Pretty Predator

Chapter 15: Michael

It had been hours since Melissa left, and I was laying on my bed waiting for my family to go to sleep. I didn’t want to face them just yet. I wanted to pretend like everything was okay even if it was just for a little while. I had stopped having crazy nightmares and I hadn’t transformed ever since that day, so I was grateful to that old woman who had come when I was sick. My stomach grumbled and I sighed while closing my eyes. I couldn’t avoid them anymore because I was starving. I went downstairs and they were all there watching some show on tv. I went to the kitchen to dish up for myself and then I heard someone coming in after me.

“Don’t talk to me.” I said, not giving whoever it was a chance to speak.

“It’s my mouth, I can do what I want and either way you don’t have to speak you can just listen to me.” Austin said and I turned to face him. I stared at him, waiting for him to say whatever it was that was on his mind.

“I know that you are angry at all of us and believe me, I would also be angry, but mom and dad had a reason for what they did. They were told that you were in danger and that they had to hide you but instead they chose to give you a normal life, where you could live like a normal human and not be locked up. The price for all of that was to stop you from transforming when you came of age and to hide your true nature which was the best decision they could have made according to me. You can be mad at us and hate us all you want but just know that we did all that for you and we would do it again. All I’m asking of you is to try and understand why they did what they did and if you have any questions, ask so that we can move past this and train you so that you can be able to defend yourself against the people or whatever thing is after you.” He said and I just walked out of the kitchen and went to my bedroom. I put my food on the side because I had lost my appetite. I had a lot to think about. I heard all my brother had said and it made complete sense, my brain was telling me to think rationally but my heart was doing the opposite. I was still hurt by the betrayal, and I was not ready to forgive and forget yet. I went to bed, and fell asleep after a while of tossing and turning. My phone rang and when I looked at the time it was four in the morning. Who the freak was calling me so early in the morning?

“Hello.” I answered without even checking who the caller was.

“Michael, I’m sorry.” The voice said and unfortunately, I knew exactly who it was.

“What do you want, Mae?” I asked her. I was annoyed because she had woken me up so early in the morning.

“I just wanted to apologize.” She said.

“There is no need. I don’t want your apology.” I hang up without waiting for her to say anything else. I was done with girls. I already had a lot on my plate, and I didn’t want to deal with the Mae drama right now, maybe later what Mae did would hit me but for now I felt nothing, and I really couldn’t care. I tried going back to sleep but it was hard. My class was at two in the afternoon, so I wondered what I was going to do until then. I got out of bed, brushed my teeth, and washed my face. After I was done getting ready, I went to the gym to let off some steam. I spent an hour in the gym and then I took a shower.

After I was done, I waited for everyone to go to work and then made my way downstairs. I made myself toast with eggs and a cup of tea. Today was a peaceful morning and I didn’t have many thoughts on my mind. While I was eating my breakfast, I wondered what I would look like as a werewolf and how it felt to run with the wind and to be a supernatural being. The thoughts and the feelings that accompanied them weirdly felt amazing now. I shook my head trying to get out of the fuzz I was in but the more I ate was the more I kept imagining my life as a werewolf, so I decided to go jogging. My jog led me to the forest where I felt free and alive.

I felt at home, and I did not want to leave. I was wandering around the forest when I saw the blonde-haired girl again but this time, she was not wearing a gown instead she was wearing a black mini skirt with a white crop top and black sneakers. Her hair was still beautiful. She was facing the other direction even today but she had no flowers in her head this time around, I wondered what it meant for her to look so normal unlike the last time I saw her. I walked in her direction, and I saw her quickening her pace. She made a turn, but I could still see her. When I reached where she had turned, she was gone. I searched for her with no luck. She had completely vanished like she was never there in the first place. I pinched myself to see whether I was dreaming and yep this was reality so I must have been hallucinating.

‘I’m going insane.’ I shook my head while laughing and then I walked back home. I was already too tired to run. When I arrived at home it was ten am, so I had spent approximately four hours in the forest. I didn’t know what to do to pass the time, so I checked my schedule. I had only one class today and tomorrow I was free but on Friday I had a test, so I had to study. I took out my books and began studying for my test. At first, I could not concentrate because I kept seeing that girl but after a while, I managed to focus and I was only disturbed from studying by my alarm ringing, reminding me to get ready for school. I took a long hot shower which was very much needed. After I was done showering, I had to pick out what to wear. It was hot outside, so I wore black shorts, a white vest, and flip-flops. I dried my hair and brushed it back. I put on perfume which was something I could not live without. I liked smelling nice, it made my day. After I was done with everything, I left the house, and I would get lunch on the way. On the way to school I bought myself pie and an energy drink and I ate while driving. When I arrived at school it was already time for my class, so I ran to the lecture hall and attended my class. After class I found all my friends waiting for me and they dragged me to the club.

“Guys, you do realize that it’s Tuesday, right?” I asked them because this was insanity.

“Ooh we know that very well, but we just wanted to do something that will cheer you up.” Brad said and I laughed.

“So, you think drinking will cheer me up?” I asked them.

“Of course, dummy. Only alcohol and your friends can get the job done.” Anabelle said.

“Okay then, no more wasting time.” Marcus said and I was dragged to the bar where we ordered shots, whiskey, and cocktails. It was a whole mess, but I was not complaining. We drank and danced throughout the night, and we left the bar at two in the morning. I was so tired and drunk so our designated driver had to drive us all to the nearest hotel or bnb where we would spend the night. Nhle was appointed as our designated driver because he was the only one who didn’t drink alcohol in our group which I would never understand but good for him I guess. When we arrived at the bnb I decided to share a room with Nhle and when we got to our room, I immediately fell asleep.

***

When I woke up in the morning, I found toiletries.

“Nhle, did you buy these?” I asked him.

“Yes, I went to the convenience store and bought those for everyone, get ready quickly so that we can check out.” He said and I nodded.

“Thanks, bruh.” I said and then went to take a shower. I didn’t take long to get ready especially since I was repeating the clothes I wore yesterday. On my way to the reception area, I checked my phone and I saw many missed calls from my family. I guess it’s about time I forgave them after all they did everything for my own wellbeing. I called my mom and she answered immediately.

“Michael are you okay?” she asked with her voice shaking. She must have been worried.

“I’m fine mom. The guys and I had a lot to drink yesterday so we crashed at a bnb, I’m sorry for not telling you earlier but I was so out of it.” I explained.

“It’s okay, at least now I know you are safe. I will tell your dad and your siblings that you are safe.” She said and I felt grateful for that.

“Thank you, mom, I will see you at home.” I said and hung up after saying goodbye. When I arrived at the reception area, Emmanuelle and Mellissa were not there yet, so we had to wait for them. When they arrived a few minutes later we checked out. We searched for a restaurant because we were starving and when we found it, we rushed to eat our breakfast as others had to go to school. After we were done, I said goodbye to everyone and then went back to the bar to fetch my car. It was still in good condition when I found it, and I was so glad. I drove back home, and the house was quiet. I went to my room and changed my clothes. I wore a short and nothing else. I spent the entire afternoon eating and studying for my upcoming test and only stopped to cook dinner for my family as a way of apologizing for stressing them yesterday. I realized when I opened the refrigerator that I didn’t have all the ingredients required to cook lasagna, so I quickly drove to the nearest supermarket. While walking around and looking for groceries someone smacked into me.

“Hey, look where you're going, dude,” I said groaning.

“I apologize. It was not my intention to cause harm to you. I was on my phone and did not see where I was going so, please accept my apology.” The person said and I couldn’t help but look up because the way he talked piqued my curiosity but that was a big mistake on my part because the guy was super handsome like I am straight like a ruler, but I wouldn’t mind if he hit on me. He was breathtaking which was wrong of me to think because I was a guy and I didn’t play for the other team. I composed myself so that I didn’t come off as weird.

“It’s no problem, man. I’m Michael and you are?” I asked him.

“I am shopping.” He looked at me weirdly and I couldn’t help but laugh. The guy had a wicked sense of humor and it would be fun to hang with him. He was a vibe.

“I can see that but that is not what I was asking. I just wanted to know your name.” I told him and he looked mortified.

“Ooh, I apologise about that. My name is Jayden.” He smiled as he held out his hand to me. Jayden sure liked to apologise but I didn’t mind. I shook his hand and immediately let go.

“It was nice meeting you Jayden, but I’ve got to dash now or else I won't have time to prepare dinner.” I searched for the groceries that I was still missing and then ran to the till point.

“Hey.” Someone said poking me and when I looked behind me, I saw Jayden.

“Ooh hey.” I smiled at him and he gave me his phone.

“Can I have your number so that I can apologize to you properly through a meal?” He said and I looked at him and the phone.

“There is no need for that,” I said while putting my number into his phone.

“I insist. I am new here so I would not mind making a friend.” I nodded and gave him his phone back.

“Okay, then I will wait for your message,” I said before I was called to pay. When I arrived at home I cooked as fast as I could while sipping wine. Fortunately for me everyone came back home when I was done cooking and had also set the table.

“Ooh wow, it smells amazing. Did you hire a private chef, mom?” I heard Cassie ask before they appeared in the sitting room.

“Nope, she didn’t. It’s just me.” I said and they looked at me. My dad walked towards me with hurried steps, and I thought he was going to hit me but instead he hugged me, and I hugged him back.

“I’m sorry for making you guys worry yesterday, it was not my intention and that is why I made dinner for everyone.” My dad stepped back.

“It’s okay son. As long as you are safe.” He said and everyone settled in around the table and started eating.

We ate for a while until I cleared my throat and they all looked at me.

“I have something to say.”

“Sure, go ahead.” Justin said still looking at me and I looked at them before saying,

“I am sorry for being angry for so long. I now realize that everything you did was for my protection and I’m thankful for that even though it took so long for me to realize. If you guys don’t mind, I would like to start training so that I can be able to defend myself from the monster that is after me.” I said looking down the whole time because I was too ashamed to look at them and when I looked up I saw my mom wiping her eyes and my dad was rubbing her back.

“I am happy you are no longer angry and we will begin with your training tomorrow. It’s going to be hard so brace yourself because neither me or your brothers are going to go soft on you.” My dad said and I smiled in gratitude.

“Thank you.” I said and then we went back to eating. When I finally lay my head on my pillow I was out like a light. I heard rustling and when I opened my eyes I was surrounded by trees and I was laying on the ground. I quickly got up and looked around me. I guess I was back to dreaming again. I groaned. I felt like crying but I had to be strong in order to defeat that monster. I heard rustling again and I jumped in alert, looking all around me. I picked up a branch and used it as my weapon.

“Who is there? Show yourself. I am not scared of you.” I shouted. My heart was beating so fast but I was glad to hear that my voice was stable and it appeared like I was unfazed even though everything inside of me was screaming for me to run away. I heard footsteps behind me and when I looked back I saw that girl I had seen in my dreams walking towards me. She was ethereal, she was gorgeous, Her skin was shining and her hair was glowing like usual. She must be an angel because there was no way that someone like her existed on earth.

“Hello.” She said in a tiny voice coming to stand before me.

“H-hello.” I stuttered but who could blame me?

“You do not have to be afraid of me, I am harmless well at least to you.” She smirked. I guess I was not hiding my fear that well.

“Who are you? I asked her while still holding the branch in my hand. She was gorgeous but I was not going to lose my guard because she was still a stranger.

“My name is Meadow, and you are?” She smiled and I quirked my eyebrow. This was my dream and if she didn’t even know my name then what was she doing here? Or was all of this real. I pinched myself and I felt no pain so I was dreaming. Her name was also weird.

“Meadow as in like an open field?” I asked her.

“Yes. My parents gave it a lot of thought before giving me that name. It is an open field where I can run around and be free even though I am isolated from the rest of the world.” Wow, I didn’t even know that it had such a lovely meaning I just thought it was a field of grass. I shrugged and let it go.

“Now that I hear the reason behind your name, I must admit that it’s a beautiful name. I am also confused about one thing. How are you in my dream and don’t even know my name? I asked her.

“Is that weird?” It’s very weird, especially how she is in my dream.

I just know that I must protect you from something.” She said still staring at me with her beautiful gold eyes. She was here to protect me, was she perhaps my guardian, do werewolves even have guardians? I had so many questions and no answers. I suddenly felt deflated, so I thought of a blanket, and it appeared on the ground, I sat down, and Meadow joined me.

“My name is Michael. I have so many questions for you and I hope you don’t mind if I ask?” She nodded which she seemed to be doing a lot.

“Please go ahead.” She had a weird accent, and she was well-spoken as well.

“How did you come here?” I asked.

“Through a portal,” I looked at her strangely and when she saw the look I was giving her she smiled sheepishly. She looked so regal, and I felt like bowing down to her.

“Ooh you mean your dream. I apologise, I misunderstood your question.” I know it was weird but Meadow reminded me of Jayden. His beauty was also out of this world, they had similar eyes, the accent was also similar, and their mannerisms. It was strange but I might have been overthinking, so I let it go for now.

“Please go on ahead and tell me why you are in my dream.” I put pressure on her because I saw she was becoming tight lipped.

“I am not what I seem like Michael. I am a dream walker and I walked into your dream because as I said before I am here to protect you.” She said and I laughed at the obvious joke.

“Yah that was a good one. A dream walker? what a joke.” She was not laughing so I stopped and looked at her.

“Wait, for real?” I asked again.

“Yes, I came from Melodia so that I can be able to protect you from the lava monster. Every night in my dreams you were crying out to me so I had to do something and that is why I convinced my parents to let me go and here I am with you, so you can think of me as your protector because I will never let any harm come to you.” She said and I gulped. She looked so serious so I decided to believe her because if werewolves can exist then anything is possible.

“Okay, thank you for that but do you know what I am.” I asked her.

“I thought you were human but you have a strange smell and your aura is also different from other humans so I am no longer certain as to what you are.” I didn’t trust her enough to let her in on all my secrets so I decided to keep quiet.

“I was raised as a human so I also don’t know what I am,” I said and it was not a complete lie. We talked for a while before she started looking all around.

“What did you mean by my aura is different, can you see that as well?” I asked her and she redirected her attention to me.

“Yes, I can see people’s auras.” She looked around again and turned back to me with a smile.

“I have to leave; my brother is looking for me but until we meet again.” She held her hand out and I shook it. She disappeared while I was shaking her hand. I woke up with a jump and the sun was shining so brightly outside. When I looked at the time it was nine in the morning, and I had class at eleven, so I went to get ready. I arrived at campus just on time and I attended my class, but I was so sleepy that I kept on falling asleep in class. When the class finally ended, I was so relieved. I didn’t meet up with my friends and instead I went straight home. When I arrived, nobody was home, so I went to the forest to get some fresh air. I was wandering around looking at the trees, listening to the wind swishing the trees around. I closed my eyes to feel everything around me. After a while of peace and quiet my nails started getting painful and my mouth felt full like my teeth were growing. I quickly opened my eyes and saw my nails becoming claws and I also had long canines like those of animals. It had happened before, but it still freaked me out. I looked around me and I saw everything so vividly, the raccoon on top of the tree eating a walnut, the birds were singing loudly, and the rocks looked bigger than before. A hot chill filled the air, but I shivered feeling scared. I was about to run but the lava monster appeared right in front of me, and lava surrounded us. The lava monster laughed a loud, hideous laugh.

“You can run but you cannot hide my little firecracker. I am going to find you soon and then you are going to be mine.” The lava monster growled, and I screamed but it was useless because nobody was going to find me here. The last thing I remembered was the lava monster’s laughter and then there was darkness so how did I get here? I looked around me and I was in my room and on my bed. Was that a dream? Yah I was probably just dreaming, otherwise it wouldn’t make sense how I got to my house. I shook it off and went to take a shower so that I could cool off. After I was done showering, I went to the kitchen to make myself lunch but the whole time I was replaying the nightmare I had which felt so real but was it really a dream? It felt too real to be a dream and I was still shaken up.