Fur, Fangs and French Class
by Marilee Jackson
Jade watched the trees pass by through the passenger window. The excitement she’d been feeling had grown into fear. A solid ball of panic had settled in the pit of her stomach . . . she just might vomit.
This was her chance to finally get Kevin’s attention. They had been in the same French class all year, but he never seemed to know she was there. Who could blame him? She wondered. He was a jock, popular, athletic and smart. Everyone loved Kevin, including Jade. But she had always been self-conscience because of her glasses and unnatural love of archery. She blamed that on her dad’s hunting addiction—she had grown up surrounded by weapons and the crossbow was her favorite.
The Jeep slowed to a stop and Frannie, Jade’s best friend, jumped out and stretched her long dancer’s legs. They had been friends forever, even though they were total opposites. Jade was short and average with brown hair and blue eyes. Frannie was tall and slender, a redheaded ballerina with hazel eyes. But they made it work. If it hadn’t been for Frannie’s invite to the senior camping trip Jade wouldn’t be there.
Jumping out of the SUV, Jade smoothed the road wrinkles from her black top and khakis. Four other various cars pulled into the campground parking lot. Jade looked around the peaceful forest and took a deep cleansing breath; the woods had always been a place of solace for her. There was a flat clearing about the size of a baseball diamond in front of them with a stone circle in the middle. On one side was a large dark lake. The lake looked strange to Jade, too dark and really deep. Suddenly chilly, Jade rubbed her arms and pulled on a sweatshirt.
After greetings and tent setups Kevin built a fire in the pit and the ten seniors sat around the fire roasting hot dogs and marshmallows. Frannie pulled out her phone and turned on some music. A few of the others began to pair off making Jade uncomfortable. Standing she brushed the dirt from her pants, grabbed a flashlight and decided to take a walk. When she got to the to the lake’s edge she walked to where the trees began and a chill cut through her. Shivering she scanned the glassy black surface; an odd feeling began to creep up her spine. Taking a few steps toward the water she hesitated.
A swim sounds nice, she thought.
Crunching on the rocks broke through her thoughts.
“It’s not safe to wander around the woods at night.” Kevin was standing on a rock behind her.
“Oh.” Jade was startled to see him. “I’m okay; I’ve been in the woods my whole life,” she told him.
“Really?” he asked.
The moon had raised enough to make his grey eyes sparkle. Jade just nodded.
“You’re not like other girls.”
“I know,” she said, a little hurt.
“No, it’s a compliment,” he said. “I like different.”
“You do?” Jade met his eyes. He nodded while holding her stare. Kevin took her hand and pulled her a little closer to his six foot frame. His eyes never left hers, she swallowed a lump that had formed in her throat and began to shake.
“You’re cold,” Kevin said, wrapping his strong arms around her shoulders. Jade closed her eyes and breathed in his cologne mingled with campfire smoke.
“Is that better?” He asked looking down at her.
“Yes,” she whispered.
Kevin’s head slowly began to come toward hers. She closed her eyes in anticipation.
CRACK!
A branch broke in the forest beside them. Jade’s head jerked toward the noise. Her whole body became tense.
“What was that?” she asked scanning the forest edge.
“Who cares?” Kevin tried to pull her back but her hunter’s instincts had taken over. Leaving Kevin standing in shock Jade ran to the jeep and pulled her crossbow from the back.
“Where are you going?” Kevin asked as she rushed past him into the woods.
Thankfully the moon was full enough for her to see. Silently she moved from tree to tree until she found was she was looking for . . . fresh paw prints. She picked up speed as she followed stealthily. Her ears pricked as she heard the animal breathing . . . panting. Crouching lower in the brush she waited for it to emerge. Out of the pines fifteen feet away sauntered a giant white dog.
Jade leveled her crossbow, took aim and pulled the trigger. The arrow sliced right through the beast’s front leg. Howling in pain it ran through the woods in the opposite direction. Jade stared after it, debating whether to follow or not.
“Jade!” Frannie yelled. “Where are you?!”
“Jade!” Kevin’s voice sounded scared.
Jade turned and walked back to the lake and campsite.
“Holy crap, Jade.” Frannie hugged her. “What’s wrong with you? Why did you bring that?” Frannie pointed to the weapon in Jade’s hand.
“I always take it when I’m going to the woods,” Jade said as if it were normal behavior for a teenage girl.
“What made that noise?” A few of the others asked.
“It was a wolf.”
Horror appeared on their faces.
“Don’t worry, it won’t be back tonight. I got his leg.” Jade said.
“I’m glad you’re okay,” Kevin broke his silence, “but you could’ve been killed.”
“But . . . I’m okay and the wolf is gone,” she offered in apology.
“Yeah, but maybe we should take turns keeping the fire going tonight . . . just in case,” Frannie said. “Jade and I’ll take first watch.”
After a few hours of silence Jade looked up from the fire saw Frannie staring at her with a quizzical look.
“What?”
“I was watching you and Kevin by the lake earlier.” Frannie smiled.
“And . . . ” Jade’s gaze dropped back to the blaze between them.
“And it looked like something was about to happen before you went all Katniss and took off through the forest, arrows blazing.” Frannie mimicked shooting a crossbow.
“Maybe . . .” Jade trailed off.
“No maybe, there was about to be some serious lip locking going on there.” Frannie shook her head.
“So?”
“So, I thought you liked Kevin?” Frannie asked, eyebrows bouncing.
“I do.” Jade lowered her head to her knees.
“So why go barreling off into the trees?”
“I couldn’t help it, instinct kicked in and I just ran.” Jade tried to explain, but Frannie just shook her head again.
“Well, aren’t you glad I got the wolf? It could have come here in the night and attacked or something.” Jade asked matter-of-factly.
Frannie grunted and the next set of fire watchers came to take their place. Jade was asleep as soon as she finished zipping her sleeping bag.
The sun was barely peeking over the horizon when Jade woke up and stretched. Nature called. When she finished, Jade came around the tent and saw Kevin standing on the lake’s edge. He had taken the last shift of the night. She decided she should talk to him about the night before. Kevin took a few steps into the lake.
“What’s he doing?” Jade wondered aloud. “Kevin!” she hollered. He turned and looked at her and then jumped into the dark water.
Maybe he’s just going for a morning swim; maybe he’s taking a makeshift bath. The thoughts swirled around in her head. Her lungs ached; she didn’t realize she’d been holding her breath, waiting for him to resurface.
“What’s going on?” The other campers had come out after her shout.
“Kevin jumped in the lake.” Jade’s voice was on the edge of hysteria.
“Oh brother, Jade. He can swim; no need to scream like a banshee.”
They all agreed.
Jade barely heard them, she was still searching for any sign of Kevin. The moments ticked by. Panic stabbed Jade’s heart. She pulled her sweatshirt over her head and kicked off her shoes on her way to the lake.
There were sounds of shock and awe from the campground but she didn’t stop, Kevin needed her
. She hesitated on the water’s edge. Taking a deep breath she jumped into the icy depths.
The freezing water stole the air from her lungs and she involuntarily sucked in water. Pushing her way to the surface she broke through and choked and sputtered until she could breathe again. Feeling more prepared she once more dove for Kevin. Under the water she opened her eyes. She couldn’t see anything. Diving deeper she silently begged Kevin to appear. After several trips to the surface for air her heart dropped and she began to loose hope. On her final dive she held her breath until her lungs burned. Finally, in the black cold depths she spotted something white. Kevin’s hand. Jade grabbed it and pulled as hard as she could, slowly they made their way to the top.
When her head was above water she yelled. “Help!”
The other guys in the group waded in and helped pull Kevin out. As soon as they laid him down he began to gasp and cough and breathe. Tears streamed down Jade’s face. He was alive.
“What happened?” Kevin asked with his eyes closed.
“You almost drowned dude,” one of the guys said pounding on Kevin’s back.
“I think we should get him to a hospital, just to make sure he’s okay,” Frannie said.
A few hours later they were all sitting in the emergency room waiting area. The door opened and Kevin’s mom came out wiping tears off her cheeks.
“He’s going to be fine. You should all go home and get some rest.” She smiled. “Thank you…Jade?”
Jade jumped out of her chair. “Yeah?”
“Thank you so much, I understand you went in after him.” She threw her arms around Jade’s neck.
“You’re welcome,” Jade said awkwardly into Mrs. Jones’s shoulder.
Jade left the hospital emotionally drained and physically tired. She took a shower and went to bed. She reached up to take off her glasses and realized she hadn’t had them on all day. Her tired brain deduced that it must have been adrenaline causing her to see without them.
Sometime after midnight Jade woke up to a knock, she went and opened her door; no one was in the hallway. Soft snoring came from her parents’ door. Jade shook her head to clear the fog of sleep. Another knock and she spun around to the window. The hair on the back of her neck prickled and stood up. She took a few steps to the window and parted the curtains an inch.
“Kevin?” Jade asked.
“Can I come in?” he asked.
Jade opened the window and he jumped in the opening.
“Thanks.” He pulled a chair from the desk and sat down.
“What are you doing here?” Jade asked. “It’s late.”
“You pulled me out of the water,” he said.
Jade nodded, her face feeling flushed.
“Thanks.” He fingered the crossbow on the desk.
“Um . . . yeah, you’re welcome.”
“You wanna go for a walk?” Kevin put his hand out to her.
“Now? It’s late and we have school tomorrow.” Jade scrunched up her forehead confused. Something was off about him. “Maybe another time,” she offered.
“Sure.” He jumped up. “Another time.”
Kevin walked to the window. He pulled Jade to him without warning and smashed his mouth painfully onto hers.
“Thanks again.”
Jade rubbed her throbbing lips.
“Goodnight Jade. See you in French class,” Kevin said.
“Goodnight . . .” Her voice trailed off when she noticed his eyes were gold in color. Before she could think of what to say Kevin jumped out the window.
Jade leaned her head out after him, but there was no trace of Kevin. Never one to sit around and wait for answers, Jade grabbed her bow and jumped out the window too. Once outside she had no idea where to go or what to do. There was a faint howl down the street. She followed the sound. Instead of taking the sidewalk where any of the neighbors could see her, Jade took the trees that lined the back of the houses.
After a few minutes she could hear growling and howling. When she got to where the sounds were coming from there were two wolves, huge wolves, rolling around the forest floor. Jade ducked behind a tree and took aim. They were moving so much she couldn’t get a clear shot. Shrugging her shoulders she pulled the trigger and an arrow glanced off the darker wolf’s front leg. It growled but ran away. The lighter-colored wolf turned and stared at her before trotting away.
The next day Jade felt like a truck had hit her. She hadn’t slept much after the wolf incident. Where were all these wolves coming from? Jade took her seat in French class. Kevin came in after the bell rang and instead of his usual seat, he sat in the one beside Jade.
“Hi Jade,” he said.
“Hello,” she said, biting her lower lip nervously.
“Are you okay? You seem distracted.” He touched her right arm.
Jade glanced at his arm and noticed a bandage.
“I’m fine. Are you? What happened?” She pointed to the dressing.
“I seem to have cut myself. Just clumsy, I guess.” He smiled making his golden eyes twinkle.
“Are you wearing contacts?” Jade asked staring into his eyes.
“No, are you? Where are your glasses?” He reached out and brushed her cheek.
“No, I lost my glasses at the lake and so far I can see just fine.” Jade shrugged.
“Kevin? Jade?” Mr. Scott called out. “Something you’d like to share?”
“No,” they both said.
After school Jade put her books in her backpack and headed out to the parking lot. As she neared her car the hair on her neck prickled. She looked around but everything seemed normal. She threw her bag in the backseat and slid in the driver’s seat.
“Jade, please don’t scream,” a guy said.
Jade turned around. Sitting in the backseat was Robert. He had graduated two years ago.
“What’re you doing in my car?” He looked like he hadn’t cut his hair in months. “You stink.” She covered her nose.
“Thanks,” he said flatly, “I need your help.”
“Help with what?” she asked through a pinched nose.
“Do some research on werewolves.” Robert started to get out of the car.
“Wait. What?” Jade called after him.
“Notice any recent changes?” he asked.
“Maybe . . .”
“Just do the research.” He got out of the car.
When Jade got home her parents were still at work so she went straight to the laptop. Same stuff she already knew. Silver bullets, change with the moon. What was Robert getting at? Kevin’s a werewolf. Or did he think she was one?
After dinner the doorbell rang. Karen, Jade’s mom, went and answered it. When she returned she had a box for Jade.
“This was at the door.” Karen handed the package to Jade.
“Thanks.” Jade looked at the return label. All it said was “A friend.”
“Who’s it from?” her dad asked.
“Just a friend. I’m gonna go finish my homework. Night.” She kissed both parents and went up to her room. Once the door was shut she tore into the package. It contained four arrows, each one had a silver head.
During her homework, Jade kept one eye on the arrows. The clock rolled over to ten o’clock. Jade stood to stretch. She walked to the window to get some air. Standing in the backyard, looking up at her was the light-colored wolf. The air on her neck prickled and her pulse quickened. The wolf looked at her, then toward the tree line and back at her. Jade took her bow and new arrows and crept downstairs. Her parents were watching TV in the family room and didn’t hear her sneak out the back door.
The wolf was still standing there. They stood staring at each other for a while. Jade wasn’t sure what to do now. Finally, the wolf pulled its top lip back in a snarl. Baring his teeth, he growled, a low deep noise. Instinctively Jade pulled her crossbow up and leveled the wolf in her sights. The wolf turned and trotted into the trees. Jade followed. Jade found herself in the clearing from the ni
ght before. There was the wolf. He crouched and leapt at her. She turned and rolled just in time. The wolf turned when she stood and jumped again. Jade was ready this time. She squeezed the trigger and the arrow buried deep in the huge animal’s fur. Soundlessly it hit the ground.
Jade watched in disbelief as the wolf shook and convulsed and then a flash of light blinded her. When her eyes adjusted she saw Robert lying on the forest floor, an arrow in his side.
“Robert?” she whispered.
“Thank you.” He coughed.
“What?” Tears pooled in her eyes.
“If you hadn’t figured it out, I’m . . . was a werewolf. You’ve freed me, now you have to help Kevin.” His breathing made a sickening sucking sound.
“I can’t kill Kevin. I didn’t know it was you . . .” She trailed off.
“I made you shoot me. It was the only way to save me. Kevin still has hope. He can be freed by killing the king wolf.” He stopped to catch his breath.
“I don’t understand any of this.” Jade took Robert’s head into her lap.
“The lake . . . it’s a portal to the king’s lair. He lures people into the water and turns them into werewolves-uh- it happened to me two years ago. But because you willingly jumped in . . . you’ve become a slayer.” Robert pulled the arrow out.
“A slayer? What’s that?”
“You selflessly offered your life for another, you’re brave . . . the qualities of a slayer. But now the king is after you. You have to kill him . . . and save Kevin.” Robert took a labored breath.
“Why wouldn’t that have saved you?” Jade asked trying to make sense of what was happening. “Why did I have to kill you?”
“I’ve been a wolf for two years. After your first transformation, it’s permanent. Tonight is Kevin’s last night to be saved.” When Robert grabbed Jade’s hand, his was ice cold. “Please . . . save him.”
He dropped her hand and with a soft gurgle stopped breathing, tears slopped down Jade’s cheeks. In the distance a wolf howled. Her head snapped up in attention. Jade gently slid Robert’s head onto the ground and grabbed the bow and arrows. Silently Robert’s body vanished. Jade had no time to lose; she ran home and got in her car. She slammed her foot down on the gas pedal and flew down the road toward the lake.
Halfway there Jade came around a corner and slammed on her brakes. The car swerved and skidded sideways before stopping in front of a giant auburn wolf. Without thinking she locked the doors, and pushed on the gas. She had to make it to the lake. After she took care of the king she’d come back for Kevin.
Her car skidded across the gravel and came to a stop in the campground parking lot, Jade jumped out of the car and ran toward the lake. She had no idea how to find the portal, it was dark now and she couldn’t see in the lake during the day.
Oh well, she thought.
Pulling her jacket off, she heard a growl. The auburn wolf was beside her. The wolf jumped at her. With a scream, she flung her foot and caught wolf Kevin in the side of the head. He yelped and staggered backward.
Jade took the split-second distraction and jumped into the freezing water. She plunged head-first down, down, deeper and deeper. Her lungs screamed for air and her heartbeat thundered in her ears. Just when she thought she’d black out, there was a small patch of light at the bottom of the lake. Jade stretched her fingers out and tangled them in the weeds, pulling herself closer to the light. When she got close enough she felt her body being sucked into the light.
She was standing on the bank of the lake but it was different somehow, dream-like. Instead of a giant wolf Kevin was standing before her.
“Jade!” He rushed toward her and threw his arms around her.
“Kevin, but how?” Jade asked.
“I’m trapped here. Some big dog thing keeps us all here,” he said, pulling back. “Oh no, you’re trapped too?”
“Us?” Jade looked around and saw about a dozen people. Their clothes were from various decades.
“No, I came here to save you. Apparently, I’m a slayer.” Jade’s blood turned to ice when she reached for her bow and arrows. She’d left them in the car.
“Jade you have to go . . . now.” Kevin tried to push her away.
An ear-splitting howl tore through the trees.
“Oh no, it’s too late.” Kevin sighed.
“A slayer? Did I hear you right?” A growling laugh came from the trees where an enormous grey wolf stood on two legs.
Jade squared her shoulders and gave Kevin’s hand a squeeze. “That’s right, a slayer.”
“Come to kill me, have you?” The king laughed again.
“Yep.”
“Well then, come and get me.” He put both arms out wide, inviting her advance.
Jade took two steps toward him then hesitated. What could she do without her bow?
“Grr, haha.” The king laughed. “Some slayer.”
“I’m just wondering why you hide here?” Jade asked, stalling.
“What? I don’t hide.” Anger flashed in his eyes.
“Then why don’t you come get your own werewolves? Why lure them to you?” Jade began backing toward the lake.
“I don’t have to answer to you,” he growled.
“Lazy or weak—that’s it, right?” Jade mocked.
The king growled and ran toward her. She turned and jumped back into the lake. The swim back took less time. Treading water she ran feeling like she was in slow motion. Just as she reached her car the wolf king jumped out of the lake. Jade’s hands shook as she fiddled with the door handle. The wolf king slowly sauntered in her direction. Finally the door came free and she grabbed the bow. As she leveled the king in her sights wolf Kevin pounced on her, knocking her to the ground. The air flew out of her lungs in a whoosh. Huge, furry paws pinned her down. Bearing his teeth he lowered his head until his teeth were touching her nose. Jade closed her eyes and put both feet against wolf Kevin’s stomach. Pushing with all her strength she made him lose his balance. She rolled out from under him. Grabbing the bow, she swung and connected with his skull. The beast’s body went limp.
“Well, well, well, maybe you’re a slayer after all.” The king laughed and came toward her.
Raising the bow she got him in the sights. He took two steps and swiped the bow out of her hands; his claws tore the flesh on her arm.
“Ow!” Jade cradled her wounded arm.
“Maybe not.” He growled hot foul breath in her face.
He swiped again and knocked her to the ground. He stood on her legs as well as her chest. Jade struggled to no avail.
“Poor little slayer, never had a chance.” He lowered his head and drool ran down her cheek.
She flailed her arms, desperate. Her hand hit something hard and smooth . . . one of the extra arrows. Closing her fist around the arrow she shoved it into the king’s side. He staggered back letting her go. Jade jumped up and kicked the arrow deeper into his chest. The king let out a howl so loud that Jade had to cover her ears. The king exploded in a flash of light. Jade flew back and hit her head on her car.
When Jade woke up light was streaming through her bedroom window. She came down the stairs and found her parents at the table.
“Good morning, Sleepyhead. How you feeling?” Her dad asked.
“My head hurts. How did I get home?”
“Kevin brought you home. He said you slipped on rocks at the lake. Next time, at least let us know you’re going out.” Her dad kissed her on his way out the door.
The doorbell rang.
“That’ll be Kevin. He said he’d come check on you in the morning,” her mom said.
Jade ran to the door and threw it open. Kevin was standing on the front porch. Her heart leapt. He raised his eyes to hers, his grey eyes. Relief flooded her.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
“You’re the one I should be thanking,” he said. “You saved me.”
Kevin pulled her into his strong arms and gently pressed his
lips to hers. When he released her from his grip she felt light-headed.
“What about all the others that were trapped in the king’s lair?” Jade asked.
“I guess they’re still there,” Kevin said.
“Well then, I guess we have work to do.” Jade smiled.
“After French class,” Kevin said as he handed her the bow and arrows.
MARILEE JACKSON
From the first time she picked up an R.L. Stine book, Marilee was hooked on reading. Now she reads anything she can find. She wrote her first horrible story in third grade. Since then her writing has improved; her first novel, Midnight Runner, was released in February 2015. However, there are so many stories fighting for attention in her mind there will be many, many more. After all her favorite quote is “I write because kidnapping people and making them act out my interesting make-believe worlds is technically illegal.”
Marilee Jackson lives with her husband and children in a tiny town (don’t blink, you’ll miss it) in Northern Arizona. She spends her days staying home and chasing around her four rug rats. Her nights are spent traveling through time and space as she writes, erases, and rewrites her stories.
Like and follow Marilee on Twitter, Facebook or on her blog: https://jacksonjacket.blogspot.com/