthemendroveDadandmehomeinasquadcar.Exhaustedfromthechase,Islumpedbackintheseatandrodeinsilence.

Whenwearrivedhome,Ifeltmuchbetter."Ishouldhavetoldyouaboutthissooner,"Isaidasweheadedintothelivingroom.

"Whendidithappen?Howdidithappen?"Dadranahandthroughhisblondhair.Hisblueeyesfilledwithsadness.Hesatdownonthecouchandloosenedhisshirtcollar.Hisbroadshoulderssaggedasheleanedbackandwaitedformyanswer.

"Ithappenedthenightthewerewolfjumpedmeintheforest,"Iexplained."Hebitmyshoulder.IknowIshouldhavetoldyouthen.ButIdidn'twanttospoilthingsforyou.Youweresohappy."

"I'msorry,Aaron."Dadshookhishead."Iwastooobsessedwithfindingawerewolf.Ishouldhavetakenbettercareofyou.Ishouldneverhaveletanyofthishappen."

Dadburiedhisheadinhishands."Thankyou,Aaron,"hemurmured.

"Thankyou?Forwhat,Dad?"

"ForlettingBengo."Heglancedupatme."Hewasn'tthewerewolf.Youwereright.Iwouldhaveembarrassedmyselfinfrontofthewholeworldifitweren'tforyou.Ifeellikeatotalfool."

Dadstoodup.

Hebeganpacingtheroom.

"Don'tworry.Everythingisgoingtochange."Hisvoicegrewstronger."I'mgoingtodevotemyselftoyounow,Aaron.I'mgoingtoquitthepoliceforce.I'mgoingtospendtherestofmylifefindingacureforyou!AndIdon'tcarehowlongittakes—"

Thephonerang.

Dadpickeditup.

Helistenedtothevoiceontheotherend.Hiseyesnarrowed.Themusclesinhisfacetightened."Thatcan'tbepossible!"heshoutedintothephone.

Helistenedsomemore,thenhungupthephone.

"Whatisit,Dad?What'swrong?"

"Thatwasthepolicestation."Dadtookadeepbreath."Awerewolfhasattackedsixpeopleacrosstown."

"Itwasn'tme!"Ileapedupfromthecouch."Youknowthat—right?"

"Iknow,"Dadsaid."Itcouldn'thavebeenyou.Theattackwaswayacrosstown.Andithappenedatthesametimeyouwereintheschoolyard."

"Thenwhodidit,Dad?"Ishookmyhead,confused.

"IthadtobeBen."Dadplantedhishandsonhiships."Heliedtous!Heisawerewolf!"

Benreallyisawerewolf,Ithoughtwithdisbelief.Andhe'soutthere—somewhere.

"Whenisthenextfullmoon,Dad?"Iaskedinatremblingvoice.

"It'stonight."Dadsighed."Onlyonemorenightofthefullmoon,"hesaid,closinghiseyes,thinking.

"Whatareyougoingtodo?"Iasked.

"Ihaveaplan."Dad'seyesflewopen."I'llleadthesearchforBentonight.Fllarmthemenwithautomaticrifles.I'msorry,Aaron,"Dadsaidsoftly."Butwe'regoingtohavetoshoottokill."

27Heremovedhisriflefromtheglasscasethathungonthelivingroomwall.

Hefilledeachchamberwithasilverbullet.

"Doyoureallythinkittakesasilverbullettokillawerewolf?"Ishuddered.

"That'swhatthelegendssay.Idon'tknowifit'strueornot,"heanswered."Butwhytakechances?"

PoorBen.

Iknewhewasawerewolf.Akiller.ButIcouldn'thelpfeelingsorryforhim.Andsorryformyself.

"Okay.It'stime."Dadnoddedtowardthecageinthelivingroom.

Dadmademeclimbintothecage.

"You'llbesafeinthere,"hesaid,chainingthedoor,thenlockingitwithahugemetalpadlock.

Istaredoutthroughthelivingroomwindowandwatchedthemoonrise.

IthoughtaboutBen.

Howhesavedmylifeontheship.

Iwrappedmyhandaroundthewerewolftooth.Benwastheonewhogaveittome.

Thatmeanshesavedmylifetwice!Irealized.

Ihavetotrytohelphim,Ithought.Ihavetowarnhim.

Igrabbedthecagebarsandshookthem."HowcanIhelphimifI'mlockedinhere?"Iwailed.

Thedoorbellrang.

"Comein!"Ishouted."Hurry!"

"Whatareyoudoinginthere?"Ashleepeeredintothelivingroom."Aaron—isthissomekindofajoke?"

"Nojoke,"Imurmured.Ihadanidea.

"Thewerewolftrickedme,"ItoldAshlee."Hecamebackhere.Helockedmeinthecage—andescapedagain.Quick—letmeout.Ihavetowarnmydad!"

"Okay."Ashleeglancedaroundthelivingroom."Where'sthekey?"

Goodquestion.

Ididn'twatchDadafterhelockedmein.Ididn'tknowwhereheputthekey.

"Trythedeskdrawers!"

Ashleerummagedthroughthedrawers."Nothere,"shereported.

"Wehavetofindthekey!"Icried.

"Calmdown,Aaron,"shesaid."Ihaveabetteridea.Infact,it'sareallygreatidea.It'sbrilliant.It's—"

"Ashlee—wedon'thavetime!"

"Allright.Allright.Wedon'tneedthekey."Shesmiled.

"Wedon't?"

"Nope.TilfindyourfatherandwarnhimaboutBen.Whenyourfathercomeshome,hecansawyououtorsomething."

"Notagoodidea,Ashlee."

"Whynot?"

Whynot?Whynot?

WhatcouldItellher?

"Because—"Iglancedoutthewindow."Idon'twantyoutogoouttherenow.Thefullmoonisrising.It'stoodangerous."

"You'reright."Ashleedidn'thesitate."I'llfindthekey."

AsAshleesearchedthehouse,Ibegantofeelmyskintingle.

Ican'tletAshleeseemechange!Itoldmyself.WhatamIgoingtodo?

Ican'tletAshleeseemechange!Itoldmyself.WhatamIgoingtodo?

"Hurry,Ashlee!Hurry!"Ishouted,unabletohidemypanic.

Myskinbegantoburn.

Myheadbegantoache.

WheredidDadputthekey?Whatifhetookitwithhim?Igroaned.

AndthenIthoughtofthecookiejar!

That'swhereDadstorestheextrasetofhousekeys!

"Checkthecookiejaronthekitchencounter!"Icalled.

"Gotit!"Ashleesangout.Sheskippedintothelivingroom,wavingthekeyintheair.

"Hurryup!"

"Okay.Okay."Sheslippedthekeyintothelockandopenedthedoor.

"You'dbetterhurryhome."Isprangoutofthecage.

Icouldfeelthefurbegintosproutonmyback.

"Areyoucrazy?I'mnotgoingoutthere.It'stoodangerous.Yousaidsoyourself!"

"You—youcan'twaithere!"Istammered."Thewerewolf—hemightcomebackhere.Youhavetogohome.It'ssaferthere.Run!"

"Iguess."Ashleeheadedforthefrontdoor.

Mymusclesbegantopound.

Ashleegrabbedthedoorknob.

Iglanceddown—andsawdark,bristlyhairbegintosproutfrommyhands.

Don'tturnback,Ashlee,Isilentlybegged.

Please—gooutthedoor.Don'tturnaround.

Please—don'tseewhatI'vebecome.

28"Aaron,"shecalledbacktome.

Ididn'tspeak.Istoodstill,paralyzedwithfear.

Sheopenedthedoor.

Shelookedleft,thenright."Iguessit'ssafetogoout,"shemurmured.

Ididn'treply.

Shestoodinthedoorway,gazingout.Sheglancedupatthemoon.

Asharppainshotthroughmyskullasmyheadturnedhalfhuman,halfcreature.

"Oh,well,"Ashleetookadeepbreath."I'mgoing,Aaron.Callmelater."

Leave!Don'tturnaround.Justleave,Iprayedagain.

"Becareful,"shesaid.Sheclosedthedoorbehindherandleft.

Irantothewindow.Watchedherrundownthemoonlitstreet.ThenIracedthroughthehouseandchargedoutthebackdoor.

Asearingpainshotthroughmymouthasmyfangsslippedout.Ihowledinagony.

Thetransformationwascomplete.

Iwasatotalwolf-creaturenow.

Ihuddledintheshadowofourhouse.Thinking.

WhereshouldIgo?

WhereisBen?

WillIfindhimintimetosavehim?Myheartbegantopound.

"Thewerewolf!"awoman'svoicescreamed.

Ifroze.

"Helpme!HELP!He'sattackingme!"

Myeyesdarteddowntherowofbackyards—andIsawthewerewolf.Afewhousesaway.

Hecurledbackhislipsandsnarledatthewoman.Heskulkedforward.Pinnedthewomanagainstherhouse,trappingherthere.

Iletoutanangryroar—andcharged.

Ileapedoverhighfences.Torethroughthebackyards.Thenleanedbackonmyhaunches.Tookadeepbreath—anddoveatthewerewolf.

Withasharphowl,thestartledcreaturebackedaway.

Thewoman'seyesbulgedatme.Sheshriekedinterror.Spunoffthewall—andran.

Istoodface-to-facewiththewerewolf.Hisfurbristledashebegantocircleme.

Hecurledbackhislips—andbaredhisfangs.

Whatishegoingtodo?Iwondered.Ishegoingtoattackmel

Itrainedmyeyesonhim.Andletoutalow,menacingsnarl.

Isthishowit'sgoingtoend?Iwondered.Willthetwoofusbattleeachother—untiloneofusisdead?

untiloneofusisdead?

29"Thisway!Downthisstreet!"anofficershouted."Ihearsomething!"

"Circlearoundback!"Iheardmyfathercommand."Don'tletthecreatureescape!"

Thepolicearehere.They'reclosingin!Irealized.

Istaredatthewerewolf.Hisearsprickedup.Hisdark,glowingeyesdartedleftandright.Searchingforaplacetohide.

HowcanIhelphim?

HowcanIsavehislife?

IfonlythecreaturecouldchangebacktobeingBen.Noonewouldshootalittlebaldguy!

IpicturedDadloadinghisriflewiththesilverbullets.Wouldasilverbulletkillthewerewolf?Ididn'twanttofindout.

Waitasecond.

Ireadsomewerewolflegendstoo.Therewasawaytomakeawerewolfchangebacktohumanform,Iremembered.Butwhatwasit?

"Think!Think!"Itoldmyself.

Yes!Iremembered.

Togetawerewolftochangebacktohumanform,youhadtosaythecreature'srealname.

Icoulddothat!

Iknewhisrealname!

Iknewhisrealname!

Woulditwork?Ihadtotry.

Iturnedtothecreature.Istareddirectlyintohisgleamingblackeyes.

"Ben!"Ishouted."BenGrantley!"

Butmyshoutscameoutaswolfgrunts.

Nothinghappened.

"Workinpairs!"Iheardmyfatherorderhismen."Searcheveryyard!"

Therewasanotherwaytogetawerewolftoturnhumanagain.Whatwasit?

Thewailofsirensrosethroughthenightair.

Icouldn'tthinkstraight.

"Concentrate,Aaron!"MyheadpoundedasItriedtoremember.

Gotit!

Ihadtoknockonthewerewolfsheadthreetimes!

"HowcanIdothat?"Ihowled."Hewon'tstandstillforthat!"

"Iheardthecreature!"anofficershouted."We'regettingcloser!"

Nomoretime.

Ileapedatthecreature.

Beforeheknewwhatwashappening,Iwasontopofhim.Iswungmypaw.Hithiminthehead.

Once.

Twice.

Twice.

Threetimes.

Ileapedaway.

No.

Nothinghappened.

Thecreatureletoutapiercinghowl.Heglaredatmewithhisterrifyingeyes.

"Thisway,SheriffFreidus!"avoicecalled."Inthenextyard."

Heavybootspoundedthedriveway.

Iglancedfranticallyaroundtheyard—andsawthatmytoothpendanthadslippedfrommyneck.

Igrabbeditofftheground.Andwithafranticmotion,swungitaroundthewerewolf'sneck.

Theofficerburstintotheyard.

Idodgedbehindabush.

Hundredsofpolicestormedin.

Thewerewolfstaredatthem,frozen.Pantinginfright.Cornered.

Thepoliceraisedtheirrifles.

"I'mgoingtoshoot!"anofficerscreamed.

Iwatchedinhorrorashetookaim.

Iheardthesharpclickofhisfingeronthetrigger—thentheterrifyingexplosionasheopenedfire.

30

30Therifleflewupintheair—asDadshovedthebarrelupandaway.Thebulletsflewharmlesslytothesky.

"Don'tshoot!"Dadcried."That'smyson!"

Yes!Icheeredfrombehindthebush.Thetoothswitchhadworked.Dadthoughtthecreaturewasme.IsavedBen'slife!

Theofficerspouncedonthewerewolf.Flattenedhimtotheground.Thewerewolfsnarled.Snappedhisjaws.Writhedundertheattack.

Iwatchedfromtheshadows.Pleasedon'thurthim,Ithought.

Thecreature'slegsflailed.Hewrestledfuriouslytofreehimself.Butthereweretoomanymentofightoff.

Ashislegswereboundwithaheavyrope,alow,sadmoanescapedthecreature'sthroat.

Hiseyescloudedover.Heknewhehadlost.Inonelastactofdefiance,heopenedhismouthwideandangrilysnappedhisjaws.

Asteelmuzzlewasquicklyslippedoverthecreature'ssnout.

"Becareful.Don'thurthim."Dad'svoicetrembledashestaredatthedefeatedbeast."Idon'tknowhowmyboyescaped.Itwon'thappenagain.Ipromise."

Dadandtwoofhisofficersdrovethewerewolftomyhome.

Iwaiteduntilalltheofficersleft.Then,hidingintheshadows,Ireturnedhometoo.

Istolethroughthebackdoor.Peeredintothelivingroom."It'snotyourfault,Aaron."Dadgentlyledthewerewolftothecage.

Heuntiedtheropes.Removedthemuzzle.

ThecreaturesnappedatDad.ButDadleapedawayquickly,unharmed.

ThecreaturesnappedatDad.ButDadleapedawayquickly,unharmed.

"I'llhavetofindastrongercageforyou."Dadswungthecagedoorshut."Don'tworry.I'lltakecareofeverything,"hesaid,snappingthelock.

Thewerewolfthrewbackhisheadandhowled.

Ileapedintothelivingroom.

"Ben—you'reback!"Dadstaredatmeandgasped."TWOwerewolves.Ihavetwowerewolvesinmylivingroom!WhatdoIdonow?"

Dadjumpedawayfromme.

Istretchedoutonthefloor.Letoutasoftwhimper,tryingtolethimknowIwouldn'tharmhim.

"Good,"Dadsaidsoftly."Stay."

Hesatdownonthecouch.Glancedatme,thenatthewerewolfinthecage,thenbacktome.

"I'msosorry."Heshookhishead."Ihavenochoice.Imustsurrenderyoubothtomyofficers."

Myheadjerkedup.WhatwasDadsaying?Hedidn'treallymeanthat—didhe?

"Toomanylivesareatstake.Ican'ttakeresponsibilityforbothofyou.Ican'ttakeresponsibilityforwhatthetwoofyoumightdo."

No!Hecan'tdothistous!Ithought.

"I'msosorry,"herepeated."AllmylifeIdreamedofcatchingawerewolf.ItwasallIcouldthinkabout.Butitwasastupid,stupiddream.NowI'veruinedallourlives.I'mheartbroken."Dadloweredhisheadsadly.

He'llchangehismind.Hewon'tturnusin,Ithought.I'mhisson.Hewouldn'tdothattohisownson!

Dadjumpedupfromthecouch."IknowwhatI'lldo."Hestartedpacingtheroom."Everythingisgoingtobeokay!"hedeclared."I'mgoingtotalktothetopscientistsinthecountry."

scientistsinthecountry."

Yes!Iknewit!IknewDadwouldcomeupwithabetteridea.Iknewhewouldn'tturnonhisownson!

"IknowIruinedourlives.ButI'llfixthat.Ipromise.Evenifyoubotharelockedawayinaprison—Iwillworkwiththescientists.Iwilldevotemylifetofindingacureforbothofyou!"

Dadsnatchedupthephone.Hepunchedinthepolicestationnumber."Ihavetwowerewolvesinmylivingroom.Cometakethemaway!"

31"I'mnotgoingtospendtherestofmylifelockedupinacagesomewhere!Noway!"Ileapedtomyfeet."There'sgottobeabetteranswer!"

"Ihavethemhere,"Dadsaidintothephone.

IglancedatBen.Hestoodonhishauncheswithhispowerfuljawwrappedaroundoneofthecagebars.Hisfangsglistenedwithsalivaashechewedawayatit.

Istaredathissharp,drippingfangs.Yes!That'sit!Ithought.

Suddenly,Iknewtheanswer.Suddenly,IknewjustwhatIhadtodo.Iknewhowtosolveourproblem.

Isprintedacrosstheroom.

Ileapedatmyfather—andsankmyteethdeepintohisshoulder.

Startled,Daddroppedthephone.Thenhethrewbackhishead—andhowledinpain.

Lightsintheneighboringhousesflashedon—asthethreeofusranthroughthenight.Twowolfcreaturesandadazedman.

Howling.

Runninginthecoolnightair.

Runningunderthefullmoon...

Yes,I—AaronFreidus—amawerewolf.

Myfatherusedtobeawerewolfhunter.Butnotanymore.Nowhe'sawerewolftoo.

That'showIsolvedourproblem.That'showIsavedtheday!

Mydadusedtothinkawerewolflivedinthewoodsoutsideourtown.Butheneverfoundone.Andeveryonethoughthewascrazy.Includingme.

ButDadisn'tcrazy—atleastnotanymore.

BecauseIhaveafeelingthewoodsoutsideourtownaregoingtobecrawlingwithwerewolves.

Iknowit.Ijustknowit.

AboutR.L.StineR.L.StineisthemostpopularauthorinAmerica.HeisthecreatoroftheGoosebumps,GiveYourselfGoosebumps,FearStreet,andGhostsofFearStreetseries,amongotherpopularbooks.Hehaswrittenover250scarynovelsforkids.BoblivesinNewYorkCitywithhiswife,Jane,teenageson,Matt,anddog,Nadine.