Chapter 4: Wolf Shifting

Calvin did make it to the moonlight festival and he dragged Tony along. He didn't understand the whole concept of this festival but he observed that it was all similar to a camping activity. 

They were somewhere in the mountains, closer to nature, there was a bonfire, a smoothie stand, available food and water for everyone, slow music playing, everyone was dressed informally and most importantly, the full moon was shining so bright. Something about that gnawed at Calvin's insides and it made him unsettled.

"I can't believe you brought me here because of a woman" Tony complained. 

"Stop whining" Calvin nudged him at the side. "Have some fun. Mingle. It's better than sitting here and sulking like an entitled toddler". 

"Pfft" Tony huffed. He ignored his friend as he looked around, hoping to see something that would catch his interest. 

"Here she comes" Calvin suddenly said and Tony turned to see Charlene making her way to the other side of the bonfire which was right in the middle. 

Calvin took note of her form and every move. She braided her hair in pigtails, had a tank top on and a scarf was tied loosely around her waist. Calvin watched as her hips swayed to the sides as she walked.  She effortlessly made every head turn and Calvin couldn't believe he was getting hard by just staring at her. 

She didn't just have a great body, he had heard that she was very intelligent too. Who wouldn't want to be with a woman like that? This was the kind of woman he had always wanted. One that aroused his intellect and his loins. 

Calvin watched as she sat with her friends and chatted away. He could only wonder what they were talking about. Just when he thought he was getting lost in her comeliness, the voice in his head began to grumble. For the first time, Calvin noticed that the voice sounded aggressive but he ignored it because Charlie seemed to have caught him staring and she held his gaze.

She didn't look away until after a few seconds. And when she did, she rose to her feet and went over to the smoothie stand. Calvin saw that as his opportunity and so he went after her. 

"Hey! I warned you" Tony tried not to shout but Calvin ignored him too and went after his interest. 

Charlie had her back to everyone as she drank her smoothie. She had noticed the young man that had held her gaze longer than anyone she had ever known. Most men were intimidated by her. Maybe it was because of her family's status or her own appearance... She couldn't really understand why men chickened out around her. 

"Hi" she heard someone say behind her. Her eyes lit up as knew it was him, so she took two seconds before turning around.

"Hi" she smiled. She really hoped her smile didn't look forced. 

Calvin introduced himself, flashing his dashing smile and she introduced herself too, leaving out her last name. The two of them took about five seconds to drink in each other's features.

In those five seconds, Charlie already concluded that Calvin was an exceptionally good looking man. His dark hair was a complete contrast of his deep blue eyes that seemed to be sucking her in. He had the perfect nose, jawline and an amazing smile. His body build was great too. He was tall, had the right amount of muscles and with the way his shirt was unbuttoned, anyone would think he was flaunting his body.

Before now, Calvin hadn't noticed her beautiful green eyes which stood out, having the color of the forest. She was overall beauty! No woman had ever appealed to him so much. Not wanting the silence to become awkward, he decided to start a conversation.

"So I have never heard of a moonlight festival" he said. "It's my first time attending one and I really want to know the significance".

"Well, we're just celebrating the full moon" she answered simply.

"Why?" He asked. "There's a full moon every month, so why's this festival just once a year?"

"We can't have a festival every month, so the festival takes place in a month with the brightest moon".

"How do you know which month has the brightest moon?"

"Astronomers predict these things".

"You go through all that trouble so you could have a festival?" Calvin almost scoffed. "I still don't understand why you're celebrating the moon".

"Uh. I... I should go" Charlie was suddenly in a hurry. 

"I'm sorry, did I say something wrong?" 

"Not at all. I'm the host tonight so I have to get back".

With that, she just left and Calvin wondered if he had blown his chances with his numerous questions. He decided that he was going to have another chat with her before the night was over. He didn't even get her number yet. 

He looked up and focused his gaze on the big moon. It was indeed beautiful, but something about it suddenly made him uncomfortable. As soon as he finished his smoothie, he went back to seat with Tony who had finally found a distraction in some girl. 

Calvin wasn't at ease. Something in his insides was itching to get out. He didn't know what it was and this different feeling made him worried. He rose to his feet and went into the woods, separating himself from everyone. He didn't know why he did that, but he just felt like he had to. 

Away from everyone, he suddenly had the urge to run. And so he did. He ran, faster than he thought he ever could. He didn't know how running could even ease the discomfort he was feeling but what he was doing felt just right.

He soon got to an opening in the woods and there, he fell on his knees, feeling the most excruciating pain. He opened his mouth to let out a scream but what he heard was a howl. It was at this point that Calvin knew that he was no longer himself. Whatever was in him, whatever had been in his head, talking to him, was finally in control.