Page 47 of Jacob Michaels is Not Crazy

“There are a lot of other werewolves around, then?” I asked.

Andrew sipped his coffee slowly as he thought of how to best answer that without sounding like a total weirdo. We were way past either of us sounding like weirdos, as far as I was concerned, so it was pointless to try to pretend to be otherwise. I was a grandson of a witch who had run off to Hollywood and had come back to find out the world as he knew it was a lie. Andrew was a werewolf. That’s just weird no matter how you look at it.

“I mean, I guess.” He said slowly. “I don’t really know a lot of werewolves, per se, but there are a lot of weres all over the country. Probably the world, too.”

“But you haven’t gotten outside of the country much, have you?”

He shook his head.

“Hard to travel when you’re not sure if you can safely be…this…somewhere else.”

“You the only one in Point Worth?”

“No.”

“Who else?”

He frowned at me like I was stupid. Fair enough.

“It’d be like ‘outing’ someone, right?”

He nodded.

“Okay.” I sighed. “Fine. I just want to know that when the next full moon comes, you won’t come looking to eat me or mess with me and mine.”

Andrew’s face twisted up in disgust.

“That’s not how it works, Rob.” He sounded put out. “I was just in the beginning of the full moon cycle and wasn’t in full control of myself. That’s why I did what I did. We don’t turn into werewolves and then suddenly have thoughts of revenge or vengeance. Basic, primal instincts take over and, while you have some cognizance about being human the other days of the month, urges sometimes take over and make you do things you wouldn’t normally do. I’m not plotting out some nefarious plan to come get you or Esther Jean or…anyone.”

I nodded. “Fine.”

“The were-community,” Andrew chewed at his lip, “is secretive. And strict. I’d really appreciate it if you kept it to yourself about what happened. Jacob.”

I laughed loudly.

“Do you think threatening to expose who I really am is really that big of a deal that you can use it negotiate with me?” I snorted. “I mean, sure, it would make me have to avoid going out in public, but must be a Tuesday, Andrew. You have nothing to negotiate with or threaten me with so don’t embarrass yourself by pretending you do.”

He turned red.

“Except,” I sighed, “no one would believe me.”

Andrew looked hopeful.

“And I wasn’t planning to say anything to anyone who doesn’t know anyway.” I sighed. “I mean, what good would that do?”

As I slid from my booth a second time, Andrew didn’t try to stop me. I grabbed my coffee and stood next to the table end and looked down at him.

“As long as I don’t have to worry about you doing that shit again, we’re square.” Andrew gazed up at me. “And stay away from my grandmother. I still don’t fully trust you. At all.”

“She’s going to think it’s odd if I don’t talk to her at the center.”

“You’re smart. Think of an excuse.”

Andrew watched me for a moment and then nodded. Obviously, we had an understanding.

“Thanks for the coffee.” I motioned with the cup and started to turn away.

“Rob.” He stopped me.

I turned back to him, my face a mask.

“Esther Jean isn’t the only thing you have to worry about.” He said lowly. “I wasn’t kidding about the were-community. They’re very secretive and strict. It’s best if they don’t know what happened between us. It wouldn’t be good for me.”

I stared at him for a moment.

“I’m not looking to cause you trouble, Andrew,” I said evenly. “I just had questions.”

And then I walked away.

Outside, the day was warming up, but it was still far from what normal people would refer to as Spring. I walked down the street, dropping the disposable cup into one of the city trash cans as I walked by. I hadn’t really drunk any of the coffee. I had just pretended as Andrew and I chatted. I still didn’t trust him in the slightest. Andrew had believed I drank it, though, so maybe I really could act.