#Chapter 87: Encounters & Distrust

Olivia “Alvin?” I called out, leaning forward to get a better look at the supposed monster in front of me. “Is that you?” In the quiet stretch between one breath and the next, my world changed. The creature — Alvin, I was sure — froze as though he’d been struck by lightning at the mention of his name. This was Alvin, my childhood friend. I was sure of it now. In fact, as I looked at him, he suddenly didn’t seem so large and beastly at all anymore. He was just a regular-sized werewolf with a missing paw and a sad look on his face. “Alvin,” I whispered, reaching out and taking a step forward. “It’s me. Olivia.” Alvin was frozen to his spot as I approached. I came dangerously close, so close that my outstretched fingers brushed against his wiry gray fur. But as I made contact with him, he suddenly lurched backward, putting distance between us once more. A growl rumbled in his throat, low and guttural, bristling with something that I didn’t understand. Suddenly, he tu