Bewitching Waters

Chapter 16: Playful Pests

Chapter 16: Playful Pests

“Are you really going to turn into a beast and go crazy?” April asked, her eyes wide with a mix of excitement and mischief as she helped Tommy hang colorful banners around the front porch.

“April! That’s enough!” Maria snapped, her tone sharp but with a hint of amusement. “Your brother is about to have an important moment, not some wild spectacle.” She straightened up, brushing her hands on her apron as she glanced at Tommy, who was trying to suppress a smile.

Tommy chuckled, shaking his head. “Thanks for the vote of confidence, April. I’m not planning on going full beast mode, promise.”

Their older brother, Tommy, stood still as he was caufht off guard a little. Being as tall as he was, at 6 feet 8 inches, his boyish charm radiating despite his imposing height.

His long blonde hair was typically tied up in a casual bun, strands occasionally slipping free to frame his face, softening his features. At this moment, to buy himself some more time to reply to that, he took the bobble out of his hair and began to shake his light sandy gold locks loose. Only to be tied back up again shortly. His grey gunmetal eyes held a depth that hinted at both youthful curiosity and an emerging maturity, glinting with determination. A sleek jawline defined his face, adding to his striking appearance, making him seem both approachable and intriguing. Whether he was laughing with his friends or lost in thought, there was an undeniable presence about him that drew people in, a blend of confidence and vulnerability that made him relatable and captivating all at once.

Chloe, his younger sister, piped up from her spot on the steps where she was arranging a few floral decorations, with wolfbane mixed amongst it. “But it is kind of exciting! You’ll be a real werewolf, Tommy! Just think about it!” Her enthusiasm was contagious, and Tommy felt a swell of pride mixed with nerves.

Old Tom, their father, leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, observing the scene with a knowing smile. “It’s perfectly normal to feel a bit out of control on your first shift,” he said, stepping forward to join the conversation. “You’ll feel things you’ve never felt before. It’s part of the process.” His voice was steady, carrying the weight of experience.

“Out of control? Great,” Tommy muttered, trying to hide his apprehension. “Thanks for the encouragement, Dad.”

“Listen,” Tom continued, his expression serious yet supportive. “You might feel overwhelmed, but it’s okay. Just remember you’re not alone; your pack is there for you. Embrace it, and don’t fight it too much. You’ll feel it later, though. Just make sure to have a safe place to shift. You don’t want to end up causing chaos.”

Tommy nodded, absorbing his father’s words. The decorations around their home were vibrant, with colorful banners and twinkling lights strung across the porch. The whole village was alive with the spirit of the Turning Festival, each house adorned with festive decorations, some even having a sheep or goat tied up outside, a nod to the traditional offerings for the festival.

“I just hope I don’t embarrass myself,” Tommy admitted, running a hand through his dark hair. “What if I just… lose it?”

“You won’t,” Maria reassured him, stepping closer and placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. “You’re stronger than you think. Just trust your instincts, and remember we’re all proud of you. This is a celebration, not just for you but for all of us.”

April, ever the playful one, chimed in again, “Just don’t eat anyone, okay? You know, like the stories say!”

“April!” Maria scolded again, though her lips twitched in a suppressed smile. “Stop that! Your brother is not going to eat anyone.”

Chloe and April stood side by side, their dark sandy blonde hair cascading in soft waves that framed their faces, a striking resemblance to each other that often left others guessing. At 13 years old, Chloe, the older twin by just a few minutes, carried herself with a hint of maturity, her hazel-brown eyes sparkling with mischief and curiosity, mirroring their mother’s gentle gaze. A small freckle just below her right eye was the only distinguishing mark that set her apart from April, who had the same captivating eyes but lacked the mark of individuality.

April, ever the lively spirit, often wore a beaming smile that could light up a room, her enthusiasm infectious. While Chloe exuded a calm confidence, April's energy was boundless, and her laughter frequently filled the air with joy. Together, they were a dynamic duo, their bond evident in the way they shared secrets with a glance or exchanged playful jabs, each complementing the other perfectly. Their youthful exuberance and shared features made them a beloved presence in their family and the community, embodying the spirit of their home.

Tommy laughed, the tension easing a bit. “Yeah, I’ll just stick to my usual diet of pizza and fries. No sheep for me,” he said, trying to lighten the mood.

As they continued decorating, the anticipation in the air was palpable. The village was buzzing with energy, laughter echoing from nearby homes as families prepared for the night ahead. Tommy couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. This was a rite of passage, a moment that would define him as part of the pack, and yet the unknown loomed large.

“Alright, let’s finish this up,” Tom said, breaking the moment of reflection. “We need to be ready for the evening. The festival will be starting soon, and we don’t want to be the last ones ready.”

With renewed determination, Tommy and his sisters continued to hang decorations, laughter filling the air as they joked and teased each other. As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the village, Tommy felt a sense of belonging wash over him. No matter what happened later, he knew he had his family and his pack to support him.

“Tommy, please... make this the best Turning Festival ever,” Chloe asked her older brother, a grin spreading across her face. Her dimples showing and making her look adorable.

“Yeah!” April cheered, their voices normally able ringing out in unison. This time it was clear that Chloe was taking the lead of the twins.

Tommy couldn't help but wonder, with their ages, if this was their personalities coming out. If this meant Chloe had a stronger wolf and line than April. Some people didn't have wolves at all, even if they were in the tribe, they weren't born with one. It had never happened to their own family, the Greywolf family, but it had and did happen to others.

There was a slight fear in the darkest shadows of his mind. For Tommy, he would be a

first in the family without a wolf and a laughing stock at that...

No, I can't think like that. He said to himself.

As they finished the last touches on their home, the sounds of the festival grew louder, coming from the direction of Alpha Bryce's house, the pack house, and Tommy couldn’t help but feel that this night would be one he would never forget, no matter the challenges that lay ahead.

Tommy took a deep breath as he made his way to his room, the anticipation of the night weighing heavily on him. He knew he needed to change into something old and worn, clothes that wouldn’t matter if they got torn or dirtied during the shift. The last thing he wanted was to ruin his favorite shirt or jeans. He rummaged through his closet, finally settling on a pair of faded cargo shorts and an old, oversized t-shirt that had seen better days. It was comfortable and loose, perfect for the transformation that awaited him.

As he pulled the shirt over his head, he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. There was a mixture of excitement and anxiety in his grey gunmetal eyes. This was it—his first shift. The reality of becoming a werewolf was both exhilarating and daunting.

Just as he was tying the strings of his shorts, a sudden sound echoed from downstairs. The sharp chime of the doorbell rang through the house, breaking his concentration. Curious, he paused, listening intently. The laughter and chatter from the festival outside faded into the background as he tried to place the voices that accompanied the bell.

“Tommy! Can you get that?” his mother called from the kitchen, her voice layered with the sounds of preparation for the evening's festivities.

He hesitated for a moment, the anxious flutter in his stomach intensifying. What if it was someone he didn’t want to see right now? But as he approached the door, he felt a rush of adrenaline, a thrill at the unknown. He opened the door, his heart pounding in his chest.

Standing on the porch were Bianca and Sarah, both radiant under the soft glow of the porch lights. Bianca, with her dark hair framing her face, looked effortlessly stunning, while Sarah wore an excited smile that lit up her hazel eyes. The moment felt electric, suspended in time.

“Hey, Tommy! We thought we’d check in on you before the festival really kicks off and walk down with you. It's our shift too,” Bianca said, her voice bright and inviting.