Chapter 10
“We’re trapped,” Zeek said. “That’s it.”
“Come out of there and give yourselves up,” Luna shouted.
“No way,” Jack said, shaking his head. “If we stay in here till the sun comes up, he’ll turn back into a normal human, right?”
“That’s not for hours,” Paul said.
“Then we’ll wait for hours,” Jack said. “The doors are locked, right?”
They were, but the windows were made of glass.
Luna walked off into the weeds and came back carrying a softball-sized rock. “If you don’t come out,” she said, “I’ll smash the window and let the werewolf boy climb in to get you. Understand?”
“She’s serious,” Nelson said. “What are we going to do?”
Jack put his hands up. “Wait, Luna,” he said. “We’ll come out. Just keep the werewolf back, okay?”
“Of course,” she said. She nodded at Grandma. The old lady backed away from the car and pulled Caleb with her.
“Okay, I’m unlocking the door,” Jack said. He flicked the lock. “Luna, you come open it and we’ll climb out.”
Luna went to the door and lifted the handle. The moment the door was open, Jack reached out and grabbed her necklace.
“Hey!” Luna snapped, trying to grab it back. She wasn’t quick enough.
Jack took the necklace and ran over to Caleb and Grandma. He held the necklace out, toward the werewolf. The monster recoiled and snarled.
“I knew it,” Jack said. He spun to his friends. “The charm on this necklace keeps Luna and Grandma safe from the monsters. Grandma has the same thing in her pocket.”
Paul jumped out of the car and filled up the tank. Jack stayed at his side, holding out the necklace.
When the tank was full, the boys got back into the car. It started on the first try.
“Let’s get out of here,” Zeek said.
Jack nodded. He opened his window and held the necklace out to Luna. “Here,” he said. “You can have this back.” She grabbed the necklace and the car sped away.
“Release Caleb!” Luna shouted. But it was too late. The car was zooming down the highway as fast as Paul could drive.
The drive back home was a long one. Soon Nelson was asleep in the back seat.
“I don’t feel so good,” Zeek said quietly.
“We’re going to get you to a hospital,” Paul said. “You’ll be okay.”
“No,” Zeek said. “It’s not my stomach. The bleeding stopped.”
“Then what’s wrong?” Jack said. He turned in his seat. In the dark, he could barely see his friend’s face.
“I’m not sure,” Zeek said. “I feel feverish. Maybe I’m coming down with something.”
“Well, the doctors at the hospital will take care of you,” Jack said. “Try not to worry.”
Zeek nodded. “Hey, can I use your headphones?” Zeek said. “Nelson’s snoring is bugging me.”
“Sure,” Jack said. He took his mp3 player from the bag at his feet, then held it back toward Zeek.
Zeek leaned forward, and his face caught the light from the dashboard.
Jack dropped the mp3 player and stared at his friend. Then he screamed.
Zeek’s nose had grown longer and turned black. His eyes were yellow and fierce. And his face was covered in thick, brown hair.