"Come on, sweetie, you have to get up. Everyone's waiting for you downstairs," Mom coos, trying to coax me from the bed where I am cocooned in the blanket.
This is the second day I've had this massive headache that feels as if it's splitting my skull into two. Diego says that happens because my brain is expanding, making room for mind link between me and the fellow members of my new pack. Diego says that the headache last two days; I'm ready for this day to be over before it even begins.
My parents are throwing a party to welcome me as their new Lupa. They did it for Diego, now they're doing it for me. I wonder if the guys know about Diego and I and what we are. Should I be the one that tells them? They probably won't believe me. It's best they hear it from D.
"Honey," Mom says soothingly.
I huff. "Fine," I groan, wrestling myself from the covers, staggering to a standing position.
Once she leaves, I slip on a floral printed sun dress and matching brown sandals before stalking down the stairs. I'm about to emerge out onto the patio when Mom shoves a brush in my face.
I mouth, "Thank you," and quickly pull it through my hair. She gives me a thumbs up and takes it back as I slide the glass doors open.
"There she is," my aunt Rita gushes at one of the tables close to the food.
"The woman of the hour," her husband, Uncle Trey, adds and everyone starts clapping.
I force a smile as Mom walks out. I look around at all the guests that came to see me. I would've felt really happy if it wasn't for this massive headache.
"Hey, Lucia."
I jump at the sound of Dean's voice. He's wearing a white shirt with the sleeves rolled past the elbows, jeans, and some converse. His shirt is a little see through and I spot the huge bandages that cover the left side of his ribs.
"Dean," I say, surprised. "W-what are you doing here?"
"I came to see you," Dean replies as if the answer's obvious. "Diego invited me."
"But this party is just for...." I trail off, swallowing the word. "Never mind. Enjoy the party."
I clomp down the patio stairs and make my rounds to the tables, greeting all of the family members I haven't seen in years.
"Grandpa Lou!" I scream, running over to give my 90-year-old grandpa a huge hug. His wife, my grandma, Linda died in a car accident, but now that I know the truth about everyone, it makes me wonder if that story was made up for my benefit.
"Hi, pumpkin," he chuckles.
Despite his age, his voice is so full of strength and life. It's one of the things I love about him. That and his impenetrable gaze that can bring any man to his knees. I had always found that cool. Plus, he tells the most amazing stories.
"How are you?" I finally ask him.
"Great. Alive so I can't complain."
I laugh, giving him one last tight squeeze of an embrace.
"Save some love for us."
I spin around and smile at Sophie and Isabel who have their arms out for a hug. We have a group embrace and stay that way forever.
"What are you guys doing here?" I question once we break away.
"Well, we're wolves," Isabel explains.
My jaw drops. "When did this happen?" I challenge.
"A few months ago," Sophie replies. "We wanted to tell you," she adds quickly. "But your parents said not to. We hated the fact of keeping this from you, but we didn't have a choice."
I take a deep breath to calm myself down. I shouldn't get upset with them. My closest family didn't even tell me what they were. I had no right to lash out at my best friends.
"It's okay," I say. "I understand."
They smile in relief as a clinking sound sounds from the house. My parents and brother are on the patio with glasses in their hands.
"Lucia, can you come up here?"
Dad calls out, gesturing me forward with his finger. I nod, squeeze my friends' hands and join my family.
"If I'm going to be honest," Dad begins to say, "I never thought this day would come. I mean when Diego was becoming a wolf, he showed his signs way before what he was becoming was set in stone."
Diego runs a foot over one of the wooden planks of the patio. I can't tell if his embarrassment is a good or bad thing.
"But then again, Lucia was always a little late for things."
I drop my jaw in mock shock. "Rudeness!" I exclaim making everyone laugh.
"But despite that minor setback," Dad says, rolling his eyes at me, "she's a strong, determined young lady that'll make a great contribution to our ever growing pack. To Lucia, our new lupa."
He raises his glasses, everyone following suit. "To our new lupa," my family and friends say in unison making me blush.
Even though what Diego told me still made me uneasy, I can't help but take pride that I'm finally apart of my family. That I'm truly one of them.
YOU ARE READING
When the Wolves Howl
Romance"One of the guys, the driver and seemingly the biggest of the group, has pitch black hair that stops past his shoulders. The guy that rode shotgun has messy dirty blonde hair that curls around his ears. The third man who rode in the back seat, has b...
