SHELLY “Get your fucking hands off Fallon.” I screamed at Aaliyah, the same age as I was, who was playing with Fallon’s fur.“Moon, Shelly! Language. You're way too aggressive for a fourteen-year-old.” My mama who was surprised at my outburst, spilled. "Plus it's just some sick cat.” Little Aaliyah defended herself, getting more on my nerves "We all know the sick one here." I moved furiously in her direction, my cheeks all swollen and it was minutes away from exploding like a balloon with excess pressure.“She is your best friend, Shelly. Be nice.”"She is not." I rebuked and when I got to where she sat with Fallon on her lap, I shoved her hands aside."Shelly, but she is your papa’s best friend's daughter, Aaliyah.”"Those are two different things.” I finally carried Fallon in my arms, pressed him onto my face to smell him, and reassure him I was there to protect him."Moon knows I will slit that cat’s throat if you get grumpy and scary. What are you becoming? Nike, Nicholas! What

SHELLY He left me for days and gave me space to heal from the bruises his callous hands caused and the pain his cursed body inflicted. I didn't go out of my room, didn't open for the maid to come in or my mama. My mama was worried, but I wasn't bothered. If papa was right, it was all a waste of pity. So I would sneak into the kitchen at night and stock up my room with supplies for Fallon and me.My scheme was going perfectly, and so when he came back I didn't let him in, for the first time and then the second until the third, still I refused. He wouldn't pull down the door, so I thought until he had banged nonstop and the hinges looked like it would give way.Well, that was the closest he could get to me, never was I going to open the door out of fear, not for my mama nor anyone. My supplies were out, water and snack to be precise, so I opened the door and surveyed the area before I brought out a toe. Normally, my mama would be out visiting like she doesn't own a home and my papa w

NIKKI The main hall is rowdy as workers assemble the various items I had instructed them to put together. After numerous surveys and keen observations, Chris and I decided to disperse the basic; food supplies and first aid to every member of Wild Crest Pack.Splendid! That was his exact reaction when I brought it up as a suggestion. Why didn't we think about this? He had questioned and so he had left me in charge of the purchasing and distribution."Bring that over here." I order a maid as she packs up one of the mini bags. "Put it in there...something is missing, don't you think?” I demand of her and she bows her head as though I’m a monster.“Hey, young lady I don't bite, figuratively speaking. What's the worst that can happen? I debunk your idea, okay?” I prompt her. "So?”"Streaks and the painkillers and lamps.” She murmurs.I pause to process her ideas. "Great. That was helpful, I could have forgotten.” I pull out a small note from my pocket and scribble on it. "Thanks.” She d

SHELLY “Wow! What could be more amazing, than a visit from the queen herself.” Aaliyah mocked once she opened the door. She shuts it and walked to where I sat on the edge of her bed. "Don't be ridiculous.” I managed to speak, considering how badly behaved I was in the past week and how much it was ruining our friendship. "Now I’m being ridiculous. How convenient.” When she finally got to where I sat, she stood in my view. "When my papa told me you came to visit and is waiting in my room, I swear I almost thought he saw wrong, or maybe he had hit his head somewhere.”I deserved all she said to me, and I can't fault her, if I were her I may do even worse. "Why would you?" I questioned, though aware of the answer. "Why would I? For someone who's not your 'friend,’ it's suffocating and irritating to meet her in your room and on your bed.” She made an expression with her fingers.“You’re my friend dummy, my best friend at that.”"Apparently, you told your mama otherwise, like I was so

CHRIS. In the private room that was solely for meetings between the pack’s Alpha and authorized persons, I sit on the stool at the centre, waiting for the council elders and curious as to the urgency of their meeting. The door opens and four men that are in their late forties walk in, they're the selected members of the council, preferably called the elders. One of them, Ethan, I had specifically chosen as my Beta for the indispensable qualities he has shown us over time. While I can't brag about his physical strength, he is the man for the job regardless. His values align with mine and that of the pack, a loyal follower and a defender of the figurehead and his attention to the slightest of details is top-notch. “Good day, Alpha Chris.” Beta Ethan begins. "Hope you're free to hold this meeting? I apologize for not informing you earlier, it came as impromptu.”"That's not a problem, besides I have plenty of time to spare. What is the state of things in the pack? Hope we're not unde