Chapter 15

Crouching on the edge of Wayne Towers I look out over Gotham. I think back over the last several months and the changes that have taken place, most of them seem for the better. My ability to heal and the increased strength, enhanced senses have made the mission easier to handle. The beast within me forced me to reevaluate my friendship with Diana, and give in to my desires to have her. And, while the full moon brings out an extreme desire to change and be free, I am able to control it.

During the last two full moons, I have controlled the beast and have functioned somewhat normally. During the last full moon, I think my facial features had changed slightly, but Diana swears up and down it did not happen. Diana, the mere thought of her brings a smile to my face and my pulse races. Its funny, but I don't think about our future, I have found my mate for life. Whether we marry or not, it doesn't matter, there won't be another.

My thoughts drift to Harold Otis. His situation prompted me to set up a haven. With Lucious' help, I had found a large tract of forest that was uninhabited and using several off-shore shell companies of mine, I had set up a foundation, calling it the Amoureux de la Lune, Lovers of the Moon. The cover is that it is a research foundation for the tracking and rehabilitation of wolf packs. It's a preserve for those who can not control the beast, or want to learn. John had been very helpful in both. He had found a Zen master living in Los Angeles who was one of the cursed, and willing to relocate to assist those in need. I had a seris of small cabins built along with a large multi-room cabin to house those in need.

My thoughts were interrupted by the changing winds, and I could smell her jasmine. A few seconds later, I heard her rustling in the wind. I turned as she landed behind me. She wore a simple white knee-length dress and sandals. I took her in my arms and kissed her passionately. Her arms wrapping around my neck and her returning the kiss just as passionately rewarded me. As we embraced, I felt the pull of the rising full moon.

"I know that you have just started your patrol, but I needed to see you."

"Everything alright?"

"I…I just wanted to tell that I love you and to be careful."

"As you wish Princess."

Bathed in the silver moonlight of the full moon, I continue to kiss her lips gently, and tell her that I will return to the manor sometime after 3 AM. Her smile brightens the rooftop we are occupying.

"I'll be there." She says touching her forehead to mine.

"Good," I said. She kisses me lightly on the lips and I watch as she disappears into the night. I look after her for a few more seconds, relishing her lingering scent. I turn back to Gotham and step onto the ledge, and look out over the city. I close my eyes and take in the scents of the city. I still hear the cry of the moon begging me to free the beast within me, but the cries of the city pull at my soul more.

The police scanner reports that Bane has escaped from Blackgate Prison. Chuckling to myself, I think that Bane was in for a big surprise. I give the silver moon, which ironically in Roman mythology, the goddess of the moon is named Diana, one last look. Then I launch myself into the night, there is work to be done.