On Your Mark

Chapter 11

"Sweetie." My mother sighs, rubbing her temples and rolling her eyes at her youngest son. Danny has been complaining for the past hour to everyone's dismay. He scoffs at her, but she sharpens her tone, "I don't know what you want me to tell you."

"She shouldn't be allowed to participate," he repeats for the thousandth time.

"Why?" I scoff, crossing my arms over my chest, not hiding the proud smirk on my face. "Because I'm kicking your ass?"

"No. No." He shakes his head. My father nods behind his newspaper, mouthing "yes". "No, seriously, that's not it. No one should be able to compete before they shift, it's just not fair. A fully formed wolf, with superior strength and reflexes should not be competing with a halfling. I'm making this suggestion to help you, Al. To level the playing field."

"That's interesting, Danny." I nod slowly, "considering I'm winning, it would seem my "inferior" skill set is currently unmatched. That's pretty disappointing for you, if a little halfling like myself is crushing the game. What does that say about you?"

A bark of laughter erupts from our father's chest. Daniel's jaw drops - finally silenced.

"Whatever." His whole body shakes gruffly in annoyance as he throws himself back in his seat, spitting, "you're a freak of nature."

"Ha ha," I taunt happily.

"Your sister is not a freak." My mother shakes her head. She begins rubbing his back to soften the blow of her following statement, "perhaps you just need more practice. You could beat her one day."

"Not likely," Frederick says into his mug.

Veronica glides down the stairs elegantly in a long flowing dress. Her blonde hair shines in the morning sunlight, her skin glowing with the warmth of her smile. She floats around the room like a feather, finally landing in the chair beside her mate.

"Good morning family." She sighs contentedly, her eyes sparkling as she looks upon Freddy's face.

"Are you on drugs," I ask her.

"No," Freddy shouts. He scoffs, "she is not on drugs. In fact,"

The backdoor bursts open, the large forms of Isaac, Sam and Gregory, occupying the open space. Their outburst interrupting whatever Frederick was going to say, Vee places her hand on his gently. They share a look, speaking telepathically. I scowl, wondering what it is they're hiding, but my attention is taken away from them by the feeling of someone's eyes on me. All three boys glisten with sweat.

"All good," my father asks. He lays the newspaper flatly on the table, covering his breakfast.

Isaac nods, "we didn't see anything."

"Actually, there were a couple tracks that led off the land," Gregory corrects. "But that's it."

I study all of their expressions: hard, focused, cautious, and strong. Something is up, keeping them all on edge and concerned. I catch Sam's eye and his expression softens slightly with a smile. I return the gesture, shoving a curl behind my ear and scratching my neck.

"We'll have to be on high alert." My father nods, sitting up in his seat, readying to stand. "Call the guard into my office. I want everyone on the same page."

I watch my brother lower his head, bowing to my father's orders. Feeling Gregory's hard and intense stare, I look at him. He's watching me, like he always does. My lips press into a firm line, a hint of a smile barely registering, but he nods and smiles back at me.

"Rogues," my mother asks.

My father clutches her hand rested on his shoulder, answering her with a squeeze. He pushes away from the table and kisses her on the cheek, "nothing to worry yourself with."