Page 54 of My Girlfriend is a Werewolf

Derek blinked. Processed the claim then laughed. “Fuck off.”

“It’s true. We inherited the gene from our dad. It’s rare all the kids do, but guess we’re special.”

It took Derek a moment to realize Ares was being quite serious. “Werewolf? As in full moon makes you grow hair and fangs?”

“Yes. Our body changes shape too. Unlike the movies, we’re not wolfmen. We turn into actual wolves. My sisters could pass for the regular variety, but with my size, I kind of stand out as a giant.”

“Holy shit.” Derek wanted to call him a liar. But… he couldn’t help but recall Athena’s quirks. The leg thumping, the sniffing, the chasing. How she made sure to disappear the night of the full moon. Being a werewolf explained it all except for one thing. “Did your dad bite you?”

“Uh, no?” Ares’ nose scrunched in confusion. “Lycans are born, not made.”

“That’s a relief.” Especially considering how many times he and Athena had mixed fluids.

“It’s not contagious, and it can even skip generations. My dad’s dad didn’t have it, but his grandpa did.”

“Well, that at least explains Rogers’ interest in your family. He wants to expose them for profit and fame.”

“Once he does, they’re screwed. Even if they aren’t kept in some kind of a zoo or lab, they’ll never be able to go out in public or live a normal life. They will be ostracized, hounded?—”

“Hurt or killed,” Derek interjected. People had long feared the monsters in storybooks. He didn’t doubt some would feel a need to rid the world of them. “We need to move fast before Rogers gets concrete proof. Guess it’s a good thing the full moon isn’t for a few weeks.”

“We don’t have that much time. See, while Athena’s got great control over her Lycan side, Selene doesn’t. When she gets mad, she wolfs out.”

“As in changes without the moon?”

He nodded. “It’s why she always tries to be cheerful. Otherwise, if she loses her temper…” Ares exploded his hands.

“Do you think we can succeed?” Derek asked, hoping for honesty because he struggled. Not for himself, but for his grandparents, who insisted on joining them.

“Depends on how many mercenaries he’s got running around, as well as other security. I doubt he had time to turn the place into a fortress.”

“We need more intel.”

“And I know how we can get it. Wanna go for a ride?”

“Where to? To do what?”

“I’ve got a drone in my truck. We can use it to scout the area. Maybe even get a head count.”

“They might spot it,” Derek cautioned.

“They might, but it’s our best shot at getting the info we need.”

“Agreed. I just need to let Grams and Gramps know.”

Ares put a hand on his arm before Derek could go inside. “They’re pretty awesome, by the way. I don’t know many folks their age that would be strapping on guns, offering to drive what is essentially a tank, and going to war for people they don’t know.”

“They do know Athena and like her. Not to mention, Grams and Gramps have waited their whole life to fightthe man. You could call this a dream come true for them.”

Ares chuckled. “My grandma used to bake cookies, and Grandpa napped all the time. You’re lucky.”

“I am.”

And that worried him. He didn’t want to lose them but already knew they’d never stay behind, so he didn’t bother trying. Grams would have most likely cuffed him if he had. Instead, he told them they wanted to fly the drone, to whichGrams and Gramps nodded but also insisted on coming along in Bessie.

“Might as well tuck ourselves out of sight but close by in case we need to move in fast,” Gramps remarked. “She’s already loaded with our gear. Just needs one more thing.”

That one thing was a bottle of whiskey smashed on her hull to christen her maiden run into battle.

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