MIA’S POV
Nixon called me mate. Additionally, Davon mentioned that word. It was a thing about werewolves like partners or lovers, and I am confused why Nixon calls me that.“You called me mate. What do you mean by that?” I pretended to be curious upon hearing the word. I wanted to know if he knew what it meant and why he said that."Well, a mate is someone that you adore.”“Adore? Are you telling me that….”“Yes, Mia. I adore you,” Nixon interrupted.I don’t know what to answer, but I don’t believe him. Adore? Me? He bullied me all the time, and suddenly he’s being nice and calling me his mate. Did he ever forget that he dropped me off a few meters away from school because he was so afraid to be seen by his friends?“Are you kidding me? Do you think that word is a joke?” I shook my head and walked away.“Mia! Hey,” Nixon blocked my way, “I am not making fun of you. I mean it. I adore you.”Why should I believe a guy who doesn't want his friends to see him hanging out with me? I glared at him. Nixon went speechless.“That’s right. Thanks for the ride, and please do me a favor and don’t bother me again.”I rushed inside our home. I hope I made myself clear. It’s not just Nixon’s friends I am worried about but also Irish. Aside from being a bully in school, she’s a psycho and obsessed with Nixon. My life was already a living hell; I don’t need another complication.“Mia? Is that you?” Mom heard the door chime clanking. She got home early, while Jaret was still on the night shift.“Yup!” I went to the kitchen and found her preparing dinner.“You’re early. Don’t you have work?”“No, mom. It’s a slow month at the hotel, but Theo asks his friend to get me a job at the public library. Hopefully, I get the slot.”“Oh, well, that happened. Just go to your room and rest. I’ll call you when the dinner is ready.”“Uhm, I’m not really hungry, mom. Thanks anyway,” I went to my room.My mind is stuck with Nixon’s thoughts. Did he really meant what he said? Nah, I’m not going to fall for his scheme. Who knows if it was one of his friends' bets? I’d rather save myself.“Davon!” I blurted it out and remembered that Mom was downstairs. I covered my mouth and listened. Thank goodness, Mom didn’t hear me ask, “How did you get in here?” I sais whispering.“I climb on the roof. Luckily, your window is open.”Davon waited for me for hours. Gladly, my mom didn’t come in, or she would freak out seeing a guy inside my room. His expression was very solemn.“What’s wrong?” I glanced out the window. The sun is still up. We have plenty of time to talk.“Nothing. I’m just tired. Is that Nixon?”“Yeah. He saw me and Theo at Cheska’s house and offered to drive us home. You have to be careful when sneaking into my room. Don’t let them see you, especially Jaret.” I went to the bathroom and changed my clothes.Davon was asking a lot of questions about Nixon. He suddenly got interested in him. I wouldn’t want to divulge more information since I noticed that he doesn’t like him. So I kept my words short.I told him the usual Nixon story. How I know him and why I don’t like him Davon got more curious and asked about his house. A part of me got carried away, and his address slipped into my mouth.“His house was near Cheska’s mansion.”“Hmmm, he likes you. I can sense that,” Davon said with a hint of jealousy in his tone of voice.“Well, I don't. As I’ve said, Nixon is a jerk,” I shrugged and remembered Cheska. She was still absent, and since Davon has been with her family for centuries, he knows a lot about her.“Davon, why did you say that Cheska is a witch? Not that I believe you; I'm just curious,” I said as I sat on my bed. Davon moved next to me.“And yet you are asking.”“I said I’m curious, but you don’t need to answer. I know she’s not a witch,” I snapped, snubbing him.“You believe me. I can tell. Even if you lied about it, I could sense it.”Gosh! I forgot I was talking to a werewolf who has very keen senses. I don’t want to doubt my best friend, but I want to know the story. Perhaps to give her the benefit of the doubt?“Vera is Cheska’s aunt. She was the witch who cursed me. The reason why your best friend is not showing up at school is that she was about to ascend.”“Ascend? What’s that supposed to mean?” I was so interested and listened attentively.“Ascend is a witch’s ritual for them to achieve their power. In the case of your friend, she didn’t accept it on her eighteenth birthday, which is supposed to be the right age for a witch to ascend. I know she was hesitant before, but now her clan demands it.”I went blank. Did Davon mention power? I’m perplexed, and it’s a lot to take in. I’m going to need some time to digest all the information.“Sorry, did I scare you? Don’t be. A witch is a good friend. That is if you don’t betray them.”Oh, God! Betray? I feel like my life is over already. Davon forgot, I stole the notebook from Cheska’s house. I should be scared! And I still don't have the courage to tell her!“Mia, stop what you are thinking. Cheska is not that kind of witch. She’ll understand.”“You can read my mind now?”“Of course, I can! You’re my mate. Our minds are connected to each other.”“Stop saying the word, mate! Nixon said the same thing.”“He did?” Davon’s eyes gleamed. I saw it, but he quickly looked away. I wanted to ask him what that means, but I’m afraid to know the answer.“But how come I don’t hear yours?” I change the subject.“It will only happen when you....”Davon paused for a moment. I asked him, but he said it was hard to explain. I have a lot of things going through my mind right now. I don’t think I can process another complicated issue.“Tell me about your life, Mia. Your family. You haven’t mentioned them.”“That’s my least favorite topic. I’m not comfortable talking about my family, but since it’s unfair for you and you’re an open book to me, I would tell a few about myself.”I was about to start talking when Mom knocked on the door. I jolted off my bed and stood by the door. Blocking my body.“Mia! Will you let me in? I brought you some food.”“Wait, mom, I told you I wasn’t hungry!” I looked back at Davon, but he was gone. Mom pushed the door wide, and I let her in.“I know. I just want to make sure you are not starving yourself, and who are you talking to? I heard voices outside.” Mom placed the tray of food beside my bed.“Theo. I was talking to Theo. He was giving me an update about the work I am applying for, and besides, Cheska was out of town, that’s why,” I glanced around, and Davon wasn’t everywhere.“Okay, finish all the food and wash your dishes. Don’t sleep when you're full, and please, clean your room,” mom whined, seeing dust on the floor and window.“I will, thanks, mom!” I quickly locked the door. I peeked outside my window; it was still bright. Two more hours till sunset.Davon suddenly jumped down from the ceiling. I almost screamed, but Davon covered my mouth. I can feel his bulky arms around me, and my heart leaps.“You can crawl on the ceiling?” I pulled away consciously.“I’m a werewolf. I can climb everywhere. What’s that smell?” Davon caught the scent of the food. Mom brought a lot.“It’s the food mom cooked for dinner. That was my mom; her name is Ines. Would you like to join me for dinner?”“Absolutely!”Mom prepared pasta, fried chicken, and vegetable salad. I bet it’s her payday today. She cooks a lot every time, and Davon loves it. He finished the chicken and pasta in one blink, while I settled for the salad.Davon made a loud noise burping contentedly.“Excuse me? You can’t do that in front of people. They’ll be disgusted.”“Teach me some human ways, and I can show you the werewolf ways.”“Are you sure? Humans are complicated, and there are a lot of things to learn about us.”“I want to know, but first you tell me about your family, Mia. I just want to know you better.”First off, I told him about my dad. Then about my mom, Oliver, and Jaret. Davon’s face dimmed learning about my stepfather, and I know that he could easily crush him effortlessly, but I won’t let him. Jaret is still my brother’s father. I wouldn't let him grow up without a complete family like mine.Someday, we’ll be out of Jaret’s shadow. Oliver will finally understand when that day comes.Davon and I talked until the sun went down. He slowly disappeared right before my eyes. I took the notebook and ensured that he was all right.I went downstairs and washed my dishes. Feeling better and relieved. The weight on my shoulder somehow lifted with my new roommate.MIA'S POV I woke up from Jaret's voice bossing my mom and remembered he would stay home in the morning. Mom is going to work now. "Shit!" I jerked off my bed. "Good morning," Davon greeted. He looked so fresh already. I could smell my shower gel all over him. "Davon! You need to go now. I'll meet you outside when I'm done preparing myself," I pushed him near the window. "Why?" his body stiffened, refusing to move. "Because Jaret is back. If he sees you, we're dead. Wait for me in the woods. I'll bring some breakfast. Go!" Davon slowly crawled out the window, staying low. He went to the bushes and continued into the woods. I felt relieved immediately. I went to the door and unlock it when mom suddenly came in. "Mom!" "Jesus, Mia! Don't startle me like that!" Mom was taken aback, seeing me standing by the door, "And why are you still in your pajama?" "Sorry, mom. I woke up late." "Packed your food before I go to work. Jaret is here," mom urged. I followed her dow
MIA'S POV "Work? What do you mean?" "I have decided. I will find a job so I can help you, and I will start tomorrow." I see the determination in Davon's eyes. "Hey, let's have a deal. Study first. Please read all the books in the library about humans and everything in our world. Only then will I help you find a job? How's that?" Davon thought of it. "Deal," he propose a handshake to seal our deal. That was how they do it in his pack. ******* It's been our daily routine. Davon got up early, bathed, and left before Jaret came home. I made sure I woke up early and packed food for him while he was outside waiting. I felt like a married person. Like what my mom did. Taking care of us. Mom was intrigued why I suddenly became an early bird. I make Jaret an excuse. She knows I don't want to be around him. Every day, Davon checked his grave and went to the library. I gave him all the books he needed to study. He was eager to learn, and because the library was free, he could spend his
MIA’s POV "I~I forgot to call. That's why I came. Sorry," I glared at Davon. "Don't worry. Your friend said he would cover your shift today while you rest. You've been up all night. How's your mom?" "She's fine now. Ah, Mrs. Olsen, could we have breakfast first? My friend is hungry, and I forgot to eat mine hurrying." "Oh, I don't mind. You go ahead. I'll watch the library." "Thank you, Mrs. Olsen." I treat Davon at the fast food. He got the extra-large burger and fries and deserves it today. What he did for me was overwhelming, and I am speechless. It was amazing. "How did you come up with that idea?" "I just thought of it. I got your back, Mia. Now that I am here, I won't let anything bad happen to you." His words mean a lot to me. He melts my heart. It was nice to have someone to watch over you. "Mia? I thought you were on duty. Who's the guy?" “Theo! This is…my….” “Hi, I’m Davon. I’m Mia’s friend,” Davon interrupted, shaking hands with Theo. “Friend? How come
MIA'S POV"His eyes, his eyes!" Theo's voice quivered, panic-stricken him. I pulled him up, but he stepped back, moving away from Davon. He was shaking in fear."I fell on my bike, Davon. I was being careless.""Be careful next time," Davon caresses my cheek, "I know some herbs to put on it.""What the fuck?! Mia, what is he? And you?" Theo stuttered. I blinked my eyes, warning him not to talk. Davon could hear him.We didn't notice Davon started into the woods. He looked back at me and urged me to follow him."Yes, I'm coming," I answered and told Theo to go home, "I'll see you at school tomorrow. I promise I'll explain everything.""You should. Will you be okay alone with him? Because I can come if….""I'll be fine, Theo, and please don't tell anyone what you saw," I ran away and chased after Davon. Theo didn't leave and waited for me to catch up with Davon. He watched us go. He has a lot of questions right now, but I need time to think. If I tell him, Cheska will get mad at him too
MIA'S POV"Then what is he, Mia?" Theo demanded an answer. I know he needs clarification, but I cannot risk divulging the information in school. It can wait.Our classmates arrived, and so as Professor Callahan. I settled in my chair."Later," Theo said, going back to his chair.I am left with no choice but to confess to Theo. If he chooses to tell Cheska, I will accept the consequences of my action. After all, I stole the notebook and hid it from her.Professor Callahan talks about our town legends. Where werewolves used to live in our land along with humans. Humans and werewolves co-exist. But as the years go by, werewolves depart our town for no reason, and since then, no one knows where they are now or do they still live up to this day.Weird. Professor Callahan was so fascinated by legends, especially werewolves. Has he seen one before? And why did werewolves leave our town? In Davon's case, he was left behind. Fifty years in the notebook, who would have dared to wait for him?"Hu
MIA'S POV Mom heard a loud crash and hurried out. Their room was across the corridor, and my brother Oliver was in the center. Oliver didn't hear him. He's probably playing video games and on the headphone. But who wouldn't hear Theo? He's almost six feet tall and medium built. His weight is enough to shake our entire house made of wood. Mom saw him lying unconscious on the floor. "Oh, my God! What happened to him?" "I don't know, Mom. He just fell." I stood next to Theo, shaking him using my feet. Pulling him alone is impossible. He's so heavy. "Help me pull him." Thank God, Mom proposes. We pulled Theo inside my room. Mom laid an extra bed on the floor, and we placed Theo there. She told me to get Vicks Vaporub and smothered him. His skin was cold and pale. "Watch him and call me when he wakes up. Is he sick? Why did he faint? He looked fine earlier." "I have no idea, Mom. Maybe Theo wasn't feeling well already. Who knows," shrugging, I move to the bedside and close the not
MIA'S POV Those predatory eyes startled me. Looking at me with a strangled expression. Theo shut the window and pulled down the blinds. He took the notebook and asked Davon about the creature stuttering. "They are werewolves. I can sense them," Davon wrote. "Holy shit! Werewolves are real, and they ate still here in our town. I thought they were gone," Theo sat on my bed, flabbergasted. "That's the reason why I ask about them in class. If Davon exists, so does his kind. Werewolves are hiding. Lurking in the shadows. They exist!" Davon wrote something. Theo and I are waiting for him to finish his words. "And there's a big possibility that my people are still alive. However, the wolf outside was checking on Mia." "Me? Why me?" Davon went silent. I remember one time when I saw a claw hiding behind the tree—the idea of it as a werewolf didn't sink in me until today. "Maybe they caught Davon's scent and followed it. We need to find a way to break your boyfriend's curse. Those were
MIA'S POVWhen I opened my eyes, I was in the middle of the woods. I've searched the way out, but it was a never-ending trail. That part of the woods was unknown to me. And each time I tried to leave, darkness swallowed me entirely, and I was back where I started. "Help! Can somebody hear me?" I screamed out my lungs. Hoping that someone was out there to save me.Then, I heard a noise nearby. There was shouting, giving commands, and a howl followed. Unexpectedly, a werewolf passed by me chasing the moose. I hid behind the tree quickly, but he was not the only one. "Oh, God!" Frightened, I ran farther from their hunting ground so they couldn't smell my scent until I reached a community in that woodland. A group of natives. "Where am I? This is definitely not my hometown."Hesitation held me back from entering their territory. But I was hopeless in finding help. Fortunately, an older woman came out and invited me in. Without a word, she held my hand, and I eventually felt compelle