Free The Anxiety of Kalix the Werewolf by Martin Millar Page A

assassins.”

CHAPTER 13
    Although there were only eight people in Daniel’s and Moonglow’s flat, the small apartment had never been so noisy. Beauty and Delicious turned up the music, shouted over it to make themselves heard, and then turned it up again. Vex screamed at the top of her voice and danced in the middle of the floor.
    Decembrius hadn’t come with them to the cinema, but he’d arrived at the party. He was now talking to Kalix, or rather listening, as she enthusiastically talked about the film. Kalix had enjoyed the Runaways film and described all her favorite parts to Decembrius. They sat close to each other on the floor, leaning against the wall, drinking beer and looking, for once, like a couple who were comfortable in each other’s company. Moonglow observed them with interest. She thought it would be nice if Kalix and Decembrius managed to establish some sort of stable relationship. Decembrius wasn’t such a bad werewolf, once you got past his slight arrogance. Moonglow suspected that Decembrius put this on to cover a degree of natural shyness. When he forgot about being arrogant he was much more agreeable.
    Dominil sat quietly in a corner. She seemed thoughtful and had hardly spoken since they’d left the cinema.
    â€œMy cup is empty!” yelled Vex, and hurried to the kitchen. There she found Daniel, who was drinking from a bottle of lager while putting another in his jacket pocket.
    â€œDaniel! Wasn’t that a good film?”
    Daniel grunted.
    â€œAnd isn’t this a good party?”
    Daniel grunted again.
    â€œWhy are you putting beer in your pockets?”
    â€œSo I can drink on my own in my room.”
    Vex looked puzzled. “You’ve looked awfully gloomy since the film ended. Almost like there’s something wrong. What’s the matter? No, don’t tell me, I’m good at guessing these things . . .” Vex studied Daniel, trying to interpret his aura. “Did you have an accident?”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œAre you sick?”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œDid someone you know have an accident or get sick?”
    Daniel shook his head and tried to escape from the kitchen. Vex blocked his way. She put her face an inch from his and grinned very broadly. “Tell me what’s wrong. It can’t be that bad.”
    â€œI tried to kiss Moonglow and it all went wrong,” said Daniel.
    Vex winced. “Oh. That’s really bad. What happened?”
    â€œShe hit me.”
    â€œHit you?”
    â€œWell, more of a push really.” Daniel looked thoughtful. “No, I think it qualifies as a blow actually. A violent push, say.”
    â€œWhen did this happen?”
    â€œIn the cinema.”
    â€œI didn’t notice.”
    â€œYou were singing along with the film,” said Daniel. “I picked a moment when everyone was occupied.”
    â€œSo you just grabbed her and kissed her?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œAnd Moonglow hit you?”
    â€œSort of. And she told me never to do it again.” Daniel looked crestfallen.
    â€œWell OK,” said Vex. “At least you’ve learned something. It was a bad idea to grab Moonglow and kiss her. But it was obviously the wrong time. I mean, you were both sober. That was bound to be embarrassing. Why didn’t you just wait till the party when Moonglow had a few beers inside her?”
    Daniel shook his head gloomily. “I expect you’re right. I always get these things wrong. If anyone needs me I’ll be up in my room, listening to depressing music.”
    â€œWhat use is that? I keep telling you, you’re not going to get anywhere with Moonglow if you keep skulking around, doing nothing.”
    â€œWhat would you suggest?”
    Vex looked thoughtful. “Have you considered kissing her?”
    Daniel put a weary hand to his forehead. “Agrivex. Please never talk to me again.”
    â€œWhy do people keep saying that?” said