THE BLOOD OF A WEREWOLF

"I know this is a lot to take in," Daniel said. "But I want you to know that I'm the same person I've always been. Nothing has changed except that you know the truth about me now." Mary took a deep breath and looked into Daniel's eyes. "I believe you," she said. "I'm not sure how, but I do." Daniel smiled, a look of relief on his face. "Thank you," he said. "I'm glad you understand." "But what about the rose?" Mary asked.

"The rose is a symbol of our love," Daniel said. "And it blooms and wilts with the moon, just like me. When the moon is full, my power is at its peak. But when the moon is waning, my power fades. The rose reflects that cycle. That's why it wilted overnight." Mary's mind was spinning as she tried to make sense of everything she had just heard. She turned to look at the rose again, and it seemed to have stopped wilting. It sat there, regal and perfect, as if nothing had happened. "I understand now," she said.

"I'm glad you do," Daniel said. "But I still have one more secret to share." "What is it?" Mary asked. "I have the ability to transform you into a werewolf, too," Daniel said. "But only if you want me to. It's a gift that I can give you if you choose to accept it." Mary was stunned. She had never considered such a possibility. "You mean, I could be like you?" she asked. Daniel nodded. "It's up to you," he said. "I would never force you to do anything you didn't want to do.