A Wolf's Claim

CHAPTER 36

*Tex*

I haven't seen or talked to Stella in almost a week, not since we were attacked by a werewolf. Jace saved her, and I could see the love he had for her, which is the only reason I walked away. She must love him too... Even though part of it still doesn't make sense, I decided to forget about it... or try.

I used the money Jace gave me to fix my truck, and even had a little left over. I haven't spoken to my dad either, not since the day we ambushed Jace's house. I've been looking around for a new job, considering I can't return to dad's gun shop. Luckily, the motel I've been staying at is cheap, but this money will only last me a few more days.

I don't plan to return home. I can't after everything I witnessed. I don't necessarily agree with Stella's choice of joining a pack of werewolves, but I definitely don't agree with my dad either. I'm stuck somewhere in the middle, all alone. I miss Stella, I miss walking out the back of the gun shop for a smoke, and seeing her brightly lit face. She always had a way of making me smile, didn't even have to speak.

It was nine in the morning when I left the motel, searching for a new job. There was a hardware store across the street I hadn't checked out yet, so I decided to start there. The town was small, so I knew wherever I applied, dad would hear about it within a day. It was only a matter of time before he showed up to confront me, all I had to do was wait.

I entered the hardware store and was greeted by the man who ran the place. His name was Dan. I waved and approached the counter, leaning my forearms against it.

"What can I do for you, kid?" Dan asked, smiling.

"Are you hiring?" I asked, hopeful he'd say yes.

"I thought you worked at your pop's shop?" Dan asked, as his eyebrows furrowed.

"I did," I grunted and quickly thought of an excuse, "But I wanted a job that wasn't just handed to me."

"I could use some help on the weekends." Dan smirked.

"That'd be great, thank you!" I smiled, while Dan handed me an application to fill out.

I handed it back to him with all my information on it, including my new address of the motel across the street. Dan looked it over and paused, briefly, before nodding at me. He tucked the application away next to the register, extending his hand out for me to shake.

"See you Saturday." Dan remarked, as we shook hands.

I nodded, leaving the hardware shop. I walked back over to the motel, happy that I had at least found a way to make some money. I'll get everything else figured out as I go, hopefully. Money is truthfully the least of my concerns right now.

I entered my motel room, locked the door behind me, and fell onto the bed. I clicked the cheap television on, not paying attention to what was even on. Staring up at the ceiling, all I could think about was Stella. Of course, I wanted her to be happy, but how can I guarantee that she truly is? What if it is just some wolf spell? Who knows if those even exist!

For some reason, I can't justify it in my brain. How could she be happy with a man that's part werewolf? Isn't it dangerous? I mean, all he has to do is get angry at her in an argument, and she'll be done for. The mere thought had me sweating, and all I was doing was stressing over something I had no control of.

I decided to hop in the shower, freshen up, clear my mind. I stripped off my clothes and started running hot water, as steam filled the bathroom. The water helped to calm me down, at least, but my mind was still consumed by Stella. I just want her to be safe, happy, and healthy. I have to ensure that Jace can offer that, before officially walking away.

Stepping out of the shower, I wrapped a white towel around my waist, and was about to open the door that lead to the bedroom when I heard people on the other side. My heart fell to my stomach, as I pressed my ear up against the door, and heard familiar voices. Dad... and Roy. Great.

I took a deep breath and exited the bathroom, making eye contact with my dad. I wanted to ask how they got in, but that's beside the point, they're here now. I sighed, walking over to the dresser that held my clothes. Putting on a plain black T-shirt, and grabbing a pair of boxers and jeans. I slid the boxers on under the towel, and the jeans followed after.

Once I was dressed, dad started the conversation. "Dan told me you applied at his shop today."

"Yup." I shrugged, sitting on the bed in front of them.

"Are you really going to choose the side of werewolves, over your own father?" Dad asked, putting his hand to his chest like he was hurt.

"I'm not choosing anybody, dad. I'm staying out of it." I grumbled, though that wasn't really the case.

"What exactly is provoking you to leave The Silbermen, son?" Dad asked, his voice calm, but I knew that wouldn't last long.

"I can't consciously kill people who don't deserve to die." I replied, staring at him straight in his ice-blue eyes.

"That's just it, Tex..." Dad sighed heavily, "They do deserve to die. They're evil! Creatures that transform from humans into vicious werewolves! I can't believe it's even a debate!"

"They're not hurting anyone!" I raised my voice back, for the first time in my life, I stood up against my dad.

"Damnit, Tex!" Dad growled, slapping me across the face. "If I can't make you realize the truth, fine, but I won't let you join the side of my enemies!"

"I'm not!" I shouted, standing to my feet. "That's why I'm here, doing my own thing! Away from you and them!"

"Not anymore," Dad grinned wickedly, "You're going to learn why we do what we do... and you'll fuckin' like it."

Before I could respond, Roy was grabbing me by both arms, holding them behind my back. I started screaming, fighting to get away, but Roy was much larger than me. He dragged me outside, toward dad's black truck, shoving me in the backseat. Dad entered the main office, leaving after just a few seconds. He got in the driver's seat, started the engine, and took off down the road. What the hell were they planning on doing?! Keeping me hostage?!