Broken Wolf

01

"Wake up Libby." I hear a whisper.

"What Bane? I'm trying to sleep." I groan at my big brother.

"The lake is frozen... if you get up now I can teach you some moves before father wakes." He says and I jump up.

"Really!? You'll teach me?" I cheer and he chuckles.

"Only if you're quite. We can't risk father or grandfather finding out." He says and I nod knowing I don't want a punishment from either of them.

I've always wanted to play hockey just like my favorite person in the whole wide world, my brother, Bane.

"Come on pup we only have about an hour." He says and I roll my eyes.

"You are only 18 you can't call me pup." I tell him.

"And you are 8... come on let's play." He says before skating away from me into the frozen lake.

I quickly finish getting my skates on before following. Bane shows me some drills to improve my puck handling and for speed and maneuvering in skating.

"You are pretty good midget." He chuckles as we take a leisurely lap around the ice to cool down from our practice.

"Thanks... I just wish father would let me play." I pout a bit.

"I'll do what I can to convince him... I promise you I will try." He says. "And family keeps their promises."

"Thanks bubby."

"BANE!" We hear a loud roar and look to the house.

"Crap! Hurry up Lib. We need to get the gear put away before father learns I was teaching you." Bane says quickly skating ahead of me.

Bane has his portable goal all folded up by the time I have my skates off and my boots on. He quickly changes his out and hands me the bag with the goal.

"Come on munchkin." Bane says carrying the sticks and our skates.

"What are you doing boy?" Father growls as we reach the house.

"Just practicing Father. I'm tram captain and it's my senior year I need to put in the work. Made the pup help me with the stuff." Bane answers.

"Are you sure you weren't teaching her to play? You know a woman has a place and it is not playing sports." Father growls.

"She wants to play." Bane answers giving up on his lie about him making me help him.

"It's not her place! And it's not yours to teach her anything boy! I am her father and she will do as I say!" He growls making me back up. "Maybe you both need to be taught a lesson."

"Let's make a deal." Bane stops him and he growls. "I'll do your training. I'll do it all. In exchange you let me decide what is best for Libby. Let me take care of her and I'll do anything you want."

Father smirks before nodding.

"The pup is yours... and you are mine." I see Bane gulp but nod shaking father's hand.

"Come along Libby." He says before dragging me up to his room and closing the door. "Just toss the bag over there. Wash up in my bathroom. I'll get your clothes then we need to head to school."

"Don't you need to shower?" I ask.

"I need to know you are safe pup... it's okay I'll find another bathroom. Just don't leave my room okay?" He asks and I nod. Bane gives me a small smile before twisting the lock on the door and leaving so no one can get in.

Bane drops me at the elementary school early and heads over to the high-school. I still have an hour and a half before school but the library is open so I go there.

"Hi, Mr. Harper." I greet the old librarian.

"Good morning Miss Haught." He smiles making his wrinkles more prominent.

"Call me Libby please." I smile back.

"I will when you start calling me Phillip... or Phill?." He counters.

"Alright Phil, got anything for me?" I ask and he grins again.

"For my favorite and most frequent student." He says pulling out a thick book. "Think you can handle some Greek mythology?"

"Let me see." I respond taking the book. It looks like some advanced text book from a long time ago. The spine of the book makes a cracking sound when I open it. The language is old fationed but the first story about Chronos catches my attention. I didn't realize how long I was standing there reading until Phill started laughing.

"Go have a seat kid. That book is from my personal collection. It was my grandfather's. He had a doctorate in ancient mythology... you keep that safe for me alright?" He says and my jaw drops.

"You mean..."

"I'm getting old Libby. I have no children. I'd like my collection to go to someone who will appreciate it. The book is yours. Enjoy, and if you like it I can give you a few more." He says and I nod.

"Thank you so much Phill! I'll take good care of it!" I eagerly tell him and he chuckles.

"I know you will. Now move along you are down to about 20 minutes before you need to head to class." He says and I head to my favorite corner to read in.

It was over an hour later when Phill found me in my corner nearly half way through the thick book. (I speed read)

"Libby you should be in class. I'm sure your teacher already marked you tardy." He says and I panic.

"I got ya go." I say before running out.

I run to my class. I know I'm nearly an hour late. When my father finds out I'm dead.

"Mr. Phillips please don't mark me tardy. I was in the library. Phil can vouch for me." I beg my third grade teacher. It's funny library Phil teacher Phillips... it would be cool if they were brothers Phil Phillips...

"I'm sorry Libby. I already sent it in... come take your seat we started the test 20 minutes ago so you'll have to hurry." He tells me.

I finished with time to spare but nothing could spare me the punishment waiting for me at home.