Serpent Wolves (Sequel to The Serpent wolf)

5

I'm standing in my bedroom the next afternoon, after a sleepless night I'd slept in. I'm in ripped jeans and a white crop top as well as my serpent jacket. My phone buzzes, it's Sweet-Pea.

SP: Still recovering from the traumatizing noises?

L: I'm so tired I'm pretty sure I'm gonna start hearing colors.

SP: What're you doing?

L: Making sure I look presentable. You?

SP: About to go to the Wyrm. Show me!

I text Sweet-Pea a picture of my outfit, pulling a stupid face in the photo. He replies with flame emojis.

L: You're banned from using emojis

SP: :'(

L: I better go, I can smell Jug's anxiety from here.

SP: Good luck x I'll talk to you later.

L: Thanks, talk soon x

I walk into the lounge to see Jug pacing.

"Hey, calm down, I can smell your anxiety a mile away." I say.

"Dad never told mom we were serpents, let alone serpent royalty." Jug says.

"Jug we were serpent royalty before we were even serpents." I tell him, he doesn't say anything.

"Jug." I say, grabbing him by the shoulders.

"It's fine, you're fine." I say, lovingly, but sternly. He takes a deep breath, relaxing now.

"Okay, I'm good." Jughead says.

"Good, you're fine. Everything's fine. Remember, we're telling your mom you, Betty and I are going on a camping trip in Greendale tomorrow." I say. He nods.

"Where is Betty anyway?" I ask.

"She just got out of the shower." He says, I nod.

"So, did Sweet-Pea text you?" He asks, I raise an eyebrow at him knowing he must've been listening in on us.

"Yeah, why?" I ask.

"You guys have been getting on really well." Jug says.

"Yeah so?" I ask.

"Did anything happen?" He asks.

"Jughead!" I yell at him.

"What?! I'm not allowed to ask my best friend about a boy?" Jug asks.

"I hate you." I say, rolling my eyes.

"No, you don't." He says.

"We did have a really good talk." I say, normally I'd just tell Jug but I feel weird for some reason.

"Really? What about?" He asks.

"Well, he told me about his Aunt and Uncle that were in New Zealand, and he worked out you guys were lying about why I went MIA. He asked me about it. And we talked about my depression, and I had to promise him I'm getting better." I say.

"You are getting better, right?" He asks.

"I hope so. I feel better. It's still hard to get up sometimes. I guess it's a one step at a time thing." I sigh.

"I'm proud of you, for trying." Jug says, I smile.

"Thanks, Jug." I say.

"Wait a second. Did you say Sweet-Pea told you about his Aunt and Uncle?" Jug asks,