Chapter 10: Chapter 9

Reily

As I neared the entrance to the mess hall, I could already see the tables lined with food. My blood ran cold at the sight. The balloons, the food, the circle of friends surrounding the black-haired witch. I’d started the day off good with my morning training routine, only to be faced with a horrid reality. Even worse was the sight of my brother laughing near her. I’d never seen his eyes look at someone like that. He gazed at her with a lightness in those golden orbs that were so much like our mother’s. I hated it.

At the entrance, I hissed Clive’s name. With his incredibly honed senses, he perked up immediately, while no one else noticed. Brows raised, he met my eyes. I beckoned to him, and he excused himself from the group.

Standing in front of me, a few inches taller, a wary look passed through his eyes. He seemed to pick up on my tensed form and the anger bubbling beneath the surface.

“What are you doing? A party? For her?” The words tumbled out, hot and fast.

His expression darkened. “Didn’t we already go over this, Reily? I told you, holding a grudge is not going to fix the past.”

“Neither is running away,” I let out, gritting my teeth. How dare he be self-righteous after what he did. “Remember that it’s because of her that we’ll never experience another birthday with our parents.”

A sad look crossed his face as he bowed his head. Taking a deep breath, he said, “Reily. I’m sorry. I don’t know how I can make it up to you, but I will. However, know that I don’t condone how you’ve treated Vera and I will not let it go on if it happens in front of me.” A warm hand landed on my shoulder. “Please Reily. Let it go.” Pain rippled in his voice, clear and sobering.

At a loss for words, I stared at him. I truly couldn’t understand his perspective. Let it go? How could I let go of my parents’ death and the destroyed glory of the Mount Hunter Pack when the cause walked around in front of me daily? How could she take away everything and still want more? One friend wasn’t enough so she had to take my brother too? Suddenly, an idea dawned on me. If I couldn’t get my way, I’d have to destroy the small happiness Vera built bit by bit, from the shadows.

Done with the useless conversation, I shook off Clive’s hand. “Whatever, Clive. Enjoy your stupid-ass party.” With one last cold glare his way, I whirled away from the hall.

Shoving my hands into my leather jacket, I left the building. A coil of anger wrapped around my chest. The morning was bright and sunny, but I could think of nothing but of Vera’s “party.” Party, party, party. What the hell was she celebrating anyway? Good for her for surviving to her 18th year after dozens from our pack couldn’t make it five years ago. Lucky for her she has friends that she doesn’t deserve.

Congratulations, Vera. You’re getting your wolf today. And I’ll never get my parents back, I thought furiously, stomping fast across the grassy outskirts of town, taking a solitary path to my destination. It didn’t matter that she lost her parents too. I didn’t care that she was orphaned and mistreated by her grandfather. That was their business. In my world, each person had the responsibility to honor their own rights. If Vera was too weak to defend herself, that was her problem. If she didn’t desire to take revenge over the pack, the choice was hers. It was simple. There was no reason to feel bad about mistreating her if she was just going to take it anyway.

Besides, it was clear that Vera did nothing in retaliation because she knew her place. If she didn’t feel she deserved it, she would’ve stopped the bullying and the abuse long ago. What kind of werewolf whimpers on the grounds while kicks land on her battered body, without even trying to do anything? Scoffing, I tore a hand through my hair to keep it in place from the whistling wind, the morning chill reaching down to my bone. She was pathetic, plain and simple.

As for me, I would fight for my rights and possessions with my life. I would play dirty and cheat and do whatever it took to get what I want. Because I’d learned long ago that no one else will look out for you. Parents will leave you. Friends will turn their backs on you once you no longer serve them. Brothers will leave you abandoned, alone to let the pain simmer into a hot, boiling rage. Only I will ever be able to look out for myself. And when someone takes something from me, they will pay for it.

I’d spent the past few years making sure she remembered her place. I wouldn’t dare let her forget it now.

Remembering hearing something about Thelma and Vera having a private party during Vera’s shift, I went straight to the command center, an small, nondescript wooden building that held mission records and kept track of news and updates. It was also the where high-ranking officials dispatched pack members on missions. I shoved my own through the door, locating the the person I was looking for. She sat occupied behind a desk full of papers, files, and binders. The woman had brown hair streaked with gray, held back in a tight, severe bun. She wore a drab gray soldier’s habit under a black vest and cargo pants paired with black, knee-high boots.

“Excuse me, ma’am,” I knocked on the glass separating her from me. “I’m here to report something.”

After finishing her reading of the document before her, she looked up, a stern look in her sharp green eyes. “Yes? Oh, you’re Clive’s brother.” Recognition appeared on her face and it smoothed away any wariness. I’d been counting on it. While my brother was out racking up experience and achievements, I used his high position to get my way plenty of times. It was the only gift he’d ever given me the past five years.

I smiled. “Yes, actually. Speaking of Clive, he actually mentioned something about rogues roaming around the area. Being that I haven’t turned yet, I feel at a loss that I’m unable to serve my pack now. But I just wanted to pass it on, to feel like I’m doing something, you know?”

“Yes, go on,” she motioned, impatience creeping in her polite demeanor. I had to hurry this along.

“I think it’s worth sending someone out to the border to patrol the area, tonight. After all, it’s a full moon and you never know what might happen,” I finished my case, hoping she bought it. If I were anyone else, no commander would give me the time of day.

Thinking for a bit, the commander hummed, “Well, we have already dispatched others to the north and west sides of the border. Couldn’t hurt to send one more. Let’s see who’s available.” She grabbed a clipboard and flipped through. “Hmmm.”

“I heard Thelma Gardiner is currently off-duty,” I suggested innocently. “She usually is the best person for these sorts of things.”

A spark entered her eyes. “Ah, yes. Thelma’s on my team. Indeed, she does have the night off. I do think she’ll be the right person for the job. Thank you, Reilly, for bringing it to my attention.”

Ha, points for Riely. This was too easy. Trying to stop myself from smirking, I saluted the commander. “Of course, ma’am. Happy to be of service.” Dismissed, I left the office, feeling good once more. Maybe today wasn’t a failure. Thinking about the utter disappointment on Vera’s face when she realized her little party with Thelma was off and that she would be shifting on her own...it gave me absolute bliss. Humming, I decided to head home.

***

Vera

The party was less of a party and more of a take-advantage-of-free-goodies gathering for the other pack members. But I didn’t, so long as I was surrounded by the people I could actually call my friends. Currently, Thelma and I had went to refill our drinks from the punch bowl. We’d left Archer back at the table, and Clive was somewhere catching up with some wolves he knew.

Everything was moving along swimmingly. At least, until Grant stormed up to me, lips pursed in their glossy sheen, as usual.

“You,” she pointed to Thelma, “Commander Darnel wants you at her office now.”

Thelma pointed a finger me at herself. “Me? And don’t you point that horribly manicured finger at me, hun.”

Grant rolled her eyes. “Yes, and again, I would like to emphasize, now! And you,” she turned to me, “have a pile a freshly laundered clothes to fold back home. I’d like to point out that I had to load them into the washing machine today, and let’s just say if you don’t hurry along and get it done, your dear grandfather will know about this cute gathering of yours.”

I glared at Grant, who tried to ruin my happiness any chance she got. But I had to admit, I was surprised she managed to do laundry all on her own. Now, if only she could finish the entire task - that would be an achievement.

Grant stood on us, waiting for someone to move. “Thelma, you go see what your commander wants,” I encouraged her. “I’ll go get the clothes done quickly and we’ll meet each other on the way.”

Thelma rolled her eyes. “Fine, I don’t have choice. But if you point your finger at me one more time,” she hissed at Grant, “I pulling those lovely nails off.”

I pulled her away before the redhaired girl could pounce on her. As we left the hall, I noticed Archer watching us questioningly. I nodded at him and gestured that we’ll be back soon. With that, we rushed out, separating when we neared the dispatch office. I headed to Dane’s house, going faster than I thought I ever could. It looked like training was really making a dent on my progress. I wanted to finish this up fast and get back to the hall.

Humming, I took all the clothes to my room and quickly folded each one, not caring how perfect they were. While I wanted to return to the currently party, I also couldn’t wait to spend time with Thelma tonight. Having a small party at her place would be the perfect end to the day, right before I was immobilized from the transformation. Shopping bags of food sat on my bed. Thelma couldn’t be stopped from grabbing a plethora of cookies and sweets and salty treats abound. At the last moment, she threw a couple six-packs of beers; certainly more than we would need. I had never gotten drunk before, but we figured, may as well go big this 18th birthday.

As I put the rest of my folded laundry away, I noticed the old fairytale book I’d look as a child in my drawer. I used to sit on my window alcove and read. It had been so long since I could focus on a book, much less find time to rest. Between chores, other tasks, hiding from bullies, and training with Clive, it left just enough to sleep and eat, which I could barely do well anyway.

Suddenly, something hard hit the window with a sharp sound. Jerking, I looked out from the attic window to the house grounds that seemed to far below. A tiny figure with blonde hair stood waving. It was Thelma. Most people wouldn’t be able to throw a stone to the top floor of a house, but werewolves could do so with ease.

Realizing she was waving at me to meet her down there, I got up. The laundry was finished anyway. The house was currently empty, so thankfully, I had no one to hide from. I went all the way down, exited from the front porch and rounded the grounds to where Thelma stood. At the instant I saw her, I knew something was wrong. Her brows were pressed together angrily and her mouth was downcast in a frown. Eyes filled with sadness, she looked up at me.

“I have some bad news,” she started with a deep breath.

Already anxious, I put a hand on her shoulder. “What is it?” Please don’t let it be anything too bad. I couldn’t stand if a catastrophe were to happen today of all days.

“My commander just sent for me. She ordered me to be stationed out at the east side of the border.”

“Okay....”

“Tonight.”

Lead dropped in my stomach as I realized what that meant. Tonight was our party. Tonight was my shifting. And if Thelma was on-duty, then our party was off. Oh, how could I dare to hope that everything were go without a single issue thrown in the mix? How could I have gotten so arrogant? Surely something had to sabotage my peace of mind.

I stared at my friend dumbly, unsure of how to proceed. “Oh...well. There’s always next time.”

She snorted, but not in with humor. She was angry. “No, there’s no next time. I can’t believe this happened and this late. It’s absolutely ridiculous and I hate it. You know I’d choose to be there with you if I could.”

I could feel her raw disappointment. It was a nice feeling, having someone be mad for you. But I also knew she couldn’t go against commander orders. All pack duties were non-negotiable; it was the simple rule. That’s how we managed to be so successful for so long. And Thelma was extremely ambitious and conscientious; she took her job seriously, and I admired her for it. I couldn’t let her feel guilty for something out of her control.

I leaned in for a hug. “It’s alright, Thelma. I know there’s nothing you can do. Just knowing I have you is enough. Thank you.”

She hugged me tighter. “That damn commander. What could have made her take my precious time off?” He grumbled moodily. I chuckled at her.

After Thelma left to prepare, I didn’t know what to do, but I didn’t want to sit around and twiddle my thumbs. I supposed I had to head back to my party and be with the others who had so painstakingly prepared it for me. I also couldn’t wait to see the state of the dining hall. I was certain that what awaited me was a disaster of a mess and no Thelma to keep me company. I sighed, trudging the way back.