The Lonely Wolf

16

Roderick

My mom was blowing things out of proportion again. We were going to the bowling alley. Yes, Ronnie is a rogue and a hybrid and is not part of the pack. She is also a member of the team. Others who were not part of the pack, but part of the team were there.

She has never once done anything to hurt anyone. She hasn’t even retaliated when others have done something to her. I really don't think she is a threat.

I know she made up a lie about having plans just so she didn’t have to be invited. She doesn’t talk to anyone. Who would she have plans with?

And it was just weird when she bumped into my dad. She looked terrified of him. She doesn't talk much but didn’t say anything. She just ran away back to the dorms looking like she was about to cry. I asked him what that was about, and he brushed it off, saying rouges are always afraid of the pack alpha.

I didn’t think much of it until I noticed that when I saw her the next week, she still kept her head down, avoided eye contact with me and looked sad. I don’t know what’s wrong. Maybe it was a combination of being excluded and bumping into the pack alpha, but it’s really not my place to pry. I really don’t have the time for it either. Lacrosse season just began, and the first scrimmage is after school today. My dad will be there, so I need to keep my head into the game.

I’m on my way now to meet him in front of the school.

Veronica

I won't lie. It’s been a struggle since I ran into him. It feels like old wounds have been reopened. I cried like a baby all that night and Saturday until I had to go to work. Of course, he would reject a child like me. He's the alpha of the pack. I just don't know why it still hurts so bad.

This week I have had to just force myself up and make myself just get through the day. Work has been my only safe haven. Somewhere I can go away from school. Get away from my potential little brother who keeps starting at me.

I was in my room changing out my school uniform and trying to get ready to go to work when I got a page to come to the office. On my way there, I crossed paths with 'little brother', Roddy, on his way out the front door. He had on a scrimmage uniform and looked to be in a hurry in the wrong direction from the field. We locked eyes as he walked past, but I couldn't be concerned about that. It seems I have more issues waiting for me in the office.

Once I got there, I was beyond surprised to see who was sitting there waiting for me.

“Hello Veronica,” she says, in a very formal manner.

“Mother,” I reply, coldly.

“Is there someplace I could talk to her in private?” she asked the dean as I'm one of her clients that is in jail.

“Of course. You’re more than welcome to go to her suite. Or the room right there if you’d like,” he replied, pointing to an empty office.

She walked to the empty office. I followed behind, not knowing what she had in store. Maybe she would transfer me to public schools, so I wouldn't have to come up with tuition for the rest of the year. My birthday is coming up. She wouldn't be sending me to another boarding school. I've been quiet here and not causing any problems. Maybe he had recognized me and called her to get me away from him and his pack.

“You’ve grown up since I've last seen you.” She says with a warm smile showing her fangs. There’s no need for me to say anything. I don’t reply. It's been three years. Usually she just sends a driver to help me pack and sign me into the next school. I just look at her waiting for her to say whatever it is she came to say.

“Well, I have been made aware that your 18th birthday is next month,” she begins. There it is. It's insulting that someone had to remind her of her own child's birthday, but whatever.

“Yes, and you are here to tell me you will no longer be financially responsible for me. I understand. I have a job and will be able to pay for the remainder of my school year. I won't be a disturbance. You don't have to worry or transfer me to anywhere else,” I say, preparing to just be able to leave with no more ties to her.

“No dear, you won’t have to do that. We’ve made arrangements for you,” she says with a very serious face. She has never been the affectionate type, but I would have thought she would say that with some emotions.

“You have? Wait! What kind of arrangement? “ I was almost afraid to ask.

“ You will be getting married,“ she says, like it's the solution for everything. I haven't even been on a date or kissed a guy before. Now I'm expected to just get married.

“Married! What? To who?” I exclaimed. What the actual f---!

“He’s a good man. Another hybrid like you. Well different but still a hybrid. He has the reputation of being one of the best hunters. He makes a very nice living for himself, and this arrangement will be very beneficial for the family. You will become his apprentice. I will have the agreement drafted and ready by your birthday,” she says.

“What! You can not be serious!” I say, shaking my head and storming out of the room.

“Ronnie, don’t you dare walk away from me! You are acting like an ungrateful brat right now. You don't understand how important this is to us,” she yelled as I began walking towards the exit of the school.

I turn back to look at her. “Am I supposed to be grateful that my family just sold me to the first bidder that would take me?” I say, outraged.

“ He was not the first bidder. Just the highest. It is the best option for someone like you. He will take care of you," she says. I hear the clinking of her heels as she walks behind me.

“ I can not! I am not going to marry that man! I have to get to work,” I stop and turned toward her to yell. When turned to open the door, I ended up walking right into Roderick's father again.

“What’s going on? Why are you doing all of this yelling?” he asked in a stern voice looking at me. I'm sure he heard the yelling.

“None of your business!” My mom snaps back.

“You’re selling her?” he asked, his arm still wrapped around me from catching me.

“You don’t get to pick and choose when to care. You rejected her, and now it’s my job as her parent to choose a future that is best for her,” she says, pulling me from his arms and trying to position me behind her. I move and begin to walk away from both of them. I was about to run out the door until I noticed Rodrick standing there big-eyed.

“Wait! What?” Roderick says, confused.

“This is an all-time low for you Victoria. You sent her here on purpose, didn’t you? You're trying to force me to step in and be her father? You really think I need this right now?” he asked.

“Dad,” I hear Roderick say.

"I don't need you to take care of me either. I am fine alone!" I can’t pull in the emotions anymore. It’s overwhelming. The tears began to fall. I made my way out the door and threw up in the trash can.

I couldn’t stay there anymore. I needed my happy place. Still crying, I ran to sign for a bike and rode full speed to work.