Haven
The gleam of ’s headlights bounced off of buildings, illuminating a large stone pillar with the words Moonhaven University etched in gold press. Campus appeared almost abandoned at this hour, not a person or car in sight save for the park ranger’s truck. Navigating through a series of winding roads, he replayed the night’s events in his head. As exhilarating and intense as it was, he was even more nervous about what might await him at home.
What do I tell everyone about Griff? he thought to himself, Griff’s cutesy, shy smile flashing before his eyes. And what about the werewolf? I wonder what Strix has already told them.
The college student was so lost in thought that he forgot he was parked until the sounds of hands drumming on his bumper pulled him from his thoughts. rolled down his window.
“Welcome back, buddy. Figured you didn’t want to go in just yet.” He recognized the handsome Native American man standing at his window as his best friend and confidante, Alo Amarok.
sighed, placing his hands on the steering wheel as he considered his response. “I don’t know. I feel like an idiot for what happened.”
By now, a sprinkling of rain started to fall, its drops falling on Alo’s white V-neck, trickling down his tan skin, and eventually leaving his long, black hair wet and messy. “From what Strix is saying, it sounds like you were about to take a bite out of some college kid when another werewolf attacked you. And then?—”
“I—yeah, I don’t know how that happened.” looked from his friend back to the steering wheel. “I was drawn to him. It was like?—”
“What, a crush ?” Alo teased, giving his friend’s shoulder a push.
“No, no,” blushed. “Not that.”
“You can tell me anything, man. You know that, right?” Alo again gave a playful nudge. “I mean that. Girl, guy, werewolf—we gotta get you hooked up with someone around here.”
“I know, I know. And I agree, I’m keeping my eyes peeled.” ’s mind raced back to coming out to Griff. Maybe if I just tell my best friend, I’ll feel even better than I did telling a complete stranger. Maybe…
“Did you get a number at least?” Alo asked with excitement. looked down at his cell phone, but didn’t respond to the question.
“As far as dragging Strix into this, I never meant to do that,” sighed before rolling up his window and turning off his ignition. As he got out of the truck, the two exchanged their special friend handshake before Alo pulled him into a half-hug. “What a headache I created, huh, mate?”
“We’re all human,” replied Alo, a line that gave him pause. “Well, you know what I mean. What I’m trying to say is we all make mistakes. Yours just resulted in a three-way werewolf battle. You hurt at all?”
“Uh, feels like I’ve got a bit of a scratch on my back, it seems,” answered , tugging the back of his shirt up for his friend to see. “Not entirely sure how ‘cause I don’t think he did much other than tackle me, but looks like it’s slowly healing up.”
“Oh, yeah. You do. Seems like the wolf-to-wolf wounds always heal the slowest,” Alo acknowledged.
“You should see the other guy, though,” chuckled.
“The human? Was he scratched, too?”
“No,” chuckled. “I meant his wolf friend that attacked me.”
“Oh, come on. We all know your bark is worse than your bite.”
“Whatever you say, mate,” replied . “Should we go inside and face the music?”
Alo nodded, leading the way. “I’m with you all the way, Have. Let’s do this.”
As they neared the fraternity they called home, wondered if he should grab Alo’s shoulder and tell him about Griff. Tell him that maybe he did have a crush on the new guy, that there was something almost magnetizing about him.
In the past, had hoped that the someone he would hook up with would be Alo. Not only was he a kind and generous friend, but had him pegged as one of the most beautiful men at Moonhaven. Ever since the day they first met—freshmen move-in day, to be exact— had found himself crushing on his tall, charismatic roommate. They did everything together—study, watch movies, go to the gym. They even went through their first transformation together. Now, they walked through the front doors of their oversized fraternity house together.
Above them, a gold plaque placed just above the large house’s double doors alerted all who enter of its name: Dark Moon Manor .
“Look, babe, it’s the hottest couple on campus,” a voice familiar to teased.
Upon entering the manor’s entry foyer, felt as though he had walked in on something. Before him, a tall, redheaded junior with a thick matching beard and even thicker muscles sat on a small bench, while a much leaner, emo-looking sophomore with a lollipop dangling out of his mouth straddled him.
“Oh, sorry!” the candy-yielding gentleman continued. “Sometimes Magnus gets me my favorite little treat, then I get this big sugar rush and just say and do silly things.”
“Perhaps the accolade of hottest couple at Moonhaven would go to you and your suitor, Fen,” Alo said with a smile, leaning forward and giving his chatty friend a pat on the shoulder.
“Where you boys comin’ from?” the other man asked, his New Jersey accent evident.
“Magnus, you ole dog.” Alo grinned as he bumped fists with Fen’s equally as handsome alpha. “I just met up with outside.”
nodded to his friends, a half-hearted smile on his face. “Hey, guys. Got into a bit of an encounter with an unknown wolf tonight down in the Timbers.”
“Heard about that in the group chat,” Fen acknowledged with a nod before turning to Magnus and grabbing the collar of his shirt. “See, I told you it was out there! He’s probably in heat, poor boy.” was already quite used to Fen’s unique personality and say-anything mannerisms. In fact, Fen was a breath of fresh air compared to some of his acquaintances.
“Strix is expecting you, I believe,” Magnus said with an innocent smile, shrugging his shoulders in response to Fen’s admission. “Something about big news, very important, involves . Oh, and I think there’s something about the on-campus book drive we’re hosting next week. You know, philanthropy stuff.”
Alo and nodded.
“Oh, and one more thing,” Fen turned around just in time to catch ’s arm in his hand. “I just wanted to —oh! ”
Fen suddenly grabbed his head and fell forward, his body shaking. Magnus was quick to scoop him up before he connected with the ground, an easy feat for his broad shoulders and big arms. He grabbed the lollipop from Fen’s shaking hand and held it. “Ah, shoot. Sorry, guys,” he apologized. “Must be having another one of his visions.”
When Fen opened his eyes a moment later, only the whites of them were showing. “Maggie, do be a dear and write all this down.”
“What is it?” asked.
Magnus shrugged and pulled out his smartphone. “Record a voice memo.”
Fen’s body rocked back and forth in the arms of Magnus as he hummed. Although it always sounded a little over-the-top and gaudy, no one in the room could deny that Fen was really selling his entranced psychic state. “ sees through the eyes of— why, the eyes of the First Wolf.”
“The First Wolf?” asked aloud.
“Yes, love, now let me have the vision already,” Fen snapped, momentarily ceasing his rhythmic rocking. “I’m just going to start listing off what I see.”
“Sorry,” blushed. “Go ahead.”
Once again swaying back and forth, Fen closed his eyes and continued. “The key to lycanthropy’s biggest mystery. A dangerous—um, a dangerous Bundt cake.”
Magnus couldn’t hold back, attempting to cover his surprised chuckle with a fake cough. “Dangerous Bundt cake?!”
“Yes, Maggie,” Fen stopped his swaying, annoyance in his voice. “Is this your vision, or mine?”
“Go on,” Magnus said sheepishly, giving Alo and a look that might imply he believed Fen was a little sensitive during his visions.
“The author of our very existence draws near. Near . The time for Luna to claim the true Canid Throne is just as close.”
Alo leaned into , his eyes narrowing as they remained trained on Fen. “Any idea what he’s talking about?” he whispered.
shook his head, but he knew from experience that Fen’s premonitions always had some truth to them. Before anyone could give Fen’s words a second thought, the group felt a presence behind them.
Standing at the entrance was the man they all recognized as the fraternity house father, Strix. He stood silently, listening just as they were. had been out with him on a patrol of the nearby forests before going off on his own, so when he turned to acknowledge the man it was no surprise to him why he was still shirtless. Drops of rain collected at his collarbone, while others fell down his muscular and tattooed arms and chest. He nodded to as they made eye contact.
“I see—I see him now. Not his face, but I see his—his powers.” Fen’s movement became uneasy as he continued, his werewolf teeth sprouting from the tops of his gums. “The Wolf with Two Powers will lead the First Werewolf to our redemption.”
The Wolf with Two Powers? thought to himself, his gaze shifting from Fen and Alo to Magnus. The First Werewolf? Who are they? Is that who I encountered tonight?
“The Triad,” said Fen, repeating the same two words over and over before closing his eyes and letting out an enormous yawn. When he opened them, his eyes were back to normal. “Hoo-hoo! Talk about exhausting,” he sighed as he stretched his arms.
“Fenrir, you gonna be okay?” Magnus asked, releasing Fen from his hold and placing him on the bench next to him. His face was colored with concern for his partner.
Fen answered the question with another question. “You get it recorded?”
Magnus nodded, holding up his phone.
“And my lollipop?”
Magnus smiled, revealing the sweet confection in his other hand.
“I’m great, love,” Fen said as he grabbed his candy. “Maybe time for a nap, though. But first, I’m really craving cake for some reason.”
“Well,” Magnus began, looking from and Alo to Strix before guiding Fen to his feet, “let’s go see what’s in the kitchen for you to snack on and get your energy back.”
“Lovely premonitioning with you, boys.” Fen nodded to the group before the two disappeared deeper into the manor.
The tension in the room was immediately evident. Alo put a supportive hand on ’s shoulder, almost as though he sensed his friend’s mood.
“An interesting vision to end a very, very interesting night,” came the stern, familiar voice of Strix. “Wouldn’t you say so, ?”
“Huh?” spun around to face him. He was sure that his nerves were getting the best of him, that Strix somehow already knew that this was all his fault—even if himself had no idea how. “Fen just grabbed me when I walked in the door. I have no idea what it means. And about tonight —I’m sorry .”
“Why don’t you join me in my office?” Strix asked as he stepped in front of the two friends.
“Yes, Strix,” said the two simultaneously.
“No, no,” Strix maintained a stoic look as he directed his attention to Alo. “Brother, why don’t you fetch us both a drink and meet us just outside? In the parlor, perhaps?”
Alo nodded, giving a supportive look before disappearing out of the entry room and down the left hallway. Strix motioned for to follow him through the opposite passage.
On either side, the rich dark oak paneling of the walls was decorated in oversized portraits and paintings of those recognized as notable fraternity and wolf clan members. The last painting was of Dr. Luna Dark Moon. She sat on a royal golden chair, likely a throne, with wolf's fur draped across her shoulders and a suspicious grin on her face.
The two reached the formal parlor, a large sitting room separated from the rest of the manor with a set of fogged over glass doors. Inside, there was a series of leather couches, tufted armchairs, and neutral-colored tapestries and rugs. The light from a roaring fireplace flickered, casting shadows across the walls. Above the hearth’s mantel, a rich painting of the crescent moon—one closely resembling the very tattoo on ’s skin—was placed in a gold gilded frame.
Two men with solemn faces flanked either side of the grand doors that led to the room designated as the house father’s office. While Dark Moon Manor indeed did function as a fraternity, imagined that—given the nature of its members—much of the business conducted behind those closed doors was atypical. Having always considered himself an easygoing, rank-and-file member of his wolf clan with little to do with important missions or tasks, had only been inside the office once—and that was when he met Strix for the first time.
“Gentlemen,” Strix nodded quietly to his attendants. The tallest and most intimidating of the two—a werewolf recognized as Gaius Edwards, the president of the fraternity—responded by opening the office doors for them to walk through. As soon as they stepped inside, the doors were closed.
With a similar classic look as the foyer, Strix’s office was decorated in shiny half-timber Tudor paneling that reflected the dim glow of several hung lights and lamps placed around the room. Four tufted chairs faced Strix’s desk, with a more formal red tufted chair reserved for the house father on the opposite side. The formal chair curiously faced away from the desk, as though Strix’s previous office time was spent musing while looking out the grand windows behind it. Now, however, his two office windows were covered by royal red tapestries with gold fringe and small intricate designs.
Directly in front of them—and before one reached the desk—were two wood-framed arm sofas with sleek velvet red cushioning facing one another, a table sat between them. This is where Strix motioned to sit.
He felt somewhat relieved, guessing that the couches were a less formal, more relaxed seating option. As he took a seat, something caught ’s eyes that he hadn’t seen before—weapons mounted on the wall he faced. A gold-embossed axe, a trio of spears, and a longsword that all looked like they had never been used were hung with care on fashionable gold hooks that resembled the head of a wolf. Below the longsword was another mantel and accompanying fireplace where a fire roared with a soft hum. A more weathered-looking crossbow was hung closest to the desk.
searched for something to break the ice. “I see you’ve done some redecorating since I’ve last visited your office, Strix.”
“Only what’s necessary to keep Dark Moon Manor—and us—safe from harm,” the stoic Strix responded as he retrieved a button-up shirt from the room’s only closet. “You’ll have to pardon my appearance, as I’ve only just returned to Moonhaven. You see, I had a run-in with a park ranger and a tranquilizer gun.”
“M-my fault, Strix.” ’s cheeks turned red. “I sincerely apologize. I know tonight was just supposed to be a routine run—just patrolling after my shift with the park service. But—well, something drew me to that human.”
“Human, huh?” Strix asked, his long-sleeved black dress shirt now over his shoulders as he buttoned the front. “I was drawn there, too—and I’m not sure that was just any human.”
He was drawn to the same scent, I bet, thought to himself.
“Why did you turn back into your human form and play ranger-to-the-rescue, anyway?” the older man asked, pulling his long hair back as he adjusted his collar, his eyes still trained on .
“Well,” swallowed hard. “See, there was?—”
“The other werewolf. The one who attacked you. I smelled him, too,” Strix interrupted.
nodded before putting his head down. “The human has a wolf protector.”
“A wolf protector, huh?” Strix stepped forward and fetched two gold cufflinks off of an ivory tray on his desk, fastening them into the sleeves of his shirt. “And did the wolf protector bite you? Do you have any idea what his powers might be?”
“A scratch, sir, but it’s nearly gone,” said solemnly.
“And did you bite him?”
nodded.
“All right then, good.” Strix said, finally taking a seat across from . “Did you identify the wolf? Were you able to catch on to his scent?”
“His scent I could pinpoint, yes, sir,” the younger werewolf nodded. “But I don’t know who he is.”
“Hm, yes. His scent—it was unfamiliar.” It was Strix’s turn to put his head down, his hand rubbing his chin as he searched his memory. “I would’ve had to get closer to tell you more. Interestingly, his body was gone when I woke up.”
“Those darts pack quite the punch, so I’m surprised,” was all could add.
“I noticed,” said Strix. “And how do you think this all ties into the vision you gave our dear resident psychic just now?”
“Not sure,” pondered aloud. Although he had grown used to Strix’s company—and shared a trust and respect for the man, particularly because he was Alo’s older brother—he was nervous to reveal too much about Griff. Not because he thought he was cute—but because Griff seemed genuine. Genuine and good, I guess, he thought to himself. Two things I haven’t always seen from fraternity leadership.
“Fen mentioned The First Wolf,” Strix solemnly added.
“I mean, yeah. The First Werewolf? I’ve heard of that before, but how could the very first one still be around? And if so, why here?”
Strix moved his mouth to speak when the door opened. Gaius leaned in, an inquisitive look on his face as Alo peered in from behind. “Drinks?” Alo asked.
“We’ll be with you in just a moment, brother,” Strix cleared his throat as he motioned to Gaius.
Gaius nodded, grabbing each door to pull them closed. caught the look on Alo’s face, one of confusion. Why wasn’t Alo allowed in here?
“We’ll join Alo for a drink in just a moment, , but there are still some important matters to discuss.”
“Of course,” nodded, his hands nervously squeezing his knees.
“You do know of the prophecy Fen was referring to, don’t you?” Strix asked, his eyes focusing on ’s.
shook his head no. “Well, wait—Dark Moon doesn’t follow all the traditions other packs do, but does this have to do with—um, is it Theodulf?”
“Very good,” Strix nodded. “And what do you know of him?”
“He’s—well, werewolves refer to him as the King of Wolves, I guess.” Strix gestured for to go on, so he did. “He welcomed lycankind into a new era by, uh, bestowing magic unto the First Werewolf—powers that were passed along to every werewolf that came after him. Some of the guys even ask Theodulf for strength before they go out to hunt, so I assume he’s dead and gone.”
“That he is,” Strix assured. “The eldest of werewolves have shared a folktale—a prophecy, if you will, that he will return. And that when he does, werewolves will become more powerful than ever before.”
“Huh,” said, biting his lip. “Didn’t know that part. How’d he die?”
“At the hands of a witch,” replied Strix. “Which is why we do what?”
“We consider witches enemies to our kind,” said monotonously, as though repeating an age-old phrase that had been shared amongst the pack for some time. It seemed clear by his tone that he didn’t agree with the sentiment.
“And do you not believe that to be the truth?” Strix asked, fire in his voice.
“I don’t think that it’s all true, no,” said with confidence.
Strix appeared to need a moment to compose himself, his face red with frustration. Finally, he took a deep breath. “Who in our pack has more than one magic gift?”
“What do you mean, who?”
“ The Wolf with Two Powers , ,” Strix said between gritted teeth. “Let’s do it this way. Tell me each demonstrated power in the Dark Moon pack and who possesses them.”
“Huh?” was confused, but he could tell that Strix was dead serious in his command. “Um, you want me to list them?”
His house father didn’t reply. Instead, he just stared at —his eyes cold and dark. This was a Strix that he was not used to seeing. “All-all right,” he stuttered. “Well, Fen Phillips has the gift of premonition. Magnus Every? Um, supersonic howl. Me? I like to call it a healing paw.”
“Is that all you possess, ?” Strix asked in a strained tone.
“Yes, sir,” said confidently.
“Enough, fool,” another voice—that of a woman—joined in the conversation. The jarring intrusion was enough to make ’s hair stand on end. The blonde werewolf turned to the desk as the red chair swung around. Her crimson-colored hair wrapped between her fingers, the woman he recognized as queen greeted them with an insidious smile. “The doctor is in,” she said, savoring the surprised look on the young wolf’s face.
“Dr. Dark Moon!?” exclaimed in shock.
“Your majesty,” Strix stood to attention. looked to Strix, then back at the woman, before also standing. “Sorry to keep you waiting. I had to sort out this very important matter.”
“Important matter indeed, Strix,” Luna said as she joined them in standing. “Please—the both of you—call me Luna.”
“Yes, Luna,” Strix nodded.
looked to Strix, a feeling of betrayal running through him. Why didn’t he tell me she was in here, too?
“, is it?” Luna began, stepping out from behind the desk and circling the two as she spoke. “It’s been brought to my attention that you’ve discovered another werewolf nearby. One that is not yet known to Dark Moon.”
“Y-yes, ma’am,” stuttered. “I mean, Luna.”
“Did you observe this wolf’s powers?”
“No, I didn’t.”
Luna made a full circle around the couches, coming to a stop before . Despite her shorter stature, she was quite possibly the most intimidating person he had ever met. Known as the Queen of Wolves, she was the top authority of all werewolf clans in the world. From what he had heard, it was less to do with her age or powers and more to do with her cutthroat demeanor.
“Let me make one thing clear to you, cub,” Luna hissed in a derogatory fashion. “I will do whatever it takes—and I do mean whatever—to sit at the throne with the King of Wolves ruling by my side. You will do everything in your power to bring the mystery wolf you’ve bitten tonight to me.”
An audible gulp was all that came from as Luna made eye contact with him. It felt as though she was peering into his soul, looking for anything he might be hiding from her. “Yes,” nodded. “I will.”
“Bring his human, too,” she continued.
“Is there anything else, your majesty?” Strix asked.
“Hm,” Luna said with a friendly smile, her feisty mannerisms now relaxed. She moved close to Strix now, smelling him as she ran her hands up and down his dress shirt. Finally, she ripped the shirt off with one motion and tossed it into the fire. “This needs to go.”
“Yes, your majesty,” Strix nodded as his cufflinks clinked on the floor.
Luna turned to face now, her long, red manicured nails running gently up and down his shirt. “There’s a smell of death on you, . The werewolf and his friend—they have a vampire with them. Bring him, too.”
“A vampire?” asked . “What? I didn’t see one.”
She grabbed his chin and pulled his face close to hers. “I’ve lived a hundred years more than you, cub.” Now, her manicure felt menacing—the red nails pressing into the skin on his face. “Who do you think rescued the wolf after you shot him?”
“N-no way,” rebutted. “I mean, a vampire bite could kill me— all of us.”
“Smart cub,” Luna huffed as she released him from her grip. “Use your charm and good looks to bring the human to Dark Moon Manor. His werewolf and vampire will follow.”
As much as he didn’t want to, nodded.
“Good,” Luna began again as she returned to sit at Strix’s desk, putting her legs up onto it as though it belonged to her. “Now, leave us. Strix and I have much, much more to discuss.”
looked to Strix, who didn’t look back at him. Unbelievable, he thought to himself before heading to the doors.
“Oh, and ,” Strix called after him as he grabbed for the handles. “Share nothing but the mission with Alo and the others. And I do mean nothing else.”
Anger on his face, pushed the doors open and walked out. Strix’s assistants were quick to pull them closed once again. The blonde werewolf stood outside and continued to fume. Maybe if I just act like I’m upset, Strix’s lackeys won’t know that I’m listening in.
“The human he was drawn to today is not just any ordinary human. You do know that, right?” he heard Luna say.
Strix’s voice was much quieter. “I do, but he doesn’t.”
“Good. Let’s keep it that way,” Luna commanded.
“As you wish, your majesty.”
“Now,” he heard the Queen of Wolves say with a cackle, “bring those muscles to me, daddy.”