Wolf and Wizard

Madeline

"Why do I need to go to the Winter School?" I asked my parents as we ate breakfast.

"Because it's the place where most of the pack goes." My mother replied.

"Your elder brothers are already there…."

"Yeah, but…." I started.

"What's the matter, sis? Don't you want to be at a school with your awesome siblings?" my eldest brother, Gawain, asked.

"Also, aren't your friends going this year as well? Wren and Emily?" my other brother, Arthur, said.

"Yes, but…."

"Boys, why don't you go to the den for a little while. I need to talk to your sister." my dad said.

"But dad…."

"Common, you two, your father and Madeline have to talk." my mom said as she followed the two out of the room.

Once the three were gone, my father sighed as he motioned me to sit down. I did and took a breath.

"Maddie…"

"I don't know, dad, it's the pack school. Gawain and Arthur might be fine, but…."

"You still haven't found your wolf?"

"Dad, let's face it…I might not even have one." I replied bitterly.

"Your mother has told you that some wolves take longer to show up…"

"Dad, I'm 18 and still haven't felt it. I haven't even felt magic on your side," I replied.

"I told you that magic isn't something that can be timed. Your great grandfather didn't get his magic until he was in his twenties…."

"And his mother didn't get magic at all. Let's face it, dad, I'm a freak."

"Madeline Breanna Kirkland, you are not a freak." My dad said as he pulled my face, so my eyes faced his.

Two sets of sea-green eyes stared at one another, one filled with a mixture of anger and love. One was of sadness and worry, and I couldn't help but feel tears. I tried to shake them away, but a gentle hand wiped them away from me.

"You have my looks, looks I remind you, helped me get your mother's attention."

"I thought it was you falling into her life, literally," I replied, smiling a little.

"You know I should never have told you that story."

"But Dad, you said it was an example of how spells can have different outcomes."

"I hate to interrupt you two's bonding, but we must leave before school starts." My mom called.

"Alright, honey." My dad replied, then looked at me.

"You might not have blond hair and blue eyes like your brothers or mother, but you have the blood of a wolf and knowledge of Kirkland's before you. Besides, you know people love redheads."

"I know I do." I heard my mom say.

"Mom…" I whined but quickly got up.

"It will be fine, Maddie."

"I hope you're right, dad," I whispered.