Chapter 15: Summer, wolves and parents.

Yes, summer time has come. It is the early month of June and yes, according to my journal time moves fast. faaaast. My birthday was slowing approaching and I should be happy but some odd reason the feeling of pure dread is welling up inside and uneasiness and sometimes worrisome. I felt like I'm doing something wrong, the wolves I almost ignored them but ignoring them meant more dangers.

All I remembered was bolting through the corridors, a cold feeling in my gut and the sound of blood rushing in my ears. The cold silty voices of snarling, roaring, and those mesmerizing eyes that lured me and the sound of my screams. As if I popped then reappeared in a place. A secluded dimension. Then returned. Running around, my ragged breathing and my curious darting eyes.

The piercing eyes of concern and all my bitter secrets exposed about my 'Failing mental health. 'But let them believe so I can save lives of people but I know deep down. My stupidness got someone killed. Not now, not here.

Is funny how much traumatizing things you need to see before you become numb.

Crowds of parents stared as I passed through my breathing sharp and ragged as my eyes darted and saw pleading and concerned looks plastered on the teachers and parents.

"A panic attack."

"A hallucination."

The crowd parted as I passed through the nurse accompanied to the familiar office as I sat on a cot and finally came to accept that in everyone's eyes. I'm crazy and might not lose my friends since, I don't know, saw everything.

The grimacing white walls, the bleached floors and posted pasted mindlessly on the walls and the curtains. The medicine cabinet with a giant pad lock and a woman sitting on her desk reorganizing my folder and chatting with my parents as they nod and frown as Damon clamps his mouth shut.

***

Anyway, guys, that was a month ago. Now, where were we? Aha, it was early June. June 15th.

"Yay is summertime. "We squealed and we laughed at the cafeteria. It was a Saturday afternoon. Freaking finally, guys. That means school is almost over. "Nova added playing an invisible guitar as Anna clapped and beamed. Honestly, we hoped Anna, Nova's BFF and freshmen are not dragged into this.

I got a sour after taste after swallowing wards of pills like antidepressants and other kinds of shit. My parents are thinking of taking me to therapy, a phycologist or something but is not good. I'm not sick. I don't need rehab. This is drug abuse. I just sobbed the night away but now I really wished I could leave. This...this is drug abuse and I...I must have overdosed or something.

I couldn't bring myself to tell my friends the rest of the horrible details and how Damon threw a fit and screamed about me being crazy and yelled at me as if it was my fault.

"Apart from you know, hot here. There is barely anything to do here? So I don't get the hype. "Nova said shrugging while yawning as silence falls over us. We shrugged. Yeah, as for the pool was reserved for the swim team but now is summertime so permission granted.

Since we don't have a football team or whatever is called a fancy American rugby. The mean kids are mostly the dance team, the chess club, the science club and the student committee. Too much. Drama kids are extremely proud and annoying.

"Did you know last year, our swim team lost to Poland academy and a public school? It was so embarrassing. "Nova said randomly as we padded into the pool. The sun was high in the sky and beams of blinding light sparkled and glistened the pool. It was long Olympic sized pool and ringed with chains.

I sighed as students sunbathed and slept on lode chairs. Some read some ran around and slipped and some were hopelessly splashing and spitting on the pool. A pool noodle floated on the water, a floaty delating as a middle schooler dives down and does not returns' beach ball constantly slapped.

Our expression falls as we scanned our surrounding. Ooop. Now I wished I brought a book to read. Nova groans, Sadie shoulders sags. Anna shrugs and I dart my head. There was laughter, shouting and muttering.so high-pitched as I wiggled my feet on the icy white tiles.

Nova wore a black and purple striped full piece with black swim trunks. Anna wore a blood orange bikini with flowers and polka dots, which on a usual day she'll be yelled out. But she looked so shy and reserved and shorter than most of us. I think any shade of green will make a dark red hair, pop out. Even though it's dyed. Sadie wore nude bikini top and black undies. But I wore a white tube bikini, a crème cap and googles because I'm not shampooing my hair again.

Anne sits on the pebbled ledge and splashes before diving into the pool with a startling splash, does the frog in two laps over the pool then resurface then continues. Sadie just sunbathes and waves herself with a fan as an umbrella shades her. Nova dives down as bubbles rippled through as peoples muffles screams echo underneath the pool and literally attempts to drown them before resurfacing to take a big ward of air. Nova honestly scares me, should I be worried. After terrorizing and attempting to drown, she does freestyles and does cannonballs with the boys. The cool water soothes my skin as I did backstrokes will bumping into to things and people as someone 'accidentally ' sprays the hose on us.

"What the hell? "I snapped, and then observed my surroundings only to hear groans and shouts. My eyes dart to the snickering and laughing 9th grade boys holding an active hose.

A scream echoed as a student drowns herself and covers her chest. It was Ciara, don't judge me. Even though I dislike her as we circled around her as Nova pulverized the boys.

I sighed heavily as I relaxed on a chair as something hummed and vibrated. Wiping my hands on a fluffy towel hastily and grabbed my phone only to scream.

James.

Calling.

What the hell.

How did he get my digits?

***

"Hello, Lunar. Happy you made it." James said happily, as he gestured me and directed me into a hut .Not really, it was shaped like an igloo and made of pelts and skin. A sharp, putrid smell burned my nose trills as herbs strings of herbs swag and more perfumery and oily scents wafted into the air. The air was strong, incense and heavy. There were fluffy mats and calabashes with fresh herbs and herbs. I duck my head before twisting then plopping into the floor as the lantern glows a deep golden light. Hanging herbs in an organized room and some weird stuff in jars as I try not to gag.

Slowly a middle-aged lady slowly emerges from the darkness as shadows dance on her face. She looked fifty or even older with dimples and laughs lines but as she grinned it seemed to shift as if she looked ageless. The woman had wavy auburn hair that was cropped at her round face and dark blue eyes that seem like a storm ,a small smile played on her thin lips. I gasped as I see a familiar girl, legs crossed as she buried her face in a leather books as it rustle. Dressed in a sky blue t-shirt, jean shorts and white vans and hair in loops.

The young priestess.

Or simply the packs oracle.

Anyway, behind Alicia was a sleeping bag. Never mind, the woman was clothes in linen long shelved dress with pants and mostly strode barefoot as Alicia perked her head and waved. Next to her, was a stack of heavy leather bond books as James snapped of his gaze and tapped on the Hippie-looking woman's shoulder. Her hair adorned with flowers of hibiscus and marigolds as she gestured me to sit down. She stared at me sceptically and confused as a frown formed. Alicia and the lady exchanged a worried and pained look as they stared at me, I felt judged and valuable in their gaze. James huffed, cleared his throat. "Lunar, this is Sara, the packs healer, "he said. "Nice to meet you, Heather. "She said blankly as her eyes seemed to gloss,

"If you still hate your original. "Staring wide-eyed, confused, and blinked. "Excuse me? "I asked. She laughed loudly. Suddenly Alicia dropped her book and moved to me as her gaze hardened. "Heather, your choices will affect you, if you leave the gods will be satisfied, if you stay someone you trust will die, someone you trust dearly will hurt you. You must learn to control. The ley lines will awaken something in you, if you stay here any longer. "Her voice deepened and her eyes glowed. Alicia sighed heavily, blinked before her feet buckles onto the floor as Sara scrambles to catch her as she smiles softly then blinks. She wobbles and presses her temple.

"What just happened? "I gasped.

"A prophecy just happened. "Sara added, smiling and intertwining her wrinkled fingers. "Now, you must rest.Alicia.is exhausting, darling .Leave. Ok." Sara pressed her blue eyes darkening as Alicia nodded and disappeared.

I blinked. James shrugs and nods curtly. Dressed in a sky blue t-shirt, jeans and sneakers as he warps himself into a ball.

"Would you like some camomile tea? "She asked as steam coils from the tea cap and sips it. We exchanged a blank look as I tried to absorb what just happened. She placed the teacup as it clatters and slowly raises up as a sickening crunch from her bones as she ducks out.

We followed her as we sprinted into the woods only to hit with cool winds, awkward silence, chirping birds as the sun blinds us. When it flashes it, exposes a beautiful scenery of tall pine trees as she jumps on stones and quickens her pace. "Is summertime but to me, its spring. Come along, child. I must show you something. "She jogs and gestures to the vast sky a clouds drift as mountains soar and birds flap away.

"Is just me and nature. Where I can meditate and be myself. Away from the bustling streets and pollution. "She announces and takes long strides. I spotted insects burrowing, the woodsy fresh air, the leaves swaying, and my feet crunch. Moss grows on the facades of dying trees.

It was beautiful and peaceful as I stared it awe. Only to freeze in my tracks. A black outlines sprints and blurs as I halt. The air is tense as rustling and crunching amplify. It twisted through the tree as hard footsteps as it huffs. Exposing a familiar face. I have not seen in a while. I sighed then plopped into the ground.

"Hey, Heather. "Ares says as she stares at me then recoils. "Damn, you look like shit. "She adds as I wiped the swat with my elbow. I nodded. "Oh, so you've finally met Sara, she's cool but weird. "She muttered softly, she brought a hand, looking distant as I grabbed it. She yanked me back to my feet as I felt the air sucked out of my lungs. I winced, rubbing my bruised arm hoping that I didn't pop a joint. As she laughs, melodic and raspy. Her hair was in a high ponytail and she wore a black tank top, white shorts and slippers. I stared at her wide-eyed. Her legs were pale, long and toned.

Her laughter died and her gaze hardened. "I'm actually Sara's apprentice while Alicia is actually her pupil. "She added.

"Oh." I gasped, panting. "I'm I actually that easy to read. "I added.

"Yup, you are?"

Shoulder to shoulder we walked passed the trail as dew shimmered and grass squished under our soles. I loved it as we approached a rocky cliff; I saw the vast green forests and hills. Now I get why people love nature hikes and Mother Nature itself.

On a boulder sat, Sara. Breathing heavily, cross-legged and smiling.

***

"We are going to visit Turquoises' cabin. "Ares said, her voice laced with disgust and poison. We slowly approached a cabin, run down and isolated from the pack. Damn, they really must hate her. Her shoulders sagged as she hugged herself as her face softened but morphed to annoyance. The southern side of the vast territory. The grass grew long and patches of weeds and to make it worst.

Was a tag. On everyone cabin, I've observed was a tag. With metal numbers engraved in hardwood and names of the family like a basic house address but her hers was 'Alium' under cabin 34.It was nice to see: The Jacksons. Running my fingers on the cool metal and snapped my head to Ares. "What does 'Alium' mean?"

She arched a brow, laughed loudly then pointed. "It means odd or different in Latin. "She said her voice cold. Sometimes I feel like I'm pushing or going too far.my shoes creaked on the stairs as I breathed in heavily and knocked slowly on the Black door. After a few moments, the gold knob fumbled, clicked then turned. Pushing could be heard before a familiar girl opened it, slightly ajar. Then the door slammed shut as I gasped.

A few seconds it creaked open as a tall familiar man opened the door then his gaze landed on mine and a small smile played on his lips. "Lunar, nice to meet you, again? "He said smiling but shot daggers at Ares. "Honestly, is such a surprise to see you here? Damn, Zale going to lose it." He added, angrily as he passed us but glared, again at Ares. The door closed as Turquoise stared at me wide eyed as confusion laced her features and placed both hands on her hips. Darting her head as she strode next to me.

I waved as he gestured as to a small round table and I sat on a green chair as it screeched. The silk green curtains covered. The hall was nice and small. And barely a living room and a cramped kitchen.

"Would you like a seat, Ares? "Mr Jackson asked as he pulled a seat.

"No, please .I'm fine. "She said, rolled her eyes and spat in disgust as she crossed her arms and leaned on the plank wall. He sighed as Turquoises skipped in with fizzy drink cans before sitting on a seat. As we sat and tried to chat, I noticed Ares darted her head and moved around .causally looking and tipping this or sniffing. I tensed. "What's up? With Ares? "Turquoise asked, arch a brow and darted her head. I shrugged. "Honestly, I don't know. "I said. Then Ares glared at me then laughed.

"So what brings you here? "Mr Jackson quipped. I sighed and raised my head. Damn, his tall and wide. And ripped. She nodded slowly and narrowed her eyes." I just came here, you know. I want to be your friend. "I said as my lips quirked. Then she squirmed as her face shifted angrily. "OH, now I get what this is about, "Her eyes glazed over as her breathing exhilarated. "So you think I'm weird or unusual, right, "She continued pushed the chair and growled lowly. "Don't you come here, just to soften me up? "She yelled angrily, screaming loudly as her father stood. In a blink, he was on his feet. Teeth bared and balled fist as Turquoise mimicked, tears welled up in her eyes and stomped her foot.

"Whatever they did to you? I have no idea. I really...I...I actually want to be your friend. "I stammered, catching my breath as their growls increased. My head darted as her warm brown eyes glowed an eerie blue. And suddenly the temperature dropped as I felt cold and my skin prickled .Shifting her palms as it slowly balls. My leg twists as I cough and hunch. My skin and lips burning then fingertips tinge blue.

"Stop Turquoise. "Mr Jackson screamed as she took long strides as I cower, my glasses fogging and freezing. I start coughing as my life slips away.

A mist.

It's not your time, yet.

A cool, raspy voice echoes in the depths of my mind.

"Stop "Ares yelled, running to us as she screams her breathe hitching.

"Stop "Mr Jackson stopped and twisted her arm as she screamed.

Her eyes snapped to dull brown as I sprawled on the floor and coughing. My teeth clatters and I shiver. She blinks, darting her head and trips. Her dad face changes with concern, anger and dread.

"What the hell? Did you do, freak? "Ares yelled, her eyes glowing and palms out growing talons.

"You hurt our lunar, "Ares screamed as, Mr Jackson flashed in front as Turquoise legs buckled as she stares at me. As tears, well her eyes,

"I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me. "She stammered, sobbing and burying her face into her hands.

"Liar. You're freak. "She yelled.

"Shut up! "Mr Jackson screamed, his voiced strained with panic and he was trembling.

She hesitated and dropped to a crouch and tapped me on the shoulder as I my body slowly warmed. My breathing returned. My ears popped. I uncurled from the floor and sat up. I didn't know. How to feel about almost meeting death. She almost killed me, thinking I'll hurt her.

I sighed heavily, my joints stiff as I groan.

"I-I'm fine. "I said.

"Liar."

My pleading eyes darted. And Ares totally lost it." You are different. just face it. No one is going to accept you. If it weren't for you. We would've have been cursed. If it weren't for my mom, you would have been sacrificed or killed. Thank the goddess at least you're being bullied. "Are said, pure poison dripping her words.

"Stop, "I croaked. Coughing and freezing. In a flash she grabs a towel and wraps me it's Turquoise cries and scrambles to get me hot chocolate.

In my fifteen years of living. Maybe, I shouldn't try.

"What did you just say about my daughter, young lady. "Mr Jackson yelled, squaring his shoulders and crossed his muscular arms on chest.

"Admit it .Mr Jackson. I don't know what the hell happened between you and my father that made you hate him. But I know, you've always hated him and had things against him. You try so hard to win the heart of the pack by doing good and other shit . Win the packs love even though they loathe your daughter's mere existence. "Ares added, glaring harder.

His breathe hitched, breathing higher, eyes glowing, and jaw clenched. "Your father was no Alpha. He never deserved his rank by birth. He was sexist and gave no flying fucks after his mate died. He changed. "He added as it was Ares time to grow louder as they circled each other and slowly signs of shifting showed. "Yes he is." Ares said stubbornly, stomping her foot. He chuckled and scoffed. "Really, did you see how he treated females including you .Because of him, the lunar died, and his soul died because he never bothered to listen to your visons Ares or even investigated.

Ares let out a strangled cry, like a wounded animal, as her teeth grew longer than it should be and her pupils turned to silts. In a flash, she lunged and pushed him with force, much harder. He slammed into the wall like a sonic blast and feel. He winced as blood trickled from his nose. If he wasn't a Were. He would've been more severe injuries, drifted into conscious, or even died.

Her legs buckled as tears streamed down her face, ran her fingers through her hair, and screamed. I felt my eardrums shattering.

What the hell.

A crack seeped through the all as Mr Jackson wince as fear itched his features. "No way. "He said then he smiled. Yes, he smiled. A wide sadistic smile And nodded.

"Now, You shall my daughters pain, Ares. "He whispered .blood coating his teeth as he laughed uncontrollably as Ares screamed and shook her head.

"No." She screamed in denial.

Now, add a dash of Turquoise. Could things even more wacky and weirder, yes.

"No "Turquoise stated angrily, smirking. "He was never an Alpha. He was so absorbed in his own world and even after, he changed. He ruined everything .How do you think we lost hundreds of wolves every two years. Is his fault. The money was mostly used on him fault. "She yelled.

"Guys ,stop "I screamed louder than a banshee, They froze ,the tension and air was sucked out as they stared at me and lost their will to fight and a collected gasp. "I'VE HAD ENOUGH!"I added as they craned their hands in submission even Ares seemed to force herself .I recoiled and moved backwards only to hit the wall. I slipped from the wall and sank onto the floor.

"What the fuck?" Ares said. They all nodded.

"I-I don't know. What I just did...I mean I lost it ...But I made you quit. "I choked, shaking my head as I rocked.

This shouldn't shock me. I've gotten hints and treats and now I know wolves exist. Paranormal and Supernatural exist and another kinds if bull.

Ares nodded and rustled my hair as I glared at her. Mr Jackson froze as Turquoise shifted uncomfortably as Mr. Jackson rubbed his bread and looked at me .Intently. Like some artefact, that needs fixing or observation. My eyes darted to floor as I tensed.

"Your lunar voice. "Ares stated. "My what? "I pressed. Ares rolled her eyes and smiled. Creepy, everyone is smiling. "It's basically a voice that makes wolves of your pack listen to you. "Ares continued .Mr. Jackson placed his muscular hands on his chest. "But it makes no sense. You're marked or mated or hell you aren't even a wolf. After mating you might as well develop, have wolf traits but you're not a wolf. "He said, still observing me like a flower. He cleared his throat. "I mean when you get older. "He added.

I nodded and suddenly, they froze. Again. They stared at the sky as their eyes all of it. Glazed and glossed. They were distant. Mind linking. Their eyes flashed.

"Shit."

Popping, shifting and rustling and suddenly they were all on all fours as big as hounds. They circled around me their fuzzy fur bristles and heads poke me then they bolted out. Seriously, don't ask me how they opened the door. They still have human intelligence.

Then the door slammed shut, I was confused, tired and shocked. No one owe me an explanation then they left me here. Alone. "Hey, what the hell! "I screamed angrily, pounding my fists on the door.

Some two guys were whispering-shouting. "hey, some family is looking for the Luna. "I think their family. But dude she's young. "The other muttered. "Yope, dude. "He nodded. "The lady was shouting and the fair dude was yelling. I wonder how they wondered here. Isn't the glamour protecting us? "He added and shrugged." I dunno, dude. "The other answered.

"Dude, les go. "He added.

Shit. Those were obviously parents but how did they wander here and who did this. Oh man, I really wanted to tell them but now is too early.

MY eyes darted as I spotted the wide window, I huffed and opened and rolled onto the grass from what, a feet. Then I bolted into the woods. I didn't stop as I sliced through the air, twisted, and turned .Retracing my steps as warrior wolves melted from the trees and shadows as they ran next to me. As I approached a clearing, a smile played on my lips as I see familiar people. My mom, dad and my irmão, my stupid little brother smirked but in his eyes. I saw plain fear.

A thick ring of barking wolves barged their canines and growl lowly as they try attempting to pounce as my parents cower in pure fear. As I passed through they made way as passed through them as they cower and my parents shares a collected gasp.

I sighed heavily, "Oh my days, They literally moved away. "Damon says happily as he almost trips. My mom yanked his elbow and burrowed his head onto her trembling chest. "Heather what is going on? "My mother screamed as her voice falters with fear.

"Mom. Dad. I can explain. "I said ,I passed through the warriors as they whimpered and some glared at me. Is nice to see they hate me .I sighed sharply and spit a giant ,well-toned wolf, Zale. Shiny white fur that blended in the sunlight and blue eyes that seemed to shift with his mood. I crouch, scratch behind his ear and whispered as he sat on his furry hind legs. Zale, please you're scaring them. This is my parents and my bro, Damon. "my heart beating against my chest as Zale howls as they dispersed and thinned. I sighed as my mother screams.

"Nope .Nope."

"You just spoke to the wolf. Heather you all right? No, Heather what the hell is going on? "My mother stammered screaming hysterically, shouting and panicking.

"Mom. Please stop. "I squeaked, my voice hoarse with panic.

They stared, bared their canines and growled. They stirred. Zale barked, look at with pleading eyes as the warriors nodded and snapped their snouts. He barked and huffed." Hah, dude .Sorry. "I muttered angrily. My mom darted her head to him and laughed. My parents looked at me as if I had two heads and my mother clapped and enjoyed the show.

"Mom, dad. Please how did you find here? "I asked them. They shared gazes, nodded as my mom stepped forward, and unraveled a letter, stared at me with disproval, anger and fear. The wolves laughed or cackled and some whimpered. My brother tensed.

I froze, my blood ran cold as I snatched the paper and skimmed through the words and gasped.