I was never human

Spring Ball

I woke up in a warm embrace. For a moment, it brought me back to the times I would get in the bed with my momma growing up. Her arms were always soothing and would put me right out. It changed up as time went on. I would have to visit her in the hospital and in those moments when she would look so worn out and drained, I'd climb in bed with her and wrap my little arms around her, just praying I could take away some of her pain. That, maybe, I could be the comfort she has always been for me.

I snuggled in more to my brother, trying to blink away my tears. I've never been this much of a crybaby before, but I just couldn't help the tears whenever I thought of my mom. It felt as if each day, my heart found a new way to think of her and break all over again. I sniffled and immediately jumped when I felt a hand come and rest against my cheek.

"Hey... what's wrong?"

I shook my head and gave a teary smile.

"Nothing, just missing my mom. Waking up like this just reminds me of her."

Danny gave me a sad, understanding look. We got up, and he told me to stay in bed and he'd go get us breakfast. I didn't even put up a fight and let him. I got up and did my morning routine. I finished by the time he returned. He seemed a little frazzled when he came back in but didn't seem to want to talk about it, so I didn't press him. We chatted while we ate. He told me what he was wearing today and how he hated having to get all dressed up. I laughed at the faces he made and how stiff he said he'd be. He told me that they always made a grand entrance and that I should join them. I completely denied the invitation and said I'll come later, on purpose. He winded up leaving me shortly because it was Saturday and he had training to do. Since turning 12, on Saturdays, he spends a few hours with our dad going over the logistics of how running a pack works. He said he'd be with Beta Logan today, though, since he was upset with our dad for my sake. I told him not to be angry and to just talk to him. I didn't want their relationship to sour because of me. I pretty much stayed in my room the whole day. I didn't really feel like being bothered by anyone. All day, I listened to music, unpacked the little that was left to be put away, made a list of things I needed like school supplies for my upcoming school year and did a little redecorating to make my room more me.

I took my time, and it became an all-day project. The next thing I know it's going on 5pm. I lay the dress I was given on my bed, grabbed a towel, and hopped in the shower. I got out, moisturized with cocoabutter Vaseline, and put on some body oil perfume. I threw on a long shirt and started my hair. I conditioned it in the shower, so I'm blow dried my hair with a diffuser to keep my curls intact. I parted my hair down the middle, twisting the front part of my hair back, pulling it into a big curly puff, and did the same on the other side. I didn't wear makeup cause my momma thought I was too young for that. I did, however, steal one of her mascaras and coated my lashes with it. It was cute. I felt cute. I didn't really have anything resembling a curve. Girls my age were already developing, but I was slow at it. I picked up the beautiful green dress and put it on. It was a light fabric, dark forest green that had a little keyhole in the front that tied into a bow. The sleeves were winged, and it came down to my calfs. I wore green flats that had strings that tied up my leg, each of the strings having gold tips. It went perfectly with the dress. I threw on a different pair of glasses that were square framed and gold. My earrings were also gold. I was gonna wear a golden locket my mom gave me, but something told me to leave it. All in all, I looked beautiful. My silver hair stood out against the colors, and my dark complexion complimented each color, bringing together the whole ensemble. It was around 7:50pm, when I was finished. I was about to leave when I heard a knock come from my door. I already knew who it was by the scent. I ran to open it, smiling wide.

"Hey, grandma and grandpa! What are you two doing here?"

They both just stopped and stared at me, causing my smile to fade a little.

"Uhh, what's wrong?"

My grandpa was the first to come out of his trance.

"You... you're just so beautiful, little one. It shocked us for a bit. You remind us of your mother."

I was taken aback.

"You guys met my mommy before?"

He chuckled.

"Just once, but she sure did leave an impression. Did we not tell you this before?"

I shook my head.

"She wore a similar green colored dress that was off the shoulders and flared out at her calfs. Her hair was down by hair shoulders, beautifully coiled. She was absolutely stunning... much like yourself, sweetheart."

My grandma said, snapping out of her daze as well. She brought me into a big hug, holding on to both of my cheeks.

"I'm so happy you're here with us. I'm so happy I have you, my darling."

Grandma said as she kissed my forehead. I smiled up at both of them.

"I'm happy I stayed too."

They both smiled.

"Ok, my loves. Let's go. We're already a little behind. It probably already started."

Grandpa said as he escorted us downstairs to the banquet hall. I walked hand in hand in the middle of my grandparents. As we got closer to the hall, I heard someone speaking. The deepness of the voice let me know it was my father. As we approached the doors leading to the backyard patio, the guards opened them. I stepped out first, and it sounded as if everyone went silent and all eyes were on me. I looked out on the many faces that seemed more like a sea of people.

Crap! Was I supposed to say something? Danny ain't say nothing about having to make a speech. I would've stayed upstairs for that.

I felt when my dad looked back at me. His gaze didn't seem angry or held any malice towards me. It was warm again. I was stuck just looking at him and he, me, for a time. He held out his hand to me. My grandparents let my hands go, and I stepped down, letting the pull to my father guide me.

"This beautiful little forest nymph is my oldest daughter and my eldest child, Kwenali Emeri Moore."

I heard the gasps and whispers, but all I felt was my dad's and brother's protective auras and love for me. I smiled.

"Hi, dad."

He pulled me closer to him, bending to kiss my hand he still held, causing more murmuring. I blushed.

"Hello, my daughter."

My dad finally looked away from me and backed out to the crowd.

"As you can see, her mother had no help in making her."

My blush deepened as the crowd chuckled softly.

"I expect you all to show Kwen the same consideration you show my other two children. She's a very sweet girl, so I'm sure she'd love to meet you all in time."

Everyone seemed to smile at his words.

"If any of you were wondering, yes, she is mostly human. Her mother was a human woman. She has some aspects of us wolves, but she herself does not have one. With all that said, she IS mine. Neither she nor I will tolerate any disrespect that comes her way."

My dad spoke in a more serious tone.

"Yes, Alpha."

The crowd spoke in unison. I heard Bruce chuckle from behind my father.

"Don't let that "human" word fool you. The girl's a beast. So be careful."

He turned and winked at me. Thank God I'm dark-skinned, cause I know if I was any lighter, I'd be red from embarrassment. The people around us chuckled at the scene.

"Well, now that we got that out the way. I want to thank you all for joining us at the Spring Ball this year. I hope you all have a wonderful time."

Luna Lisa said, interrupting the moment. She continued.

"Speaking of daughters, my little gorgeous Sierra's birthday will be coming up in a month or so. So be prepared for that soireé. She'll be turning eleven."

She grabbed Sierra's hand, pulling her to the front where everyone could see her. I nodded my head in understanding. She was tryna get the attention off of me. I rolled my eyes and took a step back. I felt a hand quickly grab mine, pulling me closer to that person. It was Danny. He whispered in my ear.

"You aren't going anywhere. You don't have to disappear."

He looked me in the eyes with a determined look, and I smiled.