I was never human

Our own traditions

I followed the scent of everyone to my father's office. I was pissed. Kwen is literally so nice and doesn't do anything to anyone. All the staff in the packhouse loves her. She's kind and friendly to everyone. The only people she not that way with are my mother and sister, and that's because they're always starting with her. I will not allow my mother to cause me to lose a sister. She's already got her claws into Sierra. It doesn't matter how much I try talking to her. She's turning out to be more and more like my mother's clone. I love my mother, but something's just not right with her. I have no idea why my dad was ever fated to her. I knew if they weren't, I wouldn't be here, but still. I hear a loud commotion from inside my dad's office. I didn't even knock. I just walked in. Everyone's emotions were so high that no one paid me any mind.

"Control that she devil of a mate. I will NOT lose Kwen again because of her... AGAIN!! She's the reason we missed out on her childhood!! When you finally met your mate, it seemed as if everything had become distorted. Pay attention!! Why is she so desperate to get rid of her?!!"

My grandma screamed as she paced back and forth.

"What am I to do??! Are you blaming me for missing out on my own daughter's life!? I didn't even know she existed till a week ago!"

"Yea... and you're letting that b***h ruin your relationship with your daughter! No one comes before your children, Brandon."

"I know that, mom! But it's not exactly easy to go against my mate, either."

My grandpa got up and held my grandma.

"Alright. That's enough you two. No one is losing her. She's not going anywhere. Let's just come up with a way to keep them two separate from now on. Kwen was right about one thing, she shouldn't have to deal with disrespect. Kwen does nothing to deserve the things that are said to her by your mate. In Kwen's eyes, you never step in to defend her, so she defends herself. Minnie had probably always defended her from anyone and she's used to that protection... something she's not getting from her "new" father. I'm not saying things will be easy, but you need to keep the peace between those two. Kwen is not one to let it slide, and we all know that Lisa has an attitude problem."

My grandma sighed aggressively and walked out, my grandpa following her. My father and the other guys just noticed me there. My dad half smiled at me.

"Did you go check on your mother. I'm sure she'd love to see you right now?"

I frowned and crossed my arms over my chest.

"No, I haven't."

"Why not?"

"Why should I? She keeps hurting my sister?"

"Yes, but that's your mother?"

"I don't care. I'm not gonna lose Kwen because of her. You can let all the mean things she says about her go. But I won't."

Dad sighed heavily.

"You don't understand right now, but when you have a mate of your own, you will."

My frown deepened.

"If having a mate allows them the freedom to hurt others, then I don't want one."

I turned and left out of dad's office. I can't believe he's tryna take up for mom, when she's clearly in the wrong. I was so shocked when Kwen hit mom, but the fact that she held her own, had me and shadow preening with pride. She's amazing and I won't let her go. She's my big sister. I was coming up on a corner when I was heading to my room, when I heard whispers.

"I felt it. I think that's why she can't remember. It's because it wasn't her to begin with."

"What do you mean?"

I peeked around the corner to see my grandparents talking.

"Our baby is in danger and I don't think we're gonna be able to stop it. I think she is the chosen, but how it's presenting itself is so different. I felt it quickly, but the power that was shown for a split second, almost brought me to my knees."

My grandmother said.

What power?

My grandpa held my grandma in his arms as she cried.

"We'll keep a close eye on everything. It's gonna be alright. We won't lose her... not again."

I left them alone after that. I started to think maybe kwen leaving maybe what's best for her. It's seems she's been in danger since the moment she got here. Although, I know leaving would probably be what's best, I don't want her to go. My sister is already so strong. I have to become stronger too. I have to protect her.

Later on that night, around 11 p.m., I headed for Kwen's room. I wanted her to have some time to herself. I reached her room and was about to knock when I heard her.

"Come in, Danny."

I peeked my head in with a frown.

"How'd you know it was me?"

She giggled.

"I could smell you."

"Riiiigghhttt."

I'm always forgetting that her sense of smell is on par and/or better than ours. I walked in, closing the door behind me.

"What's that?"

She asked. I looked down to my hands, then looked up and smiled.

"Our grandparents called me. They wanted me to bring this to you."

I presented a plastic covered dress.

"Wow. It's so pretty."

She reached out to touch it. I smiled.

"They said they know it's not the colors for the ball, but it would match your eyes perfectly."

She looked up at me in surprise.

"They're not mad at me?"

I chuckled.

"Of course not! Why would they?"

She shrugged, looking down, seemingly embarrassed.

"It's alright, Kwen... look. I know my mom. She... can be a bit much, and the things she's said and done weren't called for. But I want to let you know that I meant what I said. I will protect you. No one blames you for what happened... not even dad."

She snapped her head up at me, pulling her knees to her chest as she sat on her bed.

"My mother has never been the nurturing kind. I know she loves me, but it can be a bit much."

She patted the bed beside her. I smiled and took a seat, laying her dress on the bed.

"I mean... I figured she hates my guts because of my mom. But, considering the way she's always taking up for Sierra, I assumed she was one of them overbearing, loving types."

We shared a chuckle.

"Uhh, no. She's more into parties and appearances than the mushy family stuff."

I rubbed the back of my neck with a half smile. I've never really voiced it, but I've always wanted that. Have gatherings, bonfires, wear the same clothing... you know family stuff. But that's never been our dynamic.

"Do you at least get to have birthday parties?"

I rolled my eyes and threw myself back onto her bed, looking up at her green and burgundy canopy.

"Ha. If that's what you wanna call it. She throws these big elaborate parties so everyone in the pack celebrates the day she gave birth to the next alpha... it's not really about me, you know?"

It went silent for a minute. I felt when she grabbed my hand, causing me to look at her.

"Well, my mama always had fun birthdays planned for me. Whether we went to an amusement park, picnic, or an old fashion party at home with my favorite people, I always had a great time. We had a tradition of making my birthday cake together and making cupcakes so we could cheat and have the cake early but without having to cut the cake beforehand. We'd have snowball and water balloon fights all the time. Or even have water guns, running around the backyard. We'd even camp out in the summer to look at the stars. My mommy is the most nurturing person I know... knew. Even when she was sick, she fought hard for years before telling me. She couldn't hide it by that point."

My heart warmed by the stories she told, and at the same time, a slither of jealousy crept into my heart. I knew I shouldn't be, but those are the very things I wished to have. I wanted my mother to see me, not just the title I would inherit.

"Don't worry. I'll do all those things with you, ok. We can start our own traditions. I promise."

She smiled at me, but her eyes held determination and promise. She wasn't just telling me about those things. She was promising to stay... to stay with me.