Markie

18*

"Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday, dear Markie, Happy birthday to you!" My parents woke me up to a song. 18... I'm 18 today!

High school just ended last week, and today I am an adult... what do I do now? I'm not a ranking wolf, and I have no real skills... if I don't find some way to contribute, I'll end up an omega. My parents are warriors, so they are like normal pack members, but if a wolf has no skills to contribute to the pack, they are classified as an omega.

Basically, they end up cleaning the pack house, cooking food fixing equipment, grunt work. A lot of people look down on omegas, but they earn their keep like any other wolf... it's just that they do the jobs no one else wants to do.

"Happy birthday, baby." My dad says, kissing my forehead and sitting next to me. Mom puts a plate of chocolate chips pancakes on a stand over my lap. Our family tradition. Its the one day, a year, I get a sugar high from breakfast. The only time we have sweets in the house. I love it.

"So what do you want to do today?" Mom asks.

"I don't know... I was thinking of asking Mr. Henderson if he'd take me on as his apprentice." Dad smiles at the idea.

I am not a strong warrior like them. I prefer to use my mind. Other than Alic, I got the highest scores in our class in high school. Mr. Henderson is the pack electrician. He is also the chief mechanic. I like that kind of stuff. Problem solving in the real world. How can I fix this. Make it work. Make it work better. I think I'd be good at that.

"Looking to the future! That's my little wolf!" Dad hugs me.

"Well, I don't exactly want to be cleaning toilets for the rest of my life now, do I?" I ask.

"There is nothing wrong with being an omega... have them all stop working and see how well you'd live little missy!" Mom scolds me. She was raised in an omega family in another pack where she was treated like scum. She is strong, and when she found dad and moved here, she had no problem becoming a warrior, but she still stands up for them.

"I know that mom, it's just... I want to do more with my life." I tell her.

"Then you should!" Dad says, standing up. "I'll tell Marcus to be expecting you."

●○●○●

"Morning, Mr. Henderson." I call walking into his office. It is in a large garage near the pack house.

"Pleas call me Marcus! Mr. Henderson makes me feel old!" He answers. He is probably 45, but looks like he's in his late 20s or early 30s, thanks to his werewolf genes.

"Alright, Marcus. I guess my dad told you I was coming." I say.

"Sure did... I could use someone to take over for me in a few years. No one has shown any interest, so if you got the stuff, I'd be glad to work with you." He tells me.

"Thank you, sir! I'm sure I can learn anything you have to teach me!" I am so excited this was easier than I thought!

"You start Monday, 7am. Take this week. Enjoy your birthday. It's no fun to rush into adulthood... you can't go back." Marcus says.

He got really serious there... oh well! I have secured a job and have a week of free time. I feel like I won the lottery! As I leave the garage, my phone starts ringing.

"Hel..." I am cut off by singing.

"Happy happy birthday, it's your special day! Hey! Happy happy birthday! That's what I've called to say! Happy happy birthday. May all your dreams come true! Happy happy birthday, a song from me to you!"

"Hi Ruby!" I say laughing.

"Why, hello birthday girl! What are you up to!" She is always so chipper!

"I'm gonna apprentice with Mr. Henderson... I bet I could rig up something pretty cool with his help!" I tell her.