They kept running. Twigs and leaves crunched under their paws, and small animals ducked away into burrows or up trees.

"We're getting closer," Kai said softly. "The howling's getting louder."

"Stop. Look," Zane said. The two stopped and ducked down behind a large fallen branch. Ahead of them was a wolf. A wolf that seemed about their age, howling to the moon. But it wasn't a wolf. It was clearly a human-wolf. It also had blonde fur.

Well that was new.

Kai's ears lowered. "What now?"

"Approach with caution," Zane said. "Let's not scare him."

"Whatever," Kai grunted. He stood up and padded over to the howling nutcase. "Hey, you!"

The young wolf stopped and stared at him with a gasp. He backed up, tail going between his legs.

"Yeah, you. Who are you?"

"Kai!" Zane ran over to him. "What did I just say?"

Kai ignored him. "Start talking. We've never seen any other human-wolf around here before. Where'd you come from? Why are you here?"

The young wolf started trembling.

"Easy, Kai. You're scaring him," Zane said softly.

"Scared? Scared? I am BEYOND scared!" The stranger interrupted. "I'm officially in 'WHAT THE FUCK' territory! I thought I was a regular human all these years, then THIS happens, and YOU come along, and-"

"Ahhhh, it hurts!" Kai whined.

Zane turned to him. "What hurts?"

"The sound of him talking!"

The stranger blushed, realizing he had been rambling. Then his ears perked up. "Wait. I'm sorry for rambling, but...maybe you can help me. I have questions, I'm terrified, I-"

"Relax," Zane said, holding up a paw. "We are happy to help any way we can. Right Kai?"

"Huh? Oh yeah, sure." Kai said.

The stranger sighed. "Ok, good. My name is Lloyd. I've lived in the city with my mother my whole life. All these years I thought I was a regular human who just felt a little funny during full moons, but then I come into the forest during one and then THIS happens. Can you explain any of this?"

The white wolf walked closer and sat beside Lloyd. "I can tell you as much as I can. I am Zane, and this is Kai. Say hello, Kai."

"Hi," Kai said unenthusiastically.

Zane sighed at Kai's attitude then turned to Lloyd. "Lloyd, you say you've been in the city your whole life?"

"Yes," Lloyd nodded.

"Interesting. Never once did you transform?"

"No. I just felt strange during full moons."

"Are your parents human-wolves?"

"My mom isn't. At least, I'm sure she isn't. She's never felt strange during full moons. I've never met my father, but I sometimes think he could be one. I mean, if my mom's not one, then my father must be."

Zane flicked his tail. "Interesting. Well, your father must be one then." He paused for a moment, seeming to ponder.

Lloyd was disturbed by the silence. "Zane?"

"Huh? Sorry, I was thinking. Listen, why don't you come back to our place with us? We can talk more there."

Lloyd's eyes widened. "What, to like, a den? I don't know..."

Zane smiled. "No, we live in a small trailer. We take our human forms sometimes, you know. We manage. Besides, it's time we get back to Kai's sister. Right, Kai?"

They turned to the brown human-wolf, who was now curled up on the ground snoring.

"Kai!"

"Wha?" Kai sat up and shook his head to let loose the sleep. "Sorry, your conversation was getting boring. What now?"

"We are taking Lloyd home with us. He needs our help."

Kai's eyes widened. "What?! Oh HELL no! We just met him! What if he betrays us and tries to kill us or something?!"

"I could say the same thing about you," Lloyd snarled, and Kai snarled back.

"Come on, does he look dangerous to you?" Zane asked. "He's confused and needs help. We've all been there."

Kai flinched. Finally he gave a grumble of defeat. "Fine. Let's go."

Kai ran off into the direction of home, and Zane flicked his tail ahead. "Come, Lloyd. It's not that far."

Lloyd was unsure, but realized he didn't have much of a choice. He gulped. "Ok."

Zane ran ahead and Lloyd followed, stumbling a bit. It was going to take him a while to get used to running on four legs.

Notes!

Short chapter is short