As she'd suspected, the sudsy nest of hair and soap chips still clogged the shower drain. The hot water didn't shrink the clump as Clawdeen had hoped. Now, ankle deep in boy scum, she would have to reach into the tepid slough to remove the blockage, something she refused to do without a Hazmat suit. This situation made her miss the comforts of home, and her girly bathroom, even more.

The first night at the Hideout Inn-the family-owned restaurant and inn that encouraged guests to "unplug" with a strict no-TV-or-Internet policy-was a new record. Until now the Wolfs had spent the night only during their full-moon transitions. They posted a SORRY, ALL FULL sign, locked the doors, drew the blinds, and feasted.

Stays maxed out at twenty-four hours. The instant they switched back to normalish, the pack returned to Radcliffe Way, and the inn reopened to the public. Closing for any amount of time put a strain on their finances, since the steakhouse had been rated among the top ten restaurants in Salem for the past six years.

But this time, the strain was on Clawdeen's sanity. If she had to spend one more day sharing a bathroom with her brothers, she'd.......

Clawdeen: Ahhhh!

A gallon of ice-cold water splashed over her head.

Don: Dinner's ready!

He dropped a plastic milk jug onto the tiled floor. It landed with a hollow bounce. Howie burst out laughing, and then the two triplets took off, slamming the door behind them.

Shivering and disgusted, Clawdeen shut off the faucet.

Clawdeen: You're going to pay for this, Cleo. You too, Helsing.

She held her ex-friends responsible as she sidestepped anthills of stubble, clipped nails, and discarded underwear. Appetite-suppressing odors clung to her hair, a condition the perpetually upright toilet seat only made worse.

If her friends could see her now... what would they laugh at first? Her matted curls? Chipped nails? The ill-fitting brown HIDEOUT INN souvenir T-shirt from the gift shop? Probably the shirt. But what was she supposed to do? Her clothes were back home...along with her makeup, her privacy, and her life.

Downstairs in the restaurant, everything but the full moon was present and accounted for. The red velvet curtains, which Clawdeen had helped her mother make back when they first opened for business, kept the parking lot from view, giving guests the illusion that they were nestled inside a cozy dining room in the Alps, not a mere ten miles north of Salem just off the freeway.

Candles flickered inside sangria-colored votives. The tepee of logs in the stone fireplace was ablaze. Eighteen tables were set but unoccupied. Mom was in the kitchen heating up another batch of rolls. The guys were already eating, seated around a central circular table, deep in conversation and second helpings.

Clawrk: Hi, Deenie.

Her father's serious expression quickly melted into one of sticky sweetness.

Clawrk: How's my precious little pup?

Clawdeen: Hey, Dad.

She kissed the top of his head before sitting. Clawrk Wolf's lush black hair and thick eyebrows always made her think of Seth's father from The O.C.

Clawdeen: Do you think we can work on my driving this week? Two more weeks until I'm sixteen.

Clawrk: When I get back. I'm leaving for a construction job in Beaverton tomorrow. I'll be gone until Thursday.

Claqdeen: Anything good?

She was hoping for more industrial head nails, metal gates, or marble chunks. Or possibly something unexpected, like the mannequins from that old department store he'd demolished. Not that it really mattered. As long as she could DIY his trash into treasure, her video blog, "Where There's a Wolf, There's a Way", would keep gaining followers.

Her first episode, called "Lip Glass", in which she'd mounted glass panes on her wall and covered them with colorful lipstick kisses from all her friends, had already brought in seven followers. Before long she'd be fielding calls for her own show on the DIY Network. Then she'd move out, buy a massive New York-style loft, DIY it diva-style, and invite all of her friends (including Anya the waxer) to move in. From that moment on, the only fur lying around would be the fabulous faux kind.

Clawrk: I'm building a kids' tree house and jungle gym in some hoitytoity couple's backyard.

He spooned a mound of sautéed mushrooms onto his plate.

Clawrk: So probably a ton of wood chips.

Clawdeen: Perfect.

Clawdeen smiled, thinking of how she could experiment with new nail-art designs on the wood chips and then glue them to the outside of her laptop. How blog-able was that?

Clawrk: Boys, I'm counting on you to keep your mom and Deenie safe while I'm gone.

He sighed.

Clawrk: At least Leena is safe at Arrowhead.

Don: Wish we could say the same about her roommates.

The other boys laughed.

Clawdeen: If you really cared about safety, you guys would clean the pit hairs out of the soap and unclog the drain.

She knew that wasn't what her father meant. She was tired of being overprotected and underestimated, especially by a pack of boys who didn't know how much was too much when it came to squeezing a tube of toothpaste.

Clawdeen: I don't understand why we have to share one bathroom when we have the entire inn to ourselves.

Overcome by the rich aroma of warm butter and beef, she quickly stabbed the last New York strip with her fork and dropped it onto her plate, beating Clawd by a millisecond.

Harriet: Because I want to keep this place clean.

Claqrk: She's right. We need to be ready for guests the instant that ALL FULL sign comes down.

Nino burped. The boys howled.

Nino: I don't have an ALL FULL sign, because I love Mom's steak.

Clawrk: You're not the only one, son. Normies go crazy when they can't get a reservation. They're addicted to your mother's cooking.

Clawrk glanced around the empty dining room.

Clawrk: That movie was bad for business. Very bad.

Rocks: Why?

Rocks chewed loudly.

Rocks: The Hideout wasn't even in the movie.

Clawdeen rolled her eyes.

Clawdeen: He means because we have to hide here, so the place is closed.

Rocks stared at her blankly.

Clawdeen: No money!

Howie: Yeah. I wonder whose fault that is.

Clawdeen quickly flashed her brother a mouthful of chewed meat.

Nino: If you're not going to finish that, I will.

Claqdeen: Ew!

Clawdeen giggled.

Clawd: So, Dad, remember I told you football scouts were coming to Merston? Well, Coach Donnelly texted. They'll be there on Monday.

Clawrk cracked open a beer and took a long swig.

Clawd: Coach saw the video and knows I'm a RAD and all, but he's cool with it. He even said he'll drive me back after the game. And if I want that scholarship....

Clawrk slammed down his beer.

Clawrk: You didn't tell him where we are, did you?

Clawd: Course not. But even if I did, it'd be fine. He's cool.

Claqrk: Does he know the inn is ours? Or that Charlie and Joanne Stewart are made-up owners?

Claqd: No, I swear. I've never told anyone that. And I never would.

Howie: I read that people are hunting us for rewards.

Clawdeen: You read?

Howie: How much are they asking for you?

Clawdeen: You couldn't afford it, bro.

Howie: That's what you think.

Howie reached into the pocket of his jeans and flicked a nickel at Don.

Howie: Keep the change.

Everyone laughed except their dad, who was considering Clawd's request, and Clawd, who was waiting to hear his fate.

Clawrk: I'll need to talk to the coach.

Clawd: Sure.

Clawrk: And you'll take the car. I don't want him knowing we're here.

Clawd nodded.

Clawrk looked toward the kitchen, as if consulting his wife. Rolling up the sleeves of his stained white thermal, he leaned back in his chair and announced his answer.

Clawrk: As long as you knock the socks off those scouts! And take that girly earring out of your ear.

Clawd: Promise!

Clawd leaned across the table and high-fived his father. His brothers howled their support.

Clawdeen: I think I'll go with you. I can check the mail for RSVPs, get some fresh clothes, check in with some friends, you know....

Howie: You don't think you're still having that Sweet Sixteen party, do you?

Clawdeen: Sassy Sixteen. And why not?

She tried dodging them.

Clawdeen: It's two weeks away. This will all be over by then.

Howie: Yeah, right.

Howie shook his head in disbelief.

Howie: Who told you that? The other minorities on this planet?

Clawdeen: Maybe.

Howie: You mean the ones who have been fighting for equal rights for, I dunno, about five thousand years?

The other brothers snickered.

Howie: Yeah, I bet they're working overtime to have this whole racism thing wrapped up by your Sweet-I mean your Sassy Sixteen.

Clawrk: That's enough!

Clawdeen: Thank you, Daddy.

Clawdeen cooed.

Clawdeen: I was just hoping to check on the house and pick up a few things. It's not like I'm going to school or anything.

Clawrk: No way. You're staying here with your brothers, where it's safe.

What? Why? Frustration formed in the pit of Clawdeen's stomach. Gathering strength, it swirled toward her heart and up through her throat. If she let it out, it would sound like, What a massive double standard! This is so unfair! I'm running away to live with the Kardashians!

But it was clear from the dark circles under her father's eyes, his rounded shoulders, and his shredded fingernails that this was a bad time to fight for equal rights. Knowing he would be away on a construction job and unable to protect them was obviously stressing him out big-time. Why make things worse? Instead, Clawdeen wiped her mouth on a napkin like a good little girl. Just like everyone expected her to.
-------------------
You found yourself waking up with a throbbing headache. Your whole body felt like it was vibrating. You sat up and found yourself in a room that looked like a dorm room. The bed you were laying on was a twin and there was a wooden desk pushed against the adjacent wall. There was a clock on the wall above the desk and a few books.

You held your side before you tried to stand up, but the pain just kept you down. You felt like you had gotten punched by a fire truck then smacked with the hose. That last thing you remembered was passing out after you were drugged by Chaney.

You rubbed your head.

Y/N: Jerks.

You knew where you were. This was Lovecraft Manor. It was the closest base of operations for the Monster Hunter Committe in New Salem. Well, it was actually in the next county over, but it was still practically a hop, jump, and skip away. It was a grand mansion where hunters could stay if they needed to for a hunt. And since that video has now gone viral, it seems like it will have more foot traffic in the coming weeks.

You knew the committee wouldn't allow them to hunt the Monster in New Salem. There was no contract to do so and they didn't pose a threat. At least, none that you knew of. Your word may be used against you, however, if Lilith had her way in convincing the head hunters that you had been hypnotized by them. And since you were here, it would appear that she was successful.

Luckily, you weren't entirely alone.

Downstairs, away from where you were, the front doors of the manor flew off their hinges and crashed into the floor. The hunters that were there immediately rushed to fend off the threat, only to also be sent flying across the room.

Dracula stepped into the manor, eyes still as red as the blood moon. His coat consumed his figure as he scanned the room for more hunters.

Chaney: You have the guts of a giant ro be attacking us.

Dracula's eyes trailed up the steps to find the head hunters gathered. He didn't not flinch. He narrowed his eyes.

Dracula: Where is Y/N?

Chaney: Safe, away from you and the other Monsters that tried to use him.

Dracula growled lowly. The head hunters knew that he would be a difficult foe to defeat. Dracula was one of the original members of the Monster Council. His strength and prowlness were the stuff of legends. It was for these reasons that Dracula was one of the few monsters to ever be placed on the "Do Not Hunt" list.

Dracula: I am his assigned guardian, at the request of Vincent himself.

Rains: Vincent won't be saving you this time, Abraham.

Dracula gritted his teeth at his true name. His stare alone shook Rains to his core, making him regret his choice of words.

Byron: A direct attack on this manor will result in open season on your head. Surely you know this?

Dracula: And a direct attack on my home has resulted in open season on yours.

Chaney: Nonsense!

Lugosi: It is true.

The hunters looked to Lugosi. Among them all, he was noted to be the most unbiased towards both monsters and humans. He walked down the steps towards Dracula and held his hands behind his back, showing his disinterest in violence.

Lugosi: We lead the first attack. The Count is well within his right to fight back. It is the way of the old order.

Lugosi met Dracula's eyes, simply nodding. Lugosi was one of the older hunters, so he had earned the respect of the much older vampire.

Dracula: Where is Y/N?

Lugosi: He is here. We have him in a holding room until his uncle's arrival.

Dracula: He was placed under my care....

Lugosi: And I would release him to you if his uncle was here to confirm that. At the moment, no one can reach him.

Dracula: I did.

Chaney noticeably shifted. Dracula took a mental note of this.

Dracula: He is well on his way here. He will arrive by lunchtime tomorrow.

Lugosi was about to respond, but he was beaten to the punch by Chaney.

Chaney: Then we shall greet him when he arrives. Until then, the boy will remain with us.

Dracula walked past Lugosi who silently cursed Chaney's ignorance.

Dracula: Even if I don't leave here with Helsing, I still seek retribution for your attack against my community.

Chaney: The video?

Dracula: Y/N made that video with good intention. Hellscream's niece, however, tampered with it and framed him.

Chaney: These are bold claims. Unfortunately, unless you have proper evidence....

Chaney suddenly found something hitting him square in the forehead. He stumble backwards as a flash drive dropped to his feet.

Dracula: Video recording of her in my shed. And I have the video of your attack as well. I send word, and my daughter and her friends send it to the committee.

Chaney looked at the flash drive before looking to Dracula. He straightened his tie before snatching the device.

Dracula: Release the boy, or I bring this entire manor down along with your reputation and standing with the committee.

Chaney gritted his teeth. He then turned to Lilith who was waiting on top of the stairs. Her uncle was a very powerful man. However, Helsing and Dracula? It was a whole different story. If what Dracula said was true, then that would mean that the head hunters royally messed up.

Dracula: So, what will it be?

Chaney narrowed his eyes as he took a deep breath.
------------------
You sat on the bed with your head in your hands. You only looked up when you heard the jingling of keys on the lock. You sat up, ready to try and fight your way out of the room, only for the door to swing open and for Dracula to come rushing in.

He immediately reached you and began to look you over for injury. Behind him, Lugosi watched from the doorway.

Dracula: Are you alright?

You looked at Lugosi before you turned your attention back to the vampire.

Y/N: Uh, y-yeah. I guess. What are you doing here?

Dracula: I'm here to take you home. Your uncle is on his way.

You shook your head.

Y/N: I don't think that's a good idea. I might just put you all on danger again.

Dracula looked at you with a are you seriously saying you'll put Dracula in danger look. You regretted saying anything.

Dracula: The community is in a bit of disarray, but your name has been cleared and your friends are waiting for you.

Your friends? When you saw them earlier, they blamed you for what happened. At least, some of them did. They believed that you had caused all of this. And, in a way, you did.

Still, you would be better off with Dracula than the head hunters. You stood up, a bit dizzy still. Dracula held you up and walked you out of the room.

He sat you down in the car he drove here. He couldn't fly you back, so he opted for a car instead. Once you were in and buckled, he walked around to the driver's side. He stopped long enough to cast a dark look at Chaney, who was watching from the destroyed doorway of the manor, before he got into the car.

The drive was going to be a bit long, so you chose to fall asleep. As you did, you dreamt of a strange place. One with magic in the air. Dracula looked over to you, and sighed. He knew that place too. It was a place he had called home long ago.
-----------------
Clawdeen woke to the sound of wheels crunching over gravel. Confused by gauzy remnants of sleep, she tried to place her surroundings. Darkness. Blankets that smelled like wet dog instead of breezy-clean fabric softener. This was definitely not her bedroom on Radcliffe Way.

Something began to rustle, like a body squirming against a leather seat. It was breathing. Clawdeen’s heartbeat began to accelerate. Adrenaline pumped her awake.

Oof! A shoe slammed on top of her ribs. A second one quickly followed. Then something lighter. She bit her lower lip and refused to move.

Clawd: I know you’re back there.

Oops.

Clawdeen bicycle-kicked the stinky blanket off her body.

Clawdeen: How?

She hoisted herself off the car floor and onto the backseat.

Clawd: You started snoring the minute we hit the highway.

Clawdeen: And you let me stay?

She never failed to be surprised by her older brother.

Clawdeen: What if Dad finds out?

Clawd: I’ll say I didn’t know you were here.

Clawdeen: What if something happens to me?

He turned around to face her.

Clawd: I won’t let it.

Clawdeen: Why are you doing this?”

Clawd: Because I know sometimes they don’t treat you fairly.

Clawdeen smiled. Finally, someone understands.

Clawd: What are Mom and Dad going to say when they wake up and you’re gone?

Clawdeen: Dad is taking off for Beaverton at, like, four in the morning, and Mom is driving to the Seattle Marketplace to stock up on food. She leaves before we wake up and won’t be home until Monday after dinner. As long as we head back after your game, we’ll beat her.

Clawd: And the brothers?

Clawdeen: You slipped a note under their door promising to buy them a Wii for Christmas if they keep quiet.

Clawd: I did?

Clawdeen giggled.

Clawdeen: Don’t worry, I’ll pay you back as soon as my DIY show takes off. Now can we please get out of this car and go home? I’m going to start shedding if I don’t take off these gift shop clothes.

Clawd: Wait! We have to be careful.

Clawd opened the door.

Clawd: I parked three blocks from the house to avoid suspicion. Let’s take the ravine.

Clawdeen: The streets are better. People will be looking for us in the ravine. But if we just walk normally, no one will suspect a thing.

Clawd: That’s ridiculous. We’re just asking to get caught.

Clawd gently shut the door.

Clawdeen opened hers.

Clawdeen: No. If we take the ravine, we’re asking to get caught.

Clawd: My road trip, my plan.

Clawdeen: Forget it. You go your way, and I’ll go mine.

Clawdeen wasn’t sure what she was fighting for anymore, but she refused to back down.

Clawd: I’m not just going to leave you.

Clawdeen: Then come with me on the street.

She began walking down Glacier Road feeling naked and exposed. Alive and in charge. Afraid and energized. Indisputably independent. She liked it.

Clawd: Wait!

Clawdeen looked back to Clawd who was scrambling to catch up. They walked half the block in silence, senses attuned, hackles up.

Her brother finally broke the silence.

Clawd: Why are you always trying to be the alpha?

Clawdeen: I’m not trying. I am.

Clawd: Very funny.

But somehow, someday, Clawdeen would find a way to prove it. And once she did, the last laugh would be hers.