The Opal Wolf

Chapter Four

**Selenes POV**

Sunlight streams in through the window, reflecting off the dust particles floating around as I lay in the landing. Slowly waking from the warmth, I groan, stiff from sleeping on hardwood floors all night. Memories flood back from the events of yesterday and my eyes fly open. Relief washes over me as I realize I am safe in my home, no serial killer in sight. Slowly pushing to a sitting position, my body pops and groans in protest as I stretch out the soreness. Finally standing and deciding to have a recoup day from all that has happened, I slowly look around my small one bedroom apartment. There are still boxes every where, items yet to be put in their new homes. The couch is at an odd angle from the living room not being properly set up and a dirty coffee cup sits on the table. Wait.... how do I..... I CAN SEE?!

Shock floods my system at the sudden change in my sight. What the f**k is going on? Beginning to feel faint again, I quickly go to the couch and sit down, knowing that if I do faint again, being on a soft couch is better than the stiff floor.

"Okay, this must be a dream." I murmur. "Im going to wake up and everything is going to be back to normal." Closing my eyes, I pinch my forearm as hard as I can and wait a few seconds. Slowly opening my eyes, I begin to freak realizing it isn't a dream. Some how I have gained the ability to see.

"What the f**k is going on." I groan.

Hello Selene." A soft voice chimes.

"Wha- who.. who said that?" I startle. Great, now someone broke in and is going to rob the place. Not that there was much to rob but still. This was my home and a break in is the last thing I need right now.

My name is Esme dear. The voice sounds again. And no, you aren't being robbed. Im a part of you, I am speaking through your thoughts. Great, so now I am going crazy! That's it. The men in white coats are on their way and are going to whisk me away to the looney bin. I will be committed indefinitely, to be at the whim of a psychiatrist. This has been a sh***y week so far.

I assure you that you are not crazy. The voice breaks my reverie. You are perfectly sane. I am a part of you, yes, but I am a completely different part of you at the same time.

C-can you hear my thoughts? And what do you mean you are another part of me?

Yes I can love. We share a conscious. And what I mean is I am your wolf. We are different but one in the same. I believe humans call us werewolves.

But that is impossible! I shout. Werewolves are fiction. Not real. Myth!! My hands become clammy. I really am going insane. I am currently holding a conversation with myself and that side is convinced that I am a werewolf. Maybe I should go check myself in instead of waiting for the men in white coats!

Again dear, I assure you that you are completely sane. The voice soothes. And yes, werewolves are real. Long ago, The Moon Goddess Selene, who you share a name with, created them to protect her kingdom in the heavens. The other Gods and Goddesses became jealous of the power her "children" and banished us to earth. We have remained here ever since, only ever able to be reunited with our All Mother after we die.

Wow. I squeak. I'm one of them?

A turned one, yes. There are ones who are turned and ones who are born. When banished, our numbers were small, so we began turning humans to increase our numbers. Slowly but surely, our population grew to what it is today, which is in the hundreds of thousands. Still outnumbered quite a bit by humans but that is for the best as we have to keep our identities a secret. It is against council law to reveal ourselves to humans, punishable by death. Hence why your beloved friend, Erin, never revealed himself.

Erin is one? Shocked at this news, it does answer my question on why he would growl any time he was frustrated. It also explains that why he never told me despite me being under the impression that we told each other everything.

Yes he is. As well as that Brittany character but something is off about her. She acts like a rouge but she doesn't smell like one. Or she does, but it's hard to get a good read on her scent with all that perfume.

You remember her? But you and I just met!

I have access to all of your memories. She explains. All the good and the bad, I see them as you do. May I also offer my condolences on the loss of your parents dear. That must have been very difficult. Good thing Erin was here for you, love.

T-thank you. Yes, he is a wonderful friend. I pause. Erm, Esme? What is a rouge?

They are the stain on the werewolf world. She begins. After our ancestors were banished to earth and we began to build our population, some fought the pack mentality. Wolves thrive being in a pack as you know from the animal, but there are those that do not agree with it or who are too ruthless to be in it. They left to live on their own, murdering and pillaging, teetering between sanity and feral. These we call rouges and they are easily identifiable by their smell. The man you came across yesterday was a rouge. What I cannot figure out is why he chose to turn you instead of eating you. Most eat humans.

WOW! So I was very fortunate to get away from that lunatic!

Very much so and I am eternally grateful to the Goddess that she let the change happen at a rapid pace with you. She has plans for you. I don't know what they are but it has to be something big.

Just then, Sugar by Maroon 5 begins blasting through the quiet of the living room, bringing to my attention that Erin is trying to call. Rushing to my messenger bag, I locate my phone deep in the bag.

You need to tell him. Esme states. We will need his help.

"H-hello?" I answer.

"Selena! Oh, thank the Goddess!" Worry is thick in Erins voice. "Where are you girl? I have been trying you all morning."

"Im.... Im home." I explain. "Erin, I uh.... Echo." I use our code we use to let the other know that they were needed, no questions asked.

After a long pause, I hear him on the other end. "I'm on my way. Lock the doors tight and do not answer unless it's me. Do you understand?" His voice low and dangerous sounding.

"O-okay." I confirm. Getting comfortable back on the couch, waiting for Erin to show.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK