Winter Rose

Chapter 10: Rolling with the Changes

I stumbled down to the kitchen and ran into the adults all drinking their coffees while rushing to get ready for work. How they all ended up on the first shift I have no idea. Papaw was going to the plant and Mimi packed his lunch box giving him a kiss as he went out the door. Lydia straightened Francis’s tie as he took some of the elementary school kids with him. He taught first grade which all the kids were out of at this point. Lydia loaded the rest of the kids into her car and went to work in the school’s administration office. Brittany kissed Adam as she left for the hospital as the new head nurse of the maternity wing. And Crystal joined her as a newly hired birthing coach. Damien went to the plastic factory he managed. Brad set off to start his UPS route. Clara and Diane set off to the liquor distribution center where Diane worked HR and Clara worked on the line. Drew walked to his job managing the dollar store. Adam left last to get to the diner he had opened. No one mentioned seeing Theo run home minutes earlier, and I wasn’t going to be the one to bring it up. Mimi served me my breakfast and I ate before starting my morning run. Theo somehow still made it out and met with me at our usual spot, but was going a lot slower due to lack of sleep. By the time we made it back to the porch he didn’t hesitate to return home and get ready for school. 

“You need to go easier on him during your nightly conquests” Mimi said from the door as I used the bottom step to stretch my calves.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I said honestly. 

“Just because we all turn a blind eye doesn’t mean we don’t know he spends every night in your room.” 

“Well in all your sniffing around you would have noticed there was no funny business happening.” I said, “Between all this training and school I’m too exhausted to move let alone participate in extracurricular exercise.” I said heading to my room. I heard her sigh behind me.

I showered and got ready for school. Meeting Em, Steph, and Malcolm on the front porch as we waited for Theo. “Good to see your outfit is much tamer today.” he said in greeting as I got in the truck. 

“Figured I made enough of an impression yesterday.” I smiled. 

“No you just were too tired to go all out again.” Em piped up from the backseat. 

“Traitor.” I shot back at her. 

“Don’t let her give you too hard of a time Theo.” Steph said. “Pretty sure Alex was born emotionally constipated, she really does like you even if she doesn’t know how to show it.” 

“Yeah. Don’t worry bro. She won’t pursue other guys when she knows she has you. She just likes to show off.” Malcolm said patting Theo on the shoulder as he got out of the truck. 

I shook my head, “You know you guys are my packmates right?” I asked Em.

“Yeah, but once you win Theo will also be our alpha.” Em shrugged, “Plus we like him.” 

I groaned, as I noticed Jessica waiting at Theo’s parking spot. 

“I’ll tell her to leave.” Theo offered. 

“No it’s fine. C’mon Em let’s go.” I said getting out of the truck. “Hi Jessie.” I waved to her but she just stuck her nose in the air and ran over to Theo wrapping her arm around his territorially. 

“Alex! Em!” Xander called as he and Tony walked up to us. 

“Hey guys.” I greeted them. 

“I’m having a party at my place this weekend if you guys wanna come.” Tony said, handing us each a flier. 

“Who’s all invited?” I asked. 

“Pretty much all the preps.” Xander said, “Yes, that includes the lovebirds.” He said throwing his thumb over his shoulder to point at Theo and Jessica. 

“Well if Theo’s going, our grandparents will definitely let us go.” Em perked up.

“They really like him for some reason.” I explained. 

“He’s a pretty trustworthy guy.” Tony agreed. 

“He’s alright.” I said as I opened my locker. 

“Well my number is on the flier so you can text me if you can come or not.” Tony said to Em. 

“Here’s my number too.” Xander gave me a slip of paper, “Just in case you want a project partner for metal shop or anything.” He ran his hand through his hair. 

“Always good to have a friend’s number.” I smiled at them, “See you at lunch.” I added as I left for class. It’s good to know that some things never change I thought as I listened to my teachers drone on about their subjects. High school for one thing is the same no matter where you go. Boring lectures that as long as you read your text book and do your homework you don’t really need. The different cliques, and how the rest avoid you once you’ve been selected by one. Thinking about it nothing really exciting happens it’s the same day in and day out which makes sense of why Steph and Malcolm had so little to share. Lunch came and I met Em at our lockers before heading to the cafeteria. Today we went straight to the prep table and took the remaining seats. Jessica stayed close to Theo but didn’t give me nearly as many dirty looks. I wondered how boring her life must be since she didn’t even mix up her food for a splash of change. I did notice her looking at my roast beef sandwich with longing in her eyes, and wondered if it really was her choice to eat nothing but chicken and salad. Theo seemed much more relaxed now that everyone was acting normal and not giving all of their attention to me and Em. 

Em started to come out of her bubble laughing and making jokes with Xander and the other guys. I sat quietly eating while I observed the cliques within the group. As with everything there was a social hierarchy with Theo and Jessica seeming to be at the top. Xander was his wingman which explained Theo not liking him hanging around me. It didn’t take long to realize Jessica was head cheerleader with how the rest treated her. It also made her entitled personality make more sense. Although it came out that someone named Sam was the quarterback and Theo was just a receiver. 

“Do you play any sports?” a girl named Ellie asked me. 

“Yeah, I was on the volleyball and softball teams back home” I answered, “But I also do boxing, and outdoor sports like hunting, fishing, and trap shooting. Currently I’m training for an important match with all my free time so I can’t try out for the volleyball team. Hopefully I can try out for Softball though since my match is in December.” 

“Oh I’m on the softball team too! It’d be great to have someone like you on the team. You seem really fit.” Ellie smiled at me. 

“I do my best to stay in shape.” I said. 

“That’s putting it mildly.” Em laughed, “Alex runs at least ten miles a day, and then between homework and bed she works out and trains with the rest of my family for her match. I don’t know how she does it all.” 

“It will all be worth it when I win this match and bring home my trophy.” I smiled at Jessica who only frowned in response. 

“You can’t be that good.” She said dismissively. 

“Oh I was over one day while she was training. She’s a force of nature.” Theo said. 

“Yeah but your competition is probably training just as hard.” Jessica said. 

“Even then. It would take a beast to beat Alex.” Theo said with a smile. Jessica frowned, just then the bell rang and we all filed out of the cafeteria to get ready for our next classes. 

Painting was fun as we started working on our first project which was to be monochromatic. I chose green to see how long it would take me to get the exact shade of Theo’s eyes just right. Using green also let me paint my favorite place, the forest in full summertime bliss. French wasn’t too bad either. I had two years of Spanish at my other school and a lot of the romantic languages have overlap. Finally, my favorite hour of the day was here. 

I heard a laugh from behind me as I made my way to shop. “I’ve never seen a girl so excited to go to metal shop.” Tony said coming up behind me. 

“What can I say? I like working with my hands.” I explained to him. 

“I can see that.” He said eying the green paint on my left hand. 

“Painting class.” I said, “It sucks that I love art so much but am cursed with the left handed smearing.” 

“Em’s a lefty too right?” Tony asked. 

“Yeah. I’m surprised you paid that much attention.” I said. 

“Yeah...well. She’s pretty cute.” He laughed nervously, “Think your grandparents will really let you guys come to the party?” He asked. 

“Definitely. Especially if Theo is going.” I answered. 

“Good.” 

“Why are you gonna ask Em out or something?” I asked, nudging him gently in the ribs. 

“I was thinking about it. Do you think? I mean would she?” 

“Yes” I laughed, “She would love to go out with you. Just you gotta make the first move.” 

“Well I suppose one of you needs to be more traditional.” Theo laughed as we joined him at the table. 

“It’s rude to eavesdrop.” I pointed out to him. 

“Hard not to when your voice carries so well.” Xander piped up sitting on the other side of me. 

“So you want me to take you guys to Tony’s party this weekend ‘eh?” Theo said. 

“If you wouldn’t mind.” I answered. 

“You sure your Papaw won’t mind?” 

“Not if you're going.” I smiled back. 

“Of course that would be the condition. Which means I also have to bring Jessica.” 

“I know. I can ride in back with Em.” 

“Well then it’s a date.” He said. 

“Oh no fair. You can’t have two dates to this damn thing. Alex you can be my date since your boyfriend probably can’t make it up under such short circumstances.” Xander proposed. 

Ah so this is what they were planning. I thought to myself. “That would be great Xander. I’ll meet you there.” 

Mr. Fort introduced our first project which was to make a simple hunting blade with a gut hook. We were given steel cubes we would need to melt down and craft with, but today we were just going to focus on perfecting our design. I tuned out of the guys conversation as I got lost in my work. 

“Hello. Earth to Lexie” I finally heard Theo say as he snapped his fingers in my face. 

“Yeah?” I looked up. 

“Man you really get into your work.” Tony observed. “We were asking if you and Em are planning on drinking at the party and what your preference is.” 

“Oh.” I said, “I like whiskey and Em likes anything fruity.” 

“Thanks.” Tony said, making note of it in his phone. The bell rang and we all handed our designs to Mr. Fort on our way out the door. The ride home was quiet as we listened to the radio. I thanked Theo for dropping us off and said I’d see him later that night. Getting home we joined the elementary kids at the table as we each took out our homework and started it. My book reports for Lit were already completed over the summer and in my folder ready to be handed in on their due dates. Same with my American history homework. So I just had Algebra and French worksheets to do. Em had done the same and completed her A.P homework over summer so we would have more time for training this trimester. After I finished my homework I began my workout and sparring, then we had dinner. 

“So Papaw.” I started as we ate our venison tacos, “My friend Tony is having a get together at his place this weekend. Em and I were invited, would it be alright if we went?” 

“Is Theo going?” My grandfather asked. I had to hold back rolling my eyes. 

“Yes. Theo’s going and already offered to give us a ride.” I answered. 

“What do you think, Francis?” Papaw asked Em’s dad. 

“I don’t know. I think they’re a little young to be going to a party.” Francis said. 

“Psh. You started going to parties when you were in middle school.” Britt snorted, “Plus as shifters they have a naturally increased tolerance.” 

“And Theo will be there to look out for them.” My grandmother added. 

“How much will he really be able to look after them if he has that Ebony girl there?” Lydia questioned. 

“Oh trust me. He already looks after us like pack mates.” Em grumbled. 

“Well I suppose if it’s fine with your grandfather it’s fine with me.” Francis answered by throwing the ball back in Papaw’s court. 

“I guess it’s alright if you promise to be safe and look out for each other.” Papaw sighed. 

“Thank you Papaw.” 

“Why can’t we go to the party?” Steph asked. 

“Because you’re still in middle school.” Lydia answered. “When you’re in high school we will be having this conversation again.” 

“And we will bat for you just like we did with Em and Alex.” Crystal answered. 

The weekend came quickly enough and true to his word Theo came to pick us up. He groaned when he saw my outfit. “That’s it. I’m going to talk to your grandfather.” He said getting out of the truck. I rolled my eyes as I got in the passenger seat. 

“It’s a party, we are supposed to dress nice.” I said to Em who gave me a side look. 

“Yeah that’s why I’m wearing a nice button up plaid shirt with my sparkly jeans, and nice boots.” she said, “You on the other hand are dressed for attention.” 

I looked down at my outfit. “I think I did really good. I really toned down my punk look from our previous school.” I answered as I checked my sparkling silver eyeshadow and dark eyeliner for smudges. I wore a tight black shirt that went off the shoulder and even had a red tank top underneath so the strategic rips in my shirt didn’t reveal any skin. My black skirt still covered all my privates when I bent over, and it’s not like you can wear anything but fishnet stockings with combat boots. Theo slammed the door as he got in the truck. “Your talk went that well?” I asked him sweetly. 

“Your grandfather said that while your clothes are a little tight nothing is hanging out so there’s not much he can say.” Theo growled out. “Then your grandmother asked me how the hell I expected you to seduce me wearing a burka and I ran.” His face was as red as my lipstick and I laughed at his discomfort. 

“Mimi sure is something else.” I smiled at him. 

“All you damn Rose women are.” He observed. 

“Good you’re catching on” I teased as we pulled up to what I could only assume was Jessica’s house. “No wonder your parents want you to marry her.” I said letting out a low whistle as I observed the white marble pillars, “She’s loaded.” 

He groaned as he got out, “Get in the back.” 

I hopped over the seat and snuggled next to Em as he went up to knock on the double oak door. A man in a penguin suit opened the door with a towel draped over his arm. “Seriously? A butler?” I asked in disbelief. “I thought those were just for show on T.V!” 

“What happened to you being wittier, funnier, sexier, and smarter?” Em asked. 

“Money is a different story.” I answered. 

“Our ranch is just as large.” Emma pointed out, “And it’s still larger than the Winter home.” 

“Yeah, but our ranch was built a little at a time and built by hand by the family. After the property was already paid off.” I added. 

“It’s fine. Alex he obviously prefers you anyways.” She whispered as they neared the truck. Theo’s headlights shone on her figure wearing a white miniskirt and crop top with four inch wedge shoes. 

“He’s not complaining about what she’s wearing.” I growled. 

“That’s because he doesn’t care about who checks her out.” Em pointed out, “You need to calm down before they open the door.” She added. I nodded to show I heard her and started taking deep breaths. Jessica made herself trip in order for Theo to stop and help her up. My fangs bit into my lower lip as my body wanted to change and fight her right then and there. I continued to breathe deeply until they opened the door. I smiled when I noticed her normal scent of ginger and brown sugar was coated in a rose perfume. So Em wasn’t the only one who noticed Theo’s preferences. 

“Alright, let’s go to the party.” Theo said, “Ground rules. Em, stay close to Lexie or me. Both of you watch your drinks, and make your own. Or I will make them for you. You can have one alcoholic drink then one water and then keep switching back and forth like that. I know as shifters we all have a naturally higher tolerance but I’m not taking you back home sloppy drunk, and don’t want you getting drugged. Lexie anyone tries anything with you or Em you have my permission to start kicking their ass before I can come back you up.” 

I snorted, “Like I’ll need your help.” 

“Yes. You will because if you manage to knock out the entire football team it will cause some suspicions raised.” 

“Fine. We will follow all your stupid rules.” I said, “But what about Jessica?” 

“I’ve been to a party before and Theo takes good care of me.” She answered smugly. 

“That sounds stressful. Glad I can take care of myself.” I stared out the window into the darkness. While Jessica began skimming through the radio stations putting on some pop song about s*x. Finally, after what felt like forever we pulled up in front of a modest house in the middle of the woods. I could see and smell the large bonfire in the backyard and we all got out of Theo’s truck. Em and I immediately began walking towards the fire and sounds of people. 

“Alex! Yo Alex!” Xander called out to me. He was standing next to Tony who smiled as he saw us approach. “Did you guys bring your swimsuits?” he asked. 

“Of course, we had to wear something under our clothes.” I winked at him. 

“Well get in the pool then.” He said. 

“Not without a drink first.” I said moving to the hasty ‘bar’ set up behind him. I grabbed a cup and filled it with coke and some wild turkey. “Hold this.” I said handing the cup to Em as I poured her sprite mixed with some fruity vodka. “Okay here you go.” I said trading glasses with her. She took a sip and gave me the thumbs up. I leaned back observing the party. Clearly Tony’s family spent more money on their yard then their house. The house was nice, but not over the top. The pool was in the ground and as large as ones I only encountered during gym class. It had a cheap water slide by the deep end and was gated off. Their deck had three different tiers. One had outdoor furniture crowded by horny teenagers making out. The middle tier had the grill where someone was making hot dogs and burgers. And the Top tier had a picnic table and the entrance into the kitchen of the house. 

“Want the grand tour?” Tony offered noticing my gaze. 

“Sure.” Em smiled, taking his arm. 

“After you.” Xander said placing his hand on my lower back as he nudged me to follow Tony up the deck. We entered the sliding glass door into the kitchen and he showed us the bathroom’s location where a brunette was currently puking with her friend holding back her hair. Then the living room with plush couches and a large TV taking up one wall. We went upstairs where sounds of couples could be heard coming from two of the three bedrooms, met only with the sound of someone retching in the second bathroom. Tony opened the door to the only room that sounded empty and showed us his room. He had a bed, TV on his dresser, computer on his desk, and centerfolds plastered along his walls. 

“Classy” I said. 

“Hey, I’m a guy. What do you expect?” He laughed. 

“More dirty socks on the ground.” I said. Em giggled and Xander just about died from laughter. 

“I do know how to clean for when I have company.” Tony said as he looked at Em. 

Do you want to be his company tonight? I asked Em in her head. 

I mean I wouldn’t be opposed to some action. She answered. 

Alright. Call me if you need anything. I offered. 

“Well I think the host is trying to give us a hint.” I said to Xander. “Try anything funny and I’ll give you a columbian necktie.” I told Tony as Xander and I went back down stairs. 

“Wanna watch a movie?” Xander asked motioning to the TV.

“I thought you wanted to go for a swim?” I answered. 

“Well it’s a little less crowded in here.” He said. 

“Suit yourself.” I said, taking off my top and heading back out towards the kitchen. He followed as I shimmied off the rest of my outfit wearing just my red string bikini. I made my way to the pool and jumped in. 

What the hell was that? Theo’s voice asked in my head. 

What was what? I asked innocently. 

Your little show just then.

Oh. Did you like? I asked back. 

He growled into my mind. Where’s Em?

She’s fine and with Tony. Now pay attention to your girlfriend. I said finally seeing them on one of the outdoor couches. His eyes were locked on me as a drunk Jessica cuddled up to him kissing his neck. I flashed him a smile before turning to talk to Xander. A game of water volleyball was starting and Xander would be my teammate against a girl named Liza and her boyfriend Steve. The game was a lot of fun and the other couple was actually in pretty great shape. 

“Do you play volleyball?” Liza asked me after the game. 

“Yeah I was on my varsity team at my old school.” 

“You should definitely try out for our team! We could really use a serve like yours.” She smiled at me. 

“Hopefully next year. This year I’m focusing on my boxing.” I explained. 

How you doin? I asked Em’s mind. 

Ugh. Kinda busy? She replied. We’ll be down in a few. 

Be safe I warned before I went back to my conversation with Liza. 

“Let’s play chicken.” Xander said coming up under me and placing me on his shoulders. I laughed, and could feel Theo glaring in our direction. 

Steve lifted up Liza and we began wrestling with each other. I used most of my energy to focus on not hurting her before she finally toppled me off of Xander. 

“Boo!” I heard Em shout from the edge of the pool. “C’mon let’s show them how it’s done.” She said taking off her top and pants showing off her light green swimsuit and jumping in. Smart of her using the swim to cover the scent of whatever she had been doing upstairs. After Em and Tony beat Liza and Steve the other couple went to go get another drink and dry off. “Care to go against the victors?” Em asked with a smile. 

“Oh hell yeah!” Xander said and I was back on his shoulders. I could use more of my strength against Em and it wasn’t long before she splashed into the water. 

“Alright you two hellraisers, time to get out and start drying off. We’re going home in half an hour.” I heard Theo’s voice from behind me. 

“Oh come on Theo.” Xander said, “We can drive them home.” He offered. 

“Nope.” Theo said helping me out of the water handing me a towel and my clothes he must have gotten from the house. “Their grandparents trusted me with their safety so I will be the one to take them home.” 

“Fine, but I’m having another drink.” I said toweling myself off and wrapping the towel in my hair. “Want one Em?” I asked. 

“Oooh yes please! What you gave me before was delicious.” she said as Tony helped her out of the pool. I walked off to the bar. 

“So you going steady with Xander or what?” A guy asked me as I mixed our drinks. 

“Nope.” I answered. 

“Theo then? I heard rumors that-” 

“He’s dating Jessica, and we’re just friends.” I said cutting him off. “Not that it’s any business of yours?” I asked turning and coming face to face with Roger. I froze. 

“Good to see you too dear.” He said taking the whiskey and coke from my hand and taking a sip. “Hmmm...strong, but then again that’s how your bitchy side likes it right?” His brown eyes sparked mischievously. His army cut blonde hair shining orange in the firelight.

“What are you-” 

“Hey, what’s up?” Xander said pushing himself between Roger and I. “I haven’t seen you around before. I’m Xander.” 

“Roger.” Roger said, extending his hand, “I’m an old friend of Kris’s from downstate.” 

“I’m sorry I think you have me mistaken for someone else.” I said, taking my drink back, “My name’s Alex, but it was nice to meet you.” I smiled and took off for the pool. 

When we got back Xander looked at me confused, “You okay? Was he trying to do anything to you?” He asked. 

“Who?” Theo but in. 

“That guy back at the - bar?” Xander turned to point him out but Roger was gone. 

Em looked at me confused, “Honey get dressed and say bye to Tony.” I told her before turning to Theo, “Get Jessica to the truck now. We are leaving. I - I don’t feel good.” I explained turning to Xander. I shook my head, “Think I made that last drink too strong, but no that guy wasn’t bothering me he just thought I was someone else.” I’ll see you at school Monday I said shoving back into my clothes and handing him the wet towel as I grabbed Em and moved to the truck. 

Alex, what’s going on? Em asked in my mind. 

Roger. I answered. 

What is he doing here? She asked, turning her head to look for him. 

I have no idea, but we are leaving. I said. She only nodded as we finally saw Theo’s truck. Jessica was already passed out in the back seat so I shoved Em up and hopped in shotgun. “Drive.” I told Theo. He listened and once we were out of the driveway he finally asked the question I knew was coming. 

“What the hell is going on?” 

“Alex’s ex.” Em mumbled from the back seat. 

“The guy who cheated on you?” Theo asked slamming on the brakes to stop from running a stop sign. 

“Yes, but I have no idea how he found me. He called me by my own name but implied he knew about my wolf. I need to tell Papaw.” I said. 

“Okay well I have to drop Jessica off first.” Theo answered. 

“Really? You’re going to drop her off like that?” I asked, indicating her passed out. 

“Oh yeah. It’s a typical Saturday for her.” He shrugged, “her parents know I do my best to keep her in line, but well” He shrugged again like there was nothing more to say. When we arrived at Jessica’s I helped Theo carry her to the front porch before we pulled up into our driveway.