Chapter Eight- Final Full Moon

Aknadin looked around and saw no one; just as he expected. He climbed out and the others followed. Mahad looked around, noting the large cave, the clear pond, and the trees that hid the tunnel from view. The perfect place for a werewolf to have his full moons. It was still cool, but Mahad knew that he would have a fur coat very soon. He also looked forward to speaking as a wolf. He didn't understand the barks, though the gestures did give him an idea of what was said. Once I change, I will understand.

Atem admired the area while Mahad examined it. He found it hard to believe that two days ago he had turned sixteen and his heritage had surfaced. He had grown comfortable with being a werewolf and, as he had been born one, it made sense. Mahad will grow comfortable being one too, just as Seto had said.

Seto laid the wrapped bundle of meat on the ground and turned to where the moon would rise. He was eager to change again and go hunting with his cousin. It would be just the two of them as Aknadin was content to stay at the oasis and eat one of the meats they had brought. He also wanted to play with Mahad to help him get used to his body. He had done the same on Atem's first night and it had gone well.

The sun vanished leaving only the glow of the moon. Mahad felt that same tingle he had felt all day and then found himself on four dark brown paws. He heard Atem howl and answered it with his own as did the other two. He then examined his body. It was large like the others and strong-looking with dark brown fur. His tail swished happily and he barked joyfully. He heard a yipping laugh he recognized as Atem's. He turned to it and found that he had managed to turn on his paws and not trip.

"Happy, Mahad?" Atem barked.

"Very happy," he barked back.

"Good," Seto said. "I'm hungry and ready to hunt."

"I'm ready too," Atem said. "Let's go."

"Be careful," Aknadin called as his family ran off. He then went to the bag, seized the rope keeping it closed, and pulled it off, revealing the meat within. He laid down, grabbed one, and pulled it closer. "Come, Mahad. You must be hungry. Changing to a wolf burns a lot of energy."

"I am," he admitted. He went over, awkwardly laid down, and grabbed one of the meat he had chosen. His teeth cut into the meat and his tongue tingled from the raw taste and the juice. He ate hungrily and, when done, he washed his face and paws. "That was delicious, Master Aknadin."

"Of course. You did well in choosing tonight's meat."

"I was confused when the pharaoh collected several pieces until he pointed out that hunting may not go well and that we'll get hungry later on."

"Exactly. I suspect that Seto will want to play with you later or maybe the pharaoh will."

"Play?"

"It will help you in adjusting to your body. Seto helped the pharaoh on his first night by playing. Also, you now have energy from your dinner and will need to get rid of it."

"And you don't?"

Aknadin gave a yawn. "Most of the time, I don't. I am an older wolf and like older people, I need a lot of sleep."

The camel's cry was cut short as a black and yellow wolf leaped onto its back and bit it on the neck. He leaped away as the camel collapsed and Atem howled at the thrill he got.

"Just like last night, my pharaoh," Seto remarked.

"I love it!" he exclaimed. "Hunting thrills me in a way I can't explain."

Seto gave a yip as a laugh as he ripped the stomach open. "I enjoy hunting myself but not in the way you do."

"I promised Mahad that he would hunt another time and I offered to teach him."

"You would be a good teacher, my pharaoh." The two wolves fell silent as they feasted on their kill. They left the remains for scavengers as they headed back to the oasis. "Pharaoh, I was thinking of playing with Mahad the way I did with you. You're welcome to join us."

"Thanks, Seto. I would love to."

Mahad sat outside the cave, his eyes closed. Aknadin had decided to go to sleep but Mahad chose to work on his nose and ears. He recalled a pleasant but curious scent around him. It faded a little when Seto and Atem had left but it was still there and coming from the cave. It must be that distinctive scent Master Aknadin spoke about. Very nice.

His ears turned in one direction and then the other. He was hearing subtle sounds, sounds he had heard while on patrol with sharp hearing. It was painful in wolf form with all his senses now sharp. They were comfortable and easy to handle. The pharaoh was right: My senses are easier to handle now.

His nose flared as the werewolf scent grew stronger again and he surmised that his fellow wolves were returning. His ears moved to determine where they were coming from before opening his eyes and rising to his feet before facing the eastern direction. Two wolves; one brown and one black-yellow appeared and Mahad barked in greeting. Atem barked back as they raced up to him.

"I smelled you coming," Mahad said with a little awe.

"That's good," Atem said. "Your senses are easier now."

"Yes, my pharaoh. Just as you said."

Atem felt pleased with Mahad's response and use of senses. He had spent the entire day with his senses sharpening and fading as well as partially shifting; the hardest part of becoming a werewolf. Atem had felt relief when he transformed for the first time. He no longer had to deal with uncontrolled shifts or senses sharpening and fading. His racing and wrestling with Seto his first night had filled him with joy and helped him learn to run, leap, and play.

Seto crept silently to the cave, his ears turned to Aknadin. He heard deep, even breathing. He's asleep. That's just as well. It's been a long and action-filled cycle. He turned away and barked softly, "Let's go play and let Master Aknadin sleep."

"All three of us?" Mahad asked as he followed the others.

"Yes," Atem said. "We're three young wolves and we've got excess energy we need to expel if we are to get any sleep tonight."

Mahad bared a wolf's grin. The idea of playing sounded like fun. He did not get a chance to have fun like this and he was going to take advantage of it. "In that case," he said. "Who wants to race?"

Atem and Seto gave him wolf grins as they struck racing poses. Mahad took one as Atem said, "Ready…set…go!"

All three took off, Mahad lagging a little as he had to coordinate his limbs in order to run. He got all four legs to move smoothly and closed the distance between himself and the others. He panted a little out of happiness.

Atem then slowed down and then turned to leap toward Mahad. The two wolves tumbled across the ground, nipping and yipping happily. Seto jumped in on the fun and all three yipped as they playfully wrestled with one another. Cuts and scratches were dealt but healed quickly. The trio ended up back at the oasis where they fell into a deep sleep and Mahad had a grin on his muzzle for he had thoroughly enjoyed his first night.