The next week passed mostly uneventfully as everyone quickly got into their new summer routines, whether that was cheering, football, froyo, moonstones, or otherwise, they were all having a blast.
On a Friday night, Bree and Addison were walking home together like usual and chatting about their days and trying to come up with something fun for the weekend.
"Well Addison, if you're interested, last week I was talking to Bonzo about how I don't have any zombie chic in my wardrobe, so do you want to have a shopping trip to Zombietown this weekend?"
"Oh yeah, totally Bree, I would love to, although I already have plenty of zombie chic in my closet."
"I wonder where from?" Bree grinned back at her, "but is any of it really something you can wear outside of the house? I have one sweatshirt from Bonzo and it practically reaches my ankles, I can't imagine any of Zed's stuff fits you much better."
"Yeah, I guess you're right, most of my zombie chic are my favorite pj's. You have a good point, I'm in. So do you want to text Eliza?"
"Sure, and do you want to bring the wolves in? It would be fun to have a girls' day with all of us."
Addison nodded excitedly. "You're right, in fact, how about we have a girls' night? We can all hang out at my house tonight and then we can all go shopping tomorrow. Maybe we'll even convince the wolves or Eliza to hit up Seabrook's mall too so they can finally get some Seabrook swag."
"Oh yeah, I bet. I'm pretty sure if Eliza ever wore something pastel we'd have to check her moonstone to make sure it's working, and she would tell us too."
"Alright, then, want me to text the wolves to see if they're interested?"
"Sure, I just got a reply from Eliza, I'll tell her about the change in plans." Bree nodded, "Have you seen her the past few weeks? Between work and cheer, I haven't seen her since Zed's birthday."
"Yeah, my dad, Wyatt, and Eliza stopped in at Cheery on Top a few days ago. I could tell she was biting her tongue not to say anything about how bland and vanilla Seabrooky that place is."
"But are you still enjoying it?"
"Yeah, working there with the Aceys is a ton of fun." Addison nodded. "It can get a little boring during slumps but as long as we have people moving through its still fun." Addison glanced down at her phone seeing as she just got two replies back. "The wolves are in."
"Eliza is too," Bree reported.
"I better text my mom to order some pizzas then." Addison smiled.
"The usual?"
"Of course, veggie and meat lovers, unless you want something else?"
"No don't worry it's fine I'll probably have a bit of both."
"Yeah me too. Best of both worlds."
"I hear you sister. I'll run to my house to grab my things quick and then I'll meet you at your house." Bree said as they neared the corner she had to turn off from.
"Of course, see you in a few minutes, Bree." Addison waved goodbye and made her way home. Thankfully her mom and dad had no problems with her having friends over for the night, as long as they weren't Zed, she could practically hear their silent thoughts after they agreed, especially since the first question they asked was if he was coming, but she promised it was a girls' night only.
Addison had just finished taking a quick shower to freshen up, along with a new change of clothes, just a simple pink T-shirt and shorts when she heard the doorbell ring down below. She paused for a moment, she felt like she was forgetting something, but she just shook her head and ran down the steps to answer it to reveal a beaming Bree smiling back at her.
"Come on in Bree."
"Thanks Addison, I know we just talked to each other but I'm so excited now, this is going to be a great night!" Bree smiled.
She walked through the door and Addison was just about to close it behind her when she heard a long howl from down the street. She glanced outside again to see Willa and Wynter walking up from just a few houses away, both grinning brightly.
"Awwooo Addison." Willa greeted her.
Addison decided to be friendly and tried to howl back. "Awwwooo."
"Woah. Too much!" Wynter stopped her, "I didn't know it was going to be that kind of night, you need to put a pebble in the swearwolf jar." She warned her.
"I'm sorry, I've got Zombietongue mostly down pat by now, but I guess I need to practice my howling a bit more. By chance what did I say?"
"You don't want to know." Wynter shook her head, but Willa just laughed.
"Don't worry about it, it's not like there are any werepups around or anything, just probably best that you stick to English or Zombietongue for a while until we can give you a real lesson."
"Right, well come on in, make yourselves at home. We're still waiting on Eliza and the pizza."
"Thank you, Addison." The wolves entered and Addison once again shut the door behind her, following her guests to sit around the living room. The other three were already taking up the couch so Addison sat down in the recliner across from them.
"So how were your guys' jobs today?" Bree asked.
"Pretty great, we started digging up the spot in Zombietown we're bringing the moonstone to. By the end of next week, it will be in its new home." Wynter announced proudly.
Addison smiled brightly at the news. "That sounds great. I still can't believe you're giving it back to Seabrook, or to Zombietown again."
Willa nodded. "We know it's best suited where it can do the most good, and with more and more zombies wearing moonstones now, it would be selfish of us to hoard it to ourselves, oh and we finally decide on the new name for the Forbidden Forest."
"What's it going to be called?" Bree asked.
"The Wild Wood. We all voted on the names we came up with and that's what won, so next week we'll probably also finish building the second reunification gate to the forest."
"That name definitely suits the forest and your pack." Addison nodded.
"Our pack. You two are a part of it just as much as us now." Willa reminded them, tapping on her moonstone.
"I know, I wear it every day," Addison promised, pulling her own necklace up from beneath her own shirt.
"Me too, actually I've been thinking, when you guys bring the Moonstone back to Zombietown, or maybe the next time we're at the Den, I think I'm going to charge mine up. I know there's no way I'm a real werewolf, but I want to show I'm part of the pack." Bree admitted. "Would that be ok?"
"Of course Bree, you may not be a wolf in blood, but you are definitely a wolf in spirit, plus you're our friend. We would be honored if you held a piece of our pack with you always." Willa nodded her head.
"And if you do somehow become a werewolf, you're always welcome at the Den," Wynter added.
"Thanks but, I have no worries about that happening, I actually traced as much of my family tree as I could find and every single relative has no sign they could be a werewolf."
"Don't worry Bree, you're perfect the way you are." Addison reminded her.
"I know, everyone is."
The doorbell rang again, Addison glanced out the window and shouted, "Mom, Dad, pizza's here!"
"Alright don't worry I got it." Dale smiled as he made his way from the kitchen to the front door, paying the delivery driver and taking the pizzas in hand. He turned to bring the pizzas into the kitchen and set them on the counter.
Addison was about to lead her friends to the kitchen, even if she had friends over, she knew they wouldn't be eating in the living room, when right before the door closed, it opened again and Eliza walked in.
"Looks like I'm right on time."
"You got that right Zom-bae the pizza just arrived."
"Good, I'm starving, your dad has us slaving away in Containment." Eliza joked with a smile.
"You and Wyatt are the ones that insist you can handle seven zombies a day. Our original goal was five." He reminded her with a smile as everyone walked into the kitchen.
"Well, when you're making a difference and enjoying it you don't want to limit yourself. And don't worry Mr. Wells there's obviously no place besides Containment I'd rather be. Ugh," Eliza shuddered for a moment. "Um, you guys heard that too, it's not just me right? I actually just said that?"
"As long as it sounds like you're having fun." Addison laughed at her. "Come on guys," Addison grabbed some napkins and paper plates out of the cupboard. "Its such a gorgeous night, let's eat outside."
"Whatever you say Addison."
"Outside's always better." Willa nodded.
"Agree to disagree, but this time can be an exception." Eliza laughed, tossing her bag by the others in the living room before following everyone else outside to the porch.
Wynter carried most of the boxes outside, leaving one in the kitchen for Missy and Dale to enjoy.
They sat down in various chairs around the back porch, the pizzas were placed on a small table while everyone else filled their plate and placed in their lap before chowing down. Their conversation was muted for a few minutes while they ate.
"Oh Eliza, did you hear that we're probably going to move the Moonstone next week?" Addison asked her.
"Yeah, I walked past the spot today, a very impressive hole. Wyatt said it will have its own protection, what is it?"
"Wolf Secret." Wynter warned her.
"I thought you said we're part of the pack?" Bree asked.
Willa reassured them, "Call it a surprise then. I have no clue how the Elders figured it out, but it will work great. Its also super cool. So just wait for next week then."
"I'll allow it then."
"Eliza, I bet you could get it out of Wyatt if you really wanted to." Addison pointed out with a giggle.
"I know I could, but I can wait. I'm not your boyfriend." Eliza rolled her eyes at Addison. "Anytime you plan any sort of surprise for him, if he can't break it out of you, his next target is always me, as if I wouldn't take any chance to torture him that I can whether I know what you're planning or not. Even though it's more torture for me since he's so annoying."
"You know what, as much as I love making fun of my brother and all the other guys, I propose a challenge to see if you four can go one night without talking about them. Just to see if you can." Willa grinned at her friends.
"Why do we have to do that? I could talk about Zed for hours."
"Oh I believe you, and Wynter could talk about Wayde, Bree could talk about Bonzo, and Eliza, ok you're the only one that I think could probably make it without even trying."
"Thanks for the compliment. I know I'm saner than the cheerleaders and future footballer, aren't I?"
"At least when it comes to boy brain that the other three get into if we don't stop them."
"Fine, I accept your challenge, but still haven't found the one for you, Willa?" Addison asked.
"I'm fine independent, I'm an alpha don't need no sidekick, when I walk it's me myself, and I yeah. A lone wolf running through the night. All I need is my besties and my pack."
"Whatever you say, I just don't think you've met them yet." Bree laughed at her.
"Probably but enough of this. Do we have a deal?"
"Deal." Everyone nodded, and they all took a few more bites of pizza when Missy opened the door behind them.
"Addison, there's someone here for you."
"Who is it, Mom?" Addison asked confused as she stood up to head to the door, "I didn't invite anyone else tonight."
"Five bucks it's you know who," Eliza smirked at everyone else.
"I'm not taking that bet, I know you're right." Bree laughed, and Willa and Wynter laughed along too.
"Hey Addison, if you're not back in five minutes we're dragging you back out here!" Willa warned her.
Addison just walked inside, she only heard the last of Willa's warning but smiled when she saw who was standing just inside the front door. Then she shook her head, that was what she forgot, she should have known he would show up.
"Hi, Zed."
"Good evening Addison." Zed reached out to hug her around her shoulders. "Is that Willa and Eliza I can hear? Are you having a party without me?"
"Yep, unfortunately, it's girls only, so you're out of luck tonight." She warned him playfully.
"What's with all the girls' only rules lately, first Zoey and now you?" Zed joked.
"Sorry, Willa just challenged us to go all night without talking about all our guys, so I don't think you'll be very welcome tonight, plus the only condition my parents had was no boys allowed tonight."
"OK, what are you doing tomorrow then?"
"We're all going shopping, girls' night is gonna be girls' day."
"And let me guess, I can't come then either?" He pouted.
"I'm going to have to say no. You'll have to find something else to do. You know I wouldn't complain, and I don't know where we'll all go, but it's probably best you stay home."
"Why? What could be bad about seeing my beautiful girlfriend trying on clothes so I can spend the whole day with an excuse to stare at her in rapture and shower her with compliments?"
"If you quote stared at me in rapture and showered me in compliments all day, I'm pretty sure Eliza would zom out on you by the third store. So maybe not tomorrow, but I'll definitely see you Sunday."
"Alright. I guess I'll go back home then."
"Zed, your time is up! Let Addison go!" Eliza marched in and pulled them apart, smirking at both of them, Bree, Willa, and Wynter crossing their arms behind her, Willa and Wynter's eyes were even glowing with the faintest flash of gold.
"Alright, truce ladies," Zed held up his hands in surrender, "but you know what I'm going to do now?"
"Don't try to sneak in here again," Eliza warned him.
"Please when have I ever snuck into this wonderful house? Definitely not, that's what." Zed said, aware that Dale and Missy were just a room away. "I'm going to call Wyatt and Bonzo and we are going to have the best guys' night ever! So there."
"Please when have you and Bonzo ever had a guys' night without me?" Eliza rolled her eyes.
"We've had plenty, how would you know? Obviously, if it was a guys' night we wouldn't invite you, but with two zoms and a wolf, we're going to have the most epic night ever."
"OK, then you better get going then." Eliza motioned him out the door.
"Oh, I will. Goodbye Addison. Gar Gar Gaza."
"Gar Gar Gaza Zed." Addison smiled and glanced behind her, "you better get going before my pack attacks."
"Parting is such sweet sorrow, but ladies, I'll bid you adieu and I'll see you after the most epic guys' night ever." Zed declared, spinning himself around and closing the door behind him.
"Great we got rid of him, now let's go back to the pizza." Eliza declared.
Eliza and Bree tugged on Addison's arms to lead her back outside.
"Guys you can let go of me, I'm not going to chase him down."
"Right, because you would never run after Zed to spend as much time with him as possible, that isn't you at all." Bree smiled at her.
"So," Addison asked after they finished off the rest of the pizza, "what do you want to do now?"
"What is there to do?" Bree asked.
"We could go inside and play a game, watch a movie, just hang out and talk. Whatever you guys want."
"Oh!" Wynter perked up with excitement, "Can we watch whatever movie that summer thing you did on the last day of school was?"
"Sure, but if we're watching one High School Musical, we've got to watch them all. Right, Bree?"
"Totally, especially if you two haven't seen them before."
"Please, you act like they're the greatest thing ever." Eliza rolled her eyes.
"Well, yeah. They're one of my favorite movies. You don't like them Eliza?"
"I do I guess, some of the music is good, it's just kind of dumb what the divisions are in the movie compared to our lives. Even though it is like most humans to have to be divided into inescapable labels for no reason. Plus you have to admit, pretty much everyone in that movie, including Troy is a jerk a lot."
"Well, maybe, but its still obvious how much he cares about Gabriella. " Addison said.
"So are you in?" Bree asked.
"Sure, why not? We've obviously got time to kill. Let's do it."
So everyone moved back to the living room, Addison pulled out some blankets, and they spread all around the room along with several bowls of popcorn to enjoy the movies. Bree and Addison both couldn't help themselves from singing along, and there were even a few that Eliza joined in too. Willa and Wynter both enjoyed the movies even though Wynter especially had lots of questions throughout but the other girls were always happy to answer.
About four and a half hours later they finally finished and by now it was getting pretty late. After their long weeks of work and practice, even the wolves were feeling pretty drowsy. So Addison tried to start organizing everyone to get ready for bed, even though they had no plans to fall asleep for a while yet, but they did all change into their pajamas.
Eliza burst out laughing when Addison came back downstairs. "You know what cheerleader, you're right, if that's all the zombie chic you have, we need to go shopping tomorrow."
"I know." Addison blushed, looking down at the dark green, too-large T-shirt that hung down to just above her knees, blocking the view of the shorts she had on underneath. "But it's so comfortable and makes me think of Zed."
"Whatever." Eliza rolled her eyes.
"Hey, you know what? If we're all getting some zombie chic tomorrow, then we should also hook you three up with some Werewolf style to show off your wild side." Willa declared.
"Oh yeah, that would be so great too." Bree clapped her hands in excitement.
"I would so love that Willa." Addison nodded
"So how then, how about we hit the mall in Seabrook first, to get you all of you gals at least one outfit that's pink or blue." Bree suggested, Addison was thinking it too, but the other girls looked a bit warier.
"Yeah, no thanks. Zombie chic is cool, and wolf style is cool, Seabrook pink is just boring."
"Come on Eliza, just try it? Then on our next girls' night we can all match or something." Bree begged her.
"Fine, I suppose." Eliza finally relented. "But then we're going straight to Zombietown, trust me I'll hook us all up."
"And then we can go to the Den, and we can all get our hair and nails done," Willa added.
"Trust us, we know hair." Wynter patted the braids on her head. "And nails," she added, displaying her claws.
"Oh yeah, this is going to be so much fun, I can't wait. So where does everyone want to sleep?" Addison asked.
"Wynter and I are fine with the floor Willa offered, just give us some blankets or sleeping bags or something and we'll be golden."
"OK then if you're sure."
"It's fine Addison, it's what we're used to."
"Alright then, Bree, Eliza? I can fold out the couch if you want?"
"Yeah, that's good with me." Bree nodded. "Eliza?"
"Sure. What about you Addison?"
"I can sleep right here. Addison patted the armrest of the recliner she was seated in. "Sounds like a plan everyone?"
"Yep. Totally."
After everyone agreed Addison grabbed a bunch of extra blankets and pillows from the guest bedroom and soon everyone had everything they needed for a goodnight's sleep.
"Does anyone want to play a game or anything before we hit the sack?"
"Oh how about we tell stories, that's how we wolves always end a night," Wynter suggested.
"Really, big bad wolves like you have bedtime stories? Oh, I can't wait to see Wyatt again so I can roast him." Eliza chuckled.
"No. it's just what we do, just stories to help us calm down after a wild night and stuff like that, either legends or history. Plus I would love to hear more human stories." Wynter explained.
"Sure. Um…I could tell you the story of how the wave was invented?" Addison asked.
"Oh my gosh, I love that story! I'm pretty sure I still have that book at home!" Bree smiled.
"I know, I have it too. That was one of my favorite bedtime stories growing up."
"Me too!"
"You know I love you cheerleaders, but I don't need a bedtime story about cheerleading." Eliza cut them short.
"OK Eliza, give us a zombie story then. But preferably one we can still sleep after, and won't make us feel sad or angry." Addison suggested.
"Hmm." Eliza thought for a moment. "Oh, this one is too good. Sorry Willa, but can we break the no talking about Zed and Bonzo rule? This one is too good."
"I suppose but it better be."
"What is it Eliza?" Addison asked.
"I'll tell you the story of how we had our first zombie mash." Everyone nodded and Eliza launched into the story.
So, about three years ago, during the summer when we were all thirteen. One day Zed and Bonzo were tossing around a football, nothing unusual there, near the powerplant. When at some point Zed decided to tell Bonzo to go long to see how far he could throw it.
He threw it pretty far all right, right through one of the broken windows of the powerplant.
Now back then, there was a superstition among all the adults that going back inside the powerplant was too dangerous because it was possible that whatever originally made the zombies could still be stronger than the Z-bands and make us go rogue. Obviously, that isn't true, but that's what we were always told. Who knows how that started, I wouldn't be surprised if it was the Z-Patrol, since as far as I know, no humans ever stepped foot in the powerplant itself again until Zed brought Addison last year. Since they believed it could possibly still make humans into zombies. The point is, that everyone always avoided it before.
So Zed threw the football threw the window and he wanted to get it back, so he crept inside, slowly opening the busted-out front doors and he and Bonzo walked around for a while until they found the football again. While they were inside though they started getting ideas of what they could use the space before, we had already been talking about trying to find somewhere we could all hang out outside of our houses and still be safe from Z-patrol. Some days back then I swear even if we just looked like we were kids having fun we'd still get in trouble for nothing.
So they came to me, and I of course, always the bright and curious zombie I was. Followed them back. And I fell in love with the powerplant. Even though we weren't allowed to go near it, many zombies were still proud of it as the birthplace of what makes us, us. Even though some saw it as the birth of our curse, many more saw it as the start of our entire culture.
We spent a few days exploring everywhere we could until we found the elevator to the lower levels, and we knew, we had found our place. After that, we started sharing the best-kept secret in Zombietown. Within a week literally everyone, kids and adults alike knew about it, and we started working together to make it our space where no one could tell us what to do, and we could be free to be ourselves without any fear.
It was my idea to set everything up so we could have mashes, the key to having fun is the ability to have great music, plus down below was perfect so we could be as loud as we want without anyone hearing us. Bonzo was mostly excited to have a giant blank canvas to create his art, and Zed was all for the party spot too.
Everyone. Even adults helped us set everything up, from digging through Seabrook's trash for lights, speakers, and wiring, to gallons upon gallons of paint, everything we needed, including a light garden as I know you are all well aware.
It took nearly a month of hard work, mostly done by us kids since all the adults always had to work almost every day. But right before school started that year, we held our first mash, everyone in Zombietown had an absolute blast, and of course, Bonzo, Zed, and I debuted Bamm for the first time, and from that moment on, we can't hold a Mash without it.
So after that, the rest is history, anytime we had something to celebrate, we all snuck away to the powerplant to dance without anyone watching or judging us for being ourselves. And we were never once found out until a certain little miss cheer boots crashed our party. Eliza teased Addison as she ended her story, but Addison knew that was all it was.
"Great story Eliza, I always did wonder how you all did that. The powerplant was so amazing." Addison sighed in the memories.
"And I thank Z it still is."
"Everything I learn about you all I just always learn how long I was to judge you, Eliza, you never just took anything lying down did you?" Willa asked.
"Definitely not. The Mash Pit is still my favorite place on Earth."
"Well, thanks for the story, Eliza. But what do you say we all hit the hay now?" Addison yawned tiredly.
"I'm good with that," Bree said, and everyone else nodded along.
"OK then." Addison stood up to got turn out the lights. "Goodnight everyone!" She flipped the switch and a chorus of good nights answered back as she made her way back to the recliner, leaned back, and pulled her blanket up. Eventually hearing the soft sounds of sleep surrounding her, she drifted off too.
The next morning after eating a hearty and filling breakfast, the girls all headed off to Seabrook's mall to start their shopping trip. Of course, it didn't take them very long to find a store filled wall to wall with pastel pink and blue, the bigger challenge was finding something Eliza would even agree to try on.
"Come on Eliza. There isn't anything here you like?" Addison asked her.
"No, I've said it once I said it a thousand times, everything in Seabrook is just so dull and boring. No sense of individualism, why would I want something that's literally the exact same as everyone else?"
"OK. Then, how about you get something and then add your own touches to it, so it can be Zombie and Seabrook? Addison suggested.
"Alright, I suppose I can do that." Eliza rifled through the rack closest to her and pulled out a pink blouse and a matching pink denim skirt. "Fine, I'll take this."
"Come on Eliza, you have to try it on at least so we can tell you how cute you look in it," Addison whined.
"Fine." Eliza huffed and made her way to the fitting rooms.
Addison waited outside and was soon joined by Bree, Wynter, and Willa, who all had various pastel blue outfits in their hands.
"So did you guys have good luck finding anything?"
"Yeah, we did," Willa nodded, holding up a blue and white striped T-shirt and some jeans.
"You guys are fine with the boring color palate right?" Addison joked.
"I heard that!" Eliza shouted from the fitting room.
"Well, I wouldn't choose pink but the blue is fine, even though for some reason all the pants I tried on have barely usable pockets why is that?" Will asked.
"Oh, that's not a Seabrook thing, that's just how girls' clothes are made." Bree shook her head.
"Why? Pockets are great. Why wouldn't you have them, or worse, have them and make them useless." Wynter asked.
"Your guess is as good as mine." Bree shrugged her shoulders "It's just the way things are made. So I'm assuming your normal style has better pockets?"
"Of course," Willa brushed her hand against the fur on her vest. "How are you supposed to run, or hunt or fight if you have your hands full? Maybe we should be trying to bring werewolf style to more of Seabrook? But either way, you guys are going to be in for a real treat when we get to the Den."
"I can't wait." Addison laughed.
At that moment Eliza walked out of the fitting room with a scowl on her face. "See what did I tell you guys? Don't I just look ridiculous?" She tugged uncomfortably at the bottom of the skirt.
"Of course, not Eliza you look great." Bree grinned.
"Really?"
"Yeah, I mean you would look much better in some fur and leather but it looks good," Wynter admitted.
"If you really don't like it you don't have to buy it." Addison reassured her, "Even though you do look great."
"Maybe you could add some zombie flare to it yourself, make it the best of both worlds?" Bree suggested.
Eliza glanced down at her clothes in thought, "Well, if I put some studs along there, and destress the seams a bit, add a more neutral gray on top…Alright, you convinced me, I'll get it, but this is the last time I'm wearing it like this."
"You do you Zom-bae." Addison laughed.
Eliza just smirked, "Whatever, our next stop is my turf. Trust me." She turned around to change back into her normal clothes and after checking out their purchases, their group made their way over to Zombietown.
"OK, here we go." Eliza led the group into a store called Green With Envy. "Unlike the formalwear store, this one had clothes mostly made out of the government-issued coveralls."
"OK, you guys, now normally we all just get our coveralls from the city and make them Zombie Chic ourselves, but if we want to buy Zombie Chic instead of stealing it from your boyfriends, this is the place to be."
Eliza led them around and helped them all pick stuff out, as well as suggesting additional alterations she could probably make to make them all truly unique.
So even though Bree and Addison would always love their borrowed/stolen goods from their boyfriends they also loved finding something they could wear to match with them on date nights, long walks in the park, or anywhere else they wanted.
After they left the store to walk back to Eliza's house to drop their stuff off before they headed off to the forest, Eliza couldn't help laughing out loud.
"What is it Eliza?" Bree asked they were all mystified at Eliza's hilarious reaction.
"I just realized, Zed and Bonzo are both probably gonna be struck speechless when they see you two wearing your new stuff for the first time. I guarantee it."
"I wouldn't bet against you," Willa nodded, "but just wait until Wyatt sees you when we're done with you Eliza."
"Please, do your worst."
"Oh I will." Willa grinned.
Soon enough they made it to the Wolf Den, and Willa and Wynter quickly led their friends into one of the many smaller caves off the main Den.
"Woah, what is this place?" Addison asked, she could see stone bowls and clay bottles that appeared to be filled with all manner of things, plus many interesting-looking tools made out of stone and bone. As well as a large stone circle hanging on the wall that was polished to a mirror-like finish.
"Let's just call this our salon," Willa suggested, "so are you three ready to look wild?"
"Yeah!"
"Let's do it!"
"Bring it on."
Willa and Wynter circled their friends and had a whispered discussion.
"So, I'll be doing your nails," Wynter announced excitedly as she started gathering her tools. "Don't worry, I give great manicures."
"And I'll take your hair, when we're done with you, you'll all look so fierce, the boys aren't going to know what hit them."
"Willa, um what exactly are you going to do with our hair?" Addison asked nervously.
"Just make it look more like ours, add some volume, give it some bite." Willa snapped her fangs.
"You won't cut it right?" Addison asked, in truth, she'd only had one haircut ever since the homecoming game, and that was just Bree evening the edges to make it look better after it grew in a bit, and that was months ago.
"Addison, if you don't want me to, of course, I won't. I promise no cutting, this will just make you look more like us for a few days. And its just for fun." Willa put her hand comfortingly on Addison's shoulder. "I know we all agree that you always look perfect the way you are." The other three girls all nodded enthusiastically in agreement.
"Of course, sorry. I trust you Willa."
"There's no need to apologize. How about I work on Eliza first? I'm thinking each of you will be a little bit different, but the basics will be the same."
"OK, I think that would be good." Addison smiled again.
"I'll do your nails first Addison." Wynter led her over to one of the many stone ledges in the cave so she could sit down. Wynter then knelt in front of her. "Just close your eyes, relax and enjoy it."
"OK." Addison closed her eyes obediently and felt Wynter get started scrubbing the faded polish she had been wearing the last few days.
A few hours later, all three girls were done, and in addition to having new hair and nails, Wynter and Willa had also gifted each of them with a new werewolf-styled outfit.
"Wow." Eliza glanced in the polished stone mirror. "I look…not hideous."
"Not even close." Wynter rubbed her shoulders in a comforting manner.
"We all look great, thanks so much Willa." Bree turned to give Willa a hug.
"It was my pleasure. Just don't expect me to Seabrook style my hair, no offense to any of you guys, but wolves always have the best hair."
"No argument here." Bree lightly felt her new hairstyle while looking in the mirror.
Just then Addison's phone buzzed in her pocket, and she could admit, the werewolf pants had much better pockets than most of the clothes in her closet. "Its Zed-"
"Oh who could have guessed that?" Eliza said, making all the other girls laugh too.
"He wants to know where I am and if we can meet up. Their guys' day has been fun, but they've run out of stuff to do."
"Oh, we should tell them all to come here, so they can all bask in the radiance of mine and Willa's handiwork," Wynter suggested.
"I think you mean watch their tongues roll on the floor," Eliza added.
"Oh yeah, let's do it, it'll be so fun." Addison agreed.
"Are you sure you're not just saying that so you can see Zed sooner?" Bree teased her.
"Maybe? Are you saying you don't want to see Bonzo as soon as possible either?"
"No, I'm not," Bree admitted. "But sure, I'm in."
"I'm in too I guess." Eliza agreed, shrugging her shoulder to try to seem aloof, but her slightly devious smile was giving her away.
"I guarantee Wyatt will howl to the moon when he sees you," Willa smirked at Eliza
"Bragging are we? Well, yeah, half the time I think he howls just so he can say something without me understanding him. Say what you will about Zombietongue, but I don't know how I will ever Wolftongue down."
"Well, even so, I just brought out the beauty that you always have Eliza."
"Thanks, Willa."
"I'll text Zed they can all come," Addison said, typing away. She couldn't wait to see him either, by now it was getting just around dinner time, and just like always, after about a day apart, she was missing him something fierce, but not as fierce as she looked right now.