by C. D. Gorri
“Enough. Now, Grazi, tell us what happened.” I went over my tale of the fight with the Vamp in five short minutes.
“That’s all?” Cara asked incredulously.
“Uh, yeah.”
“Unbelievable. You killed a hunter Vampire by yourself and you didn’t even know what you were dealing with? Why didn’t you howl?”
“What do you mean?”
“Howl, you know call us, we’d have come. Hunter Vampires are trained to hunt down their victim by scent. They are sent in the in-between. Between moons, that is. They’re like a Witch’s attack dog. The Witch who controls ‘em starves ‘em first. For a few weeks at least. Giving ‘em only the scent of her target. Drives ‘em mad with hunger to the point where the only thing that’ll satisfy the Demon is that particular target. Then she releases ‘em.”
“And?”
“And they hunt their prey. Not many fail.”
“Great. Now, I’m prey?” Cara shrugged and took a seat. She ran her fingers through her short hair while Dimitri and Sascha recalled Vampire kills of their own.
The older Werewolves were constantly in motion. Cara tied and untied a piece of leather as they talked. I noticed that about Ronan and myself too. We were always moving around. Standing, walking, running, doing things.
It was getting difficult to sit still in school long enough for one period. Days when I had doubles were killer. Ronan was always tapping out songs on his desk as if it were a piano. I guess that’s just his way of channeling his energies.
“Let’s go to the kitchen. Stew’s ready. Printzyessa, you will eat more and you will heal.” My stomach rumbled and it was obvious I was still hungry. We filed out of the study. I was second to last. Uncle Sean got my attention before we exited.
“There’s a lot we need to discuss, Grazi. I’m sure you are full of questions, but for now eat, heal and tomorrow we will start going over what you need to know.”
“It’s about time.”
The next day at school went by quickly. It was so cold already there was frost on the windows. Of course, being a private school, only half the classrooms had heat. I huddled into my school sweater, an ugly brown itchy thing that made my blouse stick to me. Many girls wore opaque brown tights under their skirts, but I ran a little hotter these days. I had on the usual knee high socks.
My long hair was in a braid down my back. Luckily only a few strands burnt in the Vampire explosion. It was unnoticeable. I looked at Julianna and the cheering squad who of course managed to look crisp and fresh. Ugh. They had started a fundraiser with Sr. Diane’s approval selling hand knit scarves in school colors over Etsy.
They each sported one of the pretty creations over their uniforms. Julianna’s was a lovely crocheted infinity scarf in gold and edged in a deep chocolate brown. I think it was Lizette’s grandmother’s knitting circle who made them. They were charging forty bucks a scarf so I happily passed. Besides with me being a Werewolf and all, I wasn’t exactly freezing.
Sebby sat next to me in Algebra II. I sat and I tapped my pencil. He smelled so good, like fresh laundry. I had to stop myself from sniffing him. I’m such a weirdo. He smiled at me and went back to the lesson. Algebra came easily to me, but I must admit I wasn’t paying attention. I just couldn’t sit still.
“Hey, Grazi. What’s with the bandage?” Sebby pointed at my arm.
“Oh, I uh, cut myself taking out the trash.” I pulled down my sweater over the conspicuous bandage.
“You okay now?” I nodded and he smiled his thousand watt smile. He was so perfect. His warm brown eyes refocused on his paper and he furrowed his brow in the cutest way as he tried to figure out an equation. His hair was neatly trimmed and when I watched him writing I noticed his fingernails were cut and filed.
He was really neat for a boy. Ronan was such an adorable slob in comparison. His room was scattered with clothing, sheet music, sports posters, and exercise equipment. I mean it was clean underneath it all. Werewolves couldn’t live in a sty. The smell would drive us nuts. Anyway, he wasn’t dirty. Just messy.
Physically Ronan was perfect. Just the right amount of muscle and ruggedness. His features were chiseled, but still had that boyish quality that would keep him looking young and handsome even as he aged. I loved the way his hair grew so fast and had so many colors in it. And his eyes, they were brilliant. He was funny too. I sat up straighter in my seat. Now when did I start thinking of him like that? Oh boy.
“So, you coming to the scrimmage Saturday? Well, will you come to my scrimmage Saturday?” Sebby’s cheeks turned a flattering shade of pink as he asked me. I nodded my answer.
“Great, we can stay after and watch the girls play. Maybe you can decide if you want to join the team or not.” I nodded again and he went back to his work. I had to admit the idea of joining the girls’ soccer team was sort of appealing. It was so blissfully normal.
Not like Werewolf training or whatever the heck you’d call what I do with my Uncle and the rest of the pack. I wasn’t sure if it would be entirely fair though. I mean I did have a supernatural advantage over the other players. I didn’t have to think about it. It just wasn’t possible.
Lunch came about quickly and I stood in line next to Angela as she chatted away about this and that. I scooped up a tray and started putting food on it. The organic section at school was limited to a few choices and I made mine the way I did almost every day. Protein shake, yogurt, turkey sandwich, and a veggie soup since it was cold outside. I love soup.
“So we have library next right? Good, I could seriously use some time to think about my next NewsFlash piece. I was going to do a write up on how accessories clutter our uniforms and tarnish the school’s rep. Take that cheer team!” I had to cover my mouth to stifle a giggle at Angela’s expression.
She really had it out for the cheer team ever since they had made fun of her in the beginning of the school year. Angela had bouncy red curls, freckles, and fair skin. She usually wore colorful headbands and bows and had her nails painted weekly in the most garish shades of polish available. She was smart, opinionated, and my best friend. I wouldn’t have her any other way.
Besides, if it weren’t for that incident we might have never been friends. So I can’t say I regretted it, but of course I was sorry for any hurt they had caused her. She seemed over it now. Definitely happier since she planned on making them the butt of her article.
We sat down at our usual table. Ronan was already there. He was eating his favorite meal, four chili cheese dogs and a basket of fries. Yuck. He wiped his mouth on a napkin and took a swig from his soda.
“How’s the arm?”
“Fine.”
“Yeah? Good. I talked to Cara, she needs to meet with you after school. Go over some things.” His voice was so low I knew I was the only one able to make out what he said, but still I looked around to make sure no one noticed. They didn’t.
“Fine. I’ll be there.” I unwrapped my sandwich. Sitting next to Ronan I had a perfect view of his sculpted features. He was truly a perfect male specimen. His athletic build and ruggedly handsome features coupled with his boyish charm and incredible eyes were enough to make any girl breathless.
Forget any bad ginger jokes you may have heard. They had nothing at all to do with him. His coppery eyelashes and multicolored locks just made him all the more appealing. I wondered if there was truth to what Julianna had said in her room that day. Did he really go back to the dance after the fight with Ms. Vorax? Just like that? And did he stay there all night to hook up with her? Ew. I didn’t want to picture that.
Something inside of me was all tied up and confused just thinking about it. I glanced at him. He continued to eat and joke with Angela. Unaffected by my turbulent thoughts.
“You know Ronan if you let me photograph you for NewsFlash I bet you’d have a great shot at being crowned king of the Christmas carnival.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that. Anyway it’s not my style, darling.” Angela’s cheeks turned a bright s
hade of red at the term of endearment. I’d have to talk to him about that. It wasn’t fair for him to charm my friends like that.
I didn’t have to wonder for long about Ronan and my cousin. Sebastian and his buddies came and sat down. The cheer team followed close behind and took up the rest of our table and the next one. Sebby sat on the other side of me and bent to kiss my cheek hello at the same time Julianna poured herself into Ronan’s lap.
“Hi there!” She kissed him once on the mouth and got up to sit by her groupies. He didn’t answer her. Nor did he kiss her back or hold her there, I have to admit. He just looked at me. His face expressionless.
I turned my back on him and nodded at everything Sebby said. Ronan cleared his throat, picked up another hot dog and took a bite. Sebby was going on and on about how great soccer was. I sat there smiling and pretending to listen. Honestly, I have no idea what he was saying. It wasn’t fair of me, but all I could see was that kiss.
During library I restocked shelves quietly while Angela finished up her article. I can’t believe him. That dog! My own cousin! I slammed book after book back on the shelf in front of me. It shook and I had to hold it still to keep it from falling over. Oops.
“Finished! Bam, take that!” She dramatically hit the update button and the article was live on NewsFlash.
“Grazi! Stop murdering that bookcase! You’ll wake sister up!” We both giggled at Sr. Marcia dozing in her chair. I admit I was being a little rough. I had to stop thinking about my cousin and Ronan together or I might seriously hurt something.
“Do you want to go with me to Cybersodas after school? There’s a Wolf Moon dress as your alter ego party at the Factories on Friday and a bunch of us are planning it. The creator of the game promised to swing by! Should be cool.”
“Sounds great, but I don’t know if I can make it today. Friday definitely though.”
“Sweet. I already got my costume together, I can work on yours if you want.”
“Sure.” I was not fashion savvy so any help on Angela’s end was always appreciated. A party on Friday sounded cool. I’d never really been to one, a party that is. I had no idea then that by Friday I would seriously need one.
CHAPTER 3
Cara executed a perfect roundhouse kick and sent me flying across the sparring room. I landed on my side on the hard floor. A good foot and a half off of the protective mat.
Thank goodness I was a Werewolf and would heal, but what the heck! She was actually trying to hurt me. That much I was sure about. I wiped the sweat from my brow and tightened my ponytail from my position on the floor. Breathing was a little difficult right then.
“Too much, Cara.” Uncle Sean scolded from the sidelines. I picked myself up and noted the bruise forming on my shoulder where her kick landed. Same arm as the wide bandage. She was going for my weakness which meant she was tiring too. My tank top was soaked and I was breathing heavy. I could feel my Wolf’s agitation as the match continued.
There was no doubt the other Werewolf was a superior fighter and much more skilled than I was. I had neither the training nor the experience to give me an edge over her. What I had was patience. I narrowed my eyes and barely missed a jab. I needed to last long enough for her to make a mistake.
It happened suddenly. She angled her upper body and made to punch my bruised arm yet again. But her stance was just a fraction off. With a well-placed shove I managed to knock her down flat on her stomach. Before she could scramble up I had my knee in the space between her shoulder blades and her arms bent backwards. I pulled with just enough strength to cause her to wince.
“I give, damn it!” She grunted and I let go. I sat down hard on the mat and tried to catch my breath.
“Alright, get up you two. Meet me in the study in ten minutes.”
I walked over to my water bottle and drank the whole thing. Mmm. Cucumber and lime water. It was really awesome. Dimitri should really consider marketing the stuff.
Cara didn’t look at me as she headed to the guest bathroom for a shower. Whatever. I don’t know why she hated me and I didn’t care. She was so not my favorite person either.
I headed towards the study with a towel wrapped around my neck. The smell of something amazing hit me as I passed the kitchen. I stuck my head in. There was Dimitri, his blonde hair neatly trimmed and combed back off of his face.
He wasn’t handsome, but he wasn’t ugly either. He was just so big. It was sort of out of place to see him with an apron on, putting together a tray of savory looking hors d’oeuvres.
“Want to try one?” He did not smile. No, he looked a little anxious actually.
“Sure.” I popped what looked like a mini grilled cheese in my mouth. Flavor exploded and I realized he had put a dollop of some kind of spicy fruit chutney inside the mini melt. It was awesome!
“Oh, wow! That is good.”
“You like it! Have another, go on, printzyessa.” I grabbed three more before heading to the study. Looked to me like this guard Wolf would rather be a chef. No complaints here as long as I got to taste test for him.
“Hey, he gave you some?” Ronan looked genuinely hurt as I licked the crumbs from my fingertips.
“Yup.”
“Oh, that’s not right. Won’t even give me a taste before dinner.”
“That’s because a taste to you means the whole tray!” Dimitri had followed us into the study and glared meaningfully at Ronan.
“I’m hurt, Dimi. I really am.”
“You’ll get over it.” I covered my mouth with my hand, stifling my laughter. His wounded expression was clearly a put on.
I enjoyed this side of him. He was playful. Teasing and mischievous. Like a puppy. Though I doubted he’d appreciate the comparison. Dimitri had him in a headlock after he insulted the last night’s dinner. But it was all in fun. The older Wolf would not harm him. Just as Ronan would never seriously insult Dimitri’s cooking. They cared about each other. This is what it’s like to be in a pack.
Cara walked in and the atmosphere changed. Everyone seemed to find a different place to look. Dominant Wolf. Hmm. Maybe I should meet her. My Wolf spoke clearly to me. Cara was clearly very dominant, but it would seem I had no problem looking her in the eye.
She growled. I yawned. I don’t know what kind of Werewolf I am. Dominant, submissive, or just totally nuts. I just knew I wasn’t interested in fighting her for status or any other reason. But I also wasn’t interested in looking away like some of the other Wolves did.
“Enough of this.” My uncle’s voice resounded in the filled room. He clearly outranked her and I could feel the force behind his voice when he told us all to stop.
Cara had looked down immediately. I felt the impact of his power. But it sort of rolled off of me like soft rain. I felt it, but it didn’t compel me.
“I called you all here because there are important matters to discuss. Sascha you first, what have you found about the attacker the other day.”
“I made move to contact local pack leader. He said there are not usually Vampires in the area, certainly not Hunters. But he will look into it.” Sascha spoke with a thicker accent than his brother. He was also the more intimidating of the two. Powerfully built, he wore a close cropped beard and never seemed to smile. I could understand why my uncle would send him on a fact finding mission. I doubt anyone would lie to him. Not that they could, Werewolf nose and all.
“Good. You made successful contact, excellent. Okay, next-”
“Why is that so surprising? Wouldn’t they want to help us?” I was a natural interruptor. It was sort of like my second calling. I had to ignore the way everyone cringed when I opened my mouth.
“Not necessarily, Grazi. The American packs are not associated with the Hounds. They have no loyalty or allegiance to us at all.”
“What are they like rogues or something?”
“Not at all, they have their own infrastructure-”
“Oh, this is just lovely, ain’t it? Are we all going to get a history lesson now? I
t’s not why I’m here Sean.” Cara’s voice grated against me. Her insult wounded. But I was used to comments like that from my cousin and I showed nothing. Besides, there was no such thing as a bad question. I learned that in grammar school. Asking was better than sitting in ignorance any day.
“She doesn’t have the same background knowledge we do, Cara that’s all.” Ronan spoke up for me, but he was careful not to make eye contact.
Not weakness, respect. He knows his place. It is a good thing for a soldier, little one. His concern is for you alone. My Wolf answered my questions before I even knew I had them.
“Oh, whatever, Ronan! The little princess can speak for herself, can’t she?” Cara picked up a strand of my hair and pulled. I did not wince.
Ronan, however, jumped up, ready to defend me. An act of aggression. I didn’t see this panning out for him. I reached out and stayed his hand. His muscles were bunched under the sleeve of his flannel shirt. He looked at my hand and leaned back against the wall. But he didn’t let my hand go right away. Surprisingly, I didn’t mind.
“Yes, Cara, I can speak for myself. I didn’t know what I was until a few weeks ago and I still don’t have all the answers. I don’t know if I ever will. You’ve had a lifetime to learn what you are and your education and physical prowess are proof of that. I just don’t see why any of that would make you hate me so much.” I held my right hand up, no tricks no fast moves. Just honesty as only a Werewolf can appreciate.
This time it was Cara who squirmed under my stare. I could smell fear, anger and confusion all emanating from her. She looked back and forth. I guess she was searching for some show of support, but all were still.
“Grazi is right, Cara. You’ve no cause to hate my niece. What was done happened long ago and she’s not responsible. Rolf left me in charge. So unless you challenge me, I am ordering you to stand down now. Whatever this is you’re feeling about Grazi, let it go. You are here as her fighting tutor. If you can’t handle that I’ll relieve you of your position.”