The Direwolf Amongst the Werewolves

Chapter 2

- 13 Years Later -

"Freya!" Shouted my mother. "If you're late, you won't be able to run at your track meet." My mother called to me from the base of the stairs. "Coming!" I replied.

"Frey! Hurry up! There won't be any good parking spots left." cried James. I hurried to the main floor. "Sorry. It's just my hair is so, unmanageable." My bright red, frizzy, curly, hair was sticking out of my braid. I looked like Mrs. Frizzle from the kids' show The Magic School Bus. "Here, take this." My mother handed me her hair claw. " FREY!...." whined James. "Okay, okay."

We hustled to James's truck. "Bye, Mom! Love you!" I waved to her from the truck. While James drove, I redid my hair. "Jeez, Freya. What did you do? Stick your finger in the socket this morning?" Snorted James. "Oh, shut up," I tell him with an eye roll.

James is my best friend. He is the only son of my mom and dad's Beta. He would be my Beta when I took over the pack. He was built like a linebacker: thick thighs, broad shoulders, thick neck, big muscle arms. On top of his head sat light brown shaggy hair and hazel green eyes. I never had romantic feelings for him; he was more like my brother than anything.

"See, ya big baby. We made it. And look, there are plenty of spaces left." He just mumbles to himself. "I have football practice after school. I know you have your track meet. Please be careful. I mean it, Frey. I hate those young Alphas at Lilac Falls. You will call me after your track meet. I will be there as soon as practice gets out." He told me sternly. "Ya, no worries. I will call you. Well, see ya!" I bounded off to class while he went to his classes.

The school wasn't bad. Being a small tight-knit pack we didn't have drama bullies. The school building itself was Pre-K - 12th, and most of the older students in high school had half days, depending on their studies. Half days consisted of school and warrior training then trade skills. Dad (aka Alpha) made sure everyone in the pack could defend themselves and help provide for the pack. We were very proud of being a self-sustaining pack.

Like even though I know I will be taking over as Alpha when Dad retires, I still learned a few trades and skills to make me a better pack leader. I can weld, smith, I'm handy in agriculture, and of course finances. Then you add all the duties as Alpha, warrior, and student. Also, I'm on the track and field team for my school. I'm a well-rounded kid if I do say.

Today is a half day due to the track meet. It's out at Lilac Falls High School (LFHS). I am not a fan of those uppity, snot-nosed, spoiled brats. Yeah, I know not all of them are jerks. But, yes 99.9% of them are. They are all about a ranking system versus working together as a united front. Their Alpha is a caveman. He is a known CHAUVINIST! Thinks she-wolves should be seen and not heard, and also obey. He has twin sons who are just as stupid and arrogant as him.

I honestly can not wait to beat his son AGAIN, in a cross-country challenge. As of right now, I am still an undefeated long runner. The bell sounds and then the chime indicates that Principal Millar is about to make an announcement. "Good afternoon students. I want to wish our track and field team the best of luck today against, Lilac Falls High School. Please remember to be on your best behavior, you are representatives of our great pack Cypress Bay. Be kind, respectful, and WIN!"

Well, that was a delightful pep talk. Heading to the bust to load up, I see my dad motion me over. "Hey, Dad! What's up?" My dad looks at me in a fusion of worried and stern. "Please, wait for James to get you this time. There are reports of the increased presence of rouges surrounding Lilac Falls." I look down shifting between my feet, before taking a breath and looking into my dad's eyes. "You, think the School Sport Board will cancel the cross-country portion? Just focus on the track field instead as a safety precaution?" My dad smiles at me proudly. "Spoken like a real Alpha. But no, I don't see that school or pack wanting to forfeit the cross-country portion." "Do, you want me not to compete then? Or ask the coach to withdraw from the cross-country part?" "Yes, I would prefer for you not to compete and stay safely at home. But, I know how much your team means to you and your love of this sport. Just please, stay alert. I have warriors, Robert, Regan, and Jones accompanying you and your team but it works out that if anyone asks they are there to support their kids. Keep your link open, If you can't get back to the school head for the valley. You will pass on the Aspen side, on the other side of the Aspen Tree Forest is Harmony Meadows. They are our allies. The Alpha there has met you a few times before during our Alpha meetings when you were younger. We will come for you. Trust you wolf." I nodded to my dad. "Now, come here and hug your old man. Good luck kiddo." I leave my dad's warm embrace and climb onto the bus. Getting to my seat I look out to my dad, mindlinking him as we drive to our destination. "I love you, Dad." "Love you too kiddo. Go kick some butt!"