My Moon Luna

Chapter 5 (Last Moon Association)

(Issac’s POV)

"Disappeared? Shouldn't you keep these things secret and not scare the students?" Nathan's disgruntled tone of voice spread through the air.

"You want me to lie to my students?" I could feel my voice becoming short.

Not a single person standing in front of me said another word. I lowered my eyes to the folder in my hands. My gaze travelled along the lines of the page: Nathan, Brook - werewolves, James - vampire, Amelia - human. Not the best company, I hope they're all friendly and get along with each other. Everyone's eyes except Amelia's were downcast. My strong scent lets them know who's on top. Their sense of smell and instincts ensure they don’t show their displeasure and bad manners in front of the Alpha.

I could feel that sweet and gentle smell tickling my nose. It is the lily of the valley mixed with cinnamon and apples. My wolf inside of me seemed to be spinning on wheels without finding a place for himself. I cannot show the actual colour of my face and eyes. My true nature needs to remain undercover. Amelia must not know that there are other supernatural beings around, not just humans.

My eyes lingered on the girl's delicate features: slightly swollen eyes, hair in a messy bun with a few escaped strands blown in the wind. Two chocolate eyes looked at me in disbelief, shocked that I was standing in front of her. I know that my sense of smell does not deceive me. It's been years since I've felt such an attraction to a girl. After one night, my first girlfriend was killed in an attack. I felt broken, depressed, and shattered. As time went by, I stood on my feet. Finally, everything seems to be falling into place.

"Have a good weekend. See you at school." The corner of my lips turned up to look at my new students.

The students turned around and closed the door behind them and I turned on my heel to head straight to my next location. This house was the last one, yet despite my search, I still haven’t found a single clue about the missing girl. What most likely happened was that she had drunkenly stayed over at a friend's place, however, I couldn't find or smell her in any of the houses. This worries me, but I will find out what happened to her. I walked down the steps from the terrace into the cool autumn air and raindrops fell instantly on my face and hair. I love rain, and its smell relaxes me. I guess my essence tends to pull towards nature. I took my phone out of my coat pocket and dialled the number of a well-known person. Putting it to my ear after a long wait, I finally heard a familiar voice.

"Brother, today is the weekend. Don't you have anything to do? Hanging out in the meadows or doing your paperwork?" Sawyer's disgruntled voice rang on the phone.

"Sawyer, don't test my patience. You're my right-hand man. Shut your damn mouth and listen to me." I growled into the phone.

"Or what?" Sawyer's irritable voice was driving me crazy.

"Do I need to remind you what's going to happen if you don't listen to my instructions?" I felt my teeth clench.

I can't do otherwise. Even though Sawyer is my younger brother, he knows how I react if others don’t respect me. I am a well-known and influential person. This place was not just given to me on a golden platter. I am not afraid to show my high intelligence and rugged character.

"Don't be angry, brother. You know how I like to tease you." Sawyer's voice became softer. "What can I help you with this time?" Sawyer was anxious to know what want.

I walked down the street of the town at a brisk pace. I can guarantee that all the students are at home at the moment, nobody likes to wander the streets in this weather. I know that this decision is possibly dangerous, but I have no other option. I hope no one will see the giant werewolf prowling in the woods. I have to find the missing girl, even if I have to dig her out from under the ground. It has been four years of peace and tranquillity in this town. I have not allowed myself to think even once that it could be otherwise, but it seems that now is the time to change my mind.

"I will check the nearest forests that belong to Barewood College. I leave it to you to convene the members of the Last Moon Association. Meet me in three hours in my main office." I calmly stated the instructions.

"Are you sure about this? I thought the meeting was to be held in the middle of the month? It's not even the beginning of the school year. Aren't you being a little rash with your decision?" Sawyer's embarrassed voice came from the other end of the phone.

"Sawyer, don't hang up on me. I'm sure my sense of smell isn't fooling me. It's about time." I ended the call, tucking my cell phone into my coat pocket.

I felt raindrops running down my face. Although the weather is fabulous, I can't say the same for my thoughts. I have a damn lousy feeling about this. The wolf inside me is biting his teeth as if in approval. I look around to make sure nobody sees me as I step into the first bushes I come across, needing shelter from prying eyes - no one can see this painful process. I feel the pain behind my knees and instantly my body temperature rises. I grit my teeth to stop myself from screaming. Every transformation into the real you is damn painful but this is the only way I can check all the forests in such a short time to try and find the missing girl. I can't trace her scent, it's as if it's disappeared. Maybe I'll be able to see some traces with my wolf. I hope I'll find some evidence that she's all right. I wouldn't work this hard for her if she was an ordinary person, but now the situation is different. The missing girl is a werewolf. I know very well that she could have defended herself from attackers so it’s clear that humans did not abduct her.

I stood firmly on my four paws and at last, I felt free. Images were changing before my eyes and tree branches crunched under my paws as I started moving. The damp earth crunched like an echo. Running at high speed, I turned into the nearest forest, which belonged to Barewood College. I took a deep breath of air into my lungs, hoping to smell something helpful. I found nothing at the first spot, although I was hoping for a small clue. The cold wind mixed with drops of water teased my thick, shaggy black fur in all directions. I didn't feel the cold, just the endless pleasure and fresh air filling my lungs.

I reached the next forest without finding anything. I could see the tops of the trees swaying heavily with the wind, the coloured leaves stirred under my feet as I stepped on them. I checked the whole forest lengthwise and crosswise in half an hour. There was no clear evidence of supernatural beings or humans.

The sun seems to have set a little. I lost track of time, but there was still one forest left to check. My sensitive hearing suddenly picked up a sound coming from my right. I sat quietly in the shade of a tree and turned my yellow eyes towards the direction where the sound came from. I was patiently waiting for someone to appear from there. I wanted to run, to check everything myself, but I am known for my iron patience.

My eyes instantly rested on a woman in her thirties. This is Hellen Horwen, one of the members of the Last Moon Association. She is known among the students as a teacher - among the members of the Association as the leader of the Witch Clan. Hellen's long white hair is neatly braided into a cassock that reaches her hips. Her delicate facial features and smooth skin mislead others as to her actual age. The woman's dark grey eyes stopped instantly on me. She politely nodded her head in a silent greeting. With a slow stride, Hellen continued to pick her way through the wet forest towards the college.

I am well aware that my time is ticking incredibly fast. Soon all the members of the Association will be gathered on the spot. I can guarantee that there are a million questions on their minds. Why is this meeting called early? Why the urgency?

I got up from my sitting position, and with a quick movement, I headed towards the last forest. My eyes gazed at the darkening surroundings. The darkness that was slowly enveloping the forest no longer frightened me. Thanks to my incredible eyesight, I could navigate boldly through the trees and bushes. I shook my head in frustration that I had not found anything helpful. I turned in the direction of Barewood College. I am sure that everyone is already waiting impatiently in their seats. I am well aware that I will be late, but I am sure Hellen will let the others know that I am in the woods.

It seems the rain has finally stopped, and the wind has died down. I could see the white walls of Barewood College before my eyes. Probably the most unpleasant thing about turning into your human self is that you are left entirely naked after you complete the transformation. Returning to human form is not as painful as turning into a giant werewolf. Though I am glad that the streets are already covered in darkness because nobody will be able to see me naked trying to sneak into the college through the back door. Down the dark corridor, I stopped at the entrance of my dressing room; I had to get one right after I started my first year here. It’s very uncomfortable to have to take care of yourself with all the clothes and coverings. I quickly put on my black marquisette shirt. My legs were hugged by the stretchy denim material that covered my legs as I pulled some pants on. I slipped on a pair of dark trainers and grabbed a towel from the wardrobe. I dried my face, then stepped out of my dressing room with a quick movement. I walked down the dark corridor towards the stairs leading to the second floor.

My wolf was completely calm inside, probably relaxed after the unexpected run. I felt my thoughts returning to the owner of the light brown hair. I couldn't get that evening, when my hand touched her soft skin on the dance floor, out of my head. Now is not the time to think about Amelia.

I sigh as I count the steps beneath my feet. I stop at step twenty-five, knowing that this is my final destination. I crouched on the stairs, my fingers pressing a secret button. In just a second, a small door opened in the wall in front of my eyes. I stepped into a small narrow corridor that led to a secret meeting room. Yes, Barewood College does have secrets. The door shut softly behind me. I pushed on the door of the familiar meeting room loudly, and it rose before my eyes.

The room has dark paint covering the high walls with lights placed all around illuminating it. In the middle, is a huge wooden table with a dark brown carpet placed underneath the legs. The atmosphere in the room is quite dark because there are no windows. However, every member of the Association knows that this is the best place to be, out of sight and ears. No supernatural creature can hear through these magic-protected walls. This room in the college has been used for many years for such meetings and gatherings.

"What's so important, Issac?" Jasper's low voice drifted through the silent room.

As I stepped across the room to my seat, I turned my gaze to Jasper. Two dark red eyes followed my every move. I made myself comfortable in my chair without taking my eyes off the man.

Jasper, known as the vampire king, is one of the members of the Association. He has no right to teach the students because he refused to comply with the conditions imposed on him - not to feed on humans. He has a prominent jaw, dark red lips and slightly pale skin. A few years older than me but quick to give in to his instincts. The neat white shirt showed off his not-so-sturdy build body. Vampires have a specific smell that is not particularly pleasant, and they are usually leaner than other creatures of nature. The scent is one of the best ways to identify a vampire, but humans can't smell it.

"Jasper, have you forgotten the rules?” Hellen's grey eyes turned towards Jasper.

"He just likes to pull werewolves by their whiskers." Sawyer laughed, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Rule number one: don't insult an ally. Do not betray them and always be on their side." Blake's rich voice reached my ears.

I was glad that at least one person here understood Jasper's mistake. That little rule-breaking vampire should have addressed me as Alpha Issac. Although we are all equal in this union, we do not forget our titles. My parents are the founders of this union, so I am supreme, respected and in charge of the rules and order. I turned my dark eyes towards Blake, nodding my thanks for understanding.

Blake is the leader of the Dragon Clan. With dark chocolate long hair that reached his shoulders, two brown eyes looked at me with respect. I could see a set jaw that showed displeasure with Jasper's behaviour. He was wearing only a jacket and shorts, like he wasn’t cold. The dragon group is based in the Barewood forests, that way the students can transform into a giant dragon - whether it's a cute fluffy one or a big fire-spitting one - without being seen. Nobody would want an ordinary person to turn into an enormous dragon at school. That's why Blake's clan moved a little further away from the main college building. The man's age is respectable, although his appearance is unbelievable. Next to him is his daughter Leah, who will be taking over her father's position for the rest of this year. Blake is already a man of respectable age in the Year of the Dragon. That's why Leah has the right to attend meetings, study, and gather information on how to take over all the positions left by her dad.

Leah is a few years older than me. With long dark chocolate hair she inherited from her father. She has flawless dark skin and pink lips. Her round face adds to her youthfulness, but it's often a mistake. Leah is a very hot-tempered character who takes her duties very seriously. In a few words, she is the future leader of the Dragon Clan.

"So what is the problem - Alpha Issac? This meeting should be called in the middle of the school year. Anything serious?" Hellen's grey eyes shifted to me.

"A werewolf went missing at the party yesterday. I did a campus-wide search today. I've searched all the forests, but there's no sign of her. I think it's the Day of the Last Moon. That's why I'm bringing you all here." I looked around at everyone sitting at the big table.

"We must not jump to conclusions. Has the chosen girl been spotted yet? Has anyone seen her? Have you recognised her?" Jasper's eyes travelled to each person.

"No one has seen her yet. Remember, we have no idea what she looks like. But understand that for four years, not a single student has disappeared from this campus. You remember my father's words that evil will return to this land when the chosen girl finds her way to Barewood College. I think that's one of the reasons why the werewolf girl disappeared. Our time has begun to run out." My grave face eyed all the members.

"We can't start with this meeting. We are not sure if the Chosen One is truly among us." Blake's eyes shifted to me.

"Do you believe those crazy stories about the chosen girl? Maybe the missing werewolf just got fed up and went home?" Jasper's face lit up with a contemptuous smile.

"Don't you respect the words of our ancestors who were superior and smarter than us? Do you need to be reminded of the legend?" I felt a growl rising inside me.

"They are the evil forces our ancestors spoke of. I don't think the missing werewolf will turn up. I think it would be best to concentrate on the Chosen One. Searching, more precisely, into every detail of the legend." Leah's eyes went to Hellen. "We have to find her before the situation around her becomes completely terrible."

The door slammed, and all eyes turned to another person who seemed to have been momentarily forgotten. Two dark violet eyes looked at everyone at the table.