WINTER ROGUE

I woke up to the sound of hushed whispers, annoying me instantly. It's my birthday. I should've been allowed to sleep in today, but the noise coming from the first floor of our two-story home was wafting up the stairs and breaking into my peaceful dream. I rolled over onto my back and looked at the beautiful forest mural on the ceiling I'd painted for my Lycan Willow, who would sleep in the forest if I let her. When I finally gave up on sleep, I got up, and swung my legs over my bed, shivering slightly as my bare feet touched the cool wooden floor, and quickly rushed to my bathroom, where I washed up and changed, though as I stared at my reflection in the mirror as I did my white hair, I frowned sadly. I wished I could meet my mate today, but I guess that wasn't in the stars for me. In other packs, turning 18 was a significant milestone. It was when young Lycans found their mates. But because of the curse that had plagued my pack for generations, no one in our pack could find their mate. It had left many of us feeling lost, including me. I passed my brother Harvey midway down the stairs as he was heading up, looking tired. My brother was our pack's future head Beta, and he was on the night shift last night for patrol. ''Morning birthday girl.'' He held out his arms for a hug, but I frowned in suspicion. My brother didn't like hugs, but when he gave me an innocent smile, I hugged him, and that was my big mistake. He pushed my face into his disgusting smelly arm pit, and laughed, as I growled and shoved him back. ''You're so gross!'' I complained and punched his arm, which hurt, because Willow was a white Lycan, and we were powerful, ''I'm telling Lydia, and I hope she divorces you.'' Harvey laughed and messed my hair, causing me to growl again, ''No way, she loves me to much to leave me.'' ''Just to shower, you stink.'' I ordered and continued down the stairs, ''Oh, and you owe me a gift!'' ''It's on the table.'' He waved dismissively and continued upstairs. When I walked into the kitchen, I noticed my mother and grandmother busying themselves with my birthday breakfast, their voices barely above a murmur. My father's parents moved in with us last year after their home was destroyed in a wildfire, and they'd just never left, but I didn't mind. I love my grandfather, Trey, and he would often take me hunting. ''Morning!'' I announced my presence excitedly, and the women paused and looked at me. ''Good morning honey,'' Mom came over and hugged me, ''Happy birthday.'' ''Happy 18th my darling.'' My grandmother Olivia hugged me too. ''Come sit and have some food.'' ''Where is everyone?'' I complained, as I put some pancakes on my plate. ''Dad and grandpa are talking to the Alpha,'' Mom told me, though her tone was uncomfortable, ''And Lydia is at work at the hospital, but she'll be home later, and Isabella's still sleeping.'' ''No she's not,'' My sister walked in rubbing her eyes, ''Harvey left his stupid door open in his room, and he's singing loudly, and woke me up. Happy birthday.'' ''Thanks,'' I smiled at my little sister, with a mouth full of pancakes and syrup. ''What are you doing today?'' She asked as she sat down next to me. ''I'm going to the river with some friends from school.'' ''Make sure you're home for dinner.'' Mom ordered as she sat down too. ''I will, unless we end up eating at the diner.'' ''NO!'' Mom said loudly and slammed her hand on the table, shocking me, ''You will be home at sunset, is that clear!'' I frowned at her strange behavior, ''Okay, fine. What's with you?'' ''I'm just tired, sorry. Eat your breakfast.'' She responded, and I exchanged a look with my sister, who shrugged and continued eating. Once we were done with breakfast, I eagerly opened my gifts, but as I was thanking everyone, there was a knock on the front door, and I quickly rushed over, when I smelt my best friend's scent. I pulled the door open to see my strawberry-blond-haired friend wearing a bikini under her sundress, and a towel over her shoulder. ''Hey, happy birthday.'' She hugged me. ''Thanks, Em,'' I said, as I stepped back, ''Let me get my towel, and I'll be back in a sec.'' I ran back up the stairs, grabbed my bag filled with my swimsuit and towel and ran back down stairs. ''I'm heading out. I'll be back later.'' ''Have fun,'' Mom called back, ''Be back by sunset.'' ''I already said I would relax.'' I said as he grabbed Em's arm and pulled her down to our bikes waiting in the front yard. The wind felt cool against my face as we rode through town towards the lake, we were coming past the last turn when we heard him. Barret's loud voice wafted over to us on the wind, and I slowed down when I saw him standing over three men, and they looked scared. He was shouting, his face red, as he shoved one man hard in the chest, making him stumble. He looked like he wanted to hurt them. He was using his power to scare them. It was a clear abuse. My heart pounded. This wasn't right. Not at all. ''He really is such a pig.'' I said angrily, ''I don't know how my brother stands him.'' Should I step in? Against Barret? It felt impossible. He was my future Alpha, but I was a white Lycan. It was my duty to keep peace. I couldn't just leave. These men needed help. I had to do something. I climbed off my bike, but Em grabbed my arm, ''What are you doing? He's the Alpha, just leave it alone.'' I pulled my arm free and went to walk over, when Barret growled, shifted and ran off, and the men looked relieved, as they got off the ground, and left. ''What do you think that was about?'' Em asked. ''No clue, just an Alpha throwing his damn weight around,'' I shrugged, before climbing back on my bike, ''I'll ask Harvey when I get home later.'' ''Oh, well, let's get going, the others are waiting for us.'' As we splashed in the cool water, enjoying the heat from the sun, I noticed a few of the girls lounging on flotation devices, talking, so I paddled over, intending to flip them into the water, but when I heard their conversation, I changed my mind, and just leaned on one of the floaties. ''I still think it's not fair, we’re all supposed to find our mates when we turn 18.'' One of the girls, Sherry said. ''We shouldn't keep getting punished because of this curse. We weren't even born when it was created.'' I felt a lump in my throat. I agreed with her statement. I should have been excited about finding my date today. ''It's crazy that our mates could be right in front of us, and we'll never know until the curse if broken.'' Amanda said as she ran her fingers into the water. ''I wish we knew how to break it.'' Emily said as she swam over to us, ''I'd break it if I could.'' ''Me too.'' Sherry nodded. ''What if you have to kill yourself to break it?'' I asked curiously as I treaded water. ''I'd do it.'' Em answered, ''And then I'd get to see the Goddess.'' Everyone laughed, and I rolled my eyes. It was easy for them to talk about breaking the curse, but the reality of it was a whole other story. As a white Lycan, we were all born with a mission, and Willow and I had been worried for years that our mission had to do with the curse. Especially as the woman who created the curse was a white Lycan. To distract my friends, I tipped Sherry into the water, and as she screamed and resurfaced, it started a splash war. We enjoyed the river for the rest of the day, and after another swim after lunch, we created a fire, and were sitting around chatting and drinking, but as the sun began to set, I stood up, brushing off my dress, ''Sorry gals, I've got to head home, I'll see you tomorrow.'' ''What? Boo!'' Emily tossed a marshmallow at me, but I giggled and caught it. ''Don't drink too much.'' I cautioned as I ate the marshmallow and climbed onto my bike. After I returned home for dinner, the excitement usually buzzing in the air in our home was missing. Instead, there was an unusual tension. ''Is something wrong?'' I asked in confusion. ''Jayla, you need to shower and get dressed!'' My brother told me, as he passed me a pretty red dress, ''We need to go to the Alpha's home for dinner.'' ''Why?'' I asked in annoyance. I hated going to the Alphas. Our future Alpha Barret was a real pig. He took the packs care seriously but with women, he went through them like candy, and he was always checking me out. I had long suspected that if my brother wasn't his Beta, he'd have hit on me too. ''Because we are,'' My mother said, her tone a mix of urgency and excitement. ''Now go change, and wear some of the jewelry my mother gave you.'' I frowned. Why were they acting so strange? My mother knew I wasn't one for fuss and rarely wore jewelry, but I complied and went to shower and change. I pulled on a simple dress, the one I usually wore for casual gatherings. But as I stepped into the living room, I was met with disapproving looks. ''No, no!'' My brother complained, ''I gave you a dress, go put it on!'' ''Why?'' ''Because it's a gift from Barret'' He answered, looking a little uncomfortable. ''Ew, even more reason not to wear it.'' My sister giggled. ''Shut up, Issy.'' Dad scolded her, and she looked down, ''Go change.'' I frowned angrily, ''Why are you all acting so weird today? I'm not changing, let's just go and.'' My father shocked me when he slapped me in the fact, and my mother screamed my father's name in surprise. My father had never hit me. I stared at him in confusion, my cheek stinging and my eyes watering, as he grabbed my arm and dragged me to the stairs and shoved me up some steps. ''GO CHANGE!'' I had no clue what was going on, and why everyone was acting crazy, but I quickly went to put the red dress on, hating how low cut and form-fitting it was, so I added a black cloak and walked back to the others waiting by the front door. I sat in the passenger seat, my arms crossed angrily as I stared out the window. ''Why do we even have to go to the Alpha’s home for my birthday?'' I snapped, but my father told me to shut up. When we arrived at the manor, I was shocked when I noticed all the cars, and realized the entire council was here, and my confusion deepened. When we walked into the lobby area, and a maid took our coats, the Luna rushed out to greet us. Her warm smile looked forced, as if she were putting on a show. ''Welcome all.'' She said happily, but I could sense her tension, ''Happy birthday Jaylay,'' She linked her arm with mine and started pulling me down a hallway, ''I'm so glad you could come. We've all been looking forward to tonight since you were born.'' Again, I was confused, and looked at my mother, who avoided my eyes. ''Why is that?'' I asked Luna Erica, but she ignored me and continued walking, her heels clicking on the marble floor that echoed around us. She led us to the ballroom, filled with the familiar faces of the council, but they all seemed strange and kept giving me odd looks, and I could tell a few were linking privately as they watched me with furtive glances. Something was terribly off, and I couldn't shake the feeling of unease in my stomach. For the next hour, we drank champagne and made small talk. I was pouring myself another drink when Barret came over to me. "You look good tonight,'' He said, as he leaned closer. ''I'm glad you like the dress.'' ''I don't.'' I admitted as I turned to him, ''I was forced into it.'' ''Well I'm glad.'' He said as he stepped even closer and brushed some of my hair back, ''Because you look amazing. You always do.'' ''Thanks.'' I said, as I slapped his hand away, and a few council members stared at us, before looking away, ''And don't touch me.'' Garret grabbed my wrist and pulled me in, ''I will do more than touch you, after tonight, so you'd better start losing that attitude, because I won't put up with it.'' ''What the hell do you mean, after tonight?'' I asked, ''What's changing after tonight?'' ''Everything,'' He smiled and smelt my hair, before stepping away. I was going to question his odd behavior but the Luna announced that dinner was ready, and we all moved to the dining room, where a massive round table was set up. As I settled into my seat, I noticed him. Barret watching me. His gaze lingering on me more than usual and making me shift uncomfortably. Throughout the dinner, laughter echoed, but it felt hollow. My father was engaged in conversation with the council, but I could tell he was worried, and I caught him glancing at me, his brow furrowed. Then, after dinner, the Alpha stood up and the council members fell silent, their eyes focusing on me instead of the Alpha, and I felt heat creep up my neck. Seriously, what was happening? "Jayla," The Alpha spoke, his voice heavy. "We need to discuss your future within the pack." My heart raced, and I felt another rush of confusion. What did the future of the pack have to do with me? ''Future?'' I asked in confusion, as everyone looked at me. ''What do you know about the curse?'' ''The same as everyone.'' I answered, as the Alpha pulled out a scroll and handed it to me ''One of your ancestors betrayed his mate, Luna Callista, and she cursed the pack.'' ''Yes, well, what we don't tell anyone is the cure she mentioned whilst creating the curse.'' He went on, and everyone looked at him, ''She said the curse would lift when the next white Lycan is born with a birthmark, and only after she marries the Alpha would the curse break.'' I unrolled the scroll and read in more detail about the curse, my heart racing, as I touched my collar bone where my birthmark rested on my skin, before I stared at the Alpha with wide eyes. ''I'm the cure?'' I said in disbelief. No. I mean, I always suspected, but having it confirmed was hard to hear. I turned to my family and saw my mother and grandmother watching me, pride shining in their eyes. ''You are dear, you and Barret.'' Luna smiled at me, and I turned to her son, as my heart raced. ''Why didn't anyone ever tell me?'' I asked angrily. ''We didn't want to put pressure on you.'' My mom told me, ''We wanted you to have a normal childhood.'' ''Did you know?'' I asked Barret. ''Not until I'd shifted,'' He smiled at me, making me feel sick. ''And you all expect us to get marry?'' I asked in disgust, and he glared at me. ''No way!'' ''Do you think I want to marry you?'' He shot back, but looked offended, ''You're my best friend's annoying little sister.'' ''Oh please.'' I snapped, '''You were literally hitting on me ten minutes ago!'' ''Keep dreaming.'' He shot back, still looking offended, ''I was just being nice to my future mate. I was performing my duty, which is what you should be doing.'' ''This can't be the cure.'' I shook my head as I pushed the scroll away and stood up, ''Someone must have written Luna Callista's words down wrong. There's no way marrying Barret will fix things. He's not my mate. How would this even work?'' ''You don't know your mates because you can't feel the bond.'' Alpha Percy pointed out. ''But we have long suspected that when the white Lycan and the Alpha mark one another, the curse will break.'' ''This is all speculation.'' I argued, as the council members began to look annoyed, ''What happens if we go ahead with this and nothing happens? Then we're stuck with each other.'' ''Are you implying my son isn't good enough for you?'' Alpha asked me, his tone annoyed. ''Being a white Lycan doesn't make you better than anyone.'' ''I don't think that.'' I said angrily now, ''But as a white Lycan, I know things, and I know this is wrong. Marrying him won't break the curse.'' ''It clearly says marrying the Alpha will break it.'' My dad stood up too, and walked over to me. ''Alpha, yes,'' I nodded, ''But not this one!'' I pointed to Barret. ''It could be any Alpha. Please trust my powers, this isn't going to work.'' ''You're just nervous about getting married,'' Dad touched my arm, but I pushed him away. ''I'm not getting married.'' ''Yes you are,'' Alpha Percy said firmly, ''We've been waiting for this since you were born with the mark,'' ''Okay, so all that proves is I'm the white Lycan, but it doesn't mean he's the Alpha,'' I pointed out again, ''Why don't we reach out of the alphas, and I'll meet them, if I feel the bond with one of them, then that's the Alpha from the curse.'' ''Don't be ridiculous Jayla.'' The Alpha's temper was rising, ''The curse was created in our pack, and directed at the Alpha from my line. It only stands to reason that the Alpha who marries the white Lycan is from my line as well.'' ''Well, maybe it's you.'' I shot back, angrily crossing my arms. ''What did you say?'' Luna asked, her eyes darkening. ''Jay's kidding, Luna.'' My dad said quickly, as he glared at me. ''She makes jokes when she's overwhelmed, and she's very sorry.'' ''Enough.'' The Alpha waved his hand, ''This discussion is over, you will marry Barret next month during the Goddess festival, and rid us of this damn curse, or you will be banished to the Vauxstone Mountains until you agree.'' ''Alpha, please, you know she won't survive there.'' My grandfather defended me. ''Then she'd better agree. You have one month Jayla. You're either going to be a bride and a Luna or a hated rogue who betrayed your pack, and left everyone mateless. Think it over.'' '' He snapped, and left the dining room.