Second chances and new starts

Us

Raya opened her bleary eyes and groaned as she rolled over, burying herself deeper in the blankets and pillows strewn around her bed. She was in no way a morning person, but her wolf hearing had let her know that someone was it the kitchen. If she couldn’t smell the scent of her dearest friend Rose, she would have lurched out of bed, full of fire and aggression towards the intruder.

She sleepily sat up, rubbed her eyes and yawned. Stretching her arms up high as she stumbled out of bed and wandering to her dresser to pull out jeans and a tee. In the bathroom, she splashed her face with cold water and got dressed before hurrying out to see what delicious treat Rose had cooked up.

Rose

“hey sleepyhead. Good morning. I’ve made pancakes, bacon, sausage rissoles, scrambled eggs, fruit salad and home fries. Pick what you want and you can have the leftovers for dinner.” A bright smile lit up her face as she looked at her dear friend. Her only friend really. They were both loners, although for different reasons. Ray's parents and older brother had been killed while defending the pack from a rogue attack when she was 10. My mother died in the same battle. My father..... well., he changed after her death. It’s difficult enough living my life, let alone living it. So I stop my thoughts from straying and sit down to eat. Ray quickly scoops up a bunch of treats, piling her plate high. If I didn’t know she was a werewolf, I would be astonished by the amount of food she eats. She joins me and we eat in companionable silence. We rinse the dishes and Ray puts them in the dishwasher to sit while I quickly wrap up the leftovers. Then we grab our bags and head to school.

Raya

“Tomorrow’s your birthday. I can’t believe you will be 16. I wonder if you mate is in our pack?” I know mine isn’t. And I am thankful. I have no interest in finding my mate. Frankly, if it wasn’t for Rose, I wouldn’t even have stayed her after my family died. I hate this pack. After parents and brother died to save then, they barely cared about what happened to me. They might have more if I had gained my mother’s gifts. Then they would have curried favour and made sure I stayed in the Pack's warm embrace. But as a useless 10 year old with no other family, there was limited interest. They let me stay in my home, paid for my schooling and gave me an allowance so I wouldn’t starve. But I have been alone for 6 years. And it has made me close off my heart to everyone. Except her. I look over at Rose. My best friend. She reminds me of a candle. A soft, warm light that gently glows on those that are close. Although that light only shines on me.

I wish I was stronger. I wish I could protect her. My hands forming tight fists, my fingernails digging into my palms. I hear her cries of pain. I see her bruises. I don’t know why the Alpha let’s her father beat her, but he and the rest of the pack turn a blind eye. Just another reason I hate them. Her uncle... He is a scum that deserves to burn in the pits of hell. He has yet to find his mate, and it has made him twisted. The way he looks at me. Looks at her. He hasn’t t anything with me, but Rose.... I know he has made a few moves. She has always managed to escape. I am hoping that when she finds her mate, he will be worthy of her and step up. I see her looking at me and I give her a smile, forcibly releasing my clenched hands. I brush my hair out of my face, “how do you think you went on the math test yesterday?”

Rose

“I think I got around 80, maybe even 90 if I’m lucky. The last couple of questions had me stumped.”

I follow her lead and pretend I didn’t notice that she was thinking something bad before. I know how concerned she is about me. Even if she does nothing, just by being by my side. I am greatful to her. She will never fully understand just how special she is to me. If it wasn't for her and my mate that is out there, I don’t think I would have been able to hold on this long. I hide the adoration so it doesn’t shine from my eyes. She can talk a big game, but I know how shy she really is.

Raya

We put our bags in our lockers and grab out laptops and head to class.

School is boring and monotonous and I try not to count the seconds until it’s over. Math is our last class for the day. Rose was on the mark, she scored a 90. I managed a 73. Which I was pleased with since I really suck with numbers. I look over at Rose and she gives me a thumbs up. All that studying she helped me with paid off. As the bell rings, we grab our stuff and head off home. As we get to her house and hear a bang, she shudders . Her father is home. As I glance in the driveway and see it empty, I sigh in relieve. It’s just him. So while I feel the familiar tighting in my gut, I know she will be safe. Or at least, safer. I reach out and squeeze her hand in solidarity. Letting her know that I am here, always. She looks at me, takes a deep breath and goes in the house. I feel my canines elongate as my wolf fights to get free. She knows that it isn’t safe. I pull her back and she reluctantly retreats. Deep down, we both know we aren’t strong enough the win the fight. Not now anyway.