The Mark

Alone time

When Kie woke up it was already past 10am. Usually she was an early bird, but she hasn’t slept so well for a long time. She turned in the bed and to her surprise Miles was still there. They must’ve fallen asleep after their talk. She wasn’t sure if she should wake him up or let him sleep a little longer, but eventually she got up and tiptoed to the bathroom, leaving him dreaming. She took a quick shower and tied her hair in a bun. When she came back to the room, Miles was already awake.

“I hope you slept well.” he mumbled, still sleepy. “Sorry, I was really exhausted yesterday, and I guess, I just fell asleep.”

“It’s fine.” she said. “Actually I slept really good. I woke up maybe 15 minutes ago.”

“Really? You?” Miles was surprised by his sister.

“Yeah.” she shrugged. “Somehow I slept like a log tonight.”

Miles smiled and yawned right after that which made his face look like a tragic mask. Kiara laughed.

“What are your plans for today?” asked the still sleepy redhead.

“I need to go to Alpha’s.” she said. “To pick up that laptop.”

“Oh, right. You want company?” he wasn’t doing anything important today even though he said that to get away from the training session today. Everything was set up for tomorrow’s party, and he needed to focus on something else.

“Yeah, why not.” she replied. “I forgot to tell you, but Lisa will probably join us sometime today.” There wasn’t much joy in her voice and Miles noticed that.

“Is everything okay between you two?” he was worried that maybe Lisa found out about the telepathy thing and freaked out.

“I didn’t tell you yesterday because I had enough s**t to dill with mom, but Lisa actually came here and was waiting for me. But Tim drove me home.”

“Did he do something?” he asked. “Or did you?” Now his eyes were completely round, he looked like he could use some popcorn to this drama.

“Miles!” she shouted and hit him with a pillow. “You could at least pretend to be worried.”

“Sorry Kie. I am, but to be honest I’m also curious what happened.” he admitted. “And correct me if I’m wrong, but I feel like you’re not THAT deep into this relationship anyway.”

Miles has never said that out loud, but he thought so since the beginning, and now it was a chance for him. He wasn’t judging his sister though; he just wanted to know the truth.

Kie was looking at him with in silence for a while and mind linked him, like she wasn’t able to talk out of a sudden:

“Do you think I’m a bad person?”

“What?” he replied out loud. “Of course not. You’re the best person I know. I just wanted to confirm if I was right.”

“It’s not like I don’t care about her.” she was now talking as usual. “I really do. But I don’t love her. And after all that time together I think I should.”

“You don’t have to explain yourself.” he said. “At least not to me.”

“I’m not. But it was in my mind for so long, it just feels so good to finally talk about this with someone.” she really seemed relieved.

“So what do you want to do?” he was still curious but cared for his sister and tried to help her with this dilemma.

“I know I should break up with her.” she said. “But to do that before your birthday to which she is invited… I feel like it could be a disaster.”

“Maybe. But maybe not. You can always call it a break for now, and after the party you can say it’s like a forever break.”

“You’re evil!” she shouted and hit him with the pillow again.

Miles left Kiara’s room to get ready. He took a quick shower, brushed his teeth and even used a face cream. His sister bought it for him and made him use it for two months, and then it became a habit. He put on a green t-shirt and black jersey shorts.

Kiara made the bed after Miles left to get ready and then chose her outfit. She looked in the mirror; white sleeveless shirt and dark green, high waisted shorts looked quite ordinary, but it was too hot to think about any more fancy clothes.

They met outside their rooms, under the stained glass window.

“Let’s just grab something to eat and go.” said Kie going down the stairs.

Miles agreed and followed his sister to the kitchen. Their mom was there too, acting like nothing happened.

“She behaves like she wasn’t a total b***h yesterday.” said Kie to Miles in their thoughts.

“Day like usual.” replied her brother, smiling.

Sofia was standing back to them, but when she turned they both gasped. Her eyes were bloodshot, with dark circles under. She looked at them, and said with hoarse voice:

“Up already?” they were still standing too stunned to speak. “Oh don’t look so frightened.”

“Mom, are you okay?” Kie finally said something.

“Am I?” she laughed hysterically. “Now you care? Go to your Alpha. Why would you like to sit with your “not okay” mother?”

“What are you talking about?” Miles stepped in.

“Of course you’re gonna take her side!” now Sofia was shouting.

“I’m not going to listen to this shit.” said Kie quietly and proceeded to the saloon through the archway.

“f**k you, you little slut!” shouted Sofia. “You think you’re so perfect!”

“Mom, what the f**k?!” Miles was shouting too, now he was seriously pissed off. He approached the cupboard and then the fridge, took out two bottles with transparent liquid inside and poured everything into the sink.

“What have you done?!” Sofia started screaming and yanking Miles.

He was much stronger than his mom, so he had no problem freeing himself. After that went straight to Kie who was standing stunned in the middle of the saloon with tears in her eyes. She felt her hand being grabbed and her whole body being pulled toward the front door. They were already outside, Miles was talking to her but she couldn’t hear, she felt dizzy.

“Kie, can you hear me?” he mind linked her.

Suddenly her head was clear, she could hear and think again.

“What was that?” she said with tears in her eyes. They were even bluer than usual now.

“She’s lost her mind.” he said, still agitated. “Don’t listen to her.”

“Please let’s go, I don’t wanna be here now.” said Kie and started walking. Her brother right behind her. Suddenly a familiar smell came to their nostrills; Lisa.

“Hi babe.” said Lisa enthusiastically, getting Kie from behind.

“Lisa, I’m sorry but I just want to be alone today, please.” said Kiara straightforwardly. Miles didn’t want to go in between them, but instinctively moved closer to his sister, like he wanted to protect her. As if it was not enough, they all saw a big black pick up coming towards them. Tim.

“Oh so you want to be alone if it comes to me? But Tim is fine?” Lisa got into her jealous mode.

“Lisa I didn’t even know that he’s coming.”

“You know what Kiara, I really tried.” said Lisa crying. “But I can’t anymore. You’re pushing me away. All the time.”

“Look, I get that you’re angry now, but I don’t think that’s the right place and time for this conversation.” replied Kiara blandly.

“Enjoy your “alone” time.” Lisa wasn’t listening and started walking away.

Kiara didn’t want to hurt her girlfriend, or now ex-girlfriend, but she wasn’t in the right condition to do anything. They should break up anyway. She felt bad because she actually felt a little relief after that.

“Kie?” Miles put a hand on her shoulder.

“I’m fine. Seriously.” she said looking at him. “You know we should do it anyway. I didn’t want to end it like that, but what can I do now? I’m gonna talk to her later.”

“Understood.” he believed her.

Tim parked the car and approached them.

“Hi guys.” he shook hands with Miles and nodded to Kie although it looked as if he wanted to hug her.

“Hi Tim.” greeted him Miles. “What are you doing here?”

“I was running some errands for Alpha and I saw you two. Wanted to say hi.” said the big brown haired werewolf.

“What errands in this area?” asked Kie who was silent until now.

“You know, this and that.” said blushing “Where are you going?”

“Well actually we need to pay a visit to your boss.” Kie started being talkative.

“Get in then, I’ll give you a ride.” It looked like Tim really liked the course of events. He didn’t even ask why they needed to go to Alpha.

“Great.” said Kie, smiling for the first time after the fight with their mom. “Let’s go then.”

Miles was a quiet observer and was quite surprised by the dynamic between those two. But Kiara had a smile on her face so decided not to think about it too much and just enjoy the ride and the fact that she forgot for a second.

They all were silent. Tim driving, Miles looking out of the window and Kie between them with eyes closed. The further from their home they were, the more relaxed Kiara felt. Tim was glancing at her from time to time which has not escaped Miles’ attention. He was surprised but he felt a little uncomfortable about that, but didn’t want to act childish or play the overprotective, big brother. So he stayed silent. What could he do anyway? And no one was doing anything wrong, so what’s the problem? His mind was playing tricks on him. Besides that, he knew Tim, they were friends for many years now, he was a decent guy. He wouldn’t do anything bad to his sister.

They were at the front gate. Two guards opened it for them and they drove for about 5 minutes more. Tim parked and they got out of the car. Celeste was in the garden with her wife and as soon as she noticed Kiara, she started to wave.

“Hi pretty!” she shouted while walking towards them. They met in the middle.

“Hi Celeste.” Kie smiled and her cheeks turned red. “Hi Rebecca.”

“You’re not working today, right?” asked Luna, and added, not waiting for the response “Come inside, we can have a nice ice coffee.”

She locked her arms with Kiara on one side and Rebecca on the other and started leading them to the front door. Tim and Miles were a little stunned by this enthusiastic welcome and were still standing behind three ladies.

“Hey guys.” Kie turned over her shoulder.”Are you gonna stand there all day? Miles, you don’t want to be sunburned at your party tomorrow.” she teased his brother.

He laughed and both men caught up with Kie.

“A party? Oh yes, of course, you’re turning 20!” said excited Celeste.

Dan was leaving his office when they entered the house. Miles was here a couple of times, but he was still amazed how big this place was. It was also surprising to him that even though Alpha’s residence was huge and sophisticated with all those fancy chandeliers, old paintings and who knows how many rooms, it was always cosy and nice.

“Kiara, Miles.” Alpha smiled. “What a pleasant surprise.”

“Hi Alpha.” they replied in unison. Tim just nodded as he saw his boss earlier today.

“So what do I owe such a pleasure?” he was in a good mood.

“Well, I came for the laptop.” said Kiara. “You told me there is this program I should use, but I took all the paperwork and not the laptop.”

“Oh right.” Dan facepalmed himself. “I’m getting old I guess.”

“Of course you are, prick.” Celeste liked to be included in all interactions. “But you’re not the only one. Baby boy Miles is 20 tomorrow!” she was clapping her hands now in excitement.

“Goodness, Celeste.” said Alpha jokingly. “I’m getting old, but you’re regressing.”

Kie burst out laughing and Luna punched her in the shoulder delicately.

“Pretty! Who’s side are you on?” she joked.

“I guess my invitation has been lost by a postman?” said Alpha, teasing Miles.

“Probably. That’s why I’m here of course, to invite you personally.” uff, he managed to get out of it, but his cheeks were burning. He didn’t invite Alpha, why would he? He was just another wolf from his pack and it was just a birthday party. He wasn’t even thinking about inviting Dan. Not because he didn’t like him, but why would he even want to come?

“Great. See you tomorrow then.” said Dan.

Both siblings and even Tim looked confused right now, they didn’t know if he was joking or not. Celeste’s and Rebecca’s reactions weren’t helping as they were behaving like nothing actually happened.

“Won’t you join us?” asked Rebecca. “We’re having iced coffee.”

“As much as I’d love to, I can’t. I need to do something.” he said now with a more serious tone. “Kiara, can I ask you for a second?”

Kiara was surprised but agreed of course. Tim and Miles went with the Luna couple to the kitchen and Kie walked Dan to the door.

“The laptop is in my office. Feel free to take it on your way home. It’s in one of my desk’s drawers, white box with your name on it.” explained Dan. “The program is intuitive and easy so I don’t think you’ll have any problems, but if you do just call me or Sylvia. She’s my friend, IT is her thing, let’s say.”

Kie just nodded.

“How did you like your present?” asked Alpha, changing subject.

“It’s beautiful. It really is.” she said. “Thank you for that. I’m gonna wear it tomorrow actually.”

“Great. I’m glad you like it. See you tomorrow Kie.”

“Bye Dan.”

He left and she proceeded to the kitchen where everyone was. Rebecca already had big glass with brown liquid, ice cubes inside and whipped cream on top

“So who’s next?” asked Celeste. “You, pretty?”

“Yes, thanks.” replied Kiara. She felt remorse, she told Lisa that she needs some time alone, and now she was surrounded by so many people in Alpha’s kitchen, drinking iced delicacies. But after their mom's outburst she just wanted to feel better. And now she actually did.