Werewolf Skin

21

I cast a quick glance at the Marlings’ house. Then I turned away and trotted across the wet grass to Hannah’s house.

No lights were on. The storm door in back hadn’t been shut. The wind made it swing open, as if inviting me in.

But I made my way up to Hannah’s bedroom window on the other side of the house. Silver moonlight washed over the glass, making it reflect the trees like a mirror.

I couldn’t see inside. But the window was open a few inches.

“Hannah-?” I called in a loud whisper. “Hannah-are you awake?”

I heard someone stirring inside. The curtains shifted. “Who’s there?” Hannah called out sleepily.

“It’s me!” I whispered, standing on tiptoe. “It’s Alex. Come to the window.”

“Alex? What are you doing out there?” she demanded.

“I’m going to take photos of the Marlings,” I told her. “Come out with me, Hannah.”

“Huh? Photos?” she called out. “But it’s so late, Alex. I was asleep, and-”

“Every night I hear howls from their house,” I told her. “And then someone-or something-jumps out of their bedroom window and runs into the woods. My uncle says it’s their dogs, but-”

“I told you,” she interrupted. “The Marlings don’t have dogs. They’re werewolves. I know you don’t believe me. But it’s true. Your aunt and uncle know it’s true. But they don’t want you to be scared.”

“That’s why I want to take photos,” I explained. “I mean, I could be the first person in the world to get a werewolf on film! Get dressed, Hannah. Come on!” I pleaded. “I want you to see too.”

“You’re crazy, Alex! Get back in the house!” Hannah warned. She appeared at the window. She pulled it up higher and leaned out.

“I’m not coming out there,” she insisted. “It’s too dangerous. You told me about those two animals you saw. They were ripped to shreds-right? If the Marlings see you, they’ll do the same thing to you!”

Her words sent a cold shiver down the back of my neck. But I was desperate to solve the mystery-and to snap a great photo.

“They won’t see us!” I told her. “We’ll hide behind the bushes at the side of the house.”

“Don’t say us,” Hannah called out. “I’m not doing it, Alex. I’m too scared. I’m warning you, go back inside.”

“Please!” I pleaded. I grabbed her arm. “Come on out, Hannah. You want to see the werewolves too-don’t you?”

“No way!” She jerked her arm away. “Go home, Alex,” she repeated. “It’s not a game. It’s really dangerous.”

“Listen, Hannah-” I started.

But she slid the window shut.

I stared at the reflection of the trees in the glass. Maybe she’s right, I thought. Another cold shiver ran down my back. Maybe this is a big mistake. Maybe it is too dangerous. If the Marlings catch me…

I gasped when I heard a low growl.

I froze.

I didn’t have to turn around. I knew from the sound.

A werewolf-it had sneaked up behind me.