The Mating Revolution

Chapter Two

Mom and dad were already gone to work when I headed out for my first class. Mom worked as a house cleaner. Humans might be enslaved but things were pretty much the same as they always were. There were richer people and there were poorer people. No one was as rich as the wolves. The bigger the pack, the richer the Alpha. I threw on some sweats and ate a quick cereal breakfast before gabbing my backpack and heading out the door. We didn’t have enough to have more than one car, so I took the bus to my college. It was the only college in the city, so it was named just that, College. Werewolves were not known for their creativity. I stepped off the bus and headed to my first class. My day was fairly boring, but it went by quickly. Before I headed back home, I decided to go talk to Gary. He was a friend who had similar thoughts to mine. He was a year ahead of me and hated The Mating as much as I did. We have been planning a revolution, but since we had to be extra quiet about it, we were having issues getting it off the ground. I found him in his usual cubby in the library. I peaked over his shoulder. “How’s the med program treating you?” He shot out of his seat as I started laughing. “Damn Katie you scared me.” I composed myself and shrugged. “You looked so engrossed in your homework I couldn’t help myself.” He smiled. “So, what brings you to my neck of the woods?” I rubbed my hand on the back of my neck, nervous. “Did you watch the news last night?” His face fell and his words came out angry. “Yes. I almost threw my tv out of my apartment window.” I nodded. “I might have screamed at the tv.” He chuckled. “So, what do you want? You coming to ask me to have babies with you.” It was my turn to chuckle. “Kinda.” He raised his eyebrow but stayed quiet. “I thought we could mate up.” I stepped closer to him to whisper in his ear. “But without actually mating.” I stepped back and realization lit his features. He smiled and said loud enough to be heard. “I would love to be your mate to comply with the new law. We have to sign up at city hall.” I nodded. It was part of ensuring everyone was doing what they were supposed to do. The wolves didn’t care if you had more than one partner, but you had to sign up with someone or you would be paired with someone forcibly. Gary grabbed my hand and we headed to his car. We weren’t interested in each other, but the physical contact was nice. We drove together to City Hall and got signed up. There were several couples in line making out but even more just awkwardly standing around. I had to stifle my laughs. Gary had swung his arm over my shoulder. We just chatted about whatever. He was my best friend. If this world wasn’t what it was Gary probably would be my choice of mates. He was funny, handsome, and willing to stand up for what he believes in. We finally made it to the front of the line. Humans were taking down our information. The werewolves rarely ever came into the cities unless they absolutely had to. Last year had been the first year I had ever seen one. In their human forms they look just like everyone else, but they are usually taller, and their eyes turned black when mad. If you looked closely you could see the outline of a wolf in their eyes as well, well rumor says anyway. I never got close enough to the wolves last year. I just sat in my assigned seat next to mom and just hung out with her. I was so happy when I didn’t get chosen and got to go home last year. I’m hoping my luck is a good as my parents and I’m one of those humans that don’t have a werewolf mate. The wolves believe their ‘Moon Goddess’ blesses them with mates. I don’t believe in any such entity. I think the wolves are just selfish bastards. I was shocked when we made it back to his car. He smirked at me “Thinking about how much you can’t wait to get into my pants?” I snorted. “Oh yeah baby. You wanna come to dinner tonight so we can start on those babies.” He grinned. “Yes.” We hopped in his car and made our way to my house.

Mom and dad were already home by the time we got there. They both loved Gary and I knew they wished we would get together but neither of us was willing to get attached to anyone. My mom envelopes him in a hug. “Gary dear! I’m glad you are joining us for dinner.” He hugs her back. “Well I gotta eat dinner with my mate’s family.” Mom’s jaw hits the floor while Gary and I look at each other. When we can’t hold back the laughter anymore it just flows out of us. Mom closes her mouth and hits us both. “Don’t tease me. I wouldn’t mind some grandbabies.” I shook my head. “Well we did just sign up to be mates but we won’t be trying for any babies.” She just smiled and shook her head at us. “You two are gonna be the death of me.” I just smile and give her a peck on the cheek before sitting at my place at the table. Gary sits in front of me while Mom and dad sit at the other ends. “I figured if we signed up together, we have a year to figure something out with our project before we get caught.” I lifted my eyebrows knowing she would get that I was talking about the revolution. She frowned while dad smiled. “Our girl is gonna make a difference in this world Mary. Katie knows what she is up against, but she knows to fight for what’s right.” My mom sighed. “I know, I’m just worried about her.” I looked at my parents and smiled. “I know you both are worried about me, but I can’t just let the world go on the way it is. It is wrong. Everyone deserves equal rights, and no one deserves to be forced to fall in love with their kidnapper.” Gary nodded at my words while shoving food in his mouth. “Mary, Tom you know Katie is right.” I wrinkled my nose at him. “Rude much?” He just smiled around his food and continued to eat.

After dinner Gary and I helped clean up then we went up to my room and worked on our homework together. I looked at him while he was packing up his stuff. “We will need to be together at least a few times a week like this. After finals we can start working on our project.” He nodded. “I was thinking the same thing. Damn homework doesn’t leave time for much else right now. I think the professors are trying to drown us. I have to find time to do homework, work, and you.” Mischief shown in his eyes. I laughed and shoved him out of my bedroom. “Good night Romeo. Let me know when you wanna do this again.” He tipped an invisible hat. “I will Milady.” He slipped out of the front door and I headed to the shower then sank into bed.