Chapter 2 A Bit Light Of Hope

• Chapter 2
• The sound of paper flipping is heard as I walk through the corner of the library.
• I am looking for a certain History book for werewolves I need in my class.
• Passing through I catch sight of the secluded area that I am looking for.
• Our library has a restricted area that only students and the old she-wolf librarian have access to.
• It is enchanted with a little help from witches to conceal what it really is.
• What you see from a far are old books and it has a small gate pass with an ID scanner that will let you in.
• It is designed this way to prevent the human staff from seeing what the books truly are.
• I was about to tap my ID when it was yanked harshly, making me lose balance.
• "Guess your friends aren't here, yeah?" Stephanie growled menacingly.
• I was about to get up when she sat in front of me to yank my hair and force me to look in her
• eyes.
• "You bitch has another idea to get my man?" she hissed, her eyes turning darker than they usually are.
• "What are you saying?" I frowned, feeling my hair getting pulled harder.
• "Keep it up trying to look as if you don't know. Brandon is mine!" she whisper-shouted in my ears menacingly.
• She stood up and kicked me, making my arm hit the metal.
• She pulled the shelf in front and left before the books started to fall.
• I was hit by heavy books everywhere and noises started to come my way.
• "Gosh! What happened?" Leanne, the librarian, shakes her head seeing my state.
• "I trip my foot trying to look for my book," I lied.
• "Why do you let her do this?" my wolf's annoyed voice in my head.
• "At least let me deal with her '' she states, her eyes glowing from anger.
• "It will just get worse if we stoop down her level." I slowly cut the link as people started to pile up trying to see what happened.
• Josh, delta from the Crescent Moon Pack eyed me but didn't say a word. He simply extended his hand to help me stand.
• "Careful, Green" his voice laced with meanings he does not tell.
• "Thanks" I say and help other students pick up the books.
• After putting the books in place, I decide to go out to the field and get some fresh air.
• The sun shines just brightly enough for it to be considered a good time to stay out. I am currently on the bench in the field killing time for my two hour free time.
• The soccer team is out practicing. Half of them are pack warriors, some are from security. How do they get all the time to joggle all those? No idea.
• "Maybe we should ask for advice? We are starting to patrol soon" I ask my wolf in my head.
• She did not answer letting me know she's still angry with what happened earlier
• "We'll get through just fine. We will observe and see how things go." I tell her softly. "Are you nervous?" I asked.
• "Nah, excited.. but I also do not want to look stupid, you know." she says scratching her nose with her paw, letting it slide again and again.
• "You fit just fine, compared to me." I say in a matter of fact way.
• "Only if you start fighting as you should be." her voice is so low from anger and annoyance.
• "They just need to know you better. And you know, maybe they are just a bit jealous." She says resting her head over her paws.
• She cut the connection not wanting to hear my non stop blabbering about it. She has the tendency of dismissing me when it comes to the subject of our packmates belittling me.
• Not that I am saying it out loud to anyone, but I know how it is.
• It is not just Stephanie and her minions.
• Most of our packmates think I am not enough. They won't say it out loud or publicly. But I hear their murmurs on training.
• They won't talk about it loudly, not wanting to be on the bad side of Zach, Charlie or worse, my Dad and Mom.
• I went back to reading and as I started to be absorbed in the world of the book I am reading I felt a tap on my shoulders.
• My brows meet in confusion when I see Alex when I turn.
• I discreetly hid my arm in my bag to not let her see the bruise in my arm that is starting to heal already.
• If there is something I am so thankful about is that we werewolves heal fast. Unless you are hit by silver.. that heals for hours or even days depending on severity.
• I sniffed again to confirm it was still to avail. "I cannot smell your scent." I said, throwing her confused and worried look.
• "Nothing to worry, Gem. It is a scent covering spray I am developing." She waved her hand in front of me, signalling as if it was not a big deal.
• "Developing?" I confirm. I know she has a thing for tactical stuff and all. She has been paying much attention to books regarding them.
• "Will present them in class once I perfect it to my liking. I mean we have them around. I am trying to make one that will cover a scent longer." She says watching the day in the field.
• "Is that--? I was cut when she spoke again.
• "I asked the admissions office to let me know in case they can put me in our special classes. They messaged me yesterday, someone changed his or her mind and had an opening. I had to take Biology another time, though." she continued and tilted her head to look at me and the book I am holding.
• Oh, that explains why she was suddenly not in my third class anymore. Our school holds special classes for packs that want to take specialties. She's been going on and on in getting into one this year and here she is, landing on one.
• "Why are you here alone, reading? she inquires.
• "Others are in class. I have a free period, I answer simply. "You?" I tried to forget about it earlier.
• "Same. What are we doing later?" she questions smirking.
• "None that I am aware of, other than the meeting, I guess? I answered in a question-answer way.
• "Right.. I hope we are in the same patrol team." she says. "Not a bad idea if we end up with Drake as well, you know." she continued nudging me on the shoulders and pointed on the field.
• Right there in the middle is Drake, who was pulled out of the game. He looks at me and nods in acknowledgement and walks straight to the coach and drinks from his water bottle.
• "Stop it." I tell Alex.
• "Gem, Brandon doesn't pay you attention more than what he needs to his best friend's sister." She comments in a matter of fact way.
• Something grumbles in my stomach with that. I know that. She is stating the facts on the table, but it still stings to be slapped with it.
• This definitely feels worse than getting hit.
• "You know that I only say this because you are my friend, right?" she scooted over to rest her right arm on my shoulder.
• I look at her and just shrug my shoulders. What am I supposed to do?
• "I am just saying, there are a lot of chances put there." she said again when I didn't say anything.
• "I know.. I guess.. I guess I am just not there yet. I still have a chance, you know." I say giving her a weak smile.
• "Fine, you have. But, what if you aren't? She looks at me searching my eyes.
• "I dunno." I admit. "Maybe I will just cross the bridge when I get there" I do not want to admit it, but in times like this.. I really do wish I knew.
• I wish it was just easy.
• "Promise me you keep your doors open, and please... ready yourself." She says in full seriousness.
• "I promise." I smiled weakly and avoided her gaze.
• --
• The time passed by so quickly trying not to think too much of my conversation with Alex.
• I know she's worried for a reason. I have my feelings for Brandon for a long, long time that we actually do not even remember when it started.
• I try not to show it, hoping that one day he'd see me in a different light. As time passed by, nothing changed.
• Yes, he is kind to me, looks after me even. But, he always feels so far from reach. He would talk to me when around.
• That is all, it is fair to me to say that he sees me as nothing more than just a pack member if not the daughter of the Beta family.
• I wouldn't even be surprised if he doesn't know my existence if I wasn't a member of my family.
• "Attention pack members, all of you receiving this reminder are expected to be at the pack house at exactly 6:00 pm for our meeting with Beta Zach. Do not be late." Brandon announces through a mind link. His voice is deeper than usual with his Alpha authority.
• "That gives us a couple of hours" I say to no one in particular exiting the doors of the school.
• "And here I thought you left your tongue somewhere." Vince says jokingly, throwing his left arm on my shoulder.
• "You were absent minded almost the whole Gem."Jaxon chimes in.
• "Just nervous with the more intensive training that we'd be attending starting soon. " I say not meeting their eyes and just continuing skidding away to the parking lot.
• "Try harder convincing yourself." My wolf growled. By the looks of it, it is not just her catching on that.
• Alex says nothing and just raises her brow at me.
• Vince and Jax were nodding with the I-do-not-buy-that look evident in their eyes. Then there's Chelsea who just rolled her eyes on me.
• We decided to just hang out a bit in the field and just go straight to the pack house later for the meeting.
• Sitting in the grass at the field, they started talking about the upcoming events and homeworks we are supposed to turn in.
• My senses heightened up when I smelled wolves approaching, especially the one arriving with the most authority. Sensing him I realized I didn't see and smell him yesterday.
• "Hey there Gem!" Alpha Tyler of Crescent Moon Pack approaches with a ball in his hand. I looked at him and he winked the moment my eyes met his.
• "Alpha." We greeted him. We were about to stand when he waved his hand and tapped the guys' shoulders.
• "We were just supposed to stay and play a bit" his Beta and Gamma nodded at us in timid acknowledgement.
• "We were just killing time, Alpha." I say politely.
• "You do not have to be so formal, Gem." He says, his smile genuine.
• "We must go then. We have a pack meeting to attend." I smiled back at him and gathered my things.
• I was surprised when he extended his hand to offer me his hand. I was hesitant at first, but I am not going to humiliate the Alpha so I took it and he pulled to help me up.
• "Will see you all around, then." he says goodbye but just looking at me.
• I nod and smile and look at my friends to see they are also now ready to leave.
• "See you.." I answered and started walking.
• I dare not to look back feeling their.. and his eyes burning our backs.
• We went straight to the pack which is a good idea as people were already piling up when we arrived.
• We took our seats and waited. Drake waved at us when he arrived and took a seat in the far corner from us.
• After five minutes, I felt his presence, his scent hitting my nostrils even before he entered the conference room.
• Brandon went straight in front in all seriousness evident in his aura. His light brown hair combed back.
• My two brothers walk on his sides, their faces in Beta and Gamma mode.
• He looked at his watch and started.
• "Good evening everyone! As you know from the agenda, this is about the training and the patrol duties." He started off.
• "As you are now of age, your training will be intensive compared to what you are used to. We will start the training this coming Saturday. You will be expected on the grounds at 5:30 AM for jogging then we'd start the training straight after it." He explains, looking at the crowd for any questions to be raised.
• He searched the whole crowd, I held my breath and felt my heart going crazy when he looked at me.
• He looks at me with his eyes empty of any emotions and playfulness. He held gaze with me for a couple of seconds. I breathed out not knowing I was holding when he looked back in the middle.. Looking at no one in particular.
• "As for your patrol duties, your groups will be announced soon once it is finalized. For now, take the rest you need and prepare yourselves. Feel free to see Gamma Charlie if you have any questions."
• "Yes, Alpha!" we answer in unison. With that he nods and walks away from the front and talks with Zach in the corner.
• Pack members started approaching Charlie who is sitting at the table in front with Gamma Peter who looks so proud of the three boys. Charlie is being assisted with the soon to be Deltas, Michael, Sienna and Greg.
• All the time, Peter was by the door and just went inside when Brandon was finished. He is there overseeing everything.
• I searched for Zach and Brandon, but it looks like they already left.
• .
• "Let's go?" I asked no one in particular, suddenly feeling tired. I guess the disappointment of not being able to even speak with Brandon as much as I wish to is catching up with me.
• "Vince and I are staying to confirm something, with our warrior training and all" he says walking straight to join the line.
• "You two, go ahead. I will just wait for Jax and Vince." Chelsea tells us to stay in her seat.
• "Okay, catch up later" I smiled and waved them all goodbye.
• "Are you going home?" I asked Alex walking through the doors.
• "I actually need to stop by the coffee shop to meet some org members." She says pointing to a nearby cafe as if we see it here. I just shake my head at her and grin.
• "Let's go then we can just separate ways from your block." She says making an effort not to mention anything else.
• I know she's been observing me since this morning and just being nice to not tell me her thoughts. Probably giving me some space and not to be so pushy about it.
• I am definitely not in my best state and was taken aback to see my Dad and Alpha Mason at the front porch of our house. Looking across, Alpha's car is parked.
• Maybe if my mind is with my head and flying somewhere I would have noticed the moment I entered the block, and of course their scents.
• "If not our beautiful Gem." Alpha Mason says the moment I step on the porch.
• "Good evening Alpha Mason, Dad" I neared them to give both of them a peck on their cheek.
• I debate if I need to stay, say something or just go up straight to my room being not really so much of myself today.
• Something just doesn't seem right. I just really do not know what to do with myself.
• Maybe the pack is right. I am really overrated.
• What a waste.
• "Well, you really are no better than those idiots if you believe them" my wolf growled so pissed with what I was thinking.
• "Why don't you go inside and freshen up before dinner, honey?" my Dad saved me from totally making stupid fool of myself.
• "Alpha" I said excusing. He gives a warm smile and nods.
• Opening the door, my mom's scent is in the kitchen mixed with food she's preparing.
• "Mom, I am home. Will just go upstairs to change." I howled.
• "Hey, honey. Dinner's ready in a bit. "My mom's voice is heard midway down the stairs.
• Inside my room, I put my things on my study table and walk to the bathroom.
• I strip and instantly go for a shower. Feeling the warm water runs through my body eases my nerves.
• It relaxes me and makes me feel better. My worries of being washed with the sweats and dirt from being outside the whole day.
• "You're very affected by our Alpha." My wolf taps in my head.
• She is now acknowledging Brandon as one already since we are in the same generation.
• "Aren't you?" Confusion hits me while still taking my time in the shower.
• She raised her head and settled it on her paw, "Not as much as you, considering there is no pull of mate bond."
• She scratches her ear with one paw looking more at ease than I felt her earlier.
• With our connection, I do know she is also affected by how I feel for Brandon. But she is right, our wolves are more tamed with feelings until they feel the mate bond with our mates.
• My body started to turn pinkish with the warm water, so I decided it's time to finish. "He could be our mate, but it sucks to think he could also be not." I breathed out.
• "Let's see. Cheer up, I can't take your long face, anymore" she walks away.
• I shake my head and smile feeling way better after the long shower. My wolf makes me want to be like her more and more.
• Walking by my wardrobe, I catch a glimpse of my designed wall clippings. The saying "What is meant to be will be. What's yours shall be yours" written beside my bookshelf.
• I breathed out and smiled. Yes, no need to think much I thought.
• Might as well just wait for fate to unfold. I just hope I will be ready to face whatever it is.
• I grabbed a pair of sweatpants and wore them. I combed my dark brown hair, and stared at green orbs that stared back at me through my mirror.
• I smile and walk my way downstairs.
• The smell of food makes my mouth water. With all that happened today, I did not notice how starving I am until now.
• I walk straight to the table and grab one of my mother's chickens, placed neatly.
• I am shocked when suddenly my hand is slapped preventing me from taking one.
• "Go get your Dad and the Alpha in the study, dear" my mom shakes her head and walks straight back to get the mashed potato.
• "Can I at least get one?" I breathed in to take in the delicious smell.
• "Honey, we'll eat soon. Go now." she chucked a bit making me pout a little.
• I walk my way to my Dad's office to call them. Nearing them, I hear they are in a hushed conversation. They sound serious, too.
• "The northern packs are reporting sight of them" the Alpha says in a hushed voice.
• "What do the other vampires do?" It was late and I already knocked on the door when my Dad inquired.
• With that, I suddenly feel curious but shake my head. It is not good to be nosy on what the elders talk, besides it could be just nothing.
• My Dad cleared his throat and told me to come in.
• I open the door slightly just letting my head in "Mom says dinner is ready." I smiled and slowly closed the door when they both nod and stood up.
• The dinner is delightful with them chit chatting about current events and funny stories. Definitely nothing serious compared to the sound of my Dad and the Apha earlier in the office.
• After eating, I politely excused myself to leave the adults to talk more openly.
• I walk straight to the porch to get some fresh air.
• "Long day?" My mom appears handing me hot cocoa.
• "A bit excited and nervous about patrolling" I took a sip and smiled.
• "That I heard '' My Mom sighs and tucked a loose strand of my hair in my ear. "I can't believe all my kids are almost all grown ups now" She breathed out.
• Her green eyes like mine glimmering with pride.
• "Don't stay up too late, honey." with that, she stands up,kisses my head and head inside.
• I finish my cocoa and walk up to my room. I halt to stop on my tracks the moment I open my room.
• I must be going crazy with all the non stop thinking about Brandon that I've been doing, because right now... I swear, I sniffed his scent.
• It is not so strong.. but it is somewhat here. I am definity imagining th--
• I was cut off from my thoughts when a breeze of wind whipped and I titled my head to the window. It is open.
• By the window of my study stable, there I noticed a small box.
• I walk to it slowly scrutinizing it. Was he here? He must be. His scent is still faint, but a lot stronger here.
• I picked up the box and opened it. A bracelet is sitting in it. Picking it up, I see that it's gold with a wolf charm.
• I looked at it closely and I gasped a little. The wolf charm does look like my brown russet wolf.
• "You didn't think I forgot, did you?" Brandon growled in my head. I looked through the window and there he was..
• Standing with his hands in his pockets.
• "Your brother won't share his momentum, yesterday. Show off, your brother is." he chuckled through the mind link.
• "Thi--This is beautiful, Brandon" I smiled and waved the bracelet at him. My heart goes wild with his mere presence.
• He grins and starts to walk away. Soon after that, my brother Zach jumped on his back, and they started running to the forest.
• Their playful laughters faintly heard until they move further and further into the heart of the forest.
• I was left looking in the forest with a wide smile on my face.
• I lift the bracelet up to look at it again closely. I smile staring at the wolf charm.
• "It is me, us." My wolf came forward taking a peek.
• I sigh and smile even wider if possible. I feel like a ton being lifted on my shoulders. The breeze of the wind is taking my worries away.