Howler

Chapter XV

I was staring at my locker almost twenty four hours later my eyes now encircled with dark shadows since I hadn't slept. Evie has remarked on me wearing my flannel pyjamas under a black jumper - which happens to belong to Mal.

I had so much to think about... I could die, I wasn't ready to die. I had a free period next so I had retreated into the library. Sitting in the corner I felt a bit sick and I almost threw up right in the middle of the history section. I started to cry softly into my shirt which really was my PJ shirt.

"Abby?" I looked up to see Ric holding a book and looking at my concern painted on his face. "Oh Ric...I can't" he bent down beside me and wrapped an arm around me as I cried. "This is about that woman isn't it? The one who died" I nodded into his jacket. "Abby you can't let that..."

"Why not! You gave me that stupid file, You told me I was being stupid and now your telling me not to worry!? Godric Baden Gilbert your a hypocrite" he looked at me stunned, his green eyes now wide with shock. "I still want you to be happy Abigail and it sounds old fashioned but your the future of this pack and unfortunate the human is the only way for you to succeed."

"I wish you'd stop calling his that and call him Harry" but Ric just rolled his eyes. "Ric in a year you'll find a mate and maybe she'll be a werewolf or she'll be a human girl who learns to love you for the man and beast that you are" he smiled a little at that and I couldn't help but smile a bit back.

"Abby your my big sister and the only sister I've got so it's my duty to protect you and I don't want you to lose everything just for this boy who doesn't even understand our world" That was truer than I ever wanted to admit. Although we co-existed in one world we may have also been miles apart.

And then ended up staying there in the library in a silence because everything that needed to be said - was.

---

After school that afternoon we were greeted with the smell of baked goods which could only mean one thing : we were about to be bribed. "Mum is making almond muffins so she's planning something." Mal said as we all sat  down on the lounge all thinking what on earth we are being prepped for.

"Maybe she's pregnant?" Mal said
"Or maybe her and dad are having a relative over? Aren't our cousins in town again? (They lived in Vermont)" I asked "or maybe we are only having the neighbours over?" We all jumped as mum was standing behind us, batter splattered on her face and her tartan print apron. "Who?" Ric asked suddenly standing up "the Graces, Ben his wife Penny and their son Harrison" I turned an ugly shade of white and I seriously thought I was going to choke on the air around me.

"All of you need to be dressed by 6 and for heavens sake Abby take off your pyjama shirt"

---

Oh my god . I was seriously about ten seconds away from hyperventilating in my room. Harry was coming tommy house with his parents... humans and werewolves breaking bread together, yeah like that's a good idea. My parents are some of the most powerful figures in the werewolf community but to humans they are just regular parents who work normal jobs.

I rummaged through my wardrobe and pulled out a white Peter Pan collared dress and slipped it on. It was loose and comfortable which is all I was giving them right now. I pulled my hair into a ponytail and repositioned my glasses so they sat no longer were slipping down my nose. Walking down the stairs the boys were now dressed relatively well but still looked uncomfortable in their flannel.

"They're here now" Mal whispered to me as we continued down the windy stairs of our house. I was worried that I was about to faint right there on the stairs. "Okay just breathe relax Abby you got this" I made my way into the kitchen my smile now becoming more painful. "Abby these are the Graces" Mum gestured to the people in the living room who I noticed were talking to dad. I could also see that Dad was giving pointed looks to Harry every so often.

I walked into the living room and I couldn't help but notice the Graces lingering stares. "Abby this is Ben and Penny Grace and you go to school with their son?" Dad pointed to each in succession and I awkwardly waved at them and avoided Harry's gaze since it wasn't long ago we almost kissed at Alyssa pond.

"Yes I go to school with Harry" I seriously wanted to be anywhere else. There was small talk and awkward gazes but eventually mum called it was time for dinner but at this stage I just wanted a bear claw and then curl up in my PJs and just watch TV. "Come on everyone Hayley made onion rings and burgers." The burgers were good but onion rings weren't my favourite.

We all trudged - well I trudged everyone else was normal - into the kitchen where mum was now retouching the table setting. I was desperate maybe if I made a break for the door right now I could at least make it to Evie's.

It's going to be a long night...

---

First of all I would just like to acknowledge the surge of response and support for this book. At almost two hundred reads I am so grateful.

Seriously thank you all so much

L xx