By the Pale Moonlight (Book One of the Moonlight Series)

By Jennifer Hendren

Makenna Wilhelm knows all of her friends have their quirks, but when Ty shows up naked in her yard one morning, she finds it beyond weird. Stranger still are the deep gashes across Ty’s chest and his sudden ability to hear and smell things that no human should.

During a moonlit night, Ty’s secret is revealed. He’s no longer the boy she’s crushed on forever, but rather a werewolf with one serious aversion for all things silver. Makenna is left wondering if he’s to blame for the recent death of one of their classmates, the apparent victim of an animal attack.

With the help of Melanie, the dead girl’s friend, they manage to shed doubt on Ty’s guilt only to discover Makenna was the intended prey. Even worse, she’s still a target.

In a race against the full moon, the trio struggles to find who murdered the young woman. However, without a way to cure Ty, they have no way of knowing who poses the greater threat: Ty or the unknown enemy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jennifer Hendren
• Release date: Oct 16, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465809216

Jennifer Hendren

Jennifer Hendren is a graduate of the University of Nebraska College of Law. Foregoing a legal career, she decided to instead chase her dream of becoming a full-time writer. She currently writes adult mystery/suspense and young adult paranormal.

Book preview

Chapter 1

The roar of the crowd echoed in my ears as David's hand slid beneath my T-shirt. From the stands overhead, students were chanting a raucous rendition of We've got spirit, egging the opposing fans into a shouting match. The support beam at my back vibrated with each movement from above, and random snatches of conversation drifted down to us.

I listened as a gravel voiced man described the finer points of blitzing.

This definitely wasn't the right place or time.

I tore my mouth away from David's eager lips.

We should go back to the game, I whispered.

You promised, Mac. David's warm hands swept across my skin and my resolve wavered when his teeth nipped at my neck.

I know, but...

His tongue found the small hollow behind my ear; a tingling sensation shot down to my toes, and my fingers reflexively curled into the hair at the nape of his neck.

Applause spread through the crowd above us and a moment later a voice over the loudspeakers announced our team had pulled to within two touchdowns. A miracle without Ty.

Ty.

My eyes snapped open.

I pushed against David's chest and squirmed out of his reach. Caught off guard, he staggered forward and grabbed the post for balance.

Let's go back, I said, pulling down my T-shirt and smoothing it over my stomach. It was unseasonably warm for October, and the heat had drenched both of our bodies in perspiration. Our activities hadn't helped the cause.

Besides, someone might drop their Coke on us, I said, spying my discarded letterman's jacket on the ground. I draped it on a crossbeam and focused hard on brushing the dirt from its thick wool. My voice was unsteady. With deep, even breaths, I willed my blood to cool. I couldn't—wouldn't—look at him until I had myself back under control.

I never should've let him talk me into coming down there.

The place was too disgusting for words. It reeked with the stench of discarded food and an unidentifiable muck I didn't want to analyze too closely. Besides, it hardly seemed fair to make out with one boy when I was thinking of another.

As though reading my thoughts, David turned away from me. The field lights leaked through the slats, falling across his blond head.

Do you want to do this? he said, rounding to face me.

Of c-course I do, I said. I—it's just...Homecoming's soon. We said we would wait.

"No, Mac. You said." His blue eyes seemed to cut right through me.

I know—I'm sorry, but...

I'm not ready.

It's just... I swallowed hard and gestured at our surroundings. This isn't the right place...

As if to illustrate my words, a container of nachos slipped through the boards a few feet away and landed with a loud splat. Cheese and chips flew in all directions. A string of swear words followed from above.

A large glop of cheese landed on David's pant leg. He glanced up then back down at me and laughed.

Point taken, he said.

The tension in my shoulders eased. Pulling him by his hands, I backed us toward the opening in the stands.

He stopped us short. Homecoming, Makenna. No more excuses.

I didn't know how to respond, so I simply nodded.

Let's go find Vince and the others, I said. It sounds like our team needs a few more cheerleaders. I flashed him a smile I didn't feel when he followed behind me.

We pushed through the student section. The opposing team was preparing for their fourth down, and whoops of excitement broke out when our team managed to sack their quarterback to take back possession. All around us, people sprang to their feet. I stood on tiptoe to scan the red and white jerseys flooding onto the field. Number seventeen wasn't among them. I rocked back on my heels and cursed under my breath.

Ty still wasn't there. Eight minutes until the half, it didn't seem possible. He never missed a game.

Our row was packed, and Vince Reznick shuffled back a level to make room for us.

Guess I don't need to tell you how shitty we're doing, Vince said before plopping down on the bench seat. He handed a thermos to David, and I tuned out their conversation so I could search the players again.

Our team was struggling without Ty, and the crowd let out a collective groan when our back-up receiver fumbled our first pass attempt.

Jesus, that guy sucks. Vince sprang to his feet and cupped the bill of his baseball cap. Fucking O'Neill! Where is he?

At some point in the evening, the first fifth of alcohol had appeared. Passed amongst my friends, the vodka started to loosen tongues, their owners no longer caring what they said or who they insulted. No one was safe—not the freshmen girls sitting a few rows up, nor the parents crowding the section across the aisle. Now even the players were fair targets—even those not at the game.

Seriously, where the hell is he? Vince paced on the bench seat. He looked like an overgrown two-year-old pitching a fit. The guy had to choose tonight to flake out?

Why doesn't he just shut up? I mumbled under my breath, pushing the proffered thermos of vodka away yet again.

Ty let us down, Mac. Face it. David breathed on me. I fought the urge to turn away from the warm fumes. Hopefully, these guys knew better than to light a match.

Another missed pass.

Jesus! I'm gonna kill him! Vince roared from behind us.

David draped his arm over my shoulders; I tensed.

Relax, he whispered.

I squirmed away from him, his body heat near suffocating at this point. I need a Coke.

I pushed through the crammed row of students and descended the stairs quickly. Once down, I pressed my back to the stairwell and closed my eyes until the heaviness around me began dissipating into the night air. The full moon hung in the distance; I focused on it until my breathing steadied.

A whistle blew, and I forced my attention back to the field. Our team had ended their drive by kicking a field goal. People began surging toward the food stands, half-hearted applause the best they could muster.

My best friend, Jenna Nichols, stood near the fence line getting ready for the half-time show. Several players ogled her legs beneath her short cheerleading skirt as they passed by her on the way to the locker room. She'd certainly earned a reputation with the team. Last time I'd bothered to count, she was on her third boyfriend recruited straight from the starting line-up.

I tapped her on the shoulder.

She swung around, her wide smile faltering for a split second when she saw it was me. Oh...hey, Mac.

Hey, guess you thought I was Mike, huh? The varsity basketball player in question stood talking to friends a few feet behind me. He was her current crush—heaven help him. She'd probably been hoping her magnetism had drawn him out of the stands.

The center's dark head went in the direction of the snack bar, and Jenna's cool blue eyes watched him go. Don't worry. I'll get him if it's the last thing I do. She arched her back, sticking her voluptuous chest out even farther. No one can resist these babies.

Her laughter was deep and throaty, and I had to admit she was probably right. Next to her, I always felt like a prepubescent boy. I struggled to keep from dropping my eyes for a quick comparison.

Listen, have you seen Ty? I scanned the throng of players again.

Jenna bent to pick up her pompoms, flashing her rear end at the crowd. Several wolf whistles rang through the air and she flushed with pleasure. She was such an exhibitionist.

She straightened, sending her blond ponytail swinging. Nope. I heard some of the players talking, though. He's in deep shit for missing the game.

I chewed on my lip. This is so weird.

"That he missed the game or that he didn't tell you?" Her words dripped with satisfaction. He'd been a sore spot between us—forever. Somehow I was to blame for Ty being the one boy in school she couldn't sink her claws into. It was ridiculous.

Have a good show, I said, refusing to get drawn in. In my current mood, I might blurt out just how Ty felt about her. Jenna wasn't likely to take the words superficial slut well.

With a little finger wave, Jenna lined up behind the other cheerleaders and flounced onto the field as a rap song blared over the loudspeakers. Twitching their hips like pop divas, they were a huge hit with the crowd. I watched them for just a moment before heading toward the concession stands.

Standing away from the crowds so I could hear above the steady buzz of voices, I called Ty on my cell.

This is Ty, you know what to do.

Ty, it's me, Mac. I pushed a finger into my ear and walked down the fence line. Where are you? I...call me, okay? I flipped my phone closed and stared across the football field. Where the hell was he?

Shit, I muttered, kicking a loose patch of dirt at my feet.

By the time I stepped into line at the snack bar, the crowds had thinned. The greasy smell of pizza and french fries wafted out to me. Distracted by my thoughts of Ty, I failed to see Kim Urwin and Melanie Hoffs ahead of me. They had their heads together, whispering about Lord knows what; I tried to move away before they saw me.

Too late.

Kim flashed me a smile over her shoulder. Oh hey, Makenna.

Crap.

I stepped back in line behind them. Hey.

It's a pretty good game so far, don't you think? she said.

I glanced at the scoreboard. We were down by eleven points. Yeah, it's great.

Kim beamed. I love football.

A small smile touched my lips as I regarded her through lowered lashes. She wasn't unattractive per se, but she wasn't pretty either. Her standout feature was her auburn hair. It was similar in color and length to mine, and Jenna liked to tease me about it, saying Kim and I were twins separated at birth. It had to be her favorite joke of all time.

What really stood out about Kim, though, was her general niceness. We hadn't been close for years, but it didn't seem to matter to her. No amount of teasing from Jenna or my other friends ever deterred her. She was the same old Kim. Nice. Friendly. Even with all that had happened between us.

The girl beside Kim was another story. I chanced a quick peek at my watch—anything to keep from looking at the petite brunette. I could feel Melanie's eyes on me, though, and they weren't exactly friendly. While Kim let things slide, Melanie clearly hadn't forgiven me for our broken friendship.

I fidgeted nervously, glancing to the head of the line to see what was holding up the show.

We aren't keeping you, are we? Melanie asked.

Not at all, I said, hoping I didn't appear as panicked as I felt.

Don't tell me you're all alone, Melanie laughed. I didn't think your friends let you do anything by yourself.

It was a direct hit, and she knew it. I swallowed, relieved when I saw another window open. Enjoy the rest of the game.

I muttered a hasty goodbye and cut over to the next line.

I wish you wouldn't do that to her, I heard Kim say.

Their conversation continued in heated tones, but I couldn't make out Melanie's response. Just as well. I wasn't sure I wanted to know what she had to say about me.

No longer thirsty, I dumped my drink and headed away from the football field. Once outside the perimeter fence, I placed another call to Ty. His voicemail picked up again. I clapped my phone closed without leaving a second message and trudged my way up the grassy hill leading to the main school building. The voice over the loudspeakers faded to an indistinct hum, an occasional surge of applause splicing through the steady drone of the marching band.

Eddington High School was one of the oldest schools in the state, spanning several acres, and there weren't many lights along the path. Luckily, the moon was more than enough to light the way.

I entered through a door on the west side. The building was blessedly silent, and the stall door in the restroom sounded like a gunshot blast when I slammed it closed. I laughed to myself nervously, quickly finishing and then washing my hands. My hair had seen better days. Frizzing auburn tendrils stuck to my sweaty forehead, and I splashed cool water on my cheeks.

When I reached for some paper towels to dry my hands, the lights went out.

Shit.

I clutched the porcelain sink before me, waiting for my eyes to adjust. Dim light filtered in through the windows, but just enough to create eerie shadows in the mirror. A faint, ghost-like creature took shape in the reflection. A small squeak escaped my lips before I realized it was me.

Get a grip, I whispered with a laugh, watching my pale arms move in the reflection.

I waited for what seemed like forever, but the power didn't blink back on. The light was coming from somewhere, though, which meant the field lights were still working. Either I could brave the dark building or wait until morning. Easy choice.

I groped my way back out into the hallway, moving slowly and trailing my fingertips along the wall for guidance. My footsteps echoed against the tile and seemed to ricochet off the metal lockers lining the corridor. Faint light peeked through the open doorways leading to the classrooms, and I used the intermittent patches to help feel my way through the school.

In the gloom, the place no longer seemed as peaceful. In fact, it was downright freaky. Especially the open doorways I passed. In horror movies, that's where the killer always lurked.

Happy thoughts.

Just as I rounded a turn in the hallway, I heard someone keeping pace behind me.

I stopped, relieved to have another person stuck in the building with me.

Hey. Do you know what happened to the lights? My voice came out extremely loud in the still building. The footsteps stopped.

I squinted, tried to make out any movements. All I saw was inky blackness, but it felt like someone stood just outside of my periphery. Hello?

Nothing. I slid my fingers along the cool surface of the lockers lining the wall and peeked back around the corner. The corridor was empty—at least as far as I could tell.

Had I imagined the footsteps?

After a moment of listening to the heavy silence, I continued walking, only to have the sounds resume. Light footsteps, not far behind me.

Who's there?

Again, no response came to me from the darkness. I studied it, intent on picking out some telltale sign of whoever was there. Then I heard it. A soft, whisper of a breath. Close.

Who's there? I asked again.

My only answer was the soft breathing. A shiver inched its way across my skin, and I retreated backwards. This isn't funny.

A loud bang came from the right, followed swiftly by one on the left. It sounded as though someone was driving a sledgehammer into the metal lockers. Right. Left. Right. Left. Each hit harder than the last.

I turned and fled down the hallway. The sounds followed me, but were soon replaced by the light sound of pattering feet.

Something brushed my hair. Once, twice, lightly—then roughly as something snagged in the curls. I gasped as several hairs were yanked out by the root.

Pain prickled across my scalp, and I whipped around.

A dark shadow separated itself from the others, somehow blacker than the rest of the passageway. I tried to track its progress, but it seemed to flicker in and out of focus.

Then it lurched at me.

I cowered down, bracing for an attack.

Nothing happened.

Gasping, I lowered my arms and blinked into the darkness. Everything was still and silent. Somehow that frightened me even more.

I dashed toward the nearest exit only to hear the presence again—ahead of me this time. The hallways ran a square loop through the school, but it wasn't possible for anyone to travel them that quickly.

Panic rippled through me. There was more than one of them.

I started backing toward one of the open classrooms just as a brief play of light flashed on the opposite wall, followed closely by a burst of laughter. Several girls entered the building through the side door I had come through earlier.

Hey, what happened to the lights? an unknown girl said.

Seriously, this damn school is falling apart. What, they're too cheap to pay bills?

I recognized Jenna's throaty voice and rushed toward them.

Get out! There's something—

The lights blinked back on.

Mac? What the hell are you doing? Jenna said, an amused smile playing on her lips. Several of the other cheerleaders stood with her, most of them wearing similar expressions.

I scanned the hallways, but we were alone. I—I came inside to use the bathroom. My voice sounded feeble as I searched the corridors for any sign of who—or what—had attacked me.

Jenna laughed. God, don't tell me you got scared in the dark.

No, I... In the distance, I heard the unmistakable sound of someone pushing an exit bar on one of the doors leading outside. I started toward the sound, realizing a beat later that Jenna was still talking to me.

Earth to Mac! She laughed when I focused back on her. What the hell is wrong with you?

I shook my head, convinced I must be crazy. If it weren't for my throbbing scalp, I might have actually believed it true. But no, someone had been there. One look at Jenna's expression stopped me from blurting out everything.

Nothing. I laughed, a slight tremor in the sound. I just got a little freaked when the lights went out.

She rolled her eyes and gave her squad members a knowing look. Come on, little girl. We'll protect you.

We went to the restroom so they could freshen up. The group chatted incessantly, oblivious to my discomfort. Afterward, we made our way back to the game.

I stuck very close to the girls, unease settling in a thick knot between my shoulder blades. It felt as though someone or something was watching, angry and dissatisfied, and waiting for an opportunity to strike again.

Chapter 2

David slammed his car door and followed me up the walk to Ty's house.

This is a joke, he said. The guy blew off the game. That doesn't mean you need to check up on him.

Just come on, I said. The game had ended less than an hour ago, and he wasn't happy I wanted to call it an early evening. For once, I insisted.

Ty's house was steeped in shadows, but his car sat parked in the driveway. The burnt orange '68 Cutlass Supreme was his pride and joy. I knew he wouldn't leave it behind. As he liked to say, he'd spent too much time rebuilding the thing to let it out of his sight.

I pounded on the front door, but heard no response from within.

Considering my options for a split second, I grabbed the spare key from the fake rock in the flowerbed. He could be sick, and I knew his parents weren't home. Ty's dad was out of town on a business trip and his mother worked the night shift. They'd understand—maybe even appreciate me checking up on their son.

David stood at the end of the porch, hands tucked in his pockets as he examined the interior of Ty's car in the moonlight. He backed away when he saw me watching.

You're not going to break in, he said.

Can't call it breaking in when you have a key, I said, dangling the key ring from my finger.

I knew Ty's house as well as my own and quickly weaved my way through the dark interior and up the stairs. David trailed behind me. A loud thud followed by a great deal of swearing marked his progress across the living room. He would be lucky not to break anything.

I didn't feel right about bringing him inside, but being alone at this point wasn't an attractive alternative. Every time I stopped to think about my encounter with the mysterious presence at school, I started to shake. Drunk or not, David provided some measure of protection.

Ty's bedroom door stood slightly ajar, and I poked my head inside. Everything seemed in order—as far as a teenage boy's room goes. His bed was unmade, and piles of clothing lay in small heaps on the floor.

Ty? My voice sounded eerie in the quiet house, and the darkness seemed to swallow it whole.

Anyone home? David looked into the rooms lining the hallway. What a dump.

I flicked on Ty's light and blinked as my eyes adjusted. Downstairs, their Grandfather clock struck eleven. The sound was ominous. Where was he?

So this is the great Ty's room. David wandered around and stopped at the window. He squinted into the night.

What are you doing?

Just checking the view.

He'd never admit it out loud, but I figured his curiosity stemmed from the fact my house was across the way. I knew my bedroom window would be just visible through a break in the trees. As kids, the line of sight had served a useful purpose, allowing Ty and me to pass signals to one another with our flashlights. As teenagers, it proved to be a nuisance, our friends always wishing to spy on the other. I'd spent many nights with a group of giggling girls who wanted nothing more than to catch Ty walking around in his skivvies—or less. It had taught me to keep my own shades drawn while changing.

You don't ever watch him, do you? David turned to me, suspicion in his eyes.

Don't be stupid. Even as I spoke the words, warmth spread across my cheeks. I made myself look busy by scrawling a note on a pad from Ty's cluttered desk and propping it on a pillow. My message was simple—Call me. Mac.

David laughed softly, no real humor in the sound. Look what we have here.

What? Hoping my skin had returned to normal, I turned to face him.

He pulled a photo from its spot on a bulletin board on the far wall. Isn't this cute? He raised an eyebrow, a slight challenge in his voice.

I snatched it from his hands. I didn't bring you so you could snoop through his room. I tucked the picture back in place. It was of Ty and me. Both of us were grinning like complete idiots after tromping the opposing team in a baseball game the previous summer. He had his arm around my shoulders, and the moment was so vivid in my mind that I could practically feel the warm sun on my face and hear his deep laughter. I smiled, a complete contradiction to my mood.

I felt David studying me, but refused to get drawn into another argument. We should go, I said.

What's the hurry? Looks like we have the house to ourselves. He grasped my hips and pulled me in close. His teeth grazed my neck.

Framed in the open window, I dreaded the image we created. He couldn't have picked a worse time as far as I was concerned. And in Ty's bedroom no less.

I pushed him away. I have a headache.I almost groaned out loud. Who would think a seventeen-year old virgin would use such an excuse?

Yeah? Wonder how long that would last if he were here.

Oh brother. Don't be dumb. We're just friends.

Right. He brushed past me and down the stairs.

Bringing him had been a big mistake. I could've kicked myself for being so stupid.

After we locked up Ty's house and said a hasty goodbye on my front porch—with very few words exchanged between us—I went inside. All was quiet, my parents having gone to bed already. I tiptoed upstairs, undressed and crawled into bed using nothing but the soft moonlight peeking through my bedroom windows. I couldn't explain it, but the fear of someone watching from across the way almost overwhelmed me.

Silly when I knew no one was home.

o0o

Admittedly, I'm not a morning person. When I woke up the next day, I lay snuggled beneath my comforter, willing myself to go back to sleep. I could practically count the number of minutes I'd slept on my hands. What little I managed had been haunted by a shadow creature that stalked me in the night. The rest had been spent worrying about Ty.

I clenched my eyes closed, but my body refused to cooperate. Giving up, I threw back the covers.

With a grunt in the direction of the blaring TV in the living room, I made a beeline for the kitchen and my daily dose of morning java. Mom was a fanatic when it came to her morning exercise shows. She always forgot to turn the blasted set off, though. With steaming mug in hand, I scanned the room for the remote and popped the power off. From above, the sound of running water and my father's sad rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody drifted down to me.

Some days I was sure I must have been adopted. How could I be related to these people?

I stepped outside to pick up the morning paper. The cool air sent gooseflesh spreading across my arms.

Our paperboy had the worst aim in the world. It took me a few seconds to locate our paper tucked under a bush on the far side of the driveway. I stooped to get it. A slight stirring in the trees made me jump back in surprise.

Ty's tousled head popped out of the brush. I shrieked.

Placing a hand to my racing heart, I glared at him. "Ty! You scared the crap out

Reviews for By the Pale Moonlight (Book One of the Moonlight Series)

[bookwhisperer · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Makenna and Ty have been friends for as long as they can remember. This is the pure and honesty friendship where no matter what that one person will come to your rescue. Although, as young adult the lines have become slight obscure. When the two began dating it caused some rifts in the waves; although, when it really matters their bond is still impenetrable. When a girl is found mulled and murdered on the school property is sends a shock wave through the community. Especially in Mackenna, as she begins to remove the rose colored glass everything is not what it seems. The life of popularity was nice when she was oblivious to what it was actually costing her. More importantly, when she begins to notice changes in Ty she will stop at nothing to uncover his secrets. What she uncovers may be more secrets than she was ready to handle. Ty is a werewolf with no recollection of how he become so. With the mauling fresh in everyone mind they soon find themselves racing against time to find a cure or at least a means to control the change. A unlikely ally comes to the rescue, but what may appear as friendship could be under-minded dedication. Watching Mac mature through this novel was tremendously powerful. She becomes a person willing to stand up for good no matter what the cost. It was unfortunate to see the conclusion leaving her so alone and desperate, but I am anxious to where book two will take us. By the Pale Moonlight is a suspenseful and enticing read that will keep your attention through the final page. BookWhisperer Recommended Series.