"This is moment when everything changes!" Kiril laughed, a little manically.
The old doublewide trailer that was the pack's home was saved from being cramped mostly by virtue of them spending a lot of time outside despite the cold.
Still, an enthusiastic Kiril had gathered everyone around the battered old couch to share his news.
"I don't know about this, Kiril," Bianca said hesitantly.
"Hush, worrywart. I am telling story," Kiril laughed. "To begin, I must set scene for you."
Kiril continued in his broadly accented storytelling voice.
"As you know, I am very great musician... and Rory, she does not like me to rob service stations anymore. So, I am in Evergreen Habor, playing guitar at bar for my many fans. Everyone very excited and my music, it is moving hearts."
"After I finish my set, a man approach me. Now, many times my fans approach me between sets, because they love my music... and also because I am very handsome man... but my heart is given to my Bianca, so only are my fans allowed to love my music.
"Where was I... oh, yes, man approach me. He offers to buy me drink and says he has proposition for me. I tell him I am very flattered but my heart is given to my Bianca. He laughs, of course, because I am very funny man too.
"So, I sit with him and we talk. Man, his name is Markus, he says he enjoys my music and he sees I have many fans. Markus, he is music producer! He has small, indie production studio... specializes in local talent. He is very excited and says he wants me to make record!
"Yes!" Rory cheered. "Kiril, that's awesome! This really could change everything for you."
"For all of us," Kiril smiled. "We are pack... all together."
"This is terrific, man," Lou put in. "I mean, obviously this Markus guy is tone deaf, but..."
"Lou, you are funny man," Kiril laughed, "but I am very funny, very handsome man, and great musician. Yes? Is true."
"Well, I don't think this is a great idea," Bianca put in. "I met this guy and..."
"Yes, I can no make life changing deal without talking to my Bianca," Kiril interrupted.
"Lucky, she is working at bar this night, so I call her over to meet Markus," he continued.
"Right, I am telling you, the guy smells..." Bianca started.
"OK, so you don't like him right away," Kiril spoke over her. "Is not reason to be against deal. I will work out particulars. Trust me."
"Well, it sounds like a great opportunity," Demarco said. "At least, it's worth checking out."
Bianca sighed heavily but offered nothing more.
"Is great opportunity!" Kiril smiled. "Tomorrow, I meet with Markus's partners and work out particulars of deal."
------------------------------------
"Welcome Kiril," Markus said. "You told them?"
"Yes," Kiril smiled as he descended the stairs. "Not everything, of course... just enough. They are very excited. A great opportunity... for me."
"Bianca wasn't a problem?"
"She said she didn't like you," Kiril admitted, "but she didn't give away anything she shouldn't have. She will listen to me. Don't worry."
As Markus led Kiril to meet his "partners," the werewolf smiled.
This is the moment when everything changes.
Author's Note: Long-time readers of Wyrd Girls will, I hope, recognize Markus's partners (and Markus himself) and be thinking - "Wait, didn't Ms. H die at the end of Wyrd Girls: College Years?"
Yes. Yes, she did. I have honestly not been able to think of a clever way to insert into the story itself the fact that Bad Moon Rising takes place at about the same time as Year 2 of Wyrd Girls: College Years. So, at this point, Ms. H is still alive (unalive) and her schemes extend well beyond just messing with college students.
