A Wolf's Claim

CHAPTER 16

*Tex*

It was an ambush, and we only managed to injure some of them. They retreated through the forest, and we lost their trail, but that doesn't mean s**t. My dad and his crew have been doing this for a long time, they know how to locate their prey again. I only hope that I reach Stella in time, before they turn her into one of them. I think that's possible... I'd have to ask my dad.

We left the deserted home, once it was completely destroyed, and Roy set fire to the place. I was angry that they escaped, but a small part of me felt guilty for attacking someone I didn't even know. Then again, these aren't even real people I'm dealing with. They're monsters, creatures of the night... they don't deserve to be treated like humans.

The truck comes to a stop and I realize we're back at the house, The Silbermen house. As everyone adjourns back inside, chatter fills the air, as everyone discusses their encounters. They all talk with excitement, as their voices grow louder once we're behind concealed walls. They're laughing, reenacting moments where they shot a wolf, and another cried for the one that was injured. Something deep inside stirred, and I had to gulp down the knot that formed in my throat.

"We need to teach your boy how to shoot, Edgar." Roy chuckled, along with a few others.

"We're in the process." Dad responds, hanging his leather jacket up with a sideways smirk.

"Why were those wolves crying for the other ones?" I asked, not realizing I was changing the subject.

"They have mates." Ziggy replied with a disgusted face, spitting on the ground.

"Mates?" I asked, confused.

"Yeah, like boyfriend and girlfriend, but weirder." Roy summed up, shrugging.

"Why weirder?" I asked, tilting my head.

"Why do you care so much, son?" Dad asked, his deep southern draw sent a shiver down my spine.

"I was just wondering..." I muttered, avoiding his penetrating gaze.

"They're animals, Tex. Your little girlfriend is going to be used as a sacrifice," Dad grunted, "That's what they do, with their weird beliefs and what not."

"She's brainwashed, kid. She doesn't know what's going on. That's why we need to help her." Roy added.

I nodded, sulking away into the kitchen. Everyone stayed in the main room, sitting around and conversing about their battle. I didn't share their enthusiasm, instead I felt guilty. I destroyed those people's home, and tried taking their lives with it. Even the thought brought a sickening sensation to my gut, especially when I knew it was already committed. Who am I becoming? I jumped into this out of pure jealousy, and now I regret doing so.

Stella is never going to forgive me, and I honestly don't blame her. I know my dad believes that they're evil, but I didn't get that feeling when I stood face to face with them. They were defending each other, protecting their kind, and Stella.

Though, I can't bring myself to believe that she'd choose to date a werewolf... what if dad and his friends are right, and they're brainwashing her? She wouldn't know the difference, and neither would I.

"Why so down in the dumps, kid?" A woman asks, and I turn my head to find dad's ex-girlfriend, Julie.

"I'm not. I'm just thinking..." I responded, shrugging.

"Don't be so glum, we'll get her back." She said, her rough voice doing nothing to comfort me.

"Is this what we do? Destroy their homes and kill them?" I asked, and she glanced at me with a look of suspicion.

"We rid them of our world, yes." She said with a curt nod.

"Are we sure they're bad? I mean--" I started to retort, until a familiar voice cut me off.

"What the hell are you blabbering about?" Dad's voice boomed throughout the kitchen.

"Nothing." I muttered, and Julie turned to smile at dad.

"Get out of here, Julie." Dad nodded towards the exit, his eyes soon settling on me.

I took a deep breath, knowing damn well I was about to get my ass chewed. His lower jaw always jets forward when he's pissed and about to yell. It's something I've learned over the years. He started shaking his head and gnawing on his bottom lip, pacing back and forth in front of me. He must have heard everything I said... s**t!

"Let me ask you something Tex;" Dad rubbed his chin, "How would you feel if Stella became a werewolf?"

"I don't know..." I avoided his stare, until the back of his hand met with the side of my face.

"Take the time to think about it if you need to!" Dad shouted, another smack from his hand and my head swiveled the opposite way.

"Okay!-" I hold out a hand in despair, catching my breath.

"They are an atrocity to this world! It is our duty to eradicate every last one of them! If that's something you can't handle, then tell me now, son. I'll consider you one of them and take you out, right here and now." Dad growled, and finally I stared into his painfully numb eyes.

"You'd kill me?" I asked in disbelief, feeling my face twist together in disgust.

"If you took their side, over your own bloodline, then hell yes I would." He confidently remarked, and I felt like I was stabbed in the heart.

"So... if Stella refuses to leave the wolves, are you going to kill her too?" I stuttered, staring at the man that raised me like he was a stranger.

"If that's what it boils down to," Dad shrugged, his light blue eyes were like ice.

"I see." I responded, but it was barely a whisper.

The emotions that were running through me right now were almost too much to bear. I had to get away from this place, but without raising suspicion. I nodded, ending the conversation and returning to the crowded main room. I sat beside a stranger, lost in thought about what I was going to do next. All I know is, I need to know for sure what these werewolves are actually like. My gut tells me the opposite of what my dad preaches, but who else can I trust but my own father? Right?

I kept my head down, lost in thought, until I realized the room started to dwindle in people. Dad was staring straight at me, and I didn't want to have another forced conversation with him. I stood up with the next group of people and left the house, without another word. I drove home, where I knew he'd come find me again, except this time I wouldn't be there. I was gathering my things to do some research of my own.