Chapter 16

The full moon fever had completely taken hold of me by now. It felt more palpable in the late afternoon than it had earlier in the morning.

I could sense the moon's magnetic resonance as clearly as the setting sun's radiant, orange heat streaming through the half-open windows of the school bus, warming my face. Closing my eyes, I allowed the warmth to envelop my eyelids as well.

Trying to take a calming breath, I attempted to guide the warmth into the confines of my chest, hoping it would ease the tight sensation there. However, deep breathing could only offer limited solace.

Tonight could very well mark my first shift, and I couldn't stop every nerve ending in my body from wringing their proverbial hands in anticipation. There was a mixture of trepidation and excitement stirring within my stomach at the mere thought. Or perhaps it was just hunger. I couldn't say for sure. But still, there was no denying the possibility that tonight's full