The next night, as I walk past at least twelve (or maybe more) vampires, a row of sneering faces follows my footsteps. I read thoughts from them such as 'What the hell is a cub doing here? They don't belong in a serious meeting!' My father snaps at the ones that cause me to hide behind him in fear.

Fear them not, Tobias. They shall not harm you so long as I'm still standing on four paws.

Okay, Dad; I trust you.

Is there something bothering you, son? I shake my head and mutter No; it's nothing, Dad...

Kane, who stands on my other side, nudges me and says Come on, kid - I mean... Tobias; you can tell us anything. I may only be a Beta, but I can still keep a secret. I shake off and reply Okay, but you have to keep it a secret.

Kane nods, after which I begin telling my secret.

I feel like something bad's gonna happen... Something really bad...

One of the vampires sneers 'Something bad is already happening; there's a fucking pup at an adult meeting!' Dad whips around and yells He is not a cub, Orion; he is a fully fledged wolf!

'Hello, young one' another vampire says, whilst holding her hand out for me to smell. When I shy away, she replies 'Worry not, young wolf; I am not here to hurt you, nor is my brother.' She nods toward the vampire that had commented on my presence.

Knowing that she promised not to hurt his cub, Dad pushes me forward so I am nearly nose-to-nose with the woman, who is kneeling on the ground in front of me. She asks 'Can you Shift yet?' to which I must nod my head.

Yeah, but I don't feel like it; if Dad's not Shifting, neither am I.

'I must apologize about my brother, young one; or Tobias, as I understand your name is. He's not used to seeing younger wolves like you at a meeting such as this. Might I ask how old you are?'

A-A month old, ma'am. Dad figures I'm old enough to attend meetings now-

'I don't, young one' Orion retorts. 'I think you should be at home, playing with your brothers and sisters, assuming you have any-' He is cut short when Dad jumps on him.

How dare you utter such things towards my son, Orion! He deserves much better than to be jeered at by a leech like you!

All of a sudden, the Head of the Elder Council walks out from behind the crowd of bloodsuckers and says 'Gildren; what is going on? Why are you pinning my brother-in-law to the ground?' Dad backs away and says That bastard was making rude comments about my son.

Cyrus nods and replies 'I see; very well. Continue on as you were before the fact.' Dad returns to his protective position beside me.

***

Later, at home, Summer and I read in the library of the cottage. As of right now (1:39 AM) I am halfway through reading The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. I know I said 12 AM was the curfew, but I never told you our bedtime.

We're usually allowed to hit the hay around 2 AM, but tonight, since Dad and I got home late, my parents made my bedtime later by an hour. Summer grabs my hand and asks 'Toby, I'm tired... and scared...'

'Summer... what would cause a beauty like you to be scared? Here; let's get you off to bed.' After a hug, she grabs my hand again and I guide her to her bed.

When we get there, I help her into her bed. I always do this out of courtesy for my sister; being the youngest, she's also the slowest to grow, both mentally and physically. For example, Sage's bust has filled out considerably, whereas Summer is (pardoning the term) flat-chested.

Somehow she'll find her mate; someday it will happen...

As I begin to leave the room to check on Shea, who has mysteriously fallen ill, Summer lunges forward from her position of laying down and screams 'Don't leave; please, Tobias...' I can tell she's crying, but I mustn't waste time in comforting her.

'Summer... I have to leave, sweet-pea... Dad will come check on you later, alright?'

She nods and promises me she will try to fall asleep after I leave.