Whirled by Fate

Past Hurt

Chapter 2

There it was the one word that cut deeper than being called fat. The one word that constantly cuts me deep. Dormant. The shame of the Norvada pack, a Lycan princess whose wolf side has abandoned her. Here’s a little bit of history of my people. Most would call us werewolves but we’re not, we don’t turn at every full moon but can turn at will thanks to the magical blessing from the Moon Goddess, Nox. However somehow that blessing passed me over because after 25 years my wolf has yet to make an appearance which is why my parents are not too thrilled to have a daughter like me. I mean I’m supposed to be a supernatural princess and yet the only thing supernatural about me is the fact that there are not many curvy wolves or dormant ones. You see when Lycans reach the age of 7 we start to show the first signs of our wolves by having our senses increased, then we start to become faster and stronger. By the age of 12, our wolves become a part of ourselves giving us the ability to change or shift into our animals. It was said that once before we had two Lycans forms, but that strength was long lost to our people. Unfortunately for me, I showed no signs of any shifter side emerging and I end up the slight in the pride of the Norvada pack. The unwanted mistake and anomaly. “You must can’t hear very well is that another unfortunate consequence to your dormancy?” The blonde sneer. Ah yes forgot about the she-devil for a second as I wallowed in my thoughts. Sighing I ready myself to tell her off when the elevator dinged signaling it was opening for someone. And Of course, that someone is none other than the Prince of Asswholery himself. “Jaxy!” the she-devil screeches running towards Jaxson looping her arms around his neck pressing her chest into his. “I was just about to call security to take out the trash.” She purrs running her fingers through his hair. Disgusting. Looking over at me indifferently Jaxson waves his hand. “No need. Let Ms. Deveraux get on with her day, we have more pressing matters to attend to.” He says to her wrapping his arms around her body. Grinning happily, she smirks at me as despicably. I see I was right; they are together. The asshole prince and the she-devil. Typical, it must be a political mating or maybe she’s his true mate. They have the same arrogant vibe. I feel sorry for their offspring and the future of Titan. “Look, can I leave now, or do I need to set up an etiquette class for you both?” I say rolling my eyes at the devil pair as exhaustion and anger settle into my body. “Excuse me!? How dare you even talk to us you miscreant?!” “Ooohhh she knows big words; how long did it take you to google that one?” I snark back at her. Man, my irritation level is at an all-time high right now. What is it about these two that is making me so angry? “Jaxson, do you hear this fat b***h?” “Probably not it seems you both are lacking in listening skills.” I sigh out. “Why you worthless...” “ENOUGH!” Jaxson snarls. “We do not have time for a silly little cat fight. Stop being gobby and get in the car. I don’t know why you bother talking to this mutt.” Jaxson says gesturing out to the red convertible. Narrowing her eyes at me the she-devil turns to walk to the red convertible her hands trailing over Jaxson’s abdomen as he opens the passenger side door for her to gets in. Shutting the door on Thing 2 Jaxson turns to walk to the driver side to get in and pauses turning his gaze on me once more, “Ms. Deveraux, I would tread lightly while you are here. It would be a shame to have you to be escorted out of Titan territory.” He threatens. “Furthermore, I do not acknowledge you as a guest here, you are more a nuisance. A mutt that can’t change its pedigree.” Stunned into silence I stare at the taillights of the red convertible as it shoots from the underground parking lot into the street. I walk as calmly as I can to my car and get in, and as soon as I crank it up. The tears begin to flow, and years of humiliation and agony flood my mind. Why? Why me Goddess? I gasp as sobs wreck my body his words ringing in my ears. A mutt that can’t change its pedigree. How could he say such a thing? Leaning back into my seat I close my eyes to slow my tears when my phone lights up with the Golden Girls ringtone Thank you for being a friend. Janessa is calling me, but I can’t pick up I don’t need her to know I’m upset. She always steps in to fight for me even with my occasional burst of confidence I often fall to her to defend me. Janessa has been a gods sent blessing in my life and without her I don’t know how I can survive. Hell, it’s because of her I was granted permission to come here and apply for the job. I don’t even have the power or confidence to take hold of my own opportunities in life without assistance. Settling my emotions, I hurriedly wipe my tears and clear out my voice before answering, “Hello.” “Hey Hun, where are you? I’m almost to Gio’s.” “Sorry, Nessa I lost track of time. I’m on my way too.” I say cranking up my car. “Okay. I’ll make sure to get our table, see you soon!” After the phone call ends, I take another quick moment to ensure my emotions are in check. I won’t let today be ruined. There are plenty of other jobs out there for me and employers that will be proud to have me as their worker. Titan, Inc just missed out on some amazing talent. Leaving the parking garage with a renewed conscious I maneuver my Lexus downtown to where our favorite restaurant Gio’s is located. As I get there, I park in the back trying to avoid people’s eyes as I touch up my makeup before getting out. Finding a napkin in my console, I dab at my cheeks and under my eyes. Ok, that looks good enough, no more mascara streaks. Throwing the used napkin in my passenger seat I grab my wallet and step out of my car to walk towards the door of the restaurant. I always feel at home at Gio’s and the food is amazing. Taking a deep breath, the smell of their famous meat sauce permeates the air of the restaurant making my mouth water. Damn that smells so good and man was I starving. The smoothie I had earlier is still untouched in the car. I need some food pronto before my stomach caves in and a big alcoholic beverage. Maybe some shots too. Looking around I notice that I beat Janessa here because she’s not at our table. “Ahh Ciao, Bambina!” Mama Sofie greets walking out to give me two kisses on my cheek and a great big hug. A hug only elderly grandmothers reserve to their favorites and right now I was glad to be one of Mama Sofie’s favorites. “Mama Sofie, how are you?” I say kissing he cheek fondly. “Bellezza (Beauty), have you been crying?” Damn. I move to try and check my eyes, but I know they are probably still tinged red. “A little Mama Sofie but it’s nothing your famous lasagna and Bellini’s won’t cure.” I smile taking her arm in distraction before she asks me why. “Ah you’re right about that bambina, good food and drinks always cures that. Great s*x is also a cure. Tell me bambina (child) when I am gonna see you with a fidanzato (boyfriend), huh? You are too bellissima (beautiful)to be single, bambina.” She says pinching my cheeks. “Mama.. I..” “A poo!” She shoos my response away leading me to mine and Nessa’s usual table. “We can discuss that another time, for now just sit and eat. I’ll bring you out some special sangria on the house along with some slices of my famous black forest cake.” I smile at that no one can say no to cake. “What about me Nonna (grandmother)? Did you already replace your favorite nipotina (granddaughter)?” Janessa walks in and kisses Mama Sofie on the cheek then walks to take her spot on the other side of the table. “Favorite? Bah this puttana always trying to make herself my favorite.” It was clear to see that she was though as Mama Sofie softens her eyes even more looking at Janessa. Janessa is mixed having features that showcase her heritage of African American and Italian. Janessa’s mom comes from the Norvada pack like me, but her father Antonio is from the Moore pack and held the position of Beta in the pack. On business with his Alpha he visited our pack and with a strike of fate he fell in love with Janessa’s mom. Blissfully happy the two mated and had Janessa’s older brother Marcus and not long after his birth her father was badly injured in an attack by vampires which lead him to step down as a beta and move to settle in the Titan pack where Janessa was born. I always wondered why they left his original pack to settle in Titan territory. I mean his sister is the Queen of the Moore pack surely life would have been pleasant for them there? Well I guess it’s really none of my business, to each their own. As long as it led me to this beautiful soul of a friend. Me and Janessa became friends when we were both six years old and she started coming to visit her grandparents over summer breaks. It was like we imprinted on each other instantly and were together so often people mistaken us for siblings. We were inseparable and have been ever since. I smile nostalgically thinking about how she became my person. She let me see what it meant to be wanted and what it means to have a family. She always included me in family occasions and her family embraced me as their own. My best friend was lucky, she has a big family, and everyone loves her dearly. Which is probably granted that she is the only girl born into their family after generations of sons. She is the second female born to the Mortanelli’s, her aunt Clarissa being the first. Being the only granddaughter in the family was something special to her and her claim of Mama Sofie’s favorite. Not many female Lycans were being born over the decades. After the Dark Awakening, more males started being born and it was rare for a family to have more than one female child. Families with female children were highly blessed and each female treasured. I wish I can say the same for myself. As I look at them both, pain twists in my heart my eyes misting. Hurrying to hide my deep sorrow I dab quickly at my eyes but Janessa notices it. “Nonna, I think this calls for a pitcher of sangria.” She says c*****g an eyebrow to show that she sees my red tinged eyes and answers are needed. “I think so as well, bambina.” After Mama Sofie leaves to the kitchen, Janessa grabs my hands. “Spill it now, sorella (sister).” She sits down holding my gaze. “It’s nothing Nessa.” I say my eyes urging her to drop it. “Nothing my ass, your eyes are so red and puffy. What happened?” She narrows her eyes at me. “Nessa...” I sigh cutting off when Mama Sofie opens the door from the kitchen bringing out a pitcher of sangria and slices of lasagna. “Here you go bambinas.” She lays the lasagna down on the table pouring us a each a glass of sangria in turn. “Now, cara (dear) if you need us to bring the rain to somebody you just give the word, tu senti (you hear)?” I cut my eyes towards Janessa and she rolls her eyes. “Yes, nonna if she needs you to bring the ‘rain’ we will call you.” Janessa deadpans. Whop... “Oww!” “Non proteggermi, ragazzina!” (Don’t patronize me, little girl!) Mama Sofie reprimands waving a spatula at Janessa. Where did that come from? “Non ti stavo patrocinando, nonna.” (I’m not patronizing you, grandma.) Janessa says rubbing her hand gently. Whop... “Oww, Nonna!” She whines. “Non darmi neanche sass.” (Don’t be giving me sass either) Mama Sofie narrows her eyes at Janessa her spatula ready to strike again if needed. Man, she’s fast with that thing. “Okay, okay Nonna. I’m Sorry! No more sass.” Janessa assents holding her hands up in surrender. Giving her one last look Mama Sophie huffs and Janessa withdrawing back into the kitchen. I try to hold in my laughter as I watch Janessa lick her wounds my shoulders shaking as Janessa casts careful glances at the kitchen. “Where did she get the phrase ‘bring the rain’?” Janessa rolls her eyes and as soon as she did a slipper came flying from the kitchen. Ducking down it misses its target only for a second one to ring true knocking Janessa upside her head. “Don’t be rolling your eyes at me too, puttana!” Mama Sophie shouts somewhere from the kitchen. Oh damn!? She got her good. “Puttana, what is that?” I ask looking at the kitchen cautiously. Janessa stiffens at my question barricading herself under the table in case of more retaliation. “A w***e or it can be used as a strumpet. She always calls me a strumpet or at least I hope she is using it that way.” She says as she rolling her eyes flinching down when she notices her actions. Seconds past and when nothing happened, she slowly got up from under the table. “I don’t know how I can be a w***e when I have a mate. And hey, don’t be trying to change the subject.” She says making her way back into her chair. “What’s wrong? Did something happen at your interview?” Wincing I raise my head upwards closing my eyes. “So, something did happen.” She assesses from my silence. “Can we at least eat first I’m starving.” Thankfully, my stomach chooses that moment to let out a manly growl. “Damn girl ok let’s eat before it gets cold.” Janessa says to me raising her fork at our food. “But don’t think I’m dropping the case.” Of course, she’s not I’m going to need a lot more food…...and alcohol. Salud.