Moonrise

Moonrise

"Come on, slowpoke! You act like you're afraid of the dark!" Audra's voice floated playfully on the night air.

No, just the opposite, Chris thought.

Pushing through the brush, they emerged on the edge of the lake. They stood mesmerized as the stars danced on the water's surface, the reflected light shimmering in a magical glow.

Audra reached for Chris's hand. "Have you ever seen anything more beautiful?" At his silence, she turned to him and saw he was staring at her.

"No, never," he said huskily, causing her face to flush.

With a laugh, she dropped his hand and began to unbutton her blouse.

"What are you doing?"

"It a beautiful night and I'm going for a swim! Are you going to just stand there or are you going to join me?" she said, the challenge in her voice unmistakable.

As the last of her clothes dropped to the ground, her pale skin seemed to take on the glow of the lake.

Chris felt his body begin to change. What the ...? It's a new moon. This can't be happening to me! His muscles began to stretch and he felt the lycanthropic transformation take control of him as claws and fangs emerged. Dropping to his knees, he felt the hunter's thrill begin to surge through his blood.

A scream ripped the night as Audra saw what was happening and started toward him.

"Don't come any closer!" He managed to somehow form the words through muzzled jaws.

"What's happening?" Audra cried as she watched the final convulsions of the large wolf that had moments before been her love.

Chris was as confused as she was. This has never happened before! The change was always predictable ... It suddenly became clear to Chris what had happened.

"Never moon a werewolf," his anguished voice rumbled.


Notes:
An entry for the 6/2/10 round of "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge"  [13+]
Prompt: Write a story that includes the phrase: "Don't come any closer."

Word Limit: 300
Word Count: 299

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Please, as long as you're here, leave a comment. Criticisms, thoughts, reactions, yes – even words of encouragement or praise – are all equally welcome

Ken