Bloodlines and Betrayal

3.🐺

The morning sun filtered through the open glass doors of my bedroom, casting warm rays across the room. The air hung in that perfect moment between dawn’s cool embrace and the midday warmth to come. The peaceful chirping of birds outside was a gentle reminder that the day had begun, and though I wanted to linger in bed a little longer, I forced myself up. Hazel was already on my mind. We had a special morning routine—making breakfast together, something we both cherished.

I padded softly across the room, feet light on the floor as I checked her bed. Empty. My gaze shifted to Colton’s bed—sure enough, there she was. Sprawled out in the most relaxed position, arms and legs flung wide as if soaking in the morning air. The sight was so endearing that I couldn't resist snapping a picture. As the flash lit up the room, Colton shot up with a groan, messy hair falling in his eyes. For a split second, he looked like something out of a horror movie—zombie-like, rising from a coffin. My heart jumped in surprise before I could catch my breath.

Hazel stirred then, confused at first. But as the realization hit, her laughter burst out—loud, joyous, and impossible to ignore. It was the kind of laugh that could light up a room, infectious and free. Her giggles were so intense, she nearly tumbled off the bed, tears of laughter streaming down her cheeks.

In the chaos of our laughter, time slowed. I had never appreciated those moments more—our absurd, messy mornings together. But when it finally settled, my stomach reminded me it was time to eat.

We cleaned the mess in Colton’s room, his usual chaotic aftermath. As we worked, I followed him down the spiral staircase, but my distracted thoughts led to a misstep. Before I could even process it, my feet flew out from under me, and I fell. The world blurred in an instant, the fall sharp and sudden, then—nothing.

When I came to, dizziness hit me like a tidal wave. My wrist screamed in agony, and every inch of me ached. I had to admit it—gravity had definitely won today.

The pack doctor confirmed what I already knew: a fractured wrist. The news wasn’t shocking, but the frustration swelled as I thought of the slow healing in wolf form. But in that moment, I managed a small distraction, choosing a white cast I could decorate with wolf designs and celestial symbols. A creative spin to a painful situation.

With the cast on and painkillers kicking in, I rushed to school, late as expected. My wrist drew curious glances as I entered the office to turn in my late note, and I braced myself for the inevitable questions.

In art class, the moment I walked in, eyes zeroed in on my wrist. The whispers followed me like a shadow, but I settled into my seat, headphones on, and began to focus on my cast. A small wolf pup surrounded by sun, moon, and star symbols—something to call my own.

Just as I found my rhythm, a voice broke my concentration.

"What happened?"

Alex’s voice was filled with concern. His eyes flicked from my cast to my face, searching for answers. "Are you okay? How did this happen? I didn't see you this morning in your parking spot."

I smiled, though the slight wince at my wrist reminded me of the pain. "Just an accident," I said, the lie coming too easily. "I was at the ER. It’ll be off in about a month—hopefully before Halloween."

I caught his gaze and paused. "Were you looking for me this morning?"

Alex hesitated, flustered. "Uh, no. I just thought maybe we could walk to class or grab breakfast together."

I smiled at the thought, the unexpected kindness warming me. "How about a rain check for tomorrow?"

Alex seemed relieved, but a little embarrassed. "Sure. Also, my mom’s been telling me about this art project. Want to be my partner?"

I blinked, surprised. "Ms. Knightly? Your mom? You asked her if we could be partners?"

He shifted nervously. "Yeah. I thought we could work together."

We exchanged phone numbers to coordinate before the bell rang, and Alex offered to carry my books to history class, though it felt strange.

In history, Colton was already seated, looking deep in thought. After a long pause, he finally spoke.

"I’m paired with Emily," he muttered, frustrated. "She’s cute, but I have no idea how to approach her with… everything."

I chuckled. "Emily? I remember her from cheer tryouts. Don’t stress. You’ll be fine. Focus on your project."

Colton smiled gratefully. "Thanks for the advice, Char."

The final bell rang, and I couldn't shake the sense of anticipation. Today had been full of surprises, and I was eager to dive into the art project with Alex. The year was already shaping up to be full of twists, and something told me this was just the beginning.