Her Other Half (girlxgirl)

Chapter Two ~ Luce

I was seated at the kitchen island, staring into the contents of my tea. Travis' mom was the pack chef. As her son he had full reign and knowledge of the kitchen. He leaned against the counter top across from me and formed a tiny little half smile on his face that only ever seemed to appear when I was around.

When Travis was nine, his heart had been torn to pieces. A pixie-like girl named Katie had gotten into a car accident. Most werewolves heal much faster than humans. Our chances are far better in most situations. But she had been so mangled, there was barely even a body part intact enough for some type of burial. Katie had been his mate. I remember the day.

I was crouched in a corner in the school hall near the bathrooms. A girl had been teasing me because my parents had been rogues and she kept telling me I was a filthy rogue, just like them. Travis was consoling me when it happened. He seemed to just crumple in on himself. I swear that for a moment he was there with Katie in that accident. The headlights of the incoming car shining brightly in his eyes and then through the collision he just seemed to inhale and never let it out. And then suddenly, the life in him seemed to leave. I remember thinking how he looked like a deflated balloon.

I did the only thing my nine year old self could think to do. I pulled my arms around him. He was cold. So cold. After a while, he fell into my tiny shoulder and I felt tears pool up and dampen my shirt. He shook with unspoken sobs but I kept hold of him and slowly warmth began to spread back over him.

I know how difficult this solstice would be for him. He was supposed to have realized Katie as his mate, claimed her and spent the rest of their lives happily, ever after. But sometimes life didn't work out as perfectly as in the fairy tales.

"I did make that for you to drink, you know," he teased and I sighed, pulling the cup up for a tiny sip. The scalding water felt good sliding down my throat, it made me warm and gave me a contented feeling.

"I've decided you're magic," I proclaimed as more sips of the drink passed my lips. His hearty laugh filled the kitchen.

"I have been able to shift into a wolf from a young age," he speculated and I laughed so hard some of the liquid perfection sprayed across the newly cleaned marble. He just rolled his eyes and grabbed a rag from the side of the sink.

"No, that's not it," I decided.

"Oh, no?" He asked his half smile lighting his face up yet again.

"No, you're a wizard, Travis," I snapped my fingers, playing along.

"Is that so?" He chuckled and want right back to wiping up my mess.

"Clearly, I mean you brewed this-" I was cut off when the main entrance slammed open and three boys came bouncing through. Travis and I sighed in unison, but smiled at the guys. Brendan and Hayden seemed to be arguing over which Mission Impossible movies were better, the newer ones or older ones. And Logan looked very excited.

''Tonight's the night,'' he announced, taking the stool next to me. I sighed and looked down at the contents of my cup. As today had grown nearer, I'd watched Ana become progressively quiet and downcast. I could only imagine her thoughts as the dreaded day became such a reality. And as for myself, after we shifted and mates were discovered in the light of the late rising moon, we were to declare our rank in the pack and should any of us wish to claim a spot among the guard, we had to prove it. I had to fight harder than I ever had before. I had to prove my worth not just to the Pack Guard but to myself. I had to prove that I belonged in this pack and that I could defend it.

''Luce, you'll need your sleep before tonight, how about you head up and I'll clean that?'' Travis quietly pulled me from my thoughts. The guys were discussing the girls involved in tonight's ceremonies and who they might end up with.

I smiled weakly at my friend, feeling nauseous and dizzy. After he grabbed the mug, I hopped off my seat, hoping I wouldn't end up on the ground, and began walking out of the room.

In the hallways I didn't pass many people. It was nearly one in the morning and Travis had gotten up specially for me. The guys had been playing video games in the lounge. I was just out the front door, it's screen layer slamming louder than I'd hoped, when I heard a tiny gasp from the left of me.

I turned to survey the rest of the porch and in the swing I found her. Ana sat with her legs pulled up to her chest. I could see the tear streaks that had stained her cheeks, something in my heart pulled at the sight.

''Umm,'' I stammered, feeling as though I'd walked in on a very personal moment, and not quite sure how to make the situation less awkward.

''Good luck tomorrow,'' she blurted out and then blushed with a faint smile gracing her lips,''ugh, I mean tonight.''

"Thanks?'' I replied, sounding more questioning than thankful.

"With the Guard, you'll do great,'' she explained, her blush deepening,''you were always the best fighter.''

"Oh,'' was the only word I could think of. My hand found the back of my neck and my eyes found the floor as I stammered over things to say in embarrassment. And then I looked up with the urge to say good luck as well, in finding her mate. But something stopped me. Maybe it was the way the gold flecks in her eyes shone brightly by the light of the moon, or how her shoulders curved in both a scared gesture and a pose that suggested she was in need of comfort,''um.''

A giggle, this time, graced the night air and I almost lost my breath at the beauty of the sound. Her face had completely transformed, a sly smile and warm eyes replacing the hopelessness I'd found her carrying. She stood and again I was quiet. "Goodnight, Luce, I'll see you tomorrow,'' she said softly, kindly. I was about to respond as she moved closer to the door. But in what seemed a last moment decision, she switched directions and placed a peck upon my temple.

For a single second, I felt the warmth of her lips on the thin skin near my eye. I felt the depth of emotion and strength of her mouth against the hollow. And then the door slammed a final time for the night and I was alone.