Derek tightened the chains around the box Erica had just climbed into, rapping the lid to signal for her to test the restraints. The lid bucked, clinking the chains that held tight.
Everyone was secured, and Derek stepped into his own restraints, tightening them to the point of pain. Breathing through clenched teeth, he braced himself for the imminent change as the honey-colored harvest moon hung large and round over the Hale house like a suspended pendulum.
Far away from the Hale house, Scott moved through the woods as though in a trance.
His labored breath clouded the air before him, and every living creature near him scattered and ran for the hills.
He slowly stalked onto the empty road, crouching down, trailing his claws along the tarmac.
A guttural grown emanated deep from within Scott, echoing through the sharp night air.
He followed the scent down the side of the road, running through usually avoided back yards and deserted side streets.
He stopped on the other side of the street, crouching down on the sidewalk, fixing his aureate , dilated pupils on the house he faced.
The smell of wine, lavender and washing powder alive in his throat.
