We started to turn our attention back to studying, but I realized I was having problems holding my pencil properly. "Uh-oh." I frowned at my hands -- they were starting to look rather paw-like. Despite everything I tried, I couldn't quite get them to change back any more.
Mark noticed this and glanced at the time. "Oops! I forgot this was a full moon night -- I didn't mean to keep you out so late." He looked embarrassed. "But you've really helped me a lot with the math stuff. Thanks, Jonni!" he smiled at me gratefully and I felt myself blush despite the fur.
"You're welcome, Mark," I almost purred and started to pack my stuff hurriedly into my bag. I was realizing it was a good thing I wore my collar! Er, choker! I tried to think briefly. I ought to be able to change into what I wanted to, so why could I change back to human? I realized I'd have to stop wanting to be a were-leopardess trying to be a human during the full moon, and just be a human. If I did that in front of Mark and Zach, I'd have a lot of questions to explain! "I better get going!" I rumbled apologetically as I stood up. Mark stood up too, and we there was this awkward moment where we were just looking at each other. I felt my blush return as I just... well, looked at him.
"Uh, well... I guess I can show you to the door," Mark mumbled. Karyn and Zach were grinning at each other, and I shot them an annoyed looked as we walked up the stairs to the front door. We paused there again and I realized we were really close. Mark was only a foot away, and I could smell his scent -- it was a rather nice scent. He almost leaned closer, his mouth moving like he was going to...
Karyn chose that moment to interrupt. "See you guys at school tomorrow," she said cheerfully and gently grabbed my arm and ushered me out the door. "Thanks for the food, Mark."
"Um, bye!" Mark squeaked, still looking after me.
"See you tomorrow," I managed weakly and finally dragged my eyes away. Once we were around the corner, I exclaimed, "Karyn!"
Karyn giggled. "He was about to kiss you, you know. Are you upset because he was going to do that, or because I stopped him, Jonni-girl?"
I flushed quite redly. "Karyn!" I hissed/growled, feeling my ears flatten.
Karyn just grinned. "I better take your backpack -- it looks like in a few moments you'll be on all fours. You're changing even more!" I looked up at the full moon and knew she was right -- I could feel it. I guessed when I got home, my mother would be the same way! What a thought.
