Note// ive returned ! I know that whole week o so without updating was torturous > > feed my ego aha I just got distracted by graphics and my online class I started and just ugh, I became very lazy. But, im finally updating and hoping to stay on track with my daily updates! Im kind of iffy on this chapter, so tell me what you think!!! That said, I wont ramble much longer. Enjoy the story, thank you for reading xx

ten: im not a normal girl

I was completely distracted and could honestly say my classmates felt the same. The week after the tragedy of Garieth's attack, life in crescent Falls had changed quite a bit. There were now officers patrolling the streets, some people had taken to putting up wire fences to separate their homes from the woods. Students stuck together and hardly anyone sat outside, other than Mason and me.

"How have you been feeling lately?" Mason asked as he bit into his second sandwich. He'd started to bring me some as well, which I was grateful for because the minute Mom noticed a change in my diet, she'd start asking questions. Sorry that I ate all the leftover lasagna Mom, we werewolves have to stay energized.

"Some days are better than others." In all truthfulness, every day seemed like a challenge. My bones ached, my hair was thicker and unmanageable now, and often I felt myself becoming angry for no reason. It scared me the first time I'd snarled. It was after Marcus had said something in a jestful manner to me; my lip lifted upward and my teeth tightly pressed against each other, vibrating from the growl that'd escaped from me. He'd stared at me wildly and I tried to play it off my ignoring him. But I could feel him staring at me throughout class and I couldn't erase the shape of the snarl.

"Has there been any sighting of Lyus?" I asked to get off of the subject of me. Mason shook his head.

"We keep losing him."

"Why doesn't he shift into a human?"

"It's had to shift between forms when you're his kind." There was no hiding the level of disgust in Mason's voice. My insides flopped. I'd hope to never experience that. "The more he kills the more he loses touch with humanity. I started to say something when I noticed a familiar figure heading in our direction.

"How's it going wolf girl? New kid."

I shuddered at the sound of Marcus' voice.

"Hello," I grumbled ignoring the fact that I was answering to him calling me wolf girl. Mason nodded his head in acknowledgement.

"What are you two doing out here?"

"We like the scenery," mason said with a smirk.

"Yeah, I guess if you're into snow and trees," Marcus said with a shrug.

"Is there a reason for you being here?" I snapped. Looking up I watched as Marcus' cheeks turned a shade redder. He pushed his hands further into the front pockets of his dark blue jeans.

"I was kind of hoping to speak to you alone," he said.

"The bell is going to ring anyhow," Mason said as he stood up and gathered his things. "See you in class Luce." Strange. Mason, who vowed not to let me walk to the bathroom alone, was leaving me with Marcus - Marcus who talked to me more than ever now.

Gathering my things, I looked up briefly at Marcus. "Well, we are alone," I said.

"Right - well," Marcus cleared his throat, his hand reaching up to scratch at the back of his head. "You and the Mason kid, you aren't like talking right?"

"What?" I'd hope this wasn't another one of his puppy jokes. "No we aren't."

"Good!" The enthusiasm was surprising, but the smile that crossed Marcus' face was dazzling and I softened up some, realizing already my mood was shifting. "I'll just come out and say it. Do you maybe want to see a movie tonight? I know it's short notice and things are a bit spooky, but I was kind of hoping - I mean, only if you're free." I couldn't believe it. I was making Marcus nervous. Marcus was asking me out on a date.

"I don't know Marcus," I said even though there was something inside me saying yes. But, there was no telling what could happen at night. The last time I'd been out late I was attacked. Marcus was just as helpless as me at this point.

"I promise to be nice. No wolf jokes or anything." The bell had ringed, but it seemed far off and all I could do was focus on Marcus.

"Sure." I finally said. "We can do that."

"Great!" A group of girls had called for Marcus, in which he kindly told them to wait.

"Let me just give you my number and you can text me." I'd never thought the day would come when I would be giving someone my number - a guy at that. Quickly ripping out a sheet of paper, I scribbled my digits on them and handed it to Marcus. I watched as he strutted toward the girls, eventually disappearing into the swarm of kids. Gathering my things, I followed the group. My ears burned some and I could feel as though eyes were stabbing into me. I'd thought maybe it was a figure of my imagination, but I could've sworn that I saw Mason standing not too far from where Marcus and I'd been standing. Had he been listening?

Looking again, I found his presence gone; quick like a ghost appearance.

Hanging out with Mason afterschool had become a custom that I was used to and so was my mother. Though the reason behind it was nowhere near something I could get used to. I was distracted some though by my phone, as I was texting Marcus about our plans for the night.

"Are you really going out tonight? With him?" looking up, I pulled my sleeve down.

"Yes. Why, should I not?" Mason did that thing where it looked like he was literally swallowing his words.

"Just worried is all. The fact that Lyus or anyone from his pack actually came into town is scary enough. Until we actually get a breakthrough, I think it be best you stay in."

"I know, but there's no stopping Lyus from attacking me in my own backyard. He's done it before."

"At least we'd be able to watch you at home though. Going out, it will be harder for us to keep track of you."

"I've been watched all week. I hardly go out anymore thanks to you and my parents. Maybe I just want to be normal for a night!" My voice was rising and getting high pitched, like it always did when I got upset. There were a few students lounging around, which got me more attention than I would've liked.

"Well you're not normal Lucy." I didn't know what bothered me the most: the words that came out of Mason's mouth or how calmly he said them.

"Lucy!" From the corner of my eye I could see my mother's car. I grabbed my bag.

"See you tomorrow Mason."

"Lucy-" I walked quick as I could until I made it to the car.

"Hey hon. How was school?"

"Fine," I said quickly as I pulled my seatbelt on. eventually the car stated to move and all there was left of Mason was a tiny black spot in the mirror.

"You sure? That tone says otherwise."

"I got asked out on a date tonight - with Marcus Lanter, a kid from my class." I knew changing the subject would get both mine and my Mom's mind off of school.

"Really?" the smile in Mom's voice made me sigh some with relief and I was placed back into the sweet mood of earlier when I was asked by Marcus in the first place.

"Where are you planning to go? When?"

"He wants to see a movie at seven."

"Kind of late."

"Mom." I bit at my bottom lip, not really in the mood for a safety speech.

"Sorry, it's just that attack still isn't sitting with me or the night when you didn't come home."

"I know, but I highly doubt we'll get any wolves in the theater unless, well you count Wolverine. But that movie isn't even out yet." If I could get my mom to agree to me going, then there definitely wouldn't be any obstacles. "Plus I'll have my phone and you know there are officers diving around. And I mean, I am sixteen and all."

Now at a stop light Mom looked over at me, smirking some. "Right. How could I forget?"

"This is the first time I've been asked out as well."

"And I wouldn't ruin that. I guess I'm just . . . being a Mom."

Mom didn't stop being a mom. The minute six rolled around and I started to get ready for Marcus, she was hovering and asking questions: how old was he, what was he like, did I like him. I really didn't know how to answer the last two. Up until this point I hadn't really felt much hate or like toward Marcus, but there was something about him that made me buzz.

The minute I mentioned that his father was an officer; she seemed to calm down though. That eased Dad's mind too, seeing how he wasn't really keen on me dating under the age of thirty. It wasn't until the doorbell rang that I became nervous.

I worried about my hair, which I'd given up on wearing down and had pulled into a bun. It was colder at night, but seeing how my blood ran warmer lately I'd taken to wearing a simple pair of black jeans and a forest green turtle neck. Last minute I'd decided on jewelry.

I could hear Marcus' voice and my Dad's, with laughter following after. At least he wasn't being embarrassing. Taking a moment to breathe, I left out of my room and headed toward the front of the house. Marcus wore similar jeans to the ones he wore to school earlier, but had changed into a cream colored sweater. I was anxious to get us out of here.

"Will you be driving Marcus?" My dad asked as he hovered near the door.

"No, my father will."

"Marcus' dad is an officer."

"Oh," Dad said with a look of impression. "Well, that means my Lucy should come home safe."

"Scout's honor." I chuckled some, though I knew that lately my life had been one stumble after the other. With the events that played out, my fate was ever changing and so was the security of me being safe.

"Good," Dad said as he kissed me on the forehead, Mom following and I knew my cheeks were a dark shade of red. "You kids have fun." Opening the door, I could see a black Camry parked across the street.

I could feel the nerves settling in some with the thought of someone watching me. Him.

"You good?" Marcus asked; his hand was warm against my lower back. I nodded quickly.

"Great," I said with a smile. Together we headed toward the car. I could only explain the drive to be awkward since his father asked a lot of questions about school and my friendship with Marcus. I was glad to see sight of the cinema. It'd been the old city hall until it was refurbished. It was one of the newer things in Crescent Falls.

After receiving some money, Marcus dad promised to return by nine in front of the theater. I could smell the popcorn from outside where a small crowd gathered mostly older teens and adults. Above a ticket booth was a lit marquee with the showings.

"What are you in the mood for?" Marcus asked.

"Comedy, anything actually that doesn't have to do with paranormal." Marcus looked down at me with a raised brow and a small grin.

"No fangs or fur?"

"No please." We finally settled on an action comedy about Teen Spies. After buying the snacks from the concession stand we headed into the theater.

There was something relaxing about the darkness and comfort of the messy theater. The minute I sunk into the plush red velvet seats, I wasn't thinking about Mason or the wolves. I felt normal sitting here on a date with Marcus and I liked it.

But it was bittersweet, knowing it couldn't last.

"I never knew Emma Roberts could take a punch," Marcus said as we came out the theater. The movie had been good, full of hot teen actors, laughing material, action scenes, and some hot romance.

"You mean her stunt double." I said with a roll of my eyes.

"Oh come on! That was so her. There is no one with a figure-" Marcus paused and then I realized I'd been staring with what I was sure was a look of jealousy. Marcus laughed halfheartedly, closing the gap between us. we were standing outside, waiting for his father to come pick us up.

"Do you want to get some ice cream? There's this really good place up the street that stays open late for midnight movie goers," Marcus said. I didn't want any ice cream. I didn't care where we went but I felt comfortable with Marcus and would go anywhere that comfort was.

"Sure, I'd like that a lot." Marcus held his hand out and slowly I laced mine into his. It was warm against mine and the feeling of his thumb gently roaming over the back of my hand made me feel fuzzy inside.

But the fuzziness was replaced with paranoia as the same feeling of being watched washed over me.

"I didn't think you'd come out with me. I was positive you and that new kid were well something."

"Well I did. Though, he wasn't keen on the idea of me being out."

"Because of me?" Marcus asked. I could see the shining light of the ice cream parlor as we came closer. Most of the other shops were closed though and so there was too little light and plenty more shadows.

"Because of the wolves." I answered. As if I'd summon the wolf itself I could hear a slight growl in my ear. I squeezed Marcus' hand tighter.

"Well, that's silly. Garieth's killing was an accident. Some wolf that got too close, but it wouldn't be dumb enough to do that again."

We were just a foot away from the shop when I heard the growl once more, coming from a space between two of the buildings.

"What is it?" Marcus asked.

"Did you hear that?" I'd stopped on the sidewalk, staring into the darkness. I could see it, a strip of silver shaking and moving.

"It's nothing," Marcus said as he took my hand again. But it wasn't nothing.

Because coming closer was a pair of silver eyes; the ones that'd been imprinted into my mind since I was six.

"Shit," Marcus said as his hand drew me close to him. "Impossible." Marcus was slowly tugging me away. Closer in the direction of the ice cream shop. But as much as I wanted to go with him and away from the danger I could feel the pull toward Lyus.

Lucy.

I gasped.

"Lucy, Lucy come on. Are you - shit you're shaking." Marcus was right. I was shaking and tremoring so hard that the dangly moon earrings I wore brushed constantly against my jaw.

Feel it Lucy, the desire in your bones. Join me.

I heard the sound of my knees breaking before the pain came and it hurt. It hurt so bad that all I could see was red.

Red ground.

Red Lyus.

Red Marcus.