Hay Creek

Chapter 4.

"Mom, I don't feel well. I don't think I can go to school today," I lied, trying to sound convincing.

My mom stepped into my room, concern etched on her face. "What's going on? Do you have a fever?" she asked, moving closer.

"Yeah, I think so." I sat up in bed, hoping to keep up the act. It was Monday morning, and the last place I wanted to be was at school. I wasn't ready to face Kai or his friends after everything that happened. All day Sunday, I couldn't stop thinking about Saturday. I tried to pretend it didn't affect me, but how could I? I had seen him shift into a wolf, right in front of me. He still looked so human. He said he was born a werewolf.

I knew what that meant—at least, I thought I did. But how could a human turn into a wolf? Or a wolf into a human? Does everyone have a wolf inside them, hiding beneath the surface? Or are some just... wolves? I had so many questions, too many, really. He also mentioned his pack, and that he'd be Alpha soon, but he swore he didn't know the wolf that killed my dad. His father was the current Alpha, but what does an Alpha even do? I needed answers—about all of it. Maybe then, I'd be able to face him, face them.

"Let me feel your forehead." My mom gently placed her hand on my skin, but before she could finish, I cut her off.

"I'm fine. I feel better already. Your hands are magic, Mom. That's all I needed—some of that mom healing power." I threw off the covers and headed for the shower, trying to sound casual.

"But Avery..." she started, clearly still unsure.

"I'm fine, Mom! I'm going to school," I called back over my shoulder. In truth, after school, I planned to go to the library. I needed to do some research, and I'd bring my laptop so I could save everything I found.

After showering, I got dressed and packed my backpack. I didn't bother with my hair; my curls never cooperated anyway. I swiped on some mascara and a bit of baby pink lip balm, then gave myself a quick once-over in the mirror before heading downstairs.

As I walked into the kitchen, I saw that my mom had already set a bowl of honey loop cereal on the table for me. I sat down and ate quickly, barely tasting it, eager to get out the door. Once I finished, I stood up, placed the bowl in the sink, and hurried back to the hallway to slip on my shoes and jacket.

"Mom, I'm off to school!" I called.

While I was eating, she had gone into the living room to catch the morning news. "Okay, baby! Have a nice day!" she called back, her attention still on the TV.

Moments later, I arrived at school, rushing to avoid being late for my first period. Thankfully, I didn't run into any of them in the hallway. I quickly made my way to my locker, grabbed my books, and practically sprinted to class. The door was still open when I arrived, which meant I wasn't late yet.

I slipped inside, gave a quick nod to Miss Heidelstädt, our German teacher, and headed to my seat. I avoided looking at Kai or any of his friends, determined to act like they didn't exist. I took out my books and busied myself with anything that didn't involve acknowledging them.

"Okay, class, let's begin," Miss Heidelstädt said, bringing everyone to attention.

As soon as class ended, I packed my backpack as quickly as possible and bolted for the door. I didn't bother waiting for Quinn or Daphne, just needed to be alone for a bit.

"Avery!"

I stopped and turned to see Quinn and Daphne standing there, both looking at me like I'd lost my mind. Honestly, maybe I had, though they didn't know why. "Everything okay? How was your date?" Daphne asked with a smile.