"I just have a small allowance. But I'll give you all of it - "
She studied me, as if now realizing that I might be telling her the truth.
"This must remain a secret," I said. "You are the only person I've told. Not even my best friends or my parents know what happened."
"I will need to observe him. Both when the moon is waxing and of course when it is full."
"I don't think that is possible now. He's forbidden me to see him."
"He is angry?" she asked. "He blames you? Us?" She was suddenly afraid. "You haven't told him where I live, have you?"
"Of course not. And besides, he's not mad or vengeful. That's the point. This guy is different from anyone I've ever met before. He refuses to be near me at night because he's afraid he's dangerous."
"Well, if what you say is true and he is a werewolf, you must stay away from him. For your own safety."
"So, you believe me?" I asked.
"Yes, I do," she said. "But I must see him. As soon as possible."
I gave Dr. Meadows a huge hug. Her warm personality crept through her embrace. Finally, part of my guilt was assuaged. "Thank you. I feel better already."
As she opened the door for me, the wind outside was still. Dr. Meadows grasped my shoulder as if something overcame her. "You must never kiss a werewolf," she warned vehemently.
She shut the door behind me, and the chimes rang out wildly. Suddenly I didn't feel so at ease anymore.
I wasn't sure how I'd convince Brandon to let Dr. Meadows meet him with the full moon approaching. He wasn't keen on me being with him under these circumstances, and she wasn't the kind of doctor who was certified by the medical board. How was I going to let a perfect stranger hang out in the woods and watch him transform into a lycan? There was so much Brandon was dealing with at once - but perhaps he'd be comforted by someone trying to help him. I decided to text him with my news. As I waited for his response, I continued research on my essay. However, I didn't find any information on the effects of kissing a werewolf. I was so attracted to Brandon - by day and by night - all I could do was imagine kissing him. If I was warned not to, I wasn't sure what the implications might be. Maybe I'd turn into a werewolf, or maybe it would be his demise. It wasn't fair that I wasn't supposed to kiss the one guy I was desperate to be with. Instead, I clung to his shirt as if it were him.
And not knowing why - or what might happen - if I kissed a werewolf only made the torment worse. And if I was in agony, I could only imagine the torment Brandon faced alone at school or by night in the woods.
I was alone, too. I'd always had Ivy to lean on and help me through situations. This time I'd have to figure out the answers on my own. My life had been easier and much less complicated before Brandon Maddox arrived at Legend's Run, but I wouldn't trade knowing him for the peace I had then.
Chapter Nineteen Watching Wolves
The following morning in English class I wasn't able to concentrate. My calendar told me all I needed to know. There was going to be a full moon tonight. I could see the pale white of the moon in the bright blue sky from my classroom window - it was just waiting to shine its glow. Mrs. Clark was reminding us to finish our folklore essays and I knew I hadn't completed mine. The only werewolf I wanted to write about was the one sitting a few rows behind me.
Mrs. Clark's attention suddenly turned outside. It appeared she, too, was having a hard time focusing on our lesson. But she looked concerned. She instructed us to remain seated and told us she'd return shortly.
I had a seat next to the window, so I glanced over to see what the object of her attention was. Fifty yards away from our classroom was the Legend's High flagpole. Standing next to it was a wolf.
It was jarring. I immediately surveyed the outlying area to see if any students were in danger. Fortunately, there weren't any students lingering anywhere.
"It's a wolf!" Ivy screamed, catching