Crimson Moon

Once again, I found myself running away from an unknown terror in the woods in the middle of the night. The only light apparent was from the moonlight casting its luscious beams to guide my way. Something was chasing me causing me to run faster and faster until I could not force my legs to keep going. I stopped and turned around to face what was coming. The first wolf appeared to my left. His bright eyes looking straight at me as he snickered.

“Rafiq.” I spit out with hatred.

I turned to my right as another approached. His black coat glistened from the moonlight hitting his fur.

“Adolph.” I spit with even more hatred that I didn’t even know I contained.

Everything went silent, it was then that I noticed that a third wolf was coming directly in front of me. I turned my head to watch in that direction, but careful to still pay attention to the other two.

“Calla, Calla, Calla,” the familiar voice said.

My heart plummeted to the ground. It couldn’t be true; it couldn’t be who I thought it was. She appeared from the woods, her grey coat full of red blood. Even more frightening than that, her eyes glittered a bloody red color as well.

“Kat!” I yelled.

Suddenly, she jumped straight towards my neck with her long white fangs extended.

I immediately shot out of bed, my hair drenched in a cold sweat. My heart was pounding a million miles an hour. It pounded so hard, it hurt my chest. Instinctively, I put my hand to my heart and tried to calm myself.

“It was just a dream,” I told myself trying to calm down. “Relax Calla.”

My attempts were in vain because nothing I said could calm me down. I knew in my heart that the only thing that could make me relax would be to physically see Katherine. I went out of my room not even caring what I looked like, which I could only imagine was a hot mess. As soon as I go out of my room, I headed down the hallway towards my sister’s room.

“Kat!” I yelled.

No response.

“Katherine!” I yelled again, which resulted in the same response as last.

I made it to her room and opened the door hitting it against the wall. I was too worried to even care, only jumping because of the loud noise.

“Kat!” I yelled opening the door to her bathroom.

No response.

She was no-where to be found. I stormed out of her room and ran into the living room. Still came up empty-handed. I went to the kitchen. Nope. Finally, I went to my mother’s room and grabbed the door handle. I hesitated and removed my hand and settled for a knock on the door. When nobody responded, I opened the door and found nobody in there.

I ran out of our “house,” and went outside to the garden. I thought that that would be a good location to find my sister. It was something that reminded me of her. She always admired flowers and the smell that they brought. When I arrived at the garden the only person who I saw was my mom. Being that I doubted she even knew where Kat was I didn’t ask her. Plus, the last thing I needed was another scream fest.

“Guys!” I yelled inside my head trying to get someone’s attention.

“What’s up? And no offense darling but you may have broken my eardrum.” I heard Caleb’s voice answer me.

“Sorry,” I quickly responded. “Have you seen Kat?” I asked him.

“No, why?” “I just want to make sure she is ok,” I responded not wanting to go into details.

“I’m sure she is fine.” He answered me back.

“Did the rest of you guys see her at all today?” I asked everyone else waiting for a response.

One by one they all gave me their answers.

Jerimiah, “Nope.”

Dante, “Nope.”

Eli, “Nope.”

Reed responded to my answer with a little more concern. “No, I’m sorry Calla. I am sure she is ok. She probably just went on a walk after the incident that happened earlier. She couldn’t have gotten far. If you would like I could help you look for her.” Reed suggested.

“Thank you, Reed. That would mean a lot to me if you would help.”

“No problem babe.” He replied back. “Where would you like to meet?” He asked me.

“I’m over by the garden if you would like to come over here?” I suggested.

“Sounds great! Give me a few minutes.” He replied.

I redirected my attention back to the others. “Tiberius?” I asked him.

There was no response.

“Tiberius?” I asked again.

A few minutes later he responded. “Sorry Calla, I was busy. What’s up?” He asked me, his voice full of concern.

“Have you seen Kat?” I asked him my voice full of worry.

“No, I haven’t seen her since earlier. Why?” He asked me.

I haven’t seen her since earlier as well and I would really like to know where she went.”

“Did something happen?” He asked me.

I stuttered for a little bit before huffing and telling him and the others the truth. That is if the others were still listening.

“I know it sounds kind of dumb, but I had a dream and I really need to make sure that everything is still ok.”

“Would you like help finding her?” Tiberius asked me. “I could meet up with you within a few minutes.”

“Reed is coming to help but if you would like, you could come too. The more help that I have the better I will feel.” I admitted to Tiberius.

“Alright then, how about everyone comes to help.” I immediately declined.

“That would be nice, but I don’t want to intrude on the other's life. I’m sure everyone is equally as busy right now, and have their own problems to deal with.”

“Nonsense,” Caleb replied immediately. “If you need help, it’s our job and duty to come help you.”

The others chimed in with their responses. They all answered at the same time, “yes.”

They weren’t the most talkative group but they brought tears to my eyes. For the first time in what appeared to be years, I felt like I belonged and was loved.

“Thank you, guys,” I said to all of them.

Somebody said, “of course.” I thought it was Eli, but I was not quite sure.

Caleb continued to talk some more. “In theory, you are one of our alphas. If you need help, we will always be there to help you.”

I gave out a small laugh. “Nah alpha is Tiberius’s job.” I quickly dismissed it.

“So be it, but it won’t be for long. One day you guys will have to share the responsibility of alpha.”

“Trust me, you guys don’t want me leading anything.” I tried to convince them.

“Dear sweet Calla, one day you will learn how much potential you really possess.”

I had nothing to say to what he just said to me. Could I really be as good as everyone made me? Was everyone putting all their faith in me and would I condemn them to danger? Nobody said a word and I could feel everyone one by one disconnecting. I sat on the white bench and waited for everyone to show up.

Caleb showed up within a minute. It felt like I just sat down before I had to stand. Well at least tried to stand up. I was in the position of getting up when Caleb extended his hand in a stop position.

“No need to get up. We gotta wait for the rest anyway. May I join you?” He asked me as he came closer to me.

“Sure, go for it,” I said waving my hand to the empty seat next to me.

“Thank you,” he said as he sat down on the white bench.

He smelt like the forest of which he must have just been previously. My wolf really enjoyed the smell which arose from him.

“How did you get here so fast?” I looked to my right at which he was sitting.

“I just came from over there.” He pointed in the direction of the woods. “That’s why when you called for us you hurt my ears. I was pretty close in proximity to you.”

“I’m really sorry about that.” I apologized to him, my face turning a vibrant red hue.”

He laughed at me. “Chill Calla, it’s fine. You know you blush way too easily.”

At that, I blushed even harder and looked towards the ground. It fueled Caleb to laugh even harder. He patted me on the back but said nothing. Within a few minutes, Reed arrived.

“Aww, Caleb dude! You’re stealing my babe. First Tiberius and now you.” He whined deafeningly.

He gave Caleb a fake hurt expression and poked his large bottom lip out in a pouting gesture. Caleb simply rolled his eyes and said, “dude you couldn’t have her if you wanted it. You don’t even stand a chance.”

“Hey what do you mean I don’t stand a chance!”

“Well look at her, she is totally out of your league dude.” Reed put his hands on his hips in disbelief.

“Hey you guys, I’m right here,” I said while waving my hands in the air.

“I would stand a chance with you right Calla?” Reed questioned me.

“Umm well if I was into you I don’t see why not.” I flatly said while embarrassment overcame me.

“Ahh, dude now look you made the girl blush.” Caleb waved his hand over towards me laughing again.

“I’m glad you two get enjoyment out of it,” I muttered hiding my face.

Tiberius came over towards us and stopped. He must have seen the redness on my face as he retorted, “guys you’re making her blush.”

Reed slapped him on the back and laughed.

“Caleb said that I wouldn’t stand a chance with Calla, can you believe that?” Reed joked.

“He must be crazy am I right.”

“Nope, not at all. You really wouldn’t stand a chance. I can’t believe she even gave me a chance. Sorry dude it’s the truth.”

Tiberius said and shrugged his broad shoulders. Reed dropped his wide jaw. I simply stood up and walked over towards Tiberius. He extended his arms and I walked straight into them. He gave me a long hug and I returned the favor. I closed my eyes and forgot about the world. Even with how worried I was about Kitty, I could always become calmed by just being with Tiberius. I smelt his exquisite scent as the wind rustled around us. I opened my eyes and I noticed that it was beginning to become a dark grey color.

“Do you think it’s going to storm?” I asked Tiberius as I looked into his golden eyes.

“Very possible, we should get moving soon.” He said to me. “We have to find her before the storm strikes.”

“We have to wait for the others,” I told him.

“What others?” Tiberius questioned me with a puzzled look on his face.

“Jeremiah, Eli, Dante, Liam, and Darius?” I answered him confused by what he meant.

“Umm, we are over here.” I heard Dante’s voice.

I whipped around to see them standing behind us.

“Oh, oops didn’t notice you guys there,” I said sheepishly.

Reed busted out laughing and said, “that’s because the only thing you can possibly notice when Tiberius is here is he himself. Other than that, you become oblivious to the world.” My jaw dropped.

“That isn’t true,” I said to him.

“Uh-huh.” The others answered at the same time.

Once more my cheeks turned red.

“Come on guys leave her alone,” Tiberius said to them.

They all went quiet and there was a dead silence that followed.

“Are you ready to go look for Kat love?” Tiberius asked me taking my hand in his. I simply shook my head up and down and took off walking towards the woods. I was met with resistance so I looked back confused. Tiberius didn’t move an inch.

“One second Calla, we have to discuss a plan. We have to pair everyone up. Reed, you go with Caleb. Eli, you go with Jerimiah. Dante, you go with Liam and Darius. Calla, you can come with me.” He flashed me a smile and I returned it.

“What?! Calla is going with Tiberius?! Big shocker! It’s the end of the world!” Reed joked and lifted his arms in the air and shook them wildly.

I laughed at his ridiculousness and shook my head. Everyone else did the same as well including Tiberius.

“Calla and I will make our way to the circle. Reed and Caleb, you two head towards the shed where the fire was started. Eli and Jerimiah, I would prefer for you two to keep an eye on the castle and around Calla’s room. Liam, Dante, and Darius, you three search the far back perimeter of the forest. Does anyone have any questions?” Tiberius asked everyone changing his gaze on each and every single one of us.

I shook my head while the others said nothing.

“Ok good. Don’t forget that if anything happens or you find her, make sure to tell the rest of us.”

“Got it.” We all chimed in unison.

“Ok, let’s go!” Tiberius ordered and we all took off on the path that was set out for us.

I tugged on Tiberius’s hand as we went into the forest. I was walking pretty fast to try and find my sister.

“Shh relax dear sweet Calla, we will find her.” Tiberius cooed to me.

I exhaled loudly and looked over at him. “You’re right, I’m sorry.”

I looked towards the ground. He walked over towards me and lifted my head by the chin.

“Don’t apologize. You have every right to be worried. I know how much your family means to you.”

“Thank you,” I said to him and gave him a weak smile.

“You’re welcome.” He responded.

“Oh, and one second, you have a twig in your hair.” He gave out a small laugh and lifted his hand from mine.

I took a step back so it would be easier for him to get towards the twig in my hair, but instead, my feet had other ideas. I slipped on a stick behind me and began to fall backwards toward a tree. Thankfully, Tiberius was there to catch me before I fell and hit my head. I blushed, embarrassed. Tiberius flashed me a smile trying not to laugh. As I was half bent over backward, Tiberius came towards me. Ever so slowly he pressed his lips against mine. My heart began to flutter a million miles an hour as I kissed him back. Our lips doing their own little dance. One of his hands slid up to entwine into my hair as both my hands rested on his hard, muscular chest. Before I came back to my senses the kiss was over. Smiling, he had the twig that must have been in my hair in his large hands.

“How did you do that?” I questioned him.

“What?” He smiled back at me.

“Get the twig without me even realizing.”

“Ahh that. That will be my little secret.” He said to me mysteriously.

He looked up towards the sky and helped me to stand completely up straight.

“Come on we better get moving before it begins to rain.” “

You’re right.” I responded trying to get my breathing back to normal.

We were nearing the clearing when Tiberius knelt towards the muddy floor and inspected something. I got down beside him trying to see what it looked like. It was a mark of a shoe. Someone had to have come by here earlier that day. It was the mark of sneakers. Instinctively I thought of Kat and I looked at Tiberius anxious.

“Do you think it is Kat?” I asked him.

He grabbed a bit of mud in his fingers and smelt it. He shook his head up and down confirming my belief. Relief exploded through my body. We were on the right track of finding her. The wind strongly blew towards us making my hair fly backwards. My nose instinctively smelled the air. I caught a whiff of something that caused my blood to go cold and my bones to shake. Dread filled all over me as I looked over towards Tiberius who went as still as a deer caught in a headlight. He slowly looked over at me, checking me over. He must have wanted to make sure I was ok. The look I gave him caused him to slowly shake his head up and down and put a finger over his lips. He confirmed that what I smelt was true. That Adolf and the other members of my last group were nearby.

Tiberius’s voice entered my head speaking to the others.

“We need all of you to drop what you are doing and immediately come over to the clearing. We need backup! Katherine is somewhere nearby. We caught footprints of her and they smell fresh. We have a major problem. She is somewhere out here but Adolph and the pack are nearby!”

I was extremely thankful for the whole talking in the head thing. It made our communication so much easier. No way did I want to face this group alone again, nor did I want to scream at the others. Doing that would cause the others to hear us as well. That was not something I, nor anyone else wanted.

“You’re going to need to get into your wolf form,” Tiberius instructed me immediately going into authority mode.

I had no problem with it.

“I will do the same.”

Tiberius began taking off his shirt. I couldn’t help but watch him as he did it. His body was rock hard containing a six-pack. I shook my head trying to clear it. Getting distracted right now was the last thing I needed. I found the nearest tree and went behind it. I began taking my clothes off as fast as I could. Once they were off I changed into my wolf faster than I ever remember doing it. I padded over to where Tiberius was, my white flank blowing in the wind. Instead of the human version of Tiberius, now contained his beautiful, black, mysterious wolf. I sat down next to him facing the direction in which I smelt the others. My ears focusing on the direction trying to pick up any noise so I would be alert if any of them appeared.

The sound of a snapping twig came from behind me. I immediately stood up and turned around, alert. My eyes straining to see in the distance of who it possibly could be. Tiberius’s tail flicked across my back trying to calm me.

“Relax dear sweet Calla, it’s just Reed and Caleb.”

I didn’t even realize how tense I was until it loosened up some by what Tiberius said. I glanced over towards him. He was watching straight ahead, very alert to his surroundings. Unlike me though, he didn’t seem nervous or scared. He looked very strong. Just then Reed’s red coat and Caleb’s blackish-grey coats came visible. They padded over to us and stopped at our feet. They didn’t look anywhere near out of breath which was extremely good. The last thing we needed right now to have everyone tired.

“How far away are the rest of you?” Tiberius asked them. “

We are just about there!” Liam responded.

Seconds later Eli responded. “We are entering there now!”

Miraculously, they all arrived at the same exact time. Liam, Dante, and Darius from the left. Eli and Jerimiah from the right. Everyone was in their wolf form and ready to go.

Tiberius stood up from his sitting position. He had the face of determination and authority.

“Okay here’s the plan,” Tiberius instructed. “We must all go in together; I will stay in the front. Reed, you can be on my left side. Then I want Liam and Caleb to be directly behind us along with Calla.” Tiberius nodded to me and kept going. “Jerimiah, Dante, and Eli, you three will cover the back. I want everyone in a straight line. This can become very dangerous very fast. Usually, I would let you in the front line with me Calla, but not this time. It is too dangerous; I don’t know what they will do to you. You are their biggest prize and we must make sure that they cannot get to you no matter the cost.”

He walked over to me and whispered in my ear. “I don’t know what I would do without you.”

I closed my eyes as his words really affected me. We were moving so fast but yet again I didn’t care. I couldn’t control myself around Tiberius. My feelings for him were too great. When I opened my eyes, he was already in front of the group and was instructing us to get into our positions. I did what I was told to do. I stood in the middle right behind Tiberius. Liam was to my left while Caleb was to my right. Liam looked over to me and bowed his head and I did the same. We shared our respect for one another as we all began to walk forward to the immense danger that was right in front of us. None of us knew what kind of fight this would entail. Just as we thought that the moment couldn’t get any worse, a crack of thunder and lightning struck the sky, echoing throughout the forest. Rain began to pour wiping away all evidence of Katherine’s small footprints.

As we approached the clearing, my white fur bristled. Directly in front of us was Adolph and the rest of his group. Obviously, they knew that we would come sooner or later. Something was definitely wrong, I could sense it. I couldn’t explain how, but I just knew.

“Well hello there,” Adolph said in his wolf form.

He was standing in the front with Rafiq. The others were lined out behind him similar to the same position that we were in. None of us answered his welcome.

“Ahh Calla,” Adolph's annoying voice said. “Why are you not in the front? Won’t you let me see your pretty little face?”

I growled in response which only fueled Adolph.

He laughed and said “ahh is the little puppy unhappy. Does it need to go back inside where it came from? Is the little princess afraid that she will get all drenched?”

Caleb leaned in towards me. “Careful, he is only trying to aggravate you.”

I gave Adolph a death stare but said nothing.

“What are you doing here Adolph,” Tiberius questioned him in a dark voice that felt like a dagger. One that I have never heard him use before. By the looks of it, it even threw Adolph off as he stuttered a little bit trying to think about what he was going to say.

“We came to show you our new addition to our pack. I think you will like it.”

It? Why would you say it instead of him? I thought to myself. Well, yet again it was Adolph who could be quite rude to everyone especially if you were new.

“Come forward.” I heard Adolph say as he flicked his black head.

Someone moved from the back of the pack, hidden from view. They emerged slowly not giving me the view that I needed to see who it was. Finally, when they reached the front I could make out who it was. Everything happened so fast, I moved into overdrive. I didn’t even think, I just acted upon it. I ran forward but was blocked off by Reed and Tiberius who pinched together. Liam and Caleb came closer to me along with Jerimiah, Eli, and Dante. I was boxed in and not able to move. I struggled a bit but it was in vain as I couldn’t budge any of them.

“Katherine!” I screamed at the top of my lungs and whimpered.

“Calm Calla,” Tiberius said in my head. I looked over at him and gave him the deadliest glare I could.

There was no way I could in this situation. My nightmare came to life. Katherine looked over towards Adolph who nodded at her. I could only guess that they were talking amongst themselves. Katherine’s voice, which is usually sweet and kind, came out evil.

“Hello, little sister. Don’t I look good with these guys.” She said as she gestured to the rest of them.

“What are you doing with them?!” I questioned her.

“It’s simple. They treat me like I belong. I can hear them and they respect me, unlike you guys. I got tired of seeing little sweet Calla get everything she wants. She gets the boys; she gets the perfect little life. Well, I’m not going to deal with it anymore. But I did beat you to one thing.”

“And what is that?” I glared at her.

“I’m going to marry Adolph.”

My eyes widened and I choked, coughing loudly. “You’re going to do what?!” I yelled. “You're insane. Please, Kat, this isn’t you. Adolph is evil, don’t buy into him.”

Adolph walked in front of Kat and dipped his tail towards her telling her silently that her turn was done.

She inclined her head to me and said “goodbye Calla,” and went to the back of the group to where she supposedly belonged according to Adolph.

“So Calla did you like our new addition.”

“Screw you,” I said to him in a snarl.

He laughed at that and said, “feisty this evening, aren’t we? You getting a little too wet for comfort?”

It began to really pour now, making the visibility near impossible to see. Thankfully, with our heightened eyesight it really helped. “I do have a proposal to make you,” Adolph said.

“Go on,” I said to him intrigued by what he said.

“Well if you want to hear it you’re going to have to come closer to me. The rain is making hearing difficult.”

“In your dreams!” Tiberius yelled at him. “Calla isn’t going anywhere near you.”

The rest of our pack snarled in protest along with him. “Well, then it looks as if Calla is never going to get her sister back.

“Please Tiberius,” I begged him.

“No Calla, it’s too dangerous. I can’t risk letting you get hurt.” He looked back at me and for the first time, I saw pain within his eyes. They searched mine, pleading with me.

“Oh please, Tiberius,” Adolph said. “I’m not going to hurt Calla. That will just go against my plan that I have set up.”

“Please,” I begged Tiberius further as a tear slid from my eyes.

Instead of answering he ducked his head and moved to the left a little gaining me some entry. He let me move in front of him but only about half a body length before he put his tail on my back signaling me to stop. Adolph went the rest of the way until he was right in front of me. I felt Tiberius’s body tighten and prepare to fight if need be.

“That’s much better isn’t it?” He asked me.

Without waiting for me to respond he moved along with what he had on his mind. “Do you want your sister back?” He asked me smiling, knowing the answer.

“Cut the crap,” I responded sharply at him. “You know I do.”

“Hmm very well. If you want your sister back, you only have to do one small thing.”

“And what is that?” I asked him stubbornly.

“Marry me and I’ll let her go.” I scoffed.

“Back at this are we? There is no way that I’ll ever marry a filthy scoundrel like you.”

“Very well, I guess we will have to make this difficult for you then. You have until midnight tomorrow to arrive back at this same location. Either you will marry me then or something bad will happen. Could be your sister or maybe even that precious boy over there?” He flicked his head over towards Tiberius.

Pain struck my heart but I held it through.

“If you think threatening me will help you your dead wrong,” I said icily to him.

“Am I?” Adolph pushed me.

“What about my sister?” I questioned him trying to look for her within the crowd.

“You lost your chance, you’re never getting her back.” Adolph turned his back to me and began walking the other way.

I stood there frozen fighting my every nerve to attack him. I know it would just end in a fight that could possibly hurt the ones I care about. As soon as Adolph was a few feet away from me, Tiberius sprung up beside me and pressed his body to mine. As soon as the other pack members were out of the clearing, I collapsed onto the wet, muddy ground. My world felt like it was crashing at my feet and there was nothing I could do about it. A tear fell from my eyes. Tiberius cuddled up beside me and let me rest my head against him. I couldn’t let anyone hurt either my sister or Tiberius. I just couldn’t.

“I know what you are thinking Calla, but you must not go tomorrow night. He won’t do anything to your sister. It is the only thing that he has leverage against you.”

I looked directly at him, right into his eyes. “But what about you?” I asked him.

Tiberius curved his lips in a small genuine smile.

"Trust me, Calla, I can handle myself against Adolph.”

I tried to believe him, but at the moment I was too broken to believe anything. The only thing that I knew was that I needed to find a way to save my sister no matter the cost.

I looked over my back towards the others to see what they were doing. They all sat down with their tails wrapped around their legs as they said nothing. Tiberius nudged me with his nose and said, “Calla, we better start heading back. You’re going to get sick if you stay out here any longer.”

I nodded my head in acceptance. Usually, I wouldn’t want to show so much emotion to others, but right now I really didn’t care. Besides, with this pack, I trusted each and every one of them. I didn’t feel the need to hide anything like what I did with Adolph. I hoped that Adolph would treat Kat right but I highly doubted it. I knew first hand on what he thought of women and what he did with them. It made my heart hurt worse and I shuddered at the thought. I couldn’t see Katherine hurt like that, it would tear me apart. If he hurts a single strand of hair on her head I swore to myself that I would rip Adolph apart limb by limb. Tiberius came closer to me giving me the rest of his body heat as I began to sit up. He must have either thought I was cold by the shudder or he is listening to what I am thinking. Right now, I didn’t really care whichever one he was doing. In addition, I wasn’t going to complain about the extra heat, I was beginning to get very cold.

Reed emerged from behind me and came up to my right side. He pressed his body against mine as well trying to warm me up. As I stood up, I saw that my white coat was filled with black grimy mud. I shivered from the cold that I was beginning to feel. My toes were becoming numb. I was thankful that I was still in my wolf and had the extra protection of her thick coat. I was also thankful for the fact that we were all beginning to huddle together as we made our trek back to the castle. Nobody was saying a word, afraid to break the thick ice that just occurred.

Once we arrived back in front of the castle, everyone bowed their head to me and went off in their own direction. For the first time since I have been here, Reed didn’t flirt or say any smart remarks. He must have known that right now wasn’t the time. He really was smarter than I always made him out to be. Tiberius gently nudged me towards the door with the tip of his nose.

“Let’s get you inside in your bed,” Tiberius said to me calmly.

I couldn’t talk but I gave a subtle nod of my head. He opened the door and we went right inside. I knew exactly where to go being that we were here for a little bit. I came to the door and stopped. I looked right at it and let out a groan of defeat. I couldn’t get the door open in my wolf form. Just then I heard running coming from down the hall. Curious, I peeked my head around Tiberius to see what it was.

“I’m coming!” Cassie yelled as she made it over to us and opened the door.

I nudged her with my head and she laughed giving me a good pet. “You’re welcome! Calla dear, you should probably jump in the shower. I will prepare some clothes for you to wear. We don’t want you getting sick. Tiberius, you should probably take one as well.”

I saw him shake his broad head and say in my head “I will take one later, I want to make sure you’re ok.”

“Thank you, Tiberius, but I’m ok. Well, as ok as I’m going to get. I am just going to take a shower and I’ll be back out as soon as I am done. If you want, you can take one and if you are done before me you can meet me in the living room?”

“Hmm alright, I will see you soon then.” He said and padded back down the hall.

Cassie opened the door to my bedroom as well. I was so thankful for all of her help. She went in front of me and quickly grabbed a dry towel and some clothes and brought them into the bathroom for me. I inclined my head in gratitude in her direction. I walked in and she closed the door behind her. Immediately, I transformed back into my human as soon as I was alone. I looked in the mirror and I realized that I looked terrible. Mud was clumped all over my face and the rest of my body. My eyes shined from the tears that I was holding in. My hair was mixed with twigs, mud, and who knows what else. I looked like I just came out of a tornado. I turned the water on and made sure it was the correct temperature before walking in. As soon as I was in, I couldn’t help but to break down and cry. I let every emotion that I was holding in seep out of my body and go into the drain, never to be seen again.

I left my emotions in the shower as I got out. I didn’t want to seem like the weak girl who would cry over anything. It was time to be tougher if I wanted my sister back. It felt like I was only in the shower for minutes, but in reality, I knew it had to have been a long time. I felt bad for Tiberius. I knew he was waiting for me, but I had to stay in there until I was completely ready to face the rest of the day. I quickly got dressed and brushed my hair. The shower got most of the twigs out of my hair, but a few remained. I picked them out one by one and threw them into the garbage can. As soon as I was done, I opened the door and made my way over to the living room.

I spotted Tiberius laying on the couch with his eyes closed. He must be exhausted. Unlike me, he never took a nap today. By what it seems, he must have had some meeting or something to attend to. That would be why he didn’t answer me right away when I called for him. Silently, I walked over to him and curled up beside him on the couch. I was still wet, but I don’t think he really minded.

With his eyes still closed, I heard him whisper, “you smell so nice.” I smiled up at him even though he couldn’t see me. I rested my head on his chest and laid there in the comfort of his massive arms. I felt like if I just laid here that I could forget about all my problems, forget about my world turning upside down. Forget how my sister is with my greatest enemy, and forget how my mother hates me. All I cared about at this exact moment was being with Tiberius. He always knew how to comfort me. Not even saying anything apparently worked as well since I fell into a deep slumber.