My name is Cathie Sanders. And this is my story.

It all started on a bright Friday shortly after noon. There was no school- Thursday was the last day, making this the first day of summer vacation- so I was off to spend most of my day at the herb shop, Willows Herbs, with Blithe Willows, the owner. She was also one of my closest friends and and a fellow witch. In a small town like Berkeley most everything is in walking distance which is why at 17- almost 18- I still hadn’t found a reason to get a car, although I had a license. I was completely content to stay in the town forever. Blithe’s shop was right around the corner from my house so I saw the side first. It was faded brick a very light red as are most of the buildings in this town. The front was mostly a window with potted plants both hanging on a rack and sitting on a bench. I knew the inside by heart. The front room was fairly small with cluttered shelves filled with pots and racks with drying plants hung on them. It was hardly ever busy. Most of the time there were just women looking for fresh herbs for cooking. I pulled open the glass door and the little bells hanging from it chimed. Blithe came rushing in, her graying hair coming out of the tie and falling in her face, as usual but she smiled when she saw me. For a woman in her late fifties she looked good. Not too many wrinkles and very lively. She had pale skin and blue-black eyes.
“Oh, honey, it’s good to see you! It’s been a very busy morning and I could use some help.”
“Sure. I’d love to. Whatcha need?” I asked with a tilt of my head. I heard movement in the back room then three teens, one girl and two boys, appeared. The guys looked like brothers and all three looked about my age. One guy was kind of tanned and tall with a lot of muscles, while the other was average height, slim, pale, and had a cute smile. They both had brown hair- the taller one’s slightly darker- and dark blue eyes like Blithe’s. Their faces looked almost identical. The girl was about average height, maybe a little taller than me, and had fiery red hair with black eyes. I don’t know why, but to me she looked like a witch, or at least seemed a bit off, like most witches tended to.
“Cathie, these are my grandsons, James,” she motioned to the shorter one- James- and then the taller boy “and Derrik. And this is their friend, Layla.” James took a step forward and shook my hand.
“You can call me Jamie.” He smiled.
“Cat.” I said automatically. I guessed he wasn’t from a small town because he didn’t seem surprised like most people are when they hear my nickname is Cat. They think it’s too out of the ordinary for little old Berkeley. I must admit, the abnormality is one reason why I choose to be called Cat. Although I absolutely love my little town, I hate that all the names are so plain and ordinary like Jane and John. There must have been hundreds of people with both of those names living here.
“Hello, Cat, nice to meet you.” Derrik murmured his voice was low and gruff. I felt a spark when he spoke like a sudden adrenaline rush that I couldn’t explain. He was staring at the floor and I got the impression he kept to himself most of the time. Layla glared at me.
“Hello, Cathie.” She spoke my name like it was a curse, her voice almost a snarl. Derrik looked at her oddly and I glanced at him. He was really handsome, with sharp features. Layla saw me looking at him and growled then pulled him close and kissed him hard. He seemed shocked and took a step back.
“Layla, what’s your problem?” I snickered and in an instant, so quick I didn’t even see her move, she was in front of me. My breathe quickened as she got in my face and snarled,
“You better watch it, little girl. You have no clue who you’re messing with. You don’t want to piss me off. I could kill you with the flick of my wrist. I saw you looking at him and I know what you’re thinking. It’s written all over your face.” I blushed as she continued, “Derrik is mine. So back off.” James grabbed her and pulled her back. Derrik looked at her then at me.
“Sorry about her, Cat. She’s a little on edge and too used to being the only female in the pack.” James said. I looked at him questioningly. Pack? Who calls themselves a pack? I thought to myself and was about to ask when Derrik spoke. I shivered at the sound.
“Layla, I’m not yours. I said I would give it a shot but not anymore. Oh, and don’t ever try to kiss me like that again unless you want a fight.” Even when mad, which I could tell he was, Derrik’s voice was quiet.
“Wh-what’s going on?” I stuttered. My voice was shakier than I wanted it to be and I tried to calm down so I wouldn’t seem frightened by the situation. James looked at me funny then glanced to his grandmother.
“Grandma, does she know any of this?”
“Afraid not, Jamie, I thought I told you that? Ah, well, you know now.” Blithe had always been absent minded and forgetful and this time, I internally cursed her for it.
“Someone answer me please?” my voice was steady now, making me sound a lot calmer than I actually was.
“You’re a shape-shifter; a monster. And there are people out to get us, as in elimination, killed, dead. You get it now?” Layla seemed pleased with herself. My head reeled. I had heard of shape-shifters and how they were hunted and killed because they were supposedly really bad and here were three in front of me- only one that might be what everyone was talking about. I was barely aware of Blithe walking up to me.
“Honey, I meant to tell you before they got here but Victor’s men came to get them sooner than they expected so they had to leave early.” After that things seemed to move quickly. James took Layla outside so she could calm down and Blithe bustled around her shop, collecting herbs and explaining all she could about shape-shifting wolves which are what the four of us were. I soon found out she was one as well, except she changed into a bird. She never specified the type and I didn’t ask, fearing it would be rude. I didn’t know etiquette when it came to shape-shifters. It turned out that shape-shifters are rare creatures- wolves being the rarest because they were what people hunted- but most of them were very nice. People only wanted them dead because they were afraid of the unknown. Blithe also told me that I would most likely start to change soon since I hadn’t yet. It would be uncontrollable at first but soon it would be under control, for the most part. She said it was a little painful at first but it got easier.
When she fell silent I looked at Derrik who was leaning in the back corner. He had been silent through the whole thing. He wasn’t looking at me but I still saw his eyes. They were a really gorgeous, deep blue that I could stare at for hours. He caught me staring and I glanced away, blushing.
“So what happens now?” I asked not really directing the question at either of them. I was afraid of the answer.
“You have the rest of today and tomorrow to pack your clothes, spell books and whatever else you think is absolutely necessary. We leave Sunday.” James said entering the room.
“Where are we going?”
“The hell away from here.” Layla answered walking towards me. Her walk reminded me of a cat stalking its’ prey. Apparently Derrik thought the same thing because he followed close behind, ready to grab her. “Look, I’m sorry about earlier. I’m just… jealous that you get to take over as leader of the pack. I’m better now though and I will show you all the respect you deserve.” She bowed her head and stepped back.
“Leader? How can I be?” I asked shocked.
“You have the blood of the first shifter in your veins. Therefore you lead the pack. The pack doesn’t care if the leader is male or female they just have to be the closest descendent to the first of our kind.” Derrik said quietly.
“But I can’t lead. I can’t even change into a wolf.”
“It will take time. Until then James will take the place of group leader. Since he’s the farthest descendent and it will be easy to demote him once you’re ready.” Derrik’s voice was barely above a whisper.
The rest of the day went like this: Blithe made us leave the shop because it was too crowded by her standards. Layla and James went to check in to the small Berkeley Inn, leaving me and Derrik alone. We were going to meet at Flo’s Diner at 6. Derrik and I walked to the park, then into the woods not talking much because whenever I tried to talk he gave the shortest possible reply. It was about 5:30 when I started to get really bad stomach cramps. I didn’t tell Derrik but about 5 minutes later when we were almost to the edge of the trees, the pain was too much and I dropped to the ground. He immediately got down beside me.
“What’s wrong?” he asked worried.
“My stomach… it feels like it’s turning itself inside out.” I moaned in pain. I started sweating and panting.
“Uh-oh. You’re changing. I better call-” his sentence was interrupted as I shrieked knowing death would be better than this. “Cat, please be quiet. I know you’re hurt but it will go away I promise. Now hush.” He spoke gently, calmly, and he leaned down to brush my sweaty hair out of my face. I felt my face changing; getting longer, it wasn’t as painful as I thought but it still hurt. Then I felt it go back to normal and it was over. I lay on my side panting. Derrik came closer and gently lifted my head to his lap, trying to make me comfortable he explained quietly as he started to brush my long strawberry blonde hair out of my face again. He pulled his phone out and sent a quick text. A few seconds later the phone buzzed. He looked at it then at me. “Jamie and Layla will be here soon.” I looked up at him and he stared back. It was like sparks were flying between us. I didn’t know what it was or what was happening. At the moment I didn’t care either. My whole being was focused on Derrik- his eyes, his face, his mouth, so close to mine. I sat up a bit and he leaned down, our lips just inches apart. His arms went around me as he came closer.
“Are we interrupting something?” Layla asked.
“No,” we said at the same time. Layla gave us a skeptical look then shrugged but I noticed there was something like pain in her eyes. James crouched down then said,
“You ok, Cat?” I nodded and he looked to Derrik to confirm what I said.
“Her face changed then it went back. She’s fine, for now but we’ll have to keep a close eye on her to make sure she isn’t in public next time.” James nodded then stood up and offered me a hand. I took it and Derrik stood. As soon as James let go of my hand I started to fall back, my vision momentarily blacking out. Derrik caught me and held me up.
“You don’t seem as ok as the two of you claimed.” James noted, seeming mad.
“I thought… I’m sorry. I thought I was ok before.”
“Maybe you should go home to lie down.” Layla said, obviously wanting me to leave. Derrik and James glared at her to which she shrugged and looked away. Derrik was still holding me, his hands gentle on my waist. I looked back at him. There weren’t any of the unusual sparks like I felt the last time and I had a feeling it wouldn’t happen again. He let go of me, looking down and muttering an apology.
“You look hungry. Why don’t we go to that diner to eat?” James asked taking my hand and leading me carefully out of the woods before releasing me. The four of us walked together, me taking the lead because I was the only one that really knew where I was going. When we walked into the Flo’s, which had been set up to look like it was from the 1950’s, everyone stared. Almost all 50 kids from my grade were there, some on dates and some there in big groups. I knew they wouldn’t have given us a second glance if the other three weren’t new in town. A few girls that I talked to at school came up to us.
“Hey, Cat. Who are your new friends?” Phoebe Smith asked, a couple of her friends coming up behind her. I noticed how they all edged toward James, avoiding Derrik, probably because of his size. Layla quickly put her arm around James and glared at them, baring her teeth. I imagine the only reason she did it was because she didn’t like my friends. Phoebe cleared her throat and I snapped out of my thoughts.
“Oh, uh, these are Blithe’s grandsons, Derrik and James, and this is their friend, Layla. Guys this is Phoebe, Amy, and Margret.” I gestured to each of them in turn. The guys waved, the girls waved back and Layla stared at them. The three girls averted their gazes from Layla focusing on me instead.
“How long are your friends staying, Cat?” Amy asked shifting her eyes towards Derrik and looking him up and down. Margaret winked at him and Phoebe inched closer. I growled under my breath, shocking myself at the jealous feelings coursing through me.
“We’re staying until Sunday. Then all four of us are going on a road trip. It will be Cat’s first time out of town. Right, sweetie?” He asked me, smiling at me. I knew what he was doing. If the girls thought we were dating it would make him off limits and there wouldn’t be as much attention directed at him. At the same time though I felt a huge smile spread across my face when he called me sweetie. I just stood there looking at him, knowing I probably looked like a fool but I couldn’t stop smiling. A thought in the back of my head was telling me to get over my crush and say something but I ignored it.
“Anyway, if we’re done here, I want to eat before I starve to death.” Layla said breaking the silence. I flushed, knowing my pale face was turning a very unattractive bright red. Layla stepped around the girls and started moving to the back corner booth pulling James by his shirt sleeve. Derrik and I followed, sliding into the booth with Layla and James on one side and Derrik and I on the other. “Cathie, you need to learn how to act.” Layla obviously didn’t care who she offended anymore. I could tell she was one that always spoke her mind no matter what. I blushed again.
“Yeah…” was the only response I could think of. James leaned back, slipping an arm around Layla’s shoulders. She crossed her arms.
“For show,” he said grinning when she glared at him. James looked at me and Derrik. “Maybe you two should kiss,” he laughed at our shocked expressions before continuing, “or something else couple-ish so that everyone staring will believe you’re together.” Derrik didn’t seem happy about what his cousin said but he put his arm around my waist. I automatically moved closer, resting my head on his shoulder.
“Well don’t you two look adorable? Cat, why didn’t you tell me you had a boyfriend?” Mary, the waitress, asked. She was the owner of the diner and Flo’s oldest working descendent at 60. It wasn’t surprising that this place had stayed in the same family for 8 generations, that’s just what happens in a small town. Everything was family owned, from the tavern to the book store.
“I uh…” I couldn’t think of a reason why I- or anyone else for that matter- would keep a boyfriend a secret in this town.
“She didn’t tell you about him because he’s really a shape-shifter on the run.” Layla said, serious. James laughed at her.
“You can’t believe a word this girl says; she can’t ever be serious about anything.” He said still chuckling quietly. Mary laughed but eyed Layla probably trying to figure out if she was really kidding.
“Ok then. That seems like a good enough reason to me.” She laughed. “You kids ready to order?”
We all got burgers, fries, and cokes- Layla made sure hers was a diet. After Mary walked away James leaned over and whispered something to Layla, his mouth in her hair, making it impossible to read his lips. Derrik tilted his head and gave James a questioning look. Layla snickered.
“What?” I asked feeling left out.
“Nothing.” They said in unison. I looked up at Derrik, he looked back and for fleeting a moment those sparks were back. He quickly looked away though. Layla stared, a look of deep concentration on her face.
“Cat, show me where the bathroom is?” She asked getting up. It seemed innocent enough but being a girl I knew she wanted to talk to me about something. Nervous, I led the way to the door. Once in she looked under all the stalls. Satisfied that they were empty, she locked the bathroom door and turned on me.
“So…”
“You like Derrik.” It wasn’t a question.
“No. I don’t. I hardly know him.”
“Oh, don’t play games with me, girl. I see the way you look at him. And the way he looks at you.” She didn’t sound happy when she said that part. “You want some advice? Let him come to you. He’s not exactly shy, but he doesn’t like it when a girl comes on hard. He’s also very reluctant to admit that he likes you because he thinks it shows a sign of weakness.” I stared at her in astonishment. I couldn’t believe she was telling me all this.
“Why… why would you tell me this?” I asked.
“I don’t want to fight with you for the rest of our lives. And I guess I’m kissing up because I may want a favor from you later.”
“What kind of favor?” I asked wearily.
“Oh I don’t know now but I like to be prepared.” She smiled then turned, unlocked the door, and walked out. I quickly followed. Our food was at the table when we got back and Layla practically jumped on it.
“She didn’t eat lunch because she doesn’t like my grandmother’s cooking.” James explained to me, popping a fry in his mouth. I nodded. The rest of the meal was spent mostly in silence. James, Layla, and I talked a bit but Derrik didn’t say a word. When we were done eating Layla looked at him slyly and asked,
“What’s the matter, Derrik? Cat”-she emphasized the word and looked at me, obviously meaning my name- “got your tongue?” I flushed, James and Layla burst out laughing, and Derrik growled.
“Oh c’mon, you both know that was funny.” James said.
“And it will be true by the end of the week.” Layla cackled. I knew my face was a very bright red.
“You know, Cat, that color red doesn’t match your green eyes. Although it does remind me of Christmas.” James said smiling. Derrik growled again.
“Leave her alone, James.” He snarled and James widened his eyes looking shocked. Derrik stood. “Let’s go, Cat. I’m walking you home.” he pulled a few bills out of his pocket and threw them on the table. He grabbed my hand and practically dragged me out. He momentarily paused outside the diner glancing at me. I pointed left towards Blithe’s. He kept walking, holding my hand. I doubt he realized he was though. I looked up at him noticing how good he looked, even when he was mad. He glanced down and saw that I was staring.
“Sorry about what happened back there. I don’t know what came over me. I’m usually not that easy to anger.” He spoke quietly.
“It’s ok. The looks on James and Layla's faces were kind of funny.” I expected him to let go of my hand at any second but to my surprise he didn’t. Instead he chuckled; it was like music to my ears. I smiled as we rounded the corner of the street. In a sudden burst of courage I pulled him to a stop then leaned against the side of the herb shop.
“Yeah?” he asked trying to drop my hand but I wouldn’t let him.
“I just-” my words were cut short as pain shot up my spine. I started falling. Derrik caught me and carried me through the back door of Blithe’s shop. A spasm racked my body and I lashed out clawing Derrik in the face. He put me on the ground and moved back, calling for his grandma.
“Derrik, what is it? Oh my! Cat, you poor dear.” She crouched next to me and rubbed my arm. I couldn’t tell what changed this time but it was over in about five minutes. Once I stopped flailing my arms and legs Derrik came a little closer. Blithe looked at him then me then looked back at him and winked. “I’ll just leave you two alone now.” She said smiling. I turned to face Derrik and the first thing I saw was the long cut going from his temple down to his jaw. I ran my finger over it gently.
“I’m sorry,” I murmured. He took my hand off his face and held it in his, smiling down at me.
“It’s ok. I know it was an accident.” The sparks were back, flying between us and jumpstarting my heart. I was almost certain he would hear it pounding. He kissed the back of my hand; just a brush of his lips against my skin but it was enough. He bent down, his lips just inches from mine, breath hot on my face.
“What’s- Whoa. Sorry we interrupted. You want us to leave?” Layla’s voice was loud and snapped both of us to attention. Derrik sat back. I moved so that I was leaning on my elbows.
“We were just, uh,” Derrik glanced at me and I shut up, knowing there wasn’t any explanation other than the truth.
“What are you doing here?” Derrik asked looking up at them.
“We came to ask Grandma where Cat lived so we could make sure she got home ok. But we found out she almost changed so we came back here.” James explained.
“And we interrupted your little make out session. Sorry about that by the way.” Layla smiled.
“We weren’t making out, Layla.” Derrik growled.
“Let’s go, Jamie. Derrik’s getting mad.” they walked out leaving us alone. I looked up at him expectantly but it was too late. The moment was over. I sighed.
“What’s wrong, Cat?” he asked. A sudden wave of grief washed over me as I looked at him. I wanted the moment to come back. He wouldn’t even look at me. I stood and walked out the back door heading to my house. I heard him whisper my name but I didn’t turn. Footsteps sounded behind me- I ignored them. Derrik grabbed my arm when I stepped up on my front porch. He waited until I turned to look at him.
“Cat, tell me what’s wrong. Please?” I opened my mouth but the front door creaked as it opened. Derrik let go of me and stepped back.
“Cathie? What’s going on? Who’s he?” my mom stood in the door with a worried look on her face. I cringed when she called me Cathie. She was the only one in town who couldn’t accept my nickname. I sighed before answering her.
“Cat, Mother. It’s Cat. This is Derrik, Blithe’s grandson.”
“Well why is he here?”
“Because I need to pack some stuff and he’s helping.”
“No. No boys in your room, Cathie. You know that.” Her voice said it was going to be nearly impossible to win. Good thing I was ready for a fight.
“Well, Theresa, that wasn’t the case two weeks ago when you let John come in. Just because you don’t know him doesn’t mean he’s bad.” She didn’t look happy but she let us in. Derrik looked to the left and without a glance myself I knew exactly what he saw: a baby grand piano across from a fish tank, a cat condo in the corner, and the edge of our ugly brown and pink flowered couch. I took my shoes off and felt the cool wood on my feet. I saw a stuffed mouse toy in the corner by the door, right in front of the stairs. I looked at Derrik. “Do you want something to drink?” I asked leading the way to the kitchen without waiting for an answer. We passed the bathroom door and it was cracked open. I heard splashing coming from inside.
“What’s that?” Derrik asked quietly.
“Baby, get out of the bathroom.” I said loudly and immediately my little calico cat came running out of the bathroom. I picked her up and dried her paws with a towel. “Hi, cutie,” I cooed rubbing her head and holding her like a baby. I kept her in one arm and with my free hand I opened the fridge then grabbed a bottle of water. I tossed it over my shoulder without looking. My mom, who had followed us, gasped but I heard Derrik catch it and smiled to myself while getting another bottle. I turned so my back was to my mom but Derrik could see me and winked before turning all the way around.
“Thanks.” Derrik whispered.
“Sure. Let’s go. No need to follow us, Mom.” I said as we passed her and I led the way upstairs. There were only two doors. I walked to mine which is at the front of the house and opened it. I set my kitten on the bed, closed the door, and looked at myself in the mirror behind it. My makeup was a little messed up so I went to my vanity in between my bed and sky blue dresser. I sat down and quickly touched up my eyeliner then brushed my too straight hair. I noted how much more red than blonde it was looking lately. Then I turned to see Derrik looking at the books in the case that matched my dresser. My room was a montage of different styles. Some things- like my dresser, bookcase, and desk chair- were a very light blue and looked almost like furniture a princess would have. Then there was my desk, bed, nightstand, and rug which were what my dad called ocean blue. Just to make it seem more personal there were cork boards with pictures of me and my friends over my mini-fridge and next to the vanity. Derrik turned around when he heard the cat clawing at my blue circle covered rug.
“What’s her name?” he asked watching her as she chewed the corner of the rug.
“Jinx,” I said with a smiled. She looked up and meowed at me. “She has very bad luck.” I winked. Derrik chuckled and leaned down to pet her. Jinx, scared, tried to jump on the bed but fell. “I told you so,” I said with a smile.
“I wonder…” he trailed off.
“What?” I asked. He took a step towards me.
“Oh, nothing really… I was just wondering if you could get to the bed when you’re scared.” He grinned but it was more like baring his teeth. I stood and back away as he growled and his face started to change. Fur sprouted and I almost screamed. Derrik lunged at me and I stumbled back falling on the bed, making it bang against the wall. He landed on top of me and quickly pinned my arms down. His face was back to normal but when he laughed it sounded animalistic. He leaned close and brushed his lips against my collar bone. He lifted his head and looked me in the eyes.
“What the hell is going on!” my dad’s voice was painfully loud. I realized how bad it must have looked to him with Derrik on top of me, pinning me to the bed. However almost as soon as my dad spoke Derrik stood. I sat up.
“Um, excuse me, but last time I checked this was my room. And you don’t have permission to come in, especially when you don’t even knock.” I said brushing my fingers through my hair nervously.
“What’s gotten into you lately?” Mom asked from the hall.
“Did you ever think that maybe I’m tired of being treated like a child? I turn 18 next week which means I’ll be an adult. And I want to be treated like one. Now please leave. I have to pack.”
“Pack for what?” they both asked, concerned.
“I’m leaving Sunday.”
“To go where? With who? And why?” the questions cam so fast there was no way Theresa could actually expect me to answer them. I waited until I was sure she was done before carefully answering.
“I’m going on a road trip with James, Derrik, and Layla because I want to.” My parents glanced at Derrik then focused back on me.
“I don’t think-” I cut her off with a laugh.
“The funny thing is, Theresa, I don’t care what you think. I’m going. End of story. Bye.” I practically pushed them out of my room before closing and locking the door. Derrik was leaning against my desk staring at me when I turned around. I wanted to cross the room and throw my arms around him but I didn’t dare. What Layla had told me stuck in my head and so far letting him come to me was working. I just hoped it would stay that way. I smiled shyly.
“Come here,” he murmured and I obeyed. I leaned into him, his arms going around my waist. Our lips were just inches apart… Derrik's phone vibrated. I stepped back as he growled.
“What the hell do you want, James?” As Derrik talked I got out my duffel bag and started going through my clothes wondering what I should bring. Derrik told me we were going down south. I still packed mostly jeans and t-shirts. Next I went in the bathroom and after that I dug under my bed for my spell books. The whole time Derrik was talking to James. It only made me slightly uneasy for reasons I couldn’t figure out. I was packed, my bags on the bed, and Derrik was still talking to James. I walked around impatiently, Jinx following right on my heals. I stopped dead, freezing up. I was barely aware of Derrik telling James he had to go and him walking over to me. He asked me what was wrong.
“Jinx,” I said simply, the kitten jumping into my arms when I said her name.
“I don’t know…” he looked into my eyes and seemed troubled by what he saw. “Ok, we’ll make it work. I know you can’t leave her here. You better go get a bag for her. And uh, let’s not tell James and Layla until we leave. That way there won’t be a fight.” I nodded and went down to the kitchen alone. Under one counter was Jinx’s cat carrier and a little bag with her food, treats, and extra dishes. I grabbed both and took them to put with my things.
When I got upstairs Derrik was sitting in my desk chair, Jinx in his lap, purring madly.
“She likes you.” I said quietly. I went to stand beside him. There was a knock on my door. I growled under my breath, surprising myself.
“It’s Jamie and Layla.” Derrik said quietly, then louder, “Come in.” James opened the door slowly. Layla looked around like she was making sure no one would try to kill her if she came in.
“You’re kinda jumpy.” I stated. She glared at me.
“You will be too. It’s the only way to make sure you stay alive.” I nodded and absentmindedly ran my nails lightly down Derrik’s arm. James watched my hand, which was the only thing that made me realize I was doing it. I stopped and moved my hand away. Layla snickered.
“So should I leave my stuff here? Or what?” I asked pacing my room, nervously. I saw James and Derrik watching me but I didn’t stop.
“James?” Derrik asked.
“You’ll probably want to stay here as much as possible right?” James asked me.
“Wrong,” Derrik and I said at the same time. Then I continued, “I would rather leave right now.”
“We at least have to stay to Sunday so we can rest up before we leave again for who knows how long.” Layla said from her perch on my desk. I noticed she wasn’t taking her own advice. She was trying to play with his hair. I could tell he didn’t like it and I wanted her to stop. When she kept doing it even after I growled at her I had to do something. I walked over and slapped her. She gasped and stared at me like I was crazy. James pulled me backwards and suddenly there was a big wolf in my room. Layla changed so fast I didn’t see it. She was the same color red as her hair. She crouched down and growled at me. Then instinct took over. I don’t know how but I changed into a wolf. It was fast and painless. It came naturally. Like breathing. I growled low in my throat. It was like I wasn’t even in control of myself, it was as if someone else had the controls to my body. Layla circled me. Somehow I knew the perfect time to launch myself at her. I pinned her to the ground.
Bow to me. I am leader. My word is law. My thoughts, I was sure, blasted into her mind. She whimpered and showed her stomach in defeat. I stood and looked at Derrik. He looked proud of me. But now that I was back to being mostly in control I had a problem. I had no clue how to shift back into a human.
“Stuck?” Derrik asked with a smile. I nodded. Layla had gone into my bathroom. She came out wrapped in a towel. She threw my robe on me.
“Sorry, Leader, but when you shift your clothes rip off,” was the only thing she said to me. Then she went through my dresser for clothes.
“Ok, Cat, all you have to do is focus. Concentrate on shifting back. Imagine all your limbs returning to normal.” I did as James said and within seconds I was laying on the floor, naked, but human. I slipped my robe on and was glad I hadn’t been wearing anything I liked.
“Good job, Cat, I’m surprised you were able to claim your position so quickly. And all three of us were able to hear you which is amazing because we have to concentrate to hear each other in wolf form.” Derrik swept me up off my feet in a hug before he realized what he was doing. When he did he put me down quickly and looked away. I sighed. Then I went to my dresser and found an old pair of sweats and a t-shirt to wear.
“James, Derrik, turn around.” I command because Layla was back in the bathroom. They both turned and I dressed quickly. James was staring at my corkboard so I quickly went to stand behind Derrik. I wrapped my arms around his waist. He turned and shook his head, glancing at James. After that he stepped out of my arms. I frowned. He chuckled and kissed my forehead. Later, he mouthed. I nodded and noticed movement out of the corner of my eye. It was Layla, leaning on the bathroom doorframe, watching us.
“So are we going or what?” she asked going over and lounging on my bed.
“Yes. Cat, I’ll help carry your things. We went to get the van so we could take your stuff with us.” James said going to my bed.
“Is that cat supplies?” Layla asked.
“Yeah, Jinx is coming with us.” I answered picking her up from under the desk and putting her in her carrier.
“Funny. For a second I thought you were serious.” Layla replied.
“Jinx is coming.” I growled. Layla shrugged but I could tell she was mad. Obviously she didn’t like that there was a new leader in the pack. She would have to get used to it though. We all walked downstairs and I looked into the living room. My dad was reading the paper and Mom was watching TV. I could sense that this would probably be the last time I would see my parents. At least for a long time. I set Jinx’s cage down and walked to the couch. They both looked up. The Pack walked out quietly but my parents still noticed the bags.
“You’re leaving already?” Mom asked seeming upset.
“Yeah, I might be back in a day or so but we may leave early. So I’m saying goodbye now.” I felt like I might cry, which surprised me because I wasn’t very close to my parents.
“Well you aren’t leaving forever.” Dad said. That did it. The tears spilled over. Mom got up to hug me.
“Oh, honey, don’t cry. You don’t have to go. You can stay.”
“No, I have to go. I’ll miss you. I love you both.” For a minute the three of us stood there hugging and I thought I wouldn’t be able to leave. Then I heard the door open. I turned, wiping my eyes, to see Derrik standing by the piano.
“Cat, are you ok?” he asked. I wasn’t sure which one of us moved first but we met in the middle. I knew I would be ok once I was in his arms. He gently wiped away my tears with his thumbs.
“I’m fine. Really, I am.” I said turning back to my parents. Derrik kept a hand on the small of my back. My parents stared at us.
“You’ll be ok.” My mom said and I knew it wasn’t a question. I nodded.
“You take care of our little girl, ok? And I want her back here before this summer’s over.” Dad said to Derrik. He nodded and slipped his hand into mine.
“Are you ready? Layla’s impatient to get back to the hotel.” Derrik said quietly. I sighed.
“I think so…” I looked around, realizing how much I would miss everything. I waved to my parents as we walked out the door and when I climbed into the back of the van a few silent tears fell. There were only two seats in the back. Behind them was a large mattress and a space with my bags and room for more. Derrik went all the way back to the mattress and once we were away from the house he motioned for me to join him. I laid in his arms, buried my face in his chest and cried. He rubbed my back and whispered that everything would be ok. I lifted my head to look at him. He stared back and I could see in his eyes how much he hated seeing me cry. He leaned in and was about to kiss me when Layla cleared her throat. She was standing with the side door open and a hand on her hip. I sat up. I fixed my hair before getting out of the van. The little in was on the edge of town. It was a brick building but newer than most because of the renovations.

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Tag der Veröffentlichung: 20.07.2010

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